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DOCUMENTS
RELATIVE TO THE
COLONIAL HISTORY
OF THE
STATE OF NEW-YORK;
PROCURED IN
HOLLAND, ENGLAND AND FRANCE,
JOHN PtOMEYN BRODHEAD, ESQ.,
AGENT,
UNDBB AND BY VIRTUE OF AN ACT OF THE LEGISLATUEE, ENTITLED "AN ACT TO APPOINT AN AGENT VO
PBOOURE AND TEANSOEIBE DOCUMENTS IN EUROPE RELATIVE TO THE COLONIAL HISTORY
OF THE STATE," PASSED MAY 2, 1839.
"! "'""''' *"" "^ ""^""^ "'' '"' *" "'' ''^^ LEGISLATURE, ENTITLED "aN ACT TO PROTIDE FOB THE PUBLISHING 9P
CERTAIN DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE COLONIAL HISTORY OP THE STATE," PASSED MARCH 30, 1849 AND AN ACT EN«.
TLED AN ACT IN RELATION TO THE COLONIAL HISTORY OF THE STATE, AND THE PUBLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION
THEREOF," PASSED APRIL 12, 1856.
E. B. O'CALLAGHAN, M. D., LL. D.
VOL. 11.
ALBANY:
WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY, PRINTERS.
1858.
)
/
Volumes III., IV., V., VI., VII. and IX. of this work were published under the direction of the Governor,
Skcretaut of State and CourTROLLER of the State of New- York ; and the publication has been completed
under the authority of the Regexts of the University, in virtue of the Act of the Legislature to that effect,
passed April 12, 1856.
The Documents in Dutch and French were translated by E. B. 0'Callagiia.n, M. D., LL. D., who was
employed for that purpo.se, and to superintend the publication generally.
TRANSCRIPTS OF DOCUMENTS
SOTAL ABCHTVES AT THE HAGUE; IN THE STAD-HUTS OF THE CITY OF AMSTERDAM, AND IN THB
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, ALBANY, NEW-YORK.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VIII-XVL
1657-1678.
I tiv^tsj 1^
IV
CONTENTS.
Pagb.
January 3. Memorial of Don Esteyan de Gamarra y Contrevas, the SpaniBh Ambassador, to the States-General ^
respecting the case of the Pilot, Jan Gallardo, <Sic.,
January 4 Resolution of the States-General referring the foregoing memorial to a committee, <tc ^
January 15. Resolution authorizing a subsidy of 10,000 guilders for New Netherland
January 25. Resolution of the States-General upon the report of the abovenamed committee, &c »
January 25. Letter of the States-General to Director Stuyvesant, thereupon ' '^ [' i" "'l"'J
March 9. Resolution of the Common CouncU of Amsterdam that a Clergyman and 300 colonists be sent to its
Colonic in New Netherland. and 36,000 guilders advanced, • • • ■ •
April 12 Letter of the Common Council of Amsterdam to Director Stuyvesant on the matter of Gallardo 4
April is! Letter of Yice-Director Alrichs to the Commissioners of the city's Colonic on the Delaware river 4
May 7. Letter of Vice-Director Alrichs to the Burgomasters of Amsterdam,
May 8. Letter of Vice-Director Alrichs to the Commissioners of the city's Colonic,
May 8. Bond for Nine Tliousand guilders borrowed for the Colonic on the Delaware nver, _. ^
May 25 Letter of Vice Director Alrichs to the Commissioners of the city's Colonic on the Delaware river, 13
July 4. Resolution authorizing a further subsidy of fi.OOO guilders for that Colonic ••••••••;••. ;; '
August 10. Letter of Evert Petersen, Schoolmaster at New Amstcl, to the Commissioners of the Colon.e on the ^^
Delaware river, ■" •■"" .j,
August 13. Letter of Vice-Director Alrichs to the Commissioners of the Colonie on the Delaware, ..............
Sep°tember 7. Resolution of the Common CouncQ of Amsterdam appointing a committee to inquire into the affairs cf ^^
the Colonie on the Delaware • • ■ ;
October 1 3. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam to advance 1 6,000 guilders for that Colonic,
1658. . 22
AprU 11. Resolution for a further subsidy of 20,000 guilders for that Colonie
Papers relating to the case of Jan Gaillardo and his Negro Slaves :
April 25. Letter of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company to the States-General
Oclofer 20. Letter of Director Stuyvesant and the Council of New Netherland to the States-General in reply to ^^
theirs of January 25th, 1657
1656. txe
September 6. Petition of Jan Gaillardo to the Director and Council of New Netherland ^^
April 10. Declaration of Jan Gaillardo before a Notary
September 6. Extract from the register of the Director and Council of New Netherland ^^
November 1. Declaration of Adriaen Janssen before Secretary Van Ruy ven ■'■,■■■,■■■,■ oq
Answer of Juan Gaillardo to the resolution of the Director and Council of New N ethcrland, 29
October 31. Extracts from various papers respecting the Negroes, Ac, claimed by Gaillardo, &c.
August 24. Extract from the register of the Director and Council of New Netherland, 33
August 29. Reply of Jan Gaillardo, <tc., at New Amsterdam
September 4. Extract from the register of the Director, Ac, of New Netherland, thereupon, ^^
September 15. Rejoinder of Jan Gaillardo, &c.,
Letter of Secretary Van Ruyven to the committee upon Gaillardo's case, *c. 40
September 4. Examination of Nicholas Bernard before a committee in the City Hall of New Amsterdam 41
vi CONTENTS.
1657. Page.
October 22. Report of the comtnitteo on the case of Jan Gaillardo 42
1662.
July 1 2. Declaration before the Dutch Consul at Cadiz, Ac., 44
1654.
June IG. License from Director Stuyvesant to Carsten Jeroensen, Captain of a yacht, to go to Curarao, Ac. 44
June 21. Instructions to Skipper Jeroensen, 45
1657.
May 25. Letter of Skipper Jeroensen to Director Stuy vesant, 49
1C58.
April 2G. Resolution of the States-General referring the foregoing documents to a committee, Ac 47
May 3. Resolution of the States-General referring to a committee a letter of the West India Company respect-
ing tlie ratification, by the English government, of the Provisional Boundary agreed to at Hartford, 47
May 31. Resolution of the States-General referring to a committee a petition of the West India Company praying
that the exportation of arms and ammunition to New Netherland may be prohibited, 48
June 6. Resolution of the States-General upon the report of the abovenamed committee 48
July 1 8. Account of moneys borrowed for the city's Colonie at New Netherland, at interest to date 48
October 10. Letter of Vice-Director Alrichs to the Commissioners of the city's Colonie on the Delaware, 49
October 1?. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam referring the condition of its Colonie to a committee, 66
December 20. Resolution of said Council upon the report of their committee to alter the articles, Ac, 67
1659.
February 13. Letter of the Chamber at Amsterdam to the Director and Council of New Netherland 58
Remonstrance of the Commissioners of the city's Colonie on the Delaware recommending a modifica-
tion of the Conditions, 68
March 10. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam upon the above remonstrance 59
April 22. Letter of the Comniis=ioners of the City's Colonie to Vice-Director Alrichs, 60
Juno 25. Letter of Vice-Director Alrichs to Governor Feudal!, of Maryland 64
June 27. Calculation of expenses, Ac, for the transportation of 100 persons to New Netherland, 65
August 13. Letter of Governor Fendall, of Maryland, to Vice-Director Alrichs, 67
September 23. Extract from the proceedings of the XIX. of the West India Company, respecting New Netherland, ... 72
September 9. Protest of the Vice-Director and Council at New Amstel against Lord Baltimore's claims, 73
Septfmber 20. Letter of Vice-Director Alrichs to the Commissioners of the city's Colonie 75
Septembcr21. Letter of Vice-Director Alrichs to Burgomaster Cornelis de Graeff, 76
September 30. Resolution of the Common Councilor Amsterdam to surrender the city's Colonie to the West India
Company, 78
September 30. Order appointing a day of General Fasting and Prayer, 78
October 6. Vindication of the Dutch title to the Delaware river, or Declaration and Manifest on behalf of the
Director-General and Council of New Netlierland, delivered to the Governor and Council of
Maryland 80
Extract from Lord Baltimore's patent, 84
October 17. Observations of Messrs. Ileermans and Waldron on Lord Baltimore's patent 86
October 17. Letter of the Governor and Council of Maryland to the Direc'or and Council of New Netherland, 66
October. Journal kept by Augustine Ileermans of his erabas.<y from New Netherland to the Governor and
Council of Maryland 88
October 21. Letter of Messrs. Ileermans and Waldron to Director Stuy vesant, 99
November 8. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam to grant a further subsidy of 12,000 guilders for tho
city's Colonie on the Delaware river 100
November 18. Return of loans elTected on account of the city's Colonic at New Netherland, at interest of SJ per
cent, to this day 101
November 18. Extracts from tlie records of the Vice-Director, Council and Schepens of the Colonie at New Amstel, 103
Letter of Sheriff Van Sweringen to tho Commissioners of the city's Colonie on the Delaware river,. . . 106
December 8. Letter of Sheriff Van Sweringen on affairs in the city's Colonie 108
December 12. Letter of Alexander d'llinojosn to tho Commissioners at Amsterdam, together with sundry accounts, 109
December 12. Letter of Vice-Director Alrichs to the Commissioners of the Colonie on tho Delaware river 112
December 21. Letter of Skipper Jacob Janscn Ilnys to the Commissioners of the city's Colonie, dated on board the
galiot 2fcw Amstel, lying at The Ferry at Manhattans, 114
CONTENTS.
VII
1660.
August 25.
September 25.
August 23.
July 3.
July 24.
September 1.
September 30.
November 5.
November 5.
November 5.
1633.
Juno
8.
October
25.
1640.
October
15.
1641.
1642.
April
9.
1641.
April
8.
1640.
May
13.
May
16.
May
19.
1641.
October
10.
1653.
May
20.
1655.
March
9.
1660.
August
20.
1651.
September 14.
September 25.
1653.
December 27.
1655.
April
2.
April
19.
Page.
Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam referring a memorial of the Commissioners on the
affairs of the Colonic, 115
Papers relating to the controversy with Lord Bal timore 116
Protest of Captain James Neale, Agent of Lord Baltimore, against the West India Company, 117
Letter of Charles II. to the Governor of Virginia commanding him to assist Lord Baltimore against
Governor Fendal and his faction in Maryland 118
Letter of Attorney from Lord Baltimore to Captain Neale, 119
Answer of the Board of the XIX. of the West India Company to Captain Neale's protest 120
Letter of Skipper Jacob Jansen Huys to the Commissioners of the Colonic on the Delaware river, 1 24
Letter of the West India Company to the States-Gener.al inclosing sundry papers on Boundaries, 125
Deduction respecting the differences about Boundaries, ifec, in New Netherland 127
Memorial of the West India Company to the States-General respecting the differences on the South
river with Lord Baltimore, <tc. 131
Deduction, or Brief and clear Account of the situation of New Netherland ; who were its first discover-
ers and settlers, &c., and the unseemly and hostile usurpations, by the neighboring English, of the
lands within the West India Company's limits 133
Condition and Agreement entered into between Commissary Jacob van Curler and the Chiefs of the
Sickenames 139
Protest of the Director and Council of New Netherland against William Holmes' settling on the Fresh
river, 140
Remonstrance of Commissary Opdyck respecting the violent and hostile proceedings of the English at
Fort Hope, on the Fresh river, 141
Notice of Director Ivieft to Captain Patrick that the land he has settled on belongs to the Dutch 142
Particulars of further aggressions of the English at Fort Hope, 142
Submission of Captain Daniel Patrick to the Dutch, 144
Protest of Director Kiefl against Robert Coghwel, about to proceed to the South river 144
Commission and Instructions to Secretary Van Tienhoven, about to proceed against some foreigners
and vagabonds who have landed on Long Island, 144
Examinations of divers Englishmen taken on Long Island, 146
Agreement of said Englishmen to abandon Long Island, 150
Power of Attorney to the Reverend Hugh Peters from the Governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut,
to treat with the Dutch West India Company respecting the land on the Fresh river 150
Proposals of the Reverend Hugh Peters to the Dutch West India Company 160
Vindication of Captain John Underbill, setting forth the causes which impel him and others to renounce
the Dutch government and to submit to the Parliament of England, . . . , 161
Proclamation issued at Gravesend, Long Island, establishing the laws and republic of England, 153
Letter of the Magistrates of Gravesend, Long Island, to the Directors at Amsterdam expressive of their
happiness under the government of Director Stuy vesant, &c., 164
Letter of the Magistrates of Gravesend to the Directors at Amsterdam, against an elective Governor
and other popular clamors 1 64
Letter of the Magistrates of Heemstedo to the Directors at Amsterdam in defence of Director
Stuy vesant's government, <fec., 166
Letter of the Magistrates of Gravesend to the Directors at Amsterdam in vindication of their loyalty
to the Dutch, 163
Protest .igainst John Levereth, who is settled at Oyster bay 160
Protest against Thomas Pel for settling in Westchester, 161
vlii CONTENTS.
1667. Pagb.
Aagost 24. Letter of Director Stuyvcsant to the Magistrates of Graresend, L. I., ordering tbem to send him the
letter adJreesed by Protector Cromwell to the English of Long Island ;• 162
October 30. Letter of the Director and Council of New Netherland forwarding to the Directors aSAmsterdam the
Protector's letter, 163
1627.
Beptember 5. Order of King Charles I., in Council, 163
1600.
November 5. Kesolution of the States-General to write to their Ambassadors at London, and to send the foregoing
papers to them, itc., 164
NoTember 5. Letter of the States-General to their Ambassadors at Loudon, thereupon 164
November 16. Eesolutiou of the Common Council of Amsterdam, appropriating 6,000 guilders for the pressing neces-
sities of the Colonie on the Delaware river, <to. 1 64
1661.
January 6. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam, granting a further subsidy of 15,250 guilders, 165
Report of the Commissioners of the city's Colonie to the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, concerning
alterations in the conditions, io., 165
March 9. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam to maintain the Colonie on the Delaware river, 167
July 19. Resolution of the Commissioners of the city's Colonie on the Delaware river, . 171
August 1 8. Proposals for subscriptions to the stock of the Colonie on the Delaware river 171
November 9. Directors at Amsterdam to Director Stuy vesant (with ) 173
Proposals of the city of Amsterdam, and further privileges granted to its Colonie on the Delaware
river 173
Further enlargement of the privileges granted to the city's Colonip on tlio Delaware river, 175
1662.
April 20. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam, to loan 100 guilders to each of the twenty-five
families of Monnonists going to the Delaware river, 176
June 9. Contract with Peter Cornelis riocldioy to convey Mennonists to the Delaware 176
September 16. Letter of Director Stuy vesant to the Magistrates of New Amstel, 178
September 16. Letter of Director Stuyvcsant to the Chamber nt Amsterdam, 178
November 8. Return of Monthly payments on account of the Colonic on the Delaware river, from 18th November,
1659, to 3d November, 1062 179
List of emigrants going to the city's Colonie on the Delaware river 183--
List of goods, Ac., to be sent to the city's Colonie on the Delaware river, 183
List of farming implements required for the citj's Colonie on the Delaware river, 184
Return of ammunition and stores to bo sent to the city's Colonie on the Delaware river, 186
November 14. Account, d bit and credit, of receipts and disbursements for the city's Colonie on the Delaware river, 1S6
Letter of thj Commissioners of the city's Colonic to the Burt msters of Amsterdam 196
1663.
February 8. Resolution of the Directors of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company, in answer to
certain proposals from the Burgomasters of Amsterdam respecting the surrender of both sides of
the Delaware river to that city, etc., 197
Febniary 22. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam referring certain matters affecting the city's Colonie
on the Delaware river to a committee, <ie 200
Some Thoughts on the city's Colonie on the Delaware river 200
Enlarged conditions for the Colonie on the Delaware river, S02
March 10. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam to continue assistance to the city's Colonie on the
Delaware river, 204
March 16. Further resolution of the Council upon the same subject, 205
July. Aug. Resolutions of the Chamber at Amsterdam touching the city's Colonie on the Delaware river 206
August 10. Report of the Commissionera and Dircetoi-s of the city's Colonie to the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, . 209
August 10. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam to send a ship to the city's Colonie on the Delaware
river, 212
October 23. Further proposal of the Commissioners and Directors, concerning the affairs of the city's Colonie, sub-
mitted to the Burgomasters of Amsterdam 213
October 24. Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam on the aforesaid proposal, 216
Remonstrance of the West India Company to the States-General, complaining of Ihe encroachments of
the English on New Netherland 216
Dcc«mber 20. RcsoluUon of the Slates-General referring said remonslr.ince S17
CONTENTS.
IX
1664.
January 20.
January 21.
January 21.
January 23.
Janu.iry 23.
January 23.
February 29.
April 21.
April 23.
June 19.
June 19.
June 27.
June
27.
July
8.
July
8.
July
8.
July
16.
August
15.
August
15.
August
19.
August
25.
Septembe
r 5.
September 6.
September 12.
October
6.
October
6.
October
9.
October
9.
October
8.
October
9.
October
24.
October
24.
October
25.
October
24.
Page.
Letter of the Directors at Amsterdam to the Director and Council of New Netherland respecting the
eu roachments of the English in that country, itc 218
Memor. .1 of the Directors of the West India Company, &a., to the States-General, complaining of the
continued unlawful proceedings of the English in New Netherland, &c 224
Resolution of the States-General referring the foregoing memorial to their committee, 226
Resolution of the States-General that the Ambassadors, about to be sent to London, be instructed to
insist upon the ratification, by the English, of the Treaty of Hartford ; and also that an act be
passed, under the Great Seal, defining the limits of New Netherland, as therein settled 227
Declaration of the States-General in favor of the title of the Dutch West India Company to New
Netherland, 228
Letter of the States-General to the towns in New Netherland, <fec 229
Letter of the Director-General and Council of New Netherland to the Amsterdam Chamber of the West
India Company respecting the encroachments of the English, 230
Letter of the Chamber at Amsterdam to the Director and Council of New Netherland ; Commissioners
"bout to proceed to New England to install Bishops there 235
Letter of King Charles II. to the Governors of New England to assist in reducing New Netherland, . . . 237
Letter of Mr. Harald Appelboom, the Swedish Resident at the Hague, to the States-General, respecting
the " Elucidation " contained in the Treaty of Elbing 238
Resolution of the States-General thereupon 239
Memorial of Mr. Appelboom, the Swedish Minister, to the States-General respecting the restoration of
the Colony on the South river 240
Memorial of Mr. Appelboom, the Swedish Minister, to the States-General in support of the good and
complete right of the Crown of Sweden to Nova Sueoia, 241
Resolution of the States-General referring the foregoing memorials to the West India Company, <feo.,. . 242
Letter of the West India Company to the Burgomasters at Amsterdam respecting the English
aggressions, (fee. 243
Letter of the Commissioners and Directors of the Colonic on the Delaware river on the same subject, . . 244
Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam referring to a committee thetwo preceding letters
concerning the aggressions of the English on New Netherland, <feo 245
Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam to assist the Company with ships, &a 245
Resolution of the States-General upon the memorials of the Swedish Miuister, abovementioned, 246
Letter of the States-General to the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company, thereupon 247
Resolution of the States-General upon the memorial of the Swedish Minister 247
Resolution of the States-General upon the receipt of despatches from the Ambassador at London, .... 247
Remonstrance of the people of New Netherland, to the Director and Council, against resisting the
English and urging a capitnlation, 248
Articles of capitulation on t'-c reduction of New Netherland by the English, 250
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch respecting the news that New Netherland
is reduced by the English, Ac, 253
Letter of the West India Company to the States-General (with ), 254
Observations upon the memorial of Sir George Downing, the English Ambassador, about the differences
with the Company, &c 255
Resolution of the States-General referring the foregoing observations to a committee, &a 258
Letter of the West India Company to the States-General, in answer to their High Mightinesses' letter
of August 15th, about the Swedes on the South river, <fec. 268
Resolution of the States-General, referring the foregoing letter to their committee, &c. 259
Resolution of the States-General, approving the draft of a reply to the King of England's answer to
various memorials presented to his Majesty by Ambassador Van Gogh, &c 260
Reply of the States-General to the King of England's answer, &o 261
Letter of the West India Company to the States-General, acquainting them with the surrender of New
Netherland to the English, &c 272
Resolution of the States-General, to send copies of the foregoing to all the Provinces, and also to their
Ambassador at London, Ac. 272
Resolution of the States of Holland upon the foregoing papers, &c 273
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh to the States-General, 274
CONTENTS.
1CC4.
October
31.
October
31.
October
31.
November
7.
Novcraber
6.
November
6.
November 13.
November 14.
December
6.
December
5.
December
11.
December 11.
December
12.
December
12.
December 18.
December
18.
December
18.
December
19.
Marcli
12.
December 20.
December
30.
December 31.
lec".
January
1.
January
8.
January
30.
Januarv
30.
February
6.
February
7.
February
9.
Fibruaiy
9.
February
9.
April
17.
May
19.
May
29,
Page.
Kesolution of the States of Holland upon the subject of the restitntiou of New Nctherland, unjustly and
violcntl3' taken by the King of England, <tc. £75
Kesolution of the States-General, further instructing Ambassador Van Gogh in regard to the affair of
New Xetherland, <tc., 276
Letter of the States-General to Auibassa lor Van Gogh thereupon, inclosing copy of the West India
Company's remonstrance, 277
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh transmitting an account of his audience with King Charles II. on the
subject of the taking of New Nethcrland, ic, 277
Memorial addressed by Ambassador Van Gogh to the King of England on the subject of the English
aggressions in New Netherland, Ac, ... 280
Another memorial from Ambassador Van Gogh to King t'harles IL on the same subject, 281
Letter of the States-General to all the Provinces upon the receipt of the foregoing despatches, urging
pronijit preparations for v< a , A'C 282
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh to Secreta y Ruysch, respecting New Netherland, ifcc, 283
Memorial of Sir George Downing, the English Ambassador to the States-General, complaining of their
conduct, itc, 285
Resolution of the StatesGenv al referring the above mera':)rial to their committee, ic 2SC
Resolution of the States-General upon the ft regoing memorial, 286
Letter of the States-General to their Ambassadors at London, Paris, <tc., (hereupon, 288
Secret resolution of the States-General to victual the fleet under Viee-Admiral de Ruyter 288
Letter of instructions of the Slates General to Vice- Admiral de Ruyter, 288
Secret resolution of the States-Ge i- ral, approving draft of a letter to the King of France, in regard to
the hostile aggressions of England, ic 289
Letter of the Slates-General to the King of France, thereupon, 290
Letter of the States-General to M. Van Beuningen, their Ambassador at Paris, inclosing the above, .... 291
Letter of Aniba<;a 'or Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch, containing an account of his audiences with the
King and the Duke of Yi rk, Ac 291
Grant of New Netherland to the Duke of York 291
Memorial of Sir George Downing, the English Ambassador to the States-General, justifying the conduct
of the King of England and complaining of the States, <te, 299
Resolution of the States-General referring tlie foregoing memorial to a committee, itc 304
Resolution of the Slates-General to write to the Kings of Sweden and Denmark to the same purport
as to the King of France on the 18lh December, respecting the conduct of the English, <tc., 305
Resolution of the States-General referring letters from their Ambassador at London to a committee,.. 305
Secret resolution of the States-General to write to their Ambassador at Paris respecting the accommo-
dation of the diflerences with England, the restitution of New Netherland, itc SO J
Resolution of the Slates-General to write to the different Boards of Admiralty, ic, that the States are
obliged to come to an open rupture with England, <t' S06
Letter of the States-General to the West India Company respecting reprisals against England, etc., 306
Resolution of tlie S:ates-General authorizing the West India Company to do all the harm they can to
England, Ac 30^
Report to the States-General of a draft of a Deduclion or answer to the memorial of Sir George
Downing, the English Ambassador, of 30th December last, 307
Resolution of the States-General approving the same and ordering copies to be communicated to the
Kings of France, Sweden and Denmark, itc, 307
Letter of the States-General inclosing copies of their manifesto to their Ambassadors in France,
England, Sweden and Denmark 308
Observations of the States-General in reply to the last memori.al of Sir George Downing, of the
20th December, 1664 309
Abstract of the preceding observations or manifesto 330
Reply of Sir George Downing to the Dutch manifesto of February 9th, 1665 331
Resolution referring to a committee the subject of the obligations of the city of Amsterdam for the
Colonic on the Delaware river, 336
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary Euysch, respecting the differences with the English about
New Netherland, ic 3S6
CONTENTS.
n
1665.
May
25.
June
6.
June
29.
June
29.
July
3.
July
6.
July
10.
July
23.
July
30.
August
16.
August
17.
August
20.
August
26.
August
28.
August
29.
August
29.
September 1.
September 27.
October
7.
October
16.
October
16.
October
19.
October
19.
1664.
July
8.
July
14.
August
29.
September 3.
1665.
October
12.
1664.
February
17.
August
28.
August
29.
1065.
May
0.
October
19.
December 19.
December 19.
December 19.
December 31,
Page.
Memorial submitted by Ambassador Van Gogh to the Ambassadors of France in Eagland, as mediators,
respecting the differences between the States-General and the King of Great Britain, S39
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch 340
Resolution returning the thanks of the Common Council of Amsterdam to their committee, &c., 340
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch, respecting the mediation of the French Ambas-
sadors, &c., 340
Resolution of the States-General, referring the foregoing letter to a committee, &c., ; 342
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch, respecting New Netherland, &c.,'.- 343
Answer of the King of Great Britain to the French Ambassadors, as mediators, respecting the differ-
ences between England and the United Provinces, &c., 346
Resolution of the States-General, referring the foregoing documents to a committee, &c 347
Resolution of the States of Holland, &c., upon the foregoing documents, &c., 347
Resolution of the States-General to write to the East and West India Companies on the subject of the
above documents, &c., 347
Letter of Ambassador Van Beuningen to Secretary Ruysch, respecting the French mediation 348
Letter of Ambassador Van Beuningen to Secretary Ruysch, on same subject, 351
Proposition made on the part of the King of France to the King of England, regarding the differences
with the Dutch 352
Secret resolution of the States-General upon the foregoing letters of JI. Van Beuningen, 352
Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam, that the inhabitants of the city's Colonie be admit-
ted to the " Burger Recht " of that city, , 354
Resolution of the States of Holland, &c., upon the foregoing letters of Ambassador Van Beuningen,.. 354
Answer of the King of England to the proposition of the King of France, 355
Resolution of the States-General upon the preceding resolution of the States of Holland, &e 355
Resolution of the States-General upon the report of their committee of conference with the East and
West India Companies, &c., 356
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch, respecting New Netherland affairs, &c., 356
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch, upon the same subject, 359
Letter of the West India Company to the States-General, announcing the arrival at the Hague of Peter
Stuyvesant, formerly Director of New Netherland, 361
Resolution of the States-General, ordering Mr. Stuyvesant to make his report in writing, &c., 361
Report of the Honorable Peter Stuyvesant, late Director-General of New Netherland, on the causes
which led to the surrender of that country to the English 363
Memorial of Mr. Stuyvesant to the States-General, inclosing his report, 364
List of papers which Mr. Stuyvesant hath delivered in support of his report, 370
Letter of Director Stuyvesant to the officers at Fort Orange, 3=?1
Answer of the officers at Fort Orange to Director Stuyvesant, 371
Letter of Director Stuyvesant to the officers at Fort Orange, 372
Answer of the officers of Fort Orange thereto, 373
Certificate of Herman Martensen van den Bosch and Dirk Looten, 373
Letter of the Magistrates of Amersfoort, Breuckelen, and the other Dutch towns on Long Island, to
the Director and CouncU, 375
Letter of Director Stuyvesant and Council to the Dutch towns on Long Island, 376
Answer of the Dutch towns thereto, 376
Extract of a letter from Mr. Cornelis van Ruyven to the West India Company, 377
Resolution of the States-General referring the foregoing documents to a committee, &c., 378
Resolution of the States-General to send the report of the above committee to the West India
Company, &c., . . • ■ • • 878
Resolution of the States-General referring the petition of Mr. Stuyvesant, for his passport to return
to New Netherland, to the West India Company, 378
Letter of the States-General to the Chamber at Amsterdam, thereupon, 379
Rejoinder of the States-General to Sir George Downing's reply of^ the 17th April, 1665, 379
xn
CONTENTS.
1G51.
September 29,
1GG3.
October 20.
December.
lCC-1.
Jannarj- 11
January 11
January 12.
January 11.
January 15.
January
September.
September 9.
September 2.
16C5.
December 31.
December 4.
1666.
January 11.
January 1.
January 12.
April 2.
April 2.
April
17.
October 29.
October 29.
October 29,
November.
November.
1GC5.
October.
16G6.
August 17.
August 17.
Page.
Letter of Messrs. Willet and Baxter, respecting the negotiation of the Treaty at Hartford, 384
E.Ktraot from the Journal of the Dutch Dei)Uties to Boston 385
Journal kept liy Messrs. Van Ruyven, Van Cortlant and Lamence, delegates to the General Assembly
at Hartford, 385
Record of the jiroceedings with Captain Jolin Scott on Long Island:
Letter of Captain John Scott to the Honorable Peter Stuyresant, " General of the Dutch on the
Manhattans," ^^•^
Report of the Dutch Commissioners sent to discover Captain Scott's object, 394
Letter of Director Sluyvesant to Captain John Scott, calling for his commission, 395
Letter of Director Stuy vesant to Captain John Scott, informing him that the Dutch Commissioners will
meet him, 2^"
Commission issued to Messrs. ^an Euyvcn, Van Cortlant, Steenwyck and Lawrence, to treat with
Captains Scott and Young 396
Letter of Director Stuy vesant and Council to Captain John Scott, by the aforesaid Commissioners, 396
Memorandum of instructions for the aforesaid Commissioners, 399
Report of the aforesaid Commissioners, 399
Remonstrance of the Magistrates of Amersfoort, Breuckelen, Midwout and Utrecht, to the Director
and Council of New Netherland, 401
Smidry ailidavits and letters, respecting the violent proceedings of Captain Scott and the English on
Long Island, and elsewhere 403
Extract of the proclamation distributed among the Dutch by the Ejjglish Commissioners 410
Journal of the principal events which occurred in the attack on and reduction of New Netherland,.. . 410
Letter of Director Stuyvesant to Colonel Richard Nicols, in support of the Dutch Title to New
Netherland, 411
Resolution of the States- General, approving of the draft of the rejoinder to Sir George Downing, and
ordering it to be printed, 415
Letter of Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch, 416
Propositions made by the French Ambassadors at London, as mediators, &c., respecting the cession of
New Netherland, &c., 419
Letter of the West India Company to the Slates-General (inclosing), 419
Observations of the West India Company on the report of Ex-Director Stuyvesant, 419
Resolution of the States-General, referring the foregoing documents to their committee, &c., 423
Memorial of Ex-Director Stuyvesant to the States General, praying for a copy of the observations, &c., 424
Resolution of the States-General referring tlie foregoing niomorial and accomi)anying papers to their
committee, 425
Resolution of the States-General, ordering copy of the observations of the West India Company to be
given to Ex-director Stuyvesant, &c., 425
Answer of Ex-Director Stuyvesant to the observations of the West India Company, 427
Memorial of Ex-Director Stuyvesant to the States-General, praying that the documents and answer
submitted by him to the States-General may be considered sufficient for his justification, &c., and
that he be permitted to return to New Netherland, 428
Resolution of the States-General, referring the foregoing documents, 4)7
Letter of Ex-Director Stuyvesant to the committee of the States-General, 447
List of the papers submitted by Ex-Director Stuyvesant to the Slates-General, 448
Letter of Ex-Director Stuyvesant to the Chamber at Amsterdam, with a copy of his answer, and a
minute of the Directors' rejily referring him to Mr. Do Witt, Grand Pensionary, 451
General account of powder received and expended iu New Netherland, from lOGl to 1664, 452
Declaration of iEgidius Luyck and others, that there was not powder enough to defend Fort Amsterdam, 469
Letter of Mr. Cornells van Ruyven to Ex-Director Stuyvesant, expressive of the sense ho entertains of
his services, and regretting the persecution to which he is subjected, 472
Declaration of Messrs. Van Ruyven and Bayard, respecting the efforts made by Mr. Stuyvesant to
obtain provisions in New England, 473
CONTENTS.
xiu
1666.
1663.
November 2,
1664.
Jan'y, Feb'y.
1663.
November 10.
1667.
March 9.
March 12.
1664.
June 10.
September 16.
June 10.
August 4.
September 16.
1663.
November 10.
1664.
February 29.
January 15.
1663.
November 10.
1667.
March 4.
March 12.
March 3.
March 25.
March
25.
April
2.
July
19.
August
August 25.
August 30.
August 30.
October 1.
October 12.
October 12.
October 20.
October 31.
Page.
Sundry other papers showing the efforts made to obtain provisions, and the weakness of Fort Amster-
dam, previous to the coming of the English, 474
Remonstrance of the Burgomasters and Schepens of New Amsterdam, and of the Delegates of the
adjoining Dutch towns, to the Directors of the West India Company Chamber at Amsterdam, 477
Divers declarations respecting the violent conduct of Captain John Scott on Long Island, 480
Letter of Director Stuyvesant to the Chamber at Amsterdam, on the low condition of New Netherland;
" it is wholly out of our power to keep the sinking ship afloat any longer," 484
Resolution of the States-General, referring to a committee the memorial of Frederick Richel to be
allowed to import tobacco from New Netherland, &c., 488
Reply of the Directors of the West India Company to the answer of Ex-Director Stuyvesant, 489
E.\tract of a letter from the Director, &c., of New Netherland, to the West India Company, 504
Extract of a letter from the Director, &c., of New Netherland, to the West India Company, 504
Extract of a letter from the Director, &c., of New Netherland, to the West India Company 504
Extract of a letter from the Director, &c., of New Netherland, to the West India Company, 605
Extract of a letter from the Director, &c., of New Netherland, to the West India Company, 505
Extract of a letter from the Director, &c., of New Netherland, to the West India Company, 506
Extract of a letter from the Director, &c., of New Netherland, to the West India Company, 606
Extract from what has passed with Captain John Scott, respecting the Duke of York's claim to Long
Island, &c., 507
Requisition for warlike stores for New Netherland, &c., 507
Declaration of Herman Martens van der Bosch, and Evert WiUiamsen Munnick, sergeants in the
service of the West India Company, respecting the circumstances of the surrender of New
Netherland to the English, &c., 508
Petition of Ex-Director Stuyvesant to the committee of the States-General, &,c., praying that the
reply of the West India Company may be communicated to him, &c., 510
Memorial of the Directors of the West India Company to the States-General, praying their High
Mightinesses to insist on the restitution of New Netherland by England, &c., 510
Memorial of the merchants and ship owners trading to Africa and America, upon the subject of the loss
of New Netherland, its restitution, &c., 511
Resolution of the States-General referring the documents relating to the proposed treaty of peace with
Great Britain, to their committee, &c., 514
Resolution of the States of Holland and West Friesland upon the above papers, 514
Further resolution of the States of Holland, &c., upon the subject of the above papers, &c., 515
Letter of the States of Utrecht to their deputies to the States-General, in relation to the case of Mr.
Van der Capelle, &c., 515
Instruction to the Dutch Plenipotentiaries at Breda, respecting the cession of New Netherland 517
Resolution of the States-General referring the documents delivered by the deputies from Utrecht
to their committee, &c., 517
Great victory obtained in the Virginias 518
Letter of Commissary Bourse to the States-General, about the capture of several English ships in
Virginia by Commander Crynssens, &c 518
Resolution of the States-General to refer the above letter to the Admiralty in Zealand, &c., 518
Letter of the States-General to the Board of Admiralty at Zealand, thereupon, 519
Resolution of the States-General on the report of their committee respecting the capture of the
English ships in Virginia 519
Resolution of the States-General to write again to the Admiralty of Zealand upon the foregoing subject, 520
Letter of the States-General to the Board of Admiralty at Zealand, thereupon, 521
Answer of the Board of Admiralty at Zealand to the States-General, 521
Resolution of the States-General thereupon, requiring a further answer of the Admiralty, 522
XIV
CONTENTS.
1G68.
January 14.
March 10.
March 10.
Marcli 20.
March 22.
107.3.
Sei)toraber 8.
October 24.
October 25.
October 24.
October 25.
October
30.
December 15.
December 19.
1074.
January
10.
January
18.
January
24.
January
29.
January
31.
February
15.
March
5.
Jlaroh
5.
March
20.
March
21.
March
20.
March
23.
March
28.
March
31.
AprU
5.
April
16.
April
IG.
April
16.
April
16.
April
16.
AprU
16.
April
27.
June
4.
1G30.
Page.
Letter of the Dutch Ambassadors at London to the States-General 623
Resolution of the States-General upon the memorial of the nierclianls trading to New Xetherland,
complaining of the proceedings of the West India Company, &c., 524
Letter of the States-General to the West India Company, thereupon, 524
Answer of the Amsterdam Chamber of (he West India Company to the States-General 625
Resolution of the States-General referring the above letter to their committee, &c., 525
Letter of the Corporation of New Orange to the States-General, 526
Letter of the Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam to the States-General respecting the proceedings of
Commanders Evertsen and lienckes, in New Netherland, &c., 527
Resolution of the States-General upon the receipt of the foregoing letter, 628
Letter of II. de Wildt, Secretary of the Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam, to Grand Pensionary Fagel,
resjiecting the re-concpiest of Xew Netherland, &c., 528
Secret resolution (jf the States-General upon the foregoing letter, respecting the preservation of Xew
N€>therland, &c., 629
Resolution of the States-General referring divers memorials of mercliants and shi]) owners, respecting
the preservation of New Netherland, to a secret committee, &c., 5.30
Secret resolution of the States-General, that the general direction of New Netherland, &c., be
entrusted to the Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam, and that Joris Andringa, now secretary of the
fleet, be appointed governor or commander thereof, &c., 5.30
Letter of the States-General to King Charles II., offering to give him back New Netherland, 631
Letter of the Corporation of the city of New Orange to the States-General, 532
Secret resolution of the States-General upon the subject of the proposed treaty of peace with
England, &r., respecting the surrender of New Netherland, &,c., 633
Secret resolution of the Slates-General upon the report of their committee on foreign affairs, with draft
of a letter to King Charles II., offering to give up New Netherland, &c., 534
Secret resolution of the States-General upon the opinion and report of the Board of Admiralty at
Amsterdam, respecting the di.sposition of matters in New Netherland, &c., 5.35
Secret resolution of the States-General approving the foregoing report and opinion of the -\dmiralty,
and ordering copies to be sent to Joris Andringa, Governor of New Netherland, &c., 537
Secret resolution of the States-General, with extracts from the despatches of the Plenipotentiaries at
Cologne, concerning the restitution of New Netherland, &c 537
Resolution of the States-General referring the letters from the Corjjoration of New Orange to the
Admiralty, &c., 638
Letter of the States-General to all the Boards of the Admiralty thereupon, 538
Letter of the Maaze Board of Admiralty to the States-General, in reply, 539
Resolution of the States-General, referring the above letter to a committee, &c 540
Letter of the Amsterdam Board of Admiralty to the States-General, on the same subject 540
Letter of a committee of New Netherland traders, to the Amsterdam Board of Admiralty, 641
Resolution of the States-General referring the foregoing documents to a committee, &c., 543
Letter of the Zealand Board of Admiralty to the States-General, ou the same subject, 543
Letter of King Charles II. to the States-General respecting the restitution of Ne-s- -York, 544
Resolution of the States-General referring the letter from the Zealand Board of Admiralty to a
committee 544
Resolution of the Slates-General on the letter of King Charles II. to them, 645
Letter of the States-General to King Charles II. in answer to his Majesty's communication 546
Letter of the States-General to the Council of Zealand, thereupon, 546
Letter of the States-General to the Amsterdam Board of Admiralty 547
Letter of the States-General to their Ambassadors at London, thereupon 547
Letter of the States-General to the Governor of New Netherland, thereupon, 547
Letter of Ambassador Van Reede to tho States-General 648
Petition of the Patroou and Directors of the Colonic of Ronsselaerswyck to the States-General, praying
that their interests may be favorably considered 549
Freedoms and exemptions granted by the Board of the XIX. of the West India Company to all those
who will plant Colonies in Now Netherland, 551
X
CONTENTS. XV
1674. ^*''=-
April 2. Declaration of the West India Company, in favor of tlie proprietors of Rensselaerswyck, 658
1673. Petition of Jeremias van Rensselaer to Commanders Evertsen and Benckes for permission to continue
in the possession of Ms Colonie, "&"
September 4. Order on preceding petition, °^9
1674.
June 4. Resolution of the States-General referring the memorialists to the King of England, and instructing
their Ambassadors at Loudon to second their application, &c., 560
June 4. Letter of the States-General to their Ambassadors at Loudon, accordingly, 561
June 1. Letter of the Ambassadors at London to the States-Geueral stating that Secretary Coventry had desired
that the West India Company should write to New Netherland, to second the orders of their High
Mightinesses respecting its evacuation, 562
June 5. Resolution of the States-General, thereupon, 564
June 5. Letter of the States-General to the West India Company, thereupon, 565
June 11. Resolution of the States-General to write to their Ambassadors at London respecting the evacuation of
New Netherland, &c., 565
June 14. Letter of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company to the States-General, in reply to theirs
of Junes, 566
June 15. Resolution of the States-General thereupon, 566
June 15. Letter of the States-General, to their Ambassadors at London, therewith, 567
June 19. Letter of the Dutch Ambassadors at London to the States-General respecting the evacuation of New
Netherland, &c 567
June 25. Resolution of the States-General, thereupon, 568
1673, 1674. Minutes of Council during the Administrations of Commanders Evertsen and Benckes, and of Anthony
Colve, Governor of New Netherland, 569
1673.
August 12. Orders to sundry towns in New Yarsey, 571
August 13. Orders to sundry towns on Long Island, 572
August 15. Nomination and oath of the municipal officers for the city of New Orange, 574
August 17. Proclamation altering the form of government in the city of New Orange, 575
August 18. Order respecting the towns situated at Affhter Coll, lately New Jersey, 576
August 18. Nomination of municipal officers for the Dutch towns on Long Island 577
August 18. Proclamation sequestrating the property iu New Netherland belonging to the Kings of England and
France and their subjects, 5(8
August 18. Nomination of Magistrates for the town of Bergen, 57S
August 10. Order to the towns situate at Aghfer Coll, 579
August 22. Order on the petition of Flushing and adjoining English towns on Long Island, 581
August 23. Petition of the town of Oysterbay, 581
August 24. Nomination and oath of the Magistrates for the several towns situate at Aghter Coll, 582
August 14. Petition of the Delegates from Easthampton and adjoining towns on the East end of Long Island, . . . 583
August 24. Order thereupon, 584
August 7. Letter of the Governor and Assembly of Connecticut, 584
August 24. Answer of the Commanders and Council of New Netherland, thereto, 585
August 25. Nomination of Magistrates for Staten Island, 586
August 26. Nomination of Magistrates for Piscattaway, 587
August 28. Order for the winding up of the late Governor Lovelace's estate, 587
August 28. Confiscation of Shelter Island, 588
Form of Oaths to be taken by the Dutch, and by the English inhabitants of New Netherland, 589
August 29. Conveyance to Nathaniel Silvester of Shelter Island, 590
August 30. Nomination of Magistrates for Westchester, Flushing, Hemstede, &c., 591
September 1. Order on a petition from the several towns at Esopus, >^9-
September 1. Points submitted by and answer to the town of Beverwyck and Fort Orange, henceforth to be called,
respectively, Willemstadt and Fort Nassau, 593
September 1. Commission of the Sellout and Secretary of the towns at Achter Coll, 595
September 1. Census of the several Dutch towns on Long Island, ''"°
September 4. Order continuing for one year the privileges enjoyed by the Colonie of Rensselaerswyck, 597
September 4. Nomination of militia officers of the town of Bergen 597
September 6. Petition of the Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of New Orange, 598
XV CONTENTS.
73. Paoe.
September 6. Answer of Commanders Evert.sen and Benckes, thereto, 600
September 8. Appointment of Magistrates for the several towns on the East end of Long Island, 601
September 8. Letter of Comniamlers Evertsen and Benckes to the towns on the East end of Long Island, 601
Oath of fidelity to be taken by the people on the East end of Long Island, 602
September 8. Confiscation of Captain Lavall's old ketch, 602
September 11. Order to the late Governor Lovelace to depart the government C03
September 11. Proclamation forbidding strangers to enter the city of Kew Orange or sojourn therein, 601
September 12. Order enumerating the privileges to be enjoyed by the inhabitants of the South river, 604
September 13. Speech of, and answer to the Indians of Ilackingsack 606
September 14. Census of Elizabethtown and the other settlements at Aghter Coll. 607
September 14. Military oflicers of the jireceding towns 608
September 18. Appoiriinient of Magistrates for the town of Schaneghtede 009
August 12. Commission of Anthony Colve to be Governor-General of New Netlierland, 609
August 12. Commission of Cornells Steenwyck to be member of the Council, 610
Oath to be taken by the Honoiable Mr. Steenwyck, 610
September 20. Proclamation confiscating the property of the Kings of England and France, and of their subjects in
New Netlierland 611
August 20. Commission of Nicolas Hayard to be Secretary to Governor Colve 612
September 20. Commission of Nicola.s Bayard to be Receiver-General, 613
Septembcr20. Order fixing the amount of Mr. Bayard's s.alary, 613
September 19. Commission of Peter Alrigs to be Sellout and Commandant of the South river, 614
Oath taken by Mr. Alrigs 014
September 25, Order to Mr. Alrigs to .administer the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants of the South river, 615
Seplember25. Commission of Walter Wharton to be Land Surveyor at the South river, 615
Oath taken by Mr. Wharton, 615
September 25. Letter of Governor Colve to the Magistrates of Hempstead, 615
Septeml)er25. Order to those of Hempstead who have not t.iken the oath of allegiance 616
September 26. Order on the petition of tho Lutheran congregation at Willemstadt for freedom of divine worship,.... 617
September27. Instruction for Andries Drayer, Commandant of Fort Nassau, formerly Fort Orange, 618
September27. Instruction for Peter .\ldric.\. Sellout at the South river, 618
October 1. Commission to Captain KnyfT, who is sent to administer the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants at the
East end of Long Island 620
October 1. Instruction for the Schout and Magistrates of the Dutch towns on Long Island, 620
October 1. Order for Ensign Sol, Major of Fort Willem Hendrick, 622
October 4. E.xtiact from the Dutch articles of war to be read to the garrison at Fort Willem Hendrick, 623
October 4. Instruction for the Commissary of Fort Willem Hendrick, 625
October 6. Apfiointment of oflioens for the several towns at the Eso]ius 626
October 6. Appointment of oflicers for Willemstadt and Rensselaerswyck, 627
October 7. Letter of Governor Colve to the Magistrates of Hempstead, 628
October 7. Letter of Governor Colve to Scdiout Laurence and the Magistrates of the several towns in his district, . 628
October 9. Letter of Secretary Bayard to the Magistrates of Sw.acneuburgh, 6.30
October 11. Order respecting the guardianship of the late Richard Morris' child 631
October 14. Letter of Governor Colve to Schout Ogdeii, 633
October 10. Proclamation ordering the removal of several houses in the immediate neighborhood of Fort Willem
Hendrick, 633
October 16. Valuation of the houses and lots in the immediate vicinity of Fort Willem Hendrick which are
ordered to be taken for public use, 635
October IS. Appointment of M.igistrates for Fordliam, 638
October 19. Report by Captain KnyfT and Lieutenant Malipart, of (heir mission to tho East end of Long Island,.. 639
October 25. Appointment of military officers for the Dutch towns on Long Island, 645
October 30. Commission of Councillor Steenwyck and others, sent to bring the towns on the East end of Long Island
to obedience, 648
October 30. Instruction to Councillor Steenwyck and the other commissioners, 649
October 30. Commission of Isaac Grcveraet to be Schout of Esopus, 649
November 1, Commission of Balthazar Bayard to take possession of two-thirds of the estate of the late Richard
Morri.s, 650
CONTENTS. xvii
1673. P^°^-
November 2. Commission of Olof Stevense van Cortlandt and others to regulate tlie estate of the late Governor
Lovelace, 6^1
October 21. Letter of the Governor, &c., of Connecticut, to Governor Colve 651
November 5. Answer of Governor Colve to Governor Winthrop, of Connecticut, 652
November 8. Instruction for the Schout and Magistrates of Willemstadt and Rensselaerswyck, 653
November 9. Journal kept on board of the frigate Zechond on a voyage from New Orange to the East end of Long
Island and back, 654
November 15. Proclamation for a day of Humiliation and Thanksgiving, 658
November 16. Commission to Captain Ewoutsen to proceed to Nantucket to recover a vessel which ran aground there, 658
October 31. Reply of Governor Winthrop, of Connecticut, to Governor Colve's Answer, " which he will not call
Rfift
impertinent,"
November 18. Letter of Governor Colve to Gov. Winthrop ; is not obliged to render him any account ; is here to
maintain their High Mightinesses' right and to reduce rebels, &c,, 660
November 29. Examination of the Captains of four New England ketches, captured and brought in by Commander
Ewoutsen, ^'^^
November 27. Letter of Governor Colve to Governor Levereth, by the New England Captains whose vessels were
captured 663
November 28. Appointment of Magistrates for the Whorekill 663
November 30. Letter of Lewis Morris to Governor Colve, applying for a pass 664
November 30. Confiscation of the four New England ketches captured by Commander Ewoutsen, 664
December 8. Sentence of Francis Brado for creating a public disturbance at, and threatening the inhabitants of,
Fordham, ^^^
December 12. Proclamation ordering all strangers to depart the Province and all tavern-keepers to return the names
of their lodgers, and interdicting all correspondence with New England, 666
November 25. Letter of Edward Rawson, Secretary of Massachusetts, to Governor Colve, demanding the delivery
of the ketches captured by Commander Ewoutsen, 667
December 13. Answer of Governor Colve to the Governor, &c., of Massachusetts, and requesting them not to employ
" spies " as their messengers, 667
December 15. Commission of Captain Willem Knyff, to be Fiscal of New Netherland, 668
December 19. Order to provide accommodation for such families as may remove from without into New Orange with
their goods, in case of attack, 669
December 19. Oath taken by the officers of the militia of the city of New Orange, and their names 670
December 21. Letter of Governor Colve to Schout Lawrence, enjoining on him and the Magistrates of his district
to be faithful to their trust, and not to be deluded by ill-minded spirits, 670
December 22. Order prohibiting the exportation of provisions from New Orange, 671
December 22. Commission of Cornells Steenwjxk, heretofore Captain of horse, to be Captain of a militia company ;
Nicolas Bayard to be Lieutenant, and Gabriel Minviele, Ensign thereof, 671
December 22. Letter of Governor Colve to the Schout, &c., of Bergen, encouraging them to their duty, 672
December 23. Order of Gov. Colve, furloughing one-third of each of the companies which came to New Orange, 673
December 27. Letter of Governor Colve to the Magistrates of the towns of Haerlem and Fordham, 673
December 27. Orders issued for the preservation and security of the city of New Orange, 674
1674.
January 1. Commission of Jacobus van de Water to be Major, &c., of New Orange, 674
January 1. Commission of Francis de Bruyn, to be auctioneer of the Dutch towns on Long Island, 675
January 1. Letter of Governor Colve to the Magistrates of Schenectada, 6<5
January 1. Commission of Martin Kregier, Junior, empowering him to regulate the estate of Thomas de Laval, . . 676
January 2. Letter of Governor Colve to Schout Ogden, 676
January 10. Instruction for the officers of the militia in the Esopus 676
January 10. Instruction for Captain Vonck of the ketch Hope, 677
January 11. Oath taken by Allard Anthony, an admitted notary 677
January 12. Instruction for Jacobus van de Water, Major, &c., of New Orange, 677
January 14. Proclamation to the people of the South river, on an invasion of those parts by some Englishmen from
Maryland, 678
January 15. Instruction for the Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens of New Orange, 678
January 16. Order of Governor Colve on the refusal of the Burgomasters, &c., to allow Capt. Knyff to preside at
the meeting of the Common Council at New Orange, 680
0
xvlii CONTENTS.
1074. Page.
January 22. Comraissioiicif Messrs. Van Tluyvt'ii and Epesteyii, (o iiivcstigate certain comiilaints 'brouglit against llio
Schout of Stateii Island 081
January '22. Proclaniatinn against furnisliing strong drink to tlie soldiers of the garrison of Fort Willeni llendrick, . 682
February 1. Comniission of persons appointed to make a return of all estates in Xew Orange exceeding in value
one tliousand guilders 685
February 1 1. Writ in a suit of appeal issued l)y Governor Colve 086
February 2'K rroclanialion ordering the exclusive use of the weights and measures of Amsterdam, 688
February 2S. Commission of Pirck van ClyfT and Walter Webly, authorizing them to regulate the estate of the late
Richard Morris, 601
March 1. Order in the matter of the marriage of Ralpli Doxy and Mary Harris, 092
March 1:!. Order to the male inhabitants of the Dutcli towns to ajjpear armed at New Orange, 096
Marcli 10. Order forbi.lding the citizens of New Orange to pass the night out of that city witliout leave, 096
JIarch 17. Order calling in a loan to pay the expenses incurred in putting the Island of Manhattans ia a thorough
state of defence 697
February 19. Vidualion of the estates of tlie best and most affluent inhabitants of New Orange, 099
March 21. Commission of Jaobus van de Water, to be book-kee[>er and receiver of the moneys furnished for the
fortifications, 701
March 20. Miiuites of the meeting of llie dejiuties from the respective Dutch towns, 701
April .'). Sentence of Peter Poulsen for creating disturbance, and assaulting persons in Xew Orange, 703
April 10. Order against the going at large of hogs in New Orange, &c.. 704
April 19. Sentence of Samuel Fornian for disturbing pulilic worship, 705
April 2'). Proposals from the .Magistrates of Willenistadt, and order thereui>on, 707
May 12. Sentence of Isaac Melyn for uttering seditions words, 709
May 12. Sentence of bani.shment pronounced against John Sliarp, 709
Slay 12. Order confiscating properly in Xew Xetherland belonging to the inhabitants of New England, Virginy
and Maryland 710
May 12. .Mortgage of certain puVi!i<' pro]ierty as security for the reiiayment of moneys advanced to the
government, 710
May 12. Letter of Secretary D.-iyard to Lieutenant Drayer, advising him that news had been received of the
conclusion of peace 711
May 22. Propositions of the Moliawks to fiovernor l?olve and his answer 712
May 20. Declarations of tlie Coinmanders of sundry Xew England vessels captured and l)rought into Now
Orange 715
May 20. Order confiscating said vessels and their cargoes, 715
June 15. Order in the matter of debts due to the Rev. Messrs. Meg.ipolensis, 7:;2
June 17. Commission of Mr. John Lawrence .and otiiers, to settle some difTcreuces between the towns of I'iscat-
taway and Woodl)ridge 723
June 20. Order empowering Messrs. Steenwyck and others to receive the account books of the West India
Company, &c., 724
June 28. Order releasing the property of citizens of Xew England, Virginy and Maryland from confiscation,.. .. 726
July -1. Onler releasing certain Xew England vessels, 726
July 7. Resolution of the Statcs.riener.il respecting orders for the evacuation of Xew Xetherland 730
July 7. Letter of the States-fieneral to the Boards of Admiralty at .Vmsterdam and Zealand, thereupon, 731
July 7. Letter of the States-fJeneral to Governor Colve, Governor of Xew-Xetherland, thereupon, 732
July 7. Letter of the States-General to Captain llendrick van Tholl, on tlie same subject, 732
July 7. Letter of the States-General to their Ambassadors at London, thereupon, 732
July 17. Letter of tlie .Vmbassadors at London to the Slates-General informing them that Mr. Andrew is autho-
rized to receive Xew Xetlierland, 733
July 21. Resolution of tlie Slates-General referring the above letter to their committee, &c 734
October 0. Letter of the .\dmiralty at .■Vmsterdam, to the States-General, respecting a ship arrived from X'ew-Vork, 735
October S. Resolution of the States-General, to write to the West India Company upon the subject of the above
letter, 735
October 8. Letter of the States-General to the -Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company on the same
subject, 736
November 1. Letter of tlie West India Comiiany to the States-General, in reply, 736
December 0. Resolution of the States-General referring the above letter to a committee, &.C 738
CONTENTS. xix
1675. Page.
October 12. Petition of Dutch Burghers in New- York, to the States-General, complaining of the conduct of Governor
Andres, 738
March 10. Petition of Dutch Burghers In New-Tork to Governor Andros, 740
October 12. Resolution of the States-General to send copies of the above papers to their Ambassadors at London,
with orders to exert themselves in favor of the memorialists, &c., 744
October 12. Letter of the States-General to their Ambassadors at London, thereupon 745
Kovember 15. Letter of Ambassador Van Beuningen to the Secretary of the States-General, in reply, 745
December 21. Memorial of the West India Company, to the States-General, respecting an impost upon goods to and
from New-Tork, &c., 746
December 21. Resolution of the States-General, to communicate the above memorial to the Province of Holland, &c., 747
1676.
September 2G. Further resolution of the States-General, upon the above memorial of the West India Company, 748
September 26. Letter of the States-General to the Boards of Admiralty, thereupon, 748
1677.
May 13. Memorial of the West India Company, to the States-General, upon the subject of the above impost, .... 749
May 14. Resolution of the States-General, to send copies of the above to the Boards of the Admiralty, &c 750
May 14. Letter of the States-General to the Boards of Admiralty, accordingly, 750
June 24. Memorial of the Maase Chamber of the West India Company, to the States-General respecting the
commerce to America, &c., 751
June 24. Resolution of the States-General, thereupon, 751
July 12. Memorial of the traders to New- York, complaining of the West India Company oppressing their com-
merce, &c., : 752
July 12. Resolution of the States-General, referring the above memorial to the West India Company, 752
July 12. Letter of the States-General to the West India Company, thereupon, 753
November 16. Letter of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company to the States-General, in reply, 753
November 22. Resolution of the States-General, thereupon, 754
1678.
January 14. Resolution of the States-General to write to the West India Company, upon the subject of a reduction
of the duties on the New-York trade, &c., 754
January 14. Letter of the States-General to the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company, thereupon, 754
January 25. Letter of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company to the States-General, in reply, 755
January 26. Resolution of the States-General, approving the reduction of duties, &c., made by the West India
Company, &c., 756
January 26. Letter of the States-General to the Presiding Chamber of the West India Company, thereupon 756
-\rPExnix, 757
1858.
April 1. The First Clergyman of the Dutch Reformed Church of the United States. By the Hon. Henry C.
Murphv, V. S. Minister at The Hague, 759
1628.
August 11. Letter of the Reverend Jonas Michaclius, of the Island of Manhatas, in New Netherland, to the
Reverend Adrianus Smoutius of Amsterdam, 762
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS :
YIII-XVI.
Don Estevan de Gamarra y Contrevas to tJie States -General
[ Frum the Original in the Royal ArchiTes at the Hague ; File, Spanje. ]
Mess", the States-General, will recollect very well the letters they granted on different
Memorials of the undersigned. Ambassador of Spain, the last of which was on the G"= of this
month, last year, to Jean Gallardo Ferrara, a Spanish pilot, and native of St. Lucar de Barameda.
addressed to the Director-General and Councillors of New Netherland, ordering them to
arrest Captain Sebastian de Raeff (alias, Martin Bastiansse), with his Lieutenant, Jan van
Campen (otherwise named Coeurt Thyssen), on their arrival in the ports of that country, and
to send them hither ^ude Ugalo, in order to their being chastised for their piracies commuted
on several of the subjects of the King, his Master, in the West Indies, and especially on Jean
Gallardo; also, to cause the negroes, his property, to be restored to him, with the 3G others,
the property of Antonio de Rivera, that have devolved on his Majesty, and whatever else
had been taken by said pirate, who sold the same to the inhabitants of said country where
he is in the habit of repairing with his prizes. Whereupon this poor man, having proceeded
thither, in the belief that their Lordships' orders would be obeyed, and having discovered
the said negroes and presented the petition, copy whereof their Lordships will find annexed
hereunto, for restitution or at least attachment thereof, has derived no other benefit from
all the fatigue and expense of so long and dangerous a voyage, and from all his diligence
than the illusory resolutions of the Director and Council (copy whereof is also adjoined
hereunto), who, their Lordships will perceive, acted with so much passion as even to refuse
to examine the witnesses he was willing to produce to prove his right; the pretext alleged
of the pirate's commission being wholly invalid ; for, as a subject of this State and for thirty
years a burgess of Amsterdam (as he admitted on his examination, whereof authenticated
copy hath been heretofore delivered to your Lordships), he could not take out one from
France, according to its laws, nor his Lieutenant either, who is a native of these Provinces.
Wherefore, their Lordships are most earnestly requested to order anew the said Director
Vol. II. 1
2 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
and Council to make restitution, witliout any furtlier excuse or subterfuge, of the negroes
aforesaid, as tiiey are bad prize, and, moreover, to command said Director and Council,
as well as tlie Governor of tlie Island of Curac^ao, to arrest the pirate above mentioned, with
his Lieutenant, and to seize bis ships and effects, whenever be shall repair, according to his
custom, to said ports; as the Ambassador is informed that he had spent a few months in the
harbor of said Island, with two other prizes taken from his Majesty's subjects, whereby their
Lordships will afford manifest proof of the aversion they entertain against similar piracies.
This he expects the more, as they know that this pirate, having been discharged from prison
in Amsterdam, in which he had been some months confined, on a simple caution J tirulolre (his
own recognizance), immediately left these Provinces to evade the chastisement he knew he
deserved, and returned to the Indies to continue there his robberies and thefts as in times
past; which, I presume, is not their Lordships' intention.
Done at the Hague, 3'' [January], of the year 1G57.
(Signed), Gamarra.
Hemlutioii of the States-General,
[ From the Eegislcr of Wtst IpJia AITiiirs, \<X>i — 1CC3 ; Royal Archives at Ihe Hagae. ]
Thursday, 4"' January, 1Gd7.
Spanish Ambassa-
Folio 235. Head at the meeting a certain Memorial of the Spanish Ambassador, to the
dor.
efi'ect that the Director-General and Council of New Netherland be again written
Ferrara. to, to restorc to Jean Gaillardo Ferrara, a Spanish pilot, born at St. Lucar de
New Neibe.iaiKi. Carameda, some negroes taken from him by Captain Sebastiaen Raef, alias,
Martin Bastiaensz", or his Lieutenant, Jan van Campen ; also, that the Governor
Captain Raeir. ^f [|^g island of Cura^ao be instructed to imprison the above named Captain and
Lieutenant, and to seize their ships and eRects whenever they should come there, they have
been guilty of divers |)iracies committed against the King of Spain's subjects; which, being
considered, it is resolved and concluded to place the Memorial aforesaid in the hands of Mr.
Iluygens and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the aflciirs of the West India
Company, to inquire, examine and report.
Resolution of tlie Common Council of the City of Amsterdam.
[From the Ji6soiutien van de VrotiUcltappen^ A., 1S2, in the Si*id Uuys^ Amsterdam.]
15"' January, 1657.
nni,ar,jiD«;umcnts. Q^ ^j^g application of the Directors of the Colonic in New Netherland for a
8uhsi,ijf„rit,ppr„. a subsidy of about 10 th guilders for the promotion of said Colonic, it is resolved
motion of Colonic . r I
in New Niiht^riand. that they have authority to borrow 10 thousand guilders from the Orphan Chamber
(it'cescawc?), as has already been done.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII. 3
Resolution of the States-General.
[ From Ihe Register of West India Affaire, 1652 — 1663, in the Royal Archives at the Hague, ]
Thursday, 25"' January, lGo7.
Folio 237. Heard the Report of Mess" Huygens and other their High Mightinesses'
Captain Raeff. Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, having, pursuant to their
resolution of the 4"' instant, looked over and examined a certain Memorial of the Spanish
Jan van Kampen. Ambassadop, to the eflect that the Director-General and Council of New
New Neiheriand. Netherlaud be again written to ; that they shall restore to Jean Gailiardo Ferara,
a Spanish pilot, born at St. Lucar de Carameda, the negroes taken from liim by Captain
Sebastiaen Raeff, alias, Martin Bastiaensz", or his Lieutenant, Jan van Caiiipen ; also, that he
and the Governor of the Island of Cura§ao be instructed to imprison said Captain and
Lieutenant, and to seize their ships and effects, whenever they come there, in order to be sent
h\i\\er fede liga to ioT punishment, being guilty- of divers piracies committed against the King
of Spain's subjects. Which, being considered, it is hereby resolved and concluded to comply
with said request, and the aforesaid Director-General Stuyvesant and the Governor of Curasao
shall be accordingly written to to this effect, in case they shall find the matter as represented
by said Ambassador.
States -General to Director Stuyvesant.
[ From the Register of Uit^egane Srieven of the States-General in the Royal Archives at the Ilagne.]
To Director-General Stuyvesant : the S-j"" January, 1657.
Item. Mutatis mutandis. To the Governor of Curasao.
The States, etc.
Folio 14. Honorable, &c. We have resolved to send to you herewith the accompanying
Spanish Ambassa- ]^jg,j^Qj.jjj] ^j- ^^^ Spanish Ambassador and the papers thereunto belonging, with
order and command that if you find, as far as it concerns you, the case as represented in the
said Memorial, you shall have to comply, in all parts, and to obey the request contained in
the above mentioned Spanish Ambassador's Memorial, without failing in any wise therein, and
you will have to inform us what will have been done and effected by you in the premises.
Whereon relying, &c. Done 25"* January, I (357.
4 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Re-solution of the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam.
[ From the Regolutien van da Vrodenchappen, A. 199, in the Stad Ilayi, Amsterdam. ]
9'" March, 1C.57.
iioiian.^ D >oun!cni8, 'f|,g DirectOTS of the new Colonie in New Netherland have stated, through
c..i..nii- in New the Bu rsioniasters, that they liad collected about 300 Colonists, and therefore
Selhcrlan.l. a J
A citv »hin anil a Tequestcd permission to enj^nge a Minister, and to employ one of the city's ships
wi'tTT ►ubll'iy'^ilf for their conveyance, and lor the advancement of everything, to be allowed to
d"rs. '""°"' *'"" raise the sum of 30,000 guilders. Which, being considered, it is resolved that the
city's ship called dt Wa<j^e. be employed for that purpose, a Minister engaged, and tlie aforesaid
sum of 30,000 gl. borrowed by them either from the Orphan Chamber or the Exchange bank,
according as the Burgomasters deem proper. It is, also, further resolved that the Treasurers
be requested to pay attention to the employment of this and the foregoing moneys, and to
keep the account of the one and the other.
CunDiton Council of Amsterdam to Director Stuyvesant.
[ From the Gemeene Missiven, IV., iu the Stad Buys, Amsterdam. ]
To Mr. P. Sluyvesandt, Director-General in New Netherland.
Honorable, Right Worshipful, Wise, &c.
Hoiian.i Documents ^°^ ^'" niore fully leam what Johan Gaillardo, a Spanish pilot, hath
^^■•^^^- represented to us, from his Memorial and their High Mightinesses' resolution,
which will be exhibited to you, and as his Excellency, Don Estevan de Gamarra, the
Ambassador of his Royal Majesty of Spain, hath, both by verbal and written recommendation,
seriously commended his business to their High Mightinesses, and us in particular; we,
therefore, request you to let him, said Gaillardo, against Captain Sebastiaen Rast and his
Lieutenant, J. A. Campen, or others, obtain quick and speedy justice; which we shall
reciprocate. Herewith, etc.
la"" April, 1057.
^ ■» » « . ^
Vice- Director Alrichs to the Commissioners of the Colonie on the Delaware.
[ From tlic Bundle indorsed Yendifide Stukken ratkende de ColonU van A'. Xtdcrlandt, No. 30, In the Stad Iluyt, Amsterdam. ]
To the Honorable Directors on the behalf of the city of Amsterdam, Commissioners for the
management of its Colonie in New Netherland.
Honorable, Worshipful, Wise and Prudent Gentlemen.
Holland Documentii. ^'y '^st to vour Honors was dated the So"" December, 1656, and was written
XV. 242. c
from the Texel, when I went to sea and set sail in the ship Prins Maurits, Mr.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV.
Dirck Corneliss" honingh, and the ships B.er and Gcldcrsche Blorn, wh.ch perform ^^ the
office of Admiral, as the above mentioned vessel was greatly clogged, and U was d.scovered
To hat neither the skipper, pilot, nor any superior officer belongtng to the sntp ad
r; be in New Netherland, or frequented its coast. But indifferent luck followed tins
a rangement. for in the night of the 2S- of the same month, these three sh.ps, overtak n by
bd we the or a storm, wire separated from each other ; they from ours and we from thetrs.
We Tf rwards experienced, now and then, divers inconveniences, from the satis, whjch were
blown uTo the b'oUs, from the shot, which rolled out of the carriages, and from the breaktng
and Ipping of the sea, which rushed so heavily and impetuously over the deck as to make a
large crack or vent in a certain great beam called the fisher; s,x or seven of the crew wen
v'r'y near being swept overboard at once by a sea, which, however, happ y flowed by As
h ship was a bad sailer, the southern course was chosen. Havng reached as far as the 22d
die of North latitude on the 17- of February, the course was changed ,n order to expedtt
ouf voyage ad ,and was descried a little south of Cape Romaine, whence we satled forwa d
--!ti;.ssaws..e.w.n.wh.h^^^^^
r;.:r • ::L: ^- Z Z: ;- - other of the -P^o^..^- e.ven^.ock
on the night of the 8- of March, after we had sailed that day m 26, IS and G fathoms ot
water alth uj, the skipper, pursuant to my customary warning, had prom.se , not an hour
rr; good care'andlt to spare the lead, and that he should qu.ckly cast anchor
a d ten come into the cabin to report or communicate the matter, yet the men unexpectedly
al ed ou teTght and nine fathoms. Wishing, thereupon, to tack, and the sh,p refusmg, she
mm d at ly St uck, and so shoved, which she afterwards continued to do harder and harder
so hat we Lre not a moment certain whether we should leave there ahve or per.sh. After
pi gTl rouj^^ n,ost of the darkness of that night in the greatest anxiety and fear, we found
ou;ve at day-break, about a gunshot from the shore, but being between the shoal ard
rtltdmsulhabad position, Ld ignorant ^.-Her this place wa south or no. o
Manhattes, it was unanimously resolved, first to save our -^l"'^ .^';;' /^Z ^^ /, f ^ "ter
tn save as much as we possibly could. Accordingly on the 9'" of March, in severe, muer
and fie ng Te t r, wiU. drifting ice, after great trouble, through dangerous breakers ,n a
V ylakTboat, with considerable water in it, we succeeded in reaching the shore on a bro .en
it'orfor'eland, on which neither bush nor grass grew nor was ^^^ J^ ^ ^-7;^ ^
found. On the third day we, for the first time, saw and spoke some Ind. ns wl o u orm d
us that it was the foreland of Long Island, and that the place -- -' ^^^^^-; f^;, ^Zty
the ship getting nearer the shore, we, from time to Ume, unloaded ^^^ aved al le dry
articles Having met and experienced this misfortune, I sent an Ind.an, wth J^v'ce thereot
to General Stay vesant, who immediately sent us a small sloop and came himself, 0 the
cond da af er, to us at the above mentioned place, which lies about twenty leagues nor 0
Manhattes. On the other, or land, side of said place, a sma ^P-^f -;;';^^ t, ^
has been discovered, which a small sloop can enter; but most o the § ° , J^^^ 7,^» ^^^^
land to the other side to be loaded on the river. Workmg, with great / ^^ ^^ -^ i
have discharged most all of the goods. -^^;]^:-^t^'::^::'::Z^
above named place; but before they could ^^'^f ^^^^^^l Zl named place hither, is
splinters and pieces. But to transport the ^^^^^^^""^^'^^^ ,„,„, etc, are lost and
not worth the freight and expense ; besides, the stone, tUes, ume.
6 NEAV-YOKK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
washed away. The otlier remaining goods are, according to specification, put on board nine
craft, both yachts and schooners, with a perfect account of what goods are shipped in each, to
be conveyed to the Manhattes, where, being come, I have been obliged, and have resolved, for
the prosecution of the voyage, to hire the ship the Vergyldc Bmr, agreeably to the charter party
thereof, and have agreed to pay tliree thousand guilders, Holland currency, for the freight;
whereby the expenses here will be somewhat increased. 'J'o meet this, I shall be obliged to
make use of some of the cargoes, as these command a higher price here, such as duffels, (It 3f
and QL 4 gl. the ell ; the linen, Hi to 30 stivers the ell, and others in proportion. But on the
other hand, the freight of the ship 7V/«.s Maurits, for the term of four or five months, with
the monthly wages and victualing of the seainen, would not amount to less. I am, God
knows, most sorry that this misfortune should just now overtake me and all the rest, in the
first ship proceeding thither, and superadd, moreover, such labor and inconvenience that, I
fear, we shall yet pa}' dear for it. In the meantime, I trust and will not doubt that Almighty
God will bless and prosper the well begun atlairof the Colonie, which appears considerable.
In regard to the season of dispatching ships for the winter, 'tis better that they be ready,
and, if possible, sail in the last of September or beginning of October, so as to be here in
December, or by the middle of that month, when it is still fair, mild and ordinarily good
weather, as good preparations can then be timely made for whatever is necessary to be done
in the winter, so that everything may be seasonably ready in the spring. The latter part
of the winter has been severe, and, up to April, the weather has been cold, rough and
disagreeable. The most of that time is now lost, but had we arrived all safely, I could not, at
the south, be 10 or 14 days more forward, as the ships, the Gddersche Blom and the Bc(r,
which arrived some 10 days after, would have taken all the month of April ere they could be
unloaded and the goods again transhipped ; but by continual, steady, vigorous and unceasing
exertions, we have now brought things so far that the ship the Bn-er is now fully laden. Your
Honors will please, in future, to observe, above all things, that one of the officers of the ships
coming hither, whether skipper or pilot, be somewhat conversant with this coast, or hath
sailed hither ; many such are now to be found and easy to be got. It will also be most
necessary, if not already done, that I be immediately provided with some suitable little
vessels, to wit : one or two prams, which are here called, also, scows or c/uimpans, a good row
boat, a sloop of nine or ten lasts and a schooner. The boat is more required ; without it much
cannot be accomplished here.
As stone and tiles are most necessary, please to supply again, hereafter, at pleasure, materials
of which I am now stripped by this misfortune; also, smiths' coals, grindstones, which have
remained in the ship ; as I expect to be able to get suitable timber here as well as lime, they
need not be sent.
I understand that pork, beef, peas, etc., are to be had clieaper here than they can be sent
from Holland, to wit: beef and pork at 4 and 5 stivers the pound ; peas, three or 3i guilders
the skepel, payable in merchandize, such as dufTels, linen, etc., at aforesaid prices. And such
cargoes are of use for the purchase of cattle ; therefore, please remember to send some of
these articles continually; as the cargoes are estimated in the purchase of beef and pork, these
cannot cost above two or three and a half slivers the pound, or thereabout, a little more or
less, according to circumstances, so that many expenses, with some freight and risk, can
be saved.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 7
The ship Bncr is now ready to sail with us to the South river. God grant we may arrive
there speedily and in safety.
It will be necessary that a proper warehouse be got ready yonder, and set up, and being
again talien to pieces, be sent, with its appurtenances, by the first opportunity, as, here
without materials, good tools and carpenters, none of those sent over as servants being able
to make anything good or suitable, it will be a long and tedious job. I shall require, also, a
proper young man who is somewhat ready and apt at the pen, to serve me as clerk or
secretary, and to write down and enter the daily occurring events, and, moreover, to copy
what may be found necessary.
In like manner, should more ships and people come here, it will fall somewhat heavy on
Commissary Teynevelt, as he is already pretty well advanced in years, and about sixty years
of age.
- Should a person suited for the. office of Sellout olTer himself, please make no delay in the
matter, as, when more people come here, such an officer cannot be well dispensed with among
new and rough people.
I also fully hope, and have placed my entire reliance on a Clergyman coming over in the
first ship, so that all our work may begin in the fear of God, and obtain the blessing of
the Almighty; that those who have little knowledge or light may not become backsliders;
and those who are still weak in the faith may be further strengthened. A learned and aged
man who hath good gifts and is well acquainted and conversant with church government,
would be of much use there. This should not be deferred, as it is a scandal not to have either
Church or Minister there, whenever any of the neighboring people, and even of those who
intend to settle, come. I, therefore, request that this may be taken into the greatest
consideration, with an effort to accomplish it most speedily.
I learn and understand here nothing but what is good of the lands on the vSouth river. The
original deeds of purchase are here and were offered to be delivered to me, but for greater
security I have determined that they should remain here in the Secretary's office until further
order, taking only authentic copies thereof, which are here inclosed, to wit: N" 1 is one
preparatory to the purchase of the land ; N" 2 is the deed of it. I also send a deed conveying
Fort Casimyr, now New Amstel, and all the lands thereunto belonging. Herewith is a second,
or other, donation deed or conveyance of some presented lands situate on the east bank, as
well as of a portion of land on the west side, whereof no deed has as yet been given by
General Stuyvesant, because he hath no special instruction .regarding it from the Directors;
this they can do on some future occasion.
There being other good lands which, I understand, are useful to the Colonie, I shall, from
time to time, write over about them and about other circumstances. There are a great many
people here who request permission to go to the South river on the conditions granted by the
city. I told them they could communicate their desire to me in a written application when
I should arrive at that place, and I should then make every effort to accommodate them as
much as possible, but I shall bear in mind to include therein as many conditions, for the ease
of my principals, as can be beneficial and proper.
In order to prevent disturbances, it will also be necessary that the soldiers be placed ori a
certain allowance for rations, payable to them in kind or in cash, weekly or monthly. I have
noticed that such is provisionally fixed at sixty guilders a year, but it must be expected that
your honors will, moreover, be pleased to direct the time when it shall commence and be
8 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ,
observed. In my opinion, the sum of sixty guilders is too little, and I think, under correction,
that it might be raised to thirty stivers per week, wliich would amount to seventy-eight
guilders. But your honors will please to dispose hereof as you will think proper ; and I shall
pray Ciod,
Honorable, Worshipful, Wise and Prudent Gentlemen !
to bless your administralioti and to keep your persons in continual health and prosperity.
Your obliged and faithful servant.
Fort Amsterdam, the IS"" April, 1C-J7. (Signed), J. Alrichs.
Vice-Director Alrichs to tie JBurgoma-sters of Amsterdam.
[From the Bundle endorsed VtTadaide Stukken raekeitde de Colonie van y. Xederlandt Ko. 1*, in the Stad Uuyp, Amsterdam.]
Right Worshipful, Most Wise and Prudent Lords.
Holland Documents ^'j '-'0'''^S' ^s youhave been pleased to employ, and, by commission and
•x.\'.,-iii. otherwise to command me to repair to the South river, there to perform my
bounden duty to your Colonie to that end I embarked on the 21" December, of last year, in
the ship Prins Maurils, with one hundred and thirteen souls, including Colonists, free mechanics,
soldiers and attendants, together with sixteen matrosses, in all 129 souls, and proceeded with
t em on the proposed voyage, and after some storm and other obstacles, reached, on the 8"" of
March, the vicinity of the Manhattes, and was in daily expectation of arriving there. But
the Lord God did not vouchsafe this, for, through ignorance of the skipper and pilot who vrere
never on this coast, and of other officers of the ship, having neared the shore in the evening,
she immediately grounded, and so shoved, which continued afterwards harder and harder,
that we were tiot, for a moment, sure of our lives, and seeing no escape in the morning, we
uiianiinously resolved to save ourselves on a broken coast, which we, some days later,
understood to be Long Island, and then brought the ship as close to the beach as was possible,
saved, with the great labor, most of the goods. These we brought over the broken coast to a
little river and, whilst there, sent for nine several sloops, in order to transport in them whatever
was saved, to be put on board another vessel. An agreement was made to this effect, as by
the Charter party, with the skipper of the Bcvcr, when at the Manhattes or New Amsterdam.
I have about 50 persons more, who arrived with other ships, and in order to go to tlu; Colonie,
have also taken up with the ship Ikier, which, having completed her cargo, set sail, on the IG""
of April, from the harbor of New Amsterdam, and arrived in the Colonie and at Fort New
Amstel on the 21" ditto, where 1 have been put in possession agreeably to the deed of
conveyance executed for me by the Director-General in Fort New Amsterdam. Authenticated
and other copies of this deed were sent by the ships Bcvcr and Gcldcrse Dlom to the Directors
at Amsterdam.
The situation and quality of the lands on the South river are good and highly considered,
the rather, as I perceive, that divers other families, from various places, evince an
inclination, and request permission to remove or to settle on the above named river on tlie
granted conditions. When I was at the Manhattes I promised to accommodate as many as
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 9
was possible of them, after I had reached the South river, and if they then would communicate
their request again and in writing, 1 shall remember to add such suitable conduions thereto,
nay, as much as possible shall be then done as will save your Honors from any disbursements
for such as come hither. oi o-^
Further, I have granted to the Colonists and free mechanics here, on their request, 24 or 25
lots for house and garden, each lot about 30 feet front and ISO feet deep ; the Colonists and
some freemen are zealously at work; the aforesaid places are mostly all fenced, and prepared
for gardens, even whilst busy planting, for which it is now the season. As soon as the gardens
are finished, and the people are somewhat under cover, they will look at the lands, a portion
of which will be granted and conveyed to each, then, by lot. Here is still a good deal of fine
land lying waste for want of people, who, with whatever appertains thereto, will, I hope, be
sent out by the first opportunity. As I find now, at first, a great deal of one sort and another
to do I have not, as yet, had time to inform myself of divers circumstances. Not one carpenter
has been sent out in service with us. I could not save any stone or lime or smiths' coals,
because the ship, after she was almost discharged, went into a thousand splinters and pieces.
And, as there was scarcely any storehouse, I have been obliged to fix something tent fashion,
to preserve the goods which, in such a manner or with such covering, are not sufliciently
protected from rain, rotting, &c. Therefore, necessaries are required to be sent hither for a
large storehouse ; also suitable boats and a Minister, all which are of the greatest necessity.
As there was no powder-house here, 1 have had a cellar constructed under the walls, so that
the powder may be preserved in a sure place which is beyond danger. Meanwhile, the ship
Bn-er has been discharged within her ten allowed days. The soldiers, with the Captain and
Lieutenant, marched overland because there was no room in the Bcccr, above mentioned, to
allow of their coming by water. The ship experiencing contrary wind, the soldiers, on that
account, started somewhat later from the Manhattes, and therefore arrived at the fort six
days after me. . ,
The fort is nearly falling, especially in front of the beach ; this will have to be repaired,
which will be done in its own time.
Little is thought here of the inhabitants or natives and other neighbors, and we shall be
sufficiently cautious towards them, not to give them the least occasion to be dissatisfied, but
use every exertion to treat them with all friendship and kindness, in order to maintain, as
occasion shall require, all good alliance. , ,, , ■ c j
Moreover, I shall, as in duty bound, so acquit myself in my station that you shall be satisfied
and content. Herewith, abbreviating, I shall, on the earliest occasion, furnish fuller information
of what relates to this Colonie, according to further experience. I shall also transmit a little
map of this District, especially of its extent, with the condition and extent of the buildings m
this fort; likewise a perfect little sketch of this fortification. To this purpose, I must receive
the assistance of a land surveyor. With my dutiful respects, I pray Almighty God, Honorable,
Right Worshipful, Most Wise and Very Prudent Gentlemen, to bless your government and to
grant you, personally, continual health and prosperity.
Right Worshipful,
Your most obliged and
Faithful servant.
Fort New Amstel, (In haste.) (Signed), J. Alkichs.
7"' May, A" 1657,.
Vol. II. 2
IQ NEW- YORK COLONIAL ISLVNUSCRIPTS.
Vice-Directoi- Alricli',' to the Com/nis-suoner.s of tlie Culonie on the Ddaware.
[ From tbii BunJl« cq lorjcd Yinoheidt Stukken raekende de C<jtonU van .V. XvU'rland!, So. 13, in Iho Stud Hays, Anisti-riiam. ]
Honorable, Worsliipful, Wise and Rijilit Prudent Gentlemen.
iMv last was on the 1-'"' of April, since wiiieh, the ship Ctrfr being loaded, I
II"lIan(l Documents. -' r ' r o
.XV., ■-•;». embarked in her on the IG"" April, and proceeded front the road-stead in front of
the Manhattes to Fort Casimir in tlie South river where lie arrived on the 2-J"" ditto, God be
praised, with about 125 souls, followed on the P' May by 3S soldiers, with whom were some
iVeemen, who traveled over land with the Captain and I.ieuleuant. On the day of my arrival
I took possession of the fort, the keys of which were delivered me by the Vice-Director Jaquet,
and the place vacated, agreeably to the deed conveyed to me at the Manhattes by the Hon''''
Mr. Stuyvesant, Director-General of New Netherland, etc., whereof I have transmitted an
authentic copy. But the fortifications and all the buildings are in a very ruinous condition,
whereby from the want of a store-house, etc., 1 now hnd myself considerably embarrassed.
In order to unload the goods I, moreover, put up a tent, but in consequence of unsettled and
rainy weather, have been obliged to arrange matters here as well as I can, not as I would.
The house is covered with oak shingles which are so shrunk, drawn up, and in part rotten,
that scarcely a dry spot can be found when it rains. And as there was no place for the
powder, and only from eight to ten kegs in the house, I have thought it best to have a powder-
house constructed under the southeast bastion of the fort for the greater security of about 30
or 40 kegs. In addition to this, 1 unloaded and dispatched the ship Bevcr in the quickest time.
To each of the Colonists and free tradesmen I showed and conveyed in fee a lot 30 feet in
breadth and about 180 in depth, which was soon fenced or encircled witli palisades. The
greatest portion of them are prepared for gardens, which, for the most part, are already
planted, and am now busy providing each with some sort of lodging in order to get under
cover. So quick as that is done, I shall look out for land, so as to distribute a portion to each
by lot. And as I have been wholly deprived of materials such as stone, tiles and lime for the
mason; Ilcm, wood-work and carpenters; coals and other necessaries for the smitii, I most
liumbly request your Honors to be pleased to take some trouble to send out a storehouse or
necessary materials for such ; should the freight be too high, I shall endeavor to get boards,
but these will not be what such work demands; they will be badly sawed, and not easily had.
Of the effects and property belonging to the Company, 1 have taken the shot and
ammunition, furniture [irajns'guidcrcji), with some necessary cattle which I cannot do without,
for hauling palisades and other timber absolutely required for the repairs of the fort; this
and the gun carriages and platforms are in a most ruinous condition, and the building greatly
out of order; these and much other work are in great need of improvement and repair. The
property made over is specified according to inventory as to be seen annexed.
The land here is good and fertile, and better and finer in the vicinity. If one, two or more
hundred men additional are sent here, be pleased to consider whether it would not be wise,
first of all, to secure all the lands at present lying within the Company's jurisdiction, or claimed
and heretofore occupied, or to be occupied by it, on both sides of the South river, so as to
prevent many claims or questions which may he set up thereto bv private persons in
consequence of some right ownership through individual purchase, gift or other privilege.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 11
Regarding tlie people who are sent hither by your Honors' permission, I think it would be
wise that tlie most or greater portion of those forwarded should be males, inasmuch as strong
and working people are, in the first instance, the most serviceable in these parts, and can do
more than those who are weakly.
And as some freemen, who do not apply themselves to farming, and the soldiers, most of
whom, in addition to their wives and children, have brought over servant girls for their house-
work, are importunate, yea, would draw right plentifully from the store ; whilst from many of
them, in my opinion, but little is to be expected in return; and whenever proper reasons are
objected to such a course, they become very touchy and make a great uproar, and unreasonably
say, that they have been brought hither and cannot get what they require and therefore suffer
from want, &c.; and the soldiers, in like manner, are mostly all dissatisfied, although good
rations have hitherto, been issued to them and their wives, and will insist on them for their
servant maids and children, have the goodness, therefore, not to postpone stating how many
rations, or for what amount of money they are entitled to draw, annually, from the store, or
when their fixed or apportioned board money shall annually commence here. This, by no
means, ought to be in force any longer than the end of the year from the date of their sailing.
This, also, ought be the case with all Colonists and tradesmen, if your Honors have no
objection, but the Colonists ought to be allowed 12 months after their arrival.
In regard to the Bay of this river, which is about five leagues wide and nine long, as strange
skippers or pilots, who are ignorant of, or unacquainted with it, will find this somewhat
serious inasmuch as there are many sand-banks, shoals, and flats which extend to a considerable
distance, I have conferred with some seafaring people on the subject, in order to ascertain by
what means those obstructions could be remedied, or managed so as to insure the greatest
safety or least danger. It was agreed that it would be of use to lay five or six buoys there ;
to sound the shoals in the most exact manner, and then to write a description thereof for
general information. Your honors will please to consider of this in such manner as may be
found proper. There is very good land at the mouth of the Bay, where some people might
be settled, to the number of one hundred, or at least eighty, men. If many persons were
sent here in a short time, then a sloop might also sail hither and thither, to drive some trade,
and, meanwhile, to look out at sea for arriving vessels and then to pilot or bring them in.
I find, likewise, that the greater the immigration hither, the greater is the importation of all
sorts of merchandize, especially of strong liquors, such as brandies and distilled waters, as
there is no impost thereupon when retailed by tapsters, tavern-keepers or others. The
consequence is, that many, for the sake of the profit, seek to sell them, and do sell them to
the Indians, who, by drunkenness, become very rude, quarrelsome and disorderly. Should
your Honors make any objection to putting some impost on this trade for the removal of such
evils, I shall, nevertheless, meanwhile, think of, and try to introduce other means, according
to circumstances, for the prevention thereof.
As many persons repair hither for purposes of agriculture, and also for building huts or
houses, some carpenters' tools are required, of which each family hath great need, such as
hand-saws, adzes, axes, augers, etc., nails, to wit, double and single mediums, two-inch nails,
wainscot nails, the latter most, and three times as many as of the others, for clapboards, which
are used here instead of tiles for covering roofs; iron and copper pots and kettles, also, are in
much demand here. The agricultural implements ought, by all means, be of the strongest
and best kind, not liable to break or to become loose by use, namely, hoes, axes, spades,
12 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
shovels, etc. Item. We have great need of 10 or 1,200 lbs. of sheet lead, 2 or 3 grindstones,
and also a bundle of steel, together with all sorts of measures, skepels and smaller measures,
quarter casks, and some of less dimensions, which Corss Janss, says were not put on board ;
quart measures, etc., and small weights, few of which were brought here and are difficult to
be had. ^
Please, also, not to forget sending some reams of paper.
Also, when sending, do not, by any means, forget, if convenient, or when forwarding
cargoes, to let us have Pork somewhat plentifully, in order to be able to buy up here, on the
best terms, in season, or at the fitting time, all sorts of necessary provisions, which can be
Salt purchased here cheap, as already stated ; and as Salt in this place is worth about
3 @. 3i guilders, of this currency, the skepel, and sometimes a little more, which, being paid
for in goods, I estimate would stand in about half in Holland currency, I should like much to
have a supply of it especially for curing beef, pork, &c., which 1 shall attempt by the ne,\t
opportunity if you have no objection; unless it be previously found requisite, inasmuch as it
is profitable and most useful, to purchase one or two hundred deer or the venison thereof on
commission. These, as I am informed, are to be had, at most, for three guilders and less,
because they are shot by thousands here every year. The carcass of each deer might weigh,
one with another, in meat, at least GO and 70, 80 and 90, and sometimes even 100 lbs., wliich,
again, is to be paid for in goods ; that amounts to only half in Holland currency, as 1 shall be
able, with full certainty, to advise you by the next opportunity, after further experience and
fmal purchase.
The two seins which were sent in the Trins Mmirils are almost spoiled and in part rotten,
as the ship made considerable water when it was stranded, and previous to its being
discharged, whereby the nets got wet ; therefore, please furnish us with others, by the first
opportunity, as they are very necessary and useful for the purpose of making the rations and
provisions go further.
Herewith ending, I shall pray God, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise and Right Prudent
Gentlemen, to bless your administration, and to preserve yourselves in lasting prosperity
and health.
Your Honors obliged and
Fort New Amstel, Faithful servant,
on the South river, 8'" May, 1G57. (Signed), J. Alrichs.
Bond for Xine Tlionmnd Guilders borrowed for the Colonie on the Delaware.
[ From tho Bundle endorsed Verxcheidt Stulckm raekende de OolonU tan X. Xtdfrtandt, No 12, in the Slad Iluy/i, Amsterdam. ]
Holland Docutnenui, We, the Undersigned Commissioners and Directors, appointed and commissioned
XV., 209. . ~ ' r r
by the Right Worshipful, the Burgomasters and Regents of this city of Amsterdam
to superintend its Colonie established and planted on the South river in New Netherland, hereby
acknowledge to have fully received, and to be indebted to Margareta, daughter of Gysbert
Cornelissen Fuyck, in the sum of .Nine thousand gl. in heavy silver money, which aforesaid
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV., XVL 13
sum of Nine thousand gl., at the interest thereof at three and a half per cent, per
annum, we promise to repay precisely ~ after date hereof to the above named Margareta,
daughter of Ghysbert Cornelissen Fuyck, or the bearer hereof, in heavy silver m.oney (the
patacoon at 50 sliv. and the ducatoon at G3 stivers), and that under pledge of this city's means
and revenue, being specially authorized thereunto by resolution of the O"" March past,
adopted by the Right Worshipful Burgomasters and Common Council of this city, without the
above named Commissioners and Directors being hereafter in any wise hohien or responsible
therefor, either in their persons or property. In testimony of the truth whereof, the above
named Commissioners and Directors have signed this, the S"" of May, XVI hundred and
fifty-seven, in Amsterdam.
(Signed), Hector Pietersen and
Jan Tayspel.
Vice-Director Alrichs to the Commiasiomvs of the Colonie on the Delaware.
[ From the Bundle indorsed Verscheide Stukken raekende de ColonU van y, l^ederlandt^ No. 23, in the SUtd ITuya, Amsterdam, ]
Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Right Prudent Gentlemen.
Holland Documents, % '''^^t to your Houors was dated the S"- instant, whereunto I refer;
•^^''■'^*' nevertheless, I am under the necessity to repeat here, and again herein respectfully
to request you to be pleased, should you not have already sent out the materials necessary for
a suitable warehouse, as well two carpenters at least, who, without whom we cannot get
along, and the requisite boat and clergyman, no longer to postpone forwarding them, for, in
consequence of the heavy rain that frequently falls here in great quantities, which will leak
through any old sails, there is imminent danger that whatever is dry or susceptible of damage,
will be spoiled.
As an apology for, or in place of a storehouse, we have only a sort of hut made of props and
boards, and covered with old sails, which I, through great necessity, was obliged to take from
the late skipper of the Prins Maurits, on condition of paying for them, and he would give short
credit. I have therefore secured this, as I must close at once with him ; 'tis a large topmast-
sail, a pretty fair piece, and a mainsail, tolerably tight. I had them valued by Paulus Leenders,
Burgomaster, in New Amsterdam, and Claes Willemsz, skipper of Beer, who estimated
them at 19 and 11 stivers the ell, amounting together to three hundred and forty-six guilders
of this currency, which is 30 or more per cent, lighter than Holland currency. In exchange for
this is delivered to him wherewith to support his people from the 1" to the 15"" of April, since
the loss of the ship and since the goods were put again on board a small sloop and sent to the
Manhattes ; this was for 15 men, estimated at least at 7 stivers per day, and after that, again
at the Manhattes, was delivered out of the ship Bcver what is specified in the annexed account,
the amount whereof is by guess at my valuation ; it can be again valued there, inasmuch as the
price or what the provisions cost, is not mentioned in the invoice ; they can then be offset
against one another.
Again, the skipper, in consequence of the misfortune that has overtaken us, is inclined to
refuse justifying the bills of lading. In reasonable fairness and under the circumstances, all
14 NEW- YORK COLONIAL IMANUSCRIPTS.
is or slioiihi be considered, since, in sncli misfortune or mishnp, niiicli went entirely to loss.
Tliere occurred not only much leakage in the liquors, hut on shore much was stolen in the
discharging, tec; and how was it kept or ])reserved during the nigiit "? The sentinels crawled
under, drew out in tubs what was found sullicient. Some of tiie dry goods, entirely scattered
about, were wet and injured by the quantity of water in the siiip, and the skipper could not
resolve on cutting a hole in the vessel to let the water run out; and, moreover, one thing or
the other was wholly carried away and lost; amongst the rest, a barrel of hams, smoked beef
and tongues, a box with side arms {.mJarmcii) and a flag. I would have willingly bought his
flag and iiave offered to pay him for it, but he will not give up nor surrender it; some tubs of
bullets, whole pikes, two newly made tackles, some Spanish wine and oil, also, other goods
such as fans, muds, sieves, skepels and other small measures, have been thrown overboard and
drifted away, few of which were recovered, and only about some dozen muds; some of these,
again, broken or stove into pieces by being thrown overboard, were swept away. I have
therefore resolved, by advice, to have his goods seized, which have been saved and brought to
the Manhattes, in order to bring him to reason, because, also, he has not consented to give me
receipts (or the jjrovisions he applied for there, and which were delivered from the ship, de
Bar ; but I have let it be known that he may take his goods on giving security, and dispose
of them to ids benefit, according to his pleasure. The matter can be better disposed of in this
country, where all the circumstances of the loss and misfortune are best known and understood,
than elsewhere, and 'twas done principally with this view; whether the proprietors decide oa
setting up any claim against the above named skipper, or be willing to acquiesce, I expect
their pleasure l)y receipt.
In regard to the rations, these are issued according to the annexed table determined on here,
except tiiat fish is also used, in order to make the provisions go farther. "The rations cannot
well be issued otherwise than equally among the Colonists, free handicrafts men and soldiers,
in order to prevent disputes and dissatisfaction, which are of no use here. It is also to be
considered that there are many who have heavy families, for all sergeants and corporals have
brought over maid servants with them ; provisions must, of necessity, be issued both for their
wives and tliemselves, and for their maids and children. At the lowest calculation, a soldier
who earns twelve guilders a month receives in weekly rations for himself one, his wife one, and
the maid and child, both one; in all, three rations; and in four weeks twelve, which, in a year
of 52 weeks, each ration at least at 30 stivers, amounts, for such married people, to 234
guilders yearly, exclusive of daily necessaries, such as stockings, shoes, shirts, clothing, etc.;
this will still run on and ought to be continued until further orders, so as to avoid at the outset
much umbrage, and I expect the diminution or augmentation in value thereof, and at what
price each species shall be charged ; also, especially the first cost of all the goods, how and at
what piices shall these be charged to the people. When the cost of all the goods is specified or
marked, about .50 per cent, should, in my opinion, be added for advances, risk, waste, freight,
labor and other expenses of packing, etc. But the provisions can hardly bear this, and ought
to put down lower, with the full understanding that all be done undersuch limitation and order
as your Honors have already made, or shall, as a general basis or measure, still further
decide on.
Since my preceding letters I have made some enquiry, and taken some information
respecting the country and its advantages, also regarding the situation of this fort, and tliC
circumjacent lands. I have, accordingly, comprised in a little map the location of Fort New
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 15
Amsteland the adjoining territory belonging tliereunto ; also of Fort Christina, riow called
Altona; and in like manner, shown, generally, how near it is to Virginia or the Enghsh r.ver,
which can be reached in two days, or even less. On this road or way, 'tis also sa,d ,s a
good and rich iron mine, and if so, I shall, at the earliest moment, have a sample brought .n.
'Tis situate or contained in a certain mountain, near which is a cataract or waterfall, on a
river that runs past and close by the place, and is adapted to the turning of mdls. This river
likewise, affords facilities for bringing away such substance in a boat, as can be further seen
in the rough sketch of the above mentioned map annexed hereunto.
I have, also, drawn up a plan of a city, as is to be seen in the accompanying sketch ; the
circumstances and situation of the spot are not very much unsuited or ill-adapted for such ^
fortification, inasmuch as the place where the ditches of the city are to run, and the two
harbors are, but particularly one, in some sense, and apparently suited thereto by nature, save
that in a matter of such importance there are still many considerations, and nothing will
possibly be effected without inconveniences arising against it. I am convinced that the first
harbor, by clearing it, could be so made that a large ship could sail into and be discharged and
loaded in it; by this accommodation the ships would be protected against, and prepared for,
the drifting of ice, which sometimes here, of a winter's day, flows in such masses that no
ship, lying in the river could, without danger, withstand it; add to this, that they could then
be loaded and unloaded with greater convenience. I shall willingly await other considerations
and opinions thereupon, should the matter come, in any wise, under deliberation.
No one here is very conversant with engineering on whose survey and judgment reliance
could, or dare, be placed in a matter of such great importance. I was obliged to have hud
out as best I could, the house lots and gardens by a man who possesses some triflmg
knowledge of land surveying. The people were anxious and craving to be under a roof, in
order to do something for their own support, which usually is willing labor, for had they gone
immediately inland, they would have to go and settle more apart or separated, at their own
risk and to the general insecurity, and could never be brought to dwell within (the town) near
each other. And I think it ought to be the rule, not to give land to any person unless he
reside here himself, or is domiciled, and have kept or was keeping a man and arms inasmuch
as 'tis of primary necessity to establish a capital, where a goodly number of inhabitants live
together and in good order. , j r -i
The condition of the land on the other side of this river is likewise good and fertile; nor is
it bad policy to begin a hamlet or village there, were it right opposite this place or nearly so.
in order to completely defend this river thereby, which these lands and places deserve ; neither
can it do any harm at first to keep a strict watch here and there, so as to ascertain somewhat
the intentions or actions of the Swedes. There are many here thoroughly conversant with the
circumstances of this place, and Jhey are trying to keep the claim of the Crown alive; that is
not of much moment, but neither ought it to be taken too little into account.
I have also made one drawing of Fort New Amstel, but it is somewhat handsomely sketclied ;
the walls are not nearly half so good as they appear on paper, and it threatens to fall do«n
where there is much superstructure before it can be rebuilt or repaired. It is, moreovei,
small, so that it would afford hut poor accommodation for the Captain and Lieutenant, whic,
however, it has not yet done for want of materials and carpenters. Each, in particular, has
already a somewhat large family and moveables. Wherefore, when at the Manhattes, each of
them, knowing the condition and smallness of the fort, did hire a proper house which they
occupy and need. For these reasons none can or will, as yet, watch in the fort.
16 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
The storehouse in the fort is nnicli too small ; and when a more suitable one is built it will
only make the space narrower or more limited, but tlie preservation of the goods is most
important. Tlie people must be secured thereby, and also by their own good care and
attention. I have, tlierefore, made a sketch of the fort and also of its proximate dimensions,
so as to ascertain them and to order everything proportionally: if it come to this, 1 shall duly
consider v\ liat course to take for the disposition and arrangement thereof.
The Colonists, free mechanics, civil servants, with the freemen who were here before our
arrival, and some few who have come and settled here since, may amount, altogether, to
al)i)ut sixty men capable of bearing arms. They shall and will be placed under burgher
officers to keep watch and ward, agreeably to the conditions which are thereunto enacted ;
this is of use for the security and strength of this Colonic.
Tlie gun-carriages, and whatever belongs to them, are bad and mostly all unserviceable; if
new ones be made, the sun and heat will immediately dry them up, and cause them to split
and warp {veis[ia/u7i), unless tarred, they will be, in a short time, rendered wholly useless.
Therefore, a stock of five or six tons of tar ought to be sent hither.
In like manner, for private houses on 25 new lots, on each of which a small building has
been, or will hereafter be, erected. Though country fashion and make, they require a quantity
of nails, especially double and single ones, a good many spikeS; and not a few wainscot nails,
inasmuch as a great number of these are used for clapboarding, or roofing the houses with wood.
Mr. Jan Costing, the Surgeon, hath given in this annexed memorandum of necessary
medicines, which, he says, will not amount to much. He requests that they be sent out by
the earliest opportunity.
Herewith I also send a list of the tobacco and peltries, etc., shipped on board the Beier
whenever it sails hence to the Manhattes; also, what is likewise sent hence in another yacht
called the As a beginning, something, 'twill be seen, is to be done here ; already
some persons have traded a large quantity ; this trade, most probably, will experience a
considerable augmentation and improvement, so that it would not be surprising if a large
quantity of peltries will be sent over as a return cargo in the first coming ships.
And as there are many good kinds of timber here, it is a matter of consideration whether
the inhabitants will not find herein, in course of time, a source of advantage and profit,
moreover, as it supplies, with tobacco, loading for the arriving ships. And I have heard that
some Swedes have expressed a willingness to cut masts on condition of paying reasonable
freight thereon. I shall talk with them on this subject more fully and finally on the next
opportunity. In order that this Beaver country may be the better remembered, I also send
with this a beaver skin, which, in my opinion, is somewhat of a curiosity.
Herewith ending I will pray God, Honorable, Worthy, Wise and Prudent Gentlemen, to
bless your Honors' government, and to preserve your Honors' persons in continual health.
I remain your Honors' obliged and
Faithful servant.
Lower was: (Signed), J. Alriciis.
In Fort New Amstel, on the South river,
the 25"' May, 1G57.
Still lower :
Through lack of lime, and as I must do almost everything, 1 have not written to Mess",
the Burgomasters. Please to communicate to them the maps and plans.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XV. 17
Eesolution groMmg further Aid to the Colome on the DeUware.
[ From Iho n«>olutlen van de Vroei^cUapp^n, A, 225, ia the Slad Iluys, Amsterdam. ]
4"' July, 1G57.
. , ThP Burgomasters have informed the Council that the Directors of the
"-r.7— J;^^^;5 :t,herland still require to borrow from the Orphan Chamber
^f^'f^ ^6 00^.1, (br the advancement of said Colonie on the credit o the cty.
a™ "done the iV November, 1050, in regard to the sum of 25,000 gl and whereas
0^00.1 we afterward,, borrowed from the Orphan Chamber on the IS-^ January. 16 7,
nd 36 0 0 on the 9^^ March following, without the clause, pledging the P-P- J f^, '-' ^j
they request the opinion of the Council whether it were not tac.tly unders ood that the means
irde It f this city were bound for the said 10,000 and 36,000. Wh.ch, be.ng cons.dered
he Co i^ consent 'to the required loan of 6,000 gl , and resolve ^ -;,;-— ;;^
property of this city shall be pledged as well for the 10,000 gl., b°";7^;; ;' ^i'^/^ Xf
Lt! as for the 36,000 gl. raised on 9- of March, the same as was voted on the 11 November.
A" 1656, ia regard to the 25,000 gl.
Mert Fietersen, Sehoohnaster, to the Commissioners of tU Colonie on the Delaware.
, Prom the Bund.e endorsed r..^«. SU^n ra^^ <^e Co^on. ra. ^. K^rlana, No. 15. >. the St^ U.y., Amsterdam. J
Extract from the letter of Evert Pietersen, Comforter of the sick, and
Schoolmaster in the Colonie established by this cty, Amsterdam, on the
South river, in New Netherland, dated 10"- August, 1657.
We arrived here at the South river, on the 25"- April, and found 20 families
no;,a„d^Boe.meat„ ^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^,^^^ ^ ^^ g f^.^jji^^ belonging to our nauon. \
find the land here right good and well timbered. I have been full 5 or 6 hours m the inter.or m
le woot and fou.fd fine oaR and hickory trees ; also, excellent land for t|H^ge - saw n.-y
plants growing, except nettles, all very good, so that the land produces whatever U can, but of
e es't kind ■ I therefore firmly believe were we to have 1 to 2 "-"-f '.ea-y farmers w
should reap an excellent crop here, where, therefore, nothing ,s wanting but people. Wharves
e alreadjlaid out here and'almost built ; land is also given out ^^-^^ -^--J^^f^rt
to get the winter grain in the ground. Your Honors are also mformed that there is
:„f^erlble black w!.nut timber here to make gun-stocks with -^^^^l^^l^-^^Zrilt^l
of the gunsmiths what it is worth, and whether they purchase by the st ck °;J°°;' ^"'^ JJ
long the pieces must be, and then calculate the profit to be made on it. I -^^-^jy^; Jfj'
ancf makes good ballast, for a great deal of it is worked up at home. I already begin to keep
school, and have 25 children, etc.
Your Honors' most obedient servant,
(Si-^ned), Evert Pietersen.
On one side was: \ ° '
Dated the lO'" August, 1657. In Fort New Amstel,
on the South river, in New Netherland.
Vol. II. ^
18 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Vice • Director Alriehs to the Comraissiontr-s of tlie Colonie on tlie Delaware.
[ From tbe Bundle endarscd V^nclieide Stukken. ratkendi dt Colonic van X. Xederhmdt, No. 14, in Ibe Stad IIuy%^ Amsterdam.]
Honorable, Worshipful, Wise and Riglit Prudent Gentlemen.
Hoi'.in.i Documents, ^'y ''^^*' I'^llf's to you Were dated the 13"' April and 8"" and 5"" of May, and
xv.,213. were sent by the ships, Beer, Gddcrse Uom and Btver. I hope they liave all
got safe to hand, and refer thereunto. I had requested therein a sloop and a scow or champan,
row-boat, yacht and galliot, but learn that a row-boat and galliot are coming and sent by the
TVtirg, which is looked for with great impatience. But tiie scow and yacht of 8 or 9 lasis are
also very necessary here.
I expect that a large quantity of material, suc'i as bricks {stcc7ic?t), tiles, smiths' coals, etc.,
will be sent out; they are much needed here, as we have not a solitary brick in store to repair
an oven which is in ruin. We have here only a little oven which is unsuitable, and cannot last
longer. Two more must therefore be built, wherefore I expect what tliereunto belongeth as
well as other necessary materials.
Provisions, generally, are very scarce, and the arrival of tbe ship, the Waeg, is an.xiously
looked for; otherwise, we shall be in great distress. I have already had 200lbs. of English
pork purchased at the Manhattes, payable in Duffles, at 4 guilders the ell.
And, as I was somewhat apprehensive, and moreover greatly afraid, that no warehouse
would be sent over early, which is the cause of greater inconvenience and injury than can be
expressed, I have therefore been obligeii to conclude, and have deemed it proper to liave a
storehouse built. But as we have no brick here, and as it must be constructed entirely of
wood, and there is no room in the fort to set up coarse and rough work, and of great dimensions,
I have had it located on one side and under the fort for protection of the work, 5G feet long and
25 feet wide, 9 high, with a ceiling, but I cannot get any suitable carpenters ; consequently, it
makes little progress. Notwithstanding, I do all I can. Your Honors will please not to omit
sending out 3 or 4 of the best carpenters who are well versed in their work. They are the
cheapest, inasmuch as they save time, and the work is better made and faster. They will
have steady employment here, as there is considerable to be made and repaired. Three or
four carpenters only came over among tbe freemen; one of them is sometimes sick or ailing;
the other will not work ; the third demands something better, and so forth, so that it is
a very troublesome and difficult matter.
Furthermore, as a secretary or clerk was necessary for the dispatch of law suits and occurring
differences or questions, I have been obliged provisionally to engage Andries Hudde, who also
under.stands somewhat of surveying, in which he can likewise be, in some degree, useful ; and,
as he hath filled the same office for the company, and is here domiciled, settled and also
licensed, I have agreed with him for 30 guilders, this currency, a month, payable here, with
rations. Such was the salary and board received before by him, he also provisionally performing
the duties of Deputy Sheriff (for which office he was proposed and recommended by the
Deputies of the Commonalty) for the avails or emoluments thereof, without having any other
perquisite in respect thereto, all subject to your Honors' approval, or until another be sent out.
As relates to the deed given me of lands for your Honors' Colonie here, it is only from
Boomtjes hook to Christina kill, including also many inferior tracts, of which there are several
belter here, both in the Bay and on the river. And it were most proper, when this established
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 19
Colonie shall become successful, as is to be hoped, that the whole should be placed under one
head or government. But so soon as only five or six hundred are here in one place, they must
be located and spread farther apart, as there is still here much excellent and fine land, under
the jurisdiction of and belonging to the Company. Besides, there are also many Netherlanders
and other inhabitants here who, with the consent and permission of the government, have
purchased and possess deeds of some miles, or many thousand morgens, of land, which could be
obtained easily for a trifle or very little. And I think it would be of advantage to acquire, by
degrees, as much as possible of it, because occasions often present themselves to me to prevent
any of them hypothecating their right or property to the English or other nations. But what
the Company owns on the South river must be wholly under your Honors' authority.
I have understood here that the General proposes to send a Vice-Director to Fort Altona,
and is ofTering favorable terms in order to plant a Colonie there. Time will determine what
progress it will have.
Being hitherto obliged to furnish and supply the rations of the soldiers, and also of their
wives and children, a large consumption was the consequence. Add to this, that a great deal
of dry provisions were injured and ruined by water in consequence of the wreck of the ship.
We are now approaching the end, and are longing for the arrival of the ship TFacg, with the
Galiot, to which all eyes are beginning to be turned, both for those without who intend to
repair hither, as for the encouragement of the insiders ; because already many difficulties are
created by reason of the war which, it is reported, exists between the Crown of France and
us, wherefore 'tis feared that the ship or ships may be late in coming, and this might then
cause inconvenience here.
I trust, as I observe from the letter, that the TVacg will supply and bring over everything
that is most necessary. Besides, I am here in want of all sorts of measures and of whatever
appertains thereunto, so that I am inconvenienced on all sides. Cors Janscn, the steward,
hath gone away and broken his troth ; he is, therefore, outlawed, his wages confiscated for the
profit of the State, and himself banished for three times seven years from this southern Colonie.
Be pleased, from time to time, to let the prices of all goods, provisions, iron ware, and all
other necessaries whatsoever which are sent here, be written out with the invoices.
When receiving and sending people, please to observe that the most of those drawn and
sent, be conversant with farming and accustomed to work, so that everything may be more
expertly done and more speedily finished.
I have already stated that there is a very fine and excellent country called the Whorekill,
abounding very much in wild animals, birds, fish, etc., and the land is so good and fertile that
the like is nowhere to be found. It lies at the entrance of the Bay, about two leagues up from
Cape Hinlopen. I shall send a draft of it by the next opportunity. Please to keep it
recommended; the place can be conveniently visited with a yacht of 8 or 10 lasls, but some
people must be there for security. This can be regularly done, or set about in course of time,
after numbers are sent and have arrived here, and more of the place is taken up.
And whereas considerable provisions and liquors are being forced here at excessive prices
by private individuals, as well retailers as tavern-keepers and tapsters, and as there is neither
baker nor brewer here, and thin drink makes hungry bellies which recoil on the store, and as
working people must sometimes take a drink of beer or wine to comfort their hearts, I
resolved, with the advice of the Municipal government, and on the representation of those
authorized by the Commonalty, that the tapsters and tavern-keepers should not retail the can
20 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
of Manhattan beer for any more than nine stivers wliich they used to sell for fifteen, and the
wine in proportion, to the end that the anicles of food which are scarce here, and sometimeB
not to be had, and which are imported, such as wheaten flour, English loaves or bread, butter,
rice, etc., when not abundant here, may be also regulated at a reasonable price, for the good,
relief and advantage of ail the inhabitants and settlers. This is a new beginning, delicate in
all or many respects, and accompanied by many difficulties ; but hitherto everything has come
on well and in good order; every possible effoit will be made to continue so; the people
are well, and well disposed, but the soldiers are sufficiently inclined to be troublesome
and importunate.
It also sometimes occurs to me, I know not wherefore, that a certain person who is bound
especially to promote peace and quiet, seeks to cause disturbance by himself, or by others,
in my absence. I thought this was best met by civility and reason, and I avoid, as much as
possible, to affijrd any man the least cause of dissatisfaction. If it happen that any one should
furnish any food for misconstruction, please to reflect and fully to believe that such person can
well be spared from this [ilace.
By the ship dc Mr.tihn has arrived your Honors' most welcome letter, dated lO"" April, wiiich
reached me for the first time on the last day of July. 1 have been much pleased to learn by
it that the ship de JVncg was taking in a cargo, together with a schooner and several families
of Colonists and free tradesmen, etc., also provisions, goods and materials, and a Clergyman;
this affords me pleasure. They were then to leave for this place in about 15 or 1(5 days after
the above date, but nothing has yet been heard of them up to this day. I have, also, word
from the Manhattes that no news of them had been received there up to the G"" instant. 1 have
understood that the TVucg was to go there first ; 'tis somewhat out of the way, and injurious
to this place. The Bay of this river is shallow {/ic7it), and such appropriation ouglit to
be made to render it safer and better for incoming ships, that operations may be commenced
without delay ; this would bring a greater resort, commerce and improvement to this place,
not only from thence but also from the neighboring Colonies.
The amount of your Honors' disbursements is large at first ; the thing is here for which and
to which all was done, and what is still of much greater importance, the result thereof, and what
is to be expected from it remain yet unknown. Were a vigorous policy soon or now
immediately adopted and put in force, it will in my opinion, afford proof that such vigor was
not employed in vain, and without foundation.
I have seen the proposal respecting the loading of the ship the JVacg. I should willingly see
it sail to its destination from this place, with a full cargo, and not from the Manhattes. Since
I have received your Honors' letters, I have endeavored to encourage some persons to bring
some timber together to freight it. A sort of beginning has been made. 1 fear they will be
distressed for want of hands. It would be highly gratifying to me should the first of the ships
belonging to the city arrive there direct with a return cargo of timber from this place. I am
very anxious for that, and if it will succeed in the brief time that is allowed, I dare assure
your Honors at least of another ship load or perhaps two in tiie spring, unless, as already
observed, we come to want hands to do the work here, which, indeed, is heavy work.
As provisions are now rapidly consumed and run low, I have been obliged to discover means
whereby I may, as best I can, provide some stock of supplies. 1 shall write more fully on
this subject in my next.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 21
Should one or two brickmakers offer to come hither in service or else as free men, there is
a good opportunity for them ; please engnge them, and let them come over iu the one capacity
or other, at pleasure.
I have, up to this time, issued such reasonable and necessary rations as circumstances, in
any wise permitted, but it has been impossible to excuse the distribution to soldiers' wives,
their maids and children ; to wit, the women the same as the men, and the maids with the
children, eacii half a ration, as is to be seen in the annexed list.
In course of time it will be requisite to send out some wax, green or red, as may be proper,
with a seal for this place.
Herewith ending, I shall pray God, Honorable, Worshipful, Wise and Right Prudent
Gentlemen, to bless your administration, and to preserve your Honors' persons in continual
health.
Remaining your Honors'
Obedient and
Faithful Servant,
In the margin was : ( Signed ), J. Aleichs.
In Fort New Amstel, 13"" August 1657.
Resolution appointing a Committee to inquire into the affairs of the Colonie on
the DeJaiuare.
[From Ihe HesohiUen van de Vroedschappen, A., 246, in the Stad JTuijs, Amsterdam. ]
T^ September, 1657.
Holland Documenu On the application of the Commissioners of the Colonie in New Netherland
XV 16 '
Kcqii'estofihB Cora- to send auothcr ship thither, and to be supplied with the necessary funds for
loMe'in'^NeV'Nethr that purpose by the city. Resolved, whereas, it was not the Council's intention
orasuaiy. ^^ foster Said Colonic by excessive and endless expenditure, that Mess" Tulp,^
Cornelis de Graeff, Lord of South Polsbroeck, Witsen,' Valckenier, Van Hoorn and Burgh be
' Doctor Nicolas Tulp, the celebfated Regent and Physician of Amsterdam, came into the world in that city on the lltli of
October, 1593. At the nge of twenty-nine, he was chosen Schepen and Member of tlie Common Council in the place of his
birth; was reelected &ve times as Schepen, and filled the office until 1642. In 1654 he arrived at the honorable and
important post of Burgomaster, and was again called to it in 1656, 166G and 1671. Tn the following year he gave a grand
entertainment to his fellow Burgomasters and Councillors on the completion of the fiftieth year of his being a Member of the
Common Council, on which occasion each of the guests was presented with a silver medal, which was struck to commemorate
the event. The festivities lasted from noon until eleven o'clock at night Two customs were observed on the occasion —
one somewhat general; the other, rather rare. The first was, that each guest, on retiring, took home with him a large plate
of loaf sugar and fruit from the dessert ; the second, that the pipes, from which the guests smoked, were served up, with the
tobacco, on salvers of Porcelain. Dr. Tulp died on the 12lh Sejitember, 1674. in the 81st year of his age. He was author of
a work entitled Geneeskimdige Aenmerkhigrn (Observations on the Art of Medicine), published both in Latin and Dutch.
Kok's Vaderlandsch Wurdenboek, XXIX., 56, which contains also his portrait. — Ed.
' Doctor Cornelis Jansen Witzen was the son of Excise-Master Jan Cornelis Witzen, and a native of Amsterdam, where he
was elected to the office of Schepen, 1636-1651. In 1643 he obtained a seat in the Common Council, and became Burgomaster
in 1653, and subsequently in 1668, 1662 and 1667, when he exchanged the office for that of Hoofdschoul, or High Sheriff of
•he city. Ibid.
22 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
commissioned and requested to consider and examine said matters maturely and to report
their conclusion ;iiui opinion accordingly.
Re-soliition graniiiuj further Aid to the Colonie on the Velavmre.
[ From Iho liaolittien vaji d/i Vruedichappen, A , 252, in llie SUid Utiyf, Amsterdam. ]
13'" October, 1G57.
Hniinnd Documents, The Committee appointed on the 7"" September last, to examine the application
sui.sidy for tho cn- of the Commissioners of the Colonie in New Netherland to be supplied with
eriani. * 10,000 gl. for the equipment and dispatch of a ship, have this day reported: Tiiat
the Commissioners of the Colonie had informed them that they meant henceforth to promote the
work with a yearly outfit, and, as they should require only IG (Sl 20 thousand gl. for each
venture, not doubting but the good fruits of the planting this Colonie would manifest themselves
in a short time, sooner or later; the Committee of this Council, as their opinion, therefore,
consider, inasmuch as such subsidy is moderate, and would still further diminish in course
of time, that the required subsidy ought to be continued and granted said Commissioners, by
reason of the notorious appearances of increase in the Colonie.
Which report being heard, the Committee is thanked for the trouble they have taken, and it
is accordingl}^ resolved that for this once, the required 16 thousand guilders shall be granted,
and for the raising thereof the revenue, means and effects of this city, shall be bound, as has
heretofore been done, the council reserving to itself, to determine, then, in regard to the future.
Mesolution granting further Aid to the Colonie on the Delaware.
[From tho Kcsolutien van de V/oed^chappen, B., 16, io the Stad ir«j,«, Amsterdam.]
ll"- April, 1658.
Holland Documents, '^^^ application of the Commissioners or Directors of the Colonie in New
2o\ho!sand gl for ^'''tl'ei'hind to 1)6 Supplied with a sum of 20 thousand gl. for the fitting out of a
thecXnTehi'New ^'''P '" ^6 scut thitlicr witli a nuuiber of persons who offer to go there, for the
°' """ ' advancement of said Colonie, having been submitted by Mess" the Burgomasters,
to the Council.
It is, after deliberation, remarked that the reasons and motives which led to the prosecution
of said Colonie, still continue, and from tinie to time afford more probable tokens of a good
result; and it is therefore resolved that the above named Commissioners shall be allowed the
required 20 thousand gl. for the next outfit, on like negotiation and pledge, as is expressed in
the resolution adopted on the 13"" October, 1057.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 23
Sundry Papers in relation to the Case of Jan Gaillarclo and his Negro Slaves.
[ From the authenticated copy Id the Boyal Archives at the Hague ; Loketkas of the States-General, K. ; Letter L. ; Division, Weit Indische
CoTjipagnie, No. 46. ]
Received 26th April. 1658.
Letter of the West India Company to the States-General, with sundry Appendices,
respecting Jan Gaillardo, a Spanish Pilot.
High and M'chty Lords!
Your High Mightinesses having, on the repeated instances of the Spanish Ambassador,
instructed and ordered the Company's Director-General in New Netherland not only to be
helping one Joan Gaillardo ferara, a Spanish pilot, in his petition, according to reason and
equity, but to furnish your High Mightinesses with information and communication of whatever
was done there in this matter, or may happen then again to be done. The said Director-
General, accordingly, hath sent to us, by the last ships, a despatch drawn up by him on this
subject and addressed to your High Mightinesses, together with divers documents and
inclosures appertaining thereunto, which we have resolved to transmit herewith to your Higii
Mightinesses in order that you may use the same as may be proper.
Herewith,
High and Mighty Lords,
we shall pray God for the continual welfare of your High Mightinesses' prosperous
government, and remain,
Your High Mightinesses' humble servants,
The Directors of the West India Company's Chamber at Amsterdam.
Amsterdam, (Signed), Ab : Wimerdonx.
25"' April, 1658.
To the High and Mighty Lords, States-General of the United Netherlands.
Keceived 26tb April, 1658.
Director-General and Council of New Netherland to the States-General.
Right Honorable, High and Mighty Lords !
My Lords.
Your High Mightinesses have been pleased, in a despatch dated 25"" January, 1657, to send
us copy of the Memorial of the Ambassador of Spain for and in behalf of one Jan Gallardo,
a Spanish pilot, with an order and command to us that we, on finding the matter as set forth
in the aforesaid Journal,' do grant, in all its parts, as far as it concerns us, the request of the
said Ambassadors, contained in that Memorial, and, further, to inform your High Mightinesses
what we shall have done and accomplished in the premises. In obedience to your High
Mightinesses' letters and orders we transmit herewith the papers presented to us, and our
answer and resolutions thereupon. To read and examine all these will too much interrupt
your High Mightinesses' application to higher and weightier affairs, in the same manner as the
bold and shameless impertinence of the aforesaid Gaillardo, to the effect that we merely glance
' Sic. — Ed.
24 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
at voiir lliirh Mightinesses' recommendations without correcting the complaint, has troubled
and disturbed, not a little, our small occupations. The Ambassador has been very much
imposed on by the aforesaid Ciallardo, and consetjuently your High Mightinesses, by the
Ambassador, in regard, to the merits of the case, in representing that we had demeaned
ourselves angrily towards him, (iallardo, in refusing of justice and examination of witnesses
whom the said Galiardo was willing to propose. The contrary appears by the papers.
"i'is further set forth in the Memorial that one Bastiaen Ilaafl', alias, Martyn Bastiaensen,
and his Lieutenant, Jan van Campen, have taken and brought iiither a certain Spanish ship
with tiegroes and other merelianriise belonging to the aforesaid Juan Galiardo. The trutii of
the matter is, that .Sebastiaen Raafl" and Jan van Campen have never been here, at least not
in our time. But in or about the last of July and beginning of August, of the year 1G52,
GuertTyssen, a l-'rench privateer, appeared ofi' the Narrows {voor Jc hoo/Ucn) with a commission
from Chevalier du I'oinci,' hereditary Governor of St. Christophers, etc., Lieutenant-General
of the King of France in the Islands of America, having with him a .Spanish prize ; iiis ships
remaining outside, he came up in person, bringing with him only his commission, executed
and signed by the said M. Poinci, in virtue whereof he requested, as a servant of the Crown
of France, permission to come up and to supply himself with necessaries for iiis money or
wares. In consideration of the alliance and friendship existing between the said Crown of
France and your High Mightinesses, we dare not refuse the request, the rather so as to be
able to take advantage of his aid and crew, the most of whom were Frenchmen, in time of
need, as we were then in no little dread of being attacked by the English. The aforesaid
Geurt Tyssen remained lying here for the space of about half a year, and left in the winter
witli the drift-ice, having purchased and trucked provisions and other necessaries, with divers
persons, both English and Dutch, in exchange for negroes and other commodities; some of
these negroes are dead, others again sold or exported by the first and second purchasers. The
aforesaid Jan Galiardo claims those negroes as his property, with a petition for restitution
With this view he brought with him last year, and now again brings the above mentioned
Memorial, and your High Mightinesses' recommendation, together with letters recommendatory
from the Ilight Worshipful the Burgomasters and Regents of the city of Amsterdam, and
Directors of the Incorporated West India Company; the last containing an order to send the
aforesaid Jan van Campen or Geurt Tyssen jtedc ligato to Fatherland and to allow the above
named Galiardo to enjoy speedy and prompt justice.
The first cannot be done, because Jan van Campen has never been liere, nor has Geurt
Tyssen since his departure hence four years ago.
' Clievniicr de LoNviu.F.ns Potxct, BnilifT iini! Grand Cross of tlie Order of St. Jolin of Jerusalem, Commander d'Oisemont
and de Coulours, Commodore of the King's slaps in Bi'itt.iny, was born in the year 15S3. lu 16;!9 he was appointed
Governor of St. Christophers. In 1652 the Knights of Malta purc-hused that Island from the French West India Company,
and Poincy, then already very old, was appointed Lieutenant-Cieneral of the Islands of St. Christopher, St Croix, St. Martin
and St. Bartholomew in 1054. His administration was marked by prudence and valor; heconferred great benefit on the Island,
wh;cli he found a desert, and left full of beautiful buildings, well peopled and prosperous. He built, on the siope of a very
high and well woided mountain, about three miles from the sea shore, an elegant mansion of cut-stone and brick, a description
and plan of which are in Da Tr-rtres Index Ofcidentales and in JinclifJ'ort's llixloire des Antilles. Here l>e had a suite of one
hundred Fieneli servants and some three hundred negroes, exclusive of his bod}' guard, and lived in almost regal stj-le, at the
expense, however, of the Order, for, at his death, which oecurrcd on the lUh April, lOCO, all he left behind him consisted
merely of the debts he had contracted to support his government. His chateau was destroyed, after his death, by
an earthquake. Labat's Nouveau Vuyagt aux Jslca de VAmeri^ue ; liochefort, 4to, p. 49: Du Tertrt ; hides Oecidentales, I.,
681. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 25
Secondly, on liis petition for restitution. Said Jan Galiardo was again last year informed
and notified in writing tliat tlie aforesaid negroes captured by tlie Geurt Tysen, acting in
virtue of a commission from tiie Crown of France in actual war with his Majesty of Spain'
were sold or exchanged here, paid for and again exchanged. Therefore, in our judgment the
owners in possession could not be stripped or deprived thereof, unless the purchasers and
payers were given proper satisfaction in return.
On his second reply, dated 29"' August of this year, demanding the negroes, not from the
owners in possession, but from the Company, as Lords and proprietors of this country, or from
us their servants who have declared the negroes herein required, to be good prize. With respect
for your High Mightinesses, we pronounce this to be false and untrue, and our orders, therefore'
not obligatory to pay, on our own or our principals' account, for what we have neither taken
nor confiscated, much less issued any order or commission to take or confiscate, but liave
notified the claiming owner that he must seek his redress either from the captor and seller
himself, who is one Geurt Tysen ; but whether a Hollander, a Zealander, or an Overyssels
man, we are ignorant, nor is it material ; his commission declared him to be a subject and
servant of the Crown of France ; or else from Governor Chevalier du Poinci, who issued
the commission.
This, High and Mighty Lords, is, in brief, agreeably to your High Mightinesses' order, the
substance of what has been done in the matter of the abovementioned Memorial. If your High
Mightinesses' most wise judgment doth not quadrate with it, but absolutely orders us, contrary
to our expectation and belief, to restore the sold and long since paid for negroes, to the
claimant Jan Galiardo, either at the expense of the owners in possession, who have paid for
them, or at the cost of the Company or of their servants, who have issued neither commission
for capturing, nor order for selling, your High Mightinesses' will and further recommendation
must be law to us. Meanwhile we will hope gind humbly request your High Mightinesses in
your accustomed wisdom and kindness to your subjects, to be pleased to point out to us a way
and a means where and how to seek and to obtain for your High Mightinesses' supplicating
subjects, restitution or satisfaction. First, for a ketch belonging to a private citizen of this
place, sent, with the consent and commission of the government here for the prosecution of
commerce to the Carribbee and Curasao islands, and thence to the Caymanos for turtle, and
captured, contrary to the Treaty of Peace on its return by the Spaniards and carried to St.
Jago de Cuba, and there declared a prize by the Governor and sold. As appears by the
declaration annexed, letter A.
Secondly, for a small ship or yacht, named H Hacn/je (the Little Cock), which, on the IS""
June, 1654, was purchased here for account of the Incorporated West India Company, fitted
out and sent under the annexed commission and instruction to the Island of Cura9ao : on her
return, being about the Island of Hispaniola she was taken by three Spanish ships and carried
into St. Domingo and kept there, as appears by the authentic copy of the skipper's letter to us,
hereunto annexed, letter B.
Thirdly, for the loss and damage suffered by those of the aforesaid Island of Cura9ao, in
tlie seizure, by the Spaniards of Coro, of the sloop belonging to the island, together with some
of the Company's negroes and soldiers, the more ample details whereof are in the hands of
the Hon"'* Company at the Chamber at Amsterdam. We might enumerate many other
injuries which your High Mightinesses' subjects have suffered directly from the Spaniards
during the Treaty of Peace, were it not that we fear to interrupt, too much, your High
Vol. IL 4
20 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Mightinesses' more important and weightier deliberations. We shall, therefore, conclude, and
await your High Mightinesses' further order and wise counsel touching the one and the other.
Meanwhile we commend your High Mightinesses to (Jod's gracious protection, and remain
Your High Mightinesses'
Obedient and faithful servants,
Amsterdam, in N. Netherland, P. Stuyvesant,
the 20"" October, A" 1057. Nicasius de Stlle,
La Montag.n'e.
Beneath was :
By order of the Director-General and Council at New Netherland.
(Signed), C. V. Ruyven, Sec'.
Appendix 1 : Reeciveil 26tli April, 1658.
To the Hon'"'' Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General and the Council of New Netherland.
Petitioner aiiaii re- RespcctfuUy showeth, Juau Gailhirdo ferrara, a resident of the city of St. Lucar
ffsouuion'''«.iopied dc Barraiiieda, at present in tiiis city of Amsterdam, in New Netherland, that he,
In tlie case herein
mcniicned. the Petitioner, did deliver to your Honors, on tiie G'" instant, the despatch of
Da:cil, Araatf-r- •' '
errnd"ihemif&e|!^ I'l^'"" ^^^'S'' Migli tiuesscs, the Lords States-General, as well as of the Hon'''% the
L^wMr'Tiy order Burgomastcrs of the city of Amsterdam, to the end that you may be pleased
oftho l>Irecior-Gen- , t» • • , . i • ■ . ■ ^ i • p ^ i ■• • , ■
erai and o.un.ii of to the Petitioner here to administer just, brief, prompt law ana justice;
New Netherland. , i i •
Signed, coBNELia vvhercunto the Petitioner hath placed in your Honors iiands some documents,
TAM RnvvEx, Sec- .
"■"^'y- among others a sworn declaration, by which it appears that one Geurt Tysen
did, in the month of April, 1G52, in the latitude of Cape Morante, unlawfully deprive him, the
Petitioner, of forty-four negroes and negresses, and bring the same here.
And, whereas the Petitioner hath discovered here some of said negroes, whose names appear
on the suljjoiiied list, all of whom, male and female, still well recognize him, he therefore,
respectfully prays your Honors to give orders that the negroes, whom he has already discovered,
and may happen hereafter to find, shall be restored to him and placed in his hands. Further,
as the Petitioner is at present a very poor man, he respectfully prays your Honors to be
graciously pleased to provide him with lodgings and some board money, until a ship sail for
Fatherland. Which doing, etc.. Your Honors' servant.
(Signed), Juan Gaillardo.
Beneath was :
Agrees with the original in date and signature, as above.
(Signed), C. V. Ruyven, Secrete
Appendix 2: Received 26th April, 1658.
This day, the tenth April, sixteen hundred and fifty-six, before me, Joachim Thielmans,
admitted by the Court of Holland a Public Notary, residing at Amsterdam, and the under named
witnesses, appeared Joan Gallardo ferrara, an inhabitant of the city of St. Lucar de Barameda,
actually within this city, who, by true christian words 'and on his conscience, in place and
with oiTer of oath, hath, by the interpretation of P'' Pathuyzen, who speaks and understands
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IX. 27
the Dutch and Spanish languages, who, also, promises in manner as aforesaid, well and
faithfully to perform his oflice of interpreter, solemnly affirmed and declared, as strict truth :
That he, the affirmant, being, in the mouth of April, of the year 1652, on a voyage from
Janiayca to St. Jago de Kuba, in the ship named Sf. Ani/ioni, whereof Silvester Peres was
skipper, and being come to the latitude of Cape Morante, was met by a certain privateer ship
whereof Martin Janss Raeff was Captain, wliich ship was navigated, in consequence of the
Captain's absence, by his L'-General, Coert Tyseq Campen, whit'h privateer attacked, fought,
boarded and conquered his, the affirmant's, ship and made a prize thereof, and proceeded to
New Netherland, in the harbor called Rfanades, and whereas he, the deponent, had a deep
interest in said sliip carrying, among other merchandise, four-and-forty negroes and negresses,
he, the affirmant, in further proof of his property therein, declares that said black men and
women are branded in manner as follows; ^O
To wit : First. Thirty-two of them are marked ._/V?y being the name of Anthonio de
Rivera, and three more are marked J., being the name of Jean Loper, which marks are
branded on the left breast; and then nine more are marked A, being the name of Allonso,
which marks are branded on the right breast. Thus done, in good faith, in Amsterdam,
present, Henrick Vericselen, Dirck Tack, as witnesses hereunto invited.
Beneath was :
Quod attestor.
(Signed), J. Thielmans, Not'' Pub.
We, the Burgomasters and Regents of the city of Amsterdam, to each and every whom
it may concern, do certify as true, that before us appeared Joan Gallardo ferrara, who, by
solemn oath, with the interpretation of Pieter Pathuyzen, who speaks and understands the
Dutch and Spanish languages, and he, also, appearing, affirms on oatli, as aforesaid, to have
well and truly performed his office of interpreter, declares and aiiirms the contents of the
foregoing affirmation read to him by the subscribing Secretary, to be the truth, and thereby to
persist: So truly may God Almighty help him, the affirmant and the interpreter aforesaid. In
witness whereof the seal of this city is hereunder affixed, the SS"" April, 1656.
(Signed), N. Nicolai.
[ L. s. ]
Appendix 3: Received 26th April, 1668.
Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of the Honble. Director-General and
Council, adopted in their Session on Wednesday, G'"" September, A" ]G56.
The despatches of the Noble, High and Mighty Lords, States-General, being delivered in at
the meeting by Juan Gaillardo, an inhabitant of the city of St. Lucar de Barrameda, with a
copy annexed thereunto of an extract from the Memorial of the Spanish Ambassador, respecting
the case of the above named Juan Gaillardo, a Spanish pilot, with and against Captain
Sebastiaen Raeff and his Lieutenant, Jan van Campen, who was charged with having seized
the ship and some negroes belonging to the above named Gaillardo, and repaired to New
Netherland, from which the aforesaid Raaff was discharged at Amsterdam, on his own security ;
also, an extract of their High Mightinesses' resolutions, dated lO"* January, 165G, with order
to the Director-General and Council here that, should they find the case, upon inquiry, to be
28 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
<18 narrated in the Memorial aforesaid, they shall send Lieutenant Jan van Campen tiiilher,
pede ligfJlo, and also to those interested in the matter of the slaves claimed, grant good, brief,
prompt and full justice ; likewise, having received the letters of the Hon'"''' Burgomasters of
the city of Amsterdam, recommending the above named Gaillardo, in order that he may
receive, in the matter aforesaid, good, speedy and prompt justice.
After reading both the despatches at)d the Memorial of the Spanish Ambassador, it is found
that the Memorial presented by the Spanish Ambassador to their High Mightinesses, is very
erroneously drawn up and given in, inasmuch as neither the said Captain Raaff nor iiis
Lieutenant, Jan van Campen, hath ever been in IN'ew Netherland, at least not in the time of the
present Director-Cieneral and Council, but it is found that, in or about the last of July and
beginning of August, in the year lG-52, there arrived here at the North Kiver, in iSew Netherland,
one Captain Geurt Tysen and his Lieutenant, Pieter Jacobsen, with a commission in due form,
from M. Poinci, French Governor of Christophers, beginning: Nous Poind, ChevnUicr de Malle,
Lieutenant- General du Roij de France des Jllcs Amerigucs ct Gouvernmr Heredilairc de St. Christop/iere.
Signed, Le Chevalier Poinci, and sealed on one side with his seal; which commission being
exhibited to the Director-General and Council of New Netherland, and received as good, said
Captain Geurt Tysen and his Lieutenant, I"" Jacobs, in virtue of said commission as servants
of the Crown of France, and agreeably thereunto as allies and good friends of their High
Mightinesses, the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, asked that they, with his
ship, named the , and accompanying prize, may, unmolested, come up
before this city of Amsterdam, in order that they may repair, mend and re-victual their ship for
their money and merchandise ; who, exhibiting to him his commission as above mentioned,
together with special recommendations to that effect from the above mentioned Chevalier du
Poinci to the Director-General, he could not and dare not refuse such permission ; which Capt"
Geurt Tysen lay here for about the period of three months, and, meanwhile, having given,
traded or sold some negroes to one or other of the inhabitants, subjects of this State, for wages,
provisions and other effects, sailed again towards winter from this place, and has not been here
since ; some of these negroes are already dead ; some have run away ; some are still on hand
here, with divers inhabitants, as bond slaves, purchased and paid for, but most of these have
been two, three or more times re-sold, and have changed masters. In consideration whereof,
the Director-General and Council cannot, at the request of the aforesaid Juan Gaillardo,
deprive the owners of any negroes that have been bought, and bought over again and long
since paid for, but it is resolved and concluded to inform the High and Mighty Lords, States-
General and the Hon*"' Directors of the Incorporated West India Company precisely of the
circumstances of the case, and to await their High Mightinesses and Mess" the Directors'
further advice on the subject; meanwhile, to allow said Gaillardo copy hereof. Done in Fort
Amsterdam, in New Netherland. Ady as above. Was paraphed P. Stuyvesant.
Beneath was:
Agrees with the aforesaid resolution.
(Signed), C. V. Ruyven, Secref.
Appendix 4: ReceWed 26tli April. 1658.
Before me, Cornells van Uuy ven, Secretary in the employ of the General Incorporated West
India Company in New Netherland, appeared Adriaen Jans', of Saraaskercken, which is a
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IX. 29
village in Zealand, who, in the presence of the subscribing witnesses, at the request of
Gallardo ferrara, a Spaniard, declares, attests and testifies that what follows is true and
truthful : That in the year 16-54, about the month of June, sailing in a Spanish advice boat
bound from Carthagena to Campeachy, and from Campeachy on a full cruise in New Spain, the
said boat was in the neighborhood of Cape St. Anthony, boarded and plundered by one Geurt
Tysen, with his ship and crew ; further, that the deponent, with the boat aforesaid, on board
which Captain Geurt Tysen had placed his Lieutenant Peter as Captain, came here in New
Netherland, before the city of New Amsterdam, in the year 1654:, in or about October, loaded
with mahogany, copper, and some canella; that on the voyage hither in said yacht, he heard
from the sailors who were on board, that Captain Geurt Tyssen had taken a vessel with
negroes on the coast of Jamaica, without knowing or hearing how many negroes or what
other cargo the vessel had ; declares he cannot furnish any more special information or
description of the aforesaid vessel. All which aforesaid the deponent declares to be true and
truthful, and is ready, when required, to confirm the same by oath. In witness whereof he
hath signed this with Daniel Polyn and Cay Swart, hereunto invited as witnesses. New
Amsterdam, in New Netherland, the 1" November, 1656.
(Signed), The mark /| _V of Adriaen Jans',
made^^^by himself.
Lower stood :
Daniel Polya and Cay Swart.
Beneath was:
In my presence, and signed, Cornelis van Ruyven, Secretary.
Agrees with the Protocol.
(Signed), C. V. Ruyven, Secrt^
Appendix 5: Received 26tli April, 1668.
John Galliardo ferrara, burgher and inhabitant of the city of St. Lucar de Barrameda, gives
and says, in answer, that the Governor did claim and require that I shall have three
informations from Spain wherein are clearly mentioned the names of the privateers or pirates,
whom the Governor named ; and the reason that they are not distinctly specified and numbered
in the Memoir is, that the principal privateers of the ship named the Raveii are called Martinus
Jans" de Rafe and his comrade, de Cortisen, who hath confessed and declared his name to be
Jan van Campen, and is, in my information, Cortisen Campen, and the Lieutenant was named
Peter Vereyde, corresponding in age, station and appearance ; and it is true that privateers or
pirates carry no fixed names nor certain flags; your Honors, therefore, ought not to inquire
further, for the plundered negroes are found here, and further, in the declaration taken in
Amsterdam, before the Burgomasters of that city, they were designated pirates ; also, the
marks of the negroes ; and, in order to discover the truth, your Honors can learn the notoriety
thereof both from burghers and inhabitants of this place, and by the declaration of said
negroes, who, as soon as they beard of me, came immediately to inquire for me, and I
recognized them as well as they me, and said negroes sought me from house to house until
they found me, divers persons being present, among whom I found a sailor of said Cortison,
who, without any solicitation on my part, made a declaration containing more than the whole
30 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
contents of my informations, saying, therein, that tliey received five tiiousand pieces of eight,
exclusive of the manufactured silver-ware, and two strings of large pearls, and tiiat tliere
were sixty negroes, 20 of whom were females and 40 males, and this is what the aforesaid
sailor declared hefore the Commissary at this phice ; one Cooper, an inhahitant of this city
and place, being also present; and here are two Dutchmen, to whom I am well known, for
they were comrades of the others who also plundered me and helped to take me prisoner ; so
that I say, should your Honors please to take other informations, they can easily he had. I
shall willingly name the sailor, if your Honors require it, whom you can interrogate under
oath, touching the truth, referring myself, further, to my informations, which are just, real and
true, and the aforesaid informations are directly presented and exhihited to your Honors that
you may examine them and discover the truth from them ; and as I have found another
seaman, born at Flushing, who hath, these two years past, sailed witli the Spaniards out of
the Campeachy country, on the Indian coasts, whom said Cortisen took and brought into this
port, loaded only with logwood, copperas and some parcels of cinnamon, and being, meanwhile,
in the privateer, he hath, divers times, heard the crew talk of my imprisonment, all of whom
were very much rejoiced and glad of it, and wished heartily that we had all l)een killed ;
on their side, only one man was missing, and eight of ours were killed, when the ship was
captured. I request and pray your Honors to be pleased to attach and arrest said negroes,
according to the Memoir and list thereof furnished your Honors, which contains the names of
their present masters, until the Lords States-General shall have heard my suit, and shall have
ordered and answered your Honors in the premises. When I delivered your Honors the
letters and documents of the Lords Stales-General, you said and answered, that said negroes
could not be delivered to me, but that you would attach and arrest those at their masters
until further order ; and whereas I request the same to be done with all the remaining
still missing negroes, to the number of GO, which is the number that was in said prize,
with three thousand minted pieces of eight, also a pack of rouwaan worth one thousand
pieces of eight, together with one hundred and fifty ounces of wrought or manufactured
silver-ware, such as dishes, &c., used at table, and in eating, which were delivered up to me by
the prisoner when I imprisoned his Lieutenant at Amsterdam. I also request evidence of the
truth from the negroes belonging to me and the pilot named Antonio de Riveras, and that the
declaration may be made and the marks noted and taken down in my presence. 1 also
request your Honors' answer to my notice, and this my Memorial, in order to deliver it to the
States-General and to reply again, in proper time, to your Honors ; and if your Honors
demand a bark, as stated in your answer, and its master use the same diligence as I have
done (wherein I have spent three years) to recover the pirate or his property, and, like me,
do his best, they will, without doubt, have good justice and law administered to him in
Spain, although it is quite notorious that the Spaniards do not like pirates nor live thereby,
and if they happened to receive one, it may be because he ran into a harbor in India against
his will, or that a pirate was driven there by contrary winds, otherwise the person receiving
him must defend and vindicate his act, or must pay for him. Therefore you have no excuse
for not restoring my property, which I see daily before my eyes, and I pray and beseech your
Honors to be pleased to have pity and compassion on my poverty and that of my wife and
children, who must be in want of my presence. 'Tis an act of mercy to grant me redress
which I claim, and have signed this in the name of all the partners and of those interested in
this restitution.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 31
Copy of the List of Blacks which your Honors demanded of me, saying that you
intend to attach the Negroes aforesaid in the hands of their masters, so that
the said Negroes may not be alienated nor sold out of this country until
further order, as stated.
Head.
A. Francisco, who belonged to me, and is now in the possession of Thomas Hall, ... 1
Gasinte, who belonged to the pilot, and is now the Company's,. . .. .... .... -
R. Antonio, who belonged to a Biscayan, and is now with the man who sells straw ^
{vajcro), '.'"V^r'cc 1
Diego, or Jacob, was mine, and is now in the possession of Neethes, i
G' or John, was mine, and is now with Verbets
Barbara was the pilot's, and is now in the possession of Jan Martens, i
Christopher was the pilot's, and is now in the hands of Oloflf Stevens,.. ....
Bastiaen and Lucia were the pilot's ; they are in the Bay, and now belong to
Jaboce, .
Fernando was mine, and is now with Veesteman or Beeckman, i
Balthazar, who belonged to the pilot, is now the General's, 1
Maria was the pilot's, and is now Augustine's or Verlet's, ''"u"l'
Juliana and Maria and the children were mine, and are now with Jacob, the ^
Miller, in the fort,
Mookinga was the pilot's, and is now at Fort Orange, ^
John was the pilot's, and is now Govert's,
Madelina, a(Z «fcm, and now with Govert, aforesaid,
Catelina and 2 children, in the possession of Potter's son or daughter ^
Susanna, who was the caulker's, and now Tharan Hal's, - ^
Peter Noorman's negro belonged to the pilot,
John and Francisco were the pilot's, and are now Jaboce's, in the Bay ^
F. Maria, Jan and Lius were our clerk's, and now Jacob Hay's, 3
La Caubotera was the pilot's, and is now in the hands of , ^
Figa was the pilot's, and now Fortese's,
Manuel, ad idem, is now at Fort Orange, - "
Lucia and her husband, called Joseph, now in the possession of the Company, and
whom the General hath sent to Curasao, to take charge of the cattle at pasture
there, " ',' . „
Paulo and Diego, or Jacob, are also sent to Curasao, in the Company s service, . . 2
Collated and translated from the Spanish papers into the Dutch language, as well as I could
make them correspond, and my knowledge could compass, some errors being found which is
possible. Please excuse me; I have already forgotten much of said language, and it is 20
years or more since I have been in Spain. This only, and the mark your Honors will be able
to infer and extract from it; on request, after many earnest persuasions and entreaties, have I
accommodated him, Juan Gallardo ferara, in this instance, inasmuch as I was under obligations
to him.
32 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
The Director-General and Council still adhere to their postil, verbal and written answer,
dated the G"" September, granted to the Petitioner on exhibiting their High Mightinesses' letters,
to wit : That the said negroes were brought here by one Geurt Thysen, under a lawful and
proper commission from Chevalier du Poincy, Lieutenant-General of the King of France, in
the Islands of America, and Hereditary Governor of St. Christophers, and in virtue of said
commission sold here to divers inhabitants of this Province, who also paid cash therefor, and
the Director-General and Council cannot consent to take back from the purchasers the negroes
that have been bought and paid for, dear enough, and to restore them to the Petitioner, unless
either the Petitioner or the seller make restitution of the payment to the purchasers and
present proprietors. Whether Geurt Thysen and Jan van Campen be one and the same
person, is unknown to the Director-General and Council, and is immaterial. The exhibited
commission, signed by Mons'' du Poincy, was, in express words, granted to Geurt Thysen.
What number of negroes were brought and sold here by said Geurt Thysen, who has been
here only once; also what cash, wrought or unwrought silver and other merchandise were
previously or afterwards taken under said commission by Geurt Thysen aforesaid, is also
unknown to the Director-General and Council. If the Petitioner thinks he has any further
pretension or right to the sold and paid for negroes in the list rendered, or to any other specified
goods and moneys, wliereunto he demands our provisional attachment, he can proceed therein
according to law, as his good judgment may determine. Further, if the Petitioner, according
to the tenor of this, his written remonstrance, can exhibit any evidence or proof that Jan van
Campen, Geurt Thysen or Peter, their Lieutenant, are within this government, or can be
reached by the Director-Genera! and Council, so as to be sent over, pcde Ugato, pursuant to
the order of their High Mightinesses aforesaid, he can give notice thereof at the Secretary's
office or to the Court, and he can likewise bring to the Secretary's office the matross or seaman
mentioned in this, his remonstrance, to be examined and heard there before Commissioners, to
the end that pertinent report may be made to their High Mightinesses in the premises.
Thus done, at the Assembly of the Hon"*'^ Director-Cieneral and Council of New Netherland,
holden in Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland, 31" August, A° 1656. Was paraphed
P. Stuyvesant.
Under stood :
By order of the Hon''''' Director-General and Council of New Netherland.
(Signed), C. V. Ruyven, Secret.
Appendix 6 : RecoiveJ 2BUi April, 165S.
Don Estevan de Gamarra y Contrevas to the Stales-General.
[ Omitted, being duplicate of Document, sripra, p. 1. ]
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 33
Appendix 7: Received 26th August, IfinS.
Extract from the Register of Resolutions of tlie Hon''''^ Director-General and
Council of New Netiieriand, adopted in their Hoa''''^ Assembly, on Friday,
24"' August, A" 1657.
In answer to the Exhibit of the Ambassador of his Spanish Majesty, presented to their High
Mightinesses, the States-General, dated S"* January, 1657, we say that Jan Gaiilardo ferera,
the Spanish pilot, hath furnished his Excellency, the Ambassador, with very erroneous
information, to wit, that the Director-General and Council of New Netherland had acted
towards him from passion in refusing proper justice, or the examination of witnesses whom
the aforesaid Gaiilardo was willing to ofler. The witnesses brought by him to the Secretary's
office made their depositions there, copy whereof was furnished him. No more witnesses
then appeared, certainly not before the Secretary of the Director-General and Council, who,
ex-officio, does not refuse to receive and record any person's testimony.
As for the contents of the Ambassador's Exhibit or Memorial, as well that dated S"" January,
1657, as the previous one dated ll"" December, 1655, presented to their High Mightinesses,
implying that Captain Bastiaen RaafF, alias Martyn Bastiaensen, and his Lieutenant, Jan van
Campen, otherwise called Geurt Tysen, have taken a certain Spanish ship with some negroes
and other property belonging to the aforesaid Jan Gaiilardo, a Spanish pilot, and other
subjects of his Majesty of Spain, which plundered ship and negroes were brought and sold
here in New Netherland. It has been already stated, and is once more repeated, that about
the month of August, in the year 1652, a French privateer, named Geurt Tysen, and his
Lieutenant, Peter Jacobsen, came here with a commission from Chevalier du Poincy, Governor
of St. Christophers and Lieutenant-General of the King of France for the islands in America,
divers persons, both English and Dutch, purchased negroes from said Geurt Tysen, or bartered
provisions and labor with him therefor ; of these negroes some have died, others have been
re-sold or sent away by the first and second purchasers; those remaining were last year, and
are again, claimed by the aforesaid Jan Gaiilardo as his, with a demand of restitution. To
this effect, he brought with him last year and is again the bearer of letters both from their
High Mightinesses and from the Right Worshipful, the Regents of the city of Amsterdam
and the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, containing an order to send the
aforesaid Geurt Tysen, peJe ligato, to Fatherland, and to allow the above named Jan Gaiilardo
to receive prompt, quick and full justice. The first could not be done, inasmuch as Geurt
Tysen was not here in three or four years since he departed hence, and it is impossible for the
Director-General and Council to look him up in the West Indies or elsewhere. Had he come
here since, their High Mightinesses' orders would have been punctually obeyed.
As for the second, the aforesaid Jan Gaiilardo was advised and notified in writing, that the
negroes claimed and demanded by him were sold, traded and paid for here, and changed
hands repeatedly over and over again; therefore, in the judgment of the Director-General
and Council, the actual owners in possession cannot be deprived of them unless they receive
due contentment and restitution at least of the moneys or goods they have disbursed for them.
Meanwhile, he was notified and allowed, as he is again advised and allowed, if he consider
that he have any further action either against Captain Geurt Tysen, the absent bringer of the
aforesaid negroes, or against the owners in possession, to institute it when and where he
Vol. II. 5
34 NEW- YORK COLONIAL RLVNUSCRIPTS.
thinks proper. And in order to prevent the aforesaid Gailiardo's sinister accusation, and to
avoid any further blame, the Director-General and Council hereby appoint and qualify
Councillor Peter Tonneman,' the two ruling Burgomasters and the presiding Schepen of this
city, to be judges between the aforesaid Jan (Jaillardo and whomsoever he shall summon
before the said Commissioners, and with them. Secretary van Ruyven to act as their Secretary
in the matters aforesaid, and to have a casting vote in case opinions happen to be equal.
Thus done at the meeting of the Hon'''"-' Director-General and Council, holden in Fort
Amsterdam, in iV'ew Netherland, the 24"> of August, A" 1G57.
Agrees with the aforesaid resolution.
C. V. RuvvEX, Secr^
Appendix 8: Received 2fith August, 1658.
Copy of the Answer and Reply of Juan Gallardo ferera, a Spaniard, burgher and
inhabitant of Lucar de Berrameda, translated into our Dutch language from
the Spanish, so far as the same can be rightly understood and comprehended.
I, Juan Gallardo ferrara, burgher of St. Lucar de Berrameda, do say that I have submitted
my right and my just cause in law to your Honors in the Memorial annexed hereunto, as I had
already e.xhibited it to you last year, A° IGoG, which I again present to your Honors; and to
your Honors' assertion and answer that it is not true that I brought the two sailors, who were
then ready and prepared to have their testimony of the truth taken down by the Secretary
(I say), that it is, nevertheless, true that I did bring them before the Secretary, to be examined
and heard under oath, which aforesaid Secretary then said, and gave for answer from your
Honor, meaning thereby the Hon''''' Director-General, that he was forbidden to examine or to
liear tlie persons aforesaid ; wherefore I communicate and exhibit herewith to your Honors
their declarations and evidence in French. Your Honors say and answer that I must seek the
negroes in question from their masters or owners, or wherever else I please. I have not to
seek them from them nor from any person other than your Honor, who is Governor of this
Province and place, and the Council who luive declared said negroes herein dtinandcd, to he good
prize; it is notorious that they were brought here, and that the Captain was a Dutchman and
the prize Spanish, which was to be seen by the negroes, and was sufllciently stated and declared
by them. I therefore most humbly request that the above named negroes may be delivered to
me, or in default thereof, their value ; for, as stated, I have a right thereto ; or else to direct me
to the gentlemen of the Hon''"' Company, who are Lords and masters of this country, who have
some of these self same negroes. This is what your Honors have been requested and required
to do by the Lords States-General and Mess" the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, wiio have sent
me hither with their letters and recommendations to that effect, in order to recover those
negroes, so that my many voyages, troubles and expenses, in consequence of traveling hither
' Peter Tonneman succeeded David Provoost as sheriff of the Dutch towns on Long Island in 1656, and is found, in
January, 1G67, a member of the Supreme Council of New Netherland. On the 5th August, 1660, he was sworn sheriff of
the city of New Amsterdam. He was the first person to fill that office, and continued in it until the reduction of the
country in ICG-t. Ue took the oath to the English in October of that year, and in December following sailed for llolland in
the ship Unity. O'Cailaglian's JJis'.ory of New NHherland, II., 271, STl, 372; Xew-York Colonial Documents, III., 76;
Nete - York General Enlriet, I., 75. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 35
and thither, whereby I have lost considerably, have contributed to the great injury even of my
health. Therefore, the aforesaid expenses, etc., rightfully belong to me, for I have had him
or his Lieutenant, Geurt Tyssen, a long time a prisoner at Amsterdam. 1 further again request
copy of my Memorial and papers, and of your Honors' answer to the Lords States-General in
behalf of the right and justice which I have herein.
Dated at Manhatan, the 29"' day of the month of August, Anno 1657.
(Signed), Juan Gallardo ferraka.
On one side was :
I acknowledge that these were read to me and found to agree, word for word, being
translated from the Spanish into the Dutch language. Done at the meeting of the
Commissioners of the Director-General and Council in the city hall, in New Netherland,
the 12"' day of September, 1657.
(Signed), Pieter Tonneman,
Joseph d 'Acosta.
After collating this with the translation from the Spanish, it is found to agree
by me.
C- V. RuYVEN, Secrete
Appendix 9: Received 26tb April, 1668.
Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of the Hon'''' Director-General and
Council of New Netherland, adopted at their Hon''''^ Session, on Tuesday,
the 4'" September, 1657.
Rescript of the Director-General and Council on the Reply or Answer of Jan Gaillardo
ferrare.
Whereas, Jan de ferrare, a native of St. Lucar de Barrameda, hath, in his writing of the 29">
August, 1657, declared the Director-General and Council his party in the suit, and demanded
satisfaction from them for some negroes brought hither under a French commission in the
year 1652, by one Captain Geurt Tysen, and sold to divers persons, in which writing of
his, exhibited to the deputed Commissioners, Councillor Pieter Tonneman and Mess" the
Burgomasters and presiding Schepen of this city, he did not hesitate to accuse the Director-
General and Council aforesaid of non-justice, and charge them with divers falsehoods, to the
grave censure of themselves and their office; wherefore, they are under the necessity, in
the first place, to vindicate themselves, and, in the second place, to demand some justice and
reparation, as the above mentioned Commissioners shall, in equity, according to their
knowledge, decide.
In the first place, the Director-General and Council say, that the information given by the
aforesaid Jan de ferrare to his Excellency, the Spanish Ambassador, namely, that the Director-
General and Council conducted themselves with passion in denying justice or in not examining
and hearing of witnesses, whom he could produce in support of his cause, is false and untrue,
or what he, ferrare, more erroneously and falsely alleges in his answer and reply of the 29""
August, that the Secretary was forbidden by the Director-General to hear his witnesses. This,
his falsehood and wicked and sinister accusations, will be more palpable, if Mess ^ the
Commissioners will please to take the trouble to hear and examine —
36 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
First, Secretary Cornolis van Knyven, aixi to ask him whether the Director-General and
Council ever forbade liim to take any evidence, and especially tiiat wliich Jan Gaillardo
ferrare was willing to produce.
Secondly, the witness himself, whom Jan ferrare hath produced, or is willing to produce,
and it will be found that one, having given his deposition and declaration, it was recorded by
the Secretary, who furnished him, ferrare, with an extract from it.
Thirdly, if you will please to examine and to hear the accuser himself, as to the language and
expressions the Secretary used when he stated that the Director-General had forbade him to
hear his witnesses, that falsehood will be suliiciently evident if Mess" the Commissioners will
please to observe that one witness being heard, and the other not having anything else to
testify, w^liat advantage or damage it could be to the Director-General whether this other were
heard or not. Certainly this falsehood demands a special proof or correction.
In the second place the Director-General and Council declare to be false and untrue the
assertion of Jan Gallardo that the Governor and Council of this Province and place declared
the negroes herein demanded, good prize ; these are his own expressions. This point
demands special proof or else due correction.
The Director-General and Council have never troubled themselves, nor have had any cause
to trouble themselves with conliscating or declaring, as prize, any ship or property of any
other prince or potentate which hath arrived here accidentally. The Director-General and
Council never inquired whether the Captain was a Hollander and the prize a Spaniard ; it is,
therefore, not gainsaid, and in their opinion it is a matter of little importance. The commission
by virtue of which Captain Geurt Tysen said the prize was captured, was exhibited to the
Director-General and Council and appeared to be a French commission, granted and signed
Chevalier du Poincy, and on the face, Consulier and Luytenant-General of the King of France
for the islands of America and Hereditary Governor of St. Christophers; the continuation of
the commission empowering Captain Geurt Tysen to do as he had done, and the Director-
General and Council presume that in virtue of the treaty and alliance then existing between his
Majesty of France and their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General, they could not refuse
what they granted to a Captain coming here with a French flag and commission, although he
were a Dutchman or a person of any other nation whatsoever ; to wit : to repair before
this city and to depart when he pleased ; meanwhile, to purchase, for his money and wares,
whatever he may require, which, as the Director-General and Council are informed, is not
refused to any Frenchman or to any one coming, or who have heretofore come, with a French
commission, into any ports within their High Mightinesses' jurisdiction ; therefore, we cannot
refuse it unless their High Mightinesses be pleased previously to give, or to send, us orders to
the contrary, which we, then, as dutiful subjects, shall observe and obey.
Here the Director-General and Council mention and say, as they have already stated in the
previous and last answer, dated 24"' August, until better informed by other laws or order, that
they cannot conceive their subjects, much less themselves, as Director-General and Council,
to be bound to restore to, or pay Jan de ferrere for, any negroes or goods sold or bartered by
Captain Geurt Tysen to the Company or any of its subjects, unless the first, second or third
purchaser or present owner in possession be satisfied therefor, which Jan Gaillardo de ferrare
seems to demand in his last answer or reply, dated 29"' August. The reasons to that eflect
alleged by him are too frivolous to merit scarcely any reply.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IX. 37
Admitted and granted that Geurt Tysen is a Hollander, a Zealander, or a native of
Overyssel, the question is: Cannot he or any other Dutchman seeli. service and commission
from another christian prince or potentate ? The Director-General and Council, until better
informed and advised in the premises, apprehend that he can. This, or the contrary being
the case, the above named de ferrare, as plaintiff, hath no cause of action against the Director-
General and Council herein as defendants, but against Geurt Tysen alone, whom, in the
conclusion of his vsriting, he says he had a long time in prison in Amsterdam ; or against
Governor du Poincy, who might have favored Geurt Tysen, a Hollander, according to the
plaintiff's allegation, with some French commission.
