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GENEALCC'.' COLLECTION

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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.

"

Mar. 22.

"

Mar. 31.

1641.

Jan. 12.

1642.

May 15.

«

May 22.

«

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.

May

18.

May

25.

June

5.

June

5.

June

7.

Table of Contents.

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.

July 11.

July 15.

July 28.

July 29.

July 30.

July 29,

July 30.

July 31.

July 31.

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.

July

1.

Aug.

2.

Aug.

2.

Aug.

2.

Sept.

15.

Dec.

Dec.

Jan.

25.

Jan.

28.

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.

May

16.

Oct.

5.

Oct.

22.

Oct.

22.

Nov.

16.

Feb.

24.

Feb.

29.

April

15.

April

[.

May

18.

May.

May

6.

May

17.

June

10.

June

21.

July

1.

Aug.

12.

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.

Jan.

5.

Jan.

29.

Feb.

20.

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.

Aug.

13.

Aug.

14

Aug.

14.

Aug.

14.

Aug.

19.

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.

rivi

1678. June 21.

« July

17.

" July

24.

" July

30.

" July

30.

" Aug.

22.

" Sept.

4.

" Sept.

18.

" Oct.

8.

" Oct.

18.

" Oct.

25.

Oct.

25.

" Oct.

26.

" Oct.

26.

" Oct.

26.

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.

July

9.

July

12.

July

14.

July

17.

July

23.

July

29.

Aug.

2.3.

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 of this river); and since they make no pretensions
to all the western part, of which the Swedes are in possession, imagining that through the erection of their Fort
Nassau they have acquired and reserved the possession of the whole of said river and the country on both sides, for
■which reason they have protested against Our Swedish subjects, and have never been willing to permit or grant them
to ascend above Fort Nassau, the Governor will comport himself towards the Dutch Company with mildness and
moderation. If however the Dutch, contrary to all hopes, show any hostile intentions, it would be very proper for
him to be on his guard and repel force by force. — As to those Dutch, who have gone to New-Sweden and are there
established under Swedish jurisdiction under Commandant Jost de Bogardt, the Governor must show them all good
will, but being established to near to Fort Christina, he must remove them.

The Governor must sell to the savages at lower prices, than the Dutch at Fort Nassau or the English, so as to
disengage them by these means from the Dutch or English interest and make them favorable to the Swedes.

He is to choose his place of residence, where most convenient and erect fortifications either at Cape Henlopen or
James' Island [a part of Camden was formerly an island of this name, Mickle. See "Reminiscences of Gloucester"
p. 85], which will completely command the river."

The appointment was for three years, after which he may return, leaving a deputy in his place, or he may be
reappointed. (Collection of Palmskold MSS. in the Library of the Academy at Upsala.)

He sailed from Sweden with the ships " Fame " and " Stork " on the 16"" August 1643 and arrived before Fort
Christina on the Delaware on the 15'" of February 1643 at 2 o'clock p. m (Campanius, p. 70). David Pietersen De
Vries, " Ordnance-Master of Holland " and Co-patroon of Godyn and Blommaert in the Colony Swanendaal on the
Delaware, in the Journal of his Travels describes " Captain Prints as weighing upwards of 400 pounds and drinking
three drinks at every meal." — B. F.

f This is the date of Andries Hudde's, the writer's of this report, arrival at the South-River, where he had been
appointed Commissary IS" Oct. 1645. —B. F.

iMew Yorh Historical Becovfls. 29

fort called Elsenburgh,* usually garrisoned, by 12 men and one lieutenant, 4 guns, iron
and brass, of 12 pounds iron (balls), 1 mortar {pots-Tiooft). This Fort is an earthwork
and was ordered to be erected there by the aforesaid Johan Prints, shortly after his
arrival in that river. By means of this fort, the abovementioned Printz holds the river
locked for himself, so that all vessels, no matter to whom they belong or whence they
come, are compelled to anchor there. This is the case even with those of the Hon.
Company, for it frequently happened that yachts belonging to the Hon. Company coming
from the Manhattans, which without anchoring wanted to go up to their place of
destination and have been damaged by shot with great danger of losing some of their
crew. They were then obliged to go up about 6 leagues from there in small boats to
the aforesaid Printz for his consent to proceed farther, no distinction being made,
whether they were English or Dutch and regardless of their commission.

About 3 leagues farther up the river is another fort, called Kristina,-)- on the west
side on a kil called the Minquase Kil, so named because it runs very near to the
Minquase land. This fort lies a good half league in the Kil and is surrounded by
marshy ground, except on the N. W. side, where it can be approached by land, and on
the S. W. side, where the Kil runs. It is tolerably strong, but requires strengthening.
This fort has no permanent garrison, but is pretty well provided and is the principal
place of trade, where the Commissary also resides. Here too is the magazine for all the
goods. This is the first fort built by the Swedes under command of one Peter Minwit in
the year 1638, notwithstanding the Company had on the river sufficient garrisons,
fortifications, men and ammunition of war, which it had had 14 years before this
garrisoning by the Swedes. This Peter Minwit had served the Hon. Company as Director
in this country.

About 2 leagues farther up on the same side begin some plantations, continuing
about 1 league, but there are only few houses and these scattering. They extend as far
as Tinnekonck, J which is an island, and back from the river are surrounded by creeks and
copses. Grovernor Johan Printz has his residence here. It had a sufficiently strong fort,
made of hemlock beams laid one upon the other, but this fort with another standing
near by was burned on the 5"* December 1645. Farther on, on the same side, to the
Schuylkil, which is about 2 leagues, there are no plantations, nor any practicable, as
there is nothing but thicket and this on low lands.

As regards the Schu3^1kil, that is, the Hon. Company's purchased and possessed
lands, he has destroyed the Hon. Company's timber and has built a fort at that place, on
a very convenient island at the edge of the Kil. It is covered on the west side by
another KU, and on the south, southeast and east side by copses and low lands. It lies
about a gunshot in the Kil, on the south-side of it. Fine corn has been raised on this
island. No damage can be done to the river by this fort, but the Kil can be controlled
by it. The Kil is the only remaining avenue for the commerce with the Minquase,
without which trade this river is of little value.

A little farther, beyond this fort, runs a Kil extending to the forest (which place is
sailed Kinsessing§ by the Indians). It has been a steady and permanent place of trade

»0n or near Salem Creek, at Elsinburg Fort Point, Salem County, N. J.— B. F-

\ Now Wilmington, Del. X Tinicum, Pa. § Near Upland, Pa. , on the Scbuylkil.

30 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Eiver.

for our people with the Miuquase, but has now been taken possession of by the Swedes
with a blockhouse. Half a league farther through the woods, Governor Printz has built
a mill on the Kil, which empties into the sea a little south of Matinnekonck, and a
blockhouse beyond the Kil, right on the path of the Miuquase. This place is called by
the Indians Kakarikonck. Thus there is no place open, to attract the said Minquase.
In a like manner he has almost the monopoly of the trade with the River-Indians, as
most of them go hunting this way and cannot get through, without passing this place.

Regarding his force : It consists at the most of 80 to 90 men, freemen as well as
servants, with whom he has to garrison aU his posts. The fortifications and garrisons of
the Hon. Company are omitted here, as they are sufficiently known.

In regard to the proceedings of the Swedes :

On the 23*^ of June of the year 1646 a sloop having been sent to me with a cargo,
which however belonged to private parties, I ordered the same to go in to the Schuylkil,
to the bank to wait there for the Minquase. Arrived there (Jurriaen Blanck was
supercargo of the sloop) they were immediately ordered to leave the Crown's territory.
Notiiied hereof, I went there with four men, to see how matters stood. The same message
was given to me. I requested, that they would please to inform their Governor, that this
place had always been a trading post and that he would act with discretion nor give cause
to contention. On the following day the preacher * was sent, who declared to me that he
had orders, that, if the barck was in the Schuylkil, she should be obliged to leave it. I
answered him, that I must first see the Governor's hand and seal forbidding the Company
to trade with theii' goods at any place on this river, and requested further to act with
discretion and that the alliance between their High Mightinesses and Her Royal Majesty
should be taken into consideration, protesting besides against all damages and obstructions,
that might follow this and similar acts. Whereupon the aforesaid Governor Johan Printz
sent to me the Commissary Hendrick Huygen with two of his officers, viz. Carel Janssen,
a Fin by birth, his bookkeeper and Gegory van Dyck, his quartermaster, a native of The
Hague, who demanded my answers to some articles ; I requested an answer (I mean a
copy), then I would answer him in writing. He told me, he had no orders to do it and
dared not do so. So I answered him just as well by word of mouth, to deprive him of
aU pretext, in the presence, on my side, of Sander Boyer, quartermaster, Fillip Gerraert
and Jurriaen Blanck, freemen. This are the articles and answer, in short, as I cannot
remember much more on account of their being read rapidly :

Propositions, made by the hon"'^ Mr. Johan Printz, Governor for the Crown
of Sweden on the S. R. of N. N. communicated by Hendrick Huygen,
Commissary, a native of Cleef, Carel Janssen, bookkeeper, by birth a
Fin, and Gregory van Dyck, quartermaster, born at the Hague, in
presence on my side, of the above named persons.

Art. 1 and 2.
Question in regard to the Schuylkil. How is tlie ownership thereof known, what
are and how far extend the limits of it ?

♦Probably Jobn Carapanius (Holm), who had come to New-Sweden with Gov. Prints.— B. F.

Mew Y'orh Historical Records. 31

Answer.
That the documents referring to the limits are deposited at the Manhattans and they
mnst obtain full information there.

Art. 3: 4: 5:

Question, whether he has offended me or mine by words or deeds ?

Answer.
That he has left me or mine alone, but has offended the Company and consequently
Their High Mightinesses, inasmuch as I had been told in his name, that he would drive
me out of the KU by force.

Art. 6 and 7.
That the Governor had sent for the Minquase at the expense of the Crown and that,
when they had come, I had let them be fetched out of the Schuylkil.

Answer.
That I have had the Sachems here in the spring of last year and incurred expenses
on his account and had also made an agreement with him, that as soon as I had received
goods, I either would send him a messenger, or if he heard it, he should come down.

Art. 8.
That I had ordered Jurriaen Blanck to force his way up with his bark and to fasten
his bark on the bridge.

Answer.
That I have told him to run up, but that I knew nothing of compulsion.

Art. 9:
That without any cause given I had taken up arms and that I had answered to the
interdict, that I should stay there and see, who would drive me away.

Answer.

That I had made no use of the arms, much less behaved hostilely or done an act of
hostility, but rather sought to prevent such and so seek, saving the rights of my Lords
and Masters

But the matter did not rest here. On the first of July following he sent a
communication to Jurriaen Blanck, of which here the copy :

My good friend Jurriaen Planck. Her Royal Majesty's subjects complain to me
again, that you remain here forcibly and against your commission and molest them,
pretending that you are ordered to do so by Andi-ies Hudde, who has no authority
whatever here iu Her Royal Majesty's affairs and territories Therefore you are now
informed, that I give you hereby the friendly notice, that as soon as you have been made
acquainted with this you must leave immediately and lie according to the tenor of your
commission, with your trading in the Schuylkil, at the place where the sloops usually
trade. This shall not be forbidden to you. Out of respect and friendship for your
Commander and his commission, those under my command shall not be allowed to
obstruct you by any acts of theirs, as long as you lie in the Schuylkil. But if you act

32 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

contrary hereto and happen to contemn my admonition, which yon cannot reasonably
gain say, your vessel and goods on it shall be confiscated to Her Koyal Majesty, in
pursuance to Her Majesty's strict orders. Of this you may be freely assured, even
though you were my own brother. I commend you to God. Dated Tinnekonck, this
20'" June 1646 and was signed Johan Priutz.

After this caution Jurriaen Blanck left, though not ordered by me, but for fear, that
the vessel with the cargo might be taken and he being a private person would then have
trouble to recover it {het naloopen sonde hebben). I could not give him any security,
as the grounds of the matter between the Company and the Swedes are not known by me.

I advised the Hon. Director Kieft of this event on the 12"" July, also of the means
properly to continue the trade with the Minquase as the aforesaid Printz and his
command endeavoured by every method to deprive the Company and their inhabitants
of it.

Meanwhile I had been ordered by a letter from the Hon. Du-. Kieft to make a search
for some minerals and betook myself therefore to Sanghikans. I tried to get to the
Great Falls, where according to the specimens, hope of good success was. Ifow it
happened when I passed the first fall, I was stopped by a Sachem called Wirackehon,
who asked me, where I wanted to go ? I answered, that I wanted to go upwards and he
said to me, that I could not and as I desired to know why, he said finally after some
talking, that the Swedish Governor had told one Meerkadt, a Sachem living near
Tinnekonck Island, that we wanted to build a house by the Great Fall and that 250 men
were to come by the expected ships, who would be sent here from the Manhattans and
should kill the Indians from the lower end of the river to the upper, and troops laid into
the house, which we intended to build up there, should stop the Upper Indians, that
none might escape and as proof, that we would come up in a small vessel, to reconnoitre
the place, and kill two Indians, to obtain a pretext ; but that he, Printz, would not
allow it but drive us out of the river. Although I tried to proceed further by various
devices, I was opposed and met each time with the above objections. Therefore I had
to give it up.

And whereas on the 7'." Septbr. following a letter was handed to me, by which I was
strictly ordered, to buy some lands from the Indians lying on the west shore, distant
about one league to the north of Fort Nassau, I took possession of the place on the
8'.", erecting the arms of the Hon. Company : and as the owner was absent hunting, I liad
to wait with the purchase until the 25* of the same month. Having concluded the
purchase, the proprietor came with me in person and the Hon"'"' Company's arms being
fixed to a pole, this was set in the ground on the extreme boundary. After having taken
possession of it, some freemen made preparations to build there. About this time, being
the 8'.'' of October, the Swedish Commissary, Huygen came from above, bringing with
him the arms set up by me, which he, as he said, had taken down by order of his
Governor. Whereupon divers words fell, among others about the gross impropriety
committed by his quartermaster and other Swedes on the 30'." Septbr last contrary to
all orders and after posting the guard, and that, moreover, in a guardhouse in defiance
of all good admonition, which I had given him. I requested his Governor, to be
pleased to remonstrate and inflict proper punishment for it, that it might be evident, that
he had no share nor part in such a gross outrage, or in case of neglect, if such should

JYew York Historical Records. 33

occur agaiu, I sliould directly deal out such punishment, as is customary to inflict upon
such disturbers.

After this occurrence on the IG'" of the following month the subjoined protest was
sent me by the abovementioned Johan Printz by two of his freemen, viz. Oloff Stille and
Moens Slom ; whereof this is a copy :

Mr. Andries Hudde. By this written exhortation I again remind you, as the
royal Commissary Hendrick Huygen did verbally, that you will forthwith abstain and
desist from the injuries, which you have been accustomed to commit against Her Royal
Majesty in Sweden, my most gracious Queen, on Her Royal Majesty's lawful property,
land and ground, without respect for H. R. Majesty's magnificence, reputation and
dignity ; and to consider, how little it befits H. R. Majesty to suffer such gross outrage
and w^hat great calamities may be expected as likely to arise therefrom. Secondly, how
unwilling, as I think, your nation or superiors would be to come in conflict with Her
Royal Majesty for such a trifle ; for you have not the slightest cause for these rude
proceedings against Her Royal Majesty, especially now your secret and improper
purchase of land from the Indians. You have made it perfectly evident, how lawful and
just are the antiquity or ancient rights, to which you have appealed heretofore. It has
been brought to light thereby, that you have as little right to the place, which you now
own, as to the others here in this river, which you now lay a claim to, wherein you have
never been molested by Her Royal Majesty or Her servants nor has it been attempted to
supplant you in an unfair manner. Of all this I have wished to remind and write
you for my own acquittance and exculpation from all subsequent disasters. Datum N".
Gothenburg stil. vet. 1646. Beneath in the margin stood : The order to which you
appeal may well be owing to incorrect information to your superior and would well
become you, to give him a further correct and lucid report of these matters and relate
to him a summary, as it at present stands here.

It was signed Johan Printz.

As I was obliged to go up (the river) the next day I was, upon my return, advised,
that the Swedish Governor had forbidden his subjects to have any dealings with our
people. This is usiial among declared enemies, but has no place among allies. Likewise
it was reported to me that the Swede censured me, that I had sent him no answer to his
protest ; I therefore drew up the subsequent protest and sent it to him on the 23* Octobr,
by the quartermaster Sander Boeyer and two soldiers, viz : David Davitsen and Jacob
Hendricksen. Copy thereof follows :

Honorable, rigorous Sir, Mr. Johan Printz.

Honorable Sir : In the evening of the 16'? of this month stil. nov. I received by Oloff
Stille and Moens Slom a writing, dated the 30*? Septbr stil. vet., wherein your Honor
warns me to desist from doing injuries, which I had done or committed to Her Royal
Majesty' s lands, of which however I have been ignorant up to this time. If your Honor had
condescended to point them out to me, I should have been found guilty, if I Lad not been
willing to desist, as I do not know, that I have neglected any thing tending to the
preservation of mutual good feeling, much less have committed any gross outrage. I
did not purchase the lands secretly nor unfairly, unless your Honor calls secretly, what is
not done with your Honor's knowledge. I have purchased it from the right owner.

6

34 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Should he have sold it previously to your Honor, then he has cheated me infamously.
The place, which we possess, we possess in right ownership and have had a just title
to them, perhaps before the South River was heard of in Sweden. AVhether my Lord
and Master has been informed incorrectly is not known to me, I myself have reported
to him the matter in truth and justice and shall further do so again by the first
opportunity which I have and send your Honor's letter along, to know besides, what he
has to order and I to do.

And whereas your Honor's Commissary coming down on the 8'." inst. did, in a hostile
manner pull and tear down the arms, which I had set up on the pvrrchased land, uttering
these threats : ,, Even were it the flag of His Highness, the Illustrious Prince of Orange,
that was here, he would liave trampled it under foot," — besides many bloody menaces,
which were from time to time reported to me and which can only tend to serious mischief ;
And whereas this not only concerns my nation or superiors, but also the supreme
authority of their High Mightinesses, the Noble Lords, the States General and of His
Highness, the Hlustrious Prince of Orange and the Hon"'"' the Directors is affected
thereby, Therefore am I imperatively constrained to send this to your Honor and at the
same time protest before God and the World, as I do hereby protest, that I am guiltless of
all mischiefs, difficulties, damages and losses, which may grow out of these proceedings,
but that on the contrary I have done, promoted and endeavoured everything that could
tend to good intercourse and mutual friendship, as I am bound to do consistently with
my oath and honour. I expect the like from your Honor at least from the consideration,
that we who are Christians, do not render ourselves an object of scoff to these Indian
heathens. Believing which, I remain your Honor's affectionate friend

A. HUDDE.

In the South River of New-Netherland, 22* Octbr 1646.

The quartermaster on his return reported, that, when he wished the Governor, who
was standing before his door, a "good morning" and further had said : " I shall greet
you on the part of the Commissary Hudde, who sends you this writing in answer to
yours," he, Johan Printz, took it out of his hand and threw it to one of his men, who
stood by him, saying: "There, take care of that." The other picked it up from the
ground and took charge of it. The Governor moving forward to some Englishmen,
arrived from New-England some time before, the quartermaster desired to speak to the
Governor for an answer and notwithstanding he had come in becoming form, he was
pushed out of doors, the Governor having taken a gun from the wall, as he could see, to
shoot him, but he was kept within.

Whereas the Governor Johan Printz not only does not omit to make us suspected
by every means both by the Indians and the Christians, but even connives at the bad
treatment of the Hon. Company's subjects, whether freemen or servants, yea, so that the
same come home bleeding and bruised, as often has happened, by the Indians and
especially by the Armewamese Indians on the 12'? of May '47 at noon, who tried to
overrun us, although it was prevented by God's mercy and good information regarding
their misunderstanding. Besides, he spreads the report everywhere, that the Company
has nothing to say in this River : and that he had bought the land for the Swedish Crown,
also the Minquase Land ; that the Company could not depend on or confirm their old or
continuous ownership, that the Devil was the oldest proprietor of Hell, but that he might

Jfew York Historical Records. 35

even admit a younger one, as he himself declared on the S*" of June '47, sitting at his
table, in presence of myself and my wife, with other vulgar expressions to the same
effect. This he also makes manifest by actual deeds and especially by shutting up the
River, so that no vessel can come up, except by his permission, even though the same
may be provided with a respectable commission. By this he not only injures the freemen
in their travels to a great extent and to their own excessive loss, but also scandalously
detracts from the respect due to Their High Mightinesses, by esteeming as frivolous and
of no account the legitimate commissions granted to the freemen by the Hon"''^ Governor,
under authority of Their High Mightinesses, and although these freemen have repeatedly
complained to me, I have not been able to help them, except by further remonstrating
against it. Hence several freemen, lying here with their vessels came to me on the 2^ of
July of the same year and requested me to draw up for them a petition to the Hon.*"^ the
Governor Petrus Stuyvesant, praying for relief from their grievous injuries. I did so
and transmitted it. Upon this petition I received on the 15'? of August a protest by the
aforesaid Mr. P. Stuyvesant on that matter, which has been handed by me on the IT"" to
Governor Prints and I received as answer, that it should be answered in writing. And
as I was granted permission by the Hon*'^ Governor to come up, I arrived at the
Manhattans on the first of December and handed to the vforesaid gentleman the written
reply of Mr. Prints.

Meanwhile the winter coming on, it happened to me in the spring, that on the evening
of the 2* of April 1648 a vessel coming up from below under mainsail, without pennant
or flag, I was in doubt, being unable to determine whence she came or what she was.
Therefore I fired a shot across her bows {voor hem overscJiieten), but she proceeded on
her course ; a second shot was fired, but no attention was paid to that either. Thereupon
I (really) sent eight men after her, but as she had a fair wind and the weather was very
thick and it was moreover very dark, they could not overtake her. It was ascertained,
two or three days after, that it was the Swedisli bark, on the return of which I asked the
skipper, why he passed the fort "without striking" {met doorgeschooten stcnget),
without flag or pennant, whereby it could be told, who was his master, inasmuch
as he had the same with him, as he now let them fly. He replied very scornfully, that,
had he known, it would come in consideration, he would not have done it now either
and henceforth would continue to do so, were it only as a mark of spite and derision
Wherefore I gave him this subjoined writing to his Governor, of which this is a copy :

Honorable, rigorous Mr. Johan Printz. -LX«_ .^J. *0

Whereas your Honor's sloop sailed past here on the 3* inst. towards evening, striking
[her colors] contrary to custom and without flying pennant or flag, whereby it could not
be ascertained, who was its master, and in contradiction to your Honor's claim, as our
vessels coming into the river, must stop before your fort, though they show sufficiently
from where they came, that no injury may befal your and our side, and as it is to
be feared that under such a pretence some other nation miglit pass to our prejudice :
therefore I cannot sufficiently wonder, with what intention your Honor sent the vessel past
here in such an irregular manner. According to my judgment and best understanding
and considering, what in such a case might be done, when others come here without
orders, this is not the proper way to maintain neighborly friendship, but gives cause t«

36 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

amtual misunderstaridings. This I did not believe, wovild be intended. As I shall, in
such case, not neglect, what is demanded for the maintenance of the evident respect due
to Their High Mightinesses, His Highness the Prince and the rights of My Lord and
Master, I request you therefore, that in future a different course be adopted, as a
contrary conduct will compel me, should any difficulty arise, hereby to protest my
innocence, the more so, as your Honor's officer on your Honor's sloop dared to hint, that
he did so only through contempt and he will rue it, if henceforth he acts otherwise.
Farewell. A. Hudde.

Done at Fort Nassau, this 13'? April.

As I received information throughout the whole winter that the Swede collected large
numbers of hemlock logs and as a large quantity lay in the Schuylkil, I feared, that the
Governor might really put up some buildings at the place, where now the vessels lie and
trade ; and since these were driven before from Kinsessingh and with the exception of
this place there is no access to the great forest to trade with the Minquase, whereby their
trade is snatched from our people and this river would be of very little consideration,
therefore, not daring to neglect it, I have written, as I had no orders to undertake
anything for the preservation to the Govei'nor. Thereupon I received orders, that in
case the Swede should come to build and settle on any new, unoccupied places, 1 should
with all civility settle down beside him in the name of the Company.

So it happened, that afterwards, on the 24')' of the same month, some Sachems of
Passayonk came to me, who asked me, why I did not also buUd on the Schuylkill
that the Swede had already some buildings there. I accordingly on the following day
caused inquiry to be made and having received certain information of the Swede's
further anticipation and especially of such places of importance, that I also immediately
made preparation to settle alongside there ; so that on the 27'." following I went thither
with the necessary tools and sent for the Sachems, to whom I stated that I now was
come, to buUd on this place, which they had given me. Then they sent for the Swedes
who lived there already and ordered them to depart informing them, that they had come
in there in a sneaking way and that taken possession against their will ; that at present
they had given it to me and that I should buUd there ; whereupon two of the principal
chiefs, namely Mattehooven and Wissemenetto, themselves took and planted there the
Prince's flag and ordered me to fire three shots in token of possession. This was done
and there in presence of them all have I erected the house.

Towards evening came the Swedish Commissary with 7 or 8 men and asked, under
what orders I built there ? I answered, By order from my superior and the consent of
the Indians. What concern that was of his 1 He asked further, Whether I could show
any document, that I did it by superior authority and not at the desire of the fi-eemen ?
I answered. Yes that I would give it to him, after he had first delivered to me a document,
to show by what authority he demanded mine. Presently the Sachems said to
Hendryck Huyggen and his companions, that they had sold the land to us and we
should inhabit there. By what authority did they (the Swedes) build on the land or
whether it was not enough that they had already taken possession of Matinnekonck, the
Schuylkil, Kinsessingh, Kakarikom, Upland and the other places occupied by the Swedes,
all which they had stolen from them ? That Minwit, now about 11 years ago had purchased

New York Historical Records. 37

no more than a small piece of land at Paghahacking, to plant some tobacco on it,
the half of which they, the natives, should receive as an acknowledgement. Could
they (pointing to the Swedes) by purchasing a piece of land on their arrival, take, in
addition all that lay on the main, as they (the Swedes) had done and still do here on the
river ? That it excited their wonder, that they (the Swedes) should prescribe laws to
them, the native proprietors, that they should not do with their own, what they pleased ;
that they (the Swedes) had first come only recently in the River and had already taken
up and occupied so much of their land and that we (meaning us) had never taken away
any land from them, althovagh we had intercourse here full 30 years.

Thus I pushed forward the commenced work and had the house surrounded
by palisades, because the Swede had destroyed the house heretofore, which the
Hon*"' Company had formerly had in front of the Schuylkil and built a fort there and
might also attempt to do the same thing here. Meanwhile it came to pass, that Moens
Klingh, Lieutenant of the fort on the Schuylkil, approached in order with 24 men, fully
armed with loaded guns and lighted matches and asked, whether we intended to prosecute
the commenced work or whether we would let it rest ? To which I answered him : What
has been begun, must be completed. Whereupon he ordered his men to lay aside their
arms and each drawing an axe from his side, cut down the trees standing around and
near the house, destroying also some fruits, which I had planted there.

Hereupon arrived here on the 7'." of June, the Hon"'' Committee of the Council,
viz. Mr. L. van Dincklage deputy and Mr. L. Montangie, councillor, to which
Hon*"* Gentlemen the principal chiefs and lawful proprietors did on the 10'? of the
same month, make a public conveyance of the Schuylkil and reconfirmed the purchase
of the said Schuylkil and the adjoining lands, made by Arent Corsen, formerly
Commissary here, whereof their Honors immediately have again taken public and
legitimate possession.*

After which the Hon"* Gentlemen sailed on the 16'.'' ditto vdth a proper suite to
Tinnekonck, and were received here by Commissary Huygen and Lieutenant Papegay,
who kept their Honors standing in the open air in the rain for about half an hour.
After they were admitted to audience, their Honors among other things have protested
against the above named Printz for the very illegal seizure of the Schuylkil, to which he
promised to give a written answer before their departure. And as some freemen desired
permission to build, they had places assigned to them by their Honors, where they
should settle. Thereupon, on the 2^ of July following one Hans Jacobsen began to settle
on the Schuylkil, which was prevented by the Swedes, the son of Gov. Prints having
received orders to that effect, who wanted to compel the aforesaid Hans to tear down,
what had already been put up and on the refusal of the abovenamed Hans did it himself
s,nd burnt it, adding threats, that if he came back to build, he should carry away a drubbing.

One Thomas Broen fared also in like manner. Having gone, on the 6'? ditto, to settle
at N'ew-Hooven,t the place so named by your Honors, he was about three hours there,
when Swedes came under the command of one Gregory van Dyck, quartermaster and
pulled down, as before, what he had already erected there, warning him to leave that
place or they would beat him off. So the matter stands at present.

» N. T. Col. Doc. I. 593. t i. e. New-Farm.

^^ Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

As in the meantime I was ordered to come to tlie Manhattans, I proceeded thither and
aiTived there on the S'? of September. While there I made a report on the state of the
South-River and further delivered in writing, what in my opinion was necessary thereto.

At this time tidings came overland, that the Swede had erected a house in front of
Fort Beversreede, whereby access to that fort was effectually closed. The winter
approaching, I again took my departure on the 5'? of October, as also some freemen, to
whom groundbriefs were issued, to build in the SchuylkU. After my arrival with them
on the IS"' of October in the South River of New-Netherland, I was informed that the
Swede seriously intended to go to the country of the Minquase, in violation of the
contract that had been made. I therefore, to prevent such pretention and to show, that
the contract was not broken by the Hon. Governor have sent the subjoined note to
Hendi'ick Huj'gens, as a further remonstrance to his Governor. Copy :

Worthy, most kind and good friend.

First salutation and kind greeting. I have learned to my great regret on my arrival
here, that our fugitives have taken up their abode in the Minquase country, truly contrary
to the good intention of our Governor, who will not allow his subjects to undertake
anything in violation of the contract, which has been made, but declares that it is to be
vigorously enforced on his side ; and as it is certain that this has excited some suspicion
in the mind of your Governor, I cannot avoid sending this to you for my exculpation,
being assured that it will effect a change in your opinion. Farewell.

And whereas the freemen have pursuant to their commission endeavored to make a
settlement, one of the Swedish servants, named Peter Jochim has in the meanwhile, as
the following shows, by way of contempt, forcibly torn off by night and broke through
the palisades of Fort Reede, using great insolence as well by acts as by words. The
freemen then set to work, so that they completed the erection on the 4')' of November,
but the Swede again tore it down hacking with great violence the woodwork to pieces.
I have sent a report of this proceeding to the Hon. Governor and as I liave no remedy
against such acts but paper-weapons I have deemed it necessary to send the following
protest to Mr. Johan Prints. Copy :

Whereas by order and commission given by our Hon*'" Governor P. Stuyvesant to
Symon Root, Pieter Harmensen, and Cornells Mauritsen to buUd on the Mastemaeckers
Hoeck, Symon Root has, by virtue of his commission, commenced on the 4'" inst. to raise
a house on the Mastemaeckers Hoeck. He, at the time, was prevented doing so by your
Honor's agent with open violence on the part of your Honor's subjects, notwithstanding
the friendly request of the gentlemen authorized by our Lords and Masters and a
remonstrance, that so close allies ought not to encounter each other with force, but on the
contrary act as becomes good allies and confederates, leaving it to our superiors to decide
this matter. Upon this friendly footing your Honor's deputy was satisfied to leave the
matter for the present, iintil he received further orders from your Honor. But with the
rising of the sun your Honor's deputy came and notified the aforesaid employes, namely
Alexander Boyer and Adriaen van Tienhoven that he had orders to destroy the work,
that had been commenced ; which he forthwith accomplished, hacking and utterly
destroying whatever had been begun there, accompanying the same with words of abuse

J\''eiv York Historical Records. 39

and contempt towards those, who were endeavoring to execute their Master's orders.
Theee are proceedings, which truly can have no other tendency than to generate mutual
bitterness and enmity, as they are quite opposed to good neighborhood, which we have
on all occasions cultivated, abstaining from whatever might gire any cause of offense,
although our good intentions have been frequently unfairly viewed and wrongly
interpreted.

For all which insolence and disrespect of a legal commission, given by virtue and
authority of Their High-Mightinesses, His Highness the Prince of Orange and our
Lords-Superiors, and the breach of good mutual friendship we are compelled hereby
to protest against your Honor before God and the World, as we are innocent of all
difficulties, that will arise from such proceedings ; and we declare that we on our side,
have no other object in view than what might conduce to the promotion of good
friendship, whereunto I still pledge ourselves and shall be and remain your Honor's
affectionate friend (Signed) A. Hudde.

Done Fort STassou on the South River of New-Netherland this 7* November 1648.

And notwithstanding this public violence, it is even so that the Swede in rendering
as daily suspected by the Indians not only. * *

(Caetera desunt.)

Letter from Director Sttjtvesant to Governor WijsrTHROP of
Massachusetts in regard to the English claims on the
Delaware territory.

To the Right worsh? John Winthrop Gouern'' of the Massachusetts att Boston
in New-England.

Honoured S''

The good report my predecess"' Gen" Will. Kieft hath given me of your noble worth
Command these lines from me & in them my due regards to your worthy selfe.

I suppose you have experimentallie fownd him a friend of peace & that all things
might be friendlie Composed betwixt us in these pts of America, whose sollicitations &
desires Concurring with myne owne reall & heartie inclinations, I shall be readie att all
tymes & all occasions to make good, allways provided it may not intrench vppon the
right of my Lords & Masters, the Estates-GeneraU or West Indie Company, whose
indubitable right is to all that land betwixt that river called Conneticut & that by the
English named Deleware.

Yett notwithstanding you, aswell as wee are svbordinate vnder higher powers, to
whom wee must giue accompt of our actions, I shall be boulde to propose to your wise
Consideration that your selfe with other indifferent men of yo'' Countriemen there may
be delegated & may be pleased to appoint tlie tyme & place where & when yourselfe &
they will bee pleased to giue me a meeting, where wee may friendlie & Christianlie agitate
Concerning past occasions & doe our best to reconcile the present & preuent all occasions

40 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

of future Constestation, and that wee may prepare all things for our Lords & Masters the
more easilie to determine.

Fort New- Amsterdam

in New-Netherland Yours in any office of loue

June the 25'? 1647 P. Sttvesant.

Minute of an interview between Director Stuyvesant and
two minqtjas chiefs regarding swedish intrigues on the
Soutiiriver.
We, the undersigned, all understanding the language of the Minquaas, attest, testify
and declare, in place and with promise of an oath, if need be, on the requisition of the
honorable Director-General of New-Netheiiand, Curagao etc. in the presence of the said
honorable General and the late Director William Kieft, that it is true and truthful, that
this day being the 13"' July 1647, two chiefs of the Minquaas named Aquarichque and
Quadickho, came to the house of his Honor aforesaid and in token and for the continuance
of friendship and mutual trade gave a small present and declared in our presence, that
the Commissary of Johan Prints, the Swedish Governor, residing at the Southriver of
New-Netherland, had said to them, that he could sell them powder, lead and guns
enough, but the Netherlanders, being poor tatterdemalions, could not do so. The above
named chiefs said the Swedish Governor had informed them, that the Netherlanders were
bad and the Swedes were good men. Said Governor had also asked permission of them
to set up a tradinghouse in their country, which request they rejected and refused. All
which we declare, we have heard from the aforesaid chiefs at the house of the
hon"° General and offer to confirm this by our oath if necessary.

Done in Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, this 13'" July A" 1647.

This SR is the mark of

Symon Roodt, made by himself.
This is the mark -\- of

Jan Andriessen, made by himself.
Adriaen Dircksen Coen.
To my knowledge

Cornelius van Tienhoven, Secretary.

Mexv York Historical Records. 41

Governor Winthrop's and the Commissioners op the United Colonies'

ANSWERS TO DIRECTOR StUYVESANT.

To the much honoured ffriend Mr. Peter Sty vesant, GouernT Gener : of ye Ne. Netherld.
Honoured Sr

Yours by this gent : Leif* Baxter I rec* in a tyme of soe much bodilie weakness, as
disabled me from intending any buisnes : and allthough it hath pleased the Lord to spare
my lyfe, yett the Crazines of my head and feeblenes of my hand denies me Ubertie to
write as I doe desire, either in congratulating your Comeing into these ptes or in tendring
my respects to you, sutable to that Courtesie and good will you are pleased to hould
forth not only to my selfe only, but also to all our nation, w* may iustlie oblige mee to
indeauour the continuance of that amitie & Correspondencie w'^" hath begune betwixt
your much honoured predecessT Generall Kieft & myselfe, which I hope (through the
Lord's good providence) may tend to the welfare of both nations : yo"' letter comeing in a
tyme when the Comission" were mett, I acquainted them with it as in duty I was bownd
(the buisnes properlie concerning them) they doe readilie embrace yo"' friendlie motion
concerning a meeting, that all former questions & differences concerning titles and
iniuries etc? may either be neighbourlie Composed or put in such a way as may hopefullie
tend thereunto & will to that end be ready, to giue you a meeting in tyme and place
conuenient.

Boston, the 17th of August 1647 I rest

St. vet. Att your service in all ffriendlie

and neighbourlie offices

John Winthrop.

The Re-appointment of Andries Hudde as Commissary of the
West-India Company on the South River.
Propositions of the Director-General (Petrus Stuyvesant) to the Council,
20'" Septbr 1647.

gth rp^ propose, whether Andries Hudde shall continue in the Southriver or who else
to send there, as it is highly necessary that a proper person be stationed there.

(Signed) P. Stuyvesant.

The Hon""' Director-General and Council having observed the fitness of Commissary
Andries Hudde, have unanimously resolved and concluded to continue him in the service
of the Honorable Incorporated West-India Company as Commissary at Fort Nassau on the
Southriver of New-Netherland, for which Hudde shall be given the same allowance and
wages as shall be allowed to the other Commissaries stationed at distant outlying posts.

Done the 20"" Septbr, 1647

(Signed) P. Stuyvesant, La Montangne, Brian Newton, A. Keyser.

In the margin : Present the hon"'* General, Mr. Dincklage, Mr. La Montague,
Lieutenant Nuton, Paulus Leendersen, Commissary Keyser.

42 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Propositions submitted by the Hon"' Director-General to the Council in
Session 28"" September a° 1647.

Fourthly, as Commissary Hudde has returned in consequence of contrary winds and
in his absence he was accused by Mr. Dincklage of unfaithfulness towards the Company,
which if proved, unfitted him in my opinion for the charge on the Southriver. Meanwhile
I ask for advice and proper affidavits, as we, agreeably to our duty, have already
proposed to the CouncU, on the regular session-day, the 20'" instant, whether Commissary
Hudde shoiild again be sent to the Southriver or another in his place ? and nothing was
then alleged against bim ; he was, therefore, continued by a unanimous vote of all the
Council. Neither was anything said against him at the following meeting being the
Se"", when the previous resolution was reconsidered and signed.

(Signed) P. Stutvesant.

28"' Septbr. 1647.

Andi'ies Hudde, Commissaiy for the Southriver, appeared in CouncU and demanded
proof of Mr. Dincklage, wherein he had defrauded any person or whom he had robbed
or where he had stolen any thing and what induced Mr. Dincklage to circulate such
slanders against the abovenamed Hudde.

Order recalling Hudde from the Southriver.
In Council. The hon"''' Director-General having exhibited the accounts of Andries
Hudde, Commissary at Fort Nassau, which are found to be obscure and not made out as
clear as they ought to be, therefore it is resolved to order said Commissary to come hither
overland and personally explain his accounts before the Director and CouncU. This
15'" August a" 1648.

Proposition submitted by the Hon"''

Director- General to the Council on

the 9*" September 1648.

First to read to the Council the letter

received from the Swedish Governor and then

to hear the report of Andries Hudde*

2d. To decide thereupon what advice we
had best give to the Lords Mayors for the
promotion of the public interests and the
prevention of further encroachments and
usurpations, to which end our last drafted
despatch to the Lords Mayors shaU be read
by the Secretary

3d. To resume the accounts of Commissary Commissary Adriaen Keyser and Cornelia
Hudde. van Tienhoven, Secretary, are authorized to

take up and resume Hudde' s accounts and
make a report thereon to the Director and
Council.

* For this report see page 28.

Mew York Historical Records. 43

Lettek from Alexander Boter, deputy-commissary at the Delaware,

STATING, that THE SWEDES HAD ERECTED A STRONG HODSE RIGHT IN
FRONT OF THE DuTCH FORT BeVERSREDE AND DEMANDING ASSISTANCE
AGAINST FURTHER ENCROACHMENTS.

Copy.

Honorable, Valiant, Wise and Prudent Noble Sir, Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director General
Sir:

I, your humble servant, since the departure of the Commissary Andries Hudde from
this place for the Manhattans on the 3'* of Septbr cannot neglect advising your Honor
agreeably to my humble bounden duty, in the Commissary's absence, that Mr. Jan
Prints, the Swedish Goveror, has, by his order. Sir, caused to be erected on the IQ'."" of
September, a house on the Schuylkil, right in front of our Fort Beversreede of about thirty
to thirty-five feet length and about twenty feet wide and thus deprives us of the freedom
of the Kil, so that our sloops, which come to an anchor there under the protection of
the fort, can scarcely see our fort. Sir, I fii'mly believe that he has erected that building
rather to insult our Lords and Masters, than in the expectation of deriving any profit from
it himself ; for there, alongside of our fort, is room enough for the erection of twenty
such houses. The rear gable of the house comes within about twelve feet of the gate of
the fort, so that the house stands, as already stated, between the waterside and our fort.

On the 21^' ditto arrived here the General {veltoverste) of the Minquase country vdth
four of his people and 30 to 40 beavers, to learn whether no vessel had arrived here from
the Manhattans with goods. As there is an abundance of peltries in their country at
present, it makes them desire for these goods so much more. They are also much
dissatisfied, that this Eiver is not steadily provided with cargoes by our people. The
Swede has at present few goods, so that were cargoes here now, we should, doubtless,
have a good trade with the Minquase. There have been killed by the Indians two men
of the Swede, who had gone to the savages with 6 or 7 guns and some powder and lead,
to trade the same there. We are expecting daily the Commissary Andi'ies Hudde as
well as your Honor's favorable aid, as the cold winter is approaching and everything is
needed here. At present I am lying here with 6 able-bodied men, who are still stout and
healthy, in two forts. Closing herewith we pray that God Almighty may preserve your
Honor in long continued health and prosper your Honor's administration.

In Fort Nassau, the 25'^ September 1648. (Lower stood) I remain herewith your
Honor's most humble servant and was signed

Alexander Boyek.

44 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Declakation op Alexandeb Boyer and otheks, that the Swedish
lieutenant had shown them his oeders, to resist by force any
Dutch claim on the Schuylkil.
Copy.

We, the undersigned declare and attest by Cliiistian words and on our conscience
in place and under promise of an oath, if it should be needed, that it is the truth and
nothing but the truth, that we have demanded from the Swedish Lieutenant his
commission and orders, which he has shown us from his Governor, wherein it was
expressly stated, that he should not allow any post or stake to be set in the ground and
in case such were attempted to be done, to prevent us by friendly words or by force ; his
instructions also being, to keep continually two men in the channel, to see, where we
would build and not to let any building timber be landed.
The 4"^ 9bre 1648, at Fort Beversreede. It was signed

Alexander Boyer
David Davitsen
Adriaen van Tienhoven

FiTER HaRMANSEN

This is o. A/, the mark of Symon Root
This is ^ tlie mark of Andries Luycassen
Skipper
Agrees with the original

(Sign.) Cor. van Tienhoven, Secretary.

Affidavit of Simon Root and others in regard to the destruction
of their buildings on Mastmaker's hook in the Schuylkil by
THE Swedes.
This day, as underwritten, at the request of Andries Huyden, Commissary in behalf
of the Incorporated West-India Company, we the undersigned, as witnesses hereto
requested, do, by Christian words and on our conscience in place and under promise of a
solemn oath, if needed, attest and declare, that it is true and truthful, that Adriaen van
Tienhoven, Sander Boyer and David Davitsen, employes of the above mentioned
Company, have, by authority of Their High Mightinesses, the ISToble Sta,tes-General
and the Illustrious Frince of Orange and the Incorporated West- India Company, most
expressly ordered the Swedish Lieutenant to let us proceed with our buildings on the
Mastemaeckers Hoeck, situate on the Schuylkil in the South River of New-Netherland,
whereupon the Lieutenant answered, that he had nothing to do with our superiors and
that he followed the orders of his Governor. He was then told by the above-named
persons, that he would be the cause, if any mischief arose or blood were spilled.
Whereupon the Lieutenant gave orders to his men, to demolish the house, which they
have done and they have done it by force and taken it out of our hands in a hostile
manner and torn it down.

J^eiv Yorh Historical Records. 45

All this is done without evil design or deceit on the S"' November A° 1648 at Severs

Rede.

Symom Root SB, his mark

Which we too witness Jacob Olaesen P his mark

Adriaen van Tienhoven Antoni Pieteksen <jP<; his mark

Aletander Boyer - -^

David Davitsen. This is the mark '

Affidavit of Adrian van Tienhoven and others corroborating
the above.
Copy.

This day, date underwritten, we the undersigned declare at tlie request of Andries
Hudde, Commissary at the Southriver in behalf of the General Incorporated West India
Company, that we have been at Fort Bevers[reede] on the 4'? of November and by
command of the said Commissary and pursuant to authority given to Symon Root and
companions by the Hon''"= General Petrus Stuyvesant have assisted in erecting a house
on Mastemaeckers Hoeck. While at this work we were met by Swens Sheets, Lieutenant
under the Crown of Sweden, having an order from his Governor Jan Prints, who forbade
us and by open force prevented us doing it. But he desisted upon the friendly
soUicitations of Adriaen van Tienhoven and Alexander Boyer irntil further information,
which came from the aforesaid Hudde overnight. However, at sunrise on the 5'? inst.
the abovenamed Lieutenant Swens Shoets has warned us, that he had positive order
and charge from his Governor Jan Prints to tear down the erected work. Wherefore,
stepping in line with the men under his command, they drew their side-arms and marched
towards it. At this improper hostility, we, the undersigned, followed him. Coming to
the place, where the commenced building stood the aforesaid Lieutenant has given order
to his men to demolish the same in any way by force, notwithstanding the friendly
request, made by us, as aforesaid, that he would desist (because, according to his own
declaration. Their High Mightinesses were in conference with Her Majesty of Sweden.)
He answered quickly, that he had order and commission from his Governor, not to allow
a stick to be planted in the name of Their High Mightinesses, but to trample whatever
had been raised under foot. Then they used immediately their swords as axes and threw
it down and cut it in pieces, not heeding the order, which we showed from the Commissary
aforesaid under authority of the commission of the abovementioned Hon. Mr. Petrus
Stuyvesant and a protest besides before God and the World, that of all mischief and
difficulty, which would follow thereupon, we and ours were innocent. The aforesaid
Lieutenant Schoets answered : Commissary Hudde is a rascal and a rogue and he had
nothing to do with our government, but he followed simply the orders from his Governor.
Upon which infamous calumnies, the aforesaid quartermaster Boyer said to him, Schoete,
thou must be thyself a rascal ; abuse no man or say it in his presence, he will himself
answer, in how far this is justified. Then, notwithstanding, the abovenamed Schoete
caught the aforesaid Boyer by the hair, but they were prevented coming to any further
exercises.

46 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Hiver.

We, the Tindersigned, have done and passed upon all that is written above
conscientiously without prejudice or simulation, solely because every one is bound
to bear witness to the truth and we are ready, if necessary and thereto requu-ed, to
confirm this under oatli.

This done at Fort Nassau in the South river of New Netherland, on the 6th day of
November, 1648. It was signed

Adriaen van Tienhoven
Alexandee Boyeb
Davidt Davitsen

This is the mark SR of Symon Koot.
This is the mark y^, of Johannes
Marcus made by himself ;
This is the mark M 3-t of Harman
Jansen made by himself.

Agrees with the origmal.

(sign.) CoE. VAN Tienhoven, Seer?

Extract of a certain letter written at the South river of
New-Netherland by Adriaen van Tienhoven, whereof the
supersoeiption reads as follows :

Honorable, wise and most prudent Sir. Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General

of New-Netherland, Curragao and the Islands thereof, residing in Fort

Amsterdam on the Island of Manhatans, and it was dated Q"" Novbr 1648

at Fort Bevers Reede.

It were desirable, that your Honor should resolve at once to come here in person, to

see the condition of this River, for the Swedes do here, what they please. The house,

which they have built at Bevers Reede, is the greatest insult, that could be offered, to

Their Honors, the Directors of the General Incorporated West-India Company, for they

have placed the house about 12 or 13 feet fi'om our pallisades and thereby deprived us of

the sight of the water or Kil ; they have also occupied all the land around the fort, upon

which they have planted Indian corn this year, so that we have not near the fort as much

laud, that we can make a little garden in the spring. It is a shame, that they act thus.

I trust that your Honor shall provide for it. Symon Root has begun to build his house,

but it has again been violently and forcibly torn down by the Swedes ; we demanded

the Swedish Lieutenant's order and charge and asked, upon whose order he did so. He

showed us that of his Governor, in which it was said, that he should not allow a single

stake to be set in the ground in the name of Tlieir High Mightinesses nor let any building

timber be landed by our people. Therefore the buUding of Sjrmon Root and other

friends must remain unfinished until , further order from your Honor. But your

Honor wiU be further advised hereof by Andries Hudde, the Commissary.

What regards the trade with the Indians on this river as well as the Minquase, it
may go weU with us, so far as some of the chiefs have informed me ; but they say, we

J\''eiv York Historical Records. 47

must have by us a constant supply of goods, according to the enclosed memorandum.
They all ask also for guns, powder and lead. In respect to the trade here, it is seriously
injured, for we must give two fathoms of white and one of black wampum for one beaver,
and one fathom of cloth for two beavers. Each fathom of wampum contains three ells,
some -^ less ; so that in my opinion, it has been arranged somewhat too costly, for the
Indians select the largest of them to trade.

Agrees with the original letter written and dated as
above and signed by Adi'iaen van Tienhoven.

Done in Fort Amsterdam this 6"" Decbr. A" 1648
New Fetherl.

CoR. VAN Tienhoven, Seer.

Extract from a letter of the Directors in Holland to Stutvesant,
regarding the swedes on the delaware, the boundaries op the
Colony towards Maryland, and the English claims of territory,
NOW IN Dutch possession, dated 27™ Jan. 1649.
******
Your Honor complained over the heavy taxes on the tobacco, which might be
produced in that country, and the hope of animating the people to its cultivation
induces us to consent, that the tobacco raised in our possessions there shall henceforth
not pay any more, than the tobacco coming from the Caribean Islands, to vpit 45 stivers *
for the hundred, wherefrom your Honor may infer, that we desire to benefit these our
possessions above all other places, seeing that this tobacco is worth so much more, than
that which comes as merchantable from the Islands. We have been enabled to come the
readier to this resolution because we learn, that the Swedes f do their best, to animate
their subjects to a further ciiltivation of tobacco in those quarters and therefore have
granted great liberties, even given a monopoly to them, so that nobody can bring tobacco
into their kingdom without their consent under penalty of confiscation of all merchandises,
with the view that also, no other products should be imported into Sweden, than what
these monopolists should raise in Swedish Virginia : (and) under cover of this privilege
some great persons have hidden themselves, as the report goes, especially his Excy. the
Chancellor of the Kingdom and somebody else, residing in this country on behalf of the
Crown, whose name we suppress for reasons. % In the expectation of great profits these
good gentlemen have taken up some swindlers, who, contrary to their good intentions, do
not endeavour to cultivate, but buy the produce in the English Virginias and bring it to
Sweden under the name of their own harvest ; but when this swindle was discovered, they
fell into disgrace and as we are informed by trustworthy persons, they were deserted by
their principals and the Crown is said to have resolved upon a withdrawal of these
privileges. If this should happen, then we have to expect little difficulty from that side,
the less because these people are not of such a material and Cornells Melyn § is mixed up
with it, which we doubt not in the least : any way we hope, that these people shaU run

* One stiver = about 2 cents. — Webster. % Probably Harald Appleboom, the Swedish Resident at the

t See note page — . — B. F. Hague. — B. F.

§ See Col. Doc., Vol. I, p. 512.

48 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

themselves down and think it therefore advisable, to arm ourselves vpith some patience
sooner than make use of force against them, provided they do neither invade our
jurisdiction insolently and because this matter can also be better arranged here : we shall
only touch this point passingly, for should we take it up article for article of your
Honor's letters, we would be obliged to repeat the case so often, that the reading of it
would perhaps weary your Honor ; we find only necessary to say, that your Honor varies
almost in all letters in regard to the boundary-disputes, for upon your Honor's arrival
your Honor requested us to ask of their High Mightinesses, that the boundaries between
the English nation and us might be fixed by the King or the Parliament of England, for
our part from the Freshwater river on the North to the Prince Hendricxriver, alias
Southriver inclusive.

At another place your Honor says : from the Freshwater river on tlie North to Cape
Hinloopen at the South.

Still another time : from Cape Cot to Cape Hinloopen along this coast and all the
rivers streams, territories and islands between the two.

Now your Honor says in your last letter, that the Directors Wouter van Twiller and
Willem Kieft did not claim our jurisdiction farther, than from the Southriver in the
South to the Freshwaterriver in the North, wliich your Honor thinks it ought to be beyond
question, because the country, the streams and rivers, situate between the two, are lined
with our forts, but that in the protests against the English, your Honor pretended a little
more, namely from Cape Malabare, called Cape Cot by our people, to Cape Hinloopen :
yet your Honor says, that, if we might have the first mentioned in peace, it would be
the best to be satisfied with it.

Whether the English can make a claim of prior possession of the country from
Canada to Cape Florida under a grant from King James and confirmed by Charles, we
can hardly believe ; on the other side our grant extends much farther and if they think
to have the consent of France and England, it has as yet not been shown to us and has
to be further inquired into.

We consider it very injurious for us, if the Swedes on the Southriver desire to plant a
fort above Fort Orange, likewise for the Colony of Renselaerswyck and we think, it would
be the best to come to an understanding in this regard with Brant van Slechtenhorst,* in
order that under mutual advice it might be prevented as much as possible.

Indian Deed to Simon Root and others fob a tract of land on the
South river, extending from Ramkokus kil to a kil on the
south end of Tinnekonck Island (BuRLiNaTON, N. J.).

The words in [ ] are supplied by tlie translator. This document is very defective.

I, the undersigned, Kickeeu-sickenom, hereby declare and certify that

in presence of the below named witnesses and chiefs, of Hattowens and

rKintakosy and Schinna chiefs] of the people there, I have transferred, surrendered made

* Brant van Slechtenhorst was the agent of the van Rensselaers at Rensselaerswyck (now Albany, N. Y.). — B. F.

Kew York Historical Records. 49

over and [ceded, as I do hereby transfer, surrender make over] and cede for and in

consideration of a certain party of goods, the receipt whereof into ray hands [before]

I acknowledge herewith, certain parcels of land, situate in the

South river of New-Netherland said river. It lies and extends

from Ramkokes KU, northward and along to a KU, called W . antp ,

to the south end of an island, called Tinnekonck, which land is named honsicka and

further from the said KiL up the river to right opposite of a Kil on the western bank,

called JSTeeyeck, which is called Roophakesky and landwards about four leagues

off or more or less, as the possessors shall deem necessary, including herein, the aforesaid
Island Tinnekonck lying within these limits and bounds ; and that with all the action
[title] and right, belongiog to me in quality aforesaid to tbe worthy Alexander Boyer,
Symou Root, Peter Harm[ansen, David Davi]tsen, and Cornells Mouritsen constituting
and substituting the said Alexander Boyer, Synien Root etc. in my [place and stead] and
giving them real and actual possession thereof and full and irrevocable power, authority
and [right] that, tamquam actor et procurator in rem suam ac propriam, they the said
Alexander Boyer, Symen Root etc. [or whosoever] may hereafter obtain their act,
peaceably possess, inhabit, use and hold the above mentioned land and dispose of it and

do with it , as they might do with their own lands, acquired by legal titles,

without I, the grantor, having or retaining a reserved title or authority in the least either
of property, command or jurisdiction therein any more, but now and henceforth for ever
desisting from it, giving up, surrendering and renouncing hereby the same, for the
purpose aforesaid, [promising] this my deed and whatever may be done by virtue thereof
for all time to hold fast, to observe and fulfill and also the parcels of land against every
one to deliver and to hold free from all claims, challenge and incumbrances which may
by any one set up thereto. Two originals of the same tenor are made hereof and
bubscribed by the parties. Thus, without evU design and deceit, is this in testimony of
the truth signed with our usual hand.

Done in the South River of New-Netherland this 9'" day of April of the year sixteen
hundred and forty-nine in the river on board of the yacht de Hollandsclie Tuyn (the
Hollandish Garden) in front of Neejeck. St. Rom.

These signed as The mark r- of Kickeesickenom, made

vsdtnesses of the purchase with his /'j"~^.own hand, owner
The mark ^ of Tomes Broen of the v abovementioned land.

made by himself The mark of Hattowens, made

The mark of ^Jan Andriesen with his (^ own hand ; Chief.

made by himself The mark^^^yV^^of Kintakosy, a

The mark p of Antony Petersen Chief, made with his own hand.

made tP by himself The mark •^ of Schinna, a Chief,

The mark; f of Johannes made by himself as witness.

'U'

Marckusen > M made by himself
The mark /^' of Harmen Jansen

made by himself.
The mark | B. of Jems Boecker, made by himself
The mark of ^"^ Jan Duten, made by himseK.

50 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Contract to build two houses, apparently at the Southriver or
Delaware

2 houses each 32 feet long, 18 do wide and 9 feet of a story ; breastwork 3 feet ; the
wooden frame for a double chimney, with the

6 outside and inside doors

3 window-fi'ames

1 transom window-frame

1 circular window-frame

Three partitions, according to circumstances

The roof thereon to be covered with planks.

Doors and windows, as proper.

The contractor shall cut and trim the pine timber in the woods, about 200 paces from
the place, where the house shall stand.

The owner shall deliver the timber at his own expense on the ground, where the
houses are to be erected.

2 planked closets cut off from the square room.
2 bedsteads.

The proprietor shall pay the contractor sixty winterbeavers * for the aforesaid work,
when it is completed ; he shall also convey the contractor, his partner and servant free to
the place of building and furnish the contractor during the job food and drink, free of
cost. When the work is done, the contractor with his man and servant shall depart for
the Manhattans at their own expense. Being content herewith they have signed it.

Manhatan the 30"" May 1649.
This is the mark SR of Stmon Eoot.

RiNiER Samensen
Powelis Lenertsen van die Grist.
In my presence : H. van Dyck.

Letter from Dir. Stutvesant to Govr. Eaton, objection to an English
Colony on the Delaware, which he claims for the Dutch.

To the Eight Worsh" John Endecot, Esq GovernT of Boston
Honoured S"'

I suppose you are not ignorant of the passages of loueing & mutuall Correspondencie
between yo'' predecess'' (of very worthy memorie) and my selfe & being desirous of the
Continuation thereof with all fiiendlie and neighbourlie offices between your CoUonie
& vs heere I could doe no lesse but present my respective and friendlie salutations vnto
you & to Congratulate and reioyce that our neighbours there have Chosen soe worthy
& prudent a successour & therefore doubt not but you will imitate soe faire a patterne as
that of yo'' predecessour in yo"" indeauouring to maintaine all peacable waies of loue &
amitye with your neighbours and shall therefore tender to your wise Consideration the

* A beaver was valued at 8 guilders = $3.20 gold.— B. F.

J^ew York Historical Records. 51

generall rumour tliat runnes heere of yo' Countriemens * there to settle a considerable
Company in the Southriver called De le ware baye, a place we not only pretend vnto,
but haue lawfuU right vnto, by lawfull Commission from our States-Generall, and
lawfull purchase from the natiues & therefore according to my order from them must
indeauour to maintaine and hope (if anything should fall oute otherwise then they
expect from me (in case they prosecute it) they will not impute vnto me as the beginner
of any troubles heere, but theyre owne wilfulness, the which I thought good to giue you
information of, desii-ing you will please to honour me vdth a line or two from yor selfe
about it, I shall for present take my leaue and rest Sr

Graveseud in Your humble servant

New Netherlands June the Pet. Styvesant.

Resolution BEFXJSiisrG a permit to Jacob Lopee to teade on the
Delaware, becaxtse he married a daughter of Cornelis Melyn.
The 14'" of June 1649.

Jacob Loper presented a petition dated the 14'" June 1648 {sic!), wherein he requests
permission to proceed to the Southriver of New-lSTetherland and sail there with the
chartered sloop and goods, but whereas said Loper has married the daughter of Cornells
Melyn and having regard to the dispatch of the Lords Mayors dated 27'" January 1649,
the Director General is of opinion, that in accordance with the abovementioned dispatch,
the request cannot be granted. f

Mr. Dincklage is of opinion, that Loper s petition can be granted, provided he do
nothing to the prejudice of the Company.

La Montague has scruples in the case in consequence of the dispatch of the Lords
Mayors.

Bryan Nuton idem.

* Here (in Boston) arrived (In 1648) one Sir Edmund Plowaen, who had been in Virginia seven years. He came
first with a patent of a county palatine in Delaware Bay, but wanting a pilot for that place, he went over to Virginia
and there having lost the estate he brought over, he came hither to return to England for supply, intending to return
and plant Delaware, if he could get sufficient strength to dispossess the Swedes. (Winthrop's Journal, vol. II, p. 325.)

The author of " Vertoogh van Nieuw-Nederland " (Treatise on New-Netherland) published in 1650, says speaking
of the Delaware Bay, "We cannot omit to state, that there has been here both in the time of Director Kieft and of
General Stuyvesant a certain Englishman, giving his name as Sir Edward Plowden, and claiming the title of Earl
Palatine of New Albion who pretended, that the land on the west side of the Northriver to Virginia was his, by gift
of King James of England, but he said, he did not wish to have any strife with the Dutch, although he was very angry
at the Swedish Governor Johan Prints, at the South river . . . He said, that wlien an opportunity should present
Itself, he would go there and take possession of the river." Cfr. also Col. Doc, Vol. II, p. 92. N. Y. Hist. Soc. Coll.
Vol. Ill, p. 379, King's Address before N. J. Hist. Society in 1845. — B. F.

f The Directors say of Melyn in the above cited letter " He is a man of bad report, who, as we are informed,
leaves nothing untried, to hinder and injure us by machinations of the Swedish colony."

52 Colonial Settlements on the Delawcvre Paver.

Leti'ek from Governor Eaton of New Haven to Director Stutvesant :

HE vindicates THE ENGLISH RIGHT TO THE DELAWARE.

Honoured ST

The Comission" Cannot but Conceive & Conclude, that the States you serue, will
approue & Commend a Just Carnage and Correspondencie towards all the English
CoUonies & Certainlie in such passes of righteousnes the State of England will direct &
walke with them. We have formerlie protested against Mouns- Kielts iniurious Course
att Deleware & else wli ere, as you haue bin informed. Our right there is well knowne
(not only to the English) to the Dutch & Sweeds & Indians. Wee neuer claimed nor doe
wee desire to posesse a foote of laud, to which you can shew any iust title, but we may
neither lose nor let fall the English interest & claime in & to what we haue purchased &
paid for in those ptes : had you bin pleased to haue met the CoTnission™ att Boston,
these & other greiuances which (I neede not mynde you of) might haue been dulie
debated and by such a refferrence as your selfe haue prevended Justlie issued. * *

By yo''^ of the 26'!" of May I vnderstand, that the 10 p. cent: formerlie required and
taken for goods imported is only for the present suspended, it may then be reimposed or
increasd att j)leasure, which you know Cannot satisfie, that the hand erected for anchoring
is downe by accident and shall be sett up noe more, but I desire, if you please, to be
further certified wheather the English in theyre trading att the Manhataes and in theyre
passing by to and from Deleware, Virginia etc"! may ex]3ect a full freedome. * *

New Haven in New Engl. June the Yo""" in all oflices of love

7* 1649 st : vet : Theo. Eaton.

Director Stuyvesant's answer: he is determined to maintain the
Dutch title to the Delaware.
Sir: ^

Concerning yoT ptest against my predecessour MounsT Kieft, aboute some passages
att the South river called Deleware, I doubt not but what he did, was vppon warrantable
grounds, and made you a sufficient answere, but concerning our right there and of
my intentions of maintaining it I haue allready written to the Gouernours of the
Massachusetts and Plimmouth, who I suppose will acquaint the CoMssions with it.

Whereas you write to me concerning yoV countriemens trading heere and passing to
and from Virginia and Deleware etc. I have allready written and graunted as much as I
can or dare doe vntill I haue further order from my Souereignes and Masters and am not
to be responsible to any but them, nor regulated by any but them.

Your assured ffriend

July the 2^ (1649) st : nov : Pet. Styvesant.

J^ew York Historical Records. 53

This followeing letter was sent to Will. Beadfoed, Gouern^ op
Plimmouth.
Worthy ST

I cannot come nor be absent soe long from my gouernment our shipping theii
Comeing from Holland my presence will be wanting to dispatch occasions, however I shall
indeauour and desire all reall Corresijondeucie betwixt vs and shall therefore acquaint
you with a generall rumour, that runnes heere of a Considerable Company of your
Countriemen, that intends to settle at the South river, otherwise called De leware, a
place we not only pretend vnto, but have lawfull right, by Commission from oT States,
lawfull purchase from the natiues and a continued posession and for myne owne pte in
duty am bownd to maintaine theii- right and shall be sorrye it may be Cause of hindering
neighbourlie Correspondencie and may be a beginner of more greate sad and dangerous
troubles to vs all : I shall therefore entreate you to acquaint the rest of tlie Commissioners
with it and shall rest

YoV very assured ffriend

Pet. Sttvesant.

Power of Attorney, given by Jan Lawrensen Appel to Luyoas
Eldertsen, to collect money due at the Southriver to Mr.

Aknoldus tan Hardenbergii.

Before me, Jacob Hendricksen Kip, clerk, (in the absence of the Secretary) appointed
by the Hon*"'' Dh-ector-General and Council of New-JSTetherland, appeared the worthy Jan
Lawrensen Appel, as attorney of Mr. Arnoldus van Hardenbergh, who in the presence of
the belownamed witnesses, declared, that he, in the best form to him possible, substitutes
and empowers, as he does hereby substitute and empower, by virtue of his power of
attorney, the worthy Luycas Eldertsen from Jeveren at present residing in the South river
of New-Netherland, to ask, demand, collect and receive, in his, the principal's name,
in the quality aforesaid, from Mr. Andries Hudde, Commissary in the service of the
Hon*'" Company, residing at Fort Nassau, on the South Eiver aforesaid, the sum of two
hundred and twenty-eight guilders, six stivers ; from Symon Root, trader there in the
Southriver aforesaid the sum of three hundred and twenty-eight guilders and from David
Davitsen the sum of two hundred and eighteen guilders, likewise from one Thomas Broen,
also residing there, the sum of eighty-four guilders and 2 stivers, all payable in beaver,
as appear by the annexed account and authentic note. On the receipt of which aforesaid
sums, or any of them, by the abovenamed substitute, he may execute a discharge in form
therefor, which shall be valid : he, Jan Lowrensen Appel, as attorney aforesaid, promising
to hold and cause to be held valid, whatever shall be done and performed in the case
aforesaid by the abovenamed Luycas Eldertsen, as his substitute ; provided nevertheless,
that he, the substitute, remains bound to render an account of his receipts to him, Jan

54 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Appel, or his principals. TMs is signed without fraud or deceit by him, Jan Appel, with
the witnesses hereto invited this 20'" October 1649, in New- Amsterdam.

Jan Loweensen Appel
Fkanssoys Noxzet, witness
Adeiaen van Tienhoven, witness
To my knowledge,

Jacob Kip, clerk.

Power of Attorney, given by Michiel Jansen to Johannes Gekardt
to collect money at the southrivee.

Before me, Jacob Hendricksen Kip, clerk, in the absence of the Secretary, appointed
by the Hon'"" Director- General and Council of New-Netherland, appeared the worthy
Michael Jansen, an inhabitant here, who declared, that he constituted and empowered,
as he does hereby, the worthy Johannes Gerardy merchant of the yacht named " the
Swan," at present about to depart on a voyage to the Southriver of New-Netherland
to ask, demand and receive in his name in the quality aforesaid from one Reynier
Doemenicus, house-carpenter at present residing at the Southi-iver aforesaid the sum
of seventy-five Carolus guilders, due to him, the principal, by the said Reynier, as
appears by the accompanying note of hand ; on receipt of which aforesaid sum by Jan
Gerardy, he shall execute a discharge in full and especially guarantee him against future
claim ; he, Michael Jansen, promising to hold valid, what he, Jan Geraerdy, shall do and
perform in the case aforesaid. He requests act thereof.

Tluis done and the minute hereof in the record signed by Michael Jansen, tliis
15"" November 1649, in New-Netherland

MiCHGiEHL Jansen.

(This power of attorney was recalled and Joost Teunissen substituted for Joliannes Gerardy.— Tr.)
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)

Copies op sundry letters feom Die. Stuyvesant to the Commissary

AT THE DeLAWAEE RiVER, APPAEENTLY POETIONS OF A MUCH DECAYED
LETTEE-BOOK, COVEEING THE TIME FROM 1648 TO AUGUST 1650.
"Words in [ ] have been supplied by the translator.

bearer of this. We will hope, that he'll [hasten] the proceedings, partly for

the reasons, alleged in your letter, partly because the Swedish Governor receives no
succor, nor has he to expect any for the present, as I have been informed trust worthily.*

* Coll. Palmskold. MSS. in the Library of the University of Upsala " 1648, 20 January. The Governor in
New-Sweden and his deputy Guamison (Jamieson) with all the other servants received orders to draw their salaries
and Bubsistance from the duties on tobacco." The revenues from the tobacco excise under former edicts had not
been very great and the South Company had been obliged to support their colony on the Delaware by the revenues,
derived from other sources. The Company had not been very successful so far. — B. F.

Mew York Historical Records. 55

I have represented to Govert Loockermans the troublesomeness and discontent of the
Minquas on account of the killing of the chief. He declares, that he has not killed him,
but simply threatened, because the Sachem had wounded the skipper Anderies in the face
with a pistol and that the Commissary Huygen was present, when the incident occurred.
Your Honor will please to inquii-e diligently into the circumstances and the trutli of the
matter and, should your Honor find Govert Loockermans guilty, to smooth the matter
over [de saecJcen socJcen te maecJcen), that no occasion for fresh discontent may be given
to the savages from our side.

I have to thank you very much for the eel sent me and shall reciprocate for it iu due
time. In accordance with y"' H" request, there comes herewith the carpenter Pieter
Coornelissen. We'll hope and trust, that according to circumstances the utmost speed
and assiduity will be used in the [erection] of the house. Recommending in tlie meantime

to your Honor, that it may .... better than I also hope, that upon our arrival all the

out [buildings] shall be in decent state to your Honor' s greater praise

(Rest destroyed.)

the ship Swol having been [sent]* to Newhaven, [they] think themselves on that account

very much injured, as the bearer hereof can inform your Honor explicitly. Mr. Vasterick
has arrived here from Fatherland a month or 6 weeks ago. Matters stand there well,
God be praised ; they look forward to peace and already an armistice at sea has been
proclaimed on the Spanish side, but it has not yet been ratified on our side. Their
High Mightinesses send 20 ships of war and 6000 soldiers for an attack {oftensine) to Brazil,
to be in the service and for the assistance of the "West-India Company. The Portugeese

are still the masters in In the meantime has Colonel Sigismonde van

Schoffen taken tlie Island of Taparico, in the Bay of All Saints (Bahia de todos los Santos)
for the Company. He has fortified himself there and on the mainland with 2000 to 1600
men and holds the Bay blockaded with 20 to 25 ships, and notwithstanding several
sallies and assaults have been made upon him, he was at the time kept sufficiently in the
defensive.

The succor, which is expected from Portugal for the relief or retaking and to face
us, will, I hope, serve the Company there for their . . . ;

I have visited Fort Orange before autumn and found it, according to my judgment

in a bad condition and

(Rest of this page illegible or destroyed.)

You may let Hans Jacobsen continue there in the service of the Company until some
future opportunity and to avoid con[fusion]. In the spring I hope to find there the fort
and other matters in proper shape. As to the Minquas chief, said to have been killed
by blows, we cannot help it here ; only you are hereby ordered to prevent all mischief
and troubles with the Minquas and other savages and if it is feasible to arrange with
them for the death of the chief, according to their custom, by presents, before it is well
inquired into and found true, which Govert Loockermans will have to deny . In the
meantime you must take care not to get into troubles and quarrels with the Indians and
pay attention to your [defences.]

The salt eel has been received, for which I thank yr. Ilr. very much.

* See Proceedings in Council N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. IV, pp. 330 et subs.

56 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Witli this comes also Pieter Coornelisaen, the carpenter, whom I send there at yr.
Hrs. request. You can employ him there during this winter and let him repair the
property of the Company, especially the house, so that, when I, God willing, shall come
there in the spring, I may hud everything in good and [proper condition].

(Rest of tliis page illegible or destroyed.)

to take an inventory in the presence of the owner and send it over here to us. We

desire you to do this with diligence and by so doing this, you will satisfy us.

Also if outside of our fort Nassau, either to the Swedes or elsewhere withm our
limits, some traders should come without license, as mentioned above, you shall, if it
can be done, as I have said, stop them or if not protest against them in due form and
send us copy of the protest by first opportunity.

We trust, that your Honor shall have shown diligence and application in repairing,
with the assistance of the servants, who are there yet, the fort and buildings, wliich we
recommend to your Honor very urgently and request to send back Pieter Coornelisseu
by first opportunity as soon as the most necessary work there has been done by him,
as we need him to finish the newly commenced warehouse here. My vrife sends you

herevidth 4 to 5 , as she has nothing at present and I am to transmit to

your Honor her further dutiful regards. Before this I have given yr. Hr. infonnation in
regard to the [bearer] of this and recommend once more, to have the matters [amicably]
an-anged, to [prevent] a further interruption of the trade and to get into no more trouble
with the Indians. Farewell. The [letter] mentioned in [your last] has not been received
by me, [send me] a copy of it.

(Rest of this page, the beginning of a new letter is defective.)

If the Governor Johan Prints ventures to further anticipate some places, your Honor
shall very carefully and discreetly bear with it, and at all times mind not to give any
occasion for complaints, but if he wanted again to fortify and build upon some places,
you must immediately, on behalf of the Hon. Company erect a house, larger or smaller,
according to the forces, you have there, near by, that it may be understood thereby, that
such a place or places have belonged to us since many years.

The ordered goods shall also be sent to your Honor by Govert Loockermans and the
boards by Gerrit Vasterick, upon the receipt of which your Honor must, as much as you
can, husband them and make them go as far as it shall be feasible.

In regard to the petition of Jan 't Dyrsen and his companion you may, in Our name,

release and discharge them fj-om the Company's service, provided

that they go and live and settle there at theii- own expenses and gain their livelihood

by agriculture or the best way they can, save that they shall bind themselves, always
to acknowledge the Hon. Lord-Directors as their Lords and Patrons under the sovereignity
of Their High Mightinesses, but in regard to this as well as to other matters yr. Hr. must
consider, whether it is quite advisable at present, that two private persons should establish
themselves there somewhere else ; if your Honor does not deem it advisable now, you can
[bestow] upon the abovementioned petitioners a place for a house about the fort, [until] I
comp there with God's assistance, which I hope shall be before long, but you must keep
this my [intended] coming over a secret and not disclose it to anybody in the world, for
potent reasons, which influence me thereto and bear upon it, as if your Honor had no
advice whatever, much less knowledge of my coming ; by doing which, you will do well.

J^ew York Historical Records. 57

Symon Eoot, Peter Ebel and Claes Jansen have asked me for a deed of consent, to go
into tlie Minquas country and to draw [advantage of] the trade and to remain there, since
the Swedes do the [same] and try also to [alienate] the savages from us. Consequently
I have, by a written deed and consent granted and permitted them to go into the Minquas
land, under this reservation however, that if the Commissary Hendrick Huygen or some
of the Swedes go to the Minquas country, than they might do it also, but if the Swede or
any one in their behalf should not do it at all, then they too shall not [have permission
to] go to the Minquas country.

The goods, which your Honor has been pleased to send for me specially, will be
speedily used for my benefit and advantage.

I do not know the cause of the arrest of Hans Jacobsen, because there appears not a
satisfactory evidence of the crime committed by him ; I am expecting these documents
by one or the other ship or if there is an opportunity and the roads, which Claes de
Ruyter and others are going now, are good, Hans Jacobsen may be himself the bearer
thereof, coming hitherward with an Indian from Sanghikans. Your Honor are not to allow
henceforth, that some Christians come hitherward from there overland, for reasons which
we have.

Jan 't Dyrsen, Tomes Proen and some others shall have their discharge in a short
time, in the meantime they can surely as well for themselves, as for Symon Root their
partner begin to make preparations for their building, to which I give them herewith
liberty and permission nor shall you prevent them.

April IT"^ 1648.

Your Honor' s letter has been [handed] to me [by the] boy of Loockermans

sent overland ; as answer to which these few lines shall serve.

We have been pleased to hear, that your Honor has been using your assiduity and
diligence in repairing the fort and hope to find the same in a reasonable state of defense.
In regard to the other matters remaining there, as well the Swede, as the running to the
Minquas country it must continue so for the time being. I intend after the disposition
of the yacht " Swol," to travel there and come to your Honor overland, for which purpose
I would need a River-Indian from the South and one or two Minquas, to serve us as
guides ; it is therefore my request, that immediately after receipt of this you will send
hitherward one of the most trusty South-River Indians with the Minquas, but so that the
same do not know for what purpose ;' this can remain a secret to the rest of your people.
The necessaries for me and the officers, who are to come with me, will be sent by the first
ship of Vasterick, that sails there. Your Honor might inform the Indians and tell them
that possibly a Dutchman or two might come there, that they indicate to and lead them
the best and shortest route to Sanghikans, for which they shall be remunerated.

In future Your Honor shall, in order not to put the Company to unnecessary
expenses, not send the letters overland withoiit some great reason, but it may well be
done by the vessels.

Your Honor must recommend and order the basketmaker, to cut there as much osiei
to make baskets or paniers with as he can get, as I shall need them.

58 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Fdver.

On the 27'!' April 1648.

These [few lines] are to serve as information, .that if it pleases Gfod, to

continue ns in the present health and this place in its well-being, that our departure from
here to the South-River, overland and with about 30 persons, most likely more than less,
will take place on the 10'.'' or ll'l* of May, if it so pleases God, unless your Honor bear
or foresee any danger in it, which it will serve us to be timely informed of with the
reasons thereof. And there are to be sent us two Minquas and two (?) River Indians,
besides these, two or three of the cleverest Dutchmen your Honor has there, to give us
information in regard to the roads and the journey, whom, if they have not been sent
on the letter before this, it will answer to send speedily (and) without delay ; besides
these your Honor's report and also a list of the things necessary to build quickly a
proper and strong house on the other side of the river, as token of ownership. This
for your Honor alone, without communicating it to anybody. The 6'." of the coming
month of May being the first [Wednesday] in the same, shall be a general day of fasting
and prayer throughout the government, which over we shall with God' s help begin our
journey on the first favorable day, whereto God may grant his grace.

We command only that the abovementioned day of fasting and prayer shall also be
observed (there) according to the means of divine service, enjoyed by your Honor and
that for our arrival there some vessels shall be ready at the desh-ed places.

On the 26'" of May 1648.
My last (letters) preceding this sent overland and by our Committee have been, I
hope, handed to your Honor and proved our good opinion of you to that extent, that
I deem it unnecessary to repeat the same in this letter, much less to recommend your
Honour, so that this only serves to report the favorable state of affairs here, which we
hope also of those regions.

In the margin it is said: This must be on the 15"" Juue.
On the 24'." of May 1648.
We have been at sea in the sloop " Pr. Willem" together with Coornelis Jansen, the
colonist, to sail for the South-River and have run in for the second time on account of
calms and contrary winds. Therefore this sei-ves (to inform you) that the aforesaid yacht
will go to sea again vrith the first favorable wind. I send on her two of the officers next
to me (in command) Vice-Director van Dincklage and Mr. De la Montangie, with orders
and command to transact the business there to the greatest benefit and advantage of the
Hon"!" Company and as they are both unacquainted there, you are to inform them of
everything and continue the work, commenced in the meantime. As quickly as your
Honor is aware, that the abovementioned deputies have arrived in the Bay of the
South-River, your Honor must order the yachts, present there, to escort the mentioned
gentlemen of the CouncU in proper style and to sail down, to meet them, offering them
as much respect as if I was present and it could be offered to mej whereby a signal service
shall be done to the Hon"!'' Company and to us. I would have come myself, but on
account of some inconveniences, which for reasons remain a secret, I have resolved to
stay here and still hope, to pay a visit there to your Honor, should the season of the
year allow it.

J^ew York Historical Records. 59

On the 28'." of May 1648.

We imagine, that your Honor is astonished or anxious, and not without reason,
about the delay and long retarding of our coming. The commissioned gentlemen of the
Council, bearers of this, can inform you more amply as to the reasons and causes, it is
nevertheless necessary that they remain a secret with them and you and be explained
there in some other way, namely that some incidents have happened in the course
of time and further that we wait, among others, for the ships, which we expect

from the fatherland [in a short time] to support your Honor becomingly.

The journey overland the officers and subordinates too difficult

We thank our God, that it has not been undertaken. I have undertaken it twice by sea,
but have been interrupted as often by contrary winds and run in behind Staten-Island
the last time for fire-wood and water. I heard there, that the Northern Indians are
gathering against us and our nation, on which account, I was, on my return here, asked
and requested by the inhabitants, our good subjects, to defer this voyage at this time, at
least [until] it was ascertained how this matter and its consequence might turn out,
which having for high and weighty reasons been considered by us and our council, we
have judged it necessary, that the affairs there, with your Honor on the S. River, should
for the sake of the Company and the land in general, be properly adjusted and advanced.
For this purpose we have commissioned our beloved and faithfid chief-officers and
councillors Messrs L. van Dincklage and Mr. la Montangie, whom your Honor will have
to receive and to honor as our own person, on behalf of the Lord Mayors, also to assist
by advice and deed in everything, which might pertain to the benefit of the Company
and the land generally, following the tenor of the instructions given to them, to which we
refer, without enlarging upon them here, and they shall cast up accounts and acknowledge,
as if they were rendered to us or for ourselves.

Grovert Loockermans is suspected here by many of contraband dealings with the
Indians in guns, powder and lead. The Swedish Governor Prints has before this been
furious about it and complained. I do not know, how it is. If your Honor could get
some certainty or hear about it there, it would not be amiss, that this were done
secretly, as well at the Swedish Governor' s as elsewhere ; should there be any evidence
thereof, I deem it necessary that it should be sent to me by first opportunity and
himself, Govert Loockermans, with his sloop and goods be seized and his goods be
taken in good and safe storage, until our further advice and prescriptions. But your
Honor must proceed with secrecy and carefulness, as it is a matter of consequence, in
which this city and the Company is highly interested.

I desire to hear, how it stands with the merchandise, sent by Peter Coornelissen and
what they have been traded for ; in case no beavers can be got for them, remain quite
determined. As to suspicion of unfaithfulness to my promise, I request your Honor to
do your duty and to recommend the things to Peter Coornelissen. We shaU prove
ourselves grateful for it.

In case the commissioned officers and your Honor deem it advisable, to make some
small presents to the Sachems, we have at present no goods here and jou may import
some ; but we have given order to our commissioners, to call upon the traders, either
Govert Loockermans or Coornelis Coenraetsen for them. We shall take care to satisfy

60 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

them, but everything must be obtained as cheap and reasonable, as the cause and the
reputation will allow.

On the IS'" June 1648.

My last letters preceding this, sent overland and by our Committee, have been, I
hope, handed to your Honor and proved our good opinion of you to that extent, that
I deem it unnecessary to repeat the same in this letter, much less to recommend your
Honor, so that this only serves to report the favorable state of affairs here, which we also
hope of those regions.

Our Secretary came yesterday from the North and informed us, that the young
Brusten has been at the South River of New-Netherland, also that your Honor has
entered a protest against him, we trust, by virtue of our order. Therefore, since the
Swedish Governor has granted him, as to one of his own settlers a deed and commission

to trade with Chr[istians and] savages so to extend his boundaries,

which we judge to be a matter of evil consequences and not less of prejudice for our
trade, but we trace no remedy for it unless boundary lines were established, so that
I myself am at a loss, what to do or to omit : for if this continues, the trade which is
already spoiled at the South-River, will still more be i-uined. Therefore, I judge it not
improper, that your Honor with the commissioned gentlemen, should they still be there,
or if not, you alone should meet Governor Prints in a civil [manner] and inquire, [whether]

the matter was so and if you find that he has issued and a commission to deal

with the natives, [to ask] if he himself does not deem the matter to be injurious to
both him and us, as tending to the further ruin of the trade ; further, that you will
inform us of his answer, mentioning to him on either an affirmative or negative answer,
that we here might find cause therein, to grant the same deeds and commissions to
all the English people, whereby without doubt the whole trade would be destroyed.
We will not enlarge hereupon any further before your Honor's answer or the report of
the Committee —

I have given permission to the bearer of this, that he may go to our fort and fetch his
master AUerton. The affair of Govert Loockeiinans is recommended to your Honor
expressly, but, if the gentlemen of the council have departed, aU [must be done] secretly.
Some accusations have been made here against him which we consider true under the
circumstances of the case.

Your Honor is therefore charged, to advise us, what peltries may be got there from
his illicit trade. I have previously informed your Honor of our resolution concerning
the sending there of merchandise and peltries, namely that aU those are liable to
confiscation, of which there has been no declaration made, fi-om which place they have
been exported. This your Honor will have to bear in mind and then to infonn us of the
quantity of beavers, which every trader declares either for [himself] or for others.

On the * * * 1648.

This serves only [to inform your Honor] that two ships have arrived here from

Fatherland one, called the " Pyn- Apple" for account of Mr. Hardenbargh and the other

for Govert Loockermans : but the news are very few and in my opinion of no great use

for our state. The peace between Spain and us has been concluded ; the articles of it^

Kew Yoj'k Historical Records. 61

together with several covenants {covanten ?) shall be sent to you in a short time. I have
had as yet little leisiire to peruse them myself. I desire to hear how the matters with
our deputies have terminated, I expect to see them every day. We were informed of
their arrival at the South-Kiver by a Mr. Lardt, also that they have been well received.
I am in hope of a favorable issue.

Concerning the affairs of Govert Loockermans, of which I have informed your Honor
before this, I hope that you have kept it secret and informed yourself, how matters stand
there against him. I had advised previously, that, if there was anything like conti-aband
trading charged against him, he should remain under arrest with your Honor together
with his goods and merchandise, in case I could not let him pass. However I will inform
you of the whole in my very next letter — what quantities of beavers he has with him —
so that we may govern us accordingly.

In case your Honor [could do it] without impediment to the and service

I should deem it of great service, if your Honor would visit us for a week or 14 days,
[but] we leave that to your own good judgment.

On the 26'? of August 1648.

(Beginning of letter destroyed.)

Concerning the proceedings of the Swedish Governor in regard to the continuation
of the trade with powder and lead as well as to preventing, as your Honor informs us,
our people from building or settling on the west side of the South-River, either on the
Schuylkil or elsewhere on land, bought and paid for by the Company, I desire and
expect your Honor to report explicitly and give satisfactory proof. In several [letters]
to me, he excuses himself and complains of your Honor in several respects, among
others about your Honor's haughty, unneighborly manner, — as that yr Hr. had ordered
some beavers from savages or Indians with the intention of trying to get for them some
contraband-merchandise, which having miscarried your Honor is reported to have said
"the devil take them, who are with the Swedes" and so forth, which having been
communicated by one party in a partial manner, will be considered with discretion.
Nevertheless I deemed it necessary, to inform your Honor of it, as your Honor
might make of a contradicting statement.

We have to communicate to your Honor with regret and contrary to [our expectations],

that many complaints are made against your Honor of bad payments and

fraudulent delays, which make the council dissatisfied and fearful to send

thither [goods] of the company

(Tlie remainder of the page is lost.)

of those, whom it was our duty to support. Nevertheless it is so still and this

shall [not] induce us to act or serve otherwise, than whereto honor and oath oblige us. A
deed of consent and security shall be delivered to the freemen, who have bought the land
from the Indians or might buy any at a future time, provided that they submit, like
other subjects, to the oath and allegiance of our Lords- Sovereigns and Patrons.

Likewise we cannot but consider as good and expedient your Honor's last proposal,
to buy the land from the Narraticonse Kil to the bay, for sale by the savages, thereby to
anticipate others. But your Honor will please to take care, that in the transfer the
proper minuteness be observed and that, this being done, it be described and signed by

62 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

as [many] Sachems and witnesses, as your Honor [may obtain] somehow among the [free
people] and Christians, who are not in the service of the Company.

On the 26'." of May 1649.

I have answered your Honor's favor of the 19'." of April before this.
(The remainder is lost.)

Youl- Honor will be provided with it by the bearer hereof. Sander Leendertsen is

to deliver to your Honor 30 to 36 measures {schepeJ) of wheat. Should a greater quantity
of either be necessary, you will to let us know, also what else is needed and we will
accommodate your Honor and the servants to the best of our abilities.

Your Honor desires permission to come here. In case no important difficulty should
prevent, your Honor has our consent. About the time, when the trading has been done
and the vessels return, I expect also Mr. Vice-Director Roodenburgh from the West-Indies
with a large cargo of salt and wood.

We conclude from your preceding letter that Claes de Ruyter has used his mouth
rather freely at the Swedish Governor's against ourselves as well as against the
Netherlandish nation. If your Honor could learn the truth either directly or by some
one else, it would be an act of friendship for me.

On the 28'." of June 1649.
This serves no other purpose, than that, as Tomas Decies (?), master of the bark " De
Barbary " has asked us for a commission, permitting him to trade at the South-River of
New-Netherland and deal with Christians and Pagans, we have granted the same to him.
You will therefore let him do his tradings freely and frankly without hindrance.

arrives overland. The ships of Govert Loockermans and Ariaen Bloemert may be expected
at any time. Likewise I expect then with them the yacht Swol with some people fi'om
Curasao. I hope to find then [sufficient] people for your relief. I have previous to this
enlarged upon what your Honor communicates in reference to the purchase of land : we
are, as we said before, well pleased with it, as with something necessary and advantageous
for the Company and the maintenance of our possession. In regard to the land below the
fort, of which your Honor speaks, I have before this signified my consent, to buy the
same for the Hon""' Company. If your Honor is of opinion, that it is as necessary, as
the information says, I shall write through our Secretary to Thienhoven and to the
skipper for Vasterick to the purpose, that they should assist your Honor to this end
with goods.

We are informed by several people coming from the North, English as well as
of our own nation, that the English * are preparing 5 to 6 Ketches or vessels, to bring
the South-River under English rule or to possess it as their own. For the present we
have little means and power to prevent this ; if the sloop Swol were arrived from the
West-Indies, which is expected, we would perhaps resolve to send the same to your
Honor, to anticipate the occupation of the river, whereupon we await your Honor's
advice.

* See the correspondence between Petrus Stuyvesant and the Governors of New-Haven and Pljonouth, on pages
51 to 53.

Kew York Historical Records. 63

We are of the opinion, tliat if tliis nation came there once, they would not only
alienate the river fi'om us and the Swede [forever], but that after it they would also make
an attempt to get possession here of the Korth River between the colony and this place,
would draw the trade in other channels and separate the Colony of Renselaerswyck from
this place. We recommend therefore to your Honor to pay attention to all measures to
prevent this and to advise us timely of your opinion, also, if your Honor deems it proper
at this distance, to confer hereupon either in person or by letter with Governor Printz :
provided however, that your Honor do not expose yourself in regard to our right of first
and old possession : besides [all that] your Honor finds advisable for the prevention.
You will please to inform us speedily [in regard] to the purchase of the land above in the
river, also wlio the rightful owners are and what price they demand for it.

If any chance permits, we shall endeavor to satisfy Mr. Augustyn.

Your Honor will please to promote our old right and possession of the Schuylkil by
all possible means with the natives, that it may not be forsaken by them or transferred
to others, but in the contrary induce them to remain faithful to the agreement made with
our committee. — I repeat my request again, that your Honor will please to inform
yourself either personally or through others in regard to the opprobrious language of
De Ruyter. I believe, that the bearer hereof, Marten Cruger, would be a proper person
thereto and have said to him a word or two about it.

We vnM take care, that, as far as our occupation, allow it, the grain shall henceforth
be ground here, but must recommend to your Honor, to write about this and other
requirements to the Commissary and admonish him to remind us of it. Stockings, shoes,
shirts and linen are at present not to be had here, as Vasterick has brought with him
little else, but merchandise for the trade. We must therefore wait for the expected

On the 24'." of August Anno 1649.

These few [lines] are to serve as safeconduct for Mr. Allerton, , which goes

thither with our knowledge. [I have] no time to prolong it, because of some

necessary business, which occurred in regard to Mr. Allerton' s departure, of

which he can [inform] your Honor. It is further my fiiendly request, that your Honor
will please to [endeavor], that we may get good and sufiicient proof of the supposed (?)
language, which de Ruyter has used behind our [backs] before the Swedish Governor,
with the circumstances of it. Also if possible, that your Honor endeavor to get an
extract from the letter, which Melyn wrote to the Hon"'" Governor by Jan Lichtvoet in
regard to his galiot. — The galiot of skipper Isack Abrahamsen has arrived here, brought
up by the fiscal, whereby the skipper has perished. In the meantime it has been
found, that the galiot has either de facto or pro forma been sold and transferred to
English merchants in Boston, so that little claim is made upon it, unless we have been
deceived by the Swedish Governor. A letter is also said to have been written by
Melyn to him, in which they say among others this sentiment or words occur, to wit,
that Melyn has written, "Punish the person and not my ship and cargo." If we had
hereof an authenticated copy or a legal declaration, it would give us some light. Your
Honor will please to bring this about, if possible.

64 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

On the 4* of April A" 1650.
Your Honor' s favor of the 22"! of March by a savage has been received. These few
lines shall serve as answer. Above all your Honor will please to inform yourself from

the English, in case they are still on the river, when they have left Barbadoes and

whether they have not heard of the galiot of Adrian Bloemert, which sailed from here for
Barbadoes in October or of our fleet, the Prince, saUed from here for that place about the
middle of September. Respecting the state of the [river] no mention is made of the
building, of the particulars of the progress, which it makes, all which I desire very much
to hear. The latest news is, that Their High Mightinesses had accepted New-Netherland,*
it is credible, that the rumor wiU not prove quite so good. We have entirely different
advices by way of Vii'ginia, written to us under date of the 23* of October, whereby we
are informed, that rather many may be deceived in the great opinion, which they have
adopted to the disadyantage of the Company and that they, who have removed here

from there, would already not only like to retui-n, but that there are some of the ,

who might be supplanted. However, time will show it. Our recommendation is as
before, to dispatch everything for the greatest service and [advantage] of the Hon*"''
Incorporated West-India Company, saving the respect for Their High Mightinesses as
our gracious Sovereigns. I have sent Commissary Keyser to the North for grain ; as soon
as he returns or as some vessels come down from Fort Orange I shaU comply with your
Honor's request and provide your Honor abundantly, if God gives some population to
the river. —

On the 29'!' of May 1650.

The bearer of this letter was under sail, before I had been informed of his sudden

departure ; nevertheless (I write) this in haste and therefore so much shorter, to give

your Honor further instructions, by which to be govered.

The ship " Prince WUlem," upon which the Hon"'^ Mr. Roodenburgh took passage, has
safely arrived here, for which God be praised. No passengers came over in her : some
might have been had on the island, if the ship had wanted to wait there about 2 or 3 months,
which I believe, the Hon"'" Mr. Roodenburgh did not think advisable. Nevertheless
we are given hope from the Fatherland, by their High Mightinesses of peopling
New-Netherland, and especially the South-River, which has been taken in great
consideration by Their Honors upon the remonstration made by your Honor to us. I
communicate this to your Honor as to a faithful servant of the Hon"'" Company, to serve
for your Honor's guidance, while [resisting] further [attacks] and usui-pations of the

Hollanders, Swedes and [English] all prudence and carefulness, you shall [know] to

take hold under form of protest. In the meantime you [must] keep my

communication secret from the Swedish Governor and his favorites, to make him for

the sale of more land

We expect him to depart from here then with a ship and troops of the Honorable
Company and in better condition, with the confidence, that aU shall turn out to the best
of the Hon*"" Company and this country's progress, whereof the indications are good.

* See Letter of Directors to Stuyvesant, 16'" Febr. 1650, N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol XI. f. 18

New York Historical Records. 65

No right-minded judge will pretend, that the propositions of the embassadors, of which
a copy has been obtained by me from the Fatherland, were ever made for the benefit
and advantage of the good inhabitants ; but on the contrary they are nothing else, than
false libels, calumnies and slanders of the Hon*"* Lords-Directors and their officers.
Govert Loockermans and his friends have acted as false hypocrites and deceivers towards
me and the Hon*"* Company, God may forgive them. More about this in our next or
upon our visit to you.

I have charged the Commissary to provide your Honor with some hard-bread, oil
and vinegar, also some fruit in case it is needed there and some peas. It is very hard to
get corn here : we hope for a better growth with God's blessing : we shall provide your
Honor in a short time with some commodities for the troops. Please to inform us in
your first letter, if the salt has been gathered by the Swedes, what is the price and the
quantity.

On the 2V' of June 1650.

Your favor of the 28"" of May has been handed to me in due time, to which these few
lines are to serve as answer, as I am in a hurry. I cannot quite comprehend, what your
Honor mentions in regard to the discontent of the English, for I am indeed not conscious
that any troubles have occurred between [us] and the English or between the English and
the [Swedes] nor when they happened, whether on the South-river or thereabouts or in
Maryland or that neighborhood. I have fully examined the bearer of your Honor's
favor about the matter, he however could give me no explanation, so that this matter
[is referred back] for a fuller information. I wish your Honor could report to me more

explicitly in regard to the affairs of Jan and Evert M It would have been well,

if your Honor could have caught these smugglers, wherein the arrival of the vessels of
the private traders certainly would have been of assistance, seeing that they are vastly
damaged by such smuggling. They have been with their vessels near Cony Island
and run thence to Boston. Jan Heyn has in the meantime been here under arrest, but
he has been released upon bail. I wished your Honor could secretly inform yourself
as to what quantity of merchandise they have brought to the Kiver and traded to the
Swedes, also what quantities of beavers and other peltries they may have exported from
there. But your Honor will do well to proceed herein carefully and secretly, through
the second and thli-d hand, for otherwise the Swede would not be willing to babble.

We are well pleased, with what your Honor has done regarding the building at
Bevers Reede, since we well know the necessity of it and that it could not be otherwise
for the present. The promised release of the troops will be considered with all diligence.
The letters of the Hon*'^ Lords-Directors as well as of Secretary Thienhooven give us
good hope of an increase of the population, also that some recruits, about 120 men,
shall come with the ship of the Hon*'" Company for the release of the old servants. This
done, we shall wait with anxiety, until a general release can be effected. By the
"Falconier" we expect ampler information. Nevertheless, in case she should tarry any
longer, I shall yet fulfill my promise, in so far that your Honor [may discharge] some
and I will send your Honor others. [It might be] well, if your Honor, should there be
some more [entitled to a discharge] could persuade them, to continue in the service of
the Company for another winter here at the Manhattans or in the neighborhood, foi
9

66 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare River.

the general discharge here cannot be expected before winter on account of the delay [in
the arrival] of the Company' s ship

Eegarding your Honor's fni-ther proposition to myself, [I have had] as yet no reason
for dissatisfaction with your Honor's service, wherein if your Honor continues as I trust, I
shall not fail to support your Honor against all false calumnies to the best of my means.
We have had sufficient experience in our own person of the falsehoods with which many,
who are called the best, [persecute] the Hon""^ Company and her most faithful servants,
in order to take possession of it, if possible, in the future and tread it under foot. In
the meantime is a good conscience better than one thousand witnesses and on the other
side, there is no comfort in a good name, derived from the father, if the conscience
gives different evidence. —

Received on the 16'" July, 1650.
My last has been (sent) by the supercargo of the galiot "S' Michiel," since when I
have had no opportunity. In the meantime the ship the "Falconier" has arrived from
the Fatherland and among other passengers Jacob Wolphertson and Jan Evertsen Boudt,*
the worthy complainants, and with them a crowd of Scotch, Chinese f and small dealers
and not more than 3 or four farmers. Time must show, what benefit to the land will
accrue from these. A great infraction and trouble for the trade, (tending) to the
neglect of the Christians and the advantage of the savage and barbarous people. The
complainants have [entered] against the Hon"'" Company and her faithful servants a very
'■'■passive''^ and unfounded [complaint] and therefore, God be praised, obtained little
[more] than a letter of safe-guard, that they shall not be called to account for their
[accusations], a sure proof [of their] bad conscience and ^^ passim'''' proceedings; as yet
[I cannot] see anything else, than that these people come out of their [business] as wise
as tlie cat out of England, having in the meantime with [their g]reat boasting deceived
many good men, as [the result will] show. There are signs of a good beginning for the
peopling of the South-River ; but as yet [none are coming], who are willing to take the

plough into their hands the trade must first be ruined to the ground and then the

despised business shall gradually come to honor. Meanwhile your Honor will have
everything in readiness, to accommodate all those, who are willing to settle under the
patronage of the Hon''"' Company, as well as it is possible, in order to encourage others.
I cannot but infer from the letter of the hon"' Company, together with that of
Secretary Thienhooven, that still another ship is to be expected from the Fatherland, by
which the Hon'''^ Company promises to send troops : fearing in the meantime, that it might
be delayed longer, I have nevertheless been willing to fulfiU my promise of discharging
some of the old servants there, who, we trust, shaU still continue in the service
here for another year or at least so long, until the expected men arrive from Patria.
Your Honor will then please to send us the others in their place by first chance. AU
three have promised into my hand, that they will obey your Honor also, which we
hope. — Lately we have been informed, that some freemen and among others Symon Root
have betaken themselves against your Honor's advice and consent to the Minquase

*8ee Col. Hist., Vol. I, pp. 331, 258, 318, 340.

t Petty traders, adding nothing to the population. Vide Holl. Doc. IV, p. 42, note 10.

J^ew York Historical Records. 67

country ; if this be so, you will give us information regarding it. We perceive from
your Honor s advices, how dangerous this running about the country is and agree
therefore, that your Honor shoiild prevent it as much as possible.

I expect [at an early day] your Honor's written information in regard to the state of
ailairs on the River and what hope there is to maintain the Company in her rights and
to recover the boundaries of the SchuylkU from the Swedes. Adriaen R(eyniertsen) has

received his discharge from the Fatherland of the year : he is at present busy

to close his books and accounts. In case there are still some outstanding debts on the
books [of the Company] which must be regulated you will please, to give notice by [the
lirst] opportunity offering, that every one may receive his due.

We hope, that your Honor shall satisfy him and free us, it being stated that a
present of circa 40 beavers has been made by him ; but I wish, that not many such
presents occurred; as they are not advantageous for the Hon"'" Company and disreputable
to myself. Upon your Honor's note we have given him 3 good muskets, 12 lbs. of
powder, 8 (lbs. of) lead, so that 1 trust, that the value of the beavers is about paid for :
I know that the giving away of the muskets will earn blame for me and the Company,
but it could not be helped this time : one of their statements was, that they were divided
in two (parties) in the Minquase land, one half for the Swedes, he and others for us and
our nation ; the other half could get from the Swedes, to theii- satisfa ction, accommodations
of powder, muskets and lead, but they not from us ; they came therefore here, to make
these presents to me, that they also might be provided therewith. This has given me
a good opportunity, to request your Honor, to satisfy them.

Received on the 6'." August, 1650.

Since I have as yet not received an answer to my last letter, I find little material to
lengthen this. I will however say. that the long expected Swedish ship has, as some say,
stranded at Porto Rico, others (say), that it has been brought up and confiscated by the

Spaniards. These last news have been brought here by Augustyn Harman Kerler

(Curler), which I [consider] the most certain, [however] time must show, how the matter
stands.

(Balance of page lost.)
We must submit, to our shame, to the censure of our inferiors.
We expect with the next letter also a list of the names of those, who are with your

Honor in the service of the Hon"'^ Company, and of their salaries, to be transferred in

good order into the new books.

On the same day.

The bearer of this, Jan Andriessen of Beren-Bach, known to your Honor and now
lately arrived from the Fatherland in the " Falconier," intends to settle under the authority
of the Hon'"^ Company at the South-River of New-lSTetherland and gain his subsistence
like other freemen. Requesting hereto our order, that your Honor would indicate to
him, according to circumstances, a place for a house and a garden, either in the
neighborhood of the fort or on the Schuylkil subject to the state of affau-s, I will
therefore hereby request and charge your Honor, to accommodate the bearer hereof in

68 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

this and other matters, as much as possible, that not only he, but [also] others may be
[induced] to people and settle the River and other territories of the Company.

On the 9'? July, 1650.

Bearer hereof, Cornells desires to establish himself as a freeman

(Rest of page lost.)

exteact from a letter of the directors in holland to director
Peter Stuyvesant ; they are endeavoring to fix the boundaries

BETWEEN THE DUTCH AND THE SWEDES. 21^'" MaRCII, 1651.

It is further our intention to apply to the Queen of Sweden and try, whether we
cannot determine the boundaries between us and the Swedes on the Southriver. Your
Honor will, m the meantime, endeavor to maintain the rights of the Company lq all
justice and equity.

Papers referring to trade regulations for the Delaware.

Whereas wee haue receiued order from the Right honourable the Lords Bewinthebbers
of the West Indie Company, patrons & the right proprietours of this Province, called the
.Yew-Netherlands, in the which all those lands & riuers are included, which by vs are
called the Southriver & by the English Deleware baye not to pmit or suffer any whatsoeuer
to trade or handle in any of theyre s? limitts, without lycence & payemt of the vsuall
recognition, as our owne nation doe paye, wherevppon wee are bownd to giue order to
our deputy there not to pmitt any whatsoeuer to trade either with Christians or natiues
before such tyme as they shall shew Commissio" vnder the hand and seale of the
s* West-Indie Company or theyi-e Gouern'' of this Puince, togeather with an inuoyce of
all theyre goods by our ffiscael subscribed. This therefore may giue notice vnto you

Mr. More, master of the Catch called the Sara & the merch? thereof that you may

not hereafter plead ignorance, that in case you shall goe to trade in any of the s* precincts,
without Commissio" of the s'? Company or our selues & the payemi of ye vsuall recognition
as atfores* vppon your owne pill bee & blame not vs (if after soe faire a warning) for the
maiating [i. e. maintaining] of our right and orders wee shall bee Constreined to take
such Course in the attaching or supprising yoT s? vessell or goods as wee shall thinke
meet & answerable to our Commissio. Fort Amsterdam, 21'? April [1651 ?]

Mouns^ Hudde.

You are hereby to take notice that whereas I vnderstand Mr. Evans intends to come
to the South riuer to receiue somme debts due to him there I doe hereby require you to
pmit him soe to doe without disturbance to himselfe or vessell, but that hee may follow

Mew YotIc Historical Records. 69

his occasions there peacablie, allwayes provided that incase the s'? Mr. Evans shall trade
or handle either vs'ith Christians or natiues there hee hath promised to paye the recognition
heere & to be accomptable in our ilort heere for what hee shall doe, therefore you are
likewise ordered to pmit him if case shall soe bee, to lett him handle, trade or Commerce
either with Christians or natiues peacablie & quietlie without molestatio or disturbance
from any of our officers there.

Letter from Die. Stutvesant to the Governor of Massachtjsetts,
regarding the english claims on the delaware ; he has stopped

A VESSEL AND SETTLERS FROM NeW-HaVEN GOING THERE.

Honoured S"

The great desires that I had, for the maintaining of all loueing & neighbourlie
Correspondencie with the seuerall respectiue English Jurisdictions was the greatest
motiue that drew mee to meete the worthy Comissioners the last yeare att Hartford,
that wee might not only indeauour to reconcile past differences if there were any, but
likewise a settlement of a more ffriendlie & neerer vnion betwixt vs & amongst other
matters some passages Concerning the South river (by you called Deleware bay) Came
in question, betwixt those of the Collony of Newhauen & vs : wee claiming a right
thereunto & those of Newhauen a old right to certaine pcells of land, but for myne
owne pte not haueing warrant to put that before any other matter of right in these ptes
of America dulie appertaining to ye H : M : the Estates Gener" of the vnited Belgicke
Provinces & by them graunted to the Right hon : the Lords Bewinthebbers of the
West-Indie Company to the arbitration or adiudgem^ of men, as matters were left vs,
they were fownd and for myne owne pte did & doe heartilie desire that some speedy
Course might be pitched vppon by the superiours of both nations in Europe for the
absolute determining of that & other differences of limmitts betwixt vs heere in these
ptes, that for the tyme to come there might not be any cause of warring betwixt vs
or our posterities and in attendance thereunto haue earnestlie indeauoured by letters
to my principalis that they would further the same & am crediblie informed that our
Embassadour hath instructions from the H : M : to treate & agree with the state of Engl :
aboute it, I then likewise declaring myselfe that I should be Constreined, in case any
should attempt the sitting downe of any people there (vppon any pretence of right & as

not dependent vppon the state of Holland) both by and otherwise to hinder them

what I could, haueing order and instructions from my superiours soe to doe and did
reallie beleue that those of Newhauen would haue rested satisfied with the equitie &
weight of my propostion and declaration & not haue attempted any thing that waye
vntill further order oute of Europe, but Contrarye to my hopes & expectations some
weekes past those of the Collonye of ISTewhauen sent a vessell this waye to passe by
our ffort with some 50 men or thereaboutes vnder the guidance or conduct of Robert
Crane* & Leif Seely and others with orders & instructions fi-om them to settle

*See Hazard's Hist. Coll. Vol. II, p. 195.

70 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

downe in some ptes of the Sowth rraer and by vertue of an onsworne Commissio
from the vnited Collonies to Capt. Xathaniell Turner, haiteing order likewise in
theyre passing by to deliuer mee some letti? from Gouernr Eaton, wherein I had the
first certaine true intel'ligence of theyre designe I confess hearing of it before (only)
by common reporte. I could doe no lesse in relation to my duty to whom I serue, but
hinder theyre further progresse and not pmit them to passe by, least I might iustlie
incurre the displeasure of my principalis with the imputatio of vnfaithfulnes &
Connivence, therefore I hope the honourded the Gouern' & magistrates of the honoured
Collonie of the Massachusetts will not in any measure take offence or blame me for what
I haue done, I haueing done it in obedience to Command to mee directed (from my
principalis) not to pmit any further intrusion or anticipation vpjDon theyre rights &
likewise haueing beforehand soe fairelie & ingenuouslie declared my resolution in that
poynt : the tyme of theyre detention heere, I am sure they cannot saye, but theyi-e
entertainemt was neighbourlie & ciuillie & soe much I haue thought good to acquaint
you with, least any should wrongfullie traduce mee with vntrue assertions & whereas I
vnderstand there are some there that intend to haue recourse vnto you either to giue you
informatio of these passages or to require yo' ayde & asistance for the Carrieing on of
theyre designe, I hope your integrities & wisdoms will serve (?) rather aduise them patientlie
to wayte the resolutions & orders of both States oute of Europe then to imbroyle
themselues & neighbours to the dangerous euents of sad Consequences, that may follow
in case they shall still goe on with theyre intended designe & not afforde them any
Countenance therein, being formerlie crediblie informed, when I was att Hartford that
yourselues & the rest of the Generall Courtes of New Engl : had fully resolued that in
case, they of New-Hauen should attempt the setling downe of the s? place & that thereby
any warres or troubles should arise, you would leaue them to themselues, as not haueing
your approbatio therein, the which I hope you will please still to continue that wee goe
on in all neighbourlie & friendlie offices of loue one towards another in these ptes of
America.

******
[April 1651]

Ceetified copy of a eeceipt for sundry goods delivered by Gov^ Printz

TO AUGUSTYN HeERMANS' AGENTS.

Whereas we the undersigned agents have by authority of the Hon*"^ Governor John
Prints and pursuant to his order and recommendation finally and conclusively purchased
from Mr. Augustyn Heermans, merchant, residing at the Manhattans and to our full
satisfaction have received divers merchandizes amounting to the sum of 158^ good
merchantable winter-beavers and one guilder as appears by account and specification,
therefore we in the name and on behalf of the Hon""' Governor aforesaid, oblige and
pledge ourselves therefor and by virtue of the power and commission given to us, engage
him to pay the said sum of 1581^ good merchantable winterbeavers and one guilder,
punctually and without fail, to the aforesaid Augustyn Heermans or his order the next

Jiew York Historical Records. 71

month of May a" 1651, or in default thereof, when due, to make good all damages and
losses, without exception and in good faith. This 14"' December 1650 on the Island of
Manhattan, in New-Netherland.

(Signed) Isaac Alleeton

ElIAS GrILLENGRET

with JocHEM PiETEE KuTTER and
Abeam Clock, witnesses.
After due collation this foregoing note is found to agree with its original, signed
and dated as aforesaid by me the appointed clerk with the undersigned witnesses, this
12"" May a" 1651, Manhatans in New-Netherland.

To my knowledge Guilliam Varlet.

Jacob Kip, clerk. Jacob Jansen Huts.

Power of Attorney of Augustyn Heermans, authorizing Isaac AUerton to
collect the aforesaid beavers from Gov"' Prints.

This day, date underwritten, before me Jacob Kip, (clerk) in the absence of the
Secretary, appointed by the Hon''''= Director-General and Council of New-Netherland,
appeared Mr. Augustyn Heermans, merchant here, who in the presence of the below
named witnesses, declared, that he constituted and empowered, as he does hereby, Mr.
Isaac Allerton, at present in the Southriver of New-Netherland, to ask, demand and
receive from the Hon''''= Governor John Prints the sum of one hundred and fifty eight and
one half good merchantable winter-beavers and one guilder, due to the said principal by
his Honor according to the note annexed ; to execute a receipt in full therefor, which shall
be valid, promising to hold as good and valid, whatever shall be done and performed in
the case aforesaid by Mr. Isaac Allerton.

Thus done and executed by the abovementioned principal in the presence of Mr.
Giljaem Varlet and Jacob Jansen Huys as witnesses hereunto invited, who have signed
this n the record with the principal, this 12"" May a" 1651, at New-Amsterdam in
New-Netherland.

AuGUSTTsr Heermans.

dtnesses.

GXJILLIAM VeRLET ) .

To my knowledge

Jacob Kip, clerk.

Jacob Jansen Hfts)

Bond of Joost Teunissen van Norden, skipper, to sail directly to

THE Southriver and thence to the Manhattans with his return

freight.

I, the undersigned, hereby obligate myself, not to toi;ch, after I have sailed from this

port for the Southriver in New-Netherland, at any other place nor to take in any more

goods, than are entered on the Fiscal's list ; also not to unload them or allow them to be

discharged or to be traded, nor any of them, after my safe arrival before and until I have

72 Colonial SettlemeTits on the Delaware River.

exhibited my clearance and the invoice of the goods, taken on board, to Andries Hudde,
the Commissary there. Also, after having finished my trade at the Southriver, I shall
not depart before I have entered my full return and traded peltries with the Commissary
aforesaid and shall not alienate, land or send away any of them before and until I shall
have exhibited a list and invoice thereof to the Hon*'® Director-General or his deputy
here at the Manhatans. All without fraud and deceit on pain of forfeiting my ship
and cargo of goods, or the just value thereof.

Done Manhatan in New-Netherland, this 27"" May, 1651. In acknowledgment of the
truth I have signed this with my own hand in the presence of the under-named witnesses.

JOOST TONIS V. NOEDEN.
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)

Alike bond was given by Richard Smith, skipper of the yacht "Welcome" and still another given by Peters
Talman, master of the bark "Dolphin."

Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stutvesant : they are

AFRAID OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF StTJYVESANT'S PROCEEDINGS ON

THE Delaware and cannot approve of the demolition of Fort
Nassau. 4'" of April 1652.

Your Honor's journey to the Southriver and what has passed there between the
Swedes and your Honor, has taken us by surprise, as your Honor had not previously
made any mention of this intention ; God grant, that what your Honor has done, may
turn out for the best ; we cannot express our opinion of it, before we have not heard, how
the complaints of the Swedish Governor will be received by the Queen ; we hope that
the proofs of our previous possession will be accepted as sufficient ; but we see little
probability or any opportunity to make here arrangements with the Swedes for settling
the boundary-question ; nor can we say much, whether the demolition of Fort Nassau
was a very prudent act, as indeed nobody could claim it and time must show whether
the Swedes will understand so in regard to the erection of the new Fort, called Casemirus ;
we are in the dark as to the reasons, why the fort has been given this name ; it must be
guarded with care that it may not be surprised ; we do not know, whether it is very
necessary to make any fortifications opposite to the Fort on the eastside of the river and
must leave this to your Honor's discretion.*

* * * * * *

* The affairs of the West-India Company were not in a prosperous condition at this time ; the embarrassment
having benn caused by the expedition to the Southriver last year, as is shown by a Minute of Council in N. Y. Col.
MSS., Vo' V, fol. 54 (4'" August, 1653).— B. F.

iMew York Historical Records.

Extract from a letter of the same to the same : caution

recommended in the dealings with the swedes at the

Delaware. 4™ November 1653

* * * * * *

Your Honor must also be very cautious in the intercourse with the Swedes on the

Southriver, (against the chief of whom your Honor complains,) as well in regard to the

maintenance of the Company's privileges as by avoiding as much as possible to give

them cause for complaints and dissatisfaction, as it is not very desirable to add to the

number of the Company's enemies at this critical period ; * and regarding the request,t

made by some of his subjects, for permission to move and settle among us, in case we

would agree to protect them, we cannot see, why it should be refused and denied (unless

your Honor's view of it goes farther, than we at present can observe) for it would indeed

prevent an increase of population, which is nevertheless the life of a state and therefore

should be promoted by all means. Hence the influx of free persons should not be

impeded by obstacles, but much sooner be promoted by all resolute and honest means :

and it is demanded by justice and equity, that to the extent of our power we protect and

guard in all their rights those, who desire to and have submitted to our laws and customs,

like others of our inhabitants.

Privilege given to those, who purchase land or trade in
New-Sweden or the West-Indies. Upsala, the 16™ March
1654.

We Christina, by the Grace of Grod, Queen of Sweden, Gothland and the Wend^s,
Grand Duchess of Finland, Duchess of Esthonia, Carelia, Bremen, Verden, Stettin,
Pommerania, Casubia and the Wendes, Princess of Rugen, Lady of Ingermanland and
Wismar make known, that, whereas it is partly Our Royal pleasure, that the lands,
kingdoms and provinces, which We govern, may be, as far as possible, cultivated and
settled and whereas also the lands, which We possess in the West-Indies, are of such
an importance and quality, that it requires a greater cultivation and population and in
order that those of Our subjects, who desire to settle in the said country, also called
New-Sweden, and acknowledge Our sovereignty, or those of Our subjects who are living
here in Sweden and its dependencies and intend to trade there, may the more be
encouraged thereto and the country be improved and civilized by cultivation and
navigation, commerce and manufactures. Therefore We have given Our consent and

* The Directors aUude here evidently to the troubles and difficulties arising from the desire of the New-England
people to get a foothold on the Delaware. See Hazard's Hist. Coll. Vol. II, pp. 231, 256-270.— B. F.

t The affairs of the Swedish Colony were getting behindhand, because they had not received any succours for a
long while, and many of the Swedes, left behind by Gov^ Prints, who had been recalled by an order, dated 12'"
December, 1653 (Coll. PalmskSld Latinske Registra), made a request to Director Stuyvesant for permission to come
under the jurisdiction and protection of the West-India Company. See N. Y. Col. Hist., Vol. I, pp. 590, 600.— B. F

10

74 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

granted, as We herewitli by this Our letters-patent grant and give Our consent to tlie
following privileges and francMses :

First. Any one, who desires to purchase any land situate in New-Sweden either
from the Company or from the savages, and who will acknowledge, like a subject, Our
jurisdiction, shall enjoy for the land pui'cbased the privileges of allodial nobility
{allodial Frelses fryhect) for himself and his heu-s, with perpetual possession, while
they may be assured, that they shall either be included in the Company or retain
outside of it the franchises above mentioned.

Second. After having paid duties in Sweden or its dependencies all Our subjects
coming to New- Sweden shall be free and exempt from all further duties and if they
export anything from New-Sweden they shall only pay two per cent and are after
that duty-free in the Kingdom of Sweden and its provinces ; they shall also have
permission, if they desire it, to trade and traffic with the savages themselves. All shall
govern themselves accordingly and We command especially Our Governor in the said
New-Sweden, as well as Our Customs' Officers here in the Kingdom and its provinces,
that they shall in no manner act contrary to this order, neither now nor in future. In
witness whereof We have signed this with Our own hand and confirmed it by Our Seal,

on the day as above.

Christina.

Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant, concerning

THE LATE SWEDISH GOVERNOR PRINTS.* MaY 18, 1654.

We could not consent to the request made by your Honors in the private letter of
the 7*? October 1653 to the effect that the duties, winch were imposed here on a certain
quantity of beavers, should be returned to the former Swedish Governor Johan Prints :
mostly because the said Prints has not carried out his intention to send the said beavers
to Sweden by way of Amsterdam, but has sold them here, where he also received the
money for it and put it out at interest for his own benefit ; so that the said beavers did
not concern the Crown of Sweden, but him as a private person.

We have indeed been greatly astonished that your Honors have shown yourselves
so liberal, as your Honors cannot be ignorant of the Company's condition and how

* The order, recalling Governor Prints, was issued, as stated above, on the 12'" December, 1653, but it is more
than probable, that he had not waited for it, but had sailed before its and his successor's arrival, leaving the
administration of the Colony in the charge of his son-in-law, Lieutenant Johan Papegoya. His successor, Johan
Kysingh, was commissioned on the same day ; he received 1000 Rixdalers ($265.00) for traveling expenses and was
appointed Commissary and Assistant Councillor of the General College of Commerce for New-Sweden at a salary of
1300 speoiedalers ($1270.00), besides the special emoluments derived from the South-Company. (Coll. Palmskcild.)
Bysingh, the new Governor, probably a native of the then Swedish, now Prussian province of Pommerania, had
been an officer in the Swedish army during the 30 years' war ; during the seige of Chemnitz he had misbehaved and
was cashiered by a court-martial. (Arfwedson, De Colonia Nova Suecia in America historiola.) The Queen gi-anted
to him and his wife and their legitimate heirs " aa much land in New Sweden as he shall be able to cultivate with 20
or 30 peasants;" but from a letter, written by Kysingh to Count Oxenstierna on the 11'" July, 1654, it appears, he had
no wife, for he says, " praying your Excy. at the same time, to procure for me a good wife." (MSS. in the possession of
the Am. Philosophical Society.) — B. F.

Neiv Yorh Historical Records. 75

difficult it is, to make its income there and in this country pay the expenses : we cannot
omit therefore, to recommend herewith to your Honors, not to dispose so giddily of the
said revenues, but rather to excuse such demands in the most suitable manner, so that
nobody is hurt in his respect and authority nor any cause of trouble given.

Extract from propositions made by the Director-General in vietv

OF A threatened ATTACK OP THE ENGLISH.
[Council — Minutes 30'" May, 1654.]

Hence nothing seems to be left, but to consider, how for the sake of our and the
nation's honor, we ourselves may defend us against siu'prises and massacres. To do
this, unquestionably the following is required :

1. Repairing the works and fortifications.

2. Enlisting troops at a monthly salary, that in time of need they may be ordered

about and assist the trainbands.

3. Money and means to carry out the foregoing.

4. Arms for the soldiers. Where to obtain the one and the other and how to carry

it out, your Honors wUl please consider with us.

1. It must be further considered in connection with this point, whether in order to
garrison and well defend a place, which having been lost, the country and all will be
lost, and which if held by succours, the whole country is saved, we should under the
circumstances not abandon the other places and especially Fort Casimir * and draw hither
the freemen on the Southriver and the small garrison there.

2. Concerning the ship " Coninck Salomon," which has received nearly aU her cargo
and is ready to sail, shall we let her depart or keep her here? Either plan has its
difficulties and inconveniences. As to Fort Casimir our own opinion coincides with the
general sentiment, that it is best, to order up the small garrison from there for the better
defense of this place and to recommend the guarding of the Fort to the free men there ;
but there occurs here the difficulty, whether the freemen, being few in numbers, wUl be
willing or able to do it and shall not be in danger or at least fear to be massacred by the
savages, which they already apprehend and therefore have, together with the servants of
the Company, requested us for more troops and assistance, or else they would leave the
river altogether. To withdraw all the troops, is equivalent to giving up absolutely the
possession and to surrender that fine river to others. Then, if either by the conclusion
of peace or by other means (which God knows best, whose hand is not closed for our
help) no hostile invasion takes place, how shall we justify oui- abandoning it ?

******

* New-Castle, Del.

76 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare River.

Answer of the Council to the foregoing propositions.

A° 1654 on the 2? of June in New-Amsterdam.

******
As to the next proposition, whether Fort Casimir should be given up or not, also
whether the ship "Coninck Salomon" should be allowed to depart or be retained here
for some time yet, it is resolved, in consideration of the reasons given in detail in the
aforesaid propositions, not to abandon Fort Casimir nor to call any of the troops from
there.

Pass for John Rysingh, Swedish Governor at the Delaware to

COME TO NeVS^-AmSTERDAM.

On the first of October 1654.
Copy.

In case Mr. Johan Rysingh (at present Commander and Chief, on behalf of the
Crown of Sweden, over its people on the Southriver) should like to come here at the
request of Mr. Hendrick van Elswyck, the said high Crown's factor, in order to settle
some unexpected differences, then this may assure the said Mr. Johan Rysingh that
his noble Honor shall have and receive aU possible friendly reception, treatment and
departure, without any hindrance, to his satisfaction for his Honor-' s own person and his
suite with him, his property and vessels. Griven in aU haste under our usual signature
and done at New- Amsterdam, this first day of October 1654 in New-Netherland. (It
was signed) P. Stuyvesant.

Orders and papers respecting the Swedish ship "de Hay"* and
her cargo, seized at New-Amsterdam, in reprisal for the
capture of Fort Casimir (New-Castle, Del.), f

Whereas Mr. Hendryck van Elswyck, factor on behalf of the Crown of Sweden and
the South Company in the aforesaid kingdom, by word of mouth requests permission to
sell some hides (seized and detained in and with the ship "de Hay"), to which a good
opportunity now offers, the Dii-ector-General and Council, the opinion of every one
being asked, state in answer, that they never intended or designed and do not now
intend or design anything else, but a neighborly correspondence, friendly intercourse and
commerce with their neighbors ; therefore they may well permit, that the aforesaid Mr.
Factor sell not only the mentioned hides, but also all other merchandises to his and his
Honorable Master's advantage, provided that the proper proceeds be paid into the hands
of the Hon*"" Attorney and Counsel of the Privileged West-India Company, Mr. Fiscal
Thienhooven, untU such time, that proper restitution and lawful satisfaction be done and
given to us, as thereto authorized by the aforesaid Hon'^'^ Company, for the surprise
and capture of our Fort Casimir with all the ammunition of war, houses and effects
*L e., The Shark. + See Col. Hist, Vol. I, pp. 601-105.

J^ew Yorh Historical Records. 11

belonging thereto, (made) by the hon"'" Mr. Johan Rysingh, present Commander in the

Southriver for said high Crown, without any previous declaration of war or differences,

it having been attacked and surprised on tire 30"^ of May last past and kept until to-day

with all the private property and effects of our emplo3res and private subjects from the

lion. Company and us, wherefore in return the Director-General and Council could not

do less, than to seize and detain without damage the aforesaid ship and its cargo of

merchandise, until, as said above, restitution and satisfaction has been given, in the

meantime giving consent to the factor, as stated above, to promote with the cargo his

lion. Masters' advantages, provided the proceeds be paid at full value into the hands of

the said honorable Attorney and Counsel of the Company. Thus done at the meeting of

the noble Director-General and high Council, held at New-Amsterdam in New-Netheiiand

on the 15'." October 1654. (It was signed)

P. Stutvesant.

N. DE. SiLLE,

La Montange,

C. VAN TiENHOOVEN.

Resolution to detain the ship "de Hay."

Whereas Mr. Johan Rysingh, at present on behalf of the Crown of Sweden
Commander of the Swedish forces on the Southriver of JSTew-Netherland, on the
30'? of May last past without having given us (as representatives of their noble
High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Netherlands and of the noble
Lords-Dii-ectors of the General Privileged West-India Company) any previous summons
or announcement of any differences or war, has surprised the Hon. Company' s Fort
Casimir with all amtinition, buildings and other property thereto belonging, therefore
in return we, Director-General and Council of New-Netherland could not do less,
than to arrest, seize and detain a certain Swedish ship, called "de Hay," a small
vessel of about 40 to 50 tons burthen, with the goods shipped in her, of which Mr.
Hendrick van Elswyck from Lubeck, the aforesaid high Crown's factor, declares and
institutes himself as factor and owner. This ship belonging, as the said factor has
repeatedly declared before us, to the New-Swedish Company established in the aforesaid
Kingdom of Sweden, accidentally came to this Northriver and arrived here on the 22* or
23* of the last month of September and was seized by us on the 25'?' of the same
month. After this ship and its cargo of goods had been brought up before this City, we,
Director-General and Council, have told and proposed to the aforesaid factor, that, if he
could arrange with the aforesaid Mr. Johan Rysingh for the restitution of our Fort
Casimir with the effects thereto belonging, we on our side would be inclined to return
the arrested ship with all in her and place her at his disposal and to observe at once all
neighborly friendship, intercourse and commerce vnth him and the subjects of the Crown
of Sweden ; the said Mr. Hendrick Elswyck, showing great good will for the one and
the other, only asked for time to inform Mr. Johan Rysingh of it by letter and for our
safe-conduct or passport for the said Mr. Rysingh or his deputies to come here for the
settlement of the differences in question : this we have willingly and amicably granted
and given to the said Mr. Elswyck at his request and have left in the meantime the
aforesaid ship and cargo of goods, as they were, in the hands and under control of the

78 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

aforesaid factor or liis deputy, taking away only the rudder and placing two servants of
tlie Company with the ordinary ship's crew for the vessel's and property's greater safety ;
and above this we gave permission to the said factor on his verbal request (as can be seen
by our previous entry dated on the 15*? inst). to sell according to his wish, not only the
goods, claimed as his own, but also all others according to the advantage of his Hon.
Masters, but the proceeds thereof were to be paid and delivered into the hands of the
Attorney and Counsel of the Company, the Hon'"° Fiscal Thienhooven, until such time,
as the above demanded restitution of the Fort and other property of the Company shall
have been made and effected according to justice and equity. In the meantime the said
factor, having been called before the meeting yesterday, the 19'? inst., informed us, that
Mr. Johan Rysingh was not inclined to come hither nor to send deputies nor to
surrender the surprised Fort, therefore the aforesaid Director-General and Council
consider it to be their duty and at the same time right, equitable and justihable, to take,
detain and arrest the aforesaid ship and its cargo of goods under benefit of inventary
(made) in presence of the factor himself or his attorney and two impartial witnesses,
until such time, as they may receive further orders and letters regarding the one
and the other from their superiors, to store the durable and perishable goods in the
Hon"^'' Company's warehoiise, to let the perishable ones be sold either by the factor
liimself according to his desire or in case of refusal publicly by the auctioneer to the
highest bidder or to have them appraised by impartial men, as the factor thinks best ;
in regard to the ship, to have the same appraised by impartial men and to let the said
factor choose, whether he himself will leave two or more men of his people on board to
take care of her or if he should refuse to send two men aboard to take her in charge at
the expense of the interested parties, until restitution is made by either side and the
differences are settled or further advices received ; giving, besides a copy hereof, for
the benefit of the factor a receipt in due form for the inventary. Thus done at the
meeting of the noble Director-General and high Council, held at New-Amsterdam in
New-Netherland on the 20*? daj^ of October 1654. It was signed

P. Stuyvesant,

N. DE SiLLE,

La Montagne,

CoE : tan Thienhoven.

Keio York Historical Records.

Protest of Hendrick van Elswtck, Swedish factor, against the
seizure, by the director and council, of the swedish ship
"Hat."

Noble, Honorable Director-General of New-Netherland and all the Honorable
Members of the High Council.

Very Respected Grentlemen.

Your noble Worship and your Honors know, that, when on the 12"' of Septbr. last I

22"^
landed, either through the carelessness or perhaps wanton malice of my pilot, in this
river of New-Netherland with the ship "Gulden Hay," entrusted to me by the Royal
Swedish General Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Honorable South-Company,
I sent some of my people in a boat here to New- Amsterdam, as to our good friends
and neighbors, to engage a pilot, who for a money-consideration would bring us to
the Southriver. Arrived here my men, both born Swedes, were not only taken as
prisoners to the guardhouse and I was fetched from the place, where I was, by the
Hon"'* Vice-Commander with eight musqueteers and placed here into the house of
Sergeant Daniel Litschoe, but the ship itself was also brought up from the Raritan's Kil
by the Hon"'* Director-General, our flag hauled down and the ship continually occupied
by soldiers and people. Now, although it is asserted, that his noble Honor Jan Rysingh,
Director of the Government of New-Sweden had taken your Honors' pretended Fort
Casimir and that therefor your Honors have seized this ship with its cargo, such a pretext
lias no basis or foundation whatever, because the said Fort was erected in 1651 by his
noble Honor, your Director-General, rather by overwhelming force, than with right
and equity upon the territory of H. R. M. of Sweden, our most gracious Queen, the then
Swedish Governor protesting against it, so that the aforesaid Hon"'* Governor Jan
Rysingh has not taken it from your noble Honors, but has only re^Dossessed himself of
what belongs to Her Royal Majesty of Sweden herself. It shall never be proved, that he
has taken anything from these subjects to the value of one penny, but when the free
settlers there desired to remain and took the oath of allegiance, every one has been
protected in his possessions and, what is more, no one of all those, who lived there and
wishes to remove again hither, has been detained by the Hon"'* Governor, but each one
lias full liberty to depart with all his property, wherever he wishes. On the other side^
quite the reverse happens to me here ; not only the ship and cargo of my masters, but
also my own private goods (which I have already sold and for which the money is ready)
are withheld and taken away. Therefore no just, sensible man can find fault with us
hereafter, if we were to do the same and go with the goods of private parties the same
way, which the Hon"'* Director-General now shows us. I understand, that the ship and
cargo of my honorable masters, is partly being appraised here by people, authorized by
the Honorable Director-General and that this shall be continued ; I therefore declare
herewith expressly, that I have not delivered or allowed to be delivered by my people to
your Honors either the ship or any good or whatever it may be called from it, but that,
I must at present submit against my will, to what is done or may be done hereafter, as I
cannot prevent it : nor am I at all satisfied, on the behalf of my masters, with the

80 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare River.

appraising, but consider the damage, which they receive and suffer through the seizure
of the ship and cargo at present, for good and weighty reasons to be ten times as much as
this ship and cargo is worth. I protest therefore herewith in optima forma against your
Excellency and all the members of the High Council for all the damage and inconvenience,
done hereby to my Lords and Masters and to be done hereafter, and remain, save my
bounden duty towards my Lords and Masters, the Hon'''* Director-General's and
Gentlemen of the High Council obedient servant

(Signed) Hendriok van Elswtck, Factor

of the Honorable South Company

His Honor, the Notary, will please to deliver this protest to the Hon*'* General in
presence of two witnesses and bring me a receipt therefor

Dated New- Amsterdam in New-Netherland 17/ October A" 1654.

/27
Agrees with the original.

(Signed) Cornelis van Rutven,

Secretary.

Answer of Director Stuyvesant and Council to the preceding
PROTEST or Hendrick van Elswyck, Swedish Factor.

Answer to the foregoing protest.

We answer to the unfounded protest of Mr. Elswyck, Factor for the Royal Swedish
South Company, that although his Honor pretends, that he had made land in this river
through the carelessness or wanton malice of his pUot and had sent his men "as to good
friends and neighbors," we have as yet never perceived it in the acts of hostility of the
Hon"'* Director Rysingh, who arrived with a semblance of friendship before our Fort
Casimir on the Southriver of New-Netherland, tired two shots as salutes, then landed
with tldrty men, who were received and welcomed as friends and neighbors by our
commander and other officers, and then seeing the weakness of our garrison, treated the
few soldiers of their High : Might : the Lords States-General and the West-India Company
not as friends and neighbors of the Crown of Sweden, but disarmed them like open
enemies, taking even their side-arms contrary to aU military usages, took possession in a
hostile manner of Fort Casimir with all the amunition, houses, materials and other effects
of the aforesaid West-India Company and still keeps it, diverted and released from their
oath and allegiance some of our officers and almost all the free people, bound to us, as
representatives of their Noble High : Might : the Lords States-General and the Lords
Directors of the General Incorporated West-India Company, by their oath, duties and
allegiance as subjects and has accepted them into the allegiance of the Swedish Crown,
while for shortness' sake we pass over the damages, injuries, insults, hindrances and
usurpation of the territories, streams, rivers, which we bought, paid and partly took
possession of committed by the former officers of the aforesaid High Crown, etc?. The
entering of the ship, not through the regular channel, a passage weU known to the pilot,
but running through an unknown passage behind Staten Island, towards the Raritans

J^eiv York Historical Records. 81

Kil, these and many otlier occurrences do, indeed, not imply the arrival of friends and
neighbors, but of spies and enemies. Therefore We, the Du-ector-General and Couucil
of New-Netherland, bound by our oath and duty, to protect our property and retake,
what has been taken from us, could do no less, than to secure us against such false
friends, to prevent further damages ; yet we treated the honorable protestator and the
native Swedes not as enemies and prisoners but as free neighbors and friends, lodging
the Hon''^^ Factor in the best and most principal tavern of a sergeant of the trainbands,
Daniel Litschoe, giving him liberty and license to go and to come, to converse and to
trade, where and with whom he pleased, which can be proved by witnesses and by an
affidavit here annexed under lit : B.* The passengers and ships crew without distinction
of nationality (except former officers of the West-India Company) were left undisturbed
in their oath and allegiance and according to the liberties of this Province allowed to
remain or to depart, where they liked : the reasons and motives, why the ship "de Hay"
has been seized by the Director-General and is still detained by Director and Council are
shown in the resolution, of which a copy, here annexed under lit. C, is handed to the
Hon*'* Factor. We have, in the meantime, granted to Factor Elswyck, upon his verbal
request, a free and friendly pass for his superior, the Hon*'* Director Rysingh or his
deputy, that he may come here for the adjustment of the several differences, as appears
by the annexed document under lit. A. We further consented, that the said Honorable
Factor should dispose of and sell the goods of his Lords and Masters and offered to
return the ship and its cargo, provided the captured Fort Casimir and its contents should
be given up to us : this is shown by the document under lit. C : and faUing this or in
case of refusal, we would have the ship and cargo and all its appurtenances, untU further
orders, guarded, inventaried, appraised and would sell it, deposit the proceeds and give
him for it a receipt in due form, which we are still offering, as appears by the document
under lit. C. and following ones. More, indeed, no neighbor can expect in such
circumstances.

Your Honor alleges without reason whatever and quite mistakenly, that, as your
Honor continues. Fort Casimir had been erected on Her Royal Majesty's territory and
soil more by overwhelming force, than with right, for it can not be proved, neither now
nor ever ; but it is true, that his Honor, Governor Jan Prins protested against it verbally
and in writing, but he never showed nor proved any right, either by possession or by
purchase or by donation, to the territory upon which Fort Casimir was built, while on
the contrary we have offered to his said Honor, Mr. Prins, as we here again offer to the
honorable protestator and all, whom this may concern (here in this country and not at
the Hague or in Stockholm, which would be sJiowing a magpie upon a tree) to show and
to prove by authentic documents and the testimony of impartial Christians and natives,
still living, the undoubted right and title of their High : Might : the Lords States-General
and the Lords-Directors to the territories on the Southriver, and this by virtue
and the right of first discovery, eldest and first possession, sealed with the blood
of our countrymen and guarded by several forts, both on the east and west side,
below, above and in the middle of the river, and obtained by lawful purchase, donation
and conveyance of several lands from the original owners, even of the territory, upon which

* Not preserved among tbe records.

82 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Fort Casimir stands ; yet we do not base our undoubted title to the whole Southriver
alone and absolutely hereupon, but upon our original and first discovery and possession
many years before any other Christian nation, the Swedes themselves not excepted, who
in the year 1638 began to settle on this, our Southriver of New-Netherland, as can be
learned thoroughly by the written answer sent to Governor Prints, a copy of which is
here annexed under lit. E * ; this may therefore also serve as answer to the foregoing
unreasonable protest, without making it necessary, to extend this reply farther on that
head ; only that we feel sure, that Her R! Maj^ of Sweden has never been truly and
correctly informed and told of the whole affaii- regarding the right of their High:
Might : by vii-tue of eldest and first possession of the whole Southriver or the ownership,
by the Lords-Directors of the larger part of the territory on said river both on the
east and west side acquired from the lawful owners, the natives of this country, by
purchase and donation at different times and places ; much less of the answers, which
we have given to the Hon*'" Governor Prints' protests and therefore we do not blame
Her said Royal Majesty, although H. M. may have given order and authority for the
hostile attempt of Governor Rysingh in attacking and surprising our Fort Casimir and
keeping the same with all ammunition, — which we do not believe of Her Royal Majesty's
high wisdom and greater discretion.

Therefore we protest herewith not against Her Royal Majesty's order and authority,
but against Her officers and servants in this country, both former and present as well for
misinformation as for insults, injuries, damages and hostile attacks formerly and now
committed against their aforesaid Noble High : Might : and the Hon"'= Company's officers,
especially the last hostile attempt of the Hon''"' Johan Rysingh in surprising and keeping
the aforesaid Fort Casimir with all its buildings, ammunition, materials and other effects,
disarming the Company's oflBcers and depriving them even of their sidearms, contrary
to aU neighborly and military usages. It is not within our power to estimate the insults,
injuries and damages sustained thereby, which might have turned out so much greater,
more injurious and critical for the Incorporated West India Company, as the aforesaid
Fort was surprised just at the time, when we and our nation were too weak and distressed,
to offer resistance to two so powerful neighbors attacking and threatening us on both
sides, t The Director-General and Council of New-Netherland declare themselves therefore
innocent of all the inconveniences, misfortunes and bloodshed, which have been or

* Missing.

+ [New Haven Col. Records, Vol. II, 113:]

"At a General Court held at Newhaven for the Jurisdiction July S"" 1654.
Magistrats

Theophilus Eaton, Esq' GouernC

Mr. Stephen Goodyeare, Dept Gou'

Francis Newman )

Mr Samuell Eton (

Mr. Benja : Feiin — Milford

Mr William Seete— Guildford.

The Court considering the peace now concluded betwixt England and Holland, and that all acts of hostilities are
to cease betwixt those two nations and so upon that ground the intended warr w" the Dutch here ceaseth also, did

Mew York Historical Records. 83

hereafter may be the consequence of such violation and interruption of all friendship and
neighborliness by the present Governor Jan Rysingh and other officers of the General
College of Commerce on behalf of the Koyal Swedish South-Company. We request the
notary, Dirck van Schelluyne, and the accompanying vritnesses to communicate this in
presence of the Hon'"^ Fiscal Cornells van Tienhoven as our ansv^er to the unreasonable
protest of the Hon*'^ Factor Johan {sic .') Elswyck and as our counter-protest, to make
him acquainted with it and give him and all, whom it may concern, a copy hereof
authenticated in debita forma*

Done at New-Amsterdam in New-Netherland on the 27'." October 1654. (It was
signed)

P. Stutvesant,

N. DE SiLLE,

La Montagne,

CoK. tan Tienhoven.

resoltttion permitting hudde to act as surveyor on the
Delaware.

A certain petition of Andries Hudde, in which he asks to be employed here, having
been read at the Council-meeting, the following rescript was made.

As at the present time there is no occasion for the petitioner's employment, he is
provisionally permitted to exercise his former profession as surveyor within the province.
If some other opportunity should offer, the petitioner' s renewed request shall be attended
to. Thus done at the meeting on the 17'? December 1654. Present his Honor, the
noble Director-General P. S., Mr. Nicasius de Sille, Mr. La Montagne and the Fiscal
Thienhooven.

order that all those lawes and orders W" have bene made aboute stopping provisions, prohibbitting trade w" the
Dutch etc* shall be now repealed.

A letter was now by order of this Court sent to the Sweeds at Delaware Bay informing them of the proprietie
w^" some in this colony have to large tracts of land on both sides of Delaware Bay & River, and desiring a
neighbourly correspondence w"> them both in tradeing and planting there and an answer thereof etc."

The answer of the Swedish Governor written in Latin under date 1" Aug. was read in Council on the 2« Novbr.
1654. Commissioners of Hartford had also spoken to the Governor in reference to settling in Delaware, but little
willingness to go there was expressed by inhabitants of Newhaven. A committee reported to that effect on the
27'" Novbr. 1654 and finally it was settled, that Mr Samuel Eaton and Mr Francis Newman were to go, who on
the 11'" Decbr. signified their assent. New Haven Town Rec. II, 158, 160.

* The ship was not surrendered to the Swedes, but used by the Company for the Curagao trade under the name
of "Diemen." (See N. T. Col. MSS., Vol. XII, fol. 66).— B. F.

Third Period

Fort Casimir (New-Castle) in the hands of the Swedes and its

Recapture by the Dutch. Complete overthrow of the

Swedish Government on the Delaware (May,

1684, to September, 166S).

Letter from the Directors to Petefs Sttttvesant : seizure of Fort
Casimir regretted ; Swedes to be expelled from the South
river ; reinforcements for that purpose will be sent. 16™ of
November 1654.

How very mucli we were startled by the infamous surrender of tlie Company's Fort
on the Southriver and by the violent and hostile usurpation of the Swedes there, your
Honor will have sufficiently learned from our general letter, sent herewith, in which to
express further or in greater detail our serious opinion or intention we did not deem
advisable, as the same must be kept as secret as possible : it is strictly speaking this,
that above all your Honor must do your utmost to revenge this misfortune not only by
restoring matters to their former condition, but also by driving the Swedes at the same
time from the river, as they did us ; in such a manner however, that those of them, who
should desire to come under our jurisdiction, may be allowed to do so, but we prefer,
and this must be worked up with discretion, that they should not settle there, but at
some other place in our territory, as we would like to see the river-district settled and
cultivated by our own people, to which end in case oY success, which God may grant,
all possible means should be contributed and used, either by animating such of our
nation, who are willing to settle there, by some additional privileges or by some other
means yet to be discovered ; and we believe for many reasons, that it is of special and
great concern for the Company and the State, that they should at some future time
enjoy a peaceful possession of the river.

The ship "Koninck Salomon," which your Honor specially asks for for this
expedition with the supplement of the promised assistance, is being prepared and cleared
and we hope that, unless winter surprises us, we shall get it ready for sea before the
winter ; but as this is as uncertain as its arrival there in the spring, whereas a hard
and long winter might well make it fall and consequently little reliance can be placed
upon it, therefore, fearing not without reason, that in the meantime the Swedes on that
river might get assistance and re-inforcements, we have judged it highly advantageous
and necessary to urge your Honor seriously and to command, that you should try to
hire there and use for the carrying out of this expedition one or the other private ship

86 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

or vessel (we think also the vessel now on the way, the " Swarte Arent",* a very suitable
one hereto) and in case of refusal, which we trust will not occur, to compel finally
the skippers or the owners to do it, whereas under such circumstances no excuses
or private interests can be considered, as daily occurrences in this our State here prove
sufficiently.

As to the desired supplement of soldiers, we are by no means idle, but prove
satisfactorily, that it concerns us very much, as the drum is beaten for it daily : hence
we are in hopes, to send over a detachment of soldiers in the ship ' ' de groote Christoflfel,' '
also an arquebusier and two carpenters ; however, if we should not be so fortunate and
get such a number of soldiers, as we would like to have, we are together with Lieutenant
Newton of opinion, that your Honor has there about a strong enough force for it,
especially if the said expedition is undertaken speedUy and before the Swedes are
re-inforced, for your Honor need not fear any other enemies there, being in peace with
the neighboring English, so that all the soldiers and the exempted, who in such cases are
obliged thereto, can be used for it ; further all such free men, as should oifer themselves,
or might be induced by some other means, could be engaged, as the trainbands of the
City of New- Amsterdam are under these circumstances sufficient and strong enough, to
guard the place in the meantime

We forgot to say, that your Honor must use aU possible means, to get hold of
Gerrit Bicker, the late Commander of the Company' s Fort on the aforesaid Southriver,
whereas we cannot but conclude from the documents sent over and from verbal reports,
that the same has conducted himself very faithlessly, even treacherously in the
performance of his duties and it is therefore necessary, that he should be punished as
an example for others, regardless of vindication ; likewise all those must be punished,
who may have been concerned in it, which we hereby recommend most earnestly to
your Honor.

EXTEACT FROM A LETTER OF THE SAME TO THE SAME ; A EEPOET ON THE
TITLE OF THE DUTCH TO THE DeLAWAEE IS REQUIRED FOE THE

negotiations eespecting the boundaries, now carried on in
England ; the surrender of Fort Casimir is condemned ; Jean
Paul Jacquet. 23" Novbr. 1654.
******

10. We hardly know, which astonished us more, the attempt of the (newly)
arrived Swedish troops to make themselves masters of the Southriver and our Fort or
the infamous surrender of the same by our commandant : as this cannot be tolerated,
therefore other provisions must be made in due time, that no more damage is done us ;
and in order that, if necessary, we here may also be enabled to prove the indecency of
these proceedings and the violation of the so lawful possession of the Company, your
Honor is dii-ected to send us by first opportunity not only authenticated copies of the
conveyances and titles for the purchased lands on the said Southriver executed in the

* Black Eagle.

New York Historical Records. 87

year 1 650, but also all such other authenticated documents and papers, as may be found
necessary for the confirmation thereof * „

25. In the ship "de grote ChristoflTel " goes over as free man Jan Paulo Jacquet with
his family and as he is unacquainted in that country and intends to devote himself there
to farming, we have not been able nor wished to refuse him the desired recommendation,
the more so, because he has served the Company in Brazil for many years : therefore we
recommend your Honor to assist the same as much as possible, without disadvantage to
the Company and after having indicated to him some suitable place to allot under the
customary conditions as much land to him, as he may be able to cultivate.

Privileges granted to the American Company.
We Carl Gustaf &* make hereby known, that, whereas now some years ago several
special resolutions, orders and edicts, concerning the importation of and trade in tobacco
in this Kingdom, have been issued and proclaimed and whereas also lately, in the year
1653 it has been resolved and ordered to abolish and suppress the tobacco-trade then
privileged and conceded to certain stockholders and to let everybody, who desired,
indulge in it freely and without hindrance, on account of the manifold complaints and
charges, which are being received about it, yet, although tobacco considered by itself is a
commodity, which could be missed without much loss, the incomprehensible craving for
which every body should smother and suppress, so that We had good reasons, rather to
contend against and hinder, than to allow and promote the importation of and trade in
the same, as the prevailing bad habit and mis-use of it has grown to such an extent, that
over the whole Kingdom it is almost generally bought and used by the common people,
it appears to Us inexpedient, to destroy and abolish it thus totally and entirely and We
have besides preferred to deliberate upon means and ways, how and by what measures
this trade might, in the present situation of affairs, be dii-ected, managed and made useful
to the best of the public and the state. Hence We have after sufficient consideration of
important reasons and motives thought necessary and expedient to restrict the importation
of and trade in tobacco, as hitherto licensed and authorized and to transfer and commission
with it under certain rules and conditions the stockholders of the American Company,
believing this to be an expedient and measure, by which We hope, that not only
New-Sweden will for the present be saved, grow and increase, but also Our people receive
so much better opportunities and chances to become familiar with the navigation and
trade to America and to busy themselves with and carry on the same to their considerable
profit and progress ; therefore We will herewith and by virtue of this Our letters-patent
graciously invest and authorize the aforesaid American Company and its shareholders
with such privileges, franchises and immunities, that nobody, whoever he may be, shall
dare and undertake, much less have power, permission and consent, under no pretext
and pretense whatever, to import or have imported here into the Kingdom, the
Grandduchy of Finland, Carelia, Ingermanland, Gottland, Halland and Jempteland any

* See Col. Hist., Vol. I, p. 556, aud followiug.

88 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

tobacco, neither in large nor in small quantities, not secretly nor openly, not for sale nor for
his own use, except only the American Company and its shareholders. Any one, who
shaU after this be found to disobey and break this law with no matter how small and
insignificant an amount up to twenty pounds and is taken injlagranti, shall, the first
time, forfeit all the tobacco, which he has in his possession and which is found on his
premises and besides pay a fine of forty marks in silver, the second time eighty marks
and the thii-d time twice as much again and so on, as often as he may happen to be
discovered and convicted. But if any one is discovered to have a larger quantity
than twenty pounds, he shaU pay a fine of twenty Oere * silver for each pound and
his goods shall be forfeited to the Company pursuant to the charter, which has been
given and delivered. We order and command therefore Our Equerry and Privy
Council, the Lord-Lieutenant here in Stockholm and the Governors-General, Governors,
Administrator-General of the Customs, Burgomasters and City-Councils, Customs'
Officers and Inspectors and others in authority and in Our service, whom this may in any
way concern, that they shaU take especial care of this edict and not allow, that it be
disobeyed and defeated, also to assist the aforesaid stockholders of the said Company
and their agents and deputies, in everything, as much as all and every body in special
is able to, which will further the proper execution of this Our order, under pain of
Our rebuke and displeasure. Everybody shall entii-ely govern himself accordingly. In
witness whereof &"

Stockhohn, the 23'' of December 1654.

Gael Gustaf.

JOHAN WiNBLAD.

Extract from a letter of the Directors to the Council of New-
Netherland regarding the intended expedition against the
Swedes.

26'!" April 1655.

******
We approve and cannot but remark with pleasure upon your Honors' prudence in and
about the detention and seizure of the Swedish ship and her cargo ; we stated further in
our last letter to the Director expressly, how your Honors ought to treat the Swedes on
the Southriver and we shall explain it in greater detail hereafter in this letter ; we cannot
however omit, to inform your Honors, that while occupied with the examination and
scrutiny of the claim, which the Company has on said river, we have found not only
sloven and bad copies and documents, but besides this they are also viciously and
miserably written, so that in many places -it is impossible to understand the proper
mjeaning ; especially so the documents, made there and sent us, of the transactions
between the Director Stuyvesant and the Swedish Governor on that river in the year
1650

In our last letter directed to Director Stuyvesant in private and sent by the ships
"de Swarte Arent" and "groote Christoffel" we have thoroughly explained our serious

* 100 oere = 20| cents.

iKew York Historical Records. 89

desire and intentions, how to proceed against the Swedes on the Southriver and
consequently we had hoped, that the expedition against them should already have been
undertaken ; but having since learned by a letter of the said Director, written from
Barbadoes on the 22'^ January a. c, of his departure from New-Netherland, we found
ourselves disappointed in our expectations ; although this has quite startled us and
given very little satisfaction, (seeing that this voyage was undertaken without oui-
previous knowledge and apjjroval), we have nevertheless concluded not only to take up
again the expedition in question, but also to undertake and carry it out with more
assurance of success. We have now chartered for this purpose from the honorable
Burgomasters and Council of this City one of their four largest and best ships, caUed
"de Wagh," * armed with 36 pieces, which is now getting ready and will sail from here
with more than 200 men in 12 to 14 days. As soon as the same shall have arrived, your
Honors are hereby directed and authorized, to undertake immediately and as quick as
possible, but with caution, this expedition and to carry it out with courage, even though
Director Stuyvesant should not have returned from his voyage. In this case your
Honors may open our aforesaid last letter directed to him in private, in order to learn
too our ideas and intentions concerning it and govern yourselves accordingly ; but we
strictly command to keep its contents a secret among your Honors' Board, as honor
and oath demand it, and not divulge them, until the aforesaid expedition shall, with
God's help, have been successfully carried out. As we have said above no delay and
no sluggishness must be permitted, as we learn, that great preparations are being made
in Sweden to assist their countrymen on the said Southriver.

Resolution of the Chamber of Amsterdam appointing Frederick

DE CONINGH to THE COMMAND OF THE SHIP-OF-WAR " DE WaEGH "
WITH INSTRUCTIONS.

Extract from the register of resolutions, adopted by the Directors of the
No. 32. West-India Company, Department at Amsterdam

Die Lunae, the 24'." May 1655.
It having been brought up for consideration, Resolved, that Frederick de Coninck,
engaged as Caj^tain of the ship "de Waegh," shaU be ordered to proceed immediately
on board of the said ship and as quickly as possible undertake with the help of God the
voyage to New-Netherland, either on the direct route or by a roundabout way, as wind
and weather permit. As soon as arrived there, he shall report to the Director-General
and Council of the Company to show them his authority and ask and wait for orders,
which he shall promptly and precisely obey. To this end an extract of this resolution
BhaU be given to him, the Captain, in place of instructions.

Agrees with the aforesaid register.

In absence of the Attorney

L. VAN Seventer.

* I. e., The Balance.
12

90 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Extract from a letteb of the Directors to Stutvesant stating

CONDITIONS under WHICH THE SWEDES, WHEN CONQUERED, MAY
REMAIN ON THE DELAWARE. 26''? OF MaT 1655.

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 dii-ections, only we have,
after previous deliberation, resolved, that, when your Honors shall have carried the
expedition to a successful ind, the land, upon which 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 your 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 IS'? of August).

Letter from the Directors to the Council of New-Netherland ;

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TIME OF StUYVESANT'S ABSENCE IN CURASAO.

The 28'? of May 1655.
Honorable, Prudent, Pious, Beloved, Faithful.

After closing our general letter, we have considered the obstacles and difficulties, to
which Director Stuyvesant might be subjected in his journey and have therefore
concluded after previous deliberation to send your Honors herewith the duplicate of a
certain private letter (in case the first one might be locked up and could not be got at)
mentioned in our letter of the 24'? July 1653 : this letter shall not only be opened by
your Honors, if Director Stuyvesant has not yet arrived there or should have died, but
we charge and command also, that the orders given therein shall be carried out and
obeyed by your Honors provisionally and until the return of the said Director, for we
have found it thus to be necessary for the advantage of the Company and the State.

We intend also to send your Honors herewith for our greater tranquillity and
safety a copy of the letter (in case the original might be locked up) containing our orders
for the undertaking and executing of the beforementioned expedition against the Swedes
on the Southriver. This done, your Honors are authorized to open our letter dii-ected
privately to Director Stuyvesant and sent by the ship " Bontekoe," * duplicate of which
is here enclosed.

Amsterdam 28'!" May 1655.

*I. e.. The Brindled Cow.

Kew York Historical Eecords. 91

EXTEAOT FROM A LETTER OF THE SAME TO THE COUNCIL OF NeW-
NeTHERLAND on THE SAME SUBJECT. 31" MaY 1655.

We have again received information from Stockholm iu regard to the progress made
in the preparations there for the Southriver, which ought to make your Honors hasten so
much more with the expedition in question and to get matters in such a condition, that
the place may be strong enough to resist a new attack, which we recommend especially.

Message from Die. Stuyvesant (sick) to the Council empovs^ering

THEM with CaPT. DE CoNINCK OF THE " WaAGH," TO MAKE ALL
necessary arrangements for the expedition AGAINST THE SWEDES.

16*!' of August [1655]
Copy.

As my indisposition, which has now already continued 12 or 13 days, does not admit
of assisting at the very urgent business, which must be taken in hand effectively and
speedily at the arrival of the ship "de Waagh" and of helping to continue, as we wish
it fi-om our heart, to which must be added, that Councillor Lamoutagne three or four
days ago has fallen sick and been taken by the general disease, so that he cannot appear
in the meeting, yet the business must not suffer any delay, therefore Messrs Nicasius de
Sille and Corn, van Thienhooven are required and at the same time hereby also specially
qualified, authorized and directed, to progress to a speedy result everything, which their
Honors may consider in any way necessary for the expedition, of which they know, and
to assume as colleague the Honorable Valiant Frederick de Coninck, Captain of the said
man-of-war "de Waagh" and freely to communicate with us at all occasions, to ask and
demand, wherein they might need our advice and counsel. On the day as above
Amsterdam in New-Netheiiand (It was signed) P. Stuyvesant (below stood) by order of
the Hon"'^ Director-General of New-Netherland (and signed) Cornells van Ruyven,
Secretary.

Papers showing the preparations made for the above expedition,

AND precautions TAKEN TO SURPRISE THE SWEDES UNAWARES.

Proclamation appointing a day of prayer and fasting, to invoke God' s blessing
on the expedition against the Swedes.
Honorable, Dear, Beloved Friends.

Considering on one side the manifold favors and benefits, which God in His mercy
has from time to time not only given to this just opening Province, but also continues to
give, of which not the least proof has been the sudden and unexpected change of the
feared war into an agreeable peace, granted us last year, since which time God's favours
and benefits have not been wanting either for our departure or return, for the sailing or

92 Colonial Settlements on the Delmvare River.

coming in of several vessels and persons, vpherein the good inhabitants of this province
generally were interested, and in addition the general blessings of God in progressing,
continuing and strengthening not only the state at large, but also each particular
individual, v^hich therefore ought to induce everybody to a dutiful observance and
gratitude, as this is the right key to open for us the further treasures of God's mercies,
favors and blessings and taking in consideration, on the other side, the resolution and
order of the Chief Magistrates of this Province, to be carried out and obeyed for the
service and better securing of this Province under God's mercy, for which therefore
God's special blessing help and guidance must be asked with humble hearts and earnest
prayers, The Du-ector-General and Council of this Province have above all thought it
necessary, to order and appoint a general day of fasting, thanksgiving and prayer, which
is to be kept everywhere within this province on next Wednesday, being the 25"" day of
this month of August, on which day in the fore and afternoon you are to assemble, at
the usual places, where God's word is preached, and after listening to it you are to praise
and glorify the All-Good God for His general and special blessings, mercies and benefits,
given formerly and which He continues to give to this Province and its good inhabitants,
also to ask God with humble hearts, not only that He may continue them, but also (and
this is the special purpose) to pray the Good God especially, that He will please to bless
the intended expedition, undertaken solely for the better security and progress of this
Province, to make it successful for the honor of His Name and let it have a desirable
result, as without God and His divine blessing all undertakings, counsels and schemes
are vain and to no purpose ; the servants of God' s word are therefore requested to adapt
their texts, prayers and thanksgivings to this purpose and all subjects professing the
Reformed religion are directed, to appear on the aforesaid day and time at the places,
where God's word is usually taught, and there to praise and thank the Good God for
received benefits and invoke His blessing on the country and its inhabitants generally
and especially on the intended expedition, as well as that He may please to take into His
merciful protection the Director-General, the CouncU and other high and low officers with
their men and ships and bless their undertaking in such a manner, that all may turn out to
the honor of His Holy Name, to the propagation of His Holy Gospel and the weKare of this
Province and its good inhabitants. In order, that this shall be the better observed the
Director-General and Council forbid all usual exercises on the aforesaid day, as ploughing,
sowing, mowing, fishing, hunting and all amusements, as playing at tennis, ballplaying,
drinking, carousing and selling liquor, under the penalty of an arbitrary punishment.

This done at the meeting of the Hon'''* Director-General and Council, held at Fort
Amsterdam in New-Netherland, on the day as above.

(Signed) P. Stutvesawt,

August 16, 1655. NiCASius de Sille.

Call for volunteers for the expedition against the Swedes.

Thursday, the 19'." of August.

If some lovers of the flourishing, well-being and safety of this newly opened province

of New-Netherland are willing and inclined to serve the Director-General and Council

either for love or for a reasonable salary and board-money, they will please to address

themselves to his Honor, the Noble Director- General himself or to one of the Honorable*

JVew York Historical Records. 93

Gentlemen of the Council and inform them. Director-General and Council promise hereby,
that if any one (which God may prevent) should happen in attack or defense to loose a
limb or to be maimed, the same shall receive for it a proper reward pursuant to the general
order and charter of the Privileged West-India Company. On the day as above. (It was
signed)

P. Stutvesant,

NiCASIUS DE SiLLE,
COENELIS VAN TlENHOVEN.

Resolution to impress ships in the harbor for the expedition.
As for the service of this province of New-Netherland the Hon'''* Director-General
and Council, the Yaliant Captain Frederick de Coninck being present, have considered it
necessary for several reasons, which induced their Honors thereto, friendly to ask some
of the merchant-ships now here into the service of the country, that provided they
receive proper compensation for it, tliey undertake with them the voyage in question
pursuant to the orders and directions of the Noble Lords-Directors and perform it with
the assistance of God, therefore, in case the skippers should refuse, it has been resolved
by the meeting, to order the same to enter into the service of the country with their
ships, ammunition, the people with them, provisions and implements, to be at the disposal
of the Hon'"'= Director-General and Council to make a voyage to the Southriver of
New-Netherland with the man-of-war "de Waagh," expressly sent for this expedition
from Holland, and to remain there as long, as the Hon"'" Director-General and Council or
their deputies shall consider, tliat they can be of service to their country. For this
service due satisfaction sliall be given to the skippers or their owners at Amsterdam in
Holland by the above said Hon"'" Du-ectors, the Lords and Patroons of New-Netherland.

On the day as above. (It was signed)

P. Stuyvesant,

NlCASIUS DE SiLLE,
COENELIS VAN TiENHOVEN.

Appointment of a special commissary to the expedition.
It was considered necessary by the meeting to engage and appoint a proper person
as provisional Commissary to take care and supervise, that all ammunition and victuals
needed for the intended expedition (which shall be communicated to him in a list by the
Hon. Du-ector-General and Council) be ordered, shipped and properly taken care of;
whereto Foppe Jansen has been judged fit, who appearing before the meeting accepted
the same and promised with an oath into the hands of the Hon. Director-General to
acquit himself diligently and faithfully of the aforesaid charge. On the day as above
[19'." August 1655]

Order on a petition of Edward Scarborough, who desires to sail to Vii'ginia.
On Tuesday the 24'? of August.
After reading before the Council the request of Edmund Scharburch * for permission
to sail in his vessel with some purchased negroes from here to Virginia, it was decided,
the opinion of every one having been asked :

* A person of this name was Surveyor of Virginia at that time. Reg. Penns". Vol IV, p. 96. — B. F

94 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

The request is granted, provided that the petitioner give bail to the amount of five
thousand pounds sterling to enter the Southbay or the Southriver neither dii'ectly nor
indirectly and that his people promise the same under oath nor to give anybody any
information at sea or on land. Date as above.

Before me, Cornelius van Ruyven, Secretary in the service of the General
Incorporated West-India Company, apppeared Edmund Scarburgh, a resident of
Hacco Macco in Vii'giiiia, who in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, promises,
that he will not within four weeks from date either directly or indirectly enter the
South bay and the Southriver or touch at any land within six mUes south or north
thereof, much less saU into, anchor at or come into harbor at said Bay or River, except
it happened, which God forbid, that he by God' s wind and weather were compelled to
touch at the South Bay, in which case they shall not run in farther, than where they can
save their lives, without sending any person from on board ashore, or allowing anyone
to come aboard. Also, that during said time, neither he nor his crew will either directly
or indirectly, by sea or by land, by the present or by any other barks or sloops nor even by
any man in the world, furnish or give any intelligence to those in the aforesaid countries.
For the observance of aU that is aforesaid he, Scarburch, becomes bound in the sum of
five thousand pounds sterling to be paid to the West-India Company in case he or any
of his men were hereafter found to have acted contrary hereunto ; submitting to all
courts, tribunals and judges his person and property, present and future. For greater
security and observance of what is stated above Mr. Thomas Willett * becomes baU and
co-priiicipal in solidiim, that all that is aforesaid shall be observed and effected by
Edmund Scarburch and his people, pledging to that end his person and property, and
subjecting the same to aU courts, tribunals and judges.

In testimony whereof the parties and witnesses have signed this at Amsterdam in
New-Netherlaud the 24'\ August A". 1655.

Edm. Scarburgh.
Ths. Willett.
This is the mark ^ of

Claes Ptsen, as witness.
This is the mark ^ of

RoELOFF Caestense, made as witness.
In my presence.

CoRNELis VAN RuTVEN, Secretary.

(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)

Order to Capt. Douwes to join the expedition with his ship " Love."
Anna Douwes, skipper under God of the ship "deLiefde" is hereby ordered,
pursuant to the resolution taken, to serve the country and the Company with the

* Thomas Willett of New-Plymouth and of New- Amsterdam was a prominent merchant and shipowner, who
carried on, it seems, an extensive business between the Dutch and English Colonies. He came to New- Amsterdam
for the first time about 1644. When Stuyvesant had arrived to supercede Kieft, Governor Bradford of New-PljTnouth
recommended Willett as his especial friend, who desired to continue the trade with the Dutch, which he had carried
on for some time past. He seems to have been rather unscrupulous, if we may judge from his frequent appearance
in Court charged with attempts to bribe officials etc., but was at the same time a good political friend of the Dutch.
After the English had taken possession of New-Netherland he was one of the first Mayors of New-York (16C6). See
N. T. Col. MSS. and General Entries, Vol. I.— B. F.

J\''eiv York Historical Records. 95

aforesaid ship and crew, commanded by him, in the intended expedition, provided that
he shall therefore receive honest satisfaction and in case of loss of or damage to the ship
by future accidents such remuneration as impartial men, understanding it, shall adjudge.
And he is directed, to make and keep himself ready immediately iipon being shown this
and to embark such crew, ammunition, provisions and materials, as may be sent to him
about next Thursday. Date as above [Aug. 24'? 1655].

Order to captains of vessels in the harbor to furnish men, ammunition, etc.
Whereas some skippers of the merchant- vessels lying here have been repeatedly
asked, both kindly and earnestly, to serve the country in the coming expedition under
such reasonable conditions, as in conscience they could agree upon with the Director-
General and Council or as impartial experts should adjudge, to which conscientiously
they could not be disposed, their reasons for refusal having been examined, although not
quite acceptable, because they referred to some private profits, while Director-General
and Council have hopes under God's guidance and help to bring the expedition to a good
end with the means entrusted to them by God and their High Magistrates, if the said
merchant-ships will each supply them with two men and theii- surplus of provisions and
ammunition of war. Therefore it is resolved to communicate this to the skippers and at
the same time, that they may take in their cargoes here, provided they remain here until
after the result of the ex^jedition is known or be in readiness to get their despatch from the
Southriver, whereas Director-General and Council consider it highly necessary, to give
speedy information of the beginning and progress of the expedition in question to the
Hon"° Magistrates in the Fatherland. Date as above. (It was signed)

P. Stutvesant,

NlCASIUS DE SiLLE,
COENELIS VAN TlENHOVEN.

Warrant to impress the above seamen, etc.
Copy.

3. Cornells van Tienhoven and Frederick de Coninck, Captain of the sliip "de
Waegh" are hereby authorised and charged to proceed on board of the ships "de
Bontecoe," "Bever" and " New- Amsterdam " and pursuant to the resolution, first to ask
amicably and in case of refusal imperatively to command by virtue of these presents
from each ship two men, 200 lbs of codfish, two or three small barrels of groats, one
barrel of meat with one barrel of bacon and 300 lbs of bread, also as much powder as
they conveniently could spare, leaving both order and receipt at the request of the
skippers for their satisfaction. Dated as above [24'? August 1655].

Appointment of pilots for the expedition.
It has been deemed necessary by the Hon*"" Director-General and Council of New-
Netherland to engage some persons, who are well versed in and have pertinent knowledge
of the banks, depths and shoals in as well as about the Southriver, to employ them as
pilots, for which have been considered fit Wessel Gerritsen and Pieter Lourissen, as
having both sailed to and from there for a long time; wliich persons having been
summoned before the Council, they were made acquainted herewith and they engaged

96 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

themselves to the Hon'"^ Director-General for the service of the Compauy and bargained
each for 3 guilders * per day. Dated as above [28'^ August 1655].

Resolution to exempt the Jews from military service.
28»? of August.

The Captains and officers of the trainbands of tins City hav'ing asked the Dkector-
General and Council, whether the Jewish people, who reside in this City, should also train
and mount guard with the Citizens' bands, this was taken in consideration and deliberated
npon : tirst the disgust and unwillingness of these trainbands to be fellow-soldiers with
the aforesaid nation and to be on guard with them in the same guard house and on the
other side, that the said nation was not admitted or counted among the citizens, as
regards trainbands or common citizens' guards neither in the illustrious City of
Amsterdam nor (to our knowledge) in any city in Netherland ; but in order that the said
nation may honestly be taxed for their freedom in that respect, it is du-ected by the
Director-General and Coiincil, to prevent further discontent, that the aforesaid nation
shall, according to the usages of the renowned City of Amsterdam, remain exempt from
the general training and guard duty, on condition that each male person over 16 and
under 60 years contribute for the aforesaid freedom towards the relief of the general
municipal taxes sixty- five stivers \ every month and the military council of the citizens is
hereby authorized and charged to cany this into effect untU our further orders and to
collect pursuant to the above the aforesaid contribution once in every month and in case
of refusal to collect it by legal process. Thus done in Council at Fort Amsterdam, on
the day as above. (It was signed)

P. StU YVES ANT,
NiCASIUS DE SiLLE,
COENELIS VAN TiENHOVEN.

Charter of three sloops for the expedition.
As it has been considered necessary by Director-General and Council, to hire for the
carrying out of the expedition in question, besides the large vessels, some yachts, therefore
the yachts of Willem Boutje, M. Abraham Staas and Arien Symensen have been judged
proper for the expedition and these men having been summoned before the Council, they
were informed hereof and have chartered their yachts to the Hon"" Director-General for
the service of the Company in the coming expedition at 6 guilders per day, provided that
the skippers must send with each yacht two men and one boy at their own expense. On
the day as above [30'." Aug. 1655].

Charter of the French privateer " L' Esperance " for the expedition.

31".' of August

It has been considered necessary by the Director-General and Council for the better

carrying out of the coming expedition, to engage besides the ships and yachts, which are

already in the service, the French privateer lately arrived here, called "I'Esperance ;" in

case the said galiot should experience any misfortune or damage through our orders,

* Equal to |1.20 gold. f One stiver = 2 cents.

iMew York, Historical Records. 97

while making an attack or on the defense during the voyage and the well known
expedition, Director-General and Council bind themselves hereby, to give to Capt. Jan
Flamman proper satisfaction for it, according to the verdict of good experts. On the day
as above. (It was signed)

P. Sttjttesant,

NiCASIUS DE SiLLE,
CORNELIS VAN TiENHOVEN.

(Beneath stood) There are also in the said galiot two cannons with appurtenances
and some cordage belonging to the two Captains of the galiot.

How money was raised for the expenses of the expedition.
Ult""' August.

I, the undersigned, acknowledge hereby to have received fi-om Mr. Thomas Willeth
fifteen hundred guilders in black and white wampum, to be repaid in merchandises to
the satisfaction of said Willeth or ia beavers, under condition that he accept the beavers
at nine guilders the piece, the merchandises at market-price. Date as above.

The above obligation for fifteen hundred guilders has been given by the Hon"'®
Director-General Petrus Stuyvesant in behalf of Mr. Willeth as his private debt and the
wampum will be taken by the said Hon'''' General on the voyage to the Southriver, to
be used for the service of the Company, if it should be needed, either for paying
the soldiers, expenses, provisions or for presents to be made to the natives : therefore
this is added to the obligation, that in case of mishap (which God may prevent), this
Bum must go to the debit of the Company and be paid out of their Honors' property in
this country, which we the undersigned attest. Date as above (signed)

P. Sttjtvesant,

COKNELIS VAN TiENHOVEN,
CORNELIS VAN RtJYVEN.

Resolution to adjoin the Burgomasters to the Council during the Director's

It having been taken in consideration by Director-General and Council at the meeting,
how weakened the board would be, when the Hon*"'' General and Mr. de Sille should have
left for the Southriver, as with God's assistance they intend to do, therefore it was
resolved and concluded, that the Hon"'® Councillor La Montague and his Honor, the
Fiscal van Tienhoven should unite with themselves in important matters Mr. Allard
Antony, Burgomaster of the City and Mr. Martin Cregier, late Burgomaster and first
Captain of the trainbands here. Date as above.

98 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Papers eelating 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.

List of the Documents here inclosed.
No. 1. Letter of the Gentlemen of the Council to G-eneral Petrus Stuyvesant at the

South-River, wherein they give information of the difficulties, into which

they got involved with the Indians, natives of these countries ; added to

it is the answer of the Council to the General' s letter under No. 2.
No. 2. Letter of the Hon^'^ General from the South-River, dated 12'? Septbr. 1655,

wherein he communicates the surrender of Fort Casimir.
No. 3. Capitulation or conditions, under which Fort Casimir has been surrendered

to the Hon*"^ General Petrus Stuyvesant.
No. 4. Letter of the Du-ector-General from the South-River, dated 29'." Septbr.

1655 ; he communicates the taking of Fort Christina.
No. 5. Capitulation or conditions, under which Fort Christina has been surrendered

to the Hon"'* General.
No. 6. Oath taken by the Swedes, who have remained at the South-River ; names

of those, who have taken the oath.

Letter from the Council to Stuyvesant ; Indians have attacked New-Amsterdam
during his absence at the South-river.
Honorable, Valiant, Prudent Sir :
Su-:
This express is dispatched to your Honor, to acquaint your Honor and the gentlemen
of your Council with our sorrows, viz. : that in the morninghour of the 15*? inst. many
armed savages came, consisting of Maquasas, Mahicanders, savages from the Upper and
Lower North- River, from Paham' s * Land, northern savages and others. With intolerable
impudence they forcibly entered the farmers' houses and offered great insult to Mr.
Allerton, whereupon as much order as possible was formed, to secure the fort and a
parley held with the chiefs of the council, who gave many and great good words. They
went to their people on the shore, who towards evening, about 9 o. c, wounded
Hendryck van Dyck, standing in his gardengate, with an arrow in the side, but not
mortally and came very near cleaving Paulus Leendertz' head with an [axe], as he stood
by his wife. It was then thought advisable to go to the Indian chiefs on the shore and
ask, why they had not retired to Nut's Island f as promised. Arrived upon the shore,
the savages rushed on our people and killed Jan de Visser, whereupon the Netherlanders
returned the fire, driving the enemy into their canoes, of which there were 64 in number.
The rest run away along the island and as soon as they were off land, they shot from
their canoes killing Cornells van Dov (?) and wounding others and presently we saw the
house on Harboken in flames. This done, whole Pavonia was immediately on fire and
[now] everything there is burned and everybody killed except the family of Michiel

• An Indian chief, see Col. Hist. Vol. I, p. 183. f Now Governor's Island.

Kew York Historical Records. 99

Hansen. On the Island they do nothmg but burn and fire. Nine hundred savages are
in camp at the end of this island or thereabouts, having joined the others. As we are
informed by Mr. Willit, we are to be attacked by them in a short time. God may give
Tis prudence and courage. Mr. Willit reports, that the supreme chief of the Minquasas
has been here conferring upon some topics with all the Indian chiefs and he believes,
that the Swedes have bribed these savages and that throirgh Swedish influences these
troubles have fallen upon us in your Honor's absence. God has delivered us last night
from a general massacre, by the hastiness of the savages, who relied upon their superior
numbers. We hope to defend us well. We might extend this farther, but shall leave it
this time.

We wish your Honor good success and have your Honor's order [to send] a yacht to
an appointed place. We have, however, received no tidings either by letter or by savage,
which, while we are here in difficulty ourselves, makes us fear, that your Honor might
have met there with more resistance, than we expected.

Sir: you will please take this letter into consideration and reflect, whether your
Honor and the force [under your command] might not be more needed here than to
subdue those places : it seems to us better, to protect one' s own house, than to gain one
at a distance and loose the old property. We request a speedy answer, that we may
know, how to act.

Madame, your Honor's wife, with her whole famUy and all those, in whom your
Honor and she are concerned, are weU. As the citizens are unwilling to guard other
people's houses far from the Manhattans, we have, with her advice, hired 10 Frenchmen,
to protect your Honor's bouwery on the Manhattans, subject to your Honor's pleasure.
We'll keep as good watch as possible, and expect your Honor's speedy return, for
to lie in the fort night and day with the citizens, has its difficulties, as they cannot
be commanded like soldiers. As we have no more [to say], we'U commit your Honor and
aU those with him to God' s protection and request your Honor to give our compliments
to the Eev. Mr. Megapolensis and to warn him, to dread (such) a murderous design by

, which was to be carried out there, unless the Attorney-General advised him

of it before his departure and requested him, to bring it to your Honor's notice,
opportunity offering ; but he did not think, it would be done here. We had much
(more) to say, but not to grieve your Honor any more, we will be sUent, till another
occasion, about the great murder of 100 men in 9 hours ; all the country-people are
flying, except those from Amersfoort,* Midwout,t Breukelen and the English vUlages.
There is a great deal of lamenting here, which we give your Honor to consider. We ask
God, to take your Honor and all, whom you have with you, into His protection and
bring you back speedily and in good health, for the consolation of the poor inhabitants.
We would have saluted the other gentlemen, Messrs. SUle and Coninck with a few lines,
but time does not aUow it. Closing with our compliments, we shall commend your Honor
and Messrs. SUle and Coninck to God' s protection and remain
12'? September. Youe Honor's Servants.

God be praised and thanked. We have heard [with joyfulness] of your Honor's
good success and [the taking] of Fort Casimir by an amicable arrangement without [loss]

* Flatlands, L. I. f Flatbush, L. I.

100 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Biver.

or bloodshed : and useful, by the discouragement of the rest of the

Swedes, to bring them the easier to a state of submission. We hope, that, before the
arrival of this, yom- Honor may, by God's help, have brought it about, that all the
Swedish troops on the South-River have yielded and surrendered Fort Christina.

In the meantime, we see by your Honor's letter, that you intend to proceed slowly,
partly to spare our troops, partly to receive our advice in regard to the point mentioned
in your Honor' s letter. This shaU therefore serve as answer and our advice upon the
[mooted] point is as follows :

If Grod Almighty shoidd give into your Honor' s hands Fort Christina, to reduce [this
fort], to strengthen and [garrison] Casimir and [to order] away from the South-River all
the Swedes, especially aU those, who are [people of distinction] or from whom we might
[expect trouble] in the futui-e, if they were allowed to remain, for no confidence can be
placed in a conquered and vanquished people, when an emergency arises, as we have
seen in [BrasU] and [illegible]

Our advice would be, in case Fort Christina was given into your Honor's hands
without bloodshed, to destroy the same as and let the Swedes remove from there.

But, since God has wonderfully delivered us here from a general massacre by the
savages and, on account of our manifold sins, has permitted the Indians to destroy many
bouweries and kill the people, it would, in our opinion, be advisable for the preservation
of the most important object and the consolation of the inhabitants, that your Honor would
make speedily a provisional treaty with the Governor of the Swedes in regard to the fort
and the land of Christina, on conditions as favorable for this state, as you may and as honor
permits, and then come here by first opportunity with the ships and troops, to preserve
what is left : all the other bouweries and places in the open country will be deserted, the
corn and fodder for the cattle burned, the animals grown wild and it stands to fear, that
other inconveniences may arise, so that we are afraid, that there will be great ti-ouble and
suffering in the community and in case no provisions should come for the militia (about

which we have already conferred with Messrs. Boudser and W ), they vdll receive

very little.

In respect to the desired advice, we cannot say [much] more for the present, but
think, our sentiments will be sufficient to explain, what will serve the commonwealth best.

Sir, we might write more, but are prevented by the continuous business, alarms and
daily as well as nightly [interruptions] from all the oflicers and burghers ; so we shall
stop and request your Honor earnestly to come speedily hitherward vsith the troops
under your command (leaving a garrison at Casimir, but not more than necessary), for
we and the citizens must aU stand [guard] and are harassed day and night with
expeditions, watches, rounds and helping to save cattle and corn. All this we trust
your Honor has seriously taken into consideration

J^ew York Historical Records. 101

No. 3.

Letter from Stuyvesant to tlie Council, reporting the surrender of Fort Casimir.
Honorable, Prudent and Very Wise Gentlemen.

Last Sunday, a week ago to-day, after the sermon we took our departure ; next day
about 3 o. c. p. m. we arrived off the bay of the South-River ; a calm and an unfavorable
tide delayed our running up to it, then the following day we came to anchor before the
place — the Swedish Fort Elsburgh ; there we mustered and divided our little force into five
sections : on Friday in the morning we weighed anchor, wind and tide being favorable,
passed about 8 or 9 o. c. Fort Casimir without show of hostility on either side and cast anchor
in about a paterero' s shot distance from the above mentioned fort. We landed our troops
instantly and sent Capt. Lieut. Smith with a drummer to the fort to demand restitution
of our property. The commander requested delay, until he might have communicated
witk Governor Rysingh ; his request was denied and in the meantime the passage to
Christina occupied by 50 men detailed from our sections ; the commanding officer Sohuts
was tlien, by a second message, requested and admonished under cover of our artillery,
not to wait the attack of our troops, to prevent bloodshed and more calamities. In
answer the commander desires to speak with us in person, which granted, he meets us
in the valley about halfway between the fortresse and our incipient battery. He asked
forthwith, that he might send an open letter, to be shown to us, to the Governor ; this
demand was seriously denied and he retired in high dudgeon. Then the troops were
marched up to the valley in full sight of the fort ; meanwhile our works were raised
about a man' s height above the bushes and the fort summoned for the thii-d and last
time ; they request very humbly a delay untU early next morning this was grantir'd,
because this evening and the following night we could not finish our battery, so as to
advance under its cover. Next morning the commanding officer came out and capitulated
with us under the conditions, sent herewith, about midday our troops marched in and
to-day we heard our first sermon and offered our imperfect thanks: God's hand and
blessing have visibly been with us as well in the weather and good result as in making
our adversaries lose courage ; therefore I request and command, that the Allgood God
shall be thanked and praised not only on the regular days of service, but on a special
day, to be fixed by your Honors and that further a pray be ofiered, that His Majesty will
please to dwell further among lis with His aid and blessing.

Yesterday, about noon, while the fort was being surrendered, the Factor Elswyck came
from Fort Christina and asked in a friendly way and in the name of the Du'ector the cause
of our coming and the orders of our superiors: to obtain and maintain our possessions,
was our answer and he requested us to be satisfied with what we had accomplished,
without advancing further upon the other Swedish fort, using at fii-st persuasive and
friendly words, afterwards mingled with menaces, "hodie mihi, eras tibi" which were
answered according to the state of the affairs : meanwhUe our little force wUl march on
to-morrow or day after : it is my intention to proceed slowly with our trenches, partly to
spare our troops, partly to have also your Honors' advice and opinions about the first and
the last orders in the letter from the Mayors concerning that point, which will then be
expected in the mail by the bearer of this : also, for your better information a copy of
their special letter to me is sent herewith, which you will please compare with their last

i02 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

general letter on this point and communicate us your advice thereon ; meanwhile I with
Messrs Sille and Coninck shall do the best according to our best knowledge, wherewith
closing I shall commit your Honor's to God's protection and shelter and remain

Valiant, Prudent and Very Wise Gentlemen
At Fort Casimir Your affectionate friend

12"^ Septbr. 1655 Peteus Stuxvesant.

About 30 Swedes have submitted to us and requested permission to go to the
Manhattans, whom your Honor have to expect by first opportunity and to treat with
all courtesy. I hope, that more will follow.

No. 3.

Capitulation or conditions, under which the Fort Casimir has been surrendered
by Commander Swen Schoute into the hands of Director-General Petrus
Stuyvesant.

First. The Commanding officer shall be allowed to carry out of the Fort Casimir,
whenever he pleases and he has the opportunity upon the arrival of Crown or private
vessels, the small and large pieces of artillery of the Crown consisting, according to the
statement of the Commander of four iron pieces of 14 pound irons (balls?) and five
howitzers {schroot stucken) namely four small and one large one.

Second. Twelve men, with full accoutrements and the banner of the Crown shall
march out with the Commander as his body-guard, the rest only with their side-arms,
save that the cannons and muskets belonging to the Crown shall be and remain at the
disposal of tlie Commander, to carry them out of the fort or have them carried out,
whenever the Commander has an opportunity thereto.

Third The Commander shall not suffer any damage in his own movable goods [nor
be prevented] to take them away or have them taken away, whenever he pleases, together
with the property of all the officers.

The commander hereby is held to place into the hands of General Stuyvesant Fort
Casimir with all pieces and ammunition, material and other effects belonging to the
General Incorporated West-India Company.

Done, resolved and signed by the contracting parties the XI September anno XVI
hundred fifty -five on board the Ship "the Waech" (the Balance) anchored near Fort
Casimir.

(Signed) Petkus Stuyvesant.

Swen Schuets, mami propria.
ISTo. 4.
Honorable, Prudent, Very Wise Gentlemen and Dear, Particular Friends.

These few lines are, as the former, to serve (as cover) to the enclosed capitulation,
entered into with the Governor of Fort Christina, which, if it pleases God, will be signed
and take effect to-morrow. In regard to details, I refer you to the bearer, Sander
Leneertsen, who will be expedited as quickly as possible in order to encourage somewhat
your Honors, my sorrowing wife, chUdi-en and sisters and my sad and grieving subjects
and to inform you of my intended speedy return in person with most of the troops, in
the meantime asking God, that he may temper -n-ind and weather in such a way, that we,
as your Honors request, may speedily return to your Honours and them ; which we request
and firmly trust, that your Honors, my famUy and beloved community will ask of God with

J^eic York Historical Records. 103

due humility ; after whicli we have no doubt, but the Lord God will send me and them
over in liaste, even though the Allgood God may have overshadowed our expedition, blessed
by him in other respects, with sad troubles and afflictions, that he might teach us to moderate
our triumphing and turn our joy into mourning; it was changed, as is easily imagined, when
we learned yesterday afternoon by your Honors' sad letter of the grievous and sorrowful
condition of my oppressed subjects. Honorable gentlemen ! if we had the wings of an
eagle, we should have disdained our victories and ilown away from our obvious gains, to
help and console our oppressed friends and subjects by our humble word and deed. As
this is impossible, wind and weather not being favorable to make speed, we must have
patience. In the meanwhile I send off this present yacht with instructions and orders, to
do their best in rowing, sailing and drifting and exert theu- diligence, in order to assure
your Honors and my subjects of my affection and speed : I further request and command
the faithful citizens to obey with courage and unanimity the orders of your Honors
and those, who have been made your Honors' colleagues during my absence, which, I
hope, will be a short one, and to comply with them, as if I, myself, were present.
I hope and trust firmly, that God, who can create light out of darkness, will turn aU to
the best and that a joyful time will follow after this sad and bloody tragedy. I mean
to say, God wUl give, that for this infamous murderous act He shall take a righteous
revenge of the wild barbarians and afford us courage and opportunity to clear the land
of them some time, either by force and the means entrusted to us by Him and our high
superiors or through other distant natives, who have had no share in this massacre:
which is enough said for the wise.