The second reason set forth by the plaintiff, that their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-
General of the United Netherlands, and the Burgomasters had commanded and ordered such
restitution of negroes, is alleged by him under an absolute mistake. Quick dispatch and full
justice were and are never refused to the plaintiff. It is impossible for the Director-General
and Council, pursuant to the aforesaid orders, to send over Geurt Tysen, ^?cd!e ligalo, because
he is absent and has not been here in 5 years. And the plaintiff says, in his conclusion, that he
had him or his Lieutenant, Geurt Tysen, a long time in prison at Amsterdam; wherefore was
he not holden and prosecuted in due form of law.
The expenses and trouble of his voyage over and hither, the plaintifTmust charge to himself,
and consequently not impute or attribute to, much less demand of the Director-General and
Council, who now, for the second time, cannot afford him any quicker or other complement of
justice, answer or satisfaction than was given him last year when the expenses of his board
here were paid by the Director-General and Council, and his passage was apparently agreed
and paid by the Company; and therefore it is a gross error now, on his part, to again
demand them.
The Director-General and Council offered the plaintiff or Petitioner, ferrare, in their
meeting of the 24th of August, not only a copy of the Memorial and papers, but even the
originals, as they were transmitted in duplicate, but he refused to accept them.
This being what the Director-General and Council have deemed expedient, at this time, to
rejoin to the answer or reply of Jan Gallardo de ferrare, they authorize and order their Fiscal
to make use of the further provisions of law against him, and to proceed against his sinister,
frivolous and false accusations before the Commissioners, according to the statutes. Done,
Amsterdam, in New Netherland, as above.
Agrees with the resolution aforesaid.
C. V. RuYVEN, Secretary.
Appendix 10: Received 2Gt.h April, 1658.
Jan Gallardo de ferrara, of the city of St. Lucar de Berrameda, says your Honor's answer
asserts that what I here allege is not the truth, and that I have misinformed the Ambassador ;
and I say that I again refer to the testimony which the witness hath signed with his own hand,
that he was two days consecutively to the Secretary's, to be examined, and the said witness told
me, on the first day he was there, that he should return the day following, to be examined,
and the Governor had ordered that the examination must be taken by the Burgomasters, and
so with this answer he went away. On the next day, I accompanied said witness to the
38 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Secretary, who began to speak some words to tlie witness and me in French. I understood
distinctly what he said, which was, that your Honor had forbade him to examine the witness,
and, toticiiing that answer, I demanded from him this declaration in French, signed also by
another witness, from which tiie truth is to be seen. And your Honor says that such witness
hath declared and testified, and that a copy of the declaration was given to me; I say I know
nothing of the declaration, nor hath any copy of his sworn declaration been given to me.
Therefore, I humbly request the Burgomasters to give herein a little attention to the points
which I shall further submit here. As neither your Honor nor the Secretary hath known
anvthing of the French declaration and witnesses, and I have mentioned them in the Memorial
which I subniiltcd to you on the 29"" August, and the answer your Honor gave me, is the
answer to the Memorial of the Sy"" August, of the year 1G07, and I have had no other answer ;
the declaration of tlie witness is of no value; your Honor says that he hath testified, and copy
hath been delivered to me; I have not received any copy either from your Honor or the
Secretary. Who, then, should give it to me, as this is the first answer that your Honor hath
vouchsafed me, and, yet, your Honor says that the original of the declaration is in the
Secretary's oflice. Here, again, the clear truth of my case is manifest, and what I have written
thereupon is known, and the tricks and injustice which are done me; and I also say, if
there be any persons in this country who translate from Dutch into Spanish, wherefore was not
a copy in Spanish furnished me, so as to answer it, and not oblige me to have recourse to a
Jew, to beg him, for God's sake, to read to me what your Honor gave me as an answer. And
it was read to me so as to be hardly intelligible to me, and I heard scarcely four words
that I could understand. Here, also, is my right acknowledged.
Therefore, I demand copy of his evidence and, moreover, of the other testimony, to be placed
with the different papers in my suit, in order to know, and to be able to ascertain whether
they have truly testified, and whether it agrees, question for question,, with my Memorial
of last year, 1056; and if he hath not declared the truth agreeably with the aforesaid
Memorial and entered demand of said year, your Honor can have the commissary of this
place and a cooper named Simon, summoned, for he hath, before the witnesses who heard
it, declared according to the tenor of the Memorial ; and you can have the two witnesses swear
and declare, under oath, before God, the truth of all that shall be asked of them, and let the
questions be drawn up according to the tenor of said Memorial, and if said witness Bernaal do
not testify the truth, it will be because it is adverse to your Honor, and because he is an
inhabitant here, or through dread and because I am a poor foreigner; for in my country, if
the witnesses do not swear the truth, and there are other witnesses who have heard the
contrary, that is added to the other declaration, and if he have not sworn the truth, his teeth
are pulled out, agreeably to the laws of the Kingdom, he being a perjurer. If they altogether
do not declare the truth, I then have no other information than what I have brought from
Spain, for in that declaration a seaman is named who helped to capture me; and the
declaration of the Captain who ws a prisoner, a companion of Geurt Tysen in further
justification of my case and my acquired right.
And it being true that I have found the negroes, in this country, as appears by my
Memorial of last year, 1G5G, in which are specified and set forth the names of the masters who
now hold the negroes and the names of the latter and their marks, and who their original masters
were, whereby my right and truth are seen, as well as now in the draft of the said Memorial,
they, the same negroes being still in the country, I request and pray your Honor, without
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. , 39
delay or litigation, that my negroes be restored to me, as it is notorious that such is my right,
as it is the law of this Kingdom tiiat stolen goods cannot be retained by fraud and treachery,
inasmuch as the Lords States-General and Mess", the Burgomasters, request and require that
right and justice be done me. 'Tis notorious that the Captain is a Hollander and the prize a
Spaniard, and as your Honor alleges, in your answer, that it does not appear that tiie Captain
is a Hollander, I say tliat a foreigner, residing ten years in the country, enjoys its privileges
the same as the native of that country, and for tliis reason is he a subject of the Lords,
masters of said country, and for the same reason the commission in the hands of this pirate
was void; for the placards and laws of the city of Amsterdam impose the penalty of restitution
of goods and corporal punishment. And as your Honor says, in your answer, that I must
seek my redress and right from the pirate, who already hath been in prison, I say that those
who let him out of prison have sent me here. And if I discover said negroes in this country,
as it is notorious that I have recognized them, tlien I shall receive right and justice, according
to my deserts and on the demand which I make.
Your Honor says, in your answer, that you have supported me last year. Mess", the
Burgomasters, well know, and I also admit, that I have received assistance for 36 days, more
or less, by your Honor's order in a house where I have eaten twice a day, and that your
Honor should know the truth, my food consisted of salt meat twice a day, such as is
distributed as rations to the soldiers from the Hon'''<= Company's store, and notiiing else, and
I have slept in my clothes, and have been obliged to pay for my washing out doors, in support
of which I have left with my landlord, named Matthys, a deposition of what he gave me.
He asked me, the other day, if I wished to see again what I had left with him. Your Honor
says, you paid my passage last year, I, therefore, made application to your Honor, who
answered me that you could not thus give alms; and I told you that the Burgomasters had
offered me alms, to which you answered, that they could do so, as they were rich, and that
you could not do so. Whereupon I have agreed with the skipper Jan Jansen Bestevaer, in
the presence of a Jew, named Abraham Lucena, who, having consented, hath paid it. In
coming over, last year, to this country, the Manhattans, an Amsterdam merchant sought me
out, who remains bound for the payment thereof. Your Honor says, you have great
forbearance aud patience with me. Your Honor well knows the truth of my right, and such
being the truth, in order rightly to answer you in Dutch, for which purpose no interpreter was
then furnished me, I gave your Honor the answer I made, without retaining a copy of it ; it
was returned to me in Dutch, which I do not understand, nor have I any person to explain
its contents to me. Your Honor says, by my style of speaking no further respect is paid to
Counts and Marquises, wherefore I must answer to the Fiscal. The Fiscal is aware of the
truth of my claim, to which I refer, and to the contents of my papers; and your Honor and
the Fiscal, as resolute judges in this place, can do with my person what you please.
According to my right, I think I have not deserved any such thing. Therefore, in the name
of the Lords States-General, and in the name of the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, and on
behalf of my abundant and just cause, and out of respect for the letters and papers I have
brought with me for such restitution, I humbly crave Mess", the Burgomasters of this country,
and the Commissioners named to hear my claim, to do me right and justice, and to restore
me those negroes with all expenses which I have incurred by four years' pleadings here, or the
value of said negroes from the persons against whom T have most right, or against the Lords,
whose country it is, and who own them, inasmuch as they possess some of my negroes, and
40 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
the owners may apply to those who liave declared the prize good, or to him who sold them,
who is a Hollander, and has a brother named Jan van Campen in the city of Amsterdam,
a Captain of a ship of war belonging to the States. And as I say, that a year has expired
since I have gained my cause without being able to enjoy my just right, and I have need of
no further delay or postponement, so Mess", the Commissioners, will please to decide according
to equity; and should such be against me, I appeal now, henceforth, to higher judges or
courts, who most agree with my right, and I demand copy of this, my Memorial, authenticated
and signed by the Secretary, who must, above all, be believed; and 1 also demand copy of my
other Memorial dated 29"" August, of this present year. Done in the city of Manhattans the
IS'" September, 1657.
(Signed), Juan Gallardo ferrara.
We, the undersigned, by request, and as deputed herein, have, to the best of our
understanding and comprehension, translated from the Spanish into our Low Dutch language
this preceding answer of Jan Gallardo, a Spaniard, contra, the Hon''''' Director-General, Petrus
Stuivesant and Council, and in their name against the Hon'''^ Directors of the Incorporated
West India Company. Your Honors will be always sufficiently able to understand and to
perceive the substance and meaning of the aforesaid Spaniard from it. Your Honors will
please e.xcuse a word, more or less unintelligible, ill expressed and not well rendered, which,
under correction, we did not readily seize or understand. Wherefore we deliver the hereunto
annexed, and by our usual signature affixed, acknowledge to have translated it to the best of
of our ability. Ady H"' day of October, A" 1657, in the city hall at the city of Amsterdam,
in New Netherland.
(Signed), Pieter Tonneman,
Joseph d'Acosta.
Found to agree with the original translation.
C. V. RuTVEN, Secret^.
Appendix 11 : Received 25th April, 1G58.
To Mess" the Commissioners appointed and qualified in the matter of Jan Gallardo ferrare,
a Spaniard.
Hon'"^ Sirs.
Whereas, I learn from the Memorial presented by the Ambassador of his Majesty of Spain
to their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General dated 3"^ January, 1657, that Jan Gallardo
ferrare hath grossly misinformed his Excellency, the said Ambassador, and sinisterly accused
me of having declined recording the declarations of persons whom he, Gallardo, hath brought
before mo, which he repeats, dc novo, in the writing he gave in yesterday at your Honors
meeting ; wherein he further adds, that I answered him, Gallardo, that I was forbidden by the
Director-General to hear the witnesses, or to sign their declaration.
In the first place, I declare as the truth, that 1 have never been forbidden to receive or to
record the evidence of the aforesaid Gallardo, or of any other person; also, that I never told
him so ; and that I never refused him or any person else to sign their declaration or to
record it.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 41
Said Jan Gallardo brought before me, in November, 1656, one Adriaen Jansen, of
Saraaskercken, and requested me to sign his declaration, which I immediately did, and handed
Gallardo a copy of said deposition. After that, Jan Gallardo returned with one Nicolaes
Bernaerd, a Frenchman, and asked me to record his declaration also. Whereupon I had
Nicolaes Bernaerd told by a soldier speaking the French language, to return on the next day
with an Interpreter, in order to understand him thoroughly ; but, to my knowledge, I never
saw the above named Frenchman Nicolaes Bernaerd again. And as said Bernaerd is still,
at present, in the city, I respectfully request that he may be examined and asked by
your Honors.
First. If I have refused to sign his declaration which he would make at the request of
Jan Gallardo?
Secondly. How often did he come to me to make a declaration at the instance of Jan
Gallardo, and what answer I had given him ?
Which being truly answered, it will appear that said Gallardo hath grossly misinformed his
Excellency, the Ambassador of Spain, and unjustly accused me, for which I hope, in time, to
obtain reparation. Meanwhile I remain,
Your Honors' servant,
C. V. RUYVEN.
A|ipeiidis 12: Received 2C.th April, 1658.
Extraordinary Meeting holden at the City hall, Amsterdam, in New Netherland,
on Tuesday afternoon, the fourth September, 1657. Present: Mess"
Nicasius de Sille, Fiscal ; Pieter Tonneman, Councillor in the Assembly of
the Hon''''' Director-General and Council of New Netherland, and Paullus
Leendert van der Grift, Burgomaster,
On the requisition of the Hon. Cornells van Ruyven, Secretary of the Hoa'''°
Director-General and Council of New Netherland, is summoned Nicolaes
Bernardt, to answer truly the following questions ;
First.
Did Cornells van Ruyven, Secretary of the Nicolaes Bernardt, appearing at the meeting,
Hon'''"' Director-General and Council of New makes answer to the first question. That tiie
Netherland, refuse to sign his, Nicolaes Ber- Secretary said : Come again, early to-morrow ;
nardt's, declaration, which he wished to make, then I will sign your declaration.
at the request of Jan Gailliardo ?
Secondly.
How often was he to the aforesaid Secretary Answers : He was only once to the Secre-
to make a declaration, at the request of Jan tary's, to make a declaration, at Jan Gailliar-
Gaillairdo, and what answer did the Secretary do's request; the Secretary answered: Come
make? early, to-morrow, as aforesaid.
Thirdly.
Did he return on the following day, as the No.
Secretary had appointed /
Vol. H. 6 .
42 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Tlie foregoing being read substantially two several times to liim in Frencli, in presence of
the above named Commissioners, he declares the same to be true and truthful. In testimony
whereof, he hath subscribed this with his usual mark and confirmed it with solemn oath, at the
hands of the Fiscal, Mcasius de Sille. Done the day, year and place as above.
Beneath was :
The mark of IVicolaes Bernardt, made by iiimself, in presence of the aforesaid
Commissioners.
Lower stood :
To my knowledge, Timotheus Gabry, Secretary of Amsterdam, in New Netherland.
Upon collating, found to agree with the original.
(Signed), Timotheus Gabry, Secrete
Appendix 13: Received 2Ctli April, ir.SS.
Whereas, the Director-General and Council of New Netherland have been pleased, by their
Resolution, dated 24"' of August last, to commission and qualify us as judges between Joan
Gallardo de ferrara, inhabitant of the city of St. Lucar de Berrameda, and those he would
cite and summon before us in the matter of the negroes claimed by him ; we, in the quality
aforesaid, have considered and read the exhibits, documents and papers produced by the above
named Gallardo, as plaintiff, on the one side, and the writings in answer of the aforesaid
Director-General and Council, as defendants, on the other side, and find that the plainlill'
demands restitution of some negroes traded off here in the year 1652, by one Captain Geurt
Tysen, which negroes he, by his writing in reply, dated 29"" August, says he demands, not
from the actual owners or possessors thereof, but from the Hon'"''' Director-General and Council
aforesaid, who, as lio alleges, demanded said negroes here, and have declared the same good
prize. Which being replied to by the Director-General and Council in date, d"" September,
they declare it to be false and untrue that the Director-General of this Province required here
the negroes in question and declared them to be good prize ; that, in August, in the year lG-52,
a French privateer named Geurt Tysen came up to the Narrows here, with a commission from
Chevalier de Poinci, bringing with him a Spanish prize ; he, as a servant of the Crown of
France, re<iuested to be allowed to provide Iiimself witii necessaries for money or goods, which,
they say, they dare not refuse him out of respect for the alliance and friendship between tlie
aforesaid Crown of France and the High and Mighty Lords States-General. This Geurt Tysen,
after lie had provided himself here with necessaries, in exchange for some negroes and other
merchandise, sailed in tiie forepart of the winter, as is more fully set forth in the above
mentioned rescript. Demanding, therefore, that the plaintiff prove his assertion that the
Director-General and Council of New Netherland required the negroes here, and declared
them good prize.
Whereupon, the plaintiff, Jan Gallardo, being this day summoned before us, was asked,
through Moses de Lucena, the Interpreter, how could he prove that the Director-General and
Council of this Province aforesaid, had required here and declared the negroes good prize,
as he liath alleged in his above mentioned writing. This was at first denied by him, saying that
■he did not so state or write, but, after reflecting a little, he said that he at first did not clearly
HOLLAND DOCUIMENTS : IX. 43
comprehend the meaning, but that it was true that tlie General and Council had required the
negroes here, and declared them good prize. Whereupon he was again asked what proof had
he of it? He answered that the negroes themselves said it was a Spanish prize, and that the
General ought not to allow him to come up, as he was a Hollander, and the prize Spanish
property. And, further, had the General not declared the prize good, that the negroes had not
been found here.
Whereas, the aforesaid the plaintiff's answer is little or nothing to the purpose, it is by us
resolved and concluded, before delivering definitive judgment on the matter in question, to
cause the plaintiff, Jan Gallardo, to be notified and informed, that within the space of 14 days
or earlier, if possible, he shall prove tliat the Director-General and Council have required the
negroes here, and declared the same good prize ; which being done, or in default thereof,
judgment shall then be pronounced according to the exigency of the case. Thus done in the
city hall of this city Amsterdam, in NewNetherland, the 22""' October, A° 1657. Reconsidered
and agreed to the 23"^ ditto.
(Signed), Pieteh Tonneman,
Allard Anthony,'
P. L. VXS DER GrIFT,^
HeNDRICK JaNSSEN van DER ViN.
Upon collating this with the original subscribed as above this day, the same is
found to agree.
C, V. RUYVEN.
At the meeting of the above mentioned Commissioners appeared the Hon'''^ Nicasuis de
Sille, who ex-officio demands that Jan Gallardo shall be ordered to remain until he prove that
the Director-General and Council of New Netherland had required here and declared
good prize the negroes by him claimed. Which being taken into deliberation, the demand is
found consistent with justice, and accordingly the same is allowed and granted to the Fiscal,
and Gallardo is ordered not to depart before he hath complied with the request of the
Fiscal therein. Thus done in the city hall of this city the 23"* October, A° 1657.
Upon duly collating the preceding it is found to agree with the record of the
minutes kept in the Assembly of the above mentioned Commissioners by me.
C. V. RuYVEN, Secref-
' Allakd Anthony was a merchant in New Amsterdam. He filled tlie office of Schepen in 1653; of Burgomaster from
1655 to lOCl ; and of city Sellout or Sheriff from 1662 to 1673. From one cause or another he was Tery unpopular with
the majority of the citizens, and in the execution of his duties as Sheriff was so exacting and severe that among the lower
classes he went by the name of The Hangman. He died in 1685. Valentine's History of New-York, 97.
■ Paclcs Leendeetzen van dee Geift was a property-holder in Kew Amsterdam in 1644. He afterwards sailed from
Holland in command of the "West India Company's ship the Great Gerrit, on Christmas day, 1C46, and arrived at the Manhat-
tans 11th May, 1647, with Peter Stuyvesant, the new Governor, by whom he was appointed naval agent. He next became a
trader; served as Schepen in 1663, 1654, and Burgomaster in 1057, 1658, 1661 and 1664. He resided, in New Amsterdam, on
the west side of Broadway, in the vicinity of what is now Trinity church, his property running west to the river; his place
of business was in Pearl, near Broad-street He remained iu the country until 1671, when he returned to Europe, and his
agents disposed of his property in the city of New- York. & Callaghan' s History of New Netherland, II., 21, 583 ; New -York
Court of Assize, 620; Valentine's New -York, 101. — Ed.
44 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Appendix A : Received 2GtIi April. 1Co8.
We, the undersigned skipper and seamen, declare tliat on tiiis day, the 12"" of July of this
present year 1652, we presented ourselves before Consul Jaconie van den Hove, residing*
on behalf of their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General of the United iXetherlands, in
this city of Cadis, and have reported to the said Consul that we, whilst navigating a ketch,
with a permit from the General of New iXetherland, from said I'rovince to Caymaynos, to
fetch tortoise, which having taken in, we proceeded on our voyage to St. Eustatia, but being
come about 10 leagues above St. Jago de Cuba, were taken by a Spanish ship and carried into
St. Jago aforesaid, and there made prize by the Governor and sold; and so forth by
Carthagena and Havana have come here. After having reported the foregoing to said Consul,
he gave us the following answer, that he hath taken legal advice hereupon who say, that
nothing can be done in the matter here, but it must be justified in his Royal Majesty's court
and in his Council for the Indies. And whereas we, coming from a lost voyage, have neither
means nor time for such purpose, said Consul considers it best to forward us to Patria, and to
notify the same to our interested friends, so that the case may be managed and concluded by
their High Miglitinesses with the resident Ambassador of the King of Spain. Thus done iu
Cadiz on the day and year aforesaid. Subscribed with divers hands and marks
Skipper Dirck Dircksen,
1 William Ely,
This i^is the mark of Hendrick Bevert,
This Y is the mark of Jan Mores.
Beneath was:
Agrees with the original.
( Signed ), J. V. Hove.
Upon duly collating this it is found to agree by me.
C. V. KuvvEx, Secret"
Appendix B.
Petuus Stuvvesant, Director-General of New Netherland, Curacao, Bonayro, Aruba and
the dependencies thereof, on the part of the High and Mighty Lords States-General
of the United Netherlands, and the Hon''"'' Directors of the General Incorporated West
India Company :
To all those who shall hear, see or read these, Greeting: Be it known that, for the
advancement of trade and commerce between this, our intrusted government and other
neighbors. We have thought proper and necessary to equip and prepare and to send direct from
this place to the Island of Curac-ao, the yacht named the Hacn, whereunto we, first of all,
requiring a fit and proper person to command said yacht as skipper and chief, and to
navigate her;
Therefore, We, on the good report and information furnished of the person of Carsten
Jeroensen, of Amsterdam, having been heretofore in our service as pilot of the ship Frins
Willem, in which he hath given us full satisfaction, have commissioned and appointed him for
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 45
the present, as we do hereby commission and appoint him to be ski^pper and chief of tl>e
y cht e H.e«, with order and comn.ission the said yacht to man and to prov.de w.t sucl,
nn itim's of war as she requires, and he shall make a return thereof to us and when so
man d and fitted out, to proceed on a voyage direct from this port to the Islands of Cura.a
Td thence back here, wifhout, unless necessitated and forced, touching at any other >slands
0 p lacermuch less, in passing and repassing, acting with enmity or host.l.ty towards any
Tar has not e'ven towards the English nation, as we are informed by a sure source,
th t he European differences that have arisen between both natjons are arranged and s tied
beng required only to stand on self defence ; We, accordingly, will and requ.re all or
su eel and have requested and entreated all neighbors. Generals. Governors and Captains to
a knowledge and recognize the aforesaid Carsten Jeroensen for such as he ,s '--^7 ^uah ed
Tot to hinder nor obstruct him or his crew and laden goods in passing and repassing, but rather
to be iding and helping, in every way, if necessary and required thereunto, which being
done in our'regard, we shall, on similar occasion, recompense and return Given under our
usual hand and seal, this IG"- June, A° 1654, in Amsterdam, in New Netherland.
The original was signed, p_ s^uyvesant.
Instruction for Carsten Jeroensen, Skipper of the yacht the Ilacn, destined
for Curacjao.
1.
On sailing hence, with God's help and the first favorable wind, you will seek out and take
the nearest course to the Island of Bonayro, without touching at any other islanas or places,
unless obliged or forced, which may the good God forbid.
2.
Being arrived at the Saltpans, on the Island of Bonayro, you shall set on shore, at first, one
man, or at most, two, to explore the country, and not permit a single ot er one of your crew
to go ashore before those return on board and give assurance whether the coast is clear, and
whether friends or enemies are dwelling there.
3.
If the aforesaid island be not occupied by our people or found abandoned, and some salt
be ready in or about the pans, he shall endeavor, with dispatch, to take on board as much
salt as the yacht can conveniently load; keeping, meanwhile, a good lookout and remaining
on his guard.
4.
Should he find on said island no salt, whether coarse or fine, he shall proceed to the Island
of Curacao, in or about Craacke bay, and lie with sails aback or at andior as opportunity
offers, and. as before, send a man ashore to see by what people the aforesaid island is occupied,
and la no case enter the port until he be first fully and sufficiently assured that the fort on the
island is still occupied by our people.
4(3 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
5.
After delivering our despatch to Vice-Director Rodenborch, with the accompanying grain,
he shall get ready, without any delay, to return hither, and request Mr. Rodenborch to
have the vessel quickly discharged and loaded with timber or salt, the last in preference, as it
is greatly needed.
6,
He shall not leave any of the people who accompany him, on the Island of Curagao, except
by their absolute consent, and with others in their stead capable of navigating the yacht on
her return voyage ; nor sail from Cura9ao to any other places, nor suffer himself (o be
otherwise employed, but return hither in the most speedy manner, as the knowledge of the
state of the island is of particular importance to us.
Dated Amsterdam, in New JXetherland, this Si"" June, A" 1654.
(Signed), P. Stuyvesant.
Honorable, Valiant, I'rudent and Right Worshipful Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General of
Curacao, New Netherland, and their dependencies.
Sir,
It will be agreeable and pleasing to me to hear of your health. Thank God, mine is good.
The case is, that I was sent, with the yacht the Ham, under your commission and instruction,
and by your Honor's order, to the Island of Curacao, where I arrived in safety, and on my
return voyage was captured by three Spanish ships, and carried to St. Domingo, where I, in
your name, protested in the strongest manner for the loss of my voyage, the violation of my
Lord and master's advice, and all further losses and damages, and for whatever else I might
happen to suffer until I should arrive in safety at New Netherland, to communicate my
complaints to your Honor, and that your Honor may proceed further therein as you may deem
proper, which complaints I have laid before the Directors. Secondly, after my arrival, I
cannot report to your Honor how their Honors shall order, whether they will demand
satisfaction from the Ambassador at the Hague or from the King of Spain. Should it succeed,
I shall let you know with all diligence. I shall conclude here, and commend your Honor, your
Lady and children to the protection of the Most High.
Always your affectionate servant,
(Signed), Carsten Jeroensen.
Dated SS"- May, A" 1657. Amsterdam.
Found, upon collating, to agree with the original, dated and signed as above.
C. V. RuY\'EN, Secret^.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 47
Resolution of tlie States -Gtneral.
[ From Ibe Eegister of West India Affairs, 1052 — 1GG3, in tlio Eoyal ArcUivea at Ibo Hague. ]
Friday, 26"^ April, 165S.
Folio 201. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at
Amsterdam, written there the 2G"' instant, and with it a despatch of the Director-General and
Director of New Council of Ncw Netheriand, dated 20"" October last, with and besides some
Netiicriand. inclosures in answer to their High Mightinesses' letter of the 25"' January, of
last year, and, consequently, information on the subject of a certain Memorial of the Spanish
Jan Gaiiiardo. Ambassador, touching one Jan Gaillardo, a Spanish pilot, more fully set forth in
the aforesaid Memorial. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the said
letters and inclosures be referred to Mess" Huygens and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies
for the affairs of the West India Company, to examine, investigate and report thereon.
Ite-solution of the States- General.
[ From the Register of West India Affairs, 1652 — 1603, in tlio Koyal Archives at tlie Hague. ]
Friday, S"' May, 16-58.
Folio 261. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at
Amsterdam, dated the 1" instant, together with an inclosure requesting that the government
Boundary of New ^f England may be brought to approve and ratify the Provisional Boundary
Neuieriand. mutually agreed on by the agents of the aforesaid Company in New Netheriand
on the one part, and the English nation of New England on the other. Which, being considered,
it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid letter and inclosure be referred to Mess"
Huygens and other High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of said West India Company,
to inspect, examine and report thereon. Mr. Nieuwpoort' was added, on the same business.
' WrLLiAM NiEUPOORT was member of the Comnion Council of Scliiedam in 1650, in which year he was sent with M. Tan
Beuningen to Friesland and other Northern Provinces, to obtain their adhesion to the form of government by a StadUolJer
after the death of William the II., and in 1661 was sent by the States of Holland to Zealand to prepossess that Province
against the necessity of a Captain-General, for which post Prince William III. was put forward, though scarcely a year
old. The zeal M. Nieupoort evinced on these occasions caused him to be selected, with M. van Beverninck, Ambassador
Extraordinary to England in 1653. He returned home in 1657 and was appointed Resident Minister to the Court of
London, where he arrived in August, 1658, and continued until June, 1660, when, on the restoration of Charles II,
who openly sided with the Prince of Orange, it was considered best to recall Nieupoort. He continued in public life,
however, until the end of the year 1672, when, in a popular tumult exoited by the party favorable to the Prince of Orange
and opposed to the Dc Witts, he fell into the hands of the mob from whom he suffered severely before he was released.
Kok, XXIII., 182. — Ed.
48 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Itesolntion of the States-General.
I From Iho Kcglstcr of West India Affairs, 1652 — 1603, In the Roy.il Archives al Ihc Hague. ]
Friday, 3P' May, 1C5S.
Folio 203. Read at the meeting the Petition of'tiie Directors of the West India Company,
Artnslo NcwNelh- . , , . i i • i- i ■■■ r r .\ ■
.Ti.wi.i. praying tlial tiie exportation and sending of arms and munitions ol war from this
country to New Netlierland, may be prohibited by proclamation. Which, being considered, it
is re.solved and concluded that the aforesaid I'etition be placed in the hands of Mess" Iluygens
and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for tlie affairs of the said Company, to inspect,
e.\amine and report tiiereon.
Itesolntion. of (lie States-General.
[ Krom the Kegisler of West India Affairs, 1052 — 1003, in the Roynl Arclrivcs at the n.igac. ]
Thursday, G"' June, 1G58.
Foiio20;?. Heard the report of Mess" Huygens and the other their High Mightinesses'
Deputies for the aflairs of the West India Company, having, agreeably to their resolution of
Anns 10 Now No- ^'"^ '^^"' '^^'^7 '''®*-' i'lspccted and examined the petition presented on the same day
"'"'"'"'■ to their High Mightinesses, in the name and on behalf of the Directors of the
West India Company, requesting that their High Mightinesses will prohibit, by proclamation,
the exportation of arms and munitions of war from this country to New Netherland. Which
being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the rctroacta in the matters aforesaid shall
be examined.
lldnrn of Loans effected on account of tht Colonic on the Delaware.
[ From the liundle indorsed Vt'rsc/ieife Stit^-^-ai racirnde do Colonie van A"". Xsderlandt^ No. 13, in tho Stad IItiij% Amsterdam. ]
Holland Docnmenta Moueys reccived on account of the City's Colonie planted in New Netherland,
■'■' ■ on interest at 3-1 per cent., whereon a year's interest has accrued.
A" 1657.
1"' April. P'roni Burgomaster Cornells van Vlooswyck, fl. 3,000
" Agatha van Ousthoorn, widow of Mr. Roelofi" Bicker, 3,000
9"" May. From the Superintendents of Orphans, for account of Margareta,
daughter of Gysbert Cornelissen Fuyck, fl. 9,000
Andries Boelissen, 3,000
12,000
Amount carried forward, 11. 18,000
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV., XVL 49
Amount brought forward, fl. 18,000
G"" June. From the Superintendents of Orphans, for account of Cornells Reyneirs,
son of General Carel Reyniers, 12,000
lO"" July. From the Superintendents of Orphans, on account of Mr. van Swietea's
daughter, G,000
1C.58.
SP'June. From the Managers of St. Peter's Hospital, 10,000
IS"" July. From the Superintendents of Orphans, on account of
Symon van Neck, fl, 2,000
Arnout Hudde, 3,500
Pieter Pietersen Deeckencamer's child, 4'500
10,000
fl. 56,000
The year's interest due on this sura amounts, at 3J per cent, to fl. 1,960
< n » ■ I »
Vice-Director Alvichs to the Commissioners of the Colonic on tlie Delmvare River.
[ From the Bundle indorsed VerscJieide Stukken raekande (U Cokmie van 2r. yederlandt, No. 33, in tlie Stad Euys^ Amsterdam. ]
Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Prudent Gentlemen.
Holland Documents ^^1 ^^^^ ^0 your Honors was dated the 26"' of June, and went with the ship the
xvi.,51. Vergulde Sonne, KAoX^Vfyngaexi, skipper, whose departure, notwithstanding he
was detained a considerable time repairing and fixing, in consequence of his disabled condition
when he arrived, was delayed over 14 days longer by unfavorable wind and weather. I hope,
nevertheless, that the above named ship will have safely arrived in due season, which God
grant. I long to hear it.
1. The provisions brought over, from time to time, by the arriving vessels are become very
scarce, through great consumption, let alone the fact that in the transmitting of them, what
was required for the soldiers and civil officers was little thought of.
Your Honors had heretofore ordered that Beeckman should be employed in the purchasing
of provisions at the Manhattans. He is now placed at, or in Fort Altona, as Vice-Director.
2. In regard to the salt which your Honors suppose is quite plenty at the Manhattans, that
is a mistake. We have only a hogshead and a cask, and can hardly get any there for money.
A skepel of salt, 'tis said, costs a beaver there, which is 12 gl., more or less, this currency,
so that we shall be sorely distressed in consequence. Hardly a cup of salt can be had for
extraordinary occasions; this causes great discontent and uproar. In well regulated places, it
does happen, that scarcity and want, of one part or the other, occurs ; much more is this the
case in a far distant and newly begun Colonic, which, at least, ought to be provided for one
year with whatever is not produced as yet in this country, or procured through others and can
be brought from neighboring places. In other products which grow here, we may have bad
Vol. H. 7
50 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
years by a short crop, the worm and other ill-luck, excessive drought, continual rain, severe
sickness, etc"., for it has already occurred here that the worm has appeared in vast quantities
and seriously injured the crops and gardens; mucii grain has been ruined by long rains, and in
consequence of severe and general sickness, scarcely COO skepels have been saved, where 900
have been sown, llye is worth here at least nine guilders the sack, which is equal to 324
guilders the last. "White peas 7i or S gl. the sack. Little or no butter is to be had here ;
cheese, less ; and whenever any one is about going on a journey, he can hardly get anything
more than dry bread, or he must just carry along a pot or kettle to cook some food. This,
frequently, time does not permit. Therefore, once more, as a reminder or repetition, it were
well that some rye-meal, groats and cheese, etc^, were sent in all the ships.
3. I have appointed Mr. Inojossa to go to the Manhattans; I shall, by this occasion, demand
the original deeds of this place ; also, learn what is to be done for the purchase of the lands
at the WhorekiU, and speak about the price of 8 or 10 cattle, including 2 horses which were
received with the fort, but never sent for and were given out on halves to the Swedes.
Therefore, as horses are necessarily required here for agriculture, means should be devised
and tiie opportunity of vessels seized, to obtain a good supply of horses and salt from
that place.
4. The buoys will, on the earliest opportunity, be laid down, as soon as possible, in the
most suitable parts of the Bay ; but stones are wanting, which will be looked up and prepared
for the purpose.
In regard to the fort, 'tis, with whatever is on, or in it, in a great state of decay. I cannot any
longer postpone its removal, but have been obliged, for the storage and delivery of goods, and
for a residence of the Commissary, to resolve on building a house of plank, about 50 feet in
length and 20 in breadth; also, I caused to be repaired ^ of the house in which I have been
lodging very uncomfortably, the greater part whereof is still so leaky, that it is with the greatest
difficulty anything can be kept dry. The rest remains still unfinished, until we receive more
brick, lime and tiles, which are much wanting here. I have also had a new guard-house built,
and a new bakery, 30 feet long and 20 wide ; the lower story 9, and the second 6^ feet high ;
half of it remains still unroofed for want of tiles. We shall be obliged to pull down and rebuild
the soldiers' barracks immediately, and afterwards the fortification itself, a considerable part
of which is washed away outside on the river; therefore, no change of site can be made here
in regard of the building that has been done, and, since it is the first place where possession
was taken in your Honors' behalf, it must remain the oldest and lowest, as the alteration
entails, besides, much labor, time and expense. I shall therefore let it stand, and not attempt
the least change of site in this case.
Tiie ship de Meiilen has, God be praised, safely arrived on the 27"" ult", after a voyage of 13
weeks, and experiencing great want of water, to such a degree, that for some days it was
impossible to cook. The people suffered considerably from sickness, and 10 or 11 died.
When the vessel reached this vicinity, with much contrary wind, it was obliged to seek a port,
and on arriving here, caused us a great deal of joy, although it brought many mouths without
bringing with them a mite of any sort of provisions, and the season being now advanced,
heavers or peltries can, with difficulty, be bartered. Duffles, also, are scarce, though in
demand, particularly at this time, and even constantly.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 51
5. I had expected, at least, the supply of some provisions, such as rye-flour, groats and some
cheese. The galliot must also be provisioned; there is a set of insolent fellows on board her,
who, when she is laid up, will not lay a hand to work; if there be anything to do, and there
is never any want of work here, they will not stir for less than a rix dollar or 3 guilders a da}'.
Carpenters, masons and other mechanics earn 4 guilders ; this amounts to considerable in
extensive works, but it is, on the other hand, to be borne in mind that this country currency
is also very high, and that an ell of duffles costs 4 guilders in wampum.
6. There is no reason or plea for declining or refusing to supply the old or first inhabitants
from the store lor their money. Tiiere is no merchant's store here, nor scarcely any one that
hath provisions for sale for the daily supply of the inhabitants; nay, not even bread, although
there are over 600 souls in this place. Whoever has anything vpill not sell it, and whoso
has not, cannot. Things here are in their infancy, and demand time. Many who come hither
are as poor as worms, and lazy withal, and will not work, unless compelled by necessity. Tiiis
gives great umbrage, and to keep all matters straight affords plenty of occupation.
In regard to the timber, which you are surprised, has been sent hence as freight, whoever
has anything here to load ought not to be repulsed but encouraged, and such is necessary here ;
if things are to succeed, we must operate in that way. Therefore, I shall much rather
animate the people to labor than discourage them. It is not to be wondered at, if the work,
at first, he not so perfect and profitable. Practice renders the people more expert, and 'tis
better to do something good than to be employed uselessly or unprofitably. The timber was
sent that labor may be supported. Though at present discredited and brought into disrepute,
it will soon surmount the difficulty when improved, and faults or accidents are remedied or
removed. That the ship should have arrived sooner home, 10 or 13 days were employed in
taking the timber in ; it lay on the bank alongside the vessel and the crew undertook to haul
and load it for 200 gl., or thereabouts; it was the finest weather that could be expected, so
that it can easily be determined whether this could be effected sooner, in half the time. It
ought not to be laid to my charge if others wasted the time at the Manhattans and on the
voyage. I shall faithfully study the interest of the city, but I am not responsible for delays
caused by others. In like manner, the ship de Sonne took a month, or a little more, to load, in
consequence of having been in a damaged and bad condition and requiring considerable time
to be caulked. About 130 iron bolts were made and used in her repairs, exclusive of spikes,
&c. Though the heavy freights absorb all the profit of the timber, yet it is better that the
people, who are inclined to be industrious, should be accommodated, although they derive no
profit, than that they be deprived of the smallest opportunity to send off their goods, for which
no manner of reason can be given.
The wise resolution which has been adopted to annex to this place the Whorekill and the
country from Boomtiens hook to Cape Hinloopen is advantageous and excellent. It will be
no sooner purchased than I shall hasten the conveyance, and take immediate possession, of it ;
but send then in the spring or in the ships sailing in December, a good number of strong and
hard working men. Should they not be forthcoming so speedily or promptly at the time, they
can be supplied by boys of 15, 16 or 17 years and over, bearing in mind, particularly, that
they be robust. Whatever is to be accomplished here must be expected from labor. I shall
take care to build a redoubt or stronghold in the most favorable position, but I desire much
to have a small vessel also, similar to a Wiering galliot of 10 or 12 Imu. We are not yet in a
52 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
condition to build such a craft here j one thing is wanting and then another, and the work
does not progress. The slowness and interruption are most injurious and damaging.
Resort to New England and Virginia: Every prudence shall be made use of in this regard;
I know it is required, and I shall, witli all circumspection, observe whatever the service and
necessity here will happen to demand.
7. Tiie fruits or products thereof by cultivation here: Whatever is possible is done in this
matter. But a young or unwilling horse must first be taught and broke in, so that he may
he lit (or the bridle or for draft. It is even so here for the most part with the people, and
also with the soil which has first to be cleared of small and large trees and other brusliwood,
then broken up, as opportunity offers, and ploughed and sowed in due course ; then the whole
remains to be fenced and so ordered, that wild and domestic animals may not destroy or
trample the crops or render all the labor fruitless.
The children sent over from the Almshouse have safely arrived and were in sufficient request,
so that all are bound out with one and the other; the oldest for 2 years, the others, and the
major portion, for 3 years, and the youngest for 4 years, earning 40, 60 and SO guilders during
the above period, and at the end of the term will be fitted out in the same manner as they are
at present; the conditions are no worse, but rather better than were prescribed in the form
transmitted. Please to continue sending others from time to time ; but, if possible, none ought
to come less than 15 years of age and somewhat strong, as little profit is to be expected here
without labor; but from people with large families or many small children, little is to be
expected. When the men die they do not leave a stiver behind. The public must provide
the coflin, pay all the debts, and feed, or maintain, those who survive.
8. Respecting the sloop to be built here : No persons ever came over acquainted with such
business and willing or able to work at it. We have no sawyers; one articled smith, little
iron and coals for heavy work ; free smiths are extraordinarily scarce, and it is not advisable
to get much work done by them ; sails, ropes and many other indispensable necessaries are
long expected from time to time before anything can be finished.
9. The materials are arrived but no tiles, quantities of which are much needed here. The
brick-maker is dead. Iron padlocks, scythes, sickles, thatchers' knives, adzes, saws, crosscut-
saws, picks, iron pots and kettles, 0,000 lbs. of iron, smiths' coals, fire-brick, lime, steel and
powder are required ; therefore, please make some room for them when sending, also for two-
inch nails, were it 100 thousand, but 5, 6, 7, S and 9-inch, not until demanded, as there
is but little heavy building here as yet. Do not forget plenty of carpenters' tools, mostly
hand-saws, crosscut-saws, adzes, augers, etc^
10. In regard to contraband goods : I could not help what happened in the previous matters
for reasons which you will please to consider, but since there is a change in that service, I
shall see that proper attention be paid in future. Respecting what came in de JVaeg, on seeing
and noticing that the goods were of that description, I had them removed to the store and
after they had remained there some months, was requested to take them on the city's account,
at the original cost in Holland. This was refused and not listened to ; wherefore, at last,
the case was opened and found to contain five-and-thirty guns, which I seized and delivered to the
Ensign of the Burgher corps for distribution among the men coming over who are under
the Company's jurisdiction and not provided with any arms, which was done. If any person
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 53
prefer any claim to them, it should be proved before the Slieriff or Fiscal, who will then be
obliged to protect the public right; and iu my opinion, under existing circumstances, nothing
further.ought to be done in this matter, for the reason that, first: I do not desire to dig up
any old questions or disputes; and, secondly : because on account of the small profit realized
in this trade, there will be no inducement to traffic in such goods any more. Besides, lie is
not the man who hath originated it ; 'twas brought on him by friends who believed that they
could pass unobserved under his cloak, which now, most assuredly, they have missed. Were
any further trouble to arise therefrom, it would be to the prejudice of the person and a scandal
and annoyance to him where he resides; this would be of no service to us; peace and quiet
are of much more benefit to us.
11. In respect to the Swedish nation and their lands, which are now partly vacant and
partly occupied and cultivated by them : There are two parcels of the best land on the river
on the west bank, the first of which is above Marietiens hook about two leagues along the
river and 4 leagues into the interior; the second, on a guess, about 3 leagues along the same,
including Schuylkil, Passajonck, Quinsessingh, right excellent land, the grants or deeds whereof,
signed in original by Queen Christina, I have seen ; they remain here. I believe the
proprietors, as they style themselves, or those who hold the ground-briefs, would willingly
dispose of them for a trifle, according to their value and worth. In like manner, there are
some old inhabitants here, sworn subjects of this Province, who, in the years 1G62 and 1653,
purchased, with the consent of the General, from the Indian nation, about 2 leagues on the
east bank of this river, just above old Fort Nassou, and then a second tract of 5J leagues
along this river, with convenient kills, woods and fine land, which it would also be well to
obtain ; but 1 can easily understand that this title is not perfectly clear, and could alone be
considered as pretences or claims ; first, although the Company hath full authority over what
the Swedes possess, and also sho"fFS the people that it will use it for its own advantage,
which the General considers to be the most expedient, nevertheless, by withdrawing the letters
of donation, the claim from without would cease, and the propriety or pretended title would
be extinguished by a conveyance to be executed in addition to their to be surrendered deeds.
Respecting the Dutch, the case is : In the troubles, when the Swedes came here, they were
permitted to purchase in order to prevent the above mentioned lands being sold by the Indians
or natives to the Swedish nation. But your Honors will be better able to understand the
whole matter by the grant and deed, whereof I shall endeavor to obtain copies, which I will
transmit. Meanwhile I should not be surprised were men here to get some sort of lien on the
above mentioned pretended proprietors; that is, to advance to them, if they should desire it,
some money or merchandise, to wit, on a league of country or thereabouts, 50, 60 or 70
guilders at most, which, in Holland currency, is 50, GO or 70 ells of Osnaburgh black linen ;
this is sold at 15, 16, 18, and even easily for 20 stivers, on condition that they pledge their
deeds and patents in return, by which means some title may be obtained, and any conveyance,
mortgage or other incumbrance thereon to the English may be prevented. What is further to
be considered in the premises, your Honors can, in due season, hereafter determine.
What relates to the admitting or permitting the English nation : No steps shall be taken to
the prejudice of our own interests.
54 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
12. The catrle piirchnsed here and distributed among the Colonists on halves: The reason
is tiiis: None of liie Colonists wanted any of them entirely at their own risk; first, because
winter was a[)i)roacliing, and they were unprovided with hay or forage ; secondly, because the
laud, being wild and full of trees, the cattle easily strayed away or got lost, and might be
killed by the Indians; thirdly, they objected and could not agree, under such insecurity or
risk, to embarrass themselves with their share or half, especially as the cattle from Virginia
are accustomed, for the most part, to run wild and are hard to be managed.
Notwithstanding all this, I was obliged to buy in the cattle, for had not such been done, no
person would ever be willing to bring an animal or anything for sale here.
13. For the city I have considered, were these to be given on credit and people to have a
perfect title to them, then much traffic and changing thereof would follow, to the great
prejudice of the Company, and whenever a man comes to hang his head, becomes sick or
unable to work, then there is not a penny to the good, and everything must be remitted, and
in addition, women and many little children, are to be supported. 'Tis, as yet, somewhat too
soon to send many women and a multitude of little children here; it will be more advisable
and safer when crops are gathered and abundance prevails, and everything is cheaper;
therefore, the people ought not to be so much trusted, and consequently less loss would accrue.
The season now being bad, rainy and unhealthy, rye is held at 4 guilders the skepel ; but the
usual price here is 3 gl., and I have never bought it for less. I wish 1 could get it now for
that, which is 324 gl. the hist.
14. The Virginia trade might be easily cultivated, were there plenty of goods here; and
when brought a little into shape, reputation or rank, there will be private persons enough to
lay hold of it, to whom it can be given up and left.
As to what concerns some fugitives who came with two boats from Virginia, and were
stranded on Cape Hinlopen, there was nothing secret in the matter, which was simply thus:
They have been here one, two or three months, and on further inquiry, mostly left this place
fur the Manhattans and the north, except one whom I arrested and sent back.
15. But, meanwhile, I perceive they have an eye to land lying ou this side the Virginia
river; it will now be included in the district between this place and Cape Hinlopen, to
prevent which the largest number of people possible ought to be sent out, but provisions
ought particularly be sent with them until circumstances here shall be in a somewhat better
and more favorable condition.
What has been granted to Mr. Alexander Hinojossa ou his Petition for some brick, shall be
transcribed according to order.
Jan Barents, late chief boatswain on board the Prins Maurits, now deceased : I had given
him a certificate that he was employed here, in order that he may receive his wages on his
departure in tlieJe Wacg, but it was not my intention that he should receive such pay on board
the ship. In future I shall so enlarge on it as to prevent such persons receiving more than of
right belongs to them and they have earned. He was an industrious and diligent man, who
endeavored to act faithfully by those whom he served.
One of the miners that came over is sick, which already discourages the other. I shall
endeavor to cheer him up, and in time, also, supply him with what they and I desire, and may
be consistent with the public and city's good.
I have received the police and law books which were sent out, consisting of 2 parts, and a
duplicate of each; they will be a great convenience to us and we shall make use of them;
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 55
but [not] the by-laws of the city, at the end of which the customs of Antwerp are annexed
and printed, whereof mention was frequently made in the despatch.
16. Of the account: I greatly wish that the Commissary had more experience and time.
He has some excuse from his illness, which lasted full ^ during that period he lay flat and was
often very low. This has caused much more work to accumulate, besides the impossibility
he is under of attending to everything. 'Tis very easy to require from one, alone, what
would supply five with plenty of work. 1 have repeatedly written for a clerk or book-keeper ;
Item, for a secretary and schout, without any result ; not a word have 1 received in answer. I
employ some now, provisionally, but without wages ; not much is asked, therefore please
to provide particularly what is required. There are about 600 souls here now; among these
are many rough people who furnish plenty of work; scarcely an hour passes without having
talk or trouble with one or the other of them; add to this, so much to be done, to be thought
of and arranged, or to be written, that but little time remains for me to do the work of another
person; yet that now in his sickness even consumes time, and, meanwhile, work increases
and accumulates for him, which please also to consider and to make further disposition therein.
There is no baker here, so that all the bread to be delivered to the Colonie comes mostly to
the store; and there is but a small supply of grain and ilour, and a poor place to store it.
I, therefore, allow another frame house to be built, 30 feet wide and 36 feet long ; the first story
10 feet, the 2"^ of 7 feet, with a roof which requires some thousand tiles. Besides this, many
erected houses, the store or dwellings for the Commissary, guard-house, barracks, bakehouse,
etc., and § of my own dwelling are not yet tiled, which I have anxiously desired and
endeavored to accomplish. Plenty of brick and lime, much iron work, iron and coals ought
to be sent out.
Doetie Jacobs, daughter of Geertruyt Braems, whom the skipper is authorized to take
over with him, is, according to such authority, at the orders of said skipper. But I shall
hardly be paid by Jeuriaen Symens, who brought her over, for the passage money and the
years provisions, &c., delivered from the store; he is frequently sick and unable to work;
thus people become impoverished fast. Therefore, send only, for the most part, men or
servants, or young, growing, strong people. When these die, we do not inherit heavy
burthens and maintenance with a small estate.
William van Rasenberg, who came over as Surgeon, puts forth sundry claims against people
whom he attended on the passage, inasmuch as his wages did not run at the time and on the
voyage, and he used his own provisions. There were on board the ship considerable
sickness, accidents, and hardship in consequence of a tedious voyage. One hundred souls
required at least a hogshead or two of French wine and one of brandy, and a tub of prunes
had also to be furnished for refreshment and comfort to those sick of scurvy and suffering from
other troubles, through the protracted voyage ; for, from want thereof, the people became so
low that death followed, which is a pretty serious matter. Here, on shore, I see clearly that
the poor, weak, sick, or indigent, sometimes have need necessarily of this and that to support
them, which one cannot easily, or will not, refuse; though it be sometimes but a spoonful,
frequently repeated, it amounts to more ihan is supposed. The barber also speaks of a house
which Master Jan occupied being too small for him ; he hath a wife, servant and child or
children also. If he hire, as he says, at the expense of the city, he shall be obliged to show
a paper to that effect. People's words, or what they verbally produce for their own profit,
cannot be accepted.
56 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Francis Gunde owes 22 gl. to Styntie Jacobs in the Princenhoff, or to the wife of the mao
servant in the Princenhoff. It will be entered and charged to his account.
I might enlarge this further, but time does not permit, and the sloop is ready to sail for the
Manhattans. I must, therefore, abreviate, wherewith concluding, I shall pray God,
Honorable, Worshipful, Wise and Right Prudent Gentlemen,
to bless your administration, and also to preserve you all in continual prosperity and health;
remaining,
(Signed), J. Alriciis.
On one side was :
In New Amstel, 10"> October, A" 165S.
Beneath was :
Having written this in haste, and not having any time to read it over once, please
excuse all imperfections and omissions.
Me-solittion of the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam.
[ From the ResoUiiien van do Vroedschappen, B., p. 55, ia tho Stad Huys^ Amsterdam. ]
lO"- October, 1G5S.
Holland Documents, The Burgomasters have submitted to the Council, and shown by account, that
To conBider how t'l^ returns brought hither from the South river of New Netherland, have not
la'nd'ccrion'io cim produced so much as would meet the expenses incurred, but have fallen short
Ijc advanced at lees , . , it, . .. i, j ^^ ••
expense. about 7,000 guilders. And upon deliberation, it is agreed that the Gommissionera
of the New Netherland Colonic shall borrow a like sum of 7,000 gl. from the Orphan
Chamber, at interest, to defray with it the remaining expenses; and 'tis, moreover, resolved
to request and commission Mess" Cornelis de GraefF, Baron of South Polsbroeck,' Nicolaes
van Loon,- and Cornelis Geelvinck.^ to consider in what manner the aforesaid Colonie can be
advanced at less cost than heretofore, and report thereon to the Council.
' C0KNKI.IS HE GiUAF was tho son of Jacob de Graaf, who filled the office of Burgomaster of Amsterdam from 162S to
1637. Cornelis became Burgomaster in 1C43 and filled that office, worthily, nine times, to the year 1601. He was employed
in divers public services, which prove the great confidence the State of Holland reposed in him. Kok's Vaderlandsch
Woordcnboek, XVIH., 551.
' Nicolas tan Loon belonged to a family originally from Brabant, whioli fled to Holland to escape religious persecution,
and took up its abode in Amsterdam. He was the oldest son of Hans van Loon and Anna Ruyehaver, and was born on the
14tli June, 1G02; filled the offices of Councillor and Schepen of Amsterdam from 1653 to 1064, and died on the 29th Decem-
ber, 1075, in tho 73d year of his age. Ibid, XXIX., 141.
' Cornelis Geelvi.nok belonged to an ancient and respectable family of Amsterdam which supplied that city with
many eminent magistrates. He was Commissary in 1C46, Councillor iu 1052, Schepen iu 1057, and Burgomaster in 1C73.
Ibid. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV., XVI. 57
Resolution of the Common Council of tlie City of Amsterdam.
[From the JleaaluUen van de Vroedsdiappen, B., p. 72, in the Stud JTii],t, Amsterdam.]
20"- December, 1658.
Holland Documents, TliB Committee appointed by resolution of the Common Council on the IQ""
Conditions fnr the °^ OctobeT last to Consider in what manner the New Netherland Colonie can be
coinnie^Bomewha't improvcd at a less expense than heretofore, and to submit their opinion thereupon
modifled. ^^j jj^g Council, having, agreeably to said commission, examined and considered
the Conditions which were offered on behalf of this city to all those who will proceed to New
Netherland as Colonists, and heard the suggestions of the Commissioners and Directors of the
aforesaid Colonie thereon, have reported as their opinion that the following alterations ought
to be made in the aforesaid Conditions :
First: That the ninth article, imposing entirely too great a burthen on the city, ought to be
expunged and so communicated to the Director of the above named Colonie in New Netherland
with orders that he shall have to distribute the provisions remaining in store there only to
those who have removed thither heretofore, which being done, he will have to dispose of what
is found on hand in said store to the best possible advantage.
That the exemption from tenths, mentioned in the 22^ article, ought generally to expire
with the year 1G78, without making any difference between those to whom the lands were
granted, early or late, with an exception, however, in regard of such as shall have brought
their lands under cultivation before the year 165S, in whose favor the aforesaid privilege
should not continue longer than XX. years, and consequently expire so much sooner than the
year 1678, as they shall have cleared their lands before the year 1658. Also, that the exemption
from poundage, horn and salt money, ought, regarding all indiscriminately, not to continue
any longer than the year 1068, when such taxes shall be then imposed by the Director,
according as the inclosed lands are situated near or at a distance.
That the 23'' article ought to be erased, and in lieu thereof it ought to be enacted, that the
Colonists shall be obliged to address and consign to this city or its Commissioners all the
merchandise which they will send thence, in order to be disposed of and converted into cash to
the best advantage of the owners, as is granted.
That in place of the 25"" article, it ought to be conditioned that the goods which the city
may have in its store there, siiall be delivered to the Colonists requiring them for cash, or
its equivalent, calculated at as low a price as will be reasonable, without the city being
obliged to keep the store continually stocked.
And, finally, that further arrangement ought to be made with the West India Company
respecting the regulation mentioned in the 33'* article, to the end that it may be modified in
favor of the city.
Which, being considered, the Council agreed to the report of the committee, and accordingly
resolve and conclude, that the above enumerated changes shall be made, yet in such a manner
that what has been promised to those who have already proceeded to New Netherland shall be
performed ; and the gentlemen of the committee are thanked for their trouble.
Vol. H. 8
58 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCEIPTS
Directors of the West India Company to the Director and Council of Neiv Ketherland.
Extract from the general letter of the Managers of the West India Company,
Chamber at Amsterdam, to their Director-General and Council in New
Netherland, dated [IS"" February, 1G39.']
. ,„ The request your Honors present in favor of the written Remonstrance for
Holland DocumeuU. 1 •' '
xvi.,213. ji^g grant of a larger liberty to the inhabitants there to trade to foreign parts,
we have, upon examination, found to be of importance and especially for the benefit of the
aforesaid inhabitants, but of no small consideration for the Company, inasmuch as hereby
a larger door appears to be opened to defraud it, and to deprive it especially of its revenues
here ; yet it being by us considered that this is a means to encourage every one in the
cultivation of the soil, and that the prosperity and advancement of this State depends mainly
on the promotion and furtherance thereof, we have, at length, after long deliberation,
resolved tiiat the trial thereof, which is to be made by your Honors on our ratification, shall,
provisionally, take its course, under express conditions that the ships which shall sail thence
to France, Spain, Italy, the Caribbee islands, and other parts, to dispose of and sell their
freighted produce, salted fish, wares and merchandise, shall be obliged and bound to return
direct either here before this city of Amsterdam or back to New Netherland to the place of
your Honors' abode, in order to pay to your Honors, on the discharge and sale thereof, such
duties as the Company here derives from them; who, also, for especial reasons, hath resolved
that no beavers, otters or other peltry shall be exported except in the ships which are coming
llience directly here. What further appertains to the duties to be laid on the exportation of
agricultural products, timber, salted or dried fish, and whatever else is to be prepared and
invented there by industry, we will much rather refer to your Honors, as some mistakes may
be committed through ignorance in this matter ; and here we do not know what your English
neighbors have enacted on their side hereupon, whom it were, in some degree, well to follow.
Your Honors are, therefore, authorized to inform yourselves thereof, and after communicating
with the magistracy there, provisionally to impose such moderate duties as shall be found
expedient.
Memo n.s-t ranee re-sped lug the Colonie on the Ddairare Hive/:
I From the Buudle indoraej Vorsoheide StukUn ruekmile de Cotoiiw nan X. A'rderlandt, No. 57, in the Stad /Tuiji, Amstcnlam. ]
Remonstrance presented on the to the Right Worshipful the
Burgomasters and Regents of the city of Amsterdam.
HoUau.i nooumonis, The Commissiouers and D i rectors appointed and intrusted viith the management
of your Worships' Colonie in New Netherland, having seen the modification and
Tins date is 8U[)plieJ from the original letter in A'ew-York Colonial Manuscripts, in the office of the Secretary of St^itc,
Albany, NowYork Ed,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV., XVI. 59
alteration your Worships have been pleased to make in the public conditions offered to al! who
might go to the said Colonie in New Netherland. have remarked therein still something
which, under correction, they think ought to be changed ; and namely :
In the 23"* and 24"" articles,
which, by this change, remain the 22'* and 23* articles, whereby the Colonists and other
freemen without distinction, are bound to address and consign to this city all products and
merchandise that they will send thence, to be by its Commissioners disposed of and converted
into cash for the best advantage of the owners, and the proceeds thereof remitted back in such
goods as the owners shall order, etc.
This has the appearance of great slavery and restriction, very offensive to the people, and
therefore we have been willing respectfully to submit to your Worships whether, for the
advancement of population and agriculture a distinction ought not to be made, and the rule
be applied alone to those who are found in debt to the city, in order, when such debts are
discharged either by the consignment of their property here, or to the Director in that country,
they may be at liberty to send and consign their agricultural products, salted and dried fish,
together with whatever is to be obtained there by industry, to such persons as they please,
not only here in this city but also to other countries, such as Spain, Italy, the Caribbee
islands, etc., and such principally, because we understand that the West India Company are
resolved to grant the like provisionally to their inhabitants in New Netherland (under such
conditions as may be seen in the preceding extract), such freedom and liberty being considered
the only means to encourage the people to the cultivation of the soil and to make them more
industrious, whereby the lands may be necessarily improved ; by this means also will the city
obtain much honor in the payment of its disbursements, because every one will strive, by the
discharge of his debt, to arrive at that freedom and liberty, whereas, on the contrary, by
refusing it, all will eventually leave that place for the Manhattans in the Company's district.
In the SO"" article,
which is now the 29"', enumerating the benefits to be enjoyed by those who discover minerals,
crystals, precious stones, etc. In case this article must be understood according to the letter
and as it reads, viz'., that one-lO'*' part of such discovered minerals must be paid to the
Company, we are of opinion that it had better be wholly omitted here, when it can be again
inserted in the general conditions having relation to this particular. In which place your
Worships may then insert such tanlum for this city, in addition to what the discoverers must
pay to the Company, as you will think proper.
Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam.
[From the ReiotutUn van de Vroedschappen-f B. p. 91, in the Stad JZuyt^ Amsterdam. ]
lO"- March, 1059.
Holland Documents ^" ^''^^ Reiiionstrance of the Directors of the city's Colonie in New Netherland,
xv.,iir. recorded in Muniment Register B., fol. 26, respecting the encouragement of
go NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
„, . „ , said Colonie, submitted by Mess", the Burgomasters, to the CoudcII, it is
?ri?n,f ma7rxp'.« Tesolvcd and concluded that article , concerning the bringing over all the
ib.:ir warvs ij. products of Said Colonie to this city, shall be amplified in manner as follows :
That the Colonists who will have paid the city their board and passage money, and
dischar"ed their other debts, shall be at liberty to bring into such harbors and kingdoms as they
consider shall be for their greatest advantage, their wares, products or merchandise raised in
the Colonie, except beavers and other peltries; also, all other wares and goods, under
whatever name, which shall be destined for Netherland, the east or the north, and they shall
he bound to bring them to this city, to pay the public and the Company's duty thereon, and
generally to conduct themselves precisely agreeably to the regulation granted by the Company
to the inhabitants of New Netherland.
Accordingly, authorizing the aforesaid Directors to alter the articles conflicting herewith,
and to arrange them conformably to what precedes,
It is, moreover, also resolved and concluded that the article respecting the discoverers of
minerals, marbles, precious stones, etc., shall be wholly erased and expunged, and said
Directors are likewise authorized to agree with said discoverers for the best advantage of
the city. -
Commissioners of the Coloriie on the Delaware River to Vice-Director Alrichs,
[ From Iho Bundle InJorsed Verschsida Stttkken raekende de Coloni4 '^an N. Xtdtrlandt, No. 34, in Ihe Stad Buys, Amsterdam. ]
Honorable, &c.
iioiianci Docnm.nu In OUT last, dated the 13"" February, lG-59, dispatched by the private trader
5VI., 80. ^g Trou, proceeding to the Manhatans, duplicate whereof is inclosed, we have
advised you of the cause of our neglecting to answer divers letters and papers received
by the ship it Sonne; and though they are now taken up, yet the sudden and altogether
unexpected departure of this vessel hath allowed us no time to do so as requisite and point
by point. We, therefore, have undertaken to answer the aforesaid letters only generally, and
in some of their principal points, without confining ourselves to any order, as you will be
able to perceive from what follows:
It afforded us pleasure to learn the good disposition evinced by the Governor of Virginia to
encourage and establish trade between both nations, and consequently cannot do otherwise
than recommend the promotion thereof, particularly, to you. But as that Governor is not
absolute master, but dependent on the Lord Protector and his government here in Europe,
you must proceed in the matter with such circumspection and prudence, that you there will
avoid any embarrassment, and, consequently, this city, any loss frnd damage.
It is not strange that the provisions in the store there are scanty since scarcely any went
over, for in truth it had much to bear seeing that agriculture is progressing so slowly, not so
much, we believe, on account of the building of houses and the general sickness which hath
prevailed there, as from the absence of all regularity in the cultivation of the lands, or from the
people not having been constrained thereunto. This might well have come to pass, the rather
as some of them were giving out that they would not put their hand to anything during the
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI. 61
Blessed year, as they called the year when they were provisioned, but resort to the store.
Such persons should really have been forced to work, by close-fistedness ; for though the
previously offered Conditions are herein couched in general terms and unconditionally, yet
living experience ought to have taught you what this state of things required, and, consequently,
you ought not to have allowed the good intention of this city to have been abused in this
wise. In order, then, to prevent the recurrence thereof hereafter, the city hath resolved to
expunge the whole of the 9"> article from the said Conditions, and, furthermore, to make such
alterations therein as you will be able to learn from the copies annexed. Every person,
instead, is now permitted, for the discharge of his indebtedness to this city, and for the greater
encouragement of agriculture, to send his crops, etc., to such countries and parts as he will
think proper. As to the provisions and clothing which may be found remaining in the store,
on the annulling of the previous order, you are recommended to dispose of all them for the
greatest advantage of the city, so and in such manner as shall be found expedient.
We are much pleased to learn the improvement of the church and congregation and
approve the purchase of the house in which service was performed, but not the assessment
and deduction prescribed there for all real estate {vaste goederen), inasmuch as we have
resolved that, agreeably to the practice in this country, the 40"" penny shall be deducted
from all voluntary sales of real estate, and the SO"" from those by execution, -and therefore
only i per cent, and no more, for the Secretary, besides his fees for writing and dispatch.
This, we understand, is also the practice in the government of the Manhattans. As to what
further relates to the invention of such burthens on the commonalty, you are ordered and
instructed, in future, not to resort to such proceeding without our knowledge, unless the most
imperative and extreme necessity in this regard cannot admit of any delay.
The bold undertaking of the Swedish Parson to preach in the Colonic there without
permission, does not greatly please us. And as we will assuredly, that, as yet, no other
religion but the Reformed can nor may be tolerated there, so you must, by proper means, put
an end to or prevent such presumption on the part of other sectaries.
The required materials of tiles, brick, lime, coals and iron work, together with the powder
and the little bell necessary for the church there ; also, the brewer's kettle for Hendrick Kip,
will be sent you by the first opportunity ; and as the freight and other charges amount to
considerable, whatever of such wares may be sold there, must, henceforth, be sold at an
advance of 50 per cent, which must also be the case with the clothing. And this not only
to the soldiers, as we had indicated to you in ours of the 7"' of December, 1657, but also to
the freemen, as we find that we otherwise shall sufler loss, as you correctly apprehended.
The timber received in the de Vergulde Sonne, like that previously sent, is found to be so
indififerent that half the ship's freight could not be realized from it at public sale. The
net return from it amounted to only fl. 1,678.9.8. Therefore, that so much should be due
the city by the shippers, who, we dare say, have suffered loss already hereby, we shall not
argue, but, meanwhile, it all falls on |this city, which, truly, is not thereby encouraged.
Therefore, you are hereby again admonished and ordered, in case there be no heavier oak or
hickory to be had there, to suspend sending any in future, unless the ships chartered by the
city must otherwise leave that place or the Manhattans without a cargo ; you have, then, to
regulate yourself accordingly.
We approve of the purchase of the lots and plantations ; also, of preparing and building
a store, barracks for the soldiers, bakery, guard-house, watch-house for the burgher corps, etc.
(52 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
But as the expenses incurred by such buildings and public works must be met by the city, so,
indeed, circumspection ought to be used herein and economy studied as much as possible ; for
it is yet too premature to attend to the ornamenting of such and other public works, and to
neglect what is most essential, such as the pushing forward the cultivation of the soil, which
is the principal, yea, the sole object wherefore this city hath established tiiis Colonic. This,
then, certainly ought to have the first place, in order to confirm and improve the good opinion
this city entertained thereof when it, too imperceptibly, suffered such general charges and
expenses. Such, then, ought to be introduced and practised. We, on our side, will not fail,
henceforth, to direct our attention, as far as possible, to the sending thither of a larger number
of Boors conversant with agriculture.
On examining the draft sent over of a deed of lots which have been conceded yonder, we
find omitted the bond whereby the grantees of such lots oblige themselves to build on it
within {;,. We have, therefore, resolved that the aforesaid dral't shall be amplified by the
following clause, namely : That he, to wit, the grantee of such lot, or his assigns, are bound
and held to build, or cause buildings to be erected, on the lot or lots within 6 months from
this time, assuredly to make a beginning thereof, on pain of forfeiting the aforesaid lot or lots,
and paying, in addition, a fine of 25 guilders, together with becoming subject to all such public
charges and duties as are already or may hereafter be imposed. With this amplification, we
thus approve of that draft, as we also approve of the method you use in the issuing of
provisions and other articles to the soldiers and Colonists, debiting them therefor in their
accounts at the same price as they sell at the Manhattans. This plan must be followed and
observed under similar circumstances, in order to keep pace, as far as possible, with that place.
We readily believe that tliere are still many inhabitants there who earnestly solicit the
privilege of having some cattle, on the previous plan and condition of half the increase. As
we fear, by that arrangement, such contractors will shear the sheep, and this city the hogs, you
ought to have truly and fully mentioned what reasons induced you to contravene our orders in
this matter, as stated in ours of the T^ June, 1658; then, possibly, we should have been
better pleased and more satisfied. We must now wait patiently for these reasons as well as for
the conditions on which those cattle are given out on half the increase ; namely, how long and
until what time are the young calves left with the mother, and when are they delivered to the
city, and what further conditions are added. Otherwise, we cannot judge of this matter, and
consequently cannot yet fully comprehend the proposal you have submitted, although we have
had it under consideration.
We have all been pleased with the formula of the oath taken by those persons who arrive
yonder, and with the placards and the publication of a day of Thanksgiving, and accordingly
hereby approve thereof. We, in like manner, on the foregoing conditions, approve of the
granting of some land situate near Christina kil to Jan Paul Jacquet, in lieu of certain 41
morgens which he then surrendered to the city.
We do not consider strange, but deem important, the reasons submitted by yoii in favor of
the appeal lying to the Director and Council there, from judgments pronounced between fl. 100
and fl.GOO, and, therefore, those only exceeding fl.GOO, may be taken in appeal before the
Director and Council of New Netherland. We shall accordingly forego our speculations on
this subject, in order to see by what means it could be more fitly and certainly obtained and
elaborated here. In like manner, we judge it proper that Schepens there shall not be at liberty
to grant any execution unknown to the Director, for this reason — in order to be able to
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XVI. 63
consider beforehand, and, above all things, to preserve the interest of this city; this practice
must therefore be observed.
We have been particularly pleased to learn that everything is going on peaceably and
harmoniously there, and that there is great appearance of the Colonic flourishing more
and more in future. That such may continue, we must continually consider by what means
its prosperity is to be promoted, and the consequent advantage of this city discovered, which
will not then fail in its duty, being even at present already busy in devising means whereby
cargoes might be sent thither, and consequently trade and commerce attracted. I shall advise
you in due season of the result thereof.
We have sold, at a reasonable price, the 20 tubs of tobacco sent hither on account of one
Captain Thomas Stegge ; they have rendered net the sum of fl. . . . , as is to be seen
by the account annexed. In case a like number of tubs had been sent, as we were
advised, we should have proceeded here with the purchase of the required Dogger and its
appurtenances, and, without doubt, sent them on herewith. We shall still expect the remainder
of the tobacco, unless said Captain Stegge had changed his mind, and accordingly advised us
to the contrary, when we shall expend the said received moneys here, or else remit them in
such manner as he shall direct.
We will not question that the order and method adopted by you in regard to the issuing of
the rations, both to the soldiers and Colonists, have given much trouble ; but as those to the
Colonists, which are the principal, have now ceased, we cannot think that Commissaries, unless
a clerk or book-keeper, are required there, so that we shall look for, by the first opportunity
thence, not only the copy of monthly wages and Colonists' books, with the rolls of judgments
and resolutions which have been passed during your time, but also and especially a pertinent
statement and account of your administration in that country. Herein, particularly, there
must not be any neglect or evasion, as it would avail nothing with us, and consequently would
not be favorably interpreted or explained. We will hope that you will endeavor to prevent it.
Thus much briefly and as far as time hath permitted, in answer to your private and general
letter received. Since then, and now recently, we have indirectly heard that there is a great
probability of minerals being discovered in New Netherland, and even some copper ore which
has come from thence, has also been shown to us. In order, then, to inquire further about it,
we have examined Claes de Ruyter, an old and experienced inhabitant of that country, from
whom we have learned thus much, that the reported copper mine does not lie on the South
river, but that a crystal mountain was situate between that Colonie and the Manhattans,
whereof he himself had brought divers pieces and specimens; furthermore, that the acknowledged
gold mine was apparently there, for he, having kept house some time with the Indians living
high up the river and about Bachom's country, had understood from them that quicksilver was
to be found there. Of the truth of this matter we can say nothing, but this is generally believed
for a certainty, that minerals are to be had there. You are therefore hereby recommended to
inquire precisely into the matter there, and, if possible, to employ for that purpose the aforesaid
de Ruyter, who is returning to New Netherland, in order that you may be able to ascertain the
truth of the report. In such case, you are not to neglect sending us specimens both of the one
and of the other, to be tested here, which we shall then, at the proper time, anxiously expect.
The reason that the SO* article, relating to the discoverers of such minerals, is now omitted
in the accompanying copies and conditions is, because there is a contract between this ciiy and
the company, whereby the latter alone is benefited, so that the city must enter into a further
contract with such discoverers of minerals in their district there, namely, to pay, over and above
(34 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
tlie 10 per cent, to the company, at least one 20''' part of the net proceeds thereof to the city,
or as much more as shall be agreed on for its advantage. We have judged it necessary to
preadvise you hereof in this letter, to the end that it may be henceforward put in force when
occasion present.
You will learn from the accompanying list what families or free people are going over at
present, whom we have consented, at their request, to send out in advance by one of these
ships named dt Bever, which is going to New Amsterdam, as their circumstances did not
permit them to wait any longer.
Herewith . . .
Honorable, Honest, Dear, Trusty, &c.
Dated Amsterdam,
the 22"'' April, 1G59.
Vice-Director Alrichs to Gomrnor Fendall, of Maryland.
[ From Iho Bundle InJorsed rersdie)i.U Stuhken raektnde dt Colonie van y. Kederlandt, No. 50, in tho Stad Buy), Amsterdam. ]
Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Right Prudent Sir!
Holland Documents, Having Understood here that some delinquents and fugitives from this place
XVI., 1-5. g|.g harbored and skulking within your jurisdiction, domain or district, we have
therefore resolved by this, our letter, to make declaration and give notice who those persons
are, and how named, to wit: Hans Roeloflf, of Stockholm, Andries Thomasen, of Jutland
in Denmark, Cornells Jurriaensen, of Winseren in Sweden, Jacob Jansen, of Antwerp,
Jan Hinger, of Utrecht, and Evert Brants, of Amersfort, all soldiers, who have enlisted in such
service for a consideral>le time. Some of them have deserted from here without a pass, in
consequence of bad conduct, others through rebellion and wicked disobedience. And, being
informed that they are skulking within your Honor's jurisdiction, we were unwilling to neglect
to greet your Honor herewith by the bearer of this letter, and also respectfully to request, for
the maintenance of justice, that those persons, as well as all such who, to get rid of the
payment of their debts, have absconded from hence, whom we shall, from time to time, make
further known, may, at our expense, be sent back, as we have heretofore done by the Governor
of Virginia, on his Excellency's request, who hath also promised to reciprocate; for which
reason we trust that equity and the policy proper to maintain neighborly friendship, have a
place in your Honor's breast, and that your Honor will condescend to grant us this request.
We further ask, in order to prevent such desertion, that henceforth none of our nation may be
permitted to come from this place within your Honor's jurisdiction, except such as can exhibit
a passport or free leave under our hand; on this, our 8i)ecial friendship and the service of this
State depend, and we shall reciprocate in like manner, and even much farther; desiring your
Honor will plense to allow us to receive a note in answer to this. Awaiting which, we remain,
after suitable compliments and commendation unto God's protection.
Your obedient neighbor and servant,
On one side was: "Agrees."
(Signed), Cornelis van Gesel, Secretary.
In the margin stood :
New Amstel, the 25'" June, 1659.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XVL 65
Edimate of Expetises attendant on sending 1 00 Colonists to the Delaware.
[ From the Bundle indorsed Vefscheide Stul-^en raekends de Colonie van 2^. Ktderltnidt, No. 52, in the Stad But/s, Amsterdam. ]
Anno 1G59: this 27"" June, in Amsterdam.
Holland Documents Estimate of tliB Gxpcnse of transporting and conveying, in a chartered ship, 100
^^^•'*^' souls, Colonists and others, tradespeople to this city's Colonie in New
Netherland, with what, besides, ought now be sent, to wit:
Provisions or board for 100 persons in the voyage to the Colonie, pursuant to the S"* article
of the conditions whereby the city offers to pay the passage money by way of advance,
calculated for the space of ^j at G stivers a day, fl. 2,700 . 00
Goods to trade for cattle, which are most necessary, as without them tiie
cultivation of the land cannot be promoted, the sum of, 1,500.00
Clothing and goods for the store, etc., which, at least, must be furnished to
the soldiers on account of their monthly wages, at an advance of 50 per cent
for this city, according to the Company's custom, the sum of, 1,800.00
Materials, ammunition, and other small matters necessary for the construction
of public and other buildings, and for the defence of the inhabitants, the
sum of, 2,500 . 00
Freight of a ship for conveying the people and necessaries for ^ certain @.
fl. 900 per month, 5,400 . 00
fl. 13,900.00
Note. — Against this last item must be charged the freight which the aforesaid ship would
earn by bringing private merchandise from New Netherland here.
And were no ship specially chartered for the purpose, and could the people and necessaries
be conveyed over in a private ship, the expense would be as follows:
Food and passage money of 100 head at 30 guilders each, fl. 3,000.00
Goods to be exchanged for cattle, as above, 1,500.00
Clothing and articles for the store, etc., as above, 1,800.00
Materials and ammunition, as above, 2,500.00
Freight for conveying the aforesaid goods over, 1,200.00
fl. 10,000.00
Anno 1659: Ady 27'^ June, in Amsterdam.
List of Goods to be bartered for Cattle required to promote the cultivation of
the soil.
200 pieces of white Flemish linen, measuring, in all, 800 ells, at 10 stivers,.. fl. 400.00
12 pieces of white and black narrow linen, measuring about 1,100 ells, at
about 5 J stivers, 300.00
Amount carried forward, fl. 700.00
Vol. II. 9
QQ NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS
Amount brought forward, A- 700.00
24 ankers of Annis water, and 7 ankers of bitters { Bo ist water), amounting,
togetlier with cooperage, to 350 . 00
175 pairs of shoes @, 30 stivers, 262.10
]25 pairs of men's hats @, 30 stivers, 1S7 10
fl. 1,500.00
List of clothing and articles required for the store there to be furnished to the
soldiers and others at 50 per cent advance.
250 pairs of farmers' cowhide shoes, including some women
and children's shoes, @, 32 stivers, 400.00
110 pairs of men and women's stockings, (a. 12 " 60.00
165 pairs of children's hose, @. 10 " 32.10
100 pairs of men and women's shirts, (2^36 " ISO. 00
250 ells of Flemish linen for children's shirts, &c., (IL 10 " 125.00
24 hats, Ca. 3 florins, 72.00
20 boys' hats, (a, 2i " 50.00
4S English caps, (a, 30 stivers, 72.00
4S red caps, (a, 7 " 16.16
140 ells of coarse colored cloth, (a. 50 " 350.00
260 ells of rus: cloth, (a. 6 " 7S.00
130 ells of green and red duffels for women and children's
petticoats and jackets, (2,20 " 130.00
90 ells of baize, of divers colors, to be sent with the rest, .. (2. 1 guilder, 90.00
Silk, black and colored thread, buttons, hooks and eyes,
cords and other small articles, together, for, 137.14
fl. l.SOO.OO
Anno 1659 : Ady 27"" June, in Amsterdam.
List of some iron work, materials and ammunition which are most particularly
required in the Colonie of this city.
150 pairs of hinges, of all sorts, @. 8 stivers, fl. 60.00
25 door and chamber locks, (iL 3G " 45.00
50 large locks, with bolts, (a, IS " 45.00
50 smaller " " @. 15 " 37.10
100 bolts with staples, assorted, (Jk ii " 12.10
12 large crosscut-saws, longest size, (a. 5 guilders, 60.00
Carpenters' tools, assorted, 80.00
100 good picks, @. 22 stivers, 110.00
50 iron pots and kettles, @. 3 guilders, 150.00
6,000 lbs. iron, flat and square, (2. 9 " 540.00
Amount carried forward, fl. 1,140.00
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 67
Amount brought forward, fl- 1,140.00
300 lbs. steel, 5 st. the lb., 75.00
12,000 tiles, or somewhat more, according to circumstances,.. @. IS guilders, 215.00
100,000 hard brick, @, 4 " 400.00
20 hogsheads of lime, @- H " 65.00
1,000 lbs. powder, (a, 43 " 430.00
10 chaldron of smiths' coals, 174.00
fl. 2,500.00
Governor Fendull to Vice-Director Alriclis.
■ [ From Iho Bundle indorsed Tersckeide Stukkm Taekende de Colonie ran y. Nedtrlandt, No. 8S, in tho Stad ITuys, Amsterdam. 1
„, ^„ . I receaved a letter from you, directed to mee, as the Lord Baltemores
Hnlland Documents, .^
xvi.,99. Leiftenandt of the Province off Maryland wehere in you seeme to suppose yo'
selfe to bee Governo"' off a poeple seated in a part off Delaware Day, w'"'', I am very well
informed lyeth to the soveth ward off the degree ffourty Aand therefore, can by noe meanes
owne or acknowledge any for Gouern'' there, but myselfe who am by his Lordschip oppointed
Leiutenandt of his whole Province leying between tlie degreas of thirty eight & ffourty. But
doe by these requyre & command you presently to depart forth of they his Lordships Province
or otherwise desyre you to hould me excused, iff I use my uttmost endeauour to reduce that
part off his Lordships Province unto itts due obedience under him.
(Signed), Josias Fendald^
The address was:
To the Honorable Jacob Alricke, at Delaware, these presen febury,^ Q; D : G :^
' Josias Fend.all. — When Governor Stohe endeavored, on bebalf of Lord Baltimore, to repossess liimself, in 165.5, of the
government from wliich he bad been deposed l>y Croinwell's commissioners, he auUiorized Captain Josias Fendnll to seize
the public stores at Patuxent^ A battle was fought on the 29lh March, of that j-ear, belween the opposite parties, in which
Fendall was taken prisoner. Having extricated himself from the liands of his enemies, hia restless spirit would not allow
him to remain quiet. He raised another insurrection, and the proprietary, supposing that his zeal arose from principle and
ntt;ioliment to his Lordship, and not from self interest, appoint'd him Gov<-rnor, by conimiiision dated KJlh July, 1656. In
1657 Governor Fendull visited England and returned to Maryland in Februnry, 165S; but, in March, 1659 (O. S ), he
turned against his patron, becuine a party to a scheme for abolishing Lord Baltimore's dominion over the Province
and accepted a commission from the General Assembly. He was superseded in Deceinber, 1660, and, in Februnry
following, tried and found guilty of rebellion, sentenced to be banished and his estate was ordered to be confiscated.
On his humble petition to the Governor and Coun';il, he was pardoned, on paying a moderate fine. He was.
however, declared incapable, in future, of holding any civil office or of voting at an election for Burgess, and required to
give security for his good behavior. Thus was he reserved to disturb the public peace twenty years after, by other intrigues
ond treachery. The_fiction of the Popish plot, that has stained the annals of England with so foul a die, extended its baneful
influence even to Maryland, and was, by other politieians, made the corner stone of similar projects. Fendall now abused
the lenity which had been shown him in 16fll, to excite new commotions in July, 1081, having had, it seems, no other
object in view than a scramble for property and power, amid the convulsions that might ensue. He was, in consequence,
again arrested and tried in November, of the same year, for seditious practices, and, after a very fair trial, in which he
excepted against all the Roman Catholics as jurors, he Was fined forty Ihous.and jiounds of tobaeeo, impiisoncd until the
same was paid and banished the Province forever. His trial is given at length in the "Maryland Papers," State paper
office, London. Chnlmen,' Political Annah, 224, 226, 237, 368. 377; Bozmau's UiUory of Maryland, IL, 558, 6S9. — Ed.
'This word was intended, perhaps, for — pr. C. tJly.
' The above letter was written 3d August, 163d, O. S. 1 Nea-York Historical CoUections, III., 369.
68 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Vice-Director Alrichs to Burgomaster de Graaff.
[ From Ihe Bundle iodoHcd VerxAeide Stiikten raekend» (te Colmiie van JV'. XaUrlnmlt, No. 55, In the Stad Hiiyf, Amsterdam. ]
Honorable and Right Worshipful Sir.
Sir,
jM'sn.1 Documents Mess", the Burgom.isters and Hegents of the city of Amsterdam, having resolved
xvi, lac. jji^j concluded lo plant aCoIonie in New Netherland on the South river, and having
appointed Comniist^ioners and Directors in your city for the advancement thereof, in order that
everything requisite should be regulated in the most suitable manner, the ship the Prins
Mavrifs was accordingly first dispatciied with about 35 Colonists as free handicraftsmen,
among whom were some few workmen and some future servantmen, but the major part were
tradespeople, who did not learn their trade very well and ran away from their masters too
early in consequence of their own viciousness. There were, also, 47 soldiers and 10 civil
servants, with 76 women, children and maid servants.
Some others followed in de JVueg, de Sonne and de Mculcn, but of no good repute ; scarcely
three good farmers were to be found among the whole lot. The total that came over
amounted to about 137 tradesmen and servants; 70 soldiers and civil servants, the crew of
the sloop included, in addition to about 300 women and children, and the maid servants of the
married freemen, soldiers, etc., and who alone came here single women.
From time to time I requested and recommended successively, in divers letters, that only
men and stout, growing farm servants be sent out, and many women and children, be omitted
for the present, as agriculture could not be advanced without good farmers and strong,
laboring men.
After the loss and wreck of the ship Prins Maurits, the goods, by extraordinary labor, were
mostly saved and brought hither, possession having been taken of this place.
I also found the government to consist of a Military Council over the soldiers who were
here of old; the ancient inhabitants being about 12 @^ 13 families, whose disputes or
diflerences were decided by the Commander and two persons as schepens and one Secretary
thereunto authorized by the General on behalf of the West India Company, whom I informed,
at the time, that this place had come under other masters, to whose orders they had to
submit, whereupon they alleged that although such was now the case, yet they expected,
nevertheless, that they might be permitted, according to the Conditions offered, to continue
under municipal government, as was ordained on behalf of the Company and the Director-
General. Tliey were allowed to continue in order to decide all differences which might arise
between burgher and burgher or freemen and inhabitants.
As for the rest, the Council and I disposed of all public affairs and whatever concerned the
military and militia; questions between the servants of the city, such as civil officers and
freemen, misunderstandings arising among and received from the schepen or burgher [court]
until the arrival of the ship de Waeg, when 7 Common Councilmen and from them three new
schepens were chosen ; also, another Secretary and Schout,
Two Elders and two Deacons,
But before, and immediately on, my coming, lots or grounds were distributed and shown to
every one, in order to their being regularly built on and fenced.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI. 69
And before I had been a month here, I proposed to all those inclined to agriculture to look
up land themselves for their satisfaction, which they did. Moreover, I allowed to be measured
out to every one as much land as he required and marked, as more fully appears by the
written record sent to the gentlemen at home.
Furthermore, I found here few or no houses; therefore, since all goods were to be secured
against the rain and from being taken away, 1 had first built a large store, 26 (ai 27 feet wide,
64 feet long, the first story 10 feet high with a loft under the roof above, for a dwelling, a
storehouse and other necessary conveniences. And as the fort was small, where the married
soldiers with their wives and children were not well sheltered and would not live, I had
erected, right under the fort, a long barrack, 16 to 17 feet wide and 190 feet in length, the
room 9 feet high, and covered with reed, also, divided into 11 copartments ; likewise, inside
the fort, a guard-house 16 feet wide, 20 feet long, covered with boards. Afterwards, in the
square, a bake-house of about 18 feet wide, 31 (51 32 feet long and the first story 10, and the
second 7 feet high, with a garret under the roof which was covered with borrowed tiles. I
had, also, one-third of my dwelling raised and improved with a square loft covered with
tiles in order to be lodged somewhat dry. As a dwelling for the Commissary for the
distribution of the rations, I built a house of square timber 21 (^ 22 feet wide, 50 feet long,
the story about 9 feet high and garret, the roof covered with boards for want of tiles.
Moreover, outside the fort, I had repaired, according to exigencies, the Clergyman's house and
that of the smith. Ikni; had a burgher watch-house built of logs ; it is about 20 feet square,
the first story 9, the 2d 8 feet, and covered with tiles. Other public lots were, likewise, set
off in the square, so that this settlement is now pretty well looking and convenient ; with 110
houses built, which, at first, afforded plenty of employment, the rather, as not many brought
either money or means with them, for which reason they were obliged to perform heavier work
almost alone and with but little assistance.
Meanwhile, agriculture was not neglected, but attended to as much as possible, according as
circumstances permitted. But, on the other hand, there came a general sickness, attended by
burning fevers, etc., which sorely fatigued and oppressed the people, and made them groan.
In consequence, house-building for the commencement of a city, and the tillage of the land for
a suitable harvest of grain, went forward but poorly, and not so much progress followed as
was desirable.
The second year was so wet and unseasonable that hardly grain enough for the people
and the cattle could be saved; add to which a multitude of new cases of sickness again broke
out with such severity, that nearly the tenth part of the people lingered and lived in misery,
under continual sickness, fevers and languors. Fully more than 100 persons perished in
consequence, and a great many cattle were lost. By this means, most of the labor was at a
stand-still; this gave rise to scarcity and dearth ; most of what the people had saved was spent
in their poverty, whereupon a severe, hard and long winter followed.
This summer, or the third year, I undertook a granary or barn and a new stable for the
cattle ; also to have the lands fenced, because the people were without means, and could not
accomplish this of themselves. 1 began it on an advance, and allowed between 400 and 500
rods of fence to be made; Item, enlarged by one-half the church or place where service was
performed on Sundays. Some considerable victuals were given on this occasion, for, where
everything is done voluntarily or by free labor here, one must attend to, run after and keep all
things in view where many works are meanwhile going on for the improvement of this place.
70 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
and whatever agriculture demands. But as the paople can effect but little herein, and are
unaccustomed to farming, and new land.s here require such immense labor, and, as those who
have no assistance, must do the work themselves, being unable to pay servants' or laborers'
wages, as these are very high here, they, as yet, can ill or imperfectly get along, for they do
not well understand the work, and have the misfortune of one or two months' sickness. All
this puis many in arrears.
Now it conies again to pass that the English of Maryland, above Virginia, whereof Lord
Balthus Moor, residing in Old Kngland, is Governor, lay claim to this place and say it appertains
to his district. The above named Lord B. Moor hath written, or given sharp and strict orders
hereupon to M"' Josias Fendal, who governs Maryland in his absence, to make a minute
inquiry and examination respecting the boundaries and jurisdiction of his district in these
countries, to give notice thereof, to summon, and now to employ further means according to
his power and the conjuncture of affairs. This is public here at present, and causes much
uncertainty and trouble among the people. Almost everything is, as a consequence, at a stand
and every one is trying to remove and escape; and although, in my opinion, tliis is not so
serious, yet it is seized on as a pretext by many lazy and idle people, none of whom have
any prospect of ever being able to pay. On this account, they pretend that they ought still
continue to be supported from the store, which is unadvisable and would be endless; they
assert that such should be and imagine [would be] done, by the English, because, as
they report, better land and abundance of stock are to be had there; also, 2,000 or 2,500 lbs.
of tobacco per annum can be earned exclusive of board, which might easily be promised,
because the English harvest is yet to be saved, but they are few to give it, the English being,
as yet, assisted by each other, which, in these troubles, it is hard to remedy here, since, in
consequence of more extensive settlement, we have few people here.
Divers letters liave been written and application made from here that provisions may be
continued to be sent, as but small store has been laid in either by the old inhabitants or new
comers, in consequence of bad years and much sickness.
The ship de Miilcn came up late last autumn with 100 souls without a handful of provisions.
Tt was impossible to proceed to the north and south, and nothing could be had from the
Manhattans in the fall and before the frost, as winter set in on us suddenly and early.
The Commissioners and Directors considered so much building very strange and unnecessary,
but no work was done but what was essential, and if work cannot be furnished in this place
by the city to some 25 or more, a day, then they cannot live here. If such be stopped,
'twill cause many to go idle who must seek employment in one or other neighboring place in
order to earn their living, as now happens whenever any remove to the English and even to
the Manhattans.
It almost seems as if those of the South and North are jealous and dread this place becoming
great and flourishing. To prevent this happy event, 1 believe much is done to excite prejudice
against it and to depreciate us, to foment dissentions and to entice people away. For field
labor here being too severe for divers free handicrafts people, such as various sorts of weavers,
tailors, shoemakers, button-makers, etc., and they being unwilling to work at it, and the city
having nothing for them to do and they having no provisions, easily found a pretext for loafing
about; for, in consequence of laziness, they never prosper, and no payment is to be expected
from them.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI. 71
Tlie enlargement of this Colonie has been attended to according to order; besides that, a
new fortification and settlement were made at the Whore or Sickoneysincks kill, which have
been daily visited. It was, therefore, expected that a ship would have arrived in the spring;
it being now late in the year, and none expected, great discouragement has ensued. Add to
this, the maize crop, etc., is now injured by the Indians, and in this manner the hospital is
robbed and bread taken out of the mouth, which we, from weakness, cannot prevent.
The West India Company are also enlarging their conditions to the inhabited places, with
full exemption from board and passage money. The number of croakers is thereby increased
to the disparagement of this place. I yet hope, on that account, that a good ship is at hand
and to arrive from day to day. Should it happen otherwise, it is impossible to keep this place
up; it will daily decline and be placed in greater danger. It is considered necessary and
proper to point all this out, respectfully, to your Honor in order to prevent any more damage,
and so to direct the management of this Colony that no bad, but the best course may be adopted.
These lands and conveniencies are many and important, were they somewhat assisted.
Here, consequently, it would be highly necessary to demand 2 or (3 persons as Councillors,
or of superior rank with offices annexed, as may be deemed most expedient, in order to
establish everything regularly and on a good basis.
This Colony is in length, along the Bay, about 9 leagues, and on the river 7 ; inland, it is
tolerably deep, the next place being about a day's journey off. The expense will not be
incurred in vain, but richly repaid here; therefore, I humbly pray that this place may
be protected. It will bring honor and profit if well supported, perhaps before it is supposed
or expected ; this State is not worse, but tolerably well, and much better than it was, although
a little scum still gets on the surface ; it is gradually improving once more ; I recommend it to
the patronage of all, which I fully expect.
In respect to the 3 persons sent as Councillors, the first hath asked for and obtained his
discharge ; the third, who was Commissary, is dead, and his jilace still vacant. The second
should command at the Sickoneysincks kill, in order to establish possession and government
firmly there. But, as things appear to be somewhat struggling here, I propose that he, M'
Hinoyossa, shall return home in the spring to make a verbal report on everything, and, as
letters cannot be answered so readily, he, on his arrival, will be able to give information and
satisfaction on every point. Finally, I shall pray God to bless your Honor's government and
to preserve your Honor in continual health and prosperity, remaining
Your Honor's obedient and
Faithful Servant,
(Signed), J. Alrichs.
At the side was :
In New Amstel, the IG"" August, 1659.
Beneath was :
Please excuse the prolixity hereof. It passes from the thought to the pen, and thence
to the paper ; please to look on it favorably.
Honorable Mr. C. de Graeff.^
' Supra, p. 66, note. — Kd.
72 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANTJSCRIPTS.
Proceedings of the XIX. in regard to Kew Neiherland.
[ From tho M3. in the Royal Archives at Ihe Hague, Loketktu of the States-General : Division, TT&si Jndische CompagnU^ No. 47, entitled
BcnoQiuti van de Verffaderini/ van de XIX., Ao. 1659. ]
Extracts from the Minutes or Resolutions of the Assembly of the XIX., of the
West India Company, holden at Amsterdam, from the 21" August to
the 22'"' September, 1659, so far as they relate to New Netherland.
Monday, the 25"" August, 1659.
Folio 2. Dom' Pruelius, Cop a groen and Van Noort, clergymen enter, who represent
that the Venerable Classis at present met in this city, had deputed them to greet this Assembly
and to inform it:
1. First. That they had learned that various sects were residing in New Netherland, namely,
divers Quakers at the lied Hill or Rhode Island, and a number of Lutherans at New Amsterdam
and the South river, who were propagating their doctrine there, requesting that provision be
made therein, and their conventicles prevented.
2. Secondly. As, according to letters from the brethren in New Netherland, some Dutch
and English clergymen were required there, they wish and request that this Assembly, in support
thereof, may adopt a favorable resolution, and provide the place with more Ministers.
3. Thirdly. As three clergymen have died some time since in Guinea, and in the meantime
the congregation are without any, they submit and propose to this Assembly, in order to
proceed more assuredly therein and to provide the congregation there always, as far as possible,
with one clergyman, whether a second ought not be sent thither in addition to the minister
who sailed in the last ship.
4. Fourthly. They demand payment of the arrears of the salary earned by D'" Polhemius,^
at present a minister in New Netherland ; also, that Reverend Asstetten's widow, who has been
referred to this Assembly by the Zealand Chamber, may be paid what is due. Which being
considered, and question being put, it is resolved and concluded, and told to the aforesaid D°*,
who, being without, were again invited in, namely, that the first and second parts of their
aforesaid proposal and request concerned the presiding Chamber of Amsterdam, whose delegates
being at present at this meeting, had undertaken to communicate the same to their principals,
that proper order may be taken thereon. But what regarded the third division of their request,
viz., the dispatching a second preacher to Guinea, that this Assembly considers one Minister
enough for that place as there is but a small congregation there, and those from the
surrounding forts and places came to church to El Mina, and attended divine service there.
Fourthly, the minister, Polkemius, in regard to his petition, is referred to the presiding Chamber
of Amsterdam, to make due disposition thereof. And the widow Asstetten's petition, consisting,
in fact, of three parts, etc.
' Jon.tNNES Theodokus Polhemus lia<3 been a Minister ot Itamaroa, in Br.izil, previous to his coming to New Netherland ia
1654 ; lie officiated at Flutbusli, in the Mornini;, and at Brooklyn and Flatlands, in the afternoon of each Sabbath, until 1660,
when Brooklyn obtained a Minister. In 1CG5, Doaiine Polbeiiius ceased to be connected with the church of Flatbush, and
removed to Brooklyn, where he died 9th June, 1676, the worthy and beloved Pastor of the church of that place. O'Callaghan't
Hittory of Xew Netherland, II., 272. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX., XVL 73
Wednesday, 3"^ Sept', 1659.
Folio 9. The first point for consideration, whereupon many deliberations have been now
for some time had, but no conclusion come to by the different members is resumed, in order to
finally bring the respective chambers to closer connection, good correspondence and union,
the result of which will evidently be their complete restoration and preservation, tiie present
deputies from all the chambers representing the Assembly of the XIX., resolved and enacted
1.
First and foremost, each chamber, etc.
7.
Folio 10. And in regard to New Netherland, where the Amsterdam Chamber, and the
Wild Coast, where the Zealand Chamber has each already its Colonies, the other Chambers
respectively will be at liberty (the resolutions heretofore adopted thereupon, remaining in full
force) to plant their Colonies also in those parts in suitable places, having no proprietors, and
to allow other persons to come into their Colonies, all with previous notification, knowledge
and approbation of the Assembly of the XIX., and upon an equal footing, order and proper
regulation, not conflicting with the already established Colonies of Amsterdam and Zealand, on
the planting of which Colonies, belonging to said respective chambers in those places and
coasts, the expenses to be incurred thereby shall be declared and assumed as a common charge,
in order that the repartition of the Company's receipts, hereinbefore more fully specified, shall
be made in the same manner, as it will be put into practice on the behalf of the Chambers of
Amsterdam and Zealand, by virtue of this resolution, and the profits accruing therefrom for
the common advantage.
8.
What relates to the general trade on the Coast of Guinea, etc.
Protest of the Vice-Director and Council of New Amstel agaiivit Colonel TJtie.
[ From the Baudie iadoraed Veracheul^ Sttt/cken raeketida de Col-onie van N, KedeHandt No. 42, in the Staxl Huys^ Amfiterdam. ]
Colonel Nathaniel Utie:
Holland DocQments, Whercas you appeared yesterday afternoon, at your request, in our Council,
'^^^''^'' and there read and exhibited a certain Instruction, which you stated was done by
order of M' Josias Fendel, Lieutenant of the Lord Baltamoor, but without day or date, or place
where written, being signed by Philip Calver,^ Secretary, concerning our settlement on Delaware
bay, or this Colony here.
In which said instruction, it is simply stated and alleged that this place is situate in the
aforesaid Lord Baltamoor's Province, and that, therefore, this Government should depart hence
' Philip Cvlvert was brother of Cecilius, Lord Baltimore. He wa.s named principal Secretary of the Proriiice of Maryland
in 1656; was appointed to succeed Fendal, as Governor, in June, 1660, and was sworn into office in December following,
lie administered the affairs of the Province for about a year, aud was succeeded by his son, Charles Calvert. — Ed.
Vol. IL 10
74 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
with its people as soon as you had given notice hereof. Moreover, you insisted that all the
lands, between thirty-eiglit and forty degrees east and west, from sea to sea, belonged to
the above named Lord Baltamoora,' Governor at Maryland, and whatever was in dispute
concerning this, had lately been settled and arranged in Old Enghuid.
Narrating the whole only, without producing any required proofs, or sending them to us, as
we should have been pleased to have your proposals in writing, in order to prevent
further misunderstanding.
You further make known, with words of greater weight, to wit, that, in case of our delaying
to depart immediately, you will be guiltless of the vast quantity of innocent blood that may
then be shed on this account.
Unexpected and strange to us are tliese proceedings and treatment on the part of Christian
brethren and neighbors, with whom we never sought, and still do not seek anything else than to
maintain good friendship, and to whom we have never given any cause of offence.
We, therefore, again request the proof already required from you, or some extract serving as
a verification of your chief assertion, of property and boundary of the lands, whether they
were conquered by stronger force or ol)tained by title of purchase or gift ; also, what disposition
has been made by the I'arliament in Old England lately, or a short time since, for your
principal's advantage or right herein.
We offer to exhibit to you, this instant, such right as we have received for the possession of
this place, both by grant from their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General of the United
Netherlands, and by lawful conveyance or deed from the West India Company, in consequence
of fair purchase and payment.
But if any misunderstanding arise in the propositions of one or of the other, let the difference
be referred to the Supreme authority, such as the Parliament and the High and Mighty Lords
States-General; otherwise, as we are new comers in these parts, and the circumstances of this
case, or what may be in the Archives and elsewhere concerning it, are not known to us, we
refer ourselves to the opposite proofs to be produced by the General of i\ew Netherland, under
whom we resort.
Further; the second part of your Honor's instruction continues, that you are to offer to some
people and inhabitants here, favorable terms of agreement for planting and for trade with
those of Maryland, with promise of protection and larger freedom, which already has, in some
measure, been made here to those bound by oath to their Lords, masters, and to others
who owe considerable sums, and who, seduced by such offers, are wavering, abandon their
commenced work and opportunity, get into arrears and run away. They thus become ruined
and their masters are cheated out of what is owing to them. Wherefore we are under the
necessity of protesting, as we do hereby protest, against you and your principals for all
damages, injuries and losses already incurred and still to he suffered, in order to recover the
same at one time or another, according as shall be deemed expedient.
For the continuance of peace and quietness between the subjects of the Republic of England
and their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General, we refer to the articles of peace,
' Ceoihus Calvkbt, second Baron of Tiallimore, in the county of Longford, Ireland, wne the eldest son of George, the first
Baron, and Anne M>nne, of Hertirigfordbuiy, Ileiifordsliire, En^'hlnd. He was born in the year 1606; succeeded to hia
father's title, 1,0th April, 1632, sat in Parliament in 1C3-1 and was married to Anne, third daughter of Lord Arundel, of
■Wurdour. He died 30th November, 1675, covered with age and rei.utation, for, never, says Chalmers, did a peo^de enj.iy
more real happiness, or were more grateful for it, than the inhabitants of Maryland under Cecilius. the excellent founder of
that Province. Political AnuaU, 215, 362; BrouninjS Appeal ; London Magazine, XXXVII., 284. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 75
treaties of alliance, made and concluded on the S"" April, in the year 1654, obligatory on all
governments, whether in America or in Europe, whereby they were all ordered and commanded
not to inflict, the one or the other, any hostility, injury or damage, as more fully appears by
article 16.
We trust, nevertheless, that you will please to take all the premises into consideration and
proceed no otherwise than as equity and justice require.
We declare that we are in no wise inclined to commit the least injustice, but are very
willing to second, or to yield to, those who have the best right. We refer whatever exceeds,
goes beyond, or is opposed to, this and all unreasonable proposals to the supreme government^
or else protest against all damages, as above.
It is, also, proposed that, in order to obtain a further answer hereunto, the General shall be
expressly written to ; wherefore the Colonel has allowed and granted the time at least of three
weeks, or thereabouts, in order that a rescript or answer may be received.
(Signed), J. Alrichs,
Alexander d'Hinojosa,
WlLLEM BeECKMAN,
Jan Willemsen,
Jan Cuato,
Hendrick Kip.
By order of the Director and Council, Director Beeckman and Mess", the Schepens, the
Secretary absent. To my knowledge.
(Signed), G. van Sweringen.
The foregoing Notification and Protest was, by me, the undersigned, in presence
of the above named witnesses, read and copy thereof delivered to the Colonel.
Signed as this: This done at the meeting as above. Done in New Amstel the 9""
September, 1659.
(Signed), G. van Sweringen.
Vice-Director Alrichs to the Co7nmissio)iers of the Colonie on the Delaware River.
[ From Ihe Bundle indorsed Veracheide Stukken raekende de Colonie van 2r. Kederlandt, No. 54, in llie Stad JIuys, Amsterdam. ]
Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Most Prudent.
Hon »nd Documents, This serves only as a cover of the inclosed duplicates of letters written and
xvi.,193. lately sent you and the Worshipful Burgomaster de Graeff. Since then, after
long and previous threatening, the troubles which the English are fomenting, unjustly and
without reason, have overtaken us. They will not listen to, nor make use of, any reasons,
making only a verbal statement and delivering an instruction, instead of credential and
commission, without date or place of execution, all which is obscure. I, therefore, could do
nothing more than give a written answer with protest to Colonel Nathaniel Utie, delegate
from Josias Fendel, Lieutenant of Baltamoor, who is Governor of Maryland, the 2""* part of
76 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Virf^inia, which lies off the English river and adjoins us ; they can come here from the nearest
point in a day or a day and a half. As they do not submit nor will employ any reasons, so
we are obliged to listen to and see what is intolerable. They insist that we shall move off, or
submit to them immediately, or at furthest, within three weeks. Here are only 14 (a. 15
soldiers, half of whom are sick and unfit for service; the remainder are at the Whorekill.
The burghers will hardly leave their houses and property and defend the fort; everything is
at a stand ; it is dangerous for people to begin anything or to invest means or labor in a place
not free, and to which others lay claim, i may now, consequently, admit, in the face of all
these obstacles which are occurring from year to year, that I find myself unfortunate. Mr.
Beeckman, Vice-Director, residing at Altona, on the part of the Hon'''* West India Company,
and I have sent post after post to the Manhattans. But as the Indians have, again, killed
three or four Dulchn)en, no person can go through ; one messenger, who was eight days out,
returned without accomplishing his purpose. We have no vessel ; the sloop went to the
Manhattans before the arrival of the English ; the boat is unfit to go to sea ; we lack even
powder, for which 1 wrote over a year and a day ago ; but it is long and somewhat late in
being sent. We shall do our best, according to time and circumstances, hoping that God
Almighty will give a favorable issue. To His gracious protection I commend your Honors,
and remain,
Your obedient and
Dutiful servant,
(Signed), J. Alrichs.
On the side was:
In New Amstel, the 20"" September, A" 1659.
Beneath was :
It is now reported that they are to come back in twelve days from the date of their
departure, which took place on the 11"" of this month. Meanwhile I am waiting for the
letter of the CJeneral, who is in command there of 500 men, to march against us. Time
will tell what more is to follow. I must be brief, through want of time.
To Mess", the Directors of the South Colony.
Vice -Director Alrichf to J3urgomaster de Graaff.
[ From tho EuDdIo indorsed Ycrtditide Strtikin rackende de CoUfnit nan K. Kederlajidt, No. 63, in the Stad Uuyi, Amsterdam. ]
Honorable and Most Worshipful Sir:
Holland DocumentN l'^*^ ^""s*' ''^"'' '^st letter Sent you yesterday, was by a ship, the name of
XVI., 133. which I do not know, that was to sail from the Manhattans in a few days. I
forgot, I think, through haste, to state the number of houses here; there are 110 in this place,
and IG (iJ. 17 more on land belonging to our nation, and 13 (aj. 14 belonging to the Swedes.
In that letter I had also stated that 2 (9). 3 qualified persons are needed who, it may readily be.
supposed, can find some employment here. 1 have therefore drawn up a brief plan as to the
st-rvices you might expect from them. According to my opinion, under correction, they
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI. 77
might be employed, at first, as ordinary Councillors to deliberate and to resolve on all matters
whatsoever, except such law suits, diHTerences and contests occurring between Burgher
and Burgher, as the Schepens decide. They might also conjointly have charge of the ciiamber
of accounts and the office of Surrogate (JVcesmcesterschap), for which there is plenty of business
here already ; also what appertains to public buildings and fortification. Besides that, the first,
as Commissary, should have the particular superintendence of all receipts and delivery or sale
of goods, provisions, stores, ammunition and materials for building of fortifications. The
second, as Commissary of merchandise, for which the profits of a capital of one hundred
thousand guilders, over and above the ordinary interest, might serve as a fund to defray all
charges and expenses here, the capital remaining intact. The third might act as general book-
keeper, to record everything, to arrange the books with what depends thereon — these three
persons conjointly remaining bound to send, from time to time, to the principals at home,
[copies] of all documents executed here, whether resolutions, contracts, land patents, minutes
or pleadings in suits at law and other differences or disputes, judgments, etc., without any
exception. With consent of those yonder the duties of Schout, Secretary, and also, indeed, of
Commissary, of or over agriculture might be transferred to the above named persons, to witness
and superintend, moreover, all business appertaining to this State or city. In such wise, the
proprietors would receive entire and in full, and clearly know, what passes here, so as to
deliberate and to give orders on all things with more certainty. Moreover, were you to be
pleased to establish more speedily and assuredly, a well begun project, I think, under
correction, that 20 or 25 families, of good agriculturists and farmers, well acquainted and
conversant with the keeping of cattle and whatever is connected therewith, might each be
offered, in the first place, 30 or 40 cows (more or less, according to circumstances), mostly
milch cows, the remainder somewhat younger, and other cattle on halves for the term of 4 or
6 years, on condition that, on the expiration of such time, those of the cattle furnished that
have died, strayed or been lost, be first made good by the proprietor from the best and oldest
of the increase; the remainder of the increase then to be divided, half for the proprietor and
half for the farmer, unless 10 or 12 lbs. of butter could be annually got from each milch cow
for the behoof or profit of the proprietor, or, if better conditions could be obtained, it would l)e
well that they should take eflTect on the increase of the cattle, which would cause an abundance
of milk and butter at a cheap rate. Hereunto, each person should be allowed two hundred
morgens of land or more. The purchase and expense of a thousand head of cattle to be brought
here, demand 40 (a). 50 thousand guilders at most, in merchandise, consisting of broad Duffels,
grey Osnaburg linen, a part bleached; also, broad Flemish linen and such like articles, brandy
and distilled liquors in ankers and half aums, stockings, shoes, shirts and some woolens of
divers sorts. What are most in demand here are Duffels, grey Osnaburgs and strong liquors,
and then, from time to time, there ought to be sent with all the ships, of which two at least
should arrive every year, 25 good farmers, who can till the land. Clearing land furnishes
considerable employment here; ploughing, sowing, mowing and thrashing require strong
people, accustomed to labor, most of whom should, as far as possible, be men.
Having written thus far as a supplement to my former letter, dated IG"" August, the hitherto
long dreaded and apprehended triennial misfortune occurred on the S"" instant, namely, the
dissatisfaction that the English foment unlawfully and unreasonably, even without having,
or not wishing to give, any reasons. I have, therefore, delivered to the Deputy in answer to
78 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
their unfounded pretence and proposal, a written Protest, which is transmitted herewith.^ We
have been, hitherto, unfortunate on account of the contentions whicii have annually occurred
here. I have sent off messenger after messenger to the Manhattans overland, but no one can
get through as the Indians there have again killed four Dutchmen. A messenger, who had been
out eight days, returns without executing his business. When the English came, the sloop
was at the Manhattans, where she still remains, so that we have been obliged to charter
expressly a private vessel that came thence the day before yesterday, to send a letter, with the
annexed documents, to the General. I expect that assistance will speedily arrive, which God
grant, to whose gracious protection I commend your Honor. I remain.
Your Honor's obedient and
Faithful servant,
On one side was : J. Alrichs.
New Amstel, 21" September, A" 1659.
IIon'"« Mr. C. de Graeff.
Resolution of the Common Council of tlie City of AmMerdani.
[ From Ihe ReJiolutien der VroedschappeUj B., p. 161, in the Stad Ruys, Amaterdam. ]
SO"- September, 1659.
nojianj Docamenis, Mess", the Burgomastcrs, having notified the Council that experience hath.
The citr to snrron- ffom time to time, demonstrated more and more that the planting of the New
diT ihe New Netli- .
eriand Colonic. Nethcrland Colonie is a source of very great expense to the city, and very little
return is received to defray these expenses, and that there is little or no appearance that this
city is to look for any considerable profit from the continuance of that work;
Which, being considered, it is resolved and concluded to surrender said Colonie to the West
India Company for such sums of money and on such conditions as shall be most convenient
for such Company, and Mess", the Burgomasters and Treasurers, are authorized to negotiate
and agree thereon with the Directors of the above mentioned Company.
Order apjJointiti// a day of General Fasting and Prayer.
[ From the Bundle indorsed Verscheidt Stukken ratkendo de Colonit van N. Nedtrlandt, No. 43, In the Stad Buyt, Amsterdam. ]
Honorable, Dear, Faithful.
Hniund Documeutj, Although the most merciful God, rich in grace and compassion, hath,
' ■ notwithstanding our unworlhiness, watched over us hitherto and daily gives us
abundant cause to proclaim His praise and to bless His august name for the innumerable
' Supra, p. 13. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI. 79
benefits and favors exhibited from time to time, in granting peace and quiet both with our
neighboring Christian nations and the Indians, the natives of the country, as well as in
bestowing a bountiful harvest, having certainly blessed our basinet of bread and staff of life,
wherein his goodness and beneficence are clearly manifest.
Yet, considering that the righteous God hath visited many and divers inhabitants of this
Province, not only this summer, with painful and long, lingering sickness, but, moreover,
also, that His kindled anger and uplifted hand threaten with many and divers punishments,
especially with a devastating Indian war, which is no other than a just punishment and
visitation of ourGod for our enormous sins of unbelief, dilatoriness in God's service, blaspheming
His holy name, desecrating the Sabbath, drunkenness, lasciviousness, whoredom, hate, envy,
lies, fraud, luxury, abuse of God's gifts, and many other iniquities. And because we run
counter to God in our sins, God, in his threatenings will oppose us with punishments, unless
we turn to Him (whom, in our iniquities, we have abandoned) in sincere humility and true
contrition of heart that He may turn aside His wrath from us, and assist and bless us with His
favor, therefore, we have considered it most necessary, to tliat end, to proclaim Wednesday,
the 15"" October of the current year, a day of Universal Fasting and Prayer, and, accordingly,
notify and command all our officers and subjects that they prepare themselves on the aforesaid
day to appear, at the time aforesaid, with changed heart, at the usual place in the general
meeting, not only to hear God's word, but also, unanimously, with an humble and penitent
heart, solemnly to call on the Lord's name that it may please His Divine Majesty to remove
from our road His just plagues, wherewith we are already stricken, and to divert His rod,
which flourishes over us, and to pour down His wrath on the Heathen who know not His
name; to take this just budding Province into His fatherly protection ; to maintain it against
the efforts of all evil-minded men who seek its ruin ; mercifully to visit the inhabitants and
subjects of this Province with corporeal and spiritual blessings, that the Word of Truth may
be proclaimed and spread among many people, and that their rulers may be as lights among
this evil and perverse generation ; that to this end God may vouchsafe to send forth faithful
laborers into His harvest to proclaim unto Jacob his sins and unto Israel his transgressions ;
particularly that God would please to endow our Magistrates and Regents of this land with
understanding, wisdom, foresight and godliness, that they may resolve, design and valiantly
execute whatsoever may be of service to the happiness of the country and the welfare of its
inhabitants both in body and soul.
In order that it may be the better put into practice, we interdict and forbid, during divine
service on the day aforesaid, all exercise and games of tennis, ball-playing, hunting, fishing,
ploughing and sowing, and, moreover, all other unlawful practices, such as dice, drunkenness,
on pain of the corporeal correction and punishment thereunto already affixed; in like manner
are all servants of the Divine Word, within our government, hereby admonished to direct
their preaching and prayers to this end.
Thus done and concluded iu our Council, in Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland, the SO""
September, A° 1G59.
(Signed), P. Stuvvesant.
Beneath was :
After collating this with the original, dated and signed as above, it is found
by me to agree.
(Signed), C. van Rctven, Sec^.
On the side was:
Delivered the writing to Doraine Welius on the 10"" of this October, 1659.
80 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Vindication of the Dutch Title to the Delaware River.
[ Frum tbe Bundle indorsed Versehfide Stukken raekenile de Cotonie Tim If. Kederkindt, No. 45, in the Stad TTuyx, AmsterdMH ; also from
Loketkus, letter L , No, 49, lo the It.iy.il Archives at the Hague; Now-Tort Historical Collections, III., 373.' ]
Declaration and iNFanifest delivered by way of a Speech to the Honorable
Governor and Council of the Province of ^Laryland, Chesapeak bay, from
the Honorable Governor-General and Council of the Province of New
Netherland.
„ „ ,^ . Observing, first and foremost, the orisrinal ric;ht and title the subiects of the
Unlland Dr>ciimenl8, ^ o' ' o o j
i.\.,2T4; xvi.,i-'r. fjjgi, finfj Mighty the States-General of the United Provinces, under the proprietary
of the Lords of the West India Company of Amsterdam, in Holland, pos.sess to the Province of
New Netherland, which stretcheth itself along the great Ocean, from 3S to about 42 degrees,
and thence (including all rivers, islands and Main continent) northerly up unto the river of
Canada, having on the west side Virginia and now Maryland, upon the great Bay of Chesapeake,
and on the east, New En<;land ; to wit, that their right and title to that part of the newly found
world of America, partly come down to them, first from the King of Spain, being at the time
his subjects or vassals, as the first discoverer and founder of that New World, who, in those
days, after war had been waged and peace concluded, did renounce and give over unto the
United Republic of the Seven Provinces aforesaid, all his right and title in such countries and
dominions as they have, in process of time, conquered and settled in Europe, America,
and elsewhere, wherefore the above said Province of New Netherland, the islands of
Cura9ao and Brazil became, in this regard, the true, proper inheritance of the Dutch nation
in those parts.
Secondly. As for the question generally: The French, by one Jehan de Verazzano, a
Florentine, were, in the year of our Lord God Almighty 1524, the second followers and
discoverers in the northern parts of this America. Then came first the English and Dutch
in like manner, and took possession of the parts we are now in ; for since the year 1G06 or 1G07
to about IS or 20, the English established only this Colony of Virginia, by distinct patent,
from 84 to about 3S, the Dutch the Manhatans, from 3S to 42, and New England from 42
to 45 degrees; the French, beaten in Florida, retain Canada; Spain, the West Indies or
Mexico ; Portugal, Brazil. And thus is this New World divided amongst the Christian Princes
of Europe, by communication of each other's Ambassadors, to that effect, mutually agreed
upon. For which reason King James, of England, did expressly will, command and require
that the Colony or Province of Virginia and the Province of New England should remain
asunder and not meet together within the distance and space of about a hundred leagues, which
was alloted for the Dutch plantations, then called by the general name of Manhattans, after
the name of the Indians, who first inhabited the same. And here 'tis to be noted that
they commit a grave mistake who will confine the general name of Manhattans aforesaid to
the particular city, which is only built on a little island ; as already stated, it signifies the
whole country and Province, or at least the same particular place in the Province : As, for
example, it is frequent, with many, still at this day, to say — to go to the Manhattans, or
to come from the Manhattans — when they mean the whole Province, as they do by the name
'The translaliou in tlio New-Tork Historical Collections is so iucorrect as to be almost eutirely useless. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX., XVI. 81
of Virginia or Maryland, for the particular towa itself is never named the Manhattans, but
New Amsterdam.
And in regard to the South river, or as it is called by the English, Delaware bay, in particular:
The said river was, in the primitive time, likewise possessed, and a Colonic planted on the western
shore within the south cape, called the Whorekill even unto this day. The Dutch had erected
their States' arms and a little fort there and everywhere in their country, but were, after some
time, all siain and murdered by the Indians; so that the possession of this river, from the very
first, was in its infancy sealed with the blood of a great many souls. Afterwards, in the year
1623, Fort Nassou was built about 15 leagues up the river on the eastern shore, besides
many other places in process of time, by the Dutch, and the Dutch Swedes settled here and
there, until the Governor-General and Council of New Netherland thought good to remove the
said Fort Nassou, in the year 1650, down the river back again, and there fix a town or village,
as it is at this day, without any man, from Maryland or Virginia, ever making protest or
pretence against it. We say, furthermore, that we have the propriety and just right and title
of the whole river and of all our above said Province, lawfully obtained and legally bought
from the Indians, the native proprietors, especially the western side, which we maintain we
have purchased, from time to time, to this date, landward in to the west as far as, and much
farther than, our line and limits are as yet extended and seated. By virtue of all which,
and the right and title above mentioned, we have, as is publicly known to this day,
always maintained and defended, and will forever defend the said river, against all usurpers
and obstructors.
Thirdly. From that primitive time aforesaid have the Dutch nation in the Province of New
Netherland, and the English nation in the Province of Virginia and Maryland aforesaid,
everywhere maintained friendly and neighboring correspondence together, and even, which
is very proper to be noted, in the last open war, without any pretence, injury or
molestation one against the other; until upon the eighth day of September, this current year,
1659, Colonel Nathaniel Utie came to our aforesaid South river ( by the English called
Delaware bay), into the town and Fort New Amstel, erected, as stated, in the year 1650,
and without any special commission or lawful authority exhibited from any State, Prince,
Parliament or Government, only by a piece of paper and cartabel in the form of an instruction
from Philip Calvert, Secretary, written without year or day, or name or place, neither signed
nor sealed by any State, Prince, Parliament or Government, in a commanding manner required,
in a strange way, that the place and country should be delivered up to the Province of
Maryland, as he saith, for my Lord Balthimore, going from house to house to draw and seduce
the inhabitants into a revolt against their right, lawful Lords, Sovereigns, Governor and
Province, threatening, in case of no immediate voluntary submission and obedience, to come
again and bring the people thereto by force of arms, fire and sword, whereunto he saith a great
company or multitude were expressly kept in readiness. Nay, that the whole Province of
Maryland would rise and come to reduce them, and that they then should be plundered and
their houses taken from them, and so forth. Against such action and insulting and illegal
proceedings the Deputy Governor and magistrates of the aforesaid river and Colonie have
protested and answered under the signature of their own hands, dated the 9"' of September,
1659, last past, insinuating that the further occupation of that great business of consequence
did belong and must be referred to the Honorable Governor-General and Council of the whole
Province of New Netherland, of whom an answer might be expected within three weeks' time
Vol. ir. . 11
32 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Who, after liaving furnished aid and assistance to their subjects in the aforesaid river, have sent
us the underwritten Ambassadors and messengers with all speed hither to you, the Honorable
Governor and Council, Assembly, or whom it in any way may concern, in the Province of
Maryland in Chesapeake bay, to declare and make known by power and authority of our
commission, whereof we herewith deliver a duplicate:
First. That the aforesaid injurious acts are done not only against the law of nations,
neighborly friendship and common equity, but also directly contrary to the amity, confederacy
and peace, made and concluded in the year of our Lord lGo4, between the two nations of the
Republic of England and the Republic of the United Provinces and their subjects all over
the world (vizt.). Articles 2, 3, 5, G, 9, 10 and IG, whereby we proclaim that the said amity and
peace are disturbed and interrupted by the said Nathaniel Utie or his principals of the Province
of Maryland, against the Province of New Netherland aforesaid, and therefore protest, and in
virtue of the above said IG"" article ol'jpscice and amity, demand justice and satisfaction for all
those wrongs and damages the Province of New Netherland and their subjects have already
by the aforesaid injurious proceedings, suflered, or hereafter may come to suiler.
Secondly. We demand that all the Dutch and Swedish people, subjects, runaways and
fugitives, who from time to time, especially this present year (for the most part, deeply indebted
or delinquents), are come over and are skulking in this Province of Maryland, be sent back to
our South river and Colonie, as 'tis strongly suspected that, incited by the above said odious
and injurious design, they are thereunto encouraged from hand to hand. Declaring that the
Honorable Governor-General and Council of New Netherland are in readiness to do the like by
Bending back to Maryland all the runaways and fugitives who may come into their jurisdiction
anil government aforesaid; with notice, in case of refusal, that, according to the law of retaliation,
the Honorable Governor-General and Council of New Netherland aforesaid hold themselves
constrained, necessitated and excused to publish free liberty, access and recess to all planter.*,
servants, negroes, fugitives and runaways who, from time to time, may come out of the
jurisdiction of Maryland into the jurisdiction of New Netherland, aforesaid.
And (to say something, by way of remark, to the supposed claim or pretence of my Lord
Balthimore's patent unto our aforesaid South river or Delaware bay), we utterly disown,
reject and deny, that any power and authority (except peace breakers and those who act as
public enemies, who rest only upon their strength and self-will), may or can legally come to
reduce or subjugate the subjects in said river from their right, lawful Lords and proprietors,
who have been forty years undeniably, justly and lawfully possessed and settled as above said,
whilst, on the contrary. Lord Balthamore's patent is of no longer standing and settlement
than about 24 or 27 years, and does not contain any particular expression or special title to
' take that river of Delaware bay from the Dutch; nay, not so much as Sr. Eduard Ploetsen, in
former time, would make us believe he had, when it was afterwards proved and found out
that he had only subretively and fraudulently obtained something to that purpose which was
invalid. And, assuming that the said Lord Baltamore or any other person hath any seeming title
to the aforesaid river or Delaware bay, then his Lordship, according to the 30th article of the
peace and confederacy, should have repaired before the IS"" of May,' 1G52, to the Honorable
Commissioners appointed by both States for the determination of such and the like differences
as might have arisen or occurred bet%veen the two nations in distant parts of the world between
' In another copy this date is the 20th of May. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI 83
the year IGll and tlie IS"" of May, 1652 ; after tlie expiration of which time, it is in plain terms
prohibited and proclaimed that then no farther claims should be admitted, which is to be
obeyed. To prove the true meaning and interpretation of the aforesaid thirtieth article by two
palpable examples and by evidence of your own creation and chiefest authority, the Republic
of England, we say — that when New England, in former days, claimed, on its side, also some
interest in our limits, and the Lord Protector's ships in open war were sent hither to subdue
the aforesaid Province of New Netherland, the latter renounced and abandoned their design
v/hen peace was concluded, and went against the French; so that the right and title tlie Dutch
nation have unto their Province of New Netherland aforesaid, stand ever since, to this day and
forever, more and more confirmed and ratified. But, forasmuch as mention and question are
now made of our western limits, and we have thereupon perceived and suspected that the Bay
of Chesapeake, in the uppermost part thereof, winds so much to the northeast and runs into
our line about Sassafrax and Elk rivers, we therefore lay also claim to those parts until, by
due examination hereafter, the truth hereof maj' be found out or agreed and settled amongst
us otherwise.
Lastly, and finally, to conclude: The Honorable Governor-General and Council of New
Netherland aforesaid, do declare and notify that as they, on their side, have never intended any
wrong or offence to the Province of Virginia, or now, INIaryland, in the Bay of Chesapeake, so
they desire to continue still there with all neighborly amity, confederacy and friendship, saving
or providing only that justice and satisfaction be given as hereinbefore stated. Propounding
further, by way of advice, to prevent further mischief, that three reasonable persons, on each
side, may be appointed out of each Province aforesaid, to meet at a certain day and time about
half way between the Bay of Chesepeake and the aforesaid South river or Delaware bay, at a.
certain hill where the heads of Sassafrax and of another river which flows into our river, come
almost close together, with full power and commission there to settle the bounds and limits
between the aforesaid Province of Maryland forever, if possible, otherwise to refer any difference
that may exist, in case of disagreement, to the Lords Proprietors or Sovereigns in Europe, on
both sides; but, in the meanwhile, all further hostility and infraction on each other to cease
and determine ; so that the Honorable Governor-General and Council of New Netherland
being hereof assured, further charges and damages excused, may call their soldiers home who
are kept' there only to defend their Province and Colonic aforesaid, and a fair correspondence
may be, on both sides, maintained, as hath heretofore always been the case up to the present
time. If this be refused and not accepted, we do proclaim our innocence and ignorance to
all the world, and do protest, generally, against all wrongs, injuries, costs and damages already
sustained and suffered, or as yet to be suffered and sustained ; declaring and manifesting
that we are, and then shall be, necessitated and forced [to proceed], by way of retort and
reprisal, according to the 24"" article of the peace, in order to preserve and maintain our
right and propriety to our aforesaid South river Colonic, or Delaware bay, and our subjects'
lives, liberties and estates, as God, in our just cause, shall strengthen and enable us. Desiring
this may be recorded and notified unto all to whom it in any way may concern, with the true
meaning and tenor thereof, and that a speedy answer and dispatch may be given to us in
writing from you, the Honorable Governor and Council of the Province of Maryland, to be
returned to our Honorable Governor-General and Council of the Province of New Netherland,
and recorded in like manner.
' gesonden, sfcnt. Bullatid Z)ocununts,iX., 2S0. — Td.
84 NEW-YORK COLONIAL RLAJs'USCRIPTS.
And so wishing God Almighty to conduct both your Honors to all prudent results, so that we
may live neighborly together in this wilderness, to the advancement of God's glory and of the
kingdom of Heaven amongst the Heathen, and not to the destruction of each other's Ciiristian
blood, whereby the Heathen and barbarous Indians are strengthened, but rather that we may
conclude a league of love and alliance together against them.
Written and signed by our own hands in the Province of Maryland, in the Great Bay of
Chesapeake, at St. Mary's County, and delivered the Sixth day of October, Anno Domini, 1659,
in I'atuxent at iMr. Batennan's house.
(Signed), Augustine Heermans,
Kesolvert Waldron.
Eddraci of (lie Patent granted to Lord Baltimore. ,
[ BozmsH's ilietorj of Maryland, IL, 9. 3
Extract out ofT y* patents off my Lord Cecilius Calvert, Knight and Baron
Balthamoor, etc.
TTotinTKi Dtwanienis, ^^" Whercas our well beloved and right trusty subject, Cecilius Calvert,
XVI., luu. Baron of Baltimore, in our kingdom of Irclond, son and heir of George Calvert,
knight, late Baron of Baltimore, in our said kingdom of Ireland, treading in the steps of his
father, being animated with a laudable and pious zeal for extending the Christian religion, and
also the territories of our empire, hath humbly besought leave of us that he may transport,
by his own industry and expense, a numerous Colony of the English nation, to a certain region
hereinafter described, in a country hitherto uncultivated, in the parts of America, and partly
occupied by savages, having no knowledge of the Divine Being, and that all that region, with
some certain privileges and jurisdictions appertaining unto the wholesome government, and
state of his Colony and region aforesaid, may, by our Iloyal Highness, be given, granted and
confirmed unto him and his heirs.
IH. Know ye, therefore, tliat We, encouraging, with our royal favour, the pious and noble
purpose of the aforesaid Barons of Baltimore, of our special grace, certain knowledge, and
mere motion, have given, granted and confirmed, and by this, our present charter, for us,
our heirs and successors, do give, grant, and confirm, unto the aforesaid Cecilius, now
Baron of Baltimore, his heirs and assigns, all that part of the Peninsula, or Chersonese, lying
in the parts of America, between the ocean on the east, and the Bay of Chcsapcuhc on the
•west ; divided from the residue thereof by a right line drawn from the promontory, or head-
land, called JFatkin's Foint, situate upon the Bay aforesaid, near the River JVighco, on the west,
unto the main ocean on the east ; and between that boundary on the south, unto that part of
the Bay of Delaware on the north, which lieth under the fortieth degree of north latitude from the
sequinoctial, where New England is terminated : and all the tract of that land within the metes
underwritten {ihat is to say), passing from the said Bay, called Delaware bay, in a right line, by
the degree aforesaid, unto the true meridian of the iirst fountain of the lliver of F(i/loinmicI(,
Ihence verging towards the south unto the farther bank of the said river, and following the
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 85
same on the west and south unto a certain place called C'mquack, situate near the mouth of
the said river, where it disembogues into the aforesaid Bay of Chesapeake, and thence by the
sliortest line unto the aforesaid promontory or place, called Watkin's Point, so that the whole
tract of land, divided by the line aforesaid, between the main ocean and Watkiii's Point, unto
the promontory called Cape Charles, and every the appendages thereof, may entirely remain
excepted forever to us, our heirs and successors.
IV. Also, We do grant, and likewise confirm unto the said Baron of Baltimore, his heirs
and assigns, all islands and islets within the limits aforesaid, all and singular the islands and
islets, from the eastern shore of the aforesaid region towards the east, which have been, or
shall be formed in the sea, situate within ten marine leagues from the said shore; with all
and singular the ports, harbors, bays, rivers and straits belonging to the region or islands
aforesaid, and all the soil, plains, woods, mountains, marshes, lakes, rivers, bays and straits,
situate, or being within the metes, bounds and limits aforesaid, with the fishings of every kind
of fish, as well of whales, sturgeons, or other royal fish, as of other fish in the sea, bays,
straits, or rivers, within the premises, and the fish there taken : and, moreover, all veins,
mines and quarries, as well opened as hidden, already found, or that shall be found within the
region, islands, or limits aforesaid, of gold, silver, gems, and precious stones, and any other
whatsoever, whether they be of stones or metals, or of any other thing or matter whatsoever :
and furthermore, the patronages and advowsons of all churches which (with the increasing
worship and religion of Christ), within the said region, islands, islets and limits aforesaid,
hereafter shall happen to be built. # » * * #
V. And We do by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, make, create, and
constitute him, the now Baron of Baltimore, and his heirs, the true and absolute lords
and proprietaries of the region aforesaid, and of all other the premises (except the before
excepted), saving, always, the faith and allegiance and sovereign dominion due to us, our
heirs and successors.
This is a true extract off the lort Baltimore's patent off the Province off Maryland.
Examined by me.
(Signed), Cecill Langford.
This aforesaid extract is exactly taken from the authentic copy of my Lord
Baltamoor's patent shown and permitted to be extracted this ^V October, 1G59, at
Patuxen, at the house of Mr. Bateman. Done by nie.
Ohservatmis of Messrs. Heermans and Waldron on Lord Baltimore's Patent.
[ From the Bundle indorsed Verscheide Stukken raekende de Colonic rare N. Nederlandt, in llie Stad Huys, Amsterdam ; New-York Historical
Society Collections, III., 384. ]
Holland Documents, Uppou the Sight and View off Milord Baltemore's patents this 7 dayh
xvi.,104. ^g- Octob. 1659. presented unto us by the Hon^ Gouvrneur and Concel off
Maryland :
86 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
To say. Ifeserved only wliat the Hon'' Gouver'-Generale and Concel of tbe New
Netherl'' in the behalf off Ou'' Lords proprietor.s and Souveraignes, the high and
inightie States-General off the United Province migiit have to alleadge against it.
Wee repeete and repiye ou"' former declaration and innnifestatione, the Sixth off this
jnstance, delivered unto the Honorable Gouvernor and Councelle off the Province of Marylandt,
and says further :
That the original! and fundation off the afores'' patent shevs-eth and maked appear
that Mylord Raitamore iieas hath to his Royall Majestie off England petitioned for a
Country in the parte off America that was not seated and taken in before, one lie
inhabited as hee salth by a certain barbarous people, the Indians, uppon w*" ground
his Royall Majesty, did grant and confirm the patente.
But now whereas our South River off old called Nassau River off the Niew Netherl'' by the
Inglisch surnamed delowar, was taken in, appropriated and purchased by vertue off
commissione and grante from the high & michty States-General off the United Provinces long
before. Therefore, [it was] in his Royal Mayestyes intention and justice, not to have given
and graunted that parte off a Country w: before was taken in possessione and seated [by the
subjects of the High and Mighty States-General of the United] Provinces as is declared and
manifested heretofore soo that the clayme Mylord Balthamore's patent speaks off to Delawar
baye or a parte there off in several! other respects and particulars is in valide, off which we
desire that notice inaye bee taken. Actum as above.
Governor ami Council of Maryland to the Director^ <£r., of JVeiv N^etherland.
[ From tho liuiiille indorsed Verschi-ide Stukkeii raekendfi de Colonie van A' Nederhindt,'No. 49, in Ihe *?(«(/ 77i/y^, A niBtercIam ; 1 New-York
Historical CoUeclions, III., 882. ]
Elonorable Gentlemen :
Holland Documents ^® '^'^^^ Tecclved your letters of credence by the hands of Mess" Augustine
'"^^ '■'''" Heerman and Resolved Waldron, your Ambassadors, wherein, as we find many
expressions of love and amity, we accompt ourselves obliged to return you real thanks in
unfolding the cause which, as it seems, hath been the reason of your astonishment, and, as the
matter shall permit, give you that satisfaction which, with reason, you can expect, and which
we likewise shall exact from you in the rendering to us as substitutes of the Right Honorable
Cecilius, Lord Baron of Baltemore, Lord Proprietary of this I'rovince, &c., that part of his
Lordship's Province lying in Delaware bay, to us entrusted, and by you, as it seems, injuriously
seated in prejudice to his Lordship's just right and title.
For answer, therefore, unto your demands, by your said agents made, we say that Colonel
Nathaniel Utie was by us, in pursuance of a command from the Right Honorable Lord
Proprietary, ordered to make his repair to a certain people seated upon Delaware bay, within
the 40th degree of northerly latitude from the equinoctial line, to let them know that they
were residing within our jurisdiction without our knowledge, much less our license, without
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 87
grant of land from, or oath of fidelity to his Lordsliip taken, both which are expressly by his
conditions of plantation and laws to all comers here to inhabit, conditioned and enjoined ;
and, further, to offer unto them such conditions in case they intended there to stay, as we
ourselves enjoy. But in case of refusal and abode there made, to let them know we should
use lawful means to reduce them to that obedience which all people within the degree aforesaid
are bound to yield unto us intrusted within this Province by the Right Honorable Lord
Baltemore, sole and absolute Lord and Proprietary of the same, by patent under the great seal
of England, bearing date SO"* of June, in the year of our Lord God 103 , and since by act of
Parliament confirmed (a copy whereof we have shown to your said Ambassadors). And since
you, by your writing as well as by your Ambassadors, do insinuate that the said Colony
in Delaware bay is seated there, by and under your command, we do protest, as well against
them and you, as against all other persons, either principals or abettors in the said intrusion
upon our bounds and confines, in order all damages and costs in due time, and by all lawful
means to recover which we either have experienced, or shall at any time hereafter sustain, as
well as the place so seated within our bounds and limits, and unjustly by you retained.
The original right of the Kings of England to this country and territory must be our
endeavor to maintain, not our discourse to controvert, or in the least our attempt to yield up,
as being that which we can neither accept from any other power nor surrender to any other
authority, without the consent of our Supreme Magistracy, their successors in the government
of England, though we cannot but remind you that is no difficult matter to show the utter
nullity of your pretended title to that part of this Province where those people live, who are
now, if at all, for the first time owned by the High and Mighty States, to be seated in Delaware
bay, by their order and authority, and that your patent (if you have any) from the States-
General of the United Provinces, is invalid, void and of no effect.
And as to those instructions by us delivered to the said Colonel Nathaniel Utie, so much
insisted on by you, we say : they are such as every person, inhabitant of this Province, ought to
take notice of as being subscribed by the Secretary of this Province, and to no other did we
give them or he make use of them. Neither can we believe the High and Mighty States-
General, &c., do think or will now own those people at Delaware bay to be there seated by
their authority, since they have heretofore protested to the Supreme authority then in England,
not to own their intrusion upon their territories and dominions. As to indebted persons, if
any be here that are to you engaged, our courts are open and our justice speedy, and denied to
none that shall demand it of us, which we think is as much as can, in reason, be expected, and
the self same course we take, and the only remedy we afford to our neighbor Colony of Virginia
and our fellow-subjects and brethren of England. Thus hoping that you will seriously weigh
the consequences of your actions, we rest in expectation of such a compliance, as the style you
give yourselves imports having taught us to subscribe ourselves
Your affectionate friends and neighbors,
(Signed), Josias Fendal.
Beneath was:
Signed in the name and by order of the Governor and Council of the Province of
Maryland, [October 7"", 1G59, o. s.]
Philip Calvert, Sec''.
Lower was:
Agrees with the copy.
(Signed), Cornelis van Gezel, Seer''.
88 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Jounial of (lie Dutch Emlmsy to Maryland.
[ From the Original In New-York^Colonlal Manuscripts, Secretary's Office, Albany, SVIII. * ]
Journal kept by Augustine Heermans during his Embassy from the Riglit
Honorable the Director-General, Petrus Stuyvesant and the Supreme
Council of New JN'etherland, to the Hon'''" Governor-General and Council
of Maryland, touching the pretensions set up by Colonel Nathaniel Utie to
the South river.
1G59. September 30"', Tuesday. Set out on our journey from New Amstel about noon,
accompanied by Resolved Waldron and our attached soldiers and guides, and, after traveling
about an hour, arrived at a small creek which comes from the hunting country. Our course,
as we computed, was W.N.W. About four miles and a half" further came to a little creek or
run of water, which we suppose flows from Jacger''s (the Hunter's). Our course was due west,
and, having traveled about three miles further, came to another run of water flowing southwards,
where we must encamp for the night, as the Indians would not proceed any farther. Notliing
occurred on the way except hearing a shot fired to the north of us, which the Indians doubted
not was by au Englishman. Whereupon we fired 3 shots, to see if we should be answered,
but observed nothing.
October 1", Wednesday. In the morning, before sunrise, proceeded on our course W. by S.,
and so directly South again, crossed two little runs of water, branches, as we surmised, of the
South river, and some dry thickets. The country afterwards became hilly, and again low;
about 9 o'clock, came to the first stream that, the Indians said, flowed into the Bay of V'irginia,
where we breakfasted ; we computed it to be about 5 leagues from New Amstel. This
stream, the Indians stated, is called, in their tongue, Cimamus, which signifies Hare river,
because the whole of this point {lioeclc) is so named.
From this spring we proceeded S.W. and W.S.W. straight across the woods, without a path,
and about 1 league or somewhat more, struck, as was presumed, the same kill ; following it
along to where the tide comes up, we found the boat which the Indians mentioned, hauled on
shore, and almost entirely dried up.
We embarked and dismissed our 4 guides, but Sander Poeyer, with his Indian, accompanied
us ; shortly after we pushed off", the boat became half full of water, whereupon we were
obliged to land and turn the boat upside down; we caulked the seams somewhat with old
linen, our people having left behind them the tow which had been given them for that purpose,
and thus made it a little tighter, but one was obliged to sit continually and bail out the water.
In that way, we came with the same tide a good league and a half down Elk river, and found
ourselves at its east branch, where we built a fire in the woods, and proceeded with the night
ebb on our journey with great labor, as the boat was very leaky, and we had neither ruilder
nor oar, but merely paddles {pagayai").
October 2'\ Thursday. Having paddled down Elk river almost the whole of the night, came
about 8 o'clock to Sassafrax river, where we stopped during that tide at , on the
'The paper in Holland Documents, XVI., 141, being only an "Extract," h oiuitteii, anJ the Journal is translated and
publii-hed entire from tlio original, as aliovc credited. — Kd.
these distances are here expressed in the Dutch MS. by "hours," one of which is computed in the translation to be equal
to three English miles.
' gagayt is the Iroquois word for " paddle." Bruyai.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 89
plantation of one Mr. John Turner. Here we found Abraham the Fin, a soldier who had run
away from Christina with a Dutch woman, and vviiom the hunter brought hither. We offered
him the General's pardon, in case he would return to New Amstel within 6 months, and should
he then be unwilling to reside at that place, he would be at liberty to go to the Manhattans.
The woman accepted these conditions, having 3 months more to serve, when she would return.
But the soldier raised many objections. We prevailed, however, so far on him, that he made
us a pair of new oars. We set Sander Poeyer on shore here to obtain information, but we could
not learn anything, as the only residents there were some Swedes and Finns, who had run
away in the time of Governor Prins. Having thus had a little rest, and the tide being favorable,
we prosecuted our course; we had only pushed off" from the shore, when the aforesaid Abraham
followed us with one Marcus, the Fin, in a canoe, and would not let us pass, as they claimed
the boat, and, notwithstanding we assured them that they should have the boat on our return,
they forcibly held on to us, and this Marcus drew a pocket-pistol and threatened to fire if we
would not stop. They had, besides, two snaphaunce ; we finally got rid of them with a great
deal ado. On leaving the river, we heard a heavy firing on Colonel Utie's island, otherwise
called , which we presumed must have proceeded from 50 or GO men ; it was
mingled with music. This lasted until night, so that we conjectured they were making ready
to go to the South river. On looking around for information, we accidentally found an infant
plantation on our road, where people had come and were busy cutting down timber for a house,
but the carpenter, who was one of my acquaintances, knew not what the firing meant, unless
it might possibly be some feasting or frolic. He invited us, it being late, to remain with him
through the night, as there was not another house on the way between this and Kent island,
but we proceeded on our course and got 2 leagues farther. We would have gladly dispatched
an Indian, could we have got one, to carry intelligence to New Amstel and to return to the
Swedes with the boat, but we feared to be detained, so that we had no doubt but Sander
Poeyer would have done his duty on that occasion.
This Sassafrax river rises close by our creek, which empties near Reedy island. There is
only a high hill between the two, whence both streams are equally visible. From that place
the woman said she came down with the hunter. I understood that ships could sail up as far
as this river, but no farther, because it is then shallow and navigable only for sloops, especially
Elk river, which is quite shallow.
October S"*, Friday. We rowed forward during the tide of that night and day until opposite
Pools island, which we estimate to be miles from Sassafras river. It lies on the
west shore, and we passed with our leaky boat along the east shore, observing nothing on
the way except that there was no fresh water to be found far beyond here and Kent island.
We arrived, towards evening, at the north end of Kent island, where, meeting a strong flood
tide against us, and being fatigued, we took up our quarters with Captain Wikx, who
resides on the point and is one of the 3 magistrates of that island. Getting into discourse with
him, we could learn nothing of any general design that the English might have, up to this
time, of invading the South river, but he had understood that it belonged to Maryland, and
they were bound, by engagement, to aid in maintaining my Lord Balthamore's patent, or right
and title. We replied, on the contrary and said, we should be able to prove that the river
belonged to us of old and to no one else, and whoever should wish to have it, must, by force
of arms, wrest it from us ; but that we, in the meantime, were prepared, and that 100 soldiers
had already arrived and fully 100 more were expected, to defend the river to the last man.
Vol. H. 12
90 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
I5ut we hoped that tlie English, with whom we had lived so long in neighborly friendship,
would not try to get another man's land and riglils, and thereby commence an open war, etc.
From this conversation, he turned to certain news he had heard from Mr. Bateman, which
Mr. Wright, the Indian Interpreter, had brought down to Accomacq, from above the Bay, that
in regard to the war which the Indians and tiie English were at present waging against one
another, the former acknowledged that they were incited by the Dutch of the Whorekill to
murder the English, and that it happened in the following manner. A certain Indian met a
Dutchman in the Whorekill and told him that he intended to kill a Dutchman because his
father had been formerly slain by one. Whereunto the Dutchman answered, that his father
had been killed by an Englishman and not by a Dutchman, and therefore that he should
revenge himself on one of the latter. Thereupon the Indian went off and slew an Englishman,
and in this way the war commenced. It was suspected that the Dutch had not only secretly
fomented it, but had furnished the Indians with powder and ball and guns, with which they
were most abundantly supplied, a circumstance that the English took very ill. At first
denying, then extenuating the case, I inquired the name of the Dutchman who had given the
Indian such counsel; but he answered, he did not know; in such matters no witnesses were
called publicly, but in secret, so that he could not be persuaded to the contrary.
We further inquired for a boat to convey us thence to the Governor and back, as our little
skiff could not be used any longer, and was, also, too small. He offered us his own, but
inquired what security he should have that he would get the boat back or be paid for it, as he
had frequently before been deceived in that manner. To whicii we stated, that we could not
give him any other security than our words and credentials, and that we should draw for security
and payment on Mr. Browne, who, we presumed, was arrived with his ketch at Seavorn.
And so we agreed at 20 lbs. of tobacco per day for the boat, and 20 lbs. tobacco for one man
to accompany us, which was the lowest terms we could agree on. Otherwise, we should have
been greatly perplexed, as we could not learn of any other opportunity liere. We found here
's wife, who said she had come away with her husband's consent, as he
intended to follow her; but when we offered her pardon if she were willing to return with
us. Captain Wikx complained that she was so lazy that she did not earn her salt; whereupon
we observed, that it was easy to infer from this, that she had run away from the South river
through Ifziness and unwillingness to work.
October -l"" We sailed or rowed over the Seavorn to see if Mr. Browne had arrived there
and would accept the draft, but he had not come. Captain Wicx wished to lodge us that
night at Colonel Utie's, who, we understood, was at his plantation at Seavorn, but we declined,
saying that we believed he was above on hrs island, as there had been so much firing, and so
we took up our quarters, it being dark, at the house of Mr. , father-in-law of Codtfried
Harmer, the Indian trader, who, only a few days before, had gone up to his plantation ; but
his wife and child were at home. We gave the former to understand that our nation attributed
great blame to Codtfried for enticing and transporting our fugitives from New AmsteU and
that he would, therefore, do well to get the runaways back again there. Whereupon his
father-in-law and mother-in-law excused him, saying that they had come, from time to time, to
him, and had eaten him so bare that he would scarce have food enough for iiiniself for the
winter, and that he could not get the people to return nor could he refuse them a night's lodging,
with many other excuses and complaints that the majority of the people they had seen, and
even a poor, old man, with his wife and child, whom they had received in the greatest misery,
were utterly idle and lazy, and not worth their food ; nay, that they were too lazy to wash
7ber Oil
O.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 91
their own spoons and the plates which tliey ate off. We again took occasion to answer, that
it was evident enough from this, that the people had not run away on account of the badness
of the place, nor on account of ill-treatment, but because they had neglected, at the time, to
do anything for u living and had come to Virginia to gain the bread of idleness. But it was
replied, with all that, many had died of hunger, and the people had been refused bread for
money, etc. To this we again replied, that this could not be supposed to be true.
Nevertheless, even had they suffered any wrong, they must complain to the General and
Council of New Netherland and not run to a strange nation. To which they made answer,
that the Director in the South river had refused and prevented their passage ; with many
other debates, too long to be here stated, the substance whereof was finally as follows: Tliat
the (Jeueral and Council of New Netherland should publish a general pardon so that each may
reestablish himself, and that the condition of the Colonic be redressed, and that those who
will not remain there but wish to go to the Manhattans, be conveyed thither. Tiie old man,
who is a farmer and husbandman, promised to accompany us back to the Manhattans, but not
to remain in the Colonie, which was allowed him. We understood, also, that there were
many in Seavorn who hired themselves and their children as servants. We requested that
they be notified to return,
October -5: Sunday. Rising early in the morning, gave a draft on Mr. Browne to pay
Captain Josias Wiks, on account of Genera! Stuyvesant, in New Netherland,
so much of his goods for the hire or use of the boat, to the value of 20 lbs. of
tobacco, and for one man to accompany us, also 20 lbs. of tobacco, the amount whereof should
be stated on our return, and reimbursed in beavers or other articles at the Manhattans. But
this was not sufficient for Captain Wicks; he made us sign an obligation that we should deliver
his boat safe at his house, pay therefor 1-500 lbs. of tobacco, at Seavorn or Kent, or make it
good in brandy at the Manhattans. Being thus agreed, we received intelligence that Colonel
Utie was at home at his plantation, and Captain Wicks importuned us to pay him a visit. But
we answered that we dare not lose the opportunity of wind and weather, and that our message
to the Governor required dispatch, and therefore Colonel Utie must excuse us from visiting him.
As it was Sunday, it would too probably retard and detain us, for which we could not answer,
and thus, with such like excuses, we set forth on our journey, WMth a fair breeze and fine
weather, which brought us towards evening to May Billingsly's plantation at the Cliffs,
estimated to be miles from Seavorn. We did not observe any public preparations against
the South river.
October 6: Monday. Reached Patuxen river towards evening, where our people
Seotember 27 requested a night's lodging at Mr. Coersy's. He welcomed us politely, being
one of the Council with whom we had divers friendly conversations, and
observed that Colonel Utie had been authorized to state at the Colonie of New Amstel that it
was seated within their limits, and should therefore submit to them, but not to go to work with
such menaces ; and he was not well pleased that, on that account, 100 soldiers, as we stated, had
gone thither, for whose sakes we are the more urged to hasten our journey. We also learned
here that my Lord Balthamoor's patent dated only from some time in the year 1034, to which
we answered that our patent was issued full 40 years. Whereupon they claimed to derive
theirs originally from Sir Walter Ralegh since the year 1584, and we, on the other hand,
take our origin, as vassals and subjects, from the King of Spain, then the first finder and
founder of all America- Thus concluded we our conversation, with the hope, which we
mutually expressed, that this matter might be settled and adjusted without bloodshed.
92 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
October 7 : Tuesday. Left our boat there and marched a-foot overland nine English miles,
;:;: ; ^r " to the Secretary's, Mr. Philip Calvert, and Mr. Coersy conducted us full 3 English
September 27. , , . , , n , • ir /, i ., i . •• i • .i r.
miles on the right road. Reaching Mr. Calvert's plantation early in the atternoon,
we sent tn-o of our people in advance to announce our approach and that we could not forbear
paying him our respects, requesting passage across his creek to Mr. Overzee's, with whom we
proposed to lodge, whereupon he invited us in, and after salutation we informed him that we liad
been sent from the Governor-tieneral and Council of New Netherland to the Governor and
Council of Maryland on weighty allairs, requesting him, therefore, with all speed, to be pleased
to send intelligence thereof to the Governor, who lived English miles farther up, and to
recommend that we have an early audience and dispatch. We then took our leave, crossed
the creek and arrived at Mr. Symon Overzee's, to whom we were very welcome guests.
October S: Wednesday. Mr. Overzee having invited the Secretary, Mr. Philip Calvert,
. ^T" „r to dine, he came, being the next neighbor, early in the forenoon to visit us,
September 28. . , . ^r ^ , . • < /-
whom we again requested, in Mr. Overzee s presence, to inlorm Governor
ffendal, as early as possible, of our coming, so that we may have an audience and be dismissed
without delay, as the business was of great consequence, and caused daily great expenses not
only as regards ourselves individually, who had, in addition, at our cost, a boat with a man at
40 lbs. of tobacco per day, but principally in regard to the military and other preparations and
expenses, which were expressly awaiting our return with over 100 soldiers who had come (rom
the Manhattans. Thereupon he promised to do his utmost, but that nothing could be eifccled
before the next court, which was to meet on of October. We then conversed about New
Netherlaud and Virginia, and the conveniences of both being considered, he wished Maryland
may be so fortunate as to have cities and villages like the Manhattans. And hereabouts, we
gave him to understand that Manhattans signified the entire country, having preserved the
ancient name of the Indian nation among whom the Dutch had first settled. And in this way
proceeded to the boundaries, when he said that the Maryland patent extended along the sea
from 3S to 40 degrees, wherein Delaware bay was also included, and so across to Pamaiis
island and thence to the source of Potomax river. To which we observed, that the as"" to
the 40"" degree must be understood [to apply] only to the upper part of Cheseapeak bay, and
that then the Colony of Virginia extended from the lower part of the said bay to the sea.
To this he replied : Not so ; and that it was expressly stipulated that they should extend
unto New England, whereupon we inquired : If they wish to touch New England, where
r would New Netherlaud be in that case? He answered: He knew not. And we said, that
therefore, we, both of us, well knew that such was a mistake ; that our people were in
possession of New Netherlands and had settled on that place several years before Lord
Balthamoer had obtained his patent; further alleging, among other things, that Sir Edm.
Ployten had, \fi former limes, set up a claim to Delaware bay, and that, therefore, one claim
must be as good as the other. Whereunto he replied that Ployten liad had no commission,
and lay in jail in England on account of his debts, relating that lie had solicited a patent
for A\'ovum Albium from the King, but it was refused him, and he thereupon applied to the
Viceroy of Ireland, from whom he had obtained a patent, but that it was of no value.
Hereupon we confounded him by his own words, and said, that it was not certain whether
my Lord Balthamoor's claim to Delaware bay, should he have any, was not obtained by
fulsehood and misrepresentation, since it was very probable tliat the King of England would
not have done anything against us, as he once had knowledge of, and consented to, the Dutch
plantation of New Netherlaud, and had most expressly ordered and commaaded those of Virginia
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 93
and New England, as we should prove by their own English authorities, not to approach within
one hundred leagues of each otiier. It was, therefore, clear and evident, if their patent set
forth that they could go as far as New England, that it was fraudulently obtained and of no
value whatsoever.
October 9: Thursday. Nothing occurred, except drawing up our proposals, which we
September 29 t'io"ght best to do in English, in order to bring matters sooner to a speedy
conclusion.
October 10: P'riday. Again, nothing has occurred, except that we lieard the Secretary
Sentember 30 ^^^ communicated our arrival to the Governor by a letter forwarded from
constable to constable. He invited us to dinner on Sunday.
October -r, Saturday. Again, nothing special has occurred. We are impatiently waiting for
the Governor's answer.
October -^, Sunday. Accompanied Mr. Overzee to Secretary Calvert's to dinner, where
Mr. Doughty,^ the Minister, accidentally called. After the cloth was removed, talked about
Jiis charts or maps of the country, of which he laid on the table two that were engraved and
one in manuscript. One was printed at Amsterdam, by direction of Captain Smith, the first
discoverer of the Great bay of Chesapeake, or Virginia; the second appeared also to be printed
at Amsterdam, at the time of Lord Balthamoor's patent; we knew not by whom or where the
manuscript one was drawn. All differed, one from the other. He wished to prove from them
the extent of Lord Balthamoor's boundaries, but we, on the contrary, showed and maintained
that if Chesapeake bay ran, above, so crooked towards the northeast, they would come so far
within our line. To this, he asked how could that be, for the English first discovered and
possessed all these parts. Thereunto, we answered that the Dutch were three years earlier in
our parts than they in theirs. To which he replied, that they took their beginning from Sir
Walter Raleigh ; and we said we derive our origin from the King of Spain. But, he retorted,
you were not yet a free and independent nation. He was then told that the King of Spain was,
at the lime of the discovery of America, our King, and we were as much his vassals and subjects
as they were the subjects of their King or Republic of England, but afterwards, when we were
obliged to take up arms, and achieved our liberty, the King of Spain conveyed over, and to, us,
in full propriety, by lawful right and title, all his own and other conquered lands in Europe and
America. To this, he said that the King of Spain was, indeed, in the West Indies, but not so
far to the north, and that the English were the first discoverers. And we again observed that
the contrary could be proved from Spanish journals and chronicles, and also that even the
French had, in the year 1524, been before them in these parts. Lastly, being half angry, he
demanded whether the English had not been the first in Delaware bay, for it obtained its name
from them. And we answered. No; that the Dutch had been the first in the river, long before
Lord Delaware- ever came to Virginia, and we again asked : What right had the Kings of Spain,
' Previously of Newtown, Long Island. ( See supra, L, 325.) Dis daughter, Mary, widow of Adrian Van der Donck { supra,
I., 5S2), had married Uugh O'Neal, of Maryland. O'Callaghun's New Netherland, II., 551.
' Thomas West, 8th Baron Delawarr, was knighted in the year 1600, and succeeded to his father's title 24th March, 1502 ;
in 1603 he was one of the tweuty-five Lords of the Privy Council who announced the ascent of James I. to the throne; and
in 1609 was constituted Captain-General of all the Colonies then planted or to be planted in Virginia, for which country he
sailed the same year with three ships and one hundred and fifty Colonists, and landed at Jamestown 2Sd May, 1610. After
Bilmioistering the government nearly a year he was obliged, by sickness, to embark for England, where he remained until
161S, when he is said to have embarked asraiu for Virginia and to have died on the passage on the 7tli June, 1618. He was
a person of a noble and generous disposition, and e.xpenJed much in promoting the colonization of Virginia. Collins'
Peerage; Hobiies' Annah. — Ed.
94 NEW- YORK COLONIAL IVL^NUSCRIPTS.
France or I^ii"lai)il, more than the Hollanders or the Dutch, to the New World — America?
IJut these and such like discourses, running higher and higher, were left off; he said he had
invited us as a welcome to the country, and thenceforward we conversed on other subjects,
and parted from one anotlier with expressions of friendship.
October \^, Monday. Nothing occurred.
October -/> Tuesday. This being Court day at Potuxent, and Mr. Overzee going thither, we
deemed it advisable to have a request only presented to [the Court] for audience and a place
of reception, copy whereof is hereunto annexed.
October -/", Wednesday. In tiie evening, about sunset, we received in answer, an invitation
written by Philip Calvert, in the name and on the behalf of the Governor and Council, that
we should have an audience at the house of Mr. liateman, sending, with this view, two
horses to convey us there.
October \-, Thursday. We took our departure in the morning from Mr. Overzee's for Mr.
Bateman's, at Potuxen, being about 18 or 20 English miles, and about between 3 and 4
o'clock in the afternoon, arrived Governor Josiah fiendall with Pliilip Calvert and the
Councillors William .Stone, Thomas Gerrard, Nathaniel Utye, Edward Loyd, Luke Barber,
Baker Broukx, who, alter fiaving welcomed us, and, after we had complimented them on the
part of our Director-General and Council of New Netherland, thanked us cordially; and dinner
being ready, the Governor said he would give us an audience after we had dined. And, sitting
down to table, they placed me beside the Governor on his left hand; on his right sat Philip
Calvert, the Secretary, next to him Resolved Waldron, and so on the other members of the
Council around the table. During the dinner a varied conversation was held.
The cloth having been removed, we were invited to the audience, and after we had again
presented the friendly, neighborly respects and compliments of the Honorable Director-General
and Council of New Netherland, we delivered, in the first place, our letters of credence, which
the Governor, opening and seeing that they were written in Dutch, had Mr. Overzee called to
translate them. Meanwhile, their substance being stated, we proceeded to deliver our speech
in English, by way of Declaration and Manifest, which, for tliis purpose, we had previously
committed to paper. In order that no mistake may be hereafter pleaded in the one or the
other, we gave the Secretary the original, with the request that he would be pleased to collate
it with us, and we distinctly and clearly read the duplicate, which we moreover delivered
under the seal of our commission, declaring, when we had finished, that that was all we had
to say, and to propose, at that time, on tlie part and in the name of the Director-General and
Council, subscribing the same with our own hand, in the presence of all; and we exchanged
the duplicate for the original, and the original again for the copy, which we returned, and left
them the other.
We perceived a great change, for some of the Council, as it seems, had no correct knowledge
of what passed; and the Governor, in answer, inquired whether his letter, which he had
sent apart from, or by Colonel Utie, had not been shown to the Governor-Cieneral of the
Manhattans? We replied, No: his Honor had not seen any letter, but that we had, indeed,
understood, at the South river, that Mr. Alrichs had received a private letter in answer to his,
but without day or date, or place where written, whereof the General did not take any notice.
Whereupon the Governor made answer, that he had nothing to do with the government of
the Manhattans, but with the Governor and people who had lately seated themselves within
his limits in Delaware bay, to whom they had sent Colonel Utie; not that he should have
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 95
communicated his instruction wliicli had been given liim for his guidance and vindication
only, as we were not obliged to deliver our instruction to them. To this we replied, that
the Governor and people in the South river were not a separate, but subaltern and dependent
government, and simply Deputy Governor and members of New Netherland, so that whatever
was presented and given to them in the matter of chief jurisdiction, etc., did not affect
them but the General and Council, and consequently, the whole State of New Netherland,
and the Lords proprietors thereof; yea, the sovereignty of their High Mightinesses.
Whereunto he again rejoined, that they did not know nor understand any better than that the
Governor in Delaware derived liis commission from the city of Amsterdam, and had come
with his people to settle there as a separate government. To which we again answered, No;
but that the city of Amsterdam owned the place as a Colonic and particular district of New
Netherland, which was similar, in manner and style, to their counties in Virginia or Maryland,
and we had more such Colonies planted in New Netherland, so that whatever injury was done
to the Colonic of New Amstel, was, I say, inflicted on the entire State of New Netherland.
Meanwhile, Colonel Nathaniel Utie began to bluster and to say, that they ought not to take any
notice at all of this matter; his acts had been directed against a people that had intruded into
my Lord Balthamore's Province, and if the Governor and Council will again command him, he
will again act as he had done. We rejoined thereto. If he returned and comported himself
as he had done, he would lose the name of Ambassador and be dealt by as a disturber of
the public peace, because a Deputy or Ambassador could not attempt anything except to
notify the magistracy and Regents of the place in a courteous manner of his embassy; but
to summon a place by fire and sword was the style of avowed enmity, war and hostility. To
this he replied, that he had done nothing in contradiction to his commission and instructions.
To which we rejoined, that they had only to look at the answer he had brought back,
which would clearly show how he had acted. And he, thereupon, further said, that he heard
they had threatened to send him to Holland; he only wished they had done so. We replied,
that should he return and act as he had done, probably he would not fare any better.
Whereupon he inquired, how, then, should he behave ? He had certainly sent two men
before him to announce his approach ; afterwards put up at the public tavern, and was he,
then, not to walk out and see the place and converse with the people who requested to have
some discourse with him? To which we again remonstrated, that he was at liberty to see
the place and converse with the people, but not to excite them to revolt and rebellion against
their magistrates, and threaten them with being plundered and robbed in case they would not
willingly surrender. So that these criminations and recriminations being bandied somewhat
sharply and angrily, especially by the Colonel, the Governor was pleased to put a stop to
him, and we were at liberty to express our meaning without any interruption, whereupon
we referred entirely to our Manifest and Declaration, and to the answer which Colonel
Uty himself had brought from New Amstel. We requested that such might be taken into
consideration and that no frivolous discourses be allowed.
The Governor submitted to the Council, among other things, that we had come without
asking proper permission, which Colonel Uty might have given and signified. To which we
answered that we were not acquainted with the state and form of their government, but that
we should in future regulate ourselves according to such custom as may be pleasing to them to
establish on such passage. Hereupon, Colonel Utie began again to exclaim, saying that we
ought to have first recognized him and gone to his island, and inquired if we should be permitted
95 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
to proceed fartlier, adding, in so many words tliat, had he met us, or had he known of our
coming, lie woiihi iiave detained us lliere, and not allowed us to go on. But one of the Council
softened that expression by saying that we should have been furnished with a better boat and
accommodation, for we had stated that we had come down in a small, leaky boat, and dared
not venture from the shore. JUit we readily discovered that, had we not done our best to
avoid Colonel Utie on the way, he would liave at once endeavored to prevent our design.
At length, after some debate, we were invited to withdraw, and, after a short deliberation,
were recalled and inlormed that they had acted by special order and command of Lord
IJidtiiuoor, whose right and jurisdiction they are sworn to maintain, and that they w^ould
exhibit Lord Baltamoor's patent on the morrow, until when they should defer any further
public business, and pass the remainder of the evening over a glass of wine, promising, on our
request, to dismiss us by next Saturday.
Meanwhile, we proceeded to engage one and another of them, from time to time, in private
conversation, and at one time to dispose them to a friendly course, and to have the claim tliey
set up to our limits, and we to theirs, decided by commissioners, in order to avoid further
mischief and bloodshed; at another, to agree to an intimate correspondence and confederation
for reciprocal trade and intercourse. We found the majority of them favorably inclined to this
view, but yet, they gave it to be understood that it was not in their power, and had no other
commission than to defend Lord Baltimoor's lawful patent. This they were disposed to do,
however, with all [)ossible and justifiable prudence.
I had also a private conversation on that point with the Governor, who declared that he
would prefer to continue in peace and quietness than to live in hostility and war.
October -f-, Friday morning. After breakfast, the Governor and Council laid before us Lord
Balthamoor's patent, and read to us the article respecting his jurisdiction. We requested
a copy thereof, when we should answer it. We were then allowed to make an extract
of it ourselves. Meanwhile, the Governor and Council went to hold their Court at the next
town, whilst we, in the meantime, read and reread the above mentioned patent, extracting
the point respecting the boundary, to which we drew up on paper a written refutation. For we
found that it was set forth in the preamble that Lord Balthamoer had applied to and petitioned
ilis Majesty for a tract of country in America, which was neither cultivated nor planted, but
only inhabited, as yet, by barbarous Indians. In answer whereunto, we maintained that our
South river, called, of old, Nassaw river, had been long before occupied, appropriated and
purchased by us in virtue of a commission and grant of their High Mightinesses the Lords
States-General of the United Netherlands, and therefore that it was his Royal Majesty's intention
and justice not to have given away and granted that part of a country which had been previously
taken possession of and settled by the subjects of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-
General, as already declared and demonstrated, and that Lord Balthamor's patent was invalid
where it makes mention of Delowar bay, or any part thereof, as well as in various other
respects and particulars. We requested a note might be made of this. The Governor and
Council returning in the afternoon, and supper being over, we delivered the above mentioned
answer in writing, having read the same aloud. Whereupon we perceived another change, and
the Governor made his defence: That, on the contrary, our assertion and action were invalid,
for the aforesaid patent was granted by the King, with full knowledge and understanding of the
case, that Delowar bay should remain and belong to the English, and demanded a view of our
patent to New Netherland. We answered that we had it not to show them, much less had we
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 97
come for that purpose, but only to prepare a way for a future meeting of deputies on both sides,
then to dispose chiefly of that point, agreeably to our advice contained in our declaration. The
Governor thereupon made answer that they then ought not to have exhibited their patent,
from which we concluded that they regretted having discovered and exposed themselves so far,
saying if that part of the patent was invalid, or if they yielded it, the entire patent would then
become void. We replied to that ; we would not make any further observation on that article,
except so far as it concerned us, and they set up a claim to our limits. Whereupon the
Governor rejoined : That Col. Clabborn had heretofore set up the same exception against
Lord Balthamoer in regard to the Island of Kent, of which said Col. Clabborn held that he had
taken actual possession before the aforesaid patent had been granted, but that it did not avail,
and fared badly with him, so that he was obliged to beg his life from Lord Balthemor. To
this we answered that this was a different case ; that we were not subjects of England, but
a free, sovereign people^belonging to the Dutch nation, who, as we had already declared, had
as much right to take possession of any lands in America as any other nation. And with this
and such like debates, was the meeting adjourned for the night.
October \-, Saturday. The Governor and Council being met in order to our dismissal, they
again "demanded the exhibition of the patent we had to the South river. We gave them for
answer, that we had not brought it with us, but referred that point to future Commissioners
on both sides, and we again withdrew. They drew up their answer, which they read to us
who were called in for that purpose.^
Hereupon we asked their Honors whether this writing contained all they had to dispatch
by us. To this they declared, they had nothing else ; but that they persisted therein. We,
then, again inquired, how we were to act in the matter of our military ; whether all further
hostility and encroachment should cease, and we might safely send back our garrisons and
soldiers, or whether we must let them continue there. To this they answered, that we must
please ourselves in that matter, and they would act as they thought best. Whereunto we
replied, that we should, in that case, remain on our defensive, as we had declared and
protested, and that we hoped, nevertheless, that they would not be guilty of any clandestine
attack and treachery, as is usual in public and open war, but according to the custom in
neighborly and public peace and alliance between nations, first give notice and warning that
friendship is at an end. To which they rejoined : that they should act therein as would be
most advisable. We further inquired, what was to be the understanding on the subject of
our fugitives, and received for answer, that they should, by law, oblige such as were in debt,
to pay, but they did not mean to send them back, inasmuch as they considered the people in
Delowar bay to be under their jurisdiction, and consequently were not fugitives from the
General and Council of the Manhattans. Whereupon we replied, that we too would adhere
to the lex talionis, in order to act in like manner towards their fugitives. And thus terminated
our meeting and business.
The Governor also asked what Dutch Swedes meant — why we named them so in our
Declaration ? And we answered, because the greatest number of them were partners of
Dutchmen and formerly resorted under the Hon"* Company's jurisdiction, and had been
heretofore connived at, until they began to be so insolent in the river as not to hesitate forcibly
to seize, in a treacherous manner, on Fort New Amstel, previously Casimier, whereby the
' See iupra, p. 86. — Ed.
Vol. H. .13
gg NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
General and Council of New Netherland were compelled and obliged to clear and purge the
river, once for ail, of sucli disiionest and hypocritical friends.
October -'</> Sunday morning. Again, having breakfasted, their Honors' answer, fairly
written out by the Secretary, was placed in our hands, and so took a most friendly leave, as we
could not but perceive, that were it in their power they would willingly incline to a friendly
agreement, but that they must lirst have authority to that effect from Lord Balthamoer, or
otherwise wait for such order as he may send respecting it this summer; for I so understood,
in private conversation, from the Secretary, Philip Calvert, who is Lord Balthamoer's half-
brother, that they expected something to this purpose, though they knew not what ; for Lord
Balthamoer had, last year, ordered them to inform him what they had done with the people of
Delowar bay, to which they had answered, that they could not yet write anything as to the
effect, but that they intended to do so and so.
W<! had, likewise, some private conversation on the subject of establishing mutual trade
and commerce, overland, between Maryland and Delowar bay, which, I assured him, could
easily be carried on, as soon as this question was terminated and the limits on both sides
adjusted. I recommended him to notify his brother thereof, in order to engage him therein
in all reasonableness, for not only his Province in general, but himself in particular, would
be most essentially benefited by such trade, so that an effort might then be made to establish
an easy passage by land for mutual intercourse.
He also particularly inquired about the Hill, which we had proposed in our declaration for
a neutral meeting, where the Sassafrax river, in Virginia, and the creek which enters the
South river behind Reedy island, seem to take their rise ; and we are to institute and make
further inquiry respecting that Hill at the earliest opportunity.
Finally, we returned together from Patuxen river to St. Mary's, to our quarters at Master
Simon Overzee's.
October }"-, Monday. Nothing particular occurred, except preparing to dispatch Kesolved
Waldron to the South river and the Manhattans.
October lii Tuesday. Sent off Resolved Waldron on his return, overland, with the reports,
papers and documents respecting our negotiations, and I set out for Virginia to ascertain
the opinions of the Governor and others there concerning this matter, and thus to create
some diversion between them both ; also, to clear ourselves, at the same time, of the slander
which some people seek to attach to us, that we had excited the Indians to massacre the
English at Accomacq.
God grant that the whole may redound to the glory of His name and the general advantage
and safety of us all, and that we may be directed by His Divine Majesty. Amen.
In haste,
AuGUSTYN Hermans.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI. 99
Messrs. Heernians and Waldron to Director Stuyvesant.
[ 'From tlie Bundle iiidorscd Yerscheide Slukken ruekende de ddoiiie ran N. Nednlandt, So. 48, in the Slad Httijs^ Amsterdam. ]
Right Honorable, Wise, Prudent the Honorable Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General, and
the Supreme Council of New Netherland.
Messieurs,
Holland Documents ^^ repaired, in obedience to our commission, from the South river to Virginia,
XVI., 16G. ^jjj.| ^g much dispatch as possible, but we could not accomplish the business nor
get it disposed of sooner.
Your Honors will learn from the annexed journal the transactions from day to day, and from
the duplicate of the adjoined Manifest and Declaration, what we set forth, notified and protested,
on your part, to the Governor and Council assembled in Council, as well as the opinion we
submitted and communicated to them. Hereupon they, however, have not been willing to do
anything final, as your Honors can see from their answer inclosed herein, the substance whereof
cannot be considered anything else than simply the justification of what Colonel Nathaniel Utie
did in New Amstel ; that it was done by their authority, and that they still adhere thereto, so
far as being commanded thereunto by their Lord Baltamoor, independent of whom they cannot
do anything, much less act in the matter of his patent and boundary, and therefore the business
is to be left standing. The Declaration and Manifest which we drew up and presented, shows
on what basis we placed our case. We doubt not but it will meet with your approbation, and
that you will seasonably prepare whatever is to serve thereunto hereafter, for if we will retain
what we have, all the allegations we submitted to them must be punctually proved, whereof I
shall give your Honors a fuller account when I return home. Meanwhile, I find the public
service and your Honors' reputation require that I proceed hence to Virginia to the Governor
there, to communicate the state of affairs in your Honors' name, and to inform and prevail so
far on him, in opposition to the action of Maryland, if he will not take our part, that he will
not oppose us, but if it cannot be otherwise, that he at least will remain neutral and our
confederated friend. And, at the same time, to inquire into the state and circumstances of
Lord Baltimore in England, and how the boundary can best be efTected. My opinion is that,
possibly, it would not be unwise for the Directors, who have cause enough to do so, to depute
one of their Board to Lord Baltimore to see whether an agreement could not be made quietly
with him. But, first of all, the South river and the Virginias, with the lands and kills between
both, ought to be laid down on an exact scale as to longitude and latitude, in a perfect map,
that the extent of country on both sides may be correctly seen, and the work afterwards
proceeded with, for some maps which the English have here are utterly imperfect and prejudicial
to us. The sooner this is done, the better, before Baltamoor whispers in the ears of the States
of England, and thus make the matter much more difficult. Meanwhile, the places and forts
in the South river ought not to remain without considerable force, through fear of a sudden
invasion, for which 1 observe, as yet, no preparation or disposition; but a sleeping enemy is
not to be trusted.
XOO NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRirTS.
Thus far have I found myself obliged to notify your Honors, provisionally. I shall further
use my utmost diligence to examine and understand, as well as possible, vfhatever will in any
wise relate to your Honors' reputation, and the greatest profit and advantage of the Hon'''^ the
West India Company, and commending your Honors to God's Holy care and protection.
(Signed), A. Hermans.
Dated tr October, 1G50, R. Waldron.
At St. Mary's, in Maryland.
Agrees with the copy.
(Signed), Cornelis van Gesel, Secr^.
He-solution of tlie Common Council of (lie City of Amsterdam,
' [ From the liesotutien van dc Vroedsc/tappen, B. 174, iu the Stad ITui/s, Amsterdam. ]
8"" November, 1G59.
The Burgomasters have submitted to the Council that, pursuant to its
Holland Documenis, ° ^
^'f''^^- Resolution adopted on the SO"" of last September, they had conferred with the
12,000 gl. to be bor- . .
rowed for the af- Directors of the West India Company, in order to surrender, on equitable terms
fairs of Ihc Colome r J ' ' T
inndfSuo to^crn'r to that compauy, the Colonic which this city undertook, to plant in New
BSiboniiovodS Netherland, but that no agreement could be concluded thereupon, as yet, and
that, meanwhile, the city is dunned for the payment of the interest which is due
on the moneys borrowed on interest on account of this city, for the promotion of said Colonie,
as well as of some bills of exchange drawn on this city for account of that Colonie, amounting,
first, for the payment of interest and exchange, to the sum of about 12,000 gl., to meet which
sum, no moneys can be found, except by borrowing.
Which being considered, the city consents to the negotiation of the aforesaid 12,000 gl., and
Cornelis de Graeff, Baron of South Polsbroeck, Sieur Nicolaes Tulp, Sieur Gilles Valckenier,
Mr. Henrick Hooft, Mr. Peter Cloeck and Coenradt Burgh are appointed, in default of the
aforesaid agreement, to call on the West India Company (which, however, shall not be
insisted on), to consult in what manner the city can best be released from the burden of the
aforesaid Colonie.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV, 101
Account of Moneys horrowed for the Colonie on the Delatoare River.
[ From the Bundle indoraed VefscJi^ds Stukken raek^ncU de Colonie van N, Kederlandt^ No. S4, in tlio Stad Huys^ Amsterdam. ]
Holland Documents Moneys rcccived, on interest at 3 J per cent, on account of the city of
■'^^■'^''*" Amsterdam's Colonie, establisiied in New Netherland.
A" 1656.
20"* November. From Burgomaster Johan van de Pol, fl. 5,000.00
10"" December. From Mess", the Orphan Masters, on account of:
Pieter, son of Pieter Pieterson, merchant-
tailor, fl. 6,300.00
Meyndert Seivertsen's 2 children, 600.00
Claes Claessen Pos' children, 700.00
Jan Ennesenmugge's 2 children, 1,400.00
Hiibrand Flory'e child, 800.00
Joost Duyn's child, 800.00
Cornelis Cornelissen Coster's 2 children,.. 1,000.00
Christoftel Hoffman's children, 600.00
Jacobus Reepmaecker, 3,300,00
The heirs of Hendrick Evertsen of Oost-
winde, 2,000 . 00
Adam de Wees, 3,600.00
1657.
16"" January. From Mess", the Orphan Masters, on account of:
Mr. Steven van der Hagen, Secretary,.... fl. 4,000.00
YbeTjaers' children, 1,000.00
Captain Cornelis Stoffelsen Verbeeck's
daughter, 1,800.00
Cornelis Thomasen's children 1,200.00
Jochem Flint's child, 1,200 , 00
Trynte Jans Hoochsaet, as heir of Aeffgen
Jans' children, 800.00
O"" April. From Burgomaster Johan van de Pol, fl. 2,000.00
From the same on account of Eva Reyniers, Isay
Wynant's children, 4,000.00
1" May. From Burgomaster Cornelis van Hooswyck, 3,000.00
From Agata van Ousthooren, widow of Mr.
Roeloff" Bicker, 3,000.00
9"" May. From Mess", the Orphan Masters, on account of :
Margaretha, the daughter of Gysbert Cor-
nelissen Fuyck, 9,000.00
Andries Boelissen, 3,000.00
20,000.00
10,000,00
24,000.00
Amount carried forward, fl. 59,000.00
102 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
1G57. Amount liroiightrorwnrd, fl. 59,000.00
6"' June. From Mess", the Orphan Masters, for account of
Cornells Reyniers, son of (ien' Carel Ueyniers, 12,000.00
]0"'Jijly. From Mess", the Orphan Masters, for account of
Mr. van Swieten's daughter 6,000.00
G"' November. From Mess", tlie Orphan Masters, on account of
Catliarina Hendricx' children G, 700. 00
29"" ditto. From Mess", the Orphan Masters, on account of:
.Martin Willenisen Schagin's children fl. 5,600.00
The lieirs of Hendrick Jansen vander Kley, 2,S00.00
Jan Claessen Swaeg's children, 900.00
9,300.00
165S.
21"' June. From the Governors of St. Peter's hospital, 10,000.00
IS'* July. From Mess", the Orphan Masters, on account of:
Symon van Neck, fl. 2,000.00
Arnout Iludde, 3,500.00
Tlie child of Pieter Pietersen Deecken-
camer, , . , 4,500 . 00
10,000.00
IQ"" October. From Mess'', the Orphan Masters, on account of:
Micheil Lunenburgh's children fl. 2,500.00
Abraham van Prison's children, 2.500.00
Isaac van den Ende's cliildren, 2,000.00
7,000.00
1G59.
IS"" November. From Mess", the Orphan Masters, on account of:
Alexander Meynen's children, fl. 9,500.00
Grietjin Luyten's heirs, 2,500.00
12,000.00
Total, fl. 132,000 . 00
On which moneys is already due, and yet to be paid, the following interest, to wit:
On a capital of 11. 5,600, already due, fl. 1,960.00
On a capital of 7,000, payable in October, 245.00
On a capital of 33,000, payable in November, 1,155.00
On a capital of 20,000, payable in December, 700 . 00
On a capital of 10,000, payable in January, 1G63, 350.00
Alreadypaidof GOO, payable in Aprillast, 210.00
Principal, fl. 132,000. Interest, fl. 4,620.00
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 103
Proceedings at the Colonie on the Delaware River.
\ From the Bundle indorsed Verscheide Slukkr:n rackendc d<i Colonic raji N. Nedp.rlandt^ Xo. 47, in the Stad Huys, Amf^terdam. ]
Holland Documents Extract from the Minutes of the Hon'''' Director, Council and Schepens in
XVI., 157. jj^jg Qoio„ie of New AmsteL
Present — Mr. Hinojossa,
Gerrit van Sweringen.
P'riday, 14"' November, 1659.
Jan Willemsen declares that Francis Bloetgoet came to him on tlie morning of the , the
day after the delivery of the answer to the deduction of the Commissioners, Mr. van Ruyveu
and Marten Kryger, and told him tliat he was authorized to go around to all the Burghers,
and to say that the Commissioners w^ould leave soon ; therefore, that whoever had any
complaint or recommendation to make, should communicate the same In writing, and it would
be answered at the Manhattans, and that he had done so.
Thursday, IS"- November, 1659.
Present — d'Hinojossa,
G. van Sweringen,
Jan Willemsen,
Jan Crato.
Jan Teunissen, carpenter, declares that he applied to Mr. van Ruyven for employment as a
soldier, who answered him thereto : If you be a soldier, you must stand sentry, and therefore
cannot earn much ; you should prefer coming to the Manhattans as freeman, in order to be
employed as carpenter by private persons or even by Mr. Stuyvesant, and as such had only to
ask wages; whereunto he replied that he did not know what to ask; further, that said Mr.
van Ruyven had recommended him to draw his wife's pay, and when he came to the Manhattans
he should not be sent back here again, thereunto taking down his promise, under oath, that he
should not depart out the Province of New Netherland before this Colonie or the city of
Amsterdam were paid.
(Signed), Jan Theunissen.
Beneath was :
To my knowledge.
(Signed), Cornelis van Gesel, Secretary.
Jan Scholten declares that his wife had, without his knowledge, presented a petition to Mr.
van Ruyven and Captain Marten Kryger for permission to leave here, and that when he learned
it, he then, at their invitation, hath himself spoken on the subject to the above named gentlemen,
that his wife may be allowed, agreeably to her request, to leave for the Manhattans, to which the
said gentlemen had answered, seeing that there was no means of doing so, they thought it best
X04 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
to see and effect it in tiie same wise and manner as Maria Wouters went from here, whereunto
the aforesaid gentlemen promised to afford every aid and assistance.
(Signed), Johannes Scholten.
Beneath was :
To my knowledge.
CoRNELis VAN Gezel, Secretary.
Jacob Crabbe declares being heretofore in conversation with Sheriff Gerrit van Sweringen
on a particular suit decided by this Council, from which he, Crabbe, had previously appealed,
but did not prosecute the same at the proper time, and was therefore adjudged in default, and
could not prosecute his aforesaid right any further, that Mr. van Ruyven had said to him,
Crabbe, in presence of the Director: Petition the Director-General and Council to be purged,
80 as to institute your action anew.
(Signed), Jacob Crabbe.
Beneath was:
To my knowledge.
CoRNELis VAN Gezel, Secretary.
Saturday, 2^'"^ November, 1659.
Present — d'Hinojossa,
G. van Sweringen.
Tryntien Croonenburg, wife of Jan Theunissen, being summoned and asked for her
husband, who had broken out of jail at night, and how was she to have gone away with
Karreman, and on what conditions, she hath declared that, on the Commissioners, Cornelia
van Ruyven and Martin Kryger, suggesting and insisting that she would be much better
at the Manhattans, for there were such good opportunities there to make money and obtain
bread, as was to every one of the Colonists also sufficiently well known, and that the entire
people had listened to the aforesaid gentlemen, and taken into their heads to remove to the
Manhattans; wherefore, that she likewise endeavored to go away in this manner with
Karreman, declaring, further, that she does not know how or in what manner her husband hath
agreed with Skipper Carreman, but, indeed, that Carreman's wife and servant have had
knowledge of it who have helped to put her furniture on board, complaining, now, that the
aforesaid gentlemen were away, and she was left in trouble. Thus done in the presence of
Jan Juysten and Jan de Barelle, as witnesses hereunto invited. She, Tryntie Cronenburg,
further declares that whenever she spoke to Carreman about going away with him, he said
and answered : Away ! away ; can't you come on board at night ; you must do tliat. In
presence, etc., signed with the mark of Trijntien Cronenburgh, wife of Jan Theunissen. Jan
de Barelle and with the mark of Jan Juysten.
Beneath was :
To my knowledge.
(Signed), Cornelis van Gezel.
Lyntie liarens, wife of llendrick Assuerus, declares that Michiel Karreman hath allowed
and permitted her to accompany him to the Manhattans in his sloop ; that she accordingly put
I
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI. 105
her property on board, saying also, that wlien the Commissioners were here she had been
with them, because she saw everybody running to them, and the current report was, that the
Manhattans and this place were all one, and the Commissioners could and were empowered to
do everything, and therefore 'twas the same thing whether people, if they wished to go to the
Manhattans, went to the Commissioners or to these magistrates. Thus executed in presence
of Christiaen Libart and Claes Antonis, invited as witnesses. In testimony, signed with the
mark made by Lyntie Barents, wife of Hendrick Assuerus, Claes Antonis and Christiaen
Libart, as witnesses.
Beneath was :
To my knowledge.
(Signed), Cornelis van Gezel, Secretary.
Jan Pyl, being summoned, declares that Captain Kryger's sergeant asked him, as they were
sitting together drinking at Albert Jansen's house, if he would wish to be employed, and having
thereunto answered yes, but that he was not free of the Colonic, as his passage money was
not paid, howbeit much more was due at Fop Jansen's, so that the sergeant thereunto again
replied that he, Pyl, should get his account and give him his chest, to be carried on board, and
he should mention it to the Captain. Whereupon he afterwards was sent for by the Captain in
the fort, and coming there, did not find him, but the under Commissary, Mathys Capito, who
said to him in the Captain's name that he had applied for his account: also that the same had
asked him the next day whether he had already got liis account, offering to confirm the
same by oath. Thus done in presence of Hendrick Gerritsen, Court Messenger, and Claes
Antonisen invited as witness.
(Signed), Jan Pyl.
Hendrick Gerritsen van Gesel,
Claes Antonis".
Beneath was:
To my knowledge,
(Signed), Cornelis van Gesel, Secretary.
Antony Briandt, being summoned, declares that his wife, on the ofTer of Mr. van Ruyven to
assist him in a certain suit and difTerence between him and the Director, arising out of a certain
contract, on which judgment had been, since 5 @^ 6 months, pronounced by the Council, hath
given verbal procuration and power, in order to be relieved of said judgment, which Mr. van
Ruyven then hath promised his wife, shall be performed for her, free of cost and damage; that
his wife hath delivered over thereunto all papers and vouchers to the said Mr. van Ruyven,
ofTering to confirm the same by oath, if necessary. Thus executed in presence of Jan van
Vol. II. 14
IQQ NEW-YOKK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Kalcker and Reynier Raven, invited as witnesses, wlio, with the above named Briandt, hath
subscribed these.
(Signed), Antoxy Briandt.
Jax Evertson van Kalcker and
R. Ravens.
Beneath was :
To my knowledge,
(Signed), Cornelis van Gezel, Secretary
Under was :
Agrees,
(Signed), Cornelts van Gezel, Secretary.
Sheriff Van Sweringen to the Commissioner'^ of the Colonie on the Delaware River.
[ From the Buudlo imlorseil YeradixUU Sttikken raekende Je Colonie van A'. NcderlanM, No. 58, in the Stad JIuys, Ainet«rdam. ]
Gentlemen.
I cannot forbear, by this occasion, saluting you and oflering you my humble
HoUand Documents, 'J ' o j a J J
xvL, iss. service. I hope your Honors will be disposed to accept it, on my Petition by
the ship the So7i, etc., as I have been admitted, subject to your Honors' approbation, Schout
and Councillor in the stead of the late Commissary Rynevelt, whose place, as Commissary, I
have filled, since his death, to the 20"" November, lGo9, only for want of others, as I have
never been inclined to continue in such employ, as your Honors will have fully seen per my
last. I have, also, verbally told the Director that I was not willing to do so, whereupon he
answered me, I shall think of it. This is all that is to be expected whenever anything is
asked of him. Some time afterwards, I allowed Domine Welius to request it. He gave for
answer: When his house is built ; which he plainly saw could hardly be done in a year for want
of workmen, and because of the size of that house, which is, at present, about finished, so
that now I am heard by my Petition and discharged for the term of 3 months. Thereupon,
Cornelis van Gezel hath taken charge of the store by inventory, but I have nothing to say to the
specifying of the 3 months, but can well consider that men, on the expiration of 3 months,
will not retract and restore me therein and again make an inventory of the store. It appears
to be a trick to hold me bound to it, and also in regard that he hath placed his nephew
therein, to which Mr. d'Hinojossa is somewhat opposed because they are too nearly related,
and for other reasons thereto adduced.
What now appertains to the books or accounts : 'tis now, by the hard driving of Mr.
Hinojossa, resolved that they shall be prepared, but I still fear nothing will come of it, for
the Director, as I hear, has to your Honors thrown the blame on us, and that they cannot,
therefore, be ready. But I wonder much that so clever a man, who appears to be so expert at
book-keeping, should have recourse to such pitiful excuses before so wise a board as your
Honors. I should fear being severely reproved therefor.
On this subject I have submitted a proposal to him through Mr. Hinojossa, viz.: that the
accounts, or what the people have received, both in provisions and merchandise, in the year
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XVI. 107
1G57, were delivered by him through the aforesaid Ilynevelt ; now what appertains to the
year '58 is also ready, the same as '57, so that his Honor, if he have any desire, can easily
go on, and I offer to subjoin 1G59 also, before he wants it, or forfeit 100 guilders. To this he
made answer: What I have is mere chikl's work; wherein his Honor spoke correctly, for
he treats the Commissary as a mere child and would never make him wiser, withholding his
commission and instruction. He himself kept the books of monthly wages, whereof he will
boast some night or morning, but I trust 'twill meet with very little consideration from you,
for, when the Commissary knew what his office was, it made him frequently sad, asking Mr.
Alrichs for his instruction, to which, in [my] presence, he gave for answer: My order is
your instruction. Whereupon Jonkh'' Rynevelt was obliged to apply for it further off, and his
instruction followed by the So?i, but things were then brought in a train, as already stated, so
that nothing then remained to be done, and shortly after he died, after having accomplished
his time here honestly and piously, constantly endeavoring honorably to advance the public
interests of the city ; but the good man has been always put off by his goodness, so that he
had nothing either here or there.
To return, then, to the foregoing, relative to the accounts, it can well be considered that
whoever simply and faithfully confines himself to disbursing to this one and that, on the
Director's order, cannot deliver his account, except on a debit sheet, the same as any one, in like
manner the provisions from year to year, but to arrange his credit, that must be the business
of him who receives the debt, purchases wares, holds the proceeds in hand and disposes
thereof; but disposing of city's means is now, God help it, an easy matter here, as they are few
or none except about 2,000 guilders in merchandise and what General Stuyvesant hath sent
on credit, notwithstanding there must be a considerable sum, in addition. There's still in
store some shirts, women's hose, and some bales of coarse cloth, with a parcel of hats and
shoes ; the best wares are disbursed for provisions procured in the Sonne many of which
were sold by me for Wampum on the Director's order, in small quantities, so that the store
might well be called a grocery. The proceeds I carried every week to his house or he gave
orders on me, which, at the end, amounted to so much that I sometimes must disburse 4 or 5
hundred guilders of my own, which I could not do any longer, it tending to the injury of those
whose goods I had on hand, which gave me more and more an aversion to the store. Again,
through ail this selling, chaffering and bartering, I dreaded to come, finally, into trouble with
the Director ; for confused accounts and an empty treasury bring a man to his wits' ends, and
his Honor is daily talking of rendering an account, and I would readily shove everything from
his head, but I hold myself excused from that, as I have never been willing to take any
justification upon myself, for divers reasons, such as the leakiness of the store in the fort ; the
detaching the store from our dwelling, and the like; and although he hath, up to this time,
kept me against my will, I have asked him what wages I should have for my past time, or at
least to give me a certificate that I had served so long ; he refused it, but I rely, herein, on
your Honors' discretion; yet I shall not neglect faithfully to serve the city of Amsterdam in
the office which I now unworthily fill.
Herewith T commend your Worships to the protection of God Almighty, who will always
keep and preserve you and direct your Honors' undertaking to the advancement of this Colbnie
and God's Church.
Your Honors' obedient and
Ever ready servant,
(Signed), G. v. Sweringen.
108 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Sheriff Van Swerinrjen to
[ From Uio Buii.llD iudorscd Versclttide StiiMen raekcnde de Mmie van N. NederlanJt^ No. 40, in the Stiid Iluys, Am«terdam. ]
Noble, Worshipful, Venerable, Wise, Right Prudent Sir!
Sir,
Hoibmi Document* With due respect and reverence have I hereby taken the liberty to greet you,
XVI., luG. through bounden duty of gratitude to devote to you all the days of ray life. I hope
you will not consider the insignificance of my person, but excuse the previous and present
boldness of so freely writing to your Honor.
Such being the case, I cannot neglect hereby to communicate my promotion; about a year
and a half after my departure from Fatria, with your Honor's favorable recommendation, I have
been appointed Schout here, subject to the approbation of the Hon'"= the Principals; previously
1 have taken care of the store as clerk, and, after J. Rynvelt's death, as Commissary, from
which I have now requested to be discharged, as I have, though unworthy, been recently
made Second Councillor with Joncker Alexander d'Hinojossa, first Councillor and Captain
Lieutenant of the Military here, who intends to go over in the spring to represent this miserable
place, God help it. The Military were few when the English came down on us, as your Honor
will have fully seen by the papers in the case transmitted ; the store is empty and repaired, the
most being distributed among the people ; but much unnecessary expense is incurred, which
might have been spared, and the honor of the city, which is here now so scandalously cried
down, might have been preserved, and one debt after the other have been remitted ; even the
property of the orphans, inclusive, hath been retained, so that the continual craving for and
recommendation to send over the books, is not strange ; this should now be commenced, but I
believe all again will remain in arrears. The Director will apparently lay the blame, as he
daily does, on the death of the Commissary, and now on me, but I can in no wise excuse him,
inasmuch as the late Commissary being held in little esteem by the Director, the latter withheld
his commission, and, on being applied to for it, said : My order is your instruction; kept the
books of monthly wages himself, sent orders only with a boy to have from the store whatever
he pleased, so that said Commissary complained thereof to his superiors, who have sent him a
commission conformable to that the Director had belonging to him. Nothing but a journal is
kept in the store; what came in was by the Director received, traded, etc. ; 'twas not for us
to know whether 'twas for the city or on his Honor's private account; therefore, we could
not return to him except what we have given to the people ; how he hath means to balance
the credit with the debit, he himself must know, for he hath bought all those dear enough.
Thus, also, we cannot make out that special vindication, for neither Rynevelt nor I have ever
issued any goods by measure or weight; all was done by guess. I am grieved to be obliged
to put such things to paper, as still young in this office, I have been the city's unworthy
servant; but it pains me that everything has been done so inconsiderately, whereby so noble a
city, whereof all the world boasts, hath been slandered both here and in surrounding places.
Secondly, if things become worse, I, individually, am ruined, for I have received here some
goods from my brother, all which 1 have laid out in house, horses and mules {jimtlen), which
cost me full 4 (a). C thousand guilders, Holland currency ; besides that, I am also married ; yet,
I hope that their Right Worshipful Honors will not allow the work to stick ; I trust Mr.
Hinojossa's proposals will serve in this matter to redress everything at trifling cost.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI. 109
I shall herewith conclude, recommending myself to your good favor. I dare not proceed
farther herein, for all that I am well acquainted with a history of this place. I refer to Mr.
Hinojossa, who again yesterday told and requested me to communicate to your Honor his
coming; he will then bring everything clear enough on the car[)et. Herewith I commend
your Honor to the mercy and protection of the Most High God, and remain your obedient
humble servant,
(Signed), G. v. Sweringen.
New Amstel, S"* December, 1659.
In the margin was :
After this, it has happened that Mr. Hinojossa hath written to Mess" the Commissioners
and Directors; he requested me to inclose the same, through fear that it may be detained
at the Manhattans, which was formerly the case. Therefore, 1 request your Honor to be
pleased to forward it by a safe hand.
Mr. Hinojosm to the Commissioiiers of the Colonie on the Delaware River.
[ From the Bundle indorsed Versc/behU Stuklcen. ra^kend-e de Colonie van 1^, Nederlandt^ No. 41, in the Stad Httys^ Ameterdam. ]
Honorable, Wise, Right Prudent, Most Worshipful, the Commissioners and Directors
appointed over the Colonie, on the behalf of the Right Worshipful Burgomasters of the
city of Amsterdam.
Right Worshipful Gentlemen !
Holland Documents, ^V '^^' ^^ 7°" ^^^ °^ l^"" August by Way of Manhattans, under cover of the
XVI., no. Director-General, which I hope shall have been duly handed to you. I should
now transmit tiie copy herewith, but the sudden departure of the sloop does not permit it.
Whether this be in order to deprive me of the opportunity of writing thereby or wherefore it
is, I shall pass over, but with difficulty have I been able to obtain this. I shall therefore only
cursorily relate the contents, which is the low condition of the Colonie, and how that occurred ;
also its renewed progress, and wliat concerns this river and can be procured from it, and the
trade which is to be carried on and had here; but I refer myself especially to my verbal
representation, as I, for certain weighty reasons, do not trust to writing over nor to the pen,
but prefer verbal communication, except that I shall feed each soul according to this inclosed
list, and hope to give you verbal explanation, so as to recover moneys disbursed with the
interest thereof, less than 7 @^ S, and that your Honors' Colonie shall be full of people and
cattle, and shall then flourish, through the iriercy of God. Man employs means, but God must
bless them, otherwise are they lost. The Colonists to be delivered here — a thousand souls —
who will work the land with plenty of cattle, and support all the servants five years, the
freight or passage money of the Colonists, or else the expenses of the people and crew of
the ship, also for a term of five years; then shall the Colonie be considerable enough and
peopled, and the city relieved of disbursements, such as maintaining servants, and receive
something yearly. All this shall I perform, by God's help, with one hundred thousand
110 NEW- YORK COLONIAL JNLVNUSCRIPTS.
guilders, and I shall each time give security for the moneys I shall receive, until your Honors
have obtained, to your satisfaction, the handwriting of each individual, that he hath had
the promised rations according to agreement, and besides wlint they have done, together
with the declaration of the overseers that it is so; all this without prejudice to the Director,
simply in quality as Commissary, Captain and Councillor, and that shall be without stipulation
of wages, but shall submit to the profound discretion of your Honors, according to merits and
your Honors' favor with gratitude and thanks, whereof 1 have already requested and still crave,
so as by your order to be sent for in the spring. But since my last, so much change has taken
place here, that 1 think it to be very proper to depart sooner, wherefore I have asked the
Director's permission to go in January, by way of Virginia, to Holland, simply giving him as a
reason for my departure, to acquaint your Honors with the low condition of this place.
Thereupon answered, first: I cannot spare you from here ; secondly, before I allow you to leave,
my accounts must be arranged. Then, on the first point, I said : Should I happen to die, you
would have to spare me. I inquired, when would the books be ready? He answered the first of
March, and that 1 might go then. But I expect that if I do not leave, except with his permission,
1 shall wait a long time. Therefore, I shall anxiously look for your Honors' order; also
the sending for the galiot, which is running behind — I say running behind, partly because the
freights do not pay the expenses, wages and board of the skipper and crew, saying nothing of
the wear and tear of the galiot, sails, &c. But, more than this, the little freight which it
produces is likewise wholly wasted here, and also the exchanges and what the one hath paid
the other, the freight moneys of the ship, the Guide son and thousands which his Honor owes
here, so that my heart almost breaks when I reflect on and consider everything, besides my
individual loss, which is considerable, as well as that of other inhabitants. 1 shall then even
draw up what is due here, what he considers to be public debts, that is, what I know, exclusive
of what I do not know. Please not to interpret me unfavorably, because 1 am bound by Cod
and the Lords I serve, to do it. And even nowadays, all that he can gripe and catch, is he
inclined for, provided 'tis only to be had on credit, so that, in presence of Gerrit van Sweringen
and Cornelis van Gezel, his nephew, whom he hath now appointed Commissary, I lately said :
I have oflered opposition enough, but what his Honor wills, that will he do. Now he. Van
Gezel, hath invested his means in clapboards; he means to keep the weather out of the store;
but what does that avail ? 'Tis too late ; the little ham is all eaten, the store is empty, so the
Director requests goods and provisions from the Director-General ; whereupon I said : Sir, how
will you pay for them? Turning himself around in his bed, though sick he was, he answered :
Why do you trouble yourself about that; you are altogether too thick headed ! It appears, if
his Honor can get a thing, he thinks very little about restitution. He longs much for a ship,
but I should be sorry to see it, as 'twould be all wasted. This shall serve for conclusion, that
the Regents of the city of Amsterdam should not allow the past to stop so noble a work, but
consider the reward they have to expect from God and the thanks from man, and not to look
to the expense of my little plan. But 1 trust that previous disbursements which are, as it were
gone, will be hereby recovered, and I think that God presents this means, in order that so
noble a project should not be smothered in the birth, as such tender and new beginnings cannot
be as much ; be pleased to take this, my boldness, in good part, and consider that I am driven
thereto for the improvement of my house, and secondly, by the duty I owe my Lords and
masters. Herewith shall I commend myself to your Honors' good favor, and pray God the
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 111
Lord that bis Almightiness may bless your administration, so that we may live peaceably and
quietly under it, in all godliness and uprightness. Amen !
Honorable, Wise, Right Prudent, Right Honorable,
I am and remain,
Your Honors' obedient servant,
(Signed), Alexander d'Hinoyossa.
Debts due in the Colonie.
The Director-General, as I heard from his own mouth, » fl. 4,000.00
To the same gentleman, now anew, 2,400.00
To myself, 516 . 00
To Joost Gooderis, ,. 150.00
fl. 7,060.00
Cornells van Gesel, 500 guilders ; Gerrit van Sweringen, 400 gl., fl. 900 . 00
To myself, 1 ,530 . 00
Public baker, 700 gl.; two men, 400 gl., 1,100.00
Hendrick Kip, 200 gl.; Michel Carreman, 80 gl., 2S0.00
Peter Alrichs, his nephew, 400 gl 400 . 00
The creditors of Andries Hude, for the church, 000.00
fl. 5,520.00
To me, also, an ox and lOS lbs. of beef; 18 skepels Indian corn. Wampum.
This is what I know, exclusive of what I don't know, and I believe does not include all.
Table of the Rations which I should give for one year for sixty Holland guilders.
Each man, per week, seven lbs. of bread, 7 lbs.
Meat, 4 lbs., 4 lbs.
Four pints of peas, per week, 4 pints.
Two pounds of dried codfish, 2 lbs.
One quartern of oil, 1 quartern.
Two quarterns of vinegar, 2 ditto.
One man can work well a week on this.
One cow worth 50 gl., Holland currency.
Beneath stood :
\ Your Honors' obedient servant,
(Signed), Alexander d'Hinoyossa.
Done in New Amstel,
IS"" December, 1659.
112 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Vke-Dlredor Alricli-s to the Commis-^loners of the Colonie on the Delaware Hiver.
r From Die Bundle indoracd VerscMfU Stukhen Tafk^mde d6 Coltmie ran N. Nederlandt No. 56, in the Stad Iluys, Amsterdam.]
Honorable, Wise, Right Prudent!
„„ ^„ , This will serve to cover the duplicates of the letters transmitted heretofore
IIollaDo Documents, *
x\'i.,2u8. ^^ ^i^g 2oih September, under the inclosed previous envelope to the Manhattans, to
advise you of the troubles which the English endeavor to foment against us, as the ships had
sailed and those duplicates came back, as may be seen by said envelope, and also by the annexed
papers, viz., the summons of the English, the answer, insinuation and protest against it, which
we returned. Whereupon we received the assistance for which we and also Mr. Willem
Beeckman, Vice-Director over the Company's limits in this river, made application to the
Director-General and.Council, under the command of the Commissioners, Secretary van Uuyven,
and Captain Martin Kryger, who, after exhibiting their letter of credence and commission,
dispatched two delegates, Jonk"' Augustinus Hermans and Resolvert Waldron, to Maryland,
to the English Governor, named Josias Fendel, whose Vindication is to be seen annexed.
From the one and the other, an opinion can be formed of our condition, which, in truth,
'is very low, for we now are subject to one and another drawback continually, from the
beginning and undertaking of this Colonie, so that we are in need at once of an entirely new
heart, and of people adapted for agriculture, such as we have had heretofore for the most
part; besides, the pretensions which the English put forth to this river and territory
ought, above all things, be removed, in such wise as the Hon''''' West India Company
shall find most advantageous to themselves and to the peace and quiet of the lands, for,
otherwise, no man will be willing or can remain here, much less will any person come hither;
but, on the contrary, private interested persons, who have employed and invested their
means here in houses and lands, will claim indemnity for losses caused by the pretensions of
the English, so that, in uncertainly, such conjectures have arisen in the minds of all and
every one, that 'tis unknown how or what at last will come of it. Meanwhile, they accuse
the city and proprietors, for, say they, a quiet and peaceable country, to which no man
hath a right, was promised them, which damage not only is considerable, simply for each
individual, but is of still more importance for the city itself, by the retrogression and stoppage
which the Colonie in general sutlers, exclusive of the costs already incurred for expenses,
repairing and strengthening this fortress since the commencement of the troubles with the
English, amounting to over three thousand guilders, on which amount, as well as for
the maintenance of more military, inasmuch as we are obliged and necessitated to enlist as
many as possible of the Colonists to strengthen and preserve this fort, the city's credit is
burthened more and more. We therefore wish, as has frequently been requested, that the
required stores may be sent over, which we all along have expected, and are still daily
expecting. Should they not arrive in the spring, we shall be obliged to allow everything to
take its course ; nevertheless, in order to prevent that, it is resolved and concluded to depute
Mr. Hinojossa next spring to your Honors, for the purpose of demonstrating the causes of the
low condition of the Colonie, viz., first, the want of industrious people who understand
agriculture, and the superabundance of lazy, idle and all-devouring men, who know no more
about work and farming than women and children ; who are only good to eat and drink, and
pertinaciously insist that a year's support was promised them ; secondly, the intemperate air
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 113
and heavy rains, which have caused a poor crop of all the means of support for men, and of
forage for cattle, and consequently great scarcity and loss both in the one and the other;
thirdly, unhealthiness, sickness, disease, violent and pestilential fevers and other tedious
disorders which have continued every year, whereof many have died. The proclamation of
days of fasting and prayer on this account, observed from time to time, and the lists of the dead
also sent over, are proofs thereof All the inhabitants of New Netherland are visited with those
plagues, but none, however, so severely as our people, which also, nevertheless, continue, for,
at present, those here are still, for the most part, tormented, as I, myself, have been ; T am now
confined to my bed between 2 and 3 months, and so severely attacked by tertian ague, that
nothing less than death has been expected every other day, and all things were directed
accordingly ; but now, thank God, I begin to be somewhat better, so that at present I
begin again to leave the bed for a little while, which inconveniences have consequently been
productive of more trouble to us than to other old inhabitants, who apparently have been
better able to withstand a bad time; for, by the aforesaid occurrences, has this Colonic, like a
tender plant, been crushed and down-trodden; fourthly, agriculture, which was manifesting
a favorable beginning, is all at once thrown into a heap by the impending and all-destroying
English war. Fifthly, and lastly, the uneasiness and dread created, by the aforesaid impending
war, among us and the common people, of being stripped of their property, and, on the other
hand, the offer of good conditions made them by the English whenever they would come and
dwell among them ; add to this, their being enticed and protected by those of the Manhattans,
have been the cause that many among them have removed hither and thither. It was hoped
that this dread would have been dispelled by the arrival of the reinforcement with the
Commissioners, Secretary Cornells van Ruyven and Captain Marten Kryger, whereas they
have caused as much greater disquietude, as by the annexed declarations' can be seen, and is
transparent. All which, with many other things, will be verbally demonstrated to your Honors
more clearly and fully by Mr. Hinojossa, and also how and what is serviceable for the
improvement of this Colonic, in order to develop the constitution and circumstances of these
lands, and to that end, help to concert and to point out the means for the best advantage and
profit of the city.
Concerning the accounts : As Commissary Rynevelt and his successor, Gerrit van Sweringen,
have been unfit to make out proper accounts, and I, myself, have continually so many
occupations, that it is impossible for me to devote my time thereto, they, therefore, are not
ready, as they ought to be. Wherefore I pray your Honors to entertain the reasons and all
things duly to consider. Nevertheless, we hope, with God's help, to transmit them in the
spring by Mr. Hinojossa, in such form as will be possible, not doubting but your Honors will
experience contentment and satisfaction therein. Previous letters had promised the sending of
assistance of servants, and the last, a ship with divers stores, such as iron, coals, brick, lime,
powder, a brew-kettle and such like, which we have anxiously expected, as well as refreshments
for the common people, viz: prunes, currants, French wine, etc., as 'tis impossible, in this
vexatious sickness, to live without them, and they were always to be received by the arrival of
the ship or ships, but as these did not come, want is frequently experienced. In consequence
of the failure of the aforesaid materials, the people were not accommodated, but everything is
at a stand-still.
• Svpra, p. 103 — Ed.
Vol. II. 15
214 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Again, you are advised that our Minister, D* Everardus Welius, hath died on the 9"' instant,
to the sorrow and grief of us ail.
T.ie Director-General, requesting the galiot to send provisions and other necessaries by her
to Curasao, his Honor hath chartered her for the term of 3 mouths, to make a voyage
thither and back, for the sum of five hundred guilders a month. This could not be refused, oa
account of needful service for the Hon'''^ Company.
Your Honors are again hereby respectfully requested to pay as much attention as possible to
the sending another Minister hither very speedily, so that the congregation now here collected
may not come all at once to grow wild. Wherewith commending your Honors to God's
protection.
Your Honors' obedient and
Obliged servant,
(Signed), J. Alrichs.
On one side :
New Amstel, on the South River, in
New Netherland, this 12"' December, 1659.
Shipper Huys to the Commissioners of the Cohnie on the Delaioare River.
[ From Iho Bundle indorsed Veracheide Stukken roikende ds Colonic van K. NecUrlandt^ No. 51, in the Stad Suys, Amsterdam. ]
On board the galiot Nleuwer Amstel, lying at the ferry,
in front of the Manhattans, 24"" December, A" 1659.
Honorable, Wise, Prudent and Right Discreet Gentlemen !
Gentlemen,
Holland Documents "^^ *^'i® ^^'P Speramundi now lies ready to sail for Patria, I cannot omit to
^^''*''' greet your Honors with these few lines.
Having returned on the 19"" March to the Manhattans with the galiot, to undertake another
voyage to Curarao for the Hon'''' Petrus Stuyvesant, and in the employment of the Hon""'*
West India Company, and am at present somewhat in want both of cordage, canvas, and also
of an anchor, which was lost in the South river whilst I lay sick at the Manhattans, for the
common rope is scarcely good for anything ; 'tis as it were burnt in the manufacture ; at least it
appears so. The purchase of new rope here would be very expensive, so that I shall examine it
well this time, for I must have 2 or 3 bales for hoisting lines. 1 have had a new topsail made
here ; I am getting a new mizzen. I have requested one of the anchors lying at Curasao from
Mr. Stuyvesant, who gave me for answer : That I must speak to Mr. Bocx about it.
As regards the galiot : If it remain in tiiis country longer than my time, considerable expense
must be incurred, and everything that is to be purchased here is mighty dear, and if it be not
ordered to return home by the summer, the goods I have heretofore written for must be
sent out.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI. 115
As regards our new Colonie, established by your Honors : At present 'tis in a low condition,
and should there be no change, I fear 'twill be lower; but that will be learned from divers
private individuals. My own opinion is, that almost all the people will leave that place —
some for Virginia, others for the Manhattans, as it seems. Many here attribute this to the fault
of Mr. Alrichs, but I leave that aside ; but 'tis painful to behold how the people here complain.
What regards the clamor which has always prevailed respecting the English, you will be
fully informed of what has transpired by divers letters, both from Secretary van Ruyven and
others, but heavy expenses will be incurred ; had Mr. Alrichs sent off" in the galiot or in a yacht
to the Manhattans, those who came to demand the place, as I and many others plainly counseled
him to do, it would have made a diff'erence fully of from one to S thousand guilders by this time ;
the cause and pretence which the English of Maryland set up, proceed only from one Baltmo :
and from some of our own people who went thither from here and afterwards persuaded the
English that they could take the place without much difficulty.
What regards the arrest of the galiot by one Reyndert Jansen Hooren, on a contract entered
into with Lieutenant Hinojossa for the purchase of some provisions, such as pork, beef, wheat
and peas: As the above person was not paid according to contract, he caused the galiot to be
arrested, and as I had cleared here to go to the South river I was obliged to give security for
the demand, and on coming to the South river I went to Mr. Alrichs and the Lieutenant,
taking also the protest which I had served on the aforesaid Reyndert Jansen Hooren, with the
answer he made thereunto. My security is Captain Jan Jacobsen, heretofore a resident of
Amsterdam. Neither Mr. Alrichs nor the Lieutenant has done anything in the matter except
writing a few words to Mr. Verlet, who will not trouble himself about the affair. So an
extraordinary session of the Court was demanded yesterday by this Hooren in order to cite
and oblige Captain Jan Jacob to pay, who gave me for answer that he should appeal to the
Supreme Council and, if he were then condemned to pay, he should again put the galiot under
arrest. Hereupon I consulted with Mr. Stuyvesant, who answered me, that I should pay it
and release the security, which I considered inexpedient and said, that I had trouble enough
for myself and people, that I must disburse so much in victuals and drink, that I already had
my belly full, but if they will mortgage the galiot and draw exchange and make contracts,
they must be responsible for it; that's their affair, for which I am not responsible; and what
I do I shall vindicate to my superiors. Of all the fine cargoes sent by the ship the TVaeg and
by the galiot and the Son and the Meultn, it may be said: 'Tis impossible that they are lost ; I
firmly believe not a particle remains and still always in poverty, so that things are in a low
condition here at present, as you may suppose.
What regards the building carried on there, 'tis of little expense; the first winter I remained
there, I made application for my crew to be allowed to assist the carpenters, in putting the
Director's house under cover. I gave 35 days with my carpenter and pilot; he promised to
pay me as much as he had given one baes Joost, but when the work and also the church and
guard-house were finished, he put me off" and paid me in sweet words ; but he hath paid my
carpenter and pilot.
Respecting my discharge when my three years are expired, I have written to you, gentlemen,
before this, to be pleased to see and send a good and suitable skipper in my place, if the galiot
is to remain longer in this country, as I intend, with the help of God, to return home next
summer. 1 should not desire to do so were it here as in other places, for I am always ready
and willing to serve you even during my whole life; but when I arrive home, I shall make
IIQ NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
such report as will prevent any expression of displeasure against me. The death of Everardus
Welius, our Minister, who piously rested in the Lord on the O"" instant, has caused deep
sorrow here and especially among the virtuous, who now are almost disconsolate.
Also, Cornells Harpersen de Jager was likewise buried here at the Manhattans on the 20""
instant, so that almost all the people are dead, run away, or banished, and very little hope is
remaining, and there is every appearance of that little being less.
Herewith ending, I pray God, the Lord, for your Honors, that He may be pleased your
Honors, collectively, in health to spare unto salvation. Amen.
Your Honors' faithful servant,
(Signed), Jacob Jansen Huts.
Resolution of the Co^nmon Council of Amstenlam.
[ From the Jitsuluticn tan de Vrocdsc/utj^pt:?!, C., 50, in the Stail lluys, Amsterdam. 1
SS"" August, 1660.
Holland Docnments, ^ Memorial is presented to the Burgomasters from the Directors of the city's
New NeiheriaDd Colonic in New Netherland for assistance to its Colonic and an advance of
8,000 gi. 8,000 gl., which, being considered, it is resolved and concluded to place the
aforesaid Memorial, and the papers appertaining thereunto, in the hands of the gentlemen who,
by resolution of the 8"" of November last, are commissioned for the affiiirs of said Colonie, to
examine said Memorial and to report their opinion and advice.
Controvei^ey lehoeen Lord Baltimore and the J?utc7i, respecting tlie Delaware Bivev.
[ From the Original in the Royal Archives at the Ilaerne; Lokrtkiis of the States-General; Ilubrickj West Indische Compagnie, No. 4S. 1
Extract from the Minutes taken by the Deputies of the General Incorporated
West India Company representing the Assembly of the XIX., at Amsterdam.
1
^Amsterdam.
Tuesday, l?"- August, 16G0.
Present — Mess" Abraham Wilmerdonx,
Hans Bontemantel, Schepen,
Jacobus Reynst,
Anthony Verspreet, Assessor,
Willem van der Heyde, Zealand.
Nicolaes ten Hove, Maase.
Claes Pietersen Boschieter, North Quarter.
On the notification of the presiding Chamber of Amsterdam, dated 29"" July last, appeared
the members of the Chambers of Zealand, Maaze and North Quarter (Groningen alone
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 117
being absent), and, accordingly having made a commencement of the business, read the
commission of the Chamber of Amsterdam to Mess" Eduard Man, Abraham Wiimerdonx and
Hans Bontemantel, old Schepen and Councillor of that city, dated the 9"^ August, A" 1660.
One of the chief partners, etc.
The following notice and other papers handed to the Chamber aforesaid, by Notary Crosse,
on the 20"" instant, in the name of Captain James Neale, Attorney of Cecilius Calvert, Baron
of Baltimore, being produced and read to the meeting by the Deputies of the presiding
Chamber of Amsterdam, it is, after previous question, resolved and concluded that the aforesaid
Notary Crosse and Captain James Neale shall be summoned to the meeting to-m'orrow morning,
and that then a fitting answer shall be given to their unfounded
Protest.
Be it known to all and every, by this public instrument of Notice and Protest, that on the
three-and-twentieth day of the month of August, New Style, in the year of our Lord God
1660, I, Johannes Crosse, by the Court of Holland admitted a sworn and public Notary,
residing at Amsterdam, have, at the request of Captain Neale, presented myself to the Assembly
of the Hon'''* West India Company, within this city of Amsterdam aforesaid, with
Captain James Neale, Agent of the Right Hon"'' Lord Cecilius Calvert, Baron of Baltimore,
owner and proprietor of that entire tract of land or territory named the Province of Maryland,
in America, extending, according to the limits described in his Lordship's patent, to him
granted by his Majesty, Charles the First, of most blessed memory, King of Great Britain, on
the 20"" day of the month of July, in the S"" year of his said Majesty's reign, and in the year
of our Lord 1632, correct copy whereof [is annexed], together with an order or commission
granted to him. Captain Neale, by his aforesaid Principal, the Hon"'' Baron of Baltimore,
dated at London on the 20"' of April last, authorizing and empowering the said Captain Neale
to ask you, the Hon'''*' West India Company, if you acknowledge the cultivation of the Colonie
called New Amslel, lying in de la Waer bay, in Maryland aforesaid, and in case Yes, then to
demand your submission and obedience of said place and Colonie to his aforesaid Lordship,
as proprietor of said country, wherein the aforementioned Colonie of New Amstel is situated
and planted (both which instruments are by me, the above named Notary, translated into the
Nether Dutch language); also, a Notice and Protest demanding submission as aforesaid ;
All which have been by me, the Notary aforenamed, delivered to the Hon'''= Eduard Man,
one of the Directors of your Company, for the behoof of the said Company, on the 7"" day of
the month of June last, in virtue of a second order or commission from his Lordship, the Baron
of Baltimore aforesaid, dated at London, the 24"" July last past, copy whereof, together with a
copy of a letter from his present Royal Majesty, Charles the second. King of Great Britain, to
the Governor and Council of the Virginias, notifying the confirmation of his said Lordship's
patent, acknowledging his Lordship to be the right owner of the said Province of Maryland,
under his Majesty, dated at Withall, the third day of the month of July last, both by me, the
above mentioned Notary, translated into the Nether Dutch tongue, which are at present by me
delivered to you, the Directors aforesaid. I now again, and for the second time, ask you, the
Directors of the West India Company aforesaid, if you acknowledge the cultivation and
possession of that district of country called New Amstel, lying in the de la Waer bay, on the
south side of said bay, within the limits or jurisdiction of his said Lordship's patent of Maryland.
And if yea, he, Captain Neale, aforementioned, doth, in the name and on the behalf of his
said Lordship, the Baron of Baltimore, owner and proprietor of the said Province of Maryland,
118 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
demand of you, the said Company, surrender of the said plantation of New Amstel to liim, the
said Lord; and in case of refusal or neglect of submission, doth declare, in the name and on
the behalf of his Principal, hy me, the Notary aforesaid (with due reverence and respect to you,
individually and as a Company), that he protests, as [ do hereby protest, against you, the said
West India Company, for and because of your unlawful and illegal cultivation, detention and
possession of said plantation of New Amstel, and for all costs, charges, losses and interests
already, by your illegal cultivation, possession and non-submission thereof, had, done and
suffered, and still to have, to do and suffer, with express declaration that his said Principal shall
and will, by all possible, lawful and proper means, seek to reduce the said Colonie to and under
his J^ordship's obedience, at such time and place, where and whenever he shall find fitting.
Nevertheless, to the end that the whole world may see and acknowledge that his said I'rincipal
acts in no other wise than is right, and as his just and legal right demands, he, Captain Neale,
doth now again and for the last time, offer and tender, in the name of his Principal, to you, the
Directors of the said West India Company, that his Lordship is willing and ready to treat with
you or any agent of yours, and to decide and conclude the said matter in love and friendship,
on honorable and just terms, subject to your abiding there, and hereupon he. Captain Neale,
demands your positive and prompt answer.
Charles IL to the Governor of Virginia.
Charles R.
Trusty and well beloved. We greet you well. Whereas, it appears to us by divers
depositions, that one Josias Fendall, late Governor under Lord Baltimore, of our Province of
Maryland, hath raised a faction in said Province against the right and jurisdiction of said
Lord Baltimore ;
Therefore, we, on the humble prayer and petition of the said Lord Baltimore, to the end
that we him in his just rights, would protect and defend, do charge and command you and every
one of you to be aiding and assisting unto his officers in the establishment of his jurisdiction
there, as the same existed last January, according to his patent or charter of the said Province,
to him granted by the King, our father, of blessed memory, whereby you will be doing us a
special service.
Given in our court at Whitehall, on the third day of the month of July, in the twelfth year
of our reign.
Lower stood what follows:
To our Governor and Council of the Virginias, and to all ship Captains and Skippers
trading to Maryland, and to all Magistrates and officers and others our subjects in those
quarters or countries.
Beneath stood :
Agrees with the original.
(Signed), Edw : Nicholas.'
Sir Edward Nicholas, Knight, after passing tlirough OxforJ and the Middle Temple, lived about a year ia France; he
afterwnrds became Secretary to Lord Edward Zouche, warden of the Cinque ports, and, next to George Villiers, First Duke of
Buckingham, Lord Zouche's successor, and so, in a short lime. Secretary of the Admiralty. After the murder of the Duke,
in 1628, Mr. Nicholas continued in the same place whilst the oflice was in commission, and next was one of the Clerks of the
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IX. 119
Lord Baltimore to Captain Neale.
Captain Neale.
Whereas I have written to you formerly at Amsterdam to inquire of the West India
Company whether they acknowledged or claimed the cultivation and possession of that district
of country lying in the Bay de la Ware, on the south side of said bay, within the limits of my
patent or grant of Maryland, and in case they acknowledged the cultivation of said district,
then and in such case, to demand their submission of the said plantation to me; and in case
of refusal on their part, to protest, in my name, against them, because they unjustly or illegally
possess or remain in occupation of the same.
In like manner I again do authorize and request you once more to address yourself to the
said Company, or to such others as you may understand to be the possessor of the same, or
whomsoever hath authorized said possession, taking with you a Notary Public, and in case
of their refusal to submit to my jurisdiction, against them again to protest, and also such to
communicate to my Lieutenant in Maryland for the time being, and to any other person by
me authorized to the said service, in order to employ or make use of all possible and proper
means to reduce those people, who are settled on my land, under the obedience of my
government of Maryland.
And to effect the same, this shall be your power and authority ; and in case they will submit
let me know it, to the end that I may send over a commission, to grant or accord conditions to
them, to allow them to abide under my government according to my aforesaid patent or grant,
dated in London on the four-and-twentieth day of the month of July, A° 1G60.
Beneath was : Your very dear friend.
(Signed), Baltimore.
Addressed :
To Captain James Neale, this deliver: and sealed with his Lordship's seal at arms
impressed on black wax.
1
>
J
Wednesday, 1" September, 1660.
Present — Mess" Eduard Man, Chairman,
Hans Bontemantei,
^ t T> u i- Amsterdam.
Coenraet Burgh, j
Jacobus Reynst,
Willem van der Heyde, Zealand.
Nicolaes Ten Hove, Maase.
Claes Pietersen Boschieter, North Quarter.
Pursuant to yesterday's resolution, appeared at the meeting, Captain James Neale, Attorney
of Cecilius Calvert, Baron of Baltimore, accompanied by Joannes Crosse, Notary here ; to
Council ; in 1641 he succeeded Sir Francis Windebanke as Secretary of State, and in 1648 withdrew to France on the death
of his Royal master. In 1650 he removed to Holland, where he continued to reside until 1655, when he joined Charles II.,
who gave him the Royal Signet. On the restoration, he was reappointed Secretary of State, and held that post until October,
1662, when he was succeeded by Sir Henry Bennett He was a very honest and industrious man, versed in business, and was,
in truth, throughout his whole life, a person of great reputation and of singular integrity. Clarendon's History of the Rebellion,
8vo„ III., 1321 ; Beation'a Political Index. — "Eo. _.
]^20 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
•whom was given the following answer to his presented Notice and Protest respecting the
claim to the Colonie of New Amstel situated in New Nelherland ; whereof said Captain,
requesting copy, the same is graciously granted :
The present Deputies to the Assembly of the XIX., of the General Incorporated West India
Company in the United Netherlands, having seen and heard, with great surprise, the demand
which you. Captain James Neale, make for the behoof and by authority (as you state) of
Cecilius Calvert, Baron of Baltimore, whereby you require that the Directors of the aforesaid
Company shall command some of their settlers on the South river of New Netherland, and
particularly the Colonists of the city of Amsterdam, to pay submission and homage to the
above mentioned Lord or his Attorney, by virtue of a certain grant made to his Lordship by
Charles I., of immortal memory. King of England, Scotland and Ireland, etc., offering, to that
end, to agree on certain conditions, with the aforesaid Company, protesting, in case of refusal,
against all costs, losses and damages done and suffered, to do and to suffer, &c., requesting,
thereunto, a prompt answer;
Have, agreeably to said request, after mature deliberation, resolved to give you, the Protestor,
for answer, that they have, with good right for a long series of years, the aforesaid demanded
place possessed and still occupy under the government of the High and Mighty Lords States-
General of the United Netherlands, without the said Baron of Baltimore, or any one else,
having put forth the least claim thereto, and that they, accordingly, do intend the same to hold,
their settlers in their good right to maintain and to defend against whomsoever it may be.
Which we hope the said Baron will take into consideration; but, if contrary to our
expectation, his Lordship shall, to the end aforesaid, resort to any acts of violence, in order to
disturb said Company in their just possession, they, the notified Deputies find themselves
necessitated to tell you that the aforesaid Directors, their Principals, will, under the protection
of their High Mightinesses, make use of such means as God and nature have provided them
with. Finding themselves fortified with much greater reason than you, the Protestor, have to
protest not only against all costs, losses and damages on that account done and suffered, or to be
done and suffered, but also against the innocent Christian blood which shall in consequence
be shed among co-religionists and allied friends and neighbors.
Wednesday, 1" September, IGGO — afternoon.
Present — Mess" Eduard Man, Chairman,
Hans Bontemantel,
Coenraet Burgh, ^Amsterdam.
Jocobus Reynst,
Jacob Quina, Assessor,
Wil.lem van der Heyden,
Francis Moens,
Nicholaes ten Iloeve, Maaze.
Claes Pietersen Boschieter, North Quarter.
Appeared, &c.
Zealand.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 121
Monday, G"" September, 1660.
Present — All the members.
It being submitted by the Commissioners from the presiding Chamber of Amsterdam, that
the English nation in New England are daily usurping and appropriating considerable tracts of
land in New Netherland belonging to this State and the Company, so that they have taken to
themselves to within 8 @^ 9 leagues of the Manhattans, the Fresh river there situate, wherein
not only the inhabitants of this State have heretofore had their Colonies and plantations, but
also the Company, a trading house or fortress.
Whereupon Director-General Stuyvesant, in order to prevent any further usurpations, and,
as much as possible, amicably to hinder the same, has been obliged to agree, in the year
165 , on a boundary line with those of New England, which has been approved by their
High Mightinesses, without any further result in England, although the Ambassadors of the
State there being, on receiving instructions to that effect, have requested it, and received, for
answer, that the government there had no knowledge of the matter and had received no notice
thereof from New England.
In like manner, that the English nation is now seeking to dispossess the Company of the
North river and to invade its shore, whereof the papers prepared by the Chamber of
Amsterdam remain in the Company's hands; which, being deliberated on, and it being
considered that their High Mightinesses' Ambassadors are about to depart for England, it is,
therefore, resolved and concluded, that the presiding Chamber of Amsterdam shall be, as it is
hereby requested, to communicate the aforesaid to their High Mightinesses, the Lords States^
General, and to request that they would be pleased to give the Ambassadors the above
boundary with the Crown of England in charge, and the same most warmly to recommend ;
Whereunto shall be adjoined the business of the South river or New Amstel, to which Cecilius
Calvart, Baron of Baltimore, is laying claim, regardless, nevertheless, that the place has been
so many years in the possession of the Company, without the aforesaid Baron of Baltimore
having had any knowledge of it or laid any claim thereto.
So that their Excell'^'" may also duly attend to said business in England, should the above
mentioned Lord Cecilius Baltimore happen there to put forth anything further. This session
is spent with the aforesaid resolution together with some further conversation concerning the
Company's affairs and what stands inserted in the Secret Resolution.
And the Commissioners appointed heretofore respecting the affairs of the officers of Cape
Verd and Rio Gambia, are requested to examine the matter this afternoon, so that the persons
who are extremely solicitous may obtain a termination to their affairs and be dispatched.
Tuesday, 7"" September, 1660.
Present — All the members.
Appeared, Mr. Cornells van Essen, &c.
Vol. IL 16
122
NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Tuesday, 14"' September, 1660.
Present — Mess" Eduard Man, Chairman,
Hans BoDtenianlel,
Coenradt Burgh, ^Amsterdam.
Jacobus Reynst,
Anthony Verspreet, Assessor,
V. Moens, Zealand.
Claes Pietersen Boschieter, North Quarter.
Gerhardt Svvarte, Groeningen.
The resolutions adopted on the fourth being this day resumed ; they are, after question was
put, approved.
Read a certain Deduction drawn up by the Chamber at Amsterdam, touching the unseemly
and forcible usurpation of the English neighbors in New Netherland, accompanied by divers
appendices in support thereof; also, a Petition to the High and Mighty, the Lords States-
General, requesting them to be pleased to instruct and commission their Ambassadors going to
England, not only to complain to the King of such usurpation but also to request redress, and
then to negotiate a settlement of the boundary between us and them in that country.
Which, being considered and put to the vote, the aforesaid Deduction and Petition are both
approved and are to be delivered accordingly to their High Mightinesses in the name of this
Assembly to obtain the effect thereof.
And further, the Chamber of Amsterdam is thanked for its good services herein, with the
request that it will continue its zeal in the premises for the advantage of New Netherland.
Tuesday, 14"' September, 1660.
Present — Mess" Eduard Man, Chairman,
Hans Bontemantel,
Coenraet Burgh,
Jacobus Reynst,
Anthony Verspreet, Assessor,
F. Moens,
Claes Pietersen Bosschieter,
Gerhardt Swarte,
-Amsterdam.
Zealand.
North Quarter.
Groningeu.
The report of the Accountants of the Chamber of Amsterdam being brought into the
Assembly, &c.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 123
Saturday, 25'" September, 1660.
Present — Mess" Huygens, "^ |^ | Pergens, ^ g-
Swanenburg, ; ga | Burgh, • -a
Ripperse, f ssS Reynst, f |
Renswouw, J 0*"^ Verspreet, Assessor, J <
Van der Heyden, ) 7 1 j Ten Hove, Maase.
Moans, J ' ' Bosschieter, North Quarter.
Swarte, Groningen.
The wind being at present favorable for the departure of the yachts Postpaart, Ecndracht
and Visser/gie, and their High Mightinesses' Deputies at this meeting, being requested to
dispatch, forthwith, the letters to Director-General Van Heussen and the Lieutenant of the
anchor, the same are signed by Mr. Huygens, as President of this meeting on the part of their
High Mightinesses, also by the Deputies of each Chamber, and order shall be given for
forwarding said letters this morning by express to Amsterdam, to be transmitted thence.
Thus done and enacted by the Deputies of the General Incorporated West India Company
at the Assembly of the XIX., at the Hague, the five-and-twentieth of September, A" 1600.
(Signed), Jacob Pergens "'.
By order of the same.
(Signed), L. van Seventer.
1660.
JResolutkm of tJie States -General.
[ From the Register of West India Afl'airs, 1652 — 1663, in the Royal Archives at tlie Hague. 1
Tuesday, 28"" September, 1660.
Folio 289. Mess" Huygens and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of
Company. (^he West India Company, having reported that all the business was resumed
Report of the bosi- r J ^ or
"^^'^ at the late meeting of the Nineteen at Amsterdam, holden here at the Hague, in
their presence, by the attending Directors from the respective Chambers, and that they had
no suggestions against it. Which being considered, their High Mightinesses have resolved and
concluded hereby to confirm and approve all the aforesaid business, so that it may take effect
according to the form and tenor thereof.
224 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Skipper Ibnjs to the Commis-'<ioners for the Colon ie on the Delaware River.
I I'rom tbo BuoUlo indorsed Vmthcide Stukkcn rarkenile dr. Colonic ran N. Ncderlandl, Xo. 58, in the Stad Hxiys, Amsterdam. ]
Hon'"'', Right wise, Prudent and very discreet Gentlemen !
Gentlemen. I hope that my last, sent you per the ships MocsmaJi and Versrulde
Hnlland Documents, i j j i ^ o
XVI., 221. Sever, together vpith a large package of books and letters by the ship Bontekoe,
has safely come to hand. I had then written that I doubted not my discharge did come by
the ship Vcrtruhh Otter, but up to this time 1 have not had intelligence thereof, therefore
was I fully resolved to return In the ship Eijclccnhoom, having appointed in my place one
David Jochemsen, residing here at the Manhattans, subject to the approval of Mr. d'Hinojossa.
The last time I was in the South river, I informed Mr. d'Hinojossa thereof; he gave for
answer that he could not well do it, but he was expecting news by the first ships how it was to
fare with the South river, and that he hoped to receive early information either by Virginia or
the first ship coming from Fatherland, and that we must have patience until then. Whereunto
we made answer, I and my pilot, we have exceeded the three years by three months, and the
crew were the whole time growling and murdering, and swearing by Death and the Devil, and
insisting on their discharge, so that the two who have now come over, have requested their
discharge, and others their accounts for the three years which have expired, exclusive of myself
and the pilot, and also a list which I have sent over to my wife of what I had furnished the
sailors, as appears by their account. I doubt not your Honors will pay the wife what she
really requires; the rest to friends. I shall request your Honors to grant me my petition ;
that is, what 1 have so often written to you about, to order another in my place ; one will leave
here to request it of your Honors ; my opinion is, David Jochemsen, named as above, is a
proper man.
The galiot is now again chartered for six months to Mr. Cornells Willet, to go with him to
Virginia, and on return thence, to Curarao. I should send over the charter party, 'tis not as
yet clear but it will earn 2,500 guilders in the space of six months. In my opinion, I had
rather send her at Christmas to Fatherland, had I had here hauled ashore, but I have nothing
to say as to that ; and when the time is all expired, not a stiver is to the good ; all at once, 'tis
bread all forgotten. Meanwhile, am I always out of pocket for pitch and tar and sail cloth, and
sail making, which your Honors will not be surprised at when once you see my account. The
galiot hath now been in the Hon*"'* West India Company's service over S months, at 500 guilders
per month, whereof not a doit, I understand, is forthcoming. I have asked the Director and
Supreme Council whether I could not get as much as was to be disbursed or still to be paid for
the galiot and necessaries. Was answered Yes, but if for disbursements prior to her entering
into their service, they will pay nothing.
What regards the danger which we in the river run from the English ships on the lookout
in Virginia; good security is given as far as the galiot is concerned but not for our monthly
wages, although Mr. d'Hinojossa has promised that our wages should be paid to a stiver, in
case the galiot happened to be overhauled by the English.
In respect to the Soutii river: Were there a tolerably healthy population and a reasonable
harvest, and a parcel of good farmers, it would still prosper, and the people who still remain
there would again begin to pluck up fresh courage.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL, IX. 125
At present the Indians keep themselves very quiet; I hope 'tis now almost entirely over
with them, for this place, the Manhattans, is quite rich of people, and there are, at present,
fully over three hundred and fifty houses, so that it begins to be a brave place, and divers brave
villages are rising up which are built in good order. May God, the Lord, grant it may so
continue to improve.
Breaking off, I pray God, the Lord, for your Honors' health and prosperity unto salvation.
Amen.
Your Honors'
Humble, faithful servant,
(Signed), Jacob Jansen Huys.
On board the galiot N. Amstel,
lying before the Manhattans,
SO"- September, 1660.
The West India Company to the States -General.
[ From the Original in the Royal Archives at the Hague; File, West Indie. ]
To the High and Mighty Lords, the States-General of the United Netherlands.
High and Mighty Lords.
The annexed petition, with all the papers thereunto belonging, to the effect that your High
Mightinesses' Extraordinary Ambassadors may be instructed to terminate and dispose of,
reasonably, the differences touching the boundary, &c., between the English and our nation in
New Netherland, immediately with his Majesty of Great Britain, to the end that both nations
may live as good neighbors in good correspondence, being presented to you. High and Mighty
by the deputed Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company, representing
the Assembly of the XIX., your High Mightinesses are therefore, in their name, most respectfully
requested to order all those papers to be handed to the Ambassador Extraordinary going to
England, with instruction and command to be vigilant therein for the public service and for the
advantage of the West India Company, according to the importance of affairs, and to promote
this good intention near the government of the Kingdom of England.
This doing, &c.
(Signed), N. Ten Hove.
6* November, ] 660.
West India Co7npa7iy.
DEDUCTION
RESPECTING
THE DIFFERENCES ABOUT
BOUNDAEIES, &c.,
NEW NETHER LAND
PRESENTED
STATES-GENERAL,
5th of November, 1660.
[ Zoketkas of the States-General, Letter L. ; Division, IJ'est Indisc/ie Coinpagnie, No. 49. ]
CONTENTS,
LIST OF DOCUMENTS ACCOMPANYING THE REMONSTRANCE AND DEDUCTION PRESENTED
BY TUE DIRECTORS OF THE INCORPORATED WEST INDIA COMPANY
TO THEIR HIGH MIGHTINESSES, THE STATES-GENERAL.
Page.
No. 1. RemonstraDce of the West India Company to their High Mightinesses, 131
No. 2. Deduction of said Company on the aflfairs between the Dutch and the English in New England
and Virginia, 133
Letter A. Copy of the Charter granted by their High Mightinesses, the States-General, on the Xlth
October, 1614, to the inhabitants of this State for trading to New Netherland, 139
Letter B. Papers respecting some hostilities of the English neighbors against the Company's servants within
the territory and jurisdiction of New Netherland, together with some Protests against them ;
also, some resolutions about the purchase of lands from the natives in those parts, 139
Letter C. Power and authority to Mr. Hugh Peters, Minister at Salem, 150
Letter D. Seditious and mutinous letter of John Onderhill, 151
Letter E. Transactions of some seditious Englishmen on Long Island, in the village of Gravesend, 152
Letter F. Four letters from the Magistrates of the villages of Amersfoort, Breuckelen and Flushing,' and
particularly Gravesend, written to the Directors of the West India Company, their Lords
and Patroons, 153
Letter G. Protest of the Company's officers and the strange and important answer of the English on Long
Island, 160
Letter H. Three special Exhibits, according to which the English nation sought to dissuade and detach the
inhabitants of this State from their obedience and the oath they have taken, and by which
they were bound, to the Company, 162
Letter I. Declaration and Manifest against those of Maryland or Virginia, 163
Letter K. Consent granted to the West India Company by his Majesty, Charles the First, of England,
of blessed memory, dated 5th September, 1627, 163
' There are no letters from these three places. The four mentioned consist of three from Gravesend and one from
Hempstead. — Ed.
Vol. II. 17
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IX. 131
No. 1. Remonstrance of the West India Company.
[ From the Original in the Royal Archives at the Hague; Loketkas of the States-General; Division, West Indischc Compagme, No. 49. ]
To the High and Mighty Lords, States-General of the United Netherlands.
The Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company, representing the Assembly of
the XIX., respectfully state that they, as well as those of the aforesaid Company at the Chamber
of Amsterdam in particular, have heretofore frequently represented to your High Mightinesses
that the English nation bordering at the North side on our lands of New Netherland, has for
many years been trying and endeavoring, by unseemly practices and means, on unfounded
pretences, to invade our lands and jurisdictions there.
Yea, has progressed so far in them, that of the three chief rivers which lie within the limits
of New Netherland, viz'. The South river, North river and Fresh river, it had, by such
usurpations, made itself complete master of the last named ;
Also of a portion of Long Island, lying on the East end, all contrary to a multitude of protests.
And that such nation, in these, its insufferable proceedings, seems to have been backed by
the English government here, so that greater and more hostile attempts and designs on its part
were afterwards the consequence, for some had tried, by sinister means and open practices,
to debauch your High Mightinesses' and the Company's inhabitants there, and to seduce
them from the oath and obedience they owed the same; all which, and how it happened
from the beginning down, can be seen in the accompanying Deduction and the appendices
thereunto appertaining.
And although the Directors had hoped that, on the discovery and exposure of such
unrighteous and hostile designs, that nation, as if overwhelmed by shame, would have
thenceforth abstained from its so unjust usurpation of the Company's lands and jurisdiction ;
Yet they find that, still recently and namely last year, 1659, it has endeavored to settle on
the North river, with a view to dispossess and thrust the Company in lime therefrom, or at least
to draw off and destroy the Beaver trade. And howbeit the Company's officers in that country
have opposed this, and plainly and fully proved the want of foundation on the part of the
English in this instance, and consequently clearly refuted their frivolous exceptions, evasions and
pretences, as is also to be seen by the aforesaid Deduction ; nevertheless, they have learned by
the last accounts from New Netherland, that the English neighbors from the North adhere
to their design to settle, willingly or unwillingly, and to form a Colonie on, the aforesaid
North river.
Another and aggravated difficulty has, in addition, arisen from the English neighbors situated
at the South between Virginia and the South river, in a place called Merrilant, who have
presumed, at the latter part of the last year, to summon, by fire and sword, not only the fortress
named New Amstel, lying on the aforesaid South river, and where the Worshipful government
of the city of Amsterdam hath established and included its Colonie, but, and of a consequence
also, the entire South river, and that in virtue of a certain patent or grant given and accorded
to a certain Baron Baltimore, by Charles the First, King of England, of illustrious memory ;
Notwithstanding it appears, from the aforesaid patent itself, that 'twas obtained and procured
from his Royal Majesty on fraudulent representations ; namely, that the lands were not, at
the time, in the possession of any one, the contrary whereof, 'tis conclusively proved, was
132 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
(lone by the Dutcli nntion, which hath taken possession of the aforesaid river many years
before Ihe said patent was obtained ; as can also be seen in the aforementioned Deduction.
So that the Company is iiienaced and in danger of being utterly ousted and expelled from
its so justly possessed fs'ew Nelherland Province in that American country, on both sides;
namely, by the English of the North and South, who outnumber our people there; whereby
this State and its loyal inhabitants are about to lose the benefits, advantages and profits, which,
in respect of divers conveniences they now possess and daily expect more and more to enjoy
(to avoid prolixity these are here omitted, having been, heretofore, frequently demonstrated);
the aforesaid Province being already brought to such a posture that it not only can subsist of
itself but is beginning to produce reasonable fruits and revenue ; so that, with (Jod's help, it
will, iti a few years, reimburse, especially if what is usurped be restored and peaceable
possession be then permitted, the expenses incurred in the settlement and advancement thereof,
which amount to far beyond ten tons of gold.
Wherefore the Directors have considered it their duty, hereby, humbly to request you. High
and Mighty, to be pleased, on this occasion, to commission and instruct the Ambassadors now
about to proceed to England, not only to com[)lain of all such unseemly and hostile proceedings,
but, and particularly, also, further seriously to urge, request and intreat his Majesty the King
of England :
First — That Baron Baltimore, who resides in England, may desist from his unfounded
pretensions and consequently leave our people yonder unmolested.
And at least allow this matter to remain in stuiu until Commissioners on both sides should
there make and agree upon a boundary between Merrilant and New Netherland.
Secondly — That his Majesty may resolve and order that the Fresh river and the lands on
both sides thereof, together with a part of Long Island, unjustly usurped from the Company
by the English of the North, may be again restored to it, and consequently that the English,
who have settled there and are willing to remain, shall be bound to comport themselves like
the other your High Mightinesses and the Company's vassals and subjects there, &-c.
And thirdly — That a boundary line between the said Northern English and the Company
be then made and concluded, as being the only means to preclude and prevent their invasions
and usurpations in future.
And as the Coinpany will hereby, in all appearance, arrive at a peaceable possession, and
the result will tend to the great peace of both nations in those parts, we cannot (with
submission) doubt hut you, High and Mighty, will make such good order in the premises and
cause such aid to be contributed as the importance of the case and your wisdom shall dictate.
We shall only add, on this occasion, as King Charles the First, of illustrious memory, the
father of his present Royal Majesty hath pleased, on the inost humble Petition of the West
India Company, to declare and consent that its ships, whether equipped for commerce or war,
both in the voyage out and home, shall have and enjoy, without any molestation, hindrance
and obstacle, Iree ingress and egress in and from all his Majesty's harbors, roadsteads and
creeks, as is more fully to be seen by his act of consent given at Whitehall on the S""
September, 1C27, copy whereof is hereunto annexed ; that your High Mightinesses will please
to instruct and commission the Ambassadors to procure from his Majesty the confirmation
and renewal of the act of consent aforesaid, so that the Company may, on all occasions, make
use of it according to circumstances. Which doing, &c.
o"" November, lUGO.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 133
No. 2. DEDUCTIOJ\^
BRIEF AND CLEAR ACCOUNT OF THE SITUATION OF NEW NETIIERLAND; WHO HAVE BEEN
ITS FIRST DISCOVERERS AND POSSESSORS, TOGETHER WITH THE UNSEEMLY AND
HOSTILE USURPATION COMMITTED BY THE ENGLISH NEIGHBORS ON
THE LANDS LYING THERE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE
INCORPORATED WEST INDIA COMPANY.
New Netherland is situate on the north coast of America, in latitude 3S to 41i degrees, or
thereabouts, along the coast, being bounded on the Northeast by the countries now called
New England, and on the Southwest by Virginia.
This district or country, which is right fruitful, good and salubrious, was first discovered
and found in the year IG09, by the Netherlanders, as its name imports, at their own cost, by
means of one Hendrick Hudson, skipper and merchant, in the ship the Halve Macne sailing in
the service of the Incorporated East India Company; (or the natives or Indians, on his first
coming there, regarded the ship with mighty wonder and looked upon it as a sea monster,
declaring that such a ship or people bad never before been there.
The discovery of this country by Netherlanders is further confirmed by the fact that all the
islands, bays, harbors, rivers, kills and places, even a great way on either side of Cape Cod,
called by our people New Holland, have Dutch names, which were given by Dutch navigators
and traders.
In the year following this discovery, namely in 1610, some merchants again sent a ship thither
from this country, and obtained afterwards from the High and Mighty Lords States-General a
grant to resort and trade exclusively to these parts, as appears by the copy hereunto annexed
Letier A. Under Letter A., to which end they likewise, in the year 1615, built on the North
river, about the Island Manhattans, a redoubt or little fort, wherein was left a small garrison,
some people usually remaining there to carry on trade with the Natives or Indians. This was
continued and maintained until their High Mightinesses did, in the year 1622, include this
country of New Netherland in the charter of the West India Company.
This Province of New Netherland was then immediately occupied and taken possession
of by the said Company, according as circumstances permitted, as is the case in all new
undertakings. For which purpose they caused to be built there, since the year 1623, four forts,
to wit: two on the North river, namely Amsterdam and Orange; one on the South river, called
Nassaw, and the last on the Fresh river, called The Hope. From the beginning, a garrison
has been always stationed and maintained in all these forts.
134 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
The Company had erected these forts both Southward and Northward, not only with a view
to close and appropriate the aforesaid rivers, but likewise ns far as title by occupation tends,
the lands around them and within their borders (being then about sixty leagues along the coast),
and on the other side of the rivers, to possess, to declare as their own and to preserve against
all foreign or domestic nations, who would endeavor to usurp the same, contrary to the
Company's will and pleasure.
And for greater quiet and security, and, in order more lawfully to confirm their possession,
the Company caused their servants to purchase from the nations there, as can be seen by divers
resolutions, deeds and conveyances, many and divers lands situated in various places within
their aforesaid limits, whereon boundary posts were erected, to which their High Mightinesses'
arms were aftixed, in order to notify other nations coming there that the country was owned
and possessed.
The subsequent circumstances of the Company alone prevented the occupation, by forts, of
the River Pequatosfocket, Narikansick, otherwise called Sloop's Bay, which are situate behind
Cape Cod
Which circumstances being observed by the English of New Plymouth, in New England,
they began to build, some leagues above the Company's fort The Hope, a trading-house of
which one Master Pinsen was the first commander.
Wouter van Twiller, the Company's Director, duly protested against this in the year 1635,
and admonished the said Pinsen to remove without the Company's possessed jurisdiction,
who, refusing, placed himself on the defensive. This Pinsen remained, though unlawfully in
possession, because the Company's servants were not authorized to show any hostility to the
P^nglisl).
The latter, becoming bold, from time to time, on account of the increase of numbers in their
country, in consequence of the troubles in J^ngland, encroached Westerly below Cape Cod, on
the Dutch limits, absorbing Rhode Island, Block Island, Martin's Vineyard, Sloop's Bay,
howbeit possession had been taken thereof, for the Company, in the year 163G, by one
Abraham Pieterss., of Haerlem, on the Island of Queteurs, situate in front of said bay,
and ['equators river, which they pretend to have conquered by force of arms from the natives,
inasmuch as they have wholly subjugated that nation.
The English, not satisfied with the foregoing usurpations within the limits of New Netherland,
continued tliese improper proceedings, and have, contrary to the law of nations (inasmuch as
all the lands thereabouts were purchased by the Company's servants) and against a multitude
of protests, founded a comely city, called Hartford, about a gunshot from Fort Hope, on the
Fresh river, together with divers other towns and hamlets.
The English, afterwards perceiving no consequence or obstruction to follow those protests,
went on in their unseemly usurpations and built, six leagues to the Westward, a handsome
city called New Haven, with some villages and hamlets. Divers protests were made against
this, as aforesaid.
Long Island, which is encompassed Southwardly by the Great ocean and Northwardly by
the East river, is about 30 leagues in length, and was, l)efore the English had any pretension
or ever made any claim to it, taken possession of by the Dutch in the name of the Company,
by planting the villages of Amersfoort, Hecmstede, Flushing, Gravesend and Breuckelen,
■with a goodly number of bouweries and plantations, the inhabitants thereof being all subjects
and vassals of their High Mightinesses and of the Company.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IX. 135
Notwithstanding which, that Island has not remained free from such unseemly usurpers, for
the English of New Haven (called Rodenbergli by the Dutch of olden times) have planted,
on the east end of Long Island, two little villages named Southampton and Southold.
la like manner, in the Kromme Gouw,' which is an inland sea in Long Island, have they
usurped what is called Garnart's Island, belonging to Long Island, and lying very convenient
for the cod and other fishery.
Yea, this usurpation is intermixed with the greatest contempt and contumely in the world ;
for though 'twas known to the English that the Company had caused to be purchased all the
lands on Long Island which were belonging to a certain Chief or Sachem named Pensauits,
and though their High Mightinesses' arms were, in token of possession, affixed there to a certain
tree, yet that nation hath not only thrown down the aforesaid arms but carved a fool's face in
the place thereof, to the gross disparagement of their High Mightinesses.
Whose subjects then iiave been forced also to submit to many injuries and affronts from that
nation, both in their persons and property, as also appears, among other matters, from a certain
Letters. appendix annexed under Letter B.
And although, for all such indecorous proceedings, satisfaction has been, divers times,
demanded by letter, yet hath none resulted nor can any be obtained.
In this wise, then, have the English, by unrighteous usurpation, made themselves masters
of all the before mentioned places and particularly of the beautiful Fresh river, notwithstanding
they well knew and were aware that the Company had not only ratified the possession of the
aforesaid river by the construction of its fortress and some bouweries besides, but that it had
purchased, long before their coming, from the natives and proprietors, many lands thereabouts,
which were, accordingly, conveyed to it.
This can also be sufficiently proved by what those of New England, the usurpers of the
aforesaid Fresh river, have done at the time the troubles between King Charles I., of
illustrious memory, and his Parliament had burst forth in England to acts of hostility ; viz',
offering to pay to the Company's officers there an annual acknowledgment, or to conclude a
bargain with them ; also, to this end, sending hither, in the year 1G41, one Mr. Hugh Peters,^
a Minister at Salem, with instruction and authority to enter into an agreement with the
Company on that subject, both which can, also, in some wise, be seen from the copy of the letters
Letter c. of Credence and of the written proposition hereunto annexed under Letter C.
In like manner, also, did the Rhode Island usurpers, when at loggerheads with those of The
Bay, apply to the Company's officers in those parts to permit them to come and hide among
the Dutch; all which can more clearly and fully be proved and confirmed by the papers and
documents remaining with the Company's officers in New Netherland.
But since the unfavorable change in the government of England, that nation, in order to
gloze over its doings yonder, hath had recourse to divers subterfuges, circumstances, forged
pretences and false arguments to obscure and overthrow the Company's lawful claims and
just right; afterwards, from time to time, proceeding persistently and even boldly in this their
so unrighteous usurpation on the Company's lands and jurisdiction, unto the palpable injury
of this State and Company.
Neither did they rest satisfied with this intolerable usurpation, for it appears their cupidity
was extending further, when some of that nation endeavored, by sinister means and open
practices, to dispossess and drive the Company wholly from that country of America, or at
' Gardner's bay. ' Supra, L, 566. — Ed.
j^36 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
least to bring its subjects there under their government. These means consisted in debauching
and incilin" them, and endeavoring to seduce them from the oath they have taken and by
which they veere bound to the Company; as is sufficiently apparent, among the rest, by a
certain seditious and mutinous letter written by one Jolin Onderhill, copy whereof is annexed
Letter P. Under Letter D.
Whereupon it followed, on the 9"" INLirch, IGoo, when the difficulties here between England
and Netherland had long been adjusted, that some seditious Englishmen, among whom were
fJeorge Baxter and James Huybert, inhabitants of this State and under the Company, did, in
tiie town of Gravesend, on Long Island, publicly, and before all the world, declare tliemselves
subjects of the Government or Republic of England, to that end setting up its arms there ;
Letter E. as cau be seen by the annexed copy under Letter E.
Notwithstanding these mutinous subjects knew, for a certainty, that the State or Government
of England had not a shadow of claim in the world to this village of Gravesend, which was
lying, with Heemstede, Amersfort, Breuckelen, Flushing and some others, on Long Island;
as can be clearly enough seen by the supplicatory and humble letters which the aforesaid
English and Magistrates of the villages aforesaid, and particularly Gravesend and Heemstede,
have, from time to time, addressed to the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber
at Amsterdam, as their Lords and Patroons, whereof some copies are annexed under
Letter F. Letter F.
And although this attempt did abort through the foresight of the Company's officers, yet
that nation did not long lie still, but, as was their custom, continued to encroach on and in
our lands and jurisdiction, and, among others, on the aforesaid Long Island, which, although
protested against, yet have those who had squatted there dared to give a very strange and
serious answer (which was not the first time); as can be seen from tiie two copies of Protest
Letter G. and Auswer annexed under Letter G.
By these strange and unheard-of proceedings of the English, the Company's officers in that
country were greatly embarrassed, being apprehensive that such insufierable action and
boldness might be encouragnd ; wiierefore they then have communicated these things, from
time to time, to the neighboring Governors of New England, by way of complaint, and besought
tlieiii that such iioslile action and insufierable usurpation be not countenanced, but rather
opposed, by them as good neighbors and allies were bound and holden to do.
Whereupon many excuses were made, but not such as could remove the presumption to the
contrary ; which was more confirmed and strengtiiened when advice was received that they
had sent thence, by way of Boston, to Old England, one James Grover, one of George Baxter
and James Iluyberl's accomplices, and the very man who had set up the arms of the Republic
of England in the village of Gravesend.
Which James Grover afterwards came there, in the year 1G57, bringing with him a letter
from the pretended Protector, Oliver Cromwell, addressed to the English inhabitants of Long
Island, which he afterwards presented to the Magistrates of the village of Gravesend,
belonging, as already slated, to the Company's jurisdiction, to be opened and read ; as is to
be seen by two copies of letters written by the Company's officers there and annexed under
Letter n. Letter H. This could not tend to any other purpose than to (iissuade and seduce
the inhabitants of this State and Company from the obedience and oath they had tal^en and
were owing to the same.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 137
From this mode of proceeding, it clearly appears that such usurpers and mutineers were
backed up and encouraged even by the English home government.
Which support and encouragement then have so countenanced and emboldened those of
New England, that, notwithstanding they dispossessed and shoved the Company from the
entire Fresh river, as also from the Eastern part of Long Island, yet, not satisfied with that,
they have cast their eyes on the North river, in the neighborhood of a place called Wapping's
kill, situate between Forts Amsterdam and Orange, with a view to dispossess the Company,
in time, of it ; nay, at least to draw off the beaver trade. But not being well able to effect
their purpose without the knowledge and consent of the Company's officers, they requested
of them free passage, under color of planting a Colonic there, maintaining that it could not
be refused them, in regard, particularly (as they say), that the aforesaid selected place,
according to a certain patent granted hy the illustrious Iving Charles L, was within the resort of
Massachusets Colony. And, although it be objected thereto and clearly and plainly shown
tliat, even admitting such patent to have been granted, it could not take away the power and
authority of the High and Mighty Lords States-General of the Free United Netiierlands, whose
subjects first discovered that country of America, and particularly the North river, and also had
taken possession thereof afterwards, under charter from their High Mightinesses, as heretofore
set. forth, being long before the illustrious King Charles' father succeeded to the kingdom, which
first happened in the year 1625. Notwithstanding this, we learn by the last despatches received
from New Netherland that that nation at the North still remain disposed, with or without consent,
to plant a Colonie on the North river aforesaid.
About the same time, and in the latter part of the aforesaid year 1659, news arrived here that
some other Englishmen in the South, from a place called the Province of Merrilant, situate in
Chesapeak bay, between the South river and Virginia, have had the presumption to demand,
by fire and sword, not only the fortress called New Amstel, lying on the aforesaid South river,
where the worshipful government of the city of Amsterdam have established and included their
Colonie, but and of a consequence, also the aforesaid entire river, with bold and intolerable
menaces, founding their right on a certain patent or grant which the illustrious King Charles L
had also given to Cecilius Calvert, Baron of Baltimore, who is residing here in Old England.
This unheard of and hostile mode of summons took the Company's officers there greatly by
surprise, having never expected any pretence or claim from that quarter, which also could not
be put forth with any sort of foundation, it being a place within the resort of the Province of
New Netherland, the possession of this South river, being itself sealed with the blood of their
High Mightinesses' subjects ; for the Company having, in its infancy, planted a Colonie called
the Whorekill, and erected a small fort there on the west side of the bay, within the South
Cape, they were all, in course of some time, murdered and slain by the Indians.
And afterwards, in the year 1623, as hereinbefore stated, the West India Company caused Fort
Nassau to be erected 15 (a). 16 leagues up the river on the east bank (which was maintained
with a constant garrison until the year 1660, when it was removed thence, and the river
downwards on the west bank was included where the fortress New Amstel is now standing) ;
in like manner, also, some time after, downwards on the west bank a redoubt, called Rivers, or
Bevers rede, was erected on the Schuylkill ; by that means, having purchased from the natives
many and divers lands, in order to hold the possession with quieter conscience, the Company
meant, as it dolh still mean, to have its possession in that quarter so strengthened, that its right
thereto is incontrovertible.
Vol. II. 18
l^g NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
In order, then, to maintain that right, as much as possible, against such evil-minded neighbors,
the Company's ofTicers were not only obliged, at a great expense, to secure the possession of said
Fort iNew Amstel, with a force of 70 and more soldiers, but they have also, for peace sake, to
prevent further mischief, resolved on an Embassy to the Governor and Council of Merrilant,
to dissuade and deter them, if possible, from their so unrighteous design, and accordingly to
furnish them a clear and precise explanation of the incontrovertible right their High Mightinesses
and the Company were having to said river, with further otter, irrefragably and forever to fix
the boundary between the Province of Merrilant and NewNetherland, by Commissioners to be
appointed on both ides, or else, in case of disagreement, to refer the matter to the respective
Sovereigns in Europe ; and if all tiiis were refused, generally to protest against all damages,
costs and losses wliich already had been suffered, and would still accrue, as can be seen in its
length and breadth, in the copy of the Declaration or Manifest, politely drawn up by the
aforesaid Ambassadors, and delivered over to the said Governor and Council of Merrilant,
Letter I. aiHiexed under Letter I.
And such Embassy and explanation of matters, in like manner, ought to have made them,
when sufficiently convinced, to desist from their design, as less stubborn and more peaceable
neighbors would have done; yet have they continued persistent in their previous claim, viz',
that the fortress and Colonie of New Amstel, and, of a consequence, the entire South river, was
lying within the jurisdiction of the Province of Merrilant, according to the pretended patent or
charter granted to the above named Baron Balthasar More.
After which, also, did the aforesaid Baron now recently, and namely, on the vii'*" June, 16G0,
send unto the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company at Amsterdam, a translation
of the aforesaid patent or grant, in confirmation of the claim put forth by him and his in that
quarter, and accordingly demanding submission and obedience of the aforesaid place and
inhabitants of New Amstel, or, in case of refusal, protesting against said Company and declaring
that he, at a more convenient time, shall and will reduce the aforesaid Colonie under his
authority and obedience.
Which came upon the Directors with so much the greater surprise, as it can be clearly proved
even by the aforesaid patent or grant, that their High Mightinesses and the Company's
subjects have been the first possessors of the South river, for the date of the aforesaid patent is
June, 1632,
And that it was obtained on fraudulent or at least on ignorant pretences, for the aforesaid
patent states, among other things, in substance : That the Baron of Baltimore was petitioning
his Royal Majesty for permission to transport, at his own expense, a considerable Colony of
the English nation to a country or territory in the hitherto uncultivated and unplanted parts
of America, although inhabited in some parts thereof by certain savage people, possessing no
knowledge of Almighty God.
Ergo, not in a place which was already possessed, planted and cultivated, by other free
nations and Christians, being subjects of their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General, on
a charter thereto specially granted, and that so many years before, as already so clearly and
conclusively demonstrated.
King Charles the First, of illustrious memory, being likewise of too generous and too just a
nature to give away and present to his subjects, lands and places already possessed and
governed by other free nations and his allies, and over which, consequently, no disposition in
the world appertained or belonged to him.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 139
Unless such be claimed, on the ground that the English nation have had a settlement prior
to and before the Netherlanders, about that part of America, to wit, in Virginia.
If that have weight, the Dutch nation must, we think, be altogether preferred, being
considered, as in former times, namely vassals and subjects of the King of Spain, first finder and
founder of this new American world, who, by the conclusion of the peace, hatii made over to
the United Netherland Province, all his right and title to such country and domains as they
should conquer, in process of time, in Europe, America, etc.
The French having been the second followers and discoverers of this Northern part of America,
who are come there in the year 1524.
The English came there, for the first time, many years after.
But deeming such claim and forced argument unnecessary, they are of opinion (with
submission) that they have deduced and proved clearly and plainly enough, that their High
Mightinesses and the West India Company's subjects have been the first discoverers and
possessors, not only of the South river, but also of the North river and Fresh river, all lying
within the limits of New Netherland, as hereinbefore laid down and described.
Therefore, the Directors cannot doubt but their High Mightinesses will maintain the
Company, and cause it to be supported in its so righteous possession, and will accordingly exert
every means, and have the same employed, that, on the one side, the English of the South,
namely the Baron Baltimore, may desist and cease from his unjust pretension to the fortress
or Colonie of New Arastel and the South river, and on the other, that those of the North, or
New England, be prevented and hindered, not only from settling and taking possession of the
North river, but, and chiefly be constrained to restore the entire Fresh river and lands lying
on both sides thereof, together, also, with a part of Long Island, all by them both forcibly and
unrighteously usurped, so that the Company may finally succeed in reaping the fruits and benefits
promised, if it be left in peaceable possession of its New Netherland conquests that stand the
Company in so dear, having cost it many tons of gold before they were brought to such a state.
Lette" A.
Grant of the States-General to Gerrit Witsen, and others, of an exclusive right
to trade to New Netherland for three years; dated H"" October, 1G14.
[ Omitted, being a triplicate of Document I., 11. ]
Letter B.
Condition and Agreement entered into between Commissary Jacob van Curler
and the Chiefs of Sickenames, on the S"" of June, 1633, as follows :
The aforesaid Curler, and the sachem named Wapyquart or Tattoepan, chief of Sickenames
river, and owner of the Fresh river of New Netherland, called, in their tongue, Conettecuck,
have amicably agreed for the purchase and sale of the tract named Sickajoock, a flat extending
about one league down along the river and one-third of a league in width to the high land and
beyond the kill upwards, being a flat extending to the next adjoining little stream, on condition
that all tribes might freely, and without any fear or danger, resort to the purchased land for
the purposes of trade; and whatever wars might arise between them and others, may be
waged or carried on without any of them entering on our said territory. It is further expressly
X40 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
conditioned by this contract, and assented to by the aforenamed ciiief, that the Sequeen should
dwell with us, all at the request, and to the great joy of the Sequeen Allarbaenhoot, and all
interested tribes. This has taken place, on the part of the Sequeen, with the knowledge of
Magaretinne, chief of Sloop's Bay. The chief of Sickenames is paid for the said land by
Jacob Curler one piece of duffels, twenty-seven ells long; six a.\es, six kettles, eighteen
knives, one sword-blade, one shears, and some toys. All which was signed by Jacob van
Curler, Fredrick Lubbersen, Gillis Pieters, Claes Jans Iluyter, Domingo Dios, Barent Jacobs
Cool, and Pieter Louwerensen.
Anno 1633, on the S"" June, by Jacob Curler, Commissary in the service of the West India
Company, was purchased, by order of the Director and Council of New IVetheriand, from the
chief of Sickenames. with free will and consent of the inhabitants there, all that flat land,
about one league long across through the wood on the river, and about one-third part of a
league broad, and a musket-shot over the kill where the said Curler, by orders aforesaid, has
commenced building the trading-house called The Hope, situate on the Fresh river of the New
Nelherland; with express condition, on the part of the purchaser and seller, that all tribes of
Indians shall be permitted to come freely thither to trade with us ; and that the enemies of one
or the other nation shall not molest each other on the purchased tract ; which conditions were
agreed upon and concluded to the great satisfaction of the Indians, especially of the Sequeen,
all which occurred in the presence of all the Company's servants then there present.
Protest.
The Director and Council of New Netherland hereby give notice to William Holmes,
Lieutenant and trader, acting on behalf of the English Governor of Plymouth, at present in
the service of that nation, that he depart, with all his people, forthwith from, and break up his
settlement on, the lands lying on the Fresh river, continually traded upon by our nation, and
at present occupied by a lort, which lands have been purchased from the Indians and paid for.
And in case of refusal, we hereby protest against all loss and damage which the Incorporated
West India Company may sustain. Thus done at Fort Amsterdam, in New Nelherland, this
xxv"" October, 1633, in presence of the underwritten witnesses. And the above named
Lieutenant gave a written answer to the same, that he could give no writing, as he was
appointed there and must remain until further orders from the Governor and Council of New
Plymouth ; also, that he was there and intended to remain, in the name of the King of
England, whose servants they were. (Signed), Jacob van Curlier, Frederick Lubbertsen,
Carel Fransen.
Anno 1633, IG'-'' September. After long admonition to desist from their undertaking, we
have expressly forbid them to pursue any trade above our fortification, much less to erect a
house, as the river belongs to us, in virtue of our frequent resort and possession taken of the
ground; but they have even continued.
Anno 1663,' the 25"" of April. The English on the Fresh river have sowed corn in our
ground during the night, against which we have frequently protested. In the afternoon we
undertook to sow barley therein, but finding it planted, turned back, and one of our people
'Sic. 1643. —Ek.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 141
wns violently struck by the English on his arm, so that he could not move; another
Englisliman cut a hole in his head with the top or crown of an adze, so that the blood ran
down over his face and clothes.
The following written Remonstrance was presented to tlie Hon""'* Director and
Council of New Netherland, hy Gysbert Opdyck, Commissary on the part
of the General Incorporated West India Company :
That we, on the 23"* April, 1G40, did tell and notify Mr. Hopkens, the English Governor on
the Fresh river of New Netherland, that we proposed ploughing, for the Company, a piece
of land lying behind Fort Hope, as it was our purchased and paid for ground, forbidding him,
Mr. Hopkins, or any of his, to attempt doing anything on the aforesaid piece of land ; who
gave for answer, that 'twas their ground, inasmuch as they and not we, had bought it from
the right owners, and that the Pequatoos never owned the land, which he will prove by a
chief of the Morahtkans, who dwelt near the Pequatoos, and that the owners had fled away
to seek assistance from their people. Whereunto we, Opdyck, and the other servants of the
Company, made answer, that the lands, many years before their coming, were taken possession
of, and payment in full made to the right owners, which was also approved of by the residents.
Mr. Hopkins said: Show your right; we shall show ours; also, that he sought to deal in
friendship with us ; which, Opdyck said, was our intention, but that he, meanwhile wished to
have the use of the land, it being our ground. To this he, Hopkins, and the other English,
would never agree.
Also, that the English constable on the Fresh river did, on the 24"" April, 1G40, come with
ten (a^ eleven men, each being armed with a thick stick, to our people, who were busy ploughing
on the Hon''''' Company's ground, who, with blows and shouts, so frightened our horses that
were drawing the plough, that, from terror, they broke tlie ropes and chains, and ran away.
And whereas we had that day notified the Governor not to molest us on the Hon'''^ Company's
land, we, in an hour after the constable came to us, resumed ploughing without hindrance.
On the 25"' April, 1640, the English, in the night, sowed with corn the land that, in the day,
Opdyck had caused to be ploughed, against which Opdyck protested, delivering a written protest
to the Governor, who would not answer it as 'twas in Dutch, saying: I can also protest, and
that we were not acting right ; asking, likewise, that Opdyck should show the Company's title
to the land ; also, that the English sought to live in friendship with our people, but if we came
with force, they should use force against us, and that their King would fully maintain them as
our Prince of Orange would us. Thereupon, Gysbert Opdyck gave for answer: He was not
bound to show them any title, but if they had anything to say, they should deliver it to him in
writing, and he would forward it to the Hon'''^ Director.
Moreover, that we very well knew that his Majesty of England did not require them to
•^wrong another in his property. In the afternoon, Opdyck had barley sown in the ploughed
field, but the English drove the people off. Whereupon Opdyck himself went thither, but the
English, who were standing on a ridge, would oppose our people, and sought to prevent them
sowing our own land, which was ploughed by our men. Meanwhile, Evert Duyckingh ran past
the English with a hat full of barley; whilst sowing, an Englishman struck him on the arm
with a club, so that he could not move; another cut said Duyckingh in the head with an
adze stuck in a long handle, so that the blood ran down his face and clothes. Whereupon we
were forced to depart, but Opdyck said : You do us wrong and violence.
j^42 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
In the ni."-ht of the 30"" May, one of the Company's mares that was going astray, was taken
by the English and brought in their pound without our knowledge. A man came afterwards,
who told us that the Governor's servant had taken it because tiie horse had eaten their grass.
If Opdyck would pay the damage, they would restore the animal. To which was answered,
that the ground and grass were ours; that they had nothing to do with our horses, and should
bring them back whence they were taken.
On the 21"' June, 1G40. Gysbert Opdyck being come from the Manhattans, and about an
hour at home, the English carried ofl', in the twinkle of an eye, a cow and calf, and drove them
to their pound.
On the 22'' June, 1G40, the English Governor in the Fresh river [sent] two men to Opdyck,
on the demand of the Hon"' Director, Willem Kieft, and consented to give up the horse, cow
and calf, if we would pay the damage done by them to the grass; whereunto the Commissary
gave for answer : If they would give back the cattle belonging to us, they could do so, but he
did not intend to pay any damage, as they iiad sought their food on our purchased land, and
no damage had been done.
On the 28"" June, 1640, an English clergyman took a load of the hay which the Company's
servants had cut; wherefore the Commissary served iiim with a protest, at the house of the
Governor, who was not at home.
On the ly"" of August, Teter Colet, the steward, and other of the Company's servants, whilst
cutting the Company's grain, were driven off by the English, who said 'twas their grain, and
that they had sown it. Whereupon Opdyck protested at the house of Deputy-Governor Hengst,'
who answered that he had nothing to do with any protest, and that they knew it.
Protest.
I, Willem Kieft, Director-General of New Netherland, notify you, Captain Daniel Patterick,
or whom it may concern, that this ground- which you claim to take possession of, is within
the jurisdiction of New Netherland, and belongs to their High Mightinesses, so that hereafter
vou may not pretend any cause of ignorance ; we order and warn you further not to attempt
anything to the prejudice of their High Mightinesses, and in default thereof, we protest against
all damages, losses and interests which may accrue herefrom. Ady. 15"" October, 1640. On
the Island Manhattans, in Fort Amsterdam.
Answer.
We shall not do anything in the least which will contravene their High Mightinesses, the
Lords States' right to any lands of theirs in New Netherland ; yet,^ until
the matter be more clear that this is States' land on which we live ; and we dare not give any
other answer to this protest.
Ditto. The Director protests as above. Signed — Daniel Patterick, Willem Kieft, Ulderich
Lupolt and Oloff Sevensen, witnesses.
1G41. On the IS"" April, Peter Colet, Evert Duycking and Sybrant Sibols ploughed and
sowed some peas in the land belonging to the Company, situate in the Fresh river of New
Netherland, about the house The Hope ; the English came to them in the field, saying: Ye are
' Eaiaes. See I., 598. ' Greeawicli, Connecticut. ' Something out. — En.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 143
smart fellows, to be at work so early in the morning, but what we were doing was of no use, as
(they said) the ground was theirs. Thereupon Colet answered : We plough our own purchased
and paid for land.
Wiiereunto the English said : Are you going with your three men to resist the whole town ?
The English have severely beaten and injured Peter Colet and the horses, and driven us
from the Hon'''* Company's land; wherefore we, Peter Colet and Evert Duycking demanded of
the Governor, Mr. Hopkins and of Mr. Heyns, what induced them to obstruct us on our Lords
and Masters' land ? we said we had paid for it, and it belonged to us. Mr. Heyns said : Prove
it by good men ; and if ye do not leave off cultivating the aforesaid land, we siiail teach you
something else. Whereupon we made answer: Do whatever you tiiink proper; we shall,
with the help of Almighty God, have the land ploughed, wiiich belongs to us.
1641, 17"" April. The Hon'''* Company's servants began again ploughing the land on the
Fresh river belonging to the Company. An Englishman was found on it who stood and dug
what we had ploughed ; he went towards the English village to advise the rest that we were
ploughing the land, whereupon the English, with a knife, cut the ropes and knocked down
Sybrant Sibolts; then threw the plough and a portion of the tackling into the river, and again
drove the Company's horses off, and, moreover, violently abused the farmer, not like Christians
but like heathens. (Signed), P' Colet, Evert Duyckingh, Sybrant Sybolts.
1641, 26"" May. The following statement, in writing, was made by Elsie Gosens, widow
of Jan Hendricksen Rochen, in his lifetime Commissary at Fort Hope; that the English,
dwelling on the Fresh river of New Netherland, did, on the 24"" May, 1641, drive posts in the
ground around said fort, and with rails fenced it off in such a manner that we could not use
our own wagon-road ; we were, thereby, shut off from the woods and our hay and grain land.
Hereupon the servants of the Hon'''* Company resolved to pull up the rails and throw them
into the river, which was at once done. Mr. Weyting,' the Governor, being asked why the
English did such acts, on our purchased and paid for laud, said, he did not know.
1641, 12"" June. Goodman Hill demanded of our people on the Fresh river of New
Netherland, whether they will pay the damage done by the hogs in the bush? To which was
answered. No; as they had gone on the Hon'''* Company's land.
l?"" ditto. Goodman Speenter was sent to our people from the Council of the English
towns, who, by order of the Council aforesaid, said to our people, that one of the Company's
hogs was sold for five English shillings because it had trespassed on their land ; and Goodman
Speenter said: If you will repay the five shillings, the hog shall be restored. To which our
people answered. We were not bound to buy our own.
24"" ditto. We heard from an Englishman that one of the Company's hogs had died of
hunger with them.
1641, 16"" July. Mr. Weyting and a Captain came and said that they had some of our
hogs some time at their houses ; asking, whether we would not have them back before they
would die of hunger. Whereunto the Hon'''* Company's servants answered : That it was not
a Christian act to detain and sell other people's hogs, and to let them perish, as they had eaten
' William Whiting was a merehnnt and becntne one of the proprietors of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, about 1632; a
settler at Hartford about 163G, where he was chosen Magistrate in 1641, and in 1642 Treasurer of the Colony. He filled
these offices until his death, which took place in July, 1647. Goodwill's Genealogical Notes, 329. He was never Governor of
Connecticut. — Ed.
j^44 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
grass not on English land but on that of the Hon""'" Company; Mr. "Weyting and the Captain
saying. Vou can take them away whilst they are still alive. That night Mr. Wytingh's boy
drove the hogs back on the land, but they were again dragged to the pound.
Whereas we, Captain Daniel Patterick and Elisabeth Feae, duly authorized by her husband,
Robert Feac, now sick, have resided two years about five or six leagues east of the
Netherlanders, subjects of the Lords Slates-General, who have protested against us, declaring
that the said land lay within their limits and that they should not suffer any person to usurp
it against their lawful rights; and whereas we have equally persisted in our course during
these two years, in order to be well assured if his Majesty of England hath any pretended
right to this soil ; and whereas we understand nothing about the matter, and cannot any
longer presume to remain thus, on account both of the strifes of the English, the danger
consequent thereon, and these treacherous and villainous Indians, of whom we have seen
sorrowful examples enough ; We, therefore, betake ourselves under the protection of the
noble Lords, the States, his Highness, the Prince of Orange, and the West India Company, or
their Covernor-Ceneral of New Netherland, promising, for the future, to be faithful to them as
all honest subjects are bound to be, whereunto we bind ourselves, by promise of oath and by
signature, provid ;d we be protected against our enemies as much as possible, and enjoy,
henceforth, the same privileges tiiat all Patroons of New Netherland have obtained, agreeably
to the freedoms. Thus done and signed in the presence of the underwritten witnesses, the
ix"" April, 16-12, in F'ort Amsterdam. (Signed), Daniel Patterick. Witnesses: Everardus
Bogardus and Johannes Winckelman.
I, Willem Kieft, Director-General residing in New Netherland in behalf of the High and
Mighty Lords, States-General of the United Provinces, of his Highness of Orange and the
Honorable Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, make known to you, Robert
Coghwel and your associates, not to build nor plant on the South river, lying within the limits
of New Netherland, nor on the lands extending along it, as they lawfully belong to us, by our
possessing the same many years ago, before it was frequented by any Christians, as appears by
our forts which we have on it; the mouth of the river is also sealed with our blood, and the
soil itself, most of which has been purchased and paid lor by us.
Unless you will settle under the Lords the States and the Hon'''^ West India Company, and
swear allegiance and become subject to them, as other inhabitants do. Failing therein, We
protest against all damages and losses which may accrue therefrom, and desire to be holden
guiltless tliereof, &c.
Robert Coghwel answers: He does not propose to settle under any government, but to select
a place over which the States-General have no authority; and in case such place is not to be
found, he intends to return, or if he settle within the limits of the States, he will repair under
it, and then take the oath.
Done on board Mr. Lammerton's bark, lying in the roadstead, in front of the Island
Manhattans, the S"" of April, A" 1G41. (Signed), Robert Coghwel. Cornells van der
Hoykens, Fiscal, Hendrick van Dyck, witnesses. Beneath was: To my knowledge.
(Signed), Cornelis van Thiexhoven, Secretary.
We, the Director and Council residing in New Netherland. on the part of the High and
Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, his Highness of Orange and the Hon"'*
Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, having express order and command from
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 145
the aforesaid Lords, to purchase in their name, from the inhabitants of these parts, all such
lands as we may consider adapted for agriculture and the raising of all sorts of stock —
Have, therefore, pursuant to the orders of our Sovereign Lords, purchased from the Great
Chief or Sachem named Pensawits, all the lands lying on Long Island, within the limits of New
Netherland, which he has inherited from his forefathers, with all such action and right as he
might at any time claim, according to the deed of purchase and conveyance thereof in existence.
Which aforesaid Pensawitz, after some foreigners had settled on the aforesaid land, about
Schout's bay, hath notified us that some strollers or vagabonds had come on the land that we
had purchased from him, and had there begun to build houses, cut trees and do other work,
and that said vagabonds had there thrown down their High Mightinessess' arms.
In order to obtain a good and correct report and assurance of the aforesaid, Jacobus van
Curler, Commissary of cargoes, is sent thither with the yacht Prins TVillcm, who, coming to the
place where their High Mightinesses' arms had been set up, hath found tlie same broken down,
and on the tree to which they were nailed, was a fool's face carved in the stead of said arms^.
All which aforesaid appeared strange to us, being a criminal offence against his Majesty,
and tending to the disparagement of their High Mightinesses.
We therefore, on the 13"' May, 1640, after mature deliberation, have resolved to send Cornelia
van Tienhoven thither with XXV. soldiers, to whom we have given the following Instruction
hereunder inserted :
Whereas we have certain information that some foreigners have come on Long Island into
Maerten Gerritsen's and Schout's bay,' which are the Hon'''' West India Company's lands, under
the authority of the High and Mighty Lords States-General, and there thrown down the arms
of the Lords States, and settled and cultivated the soil. We therefore send you Secretary van
Tienhoven thither, with the under sheriff, the sergeant and three and twenty men, to inquire
into the state of the matter, and you shall regulate yourself as follows :
You shall endeavor to arrive there unexpectedly; 'twill be hest, in our opinion, at the
break of day, and to hinder and prevent the English having recourse to any force; and you
shall forthwith inquire who hath thrown down the arms, and who gave them commission to
do so, and oblige them to come here and defend themselves. If they refuse, then you shall
set about, by force, to constrain them to repair hither, taking an inventory of their goods and
making out in writing a good report of all that occurs and you do; you shall also prevent the
soldiers committing any excess, and in case the Indians themselves have removed the arms, and
the English are innocent of the matter and willing to depart back in your presence, it would
not be unwise to let them do so quietly; but then, the chiefs of the Indians must be taken
prisoners and brought hither, and, in all cases, it will also be necessary that you take the Indians
with you. And if it happen that so many additional English have come (which we do not
anticipate) as to prevent you being able for them, you shall make a strong protest against such
proceedings, have it served and come back, taking care, above all things, to avoid all bloodshed.
Thus done in our Council, the IS'"" May, A" 1G40.
Anno, 1640, the 14"" May, the Secretary and five and twenty soldiers, departed with the
preceding Instructions from Fort Amsterdam, and on the XV'^' at break of day, arrived at
' Now, Manhasset ( North Ilcmpsteaci ), at the head of Cow bay, afterwards called Howe's bay, from Lieutenant Daniel
Howe, and sonietinies Schout's bay, from the circumstance of the Dutch official having landed there. Thompeon's Long Island,
1., 110, 3-26; II., 62. — Ed.
Vol. II. 19
146
NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
the place where the English had taken up their abode, finding there a small house built by
Ihem, and another not finished.
They were first asked : What they were doing there ; by what power or by whose authority
they presumed to settle on our purchased soil, and told that tliey must show their commission.
Eight men, one woman and a little child, made answer, that they intended to plant there
and were authorized thereunto by a Scotchman who had gone with their commission to the
Red Hill.
Secondly, they were asked, for what reason did they throw down their High Mightinesses'
arms and set up a fool's face in the stead ?
To which some answered : The escutcheon was cut down by a person wiio is not present.
Another answered : Such was done in their presence by order of a Scotchman, and the man
who did it was at the Red Hill.
Hereupon six men were brought to Fort Amsterdam, leaving two men and one woman and
a child on the ground to take care of their goods ; they arrived on the fifteenth of May.
Examination of divers Englishmen taken on Long Island.
On the IG"" May, 1640, at the house of the Hon''''' Director of New Netherland,
these six under named persons were examined, to wit:
What is your name ?
Where born ?
How old are you ?
On what conditions did you go to reside on
Long Island, under the English or Scotch ?
Who brought them there, and who was their
principal ?
What did they intend to do there, and if
more folks are to come ?
Where did they reside in New England ?
Did they not see the arms of the State ?
Do they not know who did it?
Answer. Jop Gears.
Aiiswcr. In Bretfortsthier.
Answer. Twenty-eight years.
Answer. Under the English, with authority
from Mr. Foret.
Answer. Lieutenant Houw.
Ansivcr._^ To plant and build dwellings ; does
not know for certain how many folks are still
to come there.
Answer. At Lin, in Matetusje's bay, S miles
from Boston.
Answer. Saw them when cut down ; was on
board when it was done.
Anstnr. Lieutenant Daniel Houw and Mr.
Foret did it together; do not know which in
particular did it.
All which hath he declared, upon oath, at the hands of the Hon''" Director, to be true and
truthful, and further knoweth not.
(Signed), Jop Sayrs.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX.
147
Declaration of George Wilbe.
Where born ?
How old?
Who was the chief person that had them
brought, and what did they propose to do ?
Were they to settle under the English or
Scotch, if they remained there?
Where did they live in New England?
Did he not see the States' arms?
Wherefore did they pull down the arms, and
■who did it ?
Does he not know who carved the fool's face
in the stead of the arms ?
Answer. North Hamtomschiet.*
Answer. Twenty-five years.
Ansiver. Lieutenant Houw brought them
thither, and he did not know the land belonged
to the States; they came there by authority of
Mr. Foret, a Scotchman.
Answer. They should have lived free under
their own laws, and would have been obedi-
ent to whomsoever was lord of the land.
Answer. In Matetusje's bay, eight miles from
Boston.
Answer. Did not see them when he came
with the sloop.
Answer. Does not know, for certain, whether
Mr. Foret or Lieutenant Houw did it.
Answer. He does not know.
All which he declares to be true and truthful, without knowing any more, and hath, at the
hands of the Hon'''* Director, confirmed the same on oath.
(Signed), George Wilbe.
Interrogatories for John Farmington.
Where was he born ? Answer. In Bockingamschiet.
How old is he ? • Answer. Twenty-four years.
Who brought them there, and who was their yl;(swe/-. Lieutenant Houw brought them,
leader that conveyed them thither, and what with Mr. Foret's permission, there, where they
did they intend to do there, and how many intended to plant ; it was intended that 20
persons more are to come there ?
Were they to settle under English or Scotch
rule?
Where did he live in New England?
Did he come there with the knowledge
and consent of Mr. Wintrop, the Governor of
The Bay.
Did he not see the arms of the State ?
families should come, and if the land was good
they expected a great many people.
Answer. English, and they have acknowleged
Lord Sterlincx' for their Lord; and if 'twere
found that the land belonged to the States they
would remain under him.
Answer. At Linn, in Matetusses bay, eight
miles from Boston.
Answer. He understood so.
Answer. Saw them when brought on board.
' Northamptonshire. — Ed.
148
NEW- YORK COLONIAL ISL\NUSCRIPTS.
Does he not know who tore them down Answer. Lieutenant Houw and Mr. Foret
and conveyed them on board ? brought them on board and he understood
that tliey liad broken them oft'.
Does he not know who carved the fool's face Aitsuer. No ; some of his people did it.
on the tree in the stead of the arms?
Declares this to be true and truthful, and confirmed tiie same on oath at the hands of the
Hon''"" Director.
(Signed), John Farington.
Interrogatory for Philip Cartelyn.
Where born ?
How old are you?
Who was the principal person that brought
them there?
On what conditions did they come there ;
under the English or Scotch?
What did they mean to do there?
Were many people to come there?
Where did he live?
Did Mr. Wintrop, the Governor of The Bay,
know that they were going to plant there ?
Did he not see the States' arms ?
Who tore them oft'?
Does he not know who carved the fool's face
on llie tree?
Answer. In Bockingamschiet.
Answer. Six-and-twenty years.
Answer. Lieutenant Daniel Uouw.
Answer. Under the English with Mr. Foret's
permission, as far as he knows.
Answer. To plant and make a plantation.
Answer. Some were to come to look at the
land, and if they liked it they were to settle
there, if not, they were to depart ; the number
he did not know.
Answer. At Lin, eight miles from Boston.
Answer. Did not know 'twas States' land ;
thought that the laud belonged to Lord Ster-
Jincx.
Answer. Did not see them before they were
torn dowp, but when they were broken oft'.
Answer. Is not sure whether 'twas Mr. Foret
or Lieutenant Houw; says that one of the
two did it, as he believes.
Answer. Does not know ; believes none of
the English did it.
All which he declares to be true and truthful, and hath confirmed the same on oath at the
hands of the Hon''''^ Director.
(Signed), Philip Cartelyn.
Interrogatory of Nathaniel Cartilyn.
Where was he born ?
How old is he ?
Who was the chief person that brought them
there ?
Ansicer. In Bockingamschiet.
Answer. Twenty-two years.
Answer. Lieutenant Houw brought them
there with Mr. Foret's consent.
'See IX., 981, note. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX.
149
What did they propose doing there, and how
many people were to come there?
Where did he reside?
Did he not see the States' arms?
Does he not know who hath torn them
down ?
Does he not know whether any of their
party carved a fool's face on the tree where
the States' arms were ?
Answer. They intended to plant, and if the
place was good, a great many more were to
come.
Answer. At Lin, 7 (& S miles from Boston.
Aiiswer. Mr. Foret and Mr. Houw went
ashore and brought the arms on board.
Answer. Does not know who tore them
down ; but understood from the boy that Mr.
Foret and Lieutenant Houw had done it.
Answer. Does not know who hath done it,
and 'twas not done by his party.
All which he declares to be true and truthful, and hath confirmed the same by oath at the
hands of the Hon'''^ Director.
(Signed), Nathaniel Cartelant.
Interrogatory of William Harker.
Where was he born? Answer. In Cincenschier.
How old ? Answer. Twenty-four years.
Who was the principal person that brought Answer. Lieutenant Houw, master of the
them thither, and what did they intend to do sloop, with Mr. Foret's consent; they intended
on States' ground ?
Were there not many more people to come ?
Did Governor Winthrop know that they
were to plant there ?
Did he not see the States' arms ?
Who tore them down ?
Does he not know who carved a fool's face
in the stead of the States' arms ?
to plant.
Answer. He does not know.
Answer. Yes ; and he wrote a letter to Mr.
Foret.
Answer. Did not see them on the tree, but
when brought on board.
Answer. Heard Lieutenant Houw say that
he had torn them down, and that Mr. Foret
hath lent him a hand.
Answer. Does not know, and does not
believe that any of their company did it.
All which he declares to be true and truthful, and confirms the same on oath, at the hands
of the Hon'''* Director.
(Signed), William Harkek.
On the 19"" of May, being Saturday, it is resolved in Council, after the six Englishmen who
were brought in were found not guilty of having torn down the arms of the Lords States, to
discharge them from confinement and to set them at liberty, on condition that they do promise
to depart forthwith from our territory, and never to return to it without the Director's express
consent; whereunto they shall be obliged to pledge themselves in writing.
250 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCEIPTS.
Whereas we, .Top Sears, George Wilke, John Farington, Philip Cartelin, Nathaniel Carelant,
William llarker, have, within a few days, come to settle on territory belonging to their High
Miiihtinesses, the States-General, without knowing the fact, being deceived by Mr. P'oret, a
Scotchman, wherefore the Hon'''* Director-General of New Netherland hath had us removed,
and requires us immediately to break up and depart beyond the limits of the Hon'''* Incorporated
West India Company, which we are bound to do, and promise on our word of honor to set
about it forthwith without fail, on pain of being punished as perverse usurpers, subjecting
ourselves not only to this, but to all other courts in the world. In testimony of the truth and
upright sincerity, have we subscribed this with our own hand, in Fort Amsterdam, in New
Netherland, the xix"' May, anno 1640. Signed, Job Sayres, George Wilbe, Johan Farington,
Philip Kartelant, Nathaniel Carelant, Willeni Harker.
After comparing, this is found to agree with the Book of Resolutions by me.
Letter C.
Power of Attorney to the Reverend Hugh Peters.
Whereas the bearer hereof, Mr. Hugh Peters, Minister of Salem, is sent, at public request, to
England, to negotiate with the present Parliament there about such matters as concern us,
which we confide to his care and fidelity, this is to authorize him, if occasion permit him to go
to the Netherlands, to treat with the West India Company there, concerning a peaceable
neighborhood between us and those of New Netherland, and whatever we shall further think
proper touching the West Indies; wherefore, we have agreed and consulted together in a
matter of such great importance, God willing, to reduce the particulars to be treated of, to
such propositions as shall be presented on coming together.
John Winthrop,
Gov. of Massachusetts.
This 10'" day of October, 1G41, John Haynes,
in the Bay of Massachusetts, in New England. • Gov. of Conjecticut.
Proposals of Mr. Peters to the West India Company at Amsterdam.
I. The Hon'''* Company will be pleased to devise some expedient for the settlement of
the limits between New England and New Netherland, or at least define ibr us their limits.
II. That your Honors will wholly abstain from molesting our people on the Fresh river,
alias the Connecticut, since we are willing that inditterent persons, if any such can be found,
may examine our title.
III. That said Company set a price on their plantation, if they have any intention to part
with it.
IV. That if any Englishman remove from our district to the Continent of the West Indies,
being provided therefor with all necessaries, except ships and ordnance, which the Company
should furnish, what conditions would the latter be willing to require?
V. That the Company, knowing that the English in America amount to about fifty thousand
souls, may be pleased to inform us in what manner we can be employed in advancing the great
work there, being of the same religion as themselves and such as, we hope, may be trusted.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IX. 151
and furnish us with an analysis of such government as they, in conjunction with us, would he
willing to grant there.
VI. That the Company would he pleased in all things to see in the inhabitants of New
England, who number about forty thousand souls, a people who covet peace in their ways,
the planting of the gospel above all things, and not to cause trouble or injury, in any manner
whatever, to the Company.
I-etter P. May 20'". After the birth of Christ, 1053.
Vindication of Captain John Onderhill in the name of as many of the Dutch
and English as the matter concerns, which justly impels us to renounce the
iniquitous government of Peter Stuyvesant over the inhabitants living and
dwelling on Long Island, in America.
We declare that it is right and proper to defend ourselves and our rights, which belong to a
free people, against the abuse of the above named government.
We have transported ourselves hither at our own cost, and many among us have purchased
their lands from the Indians, the right owners thereof. But a great portion of the lands which
we occupy, being, as yet, unpaid for, the Indians come daily and complain that they have
been deceived by the Dutch Secretary, called Cornells, whom they have characterized, even
in the presence of Stuyvesant, as a rogue, a knave and a liar; asserting that he himself had
put their names down in the book, and saying that this was not a just and lawful payment,
but a pretence and fraud similar to that which occasioned the destruction of Jo" Huchinsen
and Mr. Collins, to the number of nine persons.
III. He hath unlawfully retained from several persons their lands which they had purchased
from the natives, and which were confirmed to them under the hand and seal of the previous
Governor.
IV. He hath unlawfully imposed taxes contrary to the privileges of free men ; namely, six
stivers per acre, chimney money and head money; the tenth part of all our grain, flax, hemp
and tobacco ; the tenth part of butter and cheese from those who pasture cattle ; excessive
duties on exported goods — fifteen stivers for a beaver; all which taxes are to be paid by the
poor farmer to maintain a lazy horde of tyrants over innocent subjects.
V. He hath, in violation of liberty of conscience, and contrary to hand and seal, enforced
articles upon the people, ordering them otherwise, against the laws of God and man, to quit
the country within two months.
VI. He hath imprisoned both English and Dutch, without trial, setting them at liberty again,
after the manner of a Popish inquisition, to their great sorrow, damage and loss of time,
himself not having any patent from James, King of England, the right grantor thereof.
VII. He hath also imposed general laws forbidding the inhabitants to sell their goods or to
brew their grain, without the approbation of the government.
VIII. He hath neglected to avenge English and Dutch blood shed by the Indians since the
peace.
IX. He hath treacherously and undoubtedly conspired, as proved, to murder all the English.
X. He hath been guilty of barbarous cruelty towards Mr. Jacob Wolfertsen and his wife, at
the time of the birth of their child.
152 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
XI. He hath acted treacherously towards Thomas Miton,' for, notwithstanding the government
hath promised him safe and secure conduct, he hath ordered his arrest and extradition.
XII. He hath been guilty of the unheard-of act of striking, with his cane, an old gentleman,
a member of his Council, and had publicly threatened every freeman who does not conform to
his pleasure.
XIII. He hath, moreover, imposed magistrates on freemen without election and voting.
This great autocracy and tyranny is too grievous for any brave Englishman and good Christian
any longer to tolerate. In addition to all this, the Dutcli have proclaimed war against every
Euglishman who live wherever he may wish or like.
The above grounds are sufficient for all honest hearts that seek the glory of God and their
own peace and prosperity, to throw off" this tyrannical yoke. Accept and submit ye, then, to
the Parliament of England, and beware ye of becoming traitors to one another, for the sake of
your own quiet and welfare. Written by me,
(Signed), John Onderhill.
Addressed:
To the Worthy Mons' Couwenhoven, Mons" Potter, Petres Wolfersen
and the Worthy Commonalty of the Manhattens.
Letter E.
We, individuals of the English nation here present, do, for divers reasons and motives, as
free born British subjects, claim and assume unto ourselves the laws of our nation and Republic
of England over this place, as to our persons and property, in love and harmony, according to
the general peace between the two States in Europe and this country.
God preserve the Republic of England and
His Highness, the Lord Protector. And the
continuance of peace between the two countries.
Amen.
Publicly proclaimed in this village, now named
Gravesend, situate on the west of Long Island,
this 9'" March, 1655. Old Style.
And this being published three times, it was openly proclaimed. Whereof all and every
may take notice.
The following was in Dutch :
This was done on the date above written, by George Bacxter and James Huybert, in the
presence of Fiscal Tienhoven and Burgomaster AUart Anthony, and many inhabitants of
Gravesend.
Beneath was :
Agrees with the original. To my knowledge.
(Signed), Carel van Brugge.
' Sic. Newton. — Ed
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 153
Letter F.
The Magistrates of Gravesend to the Directors at Amsterdam.
Honorable and Most kind Gentlemen.
Our last letter to your Honors was by the Secretary, Mons'' Van Teynoix,' wherein we
declared that we threw ourselves on the wisdom and uprightness of our Governor in regard
to what was best for the Commonwealth, because through him your Honors might receive
a correct account of the state of the country, which, we hope, he has rendered. As to what
regards ourselves, we cannot omit thankfully to acknowledge the many benefits which we
have received and at present enjoy under your Honors' authority, as lawful proprietors of
this place, and, therefore, shall be prepared, in all submission, to address ourselves to your
Honors, on all occasions, to provide against whatever we understand will be prejudicial to
the public welfare or to the privileges granted us by the Governors whom your Honors have
been pleased to send us.
And, inasmuch as we have heretofore, in a cerlatn Petition, remonstrated to our above
mentioned Governor and Council respecting such things as we considered oppressive, of
whicii we cannot say but our Governor was inclined, as far as he was concerned, to afford
us satisfaction, as the case demanded. Nevertheless, it appears there was some obstacle in
consequence of somebody's opposition. We understand that he sent the Petition for
consideration to your Honors by the Secretary ; wherefore we humbly request your Honors to
be pleased to agree to so much thereof as you will approve of in your letters of approbation,
to be sent to our Governor. And, as such want of gunpowder sometimes exists here, that an
entire city can hardly furnish four pounds for our protection, in case of necessity, and as what
people have procured, sometimes costs three, four, yea, five guilders the pound (for those who
had powder to sell for the sake of profit, favored Indians in preference to us) ; we humbly
request you will be pleased to send, or to order to be sent us, four hundred pounds of lead and
two hundred pounds of good musket powder annually, in such ship or ships as you will think
proper; the said powder and lead to be delivered to the Magistrates of Gravesend, for the
time being, on condition that they give honest pay for it in such merchandise as the country
produces, and that they dispose of said powder and lead in such manner as shall tend, on
occasions, to the necessary public defence and to the individual use of the inhabitants, in
hunting and fowling; whereof they shall render a yearly account to the Governor and Council
for the time being, so that the whole of such powder be not sold to the Indians.
Regarding ourselves: As we are living under your Honors' authority and that of the
Governor by you authorized, so is it our desire to acknowledge such, and so to remain residing
without any change, and to evince our submission and fidelity to you on all occasions. We
shall consider ourselves unworthy to enjoy the benefits and freedoms kindly granted us by
your Honors' Governors, should we, in the least, desire or endeavor to abridge your rights ;
wherefore are we sorely grieved at the reports spread by some who have come hither in the
ship ValcJccnier, all the particulars of which our Governor will, doubtless, have transmitted
to your Honors ; for as the government of the public affairs of this place has been intrusted to
us, the same being only a small member of the entire body, so we cannot be otherwise than
sensible of, and appreciate, the manifold troubles which are likely to arise therein, such as
• Sic. — Ed.
Vol. II. 20
154 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
schisms, faction anri internal tumults, not respecting tlie government but trampling it under
foot. Therefore do we most liumbly pray your Honors to take the same into your most wise
consideration in order that a seasonable remedy may, by your Honors' wisdom, be applied
thereto, so as to prevent these inconveniences. This, in our opinion, we humbly conceive
will best be done by maintaining and upholding our present Governor against all malignant
persons, our superiors in Holland paying no attention to the reports of dissatisfied persons;
for we have had such experience of his aifection for the general welfare of this place and of
his carefulness over us, in the execution of the public service committed to him, that we are
anxious that he be still continued so that we may live under his government; and incase
your Honors should please to send over here, at the same time, the seasonable reinforcement
of soldiers to lie ready in garrison in the fort, on all occasions, we doubt not but he will aflord
your Honors good satisfaction in the management of his onerous charge, for the advantage
and benefit of the entire land.
We shall add nothing more but pray your Honors to excuse us in case we have overstepped
^the limits of propriety, requesting you to ascribe it to our sincere and upright affection for the
public weal, as we understand that we owe such to your Honors by our oath and fealty.
Remaining, herewith, your Honors' humble and obedient servants and inhabitants.
(Signed), Geo. Baxter, William Hilkixs,'
Nicolas Stilwel, Hubert, Schout
By the Magistrates and Schout of Gravesend.
Test:
John Tilton, Secretary.
On the side was :
Gravesend, in New Netherland, the 20"" August, 1650; New Style.
Addressed :
To the Hon'''% the President and Directors of the West India Company
Chamber at Amsterdam.
Beneath was :
Faithfully translated from the original this T'"" December, 1650, in Amsterdam, by me.
• (Signed), J. Hetns, Notary Public.
The Magistrates of Gravesend to the Directors at Amsterdam.
Honorable Gentlemen.
Your Honors' letter, dated the 21" March, 1G51, was handed us by our honored and revered
Governor, agreeably to your Honors' commands, and we return you our humble and thankful
acknowledgment for your Honors' care not only of us, but also for the general welfare and
prosperity of the entire country, it being to us a very great encouragement that we should
receive your favorable inclination not only to hear but to redress the just grievances of your
subjects in this Province; also, that your Honors are pleased to maintain us in our privileges;
wherefore shall we, on all occurring occasions, apply and repair to you, as our Lords and
Patroons, for the improvement of whatever we consider out of order, or to obtain any further
just privileges.
' Sic. Wilkins. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 155
We especially take to heart your Honors' wisdom and candor in postponing to answer
our previous letter until your Honors had fully examined and silted the truth in regard to our
actual government, being heartily rejoiced that you are satisfied therewith, and that you are
resolved to support and maintain its authority under your Honors. We clearly acknowledge
that the frequent changing a government, or the power of electing a Governor among ourselves,
which some among us, as we understand, aim at, would be our ruin and destruction by reason
of our factions and various opinions, inasmuch as many among us being unwilling to subject
themselves to any sort of government, mild or strong, it must, on that account, be compulsory
or by force, until the Governor's authority be well confirmed ; for such persons will not only
despise, scorn or disobey authority, and by their evil example drag other persons along,
whereby the laws would be powerless, but every one would desire to do what would please
and gratify himself. In fine, the strongest would swallow up the weakest, and by means of
elections or choosing, we should be involved in like inconveniences. Moreover, we are not
supplied and provided with persons qualified and fit for such stations. Tiierefore, and seeing
that we have nothing to bring forward against our present Governor, but, on the contrary,
truly, and in deed approving his public deportment in his administration, we request that he
be still continued over us, and that no change be made.
We presume that your Honors are informed, by our neighbors of Hemstede, of the divers
injuries and damages done them by the Indians, on various occasions, by slaughtering their
cattle, as well as those of private individuals at other places. Although we doubt not your
Honors have, by commands and otherwise, labored to prevent the importation, into this place,
of muskets, powder and lead to be sold to the Indians; yet, whether by connivance or
winking, or neglect of the oflicers appointed to that duty carefully to examine or inspect,
or in consequence of the activity and cunning of the inhabitants, the fact is, so great a quantity
of every sort were imported and sold to the Indians that the latter have thereby become
obstinate and daring enemies, highly dangerous to our lives and properties, and difficult to
tolerate; that we must daily suffer such injuries and losses from the Indians for which we
have received no satisfaction, so that it is to be feared great dangers will arise herefrom to the
ruin of your Honors' Province, unless seasonable remedies be applied thereto.
We are very sensible of your Honors' great care for the welfare of the entire country,
inasmuch as you have appointed a detachment of soldiers for us, and have, also, heard our
petition and allowed us to receive a good quantity of ammunition for our necessary defence,
wherefore we heartily thank you; requesting your Honors, at the same time, to continue the
same annually on condition of our paying our Governor therefor. The reinforcement of
soldiers has, however, been very small; and although we have had, this year, many ships
here from Holland, yet tliat has been of little avail to the strengthening of these parts; on
which subject we have taken the humble liberty to submit to your Honors these two questions
or propositions. In case they are obtained or carried out, they will avail, considerably, to the
strengthening of this country and the general revenue of the Tenths, to your Honors' profit.
First. Our Governor, considering, with the advice and approbation of others who will agree
with him thereupon, the imposition of the traders and the little strength added by some of
their shipping to the security and increase of this Province, inasmuch as they, for the most
part, are traders and factors, who do not add to the public prosperity, but come and go solely
for their individual profit and advantage, we have bethought ourselves of chartering some ships
in Holland for the behoof of this country, to bring over whatever we stand in need of, viz',
156 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
passengers and servant men, wliich we mostly lack, as we are too much fatigued by work ;
provided your Honors will consent and permit these ships, and none other, to trade here. In
case your Honors will be pleased to consent, for a certain time, and the Agents, who shall
be employed therein, have the liberty to hire or engage servant men who, also, shall be
distributed according to the good will and pleasure of the Governor and Council, the masters
paying 50 per cent for the expenses of their passage and other outfits, besides yearly wages
agreed to with the servant man in Holland, this country will be able to absorb, yearly, five (Sl
si.x hundred, whereby it will be greatly strengthened and your revenue increased.
Secondly. We most humbly request your Honors to expend, in Negroes or Blacks, whatever
means you, in your wisdom, will deem prudent; for yout Honors can best do that, in
consequence of your interest in this place, on condition of our paying you for the same
wliatever price you will order. We humbly conceive that your Honors will, thereby, have
double profits ; first, from what we shall pay for those Negroes ; secondly, from the Tenths.
Gentlemen. 'Tis not with us as in our Fatherland, or as in Kingdoms and Republics which
are established and settled by long and well experienced laws and fundamentals, best agreeing
with the condition of the people. But in our little body, made up of divers members, namely,
folks of different nations, many things occur in the laying of a foundation for which there are
no rules nor examples, and, therefore, must be fixed at the discretion of a well experienced
Governor; for we are as a young tree or little sprout now, for the first time, shooting forth to
the world, which, if watered and nursed by your Honors' liberality and attention, may,
hereafter, grow up a blooming Republic. After our humble recommendations and services to
your Honors, we leave off and remain your Honors' obedient servants and inhabitants.
(Signed), Geo. Baxter, Richard Gibbons, Schout,
WiL. WiLKiNs, James Hubbard,
Gravesend, in New Netherland, Nicolas Stilwil, Will. Browne, Assistants.
14"" September, 1651.
John Tilton, Clerk or Secretary.
Addressed :
To'the Hon'''*, our special good Lords and Protectors, the Lords Directors of the West
India Company Chamber at Amsterdam.
Copy of the letter from Gravesend, No. 4.
The Magistrates of Heemstede to the Directors at Amsterdam.
Honorable and Right Worshipful.
After tendering our love, humble service and due reverence, we have taken the liberty to
inform your Honors that we have received your friendly and acceptable letters, dated
Amsterdam, 21" March, 1051, by which we learn your Honors' care, attention and favor
towards us ; and howbeit we do not deserve such, neither the favors received nor those proffered,
whereof although unworthy, yet shall we exert ourselves to be and remain your Honors'
honest, loving and faithful friends and subjects, as your Honors were pleased formerly to name
and style us, being anxious to obey your commands according to the rules of righteousness,
beyond which we are certain your Honors will neither ask nor order. In regard to those who
have been malignant or malevolent towards our respected Governor and government, we hope
tliat your Honors will not include us among tliem, as we have not countenanced nor assisted
them iu their complaints or designs. And as we have found the Governor to be an honorable.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IX. 157
upright and wise person, of courteous demeanor towards us at all times, in all places, and on
all required occasions, we request that we may have him to respect and encourage, as far as in
our humble power and means lies, as your Honors' President and our very dear Governor. In
opposition to those who are contrarily inclined, we say : " Dieu est mon droit ; Hony soit qui
mnl y ycnsc." " Evil be to him who evil thini\s." Hoping that he will endeavor to patronize
and protect those who are honest and upriglit, which is a wholesome principle or fundamental,
together with their honest affairs, according to the will of God ; We cannot do less than humbly
and earnestly thank your Honors for bearing in mind to provide us with powder and lead,
requesting, in like manner, your annual supplement thereof, and we shall endeavor honestly to
satisfy you with such pay as we shall receive. But we cannot forego submitting to your
Honors one sad grievance or hardship, which is the more painful to us because of your diligence
and care to prevent it, and its direful consequences, notwithstanding which our grievances
remain unredressed. We mean the daily and public sale to the Indians of powder and lead,
many men making such a practice of this trade that they cannot live without this desperate
traffic. Thus it is probable that those Indians will, in a short time, be the destruction both of
the Dutch and English, as such practice renders them powerful and merciless ; so that unless a
supernatural power keep them under, neither nation will be able to resist them. Moreover,
since our last letters to your Honors, wherein we besought a reform in this matter, those
Indians have been guilty of various insolences; hundreds of thjm coming on the Island, have
killed our cattle and carried them off to their own plantations to feast on them. They
have also carried the meat to the Manhattaens and sold it there to the Dutch in place of
venison; they have driven out of the pasture, through the swamps, our remaining and
surviving cattle, over our standing corn, so that we have, this summer, been damaged to the
extent of more than a thousand guilders. 'Tis a matter of small moment in their eyes to kill
a good ox merely for the horns to carry powder in ; sometimes they slay a man, sometimes a
womau ; plunder the houses ; purloin our guns ; pry into our affairs ; endeavor to drown the
people ; strip the children in the fields and woods ; prowl abroad with masks or visors ;
slaughter our hogs, and when we demand satisfaction, challenge us to fight, boasting of their
great number of men and guns. All this proceeds from the daily supply of powder, lead and
muskets or guns, by the Monhaens' and Dutch trade. So that if your Honors will not
remedy this intolerable plague and that soon; for we dread a heavier misfortune, namely, their
barbarous or cruel insurrection ; we must and shall be obliged, though disinclined, to abandon
our dwellings and your Honors' jurisdiction. And it sorely roils our English blood that we
should be slaves and raise corn and cattle too, for Indian vagabonds ; that our wives should
be so terrified, our children ill-treated, our substance wasted and endangered, and that all this
occurs whilst our hands are tied and those of our enemies are at liberty and strengthened by
their daily supplies and stores. We trust your Honors will seriously consider that, in case we
suffer wrong, the property of your own nation will, therefore, in like manner suffer, should
this barbarous and inhuman race be encouraged and strengthened. We seek the welfare and
prosperity of the Dutch ; but it is not to be endured that they should obtain their incomes or
profits in this way, to the ruin and destruction of themselves and us, and the extirpation of
both our races. Wherefore the humble Petitioners pray us to request your Honors' attention,
with all possible expedition, to the reformation of the aforesaid, if our lives are dear and
precious to you, which, otherwise, will be cut short, yea, possibly before your Honors will
' Bic. Manhatans. — Ed.
158 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
hear again from us. Our Governor would most willingly redress these grave abuses, but
he finds it to be a matter beyond his power, and one of great difficulty, as tlie madness
is so general among traders. And whereas your Honors have been pleased to intimate in
your letters that neither the Governor nor any other person should so trade on pain of your
displeasure and indignation, we take the liberty to inform j^our Honors, inasmuch as
dissatisfaction may arise from misunderstanding, that we have never accused our Governor in
this matter; and we do not now accuse him, but, on the contrary, defend him before your
Honors and say, that we hope and believe he would redress it were it in his power, approving
the propositions and applications of our remaining and esteemed friends, who hold dear the
public good. We have still a further request to make; viz': that your Honors would be
pleased to send over some servant men, who are here as precious as gold both in regard to our
work and to our protection, as matters stand at present or shall hereafter fare with us; on
condition that your Honors will please to order us to be provided with goods on somewhat
more reasonable terms, which could easily be done and the traders still make a good profit and
gain ; for at present we are forced to buy supplies at excessive prices elsewhere, whenever
liquors are all out and consumed in the Manhattans. We shall do our best to make due returns
in produce, the proceeds of our servants' labor, viz', in corn, beef, pork, butter, tobacco, staves,
or such like wares in exchange for such merchandise as we shall receive.
We beg your Honors' pardon for having so long detained you, but tliank you most sincerely
for all received benefits; regarding the difficulties already experienced and still to be
apprehended, we are necessitated to request your Honors' assistance together with the
reformation thereof, if it possibly be in accordance with our request, which is the cause of our
writing so much. Herewith we desist from troubling your Honors any further, but wishing
you all honor and prosperity, and that the Father of Mercy may be pleased to show mercy
to you who are so good to liis people. Signed : Your Honors' servants in all dutifulness and
good opportunity.
Heemstede, September 25'S 1651, New Style.
This is a true copy, agreeing with the original, which I, John Moore, Minister of
the church of Heemstede, do attest.
On the reverse follows:
For the Hon'''' Mess", the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam.
Copy of the letter from Heemstede, No. 4.
The Magistrates of Gravesend to the Directors at Amsterdam.
Translation of a certain English letter written by the English inhabitants and
Magistrates of Gravesend, on Long Island, in New Netherland, to the
Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, dated 27"'
December, 1653.
Honorable, right good Lords and Patroons.
In addition to the general letter respecting this Province or country, our duty prompts us to
write this from ourselves to inform you of what has occurred here in our town, in order
thereby to furnish evidence of our fidelity or loyalty to their High Mightinesses or you, under
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 159
whose protection or patronage we have placed ourselves ; and that without any jealousy or
intention of revolting from that due obedience which we owe their High Mightinesses or your
Honors, although, haply, information to the contrary may have reached you.
Please then, to know, that in regard to the sad differences between both States, viz, that of
your Honors and that of England, our native country, together with a certain report of the
Indians or natives having risen up against us, we, standing in daily dread of being invaded
in our properties, and in order not to be deprived of our lives, were invited by our neighbors
and countrymen of Flushing to meet them as well as those of Heemstede, at Middleborg ; as
appears by the Notice, No. 1. Whereon we were answered : the Manhattans and Broockine
are also invited. The time of meeting being come, we sent two delegates from our town with
Instructions, as is to be seen by duplicate No. 2, all of whom met except Manatans and
Broockine, and certain propositions were submitted, but no conclusion come to. We
recommend to the rest of the English places, as appears by duplicate No. 3, and such was then
and is still our resolution, should occasion require. The aforesaid duly considered, as well as
the attacks to which we were exposed, all being countrymen of one nation ; together with the
refusal of ammunition, as by duplicate No. 4, and some unfriendly acts done us, contrary to
what, we apprehend, we have deserved ; also, the refusal of the enjoyed freedoms (we mean
Dutch freedoms) for which we came, which we then and now might enjoy under our own
nation, as all this might have sustained the loyalty of proper men such as we ; thus acting,
according to the proportion of intelligence which God hath been pleased to grant us, we hope
and trust that your Honors and all honorable people will keep us free of all aspersion that
may be flung at us, of our intending to revolt from that due obedience which we owe your
Honors, as our Patroons, from whatever quarter it may proceed. [Whatever] ill-treatment
we have received, we shall do no injury nor wrong, although, perhaps, they think so. Our
town or place, one of the oldest planted on Long Island under your Honors' patroonship,
which hath been loyal to you on all occasions, and as your Honors know, hath ever been good
friends of our present Governor, as he himself hath frequently acknowledged, seeks to increase
the confidence which your Honors repose in us, for the greatest advantage of your Honors'
population and the strengthening of the country; admitting among us as many more
inhabitants, as the number sent to us in the beginning could then be scarcely accommodated.
All in the hope and on the firm promise of our Governor that we should obtain an addition of
town land, which, though solemnly promised, never followed, but, to our sorrow, remained
back with expensive delays.
Therefore do we now, in our particular, make our application or address to your Honors,
our Patroons, who, we not only hope but doubt not, will afford us such proper satisfaction as
God shall direct you according to right equity and our due liberty, &c.
Under the letter was : Obedient and loyal, in all becoming respects, your Honors' servants
and farmers of Gravesend.
(Signed), Georg Baxter, N. Hubbart,
William Wilkings, John Moris, Schout.
On one side was :
Gravesend, in New Netherland, S?'"" December, 1653.
Beneath was :
The Magistrates and Sheriffs have subscribed, by order of the entire representative,
for the whole town. (Signed), John Tilton, Public Town Clerk.
160 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Letter G.
Copy of a Protest served on Johan Levereth, who iiath settled on Marten
Gerritsen's bay, by him called Oyster bay.
Cornells van Tienhoven, in quality of Fiscal of the Province of New Netherland and legal
conservator of authority and jurisdiction, by commission of the High and Mighty Lords States-
General of the United Netherlands and Hon''''' the Directors of the Incorporated West India
Company, Lords and Patroons of New Netherland, given and granted to the Right Hon"''*
Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General, and the Supreme Council of New Netherland.
Being instructed by the aforesaid Director-General and Council to repair to you, William
Levereth,' here and to notify and make known to you and all whom it dotii concern, tiiat you
have settled within the limits of New Netherland, on land named Marten Gerril's bay, purchased
from the natives, the right owners and proprietors, and paid for and long possessed by the
Netherland nation and by the subjects of New Netherland. Therefore do I, in the name and
on tiie behalf of the said High and Mighty, the Lords Stales-General, and of the Hon'''^ Directors
of the Incorporated West India Company, warn you, on these aforesaid, our long since purchased,
possessed and [laid for lands, not to proceed with building, clearing, cattle-feeding or hay-
mowing, or whatever appertains to agriculture or farming, but that, within thirty days after
the service hereof, you do depart beyond the jurisdiction of New Netherland with your people,
servants or slaves, furniture, implements, and every article of property you and your nation
brought thither, on pain, if you or any of yours, after the expiration of tiie time aforesaid, be
found to have acted contrary hereunto, of my being compelled, against you and whomsoever
it may concern, to proceed as circumstances may require. Meanwhile I protest against all
damages, injuries, mischiefs and losses which may arise herefrom, whereof I declare, before
God and the world, our iiniocence. This 2'' April, lG-')5, in New Amsterdam, New Netherland.
(Signed), Cornelis van Tienhoven.
' Reverend William Leverich wns graduated at CamLiidge, England, in 1625, and arrived in the ship James, at Salem,
Massachusetts, with Captain Wiggin and company, October lOlh, 1033. A Congregational society was organized at Dover,
New Hampshire, in 1633, for which he officiated till 1635, and was probably the first ordained Minister that preached the
gospel in that Piovinee. lie eanie to Boston in 1035, was admitted a member of the church there, and afterwards assisted
Mr. Partridge, at Duxbury, for a short time. In 1638 he became the first Pastor of the church at Sandwich, on Cape Cod,
and devoted much of his time to instructing the Indians in that quarter. In 1047 he was employed by the ComniissionerB
of the United Colonies a? a Missionary, and resided, most of his time, at Plymouth. He is particularly mentioned by Morton,
as among the ablest Ministers in the Colony of Massachusetts in 1642. In April, 1653, he visited Long Island in company
with some of his former parishioners at Sandwich, and made a purchase of land from the Indians at Oyster bay. By the
accounts of the Commissioners, presented to the Society for Propagating the Gospel in New England, it appears that they
allowed Mr. Leverich small sums from time to time, between 1653 and 1658, for his services among the Indians. In 1657
they desired him to instruct the Corchaug and Montauk tribes, at the east end of Long Island; but in lOflS. he was called
to be Pastor of the church at Huntington where he continued to labor eleven years. In 1604 he was admitted a freeman of
Connecticut, and in lOG'J accepted a call from Newtown, L. I., where he soon after entered on his spiritual charge and con-
tinued until his death, which event took place, according to Rikcr, in the early part of 1077 ; according to Thompson, in
1692. An interesting relic of Mr. Leverich exists in the Town Clerk's office, Newtown. It is a volume of between 600 and
700 pages, about one hundred of which are occupied by a running commentary, in his handwriting, on the first fourteen
books of the Old Testament, in part copied from the Commentary of Piscator. After Mr. Leverich's death, the book wa9
given to the town to record the town business in iU 'Thompson's Long Island, I., 480; II., 143; Jiiker's Hhloi'y of Xc\c-
toan, 63, 62, 76, 81, 94, 98. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 161
This day, 22'' April, 10-5-5, have I, Claes van Elslant, Court Messenger, by order of the
Hou'''"^ Fiscal, Cornelis van Tienhoven and the Supreme Council of New Amsterdam, in New
Netherland, protested against those who were building the new village on the Company's
land called Vrcedlant ; four armed men came to meet me at the kill, demanded what I
was after? I said. Where best could I land; near the houses? They answered. You shall
not land. I said. Let me land, I am cold ; and I sprung ashore. Whereupon I and
Albert, the trumpeter, were placed under a guard and warned not to advance a foot
further, until he who had the command came to us with a pistol, holding the barrel forward
in his hand, accompanied by 8 (ai 10 armed men more, to whom 1 read the Protest, word
for word, and handed him the same, who gave for answer: 1 cannot understand Dutch;
why did not the Fiscal send it in English ? If you send it in English, then shall I answer
in writing. But, said he, that's no matter; we expect the ships from Holland and England
which are to bring the settlement of the boundary. Whether we are to dwell here under
the States or under the Parliament, time will tell ; furthermore, we abide here under the
States of England. Whereupon we took our departure. They said. If we had a sup of wine
we should offer you some ; but we have not any. And they discharged their guns all round.
I had also inclined to see their houses and fixtures ; also, the Parliament's arms, which the
English say hang on a tree, carved on a plank ; but they left us standing in a hut on the shore
well guarded by men. Done as above.
(Signed), Claes van Elslant.
Copy of the Protest against Thomas Pel for having settled at Vreelant.
Cornelis van Thienhoven, Fiscal of the Province of New Netherland and legal conservator
of authority and jurisdiction, by commission of the High and Mighty, the Lords States-
General of the United Netherlands and the Hon""'^, the Directors of the Incorporated West
India Company, the Lords and Patroons of New Netherland, given and granted to the Right
jjQjjbie Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General, and the Supreme Council of New Netherland:
To you, Tliomas Pel, or whomsoever else it may concern.
Being instructed by the aforesaid Director-General and Supreme Council to repair to and
upon the lands of Vreelant, whereof possession was taken in the lime of the late Director-
General Keift, and by lawful title purchased from the natives, right owners and proprietors
of those lands, and paid for, as the record and sign-manual thereof in existence can show ;
wherefore, in quality aforesaid, I notify and make known to you, and all whom it may concern,
that you and your associates have, not only settled on the lands aforesaid, which were, many
years ago, purchased by the Dutch nation and taken possession of by deeds from General
Kieft, of blessed memory, but by usurpation, in violation of the Treaty of Hartford and the
peace concluded between both nations in Europe, occupied the same without the permission
and consent of the Director-General and Supreme Council of New Netherland ; Therefore I,
the Fiscal, do, in the name and on the behoof of the aforesaid High and Mighty Lords States-
General and the Lords Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, warn you, and all
whom it may concern, by the bearer hereof, Claes van Elslant, the Court Messenger, requested
and empowered to serve this, not to proceed, contrary to the Treaty concluded at Hartford, on
Vol. IL 21
IQ2 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
tlie aforesaid purchased and long possessed lands, with building, clearing, cattle-feeding or
hay-mowing, or whatever, in any wise, appertains to agriculture or farming, but within
filteen days after the service hereof, to depart from the lands aforesaid, situate within the
jurisdiction of New Netherland, with your people, servants or slaves, furniture, cattle,
implements, and every article of property you and your nation have brought tliilher, on pain,
if you, or any of you, after the expiration of the time aforesaid, be Ibund to have acted
contrary hereunto, of my being obliged, otficially, to proceed against you, or whomsoever it
may concern, as circumstances may require. Meanwhile do I protest against all damages,
injuries, mischiefs and losses which may arise herefrom, whereof I declare, before God and
the world, our innocence. This 1!)"" April, 1G55, in Amsterdam, in New Netherland.