Meanwhile I hope and trust, that with the arrival there of the ship "de Liefde" (the
Love) by which some Swedish soldiers will have come and by the presence of the ship,
not only the City of Amsterdam may be secured somewhat under God' s blessing, the
burghers encouraged, the murderers checked, but also that your Honors may have got
some courage and an opportunity, to assist the remaining outside-bouweries, provided it
has not been done before. My advice is, that the ships present there be distributed on
the North and East rivers for the better security of the City of New- Amsterdam, and
although, in my last letter, I had ordered the speedy dispatching of skipper Anne
Douwes, I find the same now unexpedient in regard to my return. Your Honors will
diligently inquire, whether the Maquas have had a hand in this murderous act, and if
not, as I hope, lay before them impressively the conditions of the peace, made formerly
by their assistance and for which they became guarantees, besides the murders, which
from time to time we have had to suffer in our nation, contrary to the treaty and among
others the last cruel and murderous acts, furthermore what they think of them and
whether it might not be possible, that we could get provoked by them and other
arguments thereto necessary. No more for the present, as that after our cordial greetings
I commend you to God's protection and shelter, besides my salutations to my wife,
children, sisters and their families and compliments to your Honors and the Magistrates
of New-Amsterdam and the citizens thereof, to whom your Honors shall read as much
of this letter, as concerns them. In great haste in our field-quarters before Fort Christina
about 8 o. c. on the evening of the 24'? September 1655.

Your Honors' affectionate friend

Petrus Stuyvesant.

104 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

This in haste without copy and must therefore be kept. Some freemen are going
over with Sander to help rowing the yacht ; we have given them orders, implicitly to
obey the commands, which your Honors may consider necessary.

No 5.

Capitulation between the Honorable, Valiant Rigorous Mr. Johan Risingh,

Governor of New-Sweden on one side and the Noble, Valiant Rigorous

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General of New-Netherland on the other

side.

First. All pieces of artillery, ammunition, materials, provisions and other effects,

belonging to the High Crown of Sweden and the South Company and now in and about

Fort Christina shall be and remain the property of the High Crown and the South

Company and it shall be left to the pleasure of the Governor, to take them with him or to

have them turned over to General Petrus Stuyvesant, on condition that the same, upon

demand being made, shall be returned without delay.

2.
Governor Johan Risingh with all officers of high and low rank, ministers and soldiers
shall march out with beating of drums, playing of fifes, flying banners, burning matches,
musketballs in theu- mouths, hand and sidearms, first to "Timmer" Island, where the
troops, after they shall have left the Fort, will be conveyed in safety and quartered in the
houses there until the time, when the Governor shall leave with the ship "de Waech "
(the Balance), which is to take and carry the said Governor and his people and goods as
far as Sandpoint,* five miles outside of the Manhattans, in safety and security, at the
utmost within the time of fourteen days ; meanwhile permission is given to Governor
Risingh and Factor Elswyck with four or five sei-vants, to remain during that time in
their quarters in the. Fort, to attend to their business.

3.
All writings, letters, documents and deeds of the High Crown of Sweden and the
South Company or of private persons, found at Fort Christina shall remain untouched,
without hinderance and visitation in the hands of the Governor and his people, to take
them away, whenever they please.

4.
No officers, soldiers, ministers or freemen of the High Crown or the South Company
shall be kept against their will, but they shall have permission to leave free and without
hinderance with the Governor, as they please.

5.
All the Crown's or the South Company's high and low officials, officers and soldiers
and freemen shall keep their own movable goods unhindered and undamaged.

6.
If some of the officials or freemen, desirous of leaving, cannot now get ready to go
with the Governor and his people, they shall be granted the time of one year and six
weeks, to dispose of their movable and immovable property, taking however, the proper
oath of allegiance for the time, in which they remain here on the river.

Kew YorTc Historical Records. 105

7
If some of the Swedes or Fins are not willing to leave, then 'Governor Eisingh shall
be at liberty to admonish them thereto and if upon his admonition, they are inclined to
go with him, they shall not be kept or hindered by the General ; those, however, who
remain then with their own free will and desire to gain their livelihood in this country,
shall enjoy the privilege of the Augsburg Confession and (have) a person to instruct them
therein.

8.
Governor Johan Risingh, Factor Elswyck with the other high and officers, soldiers
and freemen, who desire to leave now with their own movable property, shall have
provided by the General a convenient ship, which shall receive them at the Sandpoint,
when they arrive there by ship, and transport them to Texel and from there they wUl
directly be taken by a caravel, galiot or another fit ship to Gothenburgh, free of expenses ;
Governor Eisingh is responsible, that this galiot or ship will not be detained.

9.
If Governor Eisingh, Factor Elswyck or some of the officials of the high and esteemed
Crown or the South Company should have contracted some debts in behalf of the Crown
or the Company, then they shall not be arrested on account of them, within the
jurisdiction of the General.

10.
Governor Eisingh has full liberty to inform himself, how the former Commander
Schuts, the officers and others of his soldiers have behaved during the surrender of the
fort on the Sandhouk.

11.
Provided, that the Governor undertakes to march the troops under his command out
of Fort Christina on this day, the 15 of the month of September and to surrender it to

25
the General. Done and signed on the 15 aforesaid of the year 1655 on the parade

25
{■parool-plaets) between Fort Christina and the fieldquarters of the General.*

P. Stuyvesant.
Johan Eisingh, m. p.

Director of New-Sweden
Endorsed " Capitulation of Fort Christina."

* For the Swedish account of their overthrow see Governor Risingh's report in N. Y. Hist. Soc. Coll. N. S.
Vol. I, pp. 443-448. As to the treatment of the Swedes afterwards we have only Swedish sources to gather
information from. Acrelius (Beskrifninge Nyea Sweriges) says " The Swedes suffered great hardships from the
Dutch. The flower of their troops was picked out and sent to New- Amsterdam; though under pretext of their free
choice, the men were forcibly carried aboard the ships. The women were ill treated in their houses, the goods
pillaged and the cattle killed. Those who refused allegiance were watched as suspicious. That this ill usage actually
took place, is proved by certificates which Eisingh gave to the sufferers and some of which have been preserved in the
original."

One of the above mentioned certificates is a passport given by Bisingh to Nicholas Mattson, in which it is stated,
that " The bearer, an honest faithful servant of the Crown, was brought on board of the enemy's vessel and endured
for three weeks, with the other prisoners, contumelious insults. In the same time his house was plundered and
his wife stripped of her very garments." (Records of Wicaco Church, "Gloria Dei" "Old Swedes Church"
Philadelphia.)— B. F.

14

106 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Secret abticles agbeed upon between Die. Stuyvesant and

GrOVERNOR RiSINGH.

It is further agreed, that the skipper, with whom the Noble Gentleman, Governor
Johan Risingh and Factor Elswyck will sail, shall be specially charged and ordered,
to land the said Messrs. Risingh and Elswyck in person either in England or France and
that the General shall advance to Mr. Johan Risingh either in cash or in bills of exchange
the sum of 300 £ Flanders,* which said Governor Johan Risingh undertakes to pay back
to the General or his order in cash or bills of exchange at Amsterdam six months after
receipt of the sum abovementioned, mortgaging meanwhile for the aforesaid moneys an
equivalent of the Crown's or the South Company's effects, to be left in the hands of the
General against receipt, of which two copies, standing for one, are to be made and signed
by both parties. On the 25 September 1655 on the place of parol between Fort Christina

15
and the headquarters of General Petrus Stuyvesant.

Johan Risingh, m. p. P. Stuyvesant.

Call upon the Swedes to take the oath of allegiance to the
Dutch.
All and every one who are inclined, [to take] of their own free wiU the oath of
allegiance in the hands of Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant Director- General of New-Netherland
and to live up to it, may remain as freemen at this Southriver of New-Netherland and
gain their livelihood as good and free inhabitants ; on the other side those, who may have
some scruples or conscientious fears regarding the oath of allegiance may leave this
province of New-Netherland, after disposing of their private property to their best
advantage and shall have free passage for their removal.

Follows the oath.
I, the undersigned, promise and swear in the presence of God, the All-knowing and
Almighty that I will be loyal and faithful to the Noble High Mightinesses, the States-
General of the United Netherlands and the Lords-Proprietors of the Incorporated West
India Company, and their, the Masters' and Patroons' of this Province of New-
Netherland, Director-General and Council, now appointed or to be appointed in future
and not do any act of hostility, sedition or intelligence iu word or deed nor help to do it,
but behave myself as an obedient and faithful subject, as long as I shall remain to Live
on the Southriver.

So help me God Almighty. This is the XJSJ mark of Jan Sohoffel.

Jan Eckhoff. rpj^-g ^^ ^ ^^^^ ^^ ^-^^^^ Tomassen.

CoNSTATOfus Gronenbergh. Limen Stidden.

Habman f/ Janz. This is cfi, that of Lucas Petersen.

♦ $720.00 gold.

Mew York Historical Records. 107

TnooMAS -/^ Bruyn. This ^ of Mathts Esselse.

William Morris. This X of Moens Andkiesen.

GosTAFFSEN Anies. This is that -^ of Martin Martensb.

mu- ,--. -c /-. -n '^'^''^ ^ I I of Lambert Miohelsen-.

This O of Oloff Franien-. -^ J k<.

This is the mark ^^> of Baernt Jansen.

This O of Oloff Franien.

This 4> of Andries Jansen. ,„, ■ ■Jl e a T.

rr,, . , , ^ „ -r T i"i^ '\>< of bAMUEL Petersen.

This the mark -^fV of Jan Justen. f

Stuyvesant's answer and counter-protest to complaints made by
Governor Risingh.

Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of tlieir noble High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General
of the United Netherlands, with the Lords-Dii'ectors of the Priv. West-India Company
Director-General of New-Netherland, Caracas etc. informs you, Johan Risingh, who, as
yonr Honor styles himself, late Director in New-Sweden for his highly reverenced Majesty
in Sweden and the South Company :

1. What your Honor says about the inventory. Besides the houses in Fort Christina,
(there was) some property or materials, which had not been placed into our hands, but
have been left in Fort Christina ; therefore we hereby inform your Honor and protest
against being held to the restitution of any more effects or materials, than we have really
received and signed for ; for besides that, we have (out of regard for the old alliance and
union between the said High Crown of Sweden and their said High Might :) offered to
your Honor Fort Christina, without having damaged the same in any manner or forced
it with artillery ; to this end we had also delivered to your Honor, before your Honor
left the same, the keys, nevertheless your Honor most improperly left and abandoned
the same unattended and ungarrisoned ; hence all damages, suffered by the parties in
interest, must be charged to you ; we however shall act and have the same taken under
our protection and care by our commissioners and garrisons as much as possible, to such
an extent and for so long a time, until the said High Crown of Sweden and the said High
Mightinesses shall have settled the same and given us together other orders.

In the second place we charge your Honor, that when your Honor landed in an
intemperate manner last Sunday, you insulted us in our ofllcial position by many threats
of going to prosecute us for everything and accusing us of breach of the stipulated
capitulation, because we did not lodge and entertain your Honor and suite to your
Honor's satisfaction, yet your Honor will not be able to prove by the capitulation, that
we owe either to your Honor and his suite any entertainment in such manner, but only
a passport and free transportation to some part of Europe, for which purpose your Honor
and the people with you were lodged upon the most excellent ship "de Waegh" and
decent board was provided with the Captain, until the merchant vessels, lying ready,
should receive your Honor and his baggage ; your Honor and the people with you came
ashore of your own free will and we do not see, that we are bound to any further
entertainment by the conditions of the capitulation, except through courtesy and regard
for your Honor's rank ; I have therefore repeatedly offered to your Honor in presence of
respectable and reputable persons the accommodations and table of my residence and

108 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

humble circumstances ; your Honor not appearing satisfied with this, I have quartered
your Honor elsewhere, persuaded by others, in one of the most principal private houses
of this City, where your Honor, in a passionate manner, threateniog, you would come to
ravage and plunder this place, and with other unbecoming words and actions, harrassed
the honest people of the house so, that for the sake of rest they left their own lodgings
during the tune ; we might have given lawful reasons and causes by the production
of the evidence of honest and trustworthy people, to induce your Honor to a proper form
of defense and law for these, your Honor' s, usual threats, uttered before as well as now,
against us, against this province and especially this city in an intemperate manner ; we
abstain from it only out of respect for the said High Crown and your Honor' s relation to
the same and this (letter) only points out, that the rumors of your Honor' s threats have
reached the ears of the skippers and fellow passengers (with whom your Honor and
people are to depart pursuant to tlie capitulation) and have made them circumspect and
uneasy to embark your Honor and the suite and troops with you in so great numbers
and take them along without due security for their ship and lading, indeed for fear of
being troubled they are unwilling to land your Honor, agreeable to the secret and
separate capitulation, made without the knowledge of your troops, in England or France,
unless they meet accidentally an English or French ship in the channel or near the
Capes. We have deemed it necessary to give your Honor timely information hereof by
our Secretary and the below-named witnesses, in order that your Honor may not blame
us, but only your unmeasured threats, if our order regarding the separate capitulation is
not executed. Done at Fort Amsterdam in New-ISTetherland on the day as above [26'."
Octbr.]. (It was signed)

P. Stuyvesant.

On the 28'." of the said month of October 1655 I, Cornells van Ruyven, Secretary of
New-Netherland, have presented and read word for word the foregoing document to the
aforesaid Mr. Johan Risingh, who resides at the house of the lieutenant of the citizens,
Daniel Litschoe, in this city and have protested against him, as it is related in detail in
the same document I have also given hia Honor a copy thereof and he answered. It is
well, I shall reply to it. Thus done, presented and protested in Amsterdam in New-
Netherland in the presence of Jan de Decker, Commissary of Fort Orange and of the
Notary Du-ck van Schelluyne as witnesses. Signed on the day as above in truth thereof.
(It was signed) Cornelis van Ruyven, Secretary, J. de Decker, D. v. Schelluyne.

Governor Risingh's Answer.

Royal Majesty's in Sweden most faithful servant and appointed Director of
New-Sweden Johan Risingh answers you, Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-
General of New-Netherland, Curasau, etc.
I cannot b\it answer briefly to your Honors open letter, handed to me by three
persons at my quarters yesterday. What has been stipulated in the capitulation,
made between your Honor and myself in regard to the movable property, is evident
from the first paragraph of it. According to its tenor it is not more than just, that

New York Historical Records. 109

your Honor should be held responsible for all, that was found in and outside of Fort
Clulstina. The Chief of Artillery Johan Danielson has turned over some materials,
implements of war etc. to those, whom your Honor commissioned thereto, and handed
them the keys. If your Honor's Commissioners had not been satisfied with it, they
should not have taken the keys nor have carried away, in the absence of my people, some
of the things. At Tornaborg some of your Honor's people took away in an unbecoming
manner the cordage and sails for a new ship, without asking for the keys of the
magazine, going there by themselves and alone, breaking a board from the church and
carrying away said cordage and sails. The old alliance and union between His Royal
Majesty in Sweden and Their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United
Netherlands, to which your Honor refers, has really been little respected by your Honor's
invasion, siege and final taking of the lands and forts of my most gracious Lord and
King in this part of the world ; I, for my part, can never believe, that their High
Mightinesses, the States-General, have given your Honor orders to do so, for your Honor's
troops have behaved here as if they were in the country of their bitterest enemy, as the
plundering of Tornaborg, Uplandt, Finland, Princedorp and other places more clearly
proves, not to speak of the defeds done about Fort Christina, where the females have
partly been dragged out of their houses by force, whole buildings torn down, even hauled
away, oxen, cows, pigs and other animals daily slaughtered in large numbers ; even the
horses were not spared but shot wantonly, the plantations devastated and everything
thereabouts treated in such a way, that our victuals have been mostly spoiled, carried
away, or lost somehow. I have informed your Honor under date 16 Septbr, that I

26
could not accept your Honor's offer, to again inhabit Fort Christina ; for the reasons
of which I am only and solely responsible to His Royal Majesty in Sweden and the
Hon. South Company. To the charge made by your Honor, that your troops had
marched out of Fort Christina already before my departure and handed the keys to me
and that I most unbecomingly left the same ungarrisoned and unprovided and therefore
must answer for whatever damage may have resulted thereby, I have to answer directly,
that not I, but your Honor left the fort bare and unprovided, as you ordered everything
found there, to be carried away by your people ; even my own property and that of my
people had mostly been carried already to the ship, before your Honor's men marched
out towards evening of the 28th Septbr O. S. and left me and a few people, without
means of defence, like sheep, to the wild barbarians. In truth, it cannot be proved,
that any keys have been returned to me by your people, much less that I have received
the same and I am astonished, that your Honor imputes such things to me ; but it is
well, that you are not judge in this case and it is therefore indifferent, if your Honor
says, that, what damages arose from the place being ungarrisoned, should be laid on my
shoulders ; it is also ridiculous to hear, that another should be responsible, for what
your Honor alone has caused : I submit the case to God and my Lord and King, who
certainly wiU in time, according to his pleasure, inquire into the violence and iniquities
done to His Majesty's lands and subjects.

In regard to the other point, I deem it unnecessary to answer much, holding that, of
which I am accused therein, not better than blasphemies. Before this, I have had
intercourse with persons of high and low rank and have known well, thank God ! to treat

110 Colojiial Settlements on the Delaware River.

evGTj one with the respect due him, nor have I omitted it in this case : the manner,
however, in which I have been used, I will leave to be mentioned at the proper time and
place. The separate treaty, which your Honor calls the secret capitulation and which
you pretend to have made with me without knowledge of my people, has not been made
without, but with their knowledge and signed by your Honor in their presence on the
place of parol and to keep it your Honor is bound and obliged, (if you do not wish to be
accused in the future, of breaking your word of honor) ; I have no knowledge of what
has been said in regard to my having uttered violent threats ; many things might be said
behind the back of an honest man, without proof, if the evidence of opposing parties
were admitted. I have requested in all justice, that according to the capitulation the
troops, arrived here with me, should not be influenced any more, to remain here and
that, conformable to our agreement, they ought to come with me in the same ship ; I
find, however, that not only has the larger part of them been persuaded by great
promises to remain here, but that also the few, who still desu-e to go with me, are
distributed here and there into several vessels, in direct opposition to the capitulation
and besides they cannot bring along the little property left to them. Therefore I
herewith request your Honor once more that all my people may remove in the same
ship with me, also, that everything stipulated by your Honor in the principal and special
treaties may be kept faithfully and I assure your Honor hereby, that no offence shall be
given by word or deed to any person on the ship or elsewhere on the journey, neither
by me nor any of my people.

Finally I protest to your Honor optima forma against all, that has been done to my
most gracious Lord and King and to His Majesty's subjects by the invasion, beleaguering
and taking of the whole Southriver of New- Sweden also in regard to the parcels, not
mentioned in the inventory, as ships, vessels, cattle and other like things. Done
Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 19 / October 1655.

/29 JOHAN RlSINGH, m.p.

Okders to several skippers, where, in Europe, to land the Swedish
officers and their men.
First of November.
The skipper and merchant of the ship " de Beer" viz : Cornells Willemsen Beer and
Jan Jansen Bestevaer are hereby ordered to land, agreeable to the capitulation, either
in England or in France, as may be most convenient, the Hon"'* Johan Eisingh and Factor
Elswyck, the rest of the Swedish troops on the Helder and to dii-ect the Commissary of
the West India Company Pieter Claesen Croon to bring their goods and merchandises
either provisionally ashore or into a galiot, to be sent according to the capitulation to
Gottenburgh fi-ee of expense. Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland on the day
as above.

Note : an order of the above tenor was sent to the skipper of the ship ' ' de
Bonte Coe."

Kew York Historical Records. Ill

Receipt of Governor Johan Risingh for money lent him to defray
his travelling expenses.

2* of November.
Copy.
I, the undersigned, hereby certify and declare, that I have requested the Worthy
Cornells Jacobsen Steenwyck to pay to the Hon*'" Mr. Johan Risingh, pursuant to the
capitulation, a draft of eight hundred guilders, for the payment of which with all interests
and losses accruing by it, I, the undersigned, pledge and engage, besides the property
left by the said Risingh in my hands, my own private property, movable and immovable,
presently owned and which may come to me. In witness whereof I have signed this with
my own hand. Done at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland on the day as above. (It
was signed)

P. Stuyvesant.

Copy.
I, the undersigned Johan Risingh hereby certify and declare, to have received,
agreeable to the capitulation, from the Director-General of New-Netherland, Petrus
Stuyvesant, two letters of exchange, one upon Thimoteus de Cruso, merchant at London,
to the amount of one thousand guilders, the other upon Cornells Jacobsen Steenwyck
for the sum of eight hundred guilders, together an amount of three hundred pounds
Flemish, which having been duly paid, I hereby promise, to return and repay the said
sum of three hundred pounds Flemish within six months after receipt, according to the
capitulation, to the said Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant or his order, to wit, Abraham de Decker,
receiver and bookkeeper of the Commissaries for the affairs of New-Netherland at
Amsterdam pledging for this purpose, according to the capitulation, the property of the
Swedish Crown and the South Company left in the hands of the said Mr. Petrus
Stuyvesant against receipt empowering the said Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant to sell, in case of
non-payment, as much of the property of tlie Illustrious Crown of Sweden and the
South-Company as the aforesaid sum with interest and loss shall amount to in good
Hollandish money here. Hereof two copies, binding for one, have been made in presence
of the following witnesses, the first being paid, the second to be of no value. Done at
New- Amsterdam in New-Netherland on the day as above (It was signed) Johan Risinge,
Hendrick van Elswyck, as witness J. de Deckere.

Fourth Period.

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 (Septbr., 16§5, to May, 16B7).

Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stutvesant, as to the
insincerity of the english regarding the boundary question;

TRADE BETWEEN BOSTON AND DELAWARE. 25 SePT. 1655.
******

We have heard nothing from the Agent of the Crown of Sweden here nor anything
concerning that whole nation. We desire very much to learn what the force, lately sent
over by ns, may have accomplished; in which direction we recommend to your Honors
to report us everything pertinently and circiimstantially, so that we may be enabled to
make a complete defense against anything that might be brought up before us, which is
now apparently the sooner to be expected, because the same nation may have a so
much higher opinion of itself, as their design against Poland seems to have been
successful

We cannot prevent it, that the English from Boston with their vessels provide the
Swedes on the Southriver with victuals and other necessities, but it looks very strange,
that people participate in it and consequently increase this trade, who are in our service
and whom your Honors possibly trust too much; nevertheless, as the reports have by
themselves come here from there, it must have been known there and therefore your
Honors will do well to get some further information regarding it and to advise us of the
results by the first opportunity.

Appointment of Jean Paul Jacquet as Vice-Director on the
Delaware; his instructions and oath of office.
29'." of November
Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of their JSToble High Mightinesses, the Lords
States-Greneral of the United Netherlands and the Noble Lords-Directors of the General
Priviledged West-India Company in the same, Director-Greneral of New-Netherland,
Curasao, Bonayro, Aruba and the dependencies thereof, together with the honorable
16

114 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Pdver.

Members of the High Council to All, who shall see, read or hear read these presents,
greeting : Whereas we needed, for the dii-ection and advancement of the affairs of the
Hon"'* Company and our own on the Southriver of New-Netherland, a proper and
qualified person, to command there in oui- absence and manage everything. Therefore,
upon the good report and information given to us in regard to the person of Jean Paul
Jacquet and trusting therefore to his piety, experience and fitness, we have engaged,
commissioned and appointed the same, as we hereby engage, commission and appoint
the aforesaid Jean Paul Jacquet to be our Vice-Director and Chief-Magistrate on the
Southriver of New-Netherland as well as for the forts, territories and other places situate
ujjon said river, to keep good order for the security of Fort Casimir and other places,
already established or to be established and to give orders and have them observed in all
matters concerning trade, policy, justice and military, also in regard to the soldiers, the
ships' crews, free persons, high and subaltern officers of whatever position and rank
they might be, who are there already or whom we may deem advisable to send there in
future; to assist in his position of Vice-Director in the management and command of
the places and to keep everything in good order for the service and welfare of the
General Priviledged West-India Company, to administer law and justice to citizens as
well as soldiers and to do further everything concerning his office and duties agreeable to
the instruction now given and in future to be given, which a good and faithful
Vice-Director is bound to do by the oath, which he is to take at our hands. This having
been done, we order and command therefore hereby all and everybody, either servants of
the Hon*"® Company or freemen living on the said river or who may afterwards come
there, of what nation or position they may be, nobody excepted and especially also the
present provisional Commander there, that in our absence they receive, acknowledge
and respect, obey, the aforesaid Johan Paul Jacquet as our Vice-Director and Chief
Magistrate and give all help, favor and assistance, as much as each may, whereas we
thus have considered it advisable for the service of the "said Company and the
advancement of this province. Thus done and given at our Council meeting held in
Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland under date as above and confirmed with our seal
here in red wax.

Provisional instructions for Jean Paul Jacquet, Vice-Director on the Southriver

of New-Netherland and the Commissaries joined to him.

1.

The abovementioned Jean Paul Jacquet is to have, in our absence, supreme command

and authority over all officers, soldiers and freemen on the aforesaid river and the forts

thereof, the first place and vote in all councilmeetings, wliich meetings shall be called

only by order and direction of the Vice-Director ; in them he shall present all matters

concerning the policy, justice, trade, privileges and royalties, the Company and its Noble

Administration and conclude by a majority of votes and in case of a tie of votes he is to

have a double vote.

2.
The Council shall be formed, besides the Vice-Director, by Andries Hudde,
Elmerhuysen Cleyn and the two Sergeants, if the affair is purely military or concerning
the Company properly, but if the affair is purely a civil one between freemen and the

Jfeiv York Historical Becoi-ds. 115

Company's servauts, then he shall take in place of the two sergeants two of the most
suitable freemen, as the case may demand it.

3.
In this Council Andries Hudde, as Secretary and Surveyor, shall do the writing and
pertinently annotate, register and book all matters, propositions, resolutions, complaints,
defaults, arrests with the reasons thereof, also all judgments, sentences and decisions
and with the Vice-Du-ector keep a good journal and daily record of what might happen
there, what ships and yachts come there, what they bring, carry away and accomplish.

4.
In the Fort, in which the Vice-Director happens to be, the keys of the Fort and the
magazine shall be committed to him ; he alone shall give the watch- word and have all
general and special authority, command and power and the subordinate officers not more,
than what is given them by the Vice- Director's order.

5.
He shall strictly observe and have observed the placards and ordinances made and
published heretofore against the sale of brandy or strong drinks to the savages, regarding
the robbing of gardens or plantations, the running about in the country, driaking on the
Sabbath and profanation of the same.

6.
Nor shall he permit that the superior or subordinate officers of the Company nor the
soldiers absent themselves from the Fort dui'ing the night without Ms special consent,
nor that the free people, especially the Swedes, who have their usual habitation outside,
remain inside without his knowledge and permission and he shall by no means suffer or
allow, that Fort Casimir be frequented or visited too much either by them or by the
savages ; he must especially observe this upon the arrival of strange ships, yachts and

7.

He must not suffer by any means, that ships or vessels go above or below Fort
Casimir to carry on a trade or negotiations with the savages or Christians, but the same
must be compelled, to remain before or near Fort Casimir and trade there or on the shore
just below the Fort, for their greater security and to prevent mishaps.

8.

He shall keep in good order and discipline the servants of the Company, superintend
their trainings and guard-duty and maintain Fort Casimir in a becoming state of defense,
but if any of them shoiild request permission to plant, he may discharge some of them,
even though their stipulated term has not expired, but imder the condition and
subscribed written promise to help defend, if necessary, the Fort against all and every
one, who may at a future time desire to attack the same : he shall also make all the
freemen living around there now or who may come in future, give the same promise
under oath and in case of refusal to promise it, he shall send the same (party) hither by
the first opportunity offering or make him leave.

9.

In distributing land, he must above all take care, that villages {bijeenwooninge) be
formed of at least 16 or 20 persons or families together and in order to prevent the

116 Colonial Settlejyients on the Delaware River.

immoderate desire for land he shall, in place of tithes, exact from each morgan of land
provisionally 12 stivers * annually.

10.

To provide for the great expenses and costs already incurred for Fort Casimir and
stUl to be incurred, he shall, following the laudable custom of our Fatherland and of this
place, demand and have paid the tavernkeepers' excise in conformity to that, which is
paid here, to wit :

For a hogshead of french or rhenish wine . . . .* f ti 20.

an anker of the same wine 11. 4.

for an anker of brandy, Spanish wine or distilled water ii 7. — ,

for a ton of imported beer fl 6. — ,

for a ton of New-Netherland beer fl 4. —

or a larger or smaller cask in proportion . —

He shall also demand this excise from those, who drink in company or at drinking-bouts,
but from those, who lay it up for home- use, he shall demand no excise until further
orders.

11.

He shall not grant building or farm lots on the edge of the valley of Fort Casimir,
to wit between the Kil and the aforesaid Fort nor behind the Fort, but he shall reserve
the land for reinforcements and outworks of the Fort ; likewise in order to favor more
the concentrated settlements on the Southside of the Fort, he shall upon occasion clear
a good street behind the houses already built and lay out the same in convenient order
and lots of about 40 to 50 feet width and one hundred feet length, the street to be at
least 4 to 5 rods vsdde.

12.

He must look well after the Swedes, who stUl are there ; if any of them might be
found, who are not well affected towards the Hon''''' Company and our native country,
he shall with all possible politeness make them leave, and if feasible send them hither,
to prevent any more dissatisfaction.

13.

He shall try to have intercourse with the savages in all politeness, but in the
meantime be on his guard against them and other foreign nations and not suffer that they
or others come into the Fort armed or in great mrmbers, by no means let them stay there
over night, which the inhabitants also ought to take to heart. That however the natives
may not in the meantime remain under the blue sky and that not the least reason for
complaints may be given to them, it might be useful, that the servants of the Company
together with the free people made a house of bark outside of the Fort as lodgings for
those Indians, who are not great Sachems.

14.

It is further strongly recommended to the Vice-Director to take and have taken at
his first arrival, a proper inventory of the ammunition, materials, provisions and other
effects of the Company and inquire of the present Commandant Dirck Smith, how the
same have been managed since our departure and what has become of them, and to send
us by the first chance offering a copy thereof and proper evidence.

Thus done and given at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, on the day as above,

* 34 cents gold. \ One florin = 40 cents.

Kew Yorh Historical Records. 117

To-day, the 8'? of December 1655 tlie following oath has been taken by Jean Paul
Jacquet before the Honorable Director-General and Counsel :

I promise and swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I will be obedient and
faithful to their Noble High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General of the United
Netherlands, to the Noble Lords-Directors of the Privileged West-India Company in the
same and to their Director-General and Council of New-Netherland now appointed or in
future to be appointed, that I will administer good law and justice, that I will maintain
and advance as much as I can the Reformed religion, as the same is taught and preached
here and in the Fatherland conform to God's word and the Synod of Dortrecht, that I
wUl take care of the Fort and its safety to the best of my ability and further will,
pursuant to the instructions already given to me or to be given in future, advance the
service of the Company and the wellfare of the country, also do to the best of my abilities,
what a good and faithful Vice-Director is bound to do. So help me God Almighty !

Petition of Abraham de Lucena and other Jews for permission
TO trade on the Southriver, with votes op the Council and
order thereon.
29* November 1655.
Copy. To tlie Honorable Worshipful Director-General and Council of New-

Netherland.
Show with due reverence Abraham de Lucena, Salvador d' Andrada and Jacob Cohen
for themselves and in the name of others of the Jewish nation, residing in this city, that,
under date of the 15"^!' February A? 1655, they, the petitioners, have from the Hon"'
Lords-Directors of the Incorporated West-India Company, Masters and Patroons of this
Province received permission and consent, to travel, reside and trade here, like the other
inhabitants and to enjoy the same liberties, which is proved by the document here annexed.
They request therefore respectfully, that your Noble Worships will not prevent or hinder
them herein, but will allow and consent, that, pursuant to their permit, they may, with
other inhabitants of this Province, travel to and trade on the Southriver of New-Netherland,
at Fort Orange and other places, situate within the jurisdiction of this Government of
New-Netherland. So doing etc^

They shall remain Your Noble Worships'
humble servants

(Signed) Abraham de Lucena,

Salvador Dandrada,
Jacob Coen.

After the foregoing petition had been read at the meeting of the Director-General
and Council, it was resolved, that each of the members of the Council should give his
opinion as to vrhat answer is to make to it.

Opinion of the Honorable Director-General Petrus Stuyvesant.
To answer, that the petition is to be denied for weighty reasons.

118 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Opinion of the Honorable Nicasius de Sille.
He says, that he does not like to act herein contrary to the orders of the
Lords-Directors, but that at present, as they have put on board ship goods for the
Southriver, permission might be given to them and further orders, in answer to the last
letter sent to the Lords Directors, should be awaited.

Opinion of the Honorable Lamontagne.
To answer, that for weighty reasons the petition is denied.

Opinion of the Honorable Cornells van Tienhoven, written by himself.
Cornells van Tienhoven is of opinion, under correction, that to grant the petition of
the Jews, for permission to go to the Southriver and Fort Orange, although the Noble
Lords-Mayors had allowed this nation to live and trade in New-Netherland, would
nevertheless be very injurious to the community and population of the said places and
therefore the petition must be denied for the coming winter and ample report be made
thereon to the Lord-Directors, also that for this time a young man of that nation may
be allowed to go to the Southi'iver with some goods, without establishing thereby a
precedent.

Order directing Ensign^ Dirck Sjiith, Provisional Commander at the
Southriver, to appear before the Council.
Ultimo 9'"-'= 1655.

Present at the meeting the Noble, Hon*''' Director-General, Petrus Stuyvesant,

and the Honorable Members of the Council, Nicasius de SUle, Lamontagne,

and the Fiscal Cornells van Tienhoven.

It was resolved and considered necessary, to summon the present provisional

Commander at the Southriver of New-Netheiiand, Dirck Smith, grave reasons inducing

the Director-General and Council thereto.

Done at the meeting, held at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, on the day as
above.

Order, authorizing Jan Teunissen, carpenter, to save the Swedish

YACHT "EnDRACHT," STRANDED AT SaNDY HoOK.

25'? January 1656.

Before the Council appeared Jan Teunissen, carpenter, who offered, that he would
save with God's assistance the Swedish yacht "Endracht" which, coming from the
Southriver, was cast ashore by the storm outside of Sandy hook, provided, that the
Director-General and Council would furnish him at their expense 4 to 6 men to assist
him ; he demanded 200 guilders to be paid after the work was done, but, if he did not
get her afloat again, he should not receive anything for his labor. .

The question having been put, 200 guilders were promised to him, in case he should
get the aforesaid yacht afloat, to assist him in which 4 to 6 men shall be provided for
Mm at the expense of the Hon"'* Company. Date as above.

J^ew York Historical Records. 119

.Petition of Sergeant Lucas Diecksen for his dischakge and leave

TO settle on the SoUTHEIVER ; GRANTED.

15*? February 1656.

Copy. To the Noble, Very Worshipful, Honorable Director-General and High
Council of New-Netherland.
Shows with humble reverence Luycas Dii'cksen, Sergeant in the service of the Hon""
Company here, that he, petitioner, has served the said Hon'''^ Company faithfully for a
period of about four years and that he would like now to transport himself with his
family to the Southriver of New-Netherland, to settle there, where he has bought a
house. He requests therefore, that your Noble AVorships will kindlj^ please to discharge
him from the service and consent to his removal thither, which doing etc*

Your Noble, Honorable Worsliips'
humble servant

LuTCAS Diecksen.
After the foregoing petition had been read and the question put, it was decided :
fiat quod petitur. Date as above.

Extract feom a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant ; expedition

AGAINST THE SwEDES APPROVED. 13™ OP MaRCH 1656.
******

We will gladly approve of the expedition on the Southriver and of what has occurred
and been done, as being substantially conform to our intentions ; only we would have
preferred to see, that no such a formal capitulation had been made for the surrender of
the Fort, but that all had been done in the same manner, as the Swedes have given us
an example of in regard to Fort Casimir ; our reason for it is especially, that what is
written and surrendered in copy can be preserved for a long time and appears sometimes
at the most awkward moment, while on the other side the word or deed is lost from
memory by the length of time or may be interpreted and smoothed over one way or the
other, as the occasion seems to demand. But as in the above case it has already been
done, we have only wished to make this remark as a rule, if in future similar situations
might present themselves. The aforesaid Fort Casimir must be properly provided and
armed by your Honors, but little attention need be paid to Fort Christina, where you will
leave only 3 to 4 men to live there as garrison and to keep it in our possession, and you
must try to make some private parties remain there.

120 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Commercial relations with the Delaware.
Permit for Captain Jacob to sail to the Soutliriver, on condition, that He clear
his cargo.
25'." March 1656.
Before the Council appeared Jacob Kip, Hendrick Kip, Salomon Lachair, Peter de
Jonge and demonstrated, that they had shipped several liquid articles besides other
goods on board of the yacht of Captain Jacob, to transport them with the lirst good
wind, as soon as the lading was completed, to the Southriver and whereas he has no vv
completed his lading and the wind is favorable, but yet he pretends, that he must wait
for some letters until next week, therefore they request, that the said Captain Jacob may
be allowed to depart with his yacht and the cargo in her or else they shall be compelled
to protest against him for the loss by leakage and otherwise, which they might sustain
on their goods through the long delay contrary to promise.

The Director-General and Council consent, that Captain Jacob may depart with his
yacht and her cargo fi-om here to the Southriver of New-Netherland, provided he give a
faithful account of his cargo to the Hon*"^ Fiscal. Date as above.

A Swedish ship, "Merctjeicjs," arrives at the Delaware with

EMIGRANTS, ORDERS ARE THEREFORE ISSUED, NOT TO ALLOW THEM TO
LAND, ETC., BUT THE SHIP MAT COME TO NeW- AMSTERDAM FOR SUPPLIES
AND THEN RETURN TO EUROPE.

29'? of March (1656).

During the night from the 28'.'' to the 29'? of March, a letter from our Commandant
on the Southriver, dated the 24'? of March, was received by the ketch of Mr. AUerton :
from it we learn the arrival on that river of a Swedish ship, called the "Mercurius,"
having on board altogether 130 souls.

After having read this letter it was considered and resolved, not to permit the landing
of these Swedes there and to write to them, that they miglit either return to Sweden with
their ship, or that if they liked to come hither with the said ship, a free passage here
and back would be given to them to depart again unmolested, after they had provided
themselves with the necessary victuals and commodities. Thus done at Fort Amsterdam
in the night from the 28'? to the 29'? of March 1656.

Present his Honor, the Director-General Petrus Stuyvesant, the Hon"'^ Mr. Nicasius
de SDle, the Hon"'^ Mr. La Montague and the Hon"'* Fiscal Tienhoven.

J\''ew York Historical Records. 121

Ordeks to prevent a Swedish uprising.
When the letter of the Commander ou the Sonthriver dated on the 17th of March was
taken up again and it was understood that some of the Swedes, left there, were either
troublesome or very dangerous, of whom among others the persons of Swen Scheute and
Jacob Swenske were specified by name and it was said of the latter, that to the detriment
of our state there he held secret intelligence with the savages, the dangerous consequences
thereof having been deliberated and considered upon by us, we considered it necessary
for the greater advantage of the Company and the safety of the aforesaid conquered
Southriver to command and authorize the Vice-Director Jean Paul Jacquet to secure the
aforesaid persons and thus to send them hither with the first vessel, to wit Capt. Jan
Jacobsen's ; also to send for this purpose and to have the same better accomplished in
case of opposition, a succor of 12 soldiers, who after having executed this business shall
be sent back here either overland or with the said vessel and at the same time to direct
and order the aforesaid Vice-Director and the Council adjoined to him, to take the usual
oath of all the Swedes, who have heretofore not taken the oath of allegiance and send
away by every opportunity those, who refuse or contravene against it. Thus done,
resolved and decided on the day as above at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland. (It
was signed) P. Stuyvesant, Nicasius de Sille, La Montague, Cor. van Tienhoven.

Pass for the Swedish Ship "Mercurius" to come to New-Amsterdam
for supplies and thence to sail for europe.
30'^ March 1656.

Whereas we, the Director-General and Council of New-Netherland, have been
informed by letters from our Commander at the Southriver as well as from the Noble,
Valiant Johan Papegaay of the arrival of a certain Swedish ship called " de Mercurius"
with some Swedish families, who for grave reasons must not be allowed to land there,
until further orders from our Honorable PrincijDals, and whereas we are advised and
informed by the aforesaid letter of the said Johan Papegaay, that they are well inclined,
to depart again with this, their said ship for the fatherland, which neither can nor ought
to be prevented, but whereas it is shown by the aforesaid letter, that the said ship with 130
souls has been long on the outward bound voyage and therefore miglit run short of
provisions on the home voyage, unless it can be provided with fresh supplies : Therefore,
we, Director-General and Council of ISTew-Netherland, having no other intentions, but to
maintain the old union and friendship of the two nations and leaving the dispute
regarding the claims on the aforesaid Southriver to the decision of our mutual Honorable
Principals, give herevdth to the said ship "Mercurius" and the ofilcers, crew and
passengers thereto belonging, absolute consent and free pass, to come at their pleasure
here to this city of New-Amsterdam and to depart unmolested, as soon as they wish, and
to provide themselves with such victuals and supplies as they need. Thus done and
given under our usual seal and hand, on the day as above, at Port Amsterdam in New-
Netherland.

(Signed) P. Stuyvesant, Nicasius de Sille, La Montagne, Cornells van Tienhoven.
16

122 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Petition- of Hendrick Hutgiien-, supercabgo of the Swedish ship
"Mercueius," 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.
Copy.

Honorable, Very Worsliipf ul, Highly Respected General and All the Honorable
Members of the Council of New-Xetheiiand.
Gentlemen.

Whereas, according to my instruction, I was to discharge the cargo of goods and
land some families and colonists in New-Sweden near or in Fort Christina, but coming
into the River understood below, contrary to expectations, that all, which might have
been called Swedish, troops, fort, ammunition, yachts, barges, animals and other movable
property extant had been taken possession of by the officers of your Honorable Company
or the Honorable General, pursuant to the capitulation, made concerning it between the
Honorable General and the Commander Johan Rysingh,

Upon which unexpected change I therefore resolved to ascertain the truth
thereof and therefore went to Fort Casimir and having been informed of what
had passed, (although I need not acknowledge any other, than our High Magistrates)
and having asked for a friendly conference with the Commandant Jacquet and
requested permission to pass without hindrance to our destination, to carry out what
was mentioned above, he then answered me, that he had no orders from the
Honorable General to allow it and desired to be informed of the Director-General's
intention in writing, keeping me in arrest in the meantime against all reason, in my
opinion, giving to understand and holding me as a traitor and enemy of his State,
notwithstanding that I, to avoid giving further offence, had come in good faith to visit
him. After this had happened I received an answer from the Honorable General, who
denied me all means to carry out my instructions. His Noble Honor offered, that if I
desired to come to New- Amsterdam in New-Netherland, I should have liberty there to
discharge and take in a cargo, to victual the ship and trade and what further was
required to expedite the voyage to the Fatherland and as the Honorable General also
demanded, that the Colonists should be carried back, therefore I then resolved to make
the journey overland and now respectfully request the Honorable Director-General and
Council, that they wUl please to take in consideration, that, besides that the great
expenses not only distress the good people, but the parents are also separated from
their children, even the husband from his wife and they must altogether be deprived of
their worship of God and live under a foreign nation, whose language and manners
are not known to them, they were sent over for the peopling of New-Sweden and not
to any otiier jurisdiction or nation, also that I with the families and Colonists and
the ship's cargo may settle on some of the places abandoned by us, if they are still
uninhabited or where it appears best to me under present circumstances, untU further
orders and advices from the Fatherland leaving what has passed, as I have found it, until
different disposition is made by the Principals, only that the people arrived with me
may remain in this State and I may deal with them and trade according to the orders of
my superiors. If this shall now be granted to me, 1 would ask for what the Honorable

Kew York Historical Records. 123

General offered, to wit, that the ship may be favored with a safe-conduct in order to
victual here at this place ; I will also pledge myself with my person, while living on the
Eiver, to keep up all proper friendship and intercourse and to assist in preventing all
disturbances either from Indians or from Christians for the security of the subjects of
either side, leaving what further concerns this matter to be settled by our respective
Principals, the decision of whom I will await in patience and good coniidence.
New- Amsterdam, 11'." of April 1656. (It was signed)

Hendrick Huygen.

Present in Council, the Noble Hon""' Director-General, Petrus Stuyvesant,
the Hon"" gentlemen Nicasius de Sille, La Montague and Cornells van
Tienhoven.
After consideration of the pi'ecediug written proposition or petition of Sr Hendrick
Huygen the Du-ector-General and Council of New-Netherland find that (with exception of
Ms presumption expressed in regard to Commander Jacquet "treating me as a traitor and
enemy of his State," which the aforesaid Director- General and CouncU ignore) the
written remonstrance or petition agrees in substance with the letter of Johan Papegaay
dated 24*." of March, written to that effect from the Southriver and answered at large by
their Honors on the following 29'." * to which resolution Director-General and Council are
still adhering, namely, that theu- Honors, for reasons explained in detaU in the letter,
cannot allow any ships, vessels, trading or landing of people on this river, excej)t such as
come there with their order and commission, therefore the petitioner is hereby once more
ordered to withdraw the ship "the Mercarius" with all the people belonging to it and
is given the choice to do this himself and have it done according to his own orders and
pleasure and leave this River and return where he pleases or if he should not accept this,
Director-General and Council find themselves compelled to adopt other measures for the
departure of the ship "Mercurius" and all others coming without their or their
Principals' orders and commission. A prompt resolution and answer as to his choice is
asked of the aforesaid petitioner, while Du-ector-General and Council, in case the above
advice should not be followed, hold themselves not answerable for any damage and loss.
Thus done at the Council-meeting held at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland on the day
as above. (It was signed)

P. Stuyvesant,
Nicasius de Sille,
La Montagne,
CoE. VAN Tienhoven.

Hendeick Huyghen appeaes befoee the Council and consents that
the "Meecueius" and hee passengees come to New-Amsteedam.
12'!' April.
Before the Council appeared Hendrick Huygen and answered to the foregoing, our
resolution and order of the 11'." inst., that he is willing and intends, on the safe-conduct
for passing and repassing, to order his ship the "Mercurius" with the people and cargo
on her to this place and to remain here in person, until her arrival and he requests further
* Letter of John Papegay and the answer of the Council ai-e missing. — B. F.

124 Colonial Settleinents on the Delaware Paver.

an order to the Vice-Director there, that the said ship and people may be despatched aa
quickly as possible, which having been considered by Director-General and Council it
was, in order to avoid expenses, considered unnecessary to send, according to yesterday's
proposition, the man-of-war the "Waagh" thither to bring or drive away the Swedish
ship in question and they iind nothing else necessary and expedient, than to keep the
man-of-war " de Waagh " here, until the arrival of the said Swedish ship. Thus done at
Fort Amsterdam in N. Netherland, on the day as above.

Oedee dieectino Ensign Smith to peoceed with 12 to 16 soldiers

OVEELAND TO THE DeLAWAEE AKD TO EEPORT ON THE STATE OF
AFFAIRS THERE.

The Honorable Director-General and Council of N. Netherland, not having received as
yet any answer to their letter, despatched by an express-messenger to the Vice-Director
Jacquet on the Southriver on the 12'." inst. and being unable to satisfy themselves in regard
to the long delay of the Swedish ship "Mercurius," nor knowing what the reasons for
the tarrying there or the non-arrival here may be, to which are added many and varying
reports, which some declare to have heard from savages, that some difficulties had arisen
at the said Southriver between our people and the said Swedes or Indians, which as
stated above having been further weighed and considered by the Honorable Du'ector-
General and Council, they are of opinion, that the common welfare of the country and the
special interests and service of the Hon''"' Company are greatly concerned in the good
condition of the said Southriver and the departure of the said Swedish ship "Mercurius"
with all the people brought there and resolve, in order to obtain perfect and true
information of the state of affairs, to detail Ensign Smith and send him with 12 to 16
armed men overland with instruction to send from the said river as quickly as possible by
a savage or other-nase information, whether the ship "Mercurius " has left or not and how
the other affairs of the Company there are getting on, with further orders that the Ensign
return hither with his men with all speed according to the instruction given to the Ensign.
On the day as above (28'.'' April 1656). (It was signed)

P. Stuyvesant,

NiCASIDS DE SiLLE,

La Montagne,

C. VAN TiENHOVEN.

Patent to Thomas Beoen for a plantation on the Delaware,
described as follows :
A plantation situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland below Fort Casamier,
stretching to the eastside of Cornells Teunissen's and measuring on the southside
eastwardly eighteen rods, on the eastside along Simon Leem's north-north-west one
hundred and thirty-two rods and along Cornells Teunissen's south-south-east one hundred
and thirty-two rods, together 2046 rods, under the express condition and obligation etc'.
Done at Amsterdam in N". Netherland the 12'? of April A° 1656.

Kew Yorh Historical Records. 125

Opinions of the Director and Council on receipt of intelligence

FROM THE SODTH RIVER, THAT THE SWEDISH SHIP "MeRCURIUS"
HAD RAN PAST FORT CaSIMIR AND LANDED PASSENGERS AND GOODS
NEAR MaTINNEKONK.

In the Name of the Lord. Amen.
First of May 1656.

Present in Council : the Hon"^ Director-General and the Hon*''= Councillors,
Nicasius de Sille, La Montagne and Cornells van Tienhoven.
After reading and re-reading the letters and declarations, received this day from the
South-river by Andries Hudde, in regard to the critical state of affairs there, the
following opinions were given on this subject.

Opinion of the Hon''"= Director-General.
As upon the unexpected advices from the Southriver time does not allow any delay
or tarrying, it is my proposition and advice that the man-of-war, "de Waagh" be sent
there, and with the said ship two gentlemen of the Council to inform themselves of the
matter and redress it as far as possible to the greatest advantage and honor of the
Company and the Dutch Nation. On the day as above. (Signed)

P. Stutvesant.
Opinion of the Hon'"^ Mr. Sille.
Nicasius de Sille agrees with the opinion of the Hon""^ General, namely, that it is
necessary, that the said ship be sent there with all possible speed; he is further willing, to
go himself, if Director and Council should order it, provided that, in case any troubles
should arise here, proper care be taken of his family in his absence. Done at Fort
Amsterdam in N. Netherland on the day as above. (Signed)

NicASiijs DE Sille.

La Montagne agrees with the opinions of the Hon"'^ General and Mr. Sille in regard
to the despatching of the ship " de Waagh," provided that orders be given, not to make a
hostile attack on the Swedish ship, seeing that she has now landed her goods and people.
On the day as above. (It was signed)

La Montagne.

Upon the information received to-day overland from the Southriver by the letters of
Vice-Director Jacquet and the verbal report of Secretary Hudde, regarding the state of
affairs of the Southriver and the behavior of the Swedes and savages there, also that the
ship " Mercurius" had sailed up above Fort Casimir to Matinnekonck and landed goods,
contrary to the Commandant's orders, from which certain great difBculties may be
expected, as the man-of-war " de Waagh " still lies here, which had been especially sent
for the Southriver expedition, therefore Cornells van Tienhoven advises upon the
proposition of the Hon"^ General, tliat the said ship with the troops be sent to tlie
Southriver, to bring the said ship "Mercurius" in the most proper manner possible to this
place and by the most convenient means put a stop to and settle peacefully the other
affair between the natives and our nation. Fii'st of May 1656. (It was signed)

CORNELIS VAN TiENHOVEN.

326 Colonial Settlements on the Belaware River.

The motives and reasons, why the ship in question, the "Mercurius," did not agreeably
to our expectations and the order of Commissary Hendrick Huygen come here, were taken
in further consideration and the reports about it were heard from several passengers, as
Master Isaac AUerton, Capt. Jan Jacobsen, Claes de Ruyter and other persons, among
whom was Otto Grim, a soldier, and N. N. Swart, carpenter of the ship "de Waagh"
all of whom unanimously declared (as far as they knew it), that the not coming here
of the ship was not planned by the skipper or the ship's crew, but was caused by the
obstruction of some Swedes and Fins, joined by some savages, coming on board with
Pappegay and remaining on board in a large number, until the said ship had passed Fort
Casimir ; the aforesaid deponents declared further, that it was sufficiently evident from
the circumstances, that some of the principal men of the Swedes were at the bottom of it
and that also most of the other Swedes, who had taken the oath of loyalty, had in their
opinion been stirred up or misled. Anyway we can neither in the reports of others
nor in the letter of Commissary Hendrick Huygen, who has always remained here and
waited for the arrival of his ship, find any fault against himself or against the skipper
and the ship' s officers, which therefore having been farther considered, as stated above, it
is, according to our information deemed best and expedient, in order to prevent further
damages, complaints and dissensions, to let Hendrick Huygen himself go with the
Committee of the Hon*"' Council in the man-of-war and upon his promise to practice, as a
subject of this State, faithful obedience and to promote as much as is in his power peace
and harmony between the savages and the Christians, once more to renew and grant him
a free pass and repass for himself and for his ship and goods, if he can do it without
trouble and besides this (to carry on) trade and trafic here on the river subject to such
regulations and privileges as others, be they subjects or strangers, enjoy or pay for and
to direct, at his request, the gentlemen deputed thither and authorise them, as we
hereby once more are doing, that they shall not only let him be benefitted by the contents
hereof, but also assist him with word and deed against those, who contrary to his orders
may have prevented and hindered the coming up of his ship and who in consequence
may have inflicted damages on him in his cargo or the prevention of his voyage. Thus
done, resolved, summed up and decreed in Fort Amsterdam, the 3d of May 1656. (It
was signed)

P. Stuyvesant.

NlCASIUS DE SiLLE.
COENELIS VAN TlENHOVElSr.

Bond of Hendrick Hutghen, that he will demean himself
peaceably on the sodth river and obey the dutch laws, while

THERE.

I, the undersigned Hendrick Huygen from Cleeif, sent out by the South Company of
Sweden, in the ship ' ' Mercurius ' ' as Commissary, not knowing before my arrival at the
Southriver of N. Netherland of the changes, which had taken place there since my
departure, promise by this my signature in place of oath, that with the safe-conduct
granted to me by the Director-Greneral and Council I will in my trade and during my
sojourn here, as well as on the Southriver, conduct and behave myself faithfully and

JVew York Historical Records. 127

obediently and submit to such orders and laws, as the subjects of New-lSTetherland or
strange traders, frequenting this and other places of New-Netherland submit to,
especially that I will by no means meddle in any quarrel between Christians and savages,
much less instigate any, but rather try to settle all differences already arisen or in future
to arise between Swedes, Dutch and savages and to remove them as far as is in my power
and that I will not act or behave otherwise, than if I were a sworn subject of this State.
As further security herefor I engage my person and my property, movables and
immovables and place them at the disposition of all courts of justice. In witness whereof
I have signed this at Amsterdam in New-Netherland the 3^ of May 1656. (It was signed)

Hendrick Huygen.

CoMMissioisr FOR Councillors de Sille akd Corxelitjs van Tieniioven
TO proceed to the South river and investigate affairs there.

Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of the Noble High Might: the Lords States-General and
the Noble Lords-Dii-ectors of the General Privileged West-India Company of the United
Netherlands Director-General of New-Netherland, Curasao, Bonayro, Aruba and the
territories depending thereon, together with the Honorable Council To All, who hear, see
or read this, Greeting : Know ye, that upon the report and information given to us of the
arrival at the Southriver of New-Netherland of the Swedish ship, called "de Mercurius"
and of the increase of differences and animosities because of the said ship and its running
up and past Fort Casimii- contrary to our express directions and orders, which difficulties,
differences and dissensions between the savages, the Dutch and the Swedish nation, being
there under oath of allegiance to us and in our jurisdiction, would soon make further
inroads to the disadvantage of the said Lords-Dii-ectors and the good inhabitants there,
We have, for information, inquiry, redress and removal thereof, authorized and deputed,
as we hereby authorize and depute, our dear friends Nicasius de Sille, first Councillor in
New-Netherland and Cornells van Tieuhoven, Councillor and Fiscal of the aforesaid
province and Sheriff of the City of Amsterdam for the promotion and greater security
thereof in such a manner, that, if their commission and warrant should be necessary or
demanded, they may be fortified with full power, authority and special orders for the
aforesaid purpose : Therefore by virtue of our commission from the aforesaid Noble
Lords-Directors we give hereby to our said Deputies full power, authority and special
orders after their arrival on the Southriver of New-Netherland to inquire, inform and
investigate the motives and causes for not obeying our orders given in regard to the
Swedish ship "Mercurius" as to leaving the said River and not to go above Fort
Casimir, also the differences, jealousies and dissensions, created thereby, to quiet, settle
and remove the same, whether they have arisen in the Dutch, Swedish or the Indian
nation, or yet may arise ; to apprehend, relegate and send off the authors, instigators
and ringleaders thereof, either with or against their will ; to order once more the ship in
question to leave under the free pass given and in case of further opposition or contumacy
to attack and drive it off or carry it hither and further to do, order and accomplish
everything which they believe necessary for the greater safety of the said River, the Fort

128 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

and good inhabitants thereof, while we promise hereby sincerely and in good faith to
consider acceptable, settled and always binding, as if we had done it ourselves, all that
shall have been done, accomplished and promised by our said Deputies in this quality
and matter.

Given at our Council, held at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, under our seal
and usual signature, on the 3* of May 1656.

Petition of Frederic Barentsen, baker at Fort Casimir for an
increase of pay ; granted.

Copy. To the Very Worshipful, Wise, Valiant, the Hon'''^ Petrus Stuyvesant,
Dii-ector-General.

Sir. After offering the kindliest greetings it is the request of your Noble Worship' s
most humble and obedient servant, to be informed what my salary here with thn
commutation money for board, suitable for a baker, appointed to a fort, is to be. I have
spoken here with their Honors, Mr. de Sille and the Fiscal Tienhoven and asked for an
increase, but they did not allow me any more, than 12 florins per month and a private
soldier's ration, which does not satisfy me ; but I shall be well satisfied, if the Noble
Director-General wUl give me 16 florins per month and a Sergeant's ration. A favorable
answer hereto awaiting I remain

Your Noble Honorable Worship's
humble

F J This is the mark of
Dated Frederic Barentsen from Oldenburg.

Actum Casimir
on the South river of
New-Netherland, 28'!' May 1656.

The foregoing petition having been received and read, it was answered, after the
question was put :

Fiat ut petitur, 27"^ June A? 1656.

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. 14™ June
1656.

* * * -X- * *

We are now still negotiating here with their Noble Worships the Lords-Burgomasters
of this City in regard to the establishment of some colonies there, which negotiations,
we think, will be soon brought to an end. We shall then, when the people sail, which

Keiv York Historical Records. 129

will greatly increase the population (of New-Netheiiand), give your Honors information
of our further resolutions

We are for the present satisfied with the appointment of Jean Paul Jacquet as
Vice-Director of the Southriver and will hope and trust, that your Honors have taken
the step after having previously ascertained, that his abilities are equal to his duties.

Petition of Hewdrick Huyghen, to be informed what amount of

DUTY HE IS to PAY ON THE CARGO OF THE SHIP "MeRCURIUS," WITH
ANSWER.

Copy. JSToble, Honorable, Very Worshipful Dii'ector-General and Council of New-

Netherland.
Hendrick Huyghen shows herewith with due reverence, that he has come here before
this city with the ship "Mercurius" with the consent and permission of the Honorable
General and his deputies, having been promised a civil treatment in regard to the duties of
the West-India Company, as having arrived here by accident and against intention : the
petitioner therefore requests to be informed, what amount of duties your Noble Worships
expect him to pay, that he may arrange his affairs accordingly, and awaits your Honors'

decision in margine.

(Signed) Hendrick Huyghen.

After the foregoing petition had been received and read, the question was put and
the following decision made thereon :

The petitioner is to pay as duty for the goods brought here 10 per cent, but whereas
he remonstrates and complains, that some of the goods have been spoilt, we consent and
allow him to pay in toto as duty for the goods, which he has proved by the invoices to
have been brought over in the ship "Mercurius" and which amount to the sum of
9709 florins 10 St.,* seven hundred and fifty florins. Done at Fort Amsterdam in
New-Netherland, date as above (11*." July 1656).

Order to discharge some persons from confinement, taken up on

THE charge of HAVING SOLD STRONG DRINKS TO THE INDIANS.

The Director-General and Council of New-JSTetherland, having seen the interrogatories
of the Hon^'^ Fiscal de Sille in regard to the sale of beer to the savages and the answers
made thereto by Dirck Michielsen, a Fin, and Cornells Martensen, a Swede, at present in
confinement on the charge of having sold beer to the Indians, find therefrom and from
other circumstances, that the aforesaid prisoners have done it ex ignoranticB, having only
lately arrived, also that there were eleven of them, who drank only three vaens,t of
which the savages got very little. The Fiscal is therefore directed to release them from
confinement. Date as above (31°.' July 1656).

* $3883.80. t One vaen = 4 piuts. — Tr.

17

130 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Petition of Armgard Papegaay, daughter of G-oternor Prints, for

CERTAIN lands AT PrINTSDORP * AND TiNNAKUNCK (TiNICUlI, Pa.) ;
Copy. GRANTED.

Noble, Honorable Director-General of New-Netlierland.

It is doubtless well known to the Hon""" General that our late Governor, my highly
respected Lord and Father, had conveyed to him a piece of land for a bonwery, partly
made by free men, who have returned to Sweden, partly cleared of the brush by his
own orders and that, after he had cultivated the same for several years, it was granted to
him by the King and also confirmed by Her present Royal Majesty. It has, however,
not been cultivated for nearly 3 years and is overrun with young underwood, while the
house standing on it has been still more ruined by the Indians ; therefore I have been
induced, to have the same repaired and the land cultivated by three Fins. Now, whereas
against my expectation I have been forbidden by the Honorable Commandant to continue
in it, therefore I am compelled, to inform hereof the Honorable General with the humble
prayer, that he will please in his graciousness and good will, as well as for the great
friendship, which he had for my Lord and Father, to let me enjoy the same, upon which
I firmly trust. Thus I pray once more, that my people at Printsdorp may remain
unmolested and continue cultivating the soil and for greater security I may be granted by
the Hon'''" General letters-patent for this place as well as for Tinnakunck. I hope, that
this vsdll be acknowledged by my Lord and Father as an act of great friendship and be
gratefully requited as far as possible, wherewith I commend the Honorable General to the
protection and grace of the Almighty. (It was dated) Tinnakunck, 3* of August 1656.
(Lower stood) The Honorable General' s humble (It was signed)

Armgard Prints.

The preceding petition having been taken up and read, after asking everybody's
opinion the following decree was made :

The petitioner receives permission, pursuant to the capitulation, to take possession

and cultivate the lands of her Lord and Father at Printsdorp. Done at Amsterdam in

N. Netherland the 28'? of August 1656. (It was signed)

P. Stuyvesant.

Order permitting Peter Laurens to caret his own goods to the
Delaware, on condition op conveying some soldiers', baggage

THERE.

It was represented in Council, that the skippers demanded a very large sum of money
for the transport of soldiers' goods, destined for the Southriver, and that Pieter Laurensen
had offered to convey the soldiers' baggage there in the Company's yacht, if he could
send there his own goods in the same vessel, while we with our men should in the
meantime use his yacht for carrying stones &c^ It was resolved to agree to it. Date as
above [26'." October 1656].

* The location of Printsdorp has not been detenninecl. Tradition places it on the southern end of Tinicum
Island, Pa.— B. F.

Kew York Historical Records. 131

Okder banishing Eveetje Dircx, a Swedish woman, to the
southrivek or long-island.

As complaints have been made against Evertje Dircx, a Swedish woman, that she
debauches the Company's negroes and other men and tliat she has been in bad repute for
a long time already, therefore, in order not to involve her in a public scandal, she was
told to transport herself within eight days from the Manhattans either to Long-Island or
to the Southriver, wherever it might suit her best, without delay. Date as above [26'."
October 1656].

Extract from a letter op the Directors to Stuyvesant ; the
negotiations regarding a division of the delaware territory

HAVE RESULTED IN THE SURRENDER OP FoRT OaSIMIR (NeW CaSTLE)

and the land south op 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. 19 Decbr. 1656.

"We have been in quite the same difficulty and alarm, as your Honors, regarding the
maintenance and defense of the Southriver, recovered by us with so great expenses and
therefore we were so much more ready and eager, to negotiate with their Noble Worships,
the Lords-Burgomasters of this City for the establishment of colonies in New-Netherland ;
and now at last we have agreed and made a contract with them, under the conditions,
which your Honors may learn from the enclosed written and printed copies and by which
people are invited to move to New-Netherland. The conditions being so reasonable and
favorable, in order to increase and augment the population, we can hardly doubt their
success, as besides we have seen already some effect of it in the thronging of people, as
also the zeal for it shown by the City or their Commissioners and Directors, specially
appointed, commissioned and engaged to send oflf the aforesaid people in one ship to the
Southriver before winter, where they intend to plant their Colony, as will be further
explained hereafter

We can as yet not approve your Honors' intention, to favor the Sinneques savages,
who have brought and traded there about 4000 pieces of beaver, with the erection of a
trading-post near the former Colony of the Lord of Nederhorst,* because, as it seems, the
trade with this nation will not be of great duration or consequence, the more so, as with
the establishment and planting of the City's Colony on the Southriver occasion will be
given to them, to come there with then peltries and carry on this trade at that place as

being so much nearer and more convenient for them We

were displeased to hear of the information, which your Honors had received there, that
some Frenchmen with a Jesuit from Canada had come into the country of the aforesaid
Sinneques and had already begun to erect a strong house, as the same can only tend
to the disadvantage of our City and its inhabitants. However we have not yet thought
*0n the Achter Col, between Elizabethport and Perth Amboy, N. J.— B. F.

132 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

it advisable to come to a definite resolution in regard to this matter, as being premature
and the afiair perhaps of small consequence, before we were not better informed of it,
for which reason your Honors are directed, to inquire closely into it and make us a
pertinent report of the result

Whereas their Noble Worships, the Lords-Burgomasters, as mentioned above, intend
to plant their Colony on the Southriver near Fort Casimir, now called New-Amstel and
whereas, for the garrisoning and defending of the colonists going there and other free
trades people (altogether about heads) they send there also a company of soldiers

under Captain Marten Kryger, whom upon your Honors' good report we had recommended
thereto, therefore we have deemed it necessary, not only to inform your Honors of it,
but also to order hereby, that you, as being specially authorized thereto, deliver and
convey in due form to the Honorable Mr. Jacob Alrichs, who comes over as Director and
Commissary- Greneral of their Worships' Colony and whom your Honors wUl assist with
advice and deed, the said Fort with the land around it, belonging to and acquired by us
by purchase and conveyance, also all the ordnance and what might be left there in the
said Fort on behalf of the Company : all this properly inventoried and receipted for by
the said Director Alrichs, that in due time we may make use of it.

What regards Fort Christina and New-Gothenburg or what we call Altena and the
Island of Kattenburgh, your Honors will have to occupy them provisionally with 8 or
10 soldiers each, as well for the safety of the Swedes, now our subjects, as to awe and
make careful the natives and other nations and above all not to neglect giving us
by the first opportunity your opinions, how and in which manner, matters might be best
managed there. The remaining soldiers, taken out of Fort Casimir, shall be employed
and placed by your Honors as it may be found necessary.

The confidence, which we have of the progress and increase in population of this new
Colony and of which we hope to see some signal proofs next spring, as according to all
appearances many of the exiled Waldenses, who will be notified of it, will desire to go
there, has induced us to resolve to direct your Honors hereby, that you try immediately,
before it is done by any other nation, to acquire by purchase the country beginning at
the South and up to the corner of the Northriver, to settle there these people and to
secure and strengthen by such neighbors both parties.

Many are of opinion, that upon the establishment of this Colony, some of our
inhabitants there wdll be found quite willing to move into it, seeing the great advantages
and the exemption from taxes during the first years ; as this point is well worth
considering, it must be prevented by all imaginable means and the said Colony taken as
an example herein as much as possible. And further all causes for complaints must be
removed, which are being given to the people, if their goods are taxed in excess of the
contract made here with them, which we understand has been done, even in regard to
such goods, as are sent into our own district on the Southriver. We demand
peremptorily, that this shall not be done henceforth. Also, when the goods are bought,
if not extorted from them (we do not know, whether this is done for account of the
Company, as the books are withheld from us) and they can get neither an accounting nor
a liquidation, much less payment and especially if, for a word wrung from the people
by oppression, their hands are pressed into their purses and a seal upon then- mouths

iMew York Historical Records. 133

We leave it to all sensible statesmen to judge, what connection there can be between
such proceedings and a lawful administration

As we understand, that their Honors, the Commissioners and Du-ector, appointed
and commissioned for this Colony of the City in New-Netherland intend to come with
theii" ship, called "Prints Manrits," to Fort New- Amsterdam, that they may with so much
less trouble and expenses receive the goods and merchandises, shipped on account of the
smallness of the said vessel in the ships "de Bever" and " Gelderse Bloom*," therefore
we considered it proper, to order your Honors hereby, that you not only assist herein the
said Director of the said Colon}^, but also help him in everything with advice and
deed, despatch him in a short time and not prevent or delay him, as the said ship and
cargo are not subject to any inspection whatever ; but arrived at its destination on the
Southiiver, the goods shall be discharged in presence of the Commissary, appointed or to
be appointed by your Honors for the service of the Company there and stored in the
warehouse, pursuant to the tenor of articles 34 and 35 of the abovementioned printed
conditions, agreeable to which the instructions of the said Commissaiy must be framed.

As we have heard, that there lives on the boirwery of the late Mr. Werckhoven
a certain party f, being well versed in engineering and surveying, who consequently might
be of service to the said new Colony as well in laying out the lots chosen for the dwelling-
houses of the colonists as in other ways, therefore your Honors will, upon request,
persuade the said engineer thereto and let him go thither, to make a good beginning and
location there

We have forgotten to mention, that, when the ship "Prins Maurits " shall Ijave
discharged her cargo at the Southriver and returned to the Manhattans, to get there a freight
of tobacco, your Honors must assist as much as possible, which we desire to impress upon
your Honors most earnestly, as the same will lighten somewhat the incurred expenses
and give great satisfaction to their Worships the Lords-Burgomasters, who will thereby
the more be instigated to take to heart the progress of their Colony, which cannot but
tend to the maintenance and preservation of the whole territory of New-Netherland.

Minutes of the administration of Jean Paul Jacquet, Yice-Directoe
AT the Delaware, and his Council.
In the Name of Almighty God.

On the 18'." December 1655 appears Jean Paul Jaquet in his quality as Vice-
Director, Andries Hudde, Elmerhuysen Cleyn, Gysbert Braey, sergeant,
and Hans Hopman, sergeant.
After reading the commission and instructions of the Hon. Vic<3-Director an inquiry
is made as to certain accounts of the Commander Dirick Smit and it is thought best, to
send the same to the Hon. Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant.

* I. e., Flower of Guelderlfind.

t Jacques Corteljou, who had been appointed about that time Surve.yor-General of the Province. He established
the village of New Utrecht, L. I., on land of the van Werkhoven family, and was in English times Government
Surveyor and a person of prominence. — B. F.

134 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

Appears Commander Diiick Smit demanding a certain table and cupboard, wliich lie
is said to have bought from the Constable John Staelcop ; this said Constable, heard
hereon, declares, to have sold the articles to him and as after a satisfaction being offered
to the said Dirick Smit for the table, to use it for the Vice-Director, he is not willing to
give it up, it is delivered to him.

Api^ears Swen Schoete and demands payment by Dirick Smit, the Commander, for
10 schepels of rye, 6 schepels of peas and four heavy beams the price of each schepel
of rye being 2J florins, for each schepel of peas 4 florins and for the aforesaid beams
40 florins ; he declares that he has bought the beams from Claes, the Smith, and paid 40
florins for tliem.

He farther claims [as due him] from the Company 100 fl. for a smaU house standing
behind the fort and called the ^'- BatstoofV (bathhouse).

[The reply of Commander Dirick Smit is partly gone except:]

concerning the peas, they have been lent to the Company and the beams orgroundtimbers
have been used for the guardhouse.

On the 20'^ December.
Appears the Corporal Hendryck of Bielefeld [and states], that towards evening of
the 19'." iast he has been at the hoirse of Harman Hansen and there, in the presence of
Frederick Harmansen Adelborst and Harman Jansen, heard Swen Schoete say, that
as soon as a Commander came, who was to his (Schoete' s) mind, he would reveal to him,
where some things were concealed and buried in the fort ; which [declaration] he,
Hendryck of Bielefeld promises to confirm by his oath at any time.

Fredrick Harmansen being called, declares, that he has been at the house of Harman
Jansen on the evening of the 19"" iust. and there heard Swen Schoete say, in the presence
of Hendiick of Bielefeld, Fredrick Harmansen Breemer and Harman Jansen, that as soon
as a Commander came to his (Schoete' s) liking, he would make known to him, what is still
concealed in the fort and which would be to the Commander's benefit. This, as written
above, the witness promises, if necessary and he be called upon, to confirm with his oath.

Appears Frederick Harmansen upon citation and declares, that he has been at the
house of Harman Jansen on the evening of the 19'° inst. and there heard Swen Schoete
say, — in presence of Harmen Jansen, Heyndrick of Bielefeld and Frederick Harmansen,
that there were some things still concealed in the fort and that, as soon as a Commander
came, who would stand on his, Swen Schoete' s, side and with whom he could agree, he
would reveal it to the same, but that if the same were willing not to do it, he could
make no arrangement. The witness promises to confirm the above statement by his oath,
if requu-ed.

Appears Harman Jansen, being summoned and declares, that he has heard Swen
Schoete say in his house, that some things Avere in the fort to its (the fort' s) advantage
and that, when a Commander came to his (Swen Schoete' s) liking, he would make it
known; which statement witness promises to confirm by his oath if necessary.

J^ew Yorh Historical Records. 135

Appears Swen Sclioete, fetched by the sergeant and informed of the foregoing
declarations, answers, that he had simply spoken in jest and to ridicule Otto Grym,
without knowing anything about tlie things or that they might be buried.

After hearing the parties and his, Swen Schoete's answer, he was informed that,
since we knew of the frequent and unbecoming [utterances], disseminated by him, Swen
Schoete, against this State on tliis river, whicli have caused nothing but uneasiness and
tumult in the community, (it was agreed that) we are compelled to pay some attention
to this for the wellfare of the place and communicated as much to him, Swen Schoete,
also that he shall remain here under arrest and keep himseK in readiness to be sent by
the first vessel, with these and other documents, to the Hon. Director-General and High
Council to defend himself.

Elias Emmens delivers in person a petition, in which he requests permission to go
to the Manhattans ; upon which he receives as answer, that if it had pleased the Vice-
Director, to make a closer inquiry in his, the supplicant's, misdeeds, he would have had
reason, to send him to the Manhattans as prisoner, he must therefore be satisfied tUl
spring, when his petition will be taken up for further consideration.

[An Ordinance imposing an Excise on Liquors at Fort Caslmir, for which see Laws of New-Nelherland, pp. 204
and 205.]

On the 25*'' December.
The Hon'"'' Mr. Jacquet having examined the condition of the Port Casimir and not
finding the same as he had expected, we declare, that we, the undersigned, have
upon the request of the said gentleman, examined and found the fort to be decayed in
its walls and batteries and that the same fort, if a good work is to be made of it, must
be run up from the ground, whereas the out-work has already for the greater part fallen
under foot and what is still standing must necessarily fall, because it is burst and
distended (by water). The truth of which, as written above, the undersigned promise to
confirm by oath any day. Done at Fort Casimir under date as above, to which end we
have signed this with our usual sign-manual. — It was signed Elmerhuysen Cleyn, Dii-ck
Smit, Gysbert Braey, Hans Hopman, A. Hudde. Below stood : To my knowledge, A.
Hudde, Secretary.

On the 22* of December.

We, the undersigned, declare, that we have inspected the land, sowed and cultivated
by order of Dirck Smit. It is far from as much, as has been reported by Dirck Smit,
that he had sowed and Andries Hudde declares furthermore, that no four morgen of land
have been sowed, including even several private lots, of which he has taken possession
without order and upon Avhich no confidence can be placed. This having been done,
agreed upon and signed by us in good faith, we are ready to confirm it by oath. It was
signed : Gysbart Braey, Hans Hopman and Andries Hudde.

On the 28'!' of December.
Several Sachems of this river arrived in Fort Casimir and requested a hearing, to
make some propositions. This was granted to them in the presence of the Hon"'* Vice-
Director, Andries Hudde, Gysbert Braey, Elmerhuysen Cleyn, Sander Boyer and several
others and their first proposition, after they had welcomed the Vice-Director, was

136 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare River.

First.

That some promises liad been made to them by the former Commander Dirck Smit in
regard to the trade, that the prices should be raised.

They were answered :

That the Hon*"^ Vice-Director had only arrived lately and could not know, what had
been done in this respect by his predecessors, but that there were some reasons, why we
should live with them, as before, in good friendship and love and prevent, as far as it
concerned him, all causes for trouble and dissatisfaction and that, if any thing might
have been done through ignorance, they ought to tread it under foot as not done. This
they accepted.

Second.

They demanded, with great circumstantiality and ample volubility, changes in the
trade, asking a piece of cloth for 2 deer and so forth of other merchandise in proportion.

Whereupon the answer was :

That his Master did not come, to make rules for this, but that eveiy one is at liberty,
to act herein according to his pleasure and that every one could go, where his purse
enabled him and the goods pleased him ; to which they assented.

Third.

They requested, that, whereas it had rather been customary, to make some presents
to the chiefs, it would be proper now in confirraation of the treaty.

They were answered :
and the scarcity of merchandise demonstrated by the Hon*'^ Vice-Director. He was,
however, as well inclined to live with them in friendship, as mentioned before ; he should
do, what the present circumstances permitted. They should [return] in three days, to

hand [them] two or three

On the 29*!^ ditto.

The foregoing articles and propositions of the savages having been communicated
to the community living at Fort Casimir, they received the same with satisfaction and
assented willingly, upon the request of the Hon*"^ Vice-Director, each in accordance with
his subscription, to the following subsidy, with the exception of Isaac Israel and Isaac
Cardoso, who refused to give theii' consent and prepared to leave the river and give
up their trade, than to assist, with other good inhabitants, in maintaining the peace of
this high-way.

What each has promised to contribute the following, to wit :

By the Hon""' Comp f or 4 £ fl 58 • ,, —

by Mr. Jacquet tl 14 10 —

by Andries Hudde fl 10 10 —

by Master Jacop fll3 ■ , , • —

by Elmerhuysen Cleyn fl 14 10 —

by Thomas Bruyn 9 • ,, —

by William Maurits 9 ,, —

by Jan Eeckhoft 9 ,, —

by Cornells Maurits 13 ,, —

Kew Yorh Historical Records. 137

by Sander Boeyer 9 —

by Harman Jansen 9 —

by Jan Flamman 13 —

by Jan Schaggen 9 —

by Oloff Steurs 6 —

by Laurens Bors 6 —

by Mons Andiies 4 —

In confirmation of the truth, that we have consented to the above subsidy, we have
this with our hands and it was signed : Jan Flamman, the mark Jl of Jan Schaggen,
the mark ^ of Ole Stenrs, self made, the mark of Lauwers Boers, self made, the mark
of Mons Adriaensen seK made, Alexander Boeyer, the mark of Thomas Brons, self made,
Jan Eeckhoft, Willem Maurits Cornells Maurits, the mark of Harman Jansen, made by
himself, Paul Jaquet, A. Hudde, Jacop Crabbe, Elmerhuysen Cleyn.

Appears Toms Broen, as father and guardian of his daughter, Jannetje Tomas and
consents to the marriage between her and Willem Maurits here present and requests that
their legal bans might be published ; the names being, of the bridegroom Willem Maurits,
bachelor, fi-om Walle Schier, about 33 years old, of the bride Jannetje Tomas, spinster,
born in New-Netherland, about 16 years old. Witness Stuyte Andries.

On the 2* January 1656.

Appeared before the Council several soldiers summoned on account of misconduct.

Appears Ellas Roe. His declaration is without foundation, but is referred for the
decision of the Hon"'' Vice-Director.

Appears Engel Cornelissen Hoogenburgh ; his declaration is as before, but he asks
for mercy, seeing that it has been done in a state of intoxication.

Appears Sergeant Hans Hopman and deposes, that he came by order to Elmerhuysen
to detail the corporal of the guard, Laurens Hansen, for guard-duty. The Pole Jurriaen
Hanouw having in the meantime got into a dispute with the Sergeant, the Pole said "I
will not be ordered by a provost,' ' whereupon the Sergeant getting vexed left the house,
sword in hand.

Appears Jurriaen Hanouw from Great Poland and deposes, that he asked Hans
Hopman, in Fort Casimir, at the time of Dirck Smit, whether he was a Sergeant or a
Provost. Meanwhile being on the 1'-' of January 1656 at Elmerhuysen' s, he, Hans
Hopman, asked him, the Pole, whether he still stood by his words, whereupon the Pole
answered " Yes."

Appears Jan Swart Verlyden and declares that he has been at Jan Insten's in
company of Ellas Emmes and Frederic Bitter.

Declaration of Pieter Lauwerts, alias Leertouwer (Currier, Leather-dresser).

He deposes, that the companions of Frederic Bitter brought him, upon his. Bitter's,
orders, before the house of the gunner. Jan Insten further deposes, that he deplores,
having brought his goods to a notary, he further declares that Elias Emmers has been
together vrith him. Bitter and the carpenter Jan Swart in the evening and that they have
been intoxicated. He says further that he does not know any more of the affair, which,
if required, he is willing to confirm with his oath. In presence of Elmerhuysen Cleyn
18

138 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

and Heynderick Harmens of Bilvelt, corporal, I have signed this in attestation of its truth
with my hand. And it was signed : the mark © of Pieter Louwers, made by himself.

On the 4'*' of January.

Andiies Hudde was elected to the office of provisional Substitute, to bargain for
and acknowledge all things and causes before the Hon''''^ Vice-Director and Council on
the profits and ordinances, concerted by the Hon''"' Gentlemen present.

Frederic Bitter appearing declares, that he knows of nothing and that it has been
done in a state of intoxication.

He further declares, that no officer nor anybody else has wronged him, but he thanks
everybody ; however, that he has been seduced by Elias Emmens and that he regrets
having been acquainted with Elias Emmens.

Elias Emmens appearing, he is asked what excuses he has to make for such actions
and that he has also induced others to run away and that it is sufficient for two other
persons, named here, to make troubles among the savages, whereupon the savages had
fired at them.

The prisoner declares that he had nothing to do with a conspiracy, as far as he knows,
and asserts, that he did not associate with any person.

He declares, that, to his knowledge, he has not been among the Indians, nor does he
know, that they have been fired upon. He asks for mercy for his misbehaviour and does
not know, that there has been any difficulty with the savages.

Appears Jan Swart and declares in reference to the above case, that the same has
been occasioned by drunkenness.

Appears Tymen Tiddens and asks for recovery of some goods taken by Elias
Emmens, Hendrick Serjackes and Peter Jansen for a debt, arising from labour and
amounting to the sum of 70 florins ; they had sold the same goods to Jan Schagge, viz :

5 pigs at 10 fl 50 ,, ,,

1 kettle 24 „ ,,

1 tin pan 8 , , , ,

The abovenamed persons appearing, declare to have sold the abovementioned goods
at their own risk.

Jan Schagen appears, being summoned by Tymen Tiddens, and declares, that he has
bought the aforesaid things fi'om the aforesaid soldiers and that, if he has to return the
same, he demands recompensation for the feeding of the five pigs during the period of
five weeks and the same costs 20 fl.

Appears Tymen Tiddens, and is ordered, that he come to an agreement with Jan
Schaggen and give an affidavit of the cure of some soldiers, done by Smit' s order. —

Tymen Tiddens contra Ele Stirssen, demands twelve HoU. schepels of mais, for
which he has delivered to him 25 lbs. of lead, Swedish weight.

Ele Stiers appearing declares, that he has promised him as payment three Holland
schepels and the balance in Swedish schepels, with which he then was satisfied.

The parties were ordered to come to an agreement with each other and Ele promises
to pay Tymen as first instalment two HoU. schepels.

Andi-ies Tudden appears against Hermen Jansen and demands payment of 63J

Keiv York Historical Records. 139

guilders iinder a note of hand and lie, Herman Jansen, is ordered to pay the aforesaid
snm to him.

Jan Schaggen, upon appearing, is ordered to hold the goods of Tymen Tiddens for
another fortnight and if no payment is forthcoming then, the goods are to be valued.

On the 12'." of January.

Frederic Bitter, prisoner, appears and is asked, if he had no knowledge of a
conspiracy. He declares not to have any knowledge thereof and begs for mercy with the
promise, that he will take care henceforth and bear himself well and honestly, whereupon
after some remarks he is discharged under condition, that he shall henceforth take heed
or that he will be paid for the old offense with the new one.

Appears Elias Emmens. It was inquii-ed of him, whether he has no knowledge,
that he has tried to run away and that he has attempted to incite others, he declares, No,
and says that he was drunk and does not know, what he has done nor where he has been :
this point having been considered and notice taken of his foregoing misconduct, he is
ordered to stand sentry until the next ration day and not to leave the fort without order
from the Hon'"'= Vice-Director.

Secretary Andries Hudde received consent, upon his request, that all summonses
must be reported to him, to keep a register thereof, and that the fees for each summons
shall be 9 stivers, for the messenger 6 st. and for him, Hudde, 3 st.

On the 19'." of January.

There appear at the meeting of Council the free Swedes, who live upon the second
point above Fort Casimir and request, that they may remain on the land and that they are
not willing to change their place of inhabitation nor to build in the village, which is to
be established, but they adhere to the promise made to them by the Hon*"^ Mr. Peter
Stuyvesant, that they should resolve what to do after the expii'ation of a period of one
year and 6 weeks, granted to them by the capitulation.

The parties having been heard, their request has been granted, according to the
capitulation and those, who are willing, shall have permission to live in the village, while
those who cannot determine, shall after the expiration of the aforesaid time, be obliged
to remove.

Appears before the Councilmeetiug Swen Schoete and upon presentation of the
charge made pursuant to the affidavit declares, that Ele and Grauw were reported to have
said to Ehobne (1), that he should kiU the aforesaid Swen Schoete and the Lieutenant
Elias and deposes not to know anything more of the matter.

He, the depositor, declares, that he has demanded, by order of Jan Rysingh, the
poortax-money from some people for the payment of laborers-wages ; he promises to
show the order.

Appears Jan Schaggen and demands justice in the matter of Tymen Tiddens. His
request was granted and (ordered) that two impartial men should be appointed, to value
the goods. There were appointed hereto Harman Jansen and Constantinus Grroenenborch
and they were directed to deliver an act of their decision to the Vice-Director and
Council.

140 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

Upon the request of Mattys Busaiiie lie received permission to read * the following
act:

As the person of Mattys Busaiue has been appointed and commissioned by the
Honorable and Noble Du-ector-General Peter Stuyvesant as Court messenger in and about
Fort Casimii- and its dependencies on the South-River of New-lSTetherland, it is decreed,
that b}^ these the aforesaid Busaine is ordered to perform the aforesaid duty and we
charge upon all and every one, to allow hira, Busaine, to perform the aforesaid duties of
Court-Messenger without let or hindrance.

On the 9'^ of February.

The petition of Elias Emmens in regard to the sale of his lot having been considered,
he is ordered to procure a title-deed within the time of three months, else he must desist
from his claim.

After consideration of the petition of Jacobus Crabbe in regard to a plantation on
and near the Steenbackers Hoeck (brickmakers corner), the same is granted to him, but
the place shall be (first) inspected, to ascertain where the same is.

They declare themselves willing, to pay the duty on liquors, in obedience to the order
of the Hon"'^ Peter Stuyvesant, provided that Willem shall deduct the delivered goods.
It is represented to them, that pursuant to Mr. Stuyvesant' s order, they must get the
payment for delivered goods at the Manhattans. They declare, that they cannot do this ;
whereupon it was intimated to them, giving them time of 24 hours, that upon further
refusal the order of his Honor sliaU be carried out.

Robert Marthyn against Gunner Jan Jacobsen demands of him payment of 14
guilders less 3 stivers. Jan, the Gunner, having been summoned, acknowledges the debt
and is willing to pay, provided he deduct for having shot at him, at his arrival.

The aforesaid Marthyn (?) is released of his debt, considering that the weather was
severe and he could not weU be imprisoned for his satisfaction.

Appears Swen Schoete and is asked, if pursuant to his promise he has the document
of Jan Rysingh, that he should use the poortax-money for the payment of his debts.
He declares, Yes and shows a receipt of Claes the Smith for received laborers-wages and
declares that he has nothing else.

On the 23'* of February.

It was ordered in Council, that a Placat be published, that by the middle of March
every one shall have enclosed his plantation and lot under a penalty of 6 guilders for all
those, who shall be found having acted against this order.

Further, that all those, who own goats, shall try to get a herdsman for the same or
if failing herein, any damage happened to be done to the animals, the owners thereof
shall be debarred from any claim for said damages.

Appears Constantinus Groenenborch and petitions for the lot of Claes Jans, the
carpenter, situate next to the lot of Reynier Dominicus on the North-side, before the first
row. The same was granted to him.

Jan Flamman appears in Council against Matty de Vogel and demands payment on

* The original Butch reads " vorleenen " (to grant, to give) and appears to be a sUp of the pen for " voorlezen "
or as it would also be written at that time " vorleezen " (to read over, to read aloud). — Tr.

JVeiy York Historical Records. 141

tkree different obligations, lie having one of Tomaa Broen and. Willem Mawrits in the
amount of 515 lbs. of tobacco, one of Jan Schagger for 546 lbs. of tobacco and one of
Moins Andi-ies for 206 lbs. of tobacco.

Appears Matthys de Vogel and deposes, that Jan Schagger had paid, that Tomaa
Bruyn was still in arrears for 115 lbs. and Moins Andriesen still owes the whole amount.

Upon summons appears Tomas Bruyn and says, that he shall pay the whole amount,
that is still due.

Moens Andriesen appearing says, that he is quite willing to pay, but that on account
of the unfavorable weather he cannot gather, but as soon as he can gather the tobacco,
he is ready to pay in money.

Jan Flamman appearing against Tomas Broen demands payment of 565 lbs. of
tobacco originating in a debt, which Jan Staelcop owes to Tomas Broen for account of
Jan Juriaensen.

Tomas Broen declares, that he has received the tobacco and is ready [to give up] the
same, provided it can be received as merchantable.

The Hon"'' Vice-Director and Council having considered the demand of Jan Flamman
and the response of Tomas Broen, have decreed to appoint two persons, to inspect the
tobacco, viz. Moens Andiies and Harman Jansen Merten Rooseman —

Appears Jan Swart, summoned before the Court by Jan Flamman and declares that,
as soon as he can get money, he shall make a lawful payment and offers his ship's
account, amounting to 40 fi. as security.

Harman Jansen appearing against Jacob Crabbe demands payment for certain goats,
amounting to 114 guilders.

Jacob Crabbe appears and declares to be ready to pay, but that Andries Hudde had
attached the sum of 35 guilders.

And whereas Harman Jansen declares, that he is deprived of means and that he had
sold the goats, to buy again a cow and that, if he had to lose the attached money, he
would be debarred of his good project.

The matter was considered and the Vice-Du'ector and Council direct, that Harman
Jansen shall in the first place pay to the aforesaid Hudde the sum of 14 guilders and
Jacob Crabbe is ordered to pay to him, Harman Jansen, 100 guilders.

Swen Schoete appearing before the Council requests that he might have a discharge,
for some goods, which he had delivered to the former commander Dirck Smit.

The commander* is informed, that as the Vice-Director is unacquainted with the
matter between him, Schoete, and the aforesaid Smit, he must adjust it with the aforesaid
Smit.

Appears before the Council Elias Guldengreis, and requests, that, as he lives in
another man's house, from which he possibly may be obliged to remove, in which case he
shall have no place to stay in, he, the petitioner, might have granted to him a piece of
land under the fort, where he could erect a house and gain a living. The request of
the petitioner was granted and the place shall be inspected.

Appears Jan Justen and asks for permission to make a plantation on the Kil oi
Christina. The petitioner's request is granted and he receives permission, to live there.

[Here follows a Placat, for which see Laws of New-Netherland, pa^je 218.]
* Commandant. Most likel}' meant " comparant " the appearing party, depositor. — B. P.

142 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Pdve7\

On the 1".' of March
Appears before the Council Robbert Martyn agamst Sander Boyer and demands
payment for freight of goods, wife and children, brought over from the Manhattans to this

place, for his, Sander Boyer' s, account to the amount of f. 67 ,, ,,

for Gerrit van Campen 5 . , .

Sander Boyer appearing before the Council declares to be quite willing to pay, but
that he has nothing and that if he had anything, he would willingly give it, he says, that
he has 20 guilders, which he can give him.

It is ordered, that Sander Boyer shall pay within 8 daj^s or failing herein, that his
goods shall be distrained.

Robbert Martyn appearing against Willem Clasen demands payment for passage of
him, Willem Clasen, his wife, children and goods, — three beavers.

Willem Clasen, upon appearance, acknowledges the debt and says that he has paid
one beaver. Willem Classen is directed to pay within eight days or failing herein his
goods shall be distrained.

Robbert Martyn appearing against Matthys Mattysen demands payment of fourteen
guilders for liquors consumed.

Matthys Mattysen appears and declares, that he is ready to pay in tobacco.

On the ir." of March 1656.

Before the Council appears Swen Schoete, summoned by Jacob Crabbe and requests
an approval of the sale of house, lot, plantation and the crops on other lots.

Swen Schoete says, that he has bought the aforesaid places of Otto' Greyn and
Merten Rooseman according to bill of sale.

The parties having been heard and the matter considered, it was decreed, that the
house should be seized for the poor-tax-money, which Swen Schoete had levied from
the community here, the purchase of the other places shall be approved, when the
title-deeds have been delivered. As to the crops, sowed upon the lots of freemen by him,
Swen Schoete, they are allowed to him, if no further charge comes up.

Appears Louwerens Pieters, servant of Tomas, against Tomas Broen and complains,
that Tomas Broen has beaten him without cause, so that he is not able to work.

Tomas Broen appears and declares that he has beaten him, the plaintiff, for cause.
Tomas Broen is directed, to provide Louwerens Pieters with victuals, until he shaU be
fit to work and to bring in the meantime proof of his right.

On the 29'? ditto.

Isaack AUerton hands in a petition, by which he requests permission to get a balance
of an account, which is due him from Mr. Johan Prints, out of his, Mr. Prints', goods,
which are here on the place.

The petitioner is du-ected to have patience, until tidings come from the Manhattans,
as an order in this matter is expected.

Jacobus Crabbe appears against Swen Schoete and demands payment of 103 guUders,
which are due to him, the plaintiff, as balance of account.

J^eio York Historical Records. 143

Swen Schoete appearing refers the plaintiff to the Hon^.''= Yice-Director for the sum ot
36 guilders. He promises to pay the balance in a month.

Jacobus Crabbe appearing against Ellas Guldengrys demands payment of 44 guilders
7^ stuyvers.

Elias Gulengrys appears and acknowledges the debt and says, that he shall pay in a
short time. He, Elias, is ordered to pay in 14 days.

Before the Council appears Isaac AUerton against Harman Jansen and demands
payment of 55 guilders.

Harman Jansen, appearing, confesses the debt and refers the plaintiff to Jacop
Crabbe.

Isaac AUerton appearing against Elias Guldengres demands payment of 82 fl. 8.

Elias Gulengrys appears and says, that he has paid to Isaac AUerton all but four
beavers, for which he, the defendant, has referred him, the plaintiff, to Jan Ericksen.

Plaintiff denies having received any money nor has he accepted the four beavers of
Jan Ericksen.

Defendant, Guldengreyl, is du-ected to bring proof of his words or he shall be held
to pay in 14 days.

The Hon*''' Vice-Dii-ector has purchased of Swen Schoete certain fields, sown in rye
and barley upon a burnt clearing in the second row, and another piece above on the
second row, it is wide two lots and still another piece of barley, sown on the plantation
on the north side of the public road, for the sum of 36 guilders, to be paid in

On the 13"^ of April.

Isaack AUerton appears against Moins Adriaensen, Laers Boers, Ele Toersen, Lucas
Pitersen and Elias Gulengreyl for debts, which he, the plaintiff, requests to have satisfied

Moins Adriaensen, appearing, acknowledges the debt and intends to pay in the faU
with tobacco.

Isaac AUerton demands a mortgage on his cattle as security, wherewith Moens
Andries agrees and the document is drawn up by the Secretary.

Appears Laers Boers and says that he wiU pay in the fall, for which he is wilUng to
give a certificate before the Secretary.

Appears Ele Toersen and says, that he wiU pay in the fall and that at present he has
no means. He promises to pay in tobacco.

Lucas Pitersen and Elias Geulengrys appear and say the same.

Reymck Gerritsen appearing against Mons Andriesen, he (Reymck) says, that he
has summoned Moens Andriesen before the Court, because the Hon'"*' Vice Director had
had him, the deponent, summoned.

Appears (Reymck Gerrets) I mean Mons Andries and declares, that he has been at
his, Reymck' s, house, where the house was full of savages and that he, Moens, has asked
him, Reymck, whether he intended to sell strong liquor to the savages ; he, Reymck,
answered. Yes, and said further to him, Moens, Is it money (as he, Moens, had received
the liquor for the savages and j)resenting it to him Reymck) then throw it into the cap.
Moens answered. You can count it. Moens asked further, whether he, Reymck, would
lend a bottle to the savages to put the liquor in, he, Reymck, said, Yes if he, Moens,
would be security for the bottle.

144 Colonicd Settlements on the Delaware River.

Reymck Gerrit declares, that he does not know anything else, but that he has sold the
liquor to Moens Andriesen and that he has no knowledge of where the liquor went. The
matter having been considered and the dangerousness of the action remarked upon, also
that the same cannot well be allowed to pass unnoticed, it was judged proper, to seize
his, Reymck Gerritsen's, property and sloop, until further directions shall have been
made in regard to this matter.

The Hon'''" Vice-Director communicates to the Council the following charge against
Thomas Broen, present upon summons, viz :

The Hon'"" Vice-Director shows, that on the 4'.'' of March of this year 1656 Thomas
Broen did come to the house of Jan Schaggen and being sober, he did not only
vilify my person, but also my position [and said,] that he would try to make my
commission powerless, tinder which everything belongs and must be kept in good order
and besides this raging he continues with threats of ruin, which would come with the
threatened arrival here of the English nation, through whose arrival he hopes to be able
to redress his pretended injuries. All this having a dangerous tendency, especially in
these precarious times, I, to whom the care of this place has been intrusted, cannot let it
pass without having it further considered.

Tomas Broen appears at the summons of the Hon'''" Vice-Director and the communication
of the aforesaid gentleman and the depositions of several persons in corroboration of
his Honor's complaint are read to him.

He, Tomas Broen, answers, that it is not true and the men must confirm their
depositions with an oath.

On the 22* of May.

Whereas the hogs, belonging in and about Fort Casimir, do great damage in the
Company's high [road], it has been deemed proper, to publish the following placat and
affix it at the usiial place.

[For the Ordinance, following here, see Laics of New-NetherlaM, page 22S.]

The following resolutions and sentences have been passed and pronounced by the
honorable Committee of the Council, Messrs. Nicasius de Sille and Cornells Thienhoven
in absence of the appointed Council of this place, wherefor they have been placed here
from memory.

On the 24'^ of May.

Jan Picolet, a native of Bruylet in France plaintifl" and Catrine Jans, born in Sweden
defendant. The plaintiff appears before the Council, Mr. Nicasius Sille, Cornells van
Thienhoven, Jan Jacquet and Frederik de Coninck being present, and requests in writing
and verbally, that he might be discharged from his promise of marriage, made to the
aforesaid Catryne Jans on the 24'^ of January 1656, pursuant to the contract, signed by
the parties with the witnesses and that the same be declared null and void by the aforesaid
Commissaries and the Vice-Director, for and on account of the following reasons, to wit :
that he asked her, the defendant, with serious intention, upon honor and faith to be his wife,
and that he did not know else, but that the same defendant was a virtuous girl. About a
month after the making of the marriage contract, he asked her, whether she had ever had
any connexion with any one in the world, whereupon she answered, No, and they would
have been married, if a preacher had been at hand. Then everybody saw and remarked,

Kew Yorlc Hlstoriccil Records. 145

that his betrothed, here present, was pregnant. Hereupon he, as an honest man, took
counsel and reasoned with himself, to keep himself and abstain from her, as he could not
understand, that so evident signs of pregnancy could be seen on a virtuous woman in so
short a time. And for the foregoing reasons, but contrary to his intention and former
hopes, he is now not willing, to live with her in matrimony.

The defendant appeared in person before the Council and answers, that she is willino'
to live in matrimony with the plaintiff, provided he would live with her in friendship.
She confesses :

That, in the fall of 1655, she has been engaged to a soldier, Willem by name,
serving on board the ship "De Waegli," and has had carnal conversation with the same
at different times and places, whereby she became ijregnant and that she had never,
neither before nor after the making of the marriage-contract, given any information of
her act to Picolet, but that she regrets this her behavior very much.

The Commissaries of the Director-General and Council, with the Vice-Dii-ector having
heard the parties, as also considered the reasons and discussions pro et contra, find upon
the petition of the plaintiff and answer of the defendant, that the plaintiff in his petition
is supported by just principles, the more so the defendant, like an unchaste adulteress,
has gone outside of her first betrothal, from which she had not been released, neither by
the death of the bridegroom nor by other lawful reasons and has by her second betrothal
deceived and seduced the plaintiff, contrary to the written law, and they give Jiidgment, that
the aforesaid Picolet is released from his betrothal and marriage contract aforesaid and
they declare the same null, ineffectual, of no value and as if the same had never been made,
passed, written nor signed; we condemn the defendant, who is in the last stage of
pregnancy, on which account the merited punishment is mitigated, to appear in Fort
Casimir and there, before the Council, to release the plaintiff and with bent knees to ask
the pardon of God and Justice and promise henceforth to behave as a virtuous woman,
as is proper or if she is found contravening the defendant shall be corrected and
punished, as may be found right according to the extent of the matter and the written
law of our Fatherland. Thus done, in Council, at Fort Casimir in New-Netherland, date
as above, and signed Nicasius de Sille, Cornells van Thienhoven, Jan Paul Jacquet.

Copy of the abovementioned contract.

To-day, date as below, appeared before me, A. Hudde, Secretary at Fort Casimir on
the South-River, appointed by the Hon''''= Mr. Peter Stuy vesaut and High Council, residing
at the Manhattans, in presence of the undersigned witnesses, the worthy Jan Picolet,
a native of Bruylet in Prance with the maiden Catrina Jans, born in Elsenburgh
in Sweden. Together and each for him or herself they have made, of their free,
preconsidered and unbiased will and deliberate opinion, a promise of marriage, under
the condition that on account of special reasons the marriage-solemnization should be
delayed, until a preacher came here. And Jan Picolet promises faithfully to Catrine
Jans to keep the aforesaid engagement unbroken, likewise Catrine Jans promises in the
same manner to adhere steadily, firmly and inviolably to the promise of marriage made
to Jan Picolet, to which end we, the engaged submit ourselves, each individually, to such
punishment, as is ordered by law for convicted adulterers, if one of us or both should
retract the foregoing promise or violate or break it. We bind us, for the vindication and
satisfaction of justice to keep ourselves pure and undefiled in our engagement, until the
19

]46 Colonial Settlemejits on the Belaivare Paver.

complete consummation of the marriage, as decency and the laws of our magistrates
require it. We declare, by signing this, that we, for further confirmation of this our
foregoing promise, place our persons, goods, movable or immovable, now belonging or
hereafter coming to us, all under the control of the pertinent laws. In attestation of the
truth we have signed this without reservation or deceit. Done at Fort Casimir, this
24'." of February of this Year 1656 on the South-River of New-Netherland. It was signed
Jan Picolet, the mark 3 of Catrlne Jans, made by herself. Beneath stood : To our
knowledge, present as witnesses : Martyn, Jan Flamman, Alexander Boyer, Willem
Maurits, the mark H of Harmansen made by himself. By my commission A. Hudde.

Petition.

Constautinus Groenenborch petitions for the restitution of thirty beavers, which had
been taken fi'om him in the year 1654 (?) by Heyndrick Huygen without cause or reason.
The rescript on the petition was, that the petitioner was referred to the Court of Fort
Casimii" and at the same time the said Court was dh-ected, to collect all necessary
information, inquire and do justice.

A petition of Mr. Isack Allerton claims to have a suit in law against the property
of Jan Rysingh for arrears of money, which he, AUerton, claims as due. The decision
is, that

Whenever the petitioner shall have proved to the Court of Fort Casimir the truth of
his claim, justice shall be done by the same, in accordance with the state of affairs.

We promise hereby, that we will procure the discharge of Jan Jacops of Housem,
gunner, left at Fort Casimir until the time, when our ship shall depart for the Fatherland,
if ever circumstances permit. Given on board the ship " De Waegh" 12'!" October.
Beneath stood Frederick de Coninck.

The supplicant Jan Jacops requests to be heard on the foregoing promise. His
petition for permission to go to Amsterdam by the ship "De Waegh" is granted, and at
the same time the Vice-Director Jan Jaquet desired to compute his accounts, which are
recommanded to be given to him, the more so as the place of constable shall be taken care
of by Jacop Vis of Rotterdam, who is qualified for it and shall enjoy the same pay as the
aforesaid Jan Jacops. Done in Council at Fort Casimir.

On the 16'? of June.

Before the Council appear, upon summons, Jan Picolet and Cateryne Jans, to whom
is communicated and exhibited the sentence drawn up and passed by the Commissaries.
The parties, giving each other the right hand, discharged one the other legally before the
Council of the promise of marriage.

Jan Eeckhoft appearing against Jan Flamman declares, that he has given Jan
Flamman, who went last spring to the Manhattans, four beavers, to bring him gunbarrels
and locks or if he could not get them, cloth and cheese.

The defendant appeared and said, that he received four beavers, but on condition to
bring, barrels, locks or powder ; he could not get any barrels or locks, he brought powder,
but it was drowned, when the sloop stranded.

The parties are ordered to bring proof of their assertions.

Kcw Yorh Historical Records. 147

Isack Israel appears against Jan Flamman and presents the following petition :
To the Hon*'" Vice-Director and his Council residing in Fort Casimii-.

Sheweth with due reverence the petitioner Isack Israel, that he, the petitioner, made
an agreement with Captain Jan Flammau, to bring him, the petitioner, and his goods
to the South-River ; that he, petitioner, promised to pay to him, Jan Flamman, one
anker of brandy and satisiied him also before the departure ; that as he shipped two
pieces of duffel more, than was agreed, he, the petitioner, had promised (to give) one
beaver more and above the foregoing ; but that, as by great improvidence and in fair
weather the bark stranded during the night and remained there for a considerable
time, whereby they were compelled to unship all the goods from the same bark and to
bring them ashore, during the time, they remained there, there was drank and eaten by
the ship's crew as well as by passengers, of his, the petitioner's, (goods) one anker of
brandy and fifteen pieces of cheese, likewise was his duffel much spoiled, as ia consequence
of the stranding tents and sleeping places had been made of it. These damages can
hardly be borne by me, even though the same had occurred through bad weather or
other misfortune. It is estimated by me as follows :

for one anker of brandy = 8 beavers il. 64 . . ■ .

for 15 cheeses at 5 il. the piece 75 . . .

for damage done to the duffel, as the same has
been discolored by raia and sunshine and
otherwise fl 200 . .

Total amount fl 339 . . .

If any one should be of opinion, that this damage was calculated too high, the
petitioner promises one hundred guilders and more to him, who shall replace his goods
at the valuation, which they had at the time of shipping at the Manhattans and while
he would and must be well satisfied with the great loss of ship and goods, if the mishap
had occurred by unavoidable necessity, yet as he is stUl asked for the beaver, which he
promised for the two pieces of duffel, besides all damage and loss, which he has sustained,
this quite unreasonable matter has induced him, the petitioner, to push his claim,
therefore he, the petitioner, turns to your Honor and requests, that by your Honor he
may be assisted and helped to his just and lawful claim, which doing etc? Was signed :
Isaque Israel.

The defendant answers, that he has no knowledge of the points in dispute ; he was
lying in his bunk and according to the statement of Captain Martyu, there were still
eighteen fathoms of water, when he went to lie down in his cabin. As regards the
brandy, this was broached with the good and free will of the plaintiff, as the crew were
wet and cold ; he said, "Drink as much as is necessary, if that is empty, you can get
more ; the stuff is lost any way." As to the cheese, the plaintiff has dealt them out
voluntarily to every one.

Whereas from these verbal discussions no certainty can be had, it is ordered, that
parties adduce proof of their assertions.

148 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

On the 23* of June.
Isack Israel against Jan Plamman. The plaintiff produces the following affidavit:

To-day, date as below, appeared before me, A. Hudde, Secretary appointed by the
Hon"'^ Lord and High Council, upon request of Isack Israel, the Worshipful Luycas Dircs
snid Abraham Rycke.

They declared together and each for himself and made afhdavit, as they do hereby,
that it is true, that they, being on board the bark, called " de Fenix", between the
14*? and 15'? of April towards daybreak, weather and wind being fair, run ashore and
remained fast and that during the time, they sat there, one anker of bi-andy of the
aforesaid Isack Israel was di'ank out and some cheeses eaten, but the number is not well
known to them, as all drinkables and eatables were taken for the satisfaction of their
wants, without regard as to whom they belonged. Likewise we know, that there were
tents, to lay under and hammocks to lay in, made of his, Isack Israel's, duffels. They
give as reason of theii- knowledge, that they, the affiants, have been on board of the bark
during the time, which, as above written, we the undersigned declare to be true and
truthful, and are willing to confirm, if necessary, with our oaths and have signed this in
presence of the below-named witnesses. Done at Fort Cassimir this 16'? June 1656 in the
S. R. of N. N. It was signed Abraham Reycke, Luyckas Dii-cs. On the margin stood :
As witnesses, Jan Juriaensen, Jan Eckhoft.

Having heard the arguments of the parties and their reasons pro and contra having
been weU stated, we cannot but judge, that the matter must necessarily lead to a
considerable increase of law-suits, which again will give rise to others. The parties are
therefore advised to arrange the matter in friendship, but if they cannot agree, they shall
address us again.

Jan Eeckhoft appearing against Jan Flaman, the parties bring no other proof, but
their own assertions and it was therefore proposed to the parties to arrange matters in
friendship. This they accepted.

Jacob Crabbe appears against Tymen Tiddens. The plaintiff demands payment of
a certain account in the sum of 35 guilders 17 stivers.

Defendant answers, that he has a counter-claim.

The parties are ordered, first to make up their mutual accounts and if they could not
agree then, to address themselves again to the Court.

Jan Picolet appears against Jan Schagger. The plaintiff demands of defendant
payment for a field-bed, which defendant ordered of plaintiff and which has been made.

Defendant answers, that he did order a field-bed fi'om plaintiff and whereas plaintiff
made the bed larger, than was the defendant's wish and consequently demanded more
money, as he had agreed to pay, therefore defendant cannot consent to receive and pay
for it.

The parties are ordered to come to an agreement or if they cannot, the couch shaU be
valued.

Constantinus Groenenborch asks by petition for a plantation, situate upon the second
corner, formerly inhabited by one Gele Eyfgrauw. Proofs having been produced, his
requests was therefore granted.

Kew York Historical Records. 149

On the 7*? of July 1656.
Desiring to enter into matrimony Jacob Crabbe, bachelor, born in Amsterdam, and
Q-eertruy Jacopsen from Immenes, widow of the late Roeloff de Haes, ask to have their
matter attended to and declare besides, that they have no engagement with any body
else. In the presence of Hendrick Kip and Dinna Rywerts as witnesses.

On the 12'!' ditto.

Jan Flaman appears before the Council against Thomas Bi'oen and produces a power
of attorney of Jan Gerret, made by the constituant himself and besides a note of hand,
dated the 30''' of March 1650, signed by him, Thomas Broen, for the amount of first 18
beavers, then 30 guUders one stiver and then some goods to the amount of 6^ beavers.

Thomas Broen declares to have had giins, but that he sent back to him, Gerrart, two
of them by Jurriaen Blancke and that the other was stolen. It is superfluous to pay it.
The wampum has been returned to him, Jan Gerret, by his, defendant's, wife about 14
days after he had received it. It is not known to him, defendant, that he owes the six
and one half beavers or that he has had any goods for that amount.

Jan Flaman appears before the Council against the wife of Tobias Willeborgh and
demands payment for a shirt, lost by her, the defendant, and for passage from the
Manhattans hither, viz :

for the shirt 14 . .

for her passage and freight 16 . .

30 . .

The defendant says, that she has lost on the voyage, being wrecked with the bark, a
chest containing four shirts, one coat of red duffel, one under waistcoat and a powder
horn with copper mountings, valued by her, the defendant, at fl 28 . .

Paid to plaintiff in money fl 4 . .

from above fl 28 . .

fl 82 . .

The defendant is told, that the freight shall be set off against her lost goods ; in regard
to the shirt, she is ordered to pay to plaintiff four guUders 15 stivers.

Elmerhuysen Cleyn against Cornells Mauritsen, Willem Mauritsen and Constantinus
Groenenborch. That, whereas he had been called into Fort Casimir on the 9'? inst, when
he came there, there were some savages with beavers ; whereupon, as there was lack of
duffels, he, plaintiff, had some goods fetched in and after having traded for the beavers,
he went to his house. Coming there, he was assailed by the defendants before his,
plaintiff's, door and upbraided, that he had not acted like a honest man and that he
was not worthy to fill the office and WUIem Maurits had said, "Come, let us break into
the house and carry out the beavers."

On the 27'." ditto.

Appears Geertruyt Jacops, widow of the late Mr. Roeloff de Haes, now betrothed to
Jacob Crabbe and declares her intention of proving and assigning their father's inheritance
to the children, left by him, Mr. de Haes and born in wedlock by her, Geertruyt Jacops,

150 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

to wit Joannes de Haes, old about 10 years, Marrietje de Haes, old about 9 years and
Annitje, old about 3 years and assigns herewith to each of the aforesaid children the
sum of 6 carolus guilders, declaring at the same time upon her conscience, in place of
an oath, that she, affiant, hereby satisfies the aforesaid children out of their father's
inheritance and this declaration is made in presence and with the consent of her affianced
husband Jacobus Crabbe and she, Geertruyt Jacops, has nominated, constituted and
appointed and hereby constitutes and appoints as guardians of the aforesaid children
the Wortliy Oloff Stevensen and Heudrick Kip, both burghers and inhabitants of the
Manhattans.

On the 2* of August 1656.

Before the Council appeared Jacob Crabbe against Robert Martyn and complained,
that he Robert Martyn had shot and kUled his, the plaintiff's, pig. Defendant answers,
that fourteen days ago he entreated plaintiff to pen up his hogs, as the same did great
damage to his corn. Plaintiff, upon being asked, what he wanted, answers "Payment
for his pig."

It was proposed to the xaarties, that plaintiff shall take the pig, as it is still living,
but that if it should die, each one shall keep his action in law unprejudiced.

Jan Plaman appearing against Alexander Boeyer hands up a bond of defendant for
six and thirty guilders.

Defendant answers, that he cannot pay, before the tobacco is ripe ; that he, the
plaintiff, may do, what he will and if plaintiff will not wait so long, he may seize upon,
what he has.

Plaintiff receives permission, according to his promise, dated on the 1" of March, to
put in an execution.

Jan Picolet appears against Jan Schagger and demands payment for a field-bed, made
for him, the defendant, which is valued at 24 glds.

Defendant accepts the bed and plaintiff the payment.

Before the Council appears Tymeu Tiddens against Jacob Crabbe. He complains,
that defendant accosted him, the plaintiff, yesterday, when passing defendant's house
and demanded payment for something. Plaintiff answered, that he should have a little
patience. Defendant said "Whilst you have made your rascally account." Plaintiff
answered " If I made a rascally account, then I must be a rascal." Defendant hereupon
came out of his house, followed him, the plaintiff, and assulted and threw him to the
ground.

Defendant says, it is not true.

Plaintiff is ordered, to jarove his assertions.

On the 5'!' ditto.
Before the Council: Jacob Crabbe from Amsterdam and Geertruy Jacops from Immes,
widow of the late Jan Roeloff de Haes, were authorized to enter legally into matrimony.

On the 9'." ditto.
The Hon"'' Vice-Director and his Council having considered the information, taken in
reference to Niles Larsen by Mr. Laers, preacher and ecclesiastical deputy in matrimonial
cases, are of opinion (to grant) a delay of three months, in order that during this time

Kew York Histoidcal Records. 151

further inquiry may be made at the Manhattans about a woman of bad repute, upon
whose declaration consequently little confidence can be placed. It is therefore decided,
that the same Niles Laersen's case may and ought to be promoted, whenever he, as
before, shall have purged himself by an oath, that he has no connection, concerning this
matter, with any one, but his present betrothed.

On the H'!- ditto.

Appeared in Fort Casimir upon summons, the persons, chosen by the Hon''''= General
as deputy- sheriff and commissary to the Swedish population, to whom were read the
conditions, made by the Hon"'' Commissaries, the instructions framed in Council and the
commission sent by the Hon"'"' General, which was given and delivered to the deputy-
sheriflf Gregory van Dyck. At the same time an ordinance in regard to the sale of
strong drinks was read and then handed over to the deputy-sheriff, to be published
among them.

The Vice-Director made a contract with one Niles Matsen in regaid to the island
near Chiistina ; he shall plant and sow there on half share, provided the Vice-Director
furnishes him oxen, as agreed by the contract just made.

Whereas the aforesaid Niles Matsen has had an ox of the Company before, for
which he still owes payment, one eighth of the crop planted by him and amounting to
120 paces, each pace holding 30 sheaves or yielding 2 Swedish schepels, which amounts
for the ox to 30 Swedish schepels, therefore we order him, Niles Matsen, to deliver
the same to the Hon*"^ Company at Fort Casimir or elsewhere pursuant to the order of
the Hon"'* Vice-Director.

The aforesaid Vice-Director made a contract with Pouwel Jansen for the land on the
S. W. Side of Christina Kil, sloping toward the fort, for one-half of the crop according to
the contract made.

And whereas he, Pouwel Jansen, has sowed upon the land of his Honor, the affiant, for
half share, that is one half for him and one half for the cattle, which he has used, of which
he had one ox from the wife and one from the Company and whereas the crop, when mowed,
was 57 paces, each pace at 2^ schepels, making a total of 142J schepels wheat and for one
ox 85^ schepels, therefore he is ordered as above, to bring it up.

Regarding the mill, it is left to the choice of the deputy sheriff and commissaries to
put it up.

Upon summons by Gregory van Dyck appears FUip Jansen on account of a robbery
committed at Tinnekonck during the surrender of Port Casimir and other places on the
South River. He answers, that he had suffered justice for it.

The deputy-sheriff is directed to inform himseli well in regard to the shooting of the
sister of Elias Gulengreyn's wife and to bring such information to the Vice-Director at the
earliest opportunity.

On the 21«? of September.

Hans Hopman, the Sergeant, appears and complains, that on the 20'? of September in
the evening, when he had received the orders from the Commandant and was bringing
the same to Corporal Heyndrick van Bylvelt, who was tipsy and unfit to do guard duty,
the Corporal said to him, he did not want to receive orders from a villain, drawing
thereupon his sword, but he was prevented by Frederick the baker, so that he

152 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

could not reacli the Sergeant with his sword. The Commandant then coming into the
guardhouse, appeased the trouble ; the Corporal said to the Commandant, I shall receive
orders from you without objection, but from no villain, whereupon lie, Heyndrick of
Bylvelt hit him, the Sergeant, with the fist, he, the Sergeant, returned the blow with the
cane. Signed Hans Hopman.

Heyndi'ick of BUvelt appearing declares that he does not know anything of the
accusation as written above. Signed Heyndrick Bylevelt.

Appears Jan Emans, lancepesade * and declares, that the real cause for the trouble
between Sergeant Hopman and Heyndrick of Bilevelt, the Corporal, is simply the
instigation of Adam Onkelbarg, to help him in his cause. He further declares, that he
does not know, that the Sergeant treated the Corporal badly. Signed Joannes Eymans.

Cornells Meuritsen appears before the Council and complains against a soldier, Adam
Onkelbach of Rouen, that the same had come into his house and stole from his house
twenty-three cabbages, in the night between the 17'? and 18* inst. He, Cornells Maurits
found, coming to the Fort into the quarters of the soldiers on the 19*? inst. this same
Adam cutting the cabbage in a kettle, whereupon he went to the Commandant and
entered a complaint against him. Signed Cornells Maurits.

Cornells Maurits further complains that he came to the guardhouse on the 20'!' inst.,
to speak to a soldier. Adam Onkelbach, being a prisoner, said to him, that he, Cornells
Maurits, was the cause of his, Adam's, sitting there and that he would pay him for it, as
soon as he came out of prison or in some other way, if Cornells escaped him, saying
further, that he, Cornells had lied to the Commandant, as all those, who said, that he had
stolen the cabbages. Signed : Cornells Maurits.

We, the undersigned, declare, that Adam Onkelbach, on the 19'? inst., deposed to
the complaint of Cornells and upon the charge of the Commandant, that he, Onkelbagh,
had stolen from the garden of Cornelis Mauritsen three cabbages ; that he, Onkelbagh,
further questioned, what had become of the others, had said, You may look for them.
The Commandant said further to him, Fellow, you are the one, who seduced the others.
Adam answered, that that must be proved. The Hon"'*' Commandant then saying, that he
most likely would make him talk differently and send him to the Fiscal, Adam
answered. Do your best, send me away, do what you can. Signed : Hans Hopman,
the mark of Tobias Willenborch made by himself, Cornelis Maurits.

On the T^ of August Sergeant Grysbert declared in presence of the soldier Adam
Onkelberg, that, the soldier speaking with the Sergeant about the plundering of the
gardens, he, the Sergeant, said. You will get a charge of shot some time into your
backside. Adam answered, We shall go with our guns : if they shoot at us, we will
fire again and then attack them with our swords. The Sergeant said. That would
bring you to the gallows. The aforesaid Adam answered. It may be so. I, the
undersigned, declare the deposition written as above, to be true and truthful and am
ready to confirm the same, if necessary, by my oath. Signed : Gysbert Brey.

The prisoner Adam Onkelbach appears before the Council and the complaint of
Cornelis Mauritsen having been communicated to him, he denies, that he has stolen the
cabbage and during further discussions pro et contra aforesaid accusation said, The
little thieves you hang, but the great ones, who use the Company for their own

* An officer under the corporal, lance corporal. — B. F.

JVew; York Historical Records. 153

advantage are allowed to escape, and accused Hans Hopman, that he had sold a gun of
the Company to the savages for 3^ beavers and that he will prove it by the whole
company. Signed : Adam Onkelbach.

Upon the second complaint of Cornells Maurits he Adam Onkelbach, declares, that
he had said to Cornells Maurits, if he could prove it, that he had stolen his cabbages and
that something might happen to him, but not, that he would pay him. Signed : Adam
Onkelbach.

Upon the deposition of Sergeant Gysbert he declares, that the same is not true.

On the 22" of September.
Before the Council appears Jurriaen Hand from Point (1) in Great Poland, about 34
years old and Engel Melis from near Gotteuberg in Sweden, about 40 years old and
request that their bans might be proclaimed, so that they could enter into matrimony.
There were present Moens Andries and Louwrens Bors.

On the 25'" ejusdem.

Several cadets and private soldiers came to Court and were asked, for what reason
they would not obey the orders of Sergeant Hans. They answer, as the following
deposition shows :

Heyndrick of Bylvelt appears and says, that Hans Hopman has taken a musket
before the gunner' s door and going with it into his house, he had a shooting-gun made of
it, whereto Luycas Dirks has given him a fire-lock vsdth a pan. This is the same
gun, which he has now in use, whereas he sold the gun, which he had from the Hon"'"
Company, to the savages. Signed Hendrick Hermans.

Frederick Barens, baker, appears and confirms the declaration of Heyndrick of
Bylvelt and says further, that, when he, Hans Hopman, had the musket in his hand, he
said. The barrel would suit me very well; that is a good barrel. He further declares, that
Abraham Eycke has made up the barrel and cleaned it. Thus deposed and charged
by Frederick Barents. Signed by the mark of Frederick Barents made by himself.

Jan Jurriaen, farmer, confirms the declaration of Heyndrick of Bylvelt and assures
it with oath. This is signed : Jan Jurriaen.

Lewis Brunei declares, that he has seen, that Hans Hopman brought a musket into
his house and that he said to Frederick the baker. The barrel pleases me well. He does
not know anything more of a gun or anything else, which the abovementioned Brunei
has confirmed with his oath and signed. The mark of Lewis Brunei.

Marcus Harman deposes, that he has seen Hans Hopman taking a musket from the
gunner's door and carrying the same into the house. He knows also, that he had made
out of this same musket a shooting-gun, but he is unaware, that he, Hans Hopman
should have sold a gun to the savages. He confirmed this with his oath and signed it.
The mark of Marcus Harman made by himself.

Frederick Lubberts, a soldier, comes forward and declares, that he knows, that Hans
Hopman has sold to the savages a gun with a fire-lock for 3^ beavers. He does not know
of any other matters and confirms this with his oath and signs it. The mark of Frederick
Lubberts, made by himself.

In Council resolved, that Sergeant Hans Hopman with the evidence taken and Adam
Onkelbach, shall be sent in the ketch of Allerton to the Attorney-General at tht
20

154 Colonial Settlejnents on the Delaware River.

Manhattans, that their cases might be decided upon there. It was further decreed, that
Hans and Onkelbach should be brought on board in chains, that they might not [injure]
each other, whereas they are enemies.

On the 25'? November.*
Lawrence Pieters, bachelor, from Ley den about 23 years old, and Catrine Jans from
Gottenburg, about 19 years old, desire to enter into matrimony.

On the 11'." of October.

Jan Eeckhoft appears and declares, that he sat drinking with Corporal Heyndrick of
Bylvelt at Constantinus Groenenborch' s, but they did not quarrel and that having had
enough he went home and laid down to sleep, that then the aforesaid Corporal came and
wanted him, Eeckhoft, to come out of the house to drink, that he, Eeckhoft, refusing it,
the aforesaid Corporal called him a rascal. Thereupon he got into a struggle with him ;
there were present Gabriel de Haes and Jan Eymans, the cooper.

Gabriel de Haes appears and deposes that he saw and heard, at the house of Jan
Eeckhoft on the 10'? inst. that the Corporal Heyndrick of Bylvelt, being drunk, came to
the house of Jan Eeckhoft, whom he wanted to wake up, to drink with him, that the
wife of Jan Eeckhoft, saying " Let my husband sleep" pushed him at the same time out
of the door, that he, Heyndrick of Bylvelt, being outside said " You shall drink with me
or I will consider you a rascal : and a rascal you are, I consider you that." Hereupon
he, Eeckhoft, getting up grasps his sword, while he, Bylvelt, standing outside, had his
sword in his hand and tried to strike Jan Eeckhoft, but that, although he could have
given it to him badly, as Jan Eeckhoft was still in the house, the blow struck the door ;
that hereupon he, the deponent, shut the door, while Jan Eeckhoft went out by the other
one, that they came to a hand to hand-fight. This I, the undersigned, declare to be the
truth and am ready to confirm it, if necessary, with my oath. Signed Gabriel de Haes.

Jan Eymans coming forward deposes, that he has been at the house of Jan Eeckhoft
on the 10'." inst. He stood behind the house and cut hoppoles, when he saw Coi-poral
Heyndrick of Bylevelt coming out of the house of the Frenchman and going to the house
of Jan Eeckhoft, who was at home asleep. He wanted him to come out and speak Avith
him. Upon Jan Eeckhoft' s wife saying " Let my husband alone and sleep," the Corporal
went on saying "If he will not drink with me, I consider him a rascal." This I promise
to confirm with my oath. Signed Jannes Emans.

Appears Corporal Heyndrick of Bylvelt and declares, that he was on guard-duty
yesterday and that going out, he passed the house of Constantinus and was asked in by
Jan Eeckhoft, to drink with him ; but that he does not know having had any quarrel or
words there, nor does he know, how the trouble, which he had with Jan Eeckhoft, has
originated. Signed Heyndrick Hermans.

On the S'." of November.
The whole community appears, having been called together to the Fort. They were
infonned, that it was necessary to nominate two proper persons as Tobacco-Inspectors
and they are therefore requested to nominate four men, out of whom two shall be chosen

* Quaere "

New York Historical Records. 155

and sworn by the Hon"'* Vice-Director. Hereupon the community proposed and nominated
Thomas Bron, Jan Schaggen, Moens Andi-iesen and Constantinus Groeneubrugh.

It was further communicated to the community, that it was very necessary to
make a bridge over the Kil, running by the Fort, as the passage is impracticable and
ought to be made practicable and as in some emergency occurring great difficulties would
arise. They accepted to do this and the 12'? inst, being Monday, was set down for it.

It was further proposed to the community, that every one should fence in his
land, so that the difficulties and the damages to the fields, done heretofore, might be
stopped and that they should nominate two persons for Overseers and Surveyors of
Fences. They elected for these offices Hermen Jansen and Jan Eeckhoft.

The community was further requested to cut some palisadoes for the fort, whereas
for the common protection it is necessary to cover the fort with palisades on the outside.
They accepted this unanimously.

[Here follows an Ordinance regarding fences, for which see Laws of N. Netlierlands, page 266.]

On the 29'." of November.

Before the Council appears Jan Picolet against Tomas Broen and demands payment
for a field-bed. Tomas Broen coming forward answers, that he has borrowed the bed,
but did not buy it.

The parties were directed, to come to an agreement or the defendant must bring
further proof, that he only borrowed it.

Willem Maurits appearing against Jan Picolet demands payment for some goods
amounting to 14 guilders 8 stivers.

Defendant coming forward, acknowledges the debt and promises to pay it.

Jacob Crabbe appears against Jan Juriaensen and demands payment of 9 guilders
16 stivers.

Defendant is absent, sent out in the service of the Company.

[Here follows an Ordinance regarding the Inspection of Tobacco for which see Lamis of N. Netherland, p. 267.]

On the 18'." of December.

Before the Council appeared Moens Andriesen and WUlem Maurits and took the
following oath :

We, the undersigned, promise and swear, that we shaU act to the best of our
knowledge in inspecting tobacco, that we shall not allow ourselves to be seduced by any
means or to be moved by presents, but do equal justice to the one as the other, the buyer
as the seller. So help us God Almighty !

On the 25'." of December.

Isack Allerton appears against Louwrens Pieters and demands eleven deer-skins as
payment for linen, whereas he had sold it on three days' time and now already one
month had passed.

Defendant answers, that he has given a handful of powder and a bar of lead to a
savage, for which he promised to bring deer-skins and whereas the savage did not come,
he failed thereby in his promise, but he shall pay, as soon as the savage has returned.

Before the Council appeared Lourens Piters against Tomas Broen and asks the
reason, why he, defendant, had had attached his, plaintiff's, tobacco.

156 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Defendant answers, that the tobacco was due him from plaintiff.

Plaintiff demands wages for 3| months, during which he has served defendant.

Parties are directed to adduce proof, as to what Lourens Pieters had bargained for
with Tomas Broem as one year' s wages.

Appears Abraham , summoned by the Commissary and the question

is put to him, why he sent away his wine, without entering the same. Defendant says,
that he can prove that it was brandy and that he did not know, that he must not send
away goods without entering them.

On the 24'!' of December.
Laurens Pieters, bachelor from Lier and Catlyne Jans of Grottenburch in Sweden
were confirmed in marriage after proclamation of bans on the previous Sundays.

In the Name of God !

In the Year of Our Lord 1657.

On the 8'!" day of January.

Before the Council appeared Louwerens Pieters, being summoned and deposes, that
on the 6'? inst. Saturday evening he came and made a complaint to the Commissary, that
there were savages at his place, who di"ank beer obtained at Boertjen's. He found at his
place five savage men, two women and a boy, who had fetched a water-pail of beer from
Boertjens and drank it at his place, where he, deponent, his wife and Jan Tybout drank
with them. When the first pail was emptied, he, deponent, went to Boertiens to
buy a schepel of peas. In the meantime Boertjen's gu-1 came and got the pail, in
which the savages had fetched the beer. Hereupon the savages took his, deponent's,
pail and fetched more beer from Boertjens. Then deponent asked Boertjen's wife, "Are
you drawing more beer for the savages", she answered, "Yes, but they shall not drink
it at your house, they shall go fm-ther." Deponent went again home and found the
savages intoxicated and insolent, whereupon he went to Boertien's and requested him,
Boertjens, not to draw any more beer for the savages. Boertjens promised in the presence
of Gabriel de Haes that he would give no more beer to the savages. When he, deponent,
returned home, there came a savage with a third pailful of beer notwithstanding
the promise which Boertien had given him, to draw no more for these same savages this
evening. They had this beer in Boertjen's paU. Whereas the savages intended to drink
there the whole night and stiU another savage had come, he, deponent was afraid of
mischief, as he was alone with his wife in the house. He went to the fort and made the
foregoing complaint to the Hon*'^ Commandant and remonstrated. This, as written above,
he, deponent, is willing, if necessary to confirm with his oath and he has, in token of its
truth, signed it with his hand. Signed : the ^ of Lauwerns Piters, made by himself.

Jan Tibout comes forward and deposes that he was at Lauwerns Piters' house and
saw, that there were five savages, three squaws, a big boy and a child drinking beer,
which they had fetched from Boertiens, that they drank this out together and the savages
after that fetched from Boertjens five pints of beer more, but he has not seen, that the
savages were intoxicated. He declares, that he knows nothing more of the matter and is
vrilling to confirm the above statement, if required, with his oath, and he has, in token
of its truth, signed this with his hand. Signed : Jan Tibout.

Jfew Yorh Historical Records. 157

Otte Grien appears and declares, that lie was at the house of Cornells Mourits in
the evening of the 6'." inst. and that he has seen and heard, that Louwers Piters came and
requested Cornelis Mourits, not to give any more beer to the savages ; he declared
further, that he saw, how the said Maurits drew some more beer and gave it to the
savages, notwithstanding his great promises not to draw any more. I, the undersigned,
declare the above statement to be true and am willing to confirm the same, if necessary,
with my oath and have in token of its truth signed this with my own hand. Signed
Otte Gfrein.

Gabriel de Haes appears and declares, that he was at the house of Cornelis Woutersen
(where he lodges) on the 6'? inst. and saw and heard, that Louwerns Piters came there
and requested Cornelis Maurits not to sell any more beer to the savages ; he declares
further, that he saw, how Cornelis Maurits sold after this five pints of beer more to the
savages. I, the undersigned, declare the above to be true and am willing to confirm
it, if required, with my oath. Signed : Gabriel de Haes.

On the 10* of January.

The whole community assembled, having been summoned, at Port Casimir and were
informed, that tohereas some people do not hesitate to ruin the trade with the Indians,
by running up the price of deerskins by more than one third, while most likely it will run
up higher still to the great and excessive disadvantage of the poor community here, as
the inhabitants, who must gain their living by their hands' work, have to pay more for
the goods, as they can sell them to others and whereas this is as yet unimportant
compared with what is to come, as when in the spring a trade in beavers should be
opened in which case the community living here runs the risk of being entirely ruined
and tohereas several complaints have already been made to the Hon"'* Commandant,
though (except) the naming of persons, nobody has come yet, to be properly looked after
in this respect,

Therefore it is proposed to the community, that they shall, among themselves, fix a
price by which henceforth the trade shall be governed and carried on and it is promised
to them, that such directions, as they shall agree upon, shall with their help and
supervision be promptly executed.

Hereupon the community fixed upon the following order and promised by these, their
signatures, on their honor and oath to obey it and they are to be considered perjured men,
who should contravene against this order and to be deprived of trading for one year, for
the second time (to be punished) according to orders, and for the third to be expelled
altogether from the river, as it is fit for such men. Likewise they bind themselves
herewith, each for himself, to report to those, to whom it was proper, whenever they
had knowledge of such contraventions.
The prices, which the Community established, are :

For a merchantable beaver two strings of wampum,

for a good bearskin, worth a beaver, two strings of wampum.

for an elkskin, worth a beaver, two strings of wampum.

otters accordingly.

for a deerskia one hundred and twenty wampum,

foxes, catamounts, racoons and other to be valued accordingly.

158 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Thus done and agreed upon in Council at Fort Casimir on the 10'!" of January 1657.
Signed :

Jan Pauwel Jaquet, Andries Hudde, Isack Allerton, Zenen Willem Mauritsen,
Alexander Boyer, the mark X" of Tomas Broen, made by himself, Gabriel de Haes,
Jacob Crabbe, the mark /-/ of Harman Jansen, made by himself, Cornells Maurits,
Heyndrick Egbert, Jan Haman, Constantinus Groenenborch, Isack Mera, Abraham
Quyn, Jan Tibout, Harman Heyndricks, the mark ^ of Lau wrens Piters, made by
himself, the mark ^ of Leendert Clasen, made by himself, Jan Eckhoft, Tymen
Stiddens, Willem Claessen, the mark T/' of Jan Schaggen, made by himself, the mark

i-j-i of Luycas Piters, made by himself, the mark X of Moens Andries, made by himself,

the mark -fig of Ole Toersen, made by himself, the mark Q- of Mattison, made by

himself, the mark x of Laers Boers, made by himself, Heyndrick Vryman, the mark

>— < of Juriaen Joesen, made by himself, the mark of Cornells Teunissen, made by
himself, Elmerhuysen Cleyn.

On the same day.

Cornelius Mauritsen appears before the Council upon summons and the information
taken against him was read to him, besides the ordinance of the Hon"''^ General and high
Council was shown to him. His answer having been heard, he was ordered to refrain
fi'om selling liquors for six months ; the information received is to be sent to the Fiscal.

[Here follows an Ordinance for the removal of Abuses in the Indian Trade at the South-River, for which see
Laws of N. Netherlands p. 293.]

On the 19'? ejusdem.

Whereas Cornells Mauritsen at different times and very earnestly and submissively
has petitioned for permission, to sell liquors again, complaining bitterly, that he has
nothing to live upon and that without it he would have to suiler want with his wife and
children, therefore, having considered this, on account of his infirmity and as he was the
first caught contravening, he shall this time be pardoned,

Provided, however, that he pay over for the poor 25 guilders and promise to take
care against a recurrence, else, if the same should happen again, he should atone for the
one as well as the other.

Harman Jansen appears and is remonstrated with, that he has tapped beer without
excise and without declaration, that he intended to tap it.

Defendant has no other excuse, than that he had brewed half a vat of beer and as
it was ratlier poor, he tried to sell it for 18 sflvers the " Vaen." *

Defendant is ordered, in consideration, that this is his first fault and out of
commiseration that he has nothing, to pay 25 guilders, a third for the poor, and to bring
the excise for the beer.

On the 31°.' of January.

Before the CouncU appears Alexander Boyer against Jacobus Crabbe. Plaintiff
shows, that he has sold to defendant a certain piece of land for the sum of two hundred
and ten guilders, and delivered to him three hundred pounds of tobacco, amounting, the

* Four quarts. — B. F.

New Yorh Historical Records. 159

pound at 5 stivers, together to two hundi-ed and eiglity-five guilders, whereas he, plaintiff,
owes to defendant one thousand pounds of tobacco, which, the pound at 5 stivers,
amount to two hundred and fifty guilders, he demands therefore from def the balance
of 35 fl.

Defendant answers, that according to contract plaintiff is held, to deliver 1000 lbs of
tobacco at 6 stivers the pound and that he has received three hundred pounds, so that
there are due yet seven hundred pounds at 5 stivers, making exactly two hundred and
ten guilders. Therefore defendant does not know, what plaintiff wants.

Parties are referred to arbitrators ; if these cannot make them agree, they are to
hand in their opinion to the Hon*"* Council here. Isack AUerton and Elmerhuysen Cleyn
were appointed arbitrators.

Before the Council appears Cornells Maurits with Louwers Piters, prisoner and says,
that prisoner has got at his house five and a half cans of beer and that shortly after some
savages came to his, complainant's, house, who wanted to have the beer measured,
pretending that they had not received full measure. He declares that he did not know,
for whom the beer had been fetched.

Prisoner declares that it is true, that he has fetched the beer for the savages and that
the savages would not believe, that there was as much as they had given money for.
The savages getting angry about it, placed the beer before the door and one Gerret Abel,
who was in his, prisoner's, house, took the beer and brought it to Cornells Maurits. The
case having been considered and found of evil consequences, which it was proper to
punish as an example to others, whereas the practice of helping the savages to drinks
and sell to them freely has prevailed here very much at one time, therefore it is decided,
that the Hon"'^ Vice-Director and CouncU cannot let it pass without making an example
of it and knowing the poverty of the prisoner, they condemn him, Louwerns Piters, to
work for the Company for six weeks.

Laurens Piters demands from Cornells Mourits wages for six days, whereas he had
worked upon his land and Cornells Mouritsen had allowed him to sleep there, but has
turned him away on account of this complaint.

Defendant says, he does not know anything about money or working on the land.

Defendant is ordered, to pay Lauwers Piters the wages for the work, done for him
on his land.

Whereupon Cornells Mourits with insulting and vehement expressions inveighed
against the Council, saying, that he would not give it to him and that, if he must give
it to him, he would administer him such a licking, that he should remember it. If the
Commander wished to give him the land, he might take at once all that he had. Nobody
could live here any more in peace, in two months he would go to the Manhattans, his
conscience did not allow him to" pay the wages.

He, Cornells Maurits, was then ordered not to leave the fort, before he had paid, but
he received permission to go.

Before the Council appears Isaac Allerton and produces three documents of the
Court-Messenger relative to attachments, of which two belong to the jurisdiction of
the Court at Tinnekonck ; he was therefore referred with these to that Court; in
regard to the tobacco seized of Jan Staelcop, he is directed to bring proof of his real
indebtedness.

160 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

The applicant then delivered a petition of the following tenor.
To the Honorable, Valiant Mr. Jan Paul Jaquet, Vice-Director at the South-River of N.

Netherland
Sheweth with due reverence Isack Allerton, that he, the supplicant, has been very much
frustrated in his design by the long delay of his ketch and therefore is at a loss to buy
his necessaries, the more so, as his means or a great part of them are outstanding among
the people living on this river and have been unpaid for rather a long time, while he has
not been able to recover them. Therefore he begs that your Honor will please to relieve
him from this embarrassment with ten pounds of powder, as he needs it to buy his daily
sustenance. He, the supplicant, promises, if it cannot be given to him on his account
with the Company, to return it to your Honor or, if it so pleases your Honor to the Hon""'
General.

As regards the eight pounds of powder, which he, petitioner, has already received
fi-om your Honor, he requests, that they may be balanced with the four schepels of salt,
which he has delivered to your Honor. For these eight pounds of powder he, the
petitioner, traded twenty-four deer for provision of his ketch.

Whereas further he, the supplicant, has owing to him in the community a large
amount of money, rather exceeding the sum of twelve thousand guilders, wliich has been
due quite a long time, yea, by some now these eight years and whereas he, the supplicant,
is growing old, having passed seventy years, whereby he shall be obliged to give up
ti-avelling on account of his bodily infirmity and whereas it is proper, even christianlike,
that he should at once bring order in his affairs, not to leave his wife and childi-en in a
unreasonable state to their great distress and damage.

Therefore he, petitioner, addresses himself to your Honor, as the only authority here,
from whom right and justice may be asked, which he, petitioner, is also certain to find
there, and requests your Honor quite submissively and humbly, that your Honor will
please, to lend him a helping hand in his entirely just and equitable claims, that he,
petitioner, may recover his own, wherewith he declares himself and signs Your Honor's
very obedient servant. Signed Isack Allerton IS'." January 1657.

In regard to the powder, it is decided that the Company's store cannot spare any
more.

In regard to the powder, i. e. the eight lbs, which he has received before these, which
the petitioner asked to balance with certain four schepels of salt delivered to the Hon"*
Commander, they must be satisfied with it. As to his further petition for assistance to
help him recover his arrears, the petitioner receives the assurance, that, whereas the
largest part of petitioner's claims fall under the jurisdiction of Tinnekonck, he will be
assisted before that court as well as this as much as possible according to law. Present
the Hon*"^ Vice-Director Jaquet, A. Hudde, Paulus Jansen, Sergeant Louwernsen Hansen,
Captain des Armes. *

On the 14'." of February.

Isack Allerton has had seized by the Court-Messenger, subject to the decision of the
Hon"'^ Council, the immovable property belonging to Peter Hermansen here on the River.

Isack Masa appears against Jan Schaggen and demands leave to return a certain

* Capitaine des Armes corresponding to Quartermaster-Sergeant. — B. F.

Keiv York Historical Records. 161

hogshead of tobacco, received from the aforesaid Jan Schaggen, which, according to the
decision of the Inspector, Willem Mouritsen, is not merchantable.

Defendant answers, that he has delivered the tobacco to plaintiff upon plaintiff's own
inspection, saying that he did not need an Inspector for it, that he knew himself competent
enough thereto.

Plaintiff says, that defendant delivered to him the tobacco as being throughout like
some lying on the top ; that it was found not to be so, and that about 8 or 10 days after
the receipt he informed defendant in presence of Tomas Broen and Willem Mouritsen,
that he did not want the tobacco, as it was not worth anything.

Plaintiff is ordered to bring proof, that defendant delivered the tobacco upon his
word as good.

Leendert Claes appears against Abraham Quyn. Parties default through impotence,
as the saying is.

Louwerns Piters appears against Cornells Mouritsen. He is remonstrated with, why
he does not pay plaintiff; defendant said, that he did not refuse, though it is true, that he
has not earned six days' wages. Parties agreed in friendship, that defendant shall pay
plaintiff 7 guilders.

Isack AUerton appears against Ele Torsen and demands payment of sixty-four
guilders, which defendant, on the 4'.'' of April last, promised to pay plaintiff in the fall.

Defendant says, that he is responsible for the debt.

Plaintiff demands security or mortgage.

Defendant is ordered, to give to plaintiff a mortgage on his land and house, as he has
no means nor does he know, how to pay the debt.

Isack Allerton against Ele Ifgrouw demands payment of five beavers, according
to bond.

Defendant says that he will pay during the year, and promises to give

security.

Present, the Hon'"" Vice-Director Jaquet, Elmerhuysen Cleyn, Pauweles Jans,
Sergeant, Andries Hudde.

Upon summons appears Marten Rosemann and is asked by the Commander, whether
he is a freeman. He answers. Yes.

To whom the wine belonged, which he had declared? He answers, that he had
received the same from Elmerhuysen for his pay and sold it for his own profit.

Gabriel de Haes appears, having been called up by the Hon*'*' Commissary and is
asked, what he knows. (He says) that the wife of Cornells Mourits called her husband
and him, deponent, outside one evening, saying, Do you want to see a joke, and she, that
is, Cornells Mourits' wife, said that she had seen out of doors on the street, that Marten
Roseman sold wine to some savages, being in the cellar with the savages. This he,
deponent, declares, to have happened as above truly (described) and is ready, to confirm
the same, if required, by oath.

Cornelis Mouritsen appears, called up as before and declares, that some time ago his
wife called him out, saying. Do you want to see a trick, there is Marten in the cellar
with a savage. He, deponent, upon coming out, looked into the cellar, but saw nobody
21

162 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

there. He declares, that he has not heard, that his wife said, Marten had sold wine to
the savages. This he promises, as the foregoing, to confirm, if required, with his oath.

Defendant, Marten Roseman, is ordered to declare under oath, that he received the
three ankers of liquor from Elmerhuysen on account of his wages and has sold it for his,
defendant's, profit.

Defendant refuses to take the oath.

Whereas he. Marten Rooseman, refuses to take the oath, that he has bought the
wine from Elmerhuysen and sold it for his own profit, therefore it is concluded that the
wine belonged to Elmerhuysen and was sold for his profit.

Present as before, except Elmerhuysen Cleyn.
On the T'^ of March.
Andries Hudde enters complaint against Tymen Tuddens, that defendant had slandered
him, plaintiff, in that he had treated him, defendant, unjustly in measuring the land and
that he had taken away his land.

Defendant answers, that it was true and that he, Hudde, had wronged him.

Decreed, that the land should be re-measured in presence of persons thereto
authorized.

Isacq Mara appears against Jan Schaggen and Moens Andries as "Disposant."* He
requests, as before, leave to return the tobacco and that Moens Andries shall give
evidence, how the tobacco was received.

Moens Andries declares, that Jan Schaggen had said, when he delivered the tobacco,
that he packed the tobacco according to sample shown and that it was as good below as
on the top.

Plaintiff is directed to produce affidavits of the Inspectors, how the tobacco was
found to be whether that below was as that above.

Leendert Claesen against Abraham Quyn. Plaintiff complains, that defendant has
injured him in his good name, accusing him, plaintiff, that he has his, defendant's, cloth,
which was stolen from him, defendant.

Defendant appears and says, that to the best of his knowledge the cloth belonged to
him, but that he had not called him a thief.

Defendant is ordered, to make here before the Council a declaration, that he has
nothing to say against plaintiff and he knows him as an honorable man. He is to pay
a fine of six guilders for the poor and the costs of the suit. Defendant made the
declaration before the Council.

Harman Jansen appears upon summons by the Hon"'^ Commander, to whom was
read the order and judgment dated the 19'." December ; he was advised to find means for
payment.

Defendant answers, that he has nothing and that

Articles and Ordinances, revised and enacted by the Right Honorable the Lords
Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam regarding the government of and emigration to
New Netherland.

[Vide Laws of New Netherland, p. 269 et seq.]
•Quaere Inspector (of Tobacco)? See page 141.

Mew York, Historical Records. 163

Letters feom Jacob Alrichs, Vice-Directob of the new Colony on
THE Delaware, written on LoNa Island where his ship "Prins
Mauritius " was wrecked ; he announces his arrival and

REQUESTS assistance.

Honorable, Worshipful), Wise and Prudent Gentlemen !

Gentlemen ! Wliereas the Hon*'* Lords-Directors of the Privileged West India
Company have granted permission and agreed, that the Hon*"" and Very Worshipful
Lords-Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam may plant a colony on the South-River of
New-Netherland, whereupon the said Lords-Burgomasters considered and presented
certain conditions to all those, who intend to betake themselves thither as colonists, as
may be seen from the copy sent herewith, several persons desired under these conditions
to go there and embarked in consequence at the expense of the aforesaid City in different
vessels, viz : in the ship " Prins Maurits " about 112 persons, besides 16 of the crew, officers
and saUors, then 33 souls in the ship " de Beer," 11 on the "Bever," and 11 on the
"Gelderse Blom," aUtogether making 167 souls, who were to settle on the South-River
and I, the undersigned, who was to have the direction of the colony in behalf of the
aforesaid City, was to make my voyage to the Island of Manhattans in the ship "Prins
Maurits, with letters, addresses and orders for your Honors "

[Remainder of the page is torn off.]

whereupon 1 embarked with 128 souls in number in the ship "Prins Maurits;" we had
hoped and wished to reach the Manhattans, but unfortunately we stranded at a certain
place, situate opposite Long Island, near a river, called by the savages, or the bearer of
this, Sichtewach. The people have been saved and we hope to get most of the goods
ashore, if it so pleases our Lord God, all this with great difficulties, troubles and labor,
which is daily expended on it, to prevent further losses, in great cold and hard freezing.
In the meantime I am here, with the aforesaid people, among whom are about 50 soldiers,
under the Hon"'* Captain Marten Kryger and Lieutenant D'Hinoyossa, and moreover
the other freemen, in great anxiety and I desire from my heart to get means or opportunity
for help and assistance, to further carry out the design and undertaking of the Noble
Lords-Directors and the Hon"'* and Very Worshipful Lords-Burgomasters. But, as the
ship "Prins Maurits" has stranded here and is in a situation, as if it were upon its
burial ground, I am obliged to ask for your Honor's good advice and help herein

, [Remainder of page torn off.]

except your Honor is sufficiently acquainted with this locality and could [advise] me in
regard to it, what your Honor deems to be the best and most adviseable to do herein.
Time, to detail this further, running short, I must conclude requesting, that the people
arrived or about to arrive there by the "Bever," "Beer" and "Gelderse Blom," might,
if you please, be accommodated in behalf and for account of the City of Amsterdam until
further orders, according to opportunity, in the most suitable way and provided for as
well as possible. In the meantime I expect your answer and a small vessel with a pilot
and 3 or 4 other seamen, who know this plac« and are conversant with it, to see what could

164 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

be gathered and saved yet. In closing I pray to God, to keep your Honors' in permanent
health and prosperity and remain with cordial greetings and dutiful compliments

Your Honors' affectionate
On Long-Island friend and servant

the 12'" Mch. 1657 J. Aleichs.

To the Honorable, Worshipful,

Wise and Prudent Gentlemen,

the Hon'"^ Director-General

and Council in New-Netherland at the Manhattans

by two savages.

Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.

Gentlemen. Since the Hon''"^ General Stuyvesant has left here again for the Manhattans,
the wind has by no means been favorable, for the yacht "de Eendracht" to take the sea
or to sail : the lading or the room in the ship, to send anything thither, has mostly
been anticipated by one or the other, and the skipper Dirck Claesen declares, that he
has not more room, than for about 20 ankers, which have been shipped in her, being part
of the goods, belonging to the City of Amsterdam and sent here according to the enclosed
invoice. I request, that your Honors will please and have the unloading of the yacht
strictly watched and noted down or registered, what goods, merchandises as well as
victuals were brought over by her from here, (the same in future) because a great deal of
the one and the other is missing. Therefore, what is done in this matter there, is an act of
friendship for me and of great service to the City of Amsterdam. Just now Captain Jacob
N". came in, from whom I learn that the ships the " Bever," " Gelderse Blom," and " Beer"
have arrived there. About 50 to 55 souls arrived in these ships to settle on the South-
River in the Colony of Amsterdam. Tour Honors will please, to assign them quarters
and to provide them for a short time, as necessity requires it, with some victuals, until
the provisions and goods can be sent from here, and further to have them shipped in a
suitable good ship or other conveyance to bring them thence to the South-River. Hereof
I expect advice, also what opportunities or most proper means might serve thereto
and offer themselves now, in order to govern myself by them. Capt. Jacob [saUs]
to-morrow or not later than the day after, if the weather remains dry and favorable

[and will take] some barrels of flour, peas, groats, oU as well as and other

things, according to convenience

At the river Sichtawagh

on Long-Island, 20'" March 1657.

Gentlemen !
Day before yesterday, the 20'.", I have written at length by Ensign Smit, who left
here in the Company's yacht "de Eendracht," to which I refer. I have since given a
full cargo to the vessel of Capt. Jan Jacobs, by which this and the enclosed invoice
are going ; they show what goods he has to deliver there, city property as weU as
private. These can be received and stored there with the others in the Warehouse. I

J{ew York Historical Records. 165

expect this vessel with some other to return as speedily as possible. Closing I remain
with dutiful compliments, salutations and commendations to the Lord

Your Honors' affectionate

Mend and servant

J. Alrichs.
On the broken land
near Long Island
the 22* of Mch. 1657.

The skipper of the " Prins Maurits " importunes me, to go to your place and to hire
or buy a vessel, which it is better to prevent and not allow by any means, in order not to
injure the city, nor is to be supported.

To the Honorable, Worshipful,

Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen,

the Hon'''^ Director-General

Petrus Stuyvesant and Council

of New-Netherland at the Manhattans.

per Yacht " Aventure."

Motion- of the Fiscal for the confiscation of gunpowder and

OTHER articles BROUGHT BY LlEUT. ALEXANDER D'HiNOTOSSA AND
ORDER DENTING THIS MOTION.

12*? AprU 1657, Thursday.
Copy. To the Noble, Very Worshipful Honorable Director-General and Council of
New-Netherland.
Whereas Alexander d'Hinoyossa, Lieutenant, has had brought out of the ship
"Prins Mauritius" and placed on board the "Bever" here, two kegs of gunpowder
with a barrel of rice and some Spanish wine, all of which has now been seized by the
Fiscal, because one is contraband and the other appears on the skipper's clearance only
as a barrel with provisions, so called, while it has been found to weigh over 300 lbs.,
besides the spices concealed in it and because no proof has, so far, been offered, whether
they were admitted by invoice or by the Hon""" Lords-Directors, therefore the Fiscal is of
opinion, that the seized articles must be contiscated in pursuance of the placats of the
years 1645 and 1648 and that besides the fine fixed thereby must be paid. Done at Fort
'Amsterdam, the 12'." of AprU 1657.

(Signed) NicASius de Sille.

The Honorable Director- General made the following decision on the foregoing
request :

The defendant pretends, that the seized goods have been shipped free of duty with
the consent of the Hon""' Lords-Directors at Amsterdam and plaintiff is directed to
release them provisionally and until further orders from the said Hon''''^ Lords-Directors,
making a proper specification of quantity and quality and taking security for a future
decision. Done at Fort Amsterdam, in New-Netherland, date aa above.

166 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Deed to the Burgomasters op Amsterdam for Fort Casimir and the

LAND thereunto BELONGING FROM THE WEST SIDE OF THE CHRISTINA
CREEK TO THE MOUTH OF THE DELAWARE RIVER.

Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of Their Noble High Mightinesses, the Lords States-
General of the United Netherlands and the Noble Lords-Directors of the Privileged
West-India Company Director-General of New-Netherland, Curagao, Bonayro, Aruba
and the dependencies thereof, together with the Honorable Council declare and testify
hereby, that we have to-day, date underwritten (pursuant to the order and directions of
the said Honorable Lords-Directors, dated 19'." of December 1656) transferred, ceded and
conveyed, as we hereby cede, transfer and convey to the Hon"'*' Mr. Jacob Alrichs, on
behalf of the Noble, Very Worshipful Lords Burgomasters and Governors of the City of
Amsterdam Director and Commissary-General of their Colony on the Southriver of New-
Netherland, Fort Casimir, now called New-Amstel, together with all the territory belonging
thereto, agreeable to the first bill of sale and title-deed of the natives, dated 19'? July 1651,
beginning on the Westside of Minquas or Christina Kil, called in the Indian language
Suppeckongh, to the mouth of the bay or river called Boomptjes Hoeck, in the Indian
language Canaresse, and so far to landu-ard as the boundaries of the Minquas' country,
with all streams, kils, creeks, harbors, bays and outlines belonging thereto, of which
territory with all its belongings and dependencies we hereby, in the name and on behalf
of the Noble Lords-Directors and Patroons of this province, make cession and conveyance
to the said Hon*''"' Mr. Jacob Alrichs in behalf of the Noble, Yery Worshipful Lords-
Burgomasters and Governors of the City of Amsterdam, relinquishing all actual and real
possession, ownership, claim and privilege and all this with and under such conditions, as
have been fixed upon by the said Lords-Dii-ectors and the Noble, Very Worshipful Lords-
Burgomasters and Governors of the City of Amsterdam, substituting and constituting
therefore the said Mr. Jacob Alrichs in the aforesaid quality on behalf as stated above as
owner in our place, without keeping in our aforesaid quality any claim or pretense and
therefore promising to hold this conveyance as firmly binding and inviolable. In witness
whereof this has been signed by us and confirmed with our usual signature. Done at
Fort Amsterdam in N. Netherland, the 12'." of April 1657.

P. Stuyvesant,

NiCASIUS DE SiLLE,
PlETER TONNEMAN.

Order granting the request of Gerrit van Sweeringen, supercargo

OF THE STRANDED SHIP " PrINS MAURITIUS," TO BE DISCHARGED FROM

THE Company's service.

The petition of Gerrit van Swieringen, formerly supercargo of the ship " Prins
Mourits" which was wrecked here, was received, in which he requests, to be discharged
from the Hon"''^ Company's service, as he intends to make his living here.

Having taken it in consideration, also that he can do no more duty on the stranded
ship " Prins Mourits," it was decided, after the question had been put : fiat quod petitur.
On the 16'? of April 1657.

Mew York Historical Records. 1G7

Petition of Isaac Tym for a house and lot on the Southriver ;

DENIED.

ir." April 1657.

Copy. To the Noble, Worshipful, Honorable Director-General and Council of the
New-Netherland.
Shows with due reverence Isaac Tym, called Pieriere, that in the month of September
of the year 1655 he, the petitioner, had been promised by the Noble, Worshipful,
Honorable Director-General a certain house and lot, situate near Fort Casimir on the
South-river, which had belonged to a man by the name of Gillis, and whereas he, the
petitioner, desires to fulfill the condition, mentioned in the contract then made and here
annexed, and is willing to take up his domicile there as early as possible, therefore he,
the petitioner, addresses himself to your Noble Worships with the humble request to give
Mm, the petitioner, a deed for the said lot in proper form, praying and requesting, that
your Noble Worships will please to assent to this, the petitioner's, demand, with which I
remain

Your Noble Honorable Worships'

Very humble and obedient

Subject and Servant.

After the foregoing petition had been received and read, the question was put and it
was answered :

Whereas the petitioner has neglected to take possession of and enter upon the house
and lot, mentioned hereinabove, at the proper time and the Director-General and Council
do not know, whether the same have already been conveyed to somebody else or not,
therefore no decision can be given on the petitioner's request for the present. Done at
Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, Date as above.

Complaints against Vice-Director Jean Paul Jacquet and his
subsequent removal from office.

Complaint of Jan Schaggen against Commander Jacquet.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Very Wise Director-General and Council.
Gentlemen.
I humbly give information, that Commander Jacquet, after his arrival, called upon
me in regard to the land, which I occupied, pretending that the Hon""' General had given
the same land to him and I should move off and whereas I was sure, that the Hon'''^
General, while here, had allowed me to live on and cultivate the place and likewise Mr.
Sille, while here, had confirmed the same to me, therefore I did not like to give credence
to the Commander's saying, but adhered to what the Honorable General had said and
was not willing to abandon the land, upon which I had expended my labor and sown 4
schepels of rye, but I desired to remain unmolested and had to make a contract with him

168 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

about planting tobacco, so that I should begin it for him, for which he would get me
help and I should have my share under such conditions, as he would be pleased to grant.
While carrying out this, I was not properly assisted with laborers, whereby half the crop
was lost to the great disadvantage of my poor circumstances, for I have thus lost over
1000 lbs. of tobacco, mostly because of the lack of room to store it, for which assistance
was most necessary. After the tobacco had been handled in this manner and brought
under cover, as it was and while I worked to sow yet some rye with 3 schepels for Jan
Wyler, the owner of the land, whom I expected (0, the Commander again told me to
leave and that the land was his; I referred him again to the Hon''''' General and Mr. SUla
and told him, that he had no order to drive me away. He answered he cared the devil for
Stuyvesant and Silla and was now here ; with sword in hand he di'ove me three times
from my work into my house, so that I was compelled to suspend my work and leave
the land in a bad plight ; I therefore called on Hudde to survey for me a piece of land,
situate about there in the bush, when not more than 20 rods' breadth along the river
were allotted to me and as I have nobody living near me, to whom it would have
been disadvantageous, if I had asked for 100 even 1000 rods, supposed I was able to
cultivate it, I asked the Commander to grant me 20 rods' breadth more, as I needed
more land to plant tobacco and sow grain. He refused and would not allow it.
It is therefore my respectful request and humble prayer, that your Noble Honors wUl
please to consider my needy circumstances and by their graciousness and favor will let
me enjoy satisfaction for my injuries and add to the breadth of 20 rods another 20 rods
of land and provide me with a title thereof. I shall ever remain, as I now am (lower
stood) Very Worshipful G-entlemen

Your Noble Honors' humble servant

(Signed) John Schaggen.

Dated Southriver
20'? of March, 1657.

After reading the foregoing petition, the following declaration was sent to the
petitioner for his information :

This is to certify and to declare, that we, the undersigned, being on the Southriver
of New-Netherland in the month of September 1655, have, out of consideration for the
services and assistance given in the execution of the plans then designed, allotted, granted
and given to Jan Schaggen, at his request, the plantation, upon which he, at that time,
lived, worked and planted with the promise to issue to him a duly executed title and
letters patent in due form at the proper time.

Done Fort Amsterdam 21^' April 1657.

P. Stuyvesant,

NiCASIUS DE SiLLE.

Copy. To his Noble Honor, Mr. Jan Paul Jacquet, Vice-Director on the

Protest of Mr. Southriver of New-Netherland.

Allerton, the elder,
against Com. Jacquet.

Whereas Isaac Allerton, on account of a lawful and clear debt of Niels Larsen, which
has now been already standing six years, had attached by the Court-messenger on the

J^GW York Historical Records. 169

4'." of December 1656 some tobacco, belonging to said Niels Larsen in partnership with
Jan Staelcop and Pieter Schael and in the keeping of said Staelcop, that he might
thus by due process of law obtain payment ; and (as) he had also asked of the
Commander, where he had to make application for an order of attachment and summon
the debtor and received as answer from your Honor: "I have first attached it, I have
the devil of it, I want to have precedence " and whereas arrest was laid upon the same
tobacco by Elmerhuysen also, I judged, that the matter ought to be brought before the
Court, but found, that your Honor had had carried away by your soldiers a part of the
tobacco, notwithstanding the order of arrest and although your Honor's claim is partly
not clear, partly extorted, whereby a road is opened to great injustice and contempt of
law and justice, which it is your Honor's duty to preserve and protect, for as soon as some
Swedes or Fins saw, that such proceedings were introduced here by your Honor in person,
they considered themselves encouraged by your Honor to try the same and carried away
the balance of the tobacco, which had been left, whereby he, Allerton, is and remains
deprived of his claim and (whereas) also, notwithstanding Jan Schaggen was granted by
the Noble Hon"'^ General the land of Frans Smith and Jan Wilier, to occupy and use it
until fiirther order, which was furthermore confirmed to said Shaggen by the Hon"'* Mr.
de Sille, your Honor has not hesitated, violently and unjustly (violenter et iniqne) to
drive the said Shaggen from the said land with great animosity and sword in hand and
to make other people' s property your own, to despise in an improper manner the orders
of his Noble Honor and to dispossess him, AUerton, of his lawful claims, which he had
on the property of Frans Smith and Jan WhUler, as well as on the same land and
elsewhere. By this damage and irregular proceedings he, Allerton, is compelled, nay,
forced to protest herewith against your Honor for all damages, prejudice and loss, which
he, Allerton, has suffered or may yet suffer on account of the foregoing and for which
he will have recourse upon your Honor. For this purpose he, Allerton, has deemed it
necessary, to serve this upon your Honor and deliver it into your hands. Dated Casimir,
this 6*? of April 1657. (It was signed) Isaac Allerton, senior.

Ex originali descripseram.

(Signed) Johannis Risingh jr.*

Copy.
Further order to
Commander Jacquet,
by which he is
removed from office.

Honorable, Dear, Faithful Sii'.
In our last letter through Mr. Alrichs your Honor's remaining there was left to
your Honor's option. Since that so many complaints are referred to us and written
remonstrations made of your delaying, if not refusing justice and lawful arrests, of
collecting and executing on your own authority without previous legal proceedings your
own pretended claims, of obstructing (and this by acts of violence) possession, cultivation
and occupation of lands, granted by us to others and of many other unbecoming
proceediDgs against different people, freemen as well as employes of the Company that

* Not a son of Gov. Risingb, who was not married — B. F.

170

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

hearing of it, how much more telling it, grieves and afflicts us unto shame and although
we had until now been in hopes, that the general complaints of all too hasty and
unbecoming proceedings might, upon our serious admonition and warnings, have been
avoided, removed or remedied, we are now again placed beyond hope in this regard, as
the last written complaints of Jan Schaggen, Allerton and others are beyond correction,
if not beyond defense. Therefore, we are, to our regret, compelled to inform your
Honor, that you must purge and defend yourself against the same and meanwhile to
suspend you provisionally from your office and (to command) that you transfer and deliver
the property of the Company well inventoried to Andries Hudde, Jan Juriansen and the
Sergeant Paulus Jansen taking a receipt, to be signed by them in duplicate, and to
be sent to us, first the one and then the other, upon which we shall rely. We commend
your Honor with our usual salutations to the protection and grace of Grod and remain

Honorable, Dear, Faithful
Done, at Your Honor' s affectionate

Fort Amsterdam (Signed) P. Stuyvesant.

in N. Netherland
20'." of April 1657.

Copy

David Wessels, pltff. contra Jean Paul Jacquet, late Commander on the

Southiiver, def.

To the Noble, Worshipful, Honorable Director-Greneral and Council of New-Netherland.

On the side stood : The plaintiff asks satisfaction and indemnification for

This to be handed damages and loss sustained by the tearing down of his house,

to the parties for standing near Fort Casimir on the Southriver, done by the

answer. Done defendant, the Commissary Jean Paul Jacquet, who used the

Fort Amsterdam wood of the aforesaid house and made a barn with it near his

in N. Netherland house, and as plaintiff maintains, that wrong has been done to

6'? of June 1657. him by tearing down his house in his absence and it is not

conformable to the rules of law, that anybody's property can be

touched, taken and used for one's own behaU and as property,

therefore he has come to the conclusion, that the defendant must

be sentenced, to re-build the aforesaid house at his expense

upon the lot on the Southriver and replace it in such condition, as

it was in at the time of tearing it down according to the opinion

of impartial men, or that the defendant pay to the plaintiff such

a sum of money, as shall be adjudged by impartial men to be the

cost of such a building, as the one torn down by the defendant

or as your Noble Worships shall decide the case, asking in case

of opposition for costs. I remain

Your Honorable Worships very humble
subject and servant

(sign) David Wessels.

Certified :
Matheus de Voz, Notary Public.

Further down stood :
By order of the
Hon*'^ Dir. Gen',
of N. Netherland
C. V. Ruyven, Secr^
Certified.
Matheus de Voz
Not. Public.

Coll.

J^ew York Historical Records. 17J

Proceedings of the Fiscal against Jean Paul Jacquet, late Yice-Director on

the Delaware, for malfeasance in office.

Copy. To the Noble, Honorable Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General of New-

Netherland

Respectfully gives information Nicasius de SiUe, Fiscal, that before this and also

yesterday several verbal and written complaints have been brought to him by the

Commissioners, inhabitants, officers, soldiers and by the Swedish nation, aU being under

your Honor's government, against Paul Jacquet, your Honor's late Commander on the

Southriver, as having conducted himself very unbecomingly there in vexing the

community, persecuting with violence the inhabitants, tyrannising over the soldiers,

diminishing and destroying the Company' s property, all of which is contrary to your

Honor' s orders ; therefore the Fiscal nomine officii requests, that your Honor wUl please

to allow, that he may arrest the said Jacquet, attach his pay and property in order, that

the damaged parties may thus recover their losses. Hereupon I await your Honor's

favorable decision. Done the 23* of May 1657 at Amsterdam in New-Netherland.

(Signed) Nicasius de Sille.

Upon the foregoing request the following return was made by the Hon"'* Director-
Greneral :

The applicant is ordered to inform himself well regarding the complaints and in the
meantime to place Jacquet himself under arrest in the Commissaries' office, in order to
make up his accounts. Meanwhile he is to make a statement of the complaints against
him and hand it in, to make further dispositions thereupon. Amsterdam, the 23" of
May 1657.

(Signed) P. Stuyvesant

By order of the Hon"'® Director-General.

(Signed) C. v. Rutven, Secretary.

Copy. To the Noble, Very Worshipful, Honorable Director-General and High CouncU

of New-Netherland.
Noble, Very Worshipful Gentlemen.

Whereas the Honorable Fiscal has been pleased to imprison me, the undersigned
Jean Paul Jacquet, your Noble Honorable Worships' humble servant, and I do not know
the reasons, why or wherefore and as I find myself very much inconvenienced thereby,
therefore I humbly pray, that your Noble Honorable Worships will please to let me be
provided with a copy of the Hon"'* Fiscal' s petition, upon which the arrest was granted,
also of his Honor's accusation and charges, which his Honor pretends to have against
me, that I may defend myself. Which doing

Your Noble Honorable Worships' ;

Amsterdam in humble servant

N. Netherland Jean Paul Jacquet,

24'." of May 1657.

172 Colonial Settleniejits on the Delaware River.

The Honorable Director-General gave the following decision to the foregoing request :
It has already been ordered upon the petition of the Hon*'^ Fiscal as plaintiff and
attorney, that a proper statement of the complaints be made, upon which the action
having been brought, it wUl be delivered to the petitioner. In the meantime the Secretary
van Ruyven is ordered to deliver to the petitioner a copy of the demanded request.
Done at Amsterdam in N. Netherland, the 24'? of May 1657.

The request of Jean Paul Jacquet was taken up, who asks, that the Hon*"" Fiscal
may deliver him a copy of the complaints, which have been made against him and that
Commissary van Brugge be ordered, to examine the accounts of his administration and
that 6 or 8 schepels of wheat and one hundred guilders in money be delivered to him.

The question having been put, it was decreed :

The Hon''''' Fiscal is directed to deliver to Jean Paul Jacquet to-morrow a statement
of the complaints against the same, besides the petitioner shall receive from the
Commissary a "mudde" * of wheat and from the Receiver 50 to 60 guilders in cash.

On the day as above.

Before the Council appeared Jean Paul Jacquet and the statement of the complaints,
made against the said Jacquet, was read to him. He asked, that a copy of it might be
given to him, to answer it in writing.

The Director-General and CouncU consent to his petition and direct the Fiscal to give
him, Jacquet, a copy of the complaints to-day. Date as above (15'? June).

18'? of June, Monday

In Council at Fort Amsterdam, present his Noble Honor, Petrus Stuyvesant,
the Hon''''' Councillors Nicasius de Sille and Pieter Tonneman.

Jean Paul Jacquet, late Commander on the Southriver of New-Netherland, appears
and is informed, that it is said, he had first violated the arrest, placed upon the tobacco
of Niels Laarsen, which he denies, but says, that Jacob Swenske had first violated the
arrest, as said Swenske had carried off his tobacco on the 21^.' of December and he,
Jacquet, not before the 2? of January. Thereupon follows Gregory van Dyck, Sheriff of
the Swedes on the Southriver of New-Netherland, who was present, and asks for a copy
of what Jacquet brings forward against Jacob Swenske, which is granted. Date as
above.

The annexed writing of Jean Paul Jacquet, late Commander on the South-river, was
taken up, which having been read, the Fiscal decided the rejection of Jean Paul Jacquet' s
answer and that he be ordered to answer immediately to the statement given him and in
default thereof, to go back to his old place of arrest, untU he shall have answered.

The argument having been heard by the Director-General and the associate councillor
Tonneman the demand of the Fiscal is agreed to and granted. Date as above.

19'? of June.

The defendant Jean Paul Jaquet denies the accusations brought against him and
asserts, that they were mostly gotten up by party-spirit, upon which it was presumed, in
favor of the petitioner, that some such may have crept in ; he is discharged from arrest

* Four schepels.

Kew York Historical Records. 173

and given permission to depart for the Soiithriver of ISTew-Netlierland, after having given
an account of his administration and delivered the records and other documents concerning
the Company or his service, provided that he engage himself, to make his defense, upon
further proofs, before the Hon"* Fiscal, who in the meantime is dii-ected to inform himself
more closely regarding the charges, may they be for or against the defendant and to report
the result either verbally or in writing at the meeting of the Du-ector-Greneral and Council.
Date as above.

Whereas Jean Paul Jaquet, late Commander on the Southriver of New-Netherland
requests, that the accounts of his administration be examined, therefore the Commissary
Carel van Brugge is hereby ordered, to make a beginning on Friday morning and examine
the accounts of the said Jean Paul Jacquet and to continue with it, until he shall have
balanced and liquidated the accounts with him and to make, in cases of dispute, a report
thereof to us, the Director-Greneral and CouncU. Date as above (19*.'' June.)

Jacob Aleichs to Die. Sttjtvesant, eepoeting the state of affairs in

HIS NEW government.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

Sir ! I thank you cordially herewith for the good treatment and friendship, which I
have enjoyed and participated in throughout in your Honor's house and elsewhere and
hope to have some opportunity, when I may in some way return it, which is my heart' s
desire. Besides I have received since my arrival here, your Honor' s letter of the 20'.'' of
April, where by I learn of the complaints and lamentations of Sieur Allerton and Schaggen,
against and to the charge of Jaquet as appears from two different requests. I have
heard and examined the matter and thus found, that there was more passion than
reason (at the bottom) ; but I have made the parties so far agree, that the question with
the other one (Allerton) is closed. Schaggen keeps the land, Jaquet shall gather the
crop, the same with the garden produce, Schaggen is to pay for the fencing etc. As to
the property of the Company, it has been turned over and inventoried by Jaquet and
everything of any value has been received and marked, some necessary articles have
been sent to Christina, others are shipped on board the ship "de Bever," to be taken to

the Manhattans with 13 men. I have provided all the Company's people here with

also the 13 men

as I very much need some oxen and horses, to haul wood for the repau-ing of the fort,
which is much decayed on the strandside and on other places in such a condition, that it
requires a great deal of timber and as the animals will grow better on a place, to which
they are accustomed, than upon one, to which they are strangers, and can better be
attended to here and as they most likely will pay well, therefore the Company runs
no risk to lose anything. For the most part they are lean and feeble, so that I must
employ them alternately and with strict attention, not to prevent the cattle from growing
and with great discretion. As to the cows, there are only two, which give mUk and
little at that ; but whether it might be deemed profitable or disadvantageous, I would

174 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

be -williiig to take these for my own account, subject to your Honor's taxation, whatever
that might be and it would be an act of friendship for me, upon which I trust and confide.
As cattle are extremely necessary here, they will not be exported fi-om here and it must
be satisfactory to the State, that the animals needed remain here upon a valuation, which
it might be reasonably proper to accept. Nothing has as yet beeu said of the pigs, which
are few in number and wild

to receive a barrel of flour

in proper time, as youi- Honor choose and without its being a trouble, I shall then, with
proper opportunity attain everything. There are some soldiers here, who have planted

and settled as farmers, whom it would not do to transfer. If your Honor judge

it advisable, I [would request] your Honor would please to dispose, if possible, of the
enclosed petitions. Should there be anything here to be done for your Honor, please
inform me of it by letter, I will do everything that can be done, willingly, as my duty
and cordial affection demand it. In closing I will ask Grod to keep your Honor and my
Lady, your Honor's wife, in continuous prosperity and health and remain

Your Honor' s very grateful
Fort New-Amstel. friend and servant

8'" of May, 1657 J. Alkichs

In haste.

I trust, that in the affair of the late Commander here your Honor may form a better
opinion as has been put forward by many and been believed. But experience shall
contribute to the issue.

Sieur Huygans and Ensign Smits received very willingly information respecting
complaints of some Swedes, of which a number having been heard I found them of little
Importance ,

Opportunity favorable, I request to give my dutiful compliments to Messrs SUla and
Tonemans

To the Hon."' Worshipful,

Wise and Very Prudent

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,

Director- General in New-Netherlands,

residing at the Manhattans

in Fort Amsterdam.

New Yoj'k Historical Records. 175

Eesolution that Ensign Dieck Smith accompany Captain Marten
Cregiee and his detachment op 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.
24'!' of April.

"WTiereas Captain Marten Crieger requests, that our Ensign Dirck Smitli might go with
"him and his troops as guide overland, because he, Smith, having travelled now two or
three times overland, is acquainted with the road, it is therefore resolved, after
consideration to admit of and grant his request, the more so, as we deem it proper and
necessary, that the transfer and delivery, which Jacquet is to make of the Hon'"^
Company's property, should be made in presence of said Smith, as he. Smith, has turned
over the same to him and knows, what property Jacquet received upon his arrival.
Done at Fort Amsterdam, on the day as above.

Instructions for Ensign Smith.
According to the Resolution of yesterday he shall go overland with Capt. Marten
Crieger and other troops of the City of Amsterdam as guide to the Southriver of New-
Netherland and arrived there, sail down to Fort Casimir, now called ISfew-Amstel.

2.
Pursuant to the orders and directions given to the Commander Jacquet, he shall
diligently and truly inform himself in regard to the property of the Hon. Company in
the said Fort, especially the ammunition, materials and animals, how much there is
found yet, how and where the rest has gone to.

After a proper inventory of the abovementioned property has been taken in his and
Mr. Hendrick Huygen's presence, he shall see that as much ammunition, materials of
war and provisions be as speedily as possible, transferred and brought to Port Christina,
now called Altena, as, to the best of their knowledge, they deem at the present time
necessary and expedient for the service of the Hon. Company, among others double the
number of hand and sidearms for 20 men and suitable materials in proportion.

4.
The aforesaid property in provisions, ammunition and war-materials, which shall
have been brought over into Fort Altena, shall provisionally be left, against proper
receipt, in the hands of ST Andries Hudde, Sergeant Paulus Jansen and Jan Juriaensen.
The balance of the property shaU be shipped in the ship "de Bever" or else be left in
charge of Mr. Jacob AMchs or his Commissary until further orders.

5.
The animals of the Company shall be brought over Christina KU and left in charge
as before, until further orders.

176 Colonial Settlevtents on the Delaivare River.

6.
After having accomplished the foregoing, lie shall return hither as speedily as possible
with the remainder of the soldiers either in the ship "de Bever" or over land, only 16
soldiers shall be left in Fort Altena with our said substitutes.

7.
He shall treat the Commander Jacquet with all courtesy and give him no cause
whatever for complaints, but inquire kindly of him as well as of others after the property,
which is missing from the inventory given, also after the animals and upon his return
make us a good, faithfiil and true report.

On the 25'." of AprU 1657.

Fifth Period

The Dela-ware Territory under Dual Government, being Divided

into the Company's and the City's Colonies, until the

Occupation by the English (16B7 to 1664).

Patents for lands near Fort Casimir (New-Castle, Del.).
Patent to Jacob de Hinse for two lots on the Delaware, described as follows :
Two lots situate on the Soutbriver near Fort Casamier, one in tbe first row being tbe
18'? in number and measuring in front sixty-two feet, rear fifty-six feet and on both sides
three hundred feet ; the other lying in the second row, the 67*? in number, measuring in
front fifty-sis feet, rear fifty-six feet and on both sides 300 feet, under express condition
etc^ Done at Amsterdam in N. N"etherland,the 25'." August 1656.

Patent to John Picolet for a parcel of land on the Delaware, described as
follows :
A parcel of land situate on the Southriver of New-lSTetherland, south of Fort Casimir
near the brickmakers' point between the plantations of Philipp Jansen and Jacob Crabbe
and measuring along the strand from the said Philipp Jansen' s land westwardly to the
land of Jacob Crabbe twenty-eight rods, along the land of said Crabbe northwest
sixty-six rods to the public road, along the public road to the land of PhUipp Jansen
thirty rods, thence to the place of beginning south-east by south sixty-four rods, covering
altogether three morgens and eighty-five rods, under express condition and obligation
etc? Done Amsterdam in N. Netherland, the 1'.' September A'^ 1656.

Patent to Philipp Jansen Ringo for a lot on the Delaware, described as
follows :
A lot for a house and garden situate on the Southriver below Fort Casimir above the
brickmakers' point, south of Cornells Mouritsen, measuring in front on the strandside
two hundi-ed and eighty-six feet wood-measure, along the land of the aforesaid Cornells
Mouritsen five hundred and seventy-five feet like measure, in rear at the plantation along
the public road two hundred and eighty-four feet and along the Southside six hundred
and fifty feet, under express condition and obligation etc? Done at Amsterdam in N.
Netherland, the 12'? September 1656.

Patent to Constantinus Groenenburgh for a lot on the Delaware, described as
follows :
A lot for a house and garden, situate on the Southriver below Fort Casimir, being in
number the twentieth and bounded on the south by the lot of Cornelis Mouritsen and on
23

178 Colonial Settlejnents on the Delaware River.

the north by the lot of Reynier Domenicus, measuring in front on the waterside sixty-
three feet wood measure, in the rear on the public road fifty-six feet, on both sides
three hundred and eight feet, under express condition and obligation etc? Done at
Amsterdam in N. Netherland, the 13'? Septbr. 1656.

Patent to Hans Albertsen from Brunswick of a lot in New-Castle, Del.,
described as follows :
A lot for a house and garden, situate on the Southriver of New Netherland near
Fort Casimir, in the second row, just behind Claes the Smith's, on the east side of the
steeven field, on the west the lot of Roeloff de Haes, then on the north Roeloff de Haes'
plantation, measuring fifty-six feet in front and rear and threehundred feet on both sides,
under express condition and obligation etc? Done at Amsterdam in N. Netherland, the
13* Septbr 1656.

Patent to Jan Hendricksen van Struckhousen for a lot in New-Castle, Del.,
described as follows :
A lot for a house and garden, situate on the Southriver near Fort Casimir, being in
number the 35"^? in the second row, bounded on the north by the lot of Gerrit Jansen, on
the south by the lot of Sander Boeyer, measuring in front and rear fifty-six feet Rhineland
wood-measure, on both sides threehundred feet, under express condition and obligation
etc? Done at Amsterdam in N. Netherland on the 22'? of September 1656.

Patent to the widow of Roeloff de Haes for a plantation on the Delaware,

described as follows :

A plantation situate on the Southriver near Fort Casimir on the north side of the

public road behind the lot of Jan Gerritsen, measuring northwardly 7 rods, on either side

thirty-one rods and in the rear seven and one half rods, under express condition and

obligation etc* Done at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 28'." October A°. 1656.

Patent to the same for a lot in New-Castle Del., described as follows :
A lot for a house and garden, situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland near Fort
Casimir in the first row north of the public road and bounded on the south by Claes
Pietersen, measuring in front on the strandside sixty two feet, in the rear sixty two feet
and on either side three hundred feet, under express condition and obligation etc? Done
at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 28'.'' October 1656.

Patent issued to Andries Hudde for a house and lot near Fort Casamier,
Delaware.
Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of their Noble High Mightiness, the Lords States-
General of the United Netherlands and the Right Honorable Lords-Directors of the
Incorporated West-India Company Director-General of New-Netherland, Curasao,
Bonayro, Aruba and dependencies thereof and the Right Honorable Council attest and
declare, that to-day, date underwi-itten, we have granted and given to Andries Hudde a
lot for a house and a garden, situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland near Fort
Casamier being the 1 5'^ in number and bounded on the north by the lot of Jan Andriessen,

Mew York Historical Records. 179

on the south by the lot of Sander Fenix ; it measures on the road in front sixty-three
feet Rhineland measure and on both sides threehundred feet, at the rear six and fifty
feet, with express condition and obligations etc*. Done at Amsterdam in N. Netherland,
the 30'!' Novbr. A". 1656.

Patent to Alexander Boeyer for a plantation on the Delaware, described as
follows :
A plantation on the Southriver of New-Netherland, north of Fort Casamier on the
hook between the first and the second valley at the southend of Frans Smith's, measuring
along the river, from the angle of the vaUey to the land of the said Francois Smit,
northeast by east to east, six and sixty rods, further along said Smit's wood, north-
north-west i point west one hundred and three rods, further north northwest fifty rods,
further to the valley southwest hundred rods, along the valley east southeast fifty rods,
further west sixty rods, further east by south four and forty rods, further to the place of
beginning, southeast by east three and fifty rods, two corners of vaUeys included, the
whole covering about twenty-four morgens, under express condition and obligations etc'
the 30'." November A? 1656.

Patent to Luycas Dh-cksen for a lot on the Delaware near New-Castle,
described as follows :
A lot for a house and garden, situate on the Southriver near Fort Casimir, in the first
row contiguous to the lots of Reyer Mol and Claes Pietersen Smith, measuring on the
strand side two hundred and sixty feet woodmeasure, on either side three hundred feet
and in the rear seventy feet like measure under express condition and obligation etc*
Done at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 10'.'' February A? 1657.

Patent to Ryer Lammersen Mol for a lot at New-Castle, Del. described as

follows :

A lot for a house and garden near Fort Casimir on the Southriver of New-Netherland,

between the lots of Jan Eeckhoff and Pieter Lourussen, measuring in front sixty-four feet

and on either side three hundred feet ; under express condition and obligation etc*

Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland the 20'!' February A? 1657.

Patent to Claes Pietersen for a lot at New-Castle, Del. described as follows :
A lot for a house and garden situate near Fort Casimir on the Southriver of New-
Netherland on the strand between the lots of Roeloff de Haes and Jan Schut, measuring
in front and rear 62 feet and on either side 300 feet. Nota : the aforesaid lot was laid out
and surveyed by order for the said Claes Pietersen or his heirs and assigns, on the 6'?
Decbr. 1652 under express condition etc? Done at Amsterdam in N. Netherland the
11'." April 1657.

Patent to Barent Jansen van Swol for a lot at New Castle, Del. described as
follows :
A lot for a house and garden situate near Fort Casimir on the Southriver of New-
Netherland, behind the first row of lots, between Elias Enimens and Marten Rosemont

180 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

measuring in front and rear fifty four feet and on either side three hundred feet under
express condition and obligation etc* Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the
20'." February, 1657.

Patent to Pieter Hermens for a plantation near J!^ew-Castle, Del., described
as follows :
A plantation situate below Fort Casimir on the Southriver of New-Netherland east
of Pieter Lourensen and west of Rosier Schot, measuring in front on the south side
eighteen rods, on the east side 131 rods, on the north side 13 rods and on the west side
130 rods, altogether two thousand and twenty-three rods under express condition and
obligation etc* Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 24*'' February 1657.

Patent to Pieter Harmense for a lot at New-Castle, Del. :
A lot for a house and garden, situate near Fort Casimir on the Southriver of New-
Netherland between Harmen Jansen and Reynier Dominicus, measuring in front sixty-two
feet, in the rear fifty-four feet and on either side three hundred feet, under express
condition and obligation etc* Done at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 24'."
February 1657.

• Patent to Pieter Louwerense for a plantation near Fort Casimu- (New-Castle),
Del.:
A plantation situate near Fort Casimir on the Southriver of New -Nether land
measuring on the southside eighteen rods, on the eastside, along Cornells Theunissen' s
one hundred and thirty two rods on the northside thii'teen rods, on the westside along
Pieter Harmense one hundred and thirty rods, altogether two-thousand and thirty eight
rods, iinder express condition and obligation etc? Done Amsterdam in N. Netherland,
the 28'" Febr. 1657.

Patent to Coruelys Steenwyck.
A lot for a house and garden situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland near Fort
Casimir, between the lots of Ariaen Jacobs and Hannen Pieterson in partnership and
Ryer Mol, measuring in front, on the strand, sixty two feet woodmeasure, in the rear
also sixty two feet and on either side threehundred feet, under express condition and
obligation etc. Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 30'? (!) Febr^' 1657.

Patent to Jan Gerritsen.
A lot for a house and garden situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland near Fort
Casimir in the second row, contiguous on the north to the highway, behind the lot of
Roeloff de Haes, measuring in front and rear sixty-two feet and on either side threehundred
feet, under express and obligation etc*. Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland on the
30'." (!) February 1657.

Patent to Reynier Dominicus for a lot at New-Castle, Del.
A lot for a house and garden situate near Fort Cassimir on the Southriver of New-
Netherland between Claes Jansen and Pieter Hermens, measuring in front sixty -four feet,
in the rear fifty-eight feet and on either side threehundred feet, under express condition
and obligation etc? Done Amsterdam in N. Netherland the 30'." (!) February 1657.

Kew YotIc Historical Records. 181

Patent to Pieter Ebel for a plautation near New-Castle, Del., described as

follows :

A plantation on the Soutliriver of New-Netherland near Port Casimir, contiguous on

the south to Jan Eckhoff' s, and the north by the said fort, covering 4 morgens, under

express condition and obligation etc. Done at Amsterdam in New Netherland, on the

30'." (!) February a° 1657.

Patent to Cornelys Steenwyck for a lot near New-Castle, Del.
A lot for a house and garden situate on the Southriver of New-lSTetherland near
Fort Casimir, between the lots of Ariaen Jacobs and Harmen Pietersen in partnership
and Ryer Mol, measuring in front, on the strand, sixty two feet woodmeasure, in the
rear also sixty two feet and on either side threeliundred feet, under express condition
and obligation etc. Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 30'" (!) Febr^ 1657.

Patent to Jan Gerritsen for a lot near Fort Casimir on the Delaware, described
as follows :
A lot for a house and garden situate on the Southriver of New Netherland near
Fort Casimir in the second row, contiguous on the north to the highway, behind
the lot of Roeloff de Haes, measuring in front and rear sixty-two feet and on either
side three hundred feet, under express condition and obligation etc*. Done at Amsterdam
in New-Netherlaud on the 30* (!) February 1657.