(Signe '), CoRNELis van Thiexhoven.
On the aforesaid 22'' April, 1C55, have I, Claes van Elshout, Court Messenger, served the
above Protest on the magistrates of the new village near Vreihint, who gave for answer: Why
doth not the Fiscal write English? then we could answer in writing; we expect a settlement
of the boundary between Holland and England ; until that, we abide under the State of
England. Done as above.
(Signed), Claes vax Elslaxt, Court Messenger.
Letter IT.
Director Stuyvcsant to the Magistrates of Gravesend.
Honorable, Dear, Faithful.
We received, quite late, your information that one James Grover had come there with
letters from tlie Lord Protector to the English inhabitants on Long Island. The Indians and
English inhabitants, outside of our jurisdiction and government, can take and read them to
their people, but we are unable to understand how any letters from any foreign Prince or
Potentate can be accepted within our government by subjects under oath and obedience to us.
Therefore, you are hereby requested, and at the same time authorized, to send said James
Grover, with his letters, to us in order to exhibit to us in our Council what writings he has
for our subjects. Awaiting which, after cordial greeting, we shall commend you to God's
protection, and remain.
Honorable, Dear, Faithful,
Your afl'ectionate friends.
The Director-General and Council of New Netherland.
(Signed), Petrus Stuyvesant.
Addressed :
Hon''''", Daar, Faithful, the Schout and Magistrates of the village of Gravesend.
Beneath was :
After collating, is found to agree with the original.
Ainsterdam, in New Netherland, (Signed), C. V. Ruyven, Secretary.
24'^' August, 1G57.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 163
Extract from the letter of the Director-General and Council of NewNetherland,
written on the SO'"" October, 1657, to the Directors of the West India
Company, Ciiamber at Amsterdam.
After closing and dispatching our general letter, we were informed that the aforesaid English
nation, on the East end of Long Island, had probably sent a petition to the Lord Protector to
be released from the government of tiie Dutch and to be taken under his protection, which
we, for divers reasons, too long here to be stated, i)elieved to be true. One of the foundations
on which they build, is the letter of the Lord Protector, written " To the Englisch wel affectet
in Habitaing, on Long Islant, in America." Tiie aforesaid letter being brought into the village
of Gravesend, the bearer of it, James Grover, requested it to he opened and read ; as is to be
seen by the subjoined copies sent us on that subject, both by the bearer and Magistrates, and
our answer and order to prevent the same thereunto annexed. That letter was sent your
Honors per the ship de TVargh, as it was received by us without our daring to open it or allow
it to be opened, so as not to be accused by the Lord Protector of the crime of opening his
letter or rending his seal, or by your Honors of admitting letters to your subjects from a foreign
Prince or Potentate, from which rebellion might result. We again request your Honors to
keep a watchful eye over the matter, so that the entire of Long Island may not be rendered
useless to you either by sinister practice or by force; were the English once masters thereof
by revolt or otherwise, it would be fatal to the North river. The continual machinations and
practices had recourse to by the English to that end, have appeared unceasing during our
government, and by no means unmistakable tokens thereof are still manifest. Therefore, . .
without assistance of people from Fatherland, we, the Company's servants, are not
able to prevent it ; the freemen we can hardly command to do it.
Lettei' I.
Letter K.
Declaration and Manifest of the Hon'''^ Governor-General and Council of the
Province of New Netherland, delivered by way of a speech to the Hon""
Governor and Council of the Province of Marrylant, in Chesapeake bay.
[ Omitted, beiDg a duplicate of Document, supra, p. 80. ]
Order in Council extending the provisions of the Treaty of Southampton to
Dutch ships, dated Whitehall, S"" September, 1G27.
[Omitted, being a duplicate of Document, post, IIL, 12.]
164 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Re-solution of the States- -General.
{ From tho Register of the West India Cuinpariy't* AlTairt?, 10^2 — 1GG3, in the Royal Archives at the Ilague. ]
Friday, o'"" November, 16G0.
Folio 290. Read at the meeting a certain IMemoir from the Committee of the Directors
Division of Bonn- of tiic General Incorporated We.st India Conujanv of this country, representins
duty III Now Nelli. I ' ■' ^ ' r a
efi"""!- the Assembly of the Nineteen, to the effect that Mess", the E.xtraordinary
Ambassadors of this State to the King of Great Britain, may be instructed to terminate and
determine, according to equity, with the said Most Illustrious King, the differences wliiidi
have arisen respecting the Division of Boundary, &c., between the English and this Nation,
ill New Netheiiand. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded hereby to grant
the aforesaid request, and the above mentioned Ambassadors sliall accordingly be written to
to the end aforesaid, and" all the papers appertaining hereunto delivered to the Assembly,
shall be sent to them.
States-Genend to tlieir Amlas-sadors to England.
I From the Register of Vitgegane Urievcn of the States-General, in tho Royal Archives at the Hague. 1
The States, &c.
Folio 2.39. non'''= We have thought proper herewith to send to your Honors the anne.iced
extract of our resolutions, adopted on the petition of those of the West India Company of
these parts, with and besides the papers thereunto appertaining, and to the end as in the
resolution set forth. Wherewith ending, &c., at the Hague, 5"" November, IGGO.
lieeolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam.
[ From the Jlesolutiai ran de VroetUchappeii, C., p. 82, in the Slad Huys, Ameterdara. ]
16"" November, 16G0.
iMiniid Docnmentfl, After deliberation, it is resolved and concluded that the aentlemen appointed
New Ncthcriand "Y i'*-'solution of tlic S"" Novembcr, of last year, and of the 25"" August last, a
uoionic. Committee for the affairs of the New Netherland Colonic shall be exhorted and
requested to bring their business to a clo.se at the earliest period and to report their
consideration and advice; and whereas some payments regarding said Colonic are so pressing
as not to admit of any delay, it is consented that a sum of six thousand guilders sliall,
meanwhile, be disbursed by this city to be employed for the aforesaid urgent payments.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV., XVL 165
Re-solution of the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam.
[ From the Jtesolutien van de Vroedschappett, C, p. 100, in the Slad Ihiys, Amsterdam. ]
G"* January, 1661.
H'.iia"!! Documents, Mess", the Commissioners, by previous resolution of this Council appointed for
ATOiisidv of i.v2.'io ^-'^^ affairs of this city's Colonie in New Netherland, have reported that, although
fo' ^New" Ne'h'"r- they had not j'^et been able to render a positive opinion on its affairs, yet they
aied'by'theTreSuI could uot abstain froui representing to the Council that the reputation of the
city meanwhile demanded that the Directors of that Colonie be provided with
funds for the payment of the accrued interest on the loan negotiated by them, with the approval
of this Council ; also for the satisfaction of the people who have served the city there, and have
already long solicited their pay ; whereunto is recjuired a sum of fifteen thousand two hundred
and fifty guilders. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that Mess", the
Treasurers, shall advance to said Directors the sum of fifteen thousand two hundred and fifty
guilders, and to that end said Treasurers are autliorized, in addition to the 150,000 guilders,
this day allowed, by previous resolution, to be negotiated, to raise the aforesaid sum of fifteen
thousand two hundred and fifty guilders, on the like terms, as is resolved in regard to the said
150,000 guilders.
Report of the Commissioner. s of the Colonie on the Delaware River.
[ From the Bundle indorsed Verscheide Slukken ruekende de Colonie van N. Nederlandt, No- 63, in the Stad Uut/s, Amsterdam. ]
Right Worshipful Gentlemen.
Holland Documents "^''^ Commissiouers and Directors of your Colonie in New Netherland having
XVI., 231. received the alteration made in the Conditions, by resolution of the Council,
have caused the same to be posted, agreeably to your Worships' instructions, and every diligence
shall be forthwith used for the advancement of the Colonie, for the greatest benefit and profit
of the city ; whereunto may God grant his blessing.
In order to attain this object, they cannot avoid respectfully to submit to your Worships
whether it would not be considered, in your profound wisdom, proper to apply to the West
India Company for a change of certain articles in the present Conditions, which are not very
advantageous to your Worships, and are offensive to many, both Regents and private persons;
and the Company possibly, by the removal or modification of them, may bring about a speedier
augmentation of the Colonie and a more frequent resort thereto.
The first article that comes under consideration is the 13"", in the old Conditions (which we
shall refer to herein), providing that the SlierifF and, article 15"", that the Schepens shall be
appointed, in the name of their High Mightinesses and the West India Company, by the
Deputies of Amsterdam, who, for that purpose, shall give a power of attorney to the Director,
Tiie Commissioners are respectfully of opinion that, besides High, Middle and Low
Jurisdiction which the Company conferred on your Worships, the disposal of the offices
whereby such must be exercised, namely that of the Sheriff and other members of the Court,
ought also be granted.
166 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Secondly. Tlio IT"" article extends tlie judgment or decision of the Scliepens of your
Worsliips' Colonic no farther tlian to one hundred guilders; that for a higher sum being
subject to an appeal to the Director-General and Council of New Netherland ; and by article
IS"' an appeal is also allowed in criminal cases.
The Commissioners are of opinion that the government of your Worships' Colonic ought
finally pronounce judgment, or at least that the sum which men might prosecute should be
souK^what increased; in all cases that no appeal be allowed in criminal cases.
Thirdl}^ Although your Worships have been pleased, by the enlarging of tlie 30"" article,
whereby the finders of minerals, etc., were allowed the propert; thereof, on condition of
jiaying after the lapse of ten years, one-tenth of the proceeds to the Company, to take the
aforesaid minerals on said c( ndition from them, authorizing your Worships' Commissioners to
write to the Director to agree with tlie finders for the best a vantage of the city.
The Commissioners are still of opinion that the aforesaid tax ought to be, if not entirely removed,
at least rendered as light as can in any wise be agreed upon.
And the Commissioners are of opinion that not only your Worships' goods, but also those of
all private merchants who are willing to trade to your Worships' Colonic, ought to be allowed
to be sent to it direct, and that trade be carried on with it, without being bound to run to
New Amsterdam, believing that the Company will not be injured, but possibly derive more
benefit from this than from the system which has been hitherto in practice. For :
First. On many goods all, and from all the greatest part of the duties were paid
here, so that, as little fraud can be committed in your Worships' Colonic, where they
must always keep somebody, as at New Amsterdam.
Secondly. 'Tis more profitable to them to benefit an entire country, especially
that which through agriculture, which is carried on far and wide, must return its
profits, than merely one place, whereby Colonists are rendered unwilling to spread
themselves throughout the country to cultivate it, but repair all to settle at that
privileged place, and lay up goods, which has commonly been the cause of the slow
increase, and frequently the ruin of the Colonies of our nation.
Thirdly. More duty shall undoubtedly be collected whenever people will be at
liberty to go from here direct to trade to your Worships' Colonic, which is as easy
of access as New Amsterdam ; nearer for those who go from Europe, the West Indies
and the Islands; of warmer climate and certainly of as good quality of soil.
Fourthly. The Company is interested in the prosperouspopulation and maintenance
of your Worships' [Colonic], which, in case of rupture with the English or Swedes,
must abide the first brunt and be a wall unto those of the North, although they
willingly admit that the communication with the Virginian English hath brought
the Colonic, up to this time, no loss but profit.
Finally. The Commissioners are of opinion that the duty on the merchandise which goes
to New Netherland, amounting to 14i, ]2i and Si per cent, if not entirely taken olf, as far
as your Worships are concerned, ought at least be somewhat diminished ; certainly, if the
merchants sending their wares to New Netherland are allowed to agree at a less ]trice, such
also ought to be the case with your Worships, who, in all inslances, ought to be placed on a
)eyel with those of New Amsterdam?
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 167
Resolution of the Common Council of ths City of Amsterdam.
[ From the Resolutien van de Vroedschappen, C, p. 132, in the Stad Hui/s, Amsterdam. ]
9 March, 1661.
Hniiami DocumentB "^lie Commissioners appointed by resolution of the Council of the 8"
^^'■'^'' November, to consider (in default of any acrreement beinff concluded with the
On what fnoting to ' ^ JO O
!!ie'i'i"iN''ewNe?hi?- Wcst India Company, pursuant to the previous resolution of the 30"" September,
'''"''■ of said year, to surrender to said Company, on reasonable conditions, the Colonic
undertaken to be planted in Nevp Netherland by this city, which agreement the Cou cil,
nevertheless, resolves shall be insisted on) in what manner the city would be most suitably
freed from the burthen of the aforesaid Colonic, a Memorial of the Directors of the aforesaid
Colonic, tending to the maintenance of the same by disbursing a small sum of money, being
also by resolution of the 25"' of August, A° 1660, placed in tiie hands of the said Commissioners :
Have reported that, in pursuance and fulfillment of the aforesaid resolutions, after having
perceived tliat there was no appearance of any negotiation being concluded with the West
India Company for the conveyance of the aforesaid Colonic, according to the intent of this
Council, they set about inquiring, first : What the principal causes were that the Colonic
aforesaid did not increase according to the design of this city? secondly: In what manner
could a remedy be applied ? and, lastly, drew up a sketch of the means which, after provision
is first made for those obstacles, should be employed to redress the Colonic, and what sum of
money would be required, once for all, lor that redress, so that the Colonic in future may be
able to support itself, and the city in time expect the fruits thereof.
In regard to the first: The said Commissioners say, that they are informed by those who
have been in the service of the city there and returned hither, that the late 1 irector did not
at the first start apply himself to the work with sufficient diligence and dexterity, especially
to the promotion of agriculture, so that the Colonists, not being able to gain their subsistence,
did mostly run away.
Which running away was further caused by the difference that arose between Director-
General Stuyvesandt and the officers of the city's Colonic, both in the matter of jurisdiction
and otherwise, whereby also the remaining Colonists were rendered unsettled.
Moreover, the Colonists find it peculiarly onerous that they are obliged to repair before the
Director-General and Council of New Netherland in cases of appeal, where the amount
exceeds one hundred guilders, and that no efficient police can he maintained, because an
appeal is permitted in criminal matters.
It is also highly injurious to the Colonic, that, according to the 30"" article of the Conditions,
the goods of private persons which the city happens to send over on freight, together with the
goods belonging to the city, laden in a common ship, cannot be conve3^ed direct to the
aforesaid Colonic, but must first be discharged and opened at New Amsterdam, or some other
place belonging to the Companj\
And great disputes have arisen in consequence of the Company's servants claiming the
money arising from the privilege of anchoring in the South river in front of this city's Colonic.
Against the aforesaid mismanagement, the Commissioners say, that it was provisionally
supplied with another person, who, with great zeal, is endeavoring to promote the
reestablishment of the Colonic.
168 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
And thcv are of opinion that the aforesaid difference about jurisdiction could be remedied by
the Companv hohliiig their Director to his duty and siiarply interdicting liim from undertaking
anylhin" contrary to the right of the city's Colonic, instructing him, on tiie contrary, to favor
evervwhere the promotion thereof, and to live on good understanding with its officers, to which
effect, on complaint made to the aforesaid Company in tiiis particular, very earnest letters have
already been sent off to said Director.
Against the oppressiveness of the appeal, a provision could also be made, as tlie Company
consented that the Schepens of the aforesaid Colonic sliall henceforth pronounce judgment in
civil actions unto 600 gl., Holland currency, and in all criminal cases indifferently. Likewise,
against the injustice of the aforesaid 30"" article, that the Company allows the contents thereof
to be taken out of the Conditions; and, as to the 31" article, nothing more was allowed than
that, whenever the city is sending off its own or a chartered ship, loaded solely with the city's
own goods, such ship may proceed directly to the city's Colonie. This was amplified and
changed, so that all ships which the city happens to send to its Colonie, whether they be
Laden with goods belonging to the city or to private individuals, together with all other private
ships which are allowed and permitted by the city to trade and frequent the Colonie aforesaid,
ehall be at liberty to proceed direct to said Colonie without first touching at New Amsterdam
or any other of the Company's places, and are, therefore, so far released from the observance of
the rule, remaining, nevertheless, subject to the same rule in all other points, such as, uamelj',
that the goods and ships aforesaid to be loaded shall, as before, be brought into the Company's
warehouse here, for inspection and to be marked with the city's and Company's marks, by
some person on the part of the Company, in the presence of the Committee of the city; and,
moreover, that the duty thereupon be paid, agreeably to the tariff; also that, on the anival
of the ship in the city's Colonie in New Netherland, the cargo shall again be opened in a
warehouse, in the presence of some person to be appointed for that purpose by the Company
and on behalf of the city.
Likewise that the differences and difficulties arising on occasion of the privilege of
anclioring, together with all others that may in future again happen between the respective
officers, through propinquity, could be removed and avoided whenever the Company
shall conclude to make over to tiie city the lands on the east side of the South river, as
far as the city's district extends at present on the west side, all such jurisdiction and rights
as said city hath heretofore obtained on the aforesaid west side, and the limits of the
Colonie shall be extended nortliwards up to Upland Kill ; ' as the Directors of the Chamber
here already accorded and agreed to bring the two aforesaid points before the Assembly of the
XIX., and to help to procure the approbation of the States-Gen(U-al thereto. And as regards
the tliird, communication was sent on the behalf of the aforementioned Commissioners to the
aforesaid Directors who had given to understand thereupon, that whenever the aforesaid
Colonie was maintained by the city, and serious arrangement was made for populating it by
conveying people thither, the Company would not throw any difficulties in the way of the
extension of the limits aforesaid.
The abovementioned Commissioners consider the means whereby the aforesaid Colonie
might be redressed, to be these :
Namely: That the military who are in the service and pay of the city be discharged,
leaving the Colonists to provide for their own defence, whereunto 'tis considered that they
'Now, Chester Cretk, Delnware couuty, Peansjlvunia. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 169
will be competent, especially when they shall be reinforced with people, which point will be
hereafter treated of; whereunto the military migiit be induced to coi'iperate, without pay, by
distributing lands among them for their own support, under bond to serve the Colonie as
soldiers in time of need, and in that case to draw pay.
Further, for populating the Colonie, that a goodly number of free people be gratuitously
conveyed over, with their necessary baggage, by the city, and nothing more should be
disbursed except a piece of land for them to support themselves on, as has been the practice
of the Company for many years with good success, and now plenty of people are to be found
who would very willingly repair tiiither.
And for the greater advancement of farming, it would besides, be well to engage
provisionally, 25 or 30 farm servants from Westphalia or Gelderland, who are willing and
accustomed to work, together with some boys, and pay them board and wages, at the expense
of the Colonie, on condition that the product of their labor shall in return be enjoyed by
the Colonie.
That the civil servants who are drawing pay be reduced to as few in number, and as small
an amount of wages as is in anywise possible, so that there be retained in service only :
Guilders. Guilders.
One Director on a salary of, 100 per month ; and board-wages a year, 300
One Sheriff, being Commissary, 40 150
One assistant,. 15 75
One barber, being also apothecary, 23 100
One steward and cooper together, 12 75
One smith (3. one guilder a day when
employed by the city, otherwise, nothing.
One comforter of the sick, to act, also, as
schoolmaster, IS , 80
And that, finally, a sum of 24,628 guilders be demanded, once for all, to be expended as
follows, namely :
50 snaphance, each 5 guilders 250 . 00
2,000 lbs. powder, @, 40 " per 100 lbs 800.00
One cargo of merchandise, 10,000.00
Materials for brickwork, 800.00
Farming implements, 1,000.00
Eight months' charter of a ship, 4,800.00
17 ships' crew, estimated, with officers and seamen, to average 17 gl. per month, 2,312.00
Their food for the entire voyage, 1,666.00
One cargo, to be sent this year, 3,000.00
24,628.00
Nothing is set down for the salaries of the civil servants, nor yet for the wages of the farm
servants and boys, nor for their board, as they should be engaged or continued on condition
that they shall so improve the aforesaid cargoes and other etlects of the Colonie there, and
Vol. II. 22
JL70 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
likewise the cultivation of the soil, that from the proceeds of those cargoes and wliat shall
be obtained from time to time for them, together with the produce of the lands which will be
cultivated by the aforesaid farm servants and boys, their salaries or wages, and their board
shall be abundantly provided ; on which condition the principal of the officers offer their
services, provided that 2 months' wages be advanced to those only who are to be taken
up new.
Neither is anything set down for the board on the voyage of the aforesaid free people,
farm servants and boys, estimated at G stivers a day each for about 2 months ; nor for the
aforesaid 2 months' wages in iiand, as it was calculated that tlie profits which the aforesaid
ship will realize on the outward and chiefly on the homeward voyage, with the outward
freight of private merchandise, will be more than equivalent to the aforesaid board and
monthly wages in hand.
So that, in all cases, no more than the above 24,G28 guilders will be required, once for all,
for the redress of the Colonic, which sum should be the less burdensome seeing that whenever
it would be concluded to abandon the Colonie on payment of the already disbursed monthly
payments, &c., a considerable sum which the city would be then owing must be furnished;
that debt will, in case the aforesaid 24,628 guilders are appropriated, be refunded by the
Colonie itself.
Further, the Commissioners are of opinion, if this Council resolve to maintain the Colonie,
that it will be highly advantageous for the redress and promotion thereof, that the city admit
some private individuals to a share of one-half the Colonie, without those persons, however,
being liable for any of the expenses which have been heretofore incurred, but only for what
is hereafter necessary for its redress and continuation, and therefore to participate in half the
gains; with this understanding, that the private persons to be admitted as aforesaid, should
be allowed with the Directors on behalf of this city to be appointed for the management of
the Colonie, the management and supervision with an equal number of votes as the Directors,
provided that the city Directors should ji reside ; and, in case of an equality of votes, one
Commissioner be appointed, on the behalf of the city, to help to arrange the difference ; for,
beyond all doubt, the work would be attended to with more zeal and assiduity by private
persons who are interested, and such also would redound to the advantage of the city.
And then, within the time expressed in the condition, the tenths are to be looked for ; and
the Colonie being again brought into shape, it is to be expected that the people who have
gone away and are impoverished will return thither, and become able, with the prosperity of
the Colonie, to repay the city what has been disbursed for them. In addition to this, the
probability is, that considerable gain would accrue from the convenience of certain creeks
which have been discovered penetrating into the interior of the country, and are navigable for
small boats to within a quarter of an hour's distance of the distrii^t of the English, with whom
a great trade can be carried on from this side, as those who have been there have found to
their great profit ; and this, exclusiveof the great prosperity which this city would consequently
derive in general from the frequent navigation and commerce to this Colonie.
Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded to maintain and continue said Colonie
on the footing proposed by the aforesaid Commissioners, who are thanked for the trouble they
have taken.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL, XV. 171
Resolation of tlie Commissioner's of the Colonie on (lie Delatvare River.
t From the Bundle indorsed Verschcide Stu/Jctn rae/ccnde de Colonie van N, Nederlandl^ No. 59, in the Slad Huys, Amsterdam. ]
Extract from the Minutes of the Commissioners and Directors appointed and
named to superintend the Colonie estabiislied on the South river, in New
Netherland, by the City of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 39"" July, 1661.
Present — Mr. Burgh, Chairman.
Mess" Roeters,
Man,
Tayspil.
Holland Dooumenta Meyutic Willems, wife of John Barentsen, late freeman in this city's Colonie
ivi., 225. j^ New Netherland and there deceased, appeared and delivered to the meeting
a certain written inventory, acta and obligation, whereby Hans Block, gunner in the service
of the aforesaid city's Colonie, acknowledges to have purchased such property as is therein
specified, and was left by her deceased husband, amounting, altogether, to about nine hundred
and eighty guilders, he promising thereby to make payment in beavers or other returns, or
else and in default thereof, to allow the same to be paid here out of his wages ; and as she
had received hereupon, after long waiting, only 300 guilders, she requested our aid, in order
that she may make use of the alternative, namely, that the balance, which is now about six
hundred aud eighty guilders, may be paid here from his wages. Whereupon the account of
the said Hans Block, as entered in tlie book of monthly wages last received thence, being
examined, it is found that nearly that sum is due him there, yet as not the slightest entry to
above effect is found, and he consequently might, since that time, have taken up and received
his wages there in whole or in part; it is accordingly resolved, after question being put, to
decline the payment in this instance for the present, and until she exhibit to us an original
settlement of account of Hans Block's monthly wages earned and due, together with an
assignment or power of attorney, executed from him to her, as is customary, or certainly ought
to be the practice.
By order of the same.
Proposals for Subscriptions to the Stock of the Colonie on the Delaware River.
[ From Grool Memoriaal, V., 51, in the Stad Hut/s, Amsterdam. ]
Notice.
Holland Documenia, The Burgomastcrs and Regents of the city of Amsterdam To all and every
Ne^w 'Netherland ^Y thcsc Prescuts make known : That, by resolution of the Burgomasters and
ouy'8 Colonie. XXXVI. Councillors of the aforesaid city, a proper number of Commissioners from
the midst of their Worships' Assembly has been ordered seriously to inquire into the condition
X72 NEW-YORK COLOXIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
of the Colonic named New Amstel, tlie planting whereof by the city aforesaid has been
commenced on the South river; and, in addition, to consider in what manner the above named
Colonic may be further maintained and brought to a flourishing state; also, that the said
Burgomasters and XXXVI. Councillors, having found, when tlie aforesaid Commissioners, after
laborious application, made a report of tiieir opinions, that provision must be made for divers
points tending to the embarrassment of the Colonic ; also that said Colonic must be relieved of
divers ordinary expenses ; the clearing and cultivation of thelands situated thereabout, zealously
promoted, and, in addition Ihcreto, that a goodly sum of money ought to be disbui'sed for the
maintenance of the aforesaid Colonie : Their Worships have, upon mature deliberation,
resolved, first : To employ all possil)lc diligence for the removal of said embarrassments, the
chief of which have already been put out of the way, namely, that henceforth the Schepens
of the aforesaid Colonie shall pronounce and decree judgment in civil suits to six hundred
guilders, Holland currency, and in all criminal cases indifferently, without appeal or reprieve,
instead of having, as heretofore, appeals from their judgments amounting to above one hundred
guilders, allowed to the Director-General and Council of New Netherlaud at vast expense,
trouble and loss of time to the Colonists, and, in all criminal cases, to the hindrance of
maintaining good police. Likewise, that all ships which this city happens to send to its
Colonie, whether freighted with city property or goods of individuals ; also, all other ships of
private persons permitted by said city to frequent and trade to the aforesaid Colonie, shall be
at liberty to proceed directly hence to the above mentioned Colonie, without touching at New
Amsterdam or any other of the West India Company's places, which could not heretofore be
done, to the manifest injury of that Colonie. That, further, for the relief of said Colonie, their
Worships have resolved to dismiss the military who are there in the service and pay of the
aforesaid city, and to reduce the public officers who receive salaries, to as small a number and
as low wages as is in any wise possible. And, to the end that agriculture be promoted, to send
over gratis a goodly number of free people and have them distributed on said lands; also, to
send thither in the city's service some laboring men who are accustomed to the cultivation of
the soil; and, finally, as regards the money means, amounting to about 25,000 gl., the aforesaid
Burgomasters and XXXVI. Councillors have resolved, once for all, to the end that the
advancement of their Colonie be encouraged with more zeal, to adjoin to them some private
merchants to take an interest for one-half in this Colonie, on such rights and conditions as the
Burgomasters aforesaid have agreed upon with the Directors of the West India Company,
which also are approved by their High Mightinesses, without, however, such private individuals
being responsible for any of the expenses which have heretofore been incurred, but in such
manner that they shall contribute only one-half of what is henceforth necessary for the
continuance of the Colonie aforesaid, and in return shall enjoy one-half of all the profits; also
possess, together with the Directors to be appointed on the part of this city, the management
of the Colonie, with a number of votes equal to those of the Directors aforesaid; on condition
that the city's Directors shall preside, and, in case the votes are equal, one Commissioner
siiall be appointed, on the part of this city, to assist in settling the diflerence.
Pursuant to which resolution, the Burgomasters and Regents aforesaid offer to receive all and
every as partners, on the abovenamed conditions. Those who are hereunto inclined, will
please address themselves to Nicholas Nicolai and Mr. Wigbolt Slicher, clerks of this city, so
that every one may be allowed to subscribe for what shares he desires to take, and, at the
same time, obtain more circumstantial information of the condition of the aforesaid Colonie,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 173
of the fruits and profits which are to be expected therefrom and of the employment of the
aforesaid 25,000 gl.
Done the 18'" August, 166}.
By order of their Worships.
(Signed), Wigbolt Slicher.
^ •« » »i »
Directors at Amsterdavi to Director Stuyvesant.
{ New- York Colonial Mauuscripts, in the OtRce of the Secretary of State, Albany, XIV. ]
Honorable, Prudent, Beloved, Faithful.
We received by tlie vessels Tronic, Hoop and Gulden Arent your general and particular letters
of the 21" July last, with the documents belonging thereto. As time does not permit us to
answer these at present, by the vessel that directly sails to the South I'iver, we hope to do so
by the ships which are expected to sail from here in the latter part of next month. Meanwhile,
we herewith send you, with a view to your special information, our resolution adopted upon
a proposal of this city, from which you will see what further privileges we have granted the
Magistrates of this city in regard of their Colonic on the South river. And as said Magistrates
will continue, accordingly, to charge themselves with the direction of said Colonic, they are
now sending several Colonists and farmers thither for the advancement thereof, in the hope
that such will be crowned with better success. Your Honors may see from the invoice, what
necessaries of clothing for the soldiers have been laden in this vessel, while the remainder can
be expected with the winter vessels.
With which terminating, we commend you to God's protection.
Honorable, Prudent, Beloved, Faithful,
Your good friends.
The Directors of the West India Company Department, Amsterdam.
(Signed), Jacobus Retees.
Amsterdam, Q'*" Nov', 1661. Abe. Wilmeedonk.
To the Director-General and Council in New Netherland.
Proposals of the Commissioners of the Extract from the Register of the Reso-
Right Worshipful, the Burgomasters lutions of the Directors of the West
of the city of Amsterdam. India Company Chamber at Amster-
dam.
[ New-York Colonial Manuscripts, in the Office of the Secretary of State, Albany, XIX. ]
I. 1.
First. That besides the High, Middle and With regard to the appointment of a Sheriff,
Low Jurisdiction, the city ought to possess this is granted to the city of Amsterdam in
the absolute disposal of all the offices, through the name of their High Mightinesses and the
which such is exercised ; namely, that of the West India Company, as specified in article
174
NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Sheriff, Schepens and other officers of the 13, provided he take the oath of allegiance
court, on such instructions and conditions, as to their High Mightinesses and the Company,
they may deem proper. So tiie Ilegents of the city of Amsterdam shall
be requested to command and instruct their
Director and other servants to assist the
Sheriff and the Commissaries of the Com-
pany's rights.
2. 2.
Tliat no appeal from judgments, pronounced The amount to which the Schepens of New
by said Schepens, shall be permitted to the Amstel may give their judgments is raised to
Director-General and Council at the Manhat- the sum of GOO guilders, and no appeal is
tans, but only to the court of justice here; allowed in criminal cases, and the Director-
or if great objection be made to this, or it be General and Council shall be instructed not
impossible, that the sum of one hundred to grant a reprieve, except conformably to
guilders, which the Schepens may now not the laws of this country,
exceed in their judgments, be augmented to
one thousand, or more. In ail events, that
110 appeal in criminal cases shall be permitted;
and tlie Director-General shall be instructed
not to give, in future, any reprieve to the
inhabitants of the city's Colonie.
3.
If any one discovers any minerals, he shall
be maintained in the possession thereof
without any payment to tlie Company, but
the city may enter into an agreement with
such individual to its best advantage, or lay
such a duty as the said city may deem proper.
This point remains undecided till such au
event shall occur.
4.
It is the opinion of their Worships that the With regard to the free conveyance of private
30"" article ought to be rescinded from the ships and goods, it is granted to the Colonie
Conditions, and in lieu thereof, that the Com- of New Amstel, upon the footing and regula-
pany allow not only the vessels of the city, tion sanctioned in this country and at New
laden with their own goods, but also all those Amsterdam, with regard to the lading of
of private merchants who are willing to trade goods, viz, that these must be carried first to
to the city's Colonie, to proceed directly the magazines of the Company and there be
thither and prosecute trade there without marked, provided the duties are paid, as is
being bound to touch at the city of New customary here and in New Amsterdam.
Amsterdam, much less to break bulk there ;
which, if duly considered, your Honors will
be convinced, will be more advantageous to
the Companj' than the present practice.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 175
5. 5.
Your Honors will be pleased to consider With regard to the proposal, tliat the city
seriously if the city ought not to be relieved receive a part of the recognitions, this cannot
of the great expenses which it has already be granted without prejudicing, seriously, the
incurred, and must yet continue to incur, by preceding article ; but if the city deems it an
allowing it to receive the recognitions and advantage to impose any new duties, as has
duties which are levied in that country in been granted to the Manhattans, to provide
order that it may possess a proper fund to for the expenses, which it already incurred,
pay its servants, maintain the public works, and which it must yet continue to incur,
&c. this might be effected with the previous
knowledge and approbation of the Company.
6. 6.
That the duties which must be paid here On the article of diminishing the duties
on goods in this city be diminished, so as your nothing can be done, as this Colonie ought
Honors may deem advisable. to remain on the same footing as New
Amsterdam.
Further Enlargement of the Condition.s granted to the Colonie on the Delaware River.
[ From the 3Iunitnenl Register van den Hand, C, p. 2i3, ill the Stad Uuys, xVmsterdara. ]
Holland Docutnents, The Commissioners and Directors of this city's Colonie in N. Netherland,
Colonie in New h'^viug represented to the Burgomasters that the Directors of the Incorporated
Netherland. Wcst ludia Company had allowed those of New Amsterdam and other inhabitants
of N. Netherland, on their petition, to export their wares and products which grow there,
and cannot be profitably sold here, to other places both in and out of Europe, but under certain
limitations, as more fully appear by resolution of the said Company, with the request that their
Honors will be pleased to allow this city's Colonists to enjoy the like freedom.
Secondly. That the 30"" article, which grants to the discoverers of minerals in the aforesaid
Colonie the property of said minerals, on condition that they pay -cs thereof to the West
India Company, after the lapse of ten years, confers no advantage on the city, to which,
according to the general conditions made with said Company, such minerals devolve and
were granted ; and the same ought to be expunged therefrom, and the Commissioners authorized
to agree thereon with the discoverers of minerals and such things.
It is, after consideration, resolved and concluded on the first, to amplify the conditions with
the following article. That :
The Colonists who shall have paid their board and passage money, and discharged their
other obligations, shall be empowered to bring their wares, produce and goods, the growth of
the Colonie, unto such ports and kingdoms as they think proper, to sell the same to the best
advantage, except beavers and other peltries ; likewise, to bring all wares or merchandise,
however named, which they shall destine for Netherland, East or North, to this city, to pay
176 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
tlie public and Company's duties, and generally to govern themselves precisely according
to tlie ri'guhition given by the Company to the inhabitants of N. Netherland.
And the aforesaid Directors are accordingly authorized to rescind the articles contravening
this one, or to arrange them agreeably to the instruction of tliis resolution.
On the 2"'', it is resolved to expunge the SO"" article of the present conditions, and the
Directors are authorized to agree with the discoverers of minerals, marbles, precious stones,
to the best advantage of the city.
Resolution of the Common Council of the Citu of Amsterdam.
[ From tlie Resolutien ran dc Vrofdschappen, ('., p. 193, in the S'tad Iliit/s, Amsterdam. )
SO'" April, IGG2.
iioiian.i Documenu, The Burgomastcrs have also reported that about 2-5 Mennonist families had
A V ., 51. ^ ^
somo famiiiea re- declared their inclination to remove to and reside in the citv's Colonic in New
qufst asBiHtaiieo to "
K,\nn\e '!'n New Ncthcrland, if this city would resolve to assist each family to that end with 200
Netheriand. guilders for oncc, lu addition to the passage money, on condition that such
families would jointly and severally bind themselves to repay the same. Which being
considered, it is resolved to loan. each family 100 gl. on such conditions, the passage money
therein included.
Contract for the Conveyance of Mennonists to the Delaware River,
[ From tile Groot Memoriaal, Xo. 79, in tlie Stad Hiiys, Aroelerdain. ]
Burgomasters and Regents of the city of Amsterdam.
Holland Documents, Whercas vve remain, at all times, disposed to advance this city's Colonie in
?^"'^'..„ New Nctherland, therefore have we, with the knowledge and consent of the
Conlraet Willi Pelor ^
soin'"'"' i'o™''New XXXVI. Councillors, resolved to enter into the following agreement to that end
Nciir.riaod. ' ,^i^jj Yxetex- Cornelisz Plockhoy, of Zierikzee, viz. :
He, Pieter Cornelisz Plockhoy, undertakes to present to us, as soon as possible, XXIIII.
men, who, with him, making a Society of XXV. persons, shall bind tliemselves to depart
by the first sailing ship or ships to tiie aforesaid city's Colonie to reside there and to work at
the cultivation of the land, fishing, handicraft, etc., and to be as diligent as possible not only
to the end that they should live properly by such labor, but that provision may thereby be
made for other coming persons and families.
Therefore the aforesaid Society of XXV. male persons, whether the same be more or less,
according as they may increase or diminish, shall, for the whole, and, moreover, each member
of said society for himself individually, have the privilege of selecting, taking up and
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 177
appropriating ai? much land, tlie property of no other person, whether in the Whorekill or
in any other part of the district of this Colonie wherever it may lie, as they shall be willing
and able to cultivate and pasture. Which lands, both divided and undivided, the aforesaid
Society and Colonists respectively shall occupy in full property, to do therewith as to thena
shall seem good.
And the aforesaid Colonists, for the peace, union and welfare of their Society, such rules
and orders shall be empowered to enact as they shall think proper, provided, nevertheless,
that each person who may consider himself wronged shall be at liberty to appeal to the
Magistrate there or here.
The aforesaid Society, and each member thereof in particular, shall, for their further
encouragement, be granted freedom from Tenths and all other imposts, howsoever they be
named, for the term of XX. years.
And there shall be paid, likewise, to each of the aforesaid 25 persons, by form of a loan, a
sum of one hundred guilders to provide himself therefrom with necessaries according to
pleasure, on condition that such sum is utiderstood to include his passage money only, and
not those of his wife and children, who shall be conveyed over at the expense of this city,
conformably to the printed Conditions.
Therefore the aforesaid XXV. Colonists, promise and bind themselves, i?i solidum, the one for
the other, to repay the aforesaid 2,500 guilders to this city agreeably to the 21 and 22 articles
of the Conditions relating to the city's Colonie, last printed and published.
Then, in case any of the aforesaid 25 men should wish to leave the Society before the time
of the full payment of said 2,500 guilders, in order to return hither, he shall be at liberty to
do so, on condition of leaving to the Society the undivided land, cattle and all other common
property, and taking with him only his own particular goods, so that the repayment may be
effected by the remaining Colonists. Therefore the passage money of such Colonist and
family as have gone away shall be paid by the Society out of the common stock in return for
bis contributed labor.
And if any person will go over, or make the voyage at his own expense and yet wish to
save or even sell his share in the common fund, he shall be at liberty to do so, on condition
that he previously put one in his place or sell to such a one as the Society respectively
shall approve of, in order to help to have a strict eye over the common labor and other
things besides.
The aforesaid Society and the individual members thereof remaining further bound to
observe, in all other respects, the aforesaid printed articles. In like manner, also, the
explanation of whatever should herein be found to demand further interpretation remains
reserved unto the Burgomasters of this State.
In testimony whereof have we, the Burgomasters and Regents aforesaid, the seal of this
city affixed to these presents the 9"" of June, A° 1662.
(Signed), Wigbolt Slichee.
Having a seal impressed in Green Wax.
Vol. II. 23
178 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Director Stuyve-sant to the Magistrates of JS'eio Amstel.
[ From the Bundle indorsed Versclwiile fyiukken Tatkende de Colonie ran .V. Xederlajtdt, Xo. GO, in tlie Stad Hut/s, Amsterdam. ]
Honorable, Prudent, 3Iost Discreet Gentlemen.
nniiaiiH Docutnenio ^^*^ receivcd yesterday evening your letter, from which we learned with
^*'''^"'' anxiety the murder of a Dutchman and the burning of a house near the Fortress
of New Amstel, and the consequent justifiable trouble and apprehension of the inhabitants, and
also the request of M. d'Hinojossa to send a reinforcement of 12 men at the city's expense;
this request has already been granted by us. But, regarding the passage thither of the trifling
assistance demanded, whether it is to be sent by land or outside around ; if over land, 'tis
an objection that so small a number might very easily be overpowered and massacred on the
march by the Indians, if tiiese be inclined to war; round about by sea would take along
time, and so small a number could not essentially serve and defend both 2)laces, New Amstel
and Altonae. Having, besides, considered Mr. Beeckman's advice and the verbal report of the
bearer of the letter, we are inclined to hope that the trouble may pass over ; nay, that it is
not so bad and dangerous as the inhabitants of New Amstcd apprehend. We have, therefore,
concluded first to dispatch this with speed by the bearer of yours and Claes Jansen Ruyter, the
Interpreter, the latter of whom we have expressly commanded to make all possible speed and
haste, and take precise information from all the Indians as to the continuance of the matter
i-emonstrated on; if anything be learned, to return hither, cito cito. In this case, the required
assistance, and, according to the circumstances of his report, a greater number will be sent to
your Honors. If he learn nothing of consequence or no news, he is directed to proceed onward
and to hand these to your Honors in person, and to bring back speedily your opinion.
Wherewith, ending for the present, we shall, after greeting, commend you all together to
God's care and protection.
Honorable, prudent and very discreet gentlemen,
Vour affectionate friends.
The Director-General and Council of New Netherland.
Done Fort Amsterdam, in (Signed), Peter Stuyvesant.
New Netherland, IG"- Sept% 1GG2.
Directoi' Stayve-sarit to tlie Directors at Ainsterdain.
Honorable, Wise, Prudent and Right Worshipful.
noiinnd Documents Aftcr our last was closcd, and the skipper had departed about noon yesterday,
xvi.,229. with the letters, we received late in the evening the annexed from Director
d'Hinojossa, which we deem necessary to communicate to you and through you to the
Commissioners of the city's Colonic, in order that you and they, according to your far seeing
judgment, may adopt such regulation for the belter security of this far distant place, as
your good and wise Council may devise. From the annexed copy of the letter speedily
dispatched in answer to the first, your Honors can partly deduce bow the matter was viewed
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI., XV. 179
by us ; things must improve by time. Meanwhile, we shall not fail to look to the security of
both the one and the other place, and to contribute thereto as far as present circumstances
permit us. Therefore, your Honors and the Commissioners may be assured, should any
collision occur or happen there or elsewhere, we should find ourselves forthwith in want of
good powder. Our supply consists of only about 2,500 (^ 3,000 pounds in all ; but, as the
greater part of it is some years old and has lain too long, we could not rely on it in time of
need. We therefore will respectfully request your Honors to send over a good quantity by
the first opportunity, and annually afterwards, in order to have a supply of good powder
constantly on hand, to the extent of 5 (S^ 600 pounds, in which case we should, from time to
time, have the old powder sent back, in order to be made over again. We are much at a
loss for drums and skins for drum-heads, in consequence of being obliged to supply the
outlying villages with them, at their request; none can be obtained here, as they are, not
imported by private persons. We therefore fequest your Honors to provide us with some,
next spring. Wherewith, hastily ending, we shall, after hearty greeting, commend your
Honors to the care and protection of God, and remain,
Honorable, wise, prudent and right worthy,
Your obedient and faithful servant.
Fort Amsterdam, in P. Stutvesant.
New Netherland, 16'" 7"", A° 1C02.
-♦>♦ » ■■ *r-
Return of Moneys imid for the Golonie on the Delaware River.
[ From the Bundle indorsed Rek-eningrn raekende New Nederlandl, C., 4, Xo. 1. )
No. 41.
Return of the monthly payments here by the Directors for the government of
xv!'uo.^°""°™"' the Colo&ie of New Amstel, in New Netherland, from the IS'" November,
1659, to the 3'* November, 1662.
A" 1659. FIorinB.
IS'" November. To William van Diemen, sergeant,,.... No. 1, .... 30. 0.0
-ditto William van Diemen, " 2 30.0.0
ditto Roeloff Swenske, soldier, " 3 34. 8.8
ditto Jan Nanninghsen, boy on board thegaliot,.. " 4, . 19. 0.0
ditto Andries Andriessen, carpenter of ditto " 6, . — 52.10.0
ditto William V.Rasenburg, surgeon in the Colonie, " G, . 46. 0.0
25'" ditto Jan Nanninghsen, " 7 22.12.0
1660.
10'"January. Peter Tergotsky, soldier, " 8, 16.0.0
ditto Claes Antonisen, soldier,. " 9, . — 16. 0.0
ditto Christiaen Libert V. Iperen, soldier,. " 10, . — 16. 0.0
13'" ditto Roeloff Swenske, soldier, " 11, 8.0.0
Amount carried forward,. 290.10.8
180
1660.
15"-
January.
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
SO'"
ditto
ditto
30'"
ditto
3rd
February.
ditto
10'"
ditto
26'"
ditto
Ond
March.
23'"
ditto
25'"
ditto
ditto
27'"
April.
aS'" June.
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
16'"
July.
10'" August.
16'"
ditto
6'"
September
olh
October,
20'"
ditto
25'"
ditto
29'"
ditto
25'"
November
9'"
December.
ditto
17'"
ditto
ditto
ditto
24'"
ditto
27'"
ditto
ditto
80'"
ditto
NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Florins.
Amount brought forward, 290.10.8
Gerrit Specht, soldier, No. 12, 16. 0.0
Jan Claesen van den Bolch, soldier, " 13, .... 16. 0.0
Theunis Servaes, of Haerlem, cooper " 14, . . . . 88. 0.0
de liuyter, of Antwerp, soldier,. .. . " 15, . 16. 0.0
Jacob Jansen, soldier, " 16, . — 16. 0.0
Hendrick VVillemsen, soldier, " 17, 16.0.0
Hans Oloffsen, soldier, " IS, 16. 0.0
Cornells Theunissen, smith in the Colonic,. . " 19, .... 40. 0.0
Michiel Blickhuysen, cadet, " 20, 20. 0.0
Tites Sieversen, soldier, " 21, 16. 0.0
Hans Rasmullen, soldier,..*. " 22 18.0.0
Hendrick Gerritsen, cadet, " 23, 20. 0.0
Reynier Spierman, soldier, " 24, . 16. 0.0
Jan Andriesen, soldier, " 25, . 16. 0.0
Thomas Bingen, soldier, " 26, 16. 0.0
Bernard Stodeur, soldier, " 27, 16. 0.0
Jan Barentsen, soldier, " 28, .... 10. 0.0
Jacob Jansen Huys, skipper of the galiot,. .. . " 29, . 135. 0.0
Jan Broers, cook of the galiot, " 30, . 48. 0.0
Jacob Gerbrantsen, seaman of the galiot, " 31, . 36. 0.0
Jan Claesen, seaman of the galiot, " 32, .... 33. 0.0
Jan Jochemsen, pilot of the galiot, " 33, . 84. 0.0
Arent Korsen, seaman of the galiot, " 34, . 36. 0.0
Jan Gerritsen, seaman, late of the ship P/ins
Maurils, " 35, 11. 0.0
Claes Antonisen, late soldier, " 30, . 63. 7.0
Ditto, •" 37, 16.0.0
Martinus van der Rest, soldi ir, " 38, 32. 0.0
William van Rasenburg, surgeon, " 39, . 15.10.0
Michael Evertsen, corporal, " 40, . 310. 8.0
Theunis Servaes, cooper, " 41, .... 91. 0.0
Idem, " 42 250.0.0
Cornelis Theunissen, late smith, " 43, . 414. 0.0
Jan Gosling, late surgeon, " 44, .... 404.17.8
Theunis Servaes, late cooper, " 45 36. 0.0
Arent Korsen, seaman, late of the galiot,. . . " 46, .... 323. 2.0
Jan Broers, cook, late of the galiot, " 47, . 86. 9.0
Jacob Gerbrantsen, seaman of do " 48, ..-. 236.13.0
D"' Everardus Welius, clergyman, " 49, 800. 0.0
Jan Jochemsen, pilot of the galiot, " 50, . 700. 0.0
Andries Andriesen, carpenter of do, " 51, .... 336. 0.0
Thys Jacobsen, boy of the same, " 52, 61. 9,0
Amount carried forward, 5,168. 6.0
1661.
20"" January.
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
SS""
ditto
se""
ditto
27*
ditto
12"" February.
24""
ditto
ditto
IS* March.
22°"'
ditto
23^'»
ditto
SO*
ditto
gnd
April.
•ylh
ditto
QDd
May.
ll* June.
21"
ditto
2S*
ditto
21"
July.
ll'"
August.
ditto
lO* October.
22»<'
ditto
20"" December,
ditto
ditto
16C2.
10* January.
4>h
March.
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
7*
ditto
17*
ditto
20*
ditto
1" April.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 181
Florins.
Amount brought forward, 5,1GS. G.O
Jan de Ruyter, soldier, No. 53, 16. 0.0
Jan lloodelier, soldier, '♦ 54, 38. 0.0
Louys Frison, of Iperen, soldier, " 55, .... 53.1S.S
Reynier Spierman, soldier, " 60, . 16. 0.0
Jacob Jansen Huys, skipper of the galiot,. . . " 57, . 1,385.17.0
William van Rasenberg, surgeon, " 58, . 390. 0.0
D"*" Everardus Welius, clergyman, " 59, 1,713. G.S
Jan Evertsen, of Kalcker, M'" mason, " 60 1,384.10.0
Jan Stoocker, seaman of the galiot, •' 61, .... 131. S.O
Jacob Gerbrantsen, seaman of do, " 62, .... 60. 0.0
Jan Stoocker, seaman of do, " 63, 187. 0.0
Evert Pietersen, comforter of the sick, &c.,. . " 64, . 927.16.0
Bernard Stodeur, soldier, " 65, . 16. 0.0
Evert Pietersen, comforter of the sick, &c.,. . " 66, . 66. 0.0
Idem, " 67, 142.13.0
Idem, " 68 190.15.0
Jan Barentsen van Deventer, soldier, " 69, . 16. 0.0
Arent Evertsen, comforter of the sick, &c.,.. " 70 50. 0.0
Jan Roodlier, soldier, " 71, . 58.14.8
Martinus van de Rest, soldier, " 72, . 16. 0.0
Abraham van Rynevelt, commissary " 73, . 788. 2.0
Hend : van Bilevelt, cadet, " 74 250. 0.0
Barent Odwael Noorman, seaman, " 75, . 72.13.0
William van Diemen, sergeant, " 76, . . . . 200. 0.0
Evert Pietersen, late comforter of the sick, &c., " 77 75. 0.0
Arent Evertsen Molenaer, comforter of the
sick, " 78 100. 0.0
Hend: van Bylevelt, cadet, wages, " 79, . 254.11.0
Jan de Ruyter, ditto, " 80, 50. 0.0
Amadis van der Meylen, drummer, " 81, 70. 0.0
Jan de Ruyter, soldier, " 82, 16. 0.0
Alexander d'Hinojossa, director, " S3, . 700. 0.0
Jacob Jansen Huys, skipper of the galiot, " 84, . 2,105. 1.8
Jan Jocherasen, pilot of do ..." 85, . 542. 5.0
Andries Andriesen, carpenter of do " 86, 171. 6.8
Tys Jacobsen, boy of do ... " 87, 69. 7.8
Jooat Theunissen, seaman, late of the Prins
Maurils, '« 88, 11. 0.0
Bernard Stodeur, soldier, " 89, 16. 0.0
Andries Andriesen, carpenter of the galiot, . . " 90, 12. 0.0
William Rasenburgh, surgeon, " 91, 46. 0.0
Amount carried forward, 17,577.11.0
182
1662.
4""
April.
ditto
ditto
ditto
22"''
May.
as""
June.
ditto
gib
August.
ditto
—
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
lO"-
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
le"-
ditto
ditto
ditto
ii'"
September
ditto
ditto
IS'"
ditto
ditto
ditto
5th
October.
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
3"* November
NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Florins.
Amount brought forward, 17,577 .11.0
.Jan Ciaesen, seaman ol the gaiiot, No. 92, 201.12.0
Idem, " 'J3, .... 13S.10.0
Idem, " 94, .... 101.10.0
Idem, " 9-5 13S.10.0
Reynier Siperman, soldier, " 90, 300. 6.S
Hans Block, gunner, " 97, S37. 7.0
Jan Barentsen, soldier, " 9S 16.00.0
William van Rasenburg. surgeon, " 99, .... 741.12.0
Barent Stodeur, late soldier, " 100, 163. 3.0
Jan Barentsen, ditto " 101, 35. 7.S
Hans Rasmussen, ditto " 102, 124.15.8
Jacques Gardelo or Payo, soldier, " 103, 224. 19. S
Hend: van Bilevelt, late cadet, " 104, 176. 1.8
Jan de Ruyter, late soldier, " 105 251.10.8
Pieter Fergotsky, ditto " 100, 36.0.0
Idem " 107, 140.16.8
Hend: Gerritsen, idem, " 108 16.13.0
Idem, " 109, 30. 0.0
-Pieter Pouwelsen, soldier " 110, 133.10.0
Andries van der Mynen, drummer, " 111, . — 262.13.8
Francois Greeyn, late soldier, " 112, . — 220. 7.8
Jan Corneiissen, of Deutecom, cadet, " 113 100. 0.0
Idem, " 114 40.0.0
Idem, " 115, 30. 0.0
Idem " 116, 32.10.0
Idem, " 117, 20. 0.0
Idem, " lis, 00. 0.0
Marten Cleynsmit, cadet, " 119, 250. 0.0
Christiaen Libert, soldier, " 120, 176. 1.0
Dirck Jacobsen de Vries, skipper of the
Purmcrlandcr Kerck, " 121, 395. IS. 0
Otto Philips, soldier, " 122 282.0.0
Idem, " 123, .'. . , 25. 0.0
Francois Greyn, soldier, " 124, 22. 0.0
Total, 23,398. 5.8
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL ^ 183
Emigrants to tlie Colonie on the Delaware River.
List of the Colonists and other free people who have entered to go to this city's
Colonie in New Netherland.
ITollan'l Documenla,
XVI., 242.
Joris Herisse, of Leyderdorp, with his boy and 2 servants, 4
Cornelis Aertsen, of Zevenhoven, with his boy and nephew, 3
Jan Liendertsen, in the Bent, 1
Jan Roemer, of Hazerswoude, with his wife and daughter, 3
Gerrit de Grot, of Ryntsterwoude, and boy, 2
Pieter Adriaensen, of Sevenhoven, 1
One lad from Sardam -. 1
Lourens de Geus, of Amsterdam, 1
Joost, the mason, of Amsterdam, 1
3 persons from Vreelandt, 3
Gerrit Sandersen, of Tuyi, with 10 persons 10
Joost Noorda, wife and 2 servants, 4
Antony Willemsen, of Vreelandt, being a mason, ]
Arent Arentsen, of Oldenburg, farm servant 1
Lourens Cornelissen van der Wei, 1
Jacob Pietersen van Brugge, in Angeliers Straat, farm servant, 1
38
Return of Goods for tlie Colonie on the Delaware River.
List of Cargoes demanded in the Colonie of New Amstel, in New Netherland,
but for the present about \ part ought to be sent with the Colonists going
thither, consisting of the following :
Hnllnnd Documents,
XVI., 248.
500 ells red duffels, ) o/; .• a cm ir>
,. > 25 stiv., fl.S02.10
150 " blue ditto. ^
12 double blankets, 5 gl, 60.00
12 single ditto, , 4 gl., 48.00
16 ankers of brandy, 13 gl., 208.00
700 ells of white Osnaburgh linen, 5 stiv., . 175.00
700 " black ditto, 5 stiv., 175.00
200 " Flemish linen, 11 stiv., 110.00
50 pairs strong shoes, 34 stiv., . 85.00
50 " common shoes, 28 stiv., . 70.00
75 " white Ferose hose, 12 stiv 45.00
Amount carried forward, fl. 1,778.10
X84 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Amount brought forward, fl. 1,778.10
3G prs. red and blue hose, 25 stiv., 45.00
25 " women's woolen liose, 15 stiv., .... IS. 15
30 " children's liose, assorted, . — 25.00
2 ps. fustian, one white and one mouse color, 11 gl., . — 22.00
20 ells gray and brown cloth, 3 gl., 60.00
20 " ditto ditto, ^J gl- 50.00
25 " blue and red check, 50.00
100 lbs. copper kettles, 13 stiv., 65.00
IJaamofoil, G5 gl, 97.10
2 liogsheads of vinegar, 25 gl., . 50.00
2 ditto French wine, 36 gl., 72.00
1 aam malmsey, 05 gl., . 65.00
7 tubs soap, 7 gl., 49.00
100 lbs. tallow candles, 6 stiv., 30.00
75 lbs. clieese, 28 gl., 21.00
1 quarter hogshead of prunes, 600 lbs., 9 gl, . 54.00
50 lbs. of long and round raisins, 4 stiv., . 10.00
30 lbs. of currants, 6 stiv., . 9.00
1 lb. mace, 6 gl. 6.00
IJ lb. cloves, 4 gl, 6.00
2 lbs. nutmegs, 3 gl, 6.00
5 lbs. pepper, 11 stiv., . 2.15
50 lbs. sugar 8 stiv., 20.00
fl. 2,612.10
Holland Documents,
XVI., 245.
List of the farming implements now required to be sent to this city's Colonie.
6 gl,
12 ploughshares, with coulters,
1 first class wheel plough, with its pulleys, &c.,.
12 two-prong hay and grain forks, 15 stiv.,
12 three-prong ditto ditto, 20 stiv.,
100 iron teeth to make harrows, 6 stiv.,
24 best scythes 2 gl,
24 good reaping hooks, 22 stiv.,
50 steeled axes 25 stiv.,
24 grubbing-hooks, 16 and 24 stiv.,
20 winnowing fans, 16 stiv.,
25 wheelbarrows, Si gl,
30 spades, ligh,
30 shovels, 1 gl,
30 hoes 42 stiv.,
Amount carried forward,
,72.00
36.00
9.00
12.00
30.00
48.00
26. 8
62.10
24.00
16.00
87.10
37.10
30.00
63.00
fl. 553.18
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVL 185
Amount brought forward, fl. 553. IS
20 ironrakes, IGstiv., 16.00
12 hay knives, 2^ stiv., 1.10
571. 8
Iron work for a saw-mill, 450.00
fl. 1,021. S
List of ammunition, stores, materials, &c., now required to be sent to this city's
Colonic in New Netherland.
800 lbs. powder, 40 gk, with expenses. fl. 320.00
600 lbs. musket and snaphance bullets, 13 gl., 78.00
40 snaphance guns, costing, - 240.00
Worms, priming brushes and flints in proportion, 7.00
8 snaphance moulds, 10 sliv., 4.00
40 cartridge boxes 28 stiv., 56.00
fl. 705.08
3 iron ladies to meU lead, 3.00
708.08
2 tubs tar, , 9 gl. the ton, 4-5.00
1 ton pitch 11.00
1 ton pitch and tar, mixed, 500 lbs., 21.00
3 kedges for the sloop, 16,00
1 pendant, 2 jacks and 3 vanes for same, 26.00
70 ells light sail-cloth, 10 stiv 35.00
Some small rop«, tarred and untarred.for sloop,,. 125.00
1 medicine chest, J 50. 00
6 chaldron of smiths' coals, 18 gl., 108.00
600 lbs. of iron p?ates, \ g , gg ^^
600 square ditto, )
60 lbs. steel, 5 stiv., 15.00
1 pr. millstones, 4|- feet, 6.00
i tub of middle-siEed nails,, , 69.00
2 tubs of 2 in. nails, 130. 00
I roll of sheet lead, 25.00
4 reams writing paper, <» gl->- 24.00
1 ink powder, 15.00
I tin inkstaad, 3.00
910.00
fl. 1,628.00
Vol. IL 24
186 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Receipts and Di-shur-sement-s for the Colonie of
Account of the receipts and disbursements of the moneys appropriated both for
Hniiand Docnmcnn, jq ^|^g Colouie in New Netlierland and its support, as the same were
Commissioners and the Director appointed to superintend said Colonie, and
Dr. The Colonie of New Amstel, planted in New Netherland by the city of Amsterdam.
To the following, being so much appropriated by the Regents of the aforesaid
city at three several times, for the payment of accrued interest, earned
monthly wages of the military, seafaring and civil servants, and other
outstanding debts, as shown on tiie opposite side, to wit :
1659.
November IS. To the guardians of orphans (nccsmeesteren), the same having been received from
them for account of the children of Alexander Heynen, pursuant to the
resolution agreed to on the instant, fl. 9,500
To the same, for account of the heirs of Grietie
Luyten, 2.500
fl. 12,000.00.00
1660.
November 25. To the Treasurers of this city on account of Six thousand
guilders, according to resolution adopted on the 10'^- instant,
in Council, fl. 2,000
December 24. To the same, on account of the aforesaid fl. 6,000,. 2,000
1661.
January 18. To the same, for so much received from them accord-
ing to the resolution of the Council dated O"" inst.,
the 2,000 gl., balance of the preceding 6,000 gl.,
being included in tiiis sum, 15,250
19,250.00.00
Amount carried Ibrwurd, fl. iil,2i>0.0b.00
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV.
187
New Am-stel, o/i the Delaware River ; from 1G59 to 16G2.
the payment of tiie accrued interests, monthly wages, &c., arising from the heretofore ventures
afterwards and specially voted for the redress of the aforesaid Colonie, drawn up by the
by them delivered to the Right Worshipful, the Burgomasters, the 14"" November, 1GG2.
Tlie Colonie of New Amstel, planted in New Netherland by the city of Amsterdam, Cr.
By the following, for payments which were made since the last account,
rendered on the October, 1659, for debts contracted and made both here
and in New Netherland, such as accrued interests, allowances and wages
earned by the military, seafaring and civil servants, and all according to the
documents, accounts and receipts annexed, first;
1659.
November 18. By so much being deficient on last account, fl.4S9. 6.00
Barent Jochimsen, for dried codfish delivered in
New Netherland, according to assignment of
Director Alrichs, No. 1, 106. 1.00
Abraham Wilmerdoncx, for a bill of exchange
from New Netherland, " 2, 560.00.00
November 28. Barent Hidding, for anchor, as per assignment, " 3, 110.00.00
December 4. Hendrick Camerling, for a bill of exchange from
New Netherland, " 4, 300.00.00
1660.
.Tanuary 6. Henry Bartels, for provisions delivered, " 5, 340.00.00
February 3. Abraham de Decker, for salary, " 6, 1,350.00.00
Isaac Ipensz, ditto, " 7, 400.00.00
4. Martin Hegervelt, ditto, " S, 150.00.00
Peter Claesen, for services rendered, " 9, 60.00.00
Hendrick Pietersen, ditto, " 10, 60.00.00
Barent Jochemsen, for freight of goods to New
Netherland, " 11, 600.00.00
Justus van de Ven, Notary, for drawing up testi-
mony, " 12, 8.18.00
5. Jan Banning's widow, for printing notices, " 13, 12.00.00
Hendrick Bartels, for provisions, " 14, 98. IS. 8
The same, for ditto, " 15, 20. 3.00
Christina Bruynings, for stationery, " 16, 3.14.00
May 20. Hendrick Bartels, for cheese, " 17, 13.17.00
December 9. Jochim Bontius, for passage and board of 3 persons
from New Netherland " IS, 130.00.00
Jacobus van Nootgou, for passage of 1 soldier,.. " 19, 36.00.00
Gerrit van Sweringen, on account of disbursements
or wages, " 20, 400.00.00
Amount carried forward, fi. 5,248.17. 8
188 NEW-YOT^K COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Dr. Tlie Colonie of New Amstel.
To amount browglit from the other side,
To haliiuce, being excess of disbursements over receipts,
fl. 31,250.00.00
12,696.00.00
fl 43 946.13.00
Thus done niid drawn up by tlie d mniissioners and Directors appointed and
them rendered to the Kigiit Worsliipfui Burgomasters, the 14"' day of
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 189
The Colonie of New Amstel, Cr.
1660. By amount brought from the other side, fl.5,24S.17. S
December 9. Elizabeth Clasenius, in part payment of a note of
2,500 gl., No. 21, 100.00.00
1661.
.January 21. Abraham de Decker, for one year's salary, " 22, 500.00.00
Isaac Ipensz, for ditto, " 2o, 250.00.00
Martin Hegervelt, for one year's salary, " 24, 50.00.00
February 3. Hendrick Pietersen Meyn, for expenses, " 25, 6.12.00
12. Jan Baptista Lieffrinck, for services rendered,. — " 26, 100.00.00
21. Hendrick Schaeff, notary, for drawing up a charter
party, " 27, 7.12.00
March 17. Harmen Barentsen, for lead, " 23, 13.15.00
June 13. Gerrit van Sweringen, on account, " 29, 315.00.00
July 21. Jan Crato, for traveling expenses incurred, " 30, SO. 00. 00
Theunis Lucassen, skipper, for passage money,. . " 31, 36.00.00
September 20. Gerrit van Sweringen, on account, " 32, 400.00.00
November 4. Elizabeth Clasenius, in part payment of a note of
2,400 guilders, " 33. 100.00.00
1662.
March 5. Christina Bruynings, for stationery, " 34, 12.17.00
Jan Dircksen Bergen, skipper, for passage and
board of the skipper of the galiot N. Amstel,
and his crew, " 35, 222.00.00
29. Captain Hendrick de Raet, light-house dues, &c.,. " 36, 13S. 14.00
Abraham de Decker, for 1 year's salary, " 37, 500 00.00
April 1. Isaac Ipensz, for ditto, " 3S, 250.00.00
Martin Hegervelt, for ditto, " 39, 50.00.00
November 6. The freighters of the ship Purmerlandskerck, for
passage of the city's officers brought from the
Colonie hither, according to account and receipt, " 97, 460.00.00
Interest paid on moneys borrowed since 25'"
November, 1659, to 20"" March, 1662, according
to the list and annexed receipts,
Monthly wages paid to the city's officers who have
returned home, from IS"" November, 1659, to 3""
November, 1662, according to list annexed, and
monthly rolls, numbered,
fl.S,841. 7. 8
40, 11,707.00.00
41, 23,398. 5. 8
fl. 43,946. 13. 00
intrusted with the superintendence of the Colonie of New Amstel, in New Netherland, and by
November, A" 1662. (Signed), Burgh,
Hendrick Roeters,
Jan Tayspil.
190
NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Dr. The Colonie of New Amstel, planted in New Netherland by the city of Amsterdam.
To the following, being so much appropriated by the aforesaid city for the
redress of the aforesaid Colonie, according to the resolution adopted on
the 9"" May, IGCil, to wit :
IC.Gl.
October
1GG2.
March
August
6. To the Treasurers so much thereof this day received on account of the above
mentioned vote, fl. 6,000.00.00
3. To the same, for what is received on account of the above,.
15. To the same, in full for the above vote,.
10,000.00.00
8,628.00.00
Amount carried forward, fl. 24,625.00.00
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 191
The Colonie of New Amste], planted in New Netherland by the city of Amsterdam, Cr,
By what is expended on account of the moneys on the other side, last voted
for the redress of the aforesaid Colonie, as well for the payment of the
passage and board money of 5S Colonists and other laboring persons wlio
departed thither on the 27"" November, IGGl, and 11"' March, 1662, with
the merchants' ships de Fanmrlandcr Kcrkc and Gulden Artnt, and in sending,
besides of cargoes, ammunition, farming implements and other necessaries,
likewise freight and other disbursements thereupon ; all according to the
documents, accounts and receipts annexed ; and, first:
1661.
July 19. By Jacob Coutey, for muskets delivered according to
account and receipt, No. 42, fl.S5.00.00
August 26. Gerrit Schimmel, for snaphaunce delivered, " 43, 60.00.00
September 1. Abraham Volkertsen, for ditto, " 44, S9. 15.00
October 4. David Butler, for stockings delivered, " 45, 39.00.00
Warnar Poppen, for ditto ditto, " 46, 76.10.00
14. Lysbet Jane, for Flemish linen delivered, " 47, 95.14.00
Isaac Boddens, for fustian delivered, " 4S, 22.00.00
17. Jan Jansen van Dam, for musket ball delivered,.. " 49, 87.15.00
Albert Jansen, farming implements delivered, " 60, 72.12.00
20. Isaac Herling, for shoes delivered, " 51, 58.10.00
22. Jacob Jansen, for farming implements delivered,. . " 52, 458. 1.00
25. Hendrick Reael, for 2 mill-stones, " 53, 82.10.00
28. Wyert Beeltsnyder, for spikes, iron and other
materials, " 54, 667. 9. 8
The same, for carpenters' and other tools, " 55, 87.00.00
Jan Siebing, for duffels and blankets delivered, " 66, 965.12. 8
31. Isaac Looman, for North English cloth delivered,. " 57, 145. 2. 8
November 16. Johan Moors, for one clock delivered, " 58, 133. 4.00
23. William Harmensen van Tiel, for iron work for a
mill, " 59, 667. 6.00
Abraham Jansen Bruyn, for bread delivered " 60, 61.11.00
Sicx van der Sande's widow, for butter and cheese, . " 61, 63.18.00
Jan Pietersen, for shoes delivered, " 62, 88. 8.00
PieterClaessen, for work done, " 63, 16. 8.00
Pieter Albertsen Kieft, for freight of a lighter to
Texel, " 64, 36.00.00
Abraham Volckertsen, gunsmith, for flints, &c., " 65, 9. 6.00
Joost Jonassen, for cartridge-boxes, " 66, 42.00.00
Michiel de Marco Chertser, surgeon " 67, 77. 5.00
Christiaen Struys, for pots, glasses, &c., for the
chest, " 68, 8.10.00
Amount carried forward, fl. 4,186. 7. 8
192
NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Dr. The Coloiiie of .\e\v Amstel.
To amount brought from the other side, fl. -24,6^8.00.00
Amount carried forward, fl. 24,028.00.00
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 193
The Colonie of New Amstel, Cr.
1661. By amouat brought from the other side, fl. 4,186. 7. 8
November 23. Marritge Gerrits, for old cloth for chest, No. 69, 18.12.00
Jan Jacobsen, cabinet-maker, for surgeon's chest, . " 70, 12.00.00
Jacob van Belcamp, druggist, for drugs, " 71, 25. 1. 8
Adam Dortmans, brewer, for beer delivered, " 72, 25. 4.00
Christina Bruynings, for stationery, " 73, 7S. 1. 8
Guilliam Beeltsnyder, for medicaments, " 74, 62. 9.00
Harmen Goyer, for tallow candles delivered, " 75, 35. 4.00
Philip Steen, oil and spices, " 76, 216. 1.00
25. Abraham Francx and Company, rope, " 77, 59.15.00
29. Gerrit Witpaert, flags, pendants, &c., " 78, 72.15.00
December 12. Pieter Bilder, wine delivered, " 79, 77.14.00
15. The same, for ditto, additional, " SO, 35.00.00
16. Jacob vander Keeren and William Schreyville,
forbrandy, " 81, 187.10.00
23. Joost Adriaensen Knevelaar, for expenses, " 82, 10.00.00
24. Pieter de Keyser, for beads {halssteencn), " 83, 7. 4.00
1602.
January 4. Adriaen de Bout, for winnowing fans delivered, ♦< 84, 38.00.00
March 3. Jacob LuyfTgens, for seeds delivered, " 85, 17.00.00
Dirck Aertsen, of Oocklaen, for seeds delivered,.. " 86, 37.18.00
6. Arent Jansen Moesman, for victualing the pas-
sengers, " 87, 1,898.00.00
22. Gerrit Kop, for pitch and tar delivered, " 88, 54.18. 8
.23. Erasmus Forckeubeek's widow, for linen, " 89, 242. 7. 8
Burgomaster Hendrick Dircxsen Spiegel, for soap,. " 90, 52.10.00
April 4. Directors of the West India Company, for duties.. " 91, 202. 5.00
Abraham Claesen Lesenter, for wine and vinegar,. " 92, 133. 5.00
6. Hendrick Meyndertsen, cooper, for casks delivered,. " 93, 16.00.00
May 16. Pieter Claessen Deucht, skipper, for passage of
13 souls, " 94, 445.00.00
August 8. Jacob Feytama, for inkpowder delivered, " 95, 9. 4.00
September29. Abraham Pietersen Kroock's widow, for powder, . . " 96, 307.10.00
November 6. The freighters of the ship P urmerlands Kerclc, for
freight of goods to New Netherland " 97, 1,063.00.00
8. Isaac Ipensz, for disbursements, " 98, 100.13.00
9. Skipper of the ship Gulden Arent, for freight of
goods to New Netherland, " 99, 175.00.00
Amount carried forward,. fl. 9,906. 9. 8
Vol. II. 25
194 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Dr. The Colonie of New Amstel.
To amount brought from the other side,
fl. 24,628.00.00
fl. 24,628.00.00
Thus done and drawn up by the Commissioners and Directors appointed and
them rendered to tlie Right Worshipful Burgomasters, the 14"' day of
We, the undersigned auditors, have, by order of the Riglit Worshipful Burgomasters,
examined the above accounts and compared the same with the vouchers annexed, and found
them to agree.
Dated tliis IS'"" day of December, 16G3, in Amsterdam.
(Signed), Nicolaes Opmeer,
NiCOLAES R. VAN CaPELLE,
PlETER RaAP.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 195
The Colonie of New Amstel, Cr-
16G2. By amount brought from the other side, fl. 9,906. 9. 8
Deficit in the old account, which, for want of other
means, must be paid from this money, which
shall be reimbursed when tlie resolution of the
Worsh. Council appropriating the above sums
shall be carried out and fulfilled, 12,696.13.00
Balance on hand, 2,024.17. 8
fl.24.62S.00.00
intrusted with the superintendence of the Colonie of New Amstel, in New Netherland, and by
November, A° 1662.
(Signed), Burgh,
Hexdrick Roeters,
Jan Tayspil.
]9(5 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Commissioners of the Colonie on tlie Delaware River to the Burgomasters of
Amsterdam.
\ From Ihe Bundle indorecd IVrscAeiV/e Stukken raekendfi dt Colojiie xan N. Nederlandf, Xo. 64, in the Stad Hut/s, Amsterdam. ]
To the Right Worshipful the Burgomasters and Regents of the City of Amsterdam.
Right Worshipful.
„ „ , „ , Whereas you have been pleased to communicate to us, the undersigned
Holland Documents, J r ' >
XVI., 23C. Commissioners and Directors of your Colonie on the South river, in PSew
Netherland, and to request of us information on, a certain petition presented to your Worships
by Cornelis van Gesei, who styles himself heir under benefit of inventory of Jacob Alriciis,
deceased, late Director of your Worships' Colonie aforesaid, wherein he requests, first : 'J'hat
you would be pleased to grant iiim justice, or letters of protection against the present Director,
Alexander d'Hinojossa, whereby your Worships should instruct said d'Hinojossa, not only not
to do him, the petitioner, any wrong or injury, whereof the petitioner greatly complains,
but even to restore him, the petitioner, what said Director, d'Hinojossa, as the petitioner
alleges, hath appropriated to himself out of the aforesaid Jacob Alrichs' estate, together with
the books and papers remaining with him and relating to the estate aforesaid, in order to form
therefrom not only a perfect statement and inventory, but also a correct account, to the
satisfaction of your Worships and of the other creditors of the aforesaid Jacob Alrichs.
Secondly. The petitioner, as he alleges, having been employed there in various offices, and
especially some time as Secretary, that your Worship may be pleased to determine his
remuneration according to your pleasure.
The one and the other appearing more fully in the petition aforesaid delivered unto your
Worships.
We are of opinion, under correction, that no disposition can well be made of the first point
until your Worships' Director, d'Hinojossa, be heard, the rather, as he represents your
Worships there, and should not, in our opinion, be citable {convenibk), in case of opposition
before any other but you. Moreover, your Worships will please to observe, from his letters of
the 2S"' of April, 16"" & 17"" May, and from others of an earlier date, written from New Amstel,
that Mr. Pelrus Stuyvesant, the Director-General of the Incorporated West India Company
there residing, hath taken the aforesaid books, accounts and other efTects, and given them to
the petitioner's wife for safe keeping; so that your Worships' Director, d'Hinojossa, as he
advises us, has thereby been prevented making out divers accounts, as he ought to do,
requesting, at the same time, permission to come over, in order to report to your Worships
the state and condition of the Colonie, which we, in our humble judgment, do, lor divers
reasons, consider useful in the highest degree, on condition that he bring with him the books
in question ; also that General Stuyvesant ought to be written to seriously, as otherwise he
may interpose some difficulty to the production of the aforesaid books.
In regard to the 2""* point, as the petitioner hath exhibited no papers, not only of relevancy,
but even in any wise appertaining to the first, it is fair that lie, in his capacity as heir, under
benefit of inventory of the late Director Alrichs, should first give your Worships satisfaction
for the moneys intrusted to him before he can claim anything from you, to which time he
should also remain in statu quo, unless, on account of the petitioner's straightened circumstances ;
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XVI. 197
of his staying here without his familj% at great expense, and of the season for going to
New Netherland being probably past before d'Hinojossa arrives here, your Worships will be
pleased to order otlierwise, whereunto we fully submit ourselves in the premises.
Wherewith we trust we have obeyed your Worships' apostil. We find ourselves under
the necessity, officially, of making known to you, with due respect, that since the commencement
ofthisColonie, we have borrowed on interest by your Worsliips' order from theOrphan Chamber
and some private individuals, a sum of fl. 132, UOO, at 3.J per cent per annum, amounting to the
sum of fl. 4,G20 of interest, and that to our sorrow, we have not as yet received any, or but
few, considerable returns tiierefrom, out of which the above mentioned interest can be realized,
so that, in order to satisfy the worthy people, the above sum must be yearly raised on your
Worships' account. We, therefore, would respectfully submit if it would not be best to order
the aforesaid principal and accrued interest to be paid ; or, in case you would prefer to continue
tiiem, to provide a fund to meet the aforesaid interest; otherwise, 'tis hardly possible for the
aforesaid Colonie to exist; and the partners whom your Worships will please to admit into
the above mentioned Colonie will be thereby the rather encouraged, whereunto it would be
possible and useful to have printed a Pertinent Description of the South river with the Conditions,
which apparently ought here and there be somewhat modified; whereunto your Worships can,
if you please, direct attention.
Your Worships will also please give orders about maintaining possession of Ciconicing or
Whorekill, inasmucii as by the discharge of the soldiers, it runs the risk of being occupied by
the English, since it is a very fertile and well prepared land, and lies on the sea at the mouth
of the river.
Wherefore and for various other reasons, which your Worships' Director, d'Hinojossa, sets
forth in the letters communicated to you, with which, therefore, we need not now detain you,
we consider it proper to permit him to return in order that your Worships, being at once
thoroughly informed, may be able to resolve for the further maintenance of the Colonie.
Whereunto may God grant his blessing.
.«»■•»
Resolution of the West India Company^ Chamber at Amsterdam..
[ New- York Colonial Manuscripts, in the Secretary of State's Office, Albany, SIX. ]
Thursday, S"> February, ]663.
The Commissioners over New Netherland having been in conference with the Worshipful
Burgomasters of this city, pursuant to the resolution of last Monday, and having submitted a
written report of their business, it is, after question was previously put, unanimously resolved
and agreed that the propositions shall be answered as follows :
Honorable and Worshipful.
The Worshipful Burgomasters, Bontemantel and Wilmerdoncx, have reported to our
Assembly that your Worships bad placed in their hands a Memoir comprising some furtiier
exemptions which your Worships consider necessary to be granted by the West India Company
198
NEW-YOEK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
for the advancement of }-our Coldnie on tlie South river, in New Netherland, called New
Amstel, recommending that the Company may be pleased, most speedily, to resolve favorably
thereon, as vou are disposed to push said Colonic lorv^ard with greater zeal than has hitherto
been done. Whereupon, having heard the opinions of said gentlemen and of Mr. Pergens, as
Commissioner of the aflairs of New Netherland, they have concluded that your Worships'
Memoir consisted of ten articles, on which they have resolved as is inserted opposite
each article.
First. That the Company shall give and
surrender all property in the soil.
The Company would grant your Worships
the property of the lands and the distance, as
mentioned in the P', S'S 9"" and lO"" Articles,
the same as the lands whicli are already
occupied, and the Company is willing to give
up and surrender Fort Christina to your
Worships on this condition: That the owners
and proprietors of the lands situate there and
thereabouts be not abridged in their obtained
freedoms, and that your Worships do immedi-
ately send thither a good number of soldiers
to relieve those of the Company, protect the
Colonists and resist the English and Indian
nations, and cause to be cleared there every
year in succession one league of land, and send
four hundred Colonists annually thither until
the farmers shall amount to a respectable
number sufficient to occupy such a tract of
land ; and your Worships shall not be at
liberty to alienate the Colonic by sale, transfer
or otherwise, either in whole or in part, on
pain of forfeiting the exemptions granted by
(his resolution.
Together with all rights both of High and
Low Jurisdiction which they possess on the
South river.
That is, agreeably to the jurisdiction already
granted to your Worships, as is to be seen in
Art. 2, 3 and 4 of the Conditions arranged
apart.
On condition of paying said Company the
duty, as at present paid on exported and
imported wares.
This article is according to the list attached
to the Conditions published by your Worships.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XVL
199
Without, however, being in any wise bound
to bring the goods into your Honors' ware-
house. The 4"", 5"^, 6"" and 7"" Articles are nothing
5. else than highly prejudicial to the Companyj
Or to be inspected by your clerks. and your Worships will please excuse the
Company therefrom, as they have already
6. declined consent, according to their resolution)
But to be satisfied with the declaration of dated 21=' March, 1661, Article 4, as we had
the Commissioners or Director. the pleasure to communicate to your Worships.
Not paying anything at the South river, and
the Company not claiming any authority
there.
8.
The jurisdiction and propriety of the country
must fextend from the sea upwards, as far as
the river reaches.
The 8"", 9"" and 10"" points are hereinbefore
9. answered in Art. 1 and 2, treating of the
And on the north side from the bank of propriety of the lands and jurisdiction,
the river landward in.
10.
And on the south side as far as the land
extends there to the English Colonie.
Friday, IG'" February, 1663.
The Commissioners appointed by resolution of the 12"" instant, to examine tlie further
considerations proposed, respecting New Netherland, by the city's Commissioners on the
resolution of this meeting, adopted on the S'*" inst;int on the aforesaid gentlemen's Memoir
and communicated to them, have reported that they had found the same to consist of the two
following points :
1.
That the Company should give up and renounce the quit-rent of 4 stivers on the beaver,
which is paid on the South river, and to allow the same henceforth to accrue to the profit of
the city's Colonic.
2.
That, in place of all goods transmitted from here to the city's Colonie in New Netherland
and thence hither, being subject as at present, according to the concluded agreement, to the
inspection of a deputy of the Company, one Commissary shall be appointed hereafter on
the part of the city, who shall inspect in place of the Company's officer, and take an oath of
fidelity to the Company.
200 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Whereupon the opinion of tlie aforesaid Commissioners being further heard, it i?, after
question was put, resolved and concluded tliat both the aforesaid Conditions shall be, as
the same are hereby, consented to, with this understanding, that in all cases the other
side shall comply with the Conditions stipulated by the Company, and particularly that the
aforesaid Commissioners shall not neglect to observe what was concluded on the 8"" instant in
Article 1 of the Commissioners' Memoir.
Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam.
I From the Resolutien rati tie Vroedsrhappen, C, p. 233, in the Stnd Ifiii/s, Amstertlam. I
SS"" February, 1G63.
iionand Doeumcots '^'^^ Burgomasters have proposed to the Council that they have received
"^^■"^"' advices from the Colonie of this city in New Netherland, that the redress of matters
Cok'nio in r»ew *'
Netherland. there was already advanced after such a manner that ere long returns of the
expenses incurred may be expected thence. But in order the better to forward the prosperity
of that Colonie, 'twas demanded that it should have less connection with the West India
Company, and that it be provided with a greater extent of jurisdiction and authority, also
with some means in money. Which being deliberated on, Mess" Henrick Dirckz Spiegel,
Cornelis de Craeff, Baron of South I'olsbroeck, D' Joan Blaeu,' Cornells Geelvinck, Nicolaes
van Loon and D'' Frans Reaell, were appointed a Comm.ittee to consider, according to the
information received from the Directors of the Colonie aforesaid, in what manner said Colonie
can most properly be separated from the connection with said Company, and be provided with
more extensive jurisdiction and authority, also with some means in money at the least cost
to this city, and to report their opinions and advice thereupon.
Some Thoughts on. the Colonie at the South River in Keio Netherland.
\ From Muniment Efgister van den Rood, D., 69, in the Stad Iluys, Arahterdam ]
Holland Docoments First. Why the city of Amsterdam ought not only to continue, but with great
^^■'^'' vigor, advance it.
'Tis known to every one and beyond contradiction, that all trade is from time to time falling
off in our country, also that there is nothing in view from which any improvement is to be
' Johannes Blaacw was a native of Ainsterd.im. and the oldest eon of Willem Jansz Blaauw, th« celebrated printef. IIo
succeeded his father in businesa in 1038, and, in 16S1, was chosen Schepcn and one of the thirty-six city Councillors. His
world-renowned ptinting eetablishnicnt, which stood iu the rear of the Nieuwe Kerk, was burnt to the ground on tha 22d
February, 1672, and the plates and letter-press of his celebrated Atlas were unfortunately consumed at Ihe same time. Uia
losses were estimated at 828,200 guilder's or $181,200. He did not long fjrvive the misfortune, having died on the 20th
December, 1678. Kok. —Ed,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 201
expected ; and this notoccurring, 'tis also beyond dispute that the ruin of the State, but principally
of Amsterdam, is in time to be thence apprehended, since it exists by trade only. Whence
this diversion of trade proceeds is notorious; it principally proceeds from the great jealousy
which our prosperity has excited among all the Potentates of Europe, and therefore every
possible obstacle has been thrown in our way by France, England, Sweden and Denmark.
This is so notorious that I think, in order to avoid prolixity, it is unnecessary to be
minute. The second cause whereby trade has been diverted not only by the aforesaid
Kingdoms, but by the Hanse Towns which bloom whilst we are decaying, is the excessive
rate of the convoys both on the outgoing and incoming goods. But on the former 'tis to be
considered, since all the Potentates of Europe embarrass our trade, how much profit is to
be expected from New Netherland, where if it were peopled, no one can embarrass us, it being
beyond contradiction the finest country in the world ; where everything can be produced that
is grown in France or the Baltic (Oosten), and which can in course of time be as great as both
those Kingdoms together. The English afford us an instance of the worthiness of New
Netherland, which from their Colony alone already sends 200 vessels, both large and small,
to the Islands. There is now as good an opportunity as ever can offer for increasing the
population with numbers of men, mechanics, &c., from home and from Germany, Norway,
the East, Westphalia and those countries which have been ruined within two years by hard
times, but principally by the persecution to which those of The Faith throughout the entire
of P'rance, also the Waldenses, have been subjected ; wherefore some families from around
Rochelle are already making application to remove with some farmers to New Netherland at
their own expense, were the settlement only secure, in order to be beyond apprehension of
the Indians. These expenses for a settlement of 50 men need not continue longer than until
there be an abundance of Colonists, which will be the case in a year or two were the
matter taken zealously in hand ; and in a very few years the trade to New Netherland from
Amsterdam alone will be very considerable were nobody to be admitted but those who apply ;
and trade will come not only from the city's Colonic but from the English who offer, if we
will trade with them, to make a little slit in the door, whereby we can reach them overland
without having recourse to the passage by sea, lest trade with them may be forbidden by the
Kingdom of England, which will not allow us that in their Colony. Now whereas every
considerable sum employed by the city, is expended with regard to its advantage or profit,
they think such is hereinbefore sufficiently proved by good argument. No money can be
more usefully disbursed than for this Colonic, and that will certainly be only a matter of a
loan. For calculating
The great discharge which will in a short time take place from the alms-houses, of boys to
be sent thither;
Secondly. That the Toll from the beavers may possibly be received there ;
Thirdly. The Tenths and capitation tax of some Swedes who now pay it, and which is
surrendered by the Company ;
Fourthly. The Tenths and capitation tax of the Colonists who will now go thither;
Fifthly. The Trade, if they wish to retain it, whereunto the city will obtain partners enough,
if it please; but 'tis well to understand that the founding of such a Colonic can only be
undertaken by the combined efforts of the city and country, and not by individuals.
Now, to effect this with good success, 'tis necessary that a sufficient fund be assigned to the
Commissioners, whereof they might dispose under the supervision and with communication of
Vol. II. 26
202 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
the Right Worshipful Burgomasters ; for 'tis certain that the Colonic of the South river is nigh
fallen to ruin, because what has been needed for each equipage, has dragged along in the
Council a very long time before any resolution was adopted thereupon, wherefore the ships
took their departure, the suitable season was lost and meanwhile the beginnings, for want of
being continued, have come to nauglit ; and, although there is no doubt of the good
foresight of the members of the Council for the above named fund, yet shall we respectfully
submit a plan, whereby we are of opinion it will be accomplished with the least onerousness.
Let them please to allow the said Commissioners, instead of the Treasurer, to manage the
English post establishment and employ the profits thereof; also, if the post hence to Paris be
successful ; likewise, as the Antwerp, Cueleu and Hauiburgii messengers do not travel any
more, 2 or 3 members having died in each office, instead of appointing any new ones, to
employ the places of those who are deceased to the profit of this Colonic ; but as the income
from this source is slow, and there will be considerable disbursements in jiromptis, therefore
your Honors will please to assist, according as funds siiall be necessary, in the negotiation of
so much ; then, I think, the city will apparently never again be applied to for money for this
purpose, but, on the contrary, I hope, repay it in a few years.
Enlarged Coii<Iitioii..s for (he Colonie on the Delaware River.
( From llie Muniment RvgislEr van den Raafi, D., p. 91, in the Slnd Ifnt/s, Amsterdam.]
General Conditions agreed to with the Further Conditions made and entered
West India Company. into with the West India Company.
1.
Holland Documenis, Tlic Wesl India Company shall What alteration has been made in this
^^•'^*' approve, as far as tliey are regulation, shall be hereafter distinctly set
concerned, the annexed agreement, plan and forth,
regulation whereon the city of Amsterdam
shall plant Colonies.
2.
Their High Mightinesses [and] the West The West India Company hath, on the 12"
India Company shall cede to and confer on February, 1GG3, conferred on the city the
the city of Amsterdam, as founders and build- entire South river, and the proprietorship of
ers of the place. High, Middle and Low juris- the land beginning at the sea, upwards as far
diction, in order the better to maintain the as the river extends, and on the north side
requisite authority. three leagues from the bank of the river
landward in, and on the south side as far as
the land extends there to the English Colonies,
and this upon the same footing and condition'
in regard to the law of High and Low Juris-
diction, as in art. 2, 3 and 4, hereinbefore
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV.
203
The city shall possess the aforesaid juris-
diction in form of fief, appointing a person to
that end successively on whom the fief shall
be conferred on payment of certain
The sovereignty and supreme authority,
together with all that depends thereon, remain-
ing nevertheless with their High Mightinesses
and the Company, so far as the same is thereto
authorized by the charter.
stipulated, with this understanding that the
city shall send thither a good number of
soldiers for the prottction of the place, also
cause a league of land to be cleared there
every succeeding year, and send thither 400
Colonists.
Special Conditions from the printed regulation wherein a change has occurred.
ll'" Article.
The Sheriff shall be appointed in the name On the 21*' March, 1662, (he Company
of their High Mightinesses and the West India conferred on the city the appointment of a
Company, by the Deputies of Amsterdam, who Schout, to depend from their High Mightinesses
by procuration shall give hereunto authority and the West India Company, on condition of
to the Director. swearing allegiance to the city.
12.
It shall also have three Burgomasters whom
the common burghers shall appoint from the
most honorable, most fit and wealthiest.
13.
And five or seven Schepens whereunto a
double number shall be nominated by the
burghery, in order that selection may be made
therefrom by the Director, by procuration as
stated in Art. 11.
15.
The Schepens shall pronounce judgments
by decree for all sums below 100 g!., but in
cases exceeding 100 gl. the aggrieved party
shall be at liberty to appeal to the Director,
Schout and Council of New Netherland.
Note.
On the 21" March aforesaid the Company
increased this sum of 100 gl. to 600 gl. ;
204
NEW- YORK COLONIAL ALW^USCRIPTS.
16.
Said Schepens shall also decide all criminal
cases, but an appeal siiail be provisionally
allowed therefrom.
30.
If the city of Amsterdam send over any
goods on freight in any ships they must, accord-
ing to the regulation, go to New Amsterdam,
and the city shall submit to the same regula-
tion as others.
28.
The city of Amsterdam shall cause a conve-
nient warehouse to be prepared here, wherein
shall be deposited all the goods which the
said city intends to send to its Colonic in New
Netherland, where they may be inspected by
a person to be appointed by the Directors of
the West India Company in the presence of
a person commissioned thereunto by the city
of Amsterdam, and marked with the marks of
the city and the Company, the duty thereon
to be paid by the Company according to the
tariff.
8.
Concerning the Company's toll, the city
shall take care that in time what shall be paid
in New Netherland be employed to the build-
ing and maintaining of public works.
And forbad the granting of any appeal in
criminal cases, the Company engaging to
instruct their servants in New Netherland not to
grant any relief agreeably to the order in this
country.
On the date aforesaid, the Company granted
free trade to private ships and goods direct
from here to the South river, on the fooling
and regulation in use in this country and at
New Amsterdam in shipping off goods, to wit,
that they may be brought to the Company's
warehouses and marked with its mark and pay
duty as is done here and at New Amsterdam.
On the IG'" February, 1663, the Company
consented that instead of all the goods from
here to the city's Colonic in New Netherland
and thence hither, being at present according
to agreement, subject to the inspection of one
of the Company's Deputies, a Commissary may
hereafter be appointed on the part of the city
who shall inspect tiie same instead of a Deputy
of the Company, and take the oath of fidelity
to the Company.
On the 16"" February, 1663, aforesaid, the
West India Company granted that the quit
rent of 4 stivers on each beaver obtained on
the South river, shall be henceforth for the
profit of the city.
-♦■.« ♦ «■.-♦-
Resolution of the Common Council of tlie City of Amsterdam.
[ From the liesolutien ran de Vroedschappen, C, p. 240, in the Stad Hui/s, Amsterdam. ]
lO""- March, 1663.
Holland Documents, ^^ ^^^° heard the report of the Committee appointed the 22"'' February last to
■' ■ consider in what way the city's Colonie iu New Netherland can best be
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 205
Funds for the ad- benefited, Stating, in substance, that having heard the opinions of the Directors
vancement^of^ the ^p j^|^g aforesaid Colonie submitted in writing to the Council and registered in
Muniment Register, D., folio 89, they cannot think otherwise than that, if said
Colonie be properly sustained for a few years, it would, by the increase of inhabitants, furnish
great trade to this city, as the land was found to produce almost all the articles which must at
present be brought from the Baltic (Oostzee).
That the aforesaid proper support could be furnished were a sufficient sum of 3 @. 4 tons of
gold laid aside to enable such equipage and other necessaries as the good of the service may
demand, to be annually supplied, at proper seasons, from the income thereof, without being
obliged to apply over and over again to this Council for permission and subsidy therefor ;
since it appears sufficiently clear and apparent that the slow progress of said Colonie arose
from the tedious deliberations on the state and provision of the aforesaid subsidy, whereby
the season for the departure of the ships was frequently lost; as well as from the scarcity of
those subsidies which frequently could not suffice for providing so many necessaries as are
always demanded in the first beginnings of a Colonie.
And whereas it is, first of all, necessary to have less communion {gemeenschaj}) with those of
the West India Company, that the Committee, therefore, pursuant to their commission, had
negotiated with the Directors and obtained from them, among other things, first: a pertinent
boundary line of the district belonging to the Colonie aforesaid ; also, that the Schepens there
might execute judgments for the sum of fl.600, instead of fl.lOO, without any appeal lying to the
Director-General and Council of New Netherland, except for a higher sum; likewise, that
the goods going to, and coming from the Colonie, should be inspected henceforth only by
one Commissary to be appointed thereunto by this city instead of a Deputy of said Company ; as
more fully appears by the agreement in writing, enregistered in Muniment Register, D., folio 91.'
With which Conditions the Committee were of opinion that the advancement of the aforesaid
Colonie would be greatly facilitated.
Which being considered, and the Council approving highly of the above mentioned advice
of the Committee, and hereby thanking them for the trouble they have taken, it is resolved
and concluded that assistance shall be continued to the aforesaid Colonie; also, that a suitable
sum of money shall be borrowed, to be advanced by the Burgomasters to the Directors,
from time to time, in such sums as they shall need for outfits and other necessaries. And
forasmuch as the aforesaid sum or fund itself is concerned, the computation thereof is postponed
until the next meeting of tliis Council.
Mesohdion of tlie Common Council of the Cihj of Amsterdam.
[ From the Resoluiien van de Vrocdschappen, C., 244, in the Stad Htiys, Amsterdam. ] •
IG"" March, 1663.
X vl^M. °°°"°'°"'°' Whereas the computation of the fund for the promotion of the city's Colonie
Colonie. jQ New Ncthcrland has been postponed from the tenth instant on account of the
' See tupra, p. 202. — Ed.
206 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
thinness of tiie meeting, to tiie next Council da}-, and the Burgomasters saw that no greater
number is in attendance to-day, their Worships have therefore only proposed whether, in the
meanwliile, a subsidy of 25™ guild, could not be resolved and agreed to, it being urgently
(ienianded for the dispatch of the present equipment for the Colouie ; also, that Mr. Cornells
de Graefl", Lord of South I'olsbroeck, be again requested and commissioned with the
Comniissioners appointed for the affairs of the aforesaid Colouie, to resume the conference
witii the Directors of the West India Company, in order to see whether their Honors could
not, for the good of the aforesaid Colonic, agree to the contents of a certain draft of Conditions
submitted to the Council, and here inserted verbatim:
In case the Worshipful Council resolve vigorously to promote the settlement of
the city's Colonie on the South river, we then, under correction, are of opinion that
their Worships might and ought to stipulate with the West India Company not only
that no appeal should lie to the Manhattans, but also that the duties should be payable
not to the Company, but to tlie city, for the relief of its to be incurred expenses, at
the same rate as was paid at the iSlanhattans, so as not to undermine this Colonie, it
being noted, likewise, that the city will occupy Fort Christina with its garrison and
will relieve the Company therefrom.
Which points being taken into consideration, a provisional subsidy of 25"" guild, is consented
to for the end aforesaid; and the above named Lord of Polsbroeck is appointed anew with the
aforesaid Commissioners, to see and trj', on resuming their conference with the Directors of
the West India Company, whether their Honors could not agree to and approve the aforesaid
Conditions, reporting tiie result.
JResolutions of the Directors of the Wevt India Compavy^ Chamher at Amsterdam.
{ From Ihe Xew-York Colonial MaDUscripU, XIX., in Ihe Sectetary of Stale's Office, Albany, N, Y. ]
Friday, 13'" July, 1G03.
The Committee appointed at the meeting yesterday to confer with the city's Comniissioners
respecting New Netherland, having reported that, they being negotiating with the gentlemen
aforesaid, the latter had communicated a written extract from their resolutions, to the effect
that half the duty of this Colonie be ceded to the citj', and, furthermore, that tiie appeals from
their Colonie to tlie Director and Council of New Netherland be abolished, or else that in the
cases from their Colonie, which, by appeal, devolve on the Director and Council, an appeal
may lie to the Supreme Court here : The whole matter being considered, it is resolved to place
the aforesaid written extract in the hands of the Committee on New Netherland, for immediate
examination and report.
Monday, 30"- July, 16G3.
The Committee on New Netherland, having made a report on the Memoir of the city's
Commissioners, dated 12'" of July, which was submitted to the meeting on the IS'" next
HOLLAND DOCmiENTS: XV. 207
ensuing, the opinion of the aforesaid Committee is iieard, and everything being duly examined,
it is unanimously resolved and concluded that the following shall be furnisiied, as an answer:
Tlie Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, having
seen and examined tlie Memoir of Mess" the Commissioners and Directors of this city upon
their Colonic in New Netherland, dated the IS'"" instant, consisting of two points, first: That in
place, as at present, according to the Company's order and the Conditions enacted with the
Right Worshipful Burgomasters of this city, all the Nevr Netherland duties and convoys must
be paid to the Company, the aforesaid Directors resigning a portion thereof, are willing to
grant and concede the same to tiie city aforesaid, for reasons set forth in the aforesaid Memoir,
ihrtt the said city may henceforth absolutely receive and administer the convoys and duties of
all such goods as will be sent hence direct to the South river in New Netherland, provided that
the aforesaid city lieep a proper account of the receipt and administration thereof, and pay
one-half of the clear proceeds to the Company, and they may retain the other half for themselves;
with express restriction that the aforesaid other half shall be employed for the advantage and
greater security of their Colonic, in erecting and repairing public works, maintaining tiieir
officers and such like things, with offer to prove the same at all times.
Secondly. That, from judgments pronounced by the Director and Council of New Netherland,
in matters devolved on them by appeal from the aforesaid city's Colonic, according to the
agreement, an appeal may, if necessary, be allowed to the Supreme Court of this country.
The above named Directors, having taken all the aforesaid into consideration, and especially
weighed on the one hand the reasons advanced by the aforesaid Commissioners and Directors,
and, on the other hand, the constitution of the charter, orders and rules enacted by their High
Miglitinesses for the Company; in order to acquiesce in the aforesaid request in favor of the
aforesaid city's Colonic, as far as it may in no wise prejudice the Company, they have resolved, on
the first, to request the aforenamed Commissioners and Directors to excuse the Company, so far as
relates to their request, for the receipt and administration of the duty and convoys; but,
nevertheless, the Company grants and consents that one-half the clear proceeds of the convoys and
duty from all the goods to be sent direct from hence to the aforesaid city's Colonie in New
Netherland, shall be received by the aforesaid city for the term of eight consecutive years, so
that the receipt and administration of the duty and convoys aforesaid shall eftectualiy remain,
as hitherto, without any change be made hereby therein, but the half of the net proceeds shall
be paid by the Company to the city aforesaid, to be expended and employed as requested in
the aforesaid Memoir, all with this understanding, that the above mentioned Commissioners
shall also puuctually observe and execute all the foregoing agreements and consents, especially
what has been by the Directors resolved on the IS'* of February last, on the first point of their
petition, regard being had, on the one side, to the evil consequences which might arise in other
of the Company's districts; and, on the other hand, the impossibility which exists that
judgments pronounced in their High Mightinesses' name by a judge of the highest resort,
should be subject to correction and alteration by a Provincial Court, in direct contravention to
divers of their High Mightinesses' resolutions, of themselves in conlradictorio, adopted iieretofore
ia cases which occurred in that district.
208 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Friday, 3'^" August, 16G3.
The Committee on New IVetherland having been in further conference with t4ie Commissionera
of the city's Colonic on the Memoir of the 30"" ultimo, and liaving afterwards presented to the
meeting the Memoir hereinafter inserted, it is in said report resolved hereby to authorize
the Committee on New Netherland to make such further arrangement with the city's
Commissioners as shall be found most advantageous to the Company.
Memoir of the city's Commissioners on New Netherland.
The Commissioners and Directors over this city's Colonie in New Netherland having seen
and examined the written answer of the Directors of the West India Company to a certain
Memoir to them delivered on the 12"" July last, containing two difTerent points, namely, first,
that the city may be allowed to receive the duties and convoys of goods and merchandise
going hence direct to the South river of New Netherland, on condition of paying one-half the
net proceeds thereof to the said Company; and secondly, that from the judgments pronounced
by the Director-General and Council of New Netherland in cases devolved on them by
appeal from said city's Colonie, an appeal may also lie to the Supreme Court here ; have
observed by the aforesaid written answer, on the first point, that the said Company does in fact
concede to the city the half of the aforesaid duty and convoy for the term of S years, but that
the same must be collected by the aforesaid Company which accordingly would have to pay
over the half to the city ; this being taken into consideration by the Commissioners, who have
principally observed that the nature of the case is such that the city up to this time hath
reserved this trade not for private individuals but exclusively for herself, their Honors
theretbre think that the Company, wishing to avoid double trouble, requires only to be paid,
so long as the trade is carried on directly and immediately by the city, the half of the net
proceeds of the duty and convoy to which such goods and merchandise as the city will send
thither, are subject; furthermore, have no objection to the Company receiving the duties
and convoys on the goods which will be sent thither by private individuals, provided the city
shall be empowered to appoint, in the Company's office, a person who shall there receive for
it the half of those duties and convoys.
In regard lo the 2""' point: Of the appeals. As the Company makes so many objections,
this point will be given up, and as the planting of this Colonie hath already cost the city
considerable, and the latter therefore deserves to be encouraged in order, with more power
and zeal than heretofore, to advance the work, which will still require many thousands, the
Commissioners are of opinion that the time is now come when the city must provide for its
relief, to the end that it may enjoy the effect of the Conditions which she entered into with
the West India Company and have been approved by their High Mightinesses, vizt., That the
toll or duty, by whichever name it goes, that is paid in the city's Colonie on the South river,
may be expended now by the city in the construction and maintaining of the public works,
as expressly directed by the 8"" article of the printed Conditions and is verbally also more fully
expressed. The Commissioners and Directors, above named, therefore doubt not but the
Company will now consent hereunto, at least if it desire to see so good a work zealously
taken in hand and advanced, both for the greater security of its interests there and for the
advantage of this State in general ; in which case the tolls aforesaid might be received both
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 209
by those wlio will be appointed there by the Company and by the city, in order to obtain
more certain information tliat they were employed no otherwise than in the construction and
preparation of the public works, which shall at all times be proved ; the surplus thereof shall
be paid back to the Company, as the city is not requiring it for herself.
And whereas great complaints have been frequently made by the Commissioners of the
colonists running away from the city's Colonie, which necessarily tends to injure the city's
interests in that quarter ; they are, therefore, of opinion that, in order to obviate all distrusts
between officers ou both sides there, it would be very advantageous that said Company
should expressly order its oificers not to harbor any persons coming from the city's Colonie,
unless provided with proper passports, otherwise to send tiiem back, on demand, said
Commissioners undertaking to reciprocate and act in the same way ia case any one should
come over in the same manner from the Company's district.
Done at the meeting of the Commissioaers and Directors aforesaid, iu Amsterdam, 2"*
August, 1063.
Thursday, S'* August, 1663.
The Commissioners of New Netherland being, pursuant to their resolution of the 3"*
instant, in further conference with the Commissioners and Directors of the city's district on
the South river, and having made a report thereof, after hearing their opinions and the
additional Memoir of the aforesaid city's Commissioners of the 3"^ instant, it is resolved to
acquiesce therein and it is hereby consented to, and further to request the Company, having
iaid aside divers and weighty motives to the contrary, zealously to encourage the advancement
of the aforesaid Colonie in the speediest manner.
Agrees with the register of the aforesaid resolutions.
(.Signed), Mich' Ten Hove.
Hepori on the Colonie on the Delaware River.
t From MKKir.iexl Register van den liaad, D., 108, iu the Slud H«i;s, Amsterdam. )
Report of the Commissioners and Directors over this city's Colonie in New
Netherland to the Right Worshipful, the Burgomasters, submitted the 10'"
of August, 1663.
Hniinmi Documcnis, Your Worships have been heretofore informed that the Commissioners and
^^•'"" Directors had, by their own experience and knowledge, seen and perceived the
obstruction and damage inflicted on the Colonie in New Netherland, especially in tlie matter
of judicature, and that accordingly to obviate it had obtained from the West India Company
not only that there should be no appeal in criminal cases, but that the sum to be decided
by the decree of the Schepens of the city's Colonie should, instead of 100 guilders, be
advanced to GOO guilders, Hollands; also, that to the city sliould be surrendered and
conveyed the whole of the South river, from, the sea upwards so far as the said river
V6l. II. 27
210 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
extends, and on the North side three leagues from the river's banli landward in, and on
the South side as far as the land extends in tiiat direction to the English Colonic ; and as the
Worshipful Council of this city did, afterwards, on the IG"" March, of this year, request and
appoint Mr. Cornelis de Craef, I^ord of South Poisbroeck, with and besides the Commissioners
aforesaid, to agree, if possible, by further conference with the West India Company, not only
to abolish appeals in loto, but also, that henceforth the city should receive the duty on the
goods and merchandise going hence direct to the South river, for the defraying of the expenses
which are to be incurred ; and as the said business has now finally been concluded with the
West India Company aforesaid, therefore, not only an explanation hereof will now be given,
but also this supplementary report is respectfully submitted to your Worships of the state of
the city's afl'airs there, and by what means they can be maintained and advanced.
First. Concerning the abrogation of the appeal, and that accordingly from the judgment
[pronounced] by the Director and Council of New Netherland in matters devolved by appeal,
there shall lie an appeal to the Schepens of this city or to the Supreme Court in this country:
It has been considered by the Company, to that end applying ample reasons wherefore it
could not be done; the same was then abandoned, as we were not able to perceive how the
city or its inhabitants could hereby, certainly not for the present, be prejudiced, as cases
exceeding GOO guilders will be of very rare occurrence there.
Concerning the 2""' point : The aforesaid Company has granted to the city, for the term of
eight years, the net half of the receipts of the duty and convoy of goods going hence direct
to the South river, and that for the building and mainlaiuiiig its public works and supporting
the officers there ; accordingly only half ol the duty and convoy of the goods and merchandise
which are sent on behalf of the city is paid to the Company, at whose office shall, furthermore,
be received the duty and convoy of the goods which will be shipped thither by private persons,
but the city, in order to be served faithfully and betimes, shall be empowered to appoint a
person there who shall receive the half thereof on its account.
Having, moreover, obtained from the said Company, for a like number of years, the toll
or duty which is paid in New .Netherland both on beavers and other peltries and Virginia or
Maryland tobacco, whereof the last pays 30 stivers and the first lOi guilders per 100 export
duty (including the 4 stivers per beaver) and whatever additional might be paid on other
and all such returns, likewise for the erection and maintaining of public works; which is
consequently of such consideration as \\\\\ hereinafter be more fully submitted.
.^nd as the city's Colonic has also heretofore been grievously injured by the running away
of its colonists, said Company hath, on the request presented by the Commissaries aforesaid
on this occasion, also promised to introduce strict order to the end that no persons coming from
the city's Colonic to the Manhattans without a proper passport, shall he harbored there but
sent back again, which shall also be done reciprocally by the city, in order thus to obviate and
remove all troubles between the governments on either side.
This being thus transacted with the West India Compan\ at a further conference, we shall
now proceed to the state or condition of the Colonic itself, and by what means it could be
maintained and advanced.
Concerning the state or condition of the Colonic itself, that being considered as it will be
conveyed to the city, namely the entire river, as hereinbefore specified, it is found that the
Swedes, Fins and other nations have made and erected there about 110 good bouweries,
stocked with about 2,000 cows and oxen, 20 horses, SO sheep and several thousand swine.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XV. 211
'' The lands being particularly productive and adapted both for tillage and pasture, having
exceedingly fruitful valleys, which, being drained at a small expense, then return 30 (al 40 fold
for what's sown, besides producing two crops a year, are therefore, not only suitable for wheat
and all sorts of grain, as experience hath already abundantly shown, but also for hemp and
flax; and rice will also thrive and grow there particularly well, the low grounds being thereto
well adapted. A proof of this shall then be taken by the first opportunity; also of P'rench
prunes and other fruits. Thus, people only must be sent there, who are lahorious and skilled
in farming. No Hollanders but other foreign nations must be employed and attracted for
this purpose, the Swedes and Fins (who are already there in reasonable numbers) being, among
others, hereunto particularly fitted, and of whom many families or households are from time to
time expected, as they have been notified by their countrymen in the aforesaid Colonic of the
good opportunity there. Already some families of them have come from Sweden to the number
of 32 souls, who only are waiting for the departure of a ship thither. On this occasion some
cattle must be given to them there by the city on half tiie increase, to promote the cultivation
of the soil ; they will be bound to restore these cattle with half their increase in about 4 or 5
years at most, whereby not only agriculture will be promoted in the most economical way, but
the city will also be thereby benefited. And concerning the passage money which, together
with a few farming implements, the city is advancing them only in form of a loan, the same
shall be made good in the space of 3 years from the produce of the land they shall happen to
realize there, and especially in wheat to be calculated at only 30 stivers the skepel ; thus, the
city will not suffer any loss from this, but be well repaid its accrued interest.
And, as agriculture is of very great importance to this city, no less so is the trade which can
be very conveniently carried on there not only with the natives of the country, but also and
principally with the neighboring English of Merriland, who occupy themselves chiefly with
the planting of tobacco, and are greatly inclined to such trade, on account of the suitableness
and convenience of the places and kills which run in both directions, none being more than
a half hour's distance from the other. On one of these, at our side, called Apoquemans kill, a
stone house in form of a redoubt ought to be built, in order to carry on trade there more
conveniently, as we cannot but conclude from the reports of Director d'Hinojossa, and also
from the circumstances that this trade of tobacco might be carried on with great advantage
for the city, for which reason it ought, in our opinion, make an experiment in the case, and,
accordingly, in the first place now, such a cargo as is suitable for that purpose ought to be
sent thither, amounting to 12 (& 15,000 gl., not doubting but the city will derive a handsome
profit therefrom.
This trade being of so much the more importance, inasmuch as the country produce of the
Colonic might hereby be sold off and consumed, and especially the barley and buckwheat,
from which the city or individuals there might brew strong beer, which is much sought for
by the English, who do not manufacture any, and therefore can be sold with great profit
for tobacco.
So that from both these, namely agriculture and trade, the expenses will be sufficiently met,
as these consist there only in the construction and maintenance of the public works and city's
officers; on account of the taking up and occupying the entire river, the number must now be
increased by 15 (ai 16 soldiers, which are considered sufficient to the necessary settlement and
defence of this place.
212 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Against this is to be estimated the toll aiui (iuty which, l)y the opening of the trade in
beaver ami oilier peltries with the Indians, miglit be realized at the South river; this is said
lo have annually been 10,000 skins, being lOJ per cent, with 1 stivers quit-rent ; thus, it should
annually amount to fl. 6,000.00.00
And from the tobacco, which pays a duty of li fi. per 100; in case only
rOOO tubs were exported yearly by private individuals, which will doubtless
be done in lime, that would amount yearly (each tub being estimated at
400 lbs) lo 6,000.00.00
Exclusive of the profits to be derived from 2 (a. 3 breweries, which the city possesses there
already, and from which great profit can be realized.
As also from the city's cattle to be given out on halves, as above.
Item, in lime, likewise, from the 10'"; some of the Swedish bouweries there are already
over two years in arrenr, and these arrears must therefore be paid to the city.
Yet, as provision must be made liere for the e;;penses of the passage and board of the
colonists who will h;ippen to go thither (and the greater the number of these from lime to
lime, the sooner will the city reap the fruits thereof), it will therefore be necessary to find
means thereunto, and that merely for the space of 3 years and no longer, in order vigorously
to promote so good a work, which, we are of opinion, under correction, will tend to the best
advantage of llie State in general and this city in particular, believing that it will then be so
far advanced, that such passage money will be able to be derived from the revenue of the
Colonic itself.
And as your Worships have been informed on the 14'^ ull" that Director Alexander
d'Hinojossa was to sail hence for the South river with 100 colonists, including 32 Finns, and
that in addition such cargoes were to be sent as were required at first as an experiment for the
Merriland trade, the Commissioners above mentioned have considered it their duty hereby }o
remind your Worships thereof, as it cannot admit o( any further delay in case the season of
the year is to be taken advantage of. Your Worships are, therefore, requested to give orders
to the end that this money for the aforesaid Merriland trade may be placed in our hands to
enable us to purchase the necessary merchandise therewith, and in case your Worships may
not be disposed to the whole of this, and consequently be pleased to participate only in half, 1)8
the same more or less, or, indeed, in none of it, in such circumstances the Commissioners ofTer
to make up the requisite sum, or else lo have the wliole put on board, by whom then,
furthermore, a ship will be looked up, in which will then be most speedily dispatched the
aforesaid cargo and people, for the payment of whose passage tiiey have still some of the city's
money on hand.
^ ■ • ♦ ■ ■ »
Itcsohdions of tJie Council of the City of Ami<terdam.
{ From the Rcsohttien tan de Vrocdsckapptri, D., 26, In iho Stad liuys, Amsterdam. ]
lO"- August, 1GG3.
TTniiand Docnmems, ^I""' Comelis de Gracf, Lord of South Polsbroeok, being appointed by previous
■' ■ resolution of the IG'*" of March last, with the Commissioners and Directors of
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XV. 213
tliis city's Colonie in New Netiierland, to resume the conference with the
A c.-trgn of mr-T-
rbnmiise lo be s ni Dipectors of the West India Company, for tlie purpose of obtainiiij;: from said
nn'Tci'^M.ni' ""''ihe Compan}', for the behoof of tiie aforesaid Colonie, the Conditions contained in
f.iI'^ao.°iut".'f tile the aforesaid Commissioners' resolution, iiath summaril)- reported the result of the
aforesaid conference, and referred more fullj^ to the written report this day delivered
to Mess", the Burgomasters, in the name of said Commissioners, settingforth what was consented
and agreed to by the aforementioned Directors in tlie aforesaid confei'ence, also tlie actual
condition of tiie said Colonie and what is tiiought necessary for tlie promotion and advantage
thereof; which written Report, as recorded in Muniment Register, D., ful. 108, being read
and considered, it is resolved and concluded to send a cargo of merchandise to the value of
twelve or fifteen thousand guilders, to the aforesaid Colonie, to be traded there as an
experiment, namely, half on account of the city and the other half on account of said
Commissioners and Directors; whereunto the city and the Commissioners shall each furnish
half the sum, and in return each shall participate in half the profits and loss accruing on the
aforesaid cargoes. And it is further recommended by the Council that not only Swedes and
Finns but also people of other nations should be accepted as colonists to be sent over.
Further Proposal^ respecting the Colonie on the Delaware River.
[ From Muniment Register vayx den Raad^ D., 148, in the Stad Huys, Amsterdam. ]
Draft of a Proposal of the Commissioners and Directors for the management
of the South river in New Netherland, submitted to the Right Worshipful
the Burgomasters of this city of Amsterdam, the 23"* October, A" 1C63.
nmiami Document- "^^^^ Commissioners and Directors having considered that a suitable ship
^^'^'■^' ought to be sent this year, and before the frost, to the South river, not only
with a goodly number of farmers, besides tiie implements required for agricultural purposes,
but also with some cargoes and goods for the continuance and promotion both of agriculture
and trade, together likewise with a good quantity of ammunition and materials to bring and
maintain that place in a proper state of defence, and having accordingly submitted their
speculations as to the expenses which should be incurred for this outfit and what depends
thereon, are of opinion, under correction, that besides other things there would be required
for that purpose, viz' :
The passage and board of the farmers to be conveyed over; item, the amount of their
implements, also ammunition and materials and what depends thereon, about the sum of 13
@, 14,000 guilders.
For cargoes and goods both for the trade with the Merrilanders and the Indians, together
about 35 @. 36 000 guilders.
In addition to this, it will be necessary, according to the report of Director Alexander
d'Hinojossa, to send thither immediately 50 negroes who are particularly adapted to the
preparation of the valleys, which are found exceedingly fertile, as can expressly be seen by
the letters last received, and for other heavy work ; also for the advancement of agriculture,
214 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
which we, too, can apprehend ; wherefore we, under correction, are of opinion that a contract
ought to be entered into with the West India Company iiere for the delivery of such a
number; we tiiink they can be obtained for 230 guilders each, or thereabout, which, in such
case, would be for 50 negroes fl.lL500.
Your Worships must likewise be informed that, on the last two outfits, both in the passage
money of the persons going over as in freight and averages of the goods sent with them, there
was a deficit of about ^,000 gl., as far as can be most correctly ascertained.
And, although all this amounts, for this turn, to a large sum, yet the Commissioners and
Directors aforenamed are and remain of opinion, after having thoroughly examined and
investigated the nature and qualities of these outlandish Colonies, that the outlay which now
and hereafter must be incurred, will, with God's blessing, be in its time abundantly repaid.
And to show their sincerity in this their opinion, the Commissioners do hereby offer to share
one-half the expense which will be incurred after this, in the advancement of the Colonic.
Beginning, accordingly, from now forward, and with this projected venture, fully
understanding that they will then also share, they and their heirs, in half of all the eflects
and rights which the city already possesses in that country, of what nature soever the same
may be; on the other hand, they, the Commissioners aforesaid, will share not only the half
of the above 8,000 gl., but also such debts as shall be paid in that country on account of
the city; in this case, the profit and loss in the farming, etc., which, after this time, will arise,
shall be divided and charged half and half, as the nature and equity of the matter will
then determine.
And, although your Worships have participated the last time only for Jth part in the
cargoes for the common trade, and here would be willing to participate only for a like quarter
in the purchase of the required cargoes now to be sent ; nevertheless, whenever your Worships
may afterwards so resolve, you will be always hereafter at liberty to enter for the half in this
trade and venture, in order to have, in this way, an equal share in everything.
And as it has been heretofore noticed that some members of your Worshijiful Council have
entertained a different opinion respecting the founding and progress of this Colonie, yea
even now perhaps not enough will be hereby efl'ected, and your Worships accordingly may
resolve to appoint a committee the better to be informed by us of everything, we therefore
intend to be able to give them such an explanation of things as shall be perfectly satisfactory.
Only respectfully requesting, as time is passing and the work is of so much importance as
not to admit well of delay, that your Worships would be jileased to allow your resolution
hereon to reach us as speedily as possible, and especially that regarding the slaves, for
procuring which the West India Company here has a ship ready to sail, but before her
departure, which will take place in 4 (3^ 5 days, a contract must be made with the Company
for the delivery of the said 50 head, or else another entire year will have been lost, which
would tend to the serious disadvantage of agriculture in that country, as your Worships will
be able yourselves to perceive from what precedes, whose resolution hereupon then we shall
expect immediately. Meanwhile remaining, &c.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 215
Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam.
[ From the Resohtlien vaii de Vroedschappen, D., 48, 49, in the Stad Hut/s, Amsterdam.]
24"' October, 16G3,
Hoii.nd DocumeniB, The Burgomasters have submitted to the Council some proposals of the
New' *"' Neiherianu Commissiouers au(l Directors of the city's Colonic in New Netherland, respecting
fen°SJe ind^^idl ^^^ maintenance and advancement and what to that end should at present be
vaDcemenu taken by the hand and put in operation ; according to the aforesaid proposal
contained in writing and enregistered in Muniment Register, D., fol. 148.
Which being considered, Mr. Joris Backer, Mr. Peter Cloeck, Dr. Joan Blaeu, Cornells
Geelvinck and Gerard Hasselaar are requested and appointed to hear the aforesaid
Commissioners and Directors further touching said proposal, and to examine the same and to
report their opinions and advice thereupon at the earliest moment.
26"" October, 1663.
Holland Document., Heard the report and advice of the Committee of this Council, which, pursuant
Piro'rtors allow a and for the fulfillment of its resolution, dated the 24"" instant, had further
'he'^^e^r" iicihei- heard the Commissioners and Directors of this city's Colonic in New Netherland,
land's Colonic, and ^ r i -ii-ii -r-.
3,tbs in the present and alterwards examined and weighed some Proposals touching the maintenance
cargoes, etc. c-> i o
Item. Consent to a and advancement of said Colonic, and what ought at present be undertaken and
loan for that Colo- . ' r i
Die. put in operation tor that purpose according to said Proposals submitted in
writing and enregistered in Muniment Book, D., fol. 148.
Which being considered it is resolved and concluded that the above mentioned Commissioners
and Directors of the aforesaid Colonic shall, according to their proposed offer, share for one-half
in the expenses which will henceforth be incurred in the planting of said Colonic from this time
forward and in the projected adventure, so that they, the Commissioners and Directors, shall,
for themselves and their heirs, participate for one-half in all the effects and rights which the
city already possesses and may hereafter obtain in that quarter, of what nature soever they
may be ; therefore they, the Commissioners and Directors, shall also bear the half in the sum
of eight thousand guilders which are deficient on the two last ventures to the aforesaid
Colonic, both in passage money of the colonists that went over and in freight and average
sent vpith them, and in all debts that will be paid in New Netherland on the part of this
city. And this on condition that all the Tenths, together with all profits and losses which
will hereafter accrue in farming and otherwise, shall be shared and borne half and half;
the agreement with Director d'Hinojossa respecting the farming on the behalf of this city
remaining valid.
But so far as regards the cargoes of merchandise to be now sent thither to be traded, it is
understood that the city shall have only one-fourth share therein, the remaining three-fourths
being for tlie account of the Commissioners and Directors ; on condition, nevertheless, that
the city shall be at liberty, if desiring it, to participate for one-half in the cargoes which
hereafter shall be sent to the Colonie aforesaid. And the Burgomasters are further authorized
216 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
to borrow on interest through the medium of said Commissioners and Directors, the
moneys at present required both for the passage of the new colonists and for other necessaries
and for tlie purchase of slaves and the cargoes of goods to be sent off, &c., according to the
foregoing Proposals and as far as the share of this city amounts to. And the Commissioners
are thanked for the trouble thev have taken.
Remondrance of the ^Ye■st India Company.
[ Aitzems, SuUen vayi Staet en Oorlogh, folio, IV., ll'Jl ; 4to., X., 65S. ]
To the High and Mighty Lords States-General.
Tlie Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company respectfully remonstrate
against the unreasonable and unjustifiable proceedings of the English in America, who
not only have forcibly settled themselves on many districts first discovered and taken into
possession by the Company, as appeared by the tokens thereof which had been specially
set up, and had still been standing at the time of this forcible entry of the Engli-h, but
also invaded several places which had been brought under cultivation, and where towns
and villages had been organized under their own governments in the name of your High
Mightinesses. As a ground for their unrighteous conduct, they perverted merely vague
patents from the King of Great Britain, conveying to them (as was reasonable) those lands
which were not occupied by others. Tlie Company not being able, as they were taken
by surprise, to prevent these proceedings, in every instance at first attempted means of
reconciliation before recourse would be had to force. For this end, they used, from time
to time, many efforts to procure a settled boundary line between the possessions of the two
nations, agreed upon either here in America or else in Europe, believing that by this means
all future difllcultics might be prevented and requesting the aid and influence of your High
Jliglitinesst's for the attainment of that end. The Company advanced so far in the matter in
America, tliat, in tlie year .Sixteen hundred and fifty, there was established at Hartford a
Provisional boundary line, subject to the approbation of the supreme governments on both
sides, and your High Mightinesses insisted, through your Ambassadors in England, either
that a boundary might be concluded on here, or that the one of Hartford might be approved,
or else that some persons in America might be authorized on both sides to draw up a
Boundary line. Still, this had no influence in favorably disposing the Phiglish towards this
object, but it appeared evident that they were moving onwards in their proceedings, in order,
as it seems, being elated by their first successful commencement, to make themselves masters,
righteously or unrighteously, of the whole Province, to turn the Company out of the cities, towns
and entire country; and to reduce all New Netherland under P^igland, to the humiliation
of your High Mightinesses, to tlie great injury of the commerce of this State, to the incalculable
loss of the Company and tlie ruin of many inhabitants in those parts. For, passing by the
previous violences, of which a full account has been given in Remonstrances heretolore presented
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IX. 217
to your High Mightinesses, they sent, on the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth of July, one
Captain Talcott, with sixteen or eighteen men on horseback to the town named Oostdorp,
under your High Mightinesses' authority and government, who, on his arrival, absolved
the inhabitants from the oath of allegiance taken to the government there, displaced the
Magistrates appointed by the Company, appointed others in their stead, and thus made
themselves masters of the town. Not content with that, but proceeding in this unheard-of
course, the same Captain Talcott, on the twenty-fourth of December, sent to the town
of Gravesend, under your High Mightinesses' authority, one James Crisp," to read an address
to the inhabitants to induce them, like those of Oostdorp, to acts of sedition, and thus bring
them under the British government. The intention was to proceed, for the like object, to
Flushing, Heemstede and Rustdorp and the village of Gravesend, all being places under
your High Mightinesses. This was prevented by the arrest in Gravesend of the aforesaid
person in very season, for, on the twenty-fourth of December, in the evening, one hundred
and iifty English, on horseback and on foot, came into the town, surrounded the dwelling of
Lieutenant Stilwell, demanded him dead or alive, broke into the house and committed much
violence. The Company, in consideration of the close alliance between the Crown of Great
Britain and the States-General, have not dared to offer any opposition, until the matter be
first communicated to your High Mightinesses, and your assistance and direction be invoked,
which the Directors aforesaid hereby request. Praying, moreover, that your High Mightinesses,
in consideration of the unrighteous acts of violence committed by the English against the
Company, would be pleased to adopt the most suitable and effectual measures in the case.
Resolution of the States -General.
[From the Register of the We6t India Company's Aftairs, 1652 — 1663, in the Royal Arcliives at the Hague.]
Thursday, 20"" December, 1662.
roi.3G2. Read at the meeting the Rcmonsfnince of the attending Directors of the West
Bound"/' India Company of these parts, respecting the boundary in New Netherland,
Kew Keiheriand. ^^^ ^^le wrong done them by the English nation. "Which being considered it is
resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Remonstrance shall be placed in the hands of Mess"
Huygens and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company,
to examine, investigate and report.
' Sic. Christie. — Ed.
Vol. II. 28
218 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS
Cliamher at Avisterdam to tlte Director and Council of JS^ew NetJie^iand.
[ From New-York Colonial Manuscripts, XV., m Sccrctar)- of folate's Office, Albany, X. T. ]
Honorable, Prudent, Worthy, Beloved, Faithful.
In our last, of the lO"" and 30"" October and November, of this year, whereof the
duplicates to which we refer, accompany this letter; the two former being dispatched by
the ship St. Fieter, and the last by the ship Gideon, which first went to Guinea for slaves, we
promised your Honors, among otlier things, an answer to your letter of the 2^^ August last.
As the ship Bontthoe has arrived here since, bringing a letter from the Director-General and
another from the Council dated 13"" September and first of October of the aforesaid year, the
answer to all of them, as far as we have deemed necessary, will be conveyed to you hereby.
The first thing, then, that attracts our attention therein is, that we have been very
incorrectly informed here relative to the fortification or defensible condition of the mouth of
tlie river, both on Staten and Long island, which, according to your representation, will be
labor in vain. We shall not discuss this, but willingly admit it to be the case on the
representation of persons who, being there on the spot, are, therefore, by experience and
knowledge in the premises, better fjualified to see and determine everytbing. But you must
also be aware that our instruction in this matter was by no means intended to have forts or
redouts erected on both sides of the mouth of the river in order to efl^ect that security, but
such proper and suitable means adopted as might be considered best and advantageous to at
least prevent the English occupying those places, which could well be accomplished by
planting Colonies, or settling people, there. Certainly, if the land thereabout be anywise good
and adapted to agriculture ; and, in case it fail somewhat to be so and, consequently, no person
were disposed to take it unless some additional privileges were granted, further inducements
could be held out according to discretion ; if by that means the object we have in view could
be effected. Your Honors are to judge of this, and are seriously recommended to bestow on
it all that attention the importance of the subject deserves.
We have already anticipated your Honors' opinion as to whether our proposed scheme to
attract specie into the country ought to be put into practice, under its present circumstances and
poor condition; and therefore have intimated in ours of the 27"' September last, that it should
be suspended for the present in order to prevent trade being diverted. With regard to the
next point, viz.: that on attempting to give the Company's servants there the benefit and
enjoyment of the equivalent of the specie promised them here in Fatherland, you had found it
impracticable on account of the depreciation of the Wampum, being, therefore, of opinion
that it was best and most proper, that whoever was engaged in Fatherland, ought, at the close
of the year, when the books are balanced, be credited not only one-third for the Wampum
received, but also one-fourth for the accepted Beavers. On further examination and
investigation of this matter, we have discovered that we had heretofore, and recently, provided
for this case, inasmuch as we had ordered, by our previous letter of the a?"" September
aforesaid, that the monthly wages of such servants there shall henceforth be liquidated and
paid in Beavers valued at G instead of 7 guilders a piece; whereby we consider that we have
afforded them sufficient satisfaction herein, the rather as the Beaver, for which there was so
little demand here, is now again beginning to improve and rise, and from all appearances, will
To Director-General Petrus StuyTesant and Council of Xew Netlierlnnd.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 219
advance further. In regard to the Wampum, as its depreciation is on the increase, we have
resolved and accordingly consent that the account of such persons as have been engaged here,
shall, at the end of the year, be credited one-fourth in order to afford them satisfaction herein
also, and to obviate all just causes of complaint. Your Honors can, therefore, regulate
yourselves accordingly.
The chief thing in your Honors' letter that took us by surprise was the illegal, yea,
sufficiently hostile proceedings set on foot by the English neighbors of Hartford Colony, and
especially put into practice and carried out anew in the purloining of a place unquestionably
within the Company's bounds, viz., the village of Westchester, otherwise called Oosidorp, having
even afterwards also endeavored, as we have noticed by the Council's letter of the first of
October last, by sinister means, to reduce and bring within the jurisdiction of Hartford, other
villages on Long Island. All this, we acknowledge, must be a matter of strange and dangerous
consequence, which, on account of the peace the Crown of England hath concluded and effected
with our State here, was not expected by us from that quarter, for we cannot well suppose
that they are encouraged from this side. We shall soon ascertain the fact, as we have presented
our complaints on this subject fully to this government, which we finally requested to make
renewed application, at least that the Provisional Boundary concluded at Hartford aforesaid
in the year 1G50, may be at once ratified by the Crown of England. And, as great hopes and
promises of assistance are held out to us, that our request will be complied with on the earliest
and most fitting opportunity, we must wait patiently for that time, to shorten which we shall,
by continued perseverance, do all in our power. Meanwhile, we are anxious to learn how
Director-General Stuyvesandt fared at the General Court at Boston, having seen that he had
gone thither in order once more to attempt the ratification of the Provisional Boundary, and,
at the same time, to remove existing troubles about Westchester and the further encroaciiments
of neighbors ; whereunto we are somewhat encouraged to hope by the favorable inclination
manifested by Governor Winterop. As you are especially requesting our categorical answer^
on the supposition that we be disappointed herein, and those people continue their unjust
proceedings, before even the said division of the Boundary be completed here, we therefore
say, as we have stated in our preceding and annexed letters, that such intolerable proceedings,
of such dangerous and far-reaching consequences, are not to be endured, but must be opposed
in every way ; certainly, if such can in any wise be accomplished with the men and means at
your disposition there. Of this, you, who are present and in loco, can judge better than we
here. The subject is then absolutely referred to you to act therein, in such 'manner and
way as you will judge best for the safety of the State and its inhabitants. It will, in our
opinion, not be without advantage, were you, in such a conjuncture, first of all, by written
manifest, to explain and make known the improper and hostile proceedings of the neighbors,
in order to demonstrate to all the world there the righteousness of our cause, which has been
frequently done under similar circumstances. This, then, is for your Honors' information.
We have observed, from the Conditions and lease to the farmers of the Revenue {eeri-iachlingc),
that goods and household commodities, such as English cloths, stockings, provisions and
whatever are imported there by the English neighbors, are for the most part hurthened with
such duties as are paid here in Fatherland, by the same articles; and therefore resolve, on
account of the difficulties which you represent against the augmentation thereof, that such duties
shall remain provisionally unaltered. But in regard to wares, and especially the Beavers
which the English receive in exchange and are carrying out of the country, as the principal
220 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
returns which come thence consist of these Beavers, and as they are more and more in
demand, and are beginning to advance in value, it is our opinion that the toll or duty on such
Beavers as are exported to New England, ought, v^ithout affording any dissatisfaction to the
inhabitants, be indeed increased at least Jd or one-fourth. We hereby, then, submit this to
your further consideration, in order that if you agree v?ith us, as we trust you will, it may be
put in operation.
We regret to learn that so little advantage is to be expected from the free people who, from
time to time, have been conveyed thither at the Company's expense ; in regard that the third
part are not what they represented themselves here, namely, agriculturists and such like.
And, although we shall in future pay more attention to this, and have more care observed on
that head, yet we must remark that such inexperienced, lazy and indolent fellows, if they
know no other handicraft, ought not only be taught farming, but be held and constrained
thereto, at least until they shall have worked out and paid the disbursement which the
Company hath incurred in conveying them thither, &c. We refer to your own judgment and
knowledge the best and properest manner of accomplishing this.
The complaints which may have been mutually made by the government of the city's Colonie
and yourself, ought henceforth to cease on both sides, and a good neighborly correspondence
be maintained with one another. We hope that it will in future improve, inasmuch as we
believe, the cause for caviling and bickering will, for the most part, be removed, as since
that time the entire river is conveyed and made over to the city of Amsterdam. And, as
your Honor requests our advice in this conjuncture, on some points which you submit in
writing, viz: To whom shall the Tenths be then paid by the Swedes on the South river?
Who shall have the selection of their Magistrates? and various other points. Your Honors
can remark, by the contract in this case concluded with the Worshipful government of this
city, and sent you herewith in form of our resolution, that everything is now conveyed to the
city or its officers in that quarter, on condition that such and other inhabitants must remain in
the enjoyment of the privileges they may have obtained from the Company. And as regards
the diiliculties you mention, in case the common people along the entire river are exempted
from the subsidies and general taxes wliich may be imposed by you in the Company's name,
we cannot see herein such consequences or difficulties ; certainly, none that can counterbalance
the expenses and danger to which we might be exposed from those of Merrilandt, &c., by the
maintenance and occupation of that river ; as experience hath heretofore sufficiently shown.
Therefore was it thought safer and better to commit the protection and preservation of that
river to the city, and to have it consequently, as a partition wall between both, than to have
the English Merrilanders, or no better, for neighbors. The Company have enough on its
liands with the English at the North, as your Honors find but too well. Neither is it apparent,
for these and other alleged reasons, that people will run hence to the South river, certainly
not so long as the city hath reserved the trade there to herself, to the exclusion of all others.
This, alone, is sufficient to deprive every one of all desire to go thither as your Honors will,
we trust, find by experience. We wish further to charge and recommend you punctually to
regulate yourselves agreeably to the aforesaid concluded contract.
As we heard, with sorrow, the deceitful and treacherous conduct of (he Esopus Indians in
surprising our inhabitants there, so were we afterwards rejoiced to learn, by the Council's
despatch dated the first of October, the victory which our people have gained over them. In
lliis connection we must praise your Honors' vigilance in establishing such speedy and
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 221
necessary order. Such, then, must be continued and this entire nation, their allies and
adherents rooted out, and, if possible, utterly exterminated ; in order, at once, to strike such
terror and circumspection into others as will deprive them of all desire to attack our people,
who thus may be at liberty to possess their property free from danger and in peace. And as
some soldiers must have been enlisted there to execute those operations, and your Honors
ought to be assisted in paying them, we have consented, on your Honors' reiterated request in
the premises, to send in this ship herewith not only the required ammunition, but also, and
first of all, the half of the required supply of clothing, as can be seen by the accompanying
invoices and manifests. The remainder or greater part thereof will follow in the summer
fleet, and this is to serve according to circumstances in the present conjuncture.
We have paid surgeon Jacob Hendricksen Varrevanger here for the medicaments which
have been obtained there from his wife, amounting to tlie sum of fl.132.4. We have, also,
accepted to pay the bill of exchange drawn by Director-General Stuyvesant on us for the sum
of fl.124.4, for some silver coin which he required in the journey to Boston, as he hath
advised in his letter of the 13"" of September.
We have thus, we think, answered your previously received letters in such manner and at
such length as is necessary for your Honors' government and information.
Dirck de Wolff hath applied to us li«re to request you, as recommended in ours of the 6""
December, 1662, to expedite his case in regard to the circumstance of the salt kettle, which,
having been erected by him on Coney Island, was afterwards removed by you, by judgment,
on some pretence of the English of Gravesend. And as nothing is known of the case,
notwithstanding we had seriously commanded you not only to render us pertinent explanation
thereupon by transmitting the papers and documents which were produced there .on both
sides, but also, in addition, a small Map of the situation of said island, as we were informed
that the English ought not encroach any further on that side, we have consented to renew
the instruction. You are, therefore, once more recommended not to postpone compliance any
longer, but to forward those papers by the first opportunity to us, that we may make use of
them in such way and manner as we shall think proper.
This letter being drafted and fairly copied thus far, the ship St. Jacob arrived here, whereby
we received your despatch and inclosures of the 10"" of November of last year. We have
learned, with regret, from them not only the fruitless result of the voyages to Boston and
Hartford, the former by Director Stuyvesant and the latter by some Commissioners to the
Common or General Assemblies at the aforesaid places ; but also that those of Hartford
aforesaid were persisting in their unrighteous course, inasmuch as they had detached several
more towns on Long Island from our government and brought the same under their
jurisdiction. This shows us sufficiently what the object of those people is, viz.: not merely
to dispossess the Company of the whole of Long Island, but of the North river, and,
consequently, of the entire country. Therefore it is necessary that they be absolutely estopped
and opposed herein by all possible means, both by force and authority, on the part of the
NoTE.-oniy 42 or govemmeut. The former being furnished by us, certainly as far as the Company's
43 of thfsa -were . . ^ •' •' '^ •' .
sen'- circumstances permit, at present, with 60 soldiers provided with the necessary
ammunition besides what was previously required, as you will be able to see by the annexed
muster-rolls and invoice, we hope, when this force and means are added to what you
already possess in those parts, that not only a stop will be put to the matter but restoration
effected, especially when the Company is assisted by the second means, and the general
222 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
government resents, in this instance, such unrighteous and treacherous proceedings ; as has
been the case (according to our former opinion) with the Right Worshipful, the Burgomasters
of tills city, who have not only granted the Company favorable letters of recommendation,
but have also appointed some of the Commissioners who superintend the South river (but on
their own proposal) a Committee, with some of the members from our Board, to solicit
from their High Mightinesses at the Hague what is really required to hinder and counteract
so treacherous an action. Those gentlemen will, accordingly, apply first for an Acte or
commission determining and confirming the Boundary of New Netherland ; our opinion being
that it should have the form of a further interpretation of the charter; and, furthermore, a
letter written in serious terms to the English towns on Long Island. And as said Committee
have already gone to the Hague it may possibly be that the aforesaid commission and letter
may be sent by these ships ; they will, without fail, if these vessels be detained there 8 or 10
days longer by contrary winds. Afterwards, urgent application will be made to their High
Mightinesses to effect, with the Crown of England, a division of the Boundary, the same
being so necessary to the peace of this State and its inhabitants. All which would, indeed,
be done if an Ambassador were there from this State ; the first moment he is commissioned
it will be given him specially in charge. The result shall be communicated to you in its time.
Meanwhile we seriously recommend your Honors fo manage this matter and that of the
barbarous Indians, so wisely as to render them subservient to the greatest security of
the State.
We, likewise, have been not a little astonished at the insufferable and hostile action
committed by a certain English privateer in attacking and seizing our ship V Waepen van
Amsterdam, on her way from the coast of Guinea, which he carried, with her cargo of Slaves,
into Virginia. And as you have sent Councillor Johan de Decker and Commissary Verlet
thither to reclaim them, we are impatient to learn their return, not without apprehension
that we shall hear by the first opportunity that they either were too late, or else were put off
with frivolous excuses and consequently will have gone back without having accomplished
anything.
We informed you in our last letter, now again inclosed, that we had entered into a contract
here with Symen Glide, commanding the ship Gideon, to take in a good cargo of Slaves at
Loango, on the coast of Africa, and to fetch them, by way of Curasao, to New Netherland ;
also, that this city was a partner for one-fourth thereof; as can be more fully seen by the
copies which we have directed to be sent you herewith for your information. And as these
Slaves are sent solely to be employed in agriculture, which is the only means whereby this
State can be rendered flourishing, we expect and require most expressly that the aforesaid
Slaves must be sold there to our inhabitants on express condition that they shall not be taken
beyond our district, but kept specially there and be employed in husbandry, so that the great
expense we are incurring herein may not be in vain ; but the fruits we promise ourselves
therefrom be abundantly reaped. That ship may arrive next June or July with about 300
Slaves, according to our calculation. As your Honors will possibly be bravely assisted by
this supply, you will, therefore, be careful that the third part at least of the proceeds of the
Company's Slaves shall be sent hither in Beavers, in order to be able, on the arrival of said
ship, to pay the freiglit or the greater part thereof, according to contract. Otherwise, we
shall lose all desire to continue supplying Slaves. Your Honors are, then, to pay particular
attention to this matter.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 223
And although we have also ordered you, in the aforesaid despatch, to agree amicably with
the city's officers about chartering the Company's sloop for the conveyance of the city's Slaves
to the South river, yet we have subsequently resolved and determined that it should be
effected here by the principals on both sides. Wherefore we have concluded to order and
recommend you, in case the aforesaid sloop may be employed for that service, distinctly then
to write us your advice and opinion what and how much ought to be charged for her freight,
adding the reasons in support thereof, in order to enable us to make proper use of them in the
present conjuncture.
Hobbe Cornelissen Hobbe and Company have applied to us here for payment of a certain
account of linen and charges sent to the Island of Curasao and purchased there on the
Company's account in the years 1660 and 1661, as you may see by the inclosed copy. As we
have no knowledge here of the transaction and do not propose to assume any such debts,
we have refused payment, and wish seriously to recommend you hereby, in case the above
debt is still honestly due, to discharge and pay it there on the first opportunity and as soon as
possible. Plenty of opportunities will ofTer on the arrival of the forementioned Slaves.
D* Megapolensis goes out now by this ship. We have engaged him as Minister
on the same terms and conditions as D' Blom and Selyns were formerly accepted, viz., fl. 50 a
month. We hope he, too, will give satisfaction, and perform good service there, which we
shall be glad to hear in due season.
The lists of the freemen, going over at their own and the Company's expense, accompany
these presents, fl. 3S,' instead of fl. 36, shall have to be paid for the passage and board of the
latter, as ship-masters are again complaining of the high price of some provisions. You have
to remember this, in order that it may be charged in each one's account.
From the accompanying list can also be ascertained the payments made in this country since
the last account, on the wages of those in service yonder. In like manner, from the inclosed
invoice can be seen what goods of private persons are on board this ship, all for your Honors'
use, as shall be deemed proper.
Herewith,
Honorable, Prudent, Worthy, Dear, Faithful,
Shall we commend you to God's protection, and remain
Your good friends.
The Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam.
(Signed), Abr. Wilmerdonx,
Amsterdam, this 20"" January, 1664. Dirck Spiegel.
'Equal to $16.20. — Ed.
224 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Memorial of the We^i India Com.'paiiy^ &g.
[ From the Original ia the Royal Archives at the Hague ; File, TXest Indie. ]
To the High and Mighty Lords, States-General of the United Netherlands:
The Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company of this country, the
Commissioners of the Colonic belonging to the city of Amsterdam in New Netherland, and
the Deputies to tiie General Assembly {landts vergaderhige) in New Netherland, respectfully
represent : That theabove named Directors did, on the 19"" December, nowlast past, remonstrate
to your High Mightinesses against the unlawful proceedings of the English in New Netherland
for some time past, requesting that all possible provision may be made against the same, or
otherwise the loss of the whole of New Netherland was impending. The aforementioned
Directors have since received letters from New Netherland, dated the lO"" November, 1GG3,
wherein they were advised by the Director-General and Council that the latter had endeavored
to settle, amicably, the questions which had arisen there, and for that purpose, Director-
General Stuy vesant had proceeded in person to Boston, in order there, at the meeting of the Four
United Colonies of New England, amicably to induce the English, if possible, to forbear their
unlawful proceedings. The aforesaid Stuyvesant, having arrived there, after divers debates by
three of the Colonies, to wit: Boston, New Plymouth and New Haven; the fourth, namely
Hartford, was publicly declared in the wrong, in regard to her proceedings against the Company.
Being unwilling to submit herself to the decision of the aforesaid three Colonies, Hartford
maintained that the above mentioned difficulty must be determined by the Assembly of her
particular Colony and not by that of the United Provinces, because the latter had no power
to diminish the bounds of her patent obtained from the King of England. Thereforei
Commissioners were again sent in the month of October last to the aforesaid distinct Assembly
at Hartford, who inclined, as in duty bound, to peace, quiet and union, report that the aforesaid
Colony of Hartford declared absolutely, That theijknnvno New Netherland ; refusing the Director-
General and Council even the title now, for about forty years, set forth in your High Mightinesses'
commission ; insisting that the place which we call New Netherland, had been granted to them
by his Royal Majesty ; and, accordingly, even supposing it were in our possession, it must be
surrendered to them, although his Royal Majesty very expressly protests, in the granted patent,
that those of Hartlbrd shall not encroach on any other Prince, Potentate or State ; that the
Company could never exhibit any patent from the King of Great Britain, and that consequently
they will reduce all nolens volcns under their jurisdiction ; uphold the village of Oostdorp and
five towns more situate on Long Island, which they had already, for the third time, notified to
come under their jurisdiction, and enlarge the limits of their patent to that end, and (according
to the Map annexed' ) rob the Company of the whole of New Netherland, which they invade;
pretexting that these towns which came under their jurisdiction, would no longer remain under
their High Mightinesses' authority and the Company's government, and therefore they should
and would support them ; threatening, in case the Company's officers should proceed against
those villages, to oppose them with fire and sword; refusing many fair offers which were made
for adjustment. Thereupon, taking their proceedings immediately into consideration, a General
Assembly of the whole of New Netherland was holden, and things found to be so, that, without
' There ie no Map connected witb this Memorial in the Holland Documents. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 225
your High Mightinesses' speedy assistance, all will be lost. Two of the most interested were
then delegated hither to represent to the Directors and, if needs be, to your High Migiitinesses,
the sad condition to which New Netherland has fallen hy such unlawful proceedings, and humbly
to request your High Mightinesses to be pleased not to suffer thousands of persons who, by
public invitation, and relying on the promise of support held out in the charter granted to the
West India Company, had, with your High Mightinesses' approbation, settled their families
there, to be ruined and forced to regret having lived in that country 40, 30, 20 more or less
years, established themselves comfortably there, and now to be so unrighteously removed ; as
you. High and Mighty, can sufficiently deduce, from the foregoing reasons, on what foundation
the English seek to establish their pretensions: Wherefore the petitioners, having endeavored
to smooth everything peaceably in yonder country, but without any success, and seeing no
other refuge than to cast themselves into your High Mightinesses' arms and to consider you
as their protectors, again find themselves necessitated to address and once more to request
you. High and Mighty, to be graciously pleased, at length, to cast your eyes once on the
proceedings which the English have now for many long years been carrying on in New
Netherland, and which have for many long years been complained of to your High Mightinesses.
We assure you. High and Mighty, that you will find that these conquests, so often recommended
by your High Mightinesses to the Company, possessed so many years by the Company at
excessive outlay, will be torn away from this State by the English, who see that you, High
and Mighty, do not trouble yourselves about their proceedings ; whereby not only the Company
will be debarred the profits thereof, and lose the expenses incurred so many years in New
Netherland, on your High Mightinesses' recommendations, but so many thousand inhabitants
will be obliged to return home to this country naked and destitute, weeping and mourning,
being now ruined there by the English in the same manner as those at Brazil had been by the
Portuguese ; unless you, High and Mighty, maturely considering all the aforesaid, take to heart
the complaints of your weeping and injured subjects, and in your High Mightinesses' wisdom,
so manage the matter, either with the King of England or otherwise, that your faithful subjects
shall be freed from this unrighteous oppression. To obtain this, the aforesaid Directors and
their Director-General and Council, have (under correction), as heretofore represented to your
High Migiitinesses, considered the surest means to be the negotiation here in Europe of a Boundary
between both nations, and therefore most humbly request you. High and Mighty, to be graciously
pleased, once more, so to direct the matter, that the aforesaid settlement of the Boundary may
be concluded forthwith, by such means as your High Mightinesses, in your accustomed wisdom,
will deem best. And as, in consequence of the dissoluteness of the English, it looks as if
they will not forbear in the Province of New Netherland, whilst the aforesaid settlement of the
Boundary is prosecuted here in Europe, but will push on their encroachments, the result of which
might be that the Company would be stripped of everything before the Boundary could be
settled ; therefore, some means should, at the same time, be provisionally employed to stay
those proceedings, to prevent the designs of the aforesaid English and to retain your High
Mightinesses' subjects within their duty. The aforesaid Directors are, at the same time,
necessitated to request of your High Mightinesses, first, your opinion whether or not the
Company shall have to oppose the said proceedings by force, and if yea, that they may be provided
with adequate assistance thereunto by your High Mightinesses; secondly, that your High
Mightinesses, in regard to your subjects, and in order to retain them, meanwhile, within the
obedience of this State, may be pleased to grant to the Company an Acte under the Great Seal,
Vol. II. 29
226 * NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
whereby your High Mightinesses will please to fix the limits of New Netherland according to
the ancient computation, to wit: along the coast from thirty-seven and a half degrees unto
forty-one and a half and, furthermore, landward in as far as men can travel; and, besides,
distinct letters to all the places and towns which, having been under your High Mightinesses'
obedience, have already repaired under the authority of the English, and to those which are
notified to do so by the English, to the end that the former may return under your High
Mightinesses' authority, and the latter remain within their allegiance ; otherwise, that your
High Mightinesses will enforce the aforesaid letters with the power of the nation, and accordingly
constrain those people to their obedience, and hold and punish them as the case may demand ;
thirdly, that your High Mightinesses may be pleased to communicate these proceedings to his
Royal Majesty of Great Britain, to the end that he may issue orders in America for the
immediate restoration of the places invaded, and their preservation from all usurpations during
the negotiations for a Boundary line.
Which doing, &c.,
(Signed), Mich' Ten Hove.
Indorsed, 16^64.
Memorial
of the Directors of the
West India Company.
21" January, 1GG4.
Resolution of tlie States -General.
[ From Uie UcgUter of West India Affairs, 1604 — 1070, io the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Monday, 21" January, 16G4.
Foiio 3. Read to the Assembly a certain Remonstrance of the Directors of the General
West India Com- j ititii-^-, .-i- i^-i •• c <
pany. IncorpoTatcd West India Company of this country, the Commissioners of the
ew e "fan . (^jgi^^jg qJ- j|,g ^.j^y pf Amsterdam, in New Netherland, and the Deputies from
1 roceeaings of the .' ' r
*""*'"''■ the General Assembly {Inndis vergaderingc) in New Netherland, containing a
continuance of the complaints against the unlawful proceedings to which the English have,
for some time since, had recourse against them, praying that provision be made in the premises.
Which, being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Remonstrance be
placed in the hands of Mess" Huygens and other tiieir High Mightinesses' Deputies for the
afTairs of the West India Company, to inspect, examine and investigate the retroacta; verbally
to hear and listen to the Petitioners or their Attorneys, and among tiie rest, Johan Tayspil,
Commissioner and Director of the Colonie which the city of Amsterdam hath planted on the
South river in New Netherland aforesaid, and to report thereupon.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 227
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From Iho Register of I he Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at Iho Hague. ]
Wednesday, 23'' January, 16G4.
Folio 48. Heard tlie Report of Mess" Huyeens and otiier their Hiarh Mightinesses' Deputies
■Wesl India Com- /r- • »it • o o I
pany- for the affairs of the West India Company, having, pursuant to their resolutions of
tlie 20"' December last and the 21" inst., inspected and examined the iterated Remonstrances
of the Directors of the aforesaid West India Company, the Commissioners of the Colonie of
the city of Amsterdam, in New Netherland, and the Deputies of the General Assembly in
New Netherland, containing a continuation of the complaints respecting the unlawful
English proered- proceediugs to which the Englisli there have, for some time past, had recourse ;
iogs in New Neth- » *^ ^ *-" r 7
•^"■i"""'- praying that provision may be made in the premises; also, that the reiroacta be
Tajspei. examined, the Remonstrants, or their Attorneys and, among the rest, John
Tayspil, Commissioner and Director of the Colonie planted by the city of Amsterdam on the
South river, in New Netherland, be verbally heard. Which, being considered, it is resolved
and concluded, that the Ambassador to be soon sent to reside at the Court of the King of
Great Britain, shall inter alia be given in command, there to urge and insist, with all earnestness
and zeal, on the determination of the Boundary line between the English and the said West
India Company in New Netherland, for the prevention of all troubles and alienations which
otherwise are to be apprehended.
Secondly. In respect to the subjects of the State, and in order to retain them meanwhile in
obedience, that an act under the Great Seal shall be granted to the West India Company,
containing and defining the limits of New Netherland, provisionally, agreeably to the provisional
Boundary determined between both governments in the year 1650, and approved and ratified
by their High Mightinesses on the 23"* February, 1656, until further negotiation with the said
King; saving and without prejudice to the right which the aforesaid West India Company
claims, by virtue of its charter and subsequent discovery and possession of New Netherland, to
the Fresh river and other places situate there, without the limits aforesaid.
Thirdly. That all the towns and places lying within the limits aforesaid, shall be written
to; both those which have already betaken themselves under the authority of the English,
and such as have been notified so to do; that the former shall return under the obedience
of their High Mightinesses, and the latter remain under it, on pain of incurring their High
Mightinesses' indignation, and of being punished as they, according to the exigencies of affairs,
shall find fitting.
Fourthly. That the aforesaid unlawful proceedings shall be communicated to the King by
letter, with a serious request that his Majesty may be graciously pleased to issue orders
in America at the earliest moment, for the immediate restoration of the towns and places in
New Netherland invaded by his subjects, within the aforesaid limits, and for the cessation
of all further usurpations ; also, that they regulate themselves precisely according to the
aforementioned provisional Boundary, until as above, a pertinent Boundary shall be concluded
and determined on for those parts between his Majesty and their High Mightinesses.
228 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Ordi^r cancel-)} ill ij the JJivi-sion of Houndai-ie-f in Ncio JS'ef/ierland.
[ From llic O'l-oot PlacaH Bofk, II. ]
The States-Ceneriil of the United Netherlands, To all who shall hear or see these, Health: —
i!e it known. Whereas, for divers and weigiity reasons. We thought proper, in the year 1G"21,
to erect and establish, in our country, a company called the West India Company, through the
same alone, and to the exclusion of all others, to resort and trade to the coasts and countries
of Africa, from the 'J'ropic o( Cancer to the Cape of Good Hope, and the ('ountries of America,
or the West Indies, from the south end of Terra Nora through the Straits of Magellan
and La Maire, or other passages and straits situate thereabout, unto the Strait of Angan,
as well on the ,\orth as South Sea, and all islands lying on the one and the other side
and betwixt both, and extending to the Australian or sonlhern countries, and lying between
both Meridians, including, in the east, the Cape of Cood Hope and in the west, the east end
of New Guinea. Granting, by the second article of the Charter of the 3'' of June, 1621,
given to them under Our great seal, further and more particularly, that they, in Our name and
by Our authority may, within tlie aforesaid limits, make and conclude contracts, treaties
and alliances with the I'rinces and Natives of the countries contained therein, erect fortresses and
strongiiolds there, appoint, remove and dismiss Governors, soldiers and officers of justice
necessary for all other requisite services, for the conservation of the places, the maintenance
of good order, police and justice, together with the promotion of trade, and others in their
places to appoint, according as the same shall be found proper, and especially as it may best
promote the peo[iliiig of fruitful and uninhabited countries; and the aforesaid company having,
from the beginning, by virtue of the aforesaid charter, in conformity with (_)ur sincere intention,
eslal)lislied their population and colonists on the coast of America, in the country called New
Netherland, notwithstanding which some persons evil disposed towards our State and the said
company, endeavor to misrepresent Our good and honest meaning, as the same is contained
in the said charter, as if We had privileged the said company only to trade within the said
limits, and not to colonize nor to plant settlements, nor take possession of lands, calling the
company's right thereto in question.
Wherefore We, being desirous to assure all, each, and every one whom it may concern, of
our intention in the aforesaid Octroy, hereby declare Our meaning well and truly to have been
and still to be, that the aforesaid company was and is still empowered to establish colonies and
settlements on lands unoccupied by others, within the limits aforesaid, and particularly that
the same (for the preservation of the right which devolved on them in virtue of the aforesaid
charter, by discovery and occupation of the Fresh river and other places in New Netherland,
situated more easterly, even unto Cape Cod, and from Cape Hinlopen and fifteen leagues
further south, along the coast) could, by virtue of the aforesaid granted Charter provisionally,
and until further agreement on a settled Boundary between the King of Great Britain and Us,
adjust their limits conformably to the provisional division and Boundary concluded in America
between both governments in the year 1G50, anci ratified by Us on the 22'' February, 1G56,
which shall be as follows, to wit: On the main land from the west side of Greenwich bay,
being about four miles from Stamford, and also to run inland in a northerly direction twenty
miles, provided it approach not within ten miles of the North river. And further on Long
Island, from the west side of Oyster bay in a straight line south unto the sea, remaining by
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS; X. 229
provision and in conformity as before, the east part of the aforesaid island to the English, and
tlie west to the said West India Company and the inhabitants of this country.
W'lierefore We request all Emperors, Kings, llepuhlics, Princes, Potentates, Friends and
Allies of this State, or Neutrals, to allow the afornsiiid West India Company to enjoy
and possess the aforesaid limits in peace and quietness, which We shall freely reciprocate
towards them on suitable occasions. We further expressly and strictly charge and command
all, each, and every person in Our service, and under Our obedience, and especially the
inhabitants within the aforesaid limits, punctually and precisely to regulate themselves
according to the tenor of this, Our acic, without opposition, or acting or allowing others to act
contrary thereto, on pain of incurring Our highest indignation and displeasure, and being,
consequently, punished as contraveiiers of Our commands, according as the exigency of affairs
shall demand.
Given at the Hague, under Our great seal, the paraphure and signature of Our Clerk, on the
23'' January, 16G4.
States -General to the Toion-s in JVerv JSfetherland.
\_ From the Register of UUgegam Biievpn oT the States-Geaeral, in the Knyal Archives at the Hague. ]
The States, &c.
To the towns of Eastdorp, Gravesend, Heemstede, Flushing, Middelburgh, Rustdorp,
Amersfoort, Middewout, N. Utrecht, Breukelen and Boswyck, situate in N. Netherland.
Honorable, wise and discreet friends: — It having, for some time, come to Our ears, through
the complaint of the West India Company, that the English, in America, have sought, from
time to time, notwithstanding the Provisional division of Boundaries concluded at Hartford ia
1650, to settle within the district provisionally assigned to the above mentioned Company by
the aforesaid division, and consequently in the places and villages situated within the samei
having first given notice that these places should withdraw themselves from Our allegiance and
repair under the English government; secondly, have deposed the Magistrates appointed there
in Our name by the Director-General and Council, released them from their sworn oath, and
established others again in their stead; the Magistrates appointed by the aforesaid Director
and Council, regardless of that respect and obedience due to us as their superiors, offering no
opposition thereto ; nay, on the contrary, as the English aver, soliciting these appointments.
Therefore, We, desirous to provide against these and such like disorders, have resolved hereby
well and strictly to charge you that in case you, forgetful of your plight, should have repaired
under the government of the English, to return again under Our allegiance as soon as you
have received these presents ; or, if you be further importuned by the English to come under
them, to demean yourselves as those subjects do who still remain in Our allegiance, until We
shall have agreed with the King of Great Britain on the Boundary, on pain, for contravening
these, of experiencing Our severest indignation and displeasure, and of being punished according
as the exigency of the matter may demand, which you will take into proper consideration.
Wherewith ending, &c.
At the Hague, the 23"* January, 1664.
230 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Director-General and Council of New Netherland to the Clminher at AtnMerdam.
[ Trora the Ci'py in the Royal Archives at the Hague; Loketkas of the SlatCB-Oeneral; Rubticli, WpsI Indischc Compagni^ Xo, 67, 3d Division. ]
Honorable, Wise, Prudent and lliglit Honorable.
We find unanswered by us your Honors' letters, the first dated 25"" of June of last year,
sent with the goods shipped on board the Vcrgulde Star, wherein nothing further remains to
he answered than that the (ew goods that vessel contained on the Company's account,
according to the invoice, were duly received. To our great inconvenience, and the greater
disaccommodation of the almost bare and naked soldiers, we have seen nothing of the cloths
and stuffs from Cura5ao for the clothing of this garrison, which were expected according
to advice.
Secondly. We received from the South river, on the 22'' December last, your Honors' letter
by the ship the F urmtrlaiuhr Kerch, dated 11"" September, wherein you have been pleased to
communicate to us the conveyance of that river to the Worshipf" government of the city of
Amsterdam. The condition of the conveyance, viz., that no one is to be at liberty to trade
there for the future, hath e.Ncited no little commotion among the inhabitants of this city, and
no less, as we afterwards were informed, among the people there, both Dutch and Swedes,
who have lived in those parts a great many years. God grant that no further troubles
and commotion result therefrom, for reasons submitted to your Honors more fully and
circumstantially in our long despatch dated 2'Z^ August, and forwarded by the ship Rooscboom.
The present embarrassing position in which we and these good people are placed, does not
in any wise permit us to indulge in any discussions, ^)ro or con., about the matter, but to
commend the result to the most gracious God, heartily praying that it may turn out well.
Your Honors' order for the conveyance and cession of that river has been punctually followed
and obeyed, certainly, as far as the winter season hath permitted ; and whatever deficiency
may have occurred on account of the winter, was without fail made good at the proper time.
Shortly after this we received your Honors' favor of the 27"" September, dispatched by the
ship Statyn, which contains, for the most part, what you had recommended in the foregoing
one respecting the conveyance of the South river; but is extended somewhat further by your
Honors' speculations on the complaints of some Netherland merchants already, as we are
informed from another quarter, referred to your Honors and which were to have been referred
here also, in case matters of greater importance, the total ruin of this your Honors' Province
and so many hundred families, did not supervene. That also is the reason, then, of our
postponing, for the present time, any answer to your Honors' letter; wherefore we do not
anticipate nor apprehend the least dissatisfaction from the Right Worshipful government of the
city. Deferring, then, this and many other matters of minor concernment to a more favorable
time and opportunity, vN'e shall, to be brief, come, in process of time, to your Honors', however
acceptable, still to us critical, letters of the 16"" and 30"" October of last year, received some
8 (3^ 10 days ago by the ship St. Fitter, after having premised some short but needful
information relative to the continuance of the proceedings and encroachments of the English
on this your Honors' Province.
In our last, by the ship St. Jacob, duplicate whereof accompanies this, we have stated and
plainly shown, among other things, that although we should cede Westchester and the English
towns on Long Island to the Colony of Hartford, it would not satisfy the latter. The proof
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 231
and effect thereof manifested tliemselves shortly after the dispatch of our letter ; for, some
English hoth from the East end of Long Island and from Gravesend, did secretly cross over
the North river to the Newesings, lying behind Rensselaers hook, and there endeavored to
purchase a tract of land, which they did afterwards, contrary to our express command, buy
from the natives, according to the declarations of themselves and of some Indians, with the
firm determination of settling there, contrary to our will and pleasure, also, notwithstanding
the most and best of the land had been bought and paid for by us over 10 @^ 12 years ago, as
appears by the authentic deeds thereof in existence. What we have done in opposition to
those encroachments, your Honors can learn from the Appendix, N" , and further perceive
what an unfair demand the Indians shortly after made against us for a parcel of land remaining
yet unsold. Some blankets and cloths had been given them formerly on that account, oa
condition that they should not sell any land here to others than your Honors' servants, which
they promised, as appears by their signatures made in Court in presence of divers witnesses.
The aforesaid Appendix [contains] the declaration they made and their subsequent demand.
If your Honors correctly consider these, you will be able to understand and perceive from them
that it is impossible for us to buy and pay for those still unpurchased lands, unless there be
sent for that purpose nearly a cargo of goods, assorted as they ask, amounting to the sum
of about fl. 4,000 for so small a parcel of land, the best of which has been already bought
and paid for. Hence, then, is to be inferred, in addition to other injurious consequences,
how wickedly the barbarians are stirred up against us and what injurious practices have
been resorted to by our neighbors to oust your Honors and your good subjects from this
their conquest.
If your Honors will further please to allow your eyes to run over the Appendix N" 4, which
is a daily record, with the addition of a Deduction and Remonstrance of the Dutch towns on
Long Island, and the proofs thereunto belonging, against the conduct of one Captain John
Schot, President, as he styles himself or allows himself to be styled, of the rebellious troop
of over 150 horse and foot, your Honors will be able clearly to conclude that, not content with
the English towns on Long Island only, but coveting all Long Island, yea, the entire Province
of New Netherland, their intolerable menaces have no other object than to get our blood and
that of our people up, and in a manner to drive us to some immediate opposition and resistance,
or to have but one of their men wounded, imprisoned or in any way ill treated, in order
therefrom to create a pretext to fall with a larger force on our people, to plunder and despoil
them of all their property; all which more fully appears from the aforesaid daily record and
papers annexed thereunto. We judge a duplicate account thereof to be unnecessary, and shall
once more merely request and beseech your Honors to be pleased to take into serious
consideration what your faithful servants have so repeatedly in many and divers letters, for a
great number of years, but especially last year by the Rooscboom and Bontekoe, remonstrated,
advised, requested and prayed on this subject, and not only your Honors' faithful subjects,
but also your loyal subjects, now again make known and request, to wit: Prompt and
immediate settlement of the Boundary, or effectual and immediate reinforcement of ships
and men, of such quality and quantity as your Honors, in your more clear-sighted judgment,
will deem proper, sufficient and fit to oppose the neighbors' threatening force. Otherwise we
shall once more hold and declare ourselves, before your Honors and all whom it may concern,
blameless and guiltless of all further damage, mischief and losses consequent hereupon, if we,
your Honors' faithful and obedient servants, are not, upon such reiterated remonstrances,
232 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
letters and petitions, seasonably seconded and advised iiovv we are to govern and comport
ourselves, in tliis critical conjuncture, against such violent usurpers. Up to the present time,
God be praised, not a drop ol blood has been slied, but little damage done, and vfe have not
been deprived of anything, nor lost a fool of ground which an equal force cannot recover and
retrieve, if no worse mishap be apprehended or looked for. And this, then, alone was and is
still the chief reason vi'hy we have exhil)ited so much patience in the matter, certainly until
we should hear and understand from your Honors what assistance we have to hope and expect,
under God, from your Honors, or on your solicitation from their High Mightinesses.
We are sorely perplexed by your Honors' two last letters received by the ship St. Pteler,
first, in regard to not answering our previous letter, transniitted by the ships Purmcrlundir
Kcrck and Eyckeboom, under date 14"" May, nor the last, dated 23'' August, sent by the ship
llooseboom, both duly received as your last intimates, your Honors excusing your not answering
them and deferring doing so to the next opportunity, on account of the want of time. This
grieves and perplexes us, yea, makes us almost despair of any aid or assistance, and renders us
utterly hopeless, the rather, as the ship Purmerlander Kerck, by which your Honors, yourselves,
say the necessary settlement of the Boundary has been so repeatedly recommended, had arrived
home about 14 (iK 15 weeks before the dispatch of your last, as appears by your Honors' letter
bearing date S?"" September, received by the. ship Sfatijn. And, in regard to our very long
letter dated the 23 ■* August, which went hence by the Rooseboom, it is to be inferred, from a
private letter dated 23"' November, written by a member of your Honors' Board to the Cieneral
by the ship St. Pieter, in answer to his; also, from the report of the passengers who have
arrived, that the ships Rooseboom and Gulden Arent had reached home about 7 weeks before the
St. Piaer had sailed. During that time some reinforcement, were it but 25, 30 @. 40 men,
assuredly some supplies of necessary goods and munitions of war might have been prepared and
sent ; at least one letter of advice and counsel been dispatched as to how your Honors' faithful,
forsaken and almost hopeless servants and subjects should govern themselves in this so perilous
a conjuncture, and whether they had to expect any aid, assistance and consolation to animate
and encourage them. Yea, your Honors certainly intimate, by your own expressions, dated
These arc iheir own 1^"" November, by way of the South river, per the Purmerlander Kerch, viz. : After
\y words. jjjg conclusion of the peace between this State and England had prevented the
English executing, by force of arms, their design as to the conquest of New Netherland, which
had been disclosed for some years past, we could for a long time perceive that they have resorted
to other means, such as creeping in, from which they were cut off by the aforesaid peace, &c.;
as well as by the language which follows, besides many other expressions that your Honors, in
addition to our so repeated remonstrances, solicitations and informations, have had suflicient
time and notification regarding the threats against us, and what we had certainly to expect
from that quarter, and on that account alone was it sufficiently requisite and necessary to send
some relief to anxious and almost despairing subjects, and some advice to your Honors' faithful
servants, whereupon to depend or whereby to regulate themselves.
Of no less importance and anxiety is your Honors' advice and postscript regarding the secret
XI expedition fitted out in Sweden under the command of the Swedish Vice-Admiral, Hendrick
Gerritsen, a person well acquainted with the coast of New Netherland, inasmuch as he was
employed here in the year 1(541 with the ship Neptunis from Curasao. And from this
consideration, the more important is it that what your Honors recommend and order us about
the delivery of the Company's cannon which consists of only 2 @^ 3 small pieces capable of
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XII. 233
doing but trifling execution, should be carefully attended to on the South river; and that the
warning of the city's servants circulated all around both by land and water on the first fair
weather, but we are fearful it will avail but little if matters turn out as your Honors advise ;
viz., that there is a Swedish ship of 32 guns and another of 8 (3^ 10, manned, in addition to
the customary crew, by 200 and more soldiers who were taken on board in passing the Sound.
If this be as your Honors represent, 'tis to be feared that the city's servants and colonists
there will offer but feeble resistance to that force, augmented by the Swedes and Fins
heretofore settled there and recently arrived in the Purmerlander Kerk, who, we are informed,
number, in all, about 200, at least 180 able bodied and resolute Carls ; when the latter are
reinforced by the other 200 and the usual crew of the ships, because we are already informed,
to our sorrow, of some new troubles and dissatisfaction between the city's servants and the
old colonists, which we, for reasons, omit particularizing. From the aforesaid and many other
circumstances 'tis greatly to be feared, in case both those ships have a design on, or hereafter
aim at, that river, that the Hon'''° Company will be dispossessed of that fertile part of New
Netherland, and the Worship" Regents frustrated in the expenses they have incurred, which
may the All merciful God forfend. In case the unexpected attack be undertaken and the worst
happen, we run the more danger of our malignant neighbors of the North being the earlier
and more encouraged to commence their intended machinations against us from the other
side, esteeming us wholly shut out from, and abandoned by, all help from Fatherland, which
the best affected are apprehensive of and others have sufficiently belled around in the worst
way. Yea, it excites in ourselves a strange emotion that your Honors and the Worshipful
Commissioners over the city's Colonic have had such long and particular knowledge and
information of this meditated expedition, and did not, conjointly, immediately and instantly
request and apply to the Lords of the Admiralty, residing at Amsterdam, for a man-of-war,
sufficiently powerful and fit to counteract so ruinous a design ; the rather as we have heretofore,
on this and similar occasions, frequently observed and clearly shown to your Honors:
Whosoever is master of the river by water, is, consequently, or soon will be, master of its
weak fort and garrison. Your Honors have an instance of this in your own vigorous
expedition in the year 1655, in the ship Waegh, when we were recommended and ordered to
recover possession of the river; 40 soldiers were put on board that ship, carrying 34 guns, the
ordinary crew of which numbered between 50 and GO seamen ; about 150 (S^ ICO militia were
added and distributed among 3 @^ 4 smaller craft. The object was accomplished without
bloodshed, and the subject is here referred to merely in proof of the proposition : Whoso is
master of the river by water, is easily master of the fort, unless its garrison is seasonably
supported and relieved by an equal naval force. This country affords no means for this; and
consequently it is to be apprehended and feared, should the said Swedish ships come there
and encounter nothing but the almost crumbling fort, that the warning already given and still
shortly to be repeated, will avail them but little ; which may God forbid.
From what is thus far stated, your Honors will please to observe how miserably we are
situated here. If we are to be surprised on the South river by the Swede, according to your
Honors' notice ; troubled on Long Island by malignant neighbors and English vassals, and on
the other side by the barbarous Indians ; between three stools one falls to the ground, as the
proverb has it. In regard to the first warning your Honors gave us to be on our guard, we
thankfully acknowledge and shall attend to it as much as is in our power. As regards the
Vol. II. 30
g34 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
other advices and recommendations, in your Honors' despatch, dated 27'" September, receivei?
by the ship StaUjn — that the lines and places allotted to your Honors by the Provisional
Boundary concluded at Hartford, must be maintained, and all undue usurpations and
encroachments of the English neighbors resisted, and that the barbarous Indians, of whoni
your Honors write in your last received by the St. Pieter, must now be utterly rooted out;
you omit sending, on our so oft repeated requests, any reinforcement of men, ammunition, or
other necessaries for clothing. This we again earnestly demand may be done without any
delay or postponement.
We forgot, in the regular order, what ought to have been remarked, and appears more fully
under an NB. at the end of Appendix No. 4. Among other observations, John Schot stated and
said : "That only one way and means remained open to put a stop to the commencement of
the English claims on Long Island, viz., to see and come to an agreement, as soon as possible,
with the Duke of York, inasmuch as he knew, for certain, that his Majesty had granted that
Island to his Royal Highness, and that some had informed the aforesaid Duke that said Island
could produce yearly several thousand pounds sterling," etc. This statement of his corroborates
a certain letter in form of commission, written in favor of the aforesaid Schot to those of
Long Island, copy whereof being handed to us, I have thought it necessary to annex it to the
Appendix, N" 5.
If your Honors will please to read this through and further to compare it with the above
Narrative, you will be able to perceive, to your full regret, that not only Long Island but also
the islands adjacent, whereof Manhattans and Staten Island are the nearest, have been fully
given away by England's Majesty, and that he has ordered them to be fortified in his name,
NB. for the security of his subjects and to prevent the interdicted trade, which, to the
diminution of his Majesty's revenue, this place carried on in Barbadoes and Virginia tobacco,
the execution and enforcing whereof is deferred to the pleasure of his Majesty's brother, the
Duke of York.
Right Honorable Gentlemen. If such palpable proofs cannot move you to remedy and
remove such pretences by effecting, to that end, a settlement of the Boundary for the comfort
and relief of so many hundred afflicted families, the good people will finally be obliged to
submit, if not to loss of life and property, at least to be stripped of their lands, cattle and
movables, if they refuse to become subject to the English government, as is more fully to be
seen from the Appendices, to which, for brevity sake, we refer ; and thus ending, we shall
commend your Honors, after cordial greeting, to God's care and protection ; and remain
Dated Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland,
the last of February, A" 1664.
Per the ship De Vergidde Starrt.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 235
Vhamber at Amsterdmn, to the Director and Council of New Netherland.
\ 5'rom the Original in the Royal Arclii\-es at the Hague; Loktlkas of the States-General; Rubriclc. Wzst indUcH Campagnit, No. 57, 3d Division.!
Honorable, Worthy, Dear, Faithful.
Your complaining letter of the last of February of this year, by the ship Slar, being handed
us on the day before yesterday, we have thought proper, notwithstanding our previous ample
despatches dated the 20''" January and 2^ February of this year, to send you by the ship now
on the poiat of sailing, this short answer to your aforesaid letter.
Passing over the particulars of your Honors' aforesaid letter and all the rest, we will
frankly acknowledge and as frankly admit, that the country under your Honors' government
hath experienced much annoyance and trouble for many years past in consequence of the
unlawful proceedings of the English, and that you have, in divers letters, fully and largely
enough demonstrated the dang^ to us. But we also insist that you will not, whilst complaining,
accuse us, notwithstanding our previous knowledge of that danger, irrespective of the
information subtnitted to us from time to time as a remedy therefor, of having so little
understood the state of New Netherland as that you and our people should call themselves
abandoned. On the contrary, that your Honors, paying attention and opening your eyes in
order to see what we have done, will acknowledge that we have been affected by the
misfortunes of our New Netherland possessions, and have made use of every means to maintain
them and the people to such an extent, that we still do not doubt but you, pledging that what
was just now said to have been lost can be recovered by a like force, will, on receipt of our
Jast letters of the 20*'' January and 2* February, and inclosures thereunto belonging, with the
military sent for assistance and defence, determine that our inhabitants ought not to submit to
the English yoke and not lose their properties; admonishing you once more to employ every
available effort to preserve the country, whilst we shall not fail, by all means in our power,
to accomplish whatever can be effected here.
We had better have expected from your Honors, who are on the spot, the advice which you
request from us, than to write hence under many unknown circumstances. But hereupon we
shall refer to our despatches dated 20* January and 2^ February ; and particularly repeat that
we consider the military sent to, and now with, your Honors, to be, in our opinion, sufficient
to execute our orders of the 2^ February, under your Honors' prudent command and wise
direction. We are impelled to this conclusion, on the one hand, by your letter of the last of
February, in which we find that all this game is played by a rebellious band of only one
hundred and fifty men ; a number our people will be fully able to resist, and which, apparently,
will not receive any aid or support from elsewhere, because the other three English Colonies
consider their actions unlawful, and Governor Wintrop, himself, not approving of it, will not
permit those who, according to your previous letters, had made themselves masters of
Westchester, without his knowledge, to be now, with his knowledge, assisted.
We are impelled to it, on the other hand, by the news we receive from England, according
to which his Royal Majesty of Great Britain, being inclined to reduce all his kingdoms under
one form of government in Church and State, hath taken care that Commissioners are ready
in England to repair to New England to install Bishops there the same as in Old England ;
because we believe that the English of the North, who mostly left England for the aforesaid
236' , NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
causes, will not give us, henceforth, so much trouble, and will prefer to live under us with
freedom of conscience, rather than risk that in order to be rid of our authority and then again
to fall unde.- a government from which they formerly fled.
Tiiese two reasons, we hope, will serve your Honors for speculation in the disposal of our
forces and aid greatly in executing our intention and maintaining our conquests by means of
the above force, without any difficulty, until a final agreement shall be concluded on.
The settlement of the Boundary itself, so long attempted, begins now also to put on another
aspect, partly through our eilbrts and partly through other circumstances and actions between
the East India Company and ours, which happened with the English some time since on the
coast of Africa and in the East Indies. We and those of the East Indies having had various
engagements with the English on account of the trade to one place and the other, their High
Mightinesses have been importuned by the English with divers complaints, yea, and threats.
These being brought forward in the Assembly of their Noble, Great Mightinesses, the Lords
States of Holland and Westfriesland, were referred to and e;?hmined by a Committee, who
have reported that their High Mightinesses will be always troubled with such questions unless
a general settlement of Boundaries between both nations, in all parts of the world, be agreed
upon. This being drawn up on the 3^ or 4"" instant, when our Commissioners, then at the
Hague, afforded all the assistance in their power; their Noble Mightinesses adjourning on
the 5"" to the SQ"", on account of the Easter Holidays, the matter will be brought in on their
re-meeting and supported at least by evidence wherever practicable. We shall then press it
with all means in our power, so that we hope, in a short time, your Honors will be relieved
from threatening danger. Meanwhile, we heartily wish that we had here authenticated copies
of all contracts entered into with the Indians regarding the property of the lands, in order to
be assisted thereby in the discussions on the Boundary question ; howbeit we are perfectly
aware that in the case of a dispute de limitibus imperij, it will, for the most part, be decided,
especially as far as our discovery and occupation will be substantiated, that whosoever, be
they English or others, shall purchase property from Indians or others within the limits of
our authority, are even so subject to our jurisdiction ; and, accordingly, the English under our
authority, settling on their own purchased lands and residing within the limits of our jurisdiction,
shall be constrained out of those documents alone, to afford us satisfaction.
The Swedish expedition of Admiral Hendrick Gerritsen Zeehelm, being wonderfully
obstructed by the hand of God, relieves you from all apprehension and dread of his arrival,
and us from much trouble in carrying out your advice. For said Admiral having sailed from
Sweden in the month of , first ran aground before Landts croo7i;^ having miraculously
got ofT, he passed the Sound and with his attendant ship struck on the island of Anont,*
where the smallest vessel was wrecked, with all her stores. The larger having touched the
reef a little, 'twas found necessary to run for Gottenburgh ; her compasses being unshipped by
the aforesaid grounding, she again ran ashore on this voyage. But finally being dismantled at
Gottenburg all the hands were discharged. So ended that voyage. In case he resume it we
shall take good care, according to your advice, to request the ship-of-war from the Admiralty.
Having now answered your Honors' letter of the last of February, as far as time permits,
we shall take the earliest opportunity to have the papers received by us with the aforesaid
despatch translated, examined and answered, insomuch as this has been omitted herein, and
' Kear Helsinberg, iq Denmark, at tb« uorth entrance of the Sound. ' Sie. Querc? Anliolt — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 237
then communicate what we, in that regard, have resolved to lay before their High Mightiness^,
and what we have accomplished.
Wherewith,
Honorable, Worthy, Dear, Faithful,
We shall commend you to God's protection, and remain
Your good friends.
The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company,
Chamber at Amsterdam.
(Signed), Cornelis Clerk, P. F.
Amsterdam, this 21" April, 1664. Abr. Wilmerdonx.
Charles II. to the Governors of New England.
Extract from the letter sent by his Majesty of England to the government of
New England, beginning:
"Charles Rex:
Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well. Having taken very much to heart the welfare,
&c." Subscribed:
Given at our Court, at Whitehall, the SS* April, 1664, in the XVI"" year of our reign.
Beneath was :
By his Majesty's order. (Signed), Henry Bennet.
That we may protect our subjects of our several plantations from the invasions of their
neighbors and provide that no subjects of our neighbor nations, how allied soever with us,
may possess themselves of any lands or rivers within our territories and dominions, as we are
informed the Dutch have lately done, to the prejudice of our good subjects of those our
plantations and to the obstructions of trade, which, in time, may prove very mischievous to
our good subjects there.
And, therefore, we cannot but be confident that when our Commissioners have imparted
unto you our pleasure in this particular and the benefit and advantage which, with God's
blessing, must accrue to yourselves from the same besides the preventing many growing
inconveniences to your peace and prosperity, you will join and assist them vigorously in
recovering our right in those places now possessed by the Dutch and reducing them to an
entire obedience and submission to our government. In which case our desire and pleasure
is that they should be treated as neighbors and fellow subjects, and enjoy, quietly, what they
are possessed of by their honest industry.'
' For the above letter in full, see, foit, III., 61. — Ed.
238 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Resident Appelhoom to tlie States -Gene7-al.
[ From the Original in the Roj'al Archives at the Hague ; File, Duitschland. ]
Whereas the undersigned Resident of his Royal Majesty of Sweden, since he had the honor
to appear at your High Mightinesses' Assembly, hath several weeks ago requested a conference
with your High Mightinesses' Deputies, which was granted to him shortly afterwards, and the
same was postponed from time to time, and howbeit he hath learned by private visits that an
answer shall be given him before he, the Resident, hath explained himself in such conference
concerning what was given him exclusively in command, said Resident, in order to consume
the least time, hereby will make known to your High Mightinesses the contents of what he
hath had to submit at such conference, respectfully requesting that your High Mightinesses
may be graciously pleased to pay attention thereunto, and to allow him, the Resident, to be
furnished with a wished for answer and declaration thereupon, as your High Mightinesses, in
your profound wisdom, shall deem most suitable for the maintenance of just friendship and
correspondence between both States.
Dated at the Hague, the 19''' June, Anno 1664.
(Signed), Harald Appelboom.
To the Committee of the States-General.
Noble and Mighty Lords.
The credentials of his Royal Majesty, my most gracious Lord, delivered to their High
Mightinesses on the 20'" of May, have sufficiently assured their High Mightinesses that his
Royal ^L^jesly hath nothing more at heart than to meditate on the old and reliable friendship
and alliance which existed continuously between his Royal Majesty's ancestors and their High
Mightinesses for nearly time immemorial, and that consequently his Royal Majesty hath an
exceeding great desire to cultivate mutual confidence and correspondence, and, on the other
hand, with the consent of both sides, to remove all whatever might be found hindersome and
injurious thereto.
1° And whereas, in regard to the so called Elucidation of the lately concluded Treaty of
Elbing, divers incongruities, obscurities, difficulties, contradictions and impossibilities now and
then have manifested themselves, which give a shock to the ancient friendship in sundry
instances, his Royal Majesty hath instructed me to hold a conference thereupon with their
High Mightinesses or with you, Noble Mighty, in their name, to remove all such obstacles to
friendship, and with conjoined hands to lift up what, through the iniquity of the times^ may be
wrongly introduced.
Immediately on proposing the Elucidation in the year 1660, serious debates arose thereon
between the Royal Commissioners and their High Mightinesses' Ministers, and the difficulties
and inconveniences contained in the aforesaid Elucidation were pointed out to their High
Mightinesses' Ambassadors, but as the said Ambassadors, at that time, alleged the precise orders
which they had on the subject, promising to make a report of the objections, and held out a
hope that this State would perceive their justice, and that everything would be redressed,
therefore, fully confiding injustice and such like promises, at the time, we would not interrupt
the negotiations of friendship on that account, nor insist on those objections, but did proceed
to the conclusion of the negotiation.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 239
Experience afterwards demonstrated the injury done by the Elucidation to the maintenance
of friendship. His Royal Majesty, in order to obviate such obstacles, hath appointed
Commissioners to treat thereof with Mr. Heinsius,' their High Mightinesses' Resident.
Who, after holding some conferences, excused himself, when his Most Illustrious Majesty
most graciously instructed me to resume here the conference thereupon, and by the production
of pregnant reasons, to invite their High Mightinesses to revoke and rescind the aforesaid
obscure, ofTensive and in many places impracticable acte of Elucidation, whereunto it is hoped
their High Mightinesses will not offer any objection.
2° Respecting the second point: Their High Mightinesses are now again, as they have
heretofore been, requested to pay the subsidy promised by the treaty of the year 1640. True,
indeed, it is that said treaty was directed principally against Denmark, but that article has been
extended by the late treaty of Elbingh, against all others, and his Royal Majesty having
been since attacked by the Muscovite, the Emperor, Denmark and Brandenburgh, the promised
subsidies must also be regulated and multiplied by the number of enemies.
3° The third point opposes the Dutch Souud dues {Veylgelt^), which, being imposed on
Baltic wares and trade, mostly oppressing the kingdom of Sweden, their High Mightinesses
were requested also to abolish the same, as it was not fair that one ally should be thus
indirectly aggrieved by the other.
4° Furthermore, I hereby hold, as renewed, the request of good and prompt expedition,
reparation and satisfaction in the complaints heretofore so frequently made, and again repeated
in regard to the Royal Swedish American and African Company and the matter of the
Groo/jan, &c. Confident that their High Mightinesses will at once issue orders for the removal
of all such like unfriendly acts.
(Signed), H. Appelboom.
Dated at the Hague, 19"" June, 1664.
Resolution of the States -General.
[From the Register of West India Affairs, 1664 — 16T0, in the Eoyal Archives at the Hogae. ]
Thursday, 19'" June, 1664.
Folio 15. Rea,di to the Assembly a certain Memorial of Mr. Appelboom, resident of the
King of Sweden, and a certain other writing exhibited with it and addressed to Mess" Huygens
and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the aflfairs of Sweden, setting forth, in
' NiooiAAS HuNsins, one of the Datch poets, was born at Leyden in the year 1620. After completing his studies, he made
the tour of France and Italy, where he occupied himself in comparing the published editions of the Latin Poets with the
ancient MSS. On his return, he settled in hia native city ; in course of time, his reputation as a poet came to the ears of
Queen Christina, of Sweden, who, in consequence, invited him to Stockholm, where he was appointed Resident by the States-
General. After filling that post for several years, he returned to Holland and settled at Vianen, where he died in the year
1681, in the 6l8t year of his age. Besides his own poetry, he wrote notes on the works of Ovid, Claudian, Valerins Flaceus
and Vellejus Paterculus {Kok, XX., 516), which also contains his portrait. — Ed.
' In the year 1646, their High Mightinesses ordered that all ships and wares going from Holland to the Baltic and coming
thence to Holland, should pay a veylgelt, in proportion to the tolls levied in the Sound by the King of Denmark, the pro-
ceeds of which went to support the fleet maintained for the protection of Dutch trade to that sea. Aitzema, 4to., XL, 487.
240 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
•
substance, the points whereupon he desires a conference with them, according to foregoing
resolution of the committee {resolutie commissoriael) ; the first, respecting the Elucidation on
the lately concluded Elbing treaty ; the second, the payment of the subsidies promised by the
treaty of the year 1640; the third, the Dutch Sound dues {veijlgclt) ; the fourth, and last,
the reparation and satisfaction of the complaints heretofore made in regard to the Royal
Swedish American Swedish American and African Company. Which, being considered, it is
and African Com- ' , a^ • \
pany- resolved and concluded that the retroacta \n the aforesaid respective aiiairs be
looked up by the Agent de Heyde, and when afterwards written out, shall be handed to the
said Deputies of their High Mightinesses, to be used in the aforesaid conference according
to circumstances.
Resident Appelhoom to tlie States -General.
[ From the Original in Ibe Koyal Archives at the Hague; File, DuiUcJdand,'\
The undersigned Resident of his Royal Majesty of Sweden hath many years ago, and namely
on the SS""* March, of the year 1G56, by express command of his Royal Majesty, made known to
your High Mightinesses that those of the West India Company of this country had, the year
before, attacked unexpectedly and with force of arms, the Swedish Colony planted on the South
river of Florida, in America, sacked their forts, expelled their inhabitants and thus thoroughly
stripped the Swedish Company of their district, which they had purchased on the aforesaid
South river from the natives and right owners of the country, and possessed optimojure et titulo
several years in peace. Which information and complaints have not been followed, as they
ought, in justice, to have indeed been, by any satisfaction or redress, at that time nor since, nor
up to this moment; therefore, the aforesaid Resident doth now, on further instructions from his
most excellent Royal Majesty, hereby renew his previous complaints, and consequently amicably
requests your High Mightinesses to be graciously pleased to order the aforesaid West India
Company to restore the aforesaid wrested lands to the Swedish Company in integrum, and
reimburse it all losses and damages it has suflered, and that so much the more and the speedier,
lest his Royal Majesty's subjects may experience still further prejudice in their rights and
properties, as it was understood from that side that the said West India Company of this country
were themselves now questioned by others in those parts.
As this will be conformable to equity and mutual friendship and alliance, so doth his Royal
Majesty indubitably expect it from your High Mightinesses.
Furthermore, the aforesaid Resident doth also request a speedy and desirable answer on the
points by him now recently handed in to your High Mightinesses' Deputies, and whereupon
they, without doubt, will make a report to your High Mightinesses' assembly.
(Signed), Harald Appelboom.
Done at the Hague the 27"' June, 1G64.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 241
Further Memorial delivered by his Swedish Majesty's Resident, to their High
Mightinesses, in support of the good and complete right of the Swedish
Crown and its subjects to Nova Suecia, in America.
t Altiema; Saacken van Staet en Oarlogh, V. 247 ; 4lo. XI., 492. ]
Summarily to deduce the said right, agreeably to the said Resident's Memorials of the 22""*
March, 1656, and 27"" June, 1664, the fact is, that the district of Nova Suecia, lying on the
west side of the South river of Florida, in America, was not taken, purchased nor bought from
any Netherlanders or Hollanders, to whom it never hath belonged ; but from the Indians
themselves, whose property it was, and at a time when it still lay wild, vacant and waste, and
uninhabited by any'European nation. Which Indians, as the right owners of that country,
delivered up and conveyed the same to the Crown of Sweden and its subjects after due
purchase and treaty, and fixed and established the limits thereof by erecting the Swedish arms,
as the same appears by the thereon executed documents and acts signed and ratified by the
true owners and proprietors of those lands, who, though Indians, have among themselves their
form of government, justice and policy, whereby they, after their manner, retain each his
own ; and they being master and lord of their own country have, also, consequently, the
power to sell and alienate the same as they think proper. The Crown of Sweden having
acquired, then, the aforesaid country by good title, its possession thereof has, therefore, been
lawful, without affording the West India Company here any pretext for saying that it has
been injured ; the intention having never been to disturb the same in its property.
It appears by the published maps of New Netheriand, that the aforesaid West India
Company are in possession, on the South river, fifteen leagues up, of a fort called Nassau, which
fort will not be called in question here, it lying on the opposite, or eastern bank of the river.
The West India Company may deduce their right therefrom, but said fort can, by no means, give
them any jurisdiction over Nova Suecia, which is altogether separated from New Netheriand
by the aforesaid river, and lies on the west side thereof, where the Crown of Sweden caused
Fort Christina to be built, which was the first fortification erected there after the acquisition
of that district, where the Royal Swedish Governor has always duly maintained the respect
and jurisdiction of the Crown of Sweden, and even preserved good understanding and
neighborhood with the Hollanders on the North river, in order the better to exclude, by
united action, other nations. It were to be desired that this union continued, and that the
West India Company could have been content with what they were possessing. But the said
Company, seeing that the west bank of the river, on Nova Suecia, was the best land, and that
the Swedes had purchased the same from the right "owners, and held i\\\% juUo litulo, had
recourse to divers expedients to obtain a foothold on the same side of the river, but having
been informed by the inhabitants how far the Swedish limits extended, could not well
accomplish their purpose, so long as the Swedish Governor maintained his right. They took
their residence far down in the Bay and acted with the Indians in wild disorder, who would
repel their violence with similar violence, but were unable.
By such, and no other right, did the West India Company afterwards, from time to time,
render themselves, more and more, masters in the South river, being, besides that, also, more
powerful in the North river than the Swedes, especially as the Swedes had experienced some
delay and inconvenience in the transportation of their ordinary garrisons and people. This
Vol. II. 31
242 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
gave the advantage to the West India Company, and they, pressing forward in Nova Suecia,
forcibly tore down the boundary marlts and Swedish arms far and near, and constructed a fort
two leagues below Fort Christina, on Swedish territory. The said place was afterwards wrested
again from them, but the West India Company thereupon sending a ship from Amsterdam
thither, with ammunition and troops, they had recourse to such extreme violence and hostility
that they seized on the whole of Nova Suecia; stripped Fort Christina of all its guns
and ammunition ; forced tiie Swedish Colonists in those parts to swear fealty and homage, and,
regardless of right, dragged everything after them, wherein they still persist, and strengthen
themselves more and more ; debauching not only the Swedish inhabitants who happen to be
there, but even drawing and conveying from Finland and Old Sweden, additional inhabitants
to be employed in their service in New Sweden, as the Swedish people are more conversant
with, and understand better than any other nation, the cultivation of pasture, wood and tillage
land, fishing, hunting and fowling.
His most sacred Majesty could not observe, without resentment, such proceedings and
enormities, and hopes that they will be regarded by their High Mightinesses with such
indignation that the West India Company of this country shall be constrained to render due
restitution and satisfaction in all these premises. For, hath the Crown of Sweden acquired
Nova Suecia justly ? Was the same in lawful possession thereof? Hath the West India
Company here deprived the Swedish Crown thereof by force and violence? Doth the said
Company still persist in its injustice and wrong? It is, then, proper and highly necessary,
that provision should at once be made, that the aforesaid Company be brought to reason, and
restore back what they are unjustly occupying, with indemnity for all caused loss and injuries,
which his most sacred Majesty expects from their High Mightinesses without further delay.
Resolution of the States-Gener'al.
[ From Ibe Eegister of West iQdia Affairs, 1 GG4 — 1670, ia the F.oyal Aroblvea at the Hague. ]
Friday, 27"' June, 1C64.
Folio 16. Read at the Assembly a certain Memorial of Resident Appelboom, to the effect
= .• .. .,.., that restitution be made to the Swedish African Company of the lands formerly
Swedish African r J J
Company. takcu from them by the West India Company of this country, on the South river
of Florida ; also that he, the Resident, may obtain a speedy answer on the points by him
recently submitted to their High Mightinesses' Deputies. Which being considered, it is resolved
and concluded that the aforesaid Memorial shall be placed in the hands of the attending Directors
of the aforesaid West India Company, to write down the unsettled differences between the two
Companies, so as to enable them and to be prepared to arrange the same in a friendly way.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XV. 243
West India Company to tlie Burgomastei's of Amsterdam.
[ From the Muniment Register^ E., 1, in the Stad ITui/s, Amsterdam.]
Right Worshipful,
Holland Docaments '^^^ Dircctors of the Wcst India Company have, for a long time, observed the
XV., 109. jealousy which the English Nation hath entertained of the trade and commerce
of this country, endeavoring, by all means, to embarrass and obstruct the same; which not
succeeding, according to their desire, by crafty practices and other subterfuges, they have now
not hesitated to advance their projects by open force, and to this end, under pretext of
reinforcing Tangiers, have dispatched, in December, Major Homes east, with six ships of war,
and one merchantman, which in February following have attacked and seized Cape Verd
^ , and its fort, and have taken, besides, 4 ships and merchandise according to the
The Beclaration ^ ~
wa7'°raa"e™bp"o'"re Declaration hereunto annexed, continuing their voyage further along the coast
Bch'aef, M^'june'^ of Affica and towards Guinea, of whose success there cannot be any tidings
as yet in this country, but information has been received from a sure source, that
in February, 5 ships more followed from England to the coast of Africa, and 3 or 4 weeks
later, a large ship and a yacht with provisions and ammunition to victual Cape Verd ; also, on
the 25"" of last May, 4 ships sailed from Portsmouth with 300 soldiers to take possession of
New Netherland, or at least of Long Island, in 2 important towns of which, depending on
this State, they last year forcibly deposed the Dutch magistrates, in whose place they appointed
English ones.
We will not doubt but your Worships will be of opinion that by these proceedings of the
English, the entire coast of Africa and all New Netherland are endangered, unless provision
be made in the premises promptly and without delay. We have, therefore, given orders that
the same be laid before the High and Mighty Lords States-General, with a request that the
West India Company, which, at present, hath 4 or 5 ships ready to sail, and destined for
Guinea and the coast of Africa, may be assisted with two or 3 ships of war and 300 soldiers
to serve as a convoy of said ships and to recapture Cape Verd, and whatever else has been
seized by the English on the coast of Guinea ; likewise, for the establishment and protection
of the posts and places belonging to this State. In like manner we request that the Company,
in this difficulty, may be assisted with 300 soldiers as a reinforcement for New Netherland,
and a ship of war to oppose the English designs there.
And whereas, for the conveyance of those soldiers to Guinea and New Netherland, 4
flyboats, at least, will be required, besides munitions of war, provisions and other necessaries,
with 2 months' wages, which the soldiers are accustomed to receive in advance; and Holland
consented, in the year 1656, to furnish 60,000 gl. for the security of the castle of Mina and the
coast of Guinea against a certain attack which was threatened by the English and Portuguese,
which security, at that time, was effected by the Company, who sent out soldiers, ammunition
and ships, without the Provinces having fulfilled their voted share of the above mentioned
60,000 gl., with the exception of Gelderlant and Groningen ; the Directors, therefore, request
your Worships to be pleased to grant letters to Mr. Tulp^ and the other your Deputies at the
Hague, to the end that we may, at the earliest moment, obtain the contingent of Holland in
the above named 60,000 gl., and that from the moneys now last appropriated for naval affairs.
' Supra, p. 21, note 1. — Ed.
244 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Commismonerfi of the Colonie on the Delaware River to the Burgommter-s of
Am-sterJam.
[ From the Muniment Register, E., 2, in Ihe St<td Buys, Amsterdam. ]
To the Right Worshipful, the Burgomasters of this city Amsterdam.
„ „ J „ . The Commissioners for the management of the South river in New Netherland,
Holland Documents, ~ '
•''^■' "^" having understood that the designs of the English were aimed not only at the
coast of Africa (as experience hath certainly shown), but also at the conquest of New Netherland,
■whereunto they have dispatched 3 @. 4 ships with 300 soldiers on board ; said Commissioners
are therefore troubled, tlie rather, as tliey are not without reason of opinion that your Worships'
Colonie on the South river incurs great danger and risk of invasion, for, although from previous
proceedings and frivolous pretences of the neighboring English in the north there, Long Island
and the North river will have, in all probability, to bear the first shock; yet, 'tis sure and certain
that the South river will not be left unmolested, but will be afterwards invaded by them, and
the rather, because this nation in that country is possessed of one particular idea, absolutely
maintaining that, in such case (which, God forefend), they would soon be forgotten, because the
Colonie is esteemed of little value by the Worshipful Regents, as is very expressly stated by
Director Alexander d'Hinojossa in his letters last received, the summary whereof has beeo
communicated some days ago to your Worships.
This imminent danger being then so much apprehended, the Commissioners are, under
correction, of opinion, that this city should principally be interested, not only on account of the
trade which is carried on from this place to that conquest in general, but specially of its Colonie
on the South river, which finally is exhibiting, after such a great expense, so favorable an
appearance. It being alleged, and this hope being held out in reference to the fertility of the
soil, which is capableof producing all sorts of Baltic commodities and other foreign productions,
that at least 10,000 skepels of wheat were to be expected here from thence within two years,
after which it will increase and improve more and more every year, and therefore will realize
an annual profit of several thousands, which can also be seen from the aforesaid summary of the
Director's letters.
And, as we are informed, that the Directors of the West India Company have already requested
your Worships' favorable recommendation to your Deputies at the Hague, to the end that they
be maintained against such designs of the English on that country, and assisted by at least one
ship of war and a good number of soldiers, the Commissioners, out of respect for the interest
which your Worships have in common therein, considered it their duty hereby to second the
aforesaid Company, and accordingly respectfully to request your Worships so to direct this
matter, that so trifling an aid may be granted by the State, in order to prevent such inimical
designs, and consequently to preserve a conquest of such appearance.
Relying thereupon, &c.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XV. 245
Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam,
[ From tha Reiolutiin van d* Vroedschapp&ji, D., ISO, in the Stad Iluys^ Amsterdam. ]
S^"- July, 1664.
x'v.?6s.'^™'°'^°"' ^^^^ a Memorial of the Directors of the West India Company respecting the
w'lt"'?nlia'°C(^- appli<;ationsraade by said Company to the State for assistance against the violence
^"°^" which the EngMsh have had recourse to on the coast of Africa, and also threatened
in New Netherland, which contains likewise a request from the aforesaid for letters to Mess",
the Deputies from this city, to the end that the aforesaid Company may most speedily obtain the
Holland contingent of sixty thousand guilders, voted in the year 165G for the security of the castle
de Mina and the coast of Guinea, and that from the moneys now lately appropriated for naval
affairs. Moreover, 5s presented a Memorial of the Commissioners for the management of the
South river in New Netherland, in substance that the above mentioned assistance may be
facilitated and effected for the protection of the conquests there and preservation of this city's
Colonie, according to both the aforesaid Memorials enregistered in Muniment Register, E., fols.
i and 2. Which being considered. Mess" Joan de Poll,' Pieter Cloeck, Dr. Gillis Valckenier
and Dr. Frans Reael are requested and appointed to examine the aforesaid Memorials, and to
report their opinions and advice thereon. Saving this. Mess", the Deputies, are authorized and
instructed to attend to and promote the business wiiich shall be transacted at the Hague in this
case, and to communicate the result thereof to this Board.
Resolution of the Common Council of Amsiei'dam.
[ From the Retohitien van de Vroedtchappen, D., J3S, Iq the Stad Suys, Amsterdam. J
16* July, 1664.
Sonsnd Docnment*, H«ard the opinions and advice of Committee of this Council, which pursuant
.,.^'''°'. .V -^ .and for the fulfillment of its resolution, dated S* instant, examined a Memorial
To asMst the West
India Company. ^f j^i,g Directors of the West India Company respecting the applications made
to the State on behalf of that Company, to be assisted against the violence to which the
English have had recourse on the coast of Africa and also threatened New Netherland with.
Which Memorial contains likewise a request for letters to Mess", the Deputies from this city,
to the end that the Company aforesaid may most speedily obtain the Holland contingent of
sixty thousand guilders, voted in the year 1656, for the security of the Castle del Mina and
the coast of Guinea, and that from the moneys now lately appropriated for naval affairs. The
aforesaid Commissioners having in like manner considered the contents of a similar Memorial
of the Commissioners for superintending the South river of New Netherland, to the effect
' Jan van de Poll belonged to an ancient Amsterdam family. He was Commissary in 1638, Schepen in 1640, Councillor
an 1646, and finally elevated, in 1653, to the office of Burgomaster of his native city, which post he filled six times; for the
last time, in 1672, when, on the suspicion of being an adherent of the De Witts, he was deprived of the office on the order
of William IIL, Prin«6 of Orange. K^>k. — E».
246 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
that the above mentioned assistance, for the protection of the countries there and preservation ^
of this city's Colonic, may be facilitated and granted according to both the aforesaid Memorials
enregistered in the Muniment Register, E., fol. 1, et seq. Which being considered, it ia
resolved and concluded that on the part of this city all assistance and good offices shall be
contributed, to the end that the aforesaid Company be aided with the ships and soldiers
required, to serve as a convoy of the said Company's ships ; also for the garrisoning and
preservation of the forts and places belonging to this State in Guinea and further coast of
Africa ; for the reinforcement of New Netherland and resistance of the violence designed against
the countries there. In this wise, however, that said ships of war and soldiers be not employed
in the recapture of Cape Verd, or whatever else might have been taken by the English on the
coast aforesaid, nor in any other offensive acts. In like manner Mess" the Deputies will please
facilitate and further the payment to the Company of the above mentioned quota of Holland,
in the said 00,000 gl., in order to its being employed both in the transportation of the aforesaid
soldiers and in the purchase of ammunition of war and other necessaries.
Resolution of the States-General.
( From the Eeglsler of West India AETalra, 1664 — 16T0, in the Eojal Archives at the Hagne. ]
Friday, IS"- August, 1664.
FoiioM. The two distinct Memorials respectively delivered by Mr. Appelboom, Resident
Sweden. of tlic King of Swcdcn, on the IQ"" and 27"" June, to their High Mightinesses and
their Committee, are again brought before the meeting, requesting, among other things, that
good and prompt expedition, reparation and satisfaction be at once given on the complaints
African and Ameri- heretofore frequently brought forward by those of the Swedish Royal African
cancompany. Company against those of the West India Company of this country; also that
the Swedish American Company be reintegrated in a certain Swedish Colonie, having
occupied the South river of Florida, in America, whence they were driven by those of said
West India Company of this country. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded
that Resident Appelboom was, on the aforesaid, first informed in a verbal conference with Mr.
Van Braeckel and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of Sweden, and
afterwards by written answer, that their High Mightinesses were ready, and had also fully
authorized their Deputies to treat and conclude amicably upon the aforesaid African and Guinea
differences with his Majesty or those authorized by him. And, regarding the second point, as
their High Mightinesses will have need of further information as to the alleged violence
committed by those of the West India of these parts on the Swedish nation in America, at the
South river of Florida or elsewhere; that, therefore, Mr. Appelboom's Memorial mentioning
it, shall be sent to the Presiding Chamber of said West India Company of this country, in
order that it may communicate information thereupon, to the end that, on receipt of such
information, and the same being seen by the Assembly, further resolution be taken thereupon
as to the exigency of affairs may appertain.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 247
States -General to tlie Directors of the West India Company.
[From the Begteter of Uitgegan£ Brieven of the States-General, In the Koyal Archives at the Hague. 1
To the Presiding Chamber of the West India Company of this country ; IS"" August, 1664.
The States, &c.
Folio 235. Honorable, &c. We send you herewith the annexed copy of the Memorial
herebefore presented by Resident Appelboom,to the effect that the Swedish African Company
may be reintegrated in a certain Swedish Colony, occupying the South river of Florida, in
America, whence they had been expelled by those of the West India Company, requesting and
requiring you to transmit your information thereupon at the earliest moment. Whereunto, &c.
At the Hague, the IS"" August, 1664.
Resolution of the States-General.
[ From the Register of West India Affairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Eoyal Arohlvea at the Hague. )
Tuesday, IQ"- August, 1664.
Folio 24. On consideration, it is resolved and concluded that their High Mightinesses'
Deputies for the affairs of Sweden here present, shall, notwithstanding the absence of some
of the Committee, proceed to a verbal conference with Mr. Resident Appelboom
Appelboom. . ' i • <• i i, •
Conference. oo the poluts expresscd in their High Mightinesses' resolution of the 15'" instant,
and report thereupon.
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Hegliler of West India Affairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Eoyal Archives at the Hague. ]
Monday, SS'"" August, 1664.
F011027. Received four letters from Ambassador Van Gogh, all written at Chelsea the
Amh'ssador Van , n n i •.,
0"gi>- le"" and 22'' instant, three of which are addressed to Secretary Ruysch, with two
The King's answer. . . f.t ^r^ r/-. it>-j.-iJ'
Affairs or Guinea appeudices, whereof one is a written answer of the King of Great Britain to divers
IndiaComVan^'"' Mofflorials of Said Ambassador presented to his Majesty ; the translation of the
answer, so far as relates to the affairs of Guinea and the complaints which the King makes
against the West India Company of this country is hereinafter inserted. Which, being
considered, it is resolved and concluded that all the aforesaid letters, with the appendices, shall
be placed in the hands of the attending Deputies of their High Mightinesses for the affairs
of England, to inspect, examine and report thereon, and the hereinafter inserted letters shall
248 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
be sent to the Chamber of the above menlioned Company at Amsterdam, if it have any
information in addition to what is contained in the letter of the 23'* instant, received and read
this day. This resolution shall be dispatched without reconsideration.
Hemonatrmiee of the People &f Ne^o Neikerhmi to the Director -General and Coimcil.
[ Fruin tho Copy in the Royal Archivt-* at th& Hague; File, West IndU. J
Right Honorable f We, your sorrowful commonalty and subjects, beg to represent, with al!
humility, that having, beforehand, for our own Yindieation before God and man, in these sad
and difficult circumstances, maturely considered and deliberately weighed what is necessary to
be done and concluded at this critical and urgent conjuncture, we cannot conscientiously foresee
that anything else is to be expected for this fort and city of Manhattans (as your Honors must
be convinced), than misery, sorrow, conflagration, the dishonor of women, murder of children
in their cradles, and, in a word, the absolute ruin and destruction of about fifteen hundred
innocent souls, only two iiundred and fifty of whom are capable of bearing arms, unless you
be pleased to adjust matters according to the conjuncture of the time.
Your Honors are, in the first place, better aware than we, that four of the English King's
frigates are now lying in the road at Nyack, with six hundred soldiers, not only ordered hither
by his Majesty, but bearing also commissions to all the Governors of New England (a populous
and thickly inhabited country), to impress troops, in addition to the forces already on board, for
the purpose of reducing New NetherSand to his Majesty's obedience. In compliance with that
commission, the English General hath sent divers letters to your Honors, summoning this city and
Fort Manhattans, promising, in case we voluntarily submit, that we shall not experience the
least loss or damage, but, on the contrary, should we prove obstinate and headstrong, we must
expect the aforesaid miseries and misfortunes.
These threats would not have been at all regarded, could your Honors or we, your petitioners,
expect the smallest aid or succor. But (God help us!), whether we turn us for assistance to
the north or to the south, to the east or to tiie west, 'tis all vain ! On all sides are we
encompassed and hemmed in by our enemies. If, on the other hand, we examine our interna)
strength, alas! it is so feeble and impotent that, unless we ascribe the circumstances to the
mercy of God, we cannot sufficiently express our astonishment that the foe should have granted
us so long a reprieve, inasmuch as he could have delivered us a prey and plunder to the
soldiery after one summons.
We shall now examine your Honors' fortress. You know, in your own consciences, that it
is incapable of making head three days against so powerful an enemy. Granting, even that
it could hold out and contend against its assailants one, two, three, four, five or six months
(which, to our sorrow, it cannot), it is still undeniable that it cannot save the smallest portion
of our entire city, our property and (what is dearer to us), our wives and children, from total
ruin, for, after considerable bloodshed, even the fort itself could not be preserved. Wherefore,
to prevent and arrest all the aforesaid misfortunes, we humbly, and in bitterness of heart,
implore your Honors not to reject the conditions of so generous a foe, but to be pleased to meet
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X.
249
him in the speediest, best and most reputable manner. Otherwise (which God forbid), are we
obliged, before God and the world, to protest against and call down on your Honors the
vengeance of Heaven for all the innocent blood which shall be shed in consequence of your
Honors' obstinacy, inasmuch as the Commissioners have to-day informed us, that the aforesaid
English General has stated and threatened that he shall not wait longer than this day.
We trust your Honors will not question that to God, who seeks not the death of a sinner,
belongs obedience, rather than to man. We feel certain, therefore, that your Honors will
exhibit yourselves, in this pressing exigency and sorrowful season, as men and Christians, and
conclude, with God's help, an honorable and reasonable capitulation which, may the Lord our
God, in His great mercy, be pleased to grant us ! Amen.
Vol. H,
Hendrick Kip,
Balthazar Stuyvesant,
Abrara Wilmerdoncx,
Martin Kregier, Jr.,
Timotheus Gabrie,
Stephanus van Cortlant,
Cornells Pluviers,
Hendrick Bosch,
Hend. Janss. van der Vin,
Jeronimus Ebbingh,
Isaack de Foreest,
Arent Janss. Moesman,
Symon Janss. Romeyn,
Willem Raasenburgh,
Tomes Davidts,
Reynout Reynoutss, his mark,
Balthasaer de Haert,
Evert Duyckingh,
Boele Roeloft's,
N. Varleth,
Johannes van Brugh,
P. L. van de Grift,
Cornells Steenwyck,
Jacob Backer,
Pieter Tonneman,
Isaack Grevenraat,
Nicolas Demeyer,
Allard Antoni,
Jacob Kip,
Cousseau,
Hendrick Obe,
Tomas Hal,
Jochim Beeckman, his mark,
Jurian Blanck,
32
Jan Janss. Preste, his mark,
Johannes de Peyster,
Oloff Stevens : van Cortlant,
Lodewyck Pos,
Govert Loockermans,
Conraet ten Eyck,
Cornells Clopper,
Anthony de Mill,
Hendrick van de Water,
Gerrit Jansz,
Jan Hendrickss.
Hendrick Hendrickss.
Dionys Isaacqs,
Jan Brouwer,
Arent Isaacqs,
Jacob Teunisse,
Allard Koninck,
Andries Rees,
Jan Vinge,
Pieter Stoutenburgh,
Hendrick van Dyck,
Nicolas De la Plaine,
Cornells Gerloffs,
Warnaer Wessels,
Herraen Wessels,
Alexander Hulter,
Tomas Lamberts,
Frerick Arents,
Abram Klock,
Isaacq Bedloo,
Pieter Winster,
Jan Gerrits van Buytenhuyse,
Jonas Bartels,
Meyndert Barents, his mark,
250
NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Luycas Dircks,
Cornells Janss :
Tousein Bryel, his mark,
Jan Cornells van Hooren,
Jacob Leyseler,
Claes Janss: Backer,
Gullllam D'lloneur,
Isaacq Coustrier,
Isaacq Kip,
Frederick Geysbertse,
Egbert Meynderls,
Barent Kours,
Paul Richard,
Jan Dircks Meyer,
Daniel Verveele,
Jacob Leunens,
Johannes Nevius,
Jacob van Kouwenhoven,
Hans Kierstede,
Jacob Hugens,
Ambrosius de Weerhem, his mark,
Lambert Huyberts Mol,
Abram Verplanck,
Jan Jans van Sint Obiju, his mark,
Abel Hardenbroeck.
5"" Sept', 1GG4.
Articles of Capitulation on tlie Reduction of New Neflierland.
[General EDlries, I., 1664—1665, p. 23, in SecroUry of State's Oflaw, Albany, N. T. ]
These Articles following were consented to by the persons hereunder subscribed
at the Governor's Bowry, August 27'", Old Style, 16G4.
1.
We consent that the States-General or West India Company shall freely enjoy all farms
and houses (except such as are in the forts), and that within six months they shall have free
liberty to transport all such arms and ammunition as now do belong to them, or else they
shall be paid for them.
2.
All public houses shall continue for the uses which they are now for.
3.
All people shall still continue free denizens and enjoy their lands, houses, goods, shipps,
wheresoever they are within this country, and dispose of them as they please.
If any inhabitant have a mind to remove himself he shall have a year and six weeks from
this day to remove himself, wife, children, servants, goods, and to dispose of his lands here.
If any officer of State, or Public Minister of State, have a mind to go for England, they
shall be transported, freight free, in his Majesty's frigates, when these frigates shall return
thither.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 251
6.
It is consented to, that any people may freely come from the Netherlands and plant In this
country, and that Dutch vessels may freely come hither, and any of the Dutch may freely
return home, or send any sort of merchandise home in vessels of their own country.
7.
All ships from the Netherlands, or any other place, and goods therein, shall be received
here and sent hence after the manner which formerly they were before our coming hither for
six months next ensuing.
8.
The Dutch here shall enjoy the liberty of their consciences in Divine Worship and church
discipline.
9.
No Dutchman here, or Dutch ship here, shall, upon any occasion, be prest to serve in
war, against any nation whatever.
10.
That the townsmen of the Manhatoes shall not have any soldier quartered upon them
without being satisfied and paid for them by their officers, and that at this present, if the fort
be not capable of lodging all the soldiers, then the Burgomaster, by his officers, shall appoint
some houses capable to receive them.
11.
The Dutch here shall enjoy their own customs concerning their inheritances.
12.
All publique writings and records which concern the inheritances of any people, or the
reglement of the church, or poor, or orphans, shall be carefully kept by those in whose hands
they are, and such writings as particularly concern the States-General, may, at any time, be
sent to them.
13.
No judgment that hath passed any judicature here shall be called in question, but if any
conceive that he hath not had justice done him, if he apply himself to the States-General the
other party shall be bound to answer for y' supposed injury.
14.
If any Dutch living here shall, at any time, desire to travel or traffic into England, or any
place or plantation in obedience to his Majesty of England, or with the Indians, he shall
have (upon his request to the Governor) a certificate that he is a free denizen of this place,
and liberty to do so.
15.
If it do appear that there is a public engagement of debt by the town of the Manhatoes,
and a way agreed on for the satisfying of that engagement, it is agreed that the same way
proposed shall go on, and that the engagement shall be satisfied.
252 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
16.
All inferior civil officers and magistrates shall continue as now they are (if they please),
till the customary time of new election, and then new ones to be chosen, by themselves,
provided that such new chosen magistrates shall take the oath of allegiance to his Majesty of
England before they enter upon their office.
17.
All differences of contracts and bargains made before this day by any in this country, shall
be determined according to the manner of the Dutch.
18.
If it does appear that the West India Company of Amsterdam do really owe any sums of
money to any persons here, it is agreed that recognition and other duties payable by ships
going for the Netherlands be continued for six months longer.
19.
The officers, military and soldiers, shall march out, with their arms, drums beating and
colors flying, and lighted matches, and if any of them will plant they shall have 50 acres of
land set out for them, if any of them will serve any as servants, they shall continue with all
safety, and become free denizens afterwards.
20.
If at any time hereafter the King of Great Britain and the States of the Netherland, do
agree that this place and country be re-delivered into the hands of the said States whensoever
his Majesty will send his commands to re-deliver it, it shall immediately be done.
21.
That the town of Manhatans shall choose Deputies, and those Deputies shall have free
voices in all public affairs, as much as any other Deputies.
Those who have any propriety in any houses in the fort of Orange, shall (if they please)
slight the fortifications there, and then enjoy all their houses, as all people do where there is
no fort.
23.
If there be any soldiers that will go into Holland, and if the Company of West India, in
Amsterdam, or any private persons here will transport them into Holland, then they shall
have a safe passport from Colonel Richard NicoUs, Deputy Governor under his Royal Highness
and the other Commissioners, to defend the ships that shall transport such soldiers, and all
the goods in them from any surprisal or acts of hostility to be done by any of his Majesty's
ships or subjects.
That the copies of the King's grant to his Royal Highness and the copy of his Royal
Highness' commission to Col' Richard Nicolls, testified by two Commissioners more, and Mr.
Winthrop to be true copies, shall be delivered to the Hon''''' Mr. Stuyvesant, the present
Governor, on Monday next by eight of the clock in the morning, at the Old mill.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 253
On tfeese articles being consented to and signed by Col. Richard Nicolls, D«puty Governor
to his Royal Highness, within two hours after, the fort and town called New Amsterdam, upon
the Isle of Manhatoes, shall be delivered into the hands of the said Col' Richard Nicolls by the
service ef such as shall be by him deputed by his hand and seal.
John de Decker, Robert Carr,
Nigh: Verleet, Geo: Cartwright,
Sam : Megapolensis, John Winthrop,
Cornelius Steenwick, Sam : Willys,
Oloffe Stevensen Koetlant, Thomas Clarke,
Jaams Cousseau. John Pincheon.
Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch.
5 ^om I£k Or^ijsal in tfee Keyo! Arckives &t the IlAgue, Divisien, Engdand; Secretekas B., Lol-st L., Ne. 124, in Ka^ F., Zof:^ C-, No. 4. j
Sir.
I received, by the last post, at the regular time, two duplicates of their High Mightinesses'
resolutions of the 27''-' and 2S'* of August, with the accompanying papers, of which I shall,
with all submission, make use, on the proper occasion, as I have more fully stated in my last.
Yesterday, one Claes Bret of Graft near Amsterdam, skipper and pilot, as he declared, of
the ship de Slerre, belonging to Amsterdam aforesaid, being come to the Exchange, related,
that on the first of June last the aforesaid ship, the Ster7-e, having obtained a full load in the
Virginias in the name of an English skipper, he dispatched her homewards, and proceeded, in
person, in a ketch to the Manhaltes and thence by New Ncikerland to the Island of Jersey;
having sold his load of tobacco, he came, in person, thence hither. That, being at New
Netherland, he had understood that the English had taken Lo7ig Island from the Dutch by one
Captain Schot, with a number of people who were impressed on the aforementioned island
and elsewhere, by orders and commission from the Duke of York, as the aforesaid Captain
had given out.
Further. It was reported by the English there that as soon as the fleet, which they were
expecting from England, should have arrived, they intended to attack and, if possible, to master
the city of Amsterdam and other places thereabouts, maintaining that such places, of right,
belonged to them, and that the Dutch had no right in the world thereto, and that they had
occupied and settled them in bad faith. Furthermore, that General Stuijiesa?it, having been
informed of the aforesaid, had already issued good orders for the defence of the place, being
able, as he declared, to enrol a good number of people from among the inhabitants thereabout,
to the number of two thousand men, who were already appointed to keep watch on alternate
nights. The preceding Declaration being brought to me, I have made every effort to speak
with the aforesaid skipper, in order to take fuller information respecting everything, but could
not succeed by reason, as it seems, that he could not find any time for such business whilst
preparing for the voyage to Netherland, and was intending to proceed in all haste thither.
254 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Wherefore, whenever said ship shall have arrived in Fatherland, further knowledge will have
to be sought there as to the truth hereof.
The officials, appointed by the King to congratulate and to further introduce foreign
Ministers, who have paid their respects to their High Mightinesses' Ambassador on his arrival
here, have not, as yet, been presented with the fees thereto belonging. I wish their High
Mightinesses would please to have the goodness to bear this in mind, and that I were, therefore,
acquitted on that head. Tiiey are many in number, viz', the Master of tlie Ceremonies, his
Deputy and also the clerks of the King's Secretary, and some others who write and are daily
kept busy with translations, etc., all to the end that more willing service may, therefore, be
expected from them all round and on every occasion. In regard to the minor officials, such as
the Masters of the King's barges, coaches, &c., who have been employed and engaged in the
said introduction, they have been already satisfied by me. Whereupon, with all submission,
] shall await their High Mightinesses' pleasure.
The present composition of the equipments here on the river and in other ports; also the
design, which it is pretended, is in view, in order to be set to work on the coast of Africa, are
communicated to their High Mightinesses in a separate despatch, hereunto annexed, which
is of such importance that I have thought I dare not risk the security of its delivery
exclusively to the ordinary post, but will dispatch an express in order to assure as much
certainty for the aforesaid delivery as I can in any way think of. I hope their High
Mightinesses will please to approve this, as it is done for the public interest. And your Honor
is most earnestly requested to manage the communication thereof with all possible secrecy.
Herewith I remain,
Sir,
Chelsea, 1%- September. Your humble servant.
Received lO"" September, 1664. (Signed), M. Van Gogh.'
West India Company to the States -General.
[ From the Original, ia Iho Koyal Archives at the Hague ; File, Engeland. ]
To the High and Mighty Lords, States-General of the United Netherlands.
High and Mighty Lords.
The Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company, of this country, having
received your High Mightinesses' letter dated the SS"" of August, inclosing certain Memorial
delivered on the same day, by the King of Great Britain's Extraordinary Ambassador to
you, High and Mighty, with some points ; in order to prevent all inconveniences and
'Michael van Goaii was born at Flushing, of which city he was afterwar^ls Pensionary; in 1655 was Deputy fi'om the
Province of Zealand to tlie Rrkenkamer or Board of audit On 22d July, 1660, he was appointed Ambassador to the Court of
England, where he arrived on the 1st November following. He returned to Holland in 1602 and was again sent Ambassador
to London in 1664. He sailed from Scheveningen on the 17th of June, and reached England a few days afterwards. Ho was
recalled in December, 1665, and arrived at the Hague llth January, 1066. In 1667 ho was appointed Councillor of Flushing,
and died in the year 1669. KoVa Vaderlandtch Woordenboek, XVlll., i6S. — En.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 255
misunderstanding between the East and West India Companies of the respective nations
within the limits of tiieir respective charters, we could not omit, in obedience to tlie aforesaid,
your High Mightinesses' orders, submitting these annexed Observations to you, to serve your
High Mightinesses for information, respectfully requesting that the same may be favorably
regarded.
Which doing, etc.,
Read G"- October, 1664. (Signed), Mich' Ten Hove.
Observations of the West India Company on Sir George Downing's Memorial,
High and Mighty Lords.
As the intention of the Envoy Extraordinary of his Royal Majesty, the King of Great Britain,
in his Memorial of the 25"' August, appears to aim at the removal of all misunderstandings
which may arise between the respective Companies of both nations, and, on the other hand,
the West India Company of this country has, notwithstanding their just complaints, always
been inclined to contribute everything to be relieved in one way or the other, within the limits
of their charter, from the proceedings of the English nation for some years past, so please you.
High and Mighty, to be assured that the West India Company of this country will be extremely
rejoiced if any means can be devised whereby the above mentioned trouble can in future be
obviated. And therefore willingly proceeding, with all submission, to the examination of the
points which are proposed by the Envoy as ingredients of the regulation between both
Companies, the Directors of the aforesaid Company will, before coming to the examination of
the particular points, first of all humbly request your High Mightinesses to be graciously pleased
once more to object to the Envoy the unlawful proceedings which the Englisii iiave, for some
years, had recourse to in America against the West India Company of this country, and those
executed a few months ago on the coast of Africa, without the least appearance of justice ; and
accordingly that the lands, fortresses, towns and jurisdictions, with their dependencies, also
the ships and goods which the English have taken from this State and Company, both in America
and Africa, by no other right than vi et armata manu, shall be restored, before fixing and concluding
a rule by which each side shall have to regulate itself, and therefore that the King's orders to
that effect may be dispatched by an express boat, and the Company allowed to send some person
therein, in order to resume possession of the captured places ; and that, when proceeding to the
aforesaid regulation, regard be had, not only to the extent of the charter granted by his Royal
Majesty of England to the Royal Company, but also to the contents of the charter given by
your High Mightinesses to the West India Company, and that, accordingly, the regulation may
not only be reckoned between both Companies for so much as their charters have given
respectively in the one and the other country, but against all those of the English nation who.
within the limits of the charter of the West India Company of this country, carry on trade,
traffic and have planted any Colonies, under special patent from the aforesaid K.ing, and, above
all things, that to this end a Boundary line be at the same time specially fixed in America,
where the English, for some years past, have now done nothing else than dispossess the Company
of one place after the other ; the letters now received by the Company from New Netherland,
most expressly importing that the Duke of York hath, agreeably to the complaints made to
your High Mightinesses by the Company of this country, finally, by means of his soldiery, brought
under England the whole of Long Island, whereon are nine (al ten considerable villages, and
hath sent additional force from New England to attack Amsterdam, the capital, and thereby
256 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
to erase the name of New Netlierland from tlie raap, and to cause a loss of millions to the
Company.
And herewitfi, coming to llie first point of the draft of tlie above named Envoy, reflecting, as
?t appears, on tiie question in lemui'is, occurring between tlie respective Companies, your High
Mightinesses will please to consi<ler that tlie Directors of the West India Company, so faj- as
regards their district and the kingdom foand therein, are, under correction, of opinion that, in
order to conclude such a point, great distinction nriust, above all tilings, be drawn between tiie
places situate in Europe and those found svithin the limits of their charter, inasmuch as all
the places situate in Europe can be invested by land and water. Anoliier reason in their regard
is, as in the places situate on the coast of Africa, which, on account of the insalubrity of the
country, can be invested only by water, and as, consequently, what can be sustained in regard
of the places in Europe, is not wholly applicable to those, a»d therefore, in order, simultaneously,
to accomplish what appears reasonable in European places, and practicable in African, it ought to
be agreed that one place, being invested by one of the Companies by water and not by land, the
other Company shall be at liberty to trade by land with the inhabitants thereof; and if the place
be besieged by land, the other Company shall vice versa be at liberty to come by water to the
beleaguered place, it being, with subn^ission, very unreasonable that the one Company should
be allowed to pass forces to a place which the other had, as it were, closely blockaded. Your
High Mightinesses, yourselves, also appeaV to have nearly perceived this in 7"" article of the
Marine Treaty concluded with the King of Spain, vsrhich forbade all commerce in a place which
shall be besieged, blockaded or {(juod nGla) beset.
The second point being agreeable to practice, and introduced by divers treaties between the
Potentates of Europe, mutuo consensu, almost as a law of nations, might be agreed to; only in
order to obviate many inconveniences, the ships wherein such articles of contraband are found,
must also go to the place where those who seized the above mentioned contraband goods, wiJI
discharge the same, without, however, being subject to confiscation, unless in case of
resistance; the above named Directors referring to your High Mightinesses' profound wisdom
to dispose of this article in such wise as shall be found best, as it concerns the maxims of the
State more than the interest of the Company.
The third point being restricted agreeably to reasonableness, might also be passed, provided
that there be, accordingly, added to it — unless those who had erected a fortress on any coast,
possess, at the same time, the jurisdiction or property of the lauds, or had privately contracted
with the Chiefs of the country for trading, and in all cases, if none of these conditions be found
attached to such fortress, those who will trade shall not be allowed to repair within range of
the cannon of the fort or to any further distance than may be allowed, which is the practice
observed by the English in Barbadoes, Jamaica, .New England and Guinea.
The fourth, when regulated according to a reasonable distance, can be also practiced.
The fifth article, being a case which never occurred within the limits of the West India
Company, except it may be applied in future to what is laid down by the Company in the 3^
point in regard to private trade, it may, under correction, be enacted that one Company having
prosecuted trade with a nation which was obliged privately to trade with the other, shall not
be incommoded on that account, but when found in aclu, may, indeed, be prevented continuing
80 to do ; and, above all things, the contracted merchandise, or goods not yet delivered, may
be seized; especially if the contracts entered into privately with the nations, continue, so that
the Company which hath contracted shall be empowered to prevent all trade with its
inhabitants within its jurisdiction.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 257
On the sixth article, which concerns, principally, this State, the Company submits it again
to your High Miglitinesses' profound wisdom, since it is directly contrary to the condition
entered into by your Higli Miglitinesses with the King of Spain in the IS"" article of the Treaty
of Marine ; and there are other examples that proceedings have heretofore been in this country
in conformity to Mr. Douwningh's Memoir.
The seventh is altogether reasonable and without stipulated conditions, necessary.
The eighth is also agreeable to reason, being not only practised within the limits of the
charter but throughout the entire world, and your High Mightinesses' placards of the years
lG-24, 1632, and 1057, being still in force, which were enacted against the subjects, inhabitants
of this Slate and those who, having served the Company, engage in the service of foreign
powers.
Tiie ninth article, explanation only being given respecting the Captains or Commanders who
are not in the English service in contravention of the above mentioned placards, might be agreed
to in so far as they and their ships belong effectually to the English, and are not fitted out
here contrary to your High Mightinesses' placards and express resolutions; but further
explanation ought to be given of the words (or to any nation or people with whom each
Company trades); for hereby it is understood that one Company being at war with a nation
which is at peace with the other Company, should not attack the ships of its enemy because
they had a pass from the other Company (which appears to be Mr. Downingh's intention); thus
'twould be in the power of the one always to protect and defend the Company's enemies.
The tenth article is also, under correction, reasonable whenever the following conditions are
added to it, to wit: First, that the ships of the West India Company of this country shall
be at liberty, free and unimpeded, to make use of all harbors within the limits of its charter,
and of all the harbors of Great Britain, Ireland and circumjacent islands, without being subject
to any seizure by any person or for what cause soever, but that those who have any claim
against them, must address themselves for justice here, without Incommoding its ships on
that account, in their going out or returning. Secondly, that the ships of the one Company
which come, on the above named occasions, into the harbors of the other Company, shall not
be at liberty, in any case, to pursue trade or barter there, on pain of confiscation. Thirdly,
that the number of ships be proportioned to the strength of the harbors which they enter, and
shall depart as soon as the necessity shall have passed away which drove them into port.
The eleventh point concerns the East India Company.
As the first part of the twelfth concerns the West India Company of this country, the
above named Directors will humbly request your High Mightinesses to be pleased to remembar
that the West India Company, on the 23"* of August, when answering a memorial of Mr.
Douwningh of the 14"' of August, informed your High Mightinesses, that the notice given by
Director-General John Valckenburgh was merely to save the right which the Company
thought it had, without any insults being offered to the Crown of England, which, if offered,
would indeed be ground to demand redress; but yet, when two parties are disputing about
the property of a thing, it must be considered as unheard of, that he even who was in the
wrong should be ordered specificially to recall the reasons alleged in support of his right. In
any case, this is not a point on which a place should be summoned wherein the object of the
thing can be reached without such recall. And if ever any Notice, Protest or Declaration
ought to be revoked, truly 'tis that of one Selwyn served on the above named Director-
General on the 14"' June, 1664, not because the reasons adduced in support of his right should
Vol. II. 33
258 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
demand it, but on account of the scandalous insults therein perversely inserted against the
profound respect of your Higii Mightinesses and the reputation of the Company.
Herewith trusting that your High Mightinesses' intention and orders have l)een fulfilled,
the above named Directors most humbly request your High Mightinesses to be pleased to pay
favorable attention to the above recited considerations, and chiefly to the restitution of what
has been previously demanded, and to maintain the Company, by tiie strong arm of the nation,
in its just right.
Which doing, &c.
(Signed), Mich' Ten Hove.
Indorsed :
West India Company.
Exhibited G" October, 1G64.
-.♦*> ♦ ».
Hesolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of West Inlia Affairs, 16M— 167", in the Kojrol Arcliiycs at the Hagne. )
Monday, 6"" October, 1G64.
roBo63. Read at the meeting a certain Memoir of the Directors of the West India
Company, with which they, in compliance with their High Mightinesses' letter of the twenty-
fifth of August last, exhibited their written information and considerations on the Memoir
presented on the same day to their High Mightinesses by Mr. Downing, Ambassador
Ecguiaiion for pre- Extraordinary of theKingof Great Britain, with the points accompanyinarlhe same,
Ttmlng oil disor- J n r r ./ o
ders in the Indie., for obviatiug all incoDveniences and misunderstandings between the East and West
India Companies of the respective nations within the limits of their respective grants. Wliich
being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Memoir and information shall
be placed in the hands of Mess" Van Ommeren and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies
for the afllairs of England, to inspect, examine and thereupon to report.
West India Company to the States-General.
[ From the Orlgioal, In the Uoyal Arcluvci at the Hague ; File, Witt Indif. ]
The Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company of this country having
received your High Mightinesses' special letter, dated 15"' of August last, to communicate to
you information respecting a certain Memoir of Resident Appelboom, say in obedience thereto
that they have laid before you already, in the year 165G, information on the complaints made
by the above named Resident, on the Si""" March of that year, and then communicated to your
High Mightinesses that the Incorporated West India Company of this country hath, in the year
1G2G, taken possession of the South river, situate in New Netherland, in the Northern part of
America, and said possession having been, with consent of the natives of that country, peaceably
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 259
and quietly continued until the year 163S, wiien some private inhabitants of this State, forgetting
the duty they owed their fatherland, engaged themselves to some subjects of the Crown of
Sweden, and thus combined, succeeded in obtaining a commission from the aforesaid Crown, by
virtue whereof they did settle down together on the above mentioned South river, in the name of
a Swedish Company, notwithstanding divers protests of the servants of the aforesaid West India
Company, which they minded so little, that they not only have, from time to time, usurped
more and more land and grounds, purchased and occupied for many years by said West India
Company, but usually comported themselves in such wise, that the trade for the inhabitants of
this State was spoiled, navigation obstructed and divers bouweries and plantations at once ruined ;
which aforesaid proceedings of the Swedish Company, though of themselves intolerable, yet
liave those of the West India Company been unwilling to oppose by force, in order to avoid
giving any occasion for difficulties between both nations. But that was not the intention of the
aforesaid Swedish Company, which, designing to make itself master of the entire South river,
and being emboldened by the patience and peaceableness of the aforesaid West India Company,
did indeed dare to put its scheme into execution in the year 1654, in violation of the law of
nations, for when, in the month of May of that year, a new Governor came there with some
people to the South river on the part of the aforesaid Swedish Company, he immediately seized
the fortresses of this State, stripped the West India Company's soldiers of their arms and drove
them away and compelled the people to swear allegiance to him, or to leave. This, coming to
the ears of the Director-General of the aforesaid West India Company residing in the city of
New Amsterdam, he, on the first opportunity, caused restitution thereof to be demanded. But,
receiving nothing but menaces in return, he finally could not help resenting the received wrong.
Accordingly, in the year 1655, he departed with his forces for the said South river, and again
reduced, under the obedience of this State, what it had so unjustly been robbed of. And, as it
is sufficiently apparent therefrom that no improper proceedings were resorted to by the West
India Company, it therefore trusts that your High Mightinesses will perceive that these
complaints are renewed after a lapse of eight years more, for form sake, and because the
Company were seized, justly or unjustly, of all sides, than because it hath committed an injustice,
and will accordingly, from the above named grievances excuse the Company, which, having
ceded to the city of Amsterdam all its rigiit on the South river, doth no longer possess the place.
Which doing, etc.
(Signed), Mich' Ten Hove.
g"- October, 1661. 16-i2o64:.
Resolution of the States-General,
\_ From the Eegisterof West Indii Affairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. )
Thursday, Q"" October, 1664.
Foiiofis. Read at the meeting, a certain Memoir of the Directors of the West India
Company of this country, communicating, in obedience to their High Mightinesses' letter of
the 15"" August last, information on the memorial presented to their High Mightinesses by
Swedish Africaa '^'"" Appleboom respecting the affairs which occurred in the South River, situate
Company. j^ ]>jg^ Nctherland, in the Northern part of America, between the officera of
260 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
said Company ami those of the Swedisli African Company: Winch, being considered, it is
resolved and concluded that the information aforesaid shall be placed in the hands of Mess"
Vnn Oinmeren and the other their High Mightinesses' deputies for the affairs of said West
India Company, to inspect, examine, and then to report on them.
JRcmhition of ilie Stafe-s-General.
[ From the Register of the IlcBOInlioiis of llie Statfs-General, io the Koyal ArcliiTcs at tbe Hague. ]
Thursday, O"- October, 1G64.
Foiio752. Heard the report of Mess" Van Ommeren and t)ie other High Mightinesses'
England. Deputies -for the affairs of England having, pursuant and in obedience to their
Kcply tn the answer . i.i,i/^,- ...» .t,..i
of the King on the com ui 1 1 tee resol u 1 1 OH dated the niteenth ol August last, examined and weighed
memoir o( Alnbaa- ,
.adorvan Godi. certain answer to the King of Great Britain to divers memorials presented, from
time to time, by M. Van (joch, to His Majesty on various matters; the aforesaid answer being
annexed with a certain letter of said ambassador V'an Gogh of the sixteenth. And the said
M. Van Ommeren, in the name and on (he behalf of the said their High Mightinesses' Deputies,
exhibited at the meeting and had read a certain writing containing divers matters, which
their High Mightines.ses' deputies, aforesaid, were of opinion ought, for further information, be
represented to the King on the aforementioned his answer, in manner and form as the aforesaid
writing which is annexed hereunto, is inserted, word for word, as follows:
The States-General of the United Netherlands having seen, examined and weighed the
contents of a certain written answer given by the King of Great Britain, on divers points
submitted to him by their ordinary ambassador at his Majesty's Court, etc., etc.
Thus done and enacted at the Assembly of the Lords States-General at the Hague, the O""
October, 16G4.
[Here follows a French translation of the two preceding paragraphs.]
Which being considered, their High Mightinesses fully approve of the aforesaid draft for
information as above, and accordingly hold the same as enacted. They, also, have hereby
resolved and concluded that an authentic copy thereof be sent to the above mentioned
Ambassador Van Goch, with order and instruction to communicate it, verbally, to the King,
veith all earnestness and emphasis, and subsequently, also, to deliver the aforesaid in writing.
Furthermore, that a copy thereof shall be communicated by Agent de Heyde to Mr. Downing,
the King's Envoy Extraordinary, with a request to second, to the best of his ability, their
High Mightinesses' good intention therein contained, near his Majesty and also wherever
the same may avail. In like manner, copy thereof shall be handed, by said agent, to Count
d'Estrades, Ambassador Extraordinary of the King of France; likewise to Mess" Appleboom
and Charisius, respectively residents here for the Kings of Sweden and Denmark, with request
that they will represent most favorably to their respective Lords and Masters, their High
Migiitinesses' upright and sincere intention for the maintenance of all good correspondence with
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. ' 261
the said King of Great Britain, and for the precise observance of the treaties entered into
with his Majesty; an authentic copy thereof shall be also sent to Ambassador Boreel,' to
Residents Heins and Le Maire respectively, to make use of it to the end aforesaid, as is proper,
and further to serve them for information.
States -General to the King of England.
[ From the Minute in tlie Eoyal Archives at the Hague ; File, Engfiland. ]
Deduction drawn up for the Information of the King of Great Britain on divers
points contained in a certain Answer given in his Majesty's name to the
Ambassador of their High and Mighty the Lords States-General of the
United Netherlands.
The States-General of the United Netherlands having seen, examined and considered the
contents of an Answer^ which the King of Great Britain has given in writing on many points
presented to him by their Ordinary Ambassador at his Majesty's Court ; which answer includes
n substance, the following points and articles :
First. The reasons and considerations whicli have obliged his said Majesty to arm and
squip a considerable number of ships of war, and do not permit him to dispense with sending
said ships to sea. "
Secondly. That the said Lord, the King, since his happy restoration, had no sooner been
idvised of some particular matters wherein the subjects and inhabitants of these United
Provinces might have been injured, than his Majesty gave orders to redress them in tlie
speediest manner, without subjecting them to the ordinary delays and formalities of the Courts,
and that, on the contrary, this State hath never given the least satisfaction on the complaints
his Minister has made here at the Hague ; but, on all occasions, hath had recourse to all sorts
of delays, which can be looked upon only as an absolute denial of justice. On which account
the Parliament had, likewise, very urgently pressed his Majesty, on the cries of his entire
people, to employ an extraordinary remedy for the reparation of the damages and injuries
which the subjects and inhabitants of these United Netherland Provinces are daily inflicting
on his subjects by continual depredations on sea, both in the Indies and elsewhere ; wherein,
also, are some circumstances of such importance touching the declaration of Domein and the
possession of trade contrary to the law of nations, that all the Princes and Potentates would,
as well as his Majesty, be interested therein.
' William Boreel, Lord of Duinbeke and WesthoTen, Councillor and First Pensionary of Amsterdam, was the son of
Burgomaster Jacob van Boreel, of Middelburg. He served his country in a diplomatic capacity for forty years ; was sent to
Bremen io 16B9 to settle the differences between the Archbishop and the city ; the following year, to Sweden, to congratulate
[Jueen Christina on her accession to the throne. In 1641 he was appointed one of the Commissioners to Staden, to arrange
the differences with the King of Denmark about the Sound dues, and, in 1644. with Messrs. Joachimi and Van Rhede, was
lent as Ambassador Extraordinary to England. In 1650 Mr. Boreel was appointed Ambassador to France, and resided at
that Court until his death, which took place at Paris on the 29th September, 1638. His remains were brought back in a
ship-of-war to Holland, and were buried in the Great Church at the Hague, at the expense of the country. The funeral was
by torch light, and under the superintendence of a committee of the States-General. Kok, VII., 750. — Ed.
' This answer and the present reply of the States-General, are published in Aitzema, Saakeii van Slaet en Oorlogk, 4to., XF.,
216, 232, 245.
262 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
In the third place, that the said Lord, the King, has not given any commission to Captain
Holmes to liike Cape de V'erd or any other places belonging to those of this country, or to
commit any hostility against the subjects of the United Provinces ; but, only to do whatever
would be necessary to defend his subjects and their trade in those parts. At all events, his
Majesty was only waiting for the said Holmes, on whose arrival the King would obtain exact
information so as afterwards to do whatever was just in regard to what said Holmes may have
committed. Also, that the vessels lately sent from P^ngland are merchantmen, and that they
have neither the power nor the will to do injury to the subjects and inhabitants of these
countries.
In the fourth place, that the Director-General in the service of the West India Company,
of this country, on the north coast of Africa, did, by means of sixty bendys of gold, suborn the
native inhabitants of the country, and namely, the King of Fantyn, to surprise Fort Cormantin,
and to that end had assisted him with a great quantity of muskets, gunpowder and other
niunitions of war.
In the fifth place, that Captain Bartwyck, being on the coast of Guinea with the ship he
commanded, was prevented, by two vessels of this country, prosecuting his trade, and his
boat, with five men, detained some time; wherefore his Majesty requires their High
Mightinesses to be pleased to express their detestation of what is included in this and the
preceding articles, and to inflict exemplary justice on those who are guilty of the one and
the other action.
In the sixth place, that although the said Lord, the King, was not fully informed of the
affairs of the Reformed churches in the valleys of Piedmont, both as regards their present
condition and the cause of their late persecution, yet his Majesty had given orders to his
Minister at Paris to request the King of France to employ his mediation that the differences,
which may yet remain, be settled, doubting not but the said Lord, King, would do so, on the
application of his Majesty's Ambassador.
In the seventh and last place, that his Majesty, on account of the contagious disease infecting
some of the United Provinces, was constrained, in order to divert this affliction from his
subjects, to have a general prohibition of trade proclaimed in his territories, and, therefore, for
the present could not yet make any change therein, adding, that he wished, with all his heart,
that it may please God, our Lord, to deliver these countries soon from this affliction: —
Have, after mature deliberation, resolved to represent to the said Lord, the King, as his
good neighbors and friends, in all sincerity and with a heart breathing only peace, what
follows on all the said points, and on each of them in particular, to wit :
On the said first point, that their High Mightinesses, in order to remove whatever umbrage
might be taken and to prevent all the animosities and ill-feeling which were beginning to arise
in the breasts of the subjects and inhabitants on both sides; also, in order to clear the way as
much as possible for the relief of both States from the expense of extraordinary equipments,
and principally to obviate all untoward accidents that might result from the meeting of the
fleets of both States in such teinper, were pleased by their letter of the 24"' of June last ' to
communicate to his Majesty, in full confidence, the resolution they had adopted not to permit
the departure, from these coasts, of the naval force of this State, which lay then ready to sail,
nor to allow it to proceed towards the north or elsewhere ; with this express declaration,
' For this letter see Aitzema, Saackcn van Stael en Oorloyh, Ito., XI., 233. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 263
made in all sincerity, that their true intention and abiding meaning were, not to employ that
naval force in offending, in any wise, directly or indirectly, any neighbors, and particularly his
Majesty's subjects. And although their High Mightinesses have not been sufficiently fortunate
as to be able to draw from his Majesty a similar resolution and declaration which might put
them at rest in that regard, they, nevertheless, trust that his Majesty can, unmistakably, infer
therefrom and by what is done and has, in fact, followed, that every care that can be desired
of them, capable not only of preserving reciprocal peace and friendship, but also of preventing
and turning aside all unexpected and unforeseen accidents that might trouble the same, is
contributed and applied on this side ; wherein their High Mightinesses likewise intend
invariably to continue and to persevere. And, in fact, they believe that by such proceeding
they have effectually demonstrated that they have never had any intention of employing that
fleet to the injury of theirneighbors, inasmuch as they have not authorized a squadron of more
than twenty good men-of-war which had lately convoyed the ships recently arrived from the
East Indies. In order to place the sincerity of their intention in a stronger light, their High
Mightinesses have also been pleased to furnish additional proofs thereof, by declaring and
communicating, with confidence and sincerity, by the act of the 29"" of September,' the true
reasons and end for which this State sent son:e ships to the coast of Guinea and the order that
has been given to their commander in regard to his Majesty's subjects and the English vessels
he might fall in with or meet on his route.
On the second point, their High Mightinesses say, that it is with a great deal of regret they
learn his Majesty is made to believe that they have thought so little of his friendship and
intercessions as not to have afforded, since his happy restoration, the slightest satisfaction on
all the complaints Mr. Downing has made here in his name ; but that so many delays have
been had recourse to in the whole affair, as to oblige him to consider such a palpable denial of
justice; whilst, on the contrary, it is most true that not a single complaint has been brought,
on his Majesty's part, before them, sustained by proofs necessary not only in affiiirs wherein
his Majesty's subjects found themselves notoriously injured by those of this Slate, but even
in cases which, it could be maintained, were problematical or dubious, wherein their High
Mightinesses have not caused satisfaction to be made to those interested, or at least caused
resolutions to be placed in said Mr. Downing's hands, which ought to be satisfactory. And in
order to render what has just been said, palpable and visible to his Majesty, their High
Mightinesses will supplicate his Majesty to remember that a distinction must be drawn herein
between the affairs which occurred before the conclusion of the last Treaty of tV September,
1662, and since that time. It is not necessary to demonstrate here, minutely, with what
equity their High Mightinesses have proceeded in the affairs of the former class, seeing that,
in regard to them, there is now established and enacted by the lo"" article of that Treaty an
order and form agreeably to which cases of that class not generally extinguished, or particularly .
regulated, are to be terminated and vacated either by amicable arrangement or else by
arbitration. Their High Mightinesses will execute this punctually and exactly. But in regard
to the complaints made in cases that have transpired and occurred since the conclusion of said
Treaty, which are now principally in question ; their High Mightinesses, after having reviewed
the retroacta, find that the complaints of this class which said Mr. Downing has made, up to
this time, and have been accompanied by proofs, or whereof proofs have been in their High
Mightinesses' possession or which have been knowing unto them, are reducible, principally, to
the following:
' In Aitzema, XI., 251. — Ed.
264 NEW-YORK COLONIAL RLVNUSCRIPTS.
1" That those of tlie Incorporated East India Company of tiiis country liave prevented, at
divers times, two English vessels, one named the ILqicuel, and the other the Leopard, touching
at I'orca, on tiie Coast of Mahibar, and taking in cargo which, 'tis said, was ready for them
tliere. And, although wiiat transpired in said affairs, is contested and debated on several
grounds pro and con, so that, in all cases, nothing has been done indicative of any bad intention
or which might afford ground for supposing that any design was entertained to inflict wrong
on his Majesty's subjects, nevertheless, their High Mightinesses have taken upon themselves
to settle these two cases in such a manner, that the parties interested in these two vessels
be indemnified for the losses it will be found that they have sustained in consequence. More
ample explanation has been furnished Mr. Downing hereupon, on the 5''' of June and 25" of
September last.'
S"** That those of the Incorporated West India Company of this country have prevented three
different English vessels, one called the Charles, another the James, and the third, the Mary,
touching at Cape Corse, Comani and other ports and places on the Coast of Guinea, to which
they had been destined. And although that same West India Company also alleges, on its
side, very weighty reasons which evidently show that, at all events, it has not been their
intention to do wrong to his Majesty's subjects, nevertheless, their High Mightinesses have
consented to promise, as regards these three ships, that they will cause the parties interested
to be indemnified for the losses they may have really sustained in consequence of being so
prevented; formal declarations to this effect have likewise been given to Mr. Downing on the
5"" June and So" September last.- So that, as far as these five ships are concerned, their High
Mightinesses have absolutely and entirely given every satisfaction that Mr. Downing desired
and demanded on that point, in his Majesty's name.
And in regard to the complaints made to his Majesty, that among the injuries which, it
is claimed, the inhabitants of these countries have done the English, there are some that
interest all other I'rinces, in consequence of the declaration respecting pretended territories
and prohibition of trade, contrary to the law of nations, their High Mightinesses can only say
on this point, so long as the items are not particularized, that they are nowise inclined to
protect the inhabitants of this country in the wrong they may have done the English, as is (o
be seen by what is already stated, much less in unfounded territorial pretences or in prohibitions
of trade contrary to the law of nations. And, inasmuch as their High Mightinesses must, in
consequence of what has been more fully represented to them by his Majesty's Minister here
on this subject, refer these complaints to the obstructions said to have been offered to tliese
English ships just mentioned, before I'orca and on the Coast of Guinea, and to those presented
in the Memoir submitted to them on the 14"' of August last, touching a certain writing of
Director-General Valquenhourg, therein mentioned, they doubt not but his said Majesty will
find entire satisfaction in regard to these circumstances, to wit, the first, in the resolutions and
declarations of the S"" of June and 25"" September last ; and the other, in the answer raisonnee
their High Mightinesses have drawn up on that subject on the S"" of this month,'' and which
has been afterwards placed in the hands of his Minister.
Z"^ That complaints have been made in the name and on the part of bis Majesty of the
placarding of a bill of sale whereby the honor and the reputation of the Duke of York were
affected. And although said bill had been drawn up in those terms through inadvertence and
' For these Documents, see Ailzema, ul supra, pp. 252, 253. — Ed.
' See Aitzema, ut tupra, pp. 265, 266.
' lu Aitzeiua, ut supra, p. 257, '
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 265
without malice, and even those to whooi that note had been sent from Middlebourg to affix it
or have it affixed in the towns where they were residing, had proceeded without any bad
intention and malice, yet their High Mightinesses have employed such good etlbrts with tiie
Provinces of Holland and Zealand, that the States of these two Provinces have caused those
persons to be so vigorously prosecuted, that Mr. Downing has expressed, on the behalf and in
the name of his Majesty, in a Memoir^ he has presented to that eflect, that his Majesty was
entirely satisfied and content with the result of those prosecutions.
i'*" That said Mr. Downing has claimed in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, a certain
English ship named the Handmaid which had been taken by those of Algiers, and afterwards
rescued from these pirates by some men-of-war of this State under the command of Rear-
Admiral Tromp.^ And, although this ship had been in possession of those pirates not only
twenty-four hours or double that period, but a very long time, and it may be pleaded by others
under similar circumstances that said ship was a lawful prize, having been taken from those
whom their High Mightinesses had, for valid reasons, commanded to be attacked and captured
everywhere they may be found; therefore was it just that the parties iiiterested in said ship,
the Hundmaid, should first come forward and offer proper salvage which was due to those who
had recaptured and delivered said vessel out of the hands of barbarians; nevertheless their
High Mightinesses, laying aside all those considerations, have, at once, given orders .for the
restitution of said ship when demanded.'
Tiieir High Mightinesses are not aware that any complaints, of consequence, have been
presented by or in the name of his Majesty, in regard to matters that occurred since the
conclusion of the treaty, other than those mentioned in his Majesty's answer, and which have
'In Aitzema, ul supra, p. 260.
' CoBSELius Tbomp, Second son of the renowned Admiral Martin Harpertzoon Tromp, commonly called Van Tromp, was
born at Rotterdam 9th September, 1629. In 1650 he commanded a naval expedition against the pirates of Salee and
was attached to Van Galen's fleet in July, 1632, as Captain of a man of- war, when it engaged an English squadron off Elba;
his ship being disabled he was put in command of ihe Plionux, tdken from the English, but this ship was cut out of the port
of Legliorn in November following, when Tromp barely escaped bj' jumping overboard. In March. 1653, he was a partici-
pator in the attack on, and helped to defeat, the English squadron off the same port. He was, soon after, rewarded for his
gallantry by being promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral In 1662 he was sent against the Algeiines and liberated a
number of Christians held in slavery; and on the breaking out of the war with England was advanced to the rank of Vice-
Admiral. He was attached to tlie fleet under Baron Opdam and led the van in the bloody engagement off Lowestoffe 13(U
June, 1665, N. S., in which the Dutch were defeated. Tromp, however, received the commission of Lieutenant-Admiral in
return for his services; he then hoisted his flag on board the Hollandia and was second in command under De Ruyter in the
celebrated fight with the English fleet off the coast of Sussex, June 11th, 1666, N. S., which continued for the space of four
days, and terminated with the defeat of the English. He fell a victim to the malignant spirit of party which was kept up
in those days by the rival followers of the De Witts and the House of Orange, and Tromp being suspected of favoring the
latter, his commission was revoked. The French endeavored to engage him, by the offer of large pay, to take the command
of their navy, but he preferred to remain a simple Burgher in his native land, and continued in retirement nearly seven
years, or until the downfall of the De Witts. On the commencement of hostilities between Holland on the one side and
England and France on the other, in 1672, Tromp was invited to resume his commission and hoisted his flag on board the
Oolden Lion. He distinguished himself in the several engagements aL'ainst the combined fleets during this war, and was
rewarded with a pension; after the peace he visited England in 1675, by invitation of Charles II., who, to honor his bravery,
conferred on him the title of Baronet, 25th March. On (he 7th May, of the same year, the States-General declared war
against Sweden, when Tromp was put in command of the fleet, and was created Count Syliesbiurg by the King of Denmark.
In May, 1677, he succeeded De Ruyter as Admiral, and died in Amsterdam 21st May, 1691, aged si.\ty-two years. His
remains were removed to Delft and deposited in his father's tomb in that city. Kok, XXIX., 2; Moreri, Grand Diet, VI.,
621 ; Beatson's Political Index, I., 196. — Ed.
' The order to this effect is in Aitzema, ut supra, p. 261.
Vol. H. 34
265 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
been enumerated iibove, and will be hereafter treated in their order and separately. So that his
Majesty will be able evidently to perceive tliereby, that he has been impo-^ed on when people
would fain persuade him that no satisfaction has ever been given for the complaints which
have been, from time to time, presented to their High Mightinesses on his behalf, since quite
the contrary has been demonstrated by the pertinent enumeration which has just been made
thereof. And on this occasion it must be also particularly remarked, that since the conclusion
of the last Treaty extinguishing or settling all the claims that had previotisly arisen, the
inhabitants of those countries have not attacked, damaged, taken nor destroyed one single ship
belonging to his Majesty or his subjects, and that his Majesty's Minister even has never
alleged that they had, much less that tiieir High Mightinesst-s or the inhabitants of these
United Provinces have invaded or occupied any lands, islands, forts or places belonging to his
Majesty, as his subjects have undertaken to do, and have, in fact done, against this J^tate and
its good inhabitants, without our being able to obtain one certain word or assured promise
that those places and forts would be restored, much less their restitution, and still less any
reparation or satisfaction for those outrages; notwithstanding that, on our part, not only have
we disposed of all the complaints which have been made in the name and on the behalf of his
Majesty, in such wise as to be entirely satisfactory to him, but also, in addition, on his Majesty's
intercession, the ordinary court of law in this country has given orders not only that justice
be rendered his subjects equitably and indilTerently, but that their suits have preference even
over those of the subjects of these United Provinces, as their High Mightinesses' Ambassador
will show more clearly and pertinently to his Majesty, by the list of his subjects' causes which
have, since his Majesty's happy restoration, been terminated by the Grand Council and Court
of Law of Holland.' It is, moreover, a fact, that their High Mightinesses, or the local
Provincial States, whereof this Republic is composed, so far from refusing anything whatsoever
that his Majesty could in justice ask of them, have, on the contrary, made extraordinary
efforts to manifest their affection and complaisance and to afford marks and tokens thereof, on
all occasions, to such a degree that his Majesty, following the impulses of his natural
generosity, has been graciously pleased, more than once, to express, in return, his gratitude,
both by his obliging letters and the acknowledgments he has caused to be made by the mouth
of his Minister.
Hence, it can be easily inferred that their High Mightinesses must be extremely displeased
and surprised at the artifices of those who have prejudiced the Parliament of England, and
obliged it, by false informations, to lay before his Majesty such bitter complaints against their
High Mightinesses and the inhabitants of these countries, and such exorbitant claims for
several millions of pounds sterling, accompanied by a zeal so violent as to be capable of
pushing things to the last extremity. Therefore is it not to be wondered at, nor are their
High Mightinesses to be blamed, if unable to assure themselves of the continuance of peace
between both nations, they have ordered an extraordinary fleet to be prepared and have
been desirous to keep on their guard. And this, particularly, because the uneasiness they felt
on account of the animosity of Parliament was so much increased in consequence of the receipt
of news that the resolution had been taken in England to fit out an extraordinary Naval
armament, and of the foreboding of designs against the territories and countries possessed
by their High Mightinesses in Africa, which have since become public; and because all the
rules of prudence dictated a moderate extraordinary equipment to be an indispensable
'This liBt will be found in Aitzoma, ut siyira, p. 262. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 267
necessity, until affairs should be brought within the terms of more perfect confidence. To the
promotion of such confidence their High Mightinesses have tai\en the first step, by employing
to thai end, ait im:igin;ibie means which depend on them, and particularly by retaining their
fleet on their coasts and dischargin ■ so large a number of ships of war, as just stated.
And, as far as the affirmative and positive declaration which tlieir Higli Miglilinesses again
find in his Majesty's said answer, that no C' mplaints have ever been made from tills side of
irregular actions or unjust proceedings on the part of his subjects, for wiiich the required
satisfaction had not been immediately given without any formality or delay, their High
Mightinesses cannot forbear citing here some notable instances wherein, to their deep regret,
Ithey have not been able to obtain the satisfaction and reparation they have demanded, and
whicli were due to this State and its good people.
First. It is true that this State hath frequently complained, both by urgent letters and by its
Ministers, that Captain Holmes, with the fleet commanded by him, under his Majesty's flag,
lias taken from this State and the Incorporated West India Company of tiiis country, as in time
of war, tlie Island of Boavista and Fort St. Andrew, situate on the River Gambia, without our
having ever been able to obtain the restitution thereof, much less any reparation or satisfaction
therefor, any more than for other acts of hostility tiie same Captain Holmes has of late committed
anew, and which will be hereafter more fully treated of.
Secondly. That their Higli Mightinesses have complained also very seriously [to his Majesty]
both by letters and otherwise, that h'is subjects in Novum Belgium, called New Netherland,
regardless of the Boundary line provisionally concluded and in flagrant violation of the Treaty
entered into to that effect, have forcibly expelled the subjects of this State from their
possessions, and have wrested from the Colonists of this State a very extensive tract of country
and divers places. So far from obtaining the satisfaction which was demanded, the smallest
answer has not been returned, up to this time, to those complaints.
Thirdly. That a certain ship, called the Gmcf Enno, belonging to the Incorporated West
India Company of these parts, having entered the port of Plymouth, was detained there at the
instance of the Danish Minister, then residing in England ; and although, on the remonstrances
made to the King of Denmark, his Majesty did disavow his Resident's proceeding, and order,
as far as depended on him, the release of the ship without any more trouble, so is it that,
notwithstanding all possible pains taken for that purpose by this State near the King of Great
Britain, and in every other quarter where necessary, the release of that ship could never be
effected.
Fourthly. The merchantmen belonging to this country, that lay in the River Thames ready
to sail, having been some time seized and stopped at the instance of the agent of Malta, although
such was done with the greatest injustice in the world, even in the opinion of his Majesty who,
according to the movements of his natural inclination in favor of justice, has so thought, after
having been duly informed of the case ; yet, the parties interested have never been able to
obtain any indemnification for the great losses they have incurred.
F'ifthly. A man-of-war belonging to this State, commanded by Captain Block,' having been
seized at Gravesend by the officers of the customs, the ship was badly treated, and the Captain
himself dragged to the common jail, on the ground that Captain Banckert, holding under
* Captaia Simon Block, a brave Zealander, who, after fi^equently risking Iiis life on several occasions in the service of hia
country, was finally, wliilst serving as Captuiu iu Admiral Evertoeu'jJ squadrou, killed in the bloody sea fight with the English ,
1668. A'oi, VI, 602. — Ed.
268 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
the Aflmir.ilty Bonni of Zealand, had taken a certain Englisli sloop belonging to thi! llye
cusloiii-lioiise ; the ahove was by way of retaliation, although on the part of the Englishj no
comniunicaiioM hatl been given to their High Mightinesses of the capture of that boat, and
no restitution nor reparation had been (iemanded, much less refused here. And, notwithstanding
that demand ought necessarily to have preceded ihe having recourse to such measures against
one of the ships-o(-war of this State, tliat is to say, against the Slate itself, because, otherwise,
that proceeding could not be justified, however it may be glossed, and, although the English
sloop which had been attacked and carried off by Captain Banker, under the impression that it
was a I'ortuguese privateer, was not only released and set at liberty, the moment the proofs
and records had been examined, but those interested were paid a round sum of money as an
indemnity for losses they pretended to have incurred by that blunder, yet the State has never
been able to obtain any compensation or reparation for the wrong and damage it suffered by
the proceedings of his Majesty's officers and subjects against said ship-of-war and the person of
said Captain Block.
It woidd be superlluous and too tiresome to enumerate here the several other losses and
inconveniences his Majesty's subjects have inflicted on the inhabitants of these United
Netherland Provinces since his happy restoration, satisfaction or reparation for which it has
never been possible to obtain; and to make a list of a very great number of vessels which
have been captured, with their cargoes, by his Majesty's subjects with Portuguese
commissions, or under that pretext, and carried into tire harbors of that kingdom where they
have been conveyed away and dissipated, without the proprietors having been able to obtain
restitution or even just reparation for their losses either in whole or in part.
However, these last complaints are not renewed and revived here with the design to demand
of his Majesty remedies for the satisfaction and redress thereof, but only to demonstrate
pertinently to him, that this State and its inhabitants have most patiently suffered many very
serious losses and damages from his Majesty's subjects without ever having obtained any redress
or indemnity, a good portion whereof their High Mightinesses have been willing absolutely to
sacrifice to peace and friendship between the two nations without any intention of demanding or
prosecuting any other redress or satisfaction at any time whatsoever. Being willing in regard to
the others and especially those in which private persons have most interest, and whereof, for that
reason, their High Mightinesses cannot absolutely dispose, to conforin themselves to what has
been regulated by article 15 of said Treaty, without directly importuning his Majesty any further.
But, in regard to what has recently occurred on the coast of Africa, where, lately, his Majesty's
subjects have by force, and, like declared enemies, occupied the forts of Cape Verd and Fort
Tacorari on the coast of Guinea, the one and the other belonging to this State, and, under
their High Mightinesses, to the said West India Company, and, at the same time, taken or
destroyed the ships called the Neptune, Bril, Visch-Korf, Walcheren and Crocodil, and committed
divers other similar acts without their High Mightinesses having been able, up to the present
time, to obtain any positive and assured promise of restitution, and much less, any reparation
of all what precedes — inasmuch as it is of quite another nature, and also the subject of said
third point, their High Mightinesses will take the liberty to represent again to his Majesty
that they cannot find any safety at all in the general terms employed in his Royal answer,
because in this encounter his Majesty's subjects have committed a direct hostility, which
cannot be considered other than a declared war, begun against the State of these Provinces in
another quarter of the globe, by cannonading, attacking and seizing by force of arms, the forts and
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 269
fortresses on the mainland with the aid of a formal fleet, armed for war, manned with soldiers
and provided with all necessaries for committing hostilities by sea and land ; also by proceeding
hoslilely, in an unwarrantable manner against the subjects and inhabitants of this State, by
capturing their ships and pillaging their merchandise by sea and land, in the same manner as is
customary in declared war. These are things which cannot be glozed over with any appearance
of reason or justice, and can neither be ignored nor denied. Wherefore, their High Mightinesses
cannot anticipate, from his Majesty's justice and equity, anything else than a sure and firm
promise to cause the forts, ships and merchandise which have been taken, to be restored, and
the losses suffered by the State and its inhabitants to be repaired by the guilty parties, as ought
to be done agreeably to the law of nations and in virtue of the last concluded Treaty ; likewise,
that restitution and satisfaction do effectually follow accordingly. Their High Mightinesses are
of opinion that they have the more cause to demand thus positively a declaration and absolute
assurance on this occasion, as in the year 1661, after they had news that the said Captain
Holmes had committed said hostilities on the coast of Africa, and the complaints thereof had
been submitted to his Majesty, he thereupon made similar and even more advantageous
declarations than those of this day. And even the said Mr. Downing gave assurance in his
Majesty's name, by his Memorial of the -^a of August, that in case he should find that said
Holmes or any of the persons under his command had offended, by word or act, or even
obstructed any of the inhabitants of these countries in their commerce, his Majesty would have
them punished exemplarily on their return, and, nevertheless, said declaration has been
productive of so little consequence, that, so far from their High Mightinesses having been able
to obtain merely the simple restitution of Fort St. Andrew and the other places which have
been taken, no redress nor exemplary punishment hath ensued, notwithstanding Captain
Holmes, on arriving in England after committing those acts of hostility, had given, for all excuse,
that he had nothing else to allege than that those of the aforesaid fort had discharged shot at
the King's flag. But, even were that true, they would not have acted contrary to the practice
observed and put in force by all nations towards ships that want to pass in front of forts and
castles without lowering the flag, and exhibiting the usual courtesies. Moreover, their High
Mightinesses have not been able to obtain the promise they had reason provisionally to expect in
consequence of the loud complaints and clear informations they have caused to be laid before the
said Lord the King by their Ambassador. But instead of receiving such assurance, they learn
that more ships have, since that time, again been dispatched from England towards those parts,
and that, from time to time, others are sent off, so that their High Mightinesses have reason to
apprehend that such ships will try to do more mischief and occasion additional inconvenience
to this State, its subjects and inhabitants. And this fear is the more founded as, according to
the report made to their High Mightinesses by eye witnesses of the hostilities committed
there, the perpetrators have boasted that, for the execution of their designs, they would be
reinforced or followed by a number of ships, equal to what had sailed from England in the month
of August last, to go towards the coast of Africa, without the slightest security or assurance
having been afforded their High Mightinesses, notwithstanding the iterated applications and
remonstrances they have caused their Ambassador to present to his Majesty on this point. So
that, in this regard, England has contributed nothing of what, under like circumstances, is
expected and hoped from his Majesty, to obviate and prevent more serious dangers.
On the aforesaid fourth point : That their High Mightinesses feel themselves obliged to
declare, in all sincerity and good faith, as they do hereby bona fide declare, pursuant to their
270
NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
resolution of" the IS"" of the last month, which is founded on information furnished by the
West India Company toucliing what has occurred in rejiard to the said Fort of Coromantin,
copy whereof has already been furnished to his Majesty, tluit they cannot in any way
believe, tfiat those of this nation had allowed themselves to be guilty of an action of that
nature, the rather as, since the time when 'tis pretended it happened, several vessels have
arrived from those parts both in England and here, and, nevertheless, of all those which
have arrived, not one has heard anything at all about it. In all cases, if the Lord, the King,
has at hand any other proofs touching that affair, inasmuch as, up to this time, neither he nor
his Minister has furnished any, their High Mightinesses, will willingly receive them, and in
case it, at any time, appear (which, however, they cannot anticipate) that what his Majesty
has been induced to believe, turn out true, they shall then show that they will not permit nor
suffer the inhabitants of tiiese Provinces to do any wrong to his Majesty's sul)jects ; hut, on
the contrary, will afford thereupon all the satisfaction he can desire; their intention and
resolution invariably being to entertain and cultivate, with him, more and more, all good
and sincere friendship, neighborhood and confidential correspondence agreeably to the Treaty
last made and concluded with his Majesty.
On the fifth point : Their High Mightinesses declare, agreeably to another resolution of the
same date, the IS"" of last month, that in case his Majesty have any proof of what it is
pretetided has been done to Captain Bartwic and the ship under his command, by two vessels
of this country, on the coast of Guinea, they will receive them, also, most willingly, in order
that the truth may be the better elicited and that the one may act towards the other
consistently with reason and equity.
On the si.xth point, concerning the Reformed churches of the valleys of Piedmont: iheir
High Mightinesses have learned, with joy, that it hath pleased his Majesty to respond therein
to their good will and intention for the good of the poor Protestants of those parts, and to
request the King of F'rance by the Ambassador he has on the spot, as Ambassador Boreel has
already done on the part of this State, to be so good as to employ his mediation, their High
Mightinesses hoping, that not only the said Lord the King will do so, but that the effects
which are anticipated, will soon be obtained for the relief of those poor, persecuted people.
On the seventh and last point : Their High Mightinesses have learned, with quite an especial
satisfaction, that his Majesty was penetrated with compassion for the towns and places in these
Provinces which it hath pleased God to afflict with the contagious disease, hoping that He will
continue and increase his Divine goodness, whereof He hath been pleased to give us signs
and tokens, by causing the sickness visibly to diminish within a few weeks; so that, in future,
[as in times past' ], reciprocal navigation, trade and correspondence not only may run their
course free and unobstructed, but also may flourish and increase more and more.
And, in the meanwhile, their High Mightinesses will expect from his Majesty's habitual
equity and goodness, that according to the request they formerly made him, he will revoke
and suppress the general prohibition of trading, which he has caused to be proclaimed
throughout all his kingdoms for the space of three months, with the ships, provisions and
goods of these United Provinces, such being contrary to good friendship and correspondence,
as well as to all former practice. Or at least, that he will so regulate it that the inhabitants
of these Provinces who will be able to prove, by good certificates from their superiors and
' Aitzcnia, ut tujjra, p. 213. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 271
magistrates, that they come with their ships and goods from places not infected by any
contagious disease, may be admitted into England, as formerly, without any objection ; and
all others, under ordinary quarantine.
And inasmuch as his said Majesty would be able to perceive, clearly, as well by what is
above fully deduced, as by the resolutions, answers and declarations which have been given
here from time to time in writing to his Majesty, that their High Mightinesses, on their side,
contribute and do everytliing that can be desired of them for the continuance and strengthening
of the friendship and alliance betwen his Majesty and this Stale, so they hope that his Majesty
will draw from it an infallible conclusion, and one consistent with truth — that they feel a
strong and sincere inclination for the continuance of peace and good understanding between
both nations, as their High Mightinesses protest by these presents that, so far as they are
capable of judging and understanding, all the interests of State and Religion can and must
require and oblige them thereto; as their High Mightinesses have likewise remarked, with
great joy, the same inclination in his Majesty, both by the moderate answer it has pleased his
Majesty to give, in the month of May last, to the complaints of his Parliament as by the
reiterated declaration his Majesty has made in the answer which has been given in the month
of August last to the Ambassador of this State. Wherefore, they expect and anticipate, as an
effect of that inclination of his Majesty, that he will give them as much contentment and
satisfaction on the well founded complaints made on their part, and which have hereinbefore
been more fully expressed, touching the adiurs which have occurred since the conclusion of the
last treaty, and particularly during this year, as their High Mightinesses, on their side, have
afforded in the manner just set forth, on the complaints made to them on his Majesty's part,
touching similar matters, to the end that by a prompt adjustment to be afterwards concluded
with his Majesty's Minister here, all umbrages and distrusts existing in the minds of the
subjects and people on both sides may be dispelled ; and in the stead thereof, true friendship
and confidence being duly reestablished, that the peace and alliance concluded and established
between them may be confirmed and rendered indissoluble. Whereunto their High Mightinesses
promise, with all their hearts, to contribute all that can be reasonably and equitably desired
of them, to the utmost extent of their power.
Thus done and concluded in the Assembly of said Lords States-General, at the Hague, the
9"- October, 1664.
(Paraphed), H. Gockinga".
Below was:
By order of the same.
(Signed), N. Ruysch.'
'The copy of the above paper, in the Holland Documents, is in French. It is printed in Dutch in Aitzema, Saaeken van
Stall en Oorlogh, 4to, XI., with the Documents referred to in it, all which had also been separately published both in Dutch
and French, at the Hague, in the month of November, 1664, in a small 4to Tract, for the use of a copy of which we are
indebted to the politeness of James Lenox, Esq , of New-York. The sub-title at the head, and the signatures at the close of
the above paper, are borrowed from this Tract. — Ed.
979 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
WeM India Company to the States -General.
( From a Copy in the Uoyal Archives at the Hagae ; File, West Indie. ]
Read 'J-ltli Octolier. ]f)64.
To the High and Mighty Lords, States-General of the United Netherlands.
The Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company have been obliged to trouble
your High Mightinesses from time to time with complaints of the proceedings of the English,
who, after their intolerable violences had dispossessed the Company of one place and then of
another, of the conquests of this State in N. Nelherland, to the end that your High Mightinesses
may not be ignorant of the manner whereby this State was robbed of its foreign possessions, and
the inhabitants thereof, of their trade, and that you, High and Mighty, may be graciously pleased,
in season, to devise some means or other, in your profound wisdom, whereby total loss may
be prevented. And, finally, they are forced with sorrow, most humbly, to make known to you.
High and Mighty, that, in verification of their previous remonstrances, complaints and warnings,
the ships and forces sent from England by the Duke of York, assisted by the power of New
England, on the 27"' August last, reduced, captured and subjected to the English authority, the
city of New Amsterdam, now occupied for fifty years in full peace and quietness, and in addition
thereto, the entire of IN'ew iXetherland, and immediately called it by the name of Sew-York,
whereby thousands of people have been reduced to a miserable condition, and the State hath
lost a Province, the appearance whereof was wonderful to behold; which annually afforded
thousands of people a living, already augmented the shipping trade, and within a few years
would have caused an incredible increase thereof; promoted the commerce of this country to
an inconceivable degree, whereby the Company hath experienced a loss of millions expended
thereon for the benefit of the State and promotion of the trade of this country. Therefore, the
Company is again obliged, humbly, to pray your High Mightinesses to be pleased to take into
consideration, according to their importance, these violences and hostilities against the State
and to the Company's great loss, and, above all things, to consider the sorrowful and lamentable
complaints of the inhabitants remaining there, in the hope that your High Mighlinesses may
still find means to recover that country, which the above named Directors once more pray
and request.
Which doing, &c.
(Signed), Michiel Ten Hove.
liemhition of the States-General.
{ From the Register of AVertl India AtTairrt, 1GG4 —1070, iu the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Friday, 24''- October, 16G4.
Folio c:. Read at the Assembly a certain Remonstrance of the Directors of the West India
Company of this country, complaining that the ships and forces sent from England by the Duke
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 273
New Netheriaad of Yofk, aided by the power of New England, had, on the 27"' of August last,
taken by the tng- ^.g^j^^jg^^ captured and subjected to English authority, the city of New Amsterdam,
now, for fifty years occupied in full peace and quietness, and in addition thereto, the entire of
New Netherland, and immediately called it by the name of New-York. Which being considered,
it is resolved and concluded that a copy of the aforesaid Remonstrance shall be sent to all the
Provinces, with the request that they forthwith exert themselves to the uttermost to obtain
vigorous consent and the appropriation of necessary pecuniary means, to prevent the mischiefs
whereby this State is threatened both within and beyond Europe. Copy of said Remonstrance
shall likewise be transmitted to Ambassador van Gogh, in order that he strongly expostulate
against the attacks aforesaid, and request due and prompt reparation from the King of Great
Britain therefor, together with the issue of prompt order for the cessation of similar attacks
in future.
Resolution of the States of Holland.
[ From tha Resolvtien van BMand, 1661, p. 447, ia State Library, Albany, N. T. 1
SS"- October, 1664.
England Read at the meeting a certain Remonstrance presented to their High Mightinesses
West India Com- \)j the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company of these parts,
The we«t India complaining of the intolerable violeuces Committed agaiust Said Company by thosc
Company c^m- r o
plains ihaiihe Eng. (jf (.^e English natiou in New Netherland and elsewhere, and, namely, that the
lish have seized o •'
New Netherland. gjjjpg ^^^ forcBS Sent from England by the Duke of York, aided by the power of
New England, had, on the 27"" of August last, captured and subjected to English authority the
city of New Amsterdam, now occupied for fifty years in full peace and quietness, and in addition
thereto, the entire of New Netherland, and immediately called the same by the name of New-
York, with request that their High Mightinesses, for reasons more fully set forth in said
Remonstrance, would be pleased to consider, according to their importance, the aforesaid
violences and hostilities committed by the English against this State and said West India
Company, and, above all things, also to take into consideration the sad and- lamentable
complaints of the inhabitants remaining there, in hopes that means will be found by their High
Mightinesses to recover the same.
Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Remonstrance shall
be placed in the hands of the Nobles {Heeren. van de Rldderschap^) and other their Noble Great
Mightinesses' Committee for the affairs of England, in order, after mature deliberation of its
contents, to submit their opinions and advice thereupon. •
' The supreme authority in the Province of Holland was vested in an assembly or body, consisting of the Raad Pensionarn,
Nobles and the Deputies from certain cities, eighteen in number. The Noble* were denominated Heeren ran de Ridderschap.
Kok.— Ed.
Vol. II. 35
274 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Anihafisailor Van (fntjK to tlie State-S'-General.
[ rmm the r»riginal, in the Uoyal Archivt-s at the Hague ; File, KnfjeUmdt. 1
Mv Lords.
The (itting out of ships here is still steadily continued, and it is understood that orders have
been given that all such men-of-war as are yet found lying here, shall be equipped and got
ready as soon as possible.
'Tis reported that it is tlie intention to form them into two squaiJrons, to be employed
hereabout; the one of 20 ships, under his Koyal Higiiness, the Duke of York, for cruizing in
the channel ; the otlier under Vice-Admiral Montague,' to be employed elsewiiere hereabouts.
'Tis said that this Montague has already eleven ships with him, which number will probably
be increased to 20.
Vice-Admiral Lawson- came to Portsmouth over three days ago, with Captain Berckely^
and two ships of his squadron which he commanded in the Strait, having lel'c the remainder
there under the command of Captain Allen,'' who is ordered to command there in his place.
This Vice-Admiral was heard to say at the Exchange and at Court, that when he left the
Strait and spoke Admiral de Ruyter, he had understood from the latter that 'twas his intention
to go to Salee with a portion of his ships, which 'twas understood had been victualed for some
' Edward Mostague, first Earl of Sandwicli, son of Sir Sidney M., of Boughton, wns boro 27lh July, 1C25. In 1643 he
received a commiesion to raise a regiment, at the head of whieh be afterwards distinguished himself, particularly in the
battles of Marston Moor, Naseby, Ac. In the time of the Commouweultb, he adhered to Cromwell, and served with Rlake,
after whose death he had sole command of the fleet. In 1659 he and Monk were .ippointed Joint Admirals; he gave in his
adhesion to Charles II., and shortly after sailed to Holland, to receive his Miijesly who invested him with the Garter, created
him Earl of Sandwich and heaped divers other honors on him. On the ru]>ture with the States-General, he served as Vice-
Admiral under the Duke of York, and shared in the great sea fight off Lowestoffe, the I3th June, 1665. In 1666 he was sent
Ambassador Extraordinary to Spain, and relorned to England in 1668. In 1670 he was constituted President of the Council
of the Plantations, and on the breaking out anew of the war with the Dutch, in 1672, served again as Vice-Admiral under the
Duke of York. In the buttle of Suulhold bay. May 28, between the combined fleet and the Dutch, the Earl of Sandwich
commanded the linijal James, which was set on fire in the course of the action. Having ordered ench of the officers and
men as survived, U* abandon the ship, he remained to the last, and perished in the flames. His bo^ly having been afterwards
recovered, was interred, at the j'ublic expense, in the north side of Henry the V II th's chapel. He was a person of extraordinary
parts, courage and affability, and justly merited all the honors conferred on him. Collins' Peerage. His portrait is in Allen'a
Batllei of the British Navy. — Ed.
'Sir John Lawson, Knight, was the son of a person in low circumstances in Hull, and became early attached to the sea.
In course of time, by his merit, he obtained a ship, and was made Captain in the fleet under the Parliament in the civil war,
towards the end of which he obtained the flag of RearAdiniral, and as such, commanded the Fairfax in 165S, in the
engagement of the ISth February. In 1657 he fell under the suspicion of Cro i well, was committed, but afterwards
reinstated with the rank of Vice-Admiral. lie gave in his adhesion early to the Royal cause, and, after the restoration,
continued in the public service. He was wounded in the knee in the engagement off Lowestofl'e, 13th June, 1665, and died
on the 26th of the same month at Greenwich. He had the reputation of being the most experienced seaman of the age, if
we except Sir. Geo. Ayscough. Yet, after conferring so many and great benefits on his country, not a tomb has been
erected to his memory. In religion. Sir John Lawson was an Anabaptist; in political principles, a epublican. Campbell"*
Lives of the Admirals. II., 422. *
'Sir William IJkkklev, Knight, Governor of Portsmouth, and Vice-Admiral of the White, son of Sir Maurice B., and
brother of Charles, first Earl of Falmouth. He was killed in the action of the 1st June, 1666. The Dutch, wiih a noble
feeling, embalmed his body and placed it in the chapel of the great church at the Hague to await the King's pleasure.
Allen's Battles of the British Kavy, I.. 59; Collins' Peerage, ed. 1756, V., 191.
* Afterwards Sir TnoM.vs Allen, Knight. He commanded the lymouth, 56, and defeated the Dutch Smyrna fleet, off Cadiz'
in 16C5, on which occasion Van Brackett, their Coniraander, was killed. As a reward for his gallant conduct on this
occasion, Commodore Allen was promoted to the command of the White squadron, and received the honor of Knighthood.
He next served with distinction throughout the first Dutch war, and afterwards against the Algerines. Ltdiard.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X, 275
months. Whence 'twas inferred and concluded that his design was farther, and guessed to be
nothing else than to run to the coast of Guinea, wliich causes much tu5k everywhere here
among people.
News was received from Prince Robbcrt' and the fleet under his command, both Kings and
Royal Company's ships, that he should certainly sail yesterday from the Downs on his voyage
towards Guinea. But now a report is spread that, since Lawson's intelligence of the
aforementioned Vice-Admiral de Ruyter's design, the Council had resolved to countermand
the above fleet which they design employing elsewliere.
In like manner, a report is current here that a ship has arrived at Falmouth from New
Netherland with some inhabitants of Long Island, which the English have sent up to be
carried to Holland.
Herewith, &e.,
Your High Mightinesses' obedient servant,
Chelsea, H October, 16G4. (Signed), M. van Gogh,
Resohition of the States of Holland.
J From the Rcsolntun van Ilelltrtd, 16S4, p, i5% in State Library, Albany, N, Y. ]
31" October, 1664.
^ .^^^ The Grand Pensionary hath reported to the Assembly, the opinions and advice
Tocir-wtuiaiewiih of their Noble, Great Misjhtiuesses' Committee for the affairs of England, having,
the King of Gr.-at ' O o ' O'
Briiain about the pursuant and in fulfillment of the resolution dated 25"' of this current month,
demaQd'u^ res'uti^ examined and considered the contents of a certain Remonstrance presented to
their High Mightinesses by the Directors of the Incorporated West India
Company of these parts, complaining of the intolerable violences committed against
said Conipany by those of the Englisli nation in New Netherland and elsewhere, and, namely,
that the sliips and forces sent from England by the Duke of York, aided by the power of
New England, had, on the 27'* of August last, captured and subjected to English authority
the city of New Amsterdam, now occupied for half a century of years in full peace and
quietness, and in addition thereunto the entire Province of New Netherland, and also
immediately called the same by the name of New- York ; requesting their High Mightinesses,
for reasons more fully set forth in the aforesaid Remonstrance, to be pleased to take into
' Prines Rdpert was the thir<3 son of the Prince Elector Palatine, sometimes styled the King of Buhetnia, by Princess
Elizabeth, daughter of James I., and was, conse<]^uently, nephew of Chailes I., to whom he offered his sword and services on
the breaking out of tlie civil war in England. In 164-t he was created Earl of Holdernesse and Duke of Combeiland ; on the
tenninatioD of the war, he returned to the continent and afterward? endeavored to resist Cromwell, but in 1649 was so
hard pressed hj Blake that he narrowly escaped. In 1664 he was intrusted, conjointly wilh the Earl of Albemarle, with
the command of the fleet. He defeated the Dutch on the 3d .June and 24lh July, 1665, O. S. On the breaking out of the
second Dutch war, in 1672, he was again put in command of the fleet, and on 9th July, 1073, was appointed First Lord of
the Admiralty, which office he held until 1079. The latter years of his life were spent in prosecuting chemical and philo-
sophical experiments, in the course of which he invented the Mezzo-tinto style of engraving, and the composition called tha
Prince's metal. He died in his house, in Spring Garden, on the 29th November, 1682, in his grand climacteric, when, for
want of legitimate issue, his titles became extinct, Campbelfs British Admirals, 11., 413 ; Beatton's Political Index, L, 60 {
II., 31; III,, 41. — Eo.
276 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
consideration, according to their importance, the aforesaid violences and hostilities committed
by tlie English against this State and said West India Company, and, above ail things, to
consider, also, the sad and lamentable complaints of the inhabitants remaining there, in the
hope that means may be found by their High Mightinesses to recover the same.
Whereupon, deliberation being had, it is resolved and concluded that the matter shall be
referred, on the part of their Noble, Great Mightinesses, to the States-General {/cr Gaicmliieit)
to the end that their High Mightinesses may cause a copy of the aforesaid Remonstrance, and
other papers thereunto appertaining, to be transmitted to Mr. Van Gogh, Ordinary Ambassador
from this State to the King of Great Britain, with orders to expostulate, strongly and
seriously, with his Mnjesty on the matter aforesaid, requesting, hereupon, prompt restitution
and reparation, also, a speedy and categorical answer and declaration from his Majesty,
whereof he, the Ambassador, shall immediately notify their High Mightinesses by express
and the ordinary post. The resolution to be adopted by their High Mightinesses is to be
handed by Agent de Heyde to the Ambassador of France and to Mr. Downing, Extraordinary
Envoy of the aforesaid King of Great Britain, also, to Mess", the Residents of Sweden and
Denmark, and, likewise, to Mr. Boreel, Ordinary Ambassador from this State to the King
and Court of France, and to Residents Heins and Le Maire to serve for their further information.
Folio 69.
jResolutioii of the States -General.
I From thp Kegieter of West India Affciire, 1664 — 1670, in the Koyal Archives at the Hagne. ]
The Remonstrance presented by the Directors of the Incorporated West India
"cu ied''b'"''tb6 Company of this country is again brought before the Assembly, complaining of
EngiiBh. jjjg intolerable violences committed against the said Company by those of the
English nation in New Netherland and elsewhere, and namely that the ships and forces sent
from England by the Duke of York, aided by the power of New England, had, on the 27"* of
August last, captured and subjected to EnglLsli authority the city of New Amsterdam, now
occupied for fifty years in full peace and quietness, and, in addition thereunto, the whole of
New Netherland, and immediately called the same by the name of New- York, requesting
that their High Mightinesses, for the reasons more fully set forth in the aforesaid Remonstrance,
■would be pleased to take into consideration, according to their importance, the aforesaid
violences and hostilities committed by the English against this State and said West India
Company, and, above all things, also to consider the sad and lamentable complaints of the
inliabitants remaining there, in hopes that means may be found by their High Mightinesses
to recover the same. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that copy of the
aforesaid Remonstrance, with and besides the additional papers appertaining thereunto, shall
be sent to Ambassador Van Gogh, with order to expostulate strongly and seriously with the
King of Great Britain respecting what is above set forth, requesting hereupon prompt
restitution and reparation; also a speedy and categorical answer and declaration from the
Lord, the King, whereof he, the Ambassador, shall immediately notify their High Mightinesses
by express and also by the ordinary post. This, their High Mightinesses' resolution, shall
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 277
also be handed by Agent de Heyde to the Ambassador of France, and Mr. Downing,
Extraordinary Envoy of the King of Great Britain ; also to Mess" ihe Residents of Sweden
and Denmark, and likewise sent to Ambassador Boreel and Residents Heins and Le Maire to
serve for their further information ; and the despatches resulting herefrom shall be sent off
without reconsideration.
States -General to Ainbasmdor Van Gogh.
[From the Register of Vitgegane Brieren of the States-General, in the Royal" Archives at the Hague.]
The States, &c.
Folio 804. Honorable, &c. Hereunto annexed, we send you copy of the Remonstrance
West India Com- . J I J
?=>"?■ and its appendices of the West India Company, together with the accompanying
extract of our resolutions adopted in the premises, and that to the end, as therein mentioned.
Wherewith ending, we commend you to God's holy protection.
At the Hague, the 31" October, 1664.
^ ■« « ■ ■ f
Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch.
[ From the Manuscripts in the Royal Archives at the Hague; File, Engelandt. ]
Sir.
On the S"" of November, N. S., 1664, the packet came to hand containing divers letters
and appendices from the State, namely, duplicates of letters and resolution both of the 21"
October, also, a letter and resolution of the 21" of that month, together with, likewise, a
similar letter and further resolution of 21" ditto, with its respective appendices, all containing
divers complaints both of the seizure and overpowering of Cape Corse and New Netherland,
&c., with the orders appertaining thereunto, as more fully therein mentioned ; whereunto
was further added a justification of the King's claim concerning the infraction of the 14""
article of the treaty, written in the Dutch language, whereof I am promised a translation in
French with the earliest opportunity, all to serve as it behooves.
In obedience to said orders I have, at the audience which, upon previous request to that
effect was appointed for me on yesterday evening about four o'clock, fully and at large
submitted again verbally to his Majesty the whole subject of grievances which have occurred
heretofore, as well the injuries, violences and outrages committed by the English on the
inhabitants of the State of the United Netherlands, as also the inconvenient and wrong
interpretations put by his Majesty on the words of the orders issued by their High
Mightinesses. His Majesty was pleased to give for answer that he had noted, perused and
examined all the reasons transmitted in writing by their High Mightinesses on the aforesaid
matters and what was submitted in full by me, and had already given orders to have all
answered in writing ; but as the aforesaid answers and papers were so copious and voluminous
278 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
(as he said), such answer could not, as yet, be perfected ; nevertheless, he believes it will be
ready on an early day, when it will be communicated to me. And as I had, in like manner,
submitted to his Majesty the two last occurring cases mentioned in the aforegoing letters of
th(5ir High Mightinesses, concerning the circumstance of Cape Corse and New Netherland,
whereof the English did, in an inimical manner, strip, divest and deprive the West India
Company, his Majesty made use of the written Memoir, copy whereof accompanies this
letter, having the same at hand, and said, that a relation was made of the whole, fully and at
length, both in writing and verbally, but that the matter was so voluminous that he could
not well remember it; however, he will answer summarily and verbally on these three
points, viz.: Wliat was heretofore complained of respecting Cape Verd, that he had already
answered on that subject, to wit : that the act was committed without his knowledge, and
he should inform himself thereupon, and have justice and redress done according to the
circumstances and the exigencies of aflairs, maintaining that this provisional answer, ought
also alford provisional satisfliction ; that herein he could hot do otherwise, nor could anything
else be done consistently with right, especially in such a case wherein he hath judged that
the aforesaid act, having been without liis knowledge and order, must be considered as ill
done, and therefore was deserving of redress as well as correction ; but that liis people must
be heard thereupon, to ascertain what reasons and motives they may have had, so that [they
being heard] right and justice may be administered according to the exigency of the case.
That, to this end, Captain Holmes has been expected now over two months, and it could not
be imagined where he was delaying this long time, it being feared that some misfortune must
have overtaken him at sea, or else he must have arrived, which he would be sorry to see, both
for other as well as for the aforesaid reasons. But, added his Majesty with some animation
and vehemence: I cannot suffer that any other person should presume to administer justice
to my subjects or to attempt to redress his own affairs, as I have seen their High Mightinesses
have undertaken to do, in their instruction to the commandant of tin; fleet bound for Guinea;
quoting the very words of the said Instruction, and dwelling upon them ; which being
answered by me in due form, both by reasons which suggested themselves, and by those
borrowed from the Justification, &c., his Majesty declared, further, that said words could not
be otherwise taken nor understood, but that on all this matter (breaking off further reasons), as
he said before, his written answer was ready in writing to be comnninicated to me in a short
time. And, in regard to what was mentioned respecting the case of Cape Corse, his Majesty
said : That such was done with his knowledge and by his order, as it belonged to the English,
the very ground being their propeu'ty, they having placed the building thereupon ; that the
English were dispossessed of it without any right by the Dutch West India Company, which
afterwards erected some additional buildings thereupon ; that they were in possession of it no
more than, or a little over, four years; that the English would justify and demonstrate their
right to all this. Whcreunto, then, the person present replied : That this (with respect) was
not the right way, even according to his Majesty's language and reasons previously submitted,
to attempt to redress himself in this maimer, and conflicted especially with the concluded
Treaty to which his Majesty was apptialing, with further arguments, too long to repeat here.
Whereupon his Majesty declared, that further information should be given in the written
answer to the aforesaid Memoir ; breaking off further reasons. And, as to what regards the
Remonstrance respecting New Netherland, he said, in like manner: That said country was a
dependency under his authority, being situated there among other his lands, and therefore
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 279
had been settled and occupied before this by the English, who only permitted the Dutch
nation at the outset to settle there, without any authority having been thereby conferred on
the Dutch West India Company or any other person. Then I replied in like manner, and
said as above reported of Cape Corse, and, further, that the Dutch nation had indeed been now
for 50 years in quiet and peaceable possession of that country, and that they cannot be stripped
of it with any right, or even shadow of right in the world ; therefore, that his Majesty may
please to examine these things according to equity and justice, and let due redress be made,
as their High Mightinesses expect no less than this from his Majesty's well known and
renowned justice. His Majesty again, as if interrupting his reasons, said : I shall have a
written vindication made of and respecting all, as it has been already commenced, in order to
its communication at an early day. On my remarking further, seeing his Majesty seemed
willing herewith to cut short the argument, that the above mentioned actions could have no
other effect than to produce a widening of the breach between the nations, and further
mischiefs which were to be apprehended therefrom, his Majesty repeated the reasons heretofore
frequently reported, and said among other things, that he had not begun this business
(meaning the fleets destined for Admiral Obdam' and for Guinea), but that it was first
undertaken by the Dutch, calling them Hollanders; that already he had shown himself a
lover of peace, and still sought not war; nevertheless, he could not neglect maintaining his
subjects' right and rights, and to defend them everywhere, but only with justice, as he declared
to be willing to attest on all occasions ; adding, moreover, that he did not wish to say any more,
but to refer to the answer hereinbefore promised, and if any further request was to be made
on the part of their High Mightinesses he should be ready at all times to consider it ; wherewith,
then, after proffered compliments and the promise to communicate the Justification in question,
with request and recommendation that it may be rightly appreciated and further that what is
proper may follow, I took leave of his Majesty.
I should have handed in there, and at the same time, the aforesaid Justification, but as the
translation into French from Dutch had not arrived, and there was no time here to translate
it, and it had been promised to be forwarded by the first opportunity from Fatherland, I have
availed myself of the aforesaid promise herein ; their High Mightinesses' commands concerning
this and all other things being followed and obeyed with all submission.
Pursuant to their High Mightinesses' resolution of the 31" October, this is forwarded not
only by the ordinary post but also by express, which (God willing) shall also be done whenever
the King's answer in writing will reach my hands.
'Jacob tan Wassenaab, Lord of Obdam, son of Admiral Jacob van Duvenvoorde and Anna Randerode van der Aa, was born
in the year 1612. He entered tlie service as Captain of a company of cavalry, and soon was promoted to a Colonelcy, in which
capacity he distinguished himself at the siege of Maastricht, in 1632. He was soon after appointed Governor of Heusden
and vicinity, and, in 1648, was sent Ambassador to Kleef, to assist at the baptism of the Prince of Brandenburgh's son. After
filling several other similar employments, he was appointed Commissioner on board the fleet commanded by the elder
Admiral Van Tromp, in 1653,'whom he'^shortly after succeeded. He served in the Bailie iu 1656 ; in 1657 commanded the
fleet sent against the Portuguese, and, in 1658, that sent to the assistance of the King of Denmark, when he encountered and
defeated the Swedish fleet under Wrangel. He continued actively employed, and, at the commencement of the war between
Holland and England, in 1666, was appointed Lieutenant Admiral-General of the Dutch fleet. He hoisted his flag on board
the Mendraght, 84, and, on the 13th June, fought the English fleet under the Duke of York, off Leostofi'e. The battle
commenced at day-break About two o'clock in the afternoon the Eendraght unfortunately blew up, with all on board.
Admiral Obdam's body was never found ; but, in honor of his long and eminent services, hie statue, of life size, was erected
in the Great Church of St. Jamaa, at the Hague, at the public expense. Kok, X5X., 310; Martinet's Nederlanden, III.,
150. —Ed.
280 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
As for ordinary news, there is none special at present, except that the fleet under Prince
Robbert' is still waiting for a wind at Portsmouth, firmly resolved to prosecute the voyage as
soon as convenient ; some dissatisfaction having arisen among the crews on account of spoiled
provisions being served out, &c., they at present are not found altogether willing to serve,
especially in a voyage to Guinea, but, by supplying other provisions, and inflicting punishment
on some, the difliculty lias been arranged. For this reason, and on account of want of time,
notiiing fuller can be communicated. Inquiries were made about the constitution of the
shipping and what appertains thereunto, according to their High Mightinesses' letter, to
which referring,
I remain, &c.,
Sir, &c.,
Clielsea, V"" November, 16G4. M. van Gogh.
Received ]2"' November, 1G64.
P. S. — Impressment for the manning of the ships is carried so far that, contrary to the usual
custom, even the journeymen or apprentices are taken, and now, for the first place, the Guild
of shoemakers has been applied to respecting its journeymen.*
Ambassador Van Gogh to Charles II.
[ From tho M9. iu the Royal Archives at the Hague, Secrete Kas; DiviRion, Etigeland; Kas B., Loktt L., No. 124, to be found iu Kas F.,
ioAe/ C, No. 4.]
Sire.
At several audiences with wiiich the undersigned. Ordinary Ambassador of th^ir Lordships
the States-General of the United Netherland Provinces, has been honored by your Majesty, he
submitted divers grievances and complaints of damages which your subjects had caused and
made those of the United Provinces to suffer, especially by the violent seizure of their ships,
the plunder of their goods and the unjust capture of the forts and places they possessed by
just title on the coast of Africa, as the whole has been fully deduced in the Memoirs,
Declarations and ulterior Opinions and Deductions presented in writing to your Slajesty, and
supported verbally by said Ambassador. On all which complaints it has graciously pleased
your Majesty to make at first a verbal answer, and afterwards, on the application of said
Ambassador, to promise a more ample one in writing. As this has remained, up to the
present time, in arrears and as their High Mightinesses have not yet received satisfaction in
regard to tlie aforesaid matters, notwithstanding they have offered to give not only equitable
satisfaction and contentment to your Miijesty for all damages and reasonable counter-claims
of your subjects, but likewise have removed all difficulties which have been offered or alleged
against them, as appears more fully by the Memoirs, Declarations and Deductions above
mentioned, and which have from time to time been made both verbally and communicated
in writing to your Envoy Extraordinary at the Hague and also to your Majesty by their
' Sic. Rupert, tupra, p. 276.
" Another translation of this letter is to be found, post, IU., 11. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 2l8i<
Minister at this Court, the said Ordinary Ambassador finds liimself necessitated to apply
anew to your Majesty for the end aforesaid.
And also to remonstrate on the part of their High Mightinesses, his superiors, that they
have received intelligence from the coast of Africa above mentioned, confirming that not
only the aforesaid outrages and violent actions of the English were not ceasing, but even
still continued, by the capture of Fort Cape Corse, belonging to the Incorporated West India
Company of the Netherlands, before which fort your Majesty's subjects came with a number
of ships, laying siege to it by sea and attacking it by land, with the aid of the natives of the
country, whom they have debauched and gained over to assist them, for a few marcs cCor and
other merchandise after having cannonaded and attacked it as open enemies. This act,
conflicting not only with good correspondence and neighborhood, but principally also with
all equity and reason, being, in fact, an open hostility, an irresponsible violence whereby the
Treaty recently concluded between your Majesty and the State of the United Provinces is
gravely injured, they flatter themselves that your Majesty, in accordance with your accustomed
justice and equity, will not permit nor suffer it to pass in any manner whatsoever. The said
Ambassador, in the name of his masters, most respectfully requires your Majesty to be pleased
to cause to be duly redressed and repaired both the preceding violences committed by his
subjects on the people of the Netherlands, and those quite recently perpetrated by the capture
of Cape Corse aforesaid, to have exemplary chastisement inflicted on the guilty and to introduce
such order for the future as will prevent a recurrence of such and the like irregularities.
Whereupon the said Ambassador promises himself and expects, on an early day, your Majesty's
favorable and satisfactory answer, in order to place their High Mightinesses at rest on
that score.
(Signed), M. van Gogh,
Chelsea, -'^Q'""''" 1664.
o November
Sire.
After the abovenamed Ordinary Ambassador had already put in writing the preceding
Memoir to be presented to your Majesty, having with that view demanded an audience, he
has received, by the post which arrived yesterday, letters from their Lordships, the States-
General, enjoining on and ordering him most precisely to represent to your Majesty without
delay what follows, to wit :
That the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company of the United Provinces have
complained anew to their High Mightinesses of the wrongs and intolerable violences which
the English nation has again committed against them in New Netherland and elsewhere, and
especially that the ships and people sent by his Royal Highness, the Duke of York, from this
Kingdom into those parts, being assisted by the forces of New England, had, on the 27"" of
August last, taken the town of New Amsterdam, a place whereof the said West India Company
has been, under their High Mightinesses' protection, in full and peaceable possession since
fifty years, and afterwards subjugated the Province of New Netherland, and subjected it to
English jurisdiction, imposing on it at once the name of New-Yoek; whereby the said
Company has not only lost and been damaged to the amount of several millions which the
said Province cost it, and thousands of men have been impoverished and reduced to penury,
but also the supreme jurisdiction of their High Mightinesses has been gravely insulted.
Vol. I[. 36
282 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
As this action of the English must be esteemed not only 1)}' the entire world and every one
) ' particular, but also in a special manner by your Majesty, according to your discretion and
ordinary and universally recognized equity, as an enormous proceeding, opposed to all right
and reason, contrary to mutual correspondence and good neighborhood, and a notorious
infraction of the Treaty lately concluded and solemnly ratified between your Majesty and
their High Mightinesses, and must consefjuently he deemed a most flagrant, violent and an
open hostility, which cannot and must not, in any manner whatsoever, be suffered or tolerated.
The said Ambassador therefore comes, in his Masters' name, to request your Majesty most
urgently and in serious terms that, in consideration of what is above alleged, you may be
pleased, in your accustomed justice and equity, to order that prompt and just restitution and
reparation be made to their High Mightinesses and their subjects in the premises aforesaid,
and to make your intention known at the earliest moment, by a clear and categorical answer
in writing, which the said Ambassador will await with all devotion, in order to afford satisfaction
to their High Mightinesses, his Masters.
(Signed), M. van Gogh.
Chelsea, this --"''' O'''"^--- 1664.
Stak-s-Genentl to the Provinee-9.
[ From Ibe KegUter of Vitffeffaiie Brieven of the Slates-General, ia the Royal Arcblre* at the Hague. ]
Noble Mighty Lords.
Folio 847. Your Noble Mightinesses have doubtless observed from the last letters of M. Van
Goch; Ordinary Ambassador from this State in England, written at Chelsea on the 7"" instant,
that the King of Great Britain had in the late audience granted to that Ambassador, declared
Capture of cipe in round and positive terms that the capture of Cape Corse on the coast of
Corse and New • , r .»
Neiheriand. Guinea, and of New Amsterdam in New Netherland was done with his knowledge
and by his order. The affair then being now entirely clear and all doubt being removed,
whereby men have been hitherto desirous to persuade this State that the acts of hostility
committed in those countries on the part of the subjects of the said King, already in the year
1661, by the incorporation of the Island of Boa Vista and of Fort St. Andrew, situate on the
River Gambia, and executed in the current year, more empliatically and forcibly in the seizure
of tov?ns, forts, ships and goods of this State and its good inhabitants, had been done
without the knowledge and command of the aforesaid King, promising that proper redress
would be given according to the circumstances and character of affairs, pursuant to and in
conformity with the negotiated Treaty. Things being so, your Noble Mightinesses in your
wisdom will be in a position easily to agree with us how necessary it will be, in the present
conjuncture of times and things, that considerable naval equipments be made, and a respectable
number of first class ships of war be constructed. To which end we have resolved hereby
most seriously to request you, Noble Mighty, and all the other Provinces, if the salvation of
our beloved Fatherland is dear to you, now to take properly to heart all that appertains to the
promotion of the aforesaid equipments and the construction of new ships of war, with whatever
is incidental thereto and consequently heartily to grant not only all the requisitions issued
HOLLAND DOCLTVIENTS: X. 283
concerning them, but also to speedily furnish the prompt means in money demanded for the
carrying out thereof. Wherewith ending, &c. At the Hague, the 13"" November, 1664.
<■■»■■»
Ambassador Van GogTi to Secretary Riiysch.
\ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague ; Secrete Kas of the States-General ; Division Etigeland ; Kas B., Lo/cet L., No. 124, in
Kas F., Loket C, No. i.]
Sir.
My last unto you was of the lO"" instant, accompanied with a triplicate of the letters
previously sent hence the 7"" ditto by the ordinary post as well as by express. I have since
received the duplicates of their High Mightinesses' letters and resolutions of the 24"" of
October, adopted on the first Remonstrance of the Directors of the Dutch West India
Company, complaining of the actions of the English by the taking in, and making themselves
masters of. New Netherland, which were sent me only for my information. There was also
another duplicate of the letters and resolution with some other papers of the 31" of October
aforesaid upon said complaints, with an order as therein mentioned, which have already been
acknowledged, also another duplicate of the letter and resolution of the 31" ditto, with an
authentic copy in Dutch of the Justification agreed upon, whereunto is annexed a copy in
French to be delivered to his Majesty here.
In pursuance of the said last resolution (as his Majesty had already been spoken to of this
affair, as I wrote in my said letter of the V"" instant), having desired audience with his
Majesty (which was appointed yesterday in the evening about 4 o'clock), I did again by
way of introduction make a repetition of the former arguments I used at my last audience
with his Majesty, which were chiefly concerning the taking of Cape Corse and New
Netherland, and to desire the redress demanded for the same. I repeated at the same time,
as mentioned at length, the amicable and reasonable offers, made on the part of their High
Mightinesses, towards the reparation and satisfaction of the damages pretended by the English,
forasmuch as may be found to be just and reasonable; in which they have endeavored to
come up to his Majesty in all respects, so far as in reason can be expected of them, for the
preservation of good friendship and correspondence and, besides, the due observance of
the Treaty last made, which their High Mightinesses intend ever to adhere to, as they have
made it appear, in deed and in fact; and as their High Mightinesses were informed that his
Majesty seemed to have taken some discontent concerning some words set down in the
instructions given to the Commander-in-Chief of the ships designed for Guinea, and to
maintain that they have been contrary to the said Treaty, notwithstanding all this has been
fully answered by me, in confidence that the same would afford satisfaction, yet, nevertheless,
his Majesty, beyond all expectation, did seem to adhere to his former opinion ; that therefore
their High Mightinesses had thought fit to make a concept of a Justification to be delivered
to his Majesty, not doubting but that his Majesty would have given place to, and taken
satisfaction from, said reasons according to his usual discretion. And after I had verbally
stated the contents of the said Justification and had added what else was needful, (at the same
time delivering over the same which was then also accepted by his Majesty), he said ia
284 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
substance: "I know very well what satisfaction could hitherto be obtained there and what
hath been offered for that puurpose, but the effects thereof could never yet be seen; they
declare they will stand by the Treaty, and yet they act right contrary, giving orders which
are repugnant to the same, as I have remarked before, and aa shall be more clearly
demonstrated by my answer which I have ordered to be drawn up in writing, and will
in a few days be delivered to you. In the mean time 'tis observed that still more and
more shipping are fitting out for sea, as soon as the wind shall serve. But be it known that
if they do, my fleet shall not stay at home nor behind them" (speaking of the ships bound
for Guinea). All which being by me answered with such arguments as were fitting, and did
offer themselves at other times and at this interview, his Majesty did somewhat eagerly,
and interrupting me, say: "I cannot put any other interpretation on the orders aforesaid
than what I have formerly said;" and falling upon the discourse of the Dutch fleet added:
" I could have also brought a greater number of ships to sea (naming 40 sail) if I would have
followed the desires of my people, but 1 have been willing to show myself inclinable to
peace in all respects." To which having again replied in due form and earnestly laid before
his Majesty the bad effects of the sinister renconters and consequences to be feared, which
ought with all care and circumspection to be prevented in order to avoid all further breaches
between both nations, his Majesty again observed, as before, that he was not the occasion
thereof, not having first begun this work. And forasmuch as I perceived that all former
reasons of discontent were repeated, ex ahrvpto as it were, and that all the counter
arguments alleged by me seemed to have no effect, I did once more assure his Majesty of their
High Mightinesses' special and entire inclination for the continuance of the mutual good
correspondence, which since the reducement and establishment of this State hath ever, and
without any interruption, between both nations been maintained, and whereof also the good
fruits on both sides have, through God's mercy, been hitherto abundantly enjoyed (which
matter I did extend to the highest praise of the English Nation) and that therefore and for
many other reasons, all possible means ought to be used, whereby the differences between
both nations might be removed and all further breaches prevented. Thereunto his Majesty
was then ofiicially requested to contribute all on his part, as their High Mightinesses also are
fully disposed to declare their good inclinations towards the same. His Majesty (seeming to
give a turn to the conversation) said, that he knew not what more to say hereunto than what
he had said before, and that he had caused his answer to be drawn up in writing which
should be sent me in a few days, and that in case their High Mightinesses had anything to
propound to him, he would be always ready to hear them. Whereupon I, perceiving that
his Majesty seemed willing to leave off all further discourse, did, after due compliment and
earnest recommendation that his Majesty would please to apprehend all things rightly, take
my leave of his Majesty.
There were many other discourses repeated there, which still tended to the same effect as I
have wrote formerly, therefore I shall omit to set them down here, but his Majesty still
seemed to remain dissatisfied insomuch that I could not perceive any satisfaction on his
part in all what was said, but in general referred to the answer which is to be given me in
writing, Herewith, &c.
M. VAN Gogh.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 285
P. S. Owing to want of time, I cannot entertain their High Mightinesses with the current
news ; I shall do so next Monday.
Chelsea, the 1*4 November, 1664.
P. S. Just now I understand that a general embargo is to be laid on the ships in the harbors
hereabout, in order the more easily to obtain hands, and to man the ships that are to be got
ready and furthermore for general encouragement. The East India ships and those bound to
the Straits with fish only are to be exempted. Further particulars can be learned from
Pensionary De Witt, to whom, in consequence of shortness of time, I refer.
Ambassador Downing to the States -General.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague ; File, Engetand. ]
The underwritten Envoy Extraordinary of His Most Sacred Majesty of Create Brittaine etc:
Is commanded to make knowne to their Lordships the Estates Generall of the United Provinces,
that the King his Master is very sorry, that all his urgent and incessant instances, friendly
endeavours and unwearied patience for so many yeares together, have beene of so little force
and efRcacy with them as yet to this day. Since his returne to his Kingdomes, satisfaction
hath not bin made to any one of his subjects in any one of those cases of piracy and violence,
committed upon them by the people of this country. Concerning which complaint hath
from time to time in his name, and by his order, bin made by him, his Envoy Extraordinary
unto them.
Particularly it is sufficiently knowne how and in what manner he hath from first to last bin
dealt with in relation to the businesse of the ships Bona Esparanza and Bonadventure.
And as to the ships Charles James Marie, etc., though satisfaction hath bin promised once and
againe ; yet to this day nothing done therein. Whereby the time limited by the treatie for
expecting satisfaction from them in an amicable way thereupon is expired.
And as to the list of dammages : notwithstanding all his earnest indeavours for the hastning of
the dispatch thereof, whereby those matters, that had caused and did continue so much rancour
betweene the nations, might have bin timely and friendly determined. Yet so it is that it was
about twice twelve months, ere he the said Envoy extraordinary could obtaine so much as a
sight of their list, but still putt ofi'from time to time with delays; and then it was found to be
filled with such falsities and impertinencies and maters, that by the letter and text of the 15
article, were not to have bin inserted therein, as if the intention had not in any kinde bin to
proceed too friendly adjustment of matters, but onely thereby to have an occasion of decrying
and stifling the just, modest and grounded list of the pretences, given in by him, by order of the
King his master, in the behalfe of his subjects. And since the exchange of the said lists, he
hath not bin able to obtaine more than two conferences, in order to the examining thereof, and
those to no purpose, nothing having bin therein declared by them in order to the retrenching
and reforming of the same, where by so much as a way may be opened, upon which to begin
to trye, what may be done in order to the ending of those disputes.
286 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
And whereas for the prevention of all such disorders for the future, the King his master was
pleased not onely to declare himselfe willing to enter into a treaty with them. But a concept
of a reglement to that end, was in his name and by his order upon the 25 day of August last,
old style, tendered unto them by him, his Envoy extraordinary ; and that he hath since from
time to time pressed them to the expediting of so good and desirable a worke, that yet to
this day he has received no answer thereupon, nor any the least progresse made therein.
That their Lordships have contrary to their treatie with his Majesty to all good neighborhood,
and without the least shadow of ground, stopped and detained for so long a time a certaine
Swedish ship laden at Gortenburgh with merchandizes for London, driven into this country
by stresse of weather, notwithstanding the reiterated and joint demands, made by him and
the Minister of Sweden, residing here, for the discharge thereof. And notwithstanding that the
King his ALister, upon the desire of their Ambassador hath the last weeke given liberty to all
shipping of this country, freely to go out of his harbours, even when he had imposed and
continued a generall imbargo upon the shipping of his owne subjects.
Al which he hath order to lay before them, withall letting them know, that the King his
master cannot longer suffer himselfe to be thus dealt withall.
Given at the Hague this 25 Novembre 1GG4, old style.
(Signed), G. Downing.
Resohition of the States-General.
t From the ReKieter of the States-General's Resolutions, in the Royal Arehives at the Hague. ]
Friday, 6"" December, 16G4.
Folio 906. Read at the meeting a certain Memoir of Mr. Downing, Ambassador
Downingh. . " °
compi.innofpira- Extraord iuary from the Kingof Great Britain, containingdivers remonstrances that
no satisfaction had, up to this time, been given to any of tlie complaints of piracies
and violences committed against his Majesty's subjects by the inhabitants of this country.
Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that a copy of the aforesaid Memoir shall
be sent to Ambassador Van Gogh for his information, and be, moreover, placed in the hands
of Mess" Huygens and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of England,
to inspect, examine and report thereon.
Resolution of the States -General.
[From the Register of the West India Company's Affairs, 1664—1670, In the Royal Archlres at th« Hague. ]
Thursday, ll"- December, 1664.
Foiiors. Deliberation being resumed on the Memorial of Mr. Downing:, Ambassador
Downing. ° °'
complaints. Extraordinary from the Kingof Great Britain to their High Mightinesses, delivered
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 287
on the 5"" of this current month, copy whereof, as we are informed, has been handed by the
said Extraordinary Envoy to the Foreign Ministers residing at this court; it is, after previous
deliberation, resolved and concluded that copy of the aforesaid Memorial shall be sent to M.
Van Beuningen, Minister Extraordinary from this State to the King and Court of France, with
command and order palpably to demonstrate to the aforesaid King and his Majesty's Ministers,
from the retroacta furnished him here before his departure and also from his own knowledge,
the unfounded or mistaken representation of the matters and circumstances therein mentioned,
and to show said King, on the contrary, that the King of Great Britain and his Majesty's subjects
have begun to treat this State and its good inhabitants with inimical attacks and open hostility,
first, by capturing towns, lands, forts and ships in distant countries, and afterwards in
Europe, by seizing, taking and making prize all the homeward bnund ships of this country,
without England being able to allege, or it having ever been asserted that, since the conclusion
of the last made Treaty, which quashed or settled all previous differences and actions, any of
her ships have been hostilely attacked, taken or destroyed by the inhabitants of this country,
much less any lands, islands, forts or towns been occupied or mastered. And, although
their High Mightinesses, by reason of the aforesaid inimical aggressions on the part of England,
have for a long time been, by the law of nations, justified, for the just and necessary defence of
the inhabitants and subjects of the United Netherland Provinces and the reparation of the
losses and offences suffered, in inflicting, by way of reprisal, all possible injury on the English,
especially since the King of Great Britain hath been pleased publicly to declare and to announce
to their High Mightinesses and their Minister in England, that his Majesty himself hath given
orders for the incorporation of New Netherland and the seizure of Cape Corse (as he hath now
been pleased to make a similar declaration in regard to the seizure, capture and making prize
of the aforesaid ships in Europe), being acts of hostility undertaken against towns, lands and
places to which the said King not only had no right in the world, but no claim had ever been
presented to this State for them, nor, as is believed, was ever any imagined in regard to New
Netherland by the said King; besides, such imagined action and claim being older than the
year 1G54, was extinguished by the lately made Treaty; their High Mightinesses, having
entertained the hope of a peaceable issue, especially promising themselves such a result from
the good offices which the said King of France hath been pleased to initiate in this regard,
have abstained from all offensive actions against the King of Great Britain and his subjects,
because the justice of their High Mightinesses' case must appear everywhere so much the
clearer. And this, their High Mightinesses' resolution, shall be sent to Ambassador Van Gogh,
Residents Heins and Le Maire ; also be handed by Agent de Heyde to Count d'Estrades,
Ambassador Extraordinary of France ; likewise to Mess" the Residents of Sweden and Denmark
for their respective information. The despatch resulting herefrom shall be sent off without
reconsideration.
288 NEW-YOEK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
States-General to their Foreign Ministers.
[ From the Regiett-r of Uitgpgane Brieven of the Slalee-Geuerft!, in the Royal Archives at ihe ITftgue. ]
To M. Van Beuningen, Ambassador Extraordinary from this State.
To Ambassador Van Gogh.
To Residents Heins and Le Maire.
The States, &c.
Folio 328.
Honorable, &c. We send you herewith the annexed Memorial presented to
Memorial of Mr. •' '
Downing. us OH the 5"" instant by M. Downing, Ambassador Extraordinary from the King of
Great Britain, together with the accompanying extract of our resolutions adopted on said
Memorial, and that to the end therein mentioned. Wherewith ending, &c.
In the Hague, the 11"" December, 1664.
Secret Resolution of the States-General.
[ From the Register of Secret Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Friday, 12"' December, 1664.
Folio 104. After previous deliberation, it is resolved and concluded that the respective
pfo^wo'Js for Ad- Boards of Admiralty superintending the ships of the fleet under Vice-Admiral de
mirai de liuyter. Ruyter be hereby and, at all events, authorized and instructed to send secretly
some more provisions to the aforesaid fleet, either by chartering neutral ships here or from some
ports of France or elsewhere, iu such manner as they themselves shall think best and safest.
States-General to Vice-Admiral de Ruytcr.
To Vice-Admiral Michiel Adriaense de Ruyter, Admiral and Commander-in-Chief
of a fleet of Dutch ships of war on the coast of Africa and Guinea, or in his
absence, to whomsoever may have succeeded to the chief command.
The States, &c.
Honorable, Valiant, Honest, Beloved, Faithful.
Lieutenant Admiral Our last to you was dated the 22°"' of last month ; we believe it will reach you
do Ruyler. ....
Rupture with Eng- with tliis, as siucc that time an opportunity has not presented itself to dispatch
beyond Europe. Captains Clerck and Verschuur with the ships placed under their convoy ; likewise
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 289
the West India Company's galiot, which, on the day aforesaid, should have carried you a despatch
and inclosures thereunto appertaining. But now, appearances seeming more favorable, and
the necessary orders being issued, we have resolved to advise you, by this opportunity, that,
in place of a hoped-for change for the best, on the side of the English since the departure and
laying up of a portion of the fleet, according to the notification already sent you, they, in
addition to the hostile aggressions and proceedings committed and undertaken against the
forts and good inhabitants of this State beyond Europe, and especially on the coasts of Africa,
Guinea and New Netheriand, have broken out in similar proceedings in Europe, not only by
seizing the ships of this country within the ports of England, but also by attacking them at
open sea, making prizes of and detaining them.
In order to repel and resist this, we intend to employ all possible and lawful means, wherefore
we have hereby resolved to instruct and order, as we do hereby order you, that, pursuant to
our previous instructions, with mutual communication and correspondence of Director-General
Valckenburch, having made use of every exertion towards the reduction of Fort Cape Corse
under the obedience of this State together with the other forts or places of ours occupied by the
English, and these being victualed as much as possible, according to the strength of the force
you have with you, and consistently with the keeping it in fitting order to return home, you
do, after such communication and correspondence, endeavor to overpower and capture Fort
cormantyn. Comiantyn in the occupation of the English on said coast, should circumstances
be deemed favorable, and not occupy too much time. And this being effected or postponed,
according as deliberation there shall determine, you will proceed on your voyage home, and
inflict, by way of reprisal, as much damage and injury as possible on said nation, either at
Barbados, New Netheriand, Newfoundland or other islands and places under their obedience,
and on their forts, ships or other effects which they shall find out of Europe, so long and so far
as tlie condition of the fleet under your command and the provisions in or with it will permit,
and the greatest zeal shall be applied to the work. After all which, instead of sailing to Cadiz,
agreeably to previous orders, you will pursue the shortest course homeward and come here
north about England, using in all such prudence and courage as you, according to seamanship
and soldiership, are possessed of. Relying whereupon, &c.
Done the 12"= December, 1664.
Secret Mesohdion of the States -General.
[ From tlie Register of Secret Resolutions of the States-General, in tlie Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Thursday, the IS"- December, 1664.
Folio 109. A certain draft of a letter to be sent to the King of France being read to the
France. Asscmbly on the subject of the hostile aggressions perpetrated by England
r«.|.ectinK the hos- asainst and towards this State, and the good inhabitants thereof not onlv beyond
tile aggressions of ~ ' o J J
the English. Ij^j jjigQ within Europe; after deliberation, the aforesaid draft is held as
approved, and it shall accordingly be neatly transcribed and sent to M. Van Beuningen,
Ambassador Extraordinary from this State, with and besides an open copy thereof, requesting
Vol. II. 37
290 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
and requiring hira to deliver the aforesaid letter to the King, and to second their High
Mighliuesses' good meaning and intention contained therein, by his particular duties and
offices. The despatch hereupon shall be transmitted without reconsideration.
*'■♦■'»
TIlc States-General to the King of France.
[From the Register of I'itgegane £rieveii ot IhQ StateB-General, in the Royal ArchiveB at the Hague.] ""
Sire.