Patent to Jacob Crabbe for a plantation near New Castle, Del., described as

follows :

A plantation, situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland below Fort Casimer,

between the first valley and the land of Jan Picolet along the strand to the last hook,

called the brickmakers' hook, thence to the hook of the valleys, extending northwest

and southeast by south (the valley comprised therein, is under this land and

measures four morgens, onehundred and thirty rods) west by south | point southerly
five and seventy rods, thence along the valley northeast fifty rods, north northeast ten
rods, north northwest fifty rods, westnorthwest ten rods, southwest by south twenty-five
rods, northwest ^ point west fifteen rods, north by west fifteen rods, further into the
woods northwest by west seventy-five rods to the plantation of Ritsert Schot, thence in
the woods seventy rods northeast by east, along the plantation southeast by south one
hundred and ten rods, thence along the land of Picolet aforesaid to the place of beginning,
measuring altogether of firm land twelve morgens, one hundred and twenty rods and
marshland as above four morgens, one hundred and thirty rods, making an aggregate
of firm and marshland of sixteen morgens twohundred and fifty rods, under express
condition and obligation etc''. Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the SO"" (!)
February a°. 1657.

Patent to Sander Leendertsen for a lot at New-Castle, Del. :
A lot for a house and garden, situate at Fort Casimir on the Southriver of
New-Netherland between Willem de Hit and Jan Andriesen, measuring in front and
rear fifty-six feet and on either side threehundred feet, under express condition and
obligation etc*. Done at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 1" of March 1657.

182 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Patent to Willem Tailler for a lot at New-Castle, Del. :
A lot for a house and garden near Fort Casimir on the Sonthriver of New-Netherland
in the first row on the strand between Tomas Broen and Sander Leendertsen, measuring in
fi'ont and rear 56 feet and on either side 300 feet, under express conditions etc. Amsterdam
in N. Netherland 1 March 1657

Patent to Jan Eeckhoff for a lot at New-Castle, Del., described as follows :
A lot for a house and garden situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland near
Fort Casimir, No 36 in the second row, behind the lot of Jan Andiiessen, measuring
in front and rear fifty-six feet and on either side three hundi-ed feet, under
express conditions and obligations etc. Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the
ir" June 1657.

Patent to Jan Andriessen for a lot at New-Castle, Del. :
A lot for a house and garden, situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland, near
Fort Casimir, No. 15 in the first row, contiguous to and between the lots of Andries
Hudde and Symon Leen, measuring in front or on the strandside sixty-two feet, in the
rear fifty-six feet, on either side three hundred feet, under express condition and
obligation etc. Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the l?"" June 1657.

Patent to Jan S'Gaggen for a parcel of land near New- Castle, Del., described
as follows :
A parcel of land, situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland, above Fort Casimir
on the first hook, it extends on the northeast side from the land, formerly owned by
Sander Boyer, northeast to east along the strand sixty rods to the marsh, thence along
the edge of the marsh as follows : northwest by north forty rods, north northwest
sixty-five rods, east by north to east twenty-five rods, north by west twenty-six rods,
east northeast thii-ty rods, north thu-ty-five rods, north by west forty-six rods, west by
north to north one hundi-ed and twenty-eight rods, thence from the edge of the marsh
into the woods south southwest by south one hundred and fourteen rods, thence through
the woods to the place of beginning, together about 40 morgens under express condition
and obligation etc. Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 20"' June 1657.

Patent to Peter Laurensen for a lot at New-Castle, Del. :
A lot situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland near Fort Casimir, now called
New-Amstel northeast of the public road, being in number the fourth beginning from the
fort on the side toward the strand measuring in front and rear sixty-two feet, on either
side three hundred feet (Nota : the aforesaid lot had been granted to the said Pieter
Lourensen in the year 1652, but as no patent was given him at the time, the same is
issued to him now) under express condition and obligation etc. Done at Amsterdam in
New-Netherland, the 3* Septbr 1657.

Patent to Pieter Meyer for a parcel of land near Wilmington, Del., described

as follows :

A parcel of land, lying on the Southriver of New-Netherland near Fort Altena,

extending westward from the said fort between the lands of Jan Staelcop and Paul

Jansen, measuring along the land of Paul Jansen from the foot path north by west

Jfeio York Historical Records. 183

fhii-ty-seven rods, along the woods to Jan Staelcop's land twenty- nine rods west sonth
west, thence to the footpath along Staelcop's land thirty-seven rods, thence east north
east to the land of Paul Jansen along the footpath nineteen rods, also a lot for a house
and garden, measuring on the street ten rods five feet, on the northnortheast side
contiguous to Jan Staelcop's eleven rods seven feet, on the east side ten rods five feet,
on the south southeast side next to the square of the fort ten rods four feet, under
express condition and obligation etc. Done at Fort Amsterdam in New-lN'etherland,
the IS"" September 1660. It was signed P. Stuyvesant. Below stood: by order of the
Director-General and Council of New-Netherland, signed C. van Ruyven, Secretary.

Patent to Paules Jansen for a parcel of land near Wilmington, Del. :
A piece of land, lying on the Southriver of New-Netherland near Fort Altena, west
of Jan Staelcop's land on the Kil, extending along said Staelcop's land forty-six rods
and along the Kil forty rods, and thence from Jan Staelcop's land to a marsh ; it is quite
square. Also, a lot for a house and garden situate near said Fort Altena, to the north of
Jan Staelcop's lot, measuring on either side fourteen rods, eleven feet, in front and rear
seven rods and four feet, under express condition and obligation etc. Done at Amsterdam
in New-Netherland, the 7"^ of April a" 1661.

Patent to Jacob van der Veer for a lot in Wilmington, Del. :
A lot for a house and garden situate on the South river of New-Netherland near
Fort Wilmington, measuring on the street or east side sixty feet, on the south along the
square of said fort one hundred feet, on the west side, contiguous to a marsh sixty feet
and on the north side along Tomas Bruyn's one hundred feet, under express condition
and obligation etc*. Done at Amsterdam in New-Netherland the 8"^ of April 1661.

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. 7^? OF ApRIL 1657.
******

The plan of the Southriver, given by the Director-Greneral to Walewyn van der Veen,
has been lost with other papers in the ship "de Otter," so that we expect a like draught
on paper by the first chance from there, in order to use it

The City of Amsterdom or its Commissioners and Directors, appointed for the man-
agement of the South-Colony, have just now lying ready for sea the man-of-war "de
Waegh," which will sail with several families and other free colonists in 3 or 4 weeks.
A a preacher for the said Colony will also be sent and as the aforesaid City spares as
yet no expenses, we would like to see that they should be encouraged by all possible
assistance and that the said ship might be returned hither with a cargo of tobacco, in
which we recommend your Honors earnestly to give them the most effective assistance.

184 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare River.

Petition of some of the crew of the wrecked ship " Prins
Maijrititjs," that freight belonging to them mat be released
from attachment, and order thereon.

To the Noble, Worshipful, Honorable Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General
and the Honorable Gentlemen of the Council of New-Netherland.
Show with due reverence Dirck Cornelissen Haen, mate, Jan Barentsen, first
boatswain and Peter Cornelissen Mol, carpenter, lately of the stranded ship "Prins
Mourits," that they, the petitioners, had taken with them, according to old customs, for
their private use a little boatswain' s provisions, to improve their own poor compensations,
namely a hogshead with cans, belonging to the mate, one with pots, belonging to the
high-boatswain and 4 half hogsheads with French wine, belonging to the mate and
carpenter in company. The aforesaid goods with others have been attached on account
of some diiference between the Hon"!^ Mr. Jacob Alrichs and theh' skipper, Duxk
Cornelissen Honingh and whereas the said difiference does not at all concern them, they,
the jietitioners, respectfully request, that your Noble Worships will please to free the
aforesaid goods from the attachment and that the same may be delivered to them in
consideration of what is stated above, with which they remain

Your Noble Worships'

faithful servants
(Signed) Dirck Cornelissen Haen,

Jan Barentsen,
Peter Cornelissen Mol.

The Noble, Hon**'^ Director-General, Petrus Stuyvesant decided, as follows, on the
foregoing petition :

This is to be placed into the hands of the Hon''"' Fiscal de Sille, who is hereby
authorized and directed to deliver, upon sight of this, to the petitioners the aforesaid
two hogsheads with pots and cans, fi-om the warehouse and to inform himself, as law-
officer, in regard to the wine, whether the matter is correctly stated, the more, as it is
reported, that the skipper has declared in the court of this city, that the seized wine did
not belong to him, but to the city of Amsterdam, given to him as part of his ship's
provisions. H it is, as the skipper says, then the same must be sent to Mr. Alrichs, if
on the other side, the statement of the petitioners has been found correct, that it is
boatswain's goods, it is to be delivered to them. Date as above (1'.' May 1657).

JVbif York Historical Records. 185

The Directoes to Stuyvesant (extract), regarding the seizure of the
Swedish ship "de Hay," and the Endeavors to Promote the
Colony of New Amstel (New-Castle).

26* of May 1657.

We liave informed your Honors by our last letter of the 7"" of April, sent by the
ships " Vogelsang * " and " Goude Meulen,* " that we should have the seized Swedish ship
"de Hay" inspected and if it were found serviceable and seaworthy, send it back to
your Honors well repaii-ed and provided, to be used as regular passage-boat between
Curagao and New-Netherland ; this has been carried out and the said ship is so far
caulked and repaired, that it will sail from here to Curagao in about 3 or 4 weeks.
******

Although we recommended and directed most earnestly in our last letters, that your
Honors should make all possible endeavors, that the ship ' ' de Waegh ' ' might come back
from there with a cargo of tobacco, we have yet not been able to pass it over, without
repeating it here again, as by such means and reliefs the Very Worshipful Burgomasters
of this City are to be encouraged, to advance the progress of their Colony, in which we
are much interested, as it cannot but tend to the advantage of the Company and
consequently to the growth of the whole territory of New-Netherland. Your Honors
must therefore use all possible diligence, that it may be enabled to arrive here with a
cargo of tobacco as soon as possible and before winter

We send herewith the invoices for the merchandises, shipped in the ship " de Waegh '
and belonging to the City and partly to free private parties, who go over. Your Honors
wUl give instructions to the Company's Commissary residing at the Southriver, to receive
from the aforesaid private parties the 4 per cent for duties.

Jacob Alrichs to Dir. Stuyvesant ; condition of things ; Gerrit van
Sweringen recommended for the position as Commissary.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir !

My last letter to your Honor was of the 13'!' inst. by skipper Lourens Cornelissen,
by whom I sent from here the requested provisions. I hope they have safely arrived and
been received by your Honor in good condition.

This goes by the yacht of Michiel Taden, by which (I send) some peltries, as
previously by the ship the "Bever" and the yacht "de Endt,t" sailed from here for the
Manhattans, according to the note kept thereof and made without anybody's knowledge,
the contents of which, if your Honor will use it in behalf of the Company, can be seen
from the copy sent herewith.

* I. e., Bird's Song and Golden Mill 1 1, e.. The Duck.

24

186 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

I have, before this, requested your Honor for twelve schepels of spring-barley and
six schepels of oats ; I expect also a small barrel of flour and if your Honor is weU
provided there with wampum, I would like to have 300 to 400 guilders, besides one
hundred good boards and if he has any more room, the vacant space in the yacht might
be filled with a ton of lime or sundries. The aforesaid wampum is to be applied to the

payment of Capt. Marten Kriger and other expenses to by

other goods, whereby a special kindness [would be done] to me. Also, if some shij)a
should have arrived there from [Fatherland]

I have at once examined the places and nations around here and who are their chiefs
and find there are twelve in number, named N. N. etc. I should like to make them a
present or donation in memorj' of my arrival here ; will you please to inform me at once,
whether your Honor is of opinion, that it ought to be given to them conjunctly or to each
separately, also how much and what kind of money it is proper to give them jointly and
what each individually.

At the time of Capt. Marten Criger's departure from the Manhattans, a soldier, called
Jan Andries of Riga, deserted to the English at the North and now, on the 14'Must.,
two other soldiers from here, Gerret Sj^echt and Thomas Bintgen by name, wiio had
already been guilty of some misdemeanors on the island, where the ship stranded, and
now again have behaved badly ; if these last two should come there or be discovered,
please to arrest them or else to write by occasion to the Grovernor of the English about
them and recommend these persons (each one has taken a musket) to be taken up, if
discovered and to be sent by the first opportunity either to the Manhattans or here,
which would still further oblige me.

If your Honor might deem it proper, as there is no Commissary here, to take care of
the Company's dues on arriving [and departing] goods, to give [the commission] thereto
to the bearer, Gerrit van Sweeringen, it would be very convenient

And if your Honor should grant the planks and some more than heretofore
mentioned, could be sent over, the condescension, with which your Honor is pleased to
treat me, would oblige me more and more, to deserve the same at aU occasions by deeds,
at least by gratitude and all that is demanded by it.

In closing I shall pray God, that he may keep you, Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise and Very Prudent Sir with my Lady, your Honor' s wife in continuous health and
prosperity and remain with my and my wife' s dutiful regards

Your Honor's

willing friend and servant
At Fort New-Amstel J. Aleiohs.

28*!' May 1657.
To the Hon'"^ General

Jieiv York Historical Records. 187

The same to the same ; conditiok op the Fort ; the name of Christina

CHANGED INTO AlTENA.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise and Prudent Sii- !

Sir ! Your Honor's letters of the 14'^ and 20'!^ of June last have been received by me.
I learned from them, that the groats, vinegar and oil sent (by me) have been received
from skipper Louwrens Cornelissen, which I was pleased to hear, I learned also with
astonishment, that the former pilot of the ship "Prins Maurits" has left there so
suddenly and silently; he was apparently persuaded thereto by the skipper Dirck
Cornelissen Honing and embarked with him, to assist each other in the accounting for the
loss of the ship.

(Further) that your Honor has been pleased to take the trouble, and tried to induce
the said skipper Honingh, in pursuance of my letter, to discharge the seized goods under
bail and sell them to the best advantage of the interested parties and that he would not
listen to it. It is his old custom, not to give way to reasoning. In my opinion, he could
not do better or more advantageously, than it was represented to him and he was advised
to do ; the future issue is to be expected on the other side (of the water).

I have [spoken] with the Captain and Lieutenant in regard to the arrested goods,
which still [are] there, and we think it advisable to [have them] sold there at public

auction and to deposit the money for them in court to the

In regard

he has borrowed

a half awme *) for the wants of his journey, which was given up only later, without
its having been, by conjecture, set off against something of the kind or planks; he must
have dreamt or thought of intending to do it, but it was not spoken of. The matter
being however of little importance, the question is, has he concealed or delivered the
value or price for it : that is easier asserted, than proved and it shall be answered, as it
is proper.

Regarding the issues to the Company's Officers, which are stiU continuing daily,
but cannot reach by far or equal those on account of the expenses of the stranded
ship, also the monthly wages of the soldiers and other advances, payments and
distributions made for the maintenance of the City's Colony by your Honor's order, which
makes already a considerable sum, in regard to these (matters) I beg to be excused for
some time yet, I shall write upon it at some future opportunity. I received also the desired
three hundred guilders in wampum, with which I paid Capt" Marten Kryger the money,
which he had advanced, while at the Manhattans, on account of expenses for his soldiers.
Likewise I received two pieces of red duffels, as desired, as I was not provided with red
(duffel) and it is most asked for hj the savages. I intend to use them as soon as a
favorable chance offers, to give part of it to the Chiefs, who have, as I understand,
already asked for it

who had made the inventory and had it signed without dispute or displeasure and though

of course, it was at the time inconvenient to them and they had for the present enough to

do for themselves, to prepare their lodgings, and as they asked me to provide them with the

*A liquid measure of about 40 Engl, wine gallons. — B. F.

188 Colonial Settlements on the Belaivare River.

necessary materials thereto, which, finding to be my duty, I gave them all, they desired.
Besides this, I have written about it in the most amicable manner to your Honor in my
letter of the 13'." May just passed and requested and duly notified my inconveniences
through the diminishing of my goods by the excessively heavy expenses, which I had to
pay on account of the loss of the ship. Thereto comes, that in such a newly begun work,
daily great burdens and expenses will occur quite unexpectedly, also that the fort and
other (buildings) here are much decayed, so that there is no warehouse or other place, to
store the provisions, etc., and protect them against rain and other damages ; the quarters,
too, are too small, besides very leaky and very much out of repairs ; the ramparts and
curtains in no way suitable, the platforms for the cannons unfit for use, the parapets so
decayed, that one can pass over them as easily as through the inner gate itself, so that
also an outer gate had to be made, to be somewhat in position of defense, mostly [against]
the Swedes, who still [nourish] great hopes, to be re-instated

five and twenty men to go to Christina, now Altena, at which place, it being also
somewhat tumbled down, as no garrison has been there for quite a wliile, they were
therefore embarrassed and in need of shelter for their persons and the small quantity of
provisions; for these reasons, first considering their own inconvenience, they found work
enough to provide for themselves. Having no use for the cattle and (not) being able to
spare the time required for their attendance, they did not intend to charge themselves
with it, much less have asked for it and consequently not the slightest refusal was
made, but they requested me to provide the garrison there from time to time with bread,
as well as now and then with some peas, oil and other such things, also nails, hinges,
locks, boards etc. and all, what they must necessarily require : I never refused them
(anything). I cannot imagine, what cause for dissatisfaction they coidd have therefore or
why they could have brought written complaints about such transactions to your Honor.
I am at present still of opinion, that I have by no means given them the least cause for
offence or done anything against their wish and will. But what has been charged in
the tale of Ensign Smith and Hendrick Huygen, to that I will say briefly in regard
to the Ensign, he says sometimes more, than he understands and I have wished, that he
would be present in my lodgings and use less words to the servants; I have, indeed, let all
pass nor given him or to S' Huygen the least offence

that was spoken freely

as also, that I had threatened : that is not my wont and I know well, that they, who have
occasion for something, must ask for it amicably (sooner) than demand it with boldness,
to obtain the same. Nor could I have had it against (their) will and if they would not
have done it willingly, it would have been left out of the inventory, except that some
animals were placed upon it, which were in the possession of one or the other and never
had been seen nor received by me. It is hence sufficiently evident, that this was not
done against their wish nor held against their will ; but on the contrary it was not
thought, that this would be taken so very ill, and I believe, it would have been done,
had not some mischievous story-tellers meddled with it ; everything is still present and
not given to strangers, nor in the least diminished or deteriorated, rather improved, nor
anything lost or got away, as good care has been taken of it ; but since it had been done

Mew York Historical Records. 189

so before by the substitutes and trusty people, tliey could do no ill service to tlip
Company, but on the contrary great service to the City by hauling V70od vfith a few
animals, therefore this was not only passed over without intention of causing the least
prejudice to the Company, but also approved for the above mentioned reasons. The
same with the greater part of the ordnance : (of which likewise can be said, that it M'as
held here against the order and their wish and vidll) which has simply been marked in
the same manner and left here, because they knew not what to do with it. Therefore
they can

then I considered it further and conjectured, of what especial service it might be to me ;
I also spoke with him about it and told him so, because there were here one serviceable
and one unserviceable kettle ; thus he was very willing to take with him the one, that
could be used and to leave the other, of which I could not make any use at all, at the
place : I thought, that this was rather unreasonable, but believed, that it was his usual
strange manner of acting and on account of something, granted to me by your Honor ; he
would not leave anything, unless it could not be used. I noticed it in him also in other
things, (for instance) that he placed on the inventory the windows in the houses and locks
on the doors, whether there were any or not, if they only had been there, even the hinges on
the doors of the gate, to which I did not wish to object, but by no means has a dispute
occurred ; so it seems to me, since I had written amicably to your Honor about the
animals, as well before as after their coming there and for above-said reasons had made
a friendly request, that the contrary has been told by him and S' Huygen. It was not
necessary, to pay so much attention to it and if Sr Huygen too were a peaceful man (he
should [be] herein, even if a word had been said, which he might have construed
differently, which was however not said nor anything in the least usurpated) it would
have been proper to [turn] this not to the worst but to the best, for the avoidance of

trouble

to bring up timber thereto

curtains as well as the platform for the guns and what was required for the stockade, the
gates, quarters, magazine, etc., the more so, as I heard and learned from Sr Huygen
himself, at the time that I intended to hire a certain Swedish servant, who understands
the language of the savages, for a year or more ; Huygens then said, the man ought not
to be engaged in a binding manner, since he was still a soldier in the service of the Crown
and if anything happened, he must have his liberty and not be under control. This has
happened and hearing it at that occasion, deafness will be no excuse ; but if I got angry
about it and perhaps gave it the worst instead of the best interpretation, then please forgive
and excuse my wrong herein, likewise that which followed concerning this. I have done
everything, I believe, for improvement and to the best, but am buried in work yet ; with
all that, not to go into further details, I shall do, what I can and must leave undone what
I cannot do and have no objection to make : although I requested for my private use the
four cows, to serve for some refreshment, provided I could willingly receive them upon
proper valuation, to be [paid] in cash to your Honor or order, of which the husbandman,
who looks after them, takes \ of the [milk], for his [trouble] and labor and besides more

than [is divided] among about 160 souls, among whom are many women

who by an onerous [voyage ?]

190 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

may be restituted, of which I think better be done in the same value, than in specie or we
would expose ourselves here to danger and get without doubt in to a rather defenceless
position. Nevertheless and in spite of all I have upon the publication of that, about
which I have written, said or sent as answer, I shall give you no cause, to have trouble
about it, the animals may be here or there, as you please, they can be taken altogether
or half of them, all or a few, as your Honor deems it proper. Still I trust, although my first
letter was not noticed by your Honor and the report has not deserved an answer, that your
Honor, having heard now further details of the matter, will examine (it) with moderation
and in the best manner for my relief, while I declare, not to have had a thought, that the
least dissatisfaction was caused or had existed concerning it. In regard to the cattle,
of which Huygen and other Swedes say, that it could have been had at the Manhattans
or elsewhere, I beg to say referring to my distress, mentioned before, that those of which
Sr Huygen speaks, were at such a price and so on, that it was like getting bacon out of
a bog ; to order them from the Manhattans, too, would have cost too much ; I have as
yet no vessel to get it from the Virginias

so have I heard those from Altena themselves say and remark, that they have

had no inconvenience on account of the animals nor been troubled at all and refer to what
has been reported concerning it.

I have also been very glad to learn, that pursuant to my request 2000 lbs of bacon
have been bought there and are in the store-house until opportunity or ships.

I further heard, that the ships "deDraatvat" and " de Vogelesaugh " have safely
arrived and that no letter for me has come by them ; I am astonished, that in the
beginning of such a work an opportunity to write or to advise anything, should be
allowed to pass. I will hope, that something may come yet by the " Goude Molen." I
understand however, that your Honor has news from Mr. van Beek, that the ship " De
Waegh" with a galiot was being cleared. God give, that they may arrive soon in safety.

Since I understand, that there are rumors afloat, as if the people here (received) too
small rations and consequently had to suffer great distress and hunger, [I send herewith]
the list of rations, as they are given out, not only to the male population, but likewise to
soldiers' wives, even to their maid-servants and children

Noble, Honorable .
Discreet, High- . . .

mighty

1657

Permit to the Swedes on the South eiver to form a village,

WHERE they think PROPER.

12'? of June 1657.

The credentials and instructions, dated the 20'? of May last past and given by the

Swedish nation on the Southriver of New-Netherland to Gregorius van Dyck, Sheriff of

the same nation on the said river, were received and having been read, the said SherifE

was admitted, his communication and proposition heard and taken in consideration,

Kew York Historical Records. 191

The request for permission to establish villages was not only granted, but it was also
judged necessary, that the same should be done forthwith : therefore the said Sheriff
and the Commissaries, appointed there, are not only authorized and qualified, but also
ordered and directed to concentrate their houses and dwellings and henceforth to erect
them in shape of a village or villages either at Upland, Passayonck, Finland, Kinghsessing,
on the " Verdrietige hoeck*" or at such places as by them may be considered suitable,
under condition, that previous notice be given to the Director- General and Council, in
case they should choose some other places, than those specified above.

Upon the request to have for their Court a man, who should attend to the duties of
Court-messenger and provost, for which the Sheriff proposes one Jurgen, the Fin on the
Crooked Kil, Director-G-eneral and Council agree and consent that the above-named
person may provisionally be employed for it, provided that he, opportunity offering,
come hither, to present himself to the Director-General and Council, when a salary shall
be allowed him.

In regard to the complaints of the injured farmers against Jean Paul Jacquet, the
Fiscal has been directed to gather information and make a written report of the result
to the Director-General and Council, when according to the exigency of the cases they
will be disposed of.

As to the request regarding the animals, it is decided, that, as there are only few at
present, the same can as yet not be given out on half shares. Done at Fort Amsterdam
in JSTew-Netherland, the 12'." of June, 1657.

Petition OP Abbe Claesen for payment of an account due by tue
Swedish Company.

Copy. To the Koble, Very Worshipful, Honorable Petrus Stuyvesant, Director -

General of New-Netherland.
Noble, Very Worshipful Sir.

Abbe Claesen humbly requests, that his enclosed account, amounting to 377 guilders,
may be paid him out of the property, which the Hon*"* Mr. Risingh has left here ;
considering, that the petitioner stands in great need of it, as he has nothing else to live
on in his old age and is not able to work as formerly to gain his living because of the
lameness of one of his hands ; wherewith he remains

Your Noble Worship' s humble servant

this is the ^ mark, made by the aforesaid
Abbe Claesen.

* Trinity Hook, Pa.

192 Colonial Settlements on the Delwivare Pdver.

Follows the enclosed account :

Debet Abbe Claesen, late Skipper Credit

His salary from the South Swedish
Company, for wliich after closing

After the departure of Governor
Jan Prints, by Commander Jan
Papegaay, on account, to settle... f 6G
Received after his departure from
Governor Johan Rysingh in two

sums f 133

Rest as par balance f 877

576

accounts with Governor Jan Prints
and Hendrick Huygen, he contracted
on the first of September 1653 as
skipper at 24 gldrs the month, in
which service he continued until
the first of Septbr. 1655, 24 months
at 24 fl fl 576

It is also my humble request to the Noble Hon'"^ Director-General and High Council
of New-Netherland, that their Honorable Worships will be pleased to let him have and
be paid, out of the property left here by Governor Rysingh, on behalf of the South
Company the balance of his account to the amount of 377 guilders, as I do not know
anything to the contrary, but that the aforesaid Abbe Claesen has conducted himself as
an honest and faitliful man in his position until the end of his service and that, after the
departure of Governor Rysingh he has tried to earn his living by working and thereby
has injured one of his hands, on which account he can only with difficulty earn his daily
bread. Amsterdam in New-Netherland, 14'" June 1657.

(Signed) Hendrick HtJYGEisr.

The petition of Abbe Claasen and the annexed account, signed by Sr Hendrick
Huygen, former Commissary of the Swedish nation on the Southriver were taken up,
from which it appears, that there was due him from the Swedish Company a balance of
877 guilders, which the petitioner as well as the said Sr Hendrick Huygen ask, to have
satisfied and paid out of the property of the Swedish Company, left here. The poverty
of the man having been taken in consideration, it was resolved, after putting the question,
to direct the Receiver, that he satisfy his demand according to the state of the Treasury,
and give notice of it to the Commissary, that in due time it may be charged against the
said Swedish property. Date as above (15'.'' June).

P. Stuyvesant,

NlCASIUS DE SiLLE,
PlETER TONNEMAK.

Vice-Director Alrichs to Director Stutvesant ; he has engaged
Andries Hudde for the service op the City's Colony.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir-.

Sir. Your Honor' s favor, dated 8? July, has been duly received by me, from which I
was glad to learn your condescension to A. Hudde, in regard to his marrying again, to
which he suddenly had made up his mind. At first he was somewhat displeased, that
others were joined to him in the commission and that after all Jie should be set aside,
since a note came here, that his orders were not to be obeyed, but all were to be referred

JVezf York Historical Records. 193

to the sergeant and writer (clerk). Upon that occasion and at his own demand I
recommended to your Honor his request for discharge and as he is an old officer, also a
householder and landowner here, I have let him go provisionallj^ over into the City' s
service when discharged from the Company' s service, in the same capacity, as the one
which he held before, for the same salary, boardwages and in the same capacity, on
condition that he also attend to and look after the undershrievalty as provisional
substitute, for the incidental emoluments, without charge to my principals, unless an
other disposition should be made by the Honorable Lords-Burgomasters.

The two soldiers, viz. Henrick Willemsen and Jacob Bagyn, sent thither, have not

yet settled theii- accounts. I have inquired for their matrasses, blankets, shirt and

but I find that they have not left [anything] beliind, except debts in the tavern, which
[are] to be paid yet Two others, who are to come in their place

The six hundred barrels of bacon to weigh 1233

but they send from time to time men and merchandise to the Minquaas' country under
the pretense, that all relating to trade was contained in their liberties and permitted.
Consequently a short time ago one Sander Boyer and Lourens Hansen, Captain des Armes,
from Christina, now Altena, have been there, to trade for others, their principals. But
Lourens Hansen did not return, having been cruelly killed by a savage and robbed of
the wampum and others things, which he had vsdth him. Afterwards a Minquaas savage
with some other savages came here into the Colony, who commands in the fort nearest
here in the Minquaas' country, and brought some wampum and other things, which
they had taken from the savage there, who had perpetrated the crime. As they desired
to leave it in my hands, I deemed it well to consign the same wampum and other things
in their presence before witnesses and well sealed to the charge of A. Hudde ad opus jus
hdbenti, with the view, that in the meantime your Honor might be notified of it. As the
articles brought here had been taken from the late Lourens Hansen and as he was at
Fort Altena in your Honor's service and garrison, I await your Honor's disposition or
order according to your Honor's judgment.

We long here very much for the arrival of the ship "De Waegh," as we are getting
short of one and the other article, but hope, that in eight or fourteen days at the highest,

I will pray to God, after my sincere greetings to

my Lady, your Honor's wife, to keep you, Honorable, Prudent, Wise Sir, in continuous

health and prosperity.

Your Honor' s obedient and

dutiful servant
(10'^ Aug, 1657.) J- Alrichs.

With this comes over Cors Jansen, late butler, who has been rather free-handed in
the magazine and was removed on that account; his salary has been declared forfeited to
the City and he banished the Colony for 3 times seven years.

Your Honor's favor of the first inst. has been duly received, but I cannot answer it
through lack of time; I shall only mention, that a note from the Hon"'^ Lords-Directors
dated the lO'? April, has come to hand, whereby their Honors inform me, that 15 or 16
25

194 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

days after the date of said note the " Waegh" and a new galiot should sail from there
hitherward, that many families, colonists and free tradesmen would come with them,
between 2 and 300 souls : I long for their arrival with anxiety and wish, they were here.
Fui'ther, among others, your Honor's cautious and well founded advice has been
considered and adopted, to provide myself against the winter with some grain, peas,
bacon and meat, which I could get there for merchandise : everything considered, I
deem it not unadvisable (as the supply is getting low) to request your Honor, to buy

for me there, 2000 lbs of rye-flour or grain, if it cannot be had ground, but rather

1000 lbs of good meat and 1000 lbs of bacon and 100 schepels of peas, to be

paid by the first goods to come (as their Honors write, they send me)

The accounts of H. Willems

and Bagyn go herewith.
To the Honorable, Noble, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant
Director-General of New-Netherland,
CuraQao, Aruba, etc.
residing at the Manhattans
in the Fort New- Amsterdam
By Mr. Lourens
whom Grod may keep.

The same to the same ; he endeavors to get freights for the
Manhattans and enlarges upon business and trade prospects.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

My last to your Honor was of the (10'?) inst. by the yacht of Michiel Tade, to which
I refer. I had asked by it for some provisions ; this may however be delayed for some
time until I vsrite again, let only the balance of the pork be sent first. For yesterday
morning there arrived here, well and in safety, God be praised and thanked, the ship
" De Waegh " and the galiot, " Nieuwe Amstel," although the ship " de Waegh " has been
in great danger at or near the coast of Cape Henlopen, where it was tossed hard and much
and great concern and anxiety were felt by the people on it. It is recommended to
dispatch the same ship, "de Waegh" from the coast of New-Netherland as speedily as
possible, if it is feasible by the middle of September, even if it should not come
with more than half a cargo. We have no storehouse ready yet, to store the goods, so that
this time will be mostly required for the unloading. And whereas there are here about
50 or 60 tons of wood for staves, got ready by private persons, who would like to have
it forwarded, therefore after having unloaded the galiot "Nieuwe Amstel" I shall
immediately send her over to your Honor, hoping for a few cargoes of tobacco, from
merchants, who might be willing to send it in her

New-Amstel

22? Aug. 1657. In haste

Mew York Historical Records. 195

To the Noble, Honorable, Worsliipful,

Wise, Very Prudent and Discreet

His Honor Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,

Director-General of New-Netherland,

Curasao, Bonaire etc. residing at the Manhattans in the fort New- Amsterdam.

By the yacht with Mr. Lourens, whom God may guard.

In absence of the Hon"''' General to

the Hon"" Mr. Nicasius

Silla, first councillor and fiscal

in

New- Amsterdam.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

Sir. Your Honor's favors of the 20'?, 21=' and 22* have been handed to me by Capt.
Jean Flaman. (And) after arrival of the ship "de Waegh" and the galiot "Nieune
Amstel," I have first had the galiot discharged, to send the same to the Manhattans and
address her to your Honor, in case there was some tobacco in store, which the merchants
or owners were willing or had resolved to forward by the ship "de Waegh" to
Amsterdam, then to represent to them as is herewith represented, that any one might
ship his tobacco or other merchandise in the aforesaid galiot, of which the skipper is Jacob
Jansen Huss (who is well acquainted with these coasts and waters), that he is to sign
the bills of lading for all, that he shall receive and take there as freight to deliver it here
as quick as possible again to the aforementioned ship "de Waegh," without anybody
paying anything for freightage for the bringing it over in the galiot. In regard to the
[freight] of the ship "de Waegh," to bring the tobacco or other goods to Amsterdam
one guilder per barrel

the aforesaid galiot is sent besides the ship "de Waegh" in the hope of finding another
cargo of tobacco at the Manhattans and to bring this also to the "Waegh" at the
Sandpoint, where then all the bills of lading can be signed by Capt. H. de Raeth of the
ship "De Waegh."

But in case the merchants or freighters of the "Waegh" should make so many
difficulties in regard to the risk, to send anything to the South, that they by no means
would agree, to send the tobacco hither in the galiot, then I would have to allow and
think proper, that the galiot, after having been loaded, wait for the ship "De Waegh"
at the Sandpoint, to turn over to her directly upon her arrival the cargo, instantly make
another trip to the Manhattans and as speedily as possible bring it to the "Waegh,"
that she may make sail from this coast at the latest on the last of this month, to proceed
on her voyage to Amsterdam, which has been imperatively ordered by my principals,
the Lords-Mayors and been charged and commanded to me very earnestly.

In answer to your Honor's letters, handed to me by Capt. Flaman I beg to say, that
so far I have not heard yet of any fugitives from Virginia, I shall spare no pains to
discover them and shaU have them well watched and inform your Honor as quickly as
possible to make inquiry, whether they

196 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Fdver.

and to supply in the best way feasible and to the greatest advantage and profit of my
principals, will [be] serviceable and expected.

The missing and expected letters from the Fatherland, arrived by the "Waegh"
have been recommended to the respective skippers and other private persons, who came
over and I directed to deliver them to their addresses by this opportunity and the
departure of the galiot from here to the Manhattans. I would further friendly request,
that your Honor be pleased to inform me at once of the lowest and last price of bread, I
mean, of rye-liour, bacon, meat, peas and butter ; in the meantime I shall have prepared
some empty casks, to send them immediately over by the galiot, I have duffels and linen
cloth and divers other merchandise to pay for the provisions. In regard to the getting
animals, please assist me with your advice, where they might be had for the lowest price
and to the greatest advantage of the Hon'''® Lords-Mayors : I think from Virginia and it
is possible, that [I may send] Capt. Kryger (he is rather inclined to go there) overland to
make a trial or experiment

Wew-Amstel

1=.' of Septbr. 1657.

Since Sr Cornells Hogeboom, a brickmaker, has arrived here and his son and brother's
son are living at Fort Orange or on the road at Mrs. Hulters, therefore he goes there to
visit the same and to speak (with them), also to see, if he can persuade them to come
with him to this place. It seems to me, that before this I have spoken of them and that
your Honor also has written them a note and advised that they should remove hither, if
it be so or otherwise, if your Honor can give a note to ST Hogeboom, to the effect, that
his son and his brother' s son might come here with him, it would be an act of special
kindness to him and of great service to the City or this Colony. I expect your Honor' s
great favor hereto. Committing you to God with salutations as above.

Your Honor' s faithful

friend and servant

J. Alrichs.
To the Noble, Honorable,
Worshipful, Wise,
Prudent, Discreet
Mr. Petrus [Stuyvesant] Dii-ector

In absence of the Hon''" General to be handed to the Hon''''= Fiscal SiUa.
p. Galiot New-Amstel.

Sir.

Kexv York Historical Records. 197

The same to the same ; a Christian killed by Indians on his return
from the minquas coitntry.

Sii- ! After closing my letter to your Honor of to-day, I received (one from your
Honor) tlu-ough Meyndert Doedesen, who sailed from there with some planks for Sr Jac
Visch and (being driven) by a storm past the Bay to Virginia, landed there, from where
he directly arrived here overland. I learn from the aforesaid letter, that your Honor
intends to send the frigate of a French Captain to Curagao and would lilie to have some
good seamen, who could be hired for it. I have inquired everywhere here, by what means
your Honor might be served herein, but cannot find any person or people, who are
inclined to go. Nevertheless, I shall inquire further to-morrow and afterwards, which is
now not feasible on account of Little time, and inform your Honor of what occurs.

I have spoken with Meyndert Doedesen about acquiring some animals, but find his
answers contradicting and speaking of excessive prices, which they demand for it, so
that I do not know, what to think

and nevertheless, I am of opinion, that they considered it properly and therefore should
consider it better, that that is conformable to reason.

I have written already of the killing of a Christian by a savage, while coming
hither from the Minquas country, to which I refer. Closing I remain, with cordial
salutations and commendations to God's Almighty protection.
New-Amstel Your Honor's obedient and

2? yeptbr. 1657. faithful servant

J. Alrichs.
To the Hon*'^ General Stuyvesant

at the Manhattans

in Fort Amsterdam.

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. 15™ of
September 1657.

The transmitted inventory of the Company's property, viz. ammunition of war,
gunner's implements, camp-equipage, cattle and so forth, which were delivered with
Fort Casimir (now New-Amstel) to the Honorable Mr. Jacob Alrichs, Director of the
City's Colony there, is not made, we find, as it ought to be, because the aforesaid effects
have not been prized, even no money-value is given for them, nor is the weight of each
bronce or iron cannon specified, so that we here can make no use of it nor ask payment

198 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

on it and therefore we desire to recommend to your Honors to have it done there speedily
and to send it over here by the first opportunity.

7.
We hope to see it continued, that as hitherto so few of our inhabitants have offered
to go to the Colony of this City on the Southriver, but if it should happen, we see no
reasons to prevent it by force and counteract it, not even if those (should desire to go),
whom the Company carried over or may carry over at our expense ; it is understood
however, that before their departure they must pay the advanced sums, which the
Company may have to receive for their sea-passage or other disbursements. We shaU not
inquire, because it does not concern us, what reasons or instructions the said Director
Alrichs has had to refuse it to the colonists, whom he brought over, and others.

The complaints, which have already been made to your Honors by our people on the
Southriver, that the said Director Alrichs detained there and used, quite improperly and
against our wish, the Company's cattle and negroes, will be obviated by us through a
pertinent order as soon as it is proved satisfactorily. Your Honors will thoroughly
inform yourselves of it and likewise we will also dispose of the smuggling possibly
carried on by the City's ships going there, although we acknowledge, that this might
more easily be investigated there by the Commissary, provisionally to be appointed
thereto by your Honors, who would have to reside on behalf of the Company at Fort
New-Amstel, to be on hand and present at the arrival of ships, and not at Fort Altena,
the garrisoning of which can be done properly by 15 to 16 soldiers, commanded by a
corporal or at the highest by a sergeant. Your Honors now can form an idea, that we
have another opinion in regard to the management and government of this place, than
your Honors, which will be communicated to j^our Honors in due time.

DiEEOTOR Alrichs to P. Stuyvesant, requests, that a party op

BRICKS AND BOARDS BE SENT TO NeW AmSTEL FROM FORT OrANGE.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

Late last night your Honor's favor of the 9'" inst. was handed to me by a savage,
from which I learn, that my last of the 2? inst. has been duly delivered by skipper Jacob
Jansen Huyssen. I had advised and proposed by it, that, in case some merchants or
dealers there were inclined, to freight the galiot, Jac. Jansen Huysen master, now there,
with tobacco or other merchandise and send her back here (to have the freight taken
over into the ship " De Waegh") that this (should be done) without the concerned having
occasion to pay any freight or expenses for lading and bringing over by the galiot ; but
if they made difficulties, on account of the risk to run from there to this place, that
then the aforesaid galiot with her freight might await there the arrival of the ship "De
Waegh," to deliver the same to her and if she could take more freight, make another
trip very speedily to the Manhattans, about which I refer myself to the above mentioned
letter. The ship "De Waegh" is now unloaded and yesterday the last stone has been

Keiv York Historical Records. 199

received out of lier, and she is to begin to-morrow, Monday, to take in some wood and tlie
weather continuing favorable, it is presumed that it will all be done this week and that
at the latest in eight or nine days, being the 23* or 24'? inst. she will sail from here for the
Sandpoint, to take there the rest of her cargo, which Capt. de Raet estimates at one
hundred and fifty barrels or perhaps a little more : therefore I wish, that the galiot would
be ready and at hand, to take it in directly, that the ship "De Waegh" might sail at
the latest on the last of the month with the other ships there bound for Fatherland.
Everything necessary for this dispatch is done here by me and the Captain and others ; in
like manner I trust, that your Honor will by no means fail there, whereupon I rely fully,
as your Honor has at the same time to depend upon it and recommend all possible
dispatch ; I have had another letter for my direction, wherein the time of sailing or
dispatching the ship has been deferred for a fortnight, which I take to mean the last of
the month (and) whereby I am ordered peremptorily to promote it as much as feasible
and possible, which shall also be done by me.

As to sending the galiot to Fort Orange, it would be very useful and necessary
according to your Honor' s information, but I should like first to have it prepared and
used for dispatching the ship "De Waegh," unless your Honor were of opinion, that
she would not be delayed thereby or kept by some means, for we need bricks here very
much, at least for the chimneys, and otherwise, and some boards, to make the houses
tight and I have no objection, that she were loaded with bricks and boards, to wit, as
many thousands of bricks as she can conveniently take in with three or four hundred
boards : I refer that to your Honor's discretion and commend you to God with cordial
greetings. In New-Amstel, the 16'" Septbr 1657.

Your Honor' s obedient

friend and servant

J. Aleichs
Capt. de Raet sailed last night
up this river as far as the Schuylkill,
from where he is expected
back to-day or to-morrow. I shall
write more about the animals in
my next. I notice, that my provisions
i. e. peas, meat, bacon etc. will not last,
thro' the winter, therefore I shall be
obliged, to provide myself
with them in the best way.
In haste.

To the Noble, Honorable,
Worshipful, Wise,
Prudent and Very Discreet
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
General in New-Netherland,
Curagao etc, residing at the
Manhattans in Fort New- Amsterdam.
By a savage.

200 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Fdvcr.

The same to the same : is glad to hear, that the lattee ustte^tds to
VISIT THE South eiveb ; he himself axd family are sick ; fevers

PREVAIL, ETC.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sir.

Sir ! Lately, on the first of this month, the ship " De Waegh" left her© and I learnt
afterwards, that on Thursday, the fourth, she went out of the Bay to sea with a favorable
wind, therefore I hope that she arrived there at the Sandpoint on the 5'." or at the latest
on Saturday, the 6'?, and has been dispatched by your Honor with the lading of tobacco,
speedily and in the shortest time, without any delay, of which I very much long to have
information.

On Saturday, the 6'.", I sent from here another messenger (to wit a savage) over land
with several letters, which I hope, have reached there in time before the departure of the
" Waegh" and are gone in the said ship to Fatherland, although now I am somewhat
doubtful, because the savage has not been heard from again, although he promised
solemnly and sincerely to be back here in eight or nine days and about three times eight
days have passed ; which causes suspicion.

In accordance with your Honor' s advice I have decided, that the galiot may make a

trip to Fort Orange for bricks and boards. I understand from letters received

from your Honor, that the yacht [has gone] there and that your Honor [expects] her
return, also intends to come here with her, which visit of your Honor I expect with
pleasui-e. In the meantime, I had here given the order, that a piece of duifels, 4 or 5 (?)
with some grey cloth and linen should be sent by the "Waegh," this has after all
been forgotten through the writing of letters, but it shall come by the first yacht or
opportunity : (also because during and since that time I have been very unwell and
have suffered a hard shock, likewise my wife, who is still very weak, together with some
3 or 4 of my housepeople, for a fever or other disease prevails here very much, so
that hardly a family is free from it, although nobody has died yet). In the meantime I
request of your Honor, that you will please to accommodate them as much as possible,
that everything may progress, whereby special kindness would be done to me.

I further expect to be informed of the lowest price of cake (?), ryeflour, peas, meat,
bacon, butter as well as what the price of animals is there. Capt. Kryger has been to
Virginia, through whom, on his return, I received information, that in fourteen days or
three weeks, some of the English would come to arrange for a few lots of animals.
Meanwhile Meyndert Doeders, Jan Abrahams and a third man, arrived here with about
40 cows, which being here, although they held them very high in price, and notwithstanding
they threatened ([incited] apparently by mischiefmakers) to take them to Virginia (: about

which I could not feel indifferently :)

and there is no bull for them, I have, for reasons, agreed to pay for them at the rate of
125 to 130 guilders each in merchandise ; this has been done and I have taken about 30
heads more at option, to which we or all others, to whom they have been issued, have
now (the first claim) ; but it is late in the season to try and find parties for high prices
and besides we are altogether busy to do as much as possible.

I further learn, that a horsemUl is ready there, which it was decided to bring here,
if the owner of it had not died ; and whereas we are without sufficient breadstuffs,

Mew York Historical Records. 2U1

also unable to grind corn and other grains, besides doing many more things which
necessarily must be done, I therefore would wish, that your Honor be pleased and take the
trouble, to ascertain at once the lowest price and, if it is any way reasonable, to inform
me of it. I intend, to send back the galiot directly, when she comes here again, with what
shall be required for paying this and other things. With many cordial salutations to your
Honor and my Lady, I commend your Honor and family to God's Ahnighty protection
and remain

Your Honor' e obedient
Fort New-Amstel and faithful servant

29'? Octbr. 1657. J. Alrichs.

Since (writing) the foregoing I have [tried] in several ways, as for instance by
dispatching first Capt. Flaman, to go to the Horekil, to release the English, who were
shipwrecked there with two boats, but he, Flaman, has come back, without having
accomplished anything on account of the loss of an anchor ; I then have sent Michiel

there, who, after an absence of 14 days ransomed the remaining Englishmen from

the Indians and brought them here together , to the number of 14. Advising

herewith your Honor of it, I have immediately sent a notification or information to
the Hon*''= Mr. Samuel Matthies, Grovernor of Vii'ginia, and [requested] to be advised
speedily by a letter or order, how or what his Honor would wish to have done in this
matter, adding my offer, that in all such or similar cases or others, (being informed) of
Ms pleasure and demand in all equitable and feasible matters here, I am willing to serve
hia Honor to the utmost of my power. 1 expect the answer to it every day. Surgeon
Ludekens is also here with his wife, who say, they have friends at the Manhattans, to
pay the expenses and clothing, since they are bare and deprived of everything. If it
is so, that there is anything to be expected from there, I would like your Honor would
please to give information of it by letter. Date as above.

To the Noble, Honorable
Worshipful, Wise,
Very Discreet
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherland,
Curagao etc, residing at the
Manhattans in Fort Amsterdam
By a savage.

The same to the same ; bkicks and boards received prom Fort Orange;

FURTHER supplies REQUIRED.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Sir: On the 7*." inst. your Honor's favor reached me by the Galiot, in which were
also brought over a party of bricks, made at Fort Orange and ordered thence, besides 250
boards etc.

I regret extremely, that the ship "De Waegh" has sailed so late from there and that
the crew has dawdled so long and behaved so unbecomingly, partly because of the

202 Colonial Settlernents on the Delaware River.

opinions of the Lords-Mayors. She is a ship, which has cost about 4000 guilders the
month, therefore not as much will be left of the freight, as it perhaps looks ; besides
through her coming there more has happened, than I like. I recommend and dutifully
request, to shorten or prevent such proceedings, that the growth of discontent or trouble
may be damped or taken away.

The six hogsheads of peas sent with six barrels of meat and salt have been delivered
to the Commissary in Fort Altena ; the same asks for 7 or eight thousand bricks, which
he needs and which shall be issued to him, with all I can contribute to their wants and
to your Honor' s service, as it has already been done from time to time. I intend to have
the galiot discharged of the bricks and all and re-ballasted in 2 or 3 days, to send her

again to your Honor, in order to get some more provisions for fear,

that it must also be taken in consideration, that all here must be

bought in beavers, which it is hard to get and mostly in a for goods

which I have not, whereby they are placed too high in price and therefore I

must do, what I can.

Your Honor may also expect the relieved garrison on her, whereas I offered it to the
Commissary and Sergeant, who sent to ask for some other vessel and promised, that the
galiot should be discharged quickly and be again dispatched there as speedUy as possible.

For the present I need 8 or 10 barrels of bacon, 3 or four thousand lbs. of wheat-flour,
30 schepels of gray peas, 20 sch. of barley, also 100 schepels of good oats for the horses,
as I am but scantily provided with forage for the animals during the winter and have
received about 70 heads of cattle from Virginia. I am going to send by the galiot some
25 to 30 empty casks, as well as for the supply and payment of the foregoing, some cloth
linen, duffels and blankets. Regarding your Honor's proposition, to send the galiot to
Curasao for a month or three and considering, that it will be of no little service to get here
a dozen or two of young mares and moreover what your Honor wanted to ship and lade in
her, [I believe] that this could be done without prejudice, provided that the value of the
horses or some few heads of cattle, also the freight for what is shipped going and
returning, shall be subject to the taxation and restriction of the Lords-Mayors. We
have to consider, on the other side, that we may be suited with these without difficulty
or delay in agreement or condition, whereupon [expecting] speedily your Honor's letter
of advice, I close commending your Honor to God's protection with sincere salutations
and remain

New-Amstel Your Honor' s obedient

14'.'^ Novbr. 1657. and faithful servant

J. Alrichs.
To the Noble, Honorable,
Worshipful, Wise,
Very Prudent Mr.
Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherland,
Curagao etc. Residing
at the Manhattans
in Fort Amsterdam

By '*!•= B.'"'«;b»o'", which God may guide.

Mew York Historical Records. 203

A Copy of the foregoing letter, to which is added, as follows:

The above is a copy of my last by the " Roseboom," Reynier de Vries skipper

day, that the same may not

this now by the galiot

not much else in the short time

have to write, therefore I refer mostly to it, requesting

only, that besides the above specified provisions three or four hundi-ed pounds of butter
[be sent] which I calculate with the bricks and boards will come close to about 2000
guilders, besides what the above amounts to and I shall if, upon balancing our accounts
against each other, it is against me satisfy your Honor properly. I send now some goods
according to enclosed invoice. The wide linen sells here for 7 schellings * the el f and
sometimes more, the narrow Sf schellings, the cloth no 1 & 2 for 9 guilders, no 3 for 8
guilder, wide duffels for 4 guilders, narrow 3^ the el, blankets for 14 guilders ; besides 300
guilders in wampum, loaned to me by your Honor, which with great many other kindnesses
received I shall now and all times gratefully remember. This makes together fully 4000
guilders, which we shall find in account vnth the others, furthermore groats, oil and
vinegar were sent before this to your Honor and the garrison at Altena has, since my
arrival, been provided with bread and other victuals and materials and it was further
promised to bear some of the expenses of the repairing of tlie house there, likewise to
Henr. Huygen, who spoke to me of about fourhundred guilders. In short, I shall do all,
that is possible and acknowledge the friendship and good disposition of your Honor.
Closing herewith with sincere salutations to your Honor and Lady, I commend your
Honor to God' s Almighty protection and remain

Your Honor' s obedient ;

New-Anistel and faithful friend and servant

20'? Nov. 1657. J- Alkichs.

Please to inform me what the cargo will about bring or is worth according to your
Honor' s opinion. The goods are packed in [a box] marked with the seal of A[msterdam],

2 other pieces of wide [I wish you Honor] would send me a note in answer

about the horsemill and whether anything is to be paid

Capt. Kryger requests very instantly to have his discharge, which appears strange to me
and I am considering what to do.

To the Noble, Honorable,
Worshipful, Wise, Prudent,
Very Discreet Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General in New-Netherland
and over Curasao, Bonairer, etc.
residing at the Manhattans
in Amsterdam

Per the the galiot New-Amstel, which God may guide.
With a box and besides 4 packages of duffels.

■ One old Holland schelling — 12 cents gold. — B. F. f About 2 feet. — B. F.

204 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

The same to the same : complaixs of Captain- Ceegier, in command
OF the city's soldiery; fugitives from Virginia come to New-
Amstel.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sii- :

I am so suddenly and unexpectedly given to understand, that bearer of this intends
to go thither by land, that I have no time left to answer your Honor's letters, sent
to me by the Galiot and the ketch of MonsT Allerton, your Honor shall receive the
answer by the galiot, which could get out of the kil, where she wintered, only three
or four days ago. She lies now at Fort Altena, to take in the walnutwood, which
your Honor has had cut there and goes from there to Tinnekonk, to fetch some ryestraw
(which they could not thresh before this) for the animals here and returned here, she
will be immediately dispatched to the Manhattans, to get some springwheat and barley
for seedcorn, of each of which I should like to have forty or fifty schepels of good grain
as well as a last of rye or wheat-flour, unless a ship from Fatherland for this place has
arrived, in that case I would not wish the flour, also in case most of it must be paid
in beavers, which are hard to get here and therefore I am afraid, I may be embarrassed
on that score for none or only few come to trade in them. Moreover, in regard
to the goods, which I [sent] by the galiot, your Honor has written me about the

price which have been estimated so low, that

the greater advantage of the City

bought by your Honor.

Also some to skipper Jacob Jansen Huys, master of the galiot New-Amstel for about
thi'ee-hundred boards from Fort Orange, which I needed here extremely for carpenterwork
in the store-house and for a dwellinghouse for the Commissary, also the house in the
Fort, in which I live, which has been raised one third for a chamber and a garret ;
all this could not have been done conveniently without the boards. I have also
been obliged to make a new guard-house, as the old one could not be used and
was entii'ely decayed. Altogether, the winter has been passed under difficulties and
carpentering, without that the most necessary has been done for want of carjDenters,
because the City has not engaged or sent one and private people had work for themselves,
besides that the one after the other engages them to work, which I dare not interfere

with Capt. Kryger has again asked for his discharge from the service, after the

return of the galiot, by which also came the Lieutenant. I have given him as answer,
that, as the Hon*"^ General, your Honor, had been written to and informed of it, it was
best, that the Captain should await his discharge from Fatherland and that I wished, that
he would please to acquiesce in tliis. Meanwhile he has, at different times, when I

requested his Honor [to come and see me] in order to speak about and other

matters refused, mostly to Hinoyossa and Rynevelt to

go to him in his house communicate much other things

about the purchase of the animals about the sending the

galiot to Curasao and others more, but he excused himself from it and refused to give an
answer to it ; I would, however, have delayed with pleasure, what concerns his discharge.

Kew York Historical Records. 205

until the letter of the Lords-Mayors (had arrived) from Fatherland, but he left me no
rest by any means, partly through the preacher, then also by his Lieutenant and further
by the schepens, Messrs. Elmerhuyseu and Rademacher, so that I have been compelled,
to come to the conclusion ; of which request and what follows a copy is herewith sent
to your Honor. Time does not allow to report it now with more details and it would be
troublesome to importune your Honor more with it. I wiU briefly add relative to the
English from Vii'ginia, who ran away from there and stranded at Cape Hinlopen,
whereupon a messenger was sent to your Honor by the Hon''''^ Governor, likewise as your
Honor wrote to me in consequence, to inquire into the matter and to place them under
guard : I have done my duty, to get them from the savages, ransoming, clothing and
feeding them and contributing everything, among others also to a certain David Ludekens,
whom with his wife, they being naked and needy, I have again fitted out and heljDed with
garments ; he afterwards run away from here stealthily, without paying anything and I
have received a letter from him from the Manhattans, where he is living somewhere

he promises at least to [pay] a part of it such

landlopers as he is, are not that the Governor.

has also written and asked to be sent back

in the interest

of the City I request, that he be directly arrested and sent to the Hon'''" Governor of
Virginia by first chance, in order to satisfy his Honor ; I have promised it and I depend
upon it.

It is reported here, that three ships have arrived there from Fatherland ; if there are
any news, please to communicate them to me by first chance per terra or mare and
whether anything has been heard of the City's ships or whether one of them has sailed
with the others. Closing herewith I remain with sincere salutations from me and my
wife to your Honor and your Lady commending you to God's Almighty protection
New-Amstel Your Honor' s very obedient

18'." March, 1658. and affectionate servant

J. Aleichs.

The same to the same : kequibes seed grain ; describes the
administration op justice previous to his arrival ; difficulties

WITH THE MILITARY UNDER CaPT. CREGIER ; PEOGRESS OF THE
SETTLEMENT.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sir.

Sir : My last was of date of the 18'." of March, which I had intended to send, but as
the dispatching of it came somewhat unexpectedly, so has it been given up as speedily and
the trip deferred, therefore it comes here inclosed. I can moreover answer your Honor's
favor of the 17'." of December, 1657, received by the galiot, to which I beg to say in
reference to the merchandises, sent from here for the payment of the provisions and other
things, that it seems that the prices there are much lower than here and that the valuation
of them, as your Honor has had them estimated by impartial men, is somewhat short ; but
I wHl not add anything in regard to the linen and other things, as I leave all that to youi

206 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Honor's discretion and judgment and shall consider all, that has been done herein, as
being well done, whereas I know and trust, that your Honor will help to arrange everything
for the best of this Colony and that the goods of the City shall be sold to the greatest
profit and the purchase of the other necessaries be made at the lowest price. Likewise I
find that the transmitted provisions have been bought at fair prices and I have received
them all in good order. I request now, that the desired 50 schepels of winter, I mean,
spring wheat and 50 schepels of summer barley may be sent, also some cakes, about three

or four hundred pounds, also two thousand pounds meat, if it

can be had at fair prices

of the Captain,

I have therein in regard to his discharge, but he

would not rest, until an answer was received to it, as wUl (be seen) from the enclosed
request and apostil : he is now satisfied and I hope, that all will go well and he may
enjoy his contentment : (there are) many petty quarrels and misunderstandings, if they
are viewed in reality and truth, as he now keeps it up again somewhat with another,
but all not worth repeating and spoiling the paper with and it would be vexatious to
hear and report them to those, whom they concern and I do not wish that my pen
make the beginning, whereas a long story is connected with it, which is of little
importance, but I will say in a few words, that upon my arrival here, I found the
government here to consist and be attended to by the Vice-Director or Commander, sitting
over military delinquents with military j^ersons and over civilians with citizens as ordered
by your Honor, to whom I upon my arrival represented and showed the changes, which
were to be taken in consideration afterwards. They agreed, that in the customary way,
as said before, citizens belonged under civil administration, as the City' s conditions, too,
recommended it. I have made objections, the persons etc. appointed and nominated ]ij
your Honor not opposing, but agreeing with the City's intentions and propositions,
therefore I let them [act as judges] provisionally, only over little civil [cases] with which
the Council is overcrowded

giving and expediting the sentences for crimes,

committed by soldiers, is understood by them, that it only concerned a soldier and that
the Commissary had nothing to do with it. I agreed with them on this point and then
we three sat as judges, but many and excessive licentious acts were committed by the
soldiers, which were then let oif with lenient punishment and the smallest fine was charged
back to me from that side, which ought not to have been done ; that I was a tyrant over
the soldiers, when I sometimes admonished them, that the square of the fort should be
swept and cleaned on Sundays ; 1 received then as answer, given by the Corporal, in the
presence of many, that order must be issued from higher authority ; I told the Captain
of it, who excused the soldiers. I went 3 or 4 times for 3 or 4 miles into the country,
to see it surveyed and took 2 or 3 soldiers with me, without their being ordered by
the Sergeant or Corporal ; this has been taken so iU and exaggerated so much that I
command the soldiers, that it cannot be told and whenever I have them to work for me I
pay one daler * the day, as we have together resolved, that the soldiers should be paid

* About 2 guilders = 70 cents. — Tr.

Kew York Historical Records. 207

for labor by tlie day. After tliis I have never wanted to take soldiers with me, even
though I went to Port Christina or Tinnekonk ; it is done to prevent their displeasure

and to consider it, he refused my offer

[Marginal note : which in cases or occasions of urgency would have had very bad consequences, as he could not
know beforehand, what I had to say or of what importance the case might be and what would have to be done. I
have been in the fort by day and by night, without being able to give any order to the soldiers, (so he has ordered,
which is unreasonable). He would have no guards posted on the ramparts during the winter, neither by day nor
during the night, of which he did neither inform me nor the Lieutenant, nor would he order any guards to be placed
there ; this was not without danger for me and others ; this has been changed since his discharge, so that now two
soldiers are on guard on the ramparts at night and one during the day in the fort. All this and much more was not
observed by the Captain]

and thought it not worth while to act upon it, nor would he give proper answers to those,
whom I sent to him ; also the Lieutenant and the Commissary themselves must attest,
that I have humbled myself before him in most and the smallest matters and offered, yea
requested through them, that we should understand each other in all reasonableness ;
he refused it to them and me ; I do not know what induced him to say or it has
escaped him accidentally, that he could easily get more salary and higher rank or that
it was offered to him or something similar, so that he therefore thought very little of
this place.

As to the distribution of the farm lots to each, I have hardly found room thereto, so
that I had to take them, as they are reported in the decision on the request of Jacob
Elders. After that I referred the surveying of the lots to Hudde, who is half a surveyor,
with Fabryk Spelen, now deceased, who, as I at first, had it done by drawing lots for the
lands to be given out. Finally he presented with much urgency a request, which has been
considered, resolved and decided with the Lieutenant and Commissary, as appears from
the same. He sent us his thanks through A. Hudde, who delivered it to his Honor. I
shall close here with it, in order not to trouble your Honor with such shabby matters.
Nevertheless, I [find] it proper, now, that it is so,

Referring to the prices of some needed provisions, which are not in the store-house, is
too difficult to state a fixed and fair price for them, and it will be easier done, when we
get a greater abundance of stores, which so far are very scarce, besides that there are also
many losses caused to my great regret the death of animals.

I have communicated to the Lieutenant and Commissary the transmitted ordinances
and other matters and done what is proper, except in regard to the advertisement ; * in
regard to that I send enclosed herewith a document concerning it, which informs
everybody there, who has any mortgages on or transfers of any lots, grounds, houses or
lands, situate here, that he has to exhibit such papers to the Secretary here within three
months' time. I have delivered the barrel of pork, weighing 189 lbs. net, to Commissary
Rekter for the garrison of Altena, as your Honor has desired it. I have offered the
desired linen, which was to be delivered to Hendric Huygen, but he did not need it,
therefore this remains stUl on hand.

* This refers to an ordinance, annulling all fraudulent sales of mortgaged lands on the Southriver, for which see
Laws of Ncw-Nctherland, p. 331.— B. F.

208 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

There arrived here, thanks be to God ! day before yesterday, Wednesday the 27'?",
the " Gouden Sonne," * a large ship witli [passengers] and merchandises

I very respectfully request, that it may please your Honor to do me the kindness and
friendship and pay Joannis de Peijster for the two pieces of red duffels, for which the
same has contracted with your Honor.

I would also see with pleasure, that your Honor would make a settlement with
skipper Jacob Jansen Huys, from whom I bought some Fort Orange boards for the
carpenterwork in the storehouse and the buildings in the fort, because they have not yet
begun the trade in beavers and I would not Like to give anybody cause for complaining,
that he had not promptly received his pay, except for the reason of not being able, as
one is prevented to give, when very little comes of it during the time of trading.

I have also to pay the Attorney Schelluyn for salary, earned by him in the suit
against Dirck Cornelissen Heunich, skipper of the ship Prins Maurits, but it seems,
that the expenses ought to be paid out of the deposited sum, the proceeds of the sale
of the goods, unless your Honor understood, that we should not consider this. I
have also been written to by my principals, that the aforesaid deposit may be taken
up by the aforesaid Dii-ck Cornelissen Heunich or his order, which serves for our
directions, and to inform of it your Honor, as I find myself ordered ; only to deduct,
what has been paid on account to the said Attorney by the Hon""^ Burgomaster Allard
Anthony.

I learn from your Honor' s letter, dated the 28'? of January, arrived with the ketch of
AUerton, concerning the sending the galiot [to Curasao], to which I was inclined

to fetch (it) to and from the Manhattans for the benefit of

the inhabitants of this Colony, so that now, after having held a consultation about it
with the Hon*"' Councillor, I find that I cannot consent to let the galiot make a voyage
to Curagao.

The prescribed day of fasting, prayer and thanksgiving has been observed here on
the 13'? of March, also on tlie following day with a sermon, to celebrate it, by the preacher
Melius, who, for that purpose was fetched to Altena by the Commissary : which was done.

I am however afraid of the scarcity of provisions here, therefore please to buy at the
first opportunity one hundred schepels of white peas and one hundred schepels of gray
peas, which I would like to have from time to time, as there is room in the galiot and
without causing delay on account of it, likewise one or two tons of flour with two
or three hundred pounds of butter. Please return barley or wheat, as his Honor
pleases, for the received mill, which was loaned by the Hon'"° Burgomaster Oloff
Stevenson.

Pieces of black walnut are also shipped in the galiot by the Commissary of

the garrison in Fort Altena, which have been cut about there or ordered by him to be cut.
In case your Honor desu-es more of it in future, the galiot going there has usually plenty
room for your Honor' s service. Closing herewith I will pray to God, with my dutif uj

* The Golden Sun.

iN'ew York Historical Records.

209

respects and cordial salutations, to keep your Honor, Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent Sir, in continuous health and prosperity. In New Amste'l, the (30*) of
March 1658.

Your Honor's obedient

I send herewith the weight of
the bacon and meat [sent]

and received by the

given me according

5 casks of fresh meat &

6 casks of bacon with

2 other casks of meat, which
were taken into the galiot from
a ketch, without weighing.

Also a letter of the Hon'*'^
Commissioners and Directors.

If a ship has sailed please . . .

and faithful servant

J. Alkicds.

To the Noble, Honorable,
Worshipful, Wise and
Very Prudent Mr.
Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherland,
Curasao, Bonaire, Aruba, etc.
residing in New-Netherland,
that is to say on the Manhattans

in New- Amsterdam.

Minute of Council approving the departure of the Director-
General TO THE South river.
20'? of April (1658).

In Council the Noble Hon"" Director- General proposes and offers for consideration
the necessary redress of the Hon*'" Company's aifairs on the South-river of New-
Netherland and the arrangements needed which ought to be made there, that the rights
of the Company there might be properly maintained and taken care of, especially in
collecting and receiving the customs on goods imported as well as exported, as last
year and again now he himself has been advised by letters fi-om qualified parties there,
who are weU intentioned towards the Hon"'" Company, of the great frauds and
encroachments, which the Company has to suffer there in the customs, as a great quantity
of peltries have been shipped, but not cleared, as they ought to ; for which reason now
complaints are made by the merchants here and also on the Southriver, who pay the
Hon"'" Company's dues, that they cannot compete with their goods against those, on which
27

210 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

no import-duties are paid ; further, that several of the inhabitants of the Colony of
New-Amstel have requested, as appears by their letter, to be allowed to move into the
district of the Hon*"' Company near Fort Altena and establish plantations there ; all these
matters, as well as some necessary arrangements to be made among and regarding the
Swedes, cannot well be attended to by a letter, therefore it was deemed necessary by the
Noble Hon"'* Director-General, to go there himself with one of the gentlemen of the Council
either across country or by sea, as it may be most convenient, to give directions for the
good and necessary settlement of the foregoing and other affairs of the Company there.
After serious consideration and deliberation by Director-General and Council of the
proposition of the Hon"^" Director-General and of the written and verbal reports, which
are now and then made in regard to the Company's affairs on the Southriver by different
persons, Director-General and Council conclude, that the journey of the Hon*'*' General to
the Southriver is necessary and that, as far as Director-General and Council are able to
comprehend and foresee it, it will be for the special service and advantage of the Company,
as well as the peace and greater harmony of its subjects there. In view hereof Director-
General and Council unanimously judge expedient the immediate departure of the Hon^'^
General and his return thence as quick after having accomplished everything, as may be
possible and it is resolved, that Mr. Pieter Tonneman go there with his Honor, the
Director-General. Done at a meeting of Director- General and Council, the 20'? of AprO

1658.

P. Stuyvesant,

NiCASITJS DE SiLLE,

Pieter Tonneman,
J. DE Deckeee, 1658.

Petition of Joost Andriaensen & Co. fob leave to build a saw and
GRIST mill at Turtle falls, on the South river, and order

GRANTING IT.

To the Noble, Honorable Director-General of New-Netherland, etc.

Show with due reverence Joost Adriaensen and companions, that they are willing to
erect a saw and grist-mill below the Turtle' s falls, for which the place and some land
belonging to it has been granted to them by the provisional Commissary of the Hon'''®
W. I. Company subject to your Honor's approval ; therefore the petitioners respectfully
ask, that your Honor will please to approve the same and issue letters-patent for it.

WMch doing etc. etc.

(Signed) Joost Adriaensen and Comp.

New-Amstel,
the 30'!" of April 1658.

The following decision was made by the Hon*'^ General, in presence of the Hon"'® Mr.
Tonneman at the Southriver, on the foregoing petition :

The request is granted, provided that they shall not ask more for the grinding of
grain, than is paid at the Hon*'" Company's gristmill. On the 6'? of May 1658.

JVew York Historical Records. 211

Petition op the Swedish magistrates at Tinicum (Pa.) for certain

PRIVILEGES, and ORDER THEREON. OaTH OP ALLEGIANCE TAKEN BY

THE Swedes.

Copy. The Sheriff and Members of the CouncU humbly request of the Noble,
Honorable General, now here present, a favorable decision on the
subjoined petition :

1. That we may be provided with proper instructions, to perform equitably the
duties entrusted to us.

2. That for their execution we may have a Court-messenger.

3. When it is necessary, that we may have free access to the Commander at Fort
Altena, to get assistance from the soldiers in cases of emergency.

4. That an order be made, that nobody shall leave these boundaries without
knowledge of the magistrates, much less, that the servant-man or woman of one, when
they leave or run away without their master's or mistress' permission, shall be concealed
by the other. Tinnakungk, 8'? of May 1658. (It was signed)

The Hon*"^ General's humble subjects

Gregorius van Dyck, Olofl Stire, Matys Hanson, Pieter Rambo, Pieter Kaik.

The foregoing written petition having been taken up, it was found to be a just
demand ; therefore the petitioners are herewith promised and assured, that upon the first
opportunity a proper instruction shall be sent to them, to make use of in the course of
their administration of justice and for the better execution of their duties, as far as
possible.

On the second point it was deemed necessary, that for making summons, arrests and
the carrying out of sentences, the Sheriff and Commissaries be supported and served by
a provost, who as Court-messenger shall at the same time serve summons jDursuant to the
instruction, to be sent there by the first opportunity offering.

Upon the third it was decided and at the same time orders given to the provisional
Commissary, that, if the Commissaries should consider it necessary and the Sheriff ask
it, he shall assist him in the execution of his duties and support and aid him with the
Hon'^'^Company's military.

In regard to the fourth and last point, an order was before this issued by a placat
of the Director-General and Council, of which a copy shall be sent to the petitioners by
the first opportunity ; in the meantime it is decided and ordered, that nobody shall be
allowed to leave without previous knowledge of the Commissaries and further that
thereto, as it is proper, the consent of the Director-General and Council shall first be
asked and obtained, signed by their Secretary, as it is customary in the province of
New-Netherland and if some one of the Swedish nation should wish to leave or already
have left the district, the Sheriff is hereby ordered and directed to serve the same with an
order to return and in case of refusal to proceed against him either by arrest or by
detention, as it may be required and to give a written report of the proceedings to the
Director-General and Council in due time.

Finally and for the present lastly, whereas for the maintenance of the above-
mentioned necessary arrangements, that is the salaries of the Sheriff, Commissaries

212 Colonial Settlernents on the Delaware River.

provost and other officers of higher and lower grade, as well as for other public concerns,
by and by some subsidies shall be needed, it is recommended to the Sheriff and
Commissaries to think and examine, where the same can be found and raised to the least
burden of the Swedish nation, our good and faithful subjects, to whom we hereby assure
and promise our favour and aU possible assistance, as if they were our own nation,
pursuant to the oath, made before or still to be taken by those, who may not have
taken it.

Follows the oath, taken by the Swedish nation, on the Southriver :
We promise and swear in the presence of Almighty God, that we will be and remain
loyal and faithful to their Noble High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General of the
United Netherlands, the Noble Lords-Directors of the General Privileged West-India
Company, also to their Honorable Du-ector- General, already appointed or in future to be
appointed ; that we will obey and respect and honor them, as it becomes honest and
good subjects, as long as we continue in this province of New-Netherland.
So truly help us God Almighty !

Report of Dikectok Stutvesant on the affairs at the Delaware.
15'? of May 1658 Wednesday.

In Council present the Hon''"' Director-General Petrus Stuyvesant, the Hon*"'"

Members of the Council Nicasius de Sille, Pieter Tonueman, and J. de

Deckere.

His Honor, the Director-General having returned to the Manhattans from the

Southriver on Monday, the 15'." inst, about noon, reports: that his Honor has found

many things at the Southriver not in such a condition, as they ought to be, especially

regarding the smuggling and frauds in the Company's customs, duties on goods, sent

there fi-om Holland, as there were many goods, not stamped with the Hon"'* Company's

mark, discharged from the last arrived ships, without anything having been done about

it, further that from the ship " de Waagh " a case with guns had been unloaded, shipped

by the brother of Domine Welius, which muskets have been distributed there to the

community by Mr. Alrichs.

2. That it has appeared very strange to his Honor, that the oath, which Mr. Alrichs
administered to new-comers, entirely omitted mention of the Lords-Directors and the
Director-General and Council of New-Netherland ; after the Hon'''* General had spoken
to him about it, Mr. Alrichs promised to alter it and requested, that no mention be made
of it to the Lords-Burgomasters.

3. That one Van der As, as well as one N. Ringh had complained about a sentence
pronounced against them, while they intended to appeal and asking the Secretary there,
to take notice of the appeal, this was refused by the Secretary.

4. That the Swedish nation had asked, after taking the oath, that it might be allowed
and granted them, not to be obliged to take sides, if any troubles should arise between
the Crown of Sweden and our State at home ; which was agreed to by the Hon"'* General,

Kew York Historical Records. 213

Further that his Honor had laid out near Fort Altena some lots, the single ones at
30 feet, the double ones at 60 feet breadth, and one hundred feet deep, under condition,
that on the double ones two dwellings should be built and if the first owners or occupants
of the aforesaid lots should fail to build on them, they shall by order of Director-General
and Council be transferred to others, who are more ready to build, provided that the
first owners may demand one hundred guilders and not more for fencing and other
expenditures thereon.

There have also been chosen ofiicers of the Swedish nation on the Southriver

Captain : Swens Schoete
Lieutenant : Andries d'Albo
Ensign : Jacob Swenske

Thus reported by the Hon'''° Director-General Petrus Stuyvesant to the Council at
Fort Amsterdam on the 15'." of May 1658.

ViOE-DIEECTOE AlEICHS TO DiE. StUYVESANT : APOLOGIZES FOE THE POOR
EECEPTION GIVEN THE DiRECTOE-GeNERAL ON HIS RECENT VISIT.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Sir: I hope that after your Honor's departure from here, the home-journey has
been comfortable and speedy and that your Honor's family has been found in good
health. I further respectfully ask and trust, that your Honor will please to excuse and
think well of the poor reception and small entertainment, to which we, in our inconvenient
position and against our will, could not contribute any more, requesting your Honor to
please and take the good heart and will for the deed ; when we are more and better in
position here, we shall consider it our duty and obligation, to accomplish more.

Moreover a Swede, who has accompanied your Honor on the journey, has reported
to me, that your Honor had been informed, that a ship had arrived from Curasao. I
request, if any letters or anything directed to me have come, to let them get here at once
by occasion, that I may answer to the letters.

If the ship "de Wasbleek" has, as I hope, arrived, that the goods sent in her to
divers parties of this place be forwarded at once by the galiot or otherwise, according
to each owner' s order and shipped to be brought hither : there is also a case for me ;
what there is demanded for average on it, please to settle for me, I shall pay it with
thanks. The freight was agreed upon

of the galiot a last or two of flour against proper payment, might be in store and your
Honor found it advisable, to send a vessel to this place and elsewhere, then I would
wish, that the usual rate be fixed upon the freight at the lowest price.

Please let the Hon''''' Secretary van Ruyven know, that the proclamation and
ordinances, sent here for a few years hitherto and published for the direction and as laws
or orders of this country, are to be sent now to the Commissary Rynevelt.

In regard to cattle : if , as I discussed it with your Honor, 5 or 6 pairs of good

214 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

draught-oxen could be bought at fair prices, they are to be sent over by land or water,
as your Honor deems fit.

If the ship "de Wasbleek" has arrived, we shall rejoice after much longing, because
several people here expect goods by her.

Of the departure of any vessels from there for Fatherland, if it should happen before
the middle of June, please to inform me by an express messenger over land or by the
first chance by water, to govern myself accordingly.

I send herewith empty casks for the flour and peas, to rise them at leisure, as

they are required.

Pierre Crosson's account shall be sent at once, as soon as the Commissary has
returned home.

Jan van der Bosch goes over, to repair clocks and watches or

your Honor may please to order to be done and to

that end two or three months' time

granted to remain there.

The wife of Sergeant goes also over

Closing I ask God, to bless your Honor' s government, Noble, Honorable, Wise, Prudent
Sir and to continue your Honor and family in continuous health and prosperity and remain
Wew-Amstel Your Honor's obedient and very

17*? of May 1658 faithful servant

J. Alrichs.
To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Very Prudent Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director- General of New-Netherland,
Curasao, Bonaire, Aruba etc residing
at Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhattans.
By skipper Jacob Jansen Huys,
whom God may guide.

The Directors to P. Stuyvesant (extract). The smuggling on the
Delaware must be stopped. 20™ Mat 1658.

The smuggling, carried on, as your Honors presume, among the Colonists and other
trades people, who have come over in the ships of the City, cannot better nor more
properly be stopped and looked after, according to our opinion, than by the Commissary,
who on behalf of the Company resides or should reside in the City's Colony and who, we
think, must necessarily have also the rank of Auditor and consequently share in all
arrested and confiscated goods, according to custom, to animate and encourage him in his
duties : hereby, we trust, the smuggling wiU be greatly prevented and stopped, especially
if an honest and clever person is appointed to it : your Honors are hereby authorize^ to
look about for one and give him such instructions as shall be necessary.

New York Historical Records. 215

Extract feom the register of secret resolutions, taken b? the

LOEDS-DIRECTORS OF THE WeST-InDIA COMPANY, DEPARTMENT

Amsterdam, on

Monday, the 27*.'^ of May 1658.

By the letters received by the Hon''''' Commissioners and Directors of the City's Colony
at the Sonth-River of New-Netherland it has been found, that two boats with fourteen
Englishmen came to the neighborhood of Cape Hinlopen, who there were attacked by the
savages and again ransomed by Director Alrichs and who arrived in the City's Colony
and were sheltered there, on which account it is to be feared, in case the same English
came there to remain or to increase in numbers, that the nation, which at present, though
without sufficient reasons lays claim upon the South- River or neighboring territory, may
try to intrude there and by one chance or the other, usurpate the said places, as it has
been done on the side of New-England : therefore it has been found good and agreed,
that to prevent this, the Director-General Stuyvesant shall be written to, to endeavor,
take care and instruct Director Alrichs, that the said persons, who are called fugitives,
as they have left (Virginia) without the consent and written passport of their Governor
in Virginia, be sent back again or if they should be free people, to get rid of them in
the most proper and convenient manner (without however giving them offense) and
never and under no circumstances to receive again any one of the English nation, much
less give them inducements for their coming.

Agrees with the aforesaid secret
register.

S. van Seventer.

The Directors to P. Stuyvesant : the Horekil country to be

PURCHASED FROM THE INDIANS. T? JUNE 1658.
******

Since our last of the 20'? of last month, sent by the ship " de Moesman," of which
we enclose a copy, the Honorable Commissioners for the management of the City's Colony
in New-Netherland have informed us, that their Noble Worships, the Lords-Burgomasters
were desirous of acquiring the country, situate on the bay of the Southriver on its western
side (where for the safety of incoming ships some buoys ought to be placed as danger
signals) and called the Horekil. They request us therefore, that the aforesaid tract of
land from Cape Henlopen to the Boomtiens Hoeck should be purchased by our orders
and then be conveyed to their Director there, as they intend to place there a suitable
fortification for the protection of those places. As we have thought, that this will be of
advantage to the Company and their possessions there, we have resolved to order and
direct your Honors hereby, to acquire the aforesaid country immediately and without
delay and to purchase it from the lawful owners, if it should not have been done before,
under properly executed deeds and then to re-convey it there to the Director of the said
Colony. No time is to be lost herein, but speed is necessary in order to anticipate thereby
other nations, especially our English neighbors, whom we suspect of having cast their

216 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

eyes upon these places, for we have heard, that lately two boats with English people
from Virginia have been at Cape Henlopen ; they stranded there, however, and were
taken prisoners by the savages, but were ransomed again by the said Director Alrichs,
as they pretended to be fugitives, perhaps to free their Governor from the suspicion, that
he had any knowledge of it. And as we understand also, that the said Director Alrichs
has consented to the coming over from there of some English families and as we cannot
expect anything good from this nation, considering their insufferable proceedings in the
past (not only their invasion of our indisputable territories and possessions at the North,
but also the arrogant audaciousness and faithlessness of those even, who are under our
jurisdiction and allegiance), we cannot omit to recommend hereby to your Honors most
earnestly, not only to inform yourselves thoroughly of the number of the English families
arrived there, but also to communicate in a friendly way to the said Director Alrichs the
dangerous consequences of this affair, agreeably to the enclosed extract of our resolutions
and then to report to us in regard to the one and the other, so that we may know, what
occurs in this direction from time to time and may do, what we deem necessary.

The same to the same (extract): the ship "Gtjlde Metjlen" has
received permission to sail directly to the delaware, without
touching at the manhattans. 19''.° of june 1658.

As Barent Jochemsen, skipper of the ship "De Guide Meulen" (mostly freighted
on behalf of this City to carry over colonists and other free people) intends to go directly
from here to the Southriver and therefore has asked for our permission thereto, we have
not been wUling to refuse it this time for reasons, so that in case he should not first call
with his ship at the Manhattans, as the clause of the contract, made with such private
skippers, directs, he shall not therefore be molested or troubled there, which we desire
to communicate to your Honors for your government.

Jacob Alrichs to Director Stutvesant : cattle purchased on the

GREAT PLAINS AT HeMPSTEAD FOR THE CiTY'S CoLONY ON THE

Delaware.
Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Upon the return of the Hon*'° Commissary and the preacher I learned with pleasure
of your Honor's good journey from here, but heard also from them, that your Honor
has been again from home and gone to the Esopus on account of a murder by the
savages, committed against one of the Christians there ; I hope, that through your
Honor's order and arrival there such proceedings were so aiTanged, that they were
stopped in their bad undertaking and that no more tumults, uproars or sedition will be
stirred up by the savages, which the good God may give.

Kew York Historical Records. 217

I have further heard from the Hon*''' Commissary, that your Honor has bought with
him for account of the City on the great plain before Hemstede 12 heads of oxen and two
more at option, all for 1500 guUders, further from Michael Jansen two di'aught-oxen,
six cows with 7 calves, three oxen of three years, one bull of 3 years, three heifers of 2
years, one two-years old ox, 4 yearlings, to wit 2 bullocks and two heifers, altogether 19
heads of cattle and 7 calves for 1330 guilders and that your Honor would advance tliis
sum for account of the City, on condition, that upon arrival of the first ship, it should be
paid back properly with merchandises at a reasonable price, which shall be done
promptly. I send therefore for the purpose of getting the aforesaid animals and

drive them here overland Jean .' holte and Pr. Enloos, who could [find]

and hu-e there a guide knowing the road to [this place], either a savage or a [reliable

white man], who is suitable and then one or two more and not more than

is necessary to bring the said cattle to this place. [As] the calves may

not well be [diiven this long] distance, they could be sent over in the galiot of skipper
Jacob, about which your Honor will please to give orders according to judgment. We
have besides occasion for many things, one hundred schepels of wheat or rye flour or
perhaps one hirndred and fifty, as with fifty more it can not be too much and as there
is mostly wheat there and the difference in price is small, I expect wheat flour, of course
as much as can conveniently be ground and in case the galiot should have to wait long or
for several days for the grinding, part may be sent unground, because we shall now soon
have a horsemill ready. I have lately sent by a savage (about three weeks ago) letters
over land, to be forwarded to the Lords-Mayors in Fatherland, I hope they got there safely
and have been given to one of the departing skippers for delivery, also that the letters
to Mr. Beck have gone to Curasao ; it would be agreeable to me to hear of it. The ship
" de vergulde Sonne " lies here ready to sail and will leave to-morrow. Closing herewith
Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir, I will ask God to keep yoior
Honor and Lady with the children in his Almighty protection and preserve (you) in
long-during health. In New-Amstel, the 26'." June 1658.

Your Honor's obedient and
faithful servant
Please to inform or J. Albichs.

advise me by a note,
how matters stand
with the ship "de Was-
bleek," whether she has
arrived in safety

Postscriptum.
Sir : I should not wonder, if on account of haste and manyfold occupations I had
omitted in this foregoing letter to submit to your Honor' s decision anything in regard
to the issue of building lots and grounds, also farmlands and animals, also concerning
the high prices of the commodities, which are given out here.

In regard to the distributions of lots : first at the time of my arrival, about eight days
28

218 Colonial Settlements on the Delawctre River.

or more passed, before I could make progress in it, because there was scarcely one lot,
whicli could be disposed of, as one or the other or more laid claim to it ; for further
reasons and difficulties I refer to the decision on the petition of Jacob Elders, sent
herewith, and henceforth they were distributed by drawing lots. Upon the arrival of
the ship "De "Waegh" I let Fabryk Spelen, now deceased, and Hudde give out all by
lottery also. Upon and since my arrival Lieutenant Jniosa has been present at the
distribution and the drawings, and now at the arrival of the ship "de Sonne" the
distribution and disposition of the lots has been also referred to him, the Secretary and
Schepen Kademan and accepted by him. Hudde with a work -master, called Briant has
last June surveyed for all and every one, colonists, soldiers and officers, as much as each
has asked and signed for : (evidence, each man's signature in my keeping). And now
the men who wanted one hundred morgens ; they were granted without the least objection

the people to keep and handle them and there are not many here,

nobody hardly had made a house to live in and many are still engaged with it, because
there were only 4 or hardly 5 carpenters here, whom I mostly have been obliged to engage
and they were at the best bunglers or men of little capacity, who had to spend twice
as much time at their work, and then it is nothing especially good ; those who have no
means, must do the work alone and meet with disappointment and besides it takes a long
time. Sickness and hot fevers prevailing here have kept us back badly and made many
pining. There was no stable nor hay ready ; yet, when some English cattle came from
Vii'ginia, they have been bought contrary to my intention and judgement ; when I asked
advice of the Captain, he would not say anything about it, neither declare himself nor
come, except I sent the Lieutenant and the Commissary there, he would not listen nor
give an answer. Likewise in many more cases, as the not guarding and securing the fort,
I have been obliged to abide with it and done so for peace's sake : it is vdth all that not
excusable, but I had to suffer, that is to say, to let it pass, that he spoke of me
disrespectfully and called me names etc. In regard to the high charges for goods from
the storehouse : they are given and charged to the soldiers against theii" monthly pay at
such prices as has been fixed by the Lords-Mayors, and the colonists and other free
people [do not pay] a stiver [less]

God keep you.

Your Honor' s obedient

J. Aleichs.
To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Yery Prudent Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General in New-Netherland,
Curasao, Bonaire, Aruba etc.
residing at the Manhattans
in Amsterdam in New-
Netherland.

Per galiot New-Amstel, Jacob Jansen Huys, skipper, whom God may protect.

Xew York Historical Records. 219

William Beekman appointed Commissary op the West-Inoia
Company at the Delaware. 30™ of July.

Whereas the service of the Company urgently requires, that a suitable person be
engaged and sent as Commissary to the Southriver, and considering the qualifications and
good conduct of S' Willem Beeckman, a citizen and old inhabitant here, the same is
engaged, commissioned and appointed as such, for which the same salary and emoluments
is allowed him, as the former Commissary, Jacquet, has received there, to wit fifty
guilders per month and 200 guilders annually for commutation of rations. It is resolved,
to send the same there with the proper commission and instruction by the first suitable
opportunity. Date as above,

28'." of October, Monday, 1658.
Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of their Noble High-Mightinesses, the Lords States-
General of the United Netherlands and the Lords-Directors of the Incorporated West
India Company, Director-General of New-Netherland, Cura(;ao, Bonayro, Aruba and the
dependencies thereof, with the Honorable Council, to All, who shall read or hear this read
Greeting : Whereas, for the administration and promotion of the affairs of the Hon*"*
Company and ours on the Southriver of New-Netherland and the dependencies thereof,
we needed a capable and experienced man, to command there, in our absence, as
Commissary and Vice-Director and order every thing to the greatest advantage and
benefit of the Company, therefore, trusting to the ability, piety and experience of Willem
Beeckman, late Scheepen and Elder of the city of Amsterdam in New-Netherland, we
have commissioned and appointed the same, as we hereby commission and appoint him
our Commissary and Vice-Director, in our absence there to attend to the safety of the
country, fort, military and free men, being already there on behalf of the Hon*"'" Company
or to be sent thither hereafter and to keep and make, in our name, good order, to
administer law and justice to citizens and soldiers under his orders, to the best of his
knowledge, to do further everything for the service of the aforesaid Incorporated W. I.
Company, which according to the duties of his office under the instructions given to him or
hereafter to be given a good and faithful Commissary and Vice-Director is bound to do and
all this under the oath of fidelity, to be taken before us. Which having been taken,
we desire, direct and order all and everybody, whom this concerns, either officers of the
Company or free men, especially the present provisional Commissary to receive, to
acknowledge, to respect and to obey the said Willem Beeckman as our Commissary and
Vice-Director and each, as far as he is concerned, to show him all favor and give him all
help and assistance in the execution of his duties, whereas we have thus considered
it necessary for the service of the Company and the advancement of this province. Thus
done and given at the meeting of the Hon"'* Director-General and Council of New-
Netherland, held at Fort Amsterdam, the XXVIII S""'' xvi'= lviii.

By a majority of votes, such a salary and commutation of rations is allowed to the
said Willem Beeckman for his future services, as the former Commissary Jean Paul
Jacquet has had pursuant to the resolution made on the 30'" of July. Date as above

220 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

On the 28'.'' day of October 1658 the following oath was taken by Willem Beekman
before the Noble Hon*'" Director General in Council.

I promise and swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I will be true and faithful
to their Noble High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands,
the Noble Lords-Directors of the Incorporated West-India Company and their Dh-ector-
General and Council for New-Netherland, now appointed or hereafter to be appointed, that
I will administer true law and justice, that I will maintain and as much as is in my power
promote the Reformed religion, as the same is taught and preached in the Fatherland and
here, conform to God's word and the Synod of Dortrecht, that I will take care, to the
best of my ability, of the safety of the place and further, according to the instructions
now given or hereafter to be given will promote the service of the Company and the
welfare of the land and do, to the utmost of my powers, what a good and faithful
Commissary and Vice-Director ought to do. So help me God Almighty.

In my presence

C. V. RuYVEKT, Secretary

Instructions for Willem Beeckman, Commissary and Vice-Director

ON THE SOUTHRIVER OF NeW-NeTHERLAND.

Arrived at the Southriver he shall for the present, as the Company has not reserved
a house or a lot in the Colony, and provisionally take his quarters in the buildings in
Fort Altena, but since he must reside frequently in or near New-Amstel, especially upon
the arrival and discharging of ships, he shall on the first opportunity look about for a
suitable room or house there and try to rent the same for the term of one year at a
reasonable price, to be charged to the Company.

2.

Upon the arrival of City' s or other ships, yachts or vessels, of whatever nation they
may be, he shall endeavour always to be at or near Fort New-Amstel in time and before
their landing or at least before their breaking cargo, that he may closely watch the cargo
and the unloading and by no means is he to allow, that any merchandises or goods shall
be unloaded or put on board the ships or loaded, unless they have been previously
inspected by him and he is satisfied, that the lawful dues thereon have been paid in the
Fatherland or are to be paid here at the Custom's oflice of the Company, so that the
Company may not be defrauded of her revenues.

3.
In order that this may be carried out more effectively and all smuggling prevented,
he shall place a guard of the Hon""' Company' s military either under his own command
or under a sergeant or other suitable officer of the Company on board of such ships,
barks or yachts, while they discharge and load.

4.
Upon discovery and seizure of any contraband goods, he shall seize or arrest them in
the quality of Auditor, conform to the published placats of the Director-General and

Kew YoTh Historical Records. 221

Council of New-Netherland and provisionally, until further orders, institute legal
proceedings against the smugglers and contraliandists before the City's Director and
Council there, for whose judgment and sentence he shall wait. If thereby he shall find
himself slighted as regards the privileges and monopolies of the Company and its supreme
representatives here (whom he must always sustain with respect in the highest regard),
in such a case he shall have permission to appeal, as it is proper, from the sentence
pronounced.

5.
From all smuggled and confiscated goods and merchandises, discovered, seized and
proceeded against by his industry and diligence as well of the mulcts and fines imposed
he shaU have and enjoy his proper share and part agreeable to the judgment and
discretion of the Director-General and Council : to this end he shall keep the smuggled
and confiscated goods in safe storage until such time and opportunity, that he can send
them here or according to circumstances give advice and information thereof to the
Director-General and Council.

He shall further have at the said Southriver of New-Netherland, except in the district
of the Colony of New-Amstel, provisionally highest authority over the Hon"'^ Company's
officers (who under all possible circumstances shall assist him in carrying out this
instruction), also over the free men of whatever nation they may be ; he shall keep the
former in good order and discipline and maintain and exercise among the others good
law and justice to the best of his knowledge, as well in civil as in military cases, also in
criminal cases of minor degree and this pursuant to the instructions formerly given either
to the former Commissary or to the Swedish nation, as far as they are concerned in the
legal action. These instructions wiU be amplified according to circumstances and on
his further advice, as the situation may require it, until which time he shall for the
present employ for the administration of justice the Sheriif and Commissaries appointed
before this for the Swedish nation.

7.
Whereas the Noble Lords-Directors have been pleased upon the further request of
the Commissioners to enlarge the Colony of the City of Amsterdam and grant to it the land
from Boompjes Hoeck southward to Cape Henlopen and in consequence have authorized
and ordered us to acquire the aforesaid territory by purchase from the lawful owners,
he is especially recommended and directed to inform himself, with the advice and
knowledge of Mr. Jacob Alrichs, or whomever he may want to qualify thereto, who are
the lawful owners of the aforesaid territory and to hear, what their claims and demands
for the same may be, and, if he finds them reasonable, to make an agreement with them
or else make a report to us about it ; if, however, the said Mr. Ali'ichs should be inclined
and have an opportunity to build some fortifications or erect some buildings near Cape
Henlopen or on the HorekU before winter, then he is specially authorized and directed
to buy the land necessary thereto, for which proper letters-patent will be issued upon
a detailed report of its extent and situation.

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Immediately upon liis arrival there, he shall make a correct inventory of all the
Hon*"^ Company's property and send it here by the first opportunity.

He shaU send over by first chance a correct list of the cattle and horses, left there by
the Swedish officers upon their departure, (stating) what number there has been and
what has become of them.

He shall also examine as closely as possible the quantity and quality of the ordnance
in Fort New-Amstel, especially its weight or caliber, also the other materials, received
and taken from the Company by Mr. Jacob Alrichs for the use of the City of Amsterdam
and report thereon to us by the first opportunity offering. Thus done and given at Fort
Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 28* of Octbr. 1658.

Letter. Jacob Aleichs to Director Stutvesant ; great scarcity

OF BREAD ; the HORSE MILL NOT COMPLETED IN CONSEQUENCE
OF THE DEATH OF THE CARPENTER ; SEVERE SICKNESS AMONG THE
SETTLERS.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Very Discreet Sir :

Sir : I am glad and gratified at your Honor's good and desii-able achievements at the
Esopus and return home in good health, but I learn with regret, that at the Manhattans
your Honor has been visited by chills and fever ; I hope, that the Lord God may have
delivered your Honor again from it and given you your former health and strength,
which I shall be glad to hear by the next chance.

I learn further, that your Honor mentions, that grain (cannot be had) there for
merchandise, but at least half must be paid in beavers. I hope and trust, that your
Honor will arrange this about the paying in beavers and oblige me or the City herein, as
there are here but few or no beavers to be traded, as everybody sufficiently knows.
Hence I rely upon your Honor' s disposition in this matter.

The arrival of skipper Jacob with the galiot is earnestly desired, since he has had at
different times good and favorable winds and the horsemill not having been finished on
account of Christian Barents' death, we are very much embarrassed here for breadstuff
or flour ; therefore we expect his speedy return every hour, as we also desire, that the
ship " de vergulde Meulen " had arrived in safety.

The cattle, [brought over] by Jan and Pr. Eenloos for this Colony has arrived

here on the 2* inst. after a comfortable journey, if [we except] that

some of the animals have been crippled Brantie the soldier is also [returned]

A general feverlike disease has raged here again for some time and it is
prevailing much among the inhabitants. The Lord please to take us into his merciful
protection and relieve many weak people from it. I, too, have been ill for some days,
but am now, thanks to God, a little better. Closing herewith. Noble, Honorable,

J\''6W York Historical Records. 223

Worsliipful, Wise, Pradent Sir, I commend your Honor and family with cordial
salutations to God's Almighty protection. In New-Amstel, the 6'!" of August
1658.

Your Honor's obedient and

faithful servant

J. Alkiohs.
To Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
General in New-Netherland, Curagao etc.
residing at the Manhattans

Per skipper Jacob, whom God may guide.

Letter. The same to the same ; bad condition of the cattle lately
received from the manhattans, etc.

Noble, Honorable, "Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

My last to your Honor was by Capt. Jan Jacobsen, wherein was also mentioned the
arrival of the animals and also the two soldiers, Evert Brantsen and Peter Paulus, who
are to be continued here in service in place of the two, who were sent there last year.
Bearer hereof (is) skipper Jacob, who goes there to bring over some goods, arrived in
the "Moesman." * I have been sorry and aggrieved to hear the complaints of their
laziness and unwillingness in the service, also of those, who brought over the cattle ;
excessive costs and troubles have been made, besides many beasts have arrived here
lame through the long drive, they must still be daily bandaged and cured, except those,
which I have been obliged to slaughter from necessity and fear, that they would grow
worse. As to the beavers sent by me to Thomas Hall, they came from Capt. Cryger and
through his son Frans were brought to my house for payment of freight on goods arrived
from Holland by the " Sonne;" I had to receive them provisionally under condition that
I might again give them away to others. Before this I had requested Kriger, that he
would please to pay them to skipper Jacob [for the] boards [brought over], but

had offered four guilders in wampum for the piece and that Francis, Capt. Kriger' s son,
had said, that the beavers, offered to Capt. Jacob were not worth to be sent to Holland;
it seems to me, that, if this is so, such action stands little to reason, because he owed
good merchandise or at least saleable (I mean) the forcing it upon a man and then the
valuing it in wampum and saying at the same time, that they were not worth to be sent
to Holland; for when somebody helps me to troubles, ingratitude and impaired credit
then it behooves not, to add insult to it. But it is necessary in many occasions to have
patience.

If the ship "de Meulen" has arrived there and been discharged, it is evident, that
the passengers once gone a-shore, cannot be brought together again without difficulty;
therefore, I would request, that your Honor be pleased to order in such cases that the

* I. e. The Marauder.

224 Colonial Settleinents on the Delaware River.

same should directly go from the ship or otherwise over into the galiot, to be brought
here immediately, provided provisions for them be received from the ship, whereby a
service will be done to the City and friendship to me.

The [widow] of Christian Barents will be by your Honor ;

the widow goes on her there; Your Honor will please [to assist] her

in matters might happen there, with offer a helping hand

and her affairs and recommend her to the Hon*'^ Orphanmasters

The crew of the galiot are rather troublesome and tumultuous also somewhat
displeased with the skipper and mate and unwilling to do their duty ; I would have
known, what course to take, but they brought forward as pretext, that the rations as
agreed to by the Company or the City, were not sufficient for them, so that therefore out
of regard to this (: to have no clamor and complaints about the food become loud to the
prejudice of this Colony :) first a sufficiency was given and the rest has been pacified
for this time. If nevertheless they should behave unreasonably and improperly there, as
it is likely, whereas they do not agree very well with the skipper and do not obey him,
then please, assist the skipper and punish the evil-minded and prevent that by staying
from the galiot or desiring to leave they may be encouraged in their bad intentions to the
disadvantage of the City. Relying thereupon I'll ask God,

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir, to keep your Honor in

continuous health and prosperity. In New-Amstel, the

ir? of August 1658.

Your Honor's obedient

and faithful servant

J. Alrichs.
To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
General of New-Netherland,
Curasao, Bonaire, Aruba, etc.
residing in Fort Amsterdam in N. Netherland

By which God may guide.

Lettee. The same to the same ; chimneys built of Foet Oeange

BEICK ; SEVEEE epidemic ; StTEGEON DEAD AND HIS ASSISTANT SICK.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Your Honor's favor of the 21'.' last has been duly received. Having seen and learned
by it, what was sufiiciently and frequently perceived at every occasion by your Honor's
affectionate kindness towards us, I respectfully request and trust, that your Honor will
in no way diminish it, especially in regard to the payment in beavers, because there are
but few or none to be had here, as I have written before this several times ; I therefore
ask, that your Honor will please to excuse the impossibility. I request, that your Honor
will have the enclosed order for Fort Orange brick filled ; I have given them out mostly

Kew York Historical Records. 225

to the inLabitants to make chimneys, also between 7 @ 8 thousands for the building or the
mason- y in Fort Altena, which your Honor will please to consider in the best light.

'ji'he ship " de Gulden Meulen" is expected with much longing and is looked foi
every hour, especially in our present circumstances, which are made very uncomforable
by a hot intermittent fever and other sickness, with which the greater part of these
inhabitants is burdened and kept down, besides also that our barber (surgeon) died and
another, who is well acquainted [with the profession] is quite sick

In regard to the widow of Christian B(arents), as she desired beyond measure to
go there and requested it within three days after her husband's burial by word of
mouth and by writing, also that the property, which he left behind, might be sold
immediately, all of which has been agreed to and permitted at her repeated instances
or demands and arranged for the best of the heii's, so that they have been benefitted
more than usually by some presents or words of consolation, as your Honor will have
seen from the transmitted letters and account and sale of the property, therefore there
is no cause given to the aforesaid widow to complain, but I only advised or proposed
to her, that it would be for her best to remain in possession, she should be assisted in
completing the mill, with the income of which through the grist she would be able to
diminish the expenses and live decently and abu.ndantly with her children on the surplus,
besides that she had yet 3 or 4 good cows with sheep and hogs, which also could help
her to maintain her family, she and her children should have remained on and in her and
the father's estate, which was in good condition here, wherein the widow with the
children could have continued reputably and in (good) position to much advantage : but
she would not listen to advice

that she was to be restricted in her inclinations and wellbeing, which I shall never think of,
much less do. This God may grant and give and I will also ask him to take your Honor
and us with our families in his Almighty care and protection, remaining
Kew-Amstel Your Honor's ever obedient

the 5'? of September and faithful servant

A" 1658. J. Alrichs.

To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
General of New Netherland, Curasao etc.
residing in Fort Amsterdam.

By Capt. Jacobsen

226 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. The same to the same ; progress of the epidemic ; arrival
or emigrants ; their sufferings on the passage from holland.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Yery Prudent Sir.
Sir:

Your Honor's last letter has come to hand, whereupon this briefly serves as answer :
respecting the beavers, delivered to your Honor by Th. Hal, over which, on account of
their bad quality, complaint has been made to your Honor, I have (: this only for my
excuse :) reported, what for, to wit for freight on goods from Holland and by which well
known person the same were brought into my house (after having before been assigned to
skipper Jacob Jansen and by him refused), and laid down and that T have been obliged
to receive them in the confidence and hope, that I should get off without loss and troubles :
°t is quite true that this does not concern your Honor and I do not seek to quarrel with
anybody, not even with that well known person, whereas what has passed between us
has been put into the book of oblivion and shall remain there.

In regard to Mr Jansen, who estimates the payment or value of the beavers
extraordinarily ; I have trusted and have had no other tliought, as many are traded here,
to wit one beaver counts for eight guilders or lacking these to pay ten guilders in good
wampum or merchandise at prices as they sell here. The cows are quite small, some
lean or else without mUk, so that nobody wants them on haK share. The lot of
M!' Jansen has been received here, consisting of .... animals and 7 calves, besides 2

[heifers] being together, large and small for the payment of these please

to arrange in the most advantageous way as I shall be gratified.

The complaints appear strange to me, as when he [arrived] here he

showed a letter from Mr. Sille gave notice by a written

declaration, that he neither could nor desired to continue in his service and he being thus
half and half without employ, but still an old servant, who has much knowledge of this
place and river, I have, to avail myself of it to some extent, requested and obtained from
your Honor his discharge, when the same was engaged and continued in his charge and
former salary.

Herewith I send some merchandises for the received animals, please to credit the
account for as much as they can be disposed of to the best advantage. They are packed
and marked as on the margin and according to invoice, sent herewith. What is due to
me or my principals from Marcus Barents, soldier, who left there A? 1657, also from
Jan Cornells de Ryke, gone there from Fort Altena, further Pierre Crossen, whom your
Honor desired for his service with the proposition, that, what he owed to the City, should
be settled, likewise also from a certain servant girl Geesien, whose board and passage
money was accepted by your Honor, of all this specifications and detailed accounts
shall be sent directly, as soon as the Hon"'* Commissary is again on his legs and
recovered.

Jan Jouriaens, the Commissary in Fort Altena, has again de novo demanded eight
thousand bricks for necessary buildings there, which I have partly already delivered to

him and shall give him. The carpenters, too, [speak] of a payment for their [labor]

wages, twohundred guilders paid on account

Kew York, Historical Records. 22'/
. .... I shall willingly contribute

a bm-ning and violent fever

raged badly almost

all people here but few old ones have

died, but rather many young children, who could not endure it ; we have also had our
turn with six of us, but, God be praised, I myself did not lie long. The members of
the Council Messrs. Hinijossa and Rynevelt, as well as the Sheriff and all the Schepens
have most of them had a long sickness and are mostly still a-bed, but I hope, it will take
a turn to the better, as the disease now begins to subside and the good God may
please to take it away entirely and keep it from us.

The ship "de Meulen " arrived here the latter part of last month with one hundred
and eight souls, of whom through misfortune, long duration of the voyage and other
troubles as well as of the ship's crew etc. 10 or 11 persons died on board and since they
landed, three more. On account of the great number of people, they have been in great
distress and want of water nor could they do any cooking for several days so that, as by
many contrary winds they happened to be near here, they were obliged to seek a port
and run in here, which made us very glad, notwithstanding that many eaters vidth little
provisions came on her. (" De Bruynvisch " * was to sail with her or on the next day, I
hope, she has arrived there in safety.) It is rather inconvenient to me, that your Honor is
pleased to withdraw from the providing of the necessary victuals for this place ; I wished,
I might enjoy the former accommodation, more so to remedy the present scarcity and other
imminent difficulties, as well as for the aforesaid

Mr. Alexander d' Hinijossa goes on her there, in order [to deliver] to your Honor

some commissions, letters, copies (?) and with your Honor' s

approbation is accomplished and arranged, shall be considered as being weU done.

The ship "De Meulen" has discharged the City's freight, except some bricks, vsdth
which they are now busy, she shall have a return freight to the amount of six hundred
guUders; as soon as the bricks are unloaded, she goes directly there.
Closing herewith, I ask God,

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir, with our dutiful salutations
to keep your Honor and Lady in continuous health and prosperity and remain
New-Amstel Your Honor' s obedient and

the T^ Oct. 1658. faithf al servant

J. Alrichs.
To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Mr. (Petrus Stuy vesant).
General of New-Netherland, Cura9ao etc. residing
in Fort Amsterdam.

By a friend, whom God may guide.

* I. e. The Porpoise.

228 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. The same to the same ; scarcity of provisions ; Rev. Mr.

WeLIUS ; DEATH OF ABRAHAM RyNVELT, COMMISSARY, AND MANY
OTHERS, PARTICULARLY CHILDREN.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

Sir: Your Honor's favor of the 31°' last has been duly received, from which I saw,
that the goods have been valued for the payment of some purchased animals by good
men; it is somewhat less, than they are sold here usually and at the lowest price, by
which prices I had at first to regulate myself, because there is so little trade here, that
one does not know, how mez-chandises stand in price against beavers or are taken in
settlement, but whereas a common course and style of merchandises is adopted there, I
must acquiesce in what is done and trust, that it has been done equitably. I should have
wished, that my principals had sent a greater assortment and better goods, as the present
necessity requires them ; I have not received one el of duffels, that is wide duffels, which
is very inconvenient, as without duffels it is hard to get deer-meat or maize from the
savages. Over one hundred souls have also arrived now, without that provisions have
been sent with them, which causes here rather some scarcity and inconvenience. It is
rather diflBcult to provide for many mouths, when one has but little stores, one hardly
dares to think of it and I am ashamed to speak of it or to ask again your Honor, to
send some necessaries of grain, which is very much needed here, also a lot of peas and
some bacon. If it is iu any way feasible, please to remember us on this occasion and
provide us with as much of these provisions, as can be spared somehow, whereby a
service will be done to the City and a special kindness to me.

The accounts of shall be made ready shortly

his continued sickness The desired boards

Beekman is

The order for the day of prayer was communicated to Rev. Weelius, who will make
his sermon accordingly in the next week, so as to observe the same here also.

We would necessarily require a few pieces of duffels for the purchase of land, for
without having them, and they are not to be had here from anybody, one should hardly
dare to speak of it, because one would thereby show an inability, besides that it would
not give any respect or esteem, if in winter-time we came out without duffels to negotiate
something of importance, so that hereby we are already somewhat hindered. It has
been made a rule, for the prevention of the smuggling, which is much carried on upon
the arrival of ships, to post 3 or 4 soldiers upon them, but as they remain here a month
and longer, they can hardly be charged with the maintenance of so many men and it
depends mostly upon the care of the same. But if your Honor would please to consider,
whether it were of more advantage, that two soldiers from Altena and one of the men
here should watch together, it would add opportunity and chance, to inquire into the
matter a little more and also to have a better supervision of it, which your Honor will
have to direct in the most expedient way.

With regard to sending the galiot to Curasao, if your Honor has no other employ
for her, although we are here in need of salt and horses, it will nevertheless have to be
deferred vsdthout further advice or occasion.

J^ew York Historical Records. 229

The 11 3i ellen of Osnaburgli linen, desired by your Honor

placed at the price there

[I have] sent herewith some mustard seed

The former Commissary Abraham van Rynevelt died on the 28'" of last month ; he
has, by his testament, made over the property which he left behind, to Commissary G.
van Sweeringen. If there is anything due to your Honor for disbursements, please to
send over the account to claim it.

Also Anthony Rademan went to his rest, so that the generally prevailing bad
sickness has taken away here already some respectable people and others, but mostly
young persons and children, besides many are still pining and low and can only slowly
regain their former health and strength.

We require here the presence of Jan van der Bosch, the soldier, who formerly
cleaned the arms here, which now during the long time of his absence have become ve*y
rusty and to keep them from further damage, the same cannot be spared ; on account ot
which your Honor wHl please to order, that he come hither by tlie first chance. Relying
hereupon I remain with cordial greetings and dutiful regards to your Honor and Lady,
whom I further commend to God's Almighty protection,
New Amstel Your Honor's obedient

the 18"" November and faithful servant

A? 1658 J. Aleichs.

In case salt has arrived there

please to provide us with

about 25 schepels. Date ut supra.

To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Sir,
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General
of New-Netherland, Curasao, Bonaire,
Aruba etc. residing at the Manhattans
at Fort New- Amsterdam.

By whom God may protect.

Letter. The same to the same ; oedeks to puechase the Horekil ;
commissionees appointed.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

On the resolution or contract made with each other and agreed to by the Lords-
Directors and the City in regard to the territory on the Horekil, to add the same
to this Colony, whereof the Lords-Principals respectively gave notice as well to
your Honor there as to this place and whereupon followed, that your Honor issued
an order, to enjoy the benefit of it, also an order was passed to this effect to your

230 Colonial Settlements on the I>ela,ware River.

Honor's Commissary, Mr. Beekman, to purchase the aforesaid land with another
person, who was to be qualified thereto from this side (he being Mr. Hinojossa), I
have instructed the two respective Commissioners about it, to begin the journey thither
and make a calculation, what they would require for the purchase and they made
the proposition, that they would require thereto a party of duffels, also coats for the
savages, kettles, looking-glasses, knives, corals, trumpets, etc., of which the principal
part cannot be Lad here, at least not for money or wares, nor did now the ship "de
Meulen" bring for the City's account any wide duffels, nor have any of the other
things been sent. Consequently difficulties arise and their journey thither would be in
vain without their bringing such things with them, the more so, because it is winter, so
that now negotiations, if of any importance, cannot well be begun or done, especially
with that nation, unless they have them. In my opinion it is [advisable] to accomplish
the purchase the sooner the better, for (then) we [have not to fear, that we shall] be
frustrated by anybody on account of delay, therefore your Honor will please [to
consider] whether it would not be advantageous

that what is most necessary thereto might be sent from there, while at the same time

the aforesaid Commissioners both are of opinion, that this is extremely necessary and

advantageous, in order that by the first opportunity steps may be taken towards the

negotiation. It was further considered necessary by them, to respectfully request this

of your Honor, whereupon decision and such effects, as your Honor deems useful, are

expected by the galiot. Closing herewith I'll ask Grod to keep your Honor and family

in long-during health and prosperity and remain

New-Amstel Youi* Honor's obedient and

the 20'!" 9"" faithful servant

A° 1658. J. Alrichs.

It is said here, that the sailors
of the galiot dare to receive from
private parties goods, as casks
and packages to bring them to
the Manhattans in

their own name, whereby the City is
deprived of the freight. I do not
know, what they intend further
with the smuggling. The truth
can be ascertained at the dis-
charging by those, who have the
supervision.

To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Sir.
The Hon"'^ Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherland,
Curagao, Bonaii-e, Aruba etc. residing
at Fort Amsterdam in N. Netherland.
By a (savage).

J^ew YorJc Historical Records. 231

Letter. The same to the same ; death of his wife ; early winter ;
scarcity of provisions.

Noble, Honorable, Woi'shipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Sir : My last to your Honor were of the 18'? and 20'? of 9"" and 10'? X*"-"* of last year,
to which I refer, mostly of difficulties and troubles but a misfortune, as is commonly
said, comes seldom alone. Almighty God has been pleased to visit me with a great
loss and to let an affliction come over me, which distresses me exceedingly ; it is the
death of my beloved and dear wife, who on the 6'." inst. very piously went to rest in the
Lord, nevertheless such a parting falls very heavily upon me, the Lord may be pleased
to provide for it and assist me with his grace.

This early and long-lasting winter came over us unexpectedly and has continued
with many inconveniences, which become more burdensome from day to day ; the
continuous rains have prevented the gathering of winter- fodder for the stock, the general
sickness has struck us down so much and continued (so long), that all the labors of the
house and fann have been at a stillstand for many months, which in the beginning is very
detrimental and hard to overcome. The arrival of the ship "De Meulen" was on the
27th of September, very late, with over one hundred souls, without provisions, little
freight, no wide duffels, to enable us to buy maize or deer-meat, no peltries to purchase

some other necessaries the winter so sudden, that nothing

can be got from the South that the little grain but much

rotten frost could not be threshed. Therefore there is a scarcity and lack

of everything and for this reason I request very respectfully and friendly, that ii it is
possible your Honor please to take charge of it and provide us somewhat with grain,
peas and bacon, as quickly as possible, even if it be at first only a moderate quantity,
until the season and the weather are more favorable and settled, when this coast may be
navigated with less danger, namely one or two lasts of wheat, I would prefer it ground,
but if not ready or if it could not be done in a short time, rather not ground than to be
obliged to wait, one hundred skepel of peas and one thousand pounds of bacon, not to
make too great a load ; if no vessel is ready, your Honor will please to arrange it to the
best, that it may be done as quickly as it is any way possible, upon which I rely.

I further request, that the soldier Jan van der Bosch, who before this went there
from here, may again be sent back to keep the arms, which we have here yet, from utter
and entire destruction there is no suitable place provided for them, on which account it
is so much eaten by rust, that it needs cleaning. Herewith

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir, I'll ask God to keep your
Honor in prosperous administration and long-during health and remain always
New-Amstel, Your Honor's obedient and

the 24'? January faithful servant

1658. J. Aleichs.

To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir: The Hon'"^ Mr. Petrus
Stuyvesant, Director General of New-Netherland, Curasao, Bonayro, Aruba, etc
residing at Fort Amsterdam in N. N*

♦Missing.— B. F.

232 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Extract from a letter of the Directors iit Holland to Stuyvesant
They hope William Beekman will be a good officer and explain'

SOME CCrSTOMS REGULATIONS ; DIRECTOR AlRICHS TO BE REMINDED OP
HIS DUTIES TOWARDS THE COMPANY ; THEY OBJECT TO THE APPOINTMENT

OF Swedes to positions of trust at the Delaware. IS'^ of
February 1659.

We will hope, that the choice of William Beeckman made by your Honors for the
position of Commissary and Auditor in the City's Colony on the Southriver, may be a
good one and of advantage for the Company and therefore will continue the same in this
place for the present. We do not quite understand the difficulty, which your Honors
apprehend in consequence, that the Court of the Colony should interpret it, as if all
smuggled and confiscated goods, condemned by their judgment upon the complaint of
the said Auditor, ought to be and remain seized for the benefit of said Colony ; for it is a
question beyond dispute and foundation, that by such smuggling not the Colony, but the
Company is defrauded, to the prerogatives and privileges of which it therefore belongs
and for the benefit of which such confiscations must be made especially, aside from many
other reasons, which might be brought forward for it, but are omitted on account of
prolixity. If nevertheless the aforesaid Colony should incline to take such a course, then
it must be stopped by the j^roper measures and it must be urged upon and recommended to
Director Alrichs not to do anything to the injury of the Company's rights, but to maintain
them ; nor do we mean, that the appeals, made from there to your Honor' s bench, should
be prevented by either direct or indirect means and we cannot doubt but that the same
Director Alrichs is willing to keep the Company unmolested by just complaints in this
direction and has, according to his promise made to the Hon"'^ Director Stuyvesant, already
corrected the oath, administered to the inhabitants of the Colony, in which no mention
is made of the Company. We have not been pleased to learn this and it cannot be
allowed. We shall write about all these points to Director Alrichs himself and remind
him of his duty, as your Honors shall see from the enclosed copy of the letter, while you
are directed to admonish the same from time to time to the performance of his duties and
especially, that he offer the proper assistance to Willem Beeckman, who is residing there
for the Company as Commissary and Auditor and that he support him, as the reasons
and justice of the case may demand it

It is not necessary, to send now the weight of the bronze and iron cannons, nor the
valuation of the remaining ammunition, camp equipage, and animals, transferred with
Fort Casimir (now New-Amstel) to Director Alrichs, as we have agreed on that point
perfectly with the Honorable Burgomasters and Administrators here, who are now the
owners of it all. This is for your Honor's information, while we in future shall not
forget to send over the prices of the ammunition and camp-equipage shipped there, that
you may be better posted for all occasions and distributions

We have no objections to the arrangements made by his Honor (the Director-General)
on the Southriver, except the appointment of Swedish officers for that nation, upon which

Kew York Historical Records. 233

no reliance whatever can be placed : this is inferable not only from their previous actions,
but also now from their request to the same Dii'ector, asking, that upon arrival of any
Swedish succour they might remain neutral, indeed an unheard of and bold proposition
by subjects bound to this State and the Company by their oaths, who thereby clearly
show the sentiments nursed in their hearts. We have therefore been so much more
astonished, as it would have been much better to disarm the whole nation there, than to
provide them in such manner with officers and hand them the weapons, which they will
know well how to use against us not only upon the arrival of the slightest Swedish succor,
but also on other occasions : it is therefore necessary, that, to prevent it, this mistake
must be redressed and principally not only the aforesaid Swedish officers discharged and
replaced by others of our nation, but also the time and opportunity taken advantage of,
to disarm them altogether upon the least mark of presumption ; further, their Sheriff and
their Commissaries, who are also of their nation, must serve out their term and then,
or in case of previous death their places must be filled again by men of our nationality,
that they may be deprived so much more effectively of the means of conspiration and
confederation and so much sooner be found out. It would therefore be useful for this
purpose, to separate them from each other and prevent their concentrated settlements,
or rather to put them scattered among our people, where they will be less to fear. Your
Honors can hereby understand, how very important we consider this matter and you are
consequently most earnestly recommended and ordered, to carry out and execute our
above opinions and intentions with all carefulness as in our judgement the Company and
this State are highly concerned in it

Letter. Directoks 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.

Duplicat.
Honorable, Prudent, Dear and Faithful Sir !

Although the Director-General and Council of ISTew-Netherland have not informed
us, we have still seen from some enclosures, which came with the latest letters from there,
that in the Colony on the South-river, of which the direction on behalf of the City has
been confided and entrusted to your Honor, some things are practiced, by which the
Company is considerably prejudiced and wronged, in regard to her authority,
prerogatives and duties which are especially her own and belong to her, namely

1. That not only the smuggling was connived at, but that it was also allowed to
introduce contraband goods, whereas against such law-breakers no proceedings were
taken, as ought to have been done ; deduction is made from a certain seized case of guns,
which have been distributed by your Honor among the community, without any further
consideration and without consulting the interest of the Company, for whose benefit this
confiscation nevertheless ought to have been converted in any case, it being one of their
30

234 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

prerogatives and. privileges ; the aforesaid Company and not the Colony has been
despoiled hereby.

2? That an oath is administered to the persons arriving in the Colony, from which
the Company and her representatives in that country are excluded and

3? That the appeals, which the inhabitants of the aforesaid Colony come to make to
the aforesaid Administration or the Director- General and Council of New-Netherland
are prevented and delayed by indirect means, whereas the Secretary of the aforesaid
Colony refused to record them, as among others has been done to one Van der As and
Nicholaus Deringh.

And whereas the foregoing points are in direct opposition to the contract, into which
the Very Worshipful Lords-Burgomasters and Magistrates of this City have entered with
the West-India Company for the Colony to be established, therefore we have been the
more astonished, as from the document may be clearly seen, that the Company reserved
to herself the special authority and patroonship and consequently the aforesaid Colony
cannot be considered anything else, than a subaltern Colony, standing under the aforesaid
West- India Company, as also the aforesaid Very Worshipful Magistrates of this City
apprehend, the same and will therefore not countenance such infractions. For that
reason we have thought of addressing ourselves to them, that the necessai^y order in
regard to this should be issued by their Worships, considering however that the same
being informed hereof might conceive dissatisfaction with your Honor's person, we
have herewith preferred to delay it and will first call your Honor's attention to it and
admonish you, to remedy such infractions in time and henceforth to acknowledge the
Company and her representatives in that country properly and to maintain them and have
them maintained in theu' prerogatives and privileges and therefore you will not omit, to
assist and lend a helping hand to the Commissary and Auditor, who resides there on
behalf of the Company, whenever it is proper and justice and the nature of the case
require and bring it with them. Whereupon we rely and in the meantime. Honorable,
Wise, Dear and Faithful Sir, we commend your Honor to God's protection and remain

Your good friends
Amsterdam The Directors of the West India Company

13'." Febr? 1659. Department of Amsterdam.

J. BONTEMANTEL.

Jacob Pergens mp.
To the Honorable, Wise, Dear, Faithful
Mr. Jacob Alrichs, Director in the Colony on the
South River in New-Netherland.

p "der Otter," which God may guide.
No. 4.

J\''eiv York Historical Records. 235

Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; scaecitt of
PROVISIONS ; the Horekil ; fast and prayek day.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise and Very Prudent Sir- :

Sir : In my previous letters of the 18^" 2'^ of last year and of the 24*!' of January and
13*? March* of this year I have from utmost necessity represented and given information
to your Honor of our great difficulty in regai-d to the lack of provisions, which as before
is still giving us much anxiety and although I had trusted and hoped, that in time
of need and just now (I should get help), so that I have let the galiot at your
Honor's request and writing, sent to me about it, for the service of your Honor's
inhabitants there, with and under special propositions and promises of the lessees, to
provide or furnish me by the said vessel with some victuals on account of the rent,
nevertheless by the early arrival and long duration of the winter it has been retarded or
delayed, nor has anything of it come now by a lately arrived vessel, which causes us here
more difficulties and incommodes exceedingly, therefore it has been considered necessary
and judged expedient, that for this matter as well as for the promotion of what concerns
the Horekil, Mr. Hinojossa should go over by land, on which occasion I would once
more respectfully request and ask your Honor herewith, to lend us, as far as possible,
a helping hand in the aforesaid [difficulty] and to let us further enjoy your Honor's good

disposition, to which we trust Michiel Carreman I have your

Honor' s [letter] received only on the 27'?

by a savage overland

an order for a general day of fasting and prayer which we shall hold and celebrate here

on the day fixed for it, that is next Wednesday. I should have wished, if it had not

been against the advantage of your Honor there, that another and better chance of a

vessel, in place of the galiot, could have been made use of. But Almighty God may

dwell with us in His grace and blessing and help us by such means, as the same shall

please to afford us in His wisdom. Closing I commend your Honor to His protection and

remain

New-Amstel Your Honor's ever obedient

the 29'." of March 1659. and faithful servant

J. Alrichs.

To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,

Wise, Very Prudent Sir

The Honorable Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,

General in New-Netherland, Cura(;ao,

Bonaire, Aruba etc residing

at Amsterdam in New-Netherland.

By whom God may guide.

* This letter of the IS'" of March is missing. — B. P.

236 Colonial Settlements on the Belaivare Paver.

Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stutvesant ; 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 AlTENA ;
ANSWER TO THE CHARGES CONTAINED IN THE LETTER OF THE DIRECTORS

AT Amsterdam of the 13™ February ; purchase of the Horekil ;
D'HiNOYOssA commander there.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Sir : Upon the arrival and return home of Mr. Hinojossa your Honor's letter of the
30'.'' of April a. c. has been duly handed to me and whereas his Honor was commissioned
there for the purchase of provisions and to help arrange all other matters concerning this
place and which might happen there, therefore I have heard the report of him, also about
the difficulty to get victuals and their scarcity there, which is also mentioned in your
Honor's letter, but the reasons, why we have had such a scarcity of provisions, I have
communicated to your Honor several times: your Honor knows, that new countries
cannot be brought in order or perfect cultivation in such a short time, as we have
been here. I have found, that of all the few Netherlanders, who were settled here upon
our arrival, have as yet in our time, not gathered one skepel of grain. Those, who came
with and after us, have not done much more nor could they contribute anything, as the
time in the first year was consumed with the erection of their houses and making gardens,
in the small compass of which gardening each had so much work with the clearing of it
as well as with the building and hauling together the materials, that the summer passed
without bringing much seed into the ground. Besides that the general sickness, which
has now (prevailed) during two consecutive years and the unstable weather caused
much delay in everything. [When the privilege], to draw victuals and other necessaries
from the City's storehouse came to cease, a great [anxiety], yea often an unexpected

came over the people and they were very embarrassed and [in want],

the more so as tlje great sickness, which has swallowed much good and blood, has
raged from year to year here as well as all over this province and brought a great
decline to the agriculture and everything else. Further, more than one hundred souls
came over with the ship "de Meulen" very late and shortly before this sanie winter,
besides those in the spring of last year, being according to the list sent about five-
hundred souls ( : without bringing any provisions with them :) we went bravely out of
our calculations, even though we received a small cargo of about three thousand guilders
for the purchase of victuals. The sliip "de Meulen" came late, the harvest could
not be gathered on account of the bad year, the little grain belonging to the Swedes,
which was not drowned by the heavy rains and had not sprouted again through the great
moisture, has also been so dear, that we had to buy it at high prices, equally to pork
from a bird's nest, when they wanted it themselves. Not yet being able to go to
Virginia or to the North, our granary and larder and trust has been only at the
Manhattans, where the galiot was sent, which was frozen in there by the early winter and
as we had not much here and could not get anything elsewhere, it caused distress among
many of the inhabitants, although the rations [promised] to Colonists for the first year

J\''ew Yorh Historical Records. 237

were issued and distributed, as well as to the [servants of tlie City] and military persons ;
it was a little less [large], because [we had to save] after the arrival of the aforesaid [one
hundred persons]. We had also arranged with the Hon''"' Governor of the Virginias, by

exchange of letters about [the fugitives (?) ] that we should get some

provisions from there, whereupon followed, that his Noble Honor carried his good
disposition into execution, freighted his yacht (which Emme Obbes sailed formerly in
Brasil) now called the Brigantine, with provisions of bacon, meat, Indian corn etc. and
sent it hither, but to our misfortune the skipper of her acted faithlessly and stole
away with the yacht, being so victualled, to go a privateering and look out for a good
prize, as is said here by diiferent reports, any way it has happened to us, as is commonly
said, a misfortune comes seldom alone. To fill the measure, in the course of time a cruel
and very long during winter surprised us too, so that no vessel could be used, so the
sickness of the summer and the cold in the vrinter took away the greater part of the year
and prevented also, that much work could be done. Sickness and death too have pressed
us so hard, that a great number of men, also many animals died during the said time.
AVe will ask God and hope that our sins may cease, then the chastisements may perhaps
also diminish, which we desire from our hearts.

I understood further, that the merchandises desired for the purchase of the Horekil
have been sent now, of which I am glad, but that there are no guns among them, because
they cannot be got at the Manhattans, on which account your Honor directs to supply
these from the smuggled guns out of the ship " de Waegh," which were seized by me,
I would willingly have done so, if it had been possible, but as these same guns had been
lying in the storehouse a long time after the seizure and the case had become rather wet
and principally, because many of the (newly) arrived Colonists had no arms and had to
be equipped, so in our meeting we deliberated upon it and came to the conclusion, to
open the case, which was done in the presence of Messrs. d'Hinojossa and Rynevelt ;
therein were found five and tliu"ty small guns with copper-belts, which were said to have
cost three guilders five stivers the piece in Holland, and it was ordered, that they should
be delivered to Anthony Eademan, the Ensign, to distribute them to the citizens, who
had no gun ; then it happened that many of the muskets, when used the first time, blew
up, burst and became useless ; I have written this in detail to the Directors, of whom
several are at the same time Directors of the Company, with the addition that he, who
should make a claim for these guns, ought to be referred to the Fiscal and because in
such a manner they had been needed here, the City's account with the Hon"''' Company
can be charged for them, also if it was desired to begin a law-suit on their account, that
it could be done, because he, to whom they were directed, is known.

As to that your Honor had expected a specification, what merchandises were required
for the purchase of the land, thereupon I answer, that I am quite ignorant of it,
because I have never dealt with the savages in such a case and whereas land has been
bought fi'om the natives by your Honor at diiferent times, therefore your Honor has more
experience and knowledge of it, to which I refer myself.

In regard to the four men-servants of Cornelis Herperts de Jager, who established in
the country near here a brick-kiln and employed 4 jaersons at it ; one of them, Peter

by name, had come from Fort Orange as a brick-maker and was married to a

woman, who came from Amsterdam and with him owed a large sum to the City, he had

238 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

committed wicked crimes of theft of small cattle, as sheep, also of the City' s weapons
from the former Ensign of the Citizens and had stolen several other things, for which he
was publicly flogged and banished this town or place, but allowed to do his work outside
ill the country, to earn his living and get out of his debts. This one has been the leader
and he stirred up the others under this or that pretext ; they have together taken away
four good muskets and other goods belonging to their master and thus run away to the
Manhattans. Mr. d'Hinojossa, when he was commissioned there to (get) provisions and
execute other things, has had also an order, to arrest the run-aways and send them here
in chains. Their aforesaid master says, that he treated them well and provided everything
properly and according to circumstances, that all his work had to be stopped on this
account and will be suspended to his great prejudice and irreparable loss, as the best
time now in the spring will be lost. One of them, Tom me Jouwes by name, has come
back and returned to his master's employ, without making any difficulty. We hear,
that Peter, the brickmaker, has broken jail there and that the two others are there and
would have liked to remain, provided that the interested party would bring his suit there at
the Manhattans, which takes away much time and expenses. Therefore it is respectfully
requested by the aforesaid Jager, as well as by me, that the said two men-servants should
be sent back here by the first vessel for the aforesaid purj^ose, to serve out their time
with their master. I heard further, that the said servants had brought forward as
their defence, that they could not earn more than 30 stivers per day and that on the other
side board was very dear. Your honor surely knew, that they were Jager' s servants and
coi;ld not earn a day's wages with anyone else and that they had their board with
their master, so that they have not served me a single day and could not do it ; it is
true, that before this thirty stivers extra-pay was given by me and the Hon"'"^ Captain
and Lieutenant to the soldiers who worked for the City, over and above their wages and
rations, but other workmen were paid, 2, 2^, 3 and even 4 guilders the day, according to
how it was here agreed upon and earned and nothing has ever been done by them at such
work, wherefore it is not proper, that such falsehoods should be taken up from that side
and be recorded in the rolls or notes to the disregard of myself and this place, which I
respectfully request to consider in future and not allow to be done any more.

Kespecting the passes of bargemen and skippers, who sometimes come here in yachts
and go again there, in regard to which youi' Honor mentions, that a report has been received
from the Commissary, that the passes of yachts coming here are kept and that the masters
are not willing to let them be searched, it is so, that the first barquier, who arrived here
this year, was Michiel Carreman, who after having come in during the night showed
me, following the old custom, his pass early in the morning and it was received by me.
In the afternoon, the Hon*"" Mr. Beekman having come from Altena, the Commissary
came saying to me in the presence of several other people ,, You must give me the pass,
because the Hon"'^ Mr. Beekman has come, who is our chief" and such like, which
appeared strange to me and I said in answer "You are pleased to (be courteous), we
reside here too, Mr. Beekman can find the pass here or it shall be sent to him directly,"
which was also done immediately, without my taking the time to have it copied, I
sent the same by or with my servant to the aforesaid Mr. Beekman, so that he had not
to wait for it for a quarter of an hour. If this short time has caused any inconvenience,
please not to take it ill, it was only caused by Carreman' s unreasonable conduct.

J^ew York Histoinccil Records. 239

Carreman said, lie had this and that from me and setting his sail he went again towards
the Manliattans, as he said, wliich we could not prevent here, as we had no vessel, then
having sailed some time, he however dropped anchor towards evening and his intoxication
being over, he came up slowly on the next day and lamented, that he had been drunk.
In the future I shall watch against such occurrences and accidents, as I do now,
so as to suffer no more insults. We have moreover been obliged, to hire Carreman' s
yacht, but when he sailed, he did not give me a proper list ; therefore I wrote about it to
Mr. Hinojossa, who requested the Hon*"" Fiscal to attend to the discharging there at the
Manhattans. Returned here, he has been with me once in four days, to let me see
only, that he was here. To avoid dissatisfaction, I did not dare to ask him for his pass
nor after his cargo. Hence I now have understood from different parties, that he had to
promise in writing there, that he would deliver his pass to nobody else, but Mr. Beekmaii,
so I let his Honor alone with it, to prevent trouble, as your Honor can hear and learn by
asking from the skippers of barks or yachts, who return there. Private vessels have
often been here eight or ten hours, before Mr. Beekman came ; in the meantime many
inconveniences happen by not being able to inquire after the cargo, the days of
anchorage pass, the cargo cannot be discharged, we do not get the letters before and
until it suits the skipper, even from vessels freighted for account of the Q'liy, whicli
makes it very injurious and inconvenient, as it happened to us from the same Carreman,
to whom I have to pay 260 guilders the month, he keeping for himself his cabin and
forecastle. Therefore I very respectfully request, that your Honor would please to
inform me of the order already established or which may be yet established there, that
I can govern myself accordingly.

I am not only ignorant of it, but it is also against my wish and will, that the barquiers
and others sailing in yachts are unwilling and refuse, to submit themselves to proper
search and I regret, that it should be charged to me. He who accuses me or informs
against me, that I am the cause of it, does it from malicious wickedness and for fear of
too much work or other motives, because he wUl not make a proper search, whereas in
case of a skipper' s unwillingness or the least resistance more force or an armed sergeant
and soldiers could be employed, as the former Commissary did it and if his Honor has no
soldier with him here, it need not cost him two words, which can be done with one ; I
shall assist his Honor with soldiers or sheriff and servants, 1 am obliged to it by
my oath, but would wish that your Honor would believe and trust that I shall not
omit to do in any case for the service of the Hon*'^ Company as much as is possible,
as I have bound myself of my own free will to do it and would gladly devote
myself to their Honor' s service more and more, if only chance would offer and I shall
therefore hope, that your Honor for once shall please to believe, that I need no
exhortations, to do what I do with pleasure ; I have never refused assistance even to
the lowest, who is here on behalf of the Company, in which with all respect I shall try
to continue.

In regard to the proclamation of a day of fasting and prayer sent here, to be published
on the 2? of April of this year, I handed the same just as it was sent by your Honor to
the Secretary to be copied as proper and in the manner, in which copies are made and
ordered to give it to the Preacher here to be announced at the fixed time. The Preacher
always keeps the copy in his charge, from which can be seen, what the same directs and

240 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

how it was given to his Reverence ; consequently every thing has been done and
performed, as custom and order require it ; I send therefore the Secretary' s declaration
concerning this herewith under No. 1.

As regards the letter written by the Hon"'' Lords-Directors about the smuggled
muskets, the oath of the citizens here as well as the refusal to record the appeals and
that they were denied by the Secretary in an indirect way, thereupon I shall say at first
for my excuse, that when the ship " De Waegh" arrived here and moreover at the
ariival of all ships, I charged, the Commissary (besides and above the supervision of
those appointed by your Honor), that at the discharge of goods coming from the
ship, he should pay close and sharp attention and in order to do it effectively
observe therein this method, that the super-cargo should examine all the boats and
vessels, in which the goods were brought from the ship to the pier or the bridge and
that he should upon every trip or time specify with date and day upon a qaarto
leaf of paper or even more, if it was necessary, what pieces came in the said boats
or vessels, distinguish them well, whether it was a chest, a case, a cask, or a package etc.,
the names on each cask or package clearly defined and if a name was wanting to make
another distinction by the volume of the said pieces, so that he should measure with the
foot-measure the width, height and length and note it down, to know the sooner what it
is, for otherwise if he notes down only a chest or a case, that is sometimes 1^ or 2 feet
and sometimes 4 or 5 feet long. Because at first I could not get this to work, I have been
obliged to apply myself to and was at or about it early and late, so it happened by accident
at the unloading of a certain case, which by the heaviness of the contents caused the
boards or planks to give way at the sides so much, that by looking very close, it was
possible to discern, what was in it. Learning it was contraband, I ordered to have it
brought into the storehouse with the instruction not to let it go out from there without
my consent or knowledge. Immediately finding out to whom it was sent, I was directly
and continually asked about and for it and tliis and that excuse was given, I heard them all
and answered little and was therefore judged unkind, I answered perhaps, that it was not
in my power, to do anytliing herein and I should let the matter rest, notwithstanding
that I was often much molested by those, who daily had their feet under my table,
likewise many hard words and so on passed about it [as I told] the Hon''"' General last
year at the time of his visit, when he was staying at my house ; the muskets have been
seized by me, notice of it was sent to the Hon'""= General, the Noble Lords-Directors and
my Lords and Masters and the guns kept ad opus jus habentis ; now, to keep the
muskets from being damaged and to use them in an emergency in behalf of the City, this
was here proposed to the Council or the meeting and it was deliberated and resolved, as
related above, and everything done, what was required for the service and the honor.
If I should have wished to stoop to connivance, a table-companion, to whom one is
favorably disposed, might well have obtained anything, but I would not tolerate the
least herein or see through the fingers ; with all that I am now through misunderstanding
or malicious information unjustly accused ; if the seizure was done unjustly I promise, that
herein I shall do no more wrong ; he who smuggled it, is dissatisfied, he, who had a claim
to the seized goods, is hardly satisfied, that I pretended anything before the seizure. I
understand very well, that it should be brought up in dispute. Such an office does not
suit me, I shall not solicit the post of searcher or inspector. If I have committed

Kew York Historical Records. 241

an error here, I shall willingly submit to a transmitted judgment. Surely, I wanted to act
herein for the best of the Company.

What concerns the oath of the citizens, the West-India Company was at first named
also in the formula, but the Ensign and other officers as well as the citizens
themselves said, that they had come upon the conditions, presented by the City, and
considered only the City as their Patron. I sustain them in their opinion, but consider
the matter of [too delicate a nature] or unexpedient [to give my opinion], holding as
Their High Mightinesses [are the Masters] of the country from whom all lesser [persons]
derive their qualifications, that [it would be better] to wait for a further approval
or disapproval, to observe and follow then the orders of the Hon'"'= Principals, as I had
talked it over with the Hon'"'= General, that I should send the form of the oath to the

Fatherland, which was done on the day of June 1658 by the ship "de Sonne," but

as yet I have not received a decision concerning it. Nevertheless, not to make any
delay on that account, the Noble General will please to direct in this matter and send
a form, by which the oath shall be taken properly. I shall attend to it strictly and
precisely.

Now I have only to speak or bring forward my excuse about the invented
slander, that the appeal to the Hon^'^ Director-General and Council for New-Netherland
has been prevented by indirect means and that the Secretary has refused to make a record
of them and that this had happened to one Van Nas and Nicolaus de Ringh, which
appeared to me, to the gentlemen of the Council as well as to the schepens here very
strange and astonishing, because such thing has never been thought of, much less ever
been done or happened. The said persons were summoned before our meeting to account
for it and have declared, to give evidence of the truth, that neither of them has ever had
such a law-suit here, from which an appeal could be taken and that they do not know,
that anybody here has ever refused to record an appeal, as is made evident by the
enclosed statement of questions and answers signed by them respectively, to which I
respectfully [refer] under No. 2. The officers of this place are thus themselves
suspected, blamed and turned out [of the service by their Superiors] and a price [set
upon slander of them] so that he may [be ruined] by it, who cannot run. And I am
sorry, that the malevolence of the people in this country [is so great]. I cannot help it,
that the people in this country lie and deceive so and thereby trouble and impose upon
your Honor, the Hon*"'^ Council and the Hon*"* Lords-Directors. Please also not to
believe everything so quickly and prevent the shadow of many vexations. Here is
enough to be put in order, as your Honor well may imagine and know, so that it is not
necessary to seek for more work or commotion. Abbreviating herewith I will only
briefly add :

That the Hon'"^ Mr. Beekman, coming here, has taken to Fort Altena as
soldiers there several men-servants of Colonists, notwithstanding that they were in
debt here, whereby he deprives their masters and this place. It was proposed
to his Honor, that he should be pleased to take on this occasion the five soldiers
and another one, whom he employs elsewhere, to the Horekil and then these same
soldiers might remain there or perhaps go over into the City's service against
those, who will be found willing herein, if there is any one yet, who can be
spared and to whom his wish may be easily granted. As they say, the soldiers
81

242 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

there do no guard nor other military duties and ours would rather be there than
here ; now too there are more needed here ; I send twenty under the Hon""
Capt-Lieut. Hinojossa to the HorekH, for the purchase of which place Mr. Beekman
and the said Hinojossa (who remains there in command) are going there. God
may grant a good journey and success. Wheremth closing I will ask the Almighty to
keep your Honor in lasting health and prosperity and bless you with a successful
administration, remaining

Your Honor's obedient
New-Amstel and faithful servant

the 14"' May 1659. J. Alkichs.

Letter. Jacob Aleiohs to Dieectok Stutvesant ; eumoes that
THE English claim the Delaware river and country and

ARE ABOUT TO SEND PERSONS TO NeW AMSTEL WITH THAT
VIEW.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Your Noble Honor' s favor of the 28'? last has been duly received by me, to which it
was necessary and I had to answer more, but in view of the nature of the matters, I shall
let it pass and remain as it is.

Since my last to your Honor Mr. Beekman and Mr. Hinojossa went to the Horekil
on the 23* of last month ; I received a note on the 30'?, that they had safely arrived
there and had sent out a savage for the chiefs of that country there, that they
should come down, to make an agreement with them ; since which I have not heard
from them nor had further news ; therefore I expect with desire to hear from them
again.

I hear at present some strange rumors, as if the English pretended, that this river or
land by right belonged to them ; that they would certainly send two persons here, to
demand this place and take possession of it, with whom some mischievous persons
would unite, to assist in accomplishing it, the more so as there are people here, who boast
that they have seen or read letters, written fi-om Virginia to the Swedes, that they should
remain here, as a free Colony under the English, of which so much is spoken, that I by
no means can let it pass by [unnoticed] and without informing your Honor immediately.
And [I request] as I have here only 10 or 15 soldiers, since about 20 went to the
Horekil, that therefore more might (be sent) or that your Honor in person would come
here (if the first would be considered serviceable or expedient or on the other side, if
your Honor's business could somehow admit of it) As regards me, you need not make
any difficulty, because I am alone and have not to care for wife, children or any one else,
only for the common welfare, for my Principals and also for the Hon*'^ Company, that
they in their affliction might not suffer the least damage or decrease, therefore I judge
this, as I said before, to be necessary and advantageous, whereupon I shall respectfully
expect your Honor's orders, resolution or direction by the first chance, either a letter

Mew York Historical Records. 243

by express over land or otherwise, as occasion may oflEer and yo^^r Honor shall be

pleased to direct as necessary, wherewith closing I remain with dutiful regards and

salutations

New-Amstel Your Honor' s obedient

the 23*. of May 1659. and faithful servant

To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Sir
The Noble Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General in New-Netherland,
Curasao, Bonayre, Aruba, etc. residing
at Amsterdam in New-Netherland

By the yacht of Michiel Taden, God may guide her.

J. Aleiohs.

Bill op sale of the land between Cape Henlopen and Boomtjes
Hook, given by the Indians to Mr. Beekman and Lieut.
d'Hinojossa for the W. I. Company, on the 7™ June, 1659.

(Too defective, to be readable. — B. F.)

Ijetter. Jacob Aleichs to Director Stuyvesant ; purchase of the
Horekil; deed sent to the Manhattans.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

My last to your Honor was of the 7"' * by skipper Michael Taden. I hope it arrived
safely and has been received by your Honor. I reported in it, that Messrs. Beekman
and Hinojossa were absent at the HorekU, to make a contract for the lands there. This
has been done according to the bill of sale, which will be sent to your Honor by Mr.
Beekman and to which I refer. I request now that according to the desire of my
principals I may get a transfer of it made in due form (as also of the other lands of this
Colony) ; also that I may get a duplicat of the said transfer, sealed and signed like the
original on parchment or fransijn if possible, to send the same to the Lords-Mayors in
Fatherland.

In my former letter I have omitted or forgotten, on account of much business, to
inform your Honor of the return of the galiot, which on her outward-bound voyage
suffered a great deal from bad weather, storm and danger, so that the ropes are all much
injured and broken and she has lost her power or strength. In the meantime I have had
about 800 guilders charged to my account for freight by Michiel Carreman, besides other
charges, which I must carry for it.

* Missing. — B. F.

244 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

What regards the unfavorable rumors concerning this place, they mostly continue still,
also that some preparations are made in the Virginias to visit us. If reason and justice
may prevail, then I cannot understand, that the case would [offer any difficulty] ; your

Honor has perhaps, besides received other and further [information] about it,

therefore I refer all concerning it respectfully to your Honor, but if they should desire to
use force [of arms] to rob and plunder, then I think this place in the present time too
weak ; there is little courage on accoiint of the two years' sickness, the bad summer, the
hard winter, scarcity of provisions, without little assistance or a ship being sent here, the
more so as I am ordered and commanded by letters from my Hon*"'" Principals, to equip
another place besides this one and have it fortified and garrisoned, which cannot be
begun or done without great expenses, towards which a small cargo, as that, which reached
me in "de Meulen," will not go very far, furthermore, while all provisions have to be
bought dearer and at much higher prices, than formerly : I am therefore obliged to
purchase, because of the deficiency of victuals, maize at six guilders the skepel, which
takes away much. In the meantime I must be patient, until the Ruler of all shall be
pleased to grant us some relief or better deliverance, commending your Honor, with my
dutiful regards, to God's gracious protection.

I have still something to settle with Barents Jochems, skipper of " de Meulen," about
which I have written to Secretary van Ruyven. If he cannot arrange matters with him,
please assist him in equity, — which wiU obUge me more and more. I remain
New-Amstel Your Honor' s obedient

the 14'." of June and faithful servant

A? D. 1659. J. Alkichs.

To the Noble, Honorable,
Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General in New-Netherland,
Curasao, Bonaire, Aruba etc. residing
at Fort Amsterdam
in New-Netherland.

By the Galiot, which God may guide.

Jfew Yorh Historical Records. 245

Letter. Jacoo Aleichs 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.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

Sir : Lately, on the T^ and 14*J' inst. I wrote to your Honor about what is said here,
that the English of Virginia have the intention, to visit us here in one way or the other
about the ownership, possession and administration of these places, which, it is said, are
claimed by them : what may be expected therefrom, time will further reveal. It is
therefore to be considered, whether it is not expedient, to send Commissioners there, to
learn, that we may begin with understanding, what there is in it or how true it is and as
I find it difficult to do anything in such a matter, no step shall be taken nor anything
done without further order, advice and opinion of your Noble Honor. I rather had
expected a note or a rescript upon my former letter concerning this, but have as yet not
heard anything, although after the arrival of Michiel Taden, a yacht, upon which Philipp
Jansen sails, has arrived here from there. Our strength and situation here are precarious
and since no ship has arrived here the resolution or courage is in proportion. Perhaps
your Noble Honor has [received] there further news and surer informations, because
vessels from [Virginia] arrive there daily, wherefore I respectfully request your
Honor [will act] according to judgment and necessity or better still, if your Honor's
business might somehow allow it, I would see with pleasure your Honor' s coming over
in person, to arrange then in this matter, what would be found the most expedient and
advantageous for the public welfare. Herewith

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir, I will ask God to keep
your Honor in lasting health and prosperity, remaining
New-Amstel Your Honor' s obedient

Sef of June and faithful servant

A" 1659. J. Aleichs.

The people, coming from
Virginia, or from Bear's or
Godtfridt' s Island confirm the
above said, that they will
come over shortly, that there
is war between England and
Holland, that young Cromwell
has been poisoned and is dead.
To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Sir,
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant Director-General
over New-Netherland, Curasao, Bonaire, Aruba, etc. ,
residing at the Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland.

By the yacht Prints Mauritz, which God may guide.

246 Colonial Settlements oji the Delaware River.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

After closing my letter of to-day a certain person came from Bear's or Godtfridt's
Island and brought as news, what has mostly been told in my letter of to-day, that the
leading men of the country were assembled about it, but nothing else could be ascertained,
the more so, because some of the inhabitants were instructed to keep at hand and ready,
indications at the same time with to go thither : therefore it is respectfully requested, that
j-our Honor will decide in reference hereto without delay, what your Honor considers
most proper and let it be done, with deed or advice, as speedily as possible, so as your
Honor deems it most advisable. Herewith my salutations and recommendation to God.
In New Amstel, the 26'." June, 1659.

Your Honor's obedient

and obliged servant

J. Alrichs.
To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Sir,
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General
over New-Netherland, Curasao,
Bonaire, Aruba etc. residing

at the Fort

Amsterdam in

New-Netherland.

By the yacht of M?Carreman.

Extract from a letter of Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland ;
smuggling at the delaware ; purchase op the country between

THE HOREKIL (DeAL, DeL.), AND BOOMPTIES HOOK (BOMBAY HoOK).

23° OF July 1659.
******
We have sent your Noble Worships' private letter to Mr. Jacob Alrichs in due time.
What answer and excuses he makes regarding the smuggled muskets, the oath as
administered and other points your Noble Worships can infer from the enclosed copies of
letters, exchanged between the Director-General and the said Mr. Alrichs on this subject
and will at once learn thereby, what orders were given to the Commissary Willem
Beeckmann as well in regard to the surrender of the smuggled muskets as to the purchase
of the country situate between the HorekU and the Boompjes Hoeck. The results
thereof shaU be communicated to your Honors by the next opportunity ; we have
meanwhile not omitted, to recommend to and request Mr. Jacob Alrichs, that he assist
the Commissary Beeckman in everything concerning the Hon^'' Company and to direct
the Commissary Beeckman to keep on a good and friendly footing with Mr. Alrichs nor
can we doubt but that Commissary Beekman, who is a person of peaceful character, will
do so, even though Mr. Alrichs seems to evince some dissatisfaction on account of the
passes and lists of goods, sent there, being directed to the said Commissary and vice versa

J^ew York Historical Records. 247

on account of his despatching and the passes to this place ; as evidence see the enclosed
These jealousies are, we hope, removed by the Director-General's last letter to both

We have good reason to believe with your Noble Worships, that neither the Swedes
nor the English, who live under our jurisdiction or outside of it, have a great affection
for this State and the same might likewise be supposed and sustained from us, in case we
should be conquered, from which the good God may save us, but how to prevent and
improve it. Right Worshipful Gentlemen, 7ioc opus hoc labor est. We have thought the
most suitable would be a lenient method of governing them and proceeding with them,
to win their hearts and divert their thoughts from a hard and tyrannical form of
government and considering this we granted to the Swedish nation, at their request, some
officers, that in time of necessity, against the savages and other enemies, in case of
defense, they might keep order, but we gave them no written document or commission,
much less were any arms distributed among them. If your Hon'"'= Worships should not
consider this advisable, we shall according to your Hon*"^ Worships' orders correct and
abolish it as far as possible agreeable to cii'cumstances and occasion.

Letter. Jacob Aleichs to Directoe Stuyvesakt ; messengees sent
TO Maryland ; thet visit Col. Utie ; claim of Lord Baltimore.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Your Honor's favor of the 15*? of July, present month, has been duly received, from
which I understand by rescript, what your Noble Honor and Council think there of the
rumors and pretenses of the English from Virginia in regard to their supposed ownership
of these places. The consideration in regard to this South-River is, that their coming
here will make at least concern and commotion ; that they will come, is considered sure.
Since my last to your Honor it has been decided here, to request the Governor of Maryland
by a letter written to him by one of the Hon""' Schepens here to send back or deliver some
run-away soldiers or fugitives, but whereas the name and residence of the said Governor
was not known to us, it was deemed well, to communicate the letter to the Hon*'" Colonel
Jud* residing on Bear's Island, because his Honor is the principal among the 12 members
of the Council there, requesting, that the aforesaid letter might be sent, with his Honor's
recommendation, to its address, which was acceded to ; but his Honor declared during
the conversation, that he had in his house the commission, to proceed bither, because new
letters and orders had come from Lord Balthus Moor, that the territory from such to
such a degree, belonging to him, should be visited and according to circumstances be
brought and kept under his jurisdiction, he having not the least intention, to abandon his
desire, because ,

to expect from the English, time will show ; it will at the least be injurious, if they come
with any force, to which no resistance can be made by tliis river or here. Therefore please

248 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

to consider such means and directions, as shall be deemed expedient and necessary, in
behalf of the Hon''"' Company and this City. Herewith I shall ask God

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir to keep your Honor and
family in lasting prosperity and health and remain

New-Amstel Your Honor' s obedient and

the 29'? July 1659. faithful servant

J. Alrichs.
To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent, Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,

General in New-Netherland, Curasao, Bonaire, Aruba etc. residing
at Amsterdam
in New-Netherland.
By a savage.

Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; Gov. Fendal

INSTRUCTED TO ASSERT THE RiGHT OF LORD BALTIMORE ; PaNIC

among the Dutch on the Delaware.

Noble, Honoi-able, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

My last to your Honor was by Michiel Carreman, but of somewhat earlier date than
his departure from here, because this same letter was destined to go overland with a
letter, I mean to say a savage, which did* not succeed, therefore the same is now sent by
the aforesaid yacht. We have heard here since, that it is said to be certain, that Mr.
Fendel, who is now on behalf of Lord Balthus Moor (residing in Old England) Governor
of Maryland, has strict orders to make a close inquiry and invesgation concerning
the limits and jurisdiction in his district in these latitudes and in case they are
in somebody' s possession, to notify the same of it, summon to surrender it and do his
further duties according to his power and the cu-cumstances of the case. This having
now become public, has caused such fright and disturbance among most of the inhabitants,
that thereby all work has been stopped and every one endeavours to fly, to remove and
look out for getting away in safety, the more, because all the vessels on this river now
will not, we observe, admit of any supervision or inspection but by Mr. Beekman, so
that the concealing or removing can at least be prevented. It occurs also, that some ask
for passports to go by the vessels, pretending that they wish to purchase provisions at
the Manhattans, but being there, they do not return, but sail with the ships for
Fatherland, as now lately one Wouter Clasen Schaep, a carpenter, about 50 years old,
is said to have gone from there to the great detriment and concern of the City, also

Henrick Assnerus is gone, who for his annual work there might

Ploetgoet, carpenter, comes passport, Abraham van Nas

and wife, also Hendric

I respectfully request, that these persons should be watched and sent back here in the
galiot, to prevent damage and detriment, which through bad seasons, death and

J\^eiv York HistoTical Records.

249

continuous sickness and pining have pressed us here hard enough, besides we are now
more and more weakened by this or that loss, also because we have to give now two
garrisons instead of one, because the five or six persons engaged by Mr. Beekman stUl
continue in his employ, to avoid disturbances, as he desires to keep them. If your
Honor could spare eight or ten good soldiers, to strengthen our garrison, it would be
agreeable to me, about which I expect a note for information. Herewith I'll ask Grod,

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir, to bless your Honor in health
and keep you in lasting prosperity, remaining

Kew-Amstel Your Honor's obedient

IS'" August 1659

To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent and Discreet
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, General
in New-Netherland, Curasao, Bonaire,
Aruba etc. residing

at the Fort
Amsterdam in
New-Netherland

per Graliot, which God may guide.

and faithful servant

J. Aleiohs.

Extract feom a letter of Stuyvesant to the Directors 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.

Fort Amsterdam, 4^= of Septbe. 1659.

The City's afl'airs on the Southriver are in a very deplorable and low state. It is to
be feared, that, if no other and better order is introduced, it wUl be ruined altogether ;
it would be too long and tedious, to report all the complaints brought from there, nor
can all be received (as true) ; but it is certainly true, that the people begin to run away
in numbers, as for instance, while I write this, there arrives from there an English ketch,
which went there with some provisions from Boston three weeks ago; the skipper of it, a
wellknown and trustworthy man, says that during his stay of 14 days at the Southriver
about 50 persons, among them whole families, run away from there to Virginia and
Maryland. It is said (these are the general complaints and rumors of it spread here and
elsewhere), that one of the causes for the running away to Virginia is the too great
preciseness of Mr. Alrichs, who refuses pass-ports to this place to the people, even to
those, who offer to pay their passage and boardmoney or to give security for it; they
would othervsdse prefer to remain with and among their own countrymen, than go among
. Our own experiences seem to confirm this probability, as his Honor has at

250 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

different times pursued and demanded back persons who came over to this place and
he would not be satistied with security nor payment, even though I myself addi-essed him
about it and advised him not to be so rigid. Seeing now its ruinous consequences I
have deemed it advisable (at least till your Hon"'^ Worships' further advice and order)
not to be so strict on oiir side in returning those, who might come over, as there
is greater hope that the City will get paid sooner or later by those, who remain
within this jurisdiction and province, than by those, who are forced, by not being
received here, to desert to strangers : I shall expect by the next opportunity your Hon''^°
Worships' advice, to govern ourselves accordingly.

Your Honorable Worships will be able to form an idea from the enclosed copies of
letters passed between me and Mr. Alrichs (marked No. 5 among the enclosures) of the
rumors and the fear sprung fi'om them, that the English from Kent, Maryland and a
part of Virginia might make an attempt on the Southriver, also of our opinion about it ;
time must show, what will follow ; for the present there is no other probability possible,
than that Lord Baltimore may have ordered and written to his Governor in Maryland to
investigate, how far the boundaries of his patent reach ; yet, we are not quite without
fear and suspicion, that if the alliance between Sweden and England and the difficulties
with our State should continue long, something may not be done, under the Swedish flag
and name, against our State, which the good God may prevent, as under such
circumstances we would be too weak, to assist our people there and keep this place
properly garrisoned. We hope and do not doubt, that your Hon"* Worships will take
care of your own interests and provide us with timely help and orders.

Letter. Jacob Aleichs to Director Stuyvesant ; arrival of Col.
Utie and suite from Maryland ; particulars of the interview.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

We have to our great regret before this at different times troubled your Honor with
letters (full) of anxieties and fears of the English, which have now and then been dragged
along in such a way and to that length, that it sometimes appeared like a dark cloud,
ready to vanish again ; nevertheless it now appears again concerning the province
of Maryland. Six persons arrived here last Saturday, at about eight o. c. in the
evening with 4 fugitives, wlio came in their company, of whom 3 were arrested, the
4'." escaped. The six persons are the Hon*"^ Colonel Utie, his brother, his cousin, a
major, Jacob de Vrint and a servant. On Wednesday he demanded an interview, which
was granted and having come in, he was asked for his commission ; thereupon he showed
his instruction, which he said served for both warrant and instruction ; copy of it is sent
herewith ; it is rather unusual and sharp, although what he added in words, was pervaded
with still more sharpness and so much so, that it was unbearable, he demanded our
immediate answer or declaration of Yes or No, else he would be obliged to use other
means, of which bloodshed he should consider himself not guilty, he had full
authority, would not admit of any delay neither could there be a more favorable

New Yorh Historical Records. 251

period, to execute their plans, as tliey miglit now dispose of the land to a number
of tobacco-planters. It appears that they are intently bent upon the execution of

this project, as becomes further evident from his answer or protest

cadets and drummers, the citizens are few and disinclined to fight, because

the City has broken and curtailed the conditions and to say it briefly, it is impossible
to hold out here without further assistance or relief, which upon receipt of this
ought to be sent citissime, without the least delay. I hope, that the galiot is still
there, which it would serve to dispatch immediately, without tarrying or lingering. If
your Honor's situation would allow of your coming over in person, it might be necessary
and useful. We shall have no rest with them, unless your Honor with wonted discretion
and circumspection makes such disposition, as your Honor's wise advice shaU suggest.
Please then not to let us come to grief or be ruined on this occasion ; therefore all shall
be left to your Honor's wonted good management, whUe we expect in patience such
assistance, as your Honor judges necessary and expedient to redress the matter : we are
living at their mercy, therefore please to have everything properly considered, wherewith
I wUl ask God,

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Yery Prudent Sir and commend your Honor
with sincere greetings to the protection of the Almighty, remaining
New-Amstel Your Honor's obedient

O'.** September and faithful servant

1659. J. Alrichs.

Since I wrote the above letter, we further conversed together, chiefly however with
regard to his Master's warrant and instruction, when it occurred, that I proposed, that a
certain time might yet be allowed, in which I could notify the Director-General of this
event. No more than three weeks were allowed for it

Your aflCectionate and obliged
servant

J. Alrichs.
To the Noble, Honorable,
Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General in New-Netherland, Curasao,
Bonaire, Aruba etc. residing
in Fort Amsterdam
in New-Netherland.

By a savage.

Protest of Director Alrichs and Council, Vice Director Beekman and Schepens of New-Amstel against the
pretensions of Lord Baltimore ; addressed to Col. Nathaniel Utie (Published in N. T. Col. ffistory 11, p. 73, from
Holland Documents XVI. 117).

252 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beeckman, Vice-Director at Altena, to Director
Stuyvesant ; particulars of the transactions with Col. Utie.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

On the 9'." inst. at night I with Mr. ALrichs sent a savage to your Honor ; for fear
that he might not find his way there, we send another ; we would have liked, for greater
safety's sake, to have sent a soldier along, but whereas 8 or 10 days ago rumors were
brought by savages, that the Christians upon Staten-Island and in Gamoenepaw * are again
troubled by the savages, we did not like to venture it. Sir, it is so, that on the 6'? inst.
in the evening Colonel Nathaniel Utie with his suite, altogether 7 in number, arrived
at New-Amstel. On the 8'^ he demanded an interview, which was granted to his
Honor dii'ectly. I was pressingly asked by Mr. Alrichs to be present at the meeting with
his Honor in order to hear the demands and propositions of the Colonel, he saying at the
same time, that I had more to defend on behalf of the Company, than his Honor, as the
City of Amsterdam had her guarantee from the Hon"'* Company for any loss, as their
Honors had sold and transferred unincumbered land.

The Colonel first delivered a letter to Mr. Alrichs and upon our request a copy of
his instructions, further, he uttered and declared by word of mouth his oi'ders, (which
he had from the Governor of Maryland,) informing us, that the country settled and
held in possession by us here at the South-River, was under Lord Baltemoor's
jurisdiction and therefore he ordered us to remove immediately or to declare ourselves
subjects of this Mr. Baltemoor and if we would not decide upon it willingly, he should
hold himself innocent of the harmless blood, which might be spilt hereby. We
answered, that this appeared very strange to us, because we had had possession
of this place for so many years, under a privilege granted by the States-General to the
Hon"'^ Directors of the West-India Company. His Honor said, he did not know anything
about it, it belonged to Lord Baltemoor and was granted to His Lordship by King James
and re-afiirmed by King Charles and lately the grant was renewed and allowed by the
Parliament, about 2 years ago, to the 40'? degree and he repeated, that if we did not
comply, he must excuse himself for the innocent blood ; for Lord Baltemoor had power,
to make war and peace again without consulting anybody, and he said further, "It is
now our opportunity, for your people are mostly all run away and those, whom you have
yet, will not assist you, therefore we must take advantage of our chance now, while you
are weak ; this is also for us the most opportune season of the whole year, because now
most of the tobacco is harvested and we demand positively an answer, let it be as you
please" (as if he wanted to say, it is all the same to me). We answered, that it was
not in our power to decide that, but that this had to be done by our Lords-Principals
in England and Holland. He said, that he had nothing at all to do with that ; we answered
further, that we had already referred (the case) to the Hon*"" Director-General of New-
Nether land, under whose government we were placed ; he was willing to admit that
and desired to know, what (time) we should require thereto, we answered three weeks,
whereupon the Colonel said "I have no order, to grant a delay, for we must take
advantage of our opportunity," but finally he granted the time.

* Communipaw, N. J.

Kew York Historical Records. 253

On the 9'!" inst. we asked his Honor again to tlie Fort, to give him a written answer ;
the Colonel repeated his demand and directed me in particular, because he had learned,
that I was Commandant at Christina, that I too must remove, as I was also within the
40'? degree. I answered, that if his Honor had anything to say to me, he would please
and come to the place, where my residence is, to which he replied "I consider to be
sufficient, what I have ordered here."

The documents, delivered from either side, are sent to your Honor by Mr. Alrichs ;
we expect your Hon'''^ Worship's order and assistance with all possible speed and desire
from our hearts your Honor's personal presence here. Closing I'll ask God to preserve
Your Honor in lasting health and prosperous administration, remaining always
Altena, 12*? Sept. Your Honor's faithful servant

1659. WiLii. Beekman-.

Honorable General ! Last week Abraham Eskels, soldier, run away from us so that
we have now only 13 men, besides the Sergeant. I wish to have represented to your
Honor the necessity of socks, shoes and other things.

Honorable General !

On the 9'.'' inst I dispatched a savage from here, on the 12'? also Abraham van Nas, and
Sander Boeyer, who were to go with a savage from above ; but the said van Nas and
Boeyer came back again after an absence of eight days, without having accomplished
anything ; they could not bring the enclosed letters over nor forward them from above
by a savage. If the first savage has, as I hope, reached there, then we rely, next to God,
upon relief, we are sorely threatened by the English ; they have said, that they would
come in 12 days after their departure and would, being here, await the answer of the
Hon'"^ General. It is said, that 500 men are already under orders, how true it is, time
will better show. They left here on the 11"" inst. The letter to Josias Fendall is
dated on the 8'? of April, it must be 8"" of July. Closing I remain with regards and
commendations to God, In New-Amstel, the 20"" Septbr. 1659.

I send now again 7 men with a savage, to get through and send the letters forward.
If the first has not been delivered, I shall hardly be able to do it again.

Your Honor' s obedient

and faithful servant

J. Alrichs.
To the Honorable General
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant
residing

at Fort Amsterdam
in New-lSTetherland.

By a friend, whom God may guide.

254 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

Extract from a letter of Stutvesant to the Directors in Holland
ON the same subject. Fort Amsterdam, IT'^ Septbr. 1659.

We mentioned in our last letter the deplorable and bad state of affairs in the City's
Colony on the Southriver, caused by the desertion and removal of the Colonists to Mary-
land, Virginia and other places, which increases daily in such a manner, that hardly 30
families remain ; besides this the City' s soldiers, sent out with the Colony, who numbered
at first 50 men, have melted down to one half, of which two-thirds are placed at the
Horekil and not without fear and danger of being sooner or later massacred by the cruel
savages ; hence there remain in and near New-Amstel not more than 8 or 10 soldiers and
very few free people. Your Hon"'^ Worships wUl learn the further details from the out-
going passengers, among others from one Nicholas de Ringh, who goes over m this ship,
while I desii-e to inform your Hon"''^ Worships and through your Worships the Hon"'*
Commissioners beforehand by this report to make timely arrangements, before, to the
further discredit of the City as weU as the Company greater calamities occur either by
an invasion of the Swedes or English or by an attack of the savages.

Extract from a letter of the same to the same. Emissaries of Lord

Baltimore at New-Castle demand a surrender op the territory ;

the disposition of the troops prevents an armed resistance.

Fort Amsterdam, 18™ Septbr. 1659.

******

After the letters and enclosures, sent by " de Bever " were closed yesterday afternoon

and the skipper had taken his leave, we received very early this morning the enclosed

from the Southriver, from which your Hon"'" Worships can infer the bad situation of the

Colony and learn among others of the frivolous demand, the imperfect authority of the

claimants, who ought to be sooner considered spies and agitators of the community, than

duly qualified envoys. We are astonished at the great shortsightedness of Mr. Ah-ichs,

who suffered the aforesaid persons to inquire into and spy out during 4 or 5 days the

condition of the Fort, the sentiments of the Colonists, the weakness of the garrison and

then on the fifth day gave them an audience on such a frivolous demand and pretended

instructions without stating date or place or by whose order, government, prince or state

they were anthoi-ized hereto, their base answers being also without date, while the letters

of Mr. Alrichs make it appear, what orders are given for the maintenance of the City's

soldiers and the management of powder and lead and other war-materials, to be used in

time of need ; aU this your Hon"'" Worships in your usual wisdom will learn yourselves.

It would have been better, according to our opinion, under correction, not to listen to that

frivolously pretended instruction or to have it apparently taken and sent here, to bring

their demand before the supreme authority as it ought to be done and have the justice of

it examined there. Quod factum, infectum fieri nequidt.

J\^6W York Historical Records. 255

Although our present situation, because of the restlessness and the daily varying
rumors in regard to the savages and also to the menaces of those of the North, at
Wappinch's Kil and near Fort Orange, which certainly ought to make us very
circumspect, hardly allows to send any relief there, because our troops are already
scattered to wit : 60 men at Esopns upon the bad reports (from there), 15 or 16, pursuant
to orders, at Altena, 15 or 16 at Fort Orange, 8 or 10 at the end of this island in a newly
begun village, Haerlem, much needed there, 5 or 6 according to orders on Staten-Island,
so that only about 50 remain here and they of the worst kind : nevertheless, we have
resolved to dispatch there by the first opportunity in 3 or 4 days, wind and weather
permitting, 50 to 60 men, one half at the expense of the Company, 25 or 30 at the charge
of the City, to be enlisted under the command of Captain Crieger ; with him goes from
our Council Secretary van Euyven and I hope, that the few, who, as Alrichs says, have
remained, but will not fight, may be induced to return to their duties by the great
affection, which the Colonists have formerly had for the said Captain. If this should
turn out, as we hope, then we are confident that either the English, among whom are
many of the fugitive Colonists, upon whose instigation and advice we believe most of
these proceedings have been undertaken, shall relinquish the intended work, seeing the
unity of our people or that our people shall be strong enough to be a match for
them. The result will be communicated to your Hon""' Worships in due time. We
desire once more to warn and request your Hon*'^ Worships, to take a timely care of your
own interests by sending recruits, powder, lead, matches and other ammunition, so that,
menaced in this manner from both sides, no more damage and misfortunes may befal us :
above all your Hon"'^ Worships and upon your Honors' recommendation the Hon"'"
Commissioners for the management of the City's [Colony] will please to send a lot of
merchandises, to meet the great and extraordinary expenses incurred in their and the
Company's behalf, as it is else impossible to keep up our credit and ourselves out of
debt

Letter. William Beekman to Director Stutvesant ; dispatches sent
overland to the manhattans ; state of affairs on the delaware.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Very Prudent Sir :

Sir : On the 12*? inst., to make sure of our preceding letter sent by Mr. Alrichs on
the 9'? with a savage, Sander Boeyer and van Nas were dispatched to inform your Honor
of what occurred between us and the English ; but this Boyer and van Nas returned to
New-Amstel last night, saying that the savages at Meggeckessou * had dissuaded them
from it, as the Raritans had fled for fear of those from the Manhattans. Therefore Mr.
Alrichs sent for me and we have together come to the conclusion (the more, because we
have no certainty, that the savage got on) that the Sheriff Gerrit van Sweeringen should be
despatched with 9 or 10 men overland, in all possible speed, with whom I send two soldiers.

Sir ! Two days ago a man and an Englishman arrived here again ; this one offered
to hire out here, the other has lived last summer at New-Amstel. They say, that upon
the return home of Col. Juty, 500 men were directed to keep themselves in readiness

* Trenton Falls — B. F.

256 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare Pdver.

until further orders, but we can hardly believe it. It is said also, that some of them will
be here again in a short time, to await our orders and directions from the Manhattans.

Sir ! Last Monday I sent one of our soldiers, who speaks English and has been
there several times and lived at Bijcker's in Virginia, with an anker of sack there, to
learn all under this pretext and whether any preparations were made ; the said Claes de
Witt or this soldier was there too, when the Colonel left his house for this place ; I expect
him back here to-morrow or the day after.

On the 16'? inst. I asked Sheriff van Dyck and the Commissary, urgently by letter
that 8 or 10 men fi-om their nation might be sent to me for the security of Fort Altena, until
I had received relief from the Manhattans ; I have hitherto received no answer at all.

Very Worshipful Sir ! I shall expect your Honor' s orders and assistance in aU possible
speed, in the meantime use all precaution ; I await furthermore some means of subsistence,
also stockings, shoes, shirts, wampum and some garments, as the winter approaches.

Sir ! Yesterday Capt. Jan Jacops arrived here and I learned with sorrow from my
wife, that your Honor has had a severe sickness, but is now through God's grace
recovering rapidly. God Almighty may grant your Honor strength and the former
health with long life !

I am now, God be praised ! tolerably well again but have had fever during the
last 7 or 8 days. I hope, that I now have overcome this climate.

I understand also, that your Honor is dissatisfied with my transmitted accounts, as
well for the amounts as otherwise. I declare, that I have done nothing, but what great
necessity required ; I have indeed done no building, only carried out your Honor's
directions ; what other carpenters have received, has mostly been drawn from the Swedes.
I have got again with the last sent duif els during the summer into an unavoidable advance
as for maize, bread stuii to provision the Fort and some other necessaries. I respectfully
request, that your Honor will send me 3 to 400 guilders, for I have for once deprived
myself of everything. Closing I'll commend your Honor to the grace and protection of
God with wishes for a long life and prosperous administration and remain with cordial
regards and thanks for all your Honor' s kindness, shown to my wife,

Sir

Your Honor's very affectionate friend
Altena, the 20'." 7"" and faithful servant

1659, in the South River. Wilh. Beeckman.

My dutiful regards to the General's Lady.

(In margine:) Sir ! I request to send me 3 or 4 pieces of iron, that we may also have

some upon inquiry, as there is sometimes a demand for it.

To the Noble, Honorable,

Very Worshipful, Wise,

Very Prudent Sir Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,

Director-General of New Netherland,

Curasao etc. residing

at Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhattans.

JVeiy York Historical Records. 257

Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stxitvesant ; fears entertained
OF the English ; dispatches sent overland.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

I wrote by a savage, on the 9'? inst. who, I hope, got through, but I fear and have
no assurance and as I dare not rely upon it I wrote again on the 12'" inst. by Abraham
van Nas and Sander Boeyer, but they came back again, after having been out eight
days, without having delivered the letter, declaring that it could not be done, therefore I
then got ready 5 of the citizens, 2 soldiers from here and 2 soldiers from Altena and a
savage, together 10 persons, to go overland and deliver the returned letters, but the
abundant rumors of divers tidings, that the roads are unsafe (are such) that savages
as well as Christians are afraid, to undertake the journey and pass over the road, so that
I could not make any progress and all has entirely miscarried. Therefore I was compelled
to hire expressly the yacht of Capt. Jacobs and send it there, so that we may know, that
your Honor has received sure information of our difficulties here and to do herein what
your Honor deems necessary and expedient. I had to hire her for going and returning
at 200 guilders, with 4 or 5 days at anchor there. If the galiot sails from there, please to
employ her as much as is required. We trust, next to God, that a good relief will come;
the English have gone from here so long ago, that we are not sure of the time nor can we
trust them in the least. We desire hence with anxiety your Honor's disposition and
arrangement of this matter. And I'll ask God

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir to bless your Honor' g
administration and [keep] your Honor with his [Lady in lasting] health and prosperity.
New-Amstel [Your Honor's obedient and

the 21" Septbr. faithful servant

A? 1659. J. Alrichs].

To the Noble, Honorable, Worshipful,

Wise, Very Prudent Sir,

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, General

in New-Netherland, Curagao, Bonaire,

Aruba, etc., residing

at Fort Amsterdam in
New-Netherland.

p. Express with the yacht Aventuyr, which God may guide.

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beeokman to Director Stuyvesant ; dispatches
SENT TO the Manhattans bt sea; Aleichs and D'Hinotossa

GREATLY PERPLEXED THROUGH FEAR OF THE ENGLISH.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Very Wise Sir.

I was yesterday morning called for by Mr. Alriclis, to dispatch another letter to
your Honor and it was concluded, to send 10 men overland, as it is asserted here, that
the roads are very unsafe whereupon I returned immediately to Altena to despatch 2
soldiers and a letter to your Honor to which I now refer, and sent the same before evening
to New-Amstel. But Mr. Alrichs had changed his mind and sent back to me the soldiers
to-day, who arrived at Altena about one hour before evening and informed me, that Mr.
Alrichs had hired the yacht of Capt. Jacops and she was to sail before night ; I stepped
directly into the canoe and went there. Nearing New-Amstel van Nas and Andersen
(others ?) met me, who told me, that Mr. Aliichs had changed his resolution, because he
could not spare so many men from the Colony. Coming to Mr. Alrichs he gave as reason
for changing the safety, as the undertaking is considered very unsafe.

Sir! I remark, that Messrs. AMchs and d'Hinojossa are very much disturbed and
afraid of the English and they fancy, that they will come shortly and surprise them. I
cannot imagine this at all, for Maryland is not of such a capacity, to keep large
garrisons. The more I think of the affair, the less difficulty can I find, but we cannot
know, what arrogant people may do. . But we shall wait for your Honor' s wonted good
advice and orders and fulfill the same with all diligence according to duty and oath.

I have not heard yet from our Sheriff van Dyck and the Commissary. I am of
opinion, that if anything came upon us (which God may prevent), they would be more
cumbersome than useful.

I wish further to hold recommended to your Honor the necessaries mentioned in my
former (letter). Breaking off herewith I'll recommend your Honor and dear family to
the protection of the Almighty and wishing a lasting health and prosperous administration
I remain

Noble, Very Worshipful Sir,

Your Honor's ever very affectionate
New-Amstel and faithful servant

21'.' T"" 1659. WiLH. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very
Worshipful, Wise Very Prudent Sir
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General
in New-Netherland, Curac^ao etc. residing

at Fort Amsterdam

in New-Netherland.

J^eiv Yorh Historical Records. 259

Letter. Dikector Stuyvesant to Messrs. Aleichs and Beeckman ;
HE Condemns their Pusillanimous Conduct towards Colonel
Utie ; Secretary van Ruyven and Captain Crieger sent to the
South river; Augustyn Heermans sent as Commissioner to
Maryland.
******

Jacob Alriclis and the Vice-Dii-ector

"William Beeckman in regard to the

following, given to us by the Hon"'" General.

To Messrs. Jacob Alrichs and William Beeckman.

Honorable, Wise, Prudent and Very Discreet Gentlemen.

With no less sorrow, than astonishment have I seen from the last sent letters and
their enclosures the frivolous demand of Nathaniel Utie and your Honors' not less frivolous,
stupid answer and further proceedings with him upon an instruction so frivolously
made up without day or place, when and where signed or by whose authority and
order given, much more that your Honors have allowed the said Utie to sow his seditious
and mutinous seed among the community there for 4 or 5 days, without asldng him for
reasons and qualification of his coming there, granting him actually, but only on the
fifth day after his arrival, an interview upon his request and promising in writing, signed
by the full council, to give a further and better answer to his trifling demand within the
time of three weeks and all that upon his threatening utterances, without showing, by
a writing or document, by whom he had been authorized thereto. Forsooth, it shows of
bad reflection and discouragement assenting to the demand made, giving at least to the
demanding party great ardor and courage, while he rather deserved to be arrested as a
spy and sent hither, than to be listened to with such a frivolously made up instruction
and without warrant ; therefore to deprive the aforesaid spy of all hope, we are compelled
by the proceedmgs had and your Honors' letters, as well for redress of the one as for the
proper maintenance of the other to commission and send there the bearers of this, our
dear, beloved and faithful Sr Cornells van Ruyven, Secretary and Capt. Marten Crieger,
present Burgomaster of this City to arrange everything according to the warrant and
instruction given them and besides these, under the command of Capt. Crieger such
military force, as the country's situation for the present time can hardly miss. Requesting
herewith to receive, respect and treat the said our Commissioners as our Own person and
to give them in the carrying out of their instruction all help and obedience, upon which
we rely, we'll with cordial greetings commend your Honors to God's protection and care
and remain

Amsterdam in Your Honors' affectionate friend

New-Netherland P. Stuyvesant.

the 23? Septbr 1659.

Having found the situation of affairs here as is related hereafter in letter No. 15, we
sent St Augustin Heermans and companion to Maryland.

260 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Fuver.

Commission. Maetin Ceieger to be Captain of a military force
sent to the delaware.
Warrant for
Capt. Martin

Kj-ieger. Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of Their High Mightinesses, the States-

General of the United Netherlands and the Lords-Directors of the General Incorporated
West-India Company, Director-General of New-Netherland, Curasao, Bonayro, Aruba
and dependencies and the Gentlemen of the Council to aU, who shall read this or hear
it read Greeting :

Know ye, whereas we have for the guarding and protection of the Company' s as well
as of the Colony's of the City of Amsterdam property on the South-River in N. JST.
directly resolved to make ready and dispatch a certain number of soldiers, to command
whom in our absence we were obliged (to appoint) a fit and brave man, Therefore trusting
from our own experience upon the fitness, knowledge and faithfulness of the Valiant
Marten Crieger, Burgomaster of the City of Amsterdam in New-Netheiiand, we
commissioned, engaged and appointed the same, as we engage and appoint him hereby, as
Captain of the aforesaid troops and of all others, who may be found at the South-River
in New-Netherland or shall be engaged. We order and dh-ect therefore aU upper and
lower officers and soldiers to acknowledge, to respect and to obey the aforesaid Marten
Crieger as their Captain, whereby our good intention shall be carried out.

Thus done and given under our usual signmanual and signature.

In Amsterdam in N. Netherland, the 22* September A° 1659. (Was signed)

P. Stuyvesant.

[sigliuj

Commission. Cornelis van Ruyven and Martin Crieger to be
commissioners to regulate affairs at the delaware.
The warrant for
Secretary van Ruyven
& Capt. Marten Crieger
going with the reliefparty
to the South-River.

Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of Their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the
United Netherlands and the Honorable Lords-Directors of the General Privileged West-
India Company, Director-General of New-Netherland, Curasao Bonayro, Aruba and
dependencies, together with the Members of the Council to All those, who shaU read this
or hear it read Greeting

Know ye, that upon the unexpected advices sent to us overland by Mr. Jacob Alrichs
and S? William Beeckman we commission, authorize and despatch for the redress,
maintenance and protection of the Hon"'^ Company' s as well as of the Colony' s of the
City of Amsterdam affairs herewith our beloved, faithful ST Cornelis van Ruyven,
Secretary, Captain Marten Creiger, first Burgomaster of this City, to put in order
the policy and protection of these places, according to the instructions, already given to

Keiv York Historical Records. 2G1

them or hereafter to be given, upon more detailed and better report as far as possible and
promptly, commanding and summoning hereby all and everybody, to whom this is shown
or whom it in any way concerns, to receive, to respect and to treat our aforesaid
Commissioners Sr Cornells van Ruyven and Marten Crieger in the execution thereof, as
what they are qualified by this instruction, and what further might concern the affairs of

the Company and the service of the Colony, to show all

favors and assistance as it is proper.

Thus done and given under our hand and seal in Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland,
the 2:3-! September 1659.

P. Stuyvesant.

Commission. Augustine Heeemans and Resolved Waldeon to be
Delegates to Maeyland.

Petrus St^^yvesant, on behalf of Their High-Mightinesses, the States-General of the
United Netherlands, also the Lords-Directors of the Privileged West-India Company,
Director-General of New-Netherland, Bonayro, Aruba and dependencies with the
Members of the Council to All those, who shall read this or hear it read. Greeting

Know ye, that we have commissioned, qualified and authorized, as we hereby
commission qualify and authorize S'^ Augustine Heermans and Resolved Waldron to
address themselves as our faitliful envoys to the Honorable Mr. Josias Fendall, Governor
of Maryland and after delivering a copy hereof and our letter to demand from his Honor
in a friendly and neighborly way the restitution and return of such freemen and servants,
as have from time to time and especially since one year fled there from the Colony of the
Lords-Magistrates of the City of Amsterdam and consequently from this province on
account of debts and for other reasons and who, is reported, mostly sojourn in his Honor's
government ; and having done this to assure his Honor in our behalf, that for the
preservation of good justice and neighborly duty we shall do the same with those, who
might desert to us from his or other neighboring governments. Also on the contrary, if
his Honor might make any exceptions, delay or procrastination to this neighborly
representation and necessary matter, to give notice and make known at once to his
Honor, the Council and all those, whom it in any way might concern, that we. Lege talionis
shall be compelled to announce and grant liberty, leave, free access and recess to all
planters, servants, bondmen and negroes included, who shall or may desert to us from
his Government now or in future.

Secondly, our aforesaid Commissioners and Envoys are directed, to represent to the
said Honorable Governor and his Council, what has passed in regard to the presumptuous
coming to the aforesaid Colony of New-Amstel of one Colonel Nathaniel Utie, who tried
to subdue it and to induce the subjects of Their High Mightinesses, the inhabitants of said
Colony, to sedition and revolt against their lawful government and own nation, further
did not exhibit any legal document, order or qualification from any state, prince,
parliament or government, only a manufactured paper in form of instruction without
time or place, where or when written nor signed by order of any state, prince,
parliament or government, demanding and threatening in case of refusal to bleed the

262 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

aforesaid Fort and Colony of New-Amstel, adding thereto, tliat lie should take and
invade the said fort by force of troops hostilely within three weeks' time, if the same was
not surrendered willingly, which directly contradicts the 2?, 3?, le'? and the last article
of the Confederation and Articles of Peace made between the Republics of England and
of the Netherlands in the year 1654.

And whereas in the aforesaid manufactured instruction, delivered by the said Col.
ifathaniel Utie to the Honorable Director and Council of the above mentioned Colony
of New-Amstel, we cannot infer nor recognize any higher authority for such
seditious incitement or seduction of the subjects from their lawful masters and own
nation, much less for the demanding and threatening of those places, to which our
indisputable right can be proved and shown by a patent granted by Their High
Mightinesses the States-General to the Honorable Lords-Dii-ectors of the Privileged West-
India Company, further by bills of sale and transfer-documents from the natives and
possession of nearly forty years, which then being so, this occurence is contrary to the
law of nations, contrary to the abovementioned Articles of Peace made and hitherto kept
sacredly, and according to which the judicature and decision of all questionable matters,
if any came to originate and arise between the two nations, must first and before all be
referred, according to the last article of the Treaty of Peace, therefore our aforesaid
Commissioners are specially authorized and directed to ask by virtue of the said Articles
of Peace from the said Honorable Governor and his Council, right and justice against
the said Colonel Nathaniel Utie with compensation of the expenses, already had through
his frivolous demand and bloody threats had in the preservation of our right to the
territory on the South -River.

Further desii'ing by this our letters-patent that the abovesaid, our Commissioners
Augustine Heermans and Resolveerd Waldi'on may be received, heard and given perfect
credit, according to the Laws of Nations, as our faithful Delegates while we promise,
to ratify, approve and acknowledge as true, what shall be done and performed under this
warrant, as if the same was done by ourselves. Thus done and given under our usual
seal and signature, at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, on the 23'? day of September,
a? 1659.

Letter. Messrs. van Ruyven- and Crieger to Director Alrichs,
annoulsrcing their arrival and requesting his attendance at

AlTENA ; ON ACCOUNT OF HIS SICKNESS THEY AVAIT ON HIM AT NeW

Amstel.