Folio 364. When M. Van Beuningen, Councillor of the city of Amsterdam and Deputy in
our Assembly from the Province of Holland and Westfriesland, departed hence, fifteen days
ago, he carried an order to represent to your Majesty the excesses the English have committed
against this State and its inhabitants on the coast of Guinea and in America, as well as the
cause we had to apprehend that they would not stop there, but would carry affairs to greater
extremities. He had orders also to pray your Majesty to be pleased to continue the kind
offices you had been so good as to exercise in order to prevent the same. But affairs being
so changed since M. Van Beuningen left here, inasmuch as what we then apprehended has now
in fact occurred, we found ourselves obliged, likewise, to change operations. Your Majesty
will, without doubt, have already learned that a considerable number of ships have been taken
at sea by the English, or embargoed in the ports of England, although since the last Treaty,
which extinguishes or settles all the preceding pretensions, the inhabitants of these countries
have not taken, nor even attacked a single English ship. The King of England himself has
not hesitated to tell the Ambassador of this State that such was done by his express orders, so
that it can no longer be said that he intends to attack us, but that he has already actually
hostilely attacked us, and therefore we can demand the aid we are promised by the Treaty
which this State has the honor to have with your Majesty against those who disturb commerce
and have recourse to open hostilities. We have believed, up to this time, that the kind oflRces
it has pleased your Majesty to employ, would be efficacious enough to prevent these disorders;
but seeing, to our great regret, that they have been useless and that there is no longer any
question of preventing the evil but of remedying it, it will please your Majesty to consent that
M. Van Beuningen concert with you, or under your authority with your Ministers, the means
to be judged the most proper to repair the past, prevent similar disorders in future, and
strengthen peace, quiet and liberty of trade throughout Christendom and everywhere else.
We have done everytiiing in our power and now hope for the remainder from the aid which we
promise ourselves from your Majesty's alliance. M. Van Beuningen will have the honor to
enlarge on this subject, wherefore we refer to what he will state verbally. We pray God,
Sire, &c.
At the Hague, the IS"" December, 1664.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 291
States-General to Ambassador Van Beuningen.
[ From the Regieter of Uitgegane Brieven of the States-General, in the Royal ArchiveB at the Hagtle. 1
The States, &c.
»'oiio 333. Honorable. We have resolved to send you herewith the annexed sealed letter
to the King of France, with an open copy thereof, requesting and requiring you to deliver said
sealed letter to the King and verbally to second our good meaning and intention contained
therein, by your duty and zeal. Relying thereupon, we commend you, &c.
At the Hague, the IS'" December, 1664.
< n » »■ »
Atnia-ssador Van Gogh to Secretary Ruysch.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague ; Secrete Kas of the States-General ; DivlBion, Engeland ; Kas B., Lokel L., No. 124,
to he found in Kas F., Loket C, No. 4.]
Sir.
After the dispatch of my letters on Sunday last being the iV instant, by express to Harwich
to be there delivered for greater security to the Captain of the pilot boat, which, however,
did not succeed, because the post-master here had expressly forbidden any letters to be
forwarded in that way to Netherland ; the said letters had, therefore, to be brought back in
order to seek another channel for them. The packet last sent from Fatherland reached me
in safety; it contains only some extracts of their High Mightinesses' resolutions sent for my
information, as informed per order.
On Monday following I paid a visit to some officials of this Kingdom (among the rest to
the Lord Chancellor, notwithstanding his indisposition), and then endeavored to ascertain the
state of the letters of marque or reprisal, which it was reported would be granted and had
already been sealed but not yet issued, as lately written, in order to make use thereof in tiie
audience with his Majesty, and to employ the demanded officium. I have been informed,
indeed, that said reprisals have been and still are agitated, but said Lords understand that
they would not be issued until open war is declared, which now, 'tis said, is very probable;
expostulating very strongly against the Netherland Nation ; that heretofore the opportunity
had been offered ; that now they thought the danger could not be averted nor anything done
to prevent it; all this unfortunate state of things to be regretted with demonstration of their
hearty sorrow; at other times, the refusal or postponement of justice to complaints made by
this Nation to Fatherland, and furthermore the great and heavy equipments begun first there
by way of bravado, are the strongest reasons in support of this impending war. At each time
repeating the heavy losses inflicted on the English everywhere, and especially in the East and
West Indies on many occasions and at divers times, for which no reparation or satisfaction
could ever be obtained, I have met all these, as at other times, by fundamental arguments,
yea, even ad navseam, but have utterly failed to satisfy these Lords, although they are, as they
assert, by no means in favor of war, being so far compromised and committed that they now
declare they cannot think or see any means of arrangement possible, especially as they have
292 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
incurred this heavy expense of the equipments made iiere, whereunto they have been forced,
as they say, by the Netherianders, from whom in like manner the re(juired indemnity must
proceed, and with whom furthermore a firm commercial regulation must then be formed ; it
will be dillicult to come to an agreement on that subject particularly on the East and West
India trade, which is supposed not to be pushed in those countries so far as it ought to be;
so that those Lords regard the aforesaid work for the continuance of peace as desperate as it
indeed seems. In addition, they tliink the honor of the nation to be now engaged, to the
maintenance of which the entire people (say they) are found to be inclined to hazard their
lives and property, whose courage and zeal they declare must now be emploj'ed to bring the
Netherlanders to reason. Every eflbrt has been made to afford satisfaction in what is before
related, but it seems that nothing can be gained on that score, at least now.
In order to remove, as much as possible, all disturbance and estrangement of minds, and
everywhere to acquit myself of my duty in the premises, I applied for an audience with his
Majesty and his Royal Highness on his return, which was appointed me for 4 o'clock in the
afternoon of the -(% instant, and being observed by me, what follows occurred at it, viz': After
I had presented the usual compliments to his Majesty, having taken occasion of the speech or
address made by the Earl of Manchester' to the Lord Mayor, aldermen and other gentlemen
of London assembled at the Guildhall, in presence of a great meeting of the people, it being
remarked by me that the Netherland nation was in that public speech designated by hia
Majesty as " insulting and injurious neighbors," which unwonted epithets and names, unjustly
applied to the Netherland nation, would be considered indeed strange by their High
Mightinesses, my Lords and \Lasters, who have always been on other occasions here, called
good and faithful friends, allies and confederates, as they are still in alliance and close
confederacy with his Majesty, and therefore have never merited such epithets as aforesaid,
and the rather when their High Mightinesses come to consider that this was done by a public
Lord by special commission from the Parliament, at a public meeting, in the presence
of and before the common people ; iiis Royal Majest)^ thereupon interrupting me without
allowing me to conclude, said: ([ shall not repeat the ceremonial words of courtesy) no
attention should be paid to such words, nor should offence be in any wise taken at them ; a
great deal has been said on the one side and on the other, both in Netherland and here,
among the people of the government and the Lords Regents, which it is necessary to let
pass. I myself even have not been spared ; therefore no such close attention ought to be paid
to it. Hereunto I replied, that at least this was not expected from the supreme government
itself, nor that it should be given out in its name, even by public men deputed by it, as was
the case in this instance. And having, on this occasion, dwelt further on the ancient and
' El>^vARD MoSTAci E, eeconj Earl of Manchester, was born in 1602, and educated at Cambridge. On bis return to court he
attended the Prince of Wales, afterwards Charles I., to Spain, and was made one of the Knights of the Baih on his Majesty's
coronation. He represented Huntingdonshire in Parliament, untd he was called to the House of Lords, in 1*')26, as Baron
of Kimbolton. In 1641 he fell under the suspicion of the King, who ordered him to be impeached, which alienated Lord
Kimbolton from his Majesty, and caused him to adhere to the Parliament, in whose service he reduced Lincoln and York,
and contributed to the defeat of the Roj'al army at Marston Moor in 1644, having succeeded to his futher's title in 1642. Ho
fell under the suspicion of Cromwell soon after, and, in consequence, retired to private life, where he remained until the
Restoration, to which he was particularly instrumental. In 1660 he was appointed First Lord Commissioner of the Great
Seal, and also Lord Chamberlain, and, in 1661, was honored with the Garter. In 1664 he was employed to prevail on the
city of London to lend his Majeslj' £100,000. which was advanced with great readiness, on his Lordship's speech at GuiUlh:iII,
December Ist. After a life ei>ent in the public service, he died at Whitehall, 5ih May, 1671, in the sixty-ninth year of his
age. His Lordship had been married five times. CMint' Peerage. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 293
trusty friendship which has existed for so many ages between both nations, and been so strictly
maintained, and with such happy results, that it grieved me to see and behold the time to be
so unpropitious, that not only were words of estrangement heard on both sides, but even acts
seemed to be threatened, to the regret of all honest men, who, in great numbers, pray the Good
God to provide against such contingency.
Hereupon his Royal Majesty rejoined as if hastily, yet, with a friendly countenance, that he
was always apprehensive in regard to this inconvenience (meaning the estrangement of the
nations), as he frequently (so he declared) had expressed himself to me ; that, by delaying and
posiponiiig the settlement of the differences in question, this matter must turn out, as it h. d
now done, and that he could, with difficulty, avert the misfortune, adding, as if laughingly : Are
the Netherlauders now going to sea with. their ships when mine are ready, although I have got
ready as yet only very few (merely 45, he said, in number), or will they run with their fleet,
round north about, this season? To which I said, stepping aside, that (with respect) I could
neither understand nor perceive what lawful subject there was for this misunderstanding
between both nations, nor to what end it can serve, especially among old, trusty friends and
allies, such as your Majesty hath been pleased always to deem the State of the United Netherlands,
and that, therefore, the road of reason and common sense ought still be adhered to, for mutual
satisfaction's sake. His Royal Majesty declared hereupon that he had never allowed any
other satisfaction to be demanded for his subjects than what was reasonable, but that now a
somewhat different demand for accommodation should be demanded on his side, since his
subjects were brought to such heavy expense for equipments, as is now to be seen ; to afford
satisfaction for this and to make, moreover, proper regulation for carrying on trade, would be
the proper way to arrive at a good understanding. To this I again observed, that arresting,
capturing ships, which had been begun by the English, could not be considered legal proceedings,
wherefore his Majesty was besought by me to be pleased, in his usual discretion for the end
aforesaid, to order a stop to be put to this and to release the captured ships, so as to be able to
proceed to the proposed accommodation with the hope of fruit. Whereupon his Royal Majesty,
shrugging up his shoulders, said : For the present he could not do anything, for the reasons
already communicated to me. I further replied and said, speaking of the sending of Vice-
Admiral de Ruyter to Guinea, that such proceedings being a mere guess, I could not be informed,
and therefore would not dwell any further on them for the end aforesaid. His Majesty again
shrugged up his shoulders and said : An end must at once be put to the work. I pointed out their
High Mightinesses' readiness thereunto, but was again answered that the effects thereof must be
seen. Much more was said on this head, as this audience lasted over an hour and a half, and,
having remarked that little or nothing was gained thereby, I besought his Majesty to be pleased
again to consider the whole of this subject and its consequences in all seriousness, and to reflect
before he would allow this dangerous work to proceed. After leave taking, &c., 1 departed
from his Majesty, and was conducted by the Master of Ceremonies to the residence of his Royal
Highness, the Duke of York, where I submitted substantially the like arguments, and his
Royal Highness mutatis mutandis was spoken to, especially respecting his undertaken naval
expedition and what depended thereon; who, speaking somewhat animated, said to me, among
other things, that this expedition would show what zeal was exhibited by people here of high
and low estate in the venturing of life and property, and what he had (as he declared) already
told me turned out true, namely, that he himself had undertaken to go to the defence and
maintenance of the honor of the nation and the people's rights, adding that he did not intend
294 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
to remain here, but would, with the above view, put to sea again in the spring and try his
fortune. I submitted and placed before his Royal Highness, with prolix reasons, the great
danger of such a course, both in regard to the thing itself, which was fully submitted and its
entire foundation disclosed, as well as other dangers' which have their reflection on the Blood
Royal, &c., too many to be narrated here. But his Royal Highness declared that, as he had not
formerly hesitated to do military duty in another State, much less would he hesitate to serve
his Majesty in the Kingdom. I endeavored to bring away the object of this undertaking and
the end to which it may be directed, but all in vain, declaring that for once an end must be
seen of the matter, and the nation procure its rights in regard to the carrying on of trade ;
evincing, otherwise, every courleousness in regard to my person and arguments, the same as
his Majesty had already exhibited at the audience, having in like manner had the patience of
listening, and exchanging arguments for the space of more than half an hour. And, since I
remarked that nothing further could be effected here for the designed intent, I finally took my
leave, with the required politeness, after I had repeated the recommendation to reflect further
on the matter. Their High Mightinesses, in their wonted wisdom, will be able clearly to
understand, from what precedes, how things stand here. Wherewith, then, I shall break off,
not deeming it necessary to enter more fully on, or to repeat herein, the particulars.
Captain John Boshuysen, commanding the Delft, man-of-war of Rotterdam, having notified
me, per letter transmitted by his Lieutenant, that, having brought the Russian Ambassador from
Netherland hither, and landed him, he the Captain aforesaid, was forbidden by the English
Commander, or Commissary there on duty at Gravesend, to depart until further order. I
immediately, on receiving this intelligence, repaired to Westminster and addressed myself to
Secretary Morice,* requesting that the Council may give orders for the release and freedom of
said ship, for reasons fully set forth. Whereupon said Secretary, having explained matters to
me, to the effect that the ship was not seized, but the Captain was forbidden to allow any of his
men to land, on account of the Quarantine ordered for the inhabitants of the United Netherlands,
wherefore, on my request, he allowed a passport to be dispatched for his return home, which
I have handed him, in order to his proceeding "on his voyage, and also gave him the present
letters and those which were returned from Harwich.
Considering the present melancholy situation of public affairs, both in regard to what
precedes and to other matters, I have concluded that it would not be disadvantageous to the
public service were Secretary Cunaeus to return home, to give their High Mightinesses further
information on the present state of things here and to receive from their High Mightinesses
additional explanation and correct opinions, and to bring hither, in safety, the orders as there
understood which are to be followed here for the public service, in case it were possible that
their High Mightinesses' Ambassador in this conjuncture of time, might not be tolerated any
longer here, having greatly wished that their good pleasure might be to allow me to return
home to communicate full information and explanation on every point ; but since such could
not be permitted I shall willingly submit, in all obedience, hoping that the aforesaid Secretary
will supply the defect.
Herewith is sent the Narrative his Majesty hath communicated to Parliament after his first
speech, which, as its publication is, for special reasons, not allowed, is difficult to be procured;
'Matters. Aitsema.
' For a notice of this gentleman, see Clarendon'i Hittory of the Rebellion. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 295
yet being now come to hand, I could not omit transmitting it herewith, and respectfully to
communicate it to their High Mightinesses.
And as time did not permit to have it copied, much less to have it translated here, you are,
therefore, respectfully requested, after their High Mightinesses will have made use of it, to
allow me to have it again, or a transcript of it, for my own use, as it contains divers
observations worthy of special consideration, which already, in like manner, were discussed
at the above mentioned audience ; indeed, as far as my person and actions therein represented
are concerned, if said Narrative could have any influence formerly, it will, nevertheless, be of
use hereafter, and, as I hope, at an early day.
In like manner is sent herewith copy of the Grant made by his Majesty to the Duke of
York of the countries of New Netherland, to serve, also, as aforesaid.
Likewise are transmitted to their High Mightinesses herewith, the orders recently issued
by this King in regard to the ships captured or embargoed, either now or hereafter, with the
people on board and the freighted goods belonging to the inhabitants of the United Netherlands,
as mentioned respectively therein, whereby their High Mightinesses will be able to see how
all things here have combined to render desperate the continuance of peace between the
Netherlands and this nation.
Herewith ending, I remain,
Sir,
Your humble servant,
Chelsea, the tV December, 1664. ' (Signed), M. Van Gogh.
P. S. After writing, concluding and signing this, I receive their High Mightinesses' despatch
dated 11"' December, with the accompanying Memorial presented by Mr. Downingh,
Ambassador Extraordinary to their High Mightinesses, and their resolution thereupon, together
with a duplicate of the 5"" ditto, all which were brought thence hither by my expresses and
for my further information. I shall dutifully use the same.
Grant of New Netlierland^ (&c., to tlie Duke of Yorh.
[New-York Book of Patents, I., 109, in Office of Secretary of State, Albany.]
Charles the Second by the Grace of God King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland
Defender of the Faith &c. To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting. Know ye
that we for divers good Causes and Considerations us thereunto moving Have of our especial
Grace, Certain knowledge and mere motion Given and Granted and by these presents for us
Our heirs and Successors Do Give and Grant unto our Dearest Brother James Duke of York
his Heirs and Assigns All that part of the maine Land of New England beginning at a certain
place called or known by the name of St Croix next adjoining to New Scotland in America
and from thence extending along the Sea Coast unto a certain place called Petuaquine or
Pemaquid and so up the River thereof to the furthest head of the same as it tendeth Northwards
and extending from thence to the River Kinebequi and so Upwards by the Shortest course to
the River Canada Northward And also all that Island or Islands commonly called by the
296 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
several name or names of Matowaeks or Long Island situate lying and being towards the West
of Cape Cod and the Narrow Iligansetts abutting upon the main land between the two Rivers
there called or known by the several names of Connecticut and Hudsons River together also
with the said River called Hudsons River and all the Land from the West side of Connecticut
to the East side of Delaware Bay and also all those several islands called or known by the
Names of Martin's Vinyard and Nantukes otherwise Nantuckett Together with all the Lands,
Islands, Soils, Rivers, Harbors, Mines, Minerals, Quarries, Woods, Marshes, Waters, Lakes,
Fishings, Hawking, Hunting and Fowling and all other Royalties, Profits, Commodities and
Hereditaments to the said several Islands, Lands and Premises belonging and appertaining
with their and every of their appurtenances And all our Estate, Right, Title, Interest, Benefit,
Advantage, Claim and Demand of in or to the said Lands and Premises or an part or parcel
thereof And the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders together with the
yearly and other the Rents, Revenues and Profits of all and singular the said Premises and of
every part and parcel thereof To have and to hold all and singular the said Lands, Islands,
Hereditaments and premises with their and every of their appurtenances hereby given and
granted or hereinbefore mentioned to be given and granted unto our Dearest Brother James
Duke of York his Heirs and Assigns forever To the only proper use and behoof of the said
James Duke of York his Heirs and Assigns forever To be holden of Us our Heirs and
Successors as of our Manor of East Greenwich and our County of Kent in free and common
soccage and not in Capite nor by Knight service Yielding and rendering. And the said James
Duke of York doth for himself his Heirs and Assigns covenant and promise to yield and render
unto us our Heirs and Successors of and for the same yearly and every year forty Beaver skins
when they shall be demanded or within Ninety days after An I We do further of our special
Grace certain knowledge and mere motion for us our Heirs and Successors Give and Grant
unto our said Dearest Brother James Duke of York his Heirs, Deputies, Agents, Commissioners
and Assigns by these presents full and absolute power and authority to correct, punish, pardon,
govern and rule all such the subjects of us Our Heirs and Successor^ who may from time to
time adventure themselves into any the parts or places aforesaid or that shall or do at any time
hereafter inhabit within the same according to such Laws, Orders, Ordinances, Directions and
Instruments as by our said Dearest Brother or his Assigns shall be established And in defect
thereof in cases of necessity according to the good discretions of his Deputies, Commissioners,
Ofiicers or Assigns respectively as well in all causes and matters Capital and Criminal as civil
both marine and others So always as the said Statutes Ordinances and proceedings be not
contrary to but as near as conveniently may be agreeable to the Laws, Statutes & Government
of this Our Realm of England And saving and reserving to us Our Heirs and Successors the
receiving, hearing and determining of the Appeal and Appeals of all or any Person or Persons
of in or belonging to the territories or Islands aforesaid in or touching any Judgment or Sentence
to be there made or given And further that it shall and may be lawful to and for our said
Dearest Brother his Heirs and Assigns by these presents from time to time to nominate, make,
constitute, ordain and confirm by such name or name stile or stiles as to him or them shall seem
good and likewise to revoke, discharge, change and alter as well all and singular Governors,
Officers and Ministers which hereafter shall be by him or them thought fit and needful to be
made or used within the aforesaid parts and Islands And also to make, ordain and establish
all manner of Orders, Laws, directions, instructions, forms and Ceremonies of Government
and Magistracy fit and necessary for and Concerning the Government of the territories and
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 297
Islands aforesaid so always as the same be not contrary to the laws and statutes of this Our
Realm of England but as near as may be agreeable thereunto And the same at all times
hereafter to put in execution or abrogate revoke or change not only within the precincts of the
said Territories or Islands but also upon the Seas in going and coming to and from the same
as he or they in their good discretions shall think to be fittest for the good of the Adventurers
and Inhabitants there And We do further of Our speciall Grace, certain knowledge and mere
motion grant, ordain and declare that such Governors, Officers and Ministers as from time to
time shall be authorized and appointed in manner and form aforesaid shall and may have full
power and authority to use and exercise Martial Law in cases of Rebellion, Insurrection and
Mutiny in as large and ample manner as Our Lieutenants in Our Counties within Our Realm of
England have or ought to have by force of their Commission of Lieutenancy or any Law or
Statute of this Our Realm And We do further by these presents for us Our Heirs and Successors
Grant unto Our said Dearest Brother James Duke of York his Heirs and Assigns That it shall
and may be lawful to and for the said James Duke of York his heirs and Assigns in his or
their discretions from time to time to admit such and so many Person and Persons to trade
and traffic unto and within the Territories and Islands aforesaid and into every or any part and
parcel thereof and to have possess and enjoy any Lands or Hereditaments in the parts
and places aforesaid as they shall think fit according to the Laws, Orders, Constitutions and
Ordinances by Our said Brother his Heirs, Deputies, Commissioners and Assigns from time to
lime to be made and established by virtue of and according to the true intent and meaning of
these presents and under such conditions, reservations and agreements as Our said Brother his
Heirs or Assigns shall set down, order, direct and appoint and not otherwise as aforesaid And
We do further of Our especial grace, certain knowledge and mere motion for us Our Heirs
and Successors give and grant to Our said Dear Brother his Heirs and Assigns by these presents
That it shall and may be lawful to and for him, them or any of them at all and every time and
times hereafter out of any Our Realms or Dominions whatsoever to take lead, carry and transport
in and into their Voyages and for and towards the Plantations of Our said Territories and
Islands all such and so many of Our Loving subjects or any other strangers being not prohibited
or under restraint that will become Our Loving subjects and live under Our Allegiance as shall
willingly accompany them in the said voyages together with all such clothing, implements,
furniture and other things usually transported and not prohibted as shall be necessary for the
inhabitants of the said Islands and Territoriis and for their use and defence thereof and managing
and carrying on the trade with the People there and in passing and returning to and fro :
Yielding and paying to us Our Heirs and Successors the Customs and Duties therefore due and
payable according to the Laws and Customs of this Our Realm And We do also for us Our
Heirs and Successors, grant to Our said Dearest Brother James Duke of York his Heirs and
Assigns and to all and every such Governor or Governors or other Officers or Ministers as by
Our said Brother his Heirs or Assigns shall be appointed to have power and authority of
Government and Command in or over the Inhabitants of the said Territories or Islands that they
and every of them shall and lawfully may from time to time and at all times hereafter forever
for their several defence and safety encounter, expulse, repel and resist by force of Arms as
well by sea as by land and all ways and means whatsoever all such Person and Persons
as without the speciall Licence of Our said Dear Brother his Heirs or Assigns shall attempt to
inhabit within the several precincts and limits of Our said territories and Islands And also all
and every such Person and Persons whatsoever as shall enterprize or attempt at any time
Vol. II. 38
298 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
hereafter the destruction, invasion, detriment or annoyance to the parts, places or Islands
aforesaid or any part thereof And lastly Our will and pleasure is and We do herehy declare
and grant that these Our Letters Patents or the enrolment thereof sliall be good and eftectual
in the Law to all intents and purposes whatsoever notwithstanding the not reciting or mentioning
of the Premises or any part tliereof or the meets or Bounds thereof or of any former or other
Letters Patents or Grants heretofore made or granted of the Premises or of any part tliereof
by Us or of any of Our progenitors unto any other Person or Persons whatsoever Bodies Politic
or Corporate or any Act, Law or other restraint incertainty or imperfection whatsoever to the
Contrary in any wise notwithstanding although express mention of the true yearly value or
certainty of the premises or any of liiem or of any other gifts or grants by Us or by any of Our
progenitors or predecessors heretofore made to the said James Duke of York in these presents
is not made or any statute, act, ordinance, provision, proclamation or restriction heretofore had,
made, enacted, ordained or provided or any other matter cause or thing whatsoever to the
Contrary thereof in any wise Notwithstanding In Witness whereof We have caused these Our
Letters to be made Patents Witness Ourselves at Westminster the twelfth day of March in
the Sixteenth Year of Our Reign [1G64]
By the King
Howard.
Ambassador PovuiUKj to the States -General.
( Frum the Original, iu the Royal Arcliives at the Hagut' ; Fik*, Engela7id.]
Tlie underwritten Envoy extraordinary of his most sacred Majesty of Create Brittaiyne
etc. Having lately scene a certaine paper entituled : An Extract out of the Register of the
Resolutions of the High Mighty Lords, the Estates Generall of the United Netherlands, upon
the memoriall of Sir George Downing, Envoy extraordinary of the King of Create Brittaiyne.
Did not at all thinke it fit for him to take any notice thereof, but to passe it by as a pamphlet
(of which sort there come out too many here every day) for that noe such resolution had
bin communicated to liim by their Lordshipps, nor any one word given him in answere to
his said memoriall. And he had accordingly past it by without taking any notice there of, had
he not since by accident bin informed by severall publick Ministers, residing here, that the
said resolution had bin brought to them by the Agent de Heyde. Whereupon he now holds
himselfe obliged to complaine in most serious termes to their Lordshipps, the Estates Generall
of the United Provinces of this strange and irregular way of proceeding, that while he is
residing here, on the behalfe of the King his master resolutions, bj^ way of answeres to his
memorialls, should be given to other publick Ministers here and elswhere, and sent all over
the world, and yet concealed from him, and thereby neither opportunity of being convinced,
if any thing of reason should have bin said therein; nor on the contrary of vindicating the
honour and justice of the King his master, in what he is therein unjustly charged and
defamed withall.
Suppose he, the said Envoy extraordinary, should have proceeded in that manner, and have
given the memoriall (to which the said paper is a reply ) to the publick Ministers, residing
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 299
here, and have sent it to all courts abroad, and have printed it to the view of the world,
without giving it to their Lordshipps : What would they have thought thereof, and what might
have bin expected, that they would have said to it? And can their Lordshipps imagine, that
tins way of acting doth tend any way tho tlie justifying of their cause, or to the working of
better impressions, concerning the same, in tlie minds of those publicly Ministers or their
Masters; but rather that tliey must be exceedingly scandalized thereat, as looking more like a
trick to surprise them and their judgements then otherwise, and for that they may too morrow
be dealt with in like manner, in relation to any memoriall they may give in, and the affaires of
their masters traduced and defamed, without opportunity or possibility of purging or clearing
the same. And as to the matter of the said paper: what availes it to say in generall termes,
that the said memoriall was ill grounded or abusively informed without in the least
particularizing how or wherein, or so much as excepting against any one word thereof, much
lesse disprooving the same.
And if the things wherewith they are charged therein be true (as they are) and must now
be taken by all men to be, since their Lordshipps have published their answere, which yet
refutes nothing therein contayned : to what purpose is the whole sequell of the said paper'/
If it be true (as it is) that the King my master was noe sooner returned to his Kingdomes,
but that he was imediatly and from day to day troubled and importuned with a crowd of
complaints of his subjects against those of this country ; and notwithstanding thereof his
Majesty did not graunt any one letter of mart, nor betake himselfe to any way of force for the
obtaining of their reparation and satisfaction. Instead thereof for an everlasting memoriall
of his greate kindnesse and good will towards this country, and for the facilitating of the
bringing to a conclusion the late treaty with them (finding the complaints and pretences of
his subjects to be so numerous and greate) was pleased after all to suffer very many of them,
and to a vast value to be utterly mortifyed and extinguished, and the rest (except the busines
of the ships Bonadventure and Bonesperanze) after so much mony and time had bin already
expended in the pursuite thereof, and many of them ready for a determination to be put in a
list and proceeded upon a new, according to the IS'"" Article thereof; noe waies doubting but
that all possible speed would have thereupon bin used, in the bringing of tiiem to an issue ;
and that for the future better order would have bin observed towards his subjects. But
having wayted now about 27 months since the conclusion of the said treaty, and in that time
their Lordshipps continually called upon by him tlie said Envoy Extraordinary, jea by the
King his master himselfe in severall audiences to their Ambassador. Yet so it is that those
matters are still so farre from being ended, as that in truth they seem to be now rather further
from it, then at the day of the signing of the said treaty; and on the contrary new injuries
daily heaped, and the same designes of the East and West India Companyes carried on, for the
utter overthrow of all the trade of his subjects in those parts of the world, as appeared by
the busines of the ships Hopewell Leopard, and other ships in the East Indies, and by the
busines of the Charles James, Mary Sampson Hopefull Advent, Speedwell etc, upon the
coast of Africa. All which are matters liapned since the conclusion of the said treaty. And
if after all this, and notwithstanding his parliaments applications to him upon the accompt of
his aggreived subjects in so solemne and extraordinary manner. His Majesty was yet so farre
from being inclined to any other then waies of accommodation, as that he did by a publick
writing or declaracon declare, that he would yet try, what could be done by amicable
endeavours at the Hague, before he would make use of any other meanes (the which was also
300 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
very well knowne to their Lordshipps), and did thereuppon accordingly give orders to him,
his Envoy extraordinary, to presse them afresh, and further to make out his peaceable and
moderate intentions, and to take off ail umbrage from their Lordships to lett them knowe (as
accordingly he did in puhlick conferences with their deputies) that his Majesty would not in
any kind trouble their ifleetes, which they then expected from the Streights and East Indies,
nor their fhsheries upon his coasts, yea further to putt them out of all doubt ordered a farre
lesse equipage of shipping for that summer-Guard then had bin knowne these many yeares,
but all this was so farre from working the desired and intended effect, as that on the contrary
their Lordshipps betoke themselves to armes in an extraordinary manner fitting out with all
speed a greate flleete and hundreds of carpenters forthwith dispatched to worke upon it night
and day (holy dayes as well as worky dayes) whereby his Majesty, seeing himselfe wholly
defeated of his good intentions, and instead of satisfaction for his subjects, braved and
threatened with those equipages, which could have noe other regard but upon himselfe,
was at last enforced for his owne defence (though very much contrary to his inclinations and
intentions) to arme also.
And whereas it may be pretended as if their Lordships having fitted their ffleete, did desire
that his Majesty would be pleased (for avoiding of all inconveniences) to keepe his ffleete
within his harbours, and that then they would keepe in theirs also. It is to be considered that
this proposicon was not made untill that they had actually putt to sea a ifleete neare as
numerous as the whole that his Majesty was equipping, and which was actually gone towards
his coasts, and that it reached only to the rest, that was yet to goe out, and so could not be
construed but to be rather a mocquerie then otherwise, for that thereby they had had a ffleete
at sea to doe what they pleased, and in the meane while his Majesty have tyed his owne hands
and obliged himselfe to keepe within doores, but yet was pleased to assure them that his (if it
did goe out) should not doe them the least injury, still in the meane while pressing both here
at the Hague by him his Minister, and himselve to their Ambassador at London, the hastning
of the dispatch of the matters in difference. And if notwithstanding thereof, and as a further
testimony of his desires of living in good correspondence with this country, he did declare his
willingnes to enter into a treaty for the better regulating of the trade and navigation of both,
and the prevention of such disorders for the future, and for the quicker dispatch and ripening
of so good a worke. A project thereof was in his name tendred to them so long agoe, and
yet to this day not so much as a word of answere thereupon. And if it be also true (as it is)
that their Lordshipps began the seizing of ships in these parts, stopping that ship from
Gottenburgh bound with merchandize for London.
These things being so, can there be any doubt, who is the attacqiier or aggressor, unlesse
that it must be held for a maxime that lett their Lordshipps and their subjects deale with the
King my master and his subjects from time to time and from yeare to yeare as they please;
yet they are not attacquers or aggressors. But if his Majesty or his subjects after never so
many yeares sufferings, and all amicable endeavours, first tryed, doe any thing towards the
helping of themselves, they must presently be called and reputed to be the attacquers and
aggressors. Lett their Lordshipps make out, that the foresaid complaints are ungrounded,
and his ^L^jesty will yeild unto them. But if otherwise, who will thinke it strange, if at last
something of reall be done by them for their releife, as to what is past and the security of
their trade for the future.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 301
And as the particulars mentioned in tiie said paper to liave bin suffered by tbem from the
English, though those matters have not bin treated of betweene their Lordshipps and him, the
said Envoy extraordinary ; but betweene the King his master and their Ambassador at London,
and so that it is not properly his busines to reply thereunto, but to referre them to that answere,
which his Majesty hath promised to give concerning the same. Yet seeing their Lordshipps have
bin pleased not only to mention and insist thereupon in the aforesaid paper, but indeeed say
nothing els by way of answere to his niemoriall, he cannot but say thus much thereunto. That
the places and ship, said to be taken from them, were all belonging to the West-India Company
of this country ; and when it shal be considered, that in the list of dammages alone, there
appeares that neare twenty english ships successively within a very few yeares space before the
conclusions of the late treaty, had bin taken in an hostile manner upon the coast of Africa, only
by the shipping of the said West-India Company with their whole ladings to a very greate
value, and not only so, but the men that belonged to them ; very many of them most barbarously
and inhumanely treated, put into stincking nasty dungeons and holes atCastell Delmina, there to
lye in the midst of their owne excrements, nothing but bread and water given them, and thereof
not enough to sustaine nature, their bodies tortured with exquisite and horrid tortures, and
such as dyed the living and the dead left together, and such as escaped turned out to perish
by hunger, or wild beasts in those miserable countries, or to be carried away captives by the
natives, by which meanes several! hundred of his Majesties good subjects have perished and bin
destroyed. And that not to this houre, notwithstanding all sollicitations and endeavours not
one penny of satisfaction given to the persons, concerned in any of the said ships. And that
ever since the conclusion of the said treaty ships of warre have bin kept by the said Company
upon the said coasts, which though they have not proceeded so farre as to take more of the
shipping of his Majesties subjects, yet they have done that which is equivalent and as ruinous to
that trade, stopping and hindring every one, that they mett withall from all commerce, and
to that effect pursuing them in an hostile manner from place to place; and where ever any
english anchored, anchoring by them, and hindring and shooting at and taking by force with
their ladings all boates of the natives, that endeavoured to come aboard them, and their boates
that would go on shore, yea deprived them of so much as any provision or refreshment of
fresh water (:as appeares by the complaints made by him the said Envoy extraordinary from
time to time to their Lordshipps:) and publishing a declaration in the name as well of the
Estates Generall, as of the said Company, wherein they deduced their right to that whole
coast, to the exclusion of all other nations, and notwithstanding all complaints to their
Lordships, neither the said declaration disavowed, nor any thing of satisfaction given, but still
new complaints coming, and among other things that of their having stirred up the King of
ffantyne by rewards and summes of money, giving him to that end, and supplying him with
all sorts of armes and amunition for the surprize of his Majesties Castle of Cermantine in
those parts (concerning which also proofes have since bin given to their Lordshipps by him,
the said Envoy extraordinary. So that there was an absolute necessity imposed upon his
Majesty and his subjects, either of not only loosing all that had bin actually taken from them,
but withall to abandon for ever that trade itselfe, or otherwise to betake themselves to some
other wayes for their releise. And it will rather be thought strange, that their patience did
hold out so long, then that now at last something should be done towards the righting
themselves and rescuing thereof. Besides as to the busines of Cabo Corso, did not he the said
Envoy extraordinary long agoe complaine in the name and by order of the King his master in
302 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
pviblick conferences, both with tlie deputies of their Lordshipps the Estates General!, and also
with those of Holland in particular, of the injurious possessing and keeping of that place by
those of the said West-India Company, deducing and remonstrating at large his right thereunto,
the ground liaving bin bought by his subjects of tiie King of that country for a valuable
consideration and a lodge or ti'actory built thereupon, and those of the West-India Company
of this country, being gott into the possession of that place, meerly by fraud and treachery, but
noe reflection made tiiereupon by their Lordshipps much lesse any hopes given of ever
obtayning any restitution thereof from them. And indeed if his Majesty had not bin able by
all his instances and endeavours to rescue out of their hands the least boate or pennyworth of
goods since his returne into his Kingdomes. Concerning which complaint had bin made by him
his Envoy extraordinary of its forceably being taken by them from his subjects. What hopes
of their quitting to him any such place, especially remembring the busines of the island of
I'oleroone in the East Indies, which hath bin a restoring by them ever since the yeare 1622,
at which time it was by solemne and particular treaty promised to be done, and agnine by
another treaty in the yeare lGo4, and by orders of the Estates Generall and the East-India
Company of this country in the yeare 1661, and again by treaty 1662, and yet to this day we
knowe nothing of its being delivered. And so can it bethought, strange, if invited thereunto
by the King of the said country, he should after such warning condescend to sufl'er his subjects
to endeavoure to repossesse themselves thereof. And as to the busines of the New-Netherlands
(so called) this is very farre from being a surprize or any thing of that nature, it being
notoriously knowne, that that spott of land lyes within the limitts and is part of the possession
of his subjects of New-England (: as appeares most evidently by their charter:) and that those
few Dutch that have lived there, have lived there meerly upon connivance and sufferance,
and not as having any right tiiere unto. And that this hath from time to time, and from yeare
to yeare bin declared unto them, but yet so as that tlie English were contented to suffer
them to remayne there, provided they would demcane themselves peaceably and quietly; but
that the said Dutch not contenting themselves therewith, did still endeavoure to encroach
further and further upon the English, imposing their lawes and customes, and endeavouring to
raise contributions upon them, and in places where none but English dwelt. Whereupon they
have formerly bin necessitated severall times to make use of waies of force for repelling of
them. And as to what is said in the said paper as if though the English should formerly have
had any pretence of title to the said place, that yet it is cutt off" by the 15 Article of the late
treaty. To this he doth reply, that that Article doth only cutt oft' matters of piracies, robberies
and violence, but as to the rights and inheritances of lands and jurisdictions that it doth not at
all concerne or intermedle with the same; and that this is so, there needs no other argument but
the examples that may be produced out of their owne courts of justice. Whereby it will appeare
that indeed as to the plundering and taking of ships or the like, that all such causes (if hapned
before the time, limited in the said treaty) did cease upon the conclusion thereof. But as to
such as were then depending concerning the inheritances of lands, that they have still continued
to be pursued as before. As for example the case of S'' Thomas Lower, an Englishman, for
certaine lands, claymed by him in Zeland. Besides those of New-Netherland had since the
conclusion of the late treaty, made new incursions upon the English, and given them many
new provocations, and by their Charters they have Jura Belli within themselves, without
appealing first into Europe. And if after all this his Majesty hath suffered them, according
thereunto, to rescue themselves from such continued vexations and usurpations, can any prince
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: X. 303
tliinke it strange or be surprized tliereat, much- lesse the most Christian King (: for whose
satisfaction tliis paper seemes to be more particularly calculated :) whereas he hath bin pleased
this very same yeare to order or suffer (with his privity) his subjects to repossesse themselves
in like manner, by force and armes of a certaine place, called Caina, which they pretend to
have bin wrongfully possessed and kept from them by the same West-India Company.
And as to the busines of Cabo Verde, and the taking of their ships, and what els is alledged
to have bin done in those parts (except that of Cabo Corso) 'twas but in the month of June
last, that the first complaint was made thereof to his Majesty. And did he not imediatly
relurne for answere, that he had given no order or direction to Captain Holmes, tlie person
complayned of for the doing thereof, that he did expect him home very speedily, and that
upon his returne he would cause those matters to be examined, and right to be done to them
and the offendors punished. And did not he the said Envoy extraordinary, upon the 27 day
of July last past, deliver a memoriall to them to the like effect, and could more be said or
done fore their satisfaction, yea could their Lordships themselves, within their owne countries,
demaund more of any of their Schepens of most inferiour court of justice. And doth not the
14 Article of the late treaty say in expresse termes, that in case any thing should happen upon
the coast of Africa, either by sea or land, that twelve months time shal be given after complaint
for the doeing of justice. Yet did they not within about 6 or 7 weekes after resolve, to send
a considerable ffleete of theirs into those parts to the number of tenn men of warre (besides
the ships of the said West-India Company) under the command of one van Campen, and
strengthened with a considerable body of their militia, under the command of one Hertsberghen.
And did they not within about G or 7 weekes after that putt a resolution into the hands of
him, the said Envoy extraordinary by their Agent de Heyde, and about the same time give it
to the King his master by their Ambassador at London, denoting and contayning the
instructions, given to the said van Campen. And whereas they are pleased to compliment his
most Christian Majesty in the said paper, as if upon his score, in hopes of the good effects of
his good offices for the accomodating of matters, and for the making their cause the more
cleare they had hitherto for borne the proceeding against his Majesties subjects, as they might
have done; is it not therein expressely declared and sett downe that that ffleete was not sent
thither barely to defend what they had, and to take care, that nothing more should be
attempted upon them but in downe right termes to attacque and fall upon his Majesties
subjects, and to carve out their owne satisfaction and reparation, and to passe by his doores,
for the doing thereof, and that seconded and backed with another greate ffleete under their
cheife sea commandors, an affront and indignity too greate for the name of King to suffer and
digest without just resentment.
And moreover whereas their Lordshipps had lately invited his Majesty and other Christian
princes to send fileetes into the Midland sea, to act jointly against those Barbarians, and that
he did accordingly declare unto them in writing, and by him his Envoy extraordinary his
intentions of sending, and that his ffleete should act junctis consilys with theirs. Yet so it is
that while it was acting there pursuant thereunto, and in expectation of being seconded and
appuyed by theirs, according to their promise, de Ruyter was on a suddaine commanded
thence. And whereas their Lordshipps would make the world beleeve, that they had proceeded
with such singular and extraordinary ffranchise and clearenesse towards the King my master,
in comunicating their intentions and designes, as above said. Yet is it not evident, that the
said orders must have bin given to de Ruyter before the communication of the said resolution.
304 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
And though Sir John Lawson and his Majesties ffleete hapned to be in the same port with
de Riiyter when he quilled those parts, yel neither did he in tlie least impart unto him his
intentions of quitting the same, or whether he was going. And though the King my master
hath since severail times pressed their Ambassador at London to be informed whether he was
gone and upon what accompt, yet to this day hath not bin able to obtaine any satisfaction or
assurance concerning that matter. Whereupon and all other circumstances being laid together
he hath just reason to suppose and beleeve, that he is sent and employed against him, and that
while his Majesty was continuing (according to common consert and agreement betweene
them) his ffleete against the common enemyes of the very name of Christian, and at a season,
when it more then ordinarily becomed every one to shew something of theire zeale against
them; theirs is called off and turned against him, nor is it to be imagined that de Ruyters
instructions, which are concealed, should be more favourable then those, which were avowed
to be given to van Campen. And is it then to be wondred, that his Majesty sheweth himselfe
a little concerned, or is it now to be doubted, who is the attacquer or aggressor? And if he
have just reason to beleeve, that de Ruyter is in one part of the world, making warre against
him : what is to be said against it, if his Majesty not having at this time in those parts a
suitable force to resist him, doth make use of what he hath nearer home ; whereby he
endeavoure to secure himselfe, or to gett something of theirs into his hands, doth either
common right or his Majesties treaty with this country oblige to seeke satisfaction only in that
part of the world, where the injury is done, and so doth that at all difier the case, because
that their forces acting against him out of Europe, his doe something against them in
Europe. His Majesty hath bin very farre from beginning with them in any part of the world;
but if at this time they are actually with a considerable fHeete of the Estates falling upon him
and his subjects ; and he have thereupon given order to the stopping of some of their ships in
these parts : will not all the world justify him herein ? And when withall themselves also
began the stopping ships in these part, and that he hath all those other reasons of complaints
against them above mentioned. Given at the Hague, 20 of Decembre 1664, old stile.
(Signed), G. Downing.
Resolution of the States-General.
[ From Iho Eegister of West India Affairs, 1CG4 — 1G70, in Uie Eoyal Archives at the Hague. ]
Tuesday, 30"" December, 1664.
Folio 80. Read at the Meeting a certain Niemorial of Mr. Downingh, E.xtraordinary
Downing. Auibassador of the King of Great Britain, containing a iustification of the hostile
Justiflcation of the ° ' o j
of'Engirnd^''agaiifet Proceedings commenced by the said King within and without Europe against
thisstate. j.j^jg g(_a(g and the good inhabitants thereof. Whereupon deliberation being had,
it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Memorial shall be placed in the hands of Mess"
Huygens and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of England, to examine
and report thereon.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XL 305
Resolution of the States-Genei'al.
t From the Eegistcr of West India Affairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Koyal Archives at the Hagae. ]
Wednesday, 31" December, 1664.
Folio 81. After deliberation, it is resolved and concluded that a similar letter to that
The Kings of 8wc- dispatched on the IS"" instant to the King of France shall be written tnutatis
den and Denmaric ^ ^
the''hoJiiie™'^^re8- i^ulandis to the Kings of Sweden and Denmark respectively, on the subject of the
sions of England, hostile aggressions undertaken by England on and against this State and its good
inhabitants, not only without but also within Europe; the letters aforesaid shall be sent with
open copies thereof to Residents Heins and Lemaire, with orders to deliver the above mentioned
letters to the said Kings of Sweden and Denmark, and to second with their particular duties
and offices their High Mightinesses' good meaning and intention contained therein.
Resolution of the States-General.
[ From the Register of West India Affairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Eoyal Archiyes at the Hagne. ]
Wednesday, 7"" January, 1G65.
Folio 82. Received three letters from Ambassador Van Gogh, written respectively at
Ambassador Van Q|^g]gg^^ j[,g 29"" of December last and 2"'' instant, and addressed to Secretary
England. Ruysch. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid
letters shall be placed in the hands of Mess" Huygens and the other their High Mightinesses'
Deputies for the affairs of England, to examine and report thereon.
Secret Resolution of tlie States -General.
[From the Register of Secret Resolutions, in the Eoyal Archires at the Hague.]
Thursday, S'" January, 1665.
F0110113. Heard the Report of Mess" Van Gent and the other their High Mightinesses'
France. Deputies for the affairs of France, having, agreeably to yesterday's resolution,
examined and inspected the letter of Mr. Van Beuningen, Ambassador Extraordinary from this
State to France, written at Paris the second instant, and addressed to Secretary Ruysch.
Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that said Mr. Van Beuningen shall be
answered that their High Mightinesses are still content to settle, in all equity, the affairs of
Settlement with Guiuea and the other difficulties which have occurred between both nations, both
England of the dif- i i r r i *
ferencei in Guinea. 'Within and bcyond Europc. And, although at present a considerable force of this
Vol. n. 39
306 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
State in foreign parts may, according to the news now received from England, have recaptured
what was originally taken from this State and its good inhabitants, and much may be taken
from the English by the aforesaid fleet, yet shall we obligate ourselves to restore whatever has
been taken in any countries in the world, whether in or out of Europe, by this State or any of
its inhabitants, from the English, on condition that the King of Great Britain shall bind himself
to restore New Netherland, Cape Verd, Fort St. Andrew and the Island of Boavista, Cape
Corse, Tacorary and all other countries, towns, forts, ships and goods taken either in or out
of Europe by his Majesty or his subjects from this State and its good inhabitants, so far as
the same shall not be found recovered, or otherwise returned, to the right owners by the
National force.
Hesolution of the States -General.
[ From tbo Register of West India AlTairs, 16G1 — 1670, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Friday, the 30"" January, 16G5.
Folio 86. Upon deliberation, it is resolved and concluded that letters shall be dispatched
Eu lure wnii th» ^^ *^'^® respective Boards of Admiralty immediately to notify the Directors of the
English. Levant, Baltic, Greenland and Russian trade, that the State is under the necessity
of coming to an absolute rupture with the English, and that their High Mightinesses accordingly
grant letters of reprisal to act against them to all those who will request and apply for the
same. Advice to this effect shall also be transmitted to the Presiding Chamber of the West
India Company of this country for its information, and further as to the same shall appertain.
States -General to tlie West India Company.
[ From the Regi.'iter of Uitgf^ganc Brieven of the States-Qeneral, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
The States, &c.
Foiio2i. Honorable, &c. We grant letters of reprisal to act against the English to all
Letters of reprisal. jj-,Qgg applying for them, wliich you will further perceive from our resolution
annexed, which we send for your information. Wherewith, &c.
Done at the Hague, SO'" January, 1665.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XI. 307
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of West India Affairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Royal Archires at the Hague. ]
Friday, 6"- February, 1665.
Folio 86. On the petition of the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company of
Company. |^j,jg Country, it is, after consideration, resolved and concluded to authorize said
The English to be .
attackcdasenemies. DiTectors hereby to attacK, conquer and ruin the English everywhere, both in
and out of Europe, on land and water, with whatever force, through God's blessing, the
above named Company now hath under their High*Mightinesses' authority.
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register or Westlnlia Affairs, 1664 — 1670, in theBoyal Archives at the Hague. ]
Saturday, T"- February, 1665.
En land'"" Mcss" Huygcus and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs
Deduction against of England havc exhibited and submitted to the Assembly a certain draft in the
a cenain Memorial t~v i
of Downing. form of a Deduction, which they have brought on paper, for the demolition of
the contents of the Memorial presented on the 30"" of December last by Sr. Downing,
Ambassador Extraordinary from the King of Great Britain, pretending to be a justification of
the hostile proceedings commenced by the said King both within and beyond Europe, against
this State and its good inhabitants. Which, being considered, it is resolved and concluded
that said draft shall be read next Monday, for which purpose their High Mightinesses shall
meet on that day at nine o'clock in the morning.
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of West India Affaire, 16M— 1670, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Monday, Q"" February, 1665.
Folios-. Their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of England have exhibited
Manifi-sto against ,,i. ,. •• , . ,, i,i i -^
England. and delivered in writing to the Assembly, and had read certain Summary
Observations and Manifesto drawn up by them pursuant to their High Mightinesses' preceding
resolution on the Memorial presented to the Assembly on the 30" of last December by Sr.
Downingh, Ambassador Extraordinary from the King of Great Britain. Which, being
considered, their High Mightinesses have thanked those gentlemen for the trouble they have
taken. And it is, furthermore, resolved and concluded to send the aforesaid Summary
308 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Observations and Manifesto to Mess" BoreeP and Van Beuningen ; also, to Residents Heins'
and Le Maire, in order, pursuant and agreeably to their Higli Migiitinesses' previous resolutions,
to duly inform tlie respective Kings of France, Sweden and Denmarls of the present condition
of affairs, conformably to the basis of the concluded alliances, and to give their Majesties
faithfully to understand their High Mightinesses' upright and sincere intentions and proceedings.
Copies thereof shall be communicated by Agent de Heyde, likewise to the Ambassadors of
the aforesaid Kings resident here, and shall, moreover, be sent to Ambassador Van Gogh and
handed to Mess" Van Amerong^ and Isbrants, their High Mightinesses' designated Ambassadors
Extraordinary to the said Kings of Sweden and Denmark respectively.
Stute-s -General to thtir Amhasmdors at Fore'ujn Courts.
( From the Rei^ister of Vitgrgane Brieren of the States-Gencral.'in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
To Ambassador Boreel.
To M. Van Beuningen, Ambassador Extraordinary to France.
To M. Van Gogh, Ordinary Ambassador in England.
To Residents Heins and Le Maire.
The States.
Folio 29. Honorable, &:c. Herewith goes copy of certain Summary Observations and
Summary Ohserva-
lioiis and Manifesto. Maulfesto, drawu up both in French and Dutch by Mess" the Deputies for the
affairs of England, pursuant to our Resolution on the Memorial presented to our Assembly on
the 30''' December last by Sr. Dovvningh, Ambassador Extraordinary from the King of Great
Britain, which, together with our Resolution this day adopted thereupon, we have resolved to
send you herewith, to the end, as is in that resolution set forlii, whereunto, on account of
want of time, we refer. Wherewith, &c.
Done at the Hague the 9"" February, 16G5.
' Supra, p. 261.
" Supra, p. 235.
' GoDAKT VAN llEEnE, Lord of AmeroDg, was born in 1621. He entered into the public service in January, 1642, as
Marshal of the city and country of Montfoort, Utrecht, but shortly after resigned that post, and in March following was
inscribed among the Nobles of that Province and chosen their representative to the Assembly of the States-General at th«
Hague. He was sent Ambassador to Denmark about the year 1655, when he acquitted himself so ably that he was honored
by the King with the Order of the Elephant. He was next accredited to the Court of Spain after the peace of Munster ; then
to the Bishop of Munster, and returned to Denmark twice, first in 1666 and then in 1667. In 1672 he accepted a mission from
the Crown Prince of Brandenburg to the Court of Berlin, and was employed by the States-General to request the assistance
of the German Empire against France, then invading the Low Countries. His mission had so favorable a result that the
King of France became irritated against M. de Amerong personally, and ordered his chateaux and houses to be burned, on
his refusing to return on the King's orders, to Utrecht then reduced by his Majesty's arms. Ue was again dispatched to
Brandenburg in 1679, and remained at that Court several years. He returned in 1690 to Denmark. Having commenced
bis diplomatic career, he lerminalod it also at that Court, where he departed this life on the 9th of October, 1691, in the
70th year of his age. Moreri, verbo Atulo.nk; Kuk, XXIV., 108. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 309
Ansioer of the Dutch to the English Manife-sto.'^
[ From the Eegister of the Eeaolutiona of the Sialea-Qeneral, In the Eoyal Archives at tho Hague. ]
Observations made by the Deputies of the High and Mighty Lords, States-
General of the United Netherland Provinces, on the last Memorial presented
by Sr. George Downing, Ambassador Extraordinary of the King of Great
Britain.
High and Mighty Lords.
Your Deputies on the affairs of England have, agreeably to and in accordance with your
High Mightinesses' resolutions, seen, examined and considered a writing or Memorial presented
to your High Mightinesses on the 30"" of December last by Sr. Downing, Ambassador
Extraordinary of the King of Great Britain, and have been astonished not only at finding
therein a multitude of impertinent allegations, accompanied by their inferences, but also at
remarking in it a very strange and unheard-of course. In fact, a Minister Resident at a Court
has never been seen to deliver or present a writing or Memoir composed of reasons and terms
which Princes, Potentates and Sovereign States have been accustomed to employ in Manifestoes
immediately proceeding from themselves, without such writing being found to contain a
conclusion, whence may be discovered the end at which it is to be expected all writings and
Memoirs aim. This sole consideration shows that writing to be utterly undeserving of any
answer, and that its author might be repaid by perpetual silence, even though your High
Mightinesses' resolutions and answers, with which you have from time to time furnished Sr.
Downing, should not have sufficiently met all the reasoning employed in it. Yet, in order to
do something more than is required, and to give additional eclat to the evidence on which the
justice ar.d sincerity of your High Mightinesses' actions have been heretofore based, and to
demonstrate the falsehood of the facts set forth by Sr. Downing, from which he draws
unjustifiable inferences, your Deputies have considered it their duty to make some reflections
justificatory of your High Mightinesses' proceeding, in the brief Observations they have made
on the Memorial as well as on the reasons contained in it.
First, on said Sr. Downing's complaint, that your High Mightinesses' resolution of the eleventh day of
December last, in answer to his Memorial., had been communicated to the other Foreign Ministers Resident
at this Court, without giving him a copy thereof, to convince him or even to afford him an opportunity
of vindicating himself,' it must be considered that such a course is neither strange nor
extraordinary, and that nothing has been done inconsistent with the rules of justice and
courtesy, nor contrary to the practice of all Sovereign Princes and even of the King of Great
Britain. For, your High Mightinesses being desirous of informing all the Allies of this State
and also all neutral Princes, and of giving them a perfect knowledge of the true and real state
of an affair, touching which they, perhaps for want of sufficient knowledge and information, and
' The copy of this State Paper in Holland Documents is in the French language. It has been carefully compared with the
copies in Dutch, in Aitzema, Saacken van Staat in Oorlogh, 4to, XI., 714, and in a separately published Tract entitled "Som-
miere Aenteyckeninge ende Deductie ingestelt by de Gedeputeerden van de Ho : Mog : Heeren Staten Generael der Vereenighde
Nederlanden. Op het lest ingediende Meraorie van den Ileere George Downing, ExtraorJinaria Envoje Tan den Eoningh
Tan Groot Brittanien. In 'sGraTenhage, In de maent Februarii, Anno 1665." We are indebted for the loan of this Tract to
James Leno , Esq., New-York. — Ed.
" The passages in italic are so printed in accordance with the style observed ia the Dutch copies, to diutinguish the passages
of Sir George Dowuing's Memorial. — Ed.
310 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
through erroneous and false representations, had, in tlie absence of more correct information
and of a true knowledge of pjirlicuUirs, possibly received some impression or opinion to your
High Migiitinesses' prejudice, especially the rather, as said Envoy Extraordinary had furnished
a copy of his Memorial, presented on the o"" of the same montii of December, and made up
only of those false and impertinent informations, to the Ministers of the Allies of this Slate;
and as it was of great importance to your High Mightinesses to inform those same Allies of the
true and real state of tiie case; the Ministers of this State, resident at the Courts o( those
Allies, were, therefore, by the same resolutions, ordered to demonstrate and represent, from the
reasons set forth in the preceding Deductions and answers, as well as from what has already
taken place and the knowledge they may tiiemselves possess, the unsoundness of the Memorial
transmitted by said Sr. Downing to such Courts or their Ministers, and that answer has been
communicated to the Ministers of said Allies with the same view; that is to say, in order that
they might second, near their masters in their particular offices, the duties which the
Ilepresentatives of this State had to perform at such Courts. No necessity existed for observing
the same course towards Sr. Downing, inasmuch as your High Mightinesses had been graciously
pleased pertinently to inform him thereof, both in the written answers and Deductions with
which, from time to time, they continued to have him furnished and even verbally in the
conferences your Deputies have had with him. Your High Mightinesses have also been careful
to cause the King of Great Britain to be informed most exactly, most fully and most truly, by
your Ambassador, resident at his Majesty's Court, step by step of the state and condition of
every affair. Hence, it may easily be concluded that the Resolution did not regard Ambassador
Downing, because he did not stand in need of information, which, besides, is useless to those
who are lacking in good-will rather than knowledge. Your High Mightinesses have therefore
judged it unnecessary to send said resolution to him ; for, as it was adopted on his resolution,
he could, if he wished, obtain it at the Secretary's office, agreeably to the custom observed
by all Foreign Ministers, who send to that office for all resolutions which regard them. Such
is the case even in England, where your High Mightinesses' Ministers obtain scarcely any
answers or resolutions until they have taken the trouble to look them up.
And, certes, it is to be remarked here as a most astonishing circumstance, that Ambassador
Downing, who, although the Minister of a great King, is, however, invested only with a
second class character, pretends to lift his acts and writings to the same level with those of
your High Mightinesses, and to make them pass as of equal importance throughout the world
and at all Courts, which no Minister before him, of whatsoever grade, has ever pretended and
will ever claim. For, says this Ambassador, hud /tc proceeded in a like munner ; had he communicated
his Memorial to all the public Ministers and sent it to all the Foreign Ministers, ivithout communicating
it to your High Mightinesses, what uould you have said? Your Deputies, High and Mighty Lords,
frankly admit that the King of Great Dritain, his Master, has the power and liberty to send to
all the Foreign Courts all the writings he will think proper in justification of his conduct; that
lie can transmit them thither or have them presented by his Ministers without communicating
them to your High Mightinesses, much less that he is obliged to communicate them to your
Minister Resident at his Court, though invested with a higher character than Sr. Downing.
But they are also of opinion that your High Mightinesses possess the same privilege and
power, and are at liberty to exercise it, as you have done on this occasion, without being under
any obligation to communicate such writing to the said Ambassador. They are, also, of
opinion that said Sr. Downing, who is Resident here, cannot, anymore than the other Resident
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 311
Minister of other Courts, raise liimseif to a level witii a Prince, nor arrogate to himself the
power of transmitting his writings to all Foreign Courts.
Since the Ambassador cites, as an instance of his Majesty's affection, the repugnoMce his Majesty
has evinced, since his hajrpy Restoration, to the issuing of rtprlsuls on the complaints of his Suhjccts, all
which his Majesty, on the contrary, has alloived to be extinguished hy the Treaty, We cannot avoid
observing, that although everything that has occurred since the conclusion of the Treaty has
been extinguished or regulated, nevertheless your High Mightinesses' good-will therein is
manifested so much the more inasmuch as the damage done to the inhabitants of these Provinces
is incomparably greater than that the English have suffered, and they have had much more
cause of complaint, having had several, even among the extinguished claims, for sums so
considerable and supported by proofs so palpable, even by the admission of the adverse party,
that ail that the others alleged could not enter into comparison therewith, and among those
which have been settled are some so considerable that there is not one among all those that
may be produced on the other side which approximates to them. For instance, that founded
on the violence with which the English had taken Fort St. Andrew, in the River Gambia and
its dependencies, in the year 1661, namely, at the very time that the Ambassadors of this
State were prevented^ negotiating a Treaty of friendship and good correspondence. And the
claims of the inhabitants of those Provinces which have been extinguished or settled by
the same Treaty in an equal number to those of the English, cannot be put in comparison
with them either in quantity or quality, even though no mention were made of the depredations,
damages and injuries the English have inflicted on the inhabitants of this State under cover
of the commissions they had taken out from the King of Portugal. And, in fact, the list itself,
which the English have furnished of their claims, shows, very clearly, that not a single ship
belonging, bona fide, to Englishmen has been either plundered or captured ; but only divers
smugglers, inhabitants of these Provinces, who, on and under the pretext of forged English
names and persons, have endeavored to elude the laws of this country. This has nothing in
common with the depredations, pillages and captures of ships and merchandise, the bona fide
property of inhabitants of these Provinces. So that your High Mightinesses have yielded a
great deal more on your side, though you have much greater reason to employ force and arms
for the recovery of what belonged to your subjects and the recapture of the forts and places
which have been taken from them. Nevertheless, you have not wished to pursue such a
course out of consideration and regard for peace, and have suffered those claims to be placed
on the list. Among these will be found also that of the capture of Fort St. Andrew and its
dependencies, which occurred since the King's restoration. And on comparison of the two
lists which have been made on the one side and the other, it will appear evident that much
more has been ceded on the part of your High Mightinesses than on that of England.
The said Ambassador makes two complaints on the subject of the lists of claims on both
sides. First, that those lists, which were to be made in virtue of the fifteenth Article of the Treaty,
have not been exchanged until long after ; and the other, that the same lists are stdl actually imperfect.
Hereupon 'tis to be observed, on the first, that the Treaty itself does not speak of any certain
and limited time in which the lists are to be exchanged ; and, besides, 'tis certain that
some time must necessarily elapse after the conclusion of the Treaty and the exchange of the
ratifications, which took place only on the 6"" of January, 1663, before the lists could be
' Empeseh^a Text. — Employed. Aitzema, Saacken van Staet en Oorlogh, XI-, 1X1. — Ep.
312 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
interchanged; because all the claims, with the requisite proofs, must be looked up and
procured from those who have been injured, inasmuch as almost all private persons were
well nigh impressed with the opinion that however just, clear and well verified their claims
may be, no satisfaction would be afforded them ; and, therefore, they were not willing to take
the trouble or incur the expense, since they had lost ail hope of satisfaction and of being able
to recover what they had lost. Add to this the fact that there is something so delicate and
important in the credit and reputation of merchants, that they consider it greatly to their
prejudice to let it be known that they have incurred losses, if they cannot at the same time
repair them ; so that 'tis to be presumed that not only have those interested concealed and
smothered many legitimate claims with which they might have been able to swell the list,
but also that a great deal of time has been required to get those produced which are in it, and
to have the proofs looked up. Nevertheless, that the lists have been ready within a time so
legitimate that said Ambassador has had so much the less reason to complain, [appears from
this:] when your High Mightinesses had sent to inform him that the list of claims on j'our
side was completed and that you were ready to exchange it with that of the claims of the
English, he answered: He must review his papers ; and being frequently called upon to make
the excliange, he has always failed therein. So that he is in the wrong to complain of any
delays on this side. In all cases, when the exchange of the lists had been effected on both
sides no one protested that it had been made after the term.
And as regards the other complaint which the Ambassador makes : that, vp to the present
time eve7i, the finishing touch has not been given to these lists, he has himself only to blame. For,
agreeably to the text of the Treaty, after the exchange of the lists, and before a settlement is
attempted, or in default of the decision of the Commissioners mentioned in the fifteenth
Article, two things must be examined : Whetiier the claims entered in the lists furnished on
one side and the other, were not too old and made for losses that occurred before the time
limited by the Treaty, and, consequently, extinguished ; or, whether they were not of such a
nature as to exclude them from arbitration by the Commissioners who were to be reciprocally
named, being cases which subjects, on the one side and the other, ought to prosecute before
the ordinary courts for decision and termination, according to the laws of one and the other
nation respectively. Wherefore, in the conferences held with said Ambassador, your High
Mightinesses, in order to satisfy that examination, have produced on their side only one single
remark on tlie list of the claims furnished by the English ; to wit, that the damages claimed
by the ship called the Assada Merchant, entered on the list, had been known at London before
the 20"' day of January, 1659, and, therefore, that it could not stand, being extinguished by the
Treaty, and ought to be erased and removed : in which remark the Ambassador acquiesced,
and afterwards removed that case from the list. And this was the sole and only remark made
on the part of your High Mightinesses ; not because there were not others to be made on the
claims in the list furnished by said Ambassador, among which are some so extravagant
and manifestly unjust, as to cause astonishment that people have dared to produce them; but
because the truth, that is to say, the justice or injustice of the claims which had been produced,
must be discussed before Commissioners to be named, in order to be decided and determined
agreeably to the text of the Treaty. For, nothing was to be considered in that preliminary
examination, except the limit of the time and the nature of the cases, as has been already
more fully stated. Therefore, had said Ambassador been pleased to proceed in the same
manner in regard to the list furnished on this side, and not to enter into any discussion
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XL 313
respecting divers claims included therein, by producing wliat was irrelevant to the cases at
bottom, and, consequently, could be alleged and produced only before the Commissioners to
be named on both sides, thus consuming a great deal of time in the conferences which have
been held with your High Mightinesses' Deputies, the last touch might have been given to the
lists, not only in a few days but even in a few hours, so that means of amicable accommodation
might be tried, agreeably to the contents of the Treaty, or, in default thereof, the cases might
be referred at the end of the year fixed by the Treaty, to the Commissioners to be named oa
both sides, to be by them decided in the city of London, in England, which evidently shows
that the Ambassador is the cause that the lists have not, up to this time, been perfected.
The Ambassador proceeds and says : Even since the conclusion of the Treaty, the King of England^*
subjects have been particularly injured first in the East Indies, as ap2)ears by the ships Hopewel and
Leopard, a7id agai7i on the coasts of Guinea, in ichat occurred in regard to the ships Charles, James.
Mary, &(t:. Hereupon it is to be remarked that these are the only complaints; that they are
incessantly brought forward, not that these ships have been taken, pillaged or plundered, for this
has .never been alleged eitlier of those ships or of any others belonging to the King of England's
subjects, but only that they have been sent back and not allowed to discharge at those places
which were, or in fact are, in a state of siege, or invested on the sea side by a naval force.
Thus, in all cases, the English cannot claim anything but indemnity for a useless voyage, in
having been prevented carrying away merchandises and provisions which they pretend to
have had in those besieged and invested places, and which merchandises have nevertheless
not been spoiled nor damaged ; so that the claims based on these cannot be of very great
consequence. And although some very peculiar circumstances, considerations and remarks
exist in the case of these ships, your High Mightinesses, in the expectation that the King of
Great Britain would lay down as a general and universal law, not subject to restriction or
limitation as to place — inasmuch as what is just in the Indies cannot be unjust in Europe —
that trading to and frequenting an enemy's places cannot be disputed nor prevented because
invested by a sufficient force; have, in order to demonstrate to his Majesty how far you are
from wishing to patronize and defend the inhabitants of these United Netherland Provinces
against his Majesty's subjects, not only in the instances in which they might have done
them manifest wrong, but even in matters which in all cases are only problematical and liable,
and ought, to be questioned ; determined to resolve and to offer, as it appears by your
resolutions of the S"" of July and 25"" September, both of the last year, 1664, that you wilj
coiiperate in bringing about, through the intervention of his said Majesty and your High
Mightinesses, an amicable arrangement of all ditFerences respecting those ships so taken, that
satisfaction may be afforded to those interested, and they be indemnified for all reasonable
losses which, after an exact examination and inquest of the state of the case, may be found to
have been incurred by them on account of said ships having been prevented and refused access
to those besieged and invested places; as more fully set forth in said resolutions of the S"* of
July and 25"' of September whereunto reference is herein made. Therefore said Ambassador
cannot substantiate that your High Mightinesses have not afforded all satisfaction imaginable,
and that you have not done all that is to be desired of you on the part of the King of Great
Britain, his Master. Neither can he complain that since that time people have restricted
themselves within the terms of those offers; nor say, that the non-execution thereof was only
your High Mightinesses' fault, inasmuch as no one has appeared on the behalf of the parties
interested, who made any reasonable estimate of those losses or entered into any negotiation
Vop. H. 40
314 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
thereupon. Wliatever happened before the date expressed in the Treaty, being then
extinguished, and as no conii)laint can he made of the capture, since and hefore its conclusion,
of any vessels or goods tlie bona fide property of the English, but, indeed, of some ships or
goods belonging to inhabitants of the Provinces, fitted out under the borrowed name of some
Englislimen, as already more fully set forth ; much less of the taking of any forts or countries,
inasmuch as, at all events, everything had been regulated by the Treaty, and not a single
complaint been made since its conclusion, of any depredation or capture of any ships or
merchandises ; all the complaints of exclusion being from harbors besieged and invested
on the sea side by a naval force, and this, in conformity to niaxims the English themselves
iiave laid down and formerly enforced ; for which obstruction, satisfaction and indemnity have
nevertheless been offered, provided both sides would agree to one general maxim and
permanent rule; we must confess that it is impossible to discover any foundation for the
complaints of the English, or the proposal which Parliament has subsequently made, to attack
this State with arms, and wage war against it, seeing that your High Mightinesses had evinced
so much deference and complaisance towards the King of Great Britain as to adopt resolutions
on his Majesty's demands, with which he had reason to be satisfied ; as was plainly and
evidently demonstrated item by item, and point by point in the Deduction your High
Mightinesses have transmitted to the King of England on the 9"" of October last.
It must be presumed, therefore, that the real cause for that proposal must simply be the
hungering and craving to invade the property of others, with which those men were seized,
and the relish expected to (low from the capture, pillage and plunder of the goods belonging to
the poor people of these Provinces, when there was no longer any hope of being able to extort,
by threats from the State, under pretexts and pretensions manifestly unjust, frivolous and
forged, concessions which it was in no wise in the world bound to make. This is still more
conclusively proved by most positive and express declarations of the said Ambassador, on the
part of the King, his Master, to your High Mightinesses' Deputies — that the ships and subjects
of these Provinces should not be taken nor attacked at sea by surprise, but that the rules of
honor would be observed and a declaration of war always issued in advance. Notwithstanding
all this, orders have been issued to take, arrest, plunder and bring in, and there have, in fact,
been taken, seized, brought in and plundered, without any preliminary declaration, quite a large
number of merchantmen which have been declared good prize with the merchandise on board
the same, contrary to the law of nations, which does not permit such proceeding, unless
preceded by a declaration and promulgation of war. Yet, people do not fail to complain of
your High Mightinesses' having fitted out and equipped a fleet of ships not exceeding in number
those which have been usually equipped for the protection of the trade and navigation of the
subjects of this State, at a time when not a single man-of-war was at sea, unless a few sent to
convoy and escort some merchant vessels. What jealousy, what umbrage could such an
armament excite in the King of Great Britain? the rather, as your High Mightinesses had
declared, in all sincerity, by your letter of the 24"' of July, that it was your real intention and
constant resolution not to do any harm directly or indirectly to your neighbors, particularly his
Majesty's subjects. And, in order to avoid greater disorders, and afterwards to find the means
of discharging and relieving the one and the other from all extraordinary equipments, proposed
that the fleets on either side should not leave their coasts and harbors. And although,
according to the rules of good neighborhood, it would have been courteous and proper in the
King of Great Britain to explain himself on that proposal and declaration of your High
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XI. 315
Mightinesses, either verbally or in writing, as liis ^L^jesty, in the audience which the
Ambassador of this State biul on this subject when lie delivered the said letter of the 24"" of
July last, admitted to be his duty, and promised to do in writing within three days, and let
your High Mightinesses know his sentiments on that point ; yet has he never fulfilled this
promise. Neither has any reason been given for not accepting that proposition — not to allow
the fleets to leave, except what it pleases the Ambassador to allege now, to wit: That it seems
to be <!■ pure mockery, because his Majeit.ij would have been obliged to detain his fleet at home, whilst your
High Mightines-ies had a powerful naval force at sea on his coasts, ivkich icould not be subject to the
obligation not to act, contained in the proposal. This would have some show of rea-on, did not all
the world know that this naval force was not a national fleet sent to sea by order and command
of your High Mightinesses, but simply some ships to serve as a convoy, fitted out, as was
previously the custom every year, by indiviiiuals and designed merely to escort the vessels
expected to return from the East Indies north about {jiar dcrricn) England, and all umbrage
would have been removed from his Majesty's mind on this head, by laying up these vessels
after they had brought the other ships into port, or even by the promise and obligation by
which parties would bin themselves; as, in fact, your High Mightinesses did lay up the fleet
and vessels and cause them to be discharged on their arrival, in order to demonstrate to the
whole world that they have no other intention than to preserve peace.
Matters being i i this position and the Ambassador himself admitting that good assurance
should be given not to offend any one, in case the King's fleet proceeded to sea, an opinion
can be formed of the candor and sincerity with which the English accompany their actions,
since it must necessarily be that the King had given orders, even before that time, to attack
with force and arms and to occupy the forts, provinces and countries of this State. For, passing
in silence the violence with which Captain Holmes, acting as an avowed enemy, captured as
early as 16G1, Forts St. Andrew and the Island of Boavista in the River Gambia, in the name
of the Royal Company, because the King of England disavowed that act, it will be found, on
an exact inquiry as to the time, that what the King himself confesses to have been done by his
order and commands, to wit, the capture of Fort Cape Corse on the coast of Guinea, that of the
city of New Amsterdam and the entire country of New Netherland with the Forts, Colonies
and Provinces depending thereon, inhabited by several thousands of persons and cultivated
at an expense amounting to several millions; 'twill be found, I say, that that order haa
been issued a long time previous, seeing that the naval forces which have committed these
aggressions sailed from England as early as October, 1663. Fort Cape Corse was taken on the
9"" of May and the vessels which seized New Netherland arrived there on the 20"" of August,
and the city of New Amsterdam was surrendered on the V'"" of September, 1664. So that,
since of necessity the orders that have been given to commit these hostilities, have preceded by
some time their execution, it is a gross impertinence to say that these orders have been issued
by the King of England only in return for and on account of matters and things which did not
occur until a long time after; such as the expedition of de Ruyter who received his orders to
that effect only in the month of September, and sailed only in the month of October of the
last year, 1664, &c. And we are of opinion, that it cannot be doubted that the character of
aggressor belongs properly to him who first gives orders to commit hostilities, particularly
when these orders are found to be followed by violent invasions and occupations, such as we
have just noted. Your High Mightinesses' Deputies also believe that nothing can excuse
or disguise these acts, and that it is impossible to give them any color or appearance of
3XQ NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
justice. Therefore, is it a matter of surprise and astonishment, the impertinence and impudence
with whicli said Ambassador (hires allege tlie detention of a vessel loaded with masts, coming
from (Joltenburg, as he says, to ground thereupon the capture and seizure of the ships
belonging to the inhabitants of this State, in order to justify thereby the rupture in Europe
and to charge your High iMigiitinesses with tlie blame of having been the iirst aggressors
therein, althougii the said Ambassador has as perfect a knowledge of that, affair and is in
his conscience convinced of the contrary of what he states. And in order to render his
impertinence evident to the eye, it will be sufficient to make a simple recital of what has '
occurred on that occasion, and to narrate the fact as it is. However, before coming to that
point, what the said Atnbassador himself declares must first be remarked, to wit, that this
ship belongs to Gottenburg. So that he may be asked. What right can the King of England
pretend to a place which is situated in the sovereignty of the Crown of Sweden? And it is
for the King of Sweden to speak in behalf of his subjects, and not for the King of England,
nor Sr. Downing, who has no power of attorney to do so.
The truth of the matter is, that your High Mightinesses having thought proper, for urgent
reasons, to prohibit generally the exportation from the country of divers sorts of merchandise;
that is to say, of such as serve to fit out ships and particularly masts, so that this pretended
Gottenburg Captain, finding himself in one of the ports of this State, and included in the general
prohibitions, had to address your High Mightinesses to order the release of his vessel, which he
obtained, and the same being requested by the memorials of the said Ambassador and the
llesident from the Crown of Swedeu, after the opinion of the Admiralty had been taken, and,
notwithstanding all the ships of this country were generally embargoed in England, this vessel
was relieved from the general prohibition, and granted full leave and liberty to proceed on its
voyage. But when that permission was granted to the ship, it was not in a condition to sail
with the others, because the majority of the sailors had gone ashore to see their wives in the
Province of North Holland, where their families were residing; also, because the party who
chartered the ship and the owner of the masts on board that vessel, was a merchant living at
Sardam, who perhaps had also acquired the character of citizen of Gottenburg. inasmuch as
his son, who was Captain of the vessel which had been chartered in that town, and of which
he was a citizen, was in no great hurry to dispatch her, because, as your High Mightinesses'
Deputies have learned, he had not sufficient guarantee or security that he would be paid by
the King here in Holland after he should have delivered his masts. This ship, then, and the
raasts on board her, having been thus detained, like all others of the same description, and
having been released shortly ai^ter, irrespective altogether of any relation or reflection to the
State of England, 'twas an affair concluded, and the merchant might have prosecuted his voyage
without any obstruction, had he pleased. Now, 'tis certain that it was within your High
Mightinesses' attributes, not only to issue these prohibitions, but also, if you had wished, to
take those masts on paying for them, without any one having cause to complain ; yet, after
your High Mightinesses, on the advice which you had received, that not only orders had been
given to seize and stop, but also that, in fact, people were capturing on the open seas, and
seizing in the ports and harbors of England, the ships and merchandises of the inhabitants of
this Province, had thought proper to prohibit generally the sailing of any ships whatsoever,
and some neutral persons had since asked to be exempted from these prohibitions, your High
Mightinesses grant that exemption and also grant them a full release of their ships; among the
rest, of this pretended Swedish ship loaded with masts, on an application seconded by the King
HOLLAND DOCUINIENTS : XI. 317
of Sweden's Resident, and this sliip also prosecuted her voyage as well as the other neutral
vessels. Not a single circumstance will be found herein at wiiicli any manner of offence can be
taken. Now, if what your High Miglitinesses have done be put in comparison with what has
occurred at the same time in England, in cases almost parallel, 'twill be found that a great
deal of difference exists. For, a general embargo (as they call a general seizure, which it is
usual for them to proclaim on very slight grounds), or arrest of ships having been ordered, so
that not one even of those which lay in the Thames ready to sail was allowed to go to sea,
it cannot be, that it was not as allowable for your High Mightinesses to exercise a like
power, at the same time, in your own country, and to prohibit the conveyance of masts and
other merchandises of that nature, as for the King of England to prohibit all ships indifferently
to quit the confines of his Sovereignty. And, although tiie Ambassador from this State had,
on his request, obtained permission for the sailing of the ships belonging to the inhabitants
of these Provinces and for the continuance of their voyages, it appears that such was given
only with the design to draw a great many others into the net, as was the case. The general
seizure was decreed immediately at the same time, and the first ships and those taken at sea
and elsewhere have increased the number of those which have been declared good prize;
whilst your High Mightinesses, though duly notified that the English were taking and seizing
all the vessels belonging to the subjects of this State, and though you might have acted against
them by way of reprisal, yet have you not failed to give permission to this pretended Gottenburg
ship to depart and prosecute her voyage. This evidently shows that you have never had any
intention to attempt anything whatsoever either on that ship or on the masts with which she
was loaded. Certes, this was a very different mode of proceeding from that followed at the
same time in England, where people did not content themselves with preventing, by general
prohibitions, ships belonging to the inhabitants of these Provinces prosecuting their voyage for
some few days, but did wholly plunder them and declare them good prize. An opinion may
be hence formed of the weakness of the foundations on which the English rest the justification
of their rupture in Europe, since that act, to which they appeal as the strongest reason in
support of their justification, is so frivolous.
The Ambassador complains also, and was of the opinion, that tlte King, his Master, has reason
to be offended at no answer having been ixceived after said Envoy had occupied himself with a regulation
on Trade and had presented a project to that effect. But this complaint is so much the more
strange, as the said Ambassador cannot be ignorant with what assiduity your High Migntinesses
have labored at a regulation on Trade and a Marine Treaty, in order that people may
everywhere know what course to pursue. But so little disposition was there on that side to
arrange a general order and regulation on the subject of Trade, that, on the contrary, when
the said Ambassador was asked, if he had any order or power? he declared that he could not
engage in that negotiation. As the project presented by him embraced only particular
countries in both Indies and. their vicinity exclusively, which were beyond Europe ; although
the distance of places certainly cannot alter what is right, and whatever is just beyond Europe
must be likewise so within Europe; objection was, therefore, made to proceeding to a settlement
on the basis that had been proposed and which was not to apply everywhere nor be general.
The Ambassador, in justification of the hostilities to which recourse had been had on the
violent occupation of said places, also says : that they belong to the West India Company, which had
taken more than twenty ships from the King of England^ s subjects, whom it had treated very badly. This
he exaggerates in terms which would be more appropriately employed in a Romance than in
31S NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
the Memoir of a King's Minister of State. And thereupon we maintain that his allegation as
to tiie taking of twenty Knglisii siiips and tiie bad treatment which he pretends tlie English
had experienced, is not true ; and we can assert, in all sincerity, that we have never heard it>
said, either that any complaints had been made, or ships taken l)elonging, de facto, to any
Englishman, but, indeed, to some smugglers, subjects of this Slate, who, under forged
English names, had withdrawn themselves from obedience to the laws and regulations of thia
Stale. At all events, the cases which occurred before the conclusion of the Treaty, having
been regulated by it, as the Ambassador Extraordinary himself admits, who, consequently,
had them entered on the list of claims, whatever he says and alleges on that point cannot be
of any avail here, nor be adduced as a reason in justification of the hostilities and Violences
with which the forts in those quarters have been attacked and taken.
The next reason alleges that, aVhough no ships have been taken since the Treaty, the English
have been no less iirevcntnl proscatti'ig their trade. Whereupon 'tis to be remarked that,
notwitiistanding the Ambassador Extraordinary would have it everywhere believed, that your
High Mightinesses favor the continual capture and plunder of English ships and goods, he
confesses here, however, that none have been taken since the Treaty, and from this ingenuous
confession your High Sliglitinesses can derive a great advantage for the evident justification
of your just right. The obstruction which, 'tis pretended, has been offered to the commerce of
the English, is absolutely denied, and is incapable of verification by legitimate and sufBcient
proofs. Some English shi[)s, 'tis admitted, have been prevented entering places with which
both India Companies of this country were at war, and before which they had brought their
naval forces. This can be maintained as a proper act and one agreeable to the maxims
established by the English themselves, as well in those parts as elsewhere, and put into
practice by them on divers occasions. Nevertheless, your High Mightinesses, in order to
manifest to the King of Great Britain that you do not intend to countenance and uphold the
inhabitants of these Provinces in cases wherein they might have unquestionably done wrong
to his Majesty's subjects, nor even in those which are problematical and may be disputed, have
oflered by their resolutions of the 5"' and 25"' of September, of the year 10G4, to oblige the
East and West India Companies to satisfy the parties interested in the ships Hopeu-cll, Charles,
James, Mary, &c., on complaints merely that they have been obstructed in their trade and
prevented entering besieged places. But [that the violence which] the Ambassador superadds,
is true and suHiciently verified, because he says that he has, from time to time, complained
thereof, is not admissible; for, the complaints presented, or made by a Minister, cannot pass
for juridical proofs.
Tlie third reason mentions a Declaration issued by the servants of the West India Company
tending to exclude all other nations from the coast of Guinea, and tliut, notwithstanding the complaints
made thereof, the action has not been disavowed and no satisfaction afforded on this head. But the
Ambassador will recollect, if he please, that he had been furnished on the S"" of October
last, in your High Mightinesses' name, with an Answer raisonnce to the Memoir he had
presented on the 14"" of August preceding wherein he makes complaint, on this point, of a
Remonstrance or Protest which John Valckenburgh, Director-General in Guinea, had served
in the month of July, 1GG3, on Francis Selwin, the English Agent at Cormantin. The
Ambassador maintains that such I'rolest claims that the entire coast of Guinea, which he calls
the Gold coast, with its dependencies and trade to all those places, belongs solely to those of
these Low Countries to the exclusion of all other nations and particularly of the English,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XI. Sl^
Swedes and Danes. Your High Mightinesses, wlio have had copy of said Protest as well as
of the Counter Protest of the English Agent, have, after having examined them, expressly
Stated in the Answer aforesaid, that you are greatly astonished to see complaints made at the
end of a year, on the part of England, upon a simple writing, when the whole world already
knew that his Majesty's subjects had not had recourse to writings only, even long before the
date of that Protest, but have also tried to effect by open force and avowed hostility and, as
much as in their power lay, did in fact carry into execution the very thing which 'tis now
alleged the aforesaid Valckenburgh did pretend to by the aforesaid writing: At least if
presumptions can be formed from the commencement of their acts as to their intentions and
object. Although your High Mightinesses, after having examined said protest, find that
the conclusion thereof does not state anything approaching to, or containing, a notification
to the English to quit the said coast and to abandon all the trade they have there, as his
Majesty's subjects had done to those of this State a long time before, that is to say, in the
year 1661. Three sliips of war and two frigates, carrying the King of England's flag, being
arrived on the 12"" of March of that year before Cape Verde and the Coast of Africa, Captain
Holmes the Commander of the fleet, sent three persons of rank to Henry Willemson Cop,
the West India Company's Commissary, who happened to be in that quarter, who declared
to said Commissary, in the name and by order of Commander Holmes, that he. Holmes, had
express orders from his Master, the King of Great Britain, to notify all and every of what
nation soever, that the right to traffic and navigate on the coast of Africa, from Cape Verde
to the Cape of Good Hope, belonged solely to his Majesty, to the exclusion of all other
nations; exhorting, then, said Commissary Cop to arrange affairs so that, within five or
six months at most, those of this country might retire from the said coast. Your High
Mightinesses then thought fit to represent this proceeding to his Majesty, both by your letter
of the 28"" of July, 1662, and verbally by your Ambassadors who were at that time in
England; requesting his Majesty to disavow that act and to issue orders and so to arrange
matters, that said notification be not confirmed by real and effectual violence. His Majesty
accordingly writing to your High Mightinesses on the 24"" of August following, disavowed
that act and promised to give such strict orders as to obviate all apprehension of any bad
consequences therefrom. Nevertheless, Fort St. Andrew, which Holmes had taken, has not
been restored, though his Majesty has been very often requested to make such restitution,
and many civil, and at all times very serious, applications have been made to that efliect. If
a comparison be instituted hereupon between the act of Holmes and the notification of
Valckenburgh, the former will in fiict furnish that matter for complaint which people pretend
to discover in the latter; although if this be closely examined 'twill be seen that it does not
contain any such thing, but merely refers the exclusive right which the one and the other
claim on the coast of Africa, to the determination of their respective Sovereigns, and does
not speak of having the English utterly expelled from those parts. In fact, it was not followed
by any action, and is not found accompanied by any act of hostility like Holmes' notice ; as
more fully stated in your High Mightinesses' answer of the 8"" of October last. This answer
also applies to the allegation the Ambassador is pleased to make, that Director Valckenburgh
has introduced uncivil terms into his Protest which shock the three Nations above mentioned.
For your High Mightinesses demonstrate therein that you have as much if not more reason
to complain of, and to demand reparation for, the Counter Protest of said Agent Selwin, both
on account of the matter itself and of the offensive and insolent terms he employs, than
those of the Royal Company have had to carry their complaints, against Director-General
320 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Valckenbourg's Remonstrace, to his Majesty and tlirough him to your High Mightinesses. And
your High Migiitinesses are doubtless very iiiucli astonislied at seeing the said Ambassador
again agitating tliis business, and alleging it as one of the causes ot the hostilities on the part
of the English, because no disavowal had ever been given of the transaction, although the
contrary is clear from v?hat has just been stated, as well as from your High Mightinesses' said
Answer of the S"" of October.
In the fourth place, 'tis said, that a quanlitij of gold has been given and iirmsfurnishcd to the King
of FuHlii), who, by such means, ,vas engaged to attempt surprising Fort Cormantin, belonging to the
King of England, in those farts. Whereunto we answer, as we have repeatedly done before,
that the Ambassador is pleased to confound dates ; for, the news or complaint of that pretended
attempt was not brought to England until long after Fort Cape Corse had been already, in
fact, attacked and forcibly captured hy his Majesty's order ; that is to say, several months and
possibly more than an entire year after his Majesty had already given orders to attack
and take the said Fort Cape Corse and New Netherland. 'I'hat action, or the opinion
entertained of it, cannot therefore have been the cause of the issuing of these orders, because
the news of that vamped-up attempt was received, as already stated, only in the month of
August, and 'twas not until the 14"" of that month that the Ambassador presented a Memoir
on the subject ; and, nevertlieless. Fort Cape Corse had been attacked by force of arms and
taken as early as the preceding May. And as regards the afl'air itself, it must be known that
the fourth article of the Answer in writing, which his Majesty, the King of Great Britain, has
caused to be given on several points, represented by your High Mightinesses' Ordinary
Ambassador to him, states that the Director-General of the East India Company' of this
country had obliged the inhabitants of the place, and particularly the King of Fantin, by a
present of sixty strings of gold, to surprise Fort Cormantin, and for that purpose had furnished
them with a large number of muskets, gur)powder and other munitions. To this your High
Mightinesses answered, by their Deduction of the 9"" of October last, declaring in good faith
and with sincerity, that you could not believe that those of your nation would be guilty of
any such act. But if the statement should turn out to be true, you would act in such a
manner as to satisfy his Majesty. Proofs in support of the statement had previously been
demanded, and the act was required to be verified, inasmuch as it was formally denied ; but
neither then nor since has any proof been furnished either on the part of his Majesty or of his
Minister. The Ambassador's assertion that he hath produced proofs of the pretended intrigue
with the King of Fantyn, is an impudent falsehood. For, all he has produced is a letter from
the English Agent at Cormantin, who sent over the account of it, not only unaccompanied by
any [irools but also without any statement as to how he knew it, or in what manner he learned it,
or any particulars or circumstances about it, which might give it the least color or appearance
of truth. And as your High Mightinesses entertain sentiments of too much respect for the
King of Great Britain to imagine for a moment that his Majesty had been willing to hazard
these assertions or to give orders to accuse your High Mightinesses of a thing which might
have been invented at pleasure, so is it evident that his Majesty might be satisfied with the
letter which has been produced, and decline producing any other proofs, and yet continue to
insist on the affair, in order to demand satisfaction.- Besides, the Ambassador could not be
' West India Company. Aitzema, 4to, XI., 72S.
"Tho latter part of this sentence differs in the copy in Aitzema, whore the passage, when translated, stands: "So is it
evident, that his Majesty cannot put forth the aforesaid letter, as authorizing him to decline or nopleet the production and
delivery of proofs, and yet urge and insist further on the matter itself." Staat en Ovrloi/h. 4lo, XI., "2'J. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XI. 321
ignorant what credit your High Mightinesses would attach to the letter of this English Agent
at Cormantin, after his Excellency had been shown, in your name, the impertinences, lies and
extravagances with which the Agent had crammed a public writing, copy whereof had been
previously furnished to the said Ambassador. And if faith must absolutely be attached to these
sorts of letters and news, 'twill be found that your High Mightinesses have much more cause
for complaints and grievances ; inasmuch as the letters not only of the Governor but also of the
Council of India, written in Batavia, state that the English have entered into a contract or
league with the Chief of the Indians at Bantam to lay siege conjointly and with united forces
to the town of Batavia, by sea and land, and that the King of England would furnish twenty
ships-of-war for the execution of that design. And, although that letter is accompanied by
divers very strong particulars and circumstances, yet your High Mightinesses, seeing that it is
not sustained by sufficient proofs, have been unwilling to avail yourselves of it to found thereon
any complaints against the English. A comparison of this, with what has been stated, shows
evidently that one neither can nor must make complaints unless accompanied by sufficient
proofs. Such is the opinion even of the Ambassador, since he states that he has produced and
communicated proofs to your High Mightinesses, which, however, is a manifest untruth, the
fact being that he has not furnished nor produced the least proof, although it would not have
been very difficult to procure some if, in fact, the affair was such as he would fain persuade
us, inasmuch as several ships have arrived from those parts since that time. It appears,
therefore, that 'tis only with a view to deceive and hoodwink the world that he piles falsehood
upon falsehood, and endeavors to cover that of the King of Fantyn by still a greater untruth,
when he says that he has produced the proofs thereof. And, forasmuch as the latter is a
question of fact, which can be verified only by proof, and as people know in their consciences
that none has been produced, we have indirectly learned, that the English Ministry make the
Allies believe that it has in its hands the letters which the officers of the West India Company
have written to the King of Fantyn, and which prove the truth of those assertions. But this
is a prodigious piece of effrontery and falsehood, which deserves the same degree of credit as
that of Captain Holmes, who reports that he has seen your High Mightinesses' order and
commission to capture all the ships and goods of the English. These are ridiculous
and impertinent inventions, worthy of those who have recourse thereto, in order to give some
sort of color to their execrable violence, rapine and depredations, and must be considered such
until the originals be produced, which are not in existence.
These, then, are the reasons the Ambassador alleges on which he bases the order the King,
his Master, has issued and the consequent execution of the violent attack and occupation of
Cape Corse, Tacorary, the Guinea coast, the city of New Amsterdam and New Netherland
and its dependencies on the coast of America. 'Twill be easily seen, from what we have just
said, how weak, ridiculous and impertinent they are. And, indeed, the Ambassador,
considering that he will experience some difficulty in making them pass for valid, tries another
tack with those who would examine their force, and endeavors to justify the proceedings of
the English, by saying that those places which they have occupied do not belong to this State,
but to the King of Great Britain ; and in order to succeed in this glorious undertaking, he
says, first : that he hud, a long time ago, complained, by order of the King, his Master, that those of
the West India Company had made themselves masters of Fort Cape Corse by surprise, and that his
Majesty's subjects had j'urchased the soil of that place from the King of the locality. Your High
Mightinesses' Deputies do not recollect having ever heard that the King of Great Britain had
Vol. II, 41
322 NEW- YORK COLOXTAL MANUSCRIPTS.
such pretensions previous to his giving tlie order to occupy the place ; but are, on the contrary,
well awar'' hat many things can be produced whicli utterly demolish what the Ambassador
wishes to maintain. P"or, first, when he says: That the English have been prevented frequenting
Cape Corse and that their ships would not be allowed to enter there, he does not allege that
the title to the place is in the King, his Master, but merely that the English could not be
hindered trading there as the place was not besieged by sea and land ; whilst he ought to say:
We are prevented landing at a place which belongs to the King of Great Britain. Secondly,
the Ambassador, mediating as a third party in the dispute here between the West India
Company of this country and the Danish African Company about the property of the
aforementioned place, supports the Danes on the part of the King, his Master, and seconds
them by his recommendations and Memoirs, and does not say a single word of the right of the
King, his Master, nor mention any pretensions on the part of the English. Now, when they
are its masters, they make believe that thnj acquired this flace from the King of Fcstu as earhj as
the year 1649 ; thit theij built, at that lime., a house and lodge there which the inhabitanis of the country
have demolished ; thai the same inliahi/ants have since conveyed the place to the Swedes, who built a fort
there three years after. And this is all they say and prove about it. But nobody believes that
the English can produce any contract whereby it appears that the ground belongs to them,
and that they purchased it from the Kingof Festu. All they can have is, a simple permission
to build a house there such as the Company had twelve years previous to that of the English,
namely, from 1637, confirmed by a real and effectual possession. In all cases, it will not be
found that the West India Company of this country have obtained the possession of this fort and
place immediately from the English, as will be soon shown ; so that the claim they pretend to
the place does not affect the Company, who have acquired it in good faith ; first, by purchase,
and afterwards by a very expensive siege and blockade of several years, within view of the
English and the whole world, who never tnade known nor gave it to be understood that they
had, or pretended, any right or property thereto. But if they believed that they had any
claim, at least a real one, against those who dispossessed them of the place, they ought to
have made it known by some prosecution or by a public protest at the time, and not revive, at
the end of fourteen years, or thereabouts, when they had already made themselves masters
of the fort by sur[)rise and force, pretensions which are ill-founded and frivolous. The
Company's title by acquisition, besides, cannot have anytiiing in common with the pretensions
ot the English, which, therefore, do not deserve any consideration from tiie Company.
For, 'twas in the year 1650, and not in 1652, that the Swedes built a fort there without any
opposition or contradiction on the part of the English, who have never made any demand on
the Swedes, nor pretended to tlieni any right on that place, though the West India Company
has. Afterwards, in tlie year 1657, during the disastrous war between the Crowns of Sweden
and Denmark, the Danes captured that fort from the Swedes and next sold it by contract to
the West India Company of this country. Tlie same place having been since taken forcible
possession of by the Negroes it was again recovered after a savage war and a long siege. 'Tis
evident, therefore, that the English have never been in possession of that fort and have never
even put forth any claim to it uniil ihey did, on a recent occasion, unjustly surprise it.
But, says the Atiihassador, had this fort been dcmandrd on behalf of his Majesty (for he sees full
well tiiat such demand should precede all violence) %rhat appearance was there if his obtaining it,
since his Majesty has not been able to procitre the restitution of a single ship nor the value of a single
farthing of what has been forcibly plundered from his S2ibjccls, whatever apjdication or danand he had
made for them.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XI. 323
The Ambassador, in speaking of force, does violence to tiie truth, as appears by the
restitution of tiie ship named tlie Handmaid which Sr. Downing has reclaimed ; of the sloop
which Captain Bancker had taken by mistake, under the impression tliat it was a Portuguese
privateer, and several other matters and things marked in the said Deduction of tlie y"" of
October of last year, wherein it is very particularly and circumstantially demonstrated thai your
High Mightinesses have great cause to complain, but that the English have no well grounded
reason to do so.
But the said Ambassador, fully aware that a place in peaceable possession of another, must
necessarily be demanded, if the English claim any right to it, and that they are not permitted
to retake it by force from those who had not taken it from them, sets about talking of the
afiair of Pouleron and says, thai ic oiight to have been restored a long lime ago, as far back as the
year 1G22, became it luid been -promised in the Treaty, (tnd again by a Treaty of the year 1654, and
still a third time by another of the year 1662, and yet to this day does not know if it have been restored;
inferring thence that the King, his Master, may capture places by force without demanding
them. And as this is spoken of with a design to convey the impression that your High
Mightinesses think little of observing or enforcing your Treaties, it will be proper to say a
word here on the state of that Island.
'Tis true that about the year 1662, a negotiation was entered into for the adjustment of
various contests and differences which existed between the East India Companies of England
and of this country. Among these was one respecting the property of the Island of Pouleron
and the Banda Islands, all which the Dutch Company was in the possession of, and tlie English
were claiming that this Island belonged to them in the year 1654. All the difference between
the two Companies having been discussed before Commissioners named on both sides,
agreeably to the Treaty concluded with Protector Cromwell, and it having been decided and
regulated by arbitration, this Island was adjudged to belong to the English. Thereupon were
placed in the hands of the latter all the necessary orders to go and take possession of it, to
their entire contentment and satisfaction. Keverlheless, they neglected to take possession on
account of the expense it would necessarily entail, or for other considerations unknown to
your High Mightinesses. Since then, other differences having arisen, on account of the capture
of some ships which were sent to places belonging to enemies, that were either besieged or
invested by sea, everything was regulated by an amicable settlement in the year 1659, to the
mutual satisfaction of the one and the other, in the manner and on the terms to be found in
the Treaty itself, by extinguishing all claims, damages and injuries on both sides. The King
having been since restored, Pouleron could not well be given back in virtue of a Treaty
concluded with the Protector, unless the Treaty were confirmed by the King, the extinction
just mentioned admitted, and a declaration, to whom it was to be given up, were produced,
under his hand and seal, in order to be sure of a valid discharge. In fact, several conferences
on that subject have been held between the King's Commissioners and your High Mightinesses'
Ambassadors Extraordinary in England, who at length agreed as is to be seen by the Treaty
itself; so that whatever happened previously does not come into consideration, it having been
regulated by the last Treaty. And your High Mightinesses cannot but remember, that after
the exchange of the ratifications on both sides, so great was the haste to execute this point,
that his Majesty was pleased himself to express by his letter written to your High Mightinesses
on the 22"* January, 1663, his entire satisfaction, and to declare that, as you have been the
first to execute the Treaty, he should be the last to infringe it. Since then it has come te
824 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
pass that those who were to take possession of that place, by applying to those who have the
direction of afl'airs in the Indies, presented to the latter an instrument in writing from the King,
so soiled, dirty and ill conditioned that there was reason to doubt if it was a veritable
commission, inasmuch as people are in the habit of carefully preserving papers of that
character; and to suppose that it was put into that condition expressly in order to its rejection
and to afford a pretext for saying that the restitution of the Island had been refused, and to
have grounds for making, new complaints and pretensions. This is so much the more probable
as the report has been spread in London, in order to irritate the public mind, that the restitution
of the Island had been refused, although no news nor advice to that effect had been received.
Nevertheless, those who have the direction of affairs in the Indies, wishing to prevent any bad
interpretation that might be given to their intentions, ofFered to restore the Island of Pouleron,
on condition that the English would declare formally and in good faith and sincerely, that the
instrument they presented was truly such as the King was obliged to furnish by the Treaty-
This being agreed to, and everything being ready to carry out the restitution after the
despatches had been prepared and orders had been given, not a single English ship nor a man
was found to receive the Island, or to go and take possession of it ; so that the English can blame
only themselves if up to this time they have not yet taken possession of the Island, those in
the service of the P^ast India Company of this country have been very willing to make this
arrangement notwithstanding another remarkable defect was discovered directly contrary to
the tenor of the 15"" Article of the Treaty, which however has been willingly overlooked,
through love of peace.
Again, the said Ambassador asserts, so far from the nffnir of Neiv Netherland being a surprise,
that this tract of country is situate within the New England patent ; that the Dutch resided there only by
connivance and prccarioiisli/, and that S7ich permission has been signifcd to them from year to year upon
certain conditions, and that they have drawn down this visitation on themsdves by their aggressions and
provocations since the last Treaty. Verily, your High Mightinesses' Deputies believe that, were
those incursions and provocations to be enumerated and described, they would be found to be
on a par with that whereof the Wolf accused the Lamb, viz., of having muddied the water,
although she had drank at the lower end of the stream ; the Wolf complaining that he was
constrained to drink muddy water, was, therefore, a mere prete.xt for tearing and devouring
the poor Lamb. 'Tis not, and there is reason to believe that it cannot be, asserted wherein
these invasions and provocations consist; where they have been committed ; by whom and
against whom ; at least, no complaint has ever been made thereof, and no reparation has ever
been demanded therefor. This should, nevertheless, have been done conformably to the tenor
of the 14"" Article of said Treaty according to the construction the Ambassador put on it; and
such not being done, those are justly believed to be mere chimeras. The allegation as to
what are the laws of war in that country, is also irrelevant ; inasmuch as 'tis the King who has
given orders to commit the hostilities and surprisal, which orders have been sent from Europe,
and 'twas in England that the troops, who executed those orders, were put on ship-board.
Neither is any proof produced of the pretended connivance nor of the permission which, 'tis
said, has been annually signified; and it is never presumed that a possession is precarious or
by connivance, but he who makes such an assertion must prove the fact. But in order to
show, on the contrary, that the possession has not been precarious but absolute, it is necessary
to understand, that agreeably to the settlement of the Boundary, which has been provisionally
concluded between the subjects of tiie Ktng of Great Britain and those of this State in those
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 325
parts, each nation has introduced and established within its district, such laws, usages and
customs as it pleased and has thought best fitting its humor and nature. Each had its government
and jurisdiction separate and independent of the other, which has been the case even when
some of this nation retired or settled within the bounds of the English, or vice versa, when any
of the latter settled within the limits of this nation, whose possession exceeds forty and fifty
yearsj-which is the longest time that a title by possession can be acquired; for, it is over forty
that we are in possession of the town of- New Amsterdam with its forts, and more than fifty
years since we are in possession of Forts Orange and Esopus, the one and the other with the
lands and countries depending thereon. And the English have no other tjtle to the possession
of what they hold ; namely, New Belgium,' than those of this nation have to New Netherland ;
to wit, the right of occupation; because all those countries being desert, uninhabited and
waste, as if belonging to nobody, become the property of those who have been the first
occupants of them. 'Tis thus the~^English hecve occupied, and this is the title by which they
possess New England, as those of this nation. New Netherland. The right which the English
found on the letters patent, wherein their King grants such a vast extent to the limits of the
English so as to include also all the possessions of this nation, is as ridiculous a^ if your High
Mightinesses bethought yourselves of including all New England in the patent you would
grant to the West India Company. Therefore, a continued possession for such a long series
of years must confer on this nation a title which cannot be questioned with any appearance of
reason. Under all circumstances, if the King of Great Britain had any right to that country
he ought to have spoken of it and reserved it at the time of the conclusion of the Treaty; and
this the rather, as the 15"" Article of that Treaty extinguishes all claims of what nature soever
they might be.
The Ambassador replies to this, thai thk 15"' Article of the Treaty extinguishes only such thin<rs as
piracies and robberies committed on sea, and not rights to inheritances or jurisdiction ; and to prove this,
cites the case of Thomas Lauiver, who lays claim to certain lands in Zealand. But this and all othtr
cases of this nature are irrelevant, for they are private disputes and suits between subjects and
individual parties arising from inheritance or contracts for property situate in territories
indisputably belonging to the one or the other, not understood to be included in the extinction
or abolition, spoken of in the 15"" Article of the Treaty; but, on the contrary, claims which
the King of Great Britain might have had to New Netherland, Cape Corse, or other places.
This appears evident by the same King pretending a right to the Island of Pouleron. It was
not included in the general extinction, but, 'tis said, provided the Island of Pouleron be
restored, all the other actions and pretensions shall remain extinguished. Therefore, it must
be concluded that this extinction must be extended to all rights and all pretensions of the same
nature as that here excepted and reserved, to wit : that of Pouleron ; that is to say, over
countries, forts and jurisdictions. And thus the Rule, in the cases not excepted, being confirmed
by the Exception, it must necessarily follow that by the exception of the Pouleron claim, the
general rule of extinction and abolition must hold in regard to claims to New Netherland, if
there had been any, and all such pretensions, and be applicable thereto.
What he adduces in regard to the conduct of the French in Guyana is irrelevant; and even
if there were any similarity in it, as perhaps will not be the case, that was an affair which
your High Mightinesses have to settle with the King of France, and wherein the said
' Sic. New England. A'Uzema, XI., 734. — Ed.
326 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Ambassador has no interest, inasmuch as he lias therein no power nor authority from the
King of France.
The Ambassador passes from this to the affair of Cape Verd, the occupation of the fort there,
and Captain Hohnes' actions, and says : that justice has been promised, on the comj)laints presented on
that suhject, after information should be taken ; that, by the 14" Article of the Treaty, it is sufficient if
justice be rendered within a year, and nevertheless, that, six or seven months aj'ter, it tvas resolved here to
send a considerable army thither on the part of the Slate, and thus the Treaty was contravened. Captain
Holmes' actions have been already discussed at greater length, and from the result of your
High Mightinesses' formal complaints, it can be inferred what satisfaction you are to expect
for the violences and hostilities he has committed. After the said Captain Holmes had, in the
year 1661, taken Fort St. Andrew and the Island of Boavista, in the River Gambia, nothing at
all was done, although tlie King of England had positively promised that, on the Captain's
return, he would have him punished, satisfaction rendered and restitution inade. Instead of
that, after the capture of Cape Corse,' no promise of reparation, satisfaction or restitution could
be obtained, other than the King of England, in general terms, said : That he would inform
himself of the matter and afterwards do what would be just and equitable. Your High
Mightinesses had so much the less reason to be satisfied with this, as those who had committed
these hostilities were boasting that their fleet would be soon reinforced by other ships. 'Twas
on this account, also, according to the law of nature, which teaches and permits the repelling
force by force, and, in order to arrest the course of their robberies, depredations and hostilities,
you have deemed proper to send a sutRciently powerful naval force into those parts, and have
communicated to his Majesty the order and instructions which had been sent to the Commanders,
to assure him that such force would not be employed to the prejudice of his subjects or of their
ships or merchandise, but only against those who had committed those violences and hostilities,
in order to try and recover what those of this State had lost, and to prevent greater disorders.
This it was lawful for your High Mightinesses to do. As you also fully and evidently, and
most conclusively justify that act in the writing you published on the 31" of October last, it
is superfluous to dwell any further on this suhject. Among other things, it is manifestly
demonstrated therein, that the 14"" Article does not in any manner prevent those injured and
offended from pursuing pirates, robbers and aggressors who have injured them, and punishing
theiTi and recovering from them what they had previously taken, plundered and robbed ; but
that the said article regulated and fixes only the time, to wit, twelve or eighteen months
respectively after making the complaints, when people will be at liberty, agreeably to the
faculty, the right and the power which all States possess, according to the law of nations, to
enforce satisfaction and reparation, even from the subjects of the aggressor, although innocent
of, and no parties to^ the violence that has been committed, by means of letters of marque and
reprisals, or else a declaration of open war. And although this was very strongly proved by
many and divers reasons, very fully set forth and extended in the said Deduction and Justification
of the 31" October last, yet will it still appear evident from the simple perusal of the said 14""
Article of the Treaty, whereby this power is expressly reserved to the offended party. For it is
there stated, in express terms, that those who will have committed the wrong shall be punished
ct nemo alius ; and No other. Now, it cannot be even imagined that this is to be understood of
the punishment which Sovereigns cause to be inflicted by justice on those who have offended,
'Capo VerJ. Aitzema, XI., 7o6. —Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 327
or have done ill; for such never extends to other subjects who are not accomplices or have not
had any participation in the crime, and it would be an injustice to carry the punishment
beyond the guilty. So that the word punishment must apply to the action and deed of the
party injured, because a restriction is added by the words, No other; whilst, as we have
already stated, there are occasions when, according to the right and practice of all people,
the injured party can punish and prosecute his right against those even who have no share in the
wrong that has been done. This can never be the case with the offending party, whence it
appears evident that this 14"'' Article does not efface the natural right and faculty of repelling
force by force, and of opposing it even by recourse against him who has committed the
violence. The English know so well how to enforce this everywhere, that they afford good
evidence that no other explanation need be given to this Article. An unanswerable proof of
this is found in the Memoir Sr. Downing has presented to your High Mightinesses on the 13""
of February of last year, on occasion of a vessel called the JVapen van Amsterdam, which it was
pretended had been taken from the English before the conclusion of the Treaty, and had been
recaptured after the conclusion of the said Treaty, on falling in accidentally with five English
men-of-war. In that Memoir he very expressly admits that it must not be considered strange
if an effort be made to recover by force what had been previously taken by force and injustice ;
80 that the Ambassador cannot, without manifest impudence, contradict the maxim and
practice established in regard to the explanation and meaning of that Article, since he himself
feels no difficulty in making use of it on other occasions. This having then been placed in so
strong a light that even, according to the English maxims' and practice, the party injured is at
liberty and empowered to recover, by force, what had been taken by force and wrongfully, no
one can, in any manner whatsoever, consider unjust the resolution which has been adopted to
dispatch Commander Van Campen with a powerful naval force, not only to preserve what we
possess and prevent the progress of other disorders, violences and hostilities, but also to recover
what had been seized by force ; especially since this precaution has been adopted to forbid any
injury being done to those who have had no hand in those violences. And we think your
High Mightinesses cannot understand how it can be asserted that the King of Great Britain
disavows the acts and hostilities of Captain Holmes, and yet feels offended because his violences
are opposed. A strong suspicion is thereby created that if these hostilities have not been
committed agreeably to orders which his Majesty had previously given, at least they were not
perpetrated without his consent and knowledge, inasmuch as he who favors a criminal is
not entirely guiltless of the crime. What increases this suspicion is the consideration that
the other subsequent attacks on the coast of Guinea and in America, have been made by the
King's orders. Your High Mightinesses' Deputies are further of opinion that it is a strange
and unheard-of circumstance, that an Article like this 14"", which has been inserted in the
Treaty for the preservation of peace, and to prevent all sorts of contraventions and violences of
private persons, and which even fixes the time when satisfaction must be rendered, and
provides for the punishment of the author, as he deserves, should be explained away and forced
to receive a construction favorable to attacks and hostilities, the capture of several forts and
places in divers quarters of the world committed intentionally and designedly by the Sovereign's
fleets, officers and soldiers, which would have them pass as the acts of an individual; endeavors
to garrote the injured and to prevent them punishing on their own territory, whereof they
have been violently dispossessed, those who have made war against them with so much
violence, and finally secures impunity to the authors of those hostilities. Verily, neither the
328 NEW- YORK COLOXIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
language nor meaning of that article promises tliis horrible advantage to robbers and usurpers.
Wherefore, we cannot understand why tiie King of England takes oifence because punishment is
inflicted on a man who makes war on another, found on iiis place and territory; a punishment
which he has deserved by iiis hostilities. Neither can we understand any better, why the
same King can suppose himself insulted or affronted, as the Ambassador appears desirous
to have it believed, because a naval force belonging to the State was ordered to pass in open
sea in front of his Majesty's iiarbors, inasmuch as your High Mightinesses have reason to
believe that nobody can dispute you the free use and navigation of the sea, agreeably to the
law of nations.
At the close of his Memorial, the Ambassador dwells particularly on the employment of your
High Mightinesses' fleet under the command of Vice-Admind dc lluyter, as if yo2i had failed in the
promise to act conjointly against the piracies of the Barhary Corsairs, and complains that it had left
the Medilerranian without any notice having been jireviously given to his Majesty, and without the Vice-
Admiral communicating his intinliori to Chevalier Luwson, who commanded his Majesty's fleets in those
parts, or informing him of the ohjccl of his proposed voyage. Although they were together in the same
harbor when de Rvyler was about to leave, and although the King of England pressed your High
Mightlriesscs' Ambassador on this subject, his Majesty could not learn anything certain, whence he
concludes and believes that the fleet was sent and employed against him, whilst he ivas employing his against
the common enemies of Claistianity. To this it may be answered that there had been no negotiation
entered into, nor Treaty concluded between the King of Great Britain and this State, to act
conjointly and with combined forces against the Barbary Pirates, but 'tis, on the contrary, true
that the King of Great Britain has twice made and concluded a separate Treaty with the
Pirates, without giving your High Mightinesses any notice thereof. So far from having included,
he abandoned your High Mightinesses as well as the rest of Christendom ; arranging, meanwhile,
aff.iirs and conducting enterprises in such a manner as to perpetrate, at the same time, more
damage and injury on the subjects of this State than was to be apprehended from Barbary
Pirates; not only by plundering ships and committing depredations on property, but also by
Captain Holmes' perpetrating many other acts of hostility, attacking and capturing several forts
and places at Cape Verd and elsewhere. Your High Mightinesses have therefore been obliged
to employ in those parts, where the evils and outrages were more grave and your subjects were
attacked as if in open war, those forces which were destined and were, in fact, laboring to ruin
the common enemies of Christendom. Your High Mightinesses then cannot, but the English
must, be held responsible for the Mediterranean remaining exposed a prey to the Barbarians,
for these two reasons : First, because of the Treaty they have separately concluded with the
Pirates ; and, secondly, because of their hostilities, to counteract which people have been
constrained to employ the forces commanded by Vice-Admiral de Ruyter. And his Majesty
cannot take it ill, that the order and instruction to that Vice-Admiral have not been
communicated to him, inasmuch as they were similar to those given at the same time to
Commander Yan Campen, which have been communicated to his Majesty. In this proceeding
your High Mightinesses have evinced more candor, frankness and sincerity than his Majesty,
who has thought proper to give underhand an order to his officers to take from this State its
forts and countries, notwithstanding the declarations he had made and caused to be communicated
to the contrary, both verbally and in writing. Besides, Vice-Admiral de Ruyter was not
obliged to communicate his voyage to Sr. Lawson ; for, he had no orders to that effect ; nor to
injure him or the forces under his command, or any other of his Majesty's subjects, who were
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XI. 329
not. offending or had not, in fact, offended those of this State. The King of England could not
learn anything, either, from the Ambassador of this State at London, because he knew nothing
of the order nor of the commission which had been given to Vice-Admiral de Ruyter, and had
no instructions to mention them. Time and the result of this affair have lil^ewise demonstrated,
that the Ambassador has been greatly mistaken in his belief, and that his conjectures were
false, when he persuaded himself that the fleet of this State had been dispatched to operate
against his Majesty; for, on the recapture of Cape Verd, it had in its power one of his
Majesty's men-of-war, mounted with forty guns, which served as a convoy, and released her
as well as the other vessels which were not of the number of those that had done the harm,
although they had been freighted by them, and were at their service. It abstained even from
retaking, and did not attempt to recover Fort St. Andrew or the Island of Boavista, only because
the English had taken the one and the other before the conclusion of the Treaty; so that all
he did has been to recover the goods and the fort which had been taken, and to punish those
who had done the mischief, and no others, agreeably to the text and express words of the 14'''
Article of the Treaty. This cannot be considered a rupture or an aggression, but, on the
contrary, by that name must be baptized the order his Majesty has given and the execution
which followed it, in the capture of Cape Corse and Tacorary, on the coast of Guinea and of
New Netherland and its dependencies in America. And, as to what regards Europe, all the
world knows that the peace was originally violated [by those of England,'] first in taking and
seizing a number of merchantmen belonging to the inhabitants of these Provinces without
previous notice or declaration, and afterwards by Captain Allen or the ships of his squadron,
surprising and attacking the vessels of war of this State, under the orders of Commander Van
Brakel,^ in front of the Bay of Cadiz. This was the first attack made by men-of-war [on] the
national ships of this State. An attempt has been made to defend this act, and to employ as
a pretext for that purpose, the Gottenburg ship which has been detained here by virtue of a
general embargo. But it appears, from what we have already said on this subject, that such
defence consisted of irrelevancies, frivolous as well as extravagant impertinences and manifest
falsehoods wherewith Sr. Downing's writing is stuffed and crammed ; and is, besides, devoid of
such conclusion and intention as Ministers are usually wont to convey in their Memorials.
Therefore, in the present conjuncture, it might be considered as a libel, rather than a writing
of a public Minister, which consequently was deserving of no other answer than contempt, and
to be kicked out of your High Mightinesses' Assembly. Your Deputies, however, have, for
the reasons above submitted, thought it necessary to make these remarks thereupon, and to
put them in writing.
Done at the Hague, 9"" February, 1665.
' Aitzema, XI., 740.
' 1'eteb tan Bkakel. He had the misfortune to be killed ia the commencement of the fight. Kak, VIII., 919. — Ed.
Vol. U. 42
330 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Ahdract of the precedbuj Manifesto.
It is demonstrated, in tlie preceding Observations :
Pass.
That Ambassador Downing's Memoir lacks tlie ordinary style and order, 309
That their High Mightinesses did not act contrary to form and reason in communicating their foregoing
Resolution to the Ministers Resident here, without its Vieing necessary to communicate it to said Ambassador, 309
That the said Ambassador is not privileged to transmit his Memoir to all Courts, 310
That their High Mightinesses are more inclined and disposed to peace than the King of England, 311
That the list of claims on this side was drawn up in time, 312
That those on both sides were not completed perfectly, which is owing to the Ambassador's proceedings, 312
That their High Mightinesses have passed satisfactory Resolutions on the Complaints of those who have been
injured ; that no ships have been taken, Ijut, in fact, excluded from blockaded ports ; that the English have
not, but that the Dutch have, just reason to complain, 313
That the cause of the violent aggressions must have originated rather in the fancied pleasure of plundering
than in the pretexts adduced, 314
That it is a violation of the Law of Nations to inflict injury on the subjects of the State contrary to promise,
without warning and by surprise, 314
That their High Mightinesses have observed all neighborly correspondence for the removal of all jealousy on
account of their equipments, 314
That England has done nothing in this regard except to patronize the hostile acts of Holmes, and, accordingly,
hath issued secret orders to capture forts, cities, places and countries, 315
That such aggressions and captures have been executed previous to the dispatch of De Ruyter, &c., which has
been put forward as an excuse, 315
That the detention of a Swedish ship, laden with masts, under a general embargo, is no valid justification of
the arrest and overhauling of the Dutch ships, 316
That the English, at that same time, had laid a similar embargo on the Dutch ships, which were afterwards
made prize of, which differs greatly from the case of this mast ship, 316
That their High Mightinesses have labored at a regulation for Trade that may be general; and the said Ambas-
sador will make it applicable only to particular places and countries, being unwilling to consent to anything
general, 317
That the reasons put forward for the King's hostile capture of forts, cities and countries, etc., are irrelevant;
such as :
First. That twenty English ships had been taken, which were denied to be truly English ; in all cases, this
occurred before the Treaty which regulates the proceedings in such cases, 318
Secondly. That although no ships had been taken since the Treaty, yet trade had been obstructed ; of these
the first point is taken advantage of and the last denied ; it is, indeed, acknowledged that some have been
excluded from blockaded places; yet, in expectation of a general right, satisfaction is ofl'ered, 318
Thirdly. That proclamation was made on the coast of Guinea excluding all other Nations ; hereupon 'tis
demonstrated that the act complained of has been committed by the English themselves and enforced by acts
of hostility, 318
Fourthly. Exciting the King of Fantyn — that the news and complaints on this score occurred subsequent
to the hostile attacks on those countries and to the going forth of the King's order therefor, and this cannot
be a reason, 320
That the act of the King of Fantyn must be colored, as no proof thereof has been communicated, and he, the
Ambassador, says, untruly, that he hath exhibited some, 320
That so long as the originals are not produced of the letters from the Company's officers to the King of Fantyn
and their High Mightinesses' commission, which Captain Holmes says he saw, it must be considered as a
trumped up falsehood to cover up their unjustifiable robberies and violences, 321
That Fort Cape Corse never did belong to the English nor was claimed by them before the last illegal seizure, 322
That It appears by divers admissions of said Ambassador himself that the title of that fort was not in the
English but in the AVest India Company, 322
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XI. 331
Page.
That the allegation of the Ambassador, viz. : that he hath not received to the value of a stiver of his demands,
is foreign from the truth ; but, on the contrary, every satisfaction ; the complaints of want of satisfaction are
made with better ground by their High Mightinesses, 322
That in the case of the Island of Pouleron everything is done that men were bound to do, and could be done ;
but that the English neglected to take possession of this Island, 323
That New Netherland belongs to this State notwithstanding the arguments brought forward by the Ambassa-
dor, which are all refuted, 324
That all claims the King of England might have had to any places or countries, such as Cape Corse, New
Netherland, &c., are extinguished by the Treaty, with explanation of the cases adduced to the contrary by
the Ambassador, 325
That their High Mightinesses had a right, without contravening any Treaty, to punish, within a certain time,
Holmes and all who were guilty of hostilities and violences, but nobody else, , 326
That their High Mightinesses put no other construction on the fourteenth Article of the Treaty than it admits,
and the same is, also, understood by the Ambassador himself, 327
That dispatching Van Campen and De Ruyter to recover what had been taken is not a violation of the Treaty,. . 327
That it is contrary to all reason to protect the hostile acts of Holmes and not to share his guilt, and to attempt
to tie their High Mightinesses' hands in order to prevent them punishing, on their own territory, those who
have done them wrong, 327
That no injury is done the King by their High Mightinesses' ships sailing in front of his harbors and making
use of the free sea, 328
That 'tis owing to the English and not to their High Mightinesses if the Mediterranean sea and the entire of
Christendom is abandoned a prey to the Barbarians, 328
That De Ruyter's acts are not contrary to what their High Mightinesses are bound to do by good neighborhood
or the Treaty, since he has not proceeded against any but the ofl'enders, 328
That the peace of Europe was first violated by the capture of the merchantmen and the surprising attack by
the English in front of the Bay of Cadiz, 329
NoT£. — The above Abstract 13 translated from a copy in the Dutch Tract belonging to Mr. Lenox, already mentioned in
note, supra, p. 309. The references are altered to correspond with those of the present volume. — Ed.
Sir George Doivning''s Reply to the Dutch Manifesto.
I From the Copy printed in London, Anno 1665, and in Iho Collection of J. LenoT, Esq., of New- York.]
/)
A Reply of Sir George Downing Knight and Baronet, Envoy Extraordinary /rom
His Majesty of Great Britain, ^'c. To the Remarks of the Deputies of the Estates
General, upon his Memorial of the 20'* of December, 1664. Old Stile.
Kiiracn. The Underwritten Envoyee Extraordinary of his most Sacred Majesty of Great
Britain, &c. having sent to the King His Master a certain Book printed at the Hague, and
Entituled Succinct Remarks and Deductions made by the Deputies of the Estates General of the
United Provinces, upon his last Memorial, and approved by the said Estates, and ordered by
them to be delivered by their Agent de Heyde to the Ministers of several Kings residing here,
and to be sent to their Ministers abroad with this Direction and Instruction, pag. 3. To the End
that they continue duly to inform those Kings of the foundation of the Alliance which this State hath
with them, and of the true State of Affairs ; and to the end that they do cause Their Majesties to
comprehend the sincerity of their Intentions and Procedure. And his Majesty having also been
332 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
informpd, Tliat the said Book hath accordingly been sent and delivered, hath commanded him
His Minister to say thereupon, by way o[' Jtcplij, as foUoweth.
[Those parts of the Reply which refer to disputes about occurrences in the East Indies and Africa are omitted; those
only which relate to this country being extracted.]
Page the 29 and 30, concerning the business of New Nelherlancis, they argue,
First, from the signification of the word Octroij, which, they say, Is onely an Advantage accorded
to some jiarlicuJar Suhjccis, to the general exclusion of all other Subjects of the same Sovereign, but which
doth not at all oblige the Subjects of other Princes and. Slates.
Secondly : And though the Octroy or Patent which the King of England had given to his Subjects,
did comprihend New Netherland, rjet that could not give the English any Right to the Places and
Lands which the subjects (f this Stale had 'possessed yeaceabhj for foxirty or ffty years, and which they
had occupied whilst it was deserted and uninhabited.
Thirdly, As to what was alleadged of their endeavouring to usurp still more upon the English,
and to impose their Laws and Customs upon them, and to raise Contributions from them:
They say, JVc judge that this is a production of his imagination, and dare say that there is nothing of
truth therein.
Fourthly: That if his Majestic had thought that his Subjects had any pretence to this place,
would not his Majesties Commissioners, during the whole time that the Ambassadours of this State were in
England, have spoken one word concerning this matter? however, since they hate not done it, it ought to
be put among the number of those that are mortified by the said Treaty.
As to the first. He doth reply, That he did not argue in his Memorial from the Grammatical
signillcalion of the word Octroy, but from the matter and substance of the Octroys, Patents or
Charters granted by his Majesties Royal Ancestours concerning those parts, 'fhe Deputies
suppose that they must be after the Model of the Octroys of the Dutch East India and West
Jn(/ia-Companies, which do not give the Soveraignty of all the Lands within the limits thereof
to the said Companies, but onely certain Priviledges therein, to the exclusion of the rest of
the Subjects of this State : And some such there are in England also, as of the English East-
India, Turky, African, Muscovian Companies, ^v. but these are quite of another nature; they
do grant the Soveraignty of the Lands within their Limits to the Grantees, under a certain
Model and Form of Government, and under certain Powers and Jurisdictions therein set down
and prescribed.
And as to the second, the Deputies doe not deny that this Land called New Netherlands is
within the Patents granted by his Majesty, to his Subjects, and he the said Envoy doth aflirme
that it is. ' "^
And let those of the TVest-India Company produce an antienter Patent for the same, but he
doth not believe they can produce any at all, other then that general Octroy (which as abovesaid)
grants not the Soveraignlij of all Lands within the Limits thereof: And as to the point of
Possession, there is nothing more cleare and certaine then that the English did take possession
of and inhabit the Lands within tlie Limits of the said patents, long before any Dutch were
there. 'Tis not to say, (nor is it requisite that it should be said) that they did iniiabite every
Individutdl Spot, within the Limits of them. It is enough that their patent is the first, and that
in pursuance thereof, they had taken possession, and did inhabite and dwell within the same,
and made considerable Towns, Ports, and Plantations therein before the Dutch came to dwell
there : Is it to be imagined that the Dutch East- Lidie- Company have fully Peopled and cultivated
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 333
the Island of Ceylon, and other their great Colonies in the East-Indies, and yet if the English
should upon such pretence, endeavour to settle there without their consent, Would they
approve thereof, or suffer the same ? or accompt their Title there to be good, or other then
Precarious ; and the selling of the Dutch in Neio Netherlands (so called) was upon permission
graunted them by the English for their Shipping, to take in Wood, and Water, there, and other
Provisions for their reliefe, when they should come into those Parts, but the English did never
grant unto them the Soveraignty thereof, but the said Comjinn)/ (as tiiey doe elsewhere) did
upon this precarious admission and connivance, incroach from time to time upon the English.
But whereas they say Page 29. The said Envoy saith, that the Dutch ought every year to demand
the confirmation of their possessions, and descant therenjmn : But we have above observed, that there is very
little to be built upon u-hat he saith, that it ought not to be believed but upon very good proo/e.
It is very hard measure, that the Deputies still take to themselves the Liberty of misreciting
the Words, and Clauses of his Almorinl, and make it speak what it never did, and yet withal!
fail upon him with reproacbfull, and disdainfuU Language, for having said and Written that
which is no where (that he knows of) to be found but in this Book. The clause in his
Memorial was ; That those Hollanders which were there, did dwell there simply by permission, and not
by any Right that they could pretend to that jilace, and that that had been declared to them from time, to
time, and from year to year. And is not there a great difference between. That it had been
declared to them from year to year, that they had no right to dwell there, and That they ought every year
to demand the confirmation of their possessions. And are not the very next words of liis Memorial,
But so as that the English were content to have suffered them to dwell there, provided they would have
demeaned themselves Peaceably. So far from having said that the English did expect that they
should every year demand a confirmation of their possessions, as that on the contrary what lie
said was that though tlieir possession was but precarious, yet that the English were contented
to let them live there and enjoy the same, upon condition of their demeaning themselves
quietly ; And was it not so that about the year 16-54, the English were about granting them
certain Limits, and the same had taken Effect and been ratified; if their continued New
Insolencies had not diverted the same: yet it shall be far from him to retort any such unliandsome
Expressions. And as to the Argument whereby they would prove that they were more then few
in Number, for that It is not probable that a few Hollanders should have so fallen upon many English.
That they were but yew in comparison of tiie English is a fact too known to need proving;
but the argument may be thus well Retorted, How great was their presumption, to have
attempted those Insolencies, which they did from time to time attempt, being so few in
Number, and how great the patience of the English, who are so numerous and strong in those
parts, being able to bring many scores of thousands of able fighting men into the field, that
they should yet so long have suffered the same. And this leads me to the third particular, It
would have been a boldness and a presumption indeed in him the said Envoy to have fained these
Allegations, and endeavoured to iiave imposed them upon their Lordships and the world, that
they had from time to time injur'd the English, and usurped upon them in those parts if it
had not been so ; But I pray was not one How, sent by His late Majesty of Blessed Memory into
those parts about twenty five years agone, and did not tiie Dutch there seize him and his
Company, and keep them Prisoners, and were not great complaints thereof brought to the Court
of England, and which were higiily resented ? And did not the Dutch about twenty years
agone come to an English Town called Stanford, where none but English lived, and summoned
them to come under their obedience and pay them contribution, and set up the Dutch Armes
334 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
there, and all along the late times of disorders in E/ighinJ, were there not continually high
complaints brought over against them ? did they not send armed Men to an English Town
called Gmnwilck, and force the English there to come under them ? And was not one Dajer
sent in CmmwdVs time to stop their Insolencies, and who did Vree the English of them in
several! places. Moreover did not the last Governour of New-AmsttrJam (so called) lately
come with Armed men to a certain English Town called JVest-ChcsUr, within the bounds of the
English Co\on\es, and where they had bouglit the Land of ihe Nuitves (as is their Custome, not
to settle any where in those parts without first contracting with them) and by force compelled
them to come under their obedience, and to pay them contributions, or else to quit their
dwellings in two Month's time, and Named the place Oostdorp. And about three years ago,
upon fresh complaints of their Usurpations by Land, and moreover that they did stop and
hinder the English shipping from their Tnule in those parts, Was not one Scot sent to warn
them to live quietly, and not to injure the English, or otherwise that some other Course should
be taken with them, and yet the Deputies would have it thought that there hath been nothing
of this kind, and that what hath of late been done to the Dutch in those parts, should have
been a surprise without any thing of provocation, or occasion given.
And as to the fourth Particular more needs not be said, then what is in his Memorial, viz.
That the English had by their Charier Jura Belli in those parts, without appealing first into
Europe, but if it can be made good that they have done any injury lo the people of this Country,
His MaJcsDj will be alwayes ready to see that right be done. But whereas their Lordships
doe in severall places of this Book, say, that His Mojestij should have confessed, that the taking
of New Net her land, (so called) should be done by his order. He is commanded to say, that his
Majesty never said more concerning this, then concerning Cape Corse, and that he did never
say to the Ambassador of this State, that he had given any such Order: Nor did he give it,
nor was the said place taken by any Order of his. And if the Deputies had pleased to have
minded the Answer of the States Gene.ral of the ninth of October last, given to His Majesty
by their Ambassador, They would therein have found, that the said Estates doe not impute
the taking oi New Netherland to His Majesty, but to his Subjects in those parts, the words being.
That their Lordships have made complaint, that His Majesties Subjects in New Netherland, had xeith
Violence driven the Subjects of this State out oj' their Possession.
And this was after De Ruytcr was actually gone for Guiny, nor was so much as any thing
known in Europe concerning the taking of Cabo Corso, till about the same time. And how
then these matters, and His Majesty having said that they were done by his Order throughout
this Book, produced to justify the sending him thither.
Pag. 30, and 31, Concerning what had been said by him the said Envoy Extraordinary, that
the 15"" Article doth onely Mortify matters of Piracy, and the like, and not of Rights and Inheritances
of Lands, They say. It is hard lo say ivlielher the said Envoy doe faign the ignorant or be so in effect.
And for the disproving of what had been said by him, they produce the instance of the Island
of Polrrone. concerning which they say, TItat it being stipulated by the said Articles, that the said
place should, be restored, that consequently all other matters of that kind must be thereby mortijied ; for
that Exceptio firmat Wgulam. And add this harsh Y.yi}^ress\on, A strange blindness, if it be not
wilfull ; Whereas that clause of the Treaty run's, that by the restitution of the said Island, all
actions, and pretensions for losses, injuries, and oflTences committed upon each other in India,
and known in these parts, the 20 of January \()?>l should cease, be extinguished and annulled :
Moreover the Dcptiiies offer no answer to the instance given by him in his Memoriall concerning
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XI. 335
the case of Sir William Lower, which was a Case depending in their own Courts of Justice,
concerning an Inheritance of Land long before the years 1654, or 1659, (which are the
respective times of the generall abolition in the said Article) and yet since the conclusion of
the late Treaty, that case hath not been abolished but still proceeded in, and continued as
before And how many other cases and actions are there of the like nature upon disputes
concerning the Inheritances of Land depending in the Courts of both sides, as also concerning
Morgages, and other reall Engagements, and concerning Wills, and Testaments, Bonds,
Obligations, and Merchants accompts of antienter Date than the tearms prescribed in that
Article Let but the Deduction of the States Generall of the ninth of November last be looked
upon, and they will find therein enough of this kind ; and how strange and monstrous an
Article would that have been, that should have abolished all Men's actions of these kinds.
And further to shew that it was the meaning of those that made the Treaty, at the time
when they Penn'd it, that that Article should not have so vast an extent, but only to reach
the matters of Piracy and the like. The DeTputies might have remembred. that during the
Negotiation thereof, this very Objection was made by the Ambassadours of this State, upon
the" debate of this matter, viz. that it might be of too large and generall extent, and His
Majesties Commissioners did returne to them for answer as followeth ; Tlmr Excellencus ham
already seen a Catalogue of the complaint, of divers of His Majesties Subjects far injur, es done to them
by the Dutch, so that if they please to call the same to mind, there can be no such mceilitude in the
Article concerning Commissioners, as their Papers ivould seem to intimate. Moreover it will appcare,
that this Article of Commissioners is not desired for businesses of Lands and Houses, but for matters of
Firateries, and Merchandizes taken by force, which xoe desire should be so Examined and determined, for
the avoiding the charge and delay of Juridicall Proceedings. And upon this account His Majestey
did not, nor needed not make mention of this businesse during the Negotiation of that Treaty,
and upon the same account His Majesty did not think fit to insert in the List of Danmages this
pretence of His Subjects thereto, nor to the Fort of Cabo Corso, though as to the spoile and
burning of their Goods there, he did cause that to be put into it.
Besides (as hath been shewen above) there were very many and great provocations done in
those parts call'd New Netherlands to the English since the conclusion of the late Treaty, and
so though the Treaty were to be construed as they would have it, yet it doth not help them
concerning the businesse of Guiana. They say Pag. the 31. The Digression which the said
Envoy makes as to the business of Guiana is from the purpose, for that say they, he hath nothing to
doe to trouble himself how this State will make off this matter with France ; he did not
mention that business as intermedling betwen the French and them, but if at this time they
have sent a Minister into France, to decry the King his Master, and his Affairs, and to stirre up
that Crown against him, and particularly upon the account of his having (as they pretended)
given Orders for the taking Cabo Corso, and New Netherlands (to which His Majesties Subjects
have so clear and undoubted a Title) Was it from the purpose for him to say, that suppose His
Majesty hath given such Orders, can any Prince think it strange, or be surprised thereat, much
lesse the most Christian King (as the words of his Memorial) seeing it hath pleased the same King that
very year to Order or suffer his Suljects to repossesse themselves in the same manner by Armes and
force, of a certain place called Guiana, which they pretend to have been unjustly possessed and detained
from them by the said West-India-Company.
»#»«***♦***
Given at the Hague this 7'" of April, 1665 O. S.
" Q. Downing.
336 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam.
[ From the Resolution tan de Vioedaduippen, D., 246, in the Stad Hut/s, Amsterdam. ]
lO"- May, 1GG5.
noiiund Documonts, Tliis city's Coloiiie in New Netherland being invaded by tlie English, and
, what manner the obligations for moneys borrowed by the Directors for the
Obliffations fir the !d j j
f^'he o'S'^.Tm affairs of the aforesaid Colonie, with the consent of this Council, shall be
New Nciheriand. i^g^eafter paid, being considered ; it is hereby resolved and concluded to appoint
Mess" Joan van de Poll, Henrick Hooft and Nicolas van Loon, to take the accounts of said
Directors and report thereon ; also to serve as advice to the Council on the aforesaid propositions.
Arnhassador Van Gogh to Secretary Huysch.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Ilague, Stcrete Kas; Bivibion, Engeland; Eos B., Lohet L., Xo. 125, in Kas F., Loket C„
No. 5. ]
Sir.
On Wednesday last, being the iyth instant, whilst visiting the French gentlemen who are
Ambassadors Extraordinary here, at the residence of the Duke de Verneuil,' all three being
there met together, we fell into conversation, after tiie exchange of compliments, on the state
of differences on both sides, all tending to render palatable the proposal to be made. The
offer which I iiad verbally submitted before, and now handed in writing to their Excellencies,
was taken over and communicated to M. Courtin by Lord de Verneuil, and by him read to the
former. M. Courtin^ immediately said: First, that their Excellencies had not requested
'Henry de Bolrbox, natural eon of Ilenry IV. of France and Mde. d'Estranges, afierwards Marchioness de Verneuil, was
born in October, ICUl. He was designed, from his birth, by the King, his father, for the Church ; and the Bishopric of Metz
becoming vacant, the Chapter was prevailed on to send his name to Rome, in or about the year 1608, as a candidate for the
vacant See. Uis illegitimacy and age were obstacles to his advancement, and the only concession that could be obtained
from Paul V. was that kind of approbation which, in the Roman style, is called " e.^pectative," and that the young Prince
might bear the title of Bishop of Metz. He was also appointed Ahbi de St. Germain des Prez, and held several other
considerable livings. Application was afterwards made to Innocent X. to confer on him the Purple, which his Holiness,
however, positivelj- refused. He became Knight of St. Louis in January, 1622; was received Peer of France, 15th December,
1623 and took the title of Duke de Verneuil, and was Ambassador Extraordinary to England in 1665. lie enjoyed an
annual revenue of 400,000 livres from the Ecclesiastical benefices which he held, but surrendered the whole in 1668, when he
married Charlotte, daughter of Pierre Seguier, Chancellor of France, widow of Maximilian, third Duke of Sully, and died
•without issue, 2Sth May, 1682, aged eighty-one years. Sullys Memoirs (Philadelphia, 1S17), IV., 25G; Moreri. Grand JDicL
Ilist., verbo France, III., TOT.
' Antoine Couuiin was born at Riom in 1622, and was the son of the Chief Clerk of the Board of Finance of Auvergne.
He accompanied M. Chanut to Sweden in 1645, where he became a favorite of Queen Christina, to whom he became
Secretary in 1651. He afterwards served Charles Gustavus, whom he accompanied in his expeditions to Poland, and by
whom he was sent Ambassador Extraordinary to France. On the death of the Swedish Monarch, in 1660, M. Courtin was
appointed by Louis XIV. his Resident-General at the Northern States, and, in 1662, was commissioned to negotiate with
England for the restoration of Dunkirk, and, in 1C66, was employed with the Dakc de Verneuil to mediate between that
Power and Holland. After acquitting himself with honor of all his public functions, he returned to Paris, where he gave
himself up to practices of piety, and died, without offspring, in 1685. A list of his various works is to be found in
Moreri and in Biographic Vniverselle. — Ed. '
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XI. 337
the proposition or offer wliicli had been verbally made, to be reduced to writing, but rather
that their Excellencies, having had an audience of this King, and the explanation received from
nie having been submitted to his Majesty, this King had requested that the aforesaid ofi'er or
proposal should be renevped and brought in vpriting, promising to give his answer in like
manner. Secondly, that they remarked that this writing contained only some offer couched
in general terms, without anything being particularized on the part of their High Mightinesses
respecting the indemnity for the ships the Bonne Espcrance and Henry Bonadventure, the
Hoofeweil, and others obstructed in the voyage to Couchin, and various other claims in
the East Indies, whereby the English say, they have suffered such serious losses, as the
proposals, so their Excellencies declared, imported, nay, which they had examined and also had
brought to this King. They therefore requested that 1 should repair this in manner aforesaid.
I answered that tlie aforesaid writing was couched in the form it had verbally been made, and
that I also had brought my orders with me, according to which I have regulated myself; but
there had been then, indeed, as well as frequently before, some discussion and conversation
on this as well as on otiier English claims, in order to learn and determine the state of the
said differences, but this could not apply to the aforesaid proposition or offer. As hitherto, on
such occasion, no demand for indemnity had been brought or published on the part of his
Majesty ; nay, I had no other intention in bringing forward said verbal proposal, than to
speak in general terms, as is now done in writing, although the first remark might be a mistake
and also possibly easy of correction. But as to the second, that I could be most positive on
that point, for well known reasons adduced by myself and also put on record. But, said the
gentlemen: They being three in number, ought to be accepted in this matter. Therefore,
they again requested that the aforesaid offer may be so enlarged, and no difficulty ought
(they said) be made about it, as such an offer had before this been already oftentimes made;
yea, even made public in print. They further said, that they wondered how people should
hesitate about making the alteration required in this case, and observed, also, that they had
now held five conferences and had not met with any success ; and their Excellencies seemed to
speak with earnestness, saying, if the proposition would not be modified, they would have again
to excuse it to the King, and also write to France. Hereupon I remarked, respectfully, that their
Excellencies must have misunderstood, and that such a thing could not be thought of, inasmuch
as formerly I had generally objected to making any offer, and on this occasion no demand
therefor had been brought forward, on the side of the English. As their Excellencies were
pleased to be so firm on this point, and to require a modification herein, I then requested
that they would be pleased to permit their demand in the matter to be written in a few
words on the aforesaid Memoir. Their Excellencies objected that, as they were expressing
themselves verbally, they did not think it necessary that such should be done in writing ;
saying that, being mere mediators on this occasion, they would not commit themselves
to writing, and, further, that people seemed to wish to embarrass the business. I indeed
declared, on the contrary, that I have given evidence of having exhibited promptness, which
is visible on all occasions, and moreover that, according to the order of business, as nobody
knew as yet what the King would require, no special offer could, in my opinion, be made by
me. Thereupon their Excellencies, wishing, as it seemed, to break off the subject, as they
proposed to ride out, said: That they had corne hitherto do their High Mightinesses a service,
and thought they had obtained a great deal when this King had accepted their mediation. At
the close of this conversation, one of those gentlemen, speaking of the ships Bonne Esperance
Voii. II. 43
338 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
and Henry Bonamnlure, &c., let drop from him, That here was the foundation of the difTirnltieS
hetween both nations, and that, therefore, here ought the work of mediation begin. Wiiereunto
I again replying as above, tliey besought me to reflect further on tliis conversation and on what
had passed, and, standing up, said 'twas supposed that news would shortly be received of the
meeting of the fleets of both sides, as it was understood that the fleet had sailed from the Te.sel
or at least that the Dutch ships had joined the otiiers. 1 made no special reply, but in passing
those gentlemen again, repeated that 1 should think further over what has passed, and excuse
their Excellencies that they could not communicate the aforesaid writing (copy whereof is
hereunto annexed), but must leave it with me, having returned it to me. After which,
the carriages being brought out below to their Excellencies, I courteously took my leave.
Their High Mightinesses, in their profound wisdom, will know well how to fathom the
reasons why these gentlemen dwelt on the above particulars of the ships Bonne Esjicni7tce,
Sec, and please communicate to me, according to my humble request, their conclusions and
further opinions.
This sort of meeting causes (with humble respect) no little embarrassment in regard to the
negotiation, as the business has to be transacted by one single person ; for apprehension must
be felt, in some degree, in bringing forward any verbal oli'er under such circumstances.
Wherefore it were much preferable that everything should be drawn up and exchanged in
writing, &c.
The proposed order for the exchange of prisoners is not yet come forth, but it will be issued
on the arrival of the Duke of York at Harwich, whence he is expected here, together with
Madam, the Duchess, who had gone thither by water from (Jravesend to join her consort.
Indeed, a declaration to that effect was made, which was communicated at the time to their
High Mightinesses.
The arrival of the English fleet at PLirwich is a sign, 'lis supposed, that people at Court
are about to consider what further to order and design, and, meanwhile, as much as possible,
to revictual, clean up and repair, as several of their masts, &-c., have been injured by the severe
storms. It is proposed that the ships be again ready by the middle of next week to go to sea,
and, as I am secretly informed, to run down again on the Dutch coast with 100 sail under the
Duke of York. The remainder are to be kept in order to come in turn with a squadron to
revictual and provide themselves with supplies; some are, also, on all occurring occasions,
to be sent here and there, as some, it is understood, are to be dispatched to the coast of
Norway on the presumption that IS Dutch merchantmen had sailed under 2 convoys thither.
Herewith is sent to their High Mightinesses the proclamation respecting the English cloths
and other woolen goods which were daily conveyed hence to Hamburg and other places on
the Elbe to the prejudice of the English intercourse there and then sold in Germany ; an order
is also renewed for the encouragement of the coal merchants, with some singular concessions
and exemptions from compulsion in regard to the price lately set on said coal.
News from I'lymouth has been received that two Dutcii merchantmen trading to France
were brought in and five ran aground ; further, 16 English Barbadoes traders, laden with
sugar, had arrived, 12 in the river here and 4 at the west quarter; 15 others are expected there
within a short time. The aforesaid ships report that 1,200 Negroes were sent by the factors
of the Royal Company in Guinea to Barbadoes, mostly on Spanish account.
The Commissioners of Prizes have again resolved to sell 25 captured Dutch ships, witli all
their appurtenances, at Dover, Portsmouth, Bristol and Plyinouth.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XL 339
It is understood that ten ships are about to snil immediately to New England, and,
furthermore, that three have already gone to Newfoundland ; 7 ships have come here since
last week from various countries; among them are some with large quantities of canvas from
Dieppe and St. Malo; one ship has sailed and three cleared outwards.
Wherewith concluding, I remain,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Chelsea, H May, 1665. (Signed), M. van Gogh.
A ppi-ndix: Received 2d June, 16fi5.
Mess", the Ambassadors Extraordinary from France, &c., to the King of Great Britain,
after having been fully informed by the undersigned. Ordinary Ambassador of my Lords the
States-General of the United Netherland Provinces, in several conferences held with them on
the differences which have arisen between the English Nation and that of the said United
Provinces, and at their reiterated request or suggestion as to the expedients whereby a
peaceable settlement might be reached, having anew and after divers discourses held together
on that subject, demanded, in writing, their High Mightinesses' intention in this affair so as
to make use of it near the King of Great Britain, the undersigned. Ordinary Ambassador,
complying with their Excellencies' desire, would not fail to repeat, in the few lines following.
the resolution and intention of his Lords and Masters, and to say:
That their High Mightinesses, through a particular inclination for peace which they have at
all times evinced, in order to live in friendship and good correspondence with the English
Nation, are still ready and prepared to act with all reason and equity on the affairs of Guinea
and the other misunderstandings which have arisen between both nations as well in as out of
Europe, and, consequently, not to oppose any objection to obliging themselves to restore
whatsoever has by their States or the inhabitants thereof, been alienated or taken from the
English in any part soever of the world, on condition that his Britannic Majesty enter into
a like obligation to restore New Netherland, Cape Verd, Fort St. Andrew, the Island of
Boavista, Cape Corse, Taccornry, and all other countries, towns, forts, ships and property
taken by his Majesty or his subjects from the States of the United Provinces, or their good
subjects and inhabitants either in or out of Europe, so far as any of the aforesaid may not
now happen to be recovered and retaken by t'leir High Miglitinesses, or otherwise restored in
their entirety. That, in like manner, in order to prevent, for the future, the abovementioned
and other inconveniences, their High Mightinesses are resolved and inclined to covenant and
agree on the details of a sound regulation in regard hereunto, so and as one might have been
already concluded, could the King of Great Britain have been disposed to consider as just and
equitable, in all parts of the universe, the general maxim which his Majesty himself has
proposed for practice in those places where he appeared to apprehend the most inconvenience
for himself and his subjects. [And the abovenamed Ambassador declares, further, that in
order to effect a settlement with the said King of Great Britain, he is instructed and authorized
on all the points aforesaid, and will be able to exhibit a power in fuimH as soon as the case
will require it and arrangements thereto be made.^ ]
Chelsea, ^th May, 1665.
' The passage within brackets is from the copy of the above paper printed in Aitzema, Saken van Staal en Oorlogh, 4to,
■ XI., 756. — Ed.
340 NEW- YORK COLOXIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Ambasmdor Van Gogh to Secretary liuysch.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hag^ue ; Secrete Kas of the Slates-General ; Divieion, Engeland ; Kas B., Loket L., Xo. 125, in
Kas F., Lokel C, Xo. 5.1
Sir.
My last to you was of the ' ',''; &c.
From the 13"" to the 23^ May, inclusive, Old Style, G7 ships have come in here from divers
parts, mostly from Virginia, Barbados and other Caribbean islands in the West Indies, also,
some from France, with canvas, cable, yarn ; from Bilboa with large parcels of iron ; from the
Baltic, Bruges, &c., quanthies of rope, cable, yarn, hemp and steel ; and from Norway, timber,
&c. On the other hand, eight sailed and 10 cleared within the same time.
Wherewith ending, I remain,
Sir,
Chelsea, '4^ 1665. Your obedient servant,
' & June, '
Received 12"' June. M. van Gogh.
Mr. Secretary Ruyscb.
Mesolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam,.
[From the liesolutien ran de Vroedac^inppenj D., 253, in the Stad JTuySt Amsterdam.]
Sg"- June, 10G5.
H.iiiand Documents, Heard the Report of the Committee of this Council, who, pursuant and in
XV, 74. ' '
Colonic in New obeHience to previous resolution, dated 19"" May last, examined the accounts of
Kuiheriand. j|^g Directors of this city's Colonic in New Netherland, which, being considered,
the members of said Committee are thanked for the trouble they have taken.
Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary JRuysch.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague ; Secrete Ktis of the States-General j Division, Engeland ; Kas B., Loket L., No. 125,
in Kas F., Lokel C, No. 5. ]
Sir.
Having been again, to-day, with M. Courtin, the French Ambassador Extraordinary, to
inquire whether anything further had transpired since my last visit to his Excellency in and
about the proposed mediation, he answered : That since the receipt of the last letters from
France their Excellencies had. indeed, another conversation with the King on that subject ;
that his Majesty had not manifested any change, but they found that he persists in the
previous claim, maintaining that the offers or advances towards a peaceable settlement
proposed on the part of their High Mightinesses, the continual haughty manifestation in
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 341
Netherland, which still existed there even after this rencontre of the fleets,' afforded no
evidence of being able to effect a peaceable settlement; that, therefore, they, the mediators,
did not know or think of anything further that they could do, unless, on their High
Mightinesses' part, some other proposition, or even material, were furnished and handed to
their Excellencies, and that in writing, in order thereupon to act understandingly, or if any
order should come express to them from France, to be able to make use of it, which they
would then undertake to set about without loss of time, not as coming from their High
Mightinesses but from themselves, and thus, by the most suitable means, endeavor to effect
some good ; declaring, further, that when the proposal which was heretofore made on the part
of their High Mightinesses was handed to this King, it was at once declined and rejected by
his MHJesty, who said that offer was made more than a year and a day ago to his Minister at
The Hague, and that since that time this matter had undergone a tolerably great modification.
I hereupon, again answered, as before, that their High Mightinesses have, at all times,
exhibited a disposition to lay aside and settle the differences, wherefore they trust that right
and reason would obtain a place, and the reciprocally made Treaty be adopted as a foundation
and rule for all, as nothing else can be received, and, therefore, they will always be found
ready to regulate themselves thereby in and about everything. But M. Courtin declared
that the time and circumstances must be considered, and people must regulate themselves
accordingly, with further declaration that if no further ofller were made, he saw no means to
proceed with the accepted work. Hereunto I truly replied that, on their High Mightinesses'
side, a commencement and beginning, as far as can be expected from them, were made in
manifestation of every readiness and disposition to a peaceable accommodation, but that
hitherto no plans had been seen from Mess", the mediators, which can only come from them,
as declared on another occasion. To this the gentleman said that, in order to begin, they
ought to be furnished with something more, namely, an offer to abandon or give up New
N therland in the West Indies, and Fort St. Andrew on the River Gambia, as the present
state of the naval affairs, on both sides, were looked upon now, for palpable reasons, even in
Netherland, to be more favorable to the English, and that every effort was again making
here to expedite the sailing and reappearance at sea of the fleet. T replied to this, as I had
done before, that this did not accord with right and reason, &c., as is further fully related.
But the gentleman adhered to the previous statement, that unless some further offer or
proposal be brought forward, he was unable, as yet, to see any means of advancing. Further
conversation passed on this subject and its corollaries, the interest of this battle, &c., and how
far it has affected both the Dutch and other nations, with particulars unnecessary to repeat, as
I produced no effect. Their High Mightinesses will be able to perceive, from the foregoing,
the state of the business, or how far it has advanced, to which I refer.
In the meanwhile, 'tis remarked that the impressment of the seamen continues, and the
fitting out of the ships is pushed on as fast as possible, in order to send them again to sea at
the earliest moment, it being reported anew that the Duke of York will again go to sea with
them and that he had returned home only to bid the Queen Mother adieu and wish her a safe
voyage to France, which, it is understood, will commence on this day eight days.
On Friday night bonfires were lighted everywhere throughout London, &c., and guns fired
from the Tower and the ships down the river in honor of the Duke of York's return home.
' On the -i^- June, 1666. — Ed.
342 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
To-morrow will be also observed as a day of thanksgiving in London, Westminster and
Southwark, for the victory that has been achieved; and, further, it is resolved to proclaim the
4"" of July next. Old Style, as a general day of Thanksgiving for all England, according to
advice sent herewith. The reports respecting Vice-Admiral de Ruyler's arrival at Barbadoes
and his proceedings there, are to be seen in the Gazette also transmitted herewith, whereunto
I hereby refer. News is received at the Exchange of two English vessels; that one, destined
for Tangiers with munitions of war, was sunk by a Dutch ship in the Straits, and that the
other, the Crown, left there by Commander Allen on his return hither, was discovered by a
Dutcli ship at sea and driven into Cadiz.
I have nothing further to add at this time except that I have received, whilst writing this,
their High Mightinesses' despatch and resolution dated the 23'' inst., New Style, on the subject
of the general exchange of prisoners, which I shall attempt and attend to, with all submission,
to the best of my ability.
And concluding herewith, I remain,
Sir,
Vour humble servant,
Chelsea, ^|th June, 16G5. M. vax Gogh.
Resolution of the States-General.
[ From tlie Reyieter of West India Affairs, 1G64 — 16"0, in tlie Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Friday, 3'-'' July, 1GG5.
Folio 101 Received a letter from Ambassador Van Gogh, written at Chelsea the 29"" June
'5och. last, and addressed to Secretary Ruysch, stating, among other things, that the
The work of media- i i i i i i i t i • t i • i
tion. i; rench mediators had declared tiiat they, as yet, did not wish to do or to consider
anything to further the settlement of alfairs between England and this State,
unless some further offers were made on their High Mightinesses' side, or at least they were
provided and supplied with some additional matter or stuff; namely, a proposal to abandon
New Netherland in the West Indies and Fort St. Andrew on the River Gambia, and Boavista,
to begin with in regard to the present condition of the naval forces on each side. Which being
considered, it is resolved and concluded to place the aforesaid despatch in the hands of Mess"
Van Ommeren and the other their High Miglitinesses' Deputies for the affairs of England, to
inspect, examine and report thereon ; this resolution will be passed without reconsideration.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XL 343
Ambassador Van Gogli to Secretary Ruyscli.
t From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague, Sccre(e Kas; Division, Engelandi Kas-B., Loket L., No. 125, in A'as F., Lokel C,
' No. 5. J
Sir.
Late in the evening of the day succeeding that on which I had dispatched my last dated
=5^p the French mediators, after they had paid a visit of congratulation, as I understood, to
Count de Molina, Ordinary Ambassador from Spain to this Court, came to my lodgings in 4
carriages, declaring, as they said, that they brought good news of peace. I did not expect it, and
inquired what foundation was there for such news? To which they, answering, said: That
they had in their hands the King's declaration on the subject, made on their representation,
which they exhibited to me and allowed me to read, promising, on my request, to have a copy of
it made and handed to me. Having thankfully acknowledged the courtesy, and remarked that
the answer was not so favorable as their Excellencies seemed to wish to think, as I observed,
they protested that the King's declaration in favor of the peace being now seen, people
ought to advance somewhat with a larger offer than had been already made on the side of their
High Mightinesses, especially considering the present state of affairs with the unfortunate result
for the Dutch nation. To this I made answer, that this was not yet the proper means nor the
right mode of mediation, but that their Excellencies ought to draw up some reasonable plan of
accommodation, which had not yet been done, either with a provisional cessation of hostilities
and whatever else they may think proper. Moreover, that the disadvantage experienced by
the Dutch fleet must not be considered either by the English or their Excellencies so serious
when duly examined, both sides having suffered damage, and the Dutch side having by accident
experienced the greater loss; this can be demonstrated by reason, and was done in that very
place. They replied, as on a former occasion, that the English were rendered thereby more
exacting, and therefore the work must be taken in hand sooner or later ; and, as regards their plan,
they were ready with one, when furnished with a declaration to this effect ; the following being
submitted by their Excellencies : " That the Province of New Netherland, with its dependencies
«' in the West Indies, and furthermore, Fort St. Andrew, on the River Gambia, also the Island
" of Boa-vista, should be ceded to this King; and on the other hand, the Island of Pouleron, in
" the East Indies, by the English to the Dutch." Their Excellencies supposed that this would
be a proper beginning to a peace; in order, the inclination thereto being declared, that further
steps may be taken to a formal settlement. I hereupon said, that what the Dutch mainly and
principally complained of was that, in addition to and exclusive of a multitude of other damages
inflicted by the English on the good inhabitants of Netherland not only beyond, but in
Europe, they have been violently, and, contrary to all right and reason, dispossessed of that
whereof justice demanded the restitution ; and as for the Island of Pouleron, which the English
were to give the Dutch in exchange, it was not of any special value as a set-off against the
abovementioned places, as it was lying waste and desert; nevertheless, these matters could be
discussed hereafter. Hereupon those gentlemen said, that the Dutch are the cause of the ruin
of that island, and the English had therefore let it for a long time lie barren. To which I
replied, that this was a bygone affair, and therefore ought not to be brought up any more.
Next, I asked their Excellencies if this proposal could be considered by them as an equitable one,
as their High Mightinesses expect nothing at their hands but what is reasonable. M. de
Comminges then took up the word and declared — Yes, it must be considered reasonable at this
344 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
conjuncture of time; and the other gentlemen observed, further, that people must yield
somewhat to circumstances, if disposed to peace; but it seemed they wanted war. To this I
felt obliged to reply: Tiiat their High Mightinesses did not give the smallest provocation, but
were forced to protect their sulijects against such violence; tliat in so doing, they will rely on
not being abandoned by the Princes, their allies, agreeably to the Treaty concluded with them,
the rather, as this war, which was commenced i)y the English, had a somewhat far-seeing aim,
and one possibly more remote than seemed to be apprehended. Having demonstrated this,
with reasons too many to be related here, those gentlemen said tliat these arguments may
avail in France, but they iiad proposed the above plan in order to olitain my declaration on it.
and that a transcript would be made and handed to me of this King's answer on tiieir proposal,
as before stated. On my accepting this, the gentlemen, it being late in the evening, took their
leave an<i were conducted by me to their carriages. As soon as tlie copy will be received, it
shall, with all respect, be forwarded to their High Miglitinesses.
After the departure of those gentlemen, the hour appointed for my visit to the Spanish
Ambassador being arrived, I went tliilher and performed the duty of congratulating him on
his arrival and entry, and on having bis public audience from this King, and tooi\ my leave.
Nothing passed at that visit but the usual conversation and discourse, which it is unnecessary
to write about.
In like manner the Embden Ambassador came to my lodgings this afternoon to take his
leave of me, and to explain to me, at the same time, his return to this Court ; having obtained
his despatches, wliicli were substantially as is to be seen in the accompnnying copy ; therefore,
their High Miglitinesses, according to their profound wisdom, can form an opinion of tlie sl;ite
of that city's affairs at this Court. I shall not neglect to send thither the extended Act when
in my power.
The repairing of ships and impressment of men are still advanced as fast as possible, and I
am fuither informed the o[)iiiioii is, that full 40 ships will be ready within 10 @. 12 days, and
the remainder within three weeks.
It has been also resolved to prosecute some Captains who have been wanting in duty, and
to place reliable persons in their stead, all with a view the better to encourage the inferior
officers, &c.; also, to bestow higher titles on those Captains who have behaved well, which
has been the case with Vice-Admiral Mings' and Captain Smith,-' on both of whom the King
has conferred Kniglilhood ; furlherinore, magnifying the victory that has been gained in order
to facilitate the impressment. Whether the Duke will go to sea now or not, is still uncertain.
'Tis even said that it is a difficult matter to keep him from doing so.
' Sir Christopher Mings, Knight, Vice-Admiral of the White, hoisted his flag on board the TViump/i, 66, in 1665, on the
breaking out of the war against the Dutch. Uis division led the van in the engagement of 3d June, after which he was
Knighted and made Vice-Adinirnl of the Blue. In the great sea fight of the l-4tli June, 1666, this tjrave officer received a
musket ball in the throat, but could not be prevailed upon to quit the deck, nor to have llie wound dressed, stanching the
bleeding with his hand. Hut in half an hour afterwanla lie received another wouiui in tlie neck, of which he died, after
having given the most sigmil proofs of courage to the last gasp. Lfdiard, II., 584 ; Allni'-f Bailies of the Biiiinh Nnvy, I., 60.
' Sir Jeremy Smith, Knight, was in command of a ship as early as IC.'iS. He conimandeil the Mary, SS. in 1665, wlien he
is said to have set fire to the powder on board Admiral Opdain's ship, and thus destroyed that ofiicer. Having received the
honor of Knighthood and a flag, he commanded the Blue Squadron in the battle of the 25lh July, 1666, off tlie North
Foreland, wh>n he was engaged with Van Tromp, and the Dutch fleet was defeated. The Loi/al Lo'idun, which was con-
sidered, at this time, one of the finest ships in llie world, carried his flag. In 1667 he commanded iu the North Sea.
i6id. — Ec.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL ' 345
Captain Holmes, who had thrown up his commission because he had not received any
satisfactory promotion, hath obtained the King's pardon for so doing, but the Duke has not, as
yet, ratified that act.
More particular inquiries having been made by me of the number of English killed in the
last engagement, I am informed that it exceeds SOO, and further, that Vice-Admiral LavFson'
died yesterday.
Count Molina, the Spanish Ambassador, keeps steadily at Court, where he appears to be
in great favor; he yesterday afternoon gave the Duke and Duchess of York an elegant lunch
here at Chelsea.
His Majesty left to-day for Windsor, intending, afterwards, to go and visit the ships in the
river and to take leave, at the same time, of the Queen Mother, who, it is now understood,
will take her departure on next Monday. His Majesty goes next to Winton, near Salisbury,
between 60 @. 70 miles from Westminster, where he intends to pass the entire summer, or to
go farther, according as the circumstances of the contagious sickness will determine. All the
Foreign Ministers will also proceed thither as they siiall indeed be obliged to do ; the French
mediators have requested me to do the same. Herewith concluding, 1 remain. Sir,
Your humble servant,
Chelsea, 1^ 1665. (Signed), M. van Gogh.
P. S. As T had expected, up to this time, that the French mediators would have brought me,
according to promise, copy of the King's answer to their proposal, I repaired to their
Excellencies to procure it and, if possible, to transmit it by this post to their High Mightinesses ;
and, as I had further considered the plan drawn up by their Excellencies, mentioned in the
foregoing letter, to request those gentlemen, at the same time, to please not to allow that plan
to leave their hands, for the reason that it cannot, or may not, in my opinion, be at all
considered acceptable by their High Mightinesses, it being such as the English never made
any pretension to, nor even sustained with any reasons in the world, as fully proved.
On hearing this, those gentlemen have declared that said proposition tended only to bring
matters about which may lead to a peaceable accommodation, and to no other end, parties
remaining, meanwhile, too far from each other; the intention being to allow no propositions to
come from themselves unless the contents thereof were assented to by the one party or the other,
or else an order to that eflfect be transmitted by their Lord and Master, on which their High
Mightinesses may then rely ; adding, hereunto, their request that I should obtain from their
High Mightinesses some further facilities for furthering the work, in order to make some more
progress. I promised to communicate the matter hereby to their High Mightinesses. The
said answer is, as per the accompanying copy, its examination and disposal are referred to
their High Mightinesses' profound wisdom. On leaving, I would have spoken further to those
gentlemen about the French aid and have recommended the furtherance thereof in view of
the present circumstances, but they declared that it was a matter which belonged to the Court
at Paris. With this I took my leave, and having been conducted to the carriage, rode off.
Appendix: Received 10th July, 1665.
The Ambassadors Extraordinary of France, having received from M. Van Gogh, Ambassador
from their Lordships the States of the United Provinces, a proposition in writing, and having,
'Supra, p. 274. —Ed.
Vol. IL 44
346 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
as mediators, presented it to the King of England, his Britannic Majesty, after they had
applied to liim, at divers times, for an answer, ordered the following to be placed in their hands :
The King of Great Britain having considered the writing which the Ambassadors Extraordinary
of France presented to him on the S '' of this month, answers, that he never oftered, and will
never oppose the least difficulty to accepting his most Christiaa Majesty's mediation for the
termination of the differences which exist between his Majesty and the States of the United
Provinces, as his Majesty is well assured that his brother, the most Christian King, is fully
aware of the gross injuries and indignities offered to his Majesty and his subjects by the
Province of Holland, and of the extraordinary expenses his Majesty has been obliged to incur
for his defence, after the Dutch had rejected all the propositions which his M;ijesty had made
them to terminate matters amicably, agreeably to the Articles of the last Treaty concluded
with them, and after they had begun to wage war against him, before his Majesty had offered
them the least violence. And if the States of tlie United Provinces entertained the same
regard for his most Christian Majesty's mediation that the King of Great Britain does, they
would, doubtless, having given orders to their Ambassador to make some reasonable proposals
fit to establish peace between the two nations, which, it seems, the Ambassadors Extraordinary
of France have been unable to draw from him, his Masters having paid so little respect to the
Royal mediation of France that the overtures of their Ambassadors this day, after iiaving
forced the King of Great Britain to incur excessive expenses to guarantee himself against their
insults, are much less favorable than the proposals they offered his Majesty's Minister at Tiie
Hague before the most Christian King had become mediator, allliough those propositions
even were such as sufficiently to demonstrate that they wished for war more than for peace,
his Majesty hopes that the happy success with which it hath pleased God to bless his Navy,
and by which he is so little elated, that, 'tis true, he is always in the same sentiments and
wishes for nothing with so much passion as to prevent the effusion of Christian blood, will
dispose the Stales-General of the United Provinces to make proposals of peace indicative of
the respect they bear his most Christian Majesty and their acquiescence in his mediation.
Then will be at once perceptible the credit and authority which his most Christian Maje-ty
possesses over the King of Great Britain, who seeks only to protect himself against the
continual outrages, violences and indignities of the Hollanders, and to see that they comport
themselves towards their neighbors with justice and civility, which they have not yet done ;
a temperament and disposition as necessary for the honor and interest of France as of
England. «
And lower down is written :
By his Majesty's command.
(Signed) Arlington.'
' Henry Bennett, first Earl of Arlington, K. G., had originnlly been in the service of Lord Digby, Secretary of State
under Charles I. After the downfall of the monarcliy lie became Secretary to the Duke of York. In 1658 he was sent
Envoy to Spain, where he remained Resident Minister from Charles II. lie was appointed Secretary of State in 1662;
created Baron Arlington 14lh March, 16G4, and Earl of Arlington and Viscount Thetford, 22d April, 1672. He filled the oflices
of Prime Minister and Secretary of State until Jlay, 1674, when he was appointed Lord Chamberlain, in wliieli office
he continued until 1681. Ue had married Isabella of Ka^^sau, daughter of Louis, natural son of Muurice, Prince of Orange,
and by her had one child, a daughter, who married the first Duke of Grafton, whereby the titles of Arlington and Thetford
are now merged in that of Grafton. Clarendon'a History of the Rebellion; Beataon'a Political Index; Debrelt't Peerage,
title, " Grafton." — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 347
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Eegister of West India Affairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Eoyal Archives at the Hague. ]
Friday. 10" July, 16G5.
Folio 101. Received a letter from Ambassador Van Gogh, written at Chelsea the G""
French mediation. , i.,.., -, i.i ii j^o * t-> i.^*
New Nethtriand. iHStant, and With it two inclosures, both addressed to secretary Kuysch, stating,
Pouieron. among other things, that the French mediators had proposed to him that the
Province of New Netherland, with whatever depended thereupon in the West Indies, and
furthermore. Fort St. Andrew on the River Gambia, also the Island of Boavista, ought to be
left to the King of England, and that, on the other hand, the Island of Pouieron, in the East
Indies, ought to be ceded by the English to the Dutch. Which being considered, it is resolved
and concluded that the aforesaid letter shall be placed in the hands of Mess" Van Ommeren and
the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of England, to inspect, examine
and report thereon. This resolution shall pass without reconsideration.
<'■»■!»
England.
Resolution of the States of Holland^ &c.
[ From the Besolutientan BoUand, 1665, p. 503, in the State Library, Albany, N. T. J
23^'' July, 1655.
The consideration being resumed of the letter from M. van Gogh, Ordinary
U England to ho'd , r i • n ■ t^ • i- /-, r. • • • ^^ i i . i
New NtherLiiid. Auibassador from this otate to the King of Great Britain, written at Ghelsea tiie
St. Anilrrws and °
Koavista agamst giu instant, and received by the ffovernment under the address of Secretary Ruyscb,
the cession of I'oq- ' ,/ o j -j
''"■"'''' setting forth, among other things, that the Ambassadors Extraordinary of the
King of France had proposed, as an expedient to bring affairs to a peaceable issue, that
the Province of New Netherland, with its dependencies in the West Indies, and furthermore
Fort St. Andrew on the River Gambia, together with the Island of Boavista, situate on the coast
of Africa, should be left to the King of Great Britain, and that, on the other hand, the Island of
Pouieron, situate in the East Indies, should be ceded to the Dutch.
Which, being considered, it is resolved and concluded that tiie matter shall be so directed
in the States-General, on the part of their Noble, Great Mightinesses, that the Directors of the
East and West India Companies may be requested and instructed to furnish their High
Mightinesses with their opinion and advice on the aforesaid proposal.
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of West India Affairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Thursday, SO'" July, 1G65.
Folio 102. 1'h^ Assembly again had under consideration the letter of Ambassador Van
Gogh. Gogh, written at Chelsea the G"" instant, with two inclosures, both addressed to
348 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
French mediators. Secretary Ruvscli, statine, amona other things, that Mess" tlie French mediators
Hew NetlierlaDd. ■' ■' "- '" , .^t , , , ...
Pou'eron. had proposed to him that the Province of New iNetherland, with us dependencies
in the West Indies, and furthermore, Fort St. Andrew on the River Gambia, and the Island
Boavista, should be left to the King of England, and that, on tlie other hand, the Island of
Pouleron in the East Indies, shall be ceded to the Dutch. Which being considered, it is
resolved and concluded that the Presiding Chambers of the East and West India Companies
shall be written to respectively, to communicate to their High Mightinesses their opinions and
advice on the proposition to e.xchange New Netherland, &c., for the Island of Pouleron. The
despatch based hereon shall be sent off without reconsideration.
Atuba-fsadoi' Van Beunlngen to Secretary Ruyscli.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Arcliivee at tht Hague; Hecrelc Kns of the Statca-General; Division Vrankr^/k, No. 170. J
Sir.
T was invited this afternoon to Court, and having found his Majesty in his Council Chamber,
attended by Marshal Villeray,' M. Colbert,* and all the Secretaries of State, his Majesty said
that he had promised to give an answer in two days to my last submitted proposition, but
that circumstances, in a matter of such grave importance as tiiat which I had proposed, having
caused some further delay, his Majesty had now had me sent for to tell me that he was resolved
to execute the guaranty given to their High Mightinesses against the English, in case the English
refuse to conclude peace on the conditions submitted to them on his Majesty's part. I answered,
that J should communicate what I had just understood from hisMajesty to their High Mightinesses,
' Nicholas dk Neuftille, the fourth of that name, Duke de Villeroi, Peer and Marshal of France, Knight of the Royal
Orders and Governor of the city and districts of Ljons, Forez and Beaujolois, was the son of Charles de Neufville, Marquis
d'Alincourt and Jacqueline de Ilarlai. lie was born in 1597, and was brought up as page to Louis XIII., and became
Governor of Lyons in 1615. He followed Marshal de Lesdiguieres into Italy and was present at the siege of Felissant de la
Roqiie, A'C, in 1617, in which yeir he married Mairdalen, the daughter of the Duke of Lesdiguieres. In 1621 he served at
the siege of St. Jolin d'Angely and cominande.l a regiment of infantry at the sii-ge of llontauban and a corps of six thousand
men at that of Montpelier. After the reduction of Paz de Suze he was left there with eight thousand men and was at the
battle of Carignan. In the year 1633 he commanded at Pignerol, and at Casal until 1635, when he was at the siege of
Valencia; in the following y>'ar, at that of Dole, in Franche Comt*-, and afterwards captured various places. lie com-
manded a division of tlie army at tlio siege of Turin in 1640, and served, in 1G44, in Catalonia and Lorraine. Finally, in
1646, he was chosen Governor of Louis XIV , who created him Marshal of France on the 20th October of that year ; Presi-
dent of the Royal Council of Finances in 1661 ; Knight of the Order of the Holy Ghost in 1662, and Duke and Peer 15th
December, 1663. The Duke de Villeroi died on the iSth Xovember, 168.'). in the SStli year of his age. Moreri.
' Je.\s BAPnsTS Coi.BEuT, Marquis de Seignelai, was the son of Nicolas Colbert and .Marie Pussort, and was born in Paris
31st August, 1619. Having been recommended by Cardinal Mazarin, on his death-bed, to the King, he was appointed to the
Council and Comptroller-General, and, in 1664, Superintendent of Public Buildings, and to his taste Paris is indebted for
some of it^ magnificent structures. Ha was, at the same time, a generous patron of the Arts ; the Academy of Inscriptions
took its birth in his own house in 1663; the Academy of Sciences was erected in 1666, and in 1671 Architecture obtained its
Academy. The other Academies also experienced, through M. Colbert's recommendation, the Royal bounty. In 1669 he
received the additional appointment of Secretary of the .Marine and the Colonies ; and reestablished the French Navy ; he,
at the same time, directed his attention to the Colonies, and three Commercial Companies were consequently formed for
carrying trade with the East and We-st Indies and with Sfiain. During his administration the Languedoc canal was com-
pleted. Such were the vast occupations of this celebrated statesman when he died, on the 6lh September, 1683, aged 64
years and 6 days, lamented by all who fell any zeal fur the glory of France and any love for the advancement of the Ails
and ScienciB. Moreri. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 349
who would express to him the sentiments of gratitude with which they would receive this proof
of his Majesty's good-will towards themselves and their affairs ; but that I, in order to he able to
give them thoroughly correct information, humbly requested to know what the conditions are
which his Majesty hath proposed to the English. But his Majesty having replied to this, that
it was unnecessary, as they were known in the State, [ thereupon took my leave; thinking
that it would be better to speak, first of all, to M. de Lionne' about everything that was to be
considered and still proposed on the aforesaid answer, in order thus to have it treated in a
regular marner, than to trouble his Majesty further on the matter in that place. Therefore,
after receiving the above answer, I left one of my servants to salute I\L de Lionne on the
adjournment of the Council, and request a visit, who did not come until late in the evening,
as the Council remained a long time in session. I first read to him what I have heretofore
stated of the King's answer, adding that I had understood it in that wise, and therefore must
say, that it being clearly shown by me in divers discourses which I had with him, that the
execution of the guaranty cannot be affected by any conditions, I could not conceive his
Majesty's intention, in what he had just told me — that he will execute their High Mightinesses'
guaranty, in case the English refuse to consider a peace on the conditions proposed in his
Majesty's name to them — to mean anything else than such conditions on the consideration of
which his Majesty knew their High Mightinesses were resolved. These were what I had
communicated in their High Mightinesses' name ; and I again besought his Excellency to
enlighten me on the point, in order not to leave their High Mightinesses in the dark on so
important a matter. That I must further, indeed, inform their High Mightinesses that, by
executing the guaranty, his Majesty understood nothing else than an unqualified rupture with
England, which it ought to be, for divers reasons I adduced, and in no wise simple assistance
which must be made good and defrayed not for the coming, but for the already past time.
Moreover, if his Majesty were disposed to give immediate effect to the guaranty, he ought to
set their High Mightinesses at rest, by giving it to be understood that the negotiations of peace
would not be suffered to drag along on the part of England, any longer, but be broken off.
On the aforesaid, my first proposition, M. de Lionne answered : That his Majesty had
proposed no other conditions of peace in England, and understood no other in the answer I
had given, than those he had submitted to their High Mightinesses through M. d'Estrades,^
' HuGDEs DE LiONNK belonged to a distinguished Dauphiny family, and was the sod of Artus, who, on the death of his
wife, entered into Holy Orders and became Bishop of Gap in 1638. He was born in the year 1611, and, at the age of
eighteen, entered the office of his uncle, who was then Secretary of State. In 1636 he visited Rome where he acquired the
friendship of Cardinal Mazarin, and in 1C12 was employed in negotiations for the pacification of Italy. He was next Secre-
tary to the Queen Regent, Grand Master of Ceremonies and Commander of the Royal Orders, and in 1654 Ambassador
Extraordinary to the Italian Princes, when he effected the election of Pope Alexander VII., agreeably to the wishes of liis
Court. In 1056 he was transferred to the Court of Madrid where he negotiated a glorious peace, and in 1658 was sent,
conjointly with Marshal Gramont, to the Diet at Frankfort as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for the
election of the Emperor and other high affairs of State. He was elevated to the rank of Minister as a reward for these
services, and conducted the department of Foreign Affairs until his death, which occurred at Paris on the 1st September,
1571, at the age of 60 years. Moreri.
' GoDFROT, Count d'EsTRADBS, Marshal of France, Governor of Dunkirk, Maestricht and the Province of Limbourg, perpetiial
Mayor of Bordeaux and Viceroy of America, was the son of Francis, Segnieur d'Estrades, and was born in the year 1607. He
served in Holland under Prince Maurice, and on his return to France acted as second to M. de Coligni against the Duke de
Guise, and, in consequence of that duel, had an affair with M. de Bredieu, whom he wounded. In 1661 he was sent Ambas-
sador Extraordinary to England ; in 1662 went to Holland in the like capacity and concluded the Treaty of Breda in 1666.
He was created Marshal in 1675, when he was sent Plenipotentiary to Nimeguen, where he gained great honor. In 1685
he was appointed Governor of tlie Duke de Chartres, but died 26th February, 1686, aged 79 years. Moreri. His letters,
memoirs and negotiations were published in 1743, ia nine volumes. — Ed.
350 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
should tlie latter understand that they would not be unacceptable, viz., a general mutual
restitution of ail lands and places out of Europe taken by the one or the other party, exchanging,
however, New Netherland and Fort St. Andrew on the Island of Boavista, for the Island of
Pouleron. In regard to the two other points I had proposed, he assured me that his Majesty
will proceed herein sincerely and cordially with their High Mightinesses. As far as the first
point is concerned, his opinion was, that his Majesty was in favor of executing the guaranty
l)y a rupture, although he could not positively say so with permission. And in regard lo the
second, that his Majesty would not interpose any delay herein, and wouKi not keep his
resolution a secret in England, so as to make the King of England come promptly to a
conclusion. To the first 1 said, that all I bad heard of the abovementioned conditions for an
exchange of New Netherland and Fort St. Andrew against "Pouleron, was that their High
Mightinesses were deliberating on them, and not the slightest particle in the world of what he
had in conversatiort added to it, that compensation was to be made for the capture of movables
{mcuble-saeckcn) and damages committed in and before the war ; and that I, so slating, agreeably
to my instructions, could not understand that their High Mightinesses had consented lo any
other conditions than those 1 have communicated here in their name. To the other, I observed
to IVL de Lionne that, as he could not inform me positively of his Majesty's intention, I should,
through his favor and mediation, endeavor to ascertain it more precisely and certainly, and
that i should communicate the whole to their High Mightinesses by express, in order to
understand their determination.
Their High Mightinesses will know how far their intention in regard to this great work
accords with this his Majesty's answer. But if it be effectually their resolution to conclude a
peace on the aforesaid terms, it will, under correciion, not be unwise, in order not to afford
any pretext for delay by fresh proposals from the English, that their High Mightinesses
resolve, in the strongest terms, that they will not enlarge any further; yea, that no new
proposals will be received for deliberation ; and if nothing be immediately concluded, to desire
to be at liberty in regard to any additional terms of this nature for a forcible compulsion which
might be invented ; and that, in granting compensation, no gate be left open to the English on
account of any complaints as to matters which have been on the tapis previous to the war.
But their High Mightinesses are, in their profound wisdom, better able to judge of the whole
of this. Whereunlo submitting, I remain. Sir,
Your humble servant,
Paris, IG"" August, 1G6-5. Van Beuningen.'
' ICoENHAAD VAN Beuninoen was boiii ill Or about the year 1622, nt Amsterdam, of which city he was Pensionary for
seToral years. After pursuing tlie study of the law from 1643 to 1650, he was seut, in 1052, Ambassador to Sweden to
detach Queen Christina from the English interest. In 1654 he was sent to Bremen, and next was Ambassador to Denmark.
It was charged against him that he had urged the Danish King to wage war against Sweden, and when, shortly after, Copen-
hagen was surprised by the troops of the latter country, M. Van Beuningen well nigh fell into the hands of (he enemy. lie
made his escape, however, in a small boat, and returned to Holland. In 1660 he went Ambassador to France, where
he remained until 29th September, 1667, when he returned to Amsterdam, of which city he had been six times elected Bur-
gomaster. In 1670 he was sent Ambassador to England, but soon discovered that he was trifled with, and in 1672 was
employed on other missions. He was. at first, a supporter of De Witt, but afterwards joined the party of the Prince of
Orange. An attempt was made on his life in 1684, and in 16S6 he-found himself so unpopular that he resigned his office as
Burgomaster and Councillor of the city of Amsterdam. lie next bcc:mie Director of the East India Company and operated
in the stock market with such ill luck that he suffered severe losses, whereby his reason became impaired, and liis wife was
oppoiuted guardian to the remnant of his fortune. In this melanclioly state he continued until his death, which occurred on
the 20th of October, 1603. In early life JI. Van Beuningen enloitained iMillenaiian opinions, which again developed
themselves iu his latter years, when his reasou became impaired. Kuk, VI., 51S. — lio.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XI. 351
Amba-ssachr Van Beuningen to Secretary Biii/sch.
[ From the Originairm the Royal Archives at the Hague ; Secrete Kas of the Stales-Qoneral ; Division Franknjk, No. 170. ]
Secret.
Sir.
I intended to send off the inclosed by an express last night, but M. de Lionne requested
that the despatches to be written by me and those to be sent by the King to M. d'Estrades on
the same subject, further to assure their High Mightinesses of his good intentions, might be
transmitted together by the same courier, whom his Majesty would send off this morning,
and I supposed I ought not to make any difficulty as to the aforesaid request on account of the
difference of a few hours, especially as they could be made up for by the favor and increased
assistance the King's couriers meet with at the posts. In the conversations I have had with
M. Lionne repecting the answer the King gave me about the present state of the English war, I
again earnestly recommended him that, in case matters might so order themselves as to do away
with the reasons which I had stated, fully necessitate their High Mightinesses sending
their fleet to sea, it still might be kept for a time in port; and I supposed tiiat such could not
fail to be highly advantageous to their High Mightinesses, both because their resolutions for
concluding a peace would be better carried out without, than with, bloodshed and the damage
of a second rencounter; and because, in default of peace, tiiey should see his Majesty's power
conjoined to theirs, and especially because the plague in England can throw the English,
their fleet and almost all their affairs into such embarrassment, that, as far as their High
Mightinesses' affairs are concerned, they will be seen only to improve by the deterioration of
those of the enemy. But as 'tis reported here that some symptoms of contagion are visible in
Holland, it is earnestly recommended, if such be the case, that all possible vigilance by human
means be used to arrest its progress.
In regard to the management and continuance of the war, it may perhaps appear wise,
provided the English do not make their appearance in the Mediterranean in any force, that
this King and their High Mightinesses should station in that sea only so many ships-of-war as
would resist the prosecution of the designs of the English. And therefore M. Lionne suggested
whether their High Mightinesses could not resolve, if his Majesty so inclined, to order a portion
of their Mediterranean fleet to repair, along with his Majesty's under the Duke de Beaufort,' to
the ocean, where they can be reinforced by the ships in the western ports and together, with
some of their High Mightinesses' ships, form a good fleet of 36 or more, wherewith their High
Mightinesses' main division could, according to circumstances, be combined, or they could act
in concert separately.
' Fkanjois de Vend6me, Duke de Beaufort, was the son of C.-esar, Duke de Vend6rae, natural son of Henry IV., King of
France He was born in Paris in the mouth of January. 1616. He accompanied the King's armies to Savoy in 1630, and
wa3 present at the battle of Avein in 1635; at the siege of Corbie in 1636; of Hesdin in 1639, and of Arvas in 1640.
Having subsequently fallen under the Royal displeasure, he was incarcerated in 1643 and made his escape in 1648; he
finally°made his peace with the King and obtained the appointment of Admiral of France, whicli his father lia.l held. He
proceded to Africa in 1664, and in 1665 defeated the Turkish fleet near Tunis. In 1 669 he went to Caiidia as Generalissimo
of tlie troops of the Church to defend that place agi.inst the Turks, and was killed on the 25th of June of that year in
a sortie from the town. His body was never recovered. The Duke de Beaufort died unmarried. Moreri, verbo,
"'FRAN9013." — Ed.
352 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
I beg that I may be pardoned if I take the liberty to remind tlieir High Mightinesses tiiat
care ought to be taken in such resolution as their High Mightinesses should adopt for the
entering on a peace, to prevent the recurrence of any new trouble, on drafting a Commercial
Treaty with England, in favor of which a declaration has already been made on the part of
their High Mightinesses, but that it may be deferred until the conclusion of the peace.
1 have told M. de Lionne that, in the change to which affairs of war are subject, no account
must be made of declarations as to the terms of peace, which are not acceptable, and that their
High Mightinesses might have such news, even were they, which 1 did not know, resolved
upon the conditions and his Majesty's plan, as to prevent their being carried into effect. To
this be answered, that the King hath declared himself, as already stated, with a good intention,
and would not constrain but advise their High Mightinesses.
I remain,
Sir,
Your humble servant,
Paris, 17"' August, 1GG5. Van Beuningen.
Proposition viade on the part of His Must Cltristian Majesty to His Britannic Majesty.
[ Aitzomii; Sanhrn ran ^SFatt en Ovrlnisft, 4to, XI., 797. ]
The extreme and sincere desire which the King of France feels to contribute all in his
power to the arrangement of the differences which exist between his Britannic Majesty and
the States-General of the United Provinces, leads him to propose, without the participation of
said States or any of their Ministers,
That New \tl tier la lid shall remain, for the future, with the King of Great Britain on ceding
the Island of Pouleron to the said States ;
That said States shall, in Guinea, remain in the possession of Castle Elmina and Fort Nassau;
That Fort Cormantin shall be given up to his Britannic Majesty;
That Fort Cape Corse shall be razed and demolished ;
That the said States shall cede, likewise, to his Britannic Majesty, Forts Boavisia and St.
Andrew, on the River Gambia.
Secret Resolution of the States -General.
[ From tho Register of Secret KeHolutioim of tlie Statcs-Goneral; Royal Archives at the Hague, folio 142. ]
Thursday, 20"' August, 1G65.
Present — M. Van Glinstra, presiding.
Mess'" Van Gent, Balveren, Heuckelom,
Van den Steen, Henrick van Ommeren, Kalderbach,
Heeckeren, Uaesfelt, Johan de Witt,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL
353
Cant,
Reygersberg,
Vrybergen,
Renswoude,
Humalda,
Pallant,
Royer,
Vander Horst,
Pieterson,
Stavenisse,
Vander Hoolck,
Kann,
Ripperda,
Gockinga,
Glas,
Cromon,
Kien,
Haren,
Bootsma,
Schrieck.
France.
Received two letters from M. Van Beuningen, Minister Extraordinary from
this State in France, written at Paris the sixteenth and seventeenth instant, respectively, and
addressed to Secretary Ruysch, stating, among other things, that the King of France had told
Exeeniion of the ^'"^ ^'^^^ ^'^ Majesty was resolved to execute the guaranty to their High
EngiTndf ''^'''°" Mightinesses against the English in case the latter should refuse to make peace
Bo"ist^'"i~t'"'*rn- °^ *^'^^ conditions proposed to them by his Majesty, namely: That a general
drew and pouieron. reciprocal restitution should be made of all lands and places taken, out of Europe,
by the one party or the other; exchanging, however, New Netherland and Fort St. Andrew,
on the Island of Boavista, for that of Pouieron ; that, moreover, his Majesty's intention was
to execute the guaranty by a rupture and not to interpose any delay herein, and not to keep
his resolution a secret in England, in order to oblige the King of England to come promptly to
a conclusion. Stating, furthermore, that it was currently reported there that some symptoms
of contagion are perceptible in this country, wherefore 'twas earnestly recommended, if such
were the case, that all possible vigilance by human means be used to arrest its progress ;
that it was again earnestly recommended, in case the reasons should cease which would
necessitate their High Mightinesses to send their fleet to sea, it may still, for some time, be
kept in port ; Whicii, being considered, it is resolved and concluded that M. Van Beuningen
shall be informed, in reply, that their High Mightinesses could not, at once on the receipt of
his letters, send him a final answer on the matters therein mentioned, but that they will have
it sent him by an express or the next post ; that, furthermore, the contagious sickness in this
country is, through God's mercy, so trifling as to encourage the hope that, through the good
arrangements to be made, it will not be of any consequence. And, finally, that as the national
fleet hath put to sea some days ago, no resolution can now be adopted on the detaining it in
port. It is, moreover, concluded that letters shall be sent to the respective Chambers of the
East and West India Companies of this country, that, pursuant to their High Mightinesses'
advice of the 30"= July last, they send in, with the greatest promptitude and without any
further delay, their opinions on the proposed exchange of New Netherland and Fort St. Andrew,
on the Island of Boavista, for the aforesaid Island of Pouieron. The despatch resulting herefrom
shall be sent oS" without reconsideration.
Vol. II.
45
354 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
He-solution of the Common Council of the Cit>j of Amsterdam.
[ From the Re^oltUUii tan de V/ oed.schaj}pen, E., IS, in Ihe Sttid Huys, Amsterdam. ]
2G"- August, 1665.
noiiami Documents, Q,^ information that 2 persons, late Burghers of New Amsterdam, in New
Freciomoftiieoity Netiiefland, had made application to the Burgomasters, requesting that, agreeably
to bf yranlcd to the ^ ' ~ » T o ' o J
ouyr"^'!"'^'''^ *■" their respective certificates of citizenship, they may be acknowledged and
New Nciheriand. jidmitted Burghers also of this city, it is, upon consideration, deemed inexpedient
in regard to ill consequences, to come to any resolution herein, but to allow the Burgomasters
abovenamed to present the freedom of this city to all such, as for the end aforesaid, shall make
application to their Worships, and will be able to prove by their papers that they have been
Freemen of this city's Colonie at the South river in New Netherland, and whom, out of
commisseration for their unfortunate condition, their Worships shall resolve to favor therewith,
on condition that such citizenship shall not go into operation before the day it was granted
them here by their Worships.
Resolution of the State-s of IloUand.
f /
[ From the Resuluticn van IluUand^ lGiJ4, p. 613, in State Library, Albanj-, N. Y. J
as"- August, 1665.
France. Pursuaut to summons dated the 2P' of this current month, their Great
Eeurrnia:''n to ursre
theKinii loa float Mightinesses met in Extraordinary .Session, at which were taken into consideration
Kxchance of New iheconteuts of two dlstinct letters from ^L van Beuningen, Minister E.vtraordinarv
Nctliertaud lor rou- ^ J
'"'■""■ from this State to the King and Court of Trance, respectively written at Paris the
16"' and 17"" of this current month, and received by express, and particularly on the conditional
declaration verbally made to M. Van Beuningen by his Royal Majesty, that he will execute
tiie guaranty in favor of tiiis State against the English, in case the latter refuse to make peace
on the conditions submitted to them on the part of his Majesty, which, according to the further
explanation of M. de Lionne, consist of a general reciprocal restitution of all lands and places
out of Europe, captured either by the one side or the other, exchanging, however, New
Netherland and Fort St. Andrew on the Island of Boavista, for the Island of Pouleron ; it is
resolved and concluded, before coming to a final resolution thereupon, or making any positive
declaration on the part of this State to wait for the information and advice of the Incorporated
East and West India Companies at present here in the Hague on the subject aforesaid, which
have been called for by their High Mightinesses, whose opinions and advice being received,
then to take such resolution thereupon as shall be found most advantageous for the public
service; meanwhile that, on the part of their Great Mightinesses, the matter shall be so
directeil in the States (jeneral, that .M. Vnn Beuningen may be wriUen to, to continue his good
duties and offices, and constantly to persevere near the King of France, with all possible zeal
and requisite civility, in order to obtain from his Majesty an absolute and pure declaration
against England, pursuant to the Treaty of Alliance made and concluded between that King
and this Slate.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 355
Ansiver of the King of England to the Proposition of the King of France.
[ Aitzema •, Saacken van Staet en Oorlogh, llo., XI., 747 ]
The King of Great Britain, highly appreciating the friendship of his Most Christian Majesty,
will be always ready to receive any propositions he will offer for the composition and adjustment
of the differences which have arisen between him and the States of the United Provinces, feeling
assured that his Most Christian Majesty will recommend him nothing that is not consistent with
justice and his honor, having reason to doubt whether his Most Christian Majesty will have
been sufficiently instructed respecting the particulars of the said differences.
In regard to New Neiherland, the King of Great Britain says, that the affectation and
usurpation of the Dutch had so named it, who, during the rebellion of England, taking
advantage of the conjuncture, have caused forts to be erected there without any right ot
dominion over the country, inasmuch as the English have possessed it for a long series
of years, by whose permission and connivance only have the Dutch settled there as private
persons, and profiting by the disorders, have emancipated themselves to renounce thegovernment
of England and to commit there and in the circumjacent countries, insupportable injustices and
violences, whereof complaint having been made to the King of Great Britain by his subjects,
his Majesty took the resolution to deliver them therefrom, leaving the Dutch always in the full
enjoyment of their Plantation with liberty of trade, and depriving them only of the dominion
of the country, which did not belong to them ; therefore, his Majesty is greatly surprised at
the proposition which has been made him, that he should cede his right to Pouleron in
compensation for a country already his.
The King of Great Britain will never consent to alienate the Island of Pouleron, which the
Dutch have usurped on him without any show of right, and to which they have formerly made
so little pretence, that in the time of Cromwell's usurpation, they promised to restore it to him
by their Treaty, and to pay him a considerable sum of money for the inhuman acts committed
at Amboyna. And, on his Majesty's return to the Kingdom, the Dutch having besought him
to accept the same Treaty, obliged tiiemselves to the prompt restitution of that Island, which
not have done, and thus failing in public faith, have become the aggressors, without mentioning
other provocations for which his Majesty claims indemnity.
Touching Africa, &c.
Salisbury, 19"' August, 1665 (O. S.)
i^ ■ » ♦ *M
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Kegister of West India Afliiira, 1664 — 1070, in the Eoyal Archives at the Hague. ]
Saturday, 29"' August, 1665.
The Deputies of the Province of Holland and West Friesland, have
f 010 iiM. -^ r , • Tl • • 1 f
Holland. communicated to the Assembly the provincial advice of their Principals on two
M.Y.mBeunini:™. ^jj^^j^^^ dcspatches of M. Van Beuningen, Minister Extraordinary from this State
FoMo 104.
356 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
in France, written at Paris the IG"" and 17"" inst. respectively, relating, among other things, to
the condilional declaration verhally made by the King of France to him, M. Van Beuningen,
NPffotiation wiih '•'^''^ '"^ ^^''" execute the guaranty in favor of this State against England, iu case
^"'^''""'' the latter refuse to make peace on the conditions submitted to them on his
Majesty's behalf, which, according to M. de Lionne's explanation, consists of a general
KoBiituiion of the reciprocal restitution of all lands and places out of Europe, taken by the one
places beyond Eu- i i ^
■■"P®- from tin; other, exchanging, however. New Netherland and Fort St. Andrew on the
Island of Boavista, for the Island of Pouleron. Which being considered, it is resolved and
concluded, before coming to a final resolution on what is above written, or making any positive
declaration on the part of this State, to wait for the information and advice of the Directors of
the Incorporated East and West India Companies of this country here at The Hague, on the
subject aforesaid, which have been called for, in order on the receipt of their o[)inions and
advice, then to adopt such resolution as shall be found most advantageous for the public service.
lie-solution of the States- General.
[ From the Register of West India Affairs, 1CG4~ 1070, in llio Royal Areliivee at the Ilagae, ]
Tuesday, 1" September, 16G5.
Folio 105. Mess" Van Ileukelom and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the
affairs of the East and West India Companies, have reported that they had been in conference
F.xrhaneiiK' pouie- '^''•'^ '•'^^ attending Directors of said Companies on the subject of the exchange
r.™ ?.r 'tjew Ne'ihl proposed by France; to let the English retain New Netherland with Fort St.
Andrew on the Island of Boavista, for which the Island of Pouleron in the East
Indies, should l)0 ceded by the English to the Dutch ; that the above Directors respectively
had promised to prepare their observations in writing on the matter aforesaid, and to deliver
the same to their High Mightinesses. Which being considered, their High Mightinesses have
thanked the said Deputies for the trouble they had taken. And it is further resolved and
concluded to wait for the aforesaid written opinions, in order, when seen, to resolve further
hereupon, as shall be deemed expedient. And the aforesaid Directors, after they will have
delivered in the opinions aforesaid, are hereby dismissed. This resolution shall take effect
without reconsideration.
Amham-ador Van Gogh to Secretary liutj-sch.
[ From the Duplicate in the Kojal Archives at the Uaguo ; File, Engdami. ]
Sir.
M. Courtin, one of the French mediators at present at this Court, having come on Wednesday
last, the 23"* instant, to me at Winchester, and acting for the other gentlemen, his colleagues,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XI. 357
in ambassadorial visit, with wishes for future success at Court and otiier official salutations, I
exchanged many observations with iiis Excellency concerning tiie present condition of the work
of mediation, whereupon that gentleman seemed to give me to understand that he was not
altogether without hope of an accommodation, should the English gain no further advantage
over the fleet at present at sea and their High Mightinesses yield to reason, according to
actual circumstances, and as requested; for, he said, no disinclination to peace was evinced
at this Court, but that this was a matter which greatly depended on, or took its reflection from
the disposition that would be manifested towards it at the approaching session of Parliament.
On the following day, according to answer hereunto annexed, which I requested and received
from Mr. Bennett (Lord Arlington, Secretary of State), I was invited to Salisbury, where,
being arrived, and having obtained information of the entire state of affairs, I could well remark
and perceive that, though no further news was now received at Court of any other encounter
between both fleets, I yet understand that the one had retired to the coast of Holland and the
other to Harwich, where it had arrived ; and since rio further engagement at this season could be
expected, the aforesaid work of mediation might proceed to an arrangement. But the mediators
did not appear very sanguine nor afford any hope of obtaining either the restitution of New
Netherland or even of Cape Corse, much less of both, or that even the projected exchange for
the Island of Pouleron was any way apparent ; as the right of the English to the last, namely
Pouleron, was notorious and known, and that island has been many years, and is still unjustly,
as they say, withheld from them, to their intolerable damage, as they compute ; that this King
could not now, with any honor or reputation, let his subjects be deprived of the aforesaid
island. And, as for the other two, namely New Netherland and Cape Corse, some considerations
in favor of the Dutch might be submitted to arbitration in regard to New Netherland, were
that country not granted and conveyed to his Royal Highness, who will not, or with great
difficulty can, be induced to surrender it. But in regard to Cape Corse, the matter was somewhat
doubtful ; also that the victory which hath already been gained by the English arms, is of some
weight on such an occasion in the working out of peace, above and besides the great damage
the English have suffered from the Dutch in both Indies, and especially in the East Indies,
by the obstruction of trade there. This and such like reasoning is what must be listened to
here from one and the other, and even from the mediators. Whereupon, although the
sought for information and powerful counter arguments were made use of according to
circumstances, the question finally arises: Whether people desire peace, and will not rather
continue the war; and furthermore, whether peace is not to be preferred for the State of the
United Netherlands to pernicious war. My replies to these and such like observations are, I
trust, unnecessary to be repeated. Their High Mightinesses, according to their usual profound
wisdom, will think and judge what ought to be said on this point. The mediators seriously
submit to their High Mightinesses whether the brief interval between the current time of this
present opportunity and the approaching session of Parliament ought not to be taken advantage
of and employed in earnest, if any hope be entertained of securing a peace, to which the King
and other persons of influence are found at present not to be ill disposed. This can easily be
put back by prolonging and continuing disputes and arguments, particularly when combined
with the aforesaid meeting of Parliament, especially when new subsidies are voted for the
continuance of the war, as those would then have to be levied, and warlike operations already
begun, be therefore continued. Which undoubtedly seems greatly to be apprehended and
possible, they say, on the aforesaid continuation of the war, unless this sporadic pestilence ia
some way make them, from many and divers reasons, pause in the matter.
358 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
I have strongly insisted and dwelt on the serious misfortune which lias just befallen the
Dutch iNation herein, especially whenever people would wish to let go the places captured
by the English from the Dutch, and then, again, restore what the latter have taken, to the
former, to the enormous prejudice of the country and both Companies. But these gentlemen
were of opinion that all this is hard to be stopped or prevented whenever such adverse
encounters and losses at sea are perceptible on the Dutch side. And that, therefore, they
wislied a clear declaration might be furnished them l)efare it were too late ; the rather, as the
meeting of Parliament is so near; after the adjournment of which (as it is to remain in session
only a few days) no opportunity, 'tis to be presumed, would offer to accomplish the wished for
service. They seem to regret that their good offices here had not given more satisfaction
yonder, either in consequence of misconstruction or from some other cause ; wherefore they
declare they have followed the command and order of their Lord and Master, and had no other
intention than to do their High Mightinesses the desired service. All which aforesaid, I have
considered it my duty hereby to set forth and represent in full to their High Mightinesses, in
order humbly to acquit myself, in all things, as well as possible.
I have had, up to the present time, no special knowledge what communication from
Fatherland or Paris may be, or may have been, held with the abovementioned gentlemen
during my absence from Court, or even before ; and, therefore, whenever 1 insisted on the
right of the State to the captured places, and among the rest to New Netherland, I have been
answered by them. That in Fatherland people did not insist so hard, nor think the damage
80 great as 1 did liere. I scarcely know how to meet this otherwise than by denying that I
have had communication of any such information. 1 wish it might be forthcoming, with the
declaration of their High Mightinesses' good intention as to the future, in order to enable me,
in all things, to apply the proper exertion.
I have had no special conversation with their Excellencies about the proposed new
commercial regulation, except only that, as it originated with the Dutch, it should be further
urged by them, as people would think them interested therein. On which point they only say
that they have indeed seen, on this occasion, a project heretofore brought forward by
Ambassador Douwning. In their opinion this was not of such importance ; it can also be
surmounted whenever people will explain themselves clearly on the main point. Certainly,
their Excellencies appear desirous to dispatch this business, which must, they say, be disposed
of if people are inclined, or can hope, to acquire a peace.
Friday last, the 25th inst., between 11 and 12 o'clock at night, some bonfires were seen
blazing in front of several houses in this city, and the people were heard expressing great joy
likewise ; there was a great report that another naval victory had been gained over the Dutch ;
that 33 ships had been captured, and that this news was received from the English fleet and
carried by Lord Rochester' through this city to the King, who had retired further into the
' John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester, characterized, by Walpole, ns a poet whom the ilusos inspired but were
ashamed to own, was born at Ditchle}-, in Oxfordshire, 10th April, 1647. After passing through Wadham College he
traveled on the Continent, and in 1665 went to sea and distinguished himself at Bergen. In 1666 he served under Admiral
Spragge. Having been appointed one of the gentlemen of the bedchauiber, he became the licentious companion of Charles
II., and, as he confessed to Dr. Burnet, was, for live years of his life togetlier, continually drunk. He thus lived a worthless
and useless life of debauchery and sensuality, until, at the age of thirty-one, he was totally prostrated. lie died July 26lh,
1680, before he had completed his ihirtyfourtli year, and was so worn away by long illness that life went out without a
struggle. In his works there is epriglitliness and vigor, and everywhere may be found tokens of a mind which study might
have carried to elegance; but his poems have more obscenity than wit, more wit than poetry, and more poetry than polite-
ness. Johnton; Walpole. The title became e.'itinct by the death of Charles, third Karl of Rochebter, yet o minor, iu 1681,
the year after his father's demise. — Kd.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XL 359
interior. Inquiry being made the next day, this news was found not to be so favorable, only
IS ships having been taiien by the EngUsli, and these, added to the number of 1-5 ships which
they have captured in the last engagement, make a number of 83 ships, as they gave out, or as
was understood by the people. What truth may be in this news, or how and on what occasion
this rencontre may have occurred, cannot yet be ascertained. Indeed, 'tis said over 1,000 new-
prisoners have been received, fresh bonfires having been again lighted and the bells rung
yesterday evening by order of the Mayor. All this does not advance the wished for peace.
The two captured Brandenburg ships which have heretofore been condemned by the
Admiralty here, as already advised, are again found to have been released. Furthermore, lis
understood that two ships of Amelant, laden with corn and hemp, have been recently taken and
brought into Dover.
The King has gone some miles out of town to enjoy hunting, therefore there has been no
opportunity of requesting an audience from his Majesty; but he is expected back in the middle
of next week, when I intend setting to work to further the release of the prisoners and what
depends thereon, as well as that of Secretary Cunajus; and to ascertain how far his Majesty
may be disposed towards a negotiation for peace, whereof I shall let their High Mightinesses
know at the proper time.
And herewith concluding, &e.
Written at Salisbury, this -jy September, 1665.
Ambassador Van Gogh to Secretary JRuysch.
[ From the Original, iu the Royal Archives at the Hague ; Secrete Kas of the States-General ; Division, Engeland; Kas B., Lohet L., N"o. 12, in
Kas F., Lokel C, I>o. 6. 1
Sir.
Having found occasion, after I had an audience of this King and subsequently a conference
with Lord Arlington, Secretary of State, about the case of the prisoners, as advised on the 4""
instant. New Style, frequently to converse with the French mediators, and at mutual visits to
discuss the business of the undertaken mediation, 1 have remarked that their Excellencies are
of opinion that it is hard to promote the aforesaid work at present. In order to secure an end
thereto one way or the other, they now and again bring forward (as they declare) propositioni
to have my opinion thereupon. But being unprovided with any special order or instruction,
and therefore not daring to dilate, and also not knowing the condition of the aforesaid business
in Fatherland, or what may have transpired thereupon in France or elsewhere, or what change
may have occurred therein, I dare not meddle with it before receiving some special order or
instruction as aforesaid in the premises, so as to avoid all embarrassment and fully to carry
out the intention of their High Mightinesses, who are hereby respectfully reminded whether it
would not be necessary that I should be sent the required information, and provided with a
clear instruction and order so as to understand how I am to regulate myself under such
circumstances. Their Excellencies suggest whether it would not be wise on this occasion to
propose a suspension of hostilities for the space of three months, or such time as might be
360 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
agreed on, being of opinion tliat the aforesaid work of accommodation must be soon arranged,
or else suspended and abandoned. I have endeavored to ascertain and to obtain in writing the
propositions submitted to the King here by their Excellencies, who have indeed told me verbally
their contents, but declared they could not give them to me in writing, as they had already
dispatched their baggage to Oxford ; when they would arrive there they should furnish me with
them ; and said, that the Stale of the United Netherlands well knew all the aforesaid propositions
and plans, which tiiey had, as they declare, no doubt were in like manner sent to me from
there, together with the resolutions which might be adopted thereupon; excusing themselves,
moreover, for not having, through scrupulous motives, dared to keep up any uninterrupted
communication, on account of the unfortunate time my family had experienced from plague
and accident; for vv'hich omission they were now about to make up. They tell me tiiat his
Majesty, as well as divers Lords of the greatest and most influence at this Court, have frequently
spoken about the matter, to whom a plan has been communicated, or submitted certainly in
conversation, to leave New Netherland and Cape Corse to the English, as both places are
captured by them, and in return to let the Dutch retain the Island of Pouleron in the East
Indies, which although adjudged to the English, yet has not been delivered to them up to the
present time. Moreover, that Cormantyn should pass to the English, and then see further
what disposition should be made of Boavista and Fort St. Andrew on the River Gambia, and
the indemnity claimed by the English for losses experienced in both the East and West Indies.
But further conferences would be held about this subject whenever they would arrive and be
settled at Oxford. Their Excellencies appear further to be seriously thinking over and about
the proposed regulation respecting the trade in those parts and elsewhere, which, they are of
opinion, 'twere better had never been agitated, as they think there will be difficulty herein
before it can be fitted to the satisfaction of parties. And all this is preliminary conversation
which indicates that something certainly is looking that way, in order to be able to push
forward this work by and by with zeal and earnestness. I could not omit communicating to their
High Mightinesses herein the reasons and discourses brought forward by the abovementioned
gentlemen, with humble request that they would please to remember to allow at their pleasure
the required order on the whole to be made, one way or the other, so that neither those
gentlemen, nor the Court here through them, may be detained, nor have reason to complain
of detention in regard of their purpose to advance the work. What I have further to observe,
or what can or may well be said on this occasion goes over by another way, to which I
refer, although I have ever and always wished, and still desire with heart and soul, that their
High Mightinesses were permitted, with the proder only of my observations, to transact the
aforesaid business, as it indeed (with respect) demands. M. Courtin being set out this day
for Oxford, having been preceded yesterday by the other mediators, I shall, God permitting,
follow to-morrow morning.
Herewith ending,
I remain,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Salisbury, '■^:^^'^ 1665. . M. van Gogh.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XI. 361
West India Company to the States -General.
I From the Copy, in the Roj-al Archives at the Hague; File, West Indie. ]
To the High and Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands.
The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company of this country most respectfully
represent, that Peter Stuyvesant, late Director-General of New Netherland and the Curagao
Islands, hath arrived in this country ; that they have caused him to come here to The Hague,
to make a report to you. High and Mighty, of his administration, according to your High
Mightinesses' order, and that he is ready so to do, as soon as you. High and Mighty, will be
pleased to grant him a favorable audience.
(Signed), Mich' Ten Hove.
Read IG"- October, 1665.
Resolution of the States -General.
i From the Beglater of the Besolutiona of the States-Oeneral, In the Boyal Archires at the Hagae. ]
Friday, 16"' October, 1665.
Folio 664. Read at the meeting a certain Memorial of the Directors of the Incorporated
Stuyvesand. ^ '
Report. West India Company of this country, stating in substance, that Peter Stuyvesant,
late Director-General of New Netherland and the Curasao Islands being arrived in these
parts, they had sent him hither to render their High Mightinesses an account of his
administration. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded hereby to order the
abovenamed Ex-Director-General Stuyvesant to put his report in writing, and to deliver
the same to their High Mightinesses.
Vol. II. 46
REPORT
HON^'^ PETER STUYVESANT,
LATE DIRECTOR-aENERAL
NEW NETHER LAND,
ON THE CAUSES WHICH LED TO THE SURRENDER OF THAT COUNTRY
ENGLISH,
I From the Original, In the Royal Archivea at the Hague; Loketkas of the StateB-General; Kubrick, West Indiscke Campagnie, No. 67,
let Division of the Bundle. ]
1665.
Memorial of Peter Stuyvesant^ late Director of Kexo Ketherland.
To the High and Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands.
Peter Stuyvesant, late Director-General in New Netherland, in the service of your High
Mightinesses and of the Hon'''= Incorporated West India Company of this country, with
humble reverence, represents that, after the violent invasion and conquest of the said Province
of New Netherland by the irresistible power of the English, the Petitioner, on repairing hither
and arriving in these parts, hath communicated and made known circumstantially to the said
Company, at its Chamber at Amsterdam, the circumstances and state of said conquest, whereof
he, the Petitioner, now exhibits herewith to you, High and Mighty, a Brief, True Account,
corroborated by divers certificates and proofs, from which it clearly appears that he, the
Petitioner, employed all possible means to put himself in proper defence, but was necessitated
to surrender said places through the unwillingness of the Militia, the protests and menaces of
the Burghers, the weakness of the Fort, the scarcity of provisions and munitions of war, and the
small number of soldiers.
Most humbly requesting your High Mightinesses, to that end, to be pleased to have the
aforesaid, his Report and papers, examined and reported on by a committee, in order to be
assured of the real circumstances of the case and to make such- further disposition as you,
High and Mighty, according to your profound wisdom, will find proper.
Which doing, &c.
(Signed), P. Stuyvesant.
Indorsed :
Petition of Peter Stuyvesant,
late Director-General
in New Netherland,
19"" October, 1G65.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 365
REPORT OX THE SURRENDER OF NEW NETHERLAND.
Report of the Hon"''' Peter Stuyvesant, late Director-General of New Netherland,
on the Causes which led to the Surrender of that Country to the English ;
1665.
Illustrious, High and Mighty Lords.
Whilst I, your Illustrious, High Mightinesses' humble servant, was still in New Netherland
I was informed, verbally and in writing, that the unfortunate loss and reduction of New
Netherland were, in consequence of ignorance of the facts, spoken of and judged in this country
by many variously, and by most people not consistently with the truth, according to the appetite
and leaning of each. Therefore, your Illustrious, High Mightinesses' servant, sustained by
the tranquillity of an upright and loyal heart, was moved to abandon all, even his most
beloved wife, to inform you, Illustrious, High and Mighty, of the true state of the case, that
you, when so informed, may decide according to your profound wisdom.
Not doubting that you. Illustrious, High and Mighty, will judge therefrom, that this loss
could not be avoided by human means, nor be imputed to me, your Illustrious, High
Mightinesses' humble servant.
1 dare not interrupt your Illustrious, High Mightinesses' most important business by a lengthy
narrative of the poor condition in which I found New Netherland on my assuming its government.
The Flat land stripped of inhabitants to such a degree that, with the exception of the three
English villages of Heemsted'e, New Flushing and Gravesend, there were not 50 bouweries or
plantations on it, and the whole Province could not muster 250, at most 300 men capable of
bearing arms.
Which was caused, in default of a settlement of the Boundary so repeatedly requested;
First, by the troublesome neighbors of New England, who numbered full 50 to our one,
continually encroaching on lands within established bounds, possessed and cultivated, in fact,
by your Illustrious, High Mightinesses' subjects.
Secondly, by the exceedingly detrimental, land-destroying and people-expelling wars with
the cruel Barbarians, which endured two years before my arrival there, whereby many subjects
who possessed means were necessitated to depart, others to retreat under the crumbling
fortress of New Amsterdam, which, on my arrival, I found resembling more a mole-hill than
a fortress, without gates, the walls and bastions trodden under foot by men and cattle.
Less dare I, to avoid self glorification, encumber your weighty occupations. Illustrious, High
and Mighty, with the trouble, care, solicitude and continual zeal with which I have endeavored
to promote the increase of population, agriculture and commerce ; the flourishing condition
whereunto they were brought, not through any wisdom of mine, but through God's special
blessing, and which might have been more flourishing if your formerly dutiful, but now afllicted,
inhabitants of that conquest had been, Illustrious High and Mighty, protected from time to tim6
366 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
by a suitable garrison, as necessity demanded, against the deplorable and tragical massacre by the
Barbarians, whereby we were plunged three times into perilous wars, through want of sufficient
garrisons; especially had they, on the supplicatory Remonstrances of the people and our own
so iterated entreaties, which must be considered almost innumerable, been helped with the
long sought for settlement of the Boundary, or in default thereof, had they been seconded
with the oft besought reinforcement of men and ships against the continual troubles, threats,
encroachments and invasions of the English neighbors and government of Hartford Colony,
our too powerful enemies.
That assistance, nevertheless, appears to have been retarded so long, (wherefore and by what
unpropitious circumstances the Hon'''' Directors best know) that our abo vementioned too powerful
neighbors and enemies found themselves reinforced by four Royal ships, crammed full with an
extraordinary amount of men and warlike stores. Our ancient enemies throughout the whole of
Long Island, both from the East end and from the villages belonging to us united with them,
drew nigh by water and by land, and cut oti' all supplies. Powder and provisions failing, and no
relief nor reinforcement being expected, we were necessitated to come to terms with the enemy,
not through treachery or cowardice, as many, more from passion than knowledge of the facts,
have decided, but in consequence of an absolute impossibility to defend the fort, much less the
city of New Amsterdam, and still less the country. As you, Illustrious, High and Mighty, in
your profound and more discreet wisdom, will be able to judge from the following:
First, in regard to Want of powder: The annexed account shows what had been received
during the last four years and the stock on hand, from which it appears that there were not
two thousand pounds in store in the city and fort; of that quantity there were not GOO pounds
good and fit for muskets; the remainder was old and damaged, so that when used for artillery,
the cannon required a double charge or weight.
If necessary and you. Illustrious High and Mighty, demand it, the truth hereof can be sought
from the Gunner, who accompanies me hither, and wiio will not deny having said in the presence
of divers persons and at various times : Why should the General begin? he knows well that
there is no powder, and that the most of it is good for nothing; there is powder enough to do
harm to the enemy, but 'tis no good ; were I to commence firing in the morning, I should have
all used up by noon.
What efforts we have employed to receive this and some other reinforcements and assistance
may appear from the copies of two letters sent to the Colonie Renselaerswyck and Village of
Beverwyck, marked N" A.
Whose answers intimate, that we could not be assisted by either the one or the other, because
of the difficulties into which they had just then fallen with the Northern Indians owing to
the killing of 3 @^ 4 Christians and some cows. Whether urged to do so by evil disposed
neighbors, I submit to wiser opinions.
In regard to Provisions : Although our stores were reasonably well supplied with them the
•whole fore part of the summer, even more than ever heretofore, the falling off" being commonly
caused by the want of credit or ready money to lay up an abundant stock of provisions;
Nevertheless our supplies became, from various accidents, so much diminished that on
capitulating to the enemy, not 120 skepels of wheat, and much less of peas and meat were
remaining in store.
This scarcity being caused by the exportation of a large quantity of provisions to the Island
of Curasao, in the little craft de Musch, dispatched thither three weeks previous to the arrival
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XI. 367
of the frigates, without any apprehension or sugpicion of experiencing a want of provisions,
as a good wheat harvest was not only at iiand, but between the barn and the field.
In addition to this favorable prospect, we were relieved from all fear of any approaching
enemy or imminent danger from Old England, by the last letters from the Hon''''' Directors, dated
21 April, and received one month before the arrival of the frigates ; in the words following :
" On the other hand, according to the intelligence we receive from England, his Royal
"Majesty of Great Britain, being disposed to bring all his kingdoms under one form of
"government, both in church and state, hath taken care that Commissioners are ready at
"present to repair to New England, and there to install the Episcopal government as in Old
" England ; wherefore we are in hopes that as the English at the North have removed mostly
"from Old England for the causes aforesaid, they will not give us henceforth so much trouble,
" but prefer to live free under us at peace with their consciences, than to trouble themselves to
" get rid of our authority and then to fall again under a government from which they had
" formerly fled.
" Two reasons which will serve you for speculation, in order to make a disposition of our
" force, and assist considerably the execution of our intentions and maintenance of our conquest
" by that means without difficulty, until a final agreement shall be concluded.
"The settlement of the Boundary now begins to assume a different aspect from that it
"formerly wore, partly in consequence of our efforts, partly from other circumstances."
Placed by the aforesaid advices beyond all apprehension, we felt no difficulty in letting the
aforesaid little vessel, de. Musch, go with the loaded provisions; indeed we would have sent off
more if we could have procured them anywhere.
The scarcity of provisions is proved by the annexed declaration of the Commissary himself,
and of Sergeant Harmen Martensen, and moreover by the efforts we employed to obtain a
greater quantity of these, were that possible. N" B.
Provisions were likewise so few and scarce in the city, in consequence of the approaching
harvest, for the inhabitants are not in the habit of laying up more provisions than they have
need of, that about 8 days aftfer the surrender of the place, there was not in the city of New
Amsterdam enough of provisions, beef, pork and peas, for the transportation of the military,
about 90 strong, and the new grain had to be thrashed.
In consequence of the want of the abovementioned necessaries, and many other minor
articles, a general discontent and unwillingness to assist in defending the place became manifest
among the people.
Which unwillingness was occasioned and caused in no small degree, first among the people
living out of the city, and next among the Burghers, by the attempts and encroachments
experienced at the hands of the English in the preceding year, 1663.
First, through Captain John Talcot's reducing Eastdorp, situate on the Main, not two leagues
from New Amsterdam, by order and commission of the government of Hartford.
Next, through Captain Go's, afterwards Herrat's' invasion and subjugation of all the English
villages and plantations on Long Island, which were under oath and obedience to you,
Illustrious, High and Mighty, and the Hon'''" Company, with an armed troop of about 150 (a
160 of John Schott's horse and foot, which appears to have been executed also by the order of
Hartford's Colony.
'«c. — Ed.
368 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
In tlie following year, 1G64, Governor Winthrop himself, came with two Commissioners
from Hartford, and one from the East end of Long Island, with a like number of people on
foot and on horseback, to the reduced English towns, in order to get the inhabitants to take
the oath of allegiance in the King's name.
Owing to the very serious war witii the Esopus Indians and their confederates, in
consequence of a third deplorable massacre perpetrated there on the good inhabitants, we
could not at the time do anything against such violent attempts and encroachments, except to
protest against them verbally and in writing.
All this, recorded fully in the form of a Journal, was, on the 10"" November, 1663, and last
of February, 1664, transmitted to the Honorable Directors, together with our, and the entire
Commonalty's Grievances, Remonstrances and humble Petition for redress, either by means of
a settlement of the Boundary, or else by an effective reinforcement of men and ships.
I could and should lay the autiienticated copies before you. Illustrious, High and Mighty,
were it not that 1 am apprehensive of incumbering thereby your present much more important
business. On that account, therefore, in verification of what is set forth, are most humbly
submitted to you, Illustrious, High and Mighty, only
No. 1. An humble Remonstrance of the country people on Long Island, whereof the original
j was sent to the Honorable Directors, setting forth the threats and insolence made use of
towards them by the English troop aforesaid, with a request for redress; otherwise, in default
thereof, they shall be under the necessity of abandoning their lands or submitting to another
government.
No. 2 is a copy of a letter sent to the Dutch villages for a reinforcement, whence can be
inferred our good inclination to defend the city and fort as long as possible. The answer
thereto intimates their refusal, as they, living on the Flat land unprotected, could not abandon
their properties, wives and children.
No. 3. The Burghers' petition and protest exhibits their uneasiness ; wherein they set forth
at length the very urgent necessity to which they were reduced in consequence of the
overwhelming power of the enemy; the impossibility, owing to want of provisions and
munitions of war, especially powder, and the non-appearance of any expected relief or
reinforcement, of defending the city one, and the fort three, days, certainly not six months,
when by daily resistance everything would be ruined and plundered, and themselves, with
wives and children, more than 1,500 in number, reduced to the direst poverty.
This dissatisfaction and unwillingness on the part of Burgher and Farmer were called forth
by the abovementioned and other frequently bruited threats, by the hostile invasions and
encroachments that had been experienced and the inability to oppose them for want of power
and reinforcements; but mainly by the sending of Proclamations and open letters containing
promises, in the King's name, to Burgher and Farmer, of free and peaceable possession of their
property, unobstructed trade and navigation, not only to the King's dominions, but also to
Netherland with their own ships and people.
Besides the abovementioned reasons for dissatisfaction and unwillingness, the ancient as
well as the ruling Burgomasters and Schepens, and principal citizens, complained that their
iterated remonstrances, letters and petitions, especially the last, on the 10"" of November, wherein
they had informed the Hon*"'' Directors of the extreme necessity of the country both in regard
of the war with the Barbarians and of the hostile attacks of the English, had not been deemed
worthy of any answer ; publicly declaring, " If the Hon''''' Company give themselves so liltle
" concern about the safety of the country and its inhabitants as not to be willing to send a ship
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL 369
" of war to its succor in such pressing necessity, nor even a letter of advice as to wliat we may
" depend on and what relief we liave to expect, we are utterly powerless, and, therefore, not
" bound to defend the city, to imperil our lives, property, wives and children without hope of
" any reinforcement or relief, and to lose all after two or three days' resistance."
Your patience would fail you, Illustrious, High and Mighty, if I should continue to relate
all the disrespectful speeches and treatment which, Illustrious, High and Mighty, your servants
of the Superior Government have been obliged to listen to and patiently to bear, during the
approach of the frigates, whenever they sought to encourage the Burghers and inhabitants to
their duty, as could be verified by credible witnesses.
Yet the consequence of this difficulty on the part of the Burghers, nearly was, that their
lives and properties were not safe on account of the threats of plundering heard from some of
the soldiers, who had their minds fixed more on plunder than on defence ; giving utterance,
among other things, to the following : We now hope to find an opportunity to pepper the
devilish Chinese, who have made us smart so much ; we know well where booty is to be got
and where the young women reside who wear chains of gold. In verification whereof, it was
alleged and proved, that a troop of soldiers had collected in front of one Nicolaus Meyer's
house in order to plunder it, which was prevented by the Burghers.
In addition to the preceding, many verbal warnings came from divers country people on
Long Island, who daily noticed the growing and increasing strength of the English, and
gathered from their talk that their business was not only with New Netherland but with the
booty and plunder, and for these were they called out and enrolled. Which was afterwards
confirmed not only by the dissolute English soldiery, but even by the most steady officers and
by a striking example exhibited to the colonists of New Amstel on the South river, who,
notwithstanding they had offered no resistance, but requested good terms, could not obtain
them, but were invaded, stripped, utterly plundered and many were sold as slaves to Virginia.
To prevent these and many other misfortunes, calamities and mischiefs overtaking evidently
and assuredly the honest inhabitants, owing to the untenableness of the place and fort without
assistance from Fatherland, which was not to be expected for six months, we and the Council,
on the presentation of so many remonstrances, complaints and warnings, were under the
necessity, God and the entire community know without any other object than the welfare of
the public and the Company, to come to terras with the enemy and neighbors, whose previous
hostile invasions and encroachments neither we nor our predecessors have been able to oppose
or prevent.
And, although the good God had, for the moment, been pleased to avert the misfortune from
us, to delay or prevent the arrival of those frigates, yet had we, through want of the
reinforcements of men and ships from Fatherland so repeatedly demanded but not come»
shortly after fallen, by this war with England, into a worse state and condition, in consequence
of the overpowering might of the neighbors. This is sufficiently evident and plain from their
hostile acts and encroachments against the inhabitants in a season of profound peace ; being,
as already stated, 50 to our one, they would afterwards, /are belli, have attacked, overwhelmed,
plundered us and the good inhabitants whom they would have utterly expelled out of the
country.
Many more reasons and circumstances could be adduced. Illustrious, High and Mighty, for
your greater satisfaction and my vindication, if your occupations. Illustrious, High and Mighty,
permitted you to cast your eyes over, or allow others to take cognizance of, the continual
Vol. II. 47
370 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
remonstrances, applications and petitions for a settlement of the Boundary or a reinforcement,
particularly of the latest of the years 1663 and 166i, and of the daily entries in the minutes
bearing thereupon.
But fearing that your patience, Illustrious, High and Mighty, will be exhausted by this too
long and unpalatable relation, I shall break ofl' here and submit myself. Illustrious, High and
Mighty, to your most wise and discreet opinion, command and order. With this prayer, that
you, Illustrious, High and Mighty, would please to dispatch me, your humble servant, as
quickly as your more important occupations will possibly allow; meanwhile praying that God
win temper this loss with other more notable successes and prosper your government.
Illustrious, High and Mighty,
Your most humble servant,
Exhibited IQ"" October, 1665. P. Stuyvesant.
Holland Docnments, L^gj gf Papers which Peter Stuyvesant hath, in support of his Deduction,
delivered in to their High Mightinesses, October, 1665, and which were then
placed in the hands of their High Mightinesses' Deputies.
No. 1. First. A full Return, on one sheet of paper, showing what quantity of powder has
been sent by the Company and received in the four last years, from 1660 to the surrender of
New Netherland to the English in September, 1664, to which is annexed a daily account
of what was consumed. The balance of the account shows that not above six (^ 700 pounds of
good, and about as much bad and unsuitable powder were in store.'
2. Secondly. Copies of two Letters to the Commissaries of the Colonie of Renselaerswyck
and Village of Beverswyck, for some supply and assistance of powder and other necessaries.
The answers thereunto annexed show their excuses and reasons for refusing.
3. Thirdly. Two Certificates or Declarations, one of the late Commissary, Dierck Looten ;
another of Sergeant Harmen Martense, in proof of the scarcity of provisions, and what efforts
were made to procure some.
4. Fourthly. Copy of a Remonstrance from the inhabitants of Long Island, sent to the
Directors dated February, 1664, wherein they demonstrate the intolerable insolence and
invasions committed against them by order of the government of Hartford before the arrival
of the English frigates; earnestly requesting redress and assistance, in default whereof, they
shall be obliged to abandon their place or submit to another government.
5. Fifthly. Copy of the Letter seut on the arrival of the frigates, to the Dutch villages for
the assistance of every third man, and annexed thereto their Answer and reasons of refusal.
6. Sixthly. Copy of the Petition or Protest signed by the subaltern Magistrates, Burgher
Officers and principal Burghers, whereby they demonstrate and declare the impossibility of
defending the place; therefore protesting and invoking the vengeance of Heaven if any mishap
overtake themselves, their wives and children in consequence of the headstrong opposition and
resistance of the Director and Council.
7. Seventhly. Extract from the Letter of Secretary and Receiver Van Ruyven, still the
Hon""'* Company's empowered Agent in New Netherland, also proving the impossibility of
' This Eeturu is in a subsequent part of this Volume. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XI. 371
defending the place, and some reasons why ; both which, as they apply to the case, are annexed
again to the exhibited duplicate of the Deduction under No. 1 and 4.
Appendix: Ko. A.
Correspondence between Director Stuyvesant, and Mess" La Montagne and Van
Renselaer.
Director Stuyvesant's Letter :
Honorable, most Dear.
These few lines serve only to communicate the information furnished to-day by divers
persons, respecting the English frigates, which have been so long spoken of. That they have
already put to sea, and are manned and armed after such a manner was admitted and confirmed
as beyond a doubt; but their destination is still mere report, as the inclosed information
implies; but from the circumstances, it may without difficulty be presumed that they indeed
might come direct here to this river. We have thought necessary to give your Honor, and those
of the Colonie of Reuselaerwyck speedy notice and knowledge thereof, to the end that you and
we may be on our guard and prepare for all possible resistance, and as it is apparent that this
place may indeed bear the first and severest shock, and if lost, little hope would remain for the
rest, we would therefore earnestly recommend you, with all possible speed, according to
the promises given at the General Assembly [Landtsdagli) to furnish such assistance, especially
of powder and lead, as circumstances will in any wise permit; the sooner the better and
more necessary.
In the same manner, we would recommend and pray you to negotiate a loan of five or six
thousand guilders in Wampum for the Hon''" Company, and to send it down by the first
occurring opportunity, to pay the laboring people. The obligation to be executed may assure
that this will be reimbursed satisfactorily either in good Negroes or other goods, in case the
gracious God, as we hope and wish, will grant a favorable result.
Fort New Amsterdam, in (Signed), Petrus Stuyvesant.
N. Netherland, this Sth July, 1664.
The Answer.
Right Honorable.
On the arrival at the Manhattans of Johannes Provoost, he delivered, as he reports, to
your Honors, the Narrative of Jan Daveth and Jacob Loockermans, but not so full as the one
annexed, of what occurred to them in their commission with the Mohawk Ambassadors to the
Northern Indians and some English, from which we then expected all good. Afterwards, on
the 21" of June last, the Mohawk Chief, Saheda, came before us with some of his Nation to
go thither with a present for the ratification of the peace, who then departed with that design
and have been massacred and killed there.
It has also followed that the Mahikanders, who appear to be knowing thereto, are fled from
the Mohawks, and the next consequence was, that the Indians of the Colonie, have, on last
Monday, the T"" instant, at one onslaught, killed 9 head, viz., 6 milch cows, two oxen and one
bull, in Director Renselaer's bouwerie in Greenbush ; afterwards on another bouwerie in the
Colonie, three head of cattle exclusive of those that are missing and some which are wounded.
372 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
The tidings are also certain that the Indians burnt, last Friday, the dwelling-house on one
Mr. Abraham Staets' bouwerie, with the farmer; his wife and one Negro are not to be found
up to this date. Mr. Abraham's wife's people have sent a canoe thither to-day ; our cowherd
has also been threatened by the Indians, ail which will be, probably, communicated, in part,
by the inclosures, on the safe arrival of Ciaes Lock's yacht; the remainder shall^ be further
made known at a more convenient time. In fine, we are in great trouble, peril and ditTiculty.
Now, in answer to your Honors' letter of the S"" of July, handed to us this day by Gerrit
Visbeeck, regarding what you have been pleased to communicate to us of the frigates, we
have scarcely any doubt of the possibility of their coming to attack us, as appears from the
reports of the Indians and declarations made here to the Board, according to the {)apers
accompanying this.
Wherefore we request your Honors to assist us with your wise counsel as to how we are to
act. As regards the supply of powder and lead which your Honors have been pleased to
request, the Director and Council will be so good as to consider that in this conjuncture we
have the greatest need of what is very scarce here.
Herewith, after hearty greeting, we shall commend you, Right Honorable, to God's
protection and remain your affectionate friends,
Fort Orange, (Signed), La Montagne,
M"" July, 1664. Jeremias van Renselaer.
By order of both Courts, Fort Orange and Colonie Renselaerswyck.
(Signed), Johannes Provoost, Clerk,
D. v. Schelluyne, Secretary.
Director Stuyvesant's Letter:
Honorable, Prudent, Right Discreet Gentlemen.
Difficult, on account of my indisposition, was my departure from you ; more difficult and
troublesome were my return and arrival here, on last Monday, on account of the report of
the four English frigates, one of which showed herself, on the following Tuesday, in the Bay,
near Sandy Hook.
Yesterd;iy, being Thursday, three more arrived and sailed together up into the Bay of
Najack, where they remain at anchor up to the present time; they have sent the inclosed
summons to all the Dutch towns, from which and from verbal statements, it is evidently to be
inferred that they will endeavor to reduce not ouly this Capital but also the whole Province
to obedience to England.
The naval and military force from Old England is estimated at 1,700, some say 2,000 men,
in addition to the crowd daily e.\pected from New England.
You can easily consider in what a state of embarrassment and anxiety we find ourselves,
•without a hope of any relief. Therefore this serves chiefly to warn your Honors and all
friends especially and mainly not to send down any Beavers or Peltries for fear of their falling
into the hands of the English.
'Tis desirable, and indeed most necessary, that your Honors should assist us with some
aid in men and powder, in case any hope or means remain of transporting and bringing them
here in season and in safety. Wherewith, etc.
Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland, (Signed ), P. Stuyvesant.
29*^ August, 1G64.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XL -373
Answer.
Right Honorable General,
We are rejoiced to learn your arrival from your Honor's letter of the 29"" August, but the
unexpected hostile appearance of the English and the threatening concourse of evil disposed
neighbors belonging to their nation in this country, are strange occurrences to us.
We have done our duty, agreeably to your Honor's letters, the particulars whereof we dare
not commit to writing, before and until we have further and more certain news how things
go. To our surprise, we do not find the inclosure which your Honor mentions.
Meanwhile, at the request of some passengers, whose homes are at the Manhattans, we
have consented to their departure in a sloop from this place thither. And, herewith, hoping
for everything good, we shall conclude, and after hearty greeting, commend your Honor to
God's mercy, and remain
Your Honor's affectionate friends,
(Signed), La Montagne,
Fort Orange, Jeremias van Renselaer.
3" September, 1664.
Appendix: No. B.
1, Harmen Martensen van der Bosch, undersigned, late Sergeant in the service of the General
West India Company in New Netherland, do certify and declare, at the request of the Hon''''
Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, late Director-General there, that it is well known to me tiiat the store
was very scantily provided with provisions, both on the arrival of the English ships and during
the entire of the previous summer; giving, as a reason for my knowledge, that I myself have
been sent to New England by the aboveraentioned Mr. Stuyvesant three times in three or four
months' time, with bona fide cargoes and exchange received from the aforesaid gentleman, to
purchase provisions there both for the garrison and for the ship de Musch, to be sent to Cura9ao ;
twice alone, and once in company with Nicolaes Bayard, clerk of the counting house, but
each time obtained very little, and that underhand and in a smuggled way, it being then
rumored there that English frigates were expected to invade New Netherland.
So that when there the second time, I left the place on horseback to inform the Hon''"
Director of the report; and on the third visit, in company with the clerk, found an English
frigate with about four-and-twenty guns, which would make a prize of us, but we escaped by
means of an English merchant who went bail for us, and we departed very early the following
morning with very few provisions, whilst the English boat was gone for water.
I further declare that, to my knowledge, the son of one John Lourens, an English merchant
and BurghSr at the Manhatans, was sent there a fourth time, who could obtain some provisions
in his father's name or cloak, and brought very little also. All which I declare to be true and
truthful, and, if necessary and required, am ready to confirm the same by oath.
Done Amsterdam, in the presence of these undernamed witnesses.
(Signed), Hermen Mertens.
Witnesses :
iEgidius Luyck,
Frederick Inckes.
374 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
T, the undersigned Dirck Loten, l;ite Commisi3ary of the Hon'''*' Company's store in New
Netherlam], do herehy certify and declare, in behait or to the prejudice of no man, but solely
in favor of the truth, being thereunto requested, that on the arrival of the English frigates, the
Hon'"''' Company's store was utterly bare of provisions in consequence of sending a good stock
of provisions to Cura^-ao by the little ship dc Mi/sch, and of the consumption by the Negroes
who came in the ship the Gideon, so that on the arrival of the ships there was not a hundred
skepels of wheat in store, but little meat and peas, not enough to victual the Hon'''= Company's
servants fourteen days; so that before the arrival of the Company's ships, we were obliged to
set the farmers to thresh as best we could, to feed the Negroes. I further declare that Director
Stuyvesant throughout the entire summer did everything in his power to procure a supply of
wheat, beef, pork and peas, three times sending for that purpose Sergeant Herman Martensen
to Nevp England, and the fourth time the son of Jan Lourense, an English merchant at New
Amsterdam ; but they succeeded in getting little or nothing there ; indeed they brought little
or nothing back; giving, as a reason for his knowledge, that he had always received the
provisions brought in, and distributed them with the rest. This, when necessary and required,
he is ready at all times to confirm by oath.
Done Amsterdam, the 1:2"' October, 1GG5.
(Signed), Dirck Looten.
Appendix: No. 1.
To the Right Hon'* Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General, and Council of New Netherland.
Right Honorable.
We, the undersigned Delegates from the respective Dutch towns on Long Island, namely,
Amersfoort, Breuckelen, IMidvvout, Utrecht and Bushvvyck, being agreeably to our presented
request and your Honors' granted consent, assembled together in the presence of your Honors'
Commissioners, to promote the best interests of said towns and inhabitants, find ourselves
constrained, thus somewhat immcthodically, to address your Honors and humbly to supplicate
that the deputation which it was resolved, at the last meeting of the delegates from the city of
New Amsterdam and the respective Dutch towns, to send to the Lords Majors, may be dispatched
as soon as possible, in order thiit the said Lords Majors may be informed fully and correctly of
the very dangerous condition and state of the country, and a prompt remedy thereto be
requested and obtained, without which it is impossible for us to exist.
From the annexed Memorial and accompanying depositions, your Honors will be able, to
your sorrow, to perceive what affronts and menaces have been offered to us, your Honors'
faithful subjects, by the pretended Captain John Schott and his attendant mob, who threatened
to pursue us by fire and sword, yea, to run those through who will say that we were not seated
on King's ground, etc., with other similar language. •
And we fear that it will not cease until a prompt remedy be provided, as some English have
again recently given out that they will shortly depose the Magistrates in the Dutch towns and
set Englishmen in their places, and that the property of those who will not take the oath of
allegiance should be given up as booty.
Your Honors will be able to form some idea of -the uneasiness such menaces have caused your
loyal subjects, some of whom being driven from their homes already, 2, 3, yea, some 4 times
by the past troubles, at one time with the Indians, and again with the English neighbors.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XI. 375
Of a truth, it is a most lamentable circumstance that so needful a work as the settlement
of the Boundary with the neigliboring people was not earlier promoted, and tiiat we have been
planted on soil to which, as 'tis said, the Hon''''' Company itself hath not a sufficient title.
Many of us are now advanced in life ; we have invested all our means in the improvement
of New Netherland ; employed severe labor in the preparation of the soil; withstood many
troubles and willingly met what burthen was imposed on us ; we also hope that the Lords
Majors, whenever they learn our difficult position, will not suffijr us to be driven forth, stripped
of all our property and deprived of our land, to be forced to wander abroad with our wives and
children in poverty.
This certainly will be our lot unless we be immediately reinforced from Fatherland, or
subject ourselves to our menacing neighbors, which God forbid. Therefore do we consider it
imperatively necessary that the said embassy be dispatched, the sooner the better, and favored
with your Honors' recommendations as strong as possible, and the Lords Majors be earnestly
requested and besought to render prompt and immediate assistance, either by themselves or by
our sovereigns, the High and Mighty Lords States-General, and in default thereof, we roundly
declare to them that we cannot any longer dwell and sit down on an uncertainty, but shall
be obliged, to our hearts' grief, to seek, by submission to another government, better protection
as well against such vagabonds as against Barbarians.
Should your Honors find it advisable to allow the above mentioned embassy to proceed, it
■would, in our opinion, be necessary to adjoin to the others a person, a resident proprietor of
this Island, and who hath himself seen and heard John Schot's threats, in order the better and
more fully to inform the Directors of what has passed.
Whereunto we submit to your Honors the names of three persons, in order, if you approve
the plan, that you may select one from them, namely :
Elbert Elbertsen, Pieter Jansen Witt, Jan Strycker.
To which we shall expect your Honors' favorable postile, and remain.
Your Honors' humble servants.
The Magistrates of the towns of Amersfoort, Breuckelen, Midwout, Utrecht, and Boswyck.
(Signed in their names),
Adriaen Hegeman,
Elbert Elbertsen,
Pieter Claesen,
RoELOF MarTENSEN,
WlLLEM BrEDENBENT,
Albert Cornelissen Wantenaer,
JoRis Gysbertsen Bogaert,
ToMAS Verdonck,
WiLLEM JaCOBSEN VAN BoERUM,
Hendrick Jorissen,
Jan Snedecker,
Jacob Pietersen,
B. VoscH,
Francoys de Bruyn,
Pieter Jansen Witt,
Barent Joosten.
37G NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Appendix : No. 2.
Director Stuyvesant to the Dutch Towns on Long Island.
Honorahle, Dear, Faithful.
You as well as we can sufficiently infer from tlie arrival of the English frigates at
the Narrows, of some ships with ammunition and provisions at Hellgate, as well as from the
arming of the English both on the Mainland and on Long Island and other places, that this
Capital is the ohject aimed at, which if lost, all is lost, there being no other place capable of
offering any resistance. It is, therefore, requisite and in the highest degree necessary, that it
should be protected and defended with all possible might and main ; for the better efl'ecting
and accomplishing of this purpose, you are hereby earnestly required and requested to act in
this most critical conjuncture as faithful subjects of the High and Mighty the Lords States
General and the Hon'''*' the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company are bound and
ought to do, and to reinforce us with every third man from your town.
Relying thereupon, we, after cordial salutation, &c.
Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland,
28"' August, 1664.
Answer:
Honorable, Most Wise, Right Honorable, the Director-General and Council of New Netherland.
Having received your Honors' letter, and the same, with the request made in great
friendship, being read to us hy the Schout and Schepens, we unanimously answer, that it is
impossible for us to comply with it, as we ourselves are living here on the Flatland without
any protection and must leave wives and children seated here in fear and trembling, which our
hearts would fail to do. And, moreover, the English are themselves hourly expected ; ignorant
of what we have to expect from them ; not sure either of life or property, we yet heartily
wish it were in our power to assist your Honors.
Herewith ending, we wish your Honors the gracious protection of the Most High and a
favorable peace and prosperous government unto salvation. Furthermore, commending
ourselves to your Honors' good favor, we shall be and remain,
Right Honorable,
Your subjects and servants,
The Court and Commonalty of the town of Midwout,
(Signed), Jan Snediker,
Jan Strycker,
William Guilliams.
Appendix : No. 3.
Remonstrance of the Burghers of New Amsterdam to the Director-General and
Council against resisting the English ; 5"" September, 16G4.
[ Omitted, being duplicate of Document, supra, p. 248. ]
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XL - 377
W. Extract of a letter from the Receiver, Cornelis van Iliiyven, addressed to the
Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam,
dated 9"- May, A" 1G65.
Your Honors' despatch, dated 25"" November, 1664, by the ship '/ Gecrusle hart, was received
by me on the So"" February last. Much could be said on the dissatisfaction conceived by you
at the surrender of this Province, but I shall only briefly remark, that when you will come to
consider rightly all the circumstances of the case and the imperative necessity and difficulties
in which your Honors' faithful Ministers and servants were placed in regard to the vast,
^overwhelmning force of the assailants, the refusal of assistance by all the towns on Long Island ;
the cutting off of all supplies of provisions; the scarcity thereof within, and of powder and
lead ; the little inclination of the inhabitants, inasmuch as they were aware that it was
impossible to keep the place, as is to be seen by their petition and protest; your Honors
being aware and Informed of this, agreeably to truth and uprightness, and not according to
the perverted passion and appetite of those who would rather have seen all murdered and
ruined, from which neither the State nor your Honors would have derived any profit, but only
a kw bloodsuckers and spendthrifts of their own and their Masters' substance, because then
they would not have to render any account ; I feel assured that you will entertain an entirely
different opinion of your faithful Ministers, the rather when your Honors will but once cast
your eyes over what has, long before now, been so frequently and seriously set before you
chiefly on the subject of the so repeatedly besought and prayed for Boundary settlement or
reinforcement of ships, people and ammunition, with a frank declaration that, otherwise, the
country was lost, as the sad result has now proved to the loss of us all ; namely, of such as
have engaged in the improvement of your Honors' conquest and invested all their means
therein, which they must surrender for want of men and necessary means. This ought not to
be imputed to the prejudice of your Honors' faithful Ministers, for no man is bound to perform
impossibilities.
Your Honors doubtless know what has been effected, from time to time, by your Honors'
servants against the invasions, usurpations and pretensions of the English, and that we have
spared neither trouble nor pains, nor allowed ourselves ever to tire in maintaining your
Honors' right; the same has been the case with your Honors' Ministers; but perceiving the
impossibility of making a longer defence, they did not consider it proper, nor did they resolve
to surrender the place until they were of necessity forced thereto from without and within, as
General Stuyvesant, to whom may God the Lord grant a safe voyage, will be able fully to
demonstrate by sufficient documents. This, I hope, will deserve, from your Honors, more
credit than the altogether too licentious prating of a few dissolute soldiers and others who had
their eyes fixed more on robbing and plundering either stranger or inhabitants, than on the
defence of your conquest.- Had your Honors been personally here and seen no hope of any
relief or reinforcement, you would, without doubt, have considered it better and more
Christian-like to agree to some Conditions than to be obliged to look upon the ruin of the
place, the murder of the poor people, women and children, without being able to do anything
to prevent it.
I therefore request and pray your Honors to consider, according to your wonted wisdom,
the matter as it is, and not as represented by perverse information, that your Honors' Ministers
may be excused and relieved from the blame which is unjustly attached to them,
Vol. II. 43
378 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Hesolutioii of tlie Statcs-Geiieml.
[ From the RegUtur of Weat India Atlaira, 1604 — 1070, in the Koyal Arichives at tlie Hague. ]
Monday, 19"" October, 1GG5.
Foiioiis. Presented to the Assembly the written Report of Peter Stuyvesant, Ex-Director-
^^xi^^^lZlf^"^ General of New Netherland. Which being considered, it is resolved and
Report. concluded that the aforesaid Report be placed in the hands of .Mess" Van Ommeren
and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the aliairs of the West India Company,
to inspect, examine and report thereon.
Resolution of the States -Genej'ol.
\ From the Register of Weat India Affairs, 1664 — 1070, in the Royal Archives at the Ha^e. J
Saturday, ID"" December, 16G5.
Foiioiis. Read the report of Mess" Van Ommeren and the other their High Mightinesses'
rai Bioyvesant. Deputies for tiie affairs of the West India Company, who, agreeably to the
^^^ Resolution of the 19"" October last, have inspected and examined the written
Report of Peter Stuyvesant, late Director-General in New Netherland. Which being considered,
it is resolved and concluded that the written report shall be sent to the Presiding Chamber of
said West India Company, in order that it may communicate to their High Mightinesses its
information and advice whether there are any points of importance therein proper to be
approved for the public service. The despatch to be sent off without reconsideration.
Resohition of the States -General.
[ From the Register of West India Affairs, 1GG4 — 1670, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Saturday, ig"- December, 1665.
Foiioiis. On the Petition of Peter Stuyvesant, late Director-General in New Netherland,
'^ni^lf'^'tly uom requesting his discharge and free passport to prosecute his voyage in a certain
New Netherland. gj^jp lying ready to Sail, to the end that he may remove and bring thence hither
his wife and the other members of his family, vv-ith his property; it is, after consideration,
resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Petition shall be sent to the Presiding Chamber of
the West India Company for advice. The despatch shall be sent off without reconsideration.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XI. 379
States-General to the Chamber at Ameterdam.
[ From tbe Register of Uitgegane Erieven of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
To the Presiding Chamber of the West India Company, the 19"" December, 1665.
The States, &c.
Foiio353. Honorable, &c. We send you herewith the accompanying Petition of Peter
Peter siajTesant. gtuyvesant, late Director-Gencral of New Netheriand, with request and order
that you will communicate to us your opinion thereupon. In like manner we herewith
transmit you the written Report delivered to us on the IG"" of October last by said Stuyvesant,
for the purpose of communicating to us your information and advice, whether it contains any
points of importance on which resolutions should be passed for the public interest.
Wherewith, &c.
In the Hague, the 19"" December, 1665.
Extracts.
Rejoinder of the States-General to Sir George Downivg''s Rephj.
( From the Tract printed at the Hague, Anno 1666, and in possession of James Lenox, Esq., New-Tork. ]
Additional Observations on, or Rejoinder to, a certain Reply of Sr. George
Downing, Ambassador Extraordinary of the King of Great Britain, to thi
Remarks of the Deputies of the High and Mighty Lords Slates-General of
the United Netherlands, made on his presented Memorial of the thirtieth
of December, IGGl.
The Ambassador proceeds to the affairs of New Netheriand, and says: " That he does not
argue from the grammatical signification of the words. Grant, ChaHer or Patent" (which was
not given by Mess" the Deputies), and adds, " that their High Mightinesses' Grant is not to be
compared with that issued by the successive Kings of England, and is also more limited."
Herein the Ambassador is mistaken, as their High Mightinesses have as much the power to
give Charters, Patents and Grants as the King of England, and they are of equal efficacy and
value. And that granted to the West India Company is as ample as any which the King hath
granted or can grant. And the Company is expressly authorized by the second Article of its
Charter, to plant Colonies, occupy lands, and furthermore, as fully and amply as any Patent
from the King can extend, and such is expressly declared under the Great Seal of the State.
But that's not the difficulty, nor does it touch it; and the Ambassador does not allude to
nor touch the difficult point, to wit : "Whether the Grant, Charter or Patent issued by the
King, can dispose of more than the property and rights belonging to himself or his subjects, and
whether it can really prejudice the rights of the subjects of other Kings and States?" And
therefore is it of no consequence what is expressed in the King's I'atent respecting New
Netheriand, as the King can order such clauses to be inserted therein as he thinks proper, and
380 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
(io not prejudice the right of the Dutch Nation in those countries. And liere 'tis to be noted,
that the Kins; of England himself seems thus to understand it; for, in some Royal Patents
granted to English colonists, is this exception and clau.se found very expressly inserted :
" Provided the lands granted as aforesaid shall not be in the possession of any oiher Prince or
State." But if the Aniiiassador should wish to adduce this in proof of the English possession
of those quarters, it is not valid. Eor, possession is a real taking up, and in itself a continuation,
and therefore an act which must be verified by witnesses, and cannot in the remotest degree
be proved by the granting of any Patent or Royal Charter. Therefore, any such Acfe of the
King of England conferring on any of his subjects the power to cultivate and to take possession
of the Northern part of America, together with the concession of a sovereign government, as
such may be, laying down certain limits within which the country of New Netherland might
be included, cannot be alleged as the slightest proof that the English ever had possession of
New Netherland.
But he says: " 'Tis not requisite that men should inhabit every individual spot; it is
enough that they had taken possession of a part within the limits of their Patent, and so
acquire the remainder mentioned in their Patent." This would well apply to any places
which ari! not taken possession of, and not embraced within those parts that are possessed ;
but inasmuch as another has full fifty years' adverse possession, it does not enter into
consideration, except to gloze over such violent usurpations as are here perpetrated ; it being
notorious that a thing can be possessed by only one. We shall willingly concede to the
Ambassador, if the English in Ceylon or other Dutch Colonies, possessed a country as
the Dutch have in the Northern part of America, that the sole right which is here claimed,
should belong to them. And further, what was stated in the Remarks: Whoever asserts
another's possession to he precarious, must prove it, because the •prccarium is not presumed.
The possession by the Dutch in America is public and in the eye of the whole world, and
cannot now be presumed to be precarious; it rests with the English to prove the fact. The
Ambassador does not bring forward an iota to prove it, but says: " They have been so notified
from time to time." And though this notification is not true, and no proof thereof can
possibly be produced, yet would even that be insufficient, so long as the party notified does
not accept it as such, for, the saying of the one, without the acknowledgment of the other
party, conveys no prejudice, and the Ambassador must also prove the acceptance of such notice.
Furthermore, the Ambassador replies not a word to what was stated in the Remarks : That
property which lies wild, desert, sterile and vacant, belongs to him who happens to occupy it;
that this title of occupation constitutes that of the inhabitants of this State to the lands of New
Netherland, and that the English themselves have no other title to the lands which they
possess in those countries.
It will not be found that the words of his Memorial on this point were incorrectly quoted,
on which he expostulates here, as the Ambassador's own words were quoted, as will
appear on comparing them with the original ; but there appears to be some slight deviation
in the Translation; therefore the expostulations which he now makes hereupon have not
much foundation.
Respecting the argument adduced of the settlement of the Boundary concluded in the year
sixteen hundred and fifty-four, the Ambassador says : " That the English would be disposed
to concede to the Dutch some limits within which they n:ight rest contented, and such would
have taken eflect and been ratified, if their new insolencies had not diverted the same."
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 381
If the Boundary negotiation be examined, it will be found to be a mutual Acie and agreement
signed by bolii sides, and not a simple concession, as stated ; an evident proof and
acknowledgment by the English themselves in those parts, that" the district and country of
New Netherland were possessed by the inhabitants of this State, under their own laws and
government without any dependency in the world on any man outside this State, be he who
he may.
Besides, when the English and the Dutch, the one and the other claiming to observe the
agreement, again disputed about the limits and extension of their Colonies; this being almost
the only source of difference there, for it was never claimed that the Dutch should not possess
in full propriety, independent of everybody outside this Slate, what they had held, both in
regard of lands and lots and lawful government and other territorial rights ; it was agreed there,
shortly before the arrival in those parts of the English force which took violent occupation
of the place, that each party should remain possessed of, and keep, what it was in possession of,
and endeavor to get the superiors on both sides to determine the question of the limits within
a year. Hence it is evident, that the affair which occurred there was nothing else than a violent
usurpation and hostile aggression. It is not stated what new insolencies have been committed
by the Dutch yonder ; for truly it cannot be said that any have occurred ; and according to the
Treaty and the interpretation given to it by the Ambassador, justice must first be demanded
and waited for, during a space of twelve months ; but the English consider themselves at liberty
to do what they please; they are not bound by any Treaty; whatever they do is all right,
which, if done by this side would be proclaimed a violation of all law.
" That it is not possible that a few Hollanders would fall on so many English (says the
Ambassador) the greater the insolence and presumption which they have attempted, from
time to time, being so small a number of Foreigners (as if the English had ever been Natives
of the country) so much the greater the patience of the English who are numerous and stron"-
enough in those parts to bring into the field an army of twenty thousand armed men."
Whoever is acquainted with the nature of the English Nation will be able easily to understand
what is to be inferred from this saying of the Ambassador.
Further, he acknowledges that he would be inexcusable " if this had been his production
only ; if he had the presumption to feign these allegations and endeavored thereby to
impose on your High Mightinesses and the world, that the Dutch had injured the English
and had usurped, from time to time, on them in those parts, if it had not been so." This
is, indeed, a frank confession on the part of the Ambassador. Whereupon he, then, must
prove the asserted injuries and usurpations, from time to time, or he is, according to his own
acknowledgment, inexcusable. In proof of it he does not produce a particle of what should
have lately occurred, for there is nothing of that sort; but he rakes up matters which happened
many years ago; all of which, according to his own acknowledgment, transpired before the
time mentioned in the Treaty, and, therefore, are extinguished — saying, "When King Charles
the first sent thither, about 25 years ago, Mr. Howe." Who this Mr. Howe was ; what he did ;
is not to be found in any writing preserved by the West India Company, notwithstanding they
have very perfect Registers, Relations and Journals provided with all the requisite verifications
respecting everything that ever occurred in those countries. Therefore nothing else can be
said but that this is a case long since extinguished and must be considered an invention so long
as no fuller description and proof are produced of it. But on the occasion of searching the
Company's Registers, to wit, of the year 1641, a very notable evidence is found by which it
382 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
appears that the property and territorial right belong (under the sovereignty of the State)
in(!iit)ital)ly to the Company, according to the aciinowledgnient of the English themselves.
For, by commission and procuration of the English government in those parts, a person,' who,
by his misfortune and actions, was, afterwards, well known throughout the world, came hither
at that time to negotiate and conclude a final settlement of what was to be arranged between
both nations there on that subject; which consists, principally, in this: That each should
know the extent of its limits which were in dispute. There was not a word about the property,
territorial rights or sovereignly of the lands and grounds in the possession of the one or the
other. The original power of attorney and order hereof are still extant, signed by the Governors
of the English in those countries.
What the Ambassador further states respecting the other places named in his Reply, arose
out of the controversies about the limits: The Dutch claiming them to lie within their bounds,
and the English within theirs. Disputes followed thereupon, each advancing his right and
title. But we have no knowledge of any hostility having been committed there on the part
of the Company. The settlement of the Boundary in the year IGoO, already mentioned, was
the consequence. iNow, so far from it being the case, that Mr. Schott was sent to the Dutch
Colonies there " to warn them to live quietly and not to injure the English," as the Ambassador
says; on the contrary it is true, that this Schot began to disturb the peace and quiet there,
and hath treated the Company's subjects within its limits in a most impertinent manner,
whereof the verification is at hand, and some extracts thereof hereunto annexed under No. 9.
From this it will appear what courtesy and discretion accompanied the proceedings of this
State; and how false is the assertion that the Dutch IValion perpetrated new injuries and
insults on the English, by which these were driven to incorporate the strongholds of the State
there, inasmuch as the captors themselves do not adduce any such justification, but, indeed,
the express orders they had Irmn the King of England. From this, also, is manifest what
credit is to be given to the Ambassador's statements in this entire business.
On the repeated assertions of the Deputies, that the King had confessed that the taking of
New Netherland was by his order, the Ambassador remarks: " He is commanded to say that
his Majesty never said more concerning this than he had concerning Cape Corse, and that he
never did say to the Ambassador of this Stale that he had given any such order; nor did
he give it, nor was the said place taken by any order of his." This is also previously stated
at page 27, and it is no less strange than wonderful that wiiat was heard in a public audience
from the mouth of the King himself should be denied, simply in order to find out an imaginary
subterfuge, and not be required for the vindication of such actions and deeds, which are of
themselves unjustifiable, and not to be excused by open violence.
It is worthy of remark that the occupiers of New Netherland, in order to excuse their
violence, for which they could not discover any pretence, not only have said that what they
were doing was by express order from the Kinsj, but have even exhibited an extract from his
letter, dated Whitehall, the 23"* April, IGGl, whereby his Majesty ordered and commanded
the reduction, under his authority, of those countries in the possession of the Dutch. And
yet the Ambassador dares falsely to deny that these hostilities were committed by order of
the King.
And the Ambassador here adduces a proof, saying, "if the Deputies had pleased to have
minded the Answer of the States General, of the 9"" of October, presented by their Ambassador
' Kcvcrcud UuGU l'jiTiii». — Kd.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 383
to the King, they would therein have found that the States do not impute the taking of New
Netlierland to his Majesty, but to his subjects. And this Answer was subsequent to the dispatciiing
of de Ruyter, nor was anything known in Europe about Cape Corse until long after his order
to proceed thither. Wherefore, then," he asks, " is the avowal of this action imputed to the
King, to justify the sending off de Ruyter?" Tliis is truly a very poor argument, to prove that
all was done without the King's knowledge and order. De Ruyter was sent off first against
Holmes and others injuring the subjects of this State in those parts with express orders not
to attempt anything against his Majesty or his subjects who were not attacking or damaging
the subjects of this State. This appears also in the draft of liis commission, according to wliich
he comported himself. For, having in his power one of tiie King's ships, carrying 46 guns,
or, according to M. de Ruyter's report, 33 pieces, he allowed her to go free and at liberty, with
other similar ships which did not helong to the offenders; not even trying to recover Fort St.
Andrew and the Island of Boavista, because they were taken previous to the Treaty. To all
this the Ambassador nowhere replies ; but as news came afterwards, not only that Holmes
had taken Cape Corse, but also that New Netherland had besides been reduced, the Ambassador
of this State complained thereof to the King; the attacks on these countries being so general
that they could illy be supposed to have been by accident. The King being therefore pressed
on these complaints, was obliged to declare himself. To say, now, that the act was his subjects'
without his consent and knowledge, is, under the circumstances, ridiculous in the face of the
world, and inexcusable. This act being avowed, then, to be of the King's knowledge, their
High Mightinesses sent a second order to M. de Ruyter, which went somewhat farther than the
first, and was less limited; so that the Ambassador grossly deceives himself, when stating that
the sending off de Ruyter was said to have been done on the King's avowal ; on the contrary,
he being sent off on account of the hostile acts of Holmes and his men, and the King's avowal
following thereupon, the further order was also dispatched to de Ruyter. Any claim the King
of England might have had to Cape Corse or New Netherland is extinguished by the Treaty,
and the extinction mentioned in the Treaty must be understood as applying to claims of a
like description ; for the claim to Pouleron being peculiar, is excepted, and all others of that
kind must be so understood likewise, as the rule is confirmed by the exception in cases not
excepted. The Ambassador makes no other reply to this, than saying : " The general extinction
should not apply to actions and claims to lands and inheritances, as proved by the case of
William Lauwer and others, set forth in the List annexed to the Answer of the 9'" of October,
and that this instance was unanswerable. To which we say and conclusively answer : That
such examples are of no avail here, being private disputes and suits between subjects and
private persons, arising from inheritances, contracts and such like, about property situate in
the one orthe other's indisputable territories, not understood to be included within the general
extinction, but, indeed, such as the King, perhaps, would have to Cape Corse, New Netherland,
&c. For, to demonstrate this still more clearly, concerning the instance of William Lauwer, the
property and lands in question lay within the jurisdiction of the Court of Holland, without this
case concerning in the least the King of England, or their High Mightinesses, or their territories
or domains, whereas, on the contrary, the filed claims to Cape Corse, New Netherland,
Pouleron, &c., concern principally the supreme authority of the King of England and their
High Mightinesses over the aforementioned places, it being notorious in case the King will
reserve any right, save to Pouleron, which is excepted, he must have the same positively stated
and expressed on concluding the Treaty; this not being done, all right and claim thereto must
384 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
be considered as included in the general extinction, witiiout private matters and claims
depending before an acknowledged judge between parties and parties, being included therein,
being of an entirely different nature.
But the Ambassador, well knowing how convincing is the abovementioned, says: "were it
as the Deputies maintain, it would not avail, because of the manifold and gross provocations
against the English in New Netherland since the Treaty ;" without again specifying any, or
showing tiiat complaint was made thereof or reparation sought therefor. In addition to all
this, he presupposes a right to make a hostile attack on, and to seize places, forts and towns
belonging to this Slate, on the ground of vamped-up provocation, whilst he, meanwhile,
questions the right of tliis State to resist and repel open usurpers who, in a iiostile manner,
attack and seize towns, forts and places belonging to it. This, truly, is a strange state of things.
What regards the case of Guiana, &c.
Appenrlix: Number 9.
Divers matters relating to New Netherland, namely : The Settlement of the
Boundary; Extracts of various Conferences on Difierences with the English,
as well on Long Island as elsewhere; Proceedings of John Schot; the Capture
of New Amsterdam, &c., all in New Netherland.
Ratification by the States-General of the Agreement at Hartford, of the 19"" September,
1650, dated 22d February, 1656.
[ For this Document, see supra, I., 611. ]
Extract of the letter or relation of the Negotiation about the settlement of the
Boundary.
Being last year at Conitticot, at the time our Governor met the Commissioners of the United
English Colonies.
After divers meetings and debates between said Governor and the Commissioners on the
matters in question between them, it was at length respectively referred to two Umpires on
each side, whereunto our Governor chose us, &c.
Regarding tlie aforesaid River, the provisional Boundary between both nations should be,
as the same has been, and is still by them inhabited, each remaining and dwelling under two
diflerent governments.
Concerning Long Island, the provisional limits or Boundary between both nations shall be
as follows : To the Dutch shall belong as far Eastward as a place called Oysterbay, and
to the English from thence unto the East end of the Island, and all who sliould go to
reside within either of the said bounds shall absolutely depend on and belong under the
government within which the same is bounded and included, and not have any dependency
on the other, &c.
The provisional Boundary for the main land, &c. The reasons which must have prevailed on
our Governor to treat or agree have been, to prevent the further usurpation of the English
on the Company's lands and district, &c.
Manhatans Island, in New Netherland, (Signed), Tho. Willet,
the 20"" September, 1651. Geo. Baxter.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 385
Extract from the Journal of the Deputation sent by the Director-General of New
Netherland to the Commissioners of the Colonies of New England, at
Boston, in the month of September, 1663.
After a due and honorable reception coming to the business which was to be transacted,
'twas inquired, among other things, whether the Commissioners still considered, as firm and
binding, the provisional Boundary agreed to in the year 1650, to which the Commissioners of
three out of the four Colonies declared. Yes ; but the fourth referred to their obtained Patent,
which, being produced and the extended limits therein examined, 'tis found to have no bounds ;
and being thereupon requested to define their pretended limits, delivered their declaration in
writing, and debates ensued.
Further diSerent conferences were held for the prevention of difficulties which were to be
apprehended, whereunto the Commissioners of one of the three affirmative Colonies, viz..
New Plymouth, offered their mediation between those of the Boston' Colony and those
of New Netherland, between whom the Boundary difficulties existed ; and after several
negotiations and conferences, mutually honorable and friendly entertainment, they separated
without coming to any final conclusion.
Journal kept by Cornells van Ruyven, Burgomaster Cortlandt and John Laurence,
Delegates from New Netherland to the General Assembly at Hartford, in
New England, in the month of October, 1663.
[ From the Original, in the New - York Colonial Manuscripts, XV., BB., in the Secretary of State's Office, Albany. ]
1663 ; 15"" October, being Monday.
We departed, with the rising of the sun, in Dirck Smith's sloop. Though the wind was
contrary, we arrived with that tide at Hog's-Island, and, as in consequence of the strong ebb
we could not make much progress by rowing, we cast anchor, went on shore, while the crew
took in some ballast. When the ebb was passed we weighed anchor, passed Hellgate at low
water, and arrived, by laveering and rowing, near Minnewits Island, where we stopt.
16"" We weighed anchor before day-break; the wind remaining contrary, stopt during the
tide, near Oyster bay. In the afternoon, the wind being somewhat more favorable, we
discovered Stratford point, but the wind shifting again and the tide being gone, we cast anchor.
17"" In the morning, before day-break, we again set sail, the wind ahead ; however, by force
of rowing and tacking, we arrived at Milfort between S and 9 o'clock. We directly called
on Mr. Bryan, a merchant in that place, requesting him to procure us three horses to ride
to Hartford, which he promised to do. He said that he proposed to go thither himself.
Meanwhile, we visited the Magistrates, Mr. Treat and Mr. Fenn, but we did not find either of
them at home. Mr. Treat visited us afterwards at the Tavern. After salutation, we
communicated to him the cause of our arrival there and intended departure for Hartford, and
requested him to take charge of our sloop, which we intended leaving in the harbor till we
returned, so that some vagabonds, who, we were informed, were there roving about, might
^Sie. Qu? Hartford. — Ed.
Vol. II. 49
386 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCrdPTS.
not cause us any damage. This he consented to. We recommended the same to young Mr.
Bryan. Meanwhile, we were informed that two horses only could be obtained, unless a young
man who arrived there from Hartford would hire his horse. When he arrived, we agreed to
hire his horse at fourteen English shillings, but when he was to give the horse he hesitated.
We inquired why ? as we agreed together unconditionally. He could not at first be persuaded
to disclose his mind ; at last he said, he apprehended that his folks at Hartford would faid
fault with liim for assisting us, who were not their friends. The Magistrates present at this
conversation were very much dissatisfied, telling iiim that he must deliver his horse, in
conformity to the agreement, which he at last, thougli reluctantly, did. After dinner, as soon
as the horses were ready, we rode on towards Newhaven, where we arrived about an hour or 2
before sun-set. The horses being attended, we went to pay our respects to Mr. Gilbert, the
Deputy Governor, but lie was not at home; we tarried that night at Newhaven.
IS"" Thursday. Started from Newhaven at the rising of the sun, in company of Mr. Bryan,
merchant at Milford, and Mr. Pell, arrived, we suppose, about 4 o'clock, at Hartford.
Understanding that the Governor and Court were assembled, we resolved, in order not to lose
any time, to inform the Court, without delay, of our arrival, and solicit, at the same time, an
audience. This being performed, we received for answer, that we may appear, if it pleased
us, either now or to-morrow morning. We requested that we iiiight do it without further
delay, which was consented to. After friendly welcome we delivered our letters. When
these were read, we added : if the Governor and Court desired any further explanation, we
are willing and prepared to give it directly to the Governor and Court, or to any committee
authorized by them. Whereupon no direct answer was communicated. They said, they
would examine the letters. Having recommended the matter seriously to their attention, we
took our leave, wiien we were informed by Major Mason, the Deputy-Governor, tliat a room
was prepared for us at the house of their Marshal, where we were requested to take our
lodgings, which we gratefully accepted.
19"" Early in tlie morning, before the Court met, we paid our respects to the Hon. John
Winthrop, and requested him to contribute his most strenuous exertions for the removal of all
misunderstandings and the continuance of peace and harmony, which he promised to do.
Whereupon we desired to be informed what was the result of their deliberations upon tiie
letter which we had delivered. He said he could not give us correct information on this
subject, as he left the meeting a little while after us, being very much indisposed ; but he was
confident that the Court had appointed a Committee to enter into ne'gotiation with us upon
this affair. As we could not obtain a more decisive answer from him, and the time of the
meeting of tlie Court was fast approaching, we took our leave, and presented the following
request to that body :
" To the Honorable, the Governor and Court of Hartford Colony.
" The purport of these few lines is merely to thank you for our amicable reception, and the
courteous acceptance of the letters which we delivered, soliciting now to be favored with a
categorical answer thereto, so that we may correctly know in what manner we ought to
regulate our conduct. In the meanwhile remaining," &c.
Which being carried in, we were told by the Marshal that three persons were appointed to
speak further with us, who would meet witliin an hour at the house of Mr. Howard, the
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 387
Miller, being about half way between our lodgings and the town hall, with request that we
should also be there at that time, to which we agreed and went there at the hour appointed.
After waiting there about an hour in vain, the Marshal came and told us, that the Committee
had been hindered by some other business intervening from waiting on us, and as it was
almost noon, that the Governor and Court begged the favor of us to dine with them in the
town hall ; to which we answered, that it appeared strange to us that the gentlemen of
the Committee excused themselves as they had appointed the time ; that nevertheless we
should come where we were invited. In a short time thereafter the Deputy Governor and
Secretary came to excuse the Committee, as some business had happened wherein their
presence was required, which we put up with. After some discourse, we went with them to
the town hall. After dinner, we desired that our business might be forwarded, upon which the
persons who were appointed as a Committee, promised to follow us immediately to the aforesaid
place, as they did. After some discourse Utile to the purpose, and being seated, we showed
our commission, with request that they would do the same, upon which they delivered in an
extract, as they said, out of tiieir minutes, in which they, to wit: Allyne, Senior,
Captain Talcot, John Allyne, Junior, were qualified to treat with us, adding that the showing a
commission was superflous, as we had been informed, ourselves, by the Court that they were
appointed for that purpose, upon which we let that matter drop also, and asked whether they
would be pleased to make answer to the propositions contained in the letter we had delivered,
to which they replied : That they would fain be informed in a summary manner what the
propositions were to which we required an answer. We said, that they were briefly contained
in the aforesaid letter (to wii) :
First. That we desired to know whether they would be pleased to conform themselves to
the advice of the other three Colonies, containing in substance that everything with respect
to the limits should remain as was agreed upon in the year 1650, 'till the next meeting of the
Commissioners, in the year 1CG4.
Secondly. Or else, that they would be pleased to appoint some persons to treat farther about
the limits now in dispute.
Thirdly. Knot, that the matters should then be referred to our superiors in Europe, on
condition that everything should meanwhile remain as was agreed to in the year 1G50. Many
debates, pro and con, arose on the aforesaid points, so that the whole afternoon was spent
without effecting anything. The result substantially was.
To the first : That they could not conform themselves to the advice of the aforesaid
Commissioners for the following reasons :
1" That they had already given notice, on Long Island, of their Patent andof the King's grant.
2""^ That the inhabitants thereof, at least the greatest part of them, had voluntarily betaken
themselves under their government.
3""^ That they neither could nor dared refuse them (if they would not incur the King's
displeasure), as the same were included in their Patent, to which they further added that,
though the fixing of the limits should be deferred to the next meeting of the Commissioners, in
the year 16G4, they were not to regulate themselves by the advice of the Commissioners
nor of the other Colonies, but by the King's Patent; and, in case the Commissioners should
do anything contrary to it, that they would much rather separate themselves from the other
Colonies, as they would never permit anytiiing to be done contrary to it, or any change made
in it, except by his Majesty himself, as those who would make any such change or alteration in
it, would put themselves above and lord it over his Majesty.
388 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
What we alleged against this: that his Majesty's meaning was not to give anything away
which had already been so long possessed by others; also, that it could not be proved out of
the Patent, &c., was in vain ; they persisted in their groundless opinion.
To the second point they made no direct answer, only proposed, by way of question,
Whether the General had sufficient qualification from the Prince of Orange and the States-
General. To which we answered, that the commission of the States-General sufficiently
qualified the General for that purpose, and dropped that point; and proceeded
To the third. To which they answered, that they were willing that matters should be
referred to our mutual superiors, on condition that the English towns on Long Island and
Westchester should, by proviso, be under the government of Hartford. This being thus
proposed, old Mr. Allen made a long harangue to this effijct: That he was well assured that
the English towns would no longer remain under the Dutch government, and in case we
should compel them, that they were resolved to defend themselves to the uttermost ; that
he was, therefore, of opinion, that it would be more to our advantage, to prevent farther
mischief and bloodshed, that the said towns should remain under the government of Hartford
'till such time as his Majesty and the States-General should be agreed (to wit), those who had
formerly submitted themselves to their government.
To which we answered : That it would not now nor ever be allowed. They replied, that for
the present they could not act any further with us, nor hinder the aforesaid towns from
betaking themselves under the obedience of his Majesty. We answered, that they were the
cause of it, since they had, by different deputations, encouraged and excited the towns to it.
They replied, that they were bound to make the King's grant known to them. We answered,
that they might do it to the King's subjects, but not to their High Mightinesses and the
Company's subjects. To which they again replied, that they were subjects of his Majesty, as
they dwelt according to the Patent upon his Majesty's territories. Upon which proposition
we asked them, In what light they looked upon the Provisional settlement of the limits in the
year 1G50 ? They answered, absolutely as a nullity and of no force, as his Majesty had now
settled the limits for them, the other being done only provisionally, &c. Whereupon we again
appealed to the advice of the other Colonies, to which was answered : That they (to wit, the
other Colonies) could make no alteration unless they assumed to themselves an equal authority
with the King; saying, that they had, in that respect, nothing to do with the other Colonies.
The time being spent with many such like propositions and answers without effecting
anything, we concluded, from all these circumstances, that the acts of Richard Mills at
Westchester, of Coe, Pantom and others on Long Island, were committed and e.xecuted at their
instigation, and that they now only sought to put a spoke in the wheel, and to keep matters
in agitation till such time as the towns, namely, of Westchester, Middleburgh and Rustdorp
revolted (whose Deputies we daily saw here before our eyes, having free access to the principal
men) ; as they openly declared that, in case the towns who had freely betaken themselves
under their government and protection should ask assistance, they neither could nor might
deny it them. All these matters being duly considered by us, and, moreover, that if we should
depart without reducing things to some certainty, the English towns on Long Island would
apparently have revolted before our arrival at the Manhatans ; to prevent this and the danger
which might ensue therefrom, and to show that we would contribute, as much as possible, to
prevent bloodshed, we resolved to make the following proposal as the last: To wit,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 389
That if they would firmly and faithfully keep the provisional settlement of the limits made in
the year 1650, 'till such time as his Majesty and the High and Migiity States-General were
agreed about the limits, and would not presume to take any of the English settlements
belonging to this government under their protection, nor assume to themselves any jurisdiction
over the same, we, on our part, would, in like manner, 'till that time, assume no jurisdiction over
Oostdurp, otherwise called Westchester, to which we added : That, if they would not acquiesce
ia this our proposal (having now contributed all possible means in our power to settle peace
and unity), we declared ourselves and our constituents innocent, before God and man, of all
the calamities which should arise from their unjust proceedings. After a few debates, little
to the purpose, it being now late in the evening, they said, they would take until to-morrow
morning to consider the proposal, and took leave.
20"" October. Between 9 and 10 o'clock, according to appointment, the abovementioned
gentlemen of the Committee came to our lodgings. We went with them to the aforesaid
place at the house of Mr. Howard. After some introductory discourse, we asked them whether
they had considered our proposal, and what their answer was to it. After some frivolous
exceptions, that the English on Long Island would not stand under us, and that if we should
compel them to obedience, it would be the cause of much bloodshed, they expressly said that
they could not agree with us unless the English townships, viz., Oostdurp, Middleburgh,
Rustdurp and Hamstede were under their government ; if we would comply with this, they
would defer the matter, and not proceed further 'till another convention, but that we, in the
meantime, should not in the least interfere nor exercise any right or jurisdiction over them,
and if we could not, that they also could not hinder the aforesaid towns (being by his Majesty
of England included in their Patent) from betaking themselves under their protection, and
consequently that they should be obliged to defend them, in case they were attacked. We
answered hereunto: That his Majesty had more discretion than to include in their Patent the
subjects and lands of their High Mightinesses, which they had possessed for so many years ;
that such was an erroneous explanation ; that the Patent contained a tract of land lying in
America, in New England, and, consequently, not in New Netherland ; that Governor Winthrop
had declared, in the hearing of us all, that it must be so understood; and that it must be
understood in this case like the Boston Patent, in which it is expressly mentioned : On condition
that the lands shall not have been 'previoudij possessed by any Prince or Potentate. Long Island being
now so many years possessed by the subjects of their High Mightinesses, therefore the English
could not, by reason thereof, claim any right or title to it. In short, what amicable proposals
and inducements soever we made use of, we could not proceed any further with them. In the
meantime, it being noon, we were again invited by the Governor, together with the gentlemen
of the Committee to dine with him, which we did. After dinner, we complained to the Governor
and Members that we did not advance in our business with the Committee on account of their
unreasonable and unanswerable demands; such as giving up our right to the English towns,
&c. We desired, therefore, that they would be pleased to answer the letter delivered them
and the neighborly and friendly propositions contained in it, which they promised to do, but
nothing was concluded upon this afternoon, as it was Saturday, and some of the Members
were obliged, before dusk, to go to Windsor and Weathersfield.
21" ditto. Sunday. Went to church and supped in the evening with the Governor. After
supper, being in discourse with his Excellency, among other things, he expressly declared :
that the intent of the Patent was by no means to claim any right to New Netherland, but that
goo NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
it only comprelietulecl a tract of land in New England, &c. We begged the favor of his
Excellency to indulge us with such declaration in writing, that we miglit avail ourselves of it ;
but he declined, saying that it was sufficientl)'^ plain from the Patent itself. We said that a
different construction was put on it by others, and that such declaration would give much
light ; but as we observed that the Governor still adhered to his first saying, after some more
discourse, we took leave.
22*' ditto. Monday. We desired by the Marshal an answer in writing to the letter we
delivered and the propositions contained in it, which was promised us. We dined with Mr.
Wels, whose father had been Governor of Hartford. Nothing was done this day, as we expected
the promised answer, but did not receive it.
SS'' ditto. Tuesday morning. We were told that tlie aforesaid Committee would meet us at
Mr. Howard's. ^Ve went there. The aforesaid Committee being also come, we demanded an
answer in writing to the propositions contained in the delivered letter. They said, that they
were come once more to speak with us about the aforesaid towns, as they had endeavored to
persuade the Deputies of those towns to remain quiet under our government till farther
determination, but that these would not consent to it. That it would therefore be best for us
not to claim them, in order to prevent farther mischief. We answered that those of Hartford
were the cause of it, as they had, by frequent deputations, dravi'n the subjects of tlieir High
Mightinesses from their oath and allegiance, and had encouraged them to revolt, &c. They
did not deny it, but said : It is so now, and we would fain have them remain quiet, but what
can we do now that they are included in our Patent, and desire to be received and protected
by us, wiiich we cannot deny them? Much was said against this; that they were not
included in the Patent ; that the Patent mentioned a tract of land in New England and
not in New Netherland ; that the Governor so understood it himself. They ahswered, the
Governor is but one man. We and more besides us understand it so that our Patent not
only takes them in, but extends Northward to the Boston line and Westward to the sea.
We asked, in case another Royal Patent should intervene, where would New Netherland
then lie ? They answered without hesitation : They knew of no New Netherland, unless
a Patent for it from his Majesty could be produced. We said, that we had no need of a Patent
from his Majesty. They replied, that they were willing to agree with us if we could show
a Patent from any Prince or from their High Mightinesses, by which such a tract of land
was given. We appealed to the Charter and to the approval of their High Mightinesses of
tlie Provisional settlement of the limits made at Hartford in the year lG-30. They answered,
tiiat the Charter is only a commercial Charter, and the said settlement of the limits was only
conditional, &c. If you can't show a special Patent for the land, it must fall to us. We
said, that the right of their High Mightinesses was indisputable, as appears by first discovery —
purchase from the natives — most ancient possession, &c. They answered, that they would
l(!t us keep as much as was actually possessed and occupied by our nation, but that we
could not hinder them from possessing that which was not occupied by our nation. Many
objections were made to this, that the possession of part was taken for the possession of the
whole, &c., but it availed nothing. They said, we had no right to hinder them from possessing
unlocated lands which were comprehended in their Patent, and we could show no Patent
from any Prince or State. After many debates pro and con, we asked them, how they would
have it for the present, as they had not as yet answered our reasonable proposals. In the
mean time, it being noon, they promised to acquaint us, after dinner, with tlieir meaning;
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 39I
whereupon we went with them to the Town Hall, but before we got there a few propositions
were shown us by young Mr. Allen and one Willets, a ^L'^gistrate of Hartford, containing in
substance that, if we would give up all right and title first to Westchester, with all the lands
as far as Stanford and, further, divest ourselves of all authority and jurisdiction over the English
towns on Long Island, they would then agree farther with us. As these propositions were
full of blots (it being the rough draft), we desired that the same might be copied fair, which
they undertook to do. In the meantime we dined; after dinner we desired that they would
expedite matters, as we had been there so long without effecting anything, upon which they
promised to make an end at present. After some talk the following unreasonable articles were
delivered to us :
These Ariioiea are " 1" '^^^^ Westchester and all the people and lands between that and
recorded in English, gtajjfort gi^^i belongc to the Colony of Connecticutt till it be otherwise issued.
" 2* That Connecticut wil for beare exersiseing any Authority over the Plantations of
Heamstede, Jamecoe &c. until the Case be further considered, provided the Dutch will
forbeare to exercise any Coercive Power towards any off the English Plantations upon Longe
Island until there be a Determination off the Case.
" 3* It is also agreed that the Issue of these Differances shal be by our mutual Accord or by
a third Person or Persons mutually chosen by us or by our Superiors in Europe and that the
Magistrates now in Beinge one Long Island in those Plantations shall govern those said
Plantations, until there be an Issue of these Differances as aforesaid.
" 4"" That all and every Person on Longe Island shall be wholly indemnified for all
Passages and Transactions respectinge these Affairs to this Day.
"That we mutually advice all Persons concerned both English and Dutch to cary it
peaceably Justly and friendly to each other."
The above Propositions being read by us, we answered : That they were wholly
unreasonable and we should not be justified in consenting to them. We desired that they
should desist from their pretensions to the towns on Long Island, situate within our government,
when we should express ourselves on the other points; but to no purpose. They said, as
before, that they could not refuse receiving these towns and defending them against all persons
whatsoever, which they said they would also do, &c. Seeing that we did not advance, in
order to prevent further encroachments and damages, and being inclined to fix something
certain, of which we had no prospect unless we made some concessions, we resolved, for the
reasons aforesaid and to obviate further mischief, to make the following offer :
These Proposals -re " Westchestcr, with the Land and People to Stanfort, shal abide under this
recorded m English. Government off Connecticut, til the Time that the Bounds and Limits betwixt
the abovesaid Colony and the Province off the New Netherland shall be determined, here by
our mutual accord, or by Persons mutual Chosen or by his Royal Majesty off England and the
High and Mighty Estates General off the united Provinces. The Plantations off Middleborrow
Rustdorp and Hamstede the which are said to revolt and to come under the Colony off
Connecticut shall absolutely abide under the Government off New Netherland till the aforesaid
Determination, and that the Magistrates for the Time beinge one Long Island in those
Plantations shall govern those said Plantations under the said Government until there be an
Issue off these Differences as aforesaid.
392 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
" That all and every Person one Long Island shall be wholly indemniBed for al Passages
and Transactions respecting these Affairs to these Day.
"That we mutually advice all Persons concerned both English and Dutch to carry it
peaceably Just and friendly each to other.
" That both Parties in Differance namely Connecticut Collony and the Governour and
Counsel off New Netherland, shal be Ingaged to use their utmost Endeavours to promote
and accomplish the Issuinge off the above Differances."
Being, at our request, admitted within, and having delivered the above Propositions, which
they read, we were answered by some of them, that whether we proposed it or not it was all
the same ; the aforesaid towns would not continue under us. Others said, that they did not
know any Province of New Netherland, but that there was a Dutch Governor over the Dutch
Plantation on the Manhatans; that Long Island was included in their Patent and that they
would also possess and maintain it, and much more such like discourse.
To the first was answered, that we were assured they would continue under our government
if Hartford Colony did not claim a right to them.
To the other, that they had, in the making of the conditional settlement of the limits in the
year 1G50, acknowledged the Province of Nev? Netherland, &c. But observing we made no
progress with them, we desired that the matter might remain as it is at present, till a farther
determination of his Majesty and the States-General. To which they answered, that his
Majesty's Patent fixed the limits, and if we could not acquiesce in their propositions nothing
could be done, but if we would sign them, they would then treat farther with us. As we
deemed a compliance, on our part, wholly unwarrantable, we desired, if they proposed to
make any answer to the letter we delivered, that they would not delay it as we intended
to depart early the next day and acquaint the General and Council of New Netherland how
we fared. They answered that they would have one ready. After begging of them to take
the matter into serious consideration and endeavor, all in their power, to continue everything
in peace and unity till his Majesty and the States-General should determine the limits, we
took leave. This happening in the afternoon, we went to them again in the evening to know
whether the letter was ready. We were answered, that it would be brought to our lodgings,
and, as we were resolved to depart next day early in the morning, we took leave of the
Assembly as we also did that evening of the Governor to whom we complained that nothing
more was done on our reasonable proposals. To which his Excellency answered, that it
was so concluded upon in the Assembly, and that he wished something had been fixed upon.
We answered, that we had done everything in our power to effect it. After some compliments
we took our leave. In the evening a letter was delivered to us with this superscription : These
for the Right horuioiirahle Ptter Stmjvesant, iV Gencniel at the Manados. We said to the Secretary
who brought it, that it ought to be, Director-General of New Netherland. He answered, that
it was at our option to receive it or not, &c.
24"" ditto. Wednesday. As we were obliged to wait some time for one of our horses, we
departed between S and 9 o'clock from Hartford and came to New Haven about sun-set.
25"' ditto. Thursday morning we left Newhaven and came, about 10 o'clock, to Milford,
Towards evening, the tide serving, we went on board our sloop, got out of the creek, and cast
anchor, it being very dark.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 393
2C"" ditto. In the morning, about two hours before day-break, we weighed anchor, with a
fair wind, and came, in the evening, between 8 and 9 o'clock, to the Manhatans.
(Signed), C. v. Ruyven,
O. Stevens v. Cortlandt,
John Laavrence.
Extract from the Record of what passed between Captain John Schot in regard
to the Claim to Long Island, this last December, 1663.
Sir.
The reasons of my coming to the Western part of this Island, at this time, is not with any
hostile view, unless his Majesty's good subjects, whose liberty is more dear to me than my
life, should be deprived of their just right, which God and Nature have conferred on them
and in which our Sovereign Lord, the King, is resolved to maintain them. His Majesty, not
only being Sovereign Lord of his people, but also a just Prince and a true Pater Patria, or
Father of the Country, and, consequently, a strict avenger of his people's wrongs and injuries
Sir, I have been informed of hostilities and acts of enmity, absolute breakers of the peace
between England and Holland; the proof of each instance I shall reserve until I have the
good fortune to kiss your hand, which will be to-morrow morning, about twelve of the clock,
at Flatbush, if it please you to come and meet me there, which shall be considered a favor
by him who is his Majesty's faithful servant, and your Honor's in all things not conflicting
with his Majesty's Royal interests and the peace of his good subjects.
(Signed), John Schott.
Addressed :
To the Hon"'^ Peter Stuyvesant,
General of the Dutch on the
Manhattans.
The preceding letter being delivered by one Mr. Jackson to the General, it is the opinion of
his Honor, the Councillors present and the Burgomasters of this city, both from the address
and some conversation with the bearer, that the name of General or Director of New Netherland
was omitted, and the address simply " Petrus Stuyvesant," through studied slight. Whereupon
twas resolved to return the messenger the letter unopened, saying that there was no other
Petrus Stuyvesant here than the Director-General of New Netherland ; if Captain Schott meant
him, then his Honor must be acknowledged in that quality. This being told to Mr. Jackson,
the messenger, he answered that 'twas better to open the letter; that Captain Schott, although
he had at present with him a numerous troop of horse and foot, came only in friendship, and
that the letter contained a request that the General should come and meet him at Flatbush to
speak together, so that further mischief may be prevented. Finally, he offered to open and
read the letter which had been committed to his care ; it was thereupon opened by him, being
word for word the same as is copied above. Whereupon 'tis resolved to send some persons to
Midwout to see and hear what said Captain Schott should propose and do there, and to tell
him if he had anything to exhibit or to propose, that he had to apply here to the General
and Council, etc. Whereunto were commissioned Mess" Cornells van Ruyven, Secretary and
Receiver-General of New Netherland, Olof Stevensz van Cortlant, Burgomaster of this city,
Martin Cryger, Captain Lieutenant, and John Lawrentse, Burgher of this city.
Done Fortress Amsterdam, in New Netherland, the eleventh January, 1664.
Vol. II. 50
394 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Report of tlie Commissioners.
Pursuant to the verbal command and order of the Director-General and Council, we, the
undersigned, repaired to the village of Midwout, on Long Island, where dismounting, we heard
a drum beat and a trumpet sounded, and were told that Captain John Schott was on his march
thither with a company of horse and foot. We resolved to wait for him and the companies in
front of SherifT Hegeman's house. After a brief delay. Captain Schott rode with his companies,
about GO (Sl 70 horsemen and as many foot, with colors flying, drums beating and trumpet
sounding in front of SherifT Hegeman's house, where, seeing us standing, he dismounted with
some of his followers and came oyer to us. After some compliments, we said to him that we
were surprised he should come riding in such a manner. He said he had hoped to have met
Mr. Stiiyvesant there, but had heard from Mr. Jackson, his messenger, that his letter had given
some offence. We answered that the Lords States-General and the Hou'*''^^ Company had styled
his Honor Director-General of New Netherland, and that he must be acknowledged as such.
That, in other respects, it was not only a slur on him, but also tended to disparage the
Lords States-General and the Company. Whereupon he made some excuse. Letting that
pass, we requested him, if he had any commission or any proposition, to address himself to the
Manhattans, where the General had his abode. He answered, that he had a few words to say
to the people. Whereupon he stepped out, ordered the troop to approach and made a long
harangue in the English language, the substance whereof was, that the Dutch unjustly occupied
this country; that it was his Majesty's ; if the inhabitants would acknowledge him as their
Sovereign that they might remain; otherwise, leave, &c. Having concluded. Secretary Van
Iluyven went to where Captain Schott stood, saying in substance, that nobody had any right
there but the Lords States-General and the Incorporated West India Company, as the country
had been first discovered by the Dutch, for the most part purchased from the natives, and some
parts of it peaceably possessed 40, others 30 years, which he undertook to prove sufficiently, if
he. Captain Schott, would accompany him to the Manhattans. Schott excused himself from
accepting this invitation, saying he was not now inclined to go over. Hereupon he was again
and again asked for his commission. He answered that we must first show our right. After
a little deliberation, he said he would ride with us to The Ferry to see if Mr. Stuyvesant would
be willing to come and speak with him. We mounted our horses together. He left the foot
people near Midwout to march to Gravesend. Being come to the ferry, he began again to
speak of proclaiming the King of England there. Whereupon, being answered that he should
not do so — that men could by all means proclaim the Lords States-General, he replied angrily,
that if any man would proclaim the States there, he should cut the feet from under him.
Whereupon the Secretary said, he did not well understand his meaning. Captain Schott
answered in Dutch : 1 will slick my rapier in the guts of any man who proclaims the States
here, or says this is not King's land. He was replied to by Secretary Van Ruyven that the
question would not be settled by such means ; that it would not be any credit for an armed
troop to kill an unarmed man. Whereupon he said, though we came with a hundred soldiers,
he should wait, adding, if the Company which accompanied him will go, he feared not to
proceed over to the Manhattans and proclaim the King there. The boat meanwhile, being got
ready, we said we should cross over and report to the Director-Genera! and Council that he
was come there. We repeatedly asked him for his commission, or to give us his pretension in
writing, in order to be able to exhibit it to the General and Council, &c. Finally, he pulled a
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 395
letter out of his pocket, which, as far as its tenor could be understood, was a form of Instruction
or Memoir, drawn up by those of the Colony of Hartford for him and one Captain Yongh, who
also accompanied him, whereby they were requested to inquire what right the Dutch may
have to Long Island. 'Having commenced reading it, he again stuck it back in his pocket,
saying: If Mr. Stuyvesant come over, I shall speak to him of weightier matters. On the way
he added : I shall wait one hour for an answer. Seeing no chance of eflfecting anything else,
we crossed over, leaving John Lauwrents behind, in order to see if he could ascertain anything
as to Schott's intention. We omitted stating in its proper place the complaint which the said
Captain Schot and others of his company made to us at Midwouth, saying that our people had
broken the peace between England and Holland because the General had dispatched a frigate
with armed soldiers in pursuit of some English of Gravesend at Nieuwehings;* that we had
treated Richard Mils and Jeems Crysty very badly at the time they were detained by us; yea,
that the first, as was reported, had died in consequence, &c. Whereunto we answered, that it
was false, and nothing but a bald forgery, and the contrary would be proved, which was in
part believed by him, in part not. More conversation of a similar nature occurred there, but
'tis not worth the paper ; this being the most important that passed in our presence.
In witness whereof is this signed in Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland, the eleventh of
January, 1664.
The above Report having been made to the General, it was resolved to send the following
by the same Commissioners :
Captain Schott.
These few lines serve, that we, being informed by our Commissioners of a certain
Proclamation or Claim made to the lands and subjects of their High Mightinesses on Long
Island, upon what commission or order is never shown to them or to us, therefore, we, at
present, cannot give an answer thereto ; we can only once more request, if you have any
commission, order or claim, to the lands and subjects of the High and Mighty Lords States-
General on Long Island, now peaceably possessed, some forty, others thirty, and the least,
twenty years, that you, as it behooveth, will please to exhibit the same at the place of our
residence ; if not, we hereby protest against the wrong done or yet to be done to their High
Mightinesses' subjects.
Thus done in the Assembly of the Director-General and Council of New Netherland, the
eleventh of January, Anno 1664.
(Signed), P. Stuyvesant'^.
Lower stood :
By order of the Director and Council of New Netherland.
(Signed), C. v. Ruyven, Secretary.
When the Commissioners had gone over, Captain Schott and his Company was departed.
They understood, from Mr. Laurents, that almost a serious difficulty had arisen between our
people and his Company, being all much excited, running from house to house with drawn
daggers in hand, looking for a man who had struck one of the English with an axe; but not
finding him, they finally departed. Captain Schott, before he went away, had requested Mr.
' Qu? Nieuwes'iDgs. — Ed.
39G NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Laurents to have the General punish the man, saying, at the same time, that he should wait
for the General, or Commissioners at Jamaica, called by us RuslJorjJ.
In order that the Commissioners, who were sent to Captain Schott, should not have their
journey for nothing, 'twas resolved to dispatch this letter to him by a Sergeant:
Honorable Sir.
Our Commissioners, sent to you with an Answer as soon as possible, returned yesterday
evening without learning anything except that you had left word with Mr. John Laurents that
you would remain at Jamaica until Monday or Tuesday, and wait there for our Commissioners
to speak and treat further. These few lines are, therefore, only to serve to inform you that,
if God please to grant health and fair weather, our Commissioners will meet you there at
that time.
To our surprise we have learned from the said John Laurentsz the differences which occurred
betwen some Dutch and English in the absence of our Commissioners. We shall, agreeably
to your request made to John Laurense, inform ourselves, as far as possible, respecting this
matter, and duly correct the transgressor, if he can be discovered.
Wherewith ending, after salutation, I remain your affectionate friend and servant,
( Signed ), P. Stuyvesant.
The following is the Commission of the Deputies :
Be it known hereby, that we, the Director-General and Council of New Netherland, have
commissioned and empowered, as we do hereby commission and empower our dearly beloved,
Mess" Cornells van Ruyven, Secretary and Receiver-General of New Netherland, Roeloff
Stevens van Cortlant, Burgomaster, Cornelis Steenwyck, former Schepen, and John Laurense,
Burgher and inhabitant of this city of New Amsterdam, to speak and treat with Captain John
Schott and Captain John Yong, the Commissioners on the part of the Colony of Herfort,
respecting some Complaints, Proclamations, Claims and Differences which have occurred since
the last provisional Agreement, hereby promising that we shall hold as valid, observe and
cause to be observed whatever shall be negotiated, concluded and signed by said Commissioners.
Thus done and concluded in our Assembly, holden in Amsterdam, in New Netherland, this
12"' January, 1664.
In further confirmation have we signed with our hand and confirmed with the Public Seal.
(Signed), P. Stuyvesant'',
NiKASIUS DE SiLLE.
Letter to John Schott.
Hon*-'', Prudent and Right Worthy Sir.
We have learned, with great surprise, from the verbal report of our Commissioners, your
coming with so many armed men, both foot anJ horse, colors flying, drums beating and
trumpet sounding, into the towns of this our intrusted government, now peaceably possessed,
some forty, others thirty and twenty years, which is not only in contravention to the renewed
peace, strict union and alliance between his Majesty of England and the High and Mighty
Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, so solemnly concluded in the year 1660, but
also contrary to the settlement of the Boundary made in the year 1650, between Mess", the
Commissioners of New England and Us, and confirmed by the three Colonies of Boston,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 397
Plymouth and New Haven, on the S"" October, of this year last past ; also, contrary to what
was provisionally concluded in the Hartford General Court with our Commissioners in the
month of October last and until the next meeting, as the bearers hereof, our Commissioners
will be able, circumstantially, to demonstrate to you both verbally and in writing.
With no less astonishment have we been, secondly, informed by our abovementioned
Commissioners, that you, contrary to the aforesaid Articles of the peace, provisional negotiation
with the General Court of Hartford, have, in the village of Midwout, at The Ferry, and
elsewhere, made some proclamation and pretence to the lands received by lawful purchase
from the Natives and proprietors, and, as before stated, peaceably possessed so many years by
the subjects of their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands,
as appears further by divers deeds of sale and conveyance from the Natives and by the ground-
briefs of the occupants.
Finally and lastly were we informed by our Commissioners of some complaints made
against us and this government, wherein you maintain that we have broken the Articles of
the peace and what was provisionally concluded by the Commissioners of the three Colonies
in the General Court at Hartford, touching the matters in question. The principal charges
being in regard to pretended ill treatment done to one Richard Mils and James Christy
during their detention, and that the former had died therefrom ; and notwithstanding it is
notorious that he lived eight months after his discharge, and during that time had made divers
inland journeys hither and thither, and last October to Hartford. Finally and lastly, that we
caused the English of Gravesend to be hostilely pursued by a manned frigate. Although
we have no reasons nor vindication to offer in regard to this except to God, and, next to him,
to the supreme authority which hath appointed us to the government, in regard the
abovementioned persons, though of English birth, cannot be considered other than sworn and
bounden subjects of the Lords States-General, the Lords-Directors of the Incorporated West
India Company and subject to their government here; yet, in order now and hereafter the
better to demonstrate the frivolousness, falsehood and other calumnies of such charges have we
instructed our Commissioners, Cornelis van Ruyven, Olof Stevens van Cortlant, Cornells
Steenwyk and John Laurens, more fully to inform you of the facts of the case truly and
uprightly ; adding, that what passed respecting Mils and Christy, occurred before our aforesaid
Commissioners were sent to the General Court of Hartford ; was there debated and considered,
and, therefore, no infraction of the peace concluded between England and Netherland much less
of the provisional negotiation there. As regards the last, His false and untrue that we sent a
frigate with men, as we are accused, against the English of Gravesend and had recourse to
any outrage or force there against them ; the truth of this matter is only, that on the order
and letters of our Principals we have endeavored to purchase some unsold lands both behind
the Col and in the Newehings, in which we were prevented by the last war with the Esopus
and other Indians, and other inconveniences, and lately by some English and Dutch; yea,
were we informed and warned by the Barbarians themselves that some from Gravesend
sought to prevent us, and, indeed, had gone, to the number of twenty, to Newehings and the
Raritan Indians to purchase lands from them, which, as no person is allowed to do so
privately in New England, Virginia and elsewhere, without the consent and knowledge of the
government, so is it also publicly forbidden here by enacted and frequently renewed placards.
I have, therefore, sent, not a frigate, but a small yacht of 6 @^ 7 tons burthen, with
Captain-Lieutenant Cryger thither, whom I very expressly charged, both verbally and in
398 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
writing, to exhibit no hostility towards either Indians or Englishmen, but in the civilest
manner to request the former not to sell any sold or unsold lands to any person except the
government, and to warn the latter not to purchase any, as it was directly contrary to
the public order and published placards of the government ; and in case of disobedience
to protest civilly against the English of Gravesend. We have further cause to complain of
said English of Gravesend on account of their disobedience, their violation of the public
orders and placards, and infraction of the contract of Hartford, and especially for hailing our
Captain-Lieutenant and some unarmed men when coming ashore, and demanding what they
were doing there, putting themselves, to the number of IS rank and file, in a posture of
defence, with arms in their hands. We are wholly ignorant of any particular insulting words
being exchanged, and declare we have not given the least order or command thereto. If any
man had complained, due justice or satisfaction would have been administered on the hearing
of both parties and on proof being made. But in order to prevent further mischief and
bloodshed, we are still disposed to submit all these and other complaints and pretensions,
pursuant to the last provisional Agreement between the General Court of Hartford and our
Commissioners, either to a further meeting of an equal number to be appointed on both sides,
or even to refer them to the Sovereigns on both sides in Europe. We have specially
recommended our Commissioners, in this regard, to treat and speak hereon with you, having
previously exhibited proper qualification : Obliging ourselves, on our side, to hold as valid
whatever shall be done and negotiated by them.
Wherewith, after cordial greeting, recommending you to God's protection,
Honorable, Prudent and Right Worthy Sir,
We remain.
Your affectionate friends,
( Signed ), P. Stuyvesant^,
NiCASIUS DE SiLLE.
Postscript.
After the above was concluded we were, to our further astonishment, informed of some
hostile acts and attacks committed by your attendants in the town of Utrecht on the subjects
of their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, the Lords
Directors of the Incorporated West India Company ; throwing off the carriages, their High
Mightinesses and the Lords Directors' cannon, sent thither by the Director-General and
Council for the protection of the people against the barbarous Indians, chasing a pregnant
woman with a drawn sword ; also the unwarrantable and improper treatment of Thomas Hall,
a Burgher and inhabitant of this city. Against all these, and many other hostilities and
mischiefs to follow therefrom, we, in the name of their High Mightinesses and the Directors,
as their Agents and Director-General and Council of this Province of New Netherland, do
hereby protest, unless due reparation and satisfaction shall be made therefor.
Wherewith, after cordial greeting, we remain
Your affectionate friends,
(Signed), P. Stuyvesant,
NiCASIUS DE SiLLE.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 399
Memorandum for the Commissioners.
Before delivering their credentials, to request of Captain Schott a sight and copy of his orders
and commission. If a commission from England's Majesty be exhibited, thereupon to answer
substantially and briefly that, in regard to the state of the case of Long Island, at least this
western part was begun to be possessed now about forty years ago, long before any nation
made any pretence to this island ; and further to add, if England's Majesty have any claim to
Long Island, and he, Schott, can sufficiently demonstrate it, that the equity of their High
Mightinesses is such that they will not endeavor nor desire to abridge his just right, much less
that of England's Majesty, with whom they have concluded a solemn continuation of peace,
union and confederation, and to refer to their High Mightinesses' sincerity and attention in
causing the articles of the peace which have been agreed upon, to be observed in these parts.
To this end, specially charging tlieir Director-General, by their own letter, to observe it, and
cause it to be observed in every part. We assure ourselves that his Majesty will have given
like orders to his subjects in this quarter of America, and that it is necessary, in virtue of the
concluded articles of the peace, that this and all other questions be referred to the Sovereigns
on both sides.
If he produce a commission or claim in virtue of the Patent of Hartford, as is presumed,
make no other answer thereto than that the question respecting this was debated and ventilated
first between the Commissioners of New England and the Hon'''^ Director-General, and since
by his Commissioners with the General Court of Hartford, and that the matters in question
were mutually referred to a future meeting, and, in case of disagreement, to the decision of the
superiors on both sides in Europe, wherein he, the Director-General and Council, are still
persisting, without doing anything against it, provided, also, that nothing be done on the other
side in contravention thereof.
Finally, it is recommended to pay strict attention to the answer, and to make pertinent
report thereof.
Done Amsterdam, in New Netherland, the 14"" January, 1664.
Report of the Commissioners.
Anno 1664, 14"" January. In the morning, the horses being sent over, we rode about IS hours
from The Ferry, and arrived at two o'clock in the afternoon at Rustdorp, where we found a troop
of sixty armed men, and were told that Captain Schott was at Flushing; sent a messenger
thither to tell him we were come. About four o'clock Captain Schott arrived with a company
of horse, about 60 (3^70 men; he excused himself, not having yet broken his fast; that he
would get a mouthful at the Minister's, D' Naecker.^ After the meal was finished, being almost
evening, Captain Schott and company came to our lodging. 'Twas proposed that we should
go together to the ordinary place of meeting, which we did. Captain Schott was followed by
his entire company. We requested that only 6, S or 10 of the qualified persons should be
allowed to enter; and Captain Schott requested this also. But he could not help it; they
■Kev. Zachariah Walker was born in Boston in 1637, and educated at Harvard. He commenced his Ministry at Jamaica
in 1662, and continued to officiate there until 1668, when he removed to Stratford, where he organized a new Congregational
Society in 1510. He next removed with a portion of his congregation to Woodbury in 1678, and died there iu January,
1699, aged 62 years. T/wmpson's Long Island, IL, 101. — Ed.
400 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
all came in together. After delivery and reading of the letter given to us, we requested him
to be pleased to show us his commission, what order and command he had, that we may
know how far he was qualified, and with whom we should have to treat and talk ; this, he
said, shall be done. But he again began to speechify, little to the point. We, on the contrary,
confined ourselves to our previous request. Whereupon he produced an unsigned writing,
which he read, wherein his Majesty of England granted him the whole of Long Island. But
he said that it was afterwards granted to the Duke of York, whose agent he now was, and
charged all his subjects to assist Captain Schott with as much money and men as he may
require for the construction of a fort or forts. He also said that those of Hartford had requested
him to assist his Majesty's subjects on Long Island in their just cause, and that the people had
also invited him for the same purpose, so that he negotiated with us in the capacity of President
of his Majesty's subjects on Long Island ; he promised to furnish us a copy of his qualification,
asking the bystanders at the same time if they did not acknowledge him for their President?
To which they unanimously answered — Yes, Yes.
After some observations, that he ought to exhibit his commission the same as we, he
promised to do so, although it was never produced. We communicated to him the substance
of the Memorandum that had been furnished us, briefly demonstrating to him the irrefragable
right that the Dutch had to this place, as well by first discovery, purchase from the Natives,
as by most ancient possession, exhibiting to him, to this end, the documents we had brought
with us; which, on being seen by him and others, effected some ciiange both on him and the
rest. We requested them to produce their title, in lii<e manner. Whereupon he read to us a
collection from divers histories, which, he said, proved that this place had been long before
discovered by the English, and that Hendrik Hudson had discovered the North river in the
year 1003, when in the service of the English, &c. We requested copy, which he promised
to furnish. After considerable talk, 'twas finally agreed, that he should leave the Dutch towns
and lands unmolested ; that the English should remain in the present state until 20"" February,
Old Style, when a meeting should be held by them at Hempstead or at Asfort,' promising, by
that time, to furnish us copies of all his papers, whether qualification, discovery, purchase and
possession, and requesting us to do the like ; when further steps would be taken towards a
friendly and amicable agreement ; but as regards Long Island, that must be left to his Majesty.
Whereunto we answered, that we doubted not but the Principals, on both sides, would well
agree about it. Terminating here, as it was already quite late, we went to the house of
Andrew Messinger, as he had invited us to sup. Captain Schott came in there after supper.
After some conversation, it being midnight and fine weather, we resolved to depart so as not
to lose any time. On taking leave. Captain Schott said, among other things, to Secretary Van
Ruyven and Mr. John Laurents, as they declare, that there was but one way to terminate this
commenced work, and that was, to come to an agreement with the Duke of York as speedily
as possible, as he knew for certain that his Majesty had granted this Island to the said Duke,
and that some persons had informed the Duke, that it might produce 3,000 pounds sterling ;
the Duke had then resolved, if he could not get the Island peaceably, that he should look to
obtaining it by force, and for that purpose would send two or more frigates hither, in order
to reduce not only the aforesaid Island but the entire of New Netherland, and tliat he, Captain
Schott, would command said frigates, as Lieutenant-General. This he declared to us more
' Now, Brookhaven. — Ed,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 401
than once, to be true. To which we answered, that we doubted not but his Majesty and the
Duke of York, when they would be truly informed of the real state of the case, would come
to a proper agreement with the States-General. Whereupon we took our departure. We
reached The Ferry by day-break and immediately reported our return.
Done, Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland, 15"" January, 1661.
The Dutch Towns on Long Island to the Director-General and Council of
New Netherland.
Although the Schout and Schepens of the respective villages of Amersfoort, Breukelin,
Midwout and Utrecht, situate on Long Island, in this Province, doubt not but your Honors
will be very circumstantially an(i generally informed of what has occurred since the breaking
out of the fire and tempest of change and sedition in divers villages situate on this Island
within the jurisdiction of this Province and inhabited by the English. Also, how one John
Koo, an Englishman and miller in the village of Middleburg, being your Honors' subject,
further forgetting himself, assuming to himself the title of Captain, had dared to enter the
village of Gravesend, inhabited, mostly, by people of his own nation and subjects of this
Province, with an armed troop of horse and foot, and to cause them, through fear, to join his
party or faction, when one John Remsey took occasion to come into the village of Midwout,
preceded by a trumpeter and other Englishmen on horseback and a-foot, to say to Schout
Hegeman : Master Hegeman, I come as a friend to warn you that we have been to Gravesend
and have appointed new Magistrates there. Sergeant Huyberts, Burgomaster and Captain, and
Kare! Meiges Constable. If you or any of your folks, or the Governor of the Manhattans
molest them in any wise or imprison them, we shall drag you and the Magistrates back in the
places two for one, by fire and sword ; as appears by Declaration, Letter A.
The Schout and Schepens aforesaid, because of the urgent necessity of suppressing them,
cannot remain silent in the discharge of their duty in respect to the proceedings and acts
one John Schott lately committed in the villages situate on Long Island, subject to this
Province, to the disparagement of the sovereignty of their High Mightinesses' authority, the
Hon"' Company's rule and your Honors' government, but find themselves forced hereby
respectfully and particularly to remonstrate to your Honors against this treatment and demeanor
of the aforesaid Schott and his followers towards the inhabitants of the aforesaid villages.
Namely, he, Schott, acting as Captain, did, on the 11"" and 12"" of the last month of January
of this year, 1664, followed by an armed troop, numbering about 70 @^ 80 horsemen and 00 (^
70 foot; the said troop consisting, with the exception of two or three, of English subjects of this
Province, being inhabitants of the villages situate within your Honors' government, under the
Hon'"'' Directors' authority and rule and their High Migiitinesses' sovereignty, whose subjects
they publicly declared and affirmed themselves to be, by the signatures of their Magistrates, as
is confessed and evident by the Remonstrance dated the 1" December, 1653, drawn up and
dictated by themselves, and exhibited with other members of this Province to your Honors;
with sounding trumpet, beaten drum, flying colors, great noise and uproar, presume to attack,
set upon and invade the remonstrating villages abovenamed and hamlets thereunto depending;
as is to be seen by Appendices B. C. D. And, without producing any title, commission,
credential or other legal document, there (as a pretext for his extravagant, reckless and rash
conduct) in the name of the Majesty of England, did, with strange, unblushing shamelessness,
Vol. 11. 51
402 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
in harangues in the English tongue, to tlie amazement of tiie Remonstrants and inhahitants,
declare in substance tiie land of the beforenamed villages of the Remonstrants, to belong not
to the Company, but to King Charles of England ; yea, the whole of America from Virgieiia to
Boston ; as is to be seen by the Declaration, Letter C. ; further asking some of the liemonstraiits
if they would not subject themselves to the King, threatening, in case of refusal, that they hud
to expect the result arid consequences. Who, being thus afforded an opportunity, modestly
answered that, for the present, they recognized no other Lord than those whose subjects they
were up to the present time, viz.: the High and Mighty Lords States-General, the Hon'''^
Company and you. Right Hon"'''', requesting to see his commission and power, and referring
him to the government of this Province. He, furthermore, arrogantly defaming their High
Mightinesses in the person of their Lordships' General, clothed with their High Mightinesses'
character in regard to tiie government of this Province and its dependencies, charge(] the
Remonstrants and the other inhabitants aforesaid : Henceforward you sliall not name him
Director-General any more; he is no more a General; neither give him anything nor be
directed by him ; and you shall make known to me what you had given, in order that I may
oblige him to return it, whereunto f will constrain him by the sword. Moreover, telling the
Remonstrants : You must not pay any more Tenths to the Company; I shall come back again
in April, Old Style, when 1 shall publish my commission, and as soon as this place will be
King's land you shall have more freedom ; as is visible by the Depositions C. and D. •
And making other similar speeches to the Remonstrants, with which it is unnecessary here
further to tax your Honors' patience.
Wot only hath the said Schott, not contenting himself with the aforesaid proclamations and
frivolities, caused to be thrown from their carriages this governmetit's cannon standing in
the block-house of the village of Utrecht, for defence against the Indians and savages there,
and shortly after had them replaced in the name of the King of England, but some of his
followers liave not hesitated to run ainong the houses there with naked swords, and would
take by force a certain person thence, namely at the house of Rutger Joosten ; as is to be
■ seen by Letter C. In like maimer, at The Ferry, they behaved so insolently towards the
inhabitants as to endanger the shedding of blood.
The Remonstrants, then passing over Schott's bravadoes at the same place, challenging the
General and his hundred soldiers, with his (Scot's) attending troop, if the latter would consent
to cross over to the Manhattans, and to make proclamation there, as had been done at their,
the Remonstrants' place; threatening to run through whomsoever should publicly assert that
said place was not the King's land, and other excesses committed by him at The Ferry
aforesaid. Among the rest, divers bravadoes and hostile actions there put in practice by the
English aforesaid towards the Dutch.
It happened that one Wynandt Pietersen, having learned that the son of Captain-Lieutenant
Marten Kregier had been bastinadoed by the English, and especially by him, Schott, because
he had not evinced respect by taking off his hat to hiin, according to his appetite and imagination,
had said : Wherefore do they strike us here ? Let them beat where they have a right to beat.
This being heard by an Englishman, and this Wynant having been struck by him in consequence
with a stick, or rattan, Wynant wished to revenge himself, and aiming a blow with the iiead
of an axe at the aforesaid Englishman, holding the axe in his hand and hitting the horse on
which the Englishman was seated, the matter was taken up by the aforesaid English troop in
such a manner, that they took occasion not only to search for aud pursue with especial fury,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 403
on horseback, the said Wynant, who, to save his life, was obliged to conceal himself in some
bushes. Not finding him, they ran with drawn swords into the iiouse of the widow Potter,
and would have stabbed and killed one Frederick Lubbertse there, were it not tiiat they had
been prevented; John Yongh. styled Captain, threatening, if the aforesaid escaped person were
not delivered up, they would burn the houses at The Ferry ; as appears by the annexed
Declaration, Letter E.
So that if any inhabitants of the Remonstrants' villages had had the misfortune to be drunk,
like many of those English, at the aforesaid time when Schott was with his rebels in their
town, they would not apparently have been able to bear with the intolerable defiance and
arrogance of the abovemenlioned English, and consequently nothing else was to be expected
but disastrous bloodshed and mischief, of which the aforesaid Schott and his troop would have
laid the foundation. But the Almighty God was mercifully pleased to order otherwise.
And, as experience hath taught the Remonstrants that the abovementioned proceedings and
attempts of the aforesaid English (the impunity considered) will, according to previous reports
and notices, successively have their effect and continue without encountering any hindrance or
real opposition, the Remonstrants are justly apprehensive and afraid that those men may, in
consequence, be provoked and excited to iurther and more pernicious progress, as Schott is
openly threatening and giving out. The Remonstrants, being farmers on the Flat land, and
utterly defenceless, have to expect and anticipate either all at once to be driven, stripped
and plundered of and from their lands, houses and little means, possessed and gained with such
unwearied, bloody labor, outlay of expenditure, and suffering of the aforesaid extremities of
Indian wars and other troubles, and thereby to be exposed to inevitable ruin and utter
destruction, or to be forced and obliged, contrary to their inclination and inward conscience, to
have recourse to desperate resolutions. All which could not be and tend otherwise than
to manifest discredit and blame, &c. Therefore, have the Remonstrants in this tiieir afflicting
and dangerous state, found themselves necessitated earnestly to represent to your Honors, to
the end that, reflecting on wluit precedes, you may be pleased to direct your deliberations
thereto, &c., so that we may be preserved in the observance of our oath, protected and defended
in our aforesaid means and circumstances, whereunto from the bottom of our souls we pray
Almighty God to grant his blessing, &c.
Another Extract.
Before me, Pelgrim Klock, by the Right Hon'''= Director-General and Council, admitted a
Notary, residing in the village of Midwout, on Long Island, in New Netherland, &c., appeared
N. N., who declare, on the requisition, &c., that on Saturday, being the twelfth of this last
month, John Schqtt, the English Captain of a troop of horse and foot, came to tlieir, the
attestants' village aforesaid, with great noise, and standing on the Block-house, spoke in
the English language, saying: This land and the whole of America from Virginia unto Boston,
belong to the King of England. Furthermore, that John Scliott went into the Block-house
and looked at the little piece which was standing there, and that his men, by his order, threw
the gun off its carriage so that it fell on the floor; and afterwards his men again, by his order,
having replaced the gun, set it, in the King's name, in another port-hole of the Block-house,
naming it the King's port, whereupon his men discharged the gun.
And N. N. aforesaid alone declares that John Schott came to him and said, that he had
understood that he, the attestant, was a magistrate of the village, and inquired if he will
404 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
submit to the King's authority in the present time, to which he, John Scliott, expected an
answer. Whereunto the attestant answered : Tlie King is our friend already, for we are not
at war with him ; but I am still a subject to my Lord, to whom I have taken my oath.
Whereupon John Schott again said, if you will not consent, tlien you may see what will be
the result.
N. N. also declares, in common with all the attestants, that he heard from John Schott these
very words: Henceforth you shall not consider Peter Stuyvesant as your Governor, but as a
private man, for he is no more a General ; and forbad them to give him any property of what
description soever it may be, or take counsel of him ; and if they, the attestants, must give,
or had given any, that he, John Schott, would insist that they should get it back ; and that he,
John Schott, added, I will constrain Peter Stuyvesant thereto by the sword.
Thus done and executed in the village of New Utrecht, on Long Island, in New Netherland,
the 23-^ January, 1G04.
Another Extract.
Appeared, &c. inhabitants of the village of Amesfoort, that it is true and certain that on
the twelfth of this last month of January, in their, the attestants' village, uproariously came
Captain John Schott, an Englishman, with a troop of Englishmen, horse and foot, and heard
him, John Schott, say, that The Bay is a free place because it was bought ; also, that it was
not Company's property ; likewise, that he also said, that he should return on the first of
April, Old Style, and then open his commission, and that they must not pay any Tenths to
the Company, as the place was the King's.
And N. N. aforesaid declares, that John Schott told him that this is a handsome place and
had a fine church ; and further he, the deponent, cannot say.
Furthermore, the aforesaid N. N. declared, that John Scott said to him : as soon as this
place is the King's, you shall have more liberty than the people now possess, and then it will
be a place free to trade to other places.
Tiius done and executed in the village of Amesfoort on the 25"" January, 1664.
Another Extract.
Appeared, &c. N. N. all residing here at The Ferry, in the town of Breuckelen : That on
the eleventh of January last came Captain John Schott here to The Ferry with a troop of
Englishmen mounted on horseback, with great noise, marching willi sounding trumpets, so
tliat the attestants knew not how they were to fare, and hoisted the English flag, and as soon
as Jolin Schott arrived, they uncovered their heads and he spoke in English, which they, the
attestants, did not well understand and cannot well explain. And N. N. declares, that he,
Jolin Schott, spoke, at the time, with Secretary Van Iluyven ; that the Secretary asked,
Will he cross over? To which John Schott answered, No. Let Stuyvesant come over with
a hundred soldiers, I shall wait (or him here. Whereunto the abovenamed Secretary replied.
What for? To which John Schott made answer and said, he would run him through the
body. Wliereu[)on the Secretary answered, that would not be a friendly act ; and so they parted.
Further declares N. N., that seven or eight Englishmen of Schotl's Company came to his
house, and on arriving drew out their swords and attacked him, crying out, Tliis is the man;
that he was protected by the attestant's wife and by Captain John Schott, otherwise he would
have lost his life.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 405
Wynant Pietersz declares that the said Captain John Schott's followers, with four or five
horsemen, pursued him, the attestant, with naked linngers or daggers, and followed him into
the woods, where he hid in the bushes ; otherwise he would have been killed.
He further declares, that at the same time he happened to approach, without any thought of
mischief, hearing that Captain Martin Kryger's son had received a blow from the English, and
said. What business have they here to beat us; let them beat those whom they have to beat.
Whereupon an Englishman, sitting on horseback, hearing this, struck at him with a rattan or
stick, and even touched him ; he, the attestant, having an axe in his hand, holding it by the
handle, struck at him with the axe-head so that he hit the horse.
N. N. further declares, that he heard Captain John de Yongh, an Englishman, say, If you
do not give up to us the man that struck with the axe, we shall set fire to the houses.
Item. N. N. declares, also, to have heard Captain John de Yongh say, Old fellow, fish the
man up who made use of the axe or we will burn all the liouses.
Item. N. N. declares, that he heard Captain John de Yongh, as he spoke in general, say : If
you do not deliver the man who struck with the axe, up to us, we shall burn the houses.
Item. N. N., N. N. also declare, that Captain John Schott, when Captain Martin Kryger's son
had received a blow from the English, said to him : Martin, take your hat off, and insisted he
should do so, he, John Schott, striking him, Martin, two or three times between the head and
neck with the rattan, to oblige him to comply, so that Richard Panten also came afterwards,
whom he saw striking Martin Kryger the younger with a rattan.
Thus done, &c., 26"" January, 1664.
Another Extract.
Appeared, &c., N. N., N. N. at Midwout, in New Netherland, that on Friday, being the
eleventh of this month, they, the attestants, have seen Captain John Schott, an Englishman,
come to their village with a troop of Englishmen a-horse and a-foot, making a great uproar,
with colors flying, drums beating and trumpets sounding, so that they, the attestants, looked
on with wonder, not krfbwing what it meant. That they, the attestants, afterwards saw John
Schott standing in front of the Schout's door with uncovered head, holding his hat in his hand,
talking a great deal in English, which they did not understand.
Done the 26'" January, 1664.
Another Extract.
Appeared, &c., N. N. That it is true and truthful that, on the eighth of last November,
1663, came into the village of Midwout aforesaid five English horsemen, accompanied by a
trumpeter, who inquired of them, the attestants, where the Schout lived ; and coming to the
Schout, one of them named John Ramser, calling to the Schout, said : Master Hegeman, we
are come to you as friends to notify you that we have been to Gravesend, and have there
appointed new Magistrates — Sergeant Huyberts Burgomaster and Captain, and Charles Morgan,
Constable; and if you, or any of your people, or the Governor of the Manhattans molest them
or take them to jail, we shall put you and the Magistrates in their place, two for one, and that
by fire and sword, &c.
Done the IS"- of February, 1664.
406 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Another Extract.