No. 9. A letter from the Commissioners of the Hon'"^ General and Council of
New-Netherland to Mr. Jacob Aliichs, by which they notify him of their
arrival.
Honorable, Wise, Prudent Sir :
Sir:
Your Honor's letter of the 9'? inst., sent overland by a savage, was handed to the
Honorable General on the 18'? inst. and although the present dangerous situation, in
which the Director-General and Council together with the whole country find themselves

Jieiv Yorh Historical Records. 263

now on account of the savage barbarians, did not admit of missing any military,
nevertheless, upon your Honor' s serious and urgent letter and request for relief of troops,
provisions and powder and that your Honor had there not more than eight private soldiers,
two cadets and one sergeant and furthermore that the Citizens were few in number and
not inclined to fight, because (so says your Honor) the City had broken and curtailed the
conditions, further that your Honor was living at the mercy of some threatening neighbors,
(whose claims and demands in the first place are frivolous), it was on the same day by
the aforesaid Hon'''® General and Council concluded and resolved (to show your Honor
and the whole world, how much they are concerned for the safety of this South-River,
which has now been in possession of the Privileged West-India Company more
than 36 years) to send me hither with a succor of about 60 men under the military
command of the valiant Captain Marten Creiger, which then, after the resolution
being made, has been carried out so quickly and taken so to heart, that in less than
three days all was made ready, which is required for such an expedition, whereupon
we embarked and set sail from the Manhattans in three vessels on the 23 ? inst. and have
arrived here on this day, of which we give herewith notice to your Honor, in order, that
your Honor, upon receipt hereof, may please to come in person to us in the Fort Alteua
or send some authorized person, provided that he be a man of proper knowledge and
qualification, to help us deliberate and settle such directions and means, as shall be
judged necessary and useful for the maintenance and defence of this excellent South-
River and especially of the Colony of New-Amstel. Whereupon commending your
Honor with cordial salutations to the protection of God we remain
Honorable, Wise, Prudent and Very Discreet Sir,

Your Honor' s affectionate friends

and servants (was signed)

c. v. ruyven.

Marten Ckiegek.
Done in the South-River
of New-Netherland on
board the yacht " de
Zee-Bears" under
sail between Fort New-
Amstel and Altena
the 26'" Septbr. 1659.

Lower stood :
Sir:
Whereas before closing and sending off this letter Lieutenant d'Hinojossa with other
persons came to our boat and we understood from them of yonr Honor' s indisposition,
therefore we have resolved to come to anchor before Fort New-Amstel and call ourselves
upon your Honor.

Your Honor" s affectionate friends

(it was signed)

C. V. RUYVEN.

264 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Lettee. William Beeckman to Dieectok Stutvesant ; vindicates
himself feom the chaeges in eegard to his treatment of colonel
Utie.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

Sir: I received with pleasure on the 28*" inst in the morning your Honor's
Commissioners with a goodly number of soldiers, who are acceptable here.

I learnt further from their Honors, that your Honor has experienced some
improvement; may Grod Almighty grant to your Honor further strength and lasting
health.

We have received by Mr. van Kuyven a letter from your Honor's own hand,
directed to Mr. Alrichs and myself, from which we see your Honor' s dissatisfaction, that
we have not arrested Colonel Utie. Sir ! I was very much inclined thereto and proposed
the same once or twice to Mr. Alrichs and Hynojossa, but before Utie's arrival ; which
was entirely slighted by their assertion, that great mishap would arise therefrom, also
a riot of the citizens, who were already against their Honors, so that we acted in the
matter as the circumstances of the time and the desolate state of this place allowed it, for
we needed delay in this matter.

Sir ! Since my last by the yacht of Capt. Jacobs we have not received any certain
news from the English ; our soldier, whom I had sent there, says, that the planters are
very dissatisfied with this exploit and that the Colonel had gone down, to give the
Governor a report of his adventures here. I hope, that through your Honor' s commission
it will be effected, to refer this matter to our Lords-Principals in the Fatherland.

I received only yesterday morning answer from Sheriff van Dyck and the Commissary
upon my request, made on the 16"' inst, to send 8 or 10 men for better securing our Fort;
they excuse themselves from it and say, that your Honor had told them through Hendrick
Huygen, that they should not stir in case of war, but only assist us against the savages ; I
gave the letter to Mr. van Ruyven.

Closing I will commend your Honor and dear family to the gracious protection of
God and remain with sincere salutations and wishes for a long life and prosperous
administration,

Noble, Very Worshipful, Very Prudent Sir.
New-Amstel Your Honor's ever affectionate

on the last day of 7''" and faithful servant

1659. WiLH. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very

Worshipful, Very Prudent, Wise Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General

in New-Netherland, Curasao etc. residing

at Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhattans.

New York Historical Eecorcls. 265

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; further
vindication of his conduct.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Very Valiant Sir.

Sir. I forgot in my haste to answer in my letter, what your Honor says, that we
granted the Colonel an interview only on the fifth day, or Wednesday ; I cannot
remember, that I had written that, but knew well that it was Monday. I wish further to
say for my excuse, that Mr. Alrichs did not send me a copy of the letter, which was sent
to his Honor by the Governor of Maryland. I reminded his Honor several times of it, as
Lieutenant Hynojossa and van Sweeringen have declared to Mr. van Ruyven, for they
were also of my opinion, that it was necessary ; so that it appeared quite strange
to me, that it was not done. In truth, a great mistake, not to inform your Honor of
such an infamous letter. Breaking off I commend your Honor to the protection of God
and wish you more and more strength, lasting health and a desii-able administration
and remain, Sir,

New-Amstel Your Honor' s faithful servant

on the last day of Wilh. Beeckman.

Septbr. 1659.

To the Noble, Honorable,
Very Worshipful, Wise,
Very Prudent, Valiant Sir,
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherland,
Cm-a^ao, etc., residing

at Port Amsterdam

on the Manhattans.

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.

[Printed in Vol. II Col. History, p. 88.]

266

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. Messrs. van Ruyven and Crieger to Directob 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.

Exhibit of the Commissioners
Secr'^ van Ruyven & Marten Crieger
to Mr. Jacob Alrichs, seriously &
friendly recommending to him,
to complete and maintain
the military, sent with him by

the City and to think of his de- To the Hon*'* Mr. Jacob

fense aside from the Company etc., Alrichs, Director of

whereas the country's danger re- the Colony New-Amstel

quired the speedy return of the mi- on the South River of

litary brought there. New-Netherland and Council.

Honorable Gentlemen.

That the Hon*'* Director-G-eneral and Council of New-Netherland are very much
concerned and anxious for the safety and welfare of this place, your Honors themselves
can sufficiently infer from the sending here of such a considerable succor of troops,
provisions and ammunition of war. But, that the dangerous situation, in which the
aforesaid Hon"'* Director-G-eneral and Council and the whole country find themselves on
account of the wild barbarians, did not admit of doing without their military, but
required most urgently to send it back speedily, of this we have reminded your Honors,
in writing upon our first arrival, also verbally on the same day in full meeting (after
the reading of our instruction, and since at different other times, each time very
circumstantially ; and therefore it was most urgently and earnestly recommended to his
Honor, to rally, complete and maintain the military force, sent along by the City, to 50
men, but we find to our great concern, that all our urgent and earnest recommendations
added to persuasive reasoning and inductions, have had no other result, than words
without consequence, that the utmost best should be done, to enlist as many troops as
possible, but we are yet to be told what utmost best, what endeavors, what zeal has
been applied and whether a foot has been stirred by the City's oflBcers. It has been
announced to everybody by the beat of drums, but nobody came. You knew well
enough beforehand, that in such a manner you would not get any one of the inhabitants,
because almost all, as well as the lew soldiers, who still continue in the service of the
City, are very much displeased with the administration of this Colony and are dissatisfied
for reasons, best known to your Honors. For the present we shall not investigate them
strictly. You ought to have tried to animate and induce the men by offers of fair and
favorable conditions and promises of having decent wages, as it is customary in our
Fatherland and elsewhere in such pressing needs. This is still very urgently recommended
to your Honors, but what excuse could be made, why the soldiers from the HorekU
have not been summoned according to the promise made to us on the last day of September

iMew York Historical Records. 267

or why tliey do not come up ; it is indeed a very absurd and unreasonable thing, tliat the
Director-General and Council should deprive their own places, which are of much more
importance, of the necessary military and send it hither as relief and that your Honors
do not summon your own soldiers, nor increase (their numbers) by one man, but employ
16 or 18 men only as garrison of one or two houses (apparently built more for private
design, than for the good of the country).

The Director-General and Council have therefore, as we said above, sufficiently done
their duty and obligation. The matters at the Esopus with the savage barbarians having
turned out against expectation (as your Honor can learn more in detail from the letter of
the Hon""* General and Council received yesterday and communicated to your Honors and
that to all appearances we sliall have a general war with the savages), the country' s need
and situation require urgently the speedy return of the military brought here, which we
therefore shall carry out according to the orders and directions of the Honorable General
as quickly as possible, of which we now inform your Honors herewith, in order that your
Honors may still during our stay here attend to your own defense. Your Honors must
be well aware, that the Noble, Very Worshipful Lords-Burgomasters and Magistrates
of the City of Amsterdam had sent here 50 soldiers for the protection of tliis Colony
and Fort New Amstel. It was your Honor's duty, to keep them complete; if it
had been done before with those, who on account of indigence or debts run away,
to strengthen our neighbors (now, as it seems, enemies) and weaken yourselves and
this province, these troubles and excessive costs would most likely not have been placed
upon the Company or your Honors. Your Honors are therefore once more hereby
charged most earnestly (what we have done so repeatedly) and directed to rally and
complete the military sent here ; if your Honors do it not immediately or try to do it,
we shall be obliged to raise a protest against your Honors, by virtue of our position, as
we do hereby, that your Honors are the cause of the damage and losses, which this
Colony and its inhabitants and in consequence the whole Province of New-Netherland
may suffer by the not gathering and recruiting of the said military force and shall
report the same in due time, where and how our Honorable Principals may resolve.

This serves further, to inform your Honors, that we had intended to enlist for the
supplementing of the City's military some of the Colonists as soldiers (who, as we have
well remarked, are not inclined to go into the service of the City, while on the contrary
many of them have themselves offered their services to. the Company), but herein we find
many obstacles. First, they say unanimously, that as long as Capt. Marten Creiger
remains here, they are willing to help defend this place with him to the last man, but
when he leaves, that they then must have permission to go also, whereas they are not
inclined to remain under the command of the City's officers. We thought to have
obviated this obstacle with the Colonists by consenting that they might remove with
Capt. Marten to the Manhattans and by leaving to your Honor in their- places as many
soldiers, so that your Honor would in this way have got soldiers and we still had brouglit
home the number, brought away (as our orders expressly require), but here again new
difficulties occurred ; first, with the soldiers, it having become known upon one or the
other occasion, that apparently we would leave here some of the soldiers brought over
and they having heard this, they have said positively, according to the declaration of the
Sergeant, that they would not remain here under the command of the City' s officer?

268 Colonial SettleDieiits on the Delawaj'O Fdver.

(such a bad name lias this place, that the whole river will hardly be able to wash it off
and God may grant, that it may remain here and that it may not be proclaimed aloud in
the Fatherland to the disadvantage of the whole province) adding thereto, If they order
us to remain here against our will, they will make vUlains and deserters of us, as we
do not want to remain here, except under the command of the Company's ofBcers.
Concerning the freemen, whereas we have now found ourselves by experience, that
(notwithstanding they declared their distress and that they could not succeed here and
would bind themselves by oath, not to leave the province before your Honors had received
satisfaction for their debts) your Honors constrain them to remain here, (which is indeed
too slavish and too odious for free people and in our opinion cannot agree with the
intentions of the Noble, Very Worshipful Magistrates of the City of Amsterdam), we
are cautious and afraid to have anj'thing to do with engaging them, in order not
to give your Honors cause for complaints, that we or the Hon'""' Director-General
and Council of New-Netherland had done or practiced anything, even the least to the
detriment or weakening of this Colony, whereas we cordially desire its prosperity and
good progress, as much our own. Your Honors will most likely answer to this point,
that this is an absolute untruth, because your Honors now give permission to all and
everybody, to remove to the Manhattans, provided that they first and above all pay
theti- arrears to the City. Several people of the poor community can tell this story
too, but they' U add to it " When we stUl had so much left, that we could pay our
passage, we offered it to his Honor, Mr. Alrichs, and begged with folded hands,
that he might be pleased to receive it for our debt, but his Honor would not grant it
and said, that we were bound to remain here four years and now we have consumed our
little property in times of great hunger, grief, misery and distress and have nothing to
pay, now his Honor says. Pay first and then clear out. ' ' Honorable Gentlemen ! the
complaints, brought forward on this point, are innumerable. If your Honors wUl please
to make use of our advice, then it would, under correction, mitigate somewhat the bad
reputation and free your Honors from much blame, if you were to permit those, who
cannot make their way here, to remove to the Manhattans, provided that, if able, they
gave security for their indebtedness to the City, if not, that they promised with a solemn
oath, not to leave this province, except with your Honors' knowledge and before they
had paid their debts, for what advantage can this place expect from such people,
if they are forced to remain here. You can, indeed you must not let them perish by
hunger, anxiety, cold and troubles, (although there are significant rumors afloat, that
several people here have died from hunger.) That does not agree with the duties of a
Christian, therefore you surely must provide them then with the needed necessaries and
clothing for the cold winter, whereby they daily increase tbeii- debt more and more,
and finally cause a so much greater loss to the City : in regard to this matter, it must also
be considered, that there is stUl some hope and likelihood, that the City, some
time or the other, may receive her indemnification from those, who remove
to the Manhattans, but that on the contrary, if these people can desert in their
discouragement and impatience from here to the Virginias or Maryland, there is no hope
of ever seeing a stiver from them ; it were desirable, if for wishes there were room here, that
your Honors had permitted aU those, who run away from here to Virgiuia or Maryland,
to remove to the Manhattans ; if this had been done, the Hon"'' Magistrates of the City

Keiv York Historical Records. i^69

of Amsterdam would in the first place not have been deprived of the advanced moneys
and the said persons, vpho ere long will be bond-slaves of the English, would still have
retained their liberty and above that we would, in all likelihood, not have to bear these
excessive expenses and troubles, whereas, it is presumed, and according to our opinion
quite justly and with great probability, that the deserters from tliis place have animated
the Governor of Maryland to the well-known enormous proceedings and given him great
inducements. Against our intention, we have been somewhat long in discussing this
point, but only to prove to your Honors and all those, to whom this may be shown, that
in our opinion no profit, but loss and detriment accrue to this Colony, if the people are
forced to remain here against their wish.

On the subject of engaging the Colonists we shall say only, that in case your Honors
agree with us, we will engage (because they are not inclined to go into the service of the
City) 10 or 12 Colonists and let them come with us to the Manhattans ; we will leave here
in their places as many soldiers and place them provisionally (to meet their exception,
that they will not serve under the City's officers) in Fort Altena under the command of
the Hon''''' Vice-Director Willem Beeckman and besides these also a garrison of 20 men for
the protection and defense of the said Fort with express orders and directions, that he
shall employ for the service of this Colony and Fort New-Amstel and send hither upon
your Honors' command as many soldiers, as we shall take Colonists from here ; upon
which proposition we shall expect your Honors' positive answer, as our time here is short.

In the letters received yesterday from the Hon""^ Director-General, his Honor
considers it necessary, if we should be drawn into a general war with the savages, (which
his Honor says, is apparently to fear,) that information of it be sent to the Fatherland
before winter ; for which purpose there is for the present no other chance, than with the
galiot. Pursuant to the letter of the aforesaid Honorable General we ask your Honors,
whether your Honors would let her be used for this purpose, provided that another good
vessel be lent to your Honors in the place of the galiot during her voyage. We await
your Honors' answers hereupon.

We intended to close this letter herewith, but find ourselves compelled by our
position and duty to add the following for the maintenance of the Sovereignty and
Authority of the Hon'''*' Privileged West-India Company. Your Honors will doubtless
remember, that Secretary van Ruy ven reported to your Honors last Saturday, the 4'." inst. ,
the unexpected answer given to Capt. Marten Crieger by your Honors' sergeant.
However to recall the matter to your Honors' memory, which, though small, is still one of
great and evil consequences, I consider it necessary to repeat the same here. It occurred
thus, that Capt. Crieger (as we have the habit of putting in order and cleaning Fort
Amsterdam on Saturdays) directed some of the soldiers, brought with us, to put in order
and clean one-half of this Fort New-Amstel, which was done immediately. And that
every one might do something, the said Captain ordered your Honors' Sergeant Bernard
Sterdeur to clean the other half of the Fort with his men. " I am forbidden by Mr. Alrichs
and Lieutenant d'Hinojossa to obey any other command, but theirs" was the answer,
which sounded to us like an extraordinary bassoon ringing in our ears ; we then
addressed ourselves directly to Mr. Alrichs in the presence of the Hon''''' Hinojossa with
the declaration, that this astonished us very much, the more so, because his Honor was
sufficiently aware from our credentials and instructions, with what authority we (though

270 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Wiver.

unworthy) were clothed and we were therefore desirous to know, whether this was done
with his Honor's knowledge. Having heard his Honor's answer to it, we found it to be
more than true, as his Honor with the said d'Hinojossa tried to maintain, that the City's
sei-vants were not obliged, according to theii- oath, to obey any other, but the orders of
the City's officers, Mr. Hinojossa adding, that nobody could command him or the
City's soldiers or he must first resign his commission and some other words to that effect,
too long to repeat here and although we apprehended that against such an aflTront and the
disobedience of our command a protest ought to be entered in due form, yet, considering
tliat this would bring with it more animosities, which it is always, but especially in this
dangerous tunes, well to avoid as much as possible, we overlooked it for the time being,
but looking closer into the case and thinking about it, we find this to be an offspring,
generated by the well-known oath, in which the Hon"'*' Lords-Du'ectors of the Privileged
West- India Company and theii- supreme Government are excluded and left out. We
wish hereby to recommend to your Honors seriously and urgently to change this said
oath (according to the order and directions given upon this subject by the Hon'"' Lords-
Directors and the Hon'''' Director-General and Council of K'ew-JS^etherland) and have it
administered, as it ought to be, not only to their Noble High Mightinesses, the States-
General of the United Netherlands, the Hon"'' Very Worshipful Lords-Mayors and
Magistrates

(The remainder of this letter is missing, also the beginning of the following, addressed apparently to Director
Stuyvesant :)

Your Hon*" Worship will please excuse me for my prolixity. It is to

give your Hon**'' Worship a better explanation of the state of aflEairs here. Before I close
here, I request most earnestly, that your Worship will please to let us know as quick as
possible, the circumstances of the affair with the savages at the Esopus as well as
elsewhere, that we may make use of it here, occasion offering. Closing herewith 1
commend your Honorable Worship, of whose good health I hope to hear by the next
chance, to God's gracious protection and remain in the meantime with cordial greetings.

Honorable, Wise, Prudent and Very Discreet Sir,
Done at Fort Your Honorable Worship's

New-Amstel on the affectionate servant

South-Kiver, the ■ C. v. RuYVEisr.

1" Octbr. A? 1659. Marten Crieger.

Thursday.

Kew York Historical Records. 271

Letter of the Directors ik Holland to the Director-General and
Council of New-Netherland. Decline of the City's Colony:
THE Swedes not to be trusted.

Honorable, Prudent, Dear and Faithful !

After having closed and sent our last of the 9* instant to the Texel, the ship "de
Moesman" arrived here, by which we received your Honors' letter of the 4'.'' of last
month. We shall briefly and in few words answer it, referring the rest to the next
opportunity, and say that we regretted very much to hear of the deplorable state of the
City's Colony on the Southriver and especially of the desertion of the people there to
Virginia and other neighboring districts of the English ; these are indeed symptoms,
which threaten a total ruin of the Colony, without a hope of receiving the least revenue
from the expenses laid out on it. It does not only inflict losses upon the founders of
this Colony, but also sensibly injures this State generally, as the same is thereby brought
into great disrepute with those neighbors. Now, as these desertions seem to be caused
by the too great preciseness of Director Alrichs, who would not allow people to remove
from there to the Manhattans, notwithstanding that the same offered to pay their debts
to the City or to give security for it, therefore your Honors must try to dissuade him
from this course, as quickly as possible, and in earnest terms make him understand the
pernicious consequences and results of it and his Honor, governing himself by the present
critical condition, would do better to allow even the insolvent debtors, to remove to the
Manhattans, provided he receive from them a proper bond for what their debts may be
found to be, for by such means the satisfaction of the debts wall not be placed beyond
hope, which is done, when they can settle outside of the Company's jurisdiction. If
however the aforesaid Director should persist in his opinion and in future should again
demand (the return of) people, who have moved from the Colony to the Manhattans, then
your Honors wall do well, not to surrender them against their will, which, as we perceive,
your Honors intended to do. It would also be of good service, if those, who removed to
Virginia and other places in the neighborhood, were pursuaded (to return) anyway, if it
can be done ; whereto your Honors may use such means, as shall be found proper and
necessary.

We cannot refute the suspicions and doubts arisen in regard to the Swedish nation,
settled on the Southriver, and that the English may very likely intend to undertake
something against us there under the Swedish flag and name, the less so, because your
Honors have, (although with no bad intentions) apparently given them the weapons into
their hands, not only by forming them into a militia-company, but also by placing them
under the command of officers of their own nationality, whereas they rather ought to have
been separated and scattered among our people, as we have explained at length to
your Honors by our letter of the 13'? of February of this year. We stiU persist in our
opinion and therefore recommend to your Honors to carry it into effect without delay,
before they can get any advantage over us with the assistance of our neighbors.

Amsterdam The Directors of the West-

14*? of Octbr 1659. India Company, etc.

272 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. Director Alrichs and council to Messrs. van Ruyven and
Crieger in answer to the above.

and No. 4.

submissive (?) answer To tlie Hon""= Messrs. Cornelis

of Director Jacob Alrichs van Rnyven and Marten

to the Exhibit of the Com Krieger, Commissioners of

missioners of the Hon!'"= the Hon"''' Director-General

General and Council, as of New-Netherland etc.
given before under No. 24.
Honorable Gentlemen.

That the Noble Very Worshipful Lords-Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam
are very much interested and concerned in the welfare, prosperity and re-estciblisTivient
of the Hon'"^ Prmileged West-India Comjmny, your Honors themselves can infer
sufficiently by their sending hither such a large ship as the " Waegh," Capt. Conninck,
with troops, provisions and ammunitions of war, in the year 1655, whereby this river
was again recovered to the Hon"'* West-India Company and later, after the favorable
contract had been made by the Hon'"<= Company with the aforesaid Noble Lords-Magistrates,
by theii- sending in so few years so many people, ships etc., spending so much money for
the establishment of this Colony of New-Amstel. By this occasion the Manhattans and
surrounding jplcices have now, since 2 or 3 years, increased so nmch in population and
commerce, as before they did not in 30 years. It is not unusual therefore, that
upon the request made by this Administration and by the Hon"'" Vice-Director
Willem Beeckman the Hon""= Director-General and Council of New-Netherland consider
it their bounden duty to resist the English nation, who try to act in a hostile manner and
to bring under their rule the district of the Hon"'" West-India Company and this Colony
and territory situate upon this river ; for the Hon"'" Privil. West-India Company or her
officials in her behalf are hound to protect us, as well as other Colonies and villages, for
our Lords-Principals, as well as each private person, pay duties and other taxes on
account of their merchandises and shipping-business for such protection. Therefore it
appears strange to us, that we are reproached with the earnest recommendations and
exhortations, made verbally and in writing, at all times, hours and occasions, to complete
and maintain the City's troop of 40 or 50 men, sent over with us, and with sharp reproofs
for not promoting it in such a manner, as your Honors are proposing, to wit : with
doubled wages and superabundance of money to purchase the soldiers, as your Honors
maintain, that loe ought and. are hound to do, adding thereto, that your Honors had
learned the causes, and taken them for granted {although they loere deceitful) with these
words : "for you knew very well before, that you would not get anybody, because all the
inhabitants and the few soldiers, who still continue in the City's service are displeased with
the Administration of this Colony and are dissatisfied, for reasons which your Honors know
best." Hereupon this may serve as answer : that your Honors could have no knowledge
of the wrongly assumed dissatisfaction and discord, unless your Honors had given
inducements and chances to receive information of unfounded complaints, verbal as
well as written ones and had listened willingly to all tales (and took pleasure in it)

iN'ew York Historical Records. 273

to collect and send, loithotd our hnoioledge or understanding, to the Hon^^ Director-
General Stuyvesant all, that might be to our disparagement, lies or truths, to be charged
against this Administration. In regard to these doings, We say, tJiat your Honors have
not considered your duties, but we shall report there, where it is proper, the complaints
and protests about all the losses, expenses, damages and troubles, among the inhabitants,
which your Honors have occasioned and made in this and other matters to be spoken of
liereafter. Your Honors say well, that it is our duty, to keep the 40 or 50 men of militia,
sent over with us, complete, but do not prove it in any way. We therefore deny it
positively as well for the above given reasons, as for the following : First, that this has
never been recommended nor ordered to us by our Lords-Principals ; secondly, that we
brought no other military force with us, than /or tJie defence against the savages and
for the administration of justice, but not against our English or Swedish neighbors, for
our Lords-Principals made a contract with the Honorable West-India Company for a free
country or place, upon which nobody had a demand or claim. Yes, we Tinoio it for sure
to he the opinion of our Lords-Patroons, that the military should not meddle, when a
certain number of citizens should he in this Colony able to protect themselves; that for
that reason the Hon''^'' W. I. Company is bound to protect us against all supposed friends
and yet enemies and we have to demand, incase of non-protection, satisfaction for all
damages and losses suffered. Your Honors say also, that it is um-easonable, that the
Hon"" Director-General and Council should protect this place and bare their own, of much
greater importance, of the necessary military. We answer, that this place is not less in
need of protection than your Honors' place, than others, which the Company has in
New-Netherland or, if your Honors refer only to this Colony, that your Honors had no
orders, there is nevertheless the Fort Altena further up the river, the Company's place.
If the Company or its officers think, that this does not need any protection or assistance,
then we too must do without the same and if this Colony is our and not your place and
we must protect ourselves, then it is strange, that with a company of soldiers you
march into our Fort so freely, loithout leave, knowledge or information of the Director,
and being inside taTie all commands and directions upon you, as, to command our
soldiers, to go to and from the guard, to issue the order {of the day) or parole, sending
it to the Director simply by a Sergeant, yes, to wisJi to take also the Jceys of tlie
Fort, if we had yielded to this demand, and that besides you do everything without the
knowledge or information of the Director, to whom nevertheless everything is entrusted
by his Lords and Masters, according to warrant and instruction, even contrary to the letter
of the Hon"'" General, addressed to the Director and to the Vice-Director Willem
Beeckman, and contrary to your Honor's own letter, handed to us at your Honors'
arrival. With all that, however, it ought to be understood that, should more military be
required for the protection of this river, it would in any case be the proper business of the
Company to procure the same or at least as much of it as the City, for the Company' s
districts from Altena to Mekkeksjouw are about twice as large as the district of the
City's of Amsterdam Colony. Eeferring to the Fort at the HorekU or Sikonesse
(notwithstanding that it does not concern yr Honors and we are not bound to give
reasons) your Honors make use of these words : Apparently built more for private
designs, than for the good of the country. We demand hereby further explanation
and interpretation of these words, for it will not do to blurt out every thing bad and

274 Colonial Settlevients on the Delaware Illver.

to make honest people suspected by their Masters and Principals without foundation
and reason, the more so as your Honors very well know, that this was only done upon
the order of the Hon'"'= Principals. Therefore we demand satisfaction for this and all the
aforesaid enormities, committed against us or, failing this, we enter our protest, as we
have already done before.

Further, whereas your Honors have been pleased to protest upon your Honors'
no matter how unfounded supposition, in regard to the not completing the City's
troop of 40 or 50 men, we say, that we could not do else, but what we have done till
now, nor that we know to have 'promUcd the re-call of the garrison from the HoreTcil,
as your Honors say, but only of a few men, according to your Honors' advice, who
were really ordered up, but afterwards remained for some reason there. It would be
difficult, to buy, following your Honor's proposition, the soldics by double wages, as we
have thereto not the slightest order from our Masters ; but we maiiitain, as we have said
before, that the Company is bound to protect us and in the same manner, as your
Honors have protested against us on account of the not completing the 40 or 50 men of
militia, so we protest in case of non-protection, on behalf of our Lords-Patroons and
all interested private parties for all the damages and losses already suffered and which
toe may hereafter suffer and we shall report the same at the proper time and place, if
we are vanquished by the English or brought under their subjection. We will for
reasons omit to discuss the further allegations, that the soldiers do not wish to be
commanded by the City's, but only by the Company's officers and the propositions
to settle it this way or the other, but if it is considered necessary, we shall answer them
in detail. It may well be, that some soldiers, enlisted from this Colony, preferred to
serve under the Company's officers to serving under the City's officers, to escape their
debts in that manner, whereas it is promised to them, that they sball be brought away
unmolested. We cannot change what your Honors have resolved for the garrisoning of
Fort Altena, as with the little force, which we have here and those recalled from the
Horekil {tohich place we leave upon the absolute order of the Ilo?i*" Director -General
and Council ) we shall help to defend to the best of our abilities this place and Colony
against the English.

That your Honors say amongst others "See, such a bad name has this place, that
the whole river will hardly be able to wash it off and God may grant, that it remain here
and may not be proclaimed aloud in the Fatherland to the disadvantage of the whole
province" these are your Honors' words, whereto we answer: God grant, that those,
who desire such a thing and moreover appeal to God's name for it, should reflect, if
they are not themselves the originators of such clamors. For by whom else are the
godless lies proclaimed to the detriment of this Administration and place, than by
those, who 'pump the citizens and the soldiers and exhort them to petitions about
the grievances, which they suppose to have against their lawful authority or in
our own presence defend them in unjust cases and counsel others, that they should
try to be relieved from judgments, given 4: or 5 months before. Upon which advice
given, they then first reduce to writing for every one all the foul lies, of which before not
one thought and then receive them with 2^romises to help them and decide to send
all to the Manhattans to the Hon'"' Director -General and so on to Holland,
without giving us the least Information of it ; it is also said that such and similar papers

Js''ew York Historical Records. 275

have been sent to the Fatherland by the ships which lately sailed. By such doings,
citizens as well as soldiers despise themselves their lawful authorities and refer to such
and such gentlemen, w7io give tliein advice and occasion to mutiny against their
superiors, of which so much occurs daUy, that it must be complained of to God. This
therefore in answer, t7iat such people^ s doings sJiall not less be proclaimed in the
Fatherland and also much less shall they be loashed off by the sea, than the before told
wrongs shall want to be washed off by this river.

We supposed, that the English, {apparently) our real enemies, had caused us
troubles, but on the contrary, we now find, that we shall need more assistance, against
our supposed friends, in order to restore tranquility, than we had summoned from the
Manhattans against our reputed enemies. For they came, as it seemed, as enemies,
against whom one is always on guard and they had Lss influence upon the mind of the
common people ; but these, come as friends, hav ' oeen trusted entirely and in everything
and were received by the common man without fear, as who would receive his words
according to appearances but not according to the truth, the more so when he was
listened to and agreed to with all affability in every thing bad, as well as good
and his part taken therein, means by which the seed of strife was sown into their
minds, which has brought forth nothing but aversion, contempt and insubordination
against theii- proper authorities and in consequence wUl cause nothing else, than
the total ruin of this Colony and its inhabitants. What your Honors assert about the
Colonists^ remaining here in the country four years, thereupon {we say) that your
Honors gave an answer for ourselves ; that is unnecessary, for we do not know yet, that
any one else shaU remove from this Colony, except by the order of our Masters. Besides
there have never been more than two, who offered payment, that they might remove,
whereupon it was at that time resolved by the CouucU, that nobody should remove to
the Fatherland, except for weighty reasons, (which they had not) And it is evident, that,
had it been granted them, they would not have been ready with thek money, not one of
them. To advance the passage, board and subsistance for one year to them and then,
when the year is over to let them go and the City be deprived thereby of its advance,
that suits neither us nor our Masters. As it has been found and only lately clearly
proved to your Honors by one Wouter Schaep, who earned a good sum in the City's
service every week, as long as he was here and who received leave for the Manhattans to
purchase some provisions and go and return. He went to the Fatherland in the ship
"De Trouw" with a passport from the Hon^''' General himself, according to the own
declaration of the Hon"" Mr. Marten Krieger. Besides that, the people being there at
the Manhattans have every occasion and chance, to desert to the English in the North, it is
also much easier (to get) to the Virginias, than from here, of which the Hon""' West-India
Company has had sufficient proofs 3 or 4 years ago. But if it is so sure, that the City
wUl have no loss to expect from their removing to the Manhattans, then the Hon"" Wtst-
Tndia Company OJ- the Hon"" Genera^ can, according to your Honors' proposition, simply
become security for the remaining of such people, who can go there under bail or by
default of bail under promise and oath not to remove out of the province before having
paid. For if it is thereby secured for the City, it must be still more secure for the Hon^"'
Company. And such bailbonds would not be strange, if the Company gave them,
xohereas their Honors' districts would be populated by it. In this case no ear

276 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

was open for it, but it was endeavored to place the City iy sucli counsels in a
difficult position only. That we will not allow any one to remove, without
before paying or giving security is indeed not so slavelike and odious for free
people, as your Honors describe it, but conform to Divine, Tiuman and natural
laics, for to which has one more claim than to be secured for loaned money, especially
if one has to demand it fi'om his enemies, as we find by experience those mostly to be,
who have done and are still doing to the City of Amsterdam and the Administration here,
for their benevolence, so much ill by their venomous tongues and pens, as no declared
enemy could or would do. We answer, to your Honors' statement that the complaints
over misery, poverty and distress, caused by our not allowing the people to remove
during the four years without having paid before, are innumerable, that our reasons and
motives, not to let anyone remove in any other way than this, are still more innumerable.
Your Honors may also know, that all complaints are not to be believed {nevertheless they
haveheen fully belietediy your Honors and tJie 2Jeople have been defended therein), even
were there ever so many ; for if on the other side they could be relied upon and were true,
then we might show your Honors" whole books of complaints made from time to time against
the Administration at the Manhattans and by us never accepted as true. (As to) your
Honors' advice about preventing, that the people should not get poorer and more indebted
and also that they die not of hunger, according to the rumors (so say your Honors), which
have bfcen, as it seems, accepted as truths by your Honors, for your Honors say, that
this did not agree with the duties of a Christian, and the representation of fui'ther
inconveniencies, which would be caused thereby, thereto may serve as answer, that, as long
as the matter or such accusations have not been proved, also your Honors' advice given
in reference to it, cannot be carried out and that such infamous complaints, disseminated
against this Administration and the City of Amsterdam shall not be proved, neither now
nor in eternity, for they are surely nothing else, than calumniations and blasphemies, for
which the informers, who utter the same to your Honors, ought to be punished and not
listened to in such a manner, much less the same be received as truths : and this would
agree with the duties of a Christian (as your Honors say), while we now, on the contrary,
from your Honors' way of writing and daily discourses must infer, for your Honors say
it loudly, tJiat we ouglit to treat the people better, to Jceep them here, and similar
expressions, placing the Administration altogether in the wrong. Indeed, a strange way
of doing. Yes, surely your Honors have seen several times, how badly the people
succeeded in one and the other case, where they believed to be quite right in their
complaints, as your Honors have among others sufficiently noticed and seen on the first
day of your Honor' arrival in the case of one Jan Theunis, who had so much to say, but
when he was examined had to confess, that he had been paid by the City at every occasion
and could not complain, being nevertheless afterwards so impudent, that he was not
ashamed to say in your Honors' presence, that he was not bound to help defend this
place, but that this was the soldiers' business : notwithstanding this, he was asked to
enlist as soldier and we would give him work for a year at 4 guilders daily, provided that
he should receive his ration and 2 guilders daily and attend to the guard and the balance
should remain to reduce his debt : that are truly good conditions, nevertheless he refused
them positively, moreover afterwards he offered himself to your Honors as soldier for the
service of the Hon**'' W. I. Comp. in order to get thus to the Manhattans ; from which it

J^ew York Historical Records. 277

appears, that lie is not inclined to pay the City, but only intends to defraud it. Thus it
would be found with all and every one of the Colonists, whenever they are met and
persuaded with arguments.

And supposed, that all complaints were true and it were not the fault of the common
people, then the difBculty must still lie somewhere else, than with the City or her officers,
according to all appearances with the country itself, for the people have, one more, the
other less, drawn from the warehouse for each family 3, 4, 5, 6 and 700 to 800 guilders in so
short a time, if they could not get along with that and get so far, that they now could
help themselves, than the City of Amsterdam can complain, that she has been misled in
such a manner, to spend so much money on a country and that she does not see any other
benefit from it.

This could be strengthened and confirmed by your Honors' counsel, that because
there is no work here or nothing to earn and therefore they cannot get along here,
we ought to let the people remove to the Manhattans, for otherwise, according to
your Honors' assertions, they would get into further misery and more indebted
to the City. Well, what kind of a country is this then? Accordingly it is in
our opinion better for the City to gixe up such a dad place, the sooner the better.
But no, we look at it differently, as it is also in reality ; there is work to be had here
and wages to earn, as it has been always and stUl is and they can support themselves
by labor here as well as at the Manhattans. But as it was said before, it is the fault of
the people, who are not willing. This can be somewhat proved by the fact, that not
even fuel is to be had, although 12 guilders are offered for one hundred pieces, and also
hereby : that as long as the Colony has been in existence, nothing else has been wanting
but industrious people, who could never be got, as is known indisputably to every
one. But in order not to accuse the few good and active men, it ought to be observed,
that God Almighty has continually visited and punished the whole of New-Netherland,
but especially this Colony, since it was established, with different plagues, as excessive
winds and superabundant rains, whereby bad harvests of every kind of necessaries of
life for the people as well as of fodder for the cattle and consequently great dearness of
the one and the other were caused ; then came diseases, sickness and maladies of violent
and pestilential fevers and other weakening illness, by which many died. Probably most
all inhabitants of New-Netherland have been visited by them, yet none so much and so
heavily as our people here, as is well known and also can be proved by the proclamations
of days of fast and prayer, made in regard to them from time to time. And this too
caused us more difficulties, than to other old inhabitants, who apparently could better
endure haid times : for this Colony has been oppressed and crushed by the aforesaid
hardships, like a little willow in its beginning and sprouting. Therefore if any one, who
has been industrious and active and has been kept down by the aforesaid hardships and
has consequently reason to complain, wants to remove to the Manhattans, for these
reasons he may be assured, that they have to expect there too, if it pleases God, the
same, which befel them here, since we understand, that many new-comers have been
assisted by the Poormasters, having been already subjected to the aforesaid difficulties.

Further it deserves to be considered, that, when now lately a good beginning of
agriculture showed itself, tlie threatening and alldestroying %oar followed, which
stopped and overturned everything. We had hoped, that this would he set rigJd hy the

278 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

coming of your Honors and the relief hrougM over, but we find, on the contrary, that
it has brought us more troubles, than the English did.

That it is further objected for the excuse of the rascals and knaves, who against
honor and oath deserted for their own ruin, that we ought to have indulged such villains
in their evil intentions and consented to ecerything without reason or cause, that does
not conform to common sense, right and justice, for such an action would not be more or
less, than to place the rabble in office and depose the master.

We leave it then to the judgment of all right-thinking minds, whether we have really-
deserved to be accused of bad administration and of having caused losses and damages
to our Lords-Principals and to the Hon''''= West-India Company, as your Honors so
sharply are doing it.

A few years ago, those from New- England liave made preparations to invade this
riter, but when they tried to pass by tJie Manhattans, to come hither, the same were
restrained and prevented by the Jcnowledge and power of the Hon^'" General, as is
generally known.

The Governor of Maryland, also, requested of the English in New-England last year
assistance, to take this river, which was denied and refused, according to j'our Honor's
declaration, because the said Governor is a Papist.

So that it is evident therefrom, that the attempts and intentions of the English, to
take this river are nothing new, but have been contemplated by them already a long time.
Hence the enormous proceedings, committed by the English, lately here present, have
not been caused by the deserters, as it is tried to impute to us to our blame, since it was
deliberated upon by the English nearly seven months, according to their own
declarations.

The proposition to engage 10 or 12 Colonists and employ them at the Manhattans in
place of as many soldiers, to be left at Fort Altena, for the reason that they do not want
to be commanded by the City's officers, we judge to be not more than a pretext, to get
away from here and thus to be freed from their debts and defraud the City, as your
Honors themselves leave heard two or tJiree p)ersons declare in our presence, that this was
their special object ; but if they are so extremely necessary for tJie service of the country,
they may be engaged pursuant to the proposition, provided that they jDay their debts to
the City before or at least give sulficient security.

We think, under correction, in regard to the request of the Hon""" General to dispatch
the Galiot to the Fatherland for advice, that there are good chances by way of Virginia
to send letters speedily and safely by the ships, which go to Amsterdam or Rotterdam,
or perhaps by way of New-England ; secondly, that, at this season of the year, it is very
dangerous to let the Galiot make such a voyage ; thirdly, we take in consideration,
whether the Galiot, which is a pretty large vessel and easily defended, can be spared
during this conjuncture ; fourthly and lastly, supposed that the Galiot is sent to the
Fatherland, we are afraid, that, whereas the term of service of the seamen expii-es about
the spring, she might very likely remain in the Fatherland, whereby we then would be
deprived of her.

That Sergeant Bernard Stordeur was forbidden to obej^ any other command but
the Director's and the Captain-Lieutenant's, has been done for the reason, that, when
Captain Marten Krieger wanted to enter this Fort with his compauj^, of which even

Xew York Historical Records. 279

the Director had not yet been informed, for he knew not else, than that he shoiild
take his quarters, as promised, in the Citizens' guard house, he commanded the
Sergeant to open the gate of the Fort, which the Sergeant did not dare to do, but lie
reported it to his Captain-Lieutenant, who upon learning it brought the information
to the Director. In the meantime the Captain once more gave the same order as
before, so that the Sergeant had to open without as yet having orders from those, whom
before and up to that time he knew as his commanders, only upon the improper
command of tTie Captain, who immediately came into the gate with his men. Also,
because afterwards he has given orders to the Sergeant in respect to the guard, lilceiolse
Tie relieved and countermanded our sentries, all without orders or du-ections from the
Director, even without given the least notice of it, so that we have been obliged, to order
the Sergeant not to obey any other command, as said above, wherehy certainly no wrong
was done nor is it a daughter of the oath, ordered by the Very Worshipful Lords-
Burgomasters, but a son of reason and justice.

In regard to the oath, which is reqiiired by your Honors, we have no objection to it
and in case we had not yet taken an oath and this one was laid before us by the Lords-
Principals, we should take the same. But whereas we [took an oath, which] is good and
does not clash with the proposed oath, therefore we think this second oath, which
[presumes] the first to be bad, unnecessary, the more so as we sent to the Hon'"'^ Directors
and Commissaries (among whom were at the time two Directors of the West-India
Company) the form of the oath according to the instructions made by the City of
Amsterdam through the Hon'"'* Sheriff and Schepen and received as answer : that the same
was as it ought to be. Therefore we think it very strange, that your Honors give us such
a sharp notification about it, as that all, loJio refused to taJce the oath devised by your
Honors, should for thioith be brought on board a ship and sent to the Fatherland.

Honorable Gentlemen, this is what we have deemed proper to give your Honors in
answer to your Honors' deductions, delivered to us on the 9'? inst. It has become a
little longer than we lilie, because so many causes for displeasure were given us.
Therefore we commend herewith your Honors after cordial salutations, to God' s protection
and remain

Your Honors' obedient friends

Done at Fort J. Alrichs.

New-Amstel on the

South River of By order of the Hon""' Director
New-Netherland and Members of the Council

this 16'^ Oct. 1659.

CoRNELis VAN Gezel as Secretary.

280 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Faver.

FfiAGMENT OF THE ANSWER OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO THE FOREGOING
LETTER OF J. AlRICIIS AND HIS COUNCIL.

therein taken a pleasure to collect all, that might be injurious, falsehoods or truths and
send it thus to the Dii-ector-General without your Honoi's' knowledge, that in regard to this
we have not considered our duties, on which account your Honors complain and protest
against us, further, that we marched with a company into your Fort so inconsiderately
(so you call it) without leave, knowledge or information, assumed supreme command,
ordered the soldiers to and from the guard, issued the order of the day or parole, even
would have taken the keys of the Fort, if you had been willing to let them go (as your
Honors say) ; that we are the cause of the misery of this place being proclaimed in Holland
(your Honors say) ; by whom besides, is your question, the most godless lies against this
Administration are proclaimed, but by those, who pump the burghers and soldiers and incite
them to petitions about their grievances, which they suppose to have against their lawful
authorities or defend them in our own presence in unjust cases, also advise others, that
they should try to be relieved from sentences passed 4 or 5 months ago : whereupon they
write down many falsehoods, which are received by us with promises of help and to
decide upon them, sending the whole to the Manhatans to the Director-General and thus
on to Holland, whereby the soldiers and citizens (learn to) despise their superiors, giving
them cause to mutiny against their authority. Your Honors continue with calumnies
and say, we thought, that the English, apparently our real enemies, had brought anxiety
over us, but now we find on the contrary, that we need more succour against our
supposed friends, in order to restore peace, than we have asked for from the Manhatans
against our before-mentioned enemies. Further that we have given ear and assent to the
common people in everything with great affability and taken their parts, by means of
which the seed of strife has been sown into their minds, which has brought forth nothing
but aversion, contempt and mutiny against their superiors and consequently will only
cause the total ruin of this Colony and its inhabitants and that we brought here more
trouble, than the English have done and so forth. These are your Honors' own
expressions.

Now, that we begin to see and understand your Honors' manner of j^roceeding, these
accusations do not at all appear strange to us, for how should we, who are officers of and
have devoted ourselves entirely to the service of the Hon"'" Company go scot-fi-ee, where
your Honors dare so roughly treat with unwashed hands our Lords and Masters,
yea, what is more, that your Honors dare to accuse your own employers, the Honorable
Very Worshipful Lords-Mayors of the City of Amsterdam, that they have not kept their
promised conditions, but have broken and curtailed them etc. according to 3'our Honors'
own letter to the Hon*"' Director-General and Council of New-Netherland, dispatched on
the 9'." SeiJtember. But it seems that, now when your Honors observe that this Colony
will be ruined and lost, in case no timely provision is made, you would like to charge the
cause of it to the Hon*'" Company or the Hon*'" Director-General and Council or their
subordinate officers ; we must confess, that we have been disappointed in our opinion and
that we trusted more to your Honors' discretion, at least, that your Honors would not
have gone beyond the bounds of truth, but we find the reverse, whereas your Honors

Kew York Historical Records. 281

ventured to call up matters and throw tliem into our faces and accuse us, which in
Eternity never could be proved, because we never thought, much less practiced them.
Your Honors' actions make us also presume, that many of the complaints, which have been
referred to us by this and that one about your Honors' improper treatment, are not
altogether without foundation, as your Honors have till now tried to make us believe :
as your Honors ventured to accuse us so shamefully with things, which we never thought
of, your Honors will have less difficulty to deny the matters, brought forward by this
and that one to your charge. The accusations made by your Honors against us in
great and lengthy detail, we find to consist in the following points :

First, that we are the cause of the bad feeling between your Honors and the good
inhabitants.

2? that we have given them cause to mutiny against their superiors.

3? Your Honors declare us enemies [by using] the expression supposed friends,
against [whom you] say, you need more assistance, than [against] the English, because
they have [caused] more anxiety.

4'." that consequently we are the cause of the total ruin and loss of this Colony and
its inhabitants.

We protest in the presence of the All-Knowing God, who knows our thoughts, that
these are nothing but falsehoods and calumnies and accusations to impute to us that, of
which your Honors will be the cause in a short time, (if there is no provision made in
season). We consider us therefore affronted, insulted and derided and slandered in the
highest degree and (as soon as the situation of the county shall admit it), we shall proceed
or have proceedings instituted against your Honors in such a manner, as shall be found
proper for the example of others.

But before we leave off herewith, we shall show by your Honors' own words and if
your Honors' shall deny these, by your Honors' own letters and writings, how abusively
your Honors charge us with being the cause of the bad feeling, arisen between your
Honors and the good inhabitants.

The principal reasons, which your Honors give, that we are the cause of the existing
bad feeling, are these : that we have given inducements, that many unfounded complaints
have been referred to us and that we have taken a pleasure therein and have given a
willing ear and assent to the common people in everything and with great affability and
have incited them to make requests about their grievances and advised them, to try and
be relieved from sentences, passed 4 or 5 months ago, whereupon many foul falsehoods
have been reduced to writing and received by us with promises to help them, sending all
this to the Hon*'" Director-General and thence to Holland etc., this, your Honors say, has
caused the bad feeling.

282 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, giving an
account of the progress of affairs at the delaware.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir !

I hope your Honor is in good disposition and health. Sir, on the 3'* inst. I was
requested by the Hon''''= Mr. Alrichs to come with our Sergeant to his Honors' court-martial,
because he found himself quite weak and was opposed to the Lieutenant and Sergeant.
Having taken a seat with Mr. Alrichs, Sr Jaquet, Monsr Crato, our Sergeant and Corporal
Marten Cleynschmidt, Mr. Hinojossa made complaint, that one Samuel, a corporal,
whUe very drunk did not obey his order to go into arrest, because he had beaten his own
wife, whereupon the Lieutenant struck him vqth his ratan, Samuel tore the same from his
hand, the Lieutenant then drew his sword and struck him with the flat side of it and drove
him with the assistance of the Sergeant into the guardhouse. The Lieutenant said, that he
abused him meanwhile very much. After he had presented this complaint he affirmed
the same by oath, without this having been requested. The Sheriff van Sweeringen,
confirming the words of the Lieutenant, only differed regarding the expression : The
Devil shall take him, who will put me in chains. D' Hinojossa said, that he had said:
The Devil shall take him, who orders me to be chained. The sheriff, further, took his
oath too without request or order, upon which he then made the demand, that he
should be shot. Mr. Alrichs ordered the delinquent to be brought up. In the
meantime I asked, whether there were no witnesses in this case. Four interrogatories
were exhibited, (held with) four persons, who had been sworn, before they were
examined. Their declarations, especially the third one, were not material, but they
say, that he was not wUling to go into arrest and that he kept hold of the cane. The
delinquent then came up, he was informed of the charge and the conclusion of the Sheriff
by the Secretary, biit they were not read as they were written, whereupon he answered :
I have not used any strong drink, since we went to the Horekil and have, to my great
regret, been quite upset : I do not know anything and ask for a merciful punishment,
if I have misbehaved. After he had again been taken out, I asked, if he had opposed
any officers previously, Mr. Alrichs said. No. His Honor further representing, that
the evil-doers must be punished, brought forward 3 points from the abovetold charge,
which deserved death, reminded us of God's commands and proposing to us to take an
oath, that we should administer strict justice according to conscience, he turned towards
me with uplifted finger, whereupon I answered, that I did not think his Honor authorized
to renew my oath taken before the Hon"^'" Director-General ; if he had no confidence in
that, his Honor might then do his business without me, at the same time getting up and
departing forthwith for Altena.

Last night the wife of the delinquent came to me, saying that her husband had been
condemned last Wednesday or the 5'." inst. to be banished the Colony for 6 months, but
that as yet he was kept in chains and that now another resolution bad been taken to send
him with three men to the Horekil, about which she was very grieved.

Mr. Alrichs with his Council has asked me twice, whether I had no orders, that I
should come upon his demand to assist them, when necessity required, with our whole
garrison from Altena. I answered, No, but with 10 or 12 men. I shall await your Hon*'"
Worship's orders in this respect.

J\''eiv York Historical Records. 283

I have at present 5 sick persons, I am afraid, that the baker shall not get
through.

Coming back to Altena with our Sergeant from the aforesaid court-martial I found
most of our soldiers intoxicated. I was told, that Jan Becker has at different occasions
offered liquor to the fellows upon their accounts, which I have forbidden. Yesterday,
an hour after evening the neighbors of Jan Juriaensen came and complained of the great
noise made by drunken savages. The Sergeant having been sent there with three men,
found six, who were quite drunk, near Jan Juriaensen' s house; they made attempts
to resist, so that they could not be brought to the guardhouse and run into the bushes ;
about an hour later they quietly returned to the house and stole from Sander Boyer 2
blankets from his bed and the Hon''''= Company's musket. I shall endeavor to recover
these.

There is at present none of the Swedes here at this place, who has liquor, so that
it must surely be the di-ink of Jan Juriaensen, by which the savages are (made) so
domineering.

A thu-d or 7 persons of our garrison live outside of tlie Fort, they are married
people.

Sir ! I must break off and refer to my last letter by the Hon'''* Commissioners.* I
shall herewith commend your Honor to the protection of God and remain with cordial
salutations and wishes for a happy New- 'Year, continued good health and prosperous
administration.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful Sir,
Altena Your Honor' s ever

the 8^" Novbr. 1659. faithful servant

WiLH. BeEOQMAN.

Letter. William Beeckman to Dieector Stutvesant ; Andries
HuDDE ; horse mill.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Very Prudent Sir :

Your Noble Honor' s favor by the Galiot has been received by me on the 24 inst. I
shall answer the same by the said Galiot, which is to sail in 4 or 5 days. This is therefore
only to inform you, that I have met Andries Hudde, who will go up dii-ectly and engages
to forward this immediately to your Honor.

Mr. Alrichs consents to lend the Galiot to your Honor for the service of the Hon*"'
Company. He says, that he does not neea a yacht for the present : if your Honor
has to send anything, it can be done by private parties, he will pay freight like
others.

As to my horse-mill, I have no more the disposal of it, as I sold the same to Mr.
Hinojossa last August ; I have informed him of your Very Worshipful Honor's request ;
he says, he will give an answer, when th >. Galiot sails.

♦Missing. — B. F.

284 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Closing I commend your Honor to the protection of God with wishes for a
continuous health and a prosperous administration and remain with cordial
greetings,

Sir,

Your Honor' s ever affectionate

New-Amstel and faithful servant

the 3"? Decbr. 1659. Wilh. Beecqman.

To the Noble, Honorable,
Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent,
Very Discreet, Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-G-eneral of New-Netherland,
Cura9ao etc. residing

at Amsterdam

in New-Netherland.

By a savage.

Letter. Jacob Aleichs to Director Stuyvesant ; defends himself

FROM THE charge OF SHOWING DISRESPECT TO THE W. I. COMPANY ;
HAS BEEN SUFFERING FROM SEVERE INDISPOSITION.

To the Hon. M^ Stuyvesant.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Very Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Sir:

From the letter of the 18'? last per Galiot it seems, that your Honor apprehends by
the report of the Commissioners and also by the documents and memorials, submitted to
your Honor, that we had offended the Hon*"* West- India Company, which is not only
contrary to our good will, for we have always desired to do all the services for it and to
defend its honor and reputation at all occasions, but we should also, if necessary, be able
to show, that we have done the same during the negotiations here with your Honor's
Commissioners and if your Honor is in reality acquainted with all, that has passed here,
for your Honor has mostly only heard one side, then we believe, that your Honor will
judge it unnecessary, that anything ought to be brought forward as answer for the
maintenance of the reputation of the Hon*"' West-India Company, as we have never
harbored the least thought to their Honors' disadvantage, according to our oath and due

[reverence] contrary, if therefore can

prove disrespect, contempt Rulers and

Mayors of the City of Amsterdam your Honor's Commissioners have acted here.

We thank your Honor respectfully for the wheat and peas sent us and shall expect
with great desire the bacon and the balance of the peas, if possible by the fii'st or quickest
possible opportunity.

As to the Galiot, it is accorded to your Honor and the Hon"'* Company, although we
think, that we ought to get a higher freight for her, than was agreed upon in the last
charter-party ; as it is, we do, nevertheless, not desire to increase it out of respect for the

Kexv York Historical Records. 285

Hon"'* Company, provided that the hire begin three days after the Galiot has discharged
there. Further what is ready there of the goods to be sent hither, may come over in a
private vessel and in case a vessel was required here, your Honor shall have timely notice
of it and a request will be made for it.

The reason why I have not written before this, was my great indisposition, but I am
now, God be thanked, a little better. Concluding herewith with respectful salutations I
commend [your Honor and all] friends to God's all-powerful protection and remain
New-Amstel Your Honor's obedient and

3* Decbr. 1659. humble servant

J. Aleichs.
To the Noble, Honorable,
Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherlaud etc.
residing at Fort New-Amsterdam.
Per

Lettee. Jacob Aleicjis to Dieectoe Stuyvesant ; chaetees the

GALIOT NeW-AmSTEL FOE A VOYAGE TO CUEAfAO ; DEATH OF E,EV.

Me. Welius.
Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :
Sir:
Our last was of the 3* inst. overland whereby your Honor's letter of the IS'? of last
month was partly answered. I received also the duffels, blankets and linen and they will
be counted with the provisions towards the reduction of the Galiot' s freight, only the
linen was not at all demanded. The Galiot shall be chartered, manned, equipped and
provisioned as she is at present, for the time of three months, to begin 2 or 3 days after
she has arrived at the Mannathans, to make a voyage to and from the island of Curasao
without touching anywhere else and the charter-party shall expire, when she has again
arrived before New- Amsterdam and shall have discharged, at the longest 8 or 10 days after
arrival. The freighter shall pay for her each month five hundred guilders in beavers or
merchandises at beaver-valuation. The duffels, blankets, linen and peas, already received
and those which, pursuant to your Honor' s letter, are yet to be sent stand credi ted for
the payment of the hire. The freighter likewise is to defray the expenses [of the ship],

provide victuals for the [skipper and] the crew and to the skipper

discretion. We understand that are two

fugitives Jacobus and Jan

time of 6

months after expiration

to

earn, what he is indebted for, above that, which is due to him ; he was brought there to
the Mannathans against order by Karreman instead of to the Horekil. The other

286 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Fuver.

thought to get away silently in the yacht of Karreman, but he was apprehended and
placed into prison, from which he escaped and run away. Therefore we respectfully
request, that these two men may be returned to us at our expense. Also for information,
that Domine Welius died here, to all our grief and regret, on the 9'? inst., after a sickness
of a few days.

I send herewith the declaration of Hunnoysa regarding the question raised by
Reindert Jansen Hoorn about the draft, to give your Honor some information, how leaky
at the bottom the affair is. Wherewith I commend your Honor with his wife to God's
protection and with greetings remain

New-Amstel Your Honor's obedient

this IS'."" Decbr. 1659. and humble servant

J. Alrichs.

To the Noble, Honorable,
Worshipful, Wise and Very Prudent
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherland, etc.,
residing at Fort New- Amsterdam.

By the Galiot New-Amstel, which God may guide.

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 op Amsterdam; suffering from severe
illness.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sir.

On the 3* inst. I sent advice to your Hon*'" Worship by Andries Hudde, who was
on his way to Meggeckosjou and promised me to send over the said letter by a
savage. As to what your Worship suggests in regard to those, who were disposed
to go away with Karreman, they have all come back together and two of them went
to Maryland. It is said, that they have met Mr. Moor and are now most at the
Manhatans. Jan Scholten and Jan Tomissen have been imprisoned in some dark
dungeon, when they were placed in there. Lieutenant Hinojossa called out : There
they sit now, let them now go to van Ruyven for assistance ; we are the masters here
and do what we please ; we will teach them to run away ; they have examined them
and many others and inquired, whether they were not advised by van Ruyven and Capt.
Crieger to go to the Manhatans and whether they were inclined to it, before the Hon'''°
Commissioners came here. Reynier van Heyst was also asked this question, they presented
him, as it were, the halberd, that he might stumble. It appears also, that they look
for some poison against your Worship's Hon*"" Commissioners among the community.
Michiel Carman runs great danger, as I am informed : his wife has had their goods
brought secretly to some trusty people ; they call him an embezzler, altogether they

J^eiv Yorlc Historical Records. 287

the people bravely. The Sheriff and Commissary proposed at the regular

meeting on the 26'? of last month, that I should make a list and tax each family
of the Swedish and Finnish nation with 5 or 6 guilders or as much as was needed
during the year for the necessaries expenditures and costs ; these would, according to
my calculation, amount to about 400 guilders. I have answered, that they should give
me the names of all the families. I shall expect by the next opportunity your Honor's
advice, how I ought to act herein.

Domine Welius has been buried yesterday, he died of his sickness on the 10'." day.
I too have had again an attack of violent fever last Monday night, having a great
pressure on the chest with violent pains in the side, so that I feel very miserably ; during
the first three days and nights I discharged only blood and phlegm, so that it was
horrible to see, it has weakened me so, than I hardly can walk alone. I hope that the
Lord God will grant me a little longer life considering my wife and little childi-en.

I shall carry out the further directions of your Honor's favor as civilly as possible,
whenever necessity requires it and keep your noble Worship out of range.

I understand, that Mr. Hinojossa will go to Holland byway of Virginia within at the
most 2 months, with a remonstration to the Burgomasters of Amsterdam. I would like
to remind your Honor of my former letters. Closing I commend your Honor to the
protection of God, wishing a happy administration and prosperity and remain with
greetings,

Noble, Honorable, Valiant Sir,

Your Honor's very affectionate
With great difficulty. and faithful servant

Altena, 13'? Decbr. 1659. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable,
Valiant, Wise, Very Prudent
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New Netherland,
Cura9ao etc. residing in the Fort.

EXTKACT FEOJI A LeTTEE OF THE DIRECTORS TO THE DiEECTOR-GeNEEAL

AND Council in New-Netheeland ; they eegeet the difficulties

AEISEN ON THE DELAWARE ; THE CoLONY WILL PROBABLY BE RETURNED
TO THEM BY THE BURGOMASTEES. 22? DeCBR. 1659.

We have been exceedingly sorry to learn of the difficulties, which threaten the City's
Colony on the Southriver, created to fall into the hands of lawless usurpers ; we are well
pleased with the endeavors and orders made by your Honors to check them, as the place
must by all means be kept and preserved, the more so, because it is about to be returned
to the Company, about which we are already in conference with the Administration here ;
your Honors may perhaps hear the result of it by this letter. *

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Extract from a Letter of Director-General Stutvesant to the-
Directors in Holland ; affairs on the Delaware ; Heermans

AND WaLDRON'S embassy TO MARYLAND. 26™ DeCBR. 1659.

******
First, the report of what passed between our Committee, Secretary Cornelis van
Rnjrven and Marten Creiger, and Mr. Jacob Alrichs is to be seen in onr enclosure No. 2.
Although some further explanations and vindications might be required in regard to this
subject, for the reputation of the Hon*''' Company and its officers, yet to prevent the
suspicion of (being led hy) our own imagination and prejudice, we did not desire to
meddle with it, but preferred to refer the matters, as they really occurred, to your
Honors' knowledge and far-seeing wisdom and request that, in case the said Mr. Alrichs
should make some further complaints either against us or against our aforesaid Committee
(aside from what he has already written in the enclosure with all too sharp a pen and
mostly without truth, in disrespect and to the reproach of the Hon"^ Company as well as
of its representatives) your Hon"^ Worships will receive it with discretion and keep one
ear open for the accused. This caution would have been unnecessary, if we had not been
warned and informed by verbal and written advices of the sinister inquisitions and
complaints, made by Mr. Jacob Alrichs against our aforesaid Committee, in order to
charge upon us or our Committee the depopulation of the Colony and the desertion of
the City's Colonists ; this is made evident by two letters, one from Commissary Beeckman,
the other from Andries Hudde, ISTo 4 of the enclosures. The reports of the fugitives,
the instructions given to the Commissioners, the letters, passed between us and
Commissary Beeckman and our warnings, uttered in these latter, are, if necessary,
sufficient evidence to the contrary. Furthermore, if your Hon"'^ Worships will please
to take the trouble or have it taken, to look over the written report of our Committee,
your Honors will see by consulting fol 77 at No 28 and fol 105 at No 33,* with what
perverseness and impudence the same Mi Jacob Alrichs tries to impute to the Hon*"^
Company, as well as to us and our Commissioners, your Noble Worships' servants, the
troubles arisen in the Colony, as the decrease of population, the desertion of the
Colonists and the City's military and consequently the ruin of the Colony, if the same
or any place depending on it should happen to be lost ; this is made still further
evident by his frivolous and abusive protest. No 39 on fol 133 * by which he impudently
and falsely charges us that we had peremptorily ordered to recall the garrison from
the Horekil. We'presume with some probability from these and other forged frivolous
accusations, expressed in presence of our Commissioners, that he has not brought forward
any lesser ones to your Noble Worships and his Honorable Superiors : we hope and trust,
that the same will be received with discretion.

In the second place it is necessary to say something in regard to the other deputation
of our Commissioners Augustinus Heermans and Resolverd Waldron to the Governor
and Council of Maryland, of which the said Heermans has kept a journal and diary,
which he has sent us : we thought it the best and most suitable to transmit to your Noble
Worships an authenticated copy of it, on account of the shortness of time and to avoid
a repetition of the report, to refer your Honors to it. The commission, containing at

* Missing.

Kew York Historical Records. 289

the same time the orders and instructions, also the letter and credentials, given to the
aforesaid Commissioners appear in the enclosures under No. 2 on fol 21 and following to
fol. 27 : the letter of the Governor of Maryland, in answer to ours, in the journal of the
aforesaid Heermans under ISTo 5 of the enclosures. From these your Hon''" Worships can
infer, that notwithstanding our and our Commissioners' remonstrances regarding the
Hon*"' Company's indisputable right to and actual possession of the Southriver, they
from Maryland continue in their frivolous pretenses. Hence it is to be presumed, that
they will watch their opportunity and time, to drive our people out of their possessions,
unless attention is paid as well by your Hon*'"' Worships as by the Very Worshipful
Lords-Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam to the (increase of) population and
defense thereof. We have been informed authoritatively, that the claimed territory has
already been surveyed by the Grovernor of Maryland to within one or two leagues from
Fort New-Amstel and distributed and conveyed to one and the other inhabitant of
Maryland. We respectfully request and expect your Hon'"" Worships' explicit order,
how to act against such usurpers, in case they should come to take possession ; even
though they should leave the aforesaid Fort New-Amstel unmolested for a while and (we
were provided) with prompt and serviceable means of relief, to carry out and obey your
Honorable Worships' orders with credit. What is required thereto, subject to your
Honors' more mature judgment, is partly demonstrated by the foregoing and requested
in the annexed list of necessaries.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Sttttvesant ; death of
Director Alriohs ; Mr. d'Hinotossa, 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.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.
Sir.

Since my last by the Galiot we lost the Hon''"' Du-ector, Mr. Jacop Alrichs, who died
at New-Amstel on the 30*." of December. " His Honor' s death causes a great alteration in
the Colony, especially among the Council and the heirs. Mr. Hinojossa is desired as
successor by a clause in the last will of the late Mr. Alrichs and established himself already
somewhat sharply and harshly, as I am informed. The inhabitants desire (to see) your
Honor here in the spring, to bring everything in order and appoint another Dii'ector.

Sr Crato is to go to the Fatherland by way of Virginia, as soon as the water is free.

I have been yesterday at New-Amstel the first time after my severe illness, going
overland. Many of the inhabitants received me cordially and rejoiced at my being
well. I did not hear that many more are inclined to go to Virginia, they prefer the
Manhatans.

All our people are now weU, God be praised. We are bravely blockaded by frost,
but we are not afraid of it, as we are, on the contrary, well provisioned.
37

290 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

I would have liked to send over thia letter sooner, but could not get a savage for the
journey, notwithstanding that I had made arrangements with two.

While dictating this letter the nephew of the late Mr. Alrichs came here with a
package of letters from Sr van Gazel, who tells me, that after my departure yesterday
the Hon*''" Schepens, the Town-Council and the City's officers have been summoned
by Mr. Hinojossa, which has so far has been done nearly every day during his Honor's
administration ; he wanted them to attest, that the late Mr. Alrichs had governed badly,
which was refused by them, nor would they appear upon the third or fourth summons.
Then Elmerhuysen and Sr WiUems were discharged and Mr. Evert, the precentor, taken
to the Fort by the Sheriff, the Sergeant and 4 soldiers, to give evidence against the late
Director. At the same time they arrested Van Gesel in the Port, maintaining that he
incited the community against his Honor, so that it is evident, that a great confusion
will foUow.

Sir. I find myself compelled to inform yoiu' Noble Worship, that last year, under the
Hon**'" Mr. Alrichs a brown mare and a white stallion of the remaining Swedish horses
have perished.

The bearer hereof is to await your Honor's advices and orders upon the proposition
of the Sheriff and Commissary here in regard to some taxation of every family of the
Swedish nation for defraying the necessary expenses of the Court.

I have to inform your Noble Worship again of the irregularities of Jan Juriaen
Becker in selling strong drinks. He incites the soldiers to di'unkenness, as he offers
to sell them brandy on account or to give them credit and some, principally of the new
men, have already spent for di'inks 2 or 3 months' wages, before they have been here 6
or 7 weeks, while he takes their bond, wherein is set forth, that he had advanced such a
sum for the necessaries of life. I have secretly warned him not to do it, whereas they
often come to the Fort at night singing and boisterous, also several times quarrels among
them have been caused ; nevertheless it was continued and I have finally been compelled,
to forbid him not to sell any more strong drink by the small measure. Yet it goes on
still, although secretly. The said crediting has caused, that two soldiers, being drunk,
burned a little Indian canoe, whereupon the savages threatened to set fij-e to a house or
to kill some cattle, so that I was obliged to satisfy them immediately.

Nor has he ceased to seU liquor to the savages, notwithstanding that I have several
times reproved him for it, so that several difficulties have arisen by it, as on the 7"^ of
November, when 6 savages, being quite drunk, made a great commotion in the evening
among Jan Becker' s neighbors, so that they came to me for assistance : while doing this act
of hostility they took from Sander Boyer's house his gun or the Hon*"^ Company's musket,
which up to this time I have not been able to recover. The farmers have informed me,
that these savages kept going to and from Jan Juriaensen' s house the whole afternoon.
On the 18"' of the same month Pieter Mayer met far in the woods or bushes a savage,
who had with him a two-quart-measure full of liquor and said he had bought it
from Johannis. The savage requesting him to sit down and drink with him, he did so
at different times. Next morning this savage was found dead a little farther into the
woods, the can with a little liquor in it lying near him : hereupon the savages threatened
Johannis, as they call him, with death, they said that he had poisoned the savage. The
declaration of Pieter Mayer, that he had drank several times with htm in the afternoon,

Jfew York Histojdcal Records. 291

when the savage had bought the liquor, gave some satisfaction to the savages. They
placed this dead savage upon a hurdle and put it on four great prongs opposite to
the house of Jan Juriaensen in the bushes. Some say, that, whereas he has drunk
himself to death, he is not yet worthy of a grave, other savages say, that he must curse
there the house, where he got the liquor ; on the 12"" of December, Jan Juriaensen with
his wife and gii'l being at New-Amstel, a savage came to his house and knocked with a
can, which he had with him ; two of our soldiers' wives, who live thereabouts, hearing
this asked, what he wanted ; he said : I bring back the can, which was fetched from here
with liquor ; he gave the can to the women and requested them to hand it to Johannis :
this can was directly brought to me and I know the can very well, as Maria Becker has
had it often with her in the canoe, when she went with me to ISTew-Amstel. Nevertheless
I have not been able to catch him again, since the soldiers are somewhat devoted to him
for giving them liquor on credit and other reasons. I dare not let him come near to my
papers, especially to copy letters and other things, for he is only a tell-tale : he does not
perform any other service here, than to read aloud on Sundays, which I can have done
by the Sergeant or any other. If your Honor required him at another place, I can,
under correction, miss him here very well.

Pieter Mayer requests to know, whether your Noble Worship wUl please to favoi
him with the requested letters-patent.

The wife of Michiel Carman respectfully asks, that your Honor would favor her
husband vrith a safe-conduct, as he is much threatened here, because he has carried away
Samuel from the HorekU and they call him an embezzler, whereas he has tried to
bring away some of the City's debtors and their property. The late Mr. Alrichs had
once intended, as I am told, to take out of Carman's house a lot of property as
punishment for his misdemeanor. The wife, hearing this, was obliged to bring her
property to trusty people and to hand several casks of liquor to Mr. Evert and spread the
report, that she had sold them for cash ; whereupon Mr. Evert was summoned by Mr.
Alrichs and the Hon. Mr. Alrichs said to him, why he had bought the goods, as they
were liable to confiscation, so that the woman is afraid, that the Hon*'^ Mr. Hinojossa will
now not do less, when Michiel comes here without a safe-conduct from your Honor.

Your Honorable Worship ; I find that everything here is very dear for the sustenance
of a large family ; therefore I respectfully request to gratify me with a cadet' s salary for
my oldest son. On the 15'!" of December I engaged here Huybert Alberts as soldier, he
was the servant of Reynier van Heyst and now a freeman.

Closing I wish to keep your Honor reminded of my last letter and further commend
your Noble Worship to the protection of God with wishes for a long life and prosperous
administration, I remain with cordial greetings,

Noble, Honorable, Valiant, Wise, Prudent Sir,
Altena Your Honor's very affectionate

the 14'? January, and faithful servant

1660. WiLH. Beecqman.

Sir:
The savage has bargained for two pieces of cloth, two clouts, 2 lbs of powder, 2 bare
of lead and 2 knives, but the people in New-Amstel have engaged to pay.

292 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Fuver.

General ! Yesterday the savages reported here, that two dead savages had been
found by them in the underbrushes or marshy place near New-Amstel, vs^ho are said to
have been murdered by Christians ; therefore the savages are very dissatisfied and
threaten those of New-Amstel ; but I have no certain knowledge. I have given immediate
notice of it to Mr. Hinojossa. Closing I will commend your Worship to the protection
of the Almighty and remain

Noble, Very Worshipful Sir,
Altena Your Honor's very affectionate

21'.' JanT 1660. and dutiful servant

WiLn. Beeckman.
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General
of New-Netherland, Curasao etc. residing
in the Fort Amsterdam
at the Manhattans.

Letter. William Beeckman to Directok Stdtvesats-t ; New Amstel
AFFAIRS ; Peter Alrichs, commander at the Horekil ; river open.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

As the savages have again disappointed me on the 14'? inst, I did not get any other, than
this one, who has nothing to receive fi-om your Honor, but shall be paid here upon his return.

We hope, your Honor enjoys good health. Since my last of the 14'? inst. little has
occurred. I have yesterday discharged from the service, subject to your Honor's
appi'obation, Walraven Janssen, a soldier, upon his repeated requests,- considering, that
we have had little service out of him, because he has been sick a good deal ; he also
remains as resident, as he has buUt last summer.

In New- Amstel Cornells van Gezel has been removed from his office, Johan Crato
has been appointed in his place as Councillor, Sheriff van Sweeringen does the writing as
Secretary, so that the Administration now consists of the Hon'"^ Mr. d' Hinojossa, van
Sweeringen and Crato ; in extraordinary cases they associate to themselves Mr. Willem,
the Surgeon and Hans Block, Constable.

The Hon''^'^ Mr. d' Hinojossa has requested Pieter Alrichs to re-enter the service, to go
again to the Horekil as Commandant in the spring.

Some farmers arrived here with the ship " de vergulde Meulen" and have settled
as a village here opposite our Fort. They complained to me lately, that they had no
more victuals, as they harvested little from their land last summer, they had received
their seed-corn from Mr. Alrichs very late, which was English corn and ripened late ;
therefore it was mostly frozen on the field, so that they have little or no provisions nor
can they get any from Mr. d' Hinojossa ; notwithstanding he let the people come to New-
Amstel 4 or 5 times under promise of assistance and he gave them, who count 7 or 8
families, each ^ Maize, adding thereto, that he did this from his private (store). These
farmers have got a good deal of winter grain into the soil : yet some say, that if they

JSfew York Historical Records. 293

cannot get help or assistance, they will have to leave, before the new corn ripens, for
they have sold their remaining clothes for eatables last winter.

Two days ago, the ice brolie up, so that we shall shortly have free water. Breaking
off herewith, I commend your Worship and dear family to the protection of God with
wishes for healtli, a long life and prosperous administration and remain with greetings.

Noble, Valiant, Very Worshipful, Very Discreet Sir,
Fort Altena Your Honor's ever very affectionate

25'* Janf IGGO. and faithful servant

WiLn. Beecqman.
Sir:

We need a drum-skin very much,
as we cannot use this any longer. Vale.

To the Noble, Honorable Very Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherland,
Curasao, etc. residing
in Fort Amsterdam at the Manhatans.
By a savage.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; murderers of
THE Indians discovered ; complaints against D'Hinoyossa ;

PERSECUTION OF CORNELIS VAN GeZEL.

Noble, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sir :
Sir:
Your Honor's favor of the 27'." Decbr. '59 was handed to me by Mons. Hudde last
night. Karman, by whom your Honor intended to write more in detail and other
things, has not yet made his appearance. This afternoon I received a letter from Mr.
d'Hinojossa, he informs me, that he has hired a savage, to send him to your Honor with
the next tide. This therefore serves to inform your Worship, that on the 25'? last
I dispatched a savage to your Honor ; I hope, the same has arrived. The murders of tlie
three savages have since become known, among them was a Minquas ; and it was done
upon the farm (bouwerie) of the late Mr. Alrichs by his two servants, who have been
arrested by the Hon''"^ Mr. d'Hinojossa on the 26'" of last month. The affair will cause
us here rather many difficulties, as it is said that the savages will revenge it on those of
New-Amstel. I have been there yesterday. I found the people had fled, those living far
away to the houses nearest under the fort. Many complaints against Mr. d' Hinojossa were
brought to me, among others, that he should have said, he would not contribute to this
affair or murder, but the community had to pay for it and he did not care much, whether
the savages made war or not. I have inquired, if I could meet anybody, who had heard
this directly from him, but could only hear of it as from hearsay. I shall try, as much as
possible to induce the Hon""' Mr. d'Hinojossa to the most civil and friendly measures for an
arrangement, which are feasible. In the meantime I await your Honor's orders and advices.

294 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

I receive just now a letter from the Sheriff van Dyck, whom I had requested to come
to New-Amstel with the Commissary, as the savages are gathered there to talk over the
murder, for they are better acquainted with the temper and manner of the savage, than
we new-comers. They excuse themselves, because they are not especially asked by the
Director and Council of New-Amstel, the savages also (so they write) have told them,
that they should not trouble themselves with this matter, whereas they of the Sand hook or
New-Amstel were not of their people. The answer was sent to them that if possible they
should come here to-morrow, to consult together and that it would be unjustifiable, if they
could refuse assistance to prevent bloodshed when necessity required it and they were asked.

Cornells van Gezel came here to Altena on the 30'? of last month and escaped from
Mr. Hinojossa, who had ordered him to declare under oath, on the penalty of 25 guilders,
what property Mr. AMchs left behind, he says, that he is thus troubled and insulted
every day, that he would not remain there any longer and d' Hinojossa had carried out ol
van GezePs house on the 31'.' a large looking-glass and paintings, apparently for the fine
of 2T) guilders, because he had not appeared.

On the P.' inst. I received a sealed letter without superscription from Mr. d' Hinojossa ;
he sent an excuse, that he had no time to write a superscription withoiit disarranging his
dress (?). In this letter his Honor desires to be informed, whether van Gezel is here or
whether he intended to go overland to the Manhattans, which he would consider as an
affront, as van Gezel had still to render his accounts of public sales, the orphan house
and the storehouse, of which he has had charge. After I had made this known to van
Gezel, he returned there immediately. In the same letter he wrote also, that it was
ordered by his Honor and Council to hold a day of fasting and prayer each month on the
first Wednesday of the month. While copying it I unexpectedly received overland a
letter from S^ van Gezel, who desired to hear from me, whether I could deliver him here
fi-om d' Hinojossa' s violence, as Mr. d' Hinojossa maintains, that, if he repaired here to
Altena and was not surrendered upon his written demand, he would take him from here
by force, to which I answered, that I would refer his gravamen to your Noble W^orship
and in the meantime, until an answer came, would patronize and protect him. Breaking
off, as the time has passed, I commend your Noble Worship to the protection of God and
remain with wishes for a long life and prosperous administration.
Sir,

Your Honor' s ever affectionate

Altena, the 8? Febr, 1660. • and faithful servant

South Elver. W. Beeckman.

(In margin:) Sir: While closing this Jan Scholten arrives here fi'om Maryland.

He says, that several men are there who upon my order would willingly return to this
place, if I can protect them until further orders from your Honor ; I shall carry this out.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New Netherland, Curagao etc.
residing in Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhattans.
By a savage.

Kew York Historical Records. 295

Commission appointing William Beeckman and others to try and
punish certain persons accused of having murdered indians
ON THE Delaware.

Petrtis Stuyvesant, on behalf of Their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General
of the United Netherlands and the Noble Lords-Directors of the Priv. West-India
Company, Director-General of New-Netherland, Curasao, Bonayro, Aruba and the
dependencies thereof, together with the Honorable CouncU, to All, who shall see this or
hear it read, Greeting : Know ye, that, whereas we have been informed to our great
concern by the letters of Mr. Alexander d'Hinojossa and Sv William Beekman of the
dreadful murder committed on three savages at the Southriver near the Colony of New-
Amstel and that in all probability it has been committed by two so-called Christians,
who have already been arrested for it ; (and whereas) this murder has been thus
committed, as appears from the written reports, which makes it a matter of interest for
the whole country and its inhabitants, if the barbarians, naturally very vindictive,
were to seek vengeance for such deed either now or later on any private parties or on
the commtinity by a war, and is consecLuently a crime of high treason {laesae majestatis),
the examination, sentence and punishment whereof devolves upon the highest court of
justice, but considering the delay, danger of escape and other inconveniences, if the
apprehended deliquents were either by water or by land summoned or sent here, as well
as the necessity, that the committed murder be publicly judged and punished at the
place, where it was perpetrated, as proof of the legal proceedings of the Christians against
murderers and manslayers and for the conviction of the barbarians and example to others,
therefore we have deemed it best and necessary, since the present situation of the country
does not permit us to leave, to refer the pronounciation of the sentence (after an
examination and summary report has been made by our Fiscal, the Hon*'^ Nicasius de
Sille), as we hereby do, to the following delegated judges, namely Willem Beeckman, on
behalf of the Hon"'" Company Vice-Director and Commissary on the Southriver,
Alexander d'Hinojossa on behalf of the Very Worshipful Lords-Burgomasters and
Kegents of the City of Amsterdam provisional Director of their Colony of New-Amstel,
Paulus Leendertsen van de Grist, Ex-Burgomaster of this City of Amsterdam in New-
Netherland, Gerrit van Swieringen, provisional Sheriff and Commissary of the aforesaid
Colony, Jacobus Backer, managing Scheepen of this City and Johan Crato, provisionally
adopted member of the Council of the said Colony. We hereby order, summon and
direct all and everybody, to whom this shall be shown or whom in any way it may
concern, to acknowledge, to respect and recognize the aforesaid deputies-judges, as to
what they are hereby qualified and to give them, as it is due, all aid, assistance and
help in the execution hereof or of what else may concern the service of the Hon"'"
Company, the land and the Colony. Thus done and given at Fort Amsterdam in New-
Netherland, the first of March 1660.

296 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Insteuctiojvs to Fiscal de Sille, sent to the South eiyer to prosecute
the murderers.

Instructions for the Honorable Mr. Nicasius de Sille, first Councillor and Fiscal
of N. Netherland.

1,

Arrived on the South River in the yacht " de Zeebaers," he shall (after delivei-ing the
commission and authorization, given him, to the deputies-judges, commissioned and
appointed for the examination of the murder committed on three savages) request the
aforesaid judges to select two or more out of their number as a Committee, in whose
presence he is to inform himself thoroughly and minutely and in due form regarding the
aforesaid murder.

2.

After the inquiry has been made, the delinquents by sufficient evidence and their
own confession been convicted and found guilty of the murder, he shall, before the
abovementioned deputies-judges, make his charge and argument and according to
rule demand immediate and prompt justice and carry out the same there in loco as an
example to others.

3.
Before and during the execution of justice he shall under advice of the deputed
judges request the Sachems of the savages and some of their- nation to come and see the
execution, which done he shall favor the same with a little present, making them
understand by an interpreter of the Indian tongue, that it is given them for a continuation
of the friendship and that if hereafter a savage should happen to kill a Dutchman, they
should do likewise, then we would not go to war for such private actions, but only punish
the murderers and evil-doers, as they had seen us do now, and such further talk as
required.

4.
Whereas at different times several complaints have reached our ears against Jan
Juriaensen Becker and his wife in regard to the sale of brandy to the savages, whereby
already several difiicnlties have been originated and more are to be apprehended, he shall,
in presence of the gentlemen accompanying him, Mr. Paulus Lendertsen van de Grist,
Ex-Burgomaster and Jacob Backer, managing Scheepen of this City, inquire of the
Commissary Beekman and others, whom it concerns and at the same time examine the
said Commissary, why the said Jan Juriaensen Becker is not, for his assistance, employed
as secretary or clerk, for which he was expressly sent and engaged. If he discovers any
evidence, proof and sufficient reason for the one or the other he is to bring here the said
Becker, that further proceedings and measures may be taken against him according to
law and his deserts.

As to the differences and disputes arisen over the estate of the late Mr. Jacob Alrichs
between the provisional Director d'Hinojassa and Cornells van Gezel, he shall attempt

J^ew York Historical Records. 297

nothing, but admonish the parties to peace and harmony for the best of the community
and the Colony and onl}^ upon his departure deliver to the heirs the order of the Court
for benefit of inventory. In the meantime he is to inquire, as far as possible, and in the
absence of our formerly sent Commissaries, what might charged against them by one
or the other.

Finally and lastly he shall, as far as it is in his power, assist with word and deed the
Sergeant Andries Lourensen, who goes with him, to get and engage some soldiers from
the Swedish or Finnish Nation or to persuade them to come and settle here as free men,
for reasons more plainly expressed in the resolution ; he shall ask thereto with all
imaginable and kindly persuasive reasons, the Swedish Sheriff's and Commissaries'
help and intercession, as the service of the country and the Company demands this
peremptorily. Thus done at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 1'.' of March, 1660.

PeOCLAMATION protecting for 3 or 4 TEARS AGAINST PROSECUTION

for debts such fugitives, as will return from virginia and
Maryland.

Whereas Director-General and Council of New-Netherland have been informed by
skippers and passengers arrived from Virginia and Maryland, that some Colonists had
fled from the Colony of New-Amstel on account of debts and because they could not earn
a good living there and now would like again to come under this government, if they could
obtain for some time freedom from oppressing creditors and distress and a safe-conduct,
therefore after consideration and for reasons, inducing them thereto, Director-General
and Council have granted to all such, as they hereby grant and promise, a free, unmolested
return and that the same shall not be called upon for book- debts during the period of
three or four consecutive years, provided they promise to continue living in this province,
until payment for the same is made, and conduct themselves, as it becomes honest and
faithful subjects. Thus done and given under our hand and seal, at Fort Amsterdam in
New-Netherland, the 1^.' of March, 1660.

Instructions for Sergeant Andries Laurens, sent to the South

RIVER TO enlist SwEDES AND FiNS FOR THE ESOPUS WAR.

Instruction for Sergeant Andries Laurens.

1.

Arrived at the Southriver in the yacht "de Zeebaers," he shall, with the knowledge
of the Hon*'^ Fiscal Nicasius de Sille, proceed to the Swedish villages and calling together
the Sheriff and Commissaries or the majority of them he shall deliver to them our letter.

298 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Pdvej\

2.

After delivery of the letter to the Sheriff and Commissaries, he shall ask for their
advice and assistance, to enlist as many soldiers as possible among the Swedes and Fins.

3.
He shall promise, in our name, to the men, who desire to enter the Company's service,
8, 10 or 12 guilders heavy money, according to their abilities.

4.
If some persons, either married or unmarried, should be inclined to move here and
earn their living as free men, to such he shall be empowered to promise in our name, for
each family or else for every two working persons a pair of good draught-oxen and that
they will be accommodated and assisted here as much as possible, as well with suitable
fertile lands as otherwise.

5.

If it should happen, that outside of the Colony of New-Amstel he should fall in with
or meet some people, who had fled from the said Colony on account of debts or because
they could not earn a living there, to such he shall have power to promise, in the name
of the Director-G-eneral and Council of New-Netherland, an unmolested return and that
during a period of three or four consecutive years they shall not be pressed or called upon
on account of book-debts, delivering to them for their greater safety the safe-ccnducts
issued under our hand and seal and given to him.

Thus done at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 1"' of March, 1660.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant ; 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.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :
Sir

Your Honor's very agreeable letter of the 19'? of February has been duly handed to
me by a savage on the 3* inst. I did my best to dispose ST d'Hinojossa and Sr van Gezel
to harmony. I have published immediately the transmitted proclamation about the
people living outside and had it affixed. I went with Sheriff van Dyck and the
Commissary to New-Amstel on the 8'? of February at the request of Mr. d'Hinojossa,
about the settlement with the savages for the murder and this was arranged to tlieir
satisfaction on the evening of the 10'?, they signed the agreement and the receipt, copies
of which the Hon'''^ Mr. d'Hinojossa promised to send to your Honor, after having
received the payment the next day.

During the arrangement with the savages, news were received, that Mons. Hudde had
been robbed and killed, whereupon our boat was immediately sent to the Swedes to

Kew York, Historical Records. 299

inquire about it ; coming back they reported tliat he had not been killed, but certainly had
been robbed, which we communicated to the Sachems, who promised us, that all should
be restored.

On the 10'." of February the delinquents were sentenced by Mr. d'Hinojossa, to which
he invited me too, but I excused myself from it and asked his Honor, whether he was
sufficiently authorized to decide upon such crimes, he answered, yes, requesting me
besides, that I should sit by the fire with Mr. Elmerhuysen and thus hear the debates and
decisions, with which I was satisfied.

Sir ! There are rumors here, that Lord Baltemoor is in Maryland and that he would
come down upon us with 500 men in 3 or 4 weeks, but these are uncertain news. I
request however, that your Honor will please to send me orders and instructions, how I
shall act in such a case, (which God may prevent). Further, whether it is not necessary,
that the decayed batteries be repaired with sods or beams, which we have at hand here from
the tumbled-down house of Cuyper's Island, of which some have been used for a
bakehouse here in the Fort.

There are only few musket or gunballs on hand here and no balls or case-shot
whatever for the cannons.

We have not heard yet of Carman, by whom your Honor intended to write.

Your Worship ! The above letter could not be forwarded, as the savage disappointed
us. In the meantime the Hou*"^ Fiscal and other gentlemen arrived here on the 8'."
inst. I received from his Honor the order for a day of prayer and shaU obey it as
proper.

Sir ! I learned lately, that about 20 families of Fins and Sioedes intend to go and
live in the Colony this spring, which the Sherif and Commissary have requested me to
prevent. I answered, that your Noble Worship should be informed of it and an order
expected. The Swedes and Fins count about 130 men, able to bear arms, as Van Byck
writes me. We have been waiting for your Honor's advice and order upon the
proposition made by the Sheriff and Commissaries to lay a tax upon each family for the
maintenance of the Court.

I must further inform your Noble Worship that the horses are badly treated by the
Swedes, so tha 1 1 heard of no increase last year, nor will there be any now apparently,
as the mares are quite lean and have been ruined by hauling beams ; there are not more
than three mares and two stallions alive of all the horses, which your Honor has
distributed, and two young ones, two years old. It would be better, according to my
opinion, that they run loose for increase or to sell them. I shall expect your Honor's
order, whether the farmers should not pay for the lost or fallen horses.

Sir ! I am at work copying my book ; if it pleases God, I shall send with the next
chance. — I respectfully request your Honor wiU please to allow me to come to the
Manhattans in May or June, as the chances for passage may present themselves. I
would fetch my two eldest sons to school and bring a little order in my affairs.
Yesterday your Honor's favor of the SS'." last was handed to me by Andries Hudde,
wherein your Noble Worship refers to the "answer by the fisherman, by whom I did not
receive a letter, but I had given to me by the Hon"'^ Fiscal 200 guilders in wampum,
with the order to pay some expenses, incurred here by his Honor and to use the balance
here.

800 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

Mons. Hudde lias requested me, to intercede for Mm -Rath your Noble Worship, that
he might obtain the place of Jan Juriaensen Becker. I answered, that I did not know, that
he was discharged and that he must be satisfied with what the Hon"'^ General did. I
will however say this only, that he is a very clever and ])rovident man and that he is
probably better known to your Hon'''^ Worship, than I have (under correction) described
him here. Closing 1 commend your jSToble Worship and dear family to the protection of
God and remain with cordial salutations,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful Sir,

Your Honor's ever affectionate
New-Amstel and faitliful servant

the IS'? of March, 1660. Wilh. Beecqman.

Lettee. William Beeckman to Dieectoe Stu ttesakt ; difficulties
WITH THE Swedes and Fins ; Miss Peintz ; Me. Henet Couesey of
Maeyland and beothees visit Altena in oedee to eecovee
EUNAWAT seevants ; Andeies Hudde desires to go to Maeyland
AS A brewer ; Swedes propose to foem a village at Passayonck.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.
Sir:

I hope your Honor is in good health ; regarding ourselves we thank God for His
mercy ; I have been with the Swedes and Fins several days last week. The different
places do not agree well with each other ; those living near Kinsses wish to remove to
Aroenemeck, where there are now 2 or 3 families, while on the other side those of Kinsses
are opposed to it, desiring that they shall come to them ; the Sheriff and Commissary
with thi-ee of the other party say, and it is so in reality, that there is no defense or
retreat whatever at Kinses, as they have to pass through much underwood and narrow
creeks, whUe they have a great stream at Aroenemeck, where they can retreat or get
assistance. At Aroenemeck they would have their fields on the other side of the stream
toward Passayongh, where there is plenty of good lands and they have sown a great deal
last fall ; some of the Commissaries, who live upon good islands, maintain also, that
they ought to be favored, by letting the scattered farmers move up to them, but nobody
is willing to make room and come to an agreement and every one asserts, that he vdll
keep his entire lot and fields.

Miss Printz complains, that she cannot remove on account of her heavy buildings,
also because the chm'ch stands there, she offers her land rent free, but nobody as yet
shows inclination to live with her. Seeing finally, that they could not agree among
themselves, I have ordered to wi-ite dovni in a list within 8 or 10 days, where it suited
every one best to move to and if it could be undertaken safely pui'suant to the order of
your Hon"° AVorship's edict, that it should be granted or else that I would be compelled,
to command them where to move to, whereupon they immediately requested, because they
had not received notice in time, as those at the Manhattans, that they might wait a little

J^eiv York Historical Records. 801

time longer, whereas it would tend to tlieir great loss and to the ruin of their plantings of
this spring, if they had to break up strictly according to the edict ; therefore I have granted
them, under your Honor's approbation, the time of 5 or 6 weeks longer. Miss Printz and
others also requested to be assisted, if necessity required it, for which purpose I would
need here more soldiers. We need here also a drummer and a new drum or skin and
cords, for we have not been able to beat the drum in 2 months. Our flag is also almost
(torn) from the staff.

Andries Lourens, the Sergeant, was also up there, he tries to persuade some to enlist
or to remove to the Esopus, but they show no inclination whatever ; it seems, they
are admonished and exhorted by the principal men of their nation, not to scatter
themselves, but to keep about here as the Sherift' and Commissaries have stopped those,
who desired to go and reside in the Colony of New-Amstel, as I have demonstrated to
your Honor in my last letter.

Gregorius van Dyck says, he has an order from your Honor, to recall again the
Swedes and Fins residing in the Colony, so that since my last I have provisionally ordered
the same, that they must remain until your Hon''''' Worship's further orders. Whereupon
they complained to Mr. d'Hinojossa, who sent me a note about it, that he trusted, that it
was without my knowledge and had been done by the Sheriff and Commissaries :
I answered, that I had written about it to your Honor and was waiting for
orders.

Michael Karman does not know, when his yacht will be ready, therefore I thought it
better, to forward this by a savage, the more so, as Mr. Henry Coursey, a merchant in
Maryland, arrived here at Altena, with his two brothers and a Swede, living in their
district, on the 2* inst. The said Coursey made a complaint, that he had not received
justice from Mr. d'Hinojossa in regard to three of his servants, who had run away from
him about 4 weeks ago and have been engaged by Mr. d'Hinojossa and sent to the
Horekil. Mr. Coursey requested me to send the obtained answer to your Noble Worship,
that he might receive his right through your Honor' s command and that as soon as I had
the answer from your Honor, I should send him an express at his expense. His Honor
said, that he got the news, that his men had run away, at a meeting at Pottosen,* where
among others it was resolved, to dispatch somebody hitlier to offer us neighborly friendship
and harmony and to speak about the arrangement of some commerce, to be established
between each other.

Mr. Coursey said, that Sr Heermans was in Maryland ; I therefore sent to his Honor
one of the passes, if he might meet some of the fugitives. At his departure Coursey
inquired, whether Andries Hudde was in our employ and whether he might go to
Maryland unmolested, for Hudde had spoken to him, asking whether he could be
employed by him and others as brewer and that he knew, how to make good beer thus
and so and that in 2 or 3 weeks he would come, to inquire, whether he could find
accommodations.

Pieter Mayer does not cease to trouble me continually to remind your Honor of the
desired letters-patent.

Mr. Tymen has spoken to me at different times and made also others speak to me
about his appointment as surgeon here in the service of the Company. I referred him

*Paltuxent, Md. — B. F.

302 Colonial Settlernents on the Delaware River.

from time to time to your Honor. We requii-e here, under correction, a surgeon, for it
has happened already several times, that Mr. Williams, the City's surgeon, was much
needed, but that he could not come here, having some patients there and coming here,
that he would not have such medicaments with him, as the patients might need, causing
thereby delay to the sick.

Being at Tinneco Jacop Swens told me, that the Esopus-savages had sent presents
and asked assistance, that they were about 1800 (1600 ?) strong and were willing to march
against you, if anything was done to them.

While closing this the Commissary of the Swedish nation came here to Altena,
he requested in the name of all outlying farmers, praying your Noble Worship most
humbly, to give them permission to remain in possession, until they have harvested their
grain. I understand, that then they will make a village at Passajongh and satisfy the
savages for the land, whereto I was opposed and said, that they could not buy any land
from the savages except with the consent of your Noble Worsliip. They replied, that tliey
could get it from the savages for a trifle and I answered again, that they had to await the
orders from tlie Hon"'* General. I shall therefore expect by bearer your Noble Worship' s
orders and answers to this and my last letter. Meanwhile I commend your Honor to the
protection of God, asking the Almighty to keep your Honor in continuous health and
prosperous administration and remaining,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful Sir,

Your Honor's ever obedient
Altena, and faithful servant

the 6'." April, 1660. WiLH. Beecqman.

The savage has been promised, that he shall receive from yr HT 2 strings of wampum.

Noble, Very Worshipful Sir.

As the Hon''"= Mr. Beeckman has requested me to forward this, that it might be
handed to your Noble Worship, therefore I have hired this savage Sipaeele thereto ; he is
to have at the Manahatas a cloth and 1 pair of socks.
Tinnekonck, Sir,

11^" April, 1660. Your Noble Worship's humble

A. HUDDE.

Entered in the book
26'.'' April, 1660.

Mew YoT'k Historical Records. 303

Petition op Jak Gereitsen van Marcken for a writ of appeal

AGAINST A JUDGMENT OF THE CoURT AT NeW AmSTEL (NeW-CaSTLE).

Copy. To their Honorable Worships, the Director-General and High Council of
New-Netherland.
Sliows with due reverence Jan Gerritsen van Marcken, free merchant and citizen of
this City, that when he, petitioner, was at New-Anistel on the Southriver, to attend to
Ms commercial business and staid at the house of one Mr. Evert Pietersen, the Sheriff
Gerrit van Sweeringen came to fetch away the said Evert and he, petitioner, said notliing,
bnt "I would rather go with soldiers, than with the Sheriff." The same Gerrit van
Sweeringen and the President and Council of New-Amstel, Alexander d'Hinojossa and Jan
Crato considered this very derogatory and offensive to themselves and were in consequence
so distracted by envy and jealousy, that they not only passed themselves a declaration
(appearing as private persons without official position), but also obtained one from others,
charging the petitioner however wrongly, with mutiny, sedition, slandering and other
(misdemeanors). Thereupon the said President, Councillor, Sheriff and other affiants,
(while not a single impartial man was present at the meeting in the quality of judge or
magistrate) have on the 13'." of February and 6'? of March banished petitioner from New-
Amstel (after having at different times arrested and imprisoned him, even threatened
with torture and passed resolutions accordingly), wanted to send him to Holland and
sentenced him to a fine of 417 guilders 18 st., which he was obliged to pay through
Hendrick Kip, notwithstanding that petitioner protested against their incompetence and
partiality and that he could be called to account only by Director-General and Council
of New-Netherland ; it did not help him, he was obliged to do and say, what they
wanted and demanded, to rid himself of them and whereas he, the petitioner, finds
himself hereby highly defamed and very unjustly damaged, therefore he is compelled to
address himself to your Hon^'" Worships humbly asking and requesting to issue to him,
as appellant against the aforesaid two pretended judgments and the forcible execution
following them, your Hon''''= Worships' order of appeal, together with a writ of inhibition

and protection, as well as relief against the plea of non-paid debt, and

prosecution of the aforesaid appeal, also an order against the said Alexander d'Hinojossa,
Gerrit van Sweeringen, Jan Crato, Elmerhuysen Cleyn, Jan Willemsen, Jan Gerritsen
van Immen, Mr. Evert Pietersen and all others, who should desire to oppose him in this
suit. Doing all this with due respect, etc., I remain

Your Hon'''' Worship' s humble servant

(Signed) Jan Gerritsen van Marcken.

The question having been put, it was decreed : Fiat mandamus in due form for a
cause in appeal. On the day as above (12'? of April).

304 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

Order on a petition- of Mensje Andries, wife of Anthoist Bryant,
OF Delaware, for relief against injustice.

Taken up and read a petition of Mensje Andries, wife of Anthony Bryant, resident
of the Colony of New-Amstel, who shows, that she had received several injuries and
damages from Mr. Jacob Alrichs at the Southriver among others, that an ox was charged
to her, which had died, after she had delivered the same to Mr. Alrichs, also a cow, which
had been given to her to keep through the winter and meanwhUe had died, for which she
was charged 130 guilders, etc.

She requests a letter of recommendation to the President and Council of the aforesaid
Colony, that the loss, suffered by her unjustly (as she says) may be repaired. It was
decreed : Flat secundum petition and the following letter was given her.

Copy. Honorable, Prudent Sii'.

Your Honor will learn in detail from the remonstrance, which shall be shown to your
Honor together with this of what Meinsje Andries, wife of Anthony Briant, living in the
Colony of New-Amstel, has informed us in regard to some injuries and damages, which
she pretends to have sustained through the Hon*"" Mr. Jacob Alrichs. She has asked
for the purpose of restitution and redress our intercession with your Honor, which we
could not refuse to her. Your Honor is therefore requested and recommended to examine
the case of the said Briant and to give him in equity and justice as much assistance as
possible, in order that the sustained loss (if it be found, that he has suffered unjustly)
may be repaired and replaced. Trusting this to your Honor's discretion and at the same
time that your Honor will let him enjoy as little delay as possible, we commend your
Honor, with sincere greetings, to the protection of God and remain.

Honorable, Prudent Sir,
Amsterdam, Your Honor's affectionate friend

in New-Netherland, (Signed) P. Stutvesant.

12'? of April 1660.

Extract from a letter of Director Stuyvesant to the Directors in
Holland ; van Ruyven's and Crieger's mission to the Delaware ;
death of Director Alrichs ; the English intentions on the South

RIVER not given UP.

New- Amsterdam 23* of April 1660.

Your Noble Worships' postscript of the 14'." of October by the ship "de Liefde "
contains only matters and orders concerning the Colony of New-Amstel and the Swedes
on the Southriver. We have informed your Honors partly by way of New-England, but
more minutely and particularly by the ship " Sphera mundi " of what has happened there
since the sailing of the sliips " Moesman " and " Bever " and what our Commissioners, van
Ruyven and Marten Crieger, have accomplished when sent there : we refer to the duplicates

Kew York Historical Records. 305

and enclosures which we send again herewith under No. 3, and have no doubt, but your
Hon'"'^ Worships and the Very Worshipful Lords-Burgomasters and Administrators of
the City of Amsterdam will approve of our good intentions in this direction. The
situation of the Colony has since grown rather worse, instead of better, as well in
ecclesiastical as political matters, by the death first of the preacher Domine Welius and
shortly after of the Du-ector Jacob Alrichs, of which more in another part of this letter,
if time permit, else by the next opportunity

Experience has taught and teaches us daily in regard to the invasions and usurpation
of the English, that the forts and wooden redoubts, erected formerly on the South and
Freshwater rivers, did not prevent the usurpations and anticipations of this nation on the
territories claimed by your Hon*"' Worships ; but it is certainly beyond question, that,
if Fort Casimir, now called New-Amstel, had not been erected there, that country and
with it the whole Southriver would have been stolen by that nation from the Company

either long time ago or last summer and it is and remains uncertain

and must be left to the future what will be done and may follow. God grant, that such
means may be adopted, as will preserve not only the Southriver, but also this Northriver
against the invasion, anticipation and usurpation of the English nation

We shall only say in this regard, that neither of them * have as yet given up their
intentions, as your Honors may learn from the enclosed letter (under No. 4) f written us
by ST Heermans from Virginia in regard to the Maryland people

We are not less alarmed, than your Noble Worships, by the disorders existing in the
City's Colony on the Southriver, and especially by the troubles, which threaten them and
our people from outside. These make us at present so much more uneasy, because in
our own present circumstances and situation we cannot send there such orders and relief,
as the dangerous state there demands and this mostly because of the insutBciency of our
troops, as the greatest and best part of our military, nearly 100 men, are engaged
offensively and defensively against the savages at Esopus ; it is projected, to send
there 25 men more, to get the seed corn into the ground with so much more
safety. This done or if in the meantime we should get some soldiers from elsewhere,
all possible exertions shall be made, pursuant to your Hon"'= Worships' recommendation,
for the better preservation of the said river and more troups will be sent
there.

We cannot omit, before turning away from this subject, to give yovir Honors
information, which is still more explained in the enclosure No. 6, of the cruel murder,
committed by two so-called Christians, one a Hollander, the other a Swede or Fin, at the
Southriver (and only from the damnable desire of wampum) on three savages, a man, a
woman and a boy. The murderers are known and had been imprisoned, but were
discharged, notwithstanding the convincing evidence and their own confessions, by
Lieutenant d'Hinojossa, who has now given himself the title of President, and by the
Council, appointed by him : we leave it to your Honors' prudence to judge, what

*The English of New England and those of Maryland. f Missing.— B. F.

39

306 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare Paver.

example and conchisions are thereby offered to the savages, squanderers of Christian
blood : your Honors will please to see in the aforementioned enclosure, what has been
done by us upon receipts of the first advices and what our directions were, also the
answers to them by the Court there.

Letter. William Beeckmajt 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.
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Valiant, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.
Sir.

Your Honor's favor of the last of March reached me by the Maquas on the
13'? inst. I learned with pleasure of the good results at the Esopus. God grant
His further blessing and give your Honor twofold vdsdom and courage with a desired
victory.

Michiel Karman came here a few days ago from above, where he had been trading
with the savages and said, that eleven Minissingh savages had been killed among those
of the Esopus, on which account these behave very hostilely and are all inclined to go
against the Dutch.

I communicated your Honor' s orders to several of the Swedes and Fins, I cannot
persuade them to go to the Esopus, they say, they might perhaps be willing, if there was
peace with the savages, so that your Noble Worship cannot expect any, as I already
mentioned in my last.

That they want to move into the Colony is because, they cannot get land enough near
the others and that the small parcels of land, which they have now here and there, are
too troublesome to fence in.

On the 14*." inst. I communicated by letter to Mr. d'Hinojossa your Honor's direction
in regard to the people, who are willing to move into the Colony, provided they took the
oath, as your Honor prescribes.

I received the answer on the 15'"; he says, that this oath is contrary to the Capitulation,
made between your Honor and Q-overnor Ryssingh ; that in the meantime he will let
them swear, that they would acknowledge to obey in all Just cases their Worships, the
Honorable Burgomasters of Amsterdam as founders and patrons of this Colony, together
with the Director and Council of the Colony, appointed by them.

On the 16*" inst. Sergeant Andries Lourens returned from Maryland, he has met only
few fugitives, who were still free ; upon shovdng your Noble Worship' s pass, he brought
away only one Jan Tomissen with his wife and child, whose property came back in
Karman' s yacht and fell into the hands of Mr. d'Hinojossa, who has had it valued and
will not surrender it, before I have not receipted for it on behalf of your Noble
Worship. The said carpenter Jan Tonissen will not go to the Manhattans without his
tools and property, but would rather go back to the English, as he had there the use of

Keiv Yoj'h Historical Records. 307

the tools of one Jan Barentsen, who was killed by the savages and whose wife died at
Colonel Utie's or at my friend Jacop's. Their child was also brought hither by the
Sergeant, on which account I wrote at the request of the sister of Jan Barens, the wife of
a soldier here, expressly to Jacob Claesen (alias my friend). This child has yet due him
there 821 lbs of tobacco and 200 lbs by the said Jan Tonissen ; some trifles brought along
by the Sergeant were entered upon a list and provisionally delivered together with the child
to our soldier's wife. Jacop Claesen took over to Holland besides these, according to
the letter of his partner, Frank Wryght, two silver key-chains and two or three silver
knife-handles belonging to the child. This child was born at the departure of Mr.
Alrichs in the ship Prins Maurits and was at the request of the Lord-Burgomasters
christened Amstelhoop.* Your Honor will please to issue an order, whether it is to be
turned over to the Orphan-Masters at N. Amstel or elsewhere.

The horses have been brought here to Altena and 7 of them delivered. I shall await
your Honor's further orders concerning them.

Some of our soldiers are altogether without shirts ; I request your Honor will please
and send some, also some socks and shoes.

We are placing gabions on the Fort and shall cut down the crumbled points
slopingly We need here very much a guardhouse, aboiit 12 or 15 feet long. The guard
is now kept in the quarters, those who come from post, undress themselves often and go
into their bunks, because they have no bench to rest on nor can any be placed, as the
house is too small, so that a regular guardhouse would be very necessary. The men
have also frequent quarrels about the tire, now it is fuel for the guard, then again fuel
for the quarters, so that there is always strife.

Among the Fins at Opland there is a married couple, who live very wretchedly
together and the wife is often fearfully beaten and daily driven out of the hoiise like a
dog, which has continued through several years. Nothing is heard of the wife, but he,
on the contrary, has committed adultery. Therefore the priest, the neighbors, the Sheriff
and Commissaries and others besides have appealed to me at the request of the man and
the woman, that they might be divorced and the few animals and personal property be
divided among them. I answered, that I would inform your Noble Worship of it and
await orders.

Pieter Rambouw, one of our Commissaries, has asked several times, that he might
be discharged, with the request to notify your Honor of the same.

Oele Stille made strong opposition to me on the last Court-day, because I suspected
him, that without authority he had allowed the priest to marry a couple of young
people in his (J) presence, without proclamation in church and against the will of the
parents. I condemned therefore the priest to a fine of 50 guilders, to which Oele
StiUe was opposed, saying, that it was not our province to correct such affairs, but that
it had to be done by the Consistory of Sweden and that I had nothing to do with the
priest. Mr. Laersen is also of the same opinion, for, when our messenger summoned
him upon our citation on the 26''' of Novbr. last year, he answered that he had nothing
to do with the Court of Christina, hence he did not appear. The case was thus, that
Mr. Laersen had been complaining to me of assault and battery committed by Pieter
Mayer, he had been fearfully beaten and marked in his face, as I never saw it, whereupon

* I. e. Hope of Amstel.— B. F. .

308 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

botli were summoned, but before the meeting took place, the aflFair was settled between
them, thus asserting that the judge had nothing to say about it.

Holding court on the 19'." of August we had about 12 or 15 defaulti-rs of the Swedish
and Finnish nation, who had been called up by Jager and other Dutchmen from the
Colony. I issued therefore an order, that in future for each default, committed
wantonly and intentionally, without the hindrance of sickness or God's weather
and wind, ten guilders should be paid, that no one should be delayed in his
claim, whereas I was holding court only 3 or 4 times during the year, 'according to
demand or circumstances. There being a meeting of the court on the 7^" inst the priest
and Mayer were again summoned by Sheriff van Dyck in the above mentioned case, also
because Pieter Mayer had since beaten one or two others in the same manner, but Pieter
Mayer deliberately made default and paid the fine of 10 guilders on the 8'" to the order of
Jacop van Veer, to whom the Sheriff and Commissaries had assigned it for liquors drank
on the 26'" of this month. Pieter Mayer, then, came to nie and demanded a receipt and
made much noise and dilficulties, (saying) that he knew how to attend to such judgement,
but he would also attend to getting his letter-patents ; he said further in harsh words,
that we ought to make new Commissaries every year, pursuant to the custom of Holland ;
whether he and other free men were to be treated forever as boys, that they should always
be ruled by such clowns, who could not read nor write and pass over him, although he was
skilled in letters and that he wanted, that we should act differently and it must be
different, if he should stay here, with many other angry words. I listened to it in
patience in our house and refuted him with good arguments and asked, that he should go
to your Honor to demonstrate everything. Some days ago, when I had directed him to
return the horse, his wife came and made a great noise, that they could not spare the
horse, they were not accustomed to carry wood on their backs, they had as much
proprietary right to the horse, as I, and that (with respect) they did not care for my
order, that they soon would go away from here, whereuj^on I threatened to imprison her
in the guardhouse, but not wishing to excite her, as she is in the last stage of pregnancy,
I let this pass too. Altogether the people behave themselves quite outrageously.
Nevertheless if he should break up, to go and live in the Colony or elsewher*-, I shall
speak to him about the fine for selling liquor to the savages, of which the evidence fi'ora
his own confession has been sent to your Honor.

I have been informed, that the separate living inhabitants and some Fins intend
mostly to go in the latter part of the summer to the Sassafi-as River in Maryland, to live
there.

I had given consent to Sander Boeyer, as he has much concern with his 3 children,
to make a journey to the Minquaes country ; he arrived here again yesterday together
with the two Maquaes and a Raritan or Nevesin savage — he reports, that the Maquaes
had asked the Minquaes, that the savages, living near the Manhattans should fly to them
and Live there for fear, that they might be killed by your Noble Worship and the Raritan
savage has added a present of 14 or 15 very large strings of black and white wampum.
He could not learn, what answer they have received only that it was deferred, whereas
the principal sachem was away from home.

While closing this I learned from a soldier, that a sloop was ready, whereupon I
went there immediately overland, because the tide was in and there was Capt. Cryger

J\''ew York Historical Records. 309

just arrived. I received your Noble Worship' s letter and shall govern myself in all respects
according to its contents. I have copied the letter to Mr. d'Hinojossa, sealed it and
forwarded it directly to his Honor. He was very much astonished at such a bad
superscription and sharp contents and that your Honor should be quite sure, that he would
show it to great and little, even to the States ; he said further, that he would do nothing
against your Honor's directions or order, but let everything pass in patience and refer it to
his principals. He wished to learn from me, whether the Colony had been re-transferred to
the Hon"' Company, he could well infer from your Honor's letter, that there was a change.

Sir, having returned to Altena at night, because the savages wanted to leave early
this morning, I must stop, while with wishes for a long life and prosperous administration
I commend your Noble Worship to the protection of God, remaining with cordial
greetings,

Noble, Honorable, Yery Worshipful Sir,
Altena, the Your Honor's always affectionate

28'." April 1660. and faithful servant

WiLH. Beecqman.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Sttjtvesant ; rumor, that

THE city's colony IS TO BE TRANSFERRED BACK TO THE W. I.

Company ; want of a clergyman ; Passayunck ; Miss Peintz.
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Valiant, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

Sir:

My last to your Honor was by the Maquaes savages on the 29'!" of April. On the
same day I ordered to have the transmitted commands dispatched and S- van Sweeringen
was commissioned to defend the sentence, to which they have twofold material, that it
cannot be retracted (so they say).

Mr. d'Hinojossa cannot make up his mind to deliver into the hands of Mr. van Gezel
the property left by the late Mr. Alrichs, but offers them to Capt. Krieger or to me,
provided we give a receipt. He also wishes us to interpret your Hon*'* Worship' s letter,
whether it was your Honor's opinion, that he should deliver the said property without
security, as van Gezel maintains that the security offered, which his Honor rejected, was
sufficient ; if we now wished to express in writing this argument, that thus was your
Honor's opinion, that then he would turn over the property, (of which we excused
ourselves). We represented to him finally, as he did not wish to entrust the property to
van Gezel, to have the same inventoried in the presence of two trusty men and heirs and
consign it to your Honor, that van Gezel should give security for his administration to
jour Honor. He said, that he was quite willing to do so, if we would remain sureties
for the danger of the sea. Van Gezel represented further, that within eight days after
his arrival at the Manhattans with the property, he would bring forward acceptable men
to (everybody's) satisfaction, whereas here he could not get bondsmen, whom his Honor
would not reject, so that they never could come to a conclusion.

310 Colonial Settlernents on the Delaware Paver.

As to the sentence of the murderers, he says your Honor may have them arrested
again and punish them according to your pleasure, he intends to defend before his
principals the sentence passed by him.

About the affair of Henry Coursey he says, that he could not act otherwise.

Since his departure I neither heard of him, Coursey, nor of what he further said ; I
suppose, that this may have been sent to your Hon''"= Worship by Mr. Heermans, who was
also at Pattoxen.

There are rumors a-fioat here, that the City's Colony has been re-transferred to the
Hon*"' Company last October; therefore, the Hon"'^ Mr. d'Hinojossa says, that he is
preparing to transfer at once everything to your Noble Worship, because he wished to
depart for the Fatherland by the first ship to demand from their Honors at Amsterdam
the expenses, which he has had in building and improving the land, thi-eatening to
summon them, if they refuse, before the Honorable States. It is also said, that he stirs
uj) the Colonists, to demand their claims for outlays had here, because their Honors do
not keep their word or contract and abandon the Colonists so suddenly.

I have it also from his own mouth, that no soldiers shall remain beliind in the service
of the Hon*'^ Company, but they are to go with him to the Fatherland, no doubt upon
his persuasion. The other day, after the arrival of Capt. Crieger, his Honor sent a soldier
after Crato, who, if he should not find him in Maryland, was to follow him to the
Fatherland, as Crato, who had departed 10 days before, had forgotten his instruction — so
his Honor said. Three or four days later there was a rumor, that he himself had
gone away during the night, for which however he cannot (have) made preparations.
Nevertheless I shall continue to be watchful.

I learn from Capt. Crieger, that your Noble Worship is expecting 3 or 4 preachers
from the Fatherland. I would request your Honor that one of them might be sent to us
here on the Kiver, for the relief of the community of Christ ; it would occasion further
increase and population.

Andries Hudde says, that he is to come to your Honor at the Manhatans. I with
Capt. Krieger have encouraged him to it, vdthout letting him know, that your Honor
knows of his intention to go to Maryland.

I represented to the Sheriff and Commissaries at Tinneco last week your Noble
Worship' s dissatisfaction in regard to their discouraging and preventing some, who were
willing to go to the Esopus and thus disappointing the Sergeant in this matter, whereupon
they made many excuses.

I have ordered them to inquire and report to me in a list, what number of families
might be wUling to settle at Passajonck, to consider (before any troubles or expenses for
the purchase of the land were incurred), whether they could establish a proper village,
the more as the people are very changeable in theii' minds and also as it is reported, that
they would rather go to Maryland, than to remove to another place here and sponge
upon the others. Therefore I have not yet informed them of the prolongation until
towards winter or after the harvest, as granted by your Honor ; I have only recommended
to them to be on their guard and make preparations for living together. The bearer
hereof. Sergeant Andries Lourens, wUl be able to inform your Honor of everything.

Miss Printz requests, that she may deliver here, for her taxes, a fat ox, fat pigs and
bread-corn.

Kew York Historical Records. 311

If your Honor should conclude, that the horses, which according to my opinion
(under due reverence) turn out to be too light for our peasants, should be sold, to which
several are inclined, then they should be offered provisionally, as for this ensuing year we
need them yet very much ; I am expecting your Honor's order in this respect or whether
on the other hand we must provide for winter-fodder.

Sergeant Andries Lowreus has fallen sick on the 9'> inst. and grows weaker every
day, therefore he must remain here. One Jan Pyl and Jan Tonnissen go with this
enlisted as soldiers by the Sergeant, also two soldiers, who came here with the Sergeant,
besides also a boy, who was kidnapped by the savages while in the woods after rabbits.
Coming here I kept him against the will of the savages, whereas it is reported, that lately
two boys had been sold by the savages to the English. This boy was ransomed from tlie
savages by Mr. d'Hinojossa two or three months ago for a frock and a small piece of
duffels.

Herewith I commend your Noble Worship to the protection of God remaining with
wishes for a long life and prosperous administration,

Su',
Altena Your Honor' s ever very affectionate

the 12'.' May, and faithful servant

1660. . WiLH. Beeckman.

(In margine:) Honorable General! I have not more than about 2 rations of bacon
and meat for the garrison. I request that some may be sent to us.

Appointment of commissioners to examine and report on the case op
Jan Gerritsen van Marcken, appellant, against the Court of
New-Castle. 18™ of Mat.

Whereas Jan Gerritsen van Marcken asked for and obtained our temporary order of
appeal from a certain sentence passed over him by the Court of the Colony of New-
Amstel and whereas upon the mandamus Gerrit van Sweeringen has appeared, legally
empowered as Sheriff of the aforesaid Court and party to this suit, to sustain the sentence
as passed, therefore the Honorable Mr. Nicasius de SHle, Councillor and Fiscal, Paul us
Leendertsen van der Grift, late Burgomaster, Timotheus Gabrie and Jacobus Backer,
Scheepens of this City are hereby detailed, required and authorized as Commissioners to
hear the parties, examine the evidential documents already presented or hereafter to be
produced and according to the result make a written report and statement to the
Director-General and Council. Done at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, ut supra.

312 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware JRiver.

Lktter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant ; Swedes not
inclined to remove ; dissatisfaction in maryland on account

OF THE WAT Mr. CoURCEY HAS BEEN TREATED BY Mr. d'HiNOYOSSA;
OPEN SALE OF LIQUORS AT NeW AmSTEL TO INDIANS.

Noble, Honorable, Very WorsMpM, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Sir ! Since the departure of Jan de Kaper little has occurred here. On the 19*? inst.
I received a note from the Sheriff van Dyck in answer to the orders left with him (and
referred to in my last to your Honor) ; he says, that the community had chosen deputies,
to send to me with the request, that I should petition your Honor in their behalf, tliat
they may not remove and each one remain on his own place. This request was made by
Pieter Kock, Pieter Andriessen and Hans Moenissen. I informed the said deputies once
more of your Honor's orders ; they said, that not land enough to pasture their cattle there
could be got at Passayongh, therefore they could not break up, saying further, if we
must break up, then we shall go away or move to where we may remain living in peace
and requested besides urgently to write to your Honor of then- propos itions, for which
they would pay me.

Sir ! they desire only delay and intend altogether not to obey any order, indeed to the
great disrespect of your Honor, as I have written to Gregorius van Dyck on the 21'.' inst.,
whereupon I received an answer on the next day, in which he requests, that I might
defer a little writing about this matter to your Honor, as he first would speak with
the most influential men and then communicate to me theu- opinions, but these are only
pretenses.

On the 26*? inst. I received by a Maquaes savage a letter from Mr. Heermans, dated
the flJS of April ; he says, that the strange treatment of Mr. Coursey by Mr. d'Hinojossa
has been taken very ill and that it was proposed to carry of: the servants nolens volens.
His Honor also writes, that perhaps they may send hither 3 or 4 Dutch fugitives and thus
make an exchange against their servants. He says further, that they are busy over the
separation of the boundaries, to be thus relieved of further quarrels with those of
Deluwaer bay. I trust that his Honor is at present already at the Manhatans and has
informed your Noble Worship of all.

On the 21'.* inst. there arrived here a sachem from Hackingsack ; he reports, that your
Honor has made peace with the Esopus and all other savages, except the Raritans, he
brought therefore presents for the Minquaes, as he said.

The first chief of the Minquaes has been here on the 23* inst., he showed me his poor
coat, which I had interpreted to me meant, that I was to mention it to your Honor,
whereupon I gave him a frock and a small piece of dufllels on behalf of your Honor,
which he accepted with thanks. — I am told, that Jacop Swens sent for him and gave
him as presents 10 fathoms of linen, 4 blankets a gun and besides several other things.

Monsy Kip and otliers have told me at different times, that since a long time no
regard whatever is paid by Mr. d'Hinojossa to the sale of strong drinks to the savages,
so that they run about with it in day-time and commit many nuisances and discharge
theii- guns near the houses in the evening and out of season.

Herewith I send the accounts of my administration from the first of November, 1658,

J^eiv York Historical Records. 313

to the last of October, 1659. Several items remain open, because I had not the prices. In
case your Honor desires the further account till May or to date, I could send it by first
opportunity.

Su- 1 I refer to my last and commend herewith your Noble "Worship and dear family
to the protection of the most high God, asking Him to preserve your Honor in continuous
health and prosperous administration and remain.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Very Prudent Sir,

Your Honor' s ever
Altena, the 25'." of May, afliectionate and faithful

1660. servant

WiLH. Beecqman. ;
To the Noble, Honorable, Valiant,
Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-Greneral of
Nev7-Netherland, Curasao etc. residing
at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhattans.

Petition of Andries Hudde prating for some appointment on the
South kivek.
6'? of June, Saturday.

In Council present his Noble Honor, the Director-General Petrus Stuyvesant
and the Hon'""= Nicasius de SUle.

Copy.

To the Noble, Very Worshipful Du'ector-General and CouncU of New-
Netherland.
Shovrs with great humility and due respect Andries Hudde, that he, petitioner, has
served the Honorable Company in different capacities in this country during a period of
thirty-one years and that (without boasting) with great faithfulness and whereas he,
petitioner, gaining his living on the Southriver, has lately had the misfortune to be robbed
by the savages there of all, which he had, whereby he with his wife and chUd find
themselves now in great poverty and indigence and does not know of any means to take
hold of in his old age for his maintenance, therefore he is compelled to turn to your
Hon'''* Worships, humbly praying and requesting, that your Hon''''' Worships will please,
to employ petitioner according to his capacity and fitness in some position in your
Hon"'* Worships' service on the said Southriver with a salary sufficient for his maintenance.
Trusting that therein he will acquit himself and behave to the satisfaction of your
Honorable Worships and be always under great obligation,

Your Hon"'* Worships' humble and obedient
servant

(Signed) A. Hudde.

40

314 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Appointment of Andeies Hudde to be Clerk at Foet Cheistina
(Wilmington, Del.).

The foregoing petition was taken up and read and after consideration of petitioner's
present bad circumstances, the recommendations of some leading inhabitants and
especially, that a Clerk was necessary at the Southriver for the assistance of the
Commissary there, the following decision was made :

Whereas the office of Clerk and Eeader at Fort Altena on the Southriver has been
made vacant, the petitioner is hereby engaged as Clerk and Reader for the assistance of
the Commissary Willem Beekman, he shall receive for this service the same salary, as
the former Clerk and Reader has had. If he conducts himself in this position as is
proper, his further advancement shall be considered in due time. Date as above.

Judgment in the case of Gerritsen van Marcken against Sheeiff
Gereit van Sweeingen of New-Amstel (New-Castle, Del.).
r? of June.

In Council of the Director-General and CouncU of New-Netherland, with the
Burgomasters of this City of Amsterdam joined to them :
Having taken up and read the report and statement of the Hon*"^ Commissioners
apiDointed to examine and inquire into the law-suit instituted by Gerrit van Sweeringen,
who calls himself Sheriff of the Colony of New-Amstel, against Jan Gerritsen van Marcken,
now petitioner for a mandamus in a case in appeal ; having further revised, read, re-read
and examined all the pieces, documents and proofs referring to it, we cannot find from the
documents produced, (at least it is not proved by conclusive evidence) that the defendant
Jan Gerritsen van Marcken, now appellant, has deserved such threats of torture,
banishment and punishment, as were uttered by the sentence against him ; besides that,
the judges are suspected and show themselves by the evidence, (at least the principal
ones) as plaintiffs, prosecutors, witnesses and judges, which cannot be admitted in law,
tlierefore Director-General and Council with their adjuncts decide, that the sentence was
erroneously given and the appeal from it made legally, that therefore aU shall be placed
in statu quo prius : they condemn the first plaintiff, Gerrit van Sweeringen, into the costs
and mises of the law, so far incurred and to an indemnification, as in equity, of the
appellant, unless, however, the first plaintiff, Gerrit van Sweeringen, in his quality as
Sheriff, have any action against the appellant or think he has, in which case he may
properly institute the same agreeable to law and established form. Date as above.

Mew York Historical Records. 315

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; visit oe 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.

Noble, Honorable, Valiant, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Sir-:

Being to-day at New-Amstel to inventory and value the property in question, I
received notice, that the great Sachem from the Minquaes country was at Altena to speak
with me. When I came home, I found, that he was accompanied by the Sachem of
Hacgkinsack and 3 or 4 savages, among whom, as was reported, was the brother of the
Sachem, lately killed at the Esopus. This great chief told me, that he wished to travel
to the Manhatans the ensuing night, to dispose your Noble Worship towards peace with
the savages ; for this purpose he demanded a canoe, to go to Meggeckessouw, which was
granted ; he also brought me the information, that 2 of our soldiers had arrived at his
house and had, upon theii' arrival, asked, that they might be allowed to live and plant in
his country. These soldiers deserted on the 10th inst. and are called Janas Willem and
Jan du Parck, both young fellows.

On the 11''' inst. Mr. Coursey left again with his servants, whom he went to get from
the HorekU in Karman's yacht by permission of Mr. d'Hinojossa. These servants were
very glad, that they had met again their master. By Mr. Coursey I saluted the Governor
of Maryland, Colonel Utie and the Magistrates at the Sassafras River, and requested
them in a letter, that if the deserters should arrive there, they would arrest them and
keep them in prison and give us information by an express messenger at the expense of
the Hon"'^ Company, so that then a sergeant assisted by soldiers might come to take them
away with their Honors' permission. This, Mr. Coursey said, would without doubt be
conceded. He thanks your Honor for the order issued, by which he has recovered his
servants.

I also sent thereupon a savage to the Minquaes' country to inquire after these
deserters. Besides I directly asked this chief, promising him two coats of duffels, that
he should send a savage to get these run-aways and deliver them to us, of which he
excused himself, saying that he could not spare a savage at present, but that as soon as
he returns, he will have them brought here, provided that I promised, that they would
not be punished.

Several messengers to the aforesaid chief have passed here, as I have informed your
Honor in my fonner letter. On the first inst. 7 canoes full of savages with women and
children came down the river and proceeded to the Minquaes country. It was said, that
they had lived near the Menissing Indians and fled for fear of a certain Manitto.

Your Honor' s very agreeable letter of the 7*." inst. was handed to us by Mons. Hudde
on the 14'!' inst. , pursuant to your Honor' s order, I shall him employ in his capacity.
As to the horses, they are fat and sleek, we keep them here around the Fort. I was
lately informed by savages, that two horses were in the woods 3 or 4 hours distant from
here, which had been there two years and belong to our horses, as the Swedes say ; I
shall send a savage with 3 or 4 soldiers and two tame horses and a Swede there, to bring

Bt^ Colojiial Settleinents on the Delaware River.

them up here, if possible. Since Capt. Kreiger's departure I have inquired above as
well as here, with what intentions Jacop Swens had made the agreement ; I cannot learn
anything else, than to secure some trade, to which end he intends to put up a blockhouse
here at Altena.

Last Saturday I distributed our last meat, I have yet about one ration of bacon and
200 lbs. of dried codfish. I request that your Honor will please to send us some bacon
and meat by first opportunity.

Sir ! I shall comply with the subsequent contents of your Honor' s letter in every
respect and answer it in detail in 6 or 7 days by Jan de Caper. I shall again proceed to
New-Amstel to-morrow and complete the business of Mr. van Gezel. Herewith
commending your Hon"'® Worship to God's protection with wishes for a long life and
prosperous administration, I remain with cordial salutations,

Noble Honorable, Valiant, Very Discreet Sir,

Your Honor' s ever affectionate
Altena, the 17'? of June, and faithful servant

1660. WiLH. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Valiant,
Very "Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director- General of
New-Netherland, Curasao, etc.
residing at Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhattans.

«

By a Minquaes Sachem.

Noble, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :
Sir!
The bearer hereof, Jan Picket, demanded his obligation again, to which end I send
him to your Honor. He has been above, among the Swedes, for several days with his
yacht, Capt. Jan Jacops also. I do not know whether this has been permitted by your
Worship. I would also like to know, how I shall act, when some English from abroad or
from the Virginias should arrive here and not want to go to the Manhattans. I shall
await your Honor's order in this respect. MeanwhUe I commend your Honor and family
to the protection of God and remain, with greetings.

Sir,
Altena, the 26^" June, Your Honor's ever affectionate serv?

1660. WiLH. Beeckman-.

To the Noble, Honorable,

Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent

Mr. Nicasius de Silla, Councillor,

Fiscal of New-Netherland,

residing at Amsterdam in New-Netherland

on the Manhattans.

Mew York Historical Records. 317

Extract from a letter op P. Stuyvesant to the Directors in
Holland ; English encroachments cannot be counteracted by
words. New Amsterdam, 25™ of June, 1660.

The third point of the abovementioned letter left unanswered, concerns the interests
of the Company and the City on the Southriver and is pressed upon us with so much more
earnestness, as, according to your Honors' letter, that territory was on the eve of being
returned to the Company : your Honors promised to communicate the result either by
the ship "Trouw" or else with the next : as we have not been since advised about what
concerns this matter, we do not know how to act : if it comes back to the Company, then
other arrangements ought to be made in regard to the Administration or at least to the
executive officers there ; if it remains, as before, property of the City, we dare not act, as
necessity and condition of affairs require it, in giving proper and needed directions. We
have no doubt, but that your Noble Worships and the Hon'''* Commissioners for the
City's Colony are acquainted with his proceedings in regard to the late Director Alrichs
and the administration of justice and other grievances, without our entering, to avoid
jealousies, upon a more minute description of them. In the meantime we shall contribute
to the preservation, as well as welfare and safety of the place as much, as our own
condition shall permit

We have been informed, that a certain party, commonly called "Jacob my friend"
has gone to Holland by way of Virginia. Some years ago he fled from here with quite a
large sum of money, given to him by divers parties to trade with among the savages on
the Southriver ; since that time he has lived as a savage among the Minquas for years,
married a squaw or kept her as a concubine and had several children by her. By his
flight and sojourn among the savages, great damage, diversion of trade and troubles have
been caused to the Hon'''* Company and the inhabitants here; if the said " Jacob my
friend" wellknown to the skippers sailing to New-Netheiiand, could be traced in secret
and sent hither well guarded, it would be of advantage to the Company and the general
trade on the Southriver, for which, in case he might be employed on his return by
others, more damage and a greater diversion is to be feared.

318 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Rivei^

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant; d'Hinotossa;

SALE of liquor TO INDIANS ; THE CHURCH ; ARRIVAL OF Mr. ReNDEL

Revel overland from Virginia ; election of magistrates at
New Amstel.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, "Wise, Very Prudent Sir.
Sir:

My last was of the IT? inst by a Minquaes chief. I hope it has been received. This
Sachem has said at the house of Caituiie and others that, in case your Noble Worship
could not agree to an arrangement with the Esopus savages, he would then assist them.

At the arrival of Capt. Jacop I was together with d'Hinojossa, Mr. Evert and Kip at
the house of Foppe Janssen and among others it was represented to Mr. d'Hinojossa,
that it was necessary, his Honor should order a Court-day, as they had to summon
several people ; d'Hinojossa answered : " I do not intend to do it any more, it does not
suit me, to send some one to the Manhatans every week to defend sentences : the General
withdraws my authority fi'om me," therefore I recommended fairly his duty (to him).
Engaging in further discourse about the strong drink, of which a considerable lot had
arrived in this yacht, I said again, that he ought to take good care of his duty, whereto
he answered: "I leave the fishing to the General, he does not acknowledge me as the
head of this place, but writes and titulates me My dear, beloved Lieutenant and so on,
wherewith I intend to defend myself sufficiently, if anything should occur to us."

Sir ! In the meantime I cannot omit to inform your Honor, that I see many drunken
savages daily and I am told, that they sit drinking publicly in some taverns. On
the 14'." inst. when I went with Capt. Jacop and Mons. Schreck to the house of Foppe
Janssen to salute Mr. Rendel Revel, who had come overland from Virginia, while we were
there, several drunken savages came before the windows, so that it was a disgrace in
presence of strangers. Likewise our soldiers and others have told me, that the savages
had an entire anker of anise-liquor on the strand near the church and sat around it
di-inking. One Gerret the Smith came also at the same time complaining, he lives in
the back-part of the town near the edge of the forest and says, that he is much annoyed
by drunken savages every night, he has spoken of it several times to Mr. d'Hinojossa,
but has not received any assistance, he says, he will be obliged to abandon his house.

The aforesaid Mr. Revel says, he has come here with the knowledge of the Governor
of Virginia, to inquire at New- Amstel or at the South-River, whether they needed any
provisions, that they would supply them, if any were needed.

The property of the late Mr. Alrichs has been inventoried according to your Honor's
order and is packed and shipped. D'Hinojossa was present about half a day, afterwards
he absented himself grumbling and murmuring, accusing us on the 3* or 4'? day, that
we had inventoried the City's property, which consisted of an empty box and an old
bottle-case, whereupon we answered, that he ought to have remained present and give
us information, as the City's socks, shoes and other property were strewn over the
whole room, that we constantly had to step on it. His Honor said further, that the City
would take it very ill, that their courtroom was so despoiled of chairs, books, pictures
and other things, that your Noble Worship will have enough to answer for in this matter,

Kew Yorh Historical Records. 310

that the heirs ought to be the masters of these effects for the City, which had so much
interest in Ali-ichs, with great many more details.

SheriflE van Sweeringen arrived at New-Amstel on the 26*^ inst., I asked for a letter
from your Honor, he said, he had not informed your Honor of his departure, he had given
baU for his part, he said further, that he would not go to Holland ; he therefore wishes
to hire our house, which I had intended to keep for the account of the Company, for I
must necessarily have a room or chamber below. I have given notice, that I'll give up
the house, which I had last year from d'Hinojossa and the rent to be paid is 155
guilders. I reqiiest that your Honor will again send it to me, as I am quite destitute,
also some wampum for the men, for sickness and other occasional needs, likewise
some bacon and meat for the garrison. Sergeant Jacop van Veer requests permission
to go some time to the Manhattans and return. I had reminded your Hon*'* Worship
regarding this in my former letter, as I have very urgent business to do, while I was
quite sick at my departure and left my affairs unfinished.

There were chosen as Commissaries by Mr. d'Hinojossa yesterday, Hend. Kip, Jacop
Crabbe and Baes Joosten and it was resolved by the community of IST. Amstel, to send to
the Lords Patroons a remonstration for the continuance of the Colony.

The widow of one Harmen Moorman goes vsdth her sister to the Manhatans, they
would like to go to the Fatherland,* they asked me therefore several times for intercession
with your Honor ; hence I request that your Noble Worship will please to allow their
return to the Fatherland. They leave here a tolerably good house and several lots for
their arrears to the City.

I shall observe in every respect your Noble Worship' s order regarding the Swedes,
wherewith commending your Honor and dear family to God's protection with vdshes for
a long life and prosperous administration I remain after cordial salutations,

Noble, Honorable, Valiant, Very Discreet Sir,

Your Honor' s ever affectionate
Altena, the 30'^ June, and faithful servant

1660. WiLH. BSECQMAlSr.

To the Noble, Honorable, Valiant,
Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General of
New-Netherland, Curagao etc.,
residing at Fort Amsterdam.

* I must confess, I have been apt sometimes to complain and be very angry with our language for having denied
us the use of the words Patria and afforded us no other name, to express our native community, than that of country,
which already bore two different significations {rus and regio\ abstracted from mankind and society. (Lord
Shaftesbury, Misc. Reflections.)

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

rotal ordee to the governoe of virginia, etc., to aid loed
Baltimore in maintaining his rights against Josiah Fendall.

(In Col. ffist., 11,118.)

Contract. Coenelis van Gtezel to supply a ceetain quantity of

CLAPBOAEDS AT THE DeLAWAEE, WHICH THE DiEECTOR-GeNEEAL
UNDEETAKES TO SHIP TO HOLLAND.

This day, date ut infra, the Noble, Honorable Director-General and Council of New-
Netherland, as parties of the first part, and S"' Cornells van Gezel for himself and in behalf
of Elmerhuysen Cleyn and Joost Adriansen, his partners, as parties of the second part,
made a contract for and agreed on the loading of a lot of staffwood in the following
manner :

The said Yan Gezel agrees and promises, to deliver as soon as the galiot ' ' New-Amstel ' '
shall have arrived at the Southriver a quantity of staffwood on the bank of the said river,
at a place convenient for lading, above highwater-mark.

The Honorable Director-General and Council agree and promise, to have the same
brought here in the galiot, at the expense of the Priv. West- India Company, Department
of Amsterdam, and loaded in the ship " de Eyckenboom"* now lading here, to be
transported in said ship to Amsterdam in Holland. The Noble Lords-Directors of the
said Company shall have and receive for freight and expenses incurred during the lading
full three fifths of the staffwood, after its safe arrival in the Fatherland and the
remaining two fifths shall be at the disposal of the said Van Gezel or his order. In
witness whereof this has been signed by both parties at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland
on the 5'? of July, 1660.

P. Stuytesant.
Cornelius van Gezel.

Commission given by Loed Baltimoee to Capt. Jas. Neale authorizing

him to demand THE SURRENDER OF THE DELAWARE TERRITORY,
an Col. Hist., II, 119.)
* I. e. The Oak-tree.

Meiv York Historical Records. 321

Letter. William Beekman to Director Stutvesant ; soldiers
desert to the minquas ; horekil ; negotiations with maryland
for the rendition of fugitives.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise Very Prudent Sir.

Sir. — The favor of their Honors, the Council of New-Netherland has been duly
handed to me by skipper Jacop Janssen Huys on the 12th Inst., with 20 skepels of peas,
two barrels of meat and a ton of bacon.

The buoys have been delivered to Mr. d'Hinojossa.

The galiot has sailed further up, directly, after she was unloaded, to load the
clap-boards, which were not found quite so in readiness, as Mr. van Gezel pretended. They
had to be got with rafts about a quarter of a league somewhat further up on the Upland' s
Kil ; the harvest-time and much rainy weather has also delayed it. If the freighters here
had had some previous information, they could have been prepared. The galiot will be
able to take the next load in 2 or 2^ days, as they now have made preparations
thereto and it will be altogether watered wood, this cargo is un watered wood ; I have
been up there constantly to instigate the sailors ; they pretend, that they deserved a
barrel of beer, as the wood laid a little distance from the water's edge, I promised to
notify your Honor of it, to let Mr. Van Gezel give them a treat.

Our men would like to be discharged ; they have handed me this petition to send it
to your Noble Worship ; I find that our baker has also signed it, whom we however
cannot well miss. We need also a drummer very much. About 8 weeks ago I borrowed
a drum from Mr. d'Hinojossa, as we could not use ours, lacking a skin.

Sergeant Jacop van Veer would also like to be discharged, but he would willingly
remain till spring, if your Honor would then please to give him permission to go to the
Fatherland.

The military here have unanimously demanded pardon for the two fellows, who run
away to the Minquaes country and about 15 days ago a letter of amnesty was sent to them,
but as yet nothing has been heard of them.

In regard to the other needs of the garrison I refer to my former letter. The men
desire to draw once a month's wages in wampum.

As my wife goes to the Manhatans for some needed provisions and other necessaries
for the family, therefore I respectfully request, that your Honor will please to
accommodate her with 150 guilders in beavers and 200 guilders in wampum.

The sail-boat or ferry at the Horekil has been cast ashore and badly damaged ;
the garrison have sent me word several tunes and complained, that they are victualled
very sparingly, requesting me to inform your Noble Worship of it. — While closing
this letter, the Chief of the Minquaes came back here again ; he says, that your
Honor has concluded a solid peace with the savages. He promises to send back our
fellows, if they are still in his country. I understand from a Minquas savage to-day,
that they had gone to Maryland and did not want to return here. About 14 days ago I
received through Mr. Elmerhuysen (who with Foppe Janssen, Frans Kregier, Peter
Alrichs, Hans Constapel and some others had been in Maryland) a letter in answer from
Colonel Utie, who says that as soon as our men should arrive in their district, they shall
41

322 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

place them directly in a prison and send them to us or give us notice. Closing I commend
herewith your Noble Worship to the protection of God and remain with wishes for a long
life and prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Very Discreet Sir,

Your Honor's always affectionate

New-Amstel, South-River, and faithful servant

the 27'." of July, 1660. Wilh. Beeckmax.

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.
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

Sir : — As an occasion offers, I consider it my duty to inform your Noble Worship,
that a small ship called " de groene Arent," * has arrived at New-Amstel on the 11'? inst.
She comes from the West Indies freighted with Campeachy-wood and leaks badly,
they need water and victuals : Mr. d'Hinojossa is to provide them with victuals ; they are
deliberating, whether they are to keel her here ; the owners are the sons of Sheriff
Grotenhuysen at Amsterdam, they try to push their voyage thither as speedily as
possible. The said vessel has been at Curasao last December and it is now 16 months,
since they left Holland.

On the 8'? inst. one of our deserted soldiers returned here, the other is still in the
Minquaes country, he dares not present himself (so this one says).

The other day after the sailing of the galiot Mr. d'Hinojossa convened his community
and read to them from a letter of the Lords-Burgomasters (as he said), that the said
gentlemen were furnishing money for the relief of their Colony here, that they had never
thought of abandoning the Colony or re-conveying it to the Company, that they would
now take up again this place in earnest with great many other details.

I send herewith, in pursuance to your Honor's order received the 14*? of June, a list
of the usages and deportment of the Swedes.

Sir, we require yet some matches before winter, as they are somewhat freely used for
the {percklenf). In regard to the other wants I refer to my former letters. Closing I
commend your Hon"'^ Worship to the protection of God with wishes for a long life and
prosperous administration and remain with cordial salutations,

Noble, Honorable, Valiant,

Very Discreet Sir,

Your Honor' s always affectionate

Altena, the 13'^ August, and faithful servant

1660. Wilh. Beeckman.

J^ew York Historical Records. 323

Resolution to send the yacht "The Sea Bear" to cbttise for a
Swedish privateer, reported ofe the coast. 16™ of August.

The Director-General and Council of New-Netherland took into serious consideration
the insolence and vexations caused to several of the good inhabitants of this province
upon our own streams and rivers by some pirates or rovers, under pretense of a Swedish
commission, which their captain or chief is said to have, as is further detailed in the
affidavits : and it was resolved, in order to prevent and stop this as far as possible, to
man secretly the fishing-vessel, called the yacht ' ' de Seebaers, ' ' with 20 or 24 men and
to send her from here through the Hellegat and let her come back by the Capes,
to see whether the coast is clear there about with orders that, if somebody should
try to molest them or they should hear of the rovers, they should not only stand
on their proper defense, but also if possible board the rovers and bring them here.
Date as above.

Instructions for Ensign Dirck Smith and Pieter Lourensen,
according to which they will govern themselves on this
EXPEDITION. 20™ August [1660].

They are leisurely to go down the Eastriver in the fishing-smack "de Seebaers" and
try to find out, whether the rovers, who are making the coast unsafe under pretense of a
Swedish commission, vsdU not come down upon them ; if they do so, then they shall set
all their sails, as if they were fleeing, then lay to and allow them to come on board, while
the soldiers, who will go along, must be concealed fore and aft, but so, that, as soon as
the pirates come aboard, they can make a good and sure charge upon them and they
are to endeavor to overpower and capture the pirates by all possible means.

2.

If the rovers should come on board between here and Martin Gerritsen's bay,* then
they are to send one or two men ashore in the small boat to the nearest village in the
said bay, with a can to buy mUk and listen here and there, whether there is danger on
the coast and whether they might safely fish and thus to discover, where the pirates are.

3.
If they do not get any information there, then they shall drop down to Pluym gate f
and touch in passing at Lieutenant Gardenaer' s island and again send two of the crew
ashore with a can for milk, to hear, whether it is aU safe.

4.
Should they not hear anything of the rovers there, then they are to drop down along
the Red Island % to Seecongh and, as before, send out one or two reconnoitering parties
and inquire about danger, keeping the soldiers well concealed in the meantime.

* Hog's Neck, L. I.— B. F. f Plumb Gut, L. I.— B. F. % Block Island, R. I.— B. F.

324 Colonial Settlements on the Delaiuare River.

5.
If they do not get any information at the aforesaid places, as to where the rovers
keep themselves, then they shall run down outside of Long-Island and come home that
way.

6.
If however they hear, where the rovers are, then they shall try, if it is possible, to
overpower the same and capture them, even if they were lying in some roads of the Long
or the Roode Island ; they must endeavor to fetch them out there, if it can be done
without too much risk.

7.
They shall make no attempts in the regular ports of the mainland, belonging to the
neighboring colonies, without obtainiug first the advice and consent of the magistrates of
these places.

8.
Finally, they are to make the greatest haste and use all possible precaution and take
care that none of the neighbors be injured on land or at sea.

Actum Fort Amsterdam in N. Netherland the 20'? August, 1660.

Protest of Captain James Neal, agent of Lord Baltimore, Lord
Proprietary of Maryland, against the W. I. Company.

(See Col. Hist., Vol. I, p. 118.)

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; departure
of Sheriff van Sweringen and others from New Amstel for
Holland.

Noble, Honorable, Very "Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir :

Sir : This goes under cover of Pieter Mayer, who dispatches a savage on account of
dissatisfaction over a certain sentence, passed at the meeting of the Court on the 2* inst.
Sir : It is so, that he has sold a piece of land, lot and house near the Fort here, to
Jan Staelcop, about a year ago. Jan Staelcop says, that he stipulated for letters-patent,
which Pieter Mayer denies, they have, neither of them, proper evidence and no written
contract. We have referred the case to good men, but they could not find a settlement,
so that Peter Mayer earnestly solicited in writing, that we should pronounce judgment
and the purchase was declared valid, as Staelcop had immediately begun to work the
land, had ploughed, sowed and mowed and I on the contrary ordered Peter Mayer to
make a conveyance by virtue of possession within three months, under penalty of
annulling the sale. About this he is now very anxious, as he has no evidence whatever,
that your Honor has granted him the said land and that it was assigned by Jan

New York Historical Records. 325

Juriaen under your Honor' s order ; therefore he respectfully requests, that your Honor
will please to favor him with 2 or 3 lines, that he has taken possession of the said land
with your Honor's consent, empowered by which he. then intends to make the
conveyance. — I wished, that I once was rid of this turbulent fellow. Yesterday he has
had again a quarrel with his partner and they went at each other with drawn swords.
He also wounded Capt. Swens Schouten in the head with a fork, so that Peter Mayer was
kept in the guardhouse for 5 or 6 hours by our Sergeant. I had sailed to New-Amstel at
noon yesterday, as I saw that this turmoil was imminent, also to keep away the whole day
from Sheriff and Commissaries, who had been present at this quarrel and leaned towards
Peter Mayer.

Peter Rambou, one of the Commissaries, did not appear at the meeting, nor does he
intend to come. The Commissaries present would not decide in a certain case between
the pastor and Peter Mayer, notwithstanding that it was the third summons ;
they said, they saw some difficulties, but would not give any explanations.

Sir ! The ship " de groene Arent " left again on the 30'? of August. Mr. d'Hmojossa
gave permission to Gerrit van Sweeringen and his wife to go to the Fatherland, also to
Joost Adriaensen, Mr. Crabbe, likewise to the City's smith and a Colonist. The SherifE
van Sweeringen cleared 21 bear-skins, 4 Spanish coats and 6 prepared deer-skins, by a
supercargo of the said ship 100 deer-skins were cleared, for which 3 pieces of eight were
paid as dues. I have informed the Hon""' Lords-Mayors of it by a note. — Sir, this in
haste, as the savage is very urgent to leave with this tide and I was notified of his
departure only after my arrival from New-Amstel.

We look forward with great desii'e to see your Honor here : I hope to enjoy the
honor of your Honor' s presence.

Sir ! This day our last bacon was issued for a month's ration. I have not more than
about 50 lbs of meat in the store. — Closing I commend your Noble Worship with the
dear family to God' s protection, wishing a long life and prosperous administration and
remain with cordial greetings.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Very Discreet Sir,

Your Honor's very affectionate
In haste and obedient servant

Altena, 4'." Septbr. 1660. Wilh. Beecqman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very
Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General
of New-Netherland, Curagao etc.
residing at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhattans.
By a savage

Colonial Settlevients on the Delaware River

Extract from a letter op the Directors to Stuyvesant. The
Director-General slightly censured foe his proceedings against
THE City's officers at New-Amstel ; Lord Baltimore's claims.
20™ Septbr. 1660.

"We do not wonder, that, like us, your Honors are alarmed by the deplorable condition
and disordered state of the City' s Colony, although many differ in opinion as regards the
proceedings begun and instituted against the ofl5cers of that Colony, as tending more to
raise obstacles and to promote the ruin, than correcting the abuses there. We do not
like to hear this and wish heartily, that your Honors had not undertaken or troubled
yourselves with some aifairs, as among others with the estate of the late Dii'ector Jacob
Alrichs and the opposition to the sentence passed on the murderers of the savages by the
provisional Director and Council of the Colony. We could not but conclude, as well
from the examination of the letters and documents, sent hither for that purpose, as from
verbal reports, that the provisional Director was well supported in his decision not to let
the aforesaid estate and property be taken away in such a manner, before he had not
received orders concerning it from his Lords and Masters, whose interest he is bound to
take care of and concerning the second point we confess, that, as the judges, appointed
by your Honors, to examine, alter and administer justice, pursuant to their findings,
have concurred themselves in the aforesaid judgment and the friends of the murdered
persons had been satisfied by an agreement and composition, we do not recognize any
sufficient reasons, why your Honors have taken this matter so very much to heart and
why you should have scolded the provisional Director and Council of the Colony in so
bitter and indigestible expressions in your letters, while you treated them in a like
manner in regard to the process and sentence of one Jan Gerritsen van Marcken, whose
action was not to be excused, but deserved punishment, even though it was badly
contrived by the City's officers, and not in accordance with the rules and customs
used in law : therefore the proceedings in this case, instituted afterwards, might
have been omitted. All this can only have the tendency of vilifying and belittling
those magistrates, who are thereby put up as butts for everybody' s mockery and who
are deprived of the desire, courage and power to perform their duties properly, the
consequences of which must be disorder and a decline of the Colony's welfare, which in its
so weak and tender beginnings ought rather to have been nursed with other means of
assistance, than assailed by such proceedings. As all this has made a very bad
impression on their Worships, the Burgomasters of this City, who, to all appearances, are
likely to continue the maintenance of this colony, we have thought it highly necessary to
order and strictly command your Honors, to act henceforth with more discretion and
caution in such affairs and rather to intercede on similar occasions with arguments and
friendly warnings and also to prevent all causes for dissension and difficulties, as well
as to assist the same officers at aU times with word and deed and maintain them as much
as possible and as far as the Company's interest and sound reason may allow it, as we are
greatly concerned in the continuance of the Colony and the satisfaction of its founders

Kew York Historical Records. 327

Although we have inquired in secret for the person, called "Jacob my friend," we
have as j^et not been able to hear of him ; if we should find him, we will try to get hold
of him, and return him to New-Netherland, as this province and its inhabitants are
interested in it

The protest made here against and delivered to the General Privileged West- India
Company in the name and on behalf of Baron Baltimore pretending a right on the City's
Colony is, with all papers concerning it, enclosed herein as well as the answer, given by
the said Company to it, so that your Honors may inform yourselves as circumstances
require it, while we repeat our recommendation to keep the strictest watch on the safety
of the Colony, until this affair shall have been discussed and settled between the Hon"°
Envoys of this State and the King of England.

Extract from a letter op 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'Hinotossa claims to have been appointed chief magistrate of
THE City's Colony. Q"^ Octbr. 1660.

It was intimated in the letter, received by the " Trouw," regarding the Southriver,
that your Noble Honors were in treaty with their Worships, the Honorable Administrators
of the City of Amsterdam, about taking back the Colony, the result of which was to be
communicated to us by the next ships ; we have as yet heard nothing in regard to it.
In the meantime everything there is plunged in disorder through the death of Mr.
Alrichs. Affairs go backwards, rather than forwards. Lieutenant d' Hinojossa (substituted
by the last will of the late Director Alrichs in his place) has read, as Commissary
Beeckman reports, to the few remaining Colonists there a letter, by wliich the Hon"'''
Commissioners, appointed for the Colony, advise him, that they have resolved, to
continue the aforesaid Colony with the utmost vigor and have never intended to give
it up or reconvey it to the Company : although we doubt the truth and the conclusion,
yet your Hon*'* Worships' first advice not having been followed up by others and
the public reading of the above letter made us uncertain and circumspect in redressing
some affairs and to give such orders regarding them, as now and then necessity and the
occasion might require. On our part, with our limited knowledge, we would wish and
prefer for the best of the Company, that the City should keep it in its possession,
considering as well the new expenses, to be laid out upon it again and continued for a
considerable time in maintaining a good garrison there, as the bad name and reputation,
which not only the Southriver, but the whole country has got through the unfortunate
result and bad management of affairs. If, however, it remains in statu quo, then a better

328 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Pdver.

arrangement is needed for many things there, above all a greater dependence from your
Honors' chief magistrates here as among others especially in granting licenses and pass-
ports to go to the Fatherland directly from there or by way of Virginia, which have
lately been given to several persons, who are indebted to merchants here for considerable
sums, as for instance now again, as we are informed by Commissary Beeckman, that it
has been done upon the arrival there from New-Spain of a vessel called the "groene
Arent," by which one Gerrit van Sweeringen and Jacob Crabbe took passage for the
Fatherland or were dispatched there by Lieutenant d'Hinojossa, who, both of them, owe
large amounts to citizens of this city, while the first, who is concerned in a law-suit in
appeal and had procured bonds for the demand, left his bondsmen in the lurch and
stealthily went away first from here and then from there, vsdthout posting like others,
according to custom, his name and giving notice of his departure and to the great loss of
his creditors : if this is not in future prevented, it will create much distrust in the general
ti-ade, aside from the losses to private parties.

Letter. Mattheus Capito to Director Stxjtvesant ; Mr. Beeckman
VISITS THE Manhattans ; complains oe d'Hinotossa, that he will
not deliver up books and papers relating to the late Mr.
Alrichs' estate.

Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent and Very Discreet Director-General.

Your Hon*'^ Worship will have sufficiently learned from my former letter, dated the
16'." of September, what has been done by Mr. d'Hinojossa in regard to the property of
the late Director Alrichs ; however, after the departure of Mr. Commissary Beeckman for
the Manhatans, I find that the aforesaid d'Hinojossa refuses the remaining documents,
papers and books, required to make up the accounts of the late Mr. Alrichs, for he
has only turned over to me at my request on the 2? Octbr. inst., a list of train
attendants and judging from the delivered papers relating to other matters, it is clearly
evident, that he must have more of them. I cannot give any reasons, why he will not
deliver the rest of the papers, documents etc. : they have also been demanded from him
by the Secretary Abraham van Nas on the 4'!^ inst. and on the 5th following by myself
in person in the name of SV Cornells van Gesel, we first demanded them and upon refusal
raised a protest (because there is no notary here). Of all this I have desired to inform
your Noble Worship by this expressly dispatched savage. I most respectfully request,
that your Honor will please to order, what is best and most expedient or to command him,
d'Hinojossa, (although he says, that he does not wish to be commanded by your Honor,
not acknowledging anybody but his Lords-Principals in the Fatherland) to turn over
promjitly all the rest of the papers, documents, whatever name they may have, being
necessary to make up the books of the late Mr. ALrichs, because these can be made up
well and formally, if there is no hindrance either by alienating or by refusing them. I
defer to your Honor's judgment, to order my return, because I lie here at heavy expenses.
We trust that your Honor will communicate to us speedily by the bearer hereof his good

Mew York Historical Records. 329

intention and assistance. Commending herewith your Noble Worship and family

as well as their Honors of the Council to God's protection, I remain your Hon"'^

Worship' s

New-Amstel on Obedient and faithful

the South-River, Matthetjs Capito.

the8')>of Octbr., 1660.

Your Honor will please forward the enclosure to my wife.

To the Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Prudent and Very Discreet

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General, residing

at Amsterdam

in New-Netherland.

Petition of William Beekman that his son Hendrick mat receive
cadet's pay, to relieve the petitioner's expenses.

To the Noble, Very Worshipful, Honorable Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-
General of New-Netherland, and the Honorable Council.
Shows respectfully Willem Beeckman, that he has many incidental expenses at
Fort Altena and that in the performance of his duties, especially during the summer, he
must half the time keep house in New-Amstel as well as at Altena, which occasions
great expenses ; he therefore humbly requests that your Honors will please to grant to
petitioner's oldest son Hendrick Beeckman a cadet's salary, in order to diminish thus the
petitioner's expenses, whereon he expects your Honors' gracious and favorable decision.
This ll*? of October, 1660, Amsterdam in New-Netherland.

(Signed) W. Beecqman.

After having read the foregoing petition, it was endorsed
Fiat quod petitur.

Complaint of William van Diemen's wife against Alexander
d'Hinotossa, director of New Amstel.

To the Honorable Mr. St[uyvesant] Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet

Sirs, Mr. Director-General and High CouncU of New-Netherland, etc.

With all sorrowful humility the wife of Willem van Diemen humbly shows, how

we here, may God better it, must live despite our harmlessness in great disorder and

affliction in regard to the Mr. Inyoese, that he damages us in everything, that he can

think of, so that we have no power to make use of our own property, we have not been

able to cultivate or bring a bag of grain into the ground, because he withholds our own

42

330 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

plough, whicTi we ourselves have had made by Jan Tonesen the carpenter, he nses my
plough and handle to let his land be ploughed with it, he takes away from us the ox,
which my husbandman has bought from Mr. Andricks on the second day of the year,
we solicited him about it, that he should sell us this ox, for we ought to have had due us
from the City twice the value of the ox, he would not do it, that were not the animal,
which he promised to my husband. My husband went to the Mennadus during the
winter, he intended to be back here again on [New Years] day, he was to bring with him

here again a farm-laborer ; he would give two oxen, but Mr. Andricks was

[dead] but wanted now the farm for himself to [cultivate it] for his own

account

Besides he withholds us our canoe, which we have bought from Peter Coock ; he beats
the soldiers, whom my husband had persuaded with money to help him (get) the canoe
out of the kil, according to the attestation, which we have sent to Matthyes Voos. He
oppresses us, that he will not let us have the canoe, before we have not proved, that it
was our canoe. We had to have the Swede come from above and prove that this was the
same canoe and with him two others offered, to take their oath, that this was the same
canoe, which van Diemen had bought from him : now after all the trouble and expenses
have been made and all been proved, he nevertheless still keeps the canoe from us
and if we want to fetch our goods to the Swedes, or some winter-provisions which are
necessary for the household, then we must pay 1 guilder per day for it. So it is with
everything, for it cannot be written with the pen what injury and expenses he causes us,
for the Hon*"'® Mr. van Rueve, the Secretary, has not yet been forgotten, since the woman
handed him the petition and because I too had signed it, so that he since threatened to
make me repent of it. The Hon"'* Mr. van Rueve promised me that if I heard that, I
should write to him, it now appears proper to me in all the [harm and injury] done to us
without reason or cause great violence is done to us and harm

"We cannot get out of his hands all of our property or proofs, by which we can
defend ourselves. I wish from my heart, that your Honor, Sir Director, would do me
the favor to promote our affair and have it [reported] there, whereby your Honor
would see, what character all the soldiers give to my husband, how he has behaved and
treated his soldiers in time of need and how well he has acted with them, therefore
Injoese also says, that they are altogether rascals, because they praised my husband, for
his treating them well and he upbraids my husband, that the soldiers have never in his
life done him the honor and given him such praise, as to my husband : that is his great
vexation and for that he would like to take revenge on my husband without cause, only
for malice and spite. [Rest illegible.]

Mew York Historical Records. 331

Letter. William Beeokman to Director Stutvesant ; a bark cast

ASHORE BETWEEN CaPE HiNLOPEN AND ViRGIN BAY AND A THREE
MASTED VESSEL "WRECKED OFF BaRNEGAT ; ONLY ONE SOUL SAVED
FROM THE WRECK.

Hon"" General!

As soon as I understood from Dirck Keyser here, that Frans Krieger intended to
send a savage to the Manhatans, I could not omit to dispatch speedily these few lines.

My last to your Hon*"* Worship was of the 10'? * of last month by Jan de Ka,per ;
since that little of importance has occurred ; only I heard about 4 weeks ago from the
Horekil, that according to the reports of savages, a barque had stranded between Cape
Hinlopen and Virgin bay and that 3 Dutchmen from the barque were with them in the
country. I learned also from these savages about 14 days ago, that a three-masted vessel
was cast away near Barnegat, of which only one man is said to be saved, who had come
almost naked into their country.

Sir! Since my last I have sold and exchanged the remainder of the horses for
fattened cattle, fat hogs and a lot of bread-stuff, so that our store is amply provided for
a year with bacon and meat : some fat hogs and additional grain are due yet for the seven
Swedish horses there till next fall, according to stipulations. Mr. d'Hiaojossa has not
yet received by way of Maryland a letter from the Fatherland (for which he longs very
much). Closing I will commend your Noble Worship and the dear family to God's
protection, wishing a long life, prosperous administration and a happy New-Year, and
remain with cordial greetings,

Noble, Honorable, Wise,

Very Discreet Sir,
In haste. Your Honor' s always affectionate

Altena, the 16'? Decbr. and faithful servant

WiLH. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Wise,

Prudent, Very Worshipful

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General of New-Netherland,

Curagao, etc., residing

at Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhatans.

* Missing. — B. F.

Colonial Settlevients on the Delaware River.

Extract from a letter of Dir. Stutvesant to the Directors in
Holland. D'Hinoyossa's proceedings and bearing in New-
Amstel (New Castle) ; nothing heard op the English claims on
THE Delaware. 9''.° of December, 1660.

The affairs of the City' s Colony on the South-river are not managed as they ouglit to
be. Lieutenant d'Hinojossa, who claims tlie supreme command there and makes himself
master of everything, shows himself to be led by a haughty and insolent character, having
no other aim, if we can rely upon verbal and written information, and doing nothing else,
than defaming and slandering the late Director Alrichs and undermining and ruining the
property and the heirs of the same, while he pays little or no attention to the just orders
and mandamus, which have been obtained by the Administrators and Executors of the
estate from time to time and issued by us for the maintenance of proper justice. As it
is absolutely necessary, that provisions should be made herein by other means, we have
acted very cautiously, waiting only for your Honors' further orders, to govern ourselves
by in regard to the Colony

It is at present very quiet regarding the English claims at the South and the North,
as they are apparently diverted from their intentions by the changes in England : we
hope that all possible exertions will be made by your Honorable Worships, to have,
under this change and apparently fi-esh alliance, the questions on this point remembered
and some day settled.

Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stutvesant ; the
Burgomasters will very likely continue their colony ;
proceedings against Sheriff van Sweeringen disapproved.
24™ Decbr., 1660.

We had mentioned, in the enclosure, in regard to the City's Colony, that their
Worships the Burgomasters here will very Ukely come to the conclusion to continue their
Colony, and as we cannot yet say anything more about it, we refer for the present only to
our abovementioned letter, so that your Honors need not as yet take any measures to put
things in order there, at least not without great caution, if the emergencies should happen
to demand it : in regard to your Honors' complaints, that the officers of the City had
given passports to several private persons (and among others to the provisional Sheriff
Gerrit van Sweeringen) to go to the Fatherland either directly or by way of Virginia, we
have taken such steps about it by the Hon"" Commissioners, appointed for the
management of the City's Colony and also received such verbal satisfaction, that we trust,
it shall not be done any more by their Director, the Hon'"^ Alexander d'Hinojossa, and
that the same will henceforth not allow anybody to leave there, without having sent the

New York Historical Records. d33

name or names of the parties to your Honors, that they may be posted with other
people there and made known ; it must be done in a like manner and the names notified
by your Honors to him especially of those, who have come there from the Colony or have
had dealings with inhabitants of the same, that losses to private parties on either side
may be prevented and avoided. What concerns Gerrit van Sweeringen himself, who in
his position as Sheriff of the said Colony was involved in a lawsuit in appeal there and,
having given security for the sentence, had left his bondsmen in the lurch by his stealthy
departure, we cannot see, aside from the conviction, that it would have been better not to
have begun these proceedings, as we have said in the enclosed letter, that he is so very
much to blame for his leaving, at least, if it is true, what has been reported to us here,
namely that besides the judgment against him, he was to be compelled to ask pardon of
God and justice, which is indeed unheard of for an officer of his position and in such a
case, and besides without precedent in our Fatherland, for it was a proceeding, which
bringing with it the most supreme contempt, might have induced a man to take very
different and more desperate steps : besides that, he was directed and commissioned by
Director d'Hinojosssa, not only to come here with the books and accounts of the
administration, but also, as we understand, to make some propositions concerning the
condition of the Colony, so that his detention and longer stay would have most tended to
the disadvantage of the Colony.

Letter. William Beeckmak to Director Stutvesant ; d'Hinotossa
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 Kuyter sent against the Turks.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Yery Prudent Sir.

Sir ! My last was of the 16'." inst. I hope it has been received. I have thought it
necessary, to despatch this letter to your Hon. Worship by express-messenger, because
Mr. d'Hinojossa received information by way of Maryland yesterday by a letter from
Mr. Vorck and Johann Crato, dated the 27'? of August, that the Lords-Mayors of
Amsterdam had resolved to continue the Colony here and appointed him as Director,
had also engaged Johann Crato and van Sweeringen as his Honor's assistants, that the
commission of d'Hinojossa would be sent via the Manhatans by the ship "de Liefde," *
which was loading. D'Hinojossa says that their Honors, the Burgomasters, have been
pleased, that he attached the property of the late Mr. Alrichs. Altogether the rejoicing
is very great, for as soon as the letter was opened, he ordered immediately three shots to
be fired with the cannon.

Some dissatisfaction seems to arise in Maryland, as the brother of Lord Baltemoor
has received the appointment as Governor and Fendael been summoned from there. — It

*I. e., The Love.

^34 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

is written as news from the Fatherland to Mr. d'Hinojossa, that the young Prince of
Orange has been restored to all the dignities of his forefathers and that their High
Mightinesses, the States-General would send out against the Turks 60 ships-of-war under
the command of Admii-al de Ruyter.

Sir ! As our Sergeant Jacop van Veer has before this requested to be discharged in
the spring, wherein he still persists and desii-es to leave with the first vessel after the
river is open, therefore I request your Honor to provide us by the first opportunity with
another Sergeant. I would also ask for a barrel of salt, to salt down our provisions and
pickle them. It is dear here, they demand 3 to 4 guilders in peltries for the schepel.
Closing I will commend your Noble Worship and dear family to the protection of God,
with wishes for a long life and a happy New- Year, remaining.

Noble, Honorable Sir,

Your Honor's very affectionate
Altena, the 24'." Decbr. and faithful servant

1660, in the South-River Wilh. Beeckman.

Sir, the bearer hereof has nothing to demand at the Manhatans. He has to receive
his remuneration here upon his return.

To the Noble, Honorable, Wise,
Prudent, Very Worshipful
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General of
New-Netherland, Curasao, etc.,
residing at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhatans.
By a savage.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; Peter Alrichs;
d'Hinoyossa's doings; robbery of the grave of an Indian chief
at New Amstel ; wampum, duffels, etc., taken from it- Mrs. B.
gives birth to a boy.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sir :

Your Honor's letter of the 30'? last has been handed to me by a savage on the 12'? inst.
Nothing to the contrary I hear with pleasure of your Noble Worship's good health.

Since my last Peter Alrichs came overland from the Horekil to New-Amstel, he
could learn nothing certain about the stranded ships or people nor have I heard anything
further from the savages here about the rumors, that somebody had been wrecked near
the Barnegat.

The bearer of your Honor's favor informs me that a certain savage, whom I had
dispatched to your Noble Worship on the 25'? last, was still at Passajongh and was not
inclined to continue his journey for the present, which makes me resolve, to send back
this one directly, who in passing is to demand the other letter and bring it over with this.

J{ew York Historical Records. 335

The contents of my last are, that Mr. d'Hinojossa has received information from ilr.
Borgh and Crato, by way of Maryland through Jacob Claesen, alias my friend, dated
the 27'!' of August that the City of Amsterdam intends to continue her colony here and
has appointed Mr. d'Hinojossa as Director and Crato and van Sweeringen as Councillors,
that his Honor had to expect his commission by way of the Manhattans by the ship " de
Liefde," which was lading and would, according to Crato' s letter to his master, go to sea
in 14 days.

D'Hinojossa feels himself quite big again, he wants to get back into his hands all the
property of the late Mr. Alrichs, he begins to turn the tables again. Ten or twelve days
ago he removed the Secretary van Nas from his office, because he did not write the records
to please him (so they say), also because he had given advice to some people against his
person.

He also informed several, that if they should again speak ill of his "Majesty" at
Foppe Janssen or elsewhere in a tavern, he should punish them with heavy fines. He
further summoned Fop Jansen before the meeting and recommended him, that if anything

bad was spoken of the "little prince," he should caution the people for

he did not intend to let himself be abused in that manner, even not by those at the
Manhattans vrith their mandamus, as the farmers say, his Honor had repeated this at
different times.

About 14 days ago the grave of one Hoppemink, an Indian chief, was robbed ; he
had been buried a short time before about opposite the house of Capt. Crieger. They
took out of it a party of wampum, 3 or 4 pieces of duffels and further, what he had with
him ; the savages murmur about it and may perhaps undertake something bad against
those at New-Amstel, as Andries Hudde and others inform me. Closing I shall commend
your Noble Worship to God's gracious protection and remain with wishes for a long life
and prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Very Wise, Discreet Sir,

Your Honor' s ever affectionate
Altena, the 14'? Jan^ and faithful servant

1661. WiLH. Beeckman.

Yesterday God our Lord

increased our family by a son.

I wish, I had a chance to let

him enjoy a Christian baptism. Adieu.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Very Discreet Sir

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director General

of New-Netherland, Curasao, etc.,

residing at Fort Amsterdam on the Manhatans. By a savage.

336 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beekman to Dieector 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.
Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sirs.

Gentlemen ! Your Honors' favor of the 2* inst, has been received on the IS'." I
shall carry out its tenor as far as possible. I cannot omit to inform your Honors, by
this sudden, unexpected chance, of the following. There arrived yesterday at New-
Amstel as a refugee from Maryland Capt. Voeler and to-day he made his appearance
here ; after some talking his Honor asked, whether in case a demand or summons of the
Governor came from Maryland, we should deliver him or defend him ; he pretended also,
that he was not held under a rightful conviction, if he should be called before us by his
party, whereas his case was related to and embraced the interest of the state of Maryland
and he defended his privileges.

He is a quaker, showing not the least respect upon his arrival ; leaving our house
he said as excuse, that he knew very well, it was proper to show some respect, but,
said he, his conscience did not allow it, whereupon I answered, that our conscience could
not tolerate such a persuasion or sect. H he keeps still and no more followers of that
sort shall arrive, I shall tolerate him until your Honor's further orders, but in case of
increase I shall make him leave our jurisdiction pursuant to the praiseworthy orders
made by your Honorable Worships.

This Voeler says, that the change in the government causes great confusion and
may originate war. The Protestants pursue the Papists, as they vdll not tolerate a
Papist Governor. He says also, that great many have been beheaded in England
lately and several been quartered and hung, that over thousand reformed preachers
are in prison, because they will not practice the papist religion and preside aa
bishops over the communities. Dreadful to hear, God may give us peace in our
days.

Oele Stelle, one of our commissaries, has also arrived here, with some Fins, from
Maryland. They have been there, as I was informed, to take up land and to go there in
the spring and settle. Sherijff van Dyck did not give me notice of their departure.
These, finding their countrymtm at the Sassafras-River in troubles, have given up their
undertaking and Oele Stelle says, that perhaps all the Fins, living there, shall come
back here. It would be well according to my opinion (under correction) to have an order
issued for such an event, putting them with the others in one village at Passajongh or
elsewhere and not allowing them, to settle in scattered places, as is customary with these
people, also making them take the old and proper oath. Closing herewith I commend

Kew York Historical Records. 337

your Honorable Worships to the protection of God, who will please to keep your
Honors in long-lasting health and prosperous administration, remaining at all
times,

Noble, Honorable Gentlemen,

Your Honors' faithful servant
Altena, the IS'.** February Wim. Beeckman

1661.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent Discreet Gentlemen,
the Hon"" Director-General and Council
of New-Netherland residing
at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhatans.

By a savage.

Letter. Attgustin Heerman to vice-director Beeckman ; his
plantation ok 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.

Sir !
Sir!

Not having had a safe opportunity to answer since your Honor' s letter, this one
presents itself unexpectedly by the Governor and CouncU being presently here on Col.
Utie's island. Nothing could be done with Cornells Comegys * this year, it must be done
next year and some other instructions sent from the Manhattans, which upon my return
home I shall help your Honor to procure.

I have been on the Bohemiariver to visit my Colony and discovered at the same
time the best place, to carry on a trade between here and the Southriver. I am
now at work, to encourage people to establish a village there, with which I trust
a beginning shall be made next winter and from there we shall be able to reach
the Sandhoeck overland in half a day and also have, as it appears to me, a
wagon-road. For the Minquaskil and the aforesaid Bohemiariver run there within
a league from each other, from where we shall in time have communication with
each other by water, which may serve as encouragement to the inhabitants of
New-Netherland.

I hope to be at the Manhattans within 5 or 6 weeks. Had not the misfortune
occurred, that 4 Englishmen had been killed on the road by Southriver-Indians I
would most likely have come overland to your Honor. No more in haste, but

* Refers to some private business of Beecliman. — B. F.

338 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

with cordial salutations I commend your Honor, your Honor's wife and children,
to God's mercy and remain.

Dear Sir and Compere,

Your Honor's, etc.,
The fear caused last Augusttne Herrman.

winter to the Southriver by

Fuller,* as if it should be attacked, was unfounded. It has been taken ill, that the
captured Indian murderers, who had killed 4 Englishmen and brought their clothing to
the Sandhoeck, have been set free. The English want satisfaction and the murderers or
war with the savages and they are in consultation about it with the Susquehauocks. It
would be desirable, that Mr. d' Injniossa should answer thus to the Governor and arrange
the matter to the satisfaction of the English, for the continuation of friendship and trade
evidently depends on the carrying out of the abovesaid, else their friendly intercourse will
be broken off at once. I advise the best and that a speedy answer be given, for which the

Governor and Council are waiting. As a hint It is said here, that the Susquehanocks

have been summoned to the Sandhoeck. It is suspected, that it is perhaps for the related
affair.

Speedy and wise counsel is now demanded.

To the Honorable ]\Ir. Will. Beackman,
Vice-Director at the Southriver in Fort Altena.

Kesolution to disoharge the Swedish Sheriff on the Delaware and

SUBSEQUENT ORDER TO THAT EFFECT. 21''?' OF MaROH [1661].

Received the petition of Gregoriirs van Dyck, Sheriff for the Swedes at the Southriver
asking for payment of what he may have due to him from the Company for past salary.
During the reading of the said request it was considered, that the said person is doing
there no or very little service and that the Sheriff's duties there can very well be
performed by the Commissary Beeckman and the following apostU was given to
his petition :

Since Director-General and CouncU have resolved, to let henceforth the Sheriff's
duties there be discharged by the Commissary Beeckman, it is granted hereby, that what
is due him from the Company, shall on occasion be paid to the petitioner or his order.
Date as above.

The petition of Pieter Rambo was taken up and read, who as one of the Commissaries
appointed for the Swedish nation on the Southriver shows, that he has to take care of a
very large family and therefore cannot well, unless to his great disadvantage, spare the
time, to attend to the aforesaid office. Hence he requests, that he may be excused from
serving.

The endorsement was : Fiat quod petitur. Date as above.
r^ of April (1661).

* Wheeler, the fugitive Quaker f — B. F.

Kew York, Historical Records. 339

Indictment of and proceedings against Jan Juriansen Becker

FOR selling liquor TO THE INDIANS, AND PAPERS CONNECTED WITH
HIS CASE.

To their Noble Worsliips, tlie Director-Geueral and Council of New-
Netherland.
Honorable, Noble, Very Worshipful Gentlemen.

Whereas Jan Juriaensen Beckker of Amsterdam, residing outside of Fort Altena on
the Southriver, has at present been brought here by the undersigned Fiscal, because he
did not hesitate, contrary to the strict interdict and in contempt of the issued and repeated
placats of Director-General and Council of N. N. , to sell brandy to the savages, for which
he has long been notorious, as the evidences extant thereof sufficiently prove, viz. the
declarations by Bartolomeus Aertse, Jan du Parck, and Pieter Klaessen of 14'." of October
1659, also the declarations of the 18'? of November 1659 and of Janneke Baernts and
Teuntje Jurriaens of the 12'." of December 1659 further the affidavits of Jeams Andriesen
and Mary Andriesen of the 7'.'" of March of this year ; and whereas this is a matter of
very bad consequences, from which, as is found by experience, a great deal of mishap
has resulted and more is to be expected, unless it be stopped and punished according to
the placats as an example to others ; therefore the Fiscal concludes ex officio, that Jan
Jurriaensen Beckker be brought to the place, where sentences are usually executed, be
put there into the pillory vnth a brandy-measure around his neck and also be sentenced
to pay a fine of five hundred guilders according to the Placats and to be banished this
province, but be kept in prison provisionally, until your Hon"'^ Worships' sentence or
fi.nding shall be executed. Done at Fort Amsterdam, the 1^.' of April, 1660.

Your Hon"'^ Worships' servant

NiCASIUS DE SiLLE.

The foregoing complaint of the Fiscal, having been placed into the hands of Jan
Jurriaensen Becker, was answered by him, as follows :

Answer of To their Honorable,

Jan Jurians Becker Noble Worships, the Director-

to the complaint General and Council of

of the Hon"'^ Fiscal. New-Netherland.

Honorable, Noble, Very Worshipful Gentlemen.

The defendant denies upon the true word of a man, that in contempt of your Noble
Honorable Worships' placats he has sold brandy to the savages, much less made a
profession of it, whereby he should, since a long time, have become notorious ; but it is
thus, that the persons, who have declared and testified this of him, have either been
misled thereto by bad suggestions or are prepossessed against him through secret hatred
and envy, they belong besides mostly to those, who deserve either no or only little
credence, to wit Bartolomeus Aertse, Jean du Parck and Pieter Claessen are soldiers, who
had been sent out by Mrs. Beeckman with a savage, having Mr. Beeckman's own can, to
impose upon him, the defendant, pretending, that he had the consent of the said

340 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

gentleman, to get brandy, which however he did not receive. Pieter Mayer is inclined
to the party, as he himself makes it a profession to sell brandy to the savages, with
which Mr. Beeckman is not unacquainted. Jaunetje Barentsen is likewise not impartial,
having at present a lawsuit with the defendant about a case of theft committed by her.
Teuntje Jeuriansen is notoriously disreputable, as she has been in the service of
disreputable people, for instance in that of Margareth Davits, alias the Scotch woman,
herself a known prostitute and keeping a thieves' den. Jams Andriesen and Maria

Andriesen, being man and wife, have been forbidden by the former Swedish

Commander, Jan Rysingh, to appear before his court on account of their troublesome and
slandering talk. Consequently it is nothing but envy and villainy, with which they have
tried to bespatter the defendant and to make him hated by your Hon'"' Worships ; for
having formerly by your Hon*'' Worships' favor provisionally filled the position of
Commissary, he is therefore until now considered as a chief by the savages and hence
he is often given by the savage Sachems a goose, a duck or a deer or turkey, in return
for which, it is true, the defendant never hesitated to give or present them a drink of
brandy, but that only to such Sachems, as Meckeck Schinck, Wechenarent, Areweehingh
and Hoppaming etc. whom neither Dutchmen nor Swedes disdain openly to provide with
liquor or to drink with at the tavern, which is done so free, frank and open, as anything,
that is allowed, can be done, consequently the defendant never conjectured, that he made
himseK liable to punishment thereby, the more so as such bartering, even the sale of brandy
was there a common and necessary custom, as can be seen from the annexed affidavit, and if
the Hon"'' Fiscal had been pleased to inform himself more in this respect on the Southriver,
he would most likely have found no or only few persons among the Dutch as well as the
Swedish nation, who were exempt from (the charge of) selling liquor to the savages, because
vrithout it it is hard to get provisions. The defendant prays therefore very humbly, that
what has passed as related above may not be charged to him, an old servant of the Company,
as a misdemeanor, but if there was any wrong in it, that it might be graciously overlooked,
as having been done in ignorance and not through contempt of your Noble, Honorable
Worships' placats and ordinances, while he promises to avoid in future this and all other
mistakes. Thus doing, etc.,

Amsterdam Your Noble Honorable Worships'

in N. Netherland, obedient servant

12'." of April, 1660. Jan Jeuriaens Becker.

Follows the affidavit delivered with the foregoing answer :

Before me, Matheus de Vos, a Notary Public appointed by their Noble Worships,
the Honorable Director-General and Council, residing at Amsterdam in New-Netherland
and before the witnesses named below appeared Rutgert Willemsen van Weesp, 45 years
old, Jan Schottes from Amsterdam, 25 years old, and Jan de Widt from Seerdam, 24
years old, each one having lived in the Colony of New Amstel on the Southriver of
New-Netherland. At the request of Jan Jeuriansen Becker they declared, affirmed and
testified, as they hereby declare, affirm and testify upon their manly word instead of a
solemn oath, that it is true and truthful and well-known to them, the deponents, that
liquor is openly sold to the savages in the said Colony as well as in and near Fort Altena,

Keio York Historical Records. 341

as the daily experiences sufficiently show, that the savages are every day drunk like
beasts, even then, when nothing else was expected, but that the savages would go to war
on account of the murdered savages : at that time the savages were very drunk in the
Colony every day. The deponents further know, that if the poor inhabitants of the Colony
of New-Amstel and others did not sell or barter liquor to the savages for Indian corn,
meat or other things, they would perish from hunger and distress : herewith the deponents
close their depositions and are willing to confirm the aforesaid with a solemn oath. Done
in good faith at Amsterdam in New-Netherland, in presence of Jean Vidette and Abraham
de Pruyn, inhabitants of this City, being asked as trustworthy witnesses and having
signed the minutes with the affiants, on the ninth day of April XVJ" sixty.

Coll : This agrees with the original minute.

Quod attestor.
Matheus de Voz, Notary Public.
1660\4\12.

At the request of Jan Jurians Becker.

The foregoing complaint of the Fiscal and the answer of the defendant Jan Juriaensen
Becker having been taken up and read, the Fiscal was ordered, to keep the defendant
provisionally imprisoned until the next sitting of the Court, when a further disposition
of the case shall be made.

Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 12"^ of April, 1660.

26'^ of April.

Whereas Jan Juriaens Becker, former Clerk and Reader in the service of the Hon*"'
Priv. West-India Company at Fort Altena on the Southriver of New-Netherland, has not
hesitated, contrary to the strict interdict and in contempt of the repeatedly published
placats of Director-General and Council of New-Netherland, to sell and trade strong
liquors to the savages, which is a matter of very bad consequences and influences,
whereby at different times and places many mishaps have resulted and occurred and
therefore can and must not be suffered, but must be punished as an example to others,
Resolved that Director-General and Council of New-Netherland after examination
of the Fiscal' s complaint and the defendant's, Jan Juriaensen Becker's, own admission
and confession and after consideration of everything, which has to be considered in this
case, administer justice in the name of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General
of the United Netherlands and the Noble Lords-Directors of the Priv. West-India
Company, Department of Amsterdam, and sentence, as they hereby do, the aforesaid Jan
Juriaensen Becker to the payment of a fine of five hundred guilders to be applied
according to the tenor of the placats issued against the sale of liquor to the savages ;
they further degrade the said Becker fi'om his office as Clerk and Reader and order, that
as quickly as possible he and his wife break up their household and remove from the said
Southriver, also pay the costs and expenses of law incurred hereby, while they reject the
further complaint of the Fiscal. Done at Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, on the
day as above.

Nota : The fine in the above sentence is remitted as appears hereafter on the S"* of
May. This pro memoria.

342 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

To the Noble, Very Worshipful Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General and
the Honorable Council of New-Netherland.
Shows wii h due reverence Jan Jeuriansen Becker, that he, petitioner, has seen with
great embarrassment of mind and grief the sentence pronounced against him by your
Honorable AVorships, which, if he has to satisfy it, will cause the total ruin of the petitioner.
May it please your Honorable Worships to consider, that the petitioner has never thought
of treating contemptuously the orders or placats of your Hon*'^ Worships ; but as the
sale of strong liquors to the savages on the Southi'iver was carried on so publicly by high
and low officers of the State, the petitioner also has now and then traded some for Indian
corn and deer-meat to be used for food, without ever having made it a profession as others
have done it. The Hon"'^ Mr. Paulus Leendertsen van der Grift, Burgomaster, Jacobus
Backer, Schepen of this City and several other inhabitants, as Jan de Jonge etc. who all
have been on the Southriver lately, will be able to attest, if your Hon*"* Worships demand
it, as likewise appears from the annexed affidavit, how publicly it was done there by
Dutchmen as well as Swedes, even to the extent of whole ankers at onetime, which misled
the petitioner and made him believe, that it was rather permitted by your Hon*"" Worships
and he therefore prays that in consideration of the above statement and the petitioner's
former conduct your Honorable Worships will please to excuse graciously the committed
error and mercifully and compassionately prevent his total ruin, which doing he shaU
always be and remain

Done at Your Honorable Worships' servant

Amsterdam (Signed) J. Bicckee.

in N. Netherland the S? of May, 1660.

Follows the affidavit annexed to the foregoing petition.

To-day, the 8'? of April, 1660, appeared before me, Tielman van Vleeck, a Notary
Public appointed by the Noble Very Worshipful Director-General and Honorable Council,
residing at Amsterdam in New-Netherland and before the witnesses, named below, the
Worshipful Henrick d'Eaat and JanBroersen, both of competent age, who at the instance
and request of Jan Juriaensen Becker, without simulation, inducement or persuasion by
any body, but in behalf of justice unanimously attest as true and truthful, that the
Hon*"^ Mr. Alrichs, Director of the South-Colony, had sent them with several ankers of
brandy and Spanish wine in a sloop to the savages, to trade them for Indian corn or
wampum, what ever they, deponents, could best obtain for them ,that upon the Hon'''^
Director' s Alrichs order and direction they sold and bartered it and received in return
Indian Corn, wampum and furs. Deponents close herewith their deposition offering to
confirm the same with a solemn oath, if it should be necessary and requested : they
consent, that a copy should be made hereof and delivered in comvmni forma. Thus done
and passed at Amsterdam in New-Netherland in presence of the Worshipful Mr. Jan
Kneuwles and Adriaen Huybertsen Starvelt being asked and summoned thereto as
witnesses, who with the deponents and me, the Notary, have signed the original minute
hereof.

Tills copy has been found upon comparison to agree with the original.

Quod attestor.
TiKLJiAN VAN Vleeck, Not. Public.

Mew York Historical Records. 343

The above petition was taken np and read and after deliberating upon it and
considering the petitioner's circumstances, the question having been put it was decreed :

The petitioner is for reasons relieved of the payment of the fine, provided that he
arranges with the Hon''''' Fiscal for the costs and mises of the law. Done at Fort
Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 3* of May, 1660.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, inclosing the
ABOVE ; 3 Englishmen and a Dutchman murdered by South
river Indians on the 4'^? inst.; excitement in Maryland; ill
consequences of a war between the English and Indians.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen :

Gentlemen.

On my return here on the 18'? inst. I found those of New-Amstel and the savages here,
who had not shown themselves to the Dutch for 14 days, in great fear, because the river-
savages had killed on the 4'." inst four men coming from New-Amstel, about 4 or 5 leagues
from there ; they were 8 Englishmen and a Dutchman, the brother of Doctor Hack,
who had been here 2 or 3 days for their amusement. Then, 2 or 3 days after the murder
had been committed, some savages came to New-Amstel vrith some clothing of the
Christians, (but it was not known to us, whether they were the murderers), to sell them :
two of them went to the house of Foppe Janssen, where William Hollingworth, an
Englishman and Gerrit Rutten, a resident of New-Amstel, were, who together with Foppe
took hold of the two savages and sent information to Mr. d'Hinojossa; they were
immediately put into prison by his Honor whereupon the savages threatened those of
New-Amstel. After an examination these savages were released the nest day. I have
tried upon my arrival to inform your Hon"'" Worships of the above, but could not get a
savage for hire.

Yesterday Mr. d'Hinojossa received an express in the above matter from the
Governor of Maryland, who is not at all pleased on account of the release of the savages.
I refer in regard to this matter to the enclosure, which I have received under cover to Mr.
d'Hinojossa. Mr. d'Hinojossa replied immediately, as the Minquas savage, who had
brought the letter, was not willing to wait. I was to-day at New-Amstel, but did not
speak with d'Hinojossa ; I learnt from Capt. Krieger, that Mr. d'Hinojossa had excused
himself, that they were not the right savages, whom he had apprehended.

Upon my arrival here, I had a conversation with d'Hinojossa in regard to the murder
and the coming of the English for revenge, about which his Honor made little. I am of
opinion (under correction) that, if the English go to war with these savages, that all the
territory, whence they drive out the same, will be seized, as being taken from their
enemies by the sword. The English will most likely come into our jurisdiction to pursue
their enemies, without having given previous notice ; in case of refusal they would suspect
us and treat us in the same manner ; I infer this, whereas Capt. Krieger says, that
Augustyn Herrmans wrote especially to d' Hinojossa, the English imagined, that they of

344 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River

JSTew-Amstel or the Horekil had indviced the River-Indians to it. A very unfortunate
fancy.

Gentlemen ! I must close this, as the bearer wants to leave and I cannot hold him ;
next week I shall give more details by the yachts. In the meantime I await your Hon"'"'
Worships' speedy directions, how to behave in this matter ; praying to God to continue
your Honors in long life and prosperous administration I remain with cordial greetings,

Honorable, Wise, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Noble Honors' always
In haste at faithful servant

Altena, 27'." May, Wilh. Beeckman.

1661.

Gentlemen ! I have promised the bearer, that he shall receive from your Hon''"'
Worships a piece of cloth and a pair of socks, provided he brings over this letter in 4 or
5 days at the utmost

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen,
the Noble Mr Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netberland,
Curasao, etc., and the Honorable Council residing
at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhattan.
By a savage.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; negotiations

BETWEEN the GOVERNOR OF MARYLAND AND THE MlNQUAS ; THE
MiNQUAS AND SiNNECUS AT WAR ; D'HiNOYOSSA PROMULGATES HIS

commission ; Gregory Van Dyck, the Swedish sheriff, dismissed.
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen !

Since my last of the 2T'^ inst., by a savage I have not learned anything further from
Maryland ; the savages here are very much afraid of the coming of the English ; they
have held a gathering near Passajongh for several days, they collect large parties of
wampum, to make presents to Minquas and other savage chiefs, in order to settle on
their behalf for that murder with the English. — The Minquas have already oilered
presents in peltries to the Governor of Maryland for this matter 10 or 12 days ago ; but
he refused to accept them and had on the contrary requested them to go and destroy the
Riversavages. They declined this, as the Minquas chief, who was at the Esopus last
year with your Hon*"* Worship, has told to Capt Krieger and elsewhere on the 28'* last.

The Minquas and the Sinnecus are at war with each other.

Gentlemen ! Jacop Swens has informed me, that Hendrick Huygen told him, Johan

Mew Yorh Historical Records. 345

Rysingh had arrived in Sweden last year, I mean September ; after urgent entreaties a
ship and soldiers were given him, to re-take the South-River.

Mr. d'Hinojossa communicated his commission to the community more than 8 days
ago, having called the people together by the ringing of the bell ; he assured them also
that in a short time a ship with a party of farmers would be here from the
Fatherland. On the other side his Honor told me upon the receipt of the letter, that his
Honor's Patrons had made no mention of sending a ship or troops, and he complained,
that he had received no answer on many points, as he had expected and that the letter
was already written in September.

Capt. Kregier has informed me, that he had understood from d'Hinojossa, van
Vleck had warned him to be on his guard, as your Hon"'"' Worships had ordered me, to
send up his Honor.

Gentlemen ! Herewith go Sergeant Jacop van de Veer and Jan Herasmus, who has
also demanded his discharge to return to the Fatherland.

Gregoris van Dyck demands reasons, why he has been dismissed : I referred him to
the rescript on his request. Herewith closing I commend your Hon"'" Worships to God's
protection and wishing a prosperous administration and long life I remain with cordial
salutations, Gentlemen,

Your Noble Worships' ever
Altena, affectionate and faithful servant

the 31«' May, 1661. Wilh. Beeckmaw.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen,

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant Director-General

and Council of New-Netherland, Curagao etc. residing

at Fort Amsterdam on the Manhattans.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; Sinnekus

REPORTED to HAVE DESTROYED SOME PLANTATIONS OF SWEDES AND

Fins in Maryland ; cause op the late murders by thh South
RIVER Indians.

Honorable, Noble, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen :

Since may last by Capt. Krieger nothing of importance has occurred, nothing has
been heard from Maryland about the English. From the report of some savages I learn,
that the Sinnekus had ravaged some Swedish or Finnish plantations situate in the English
territory, but it is not certain. These River-chiefs hope, that the English will not come
here, as they have said to Andries Hudde and Jacob Swens, saying that the English have
killed some of ours and we again some of theirs ; they set off thus the one against the
other. On the 4'!" inst. I informed Augustyn of it. Mr. d'Hinojossa has kept here the
galiot at the request of Mr. Heermans, but having heard nothing from there since 9 or 10
44

346 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

days, he has resolved to let her depart. Closing I commend your Hon"'* Worships to
Grod' s protection and remain, with wishes for a long life and prosperity,
Noble, Honorable, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honor' s always
N. Amstel, affectionate and faithful serv'

the 10'? June, 1661. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the ISToble, Honorable, Very Worshipfrd,

Wise, Very Prudent Grentlemen, the

Director- General and Council of New-Netherland,

Curasao, Bonairo, etc., residing

at Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhatans.

Letter. William Beeckman to Directoe Sttjyvesawt ; four
Englishmen from Virginia among the Mantas Indians on
the east side op the delaware ; the english of maryland
assist the minquas in their war with the sinneous.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen :

Your Hon*'* Worships' two favors, one of the 5'? June by a -savage, the other by Jan
de Caper of the 8'? inst have been received. This serves briefly as answer, as the bearer
informs me that he wiU leave to-morrow morning early. Pursuant to your Hon**'* Worships'
order I send herewith the accounts of the discharged men, also the list of the rest of the
Hon"'* Company's servants at this place.

Jan Peters of Amsterdam goes also thither, the other four discharged men respectfully
request, that their competencies with accounts and passports might be sent here by the
first chance.

Regarding the difficulty between the English and the savages I shall comport myself
according to your Worships' order.

On the East side of this river with the Mantas savages are four Englishmen, who
according to the saying of the savages arrived in a small boat near Cape May 3 months
ago : they are apparently run-aways from Virginia, for they intend to remain there, so
the savages report.

The Minquas and the Sinnecus are at war ; the English from Maryland have assisted
the Minquas with 50 men in their fort.

Closing I will commend your Honorable Worships with vnshes for a long life and
prosperous administration to God' s protection, and remain at all times,

Noble, Honorable, Wise, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honorable Worships'
In haste at affectionate and faithful servant

Fort Altena >^ Wilh. Beekman.

the 10'." July, 1661.

J^ew York Historical Eecords. 347

EXTEACT FROM A LETTER OP 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. 21'.'' OF JULY 1661.
******

We hear just now very little or notliing in regard to the threatened occiTpation by
onr English neighbors at the North and the South. The change in the government in
England has unquestionably diverted them, especially those at the North, from the
undertaking and keeps it out of their mind

but much more probability and therefore more danger appears in the advices from
Maryland, as not only the patent to Lord Baltimore, which covers the most southern
part of the Southriver, has been confirmed bj the present King and published in print,
but also the said Baltimore' s natural brother has been appointed Governor there against
all expectations, because he is a violent papist. The transmitted copy of the protest
made by Baron Baltimore to your Hon"'*' Worships' Board since the restoration of the
King, which your Honors mention at the close of the first letter, presupposes, that the said
Baron has now more hope to attain his aim and intention, than formerly. It must be
inferred, that your Honors' answer did not satisfy him nor made him desist from his
claim, as he sent a copy of the protest to his brother Calvert, formerly Secretary, now
Governor in Maryland, ordering him, as we are informed, to prosecute his claim by all
means

We learn with regret and not less alarm by the general and special letters of your
Hon"'" Worships and the Hon^'^ Commissioners for the City's Colony of the displeasure
and dissatisfaction with our course in regard to the proceedings, instituted, as it is said,
by us against the ofiicers of the Colony. Honorable Worships, Si accusasse sufflciat,
nemo erit innocens, si negasse nocens. We had hoped and wished that, before we were
blamed so sharply on the complaints of our accuser, our answers had been impartially
heard and then subjected to criticism. If all our letters, sent since the death of Mr.
Alrichs to his successor d' Hinojossa and also one or two dispatched to his superiors, had
been submitted, it would most probably have been proved, that we have begun no
proceedings against the City's ofiicers, much less intended to create disorders among them,
but that in the contrary we have earnestly recommended peace, unity and the promotion
of the public welfare.

As to the case or the proceedings themselves, which your Hon"'* Worships mention,
in regard to the estate of the late Director Jacob Alrichs, the opposition against the
sentence of the murderers of three savages, the appeal and reversing of the judgment
against Jan Gerritsen van Marcken, our bounden duty aside from our honor and
reputation, compels us to speak about the one and the other in as few words as possible,
in order to give your Honors a correct report of the circumstances and the truth of these
affairs.

848 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Although we are mostly censured by your Noble Worships and the Hon'"°
Commissioners respecting the estate of Mr. Jacob Ahichs, yet according to our humble
opinion we believe to have least sinned in this or made mistakes, unless it be called a mistake,
to have examined impartially and without regard to persons the petitions presented to us
at different times by Cornells van Gezel, a declared heir and executor of the late Mr.
Jacob Alrichs' testament. We will submit the petitioner' s reasons, brought forward in his
requests and in others of his proofs, to your Hon*'* Worships' own discreet opinion and
the judgment of everybody, to determine, whether we caused the proceedings and whether
anything has been done by us against the laws and customs of our Fatherland, deserving
8u.ch a sharp rebuke and censure, by granting our proviso, to enter upon the estate and
personal property of the deceased under benefit of inventory, after having procured good
and sufiicient security de restituendo. We might here remark upon and continue with
the insults and slights, heaped on your Hon*'* Worships' servants in their capacity as
supreme judges of this province, but will desist for the present to keep ourselves above
party-spirit and avoid further displeasure. The arrest placed upon the estate or upon
the proceeds of it by the provisional Director d'Hinojossa on behalf of his superiors has
never been infringed nor counteracted and the aforesaid executor remains responsible for
it : for still greater security we have appointed besides him the Councillor Johan de
Deckere as curator.

Although in regard to the second point, the murder of a man, a woman and a boy,
the hideousness of the affair speaks for us, because it was not committed in haste
and under the influence of liquor nor to revenge a formerly sustained damage or
affront, but vpith deliberation and intent, solely from damnable covetousness, as
appears from the own letters of the provisional Director and other circumstances,
which on this account, (unless a distinction is made between the murder of
savages and that of Christians,) demands capital punishment, we nevertheless trust,
that, if your Hon*'* Worships wUl please to examine the annexed letter, sent with the
delegated judges, it wUl prove to your Honors ar^ those, who blame us concerning this
affair, that the delegated judges were not sent to examine and reverse the pronounced
sentence, for we were then ignorant, that the sentence had been passed, but on the contrary
with the good intention, to administer law and justice according to the circumstances
and requirements of the case. It is quite true, that, when the Fiscal and the aforesaid
delegated judges had found the case decided and the murderers unpunished, certainly
not according to the merits of the case, and had made us a report of these occurrences,
the Hon*'* Du-ector-General wrote in private to the provisional Director d'Hinojossa about
several complaints 6 or 8 weeks after and reprimanded and warned him in regard to this
and some other matters, as is made evident by his letter of the 2P.' of April ; but, if the
admonition, misconstrued in the worst manner, is reprehensible, although made private
and as if without witnesses, which. can be proved by a subsequent private letter written
on the 5'? of July to warn and for the best of the aforesaid d'Hinojossa, then we wUl
ourselves willingly admit the slights and neglects, with which, as is maintaiaed, we have
treated him and everybody there.

Your Noble Worships say in regard to the third and last point concerning the appeal
and the reversing of a sentence pronounced against one Jan Gerritsen van Marcken, that
we would have done better not to meddle vnth this case. Honorable Worships ! it surpasses

K&w Yorh Historical Records. 349

our conception to understand, how to avoid such proceedings and the reproaches following
them, how to satisfy your Honors and the parties to the suit without exposing ourselves
to blame for refusing a hearing and justice, as long as it is your Hon"'^ Worships' order
and pleasure, that appeals are to be brought before your Honors' humble servants and we
declare with good conscience, that in this and the abovementioned case we have not aimed
at nor intended anything else, but what we in our humble opinion judged to be just,
equitable and oiir duty : God the Omniscient is the witness for it : we have no knowledge
of it, that the Sheriff van Sweeringen was to be forced here, to ask pardon of God and
justice in addition to what his opponent had demanded : we refer to the sentence regarding
this point.

What regards yoiir Hon*''^ Worships' recommendation to assist the officers of the
Colony with advice and deed and support them as much as possible, in that respect the
assistance given them from time to time with provisions, occasionally also with ammunition
and troops, the letters passed between us and the late Hon''"' Mr. Jacob Alrichs, a man of
discreet character, and living eye-witnesses can, if necessary, testify, that we have never
let them be wanted and time shall prove, that it shall never be wanted, notwithstanding that
our good and well-meaning intentions, warnings and admonitions have been interpreted in
the most absurd manner : tune and truth will reveal everything. We would have troubled
ourselves less about the Colony, its present Director d'Hinojossa and his doings, if it had
not been for your Hon"" Worships' ample and circumstantial information, that ere long
it would probably be returned to the Company ; as this has now turned out differently,
our intercourse and concerns with the same shaU upon your Honors' so very serious
recommendation be managed as honor, our oath and bounden duty permit.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; war between-
THE States-General and England imminent ; reported marriage
OF Charles II and the Infanta of Portugal.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.

Your Hon*'" Worship' s favor of the 2*^ inst. has been duly handed to me on the 6'?
inst. by Mr. Corn, van Gezel, who intends to stay here at Altena for some time. I learned
the number of houses and lots, which Mr. van Gezel has in the Colony. I cannot hear,
that they are mortgaged or conveyed to anybody.

I understood with pleasure, that the ship "de Bever" is safe, but was sorry to hear,
that differences between Netherland and England are to fear. I hope, God may prevent
it, as it would faU heavily on us here, who lie unprotected at the door of the English. I
shall regulate myself further according to the tenor of your Hon"'" Worship's letter.

The discharged men expect their passports, accounts and their wages.

There are here 6 or 7 men, who earnestly solicit to be discharged. I request, that the
garrison here may be re-enforced for the discharged men.

I need also 2 ankers of brandy or distilled water to barter it next month for maize for
the garrison, as it is easier obtained for liquor, than for other goods. I further report, that

350 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

our Noble Lords-Mayors are sending a ship with farmers; they desii-e, that we here
should mingle some of them with the Swedes and Fins. Closing I will commend your
Noble Honor to Grod's protection and remain with wishes for a prosperous administration
and long life,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sir
Youi' Honor' s ever affectionate

and faithful servant
Altena, 7'? Aug., 1661. Wilh. Beeckman.

Sir:
Coming to New-Amstel to-day, I received a letter from my brother from 's
Gravenhague, who among others informed me, that very likely new quarrels would break
out between our country and England. The king of England is said to have made a firm
alliance with Portugal and about to marry the Infanta of Portugal ; he tries to prevent the
herring-fisheries. The high authorities have ordered a day of prayer and fasting on
account of the threatening misfortune. I hope that our Lord God will also grant us his
blessing. Amen.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sir,

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, D'irector-General of

New-Netherland, Curasao etc. residing

at Fort Amsterdam

on the

Manhatans.

Lettee. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; proceedings
or d'Hinotossa against Cornelis van Gezel.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.
Sir!

Since my last very little has occurred here, except great and new differences between
d'Hinojossa and van Gezel, because d'Hinojossa demanded a second time an account of
his administration as Auctioneer, also of 135 fl. still hanging in appeal ; on this account
Mr. d'Hinojossa requested me by letter, to attach van Gezel's property at Cristina, I
mean, Altena, which was done ; whereupon van Gezel demanded an extraordinary meeting
for the motives of the attachment and Mr. d'Hinojossa did not appear. Therefore he
was released from the seizure and d'Hinojossa condemned to the costs.

On the 24'? last, when d'Hinojossa demanded the seizure at Altena, his Honor made
an inventory of all of van Gezel' s property in his house in the presence of his wife, and
soldiers were put into it ; he declares van Gezel to be a fugitive and a bankrupt. The wife
of Cornelis van Gezel has nevertheless saved most of the goods and had them brought to
Altena. D'Hinojossa pretends not to have known, that van Gezel was to appear before the.

K&io York Historical Records. 351

Court at New-Amstel. Van Gezel has proved, that he not only has given an account in
February, 1660, but has produced also two books, wherein each sale was specified and the
estate of each deceased had its proper account. He has again delivered these accounts
and books to Matthys Capito in September, 1660, together with the books and records of
the late Mr. Alrichs. D'Hinojossa saj^s, he has no knowledge of it.

Van Gezel had agreed yesterday at Altena with the bearer, that he should come
there to-day with his yacht and take his wife and some goods and immediately leave for
the Manhatans. Coming here to-day, he said, he would depart directly for the Manhatans.
The people here are very much afraid of d'Hinojossa, because he threatens, he will examine
the yachts, if he hears, that they have goods from above on board : he has searched most of
the houses at ISTew-Amstel, to inquire after the woman and the goods, so that the woman
was compelled to fly and leave her child, 4 months old, behind her, not to be discovered
by its crying. He has kept this child under arrest 3 days, so that he goes to work
quite rigorously : van Gezel is therefore quite at a loss, how he shall be able to transport
the books and papers about the estate and other things to the Manhatans.

I have proposed to Jan Stocker, the bearer hereof, to indemnify him against
d'Hinojossa for the above, even offered him a safeguard, but he is afraid.

Regarding the necessaries for our garrison at Altena I refer to my last letter. Herewith
commending your Hon*'^ Worship to God's protection I remain with wishes for a long
life and prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Very Prudent Sir,

Your Honor's affectionate
In haste. and faithful servant

New-Amstel, 5'" Septbr 1661. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable,

Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,

Director-Generalof New-Netherland, Curacjao, etc.,

residing at Fort Amsterdam on the Manhatans.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; misunder-
standings BETWEEN HIM AND D'HiNOTOSSA ; PROCEEDINGS AGAINST

Van Gezel.
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir.
Sir.
My last was on the 5'" inst from New-Amstel. Coming to New-Amstel the next day
to speak with Mr. d'Hinojossa, I was stopped by a sentry, who stood in the door leading
to the house, as he had order not to let me pass in, but I sent in my name by Peter
Alrichs, who come up with me. I received as answer by a little boy, that his master could
not speak to me in good conscience, therefore I might depart and he had written about
the matter to your Honorable Worship, what he means hereby, I do not know.

352 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

What I had to speak about with his Honoris this : partly because since some time ago
he has bothered the skippers, demanding that tliey should deliver invoices, that they lower
their colors before the fort (after they have raised their anchors there and an opportunity
presents itself to go further up), he threatened to search them whenever it pleased him,
also because his Honor pretends, that at any time a ship from the Fatherland might come.
Now therefore and on account of the dissension between his Honor and van Gezel, I
wanted to talk to him about it in friendship. I had also with me my instructions, to
show his Honor, what my orders were for the arrival of ships, yachts or barks, to prevent
thereby all errors and differences and to iuform him, that I had received the power
of attorney from Cornelis van Gezel. Furthermore also to liquidate with him private
accounts, as I have to claim yet about 300 guilders in beavers.

Sir! On the 24*? last, a written request was sent to me by Mr. d'Hinojossa
wherein he demanded the seizure of Cornelis van Gezel or his concealed goods ,
not being able to find other goods, but one box and a chest with books and papers
and bedding, he was arrested himself and information given to d'Hinojossa. As there
was no summons made at the arrest, van Gezel feared, that his Honor only sought delay,
therefore it was considered necessary, to appoint an extraordinary court-day. He then
on the 27*? sent a summons to Mr. d'Hinojossa, to show cause for the arrest, which was
sent by Andries Hudde, as the messenger lives above among the Swedes : this summons
being served on his Honor, he answered (written under correction) I don' t care a fig for
it. This Hudde has reported, nor did he appear on the 1°* of September, the day
appointed. Cornelis van Gezel appeared and demanded therefore his release, which was
granted and Mr. d'Hinojossa condemned to the costs.

On the 27*" of August I received again a letter by the messenger of New-Amstel, it
was not signed: I therefore wrote to d'Hinojossa, that I had received a letter without
signature from New-Amstel and therefore considered it dangerous and unnecessary to
answer it.

While writing it, Andr-ies Hudde came again to Altena, telling the above ; while there
d'Hinojossa had spoken with him about it and he said, that he had spoken badly and in
a despising manner of the summons, as coming from a subordinate ofiicer, calling
himself in his letter the Chief of Justice.

On the 29*? I again received a letter dated on the 28*? brought by his messenger ;
therein he requests (as he had done in the unsigned letter) to get a summons against van
Gezel. I told his messenger, that he might do it or leave, as he pleased, saying also, that
I should order van Gezel to appear upon this, his summons. He said further, that he was
very angry, that his unsigned letter was not answered, he also mentioned in the same
letter, that Andries Hudde had told lies and was not a reliable man, as he had several
documents in his possession, which confirmed this.

To this I answered at the time, that he would have to prove it, else I should in the
meantime consider Andries Hudde as an honest man : time must show now, whether his
Honor admitted the truth of it or whether he complained to your Hon'''^ Worship.

On the 5*? inst. van Gezel was again summoned under ringing of the bell, to appear
before the Court of New-Amstel on the 8*? following. As van Gezel could not get anybody
in all New-Amstel, to act in his defense, not even the Notary van Naz, all fearing the
violence of d'Hinojossa so that they would have condemned him in contumacy, I found

J^eiv Yorh Historical Records. 353

myself therefore compelled to appear as attorney for him, the more so as your Honorable
Worship had recommended his case to me on account of the mortgage.

Consequently I appeared yesterday before the Court in the fort of New-Amstel,
where I found not more than 2 persons, without secretary or clerk or writing-material ;
the persons were Joh. Hendrick and the faithful herdsman of d'Hinojossa, I mean Peter
Pietersen Herder, which two Commissaries made me come up staii-s into the court-room.
Their Honors let me alone for a while, before they spoke to me or asked any thing,
finally asking, whether I came on behalf of van Gezel I said. Yes and then asked, who
the plaintiff was, as no one else showed himself. They said, that they demanded on
behalf of d'Hinojossa an account of the auctions of the property of orphans, to which I
replied, that I took an exception to this demand and that this account had been rendered
already more than 18 months ago and was handed in by order of d'Hinojossa. They
said, it must be made once more : after debating about this for about a quarter of
an hour, they made me go down again, when d'Hinojossa, (who, as I believe, was
in a closed up corner of the court-room,) came to them, after he had been with them
a while, he hid himself again and then they called me up once more. Renewing the
dispute with the others as before and not making any progress, they bade me go down
again : after I had waited below about half an hour, the}^ summoned me up stairs and
then the clerk came with a clean quire of paper, to note down our debates. Then for the
first time they asked me, whether I had a power of attorney, which I showed directly
and told them at the same time, that it was their duty to have demanded this ^rmo
instante. The two Commissaries ordered the demand of d'Hinojossa to be recorded with
my answer to it : then they du-ected me, to go down again and d'Hinojossa reappeared to
make a reply, while I had to wait about one hour ; he having hid himself again, they
recalled me, to answer the replication, which having been done, they said, that I could
get an extract of the sentence after the breaking up of the market, I mean after the
closing of the meeting : I could get this only an hour before evening, bu.t could not see
nor speak his "Highness," although I requested the court, that he should make his
appearance. In my opinion a strange manner of administering justice.

Sir ! I have thought it necessary to trouble your Hon''''' Worship's patience herewith.

The necessaries of the garrison here have been demonstrated by me to your Honorable
Worship in my former letter.

Our peas and corn for bread are gone, I have bacon and meat for about 3 weeks yet.
There are, God be praised ! provisions enough to be had here, if we had here some
Osnaburgh linens, distilled water or brandy and duffels, to purchase them. I need also
for the soldiery some clothing, socks, shoes and shirts, furthermore some wampum for
expenses incurred in the repairing of buildings here.

Closing I shall commend your Hon''''^ Worship to the protection of God and remain,
with wishes for a long life and a prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful Sir,

Your Honor's very affectionate
Altena, 9'." 7"'' 1661. and faithful servant

Wtlh. Beeckman.

354 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; negotiations
for peace between maryland and the indians.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen !

Since my last of the 9'.'' inst. very little worth writing has occurred. On the 13'? inst.
Mr. d'Hinojossa has sent Peter Alrichs with two chiefs of this river to the Governor of
Maryland, to negotiate a peace. He thinks, we are offended by it, that he has done
so without informing us. On the 13^" inst. I have again appeared for Cornells van
Gezel before two commissaries at New-Amstel, but again could not get to see Mr.
d'Hinojossa, for we played once more at hide-and-seek. I do not know, why the man is
so prepossessed against me : I desire to hear from your Hon''^ Worships, why he has
complained against me.

Tour Hon"'^ Worships will be informed by the bearer, what has further been done
in the case of Mr. van Gezel.

Gentlemen ! before closing I wish to recommend the needs of the garrison here,
already urged in my former letter. We need besides a party of salt, to secure our
provisions and also some to purchase some corn for bread with, as at present we can get
1 schepel of corn for 1 schepel of salt. Closing I pray to God, that he may keep your
Hon"'* Worships in continuous health and prosperous administration and remain, with
cordial greetings,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Very Discreet Gentlemen,
Gentlemen,

Your Honors' ever affectionate
Altena, on the and faithful servant

South-River of N. Netherland, Wilh. Beeckman.

ontheir?7^M661.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen,

the Honorable Director-General and Council

of New-Netherland residing

at Fort Amsterdam,

on the Manhatans.

By a gentleman and friend.

Kew York Historical Records. 355

Lettkr. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; elopement
OF Rev. Me. Laeks' wife with one Jacob Yongh, who is supposed

TO HATE 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.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Discreet Gentlemen.
Gentlemen !

I was informed by Mr. Laers, the Swedish priest, yesterday, that his wife had eloped
with one Jacop Jongh and departed with a canoe during the night, whereupon I have
immediately written by an express to the Governor of Maryland and the Magistrate on
the Sassafras-river and requested, in case the aforesaid persons might arrive there, to
arrest them and give us notice.

To-day we learn from one of our commissaries, that Jacop Jongh has had with
him a savage from Meggeckosiouw for 2 or 3 days ; I presume therefore, that it
is more likely, that he intends to follow the road of Capt. Vuller and escape by
way of Long-Island ; I believe that he has reached the Nevesins in company of Mr.
van Gezel.

A short time ago I delivered to this Jongh about 200 fl. worth of commodities,
consisting of blankets, cloth, and other things to purchase corn and maize for the
garrison. He owes me too, on private account, since last winter, six beavers and about
100 fl. in wampum. He traded last year for Mr. d'HinoJossa about 200 schepels of maize,
this year he had engaged to trade for us.

Gentlemen ! The savage chiefs, who upon inducement of Mr. d'Hinojossa went with
Peter Alrichs to Maryland about 8 days ago, have separated on the journey. Mr. Alrichs
however continued and found the Governor and Council at Col. Utie's and the said
Alrichs with three Commissioners, namely the Secretary Henry Coursey, Mr. Beetman
and Mr. Gouldsmid arrived at New-Amstel last night, to attend to the case of the
savages. But I have not been at New-Amstel since their arrival, so that I have not
spoken with any one of them. Nevertheless I sent our boat with the request to pay us
a visit.

Gentlemen 1 I considered it necessary, to inform your Hon"'^ Worships of the above,
wherewith I commend your Honors to the protection of God and remain with wishes for
a long life,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,

Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honors' always
In haste. affectionate and faithful servant

Mtena, the 22'? 7'"''= Wilh. Beeckman.

Gentlemen ! As there was no savage to be had here at Altena, I sent this up by Peter

356 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Kock, one of our Commissaries, to hire a savage from there, with order to promise him
payment upon his return, in order thus to assure his quicker travelling.

Your Honors' humble servant

WiLH. BeECQMAN.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen,
the Honorable Director-General and Council
of New-Netherland, Curagao, etc., residing at
Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhattans.

By a savage.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; Jacob Yongh ;

DELEGATES FROM MARYLAND VISIT ALTEKA ; 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 MAREY

AGAIN ; M. Jacquet ; van Gezel, etc
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen :

I received the inclosure again on the 30'.'' of Septbr., as we could not get a savage.

On the 24*? of Septbr. I was at Upland to inquire after the effects of Jacop Jongh ; I
have found some of our commodities in his trunk ; I received also from his landlord a
certain open letter, wherein this Jongh writes me and speciiies, what goods and grain he
had left for us in his trunk and chamber. But according to this statement we found only
about J of the value, he gave also an order for 4 hogs, of which only 2 were acknowledged,
the others being reported dead. I suppose, we shall be able to find a guaranty in his
landlord, who on the morning, after the said Jongh had decamped during the night, had
the audacity (without our knowledge and in absence of any Commissary, though some of
them live at Upland) to open the room of Jacop Jongh with an axe and finding the key
inside, to examine the chest and every thing ; he has apparently purloined a part of the
commodities. It is said, that Jacop Jongh went to New-England, for he has not been
heard of in Maryland, as I learn from the letter received as answer from the Hon'"^
Governor Philipp Calvert.

On the 22* and 23'' the English Commissioners were here at Altena and having taken
some wine, I discovered some jealousies on the part of their Honors, because their
Governor or province was not treated by your Honorable Worships as well as other
neighbors.

Mr. d'Hinojossa has sent, upon the arrival of the aforesaid Commissioners, to
Passajongh and other places and summoned the savage chiefs, but only one appeared,
who lives on the East-side of this river, who with d'Hinojossa escorted the Committee on

Jiew York Historical Records. 357

the 27'? of Septbr. to Apequenemingli, whereabouts another creek empties into the
English river ; there Governor Calvert met them and made peace v^ith the aforesaid
sachem and merry with d'Hinojossa.

The English offer to deliver yearly 2 to 3,000 hogshead of tobacco at our creek or
Apoquenamingh, if we will provide them with negroes and other commodities.

There is a great mortality from small-pox among the Minquas. The same are hard
beset by the Sinnecus, which makes the trade bad. I am informed, that the Sinnecus
have killed 12 River- savages, living here on the river a little above the Swedish
settlement. The Swedes are afraid, that they shall suffer losses among their cattle from
the Sinnecus.

The minister, Dominie Laers, has urgently requested consent by word of mouth on
the IS'? inst. to marry again ; he wanted to have the first proclamation (of bans) with a
girl of 17 or 18 years made on the 16'!", which I delayed until your Honors' approbation.

Gentlemen ! On the 22* inst. I received your Hon'"'' Worships' favor and requested
ST Hendrick Huygen to reserve for us some socks, shoes, shirts or linen ; he said, he had
nothing of all these, but he had cloth, duffels and blankets. I spoke therefore to the
Factor for a dozen paii-s of socks, which he half promised me, but he preferred to have
beavers, than to advance them for account of the Company. Mr. Couturier has

promised, to accommodate us with a dozen pairs of shoes. Since Saturday I have been

prevented by bad weather to go again to New-Amstel ; last night I learned from Mr.
Jacquet, that Mons. Alrichs would depart for the Manhatans this forenoon, whereas Mr.
d'Hinojossa had sold the galiot to Mr. Hendrick Huygen, in regard to which transaction
it was agreed with Mr. Huygen, to advise me of the result, principally, if before no
opportunity might occur, to write to your Hon"'^ Worships, but I have heard nothing
from him. His Honor sailed in the yacht to Tinneco yesterday.

In the matter of Mr. Cornells van Gezel nothing has been done since his departnre.
I have twice spoken to the Commissaries about the key of the house and the inventory
of the property and received each time the answer, that they would inform d'Hinojossa
of it. I have not yet spoken to his Honor ; when he sees me from afar, he goes out of

my way. Mr. Willems and several others intend to move with their families into

Maryland before winter.

Closing I shall commend your Honorable Worships to G^d's protection and remain,
with wishes for a long life and a prosperous adrainstration.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,
Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honors' very affectionate
In haste, and faithful servant

Altena, the 26'" October, Wilh. Beecqman.

1661.

358 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beekman to Dikectob Stuyvesant ; supplies
RECEIVED ; Van Gezel ; Rev. Laeks.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Very Prudent Sir.
Sir:

Since my last by Mons. ALrichs I received at Tinnakunk from Mr. Hendr. Huygen
682 fl. (beaver-valuation) worth of commodities and 198 fl. in wampum, for which 100 fl.
in beavers are charged by his Honor. Mr. Huygen has borrowed socks and shirts from
Jacob Swens, so that I am now provided with every thing for the garrison : from Mr.
Couturier I received 12 pairs of shoes.

Being at New-Amstel yesterday, I sent by the messenger a request to Mr. d'Hinojossa
for the key of Mr. Cornells van Gezel' s house and the inventory of his goods. I was to
have the house repaired somewhat and the roof made tight, according to Mr. van Gezel' s
direction, in order to be better able to rent it. The messenger returned as answer, that
Mr. d'Hinojossa would not let any goods go out of his hands, before van Gezel had not
rendered an account; if a party, desiring to rent, should appear, the same might be
directed to him and if it was desired to repair and re-roof the house, that could be done
by him. I am further informed, that Mr. d'Hinojossa would dispatch in 8 or 10 days
a soldier as express-messenger to the Fatherland by way of Maryland, directed to his
Hon'^'^ Lords and Masters and recommending succor very urgently.

Mr. Laers asks for advices from youi' Hon"'" Worship, whether he may now marry
again, as his household requires it.

The seven casks of salt and eight schepels of peas sent me have been duly received.
Closing herewith I commend your Hon*"" Worship to God's protection and remaiu with
wishes for a long life and prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sir,
Your Honor's ever
Altena, the 8'." Novbr., affectionate and faithful

1661. servant

WiLH. Beecqman.
To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful.
Wise, Very Prudent Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant
Pirector-General of New Netheiiand,
Curasao, etc., residing at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhattans

Keiv York Historical Records. 359

Extract from a letter op the Directors in Holland to Director-
General AND Council oe New-Netherland ; Maryland boundaries ;
27^? of January, 1662.

In the meantime your Honors must be constantly on your guard there, that no chance
be given by our own carelessness to these neighbors, to undertake anything to our
injury ; we will not hope it from those at the North and can much less believe it from
those at the South and the Maryland- people, especially as we are informed, that the
Governor there has not only had offered to your Honors, to form a league against the
savages of that part of the country, but also to make a provisional boundary ; if it
should be so, it appears indeed strange, that your Honors should not have made the least
mention of it, as we consider this a matter of such importance, that it ought not to have
been declined without communication to us and our advice. Your Honors will therefore
have to give us an explanation about it for our information

We will neither approve nor disapprove your Honors' arguments and excuses on our
reprimands in regard to the proceedings instituted there against the City's officers, but let
the matter rest there for the present at least and will only recommend most earnestly to
your Honors to be careful henceforth and abstain from giving any more causes for
just complaints to them, because it is not advantageous for the Company to get into
difficulties about it with their Worships, the Burgomasters, here : your Honors will
govern yourselves accordingly.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; Francis
Crieger ; Jacob Yongh ; Rev. Laers (Laurentius Carolus), the
Finnish priest, marries himself; D'Hinotossa; arrival of Lord
Baltimore's son in Maryland.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sirs.

Gentlemen. I hope, that your Hon*'* Worships are well. I learned to-day, that
Mr. Francis Cregier will dispatch a savage to the Manhatans to-morrow, hence this
serves as answer to your Honors' favor of the 8'? of Novbr. by Peter Alrichs.

I have examined the case of Jacop Jongh on the 23" Decber. before the meeting,
but until to-day no issue has been come to, as a new close inquiry was to be made by
the Commissaries and no meeting has been held since. I am afraid, that it will
prove injurious to Dom. Laers, as it has been partly discovered, that he has opened the
door with an axe and examined the said Jongh' s chest and goods and made an inventory
of them in the absence of the landlord.

This fine priest demanded with great circumstantiality in the above-mentioned meeting
a decree of divorce on account of his wife's flight and received the same, subject to
your Honors' approbation, on the IS'.*" December.

360 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

I have been informed yesterday, that he married himself again last Sunday. An act.
which in my opinion (under correction) he has no right to do. I expect your Honors'
orders, how to conduct myself in regard to it.

Respecting Mr. d'Hinojossa, I have never opposed myseK to his Honor, but on the
contrary showed him all possible politeness. About three weeks ago I have sent him a
letter, written very politely, in regard to what is yet due me, he said to the messenger,
before he had taken the letter, that he would not answer it and that he was deliberating,
whether he should receive it or not, but until to-day I have not received an answer.

His Honor sent in November an express messenger to the Fatherland by way of
Maryland. Being at New-Amstel last week, I learned from Abraham van Nas, that
d'Hinojossa had written for his discharge. His Honor's soldiers complain bitterly of the
scantiness of provisions and also of the clothing.

I heard from Mr. Paulus Schreck, who has lately arrived here from Maryland, that
the son of Lord Baltemoor has arrived there, that nothing is heard of claims upon this
place, therefore I am of opinion, that the matter has been arranged with the Hon*'*
Company : he said further, that all is well yet between Holland and England.

Closing herewith I commend your Hon*'" Worships to God's protection and remain,
with wishes for a long life, a prosperous administration and a happy New- Year,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honors' very affectionate
Fort Altena on the and faithful servant

South-River N. N. Wilh. Beeckman.

the 1=.' of Febr^" 1662.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen,
the Director-General and Council of New Netherland,
Curasao, etc., residing at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhatans.
Under cover.

Letter. William Beeckmais- to Director Stutvesant ; arrival at
New-Amstel of the ship "Purmerland Kerck" with emigrants
FROM Holland.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Discreet Gentlemen.
Gentlemen :

On the first of this month I dispatched a letter to your Hon*'" Worships, having been
informed of an occasion by Mr. Kriegier, but through some hindrance it was not sent.
Since that a ship called "de Punnerlander Kerck," * arrived here on the 3'^ ; it is destined
for the Manhatans on condition of discharging here a lot of merchandise for the City of
Amsterdam and a party of farmers and Sheriff Gerrit van Sweringen.

Until to-day I have not been able to get an invoice of the ship's cargo nor a list of

* I. e., The Church of Purmeilaud.

Kew York Historical Records. 361

the passengers from the skipper nor from the supercargo, nor the letters for your Hon*""
Worships, although I offered the skipper and other friends to send a soldier for quicker
dispatch with a savage. Nevertheless they did not deem it advisable. Wherewith I
commend your Hon*"" Worships to Grod's protection, remaining with wishes for a long
life and prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,

Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honors' obedient
In haste, on board and faithful servant

the ship " Purmerlander Wilh. Beeckman".

Kerck" in the South Eiver
ofN. N. the r? Febri662.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise Prudent Gentlemen,

the Hon'''^ Director-General and Council of New-Netherland,
Curasao, etc., residing at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhatans
Under cover.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stdtvesant ; affairs at
New Amstel ; surgeons ; Sinnekus at war with the Minquas ;
Rev. ^gidius LtrrcK goes to Manhattans.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent, Discreet Gentlemen.

Gentlemen ! Your Hon'"^ Worships' letter of the 6'.'' inst has been received by me
through Claes Janssen Ruyter on the 14"' following. I heard with pleasure of your
Honors' good health. We shall faithfully keep at the proper time the day set apart as
a day of fasting and prayer.

I have heard here nothing regarding the rumors about the ship " de Bever." I hope,
the Lord God may have given her a safe voyage.

My last letters to your Hon"'"' Worships have been on the 1=.' and the 7'." inst. I
trust, they have been received.

On the l(f^ the inclosed writing was sent to me by Mr. d'Hinojossa, I have answered
thereto as per enclosure, on the 11'? his Honor informed me by the messenger, that he
had the bill of lading of the ship and that I could have it, if I wished it. I replied, that
I needed it more at first, than now, because most of the goods of private parties had
already been discharged, however I would ask for it. Having sent one of our soldiers
for it 2 or 3 hours later, they said, that it should be copied and it was sent me on the
13'!" in the afternoon. In the meantime I had received, on the ll'!', from the supercargo
a list, taken from the list or notes kept by the mate, while loading the ship, so that I
could not do my duty in examining for smuggled goods, because Mr. d'Hinojossa
withheld so long the general bill of lading, until most of the private goods had beer
46

362 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

discharged, though not much merchandise has been discharged here. It was nevertheless,
according to my opinion, his Honor's duty, to notify me at the arrival, that the list
was kept by his Honor.

They offer the City's warehouse or magazine, which at present is very unfit and not
tight, also filled with hay and straw, cattle and sheep, so that the goods are not at all
protected, nor is it possible now to bring goods to the storehouse, on account of the high
bank, Mr. d'Hinojossa has therefore to carry the City's property a long distance with a
cart and oxen ; whereas no carman can be obtained, therefore the sailors must work it all
up on the strand from the boats. Consequently the discharging does not progress,
besides there has been very changeable weather since her arrival, storm, wind, frost and
snow-drifting, so that they have been compelled by the floating ice to haul her up on the
bank.

lam informed, that the Horekil is to be abandoned and the City's soldiery here
to be disbanded.

The City's surgeon Willem Rosenburgh has been discharged and therefore has given
us warning on the 4'|' inst. I expect your Hon"'"' Worships' order whether I shall
henceforth employ the City's surgeon or Mr. Tyner Stodden, as both offer their services.

The Sinnekus are still at war with the Minquas ; the River-savages here are also in
great fear, so that they have not undertaken their usual hunting, which is the cause of a
poor trade.

Herewith goes Domine Aegidius Luyck with your Hon''''' Worships' and private
letters from Holland, as the skipper does not like to leave already.

I shall send my little account-book to your Hon*'^ Worships by the ship " de
Purmerlander Kerck."

In the meantime I commend your Hon'"' Worships to the protection of God,
remaining with wishes for a long life and peaceful administration,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honor' s affectionate
Altena and faithful servant

the 20'!' Febr?' 1662. Wilh. Beeckmaw.

Gentlemen. I send herewith
copy of the invoice received
from Mr. d'Hinojossa and the
list of the supercargo. Vale,

Your Honor' s servant

Wilh. Beeckman.

J^6W York Historical Records. 363

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; difficulties
WITH DiRECTOR-HiNOYOssA ; Rev. Laers ; negroes wanted :
Abraham van Nas.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.

Your Hon*"^ Worships' three letters of the 25'." and 28'i' last have been duly received
by me on the 4'? and T'." inst. I have paid proper attention to the discharging, going
daily on board and returning and directing the supercargo to note down, what went
ashore in each boat and this was again noted by me on shore. I find, to begin, some
parcels marked A. D. H. for Mr. d'Hinojossa, which I did not find on the general invoice,
when I received it, but on the invoice, I mean, notes of the mate, as your Hon*"* Worships
will discover by the papers sent.

I send with my little account-book the notes, sent me by the supercargo, on each
boat-load, whereby your Hon"'^ Worships may also infer, what was discharged, before
the invoice was surrendered. I saw in an extract of a letter to Mr. d'Hinojossa, that
your Hon*"'" Worships write, I had informed them, that before delivering the bill of lading
mostly City's and private goods had been unloaded ; I find in my copy, that I had only
mentioned private goods, but everything can be ascertained from the aforesaid notes.

The Director and Council deny, as I have been informed, to have known, that I had
no bill of lading, (which is untrue), for on the 6*" or 7'.", while some baggage was being
taken out of the boat, I met the Sheriff van Sweringen on the strand and told his Honoi-
so ; shortly afterwards, at the house of Fop Janssen, speaking again of the invoice, I
demonstrated to his Honor (in presence of Domine Aegidius Luyck and Mons. Abraham
Pouwels), what my orders are for tlie arrival of City's or other ships and that for want
of the bill of lading I could not carry out these prescripts. His Honor answered, that
he was surprised and said further, that he had cleared his goods at their full value and
had made no defraudation.

On the 7'? inst, being with Claes de Ruyter at New-Amstel, I was informed by tlie
Factor, that Mr. d'Hinojossa had said to him the previous evening, he had expected
more politeness from me, because I had not offered to his Honor the respect and authority
of placing some of his Honor' s soldiers in charge of a ship, which came to his territory. I
understand from several others, that they have heard Sheriff van Sweringen say, they
had nothing to do with the Hon"''' Company nor her superior authority, at the same time
stamping the ground with his foot, and it were only their business, to inform the gentlemen
at Amsterdam, that they needed the whole river, then it would be immediately stopped
and the Hon".'^ Company would have to desist from everything.

Last Sunday, the 12"" inst. , in the forenoon it was announced by the Precentor, upon
order of the Director and CouncU of New-Amstel, that a day of prayer and fasting should
be held every three months, to begin on the 15'." inst. Regarding this no mention was
made of your Hon""* Worships' ordinance The above was also published in the fort
under ringing of the bell after the first sermon.

There are rumors here, that the Governor of Maryland would come to New-Amstel
on the ^?i, of April to establish a trade in tobacco, but I hear nothing certain. If a

364 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare Eiver.

considerable quantity of tobacco should be shipped from here, then, in my opinion, it
might be necessary, that the Hon'''^ Company had a warehouse and a scale or balance at
New-Amstel.

In the matter of the pastor, Domine Laers, nothing has been done. I shall take it up
now.

Gentlemen ! I respectfully request your Honors will please, to accommodate me with
a Company's negro ; I need the same in many respect for their Honors' service.

Eight or nine of our soldiers respectfully request to be discharged during the summer.
Wherewith closing I commend your Hon'"'' Worships to the protection of Grod, remaining
with wishes for a long life, prosperity and a good administration, .
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,
Verv Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honors' ever atfectionate

and faithful servant
Altena, the 18'? of March, Wilh. Beeokman.

1662.

Gentlemen :

The skipper intended to leave last Saturday, but was detained by those from
N"ew-Amstel. There arrived here at Altena yesterday Abraham van Nas asking for a
piece of land, to settle upon it ; he fears some surprise from Mr. d'Hinojossa, therefore
he has quitted the Colony, having however left his family there yet. As the report goes,
there are several others, trying to come hither into the jurisdiction of the Hon'''^ Company
fi-om the Colony. I await your Honors' orders and advice how to conduct myself.

Herewith commending your Hon'"^ Worships' to God' s protection, I am
New-Amstel, Your Honors' obedient servant

the 20'" of March, 1662. Wilh. Beeckman.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant ; conflict of
jurisdiction between the authorities on the delaware ;
Indians at Tinnekonck request that brandy be not sold to
their people ; extraordinary high tide.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,
Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.

Since closing my letter of the 20'" inst the skipper has been detained by those of
New-Amstel until to-day, however, there has also been bad weather and the following
has occurred since.

The Sheriff van Sweringen proposed yesterday to the skipper, in the presence of
Willem Cornelissen Ryckevryer (who also goes now to the Manhatans), that, if he desired
his clearance or passport from him, he could have it laying thus at anchor and that he had

JSfeiu Yoi-k Historical Records. 365

nothing to do with Beeckman regarding this under any circumstances ; whence it may
be expected, that the skippers coming here shall again be molested.

They have also condemned the skipper in the meeting, to pay 50 lbs. of powder for
anchoring in their roadstead, to which I maintain they are not competent, but only the
Hon"'" Company ; I did not collect it, because the ship's destination is to the Manhatans
and it can be demanded altogether by your Hon*"'" Worships. In regard to this I expect
your Hon*"" Worships' further orders.

I received here yesterday a letter from Mr. Hendrick Huygen with a string of
wampum of 13 guilders' value (so he writes). At Tinnekonck some Sachems of this
river have addressed themselves to him and proposed and requested, that no more brandy
or strong drink should be sold to the savages. They expect therefore our advice and have
delivered there 3 strings of wamj)um, one of them one for Mr. d'Hinojossa, which was
also sent to his Honor yesterday and one for us. They of Tinnekonck ought to have,
according to my opinion, directed the chiefs to us and not make the savages believe, that
they had any authority. — The request is a proper one, as it agrees with your Hon'"'"
Worships' ordinances and placards issued for this purpose.

I shall go there to-morrow and have a conference about it with the savages. I
cannot communicate with Mr. d'Hinojossa upon this point at present, as we do not come
together and suspect each other.

The galiot was driven out of the Kil by an extraordinarily high tide yesterday, but
was saved and fetched back to the bank by the sailors of this ship and during the niglit
she was again driven to the other side of the river, so that sailors had once more to go for
her, whereby they missed the tide and a good N. W. wind. Closing I commend your
Hon"" Worships to the protection and safe-guard of God and remain at aU times,

Noble, Honorable, Yery Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen,

Your Hon"" Worships obedient

and faithful servant

WiLH. Beeckman.
On board the ship
" de Purmerlander Kerck"
on the 22'' of March,
1662, in the South-River.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen,
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant Director- General
and Council of New-Netherland,
Curasao, etc., residing at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhatans

366 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Extract from the minutes of the court at Altena, in the case of the

SHERIFF AGAINST ReV. LaERS CaRELSEN ; HIS RECENT MARRIAGE
DECLARED ILLEGAL.

Present Extract from the Minutes

the Hon*"' Vice Dir. W. Beeckman, kept at the meeting

Pieter Cock, Maets Hansen, of the Hon""' Vice-Director

Oele Stille. and the Commissaries

at Fort Altena
On the 14'." AprU 1662.
The Hon"" Vice Director, as Sheriff, Plaintiff,
versus
Dom. Laers Caerlsen, Defendant.

Plaintiff sums up, whereas it is well known and was confessed by Defendant on the
23" of November 1661, that on the 20'." of September 1661, he, Domine Laers, has had the
impudence to break into the room and open the chest of the run-away Jacob Jongh,
when he, Jongh, had fled the preceding night, and has inventoried the goods left behind by
the same, as proved by a specification from the Defendant' s own hand, to which Defendant
was not authorized and whereby he remains accountable and responsible to the Court,
having usurped and despised its authority, to pay the debts of the fugitive Jacob Jongh, to
us on behalf of the Hon"'^ Company a balance of 200 guilders in grain and forty guilders to
us on private account, besides a fine of 100 for contempt of authority.

The Defendant replies, that at the time specified above he came to the house of Andries
Andriesen, the Fin, and asked, whether his wife was with Jacob Jongh in his room.
The wife of Andries the Fin answered, that she did not know, that he might look, when
he took up an axe, opened the chamber and inventoried the property.

The Commissaries having considered the case, direct that Dom. Laers shall pay the
sum of two-hundred guilders and forty guilders in beavers, as demanded, and a fine of
forty guilders for his impudence.

On the same day.
The aforesaid Mr. Laars Carelsen was informed by the Hon"'" Vice-Director W. Beeckman,
[hat his marriage was declared illegal, because he had married himseK, which is contrary
to the order in matters of matrimony, that pursuant to the laws of our Fatherland he
ought to have first asked and obtained a decree of divorce from the superior authority
and that in case of delay he would be obliged to proceed against him.

Agrees with the original Minutes.

A. HUDDE.

New York Historical Records. 367

Petition. Kev. Laurentitjs Carolus for remission of a fine
imposed on him, etc.

Noble, Honorable General.
Sir !
My humble services and what further lies in my power are always at your disposal.
It will not be unknown to your Honor, how, since the elopement of my wife, I have
stumbled from one mishap into the other, because all my steps taken on that account
have been given the worst explanation and I have been condemned to heavy fines, which
considering my poverty I am not able to get together, for besides about 200 guilders paid
already, I have now again been sentenced to a tine of 280 guilders, which has happened,
because I was looking for my w ife and thought she was in the room, which I opened by
force. I found there nothing but some pairs of socks, which the vagabond robber of my
wife had left behind him. I inventoried these and whereas it has been so interpreted as
if I had abused the Court by this act of mine, therefore I have been fined 280 guilders,
as it is pretended, that the run-away was so much in debt and whereas I have been
condemned to this fine in my innocence, having no other intention than to look for my
wife, therefore it is my humble petition, that your Honor as Chief Magistrate may please
to be favorable and merciful to me and to forgive me, what in my ignorance has happened
here and to remit my punishment considering my poverty. As to having married
myself, I have proceeded lawfully therein and consent was given. I have followed the
same custom, which others have followed here, who have not been called up on that
account. I declare on my conscience, that it was not done with any bad intention ; hai
I known, that this self-marriage would be thus interpreted, I would have willingl;
submitted to the usages of the Reformed church, which were not known to me.

Therefore I pray once more the Honorable General may please to assist me witi
favor and mercy to attend to my poor vocation and means, so that I may enjoy my breaa
and lifelihood without being a burden to anybody. The Lord Almighty, to whose
protection I faithfully commend your Honor, may move your Honor's heart and mind to
such mercy.

Uplandt, SO'" April, 1662. Your Honor's humble

subject

Laurentius Carolus
L. Minister.

To the Noble, Honorable, Distinguished
General Petrus Stuyvesant, Director
of New-Netherland
at the Manhattans.

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant ; 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.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.

Since my last by the ship " de Purmerlander Kerck" little worth writing has
happened.

On the 29'" of March Mr. d'Hinojossa forbade by a placard, that anybody should
trade with anything between Boompiers Hoock * and Cape Hinlopen by loss of the goods,
that might be found in the possession of such traders. The trade in this district has
been granted by privilege to Peter Alrichs only, about which some Swedes and
inhabitants grumble, saying, what more right have they of New- Amstel to trade in
our district and on the East-side of this river, than we in theirs. On the 30'^ of March I
went to New-Amstel to examine the placard closely, but could not find it, as only one
had been posted on the church-door, which is said to have been taken off by Mr. Kip at
night, who therefore is assailed by the Sheriff (who stood in the church with his servant),
so that I cannot say with truth, whether the interdict concerns only the inhabitants of

New-Amstel or everybody. On the same day an interdict was also issued by Mr.

d'Hinojossa regarding the proposition made by some savages at Tinnakonck. Those
who are found out, are to pay a fine of 300 guilders, at the same time the savages are
authorized, to rob those, who bring liquors. I referred myself, when at Tinnakonck, to
the orders and placards issued by your Honors on that subject.

In my last I had informed your Honorable Worships, that Abraham van Nas was
stajdng here and that probably some others would come hither from the Colony,
whereupon I requested your Honors' advices and orders, whether we should receive all
such or deny them admittance.

I am also expecting your Hon"'^ Worships' order, which surgeon I am to engage for
the garrison, — the City's or Mr. Tyner, who resides here at present.

The Swedish priest, Dom. Laers, has been condemned by the Commissaries on the
14'? of April in the well-known case, to pay the balance of 200 guilders, which had been
advanced to Jacob Jongh for account of the Hon*"' Company for the purchase of grain,
also fl. 40 in beavers, which were due to Mr. Decker and me as balance of account with
the said Jongh, furthermore a fine of 40 guilders for usurpation of the authority of the
Court. I have told the priest at the meeting, to address himself to your Hon"'" Worships
and ask for a decree of divorce and that in the meantime his new marriage was considered
illegal.

Gentlemen ! With your Hon"'" Worships' approbation I have granted last year to
some inhabitants the Tartlefalls-Kil, situate about half an hour's way from here, to put
up a flouring mill there, which they now would carry out, provided they could get a
title-deed. It was granted to them under the condition that the Honorable Company
should have free grinding for the garrison, which it would do well to insert in the title-

* Bombay Hook, Del. — B. F.

Mew York Historical Records. 369

deed. We are very much bothered with the grist, very often we have to turn back
disappointed from the old Swedish mill (which lies about 6 leagues from here) and must
take the grain, at great expense for the Hon"'^ Company, to the horse-mill at New-
Amstel.

Gentlemen ! I request that with the discharge 200 guilders in wampum be sent, as
the men have some little debts in the tavern here, as well as at New-Amstel, which must
be paid. Herewith closing I commend your Hon"'* Worships to God's protection and
remain, with wishes for a long life and prosperous administration.
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,
Prudent Gentlemen,

Your Honorable Worships' obedient
Altena, the and faithful servant

12'." of May, 1662. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen,
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Dir. Gen) and Council
of N. Netherland Curasao, etc., residing at
Fort Amsterdam.

Petition. John Staelcop, Luyckas Pieteesen and Hans Block,
proprietors of the grist mill at the falls of the turtle kil,
praying a grant op land adjoining thereto.

To the Noble, Very Worshipful Gentlemen, the Honorable Director-General
and High Council for New-Netherland
Show with due respect and humility the undersigned Petitioners, viz : Jan Staelcop,
Luyckas Pieterson and Hans Block, that a certain time ago they erected a water-grist,
mill at the P"'alls of the Turtle-Kil for the accommodation of the community here and of
those who might need it, and whereas it is necessary, that a person should live near the
said mill, to take care of the same, who necessarily must have some land for cultivation
and to secure the mill aforesaid. Therefore, they, the aforesaid Petitioners very humbly
request, that letters-patent for the aforesaid land and mill might be granted to them.
They, the Petitioners, bind themselves, that they will not transfer, nor convey to anybody
the said mill nor the land, neither by sale nor by mortgage, neither the whole nor a part
of it, except vdth the consent of your Noble Worships or your Honors' deputies now here
present or in the future to come, which doing etc.

Your noble Worships'

very dutiful and humble

JoHAN Staelcop.
This is the mark e/, of Luckas Pitersen.
Hans Block.
47

370 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

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 PURCHSED BY TRADERS FROM

THE Indians ; their names ; their case recommended ; sends copy
OF the following letter:

Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Prudent and Very Discreet Sii-.
Sir!

Whereas I have been told by the Hon""^ Burgomaster Cruyger, that I should give
an explanation of the letters-patent and inform your Honor of the circumstances regarding
them and explain the same, therefore I have, with your Honor's favor, prepared this for
that purpose.

It is thus, sir !

Tomes Broen had received in the year '48 from the Honorable, Very Worshipful
Director-General a written consent, that he might live at Mantaes hoeck, being a place
about a long half league below the destroyed Fort Nassouw. The aforesaid Broen
informed Mr. Johan Prints, formerly Swedish Governor, of this consent and asked him
for assistance in the erection of buildings and other things, which was promised to Mm
by the said Mr. Prints, but instead of assistance, the aforesaid Mantaes hoeck and the
adjacent lands below were bought by the said gentleman and a post, marked with the
Crown's coat-of-arms, set up upon it, whereby the said Broen was made uncertain of this
place.

And whereas the aforesaid Mr. Prints tried to proceed and buy the lands on the
Eastern bank also, above the said Fort Nassouw as far as Mecheckesiouw, to which end
great pains were taken by him among the savages, whom he could not easily persuade to
it; it was meanwhile noticed |by the same savages, what the intentions of the said Mr.
Prints were, likewise by the freemen, living on the river under the jurisdiction of the
Hon''''' Company, who besides complained, that Johan Prints had taken possession of
all the Western bank and a piece of land about 50 feet square, settled by our people,
outside of which noboby dared to cultivate a foot of land, else it would directly be
destroyed by the Swedes, except as much as they sat upon by toleration of the
said Mr. Prints, according to his pretence, and if said Prince should succeed in
buying also the riverside on the East, then they would soon be so closed in at the
Schuylkil, that they would have to leave this too and nothing would remain except
the point, upon which Fort Nassouw was located, which place being then of no
use whatever could not be inhabited by any private party nor would the ships
or free traders, coming from the Manhatas, be able to trade a single beaver, but
they would be obliged, if they desired to navigate the river, to trade with him,
Mr. Prints. This trade in beavers with the savages amounts at present to 30 to
40 and more thousands of beavers during one trading-season. They would be
compelled to leave the river and lose all their out-lays and as the above mentioned
Mr. Prints urged the savages very earnestly, they, according to their daily declarations,

JVeif? Yorh Historical Records. 371

could not longer resist, protesting, tliat, if we should have to leave the river, it was
not their fault, that they were ready to sell the land above Fort Nassouw. Therefore
the freemen demanded, that, as I saw, the matter could not brook any delay on
account of the aforesaid Mr. Prints urging, I should conclude to buy the offered
territory for the Hon'''* Company to avoid difficulties and losses, which might arise
out of it. Finding myself unable to do it through lack of means, they themselves
offered to advance merchandises and requested, that they might buy it themselves,
declaring under date of 6'? of April 1649, that they would convey and deliver
the aforesaid territory in whole to the Hon''"' Company upon payment of the amount
advanced by them on condition, that they should have the preference in choosing
the land, which might be inhabited by them, and enjoy its possession by a lawful
transfer from the Company. And because I saw no other way and the case did
not admit of any delay, I was compelled to consent to their proposition and request.
Whereas they also requested me, that I too should contribute to it, I have been
persuaded to do so, as I could not see, that it would injure the Hon'"* Company
and the persons, who bought the land on the conditions, as mentioned above and
expressed in the title-deed, are Symen Roodt, Coornelis Mouritsen, Pieter Harmensen,
Andries Hudde, Sander Boyer and David Davidsen, but Coornelis Mouritsen transferred
his claim to Harmen Jansen. These persons, as mentioned before, with the exception
of Andries Hudde and David Davitsen, went off directly and bought the land on
the East as well as the West bank, of which purchase and the name of the land
more detailed mention is made in the title-deed and conveyance, which was made
of it and is now deposited in the Secretary's office at New- Amsterdam, together with
the names of the chiefs and sellers, whereupon I also directly dispatched an express-
messenger and reported to his Honor, what had occurred ; I sent a copy of his
Honor's answer to your Worship on the 7*." Septbr. 1661, and as the matter has
remained thus without sequel, the aforesaid purchasers have requested and at
different times solicited, to have the transfer made for their own security, to which
I never could well make up my mind, but was of opinion, that the letters-patent
concerned the whole and that, opportunity offering, their advanced money should
be reimbursed to them. Then finally, as they could not get the original, they
asked, that they might have a special deed made, signed by the savages, each for
his lot of land. I replied to them, that they might do, as they thought fit, if
the whole matter remained, according to the said conditions, at the disposal of
the Hon"'" Company and it remained thus without change until the year 1655, when
by order of the Noble, Very Worshipful, Honorable Director- General a special
computation of the purchase-money was delivered to Coornelis van Thienhoven, who
was Fiscal at the time ; what followed upon it, I have communicated among others
to your Honor in my letter of the 7*." of September 1661, to which I refer. This
copy of the computation was lost with other papers, when the savages robbed and
plundered me.

In the meantime. Sir, I shall dutifully and very humbly request and pray, to consider
me and this matter as well recommended to your attention ; I hope that I may some
time be offered a chance to requite the kindness, bestowed by your Honor upon me
now and then and if it please our Lord God to continue me in my humble position until

372 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Pdver.

the end of my life, see, here I am, He does with me as it pleases Him. I trust that His
judgment of me shall be to the best ; my inability shall not prevent me to remember
constantly with a grateful heart your Honor's kindness to me.
In the meantime,

Su-
Fort Altena I am your Honor's obedient

on the South-River and very devoted

of New-Netherland, servant

this 16"> of May, 1662. A. Hudde.

Letter. Director Stutvesant to [Andries Htjdde] ; is astonished
AT the Swedes purchasing the land around Fort Nassau on
THE South river, and at the Schutlkil ; approves of the

PURCHASE OP 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 NaKRATICON CREEK TO DELAWARE BAT (CERTIFIED COPY).

Copy.

Honorable, Beloved, Faithful !

I learn with surprise and not less regret by your last letter of the 19'? of May of the
impertinence of the Swede in the purchase of land, around and near Fort Nassauw, from
which we do not prognosticate anything good for the Hon*"^ Company, considering his
former impudent encroachment upon the territory bought and taken possession of by
the Company on the Schuylkil, which makes me fear, that he will not rest there and what
shall we do to remedy it ? From the enclosed extract you may infer, that considering
our little force we are also limited in giving orders, we cannot therefore but praise and be
pleased, that you have bought the land of the savages above the Fort ; we expect (to
learn) by the next letter the amount and kind of the payment, for which if it had been
specified in your last, we would have provided means, while we now must defer it until
further advice.

As to the request of Tomas Broen and other freemen, who desire to buy land above
the Fort under the authority of Their High : Might : and the Hon*'* Lords-Directors and
establish themselves there, we see no reasons to prevent them therein and therefore proper
letter-patents and investitures shall be issued after the proper conveyance to the purchasers
by the native owners.

The design of the Swede to close also the North-River from behind above the Fort
and to destroy our trade at Fort Orange has been foreseen by us and we have remonstrated
therefore with our Mayors and demanded means to prevent it, whereupon they answered
as the enclosed extract shows, but in my opinion little pertaining to the matter, because
it is to be feared, that Brant van Slechtenhorst wUl care very little for it and as he is not

Kew York Historical Records. 373

quite favorably disposed towards the Hon*'" Company, he would perhaps like to see
nothing better: nevertheless I shall write to him upon this subject, by the first
opportunity, at the suggestion of the Company.

It did not enter my mind, that to remonstrate against the strange and sinister designs
of the Swede and prevent them to the best of your ability, would not be well received by
you, because, among others, you have been sent there for that purpose and are bound
by your oath to maintain in all equity the right and authority of the Hon"'^ Company
and it is our express desire, that as before so in future you will please to continue there.
In the meantime I believe from my own experience, that there is something in it, because
we ourselves have learned it in this and other faithful services, we have even been blamed
and slandered by those, who ought to have assisted us. However this must nor shall
us induce, to act or serve differently, than to what honor and oath oblige us.

A written consent and security shall be given to the freemen, who purchased the land
from the freemen * or may purchase in future, provided they submit, like other subjects,
to the oath and allegiance of our Lords and Patroons.

Likewise we cannot but consider as good and expedient your last proposal to buy
the land from the Narratico Kil to the bay, while it is for sale by the savages, thereby
anticipating others. But you will please to take care, that in the transfer the proper
minuteness be observed and that this act be signed and witnessed by as many Sachems
and witnesses as you may obtain among the Christians, who are not in the service of the
Company. For the present I have nothing more to prolong this letter and will close,
as the ship of Vasterick will soon follow. Commending yourself and otlier friends to
the protection and safe-guard of God, I am and remain meanwhile
New-Amsterdam Your affectionate friend

in N. ISTetherland P. Stuyvesant.

the 13'." of May, 1649.

Upon comparison I have found
this to agree with the original.

(Signed) Wim. Beeckman.

Extract from a Letter op Director Stuyvesant to the Directors in
Holland ; fort Amsterdam ; the new privileges granted to the
City's Colony form a dangerous precedent. 6^? of June, 1662.
******

This serves mostly as cover for the enclosed account of board.

money advanced to 8 or 9 discharged officials of the City, arrived here by the ship
" Purmerlander Kerck" fi-om the Southriver. The advance was made (as the passengers
will report at length to your Noble Worships and the Honorable Commissioners for the
City's Colony) at the verbal and written request of the aforesaid discharged men, whereas
the skipper declared, that he had warned Mr d'Hinojossa, that he was willing to bring
over the discharged men and provide them with the necessary victuals during the passage,

* Indians. A clerical error. — B. F.

374 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

but not during the time of his stay here to take in freight. We await your Honors'
decision whether your Honors will be pleased to collect the advanced sum there from
the Honorable Commissioners or whether the City's account is to be charged for it here
and how we shall act in similar future cases.

"We shall in future, as in duty bound, observe and carry out, what your Noble
Worships have been pleased to grant and recommended to us, at the proposition of the
City in regard to choosing and appointing sherili and magistrates for their Colony as well
as regarding appeals in civil and criminal cases. In the meantime we hope and wish
(not without fear), that the good intentions of your Noble Worships and of the Hon*'^
Commissioners may not encourage the present administration there too much to a
continuation of their maxims. At the same time we find ourselves compelled to
communicate to your Honors in reference to this subject, that the Colonies established
here with your Honors' knowledge before our time, may claim, by virtue of their patents,
titles and deeds, all immunities, privileges and liberties, already granted or afterwards to
be granted to any other Colony : your Hon*'" Worships' advice and order is needed and
hereby requested, to know, how we are to act in an emergency towards other and older
Colonies, if footing upon what has already been granted or hereafter may be granted to
the City's Colony, they should ask the same.

Letter. Andries Hudde to [Stutvesant] ; inquiring if he could

NOT attach certain TOBACCO IN MARYLAND BELONGING TO ME.

d'Hinoyossa.
Noble, Very Worshipful Sir !
Sir!

At the time, when the Hon"''' Mr. van Ruven, deputed by your Hon"''' Worships'
Council and Mr. Cruygier as Captain of the troops, were sent to the assistance of
New-Amstel, I bespoke by an humble petition to the said gentlemen, the aid of
their Honors, to get payment for the house, sold to the Hon*"" Director Jacob
Alderick in the presence of schepens and municipality, to be used as a church for the
benefit of the community, as which it is still used. These Hon"'" gentlemen have allowed
me very kindly to obtain theii* favour, so that the aforesaid Mr. Jacob Aldericks promised,
to settle the matter, the more so, as the said Mr. Aldericks had received the approbation
of his Lords and Masters upon his informing them of the purchase. But after long
waiting and delay, besides manifold remonstrations and petitions about it made as well
to him as to his successor, Mr. d'Hinojossa, I could nevertheless obtain nothing.
However, the Hon"'" Burgomaster Pawels van Graf t has obtained from Mr. d'Hinojossa
with great trouble part of it, covering one half of the amount and this only under a
bailbond to restore it conditionally and whereas I have asked for the balance from tirne
to time, yet have not been able to collect it, but have constantly been delayed with
abusive pretences, so that I have no hopes, that I ever shall be able to come to a
settlement, the more so as all people under him complain of his unjustified and fraudulent

Keiv York Historical Records. 375

proceedings, with whicli he oppresses tliem daily and because he acts thus against his
subjects, all hope is taken from me beforehand.

It is therefore thus : Mr. d'Hinojossa has sold (as was reported to me as perfectly-
true) some of the City's property for tobacco to the English of Maryland, among
others a pair of mill-stones, sent for the use of the colonists, a brewing-kettle, smith's
bellows, linen and different other merchandise, which tobacco is to remain there until his
departure for Holland next winter and whereas the property of the City is purloined and
he perverts it to his own advantage and it looks quite so, as if he did not intend to pay
anybody, therefore I will ask very respectfully for your Hon'"° Worship's opinion,
whether I might not be allowed to put my hand upon the aforesaid tobacco in Maryland,
to get thus my pay, unless I might obtain what is due me by your Hon"'" Worship's
authority, for I do not know any other means to pay my creditors, to whom I am still
indebted ; whereto I hope to obtain your Hon"'" Worship's favor.

Noble, Very Worshipful Sir,
Fort Altena Your Honor' s very obedient

e'l" of June, 1662. and humble servant

A. HUDDE.

To the Noble, Very Worshipful, Valiant,
Wise, Prudent and Very Discreet Sir,
the Honorable Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherland, Curagao, etc.
at the Fort
New- Amsterdam.

Return or Abraham van Nas to a summons, which he served on
Francis Ckegier, Cornelis Martensen, William Cornelissen
Ryckevrter, Hendrick Kip and Fop Jansen Outhout, of New
Amstel, who refused to appear and testify before Vice-
Director Beeckman.

To-day, on the VII of June 1662 upon directions and order of the Hon"'" Mr. Willem
Beeckman, Vice-Director on the South-River in New-Netheiiand on behalf of the
Privileged West-India Company, I simply summoned the following persons, viz. :
Frangois Cregier, Cornelis Martensen Factor, Willem Cornelissen Ryckvryer, merchants,
together with Sr Hendrick Kip, brewer, and Fop Jansen, tavernkeeper, to give evidence
of truth in matters known to them.

They all replied. We vsdll not be witnesses against our superiors, by which we might
get into trouble, but they said, they would eventually come to the Hon"'" Mr. Beeckman.
Done at Altena, in absence of the Court-messenger, on the day as above.

(It was signed)

Abraham van Nas, Notary publ.

On the day as above I have arrested upon order of the Hon"'" Mr. Willem Beeckman,

376 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Vice-Director at Fort Altena, Sr Frangois Cregier, Cornells Martensen Factor, "WUlem
Cornelissen Ryckevryer, merchants, together with Sr Hendrick Kip, brewer, ex-schepen
and Commissary, also Fop Jansen, tavernkeeper, all living and residing in the Colony
of New-Amstel, telling them as reason of the arrest, that it was to give evidence of
truth and that arrangements for their board had been made at the house of the aforesaid
Mr. Beeckman. Done at Altena in the absence of the Court-messenger.

(It was signed)

Abraham van Nas, Notary public.

They answered that they did not like to give evidence against their magistrate.
Done at Altena, date as above.

(It was signed)

Abraham van Nas, Notary public.

^Declarations of Cornelis Martensen, Hendrick Kip, William
Cornelissen Ryckevryer and Fop Jansen Outhout, respecting

CERTAIN LANGUAGE USED BY ALEXANDER D'HiNOYOSSA IN REGARD

TO Director Stuyvesant and those of Manhattans.

To-day, the VII June, 1662, appeared before me, Abraham van Nas, admitted by the
Honorable Very Worshipful Director-General and high Council of New-Netherland as

Notary public, residing here at Altena and before the subscribed witnesses

Cornelis Martensen Factor, merchant, residing in the Colony of New-Amstel, about 36
years old, under arrest by order of the Hon*'* Vice-Director WiUem Beeckman to give
evidence of truth. Therefore he testified in good faith upon the requisition of the same,
declared and attested, as he does hereby, that it is true, that he, the witness, on the 15'."
of May of the present year, found himself at the house of Fop Jansen Outhout in the
Colony of New-Amstel in company of the Hon*"" Director Alexander d'HLnojossa and
the Sheriff Gerret van Sweringen ; there were besides present Hendrick Kip, Fob Jansen
Outhout, Willem de Ryckeveyer and others more, whose names he does not remember.
That Mr. Director d'Hinojossa, mentioned above, said in the presence of all these to
Hendrick Huygen and the whole company in a very loud voice these following words,
to wit, that they of the Manhatans withheld from him all that was dear to him, calling
by name especially the Hon*'* Director-General and the people of the Manhatans,
etc. Therefore he declared them all his enemies, even his enemies unto death. Further,
that after sprinkling around a little wine out of a wine-glass with his fingers he
said. If I could poison them with so much wine and words to that effect, I would not
take a spoonful to do it, charging Hendrick Huygen to teU that to them of the
Manhatans. Further that the aforesaid Mr. d'Hinojossa also has said, if the City should
not properly sustain him and satisfy him, he would do as one Minnewit, the uncle of
Hendrick Huygen, had done, who was badly treated by the Company and had introduced
the Swedes here, saying, So I will go and fetch here the English or them from Portugal,
the Swede or the Dane, what the devil do I care, whom I serve, and repeating hereupon,

Mew York Historical Records. '^11

Tell it openly to them and conceal nothing. Further, I shall get my due revenge.
Testifying nothing further he, Factor, declared, that he has heard, perfectly seen and
understood all the above with other words to the same effect from the Director' s own
mouth, too long to be repeated here, he having himself full knowledge and remembrance
of it and offering therefore to confirm all the abovementioned with a solemn oath, ii
necessary and requested to do it. Thus done at Fort Altena in presence of the aforesaid
Hendrick Kip, Willem de Ryckeveyer, Fop Jansen Outhout, also Francois Creiger and
Dominicus Sybrants as credible witnesses, summoned thereto, who have signed with the
witness and me, the Notary, the original minute hereof deposited in my ofiice on the day
month and year as above.

Coll. Concordat : Quod Attestor,

the 8'." of June, 1662. (It was signed)

Abraham van Nas, Notary pub.

On the aforesaid day appeared, gave evidence, attested and declared upon the
requisition mentioned above Hendrick Kip, brewer, ex-schepen and Commissary in the
Colony of New-Amstel, about 28 years old, that on the 15'? of May of the present year,
he, the witness, was at the house of Fop Jansen Outhout, that there were also the Hon'""
Director d'Hinojossa and Gerret van Sweringen, with others, whose names to repeat
would take too much time, that the aforesaid Honorable Director spoke to Hendrick
Huygen and others of the company present these identical words, as follows : first, that the
Hon*"" Dii-ector General and the people of the Manhatans withheld from him all that was
dear to him and he declared them for his enemies, yea his mortal enemies, second, that ii
the City did not properly sustain and satisfy him, he would do, as one Minnewit, who was
the uncle of Hendrick Huygen, had done, who, because he had not been well treated by
the Company, had brought the Swedes here, adding. So I will go and fetch the English
or them of Portugal, the Swede or the Dane, what the devil do I care, whom I serve ; I
will get my revenge. Further, that he sprinkled a little wine out of his glass with the
finger and said then: "If I could poison or drown them with as little wine as this, I
should not use a spoonful to do it ; " that he further said to Hendrick Huygen " Tell this
openly to tliose of the Manhatans," repeating it several times, " Tell it freely and do not
conceal it" adding many propositions and speeches to that effect. Giving no further
evidence he, Hendrick Kip, declared, that all this came from the mouth of the aforesaid
Hon"'* Director, whereas he, with full knowledge and memory, had perfectly and
clearly heard and understood it at the above said time, offering also to confirm the
above with a solemn oath, if necessary and he should be asked. In token of its truth he
has signed the same with his own hand in the presence of and with Cornells Martensen
Factor, Fop Jansen Outhout, Willem de Rjckevryer together with Francois Cregier and
Dominicus Sybrants as credible witnesses, hereto requested, on the day, month and year
as above.

Collatia Concord : (It was signed)

the 8'? of June, 1662. Abraham van Nas, Notary public.

Appeared, gave evidence, attested and declared upon the requisition as above
Willem de Eyckevryer, that on the 15"" of May of this year he too was present in the

378 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Eiver.

aforesaid Company and that lie heard and perfectly and clearly understood the following
words, spoken loud by the Hon"^" Director d'Hinojossa, especially these, that they of the
Manhatans, naming the Hon"'" Director-General among them, withheld his goods and
blood, that he therefore declared them his enemies, yea his mortal enemies, secondly, if
the City should not well sustain and satisfy him, he would do as Minnewit, the uncle of
Hendrick Huygen, had done, who, because he had been badly treated by the Company,
had brought the Swedes here, adding : ' ' Thus I will go and bring the English or him of
Portugal, the Swede or the Dane " and saying further, "What the devil do I care, whom
I serve, I will get my revenge." Thirdly, that he sprinkled about a little wine out
of his glass and then said, "If I could poison or drown the Manhatans-people vnth
as little wine, I would not take a spoonful to do it" saying further to Hendrick
Huygen "Tell that openly to those of the Manhatans," repeating the same several
times "Tell it freely and conceal nothing." Giving no further evidence he, the
witness, declared that he had heard all the above and had perfectly and clearly
understood it from the mouth of the Director d'Hinojossa, offering also, if it should
be needed and he required, to stand firmly by it at all times. In token of truth he
signed the same with his own hand in the presence of and with Cornells Martensen
Factor, Hendrick Kip, Fop Jansen Outhout, together with Francois Cregier and
Dominicus Sybrants specially requested thereto as credible witnesses on the day, month
and year as above.

Collatia Concordat : Quod Attestor,

the 8'." of June, 1662. (It was signed)

Abraham van Nas, Notary public.

On the day aforesaid appeared, gave evidence, attested and declared upon the
abovementioned requisition Fop Jansen Outhoiit, tavern-keeper, residing in the Colony
of New-Amstel, 31 years old, that on the 15'.'' of May of this year he was present in the
aforesaid company in the inner-room of his house, when the Hon'''* Director Alexander
d'Hinojossa said to Hendrick Huygen and the whole company, among which the Sheriii
Gerret van Sweringen was, these identical words as follows : first, mentioning the
Honorable Director-General and them from the Manhatans, he said, that they withheld
his good and blood ; secondly, that he therefore declared them his enemies, yea his mortal
enemies, thirdly, if the City did not properly sustain and satisfy him, he would do as
Minnewit, Hendrick Huygen' s uncle, had done, who, because the Company did not satisfy
him, brought the Swedes in here, adding : "Thus I will go and bring in the English or him
of Portugal, the Swede or the Dane ;" saying further "What the devil do I care whom
I serve ; I will get my revenge." Fourthly that he sprinkled about with his finger a little
wine out of his glass and then said, "If I could poison or drown the Manhatans-people
with as little wine, I would not take a spoonful to do it," saying further to Hendrick
Huygen " Report that openly to them of the Manhatans " and repeating the same " TeU
it freely and conceal nothing." Giving no further evidence he, the witness, declared to
have heard and perfectly and clearly understood all the above from the mouth of the
aforesaid Hon'"" Director, offering also to confirm at all future time the above with a
solemn oath, if it should be necessary and he requested to do it. In token of truth he
Bigned the same with his own hand in the presence of and with Cornells Martensen Factor,

J\''cw York Historical Records. 379

Hendrick Kip, Willem Cornelissen Eyckevryer, also Frans Cregier and Dominicus

Sybrants, requested hereto especially as credible witnesses at Alteua, who have altogether

signed the original minutes hereof on the 7'." of June 1662.

CoUatio Concordat : Quod Attestor.

the S';- of June 1662. (It was signed)

Abraham van Nas, Notary Public.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; complaints
AGAINST Mr. d'Hinoyossa ; communication of the above papers.

Noble, Honorable, Very "Worshipful, Wise,

Prudent, Very Discreet Sirs.
Gentlemen :

Your Honors' favor of the 30"" of May reached me with the 9 soldiers on the 3? Inst.
This serves as safe-conduct to the discharged men.

Gentlemen ! On behalf of my official position, honor and oath I find myself bound,
to inform your Hon'""' Worships, how Mr. d'Hinojossa strips his fort of the palisades and
burns them under his brew-kettle.

Further that Mr. d'Hinojossa sells to the savages the new muskets of the City, lately
sent with the ship " de Purmeiiander Kerck " of which guns Mr. Frans Kregier has seen
6 different ones.

Also that his Honor has sold to some Englishmen from Maryland for 1000 lbs of
tobacco the City' s mill-stones, also lately sent with the abovesaid ship, and a smaU brew-
kettle for 7 or 800 lbs. Fop Jansen says, that it is a kettle belonging to the Company, as
he was present, when it was turned over at the departure of the Swedes. He has sold the
abovementioned and other property to the English for tobacco, to be received in Maryland,
from which it is the more to be presumed, that he will go away by way of Maryland next
winter.

At the departure of Jan de Caper Mr. d'Hinojossa fulminated much against his enemies
from the Manhatans in presence of Jan de Caper and several others, of which I since have
tried to get a judicial inquiry and attestation, but only yesterday an opportunity thereto
presented itself, when I met here the persons, who had heard these calumnies and
mutinous language from the traitor of his country himself. I detained therefore the
discharged men for one day. I had had summoned the abovesaid friends by the Notary
van Nas and requested them to come here to Fort Altena, to give evidence on what they
knew and compelled them by arrest to do it, as I considered this necessary for my
justification, and the enclosed is the evidence given.

In case your Hon''''' Worships should not deem it (advisable), although I trust you
will, to call him, d'Hinojossa, to account, then the witnesses request, that they should
not be mentioned, as they fear, d'Hinojossa might ruin them. I am further informed, of
which I mean to get proper evidence, that d'Hinojossa has said, that, if he should be
discharged and did not get proper satisfaction, he would then go to Portugal or elsewhere

380 Colonial Settleinents on the D&laware River.

to get a commission and then come privateering here on the coast to do damage to New-
Netherland and especially to those of the Manhatans, as he knew the occasions, when the
ships came in and went out. The people, who have heard this at different times dare not,
for fear, make an affidavit ; but if his Honor was once arrested (which could easily be
done) very likely a good deal more would be made known. Wherewith closing I
recommend this matter to your Hon*"^ Worships and remain with commendations to
God' s protection and wishes for honor, long life and a prosperous administration.
Noble, Honorable, Wise,

Very Discreet Gentlemen,
Your Honors' always

affectionate and faithful
On the South-river servant

at Altena, Wilh. Beeokman

the 8'." of June 1662.

Letter. Alexander d'Hinoyossa to Vice-Dikector Beeckman ;
requesting the arrest of soldiers.
Sir.
This, in haste, only intends to request your Honor to arrest as soon as possible and
detain, on our behalf, the property of those soldiers, who remained here fi-om your Honor' s
garrison yesterday, the 19'? inst. and to arrest them and in case of flight overtake the
same, as we should do in a similar case as far as our jurisdiction goes. 2 soldiers have
been arrested here and the third is mortally wounded. We rely herein upon your Honor
as before and shall give the reasons to your Honor with the first opportunity. Herewith
we commend your Honor to God's protection and remain your Honor's well-inclined
friends.

New-Amstel, The Director and Councd

the 20'? of June, 1662. Alexander d'Hinojossa.

To the Hon*"^ Mr. Willem Beekman
Vice-Director
Otto residing at Fort Altena

Cito

Kew York Historical Records. 381

Letter. William Beeckmaist to Director Hinotossa in answer,

COMPLYING with THE ABOVE.

Answer.
Sir.
I received the letter dated on the 20'? inst. at sunrise and learned with regret the bad
behaviour of our drunken soldiers. 'As to the seizure of their property, it shall be done,
likewise I shall do my best, to capture them. Until now none of them has arrived here.
After dinner I shall come to New-Amstel ; we will then talk the matter over with each
other. In the meantime I commend your Honor to God's protection and remain

Your Honor' s affectionate
Altena, friend

the 20'." of June 1662. Wilh. Beeckman.

Ante-mortem declaration of Harmen Hendricksen from Deventer,
a soldier, as to the circumstances under which he had been
shot by Sheriff Yan Sweringen, in New Amstel.
To-day, the 20'? day of June, the Hon*"* Mr. Willem Beeckman, Vice-Director at the
South-River, appeared at the house of Fop Jansen Outhout and finding there one of his
soldiers, named Hermen Hendricksen of Deventer, cadet, very sorely wounded, he asked
him instantly upon his deathbed in presence of the undersigned witnesses, how he had
been wounded thus; he gave this answer, that last night at about 10 o'clock he went
in the company of Hendrick Dyck, soldier, and Elias Routs, cadet, to take a walk
together. Coming to or having almost passed the house of the Sheriff Gerrit van
Sweeringen they were all singing, when the Sheriff, leaning over the door, asked them,
why they sang so late on the street : they answered, they were on the public highway
and why should they not be allowed to sing ; whereupon the Sheriff again replied to
them, that they should stop singing or he would give them a hiding ; whereupon they
directly retorted : If you are a brave fellow, come out of doors. These words had hardly
been uttered, when the Sheriff fired and hit him, the aforesaid Hermen Hendricksen in the
lower part of his belly with swan' s shot, whereby he was mortally wounded. All this he,
Hermen Hendricksen, declares to be true and veracious and so true, as God will help him
on Ms death. Done in the Colony of New-Amstel on the South-River of New-Netherland.

The mark \A of Hermen Hendricksen
Witnesses : made ' y by himself

Cornells Marssen Factor
Henrich Jansen van Jever
Jacob de Bommer, surgeon
Wolfert Webber, junior
Hendrick Kip, junior
Willem Cornelissen Ryckenvryer
Pieter Jansen Teschett
Foppe Jansen Outhout.

382 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Appeared before Mr. Jan Willems and Pieter Petersen Harder as members of the
Council for the Colony of New-Amstel and at the request of the Hon'"^ Mr. Beeckman
re-compared the above afBdavit of the following witnesses, namely Hendrick Jansen from
Jever, Jacob de Commer, surgeon, Hendrick Kip, Willem Cornelissen Ryckevryer, Fop
Jansen Outhout and they signed the same once more with their own signatures and
declared in place of an oath, that all had happened as said above. We, the witnesses,
declare that all is true and veracious and that we will confirm it under oath at any time.
Done at the Colony of New-Amstel this 1'.' of August 1662.
Jan WiUems as witness Jacob de Commee, surgeon

Pieter Pietersen Henrich Jansen fi-om Jever

C. H. Verbraak under Hendrick Kip junior

authority of the Director Poppen Jansen Outhout

and Council of this Willem Cornelissen Rtckenvryer.

Colony of New-Amstel

Appeared before Mr. Jan Willems and Pieter Petersen, members of the Council
of this Colony of New-Amstel Matthys de Brul, about 50 years old, and at the request
of the Hon*"'* Mr. Beeckman, Vice-Director on the South-River gave evidence, declared
and testified, as he declares and testifies herewith, that in the evening of the last
19'? of June he has heard two or three soldiers singing before the door of the Sheriff and
he, affiant, heard also some words with the Sheriff and he, affiant, opened his door and
saw them on the other side of the street and shortly afterwards he heard a shot fired, by
which one was wounded and the others carried him away. He, affiant, further declares,
that he has neither seen nor heard swords to be used. All the foregoing he, attestant,
declares thus to have seen and heard and to be willing to confirm the same with oath at
all times. Thus done in the Colony of New-Amstel, this first day of August, 1662.
Jan Willems Mathieu Dubreuil.

Done before us
as witnesses
Pieter Pietersen

C. H. Verbraak under
authority of the Director
and Council of this Colony
of New-Amstel.

Meiv York Historical Records. 383

Declarations of sundry soldiers respecting the shooting of
Herman Hendricksen aforesaid.

To-day, the XXI of June XVI° sixty-two appeared before me, Abraham van Nas,
Notary public appointed by the Hon''''' Very Worshipful Director-General and High
Council of New-Netherland and residing at Altena and before the subscribed witnesses
Caspar Luter, soldier, about 30 years old, with Hendrick Dyck, also soldier, about 26
years old, who at the request of the Hon"'"' Vice-director, Mr. Willem Beeckman, testified
and declared it to be true :

First, Hendrick Dyck, that he, affiant, sat on Monday last, at about 8 or 9 o'clock of
the evening at the table in the house of Fop Jansen Outhout in the Colony of New-Amstel.
There he heard, that Elyas Routs complained, that, going over the street, he was hit on
the breast with a stone, also, that he took his sword into his hand and went alone to the
house of the Sheriff Gerrit van Sweeringen and that he, affiant, followed him at a distance,
he heard him speak a few words to the Sheriff but he did not understand, what was said.
He has seen, that the Sheriff came out of his door, as it looked to take hold of him, but he,
Elyas, pointed thereupon his sword against the breast of the Sheriff and made him stand
back. Further, that he, affiant, with two others, namely the deceased Hermen Hendricksen
van Deventer and Dominicus Sybrants went out for a walk only about half an hour later,
leaving Elyas at the house of Fop Jansen Outhout. Finally they came, all singing, near
the house of the Sheriff Gerrit van Sweeringen ; that he, affiant, heard the Sheriff cal
fi-om his door "What do you run on the street here for to lord it" and words to thai
effect ; that they answered thereupon ' ' Surely, we may travel on this street, we do n
harm to anybody nor do we lord it" the Sheriff replied "You do play the masters and
have just placed the sword against my breast." Further, that he, affiant, with the two
other said then, they were not guilty of it and none of the three had done it, whereupon
the Sheriff answered "You lie and you have done it already," ordering them, to leave there
directly or he would grease their backs. Further that the deceased replied : " If you want to
grease our backs, then come out, if you are brave fellow." Further, that the Sheriff fired
a gun over the lower-door, saying at the same time, he fired at the fence-door ; thereupon
Harmen Hendricksen of Deventer said "Comrade, hold me up well and bring me home,
I am wounded." Further, that he, affiant, and Dominicus Sybrant have thereupon
carried him to the house of Fop Jansen Outhout, calling at the same time for the Colony's
surgeon : it was found, that he was shot with swan or goose-shot into the lower part of
the belly and that the wound was mortal, as he died thereof on the 21'.' inst. Giving no
further evidence affiant offered, to confirm with a solemn oath all the foregoing at all
times, if he should be desired to do so.

Caspar Luter declared, that during all this time he sat drinking and that he knows
nothing about it, except that he, affiant, has seen Hendrick Dyck and Dominicus
Sybrants come into the house of Fop Jansen Outhout with the wounded Harmen
Hendricksen of Deventer and nothing more. Thus done at Altena in presence of Andries
Hudde and Thomas Vorst, called in as witnesses, who with the affiants and me the
Notary, have signed the original minutes hereof on the day, month and year as above.
Collatia Concord : Quod Attestor.

datum ut supra. Abraham van Nas, Notary public.

384 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant; complains
OF Sheriff van Sweringen ; Fins removing to the city's

COLONY ; THEIR PRIVILEGES ; DEATH OF HARMEN HeNDRICKSEN
ABOVEMENTIONED.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, "Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sirs.

On the 11'." Inst, our men came back, who had taken the discharged soldiers in a
ca-noe to Meggeckesiouw ; they report that the Sheriff van Sweeriugen with 7 men in a
sailboat overtook them in going up river about 3 leagues below Meggeckesjouw, where
they laid to wait for the tide. The Sheriff called out to them, they should bring the
run-away women on board his boat, whereupon ours answered " If you want them, come
and get them; there they are in the canoe." Having declined to do so, the Sheriff
ordered his men to make their fire-arms ready, which ours hearing and seeing, they did
the same. I went up river immediately after their arrival and met the Sheriff near the
"troublesome corner" {Verdrietige HoecJc) on the river and protested against his
usurping the authority of the Hon"'^ Company by coming armed into our jurisdiction
without our knowledge, to attack somebody, adding thereto, that if I had found
him on land, I should have arrested him ; whereupon he answered, ' ' in case you
are stronger than we," meaning in regard to arms. I replied "I speak of the
authority of the Hon*'" Company and if you mean to use arms, we'U resist with
arms." Then his Honor said, that at his departure from ISTew-Amstel he had had
, time to communicate with me, whereupon I answered, that I could have been
Jormed of it the other day, when I was at New-Amstel, then it would not have been
taken amiss.

One Claes Verbraek, who had refused to participate in the exploit mentioned above,
has been dismissed for that reason ; he requests now to enter the service of the Hon""
Company. I hear of him nothing else, but a good behaviour, he has been here as
supercargo in the ship "deSon" four years ago. This Verbraek has heard d'Hinojossa
and van Sweeringen speak in their conversations several times of the menace about the
privateering and other things.

Sixteen or eighteen families, mostly Fins, residing in our jurisdiction, to whom great
offers have been made by Mr. d'Hinojossa intend to move into the Colony ; they are to have
18 years' freedom of all taxes with their own judges and decisions up to 100 guilders, also
free exercise of their religion — these families intend nevertheless to hold on to their
lands in our jurisdiction and to sow grain on them, until they have cleared land in the
Colony. In my opinion we may seize the deserted land and settle Dutch farmers on it,
if it were possible to get them.

Gentlemen! While writing this I received the enclosure from Mr. d'Hinojossa. It
happened that on Sunday afternoon I gave permission to about 5 men, who asked for it,
to go to New-Amstel and return, as they had some directions to give, because the yachts
were about to leave. Coming there the next day and finding them still there, I exhorted
them twice to go to their garrison in Altena, which they promised to do each time, but
remained nevertheless. The men sitting at the table in the evening, one Elias Routs
attacked the Sheriff van Sweeringen near his house and struck at him, as the Sheriff

Keiv York Historical Records. 385

says, with his sword, but did not wound him. After the meal three persons went out,
saying to the landlady "We are going for a walk, as we have not much desire to drink
more." Singing they came to or passed the house of the Sheriff van Sweeringen,
where happened, much to our regret, what may be seen from the enclosed affidavits.
One Dominions Sybrants was also at New-Amstel, where he waited for the sailing of the
yachts.

Elias Routs is still at large ; if I can capture him, I shall send him to your Hon*"*
Worships, for to hold him here would create further troubles.

Yesterday I was called to the meeting of Mr. d'Hinojossa, where I heard that some
declarations were taken, but I heard little for the justification of the Sheriff in regard to
the shooting. On the main-qnestion they depend on the court-messenger, who is a young
fellow and lives and boards with the Sheriff and secondly on the evidence relative to the
first attack, that 2 swords had been seen, wliich is not credible, partly because it is
testified by the Sheiiff's boy, partly because the evidence of Hendrick Dyck contradicts
it, who himself was near Elias Routs, but (as he says) without fire or side-arms.

What the result of Mr. d'Hinojossa' s meeting is, will be projDerly and in detail sent
to your Hon'"^ Worships.

While closing this, I received the information, that the patient has died. I must
break off, as Peter Koerens earnestly requests to sail. Closing I commend your Hon'"^
Worships to Gfod's protection and remain with salutations and wishes for a long life and
prosperous administration.

Gentlemen, Your Honors' always

In haste, affectionate and faithful servant

Altena, Wilh. Beeckman.

the 21'.' of June 1662.

Gentlemen ! Coming to New-Amstel, I am informed by Mr. Factor, the bearer hereof,
that the Sheriff van Sweeringen has said in his presence : "I have shot the man
unintentionally" — the community calling out unanimously: " Seize the murderer and
send him to the Hon''''= General and Council," but I think, it is better to await your
Hon'"* Worships' order. Wherewith I commend your Hon'"'= Worships to God' s protection
and remain at all times,

Gentlemen,

Your Hon'''* Worships' affectionate

New-Amstel, servant and faithful friend

the 21'.' of June, 1662. Wilh. Beeckman.

49

386 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Notarial declaration^ or Caspar Luter and Hendkick Dyck,

RESPECTING THE KILLING OF HaRMEN HeNDRICKS BT SHERIFF VaN
SWERINGEN.

To-day, on the XXI of June XVI sixty -two appeared before me, Abraham van Nas,
Notary public, appointed by the Noble, Very Worshipful, Honorable Director-General
and High Council for New-Netherland, residing in Altf-na and before the below-named
witnesses the reputable Caspar Luter, soldier, about 30 years old, with Hendrick Dyck,
also soldier, about 26 years old, who at and so forth see page 383.

Casper Luter, further examined hereupon, whether he had not helped carry the
deceased to the house of Pop Jansen, with the aforesaid Hendrick Dyck, answered :

That he, Casper Luter, stood in the house of Fop Jansen aforesaid and seeing
Hendrick Dyck and Dominicus Sybrants come with the wounded man, he stepped out of
the door and helped carry in the wounded man, without having been with them out of
doors before, when the shot was fired. He offered, that, if he should be asked, he would
stand firmly by the foregoing. Done at Altena in presence of his Honor, the Vice-Director
WiUem Beeckman and Andries Hudde on the 30'." of July 1662.
WiLHELM Beeckman. Casper Lotter.

A. Hudde. Abraham van Nas,

Not. publ.

His Honor, Mr. W. Beeckman, V. Dr having distinctly read the foregoing declaration
to the affiant Hendrick van Dyck, the same confirmed it under oath in the presence of the
below-named witnesses, Altena this 30*? July 1662.
A. Hudde, Clerk, as witness.

Abraham van Nas, Wilh. Beeckman.

Not. publ.

His Honor, the V. DT W. Beeckman having distinctly read to the affiant Casper
Luyter his foregoing declaration, the same confirmed it under oath, in the presence of
the below-named witnesses. Altena, the 30'? of July 1662.
Abraham van Nas,

Not. publ.
A. Hudde, Clerk, as witnesses.

Mew York Historical Records. 387

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, with further
information respecting the conduct of sheriff van sweringen.

Noble Gentlemen :

Last niglit I heard yet something contradicting the Sheriff ' s declaration, therefore I
considered it necessary, to have the same confirmed before witnesses this morning and
send it to your Hon*''° Worships.

Mr. Hendrick Kip further reports, that on the 20* inst. in the forenoon he has heard
Gerrit de Groot, city-messenger in New-Amstel, say in the presence of Mr. Factoor and
Bome others, whom he does not recall, that about half an hour after the Sheriff had fired
at the soldiers, he peeped or looked out of his house, thinking there was still another
man near his fence, whereupon he fired once more ; but it was found to be the stump of
a tree. Wherewith closing I commend your Hon*"® Worships to the protection and
shelter of the Almighty and remain,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Very Discreet Gentlemen,
New-Amstel, Your Honors' obedient and faithful servant

the 22'? of June, 1662. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent Gentlemen, Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant
Director-General and Council of New-Netherland,
Curagao etc. residing at
Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhatans.

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. 22"? OF JUNE, 1662.

To-day, date underwritten, at the request of the Hon"'* Mr. Willem Beeckman, on
behalf of the Hon*"* Privileged West-India Company Vice-Director of the South-River
of New-Netherland, we, the undersigned, Fop Jansen Outhout, about 30 years old,
Dominicus Sybrants, about 32 years old, PhUip Jansen, about 25 years old, Gerritt
Hendi-icksen de Boogh, about 24 years old, have testified, deposed and declared, that we
have heard Gerrit de Groot, messenger in the Colony of New-Amstel, say at the house
of Fop Jansen Outhout, (he, the messenger having been questioned by Fop Jansen in
presence of the aforesaid affiants, what deposition have you made,) I answered, the
messenger said, nothing but that the soldiers had not been at the Sheriff's house
nor have they committed any act of hostility against the house of the Sheriff, nor
have I seen a sword, I only heard some rattling, but do not know, what it was nor
do I know, who it was, also that no persons had been with the Sheriff in the

388 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

house, except I and the Sheriff's boy and the Sheriff's wife. All this we, the
Tindersigned, declare to be true and truthful and are willing to confirm it with oath, if
necessary and we be requested to do it and we have signed this with our usual signature
in the presence of Hendrick Kip junior and Matthys van Limborgh, having been asked
as witnesses.

Done at New-Amstel, this 221 of June, 1662, on the South-Eiver of New-Netherland.
It was signed : Fop Jansen Outhout, Dominicus Sybrants, PhUip Jansen from
Vollenhooven, the mark _^ of Hendricksen Gerrit de Boogh, made by himself. On the
margin stood : In our presence, as witnesses and below: Hendrick Kip junior, Matthys
van Limborgh.

The above copy agrees with the original.

A. HuDDE, Sec.

Complaint of the Fiscal against Gerrit van Sweringen, Sheriff
OF New-Amstel (New Castle), foe manslaughter.

To the Noble, Very Worshipful, the Honorable Director-General and Council
of New-Netherland.
Respectfully shows Nicasius de SUle, the Fiscal, that on the 19'? of June last past,
Gerret van Sweeringen, Sheriff of New-Amstel, unbecomingly fired with a musket at and
wounded one Harmen Hendricx, a Cadet in the service of the Noble Hon*'* West-India
Company, who shortly afterwards died of it, as appears by the affidavits and whereas
the said Sheriff is in a position, in which he is not molested, and the Hon*'' Director and
Council there seem to support him and unwilling to put him in the wrong, and whereas
there is no probability, that the same wUl administer justice in this case of murder, as
they allow the sheriff to perform his duties unmolested and to go about without restraint,
which is contrary to all political and civil law, Therefore the Fiscal addresses himself to
your Noble, Honorable Worships requesting, that, as your Honors represent the
government of this province and consequently all Colonies are subject to your Honors'
orders, your Honors wiU please to direct and earnestly instruct the Dii-ector and Council
of the said Colony of New-Amstel to arrest the Sheriff and punish him, as is proper, or
else that your Noble Honorable Worships authorize the petitioner, as Fiscal and Attorney
of this province, or in his absence the Commissary Beekman, to arrest or have arrested the
said Sheriff, that he may be brought here, that justice might be maintained according to
the requirements of the law. He expects your Honors' apostU hereon, that he may
govern himself accordingly.

Your Noble, Honorable Worships'
11'." July, 1662. servant

(Signed) Nicasius de Sille.

After the foregoing request was exhibited by the Hon'''* Fiscal de SOle, it was resolved,
to send a copy of it to the Hon*''' Director d'Hinojossa and the Court of the Colony of
New-Amstel and to await their answer, before proceeding further in this case. Date as
above.

Kew Yorh Historical Becords. 389

Honorable, Prudent, Very Discreet, Very Wise, Honorable, Director-General
and Council of New-Netlierland.
The petitioner Elias Routs, lying in garrison at Fort Altena on the Southriver shows
very humbly, that he with six of his soldiers went to New-Amstel in the month of June
1662 having permission from the Hon"'^ Mr. Beekman. There they enjoyed themselves
and when the evening came, he, the petitioner went out with another and singing passed
the Sheriff's door ; he asked : " What noise do you make on the street," whereupon he, the
petitioner, answered : " What does that concern you, we do nothing wrong." Then the
Sheriff wanted to arrest the petitioner and said, "Put down your arms," which does not
become a good soldier, because the Sheriff was of another jurisdiction and had no right
to arrest the petitioner and whereas he, the petitioner, was not present at the other
disturbance, when Harmen was shot and has done nothing else, but what is stated in this
petition, therefore he, the petitioner, addresses himself to your Honorable Worships,
hoping that your Honors will turn everything to the best, for, although petitioner is now
a fugitive, he is nevertheless not willing to go to any other nation, as he is an old servant
of the Company and has served the same faithfully as well in Brasil as in this country ;
therefore he, the petitioner, will wait for your Honorable Worships' favorable decision
and remain

Your Honors' humble servant

Eli.is Rauts.
24*." of July, Monday.
The statement, which petitioner makes in his request, being correct, he has permission
given to him, to return to his garrison. Date as above.

Extract from a letter of Dir. Stutvesawt to the Directors in
Holland ; the Maryland claims again referred to ; complaints

AGAINST THE OFFICERS OP THE CiTY'S CoLONY.

Fort Amsterdam, 15'." of July 1662.

In continuing on this subject your Hon"''' Worships' dissatisfaction and reproaches
occur to us, made because the Grovernor of Maryland was said to have offered us not only
a guaranteed league against the savages, but also a provisional settlement of the boundary
question and because a matter of such importance should not have been declined without
communication to and advice of your Honors. No such propositions were ever made to
us by the said Governor. What may have passed in reference to the one or the other
between him and the Director of the City's Colony remains as yet a secret to us. It is
true, that Commissary Willem Beeckman has, as the extract from his letter under No.

shows, reported to us last year, that, on account of the killing of 2 or 3 Englishmen,
who returned from New-Amstel to Maryland, difficulties arose and a war was threatening
between that nation and the Riversavages, that letters had been exchanged concerning it
and messages sent between Dii-ector d'Hinojossa and the Governor of Maryland, but as

390 Colonial Settleinents on the Delaware River.

all this has occurred without communicating, advising with or giving information to us
or Commissary Beeckman, we are ignorant of all referring to it and whether the supposed
guaranteed league and offer of a provisional settlement of the boundary-question has been
proposed and made to Director d'Hinojossa. The written reports of the said Beeckman
and daily occurrences show, that the said Director d'Hinojossa is either too ignorant or
in his own estimation too great a man, to consult your Honors' officers in this or similar
affaii-s.

Your Hon"'" Worships repeatedly recommend, not to give the City's officers any
cause for just complaints. We do not only hope, but are perfectly confident, that, when
the causes of their complaints are weighed in the balance of reason, the result will show,
that your Honors' servants had given them better reasons for complaints against and about
the same and still receive them every day. Passing over what has been touched upon
before, that they do not acknowledge your Hon"'" Worships' nor your deputies'
superior authority in any matters, not even in those concerning the common welfare,
they have grown so supercilious, since your Honor's gracious concession to choose
their own Sheriff and Magistrates and ordering appeals to be brought in Holland, that
they do not only vilify with words the authority of your Honor's servants and in them
even the higher authority of your Hon""" Worships, but also use such expressions in the
letters to us, as that henceforth they would not expect, much less obey any more orders
from us, the proof of which your Honors may find among others in the enclosure No. ,
showing that after the different occurrences and events of last year we found ourselves
obliged to order a general day of fasting, praying and thanksgiving for this province,
which we adapted as far as we could and knew to everybody's situation, as proved by
the annexed letter or order of proclamation. His Honor Director d'Hinojossa and the
Council appointed by him did not only refuse to publish and have observed this day of
fast, prayer and thanksgiving in the name of the Director-General and Council of New-
Netherland, but under a frivolous pretext (as if in the proclamation of the day of fasting
and prayer no material point of thanksgiving or prayer adapted for their Colony was
expressed) they drew up at or about the same time another form of proclamation and had
it published and observed not in the name of the Director-General and CouncU of New-
Netherland, but in the name of the Director and Council of New-Amstel, writing us
plainly, that they did not expect any more such orders from us, but that henceforth they
would themselves take care of all such matters and that therefore a quarterly day of
prayer was ordered by them. The affair itself and our answers to it can be seen by your
Honors in the enclosure No. . More cases, similar but of less importance, could be
extracted from their letters to us, but we will pass them over for the sake of brevity,
while this is only intended to ask your Hon"'" Worships, how we are to act towards the
officers of the Colony in cases of such contempt ; in the meantime your Hon"'" Worships'
recommendations in this direction shall be obeyed as far as reason and justice permit. . . .

By the next ships your Honors may expect what on account of haste

we have forgotten to report in this letter. Among others the manslaughter or the
shooting of one of our soldiers, committed by the Sheriff of New-Amstel, Gerrit van
Sweeringen, of which as yet no satisfactory report, much less reasons are sent to ua,

Kew York, Historical Records. 391

whicli surprises us the more, because the Sheriff is not arrested nor molested with any
judicial forms by the Court of the Colony, who, according to the reports, maintain, that
the said Slieriff ouglit not, on account of his official position, be judged either by them nor
by the Director-General and Council, but only by their Honors, the Burgomasters of the
City of Amsterdam. Your Honors will receive in due time further information and
report in regard to the one and the other.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant ; requires that
the attorney-geiteral be sent to defend him.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent, Discreet Gentlemen.

Your Honors' favor of the 17'!" of July, with the enclosure, has been received by me
on the morning of the 26'." I have to defer the answer to it until the departure of Jan de
Caper, as Peter Lourens desires most earnestly to sail now. I wdll only mention what
occurred in regard to the crime committed by the Sheriff van Sweeringen.

As soon as Mr. d' Hinojossa had looked over his letters, he called together his Hon"'"
Council : but before the same went there, I saluted them at the house of Mr. Willems,
where Mr. La Grange had stayed over-night, informed them of the matter and communicated
a copy of Mr. d' Hinojossa' s letter. I requested them (whereas Peter Alrichs was about
there, who had been in the Sheriff's company, whUe pursuing the fugitives) to come in,
Mr. Willems himself calling them, and inside I asked, whether our discharged soldiers
had had with them in company, I mean to say in position, a savage with a gun ; they
answered. No, but that a savage, who had been hu-ed to guide the soldiers, sat at a little
distance from the soldiers on a stump or old tree, adding thereto that the potter, namely
one Tomas Vorst, who was detailed as skipper or rower in the canoe and had not taken a
gun with him, had taken the gun of the savage and placed himself with it in position
with the others, so that in this regard the letter of Mr. d' Hinojossa is frivolous, as I will
also prove in proper time, that the affidavits, made at Foppe Jansen' s, were not taken
abusively, but the affiants have solicited, admonished and offered me more than 10 times,
to make their depositions, adding thereto, that if I did not do it and your Hon".'^ Worsliips
should hear of the affair, it would be taken ill of me, as your Honors can learn from Mr.
Factoor.

The Director and Council have been considering this for more than 4 hours and the
enclosed citation was sent to me : after it was read, they sent me a request by the
messengers, as I was informed, that Mr. d' Hinojossa had said (because Andries Hudde
had, upon my order, recorded something here on the 22* of June) : If Hudde comes here
again to record any thing, he would have him taken by the head.

Foppe Jansen had been fined, as he says, to the amount of 12 guilders, because he
has acted, at my request, as clerk in taking the affidavit of the deceased. It is thought
by Mr. d' Hinojossa, that Foppe Jansen had been persuaded thereto, therefore he
considers the affidavit false, which makes me suspicious. I intend for this reason to

392 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare Pdver.

do nothing more in this case, except in presence of two members of the Court, in
which I have not been able to succeed so far, although I asked it three times
on the 26'? and twice on the 27'? by the messenger, nor could I get the return in
writing, but only verbally ; it was first said, that it was not necessary and could be
done in the presence of two burghers, provided it was recorded by his clerk, the next
time, that I could have it done before the Court, the third time, that Mr. Herder and Mr.
Willems had been deputed. I came to New-Amstel on the 27*." towards noon with my
afiidavits, to verify them and asked the messenger, what time the Committee had
appointed for the beginning, he said, he had no order from the Hon"'* Director yet, to
announce it to their Honors, whereupon I sent him again to Mr. d'Hinojossa. He
reported, that Mr. Willems was to come immediately to the Port for a meeting, but if I
wished to make use of Mr. Herder, I could get him, to which I answered that I neither
would nor could do anything, because Mr. d'Hinojossa would not allow, that I brought
a clerk here, and withheld his own with the appointed Committee. I considered it
necessary to deliver the enclosed citation and protest, to which I have as yet received no
answer, so that I deem it necessary, that the Hon"* Fiscal should come here for my own
defence, as I have here nobody to advise with ; I shall in the meantime contribute, what
my poor abilities will permit in all reasonableness. I would need h^re an affidavit of
Dominions Sybrants, cadet, which apparently was sent to your Hon*"* Worships with the
afiidavit of Hendilck Dyck ; they will agree, because both had been in company with the
deceased.

Wherevfith I commend your Hon"'* Worships to the protection of God and remain
with wishes for a long life and prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Wise,

Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honors' always
In haste. faithful servant

New-Amstel, the 28"' July Wilh. Beeckman.

1662.

Gentlemen ! The Sheriff is still allowed to go about with the sword at his side, but
he has brought forward Jan Webber as bondsman on the 26'?, that on the 28'? he will
appear in person before the Court. This for your Honors' guidance.

WiLH. Beeckman-.

Netv York Historical Records.

Examination of Thomas Foest and other soldiers touching certain

PROCEEDINGS OF SHERIFF VaN SwERINGEN.

Interrogatory, upon which Tomes Forest,
cadet in the service of the Gen! Priv. W. I.
Comp. was examined at Altena, this 29'.'' of
July 1662.

First.

Whether he. Tomes Forst, was present,
when on the 9'? of June last past, the
Sheriff van Sweeringen demanded from the
discharged soldiers up on the river, certain
two women, who had run away from the
Colony ?

Second.

Whether he had heard, what the
discharged men had answered to the Sheriff ?

Answer.
Yes, he had been detailed to assist in
bringing the men up the river and Sheriff
van Sweeringen demanded the fugitive
women.

Third.
Whether he knows, why the discharged
soldiers pointed their guns at the Sheriff?

Fourthly.
Whether he had seen, that the discharged
soldiers placed in position with them a
savage with a gun ?

He answers, that the reply to the Sheriff
was, they were there, he could take them.

He answers, he had seen, that they
made their guns ready in the boat and he
distributed balls and he heard the Sheriff
say to his men : Make ready ; therefore they
too put themselves in position.

He answers,
That a savage was with them, but
he was hired to go overland with the
discharged soldiers, he was not in position,
but he sat on a tree at a little distance, that
he, Tomes Vorst took up the gun of the
savage, lying in the canoe and placed
himself with them in position. In token of
truth he, Tomes Vorst, has signed this with
his usual signature. Done as above at Fort
Altena on the S. R. of N. Netherland

TOMAS FOEST.

Interrogatory, by which Brandt Hemmes,
soldier in the service of the Gen! Priv. W. I.
Comp. at Altena was examined on this 29'!"
dayof July 1662.

He answers First.

Yes, that he was detailed, to assist in Whether he, Brandt Hemmes, was

bringing the discharged soldiers up the present, when on the 9'> of June last past, up

river and that the Sheriff being in his boat on the river, the Sheriff van Sweeringen
60

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

andlyingoff a little from them, asked, Have demanded of the discharged soldiers, two
you women there, who ran away. The certain women, who had run away from the
reply was. Yes ; the Sheriff said, I mnst Colony 1
have them, to which was answered in this
way, If yoTi want them, you must come and
get them.

Second.
Answered as before Whether he has heard, what the

discharged soldiers replied to the Sheriff.

Third.
He answers, because the men in the Whether he knows, why the discharged

boat made ready their guns and some soldiers pointed their guns at the Sheriff %
blunderbusses at the order of the Sheriff.
The Sheriff put his hand in his bag and
distributed something, there being in the
boat eight persons.

He answers, that no savage stood in
position with the discharged soldiers, but
that the savage who was with them, was
hired, to go with them overland and sat at a
little distance from them by himself on a
tree and that Tomas Forst had had the
savage's musket. Which as written above
he, Brandt Hemmes, declares to be true and
truthful and he has, m token of truth,
signed the same with Ms hand. Altena,

date as above.

The mark x of Brandt Hemmes
made by himself

Fourth.
Whether he had seen, that the
discharged soldiers put a savage with a gun
in position with them.

He answers.
Yes : that he was detailed to assist in
bringing the discharged soldiers up the river
and that he has heard the Sheriff, lying at
a little distance from them with his boat,
ask : Have you there with you two women,
who have run away. They answered:
Yes ; the Sheriff said : I must have them
back. The said Bartel Aersen, being in
the canoe, said to him pointing with his
finger : There they lie, take them.

Interrogatory, by which Bartel Aersen,
soldier and baker in the service of the Gen?
Priv. W. I. Comp. at Altena was examined
this 29'.'^ day of July 1662.

First.
Whether he, Bartel Aersen, was present,
when, on the 9'.'' of June last past, up on the
river the Sheriff van Sweeringen demanded
of the discharged soldiers two certain women,
who had run away from the Colony %

J^eiv York Historical Records. 395

Second.
Answered as above. Whether he has heard, what the

discharged soldiers replied to the Sheriff ?

Third.

He answers : Because the Sheriff said, Whether he knows, why the discharged

after what was told before ; Make ready, soldiers pointed their guns at the Sheriff ?
and the men took up their muskets and the
Sheriff and Pieter Aldericx distributed balls
among the men.

Fourth.

He answers, that no savage stood in Whether he has seen, that the discharged

position with them, but that the savage, who soldiers put an armed savage in position
was with them, was hired to go overland with themselves,
with the discharged soldiers and sat on a
tree at a little distance from them, that Tomas
Forst has had the gun of the savage.

He, Bartelt Aersen, declares the above to be true and truthful and has signed this,
in token of truth with his signature, date as above, at Altena.

Bartholmews Aersen.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant, transmitting

AN ANSWER OF DIRECTOR D'HiNOYOSSA AND COUNCIL TO THE VlCE-
DiRECTOR'S PROTEST AGAINST THEIR ENCROACHMENT ON HIS
JURISDICTION.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful Grentlemen.

As Peter Lourens has been detained by strong contrary winds until to-day, I can
now infonn your Hon*"^ Worships, what has further happened in the matter. Yesterday
afternoon I received the enclosed answer to the insinuation and protest delivered by me ;
in the meantime I have not been remiss, to demand an answer on the 28'.'' inst., as well
as to caU several times for the Commissaries or deputies of the Court. I shall continue
this to-morrow and if I do not get them, I shall be compelled to make a counter-protest.
I have to break off here, as I must send this as speedily as possible to New-Amstel.
Wherewith I commend your Hon"'^ Worships to God's protection and shelter and
remain.

Gentlemen, Your Honors' faitliful servant

Altena, Wilh. Beeckman.

the 30'" of July 1662.

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Answer of Director d'Hinotossa, etc., aforesaid.

Present Extract from the minutes, kept by the

the Hon'"^ Director and Council, Director and Council of the Colony of

Alexander d'Hinojossa New-Amstel.

Jan Willems
P. Harder.

Saturday, the 29'!' of July 1662.

It is answered upon the insinuation, dated 27^? of July, which Mr. Beeckman has
had served upon the Director and Council of this Colony and the end of which was
accompanied with a protest, that Director and Council shall exercise their judgment
and what further depends upon it, which Director and Council will send and refer to the
Masters in the Fatherland,

But they wUl add for you, the insinuator and protestator, that it is not yet evident
to us, that you have sufficient authority, to teach us our duty or to correct us, but we
shall attend to the recommendation of the Hon*''' General and Council for New-Netherland,
to administer right and justice without delay, as it ought to have been done already.

The matter has not been the principal question yet nor has it been brought to an
issue on the day fixed for it on account of Mr. La Grange's indisposition, but it shall
come up without further delay as main question on the next Court-day, that is the 2"? of
August.

Agrees with the minutes.

R. Ravens, Clerk.

Letter. J. de la Grange, councillor, to Director Stutvesant ;

FAILURE of his EFFORTS TO RECONCILE DIRECTOR HiNOYOSSA AND

Vice-Director Beeckman, with another letter from him on the

SAME subject, DATED NeW AmSTEL, 3° AuGUST.

Noble, Honorable, Just and Equitable Sir !
Greeting !
Your Honor's favor of the 17*'' inst. has been received. I thank your Honor for the
good instructions in regard to keeping on a friendly footing with the people here : they
will be observed. I accommodate them in every thing, where I can and may, the same
is likewise done by them, so that we live as peaceful neighbors together. I have
assigned some land here to three farmers of New-Amstel, who will come to-morrow
and am expecting some more, so that in time, when the savages have evil intentions
against us, we shall be able to defend ourselves. Mr. d'Iniosa is very jealous on account
of the removal of the farmers from New-Amstel, but I do not care much about it.
Regarding the debt of the Sheriff he said to me, he had written to your Honor, but from
your Honor' s letter I learn, that Mr. Iniossa has not done it. I shall speak again to the
Sheriff about it and see, that I get a payment and shall inform your Honor about it in
my next. As to arranging a friendship between Mr. linossa and MonsT Beeckman I have

Kew Yoj'k Historical Records. 397

taken some steps, but it is impossible to accomplish it, because of the great hatred
entertained on the part of Mr. linossa ; but I shall take it up again and see what I can
effect herein. Referring to Mons. Beeckman, I find the same, as your Honor and other
friends have informed me, to be an honest and polite man, wherefore we have become
very intimate with each other. On account of this there is great jealousy on Mr.
Iniossa's side, but for the great friendship between me and Mons. Beeckman I do
not care much for the jealousy, so that Mons. Beeckman cannot be accused on
account of the discord, but he behaves himself in every respect, as an honest man
ought to.

In regard to my passage with Jan de Caper and the fare of 200 guilders
promised him, I have asked Mr. Iniossa, that he will please to pay it, which he refused
saying, that I had not been brought to the Colony, but into the territory of the Hon''.'®
Company, but he would write to his Lords and Patrons and if their Honors agreed to it,
then he would pay it. I therefore request your Honor, to have Jan de Caper paid,
according to the conversation with your Honor, for if I thus pay it, I would never be able
to get it back and I hope, that your Honor will consent to my request, upon which I rely
and if I can be of any service to your Honor, you will please to command ; you shall find
me always ready, wherewith closing with salutations to your Honor and to your Honor's
wife from me and mine I commend your Honor to the protection of the Almighty and
remain.

Sir,

Your Honor' s affectionate servant
and friend

J. DE LA Geange.
On the 30'? of July 1662,
at in New-Netherland.

Herewith I send your Honor two fishingUnes to use in your Honor's fish-pond.

To the Noble, Honorable, Wise,

Just and Equitable Sir,

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General

of New-Netherland, residing

at Amsterdam

in New-Netherland.

With a little case.

Noble, Wise, Just and Equitable, Very Worshipful Sir :
Sir ! Greeting !

I refer to the enclosure. I have arrived since in New-Amstel and have called upon
Mr. van Sweeringen about the payment. He replied to me that he would write about it
to you Honor; I have therefore, agreeable to your Honor's order, demanded a note of
hand from the Hon*''' Director Iniossa, which I send herewith, for I see, that your Honor
will hardly get payment in any other way.

As to the making friendship between Mr. Iniossa and Mr. Beeckman, I have gone to
work again, but it is impossible, as the hatred is too great, only Mr. Beeckman is very

398 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

willing to live in friendsliip, so that it is not Ms fault. Herewith I commend your Honor
to the protection of the Almighty and with salutations to your Honor' s wife from my
wife,

I remain,

Sir,

Your Honor obedient servant and
friend
On the 3? of August 1662, J. de la Grange.

At New-Amstel.

To the Honorable, Noble, Wise,

Just and Equitable, Very Worshipful Sir,

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,

Director- General of New-Netherland

residing at Amsterdam,

in New-Netherland.

I, the undersigned, declare herewith, that the Sheritf van Sweerringen has at least
five times as much to his credit with the Court as the one hundred and twenty guilders in
beavers amount to, which the Noble General has to demand from his Honor under the
bond and the said van Sweeringen shall be debited for it in his account with the City.

Given at New-Amstel, the 3? of August 1662.

Alexander d'Hinotossa.

Return of Gerrit de Groot, court messenger, to a message sent
BY Vice-Director Beeckman to Director d'Hinoyossa, with the

latter' S ANSWER.

On the 31=.' of July 1662 I went in behalf of the Honorable Mr. Beeckman to the
Noble Director with a request for two deputies of the Council together with the Clerk, to
obtain affidavits in the case of the Sheriff van Sweeringen, to which the Hon*"'* Director
answered

First, that he could give no reply to it, as the Council was not complete.
Second, that he could not spare the Clerk before the sailing of the yachts, as there
was much to write to the Lords-Principals, but if the aforesaid Beeckman would wait
until after the sailing of the yachts, then I will order two members of the Council with
the Clerk and otherwise the said Beeckman can just as well have the aflSdavits executed
in presence of two citizens, as he has done it before.

By me,

Gerrit de Groot,

Messenger of the Court.

JVew York Historical Records.

Evidence of Abeaham van Nas, Hendkick Kip, je., Feancis Ceegier,
William Coenelis Rickenveyee and Foppe Jansen Outhout,

EESPECTING THE CONDUCT OF ViCE-DlEECTOE BeECKMAN AT AlTENA.

Interrogatory, by whicli the Notary
Abraham van Nas, Hendrick Kip the
younger Fran(^ois Cregier, Willem
Cornelissen Ryckenvryer and Foppe Jansen
Outhout were examined this 31^' of July
1662.

To the first question :

At the request of the Hon"'® Vice-
Director Willem Beeckman I served the
summons on Cornells Maertensen Factoor,
Hendrick Kip, Frangois Cryger, Willem
Cornelissen and Fop Jansen Outhout to
give evidence of truth in a matter known
to them at the house of Jan Staelcop at
the same hour, when they had arrived here
at Altena from New-Amstel.

Hendrick Kip replies to the first
question, that it has happened so, which
he confirms by his own signature.

Frans Kregier confirms the same by his
signature.

Willem Ryckevryer confirms the same,
as is proved by his signature.

Foppe Jansen answers, that it has
happened thus, therefore he confirms it
with his signature.

The second answer is : It is utterly
unknown to me, whether they were invited
to an anker of wine, as I have not heard
anything of it.

Hendrick Kip answers, this to be untrue
and confirms it with his signature.

Frans Kriger says also, that it is false
and confirms it with his signature.

Willem Cornelissen confirms Kip's
saying, which is made evident by his
signature.

Foppe Jansen confirms also, that it is
false and has signed to that purpose.

First.
Whether he, Abraham van Nas, did not,
on the 7'? of June last past, at the request
of Commissary Willem Beeckman, go to
the house of Jan Staelcop to request
Cornells Maertensen Factoor, Hendrick Kip,
Francois Crieger, Willem Cornelissen and
Foppe Jansen, who had just arrived from
New-Amstel, to come to the Fort and give
evidence of truth about a certain matter ?

Second.
Whether the Commissary Beeckman
invited them to an anker of wine ?

400

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Third.
To the third question : Whether Commissary Beeckman had

None of them all has been drunk nor made them drunk and then took their
in the least deprived of his senses, whUe declarations or affidavits about matters,
the said affiants have given and finished which were false and untrue ?
their declarations. Nor do I believe,
that they testified against truth, because
they, the affiants, persisted in the deposi-
tions, made by them, on the next day and
at other times, whereas they were perfectly
and clearly sober and in their minds.
Therefore I consider this answer, if
necessary, as sufficient proof in Court to
contradict such calumnies.

Abraham van Nas,
Not. publ.
To the third question :

Hendrick Kip answers, that he has declared, what was true and truthful, without
being induced or treated in any way, which he attests with his own signature. Actum
ut supra.

Hendrick Kip, junior.

Francois Kriegier answers, he does not know, that one of the affiants has been
drunk, while he was present and has signed the deposition taken. He verifies this with
his own signature. Done as above.

Frans Crigiee.

WUlem Ryckenvryer confirms the answer of Hendrick Kip, therefore he attests with
his signature. Date as above.

WiLLEM COENELISSEISr RyCKEVRYER.

Foppe Jansen Outhout confirms the answers of the aforesaid affiants, which he
attests with his signature. Date as above.

Foppe Jansen Outhout.

Counter-protest of Beekman against the delay caused by
d'Hinoyossa and Council of New-Amstel in the murder-trial.

On the 29'." of July 1662 I received as answer (to my insinuation and protest served
on the 27*f of July) from the Director and Council of the Colony of New-Amstel, that
it was not sufficiently proved to their Honors, whether I was qualified to teach them their
duty. The Commissary Beeckman has explained to their Honors, after having received
this, what his orders were and protested against the day appointed for the Court, it
being ordered on the 28'? of July, because in so short a time he could not work out in
proper form the evidence, tending to a refutal of thp arguments, brought forward by the
Sheriff van Sweeringen, whUe the Hon"'® Director d'Hinojossa would not allow me a

Mew York Historical Records. 401

clerk from our district, nor commissioners and clerk, in whose presence I might obtain
some affidavits and verify those, which had been taken before this.

Your Honor says further in the answer of the W^ of July, that on Tuesday, the 2"^
of August (although it is the first) the case should come up as main-question without
any more delay, against which I protest again, whereas yesterday (as is shown by the
annexed return) and at several times before my request was denied, to have two gentlemen
of the Court, as well as the Clerk, in whose presence as said above, etc., the affidavits
being thus taken I might compare them with those taken by Mr. d'Hinojossa, in order
to prove in this manner the truth of the matter. At New-Amstel, the first day of
August 1662.

WiLH. BeECKMAN.

Declarations of Hendrick Kip, the younger, Jacob de Commer,

SURGEON, AND OTHERS AS TO GeRRIT DE GrOOT'S STATEMENT.

Aj)peared before Mr. Jan Willems and Pieter Pietersen, members of the Council of
the Colony of New-Amstel, Hendrick Kip, the younger, about 29 years old, Jacob
de Commer, surgeon of this Colony, about 27 years old and Willem Cornelissen
Ryckevryer, about 24 years old and at the request of the Hon'"^ Mr. Beeckman, Vice-
Director on the South-River, they have testified and declared, as they herewith testify and
declare, that on the 20'." of June last past in the morning they had been at the house of
Fop Jansen and that among others he spoke about the second shot, which had been
fired there during the night and then the City's messenger Gerritt de Groot said,
the sheriff thought, that he saw there near the fence another man yet, whereupon he
discharged a gun, which shot was fired about half of a quarter of an hour after the first
shot and he found, that it was a stump or a post. All the foregoing, we, affiants, declare
to be true and truthful, and are willing to confirm the same with oath at all times. Thus
done in the Colony of New-Amstel, this first day of August 1662.

Jean Willems.

Done before us Hendrick Kip, junior

as witnesses Jacob de Commer, surgeon

Pieter Pietersen Willem Cornelissen Ryckevryer.

C. H. Verbraak under authority
of the Director and Council of the
Colony of New-Amstel.

Appeared before Mr. Jan Willems and Pieter Pietersen de Harder, members of the
Council for this Colony of New-Amstel, Fop Jansen Outhout, about 30 years old,
Flip Jansen, about 25 years old and Gerret Hendricksen de Boogh, about 24 years
old, and at the request of the Hon".'* Willem Beeckman, Vice-Director at the South-
River, they gave evidence, declared and testified, as they, affiants, hereby testify, that in
the morning of the 2P.' of June they were at the house of Fop Jansen and have conversed
there with several others about the shooting of the soldier and among others Gerret de
61

402 Colonial Settleiyvents on the Delaware River.

Groot, the messenger of this Colony, who was there too, was asked, how it really had
happened, whereupon he, de Groot, said : I have not seen, that the soldiers have committed
any act of hostility or violence against the house of the Sheriif, nor did I see them have
side or fire arms ; I heard only some rattling, but did not know, what it was, nor had
he seen it. All the foregoing they, the affiants, declare to be true and truthful and
themselves willing to confirm the same with their oath at all times. Thus done in the
Colony of New-Amstel, this 2* of August, 1662.

Jean Willems. Foppen Jansen Outhout.

Philip Jansen.
This was done in our presence. This mark 't was made by

with the ofier to confirm it by Gtereet Hendrickson.

oath at any time,

Pieteb Pietebsen. C. H. Verbraak, by authority of the

Director and Council of the Colony
of New-Amstel.

DECLARATioisr OP Hans Block. and Gerrit Hendricksen Boogh that
Sheriff Sweringen regretted much, that he did not shoot the
right man.

Appeared before Mr. Jan Willems and Mr. Joos de la Grange, members of the
Council for this Colony of New-Amstel, Hans Block, about 44 years old and Gerret
Hendricksen Boog, about 24 years old, and at the request of the Hon"'* Mr. Beeckman,
V. D. on the South-River, they have given evidence, testified and declared, as they
herewith testify and declare, that they, the affiants, were at the house of Fop Jansen
on the 20'." of June last past, where the deceased Harmen Hendricksen lay and he, van
Sweeringen, was also there, to take an affidavit and that he, van Sweeringen, then said,
he was sorry, that he had not shot the right man and he wished, it was the other one and
I regret, that it was the innocent man. All the foregoing they, affiants, declare to be true
and truthful and themselves willing to confirm it under oath at aU times. Thus done in
the Colony of New-Amstel, this 2* of August, 1662.
Jean Willems. Hans Block

Thus done before us and passed with the offer This mark ^ is made by

to declare it under oath at any time. Gerret Hendricksen Boogh.

J. de La Grange.

C. H. Verbraak by
authority of Director
and Council of this
Colony of New-Amstel.

Appeared before Mr. Jan Willems and Mr. Joos de La Grange, members of the
Council for this Colony of New-Amstel, Hendrick Kip, about 29 years old, and Jacob

Mew York Historical Records. 403

de Commer, surgeon of this Colony, about 27 years old, and at the request of the
Hon"'* Mr. Beeckman, V. D. on the South-Elver, they have given evidence, declared
and testified, that it is true and truthful, that on the 20''!' of June last past in the morning
they, affiants, were at the house of Fop Jansen, where Harmen Hendricksen lay, who was
wounded and there were many people, who pitied the sufferer, and the Sheriff van
Sweeringen came in, when he. Master Jacob, was to dress the patient' s wound and he, van
Sweeringen, said, he was sorry, that he had hit the wrong man and added, it seemed,
as if an innocent man would have to pay for the fun, therewith closing his utterances.
All the foregoing, they, affiants, declare to be true and veracious and themselves willing
to confirm with oath at any time. Thus done in the Colony of New-Amstel, this 2"^ of
August 1662.

Jean Willems. Hendrick Kip, junior.

J. DE LA Grange. Jacob de Commer, surgeon.

C. H. Verbeaak, by
authority of Director
and Council of this
Colony of New-Amstel.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant, vindicating
himself from certain accusations of director hinoyossa, and
transmitting affidavits.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.

This is intended as answer to your Hon"'" Worships' letter of the 17'? of July last
past.

Upon the recommendation of your Honors, several times repeated, I have tried to
enter into a friendly intercourse with Mr. d'Hinojossa, and I have expressed myself to
that effect at different times to Mr. Willems and the Sheriff van Sweeringen, likewise to
Mr. de La Grange, but I can have no intercourse with the man against his will, (therefore)
patience.

Your Honors have also before this recommended to me in divers letters, also at the
delay of the ship "de Purraerlander Kerck," to keep a good look-out on the doings of
Mr. d'Hinojossa, which were injurious to the authority and sovereignty of the Hon"'"
Company, so that I judged (with my knowledge) perhaps rightly, that his doings harmed
the Hon"'" Company's authority, but in future I shall submit such matters to your
Honors and make only verbal protests.

What Mr. d'Hinojossa communicates to your Hon"'" Worships in regard to having
taken a false afladavit here at Altena is abusive and untrue, as I prove the contrary by
the enclosure. I have indeed never in my knowledge put a pen on the paper to get any
more affidavits executed against him, than those in question before the receipt of the
copied letter sent now ; it appears therefore strange to me, that his Honor accuses me of
trying to persecute him with covered attacks : it has no semblance of truth, as he does

404 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

not produce any proof: on the other side, I can maintain of his Honor, that he attempts
to persecute me with frivolous accusations.

As to that the discharged soldiers have taken with them some people or 2 women
and a man, I have indeed had no knowledge of it before their departure. Mr. d'Hinojossa
goes rather in too many details (as I learn here) in reporting the circumstances of their
departure : I do not learn from your Honors, that he indulges in such detailed and
circumstantial account. It does not appear strange, that he spreads such a glitter over
his frivolous writing, as he also plainly and falsely says, that our men had placed in
position with themselves an armed savage, which is a notorious lie according to what
Peter Alrichs and the affidavits, sent herewith, say. If necessary, I shall be able to
produce also affidavits of Mr. La Grange and AVillems in regard to what Peter Alrichs
has said.

Mr. d'Hinojossa, further, proceeds very strangely in relating the circumstances of
the Sheriff's affair : the affidavits will prove this to your Honors in due time, when they
have been properly examined and compared. I informed your Honors by Peter Lourens,
what had been done in the matter up to the 29'." of July.

Yesterday I handed to the messenger in New-Amstel a copy of the enclosed request,
with the order to make his return underneath or on the back of it ; he gave the annexed
return and kept my paper, so that your Hon"'* Worships can discover from all this, that
they obstruct and delay us in this matter, that we cannot compare in full our affidavits
taken previously nor obtain any more. Therefore we must leave it as it is, untU
your Hon"'"' Worships shall send somebody (clothed) with more authority and the
Sheriff walks, as before, fi-ank and free on the street with his sword at his side ;
as I am informed, he was notified of his arrest, but Jan Webber gave bail for his
stay.

There are two persons in New-Amstel, who can testify, that they heard the messenger
say, why the Sheriff fired the second shot a quarter of an hour after the first, that is
looking out of his house, he thought that there was or that he saw still another man near
his fence, whereupon he discharged a gun, but it was found to be a tree-stump. This
means to say, if it had been a man, he had also committed no act of hostility nor used
violence against him.

Coming to New-Amstel on the 1°.' inst to despatch Jan de Caper, the messenger of the
Court came to ask me in the name of the Du-ector and Council for such affidavits as I
might have in the case of the Sheriff, whereupon I sent by the messenger the annexed
answer and protest and then two members of the Court were detailed with Verbraek, to
act as Clerk, in whose presence some affidavits were taken and verified on the 31*.' of July.
If your Hon"'* Worships should consider it expedient, to send hither the Hon"'* Fiscal, I
would respectfully request, that he be accompanied by a minister, as there are several
children to baptize here at Altena as well as at New-Amstel ; nor has the Lord' s Supper
been administered to us here for 2^ years, so that yoor Hon"'* Worships would do us a
great favor by it.

Gentlemen ! This is also intended, to request, that with the next yachts we may be
provided with some necessaries to purchase maize, bread, grain, bacon and meat with for
the garrison here, as most likely the yachts will only make one or two voyages more
before winter and the second trip would be too late to barter maize.

^''ew York Historical Records. 405

I further request, that the places of the deceased Herman Hendricksen and the
deserter Elias Routs be filled up again.

On the 21 inst. the afSants were called before the Director and Council, to swear to
their declarations : a great dispute arose there between Mr. d'Hinojossa and Hendrick
Kip, and at last Mr. d'Hinojossa asked, whether he had not heard more, as he had
heard and seen everything, reproaching him, that he did everything passionately,
whereupon Kip answered : "I have also heard, that the Sheriff said at the house of Fop
Jansen : I am sorry, that I have hit this man, as he is innocent" on which Mr. d'Hinojossa
rose from his chair in a rage and made a great noise saying, it was not true. The factor
then said the same and that besides it could be proved, that the Sheriff was a man of
death. By these quarrels the affiants remained unsworn, the meeting having been
broken up. I have had two affidavits taken regarding it, which the factor will be able to
confirm, likewise Jan de Caper, who was sick with fever, so that he could not come
to testify : the affidavit No 5 can be confirmed by the cadet Dominicus Sybrants, etc., so
that it is made evident by all the circumstances, that the deceased was not guilty of what
occurred and it is clear, that the hostile declarations of Mr. d'Hinojossa and van
Sweeringen are carried out ; as they could not effectuate them against your Hon''''
Worships, they have been shown and performed against a subaltern servant.

This case has caused me a great deal of trouble, also some expenses, because they
have feept me waiting so long.

The enclosed affidavits have been demanded by Director and Council, but before I
would consent to give them the same, they had to deliver an agreement de restituendo :
they have copied the same and sent them with the papers concerning the Sheriff to the
Fatherland (so I have been informed by Mr. La Grange) and have referred the matter to
their Hon'"^ Lords-Principals. In the meantime, until further orders from their Honors,
the Sheriff has been ordered, to take off his sword and not to perform the duties of his

Wherewith I commend your Hon"'® Worships to God' s protection and remain with
wishes for a long life and a prosperous administration and cordial salutations,
Noble, Honorable, Wise, Prudent,
Yery Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Hon*"* Worships'
New-Amstel, always obedient and faithful servant

the 3* of August, 1662. Wilh. Beeckman.

406 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Claiborne, junior, to Director Stuyvesant,
requesting that two runaway servants be apprehended
and sent back.
Noble ST

Pardon me that I am thus bould to make my adresses to you, tfor soe it is that two
of my seruants are Runaway and in persuite of them, I came to Delaware Bay and not
finding them there, I ffeare they are filed further. Now my humble Request is that if the
be in any part vnder your Gouernment, That you would Extend your ffauour soe ifarr
towards me that they may be apprehended and sent Backe to me to which purpose I have
wrote to Capt. Vallett and Mr. Harman, whoe I haue requested to waight vppon your
honor to that effect. Sr as I now stand obleiged to you for your ffreindshipp towards
my ffather, in doeing this you will further obleidg me and I wilbe allwayes ready to
sarve you and acknowledg my selfe Your Hon™ moste
Att Delaware Bay the humble seruant

3* day of August 1662. William Claiborne jr

To the Noble, Valliant,
Wise, Very Learned
the Hon*"" Mr. Peter Stuyvesant,
General of New Netherland
Curago, Aruba etc.

at Fort Amsterdam.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; suspension
OF Sheriff Van Sweringen ; further particulars of his case.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Sir.
Sir.

Being to-day with the Swedes on account of some differences with the Fins, relative
to the occupation of the land, I learned in passing at New-Leyden, that Mr. Jacob Swens
was about to send a savage to Mr. Huygens. I could not let this pass, without informing
your Hon*'" Worship, that Gerrit van Sweeringen is provisionally removed from his office
as Sheriff only, as having committed a crime in that quality and he is therefore continued
as member of the Council, as he has not committed anything in this quality.

I am informed, that one Joris Floris has made an affidavit in behalf of the Sheriff van
Sweeringen, that he had heard our men reviling the Sheriff very much and threatening
him with swords. This Joris Floris is not only the Sheriff's partner in the cultivation of
some low-lands, a duck-pond and trade, but he lives also about 60 to 70 paces from the
Sheriff's house, where he says he heard this, — so that the affidavits of one Mathys du
Brull, who lives next to the Sheriff, contradicts the same : the declaration of the
messenger, Gerrit de Groot, is also sufficiently contradicted and Mr. d'Hinojossa, who

Mew York Historical Records. 407

holds on very firmly to his friend Sheriff, has sent these affidavits for the Sheriff to the
Fatherland, but apparently ours not and ours are not sworn to. The affiants were all
called together by Mr. d'Hinojossa and found to be willing to it, but nevertheless it was
not done. — It is sufficiently shown by our affidavits, that the deceased has given no
offense to the Sheriff and this is also confirmed by the Sheriff' s expression, that he had
hit the wrong man and did not mean him, therefore I consider it very strange, that such
a man can be respected and continued as judge. I shall herewith break off, referring to
my last letter for further material. In the meantime I pray to God, to keep your Hon*'"
Worship in continued health, prosperity and a desired administration, remaining at all
times,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Yery Discreet Sir,

Sir,

Your Honor's affectionate

Wew-Leyden, on the and faithful servant

South-River of New Netherl. Wilh. Beeckman

the 'n of August, 1662.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Prudent Sir, Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,

Director-General of New-Netherland, Curasao,

Aruba etc.

residing in the Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhatans.

Under cover

Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stutvesant ; the books

AND records of THE CiTT'S CoLONY ON THE DELAWARE, RELATIVE
TO AlRICH'S administration, are to be transferred to THE
AUTHORITIES THERE. l^'' OF SEPTEMBER, 1662.

The provisions, which your Honors advanced to 8 or 9 discharged servants of the
City, arrived there from the Southriver in the ship " Purmerlander Kerck " will be
reimbursed and paid here by the City by way of liquidation, so that your Honors may
balance this item there.

We answer in regard to your Honor's doubts and apprehensions of difficulties, that
on account of the privileges and the maintenance of the conditions granted to the City' s
Colony, other Colonies established there with the knowledge of the Company might
claim, footing on their patents, titles and deeds, like privileges and liberties, that, when
this should happen, your Honors will have to inform us of it and we shall give our
opinions and directions according to the circumstances.

408 Colonial Settlements on the Belaivaj'e River.

Extract from a letter of Dir. Stutvesant 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. 5'''' Septbr. 1662.

We mentioned in our aforesaid letter, that tlie Slieriff of the Colony of New-Amstel,
Gerrit van Sweeringen, had shot dead one of our soldiers, but that at the time we had
not yet received a satisfactory report, much less were satisfied in our minds about
it, because the said Sheriff was not arrested nor in any way legally molested by the
Court of the said Colony. Since that time a letter was addressed to us by the said Court
of the Colony, from which we can only infer, that they even try to defend the said
Sheriff (notwithstanding he has himself declared, that the man, shot by him, was not
guUty and that he had not hit the right man) and wink at what has happened, without,
as has been said before, proceeding against him according to law. We found ourselves
obliged by our official position and duty, to recommend most earnestly and direct the
Court of the said Colony, that they should arrest the delinquent and administer justice
after having made a good and fair examination and according to the result and the
requirements of the case or else, that at the request of the Fiscal, for want of an accuser
there, they should send him here, that legal proceedings against him might be instituted
here, as they ought to be. How badly this proposition was received by them, how
perversely it was misinterpreted, as if an infraction of their obtained privileges was
intended, your Honors can perceive by the extracts from the letters passed on this
subject, which are sent herewith to your Honors. We would have had arrested the
culprit and brought him to this place, but remembering your Honors' repeated warnings to
avoid all causes for complaints, we have been very cautious in meddling with this matter :
and we have therefore thought it best, to inform first your Hon*"^ Worships of it and
await your Honors' orders in regard to it. Your Honors may easily fonn an opinion as
to what administration of law and justice is to be expected from those, who, instead of
punishing the delinquent according to his deserts, that the land might be purified of the
blood, spilled thereon, pursuant to God's express command, become themselves his
advocates and protectors. Therefore we respectfully request your Hon*'^ Worships, to
favor us with your advice and orders by the next ship, that we may follow them not
only now, but also in future

Postscript to the above letter dated the 16'.'' Septbr., 1662.

We received late last night the enclosed from the Hoa"'^ Director d'Hinojossa, which
we considered necessary to communicate to your Hon*'= Worships and through your
Honors to the Worshipful Commissioners for the City's Colony, that according to your
Noble Worships' and their Honors' far-seeing wisdom such measures be adopted for the
better guarding of the distant places, as a good and wis>^ deliberation may counsel. Your
Noble Worships will learn in part from the annexed copy of the letter, dispatched
quickly in answer to the above, what are our apprehensions regarding this affair so far ;

Neiv York Historical Records. 409

the sequel we must leave to be developed by time, but we shall not fail in the meantime to
take care of the safety o| either place and contribute to it, what under present
circumstances is in our power. Your Hon"'^ Worships and their Honors the
Commissioners may rest assured of thus much. If there or anywhere some rencounter
should happen to take place, then we require immediately some good gunpowder.

Letter. John Willemsen, councillor oe 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.

Honored Sir ! Greeting !

Sir ! The Council at its meeting has resolved to forward this immediately to your
Honor and to inform your Honor of what has occurred, namely last Saturday my
nephew with some followers went down the river to survey and at his departure left
the order with me. Sitting before my door in the evening, there came suddenly
some one running up the road from Jagersland, it was a savage badly wounded, but
as he was mute.* he explained to me by signs, that it had been Sinnekus, who had done
it. I then made the burghers wake up and arm themselves, which we now continue
every night and besides this we hear of great threats, which the savages have uttered
against us, the bloody result of which we have seen yesterday, as Joris Floris, an old
man, was shot down from the horse, upon which he sat, driving with his wagon
and two horses through the forest, so that it can be perceived, that Sinnekus have
done it, for they have torn his lock of honor (scalp) from his head vsdth hair and
everything and as it is necessary, to inform the Hon"'' General of the same, we request,
that your Honor will please to do it by a proper person, either Swede or Dutch, who
could report it as speedily as possible, whereupon we rely on this side and send to the
other our salutations, to have done with this letter, remaining in the meantime, Honored
Sir,

Your Honor's etc.

New- Amstel, S*^? Septbr., 1662. Jean Willems.

I request, that it may be done as quickly as possible and at our expense.

To the Honorable, Wise, Prudent,
Mr. Willem Beeckman, Vice-Director

at Altena.-

* Ignorant of the Dutch language. — B. P

410 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, with the

PRECEDING letter OF COTJNCILLOK WiLLEMSElSr, AND STATING SOME
CIRCUMSTANCES RESPECTING THE ABOVE MURDER.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.

On the 5'." inst. I received the enclosed letter, to which I answered immediately, that
at present there was no Swede nor savage to be sent over, also that none of our
soldiers understands the language of the savages and therefore they were unfit to
be sent to the Manhatans overland, further that I was confident, their Honors had better
opportunity to get a savage at New-Amstel, to send him there with one Brantjen, a
soldier of their Honors' garrison, as this Brantjen (being formerly in the Hon"'*' Company's
service) had travelled over the road to the Manhatans at diilerent times.

I have no certainty whatever, that Sinnecus savages have murdered this man, but it
looks much more," as if a River savage has done it, as some savages pretend, that
on the 2" inst. a savage had been wounded near New-Amstel and that he had received
the wound by some Dutchman, therefore some of his friends have tried to revenge it.
Near where this Joris Floris has been murdered, one Hoye Giker passed with his boy, to
guard a certain piece of buckwheat, which was badly fenced, against the breaking in of
cattle, but he was not molested. This Florissen was a partner of van Sweeringen in some
trade and farming and has made that affidavit in the murder-case at the request of the same
ind had sworn to it, which is considered false by most of the Colonists ; he gave it to his
partner. Probably therefore the Lord God has inflicted upon him this just punishment.

Being at New-Amstel yesterday, I heard that Frangois Cregier intended to despatch
a savage to the Manhatans to-day and I did not wish to neglect communicating the above
to your Hon"'"' Worships.

Gentlemen ! We expect daily a sloop with the minister, for whom I asked for reasons
given in my last letter. Yesterday my wife was again delivered of a young son, so that
1 have now two sons not baptized. We expect also the desired commodities for the
purchase of provisions for the garrison, as we have only little more on hand.

I have used that wampum from Mr. Decker and more to purchase bread-grain, as we
had nothing in the store, so that I request, that 2 or 300 guilders may be sent for the daily
expenses, for I have had 6 or 7 sick soldiers for three weeks, who are still sick and besides
many expenses occur during the slaughtering-season. I also desire 20 or 30 schepels of
salt with about 20 ells of cloth and garnishing, as some of the men and I myself need
some for the cold winter. In regard to further wants I refer, on account of the brevity
of the time, to my last, wherewith I close this and commend your Hon"'^ Worships to
God's protection, remaining at all times,

Noble, Honorable, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honors' faithfal

In haste. servant

Altena, the 8'" Sept. 1662. Wilh. Beeckman

Gentlemen.
While closing this I receive advice, that last night, it being very dark, an old reedhouse

iMew York Historical Records. 411

at New-Amstel, in which no one lived and standing at a distance, got a-fire. I cannot
ascertain by whom, only that Mr. d'Hinojossa had five cannon-shots fired in that
direction, but no savages have been perceived by the rounds.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Prudent, Discreet Gentlemen,

their Honors Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director- Greneral

and Council of New-Netherland, Curagao, etc.,

residing in the Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhatans

Letter. William Beeckman to Dikectob Stuyvesant, informing
him op a panic which prevails at the south river.
Gentlemen !

As soon as I had arrived at New-Amstel, I found a great disturbance and a running
together of the inhabitants, who fled all to the fort with bag and baggage on account of
the burning of the little house, mentioned in my last. Mr. d'Hinojossa sent the
messenger to me and requested me in the name of the Director and Council of the
Colony, to go up the River, and hire a Swede to go to the Manhatans, of which I
excused myself, as at this time I could not leave my home and his Honor could better
spare 1 or 2 men to send them up, than I. Finally I proposed, that, as there was a
Swede here from Kinsses, we should both together send our letters to Mr. La Grange
with the request, that his Honor should try to hire for our account Cleyn Hansjen or his
brother-in-law Caerl (both men, who have been often to the Manhatans) to bring our
letters as quickly as possible over to your Hon"" Worships. Whereupon the messenger
returned directlj^, reporting that Mr. d'Hinojossa approved of my proposal and that it
should be carried out immediately, as it was done.

If this affair- should proceed (which God will please to prevent), we shall be obliged
to enlist some soldiers for the defense of our place. I trust, that I could get 10 or 12
men easily, but mostly here from the Colonists. Nor are we very well provided with
powder and lead, provisions are easily to be had here. I hear, God be praised, that nothing
has happened to men or beasts in our quarter or district, nor can we learn, that they have
injured any animals at New-Amstel, so that I hope all wHl turn out to the best.
AVherewith I commend your Hon*"^ Worships to God's protection and remain with wishes
for a continued prosperous administration,

Gentlemen, Your Hon''^^ Worships' always

In haste. affectionate and faitliful servant

New-Amstel, Wilh. Beeckman.

the S'? of Septbr., 1662.

The savage, whom Mons^ Kregier hired, did not go.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Gentlemen, his Honor
the Director General Petrus Stuyvesant and Council of New-Netherland, Curagao, etc.
residing at Fort Amsterdam on the Manhatans.

412 Colonial SettlemeJits on the Delaware Paver.

William Beeckman to Dikectoe Stutvesant ; further conjectckes
respecting the parties, who committed the above muedee.
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Discreet Sir.
Sir.

A savage just arrives from New-Amstel, who has been hired by Mr. d'Hinojossa to
go to your Hon*'* Worship. I have requested the same to tarry a little, in order to write
this. — The commotion at New-Amstel has subsided, God be praised, but we have not been
able to ascertain until to-day, what nation of savages has muidered the man ; the savages
here accuse the Sinnecus, but we Dutch have different opinions, nor can we find out,
whether the savages had anything to do with the burning of the old reed-hovel or the
wounding of the SherifTs horse, which has received only some little scratches in running
off, when the deceased was wounded, so that it is considered very strange here, because
the deceased had (according to whatTimen Stidden, the surgeon, who examined him, says)
3 or 4 small wounds in his chest, as if they were made with a small knife or a sword.

Peter Lourens arrived at Xew-Amstel yesterday afternoon. I hear nothing from
your Hon*'* Worship, therefore I remind 3' our Honor, the occasion being offered, of our
needs for the garrison. The commodities are hard to get here, we shall also need a dozen
pairs of shoes for the military before winter.

Sir : I must close, as the savage desires to go. Commending your Hon*'* Worship
and family to God's protection I remain at all times,

Sii-, Your Honor' s affectionate

In haste and obedient servant

Altena, the 14'.* Sept. 1662. Wilh. Beeckman

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 fathee-in-law of Elias Hullengreen.
At the request of Mr. Hendrick Huygen I have examined into the circumstances
relating to a certain piece of land, situate on the S. W. side of Uplands Kil and am
informed (by the Swedish Commissaries and other old inhabitants of the same nation),
that the aforesaid land is called Printsdorp and has been for 16 years and is still in
possession of the Swedish Governor Johan Printz and his daughter. They do not know,
that this land has ever been the property of one Hans Ammonsen or his heirs or that he has
carried on any farmiag on it, but they have heard one Elias Hullengreen say (after
the arrival of Governor Rysingh), that his wife's father had received by a rescript of
Queen Cristina a donation of a certain piece of land situate between Maryties Hoeck and
Upland's Kn. I, the undersigned, declare to have received this report. Given on the
19'* Septbr., 1662, at Fort Altena on the South-River of New-Netherland.

Wilh. Beeckman.

Kew York Historical Records. 413

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; the
perpetrators op the late murder unknown ; director
hinoyossa about to go to holland ; intermittent fever.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Discreet Gentlemen.
Gentlemen !

Last night Claes de Ruyter arrived at Altena and I went with him to New-Amstel
this morning and your Hon"'^ Worships' letter of the 16'" inst. was sent to me by Mr.
d'Hinojossa to read it. Up to the present time, God be praised, no subsequent attack of
the savages has taken place on the river here, nor do we apprehend that they contemplate
mischief, nor do we learn what savages have murdered Joris Florissen ; but it is to be
feared, that some tricks may have been played by some runners of these savages, under
cover of the Sinnecus, the more so, as they of New-Amstel have shown themselves as
such cowards on account of the excitement of their- Director (so they say).

Mr. d'Hinojossa has expressed his intention a short time ago, when he had the
community in the Fort, to depart for the Fatherland by way of Virginia in 6 or 8 weeks.
in order to lay thoroughly before the Lords-Principals the situation of the Colony and
the necessity to acquire the whole river for their Honors, adding thereto, that if h°
should not return, every one ought to look out for his escape.

Gentlemen ! As I am informed, that Jan de Caper is still at the Manhatans, I wish to
recommend to your Hon*"* Worships our wants, mentioned in my last, as I have engaged
2 or 3 animals for slaughtering, which are as yet very scanty here. We can get bacon
easier, also deer meat.

I further request, that the places of the deceased and of Elias Routs may be filled up and
a few more be sent, if your Honorable Worships consider it necessary, as I have at present
only 5 or 6 able men, the others are languishing with the second and third day's fever.

I close this, as our men are ready, to help the bearer as quickly as possible to
Meggeckesiouw, wherewith I commend your Hon*"^ Worships to God's protection and
remain, wishing with salutations a prosperous administration and long life,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful and Very Discreet Gentlemen,
Gentlemen,

Your Honor's ever affectionate
In haste, and faithful servant

New-Amstel, Wilh. Beeckman.

the 20'? of Septbr., 1662.

The gentlemen will please to remember to send 20 or 30 schepels of salt. Vale.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent Gentlemen, their Honors,
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General and
Council of New-Netherland, Curasao, etc.,
residing in Fort Amsterdam on the Manhatans.

By a friend overland.

414 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

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 HAD TAKEN HIM PRISONER ON THE WAT.)

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise Prudent Sir :
Sir.

This is written at the request of some Englishmen from Virginia, who arrived here
by way of Maryland some days ago, to pursue their run away servants. They have
recovered some, who had been staying in the Colony of New-Amstel and two sailed from
New-Amstel to Meggeckesiouw on the 20"' of August to go further on to the
Manhattans. This was reported to me by their master with the request, to communicate
with your Hon*"* Worship and ask to apprehend one or both of them, if it were possible
and send them back again, they will thankfully repay the expenses ; as it seems, they are
very anxious about them.

These two servants first arrived at the Horekil and pretended there as well as at
New-Amstel, that they had lost a little vessel, laden with tobacco, between the Cape ot
Virginia and Cape Hinlopen and under this pretext they passed unmolested.

There was also with Jacop Swens one William Braun, whom he had bought from
the savages last summer. Four altogether had escaped from one master in a boat
and run ashore on Cape May. I advised Mr. Jacob Swens yesterday, to return said
Willem Broun to his master, to which he answered, that he had left 2 or 3 days
ago, he does not know whereto, when he heard the rumor, that several Englishmen had
arrived at New-Amstel. Mr. Swens considers it exceedingly strange, that I advised him
to deliver the servant.

Some of these Englishmen went to the Horekil for one Turck who is there in the
service of Alrichs and had also run away in company of the aforesaid four, one MoUart
is still among the Mantas Indians on the East-side of this river and the fourth was bought
from the savages by Mr. d'Hinojossa last summer, who has transferred the same to Mr.
Heermans this spring : he is now carried back to his plantation by his rightful owner.

Sir ! Since my last, nothing else has occurred, therefore I close this, referring
for other matters to my last and commending your Hon'"^ Worship and dear family to
the protection of God, while I remain with wishes for a long life and prosperous
administration,

Sir,

Your Honorable Worship's obedient
In haste, and faithful servant

New-Amstel Wilh. Beeckman.

the 27*." Septbr., 1662.

To the Noble, Honorable,

Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Sir,

his Honor Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,

Director-General of New-Netherland, Curagao, etc.,

residing in the Fort Amsterdam on the Manhatans.

Jiew Yorh Historical Records. 415

Letter. The same to the same ; death of Mathew Bengsok, deputy

SHERIFF ; A MAN-SERVANT OF PeTER AlRICHS (oNE OP THE ABOVE
runaways) HUNG, AFTERWARDS BEHEADED AND HIS HEAD SET ON A
STAKE AT New AmSTEL, FOR RESISTING THOSE, WHO HAD ARRESTED
HIM.

Noble, Honorable, Yery Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.

Your Hon""' Worships' favor of the 28'!' last has been handed to me by Mr. Huygens,
also the 16 schepels of salt by Jan de Kaper. As to that we should give assistance to
Mr. d'Hinojossa at his Honor's request, as your Hon"'" Worships write, with 6 or 8 men,
who should be willing thereto for board and pay at the City's expense, I am confident,
that nobody would go on that condition and therefore ask your Hon"" Worships'
further special orders, whether, upon a request to that effect, this number shall be
ordered there and the Fort here kept garrisoned with the remaining 5 men.

I see further, that your Hon*"" Worships are dissatisfied, that somewhat more has
been borrowed here from the merchants for account of the Hon*'" Company, as well as my
own, than your Hon*'" Worships had directed. In future I shall take care not to do it,
if necessity does not demand it. Your Hon"'" Worships will please to consider, that this
here is a bad place and therefore the men can earn little or nothing outside ; they can
hardly live from their rations alone, therefore they draw sometimes a little more. As
regards myself, if I can get here anything necessary for the support of my family
at a decent price, I hope your Hon"'" Worships will please to accept it, as if I had
it on credit on the books, whereas everything ordered from the Manhatans is charged
with great expenses and freight.

Gentlemen ! As upon receipt of your Honors' last letter I had only one ration of
meat and bacon left, I have bought 2 oxen for slaughtering, (as I had no orders to the
contrary in regard to the laying in of provisions) and engaged from Mr. de la Grange a
third together with 5 to 6 pigs. I would require as purchase-money for the 2 oxen
about 100 ells of Osnaburgh linen, 1 anker of brandy, 6 quarters of duffels and a few
blankets, for the payment of the hogs some Flemish linen or some coarse shirting, also
for the purchase of breadstuff, and we cannot do without maize. The soldiers ask for
shirts, as some of them have none, they need also 12 or 15 ells of cloth and lining and
some shoes.

Gentlemen ! The Under-Sheriff and City-messenger Mathys Bengson died on the
9'." of Septbr, I have on the 28'!' filled again the place of the same, subject to your
Hon"'" Worships' approval, with the person of Johan Daniels, who formerly has occupied
this place under Mr. Montague.

Abraham van Nas, who has lived here since February executed before us in May,
(when his wife and children also arrived here,) a mortgage-bond in favor of Mr.
d'Hinojossa for his arrears to the City, mortgaging his house and lot in New-Amstel, also
the rent for his house amounting to 120 guilders and a cow and 2 calves ; therefore he
has not been molested by d'Hinojossa since his stay here. Finding that for the present
he shall not be able to earn his living here, he has a short time ago asked me repeatedly

4] 6 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

for a cadetship in the garrison here, but I have refused it until your Honors' advice, which
I shall expect with the next.

Mr. d'Hinojossa has sold the galiot to some Englishmen, who had come here after
run-away servants, for 14 hogsheads of tobacco and 40 heads of cattle, half oxen and
half cows.

His Honor, on the 19'." inst. ordered a certain Turc, who was also one of the
English servants and had been bought by Pieter Alrichs from savages, to be hung, his
head afterwards cut off and placed upon a post or stake in the Horekil. "When he was
being carried up to New-Amstel by some of the English, the Turc attacked the same on the
river near Boompiens Hoeck, wounded two and hitting the third slightly escaped from the
boat ; but he was again taken. Arrived at New-Amstel Mr. d'Hinojossa placed him into
prison and on the 3"? inst at the departure of the English masters, the Turc was refused to
them, because he had committed a crime within the jurisdiction of the Colony, (as Mr.
d'Hinojossa pretended). My opinion is (under correction), that it belonged to your
Hon''''^ Worships' jurisdiction, as the crime was committed on the river and not in the
Colony. Van Sweeringen sat as judge in this case and it was done without the knowledge
of Mr. La Grange.

Wherewirh closing I commend your Hon""" Worships, with wishes for a prosperous
administration and a long life, to God' s protection and remain at aU times,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,
Very Prudent Gentlemen,

Your Honor's always aifectionate
Altena, and faithful servant

the 24'r of Octbr., 1662. Wilh. BEECKMA]>f

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent Gentlemen, their Honors,
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director General
and Council of New-Netherland, Curasao,
Bonairo, etc. , residing at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhatans.

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.).

Honorable Sir ! Greeting !

Sir ! I do not know, whether your Honor is informed of the sudden departure of Mr.
d'Innioysse with van Sweeringen. It was last Monday, that the Governor of Maryland
sent a man here with a letter to him to come speedily to the house of Augustine, wliere
the aforesaid Governor was waiting to speak with him. They gave immediately orders
to have the sloop made ready and then left during the night. I do not know, what it
means, they did not inform me or anybody, only sent me word by the messenger, that they

Kew York Historical Records. All

were going away and left the place in ray cliarge. All this astonishes me so very much,
his departure without informing his Council, which was joined to him for assistance, that
I have thought, it would not be unadvisable, to communicate it to your Honor, for who
knows, what it means, perhaps it is the result of much strange talking together in the
valley, many people saw, that they talked together, turned their eyes upwards to the
sky and placed the hands upon their breasts and made other strange grimaces.
Therefore your Honor must turn your eyes and mind to it and see, whether from the
conversations in the valley a basilisk may not arise and look out, what it wants. I give
utterance only to my gloomy doubts and do not wish to expect anything bad, but I think
it proper, to be on our guard and that your Honor should directly inform the old Fatroon
at the Manhatans, if anything is heard or noticed. In the meantime I remain with the
wish to speak with your Honor personally.

Sir,

Your Honor's servant
New-Amstel, 1662. J. Willems.

Received on the 11'.'' Novbr. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Honorable, Wise, Prudent
Mr. Willem Beeckman, Vice-Director
at Altena.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Sttjtvesant ; return of
d'Hinoyossa to New Amstel ; Lord Baltimore obtains a new
patent, including the delaware river ; another murder by
Indians.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful Gentlemen :
Gentlemen !

Since my last of the 25*" last I have not heard any thing from your Hon"'^ Worships.
I received on the 11'" inst. the enclosure, which I consider necessary to communicate to
your Honors. Mr. d'Hinojossa returned to New- Amstel on the 12'." inst., I cannot learn
what he has accomplished, only I heard the other day, that his Honor had been informed
by Governor Calvert, the Manhattans would in a short time be summoned by those of
New-England to surrender. — Mons'' Kip has been at Colonel Utie's 3 weeks ago, who
asked him, whether your Hon"''' Worships were still angry with him, because before this
he had summoned New- Amstel to surrender, adding thereto, that Lord Baltimore had
obtained from the present King new patents, which included the Colony and which
patent this Lord intends to enforce.

Gentlemen ! On the 17'? inst. about an hour before evening the savages have
murdered about 400 steps from the Fort here a young man, who was the servant of one
Jan Staelcop and whose parents had resided in the Colony and died there ; his master
bad just left him ; as yet we have not been able to discover, which nation has done it,
but fear they were Riversavages, as they, who are about here hunting, excuse themselves
53

418 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

and say, that Minquas or Sinnecus have done it. We have summoned the Chief of
Passajongh, under whom the hunting parties here belong. "We shall do our duty, to
discover it, if it is possible.

I wish to recommend again to your Hon"'' Worships our lack of provisions, of goods
and other things, as at present everything is gone ; I refer for details in this regard to
my last. Next summer we shaU most likely be compelled to get our bread-stuffs from
the Manhatans, as at present all the grain is bought up by the merchants and sent there.
The farmers say, that the rye yields hardly one half as much as last year. Wherewith
closing, I commend your Honors with vdshes for a happy New- Year and a long life to
God' s protection and remain with sincere salutations,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honor' s affectionate

and faithful servant
Altena, 24'." Novbr., 1662. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Prudent Gentlemen, their Honors,

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Dii-ector-General

and Council of New-Netherland, Curacao, etc., residing

at Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhatans.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; death of

COUNCILLOR WiLLEMS AT NeW AmSTEL.

Noble, Honorable Sir !

Arriving to-day at New-Amstel for the funeral of Mr. Willems, I find that Peter
Lourens has not sailed on account of ice-floes ( ? ) and bad weather.

This is further to inform your Hon*'^ Worship, that I found myself compelled to ask
Mr. Huygens for commodities worth 300 guilders, beaver valuation, as I had to receive
and pay for the two purchased animals, because the cattle here lose much and are made
lean by the cold. Wherewith I commend your Hon'"^ Worship to God's protection and
remain at aU times.

Honored Sir,

Your Hon"'^ Worship' s obedient

and faithful servant
New-Amstel, the 27\'' Novbr., Wilh. Beeckman.

1662.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherland, Curacao, etc.
residing at Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhatans.

J\''ew York Historical Records. 419

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; conferekce

WITH some MiNQUAS CHIEFS ; BLACK MiNQUAS ; PROJECTED WAR
AGAINST THE SiNNECUS.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.

Your Hon"'* Worships' favor of the 9'? Inst, has been received by me on the
20'.'". I shall do my duty in regard to what your Hon'''* Worships recommend about the
aifair of Maryland.

On the 3f inst. 5 Minquas chiefs with their suite arrived here at Altena, they
represented to me, that they had to say something in regard to the murder mentioned
before, whereupon I asked the Swedish Commissaries with Mr. Huygens and Jacob
Swans as interpreter, to come to Altena and on the 6'? inst. the Chiefs expressed with
great regret their commiseration, that upon our information and complaint they had
discovered, the murder had been committed by a young savage, belonging to them as a
captured Sinnecus. They represented to us further, that as long as any Christians have
been here, it can never be proved, that any ill or violence has been done to them by their
nation, on the contrary, they have always shown them friendship and have at all times let
themselves be employed, to mediate in differences between the Christians and the other
savages, to which they still consider themselves obliged, representing also that they had
made and always would keep a good alliance and friendship with your Hon'"* Worships
They added further, that about 3 years ago one of their nation had been killed by the
Christians of New-Amstel, upon which they had not taken any extreme action for the
love borne towards the Christians and they trusted, that it would be thus considered on our
side in this case, as it had happened without their knowledge and to their great regret.
They said further, that they might have let pass the matter in silence, but had made it
known for their affectionate friendship towards us, so that we should have no suspicion
against them, with many other phrases according to their manner of speech, but not
worth while to repeat.

We had intended to read to them the punishment for murder according to our laws,
but were afraid, they would make us blush by pointing out, that at New-Amstel the
murderers were not punished ; therefore we omitted, it recommending besides to them, to
exert all their power and admonish these savages, that in future such things must not
happen again, in the meantime we would inform your Hon'"* Worships of their
representations and propositions. After this talk and proposition tliey put down for us
a present according to their customs, consisting in about 110 lbs. of elkskin, for which
we on our side gave them about its value at their departure on the 9'?.

The Chiefs informed us among others, that they were expecting shortly for their
assistance 800 black Minquas and that 200 of this nation had already come in, so that
they were fully resolved to go to war with the Sinnecus next spring and visit their fort.
They asked therefore, that we Christians should not neglect to provide them with
ammunitiim of war against payment.

Gentlemen ! After the arrival of Claes de Ruyter Mr. Hygen addressed himself to
me and showed a protested bill of exchange given by Mr. la Grange to Miss Printz, on

420 Colonial Settlemejits on the Delaware River.

wiiicli lie asked for an extraordinary meeting, which took place here yesterday, out of
regard for Mr. la Grange, who was disabled by an accident to his leg and therefore could
not come to Altena. His Honor has immediately given notice of appeal against the
decision or sentence. Closing this herewith, but above aU recommending to your
Hon'''^ Worships the known necessities of the garrison and a little salt I remain with
commendations to the protection of God and wishes for a happy New-Tear,
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,
and Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your noble Honor's affectionate
In haste. TLanackunck and faithful servant

or New-Leyden, this 23'i Decbr. 1662. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen,
their Honors Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director Gen!
and Council of New Netherland, Curagao, etc.,
residing at Fort Amsterdam on the Manhatans.
By Claes de Ruyter.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Sir !
Sir!

On the 21^' inst. I went to Tinnackunk at the request of Mr. Huygen. I did my best
to settle the difference about the protested bill of exchange by way of agreement, but did
not succeed in this manner.

From time to time complaints about the loss of their good grain and other things
have been made to me by Mr. Swenson and Mr. Huygen, but when I was at New-Leyden
I could not see, but what Mr. la Grange attended well to everything, except the mowing
of the rye, which he had done by one mower only, afterwards by two. In the meantime
the whole piece was spoiled by the rain and by cattle breaking into it and the grain
being overripe fell to the ground. The land is also not sown on the North-side of the
house and the fence very damaged. For further details regarding this I refer to the letter
of Mr. Huygens, because the tide goes out and I would like to be at home before night,
therefore the time is very short ; I will only just mention, that the Hon*'^ Company and
we are not trusted with an ax, if the butter is not worth the fish. Wherewith I commend
your Hon"'" Worship and dear family to the protection of God and remain with wishes
for a long life and prosperous administration, as well as our cordial salutations,

Most honored Sir,
In haste. Your noble Honor' s affectionate,

New-Leyden, obedient and faithful servant

the 23* Decbr. 1662. Wilh. Beeckman

To his Honor, Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
Director-General of New-Netherland, Curasao, etc.,
residing at Fort Amsterdam on the Manhatans.
Overland.

Kew Yorh Historical Records. 421

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'Hinotossa. 8™ of January,
1663.

Your Honors have been misinformed, that the books of the late Mr. Alrichs'
administration had been surrendered to us upon our direction and order ; the contrary-
is evident by the annexed extract from Mr. d'Hinojossa's letter, under No. ,
wherein he informs us, that the City's books had been sent to the Fatherland by the ship
"groene Areut" and looking over what has been done by us in this du-ection, we find,
that upon the request, made by van Gezel, we commissioned and sent to the Southriver,
in the year 1660, for the best of the Colony and the private interests of the late Mr.
Alrichs, one Mathias Capito, to make up from the papers and documents of the deceased an
intelligible account, recommending to Mr. d'Hinojossa, that he should deliver to the said
Capito in presence of Commissary Willem Beeckman and Jan Willemseu all documents
concerning it against a proper receipt ; all this is proved by the extract from our letter,
annexed hereto. But as according to the statement of said Capito many lists and other
reports were wanting, the work could not be finished, but stopped there. In the meantime
Cornells van Gezel resolved to go to the Fatherland himself and when he wanted to take
with him for the justification of his said deceased uncle's administration some manuscripts,
memoranda, accounts and other papers, which he declared mostly to be copies, of which
the originals were in Mr. d'Hinojossa's charge, we dissuaded him to do so as well for the
public as his own private interests because of the unsafety of the voyage : he left them
therefore in the charge of his wife, who after having been now informed of your Honors'
directions, requested that we would suspend their execution until the arrival of the first
ship, as she expected her husband by it ; your Honors may see this by the copy of her
request, sent herewith under No. 5. To take the papers from her against her will and
send them away would be an unheard-of and unjustifiable proceeding, the more if by
this or that accident they should be lost. We have therefore so far assented to her
request, especially as she has agreed to let some documents be copied, to have them
ready for the departure of the next ships

Last Summer several affidavits accusing Mr. Alexander d'Hinojossa were sent us by
the Commissary Beeckman, with which we did not like to trouble your Honors until now,
but whereas since something on the same subject has been sent to us by Commissary
Beeckman, we have deemed it necessary, to send the abovementioned affidavits, that your
Honors may make use of them according to your wisdom, when opportunity comes.

422 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beeckman to Directok Stutvesant ; further
accusations against hinotossa ; nothing known op his

NEGOTIATIONS WITH Gov. CaLVERT ; SMALL POX AMONG THE INDIANS.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Sir !
Sir!

Your Hon"'^ Worship's favor of the IB'!" of January was received by me on the
evening of the 26'." of the same month. We will leave the circumstances of Mr. La
Grange's affair to time, as we are at present blocked up by ice and the weather is not
propitious.

I send enclosed my little account-book, from which it is evident, that we have no
breadstuff in store, but are provided with other victuals. I request, that your Hon"'"
Worship will please to send its by the first chance some Osnaburgh linen for the purchase
of grain, for salt is not as good an article of barter in the spring as in the fall.

Sir ! According to the best of my knowledge I have not failed to inform your
Hon'*'^ Worship from time to time, what occurred in the Colony of New-Amstel (if it was
worth writing), especially during the time of these rigorous and bloodthu'sty chiefs.
D'Hinojossa sells everything, for which he can find a purchaser, even the powder and the
musketballs from tlie magazine. I know, that he has sold a good deal with a lot of nails,
belonging to the City, to Augustyn Heermans. Now lately he has sold his house, where
the schoolmaster Arent Eversen lived in, to Jan Webber ; he also offered to sell to the
same Webber some buildings in the Fort, where he had had erected a brewery. He
proclaims daily, that he is expecting a strong succour, as he had received a letter from
the Fatherland, that two ships will come in the spring and this place is to be strengthened
powerfully.

We cannot ascertain, what they have done at the house of Augustyn Heermans with
Governor Calvert. Gerrit van Sweeringen went again to Maryland about Christmas-time,
as they say, to collect the tobacco belonging to both of them, which they bartered for the
City's millstones, thegaliotand other City-property, to exchange it there to the skippers
for English, wares and then trade these again for bacon and meat as provisions for
City-Colonists, who are to arrive. Upon his departure Jan Webber was, on his urgent
solicitation, released from his bail-bond, as they threatened to arrest him. Until to-day
nothing, to my knowledge, has been heard from him ; many sustain, that he has forgotten
to return.

D'Hinojossa considers us still his mortal enemies, for when on the 18'!" of December
Mr. Jacop, the City's surgeon, stated in the meeting, that he desired to put in his
place Mr. Timen Stidden, after he had before obtained permission to put somebody in
his place, d'Hinojossa nevertheless said to him "Why do you present to us a man,
who is Beeckman's friend, whom I consider our enemy, yes our mortal enemy." Before
the same meeting on the 18'." of December appeared also one Willem Symons, who was
discharged from service here two years ago and then went to live in the Colony and now
has again lived here for 10 weeks. This Willem had had some differences with h.is
neighbor's wife in the Colony and called her before the Court on account of it. When
he came in, d'Hinojossa said "You can have no justice given here, because you are no

Kew YoTh Historical Records. 423

Colonist or inhabitant and have gone again to live in Christina." Indeed an unheard-of
practice.

The galiot has again been thrown ashore by the floating ice ; d'Hinojossa would not
allow her to leave, because the cattle had not been all delivered. The 30 heads received
have been distributed to the one or the other.

About 3 or 4 weeks ago d'Hinojossa was at the house of Frangois Kregier and
conversing with Mr. Factoor among others of the affidavits made here at Altena, said,
that he still persisted in it and would do it, in case his Principals did not satisfy hira.

His daily conduct has indeed the appearance, as if he was on the eve of departure.

Sir ! Whereas Claes de Ruyter informs us, that the small -pox is coming to cut up
the savages on the river here, which we fear also for us, as I have not yet had it,
therefore I respectfully request to let us have on our account by first opportunity some
theriade mithridate, senna-leaves and other purging and cooling medicaments, useful for
such a sickness, for we are at present burdened with 8 cliildi-en and would have much
misery with them in that case. Your Hon*"* Worship would oblige me exceedingly, for
there are no medicines to be had here.

Thus far I had written on the 29'." of January, when I expected de Ruyter back from
New-Amstel, but he was detained there by a change of weather and only arrived here
with Mr. Huygen last night, who was frozen in there for 8 or 4 weeks. Mr. Huygen
is for once resolved, to make the gentleman of New-Leyden move from there, as soon as
the weather is open. — One Pickaer, a Frenchman, who has been living here at Altena
with his family for 3 or 4 weeks, has sold his house and land in the Colony and
transferred the proceeds of it to Mr. d'Hinojossa to reduce his debts. As he says, he
owes yet 200 guilders. This Pickaer having learned, that your Hon'''^ Worship needs a
gardener, has asked me for permission to go thither with de Ruyter, which I could
not refuse him, as d'Hinojossa has never given me information to look after him for the
City's claim.

Closing this herewith I commend your Hon'"^ Worship to the protection of God and
wishing your Honor a long life and prosperous administration I remain with hearty
salutations,

Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,
Prudent, Very Discreet Sir,
Sir,

Your Honor' s very obedient
Altena, the 1'.' of Febr^ and faithful servant

1663. WiLH. Beeckman.

424 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stutvesant ; Sheriff van

sweringen is discharged from prosecution for murder ; the

ENTIRE Delaware territory is about to be transferred to the

City of Amsterdam. 26? op March, 1663.

* * * * * *

First regarding your Honors' perplexity, how to act concerning the manslaughter

committed by Gerrit van Sweeringen, Sheriff in the Colony of New-Amstel. Whereas

we are informed, that the Worshipful Administration of this City have found and judged,

after a thorough examination of the papers and reports pro and contra, transmitted by

their officers in the Colony, that it had been done only in self-defense and ex officio and

therefore have re-instated the Sheriff, who on account of it had been suspended there, in

his office, this matter must rest here and your Honors are herewith delivered and released

from your troubles

We have been sorry to hear of the murder, committed in the Colony of New-Amstel
by some savages on a Christian and as this may be a matter of some further consequence,
we are well satisfied with the precautions, taken by your Honors in this affair, while we,
on our side, have neither failed to provide your Honors with the required gun powder
nor to communicate it to the Honorable Commissioners, appointed here for the
management of the Colony, in order that the necessary arrangements might be made
for its safety. We had, in consequence, some conferences with them on the proposal, to
surrender the whole Southriver to the City, as they intend not only to defend the same
by necessary garrisons, but also to take hold of and push the whole work with more zeal
and vigor. This business is now carried on so far, that we have no doubt of its result,
which your Honors very likely may hear by this letter.

Letter. Commissary Hendrick Huygen to "his cousin" Vice-
Director Beeckman ; STATE of affairs at Tinnakonck and at
Upland.

Monsieur, mon Cousin ! Greeting :

I hope to see your Honor soon in good health, as I understand from the bearer hereof,
that your Honor is gradually recovering. As to La Grange, he asked me and Jacob
Swenson, to talk it over and informed us of his situation and resolution, with which I
was acquainted before. I have therefore consulted with Jacob, what we ought to do,
whether it was advisable to leave him the place or take possession of it. Jacob
answered, that there was much to remit and that, if he was got rid of, the people being
thpre had to follow and who of us two would advance the money to maintain them further
and what could we expect for the damage sustained, especially as nothing could be got
from him and it was clear, that we would only suffer loss, when we ejected him, neither
did one of us wish to continue him any longer. He offered to proceed with one of us to

Kew York Historical Records. 425

Holland and give ns satisfaction, lie has never thought of leaving the place and requests,
that we might believe that he was imposed upon by his friends, but this I leave for what
it is worth; in short, we consented to his remaining and using the land, until further
advices had been received from Holland or Sweden and thus the matter remained ; in the
meantime I hope, that my Cousin will please to come and visit us.

According to the report of Jan Danielsen a villanous deed has been committed here at
Upland by the miscreant Iver the Fin against the pious Jurriaen Snewit, a man who has
never irritated a child even and whom he is said to have beaten cruelly. If he does not
receive a correction for it, it is to be feared, that he may yet commit a greater villainy or
murder, for I have known him for 20 years as an abandoned villain, but he has now
more freedom than before. The bearer hereof will be able to report the details. Herewith
I commend your Honor and family to the protection of God. In haste.
Tinnackunk, 29'" Mch. 1663.

Your Honor' s cousin

Hendrick Hutgen.
To his Honor Mr. Wilhelm Beeckman,

Commandant at Altena.

Trial and sentence of banishment pronounced against Evert

Hendricksen, a Fin, at Altena.

Present Extract from the

the Vice Dir. Wilh. Beeckman, Court Minutes, kept

Oloff Stille, Mats : Hansen at Fort Altena, on

and Fitter Cock, Commissaries. the T'? of April.

Jurriaen Kyn, plaint., against
Evert Hendickson, the Fin, deft.

The plaintiff delivers a remonstrance against the defendant, wherein he, plaintiff,
complains, that defendant, in a violent manner, without the least cause, beat him with
the intention to break his head and struck him on the elbow vidth a stick (as he held
it up for protection), so that he could not use it for a month, nor can he use it now,
that then he threatened to shoot him with a gun, which he fetched out of his house
for that purpose, using these words: "I would like right well to shoot you down
now, you scoundrel ;" that he, defendant, threatened him, plaintiff, last fall, to cut off
his head, having the knife at his throat. This however was settled, but it was under
the condition, that if he made trouble afterwards, the complaint about it should be
repeated. The plaintiff said further, that defendant was an unruly man, who troubled
the place at Upland's kil.

The defendant answers :

That he had beaten him, because the plaintiff's hogs had been on his, defendant's,
land, that he had not pointed the gun at him, plaintiff, but at the hogs, which had been
on the land and that he has had no intention to kill the plaintiff.
54

426 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Andries Andriessen, a Fin, appears and is asked, what he has to say about Evert the
Fin. Witness says, that Evert Hendrickson the Fin has been before this and is daUy
guUty of great insolence before liis, witness' house, by making noise, shooting and other
disorderly acts, that if there is no better order kept, he shall be compelled to leave the
village, to live in peace.

Mr. Tymen Stidden declares at the request of the vdtness, that he has at different
times seen Evert the Fin before his, witness', door vsdth great vexations, making
much noise and trouble with his axe and he, affiant, offers to confirm it with his
oath.

Juste Buys complains in writing, that he has been obliged by the molestations
of Evert the Fin to leave the village, so that he cannot make use of his house in
freedom.

Mr. Tymen Stidden complains, that, when he was summoned by Jacob Swenson to
bleed him and went there in his canoe. Evert the Fin saluted him so with stones, on
leaving the Upland's kil that he was in danger in his canoe, at least of being wounded,
he managed finally to get out of the Kil however, but was thoroughly drenched by the
splashing of the stones from the bank, without knowing the reasons, why.

He, Evert the Fin, has constantly molested and attacked him, the witness, coming
before his house, now with a stick, then with a knife, at other times vdth other things,
so that he had neither security nor peace in the house, but was obliged to leave
Upland' s kil.

Jan Danielsen complains also, that Evert the Fin, has been before his door three
times with an axe and called him outside vsdth insulting words, vexing and assaulting
him, so that he cannot live in his house in freedom and peace.

The Hon"'"^ Vice-Director ex officio demands payment for the last sentence against
Evert Hendricksen, the Fin, dated the 21'?' of October 1662, to the amount of 50 guilders
or that he remain in prison, until it is paid.

The case of Evert Hendricksen the Fin having been considered and manifold
complaints from different parties heard, it is resolved, to hold him here in prison
provisionally, untU the case shall be further inquired into, to take then, if necessary,
further measures.

On the 16'? of April, 1663, at Upland's kil.

Pouwls Peersen was asked, whether Evert the Fin, did not come daily together
with the wife of Andries Andriesen, a Fin, at his house, also, whether he knew, that they
had been forbidden, to have conversation with each other.

Poiiwls Peersen answers, that it is true, that he. Evert the Fin, met with the wife of
Andries Andriesen, a Fin, at his house, but that one came after the other.

Jan Danielsen declares, that Evert Hendricksen, the Fin, had daily intercourse with
the wife of Andries Andriesen, a Fin, at the house of Pouwls Peersen ; he gives as
reason, that he has seen it with his eyes.

Nielis Maersen declares, that Evert the Fin is a turbulent man, who daily creates
trouble vdth everybody.

The Hon"" Vice-Director and Commissaries have maturely considered the case of
Evert Hendricksen, the Fin, have heard the repeated, manifold and continued complaints

J{ew York Historical Records. 427

against him and have come to the conclusion and resolved, in order to prevent further
mischief and difficulties, to send Evert Hendricksen, with the documents in his case to
the Noble, Very Worshipful, their Honors the Dii-ector-General and Council, that his
case may there be judged. It v?as signed Willem Beeckman, Oloff Stille, Maes Hansen,
Pieter Cock.

The above copy having been compared agrees with the minutes. Altena as above.

Extract peom a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant; d'Hinoyossa
IS recalled; the actions op the Director-Gteneral and Council

CONCERNING THE CiTY'S CoLONY CONDEMNED. 16™ ApRIL 1663.
******

The complaints, made against the management of the City's Director Alexander
d'Hinojossa and the Sheriff Grerrit van Sweeringen and their proceedings in executing and
hanging a run-away servant or fugitive from Maryland, astonish us. As aU this vsdth the
transmitted affidavits against the aforesaid City' s officers shall be communicated to the
Honorable Commissioners and Directors here, we shall also exert ourselves in regard to it,
so that the necessary orders be given for everything. We have as yet delayed it, because
we have been informed, that the said Director d'Hinojossa will be ordered hrme (at his
request however,) and we would prefer for reasons, that this order was first dispatched
and sent over, which will now be done in 14 days or about that time by a ship, which
goes from here directly to the Southriver and takes a good number of farm-laborers and
other families. Upon its return here all these matters can be thoroughly examined and
sifted and if anything more should be brought forward against him, your Honors can in
the meantime furnish us timely information regarding it, so that we may duly make use
of it, when the opportunity comes.

While we are on this subject, we cannot omit to say, that the said Honorable
Commissioners have complained now and several times previously, that the administration
of the Company there apparently endeavored to suppress the City's Colony, at least to
prevent its progress, citing for it some instances and among others not only your
countenancing such Colonists, as from time to time escaped from the Colony, but also
your enticing away the best and ablest of the farmers by indirect means and perverse
practices, as according to their Honors' statement was done in the case of one Kier
Walters and several others : and as now about 50 farm-laborers and 10 or 12 farm-girls
will be sent by the City to the aforesaid Colony, therefore their Honors requested now
very urgently, that the same practices should not only not be ^^sed in regard to these, but
that also those, who might have escaped from their service to the Manhatans or elsewhere
during their covenanted time of 3 years, should not be kept there, but be returned to the
said Colony upon your Honors' orders ; they agree to reciprocate, in case some one
should come over under such circumstances from the Company' s district. As this is a
just demand, quite agreeing with our good intentions, and as we wish very much to see
all possible assistance given to the said Colony, which seems to be projected now, so that
the English neighbors too might thereby be deprived of the desire of taking possession of

428 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

the river by undue measures, therefore it is our intention to direct hereby and earnestly
recommend to your Honors, to comply with and carry out the aforesaid request, by iirst
issuing the necessary orders, that such complaints may be avoided and the Honorable
Administration of this City may have no reasons to become prejudiced against the
Company's Administration in New-Netherland, which, as your Honors ought to know,
cannot be advantageous for it.

5'." of May, 1663, at Amsterdam.

Invoice of goods shipped in the ship "St. Jacob," skipper Peter Lucas van der
Goes, destined to go to New-Amstel on the Southriver of New-Netherland.

rg[-i The Honorable Commissioners and Directors of the Colony of New-Amstel
k^J consign to the Hon'"^ Director and Council of the same.

2 cases of socks, 1 case of duffels, 1 pkge of linen for clothing

1 pkge of Muscovite cloth, 1 pkge of coarse cloth 1

1 case of Pommeranian cloth, shirts and shoes 1- as above

1 case of shoes, 1 small box of shirts J

1 case of guns, fire-locks and others

1 case of matches, 1 case of swords and belts

1 case of bandeliers, cartridge-boxes, wheelwright's implements and other

things.
4 kegs with bullets
1 case, wherein a pair of bellows
1 case with all kinds of tools

8 kegs of gunpowder

9 casks of seed grain
1 cask with soap

1 package of wheels
22 powderbags

4 small boxes of candles

1 small case of Spanish wine
10 hogsheads of vinegar
12 half awms of oil
600 cheeses

4 barrels of hard bread

1 email box of agricultural implements and a lot necessary for this and other
purposes

Niclaes de Ring to himself
.—^ Two mUl-stones with a ring and iron handle

^^ 3 small packages of soap

1 large saw, 1 hammock

1 case with glas, 1 small case with sundries

1 chest, in it a small keg with 30 lbs of gunpowder

iN'ew Yorh Historical Records. 429

1 crate with pots and pans

1 half radishes.

4 shovels and spades and tongs packed together

Peter Cornelissen Plockhooy takes along for himself and his family
P. C. P. All kinds of necessaries and small articles for his own use, as for agricultural
purposes and clothing etc., also 2 half bags of hops, guns for his people and

for Frederic Gysbertsen
1 whole and 1 half wardrobe with clothing, furniture and sundries.

A

^k-

Peter Lucassen for himself.
2 bags of hops

2 quarters (of a hogshead) of train-oil
16 pkges of Muscovite linen and cloth
2 p. of brandy
1 case of pictures

P.L. 2 small bales of sail-cloth material

P § L ■'■ ^^^^ ^^t^ glas

Value altogether 1338fl. Dutiable S^Sfl. 14 st. ) ,^„ ^
Duty 116fl. 14 St. r^^^ ^
Jacob Coettrier to Henrick Coettrier
4h 1 pkge with 9 p. of duffels 38 fl=fl342

H atf 4. 16)

f 49. Hi

54. 14

17*? May (1663)

f 203. 2

J. B. LlEFBINOK.

Petition of William Beeeman, commissary on the South kiter, for
A piece op land.

To the Noble, Very Worshipful, Honorable Director-General and Council of
New-Netherland.
Copy.

Commissary Beekman respectfully requests, that your Hon*"'^ Worships will please
to grant him a certain piece of marshland and six morgens of upland or woodland,
bordering on the said marsh, which is situated on the westside of Port Altena and
measures by guess about eight morgens. He would inclose it with a dike, if your Honors
consent to it, and turn it into arable land. Expecting your Honors' favorable decision,
etc?

Tour Hon'''' Worships'

obedient servant

WiLH. Beeckman.

430 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

The foregoing request was received and read and the following decision was made
after due consideration :

After the land and the marsh mentioned above have been surveyed, a patent in due
form shall be given to petitioner. Date as above.

Letter. Andries Hudde, secretary, to Director Stutvesant ;
sinnekes, 1600 strong, with wives and children marching on

THE MiNQUAS, AT THE INSTIGATION OF THE ENGLISH ; FORT ALTENA
TJTTEELT DEFENCELESS.

Noble, Very Worshipful Sir.
Sir.
News have been brought from the English by one Harmen Reyndersen, living in the
Colony of New-Amstel. They were there communicated to him by Jacob my Friend to
inform us here, that the Sinnecus, 1600 men strong, with wives and children are on a
march to the Minquas and they were at that time only 2 days' marches from the Minquas'
fort ; the Minquas were mostly at home except 80 men, who were still outside ; there were
also 100 of the River-Indians here in their fort. The English had made a request to the
Minquas, but it was refused and the English incline towards the Sinnecus ; for this
purpose they intend to send some of their people, to meet the Sinnekiis and make peace
with them and as these River-savages will not be without offence, troubles will arise here
on the river during the summer. Sir ! whereas this has been forwarded to Mr. Beeckman
to inform him of this and other matters concerning him particularly, therefore I have been
obliged to communicate it also to your Noble Worship, as in our exposed situation we
would not be able to make a defence, in case something occurred ; we trust, nothing will
happen, but we cannot be sure to remain unmolested.
Herewith,

Noble, Very Worshipful Sir,

Your Honor' s very obedient and
Altena, faithful servant

the 29^" of May 1663. A. Hudde.

The bearer of this must have 1 blanket, 4 handfulls of powder and a stave of lead.
These savages have requested me, that I would mention herein, that half of them have
already been killed by the Sinnekus ; they are savages from Armewamus. I let them
take care of the truth of it.

I request also, to inform Hendrick Huygen that Erwehongh * will shortly come.

A. HlTDDE.

To the Noble, Very Worshipful Sir,

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General

of New-Netherland, Curasao, etc., residing

at New- Amsterdam.

* An Indian chief. — B. F.

New York Historical Records. 431

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant ; Minquas
blockaded in their fort by the sinnecus, 800 strong ; battle ;

SiPfNECUS 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.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Discreet Gentlemen.

Arriving at New-Amstel on the last of May, I found there a great excitement and all
had joined to repair the Fort, because the Minquas were besieged in their fort by the
Sinnecus, who are said to be about 800 men strong. Upon the arrival of the Sinnecus
3 or 4 men were sent into the Minquas' fort with presents and offers to make peace and
the whole force kept concealed at a distance ; but a Minqua returning from hunting
tracked the Sinnecus and thus they were discovered and the next days they of the fort
went out and met troops of 20 or 30 men and finally the Minquas made a sally in force,
drove away and pursued the Sinnecus for 2 days, capturiiig 10 prisoners and killing a
number according to the report of 2 Minquas, arrived at New-Amstel on the 2* inst.

On the first of this month a letter was proclaimed at New-Amstel, under sounding of
the bell, directed from the Fatherland to Director and Council at New-Amstel,
whereby it was made known, that the Sheriff van Sweeringen had been pardoned for the
shooting of a disorderly soldier, also that Director and Council were recommended to
fill up the magazine, as the Masters intended to send a ship with Colonists and a party
of farm-labourers and that at the close of the letter aforesaid, on the 3? of December, 180
families had already promised to go hither at theii" own expenses. It is further mentioned
in the letter, that the Lords-Burgomasters were in negotiation with the Hon''"' Company
to acquire the whole river for their Honors' colony and that the result was to be expected
by the next opportunity. The Sheriff is continued in his former position : therefore I
would (under correction) consider it not unadvisable, (in order to prevent further
jealousies and differences), that Elias Routs should again be summoned up or from here
by your Hon*'^ W orships.

In case our Lords and Masters should really give up the River, then I would humbly
request, that your Honors would please to employ and continue me somewhere else in
the service.

The discharged soldier Hendrick Dyck goes thither herewith.

The fear of some Sinnecus marauders makes me defer the sending of 4 or 5 persons
more at present, untU further news and a safer opportunity.

In the meantime I commend your Hon"^ Worships to the protection of God and
remain with wishes for a long life and prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Wise, Prudent,

Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Hon'''^ Worships' affectionate
Altena, and faithful servant

the e*.*" of June 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

432 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Sir ! Until to-day no chance has offered itself, to speak with the new Swedish or
Lutheran Domine.* I sliaU forward to him the desired matter, pursuant to your Hon*"'*
"Worship's order. Vale.

Letter. William Beeckman to Secretary van Rutven ; Sinnecus

RETIRE TO their OWN COUNTRr.

Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sir !

At the departure of one Walraef Claerhout I bought from him a small piece of
cloth for my famUy on my account for the payment of the duties, amounting to 63
guilders, beaver valuation. I respectfully request that your Honor wUl please to agree
to it.

I heard from Verbraek yesterday, that the savage sent there by MonsT Hudde before
my arrival, had been dispatched already before the sailing of the yacht ; but he has not
been heard from until to-day, so that I sent MonsV Hudde up to the place, where he had
hired him, to see if he was not perhaps sick, as at present many savages on the river are
suffering from the small-pox.

I have at present nothing of interest to write to their Honors, the Director-General
and Council.

Since my last by Jan de Caper, we have not heard anything more from the Sinnecus,
except that they have again retreated to their country.

Sir ! Our store of breadstuff for the garrison is getting very low ; it will take at
least 6 or 8 weeks, before new grain can be had, so that I respectfully request, that your
Honor will please to send me by first opportunity some Osnaburghs and a smaU piece of
white Flemish, as it is easy to get some provisions from the Swedes for linen. Wherewith
I commend your Honor to God' s protection and remain with my salutations.
Honorable, Wise, Prudent,
Very Discreet Sir,

Your Worship' s affectionate
Altena, and well-inclined servant

the 23? of June, 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Honorable, Worshipful,

Wise, Prudent, Discreet

Mr. Cornells van Ruyven,

Receiver and Secretary of New-ISTetherland

residing at Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhatans.

* Abelius Zetscoorn. Acrelius says of him : "A student, A. SeUkoon., came to the country and for some time
held divine service at Sand-hook (New-Castle), then went to New-Amsterdam and received a call from Stuyvesant ;
he never had charge of any congregation on the Southrlver aa a regularly ordained clergyman. — B. F.

iMew York Historical Records. 433

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant ; small pox
AT Staten Island ; murder of christians at Esopus ; retreat
of the sinnecus ; several of them eecentlt taken br the
Minqtjas.

The original of this letter has been torn out and the translation below is supplied from the not very correct
Vander Kemp translation, vol. 17, p. 285.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise and Prudent Gentlemen.

When the yacht, " de Prinses," arrived on the 21'.' I was informed, that a savage had
been despatched hither by your Honors 3 or 4 days before she sailed ; whereupon I sent to
Mr. Hudde, who had hired the savage. He informed me last night, that this savage had
died of small-pox among the Christians on Staten-Island and that no doubt the letters
had been returned to your Honors : 1 must therefore earnestly request your Honors, to
send some person there, to demand these letters.

Mr. Hudde further reported, that he had heard, when he was above on the river, the
savages had again murdered some Christians at the Esopus, but I trust to God's mercy,
that it may not be true.

The Sinnecus have returned to their own country, yet some prisoners were taken of
them by the Minquas lately.

Your Honors will be informed of the news and situation of the Colony of New-Amstel
by the Schepens of that Colony now visiting the Manhatans. Wherewith closing I
commend to God's protection and remain with wishes for a long life and prosperous
administration.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful Gentlemen,
Your Honor's affectionate
Altena, and faithful servant

the 24'.'' of June, 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

Gentlemen ! One Mr. Goutsmidt, who was with other friends at New-Amstel,
reports, that the young Baltimore intends to make ere long a visit on the River here, but
they heard of no plan to go further. Not a single draught of French wine can be
obtained here on the River. I request therefore, that some may be sent by the first
opportunity, in case this nobleman pays iis a visit. I wish, that it may be placed to my
account.

Abelius Zetscoren received an invitation and call from the Swedish congregation,
subject to your Honor's approval, but Domine Laers objects to it with all his influence,
so that the Commissaries were compelled to threaten him with a protest, before he could
be persuaded to permit Domine Letscoren to preach on the second day of Pentecost.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent Gentlemen, their Honors,
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General
and Council of New-Netherland, Curagao, etc. residing a^
Fort Amsterdam on the Manhatans.
55

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Extract from a Letter of the Directors in Holland to Director-
General AND Council of New-Netherland ; D'Hinotossa arrives
in Holland. 28™ of June, 1663.

Tlie City's Director Alexander d'Hinojossa arrived here by way of Virginia 3 or 4
days ago. We cannot yet correctly learn, what may have induced him to this unexpected
voyage, except generally, that the community in the City' s Colony had rather compelled
him to it. Time must show, what his news are and what will be their consequences.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant ; massacre at
Esopus ; MiNQUAS threaten to follow the Sinnecus ; immigration •
Mr. Beeckman applies for employment elsewhere.

Noble, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen.

I received your Hon"'^ Worships' favor of the 5'?" of June only on the 26'?", because the
hired savage died on Staten-Island, as I have informed your Hon'"* Worships by Dii-ck
Smidt and the letters were brought by a savage, whom I had to pay for it. By this
savage we have heard, God may make it better, something more certain of the murder at
Esopus through a letter from Mons. Cousturier' s wife. We hear nothing more from the
Sinnecus, except what is reported by the Minquas, that they intend to attack them again
with a strong force in the fall.

The Director and Council in New-Amstel have again received letters to provision the
magazine for Colonists to arrive and that there is no doubt, that the whole River will be
acquired for the City.

In case that we here then must decamp I would again most humbly request your
Hon'"^ Worships to continue me somewhere else in the service of the Hon*'* Company.

Wherewith closing I commend your Hon'"" Worships to the protection of God and
remain with wishes for a long life and prosperous administration at all times,

Noble, Very Worshipful, Wise,

Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honors' affectionate and

Altena, faithful serv^

the 31 of July, 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Prudent Gentlemen,

their Honors, Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant Director-General

and Council of New-Nethefland Curasao, etc.,

residing at Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhatans.

J^ew York Historical Records. 435

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; defenceless

CONDITION OF THE FORT ; AnDRIES HuDDE ABOUT TO MOVE TO

Maryland ; two Englishmen murdered there by Sinnecus, as
IT is supposed.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Discreet Gentlemen.

We heard to our great sorrow last week the authenticated news of the massacre made
Dy the barbarians at the Esopus.

Two different people have told, that they had heard from River-savages, we here at
Altena would probably suflFer somewhat from the runners, because we belonged also to
the people of the Hon"'* Director-General.

Gentlemen ! I find only 10 or 12 lbs of musket balls in the magazine and no flints at
all. I request, your Hon*"" Worships will please to send us some musketballs and flints
by the first opportunity, which are so much more needed as most of the men have firelocks.

Our store of breadstufl's is also gone ; I request, that some Osnaburgh or Flemish
linen may be sent by the first opportunity to purchase some. I have also bacon and meat
for only 2 months or 2 rations more.

Gentlemen ! I am confident, that I shall be able to enlist here 4 or 5 men as soldiers ;
I have engaged one at 16 guilders, light money, the month ; I am expecting your Hon"'®
Worships' further orders.

MonsT Andries Hudde has informed me, that he has asked your Hon"'® Worships for
his discharge. He intends to live in Maryland and begin to brew there with the assistance
of one Henry Coursy, therefore I have given him permission to make a journey there and
back.

A short time ago, two persons have been murdered by savages in their house up in
Maryland here ; I understand, that Sinnecus have done it.

Gentlemen ! In case of any changes in consequence of the transfer of the River, I
again respectfully request, that your Hon"'® Worships will please to continue me in the
service elsewhere. Wterewith I commend your Hon"'® Worships to the protection of God
and remain with wishes for a long life and prosperous administration.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Gentlemen,

Your Honorable Worships'
Altena Very obedient and faithful servant,

the 23? of July, 1663. Wilh. Beeokman.

To the Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,

Prudent Gentlemen, their Honors,

Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General

and Council of New-Netherland, Curagao, etc.

residing at Fort Amsterdam

on the Mahhattans.

436 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beeckman to Secretakt van Ruyven ; state of

AFFAIRS.

Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Sir.
Sir:

Dirck Smidt complains, that he had lost the order for 70 guilders, light money, given
him last June for freight hitherward, I have therefore given him another, which your
Worship will please to accept.

I have not heard from your Worship by these two yachts ; I am afraid, sad difficulties
having occurred at the Esopus, that my request will be inconvenient, but I hope, it may
be done by your Worship' s favor with the last vessels.

They have again received information at New-Amstel yesterday, that two more
Englishmen have been murdered by Sinnecus up in Maryland.

Conraet ten Eyck writes to me about the account of Hermen Hendrick of Deventer.
What regards the auction-sale of the property, which he left, the inventory and last will,
shall be sent upon your Worship' s order.

Closing I commend your Worship and family to God's protection and remain with
wishes for a long life and prosperity,

Sir,

Your Worship's obedient and
In haste. willing servant

Altena, the 25'? of July, Wilh. Beeckman.

1663.

To the Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Discreet
Mr. Cornells van Ruyven, Receiver-General and Secretary
of New-Netherland, Curasao, etc. , residing at
Fort Amsterdam on the Manhattans.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Sttjyvesant ; arrival op

SETTLERS FROM HOLLAND ; DIRECTOR D'HiNOYOSSA ABOUT TO PROCEED
THITHER.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Gentlemen.

The enclosed was handed to me by the Hon*'^ President van Sweeringen on the 30*." of
July.

On the 28* there arrived at New-Amstel skipper Peter Luckassen, he discharged
there for the City about 60 farm-labourers and girls, with a quantity of ammunition of
war, farming implements and some commodities. I have not received an invoice from
Mr. Lyfferingh or anybody else in behalf of the Hon"'^ Company, only the enclosed list
of the Supercargo.

This skipper left also 41 souls with their baggage and farm-utensils at the HorekiL

Kew York Historical Records. 437

I understand from Mr. van Sweeringen and Mr. Willem Rosenborgh, who came also
on this ship, " S? Jacob," that Mr. d'Hinojossa had received permission to go to the
Fatherland in this ship.*

Gentlemen ! I request to inform me, whether it vdll be necessary to provision this
garrison here again for a year ; it would be useful to know it soon, in order to govern
myself accordingly, as Mr. van Sweeringen will have to provide for one hundred persons.
I refer for details regarding our present needs to my last letter, wherewith I commend
your Honorable Worships to the protection of God and remain with wishes for a long life
and prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Veiy Discreet Gentlemen,
Altena, Your Hon^'^ Worships' affectionate

the 4'." of August 1663. and faithful servant

WiLH. Beeckman.

Extract of the kesolutions made by the Dieectoes of the Peiv. West-
India Company, Chambee of Amsteedam, the S'? of FebeT 1663.

(See New York Col. Documents II., 197.)

FUETHER CONCESSIONS TO THE COLONY OP THE CITY OP AMSTERDAM ON
THE DeLAWAEE RIVEE.

(See N. T. Col. Doc. II., 206.)

Letter. William Beeckman to Dieectoe Stuyvesant ; visit op Loed
Baltimore {sic) and suite to New Amstel and Altena ; renews

TEEATY of peace with THE INDIANS ; SETTLEMENT OF THE BOUNDARY
PEOPOSED TO HIM ; HE REFERS IT TO THE OLD LORD BALTIMORE.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.
On the T*.*" inst., as the ship " St. Jacob " had already been pushed off, the skipper was
requested by the Sheriff van Sweeringen to await the arrival of the English and to send
his boat to Apoquenamingh to fetch the Governor, as no other vessel was to be found.
On the 9'? Mr. Baltimoor with a following of about 26 or 27 arrived at New- Amstel ; I
entertained his Honor here at Altena on the ll'l' and 12*. The Hon"^ Governor intends
to pass through the Manhatans on the way to Boston next spring ; his Honor is grateful
to your Hon*'° Worships for the offer to send a convoy and horses.

* In a letter of the Directors, dated 38th June, 1663, it is said, that d'Hinojossa had suddenly arrived io
Amsterdam. — B. F.

438 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Several chiefs of this River came to New-Amstel on the 12'." inst. at the summons of
Mr. van Sweeringen. He, van Sweeringen, and the English Governor and his Council,
renewed now, without giving us information, the treaty of peace and fi'iendship, made
with these savages about 2 years ago. Mr. van Sweeringen has also tried, as he told me,
to stipulate at this meeting the boundary-lines, pursuant to the directions of his
Honorable Principals. He received as answer, that they would write to the old Lord
Baltimoor.

Gentlemen ! I received on the 9'" inst. your Honors' orders and directions in regard
to a general day of fasting and prayer, which we shall observe and carry out according
to their contents. I refer to my last regarding our wants ; we are almost destitute of
everything.

Wherewith closing I commend your Hon^''= Worships to God's protection and remain
with wishes for a long life and prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Hon"" Worships' obedient
Altena, and faithful servant

the 15'." of Aug. 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent Gentlemen, their Honors
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant Director-General
and Council of New-Netherland, Curagao, etc.,
residing at Fort Amsterdam

on the Manhatans.

Per ship St. Jacob,
which God may guide.

Letter. William Beeckman to Directob Stittvesant ; Esoptts
Indians visit the Minissinks at the head of the Delaware ;
minquas carry presents to the mohawks, who kill some op

them ; WILL JOIN THE SeNECAS AGAINST THE MiNQUAS.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.

Since the sailing of the ship " S? Jacob " nothing of any consequence has occurred. I
heard only on the 27'!" of August, that the Esopus savages were camping near the head
of this River or near the Menissins, who are said to have joined them. These savages
say, that two captured women have escaped lately. I hope, that our Lord God will have
released them. I went up the River on the 28'!' of last month, to inquire about the
foregoing and heard at Kinsses, that two Esopus savages had been there on the 24'? and
had remained about a day ; they had complained, that all their plantations had been
destroyed by your Hon*"* Worships.

Three Minquas passed here on the 25'? of August and reported, that they came from

Jfew York Historical Records. 439

the Maquas, that they had been there, to make presents, that the Maquas had slain
three of their squaws with two from this River, whom they had with them in their
company. They said also, that the Maquas would assist the Sinnecus against the
Minquas.

The Governor of Maryland assisted lately the Minquas with a quantity of powder
and lead, also with 2 pieces of artillery and four men, to manage them.

Gentlemen! This is further to inquire whether your Hon*'* Worships may not
consider it necessary to make some repairs on this Fort, as the pallisades and
everything are in decay. Also, to inform your Hon'^'° Worships, that we are
almost bare of all provisions. I have engaged some grain, so that necessarily some
Osnaburgh or Flemish linen must be sent, also some duffels and other things to fill
the magazine.

We require here also before winter for the soldiers two dozens of shirts and two
dozen pairs of socks and shoes with cloth and linings for 4 or 5 men's clothing.

Also a lot of musket balls and flints is needed here for the firelocks.

Mr. Andries Hudde awaits with great longing his discharge and settlement of
accounts, he says, that he has petitioned your Hon"'" Worships for it and given it to Mr.
Huygen. He has been in Maryland and intends to settle on the Sassafras river. Closing
herewith I commend your Hon'"''' Worships to God' s protection and remain with wishes
for a long life and a prosperous administration.
Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Honors' always affectionate
Altena and faithful servant,

this 1=.* of Septbr., 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

Su-!

The bearer has been detained by bad weather and contrary vsdnds. Meanwhile I
have considered it necessary to inform your Honor of the following. Evert Hinderson,
the Fin, whom I brought along coming there, has again been here since the 20'? of June.
Mr. Hendrick Huygen has informed me verbally, that your Hon"'" Worship had
given him. Evert, permission to come and return to arrange his affairs. He has sold
his house and land a long time ago, also some animals and intends to settle here in the
Colony, as the Sheriff van Sweeringen has told me, whom he asked for land. This is
contrary to your Hon"'" Worship's order, as he was forbidden the River. He has treated
one of our Commissaries very insultingly on the streets at New-Amstel about 6 weeks ago
and defied another Commissary at Upland about 10 days ago and acted very insolently
there, whereupon I went there directly upon the information of Oele Stille. When I
arrived. Evert the Fin fled to the woods and would not make his appearance, although
I send him a written promise, that I would not molest him in the least this time,
but that I only had come to inquire, what reasons he had, to oppose this and that
man. He goes about proclaiming, that your Hon"'" Worship has given him permission
to live here again, where he liked, as the Sheriff van Sweeringen and others have
told me.

I enclose a note from Mr. Huygens, from which your Hon"'" Worship may infer his

440 Colonial Settlernents on the Delaware River.

opinion of Evert the Fin, althongli lie is now the cause, by his intercession with your
Hon*"" Worship, that we are again molested by this villain. I request your Honor's
directions, how we shall conduct ourselves in this matter in the future. Meanwhile I
remaia

Sir,

Your Hon*'^ AYorship"s obedient
Altena, and faithful servant

the 5'^ of Septbr., 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

Oath of office taken by Geerit Cock, collectoe op customs foe the
city's colony on the Delaware eiver.
Copy.

I promise and swear, that I will be obedient and faithful to theu" High Mightinesses,
the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands as to our highest and sovereign
authority and to the Lords-Directors of the Priv, West-India Company, to make and keep
the proper notices and memoranda of all such goods, wares and merchandises, as for
account of the City of Amsterdam or other private parties shall be brought and imported
into the Colony of the said City and may hence be exported again, to receive the tolls and
duties, which such goods shall have to pay and others according to the tariff, without
taking off or adding to the same, to keep proper notice and memorandum of all used for
the public works, the officers of the City's Colony and other public affairs and further to
conduct myself, as a faithful and honest man must do it in his service. So help me God
Almighty !

Below stood :
Gerrit Kock has taken the above oath on the 9'? of September, 1663, in presence of the
Hon'''^ Drs. Koeter Ernst and Johan van Hartoghveldt, Schepens.
Still lower stood :

In my, the Secretary's, knowledge
signed Jacob de Vogelaeb.

The Directors of the West-India Company to Dieector-General and
Council of New-Netherland ; reasons for ceding the whole op
THE Delaware territory to the City op Amsterdam.

Honorable, Valiant, Pious, Dear, Faithful !

After the peace, made between this State and England, had prevented the English to
carry out by force of arms their intentions on the territories of New-Netherland, revealed
some years ago, we could very easily see, that they relied upon other means, than those,
of which they were deprived by tlie said peace : they smuggled themselves into all
places by force of colonists, even into those districts, which must necessarily be counted
among the conquests of the Company. On account of this and other reasons we have
resolved, to cede for the present the Southriver to the City of Amsterdam, under the

Mew York Historical Records. 441

conditions, known to your Honors, as we did not doubt, but that the City would, by a
numerous population, have hindered the English so much, that the Company's interests
in New-Netherland would have appeared to be perfectly secured thereby. But experience
reveals now, what in the beginning ignorance concealed in regard to so important matters,
and after an examination by us and by the City of Amsterdam of what time has taught
us and them to be necessary for the continuation and peopling the Southriver, we have
concluded to cede and surrender to the City besides the conditions made previously with
her, all such privileges, as your Honors may see by the enclosed extracts from the register
of our resolutions of the 8"' and 16'? of February, the 13'? and 30'.'' of July and the 3"} and
9'? of August. According to these we hereby recommend to and expressly charge and
order your Honors to convey to those, who shall thereto be authorized by the City of
Amsterdam, the territory and places mentioned in the 1^.' 8'? 9'? 10'.'' articles of the
resolution, so and in such a manner as the same have been conceded, evacuating Fort
Christina, but carrying oif the ammunition of war, the ordnance and everything
belonging to it and further all the Company's property and effects and the military,
surrendering all letters, charters and papers, deposited in the Secretary's office, the
poor-money and what else might concern the Colony on the Southriver, giving it to
those, who are authorized, and keeping in hand the above said. Thereby our serious
intention will be carried out, as we find it so to be of advantage to the Company.

And as we know, that in case some parties move from one of the respective
Colonies into the other without paying their debts, which they owe us, if leaving our
Colony, or to the City, if running away from the City's Colony, for their transport or
other matters, they may then be lawfully called upon at the places, where they go to and
though we do not doubt, but that your Honors on one side and the City' s officers on the
other would administer strict law and justice, we have as yet not been willing to tolerate
the ingratitude of such people, who having the opportunity in both Colonies to earn by
their industriousness the money advanced to them in a short time, try, in the hope of
finding protection elsewhere, to cheat by their flight their patrons out of the expenses,
incurred for them with good intentions or at least to vex the same with many difficulties.
And as we ourselves do not wish to give any examples and inducements to our nor to
their people, we will hereby expressly inform your Honors, that pursuant to our
resolutions of the 3* and 9'!" of August we demand and hereby direct your Honors,
henceforth not to receive into our Colony any of the City's Colonists or farm-laborers,
unless they prove by their passports, that the City has been satisfied for its disbursed
moneys ; without binding your Honors however to any other private debts, as we
consider that such debts affect their persons only so far, as they must be paid first at
the place, whence the persons have come, before they may leave and that this arrangement
is very necessary for the avoidance of many inconveniences, for the population and
especially for the cultivation of the country and must be carried out without exception.
Hence, if hereafter such cases should come before your Honors, the fugitives must be
returned immediately upon the request of the City and proof of the debt to the place,
whence they have come, which will also be done on the part of the City, where we are
concerned.

We will further admonish and if necessary order your Honors, to be in every respect
living examples of justice and consequently to administer impartial law and justice to all
56

442 Colonial Settlements on the Delcuivare River.

and everybody, who demands it, especially in cases which might concern one of your
Honors, for the community is inclined to imitate the desires and examples of their
magistrates. Your Honors are well aware, that what we recommend is necessary in a
well-governed state, it is godliness and Christianity and therefore principally prompt
orders must be given, that a prompt decision one way or the other be given concerning
the claims made as we are informed by the City's Colony in regard to some bail bonds,
which having been given by some of you or some one depending from the administration
and being in the City's Colony are said to have been meddled with in their behalf or
in behalf of some one of their number. This order will establish a good correspondence
between the two Colonies, which will be recommended by us to your Honors and on
behalf of the City to the government of the other.

The open accounts, which remain unsettled between our and the City's Colony, are
recommended hereby to be closed at once, the necessary order thereto has been given by
the City to their officials.

And as your Honors will see from the enclosed extracts, what concessions we have
made to the City regarding the tolls and duties paid at the Southriver, your Honors shall
pursuant to their request, made to us, submit to them a correct statement of how much
and in what money the duties and taxes on tobacco and peltries were paid in our Colony,
that they may govern themselves accordingly.

As we have been informed, that a brewery has been sold by the City's Director
Alexander d'Hinojossa, without the proper proceedings, at half its real value and to the
advantage of Meyndert Jansen Hoorn, to cover thereby a certain bill of exchange, drawn
by the late Director Jacob Alrichs and the aforesaid d'Hinojossa and allowed to go to
protest here by the City, therefore we wish hereby to direct your Honors, to transmit to
us by the first opportunity thorough and detailed information of these proceedings and
to administer law and justice concerning it without prejudice, if the said d' Hinojossa should
make any claims on the heirs of the deceased Director Alrichs on account of it.

We send herewith for your Honors' information a copy of the oath, taken by the
Commissary, who has been appointed to receive the duties and tolls at the Southriver.

Herewith, etc., etc., etc.

The Directors of the Priv. West-
Amsterdam, India Company, Department
the 11'" Septbr., 1663. of Amsterdam.

DiRCK Spiegel.
Jacobus Reynst.

A''ew York Historical Records. 443

Letter. Directoks of the Amsterdam Chamber of the W. I. Company
TO Vice-Director Beeokman, notifying him of the cession of the
Delaware river to the City of Amsterdam.
Copy.
Honorable, Pious, Beloved, Faithful !
Whereas we have concluded, to grant and concede to the Honorable Commissaries
and Directors of the City' s Colony some points, of which your Honor will be informed by
the Director- General and Council of New-ISTetherland and whereas the aforesaid Hon"'^
Commissaries have brought over to the said Director-General and Council in the ship
"de Purmerlander Kerck" our orders regarding it, therefore, in order that the aforesaid
Hon".'* Commissaries might directly enjoy the conditions granted to their Honors, we have
concluded, to dii-ect your Honor hereby, to remain quiet and not to interfere in any
affairs of the City's Colony, which have formerly been included in your Honor's
instructions, before you shall have obtained the orders of the Director-General and
Council. You will govern yourself accordingly, which we consider thus to be expedient
for the Company' s service.

And herewith Honorable, Pious, Beloved, Faithful, we commend your Honor to the
protection of God and remain

Your Honor's good friends,

The Directors of the Privileged
West-India Company

Department of Amsterdam
Amsterdam Jacobus Reynst

the 13'? of Septbr., 1663. Cornelis Cloeck p : f :

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.

2T^ Septbr 1663.

By our last letter, sent in the ship "Purmerlander Kerk" by way of the Southriver,
dated on the 11"" inst., of which the duplicate is here enclosed and to which we principally
refer, we advise your Honors what arrangements we had made here with and conceded
to the City, adding thereto the reasons and motives, why it was done, especially, in order
in this way to preserve and guard, without expense to the Company, the Southriver
against the invasion and intrusion by the English neighbors on the South, of whom for
that matter nothing better can be expected, than of those on the North, who notwithstanding
the alliance made here between the Crown of England and this Government continue
still with urgency in their unbecoming usurpations, as your Honors informed us again in

444 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

the last letter of the 14'." May of this year, recommending so urgently to bring about here
by all possible means a settlement of the boundary-question, so that we well may say in
answer to it (which will be given herewith), that it has been a great expedient to surrender
the whole of said river to the City and to commit to her its protection and preservation,
for she can and must do it with more power and authority, pursuant to the conditions
made vrith her, which she now shows the intentions to carry into effect, as they seem,
since that time, to set about the management and promotion of theh- interests in that
country not only with more zeal, but also with a better foundation. They intend to bring-
there every year about 400 Colonists and other bound farmers, if not a larger number,
which cannot but help to guard and secure us against the English in the North:
besides that we shall also be better assisted by the Hon^''^ Administration of this City to
procure through this condition of the country the settlement of the boundary-question
with the Crown of England, to effect which we intend to make at the first opportunity all
possible endeavors, as your Honors will hear in due time. Meanwhile we repeat our
recommendations to your Honors, to maintain the distances and places, conceded to us
by the provisional settlement of the boundaries, agreed upon at Herford and consequently
to prevent and resist all unbecoming usurpations, crowding out and invading by the
English neighbors, as much as may be feasible.

In regard to this matter we cannot omit to mention, that the cession of this
Southriver to the City has alarmed some merchants, trading to New-Netherland, as they
think, that the trade would thereby be diverted from the Manhattans, especially because
the City had at present reserved the commerce on the river for itself. This has been
done, as we learn, especially, that they may not have the ships, which they are chartering
for the transport of their farm-laborers and free Colonists, return empty, for no skipper
can be persuaded to make the voyage, unless he gets a return-cargo. This was any way
the case with the ship " Purmerlander Kerck," which has sailed there lately. Some
goods were sent out in it to exchange for tobacco and peltries for the City. It appears,
that they will not be able to contimie trading on this principle, in consequence of several
circumstances, which they will soon enough understand, for besides that the English and
savages wUl in a short time prefer to trade with a large number, instead of with one only,
who is controlling the market and consequently does not accord with the nature and the
characteristics of the commerce in that country, it is also entirely contrary to the interests
of population and cultivation of such foreign Colonies, which on the other side can only
be made flourishing by such means, as the Honorable Magistrates have already found
out on this occasion to their considerable damage : hence we expect more cautiousness
from them in this direction and they have given permission and granted twelve months'
time to the merchants or their agents, being or residing at the Southriver to dispose of
the goods, which they might have yet. In that time experience will have taught them
another lesson. Meanwhile we desire to recommend to your Honors, not only to get all
information in regard to the administration and progress of the City's interests there,
especially from the Commissary Gerrit Kocx, who has been appointed there for both the
Company and the City, as your Honors will have learned by our last and by the enclosure,
but also to advise us from time to time, how and in what manner the administration is
managed and the increase of population progresses, that we may make use of it, when
expedient. You have to proceed in all this with caution and discretion (at least as far as

Mew York Historical Records. 445

the Company's rights permit it), to anticipate all Just complaints from thpro, "S w" would
not like to get into quarrels and difficulties here about it with the Honorable Magistrates
of this City, who too have declared, that they have given to theu- administration on the
Southriver such orders, that no cause for dissatisfaction shall be given to your Honors
from that side ; hence a mutual good correspondence and neighbojiiness ought to be
kept up.

Extract from a letter op the same to the same. The Swedes

suspected of designs on the delaware territory. 16''? of

October 1663.

******

We have been informed from Sweden some time ago, that Admiral Hendrick

Gerritsen Zeehelm was getting ready there two ships, one a frigate, called the " Valck"

carrying 32 cannons, the other a yacht with 8 or 10 cannons. Different rumors were

afloat regarding their destination, some believing, that they are to go to Guinea and thence

to the Rio de la Plata, because they take in Sonne merchandise, which could be used

there for trading (and besides, because they are being provisioned for 15 to 18 months),

others saying, that the expedition was aimed at and intended for Nova Scotia in America

and thence to the Southriver of New-Netherland, to recover the same. Although this

last conjecture was the least probable one, yet, as we now are informed from there, that

the said two ships had not only sailed, but also that it may be true, that they are also

aiming at the said Southriver (after having perhaps first carried out their design or

trading at Guinea), we have thought necessary, to communicate it to your Honors, that

the City's officers at the Southriver might receive a timely warning to be on their

guard, though we are confident it will also be done by the Hon".'* Commissioners here,

so that the City may not be deprived of so fine and fertile a district and the Company not

get thereby so much more dangerous and threatening neighbors.

Extract from a letter of the same to the same on the movements of

THE Swedish fleet. 30™ of October 1663.

******

Whereas since dispatching our last letter of the W^ inst. we have been further

informed, that the two Swedish ships should, when arrived in the Sound, take up 200 or

more soldiers, added to which the same rumor comes, that their destination was the

Southriver, therefore we have, at the request of the Hon"'* Commissioners and Directors

for the Colony of this City in New-Netherland, resolved to direct hereby your Honors

and to recommend, that all the ordnance, which the Company has in Fort Christina,

also called Altena, at the time of surrendering the said Fort to the City's Director

446 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

there, shall provisionally and until further orders be left there against a proper
receipt and promise of restitution, in order that the City's Administration there may
be in so much better a state of defense upon the arrival of the abovementioned
Swedish ships.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant ; 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.

Noble, Honorable, Very "Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen !

Your Hon"'^ Worships' letter of the 25'.'' of October was received by me on the first
inst. I saw to my great sorrow, that not the least of any necessaries for the purchase of
victuals has been sent nor any order given, where we should get them here. I had bought
some cattle and hogs to slaughter, breadstuffs and maize, to be paid with duffels,
blankets, linen and brandy or distUled waters during this month of November, so that
I am now quite embarrassed, therefore I recommend to your Hon*'* Worships to send the
desired articles with Reyner Pieters (who, it is said, is coming here before the winter).
Shoes are not required now, as I have provided for the most needy.

Abelius Zetskoorn has been called by those of the Augsburg Confession, who belong
to the Colony of New- Amstel, as I informed your Hon'"* Worships before this, with the
consent of Director and Council there, subject to the approval of their very Honorable
Worships, the Lords-Burgomasters. Since his staying there, he has been here in the
district of the Hon*"" Company only once (it was last Whit-monday) and then he preached
at Tinnakunck at the request of the Swedish Commissaries. Afterwards he was offered as
high a salary, as Domine Laers receives ; they wanted him especially as schoolmaster, but
they of New- Amstel would not let him go. In regard to the information, received by
your Hon'''^ Worships, that he also administers the rite of baptism, this is not true : I
shall expect your Hon'''' Worships' further orders in this matter.

I have been obliged to discharge Mr. Andries Hudde on the last of October on his
continued solicitations and lamentations to go to Maryland. He went with his family to
Apoquenamingh on the first of November and died there of a violent fever on the 4'.\

Gentlemen ! I send herewith, pursuant to your Hon"" Worships' order, 6 men, 3 of
whom I enlisted here at 16 guilders, light money, per month, partly agreeable to your
Hon*"" Worships' directions, partly in consequence of the bad rumors about the savages ;
the garrison here consists now of 10 men.

We cannot learn anything else from the savages here nor whether the Christian prisoners
are among the Menissings. When I was above among the Swedes last week, I understood
from the Swedish Commissaries, that at the urgent request of some chiefs above
Meggeckesjouw the chief Erwehongh and others had gone there, to contribute for the
assistance of the Esopus savages : but Peter Kock said, the chief Erwehong had specially

J\''ew York Historical Records. Ail

charged him to tell me, that they would undertake nothing against the Dutch, but on the
contrary would try to arrange everything for a peace.

Closing herewith I commend your Hon"" Worships to the protection of Grod and
remain with wishes for a long life and prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshijjful,

Wise, Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Hon'''" Worships very
Altena, affectionate and faithful servant

the 15'" of Novbr. 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,
Wise, Prudent Gentlemen, their Honors,
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Du-ector-General and
CouncU of New-Netherland, Curasao, etc.,
residing in Fort Amsterdam
on the Manhatans.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; return of
Director d'Hinoyossa to New Amstel ; immigrants ; Delaware
river ceded.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen !
I heard at New -Amstel yesterday, that Mr. d'Hinojossa would send as quickly as
possible a savage to your Hon'''" Worships, as his Honor arrived here in the ship " de
Purmerlander Kerck" on the evening of the 3? inst. together with Peter Alrichs and
Israel, who went away with Miss Printz, as Members of the high Council, and about 150
souls. Coming to New- Amstel last evening with 2 or 8 men, to bring them on board,
his Honor immediately sent the Hon"'" Councillor Mr. Cousturier to tell me, that
I should send no soldiers on board, that he would give and show me something from
the Lords-Directors, of which letter I am sending the copy to your Hon"'" Worship.—
It is said here, that the whole River shall become part of the Colony ; therefore I humbly
request, your Hon"'" Worships will please to employ me elsewhere in the service of the
Hon*"" Company, wherewith I commend your Hon"'" Worships to the protection of God
and remain with wishes for a happy New- Year,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise,

Very Discreet Gentlemen,

Your Hon"'" Worships
Altena, faithful and affectionate servant

the 5'." of Decbr. 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

To the Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen, their
Honors, Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General and Council of New-Netherland,
Curasao, etc., residing at Fort Amsterdam on the Manhatans.
Under cover.

448 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stutvesant ; 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.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Sir.
Sir!

Coining to New-Amstel to-day I heard, that Mr. d'Hinojossa had delayed to send a
savage. I intend therefore to inform your Hon'"''' Worship, that I have been told, Mr.
d'Hinojossa had said, he would not allow me to stay here during the winter. I wish
therefore to remind your Hon'''* Worship of the impossibility to leave here with my
great family during the winter and move elsewhere, without having any cattle for
assistance. Your Hon''''' Worship will please to induce him to make such an agreement,
that I might remain in my lodgings until a more convenient time. I hope, your Honor
will procure some other employment for me elsewhere ; wherewith I commend your
Hon*'® Worship and dear family to God's protection and remain with cordial salutations,

Sir, Your Honor's always affectionate

In haste. and faithful servant

Kew-Amstel, 6'." Decbr. 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

Sir ! I have opened this again to write the following. It is this, that I am afraid, I
shall not be able to maintain myself with my large and expensive family, living as
freeman at the Manhatans ; in case your Hon'"'= Worship should have no occasion to
continue me, which I however desire earnestly, because I would not like to leave my nation,
I have therefore resolved to remove to the upper part of Maryland in Augustyn Heermans'
neighborhood. I cannot make up my mind to remain here on the River as freeman, for
I would have no rest from d'Hinojossa, wherefore I humbly ask your Hon"'* Worship to
provide for me as a father and give me a favorable advice. I commend herewith your
Hon"'* Worship to God' s protection and remain with wishes for a long life and prosperous
administration.

Sir, Your Honor' s very devoted

In haste. and obedient servant

Altena, 6*? Decbr. 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

Sir!
The bearer having taken his way from New-Amstel over this place, I took occasion
to add the foregoing, to which I had no time at New-Amstel, as it was said, that he
would go up directly by water. Vale.

To the Noble, Honorable Very Worshipful,
Wise, Very Prudent, his Honor, Mr. Petrus
Stuyvesant, Director- General of New-Netherland,
Curagao, etc., residing at Fort Amsterdam on the Manhatans.
By a savage.

Kew York Historical Records. 449

Deed, teansfekring to the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, in Holland,
all the country on the delaware.

Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General
of the United Netherlands and the Lords-Directors of the Priv. West-India Company,
Department of Amsterdam, Director-General of New-Netherland, Curasao, etc. , with the
Honorable Council testify and declare hereby, that pursuant to the orders and directions
of the said Lords-Directors, dated the 11'? of September 1663, we have to-day, date
underwritten, transferred, ceded and conveyed, as we hereby cede, transfer and convey to
Mr. Alexander d'Hinojossa, on behalf of the Noble Very Worshipful Lords-Burgomasters
and Administrators of the City of Amsterdam Director of their Colony on the Southriver
of New-Netherland, the said Southriver from the sea upwards to as far as the river
reaches, on the east-side inland three leagues from the bank of the river, on the west-side as
far as the territory reaches to the English Colony, with all streams, kils, creeks, ports,
bays, and outlines belonging thereto. All these territories with all their appendages
and dependencies, especially also Fort Altena we cede and convey, in the name and
on behalf of the said Lord-Directors, to the said Mr. Alexander d'Hinojossa in behalf of
the Noble, Very Worshipful Lords-Burgomasters and Administrators of the City of
Amsterdam, surrendering all actual and real possession, ownership, rights and privileges
and all this with and under the conditions, which have been agreed upon between the said
Lords-Directors and the Noble, Very Worshipful Lords-Burgomasters and Administrators
of the City of Amsterdam, without retaining in our former relation any claim or pretense
and therefore promising to keep this conveyance as firm, binding and inviolable, to
execute and to carry it into efifect. In witness whereof this is signed by us and confirmed
by our seal, impressed hereon in red wax. At Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the
22* day of X"" 1663.

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.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Prudent, Very Discreet Gentlemen.

I received your Honors' two favors on the 21°.' inst. by Samuel Edzal and hope that
ours of the 5'." and 6'? inst. by a savage may also have come to hand, in which I briefly
informed your Hon"'* Worships of Mr. d' Hinojossa' s arrival. I am awaiting with
longing your Honors' orders thereupon, to prepare ourselves for the departure.

Eight or ten days ago, Mr. d'Hinojossa proposed to me through Mr. Kip and Mr.
Cousturier, that, if I was inclined to continue living at Fort Altena and to take some
valleys near there for cultivation, he would provide me with 5 or 6 or more labourers. I
refused this, because I could see no advantage in it, the more so as no freeman will be
allowed next year, to trade with the English or the savages : the trade in tobacco and
57

450 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

peltries is reserved for the City. It is said, that Mr. d'Hinojossa receives one half aa
vpell from the trade as from the farming.

The 50 fann-labourers, arrived last July in the ship "St. Jacob," are hired out to
farmers and at the same time engaged as soldiers with a pay of 100 guilders holl. yearly
and board by the bellyful (as they say) and 6 or 7 girls were sent along, to cook and
wash for them. But those of the same, who desire to be free, as well as those, whom Mr.
d'Hinojossa brought along, are daily discharged, to take up land for themselves or hire
out to others. They are also bound out by Mr. d'Hinojossa for as many years, as his
Honor or the City had engaged them for in Holland, at 50, 60 and 80 or more guilders
holl. per year. The farmers may pay in wheat at 30 stivers the schepel. It is almost
the same method, as that of the English trade in servants.

Mr. van Sweeringen has not been able to sow with the aforesaid 50 men more than 25
or 30 schepels of grain in that valley, which they now have had in cultivation for three
years. But it is somewhat excusable, as he has had many sick people.

I cannot see, that much profit can be derived from valleys in three consecutive years,
as the expenses for making dikes, ditches and floodgates and the cutting down of knolls
run too high, besides 2 or 3 pairs of oxen are at least required for each plough, to break
up the land, so that I think, it is not advisable for common or poor people to take up
bottomlands. I prefer good woodland, to get immediately a profit.

Mr. d'Hinojossa is to take his residence on the Kil of Apoquenamin, where he shall
build the principal city and improve the trade with the English ; he is also to enclose
with dikes a great deal of bottomland in that neighborhood. I see, that a great deal of
opj)Ositiou from the savages will have to be expected, when the lands here and there are
entered upon, especially up here on the River.

The fur-trade has been recommended to Mr. Peter Alrichs, who has brought along
for it 200 pieces of duffels, blankets and other goods necessary for it. Alrichs is to trade
at New-Amstel, the Hon""' Councillor Israel at or near Passajongh and another for the
City at the HorekU, in short, in or after one year and six weeks no private party shall
be allowed to deal in tobacco or furs.

Mr. d'Hinojossa is said to have engaged to load this ship and another one, which is
expected, with tobacco, peltries and grain next March, for which there is no likelihood
this year, as on account of the drought and early frosts little tobacco has been grown in
Maryland. His Honor directed shortly after his return, that nobody in the Colony,
neither in nor outside of the village, should distil brandy or brew strong beer, neither for
sale nor for private consumption. His Honor sent me word by Mr. Alrichs, that I should
order this prohibition about the brewing and distilling to be made also above among the
Swedes, (although there is nobody there, who makes it his profession, unless for his
private consumption). I answered, if the Hon"''' Director and Council had to ask for or
propose something, they would please to give it to me in -m-iting ; I would then
do it in all equity. However, I heard nothing and therefore I omitted it. It seems,
his Honor thinks, that by such means there will be some grain left for shipping, for
his Honor offers in cash sUver 30 stivers for the schepel of wheat and 15 stivers for
barley.

I cannot see or hear, that there is more grain to be had on the River, than they need
in the Colony for bread for the new increase.

Kew York Histor'ical Records. 451

The goods, coming here from the Manhatans, shall henceforth be subject to duties,
likewise the peltries and tobacco going there from here.

I have not yet seen nor spoken with Mr. d'Hinojossa. I desire to live elsewhere, for I
cannot trust him, when I am a free man (if one wants to beat the dog, a stick is easily
found, says the proverb), so that I shall find myself obliged, to remove my family to
Maryland, in case your Honorable Worships should have no occasion to continue me in
the service, (which, however, I hope).

Jan de Caper has not been heard from until to-day.

Closing herewith I commend your Hon'"'' Worships to the protection of God and
remain with wishes for a long life and a happy New- Year,
Gentlemen,

Your Honors' very affectionate
Altena, and faithful servant

the 28'? of Decbr., 1663. Wilh. Beeckman.

Letter. William Beeokmak to Director Stuyvesant ; attendance
OF THE Swedes and Fins, who are informed of the Vice-Director's
approaching departure : they 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 Me.
Beeckman to remain at the Delaware ; unsuccessful in his
efforts.

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful, Wise, Very Prudent Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.
Your Hon"" Worships' favor and copy of the 22? of last month have been received
on the SO'.*" and 31".' ensuing. On the 5'? inst., when I had summoned here to Altena all
the Swedes and Fins, though they did not all come, I resigned my office and was then
informed by the Hon''.'^ Council of New-Amstel, sent here as Committee, that agreeably
to your Honors' letter I might retain my present lodgings until the spring and it was
agreed, that I should remove the soldiers' quarters in 14 days, which will be done. — It
is quite evident, that the ship "de Purmurlander Kerck" shaU come there, as only very
little or no freight can be expected here. Mr. d'Hinojossa tries to constrain the skipper
to a voyage to Curagao for a lading of salt, to which the skipper objects, as he is specially
bound to remain here until the last of March or at the longest until the S'l" of April and
wait for freight, for it is thoroughly believed by the ship's consignees, that they will get
a full cargo here. The skipper therefore makes the excuse, that this voyage to Curagao
is contrary to his charter-party, he can furthermore hardly be ready to sail within a
month, as the large bricks and tiles have not yet been discharged and there is no ballast
at hand, to take it in suddenly during this cold wintertime. — On the 9'? inst. the Swedish
Commissaries and many of their and the Finnish nation made their appearance. After
I had released them from their former oath (at the proposition and request of Mr.
d'Hinojossa), to take then a new one, they went to New-Amstel on the 10*." inst. and said.

452 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare River.

"Now we are sold, hand us over." On the same day an oath was read to them in my
presence by Director and Council, which they unanimously refused to take, for they
wanted before (taking it) a document, giving them the same privileges in trading and other
matters, as they had had under the government of the Hon''"= Company ; without it, they
would be compelled to remove. Eight days were granted to them, to advise with the
rest ; they will have to take the oath or to remove. I understand from several, that they
would prefer to break up and to come to the Nevesins or thereabouts under your Hon*"^
Worships' government.

My present quarters have been offered to me by Mr. d'Hinojossa himself on the 2^
inst. as a present, if I wanted to establish about here a considerable bouwerie. He said
also, that he had orders from his Hon"= Principals to persuade me to remain here on the
River. The same was repeated by the Hon"'" Council on the 5'." inst. and they assured me
of the friendship of Mr. d'Hinojossa and theirs, upon which I reminded their Honors of
the position formerly held and finally said, that, when I had returned my charge into the
hands of your Hon"'^ Worships at the Manhatans, the other matter should be further
talked over upon my return.

I thank your Hon'''^ Worships for the favorable letter of recommendation to Mr.
d'Hinojossa, also for your Honors' great willingness to re-employ me. I hope that in the
course of time an opportunity will offer itself.* —

Gentlemen ! I shall miss no opportunity to bring over the property of the Hon*"'*
Company and the garrison either in the ship or with Jan de Kaper. This goes at
hap-hazard, if the bearer gets along. I did not dare to venture at present and send the
garrison, of which there are now tkree unable to march, overland, partly on account of
the variable weather, partly also because I have no express orders for it from your Hon"'®
Worships, wherewith closing I commend your Hon"'^ Worships to the protection of God
and remain with wishes for a long life and a prosperous administration,

Noble, Honorable, Very Worshipful,

Wise, Yery Discreet Gentlemen,

Your hon"'" Worships faithful
In haste. Altena, and affectionate servant

the 12'." of January, 1664. WiLir. Beeokman.

* He was sent as Commissary to the Esopus iu July, 166-L — B. F.

Kew York Historical Records. 453

Extract from a letter op Director Stuyvesant to the Directors is
Holland. The officers of the W. I. Company will try to keep on
A good footing with and assist the officers of the city's colony.

26"' of Aprn, 1664.

In regard to what your Honors have recommended to us before this and now again
so earnestly, to keep up a good correspondence with the City's officials, that the
complaints might cease on either side, we will hope and trust, any way we can for our
part assure your Hon*"* Worships, that the least causes for complaint shall be given from
our side and in closing we say on this subject, that we heartily desire, the concession of
the fur-and tobacco-trade to the City or in its behalf to some private parties, to the
exclusion of all others, on which account we must hear and bear a great deal of
murmuring, complaining and occasionally even vituperation of the Company, may not
cause further calamities and a diversion of the fur-trade to the loss of the Company.

Extract from a letter of the same to the same. Complaints are

MADE, that the CITY'S OFFICERS MONOPOLIZE THE TRADE ON THE

Delaware.
New- Amsterdam lO'.** of June, 1664.

While on this subject, we cannot let pass without mention, that the^monopoly of
trade on the Southriver granted to the City or better said to a few private parties, who
cannot conceal, but plainly state, that they carry on the trade for their own benefit
in the name of the City, to the exclusion of all others, causes here a great deal of
discontent, obloquy and vituperation against the Hon"'* Company, and absorbs a good
third of the Company' s revenues

Besides that another difficulty is encountered by us. The City's officials at the
Southriver are in our opinion misintepreting your Hon''."' Worships' concession and giving
it too narrow a definition : they demand not only duties on tobacco and peltries, which
are exported from there, that is from the Colony of New-Amstel, directly to the
Fatherland, to Virginia or elsewhere outside of this province, but they make also the
inhabitants, their own as well as ours, pay the duties on tobacco and peltries, which are
brought here to this place, to balance old debts, to exchange for wampum, to trade for
provisions and other necessities, as for example one Peter Alrichs, himself a member of
the Council of the Colony of New-Amstel and Commissary for the City's trade in
merchandise and peltries has sent, brought and paid away to several people here many
beavers and other peltries, for wampum, horses and other things bought here. He brought
vrith him a note signed by the Sheriff van Sweeringen or the Clerk Ravens, saying :
"These beavers and peltries have paid duty here." Although the same may have passed
through two or three hands, whUe we are ignorant, whether it is so or not, whether they

454 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

are the same and whether the first had not been exchanged and sent away those, who
received here the beavers, tobacco and other peltries, pretend, footing on such a ticket or
note, that they do not owe any duty on them here, when tliey ship these or other beavers to
the Fatherland. This is therefore not only a newly invented device, to reduce the Hon*'"
Company's revenues, but also gives cause and inducements to many frauds and
smuggling. Hence your Hon*^'" Worships ought to make provisions, to prevent this and
new quarrels between us, your Hon'"^ Worships and the City's officers. Until now
beavers and other peltries, even tobacco, are for want of other coin used as a ch'culating
commercial medium, of which no notice can be taken, as long as it remains in the
province, no matter how often they may be exchanged or traded : consequently no duties
can nor ought to be demanded for them, unless the same are sent to the Fatherland or
elsewhere outside of this province.

Order directing that merchants from the South river, who desire
TO trade at New Amsterdam, must obtain certificates of
citizenships.

The Hon*'" Burgomasters of this City appeared themselves and as they had already
done several times, made a statement of the grievances and discontent of many merchants
and inhabitants of this City, because these merchants and inhabitants had been forbidden
by those of the Colony of New-Amstel on the Southriver to trade either with strangers or
savages on the whole rivei, which is directly contrary to the privileges and liberties given
and granted regarding the trade, to the inhabitants here many years ago. They request
therefore in the first place, that, to prevent troubles and just complaints, the good
inhabitants of this City may be maintained in the liberties formerly granted to them and

further, whereas Mr. Peter Alrichs had come here from the Southriver with a cargo

of goods worth about 25 to 30 thousand guilders, the said Hon*"" Burgomasters ask to
know, whether those, who come here from the Southriver to trade, should not be obliged
first to purchase citizenship and to keep an open shop for 6 weeks according to the
privilege granted to this City.

Secondly, whether they from the Southriver shall be permitted to trade here with
strangers and savages, as the inhabitants of this place are forbidden to do it at the
Southriver, etc.

After the Director-General and Council had heard the above propositions, it was
decided on the first point, that, if any merchants should come here to this City from the
Southriver, to sell their cargoes and merchandises, they should be compelled to ask for
and obtain citizenship, pursuant to the privileges granted to this City ; but as to the
person of Mr. Peter Alrichs and the goods, which he brought with him, whereas he
declares, that he did not come here as a private party, but as an oSicer of the Colony of
New-Amstel and that he does not intend to trade his goods for others, but to acquire with
them a lot of cattle for the use of the said Colony, therefore the Director-General and
CouncU are of opinion, that the above has no reference to Mr. Peter Alrichs, unless it
could be proved, that he has traded his goods contrary to his pretext.

JVew York Historical Records. 455

As to the second point, that has been answered above, because nobody can be refused
a citizen's privileges and liberties, when he has obtained citizenship.

Concerning the grievances and discontent of the inhabitants and merchants on
account of the prolnbition to trade on the Southriver, a detailed report has been made
before this and will again be made to the Lords-Directors. Done at Fort Amsterdam in
New-N"etherland, on the S"? of July 1664.

P. Stuyvksant.

NiOASIUS DE SiLLE.

Extract from a letter op Director Stuyvesant to the Directors.
The Swedish expeditiok, under Admiral Zeehelm, prevented by
storms to go to the delaware.

New- Amsterdam, 4'.'' of August 1664.
***** * *

It has been (as we learn in the sequel of your Hon"'^ Worship's letter) a wonderful
work of the Lord, worth noting and to be grateful for, that tlie Swedish expedition under
Admiral Hendricli Gerritsen Zeehelm, prepared and intended beyond doubt against the
Southriver, has been frustrated so wonderfully by His hand and providence, at least that
it has been delayed and prevented. If this expedition, Right Honorable Worships, had
been carried out and succeeded, which by default of proper defence and the means
thereto, would most likely have happened, then without doubt they of Herford and other
malevolent and threatening neighbors would have on their side attacked us with all their
forces.

Sixth Period

The Dela-ware Territory a Dependency of the Province of New-
York until the Arrival of Penn's Deputy and the
Establishment of the Colony of Pennsyl-
vania, September, 1664 to 1682.

Instructions to S? Robert Carr for the Reducing of Delaware Bay
and settling the people there under his majesties obedience.

When you are come near unto the Sort which is possessed by the Dutch you shall
send your boat on shoar to summon the Governour and inhabitants to yield obedience to
his Majestie as the rightfull sovereign of that tract of land and let him and them know that
his Majestie is graciously pleased that all the planters shall enjoy their ffarms, houses,
lands, goods and chattels with the same privileges and upon the same terms which they
do now possess them, Only that they change their masters, whether they be the West
India Company or the City of Amsterdam. To the Swedes you shall remonstrate their
happy return under a Monarchicall Government and his Majesties good inclination to
that nation, and to all men who shall comply with his Majesties rights and title in
Delaware without fforce of arms.

That all the cannon, armes and ammunition which belong to the Government shall
remain to his Majestie.

That the acts of Parliament shall be the rules of future trading.

That all people may enjoy liberty of conscience.

That for six months next ensuing the same magistrates shall continue in their offices
only that they and all others in authority must take the oath of allegiance to his Majesty
and all public acts be made in his Majesties name.

If you find you cannot reduce the place by force nor upon these conditions you may
add such as you find necessary upon the place ; but if those nor fforce will prevail, then
you are to dispatch a messenger to the Governour of Maryland with this letter to him
and request his assistance and of all other English, who live near the Dutch plantations.

Your first care (after the reducing of the place) is to protect the inhabitants from
injuries as well as violence of the soldiers, which will be easily effected if you settle a
course for weekly or daylj' provisions by agreement with the inhabitants which shall be
satisfyed to them either out of the profitts, customes or rents belonging to their present
masters or in case of necessity from hence.

The laws for the present cannot be altered as to the administration of right and
justice between partyes.

To my Lord Baltimore's son you shall declare, and to all the English concerned in
58

458 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Maryland, that his Majesty hath at his great expense sent his ships and soldiers to
reduce all fforeigiiers in these parts to his Majesties obedience and to that purpose only
you are employed. But the reduction of the place being at his Majesties expense you
have commands to keep possession thereof for his Majesties own behoof e and right and
that you are ready to join with the Governour of Maryland upon his Majesties interest in
all occasions, and that if my Lord Baltimore doth pretend right thereunto by his patent
(which is a doubtfuU case) you are to say that you only keep possession till Lis Majesty
is informed and satisfyed otherwise. In other things I must leave you to your discretion
and the best advice you can get upon the place. [September 3"*, 1664.] *

A CopiE OF Robert Caers Commissiok to goe to Delaware Bat.
Sept. 3"
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 endeavor 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 aU 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 comanding
all officers at Sea and land and all souldy'*" to obey the said Sr Robert Carr during this
Expedition, Given under o'' hands & seales at the flfort in New Yorke upon the Isle of
Manhatans the 3* day of Septemb 1664.

S. Maverick.

R. NiCOLLS.

G. Cartwkight.

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.

The Com™ Warrant for ST Robert Carr' s returne.

Whereas the good Settlem' of his Ma"" affaires in severall colonyes of New England

was the prlncipall end of employing us, his Ma"" Commission", unto those parts, and that

by your absence we cannot pursue his Ma"" Instruccons to the manifest hinderance of

his Ma"" Service, And whereas his Ma"* in the ninth Article of his private Instructions

* The Articles of Agreement between S"" Robert Carr and the authorities on the Delaware river have been
published by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan in N. Y. Coll. Doc, Vol. III., p. 71.— B. F.

Kexv York Historical Records. 459

hatli enjoyned us to acquiesse in fhe Judgment of the Major part of us, Wee do therefore
Unanimously Agree to desire and require yo" in his Ma"''^ name, that after the receipt
hereof, yo" do repaire unto new Yorke with what convenient speede yo" can, in order to
y Advancement of his Ma"^^ Service. Given under Our hands this 24"" day of October
1664 at James ffort in New York on the Island of Manhatans.

Richard Nicolls.
To ST Robert Carr K^ George Cartwright.

Sam. Mavericke.

The Com? Warrant to Coll. Nicolls to go to Delaware.
Wee his Ma"°° Commission" under written, for the present Settlem' of his Ma"^' affaires
in Delaware Bay and Delaware River, have thought litt to Order and appoint and by
these pr'sent do Order and appoint Colonell Richard Nicolls, to repaire to Delaware
Bay and there to take speciall care for the good Governm' of the s* place, and to
depute such Officer or Officers therein as hee shall thinke fitt, for the management of his
]\Ja"'=' Affaires, both civill and military, untill his Ma"'=' pleasure be further knowne. Given
under our hands and Seales this 24'? of October 1664 at New Yorke on Manhatans

Island.

George Cartwright.

To Colonell Richard Nicolls. Sam. Maverick.

Privileges grakted to the Delaware river trade.
Capt. Cregiers Priviledge to trade at Delaware Bay.
Whereas Capt. Martin Cregier an Inhabitant of this Towne, hath requested of mee
Liberty to go to Delaware Bay to Trade with the Natives or others in those parts ; I do
hereby require all Persons in his Ma"^' name to Permitt and suffer y^ said Capt. Martin
Cregier to Passe from hence to New Castle in Delaware Bay, with such Goods and
Merchandize, whereof there shall bee a certificate given of their Loading from the Collector
and Receiver Gen^" of the Customes And there (or in any of the Parts adjacent) to
Trade or Traffique in any Goods or Merchandize, not Prohibited, Paying the Dutyes and
Customes as of other his Ma*'^" Subjects are required and to return hither without any
manner of Lett hinderance or molestacon whatsoever. Provided this Liberty continue
untill the 1^' day of September next ensuing the date hereof, and no longer. Given under
my hand and Seale at ffort James in New York this 22°* day of April 1665.
To aU Officers &c.

Richard Nicolls.

Liberty graunted to Mr. Peter Alrichs to Trade at Hoare Kills.
These are to Certifie, That upon the Request of Mr. Peter Ali-ichs, I have graunted
unto him free Leave and Liberty to Trade or Trafficke either by himselfe, or his Deputy
w'" the Indyans or any others, in and about Hoare Kills in Delaware Bay, for Skins, Peltry
or what other Commodityes those parts shall afford. The said Peter Alrichs, or his
Deputy, making due entry with y° Officers at Delaware, of the quantity or quality, of
such Skins, Peltry, or other Commodityes hee shall Trade for ; And all Persons art-

460 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare Paver.

hereby required, to forbeare tlie giving him or his Deputy any unlawfull hinderance or
molestacon herein ; Given under my hand and Seale at if ort James in New Yorke this 11'?
day of November 1665.

Richard Nicolls.
To all Officers both military
and civill, and whom else
this may concern.

Some privUedges graunted to Delaware to promote Trade.
Having taken into serious Consideracon the Necessity of Graunting some Temporary
PrivUedge for the Encouragement of Trade betweene this Port & Delaware River ; And
whereas the tenths of all sorts of goods, Liquo", Peltry &c. by former practice &
order have beene collected and payd in, or at the fores* Port or Riuer. Now know all
men by these pres"" that from and after the date here of (untOl contrary orders shall bee
publisht) no sort of Goods, Liquours or Peltry shall bee lyable to pay any Customs either
in this Port or in Delaware Riuer ; Provided alwaies tliat due entry & certificate bee made &
giuen of all such Goods, Liquours or Peltry, which from time to time shall bee transported
to or from tbis Port & Delaware River. Given under my hand & seale the 20'." day of
Marche 166f In ffort James at New Yorke.

R. NiCOLLS.

To the Collector & Receiver
Gen" of the Customes at New
Yorke.
Another was sent to Delaware.

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.

A Letter in behalf of Sr. Robert Carr &c. sent by the Governo' unto y°
Right Hono"'^ Secretary of State.
In consideracon of the good Service done by Sr. Robert Carr, Cap^ John Carr and
Ensigne Arthur Stock, in reducing Delaware from the Dutch unto his Ma'"'" obedience,
The Commission''" did thinke it reasonable (as farr as in them lay) to Conferr on them the
Houses and Lands belonging to the Dutch principall Offic*™. I do therefore recommend
unto you by M' Stock That you will please to procure unto them a Graunt and
Confirmacon of the severall Plantacons and Lands, here to fore in y^ possession of those
Offic". That is to say, the Governo'' Juniosa's Island, to ST Robert Carr, The Scouts
House and Land to Capt Carr, and the Dutch Ensigne, Peter Alricks Laud to Mr Stock,
of which they have had Possession ever since the taking of the place As to particulars,
I referre you to himselfe for farther Information, and remain

Right Hon'"^
flf ort James in New Your most humble Servant

Yorke, Aprill 10'." Rich" Nicolls.

1666.

Kew York Historical Records. 461

Copt of a patent granted to Peter Alricks, of the island in the
Delaware river, called Matiniconck ; conditions of above

GRANT.

Richard NicoUs Esq. &c. Whereas there are two certaine Islands in Delaware River
scituate lying and being on y^ West side of y^ said River and about South West from y*
Island comonly called Matineconck y° w"'' is the biggest of the two Islands haveing
beene formerly knowne by the name of Kipps Island and by y* Indian name of
Koomenakanokonck containing about a myle in length and half a myle in breadth and
y^ other Island lying somewhat to the North of ye former being of about half a myle in
length and the quarter of a myle in breadth and there being also a small creek neare unto
ye lesser of the said Islands fitt to build a mill thereupon, Now to y* end ye best
improvement may be made of the said Islands and creek to w"^" there appeares no otht^r
lawf nil Pretenders for divers other good reasons and considerations me thereunto especially
moving. Know ye that by virtue of the Commission and authority unto me given I have
thought fitt to give and grant and by these presents doe give ratify confirme and grant
unto Peter Alricks his heirs and assignes the afore recited two Islands which all the Soyle,
meadow ground wood land pastures marshes waters creeks fishing hunting and fowling
and all other profitts comodityes and emolum" to the said Islands and premises belonging
or in anywise appertaining as also the small creek aforementioned neare unto the lesser
Island running up a mile w'^n land to have liberty to erect and build a mill thereupon
where shall be found most convenient as also a convenient proportion of land on each
syde of the said creek for Egresse & Regresse to and from the mill and for other necessary
accommodacons thereunto belonging, To have and to hold all and singular the said two
Islands Creeks and proportion of land on each syde thereof and premises w"" their and
every of their appurtenances to the said Peter Alricks his heirs and assigns unto the
proper use and behoofe of y° said Peter Alricks his heirs and assigns forever. Yielding
and paying therefore yearly and every year unto his Majestys use ffoure Otto skins as a
quit rent when itt shall be demanded by such person or persons in authority as his
Majesty shall please to establish and empower in Delaware River or y^ parts and
Plantations adjacent. Given &c. The Pattent is Dated y'' IS"' of February 166|.

Resolutions and Directions for the Settlement of the Government
IN Delaware.

That it is necessary to hould vp the name and countenance of a garrison in Delaware
w"" Twenty men & one Comission officer.

That The Commission Officer shall vndertake to Provide all sortes of Provisions for the
whole garrison at the rate of 5 d. p^ day (viz) Wholsome bread, Beare, Porke, Pease or
Beefe, That no just complaint be made of either.

That the Souldiers (so farre as conveniently they may) be lodgd in the Forte & keep
the Stockades vp in defence.

That The Civill Governm' in the respective Plantacons be continued till furth'' ord"".

462 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

That To pVent all Abuses or Opposicons in Civill Magistrates so often as Complaint
is made the Commission Officer Cap" Carre shall call the Scout w'" Hans Block, Israel
Helme, Peter Rambo, Peter Cocke, Peter Aldricks or any two of them as Councello", to
advise heare & determyn, by the Maio' vote what is iust Equitable & necessary in the
case or cases in Question.

That The same Persons also or any Two or more of them be called to Advise & direct
what is best to be done in all cases of difficulty w'^" may arise from the Indians & to giue
their CounceU & ord" for the arming of the seuerall plantacons & Planters who must obey
& attend their summons vpon such occasion.

That Two Thirds at least of the Souldiers remayne Constantly in or about New Castle
at all howres.

That the Fynes for Praemunires & Light offenses be executed w'" moderacon.
Though It is also necessary that all men be punished in exemplary manner.

That The Commission Officer Capt" Carre in the determination of the Cheife civUl
affaires whereunto the Temporary foremenconed Councello" are ordained shall haue a
casting Voyce where votes are Equall.

That The Newe appointed Councello" are to take the oath to his Royall
Highnes.

That the Lawes of the Govennn' Establisht by his Royall Highnes be shewed &
frequently Communicated to the said Councello" & all oth" To the end that being
there w'" acquainted the practise of them may also in Convenient tyme be established
vr"^ conduceth to the Publique Welfare & Comon Justice.

That No Offensiue warr be made against any Indians before yo" receive direccons
from y° Governo'' for yo"" so doing.

That In all matters of difficulty & Importance yo" must have recourse by way of
appeale to the Governour & Councell at New Yorke. Given und' my hand at Forte
James in New Yorke The 2P' of AprDl 1668.

Letter feom Gov. Nicolls and Col. Francis Lovelace to Capt. Caer
AT New-Castle, respecting difficulties with the Indians
there.

A Letter sent unto Cap? Carr from the Governo'' and Coll. Lovelace.
Cap? Carr.

Since j" last to yo° by the Swedes Ensigne, concerning the Mantas Indyans, who
committed the late Murther upon the Serv" of Mr Tomm, & Peter Aldricks, here is come
Peter Rambo, who Informes us that y' Indyans in those parts, have desired that there
should bee an alDsolute Prohibicon upon the whole River of Selling Strong Liquors to the
Indyans. You are therefore by these p''sents Authorized to convene as many of those
Persons who are joyned with you, in Commission, for the Management of the Civill
Affaires, and with their advice, to give all necessary Rules & Orders for the good
Government both of Christians & Indyans ; And because both those Murther" and the

Mew York Historical Records. 463

restraining of the Indyans from Liquors, will fall into deliberacon what you sliall (upon
discourse with the ludyans) conclude to bee the best for those Plantacons must bee
remitted hither and shall bee confirmed, as if wee had beene p''sent at y'' transaccon.
ffort James the S'."" Your Loving ffriends

June 1668. R. Nicolls

Fraw. Lovelace.

Order, directing that the old Dutch patents in Delaware must be
reconfirmed.

Ord' for Renewing Delaware Patents & others &c.

Whereas there was an order made at the generall Co''' of Assises in y^ yeare 1666,
That all persons, who had old patents should bring them in to bee renewed and tlie who
had none Should bee S apply de therewith by a Certaine time therein limited.

Which said ord'' did extend itselfe to Albany, Esopus, and all other places of the
Governm' as well as this City and more particularly to all those who had beene under the
dutch, And are now reduced to his Ma"^^ obedience. These presents doe declare and
make knowne that the Inhabitants in and about Delaware being under this Governm' are
likewise concerned as well as the Rest, so that all persons there who hould their lauds by
Patent or Ground briefes of y° Dutch Tenure are to haue their Patents renewed. And those
who haue none are with all convenient Speed to bee Supplyede therewith, otherwise they
are lyable to incurre the penalty in the Law Sett forth. Given under my hand and Scale,
at Fort James in New Yorke this 1".' day of July in y"" 21'.' yeare of his MaJ"''^ Raigne
Annoque Domini 1669.

Order for the arrest, in Delaware, of a Swede, calling himself the
SON OF General Coningsmarck.

An Ord"' for y^ aprehending of y° Swede at Delaware.
Whereas I am giuen to understand that there is a certaine Swede at Delaware who
glues himselfe out to bee Sonne to Conincksmarke heretofore one of y" King of Swedens
Gen''" or Gen^" Officers & goes up & downe from one place to another frequently raising
speeches very seditious & false tending to y^ disturbance of his Ma"^' peace and y* Lawes
of y® Govermn' in such cases provided To whom is associated one Henry Coleman one
of y" Fins & an Inhabitant at Delaware who hath left his habitation Cattle & Corne
w* out any care taken for them to runne aff j" oth'' person & it being suspected that
y* said Coleman being well verst in y* Indian language amongst whome both he & t'other
keep, may watch some opportunity to do mischiefe to his neighbours by killing their
cattle, if not worse ; whereupon yo" haue already according to yo' duty sett forth yo'
warrt. to apprehend him but he cannot yett be met withall These p''sents. are to order
impower & appoint yo" to sett forth a proclamation in my name that if y° said Henry
Coleman do not come in to yo" and surrend'' himselfe up to answer to what shall be
objected against him w'^ia y^ space of Fifteene dayes aff divulging y^ same that then y"

464 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

cause all y' estate belonging to him w"'in this Governm' to be seized upon & secured to
his Ma"*° use, of w'^" yo" are to rend'' mee an Account w'" y^ first opportunity. Given
nnde' my hand & seale at Fort James in New Yorke this 2? of August 1669.
To j" Ofiicers at Delaware.

An Ord'' for t" Finnes & other Inhabitants at Delaware to take up

LAND AT APOQUEMINI.

Vpon y' request of M"' William Tom that y° Finnes or others residing at or about
Delaware may haue an enlargem' of their bounds for y^ w'^" they desire to take up some
Lands at Apoquemini lying and being w'Mn y* Governm', For y® good & welfare of
y* s* Inhabitants & an encouragemen' to them I doe here by graunt y" said request upon
condition That in some conuenient short tyme a draught be taken of j" said Land & a
returne thereof be made to me togeth" w*" its extent, whereupon those who settle there
shall haue Patents for their f urthy confirmation. Given undv my hand & seale at Fort
James in New Yorke this 2* day of August in y"' 21^' yeare of his Ma"''^ Raigne Annoque
Domini 1669.

An Ord" foe some Familyes feom Maryland may settle on y^ Kill
BELOW Apoquemini.

Vpon y^ request of Mr William Tom that some Familyes from Maryland may haue
liberty to come and settle upon j^ Kill below Apoquenimi, lying and being w'^in their
Governm', To y' end y^ said place may be Inhabited and manured — it tending likewise
to y* encrease of Inhabitants w'^in these Territoryes, I doe hereby graunt y" said request
upon condition that in some convenient short tyme a Draught be taken of y^ Land lying
in y^ said Kill & a returne thereof be made unto me, Together w"" its extent whereupon
those who settle there shall haue Pattents for their further confirmation. Given und"" my
hand & seale, at Fort James in New York this 2^ day of August in y^ 21" year of his
Ma"^ Raigne Annoque Domini 1669.

Council Minute. The intended insurrection in Delaware.

Sept. 14'? 1669 At a Councell held by y' Governo' &c.
Present
Mr Whitfield
Mr NicoUs.
Vpon y« Receipt of Letters from Capt Carr that an Insurrection is very much
feared the Chiefe Acto'' being in Hold, and the Depositions of severall Persons taken ;
It is Ordered, That a Letter of Thanks bee sent to the Officers there for their great Care.
That y' Long fKnne in hold & in Irons bee kept still in safe custody in like manner as

Mew York Historical Records. 465

hee is, nntill the Governo"", or some Persons commissioned from him shall goe over to
examine into & try y' matter of ffact, w"" is of soe heynous & high a Nature.

That all Persons who have had a Hand in y« Plott bee bound over & enjoyned
to give security to answer their misdemeano" & an acco' to bee taken of their estates in
the meane time.

Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Capt. John Carr and the magistrates
OF New-Castle, on the intended insurrection of the Long Swede
(Coningsmarck).

The Goveno" Lre to Cap' John Carr & y" Schout & Comissaryes at New
Castle upon Delaware.
Gentlemen.

I Rec* yo' Pacquett w'"' yo" sent by Henry de Loper dated y^ 8"> of September in w'=''
were inclosed three other Copyes Two of them subscribed Coningsmark y^ other Armgart
Prins as likewise y" Deposicons of seuerall persons concerning a lately insurrection
happened in yo"' parts occasioned by y= Long Swede their pryme Incendiary, all w<='' being
taken into a serious consideration I haue thought fitt w"> y^ advice of my Councell to
resolue & determyne as followeth. In y^ first place I uery well approve & applaud
yo' prudent & carefull management in circumventing & securing y^ pryme Instigators of
this comotion togeth"" w'" y" chiefest of his Complices, likewise (for yo'' future animation)
that so good & seasonable service both to his Royall Highness & y* security & tranquility
of y^ country may not be buryed in Obliuion, I can not but take notice of it & do returne
yo° thanks w*'' all assuring yo" to represent this Action to his Royall Highn'^ w'" such
characters as are justly due to so worthy an undertaking.

Next I heartily wish myselfe w"" yo° to bring that Grand Imposter together w"" y«
cheife of his Pack to condigne punishm*, but y^ hourly expectation I am in of y=
Arrivall of some shipps from England by w'='' I look for seuerall Instructions w'='' will
require a present dispatch, y° whole frame of y" Governmn* standing at this tyme still
neither Mayo"' nor Aldermen elected. The Grand Assizes like to be prorogued all business
wayting upon that breath that must animate this little body Politique of ours, So that
what I do Recommend unto you now must rath'' respect y^ stopping of y' spreading of
y* contagion that it grow not furth"" then by anyway of amputating or cutting of any
member to make y* cure more perfect.

I would therefore haue yo" to continue j" Long Swede in Custody & in Irons untill he
can haue his TryaU w'^" shall be as speedy as my affairs can permitt, eith'' by my presence or
or som^ of y* Councell sufficiently authorized to heare and determyn that affaire. For those
of y° first magnitude concerned w"" him yo" may eith'' secure them by imprisonment or by
taking such caution for them to Answer what shall be alleadged & proued against them.

For y° rest of y'' poore deluded sort, I think y* Advice of theii- owne Countrymen is
not to be despised who knowing their temper well, p''*scribe a method for keeping them
in ord'', w'='' is seuerity & laying such Taxes on them as may not giue them liberty to
Entertaine any other thoughts but how to discharge them.

I thought that Juff° Papegay, Armgart Prins had beene so discreete not to haue

466 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

intermedled in so unworthy a designe, for thougli what she hath Comitted was not of any
dangerous Consequence, yet it was a demonstration of their Inclynation & temper to
advance a strange power & a manifestation of her high Ingratitude for all those
Indulgences & fauours she hath received from those in Authority over her.

I perceiue y' Little Domine* hath played y" Trumpeter to this disord'"' I referr y'
quality of his punishm' to yo'' discretions.

I haue rec* a Peticon from diuers of the Inhabitants at Delaware in y* behalf of those
that Joyned w'" y^ Long Finne it came inclosed in Mr Cousturiers Letter but I shall
take little notice of it since it came not by yo' hands howeuer if they shall make any
further a Publication to yo° about it & yo" send it to me w'" yo"'' advice thereupon I
shall doe therein what shall be thought most fitting & conuenient. I haue no more but
to recommend y^ continuance of yo'' care of this & y' rest of y^ publique affaires in yo'
prtes ^Q yQT prudence <& discretion w'^" is uery much relyed upon by
Fort James in New Gent

York this 15'" day of Yo' affectionate & Loving freind.

September 1669.

To Capt" Jn° Carr & y' Schout & Comissaryes
at New Castle upon Delaware.

I Doe thinlt it would not be amisse if for punishment to y° simpler sort of those who
haue beene drawne into this Comotion yo° injoyne them to labour sometymes in y*
reparation of y' workes about y^ Fort. But for John Stalcop be sure he be secured in like
manner as the Long Sweed, He Hauing beene I perceiue a Cheife flfomenter as well as
an Acto' in this by them intended Tragedy. The mischeife whereof is like to fall upon
their owne heads.

Letter from Got. Lovelace to Captain Carr, on Indian affairs in
Delaware and recommending the Long Finne to be carefully

GUARDED.

The Governo'* Lre to Capt° Carre.
I haue rec* yo' Lre of y^ 25'? of September by Hendrick de Loper wherein yo° give mee
y* relation of a foule fact committed by y^ Indian upon y' body of Xstian Womane what yo"
& y* rest of y^ Com"' haue done in prosecution of him & sentencing him to death, I doe uery
well approue of but I am informed he is since broken out of prison, if so lett him be lookt
after & y* Sachem und' whome he is, so that he may be surrendered & Justice Executed upon
Mm. As to y" long ffinne who attempted his Escape likewise lett him be kept safe a little
longer untUl I send some Com"' from home to Examyne into y^ whole matter, wh'^" shall be
w'^in a month but I would not haue y"= ordinary people who he drew in be too much frighted,
since I have thought fitt to Excuse them by a pecuniary mulct to be imposed upon them as
they shall appear more or lesse guilty. This is all att p'sent to recommend to yo° being

Your Loving friend
Port James IQ'!" Octob' 1669 Fr. Lovelace.

* Probably Magister Fabriciua.— B. F.

Mew York Historical Records. 407

Commission foe the trial of the ringleaders in the insurrection
IN Delaware.

The Governo™ Com" for y" Tryall of severall Prisone™ at Delaware.
Francis Lovelace Esq'" &c. To all to whom these p''sents shall come sendeth Greeting :
Whereas there hath lately hapned an Insurrection at Delaware by some evill mynded
persons Enemyes to his Ma"'^ & y" Peace of this Governm' w'^" might haue proued of
dangerous consequence had not j^ Ringleaders beene surprised & so preuented of their
wicked designe by y" vigilance & care of y" Officers there all w''' w<='' having represented
unto mee I haue w"" y" aduice of my Councell made some Resolucons thereupon y" w"='' are
speedily to be putt in Execution. I haue therefore thought fitt to nominate constitute &

appoint, & by theise p'sents doe nominate constitute and appoint yo" to be Com<=" to give

Ord' & to take Care that The Acte of Councell be put in execution accordingly Giving yo°
or any five of yo" of w* My Matthias NicoUs to be one & President power to call before
yo" any such person or persons as are now in hold upon this Occasion & to pronounce
sentence against them according to j" directions herew'" given yo". And also* that yo"
cause all others suspected to be Guilty to be summoned to make their appearance before
yo° & as theire demeritts shall be that yo" impose such mulct or fyne upon them or any
of them for j" use of his Ma"" as shall seeme best to yor discretione. And if need be
that yo" Administer an Oath to any person or persons for y° better clearing of y' Truth,
ye w'^" Oath yo" are hereby Impowered to giue. And also that yo° Committ any refractory
person or notorious offender to prison, or any other Release as yo" shall see cause, of all
^ch yQO a^pg ^Q ggjj^ j,jg ^ ^yg Account & for w^ever yo" shall Acte or doe in prosecution
hereof this my present Comission shall be yo" sufficient warrant and discharge. Given
und"' my hand & sealed w"^" y" Seale of y= Colony at ffort James in New York this 22"."
day of November in y* 2P.' yeare of his Ma"''' Reigne Annoque Dm. 1669.

Form 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.

The forme of holding the Co" at the Fort in Newcastle vpon Delaware

River for the Tryall of the Long Finne &c. about the late Insurrection,

Decem. y' 6'" 1669.

Vpon the meeting of the Co" let a proclamacon bee made by saying, O yes, O yes,

O yes, Silence is commanded in the Co" whilst his Ma""' Commission are sitting vpon

paine of imprisonment.

Lett the Commission be read & the Commission" called vpon afterward, if any
shall bee absent Let their names bee recorded.

Then let the proclamacon bee made again by O yes, as before, after which say : All
manner of persons that have anything to doe at this speciaU Co" held by Commission from
the Right Ho"'" Francis Lovelace Esq. Governo"' Genr" vnder his Royal Highness the Duke

468 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

of York of all his Territories in America draw neare to give yo' attendance, and if
any one have any plaint to enter or suite to prosecute let them come forth & they shall
bee heard.

After this let a jury of twelve good men bee empannelled.

Then let the Long Finne prisoner in the Fort bee called for & brought to the Barr.

Vpon which the jury is to bee called over & numbered one, two &c. & if the prisoner
have no exception against either of them let them bee sworne as directed in the Booke of
Laws for Tryall of criminals, and bid to look vpon the prisoner at the Barre.

The forme of the oath is as f oUoweth : You do sweare by the Everliving God that you
will conscientiously try and deliver yo' verdict between o' Soveraigne Lord the King, &
the prisoner at the Barre according to evidence & the lawes of the country, so helpe you
God & the contents of this booke.

Then let the prisoner bee again called vpon and bid to hold up his right hand :

Viz. John Binckson alias Marcus Coningsmarke alias Coningsmarcus alias Mathews
Hincks

Then proceed with the indictment as follows :

John Binckson, Thou standest here indicted by the name of John Binckson alias
Coningsmarke alias Coningsmarcus alias Mathews Hinks, alias etc? for that having not the
feare of God before thine eyes but being instigated by the devill vpon or about the 28"' day
of August in y' 2P' year of the Raigne of o'' Soveraigne Lord Charles the 2'' by the Grace
of God of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith &c.
Annoque Domini 1669, at Christina & at severall other times & places before thou didst
most wickedly, traitorously, feloniously & maliciously conspire and attempt to invade
by force of armes this Government setled vnder the allegiance and protection of His
Ma"° «& also didst most traitorously solicit & entice divers & threaten others of his
Ma"'' good subjects to betray their allegiance to his Ma"^ the King of England, persuading
them to revolt & adhere to a forraign prince, that is to say, to The King of Sweden In
prosecution whereof thou didst appoint and cause to bee held Riotous, Rontons &
VnlawfuU Assemblyes, breaking the Peace of o'' Sovereign Lord the King and the laws of
this Government in such cases provided. John Binckson &c what hast thou to say for
thyself, Art thou guilty of the felony & treason layd to thy charge or not guilty ? If hee
say not guilty, then ask him By whom wilt thou be tryde. If hee say by God & his
countrey, say, God send thee a good deliverance.

Then call the witnesses and let them bee sworne either to their testimony already
given in, or to what they will then declare vpon their oaths.

Vpon which the Jury is to have their charge given them directing them to find the
matter of Fact according to Evidence and then let them bee called over as they go out
to consult upon their verdict in which they must all agree.

When the Jury returnes to deliver in their verdict to the Co'' let them bee called
over againe & then ask': Gent', Are you agreed upon your verdict in this case in
difference between o' soveraign Lord the King & the prisoner at the Barr. Upon their

saying yes, aske who shall speake for you. Then the bring in their

verdict & the Then read the verdict and say : Gentlemen, this is

y"' verdict upon which you are all agreed ; upon their saying yes, call that the prisoner
bee taken from the barre & secured.

Kew York Jlistorical Records.

469

Minute of the Trial op the Long Finne ; sentenced to be whippeD;
branded on the face and transported.

Octob. 18'." 1669.
At a Council then held &c.
Present
The Governo''
Mr The. Delavall
Mr Ralph Whitfield
Mr Thomas Willett
The Secretary.

The matt™ under consideracon were y° Insurrection at Delaware occasioned by the
Long ffinne, & y^ Rape Committed by an Indyan there.

Vpon serious & due Consideracon had of the Insurrection begann by y° Long iBnne a
Delaware, who gave himself out to bee son of Coningsmarke a Swedish Generall & y'
dangerous consequences thereof, It is adjudged that y* said Long ffinne deserves to dye for
the same. Yet in regard that many others being Concerned w"" him in that Insurrection
might be involved in the same Premunire if the rigour of the Law should be extended
& amongst them diverse simple & ignorant People ; It is thought fitt & Ordered, that the
said Long ffinne shall be publickly & severely whipt & stiginatiz'd or Branded in the fface
with the Letter (R) with an Inscription written in great Letters & putt upon his Breast,
That hee received that Punishment for Attempting Rebellion, after w'=" that hee bee
secured untill hee can bee sent & sold to the Barbadoes or some other of those remoter
Plantations.

That y° chiefest of his complices & those concerned with him most doe forfeit to his
Ma"^ the one halfe of their Goods & Chattells & that a smaller Mulct or ffine be imposed
on the rest that were di-awn in & followed him, the which shall bee left to the Discretion
of the Commission"? who shall bee appointed to make Enquiry into & examine the same.

That the Indyan who committed y" Rape upon j" Body of a Christian Woman bee
putt to Death (if hee can bee found) for that foule ffact, according to the Sentence allready
passed upon him, & that y^ Sachems under whom hee is bee sent to that they Deliver him
up that Justice may bee executed upon him accordingly.

By Ord-- &c.

A list of the inhabitants that was confederets with the Lon
marke and their iines.

Guilders.

John Stolcup ... 1500

Jens Vstas 0880

Henrick Coalman 0930

ffrancis 1500

John Pouwels 0150

Andries Johnson 0050

ifin and had the

Hans Patterson 0100

Guilders.

Mons Powson 300

Henerick Anderson 200

Lawsa Eskelson 050

Simon Johnson 100

Erick Vrianson 200

Mathias Bartleson 100

Erike Matson 200

470

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Guilders.

Feals Nealson 0300

Mathias JSTealson 0100

Charles Johnson 0300

Hans Wolason 0100

Hans Hoofman 0300

John Henerics 0300

Paules Lawrson 0100

OUa Torsa 0100

Henerick Nealson 0100

Laurans Carolus minister 0600

Margerett Matson widow 0100

John Peterson 0100

Bartel Starker 0100

Samuell Peterson 0050

5710

Guilders.
IOC

Lawsa Cornelison

IOC

150

Evartt the Fin

300

050

Paules Lawrson

100

Mathias Matson

100

050

A liste of the fines about the Rebellion of the Long Finne.

Guild sen.

Evert Hendricksen 300

Mat Bertelsen 100

Simon Jansen 100

Las Oleson 100

Erick Ericksen 100

Jan Matse 150

Samvell Pietersen 50

Las EskeU 50

Erick Matsen 200

Bertie Hendricksen 100

Hendrick Anderson 200

Mons Paulsen 300

Las Cornelissen 150

Andries Andriesen 50

Paul Larsen 100

Jan Stalcop 1500

Olle Fransen 2000

Direck Jansen 100

Hendrick Colman 930

Matys Matsen 100

Hans Pietersen 100

Paul Jansens Vrow 100

Neils Nielsen 300

Hendrick Neilsen 100

Mat Nielsen 100

Otto Oelsen 100

Mew York Historical Records. 471

Guild sen.

Paul Larsen 100

Carel Jansen 300

Mons Jansen 100

Carel Monsen 100

Hans Hopman 300

Juns Junstersen 1500

Heer Lars 800

Another Hans Pietersen 100

Jan Panlsen 100

Andries Jansen 100

Jan Hendrickse of Marcus Kill 300

Marcus .- 50

11330

Besides this sume every one or the greatest p" paid to the Stebo* 14 Gr & some 28 G, 0900

Transcribed & examined by me
at Newcastle May 11^ 1675.

Matthias Nicoll, Secry.

Charges about the Long Fin.

John Henery 864

Michaell Baroon 2454

Neals Matsa 0607

John Harmons 0235

Gisbert Dericks 1107

Barnard the Smith OHO

Albert Johnson 0115

Mathias Conradus 0200

Neals Lawsa 0100

Pieter Aldricks 0100

MT Tom 0650

6542
* I. e. the Court Messenger. — B. F.

472 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Order concerning the insurrection in Delaware.

Jan"^ 25'? 166^. At a Councell here held &c.
Present
The Goveno'
Mr DelawaU
The Secretary.

The sentence against y^ Long Finn taken into Consideracon.

It is ordered that two Warrants bee drawn, tlie one to Mr Cousseau to receive, tother
to Capt Manning y* Sherriffe to deliver y° said ffinne according to the Sentence.

The matter about W"? Dotiglas taken into Consideration.

The Comp" from y* Whore-Kill read.

Its Ordered, That a Letter of thanks bee sent to them for their Care ; And that
according to their Desire, & an Order of the Speciall Court held at New Castle, there
bee an Officer appointed amongst them to keep the Peace &c. & a Commission sent to that
Purpose.

It's Ordered, that in regard to y* s* Douglas hath behaved himself so ill at y°
Whore-Kill, hee shall bee Continued in Prison, untill farther Order, but that his Irons
bee taken off. However if hee can give Security not to returne to y* Whore Kill &c hee
may bee Discharg'd.

An Ord" for y= transportation of y^ Long Finne to Barbadoes.

Whereas Marcus Jacobs commonly called y^ Long Finne, having for some great
misdemeanor forfeited his liberty and life if y* strictnesse of y° Lavi^ had beene put in
Execution but through y^ Clemency & favour of the Governo'' & CounceU have sentence
onley to receive some Corporall punishment & also to be transported & sould into some of
y® Remoter Plantations from y* place where he committed j" fact. Tliese are to Impower
yo" when yo" shall have brought y" said Marcus Jacobs als y'' Long Finne to y" Barbadoes,
That yo" cause him to be sould for a Servant to y° best advantage for y^ space of Power
years or y" usuall tyme Servants are there sould at, & tliat y* make retorne of the
produce to this Forte, deducting y^ charges of his passage & oth'' necessary expenses
about him. And for so doing this shall be yo"" warr*. Given undr my hand at Fort
James in New Yorke this SS*.*" day of January 16f|.

January 26'? 16«|.
This day y* Long ffinne called Marcus Jacobsen was by warr* put on board M'
Cosseaus Ship called y* Fort Albany to be Transported & sould at y* Barbadoes according
to y° sentence of Court at Delaware for his attempting rebellion. He had beene a Prisoner
in y^ State house ever since y* 20'? day of Decemb'' last.

Kew York Historical Records. 473

Order extending the time for settling Chiepiessing on the
Delaware river, granted to John Berry and company.

This document has been abstracted from the Records in the office of the Secretary of State at Albany, N. Y. — B. F.

Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Capt. Carr, informing him of Dom"
Fabrioitjs' intention to remove to Delaware, and recommending
him to the Captain's attention.

The Governo" Lre to Capt" Carre concerning Mr. Jacobus Fabritius.
Capt° Carre.

Upon y° Request of Magister Jacobus Fabritius pastor of y* Lutheran Confession
comonly called y' Augustan who by the Dukes Lycence hath a Congregation here I
have graunted my Passe to him & his wife to goe to New Castle or any place in Delaware
Ryver. I pray show him all civill respect when he comes amongst yo" & take care he
receives no affront there & I p'sume he will comport himselfe w'" that CivilUty &
moderation so as to give no just occasion of offence to oth™. I am

Yo"' very Loving friend.
Fort James in New
York this 13'." day of
ApriU 1670.

Capt° Carre.

I doe recomend to yo° a suite w* y* Magisf will have there on behalfe of his wife.
She was y* widdow of Lucas Dircks van Bergh of this place who sould a house & Lott

at New Castle to Reyneer van Eyst whose widdow is now y' wife of Baroone.

There was formerly obtayned in execution ag* y" buyer of y'' house for non payment of
nyne hundred GuUd*^ y^ summ^'of w'='' it was sould besydes Coste, as will appeare upon
J" Recorde. I Doe think it just & seasonable that j" former execution be offered or
renewed so that y* persons concerned be no longer delayed fromy* receipt of their
moneys due to them.

April! yo ISt? 1670.

474 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Ordee confirming to Olle Olleson, Niels Nielsen, sen., and others,
A former patent for land on Verdrietiges Hook (Trinity Hook),
Del.

An Or* for Olle Olleson Niels Nielsen &c. to Enjoy y' benefit of what is graunted
to them in their Patent.
Upon y° Petition of Olle Olleson Neil Neilsen sen' & y° rest concerned in y^ Patent
graunted by my Predecessor Co" Richard Nicolls for each of them to have a Plantation w""
proporcon of meadow ground for Hay for their cattle on Verdrietiges or Trinity Hook at
Delaware, for y® w'='' they had a graunt before those parts were reduced to his Ma"'='
obedience, who complayne that M'' William Tom having by misinformation obteyned a
Patent for all that Marsh or meadow ground, whereon they had their proporcon, hath by
ord' of y" Co" at Delaware forbad them to cutt hay or to make bridges for their Cattle to
goe into that Marsh w*out his leave, y' w'^'' w'^out relief e will prove much to their
p'']udice. Having taken y* same into consideration I doe think fitt to order that y'' said
Olle Ollesen Niele Nielsen & y' rest in y« said Patent Exprest shall enjoy y* benefitt of what
is graunted them in their said Patent any Patent, graunt or ord'' of Court made in
favour of M'' Tom to y' contrary not w"" standing. Given under my hand at ffort James
in New Yorke this 16"^ day of May 1670.

Propositions made about the fortifications at Delaware, under

THE HANDS OF CaPTAIN CaRR AND THE REST OF THE HIGH COURT
THERE.

On the proposition made by the Hon"^ Capt. Carr to the Worshipful Council, that a
suitable place might be selected here at New-Castle, to erect some fortifications for times
of need and that another suitable place might be chosen above Christina Kil, which would
serve as retreat in times of need and should also be fortified.
It was resolved and answered :

1. That it was thought the market place, where the bell hangs, was the most
convenient place in New-Castle to erect block-houses for defensive purposes and it was
resolved to give the order accordingly, provided that his Honor Captain Carr shall cede
forever the necessary ground thereto, without retaining any claim on it. As to the
expenses and labor required for the aforesaid fortifications and blockhouse, the citizens
of New-Castle are first to advance money, each according to his means and position, to
pay the laborers, provided that inhabitants of this district, able to do all such work, shaU
be held to assist in the work, as occasion may require.

2. Concerning the fortifications above, the matter is left to the discretion of the
people there, to choose the most convenient place or places for the defense.

3. AU however with this understanding, that, of no war breaks out with the natives,
which Grod may prevent, the said houses shaU be used for the public service, as Council
house, prison and for other public purposes, while they may be used as such by the
whole river for a general and public account and expenses.

J\''ew York Historical Records.. 475

4. This resolution shall not be carried into effect without order of his Honor, the
General, but preparations may be made in secret, without arousing suspicion among the
natives. Thus done and resolved this 5'? of October 1670.

John Carr
Will Tom
H. Block
Israel Helm
The mark P [^ g of Peter Kambo
The mark X~y of Peter Kock.

F

Council Minutes. The customs at the Horekil, Del., to be abolished.

At a Councell y" 22°"' day of Octob. 1670.
Present
The Groveno""
Mr Mayo''
Mr Steenwyck
The Secretary.

Tlie Abollishm* of Customes at y^ Whore Kill to bee Ordered ; & a Letter written to
the Inhabitants in answ'' to their Peticon.

An Ord'' & Letf drawn up accordingly whereunto to bee referred (vide y° Records).

Delaware to be respited till Cap' Carrs Arrival. In mean time a Letf to be written
& sent by Peter Rarabo.

Order repealing an order concerning the customs duties at the
Horekil, Del.

An Abolition of a Late Or* for y^ Customes at y° Whorekill.
Whereas I Received a Petition from y* Inhabitants at y" Whorekill in Delaware Bay
wherein is represented unto me y* great Inconvenience of y^ late Imposition of 10 P.
Cent upon all furres & peltry exported from thence. The w"" hath no way redounded to
a publique good as was proposed, but on y° contrarye in Some short tyme might be
y^ occasion of y" losse of Trade there. Upon due & mature consideration had thereupon
by & with y* advice of my Councell & in compliance to y° Petition and request of y"
Inhabitants as well as for an encouragement unto them I have thought fitt to remitt &
abolish y® late ord'' for customes there. Giving and graunting unto them y* Same
priviledges & libertye they had formerly, provided it doth not extend to y* abuse of
selling too great quantityes of Liquors to y** Indians, nor any way to p''judice their
neighbo''' of New Castle upon w'='' place they are to have their dependance. Given und"' my
hand & sealed w'" y° seale of y* Province this 22°* day of Octob' in y° 22°'' yeare of his
Ma"™ Raigne Annoque Domini 1670.

476 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Capt. Carr, urging economy in the

PUBLIC expenses IN DELAWARE.

The Groverno" Lre to Capt" Carre.
Capt" Carre.

I hope all affayres stand now in a peaceable posture since I have not lately heard from
yo°. I have so amply instructed M7. Aldrich that at this tyme I know nothing to be
added ; in my last I intimated to yo° that yo" should contract yo'' expence occasioned by
y° late disord'' of y" Indians & now y^ Season of y^ winter approaching in w"^" there is no
danger of y' Indians molestation, I believe you may safely lessen y° charge in disbanding
those you last entertained & in y' Springe (if occasion be) take them on againe but I
doubt not, but by yo"' prudent management yo° wUl procure such reperations from y"
Indians as is Agreeable to y' Justice of their Crymes & his R. H. Hono'' & interest. If
it fall too difficult, I must then be forc't to give you a visitt & shall expect to be
directed by yo" what force may be requisite to bringe w'" me. But I hope there will be
no occasion, for such a voyage from hence will prove very smart to our little Incomes.
The messeng" suddaine departure makes me I cannot large'' expostulate on that Subject &
there fore still recomend it to yo' carefull management & so bidding you farewell till y*
winter frees you to aiford me a visitt I am

Yo'' loving friend

Fran. Lovelace.
New Yorke Nov""" 16">
1670.

Gegout is here & hath made a calculation of his Losses w'^" amounts to about 5000
GUd" but I believe he Reckons w"* out his Host — Therefore make a Strict inquirye into
y« matter lest he advancing y« Sume too high might make j" Indians desp''ate in y*
Rep''ation. Comend me kindly to Mr Tom & desire him to send me of y' best Tobacco
seed he hath, for I propose y* next Sumer to make a plantation of Tobacco. If yo° can
conveniently send me what Walnutt Beames yo° can for my Chimney pieces. Farewell.

Council Minute. Delaware matters.
At a Council &c Fort James Feb. 24'" 167^.
Present — the Governor

Mr. Mayo' )

Mr. Steenwyck [The Secretary

Business under consideration —
Delaware to be respited tUl Capt. Carr's arrival. In meantime a Letter to be written
& sent by Peter Rambo.

J^ew York Historical Records. 477

LeItee from Gov. Lovelace to the inhabitants of Delaware,
recommending caution in their dealings with the indians.

The Governo'' Lre to y^ Inhabitants of Delaware.
Gentlemen.
I Rec* y' Lre by M"" Rombout wherein you signifye to me y' Result yo" had w'" y*
Indians concerning y® murders of y° Xpians, in w"" you haue provided w"' moderation
sufficient, as far as both yo" intelligence & y° Complexion of all affaires then stood. I
haue forborne at this p'sent to send yo" a full determination Reserving that till y* Arivall
of Capt" Carre from whome I expect to receiue more light than hither to I haue receiued to
guide me by. In y^ meane tyme I recommend y' affaire to your Vigilant & prudent
Managery. In w"" I cannot omitt to mynde yo" that not oiiely you'' owne safetye but y^
house of my Regall Master & own Nation is so nearly concerned in y° Recomending yo"
to y° protection of y® Almighty, I remaine yo'' Loving friend

F. L.
Sent by Peter Rombout of Delaware
29* Feb-- 167f.

Council Minute. Delaware affairs, viz. : Indian murders, settlement
OF Apoqueminy and Bombay Hook.

At a CounceU held in the fforte Apr. 15"" 1671.
Pres'
The Governo"'
Mr Mayo"'
M'' Steenwyck
The Secretary.

Delaware Busyness taken into consideracon Capt Carr being present.

About y* murd"' Committed by y^ Indyans.

About selling Strong Drink to y^ Indyans.

About y° murderers, they are known, but for the present not thought convenient to
prosecute to the utmost.

Capt. Carr relates of y^ desire of many ffamilyes to come & settle below New Castle
at Apoquiminy & Bombys Hook ; To be considered of.

The most Eminent amongst them are one M'' Jones, M^ Wharton, M"" Whale.

A Letf is Ordered to bee written to treat with some of them about their Settlement.

478 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

An Act for explanation of one Clause in an Act Intituled an
Act prohibiting t" Importation op All Horses Maires Geldings

AND COALTS INTO THIS PkOVINCE WITH AN AdDICON & AMENDMENT
THEREIN.

Whereas at y' first Sessions of this present Assembly held at S? Mary's the 2T? day of

March In y° 39'" Yeare of y° Dominion of Annoque Dom : 1671 there continued

untill 19'?' day of AprUl then next following for divers Reasons & Consideracon toy° Right
Hon'"° ye Lord Proprietary of this.Province y= vper and Lowaer house of y* said Assembly
Appearing it was Ordered and Inacted by j" said Lord Proprietary by & with y' Advise
and Consent of y* vper and Loware house of this said Assembly & by y' Authority
of the same that noe person, no persons whatsoever from Affter y^ end of this Assembly
shall import or bring into this Province by Sea or Land any Horses or Geldings mares or
Coalts from any furraigene Parts whatsoever vpon y^ Penalty of forfeating all such
horses, Gelding mares Coalts Soe by him or them Imported or brought as aforesaid or the
full valine thereof halfe to y^ Lord Proprietaiy, Y" other halfe to y" Informer or by him
or them that shall seaze y^ same to be recovered in any Courtt of Record within this

Province by bill, Plaint or Informacon wherein noe Protection or wayes of Lawe

to be Alowed. This Act to continue for three yeares or to y° end of y° next Gen"
Assembly which shall first be & for that his Excellency Charles Calvert Esquire Capt.

Gen! and Governor of this Province and y'= said Lord Prop"''' was pleased to prorogue

y* said Assembly vutill y" tenth Insten October and not to disolve y'^ same and for

doubts and Scruples hath since y* p''rogation of y"' said Assembly Are like

to Arise in this Province amongst divers of y* Inhabitants Thereof touching the
time when y^ said Acte should comence and Begin to be in force and for that
severall Nombers and Comp= of horse have beene since y° Prerogation of y* said
Assembly Imported and brought into this Province whereas at the makeing of this
said Lawe it was then Intended of y° vpper and Lower house of y* said Assembly
that y* said Acte should Comence and Begin to be in force at y' day of y® end of that
Sessions (viz) 19'? day of Aprill in y^ 39'." yeare of his Lordships Dominion over this
Province Annoque Dom : 1671 Therefore for y^ full explenation as well as y" said Acte
as all other Lawes then made and enacted at y'' foresaid Sessions of Assembly, it is hereby
Enacted : be it Enacted by y" Right Hon"'' y'= Lord Prop"^ by & with y* Advice and
Consent of y^ Vpper and Loware house this p''sent Gen" Assembly that all and every of
y' foresaid Actes to commence from y' time therein Limitted as Allsoe Exsept any Actes
made Last Sessions of Assembley and by Acte of this Present Sessions Repelled And bee
it further Enacted by y^ Authority aforesaid that all such horses Gelding mares & Coalts
AUready & since that Acte Imported or that shalbe here Ailter Imported Into this
Province, Contrary to j" Intent and Meaneing of y" said Acte Shalbe forfeted as fore
Said In whose Possesion soever y" same Shalbe found or seazed. It is hereby further
Enacted and ordered by y^ Authority aforesaid that Every Justice of y* Peace in his
Respective County as Allsoe Any Justice of y* Peace of any Citty Towne Borow or
Corporation with there Limitts & prsenctes are hereby Impowered to Issue furth his
or ther warr' of seissure of all such horses mares Gelding or Coalts as shalbe soe Imported
when therevnto Requiered by him or them that shall Informe any of y* said Justices of

Kew York HistoHcal Records. 479

y® same hereby further Requiering y" said Justices of y® Peace Binde such Informer in a
Penyall Bonde of Bubble y^ Vallue of y" foresaid horse mares Gelding Coalts to sue &
Present y° same at y* next County Courtt or of j" Citty Towne Borugh or Corporation
where such Seasure shalbe made and is Likewise Ordered and Enacted by y" Authority
aforesaid that y*^ Com"" of y^ Respective County Courtts of y° Justices of y'' Citty Towne
or Burogh Corporation within this Province are hereby Impowered and Authorized to
Judge and determine of all offences ag? this Acte Comitted Not withstanding any
Limitacon in their Comissions Expressed and delivered. Bee it AUsoe Enacted that y"
aforesaid halfe part shal be to him or them that shall inform and Seaze of y° same Anything
in y* foresaid Lawe to the contrary notwithstanding and Bee it further Enacted and
ordained by y^ Authority aforesaid that y'= s* Acte made at y'' Sessions of the Assembly
with all y^ aforesaid Clauses Explenation and Amendm' to be Continued In force for y^
terme of three yeares or to y* end of the next Sessions or Assembly which shall first
happen.

Vera Copia :

Will Osbourne.

Council Minute. Horekil, Del., affairs, viz.: The purchase of
THE Horekil from the Indians, made by the Dutch, to be

RECORDED.

At a Councell held in y<= Fort May 18'." 1671.
Present
The Goveno""
Mr Mayo"'
Mr Steenwyck
The Secretary.

Capt. Criegers Busyness about y^ Whore-kill.

The Purchase of y^ Whore-kill by y° Dutch to bee Recorded.

About y" Mill Stones there to be as they desire.

A Lyst of y° Inhabitants.

A Relation from thence of y" Losse of Jan de Capres Sloope that the Sloope was cast
away, & the Men drowned, not destroyed by the Indyans.

An Examinacon made at y^ Whore kill by Cap? Crieger, and y^ Answer upon it.
Together w"' 3 papers brought by Cap* Carr concerning it.

The Relation about Jan De Capres Sloope being taken into Consideration, as it is
sett forth in the Papers by Capt Crieger produc't. In regard of y'= Uncertainty of ye
manner of that Disaster, & where certainly it befell, whither in these his Royall Highness
Dominions or in Maryland. However It is Ordered, that a Letter bee sent to y° Goveno''
of Mary Land, to know what their Opinion is hereupon ; but for some time to suspend
the sending it, some persons being expected from thence suddenly who may give farther
light herein.

The other Matt" from y" Whore Kill well approved of.

480 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Propositions on behalf op the town of New Castle, in Delaware,
FROM Mr. Tom.
To the Right Hon'"^

1. Here is a Towne erected w'^'' is the Sthrength for the river.

2. it has beene studyed by o'' neighbors of Maryland to doe the same but could not
attaque.

3. if o"' neighbors are so desirous, then necessary,

4. if good, then incouragement.

5. the way to in courage is that noe skiper passe aboue this Towne to handle w"" the
inhabitants.

1. for what before war had to be brought here is delivered aboue and w' debts is due
us can not be receaved for that they come not below.

2. then iipon necessity the place must be forsaken and noe man left to make resistance
ag' the Indians having noe profitt and must another way out of the land w"^ will breake
the Towne and if so every man must stand vpon his owne guarde single w'^out any
assistance, w"='' if the Towne had any incourage' war able to defend the whole river or at
least themselves but the sloopes going vp and selling drinks by the small measeaure and
receiving there ready paym* and w"' furnishing w* ther petty wares by there doores gette
themselves an advantage to o"' mine w* if permitted every man may doe the like and then
his Roy. Highness may w'" cost make another Towne of defense.

A query of Mr. Tom's to be resolved oonoebning the tenure of the
LAND at Delaware.

To know by what tenure wee hold o"' land not being expressed in o'' patente.
In common soccage as the
Duke holds his, as of the manor of
East Greenwich.

Proposals from Capt. Carr to the Governor and Council, touching

THE TOWN OF NeW-CASTLE AND PLANTATIONS IN DELAWARE RIVER.

Some matters to be tendred to the consideracon of his Hon'' y^ Governo' &
his CounceU touching y° towne of New-Castle & Plantacons in Delaware
River now und"" his R. H? Protection & Government.

That y« Towne of New Castle being y^ strength of y' Riv'' & only capable to defend

it selfe against y' suddain Violence & Incursion of y° Indians, It's humbly left to

consideracon whether y" inhabitants should not have some more than ordinary

Granted Encouragement. As first, That a Block House may be erected in some

convenient Place of y* towne, where a constant Watch may be kept (now y"

Kew York. Historical Records. 481

fforte, is fallen to ruine & decay, for the comon Defense ; the w"" will cost noe great Matt'
& may be risen at ye charge & Expense of y' Inhabit^ of y* Towne, & Plantations upon j"
Rv"", who will not be backwards (if any Order shall be issued forth for it) in contributing
towards y" same.

2"' That noe Sloope or Vessell from this or any other place comeing to tratfick or trade
there be permitted to goe up j^ River above ye Towne (w<='' hath of late been only tolerated),
for that it will probably be y" ruin of y* place, if continued, all Trade deserting
NoTto^frade. them ; and those that goe up receiving ready payment in Peltry or Corne for
Their Liquo" w*^" they sell by Retaile with y' small Measure or for their- petty
Wares, y* Inhabitants can neither be paid for what formerly hath been due to them,
nor shall be capable of getting a Livelyhood hereafter.

3''' That j^ distilling of Strong Liquo^ out of Corne being y^ Cause of a great
Consumption of that Graine, as also of y* Debauchery & Idleness of y' Inhabitants, from
whence inevitably must follow their Poverty & Ruine, bee absolutely prohibited or
restrayned.

4"' That y^ Number of Victuall" or Tappers of strong Drink be ascertained, That is to

say. Three only for y° Towne & some few up y" River, who y^ Offic" shall thinke

fitt to approve of & noe more then will be found convenient, who may have

Lycense to doe y^ same ; whereby disorders will be prevented & Travell" have betf

Accomodacon.

5"' That Constables may be appointed to keep y® King's Peace, who shall have Staves

w"' y^ Kings Armes upon them, as is practiced in y^ Rest of these his Royall

Highness Dominions.

6''' That they may have y* Kings armes to be sett up in their Courts of

Graunted. Indicature, as well as on y" Staves, the w*^" they will bee at y° charge of

themselves.

T^ That what Land y'' Oflic" there have made Grants of for new Plantacons (being
waste unplanted land) & ye w'^'' they had Encoui'agem' to doe by yo'' Hon" Predeceso'' &
never had Order to y* contrary, may be confirmed, there being generally Care had for a
Moderacon therein.

8''' That severall Ord™ past at and about y^ time of y^ Tryall of y® Long ffinn as well

about Publique Charges, as y* Whore-Kills haveing Offic™ subordinate to those

of New Castle, as also for clearing y" High wayes, maintaining flfences &

other matt" relateing to ye Well-Governmt of that place be reinforced by yo'' Hono'

approbacon.

9"' That whereas their Neighbo" of Maryland have made offer to cleare y° one halfe

of y® way between Mr Augustine Harmens Plantacon & y® Towne of New

Castle an Order may be issued forth that those of Delaware should cleare y'

other halfe next to them y* w'^" will be noe great Labour or Charge, & may prove of great

use & Benefit for Travelling & Commerce.

lO's" That some Person may be appointed & sworne at y° Tovrae of New Castle to be

, , Corne Meeter, who may not only see y" Corne duly measured, but prevent

the law in sending thereof abroad for fowle, by ordering it to be well cleansed ; And

t at case at ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^.^ Office" have an Inspection & doe View their Beefe & Pork

that it be well packt & merchantable.

61

482 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

W^ That there being a Mill, or most (if not all) the Appertenances thereunto
Graunted the belongins;, np Delaware River at y^ Carcoons Hooke w"'" did heretofore

spare mill -r-.. „ •-. -,,

stones appertaine to y* Publique & now is endeavoured to be engrossed by some

to iSTet and particular persons for their private use ; It may be recommended to be taken
the profit to in^Q ]jjg Royall Higliuess, or his Deputyes hands ; by w'^" some Benefitt will
public unta accrew, & being kept in good Repaire will be of a publique and Gen" Good to
orderr je Inhabitants.

12"^ That no Quantityes of Liquo" be sold to y' Indyans under a quarter of an
Ancker, halfe, or a whole ancker.

13'^ That y® Houses in j" fforte being soe greatly decayed, as they cannot stand

long, their Tiles, Brick, Iron, or other Materialls may be taken downe in
Graunted. . ° ,■■,-,-,■ -rr

time & preserved for ye building a new House m their Roome, when

opportunity permits.

That they may be acquainted by what tenure they hold their lands.

Answer of the Goveenor and Council to the proposals from Capt.
Carr.
At a Councell held at
Forte James in New Yorke
y« 14th day of June in y* 23*
yeare of his Ma'"*' Reigne
Annoque Dm. 1671.

In answer to y" Proposalls delivered in by Captaine John Carr y^ Governo'' & Councell
doe give their Recolucons as foUoweth, viz'

1. As to y° first Branch y" Inhabitants of y^ Towne of New Castle may assure
themselves of all due Encouragement. And what is proposed as to y* Erecting of a
Block House for their Com on Defence, its very well apjiroved of. The OfRc" there being
hereby Authorized to prosecute that Designe, by enjoying y* Inhabitants, and others
concerned to goe on and finish y^ same.

2. The second Proposall is likewise granted That noe VesseU shall be permitted to
goe up y" River about New-Castle to Traffick, but that y' former Ord""' made to y* contrary
be putt in execution.

3. To y' 3* It' s Ordered that noe person in Delaware shall be permitted to distill
Liquo" but such as give in their Names to y' Officers at New Castle, from whom they
shall have License soe to doe, and also that such Distillers shall pay or cause to be paid
one guilder per can for all Strong Liquo", that they shall distill, the w"'" shall goe
towards y° reparacon of y' New Block House, or flforte or some other publique Work.

As to what is proposed in y" 4'" & 5'" and 6'" y^ Governo"' & Councell have also granted
what is therein desired.

7. To y'' 7"' y'^ Governo"" doth aUow of all such Grants as y' Officers at Delaware have
already past, and doth Order that those now p-'sented by Captaine Carr and M" Wharton
have Patents of Confirmacon, upon y« same Termes and Condicons as y° rest of y' Plant"

JVew York Historical Records. 483

in Delaware River under his Royall Highness Protection doe enjoy their Land, with this
condicon that each Planter shall be obliged to settle upon y° Land for w"" they have
Patents in some convenient time to be appointed for y^ same ; and likewise that they
maintaine a House Lott in y° Towne or Townes intended to be Erected for their mutual
defence to y* w"" they shall be nearest related

And for y^ future It's expected before any Grant be absolutely made there by y*
Officers that y* desire of all such Persons who are willing to take up Land, together w""
y° quantity thereof be first Transmitted to y' Governo'' here, who as hee shall see Cause
will issue forth an Order to y« Surveyo"" there to make a survey thereof, the w'^" being-
certified, they may have Patents of Confirmacon for ye same. In ye meantime y* Offic'^
are to give Encouragem' to any such Persons, who shall make applicacons unto them for
Land, who may with all be acquainted vdth this Order.

8. To y^ 8'? It is consented unto, That those Ord™ made at y^ time of y" TryaU of
y" Long Fin, at New Castle doe stand good, and y^ Offic™ there are to cause them to bee
putt in execucon. But with all they are to return hither a Duplicate thereof, where by
it may y* better be adjugded how long time they may bee practicable.

9. To y' 9* About clearing y* way between New Castle & M"' Augustine Hermans
Plantacon, if those of Maiy Land are willing to doe their parte. The Offic" at New
Castle are here by empowered to enjoyne y^ Inhabitants at Delaware likewise to cleare
their proporcon.

10. The 10'? Proposall is found very convenient. It being consonant to y"' Lawes
of y^ governm' w'='' in that case ought to be attended, & y" Offic" there are authorized to
Bee it putt in practice.

11. As to y* 11'? concerning y° Mill, as also one paire of Millstones not used but
lying in y^ Mud or Water, It is ordered that care be taken for y^ Letting out y* said Mill
for y* best advantage to some person who will undertake y'' same & that y® proffitt thereof
be reserved foi y* publiqe, & for y^ Millstones not used, They are to be taken up and
p''served tUl further OrdT.

12. To y° 12'." for selling Liquo"" or Strong Drinke to ye Indyans, It's left to y*
discretion of y* Officers there to doe therein as shall be thought most convenient.

13. To y^ 13'? It is left to y« care of y« Capt° Carr & y« rest of y« Offic"^ in New
Castle to see that the Materialls in y" Porte be p''served in y' best manner they shall
thinke fitt, who have likewise Liberty to dispose of such of them towards y° Erecting of
y° New fi'orte or Block house as there shall be occasion.

14. Lastly as to y^ tenure of y^ Land at Delaware, It is to be held in free & comon
Soccage as his Roy" Highness by his Ma'"» Patent holds all his Territoryes in America,
that is to say according to y" Custome of j" Manno'' of East Greenw'^'', only w'" this
Provisoe that they likewise pay y^ Quitt Rents, reserved in their severaU Patents as an
Acknowledgm' to his Royall Highness.

484 Colonial Settlements on the Delcvware River.

Council Minute. Order Regulating the distilling of liquor at
New-Castle, Del., and Concerning settlements at Horekil.

At a Councell held at ffort James j" 14'" June 1671.
Present
The Goveno"'
Mr Mayo''
Mr Steenwyck
The Secretary.

The Busyness under consideracon are the Matters at New Castle and the Whore Kill.

About New Castle, It was Ordered that no person in Delaware bee permitted to distill
there, but such as give in their names to the Officers at New Castle, & from them to
receive Licences ; and that they pay one guilder Seaw' P. Cann for all that they shall
distill, w'=" shall go towards the reparation of y'^ New Block House or ffort.

About y* Whore Kill, It was Ordered, That what is past or granted there, bee
confirmed upon the same conditions as the rest of y^ Land with this Provisoe That each
Planter bee Obliged to settle upon the Land & that each Person be enjoyned to settle a
House in a Towne to bee appointed neare them.

The 12'" to bee referred to y' same consideration with the distilling.

Council Minute. Indian murders at Matiniconck Island, Del.

At a Councell held at Fort James Sept. 25, 1671.
Present
The Governo'' ]

MrMayo^ I of New York.

W. Sheenwyck

The Secretary J

Governo"' PhUip Carterett ) » -|^

Cap' James Carterett j

The Occasion of y^ Present Meeting is the Letf brought from W. Toms by Peter
Alricks about the Murder of two Christians (Dutch Men) killed by some Indyans, at the
Island Matiniconck in Delaware River.

Peter ALricks being p''sent relates what is to y' Truth of the Murder upon w<^" hee is
examined. Hee saith the whole Nation of the Indyans of whom these Murderers are,
consists of about 50 or 60 persons. All the Mischeifs committed in Delaware these 7
yeares by Murder and otherwise, are said to be done by them.

The Indyans their Confederates (as it's supposed they will bee if a Warr follow) with
this Nation of the Mivderers, may bee about a thousand persons besides AVomen and
Children.

The Names of the two Murderers, are Tashiowycam & Wywannattamo.

Mew York Historical Records. 485

Peter Alricks declares, That two of y* Saggamores of the Nation of the Murderers,
promised theii- best Assistance to bring in the Murderers, or to procure them to bee knockt
it'h Head, if it miglit be allowed by the Governor.

Many other Indyans that he mett upon the Road did very much disallow y° murd"' &
were very sorry for it, & offered their Assistance against them likewise, only the Difficulty
was, that there were seven of these Indyans, Men of the Same Stock, that if the two
should be seized, the other five would seek to bee Revenged ; soe it was unsafe.

Divers other Discourses between him & the Indyans he related as to this matter.

The Proposall to have y^ Murderers destroyed was to cause a Kinticoy to bee held, &
in the midst of their Mirth, That then one should be hired to knock him i'the head. This
by the Sachem.

Peter Alricks saith : The proper time to sett upon this Nation of the Murderers is
within a Month from this time, for after they'l breake off their keeping together in a
Towne, & goe a hunting, soe bee separated & not to bee found, but now the danger is of
theii- destroying the Corne and Cattle of the Christians.

The Occasion of y'= Murther is said to bee that Tashiowycans Sister dying, hee exprest

great Grief e for it, & said The Manetto hath kill'd my Sister & I will go & kill the

Christians, Soe taking another with him hee went & executed this Bai-barous ffact.

Lbb from y* Goveno" to M? Toji at Delaware Septem 26™ 1671.
Mr Tom.

I received yo"" Letf of y^ 15'f of September 1671 by Hendrick Loaper, wherein you
give me an Acct. of the Barbarous Murder of y'= two Christians on Matinicock Island by
y^ Neighbour Indyans. I must confess I was much startled at y^ Narrative, and
j" rather in regard Capt Carr had given mee lately soe full an Assurance, that all things
between yo" and y^ Indyans were so firmely settled, that there was hardly any Roome left
for any Distrust or Jealousy of them, betwixt you and them ; Much lesse that soe
suddenly after they should breake out into these unheard of Crueltyes & viUanous Murth'
w'^" as their Crimes have not Paralell, soe I am assured y^ vengeance of God will never
forsake us, till wee avenge y^ Blood of y® Innocent on y* contrivers heads ; Had my
Directions been bravely & vigorously followed by you in the last sad Accident, I doubt
not but it would have p'vented this ; & I pray God this sin be not laid now to your
charge. I shall by this Conveyance Transmitt but little to you in regard 1 know not how
and when it may arrive you, but I reserve my more ample Instructions, w"" I will send
by Peter Alrick, who To-morrow will Imbarque in Tom the Irishman ; However if this
arrives you first I would have you to pretermit noe time, but to bethink how a Warr may be
prosecuted on those Villaines ; And in regard it will require some time, till all Things be
brought in Order to y^ best Advantage of Compassing our Designe. I think it requisite
that all y^ ffrontier Scattering Plantacons be ordered immediately to thrash out or remove
all their Corne, as likewise their Cattle, that soe they may receive y'' less Damage by the
Effects of y^ Warr w'^" will ensue. Next that none (on paine of Death) presume to sell
any Powder, shott, or Strong waters to y'' Indyans, and that in y* meane time you carry

486 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

(if practicable) a seeming Complacency with that Nation by either Treaty or Traffick, that
see they may have y^ less mistrust of our intended Designs ; but if it can be see contrived
that that Nation will either Deliver up y^ Murtherers to you, or theii- Heads you have
then Liberty to assure that Nation of noe Disturbance till I am acquainted there w"' ; The
Governo'' of New Jersey & Capt. James Carterett are acquainted w'" all o'' Resolucons,
who this Day repaires from hence to his own Government to settle all Things in Order to
y" bringing those Villaines to condigne Punishm' hee is very hearty & Zealous in that
Affaire ; & I am assured wee may depend on a handsome & considerable Supply &
Assistance from him ; I charge you lett mee heare from you on all immergent Occasions,
and bethinke yo' selfes of y' prosecuting of a warr, and therefore make y* best preparacons
in Order to it ; If a good Worke were throwne about Matinicock House, and that
strengthened w"" a considerable Guard, It would be an admirable Frontier ; and from
thence wee might proceed to an execucon when all Things are in readyness there unto.
I am sorry to heare Capt. Carr is soe ill as you relate him ; I hope hee may in some
reasonable time recover strength enough to follow this Affaire ; w''" if at this time I had
not soe many different and considerable Affaires to Dispatch, you should not have
receiv'd a Letter from mee, but my own person.

I have nothing more at p'sent to Add, but to assure you that I am

Yo'' very Affectionate Friend

Fran. Lovelace.

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 MEANS ; ORDERS FOR
THE SAFETY OP THE INHABITANTS AGAINST INDIAN OUTRAGES.

At a Councell held by Mutuall Agreement
at Elizabeth Towne in New Jersey by j".
Governo'' of his Royall Highness Territoryes
& j" Governo"' under the Lords Proprietors of
the Province of New Jersey yf 7^." day of
November in y? 23"" yeare of his Ma*''=° Reigne
Annoque Domini 1671.
Pres' — Governo'' Lovelace

Gov. Carterett

Mr. Steenwyck

Mr. Tho : Lovelace

Capt. Berry

MT De La Praire

Mr. Pardon

Mr. NicoUs.

"V pon serious and mature Consideration of what hath been returned by the Officers
of Delaware in Answer to the late Ord'' sent thither, concerning the Barbarous Mui'der

Mew Yorh Historical Records. 487

committed by some Indyans on the East side of that River upon two Christians at
Matiniconck Island, It is resolved and Concluded upon as follows :

Inp"". That this present Season of y<= yeare is not a fitting time to Commence a Warr
with ye Indyans, who shall take part with the murderers, as well for the Reasons
given in Writing from y." Offic" at Delaware as for other Causes debated in Councell ;
808 that the p''sent intended Expedition thither is deferred untill a more convenient
Opportunity.

That in the meane time all Endeavo™ bee used by persons in Authority in Delaware to
have the Murder" brought in either dead or alive ; ffor the accomplishing whereof, if any
Reward shall bee proposed or promised by the s* Offic" for the bringing them in, the
same shall be punctually made good. And for that may soe happen that the Malefacto'
by some Strategem or otherwise may bee taken alive, a Commission shall forthwith be
granted by his Royall Highness Governo'' & herew'" sent empowering and Authorizing the
OflBc" and Magistrates, who shall therein bee named, to bring them to Condign
Punishment by putting y* said Murder" to Death in the most Publick and shameful
manner that may bee, soe to strike a terrour & Consternation in the rest of y^ Indyans,
who shall see or heare of the same.

3. Whereas some Resolutions & Ord" have been lately made at Delaware of their
Intentions to retire into Townes for their better safety and security against the
Indyans in case of a Warre, y" said Resolutions are very well approved of ; And it
is Ordered, That at their best & soonest Convenience they bee putt in Execution
accordingly.

4. The like Resolucon proposed as to Matinicock, It being a ffrontier Place, it
is also allowed and approved of ; & shall bee done at the first Convenient time &

5. It is also Ordered, That the Inhabitants at New-Castle & parts adjacent upon
Delaware River bee digested into severall Companyes as j" Townes and number of Men
will permitt ; & upon returne of the Names of the Officers, that shall be chosen amongst
them to have the Command of such Companyes they shall have Commissions for their
respective Employments under his Ma'"'" Obedience. In the meane time those Officers,
that shall bee chosen, are to Act & proceed w*." Allowance, till they bee confirmed.

6. That every Person that can bear Arms from 16 to 60 years of Age, bee allways
provided with a Convenient proportion of Powder & BuUett fitt for Service, and their
mutuall Defence, upon a penalty for their neglect herein to be imposed by the
Commission Officers in Command according to Law.

7. That y^ quantity or proportion of Powder & Shott to bee adjudged competent for
each person bee at least one pound of Powd'' & two pound of Bullett. And if the
Inhabitants in the River shall not bee found sufficiently provided w'" for Armes, his
Royall Highness Governo"' is willing to furnish them out of the Magazine or Stores,
they being accomptable & paying for what they shall receive to the Governour or his
Ordre.

8. That the Places, where the Towne-ships upon y' River shall bee kept, bee
appointed & Agreed upon by the Schout, Commissaryes and the rest of y* offic" there
according to their Proposall sent, as also where the Block-Houses & Places of Defence
ehaU bee erected as well in the Towne as in the River.

488 Colojiial Settlements on the Delaware River

9 That all former Prohibitions of selling Powder & Ammunition to the Indyans
under what penalty soever be suspended or left to the discretion of the Officers, as they
shall see Occasion untill further Order.

10. That noe Corne or Provisions bee transported out of Delaware, unless that which
is already on board or intended to bee shipt in y' Sloope of Thomas Lewis (now in that
River) for y" w'^" hee shall have a special License or Permitt, untill further Order.

11. That y"' Offic" & Magistrates at Delaware bee hereby Empowered & Authorised
to treat with the Neighbour Indyans of the Susquehanas or others to joyne together
against j" Murder" & such as shall harbour them or take their part, if Occasion shall
require, & to promise them such Eeward as they shall think fitt. Provided it bee done
with great Privacy & Caution, soe that noe sudden Jealousy bee given to the Persons
intended to bee prosecuted or their Confederates.

12. And Lastly that the afore-recited Officers & Magistrates upon all emergent
Occasions doe take Care by all Means, that shall present, as well as by Expresses, to give
an Acco' hither of what from time to time shall happen there in relation to this matter,
w'='' said Expresses & Messengers shall be well & duely satisfyed for their paines and
troubles.

Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Captain Carr at New-Castle, chiding

HIM FOE HIS remissness IN THE INDIAN MURDER CASE.

Lre from y^ Governo'' to Capt. Carr at Delaware, Dated Novemb' 9*." 1671.
Capt. Carr.

The backwardness of j" Inhabitants in Delaware has putt a stop to y'' forwardness
of those in New Jersey, who were ready w'" a handsome Party to have stept in y^ Works
to bring ye Murderers to condigne punishm'. And truely I was much ashamed to see
such an Infant Plantacon to oiitstrip us, who should have been rather an Example, to
others then to follow them ; especially having ye Countenance of a Garryson to Boote,
and you y° principaU Officer ! What Ace' I shall give to his Royall Highness of this
remissness I know not, other, but to lay y° blame where it justly is due ; ffor, you to
receive y' Dukes pay constantly, and j" appearance of Souldyers, and to lett y* Forte
runn so miserably to Decay, and not employing them in y^ reparacons, when they did
noe Duty is but just a perfect Rent Charge to ye Duke ; ffor it is not reasonable that his
R : H? should bee at that Charge, only to aUow you a Sallary and Souldyers, and no
ffruits appeare of their Labour and Industry ; Tis otherwise soe at Albany, w'='' Garryson
in no respect exceeds yo", andyett Salisbury w"' his Men have made shift to refortify that
place very secure ; Besides y* Inhabitants not so much as digested into any Military
fforme, nor halfe of them armed, though you have had annually Monito" of y" Murthers
committed on yo'' Inhabitants : Believe me. This remissness will one day be called upon ;
and how you will Answer it, you best know, though I feare.

What hath now been concluded on wUl be brought to you by Peter Aldi'ick, to w""
expect a punctuall Complyance at yo"' perrill. I intend early in ye spring to be w'" you,
by w'^'" time I hope j'ou will contrive it soe, that y^ Murderers may be brought in dead or
alive, and likewise y* former Murtherers of the Woman and Children at y» Parde Hooke ;

J^ew York Historical Records. 489

SomethiDg must be done considerably to wipe off that stayne of yo' Remissness, or I
cannot now determine what penaltjes may ensue ; I have both formerly and now
Transmitted all y* Insolency of y® Indyans to his R : H? whose answ"' I expect, till when
I say noe more on that subject, I am,

Fort James j" Yo"" Loveing Friend

10'? November Fk : Lovelace.

1671

My Love to all o' Friends.

A SECOND PlACATT CONCERNING STRANG^ GOING OUT OF THIS GOVERNMENT.

Where as Comp*.' hath been made unto mee That diverse Strang''.^ coming into this
Porte, for theu- Accomodacon on Shoare, doe runn in Debt to severall of y" Inhabitants
of this City, as well for Goods w'^" they sometimes Contract for and receive, as for Meat,
Drinck, and Lodging ; Making faire Promises of paym? upon p''tence of having Moneys
due unto them, or upon p"'sumption That they themselves are capable of giving satisfaction,
but having Intent to deceive their Credito":' many of them doe privily with di'aw
Themselves, and upon a suddaine are Transported out of y^ Government to y^ great loss
and Discouragem', of such as keep publique Houses and Detriment of all others Concerned ;
These are strictly to require and enjoyne. That noe Command^ Master or other Person,
who hath Charge of any Ship, Vessell, Sloope, or Boate, that shall come to an Anchor
within this Porte shall receive any Person on board, but such as doe really (and Bona
fide) belong unto their Ship, Vessell, Sloope, or Boate, to Transporte them out of the
Governm' without a sufficient Pass-porte ; And if it shall soe happen. That any Comand'
of Ship, Vessell, Sloope, or Boate having occasion, or upon p''tence thereof doe, Ship on
Board have any Seaman, or other Person to doe that Service without a Pass-porte, or
affixing the Names of such Persons They shall soe Ship, one weeke at least before his or
their Departure out of this Porte upon y« Weigh House at y" Bridge in this City ; That
such Command^ Master or other person p''suming soe to doe shall forfeit y* Sume of
Ten pounds. And if any person or persons after this Notice given shall not give
Obedience hereunto, y" said Person or Persons or y« Ship, Vessell, Sloope, or Boate soe
transgressing, whensoever They shall arrive here againe, shall bee lyable to make paym'
of y^ Sume afore menconed, with such Damage and Charges for y" Contempt as shall be
adjudged requisite by y° Governo'' and CounceU. Given und'' my Hand at Forte James
in New-Yorke the 13'." day of Novembr in y' 23'." yeare of his Ma"^' Reigne Annoque
Domini 1671.

Fran : Lovelace.

490 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

An Account of such quit-rents as are due and payable by the
several persons herein named in delaware.

Patents date. Bushels.

March 24, 1669 Jurian Janse 1

Mar 25, 1669 Jacob vander Veelde 2

Mar 25,1668 Hans Block 2

Mar 25 1669 Gerrit Sanderson 2

Mar 26 1669 Jan Sybrantse

Mar 26 1669 Evert Gerritson

Ditto Die Paulus Jaquet

April 5 1669 Herman Reyners

Ditto Nealson Laura

May 25 1669 011a Towson

Ditto Bernard Eken

Ditto Die Ditto

July 29^?1669 WiU Tom

Ditto Will Tom

Sept 1 1669 Cbarles ffloyd & John Henry

Jan 1 1667 Capt. John Carre. . . ,

Ditto Peter Andreas

Ditto Thomas Woolaston

Ditto John Erskin, Tho. Browne & Mars Gerritt 5

Ditto. George Whale & Geo. Moore 2

Ditto . Andrew Carre 1

Janry 1 1669 Thos. Wollaston, Jas. Crawford, Herman & Gerard Otto 3

July 15'" 1669 Capt. John CaiTe 2

Jan. 1 1669 Robt. Ashman, Jn. Ashman, Tho. Jacobs &c 10

46

Wheat.

June 10 1668 Israel Helme 1

June 15 1669 Tuffro Popegay 1

Ditto " " Israel Helme Hendwick Jacob &c 4

June 22 1665 Renier Renierse 1

15 1669 Sam." Edsall 5

1669 Hans Brones 2

1665 Thos. Wollaston, Jn Ogh, Jan Handwick &c 5

Paulus Dux & wife 1

1665 Thomas Jackson and Wolley Poulston 3

Juriaen Jansen 1

Mattys Escholsen 1

Will Tom at gr whorekill 2

Aug 1" 65 Juriaen Keen 4

Aug 6 65 James Sandylands 2

Mew York, Historical Records.

491

Patents date.
Sept 5, 69

Nov. 14, 65
Ditto

Mar. — 1665
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto

Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto

Wheat

D" La wren thy Carolly 1

Andries Mataen 1

Hanse Picters 1

Jan Erickse 1

Olle Laersen ]

Hendrick Claesen ]

Pieter Ollesen

Paul Pouson 1

Mattys Jansen 1

Paul Laersen 1

Juriaen Jansen 1

Another Paten to those 5 persons 2

Jan Sybrantse

Evert Gertse

Andries Andriese, Synick Broons &c.

Pieter Eambo

Andries Andriesen & comp*

John Askud

Hanse Bones

Andrew Carre

Tho. WoUaston

Octobei

• 1 1669

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

November 5' 69

Ditto

May

14'? 69

May

l&h 69

June

6 1670

June

13 '70

Ditto

May

25'.'! 1670

Aug.

11*" 1670

Apr.

2 1670

Aug

16 1670

Ditto

Aug.

14 1671

B. Wheat.

John Askud 2

Robert Scott, John Marshall &c 4

Thof Jackson, Wooley Poulson &c 1

Pieter Cowenhoven 1

Robert Janes 1

Pieter Rambo 3

Pieter Cock 1

Pieter Claesen 1

Juriaen Juriansen & Oil Clemontee 2

Hanse Monsen —

John Eustace 1

Robert Jones 2

James Sandylande 1

Neals Matson 3

Dirck Pieters 2

Dirck Alberts 1

James Bollen & Pieter Jego 4

Pieter Alricks 1

Pieter Alricks 1

Bravent Henericksen 3

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Patents date.
Aug. 4 1671
July 1 '71
June 1 '71

Ditto

June

17

'71

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

June

19'."

'71

June
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto

June

20

'67

67

67

1665

B. Wheat.

John Sherrecks 3

Hermanns ffredricks 5

Leendert Teunisse 2

Cornelis Wynliart 3

George Whale 4

Geo. Weale Senior & Eobt. Jones 4

John Bradborne 2

Thomas Young —

Robert Jones 4

Thomas Morritt 4

John Bell & Peter Pernon —

Lucas Abell, Cornelis Pneys &"= 9

Patrick Carre 4

Witten Eues 4

Charles Hutchins 5

105

B. Wheat.

James Crawford 4J

John Johnson 5

Christopher Senbille 4

Wittin Sincleer 4

Charles Hutchins — a mistake 5

Hendrick Jansen 1

Johannes Hendrick Kiel Riels &" 5

Capt. John Carre 2

Capt. Jno. Berry & Mr Edsall & Others 3

Pieter Alricks & Otter Skins —

James Crawford 2

Will Tom for an Island 5

John Carr 8

48
105

Four Otters skins 66

46i

357

Mew York Historical Records. 493

Letter. Wm. Tom and Peter Alricks to Governor Lovelace, about
THE Indians.
9*'' of March 167|

Right Hono"'"-
Y" of the 28"" of flfebruary wee have receaved and to give yo'' Hono"' a full answer is

more than we can doe being not aU one mens children for us few English none

of vs able to speaks to the Indians but soe farre as wee can advise yo"" Hono'' is as
foUoweth.

1. that wee are in a sad condition ; 't is most uncertaine living vnder the power of
the Heathens and no power to defend by reason a number of out plantacons are
not able to secure themselves and wee make a great question, if wee in the place
can well secure o''selves and to bring them into the Towne wil be their vtter ruine
losse of the river for and then they expose their houses corne and cattell to the fury
of the Indians and we not able to mainteyne them here for p''vencon of w*" o' last
proposall is if yo' Hono'' could spare soe much time as to come over to treate w'" the
Sackems w'^out dispute the reverence to yo'' person would procure vs 4 or 5 yeares
respect and by that time the numerous issue by the assistance of god will be able to
defend themselves.

2. The Sachems of the Indians give for reason of there warre that they threaten to
make vpon the Christians is they say where the English come they drive them from there
lands and bring for instance the North Virginia and Maryland and feare if not timely
prevented shall doe soe here.

3. If possible to invite Capt. Carterett to beare yo'' Hono'" company the most of the
Indians living vpon his side.

4. fourthly w'" all reverence yo'' Hono'' having writt that yo'' Hono'' if occasion was
would expose yo'selfe to the trouble of coming over and desired to know what force to
bring w'" you wee doe think that 25 men is enough for the guard of yo'' Hono""' p''son and
that number vdll not frighten the Sachems and more may render yo' Hono''' iourne
improfitable by there non-appearance yo'' Hono' now att this time of the yeare not being
to fight but to treate.

5. fifthly if yo' Hono' comes as we well hope bee pleased by the first to send an
expresse and Peter Aldricks shall meet yo' Honor att the time p'fixt to pilot yo' Hono'
from the Navecinx and inform the Indians of yo' coming that they may not leave there
houses att the sight of so many men unexpected.

6. sixthly o' inteucon here is to build a blockhouse 40 foote square w'" 4 att
every end for fflancks in the middle of the Towne the fort not being fitt to be repaii-ed
and if repaired of noe defence lying at the extreme end of the town and noe
garrison therefore wee beg that wee may libty to pull itt downe and make use of
the tiles bricks and other materials for the vse of o' new intended fortificacon w"" if
wee have noe occasion for, as wee fear wee shall, will be convenient for a Courthouse
notwithstanding.

This being o' duty in answer to yo' Hono'° letter we p'sent to more prudent
consideracon and assure yo' Hono' wee will not alone maintayne o' owne interest so farre
as god shall inable us to the furthest of o' industry to save the Hono' of y' RoyaU

494 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Master and o" together w"" the hono'' of o'' country and then lett fate act with vs as the
greate god is pleased in the meane time we subscribe o''selves

Right Hono"*,

Yo'' Hono" most humble
and faithful serv'^

Will Tom.

PlETER ALEICHS.

Liberty granted by y'' Governo* to Maktin Hoofman a Memb'
of y= augustane confession- to go to delaware, to collect

MONEY TOWARDS Y" ERECTING THEM A ChURCH.

Whereas y" Minisf and Offic" of y* Church of the Augustane Confession or Lutheran
Congregacon in this City under y^ protection of his Royall H' y* Duke of Yorke, have
requested my Lycence to buUd and Erect a House for their Church to meet in, towards
the w'^" They doe Suppose all or most of their Profession will in some measure Contribute,
and there being diverse of them in the South River at Delaware, to w'^" place a Sloope
being now bound a Conveniency p''sents, soe that they have pitcht upon Martin Hoofman,
to Negotiate there for them ; These are to require all Persons that they permitt and
suffer ye said Martin Hoofman to Passe out of this Porte in the Sloope belonging to Capt.
Martin Creiger bound for New Castle in Delaware, and y° Offic" there are likewise
required noe way to hinder or molest y'= said Martia Hoofman in his Endeavo'' of Collecting
y* Benevolence of such of y* Lutheran Profession in those parts, towards their Litents as
af ores'? Provided It doe noe way hinder or tend to make Division or Disturbance amongst
y' People, nor shall Occasion ye Breach of the Peace, the which all his Ma"*^ good
Subjects are obliged to keepe, Hereof They are not to fayle. Given under my Hand
at Forte James in New Yorke the 16'? day of January 167|.

To all whom this may Concerne.

The Governo"' Remittm'^ of any Damage that might happen to y'
Land of Cap? Nicolls (now Cap?' Berryes) at Delaware, as to

Y^ NGN ImPROVEM'' THEREOF.

Whereas my Predecesso' Coll. Richard Nicolls did heretofore give and Grant unto
W- Matthias Nicolls Secretary a Patent for a certaine parcell of Land in Delaware on the
West side of the River neare y* Falls, y' said land being known there by j^ Indyan Name
of Chiepiessing ; y' w'^" hath since been convey' d by him the said Matthias Nicolls unto
Capt. John Berry and Company upon some Agreem' made between them. And although
there be noe particular time menconed in the said Patent for the Settlem' thereof, yet it
being a Custome in Virginia and Mary- Land y'' Neighbouring Colonyes and other New
Plantacons, that a certaine time is usually p''tixt wherein some Improvem' is to bee made,
the w'^" (if requii-ed here) perhaps in strictness may bee Elapsed ; However in regard of

Kew York Historical Records. 495

the great Distance of the Place from other Plantacons, and severall Obstacles that have
happn'd (as I am informed) since the Date of the Patent whereby nothing hath as yett
been effected thereupon towards a Settlem' the w"'' is now in some short or convenient
time undertaken to be done ; In consideration thereof, and for other good Causes mee
thereunto moving I doe by these p''sents pass by any Omission of that nature for the time
past. Provided That for y^ time to come, that is to say, within j'^ space of three yeares
after y* Date of these p''sents, some convenient Settlem' be made thereupon by the said
Cap' Berry and Company or their Assignes, according to the Custome of New Plantacons,
& y* Intent of y° Graunts of such Patents of New Lands. Given under my Hand & Seale
at Forte James in New Yorke this 24'? Iday of Jan"''', in y' 23'? Yeare of his Ma"<=" Reigne,
Annoq Domini 167^.

An Ord" for Mr. Tom to render an Acco'^ of the Quitt-Rents.

Whereas you have been by mee employed to Collect & receive y° Quitt-Rents in this
Towne & y* Plantacons in y^ River for y? use of his Royall Highness ; These are to
require you, That you render mee an Acco' of what you have received, & what is in
Arreare forthw'" before my departure, if possible, otherwise in some short time at New-
Yorke, that I may returne y' same to y^ Auditor Gen" who is to have an Acco' from mee by
his R. H.° Ordr of y"^ Quitt-Rents as well as of other his Revenues comitted to my
Charge. Hereof you are not to fayle. Given under my Hand at New Castle in Delaware
River, Aprill y^ 6'." 1672.

To Mr. W" Tom, Schout.

Commission for Capt. Walter Wharton to bee a Justice of the Peace
IN Delaware River & parts adjacent.

Whereas I have conceived a good Opinion of y® fittness & Ability of Capt Walter
Wharton to bee a Justice of y* Peace at Apoqueminy & y° parts & Plantacons adjacent
in Delaware Bay or River for to putt his Ma"^' Subjects there into a regular fforme of
Govermn- according to his Ma"'^^ & his R: H:' his Lawes, I have therefore Constituted &
Appointed & by this my special Commission doe hereby Constitute & Appoint the
aforenamed Capt. Walter Wharton to bee Justice of y^ Peace in y" parts & Plantacons
aforementioned giveing & granting unto him, y* said Justice, power to Nominate or cause
to bee elected a Constable for y* preservacon of his Ma"''^ peace & two other Persons as
Overseers w'? whom at his pleasure hee may sitt to heare & determine small Causes of
Debt or Trespass to y* vallue of five pounds. And all Persons are to give unto y* said
Capt. Walter Wharton y'' Respect & Obedience due unto a Justice of y® Peace & hee is
in all things of Governmt to follow and observe y^ Lawes Establisht in his Royall
Highness his Territoryes & to follow such Orders & Directions as from time to time hee
shall receive from mee. Given under my Hand & Seale at New-Castle in Delaware River
this 9'? day of Aprill in y* 24'!" Yeare of his Ma'"' Reigne Annoque Domini 1672.

Fean: Lovelace.

496 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Ceetificate of William Tom and others relative to the appearance
OF Mr. Jenkins, a surveyor, sent to the Horekil under a
pretended commission from Lord Baltimore.

27*" of Aprill 1672.

This morning appeared before ns Harmen Cornelius ent John hyshebon who informe
that a certain p''son by name Mr. Jenkins who rane into the Horekill and thus surveyed
severall lands in the bay by p''tended comission from the Lord Baltimore threatening the
Inhabitants that denyeth his power that they shall be sent for into Maryland there to be
punished whether he has comission or noe is uncertayne these wee thought fitt to acquaint
yo' hono'' w'" to wayte yo'' hon" further order.

Will Tom

PlETER ALRICKS

Walt' Wharton
Ed. Cantwell.

About New Offio'^^ at y= Whore Kill.

Whereas y* time is expired for y" Office*'.' holding their Places of Sellout &
Commissaryes at y° Whore Kill, y* Inhabitants there are hereby empowered to make a new
Election, upon the returne of whose Names unto mee by Capt. Martin Creiger they shall
have such farther Confirmacon as shall bee requisite therein. Given under my Hand at
Fort James in New Yorke this 6'? day of May 1672.

Minutes of the Council. New-Castle, Del., incorporated ; proposals
FROM Capt. Cantwell about the Blockhouse ; sale of liquor to
the Indians.

At a Councell held at Fort
James in New York May the
ir? 1672.

Severall matt™ being tak^n into consideracon relating to y'= government and other
aflFayres at Delaware, it was ordered as follows, viz :

That for y'^ better Governm' of ye Towne of New Castle for the future, the said
Towne shall be erected into a Corporacon by the name of a Balywick, That is to
say, it shall be Governed by a Bailey & six Assistants, to bee at first nominated
by the Governor and at y^ expiracon of a yeare foure of the six to go out &
foure others to be chosen in their places, the Bailey to continue for a yeare, & then
two to be named to succeed, out of whom y^ Governo'' will elect one ; Hee is to preside
in all y® co'" of the Towne & have a double vote. A constable is likewise annually to
be chosen by y° Bench.

Mew York Historical Records. 497

The Towne Court shall have power to try all causes of debt or damage to the value
of ten poiinds without appeal.

That y" English Lawes according to the desire of the inhabitants, bee establish' both in
ye Towne & all plantations upon Delaware River.

That the office of Schout be converted into a Sheriffalty & y* High Sheriffs power
extend both in the corporacon & river & that he be annually chosen by two being presented
to the Governo', of whom he will nominate & confirm one.

As to ye clause given in by the officers and magistrates there, about having a free trade
without being obliged to make entry here, but that it may bee done there paying his Ma"'='
customes and dutyes ; It is thought fitt that the determinacon thereof be for the present
suspended untill directions be sent about it out of England or some further consideracon
had thereupon here.

And for ye matter of the Whore Kill brought by Cap? Carr certifying that some
person, from Maryland pretend interest there & seat themselves without leave ; The
officers are to take care that his Ma"'=' & his Royall Highness Interest there be not infringed,
and that they submit themselves to nor acknowledge any other Governm', unless they
have orders to do the same from the Governmt here.

By order of the Governo"' & Councell.

Maryland and Whorekill.
Vpon Consideracon had of a Certificate brought by Capt. Jn" Carr from New-Castle
in Delaware River about y^ p'tences from Maryland to y^ Whore-Kill & their sending
Surveyo™ to lay out land without the Consent or Approbation of the Officers there under
y° Protection of his Royall Highness, who withstood their Proceedings therein, It is
Ordered, that y® Magistrates there bee vindicated in what they have done, to whom a
Letter of Thanks is to bee sent & it is likewise expexted, that they continue in their
Observance of such Ord""' & Directions as they shaU receive from this his R. Highness
Goverm' & none other until his Ma"'=' or his Royall Highness Pleasure bee signifyed to
the contrary.

By Ord-- &c.

W. NicoUs his charges ye first voyage to Delaware to be borne out of yf fines of the
Long Finn.

Council Minute. Delaware affairs.
At a CounciU held at Fort James June yf 10'? 1672.
Present
The Governor,
Mr. Delavall,
Mr. Steenwick,
The Secretary

The next about Capt Carr & Delaware, the orders made last Councill about y? Town
and River to bee allowed & sent.

498 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

The continuance of ye Garrison in Pay taken into Consideracon, wMther there is any
occasion for them or not any longer ?

That they continue as they are till further order.

The Whore KiU Returne & Comp'.'.

To advize with Mr. Cousturier & Capt Carr about y ? officers, & about the others of
y ? Government there to bee vindicated.

Letter fkom Richard Perrot to Gov. Lovelace for a grant of land

ON THE HOREKIL, DeL.

May it plese your Honor.

In May last my selfe with some other Gentlemen of Vergeney came over to Delieware
to see the plase and liking the plase wee made choise of severall tractes of Land for our
selfes and nabores and had made bold to have given your Honor A visitt had not one of
our Companey falen ill so that wee implied Mr Walter Wharton ffor to paten our Land :
now may it plese your Honor about four days before I came to seete \_settle\ the Mareland
men Have sarvaed [^surveyedl it again in the Lordes" name I much fear it wUl disharten
the Rest of the gentelmen from cuming vp at the falle and severall more of our nabores
that would cume vp at the fale of the lefe very Honest-men and good House Keepers
they desired me to take them vp sume land, which I am doutfuU to done unlese your
Honor will bee plesed to giue me permission for it. I dout not but to se the plase well

seted in tow or three years at the and a trade from London, the plase is good and

helthy, and wanteth nothing but peple I was in good Hopes I should have had the
hapines to have got vp before your Honore left deliware but my hopes was in vaine I
Hope youre honor will bee plesed to honor me with A line or two whoe is youre faithfull
and obedient servant unknowne

Richard Perrot
From the Horekill
June 21».' : 1672.

If your Honore plese to grant vs all the land to vs Vergenianes that lieth betwene
the Horekill and the Mortherkill wee shall take spedey care fore the seating of it, as may
bee expected at so great a distance when Layed out acording to menes familise what
good Land there may bee found in the distance. I know not at present wee Have A desire

to be neare together as the plase will aforde I intend Vergeney for sum occasione of

bisnes and send vp my sonn. R. P.

These
ffor the Honored

ffransis Loulis, Efqr
Governer and Captain
GeneraU of new
Yorke p' with

Care.

Kexv York Historical Records. 499

CoFNCiL Minute. A tax on liquor to be imposed at the Horekil, to

MAKE good the LOSSES SUSTAINED BY PRIVATEERS.

At a Councell held at Fort James, July y<= 1'.' 1672.
Whorekm.
The Businesse of the Whore Kill about a disturbance there from Maryland.
Mr. Fletcher makes good by word of mouth what hee sett his hand to against Daniel
Browne for his abusive language against the Duke's interest.
It is attested by the Commissaryes & others from there.

Ordered that Daniel Browne shall enter into a recognizance of 20* for ye good
behavior &c w*"" order was as foUoweth :

The OrdV vpon Dan. Brown.
Whereas Daniel Browne, a Planter at the Whore-kUl in Delaware Bay was Committed
& sent a Prisoner hither by y*" Magistrates there for contemning y* Authority of their
Court held by Approbation of the Governo'' under the protection of his Royall Highness
together w'." severall other Abuses & Misdemeano" for the w"*" hee hath exprest a great
deal of sorrow, acknowledging his ffault w"" Promise of deporting himselfe better for the
future. And the said Daniel Browne alledging it will bee his Ruine, if hee returne not
back speedily to his Habitacon both in regard of a Cropp of Tobacco hee hath & some
Corne, w*"" will bee all lost without his Attendance on it and Care thereof ; The Premisses
being taken into Consideracon, It is Ordered, that a Letter of Thanks bee sent to the
Magistrates at the Whore-Kill for their Vigilancy & Care herein & likewise, that the said
Daniel Browne bee releast from his Imprisoning hee Entring into a Recognizance before
his departure of 20 £ to bee of the Peace & the good Behaviour towards his Neighbours
& towards all his Ma"'=' Subjects & Leige People, the w* if hee presume to breake, that
hee bee then again seized upon & sent Prisoner to this place, there to receive Condigne
Punishment according to the Nature of his Offence over «& above the Sume afore-mentioned
to bee Levyed upon his Goods & Chattels, if soe much shall happen to bee found. And
the said Daniel Browne is likewise at his Returne to acknowledge his ffault & ask pardon
of the Magistrates at the Whorekill for his Misdemeanor

By Ord' &c.

As to y* request from the Whore Kill to repayer their Losses & Damages susteyned
by y" Privateers, that they may lay an Imposition upon strong liquo" sold there, This
Order was made :

The Request of ye Magistrates at the Whore-KUl being taken into Consideracon,
wherein they desire reperacon of the Damages & Losses they susteyned by the Privateers
the last Winter, they may be permitted to lay an Imposition upon strong liquo". It is
allowed of & consented unto, and the Magistrates there have hereby power to levy &
receive upon each Anchor of strong liquo"^' spent or disposed of amongst them the value
of foure Guild" in wamp", & this to continue for one year only after this shall come to
the said Magistrates hands, untill the conveniency or Inconveniency thereof shall better
appear.

By order &c.

500 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter from Gover:n'or Lovelace to Governor Philipp Calvert
OP Maryland, complaining of the lawless proceedings of
Marylanders at the Horekil and asking foe redress.
To Philip Calvert Esq'"5 Governor of Mary-Land, August 12'." 1672.

Sr.
I thought it had been impossible now in these portending boysterous times, wherein
all true hearted Englishmen are buckling on their Armor? to vindicate their Hono^ & to
assert y" imperiall Interests of his Sacred Ma"''' Rights and Dominions, that now (without
any just ground either given or p''tended) such horrid Outrages should be committed on
his Ma"'" Leige subjects, under y^ protection of his Royall Higness Authority, as was
exerciz'd by one Jones, who w'." a Party as dissolute as himself e, took y^ paines to ride
to y' Whore Kill, where in Derision and Contempt of the Dukes Authority bound y''
Magistrates, and Inhabitants, despitefuUy treated them, rihed, and plunder' d them of
their Goods ; and when it was demanded by what Authority, hee acted, answer' d in noe
other Language but a Cockt Pistol to his Breast, w""" if it had spoke, had forever silenc'd
him. I doe not remember I have heard of a greater Outrage & Riott comitted on his
Ma"'° Subjects in America, but once before in Maryland. Sr you cannot but imagine his
Royall Highness will not bee satisfyed w'." those violent Proceedings, in w""* y° Indignity
rebounds on him ; Neither can you but believe, It is as easy an Undertaking for mee to
retaliate the same Affront on Jones his Head and Accomplices as hee did to those
indefencible Inhabitants. But I rather chuse to have first a more calme Redress from
you, (to whom I now appeale) and from whom may in Justice expect that Right in y^
Castigation of Jones cum Socys, that yo'' Nature & the Law has provided for ; Otherwise
I must apply myselfe to such other Remedyes as the Exigence of this Indignity shall
perswade mee to. Thus leaving it to your Consideracon I still remaine
Fort James in New Yorke Yo'' very humble servant

y^ 12'.' day Aug : 1672. Fr : Lovelace.

An Ord" to Capt. Edmond Cantwell about his Hono"' Land at
Delaware.
Whereas Mr. Richard Gorsuch having obtained a Patent for a Tract of Land on the
West side of Delaware River, bounded on y* North by a Creek called by y' Indyans
Quiackitkunck als Nicambanack Creek & South by y"= North side of Pemecacka Creek,*
passing over Pasaquessing Creek,t and hath since assigned y"' same unto mee, together
w'^ y* Right, Title, & Interest thereunto ; These are to Authorize and empower you Cap?
Edmond Cantwell, High Sheriff of New Castle & Delaware River to cause the said Land
to bee seated & cleared by some Tenant, or otherwise, as you shall see meet for my best
Advantage, Of the which you are from time to time to render mee an Accompt. Given
&c : this 12'." day of August, 1672.
To Capt. Edmund Cantwell,
Sheriff of New Castle.

* Pennypack. \ Poetquessing.

Mew York Historical Records. 501

Answer to Captain Cant well's propositions.

Whereas y^ Proposals hereunto annexed were presented unto mee by Captain
Edmond Cantwell, I have thought good to give this result thereupon,
together w'" the foUomng orders concerning the regulation of Affayres in
Delaware.

In answer to y* first Proposall about the New Block House at New Castle in
Delaware ; since my former orders concerning y'= finishing thereof have been noe better
observed ; I doe once more enjoyne them y'' compleating of it, before the first day of
November next and that under the penalty of one thousand guilders Seaw'* in case of
default ; As ye way of raising a tax or contribucon for the eff"ecting thereof, It shall bee
left to the discretion of the officers there either to raise it by the way proposed, or any
other they shall judge most convenient.

To ye second concerning y" great abuse in selling strong liquors to the Indyans, I do
hereby order & strictly enjoyne the Magistrates & officers at New Castle and other parts
in Delaware River to cause the Lawes & orders heretofore made on that behalfe to be
more carefully & severely put in execucon for the future to prevent such danger and ill
consequences as otherwise might thereby ensue.

As to ye third that a person be nominated to receive the quit-rents in Delaware River,
I have thought fitt to order and appoint Capt. Edmond Cantwell who is to bee the present
High Sheriff, to bee Receiver and Collector of the said quit-rents for the w"" he shall have
my authentick Commission & for his trouble & paines therein, he shall have a reasonable
allowance.

And as to y" fourth about the runaway servants that frequently pass through
Delaware either in coming from or goeing into Maryland & Virginia. It is ordered that
no person or persons, but such as have passes & certificates, or can give a good account
of their travails towards these parts or goeing from hence, shall be permitted travail but
shall be apprehended and kept in safe custody untill it be made known what they are &
to whom they doe belong. The care hereof is to be committed to y° Baylifi of New
Castle & y^ High Sheriff who are to act jointly herein, both as to the examing of their
tickets or passes and likewise to give tickets to such as shall have occasion thereof ; And
no person is to presume privily to conceale or convey away any such servant ; but if he
bee acquainted therew"", that hee give notice of any such runaway unto the magistrates
or officers under the penalty of .

It is likewise ordered that Capt. Jn» Carr y^ present Bayliff & High Sherriff Mr. W"
Tom & Mr. Hans Block, or any three of them have inspection into y" arrears of the quit-
rents, the fines about the Long Finn, as also the taxes & rates for the keeping the high
and low Courts in New Castle & Delaware River & all other public rates and taxes to
make inquiry how and where they have been disposed of or in whose hands they are, and
where any persons are in arrears to levy the same by distress ; of all which they are to
render me an extract and speedy account that all abuses therein may be regulated.

Whereas his Ma""= hath been pleased to give order that his Declaracon of Warr
against the States Gen" of the United Belgick Provinces, should be proclaimed in all his

* Wampum.

502 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare River.

Colonyes & Territoryes, It is ordered that forthwith after ye arrivall of Cap* Edmond
Cantwell at New Castle the said declaracon is publickly to be read there, & also at the
Whore-Kill as soon as opportunity shall present to send from thence thither.

That the great giuins bee w'" all convenient speed sent up to the Block houses in
Delaware River according to my former order ; and that the greatest be disposed of
according to the distance of the places.

As to y® determinacon of y* busyness between Foppe Outhout and Isaack Tyne w"
Boe long hath been in dispute, that the orders made by the Court at New Castle concerning
the same bee inspected & examined into by y' present Bayliff & Assistants in y'
presence of Cap' Carr & M? Tom as one of them, who together are to make a finall result
thereupon, there having been some misinformation heretofore given unto me as to that
particular affayre, w'='' is the occasion of its being now called in question.

And lastly it is to be taken notice of, that although there is an alteration as to the
ofl5cers & holding of Courts at New Castle, yet this doth noe way intrench upon the
privileges of the High Court for the town & river which is to continue in the same manner
it did formerly without any molestation or interruption upon this or the like accompt.

Given under my hand at Forte James in New York this day of August in the

24'.'' year of Ms Ma"^' Reigne Annoq Domini 1672.

Proposalls from Capt. Edmokd Cantwell to hls Hoxo'' y= Governo"

ON T^ BEHALFE of III.MSELFE & THE REST OF HIS NEIGHBO"' Y"

Inhabitants at Delaware.

1. That his Hono' would please to give his Instructions about the finishing y' Block
house in Delaware, w'^'' standeth still in that posture his Hono"' left it ; It is high time that
some speedy order bee taken therein, in regard not only of the troubles now likely to
ensue from the Warrs in Europe, but that what is ali-eady expended thereupon will be as
good as thrown away by reason as it is now, it only stands & rotts ; It is humbly
conceived that the most effectuall means to be used for y* accomplishment will be by a
Gen" Tax to bee imposed both upon Towne & River.

2. That his Hono'' would please to make some order for the restrayning of persons to
go amongst the Indj^ans w"" liquors & drink to sell, whereby greath mischief doth
frequently arise ; there being divers of late that leaving their own homes have taken
what quantityes of drink & other trade they pleas'* gone a hundred or two of miles to
the Indyans Plantations & there (for a little proffitt) selling what they had to the Indyans,
great uproars and disturbances have arisen, insomuch as the Christians living near them
have been. put into great frights & unless great wisdome had prevented, 'tis believed that
murder had many times been committed by ye Salvages merely through that occasion.
It were very necessary that this abuse were regulated.

3. That his Honor would please to nominate some person or other to receive the
quit-rents there, there being divers persons who pretend they are ready to pay them if
they knew to whom.

4. And that in regard there hath been great comp'" from Maiyland (about servants

Meiv York Historical Records. 503

running away from thence who pass through New Castle, that the inhabitants of New
Castle doe rather help to convey them away than stop them &c soe are accused of being
instrumentall to their escape. It were necessary some orders were made as to that
particular, empowering some person at New Castle to grant passes or tickets to people
that pass to and again in these parts (w"='' person is to. question & examine them) and also
laying a fine upon those who shall be found to convey away such persons as are runaways.
Whereas

[Rest missing.]

Letter from John Carr to Gov. Lovelace about the affairs of
the hoeekil.
Sir:
According to your Honors orders we sent those papers to the Horekill by Mr.
Wharton where they found noe reception. I need not give your Honor the resous, for
your Honor will find them in the papers inclosed taken by Mr. Wharton, the number of
men and horse that came to the Horekill was but thirty, but they were sixty halfe way,
where meeting Mr. Parrott goeing to Acamake and soe to Virginia and understanding by
Mm there was noe other forces from your Hono'' but the inhabitants of the Horekill thirty
horse was sent back to Maryland, this Mr. Parrott is a gentleman seated near Horekill
by your Honors patent, the Horekill boat is come heere with fower of the inhabitants and
desiers to take a tract of land up the River neare your Honors land, they say before they
came from thence Harmanus and Sanders was returned from St. Maries, who brings
news that in Maryland they are levieing a considerable force to bring this place and soe
fare up the river to the degree forty northerly under theyr obedience, we shall know more
when Cantwell returns with answer of your Honors letter, which I shall dispatch to your
Honor with all expedition, I have not else but waite youi- Honors comands, and subscribe
mysealf as in duty bound y'' Honors most faithfull and obedient servant
New Castle 27"" Septb. 1672. John Care.

Thesse
ffor Generall ffrancis

Lovelace
Hast poste hast. New-Yorke.

John Carr.

Lett* to Cap'^ Carr.
Capt, Carr.

The Letf you sent by the Express over Land came safe to my hands w'J' the enclosed
Relacon and Papers concerning the Whore Kill, & the Marylanders forcible possessing
themselves of the Place, as also of the Goods and Estates of some of the Inhabitants, of
w* wee had some Rumo" before, but did not give much Creditt to it, supposing what
was done before to bee the rash Action of some Private person, not thinking the Authority
of Maryland would invade his Royall Highness Territoryes w*^"" hee hath been possest of

504 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

for near 8 yeares, w^'out giving the least Overture of it to mee, vsrho am here his Royall
Highness his Deputy. Their former violent Action & Force upon those poore unarmed
People, together w*" the particulars of their Plunder, I had immediate Opportunity of
transmitting to his Royall Highness by a Ship then bound away for London, the w'='' I
made use of and recommended their case, & I hope it hath long ere this arrived his Hands,
soe that some Directions about it may bee expected in a short time, till when I think it
best for the present to leave matt'* there as they are ; But as to the Cloud w'^" likewise
hangs over yo' heads at Delaware, w* its said they are making Preparacons to invade,
My Instructions and Orders to you & the Officers in Gen"." are, that you putt yoy selves
into the best posture of Defence possibly you can, by fitting up the Fort in the Towne,
keeping yoy Companyes in Arms both there and up the River, who are to provide
themselves w"" fitting Ammunicon, & that all Souldyers bee at an houres Warning
upon any Alarum or Ord" given ; That in the Towne especially you make yo'' Guard
as strong as you can, and keep a strict Watch ; and if any Enemy comes to demand
y° Place, That you first desire to know their Authority & Commission, & how
it comes to pass those of Maryland should now make such an Invasion, after soe long
quiet possession of those parts by his Royall Highness his Deputyes under his Ma""'
Obedience, & by other Nations before that, severall yeares before the Dates of the Lord
Baltimores Patent, whom they never disturb' d by Armes, & whose Right is now devolv'd
upon the Duke. Stand well upon your Guard & doe not beginn w'" them, but if they
first break the peace by firing upon yo"" Guards or any such hostile Action, then use all
possible means to defend yo''selves and the Place, and command all his Ma"^° good
Subjects to bee ayding & assisting to you, who I hope will not be wanting to their
Abilityes ; In all Matters of Concerne j'ou are to take Advice of the chief e Officers tliere.
This will come to you by yo'' Bayliff MV Peter Alricks, who is hastening over Land to
secure his Affayres there in this portending Invasion, and to give his best help for y^
Safeguard of the Place, & his Royall Highness his Interest. Upon all Occasions faile not
to send an express to mee, by whom I shall give you such farther Directions and
Assistance as will bee requisite ; & if occasion shall bee will come over my selfe in Person
though the Spring would be more suitable for mee then a Winter Voyage, Soe
recommending all tilings to yoiir Care and Vigilance, of w'^" I expect a good Acco' I
conclude being

Yo' very Loving Friend,

Forte James in N : Yorke Fr : Lovelaoe.

this 7'? day of Octob"-
1672.

Meiv York Historical Reoorcls. 505

Letter from Capt. Cantwell to Gov" Lovelace, about the affairs at

THE WhOKEKILL.

N. Castle y" 10 of December 1672.
Right honora""'

To'' liono'' writt M'' Aldrichs of my not writing to yo"" liono'' I had writt to Capt.
Nicolls att Large of what I lieard and saw in Maryland. I thought Capt. Nicolls would
have informed yo'' hono'' of all I heard so much that my Lorde thus intend for to keepe y"
Whore kill. I saw Jones procure & seas (?) all Lidyan goods or skins att y° Whorekill and
one Smith y^ Judge of y^ Co" att y° Whorekill tould me that my Lorde Baltemore gaue
him order for to driue a 20 d. naile in y'^ touchhole of y^ greate gun and seas y^ guns and
millstones att y® Whorekill. His Comission was so Large as yo'' hono' can imagene,
when I came to S? Marys Jones went to j^ Governo'' and he writt upon y° backside of his
Comission that he would maintane his Comission. I tould them that itt was a folly for
them for to striue against yo'' hono''" power and tould them if yo'' hono'' gave but order for
to beatt a downe all y" servants would come away from them, y" most part of y^ people
thus fear that tlieire servants will run away from them all y^ people will be glade submitt
themselves vnder yo'' hono""' Government and they plainly say, that they will not Resist
yo'' hono'* power nor will have noting to doe w"" what my Lorde has done.

Capt. Nicolls writt to me about Derek Smith goin vp y" River. I gott for to goe for
y° Quitt Rent, y* w"" he has a boarde for to be sent to yo' hono', what he has not in I
shall take care for to send in y' Spring nor Derek Smith should not go up y* River If itt
had not bene for j" Quitt Rent w'" out yo' hono'" Orders. The vessell is just going away
and 1 shall end and Remain yo' hono'" most faithfull servant

To Command
ffor y= Right honra"'" Ed. Cantwell.

Coll : fErancis Lovelace Esq'^
gouerno' off all his
Royall highnesse Teretoryes
in America att New-Yorke
p'sent.

The result and reasons op the magistrates of Delaware against
declaring war against the indian murderers.
Right Hono'"^

The Indyans not bringing in the Murtherers according to their promise I went vp
w"" MV Aldrichs to Pieter Cocke and there called the Raedt {Coimoil) together to informe
yo' hono' what wee thinke most for o' p'servacon and defence of the river.

first wee thinke that att this time of the yeare itt is to late to begin a warr ag' the
Indyans, the hay for o' beasts not being to be brought to any place of safety and so for
want of hay wee must see them starve before o' faces ; the next yeare wee can cutt itt
more convenient.

64

506 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

S"^ o'' come not being thraslied or grouad wee must starve for want of provision w""
tMs winter we can grind and lay up in places of safety.

3*'5' that there must vpon necessity a warr in the spring and by that time wee shall
make so much as wee can preparacon but wayte from yo'' hono' assistance of men
ammunition and salt.

4twy ^gg intend to make Townes att Passayvncke Tinnaconck Vpland and Verdrieties
Hoocke, whereto the outplantacons must retire.

5thiy ^g thinke that yo' hono" advice for a frontier about Mattinacunck Island is
very good and likewise another at Wicaquake for the defense whereof yo' hono' must
send men.

for there anything else vnwi-itten wee have sent Mr. Aldricks and Mr. Helme to
advice yo"" hono' what is best to be done but intend to stop Thomas Lewes until yo' hono"
order, for wee thinke itt not convenient any corne or provision be sent out of the river
until this bruit be over for wee know not the next yeare, whether wee shall have any
corne or noe, wee have not more att p'sent, but to informe yo' hono' that Capt. Carr is not
recovered but remajme,

that if possible there be Hired Right Hono*"'

fifty or sixty North Indyans Yo' hono" most humble

who will doe more than 200 serv"

men in such, a warr. Will Tom.

The mark ^ of Peter Rambo
The mark [2\i of Peter Cock
H. Block, Henrich Jansen, Ed. Oantwell
M. Rosemann, The mark .5^:^ of Ole Torsek.

Council Minute. Free trade on the Delaware above New-Castle
permitted.

At a Councell held in Fort James, Jan'^ 27'" 167f .
Present
The Governo'
Mr Tho: Delavale
Mr Cornells Steenwyck
The Secretary.

Delaware. Capt. Carr's Lett" about Affayres & the Whorekill with his Proposalls
In particular About y^ Sloope of Thomas Lewis, goeing up the River &c.
About w"'' this Ord' was made.
Ordr about Vpon its being represented to y° Governo' & Councell y* Inconvenience of

up°to N^' °^ debarring Sloops and Vessells of this Place from going up y« River above New
Castle. Castle, Although it be permitted to all Vessells within the Governm? to goe up

y* River to Albany, as also the Distast w-^" hath been taken, that some have had Licences

J^ew York Historical Records. 507

Boe to do, whiles others are restrayned ; It is thought fitt and hereby Ordered, That the
Prohibition thereof shall be taken away, and it shall & may from henceforth bee lawfuU
for any Sloop or Vessell to goe up the said River, bringing a Certiiicate from y° Governo'
of his coming from hence, but that noe other Yessell shall have the like Liberty, but suc"h
as doe Sayle from this Place thither directly.

By Order &c.

Order for the administration of the Horekil precinct.

At a Councill held &c April 14, 1673
Present

The Governor
Mr. Delavall
Mr. Steenwyck
The Secretary J

The Affayres of the Whore Kill taken into consideracon.

The Lett™ from Capt. Carr, Capt. Wharton, Capt. Cantwell read, with their Proposalls
for reducements of the Place.

It is Ordered, That a Commission be sent to y' Officers & Magistrates at Delaware to
goe to y* Whore-Kill, there to keep a Court in his Ma"'^' name, & to make inquiry of all
Irregular Proceedings, & to settle the Goverm' and Officers there as formerly under his
Ma"'» Obedience, & the Protection of his Royall Highness, for the w'^" there shall likewise
be sent particular instructions.

Privileges granted to the inhabitants of Delaware ; jurisdiction of
the several courts there.

At a meeting of theii- Honors, the Commanders and the Noble Council of War,
held the 12'" 7"" 1673.

(Jacob Benckes )

Cornells Everse, junior f Commanders
Capt" Antony Colve.

The deputies from the Southriver appeared and presented their credentials : they
declared their submission to the authority of Their High : Might : the Lord States-
General of the United Netherlands and His Illustrious Highness, the Prince of Orange,
requesting, that some privileges might be granted to them. They submitted for that
purpose, some articles, which were taken into consideration and answered as follows :

1. The petitioners are granted free trade and commerce with Christians and savages,
until further orders from our Lords-Principals. The other inhabitants to have the same
privileges.

2. Somebody shall be appointed Commander at the Southriver with authority to

508 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

enlist 10 or 12 men ab our expense and to summon the sixth man from the whole
population of the river and order them to nialie a fort on a suitable place, if the
Commander deems it necessary.

3. The Commander shall authorise somebody to examine, what debts were due to
and by the former English government. After a pertinent report thereof has been made
to his Honor, the Governor, further orders shall be given.

4. Freedom of conscience is granted to the petitioners.

5. Such disposition of the marshes near the place shall be made in due time, as his
Honor, the Governor, may think fit.

6. The Swedes and Fins on the Southriver shall enjoy the same privileges, as are
granted this day to all the other subjects of this government.

7. As reward and in consideration of the great expenses, which the inhabitants of
the Southriver will have to incur in erecting the fort, they are herewith granted freedom
from all ground-taxes and fi'om excise on beer, wine and distilled waters, which may be
consumed at the Southriver, until the month of May 1676.

8. The inhabitants of English nationality shall enjoy the same privileges, as other
inhabitants of this government, provided they take the oath of allegiance.

9. All residents on the Southriver shall have and keep their houses, lands and
personal property, which belong to them lawfully. And as some persons, now residents
of Maryland, have taken up some lands on the South river and received proper patents
for them, permission is given to such persons to address themselves to his Honor, the
Governor, here within three months from date and to get their patents confirmed. Within
the same time they must settle under this government and take the oath of allegiance,
under penalty of confiscation of their lands. Done at Fort Willem Hendrick, date as
above.

CoENELis EvERSEN the Youuger.
Jacob Benckes.

Whereas it is necessary for the maintenance of good order and policy as well as for
other reasons, that the population on the South river should be provided with courts of
justice, therefore we have resolved to command the inhabitants of that river to nominate
by a majority of votes in each district eight men for their magistrates, whose jurisdiction
shall for the present extend as follows :

The court for New Amstel shall have jurisdiction over the inhabitants of the east and
west side of Christina Kil as far as Boomtieshook and the inhabitants of Apoqueminy Kil
included.

The court for the inhabitants of Upland shall have jurisdiction over the people on the
east and west side of Christina Kil and upwards to the head of the river.

The court for the inhabitants of Hoere Kil, to have provisional jurisdiction over the
people on the east and west side of Cape Hinlopen and northward to Boomties Hook.

AU inhabitants are hereby requii'ed and directed to deliver their nominations to the
Commander, Schout Pieter Alrigs, to be sent to us by first opportunity. A selection shall
then be made and communicated to them. Done on the day as above.

CoRNELis Everts the Younger.
Jacob Benckks.

^eiv Yoj'k Historical Records. 509

Commission of Peter Alrichs as Sheriff and Commandant on the

SOUTHRIVER, his OATH OF OFFICE AND INSTRUCTIONS.

In the Name of the Lord. Amen.

The 19'!' of September 1673.

Commission of the Noble, Hon"'* Governor
Anthony Colve to Peter Albrigs as Schout
and Commander at the Southriver of New-
Netherland.

Anthony Colve, Grovernor-General for Their High : Might : the Lords States General
of the United Netherlands and for His Illustrious Highness, tlie Prince of Orange etc. to
All, who may see this or hear it read. Greeting !

Whereas it is necessary, to designate a good and suitable person as Commander and
Schout for the Southriver of New-Netherland, lately called Delloware and extending from
Cape Hinlopen or so much farther south, as it was owned and settled in former times
under Dutch government, to the head of said river, Therefore, upon hearing the good
report of Peter Alrigs, late Ensign and Commissary there at the time of the Dutch
government, we have commissioned, authorised and appointed, as we herewith commission,
authorise and appoint the same, to be Commander and Schout on the said river and of its
inhabitants, to govern under the above authority and direction the said river and the
inhabitants on the east and west side and protect them against all hostile invasions, as in
Ms judgment it shall be best for the country. We order and direct lierewith all ofBcers,
justices, magistrates, citizens and residents there to recognize, respect and obey the said
Pieter Alrigs as their Commander and Schout under the aforesaid chief command, for we
have decided, that it is for the best of the country, subject however to the approval or
disapproval of our Lords-Principals. Thus done at Fort Willem Hendrik, this 19'."
^tember ^o 1373 in New-Nethciiand.

A. CoLVE.

Follows the oath taken by Schout and Commander Pieter Alrigs in presence of his
Honor, tlie Governor :

I, Pieter Alrigs, Schout and Commander of the South river of New Netherland,
appointed by the Noble, Valiant Governor-General of Their High : Might : the Lords
States General of the United Netherlands and His Illustrious Highness, the Prince of
Orange etc., promise and swear, in the presence of God Almighty, to be true and faithful
to Their said High : Might : and His Illustrious Highness, as well as to the Noble
Patroons of these territories and to maintain and help maintain the Reformed Church,
to promote to the utmost of my power the riglits of their Honors, the said Patroons and
to administer good law and justice to the best of my knowledge and to comport myself
in the aforesaid position, as a faithful Schout and Commander is bound to do. So help
me God Almighty 1

510 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Order to Commander Alrigs to administer the oath of allegiance
to the residents on the southrivek.

As it is necessary, that the people on the Southriver, who have submitted voluntarily,
should take the oath of allegiance to Their High : Might : the Lords States General of the
United Netherlands and His Illustrious Highness, the Prince of Orange etc., therefore his
Noble Honor, the Governor-General of New-Netherland has commissioned and authorized
hereto Sr Pieter Alrigs, Schout and Commander on the Southriver ; the same is hereby
authorized to demand of all the inhabitants on said river, from Cape Hinlopen to the
headwaters, on the east and westside of it, that they take the aforesaid oath ; he will
make by first chance a report of what he has done and send in a pertinent list of the
inhabitants, residing on said river.

Done at Fort Willem Hendrick, this 25'." T"™""'^ 1673.

Instructions for the Schout and Commander on the Southriver,
Pieter Aldricks.

1. To see that sincere, true Christian religion in conformity with the Synod of
Dortrecht be taught and to maintain it by all proper means, without tolerating, that
people holding another belief may make the least attempt against it.

2. He is earnestly charged, to keep his soldiers in good order and to be punctually in
the fort every night.

3. He is to keep on friendly terms with the Commissaries on the Southriver, as far as
it is in his power.

4. He is to keep the natives or Indians in submission, as far as possible, and make
them like the Dutch government.

5. He shall observe the following rules for the issue of rations :

Each man receives per week 6 lbs. of meat or ^^ lbs of bacon
6 lbs of bread

f lbs of butter or instead 2 stivers Holl. money
i barrel of small beer for 7 men.

Each man receives per month 1 schepel of peas.

6. In his capacity as Schout, he shall act according to the instructions, which will be
sent for that purpose.

7. He is further to govern himself by the orders and instructions, which from time to
time may hereafter be given to him.

8. He shall not fail, to report what happens there at every occasion and if necessary,
he is to send an express messenger.

9. He shall do his best, to get information of the doings and proceedings of the
English in Maryland and Virginia and report them likewise.

10. He is authorized for the promotion of agriculture to assign lands to the inhabitants
of the Southriver, subject to my approval, and to call for confirmation and proper title-
deeds after the land has been surveyed by the sworn surveyor.

Done at Fort Willem Hendrick, this 27"' 7'""°''" 1673.

New York Historical Records. 511

Appointment of magistrates for Hoeekil district.
28 9"™.

His Honor, the Governor, has selected, upon the nomination by the inhabitants of the
Horekil, the following persons to be Magistrates there for the next year :
Mr. Harmanus Wiltbank.

Sander Maelsteyn.
Doctor Jan Roots (Hhoades)
Willem Claessen.
Date as above.

Proclamation sent to the Delaware on an invasion of the district
BY Maryland people.

The following placard was
sent to Commander Pieter
AlrigSjto be published b}^ him.
As some English of Maryland have driven some of the subjects of this government
out of their dwelling-houses in a very strange and cruel manner and have ruined the same
by burning their houses, whereby several have doubtlessly been deprived of all their
means of subsistence, therefore I consider it necessary to proclaim hereby, that all such
exiles, Dutch as well as English, who may come here with certificates from Commander
Alrigs, that they were among the sufferers, shall be provided with means of support.
And in order to prevent such cruel tyranny for the future and to deliver all good inhabitants
from it, it is necessary to make proper arrangements ; therefore all inhabitants of the
Soutbriver of New-Netherland are hereby commanded and directed, to place themselves
immediately under the orders of Commander Alrigs, as soon as an enemy appears, when
it will be decided, what is most necessary for their better protection and which is the way,
to do the most harm to the enemy. Men, who have acted contrary to this order or have
been found negligent, shall be prosecuted for treason in the usual manner for such
proceedings. Done at Fort Willem Hendrick, the 14'" of January, 167i.

A. Colte.

By order of his Honor, the Governor-
General of New-Netherland.

A. Bayard, Secretary.

Patent to Ephraim and Casparus Hermans for land on Apoquemeny

KiL.

On the le"" of February, A* 167| the brothers, Ephraim and Casparus, Hermans were
granted and received letters-patent and a deed for a certain neck or piece of land, situate
in the Southriver of New-Netherland below New-Amstel, on the soutli side of Apoquemeny
Kil together with the low-lands, kils and other dependencies, their boundaries being on the
Bouthside the Apoquemeny Kil, then along this Kil to another, called Mud Kil, then along
this Kil to its source, on the eastside the river and on the northside a Kil, called Ariens

512 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Kil, which runs westward to a forest, so that the width of the aforesaid neck of land is
from Ariens Kil to Apoqnemeny Kil and the length from the riverbank into the woods to
the source of said Ariens Kil and then southward. It measures by computation about
two hundred and fifty morgens more or less, besides the low land. This patent is signed
by Governor Colve and Secretary Bayard, on the day as above.

Proceedings in court against Dom? Fabricius.

A' 1674, First of March, Thursday.

Present at the meeting : his Honor,
the Governor-General, Anthony Colve, the
Hon*'^ Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck, Mr.
Cornells van Ruyven and Secretary Bayard
as associated Councillors.

The Hou^'^ Fiscal, Pltf.

against
Jacob Fabricius, late
Lutheran preacher, Deft.

The Pltf. says, that Deft, has contrary to the laws of this government married Ralph
Doxy and Mary van Harris on the S'.** of February last past, without having any lawful
authority thereto and without publication of bans. The Pltf. therefore demands ex officio,
that Deft, shall be brought to the place, where justice is usually executed, be whipped
there severely and then be forever banished this government cuvi expensis.

Deft, confesses to have erred through ignorance, asks forgiveness and promises to
behave properly in future.

The Noble Hon"''' Governor-General and CouncU of New-Netheiiand heard the
comi^laint of the Fiscal and the confession and submission of the Deft., also a report of
the latter' s former bad behavior and would not proceed against him in the most rigorous
manner, considering his age and late position, but they condemn him and declare him
incapable to perform the functions of a minister and what is connected with them within
this province for the time of one year. After this time has elapsed. Deft, shall be held to ask
for a special consent, before he shall be re-admitted to the performance of the said functions.
Date as above.

Order refusing Dom^ Fabricius permission to baptize.

Jacobus Fabricius, late Lutheran minister, requests in a petition, that the sentence
against him should be mitigated so far, that he, the petitioner, might be at least allowed
to baptize, if he may not preach and act as minister. The answer given was, that
petitioner's request is denied. Date as above. (18* Aprill674.)

J^ew York Historical Records. 513

Letter feom Gov. Andkos to the Commissaeies 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.

A letter Bent to the Commissaryes of Delaware.
Gent.

Being confident of yo' willingnesse and readiness for his Ma*'"=' and your Countreyes
service, I have sent you the enclosed order, authorizing you who were Commissaryes at
the time of the Dutch coming into these parts in July 1673, to reassume your places of
Magistrates at New Castle in Delaware River, and will not doubt of your acquitting
yourselves in all respects as becomes yo'' trust ; So desiring to hear at large of the state
of things with you, by the first opportunity, I remaine

To J" Inhabitants of New Castle in Delaware. Yo' very loving friend

The like was sent to y° Inhabitants up E. Andkos.

the River, and to the Whore Kill.

Order for the reinstatement of all officers, who were in the
English service before the occupation by the Dutch.

Novemb-^ 2", 1674.
By the Governo''.
It is resolved and ordered that the Magistrates of Albany, Esopus & parts adjacent &
Magistrates who were in place at the time of the Dutch coming here July 1673 be
reestablisht for y* space of six months or further Order.

The same for Delaware River, Excepting Peter Alricks, the Bayliffe, he having
proferr'd himself e to y° Dutch at their first coming, of his own Motion and acted very
violently (as their cheife Ofi5cer) ever since.

Letters from Governor Andros to the Governors of Maryland and
Virginia, informing them of the retaking of New- York and
Delaware.

A letter sent to the Governor of Maryland.
Sr.
Having Saturday last received this place and dependences from the Dutch in behalf
of his Ma'^ to continue as formerly under the command of His Royall Highness ; I
cannot omitt by this first opportunity, to give you an account thereof; and that I
give order that all ofiicers and magistrates of this Government and Delaware take
all possible care upon this change, to prevent or redresse any kinde of injuryes to the

514 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

neighbouring Colonyes, and will not donbt the like in yo' parts, for the preventing all
occasions, and shall be glad to improve all opportunityes for good correspondence to
assure you of my being

Sr.
New Yorke, 3* Yo'' most humble serv'

November 1674. E. A^dkos.

A letter sent to the Governor of Virginia.
Sr.
This is to give you an acco' of my having Saturday last received this place and
dependences, in his Majesties bebalfe from the Dutch, to be againe as formerly under the
command of his Eoyal Highness, and to assure you not only of my endeavor to keep
that friendly correspondence I ought with our neighbors, his Ma"^° subjects in these
parts, but particularly to remain

Yo' most humble serv'

New York 4*" E. Andbos.

November 1674.

The Goteenoes Oedee appointing Commissaetes in Delawaee River
AND Dependences.

Having received this place and Government in the behalf e of Ms Ma'^from the Dutch;
and being invested in the command thereof, under his Royal Highness, I do hereby in
his Ma"^' name, nominate and appoint you to bee Commissaryes in the town of New
Castle in Delaware River and dependences, authorizing you or any thereof you
(whereof to preside as first in nomination) to act in all respects, according

to the Lawes and Customes as have been used amongst you, during his Royall Highnesse
Governm', in Governour Nicolls and Governour Louelaces time ; And that you give order
for the election of a Constable, in each of the other townes adjacent, to whom the
president is hereby empowered to administer the oath of his office, as is directed in the
lawes established by his Royall Highnesse. This settlement to continue in force for the
space of six months, or further order, according to the trust reposed in you, for the
which this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and seale in New
York this 4° day of November, in the 26*" year of his Ma"''^ Reigne Annoque Domini, 1674.
To the Commissaryes of New Castle E. Andeos.

in Delaware, who were in office
at the time of the Dutch coming
into these parts, in July, 1673.

Mew York Historical Records. 515

A Commission to Capt. Cantwell and M* William Tom to eeceive
New-Castle in Delaware River and Dependences.

Having received this place and Governm' in the behalfe of his Ma'^ from the Dutch,
(whereof Delaware is a Dependent,) These are to authorize you Capt. Edmund Cantwell,
and Mr. William Tom, to take possession of the ffort at New Castle in Delaware, as also
the Cannon and all other Stores of Warre there, or any other part of the River, for his
Ma"^' use, pursuant to the Articles of Peace : And you are upon occasion, to send to any
other Part of the Countrey, for the repossessing and setting any of his Ma"'^' good subjects
in their just Rights, and particularly at the Whore Kill ; You are likewise to comport
yo'selves with the Neighbour Colonies in a friendly and amicable manner ; And for what
you shall Lawfully act or do in prosecution hereof, this shall be your sufBcient Warrant :
Given under my hand and Seale at New Yorke, this 6'" day of November in the 26'" yeare
of his Ma"*' Reigne Annoque Domini 1674.

E. Andros.
To Capt. Edmund Cantwell
and Mr. William Tom.

The Names of y* Justices

for New-Castle are For the River

Mr. Hans Block Mr. Peter Cock

Mr. Jn° Moll Mr. Peter Rambo

Mr. Foppe Outhout Mr. Israel Helme

Mr. Joseph Chew Mr. Lars Andriesen

Mr. Dirck Alberts. Mr. Woolle Swain.

Order, authorizing Capt. Cantwell to administer the oath of
allegiance to the Commissaries in Delaware.

Capt. Cantwell' s Power to administer an Oath to the Commissaryes of Delaware.
Edmund Andros Esq., &c.

Whereas I have with the advice of my Councill thought jfitt to appoint the
Commissaryes of New Castle in Delaware, as also those of the Court up the River, and
at the Whore Kill in y® Bay to reassume their places ; These are by virtue of the authority
derived unto me, to require and empower you to administer an oath to the said
Commissaryes of the respective places afore mentioned, or any others there, who have
particular trust reposed in them ; That they be true and faithfuU to the Governm' in their
several imployments for the wh* this will be yo'' sufficient warrant. Given under my
hand and seale, at New Yorke, this ll"" day of November, in the 26'" yeare of his Ma""
Reigne Annoque Domini, 1674.

E. Andros.
To Capt. Edmund Cantwell
Sherriffe or Schout of Delaware River.

516 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter from Gov. Andeos to Capt. Cantwell at New-Castle,
infoemiisa him of his intention to visit delaware in the
spring and authorizing him to survet land and demand of
THE Indians satisfaction for the murder of Dr. Roades.

A Letter sent by the Grovernor unto Capt. Cantwell at Delaware about the
Militia.
Capt. Cantwell :

I have received both yours of the SO*? of November and 9'." of December, of your
having taken possession of the fort, and of the Magistrates being settled in New Castle,
as also up the river and at the Whore kill, being present yourself in the several places,
and am very glad to hear that people are generally so well satisfied w'" the change, and
of the likelyhood you tell me of new comers to settle in those parts. I thank you for
your care and diligence in putting in execution my severall orders, as above, and do
allow of your entertaining a man for the fort, and taking up a barrel of powder and shott,
as you mention. You may assure y" Magistrates and Inhabitants in those parts, that
continuing in their dutyes, I shall not be wanting in anything fit for me in my power, for
their further encouragement and protection under his Royal Highnesse Government,
Which that I may do the better I am resolved (God willing) to make a journey to you
myself in the beginning of the spring. In the meantime you may give such new comers as
desire to continue there, any reasonable quantity of landes not disposed of or settled in
time, according to their capacity and number of hands they shall bring for clearing it ;
due regard being had to the late warre ; and former under takers to be preferred. The
quantity of lands to be disposed of to each person, I must leave to your discretion,
referring you to the custome of the place and neighbourhood, but suppose forty or fifty
acres may be sufiicient for a head of age to improve it, least we run into former errors,
of giving greater tracts of land then improved to the hindrance of others. And till my
arrival! or order do further empower you to be surveyor for the whole river and bay. As
to your appreheucon of some peoples removal to the East side I suppose none of any note
will be hasty therein, the Proprietors not being agreed ; and though some have obtained,
others have no grants yet from his Royall Highness, so that tis not like to come into one
hand. As to what you write to Mr. Nicolls concerning execution upon Capt. Carrs estate
I can add nothing to my proclamation, which I think doth sufiiciently confirme all legal
judicial proceeding, and is sufficient authority for all persons concerned as well as for all
officers and magistrates. As to the militia, I do not think to make any alteracon untill I
come seeing no necessity for it ; Yo' Lieutenant in yo'' absence having power to
Command ; And the Ensigne being absent, the oldest Sergeant may do that duty or be
made ensigne upon occasion. And for the Whore Kill the number is as yet too little for
a Company, but if it be necessary you may nominate a Lieuten' who maj^ chuse Sergeants
and command there till further order. You have done well in summoning the Indyans to
demand justice upon y^ murder of Dr. Roades, which I pray prosecute in the best meanes
y* can, that it may be effected (if possible) without warrs, if not, let me hear from you
very early in the spring, that I may take order in it, and supply you accordingly. The
messenger hath stayed the longer by reason of my voyage to the east end of Long

New York Historical Records. 517

Island and his being lame. In an enclosed paper the Messenger hath had here a p'' of
Shooes one hundred guild" for a horse, 1^ lbs. powder, 6 lbs bread, besides boat hire
20*. to go to after.

I am jo' loving friend

To Capt. Edmund Cantwell, E. Andros.

at New Castle in Delaware.

Declaration. William Tom, plaintiff, Derick Albertson, defendant,
relative to half of a lot op land where the mill stood ; claimed

BY THE DEFENDANT UNDER A TRANSPORT FROM WiLLIAM BeECKMAN.

ll'" January 167|.
William Tom

pltf. -
Derick Albertson

deft.

The pltf. complaynes ag' the deft., that the pltf having obteyned a patent vnder
the hand and seale of CoUonell ffrancis Lovelace bearing date 25'" day of July 1669 for
one halfe of the lott where the Mill stood and the deft, denying the said halfe of the lot
by vertue of a transport from William Beakeman he having by that transport sold him

38 f oote of the abovementioned then halfe of the said lott itt is by

the Co"^' that itt be referred to New- York for the determinacon.

by the Co'' Will Tom.

Permit to Casparus Herrmans to occupy and possess a certain tract
OF land on the Delaware river between Arien's kil and
Apoqueminick kil, being 250 morgens, on condition that he
obtain a patent therefor.
******

a certain Kil, called the Kil, which runs towards the West and on the

Westside the common woods, so that it readies from Ariens Kil to the Apoquemeny Kil
one way, and from the riverbank to the source of the Arienskil westward into the woods
and southward to the Apoquemeny Kil, measuring about 250 morgens.

Whereas the above described piece of land has been taken possession of by Casparus
Heermans, in consequence of the aforesaid grant, who built a dwellinghouse on it and
enclosed part of it with a fence, Therefore at the request of the said Heermans I have
given consent and granted permission, that he may continue to cultivate and use as his
own property the parcel of land as described above, provided he obtains letters-patent
and confirmation from the Hon"' General. Actum N. Amstel on the Southriver of N.
Netherland.

The 5"" of February Pieter Alrichs.

A° 1674

518 Colonial Settleinents on the Delaware River.

Letter from Gov. Andros to Capt. Cantwell, regarding Indian
AFFAIRS IN Delaware.

A Letter from the Governor to Capt. Cantwell.

New York, March 27, 1675.
Capt Cantwell

Yo' of the 20"" I received yesterday, to which I gave you an answer the same Houre,
by Capt Krigiers Sloope, then ready to saile ; This is by yo"' owne expresse, that I have
inquired into the businesse of After Cull, and cannot find that there is any more in it,
than an Indyan drinking himselfe dead, at a House near Raritans River there being three
more with him, very rude, which frightened very the woman, her children and a man (her
husband being absent at Woodbridge) nor did they know of the said Indyans death who
was (as I am told) found dead in the woods ; so I doubt this is rather a pretence than a
real cause of their keeping off and refusing to comply with our just demands'concerning
the murder of Doctor Rhodes and his man. You have done very well to give notice aU
over the River to bee upon their guard ; But think you will do well to proceed no further
against them (if it may be avoided) until I come, when (I hope) we may accommodate all
or take such effectual courses, as shall be advisable and lit to bring them to reason. You
do not say anything of an Indyan, who I heare had lately his ribs broke by an Inhabitant
in the River, of w*"" hee dyed ; Which if so may be a great cause of their present actings.
But if the Magistrates have done their parts, in examining and doing justice therein, as
the case might require, there can be no more expected, otherwise if any such thing hath
happened, and the prosecucon neglected, bee sure it be done effectually without delay
though not demanded by the Indyans, or though they should have complyed before this
comes to you : I thought to have begun my journey to you by this time, but my not
being very well, the spring very backward, the Kings ships not yet gone, I did think to
put off my journey, till the latter end of the month or the beginning of May, but now as I
shall heare from you, shall hasten it accordingly, and do designe bringing with me, about
forty or fifty men, and to go by the upper way to the faUs I hope you have prohibited all
manner of distilling corne, as well as its transportacon, if not, I pray that it be done
presently. I am

Yo'' very Loving friend

E. Andros, s.
To Capt Edmund Cantwell,

Schout of New Castle in Delaware.

J\''eiv York Historical Records. 519

Letter fkom Gov. Andros to Capt. Cantwell on Indian affairs in
Delaware.

A letter to Capt Cantwell of the 23* Aprill, 1675.

Sr.
I have this afternoone rec* yo'' Lre of the 19'" by Walker and sent by your expresse;
In which you give me an Account of the Murder of two Christians about the 8* of this
instant, about MHstone River and that it should be done by the brother of him that
lately dyed at After- Cull ; I think it something strange that at the writing yo"" former
Letters of the 14'"' and 16'", which I received by Mr. Osborne, neither you nor the said
Osborne in his Journey sliould have heard nothing of it ; This is to lett you know tliat
the 20'" inst. three of the Nevisans Sachemakas, were here with me, and about thirty of
their people with them, and did not onely conclude a peace with them, but they did also
engage, neither to harbor or have anything to do with any of the Indyans, that should
happen to be our enemyes and particularly those beyond them. Now upon the receipt of
this last Lre of yo", I have advised vdth my councU and sent to Governor Carteret to
desire him to send by expresse to the Indyans to know the truth of the murther, and if
so, by whom, the manner and cause, without declaring any further intent, and give mee
a present answer. As also that he will give order for horses for our journey to Delaware,
to be ready at furtherest the last instant about w<=" time I thinke of setting out from here,
though I had not intended till the 4'" of the next and shall (as afore) come by the
way of the falls, where you may meet mee on Tuesday the 4'", or if yo° shall be there
sooner and thinke good, may come on towards or to Milstone River, as you proposed ;
In the meantime I think there needs no further order, but y' you looke to yo''selves and
give no just offense, or cause of suspicon to the Indyans ; But as to James Sandyland
(if you are not sure of his being criminally guilty) you ought to have had a Court, that
he might have had a Legall Tryall, and so either be justly detained, punisht or releast.
Therefore if you have time, let it be yet done before you come, having had no other
meaning, nor (I think) given any other direccons in my former letter. As to his being out
upon Bayle (if he be not criminall), it cannot be denyed him. Pray let there be as little
noise or talke of the ludyan concernes in yo"' parts as may be. I am yo'' Loving friend,

April 23-* 1675. E. Andros.

Letter from the same to the same, informing him that the several
Indian tribes are at peace.

A Letter written to Capt. Cantwell of the 30'" Aprill, 1675.
Two houres since I received yo" of the 25'" by two Indyans sent expresse, as also the
copyes of the 10'" from Israel Helme and 24'" from Peter Cock, By all of which I finde
how much you are alarmed in yo'' parts, and persuaded of the Indyans Intention to do
mischiefe, upon consideracon of which, I am apt to believe, that your Indyan
Intelligencer, if hee be real himselfe, is but ill Informed ; For at y® time that hee reports
the former messengers, Cock and Walker to be murdered, they were in these parts, safe
and well, arriving here on the 23'' and were dispatch' t back, the same night, in the

520 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

evening ; By whom I gave you an acco' of a firme Peace concluded w'" three of the greatest
Sachemacks, and their people, at and beyond the Nevisans, who promised not to bee any
ways concerned, or to harbor any other Indyans, particularly their Neighbors, if they
should happen to be in enmity with us ; That the Mauques* and Sopus* Indyans had
likewise this Spring, renewed the Peace with us, and that I did hold my resolucon of
setting out for yo' parts (at f urtherest) on Munday the third of May, and to be at the falls
on Tuesday of which I shall not faile (God willing) I hope and do not doubt of a good
euccese, for the quiett and settlement of all those parts, and that yo"' former messengers,
are safely arrived to you, with my said Letters ; Hearing from all other hands that the
Indyans are quiet and busie on planting ; However I thanke you for yo'' great care for
myselfe as well as for the preservation of the Inhabitants of the River, and giving notice
for the preventing of surprises, and providing against all events ; And if there shall be
occasion, I shall not be wanting in supplying you with all things necessary, I am
New York, the 30'" Yo' Loving friend

April, 1675. E. Andkos.

Commission for militia officers for Newcastle, Cranehook,
Verdriete hook. Upland, Passayunck, Apoquemini and Horekill,
IN Delaware.
Edmand Andros Esq"' Seigneur of Sausmarez, Lieut. & Groverno'' gen" under his
Royal Highness James Duke of Yorke and Albany &c of all his Territories
in America
By virtue of the comission & authority unto mee given, I doe hereby constitute &
appoint you to Bee Capt. of a foot Company of the Militia composed of the Inhabitants
of New Castle in Delaware River & Dependences : You are therefore to take the
1" company into your charge & duely to exercise both officers & souldyers in arms,
& keep them in good order & discipline. And the s* offic" & souldy" are requu-ed to obey
you as their capten & you are to observe such Rules & orders as from time to time you
shall receive from me, or other, yo' superio' in office, according to law and the Rule &
discipline of warre. This Comission to bee of force for the space of one whole yeare
after the date hereof or further order : Given under my hand & seale at Newcastle in
Delaware River, this . . . day of May 1675
Newcastle — Capt Lieut & Ensign
Cranehooke ]

Verdriede Hooke |

^P^^'^'^ ^ Uhelike

Passayunck (

Apoquemini |

Whorekill J

No 29
President of Military
Comissions at Delaware
May 1675.

* Mohawks and Mohicans.

Kew York Historical Records. 521

Petition. Jacobus Fabricius relative to a charge op riotous conduct

BROUGHT against HIM.

To the Honorable Mayor Edmund Andros governo'' gen'.' under his Royal
Highness of all his Territoryes in America.

The humble Peticon of Jacobus Fabricius.

Sheweth your hono'' humble Peticon"" as that yo' hono"" having been pleased to send a
warrant to ISTew Castle, ordering your Peticon'' forthwith to make his personall appearance
before yo"" hono'' in this place, to make answer to what shall bee objectd against your
hon''* Peticon'' concerning a disturbance hapned at Delaware in New Castle the 4'|* day of
June Last, in condemning and disobeying the orders sett forth by the Magistrates in a
riotous manner. In obedience to yo'' hono''* order and comand, yoy hono''" Peticon'' doth
appear before you"' bono"" and as for what is Laid upon him yo' hono'." Peticon'' finds
himself not guilty as may appear by Several witnesses.

Therefore its your hono''' Peticon'' humble Request, that an order may be given with
a comission to examine the Burgers and Inhabitants of New Castle whether yo' hono
Pet' has beene tumultious against the Magistrates and likewise whether he has
given base language to the powers, or came armed, or has any weapon, or made any
resistance. On the contrary thereof you"" hono''" peticon'', being desired by the people to
Speak for them, was affrontuously dealt by the Comand'' there : upon the Returne of the
examination, yo' hono'' peticon' hope you' hono' to bee better informed, and shall know
the very truth, and to iudge that you' hono" Pet' is much wrongdt, and damaged in
coming hether, in Loosing his time, and leaving his employment with dayly expenses :
which you' hono' bee pleased to consider, and to give Such order. That after yo' hono"
Peticon' is cleared of the accusation Laid on him his costs, expenses, damages and Loss of
tyme may be allowed to him, not being reasonable to bee so much troubled in a
vexatious cause.

And yo' hono' pet' shall ever pray much.

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.

Right honereabill Ed. Andros gouern'.

For wee thought good to propound ffew things unto yo' honners Considireation for
the seatilment of ourselves & famelies at the falles of Delaway River.

First we Request of your honner such a trackt of Land in the please aforesaid
Contayneing ffowar thousand eakers of Land lying by the River that is to saye Ifowar
mile above the fales and fowar miles Belowe with the ij lands therebye and that the
ijland callid by the name of Mr. Olderidges (Alrichs) ijland may be procuarid ffor vs
and that your honner wolde be pleased to give us such a Pattin ffor the same : wherebye
it maye be Confermid vnto our selves and ayares or sucksesars ffor ever and besids this

522 Colonial Settlements onjbhe Delaware Paver.

ffowar thousand eakeres of Land we Bequest a nother parte of Land to by as Comman
and ilree ffrom any payments but ffor the ffowar thousand Akeres after the exspu-eation
of 7 yeres paying ffor every hondred eakeres one scijjeU of wheate yerely shall then be
ffreid ffrom any other payments as to the pub lick.

2'y that we maye have our Liberty in point of worship and the Choise of our owne
Ministar and that nothing may be imposed upon him which may be ofensive vnto Ms
Conshence.

3'^ that we may have the Liberty ffor the iudging of such difaranses as may any way
hapin amongt as to give a ffinal determination thereof exsept of matters which moste
properly belong to the Courte of Asisis. That we may have the Liberty of treade and
make the best of what we shall Rayes or maye produce and tranceporte into any partes
of his maiestyes Dominyons either Yorke, Boston or Barbados or where we maye make
the best of what we shall any waye produce, Provided we paye the Kings Custome as in
New Yorke we then be ffree to tranceporte it where we please without any ffurdar pay
mente.

List of the persons, old and young, living at the Hokekil, Del.
List of the persons, young and old, who are here at Sekonnessinck on Horekil.

Helmanus Fredericks Wiltbanck, his wife, two sons and a man-servant 5

Alexander Moelsteen, his wife, two sons and a man-servant 5

Otto Wolgast, his wife, one son and a man-servant 4

Willem Klasen with two daughters and a child 4

Jan Kipshaven, his wife and daughter 3

James Weedon his wife, one daughter, one son and 4 servants 8

John Rods, his wife and five children, 3 sons and 2 daughters 7

Daniel Breen, his wife and his partner John CoUeson 3

Jan Michiels, Anthony Pieters, Abraham Pieters, Pieter Smith 4

Pieter Grronedick, Antony Sander, Herman Cornelissen 3

Herman Droochetraeder (?) 1

1671, 8"^ of May. Total .... 47 souls.

There are here at present on Capt Martyn Cregiers sloop Bedfort 5

Also on a small boat of Pieter Alrichs from New Castle 2 persons 2

7
Helmanus Fr. Wiltbank.

Mew York Historical Records. 523

Petition. Hermanus Wiltbank to the council, about Capt. Cantwell

AND charges made AGAINST HIM.

To the Hono'=* Councell the Humble pet° of the Magest^^ of the Whoerkill.
In all Humble manner

Sheweth that yo'' pef^ haue Receaved from Capt. NicoUs Secretary yo'' ord''And alsoo
notice from Capt. Edni" Cantwell to Appeare these Instant month of August Before yo''
Hono"''^'' to make good wat we acquainted his Hono"' the Gouerno'' by a letter sent from vs
the last yeare, which hath been yo"' Honoreds opinion to Vnderstand as an Information
or charge Laid against Capt. Cantwell if so then yo'' pef' Doe Humble Crane that yo''
Honoreds Be pleased to Referr the said matter vntill next assizes whereas then wee or
any of vs shall willingly Appeare to Answere if Capt. Cantwell will stand vpon Ms
Vindication & more make appeare as wee haue Expresst ag? him to the which
Impossibilities of Passages these time of the yeare are not to be had and also the great
hindrances of our Coiicernes and occasions at these p''sents would greatelye Damnifye vs
for which yo"' pet"'* Humble Request yo'' Honoureds to Referr the Cause vntill the Assizes
afores* being soe neare at hand.

And yo' pef^ shall in Duty pray

Helm. AViltbank.

Conference between Governor Andros, the Magistrates at New
Castle, Del. and the Indian sachems op New Jersey ; renewal of
the treaty of peace ; S. Edsall, J. Helme and Lanse Cock, Israel
Helme, Interpreter.

At Newcastle May 13*1" 1675

Vpon an Appearance of the Indyans before the Go : & the New Magistrates, in the
afternoone. They were those who came in morne, with Mr. S. Edsall, Isr. Helme, and
Lanse Cock. The names of the Chiefs were Renowewan of Sawkin on the Eastern side,
Ij)an Kickan of Rancokeskill, Ket-marius of Soupnapka, Manickty of Rancokeskill
heretofore all of N. Jersy side. The governo"' declares his desu-e to continue in friendship
with them & his readiness to protect them, & thanks them for their coming down.

They by Israel Helme the Interpreter expresse their readiness to continue in good
friendship, & return their thanks to the Gov.

They are told that it is not, that the Governd wants their help — if the other Indyans
will bee bad, he can deale well enough with them, but now is wishing to be kind to those
that will live quietly and well.

They believe so they say.

They are told they must not kick the beasts or swine belonging to the Christians
& the Christians shall not doe them any injury, but justice shall bee done as they might
see to-day in the case of Jam' Sandylands.

The first sachem rises up & walks up & down taking notice of his old Acquaintance
P. Rambo & Peter Cock, Lansa Cock with C. Cantwell then taking a band of sewant.

524 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Pviver.

hee measured it from his neck to the length downward & said his heart should bee so long
& so great to the Gov. & the Christians & should never forget the Gov. so presents the
belt of wampum, throwing it at the Gov. feet.

The next rises up & professing much friendship & thanks to the Gov. for his kind
expressions p''sents another belt of wampum.

The Gov tells them the two belts shall be kept as bands of friendship between them.

The belts of sewant were written upon, to be kept in token of a continuance of Peace.

The first belt was 15, t'other 12 wampum bigh.

The Gov. presents them with 4 Coates & 4 lappcloathes.

They return thanks and fall a kintacoying with expressions of thanks, singing
Jcenon, Jcenon.

At a speciall Co=.^ held at New Castle in Delaware. May 13''.^ 1675.

The Dukes Commission to the Go: read The Sheriffes Comission read & hee
Bworne The 3 Comissions for New Castle, Upland and Whorekill read and those presen.
Bworne. The orders of Regulacon read. The bench- called over and placed on the Go :

left hand Go : Carteret on the right w''^ Capt. Salisbury, Mr Miuvielle & M' next Mr.

Tom. A jury empanneld viz? W Sam Edsall, Mr Tho : Waudall, M"" Jos : Smith, Mr John
Jackson, Mr W" Osburne. The Jury : Mr John Desjardins, Mart. Rosamond, Otto
Ernest, Hendr : Jansen, Gyebert Dircks, Henry Jones, Ralph Hutchinson.

James Sandylands brought to make answer to a Presentment, brought in ag'? him by
the Sheriffe for a suspicon of being the cause of the death of an Indyan. The presentment
read. Hee pleads to it not guilty ; and relates the whole manner of the Indyans being
at his house, & his putting him out of doores &c.

Several Indyans being brought down from Peter Rambo' s This morning, by Sam:
Edsall, Isr. Helme, & Lans Cock, who went up for them, they were sent for to the Co''.'
to heare the Tryall.

M'' Israel Helme Interpretr

One of the cheife Indyans relates the matter as he heard it but disagrees about the
time the Indyan lived after his fall, saying it was but about 5 dayes and others 6 or 8

The difference betweene wilfull murder & accidentall declared to them.

James Sandylands hath leave of the Co''.'' to speake with the Indyans.

Another Indyan saith he lived two months.

The Go : having given the Charge to the Jury, goe out upon the matter.

The peticon of Michael Judd, wherein Jacob Young is concerned, Hee being absent,
Its put off tUl to morrow.

The like of Sarah Young & children ; Hee being there in concerned also.

The Peticon of James Boyde about goods sold at an outcry here to pay a debt to M'
Tom. M'' Cornell, Mr Osburne, & Ralph Hutchinson A.W for Boyde.

The Proceedings being found irregular. The Sheriffe is to make good the value the
goods were sold for, & y" p''son who bought them to bee accomptable to him : The
determtnacon to bee left to the Law. To bee heard to morrow morne, 8 o' clock.

iMeio York Historical Records. 525

A peticon of Henry Jacobs ag'.' mons' Peter Jegoe, about a bargaine for a Hill, which
hee complaines of & would be releaff. To bee referred to a Rehearing at the next Co"? at
Upland.

The Jury bring in their Verdict, That they find the prison"" not to bee Guilty.

Hee is ordered to bee cleared by Proclamacon.

Fryday May 14, 1675.
Sam Edsall as AW to John )
Sharpe \

W"" Oryon Def?

A bni is produced for 54 G. 8 St^

The Deft, denyes the bill, It' s onely his marke.

The Pltff sheweth a deposicon from M"" Richbell sworne before M"" Delaval]
acknowledging a debt but no certaine time.

The DeH to give security to answer the action at N. Y. or the P'?' Att^ upon his paying
the debt, to give security to make good the bitter answer the determinacon of the Law
with Costs etc ... .

Samuell Edsall p".

William Oryon Def?

A declaracon put in by the Pltf ag"' the Def? about taking away a Canoe from his
Plantacon &c & enticing away 2 serv*."

The Def? denyes taking the Canooe.

Its proved by his owne confession before Mr Des Jardins champagne & James
Sandylands.

Hee denyes taking the serv'.' with him, but its proved : one only was a serv?.

The Def? to pay the Action, or give security to pay it upon the place in N. Jersey.

Wmiam Oryon Pltf.

Samuell Edsall Def?.

Hee demands 175 G. due for curing of 4 horses & looking after his horses.

The P" making nothing appeare is non suited.

The Peticon of Sarah Young in behalfe of her selfe & children being read.

An order of Co"".' in the Dutch time.

Her son in Lawes deed of Guift produced.

Twas alleadged hee was under age when hee did it. That the former order of Co""*
stand Good & the deed of y" son confirmed.

The peticon of Michael Judd.

In the absence of Jacob Jansen his wife appeares to answer the Comp"'.

The first bond to bee p* as p"" former order of Co"''.

hee to haue his remedy for j" VJ- etc.

The buisnesse of Boyde about the Chest of Goods &c referred to this morning.

The Goods or Value to remaine in the Sheriff's hands, till the law determine who they
belong to.

Ralph Hutchinson peticon about M"" Richbells debt. Respited till MT Lawrences
letter bee seene which C. Cantwell hath Afterwards ordered that the form' judging should
bee allowed, &, the pretended attachm' of Goods in the hand of Cap? CantweU bee taken off

526 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

W Will Tom & tliose of Verdrietiges Hoek about Meadows. The same as in Coll.
Lovelace's time.

Mr. Toms proposal! accepted by the Co" That the Inhabitants shall have
proporconable meadow there so hee may have liberty to dispose of the remainder to
others «& have the use of Commonage himseU'e.

At a speciall Co" held by Go^ at New Castle in Delaware River, the IS'" & 14"* dayes
of May 1675.

It was ordered as followeth That y"" Church and whereas there is no Church or place
of meeting higher up the river than y® Island, for the gi-eater ease & Convenience of the
Inhabitants there, Its ordered that the magistrates of Vpland, doe cause a Church or
place of meeting for that purpose to bee built at Wickakoe,* the which to bee for the
Inhabit'.' of Passayunck & so upwards, the s" Co" being empowered to raise a Tax for its
building, & to agree upon a competent maintenance for their minister, of all which they
are to give an ace' to the next Gen" Co" & they to the Governor for his approbacon. That
the Church at Tinnicom Island Do serve for Vpland and p'^ adjacent.

That the place for meeting at Crane Hooke as heretofore.

That the Church bee regulated by the Co" here in as orderly and decent manner as
may bee.

The buisnesse for Highways being taken into Consideracon, It was ordered,

That some convenient way bee made passable betweene Towne and Towne in this
River. The manner of doeing it, to be ordered by j" respective Co", and likewise the
charge.

And that Cap? Carres Meadow at the North End of the Towne, being rejDresented to
the Co" to bee a generall nuisance to the place and Country as it now is, there being
neither bridge nor fitting way to passe by, or through it, and that the Towne is in great
straight for want of it, as they might improve it. It is ordered. That the s* meadow
Ground shall bee apprized by indifferent P''sons. and the Towne to have the refusall, but
whosoever shall enjoy it shall be obliged to maintaine sufficient bridges and wayes through
the limitts thereof, with a Cartway ; The Appriz" to bee two persons appointed by the
magistrates of this place, & two more, by the Co" of Vpland & the apjDrizement to bee
returned in to the next Co" held in this Towne.

As to the small piece of Low Ground or swampe on the south side It is ordered to
be ditched within one month by y'' Owners, if any, otherwise to be done by y" Towne
within a month after & to enjoy it. It being in like manner represented as a nuisance of
the Towne.

A prohibicon for selling strong Liquo" to the Indyans by retayle or lesse than two
Gallons. Penalty 5 lbs.

Gov. Carteret will give the like Order.

No Corne or Grain to bee distilled in the River, penalty 5 lbs.

That these orders about highways, bridges etc. bee Put in Execucon by the magistrates
within the space of three months after y" date hereof, or else the sheriffe shall have
power to have it done and the Country to pay double the charge.

A Ferry Boate to bee maintayned at the Falls on y^ westside. A Horse & man to

*The Old Swedes Church, Gloria Dei, in Philadelphia.— B. F.

Mew York Historical Records, 527

pay 2g. A man without a horse 10 st. The buisnesse of My Tom & Dirck Alberts,
referred by y^ Co''.' to N. Y. Is by y® Co''* referred to yf magistrates to view or with the
Gov''f order to bee viewed, & if they doe not tliinke it proper to determine it, Then to
returne their Report & Judgm^ thereof to the Go: for a present Determinacon.

George Moore peticon for Administracon, w'^" was refused by y" Co''.'.

It is to bee granted by y° magistrates according to Law, The making proofe of the
Nuncupative will of y" deceased, Gabrel Minvielle P"

The estates of C. Carre Def?.

His debt 521 guilders.

The same to bee entered, and to have his Remiedy at Law ag°.' the estate, & this to bee
as an Attachm^

James Sandylands cleared by Proclamacon.

The next Gen'.' Co"'.' to begin y" 2".'' Tuesday in May next, vnlesse called upon
extraordinary occasion.

At a Co"''' AT Peter Rambo's May 17. 1675.
Pres' :
Peter Cock The Governo''

Peter Rambo The Seer''

Israel Helme C. Ed. Cantwell

Laes Anderson W. Gab. Minvielle

W. Rich. CorneU

The matter under Consideracon was the scandalous buisnesse of James Sandyland, &
Laurens Hulst.

It was ordered That James Sandyland pay the sume of 300 G. & Laurens Hulst 200.
The one halfe to bee towards the building of the new Church at Weckakoe, and the other
to the sheriffe.

Sandylands putt off from being Capt. The L? Hans. Jurriaen in his place, John
Prince L', Jonas Keene, Ensign.

Geant to D= John Des Jaedins of a teact of land on Jones ceeek in
Apoquemini.

By the Governor
Vpon the Peticon of Dr John Des Jardins making request that I would give him my
Graunt for a certaine Tract of Land, lying in S^ Jones Creeke in Apoquemini in this
River, heretofore graunted by Patent to one DT 'Walebut (as is by him alledged) is
elapsed & escheated by y° death of the s*? D- & his son & so become at my disposall.
To the End the s"? Land may not lye Vacant, but that some good Improvement may be
made thereon, I have thougth Fitt to Graunt the Pef' Request, & if within the space of
one yeare & six weekes or such reasonable time as the Law doth direct, no Relacon of

528 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

the deceased shall appears & make lawfull clayme thereunto, I shall graunt a Patent of
Confirmacon for the same. Given under my hand at New castle in Delaware River May
15* 1675.

Letter from Gov. Andros [at the Delaware] to Lord Baltimore.
R* Ho"!"

I received some time before coming from New-Yorke yo"' very obliging Letter, for
the which I should haue sooner returned you, (as I now doe) my acknowledgm' & thanks,
but that it mentioned yo"" Intent of suddenly departing for Engl* I shall thinke myselfe
very happy of the honor you intend of seeing you at N. Y. & am sorry my extraordinary
occasions of going to the severall p'" of y° Government will not admit my now waiting on
you at S? Mary's, so assure you myselfe of the Sense I have of yo' civility & my
Inclination to serve you. I have beene the more hastned to this place by y" neighbouring
Indyans rudenesse with the Christians, of whom they killed 2 in y* Dutch time & since
some Cattle in a more publick manner then ordinary & gaue great Apprehension of

greater disorders, if not now. All which I hope is now remedied ; I haue settled

all publick concerns here & giuen p'"ticulars orders to the Magistrates & offic" of this
River & Bay, that they bee very carefull, that they & all others in their severall precincts
comporte themselves & keep that due & friendly Correspondence as they ought with
their neighbours in yo"' Province. Not doubting (which I pray) that you'l give like
fitting orders to those of yo" who border upon his R. H? Governm' I am now hastening
away for N. Y. in order to my going up to Alb?' But where ever I am shall bee ready to
receive yo^ Convenience, Remaining

R? Ho"!"

For his Excellency Charles Calvert
Esq." Go : & C. Gen" of Maryland
at St Mary's
May 15'" 1675.

Copy of a Lre to
my Lord Baltimore
May 15. 1676.

Kew York Historical Records. 529

Petition. Lutherans on the Delaware river, setting forth that
IN Dec, 1672, two congregations had been established, one

ABOVE VeRDRITIGE HOOK, UNDER E,EV. Mr. LaERS, THE OTHER BELOW
THAT POINT, UNDER ReV. JaCOBUS FaBRITIUS, AND PRAYING THAT THE
SAME BE CONFIRMED.

To the Noble, Right Honorable, Major Edmond Andros, Governor-General of
all his Royal Highness, James, Duke of York and Albany etc. Territories
in America.
Show with all reverence the subscribed petitioners, the community of the unchangeable
Augsburg Confession, called the Lutheran, which has its residence on the Southriver, that
after the petitioners had addressed an humble petition to the Right Honorable Governor
on the 13'? of May Anno 1675, together with a document, drawn up in Council at New
Castle on the 10'" December 1672, and presented by petitioners' minister, whereby they
divided the river into two parishes, so that all above YerdrlUge Hoek is and shall remain
tinder tlie pastorate of Mr. Laers and all below YerdrlUge Hoek under the pastorate of
Mag"' Jakobus Fabricius, and requested and asked with due humility, that your Noble
Honor would please to confirm the action and the division for the sake of God's glory
and good order, the petitioners expected hereupon a favorable answer and decision and
had hoped to receive the same through Capt. Ed. Kantwell, but as the speedy journey and
many troubles have prevented your Noble Honor, the petitioners do not know, how to act
and they come therefore again to your Noble Right Honorable Worsliip with the humble
request, to confirm the act and the division, also their minister Magr Jakobus Fabricius
and to grant a favorable reply to the petitioners, doing which they remain your Noble
Right Honorable Worships subjects and mediators with God.

Actum New Castle The Community of the Unchangeable Confession

the first of June of Augsburg on the Southriver belonging to the

Anno 1675. Churches of Swaenewyck and Kraenhoek.

Henrick Jansen

Hendrick |-| i Jansen van Breeman

Harman Janssen

Peter Yelcker

Peter Classen

Peter ><< Willem's mark

Corn Janson

PlETER 1^ MaNSLANST

Jan "b Barends
SiBRAND ^ Jansen
HiNRicH % Fransen
Willem Jansen
Jan Jansen
John Vokmer (?)
Clas ^ Andresen
-„ and all the others.

530 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Order to coifSTEUCT two dykes or highways along certain marshy
LANDS AT New Castle.

Whereas Gov|' Edm'' Andros, Lieutenant General of all the Duke's of York dominions
in America has ordered, that the marshland on the northside of New Castle on the
Delaware river, belonging to Capt. John Carr, should be appraised by four impartial
men, to be appointed by the Magistrates, therefore they have unanimously chosen Sy
Peter Aldericks, ST Johannes de Haas, S"' Peter Cock and S'' Lars Andriessen, who after
inspection judged the marshland to be of no value.

Thereupon the aforesaid Magistrates have assembled to-day and considered, that the
Governor's order regarding the construction of a highway could not be carried out, unless
an outside dike with sluices was first made along the water and they command therefore
herewith, that all and every male inhabitant of the district of New Castle, shall go to
work next Monday and assist in making said dike and continue with his work, until the
aforesaid outside dike has been completed and the men, who do more than their share of
the work shall be paid for their overwork by those, who do not work themselves and
hire no laborers : the inhabitants of New Castle shall do as much work pro rata, counting
every head, as the country people work or pay for. It is further ordered, that Martin
Gerretsen, Pieter de Wit and Hendrick Sybratsen shall by turns be officers and have
charge of this work and construct the aforesaid dike ten feet wide at the bottom, five
feet high and three feet wide on the top, providing it with well-made and strong floodgates
and the country people shall thereafter not be obliged to do any work on tliis outside
dike or floodgates without being paid for it, while on the other side the inhabitants of
New Castle shall be held to make the necessary repairs on this dike and the flood gates
from time to time, under condition that they shall also derive the profits from the
aforesaid marshland and have it as their own.

The aforesaid Magistrates have also considered it highly necessary for everybody,
that the outer dike, running along Mr. Hans Block's marsh, should be repaired and
strengthened ; they order therefore, that this dike, like the other, should for this time be
repaired and strengthened by all and every male inhabitant of the district of New Castle,
but that hereafter the said dike and floodgates shall be repaired from time to time and
taken care of by the aforesaid Mr. Hans Block or his heirs.

The working people shall be divided into three parties by the aforesaid three officers
and each party shall be under the command of its officer and work for two days at the
dike and whoever shall refuse to come to work in his turn or to send a hired laborer in
his place, shall be held to pay to the said officer for each day, which he thus loses, the
sum of ten guilders in wampum.

The aforesaid work must be done and completed within the time of six weeks under
penalty of three-fold payment, in default whereof they are to remain under bailbond for
its payment. Thus done and published in New-Castle, the 4'^ of June 1675

Ed. Cantwell
H. Block
John Moll
DiRicK Albertsen.

Keio York Historical Records. 531

Declaeation of H. Block, John Moll and Derick Alberts,
Magistrates of New Castle, respecting the opposition
manifested in the church by John Ogle and Rev. Jacobus
Pabricius, to the above order.

Declaration of the undersigned concerning wliat has been done last 4"" of
June during the gathering of the people in consequence of the construction
and repairs of two outer dikes.
As soon as we had read and promulgated the order concerning it, John Ogle, who
was still in the church, took the word in an arrogant manner and said: "We will not
make Hans Block's dike, nor the other dike either." Capt. Cantwell answered "You,
John Ogle, are an Englishman, but it does not behoove you to make such an ado among
so many people," he took him by the arm and shoved him out of the church, whereupon
one Mathys Smith said in a like arrogant manner "That man speaks the truth and we
repeat, what he says" adding other improper words. Capt. Cantwell called for the
Constable to place tliis man into the stocks, but as the Constable was not at hand and
Mathys Smith continued with his foul language, Capt. Cantwell was forced to strike him
several times with his ratan : MagT Jacobus Fabricius called out very insolently "That
man has done no wrong, he speaks the truth. If he must go to prison, then I too will
go " and other bad words, which do not become a priest. As the Constable did not come,
we thought it advisable to prevent other mischief and had the aforesaid John Ogle and
MagT Fabricius brought down to the yacht. The priest was very angry on the way to
the boat, and when Capt. Cantwell wanted to take him by the arm, he swore and scolded,
saying "May the Devil take you, if you touch me" and other impious words. In the
boat he stUl made use of his foul language, so that some people passing the boat caUed
out "Take hold of hun, take hold of him," others armed with swords and sticks swore
at each other and looked, as if a great mishap had sprung up suddenly, so that we
resolved at the request of several to have the aforesaid John Ogle and Magr Fabricius
brought ashore again.

A few days after we had had the confii'mation of our order affixed on the church
door, I, Hans Block, met John Ogle on the street and spoke with him about the late
mutiny, created by him and others : he said, if the Fins had been drunk, no good would
have come of it. I answered, that the confirmation of our order was now there affixed
on the church door, whereupon he said "I care no more for your order, than for this

dirt on the street here," kicking the same with his foot.

H. Block
John Moll
Deeck Alberts.

532 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Petition of the inhabitants of the district of New Castle relative
TO making two dikes or highways through the marsh belonging
TO Mr. Carr.

To the Right honorble maio"" Edmund Andross Cap' Generall off all his royal highnesses

Territories in America & governor of New-Yorke.

The humble petition of the Inhabbitants vnder y^ government of New Castle humble

sheweth Thatt whereas yo'' petition™ att a publique meeting in y« towne of New-Castle

bearing date y"= 4'.'= day of June 1675 by ord"- of the shiriff & magistrates of this towne to

dispose of a parcele of morast or flye formerly belonging to Cap' Carr & through the said

flye to make two dickes or highways, one for the Concernes of the King & publique, y^

other for Convenience of y^ towne, aU which yo'' petition" Condisend to, butt nott any

way willing to repaire the Dicke which belongs to the flye of Hans Block without the

privilege thereoff, itt being the said Hans his owne and therefore belonging to him to

make good the dick the whole Company of y^ inhabitants or y^ most part making the

parties named John Ogle & Domine Fabricius theire speakers, thatt they were willing to

repaire the Kings highway through the flye as also to make & secure the Dick for a foott

passage over by the river side with a suflicient sluyce to draine the water outt of the flye,

butt nott to be slaves to Hans Blocks perticular Intrest, for which cause nott only one

butt aU in whose behalf these whose names are vnd"' written Complaine, y' theire speakers

were sorely beaten without cause, as we all hope yo'' bono'' wUl take Cognesens off, for

nott Condisending to make vp the flye of Hans Block which is nott a publique, butt a

privett Concerne Comitting them likewise without any Just Cause of offence onely

speaking for y^ rights & intrests belonging to vs, which with our money e according to

yo' hono'"^ grant wear willing to purchas & god sending vs helth to maintaine the said

Dikes. The flye being by yo'' Houo''" apprizers accounted of no vallew yett According to

yo' Hono"'' order in New Castle we humble acsept yo' hono'' pleasure therein and are

willing to maintaine both ways, so y' we may have the privelige of y* Comonage.

And yo' petittion'^ shall for yo' Hono' Ever pray

Tf^ 4.rT^ ]!ll T ^s in duty bound.

Liitenant Tiio : X Jacobsen

marke
hiB

Jacob fin Johnson Ensign J

both for the whole Company for y^ hole Company of Crane hooke.

of Cristena Creek.

(June 1675)

Kew York Historical Records. 533

Reasons which led the Magistrates to make the order about the
two dykes.

Reasons which have induced us, to order that all the inhabitants of the district
of New Castle should help to make the two outer dikes.

First. To obey the Hon*'' General's order concerning roads to be made from one
village to the other. No wagon or cart road could be made, unless the aforesaid dikes
and floodgates had been constructed first to keep out the water.

2d. There are only a few here, who have a knowledge of such work, especially
among the people of New Castle, and they have been compelled to pay their workmen
from 30 to 40 guilders a day for such work, so that the people, who wanted to labor,
have earned much and nobody would have lost more than 5 or 6 hours' work on the
public dike and 3 or 4 hours on Mr. Hans Block's dike.

3d. All inhabitants, country-people and strangers would have been compelled to go
5 or 6 English miles thi-ough the woods, only to reach Swaenewyck, which is not more
than one English mile from here. Now that Mr. Hans Block's dike has been made,
although he could make his hay without repairing his dike, as it can be made on other
marshes without dikes, he has nevertheless made 16 parts of his dike at his own expense,
besides one-fourth of the dike, which had already been made and has also paid the
expenses of making a floodgate and everything needed thereto ; so that the mutineers
had not the least reason or cause to make reflections about it or to vent their foul
language.

4. Several private persons ofi'ered Mr. Block to work one or more days on the dike,
which runs along his marsh, because they did not want to go through the morass, where
people now and then meet with great danger ; hence the community in general is not so
guilty, as the ringleaders of the mutiny.

5. In case of a war with the savages or other enemies, especially during winter,
when the river is closed, it would be very dangerous for us and our nearest neighbors to
go 5 or 6 English miles through the woods, in order to assist each other ; we need each
other besides in diverse emergencies every day.

We request the Hon"' General to consider the foregoing reply, while we rely upon
your Honor's sound judgment, to decide, whether we have given the least lawful reason
to the community, to resist our order and to mutiny.

H. Block

Endorsed: JOHN MoLL

No. 11. Derck Alberts.

The Magistrates
of Delaware reasons
about the repairing
or mending the
Dyke in Dutch.
1675.

534

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Remonsteance of inhabitants or New Castle against being compelled
TO repair one op the above dikes, it being private property ;

ORDER thereupon ; PARTIES TO OBEY THE DIRECTIONS OF THE COURT
ON PAIN OF PAYING DOUBLE THE EXPENSE OF THE WORK.

Honorable Gentlemen of tlie Council of New Castle.

Pursuant to tlie permission, which your Honors have given us, to make our complaints
and requests in writing, we remonstrate with due reverence against being obliged to help
making Mr. Hans Block's dike and are resolved not to do it, as we see no reason for it,
unless the Hon""' General expressly commands it ; we therefore altogether respectfully
request and ask to have a copy of the order, to act accordingly.

As to the marshland, formerly belonging to Capt. Carr, we are ready to help the
inhabitants of New-Castle in the construction of the dike, provided that we may have
part of the marsh for us and our heirs, then we will keep our portion of the dike in
repairs. We request your Honors to delay this work, until we have planted our corn
and remain, hoping to receive a favorable decision, etc^

New-Castle, 6'" June 1675.

The petitioners are

directed, to obey our

former order and in case

of refusal the High Sheriff

shall execute the work

at the double amount of

their expenses, pursuant

to the order of the Hon''''' General.

By the CC' ordered
Will Tom.

Jacop van der Veer
Evert Eck's i\A- mark
ToMAS Jacobsen's "^ mark.
Madis Lars Madiiiasen Deforest
Jacob Jansen's >-f^ mark
Martin Gertsen's "^ mark
John Ogle

John Breadborne p><l his mark
PiETER Jejou.

Endorsed :

New Castle in
Delawar S'.*" of
June 1675.
Petition to y°
Court in ©position
to order.

Domine fabricius
& Ogle to bee sent for
here & y'* other subscribed
to be questioned and
sentenced at y° gen"
Court at
Delaware.

Mew York Historical Records. 535

Letter. William Tom, clerk of the court at New Gastle, to Gov.
Andros, representing the opposition offered to the construction
OF the dykes and requesting instructions.

Eight Hono*'^, these are to informe yo' hono'' that according to order wee nominated
fewer good men to value the valley belonging to Capt. Carre by name Mr. Peter Alrichs,
Mr. Johannes de Haes for the Towne and Mr. Peter Cock and Mr. Lans Andreesen to
that purpose who viewing the said valley returned that itt was not worth anything by
the reason of the greate reparacone and the yearely charge for maintenance of the same
thereto belonging where Ypon the Co" did order hauing regard to yo' hono''" instruccons
in making Highwayes betweene Towne & Towne w'^'^ could not possibly be done vntill the
foote way by the waterside was repaired that all the Inhabitants w'^in the Jurisdiction
of this Towne should assist in y' making and the repayring of the same the Towne
paying double to what the Outlivers and after such reparacon done the Towne to keepe
H for the future vpou there owne charge and likewise vpon the request of Mr. Hans
Block for assistance in repairing his ditch itt being the Common and neerest footway
from this Towne to Swanewick, Crane Hooke and parts adiacent he likewise oblidging
iimselfe and his heires for the future to maintayne itt vpon his owne charge w'^" said
foote way is so necessary and conuenient as well for this Towne as the Out livers
themselves that itt cannot well be left vnrepaired for that they the Townepeople must
goe five miles about or by water if either of them have occasion but to buy or sell one
pound of butter or any other such small necessaries or else wade vp to the middle in
water and mudd some having fallen into the p''ill of theire lives and losse of w' they had
about them all w"" wee being gathered together and duely considering the greate occasion
and necessity of repairing the said way likewise itt not being aboue two days worke for
one there of the people, who were ordered to worke in three companyes vnder three
several Overseers And the people of Swanewick and others thereby living having as
much occasion for the way as wee and being in number allmost a full thii'd of the three
being willing to assist alone that ditch but the other also for there necessary repairing

likewise considering bee of noe effect onely for the securing the

Cartway issued an order that all the Inhabitants as above should meete in the Towne
the f ewerth of June instant there to lieare read o'' determinacon w"='' was accordingly done
in the Church but after the reading and being opposed wee returning from the Church by
some of this Tovrae and a number of the Inhabitants from w"* out in such a mutinous and
tumultuous manner being led on by fl'abricius the preister Jacob van der Veere John
Ogle Barnard Egbert Thomas Jacobson Juryan Bratesman Mathew Smyth Evert
Hendricksen and severall others some having swords some pistolls others clubbs w"" them
w"" such despitefull language saying they wont make neither the one nor rlie other, that
they could not longer be forborne in so much that Capt. Cantwell by our consente calling
for the Constable layd hold of the preister and Ogle and sent them on board the Sloope
w"" intencon for New Yorke to yo' Hono'^ but the tumult therevpon arising vpon their
going on board cursing and some crying ' ' fatt them on, fatt them on " * being most drunk
and wee not knowing to w' height itt might come they being in such a humour still

* Take hold of them.

536 Colonial Settleinents on the Delaware River.

crying one and all wee were inforced to send for them from on board and discharge them
w'^" said mutinous way of proceedings wee hope yo'' hono"' will not allow it and impossible

for vs to gett Justice according to the best of o' knowledge when all o'' accons shalbe

disputed by a plebeian faccon w*''' will not onely force vs to leave the bench but will
expose the Country to greate charges when vpon every occasion there frenzicall braynes
pleases what wee determine there according to yo'' hon°" order and instruccons must
bee sent to Yorke contrary to the same instruccons and order the Swedes and
Fynnes being such a sort of people that must be kept vnder else they will rebell and of
that nation these here are the worser sort as by instance the Long Fynne for w'='' wee
referr yo'' hono' to Capt. NicoUs then p'sident if this bee not remedyed and a free Co" of
Law according to instruccons noe man knowes his owne and trade must dye when noe
man is sure of his owne estate witness former examples as Mazinello John of Leyden
Jack Cade and Wat Tyler the De Witts and in these partes since oV-oming the insurreccon
att New Yorke in the time of Generall NicoUs for remedy of w""" wee wholly rely vpon
yo'' hono''^ order in this materiall affaire Mr de Haies will wayte vpon yo'' hono'' about
eight or tenne days hence by wliom wee desire yo'' hono'" order and answer who was then
p'sent the next morning the mutineers brought in their request to vs w"" wee sent to yo'
hono' to consider of w"* o' answer vnder the foote thereof further wee believe if Capt.
Cantwell had not seized vpon the bodyes of the principall and beaten one of the principall
itt would have proceeded to bloodshed, if yo' hono' thinks itt iitt that two fyle of
soldiers may be sent hither to ly in this river to keepe the people in awe and vs in security
This o' narration and remonstrance wee p'sent to yo' hono' exi>ecting an answer by
Johannes or sooner if occasion offers for if itt bee not done before the Harvest itt cannot
be done then, we remayne Right Hono'able yo' hono'* humble serv'^'
New-Castle vpon by order of the Co'*

Delaware Will. Tom.

his 8"^ day of June 1675.

ffor the Right Hon"'' Maior
Edmond Andros Generall of all the
forces of his Royal Highnes in
America and Governor of New Yorke
these p'sents.

Council Minute. The Disturbances in Delaware.

At a Councill June 23* 1675.
Present

The Governor
The Secretary Capt Brockholes

Mr. Jno Laurence Capt Dyre

Capt Salisbury.

******
There being Letters arrived from Delaware about the disturbances of ye People there,
and their disobedience to ye Magistrates,

J^ew York Historical Records. 537

It is ordered, That some person be sent tliither about it.

The Governor will think of some fitting person both for this and Conecticott.
That with y* person to be sent for Delaware two files of soldiers, or some force be
sent in likewise.

Survey of a tract of land lying near the Horekill for Kandell
Revell at Slater Creek.

August the 3* day A" 1675.
Surveyed for Randel Keavell a tract of land lying Vpon Slaahters Creeke Neare to
the Whorekil beginning at a bounded White Oake standing at the point of a marsh
running Vp the Creeke for breadth west and by South four hundred and fifty peartches
to a bounded popler Standing by the Creeke and from thence to a bounded read Oake
standing in the woods, North by West, Three hundred and Twentie peartches from
thence East and by North foure hundred and fiftie peartches to a bounded Chestenut
Standing by the side of a mash, Then downe the same Mash, South and by East Three
hundred and twentie peartches to the first bounded White Oake Standing Vpon the
point Containing Nine Hundred Acres.

By Ord-- of Capt. Edmond Cantwell

Surveyor Generall, Survayed by me

William Taylor.
Entred.

Order summoning Dom= Jacobus Fabricius and John Ogle before thb
Governor to answer to the charge of having been implicated in
THE riot in Delaware.

At a Councill July 24'" 1675.
Piesent

The Governor

The Secretary Capt Brockholes

Mr. Jno Laurence Capt Dyre

* «^ * * * *

That y® former Order of Councill of June 23* about ye disturbance at Delaware be
respited and that an order or speciall Warr' be sent thither for Magist^ Jacobus Fabricius
& John Ogle as Ringleaders, to make their appearance here to answer y' misdemeano"
objected ag=' them touching j" late disturbance.

The business about Capt. Carrs Valley or Meadow ground &c at New castle, being
taken into consideracon.

Ordered, That y^ Order made at Delaware bee observed for ye vallueing of y^ s* land
& y« Towne to have y* refusall.

538 Colonial Settlemeyits on the Delaware River.

A Warrant sent to Mr. Jacobus Fabricius and John Ogle at
Delaware.

Whereas I have received Information from the Magistrates at Delaware, That you
Jacobus Fabricius, were a priacipall Ring Leader in causing a tumultuous disturbance
(not long since) That is to say upon y" 4'? day of June last at the Towne of New Castle,
and did contemne and disobey the orders sett forth by the said Magistrates, ui a riotous
manner ; These are therefore in his Magesties name, to require and command yo°
forthwith to make yo'' personall appearance before mee, in this place, to make answer to
what shall bee objected against you upon the account afore mentioned ; Of the which
you are not to faUe, as you will answer the contrary, at yo' utmost perill. Given under
my hand and seal in New Yorke this 26'? day July, 1675.

E. Andkoss.
To Magister Jacobus
Fabricius, The same
Warr' was sent for John
Ogle, at the s* place.

Letter from Gov. Andros to Capt. Cantwell, on land-matters in
Delaware.

A Letter sent by the Governors Ord'' to Capt. Cantwell, by Johannes De Haes,
about Capt. Carrs Meadow.
Capt. Cantwell.

As to Capt. Carrs Meadow and Land neare the Towne, now upon Sale, and in dispute
betwixt the Towne and some particular persons : The Court is to make a returne to the
Governor, whether it were ever enclosed or improved, but particularly, since Capt Carre
had it ; In the meantime that it remaine as it was the last seven yeares of the English
Government, before the Dutch tooke the place in July 1673. Upon which returne the
Governor wUl give further direction ; Here enclosed you will receive the two speciaU
warrants, for Fabricius and Ogle ; The other Chief Ring Leaders, are to be bound over to
the next Generall Courts there ; In the meane to bee of the good behaviour ; I am

Yo'' humble Serv'
New York the M. Nicolls.

28'? July 1675.

J^ew York Historical Records. 539

RemonstpvAnce op the Swedes and Fins oe Ceanehook church, against

DOMINE FaBRICIUS BEING THEIR MINISTER.

Laus Deo Semper.

The 14"" of August 1675.
We Swedes and Fins,
belonging to the church at Cranehook, understand that the Dutch minister Fabricius has

very unfairly and witliout our knowledge to the Hon"'"* General our church and

the which was never granted him by Greneral Lovelace, except the

community consented to it and what reasons could induce us to do it, for neither we nor our
wives and children are able to understand him. We request therefore his Honor, Captain
Cantwell, with due respect, humbly to ask the Hon"" General, that we hold divine service
with our priest for our edification, as we have done so far. If the Dutch priest desires to
teach, let him remain among his own people at Swanewyck and preach before the Dutch.

Hendeicsen Lemmes.
As deacons of the church

Olle 5T^ Forsse, made by himself

Jan -f^ Matson, made by himself

Sammel Vv. Peetersen, made by himself
MoNS ^ Pauwelson, made by himself.
The rest of the congregation.

Letter. Magistrates to Gov. Andros, concerning Capt. Carr's

MEADOW, the removing OF THE BLOCK HOUSE, ETC.

Right Hono'"^

Capt Cantwell has rec* yo'' Hono" letter w'" the two warrts for the apprehension of
Magester ffabricius and Ogle w''*' are executed and they vpon there Journey for New
Yorke the others bound over to the next Generall Sessions, according to order as for that
part of yo'' Hono''' letter concerning Capt. Carres valley itt was never improved in the least

itt is o'' humble desire the fort lying on the other side may be removed

making of a Co" House and that some other convenience may be made by itt for a prison
both being very necessary for this Towne and river and where itt stands rather detrimentall
then otherwise to the place that itt may be done at the publique charge of the whole river
and bay itt being a generall concerne that there may be some tax layed for the expenses
of the High Co''' and low Co'''° it formerly being one Sch. of Wheate for the High Co''' and
one Sch. of Rye for the Low Co"''^ all w""" is left to y'' Hono'' discretion. That there may
be more Magistrates named in this Towne for the completing the Bench Mr. Moll being to
goe to Maryland where his business will keep him most part of the Winter, ifop Outhout
when there is Ice in the river cannot come over, Mr. Chew living soe farre as Apoquenamy

540 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

not to be relyed vpon the same reason for Hans Block in fowle weather he being ancient,
so are none to be relyed vpon but Capt Cantwell and Dirick Albertsen who will make a
slender Co''', that yo"' Hono' woiild be pleased to send over a new Lawe booke and if to be
got some other paper books for the keeping of the records in order, none being here to be
purchased.

New Castle upon Delaware, Eight Hono"''

this 15'" August 1675. yo'' Hono''' most humble serv''

ffor the Eight Hono"'' Maior H. Block

Edmund Andros Commander in Cheife John Moll

of all the forces belonging to his Eoyall Derck Albertsen.

Highnes in America and Governor of

New Yorke

these p''sent.

CotTNCiL Minute. Order suspending Magister Fabricius from

MINISTERIAL FUNCTIONS ; DELAWARE LAND MATTERS ; ORDER FOB
THE REMOVAL OF THE BLOCKHOUSE AT NeW-CaSTLE.

At a Councill Sept 15* 1675.
Present,

The Governor

The Secretary Capt Brockholes

Mr. J. Laurence Capt Dyre

Mr. Fred Philips.
******
Magister Jacobus Fabricius being Ordered by speciall Warr' to make his personal
appearance before y' Governor here to answer to a complaint made against him by y^
high Sheriff & Court at Newcastle in Delaware for causing a disturbance & uproare
against y' Magistrate,

It is Ordered, That y^ said Magister Fabricius in regard of his being guilty of what is
layd to his charge and his former irregular life and conversation, be suspended from
exercising his function as a Minister, or preaching any more within this Government
either in publique or private.

The Orders of the Court at Newcastle for making the Dykes, to be confirmed. The
out>people there to have like or proporconable benefitt of the Commonage of y' meadow
adjoyning to y* Dykes they have helpt to make with those of y' towne.

Capt Carrs Valley or Meadow at Newcastle having as is alleged never been enclosed
or improved by Capt Carr, & as is said by Capt Cantwell, was never purchased
from y' Indyans neither, It is Ordered (if so) that y' said land shall be purchased of the
Indyan Proprietors in ye Dukes name. In the mean time to remaine in Comon as it is.

Ordered, That ye Block-house at Newcastle bee removed & built on y* back side of
ye Towne about y° middle of it, at or neare y' old Block house wherein there may be a
Court house and a Prison also.

J^ew York Historical Records. 541

Minute of the purchase of two tracts of land bt Gov. Andros for
HIS Royal Highness from the Indian proprietors ; one at the

FALLS of the DeLAWABE, THE OTHER AT MUSKETOE COVE, L. I.

Land purchased by the Governo'' for and on the behalfe of his Royall Highnesse
from the Indyan Proprieto".
A large Tract of Land lying on the West side of Delaware River, neare the Falls, as
by the Deed bearing Date Sept 20'" 1675 doth appeare. There was payment made for the

same in Wampom & Goods to the value of

Another Tract of Land at Muskitoe Cove, on the North side of Long Island, for which

likewise payment was made to the value of

The Charge of both the Purchases being computed at

Council Minute. Yisit to the Governor by various Indians towards
Delaware.
Sept. 22'.^ 1875.

There appeared some of the Indyans toward Delaware before the Governo"' this morne,

viz' Mamorakickan, by Millstone River, Auryktan from Delaware Falls.

Mr. Edsall & Baker Interpreters.

The Govr saith, they are welcome. Mamorakickan says he has come according to his
promise, That hearts of the English good to

with his people to live quiet & hunt & eat & drinke & bee quiet.

The Govt saith againe they are welcome & tells them that since he was at Delaware,
there hath hapened warrs to the Eastward, but that he hath been all about the Go' to keepe
matters well & quiet & they are so & that hee is in Condicon to keepe them so.

The Govr sayth as wee punish any tliat are bad amongst us, so must they do with
theirs & then the rest will be well.

He saith. That the next time he goes to Delaware he' 1 come to see the self, then

he hath beene Indians & lay at their Campfires.

542 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Council Minute. Delaware affairs, viz.: the claims of Major
Fenwick and others ; customs at New Castle

At a Councell Decern 5'? 1675.
Present :

The Governor, The Secretary

Capt Dyre Mr. Philips.

The matter under consideracon was y^ receit of letters by a Post from Delaware, with
other letters from Albany and Esopiis concerning y" Indyans &c.

Resolved, to write againe to y° Governour of Maryland of y'^ state of things &c
and to send a copie of y^ letter now come from Albany wherein their parts are
concerned.

The letter from Capt Edmund Cantwell being taken into consideracon concerning the
arrivall of Mr. Fenwyck and others at Delaware, with their pretenses.

Resolved, That Mr Fennwyck having no Order, which if he had, ought to have been
brought first and recorded here, is not to be received as Owner or Proprietor of any land
whatsoever in Delaware, but to be used civilly paying all Duty's as other his Ma"**' subjects
in these parts, and if he or any of y° persons that come w*" him desire land to the
westward, that there be assigned them fitting proporcons as to others, and due returne
made of the surveys.

As to any priviledge or freedome of customes or trading on y^ East shoare none to
be allowed in any case to y^ smallest vessell, boate or person.

The Magistrates and Chiefe officers are to bee very carefull that there be no abuse
committed on y° easterne shoare under any pretence whatsoever contrary to y° above.

As to customes New Castle to pay but as New Yorke, two p' cent &c. But above y*
Towne or any other place in y° Bay or River Except Whore Kill to pay y° addition of
three per cent as per regulation.

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.

Letter from the Governo'' to Capt. Cantwell.
Capt. Cantwell.

I have received both yo" of y« 24"- & 25t? past, and a letter from the Governor of
Maryland, to whom you are by the first good opportunity to send the inclosed.

You are punctually to observe the order I here send you concerning Mr. Fenwicks &
the customes as practiced here, which I hope wUl satisfy all persons. Mr. Dyre wiU
send you y'' rules you desire for entryes &c.

I am sorry that you find the Indyans in yo"' parts wavering but being fore-warned &
I hope fittly prepared, hope wee need not fear them : However I pray be just to them on
all occasions and kinde to Renowickam in particular manner, who shall not loose for his
Constancy: By Capt Creiger's Sloope I'l supply you with what is fitt for a Garrison in

Kew York Historical Records. 543

your Towne at this juncture for security of yo'' parts and would have you take Order for
removing the Block House, about the middle of yo' towne above it, into the place I
shewed you when there ; soe to command both ends.

I am, Yo® affec"'" Friend
N York Decern: 10: 1675. E. Andeoss.

Letter to y* Governor of Maryland.
Right Hon'"^

I have received yo" of the 4^? past, of your progresse against the Indyans, which I
wish may have ended it, but am sorry the Susquehanna' s were concerned, having allwayes
(as the Maques to this) had the repute of being perfect friends to the Christians,
particularly Maryland ; and being off-springs of the Maques, though by the Sinnekes
engaged in Warre, & the Indyans to the Eastward, soe great successes in Plymouth &
Massachutsetts Colonyes, having engaged all others their neighbors and endeavouring by
all meanes of command & proffitt to engage the Maques, and sent to all other parts as
farre as Canada, w'^" New England think do supply their said enemyes & all our Indyans
as farre as Delaware thought only to wait opportunityes. There only remains firme the
Maques, and by their meanes the Sinnekes, which as seated are most able to do Good or
harme, & soe farr^ & particularly the Sinnekes, if they fall off to bee forced.

I here send you an Abstract of a Letter sent from the Commander at Albany relating
some particulars (writt by y'' Jesuite) among the Maques, by which you may see his
sence though I think him in great measure mistaken, but of myself can do no more than
I have already.

I heare that all New England have joyned a very great force to fall on the
Narragansett Indyans, the event whereof (w''" I hope good) will very much influence
things, & conduce to the future or next years action ; which is all in addition to mine of
y« 21°' of October last. Soe remaine

Yo'' very humble serv'

N. Yorke Decern. 10'" E. Andeos.

1675.

List of land patents sent to Capt. Cantwell at Delawaee.

Entr. Thomas Spry 160 IJ

Entr. WUlem Roods 600 6.

Entr. Hen: Ward 446 4i

Hanse Petersen 157i li

Charles Petersen 266 2^

Ann Wale 800 3.

Jacob Young 1280 12|

Benard Egberts 300 3 .

James Crawford 210 2.

John Ogle , 300 3.

Morris Listen 150 1^

544 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Entr. ( Peter BawcomK^ ^^^ COO

" \ Rich. Blinks )

' ' George More 280

" Hermanus Woolbanck 800

acres 2 J

Patents sent to C. Cantwell.
at Delaware to C. Ceegiee.
Apr 13*!' 1676

57i

Delaware Patents.

W"? Stevens, 600 acres called Yorke.
W? Ford Duck Creeke 800 acres.
W'!' Sharpe Duck Creeke 500 acres.
John Morgan Duck Creeke 300 acres.
W° Simpson 400 acres called Simpsons

Choice.
John Web 200 (?) acres.
W"? WUloughby 200 acres.
John Scott 400 acres called Thusk.
George Axton 200 acres.
Peter Cock 650 acres called Quessanawomi-

neck
Laurentius Carolus 350 acres called Tack-

qutrasy
Lawrence Cock, Erick Cock
Michael Nielsen, Goner y ^g^^ ^^^^^

Rambo, Otto Ernest Cock
Peter Nielsen J

John Nomers white Clayes fall 540 acres
W™ Marriott 100 acres
Peter Peterson & Gasper Fish 500 acres

called Pimmeepaka
Erick Mallock, Olle Nielson, Christiana

Thomson, 950 acres called Towocanowinck

Peter Thomason, white clayes creek 220

acres.
Peter Dalboe 300 acres.
John Moll, a lott of ground in New Castle.
Edward Man 500 acres.
John Denne 200 acres called Westmoreland.
Henry Stevenson, John Richards 600 acres,

called Batchelle" Harbor.
John Briggs 400 acres called Aberdeane.
Peter Bawcom 200 acres.
Thomas Phillips, Jones Creeke 600 acres.
Robert Francis, Jones Creeke 400 acres.
Francis Neale, Jones Creeke 400 acres.
Peter Perry, 200 acres called Abergaveny
John Stevens 1300 acres.
Robert Dicks, 200 acres called Glocester.
Charles Jansen, Olle Rawson, Hanse

Ollerson, Olle- Nielson, Hanse Hopman

& John Hendrickson 1000 acres.
Peter Alricks 560 acres called Groeningen
Abraham Enloes 170 acres called Abrahams

Delight.

Delaware Patents
sealed the 24 July 1676.

Mr John Moll at New Castle 100 acres

Henry Strieker Whorekill 600 acres

Capt Cantwell 900 acres

Timothy Love, Rehobath Creeke 411 acres

John King Whorekill 900 acres

Randall Reville Whorekill 900 acres

Robert Winder Whorekill 1100 acres

Daniell Harte Whorekill 500 acres

Mew York Historical Records. 545

Cornelys a small lott New Castle
John Moll a lot in New Castle

Abraham Coffin 800 acres

John Roods, Whorekill 350 acres

Daniell Brown, Whorekill 400 acres

Alexander Molestine Whorekill 411 acres

Abraham Clemmy & Otto Wolgast 600 acres

These 15 patents were dated 25" March 1676

81 bushel and ^ quit-rents.

Council Minute. Majok Fenwick before the Council in eegard to
HIS CLAIMS IN Delaware.

At a Councell May 3* 1676
Present :
The Governor

Capt Brockholes. The Secretary.

Capt Dyre
Govern'' Carteret
Majo'' Fenwyck.

Major John Fenwyck businesse about the land in New Jersey on the east side of
Delaware River was discourst of, butt suspended.

Letter. Capt. Cantwell to Gov. Andros, on the affairs at the
Delaware.

N. Castle y' 11 of May 1676.
Right Hono"'" .

The eight of this instand I Rec'' yo'' honno™ letter of y° 19 of Aprill, whereout I
vnderstand yo'' honno''* safe arrivall from Albany and j'^ wellstand of y" indyans in them
parts I tanke god wee are as well and our indyans are Civell as ever I knew Them to be
and as wee can perseave no ill intent for they follow theire planting and honting as they
vse to other years.

I have had no time ever sence j^ indyans came from honting to go to j^ fales & take
possession of that Land that yo' honno'' bought y*^ last Summer, y" Reason is Mr. Block's
death and Mr. Moll's being from home but now with y" first I shall goe and take
possession of it. for planters I give them as much incouragem* as Lyes in me and shall
obserue yo' honno'' order about y" fees, it thus very much discourages y° people that theyre
pattents thus not come out, all y' people from y^ Whorekill and bay did expect to have
theire pattents w'" y" Returnes of y" Justices from our Co" it being ended this Day. I
hope yo' honno' will be plesed to giue order that they may be sent w'" y* bearer Mr. Cock

546 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

and also ord"" to Lay out y® bonds of y° norekill for there are already people in Dispute
where they Liue and vnd"' whoos governm*; y^ Indj-ans Declares how far y* Dutch has had
y" said Bay southward of y* horekill sum people are Doutfull it might Ly vud' Baltemore
and will not take it vp ; when y" pattents Come from New Yorke I shall go to y* horekill
and w'" yo'' honno'* ord'' Ly out y"' Line That y^ people may know how far to take vp
Land. Y" ould indyans sayes that y'^ Dutch when they had bought y'= Land they did sett
vp sumthing w"" I supose may be y'' armes and sum indyans thus promise to show y' very
place. There was a great affront this spring given to y* imperor of those indyans a very
subtle fellow and one who bears the greatst command and keepes his indyans in y* greatst
aw in this part of y^ worlde ; y^ abuse was given by one Peter Smith about bying sum
skins from him. Capt. Crygier can tell y'' honno"' how it came to passe ; such fellows
might be y* occasion of shedding much blood, who coms there for one month or two and
care not what happens to y^ people when they are gon. I knew noting of y* businesse
whilst he was here or else would have callen him to ace' for so Doing and to giue y°
Sachem sattifaction for y* abuse w'^'' I hope y'' honno"' will be plesed to Do there that others

may take notice of.

y" Susquehanno w'^'' I fbnnerly writt to y° of is as yet here in y^ Riuer and thus intend
here to abide : I have tould all men not to speake w"" him and haue inquired for him by
y" indyans : They all Deny him to me by Reason sum people has tould y" indyans that
I would bind him and send him to yo'' honno'' notw"'standiiig I tell them to y" contrary,
when I go to ye fale I do intend to speake w'" him by one meanes or other in y° mane
while I shall end and Ever remaine

Right Honno"''' yo'' honno''^
moste hum"'* and faithfuU
sei-vant

Ed Cant well.

ffor y* Right
honno"'* major
Edmoud Andros
Esq'* gen" of aU
his Royall highnesse
forces in america
and governo''
att New Yorke
p''sent.

Right Hono"'*

On Tuesday last being the nyneth of May the highe C* sate in this Towne w""*
continued Wednesday and Thursday vntill noone att w*" weere p''sent all the Magistrates
aboue and two from the Hoerkill when they amongst other things did order (the wolves
being so over frequent and doing such dayly damage both to sheepe cattell and hogs) that
any p''son or p''sons should bring in to any of the Magistrates of this river or bay any
wolveskin or heads vpon the Certiiicate for the said Magistrate the party or p'son so
bringing itt or them should have for each head the some of forty guilder to be payd out
of the next publick leavy after the procuring of the said Certificate and also considering

^ew York Historical Records. 547

the charges w""" may arise by that and also that of the Horekill High Co^ w"" now must
by confe (?) greater by reason of the farr distance to the Hoerkill and the dangerousness
of the bay did unanimously order that a letter should be written to yo"' honno'' to desire
that there might be a publick leavy p' pole for the defraying such publick and other
incident charges as may arise as is the custome in o'' neighbour province of Maryland or
else that yo"' hono' would be pleased to order some other more convenient way this being
the request of the whole Co" rep''sent to yo' hono'' and remane
New Castle, the IS'" of Right Hono"'^

May 1676. j^o-- hono"'' humble

serv'

Ed. Cantwell.
if or the Right Hono'''^ Maior
Edmond Andross Commander
in cheife etc etc.

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 ; QUESSINAWONINCK ;

Teckquirasst ; Shakhamexunk ; Pimmeepakka ; 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 ; 7th, 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 PlETER NiELSON ; 17TH, PeTER PeTERSON AND GaSPER FiSH ;

18th, Erick Mallock, Otto Nielson and Christian Thomason; 19th,
Peter Thomason. July 18^'' 1676

Patent for Charles Jansen, OUe Ranson, Olle Nielson, Hans Hopman, John Hendrickson
Hans OUeson, described as follows : — Beginning at a small point of Highland within
the mouth of Naamans Creeke, & from thence running North & by West one hundred
twenty & three perches & north two hundred perches, bounded with the Creeke. to a
Corner marked white Oake by the Creeke side, at the mouth of a small branch, & from
thence East & by North, (bounded with the said branch, & with a lyne of mark'
Trees from the head of the branch to a corner mark't Spanish Oake standing by a
small Run, three hundred and eighty perches, from thence north North East (along the
run) thirty-two perches, to a corner mark' white Oake standing at the side of Moritius
Creeke, at the lower side of the mouth of the said Run, & from thence downe several!
Courses of the Creeke to the Maine Riverside & from thence downe along the Riverside
to the place of beginning at the mouth of Naamans Creeke, Conteyning & layd out foi

548 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

one thousand acres of land, as by the returne of the survey under the hand of the
surveyor doth & may appeare now, know ye «&c.

Patent for M"; Peter Alricks.
The s* land beginning at a corner mark' black Oake standing on the nearest
point of Woodland, unto the S' Augustine Creeke, by the River side, & from thence
running North East Ninety foure perches. North East, thirty degrees. Seventy eight
perches. North, North East iifty two perches North-Easterly fifteene degrees seventy
two perches, North North East, eighty six perches, & North East & by North one
hundred eighty & six perches (bounding upon the maine River) unto the mouth
of a small Sprout or Creeke, called litle St. Georges Creeke, which divideth this
from the land of M" Anne Wale, & from thence west forty perches, south west &
by west one hundred fifty & three perches, & North Westerly seventy three degrees
One hundred forty & six perches (bounding upon the s* Creeke or Sprout) to M" Wales
line of Mark^ Trees, crossing the s* branch & from thence West, South West along the
gd jy^re "\Yales line of Marked Trees, one hundi'ed forty & two perches, to her upper corner
Tree being a white Oake standing nigh unto the head of a swamp w"" proceedeth out of
the Northerne branch of S^ Augustine Creek & from thence downe along the severall
Courses of the s" branch &c. to the first menconed black Oake Contaying & layd out
for five hundred & sixty acres of land, as by the returne of the survey under the hand of
the Survey™ doth & may appeare, Now know y° &c.

Patent for Abraham Enloes.
The s* land beginning at a corner marked white Oake standing on a point in the
first forke of the said Creeke, and from the said Oake running North East sixty eight
perches, North sixty foure perches. North Westerly fifty eight degrees, two hundred
twenty & three perches (bounding on the northerne branch,) to a corner white marked
White Oaks standing on a small point between the two head branches of the s'* northerne
branch from thence South & by west by a line of mark't trees sixty & two perches to a
corner markt. white Oake standing at the East side of the head of a swamp, w'^." proceedeth
out of y* Maine branch of S^ Augustine Creeke, & from thence downe the severall courses
of the s'* swamp & Creeke to the first menconed white Oake, contayening & layd
out for one hundred & seventy Acres of Land, As by the return of the survey, under
the hand of the Surveyor doth and may appeare ; now know yu &c. Quitt Rent : one
bushell & a halfe : blanck date.

A Patent for Maurice Daniel :
The said land beginning at a corner mark? white Oake standing on a point by
the Apoquenimi Creeke at the upper side of a branch, which at the mouth thereof
divideth this from the land of Bernard Hendrickson, & from the s* Oake running up
the branch North, North West fifty perches, & then North West by the said Bernard
line of mark? Trees, foure hundred & eighty perches to a corner mark? Hickory, from
thence South West by a line of mark? Trees, sixty perches to a corner mark? with Red
Oake, being the upper corner tree of a parcell of land, formerly granted to Jacob Faen
from thence South East by the s* Jacobs line of marked Trees foure hundred perches to a

Mew York Historical Records. 549

Swamp : And down the Swamp South, South East, Sixty perches to the afore s'" Creeke,
& finally down along the Creeke to the first mentioned white Oake, conteyning & layd
out for one hundred and ninety acres of land, As by the returne of the survey under the
hand of the Surveyor doth and may appeare, The s** land having b^ene formerly granted
by Patent unto John Bradburne, bearing date, June 17*" 1671, & by him directed, Now
know yee, &c. Two bushell &c Quit Rent, blanck date.

A Patent for Casparus Herman.

The s* land beginning at a Corner mark? white Oake, standing on a point at the
upper side of the mouth of a branch or swamp, & from thence running North & by
East up the said swamp, & from the head thereof by a line mark? Trees one hundred
and fifty perches to the land of George Axton, nigh unto a corner marked Hickory
standing a little out of lyne by the head of a small swamp and from thence, West,
North West : by a line of mark? trees three hundred & seventy perches to a corner
mark? white Oake standing on a Levell & from thence South west & by South (by a line
of mark? Trees) three hundred perches, to a corner mark? Maple, standing at the
Northside of y^ maine branch of S* Augustine Creeke, & from thence downe along the s''
branch & Creeke to ye first menconed white Oake, Conteyning & layd out for three
hundred & thirty acres of land. As by the returne of the survey under the hand of the
Surveyo''.^ doth & may appeare. Now know yee &c.

Quit Rents, three bushels, blanck date.

A Patent for John Barker :
The s* land called Calton beginning at a corner mark? Hickory standing at the side
of the s* branch by a Beaver dam, It being the upper corner Tree of the land of
John Hartop, and from thence running North by the s* Hartops line of marked
Trees, two hundred forty & six perches to a corner white mark? Oake, from thence
west by a line of markt. Trees, one hundred & fifty perches to a corner markt. Gumme

Tree, standing on the side of a from thence South by a line of markt. Trees

two hundred & thirty perches to a corner markt. Maple, standing at the side of the
said branch, & from thence downe along the s* Run of the s* branch to the first
menconed corner Tree, Conteyning & lay'd out for two hundred & twenty acres of land,
as by the Returne of the Survey under the hand of the Surveyo'', doth & may appeare.
Now know yee : Quitt Rent 2 bushells, blancke date.

A Patent for Michael Fredricks.
Two hundred acres (part thereof) beginning at a corner markt. black oake by the
River side, which divideth this from the land of Peter Peterson & Gasper Fish, & from
the s* oake running North, North west by their line of marked Trees three hundred
& twenty perches, to their upper corner bounded Tree, being a black oake, & from the
said oake West South West by a line of marked Trees one hundred perches to another
corner markt black Oake, & from thence South, Soiith East, by a line of Markt. Trees three
hundred & twenty perches to a corner markt. white' Oake standing by the Riverside, &
from thence East North East along the Riverside to the first menconed corner Oake, and
the other hundred acres the residue of the s"* land, bpginning at a corner markt. Beech,
standing on a small point at the mouth of Sissowokissinck Creeke, & from thence running

550 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

East, North East forty perches, & North East & by East one hundred & fourteene
perches (by the Riverside) to a corner markt. black Oake at the side of a small Creeke, &
from the s'* Oake North, North west by a line of markt. trees two hundred & sixty
perches to a corner markt. white Oake standing by the maine run of Sissowokissinck
Creeke, & fi-om the s* white Oake, downe along the s" River & Creeke (dividing this from
the land of Towocawoninck) to the first menconed Beech Tree. Conteyning & layd out
for three hundred acres of land, As by the returne of the survey under the hand of the
Surveyo'' Doth & may appeare Now know yee &c. Quitt Rent. 3 bushells blancke
date.

A Patent for Francis Walker & Dunk Williams.
The s* land beginning at a corner mark* black Oake standing on a Point, at the
mouth of a small branch or Run & from thence running North West along the Run
forty perches, to a corner markt. white Oake, standing by the Run side, & from that
Oake North by a line of Markt. Trees three hundred and sixty perches to a corner
mark' t. White Oake standing on a LeveU, & from that Oake East, North East by a line
of mark't. Trees, two hundred & forty perches, to a corner mark't. Birch Tree, standing
at the side of the Maine Creeke, & from thence downe the severall Courses of the s?
Creeke to the first menconed corner Oake, Conteyning & lay'd out for the quantity of
foure hundred & fifty acres of land, as by y^ Returne of the Survey under the hand of
y' Sui-veyoT doth & may appeare ; Now know yee &c. Quitt Rent. 4-bushell8 & halfe,
blauke date.

A Patent for Peter Cock :
The s" land being bounded as followeth, vizt. Beginning at a corner markt. redd
Oake, standing by a piece of meadow ground, being a bounded Tree of the land of
the Shakhamexunk, & from the s* Oake running North, North West, by
Sbakhamexunks line of marked trees, three hundred & fifty perches, to a corner
marked white Oake, being the upper corner bounded Tree of the s* land of Shakhamexunk
& from thence East, North East by a line of marked Trees, one hundred & fifty perches
to a corner marked black Oake stand nigh unto Quessinawoninck Creeke side opposite
to the mouth of Towocawonink Creeke, & from thence downe the severall Courses of the
maine Creeke, to the maine Riverside, & from the mouth of Quessinawoninck Creeke,
downe by the River, & by the swampe or Creuple lyeing by the River side to the first
mentioned corner oake, Conteyning & layd out for six hundred & fifty acres of land
together with the meadow ground thereunto adjoining, as by the returne of the Survey
under the hand of the Surveyo'' doth and may appeare. Now know ye &c. Six busheUa
& halfe. Quitt Rent : Blank for date.

A Patent for Lawrentius Carolus :
The said being bounded as followeth viz' Beginning at a corner market Poplar
standing nigh unto the old landing place in OUe Stilles Creeke, and from the s* poplar
running along by the Swamp side which lyeth along by the River North Easterly sixty
two, one hundred forty foure perches, North East Eighteen perches, North and by East
sixteene perches, and North Easterly sixty two, ninety eight perches, to a corner marked
Maple, standing by the Swampe side, and divides this from the land of Niels Matson

J^ew York Historical Records. 551

and from the s* maple northwest by a line of marked Trees dividing this from the land
of the s* Niels, three hundred thirty and eighty pei'ches, to a corner marked red Oak
standing on the Ridge betweene the afore s* Creeke and a Creeke called Cram Kill and
from the said Oake South west forty six perches by a line of marked Trees, to a corner
marked red Oake standing by a small piece of Marsh) at the side of OUe Stilles Creeke,
and from thence downe the severall Courses of the s* Creeke to the first mentioned poplar,
Conteyning and laid out for three hundred and fifty acres of land togetlier with the
meadow ground there to adjoyning part of the s* land having beene formerly granted by
patent to the s* Lawrentius Carolus ; As by the returne of the survey under the hand of
the Surveyo'' doth and may appeare. Now know yee &c. Quitt Rents 3-bushells and a
halfe A blanck for j" date.

A Patent for Lawrence Cock, Erick Cock, Michael Neilson, Otto Ernest Cock, Gower
Ramboe, and Peter Nielson.
The s" land being bounded as foUoweth, viz? Beginning on a small point at the mouth of
a Creeke called Cohocksinks Creeke, and from thence running betweene the East and North
East along the Riverside (according to the severall Courses thereof) to a Corner marked red
Oake standing by a piece of Meadow Ground, and dividith this from a tract of land called
Quessinawominck, belonging to Peter Cock, the distance from the mouth of the s* Creeke
to the said Oake, in a direct line, being nine hundred & twenty Perches, & from the s" Oake
North, North West by a line of marked Trees, dividing this from the s* land of Peter Cock,
three hundred & fifty Perches, to a corner marked white Oake, standing by a small Swampe
or Creuple nigh unto the highway, & from that Oake West, North West, by a line of
marked Trees, six hundi-ed & twenty perches, to a corner marked Maple, standing at the
side of the Run of the wesfmost branch of Shakhamexunk Creeke, & from thence up the
Severall Courses of y^ s" Run, to a corner mark' t white Oake standing in the swampe at
the North East side of the Run, & from that Oake West by a line of marked Trees, two
hundi-ed and twenty perches, to a corner marked Oake standing at the north east
side of the Run or maine branch of Cohocksinks Creeke, And from thence downe the
severall courses of the s* Creeke to the place of beginning. Conteyning & layd out for
sixteen hundred acres of land together with the Meadow Ground thereto adjoining,
besides the watry and Sunken land therein conteyned, Six hundred acres thereof having
beene formerly graunted by Patent unto Peter Cock & one thousand acres the Residue,
being new Land, As by the returne of the survey under the hand of the SurveyoV doth &
may appeare ; Now know yee &c. Quitt Rents 16-Bushells. blanck for the date.

A Patent for Peter Peterson & Gaspar Fish.
The s* land being bounded as followeth vizt Beginning at a corner marked black
Oake standing by the Riverside, nigh unto the lower end of a piece of meadow ground,
& from the s.'^ Oake running North North West by a line of Marked Trees three
hundred & twenty perches to another corner marked black Oake standing about twenty
perches from the North ward side of a small Swamp, & from that Oake East North
East by a line of marked Trees three hundred and sixty perches to a corner marked
White Oake standing on the bank of Pimmeepakka's Creeke, about thirty perches
above the highway, & from the said White Oake downe the severall Courses of the

552 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

s* Creeke to the maine Riverside, and from the mouth of the s* Creeke downe
along the Elver side to the first menconed black Oake, Conteyning & layd out for five
hundred acres of land together with the meadow Ground thereto belonging, the said
land being Pt. of a Tract of Land formerly granted by patent to Andrew Carr, As by the
returne of the Servey, under the hand of the Surveyor doth and may appeare ; now know
yee&c. QuittRentS — bushells. blanke date.

A Patent for Erick Mallock, Otte Nielson, & Christian Thomason.
The s** land being bounded as followetli, viz? beginning at the River side at
the West side of the Mouth of Sissowokinnk Creeke, and from thence running up
the said Creeke North Westerly thirty, degrees two & twenty perches, North & by
East twenty eight Perches North North West one hundred & twenty perches &
North, one hundred ninety eight perches (bounded with the said Creeke) to a Corner
marked white Oake standing at the side of the Run of the s* Creeke by the mouth of a
small branch, & from the s'^ Oake by a line of marked Trees West three hundred thirty
six perches, to a Corner marked White Oake standing on the side of a knowle on the
Easterne side of a branch or Creeke called Towocawonink Creeke, being a branch of
Quessinawominck, and from thence downe the severaU Courses of the s* branch & maine
Creeke to the Riverside, & from the mouth of Quessinawominck Creeke along by the
River side to y* place of beginning. Conteyning & layd out for Nine hundred and fifty
acres of land, together w*."" the Meadow Ground thereto belonging, The s" land being part
of a tract of land formerly granted by patent unto Andrew Carre, As by the returne of
the survey under the hand of the Surveyor doth and may appeare ; Now know yee &c.

Quitt Rent 9 bushells & a halfe
blanck date.

A Patent for Peter Thomason.

The said land being bounded as foUoweth viz'. Beginning at a Corner marked
Gum Tree, standing at the South side of the maine Run & from the said Gum, running
South by a line of marked Trees, dividing tliis from the land of John Nomers
twenty Perches, to a Corner marked white Oak, and from the s" Oake South West
& by West by a line of marked Trees, two hundred Perches to a Corner marked white
Oake, standing betweene two small swamps or Creupter. And from that Oake North
West & by North by a line of marked Trees one hundred & eighty Perches to a Corner
marked white Oake, standing on a piece of high Ground on the Northside of the said
Run, and from that Oake North East & by East by a lyne of markt. Trees two
hundred & twenty perches to a Corner marked Hickory, & from the s"^ Hickory South
East & by South by a lyne of Marked Trees, one hundred thirty-six perches to a Corner
marked White Oake, standing on a high bank at the North side of the afores" great Run,
being the upper Corner Oake of the Land of the afore s* Nomers & from thence South
Westerly foure standing over the Run, & bounding on the land of the said Nomers,

thirty two perches to the first menconed Gum Tree, Conteyning & layd out for two
hundred & twenty acres of land. As by the returne of the Survey under the hand of the
Survey o'' doth and may appeare. Now know yee &c.

Quitt Rent 2-bushells — blank date.

Mew York Historical Records. 553

Council Minute. Order defining the powers of the sheriff in
Delaware ; the Susquehanna Indians in Delaware ; land

MATTERS in NeW CaSTLE. AUGUST 4''° 1676.

It being represented how inconvenient it was for the Sheriff to preside, and be Judge
in a Court, whose Orders and Warrants he is to execute : Resolved, that ye Sheriffe of
Long Island and Delaware shall have ye precedence of the Justices of ye peace, whose
duty it is to represent matters to ye court, and to execute ye law or courtt orders but not
to preside or have any vote in Court.

Upon the receipt of a Letter from Capt Cantwell from Delaware about the coming in
of the Susquehanna Indyans,

Resolved, To write to Capt Cantwell still to encourage the coming in of those Indyans,
till when not to promise or engage anything to them, but if they desire it, the Governour
will endeavour to composure of all things in Maryland, and perfect a peace with ye
Maques and Sinnekes, after which the said Indyans may returne to their land as they
shall think good.

If the said Indyans do comply, that Captain Cantwell do give notice of it to the
Governor here and to the Government of Maryland, and lett them know, that the
Governor hath given him ye said Order, thinking it ye greatest service he could do^ them,
so to take off the said Indyans, least goeing to ye Maques and Sinnekes, they might
induce them to make inroads upon the Christians, which none of us could remedy.

If the said Indyans will come in that he give notice where they are most inclinable
to go, for a present being, either at the Falls or the middle of the River at Delaware.

Upon a petition from the widow of Hans Block of New Castle in Delaware,

y* of late a fence hath been run between ye Commons or woods and her land, so y' shee
hath no liberty for the commonage of her cattle as for many years heretofore, and
being never before debarred thereof Ordered, that there shall bee convenient outdrift
for her cattle as formerly and is usuall.

Council Minute. Indian alarm in Delaware.
At a Councell Aug=' ll'.'» 1676.
Upon receit of a Letter from Delaware of the Alarum given upon Mr. Augustine
Hermans Letter,

Resolved, to send a Check to Capt. Cantwell for making so rash an Alarum, but that
he bee not Careless and that he send forthwith to the Susquehannes to know their Intent
about their coming in, which if they do not, to bee carefuU to promise them nothing, it
not being proper, as not in our power, and if they doe come in, that it bee to live
peaceably as the rest of the Governm* doth.

TO

554 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare River.

Letter. G-ov. Andkos to Capt. Cantwell, relative to Indian affairs.

Capt. Cantwell.

I received yor Lettr Concerning the coming in of the Susquehanna Indyans about a
weeke agoe, & having Considered thereof, doe thinke it convenient that you encourage
them therein, tiU when not to promise or engage anything to them. You may acquaint
hem, that if they deserve it, I will endeavor a Composure of all things in Maryland, &
perfect a peace with the Maques & Sinnekes After which they may returne back to their
owne land, as they shall thinke good.

If the s"* Indyans doe comply herein, you are to give mee notice of it & doe the like to
the Governm' of Maryland & let them know that I have given you order so to doe, & doe
think it the greatest service I can doe them, so to take off the Indyans, least going to the
Maques & Sinnekess, they might induce them to make inroads upon the Christians, which
none of us could remedy. Vpon the s* Indyans coming in, you are to let mee know,
where they are most inclinable to goe for their prest. being either at the Falls or the midle
of the River.

Yo" of the 6'^ instant I rec? this morning wherein I understand that upon the receit of
M' Augustine Hermans letter of the suspicon of a familye being cutt off by the Indyans you
fired off three great Guns & sent for 4 men out of each Company which gave an Alarum
throughout the River, wherein ye did very HI upon so slight Grounds to bee so rash,
however you are not to be carelesse ;

If you have not already you are to send to the Susquehanneh Indyans and to know
their Intents about their coming in, which if they will not, you are to be carefull as I
advertised yo° before not to promise them anything, It being not proper, or not in o'' power.
If they shaU come in thej' must live peaceably as the rest of the Governm? doth, and then
shall bee lookt upon & cared for accordingly. I am.

Yr affectionate friend
Aug 11, 1676. E. A.

No 45.
A Ire. sent Capt.
C. Cantwell by order
of y' Go : & CounceU.

New Yorh Historical Records. 555

Lettek. Augustine Heermans to Capt. Caktwell, relative to
surveyor's fees in Maryland.

Capt. Cantwell.

The Survay" Fees are for y« first hund* 100 w'toks.
The resurvayes -^ for y'= second 50 w

are dabbled 1 for y^ 3^" 25 "

and the pattents r for y^ 4'? & so for every hund
320 w. J more 12 w. w'" 10 w. for y°

plott & 10 w. for ye warrt.

But as to y° appraism* off Daniel Makeey Estate, whether y° can make the appraizors
take y* things, I can not tell, and must bee informed by better lawyers, but iff the Mear
should not bee found & delivered I suppose you need not answer for.

I wish you a happy journey to New York with a safe return, present my respect to
all ffr'*' there, especially to his HonT y« Govern^ & Capt^ NicoUs.

Yo'' ff^ & serv'
August 27. 1676. Augustine Herrmans.

These for his Hono"'
Capt Edm* Cantwell
at
New Castle.

Certificate of Oly Joorson, Peter De Witt, John Baenson, Heney
Johnson, Peter Matthiason of the right of way op Hans Block

THROUGH LAND NOW OWNED BY CaPT. CaNTWELL.

Wee whose names are here vnder Subscribed doe w"' all humble Reverence attest &
declare to all whom these may Concerne ; That M^ Hans Block (Deceased) in his life time
had & Enjoyed a free way for his Cattle & fetching of wood in y^ woods, (through y* land
w*"" is now Capt. Cantwells pasture) without y" hindrance or mollestacon of any person
whatsoever, vntill y^ say* Cap' Cantwell (by his fence made y" Last Spring) did hinder
y® widdow of y* Say* M'" Block, of y^ say* way & out let for her beasts, w*"" is to her very
great Damage : This wee, having been neighbours to y' say* W Block & knowing all
y® actings Concerning y" Say* Lands, doe vpon our owne knowledge attest & Declare to
be true : In witnesse whereof wee here vnder Set our hands this second day of September
1676.

Oly Joorson,
Peter De Witt,
John Baenson,
Henry Johnson,
Peter Matthiason.

556 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Ceetificate of Maetin Gaeritson relative to Hans Block's eight

OF WAY over CaPT. CaNTWELL'S LAND.

These may Certifie all whom it may Concerne, that I. Martin Garritson was Imployed
by M? Hans Block (Deceased) to make a way from his Plantation over y° Valley &
Creuple, into his Backward Land w'^" Lyeth behinde the Say" Valley & Crenple ; but
could not make y" s* way Sufficient for Cattle to goe over ; by Reason of the Rottenness
of y^ ground, being a Quaking mire w"? hath noe foundation for a way ; And I doe further
declare, vpon my owne knowledge, that y'= Say"^ Mr Block hath (for eleven years past) had
a free way for his beasts and fetching of wood in y"= woods, (through ye Land w* is now
Capt. Cantwells pasture) without any hindrance or mollestacon of any one whatsoever,
vntill Cap' Cantwell took away y^ privilege of y® Sayd way & outdrifft from y* widdow
of y^ Sayd Mv Block w'^" is to her very great Damage, She having noe other to drive her
beasts into j^ woods nor fetch her fewell except farr about by y^ woods. This I doe
Attest and Declare to be true : In Witness whereof I have here vnder Set my hand this
4'? day of September 1676.

Maetin Gaeeetson.

Commission. Capt. John Collier to be Commandee in Delaware
and his insteuctions.

Capt' CoUyers Commission for Delaware Edmond Andros Esq. &c.

By vertue of the Authority derived unto me, under his Royall Highnesse, I do
hereby constitute and appoint you, Capt John CoUyer, to be Commander in Delaware
River and Bay ; You are therefore to take care that the Militia in the severall places bee
well armed, duly exercised, and kept in good order and Dissipline And the officers and
Souldiers thereof are required to obey you as their Commander, and yo''selfe to observe
such orders, and Direccons, as you shall from time to time receive from mee, or other yo''
Superior Offic", according to the Rules and Discipline of Warre and the Trust reposed in
you ; Given under my hand and Seale, in New Yorke. this 23* Day of September, 1676

E. Andeos,

Instruceon.

Instructions for Capt John Collier, for the Managem' of his affaires in Delaware.

1 At yo' arrivall in Delaware Bay or River, you are to gett some fitt Person, and
either from Whore Kill or New Castle, to Passe to Maryland, and deliver my Letter to
the Deputy Governor or Chiefe Officer there, and desire their Answer and dispatch.

2. You are also to acquaint him with the great inconvenience hath been found
Eastward, by the severall Nations of Indyans joyning, whereby hath hapned all the
late mischiefs, which could not have been, if divided, And great Service done the
Christians by the Maques, and our other Indyans above Albany ; And therefore desire
their Resolves about the Suscoliannes, which if they will not receive, nor shew reasons
to the contrary, I shall be willing to admitt them within this Government, rather then

Jiew York Historical Records. 557

hazard their being obliged to refuge w'" a grudge and rancour in their hearts, further off,
if not wholly out of our reach ; But the said Suscohannaes having had warre w'"
Maryland, though now Peace, I have delayed making any such conclusion, though
apprehend equally advantageous to Maryland till I heare from them.

3. Having stayed three dayes at St. Marys at most, with which to acquaint the
Deputy Groverno'', at yo' first coming, (unlesse upon some extraordinary occasion, detain' d
by him) you are with, or without a dispatch, to repaire back, and stay at New Castle
till further order, and give me an Acco' of yo^ journey and proceedings ; And so from
time to time of all transaccons during yo'' stay in the River.

4. You are to bee very carefull to p''''vent all Interlopers, or Paltry irregular Traders,
contrary to Law, and the Priviledges of the Inhabitants of this City, and New Castle.

5. You are to keep due Acco'.' of all things belonging to the Custoraes. As also of
all other Publicke Revenues in the River and Bay, and to returne an Acco' thereof, every
three Moneths, and a Generall Acco', of all, at the yeares end, or yo'' returne.

6. The Suscahannaes are to bee used friendly, and some of them (as many as will)
to come to mee in this place, for which all ffreedome and furtherance ; Letting them also
know. That it is their good hearts, not Riches tliat I rainde or value, therefore need not
trouble themselves for presents ; But you are to left them know, that though they shall
receive no harme from the Governm', I will not now undertake to Secure them from
others where they are ; And therefore such as shall not come in, will do well to bee
vigilant on their guard till they can bee well assured. Given under my hand in New

Yorke, this 23* day of September, 1676.

E. Andeoss.

Cap? Colliers Commission, to bee Sub. Collector at Delaware.

Edmond Andi'os, EsqT &c.

By vertue of the Authority derived unto mee, I do hereby constitute and appoint

you, Capt. John Collier, to bee Sub. Collector of his Ma""' Customes of New Castle in

Delaware, and Receiver of the Quit Rents, or other his Royall Highnesse Revenue there,

together with the River and Bay ; In which you are to Act pursuant to Law, and his

Royall Highness Orders for this Government, and to observe such orders and Direccons,

as you shall from time to time receive from mee, or other yo'' Superio''' of which all

Persons concerned, are to take notice, and conforme themselves there unto accordingly ;

ffor the which, this shall bee yo'' Sufficient Warrant ; Given under my hand and Seale in

New Yorke, this 23"^ day of September 1676

E. Andeoss.

A Commission granted to the Magistrates, up the River at Delaware.
Edmond Andros, Esq. &c.
By vertue of the Authority derived unto mee, I do hereby in his Ma"''' name,
constitute, appoint and Authorize you M'' Peter Cock, M'' Peter Rambo, M'' Israel Helme,
Mr Laes Andriesen, M"' Woolle Swaine and M" Otto Earnest Cock, to bee Justices of the
Peace, in the Jurisdiccon of Delaware River, and Dependences, and any three or more
of you, to bee a Court of Judicature ; Giving you, and every of you, full Power to Act
in the said Employment, according to Law, and the trust reposed in you, of which all
Persons concerned, are to take notice, and give you the due respect and Obedience,

558 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

belonging to yo' places, in discharging of yo' Dutyes ; This Commission to bee of force
for the space of one yeare, after the date here of, or till further Order. Given under my
hand and Seale, in New Yorke, the 23* Day of September, in the 25'." yeare of his Ma""
Reigne, Annoge Domini, 1676

E. Andeoss.

The Delaware Magistrates Commission.
Edmond Andros EsqT &c.
By vertue of the Authority derived unto mee, I do hereby in his Ma"^° name,
constitute, appoint and Authorize you, M'' John Moll, M'' Henry Ward, M'' W" Tom, Mr
Foppe Outhout, M"' John Paul-Jaquett, and M"' Gerrit Otto, to bee Justices of the Peace,
in the Jurisdiccon of New Castle and Dependences, And any three or more of you, to bee
a Court of Judicature, Giving you and every of you, full Power to Act in the said
Employment, according to Law, and the trust reposed in you, of w'='' all persons are to
take notice, and to give you the due respect and obedience, belonging to yo'' places, in the
discharging yo"' Dutyes. This Commission to bee of force, for the space of one yeare,
after the date hereof, or till further Order. Given under my hand and Seale in New
Yorke, this 23* day of September, 1676.*

E. Andross.

A Letter sent by Capt. Collier, to the Deputy Governo'' of Mary-Land.

New Yorke 26'." Sept. 1676.
Sr.

I have writ severall times to my Lord ; And since his Lord"" going for England, to
the then Deputy Governor, concerning the Suscohannaes ; This is the same occasion,
upon their coming near to Delaware, and offering all assurances, for their future comfort,
and not any wayes to injure any English ; finding if some Course bee not speedily taken,
they must all necessarily Submitt to the Maques, & Siniques, w'=" passionately desire it,
but might prove of a bad consequence ; I have therefore dispatched the Bearer, Capt.
John Collier, expresse to you, desiring you'l by him, left me know y'' Resolucons, if I
may be serviceable to you therein, and whether you Judge the late Peace w'" the
Susquehannes, Sufficient, and their continuing or being removed from these parts, best,
thinking I have some Interest with the Maques and Sinniques, which can best deale w'"
them, and they apprehend, and I shall bee ready to use all fitting means for the best, and
upon whose Acco' you please, bearing the Charge, but some speedy good resolucon, is
necessary to bee taken, it importing the Peace of all his Ma'""' Subjects in these parts, as
it doth now yo" Capt. Collier can informe you of the late Indyan Transaccons Eastward,
in which the Maques and Sinniques have been (on our Acco'.") most active & Successful.
lam — yo", E. Andkoss.

* A like commission for "up the River at Delaware" was issued on the same day to Peter Cock, Peter Rambo,
Israel Helms, Laes Andriesen, WooUe Swaine and Otto Ernest Cock.— B. F.

J^ew York Historical Records. 559

The Goveenoes Speciall Wareant against Major John Fenwick, of
Delaware.

By the Governor.

Whereas I am credibly informed, That Major John Fenwicke, now living at the East
side of Delaware River doth pretend and give himselfe out to bee Proprietor of that side
of the River and hath presumed to act accordingly, grauuted Land extravagantly,
dispossessed persons in those parts, sold their land, arrogating to himselfe a power of
Judicature, and hath given out Lycences for distilling contrary to the order settled in the
River ; By which means hee hath inveigled some persons from other parts, and distracts
the mindes of the Inhabitants, thorow out the whole River and Bay, not having any
Lawfull Power or Authority. You are therefore without delay, to repaire over the River,
to the said Major Fenwick, and all other places on that side, to informe yourselfe of the
truth of the above Particulars, and to forewarn any such, of the danger and premuniry
they incurre ; And if the said Major Fenwicke, hath acted as alleged. That you
summon him in his Ma"'^° name to appeare without delay, to answer the same before mee
and my Councill in this place, in default at his utmost perill ; and yo"selfe to make a due
returne of this Warrant ; and in case of any opposicon by doing yo'' duty, by going from
place to place, on the said Accompt, All his Ma*'=' subjects are required to be Aiding and
Assisting to you ; for which this shall bee to you and every of them, a suthcient warrant :
Given under my hand and seale in New Yorke, this 25*'' day of Sept, Anno 1676.

E. Andeoss.
To Capt. Edmond Cantwell,

Sheriffe of Delaware.

Nomination of magistrates for the Delaware eivek.

Mr John Moll. Whorekill

Mr Henry Wood. Defer"* till W. Avery,

Mr Jacob Young. or in all

Mr John Paul Jaquett. Hermanus Wildebanck.

Mr Will? Tom.

Fop. Outhout.

Gerrett Otho.

Peeter Cock.

Peeter Rombout.

Israeli Helme.

Lael Andrisen.

Woole Swaine.

Ernestus Ooth.

Nominated Sep? 1676.

560

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Magistrates or Justices of New Castle.

Mr John Moll.
Mr John Wood.
Mr Wm. Tom.
Mr Jacob Young.
Mr Fop Outhout.
Mr Johannes de Haes

Gerret Otto.

To bee Cap?

Cap? Edm? Cantwell to be sheriffe or scout accordingly for y^ due execution of y'
lawe y^ magistrates or officers above in y'= river to be Confirmed for a year longer or
further order.

Answers given to Capt. Cantwell' s proposals about affairs on the
Delaware river.

Severall matters presented to the Governo'' by Capt° Cantwell with the answers
thereunto.

1 : That there may be an order for payment]

of the publick Charge at Delaware & for V

the Interpref? J

2 : That the Patents for Delaware may bee ;

signed & sent. \

3 : An order about the Fees for Surveying.

4 : An order for seating of Lotts «& Land.

5 : Co""' orders to bee put in execucon.
6 : To nominate new Ofi&cers for the Co""

To bee sent to the Co'''?

To bee as in Maryland.

To bee ordered by the Co"' & settled
according to Law.

According to Law.

Already done & shall bee sent.

7: Some order about the Susquehannah ) To bee considered & shall bee sent to

Indyans.
8. About Anthony Bryans Land.
9 : An order for the money p* M''.' Pappegay,

\ imediately.

10 : Some order for the payment of Capt. 1
Cantwells ace' for y^ publick about the j-
Indyans &c in Go : Lovelaces time. J

11 : Capt. Cantwell Acct. w'" his Hono' for
severall disbursements.

To bee p* as directed by the Law & former
orders.

An acct. to bee given of the Revenue both
old & new, and if short for the publick
expence, A Rate shall be allowed as at
Albany.

12 : Cloath for 4 Indyans employed, 12 ells
I promist Lansa Cock for service.
The Govern" expences at Peter Rambo's.

New York Historical Records. 561

13: Hendrick Sybrants peticon about Mr ^ Referred to the Co- there.
Tom: \

14 : About Souldy" shott or bullet for the ) To give a particular account of Guns,
Fort, & a Flagge. ) Stores. &c.

15 : Francis Stevens peticon for Groods seized [ Graunted.
16: A patent for Cup' Cantwell & M": De | Answer'd

Haes for Land on the East side. \

17: Some order about Majo^ Fenwycks An order, none to bee granted by him.

Granting of Land. )

18 : About Liberty for Mr Israel Helme, to ) -^^ . o-ranted

make use of his distilling Kettle. )

Oedinance. Introducing the Duke's laws, establishing courts op
justice and making various other rules for the government
OF THE Delaware river.

Edmund Andros, Esq.
Seigneur of Sauzmarez Lieu' and Governor Gen!* under Ms Royall Highnesse,
James Duke of New Yorke and Albany &c of all his Territories in.
Whereas upon a peticon of the Magistrates and officers of New Castle and Delaware
River, Governor Lovelace did resolve & in part settle the Establish? Lawes of this
Government and appoint some Magistrates under an English Denominacon
accordingly. In the which their having been an obstruction for reason of the late
warres & Change of Government ; And findeing now an absolute necessity for y* well
being of the Inhabitants, to make a speedy settlement, to bee a generall knowne rule
unto them for the future, Vpon mature deliberation and advice of my Councell, I have
resolved, and by vertue of the Authority derived unto mee, doe hereby in his Ma".'=* Name
Order as followeth.

1. That the booke of lawes Establisht by his Royall Highnesse, & practiced in
New Yorke, Long Island, and Dependences bee likewise in force, and practiced in this
River and Precincts, Except the Constables Courts, Country Rates & some other things
peculiar to Long Island, and the Millitia as now Ordered to remaine in y° King, but that
a Constable in each place bee yearely chosen for the Preservacon of his Ma"?' Peace with
all other Power as directed by y' law.

2. That there bee three Courts held in y° several & Bay as formerly

To witt one in the Townes Uplands another below at the Whorekil.

3. That the said Courts consist of Justices of the Peace whereof three to make a
Coram, & to have the Power of a Court of Sessions & decide all matters under twenty
pounds without Appeale, in which Court the oldest Justice to preside, unlesse otherwise
agreed amongst themselves above twenty pounds & for crime Extending to life, Limbo
or Banishment, to admitt appeale to the Court of Assizes.

4. That all small matters under the value of five pounds may be determined by the
Court without a jury Unless desired by the Partyes as also matters of Equity.

71

562 Colonial Settleinents on the Delaware Paver.

5. That the Court for N'ew Castle bee held once a month, to begin the first Tuesday
In each Mouth And the Court for Uplands & the Whorekill, Quarterly & to begin the
second Tuesday of the Mouth.

6. That all necessary By lawes or Orders (not repugnant to the Lawes of the
Government) made by the said Courts, bee of force & binding, for the sjaace of one whole
yeare, in the severall places where made, They giveing an Account thereof to the
Governor by the first Convenience, And that noe fines be made or imposed but by Order
of Court.

7. That the Severall Courts have power to regulate the Court and Office™ Fees, not to
exceed the Rates in the booke of Lawes, nor to bee under halfe the Value therein
exprest.

8. That there bee a high Sheriflfe for the Towne of IVew Castle, the River, and Bay ;
And that the said high Sheriffe have power to make an Under Sheriffe or Marshall being
a fitt person, & for whom hee will bee responsable, to be approved by the Court, But the
Sheriffe to act as in England & according to the now practice on Long Island, to act as a
principall officer in the Execution of the La we, but not as a Justice of the Peace or
Magistrate.

9. That there bee fitting Books pi-ovided for the Records, In which all JudiciaU
Proceedings to be duely and fairely Eutred, as also all Publick Orders from the Governor
And the Names of the Magistrates & Office""' Authorized, with the time of their Admission:
The said Records to bee kept in English, To which all persons concerned may have free
Recourse at due or seasonable times.

10. That a fitt person for Clarke when Vacant, bee recommended by each Court to the
Governor for his Approbacon in whose hands the said Reccords to be kept.

11. That all writts, Warrants & Proceedings at Law, shall bee in his Ma"^* Name. It
haveing been practiced in y^ Government ever Since the first writing of the Law booke,
And being his Royall Highnesse Speciall pleasure & order.

12. That No Rates bee imposed or Levyes of Money Made within the Town of New
Castle River or Bay, by any under what denomination soever, without the Approbacon
of the Governo' Unless upon extraordinary occasion, in case of necessity, of y* which the
Governo' to have a present account.

13. That upon the Levy of any Rates, there be a Full Record kept, both of the
Receipts and disbursements, which is to be given in to the next Gen'/ Court there to bee
past, & then Sent to the Governof for his Allowance UntUl which not to bee deemed a
Sufficient discharge ; Whereas by this Regulacon there are no Overseers appointed, nor
Constables Courts, but all matters to be determined by the Justices, I doe therefore
recommend the Composure or referring to Arbitracion of as many matters (particulai'Iy
under the Value of five pounds) as may properly bee Determined that way : Provided it
may bee by the consent of Partyes.

Given under my hand and Seale in New Yorke the day of September in the 28'?

yeare of his Ma""' Reigne Annoqe Domine 1676.

That any person desiring Land ; make applicacon to the Co"^.' in whose bounds it is,

who are required to sitt once a month or of tener, if there be to give order

therein, & certify fitt proporcons not exceeding fifty acres

upon extraordinary occasions where they see good Cause for which

Kew York Historical Eecoi^ds. 563

Certificate to bee a sufficient Authority or warr^ for tlie Surveyo' to survey the same, &
with the Surveyo" returue to bee sent to N. Y. for the Governors Approbacon. That in
the Certificates be specify de how much Vpland and Meadow, with due regard that each
may have a proporconable share according to tlie place they are in. Whereas the last
yeare at my being at Delaware upon applicacon of the Inhabitf representing that my
Predecesso' Gov' Lovelace had begun to make a regulacon for the due administracon .
of Justice, according to the Laws of this Governm' Pursuant to w"."" I did appoint
some Magistrates & make some rules for their proceedings the yeare ensueing or till
further order for which Having upon mature deliberacons by the advice of my Councell
made some alteracons, they are to remaine & bee in force in forme following.

In answer to C. Edm : Cantwells & Mf Joh ; de Haes applicacon for a Patent for the
within menconed land.

Having heard some rumo7 that my L* Berkly hase disposed of his Right to some
other P''sons & that it is approved of by the Duke, I forbeare to give a further Graunt or
patent till the Certainty bee knowne, but doe recomend Cap' Cantwell & Mr. de Haes
right to the Justice of such whom it may concerne to confirms this title. Given under
my hand in N. Y. this 22'" day of Sep* 1676.

Memorial of John Moll, Henry Ward, William Tom and others,

MAGISTRATES OF NeW CaSTLE, DeL., TO GoV. AnDROS, ON MUNICIPAL
AFFAIRS.

Right Hon*"^ : Governo'' :
S'
Wee yo'f Hono™ Humble Subjects, being Commissionated by yT HonoT to be
Magestrates for y* Towne and Jurisdiction of New Castle, do find ouTselves oblidged,
(for y^ Best of the Towne and Inhabitants) Humbly do p''sent to yoT HonoT the hereafter
mentioned particulers for w""" wee desire his Hono'.' favorable Grant, and order ;

1. That yoV Honor will bee pleased to send the Law booke, of his Royall Highnesse,
Corrected of all such Lawes and orders, as do not properly Concerne this River, yo^
Honor being pleased, to make mention of the same att his being here ;

2. It prooves verry Burthensome to those who belong to the Company of the militia
of this Towne (who for y* most part live out of it a myle 3 or 4 :) to come and watch in y°
forth, and therefore Suppose itt to be better (if his Hono^ thinkes fitt) that some small
number of souldiers were kept (it being not only for j". Ease of the People, but also for
the Reputation of the Governm? Concidering that tliis is a fi-ontier place,) as itt was in y^
tyme of yT Hono''." p'"decesso''.^ and do find that severall of the Inhabitants would rather
Inclyne to pay towards their maintenance then to be Constrayned to watch themselves ;

3. That yoV Honor will bee pleased to bestow on us a Lesser Seale for y". ofiice.
There being necessity in Severall Respects for the same, and Chiefly in sending papers or
Instruments to the Neighbouring Collonys who have a Seale in every County Given them
for the Lyke Purpose ;

4. There being no prison for y! Securing of debtors, fugitives and malefactors who
often make theire Escape for want of the Same. Wee therefore desiere his Hono™ order

564 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver

for tlie erecting of a prison, w"" wee Immadgine would be Convenient to Stand in y® forth,
and that y"" Hono' will Lykewyse p''scrybe what allowance prisoners shall have, and by
whome to be paid, alsoo that y^ Sheriffe may bee Responsible in Case of Escapes ;

5. There was by y! Last Geuer^*" Court here an order made, allowing 40 Gilders for
every woolfs head, to be Levyed from y^ Publique, of w'^f Said order wee Inclosed
send his honoT a Copy desh-eing yoT Houo''.' Approbation, uppon y! same, severall of the
Justices, & others, haveing Laid out money on j". said ace' and Lykewyse, further desire
his Hono":' order Impouring us to Rayse a Levy for the defraying of small publicq
charges ; Itt being now the tyme of payment ; and whereas it often happens that fynes
are Imposed by y* Court, uppon perticular p'sons, wee Lykewyse desire his bono":' grant,
that aU Such fynes may hence forth bee converted, for the defraying Publicq. Charges,
in Repairing of the forth, Building of a Prison, or the Lyke (:allowing the Sherrife out of
the same what yor Houo^ shall thinke fitt:) as also that all fynes heretofore Imposed and
not as yett paid may bee Lykewyse Converted to the same use : —

Lastly and Cheefly wee are Constrained to tell y'' Honor that In case Sloops & Vessels
bee henceforth p''mitted to go upp and downe the River traeding w'? the People, and
getting all the Reddy pay (as they now do) that this place will in Short tyme bee dedersted
and come to nothing, (:w'=.'' then will make this River as Bad as Maryland) for S"' the
merchants and traeders here duely & dayly supplying the people theii' wants in the
Summer trust to bee paid att the Cropp, of w'^." they are Putt by, by the s"? Sloops &
Vessels, who as itt appeareth Little Reguard the 3 p"' c* custome, as now the Ketch &
Sloope are both gon upp the Sloope (takeing the opportunity of Cap? Coliers going to
Maryland and oT Clarke whome wee had deputed in his absence, going but 2 or 3 dayes
to Conduct him) went upp the River w'l'out Clearing or paying any customes, all w"." and
the Lyke doth quite disharten the People and new Commers here ; AVherefore wee in all
humility Intreat yor honoT (Concidering the necessity for itt) to prohibit the going of aU
sloops and vessels, upp and downe the River & Bay on the s'? accompt, as it was in the
tyme of y' Hono™ p''decessors and Lykewyse that this Towne as being the only medium
and best place may bee the only place of Loading and unloading, and keeping of stores
for all merchants, and that yo'' HonoT will bee pleased that a publicq weighouse and Store
house may be erected, w'=.'' will verry much encouradge treadsmen & merchants to
Resort hither, and the place wiU not only be populated but also the whole River will
thryve by itt.

Uppon the afores* Particulars wee Humbly Intreat his hono"? favorable answer and
approbation, so far as y'' HonoT in his wisdome shall thinke fitt.
New Castle Remaining

NovembT 8'? 1676. - Right Hono^"'" S' :

yoT Hono" Most Humble
and faithfuU servant

John Moll.

HE]srRT Ward.

Will Tom.

Fop Otjthout.

Jean- Paul Jaquet.

Gteeeet Otto.

Kew York Historical Records. 565

Minutes of a council held at New York in uelation to Major John
Fenwick's granting patents in JNew Jersey ; patents issued by

HIM NOT TO BE CONFIRMED ; JeAN PaUL JaQUET'S COMPLAINT AGAINST

John Fenwyck ; answers to the proposals of the magistrates of
New Castle.

At a Councell held at New Yorke November 20'" 1676.

Entred in the Councell booke. The answer to the proposalls to bee in the Conion
booke of entryes.

Severall Lett'" being read concerning MajoV John Feuwicks actings in New Jersey on
the East side of Delaware River by his granting patents for Land, & refusing to obey the
Governo" speciall warrant &c.

Resolved, it importing his majesties service, & good & quiet of those parts &
Inhabitants. That hee bee sent for, with the first Convenience hither, & if there bee
occasion that the Comander & Magistrates at Delaware doe use foi'ce for seizing &
sending him.

That there being no Lawful! Authority for Major Fenwycks giving forth patents for
Land, Its not thought fitt to returne back those sent hither. Bat the persons who have
paid their moneys for them, may have their Remedy at Law for the same, against the
person that gave them.

Vpon the Complaint of Jean Paul Jaquet, That hee hath beene dispossest by Major
Fenwyck of some Land on the East side of Delaware River, ordered. That the said Jean
Paul Jaquet bee repossest of what land hee was in possession of on the East side of the
River, at the last coming in of the English Government ; The which the Co";' is to take
order about, & if occasion the Comander at Delaware is to assist them.

In answer to the Proposalls sent by the magistrates of New Castle for my
Approbacon.

1. To the first, That one of -his R. Hs. Lawbookes shall be sent them.

2. To the second, That the Inhabitants of y^ Towne of New Castle & within a mile
thereof, doe keepe watch, but that none bee obliged to come to the watch farther. The
other part of the Proposall about Souldyers to bee sent thither. To bee taken into farther
consideracon.

3. To the third. About a publick seale Care will bee taken ag" the next yeare. In
the meane time to make use of their own Scales, as is usuall for Justices of the peace
every where.

4. Allowed That a prison bee built in y° Port, & the Sheriff e to bee responsible for
prisoners ; For the allowance or Fees to bee directed by the Law booke, with regard to
former Custome & practice.

5. The order made about Killing of Wolves to be confirmed for the present yeare, &
till further order.

6. Fines to bee granted to the Col' for y^ present yeare, and for the two yeares last
past, to bee applyde for publick uses. For the which the Sheriffe & Receiver or Receivers
to be called to account, & pay in the same to the Co'''' order who are to make a Returne
to the Governor how disposed of.

566 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

The Sheriife for liis paines Collecting or levying the same, to have 5'''- in the pound, &
for extraordinary Charge, to bee farther allowed by the Co'.' as there shall bee cause.

7. That former orders prohibiting sloopes & vessells goeing up the River above
New Castle to trade, bee duely observed as heretofore.

And that a weigh house bee allowed of, for which a sworne office^ to bee appointed.

That toward the further defraying of publick charges in the Towne of Newcastle as
also up the River & in the Bay, there bee a Levy made of one penny in the pound upon
every mans Estate, to bee tax't by iiidiflFerent persons thereunto appointed by the
respective Co''." & by the s"? Co"'." to bee disposed of accordingly whereof an acc^ to be
given hither.

Letter. Gov. Andros to the magistrates of New Castle relative

TO MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS ; MaJOR JoHX FeNWICK, &C.

Gentlemen,

I have received yoT Letters (by the Expresse sent hithei') with severall other papers &
writings relating vnto MajoT Jolin Fenwycks acting on the East side of Delaware River by
Ms granting Patents for Land, and refusing to obey my speciall warrant &c. As also
touching yor more peculiar affayres ;

Where upon having taken advice of my Councell, I have thought fitt, (It importing
his Ma"." service, & the good & quiet of those parts & Inhabitants,) That Major John
Fenwyck bee sent with the first convenience, hither, & if there bee occasion. That the
Comander & you the Magistrates doe use force for seizing upon & sending him. And
there being no Lawfull Authority for his giving forth Patents for Land, those sent hither
are not to bee returned back for the present, But the persons who have paid their moneys
for them, may have their remedy at Law, against the person that gave them, before hee
depart out of Custody. As for Jean Paul Jaquet who hath beene dispossest of some
Land on the East side of Delaware River, of which hee was in possession at the Last
coming in of the English Government, hee is to bee repossest, & you are to take order
about, & if occasion the Comander is to assist therein.

In answer to your Proposalls,

1. One of his Royall Highnesse Law Bookes shallbee sent you, by y" first
opportunity.

2. The Inhabitants of the Towne of New Castle & within a mile thereof, are to keepe
watch, but none are obliged to come to it further ; As to the Proposall about Souldyers
to bee sent for it. The same shall bee taken into further consideracon.

3. For a publick seale Care will bee taken acjainst the next yeare, In the meane time
you are to make use of yor owne seales, as is usual for Justices of the peace every where.

4. You may cause a prison to bee built in the Fort, & the Sheriife is to bee
responsable for prisoners. For the allowance or Fees, yo" are to bee dii-ected by the Law
booke, with regard to former Custome & Practice.

5. I doe confirme the Order made about killing of Wolves for the present yeare, &
till further Order.

6. As to Fines I doe grant them to the Co';' for the yeare currant & for the two yeares

J\''ew Yorh Historical Records. 5G7

last past, since the English Governmen', to bee applyde for publick nsps ; for the which
the Sheriife & Receiver or Receivers are to bee called to account, & pay in the same to
the Co"'!' order, who are to make a Returne to the Governo'', how disposed of. The
Sheriffe for his paines in collecting or Levying the same, to have five shillings in the
pound, and for Extraordinary Charge, at New Castle up the river, or into y^ Bay, to bee
farther allowed by the Courts as there shall bee cause.

7. And likewise towards the farther defraying of publick Charges in the Towne of
New Castle as also up the River, & in the Bay, a Levy is to bee made of one penny in
the pound upon every mans Estate, to be tax't by indifferent persons there unto
appointed by the respective Co''?^ & by the said Co"'!' to bee disposed of accordingly,
whereof an Account to bee given hither.

8. The former Orders Prohibiting Sloopes «& Vessells goeing np the River above
New Castle to trade, are duely to bee observed as heretofore, & Care to bee taken that
none goe up.

9. And a weigh House is likewise to bee built in the Towne of New Castle, for the
which you are to appoint an officer to bee sworne there unto.

This is all from etc.
Novr 23-:'; 1676.

To the Magistrates of Delaware.

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.

A pattent for a parcell of Land at Dellaware Granted unto Daniel Whitley.

Edmund Andross Esq;' &c. Whereas there is A Certain parcell of Land which by my
Order hath beene layde out for Daniel Whitley Called by tlie Name of y^ Grove Scituate
Lying and being in a Creeke Called Saint Johns Creeke at y^ head of y"" s* Creeke and on
y^ West Side of Dellaw''." Bay, beginning at a poplar marked Tree & Runing South East a
Long the Creek Side One hundred and fifty Pearch" to a Black Wallnutt marked Tree, &
from thence Southwest three hundred and twenty pearches to a Bounded Red Oak, and
from thence Runing Northwest One hundred and fifty pearches to a Bounded Red Oak
and from thence to y^ first bounded poplar by the Creeke side three hundred and twenty
pearches northeast. Containing and Layd out for three hundred Acres as by the Returne
of y* Survey under the hand of y.'' Survey" Doth and may Appear.

Know yee &c. Dated.

Secretary's Office New York April the 29* 1746.

I do hereby Certify the aforegoing to be a true Copy of the Record thereof Remaining

in this Office in a Book of patents begun in the yeare 1666 p^ 161 and I do further Certify

that the Record of the patent succeeding the aforegoing bears date the first day of

December 1675.

jNf Catherwoop, Secry.

568 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Warrant summoning a court for the trial of Major Fentvick.

At a special! Co''.' held the 12'." day of Jan. 167f, about Majof John Fenwycks
buisnesse.

The Councell Justices & May of & Aldermen call'd over.

Majof Fenwyck brought to the barre.

The jury call'd over (return' d by the High Sheriffe) & sworne.

The presentmf in the name of Samuell Lute &c read, charging him w'.*" a Ryot &c.

Hee is prest to plead, but pretends to appeale & saith hee is ignorant of the Lawes,
& proceedings of this Governm',

Hee pleads not Guilty.

The K? L''^^ patents to the D., & the Dukes to the Governo^ read.

One of Majoy Fenwycks deeds read dated July IS'J" 1676.

Another deed read to the same purpose, another dated Aug. 10'!" 1676.

Another more large the same date.

Majof Fenwycks licence to distill N° 4.

Jean Paul Jaquets complaint, with several! deposicons read N" 8, his land called
Stoon brooke, given away by M. Fenwyck to John Erickson.

Majof Fenwyck ownes his hand & justifies his actions, confessing all the patents &c
to bee his act & deed.

Hee pleads for himselfe, to hold from the Lord John Berkel.y & makes a Long
discourse, denyes that any part of New Jersey is under the Jurisdiction of this Cof' &
pleads his liberty to appeale to his Ma'"'".

Hee pleads over & over The K. can doe no wrong, & hee must appeale to him.

He s'!" an undoubted Interest can not bee destroyed, & that the L* Berkely hatli an
undoubted right, & consequently hee hath.

That Sf Geo : Carteret being repossest by a new Graunt from his R. H* of a Pt. its as
good as for the whole, & so deemed by the Law.

Gov. Carterets Letter read wherein he absolutely disownes M. Fenwyck.

Majoy Fenwycks letter to the Go : read.

Hee acknowledges to have no originall deed or grant here butt was left in Engl.

Hee s'." the D. hath nothing to doe in New Jersey, & what hath been done by him
was there.

The Go : gives a Charge to the Jury, who goe out upon the businesse.

The Go : proposed to the Co":' That no sale wood be brought to the Towne but it shall
bee corded. The w'='' ordered to tliat end one or more Corders to bee appointed. That
all wood that shall bee cutt in the woods bee carryed away or burnt there. This order
Proposed to bee in force by y* 25'.'' day of March, Ordered to bee by the 1*.' of May.
******
The Co'.' adjourned till 4 afternoone.

Afternoone.
The Jury bring in their Verdict & send for the PrisV :

The Go : urged to the Jury to declare whether they found Major Fenwyck GuUty or
not Guilty as to the Presentment. They said Guilty.

Kexo York Eistorinal Records. 569

Majo'' Fenwyck desires an Appeale to tlie King, & moves to have it recorded.

Hee offerrs againe to plead in his justificacon.

All ordered to withdraw but the Co".

The Co" having considered of the Verdict of the Jury doe approve it & coniirmes the
same & give Judgment therefore ;

That M'' F. having acted w'Mn his R. H. Patent without any legall Authority &c. doe
pay all costs & charges of this Suite & likewise pay a fine of 40 £ to the Co^.',

And that hee remaine in Custody untill he give security of 500 ? to be of the good
behavior & not to act in any publick Capacity. Unless he shall receive & produce
sufficient Authority from the King, or from some other deriving from his Mai"?°

As for his Appeale it is Admited hee giving 500 ■? security more to prosecute it, & to
answer any further action that may bee entred ag'.' him for his illegall actions there
hitherto without Authority.

At a Speciall Co" of Assizes held in New Yorke y^ 12*'' day of January in y"
28"" yeare of his Ma""" Reigne. Annoqe Domini, 1676.
Present.

The Governor & Councill.

The Justices of the Severall Eidings of Yorkeshire upon Long Island.

The MayT & Alderm" of this Citty.

Major John Fenwyck being Presented to this Co" by M' Saml' Lecte, for that hee the
said John Fenwyck the s* 10"" day of Augs* 1676 & divers times before and Since without
any Right or title, with force and armie Ryoteously & Routeously with Fenwyck Addatns,
Richard Handcock, & severall other Persons, hath Possessed himselfe of a large tract or
Parcell of Land Lying & being with in the bounds & Limitts, of his Royall Highness
James Duke of Yorke his Pattent, from his Ma'"= : that now is, for certaine Lands in
America, & assuming to himselfe to bee Lord Cheife ProprietoT &c of the same, hath
granted to severall persons great tracts of Land & taken severall sumes of Money for y«
same, & disturbed severall of his Ma"''^ Subjects, not only in y^ Possession of their Estates
but Ryoteously Routeousty &c.

The matter haveing been fully debated. Mayor Fenwycks Defence & Allegacons,
Evidences and Testimonys, heard, examined & taken, y" Jury sent out, brought in their
Verdict y' they they finde y'^ said Major John Fenwyck guilty.

The Co" haveing Considered the whole matter, Confirme the same & give Judgement
that the said Major Fenwyck do pay all the Costs & Charges of this suite, & a fine of
forty pounds to the King, & that he remaine in Custody untill he give security of five
hundred pounds to bee of y° good behavior, & not to act in any publick Capacity in those
parts unlesse he receive & produce Sufficient authority & commission for the same.

Upon his desire Appeale is admitted hee giveing five hundred pound Security more
to prosecute it & to answer any further Action that may be entred against him for his
past actings there.

By order of the Speciall
Co", of Assizes.

Matthias Nicolls,
72 Seer.

570 Colonial Settlerneyits on the Delaivare River.

Assignment by Samuell Edsall (of New York) to George Heathcote,
OF England, mariner, op an island in the Delaware rivee.

Know all men by these p'"esents that I Samuell Edsall of the City of New Yorke for
& in consideration of the Sume of one hundred Pounds Curr? Money of New England to
me in hand Paid by George Heathcote of the County of Middlesex in England Marriner
doe hereby Give Grant Alienate transport assigne & Sett over from mee and my heires,
unto the s* George Heathcote his heires & Assignes all my right title Claim and Interest to
the "Within Mentioned Island In Delaware River called Sankhikans Granted Me by
Pattent from Governor Richard NicoUs as is therein Sett forth To have and to Hold the
s* Island and Appurtenances Unto the s"* George Heathcote his Heires and Assignes Unto
the proper Use & behoof of the s^ George Heathcote his Heires and assignes for Ever.
In Testimony whereof I have here unto Sett My hand & Seale in New Yorke this SQ'? day
of January in the 29'" Year of his Majesties Reign, Annoq. Domini 1677.

Sam^'' Edsall — L. S.

Signed, Sealed & DD
in Presence of
W? Williams
James Mathews.

Whereas Samuel Edsall of this Citty hath assigned all his title and Intrest ouer to me
George Heathcote of an Hand called by the Ingin name of Saukhikins, lyinge in Delaware
river nere the falls, these are to sertyfie whom it may conserne That I doe acknowledge
to haue but one halfe of the s* Hand property, belonginge vnto me and that is in
Consideration of Charges of gettinge the whole Hand confirmed to me by the Duke of
Yorke, That I give the s'' Edsall the same Confirmemation deriued from mine soe gott of
the duke for his halfe beinge in full for it but if the s* Confirmation of the duke's cannot
be procured. Then all the s'^ agreemt to be voyd notwithstandinge & the Island to
retorne to Samuell Edsall of the first ; in witness whereof they have given this under

theire hands & seales the second day in the yeare one thousand six hundred

and (seventy eight).

Samuell Edsall. (Seal)

, sealed and delivered before

GUILAIN VeRPLANCK

Clement Sebea
Robert Roberts.

Kew York Historical Records. 571

Lettek. Seceetaey Nicolls to the magistrates at Horekil, relative

TO A PIECE OF LAND GRANTED TO Wm. PLAINER, AND AGAIN GRANTED
TO RaNDELL E.EVELL.

By Inforinacon from Mv Peter Groenendyke (the bearer hereof) to the Councell,
That a certaine piece of Land granted to W"? Plainer, whereof hee was in possession
twelve months, was by misinformacon or mistake afterward given & granted by patent
to Randall Revell, who neither sought after nor ever had pretence to the same, Concerning
the w*^"" no order being left from his hono"', It will be convenient to Let the matter rest as
it is untill his Returne, and in meane time W? Playner not to bee dispossest. This I give
you as the opinion of the Councell, being

Gent.
Feb. 20 - 1677. Yo^ humble serv?

M.N.
For the Magistrates at the WhorekiU.

These.

Letter. Helmee Wiltbank to Gtovernor Andros ; Lord Baltimore

ABOUT to renew HIS CLAIM ; REBELLION IN VIRGINIA.

Richt Hono"''^ Gouverneur.

Yours receaved the 18'? of this Instand month wear in wy understand your great
Gear & deligenth of us wich wy durender to your Hono'' menny tanks wear in wy doe
inform your Hono'' that wy ar in good Helt Lickewise thear is good Hops of success &
situatie of this plaets by menny persons both out Virgiunia & Merry land & heaue alsso
reseaved ohn halfe barrel of powder which youe thet sent by your schaloop & given alsoo
menny tanks to your Hono'' ffor your good instruction and schal mack as good jus af them
as possibelly Lays in our pour & Schyl how that your Hono'' thet deseir af occasion thet
requier a piloot for your Hono''" Schaloop ; thear was non keapabele her & your Hono''^
Schloop meester thet not much question his gohin well. Wy doe hereafulger raport from
the Commun people in Merry landt that the Lord Baltomore thus ar immagine to Heave this
pleats again but wy doe wenset & wy thacht fit to give your Hono'' notis af at. Lickewise
her is dayly severale persons Commin out Virginia which brings news that the rebellion
thus Continue still against thear gouverneur & gouverment & Lick to be wors which is a
great dishartening to all payes & sober meyndeth people. Not else but your Hono''"
servant to Commaund & pray for your Hono'" good helt & succes in your gouverment,
167f this Se'? of February

at the Whorekil Helm! Wiltbanck.

Her is p''sent news out of Accumacke that ther is twoo
fregats is Com in & that the heave brought the Contre to
a pays again & moor that my Lord Baltomore heave gott
a grant from his Ma'"" fors is land & that the seam scud
follow fourtnight after the fregats thet seth outh.

These for the right Hono^"^ Gouverneur Ed. Androsz. at New York.

572 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Order of a special court at Horekil for the resurvet of the lands
OF John Stevens, purchased of William Willoughby and Robert
Dicks.

At a speciall Court held for the Whorekill the 19'? Day of March 167f .
Mr. Helm. Wiltbank.

Just'i ^^' ^^'^^ Southrin ) M^ Alex : Molestine ) , g ,
■(Capt^ Paul Marsh [M^ John King y'

John Stevens, petition

Granted vnto John Stevens purchaser of the Land of perry William Willoughby &
Robert Dicks that the said p''sons Lands so purchased by the said John Stevens Shall bee
Resurveyed according to pattents for the proper vse of the said John Stevens, with an
addition of six hundred acres thereunto Adjoyning and the Said Assignm^ by the Said
Resurvey from the afore said p'sons, vnto the said John Stevens Shall bee Authentyque in
Law.

Vera : Copia.

Test : CoRNELis Verhoofe, Clk C" Whorekill.

Order for the survey of 200 acres of land for Captain Israel
Helm.

These are to certify, that when y^ unpurchased Land adjoyning to that which hath
been bought by the Governour neare ye Falls, shall bee purchased, his Honor hath
graunted that Capt Izrael Helme shall have two hundred Acres thereof, the which y"
Surveyor is to Lay out for him.

By Order of y" Governo'
New Yorke AprUl

6'." 1677.

Resolution of Council regarding the Susquehanna Indians.

An Order of CounceU April 6'? 1677.
Capt. Collier.

If the Susquehannes in any part of ye Government your way, will come hither (as
was told them last year) and resolve to leave off ye Warre, they shall have a convenient
place assigned them to their content, or may goe and live with y" Maques, or any other
our Indyans, if they doe not Like it, then they have liberty to go back where they will,
but are not to live in y^ South River it being not safe for them, and therefore j" River
Indyans are to have notice not to suffer their continuance there amongst them, it being
dangerous to both.

Resolved by y° Governor in Counoell by unanimous advice.

Matthias Nicolls, Seer.

J{ew York Historical Records. 573

Extracts fkom Letters op Gov. Awdeos to the commander and

COLLECTOR AT NeW CaSTLE, RELATIVE TO VESSELS SAILING UP THE

Delaware river ; dated Nov. 23, 1676 and April 6, 1677.

An Extract out of a Letter sent by Ms Honor y^ Governor to y® Commander &
Co'.' att New Castle, dated 23* of Novemb"."' 1676.
The former orders prohibiting Sloopes & vessells going up y* River above New Castle
to trade, are to bee duly observed as heretofore, and Care to bee taken that none goe up ;

Extract out of a Letter sent by his honoT y" Governor, to the Co''.' above s*
AprUl the 6'? 1677.
Liberty is Granted for Sloopes etc. going up the River as formerly for this yeares
effects or former debts ;

These are true coppies out of y° Records
Exam:

Eph: Herman, C. C-'

Dimensions and bounds of Prime hook near the Horekil.

Beginning at a bounded White Oake standing upon the point, running up the Creeke,
for breadth, N. & by S. 1000 perches, to a bounded red Oake, standing by the side of a
Cypres Swampe, from thence N. & by N. 480 perches to a bounded red Oake standing by
the side of Slaughters Creeke from thence B. & by N. 1000 perches downe the s* Creeke,
to a bounded Poplar standing by the Marsh, Then downe the s'* marsh, S. & by E. 480
perches to the first bounded white Oake standing upon the point by the afore s* prime
Hooke, Containing and layd out for 3000 Acres.

(Endorsed :)

New Yorke the lO'" Aug: 1687.

These are to certifye that upon request of Matthias Nicolls, who was Secry for
the above T. Province in Govr Lovelaces time, I searched the old papers filed in the ofiice
and found the within written in file N" 55:

Witness my

David Jamieson.

574 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River-

MEMOEANDtTM OF A SALE OF LAND FOE CaPTAIN NaTHL. CaKB CALLED BY
THE NAME OF CkUDER's NECK ; BOUNDS OF THE SAME ; PATENT ISSUED

Oct. 23, 1667.

May IV-^ An" 1677.
Laid out a p''sell of Land for Capt. Nath. Carr called by the name of Cruder' s neck
scituated upon the south westernmost Creeke of Rehobah Bay, Beginning near the head
of the s* Creeke att a marked Redd oake standing by a Branch proceeding from the said
Creeke and from thence South by East to a marked white oake standing by a smaU bay
or pann being Between the beatch of the seaside and the aforesaid white oake & from
thence northeast by East binding vpon the aforesaid bay or pann four hundi-ed & fourty
pertches onely proceeding a small narrow slip of Land in manner of an Island from the
mayne woods adjoyning with the beatch aforesaid about a quantity of thii'ty acres then
from the Extent of the said northeast by East Coui'se being at a small Inbyte of marsh

Running fi'om thence north East one hundred & pertches of said

Beatch Beatch fourty pertches then fi'om the said Beatch

southwest by West to a marsh proceeding from part of the aforesaid Rehobah Bay and
from thence to a point of the Bay northwest, then from the said point west to another
point sixty pertches and from the said point northwest to another point Laying vpon the
mouth of a Riuer proceeding from the aforesaid Rehobah Bay now Called Indian River
And fi"om thence southwest binding vpon a little Creeke one hundred & Eighty five
pertches to a marked white oake standing neare the head of the said little Creeke and
from the said white oake Running south by East two hundred & thirty six pertches to
the first bounded Redd oake Including, Containeing & Layd out for six hundred & Eighty
acres of Land as by the survey does or may appear.

p"" CORNELIS VeRHOOFE.

A patent drawn

the 22* day of Octobr 167

Proceedings op the court held at Hoeekil on the petition of
William Planer, relating to the above land.

At a Calld Court for the Whorekill the 14* Day of May 1677.
f Mr. HeLm-^ Willbanck 1
Com' -j' Mr Edward Southren V P^sent.
i_ Mr Alex Molestine J

Whereas it appeares to the Court by sufficient Evidences produced by William planer
the petT In the Craning his Just Right & title of a p'sell of Land Setled by the afore s*
petr Containing nine hundred acres of Land Situated at Slater Creeks the which said
Land one Randell ReveU hath Recouered a pattent for the Same and by the Examination
of Evidences produced by the afore said petr the Court have apprehended and Considered
the said Cause and find by theire opinium, the Said petr Being wronged by the Survey'
his vnjustness, and ought to possess and enjoy the Said quantity of nine hundred acres
of Land, hee the pef being Setled vpon and that the Right and title of the afore said

J^exv York Historical Records. 575

Randell Revell may bee Disanulled, wliicli wliole matter, the Court find. Convenient to
Referre for a Determination, vnto the Hono''able Gouverno'' his approbation.

Vera Copia
Test. CoENELis Veehoofe CI. Co"'' Whorekill.

Oeder of the cotjrt at New Castle, relative to certain records
delivered by william tom, the former clerk.

Att a Court held in the Towne of New Castle Begun the S'l" & Continued the
&■": & r;- of June, A° 1677.
My William Tom the former Clarke brought in Court two small old paper Bookes,
y^ one sowed w'!" Sheets together most of his owne hand wryting, saying that the same
were the Records of the former proceedings here, w"!" the Co" delivered unto the Custodie
of y? now Clark etc. But after the s* Record being Examined and Complaint of the
Insufficiency thereof made to the Court by My Henry Ward ; The Court did think
good to Seale them upp, delivering them into the hands of the Commands to bee sent to
his Honoy the Governy for his further order therein.

By ord^ of the Co" above s;*

Eph : Herman — Clarke

Letter. Magistrates to Governor Andros, relative to their

MUNICIPAL officers GENERALLY.

Right Hono*'^ Governo"".
S^

In answer to yoy Hono" Letter bearing date the e'!" of Aprill Last past, wee humbly
Reply ; — about j" watching.

That there is none Lives neare the Towne but Swanwike, and in case they are exemted
from watching and warding most part of the Towne will fly theither to bee free from the
same, and chiefly those who are no house keepers ; so that the Strenght of the Towne
may thereby mutch decrease. We therefore humbly Intreat yoy hony to furnish us w'l" a
small number of souldiers to watch the forte, whoe may be serviceable uppon all occasions
to the Commander & Court ; as formerly itt hath been allowed of by yo' hono'.
predecessor for wee humbly conceive that there is no keeping of a forte w';''out Souldiers,
and that it is better to have no forte, then a forte w*!'out some to keepe it.

And whereas yof honof hath been pleased to admitt of a Levy by the Pole, wee find
that the same can not bee paid w'?out a gener'? meeting or high Court of all the Justices
onceayeare; whereof in oy former Letter bearing date y"" S'l" of FebruaT wee have made
mention of to yoV honof wee therefore humbly desiere that his Honof will take the same in
conciederation and that the same meeting or gener" Coy' May begein in September next.
So that those whoe have Long Since disbourst their monny, for the publicq acct. may

576 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

know where to bee Keiiaid ; for w'fout the same no p''son will for the future bee willing to
disbours for any publicq acct., and if so no worke=men will bee to bee had, and no publicq
workes go forward ; and as for a Treasurer wee appoint Mv John Moll, and Intreat his
Hour to nominate the Treasurers fees ;

We Likewise humbly desier that the sending of the Law booke may not bee forgot,
there being Great occasions for the same.

Wee further Returne his hono7 humble thankes of the gracious act of granting the
fynes, for the Lessening the Levys, but wee feare itt will bee Verry difficult to Collect
unless yoT : honor Resolves to send Soldiers to assist the Sherrife in jf execution thereof ;
The People fyned haveing formerly Showed their mutenous actions ; —

As to Lett" of administracon wee shall follow his hono" Instructions ; For Vendu
MastT wee nominate the Clarke Eph : Herman, but In Regard the Trouble in Collecting of
the debts by reason of the distance of the peoples, is so great, wee suppose itt would bee
Convenient to Raize the Salary to above Six pr Cento.

The Dyke and Since being by a storm Lately broke and mutch out of Repair Cap?
Colier & Cap^ Cantwell have therefore lugaged the payment for y" Remakeing of the
same, againe the charge thereof amounting to about 800 Grilders, for the Repaying thereof
The Coui-t have ordered that the Burgers in Genn'.' bee called together and y? those whoe
will pay pro Rato towards itt, To have their parts but those whoe Refuse, to Loose their
Commonadge.

As to the departing of p''sons w'." oiit a passe, wee Shall Endeavor to observe his
hono" orders and make the people acquainted there with ; and as to the Liberty Given
to Sloopes for the going upp the River for Receiving former debts etc ; wee suppose they
will never bee w'.'' out that p''tence ; and about the Indians wee Refer o- Selves to what
Cap? Colier hath writt to yo? hono!' about the same. So praying for his hono" health and
Prosperity : Wee Remaine Right Hono"''"^ Sr

N. Castle June 8?? Yo? hono" Most humble

1677. Subjects & Servants. —

The Justices of the Co'' att New Castle.
By order of the Same
Eph: Herman — Clarke.

Letter. Helm. Wiltbank to Governor Andros, relative to certain
lands surveyed by the surveyors of maryland, which he alleges
belong to delaware.

Right Honorable.

Whereas I am Informed Lately very Creditable that those of Mary Land have Surveyed
Some Inconsiderable quantity of Land the Certaine quantity vnknown but is Supposed to
bee Severall thoiisand acres the which Land Lyeing within the Liraitts of these governm'.
As I can produce by an lustrum.' In Writting made Between the Christians and the Indians.
In the first Setlem? of these places being their bought and paid for, as the Writting
more at large may manifest Being to the Southward of the Whorekill Creeke about

Mew York Historical Records. 511

the Distance of 18 or 20 miles, But to the northward of the supposed Cape Hinlopen and
the extended Liniitts according to the aforesaid Writting Being Called Assawoma Inlett
Conveniently at the Seaboardside wherefore I have already acquainted several! p'sons that
what Incouragemt priviledges and Assistance Can or may bee procured from yo"'
Hono''able shall not be wanting if that any p''sons are wUling to settle there In those
partes aforesaid vnder the protection of these his R. H? Dominacon for to proceed as
speedily in the proceedings of Settlemt vnto the vtmost Extent of the Limitts of the
governmt. The most part of these magest''" are at p'sent absent and about her owne
occasions that noe p°sibillity Could p''mitt to make any further Conclusion thereof for Which
I thought fitt to make yo"' Hono' acquainted thereof it should bee needful that yo"' Hono''
would bee pleased to Consider thereof. Shall not further Inlarge at present onely
Remaine in Duty

WhorekUl, Yo' Hono" humble serv'

June 11'? An° 1677. Helm. Wiltbank.

To the Right Hono'
Able Gouverno"' Edmund
Andross Esq'^ Seigneur of
Sausmarez p'sent at
N. York.
pT Capt. Cryger These.

Letter. Captain John Collier to Governor Andros, relative to the

RECORDS OF THAT PLACE KEPT BY Wm ToM ; WAR WITH FRANCE.

New Castle y« 12 June 1677.
Hon** S^

My last to your Hono' was p' Capt. Thomas De Lavall who sayled from hence the
30'.'' of May ; This opportunity p'senting by Land have sent your Hono' the Records of
this Place kept in Mr. William Tom his time they being ordered by the Court to be
delivered to mee as appeares by the Inclosed, M' Tom have not anything to say for
himself e (onely) that when your Hono' was here you did then promise to send him bookes
from York they not coming must take y* Records as they are.

The Newes from Maryland is that we have warre with ffrance. M' Shakerly wilbe
ready to sayle from hence Thursday next ; All things here are in Quietness (God be
thanked) I take leave & remaine

Sir, Your faithfull serv^ to Com*

John Collier.

ffor y° Hon"'* Edmond Andross
Esq
GeneraU & Governo' etc.

73

578 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare Elver.

Order concerning weights and measures in Delaware.

Upon an Order of Court att jf Whorekill in the case of William Hamilton, concerning
Weights, referred to the Governor this following Order was made, viz^

By the Governour.
Weights &c to be according to former Custome and practice, unlesse otherwise
determined by Law publish' t, and timely notice given. New Yorke 23'." of June 1677.

E. Andros. s.

Charges ^refekred to the Governor by Walter Wharton against
Capt. Cantwell, Commander in Delaware.

At a CounceU July 2T^ 1677.

In the Case betweene Mr. Walter Wharton & Capt. Edmund Cantwell.
Ordered that the s? Wharton give Security to make good his allegacons and Cantwell
to answer his proceedings and Produce his Authority.

Letter. Edmund Cantwell to John Stevens, relative to the title
OP his land.

New Castle y* first of August 77.
Mr. Steevens Sir.

This Day I Rec* y" of y^ 18 Day of July whereout I vnderstand that John
Edmondson thus still keepe a Passe about y" Land & that he shoiild teU yo° that y"
governo"' should com here this month ; I here no such thing nor will he be here, I am
sure : yo" may give him Leave to talke if there should be any Need to speake for yo" may be
sure of my vtmost indeauours for seating it is his hono" order to seate y*' first year & effect
in three years ; my kind Love to yorselfe, father & mother & wife. I shall Remayne

S' yo"' assured Lo : frend

E. Cantwell.

Yo° need not fear that his hono' vnll give two pattents for one peace of land : yo"
must send or goe to y* WhorekiU & gett yo"' certificate signed vnder y* Courts hand &
mention y* other three pattents in y* certificate & y° Date of y° Pattents butt Leave y"
Place for y* Date open tUl it Com to mee. I would send yo° y* Certificatt y* sent mee
butt I can not find, butt Mr. Avery wUl give yo" a Copy of it. Vale.

E. Cantwell.
To Mr. John
Steevens att
his plantation
in Little Creeke,

J^ew York Historical Records. 579

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 op york to lord john berkeley and
Sir George Carterett.

At a Councell Aug. 4"' 1677.

Thomas Olive, Daniel Willes, John Peniord, Joseph Helmely, Rob' Stacy, and
Benjamin Scott, Informing the Governor of their being lately come from England in the
good ship the Kent, Gregory Marloe, Master, now riding in the Bay near Sandy Hoeck,
intended with about two hundred persons to settle in West New Jersey to the east of
Delaware River or Bay, claiming the authority of proprietors and jurisdiction in said
parts, for which Produce deed or indentures from his Royal Highnesse to my Lord John
Berkley and S"' George Carteret both of his Ma"'° most lion"'* Privy Councell &c bearing
date the 23* & 24'" day of June 1664, in the 16"" yeare of his Ma"*' reigne as p"' s'* deed to be
called New Jersey &c, and severall other Indentures and Deeds of the IS*" of March
1673, in the 26"" yeare of y* King, of the 9'" & 10'" of February 1674, from my lord Jno.
Berkly to Jn° Fenwyck, for a moyety of said New Jersey, and from John Fenwick &
Edward Billing to W" Pen Gawan Lawry and Nicholas Lucas, and a Commission of the
4"' of April 1677, from W" Pen, Gawan Lawry and Nicholas Lucas, and Edward
Billing, to Tho : Olive &c Eight to bee Commissioners authorized from them for west New
Jersey and desired time granted them for about three days to produce a deed of Particon
and what else they might have to show or say, which having done upon the 6'" day said
deed bearing date the first of July 1676 in 28th yeare of the King, and heard in all they
could alleadge thereupon, so desireing answer, It being taken into consideracon & how the
Governo'' should act therein. And records being called for, itt appearing by his Ma""
Letf= Pattents of the 24'" of August 1674, the 26'" yeare of the King that the Governo'
was authorized and commanded, and did receive these countreyes from the Dutch and by
order and Commission from his R" H' at that time for the same, hath continued in the
possession and Government thereof under his R. H?, Advised & Resolved, that the
Governo' is not discharged (by anything the above Tho. Olive &c have produced) nor can
unlesse by some authority of later date. But upon consideracon of so many persons as
alleadged on board, come over upon said accompt of settlem',

Resolv'd & Ordered that they may all freely land in these parts or proceed to Delaware
to settle any unimproved land duly purchased submitting under this Governm', as other
his Ma"*' subjects in every respect for all things and differences, unlesse and till they shall
recive and produce to the Governo'' here sufficient authority or order from England for
his discharge.

580 Colonial Settlements on the Delcuvare River.

An Order concerning Lands in Delaware Eiver and Bay.
By the Governor.
By Virtue of my Authority under his Royall Highnesse I doe hereby desire &
requii-e all persons that have or claime any land in Delavrare river and bay, that they doe
without delay or as soon as conveniently may bee make a due returne to the Clerk of the
Court in whose Jurisdiction said Land lyes, of such their Land, quantity and scittuacon,
according to y^ Surveys Platts or Cards thereof, and said Courts to make a returne of y*
whole unto mee & whether seated and improved, thatt all such wanting Graunts or
Pattents may have them dispatched and sent ; this Order to be publishtt in the severall
Courts, which to take Care therein, and Sui-veyor also to give notice and see it bee
observed, where hee shall know or find the Defect : Actum in New-Yorke this 13';'' day of

August 1677.

E. Andross.

Commission of Capt. Christopher Billop as Commander in Delaware.

Capt Xtoper BUlop to be Sub-Collector y° Customs of Delaware river.

By the Governor.

By virtue of the authority derived unto me under his Roy" Highness, I do hereby

constitute and appoint you Capt Christopher Billop to be Sub-Collector of the Customs of

Delaware River ; You are therefore carefully to discharge your duty therein, particularly

that nothing be any wayes imported or exported, but according to Acts of Parliament, or

to make seizure and due prosecucon, and if condemned one third to y'= Informer, one third

to yourselfe, and one third to y^ King, and to give an account of your proceedings, and

observe such orders as you shall from time to time receive from y^ chiefe Collector or

principall officers of y^ Customs here and superiours ; New Castle y' only port for all

Entryes and Clearings ; And for whatt you shall lawfully act or do in the premises this

shall be your sufficient authority and warrant. Given under my hand in New Yorke, this

13'? of August 1677.

E. Andross.

Commission for Capt Christopher Billop to be Commander in Delaware River and Bay.
Edmund Andros Esq'' &c
By vii'tue of the authority derived unto mee under his Roy' High"' I do hereby
constitute and appoint you Christopher Billop to be Commander in Delaware River and
Bay ; you are therefore to take care, that the Militia in y' severall places be well armed,
duly exercised and kept in good order and discipline ; and y^ officers and souldiers to
observe such orders and directions, as you shall from time to time receive from me, or
other superiour officers, according to y' trust reposed in you. Given under my hand and
seale in New York, this 14"" day of August, 1677.
To Capt Christopher Billop. Edm'* Andros. s.

Kew York Historical Eecords. 581

Lettee from Gov. Andros to the justices in New Castle on the

MODUS of administering JUSTICE.

A Letter to y" Justices of y^ Court att New-Castle in Delaware.
Gentlemen, New-Yorke, August y' 14'" 1677.

This is by Capt. Billop who goes to releive Capt. Collier, and to bee Commander of
the Militia and fforces in the River and Bay and to take care as chiefe officer and
Accordingly to determine any Difference, and Order Guards and Guard places as occasion,
and will presently for y' out farms or plantacons in New-Castle bounds ; Hee is also
Sub-Colector and Mr. Herman Clerk of y^ Customes ; I have also by Mr. Ephraim
Herman returned you the old Records, the Confusedness or ill Order of which I can no
other wayes remedy, butt thatt Mr. Tom, the then Gierke, do forthwith putt y* same in
Order, and write or cause them to bee fairly coppyed in a fitt booke, and attested by him
and answer for any Defects.

I intend making up your Court againe next month the usuall time, when you may
also expect one of our Law Books.

As to penall Bonds or such like Cases of Equity, itt is the Custome and practice of
Courts here to heare and judge thereof according to Equity, w"" you may also observe, as
allow' d by Law.

I find no need of a Generall or high Court in the river, every Court having power to
make fitting rates for the high wayes. Poor, or other necessaryes, as is practiced in
England and unlesse other waies ordered by said Court, the Clerk proper to be receiver and
pay all by Order of Court, for which you need no further authority or directions from
the Governour, then former Orders and rules for keeping due accompts to be yearly
Examined and past in Court and Coppyes remitted here.

You may appoint a Vendue Master, hee giving good Security and nott to take above
six per Cent, which I shall be ready to confirme.

Pray take care and fitting Orders for Ordinaryes, thatt they bee fitt persons, duly
Lycenced, and well provided according to Lawe, and that none else bee admitted to
retaile, which is all at present from

Your affectionate friend

E. Andros. s.

Order for the relief of the owners of a mill on Christina Kil in
Delaware.
An Order concerning a certaine Mill in Christina Kill in Delaware.
By the Governour.
Upon informacon and complaint that y" owners of a certain mill standing on a creek
in Xstina Kill in Delaware River are debarred from cutting wood for repairacon thereof,
by the partyes owning the land on each side the said Creeke, These are to give notice
and order that y* persons to whom y° said Mill belongs bee no way hindered butt are to
have free liberty to cutt wood for said use, upon any land not in fence according to law.
Actum in New York this 14'? of Aug. 1677.

E. Andros. s.

582 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. John Stevens to Cornelius Verhoofe, clerk of the court
AT New Castle, relative to his patent.
Mr. Cornelius Verhoofe.

Pray deliver vnto y^ barer hereof y'= coppy of my surtificate, y' John Auere did giue
you of mine, it is 1200 acres of Land you will see by Capt. Cantwells Letf how itt should
bee that hee may carrie itt to Captin Cantwell that I may haue my pattin made and in
so doein you wUl oblidge mee who is your Loueing friend
August y^ 19'? 77. John Steevens.

Letter. John Audrey to Governor Andros, dated from Horekil.

My Lord. I Am At present in A very weeke Condishion And haue not ben out of
my hous this siks wekes hauing And still haue a feuer Every Day In as much I cannot
goo on hundred yardes from my hous If it would saue my Life. The holl pepell of the
plas knous it your ouner knous the thing That I am broute Thether Is nothing Consernin
me but It lies between Peter Grroondike And docter Smith And AUsoo what I did was to
the best of my knowledg not hauing any conserting with on of them mor then the
other soo humbelly Crauen your ouner to Consider my Condishon I shall Euer Remain
your ouners most humble seruant

dated this 10'? day of John Audrey.

September 1677.

My Lord. The intent of Mister Smith was to haue Com with me in my boat
And had it not ben for Mr. Helmanus Willbank for he touUd me he was intended to Com
to the falls in his oun bot which was the occashon I Left him be hind me. This is uery
sertin I shaU Euer Remain your ouner most humbeU servant

This for the Ri' John Audrey.

Honourable Edmund Andros
Gouerno'' Generall etc.

Letter. Helmer Wiltbank to Governor Andros, relative to the
surveys made by maryland in delaware.

Whoorekill Sept. 18'* A° 1677.
Honorable Sir.

Whereas by accidentiall of sum sickness of body by feavor & ague and Lamenes of
my one Legg Cannot by no possibility appear at the High Court of assizes please yo'
Hono'' to pardon mee. Haue but this onely to say for my selfs that upon the Relacions
of Peter Groenendike in the matters between the s* Groenendick & Henry Smit I apprehend
& vnderstood at that time with rest of the Jury buth Groenendiek afterwards goth
Abraham Clement with a petition that wy migt Recalle our verdict & Groenendike spoocke
himselfs to mee sum time whit treatning that the Jury hath given his monny away &

J{ew York Historical Records. 583

furtlier sayeth that of so bey wy would petition to the Court I may heaue Rehearing this
would bee the easist way and the Least Cliardge & so I tocht the Jury may haue him
done wrang not noying & of soo bie the Court would giue rehearing what is that to the
Jury being from thear oath & the writtens out of thare aknowledge which being to mee
vnderstanding to have Rehearing on a Reexamination as being not perfect to Distinguish
the Circumstanges of many English woords or speaches by which Referr myselfs vnto
yo' Hono" fauor, further acquainting yo' Hono'' of one Major John West out of Accumacko
in Virginia whom hath writ vnto mee about a Considerable quantity of Land for himselfs
«& sum partners of him which Land being Just to the Northward of the supposed Cabo
Hinlopen seperating itself from itselfs from the s^Cape with one Inlett and a Creeke Comly
called by the Indians Assawarnon the which I have mentioned vnto yo'' Hono'' In my
former Lett' that they of Merrylandt have made sum certaine survays by thiere p'tended
Right, the which s* Land the s"* Major West affirmes by his Letf to settle Immediately In
his R. H. right soe he the s" Major West may obtaine good Incorredgement and bee
protected by yo' Hono' hee being a very able p'son with a vaste Estate to which End I
have answered his lines that what soeuer preuiledges & Incorredgement might or could be
Expected from yo' Hono' should not bee wanting therefor of yo' Hono' pleased to Express
any particulars in such a Concerne to setle the vtmost bounds and Limitts of the
gouernment Refer the same vnto yo' Hono" wisedome & discretion, otherwise it is lukly
to be settled by them of Merryland these winter as farr as I Can vnderstand.

One fauor shall request of yo' Hono' that whereas it was you' Hono" pleasur the last
yeare to depute mee for one of the magistrates for these partes which now the time of
Limitation thereof being Expired therefore hereby begg yo' Hono' may be pleased to
discharge mee by Writ of Ease Shall Humbly thank yo' Hono' for the same Being but
little learnet and weak of apprehension & vnderstanding of the Lawes : haue no more at
p'sent to acquaint yo' Hono' onely take leafe to Conclude & Remaine with all due Love

You' Hon" humble
Servant to Command

Helm? Wiltbank.
The Right Hono'able
Major Edmond Andros
Grouerneur GeneraU of
AH his RoyaU Highness
Territories in America
etc

New York.

584 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

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.

A Letter to Capt. Billop
Commander at Delaware.
Capt. BiUop.

This to acquaint you that haveing received his E." Hig°"° Leave to goe home for my
owne occasions this winter so as to returne in j" spring and all parts of the Goverm' being
in a good quiet condicon I have resolved it and Intend, God willing, goeing in a ship here
designed for London Leaving Orders for all things to remaine as now settled, and
accordingly recommend and will hope your care in yo'' Station both as to the Millitia and
Customes which Imports not only the Peace and Quiett but satisfacon and "Welfare of the
Place and Inhabitants, and therefore I again recommend yo"' being weU advised therein
& not act otherwise than Authorized and Ordered which is all I have to add to my fformer
but that I send you by a sloope Derek Francen Master a supply of Musquet Bulletts, and
think strange at yo"' takeing up and opening my letters to anybody, and as done, is no
excuse to say it was done unawares. I am

You' humble Servant

E. Andros. s.

I heare of a Fly boat the Martha of Hull arrived in the River with Passengers for
New Jersey (having ommitted) you are Imediately to send by expresse an acco' of all
transactions and things relateing to her since her arrivall, and of goods to Cheife CoUecto'
of every Permit is or shall be given, having in regard of the time a yeare consented
Passengers & their landing, so they settle under y^ Duke on the West side, or if
the east side under the Commissioners upon the iiormer Shipp Comeing authorized
here also under his Ry" Highnesse and having heard Complaints, you are also to order
Mr. Herman Clarke of the Customes to draw out and send an exact acco' of all and every
permitt or other transacon fees, gifts, or other moneys or effects, given demanded or
received by him or yo''selfe from Capt. Marlows ship & Passengers Examined & attested
by yo'selfe and send the same by the above expresse, without delay to Cheife Collector
here, of all which I pray fayle not. I am Yo"

E. Andros. s.

Kew Yorh Historical Records. 585

Letter from the same to the magistrates op New Castle, Upland

AND HOBEKIL, DeL., COMMUNICATING HIS EARLY DEPARTURE AND
RECOMMENDING CAUTION.

A Letter to y^ Justices or Magistrates of the Court at New Castle.
Gen'.'

I liave writ to the Commander & this is to acquaint you also that having his Ry"
Highness' leave for my own occasions this Winter soe as to returne in the Spring, all
tilings being well through the whole Govermn* I intend God willing going home in a ship
here bound for London leaving all things to remaine in all parts of the Goverm' as now
settled and therefore recommend yo'' being very vigilant and caref ull (w"'*' I will not doubt)
for the due administration of Justice in your severall stations, & Particularly that inferior
officers doe their duty for y^ good & quiet of their respective places according to law, Any
appeales to be to the Co" of Assizes, which or Extraordinarys May be sent to the Secretary
Capt Nicolls here, and if occasion to be communicated to the Councill. I am
Yo' affectionate ffriend to serve you

E. Andros.

One of y^ same tenor sent to the Justices or Magistrates of the Co''' of Upland & another
to those of the Whore Kill.

Letter from the same to the commissioners foe West Jersey in

REGARD to THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COLONIES THERE.

A Letter to Joseph Helmsly, John Penford, Benjamin Scott &c Commissioners
for New West Jersey
Friends.

I have received yours of the 18"" inst. in answer to which I have againe writt to the
Commander & Officers at Delaware that any of yo" have free liberty to land & settle
on y' west side as well as the east (as others) under his Ry" Hignesse & shall not this
yeare dispose off but be willing to accommodate you with fiitt Proporcons of Land, in my
power on the West side, but cannot I think so much as you menccon, Severall having
made application a great while & particularly towards the Falls & for islands, & doe daily,
but delayed by reason of the Indian troubles, also haveing heard of a ffly boat the Martha
of Hull arrived with passengers, have by reason of the late season of the yeare consented
and given directions to the Commander and Chiefe Customes there that they be permitted
to land themselves & goods, but if on the east then under your authority And that the
Commander and Custome Officers in y^ River shew them all just ffavour & not rigorously
exact ffor Entryes or permitts, but put as many & necessary as they can together in one
Permitt, if not all, the Planters, but if March" to be distinct, which I doiibt not will be
observed or upon complaint or notice shall take further order to the just satisfaccon of
any agrieved.

This is further to give you notice that I have received leave from his Roy*" Highnesse
74

586 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

to goe home this Winter so as to returne in y' spring, & that upon advice of the quiett
good state of all parts of the Goverm' I have resolved going, which I intend God willing in
a ship now here, a loading for London, And hope may bee ready this month. Leaving
orders for all things in the Goverm* everywhere to remaine as now settled I am

Yo"" ffriend to serve you
New York Octo^ 17, 1677. E. Andeoss.

List of persons in the company at Delaware.

Thomas Davis.
James Wells.
Daniel Whittly.
Christopher Jackson.
John Stevens.
John Cornelius.
Cornilius Verhoofe.
John AUard.
Abraham Clement.
Edward Fourloung.
John Anterey.
Rob* Brasidy JunT
W™ Prentice.
John Liming.
John Otten.
Richard Braley.
James LUle.
Rob? Brasey SenT

Alex. Molestine.

Elias Coudrey.

James Seth.

W™ Warren.

Henry Stretcher.

James Peck.

W"? True.

Saml' Styles.

John Du Pre.

Thomas Davis.

Edw<i Cooke.

John Kirke.

Rich* Hill.

Walter Lewes.

Samuell Styles & Rob' Traylv.

W"? Borton.

Hiibertus France.

Rob' Hart Junior.

Petition. Court op 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.

To the Worppl' Co" of Upland.

Israeli Helm, Laurence Cock, Morris Cock, Andi-ies Benckson, Swen Lom, Ephraim
Herman, Caspar Herman, John Dalboo, Jasper Fiske, Hans Moensen, Frederik Romey,
Erik Mulk, Gunner Rambo, Tho : Harwood, Erik Cock, Jan Cock, Peter Jockum, Peter
Cock Junior, Jan StiUe, Jonas Neelsen, Oele Swensen, James Sanderlin, Mathias Mathiasse
Devos, William Orian ;

Doe most humbly shew to yo"' worpp"

That they the peticone"'.' being all Inhabitants and for y^ most parte bom & brought
up in this River & parts Have a great Inclination (as well for j" Strenght of y° River, as

Mew Yorlc Historical Records. 587

for j" Convenience of travelars & other ways) to settle together in a Towne att y* west
syde of this Eiver Just Below the faalls, Doe therefore humbly Request this worppl' Court
to move the Case to his honof y" governo'' that they the Peticon" may have Each of them
in Lotts Laid out one hundred acres of Land w'? a fitt proportion of marrsh, as alsoe
that a litt place for a Towne may be laid out, In y° most convenient place there about
w'." such priviledges & Libertys for their Incouragem* as Shall bee thought fitt and that
the same may bee confirmed unto them by his honoV y" Governo'' and the peticon":" will
forthwith seate accordingly, and Shall for yor

Worpp? Ever pray etc.

Att a Court held att Upland Novemb'!'' y-^ 13'^ 1677.
The Court answer, that they vdll Send the Peticon":' peticon to his hono'' the governor
and w*" all Moove and Request the Governor In the peticon" behalfe

By order of Court.

Eph. Herman.

Letter. Helm. Wiltbatstk, 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.
Hono'"able S'.

Upon pe'usal of the petition of Thomas Wellburne & William Anderson and
Examination of Cornells Verhoofe who did survey the said lands for the said parties and
give certificates of the lands In due time to Capt Ed. Cantwell Surveyor, who Blotted out
and obliterated the names of the said Thomas Wellburne and William Anderson without
any cause objection or Remonstrance why hee did so ; and putt in his owne and friends
which appeares to be done with his owne hands : whereby it is evident to us ; that the
said Wellburne and Anderson hath been much Injured and abused by the said Cantwells
nieagally and arbitrary actings ; which if not discountenanced and reproued by yo'
Honor such p'"sidence will for the future retard and hinder very much the peopling of the
places But doubt not but the parties aboue mentioned may and undoubtedly will receiue
justice from yo'' hands and theii- right and interest ; which is affirmed for Reale truth by

Yo'' Hono" most humble Servants
Horekill Helm Wiltbank

November 13'^'" 1677 Edward Southrin

test Alex /)<S molestine

To the worshipful His majestis Justises of ye peace for the Whorkill —
The humble petition of Thos. Wellburne, marchant In behalfe of himselfe and
partners and William Anderson of Arromack county in Virgina

588 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Humbly sheweth that the petition" Being desirous to be Intrested and have ffree
houlde in these parts : did in order thereunto Imploy Cornelius Verhoofe then deputy
suruayor of these parts, to make choyce off, procewre & suruaye for ye petition" lands
(According to perticlselar Instructions to him giuen) for the which fees & just claims or
disburstments we ware to pay him : & also to performe what the laws or custome
of y^ place Requires for seating &c. In complyance whareunto y^ s* Verhoofe gluing
aduice hee had ackted we y® petitione" had layd or made prouisions for settling of
famUys and seating of ye same But soone After we Reseaued further aduice from y^
s* Verhoofe, that when hee y® s"* Verhoofe Dep*y Suruayor was to return certificates of
his suruays into ye suruayors office & thareby to take out pattents according to y*
said suruays made by Cap' Edward Cantwell Gen! Suruayor to whome ye said
certificates ware returned did refewse to give ye said deputy Recepts for those
Certificates Rec* But on ye contrary raset oute ye names of Thomas WeUburne
& partners named in one certificate, and placed in the place (or interlined) his
owne, Henry Streeter & Abraham Clements names to be owners of the same
lands. Calling the same by ye former name of Wellburnes' Wilderness : he ye
said Cantwell did likewise rase oute the names of W™ Anderson oute of ye certificate
& in ye steede thereof interloyned ye names of Samuel Styles and Robert Trayly still
retayning ye name of Andersons delight expresst in ye said certificate, notwithstanding
Burvays for both seats of land may and doth appeare in ye said Verhoofes Booke of
survays made in ye parts. By aU which means and as wee humbly conceive illegal
proceeding we have biu retarded from bringing up of familys & stocks to settle the same ;
having recS advice from the said Verhoofe of ye before recited proceedings which hath &
doth not only deter yo"' pet" but also several other adventurers whose inclinations ware
to come to those parts and Cohabitt.

Ye petitioners doth tharefore humbly pray your worships would please to examine
the nature of all proceedings in the before Resited premises and according to your worships
judgments give approbason & certify the same to the Honorable Edmond Andross Esquire
& Governor soo that we may be thareby the better Inabled to Recouer our just right and
Intrest which being obtaind we shall joyfully Imbrase & settle the same acknowledging
yo' prewdent Care & justis : and for your Worships Ever Pray &P

Civil and military appointments foe Hoeekil.
Whorekill :

A List of Magistrates & officers haue Being Deputed,
An° 1674
NovembT Cap^ pauU Mash, Lieu^ & p''sident of the Court

MT Helmanus Wiltbanck, Justice, Sheriife & Collects

Mt Alexander Molestede, Justice.

MT John Kipharen, Justice.

M^ Otto Wolgast, Justice.

MT Daniell Browne, vnder Sheriffe & Constable.

Kew York Historical Records.

589

1675

June : gS"" Mr John Avery, Lieu^ and p'sident of the Court.

Mr Edward Southrin, Justice.

Mr Alexander Molestede, Justice wish non abler.

Mr John Kiphaven, Justice, well to take

Mr Otto Wolgast, Justice good ordinary planter

Mr Daniell Browne, vnder Sheriife and Constable.

Cornells Verhoofe, Clerke Deputy Survr & Collectr
167i

January : 4'." M'' Daniell Browne bing Discharged of the Constables office & Simon paling
Ellected. In the s" office.

Dito : Jury of Inquest as followeth : —

Hermanus Wiltbanck foremen ] William Prentice :
Abraham Clement petit y Simon Paling

John CoUissen J Robert Murdick

List of the names of persons in New Castle and Horekil.

New Castle.

Mr John MoU.
Mr Henry Ward.
Jacob Younge.
James Wallram (?)
Martin Roseman.
Gysbert Derickson.
Henrick Johnson.
Samuell Land.
John Carr.
Fop Outhout.
Johannes de Haes.
OUe Joorson.
William Tom.
Paull Jaquett.
Walter WTiarton.
Gerett Odo.
Peeter Aldricks.

For y* Whorekill.
Henry Smith.
John Avery.
Edward Southrin.
John King.
Pauell Mash.
Sander MoUesten.
Hermanes Wildbank.
Thomas Phillips.

590 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. Court at New Castle to Gov. Andros, relative to their
municipal affairs.
Right Hono'".'^ S^ New Castle febr^

Wee have Received yoT Ilono':^ Gracious answer dated y! 23* of November Last past,
to o''.' of y' 8'? of y! same month, and do hereby Returne yor Hono^ humble thankes for his
Readdinesse to Improve all opportunitys for y° good of y* River and in perticular of this
place, whereof wee are dayly made more sensible. In further answer to the same, order
is taken for the Errecting of a prison, and a weigh-house ; To bee built w'? aU possible
ward o°r Expedition ; about the watching of all those w'? in a myle of the Towne we would
ward in ye Reply, that some of those of Swanwike watch w'!" in the myle, and others their
but such as Beighbours will not, although they Live but next doore, w'='' causes much
nlare°y°'^ discontent, the one haveing w'.'-in a stone's throw as far to goe as the other ;
towne unless we therefore await his Hono? further order therein.

an alarme or . , , _

extraordi- AS to the Levy of a penny in the pound which yo'' Hono'' was pleased

nary^occa- ^^ allow. The people live distant and their Estates for the most part very
Levyes. Inconsiderable ; that we can find no proper way to discover the VaUue of their

Se^Isusuall ^* Estate, and if discovered to bring it in a Vallaable shape (?) to Receive. But
notice being if yoF Hono'' will bee pleased to allow of a Levy to bee Laid by the Pole, as they

first given of „ ,^. . . ^ ■' •' ' ■'

ye sume, ot Virginia and Maryland doe and have continued itt for so many yeares, not

sponsaWe finding out a more easier and better way, then y^ Levy can bee easier made and

Treasi-tobee Received; The Susquehannes have not been in Towne but passing by on the

who is to bee bakes went upp the River ; if they had desired any thing, they should have

& c°™i?e^^'® been treated according to yor Hono*:' order.

every year. Wee hope yo' Hono? will bee pleased to Remember oT former Peticons

shaUbee'sent ^^out the Sending of souldiers The Lawe booke and seale ; here Inclosed

pi- ye first -R-ee Send yor HonoT a Coppy of the former as also of the fynes Sence Capt.

TrpaltTud Colier's Court.

g"^' f.?'"''''^ Wee also now p''sent his Hono- w'? the hereafter mentioned perticulars,

sheriSs humbly desiring his Hono"? order and approbation for the same.

excerpted)" 1- That yo'' Houo"" wiU bee pleased so far to Impouwer the Command'' Cap'

publidi'^ ^""^ Colier, or the Court, that wills may bee proved before them and Letters of

charges, so administration granted accordingly ; w'" setlm' of y° fees ; for the Estates of

rate. the most part of the People in these parts, are too Inconsiderable, that

The severail otherwyse the charges & expenses of going to yo"' hono"' att New Yorke for to

Session pro- obtaine the same, may Prove much to the hinderance of such Estates.

seoirity iTifd ^- ^^^^ desier his Honor to nominate Some fitt p"'son, for Vendu Master In

grant admin- the River, or Else to Impoure the Court to do the Same ; Itt haveing alwayes

wills . . . 20W ben a Custome here ; and often occasion Requiers the Same.*

Bamrhlre^to 3. That the VaUey above the Towne Lately belonging to Cap? Carr, and by

the Seer. yo"- hono^ Given to the Towne for a Common ; may bee a Stinted comon

recorded. to be shut up the first of May, and opened againe the Last of July ; and

that every Individuall Burger have his Equall Sheare therein, and theire parts being

Laid out by the Surveyor then to draw Lotts for theire Sheares, and no man to put

to the next propositions are illegible or torn off. — B. F.

Kew York Historical Records. 591

in more than one other ; Lykewyse that all p''sons who shall be Concerned in the s*
Comon, bee oblidged to maintaine the dyke and fence w"' the since in keepeing itt in
Repaj're, and if any openly Refuse them to Lose their s* Commonadge.

4. That an order may bee set forth In the River and Bay, forbidding all p'sons, not
to Transport or set over ; or Lend a Vessell to any Strainge p'"son, to goe over to the East
syde of this River without a ticket from a magistrate ; as also servants ; nppon penalty
that every such p''son so setting over or conveiging any p''son who shall bee fugitive and
in debt, bee lyable to make good the debts ; and if a servant, to make good the tyme of
his servitude to the master ; yo'' hono"' may be pleased to Concider, that if such order bee
not made, (when the alteration of the governm- Commeth on the other syde,) we shall not
bee able to keepe any servant on this syde.

And Lastly, that yo'' Hono' will be pleased to admitt of a gener" Court or meeting of
all the Justices, as heretofore (if but only for the makeing upp of the Levys, collecting
of generall Revenues & other publicq and Gennerall afaires, w"" if yo' hono' thinkes not
Convenient to bee, that then yo' hono' will p'scribe us a way how, that, that w"" is
alreaddy In generall done shall bee stated & decyded, and also how the Levys or other
Gennerall Taxes, yet to come shall bee ordered & devyded ; — Uppon all the afore s"*
Perticulars wee humbly desiere his hono'f favorable order & Construction. Wee being
Reddy to observe his hono'f order and to use all possible Endeavours for the best of the
River & advancem? of the People over whome yoV honor hath putt us, wherewith
Right Hono'*:'^ Governor —

Yo' hono'^ most humble

Subjects & Servants,
The Court of New-Castle in

Delaware
By ord' of the Court

Eph. Herman.

5 gims, 30 hoes & 1 ancker of Rumme, the remaynder of y« pay for y" land at the falls to be forthwith p* thera.
The remaynlng parte of y« Land betwixt the old & new purchase as also the Island called Peter Alricks or so much
as is not already purchased & the Indians will p' w"" to bee bought of them, for w<=i' C. Israel Helme is to inquire for
ye Own''" & if they will be reasonable to bring them to y« Commander & C^ at New Castle, for agreeing & Concluding
& Confirming a bargain thereof. If the above unpurchased Land be bought the survey"^ may lay out 200 acres for
Israel Helme.

To the Right Honor^'^ Jinaorsea: ^^_ ^j

Mayo' Edmund Andros 8"" febr'' 1677

Esq'^ and Governo' Gener^" propositions from the Court

under his Roy" Highnesse of New Castle in Delawarr

att Answer' dy° 4'!" of Aprill.

New-Yorke. To bee recorded w'.'' the

the within of Nov" 20'."

592 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare River.

CouxciL Minute. Ship "Maey" 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.

At a Councell &c Febr. 25'? 16^.
Present,
C. Brockholst
C. Dyre The Secif

W. PhUips C. Delavall

Letters from Delaware of a ship of about 80 tun, come in there with 6 or 7 familyes
Quakers, having beene in great hazard & suffer' d damage in the Bay by the Ice, Her
name the Mary of Leverpoole. Whether to bee cleared there, or to come here according
to the Go : order.

The Collector of the Customes to follow the directions given him by the Go : whose
order hath beene already sent there for coming to cleare here.

An Ace? from Delaware of Mr Toms death & wUl, dyeing a prison^.'' at Mr Delavalls
suite, hee having given what hee hath left, (his just debts p? & Mr. Delavall excepted) to
his God son Cap? Cantwells son.

C. Delavall upon Applicacon, is left to move the Co'^^' at Delaware for execucon
upon the Estate, w'='' if denyde hee may appeale.

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.

Att a Court held in New Castle, 9'? day of May.

Edmond Cantwell declared in R: Salem (alias) Swamptowne, of AprUl

1678 : where Majo'' John Fenwike ordered a meeting of y° east syde of This River, hee
the s* Fenwike did then apoint suitable officers viz' Samuell Hedge Surveyo"' Gener",
James Nevell to bee secretary, Samuell Winder Registe'', and declared that hee would
nominate and appoint other officers att his Leasure and caused his s"? Secretary to read
severall papers, as his Mag"?» Pattent to his Roy'! highnesse, and his Roy'! highnesse to
y° Lord Berckley, and a Coppy (as he said) of y^ Lord Berckleys, to him the s^ ffenwike
w'" severall other papers w'=> y^ attestant did not minde, and after y^ Reading of all these
papers hee the s* ffenwike, demanded in his mag'!' name the Suppreority and the
submission of y° People there as his Right and propriety, after his demand hee brought
a Paper upon the Table in the forme of an oath or some Such thing, w'^." severall of his
People or officers sighned, after they had don, I tould him that the most parte of the
People that was there, did not know what was read, hee answered mee that they could
know well a noff to take away his Land, I alsoe tould him that there was a small Levy
Laid by the Co":' upon y' People on that syde he said y^ Co":' had no power to Lay no

J^ew York Historical Records. 593

L&vj on that syde & said whoe soever did pay any Levy should forfeit their Lands &
priviledges. I asked him if hee vrould beare them out & hold them harmlesse hee

said hee would give them his hand to answer itt before the and sayed that

the People should stand on their owne defence if any boddy came to demand it, and
alsoe did forbid Fop Outhout not to act any thing in behalfe of y' Co":' of New Castle
upon the forfeiture of his Estate. I told him y? his honoV y^ Governed had Commissionated
him the s^ Mr Outhout, and was still pleased for to Continue him, hee said the Governor
had nothing to doe on that Syde, and that hee meaning himselfe was Subject to no man
but God and the King, hee alsoe said that hee would doe nor act nothing w'^out the
advyse of his Counsill w"? hee would nominate verry suddenly, w'" severall more Speeches
w".'' y^ attestant doth not now Remember.

Justice fop Outhout declares to have been p''sent w*? Cap? Cantwell and to have heard
In Substance, the same that is hereabove declared by the s* Cap' Cantwell ;

MT Machiell Baton and Reynier van the Sworne In Co" declare in Substance

to have heard y" same as hereabove by Cap- Cantwell is declared.

Johannes Va

in Co" declares

one Gillis Gi

River, Some

of April Last past Major John Fenwicke came to the house & demanded

whey y* deponant & y* rest y' were there did not come att New Salem as others did
to acknowledge him (meaning him selfe to bee Lord & proprietor of y" place) Upon wich
they answered him saying how they could owne him, so Long as they paid Levy to
witt 12^ gilders p^ head att New Castle Co" — Whereupon hee the si fenwike Replyed
saying that all those whoe paid y" same should never Injoy a foot of Land on the Eastern
Shore, and further sayeth not

These afore standing
Testimonys are True.
Coppies out of y^ Records
Exam : p':

Eph Herman.

Minutes op the council in New York relative to directions to
Oapt. C. Billopp, about sloopes sailing up the Delaware, and
Capt. Cantwell' s answer to the complaint of the magistrate op
Horekil as to abuses in altering surveys.

At a Councell held in N. Y. May 1'.' 1678.
Vpon the desire of C. Christop^ BUlop Comander of Delaware to bee directed about
Sloopes goeing up the River above Newcastle for which a temporary permission had
beene granted by the Go :,

Ordered That the time granted by the Go : being, expired. The former orders not to
goe up to bee observed.
75

594 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

At a Councell held in N. Y. May 1=.' 1678.

The answer from Cap? Edm Cantwell sent to the Seer, wherein hee justify es himselfe
as to the complaint made ag'.' him, by the Justice of the Whorekill, about abuses
pretended in altering some surveyes, hee intimating likewise his Intent to bee there this
spring. The same being read «& taken into consideracon.

Ordered &c as in the Councell pap" —

The Other part of his Lettr about the Goods landed by the Mary of Leverpoole
pretended to bee seized by Cap? BUlop for which they offer to pay the Custome to bee
left to Cap? Dyre to answer.

Cap? Manning' s Peticon for payment of the ballance of his Sherriffaltyes being fully
advised according to the Go : Order,

To bee refferred till the GovernoT returne which is in a short time expected when the
Councell will recommend it to the Governor.

At a Councell &c May 1'.'
Pres?

All the Councell.

Cap? BHlops proposall about Sloopes goeing up the River, The time being expired,
to former orders not to goe up to bee observed.

The other part of his Lre about the Goods landed by the Mary of Levei-poole at
New Salem pretended to bee seized by C. Billop, for which they offer to pay the custome.
To bee left to C : Dyre to answer.

C. Cantwells answer to the comp'.' from y* Whorekill being read, wherein hee
intimates his Intent to bee here this Spring, and stands in his Justificacon.

Ordered that farther consideracon of the case shall bee had at his arrivall & that hee
give fourteene dayes notice before his coming away from home, of his intent to bee here
at such a time to answer their charge, if they have ought then to alleadge ag^.' him.

OeDER for the SXTSPENSION of certain " ALTERATIOITS " BEGUN TO BE

MADE BY Major John Fenwick, on the east side of Delaware

ErVER AND that HE CEASE ACTING THERE UNDER HIS PRETENDED
AUTHORITY.

At A Councell May : 22* 1678.

Upon the Receit of Lett'? from y« Magistrates of the Towne of New Castle in
Delaware about the alteracons begun to bee made by Major John Fenwick on the East of
the River where Contrary to his Engagem? and Parole he hath acted by assuming a
pretended power to himselfe, The same being taken into Consideracon, to prevent any
Mischiefe that may happen upon that Ace?,

Its Ordered that a Messenger bee forth with sent expresse to the Commander &
Justices att New Castle in Delaware who are to give notice to the s* Major Fenwyck, that
according to his Parole hee forbeare, the Assuming any power of Governmn? to himselfe,
on the Eastside of Delaware River, or any where else in those parts, unlesse he can

Kew York Historical Records. 595

produce more Authentick power out of Eng'? then liee hath yett done, which ought first
to bee made knowne to y'= Governor in this place and in Case of Eefusall, The said
Commander & Justice are hereby required to order him to Come to New Yorke
within the space of 28 dayes to make answer to what shall bee alleadged ag^.' him
on that behalfe and for breach of his Parole which if he deny to do that then the
s!* Commander & Magistrates doe use force to Secure his person and send him hither
without delay.

By Order of Councell
M. N. Seer.

Letter. Seceetakt Nicolls to the court at New Castle, relative
TO the conduct of John Fenwick, etc.
Gent.

Yo™ of the 9'? inst. arrived here the beginning of the weeke, which having not the
hap to find the Go : returned, was comxinicated to the Councell ; — Vpon Consideracon of
the new alteracons made by MajoT John Fenwyck on the East side of the River, &
perusall of the Testimonyes & Informacons given concerning the same. They have thought
good to make the inclosed order, which they desire you will doe yoT part to see it put in
execucon, if occasion, but with as litle mischeife as may bee, Cap^ Billop is written to
likewise concerning it.

The matter of Frans Barents was not well represented by C. Billop to C. Brockholes,
who supposing the accident of his death was very lately, & it being likewise intimated,
that hee having no heyre, the estate hee left did belong to the Duke as an Escheate, Hee
gave order to C. Billop to secure what hee had, & give ace. of the same, but upon farther
Informacon, that the s"? Frans Barents, dyed severall yeares agoe, & that the Co":' hath
formerly taken Cognizance of the s'? Estate, & the Go : having Kkewise beene made
acquainted there with. They doe not tliinke fitt that Cap^ Billop should any farther
concerne himselfe therein, but that you prosecute what you had begun, & give ace?
thereof to the Go : If the deceased had a brother as is suggested, hee can have no
pretence, after yoV disposall of it otherwise, a yeare & six weekes being past & no claymfc
made, w''." is the time limited by y® Law.

Here hath beene an addresse from Cap^ Cantwell in the name of his son, resigning all
the Right title & Interest his s* son might have to any of the Estate of William Tom,
deceased by vertue of his will & desiring it may bee sold at a publick Vendue for the
paim^ of his just debts, but that hee may have preference before the rest of the Credito"
next to Cap' Delavall who hath Judgm? & Execucon ag».' the s" Estate. The Councell
doth think it reasonable that the s'^ estate belonging to W. Tom, bee sold for the payment
of his debts, but are not willing to alter the Course of the Law, which gives directions,
his debts shall bee p*. That, statute & Judgm'f first the bonds & specially after that
booke debts & other clayms. If any thing shall after that bee left the son of C. Cantwell
may have it.

For the Compl' made by the Comonalty ag^.' the Commander C. Billop, wee are not
willing to entermedle therein, the rather for that you signify yor resolucon to send some

596 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

of yoT bencli to the Go : after his arrivall which wee expect daily to treate with him
about that & other material! .

Thus Having as neare as may bee answered the pticulars of yoT Letter, I take leave &
remaine

Gent.

YoV most humble serv?
May 25 — 1678 By order of the Councell.

M. N. Seer.
The sooner Mr Toms estate bee Bold
the better, after some Weekes notice.

Peoceedings of a court held at New Castle against Walter
Wharto:^, for marrying himself contrary to law, etc.

Att a Court held In the
Towne of New Castle By
his Maj"^' Authority
June 4'? & 6'? 1678.
MT Walter Wharton being lieretofore by the Minister Reader, & t' Church wardens
p''sented for marrying liimselfe or being married directly contrary to the Knowne Lawes
of England & and alsoe contrary to the Lawes and customes of this place and Province,
as alsoe for Promissing of Lands and Entering the same in his booke before that the
p''sons for whome hee did itt had any grant or order of Co":' for the same, and y" s* Mr
Wharton not appearing in three following Court dayes, and to the end the Reproach may
bee taken away from the River and that Such notorious breatches of y^ Lawes and
disorders may for the future not passe unpunished, especially in p''sons of Lesser qualitys
whoe if this of MT Whartons (whoe is in Commission and beares the office of a Justice of
y^ peace ougt to give good examples to others) had not been Reguarded, migt att all
tymes hereafter bee held for a bad president ; The Court doe therefore thinke itt necessary,
Humbly for to offer the p''misses to the Judgem' of his Honor the GovernoT for to Inflict
such punishment as his hono^ iu his Wisdome shall thinke fitt & expedient.

A True Copy out of the
Records Exam: p',

Eph: Hermans,

Clarke.
To bee out of the Comission of
Justices & Left to the Law.

Att a Co--.' held In the

Town of N: Castle

June 4'!' & 5'? 1678.
M"^ Walter Wharton being Commissionated one of the Justices & members of the
Court and hee haveing not appeared in fyve months or ordinary following Court days for
to help to doe and attend the publicq and Country Buisnesse as others the Justices and

Kew York, Historical Records. , 597

members of this Court from tyme to tyme doe. The Co" therefore in Reguard that hee
the said Mr Wharton during the tyme of this his absence has not ben out of the p''cinc:s
of this Eiver and Bay ; Doe therefore thinlve itt fitt that hee for an Example to others
bee fyned according to y^ expresse Lawes of y* Governm? ; the Sume of Ten Founds, and
doe hereby condeme him y* s* M^ Wharton in the s* fyne of Ten pounds w'? y<= costs.

A True Copy out of y'= Records
Examined f r mee

Eph : Herman.
Clr

MnsruTE of council in relation to John Fenwick in Delaware;

CONCERNING Mr. Tom'S ESTATE.

At a Court held for the Whorekill
the ll'^ day of June D 1678.

Mr HelmV Wiltbanck: Concerned,
j W. Henry Smith ) Mr Edward Southrin ] P''sent.

^°°^j M?Alex: Molestme } Mr John Roades j" Concernd.

John Roades PI'
Helmr WHtbanck Def.

By Reason of the Death of Mr John BackStead & Absence of Cap? Paul Marsh
there was not magisf.' for a Court, therefore by Consent of both parties & the magist™ it
is Referred to the next Gen!' Assizes at New Yorke for tryall.

Vera Copia,
Test. Cornelis Verhoofe CI. Co. Whorekill.

At a Councell &c June 18: 1678.

The matter of the Letters Rec* from Delaware magistrates at New Castle and the
Commander concerning Majo'' Fenwyck &c. The former orders being taken into
consideracon and the positive directions sent, the which they neglected,

The Councell doth not think fitt to Alter any thing of their- former orders being fitt,
but leave them to answer theii- Neglect to the Go : who is daily expected & all the
prejudice or mischiefe that may happen thereby, to lye at their doores.

The matter concerning W ™ Toms Estate.

The former order of sale to bee followed.

An Administrator that gives security of the Creditor of W? C. Cantwell may bee
thought convenient his son being Exr by will.

To mind the Cor' for theu- so sudden giving judgmen' for a stranger without proofe,
when he may other Credito":' in y' Colony.

For the buisnesse of the Estate of M' W? Toms, deceased. The Councell likewise
thought they had exprest themselves. Very plaine as to the sale of that estate to satisfy
Creditor' as the Law directs but thinke it very unreasonable to exclude Cap? DelavalJ

598 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

from his Judgm' because MT Tom did it in his will, unlesse Erro" can be proved in it, or
that it was illegally obtayned, The strict nicety of his body being taken in execucon, being
not thought sufficient to debarre the Creditor of his just debt, where effects can bee found
to make satisfaction, neither hath it ever been practized in these pts. though in EngP it
may, where the Restraint of prison'.' is much more strict & of another manner then M'
Tom's ever was, who in a manner had as much liberty after as before the Execucon
layd on him ;

The Councell doth also very much admire at the Co'*' so sudden giving judgm? ag!
the estate of y^ deceased for a stranger of Maryland concerning 2000 and odd hundred
weigh of Tobacco upon so slender proofe (as they are informed) w"^" may defeate many
others within the Governm? who can it may bee, prove their debts more Substantiall.

Vpon Consideracon had hereof, & yo^ desii-e of more positive and absolute orders
therein, the Councell thinke it convenient that one of the Credito"? doe administ^ upon
the Estate of the s* W" Tom : & in regard of the Resignacon of any Interest in y" estate
of y' deceased, by C. Edm. Cantwell, on behalfe of his son, to the prejudice of the
Credito''.' by Vertue of the Will made by the s"* M'' Tom, wherein his son is named
Executo', They are of opinion that the s* Cap' Cantwell is the fittest p''son to have
the same, who upon giving security to administr according to Law, & Returning a
Certificate thereof, may have letters of Administracon from him so to pay the debts &
put an issue to that buisnesse, as is usuall in Such Cases. Thus having not farther at
present. Conclude & Remaine Gent.

M. W.
N. Y. June 211' 1678.

Lettee. The Council to the magistrates at New Castle, ik relation"

TO THE MATTER OF JOHN FeNWICK.

Gent.

Yo" of the 5'? by the returne of the expresse & sent to you by the Councell arrived
here y' beginning of the weeke, but yo'' answer seemes very little satisfactory to any
particular they writte about ; as to the Order sent concerning Majo' Fenwyck the Councell
then did thinke, & upon serious perusall of the same againe doe find that it was absolute
and full, It expressing That in case of his Refusall to act in assuming a power of
Governm? to himselfe or deny all to come to New Yorke upon yo"" sumons according to
his parole, That then the Comander & you the Magistrates were to use force to secure his
person & send him hither, so you needed not any new Result to bee directed to y' selves
alone, (it being thought fitt to direct it to the Comandr also) more absolute then the
former, which the Councell thinke sufficient, so shall not alter any thing therein, but leave
you to answer yoT Neglect to the Go : who is daily expected, & all prejudice or mischiefe
that may happen thereby, to lye at yoT doores, they having done their duty.

Kew York Historical Records. 599

Proceedings of the commander and justices, held in the town op Mew
Castle, in relation to Major Fenwick.

Att a meeting of y^
Coraandr and Justices held
in the Towne of New Castle
July IT*? 1678.
The Letter from the Hono'";'^ CouncUl Read and the buisnesse of Mayo' Fenwike taken
into consideracon by the Commander & Justices of this Court, and Cap* Billop signifying
that att his Laest being over att Salum the Laest weeke, that then Mayo'' fenwike was
willing to answer the bono"''"'' Councills order at New Yorke, and that hee will surrender
him selfe att New Yorke according to his Parole, Resolved and ordered by the
Commander Joyntly w"" the Court that Mayo'' fenwike in case hee will give under his
hand by a Letter to y" Counsill that hee will not act by assuming any power of Governm' to
himselfe on that syde of the River or any where Else, and y* hee w^'in the space of Twenty
dayes promisses to make his p'sonall appearance att New Yorke according to his Parole —
that then hee bee Left there but In case of Refusall and that he doth not send a satisfactory
answer. That then the s* Commander together w'" y^ high Sherrife Presse and take w'" them
BO many of the Militia as they think fitt and w'" them Seize the s* fenwiks p''son and send
hime to New Yorke w'^out delay according to the order of the hono''"'^ Counsil —

A true coppy out of the
Records Exam : pT

Eph : Herman, Clr.
FoUoweth the Letter sent to May'' Fenwik.

Mayo'' Fenwicke —

Cap* Billop Signifying to us that you have altered yo' former Resolucon and that
now you are willing to answer the order from the hono'''"^ Counsill of New Yorke, and
that you will goe and there surrender Yo''selfe according to yo"' Parole. Now therefore
if you will forbeare the Assuming any power of Governm? to yo''selfe, and w^'in the space
of 20 days vpill apeare in New Yorke and there surrender yo'' selfe according to yo'
Parole then Signify soe mutch in a Letter under yo'' hand to the hono''"'^ Counsill in New
Yorke, and send y<= same Letter open to us under a Couert by this bearer that soe wee may
bee possitive of yo'' Resolucon.

N : Castle Remaining Sr

July 17'? 1678. Yo'' Affectionate friends

(was signed) Chris Billop.

John Moll.

Peter Aleichs.

fop outhout.

Jean Paul Jacquet.

Gerret Otto.

Memorandum in answer to y^ above Mayo"" fenwike sent a Letter to y" Counsill, and
one to y" wryters of y" above, which both are yett in the hands of y' Commander.

600 Colonial Settlernents on the Delaware River.

Letter. Magistrates to Capt. Matthias Nicolls and the rest of
THE Council, in relation to Major Fenwick's case and Mr. Toji's

ESTATE.

Hoiio""''S'? —

Yo' Lettr of j" 21°' of Jiine Laest wee Received In answer to w'^." wee Reply, that the
occasion of o^ wryting alone the 5'> of the same month (in w*^." to o' sorrow yo^ Hono"
Reply to Receive so Little Sattisfaction) was not tliat wee desiered to bee only Concerned
w*''out the Comander, But that wS" was writt then Concerning mayo"" fenwike, we had out
of y* mouth of the said Commander, (who mutch takes the part of & is a great frind to
the s* fen-\vike) and his not Signing of y* s*? Letr : was by Reason the other particulars
therein menconed Conserned him nott ; — By the Inclosed Coppies yoT Hono' wUl see
what Result hath ben tacken by y^ Comand^ & us sence the Receipt of yo": Hono" s* Letf,
and sence the Comander & high Sherrife have fetched y" s* fenwicke to this Towne and
although itt was supposed to bee a more securer & better way to send him by waeter in
this Sloope, Yett the Comand'' thinkes it best to send him by Land ; w* hee Lykewyse
hath obligeth to doe ;

As to Mr Toms Estate Cap^ Cantwell offers security, and Intends to Come to New
Yorke him selfe to take out Lett"? of Administracon and as to y® Judgm* so suddainly
given as alledged the Same was for Twoo Bills w'^." were divers tymes before Confessed by
the deceased, and those of Maryland make no difference in the Lyke Cases w'." us, but
suppose there wUl bee Little Left after Cap' Delavalls debt is paid ; So haveing no more
att p''sent Remaine

Hono"-"'^ S"-.'
New Castle Yo": Hono" most

July 24'." 1678. humble Subjects & Serv"?

The Co-:' of y^ Towne of New Castle
By order of y^ same

Eph : Herman Clr.

Petition. John Hilly ard to Gov. Andros, relative to the difficulty

IN RELATION TO THE LAND GRANTED HIM ON DELAWARE BAY.

To the right honnerable S"' Edmond Andros, gouverno'' of New Yorke. The humble
petition of John Hillyard Humbley sheweth that wheare as youre petf obtained a warrant
of y° worshipfuU Courte of y^ Whorekil for eight hundred acceres of Land in the
presincks of Dellayway bay wheare vpon youre peeticoner sould his Land & CattiU at a
verey vnder rate by Reason of y^ greate distance I lined from youre honners gouerment
& in October last I aduentred with three of my familey in a verrey sniaU boat through y°
mane sea & came to ye Whorekill wheare finding noe suruayore mayde my addrese to
y* Courte who ordred Cornelous verhoofe Clarcke to y* Court to Lay out my Land I
heareing theare was plentey of Land in Duck Creeke & noe man theare settled went
theare & finding Land built a house & cleared ground & by y' Courtes order Cornelous
Verhoofe came to Duck Creeke j'' twenty-fourth day of December Last & Layd out my

J^ew York Historical Records. 601

Land & was ordred by the Court to give Mr. Walter Wherton y° suruayor an account of
what hee had done in y" Laying out y^ Land now soe it was that Mr. Wherton did not
come doune from New Castill till feebrarey following & hee putting in at S' Jones Francis
whitwell informed him that I was settled vpon his y"* sade Francis his Land as indeede it
doth appeare by a pattin hee hath toe fower hundred acceres in y" uerey place that I have
Betled & planted vppon now soe it was y' in Jenuarey Last youre peeticiner wanted
prouidgion & other necessareyse weent doune by sea with his boate & handes to Marey
Land to fetch prouidgion & y^ wintter prouing harde could not accumplish to arriue at
duck Creeke bee fore y* second day of march following now I beseach youre honner to
Considder the proceedinges betweene Jenewarey & march. Mr. Wherton as aforesade
arriuing at S' Jones in febrarey & vnderstood whot Cornelous Verhoofe had doone not
with standinge suruayed & Layd out for y"* sade Francis Whitwell one thousand acceres
of Land which was y^ uerrey Land which was Layd out for mee & an other man by y°
Courtes order & this was done in Feebrarey following after my settellment youre pee"'
not knowing of theare proseedinges till hee had transported his whole fammiley beeing
Elleuen soules hauing fower soones & one daughter. I with my fammiley arrived at my
house at duck Creeke as I supposed y' 2* day of Aprill Last but was forwarned of the
Land by y^ sade Whitwell & hee produced a pattin toe fower hundred acceres wheare I
was seatted wheare vpon I was forced to beecome his tennant for this yeare now my
humble peticion to youre honner is that I may haue my Land which hee hath suruayed
from mee which I had parte of besides y" fower hundred acceres of his which I must
surrender for mine was Eight, which I hope youre honner vsoll grant me out of y^ thousand
he is bute a single man & hath besides that thousand acceres fower other seates of Land
namely two at S' Jones Contaning six hundred acceres & two at duck Creeke contaning
Eight hundred acceres and wheare I line called Wkite Hall & an other called Seewelles
point & newly theare Commeth seuerall men who would gladley settell but that
the land is in into such menes handes that they must either bey or go without I
humbley beethech youre honner to Considder my Condission my seruants gooe free
& K I haue not the Land adjoyning wliear I had Rite beefore y^ sade Whitwell
it will ondoe mee to Remoue agane If youre honner would bee pleased to let mee
haue youre order how to proseede by the bearer youre pee"' shall as in duty bee
Ever bound to pray. July ye ||.

Petition. Geoege Merten in relation to his land on
Delaware bay.

To y' Right honnerable Sir Edmon Andros gouernor of New Yorke.

The humble peticion of George Merten humbley sheweth that wheare as youre
peeticiner obtaned a warrant for fower hundred acceres of Land of the Worshipfull Court
of y° Whorekill & by Reason youre peef was Reddey to settel & could not tell wheare
the Suruayor was, y^ Courte ordered Cornelous Verhoofe to Lay out my Land which was
done by him y^ verrey day John Hillyard his Land was Layd out & Joyning to y° sade
hillyard his Land. The sade Whitwell including youre peticiners Land into his thousand
76

602 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

acceres mensioned in John Hillyard peticion youre peticiner hath built and planted

& is threatened to bee disposesed by the sade Whitwell he having an in

in the suruayor hath a sertificate Retorned to New York for the tousand
acceres called WhitweU Kil Chance there Came three poore men to Loock at
the Land and the sade Whitwell would sell them the afore thousand acceres for
cue thousand pounds of tobaco persuading them theare was none to bee had
except they would bey. I humbley desire youre honner not to thinke this a fixcion
or of aney mallis, but y® verrey truth to the greate discoridgment of maney people
who would gladley seate in youre prouince & farther youre peeticiner desu-eth youre
Honner would bee pleased to grant him an order to y^ quiet Injoyement of his
Land by the bearrer & Lickwise order y° suruayor to Lay out the sad Hillyard his
Land & mine for our Case is allicke and youre peticener shall as in Duty bee Euer
bound to pray.
July y' f|.

Council Minute. Major Fenwick's case; he had been prosecuted

FOR claiming a RIGHT TO LAND IN THE COLONY INDEPENDENT OF ITS
GOVERNMENT.

At a Councell &c Aug 22-78
Pres'.

M^ DelavaU The Go : & full Councell.
Mayo^

Major John Fenwyck's Case about his Late disturbance, was at his Request heard
this morning. Hee had Copyes before of what is layd to his Charge, being the several
Deposicons. Hee desires time to answer & to prepare wittnesses on his part. Alleadges
his Interest particular & distinct fi-om this Govm? so not to bee judged or concluded by
it, pretends to Appeale from the Assizes Judgm'. to y° K : & desu-ed leave to goe home
about his wittnesses, but not allowed.

Letter. Helmanus Wiltbank to Secretary Nicolls, relating to
surveyors and surveys.
Hono"* : Sir.

I Rec"? y"? from of May the 18*.'' day of June. Relating to the Surveyors

and Surveys in our partes I know not who are Surveyors onely by the Returne
of the Surveys to the Courts show them signed, the which I think cannot be
denyed if they agree with the quantity granted to the pHion if noe Grieuances
are Entred against, as for the Justice of the same according to act the Court not
being skillfull alsoe the Copies of order from the CounceU all Concerning the Cause
of Capt. Cantwell to the which I haue Inclosed this petition please to p'sent it to the

Kew York Historical Records. 603

Conncill I hope to bee at New Yorke next Assizes if God wiUing then may Discourse
further with you about aney Concernes as may Require, have not further to Inlarge
at p'sent then Remaine

S^ yo^ most humble serv'

Whoarekill Helm Wiltbank.

the 4"^ of September 1678.

These for Capt.
Matthias Nicolls
Secretary
Ny Yorke.

Petition. Edward Sodthrin to Grov. Andeos, relative to the

ABUSE he has received FROM ONE JOHN AVEET, IN THE DISCHARGE
OP HIS DUTY AS A MAGISTRATE.

To the Honorable Edmond Andross Esquire Cap' Gen?' of all his Royal
Highness Territories In America :
Whereas it was you Honors good pleasire to put and Consigne mee though a person
unworthy of soe high a Calling to bee a magistrate at the whorekilles in which office and
Calling I haue Indeavoored by the help of God to so Discharge my Concieuce before
God and man to the best of my Skill and Knowledg without fauor or Affection to any
p''son and for soe Doeing I haue Received many Abusess both fi-om Mr. John Avery
and Mr. Henry Smith and for noe other cause nor reason as I know off but for doeing
my office which I humbly conseaue to bee my duty to doe when Lawfull called there to
by any of his magesties subjects and not to be called Roague & beggerley Roague
with many such Like abusess Speaches saieing Sarra yo° pettyfuU Lousy Raskell lett
mee know yo° Euer grant any attachm' or warrants againe and yo° had better be
hanged and if the Gouerno"" Doth Lett such pettifuU Raskels to bee in comission I will
not sitt for I hold it beneath mee to sitt with such a pettyfull fellow as thou art it is not
onely mee but others of the Comission whom they will not be Conformable to his
unreasonablee vsdll for W. John Kipphauen because hee would not Draw him a Bottell of
Rom for an Indian, hee had hired on the Sabbath Day in the like termes and for noe
other Cause that I know of Vnreasonably abused by Mr. John Avery And as for Mr
Henry Smith his abuses to the Court and the book of Lawes are not Inferior to the Rest
for if wee Doe act any thing Contrary against Mr. Smith his will then wee are called
Roagues and a Confedeadrate with Roagues and with other threatning words which as I
Humbly Conseave not to be omitted therefore thought it my Duty to inform yo"' Hono'
with it for if I Issue forth a Summons or a warrent In his magisties name to warren in
any p''sons who are Liueing in Mr Smith his howse Either the warrant is not Excecuted or
if Excecuted not obeyed for hee Doth p''tend They are his Servants and not to answer noe
warrant or summons without his Leave but I humbly Conseave though they where Mr.
Smith's his Servants which I know not such thing for to my knowledg they were both
freeman not long since yet they where as Lyable to his Ma"'=' Lawes as Mr. Smith or any
other p''son if they bee good Subjects this being part of the Irregular proceedings I humble

604 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare River.

beseech yo' Hono"" to give mee the patient p'vsell hearing hereof for Should I take a
pennman to wiitt and yo' Hono" Eares to heare an Like yo'' Hon"" I send alle the
proceedings that I hane Done in my office and place which I hope yo' Hono"' will pVse
and find whether I haue Deserued these abuses or no and wholy Rely vpon yo"' Hono"
good pleasure Either to Justifie mee or Condem mee as yo'' Hono" wisedom shall thinck
fitt, Soe hoping yo'' Hono' in yo' good time will Rectifie Both these and all others
misdemeanom's by whosoever Committed one thing I humbly begg of yo' Hono' nott that
I am worthy to giue aduice, but onely begg it of yo' Hono' Both for the good of the
people and the good of the place that yu" Hono' will bee pleased to Constitute sum wise
Discreet sober minded Gentleman that may lead the people into obedience for the safety
of a King or Cheife gouernor Consistes in obedient people, for hee that knoweth not how
to obeye neither knowes how to Command for which Cause I humbly Beseech yo' Hono'
to make choyse of a Cheife Commander acccording to yo' Hono'° Discretion for this
partes and that yo' Hono' will bee pleased to Discharge mee from this and all other
offices of trust which is the Humble Request of yo' Hono" seruant to Command, Soe
hoping yo' Hono' will be pleased to Pardon my Boldnes and make the best Constructions
of these my Rude Lines I am and ever shall Remaine as in Duty bound yo' Hono"
humble seruant Both in this Life and the Life to Com which is the prayer of him, who is
yo' Hono" humble seruant to Command

Edward Southkin.
From the Whorekill
Sept. 18 An" 1678.

To the Hono'able Edmond Andros,
Esq"= Capt. Gen! of All his R!
Highnes Territories

In
America. At N. York p'sent.

Commission. Capt. John Avert to be Justice at Horekil, Del.

Commission to Cap^ John Avery &c. to be Justice at the Whore Kill in
Delaware Bay.
S' Edmund Andi'oss K^ &c.

By Vertue of his Ma"''' Lett' Pattents & the Commission and Authority unto mee,
given by his Royall Highness, I doe hereby In his Ma*'f' Name Constitute, appoint and
Authorize you John Avery, Francis Whitwell, Alexander Molestine, John Kiphaven,
Luke Wattson, John Roades & James Wells, to be Justices of the Peace at the Whore
Kill and Dependency in Delaware Bay, and any foure or more of you to bee a Co"? of
ludicature. And In Case of Sicknesse absence or Otherwise of the first &c. the next In
Commission to preside Giveing & Granting unto you & every of you full power to act in
s*! Einploym' according to Law Regulacon and former practice, of which all persons
Concerned are to take Notice & give You the due resjiect & Obedience belonging to yo'
Places in Discharging Yo' Dutyes. This Commission to bee of force for the Space of

Kew York Historical Records.

605

one yeare after the date hereof and takeing Yo"' Oathes and Places for the Same oi
till farther Order. Given under my hand & Seale of the Province In New Yorke, this 8'!
of Octob'' in the 30'." yeare of his Ma""' name Annoq Domini 1678.

Examined by mee E. Awdkoss.

Matthias NicoUs Secr^

Cektificate of Cap'^ Avery takeing the Oath with powee to
Administ? to the rest of the Bench.

By the Governor
Whereas yon have this day taken yo"' Oath as magistrate or Justice of the peace of
the Co" at the Whore KUl in Delaware Bay, for the Ensueing yeare, These are in
his Ma"'^' name to appoint and Authorize, You, at your Arrivall there to Adminisf the
Oath to the Others Joyned with you in Commission w'^" done & haveing taken yo' place
to act accordingly. Given under my hand in New Yorke this 12'? day of Octob'' 1678.
Past the Office.
M. N. Seer.

A LIST OP PATENTS IN THE HANDS OF CaPT. EdMOND CaNTWELL AT NEW-
CASTLE.

Rich* Hill

James Wells . .
Robt. Hart jun"'
Richd Brasey . .
John Antry . . . .

Acres.

1000

400

.500

300

800

Sander Molesteyn 50

E-obt Brasey sen'' 800

James Lille 300

John Johnson 400

Jacob Seth 500

Will. Warren 300

Henry Stretcher 400

James Pedy 600

William Time 300

Samuel Styles 400

John Dupre 1000

Thomas Davis 300

Edward Cooke 350

Walter Lewis 300

Sam. Style & Traby 744

John Kirke 800

Acres.

Wm. Borton 1000

John Otten 300

Abrah. Clement 400

Thomas Davis 600

Christop Jackson 300

Cornelius Verhoof e

Daniel Whitley

John Cornelys

John Alward

W? Prentice

John Lining

Josias Coudrey

Edward Forlong 400

Robt Brasey jun'' 300

Robert Frazer 400

Coloyiial Settlements on the Delaware River.

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.
By the Court of y? Towne of N : Castle. Itt being taken into Consideracon tliat
Bsverall necessary buisnesses Kelating to y' welfare of this Towne of New Castle and the
parts adjacent ought to bee demonstrated to his HonoV the Governor att his arrivall from
England, as alsoe Severall priviledges & other good and benefitiall Orders & Grants
ought to bee Requested att his hono" hands ; The Court have therefore thought best to
y° end itt may bee well p''sented and his hono- made acquainted w'." all material passages
here and a Eesult and answer from his s? honoy y? Governo"' obtayned; To desire
Impower and depute Mr John Moll one of the members of this Court, In the behalfe of
the s* Court to Effect and accomplish y'= above said, and humbley to shew and att Large
demonstrate the hereafter menconed particulars as foUoweth viz?

1. To Desire and humbly Request his honor the Governor to grant us Leave and
p'mission to obtayne and have an Orthodox minister, to bee mayntayned by the gifts of
y° free willing giver.

2. To desire of his hono? that a double number of magestrates may bee ordayned,
and to present as y^ fittest p''sons, viz? MV Johannes Dehaes, Mr William Semple, M'
Abram Man, and Mr Hendrik Williams and y? a Coroner may alsoe bee appointed.

3. To Intreat his hono"" to send us the new Corrected Law booke and Seale for
y^ office as heretofore promissed ;

4. Whereas y^ Land of Cap* Carr deceased Lying between M? Toms Plantation and
this Towne was formerly kept up in the Vendu, for the Towns use, and whereas the
Towne have as yett proffered any monny for itt. There to desii-e his Hono" orders to
Sell y^ s* Land, and further to know what Tytle Shall bee to the Purchasers ;

5. To make his honoy acquainted that y^ Surveyor Mr Walter Wharton neglects his
office surveiging to j" great obstruction and hinderance of Severall People, as well w*? in
the Jurisdiction of Upland as this Court, and that the Rate to bee paid for his Surveiging
fees far exceeds the Marj^land Rate, w* much discourages the People, therefore to desire
that j" fees may bee Equalized to Maryland fees ; And Chiefly, his hono'' acquainted how
that to y'= Greivance & shame of j" Governm? bee the s"? Mr Wharton hath married
him selfe, and further that hee promisses Lands to people and Enters it in his Surveigo™
booke before that the p''sons have any grant or order of y® Court, and takes bills
under y' peoples hands for the same, all this Court by an order bearing date 4*."
of June, Laest have Referred to y" Censure of his honor y* Governo"" ; and more that

hee hath one man in Maryland to assigne his Pattent to him only for surveigo"

fees where by twoo familys are hindered of settlem? w''^ s? Land hee y° s'* SurveigoT hath
Bould ;

6. That his honoT will bee pleased to Establish weights and measures, & that a gage
bee appointed in the River for all Coopers to make the Tobb. hhds.

7. To make his honor acquainted how that Mayo"" fenwike forbids the People of y«
east syde of this River to pay their proportion of y° publicq Rate Layed Laest Yeare for
the Paying of y" woolfs heads and that hee the s? fenwike threatnes the People w'." Ruine
in case they pay any, and that hee y^ si fenwike now has Laid a tax him selfe ; Therefore

Mew York Historical Records. 607

to know whether the People there shall pay any of y° s"! tax, and how for the future
this Court Shall act and behave them selves towards the s'? East syde ;

8. To shew how that dayly severall People doe mutch Complayne, that their old
debts due unto them out of the Publicq are not paid. To desire his Hono' to Consider
the Poore People that Some way may bee found out for their Sattisfaction either by the
Lotts of Land yett to bee Granted in this Towne, or other wyse as his honor shall
think best.

9. To know his hono" will and pleasure, whether a Levy or tax may bee Laid for j"
paying the debts made during the tyme of this Governm? Conserning y* forte & y®
Lyke etc ; —

10. To know whether houses & Lands of p'sons deceased or Runaway, are Lyable
and may bee publicqly Sould for y* paying the Partees Just debts. In case the p'sonall
Estate falls short, and how the Court shall act in that & ye Lyke buisnesse ; —

11. That Liberty of traede may bee granted us w'" the neighbouring Collony of
Maryland for ye Suppplying us w"' negros. Servants and utensils w'" out wich wee can
not subsist, and alsoe that Liberty may bee granted us for o' owne Vessells w"" wee may
gett, to Enter & Cleare y° same here, w'^out Touching att New Yorke in case wee
might Send them for England Barbados and other places, wee observing the acts of
Parliment ;

12. To Represent & make his hono"" acquainted w"" actions & proceedings of y°
Commander Cap? Billop here since his hono™ departure, so that y° poore People may
not bee oppressed, and the Court may know for y* future y° Right meaning and
extent of y^ Commanders Commission, The Cheef of w'^'' s"* Commanders actings briefly
menconed,

1'.' That y° s* Commander att his first Comming here and all along hath publicqly
blamed and defamed y'' Governo'' and alsoe that hee the Commander contrary to his duty
stands up for and holds w"' Mayo'' fenwike, w<='' hath so amased j" Inhabitants of ye
Eastern Shoare that Some of them know not whorae to Obey ;

2°.* To know whether y^ s"" Commander hath power over ye Court to Comand them and
the Lyke as hee in Severall Speeches hath declared ;

3? To take a Coppy and to p''sent to his hono"'' view what in y« Records y^ 8'? of
March Laest Enterred downe Conserning s** Commander ;

4'!' To desire his hono' to Explaine whether hee, y* s"" Capt. Billop hath acted Lawfully
to take y* peoples goods out of their houses, w''" they had gott out of Maryland for old
debts due for cattle sold to j" Marylanders, and w'^out any manner of LawfuU proceedings
to keepe the same and to Convert them to his owne use, the p''sons whome hee hath taken
e* goods being Lasse, Jan Boelsen, Andries Boen etc, and humbly to Intreat his s*
hono' in y" behalfe of y^ People that that and other y^ Lyke buisnesse might bee examined
and the Goods Returned to them ;

5*." & Laestly, To make his hono' acquainted that hee the s* Commander hath from
tyme to tyme taken up and made sale of unmarkt hoghs, horses, & mares, as alsoe of
stray mark' horses ; for Instance one horse of doctor Tymen one of Gaspares herman, one
markt mare taken out of Cap' Cantwells Pasture and Sould to Mr James Coursey in
Maryland for 1200 lb of tobb. and Severall hoghs had of doctor Tymen & Jan Staalcop.
To ye End his Roy'! highnesse may have his due out of the above said creaturs, and

608 Colonial Settlernents on the Delaware River.

further to desire his hono' to kuow whether y' s* Commander hath power to grant
Ly censes for Marriage, as to severall p''sons hee hath done, whereby y° Common Course of
3 proclamations in j" church or beames setting up is Laid aside, Given under o'' hands
In New Castle this 17*" of July A : 1678 ;

E. Cantwell, In° Moll.

PlETER ALRICHS.

Fop. Otjthout.
Jean Paul Jacqtjet.
Gerret Otto.
By order of the Co":'

Eph : Herman.

Names of persons at Salem, oe Swamptown, where Major Fenwick
settled.

Names of persons at Salem or Swampe Towne, where Majo' Fenwyck satt

downe. Given in by Mr. Malster Octbr 25'" 1678
W" Penn W" Penton. Edw* Chamnis

James Newell quaker Richard Guy quaker

George Deacon quaker W? Malster.

Edw? Broadway quaker William Penton

Sam'.' Hedge ? Richard Guy

John Smith quaker Michael Baron

Edwl Wade quaker Edward Broadway

Rich" Hancock ? William Malster

Mi( hiell Baron Edward Ward

Letter from Gov. Andros to the Justices at New Castle, Del., on
public affairs.

A Lett^ Sent to the Justice of New Castle In Delaware.
Gen^

I have rec'd yo'' Addresse In answer to which, yo"" desire of a Minisf is allowed by
the Law. A new Commission for Magistrates, is here with sent and alsoe a law booke.
The Land Commonly Called Cap? Carrs is allowed to bee Sold for the use of the Creditor
and the purchaser may have a new pattent for his tittle.

The Co":* have power, to Ordr matt^" relating to the Surveyo' in every Respect,
according to Regulacon an Law. The booke of Lawes gives directions for Weights and
Measures to bee English, but antient Custome, may bee look? upon as law. And the
Publick Weighouse is to bee gross Weights only if or above a quarter of a hundred.

Jstew York Historical Records. 609

Paym? for Wolves and Other Necessary Charges, are to Continue on the East side as
formerly.

When the Acco- of Piiblick Debts, are Stated and Allowed, order Shall bee taken
for paym? as desired. Houses and Improved lands are Lyable to pay Debts, as well as
moveable and where none Adminisf the Co' may appoint Some responsable persons to
doe itt having due regard to Widdows.

All favor may bee expected as to trade, soe that the Acts of Parliment, and Ord"
there upon, bee not Infringed with due Regard to the Custome house here.

The late Command? is here and to give an Acco' of his Actings in yo'' parts, and if
any have beene Wronged by him they shall have Right, and alsoe any Publick Mattr
which may further accrew Rectifyde as soone as may bee.

New Yorke Octob? Yo"' very Affectionate ffriend

26'." 1678. E. Andkoss.

Oedee begulating the payment of quiteents in Delaware.

An Ord'' about paying the quitt rents &c at Delaware.
By the Governo"'.
Whereas I did in the yeare 1675 amongst other Regulacons then made for
Encouragem? remitt the Quitt rents for the 1^' three yeares, of all land to bee taken up
and Seated in Delaware and precincts, which hath prov'd Inconvenient, by many takeing
up land and not Seating at all I Doe therefore repeal & recall the same. Except for Such as
have seated and Improved (upon s* Order) to bee accordingly Indemniiied, but all Such
as have taken up land, and not Seated and Improved, and made due returnes thereof,
as by law and Ord'' (sent & published) last yeare, to bee reccorded to forfeit the Same,
and the land not Seated and Imjjroved, to bee disposed of as Vacant lands. And all Such
as have Improved and Seated, but not made Such returnes, are hereby againe Required
(for rectifying of former and preventing of future DisOrders) within y* space of Six
Months next ensueing the date hereof, to make Due returnes as above of Such their land,
quantity and Scittuacon according to the Pattents, Surveyes or Cards, thereof to the
Clerke, of the Co"^' in whose Jurisdicon their said land Lyeth to bee there Recorded, & by
the Co''.' Certified to the Secretaryes Office here And Such as have not taken Care, to pay
their Quitt Rents, due for the Same, come within the Space of Six months as above, and
accomp? & pay the Arreares to the now receiver, fi-om my first Comming in to the
Country in 1674 and for the future all Such as have or shall take up land, to pay their
Quitt Rents from their taking up Such Land, & Yearlj' at Upland, New Castle or Whore
Kill for the Several! Precincts at their p''ills and Such as shall Take up and not Improve
land to forfeitt according to law. This Ord" forthw'" to bee published, and Sett up at the
Co"^^' houses of Upland New Castle & Whore Kill in Delaware. Given under my hand in
New Yorke this 26'." of Octob'' 1678.

E. Andeoss.

77

610 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Commission foe William Penton and others, to be overseers at
Elsenburgh, alias Salem or Swamptown, N". J.
Commission for W™ Penton, Rich'd Guy, James Nevill «&c.

S' Edmund Andross Kn^ &c. By Vertue of the Authority derived unto mee, I doe
hereby Constitute appoint and In his Ma"^' name Authorize you W™ Penton, Rich'd
Guy, James NevUl, Edward Broadway, W™ Malster & Edw"? Ward to bee Overseers,
Select men or Commissioners, on the West side of New Jersey on Delaware River att
Elenburgh In Verckens kUl or hogg Creeke, commonly called Salem or Swamp Towne,
& parts adjacent for One yeare or farther Order, amongst the new Commers there, and if
any dispute or difference hapen to arise amongst them and Old Inhabitants of those p*',
that then M'' fifopp Outhout, who hath beene an antient Inhabitant there & is now one
the Justices of New Castle, have Notice thereof, who is authorized upon Such Occasion
to bee one of the Co''', & being there is to preside & you or any four of you, to keepe a
Co''' as Towne or Corporacon quarterly or oftener if occasion, to appoint, or Authorize
one or more Constable, and to allow or Cause to bee lay'd out fitting proporcons of Land
for p''sent Improvement, many ffitt places, not afore taken up and Improved, the same
being Duely purchased & to heare and Detennine, all matf' not extending to life Limb,
or Member, or Exceeding five pounds above which to admitt an Appeale to the Co'' of
Justices at New Castle and accordingly to act in any Other matf as near as may bee
but not Repugnant to the Lawes of EngP. Given under my hand & Seale of the
Province, In New Yorke this 26 day of Octo : iu the 30'" yeare of his Ma"^' Reigne
Annoque Dominie 1678.
Examined by mee ' E. Andross.

John Jaxon
1678.

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.

An Order for the Justices of New Castle to take Care the Inhabitants on the
East side of Delaware River bee not disturbed in the possession of their
land.

By The GovernoT
Whereas I have rec'd Severall Compl'.' & Peticons from divers of the Inhabitants of
the East side of Delaware River that they have beene Disturbed in the Lawf ull possession
of their Lands and Tenements by Majo'' Fenwick and others.

These are to desire and Authorize you the Justices of the Co''': of New Castle to take
Care that the said Inhabitants bee not Disturbed in their Possession upon any pretence
Whatsoever, by the said Majo' Fenwick or any others and if occasion to make mee forth w'"
acquainted w'" the same. Given under my hand in New Yorke this 28'? day of Octo : 1678.
To the Justice of the E. Andross.

Co*:' of New Castle.

Mew York Historical Records. 611

Oedee dieecting Capt. Cantwell to put Eobeet Stacy in possession
OP Mattinioonok Island, in Delawaee.

An Ord'' to Capt. Cantwell to putt Rober? Stacy in Possession of Mattiniconck
Island in Delaware River.

By the Governor
Whereas I have granted a Lease of Mattiniconck Island in Delavrare River, unto
Robert Stacy for the term of Seven years to Comence from the Fii-st day of January next.
These are to authorize and appoint Tou Cap^ Edmund Cantwell, to put the s" Robert
Stacy in Possession of the s"* Island for the Enjoy m' of y" Benelitt of his Lease according
to the Teno' thereof. Given under my hand in New-Yorke this 18* day of November
1678.

E. Andeoss.
To Cap* Edmund Cantwell Sherriffe
of Delaware.

Wabkant foe Capt. Cantwell and Epheaim Heemans to ptjeohase
FEOM THE Indians land neae the Palls of the Delawaee.

An Ord' to Capt. Edmund Cantwell & Mr Ephraim Herman to purchase some
Land on the West side of Delaware River.
By the Governor
Whereas I am Informed that some of the land on the West side of Delaware River
below the late purchase att the Falls is as yett unpurchased of the Indyan Proprieto"
These are to authorize & appoint you Cap' Edmund Cantwell & Mr Ephraim Herman to
agree for and buy of the Indyan Proprieto" all that tract of Land as yet unpurchased
on the Westerne Shoare, of Delaware River beetweene the Late purchase at the Falls &
the Former below together with any Island or Islands, Lying or being in the River & to
Adjust time & place as well as Sum & Species for paym* of w"" to Give mee p^'sent Notice
for my approbacon Whereupon Order shall bee taken therein accordingly for said
Indyans Sattisfaction Given under my hand in New Yorke tliis 18'." day of Novem'' 1678.
To Capt. Edmund Cantwell Sherriffe
& Mr Ephraim Herman Clr of the
Co'' at New Castle In Delaware. E. Andeoss.

612 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

An Order to Cap'^ Edmund Cantwell and M? Ephraim Herman abotjt
the rate levyed in delaware river the last yeare.

By the Governor
Whereas I am Griven to understand that there was a Certaine Rate or Levy Layd in
Delaware River the last yeare towards the Defraying of Public Charges in those p'.' These
are to require you Cap^ Edm'^ Cantwell & Mr Ephraime Herman, that you send unto
mee with the First Convenience a p"'ticular acco' of the s* Rate or Levy Imposed as
afore s* (viz.) what it was, how raised, what it amounted to & how disposed of, together
with the Coppies of all Orders relating thereunto, & Likewise that you send an acco?
or p''ticular Computacon of what debts there are yett remaining unp"^ (if any) Since the
late Change of Governm? that due Care may be taken for their Sattisfaccon. Given under
my hand in New Yorke this IS'? day of Novemb'' 1678.

E. Andross.

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. Novb?
2° 1678.

Henry Smith declares That the time that Helmanus WUtbank was questioned for
Treason was when the Whorekill was under Maryland. The p''sons that accused him
were Dr John Roades & William Prentice. The accusacon was made to M? Francis
Jenkins a Justice of peace in Maryland who committed him to prison for the space of
about a weeke & as is reported hee was cleared by the s? Jenkins by giving him a Bribe.

That afterwards the s* Mr. Jenkins was questioned for taking a bribe to cleare the
s"} Wiltbank and taken into Custody as a prison"" by order of D"" Roades on that Acct.,
but in few days was releas' t ; Whereupon Dr. Roades came to the above Mr. Smith
complaining of the Fact, but he having newly had his writt of Ease directed him to goe
to my Lords to S' Maryes which he did accordingly, but what the Issue of it was there,
hee knowes not.

As to the discourse of Edwd Southrins conversacon with the devill, Hee knowes
nothing but what hee and divers others have heard from his owne Mouth, talking often
extravagantly in that nature.

As to Cor : Verhoofes being guUty of keeping false Records ; The same hee saith hath
beene proved in Co".

Kew York Historical Records. 613

Petition of Andees Poulson belative to a grant of land in
Apoquament creek, Delaware river, of which he is defrauded
BY Walter Wharton, surveyor.

To the Right Honorable S^ Edmond Andross Knight Barron : & Governo''
Genrale of all his Royal Highness his teritories in America ;

The petittion of Andres Paulson

Humble Shewith,

Thatt Whereas yo' petition"" as a subject und"" his majesties obedience Did obtaine a
grant from y^ officers att dellaware for a certine peice of Land in Apoquameny Creke in
Dellaware River for himself & family to seatt on and withall gott it survayed by M""
Walter Wharton then Survayo'' Genrall & had a pattent from Coll francis Lovelace for
the same Butt by reson of the Dutch taking of the River into theire goverment ye
petition' was disapointed of seating ye said land & taken for a spie «& clapt into prison in
ye towne of Newcastle now thus itt is yo"" petitioned having som horses, mares & Chatel
here in ye River of Dellaware which since y* Alteration of ye Goverment was brought
one purpose, & with intention to seatt ye said land & stock itt if had nott been Impeaded
by M"" Wharton who gott y° pattent by his threats Assigned to him from ye petition"" for
ye paym°* of ye pattent & survay of ye said land when ye petition"" was able to pay him,
butt contrary to his promise hath sould the said land from yo"" petitione"" without ever
demanding his pay & yo"" petitione"" being redy & willing to seatt ye said land Is
hindered by the said Wharton from seating he threatning yo"" petition"" y' if he seats
he will turne him of ye land againe yo"" petition"" knowing no cause given him for ye
same without itt bee for ye pattent & survaying of ye land ye paym" of which yo""
petition"" hath often tendred him butt he hath Refused to receive itt thereby thinking to
defraud yo"" petition"" of his land. Furthermore yo"" petition"" hath a mare Running in ye
woods with two coults, by her side one of the last yeare & ye other of this yeare, which
by reason ye petitione"" hath ben impeaded & they have been astray in ye woods so y' y'
coults were unmarked, butt ye mare owned the said Coults, as severall can attest,
Nottwithstanding which when ye mare & coults was brought into Newcastle, Capt?
Christopher Billop although told by severall whose mare &coult itt was (& that they had
seen the said Coults suck ye mare which belonged to yo"" petition"") Did contrary to the
knowledge of yor petition"" cause ye oldyest coult to be marked for the King &
immediately sould the said coult to John Ogle which is to ye greatt loss & hindrans of
yo"" petittion"" being a poor man & greatt family, where for yo"" petition"^ humbly prays yo'
hono"" to consider his condition on both sides so y' he may nott be defrauded of his land
nor coult butt may have an order from yo"" hono"" peacably & quietly to Injoy them both.

And yo"" petition"" for yo' Hono'
shall pray as in Duty bound.

To be heard att Court
New-Castle.

614 Colonial Settleinents on the Delaware River.

Duplicate of the lease of Matiniconk island in Delaware bivee
TO Robert Stacy.

This Indenture made the 14'? day of November in the 30'." yeare of y' Raigne of our
Soveraigne Lord Charles the Second by the grace of God, of Engl*, ScottH, ffrance, and
Irel* King, Defend'' of the ffaith &c, Annoq Domini, 1678 Betweene S' Edmund Andross
K', Governo' Gen" und'' his Royall Highnesse James Duke of Yorke & Albany &c, of all
his Territories in America ; for and on the Behalfe, of his said Royall Highnesse, on the
one P', and Robert Stacy, one of the Commission'".' of the New plantacon, in West New
Jersy in Delaware River, on the other P' Wittnesseth that the said S"" Edmund Andi'os,
for divers good Causes, and Consideracons him thereunto Especially moveing, hath
Demised, granted, and to farme lett and by these p'sents doth hereby demise grant, and
to farme Lett unto the said Rob' Stacy his Esecuto" Administrato" and Assignes all that
Certaine Island Commonly caUed or knowne by the name of Matiniconk Island in
delaware River, towards the ffalls ; together with all the Houseing, Lands, Pastures,
Feedings, Meadowes, and Appurtenances to the said Island belonging or in any
appertaining now or lately in the tenure or Occupacon of Peter Jegoe and Hendrick
Jacobse in partnership To have & to hold the said Island as alsoe the Houseing and
Appurtenances unto the said Rob- Stacy, his Executo" Administrato" and Assignes
from & after the first day of January next untill the terme of seven yeares shall bee
fully Compleated, and Ended. Hee the said Robertt Stacy his Execute" Administrato"
or Assignes, makeing Improvem' on the said Island & premises, and paying or Causeing
to bee paid yearely and every yeare thirty Bushells of good winter Wheate, unto the said
Sr Edmund Andros his Successo" assignes or orde"" at Upland upon the twenty-fifth day
of March annually. And in Default of paym' of the said Sume, thirty Days after it shall
bee due that then it Shall and may bee Lawful! to and for the said S"" Edmund Andros,
his Successo" or Assignes, into the said Island, and Demised p''mises wholly to re-enter
and the same to have againe, Repossest and enjoy, this Indenture or any thing Else to
the Contrary, in any wise Notwithstanding ; Provided alwayes And it is to bee understood,
that at the expiracon of the s* terme if the said Rob^ Stacy his Executo™ Administrato"
or Assignes, shall Leave and goe off the s* Island, That Whatsoever Edifices, Buildings,
or Improvem? thereof, hee the said Rob? Stacy his Executor? Administrators or Assigns,
have or shall cause to bee Erected, or done on the said Island for the Benefitt thereof,
there ShaU bee Such allowance given for the same as shall bee Adjudged by Indifferent
persons. In testimony whereof the Partyes aforemenconed to these p''sents have
Interchangeably sett to their hands and seals in New Yorke the day and yeare first above
written.

Robert Stacy.

Sealed and Delivered in p''enc* of

E. D. Cantwell. Matthias Nicolls Seer.

J^ew York Historical Records.

615

Petitioit. Thomas Olive and other inhabitants of Burlington, N. J.,
IN FAVOR OF Henry Jacobs, tenant in possession of Matinioonk
Island.

Burlington the 5"^ of ye lO'" mo : 1678.

At the request of Henry Jacobs wee whose names are under written doe give this our
testimony on his behalfe To the Gfouernor of Yorke. The said Henry beeing tennant and
in possession of the Hand called Matinnaconck, when wee first came into this Country

and behaved himselfe scivilly and fairly to us in our alsoe was serviceable &

helpefuU to us at the purchase of the land of the Indians, where many of us are now
settled, being neare to the saide Hand of Matinnaconcke and since the time of our
settling being a neare neighbour to us hath been redy to assist us at any time one the
account of the Indians, And we being strangers to the Country and unaquainted with the
Indian language have often had occation to make use of the afforesaide Henry amongst
the Indians, whoe hath redily come to us from time to time to serue us and answere our
request, as occation has required and is equally concerned with Peeter Jegoe and both
tennants to the Governor for the Hand as aiforsaide. And itt haveing soe fallen out of
late that another hath gott a graunt of the afforesaide Hand, which Henry Jacobs and
Peeter Jegoe are now in possession of. And are very unwilling to forgoe it beeing now in
a way to Improve the land and to raise some come upon it they paying there yearly rent
according to agreement and that another should so come to sucseed that hath been
receiued and Entertained as a stranger in time of necessity and by reson the men are soe
deserted and discouraged in that they are like to bee put out of there place wee can doe
noe lesse than giue our testimony as aboue written. And doe not question that if the
Gouernorr comes to understand things throughly butt that hee will sett all to writes.

Tho : Eues
Anthony Allen
Robert Powell
Sam'.! Louett
William Brightwen
Daniel Wills

William Clayton ye younger

Robert Durham
William Black
George Elkinton (? -)

Tho : Omve
Daniel Wills
John Wolston
William Clayton the oider
William Peachell
John Cripps
Tho : Harding
Peter Herrisons
William Matlock
T. Wright

William Woodhous
Joshua Bore
Andrew Smith
John Champion
Thomas Kendall
Thomas Palmer
Luke Brindley
John Rogers
Peter (P) Stringham

Petition to the
Governor in behalfe
of Henry Jacobs
of Mattinnicum Island
Dec. 5'^ 1678.

616 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Blank patent for a piece of land in Delaware bay for Nathaniel
Walker.

Sir Edmond Andros Kn' Seigneu"" of Sausmarez & Lieut, and Gouvernour Gren'! under
liis Royal Highness, James Dulie of Yorke and Albany &c, of all liis Territories in
America, Wliereas there is a certaine parcell of land in Delaware Bay Scituated, lyeing
and being upon the southwestermost Creeks of Rehobah Bay called by the name of Cedar
Neck the wliich hath been Survayed and lay"? out for Capt. Nathanial Walker by the
approbacon of the court at the Whorekill as is by them certifyed the said lands beginning
neare the head of the said creek at a marked red oake standing by a branch proceeding
from the s* creeke from thence running South and by East to a marked white oake
standing by a small bay or pond being between the branch on the seaside and the afores'?
white oake from thence north East & by East binding upon the afores* Bay or pond four
hundred and forty perches there only proceeding from the main woods adjoyning to the
Beach afores* a narrow slipp of land in the manner of an island being about the quantity of
thirty acres, Then from the Extent of the said North East and by East course being at a small
piece of marsh running from thence North East one hundred and Eighty perches unto the
aforesaid Beach by the seaside & North West binding and adjoyning upon the s"? beach
fourty perches. Then from the s* Beach South- West and by West to a Marsh proceeding
from part of the aforesaid Rehobah Bay & from thence to a point of the s* Bay Northwest
then from the said point West to another point Sixty perches and from that s"? point
North West to another point Lyeing at a mouth of a River proceeding from the s*
Rehobah Bay now called the Indyau River and from thence Southwest binding upon a
little Creeke one hundred Eighty five perches to a marked white oake standing neare the
head of the s* Little Creeke and from the si white oake running South and by East two
hundred thirty and six perches to the first bounded Red oake. Including and containing
Six hundred and Eighty acres of Land as by the draught thereof and return of the
survay, doth and may appeare And whereas besides the number of acres aforemenconed
returned in the survay there is a certaine Swamp lyeing in the midle of Cedar Swampe
aforemenconed as also severall Sand Hills and Pines by the Seaside with divers Slashes
Marshes or broaken Land between the said neck and the sea & Rehoba Bay & Likewise
an Indyan Inlett to the Southward And it being certifyed from the s* court at the
Whorekill that the same is only convenient for Cap* Walker and that his Enjoyment
thereof can bee no injury or prejudice to any Township or particular person seated or
Inhabiting thereby. Know Yee that by virtue of his Maj'"=^ letters Patents, and the
commission and Authoritie derived unto mee under his Royall Highness I have given
and granted & by these presents doo hereby give and grant unto Nathaniel Walker his
heirs and Assignes the afore recited parcell of Land & premises with all and Singular the
Appurtenances Together with the swamp Sand Hills & Pines as also the Slashes Marshes
or broken Land & Indyan Inlett aforemenconed To Have And to Hold the s* parcell of
Land and premisses together with the s'? swamp Sand Hills and Pines as also the slashes
Marshes or broken Land and Indyan Inlett unto the s"? Nathaniel Walker his heirs and
Assignes unto the proper use and behoofe of him the s* Nathaniel Walker his heirs and
Assignes forever ; He making Improvement thereon according to Law and yielding &

J^ew York Historical Records. 617

paying therefore yearly every yeare unto his Maj"*° use as a Quitt Rent unto such

officer or officers as shall bee Empowered to receive the same at the Whorekill. Given

under my hand and Sealed with the Seale of the Province in New Yorke this day

of in the 35'." yeare of his Maj"'" Reigne Annoque Domini 1679.

Draft or a patent to Thomas YorrNK for a piece of land, called
PoPLEE Neck, on the west side of Delaware bat.

Sir Edmond Andros Kn' Seigneur of Sausmarez Lieut. & Governo' Gen" under his
Royal Highness James Duke of Yorke & Albany &c., of all his Territoryes in America
Whereas upon a certificate from the officers at Delaware, of a grant made by them unto
Thomas Young, of a certaine parcell of land called Popler Neck Lyeing and being on
the west side of Delaware Bay, about two miles above S' Jones Creek. There was a
patent given for the same unto the s* Thomas Young his heirs and assigns by the late
Governour Colonell Francis Lovelace bearing date the 16'? day of June 1671 The s"^ land
being bounded on the south with a Swamp running Westerly from the Bay side, on the
Southwest with the land of Walter Wharton and Thomas Merritt on the North west with
a Line running .... East from a corner markt oake at the head of the s* Merrits land to
the Bayside & on the West with the manie Bay, to ye mouth of the aforesaid Swamp,
Containing according to the Survay a Quantity of four hundred Acres of Land which
s"? parcells of Land hath since been purchased by William Young the son & Heir of
Thomas Young af oremenconed

his name for his farther confirmation therein by virtue

of his Mai"^" Letters Patent & the Commission & Authority derived unto mee under his
Royal Highness I have Given, confirmed and Granted & by these presents doe hereby give
& Grant unto Ralph Hutchinson his heires & assignes, the afore-recited parcell of land &
premises with all and Singular the Appurtenances To Have and to Hold the s* parcell of
Land & premises unto the s* Ralph Hutchinson his heirs & asssigns unto the proper use
and behoofe of him the s'* Ralph Hutchinson his heires & assignes forever Hee making
Improvements thereon according to Law & yielding & paying therefore yearely & every
veare unto his Ma""=' use as Quitt Rent foure Bushels of good Winter Wheate unto such
officer or officers as shall bee Empowered to receive the same at the Whorekill. Given

under my hand and sealed with the seale of ye Province in New Yorke the day

of in the 31'" yeare of his Mag"^' Raigne Annoque Domini 1679.

Examined by mee

Matthias Nicolls Seer.

78

618 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Petitioist. Aenoldus de La Grange relative to the island of
tinicum, in the delaware river, purchased by his father

FROM ARMEGART PrINTS.

To Ms Excellence Edmund Andros, Kn? Lieut. & Governor Gen" under Ms
Royall Highnesse of all his Territories in America.

The humble petition of Arnoldus De La Grange Sheweth

That yo"" Petition" father Joost De La Grange heretofore of Delawair did agree with
& buy of JufTro Armgart Prince Attorney of her father Johan Prince then in Sweden a
Certaine Island In Delaware River called Tinicum Island, together with the houseing and
stock thereupon for the sume of six Thousand Guild" Hollands Money, upon certaine
condicons in a bill of Sale sett forth, past upon the 29'." day of May 1662 before Cornelis
Van Ruyven then Secretary in this place, & the s* Joost De La Grange, yoT Petition"
ffather beeing put into possession of the s* Island & premises paid unto the said Juffro
Prince or her Order, in p' of the said Purchase, the one Moity or halfe there of being
three thousand Guilder? Hollands money (viz) two thousand upon her Arrivall in holland
w"'." was upon the last day of July ifollowing & the othT thousand Gild"? a yeare after as
appeares by the Acquittances for the Same. That afterwards upon the death of the
afore named Johan Prince the ffather then in Sweden, there was a stop put to the
Pay™' of the remaining three thousand Gild''.' untill a fuU and new power Should
Arrive from the Other Three Sist"? of the said Juffroe Prince als Pappegay, out of
Sweden who were copartners with her in the ffathers Estate w'=? never arrived that hee
hath heard in his ffathers time whether ever it came into these p' or no yo"' Petition' is
Ignorant off but in the meane time yoT Petition'.' ffather Dyed & left Margaret his Widdow
yoT Petition'? Mother invested of the premises, who a while after was married to one
Andi-ew Carr, that came over with Governo' Mcolls & upon his request had the s* Island
of Tinicum afore menconed granted and confirmed by pattent unto him and Margaret Ms
wife, by Governor Francis Lovelace without any reservacon as by the pattent bearing
Date Octobe' 1".' 1669 may appeare, that Dureing the abode of yor Petition'" Mother or
father in law on the s* Island they nor either of them rec* any disturbance by Law suite
or Otherwise concerning the same nor till after the Departure of yo' Petition"? ffather in
Law for Holland which was above a yeare after his mother went to Looke after an Estate
befallen her there, when Capt John Carr Attorney for yo' Petion'.' said ffather was flBrst
summoned by the afore named Juffro Prince als Pappegay, & Sued at a Special Court
held before ye Governo' at Newcastle in Delaware & afterwards by consent between them
put off to the General Court of Assizes where little defence was made the said Cap' Carr
being also absent, Soe that hee was cast on the behalfe of yo? Petition'.' Said ffather &
Mother & the said Juffro Prince put in possession of the said Island and p'mises (which
were apprized very Low) & the same hath ever since beene Detayned and as yo' Petition'
is Informed Since Sold to one Ernestus Otto much under the value wMch will redound
greatly to the Detrim? of yoV petition'.' relacons & p'ticularly himselfe, the Said Sume of
money, or a good p? thereof, designed for his portion of his ffathers Estate, without
reliefe therein.

Now Yo' Petitionr having full power by procuracon from his afore-named ffather in

J\''ew YotIc Historical Records. 619

Law & Mother to Clayme their rights in the p''mises wherein hee is likewise So much
Concerned, hath reconi-se to yo"' Excellence, desiring to bee heard in Equity Concerning the
Same (what hath past heretofore being only at Common Law) humbly Imploring joT
Excellence will please (though Omitted before) to have some regard to the three Thousand
Gild":^ So long since Disburst, the Long Possession & Improvem^ made on the said Island for
wh'^.'' if the entire Sume agreed for were not paid it happened to bee by the afore named
accidents ; & also yoT Petition'' desires that consideracon may bee had to the Lawes of Engld
of which hee is a subject in Like cases provided (Viz') that Definitive Sentence Shall not passe
ag' a man beyond the seas, against a feme covertt whose husbands neglect cannot make
her loose her rights and Ags' an infant under age he being uncapable in his Non-age, but
now makeing his Clayme as heire to his flfather which last is really yor Petition" case &
prayes & with hopes that yo- Excellence in yo!' prudence haveing Seriously pondred yo^
Petition™ request will please to direct some way for his relief e herein either by a hearing
in Equity, So that hee may bee reimburst his money or that he may have the Advanta ge
of preferrence So much haveing beene already paid for the remaining P' of the Agreem' to
have the said Island & p^mises as it hath beene purchased by the p''ty in possession w"? to
be repaid him there haveing beene no pattent of Confirmacon from yo!' Excellencyes
predecesso" or yo'' SeLfe to any other p''son or p''sons for the s* Island, yo'' Petition'' haveing
transported himselfe & ffamily with intent to remaine and abide in these P"'"' under
yo' ExceUencys Governm' & protection for whose prosperity Hee shall

As in duty bound ever pray &c.

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.

John Steevens is Debtor to Quit Rent of two parcells of Land as foUoweth viz'
1679 Busns

March 2.'5'^ One yeare quit Rent of 1200 acres called Content Lying in Duke creek

In wheate 12:

March 25'.*' one yeare quit Rent of 1300 acres Lying in a Little Creeke below Duke

Creeke called London — wheat 13

Wheat Bushels: 25:

Received of John Steevens by order of ye Right Hon''able S'' Edwin Andros, Gov'

Gen" twenty and fyve Bushells of wheate being Quit Rent due for the two parcells of

Land above named March ye 25'" 1679.

Eph: Herman.
25 Bush: )

620 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

List of Patents sent to Capt. Edmund Cantwell, "which were eeftjsed
TO BE signed.

Patents sent to Cap' Edmund Cantwell by Mr John Shackerley which were
refused to be signed when he was here.

* Mr Laurentius Carolus, Tackquirassy in Delaware River 350 Acres besides Marsh.
^ Henry Stevenson & John Richards Batchelors Harbor in Deleware Bay besides

marsh.

^ Henry A Nison, TUlmouth Haven Del. besides marsh 400 Acres.

* Thomas Philips in Del. Bay 600, besides marsh.

^ Cornelys Verhoofe, New Seven hoven in Del. Bay 1218.

" Maurice Daniel in Del. River 190 no marsh menconed, granted before to John
Bradburne (?) 1671 who deserted it.

' Cornelys Jansen in Del. Bay 622, no marsh &c certjrfied by ye Co'.'.

' Richard Peaty in Del. Bay 421, no marsh &c certifyed by y^ Co''.'

' James Losen Del. in Bay 400, no marsh &c well certifyed.

'" Henry Harmen, Harmens Choice in Del. Bay 400.

" Enrick Mattock, Otte Nichson & Thomason in Del. River, 950, besides

meadow p? granted before to MT Andrew Carr.

" Hendrick Molesteiyn, John Kiphaven Junr, Cor. Verhoofe & Harmen Cornelys in
Del. Bay, 800.

'^ Mr. John Moll, Del. River 1000, 600 Acres purchased of Goldsmith &c.

" Thom? Jacobsen, Olle Paulson & Arent Johnson in Del. River 248 Acres.

" John Johnson James Eustasen Peter Hendrickson in Del. River, 300.

'* Lawrence Cock, Erick Cock, Otto Ernest Cock, Gouer Rambo & Peter Nielsen
a ti'act of land called Shakhamuxunck in Del. River, 1600, besides meadow and watry
ground &c.

" Bryan Omella who had purchased of Cha? Kessen & Bernard Brand in Deleware
River and in possession 400, besides Hayland &c.

" Peter Petersen & Casper fEish in Del. River 500 with meadow it being p' of a tract
of land granted to Andrew Carr.

" Peter Cock, Shakhamuxunck in Delaware River his owne land 650, besides ye
meadow &c.

Letter. Wm. Clakk of Horekil, Del., to Gov. Andros, relative to

THE settlement OF THAT DISTRICT.

WhorekUl ye 14'." "3° called May 1679.
GovernoT Andros

Since thee ware pleased when I was at York to Aske me if there was anything I knew
that related to this place for thee to settel or order doth Imbolden me to Lay one thing
before thee, which I obserue to bee a greauance and that which does prevent the better
seating of this County, and that is thay that have land here are not at any Certainty what

Xew York Historical Records. 621

thay must doe for the euruaying itt ; The planters that come out of Maryland are and
haue bene in an expectacion that thay should pay no more then is paid for suruaying
there, which is one hundred pounds of Tobacco for the first hundred Acres and fifty
pounds for the second hundred Acres and twenty-five pounds for every hundred Acres
after to thousand Acres ; soe that the suruaying of one thousand Acres of Land come to
but three hundred and fifty pounds. But instead thereof sume haue paid here Two
Thousand pounds of Tobacco for suruaying one thousand Acres, And none that I hear
of have paid Lesse then one Thousand pounds for suruaying one thousand Acres of Land,
which may be done, in one days work or less and is looked upon as a greate Burthin ....

Complained in by the planters, And they doe say it doth hinder otiiers from Coming

to seat in this County ; that liad thought of Coming ; This L Thought fitt to signifle vnto
thee ; Being allways willing to Appeare in that in which may be for the prospirity & well
being of that place which I eat my bread in ; And Leave it to thy consideracon to returne
such Answer and directions herevnto, as in thy greate wisdom shall seem discreet ; And
as this finds Acceptance with thee, I shall take the more freedome hereafter as things
presents ; And subscribe myselfe Thyne to serve thee. Sir, what I can

Wm. Clark.

Letter from Secr'^ Nicolls to the Magistrates at New-Castle,

EXPLAINING TO THEM THE DuKE'S LaW AND ORDERING A STOP OF
PROCEEDINGS AGAINST D0M= LaURENTIUS CaROLUS.

A Letter to the Magistrates of New Castle by the Governours Order.
Gentlemen.

The Governor hauing rec* yours of the 23'? of Aprill past touching Robert
Hutchinsons Thieuery, in Breaking open and taking out of Adam Walles, his Chest, Left
by him at the s* Hutchinsons House, some money, plate, and other Goods, the
particulars whereof are therein Incerted, where upon hauing Secured the parson and
what could bee found upon Search made in his House, you desire Orders & Directions
how to proceed in the Matter : By his Excellences Command (in Answer thereon). I
am to Acquaint you that the matter of fact comitted by the s'^ Rob : Hutchinson
would not reach his life by the Strictness of the Law, if it were in England, & the Dukes
Lawes are much more fauourable, where if you will turne to the Capitall Lawes, You
may bee further Satisfyed ; besides the Chest with what was therein, being left at his
house by the partey, Its but a breach of trust, though the thing is Aggrauated by his
hauing brock open or picked the Lock of the Chest, & taking out those things &
convert them to his owne use, may be looked on as Larceny or Thievery, & he acted
like a great Knaue & Cheate, but whether it will reach to the criminall part so farre as
burning of him in the hand (which is Comonly inflicted on a person that deserues death,)
Yet having the benefitt of the Clergy Saues his life by reading, though hee forfeits his
goods & Chattels & liberty for a yeare ! However I doe suppose the jtroofe being to
Cleare, hee may deserue Corporall punishment at the least, (which the laws directs to) or
a Considerable fine and such further penalty, by banishment out of your Jurisdiction or

622 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

the like which his Ex"^ doth wholy leaue to y'' Court, to adjudge & determine, before
whom hee is to haue his Tiyall & whatsoeuer Your Sentence shall bee You are to put the
Sam^in Execution, As to the goods found of Adam Walles, in all probability you'l see
cause to order them to be deliuered to him againe, & the delinquent shall make good
what is wanting & pay all Charges (if Capable). I am likewise to Acquaint You, that. Its
the Go™ plesure in the Case betweene Thomas Harwood & Jacob Vandei-veere,
concerning the Stone found or piit into the bag of feathers that there bee no further
proceedings in your Court on that Ac', his Honor hath remitted the fine & a stop is to
bee put to the levying of the Charges, the whole Case being ordered to bee heard in this
place before the Go : & Councell, at the beginning of the month of October next, when
both pl^ & def^ are to giue their Attendance here. And as to the defferance before Your
Court, aboute the pretence of Land betweene the s* Jacob Vandeveere and his K'eighbo''.
Dr. Teeneman, the same is also to bee remitted here, with all papers or proceedings
relating thereunto, by the first opportunitie for a finall Determination !

There is one thing more, upon Application from the D° Laurentius Carolys,
complaining that an execution Against him hath for the greatest part beene Levyed by
the Sherilfe & the remainder threetned & called for although hee hath Judgment (if not
ExecutidU Likewise) for a gi-eater Sume against the same person, but refused to bee
Serued ; It being an old differance about a mare & her produce betweene him and Hans
Peterson ; The same is Also to be respited & and his Ex''.'' desires an Ace' how that
matter stands betweene them, whereupon a definitiue order will be Giiien to Issue the
matter in deiference betweene them ; Thus farre I haue in Charge from his Ex'^.'^ j"
Gouernour to Transferre to you which is all from :

Gentlemen Your Humble Seru'

Matthias Nicolls.
New Yorke.
MayyM9'.'' 1679.

Gentlemen.

By the Go : order I am to acquaint you with the answers giuen upon Requests made
to him, by particular persons of your parts & his approbation of other matters recomended
to him by your Court, the which are Incerted or Indorsed on Copies of the s'^ Requests
or Orders of your Court ; Sent back to the pertyes concerned, William Clark excepted,
being as a private Letter ; In the matter betweene Helmanus Wiltbanck & Cornelus
Johnson Concerning the which the Court haue certifyde their Report The same is to be
allowed by order of the Governour & to be confinned to the s"^ Helmanus Wiltbanck : In
answer to the peticon of Cornelys Verhoofe to your Court, about his being Confirmed
Clarke, about a Regulation of Fees there, the which is Certifyde to be granted by s"*
Court : Vpon their Recomendation there of to the Gouernour, the same is allowed by
him, & that the Fees of Extraordinary Courts bee Ascertained, & all fees, (as in other
places) to be collected in the nature & as by execution : In answer to a former Request
from the s* Cor : Vanhoofe ; vpon the Courts choice and Recomendation of him to bee
Surveyor at the Whore kill, The Go : orders him to bee confirmed till further order ;
Vpon a peticon from John Kippshauen to his honour the Go : for a peice of wast land
neare some other land which hee hath purchased, being his only passage from thence into

Keiv Yorh Historical Records. 623

the wood, The Gouernour hath granted the same (if as alleadged) & to bee Surveyed in
order to a patent, your Certificate whereof will be Requested : Vpon an other peticon to
his honour from John Vine that he may ofiiciate as Sheriffe at the Whore kill & precincts,
The Go : returned the Following answer : Vpon Security & Courts Choice allowed &
confirmed for the yeare as the Court is ; Vpon a Letter or Addresse of W" Clarke from
your place to the Governour concerning the uncertainty of the Surueyors Fees in the s*
parts, Its his honours order that the price of surueys bee at the Whore Kill &c as in
Virginia & Mary Land, money or value ; There is yet one thing I haue in Charge to
Acquaint you from his Honoiar, which is an vnaduised Act of W. Guilaine Verplank one
of the magistrates of this City, in taking an oath here of William Tayler the pretended
Surueyor, concerning Seuerall Fees by him claymed for Surueying at the Whore kill, the
which are likewise s* to bee demanded by Cap? Cantwell that employed him. The
magistrates of this City hauing nothings to do in any other parts of the Gouernment out
of their precincts, he being likewise one of the youngest Aldermen & the s* oath being
taken Contrary to Law, you are to take now Cognizance of it any more then if neuer
taken & by no means to admitt it m proufe or Euidence for the s* Tayler, I have nothing
further but am yours.

Ma : NicoLLS.
To the magistrates of the
Whore kill. New Yorke June 6'." 1679.

The above is a Letter sent by order from
The Governor to the Magistrates of the
Whorekill.

CONFIRMATIOK BY GoV. AlSTDROSS OP JOHN^ AS ClEEK AT HoKEKIL.

Petition of Jan Kiphaven foe land at Hoeekil.
Petition of John Vyne to be Siieeiff at Hoeekil.

(These three papers are utterly illegible.)

Petition, dated Buelington, signed by John Budd, John Mifflin, and
others from Old England, foe grants of land.

Hone'-"^ Si--

Wee whose names ar here vnder subscribed lately come ffrom old England with
Intent to inhabitt in this contry And if jo'- Hono^ please to Grant vs an order vnder
yo"" hand too setle between Mr. Fitter Alderridges Plantation & the ffalls of Dellowar
River wee shall bee willing to Imbrace it & to hold it according to the custom of the
contry being a ifitt Place for Husbandmen : wee may haue land in Jersie side but we ar
willing to become Tennants to his Highness the Duke of yourke, if yoT Honof please to
giue vs the grant and to cleer the Indians that now to send for the

624 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Rest of o' ffamilys use thereof or o"' relations whicli Looke for a Returne from vs see
desiring jo'. answere by this barrer wee shall waite for it before we settle & shall
Rest

Your Humble Servants
although vnknown
Burlington June ye 23"'.'' 1679. John Akarman Sen.

John Akerman Jun.
Robert Lucas Robert Hoskins

John Lucas Daniel Brinson

Samuel Cleft Thomas Sibly

Thomas Retell. Robert Sibly

Wf Clark
John Budd
John Mifflin Sen.
John Mifflin Jun.

Letter. Luke Watson to Gov. Andros relative to the conduct op
Capt. John Avery, a magistrate.

Whoorekill ye SO'." June 1679.
Honnored Sr.

Yor Honnor hath beene pleased to Joyne me in commission with others As a
Magistrate for this County, which I haue euer sence bene both willing and radye
to same you and my Countrey to the best of my Judgment and haueing that
Trust reposed in me I Looke vpon myselfe oblidged to Informe your Honnor
of such miscariges and misdemeanors as happen or fall out that cannot be
rectified here ; And that is the Grose Abusses that hath bene committed by Cap'
John Aurey presedent of this Co":' both relating to the Trust reposed in him and
otherways.

V} That when the rest of the Magistrates could not consent to doe and determaine
things as he would haue it ; Contrary to our Judgment he haue in a greate Rage and
feury went out of Court Cursing and swaring, Calling of the rest of the Court ffooles,
Knaues and Rouges ; wishing that if ever he satt amongst us againe, that tlie devil
might com and fetch him away, and also threeting and presently after did strik one of
the Magistrates with his Kane, and had he not bene preuented by the spectatours, might
a done much damage that way.

2"' Hee Tooke vpon himselfe to Marry the widdow Clament to one Bryant Rowles,
without publiquecation notwithstanding she was out aske at Least a Month to another
man, namly Edward Cocke ; The which when the said Cocke hard that she was marryed
to another man said that it would be his death And presently went home fell sick and in
forty eight hours after dyed ; he left it on his death that her marrying was the cause of
his dyeing.

3'^ Hee took upon him to grant a Licence to Marry Daniel Browne to Sussan Garland
widdow, without any publiqueation, which Marrige w is effected, notwithstanding it is

Neiv York Historical Records. 625

Generally knowne or at Least the said Daniel confesses that he knows no other but that
he haue a wife living in England.

4"y One Judith the wife of Thomas Dauids being subspected to have stoole sume
goods from severall persions the goods being found in hur Custidy was held in
examination by me and at ffirst she did Confidently Affirm that she brought the s* goods
out of Mary Land and that thay ware hur owne LawfuU goods, but she well knowing
that it would be proued to be otherwise, did soone Confesse, that she did steale them and

from whome, vpon hur Conffesion made hur and Commited hur to the

Custidy of the Constable till the next Court then following ; but soone after Cap' Aurey
sent a noote by hur Husband to the Cunstable requuing him to giue liur hur Libierty
threetening both me that had Commited hur and the Cunstable that did detaine hur soe
that the Cunstable being subprised with fear did discharge hur out of his Custidy. In
short he the said Cap? Aurey is an Incouriger and vpholder of Dronkingnes Theeft
Cursing, swaring, and flighting to the Affrighting, Amazing, and Terifienge of his Ma"^'
quiet and peacable subjects ; Whoes grose weeckedness and Vnhuman conversation, if a
timely stop be not put to it, may Justly be expexted to bring downe gods Heavey
Judgment vpon this place.

5'y I goeing into the house of Helmanus Wiltbank on the fifteenth day of this
Insint June being the Lords day whare the said Capt Aurey was drounk, whoe soone
after brooke out in a greate Rage and feurey (without any provocation) Calling
me beagerly Rouge and theefe with many more reflexting speaches, saying that he
would proue me both Rouge and Theefe and that I was not worth one grot ; I did till
him that if he would not giue me satisfaction for the Abusse he had Cast vpon me that I
woirld sue him. To which hee replyed, That he would faine see any Magistrate, that
would dare to signe a warrant or sumeance Against him ; And that what he had said he
would not be Accountable to any Court, but onely to the Gouernor and that he is aboue
any power here ; soe that the other Commisoners haue Refeused to signe a sumeance
Against him ; he Curses and swares at such A rate, that he ffrights all others from
doeinge any thing in order to the bringing him to Justice.

All which I haue hear Charged Against the said Cap? Aurey I shall be ready to
proue by the Testimoney of seuerall sufficent Witnesses whenever therunto requiered by

your Honor with much more stuffe of the like nature. I could doe no Les

for your Honor for the Clearing of myselfe from haueing any unity with such his
Abominable wicked practices Life and Conuersation.

And My Humble Request vnto your Honowr is that you will be pleased to giue such
order and directions that the s* Cap* Aurey may be Compelled to make good his Charge
Against me ; or Else to giue me such satisfaccon as shall Appeare'to be Just and Equiel ;
which is the thing desiered and Humbly craned for by your Honnors

Obedeant and flaithful Servant
Luke Wattson.

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Warrant for Mr. Philipp Pocock, surveyor, to survey and assign
some land at the delaware for the destitute people, lately
arrived from england.

A warr' to M? Philip Pocock Surveyo' to lay out Lands at Delaware Falls.
ST Edmond Andi'oss Kn' &c.

Vpon the Aplication of severall persons Lately come out of England, destitute of
Land desii-ing to bee supplyed with some below the falls of delaware river on the west
Side, I doe hereby appoint and Authorize Mr. PhUip Pocock Survayor for to Survey and
lay out tracts of Land in said place for such proporticonable to the Hands they have
from the River into the woods a mile or more as is practised in the river and in Maryland
& like fees as in Maryland due Regard being had to the price of Tobacco or other
payments in the respective places, & to make due returnes of such Surveyes for
Conformation. Given vnder my Hand & Seale in New Yorke the 8 day of July 1679.
Ex"? by mee E. A. a (seale).

M. N. Secr^

Letter from Secretary Nicolls to Captain Cantwell about land
NEAR Delaware Falls.

[This paper is quite illegible.]

Order of the Court at Horekil on the petition of John Richardson

RELATING TO SOME PREMISES IN POSSESSION OF JOHN StEVENS.

These are In his Ma"^° name to Will and Requier yoT vpon Denyall of the pTmises of
this within order to Levy by way of Execution the said P^mises within mentioned and
Deliver peaceable & quiett possession thereof vnto John Richardson the petitioner his
order according to Law and for So Doeing this Shall bee y' sufficient warr! for the same.
Given vnder my hand 14'? Day of July A D" 1679.

To Mr John Vines Sheriffe

or his Deputy (Was signed)

Test : CoRNELis Verhoofe John Avery.

Clr:

Vera Copia.
Test : CoRNELis Verhoofe CI. Co. Whorekill.
These within & above mentioned pTmises being Executed and Delivered according to
the tenor thereof July IT? A D" 1679. (Signed)

p' mee John Vines Shen-iffe.
Vera Copia.
Test : CoRNELis Verhoofe CI. Co Whorekill.

J^ew York Historical Records. 627

At a Called Court Held for the Whorekill The 12'!' Day of July A D° 1679.
jCap^ John Avery}

(Mr Francis Whitwell 1 Mr Luke Wattson 1
Mr Alex Molestine I MT John Roades, lp'"sent.
W. John Kipshauen J Mr James Wells. J
John Richardson petitionr

Whereas The petitionr hath made Appeale By the Evidence of John Bridgs there unto
sworne and Mr Francis Whitwell Confirming the same that hee the said petitionr was by
his Tenant Thomas Crompton the first Setler In Building Clearing and manuering the
Said Land according by a Certificate Bearing Date July the 18'." 1676. The Said tenant
Silently Departed by which one John Steuens or his order haueing taken possession of
the Said house & Land which Said Clayme and possession taken by the Said John
Steuens, Doth not as yet Appeare to the Court to bee the said Steuens his Just Rights.

Therefore the p''mises being Considered, The Court to Grant the petition'' quiett &
peaceable possession of Said house and Land, notwithstanding the said petitionr to bee
Answerable to Any other Just Clayme, title or Interest.

Vera Copia.
Test : CoRNELis Veehoofe CI. Co. WhorekiU.

Oeder of the court at Hoeekil decreeing the possession of the

SAID PREMISES TO JoHN StEVENS ; ACTION OP THE MAGISTRATES
THEREON.

At a Called Court Held for the Whorekill the 25'." An° 1679.
Cap? John Avery,
p r ( Mr Alex Molestine Mr. John Reader ) .pj.gggjjt

1 Mr Luke Watson Mr James Wells )

John Steuens petition''

Whereas at a called Court Held for the Whorekill the 12'!' day of this Instant Last
past, one John Richardson then Did make Appeare that hee the said Richardson had beene
the first setler by a tenant named Thomas Crompton Vpon a p''cell of and now appears to
Bee in deflference Between the said Richardson and John Steuens, the Court then Did order
the said Richardson Vpon his approuem' peaceable & quiet possession of the said house
and Land In Deff erence notwithstanding the said Richardson to bee answerable to any other
just Clayme title or Interest which title the said petition"" now by patten from the Honor"'*
Governo'' producing this p'"sent Court concerning the Said land In Defference for the which
the Court Therefore hath Considereth the p''mises that the said John Stevens shall haue the
enjoyment and peaceable possession of the said land & his howsing According to the tenor
& p'mises the said patten doth mentioned notwithstanding Both or either party or parties
may haue further Redress before the Hono""' Gouernor & CounceU Alias Execucon.

Vera Copia.
Test. CoRNELis Verhoofe Clk. Cor' Whorekill.

Colonial Settlevtents on the Delaware River.

Articles of agreement between John Stevens and Thomas Ceumpton,

EOR A piece of LAND ON THE WEST SIDE OF DELAWARE BAT, NEAR

Duck Creek.

Articles of agreement, made concluded and agreed upon between Thomas
Crompton of the one p'^tj^ of Dorchesf County planter and John Richardson
of the other p'ty of ye same County and province afore Said planter this
the IS'? day of August 1676

Marylant Witnesseth,

Whereas the said John Richardson doth demise and Grant to the said Thomas
Crompton one part of a tract or p''cell of Land called Wellinbrooke Lyeing & being on
the west side of Delaware Bay near a Creeke called Duck Creeke for & Duering the time
and period of nine years together with all benefits and priviledges thereto belonging for
the vse of him the said Thomas Crompton for the said terme of yeares that is to say about
the quantity hundi-ed acres of the said tract Before mentioned :

Secondly The said John Richardson Doth Covenant and agree to & with the said
Thomas Crompton for to find and allow him Six sow shoates and one young boare to
deliver them at the now dwelling plantation of him the said John Richardson the said
Thomas Crompton Doth Engage to Transport them to the said Land aforementioned & to
vse the best of his Endeavo"^ carefully to Looke after and rays what hee canne of them
and the one halfe of the Increase & principal to the Vse behalie & behoofe of the said
Thomas & the other halfe to the onely behalfe, behoofe, & vse of him the said John
Richardson, his heires, Execu'"" Administrate or Assignes Likewise the said John
Richardson is and doth Couenant to furnish him the said Thomas Crompton two Cowes
the one the said Thomas is to pay him fore and the other vpon his owne account
the said Hoggs Equally divided every two yeare and killed all that is killable
onely leave some part as they shall think best to breed on and the increase of
the cattle for the female at the expiration of the said terme Equally to be divided
and the males as the p''tyes hereafter shall agree :

Thirdly the said John Richardson Doth covenant to find and allow him the said
Thomas, Three hundred Apia trees at his now dwelling plantation and the said Thomas
Crompton doth engage to transport them to the said land and to plant them thereon
and sufficient fence to and tend them and three years after the transporting them to
plant them out at an equally near distance as men doe generally plant bearing trees in
orchards and the profits that shall arise from the said trees in every respect the one
halfe to the one party, the other halfe to the other party only Dureing the said terme
of yeares the said trees to be transported this present yeare or as the said partyes shall
agree.

Fourthly Att the expiration of the said terme of years the said Thomas Crompton
doth covenant and Ingage to and with the said John quietly to surrender the possession
of the said land bowsing orchard or Orchards garden or gardens fence or fences all
tenantable and good in Repayre unto him he said John Richardson his heu-es, Execut"
Adminis'? Assignes or certaine Attorney and during the said terme of yeares to pay unto
the said John Richardson or his order one fatt Capon yearly upon the feast of S? MichaeU

Jfeiv York Historical Records. 629

if demanded as a Due rent to tlie said John Richardson as Witness my hand and seale

the day and yeare above written :

Thomas fG Crompton
tests: W? Watson ''«""

Thomas Barker John J /g Richardson [Seale]

Edmund § Riall ^'^°''

Slgnat

W"? Watson declared upon oath that hee did draw the aforesaid writtiug and saw
John Richardson and Thomas Crompton Assigne and seale the said, writting and made
Delivery thereof as theire act & deed before the Evidences mentioned , who did attest
the same in open Co":' December ye 10'.' 1679.

Test. CoRNELis Verhoofe Clerk.

Know all men whom these p''sents may in any manner of wayes Concerne That I
Petocoque Indian Comonly Called amongst the English Cristian haueing for the Valine
and Consideration of three matchcoates haueing Received fouer yards of frize and i yd.
Buttius & thred to the Vallue of two of them and one matdicoate more to bee payd
to mee the said Petocoque or to Mahaxy my Brother haue by these p''sents Sold and Doe
acknowledge to haue received full satisfaction for the sale and worth to our Contents and
Likeing & Doe by the p''sents demise and grant & wholly sell and possess and deliuer
vp as possession from vs or lieires Execu'°." Administrators or Assigns or any other p''son
or p'sons Either English or Indians vnto John Richardson of Dorchesf county In the
province of Maryland planter a tract or p'"cell of land Lyeing & being on the west side of
Delaware Bay on the south side of a Creeke called Duck Creeke Containing and now
Laid out for two thousand Acres By English measure together with all benifitts and
priueledges thereunto belonging as hawking, hunting, fishing fowling or any other vse
the said John Richardson shall think fitt or any one hee shall order or appoint Either
heires Execu'T* Adminis'°." or Assigns Likewise I doe by these p''sents Ingage to Defend the
said John Richardson his heires & assignes and from all Indians or others in the quiet
possession of the said land that myselfe nor no other Indians shall hunt or kill Either
deare fish foule or any other game either wild or tame upon the said land for ever with
especiall leave or license from the said John Richardson his heires Execu'™ Administra"'.' or
assignes further I doe Ingage to assist and helpe the said John Richardson or any one
that doth belong to him that liueth or shall hereafter line vpon the said land if either his
or theire hoggs or cattle shall Runne astray in the woods to vse the best of my Endeavor
to Driue them to y' plantation or plantations they doe belong to if vpon his or their
request to the true & honest intent and performance and keeping covenant with this
present obligation I haue hereunto set my hand and sealed with my Seale this the 20"' of
September 1676 forgot I doe acknowledge to

Signed, sealed and delivered haue receiued Eight Bottles of

in the p^^sents of vs Rum as part of Satisfaction

Thomas ~J~C Crompton as witness my hand all at one

sip-at. tjjQe though forgeth by the writer ;

Charles ^Q- Gundet The marke of

D\/^'75'Sl</) Seale
Thomas X W Williams Petocoque or Cristian

630 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Acknowledged in open Qo^ by the said Cristian Indian December 10'.' 1679. William
Watson declared vpon oath that he did Draw this writting & sawe the Indian Deliuer the
same as his act & deed & the Receiuing of the wliole Considerations thereof & Thomas
Williams swore, that he sawe the assigning sealing and delivering thereof.

Test. CoRNLis Verhoofe Clerk.

To y^ worshpp'^ Commission" of Dorchesf County

The humble petition of John Richardson

Humbly Shewith

That AYhereas yor petitioner transported from Maryland to the west side of Delaware
River and to a place in the said river called Duck creeke & on the south side of the said
creeke to a certaine man called by the name of Thomas Crompton to keepe possession in
my name & for my Yse one certaine howse that I built there togather with two thousand
acres of Land belonging to the same and are out of purse in seating the said Crompton
for p''vition very Considerable in seating the same notwithstanding John Steevens of
Dorchesf County in the prouince of Maryland Gent : hath by violence and force of Armes
turned him the said Crompton out of doares together with his wife and family where as
their liues and health were hazarded and what the said Crompton did there In matter of
clearing fencing or building was onely for y^ prop'' Vse of the said John Richardson or
whom soever the said Richardson shall order all that is herein Contained I the said
Thomas Crompton Doe sweare to bee nothing but truth therefore the aboue Said
Richardson yoT petition^ Humbly Craueth the County Seale for testimoney that this is the
oath of the aboue s'^ Thomas Crompton and jo\ petitionf shall ever pray &c. witness my
hand and seale this 5'." of August 1679.

the marke of

Thomas fQ Ckompton (seale).
Test. Rhine Blackwood
John Rawlings
John Salsbuky
August 6, 1769 Sworne before us
Rat'? Stapeleoet
Witt : Stephens

Wf Smithson Cle'k, ComT Dorr County Seale

Affirmed by oath by the said Cle'k December y* 10'." 1679 before us

Luke Wattson.
Sander />(\ Mallson
Test Cornelis Verhoofe Cl'k.

J^ew York Historical Records. 631

Letter. Secretary Nicolls to Capt. John Avert, 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.

Cap' John Avery.

S''. Cap? Nathaniel Walker having the Last yeare, produced, a survey vnder the hand
of Cornelys Verhoofe of a parcell of Land layd out for him at the Whorekill, called
Cedar Neck, containing six hundred and Eighty acres, the which was afterwards
certifyed by your Co", vpon my writing to them from the Grovernour about it : And the
s* Capt. Walker having the Governours Grant of a patent for the same, hath for the
present respited it vpon his desire that there may bee incerted in ye s" patent, besides the
number of Acres afore menconed, a certaine swamp lyeing in the meddle of Cedar Neck
together with the Sand Hills & pines by the sea-side, with the slashes, marshes, or
broaken land, betweene the s* neck and the sea, & Rehobay Bay, and the Indyan Inlett
to the Southward, all w''." the Governour is willing to comply with him in, provided it
will bee no prejudice to any towneship or persons seated thereby and before his voyage
to the Eastward, which hee began this day fortnight, had hee not beene very full of
buisnesse had writte to you about it himselfe but being so prevented, ordered mee to doe
it, so that my request to you is, that you will propose it to the C' & if it will bee no
prejudice as before, that you will with the first oppertunitie returne mee your Result,
that Cap? Walker may no longer bee delayed, about his patent, who when hee comes to
settle amongst you, will I doubt not, proue a good neighbour & Inhabitant, I have not
farther on this occasion, so Subscribe

S'

Yo' friend and Servant

Matthias Nicolls.

Letter. Edmund Cantwell to John Stevens, denyino 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.

7br j,g 10'." Day 1679.
Mr. Stevens, S?

I received yo'.' of ye 27'? Last past wherein yo" desire to know wheather I gaue
power to Thomas Phillips to grant warrants for Land. I never gaue any such power
to him or any body else nor Did I giue John Richards a warrant for no more then
three hondered acres w''^ I sent by you from ye whorekill when you came there
to me nor did I ever see ye said Richards to ye best of my knowledge but once at John
Edmondson house in Chaptanke who then asked me if I would confirm a certificatt he
had of Thomas Phillips for twelve hondered or two thousand acres of Land I asked
him his name he answered John Richards or Richardson I made answer that I gaue

632 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Thomas Phillips no such order he made answer that I need not fear my pay & p''fered
me payment for ye suruay in John Edmondson hands w""" I would not exept of I tould
him I demanded no paym? of him nor would I confirme y° certificatt where upon John
Edmondson tould ye said Richards that he would not pay him w'^out I would confirme
y* certificatt. I demanded what that was, Edmondson tould me that he had bought ye
said Land of ye Richards for thirteen thousand pounds of tobbacco or there abouts.
I made answer that was none of his hono'' ye Governo" orders for he would not allow
of any sale of Land before a Settlement so I parted w'" him w"'out any further talke
onely that ye Said Richards sead if that I would not Confirme ye certificatt that he
would go to his honor ye Governo'', upon w'='' I answered he might do his pleasure.
Sume tyme after I mett w'" Thomas Phillips & I asked him whey he had Laid out such
a quantity of Land for John Richards his answer was that he had forced him to
Do it, & treatened him if that he would not Do it he would beat him. Thomas
Phillips never made Returne to me of ye same or if he had I would not haue
exepted of ye same knowing it was contrary to his Hono" order Knowing it was
Contrary to his honor ye Governo" order this was when I was last in Chaptanke & I
never heard any thing of sence, untill Thomas Crompton came to me ye T*? Day of
July 1677 : who tould me he Lived upon John Stevens Land & exept I would furnish
him w'!" sume Corne he would be forced to Disert ye Land where vpon I Let him have
three bushell of Rye w'=.'' he sead was anof until new Corne would be Rype as for any
power Thomas Phillips had of me 1 have herew'" Sent you a Copy this being all att
p'sent from

S^ your Loueing friend

E. Cantwell.

Letter. Edmund Cantwell to Gov. Andeos, giving- an account op

HIS INTERVIEW WITH THE INDIANS RELATIVE TO A SURVEY OF LANDS
ABOVE THE FALLS ON THE DELAWARE.

Right Honora"'^
S'.

In pursuit of y' hono" order am come in company of MT Alricks & Mr Israel Helm &
sumoned the Indyans together & told them y'' hono" order concerning the Laying
out of the Land in order of the setting out.

They did not hinder the same, so farre as the Indyans had settled w"^*" they have
mark' & that is from the beginning of the Falls downe to the lower end of Orechton
Island and no further. Where upon we made answer & shewed them the deed of sale
w* was made to y"" honor Neverthe lesse they denyed laying out of the land or to settle
without purchasing of the same for they are the right owners and never have had the
value of a pipe, Matapis standes w'" them & the Ockenickan who are the chief owners of
the Land the s* Ockenichan saying that none will or shall come upon the Land without
satisfaction.

Likewise we have treated according to your hono" order, about the Land not yet

J^ew York Historical Records. 633

pnrchassed they would give us no answer till they considered of it, being a busines
of consequence being here taken verrie ill, I can not expresse myselfe as wont only
Remaining

Right Honor*''' y'' Hono™

Most Humble & obedient Serv'
Borlinton Sep? IS'.*" E. Cantwell.

1679.

Letter. John Avery relative to the 680 acres of land called Cedar
Neck, at Horekil, laid out for Capt. Nathl. Walker.

(This paper has become quite illegible.)

Council Minute. Order, that Peter Teschemaecker be ordained

MINISTER of the GoSPEL FOR NeW-CaSTLE, DeL.

At a Councell &c Sept 30, 1679.

Prest. the Go : & Councell.

Mr Mayo"" Cap? N". de Meyer, C. Stephanus Cortland, C. Knapson.

Vpon application of the Inhabitants of New Castle, an order to bee given to the

Minist" or any 3 of them, to examine Peter Teschemaeker, & if they shall find him fittly

qualified, then to ordaine him to bee a Minister of gods holy word, & to administer the

Sacram? as is usuall in the protes? or Reformed churches.

Letter from Secretary Nicolls to Capt. Cantwell relative to
AFFAIRS IN Delaware.

New Yorke Oct. 10'." 1679.
Cap' Cantwell.

ST

Yours of the 18'? Laest Past from Burlington The Governor Rec"? wherein you acquaint
him with y* coming thither with a Party of Mr Alricks, & Mr Israel Helme and summoning
The Indianes when you told them of his Hono" order

You also mention yor treating according to order about the Land not yett purchased to
the which you say they will not give an answer till they have considered of itt as being
buisnesse of consequence so breake off being indisposed as to yor health. The Governor
haveing beene but little tyme here since his return from Pemaquid, where hee had beene or
was absent from here seven weekes. The intervall being the Assizes & the day after going
early for Albany he ordered mee to returne you this answer to yor lett' that he is much
unsatisfied as to the Indianes Bogling about that purchase & yo" & others information

634

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

of all the rightful owners of the Land on which he depended he doth therefore positively
order you if not prevented by sicknesse & if possible to attend him immediately at his
returne from Albany, which no doubt which will be some tyme & also that you give
notice to appeare to the Sachems that stood in opposition to gether with one of them that
sold the Land to bee here at that time likewise that there may bee a right understanding
of the matter & a prevention of future contests there upon. So much I had in charge to
write to you being

Yor friend & Servant M. N.
Copy of what I wrote
to E. Cantwell by
ye Governo" order sent
by Mr

Oct 13'? 1679.

Names of the magistrates oe New Castle, Upland, Hoeekill and
West New Jersey.

The names of the magistrates in the severall Co^ts of Delaware on the west side.
At Newcastle.

Mr. John Moll
Mr. Peter Alricks
Mr. Foppe Outhout
Mr. Gerritt Otto
Mr. Johannes De Haes
Mr. William Semple
t Mr. Abraham Man.

Last Comission
O":' 1678.

Last Comission
Sep? 1676.

At Vpland.

Mr. Peter Cock
Mr. Peter Rambo
M'' Izrael Helme
Mr. Otto Ernst Cock
Mr. Lasse Andries
Mr. Otto Swanson.

At the Whorekill.

Last Comission
Oc? 1678.

Capt. John Avery
Mr. ffrancis Whittwell
Mr. Alexandr Molesteii.
Mr. John Kippshaven
Mr. Luke Wattson
Mr. John Roades
Mr. James Wells.

New York Historical Records.

635

Comission to the Justices at ye Whorekill dated 0°.' 8'." 1678 viz*

April 5'!" 1680
When Mr De
La Grange was
a goeing, the Go''
thought to renew the
comission but resolved
to stay till Mr. Ephr
Herman came.

John Avery
ffrancis Whitwell
Alexander Molestein
John Kippshaven
Luke Wattson
John Roades &
James Wells.

At the upper plantations on the west side of New Jersey.
Mr. Thomas Olave

Commission being
the first dated
August 1677

Mr. Daniel Willes
Mr. John Kensey
Mr. John Pinford
Mr. Joseph Helmsly
Mr. Robe" Stacy
Mr. Ben. Scott
Mr. Richard Guy.

At the lower plantations on the west side of New Jersey Salem.

Commission being
the second
dated Oct 26
1679

Mr. James NeviU
Mr. William Penton
Mr. Richard Guy
Mr. Edward Broadway
Mr. Edward Ward
Mr. Richard Hancock.

Ordee of Cotjkt confieming to Waltee Dickeson a oeetain piece

OF LAND ON S'' JoNES CrEEK, DeL.

Att a called Court held for the
WhorekUl the SO'" day of October A" 1679.

Cap' John Avery

M^ Alexander Molestine ) Mr John Roades ) p^ ,

Mr John Kipphaven ) M^ James Wells )

Walter Dickenson Petition''.

Whereas the Petitioner producing a pattent from the Honorable Governr of a certaine
Tract of Land scituated at S? Jones therefore the Courtt graunt & confirme the privUedges
appertenances premises bounds & limitts the s? pattent doth expresse to enjoy peaceable
for & unto the petitioner Alias Execution.

Vera Copia

Teste Coenelis Veehoofe C'.'' C?

WhorekUl.

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Memoeandum of Epheaim Heemans foe geants to Iseael Helme,
Otto Swanson and Latjsa Cock fob 200 acees of land each.

November 4'? 1679.

Mr. Ephraim Hermans this day upon liis departure, desired mee to give to the
Governo' the following Memd. viz?

That M' Izrael Helme had a grant under the Governo" hand for 200 Acres of Land,
just below Chiepiessing which is neare the Falls, but its now lay* out to some of the
Quakers, by Mr. Pocock.

Mr. Ephraim Hermans desires a piece of land towards the Falls of about 200, or 300
Acres, which is granted, hee'l take Care for its present settlement.

Otto Swansea (one of the Magistrates up the River) being an old Inhabitant, having
divers children & but little Land, desires the Quantity of about 200 acres, thereabouts
also.

Lausa Cock the like.

List of patents foe Delawaee.

Tho : Jacobson, OUe Paulsen, & Arent Johnson, A Pattent of forty-eight acres in
River — 2 beavers.
Paulus and Amelius DeRinge A Pattent for a double Lett in New Castle.
Maurice Daniel A Pattent for 130 acres 2 beavers.
Bryan O'Malle a Pattent for 400 acres 2 beavers.
M? J°.° Moll A Pattent for 3 Lotts in Towne 2 beavers.
D^ Petrus Teschenmaeker A new Lott in y^ Towne 1 beaver.
Vander Burgh A Pattent for a lott 1 beaver.

Declaeation in ejectment in the case of John Stevens, plaintiff,
AND John Glovee, defendant, John Glovee vs. Geiffith Jones,
about a piece of land called Willing beook, and othee
pleadings and papees eelating to the same land befoee the
couet at hoeekil.

Whorekill. pp.
John Stevens was atteached to Answer John Glovear In a plea of trespass and
Ejectment, Wherefore the Said John Stevens the six and twentieth Day of January
An° 1679 : Last past the plantation of the said John Glovear Scituate and being on the
West Side of Delaware Bay Called Willingbrooke on the north side of a Branch of a
Creeke of the said Bay called Duck Creeke Beginning at a Bounded poplar by the
Branch Running vp the Branch Southwest three hundred perches to the Land of
William Steuens to a bounded white oake neare the head of the Branch then South East
paralell with the Land of the said William Steuens one hundred and fifty p-'ches to a

Kew Yorh Historical Records. 637

Bounded White oake by a swampe and by a Line southwest one hundred and sixty
p''ches to a Bounded poplar on a Knowle in the Woods and by a Line South East
three hundred and Eighty p''ches and by a Line Drawne South west one hundred and
Sixty p''ches to a bounded oake and by a Line Drawne North East six hundred and
twenty perches to a Bounded oake and by a Line South East three hundred and seaventy
p''ches to the first bounded poplar containing two thousand acres of Land with force &
armes Did Entre and him the said John (ilouear from his farme and terme thereof Doth
Eject, Expell, and amoue and other Injuries to him Did ag' y* peace of our Soueraigae
Lord the Kinge and to y" Damage of the Said John Glouear one hundred pounds sterl.

T31 J 1 r J i John Doe.

Pledges ad pTsequendo j t. h p,

And the said John Gloueare by Griffith Jones his Attorney Comes and complaines
that whereas the Said Griffeth Jcmes as Attorney to John Richardson of Dorchester
County in the province of Maryland planter by his Certaine Lease in Writting Sealed
with his Seale as his act and Deed Deliuered in behalfe of his Said Attorney and here in
Co" produced bearing Date the six and twentieth day of January Last past Did Demise
Grant sett & to farme Lett vnto ye said John Glouear all that plantation on the west side
of Delaware Bay Called Wellingbrooke on the north side of a Branch of a Creeke of the
said bay Called Duck Creeke Beginning at a Bounded poplar by the Branch Running vp
the Branch south west three hundred perches to the Lands of William Steuens to a
bounded white oake nearre the head of the branch then south east paralell with the Land
of the said William Steuens one hundred and fifty p''ches to a Bounded White oake by a
Swampe and by a Line South West one hundred and sixty p''clies to a Bounded poplar
on a knowle in the Woods and by a Line South East thi-ee hundred and Eighty perches
and by a Line Drawne South West one hundred and sixty p''ches to a bounded oake and
by a Line Drawne North West nine hundred p'ches then by a Line Drawne North East
Six hundi-ed and twenty p'ches to a bounded oake & by a Line South East three hundred
and seventy p''ches to the first bounded poplar containing two thousand acres of Land
the Said Demised p''mises with the said Appurtenances vnto the Said John Glouear and
Ms Assignes from the twentieth Day of January then Last past before the Date, thereof
vntil the End and terme and Duering the full End and terme of five yeares from thence
next Insueing fully to bee compleated & Ended if by vertue of which said Demise the said
John Glouear the Day and yeare first aboue menconed Into the premises afore said with
the apportunances Entred and was thereof possessed vntill the said Defend' Samuell
Styles afterwards to witt the said Day & yeare first menconed into ye p''mises aforesaid
in the peaceable and quiet possession of the said John Glouear being with force and
armes &c Did Enter and him the said John Glouear from his farme aforesaid and terme
afore said thereof not yett Ended did Eject, Expell, and amoue and still Doth withhold
& other harmes to ye said John Glouear then and there Did ag^ the peace of our
Soveraigne Lord the King and to the Damage of the said John Glovear one hundred
pounds sterl And there vpon hee bringes this suite &c.|i

" Jones f quer

Test. CoRNELis Verhoofe Clk.

638 Colonial Settleinents on the Delaware River.

At a Co" Held for the Whorekill the 10'? 11'? & 12'? Dayes of February A° 167^.
Cap^ John Avery
f Mr Francis Whitwell Mr. Luke Wattson 1

Com. \ Mr. Alexander Molestine Mr. John Roades }- p''sent

[ Mr. John Kipshaven Mr James Wells J

John Eichardson pi? ] ^ . . ^

John Stevens Def ? } ^^ ^ P^^^ ^^ ^"^'P^'" ^°^ ^J«°*°^*-
By Consent of both parties Griffeth Jones Attorney for John Richardson & John
Stevens Doe Joyne issue in the action now depending the Def ? plead not Gilty troyes
himself vpon the CoT?, the Co!'? Condisend the pi? shall have a Jury Capt John Avery
Entered his decent the Jury is agreed and find by Evidence John Richardson being hee
is the first setler to have Right to the Same hee hath seated. The Co''' pass Judgm'
according to ye Verdict of ye Jury The Def ? Appeales from Judgment to ye next CoT? of
Assizes to be held at New Yorke Before the Honor*"* Governor and Councell. The
Cor! order both pi? & Def? to put in sufficient security to prosecute and Answer the said

Appeale.

The pannell of ye Jury

Mr Edward Southrin George Young Richard Levick

Samuell Gray Daniell Browne Charles Johnson

Otto Wolgast William Futcher Richard Peaty

Helm? Wiltbanck John Hackister Thomas Howard

Test. CoRNELis Verhoof, Cl'k.
Copie. July 18 A" 1676.
Laid out for me John Richardson and James Shackleday& John Richardson Senor a
tract of Land Called Willingbrooke on the West Side of Delaware Bay & on the north
side of a branch of a Creeke of ye said bay Called Duck Creeke beginning at a bounded
poplar by the branch Running vp the branch South west three hundred perches to the
Land of William Stevens to a Boundeth white oake neare the head of the branch then
south East paralell with the Land of William Stevens one hundi-ed and fifty p'ches to a
bounded whitt by a Swampe and by a Line South west one hundred and sixty p''ches to

a bounded poplar on a Knowle in the woods and by a Line

hundred p''ches to a bounded a Line Southwest

one hundred to a bounded Red oake and by

hundred p''ches

Bounded oake then by a Line North East six hundred and twenty p''ches to a bounded
oake, then and by a Line South East three hundred & twenty p''ches to ye first bounded
poplar Laid out for two thousand acres :

By Mee
By order of Cap' Edmund Cantwell ) Thomas Phillips

Survey©'' General! ) Deputy Surveyor.

The blanck Left was
torne in the original Before it
Came to my hand. Test Cornelis Verhoofe Clerk.

Kew York Historical Records. 639

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.

Know all men by these presents y' I Thomas Crompton of Dorchester County in ye
Province of Mary Land doe stand firmly bound and obleidged me my heires Execu"
Adm™ or Assignes unto John Richardson of ye same County and Province Planter in ye
full and Just Quantity of ten thousand Pounds of good Sound merchantable tobacco and
good Sufficient Caske to conteyne the same to be p"^ in some Convenient Place in ye
Province of Maryland or on ye west side of Deleware Bay to him the said John
Richardson his heires Execl' Admi'.* or Assignes or Certeyne Attorney, as witness my
hand and Seale this ye 2°." Day of Sept^ 1676

The Condition of this obligation is such y* if ye above bounden Thomas Crompton
me my heires Exec™ Adminf.' or Assignes shall well and Truly keepe Covenant fulfill and
satisfy Every Claws in a Conditional Covenant of Articles bearing Date ye 18'? of August
1676 and Likewise according to ye Last Article in ye s* Condition Quietly and peaceably
Deliver or Cause to be Delivered up at ye expiracon of Mne yeares to ye s* John
Richardson for his heires Exec":^ Admin":' Assignes or Certaine Attorney and to Noe other
p''son or p''sons or in any time Dureing ye s* Terme of Nine years — Then his obligation
to be void and of none effect or else to Remaine in full force and virtue.

Thomas yC Crompton

bis marke seale

Seigned Sealed and D D
in ye p'sents of us.

Thomas \>(y William

Signat

Charles (^g- Grindey

signat

W; Wattson
Proved in open court Decem'"' ye 9'? 1679 by W? Wattson and Thomas Williams.

Testis True copie Exame*! by Coenelis Verhoofe Clerk.

The Deposicon of William Watson aged 34 yeares or there abouts Sayth y' in y'=
yeare 1676 Sometime in y^ month of August or thereaboute he came in companey
of J"" Richardson to Thomas Phillips his howse w'" some others and j" s* Thomas Phillips,
J"" Richardson & others did goe to y'= brances of Duck Creeke and there he did see a
howse upon a branch side and y^ s* Thomas Phillips and J"" Richardson did say y' hee
y^ s'^ J°° Richardson did build y^ same and Thomas Phillips did carry yo' Deponent and
y^ rest of y° companey to a marked Tree by Another branch and says he had surveyed y=
land for y" s^ Jn° Richardson being 2000 Acres and yo' Deponant did Ask him whether
he had power to grant Warrants and Survey he sayd hee had soe yo"" Deponant y* same
time Did obtayne Another Certificate for 500 Acres of Land for himselfe of y^ sayd Thomas

640 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.

Phillips and when wee came boath to y® s* Thomas Phillips his howse he did show us
a letter wh'^." yo'' Depon' Read wM" came from Cap' Cautwell wh"'' Did Certify his power
to come from him further yo"' Deponant sayth to his Certaine Knowledge y" s* Jn°
Richardson horse Did carry by his order and a man that he hired w'? them some goods
of one Thomas Crompton his wife and children from y" Deponeants house in hunting
creeke in Choptancke in Maryland w'." Intention as they had made a Contract betwene y°
s* Thomas Crompton and Jn° Richardson to goe to y' s* Land in Duck Creeke branches
and there to Remaine for Nine years his time y' hee went from yo"' Deponants howse
was sometime in y^ begining of October 1676 and further y" Deponant saith not, as
witness my hand this 7'" day of September 1679.

W^ Wattson.
Sworne in open court December y^ lO'!" 1679.

Test : True Copie Examined by Coenelis Yerhoofe Clerk.

Christopher Jackson aged 30 yeares or There abouts being Examined and Sworne in
Open Court upon his Oath saith that Jn° Richardson in y" yeare 1676 Did agree and pay
yo'' Deponant for to help gett timber and to bring it in Place for j" building of one
Certaine Dwelling house on a Certaine Peice of Land w'=> hee y^ said Jn° Richardson had
Surveyed for him on y" west side of Dellaware Bay on y^ branches of Duck Creeke and y'
time there was Noe manner of worke done on any p''te of that Land where hee the said
John Richardson had surveyed for him at That Time to my Certeine Knowledge and
further said nott.

Christopher Jackson.
Sworne in open Court Decem''?"' 10* 1679. his marke '\P__

Testis : True Copie Examin".* p' Cornelis Verhoofe Clerk.

Edmond Ryan aged 36 yeares or thereabouts Deposeth and saith y' John Richardson
of y" ffreshes of Choptanke Riuer in y° Prouince of Maryland was y* first cleerer and
Improuer of y* land called Wallingbroo Lying on y' west side of DeUaware Bay adjoining
to y'^ branches of a Creek called Duck creeke w'^'" Clearing was Began by him this
Depon' for y® s? John Richardson y' 18'? day of July 1676.

Maryland Dorchester County coram me 7'f die August 1679

W? Stiphens W? Smithson Clerk

RaT^ SLAPLEFORT [yll^l'uSty]

Affirmed by Oath by y^ s? Gierke before us
Decern"' j" 10'.* 1679.

Test : Luke Wattson True Copie Examin"? per.

Sander xX^ Mallston. Cornelis Yerhoofe Clerk.

Peter Bawcombe aged about 49 yeares being sworne deposed and saith
That about July in y= yeare 1676 y' Deponant being in y* howse of Thomas Phillips
and hard y* s? Thomas Phillips and one John Richardson Say y" y' they had Surveyed
y^ land upon Duck Creeke branches for y" said Jn° Richardson, and y' said Jn" Richardson
built a house there upon y* said Land p'"sently after before hee went Down to Chaptanck
and about Sep^ or October followeing y° said Richardson Sended up y° s"? Land Thomas

Kew York, Historical Records. 641

Crompton as Tenant w"" his wife and family to Seate y* s? land &c, furnished him with
Corne and meate and yo"' Deponant heard Thomas Crompton say often times hee seated
y^ s* Land for Jn° Richardson as his Tennant further yor Deponant heard Robert Dick
and William Willoughby say that they Never would come up to seate their land if they
could have given all y* land in thes parts for y* Plague and trouble of y' muscitesh and
would sell their land to yo' Depon' for a p' of shoos apeece and yo"' Depon* told them il
they would not Seated they had noe Right of Land here and yo"' Deponant tould them
he would not by it and further Saith not.

Sworne before us Peter Bawoombe.

November 14'? day 1 679

PFEANCIS WhITWALL

Ltjke Wattson. The above said Depon' further declares y' he heard y* above

named Thomas Phillips Saye that he had Pouer to grant Warr'^ for Land to any pTson to
survey y* same and did grant a warr' for y* same land to Jn° Richardson.

Peter Bawcombe.
Declared in truth before

us the day and yeare above True Copie Examin* by

written efeancis Whittwell Coknelis Verhoofe Clerk.

Luke Wattson.

Letter. Ephraim Herman to Secretary Nicolls, relating to various
matters in Delaware ; patents ; Quakers ; Dom= Tessohemaker.

New Castle Januar^: IT^ 16^.
Honora"!" & Worthy Sir.

Yo' kind Le" of y' 24'? & 28'? of Novr Laest by mr Ralph Hutchinson together
w"" y* Inclosed Pattents I Received and humbly Returne you thenkes for yoT soe
Carefully delivering my LettT to his ExcelP?' itt Cheefiy Consisted in proposals & ther's
noe doubt but his Excellen'^^ in his wisdome will doe for y^ best ; Yo' youngest Lett'
Countermanding y^ Elder, the bill drawne, (wh"? otherwayes should haue ben by mee
accepted :) is not come to my hands ; The quaekers wil some tymes bafle ; according to
yo' orders I haue delivered to Cap^ Cantwell (who's well Recovered) y^ 2 letters of
administration and to Mr Moll his Pattent and doubt not but they will make you
Sattisfaction ; w"='' I in yoT hono'-' behalfe will put them in minde of when occasion p'sents ;
D° Tesschemaker hath promissed to make Sattisfaction in y' spring for y'= pattent &
y* other wrytings 40 Shillings in wheat as by yoT selfe demanded w°? I thinke is soe
reasonable as can bee Considering y^ trouble w'=^ to my Knowledge yo' selfe had in
y' buisnesse, Hendrick Vanden Burgh his Pattent I haue delivered whoe promised not
to fayle of makeing sattisfaction as soone as opportunity of Sloopes p'sent ; also Matheus
& Emilius De Ring ; y^ rest are to haue their Pattents when payment made ; as for
y* Lawe booke Its yett in Cap? Cantwells hands, and I hope y^ Co'.' will find out some
way for yo' sattisfaction, of w"^? I shal not fayle to put them in Minde againe att their
next meeting ; — I have heard Nothing further of the buisnesse of Jacob V. Veer & Tymen
81

642 Colonial Settlemejits on the Delaware River.

Stiddem, I am not neither was I in y* Least Conserned w"" y* one or y° other ; I question
not but hee whoe has y" most Justice of his syde will prevayle ; but am mutch troubled
to heare that Mr Beeckman in Jacob Van der Veers behalfe (as I am Informed) hath gon
about to make his Excell"?' beleeve that one of y^ witnesses by name Matthias Mathiassen
de Vos should haue ben by mee as itt was forced or perswaeded to give in Testimony in
Tymens behalfe, wh'=? is utterly false, and therefore to Cleare mj^selfe of that Scandall I
have summoned y^ s'? Mathias before a Co"'.' of Magistrates, and then y^ old deposition
was Exam*, & a new Certifyed, and also y* Testimony of Justice Will : Sempill before
whom y* s* Mathias first swore of all w"." I haue Imbouldned to trouble yo^'selfe w* the
Coppies here Inclosed ; and humbly request yoF selfe to shew them to his Excellent/ and
if need bee the originalls written and attested by y* Magistrates themselves shall bee
sent. Newes wee have little here there' s of Late a fleet of Shipps arry ved in Maryland,
but y' newes not come hither yett : all things are att p^sent here well, the quaek"" still
multiply there being some come out of England by y* way of Maryl* 2 months past ; my
father is and has been all this winter extreme weakly yet p''sents his humble Servis to
yo'' good selfe ; S" if' you please to dignify mee with yo'' Correspondencey itt shall bee
most acceptable ; myne and wyves humble Servis to yo^ good seKe & Lady w'? thenkes
for yoT kind Remembrance to us and harthy wishes of yo? Prosperity & welfare and a
merry good New Yeare I there vrith Rest,

S'', Your Most Humble Serv'
to his Power whylst
For the Honored Capf Eph: Herman.

Mathias NicoUs & Cheefe
Secretary of y^ Province of New
Yorke P'"sent

In New- Yorke.

Letter from Justice Moll to Secretary Nicolls on Delaware

AFFAIRS.

New Castle Jan': y" 20'." 1680.
Cap? Mathias NicoUs.

Hono"'" Sr
Both y'? off y" 26'? Nov : & y* 4'." Dec I received p^ Ralph Hudjeson at my returne ffrom
Maryland j" 24'? past with a small packett, Retui'ninge you minni thanks for your care &
trouble thar in as alsoe ab"! y^ Land att Chiepiessinge, I supose itt will bee best to Let that
dorment thell y° purtches is made Sertaine from y! Headens & w'?out dis Yett itt
is moost secure I thinke to keepe ower old Schoos thill wee have new ones Cap' Cantwell
is gon for Maryland & Expected back againe everi oner, hee told mee you had wiitt him
which caused me to refaine off communicatinge to him what you write mee concerning

the same. I am sorri Ralph Hudjeson has priudised himselfe so much in off his

tyme which wee I supose are not able now to recall after ower verditt hee beaing

dissatisfied & unwillinge to Hand unto Robbert Prest vpon us for Judgment, upon y'

bonde off awarde which was held in suspence after that as I remember & then wee giving

Kew York Historical Records. 643

him leaflEe & perswedit was to stande to y* awarde rather than unto y® forfiture off y®

bonde. hee Contesende unto itt, where upon wee passed our Order against him, for
y^ said awarde with proviso that what soever Ralph Hudjeson should bringe in between
that & y° next Courtt & prouff to have paid for his Brother Robberts accompt since
y" awarde itt should be allowed to him as parte of payment, but hearinge nothinge
off them execucon was issued oute against y* estate off Ralph ffor y'' account off
Robbert Hudjeson ab"? two months agoe wee past ouver said order & some month
after that y' said effects were executed by y' creditors of Robbert Hudjeson as being
his Estate, never the lesse I advysed him upon your recommendation to draw op a
petition unto y^ Courtt which hee did & received his answer almost unto y" same effect
as above.

I hope when his Excell''' Leagir admitt him hee will bee pleased to give such Orders

as hee in his Wisdome shall thinke meed ab* wee doe want a surveyor verri much,

reparation off y° .... & ffort to know how to pay y^ pore man which leaves thare by his
ExcelF^ Cullers for y" ffort a seale for ower office & sundry other things as wee have
often menconed itt I discussed his ExcelF alsoe ab"? y^ Quitt Rents that place havinge no
weate nether are they able to portich itt fore Tob" meight .... Tob° as in Verg* &
Maryl* which his ExcelF promised mee to take into consideration ; You know who Letell
a portuniti ther whas to finish y^ thinge unto y^ porpis when I was thare I hope we shall
see his ExcelF here next summer to Rectify all what is wasting & amis. We have received
no letter from his Excell'' ab"? y'= difference betweene Timen & Jacob VandeVeer nor ani
other metters. I suppose Mr. Beekman has to good one opinion off j" s* VandeVeer if all
or moost y^ Inhabitants off ower P''sincx whare off that man his temper I would not bee
on the bench upon ani termes. Yea rather forsake & leaff all whatever I have received y*
pattin for j" ground whare my dwelling house stands & y'^ Gaerdin behinde itt which in
Gerritt van Sweeringen as also in Cap' J°° Carr there tyme was kept intyerly unused when I
had bought itt there were some old Apple Trees grown upon the place which is now called
y* Lands Street. Cap' Cantwell was schewinge mee by y* old Dutch Map that there whas
to bee a Fo(rt ?) Sixty ffot wide I whas willinge to condescend unto itt & caused mee
to cutt downe y" Apple Trees which grew thare as yett Apurs by y^ Street whare

by I not onlye lost sixty ffott of ground but cost me a to more to fence it

in & y° pattin it seems is entered three bussels of weate p'' a° for Quitt Rents my
Predecessors have paid but one bussel & I p"! one bussel since I have had itt I hope not

dat my Se. viler my neighbors my lott off ground & extraordinari charges

shall cause mee to pay two bussels of Weate yearely pray Sr bee pleased to acquaint his
Excell'' with itt. I bought itt together & not in parts I shall make you honest satisfaction
at j" Springe y' same I bliefe Mv Teschenmaker, M^ Be Ringe &c. They have more than
three lotts a pse. We have promised next Courtt to grand Ralph Hudjsson one Ordv upon
Cap' Cantwell for y^ funerall charges off Mr Warton which is about twelve hundered (?)
others have bin buried as hansom for one third of y° monni & lesse, to my thinkinge wee
have bin as civil & favourable to that man as hee in reason can expect as ower Records
upon all occasions shall make itt appeare, y^ Chanseler off Maryland I know allows all
administrators alyck for funeral charges iff they will be Astravigand they must doe itt
upon there owne burthen not upon y^ Creditors Account.

Itt is verri necessary wee should know how his Excell'' aprouffs off Cap^ Cantwell his

644 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River-

account for snm small metiers must be p* which iff y^ fynes will not defray itt wee must
request Ms ExcelP to admitt off a small Levy to doe itt.

Y" Land granted unto Ro*.' Tallentt & Thomas Snellinge, you know can not bee layd
out ondthell itt shall please his Excell'' to nominate & apointe us a Surveyor which
wee doe expect, niews wee have none by way of Mary land onely that some schips lately
are arrived. Whissinge your selfe & your good Leady a prosperous marry & Blessed
New Yeare with abondence more to come I and my wyffe salute you both veri kindly &
shall remaine

Hon"-".!^ Sr Your Most

Humble J''? Moll.

Articles of agreement between John Steevens and Samuel Stiles

RELATIVE TO A PLANTATION ON DUCKE CREEN.

Articles of Agreement between John Steeuens of the one party & Sammuell
Stiles of the other party.
Wittnesseth That whereas John Steeuens doe alinate lete and make oner unto
Samuell Stiles one plantation neere Duck Creke for the terme of two yeares and for to
doe his best Indeauor in Seatin and cleareing &c for to helpe for to git timber for to bild
what houses theire shall bee occasion of for the good of the plantation & for to looke after
what Nussere the s* Steeuens shall send up and trim them and fence them in from the
Cattell & hogs & and if the said Steeuens shall putt one Land theire this yeare, for to
haue Equall sheare w*** the s* Stiles & what hogs shall be put one the Land by both
parties shall be eaqually deuided betwene them both & none shall be killed with oute
both parties consente and at the ende of the two yeares for to deuide the hogs betwene
them both & for to Let the s** Stiles haue two cowes to giue him milcke this yeare & what
Cattell and Mares the s* Steeuens shall put on y^ s* land the s* Stiles is for to doe his
beste Indeauor for to Looke after them & for to leaue. sofitient fensin at the end of the
time & if the s" Stiles shall neglecte or refuse for to keepe couenante w'" the s* Steeuens ;
it shall be Lawfull for the s* Steeuens for to turne the s* Stiles away when he shall thincke
fit & to this agreement both parties haue set to their hands & fixed theire seales this forth
day of ffebruary Anno Domini 1679.

John Steeuens (l.s.)

Sealed & Delivered in the presence of us Samuel (/\ Stiles (l.s.)

David "\ Daues

Kew York Historical Records. 645

Letter. Philip Pocock to Got. Andros, stating that the inhabitants
OF Ckaneneck desired to have their lands, held under patents
FROM THE Dutch, surveyed and to have them confirmed by him.
Gov. Andros.

May it please yor Honor
Haveing now a fit opportunity of Conveyance by Robert Wade hath caused me once
more to p''sume to give yoT Hon"' y" trouble of y^ perusall of a line or two onely to informe
yor HonT that y^ inhabitants of Crane hook lyeing within y^ Jurisdiction of this Court of
New Castle being 6 persons & haveing held theire Land some yeares by vertue of a Dutch
pattent & desireing to have theire land Surveyed & to have confirmacon of theire s'i Lands
by y!' HonT & haveing Imployed Mt Wharton accordingly to survey and devide ye same
equally amongst y" wh"^? by theire patent was granted in an intire parcell — accordingly
MT Wharton surveyed y'= whole but dyed before it was devided, Now haveing still y^ same
resolution of surveying in order to yo"" Hono" confirmacon : they tell me that Cap^
Kantwell had s* that what Mr Wharton had began he had order from yoT Hun'' to finish,
in w"*" not being satisfied I went with two of y® men to speak with Cap' Kantwell who
aflBrmed ye same to me and told me he would shew yor Hono"? order soe to doe : but hee
could not then find it upon w"** I told him he might pick out here and there what hee
pleased under pretance of doeing what Mr Wharton hath not finished, but whereas y^ pay
is already rec'd & ye work not done, I suppose hee will hardly intermeddle. I had
forgotten in my other w'" I hope yT hon' hath rec' d & vouchsafed to peruse to informe
yoT Hour that I have p''formed yoT Hono"? command in running y* Back line & altereing
y® 2 lower most in y° surveys at y* falls : thus Craveing yoT Hono™ pardon for this & my
former presumption submitting this matter to yo'' Hono" Consideration & assuring yo'
Honor that I shall not further trespasse in disturbing yo^ Hono™ more weighty
considerations with my more les of this Kind onely once more beseeching yoT Honor?
pardon I subscribe S"' your Honor! Humble

Swanwick by Newcastle & most obedient Servant

20''' ffeb.-^ 16||. Ph. Pocock.

Petition. Inhabitants of the new town, near the falls of the
Delaware, called Crewoorne, against the sale of liquor to the
Indians.

April y^ 12'? 1680.
To y° Worthy Governor of New Yorke.

Whereas wee j" inhabitants of y* new seated Towne nere y° falls of Delaware (called
Crewcorne) findeing our selves agreived by y* Indians when drunk, informeth that we be
& have been in great danger of our lives, of our houses burning, of our goods stealeing &
of our wives and Children affrighting, informeth that we are affeard to go about our
Lawfull occasions, least when wee come home we finde y" & our consernes damnifyed,
these things considered wee do humbly and jointly desire that ye selling brandy and

646 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

other strong liquors to ye Indians may be wliolly suppressed wliicli if done we hope we
shall live peaceably.

WiLH. Biles.

Rich. Regnirsejst (?)

Samuel ffeild.

John Akarman.

Robert

Rob''' Scholey.

Tho : Scholey.

Darius Brinson-.

William Cooper.

G-eokge Browne.

Mr. Gilbert Wheelers house broake open by Indians & Peter Aldrix mans house on
the Island & another house.

Memorandum op papers delivered to Wm. Biles, a member op the new
court at the falls op the delaware.

Ws Biles one of there new made Co""' there & this day sworne under the penalty of
perjury Apr. 21 - 1680.

1. His Commission.

2. A Warr? to summon Grilb. Wheeler & P. Abr. to appeare here for selling drincks
to y^ Indyans.

3. An abstract about y^ Records.

4. An order to Dan : Willet to returne Power of Magistrate.

5. An order to have a retarne about Rolf. Hoskin, drowned by Burlington.

Census op the responsible housekeepers and their families besiding
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 eiver.

These are to certify the Honorab'* Sir Edmond Andros Kn^ Gouverno'' Generall of
New Yorke and all hia Royall Highness' Territorys in America of y" Inhabitants y' are
Responsible house Kepers & their familys Inhabiting Cead"' Creek, Murther Kill, S' Jones
and Duck Creek.

In Cedar Creek.

Rob? Hart 3 in family

upon Joseph Cowdree plantation 3 in family

Mr Bowman 2 or 3 in family

George CoUens on Shackerly' plantation.

J{ew York Historical Records.

647

Jn" Curtis 4 in family

Jn" Richardson 6 in family

Thomas Groves 2 in family

Thomas Heiffer 2 in family

Alexander Ray 2 in family

Thomas Williams & John De Shaw 2 in family

In S'.' Jones and Duck Creek.

MT ffrancis Whitwell 5

Mr Jones 1

W. Joshua Barksteede 3

M-- Rob? Bedwell 3

AUex Humphreys 3

Mr. Isaack 2

J"" Brinckloo 2

Gabriell Jones 3

Richard Levey 2

Mr Walter Bichason 6

Mr Will-" Berry 2

Jno Briggs 6

J°° Burton 2

Henry Stevens 3

Daniell Jones 2

W? Winsmore 1

J"" Stevens 3

Thomas Bostick 2

Rob*.' Beales 3

John Hillyard 3

Symon Jnons 4

Thomas Willson 4

Peter Bayard 2

W? Greene 2

Ch : EUett 2 in family

W™ Sherwood 1 in family

These are ye familys from j" uper part of Cedar Crick to y^ upper part of Duck crick
being 99 persons to y^ best of y* knowledge of him who Remaines yoT Hono":' most humble
servant John Brigs.

n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
in family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family
n family

Matinicum Island
Peter Aldrix
Lass Cock

Witka Coo
Swan Swansa
OUa Swansa
Andrew Swansa

Ammersland
Henrick Johnson
Eartill Eschillson
OUa Sloubee
John Grilsaw
Mathias Mattison
Martin Martinson
Jacob Clementson

James Mott, Jacob.
Jacob van der Veer.
Jn° Stalcopp.
Mr Teeman

Dear Point
Andrew the ffine
Seneca Brewer

648

Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Moy Mansy
, Bancks

, Molickka

Passayunck
Robert Ashman 10

Thomas Jacobson
Caleb Carman
Wilt" Duncke
John Ashman
Thomas tflayle
ffrancis "Weaker
ffrederick Andrews
Peter Ramboe
Hanse Mansa
Andrews lukhorn 20
John Boulsa
John Eustace
Mathias Holsten

Kincesse
Jonas Neilson
Peter Andrews
Bar'? Sneeer
Elisabeth Dalbo

Cock

.... Otto

.... Bone 30

. . ones Hook
Andrews Trumpeters
Lass Collman
011a ffrancis
Bent Salloon
Andrews Salloon
Mathias Matson
Hendrick Collman

Callcoons Hook
Israel Helme
Henrick Jacobsen
011a Kooko 40

John Minsterman

Hanse Peterson
Hendrick Tauta 50

Tinacum
Mr. Andrew Carr
Hansa Walter

Upland
Neils Lausa
Neiles Mathiasson
Ensta Bones
Hansa Urian
Urian Keen
James Sanderline
Mr Laussa j" Minster

Printesdorp
Ufroe Popagay 60

Peter Neildson

Marquesse Kill
Hendricke Massan
Ui-mus Eustason
John Hendrickson

Marquess Hook
OUa Neilson
011a Rausa
Hanse Hopman
Charles Jansen
Powell Corhold

Verdrietige Hook
Michael Rongell 70
011a Toersen
Mathias Neilson
Hendricke Neilson
Neils Neilson

Skillpott Kill
Andrew Mattson
Hans Peterson

Chriltseme
Andrew Urinson

Uald Rauen

Bread & Cheese Island
Tho : Jacobson
Thomas Snelling
Clocker 011a

Swart Nuten Island
Tho : WoUeston
Bone Backer 90

Garit Otta
Harman Otta

fferen Hook
John Ericks
Peter Boollassen
Paules Lawson
Paules Poulson
Mathias Johnson
Henrick Lawsa

Long Hooke
011a Shoemaker
Urin Boathman 100

John Kett
Lam-ante or his sonn

Mill di'ope
Peter Clauson
John Tison
John Clauson
William his son (?)

Crane Hook
Mons Poulsen

Hendricks

Bartle the

PoUa Park

Ericke Mat

Askell ffln
Lass Eskellson
Samuel Peterson
John Skrick
OUa Toersin
Simon y® ffinn

J{ew York Historical Records.

649

Mathiag y* ffinn
Euert y» ffinn 120

Paerden Hook

Johnson

Dewhit

Widdow Sericks

Rouloph

Hanse Hanseson

Arntt Johnson

Hanse Miller

John Hulke

Urian Johnson 130

Mathias Escheson

Mathlas Peterson

OUa Toersin

Gerret Sanderson

Hanse Blotke
Poulis Douxen
John Barneson

New Castle
John Carr
Gilbert Dericke
Abraham the Coopper
Michiel Berrown
Edmund Cantwell
Peter (?) Crab
Derick Alberts
Marten Rosamond
Mathias Linbergge
Dericke Johnson
Isacke Lime
Borrent Eegbourson
Mathias De Ringe 150

New Castle.
Tho : Snerling
ffop Onthout
John Erskin
Martin Garetsin
James Chaffan
William Thorn
William Brinckloe
Cornelius Winehard
John Martinson
Garett Smieth 160

Barnet Egbertson
Anna Pieterson marryed to

Andrees Teller
Hanse Boners
Evert Garett
Peter Alricks.

Warrant, authorizing Capt. John Collyer, Surveyor-General and
Sub-Collector at the Delaware to arrest Captain Philipp
Carterett.

ST Edmund Andros Kn' &c. Whereas Cap? Philip Carterett of New Jersey having
presumed to assume and Exercise Authority and Jurisdiccon over the Kings Subjects to
their great disturbance &c in those parts within the bounds of his Ma"^= Letters Pattents
to his Royall Highnesse and presisted therein without any Legall Authority not with
standing his being duely forwarned and comanded to the contrary where upon by advice
of my councell I have caused the person of the s* Cap* Philip Carterett to be apprehended
and brought to this place in order to further proceedings according to Law : These are in
his Ma"^' name to Require you to take into your charge and custody the s* Cap? Philip
Carterett and him safely to keepe untill further order or his being discharged according
to due course of Law ; and for soe doing this shall be your Sufficient Warrant. Given
under ray hand and Seale in New Yorke this 1'.' day of May 1680.

E. Andross.

To Cap? John Collyer.

82

650 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Sundry entries respecting Upland, New-Castle and Burlington.

At a Councell &c May 21, 1680.

Pres? the Go : & Councell.

A peticon from the Inhabitants at the Falls about abuse of drunken Indyans &c.

Peter Alricks house at his Island near y° Falls & Gilbert Wheeler house broken open.

A returne from the Commission"? of Burlington at Delaware of 8 men for magistrates
according to order.

A returne from the Const, of Creekehorne at the Falls, of the names of 4 for
magistrates according to order likewise.

Tho : Budd comitted yesterday to the Sher. for writing & signing & sending abroad
writings at Burlington & meeting together according to appointm? Mar. 25 & the signing
to a paper.

A speciall warr* to the Sher. to keepe the above Buda in Custody, untill hee shall
produce those papers signed & disperse &c. by summoning the K? subjects & disturbing
them in their peacefuU Enjoymt?,

To bee of the good behavior.

Samuell Cole did not signe though pres', Every one else did.

Letter. James Nevill to Gov. Andros, relative to the proceedings

OP SUNDRY fugitives FROM VIRGINIA, WHO PRETENDED TO BELONG
TO A WRECKED GuiNEAMAN.

Governo^

About y^ 12'." Ins^ a p''son in the habit of a Seaman came to this place p'tending
himselfe to be mate of a ship called y° Marygold bound for Gynny and was to touch at
New Yorke to leaue some passengers there w'." whom y* Mastr had condicon'd & to have
100 lbs for their passage, w"^*" money was on board of y° ship w'" much goods for j'
Gynny Trade and coming to Cape May the ship struck ground and stuck fast ; the
seaman escaped in a Greenland Shallop y* belonged to y* ship, the Mas-' his son and 5
passengers were drowned, and that he had left 4 seaman at Cohanzy, and the Shallop in
Morriss River, he desired assistance w*? men and Boates p'"tending he could saue much
goods and rigging, if he coiild get help. I sent him to y' Magistrates at New Castle who
made p'vission for his aide, but before they were ready, this pretended Mate escaped
away, they then suspected him, and sent huy & cry after him, but hitherto haue not
taken him ; w'^in 24 houres after his escape a person came to New Castle from Virginia,
who came in pursuite after this seamen ; I haueing notice thereof sent four men to
Cohanzy, apprehended the four men y' were there, and sent them to y' high sheriflFe at
Newcastle, where it appeared y' y' p'tended Mate w"" these four men were servants in
Virginia & had stolne a Shallop from thence and left her towards y° mouth of Delaware
river ; At y^ first report here, of y' ship being fast in y' sand as before menconed ;
William Maltster, Edw. Lumley, Tho : Watson, John Salter and John Wooldridge went

J^ew York Historical Records. 651

down from hence Secretly in a great Cannooe to finde out y* afore named Shallop at
Maurice River intending to take her to y° ship And to bring what they could from
thence w'^out being accountable to any, but comeing where the shallop lay, they found
her forepart burn' t ; they took her Cable, Grapling and Rudder-Irons and a small Cook-
boate about 8 foote by the Keile and returned to WUliam Maltsters plantation where
they left them Untill they Could make sale thereof ; w'^." I haueing Notice of, haue secured
till thy pleasure be known concerning them ; y' Cable I suppose to be between 20 & 30
fathom, a large Grapling, y^ boat is supposed to belong to the Shallop ; I desire thee send

an answere to thy true ffriend

James Nevill.

New Salem y* 26'?

of y» 3 1680.

For
The Gove^no"" of New Yorke
&c These with Care.

Minute of a geant to Ephraim Herman of 600 acres of land lying
on the west side of delaware river, near its mouth, between

THE LAND OF MOERIS LiSTON 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.

Twoo Pattents for 600 Acres of Land Granted by his Excell. S"' Edm : Andros unto
John Morgen & John Denny, both Deceased, ye s* land Lying on the west syde of
Delawar River towards y° mouth thereof, betweene y° Land of Morris Listen & Duke
Creeke.

The pattents to bee called In ; y^ Land if heitherto not Seated, nor quit rent paid and
y' p'sons that first tooke itt up boath deceased w'.'' out heires.

To be made over by Patent to one Ephriam Hermans granted him by the GovT
His ExcelH has granted to Lawrence Cock y* land formerly granted unto John
Ashman and Sam. Jackson, by Pattent from GovernoT Andi'os, Lying on y' west syde of
Delowar River & on y^ north syde of Duke Creeke Cont. 600 Acres of Land the pattents
to bee del"* him by Capt"? Cantwell hee paying aU y" charges & j" Arrier of y^ Quit
Rent due.

Lasse Cock & Ephraim Herman grant for each 200 Acres of Land up j" River just
below Chiepaessing att a place Called Taorackan.

652 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Hlver.

Proceedings of a court held at Horekil in a suit between Walter
Dickson, plaintiff, and Barnard Hodges, defendant, about the
title to a tract op land on Jones creek.
June the 7'." 1680.
This day Samwell Stiles aged flEorty foure yeares or there abouts came befor vs and
on his oath that on or about the third day of April last past ; That John
Richardson came with seuerall other persons to the house, that John Steuens seated him
vpon neare Lettel Creeke in the VVhoorekill precents ; and demanded him to giue him
the s* Richardson possession of the howse and Land and threetened this deponant, that
if he would not give him possession, that he would send him to prisson ; and that he had
brought vp seruants to put on the plantation and s*, that if he this deponant did not
giue him possession that he should pay for the Lorse of his seruants time ; soe through
fear of being Ruened in prison ; I this deponant went away and left him the s* Richardson
in possession of the s* house and Land and ffurther sayeth not ;
Sworne in open Co?? Samuell (/? Stiles.

June y' 8'? 1680. WBmarke

Test : CoRNELis Verhoofe CI : Cr? Whorekill.

Minute op a verdict for plaintiff at a court held at Horekil, in the
CASE OP Walter Dickinson, plaintiff, agst. Bernard Hodges,
defendant, in relation to the title to a tract of land called
Mulberry swamp, on St. Jones creek.

Att a court held for the whorekill the 18'.'' day of June An? 1680.
Copia

r Cap? John Avery Mr John Kipshaven ^

ComT? -{ Mr. ffrancis Whittwell Mr Luke Watson [ p''esent
[^ M'. Alex. Molestine Mr James WHls J

Walter Dickson pi' ) . , „ m

T, J TT J J ft M° ^ Pl^^ of Trespas

Barnard Hodges def? )

The matter in difference betweene the said pP and def beinge concerneinge the right
and Title of a Tract of Land called Mulberry Swampe situate in S? Jones Creeke, after a
fuU heareinge of ye matter on both sides and the said Cause beinge vpon the defts
motion putt vpon Tryall of a Jury and after a full debate on both sides the Jury haveinge
duly considered of the difference in Question doe agree in theire verdict and finde for the
pltfE. with one penny damage and Costs of suite alias Execution.

Test Cor. Verhoofe, clerk.
Vera Copia by me Griff. Jones.

lb s d lb s d

The Sheriffs ffees 00 09 00 Jurys Sees 01 01 00

Clerk ffees 01 02 06 Evidences 01 04 00

Amerciam? 00 05 00

04 01 06

Kew York Historical Records. 653

Petition. Walter Dickinson relative to a tract of land named
Mulberry swamp, situated at St. Jones creek, formerly surveyed
FOR Thomas Merritt

(This paper has been surreptitiously abstracted from the records.)

Letter. Cornelis Verhoofe to Gov. Andros, relative to the
discharge of his duties as a surveyor.

Whorekill ye 23"?
of June A° 1680.
Right Hon''able ST

Not to obstrude yo' Excell? more waighty Affairs I thought Good to Acquaint
yoT HonoV with sume of y^ p''ticulars of Land Concernes here, in these parts, since it hath
Been yo^ Hono" Good Will & pleasure, to Constitute mee surveyor here, which Doth as
yet Remaine sumewhat ill fauored & is as not Come to Good pTections yet, being
yoT Hono™ orders from time to time haue been but Little observed iieitherto, haue made
severall Surveys both of seated & Unseated Lands, of which Should haue made sum
Returns Before now, but haueing been a long time in Great Want of paper, & in y' spring
of y° year is heare allwayes most Employm' for Either Clerks or Surveyo" : Am fully
Resolued to Bee with yor Excell^ my selfe & bring all my Returnes ray selfe, which will
be in sume time of August next if God will p''mit, on purpose to Giue yor Honor my
Acknowledgm' in every p'"ticular as need may Require & for Sum certaine Exacting
p'ticulars for the future In my small opinium, by yor Hono" good will and pleasure, if
yo' Hono" prudent wis^-dome see Good Cause for it, of which in part haue mentioned
more at large to Capt. Matthias Nicolls Seer : hope yo'' Hono"" please to pard )n In what I
may been amiss, I am willing to act. Dispence my uytmust Endeavors for y° well.
Speedy & quiet inhabiting of this partes, which Doth much lay in y^ good management
and faythfuU Care of a Surveyo', haue cleared several Defective Surveys, formerly made
in theire due Right to j" best of my vnderstanding & know no otherwise yet, but Doe
Remaine with quietness among y* Inhabitants, haue not further to Inlarge, onely Did
Lately vnderstand that y* Lord Baltemore Governo'' of Maryland had Summoned all his
Justices of y' peace to take oath to what purpose I haue not yet heard of. Shall for ye
present Remaine

¥"■ Hono" most obedient

Subject & Servant
To y* Right Honourable S' Edmund Cornelis Verhoofe.

Andross, Kn?, GauernoT Gen'! etc.

654 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter. Luke Watson, John Koades, John Kipphaven, Wm. Clark
AND Otto Wolgast, magistrates, to Gov. Andros, relative to a

PRISON and court HOUSE, SURVEYS AND SETTLING OP LAND.

Wliorekill ye 26'f "^^ called June 1680.
Honor''.''' Governor

Thy commission wee liaue receiued And in obedeance there unto haue proceeded etc ;
whereas there haue heatherto bene a neglect in geting A prison here ; for want of which
there haue bene not long sence a prisoner for debt, whoe was A stranger made his Escape ;
which may proue damage either to the County or sherife ; for the preuenting of the like
for the futter ; we have ordered A prisson stocks and wheeping post, forth with to be
built, which will cost betwene three or four thousand pounds of Tobacco ; here is also
greate want of a Court house, which will cost about fine thousand pounds of Tobacco ;
our request is that thee will be pleased to Impower us to make a Tax: to Leauey the
same on the Inhabitants ; There was sume Certain Land formerly laid out by Cap^
Cantwell for a Towne ; which was to be devided into Lots of 60 foot in breadth and 200
foot in Leingth ; and the Land and woods that lye back was to be common : for food for
cattel and firwood, it being in all about 130 Acres of Land ; Sence which time Armainas
WUtbank haue got tlie said land suruayed ; but we doe not understand that he haue any
pattent for it ; hee demands a bushell of winter wheat a yeare of any person that shall
build upon the said Towne lots ; which is soe high a rent that it giues noe Incouragement
for any to build ; we should think one-halfe of that rent would bee anouffe ; but that we
leaue to thy ordering and to whom the rent shall bee paid ; whether to the 5uke of york
or to Armianas Wiltbank ; here is a greate marsh that lyes at the north west side of the
Towne, which if it should be at any time here after taken vp by any perticolar person it
would be a great Inconuenancey to those that doe or shall here after liue here ; as also
the Cape, whare there is good pin Trees for building ; the Land Lettel worth ; both which
wee desier may Lye in common for the vse of the Towne ; It hath bene spoake here as if
thee ded intend as an Ease to the Court to Impower the suruayor to grant warrants to
Lay out land to such persons as shall Come to take it vp ; But wee being senceable of the
111 Consequence that wUl attend that ; doe desier that thee would be pi eased to forbear
glueing him any such power ; for our precents is now but small ; And he for the Lucker
of geting the more money will lay out such Large tracts of land for a peticolar person,
that might same many famileys to liue Comfortably vpon ; there haue been Expearance
of the like : As when Capt Cantwell had the same power he suruayed Three Thousand
Acres of princable land at prime hook for Henry Smith ; And others of the like nature
might be mentioned ; And wee haue good cause to resolue for the time to Come to grant
less Tracts of Land to perticolar persons then haue bene formerly granted ; for this
County as it is now diuided is not aboue halfe soe big or Large as S' Jones ; nor wUl not
hold halfe soe many people ; neither is the Land soe generally good as that is ; And this
being the Anciantest place wee thinke with submission ; might a bene continowed at least
Equil with the others ; which if thee please may be redressed in the next commission or
sooner, which may be by deuiding by Murther Creeke and soe downe wards ; when
Cap^ Auery was in commission he ded petition the Court for three Thousand Acres of

Mew Yorh Historical Records. 655

Land for three persons lining in Acomack, which the conrt ded grant to be taken vp in
any part of these precents that was not allready suruayed and taken vp ; sence wliich
Cornelous Verhoofe haue at the request and procurement of tlie said Captain Aurey and
one of the tliree persons of Acomack suruayed and Laid out the said three Tliousand
Acres of land at prime Hook ; most of it being the land that was taken vp and seated
by Henry Smith ; now, wheather or noe thee will Allow the said Henry Smith the three
Thousand Acres of land by him taken vp and seated ; wee doe not in the least dispute ;
But how euer wee humbly conceave that no part of it ought to a bene suruayed for any
person what soeuer without a speacell warrant obtayned from thy Hon'' ; It hath bene too
much in vse here for sume persons to sail land before they make any plantatiDU or
Settlement thereon and Espeacally by Cap? Auery, who haue sold seuerall parcells of
land : by which he haue gotten greate quantitys of Tobacco ; wee would bee willing to
haue thy positiue order as to that Concerne ; whether thee allow of such things or not ;
Thee were pleased to send a Caske of powder heather for the seruice of this place,
which powder hath bene all sold and Imbarseled away by Cap? John Aurey to the Indians
and others, and if there should be an occasion for powder here, there is not any to be got
here for money. Wee haueing as in duty bound laid these things before thee, doe desier
that thee will be please to giue such order and direxions therein as in thy great wisdome
shall seeme most meete ; the which wee shall bee rady to obserue and follow ; this is the
what needful! at present ffrom thy

True servants

Luke AVattson

John Koades

John "\{C Kippshaven

Otto Wolgast
W Clark.

Letter. John Weight to Gov. Andros, for land at Chiepessing,
near the falls of the delaware.

Anno 1680 Jul 10*.
Sur. The necessity of this publick case pots me vpon a Resolue to communicate
my moste impershall thoughts to you, whateuer hazard I expose myseE vnto ; my deufy
I owe unto God and my contries good the trust Reposed in me by them : the care I haue
of your honers Reupotation and to ffree myselfe of any charge in doeing my mesidge
to halfes whereby any anamosityes may arise through misunderstanding ; all which
commands me to tell you that it will be both safe and honorable to grant the please ffor
ye town, though my Charity oblidge me to beleve : that Being the yndines not bought
of is the case of hinderance that withall I haue, not enuf to make them beleue but it will
indainger the loseing of all there to you, then the next tiling will be not only the
Remoueall of seauerall persines out of this Coliny but apeales home may be made. Surr
the Reseleution of seauerall men of good Estate is not eseley turned whoes intrest is so
Neuley concarnid in the satlin of a towne there both ffor there owne seafety and seauerall
other Respects and considering the eminancy of the persin or persines which may be

656 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

there aduocate askeing nothing but what may Corispond with the Deuckes interest ; it
is esey to gess at the efeakt but as harde ffor me to here of anything that may Eclips
your honers ffame amongst us to whome under God I am behoulding to ffor my all there
being a sentence of death given upon my Concarnes by the Courte of Martines Vinyarde
had not your Cleminessey given me a Resericktion I had bin now but the prodikt of a
sifer and flfor this veari Reasin pardin me if I be twoe curis in informeing you what
may harme your honnor Hombly Concaiueing that my poer abilityes doe not comprehend
public afayars, which I am uowe pot upon not of choice but of nesesety but with all
desiar to make treuth and the ginerall good the sole Reule of what I here prosicute.
Surr, take it and mesar it by your owne standard which wiU destouer that hie profesars
perfeckshon to be nothing but his intrust and will pass ouer treuth, obeadeance and the
care of the Good of others, which are the maine vpholders of the Common welth : Sewarly
he hath fforgoten that we are Com out of an expensiue war with the duch, whoe ware
masters of all our ffortines here had not his Riall Hiness pot his Life in hazard, whoes
valar and ffortin hath pot vs into poseshon of this Contry whoes ende Doughtles ifor the
good of the holle in desposeing of Lands in a dewe proporshon that he may ffinde his
acounts in the acoraideashon of the generall good and must the Commonwelth blede, the
tresorey exspendid to invest one pertickeuler in Large trackts of Land, indeed it is the
Nerest way to bring the Kings subiects to be vnder a worse slauarey, then to be vnder a
flForiner and by the waye we may obserue the greate prize and worth of a Common welth
and how Nere acenn {akin) it is to the Crowne and he that is an enemy to the one is noe
ffriend to the other : Surr, I have observed you to seapress the eueles thereof in your
time paste hopeing you will doe the same ffor the time to Com.

Then goe on most NobUl Sor in your wontid pracktis that not we maye haue Case to
praise you alone but the suruiueing ginireation may haue Case to singe praises with
aclimeashons to Sur Edmond Andris.

So Concleade our eyes are towards you that we may take Just measers of ouer good
ffortines by your doeing this not to detaine your Honnar flrom your more beatar inplyment
I take Leaue and subscribe myselfe to be your most Loyall Hombell Obeadant Servant

John Wright.

Deposition of Francis Whitwell relative to Capt. Cantwell's giving

HIM several blank WARRANTS FOR LAND.

ffrancis Whittwell aged fforty yeare or there about Declareth that Cap? Edmund
Cantwell as was vnderstood had poure to grant warants whear vpon in the yeare seuenty
ffour or seuenty ffiue did grantt your Deponent seuerall blank warrants for the taking
vp of land whear vpon your Deponant did put some of the said warrants into Thomas
Phillips hands then Suruar deputee by Capt. Cantwell to suruay land for the vse of
seyrel persons as your deponant ordered him But of what was Left of the said blanks
the said Thomas Phillips Came to your Deponant and said he had order ffrom Cap!
Cantwell to aske your Deponant ffor the remainder of the said Blank warants whear vpon
your Deponant did to the best of his knowledg did deliuer the said blanks to the said
Thomas Phillips then Debety Suruar and ffurder sath not

Sworne before me this twenty fifth day of August 1680. E. Pack.

Neiv York Historical Records. 657

Deposition of John Brinloc relative to John Stevens' tract of land
ON Duke ceeek.

John Brinloe aiged about 36 yeares of aige or there about doth take it vpon his
testimony y' In° Steuens doth hould a tracli of laud which is by Estemation hue miles
which is from Ducke creeke within a mile or there abouts of S' Jones Creeke which
Containes to seurall thousand ackres of Land more then hee thinks then is within his
Lyne which hath beene a great hindrence to seuerall familyes y' would made better
Improuement vpon itt then hee doth.

Tested by me John Brinckloe.

Sworne before me this twenty fifth day of August 1680.

E'd Pack.

Petition. Barnard Hodges for a rehearing of his claim to a
tract of land 400 acres granted by the court of the horekil.

To y® right Honorable Sr Edm"? Andross Kn' GouernoT Grenl' & Admirall vnder
his Royall Highnes James Duke of Yorke & Albany & of all his
Territories In America.
The Humble Petition of Barnard Hodges
Sheweth in all Humbly maner
That whereas yo'' petition'' had formerly a warrant for 400 Acres of Land Granted by
y® worshipfuU Corte of y" Whorekill y" which I Lnployead Walter Wharton to seuruay
and he apointead his Deputey William Talleur houe did seuruay j" Land and Gave me
a Seurtificate dated 5* of May 1678, The which Walter Wharton Deying I adresead
myseulefe agane to y° Corte of y^ Horekill houe Gaue me an order for y' Re Suruay
of y° sad Land by Cornelys Verhoofe Houme I agane employead to seuruay and did
seuruay y' 15'? day of Jeuley 1679 y® time of y" aboue sad Seurtificates were Returnead
into y* Yeouffeis one by Cornelius Verhoofe & y* Outher Deleueread to Captain Mathias

Nickles by y* handes of Ish & auUsoue purcheisead y" sad land of y^ Indyane by

a Considrable vallue to the content as maapeyer yeuuder theare handes and Sealle barig

Dattead y^ 20'.'' of 1 678 and Seatead and Improuead y" sad Land by my

Seullefe and fammalley this month of nouember 1677 by vertue of a proclamation from
your Younneur, and yeuere seance bin an Improuer vpon y' sad Land ; and stille willing
& Readeay to yealde all tribute to ye Laues of this Gouerment, Seans your Pettisioner
hath Improued and Bestouead y* Care and Charg of to Seuruayes Setleing y° Land
goeing throu maney hardshipes by lying in y^ Wendes maney neightis and Many days
trauell and Loues of all my childeren and Indangering my on and my wiues Liuefe
only for y'' Saicke of this Land, And now on Waulter Dickisson leaning in Maryland
Claimeth y^ said Land by wertue of a Bille of Salle from Captane Edmon Cantwell houe
neare seatellead or seurueyed y^ sad Land nor aney on for him seans y^ Last redusing of
y gouermeant, But your petisoner wous Latley informed y' one Thomas Mearrit formerly

658 Colonial Ssttlements on the Delaware River.

Did Lay a Clame to j" sad Land, in Gouvernor Lovelace Is tine, y" which Sad merit Did
Departe for England and tkare Resides haveing thare by Desertead his Clame and tiytalle
to y* said Land ; but houevere yo'' pettisioner hath bin Molleustead by y* sad Dickeson
houe Imployed a Cuning atiirney being named Grifin Jones, W. sad Jones for sume
Extrordinarey fee Did yeundertake to remoue your Petisoner from y* sad Land
although y'^ sad Jones had formerly agread with your Petisoner and barganead with
to tack your Petisoners Cans in hand. It can be mad appere upon oath if nead
requiread and wous ofered at y* Court of ye whore kiU. The sad Jones aristing
your Petisoner By an accion of trespas and Connig and seutellg brought it to a
tryeall sometime delaying and Oufering to grant a nonseut & sumetime ofring to Com
to treyaU tille such time your Petison"' Nabours and y* Moust yunderstanding
mean of y^ County ware departead y' Cor?, so y' y^ Court Could not Get aboue 7 men
for a Jury and feue or none of them y? ware summened & swornt to attend y° Court
and most of them Unettircat men and absolute Strangers to y^ Cans In hand, haue
Gaue a Verdict Against yo'' Pettisoner thou y° titille of y" Land wous neuer brout In
question at y* tryall on Eather side which wous so Surprising to y^ Corte and Standers
by y* y° Court wouU not Giue Gngment in aney maneur of way, Neuer y" Leas seans
y" abouesad Verdict and y^ Beuission of y* Contry y° sad Jones hath obtanead an
Excysion without Paill or Mane Pris vnder y* Hand of M' Francis WhitweU, which is to
y' Intent to Ruyne your Petisoner your Petisoner Remang In Danger By werteu there of
& moreover theattining to throne Doun your Pour Petisoners houses and to Driue In
y* CatteU to Destroy his Corne, So that your Petisoner shall be leuft hoUey Remmeddeles
yunles your Yoiiner will be Pleased to Grant a Rehering In y"= Suruay, whare y" Sad Land
Leyes and your Petisoner shall euer Pray &c.

The truth of wout Is Relatead to your Youner In this Petision I Dout not but If it
Pleas your oner to Inquire of Cournelius Verhouf or any of y^ Justis of y*" hore Killes,
Thay wiU sertifye youe at Large, If so be thay Be at Yourcke.

Complaint of sundey inhabitants of Crewcorne, on the Delaware,
AGAINST Gilbert Wheeler for selling rum to the Indians.

To Y° Honorable Governor of N. Yorke.
S^
The nessessity of o"' greivance drives us to trouble you once more with a complaint
(though unwillingly) against our neighbor who will not be restrained from selling of
strong liquor to y" Indians, whom he entertaines at his house by great numbers & sells it
to them by both great & small measures, which somtimes they Carry a little distance from
his house & makes themselves drunk with it, then they revill & tight together & then they
Com furiously and break our fences and steales our Corn & breaks our windows & dorea
and Carryes away our goods, and worryed 3 of our chatle in one day with their dogs,
which oppression if it Continues will force som of us from our plantations, we being
very weake at y° p''sent for resistance & ignorant in their Lingo whereby we Can not
appease them when they are mad with drink, which Considered we humbly desire that

Kew York Historical Records. 659

selling them strong Liquors may "be wholely suppressed amongst us by virtue of a
Warrant from yo'' Honor to make distress upon proof given to y'' Elected Commissioner
for j" time to Come for breach of that Abreviate of j" Law which Will. Biles brought us ;
w'^'* when we made our Complaint to him he told us his order w' nothing worth, w'^'' we
accounted w° sufficient, but by his words we perseave that he intends to sell Rum himself ;
so hopeing yo"' Honor in charity will help us we remaine

Your Honors humble
Crewcorne Sep. y* 13'? 1680. Servants & Tennants

RoB'^ Lttcas Rob'' Scoley

RiCHAED RiDGEWAY MaRY ACEKMAN".

Memmorandum y' George Broavne

Person Complained of Lionell Brittok

is Gilbert Wheeler. Samuel ffeild

Memoeandtjm of public matters at the Horekil to be attendm) to.
1*1" Order to make a leauey to build a prison and Court house ; stocks & wheeping post ;

2. The Towne Lots, whoe the rent shall be paid to ; whether to the duke of yorke
or Armainas Wiltbank ;

3. The Marsh at the north west end of the Towne and the Cap to be common to the
vse of the Inhabitants ;

4. The Inconueniency that will Attend the Suruayors hauing power to grant warrant
to persons to tak vp land without y^ Court ;

5. That the County as it is now diuided is not aboue halfe soe big as St. Jones, and
not soe good land ; that it would a bene more Equilly deuided if our County had extended
to bocking bridge Creek ;

6. As to the 3 thousand Acres of Land that hath bene Lately suruayed on the north
of prime hook for three persons lining at Acamack ; greate p" of same formerly & now
seated by Henry Smith ;

7. Wheather any person shall be Allowed to sell the duks Land befor they make
Improuement thereon ;

8. As to the Caske of powder that the Gouernor sent how it hath been Imbasseled
and made away by Cap' Aurey ; and how that if there should be any occation, there is
not any now in the precents for the defense of the Country ;

9. To give the whorekill some other name ;

These are the princabl things that the Court of the whorekUl wrote to the Gouvernor
about.

And humbly craueth Answer there unto.

Endorsed: N. T. 14 7"'^ 80

Mr. Clarke of Whorekill
Memorandum for
s* parts concerning
publick.

660 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Council Minute. Delaware matters.

At a CounceU &c. Sept. 24 1680.

Pres? The Go: & Councell.

A peticon from some of the Inhabitants neare the Falls ag'.' abuse of selling strong

irinke to ye Indyans. Grilbert Wheeler taxt. The Law to be observed & the Court to

take care there otherwise in default to bee trouble. Gilbert Wheeler to be sent for.

A peticon from JSIew Castle in Del. from Ambrose Barker about his daughf.' child
being killed by his horse, the s'i horse being seized upon by ye Coronr desiring the horse
to bee restored, with a certificate from New Castle that the horse was not knowne to bee
an ill Condiconed horse. The Sher. giving no account thereof, hee to loose his Fees & the
horse to be knock' t in the head.

Order, fixing the fees of the Sheriff in Delaware.

An ord"' For Sherriffes Fees in Delleware River.

By the Governor.

Being Informed of some difference in Passing Cap? Cantwells the High Sherriffs of

Delleware his accounts for his Fees for Collecting the Assessem^ Amerciam'^ and fines

there is allowed to the Petty Constable one Shilling, High Constable Sixpence and the

Sherr. Sixpence In all two Shillings per pound according to the Directions in the Law

w'^" he is to have accordingly and noe more notwithstanding any Grater latitude formerly

given upon misformation, Contrary to Law.

Given under my hand & the 4'" Day of October 1680.
To the Magistrates
of the Court att New Castle
in Delleware River.

The like to the Magistrates of the Court att upland in Delleware River.

Warrant, authorizing the survet and allotment of land in
Delaware to J. Richardson and John Stevens.
A Warrant to lay out Land att Delaware for John Richardson and John Steavens.
By the Governor.
John Richardson haveing obtained att the Court of Assizes a Judgm? for the Land he
hath Seated and Improved and haveing a Considerable number of hands you are to lay
out to him one thousand two hundred acres of Land adjoyning to his s* improvement.
Encluding the same on Direct lines according to Regulacon and likemse to lay out to
John Steavens one thousand two hundred acres adjoyning who hath a Pattent for that
Quantity both if possible to have benifitt of the water as well as land roades, and make
returnes of yo'' said Surveyes in Order to Confirmacon attending to Law. E. A.

New Yorke Octobr 114" 1680.

Kew York Historical Records. 661

Letter. Francis Whitwell to Gov. Andros relative to a tract of
land granted to him on duke creek.

Most worthy and honored Sir.

Whereas your Excelency haueing granted me a certan tract of Land situate &

Laying in duck Creek and being seated thereon with my ffamily the improvement

therof which I haue not bene A wanting a place when I Com and move in this place than
any one perticler to the Expence of A great deal of mony and Lose that I haue got by
fBre which burnt me Vpwards of one hundred ffojt of Land aMd the greatest part of it
ffull of tobaco Vpon the said Land being thousand Acors which was to my dameg one
hundred pound sterling the Acasion of Laing thes things before your Exelency is that

your Exelency should be wrong informed by some persons that in these parts

from Long Island who had som pretences vpon the Land for a town which none would

Like them but all that I have belonging to my Land for the Coming att the

water being all sunken and more only that part which they could

att present I am seated upon the outermost part A pretty distance that conuenience

affore mencioned, but am now A bulding with to remoue to the said conuenence

it being your Excelencys pleasure yit me douts not the Confurmation therof ther being

other yett anofe that may be Judged bettr Conuenences both for watter all so

for medow but opasett over the creek therefor hoping that your Exelency will be pleased
that wee who haue been the first settlers in this part of the Cuntry may be InCureged
in the Injoyment of the Conuenences and preueliges that your Exelency hath giuen us,
that is all that doth Induse into this place so Leaueing it to your excellency I haue one
thing mor to acquaint your Exelency that as yet your Exelency hath not comisionated
any person in this county to be Shrefe but hath Dputed att the present to serve in that
offiss until your Exelency pleased to depute whom your Exelency think fitt the person,
which now serue named pettr Bacom is a person that hath fformerly ben in a good ffasion
but is ffalen to decay aud groweth ansent and too weak to Labor iff your Exelency will

be pleased to be slow itt he would kindly exept of it ffrom your Exelency and

he is thought by the Cort to be the fittest person that your Exelency could make choyce
of withal I conclude in obeadance to your Exelency' s pleasure whU I am

FFRANCIS WHITWELL.

St. Jones the 20"" November.

662 Colonial Settleynents on the Delaware River.

Letter. Francis Whitwell and John Hilltard, justices, to Captain
Anthony Beockholls, asking protection against Lord Baltimore,
who threatens to reduce delaware.

St. Jones 10'!" of August.
Capt Brookul.

honored Sir. — Haueing att this time Acasion to writ to your worthy honor Craueing
your pardon for any mistake that shall not be giuing you honor or titl Acording to
deserts but glueing A short and Brefe acount of some publek maters that doth both
Consern vs and his royall hinesses not douting your honors Care and dilegance to
Instruct Ts in thos things which may be for the saftj and preseruation both of vs and his
royall hynesses intrest which many of vs Acording to ouer abelety will not be Bacward
to mentain allso hoping that his royall hyness and your honer will mentaine oure rights
and priueleges granted vs in assisting against Me Lord Baltymour whom we do expect
eury day to Come and subdew us with fforce and Arms to Bring vs vnder him and allso
hath made proclemation who will Come into this presinks to take Land he will mentaine
ther Intrest and take from vs thos preueledges granted vs vnder this gouerment wch is
Intended as we vnderstand About the Later part of this Instant month to make ther
progress both in suruaying of Land and allso settl a Corte vnder his Athorety, we do not
know how he may Deall with vs for we haue sene A uery bad asspet before vs for som
ffew years past which was the rune of many your peppel which had ther houses and
prouisons Burnt which may be our Case if we do Apose them so we hombly Craue your
Instructions how we shall act for our safty, expeting it if it be your honers pleasure by
this bearer for if it be so as it is reported that his royal hines hath serendivd it to Me
Lord Baltimor we must submitt so being satisfied til we can haue report from your honer
rest in obeadance to your honers pleasur

efra: Whitewell.

John Hillyard
Thes ffor

his honer Capt Antony
Brookols Gouernor of
New Yorke.

Letter. Eph. Herman to Capt. Brockholls, about quit-rents ; the
arrest op Abm. Man ; expected arrival of Wm. Penn, &c.
Right Hono"!'
Sr.
His Hon' S^ Edmund Andros was pleased to Imploy mee here to receive y^ Quit rents
due for Land to his Roy" highnesse of w"" my receipt I have ben accomptable to his
B* Hono'' and y« accounts stated allowed and ballanced till 25'" of March 1680. This Last
Yeare I sent to Mr Wells his hono" Stuard in y" Sloope of Cap' Cregier 150 Sch : wheat
and in y' Sloope of Mr. Leysler 50 Sch : more, besydes some wheat paid here to Cap?
Cantwells ord? by his honoT Govern"'' Andros speciall order ; Now this is to acquaint
yoT Honor that w"'in that part of this river now called Pensilvania are severaU p''sons

J^ew York Historical Records. 663

whoe are in Errier and still debtor for Quit Rents and other rents due to his May'.'^ or his
Roy" Highnesse ; Therefore doe humbly referr itt to yr Hono" Consideracon, whether itt
is not necessary that some prson whome your Hono"" thinks fitt bee Impowred by yo'
hono' to demand and receive y° same arrier there and also y" Quit Rents here belowe and
that yoV hono"' Lykewyse Intimate y" same to EsqV Markham y^ Governor of s'* province ;
Yesterday arryved here a ship from Bristol haueing had 9 weekes passage, but brings
Little Newes only that severall ships more are bound for this river & that Esq""-" Pen will
follow next spring all things else Continuing well in England as before ; Mr. Man was
apprehended and hath Given bond & Security for his appearance att y" Co" of azzizes &
his good behauior in y* meanewhyle, all things continue well here as before w* is all at
p''sent from Right Honorable S''

Yor Hono'' most hiimble Serv'

Newcastle 16'.' Dec' 1681. Eph: HERMAif.

To y^ hono"'^ Capt Anthony
Brockholls, Deputy Governo'
of y" Province of New Yorke
P'sent att New Yorke.

These p"' Capt. Cregier.

Letter. Ephraim Herman to Capt. Brockholls ; arrival of Gov.
Markham and immigrants fob 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.

Right Honor'"^
Sr.
In my Laest pr y^ sloope of Cap^ Cregier I wrott yo'' hono'' about y* receipt of y^ arrier
of y^ quit rents ; that itt was necessary Some p''son Should bee Impowred thereto ; and
also of M- Ab : Mans haneing given bond for his answering att y^ next Gener" Cort of
Azzyses ; sence w"^" there arryved here a shipp from Bristoll w'" passengers for
Pensilvania, and more are Expected dayly and Cheefly att y* spring when itt is said that
EsqT Pen will come over in owne Person ; Esq- Mai'ckham y" Governor' of y* s"? Province
has desiered or Magistrates to Joyne and Lay out y'= 12 myles above this Towne mentioned
in his may""' Pattent to s* Esqr Pen, and they not knowing whether sufficiently thereunto
Impowred doe humbly desire yoV hono''" order therein and alsoe doe desire to know
whether to begin att y° very Towne itt Selfe or att y* end of y° Liberty of y^ Towne ; The
newes goeth here that Esqr Pen is about or has gott these Lower Parts alsoe from his
May'!^ and that itt wanted onely his Roy" Highnesse Confirmacon whoe was in Scotland
and dayly excected at Wliitehall ; I doe now send to Mr. John West 15 certificates
of Surveys w'=.'^ are all Craved and allowed by y^ Co":*, y^ severall Persons concerned
doe most humbly desire to haue Pattents of Confirmation on y^ same ; all things further
doe Continue here well as before ; The Laest Assembly in Maryland haue prohibited
Corne and all sorts of other provisions to bee Exported ; Itt is said and feared that a

664 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

warr will Ensue between them and y^ Sinneco Indians w"? God Prevent ; for in my
Judgem' the Constitution of that Country is such that a warr w'? such a strong Ennemy
will prove very destructive to them ; w'^." w'." my humble Servis presented to yo!' honor &,
Lady wishing you a Merry Christmas and New Yeare is all Att present from

Right Hono'"^ S''
Your Most Humble Servant

Eph: Herman.
New Castle 27'* of
December 1681.

Petition of sundry inhabitants of the upper part of Hoeekil cc,

FOE the appointment OF A COUET AT St. JoNES CREEK.

To the Right Honorable Sr Edmond Andros Kn' Seigneur of Sausmarez L' and
Governor Generall vnder his Royal Highness James Duke of Yorke and
Albany &c. of all his Territories in America,

Wee whose names are herevnto subscribed living and ambitious to abide vnder the
sunshine of yoT Hono" Goverm* Inhabiteinge in the vpland part of the Whorekill
county

In all humble manner shew vnto yo"' Hono"" the great greivances, Hazards and perills
both by land and water that wee vndergoe in goeinge to the Whorekill Court nott onely
the distance beinge to some of vs 50 some 60 miles want of Comodacons of man or beast
there, butt the vnpassable dangerous waies by reason of perillous Creeks which many
tymes cannot bee past over by man or beast the hazardous large Marshes and myreous
and difficult branches which are past through to the said Court which doth nott onely
putt vs to greate Straits and Jeopardy of our Lives butt hath and doth give great
disincouragem' to others intendinge to seate in these vpward parts from Maryland that
some haue desisted in their designes rather then in hazard of theire lives to goe down to
the said Whorekill Court And forasmuch as the greivances afore said are Insupportable
to vs and these parts dayly increasing with diverse considerable families with considerable
Estates and more intendinge to remove from Maryland that wee are in these altogether yf
not more populated than the other part of the County and nott onely the Inconveniencies
afore said yf nott by hono'' remedied butt alsoe the downe of Deleware beinge in like
manner inconvenient to these vpward parts That should the inhabitants hereoflf appeare
att either Court ytt would nott only cause the p''sent Seaters to withdraw back hence and
disincouragem' to others designed to seate here.

The p''misse considered with all humble reverance wee leave the discuss of the
whole matter to yoT Hono" graue and wise consideracon And hope yo' Honor for the
Encouragem' of vs the p''sent Inhabitants and others that are comeinge to seate in these
parts Out of your wonted Clemency Tender Care and Willingnes att all tymes for
encouragem' of Seaters and Preserveinge vs vnder the sunshine of yoT happy Goverm?
from all dangers and removeinge Inconveniencies and perills that might ensue for the
Ease and prosperous Setlem' of these parts will be graciously pleased to order authorize

J{ew York Historical Records.

665

3onstitute and appoint a Court to be held in some Convenient place in St. Jones Creeke
att such tymes and vpon such daies as yoT Hono' in yo' wisedome shall thinke fitt and
that all p''sons Inhabiteinge from the North side of Cedar Creeke to the South side of
Blackbird Creeke be ordered and required to appeare doe suite, and service, obey proces
in Law and bee deemed and taken to be within the Jurisdiction of the said Court and
yeild obeideyanse to the authority thereof Nott doubtinge butt yoT Honor may make and
finde persons capable in the p'"cincts thereof for Adminitration of Justice and others as
ministeriall officers to attend the same Court and execute all proces and orders and
keepeinge and makeinge Records of proceedings and acts done by Authority thereof.

And wee as in duty bound shall ever pray for yo' Hono" health

and happines That Age may Crowne your Snowy haires with

Cesars Hono" and with Nestors yeares.

Griff. Jones
John Glovear
Egbert Porter
Arthur Alstone
Robert Millen
Thomas Millen
William Millen
John R. Richeson
John hilard
Rob'' I^ Pernatrt

marto

A. Alston

FFRAN. WhITWELL

Petter Bawcom

John Baswell 73 •^""'^^

Daniell Arnestead.

E. Pack

John Richardson Jun.

Richard n Griffin

his p-- marke

Henry H Stevens
John Dawson
Henery Plomer

John Walker
Walter /^>\ Powel
George Martens
Jafeth Vv Goesen

his marke

Isaac Balsch (?)
Thomas Bolsticke
Simon Frotinsen
John Brigs
William Berry Juno'
John Loyd
John Q, Barrett

his marke

John Barton
Daniel Jones
W? W....
Eauan Dause
John Conely
Ed Prince

J='.° DiSSHAA

Benoni Barnes
L. Orema.

W^ "

Rob'' fprances
Alexander Humphrey
John Brinklo
Gabriel Jonses
Christopher Jecsons
David Margin
Abram brate
IsACK Webe
John Webster
Thomas heffer
Allesxander Raey
William Spartes
Thomas Cliford
John Getes
Robert bedewel
Richard Louies
John Cortes
Thomas william
Thomas groves
Tho: Hill
In° Haye
Rob'' Johnson.

The shipe goeing away wee had nott time to gitt ye rest of there names butt wee
think there may bee about 100 tithabel.

84

666 Colonial Settleinents on the Delaware River.

Order, providing land at St. Jones, Del., for John Albertson Terheun
AND others.

A Recommondacon to the Magistrates and Court at St. Jones about Land for
John Albertson Terheun and Company.

By the Command'' in Cheife.
Whereas John Albertson Terheun and Company have made applicacon to mee and
Desired a Tract or Parcell of Vacant Land within yo'' p''cints neere Duck Creeke Therein
to Settle and Inhabite, I Doe therefore Recommend the same to you That y" if it be
Yacaunt and Vndisposed of or in Some other Convenient Place they may bee accomodated
with Land Proporconable to the numb"' of hands they their bring as hath been practiced.
You making Returne thereof with the Quantity of Land Granted, to the office of Records
here in ord'' to Confirmacon according to Law. Given under my hand in New Yorke the
3* day of March 1680.

To the Magistrates and
Court att St. Jones.

Proclamation releasing the justices, etc., residing in the new-
Province OF Pennsylvania from their allegiance to the Duke
OF York.

An Intimacon to the Justices &c. Inhabiting within the Bounds of PensUvania
after sight «& perusall of his Ma'"*' Letfs. Pattent.
By the Command ^"= of Councell.
Whereas his ma"= hath been Gratiously Pleased by Letters Pattents Beareing Date
the 41" Day of March last to give and Grant unto W? Penn Esq'' all that tract of Land
in America now Called by the name of PensUvania formerly under the Protection and
Governm? of his Roy" High? as the same is Bounded on the East by Delaware River From
twelve miles Distante Northwards of New Castle towne unto y' three and Fortyeth
Degree of Northerne Lattitude if the said River Doth Extend soe Farr Northwards,
and if the said River shall not extend soe Farr Northward then by the said River
soe Parr as it Doth extend, and From the head of the said River soe Farr as it
Doth Extend, and From the head of the said River the Easterne Bounds to be Determined
by a Meridian Line to bee Drawne From the head of the said River unto the said three
and Fortyeth Degree. The same to extend Westward Flue Degrees in Longitude to
be Computed From the said Easterne Bounds and to be Bounded on the North by
the Beginning of the three and Fortyeth Degree of Northerne Latitude and on the
South by a Circle Drawne at twelve miles Distance From New Castle Northwards and
Westwards unto the Beginning of the Fortyeth Degree of Northerne Lattitude and y"
by a Streight Line Westwards to the Limitt of Longitude afore menconed with all Powers
Preheminences and Jurisdicons Necessary For the Governm^ of a Province, as by the
said Letfs Pattents Doth att Large appeare which with his Ma"" Gracious Letter Directed
to the Inhabitants and Planters within the said Limitts and a Commission From the said

Keiv YotIc Historical Records. 667

W? Penn EsqT to the Bearer hereof W"? Markham EsqV to be his Deputy Governor of the
said Province have been Produced and shewen to us and are Entered upon Record in the
office of Records for this Province and by us highly approved oflF, as his Ma"^° Roy" Will
and Pleasure. Therefore thought Fitt to Intimate the Same to you to Prevent any
Doubt or Trouble that might arrise and to give you oV Thanks For yov good Services
Done in yor Severall offices and Stations During the time you remained under his Roy"
High? Governm* Expecting noe Further account then that you Readyly Submitt and
yeald all Due Obedience to the said Letters Pattents according to the true Intent and
meaneing thereof in the Performance and Injoym? of w"" wee wish you all Happinesse.
Dated in New Yorke the 21'" of June 1681.

A. B.
To the Severall Justices of the Peace
Magistrates and other officers Inhabiting
within the Bounds and Limitts
above menconed now Called
Pensilvania

By ordr in Councell &c.

John West, Clk.

Okder, directing the Magistrates at Deale, alias Horekil, Del.,
TO search for the records, retained by Cornelis Verhoofe, the

FORMER CLERK.

An Order For the Magistrates att

Deale to Search For the Records.
By the Commander in Cheife.
Whereas Complaint hath been made to me that Cornelis Verhoofe notwithstanding
For Severall Misdeamenors he is Dismissed From Being Clerk of the Court and an other
appointed in his Stead hath and Doth Detaine and Refuse to Deliver the Records and
papers Belonging to the said Court, These are therefore in his Ma"''' name to Authorize
and Require you to make Demand and on his Refusuall to Deliver to make Search and
Enquiry For the said Records and Papers where you Shall Suspect the Same to be and
then if they shall be Found to Deliver to W"? Clerke the p''sent Clerke of the Court &
if they Shall not be Found and on Demand made the said Cornelis Verhoffe Shall Still
Refuse to Deliver them to you, you are to Binde the said Cornelis Verhoofe over to
the Generall Court of Assizes to answer the Same For which this shall be yo"" warrant.
Given under my hand In New Yorke the 15 Day of August 1681

A. B.
To the Magistrates Court
and Sherriffe att Deale
Ats WTiorekill DeUaware <%&

668 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.

Letter from Commander Brockholes to the Magistrates at St.
Jones, Del., allaying their fears of an attack by Lord
Baltimore.

A Letter From Cap? BrockhoUs to
the Magistrates at S' Jones Dellaware.

New Yorke, August the 30'? 1681.
Gentlemen :

I am much Surprized att yo'' Apprehencons of my Lord Boltimore Innovateing yo'
Parts by Force Signified to me by Lre From W- Justice Whitwell and John Hillyard
which I believe he will in noe wise Attempt now whatever he hath Done Formerly
therefore Cann Give noe other Direccons then that you Fully Assert and Maintaine
yo' Authority and Rights against any that shall oppose or annoy you and if any
Demand or Pretence made to take noe notice thereof, But Reffer them heither and in noe
Case admitt any Charge or Alteracon or any p''tended Court or Authority without
orrd":' From my Selfe who am Resolved to keepe yo' Parts as Settled und' this his
Roy'.' Highnesse Governm?, and to the Vttermost p'serve the Rights and property of the
Inhabitants From any Innovacon whatsoever and Remaine

Yo' Affectionate Friend

A. B.

Letter from Commander Brockholes to the Governor of
V Pennsylvania, REQnESTiNG him to assist Ephraim Harman to

collect quit-rents due for lands now under the jurisdiction
of Pennsylvania.

A Letter From Cap? Brockholls to
the Governour of Pensilvania.

New Yorke January 26'? 1681.
Honor* ST.

This may acquaint you that I have Authorized and Continued W. Ephraim Herman

to be Collector and Receiver of the Quitt Rents Due and in Arreare in Delaware

River and Dependencyes, and Being Informed That Severall P'sons now under Your

Government are in Arreare For the Same Doe Desire Your Favor and Assistance to the

said Collector in the Receipt thereof, Assureing You I shall be Ready on all Occasions

to Serve You in any thing in these Parts and to Heare of Your Health and Prosperity

and the Continuance of Neighbourly Correspondency much Wished For by

Honor* Sr

Yo' Aflfectionate Friend

and Humble Servant

A. B.

Kew York Historical Records. 669

Order op Commander Brookholls 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.

The Commander and Councells Dec" on EsqT Penns Grant for New Castle,
S? Jones and Whorekill &c.

By the Commander in Chiefs and Councell &c.
Whereas his Roy'.' High? hath been Gratiously Pleased by Indenture under his Hand'
and Seale bearing Date the twenty Fourth Day of August Last past for the Consideracon
therein Menconed to bargaine sell Enfeoffe and Confirme unto William Penn Esqr his
Heires and Assignes for Ever All that the Towne of New Castle otherwise Called Delaware
and all that Tract of LandLyeing within the Compasse or Circle of Twelve miles about the
Same with all Islands and the River and Soile thereof Lyeing North of the Southermost
Parte of the said Circle and all Rents and Services, Royaltyes, Franchizes, Dutyes,
Jurisdiccon, Privilidges and Libertyes thereunto belonging and by another Indenture of
the Same Date For the Consideracon therein Likewise Menconed hath alsoe Bargained
Sold Enfeoffed and Confirmed unto the said William Penn EsqT his Heires and Assignes For
Ever all that Tract of Land upon Dellaware River and Bay beginning twelve miles South
from the Towne of New Castle otherwise called Delaware And Extending South to the
Whore kills Otherwise Called Cape in Lopen with all Isles, Rivers, Rivoletts, Bayes and
Inletts, Royaltties Franchizes Powers Privilidges and Immunityes whatsoever and in and
by the said Indentures Appointed and Authorized John Moll EsqV and Ephraim Harman
Gent" to Deliver to him the said William Penn Free and actuall Possession of the Premisses
by the said Indentures here produced and Shewne to us and by us well approved of and
Entred in the Publique Records of this Province Doth and may more att Large appeare
and wee being thereby Fully Sattisfied of the said W? Penns Right to the Possession and
Enjoyment of the Premises have theretofore thought Fitt and Necessary to Signifie and
Declare the Same to you to Prevent any Doubt or Trouble that might Arrise or Accrue
And To give you your thanks for your Good services Done in your Severall Offices and
Stations During the time you Remained under his Roy'.' High? Governm' Expecting noe
further Account then that you Readyly Submitt and Yeald all due obedience and
Conformity to the Powers Granted to the said William Penn in and by the said Indentures
In the Performance and Injoym' of which wee. wish you all Happiness. Dated in New
Yorke the 21'? Day of November 1682 :

To the Several Justices of the
Peace Magistrates and other
officers att New Castle S? Jones
Deale als Whore kill att Delaware
or within any of the Bounds &
Limitts above menconed.

9707

mm