Concerning Long Island : If you will seriously consider the unlawful and sufficiently hostile
proceedings of the English, and particularly of one John Schott, clearly set forth in a
Remonstrance of the Dutch towns on Long Island still remaining under your Honors' ohedience
(God knows how long), and sufficiently verified by the annexed declarations; they convince us
clearly that the malevolent English, our neighbors, both John Schott and those of Hartford must
have obtained some secret and further order, intelligence or encouragement from England, either
from the King himself or the Duke of York, or some other great men, notwithstanding your
Honors' advice to the contrary, that they would not be countenanced from that side, their
hostilities, with daily continued threats and affironts being better known to us and the good
inliabitants, sufficiently prove that they have, or at least expect something more, unless their
High Mightinesses prevent it with England's iNLijesty by the settlement of the Boundary. If
this be not speedily attained and effected this summer, the inevitable result, 'tis to be
apprehended, will be, notwithstanding the Patent obtained from their High Mightinesses and
their earnest commands and letters, that the English will make themselves masters, by open
force of the whole of Long Island, and moreover take possession of the North river, &c.
Your Honors can well infer what is to be feared, were we to come to the conclusion of
resisting by force those who, by violent and hostile means, are encroacFiing on the lands and
properties of the inhabitants, from the proceedings of John Koe, with about 70 @. SO horsemen
and foot, and shortly afterwards of one John Schott, with a troop of about 170 (ai ISO mustered
exclusively on Long Island, without assistance from any of the Colonies, and what of their
acts of hostility has been thought, judged and communicated to your Honors both by us and
by other good irihahitaiits, to wit : that they expect, wish and hope for nothing better than
that active opposition may be offered or some o( their men may be shot or wounded, in order
to be aflorded a pretext for falling on, plundering and utterly ruining the Dutch towns, &c.
Wherefore we and good friendi*, in order to preserve what still remains and to endanger nothing
by active opposition, and, in order to secure the Dutch towns on Long^iiland, and to keep John
Schott's rebellious troop of 170 (a. ISO horse and foot out of the field and quiet, and to preserve
the abovemenlioned Dutch villages from being plundered, have found ourselves necessitated to
agree with bin; and bis people for the term of one year, to wit, to prevent plundering and
bloodshed, that the question respecting Long Island should be referred to the Principals on
both sides, that the subjugated or revolted English villages remain as they then stood, and
the Dutch continue until that time in peace and quietness; so that we should not like to
break our word and promise, in order to deprive them and every one else of all cause of
complaint, and to try, in the civilest and politest manner possible, to exhort and induce each
to do his duty. We hope, then, to accomplish more by the performance of our promises and
by sweet persuasions than by active opposition, and shall impatiently await the result and issue
of the applications for the long looked-for and expected final settlement of the Boundaiy
between his Majesty of England and your High Mightinesses.
Done SG"- April, ]()(i4.i
' This [lurports to lie an extract of a letter from Director Stuyvesant to the .Amsterilam Chnmber of the West India
Company; but, on comparing it with the Original in the Slate Office, at Albany, 'lia fuund not to be a literal extracL — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS 407
Another Extract.
Matters on Lona; Island remain as already related. The five Dutch towns, namely,
Amesvoort, Breuckelen, Midvvout, New Utrecht and Bush wick, with their dependencies,
continue and remain, as yet, under your Honors' government and obedience ; God knows
how long. The five English towns, viz., Gravesend (half Dutch and half English), Hemstede,
Flushing, Rustdorp and Middelburg, all within our limits, remain in revolt, &c.
Their High Mightinesses' letters were not received hy the Magistrates of the aforesaid
places and have had little effect, and were transmitted to Hartford.
We are notified and informed by N. N. and N. N.,' and other well affected Englishmen, that
said letters also produced very little effect in the General Court at Hartford, where it was
thought and held that they were forged and fabricated by the Company in Holland or by the
government here; the States had nothing to do with this country; they well knew it was
the King's land and was granted to them by their obtained Patent, and the General Court at
Hartford had, therefore, resolved to reduce all Long Island under its government. Time
will tell the result, as far as New Netherland is concerned.
Letters and advices received from Old England, at Boston in New England, also report
that our State does not stand very well and friendly with the King, but that a rupture is
imminent.
Done, Amsterdam, in New Netherland, the tenth of June, 1G64.
Another Extract.
We are suffering a great deal from the neighboring English, without expecting any change,
notwithstanding, &c. And we find ourselves in sore difficulties on the one hand from the
Swedish equipment, and, on the other, in regard to the grave troubles of the Indians and
Barbarians, to which a third is added, which still continues daily offensive, not only the
threats but perpetual vexations and encroachments of the English, without any apparent
relief from redress, change or deliverance being visible.
We wrote your Honors on the 2G"' of April and 10''' of June, separately, why we did not
consider it prudent to reduce the revolted villages by force, or to attempt any hostile act,
whereunto we refer. And in regard to the supposition that it is merely a rebellious troop of
150 men, such, from the information, is clear and true. But that this rebellious troop have no
aid nor assistance to expect from others is, from the circumstances and results of the case,
not probable.
The facts are, that the most part of the rebellious troop which had first raised and elected
John Schott as their Chief and President, afterwards had their minds changed by those of
Hartford, in consequence of the imprisonment of John Schott; for, having undertaken, under
the commission and by the order of those of Hartford, in virtue of their Patent, to reduce and
bring Long Island under their Colony, he had attempted to retain the government for himself
in the name of England's Majesty and the Duke of York. Wherefore, Governor Wintrop, in
person, accompanied by some Deputies from Hartford, came last June to the towns of
Hemstede, Flushing, Rustdorp, Middelburg and Gravesend, on Long Island, and there, as they
declared to us — on the recommendation and letters of the other three Colonies, changed the
' Captain Thomas Willet aad Mr. Joha Lawrence. Original letter. — Ed.
408 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Magistrates nppointed by Scliott, promised their successors, who were sworn in the King's
name, help and assistance against all and every who might come and oppose them. Tliis is
from ocular witnesses. The General, accompanied hy Secretary Van Ruyven, Burgomaster
Corilandt and some other principal Burgiiers as an escort, went thither himself in person, to
protest against such irregularity, which was done in all tl)e villages, Hempstead only excepted,
where they first arrived and without our knowledge, and had finished their business. But
'twas all in vain. So that it does not appear that the rebellious troop would not have obtained
any countenance from the others, or that the three other Colonies would consider their actions
unlawful, and that (Jovernor Wintlirop himself had not experienced pleasure therefrom. And
although the majority of the inhabitants of the abovenamed English towns have submitted to
the government of Hartford and taken the oath to them, yet not all, so far as we then in Icco
with Governor Winthrop and his followers in the aforesaid towns, were able to remark; for
fully the third part of the inhabitants of the aforesaid towns would prefer that it were
otherwise and to remain and continue under our government. Since the promised assistance,
however, and the menaces, they dared not, through fear of worse consequences and of being
stripped of everything, say so openly but privately to us, hoping and wishing that the matters
in dispute may be determined in Europe between England's Majesty and their High
Mightinesses hy a settlement of the Boundary or otherwise. We have, in the hearing of all
the inhabitants of the aforesaid towns, repeatedly and earnestly protested that we were
guiltless of all the mischiefs and bloodshed which will follow such mode of proceeding ; the
abovementioned Governor and Deputies of Hartford proceeded, notwithstanding, with their
undertaking, changing and swearing in the Magistrates, giving out that, by virtue of
their I'atent, th>'y had sullicient order and authority from the King for so doing. Besides, as
they further staled and read to the towns from an open letter, they were requested and
exhorted so to do hy the other three Colonies. In vain was it for us to allege, represent
and show, that we were the first discoverers and possessors, being now about (orly years on
Long Island, and on the whole about twenty longer in possession than the English ; that we
Iiad lawhilly pun-based the lands from the Natives and right owners ; that the English, though
now purely misinformed and misled, or else perversely withdrawing, contrary to oath and duty,
from our lawful government, have declared our possession purchase and jurisdiction legal,
inasmuch as, having by petitions to us and to our predecessors submitted to us, they did, by
our and our predecessors' consent, commission and Patent, establish and set out tiie above named
towns and were voluntarily subject to our government 20, 22 @. 23 years, some less, some
more. Moreover, that it had also fallen to our share, hy the determination of the provisional
settlement of Ihe Boundary concluded at Hartford in the year IG50, and last year at Hartford
it was under.'-tood between us and the Commissioners of New England, of whom Governor
Winthrop himself was one, that the contract concluded at H.irlfbrd ought to stam) firm and to
remain until ordered and decided further hy the Sovereigns on both sides. These
representations were of no avail ; this was the King's land, and they were his subjects and
liege men.
In regard to the advices received from Old England, to the effect that his Majesty was
inclined to bring all his kingdoms and subordinate lands under one form of Government, both
in Church and .State, and that some Commissioners and, as here divulged, two or three frigates
am|)ly provided with ammunition and men, lay ready in Englanil to repair for that purpose to
New England, and there to introduce Bishops the same as iu Old England, we will hope and
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 409
wish that it will so fall out, if it be for the advantage of God's Church. But we cannot omit
remarking what we have been told, and are yet daily warned and informed respecting this
matter; that the designs of those Commissioners, frigates and men-of-war are directed rather
against Long Island and these further conquests, than at the imagined reform of New England ;
the probability is presumed and understood from various circumstances, among others, from the
Patent granted last year to Rhode Island, whereby his Majesty of England grants freedom of
conscience and divine worship to every one, yea, even to the Quakers and Anabaptists, who
form the majority and chief portion there. Secondly, that Long Island and all the adjacent
islands, Rhode Island excepted, are conveyed by Patent to the Duke of York, and to that etlect
are the frigates provided with so many men and so much ammunition, the issue whereof
God must direct, &c.
As to the disputes and debates respecting jurisdiction and possession here with the
neighboring English, held both at thair general Assembly at Boston and Hartford, and now again
recently with Winthrop and his fellow Commissioners, experience hath taught us that such
deeds of sale and conveyance avail little, especially as to all the proofs shown them, they have
always ofiiired one or another exception or drawback ; that it was not from the right owners;
that they had not any power to sell such or such land ; that the Indians now declare that they
did not sell so much land to us, and many other such subterfuges. But whenever their deeds
of purchase and conveyance are of a more recent date than ours, then must they be admitted
without any gainsay. One instance of this, among many others, is the purchase and deed of
conveyance of the lands on the Hartford river, whereof the proof is still in existence ; and of the
eight witnesses who were present at the purchase, five are still living, who are ready to testify
on oath that, the purchase was made and possession taken before and ere any Englishman had
ever been on the Fresh river, and that from the Indians or natives who then occupied the
lands, dwelt on the river and declared themselves right owners thereof Notwithstanding this,
have the English driven and hunted our people by force from the purchased and possessed
lands, on pretence that they were not bought from the right owners; therefort; our purchase
was not legal, and theirs, made so long after ours, was lawful ; and notwithstanding they, from
the fact that the Barbarians were unable either to read or to write, could not, any more than we,
produce any other or better proof than the Indians' simple word : This is mine. After the
lapse of a year or less, another, frequently with the consent and concurrence of the first seller,
will contradict him and assert: This is mine, &c. But in case of dispute, we insist that, first
of all, ought to be considered the first and most ancient occupation and possession which we
indisputably have had on the three known rivers — the South, the North and the Fresh rivers ;
and, in proof of jurisdiction occupied the South river with Fort Nassau, and the North
river by Forts Amsterdam and Orange, and the Fresh river by the House, The Hope, exclusive
of the special possession which one Abraham Pietersen, of Harlem, still living, hath on the
Island Quetenesse, in Narricanese Bay, situate near Rhode Island, and again on another island
above, and about the Pequot river, still and at this day called, by the English themselves.
The Dutchman's Island, &c.
Done 4"" August, 1664.
Vol. II. 52
410 NEW- YORK COLONIAL NL^NUSCRIPTS.
Extract from the Register of the principal events which occurred in the Attack
on and Reduction of New Netherland, Anno 16G4.
[Translated from Iho English.]
By His Majesty's Command :
Whereas his Majesty, by commission under the Great Seal, hatli sent us to reduce, under
his Majesty's obedience, all such Foreigners as have, without his Majesty's consent, settled
and planted themselves between or in any of his Majesty's domains in America, to the prejudice
of his Majesty's subjects and the diminution of his Royal dignity, we do declare and promise
that ail those who will submit, of what nation soever they be, &c.
(Signed), R. Nicol,
George Carwrichs,*
James Mavryck.
Id'*" or 24"' of August. Received information that four frigates had arrived with men from
England to occupy New Netherland.
IG"" or 2-y^ Placed ourselves in posture of defence.
le"" or SG"* Received intelligence that one of the frigates had arrived in The Bay.
l?"" or 27"" Received intelligence that the English General was on board, and that more
men-of-war were about to follow ; the English have detained one Claes Verkaech's sloop.
IS"" or SS"" News arrived that three more frigates had arrived in The Bay; sent to the
surrounding villages for assistance, and are assured that a Proclamation, without day or date,
was sent to the villages all around, stating in substance what is above set forth in the
beginning hereof.
"'^l Received an answer from the villages, to which we had applied for help to defend
ourselves, that they could not leave their villages, wives and children a prey, whilst aiding to
defend another place, not knowing what might happen to them from the English. Sent some
Commissioners to the Commanders of the English frigates, requesting to know from them the
object of their coming and remaining in the roadstead before Nayack, without having as yet, to
our great surprise, given any knowledge thereof to the Government, as they were bound to do.
' Sir George Carteret, Baronet, was born in the IslanJ of Jersey in 1539, his father, Helier Carteret, being then Deputy
Governor of that Island. He entered the Navy at an early age. In lC2(j was appointed joint Governor of Jersey; in
1640 Comptroller of all his Majesty's ships, and in May, 1645, was created a Baronet. He retired, however, on the com-
mencement of the civil war, from the Navy, and withdrew, with his family, to Jersey, which he afterwards bravely defended
against the Parliamentarians. Here he had the honor to receive and to entertain the Prince of Wales, afterwards Charles
II., and his followers. After the fall of the Monarchy, he followed his Royal Muster to France in 1652, where he was thrown
into the Bastile in 16;>1, on a charge presented by Cromwell's Ambassador, and afterwards banished France. He joined
the King in 1C59 at Brussels, and at the Restoration rode with his Mnjesly on his entry into London in 1C60, when he was
appointed Vice Chamberlain, sworn of the Privy Council and constituted Treasurer of the Navy. Sir George Carteret
turned his attention, at an early date, to the Colonization of America, and in 1650 fitted out a ship for Virginia with many
passengers, all sorts of goods and tools for husbandry, in order to plant an island of which he had obt.ained a grant. Though
the project is supposed not to have been fully carried out, on account of the civil war, he did not lose sight of it altogether,
and eventualy put it into execution in 1665, when he and his associates founded the Colony, called New Jersey in his honor.
He was next elected to represent Portsmouth. In 166S he was appointed one of the Board of Trade, and in 1C69 was
cvpelled the House of Commons on a charge of embezzlement. In 107.3 he was a]>pointed one of the Lords of the Admiralty,
and continued in the public service until the 14th January, 1679, when he died at Wbitehall. His remains were interred at
Hawnes, in the county of Bedford. Collins' Peerage, TMe Granville; Meatson's -Political Index. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 411
Cflth
The Commissioners reported in substance that the English General had openly declared
that he was come to reduce tliis Province to the obedience of his Majesty of England, to that
end exhibiting to them the commission given him by his Majesty. Moreover, that he would
not lend himself to any argument as to his Majesty's right, and whether the Dutch had any
title to this place; but said, he left all such to be vindicated by the King himself, for, had his
Majesty commissioned him to attack Amsterdam, in Holland, he should make no scruple about
undertaking the business, leaving its justification to the King. He would send a written
answer next morning to the letter transmitted to him by the Commissioners.
Ditto. The English chased and overhauled a boat with Negroes belonging to the Burgomasters
of the city of Amsterdam, in Holland, but the Negroes had fled with a Dutchman into the
woods; the English took the boat with some men. A Burgher coming from without, was
taken prisoner by the English, who fired some grape at him. They commanded the farmers
up and down the river and on Long Island not to furnish any provisions to the city.
|i^ Received a letter from the English General in answer to ours, but unsigned.
"ut^sn'i'embef, English Deputies came with said letter signed, setting forth in substance that his
Majesty's right to this place was indisputable, without, however, wanting to enter into any
debate thereupon, demanding its surrender, threatening if resisted, and promising to allow each
to retain his property, if the place were voluntarily given up.
T. se'i"l'U,. Wrote another letter to the English General, which was handed him by
Commissioners in answer to his, being word for word, as follows:
Honorable Sir.
Your first letter, unsigned, of the 20-31" of August, together with that of this day, signed
according to form, being the ]st of September, have been safely delivered into our hands by your
Deputies, unto which we shall say, that the rights of his MMJesty of England unto any part of
America hereabout, amongst the rest, unto the Colonies of Virginia, Maryland, or others in
New England, whether disputable or not, is that which, for the present, we have no design to
debate upon. But that his Majesty hath an unquestionable and indisputable right to all the
lands in the north parts of America, is that which the Kings of France and Spain will
absolutely disallow, as we absolutely do deny, by virtue of a commission bearing date the
twenty-sixth of July, 1646, given and granted to me, by my Lords, the High and Mighty States-
General, to be Governor-General over this Province of New Netherland, the Isles of Curasao,
Bonaire, Aruba, with their appurtenances and dependencies, as also by virtue of a grant and
commission, given, and granted by my said Lords, the High and Mighty States-General, to
the West India Company, in the year 1G2I, with as much power, commission and authority,
as his said Miijesty of England hath given, or can give to any colony in America, as more fully
appears by the patent and commission under signature, paraph and great seal of the said Lords
the States-General, which were shown to your deputies Colonel George Carteret, Captain
Robert Needham, Captain Edward Groves, and Mr. Thomas Delavall ; by which commission
and patent, and abundantly by divers signed and sealed letters of our said Lords the States-
General, lately directed and sent to several, both English and Dutch towns on Long Island
(which, without doubt, have been communicated and shown to you by their inhabitants),
their High Mightinesses the States-General absolutely declare the inhabitants of Long Island
and elsewhere to be their subjects and vassals, with express command to be obedient unto
them, under penalty of incurring their utmost indignation and displeasure, whereby the
412 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
unsoundness of your first supposition (tiiat the title of his Majesty of Great Britain to these
parts of America is indisputable), is as manifest and palpable as the brightness of the sun
at noonday.
In addition to the foregoing, it is beyond contradiction apparent and notorious, that we or
our nation have, by virtue of still older commissions and patents of their said High Mightinesses
the States-General, granted to our predecessors, governors of this place, had peaceable and, as
far as we know, unquestioned possession up at Fort Orange forty-eight or fifty years, here at
the Manhattans forty-one or forty-two years, the South river about forty, and of the Fresh
river about thirty-six years, and have ever since enjoyed the same.
Touching the second subject of your letter (that his Majesty hath commanded you, in his
name, to require a surrender of all such forts, towns, or places of strength, which now are
possessed by the Dutch within my government), I answer: That we give his Majesty of
Great Britain credit for so much discretion and equity, in case his Majesty were informed and
instructed correctly and truly that the Dutch came into these Provinces not of their own
authority but, by virtue of commission granted to private individuals by their High Mightinesses,
the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, had settled themselves in this Province
first of all in the years 1614, 1615 and 1616, upon this North river, near Fort Orange, where,
to hinder the invasions and massacres of the savages, they had built a little fort ; and after, in
the year 1622 and following years even to this present time, by virtue of commission and
grant from the Lords States-General to the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company,
and, moreover, in the year 1656, of a grant of the South river to the Honorable, the Burgomasters
of Amsterdam, insomuch, that, liy virtue of the ahovesaid commissions from the High and
Mighty States-General, given to the abovementioned and other private persons, this Province
lias been possessed and governed ; when (we say) his Majesty is correctly informed of all this
and what more might be said in regard of the first discovery, uninterrupted possession, prior
purchase of the lands of the Native Princes and owners of the country (though Heathens) we
are fully persuaded that his Majesty's justice would not, in a time when so close a friendship
and union have been so recently made, grant sucli an order to disturb their High Mightinesses'
subjects in this New Netherland Province, much less to demand its surrender and that of the
places and fortresses which their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General, order and
direct us to maintain, preserve and protect in their name, by their commission dated SS"" July,
1646, as the same was exhibited to your Deputies on the day before yesterday, |^ ult„ under
their High Mightinesses' hands and seal.
Besides the foregoing, it is not probable that England's Majesty, acting agreeably to the
Articles of peace sent to us in their High Mightinesses' letter, whereby we are strictly ordered,
solemnly and seriously to observe them and cause them to be observed here within this New
Netherland Province, an evident proof that the inhabitants of this Province are subjects and
vassals of their High Mightinesses, and that none other than their said High Mightinesses cau
command their subjects in this Province, and hence again, in case of peace or war, are we
bound by what they and no one else order us as their Governor-General to justify, against
whomsoever it may be, the maintenance of this Fort and to avenge the menaces, violence and
wrong done to their servants and all their good and loyal subjects ; his Majesty being, as he
ought, informed hereof, it is not probable, as I have said, that you, as you plainly intimate
and publish in your letter, would be ordered to summon, in his Majesty's name, such cities,
forts and strongholds as are in the possession of the Dutch Nation under my government,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 413
which I declare and prove by my commission, to be the government of the abovementioned
High and Mighty Lords the States-General of the United Netherlands ; more especially, as it
is notorious, that about three years ago some English frigates have, on the coast of Africa, on
pretended commission, summoned the forts and strongholds, erected under their High
Mightinesses' commission on that coast, namely. Cape Verde, Rio Gambia, and all the Guinea
forts, whereupon their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General, having, agreeably to the
Articles of peace complained to the Royal Majesty of England, his Majesty disclaimed these
hostile acts and most expressly denied having authorized them, and besides, gave order that
restitution should be made to the East India Company, of whatsoever had been pillaged in
the said River Gambia; and, likewise, restored to them their trade, wherefore we are led
to think it necessary that a more express order in the premises should be exhibited to
us as a warrant from their High Mightinesses, whose character we represent by virtue
of their commission in this New Netherland Province, and, consequently, not in his Majesty's
dominion, and to enable us to complain to his said Majesty of England through their
High Mightinesses.
Neither can we avoid observing to you, that his Majesty's Governors and Commissioners of
New England, though now and again disputing about the Boundaries, have never questioned
their High Mightinesses' jurisdiction, and hence have treated and negotiated with us about the
Boundaries, by virtue of their High Mightinesses' commission as Director-General of New
Netherland, both in the year 1650, at Hartford and last year at Boston, which is also a
palpable proof that his Royal Majesty of P'.ngland must never have been correctly informed
and instructed concerning the righteousness of the case, if, as you say, he hath, contrary to
the concluded Articles of peace, which are binding on the subjects and vassals of both parties
in America and in Europe, given commission and order, by hostile aggression and force of
arms, to disquiet, molest and to oblige their High Mightinesses' subjects to surrender forts and
places which have been peaceably possessed some fifty, some forty, and the latest, 36 years.
Which we then, in their High Mightinesses' name declare, and also before God and the world
protest, will be an absolute infraction and violation of the Articles of peace so solemnly made
and concluded between the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Majesty
of England.
Besides all the foregoing, it is still to be considered that we, in order to avoid and prevent the
shedding of blood, did last February contract and negotiate with Captain John Schott, who
then stated that he was thereunto qualified, to hold in abeyance for the space of twelve months,
and to refer to the Royal Majesty of England and their High Mightinesses the question of the
limits on Long Island, to be by them amicably determined. We hereby and through our
Deputies, Mess" Cornells van Ruyven, Secretary and Receiver of New Netherland, Cornells
Steenwyck, Burgomaster, Mr. Samuel Megapolensis, Doctor of Medicine, and Mr. James
Cousseau, late Sheriff, make you the same offer, in order to prevent bloodshed here and further
trouble in Europe, which will follow consequent and unquestionably on any hostile aggressions
and differences between England's Majesty and their High Mightinesses.
As to the threatening conclusion of your letter, we can at present no otherwise reply than
that we fear it no further than as the merciful and no less righteous God (by whom all things
are upheld as well by small force and means, yea, even by no means, as by a great army) will
414 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
please to be disposed to maintain our just possession. Wherewith, after sincere greeting, we
wish you all happiness and prosperity, and commend you to His protection.
Your most humble and
Affectionate servant,
Fort Amsterdam, in New iXetherland, P. Stuyvesant.
2" September, A" 1GC4.
The aforesaid letter being read by the Delegates to the English Governor, General Nicols
said : That the statement therein respecting the right of the Dutch to this Province by discovery,
possession and purchase from the Natives did not concern him ; that was a matter for the
consideration of the King and the States-General ; but that he should notice only the conclusion
wherein it was said that we must defend and protect this place. To which he answered, that
he must and should take the place, refusing henceforth to permit any parleys, as he must
execute his orders and commission ; that he had offered terms by his letter; if these were not
accepted, he should be necessitated to attack the place by force, declaring iiimself innocent of
the mischiefs and bloodshed ; gave notice that he should, at the end of twice twenty-four hours,
bring his force up nearer.
'MA^pM Inspected the fort and considered what was to be done.
3t] September. r
'"b seTmb.r ^^^^ EugUsh force came nearer; it was joined by Captain Schott and his horse
and foot, who had heretofore summoned Long Island. Whereupon again sent Delegates with
a letter to the English General, containing in substance that we had thought that, on the
irrefragable right of their High Mightinesses to this New Netherland Province, as well by first
discovery and oldest possession as by purchase from the Natives, and in the expectation tliat
his Majesty had agreed with their High Mightinesses about the Boundary, operations would
have been postponed, and he, in order to prevent mischief and bloodshed, would have desisted
from and certainly surceased his design until further information and determination from the
Sovereigns on both sides. Whereupon we can only reply, that we must defend the place
agreeably to their High Mightinesses' orders, our honor, oath and duty. But, as in this aggression
and the required defence, innocent Christian blood will be spilt, a cessation of hostilities and an
armistice are requested, in order to endeavor, by Commissioners on both sides, to see and settle
everything. The answer of Richard Nicols, the English General, was by rescript, that he could
not be a party nor agree to any such thing, unless the intention was to treat for the surrender of
the place. The Commissioners request that the troops may not come any nearer, which the
General refuses. They again request a cessation of iiostililies, in order to a further conference.
Orders were thereupon given to Captain Hides that the city should not yet be fired or attacked,
but only runaway vessels taken. And thereupon two frigates went up the river above the city,
and two remained below, and the ships were warned not to depart if they wished not to be
captured. And one of the Commissioners was arrested, and the other closely chased whilst
going towards the city in a boat; but they made known that they had a letter to Captain
Hides that no hostility should be commenced. Deliberation being had on the whole matter,
and on the Petition of the inhabitants, &c.,
""Sri??^^ Resolved to treat for a surrender, and sign powers on both sides.
°ah se"fi^mb^r Arrange and conclude terms on both sides, whereupon the place is given up.
""'' *"'""• — The Capitulation and ratifications beinic exchanged on both sides, the English
General exhibited copy of the King's Patent, dated the twelfth of March, wherein the whole
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 415
of New England was ceded in favor of the Duke of York ; also a copy of the Duke of York's
commission to Richard Nicols as General, and the execution of the King's Patent, dated the
second April, 1664. Likewise an order from the King of England, directing the Governor of
New England to reduce the New Netherland Colony under his subjection, dated 23^ April, 16G4.
°°"' ^°^"- And thereupon, without any other occurrence, was, as above stated, the place of
9lh Se|Uember. I ' *f »
New Amsterdam, in New Netherland, situate on the Manhatans, surrendered to the English,
the garrison retiring with all their arms, flying colors and beating drums; and thereby the
English, without any contest or claim being before put forth by any person to it, took
possession of a fort built and continually garrisoned about forty years at the expense of the
West India Company.
Extract of the general letter to the Company.
And what is above stated was done to us by pretended friends in time of peace, not by way
of reprisal or pretence that they had suffered wrong, but only, as they unanimously declare,
intimate and express by their summons and published commission (copies whereof are hereunto
annexed), that this country, belonging to the Crown and domain of England's Majesty, has
thus long been unjustly usurped and possessed, &c.
Dated Amsterdam, in New Netherland, l?"" September, 1664, we having been ordered,
on the 7'\ not to call this place otherwise than New-York, on the Island of Manhattans,
in America.
Resokition of the States-General.
Thursday, 31" December, 1665.
The Lords of Ommeren, and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the afTairs of
England, have, in fulfillment of their High Mightinesses' resolution of the tenth of September
last, exhibited to the Assembly a certain writing or Rejoinder, serving to dilute the Reply of
Sr. Downing,^ Ambassador Extraordinary of the King of Great Britain, to the Remarks made
by their High Mightinesses' Deputies on his Memorial of the thirtieth December, 1664, which,
being considered, their High Mightinesses have thanked the Deputies for the trouble they
have taken ; and said Deputies are hereby requested to take the necessary measures to have
the aforesaid Rejoinder printed.
Paraphed : J. v. Reegersberg.
Lower stood :
Agrees with the Register.
(Signed), N. Ruysch.
' George Downing was born in the city of London in 1624, and accompanied liis parents to America when about thirteen
years of age. His father, Emanuel Downing, was brother-in-law to Governor John Winthrop, one of the principal founders
of the Colony of Massachusetts, and father-in-law of Governor Bradstreet. On his arrival here, as early as 1638, he settled
at Salem, where he was soon chosen Representative to the General Court, and continued in office five years. His son George
was placed under the tuition of Rev. John Fiske, who resided at Salem as a teacher several years, and by him was fitted
for college. When he entered the new institution at Cambridge, it was under the instruction of Nathaniel Eaton, but on
416 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Amhasmdor Van Cuujli to Secretary B,uy,sch.
[ Prom the Original, in the Koyal Arcliivcs at the Hague; Secrete Kits of llie States-General; Division, Engeland; Kus 13., Lukel L., Xo. 126.
Sir.
Since my last of the j"J|} ultimo, sent hence to the State, I have been to see one of the
Secretaries of State in order to understand whether any and wliat disposition has been made
of the Memorial lately sent by me from Chelsea to Oxford and handed to his Lordship for his
information. Thereupon this Lord said to me, that no furtiier disposition was to be expected
than had been made of the foregoing Memorial and sent to me at Chelsea. Wherefore, as I
have complained, for reasons fully set forth in said Memorial, and particularly that 1 found it,
as yet, certainly impossible to attend to the case of the prisoners, and that I had, therefore,
presented the foresaid last Memorial also, this Lord said to me that he desired not to say
anything further on the subject, as it was resolved to separate the abovementioned last
Memorial, so that I have no further information or satisfaction to expect on that head, and
this melancholy state of things must, perhaps, continue in the same situation as formerly
described. I have, indeed, made some provisional arrangements at Chelsea, but said persons
have just abandoned me ; some remaining away, without paying any further attention ; the
his entering his junior year, it was placed under tlie presidency of Henry Dunster. Ue was one of the nine gentlemen
who first had the degree of Bachelor of Arts conferred on them in that seminary in 1642, and remained in this country
afterwards until 1645, when he went in a ship by way of Newfoundland to the West Indies, his business being to
instruct the seamen. He visited the Islands of St Christopher, BarbaJoes and Nevis, and, in each of these places,
preached to such acceptance that he received very considerable offers to remain. But he proceeded to England, where he
was soon brought into notice, being, as Gov. Winthrop says, " a very able scholar, and of ready wit and fluent utterance."
He was appointed chaplain in the regiment of Col. John Okey, in the army of Lord Thomas Fairfa.x, who had the chief
command of the Parliament forces in the north on the resignation of Lord Essex. In 1653 he was Commissary-General, and,
about the same time, Scout-Master General of the English army in Scotland. In the same year he was employed io
ncotiations with the Duke of Savoy, and at home served in the army, with which, however, he was not long connected.
Having great talents for the speedy discharge of any trusts committed to him, he soon attracted the notice of Oliver
Cromwell. He seems to have been fitted by nature for scenes of political manceuvering, and his principles were of such
fle.xible character that he could cisily accommodate them to any service which the times required. It was his aptness for
state affairs, and his great assiduity in business, that gained for him the distinctions of rank and office which he enjoyed.
In 1G55, being Secretary to John Tluirloe, who was Secretary of Cromwell, he visited the French King on jjublic business
and communicated his inatructions in Latin. In 1G55 he was chosen member of Parliament from the Scotch borough of
Haddington, in Scotland, under General Monk's instructions. In 165"? he was appointed Minister to Holland, by Cromwell
who, in assigning him this station, in a letter of credence, says, "George Downing is a person of eminent quality, and after
a long trial of his fidelity, probity and diligence in several and various negotiations, well approved and valued by us, him
we have thought fitting to send to your Lordships, dignified with the character of our agent," itc. He had the same
employment under Richard Cromwell in 1660, and his services in this station appear to have been great, of which abundant
evidence is afforded in Thurloe's State Papers. While in the Netherlands he seems to have had considerable acquaintance
with De Thou, Minister from France, who had much respect for his diplomatic abilities. In July, 1658, he wrote to his
government, that De Thou was anxious to obtain the picture of Cromwell as a special favor. By attempting to prevent the
English at the Hague from praying for Charles Stuart, he displeased the Queen of Bohemia, so much that she said she would
no more worship with them. This attempt, moreover, nearly cost him his life ; for three of his own countrymen watched
for him one evening with the intention of assassinating him, but were unsucce.ssful. He wrote on the 9th of August, that he
had warm debates with De Witt concerning the English ships captured by the Dutch in the India seas. He was active in
watching the plans of the royalists on the Continent, and prompt in cointuunicating them to his Government. In the last year
of his mission he was employed in bringing about a peace between Denmark and Sweden, and in ascertaining the designs
and proceedings of the friends to the exiled Charles. When he had become convinced that there was a prospect that this
Monarch would be restored to the throne of his ancestors, he changed sides and took every opportunity to show his loyalty
to the King. He was soon elected Burgess for Morpeth, in Northumberland, to serve in the Parliament which convened at
Westniineter, 8th May, 1661. Previous to this, the order of knighthood had been conferred on him. He was appointed
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XII. -417
others declaring that they cannot undertake this business any longer. So that I must remain
at a loss in this regard, as before.
In the other places where the prisoners are confined, I have also endeavored to get some
order made in regard to this distressing business, which, notwithstanding liiese efibrts, I could
not accomplish, so that we are more distressed on this point, the places being different, the
number of prisoners unknown, and, moreover, they being without any address, &c., all which
it is impossible to supply in consequence of the sad condition of things both from war,
pestilence, &c. ; therefore it is again most humbly requested that the requisite orders be
transmitted hither so that due provision may be made in the aforesaid cases. And as no
further answer is to be expected to the complaints that have been made, or the Memorials
handed in on such subject having remained unanswered and on the table, it is, in ail dutifuhiess,
submitted to their High Mightinesses whether my sojourn here can be any longer of use;
nay, whether it be not most necessary that I should return to Fatherland to communicate to
their High Mightinesses the necessary information in the premises, as well as on other points,
in order that they may resolve in such wise as circumstances may demand.
I have repeatedly requested of the French Ambassadors Extraordinary a copy in writing
of the proposal they submitted to the King here, for the conclusion of a peaceful settlement,
which their High Mightinesses mention in their last despatch and resolution dated the 20""
ultimo, sent to me, but have, however, not received it, their Excellencies alleging that it was
not made in writing, much less signed, and, therefore, communicated it to me verbally, and,
as it were, in passing, saying: that it was sufficiently known in Fatherland. As I dared
about the same time by Charles to the same station in Holland, which he had held under the Cromwells. In March, 1662,
while in that country, in order to show his zeal and love for his Majesty, be procured the arrest of John Okey, Miles Corbet
and John Barkstead, three of the judges who had condemned to death Charles I., and sent them to England for trial. Okey
had been the friend of Downing, who served in his regiment as chaplain. With the other two he had cooperated in the
cause of Parliament. His conduct, therefore, in this transaction was justly reprobated. It is thus spoken of by his con-
temporary, Pepys, who had been a clerk in Downing's office; "This morning [12th March, 1662] we had news that Sir
G. Downing ( like a perfidious rogue, though the action is good and of service to the King, yet he cannot with a good
conscience do it) hath taken Okej-, Corbet and Barkstead, at Delft, in Holland, and sent them home in the Blackmore. Sir
W. Penn, talking to me this afternoon of what a strange thing it is for Downing to do this, he told me of a speech lie made
to the Lords States of Holland, telling them to their faces, that he observed that he was not received with the respect and
observance that he was when he came from the traitor and rebel Cromwell ; by whom I am sure he hath got all he hath in
the world, and they know it too." Under date of the 17th, mentioning the arrival of the judges, Pepys adds: "The
Captain, tells me that the Dutch were a good while before they could be persuaded to let them go, they being taken prisoners
in their land. But Sir George Downing would not be answered so, though all the world takes notice of him for a most
ungrateful villain for Iiis pains." On July 1st, 1663, he was created a Baronet, and is styled of East-Hatley, in Cambridgeshire.
In 1667 his Mnjesly's Commissioners of the Treasury chose him for their Secretary. The writer already quoted, states, under
1608, that Mr. Downing discoursed with him about liavint; given advice to his ilajesty for prosecuting the Dutch war, but
that the King had hearkened to other counsellors and thus subjected the nation to loss. He also informed Pepys, at this
time, that when in Holland "ha had so good spies that he hath had the keys taken out of De Witt's pocket when he was
abed, and his closet opened and papers brought to him and left in his hands for an hour, and carried back and laid in the
place again, and the keys put into his pocket again. He says he hath had their most private debates that have been but
between two or three of the chief of them brought to him ; in an hour after that, hath sent word thereof to the King." In
1671 he was again sent to Holland to adjust some difficulties wliich had arisen between the English and the Dutch, but
returning home, through fear or some other cause, before he had executed the business of his mission to the satisfaction of
the King, he was imprisoned in the tower of London. An article of news from England, received in this country in 1672,
says, "Sir George Downing is in the tower, it is said, because he returned from Holland, where he was sent Ambassador,
before his time. As it is reported, he had no small share of abuse offered him there. They printed the sermons he preached
in Oliver's time, and drew three pictures of him. 1. Preaching in a tub; orer it was written, This I wan. 2. A treacherous
courtier; over it, This I am, 3. Hanging in a gibbet, and over it, This I shall be." He seems to hftve bepn afterwards
Vol. TI. 53
418 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
not well rely on that, and as I again renewed further urgent solicitation to-day, the proposition
was brought to nie as hereunto annexed, it being copied and written down by myself.
As far as I have succeeded in my inquiries regarding the fleet at sea, I have not been able
to learn any more than that it still continues, it is supposed, in considerable strength ; 40 ships
are reported under Admirals Mins and iSinilh,' to be sent to tiie Straits or towards Guinea,
without my being able to fathom the design or even to find out the time when they will be
ready to sail. 1 understand, in like manner, that it was determined here to hold and treat the
city of Nordon, in East Friesland, agreeably to and like the city of Embden, as the inhabitants
thereof are considered dependent on Netherland.
The five Ministers having heard some talk to the eflect, that people knew not what to think
of the Dutch Ambassador being left at this Court whilst the English Ambassador hath (piit
the Hague and the French Mediators are returning home, and, as strange inferences and
conclusions seem to be drawn therefrom, I have considered it to be my duty to communicate
the same.
Yesterday the French Mediators made me a formal visit to take their leave and unanimously
declared that they should, in like manner, oflicially take leave of his Majesty this day at noon,
and then make preparations for their departure hence in 8 @; 10 days at farthest.
Wherewith breaking ofl", I remain,
Sir,
. Your humble servant,
Oxford,':;;:;;:::: ^:::i665. (signed), m. van gogh.
released from confinement an J restoreJ to royal favor. In the difficulties which the New England Colonies had with Charles
II., from lfi79, Downing is represented as having been very friendly to Massachusetts. He died in 1684, the same year
in which that Colony was deprived of its charter, being about 60 years of age. Governor Hutchinson says, that Downing'a
character runs low with the best historians of England. It was much lower with his countrymen in New England; and it
became a proverbial expression to say of a false roan who betrayed his trusty " that he was an arrant George Downing."
Rev. Mr. Felt, in his Annals of Salem, thus speaks of him : " Ho was evidently a person of respectable talents. The
responsible trusts committed to him under different administrations, show that he was no ordinary statesman. Whatever
government he served, whether of Parliament, the Cromwells, or Charles II., he did it with faithfulness." Sir George
left a family, and his descendants have enjoyed stations of honor and wealth. His wife, whom he inanied in 1654, was
a sister of the Right lion. Charles Howard, of Naworth, in the county of Cumberland. His son George, who mai-ried
Catharine, eldest dauglitcr of James, third Earl of Salisbury, was one of the tellers in the Exchequer in 1680. Charlt-s,
suolher son, was living in London in 1700, and sold the farm in Salem, which formerly belonged to his grandfather, Emanuel
Downing. George, son of George and Catharine Downing, and grandson to Sir George, was in three different Parliaments,
1710, 1713, and 1727. He died in 1747, without issue, ami left a splendid bequest for the foundation of a college at
Cambridge, England, incorporated in 1800, on a more liberal foundation than any other in that renowned university. This
bequest exceeds £150.000. Tlie assertion made in the Magna Brilannia, and by several English writers, that Sir George
was son of Calibute Downing, LL. D., is satisfactorily refuted by Mr. Savage, in a co[iious note in his edition of
Tl'iH(/iro//s Uisinry of New England, II., 240, 243. Fell's Annals of Salem, 156, 168-170, 531 ; Hutchinson's History of
Massachusetts, 1., 107; II., 10; WooiVs Athena Oxmiiensis, IL, 27, 758, 759; Memoirs of Pepys, I., 134., 135; II., 58. 291;
Dyer's History of the University <U Cambridge, II., 440—447 ; Johnson's History of New England, 165; Ibid., in 2 Collections of
Massachusetts Historical Society, VII., 29; 1 Massachusetts Historical Collections, I., 107; VI., 240; Lempriere's Universal
Biography (Lord's ed), 11., 552; Marvelt's Seasonable Argument, cited l>y Mr. Savage; Mather's Magnalia, II., 20; Magna
Britannia, II., 1^* ; Farmer's Memorials ef the Graduates of Harvard University, ^—]Z', Parliamentary History of England,
XIX., 411, 465, 469; Burnet's History of his Own Times (1838), 136; ffamiltun's Memoirs of OrammonI (Bohn's ed.), 43J ;
Lister's Clarendon, II., 231-255, 208-271, 311, 315; also. Vol. III.; Vaughn's Protectorate, I., 229, 255, 261, 264, 266, 268;
II., 290, 317, 433; Courtenay's Sir William Temple, I., 117, 264, 269. — Eo.
' Supra, p. 344.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 419
Appendix.
Propositions submitted by the Ambassadors Extraordinary of France, at present
near the King of Great Britain.
1. That the Island of Pouleron shall be surrendered to his Britannic Majesty.
2. That New Nelherland shall be ceded to him.
3. That Cormantin shall be delivered to him on condition that Fort Cape Corse be razed, or,
if his Majesty wish to retain Cape Corse, that Fort Cormantin will remain to the States.
4. That Fort St. Andrew and Boavista will also appertain to his Britannic Majesty.
5. In regard to the ships named Htnry, Bonne Adventure and Donne Esperance, it will be
referred to his Most Christian Majesty's arbitration to examine if any indemnity be due, and if
so, to liquidate it; and, as regards those whose commerce has been impeded on the coasts of
Malabar and Guinea, his Most Christian Majesty will likewise arbitrate the reparation that
is due.
West India Cunqmny to the States -General.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague ; File, West Indie,]
To the High and Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands.
The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company of this country, with due reverence,
represent that, agreeably to your High Mightinesses' letters and order, dated the 19"" December
last, they have drawn up and annexed hereunto such Observations on the Report' of Peter
Stuyvesant, late Director-General of New Netherland, as the same calls forth, requesting that
due regard may be paid thereto.
Which doing, &c.
Mich' Ten Hove.
10-^-66.
Observations of the West India Company on the Rqiort of Ex-Director Stuyvesant.
To the High and Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands.
High and Mighty Lords.
When the first intelligence was received, in this country, of the loss of New Netherland,
which was surrendered to the English by the Director-General and Council of that Province,
to whom its government and protection and that of all the circumjacent places, had been
intrusted and committed, not only you. High and Mighty, but also the Directors of the West
India Company found, from the documents and papers sent hither, that the aforesaid country
' See, supra, p. 363. — Ed.
420 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
had not been ilefeiided as the duty of the Director-General and Council, the importance of the
place and the means at hand there, required; and, therefore, if the case were investigated,
either that the Company's officers had not acquitted themselves as they ought, or that sufficient
information of the condition of the country and the necessity of the surrender had not been
communicated to yon, High and Mighty, or to the Company. For these reasons the
abovenamed Directors called Peter Stuyvesant, the late Director-General hither, to justify
the surrender, or to receive what he might liave deserved on account of his neglect or
treachery ; who, on his arrival, delivered to you. High and Mighty, a written Fteport and
afterwards requested bis discharge. The Directors, in consequence, on your High Mightinesses'
letter and order dated 19"" of last December, couhl not refrain from furnishing your High
Mightinesses with information and advice on the important points contained in the Report
aforesaid, to the end that you. High and Mighty, having examined the same, may be able to
dispose, according to your profound wisdom, of his request as you shall deem fitting.
The Report of the abovenamed Ex-Director-General, Peter Stuyvesant, consists of a Brief
Account of the state of the aforesaid Province at the commencement of his administration ;
its increase until the surrender ; and, secondly, of a Statement of the reasons why the aforesaid
place was delivered up to the English, in order to prove therefrom that he hath performed
his bounden obligations, and is, therefore, innocent of all that could or will be imputed to him
on the score of neglect of duty. We shall pass over the former part, which serves onlv for
information of how much the country improved under his administration, notwithstanding it
could, if necessary, he therein shown that the Company hath never stripped the places of
garrisons to that extent that the Savages or others had, in consequence, taken occasion to
injure the inhabitants of the Flat country ; but that they had committed their invasions from
a fancied security confirmed by the vvildness of the forests and inaccessible places, seeing that,
retiring thither before our military, they could be safe ; and shall consider, somewhat pertinently,
the second part only, in order to ascertain if the late Director-General abovenamed hath duly
protected and defended against the English what was brought, under his administration, from
a little Colony to a rising Republic; and to that end examine, if the reasons adduced by the
aforesaid Stuyvesant for his discharge be so conclusive as to fully and duly justify the surrender.
These are found to consist of various items, viz. :
Want of provisions ;
Want of munitions of war ;
Unwillingness of the Burghers and Fear of being plundered ;
Despair of relief, and
Whatever else can be deduced by him, as a consequence thereof, in defence of his acts.
We shall at once dispose of them in their order, and add our comments for your High
Mightinesses' information.
And first: Regarding Want of provisions and whatever is adduced in verification thereof,
we say: That all the world knows that the Province of New Netherland abounds so much in
every sort of means for the support of life, especially provisions, that it is impossible for the
abovenamed place to have been short of food, since supplies, for maintenance and support,
were never transmitted hence thither, except when the government had not taken sufficient care
to victual the place in season ; in which case, it must be esteemed fully as culpable as if the
place had been surrendered to the enemy, fully provisioned. Stuyvesant, justly apprehending
this objection, again endeavors to invent reasons for the scarcity, especially that it had been
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 421
caused by the sl)ipment of a parcel of provisions to Curasao by the Muscli, acknowledging
first, however, that tiie magazine had been well stocked during the whole summer. But a
child will be able to judge whether tliat shipment can excuse him of neglect and palpable
carelessness, inasmuch as he had, fully three weeks before the dispatch of that vessel, specific
tidings of the frigates which have reduced the place and Province, and of their intended
coming to attack the aforesaid places. At all events, if it could not be stated as certain, the
probability was so manifest that he ought not to have stripped himself of any necessaries.
The Company's letter of the 21" of April, to which he appeals, cannot, in any wise, excuse
him herefrom, because he was not told therein that the English frigates would not attack him,
but simply that such was the report, which they in no wise indorsed. Also, the abovenamed
Director and Council, in their letter of the , in answer to the abovementioned despatch
of the 21" April, very expressly write that they had been advised that the contrary was a
positive and assured fact, and that the Company had been misinformed. In all cases is it
notorious that, supposing the aforesaid ship had sailed, according to his own report, the new
grain crop was nigh in the barn ; nay, 'tis certain that all the barns were overflowing
with grain, so that he, being aware of the approach of the English, had time enough to
have the grain hauled in and threshed, whereby the want of provisions within would have
been obviated. But, it appears that the occasion had been wilfully allowed to slip, in order,
forsooth, to palliate the surrender by some show of excuse ; the aforesaid Director himself
having endeavored, on the 29"" of August, after the arrival of the English with their frigates,
to have some cattle conveyed thence to the South river under a convoy of 12 soldiers ; so
that the want of provisions is either a mere pretext, or if true, was owing to inexcusable
negligence. The want of cash cannot avail here, inasmuch as the necessity, according to his
own showing, was so great that the bouweries must fain dispose of their grain on credit, and
would have willingly done so, had the Director-General and Council requested it, which was
not the case.
The second excuse consists of, Want of munitions of war. As to this, the Company will
not so much consider the powder which was in store, as simply sliow that all the requisitions
for powder ever made by the government of i\ew Netherland, from first to last, were fully
honored and received; that Alexander de Hinjossa, the Director of the city's Colonic on the
South river, did, in July, 1664, offer to the abovenamed Stuyvesant, in sufficient season, all
his gunpowder, amounting to more than -5,000 lbs., with all necessaries, his person and all his
people, as a reinforcement, which he can prove by his letters to the government of New
Netherland, without the aforesaid Director and Council having been willing to accept the
ofU'er; even the aforesaid Director did not secure the gunpowder on board the ships lying
before the fort. Accordingly, the blame again lies with the aforesaid Director and Council for
having had so small a supply. Yea, from the rejection of the assistance offered by the
abovenamed Hinjossa to the Director and Council, it might almost be concluded that they
designed wittingly and willingly to surrender the place, and to try to eschew all occasions
which could oblige them to maintain it. 'Tis no excuse, that he had endeavored to procure
powder from Renslaerswyck and Beverwyck, and that he was refused ; because the
abovementioned offer being by him rejected, and no sufficient requisitions having, as they
ought to have, been made on the Company, this action cannot save him from the charge of
negligence, and probably it is put forth in order merely to invent a plea to show that he had
acquitted himself of his bounden duty.
422 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
'J'lie tliird ground of excuse is: The Burghers were unwilling and not strong enougli to
defend tlie city, and if defended, that it was expected to be plundered. Whereupon the
Directors will merely observe, that he was intrusted with the defence not of the city alone,
but particularly of the fort ; that if the Burghers were unwilling to fight, he liad a right to
consider, that a capital fortress garrisoned by ISO brave soldiers ought not to have been
surrendered without making some defence, because the Burghers were not willing to defend
the city ; hut that he was bound to defend it to the utmost, and abandon the Burghers rather
than the entire country, without paying any attention to the fear of being plundered; the
promises that each one sliould retain his own properly and the enemy's intention to ruin
everything ; these being rather arguments which cast suspicion on him and the entire
government, who were so much interested in farming land tiiere, that tiiey let the country
be lost, in order to preserve their own property, saying, in the very words of their letter dated
16"" September, 1GC4, that they would prefer to suffer shipwreck in the empty praise and
esteem of the world than, waiting to the last moment without iiope of relief, subject
everything to bloodshed, or at least to the danger of being plundered.
Fourthly. Despair of relief; without considering that every necessary they had required
had been sent them by the Company in the last ships, and provisionally a number of soldiers, not
indeed capable of acting offensively against the enemy, but sufficient to maintain and defend the
place, wilii the promise of the continuance thereof. It wa?, therefore, impossible for them to
know for certain that they should not be relieved at an early day ; for, had he properly acquitted
liimself, tiieir High Mightinesses would, without doubt, have ordered the fleet under Lieutenant-
Admiral de Ruyter,' passing New Netherland about eight months afterwards, to touch at the
place and relieve it. At all events, that cannot avail as a suHicient ground of excuse for
the surrender of a capital fortress with 2+ pieces of artillery, without firing a gun or waiting a
shot ; he must at least have assured himself that the enemy would have dared to attack
him, and having made so much of a defence as his iiotior and oath demanded, then for the first
time have sought, by a good capitulation, to save as much as possible the interest of the State
and of the Company.
The last argument is the weakest and unworthy of consideration, to wit: Even had he been
subjected to no necessity, nevertheless tiie Province would have been reduced by this war.
'Twas his duty to defend it until that time had arrived, and not having done so, he hath acted
wrong, and surrendered Colonies of this State to the enemy at an improper time.
Having concluded the Company's reflections on the preceding Report, we shall add : That
the aforesaid Director-Cieneral and Council, over and above all the faults and neglects already
demonstrated, did not make the least efTort, as they ought to have done, to maintain the fort
and repel the enemy; particularly, that they did not take sufficient care of Staten Island, but
abandoning it, quitted the Block-house without taking the cannon with them ; the enemy
being there, not a musket shot from the fort, were allowed to occupy and reduce the whole
with fifty men, without firing a gun; that, whilst the enemy \^ere yet out of sight, the
Director and Council sent Deputies from the city and fort to inquire the cause of their coming^
and thereby afforded them an opportunity to propose that, if the place were voluntarily
surrendered, each person should keep his own ; the Burghers in consequence behaved badly,
so that, without firing a shot, they allowed the two frigates to pass the fort; nay. Fiscal Sylla
did, by order of tiie abovenamed Director-Ceneral, forbid the soldiers firing, to prevent the
'Supra, I., p. 082, note. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 423
passage of those ships ; that, to the further discouragement of the Burghers, the aforesaid
Director did, himself, contrary to all reason, go to the City Hull to communicate to the mass
of the citizens the menaces and promises of the English ; that he cannot be guiltless of a
seditious Remonstrance delivered by the Ccmmonaity to the Director-General and Council,
and also signed by the said Director's oldest son, which, forsooth, should have induced them to
give up the place ; that the foreign force consisted only of four small frigates and a few
military, so that the garrison which marched out was stronger than that which marched in ;
and finally, that the aforesaid Director-General and Council wholly neglected the abovenamed
place and surrendered it to the enemy without firing a gun, and sought out all means for the
best terms, as soon as free possession of their private property was proposed, and did nothing
towards offering the enemy the smallest resistance.
Believing that we have herewith obeyed your High Mightinesses' orders and performed our
duty, we shall further leave to your High Mightinesses' profound wisdom what disposition it
is proper for you to make in the premises. Only respectfully requesting that your High
Mightinesses, on finding the matter so adapted, will be pleased to show that you disapprove
of the loss, and particularly of the scandalous surrender of the aforesaid country, and consider
such example detrimental to the State.
Which doing, &c.
(Signed), Mich' Ten Hove.
16V-66
Re-solution of tlie States -General.
[ From the Register of West India Affairs, 1664 — 1670, iu the Royal Archives at the Hague.]
Tuesday, 12"' January, 1666.
Polio 118. Read to the Meeting a certain Memorial of the Directors of the Incorporated
ti)"rs'u°"vefani'8Re- ^^^^ India Company of this country, who also exhibited with it, agreeably to
P°"- their High Mightinesses' resolution of the IB"" December last, their written
Observations on the Report of Peter Stuyvesant, late Director-General of New Netherland.
Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Memoiial and
Observations be placed in the hands of Mess" Huygens and the other their High Mightinesses'
Deputies for the afl'airs of said West India Company, to inspect, examine and report thereon.
This resolution shall take effect without reconsideration.
424 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Mcmorhd of l^x -Direct or Stin/ct-s-nnt to the Statef; -General.
[ FroTu the Original, in tlio Rn_v;il Arcliivoa ;it tlif n:n,'iif ; Filf, IIVs; Indii ]
Peter van Stuyvesant, late Director of New Netlierland, again humbly submits that he, the
Petitioner, did already, in (October of the last year, 1665, after having previously communicated
a copy to iMess" the Directors of the West India Company at the Amsterdam Cliamber,
exhibit to yovi. High and Mighty, his written Iteport on the capture and reduction of New
Netherland aforesaid by the English. Which, with the papers annexed, being then placed in
the hands of Mess" Van Ommeren and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for examination,
your High Mightinesses were pleased, on the Petitioner's further request for dispatch and
dismissal, to refer the communication to the ahovenamed Directors. And as he, the Petitioner,
understands, that they had already submitted their opinions thereupon some weeks since to
your High Mightinesses, he humbly requests that you will be pleased to grant him communication
thereof, in order to his further defence in the premises, if necessary. The case being that the
Petitioner has already attended six months to this matter in this country, and now understands
that a certain vessel intends to sail for New Netherland within 14 days with your High
Mightinesses' permission and consent, which, in all appearance, will not recur again for a
year. Therefore he, the Petitioner, again humbly requests dispatch of his case and permission
to return to New Netherland in the aforesaid vessel, in order to bring thence his sorrowful
wife and family with his property.
Which doinfj.
(Signed), Stuyvesant.
'o
Appendix :
List of Papers vphich Peter Stuyvesant hath delivered in to verify his Report.
October, 1605.
[ For this Document, see, tupra, p 370. ]
Dupli<'ate : No. A.
Report of Ex-Director Stuyvesant on the surrender of New Netherland ; 19"" ot
October, 16G5.
[ Dujflicate of Document, supra, p. 363. ]
Remonstrance to the Director and Council.
[ Trijiicutc of Document, supra, p. 218. ]
Appeiuli.ii : No. 4.
Extract of a letter from the Receiver, Cornells van Ruyven, to the Director of
the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam: dated 9"" May, 1065.
[ Duiilic.Ue of Document, supra, p. 377. ]
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XII. 425
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of West India Aflfairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Friday, 2^ April, 1666.
Folio 120. The Petition being read to tiie meeting of Peter van Stuyvesandt, late Director
vesa^d.*^"'*"^ ^'"^' °^ New Netlierland, requesting communication of the written Observations
Reflections on the delivered to their High Mightinesses by the Directors of the West India Company
Neiheriand. on his, the Petitioner's Report, herebefore exhibited, relating to the reduction
and capture of New Netherland by the English ; furthermore, praying for leave to sail in a
certain vessel permitted by their High Mightinesses to depart for New Netherland, to bring
his wife, family and property thence; it is, upon consideration, resolved and concluded that
the aforesaid Petition shall be placed in the hands of Mess" Huygens and the other their High
Mightinesses' Deputies for naval affairs, to inspect, examine and report.
This resolution shall take effect without reconsideration.
Resolution of the States-General.
[ From the Register of West India Aflaire, 1664 — 1670, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Saturday, l?"- April, 1666.
Folio m. Heard the Report of Mess" Huygens and the other their High Mightinesses'
Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, who, pursuant to the resolution of the
12"" January last, having inspected and examined a certain Memorial of the Directors of said
stuyvesant. Company, also their written Observations on the Report of Peter Stuyvesant,
late Director of New Netherland, which, being considered, it is resolved and concluded that
copies of the aforesaid Memorial and written Observations shall be placed in the hands of the
abovenamed Stuyvesant in order to answer them.
Vol. II. 64
ANSWER
HON^" PETEK STUYVESANT
LATE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
]SrEW NETHEELAND,
OBSERVATIONS OF THE WEST INDIA COMPANY
REPORT ON THE SURRENDER OF THAT COUNTRY
ENGLISH.
[ From tho Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague; Loketkas of the States-General; Kubrick, West Indiscke Compagnic, No. 67;
2d Dlvieion of the Bundle. ]
1666.
Memorial of Ex-Director Stuyvesant.
Petition of Peter Stuyvesant, late Director in New Netherland, to the States-
General, with additional information. Exhibited SS"" October, 1666.
To the High and Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands.
Humbly showeth :
Petrus Stuyvesant, late Director-General in New Netherland, that he did, in October of the
year 16G5, after previously communicating it to the presiding Chamber of the West India
Company residing at Auisterdam, deliver in to you. High and Mighty, his written Report on
the reduction of the country of New Netherland by the irresistible power of the English,
verified by tiie necessary documents ; that you. High and Mighty, were then pleased to place
said Report and documents in the hands of the Mess" Van Ommeren and the other your High
Mightinesses' Deputies to inspect, examine and report thereupon ; who, having examined
the same, and reported on them last December, 'twas understood by some Lords that your
Petitioner had satisfactorily vindicated himself, and ought to receive his requested discharge,
but 'twas afterwards concluded, however, to send the Report aforesaid with your High
Mightinesses' resolution and letter of the lO"" December abovementioned, to the Directors of
said West India Company at Amsterdam for their opinions, which, being come and placed in
the hands of the late Mr. Huygens and other your High Mightinesses' Deputies, communication
thereof was granted your Petitioner, agreeably to your resolution of the 17"" April, hereunto
annexed, after he had delivered in a duplicate of his aforesaid Report and documents to replace
the original which had been lost. Your Petitioner thereupon hath drawn up additional
information, which he exhibits annexed, after he had submitted it to the perusal of Mess" the
Directors, having been delayed by the expectation of further proofs which he also hath received
from New Netlierland, and, if necessary, will hereafter produce. And whereas your Petitioner
hath proved, and will further be able to prove that he lias made every possible effort there for
defence, but was obstructed therein by the unwillingness of the country people, the protests
and threats of the Durghers, by the weakness of the fort, the scarcity of provisions and
ammunition, and the small number of soldiers, he most humbly requests you. High and Mighty,
to be pleased to accept his aforesaid defence as sufficient, and to grant him his discharge.
Which doing, &c.
(Signed), P. Stuyvesant.
ANSWER OF EX-DIRECTOR STUYVESANT.
Answer of the Hon'''^ Peter Stuyvesant, to the Observations of the West India
Company on his Report on the Surrender of New Netherland. 1666.
To the High and Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands.
High and Mighty Lords.
Peter Stuyvesant, late Director in New Netherland, acknowledges, with all possible
thankfulness, that you. High and Mighty, have been pleased, by your resolution dated 17""
April, to grant your Petitioner communication of the Observations the Directors of the Chamber
at Amsterdam of the West India Company have been pleased to make on his Report respecting
the loss and surrender of New Netherland to the English, exhibited to you. High and Mighty,
and the aforesaid Directors six months before. Although the latter do not contradict the
statements in his Report nor deny the want of provisions, powder and other adduced causes
why and whereupon the loss and surrender followed, yet an attempt is made in the ajjpresaid
Observations to destroy the statement, though, in the Petitioner's opinion, sufficiently proved
by the necessary documents, as if the Petitioner and Council had not used due exertions to
supply the place with the one and the other. For the refutation thereof, and for more correct
information thereupon, the Petitioner finds himself under the necessity to add the following
as an Answer to the Remarks and Observations :
First, in regard to the Observation on the Want of provisions. The Directors say that, from
the fruitfulness of the soil, it is impossible for the place to have been short of provisions, since
none have ever been sent hence thither. It cannot, nevertheless, be unknown to the Directors,
from the books of accounts sent over to them every year, that I have been divers times
obligated to draw, though not from Holland, yet from New England, any quantity the garrison
required. In addition to the account books, this can be proved by credible witnesses; among
the rest, by the Commissary of provisions himself. But if I have been necessitated hitherto
frequently to do this, as 'tis said, yet can it neither be denied nor gainsaid that New Netherland
is so fertile that the country in some seasons hath exported provisions to other places, yea,
even to Holland. But in 1663, in consequence of the Indian massacre and bloody war, and
the continued troubles with the English on Long Island and other inconveniences, the harvest
was so poor and scant, that we and even those of the Colonic of New Amstel were under the
necessity of sending to New England for corn and other provisions. Admitting, however, that
the fertility of the country was such as never to necessitate us to import provisions either
from these parts or from New England, but that we could always subsist within and of
ourselves, and supply the stores from the inhabitants; which abundance, however, the Province
frequently could never attain, in consequence of the so numerous invasions and massacres oq
430 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
the part of tlie Indians within, and the continual vexations of the neighbors without; yet the
presupposed impossibility of any dearth or scarcity would not thence follow, seeing that here
as elsewhere the loss and surrender of divers cities and places have been hastened through
want of provisions.
But, continue the Directors, had a scarcity of provisions even existed, the government did
not take sufficient care to victual the place in time, in which case they must be held to be as
culpable as if it had been surrendered to the enemy fully provisioned. Without paying any
attention to what the Petitioner hath proved to the contrary in his Report, the Directors
endeavor to impute to liie government its loss and neglect.
First, say they, I myself admit that the stores were well supplied the entire summer. The
Report delivered in does not intimate this in such positive terms, but says; passably well, in
comparison with previous years; giving additional reasons why they were not better stocked,
such as want of credit and cash. But admitting it to be as the Directors presuppose, yet it
cannot, from that, be concluded, much less proved, that 1 have been guilty of any of this
neglect to keep the stores as well supplied as possible. The contrary was demonstrated and
proved in the Report by two certificates of Sergeant Hermen Martens van den Bosch and Dirck
Loten, Commissary of stores, both of whom are in this country. These witnesses prove that
the aforesaid Sergeant was, in the months of May, June and July, sent three or four times with
goods and letters of credit to New England, to purchase provisions both for the Island of
Curacjao and our garrison. The government of the city's Colonic on the South river did also
send thither Peter Alrichs, its Commissary, to procure cattle and provisions for that Colonie ;
a palpable token and proof that no supplies, certainly not enough, were to be obtained in
New Netherland.
Secondly. The aforesaid Directors say, the Petitioner acknowledges that the scarcity was
specially created by the sending of a lot of provisions by the Musch, and accuse him on that
account of neglect and seeming imprudence, inasmuch as he had had, fully three weeks before
the dispatch of the aforesaid vessel, specific tidings of the frigates which had mastered the place.
The Report presented to you, Illustrious, High and Mighty, and in the first place to the
Company, intimates, on this subject, not that the scarcity was created solely and specifically
by the sending away of a portion of provisions to Curasao, but that it was partially occasioned
thereby ; presupposing that other additional reasons could be adduced, and not the least among
the rest, that about 14 @. IG days before the arrival of the frigates, there arrived and came,
in the ship (iidcon, between 3 and 400 half-starved Negroes and Negresses who alone, exclusive
of the garrison, required one hundred skepels of wheat per week.
Now, regarding the second member of this subject : Presumed neglect and apparent
imprudence, because I had allowed the ship Musch to sail with some provisions to Curasao ;
inasmuch as I had specific intelligence of the frigates three weeks before the dispatch of the
aforesaid vessel, therefore ought 1 not to have stripped myself of any necessaries. The
Directors' letter of the 21" April, to which he appeals, is not, in any wise, an excuse for so
doing, since it was not written therein that the frigates would not come to surprise him [but to
advise him], according to all the reports which were abroad, without assuring him of anything;
moreover, the Director and Council aforesaid most expressly write by letter of the 21" April,
that they there are, for a surety and a certainly, informed to the contrary, and that the
Company was misinformed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XII. 431
High and Mighty Lords.
The above is eitlier not understood according to the precise truth, or erroneously
mjsinterpreted by the Directors. Therefore, affording some semblance of neglect and want of
care, do I find myself necessitated to explain this matter somewhat more circumstantially, and
to inform you, High and Mighty, of the true state of the case, and to commit the decision
thereupon to your High Mightinesses' more profound wisdom.
First. What the abovementioned Directors advise us on the 21'' April is copied, in the
Report delivered in, word for word from their letter, which does not contain a word about
rumors which were bruited abroad, but of
"News we receive from England, according to which his Majesty of Great Britain,
who is disposed to bring all his dominions under one form of government, both in
Church and State, hath taken care that Commissioners are at present ready in England
to repair to New England to install Bishops there the same as in Old England."
And a little farther on :
" The division of the Boundary, so long essayed, begins now also to assume
another aspect, partly in consequence of our efforts," etc.
We submit to your High Mightinesses' most wise and discreet judgment what encouragement,
if no assurance at least what hope, servants residing so far off can draw from such and similar
expressions. The Directors say that they did not assure us of anything, but merely advised
us of the reports that were prevalent; the Director and Council, on the contrary, write most
expressly by letter of the 2P' April, that they are positively and certainly advised otherwise,
and that the Company was misinformed.
On examining and reading over the copies of the letters written about this time, in answer
to those of the Company, we find no such expressions. 'Tis not probable, yea, 'tis impossible,
that we should have positive and certain intelligence contrary to theirs, seeing it is confessed that
we received the Company's letter, written on the 21" April, for the first time, by the ship
Eendracht in the last of July, about three weeks before the arrival of the English frigates, and
I was unable to answer this letter, and consequently did not make use of any such language.
Regarding what the Directors further say, that I had specific news of the frigates full three
weeks before the dispatch of the Musch, with provisions to Curasao: The preciseness and
certainty of these news can be inferred from what the Director and Council first wrote to the
Directors under date 10"" June, per the ship Vos, and on the 4"' of August per the ship Trouw ;
the last in answer to theirs of the 21" April, whereof the extract reads word for word as follows :
" We are informed by the last letters and advices from Old England, received at
Boston, in New England, by divers ships, that the affairs between our State and the
King of England do not look altogether peaceable, but appear about to terminate in
a rupture. If this should be the case, which God forfend, we will not doubt but your
Honors will endeavor, through the Right Worshipful, the Burgomasters of the city
of Amsterdam, and their recommendation and letters to their High Mightinesses, to
have us seasonably and at the earliest moment, seconded by men and ships-of-war.
Without such and effectual assistance (the power and help of God being unlimited),
'tis impossible, according to human calculation, to exist here against such menacing
and exasperated neighbors, who exceed us in numbers and strength more than 10 to
one," &c.
432 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
By the ship Troiiw, which sailed about 8 weeks after the ship Voi, the Directors' last
received despatch of the 21" April was answered on the 4"* of August, as follows:
" Concerning the sequel of your Honors' letter, and your expressions that, according
to the news which you received from Old England, England's Majesty is inclined to
reduce all his dominions to one form of government in Church and State, and to that
effect some Commissioners ('twas divulged here that 2 (a. 3 frigates provided with
men and ammunition) lay ready in England to repair to New England, and there to
install Bishops as in Old England; and what your Honors further conceive for our
encouragement and that of your inhabitants, we shall not for the present debate,
much less gainsay, but rather wish and hope that if it contribute as well to the
advantage of God's church as to ours, it may fall out according to your advice and
meaning. Meanwhile, we cannot omit communicating to your Honors on this head
what we were informed here about the matter, partly to convey by the anne.xed
Declaration N" X., more fully to be learned by your Honors from the Skippers and
passengers who are going over, that the design of the aforesaid frigates and soldiers
is directed rather against Long Island and this your Honors' conquest, than to reform
New England."
When these extracts from our answers are compared with the Directors' letter of information,
impartial people will be able to judge what intelligence they had from Old England, which lay
so near them, and we had, so far from there, from a third and fourth hand ; whence it can
reliably be inferred how unjust the allegation, that they did advise us simply of reports that
were prevalent, but that we very expressly write under date of the 21" April, that we were
positively and reliably advised to the contrary and that the Company was misinformed.
The abovementioned Declaration N° X. was, according to the Petitioner's recollection, a
verbal statement of one Thomas Willet, an Englishman, of what he had heard regarding the
English frigates. He contradicted this his declaration 14 @^ 18 days after, not only before
the Director and Council, but in presence of divers individuals, some of whom are here and
can testify to the fact; stating and roundly declaring that now, in the last of July to wit, other
news had reached New England from Old England by the last ships, viz.: that by Ambassador
Gogh's arrival in England, things were greatly changed ; that the frigates were again unloaded ;
that Commissioners were nominated and appointed to agree with the said Ambassador about
the Boundary between New England and New Netherland. The Skipper and passengers
of the ship Eendiacht, arriving about the same time, concurred for the most part in the above
accounts, stating, among other things, that they had crossed the channel in May last, and had
not heard of the slightest difficulty between England and our State, but that everything was
quiet, and rested on the hope of a good agreement. Divers private letters, yea, even the
Directors' abovementioned general letter dated 21" April, received as stated by the Ecndracht
in the last of July, substantially and circumstantially concurred also in those representations.
Therefore, the first reports did not excite any apprehension nor obtain credit with either the
Director and Council or any one else. This, then, being shown, not by anger and unjust
presumptions, but by the real circumstance and truth of matters, the Petitioner submits to your
High Mightinesses' censure and judgment whether neglect and palpable bad care can and
ought to be imputed to him, because he had permitted the little craft the Musch to sail
and depart with provisions for Curasao, where they were so much required; the rather, when
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 433
Jt is known that the Director and Council did, on the first reports, detain the aforesaid little
vessel more than three vveelis, fully laden, and did not allow her to depart, as is said and can
be proved, until the first reports were contradicted and every one had believed and admitted
the contrary.
But the Directors say, furthermore: Supposing that the little craft had sailed, according to
his own admission the grain crop was nearly in the barn; nay, 'tis certain that all the barns
were overflowing with grain, so that he had time enough, on learning the arrival of the
frigates, to have the grain hauled in and threshed, whereby the want of provisions within
would have been prevented, &c.
It is answered, That the Report handed in by the Petitioner intimates that the Director
and Council interposed the less oljjection to allowing the little vessel to sail to Curasao, in
consequence of the favorable appearance of the harvest and because the grain was, as it were,
between the barn and the field. Everybody knows that the climate of New Netherland,
resembling nearly the climate of this country, the harvest there is later than here ; that,
therefore, the grain, being between the field and the barn, was not all housed and stacked ;
certainly there was not the least appearance and possibility of fetching the grain from over the
river and bringing it in the fort. And though it had been possibly brought, which would be
in small quantity, assuredly there was no convenience in the fort to house and thresh the grain
still in the sheaf. In addition to all this, the Petitioner went, on invitation, to the Colonie
Rensselaerswyck and the village of Beverwyck by the advice and consent of the Council, as
shown by their letter written on the 17"" August and sent in his absence to the Hon""'' Directors,
for the purpose of giving some necessary orders there against the invasions and massacre
recently perpetrated by the Northern Indians. Therefore, not being present when positive
intelligence of the arrival of the English frigates was received in New Netherland from New
England, the neglect, if any there be, is not to be imputed to him.
The Hon""'^ Directors next add : The aforesaid Director himself endeavored, after the
English frigates had all arrived, to have some cattle conveyed thence to the South river under
a convoy of 12 soldiers. This information having been sinisterly communicated to the Hon.
Directors, is denied, and, therefore, unworthy any answer. Nevertheless, its falsehood may
be inferred from the following:
Peter Alricks, the city's Commissary, was sent as early as May to the Manhatans from the
city's Colonie of New Amstel to purchase some provisions and cattle. These were not to be
had in New Netherland ; accordingly, having bought up in June and July a lot of cows, oxen
and sheep in New England and on the East end of Long Island, he had in the absence and
before the return of the Petitioner from P'ort Orange, conveyed the greater portion of them
across the North river from Long Island to Neuwesinks, distant the one from the other about
2 @. 3 leagues, and for the security of the aforesaid cattle put them under the care of some
farmers and farm servants and a few soldiers from the Colonie of New Amstel. Being
engaged shipping those which were still at New Utrecht, and intending to send and drive
them all together over land to the South river, he was allowed, previous to my departure for
Fort Orange and before anything was known of the frigates, a guard of 10 (al 12 soldiers to
aid in convoying his people and cattle and in defending them against the Neuwesinckse and
other Indians. Meanwhile, before all the cattle had been shipped over, and before the said
Alricks had obtained one of the men he had asked of the Council, the English frigates arrived
and came to anchor in the bay before New Utrecht on the 27"" and 2S"' of August; attacked
Vol. 11. 00
434 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
the sloop in which the triinsportation was effected ; took possession both of the cattle already
sent across and of those still remaining at New Utrecht. On this account, it was impossible
to have, or allow any cattle to be, escorted by 12 men, although said Alricks had requested it,
and no such thing was done.
But about this matter, out of which the Petitioner presumes this sinister story hath taken
its rise, the only thing that is true is, that the aforesaid Peter Alricks did endeavor, in the
night of the 29"" and SO"" of August, to convey 55 (Sk 60 Negroes and Negresses overland to
the South river, because he could not procure any provisions or means of support for them in
New Amsterdam, all supplies having been cut off. This, however, was not attempted with
any escort of the Hon. Company's soldiers, but with 2 (a). 3 of his own or the city's servants,
as can be seen by the Journal or Day-book, dated 30'*' August.
Finally, the Hon''"'' Directors conclude the subject of the scarcity of provisions and say : The
want of cash cannot avail here, inasmuch as the necessity was so great that the farmers must
fain sell their grain on credit and would also have done so had the Director-General and
Council requested it, which they did not do.
Were Dirck Loten, the Commissary of provisions at present in Amsterdam, heard on this
point, he, with many others, will be able and necessitated to testify, that both the Council in
the Petitioner's absence, and the Petitioner himself after his return, did cause the farmers
on the Island of Manhattan to thresh as much as possible without intermission, and did not
request them to do so on credit, but for ready means, in order the better to encourage and
stimulate them to thresh. But all the others on Long Island and on the North river being
effectually cut off from us by the arrival of the frigates and their excursions, and the farmers
being forbidden to furnish us any supplies on pain of having their property burnt, what the
few farmers on Manhattans island could thresh out was daily required for the scanty support
of the garrison and about three hundred Negroes who came to be a burthen to us, before the
arrival of the frigates; so that on this point neither time nor opportunity was lost.
And in this matter of scarcity it remains still to be considered, that during the brief period
of the frigates, as already staled, we were cut off from all supplies in the city of New
Amsterdam, scarcely any bread was to be obtained of the bakers for ready money, as might
be proved by many and divers affidavits of people who were there at the time and are now
in Holland, which also obliged (as stated) Peter Alricks, the city's Commissary, to hazard the
most part of his Negroes, who were, nohns volais, and at great risk, 3 days before the arrival
of the frigates, sent off in separate gangs to be dispatched to the South river as he could not
procure, in the city of New Amsterdam, any bread or other provisions necessary for their
scanty subsistence.
2. Regarding the second point — Want of munitions of war: The quadrennial account
exhibited first to the Company, afterwards to your High Mightinesses' Assembly, shows the
quantity sent in the last four years; how expended, and that there were not over 900 lbs.
in the fort; scarcely as much in store in the city of New Amsterdam, two-thirds of which
was old, spoiled and unfit, as the above rendered account of powder aforesaid proves;
therefore, the Hon. Directors were not ignorant of the want nor gainsaid it, but in their
Observations say :
First. That all the requisitions for powder ever made by the government of New Netherland,
from first to last, were fully honored and received.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 435
Secondly. That Alexander Hinniossa, the Director of the city's Colonie on the South river,
did, in July, 1664, offer seasonably enough all his gunpowder, consisting of more than 5,000
lbs., with all necessaries, himself and all his people as a reinforcement, without the aforesaid
Director and Council having been willing to accept the aforesaid offer.
Thirdly. That the Director himself did not secure the gunpowder on board the ships lying
before the fort; there(pre the blame attaches to the aforesaid Director and Council for having
so small a supply.
Fourthly. They conclude that, from the refusal of the assistance, and further, because no
sufficient requisitions were made, this plea cannot exculpate him from the charge of neglect,
and is probably put forth only as a pretext that he had performed his bounden duty.
Most Illustrious, High and Mighty Lords.
What regards the first and last points, viz., whether all the requisitions ever made by the
government of New Netherland up to the last, have been honored and received, and whether,
on the contrary, no sufficient requisitions have been made, would appear as clear as the sun
at mid-day, if your High Mightinesses' weighty occupations would permit the slightest
supervision and examination of the letters, warnings, supplicatory petitions and entreaties,
which may be considered almost innumerable, that have been sent to and made on the
Directors by every opportunity offered by sailing vessels ; yea, also, sometimes by way of
Virginia and New England. But, not to trespass too much on your High Mightinesses' urgent
occupations, I find myself under the necessity, in order solely to vindicate myself, and not to
accuse any one, to submit. High and Mighty, to your speculation and most profound judgment,
only a few out of the multitude of facts.
In the year 1653, when. Illustrious High and Mighty, your Republic had fallen into the
perilous war with Protector Cromwel, and the same calamity threatened us and all the good
people of New Netherland with direst ruin, and our multitudinous remonstrances and entreaties
seemed to have little effect on the Hon'"'' Company, we found ourselves under the necessity of
sending a personal delegation to the Hon""'^ Directors, to which end we deputed hither in the
last of June, by the ship Elbingh, Allert Antony, Schepen of the city of New Amsterdam,
through whom we made urgent application for assistance and other necessaries, particularly 6
(^ 8,000 lbs. of powder, 3 (aX 4 light frigates, one good gunner and some men. Being informed
by report that the ship Elbingh had been taken by the English or sunk, we renewed and
repeated our request on the S'' January, 1654, in the following words :
"We have dwelt longer than we intended on this subject, in order to afford your
Honors a full and perfect understanding of the perilous position in which we and the
whole country are placed, thereby to move you and those to whom you will be pleased
to communicate this, to a more efficient and more speedy relief. If your Honors do
not forward this, and it fail us contrary to hope, we declare ourselves before the
whole world guiltless of all injuries which will befall us and our nation in this
Province. We have advised your Honors per the ship Elbingh, with what we hope,
with God's blessing, to defend our trust, viz., 3 (ai 4 light frigates, 3 @. 400 good
soldiers and train bands only for a year or a year and a half, 6 (ai 8,000 lbs. powder,
some hand and side arms, pioneers' tools, necessary cargoes for clothing for the
garrison," &c.
436 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
In order not to fatigue your High Miglitinesses, we must leave the Directors to prove whether
these requisitions were complied with, and what was the result of such iterated written and
verbal entreaties. As far as the Petitioner recollects, there were scarcely as many hundred
pounds of powder as there were thousands in the requisition temperately made out on that
occasion ; neither soldiers nor train bands, nor even one frigate. So that, had the good God
alone not aflbrded relief by the intervening peace, we should have been then, as now, utterly
conquered and ruined, for want of the required necessaries. We had then neither gunner nor
artilleryman to attend to the firing, for whom, nevertheless, we had frequently applied and
written, as appears by the aforementioned and subsequent letters, dated 27"" July, 1654, and the
following extracts :
•' 1G56. Dated IS* November. In the general letter 'twas forgotten to lay before
your Honors the scarcity and great want of gunpowder, the petition of all the villages
and Colonies to be supplied by us with that article for wampum, beef, pork or grain ;
we have accommodated the people out of your Honors' store as much and as long as
was possible and the means in the store allowed. The distribution of powder to the
Commonalty, in the great necessity of last year, on account of the unexpected
encounter with the Indians, together with what was required to be given to those
barbarians for the ransom and release of the poor Christian prisoners, hath diminished
our stock to that degree, that we find not above two thousand weight, good and bad,
in store. The current rumors of new troubles render us circumspect in allowing the
Commonalty more powder; this occasions great complaints, in regard of which we
have been desirous to request your Honors to send, by the first ships, a supply of
powder both for the magazine and the Commonalty."
What little result followed the above applications is further to be deduced from the reiterated
requisitions for a supply of gunpowder made in the following years, 1G57 and 165S, first:
Under date 13"" August, 1G57. " The general complaints both of the Burghers
and outside people, that they cannot be accommodated with powder or lead requisite
for their household and self-defence, in exchange either for wampum or agricultural
produce, have rendered it necessary for us annually to supply every Burgher keeping
watch and ward in his turn with two pounds of powder for the watch, and in addition
to that, one pound of powder quarterly for his household, on paying for the same.
And, since the magazine is hereby much decreased and weakened, we continue our
request that your Honors would please to supply us by every opportunity of ships,
bearing in mind that, as it is an article of contraband, it cannot be obtained in this
country either from us or from the Burghers, and that the want of it must cause an
utter ruin of the place."
On the 23'' July, 1G5S, the foregoing request for gunpowder and the necessity therefor were
repeated and again renewed in almost the same words. It is, among other things, stated on
folio 69 of the Book containing the copies of letters :
" We have considered it necessary to give your Honors seasonable notice hereof,
and, at the same time, again to request your Honors to be pleased to supply us, by
every ship that sails, with as much powder and lead as this and other circumstances
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIL 437
demand, to the end that no mishap nor further damage may be brought upon us and
your Honors' conquest in time of need, through want thereof. Whilst writing this
there is found in store, including old and new, good and bad, about 3, COO lbs. and
about 1,600 lbs. of musket ball."
It would be altogether too tedious and long to insert here all the annual petitions for powder
which were sometimes repeated two and three times a year. Not to trespass too much on
your High Mightinesses' patience, this subject is concluded with the following:
In the year 1662, when Hartford Colony received its newly obtained Patent, wherein, as
we were informed, the entire Province of New Netherland was included, and therefore new
encroachments and invasions were apprehended from that quarter, in consequence of expressed
menaces, we represented, on the 17"" of September, the scarcity of powder, and made a request
for 5 @. 6,000 lbs. in the following words :
" Should any hostilities occur or happen there or elsewhere, we should immediately
find ourselves at a loss for good powder. We have, as yet, about 2,500 (al 3,000 lbs.
altogether in store, but as the most part is already some years old and damp, we
could not, in time of need, rely on it. We shall, therefore, humbly request your
Honors to let us receive a good quantity by the earliest opportunity and annually
afterwards, in order to have as much as 5 (Sl 6,000 lbs. of good powder constantly in
store, in which case we shall send the old powder back to be made over again."
Herein then 'tis to be remarked, first : that the small quantity of powder being old and
musty, became less and worse in the two following years. How few pounds of powder have
been sent on such repeated applications I scarcely dare to state for certain, in order not to
disgust any person, much less deceive your High Migiitinesses. Certainly, 'tis to be concluded
therefrom that all the requisitions which necessity dictated, were not complied with, sent to us
nor received. This could be demonstrated and proved even to a pound, if the Petitioner could
again obtain a copy, or get a sight, of the account of powder abovementioned exhibited to and
placed last October, with other documents and vouchers, in the hands of the Mess" Van
Ommeren and the other, your High Mightinesses' Deputies.
Now in regard to the charge that the Director and Council refused to accept the offer of
more than 5,000 lbs. of powder made by the city's Director, Alexander Hinniossa, and neglected
to secure the powder on board the ships lying before the fort. How shamefully and wrongfully
the Directors have been imposed on in this matter, may appear from the following facts :
In the year 1663, the Director and Council found themselves involved in a very dangerous
war with the Indian barbarians. An earnest application was made on the 17"" September, of
the previous year, 1662, for 5 (ai 6,000 lbs. of good gunpowder. A quarter of this not having
been sent and certainly not received, tliey found themselves exposed to the great risk of being
entirely out of powder in a short time, as, in consequence of the continuance of this ruinous
war, there were not in store, at the opening of the year 1664, 200 lbs. of powder fit to be used
with small arms. They, therefore, in the month of February, requested, from the said Director
Hinniossa, a loan or the sale of 5 @. 600 lbs., of which, as can be proved, to the best of the
Petitioner's recollection, by the account of powder abovementioned, not more than 200 lbs.
were sent in the following April or last of March, accompanied by an apology in writing for
not being able, at that time, to spare any more.
438 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
In July following, the Director and Council being informed by one Tomas Willet that
current reports, even in written letters, hail reached Boston, in New England, that 4 frigates
had been fitted out, in Old England to conquer New Netherland, they advised the aforesaid
Director Hinniossn, by the first opportunity, of what had been heard, so as to put him on his
guard, with a request, at the same time, for assistance in powder. The Petitioner does not
know whether said Director Hinniossa sent an answer and made an offer in consequence, and
declares that it was never shown to him ; for the reports dying away shortly after and being
(as already stated) contradicted by their author, Willet, himself, viz.: that other news had
been received by ships which had arrived more recently in New England from Old England,
to the effect that in consequence of the arrival of Ambassador Gogh in the latter country,
things had changed, the frigates were unloaded and the soldiers again landed ; your High
Mightinesses' Petitioner did thereupon depart, in the beginning of August, to the Colonie
Rensselaerswyck, being requested and required to do so by the Commissaries of that place in
consequence of some new troubles which broke out there with the Indians ; as is to be seen
by the letter of the Director and Council dated the 5"" of August, and the letter of the Council
alone, dated the l?"" of same month. And the Petitioner can affirm that he had no knowledge
of the receipt of any letter or of any offer having been made before his departure, which was
on the 6"" or 7" of said month.
Such being the case, and the Directors having been incorrectly informed that the offer of
more than 5,000 lbs. powder and of his person and people had been made by Director
Hinniossa, 'tis also an error and an untruth that the Director and Council have refused to
accept such offer, which it is incumbent on the informer to prove either by letter from the
Petitioner or, in his absence, under the hands of the Council ; but he will never be able to
prove it, as it had never been refused. Hence the unjust wrong to be drawn from the above
request for aid ; for, to make application and reject the invited offer, are contradictions. 'Tis,
therefore, with all due reverence and submission, referred to your High Mightinesses' most
wise and discreet judgment who are to be censured and blamed in the premises; your High
Mightinesses' Petitioner and the Council of New Netherland, or the malicious accuser, de
Hinniossa himself, for the reason that he, on receiving information, did not send the offered
powder and all the other necessaries seasonably in July, for which very good and suitable
opportunities offered that month ; first, by the sloop belonging to one Dirck Smith, which
arrived from the South river at the Manhatans a few days before your Petitioner's departure
for the Colonie Rensselaerswyck ; or, by the ship St. Jncob, which sailed from the South river
in the last of July or beginning of August, and arrived before the city of New Amsterdam, in
the Petitioner's absence, on the 13"" ditto; as appears by the Council's letter written on the
following 17"' to the Directors and sent by the Vcrguhlcn Anndt.
After the return of your High Mightinesses' Petitioner from the Colonie Rensselaerswyck,
which was on the 24"' (S^ 25"" August, it was impossible to send for the powder, as the English
frigates arrived within Sandy Ilook on the following day; impossible also to receive any, as
all the approaches by land and water were immediately blockaded by the English, who, on the
2S"', captured the sloop Frinas, employed by Peter Alricks, the city's Commissary, to convey
a lot of purchased cows and sheep from Long Island to the Neuwesincx, and with it also those
which had been already sent across. Some of the city's servants and free colonists saved
themselves by flight. A day or a day and a half after, the English took the sloop of a brother
i^ealander, employed also by said Alricks to convey and send some of his Negroes overland
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIL 439
to the South river on account of want of provisions, so that there was not the slightest
appearance or opportunity to send or receive any information, much less gunpowder. By
water, the river was closed ; by land, the unincumbered traveler with great difficulty found a
tedious and troublesome passage over mountains, rivers, hills, creeks and swamps. P'rom this
circumstance it is easily seen, that 'twas impossible to make any application for and impossible
to receive the presumed offered gunpowder.
Next, in regard to the like presumption in this matter: That the Director and Council have
not secured the powder on board the ships lying before the fort, which would have supplied
any existing want. On the examination in this case, which the Director and Council caused
to be instituted at the earliest suggestion, as to what quantity of gunpowder was on board the
ships, scarcely one thousand weight were to be found in the three vessels, viz. : in the ship
the Gideon, according to the declaration of the Skipper himself, 13 (a). 14 kegs of 50 lbs. for 14
@. 16 small iron guns (gotcUngcn) ; in the ffyboat Ecndracht, armed with 10 or 12 small iron
guns, 7 kegs of 50 lbs. ; in the ship St. Jacob, arrived from the South river 10 @. 12 days
before, not fifty lbs., and her pilot declared (the Skipper having died at the South river) that
he had repeatedly asked Director Hinniossa for two (Si 300 lbs., to be paid by exchange in
Fatherland or by peltries on the spot, but could not get a pound. Besides, it is a thing without
example, to strip ships, having so small a supply, of their ammunition. The Director and
Council must afterwards have subjected themselves to great complaint and reproach if those
vessels would have been taken in consequence of having been stripped of so small a quantity
of powder. We must again refer to your High Mightinesses' wise and discreet opinion, and
submit to your judgment what neglect or want of care has been committed in this instance.
In the following Observation, the Directors say : Although the Burghers were not strong
enough to defend the city, and not willing to do so through fear of being plundered, the fort,
and not the city only, was entrusted to him ; if the Burghers were unwilling to fight, he was
bound to consider that a capital fortress, provided with ISO brave soldiers and 24 pieces of
artillery, as the fourth point intimates, ought not to have been surrendered without making
some defence, but that he was bound to defend it to the utmost, and abandon the Burghers
rather than the entire country.
Illustrious, High and Mighty Lords, willingly will I again submit myself on this point to
your High Mightinesses' judgment and censure, if the country could be preserved by abandoning
the Burghers and defending the fortress which, in regard to its condition and weakness, bare
of such necessary requisites as powder, lead, provisions, water and train bands, and so great a
way from assistance, could not be held a week, yea, possibly three days; if the Burghers and
city wherein the fortress stood could be protected, much less the extensive country, whose
good inhabitants, long before this time, neither we nor our predecessors have ever been able
to defend, as we ought and their necessity frequently demanded against the threats, daily
invasions, encroachments and intrusions of the English.
Yet will I readily acknowledge that it is the bounden duty of a faithful servant to spare
neither life nor limb, blood nor treasure, but to hazard all and employ every means that can
be used, in case he, by their risk and loss, hoped, expected or looked forward to the slightest
advantage for the maintenance and preservation of the country or of one place in it. But
being, as can be seen by the above statement, destitute of such necessary requisites, without
hope or expectation of any assistance, the entire Commonalty first, as proved by their
Remonstrance dated February, previously dispatched to the Hon'''' the Directors, and by
440 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
their Petition and Protest exhibited to the Director and Council, proposed to, and afterwards
obliired the Director and Council, in order to prevent greater loss and the total ruin of the
Burghers, to consider what was best for liie preservation of the poor, despairing and nearly
deserted Commonalty, and most justiliable for us before God and your High Mightinesses, in
accordance with the lesson of the All-wise : What King, about to go to war against another
King, doth not first sit down and tiiink whether he be able with ten thousand, to meet him
that with twenty thousand coiiieth against him (Luke, XIV'.); it being evident tliat our force
was inferior to that of the approaching enemy, conjoined with those wliose tiireats, actual
invasions and intrusions committed not iialf a year l)efore, we were unable to withstand or
prevent, and they besides were expecting daily from JN'ew England not only two but fully
10 to one.
Regarding the capital condition of the fort; provided, as 'twas said, with 24 pieces of
artillery and with ISO brave soldiers, in which number must be included those wiio were left
at the Esopus and Fort Orange. The accusation of its rasli surrender apparently seems to be
exaggerated. The defence and preservation of his honor, to be prized above all the treasures
of tlie world, presses and forces your High Mightinesses' servant, without intending blame to
any one, to say and, if necessary, to prove, that the fort was, time and again, declared and
adjudged, in full council, to be untenable by persons more experienced in war than your
High Mightinesses' Petitioner (among others, by our first Councillor and Fiscal, N. de Sille'),
who is better versed in offensive and delensive siege operations under your High Mightinesses'
discreet government than your humble servant; judging therefrom that it could be reduced
by 500 men in less than thrice 24 liours, which, according to the limited knowledge of your
High Mightinesses' servant, was, in fact, feasible for the following reasons :
First. The fort is situate in an untenable place, where it was located on the first discovery
of New Nelherland, for the purpose of resisting any attack of the Barbarians rather than an
assault of European arms, having, within pistol shot, on the North and Northeasterly sides,
higher ground than that on which it stands, so that, notwitstanding the wall and works
{iiiunigic) are raised the highest on that side, people standing ami walking on that high ground
can see tlie soles of the feet of those on the esplanade and bastions of the fort, where the
view is not obstructed by the houses and church in it, and by the gabions on the wall.
Secondly. The fort was and is encompassed only by a slight wall, 2 (aX 3 feet thick, backed
by coarse gravel, not above S, 'J (^ 10 feet high in some places, in others higher, according to
the fall of the ground.
Thirdly. It is, for the most part, crowded all round about with buildings better adapted for
a citadel than for defence against an open enemy ; the houses are, in many places, higher than
the walls and bastions and render these wholly exposed ; most of the houses also have cellars
not eight rods distant from the wall of the fort, in some places not 2 (3. 3, and at one point
scarce a rod Irom the wall, so that wiioever is master of the city can readily approach,
' This family was origiiinlly from Mechlin, ia Belgium, wlieuce NiCAi-ivs dk Sille, the elder, moved to Amsterdam shortly
after the revolt of the United I'roviiices agaiast Spain, and was ohoseii Pensionary of that city. He was sent in ISSV, with
other distinguished men, on nn Kmbassy to (Jneen Elizabeth of England ; next, was three times Ambassador to Denmark and
afterwards to Germany. He was sent Deputy to the States-General repeatedly, and was twice Commissioner to the army
whilst in the field. He died S'id August, 1000, aged 57 years, and was buried in the choir of the Red church nt Amsterdam.
Kok, XXVII., 81. Kicasius de Sille, of New Nelherland, is supposed to have been one of his descendants; for further
particulars of whom, see O'Calluyhan's Histury of Kcw Nelherland, II., 236, note. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIL 441
with scaling ladders, from the aforesaid houses the wall of the fort, which is unprovided with
either a wet or dry ditch; and also, if need be, run a mine from the so close adjoining cellars
and blow the place up.
Besides this, the fort was and is without either well or cistern. Previous to this time it
was hastily provided with 20 (& 24 water barrels or pitched casks removed from the ships
and filled with water. Hence, then, 'tis to be deduced how easy 'twould be to recover it
back; how difficult, nay, impossible, for us to defend it. For, the houses, being built of wood
so close under the fort, they must first be torn down, or else, for want of time, burnt to the
utter ruin of the Burghers and not without danger to the church in the fort, which is roofed with
shingles; the soldiers' barracks, also built of wood, may likewise be set on fire. Certainly,
the ground outside being higher than that within, they can be easily fired, and in that event the
Burghers, so many women and children, who, between one and IS years old, amounted to
fully 12 (a 1,300, would be under the necessity of seeking their retreat and support in the
little fort, whose plane, from wall to wall, is less than 150 feet in length and breadth. I shall
submit it to the most wise and discreet judgment, first of you, Illustrious, High and Mighty,
and afterwards of all impartial men, what confusion would these have caused in case of
fire or storming; or, supposing the best, how long could these and the military, so many
Negroes, both free and slave, and other additi^ons coming in from without, be supported with
so little water and provisions, and further leave you to judge what result was to be hoped or
expected by us.
4. The Hon"^ Directors say, in continuation, that it was impossible for us to know whether
we should not be relieved on an early day, and that, had we properly acquitted ourselves, their
High Mightinesses would, without doubt, have ordered the fleet under Lieutenant-Admiral de
Ruyter, passing New Netherland about eight months after, to touch at and relieve the place.
The latter part of this point requires little or no answer. We did not know that Lieutenant-
Admiral de Ruyter was sent to Guinea, and that he was to return along the coast. We were
still more ignorant of their High Mightinesses' intention to expect it; although we might have
been so ordered, it was impossible for us to obey, even if the fleet could have reached us in 8
weeks ; had it done so even in S months, the recapture had followed as easily as the reduction.
It could certainly and sufficiently be deduced from the latest received letters, from previous
experience and neglect to answer such numerous Remonstrances, complaints and given
warnings, that no aid of ships, whereon alone, as I had heretofore repeatedly demonstrated,
the maintenance of New Netherland depended, was to be expected or hoped. The despatches
last received gave us not the slightest hint, much less promise of assistance either in men,
ships or ammunition, but rather, as heretofore frequently stated, encouragement and hope of a
final agreement, by means of a settlement of the Boundary, which then began to assume quite
a difl'erent aspect to what it formerly had. Proof — their despatch written from Amsterdam,
and dated 2P' April, 1664, and received by us in the last of July.
In regard to previous experience and frequently repeated earnest remonstrances and warnings,
it has been already stated that nothing resulted from the application in the year 1053 and 1654,
pending the war with Protector Cromwell, when, by personal delegation and beseeching
letters, we entreated an aid of 3 (S. 4 frigates, 3 (3, 400 soldiers and train-bands. On the 21"
March, in the following year, 1655, we have shown, as appears by fol. 120 and 121, of the
Letter Book, that whoever by water is master of the river will be in a short time master by
land of the feeble fortress; in 1656 (folio 151), assistance and support were again requested,
Vol. II. 56
442 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
and 'tis there stated that it was impossible to defend the country and fort against any naval
armament except by an equal, or nearly equal force; and again on the 12"" December, of the
same year, that we could not withstand the threats and encroachments of the English unless
reinforced by men and ships ; that, otherwise, it would fare with New Netherland as it did
with St. Thomas, Angola, Brazil and other of the Hon""' Company's possessions.
On the SQ"" X''", 1659, stated that an English frigate of 22 guns had come on and was
annoying the coast, and had captured two of our traders. On that occasion, we requested a
defensive craft suitable for clearing the rivers and preventing such like pillages and annoyances.
1661. Sent full advices that urgent solicitations were made, as we were informed, in Old
England for 3 (al 4 frigates for the reduction of New Netherland ; by that opportunity solicited
two or three frigates, and again demonstrated and earnestly protested that, otherwise, it was
impossible to defend the place.
In the year 1662 especially, in very lengthy and complaining letters dated the 8"" of January
and 14"" May, and in the succeeding year, 1663, on the 23' August and 10"" November (being
joined on the last date by the entire Commonalty), did we represent the danger and peril of
the country generally as well from the English neighbors as from the Barbarians, and most
humbly besought help in men and ships, protesting, at the same time, that the entire country
was lost; that the good inhabitants would be obliged to abandon it or submit to another
government. Time and the result, particularly the not answering this and similar applications,
could assure, certainly might probably convince us, that no relief was to be hoped or
expected. Moreover, 'tis remarkable in this connection that the Hon'''* the Directors in their
despatches of the 16"' and 30 '" October, of the year 1663, only 9 @. 10 months before the
English frigates came in search of us, expressed themselves very feelingly in regard to
the intolerable invasions and usurpations as well of the English as of the Barbarians, and
advise and make known to us that two ships were fitted out and equipped in Sweden under
Vice-Admiral Hendrick Gerritsz. Zeehelm, which, coming out of the Sound, had taken 200
soldiers on board, it being very apparent, with a design against the South river of New
Netherland; proof, their own letters. Nevertheless, on this critical occasion, not a ship was
sent to our relief, notwithstanding we had so frequently solicited and warned them that it
was impossible for us, in case of any hostile fleet, to preserve the fort, much less the country.
They have a notorious and palpable example and proof of this in their own expedition in the
year 1055, which we were recommended and ordered to execute with a man-of-war called
the JVaug, carrying 32 iron pounders and 140 (Si 150 men, including sailors and soldiers, to
attack and incorporate all the Swedish forts on the South river, and how quick the
recommendation was, through God's blessing, executed in less than 12 days, without firing a
shot or striking a blow. From the one and the other the supposition is sufficiently conclusive —
Whoever is master by water is, in short, master of the forts. And if the Hon'''^ gentlemen
had thought well to reinforce us with one or two similar ships on our and the accompanying
warnings, requests and supplicatory letters, and on the Remonstrance from the Commonalty
shortly after, the said misfortune would, without doubt, not have overtaken us and the good
inhabitants.
6. The last argument (continue the Directors) is indeed the weakest and altogether unworthy
of consideration, to wit: Even had he been subjected to no constraint, nevertheless the Province
would, by this war, have been reduced ; 'twas his duty to defend it until that time had
arrived, etc. How far this interpretation quadrates with the presumption of your High
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 443
Mightinesses' servant, and how far the Hon'''" Directors' conclusion agrees with his, must be
referred to your Illustrious High Mightinesses' decision. Our presupposition being conditional,
from the minor to the major, that without a reinforcement in men and ships, so frequently
asked but never arrived, we could not oppose the attempts and acts of the English neighbors,
who are 10 to our one ; and if the four aforesaid frigates should not come, these neighbors would
then have dispossessed and jiire belli driven us away. This they had endeavored to do in
time of profound peace through the entire of 1663 and in 1664, up to the very moment of
the arrival of the frigates.
What now regards the conclusion, wherein the Hon'''"' Directors say that the Governor and
Council did not take sufficient care of Staten Island, but abandoning it, quitted the Block-house
without removing the cannon ; the enemy being there not a gun-shot from the fort, they
were allowed to occupy and reduce the whole with 50 men without firing a gun.
In explanation and for the better understanding hereof, it ought to be known, that Staten
Island, which is said above, not to be a gun shot distant, is situate full two leagues from the
fort. It is inhabited only on the South side, behind the hill, and consequently out of sight of
the fort, by 10 (^ 12 men but so and so able to bear arms, who, in order to be protected
against a sudden attack of the Savages, did, about a year ago, erect a small, slight wooden
Block-house, about 18 @. 20 feet square, in the centre of their houses, which were slightly
constructed of straw and clapboards, and borrowed from one Cornells Steenwyck a small
piece capable of discharging a one-pound ball, and from the Director and Council a little iron
swivel ; its garrison consisted of 6 old soldiers, unfit to accompany the others against the
Indians. The aforesaid Block-house and hamlet stood within sight of Najeck, where the frigates
lay at anchor, not a league from the ships, and 'twas, therefore, impossible to relieve it or to
convey shot from there, unles people could face the English with an equal naval force.
Secondly. The Hon''''^ Directors say, that whilst the enemy were not yet in sight, Deputies
were sent from the city and fort, and thereby an occasion was afforded for an offer, that if the
place were voluntarily surrendered, each person should keep his own ; the Burghers, in
consequence, behaved badly.
The sending of Deputies was requested by the Burgomasters, who were associates of the
Director and Council in such critical circumstances, according to furnished instructions ; and
granted and deemed necessary for pregnant reasons, in order to ascertain, by that means, the
strength and rating of the ships ; what they were doing behind the point, without showing
themselves; what accessions they were daily receiving, and particularly the behavior, in this
conjuncture, of the inhabitants of the villages of Breuckelen, Midwout, Amersfoort and N.
Uytrecht, through which our delegates must pass. In regard to the implied accusation, that the
enemy was, by the sending of the delegation, afforded an occasion for making the offer that each
one should keep his own, it is to be considered and noted that the Chiefs of the English frigates
had, on their first arrival, full three days before, ere our Deputies were sent thilher, dispatched
proclamations to the aforesaid Dutch and other villages, and therein promised and offered that
every one should retain his own and remain unmolested, on condition of voluntary and quiet
submission to England's Majesty ; threatening and protesting that, otherwise, the misfortunes
of war would overtake them. These proclamations and divers copies thereof were, on the
first and second days, sent over to the Manhatans, divulged abroad among the Burghers, and
submitted to the Director and Council ; as appears clearly on the Journal that was kept,
and could be abundantly proved by various trustworthy witnesses. Hence, the manifest
444 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
groundlessness of the above presumption, viz. : that the sending the deputation afforded an
opportunity for making tlie above proposition.
Thirdly, say the Directors: two frigates were allowed to pass the fort without a shot being
fired at them ; yea, Fiscal de Silla did, by order of the Director-General, forbid any firing. Your
High MigiUinesses' servant is ignorant of what Fiscal de Silla bade or forbade the soldiers, and
declares he neither forbade, nor ordered them to fire or not to fire ; that leaving the Fiscal
with about 50 soldiers in the fort, he marched with the remainder, about 100 men, out of the
fort into the city, in order, if the English would attempt to land here or there, to hinder them
as much as possible ; that the Petitioner did not command nor order the gunner to fire, was
owing to this circumstance, viz. : It had been unanimously agreed and resolved on the Petition
and Protest of the Burghers, that we should not be the first to begin hostilities and bloodshed.
This was observed and put into practice by ourselves heretofore in the attack and conquest of
the Swedish forts on the South river, and approved of at the time by the Hon'"'" Directors.
Fourthly, say the Hon"*^ Directors: Further to discourage the Burghers, the aforesaid
Director went contrary to all reason to the City Hall to communicate to tiie mass of the
citizens the promises and menaces of the English; that, therefore, he cannot be guiltless of
the s[editious] Remonstrance.
How incorrectly are the Hon'''' the Directors again informed on this point, and how grossly
has the Petitioner's going to the City Hall been misconstrued, will appear at all times on
hearing any impartial person who has a knowledge thereof and is in Amsterdam. From the
Journal which was kept, it is clearly to be seen that the Burghers had had sufficient knowledge
and communication of the menaces and promises of the English on the second day after the
arrival of the frigates, both from the farmers of Long Island and the scattered proclamations
sent to the Burghers as well as to the inhabitants of the aforesaid island fully 3 (^ 4 days
previous, as appears on the Journal and before your High Mightinesses' Petitioner was under
the necessity of going to the City Hall, the cause whereof was as follows :
We had .already, a day or two, heard that Commissioners from Boston, Hartford and
Plymouth, in New England, had come with some people to the English General, Nicols.
These Commissioners, 6 in number, two from each Colony aforesaid, whether sent by General
Nicols or of their own motion, or instructed by their Principals, did, on the 4"' September,
come in a row-boat with a white Hag to the city wharf in front of the public store, whence they
were immediately conducted to the nearest tavern, whither I went with the Council and two
Burgomasters to greet them. After some compliments, they declared that they had come to
offer us and all the inhabitants in the King's name, fair conditions, and, in case these were not
accepted, to excuse themselves for any mischief that may follow, it being their business, as
they had been ordered by England's Majesty, and were therefore obliged to assist General
Nicols. It would draw this to a very great length, were we to repeat all the speeches and
answers which passed. John Winthrop, the Governor of the Colony of Hartford, one of
the abovenamed Commissioners, handed before leaving a sealed letter, which your High
Mightinesses' Petitioner took and opened after their departure in the Council Chamber, and
read to the Council in the presence of the two Burgomasters. It contained nothing either in
substance and words except what was verbally proposed. A short time afterwards, the
aforesaid Burgomasters returned to the Council Chamber; requested copy of said letter to
communicate it to the other members of their Court. The request was for reasons refused.
The Petitioners departed greatly disgusted and dissatisfied. When they retired, it was
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 445
resolved to destroy the aforesaid letter, in order thereby to prevent its communication.
Shortly after the greater portion of the Burghers assembled at and around the City Hall ;
whether of their own accord or on invitation, the Director and Council were ignorant.
Suddenly the work at the setting of the palisades on the land side of the city stopped, when,
soon after, three of the principal Burghers, not belonging to the Government, presented
themselves at the Council Chamber, requesting most earnestly, and not without implied
expressions of worse and more evil disposed inclination, copy of the letter. No reasoning, not
even the excuse and exhibition of the destroyed and torn letter, being listened to by them,
your High Mightinesses' Petitioner was, by resolution of the Council, obliged to go to the City
Hall, not as is supposed, to discourage the Burghers, nor to communicate the threats and
promises of the English, which was unnecessary, since they were sufficiently acquainted with
them, both f^om the previously sent proclamation, or seemingly indeed from the reports of the
Burgomasters, who were present in the forenoon, when the above related conversation passed
and the sealed letter was delivered to the Petitioner ; but on the contrary, to encourage and
appease the Burghers and to bring them back to work. 'Twould only serve greatly to
extend this and to excite much disgust, were I to detail here the discourses which passed at
the City Hall ; the disrespectful remarks of several persons, that the Remonstrances and
complaints they had made were not deemed worthy of any notice, nay, not even of the slightest
answer, which I was obliged to listen to and patiently to bear. All agreed in this: that they
required a view and copy of the letter ; that it was impossible to defend the place, and, though
they might be able to protect themselves for one, 3 @^ 4 days, yea, for as many weeks or months,
which 'twas impossible to do; yet in all that time no relief was to be hoped for or expected,
seeing that, to resist so many, was nothing less than to gape before an oven. Fearing that a
mutiny might break out, I returned back to the Council Chamber, reporting my experience,
and, considering that the Burghers had sufficient knowledge through the Burgomasters of what
had been said or written, in order to obviate further mischief and to prevent all appearance of
mutiny, it was resolved to bring together, as well as possible, the pieces of the torn letter.
This was done by Fiscal de Silla ; and Bayard, the clerk, who understood the English language,
made a copy of it, which he delivered to the Burgomasters. Submitting further to your
Illustrious, High Mightinesses' most profound and discreet sentiment whether anything is
herein done amiss, and whether your High Mightinesses' Petitioner can thence be considered
guilty of the Burghers' Remonstrance.
Finally, the Directors say and conclude : The foreign force consisted only of four little frigates
and a few military, so that the garrison which marched out was stronger than that which
marched in. In regard to the Admiral's ship, which was the Guinea, it carried 36 guns, mostly
twelve-pounders; the rest eights and sixes; the Vice-Admiral, the Elius, carried 42 guns
on deck and 8 in the hold; the Rear-Admiral, 18 guns; the other, which was a transport,
14 (ai 16 guns. The statement that the garrison which marched out was stronger than the one
that marched in, is an absolute falsehood. Three effective companies — one the Governor's,
one Colonel Cartwricht's, one Robert Carr's, the smallest 90 (& 100 men strong, marched first
into the fort, and another company was posted at the city gates and Town Hall. Besides these
which came over in the ships from Old England, there remained the New England troops and
particularly those from the east end of Long Island and the six English towns situate within
the borders of New Netherland, our most bitter enemies, who were kept together at The Ferry
opposite the city, pursuant to the Capitulation, because the Burghers, from previously expressed
446 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
threats and perceptible attempts, were more apprehensive of being plundered by them than by
the others. Then, granting that the frigates were as small, and the number of soldiers as few
as the Directors are pleased to think, it has appeared, from the statement and declaration of
the English themselves, at the time and subsequently, that they had brought with them from
Old England over one thousand effective soldiers and sailors in the aforesaid four frigates,
exclusive of the reinforcements and addition from New England, the east end of Long Island
and the English towns belonging to us.
Amounting, as this force did, according to the declaration of many, to no less a number than
the first, no stand could be made against it by the Company's lew soldiers without the
assistance of the Burghers and farmers, although the frigates, sailors and soldiers had been half
as many, inasmuch as the Company's servants had no assistance nor relief to expect from any
quarter, whilst, on the contrary, the English, reinforced from places round about, as already
stated in our immediate vicinity, would, like the heads of the Serpent Hydra, have grown
more numerous the more they were lopped off, from day to day. Furthermore, it remains
still to be considered in this connection, as we have hereinbefore stated time and again, and
have shown by the expedition which the Company sent against the South river. Whosoever,
by ship or ships, is master on the river, will in a short time be master of the fort; and of this
it is remarkable that the Directors sent us in the year 1655 a ship-of-war called the Waegh, of
Amsterdam, carrying 32 (a. 34 guns, 90 sailors ana 50 soldiers, merely for that expedition ;
ordering your High Mightinesses' Petitioner to retake, with that force and the few soldiers
that were then in New Netherland, being about 70 @^ 80 men, not only Fort Casamir, but also
the other Swedish forts. God conferred such a blessing on the work, that 'twas executed in
less than 12 days, without firing a gun or any bloodshed. After the termination thereof, it
W'as manifest and found, that the Swedes were somewhat stronger on tiiat river and in the forts
than those who were carried thither to reduce them. The cause of their loss and the reason
of their surrender, were then the same as ours now; that they had no relief nor succor to
expect from any quarter, and we, on the contrary, in those parts, could receive from New
Amsterdam greater reinforcements than they in men and ships; yea, the Petitioner would,
from his knowledge and experience, dare assert and pledge his person and all he possesses,
that the city and fort, how strong soever this may be thought, could be reduced and captured
in less than 12 days with such a number of frigates, land forces and seamen as then came
before tliem, if a superior reinforcement in men and ships did not arrive from elsewhere during
that lime. This is not to be presumed for divers reasons, wherewith, as they are foreign to this
subject, I dare not encumber your High Mightinesses' more weighty affairs, but rather break off.
In case your High Mightinesses' I'etilioner's written Report respecting the loss of N. Netherland,
with the annexed documents in support of the same, delivered more than eight months ago,
and then placed in the hands of the Hon""'^ M. Van Ommeren and other your High Mightinesses'
Deputies, with this his written answer to the Observations made by the Hon'''* the Directors,
shall be examined, he confidently trusts that it will appear clear enough therefrom that the
loss of this country could not be avoided at the time and under the circumstances; and more
clearly whenever your High Mightinesses' weighty occupations will admit of the examination
of the multitude of letters, complaints, remonstrances and protests made from time to time
and sent to the Hon'''' Directors both by your High Mightinesses' servants, the supreme
government, and the subaltern Magistrates; yea, by the Commonalty themselves now and
then, principally in the years 1663 and 1664. Your High Mightinesses' Petitioner humbly
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 447
requests you to take these letters, remonstrances and rendered warnings into consideration,
together with this his answer and first delivered report, and the documents thereunto belonging.
Which doing, etc.,
(Signed), P. Stuyvesant.
►*■ » ■ ■ »
Re-solution of the States-General.
[ From the Register of West India Affairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Royal Archives at the Hague.]
Friday, SQ"- October, 1666.
Folio 128. Read at the Meeting the petition of Petrus Stuyvesand, late Director-General
The late Director o i
BtujvoBant. jn New Nethcrlaud, praying that his defence of the loss of New Netherland,
hereinbefore delivered, may be considered sufficient, and he, the Remonstrant, be granted his
dismissal. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the above Petition be
placed in the hands of Mess" Van Ommeren and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies
for the West India Company's affairs, to inspect, examine and report.
Ex-Director Stuyvesant to M. Vaii Ommeren.
[From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague ; Loketkas of the States-General ; Kubrick West Indische Compagnie, 3d division of
the Bundle.]
To the Right Hon*"' M. Van Ommeren, Chairman of their High Mightinesses' Committee
on the West India Company's affairs.
Petrus Stuyvesant, your Honors' humble servant, exhibits, with the deepest humiliation, a
brief Abstract, in the form of Inventory of the contents of the papers annexed to and in
support of the Petition in full, and therewith a Remonstrance presented to the Directors,
on communicating to them the Petitioner's Answer, from whom he learns that the matters are
referred to you, in order to be disposed of simul et semtl at the good pleasure of your Honor
and the Hon*"'' Committee. Which is again the request of
Your Honor's humble and
Dutiful servant,
(Signed), P. Stuyvesant.
448 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
List of Papers in supiwrt of Ex-Direclor Stuyvesatit's Report.
To the Right Honorable Mr. Van Ommeren and the other their High Mightinesses'
Committee on the affairs of the West India Company.
Right Honorable, Mighty Lords.
Petrus Stuyvesant, late Director in New Netherland, most humbly showeth : that more
than \2 months ago he delivered in to their High Mightinesses' Assembly his
written Report on the subject of the Surrender of New Netherland to the English,
whereunto were annexed :
First. An Account at length in proof of the Want of gunpowder, showing what quantity
was received in the last four years and how used ; and that on coming to terms with the
enemy, there were not above one thousand pounds in store and scarcely as much among
the Burghers, two-thirds whereof were old and bad. Some certificates of divers persons are
annexed to the account of the powder attesting its unfitness.
Secondly. Tvfo copies of letters sent to the Colonic of Renselaers-Wyck and village of
Beverwyck previous to, and on the arrival of the enemy, for a supply of powder and men.
The Answers thereunto annexed, show that no supply was received from either the one or the
other, and the reasons wliy.'
Thirdly. Two certificates in proof of the scarcity of provisions ; one from the late
Commissary of provisions, another from Sergeant Harman Martensen, who was sent three
times in season to New England to purchase provisions ; both certificates verifying the existing
scarcity and tiie efl'orls niiule by tlie Petitioner to receive supplies."
Fourthly. Copies of letters sent to the Dutch towns on Long Island and elsewhere, on the
arrival of the frigates, for assistance in men ; proving the Petitioner's endeavors and inclination
to defend the place as long as possible. The refusal and reasons therefor appear by the
Answers annexed.'
Fifthly. An humble Remonstrance of the inhabitants on Long Island, sent to the Directors,
the original dated the last of February; proving that the inhabitants, long before the arrival
of the frigates, could not be protected against the rebellious English. Therefore, requesting
support and assistance; otherwise they should be obliged to abandon their houses and lands,
or to submit to another government.''
Sixthly and lastly. Copy of a Petition and Protest of the principal citizens to the Director
and Council, setting forth the impossibility of defending the city of New Amsterdam and its
feeble fort.'^ All which papers aforesaid were delivered in to the Assembly of their Illustrious
High Mightinesses in October, 16G-5, and placed in the hands of the Hon'''" M. Van Ommeren
and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies, who, having examined them were pleased
to report, after perusal thereof, that the defence was suHicient and well made. But the
aforesaid Report and papers being by his Honor afterwards delivered to the Hon'''" Mr.
Huygen, of most meritorious memory, were mislaid and lost by that gentleman, but duplicated
in December following by the Petitioner, except the long powder account, and the two
certificates regarding the scarcity of provisions, of which no copies were retained. But in
' See supra, p. 371. " Supra, pp. SIS, S74. ' Supra, p. S76. ' Sujyra, p. S74. ' Supra, p. 248. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XII. 449
place of them he exhibits copy of a letter written to the Company from New Netherland by
the late Secretary Van Ruyven, still the Company's Agent and Resident in New Netherland,
dated the 9"" May, 1665, wherein the scarcity of provisions and powder is set forth in express
terms and words.
A Report being made to their High Mightinesses, after examination of those duplicates,
which the Petitioner again obtained anew, they resolved, on the 19 '' December, to refer said
Report to the Company for its Observations thereupon. These being made, their High
Mightinesses were graciously pleased, as appears by their resolution dated the 17"" of April,
to grant the Petitioner communication of the same in order to answer them, which Answer of
the Petitioner, after it had been offered, last August, by the annexed Petition to the Directorsi
was, by further resolution of their Illustrious High Mightinesses, referred, in October last, to
your Honor and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies. The Petitioner produces, for
the second and third time, in proof of his statement.
No. 1. The General Powder Account ; what was received and what was disbursed in the
last four years; by which it appears that the Director sent in that time no more than thirty-
six hundred pounds of gunpowder; in addition to this, 2,245 pounds were received from ships
for port duty and by confiscation ; these amount, together, to five thousand eight hundred and
forty-five pounds, which we got for one entire Province in the last four years. Of this small
quantity SOO pounds, which were bad and unserviceable, were sent back in 1663 to Amsterdam,
to be made and ground over. How and for what purpose the remainder was consumed during
the space of four years, especially in the years 1663 and 1664, in the very perilous war with the
Indians, appears, by the specification, the Powder Account annexed and by the balance; there
were, on the Capitulation with the enemy, only about one thousand pounds of powder in
store, and scarcely as much among the Burghers ; two-thirds of that were old and bad, as
appears further by
No. 2. Being five different Certificates proving both the small quantity and the badness of
the powder.
No. 3. An authentic Letter of the late Secretary Van Ruyven, still the Company's Resident
and Agent in New Netherland, written to the Petitioner and sent from New Netherland
-iV"" August last, with the aforesaid Powder Account, and some other certificates marked
also No. 3. And said letter further establishes not only the asserted scarcity of powder and
provisions but also the Petitioner's continual exertions, remonstrances, complaints and protests
made to the Company.
No. 4. Are two Certificates of 7 individual persons, who were all at the surrender of New
Netherland, and are at present in this country, bearing witness against the sinister and
unfounded presumptions of neglect of duty, and proving that all possible efforts were made by
the Petitioner to encourage the citizens to help in defending the place ; their refusal and reasons
therefor, viz., the want of the requisite necessaries, the despair of succor, the impossibility of
resisting the English force, as such appears, in addition to the aforesaid certificates, by
No. 5. Which is a Remonstrance and petition of the Magistrates and principal Burghers,
wherein they set forth and enlarge on the aforementioned impossibility, with an implied
protest against the Director and Council for the mischiefs to follow as a consequence, should
they obstinately persist in opposing the irresistible power of the enemy.
No. 6. Are two Remonstrances, one ; Letter A, of the Delegates from the city of N. Amsterdam
aud all the Dutch villages wiiich was sent to the Directors on the 10"" of November; 1663,
Vol. n. 57
430 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
relative to the perilous condition of the country, in regard both to the war with the Indian
savages and the violent and irresistible attempts and encroachments of the English neighbors
and subjects. Letter B. is a Remonstrance of the Dutch towns on Long Island to the same
effect, explaining more particularly the urgent necessity, and requesting instant assistance,
support and redress against both the Savages and the English, in default whereof, they
will be under the necessity of abandoning their lands and places of abode, or of submitting to
another government. The original was sent to the Directors, dated the last of February, 1664.
No. 7. Two copies of letters from the Director and Council, recommending and transmitting
the aforesaid ilemonstrances, wherein were fully set forth the danger, necessity and peril of the
whole country, and reinforcements in men and ships were humbly requested, entreated and
implored. ]n default whereof, they protested their innocence in case the country should
happen to be lost.
No. 8. Two duplicates of the Company's last letters in vindication of the foregoing, from
which are to be seen what and how little was answered and sent for the encouragement of
their faithful Ministers and despairing and almost abandoned subjects, in response to such
humble letters of entreaty and earnest remonstrances.
The Petitioner refers most humbly for judgment on these to your Right Honorable
Mightinesses, humbly praying you at once to be pleased to grant a discharge and speedy
dispatch to your most dutiful servant, after expending more than 12 months' time with so
much fatigue in duplicating and reduplicating his first Report and the documents thereunto
appertaining. . .
Which doing, &c.,
■ - ' (Signed), P. Stuyvesant.
< ' ■ » ■■
Ex-Director Stuyvesant to tlie diamher at Amsterdam.
To the Hon'''= the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam.
Honorable Gentlemen.
A considerable time has now elapsed since I, your old and faithful servant, was, by resolution
of their High Mightinesses, granted copy of your Honors' Observations on the Report which I
delivered, in order that I may answer them. Though this was executed a long time since, in
obedience to their High Mightinesses' resolution, yet have I postponed the delivery thereof for
divers reasons, not the least of which were their High Mightinesses' continual occupation and
anxiety about weighty aflairs, and my own hope that, in the mean time, some change for the
better might occur in favor of the good people of New Netherland, either by a desirable peace
or by victorious arms. On the other hand, I was afraid and apprehensive that your Honors
may be displeased or prejudiced on account of some expressions or false information, even
notwithstanding your Honors' servant believed that he did not say nor put anything in his
Answer except what was, by the tenor of the Observations which were delivered in, strictly
required for his defence against the incorrect information furnished, by one and the other, as
will appear evident in its time. Yet, in order to prevent further displeasure and the loss of
your Honors' favor, 1 have been unwilling, which was not the case previous to the delivery
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 451
of my Report, to deliver this, my Answer, without communicating it to you, lest anything
prejudicial to New Netlierland or otherwise unpleasant or wrong may have slipped into it ;
which your Honors' servant nowise believes, much less intends ; but, simply a true and
upright defence against whatever may be laid to his charge, as he has no other wish than the
continuation of your Honors' favor and of his faithful serving in your Honors' employment.
Meanwhile, hoping that you will be able to deduce from the Report first delivered and from
this further Answer, the innocence of your Honors' servant of these unfounded and concocted
accusations of neglect, carelessness and unfaithfulness, reported maliciously and in bad faith
to your Honors, and also the impossibility of defending so far distant a place, encompassed
around by enemies and, previous to the arrival of these last, threatened, beset, and, as it were,
encircled by others, without help from the inhabitants and hope of relief, even though it had
been better supplied with necessaries, such as gunpowder and provisions; as the impossibility,
and consequently our innocence of negligence, want of care, and what is worse, presumed
treachery, will appear the more manifest if your Honors, in addition to the opinion and
judgment of indifterent persons, will please to cast your eyes on the description of the situation,
weakness and shape of the fort as it then stood and still remains. How easy it would be to
retake and recover it, with a like if not a less number of ships and men, whenever the
Almighty and good God will please to balance the arms of this State or to grant a wished-for
peace, which is the wish, hope.and prayer of, &c.,
(Signed), P. Stuyvesant.
The original hereof was delivered about the middle of August, at the meeting of the
Directors, who were pleased, after the reading and examination thereof, to give for answer to
the Petitioner, who, after waiting without some time, was called in : They had communicated
their Observations to their High Mightinesses a long time ago, and submitted and left the
matter to their judgment; whatever their High Mightinesses would do therein would be
agreeable to them; the Directors were no parties in the case. The Petitioner replied : Of
whom, then, and how is a termination of the matter to be obtained? One of the Directors
answered him: They were not parties; the matter depended altogether on the decision of
their High Mightinesses ; he had once counseled me, in order to obtain a speedy termination
of the affair, to wait at once on the Grand Pensionary, de Witt.' Whereunto the Petitioner
stated, he had not the least acquaintance with that gentleman, whose more important
occupations and business, and almost constant absence, were such that he scarcely dared to,
nor could importune and trouble him with matters of such trifling interest ; and was still
ignorant who his opponents are, &c.
' Supra, 1 , 659, note. — Ed.
452 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
^^ General Account of Powder received for the last four years and how expended,
were sent from Fatherland by the Hon'''' the Directors for the entire country,
of good and new powder remained, and about SOO pounds of bad and old.
1665, and placed in the hands of the Right Hon''''' M. Van Ommeren and the
Extract from the Book of Monthly Payments, No. 10, of the year 1661, folio
IfoTE. — The specification of the disbursement and expenditure credited in this Powder-Account, appears pertinently in
No. 1. Laus Deo. A" 1661, Amsterdam, in New Netherland.
Dr. Dirck Looten, Commissary.
Pounds. Florins. s. d.
March 31. To Powder, on hand, 2,376 lbs., which Carel van Brugge,
late Commissary, delivered to said Looten, according
to inventory dated as above 2,376 1,188.00.00
December 31. To fine and confiscation ; for three kegs, amounting, in
all, to 300lbs., found in three barrels of groats,
shipped on board the Beier, confiscated by the
Director-General and Council, as appears by the Re-
gister of Resolutions dated 25"; August, estimated
at 44 guilders the hundred weight, 300 132.00.00
To extraordinary account of the Hon'''* Majores for 12
kegs containing 600 lbs. of powder, including the
vessels, at 40 guilders per hundred weiglit, sent per
the ship iioo/), Pieter Jansen Emilius, skipper; ac-
cording to invoice dated 12"' January, 1661, 600 240.00.00
To e.xtraordinary account of the Hon'''* Majores for 12
kegs of powder, containing 600 lbs., including casks,
(^ 40 guilders the hundred weight, sent by the ship
Gulden Areiil, Jacob Janzen Staats, .skipper ; accord-
ing to invoice dated ll"" January, 1601, 600 240.00.00
To the ship Hojic for 200 lbs. of powder received from
Jan Jansen Bestevaer, skipper of the Trouw, in
May, 1661, brought hither in payment of the like
200 lbs. of powder loaned in October, 1657, to
Adriaan Blommaaert, skipper on board said ship the
Hope; as appears in Book No. 6, folio 176, 200 300.00.00
To port duty, for so much received for privilege of
anchoring, from the following ships :
From ship Areiil, Jacob Jansen Staats, skipper, 100
From the ship Hope, Pieter Emilius, skipper, 100
From the ship Trouw, Bestevaar, skipper, 100
From the Bevtr, Pieter Reyersen, skipper,.. 100
From Sint Jan Baptut, Jan Bergen, skipper,. 100
500 250.00.00
4,576 2,350.00.00
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XII. 453
whereby it appears that in the last four years, 1661, 1662, 1663 and 1664, only 3,600 pounds
The balance of the account shows that on the surrender of New Netherland, 250 pounds only
The original of this account was delivered in to their High Mightinesses' Assembly in October,
others their High Mightinesses' Deputies.
176, kept by Jacob Sam.
the accompanjing Vouchers, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4.
Laus Deo. A° 1661, Amsterdam, in New Netherland.
Cr.
Pounda. FloriDS. b. d.
December 31. By transport from the Equipage Book, No. 9, folio 40,
for the following :
Joseph Waldron, 4 4.00.00
Florus van Ruyven, 24 24.00.00
Jacques Corteljouw, 2 2.00.00
Johan de Deckere, 6 6.00.00
Nicasius de Sille 10 10.00.00
NicolaesStillewil...... 16 16.00.00
Jan van Bommel, 3 3.00.00
In the hands of Willem Beeckman, 60 50.00.00
In the hands of Johannes La Montagne, 100 100.00.00
In the hands of Christiaan Niesen, 100 100.00.00
Village of New Haerlem, 25 25.00.00
Expenditure, as appears by the extract annexed,. 543 543.00.00
Balance carried over to Book No. 11, folio 103,.. 3,693 1,467.00.00
4,576 2,350.00.00
454
NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Extract from Book of Monthly Payments, No. 11, folio 103, kept by Jacob Sam.
Laus Deo. A" 1662, Amsterdam, in New Netherland.
Dr. Dirck Looten, for powder on hand.
Pounds. Florine. a. d.
January 1. To balance, from Book No. 10, folio 176, 3,693 1,467.00.00
December 31. To Anchorage for so much received for port duty of the
following ships :
From the ship Purmerlander Kercke, Dirck Jacobsen
de Vries, skipper, 22'' May, 100
From the ship Hoop, Pieter Emilius, skipper,
T'l-of July, 100
From the ship .4?f7(^ Pieter Claessen Deucht,
skipper, 12"- July, 100
From the ship Trouw, Jan Jansen Bestevaer,
skipper, IS"" August, 100
From the ship Vos, Jacob Jansen Huys,
skipper, last December 100
500 250.00.00
4,193
1,717.00.00
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XII.
455
Laus Deo. A" 1662, Amsterdam, in New Netherland.
December 31. By transport from the Equipage Booli, No. 10, folio 44,
for tiie following :
Powder in the hands of Christiaen Nyssen,
Cornelius Steenwyck,
Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General,
Petrus Stuyvesant,
Joseph Waldron
Floras van Ruyven,
Jacob Sam,
Nicasius de Sille,
Resolved Waldron,
Jacob Sam,
Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General,
Florus van Ruyven,
Nicolaes Verleth,
Johannis Megapolensis,
The Schout and Commissaries of the village of
JViliwyck,
Petrus Sty uvesant, Director-General,
Nicasius de Sille,
Nicasius de Sille,
The village Middewout,
Expenditure, as appears from the annexed extract,
No. 2
Balance carried over to Book No. 12, folio 92,...
Cr.
Pounde.
Florinp. e. d.
50
22.00.00
50
50.00.00
1
1.00.00
8
8.00.00
6
6.00.00
1
1.00.00
4
4.00.00
6
2.12.08
5
5.00.00
2
2.00.00
2
2.00.00
1
1.00.00
6
6.00.00
6
6.00.00
100
100.00.00
1
1.00.00
50
22.00.00
2
17.08
60
50.00.00
485
194.00.00
3,357
1,232.10.00
4,193
1,717.00.00
456
NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Extract from the Book of Monthly Payments, No. 12, folio 92, kept by Jacob Sam.
Laus Deo. A" 1663, Amsterdam, in New Netheriand.
Dr. Dirck Looten, for powder on hand.
Pounds. Florinfi. b. d.
January 1. To balance from Book No. 11, folio 103, 3,357 1,232.10.00
May 12. To John Bastiaensen for 100 lbs. of powder received
from Pieter Emilius, skipper of the ship the IIo"p, in
payment of the 100 lbs. of powder which Jan Bas-
tiaensen hath undertaken tp pay for port duty of the
Bh\p Sint Jan Baptist, in the year 1653, 100 87.10.00
November 7. To Michael Muyden for lOOlbs. powder received from
him for port duty of the ship P urmcrlandcr Kerck,.. 100 87.10.00
To Pieter Luycasse for 100 lbs. powder delivered by
him to the gunner for account of the Hon'''' Com-
pany, 100 87.10.00
December 31. To extraordinary account of the Hon*"'* Majores for the
following :
Received with the ship Eyckboom, Isaac Gerrit-
sen Schaap, skipper, 6 kegs containing GOO lbs.
powder, lOOlbs. of which was fine,(a). 35 gl. the
hundred weight, according to the invoice dated
I 7'" December, A" 1662 600
Also, received with the ship Rooseboom,
Pieter Reyersen vander Beer, skipper, 6
kegs, containing 600 lbs. powder @. 35 gl.
per hundred weight, with fl. 5. 8 charges;
according to the invoice of the 24"" March,
1663, 600
1,200 430.16.00
To port duty for so much received for right of
anchorage from the following ships:
The llooscboom, Pieter Reyersen, skipper,.. 100
The AreiU, Pieter Corneiissen Bes, skipper,. 100
The Bontekoe, Jan Bergen, skipper, ,. 100
The Sint Jacob, Pieter Luycas, skipper, 100
400 200.00.00
To the Hon""'" Majores for so much of the powder ad-
vanced, from time to time, in money, 130.12.00
5,257 2,256.08.00
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL
457
Laus Deo. A° 1G63, Amsterdam, in New Netlierland.
Founds.
November 2S. By Jan Snediger, in Flatbush, for 50 lbs. delivered to
him to be paid with Beaver, or corn, l)eaver price,. . 50
December 3L By extraordinary account of the Hon'''"' Majores for
SOOlbs. of powder, which, from age, had become
unfit for use, and was sent back to them by the ship
S'mt Jacob, Pieter Luycassen, skipper, 28"" October,
1G63, SOO
By Equipage Book No. 11, folio 66, as appears by the
annexed extract. No. 3, 2,696i
Balance carried to Book No. 13, folio 124, l,710i
Cr.
Fl(
31-1118.
S.
d.
50,
.00
.00
504.00.00
1,702.08.00
5,257 2,250.08.00
Vol. II.
58
458 * NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Extract from tlie Book of Monthly Payments, iNo. 13, folio 124, kept by Jan
Laus Deo. A" 1G64, Amsterdam, in New Netherland.
Dr. Dirck Looten, Commissary, to powder on hand.
Pounds. FIoriUH. ». d.
January 1. To balance of Book No. 12, folio 92, 1,710J
April 18. To goods in the hands of Willem Beeckman, for 13Gllis.
powder, which was returned by Beeckman, this date,
to Looten, 136 115.16.00
To Jan iSnediger for 50 lbs. of powder received from
him this day for the like 50 lbs. loaned to him the
2S"' September, A" 16G3, 50 50.00.00
July 12. To powder in the hands of Martin Kregier, 22lbs.. re-
delivered by Captain Martin to Looten, 22 S. 16.00
August 1. To extraordinary account of the Hon'''* Majores for gun-
powder received by the following ships :
By the ship Troinv, Bestevaar, skipper, 8
kegs, containing, as appears by the invoice
dated 19"' January, 1664, 400
By the ship the Gekruysie Hurl, Dirck Jacob-
sen de Vries, skipper, S kegs, containing,
as appears by the invoice dated 21" of
January, 1664, 400
By the ship Bacr, Pieter Reyersen vander
Beets, skipper, 8 kegs, containing, as ap-
pears by the invoice signed 21" January,
1064, 400
1,200 415.04.00
To port duty for so much received for the right of
anchorage from the following ships :
From the ship S/ali/n, 45
From the ship Bcvir, 100
From the ship Eendrachl, 100
From the ship Tronw, 100
345 172.10.00
3,463i 762.06.00
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIL . 459
Adriaensen van Duyvelant.
Laus Deo. A" 1G64, Amsterdam, in New Netherland.
Cr.
Pounds. Florins. e. d.
September 8. By Disbursements, as per Equipage Book, No. 12, folio
42, for the following :
Nicoales Stiilel, 6
Jan van Bommel, 1
Willem Kregier, 2
Jacobus van de Water, 2
City of Amsterdam, in New Netherland, 1,000
Dirck Looten, 4
Willem Bogardus, 2
Jan Adriansen van Duyvelant, 2
Petrus Stuy vesant, Director-General, 2
Jacques Corteljouw, 1
Cornelisvan Ruyven, 1
By expenditure, as appears by the annexed extract,
No. 4, 99SJ
Jacob Schermerhoorn, 275
2,296J 1,702.04.00
Note. — According to the Declaration and Account of the
gunner, Jan Ileyndertsen Spits, there remain-
ed in the powder cellar, on the surrenderof the
fort:
In old powder, 800
And in new, 250
So that the consumption falls short,.. 117
1,167
3,463i
NoTR. — The Books of Monthly Payments from which this Account is extraeted, to wit, Nos. 10, 11, 12 are al) at home, and
No. 13 now goes also over, with which this extract can be compared. I have compared it witb the Books here with me,
and have found it to agree.
(Signed), C. V. Ruitin.
4G0 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
No. 1. Issues debtor to Powder delivered from tlie first May, A" IGGl, to the last of
November, as appears by the Gunner's Delivery Book.
l^'jl- Pounds.
May 5. To powder, 2!) lbs., to salute General Stuyvesant when lie came from
the fysopus, 29
24. To powder, 1\ ll)s., issued to the Captain at Arms to lest some gun-
barrels, ]i
June IS. To powder, 4 lbs., fired when the sloop came from the South river, 4
23. To powder, Gli)s., to salute a ship coming from Virginia G
July 9. To powder, Glhs., issued to G soldiers going to Fort Orange, 6
IS. To powder, 4-2 lbs., issued to 84 soldiers, .^Ib. to each man, 42
To powder, 27 lbs., to salute Governor Winthorp, coming here from the
Fresh river to proceed, in the Trov, to Fatherland, 27
To powder, G lbs., to salute the ship Arcnt in sailing past the fort going
to the Beaver-palh, 6
21. To powder, is lbs., to salute the ships Aicnt, Hope and Trouw, when
they sailed hence for Fatherland, 18
To powder, 50 lbs., issued to the Burgomasters for the Burghers who
' were under ;irms to escort Governor Winthorp, -50
23. To powder, 10 lbs., issued to the inhabitants of Breuckelen to salute
General Stuyvesant, who escorted the abovenamed Governor Win-
thorp, 10
To powder, 25 lbs., to fire at the abovenamed Winlhorp's departure, 25
To powder, 29 lbs., issued to 5S soldiers, ^ lb. per man, who also escorted
the abovenamed Winthorp, 29
25. To powder, 10^, lbs., issued to 21 soldiers, lOA
29. To powder, 10 lbs., fired on the arriviil of the ship Brvrr, 10
August G. To powder, Gibs., fired on the arrival of the ship St. Jan Ddplis/, G
To powder, -^ Ih., issued to a soldier who was enlisted, ^
11. To powder, Gibs., fired when the ship the Pdrl arrived here from the
West Indies, and dropped her anchor without range of shot in order
to ascertain whether she might come up, 6
To powder, .ilb , issued to an Indian who brought the news of the ship
Fan!, i
12. To powder, IG lbs., fired for said Pari when she sailed up the Roadstead, 16
22. To powder, 4 lbs., fired when the schooner IS'icuucr Amsid sailed for the
South river, 4
September 1. To powder, Gibs., fired on tlie arrival of the ship D<hI from the West
Indies, 6
G. To powder, Gibs., issued to G soldiers, 6
IG. To powder, 75 lbs., issued to Lodewyck, the Provost for the Burghers,
being 3 companies, to fire on occasion of the Fair, 75
To powder, 8 lbs., to prove some pieces, 8
Amount carried forward, 402
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 461
Pounds.
1G61. Amount brought forward, 402
September 18. To powder, 12 lbs., issued to 48 boys, each Jib., to fire otT at the Fair,. 12
To powder, 12 lbs., issued to the train-bands also underarms at the Fair, 12
To powder, 25 lbs., fired at the Fair when the soldiers and Burghers
marched out, 25
22. To powder, Olbs., fired when the ship P«?Z sailed for Fatherland, 6
October 7. To powder, 2i lbs., issued to Otto Grim, Captain at Arms, to prove some
gun-barrels, 2J
14. To powder, 12 lbs., fired when the ships Vcrgulde Bever and St. Jan
Baptista weighed anchor and sailed to the Beaver-path, 12
15. To powder, 10 lbs., fired for the ships St. Jan Baptista and Vergulde
Bever when they sailed for Patria, 10
20. To powder, 10 lbs., fired for a ship that would not strike to the fort,
being a Quaker, 10
November 9. To powder, 40 lbs., issued to 80 soldiers, each J lb., 40
10. To powder, 6 lbs., issued to General Stuyvesant wlien he set out for the
Esopus, G
18. To powder, 6 lbs., fired for the ship Doel when she sailed to Patria,. 6
diU
No. 2. Issues debtor to Powder delivered from the 30"" of January, 1GG2, to the last of
December, as appears by the Gunner's Delivery Book.
16G2. Pounds.
January 30. To powder, lib., given to an Indian going with letters to Fort Orange, 1
February 17. To powder, 6 lbs., issued to 6 soldiers, 1 pound per man, 6
March 1. To powder, lib., issued to Glaus de Ruyter, going to the South river,.. 1
4. To powder, 5 lbs., consumed in testing 3 cannon, 5
IS. To powder, 1 lb., issued to an Indian Chief named Oratani, 1
28. To powder, Gibs., fired for an English ship coming up the harbor, 6
29. To powder, 6 lbs., fired on the arrival of the ship Purmerlander Kerch,.. 6
April 17. To powder, 16 lbs., to salute Director-General Stuyvesant on his way
hence to the Esopus, 16
30. To powder, IG lbs., to salute Director-General Stuyvesant on his return
here from the Esopus, 16
May 2. To powder, IGlbs., fired on the arrival of the ship Arent, 6
26. To powder, 39i lbs., issued to 79 soldiers, J lb. per man, 39J
30. To powder, 4ilbs., issued to 9 soldiers going hence to the South river, 4 J
June 5. To powder, G lbs., fired when the ship Purmerlander Kerch sailed for
Fatherland, 6
G. To powder, 4 lbs., fired on Jan de Kaper's sloop going to the South river, 4
13. To powder, 6 lbs., fired on the arrival of the ship Trouw, 6
Amount carried forward, 124
462 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Pounds.
1662. Amount brought forward, 124
June 20. To powder, Clbs., issued to G soldiers stationed at Slaten Island 6
29. To powder, G lbs., fired on the arrival of the ship Hope, G
July 11. To powder, li lbs., given to an Indian coming with letters from the
South river, IJ
13. To powder, 6 lbs., fired on the departure of the ship Arcnl for Fatherland, 6
26. To powder, G lbs., issued to G soldiers accompanying General Stuyvesant
to the P2sopus, 6
To powder, 10 lbs., to salute General Petrus Stuyvesant on his departure
to Fort Orange at the request of, and in company with, the Delegates
from Boston, &c., and Captain Willet, to aid in concluding a peace
there between the Mohawks and the Kinnebeck Indians, and to issue
some order respecting the Traders, 16
Auguit 3. To powder, 29 lbs., issued to 58 soldiers, i lb. per man, 29
6. To powder, 4 lbs., fired for an English ship that would not strike, 4
September 1. To powder, 12 lbs., fired on the sailing of the ships Trouiv and Hope past
the lort, 12
0. To powder, 12 lbs., fired on the departure of the ships Trouw and Hope,
for Fatherland, 12
9. To powder, 4 lbs., fired when the little craft the Nieuw Nctherlandlsche
Jndiaen came from the Bermudas, 4
11. To powder, 0 lbs., fired on the departure of the Sluyvesanls Wapen for
Patria 6
22. To powder. 1 lb., issued to an Indian come with letters from the
South river, 1
23. To powder, 4 lbs., fired on the departure of the Nicuw Ncdtrlandlsche
Indiacn to Virginia, 4
To powder, 150 lbs., issued to Lodewyck Pos, the provost, to be distribu-
ted at the time of the Fair to the three Burgher companies, 50 lbs.
per company, 150
25. To powder, 39J lbs., issued to the soldiers and some train-bands for the
Fair, 41 j
To powder, 16 lbs., to salute the company of soldiers and three Burgher
companies when marching out of the fort, 16
26. To powder, 1 lb., given to an Indian, 1
To powder, 1 lb., issued to 2 soldiers going to Staten Island, 1
October 30. To powder, Gibs., fired on occasion of an English ship sailing hence to
the Virginias without a pass, 6
November 14. To powder, 6 lbs., on the arrival of the ship the Fo5 from Patria 6
17. To powder, 12 lbs., issued on the departure of Director-General Stuyve-
sant to the Esopus, 12
December 4. To powder, 16 lbs., to salute Director-General Stuyvesant on his return
from the Esopus, . IG
4S7
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL
463
No. 3. Extract from the Book of Equipments and Munitions of War of the year 1G63,
No. 11, folio 24.
1663. Powder, Cr.
Pounds. Florins. e. d.
May 19. By so much in iiands of VVillem Beeci^man, Commissary
at the South river, 100 44.00.00
June 14. By the village of Bergen, 50 50.00.00
By General Petrus Sluyvesant's bouwerie, 25 2-5.00.00
By the village of Utrecht, 2-5 25.00.00
19. By the village of Utrecht, 25 25.00.00
14. By the Poor's bouwerie, 6 6.00.00
By Staten Island, 25 25.00.00
By the village of Breucltelen ,, 25 25.00.00
By the Magistrates of New Harlem, 60 GO. 00. 00
By the village of Boswyck, 31 31.00.00
By Francis de Bruyn, 2 2.00.00
By the village of Middewout, 60 50.00.00
By Joris Jacobsen, at The Ferry, 10 10.00.00
By Harmen Smeeman, at Gamoenepa, ,....,.. 25 25.00.00
By the village of Amersfoort, 50 60.00.00
By Gerrit Hendricksen , 1 1.00.00
By Jan Hendricksen, 1 1.00.00
By Frans Hendricksen, , 1 1.00.00
By Hendrick Hendricksen 1 1.00.00
By Teunis Craay 1 1.00.00
By Dirck Stofftilsen, 1 1.00.00
By Harmen Barentsen, ...,. 1 1.00.00
By Staten Island, 50 50.00.00
By Cornelis van Ruyven, ,.. 15 15.00.00
By Nicasiusde Sille, 6 6.00.00
By Paulus Heymans, J 10.00
By Bartholomeus van der Schel, ,, J 10.00
By Paulus Heymans, 1 1.00.00
By Hendrick VVillemsen, 4 4.00.00
By Reynier Wisselpeningh, 2 2.00.00
By in the hands of Christiaen Niessen, 100 40.00.00
By in the hands of Christiaen Niessen, 200 80.00.00
By in the hands of Captain-Lieutenant Marten Kregier, 300 120.00.00
By Magistrates of New Harlem, 30 30.00.00
By Director-General Petrus Stuyvesaut, 7 7.00.00
By NicolaesVerleth, 4 4.00.00
By Ide Cornelissen van Vorst, 3 3.00.00
By Paulus Leendertsen vande Griefft, 5 6.00.00
Amount carried forward, 1,2S4 2S&.00.00
Florins. e. d.
4G4 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
1663. Powder. rounds.
Amount brought forward, 1,2S4 2SS.00.00
June 20. By the Hon'''"' Director-General's houwerie, 25 25.00.00
By Carel van Brugge 1 - 1.00.00
By Carel van Brugge, 8 8.00.00
By Arent Teunisse and Company 6 6.00.00
By Magistrates of Gravesend, 50 50.00.00
By village of New Utrecht, 50 50.00.00
By village of Middewout, 50 50.00.00
By Magistrates of Rustdorp, 50 50.00.00
By Magistrates of Heemstede, 50 50.00.00
By village of Bergen, 50 50.00.00
By Dirck Jansen, in the Walebocht, 1 1.00.00
By Lubbert Gerritsen, 1 1.00.00
By Allard Anthony, 5 5.00.00
By Ransom of horses from the Indians, 3 3.00.00
By village of Boswyck, SO 30.00.00
By voyage to Virginia, 6 6.00.00
By Marten Cregier, o 2 2.00.00
By Martin Salemaaker, 1 1.00.00
By Pieter Jacobsen, 1 1.00.00
By William Bounis, 4 4.00.00
By in the hands of M. Kregier, 22 S. 16.00
I By in the hands of M. Kregier, 100 40.00.00
By Nicolas Verleth, 2 2.00.00
By Lodewyck Pos, 1 1.00.00
By Cornelis van Ruyven, 4 4.00.U0
By Nicolaes Verleth, 6 6.00.00
By in the hands of Johan la Moutagne, 50 20.00.00
By village of Bergen, 50 50.00.00
By Ilarmen Smeeman, 25 25.00.00
By the Hon'''"' M. Stuyvesant's bouwcrie, 7 7.00.00
By issues, as by the anne.xed, 791A 316.12.00
2,696i 1,702.08.00
Issues debtor to Powder delivered between the 7"" January and the 29""
December, as appears by the Delivery Book of Jan Reyadertsen, the gunner.
Pounds.
January 7. To powder, 0 Ib.^., fired on the departure of the ship J^os for Patria,. — 6
11. To 0 lbs., issue<i to 6 soldiers, 6
February 11. To 6 lbs., issued to 6 soldiers going on board the ship Purinerlander-Kirck,
wliicii is arrested, 6
Amount carried forward 18
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 465
1664. Amount brought forward, 18
February 18. To 6 lbs., fired for the ship Purmerlander, on her arrival here from Patria, 6
22. To 16 lbs., fired when General Petrus Stuyvesant set out for the Esopus, 16
24. To 32 lbs., issued to 64 soldiers, i lb. per man, 32
25. To i lb., issued to an Indian named Karstengh, J
April 3. To 15 lbs., to salute Director-General Stuyvesant on his return from the
Esopus, 16
18. To 6 lbs., fired for the ship Purmerlmider Kerch, 6
21. To 4 lbs., fired for an English ship, 4
To 6 lbs., fired for an English ship, 6
May 12. To 6 lbs., fired on the departure of the ship Purmerlander Kerch for
Fatherland, 6
26. To 16 lbs., fired for the ship Eijchehoom, when she sailed for Patria, 16
June 2. To 16 lbs., fired for the ship Arcnt, on her arrival from Patria, 16
4. To IJ lbs., presented to Domingo and Emanuel, negroes, IJ
5. To 1 lb., issued to an Indian going with letters to the South river, 1
12. To 6i lbs., issued to 13 soldiers, i lb. per man, 6^
To 16 lbs., to salute the General going to the Esopus, 16
15. To 26 lbs., issued to 52 soldiers going to Esopus, 26
To 5 lbs., issued to 10 soldiers, 5
To 2A lbs., issued to 4 gangs of negroes and the overseer, 2^
To 1 lb., issued to the steward and cooper, 1
To 3 lbs., used for scaling 2 guns, 3
16. To 5 lbs., issued to 10 soldiers, 5
To 16 lbs., fired on the return of the General from the Esopus, 16
19. To 4 lbs., issued to fill cartridges, 4
To 4 lbs., issued to 4 soldiers going to Staten Island, 4
22. To 7 lbs., issued to 14 soldiers, | lb. per man, 7
23. To 1 lb., to 1 soldier, 1
To 2J lbs., issued to the smith to test barrels, 2|
26. To 3 lbs., issued to 6 soldiers, 3
27. To 8 lbs., issued to 16 soldiers, J lb. per man, 8
28. To 7 lbs., issued to 14 soldiers, 7
29. To II lbs., issued to 22 soldiers, J lb. each, II
July 2. To 6 lbs., to 12 soldiers, 6
5. To 1 lb., issued to Sergeant Harman to fill cartridges, 1
6. To 3 lbs, issued to 3 Northern Indians going to the Esopus, 3
■ To 4 lbs., issued to 8 soldiers, 4
11. To 5 lbs., issued to 10 soldiers, 5
14. To 4.J lbs., issued to 9 soldiers, 4J
16. To 2i lbs., issued to 5 soldiers, 2J
Amount carried forward, , 299 J
Vol. II. 59
466 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Ponniis.
] GG4. Amount brought forward, , 299 J
July 25. To 7 lbs., issued to 7 men accompanying Secretary van Ruyven to the
Kill van 'tKolI 7
30. To 4 lbs., issued to V^an Ruyven, accompanying 4 men to the Esopus,. 4
August 3. To 1 lb., issued to 2 soldiers, 1
8. To 8 lbs., issued to 8 soldiers accompanying Pieter Wolphertsen to the
Wappingers, 8
10. To 1 lb., to 2 soldiers, 1
17. To 1 lb., given to an Indian named Carstengh, 1
To IG lbs., fired when the ship .-i/cw; sailed for Patria, 16
To IG lbs., fired when the ship Roscboom sailed for Patria, 16
24. To 2 lbs., issued to some Burghers who brought the Orange flag into the
fort, 2
25. To i lb., issued to Duyvelant, i
27. To li lbs., issued to 3 soldiers going to Esopus, li
28. To IG lbs., fired on the arrival of the ship Sint Jacob, from Fatherland,. 16
September 11. To 1 lb., issued to fill cartridges for the General, 1
12. To 8 lbs., issued to 4 soldiers accompanying General Stuyvesant to
Boston, 8
14. To G lbs., issued to 6 soldiers going with a boat to the Esopus, 6
15. To 4 lbs., issued to 5 soldiers going to Staten Island 4
IG. To 21 lbs., issued to 21 soldiers going with a boat to Staten Island, which
was reported to have been burnt, 21
IS. To 6 lbs., fired when the ship Slar arrived from Fatherland, G
20. To i lb., issued to a soldier, -i
To S lbs., issued to IG soldiers, 8
22. To 1 lb., issued to 1 soldier, 1
To 3A lbs., issued to 7 soldiers going to Staten Island, 3-^
24. To 9 lbs., issued to IS soldiers here in the fort, 9
25. To 3 lbs., issued to 6 soldiers of Staten Island, G
29. To 6 lbs., issued to G soldiers at the time of the Fair, 6
To G lbs., fired on the departure of the ship Bonlckoe for Fatherland,. . . G
October 2. To 1 lb., presented to the Sachem of Marsepiugh, 1
G. To 4S lbs., fired as a salute to welcome General Stuyvesant from Boston, 48
12. To i lb., issued to a soldier, i
13. To 1 lb., issued to an Indian, being a Sachem of Marsepingh, 1
17. To GG lbs., issued to GG soldiers, GG
IS. To G lbs., issued to Sergeant Harmen, going with some soldiers to the
. . JSewesinghs G
To 12 lbs., fired from 2 cannon about 8 o'clock in the evening, as a
warning to the people to be on their guard, as two Christians, on
their way from Bergen to Gamonepa, were this day murdered by
the Indians 12
Amount carried forward, 594
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XII.
4G7
1664.
October 23. To
To
31. To
November 6. To
7. To
S. To
To
11. To
21. To
29.
To
D.
icember
4.
To
IG.
To
29.
To
To
To
To
To
Pounds
Amount brought forward, 694
3 lbs., issued to 3 soldiers 3
IS lbs., fired wlien Mr. de Deckere set out for Virginia, 18
2J lbs., issued to Laurens Laurensen for saving the Company's boat, 2.J
4 lbs., fired on the departure of the ship Sint Jacob for Fatherland,. 4
Hi lbs., issued to 23 soldiers accompanying Mr. de Siiie to New
Utrecht, on account of some trouble there with the English, 11;^
7:} lbs., issued to 15 soldiers, 7i
8 lbs., issued to S soldiers going to Esopus in the Company's sloop,. 8
gunpowder, 14 lbs., tired as a warning to the people to be on their
guard, as there were some rumors to-day about the Indians, 14
lOJ lbs., issued to Pieter Wolphersen, going with some soldiers in
the Company's sloop to the Wappingers, lOi
1 lb., issued to 2 soldiers, 1
2 lb., to 1 soldier, ^
8 lbs., issued to Captain Marten Kregier, going with the Company's
sloop and some soldiers to the Esopus, 8
2 lbs., issued to 2 Indians, to wit, Hans and Karstengh, 2
gunpowder, 2 lbs., issued to Arien Cornely for bringing the Governor's
horse, 2
5 lbs, issued to Ruth Jacobsen for so much heretofore borrowed from
him, 6
50 lbs., issued to Pieter Wolphertsen, to distribute among the
Marsepingh Indians who were going to Esopus, 6"" July, 60
50 lbs, issued to Pieter Wolphertsen to ransom some Christians and
for some Marseping Indians going to Esopus, 60
Total, 79U
1GG4.
January
No. 4. Issues debtor to Powder delivered, as appears by the Delivery Book of Jan
Reyndertz Sptis.'
5. To powder, 25i lbs.. Issued to 51 soldiers 25^
14. To powder, IS lbs., fired for the ship Siatyn, IS
22. To powder, 1 lb., issued to an Indian going with letters to Fort Orange, 1
23. To powder, J lb., issued to an Indian named Hans, J
February 5. To powder, 5 lbs, to 10 soldiers in garrison at Staten Island, 5
19. To powder, 7 lbs, fired for the ship St. Peter, which arrived here from
Patria, 7
23. To powder, 1 lb., to an Indian, 1
Amount carried forward, 58
■ Sic. Spilf. — Ed.
468 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
ronnde.
1C64. Amount brought forward, 58
February 29. To powder, 4 lbs., issued to Marten Cregier, going with some soldiers
to Newesing, 4
March 1. To powder, fired when the ship 5/«r left for Patria, 7
3. To powder, Si lbs., issued to the General and 10 soldiers who escorted
him to Hemstede, SJ
7. To powder, li lbs., issued to an Indian Sachem, 1 J
11. To powder, 2 lbs., issued to 4 soldiers going to Staten Island, 2
26. To powder, 0 lbs., issued to Peter Woitlertsen and some soldiers who
have gone to the Esopus, 0
To powder, 7 lbs., fired on the arrival here of the ship Vos, 7
April 4. To 2 soldiers, 1
12. To 01 soldiers Gl
20. To powder, 57 lbs., issued, 67
21. To powder, 36 lbs., issued on the arrival of the ships Troti and
GeJcruyste Hart, from Patria, 36
23. To powder, issued on the departure of the ship Slatijn from Patria,. 7
24. To powder, to scale 5 guns, 13
26. To powder, 19 lbs., issued to soldiers coming in the ships from Patria,. 19
25. To 10 lbs. powder, issued for the ship Bevcr, 16
30. To 14 soldiers, arrived in the ship />«'cr, 7
May 1. To Pieter Wollfersen and some soldiers gone to the Wappingers, 0
12. To powder, issued for the ship the JVitle Ruijtcr on her departure for the
West Indies, 7
To powder, for 1 J lbs., to Captain Cregier and Sergeant Harmen, 1^
To powder, 27 lbs., issued on the conclusion of the peace with tlie
Esopus Indians, 27
May 24. To powder, 0 lbs., issued for the ship Daijf, arrived from Curasao,. — 0
27. To powder, 0 lbs., issued on the departure of the St. Fttro for Patria,. . 0
11. To powder, 6 lbs., issued on the arrival oi Mos from Curasao, 6
June 6. To powder, 6 lbs., issued for the ship Vos, 6
11. To powder, 5 lbs., to the Hon'''"" Director-General Stuyvesant, going in the
sloop Mus, with some soldiers to the Kil viai Kol, 5
14. To Jan Adamsen, to fill cartridges, 1
To 3 companies of Burghers, each conii)any 50 lbs., 150
July 2. To powder, 2 lbs., to 4 soldiers going to Fort Orange, 2
To 10 soldiers going to Staten Island, 5
19. To 10 lbs. powder, fired on the arrival of the ship Eendrag/u, from Patria, 10
20. To the Captain of tlie Northern Indians, 1
29. To the sloop Mos, going to Curat^ao, 7
August 4. To powder, 7 lbs., fired for the ship Trou when sailing past the fort,... 7
5. To powder, 11 lbs., fired on the departure of the ships Bevcr and Trou
lor Patria, 14
Amount tarried luivvard, 584J
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIL
469
Pounds.
1664. Amount brought forward, 584 J
August 13. To 8 lbs. of powder to 16 soldiers, 8
To powder, 18 lbs., fired on the departure of Director-General Stu3've-
sant for Fort Orange, IS
14. To 7 lbs. powder, issued on the arrival of the ship Si. Jacob, 7
16. To powder, IS lbs., fired for the ship Gideon, coming with negroes from
Curasao, IS
22. To powder, 2 lbs., to 4 soldiers, 2
23. To powder, 59 lbs., to 118 soldiers, 59
25, To powder, 100 lbs., for loading all the cannon arouud the fort, 100
27. To civil servants, 7 lbs., 7
31. To 10 soldiers, 10
To powder, fired for the English Ambassadors, 50
September 2. To powder, 50 lbs., fired for the English Ambassadors, 50
4. To powder, 10 lbs., issued to John Adams to load muskets 10
To powder, 50 lbs., fired as a salute for the English Ambassadors, 50
To powder, 25 lbs., issued to the soldiers going to Curasao, 25
998^
(Endorsed),
Vouchers of the Powder Account
mentioned in the credit thereof.
No. 2. f ^- ^- '
Before me, Jan Hendrixe Leuven, admitted by the Hon""^ Court of Holland a Notary Public
in Amsterdam, and the undernamed witnesses, appeared Aegidius Luyck, late Principal of the
Latin School in New Amsterdam, in New Netherland, aged about twenty-four years, and
Clara Krieckenbeck, wife of Hans Steyn, shopkeeper there, aged about thirty-four years, who,
jointly and severally, have, at the request of Petrus Stuyvesant, late Director-General of New
Netherland, testified and declared it to be true, that in the month ot September, of last year,
XVt_and fifty-four, without remembering the particular day, when the English were before
New Amsterdam, they (the deponents) and other Burghers and inhabitants asked the Gunner :
How will it go ? Will you make any defence and fire ? To which he answered. Yes ; the
Director will fight and hath given orders to fire ; but 'tis of no use, for the powder is short
and bad. If 1 begin in the forenoon, 'twill be all consumed in the afternoon. Which aforesaid,
they the witnesses, declare to be true, having been there, by and present and heard it, and
still retaining good recollection thereof. Offering, if needs be, further to ratify and confirm
this on oath, consenting to a minute hereof. Thus done and executed in the presence of
Lambert Reetgelt and Jacob Croessen, witnesses, the XXIL October, XV1= and fifty-five,
in Amsterdam.
Agrees with the Minute.
(Signed),
J. Leuven,
Notary Public.
470 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Knowe all persons, whonie these presence may concerne, Uiat there appearing before me
Thomas Carueth, Notary I'ublick, sworne and adinitled James Bollen, Commissary of tiie
amunition, and Phillip Johns Cimner, being there unto re(|uire(i, doe certifie and confirme,
tiuU upon the surrender of the citty and forte of Nuc Amterdam, upon the island of Manhatans
in America (novve called Nue Yorke) unto his Ma'ii:; forces of Great Drittaine under the
command of the right honorable Colnel! Richard Nicolls, they found in all the store butt
eighteen barrells of gun powder, contayning in each fifty pound waight ; and that so olde and
decayed, that it was not fitt for any use or service. In witness where of the above named
have liere unto subscribed their names. In Nue-Yorke, upon the island of Manhatans, the
second day of May, An" 1GG5.
(Signed),
James Boli.en,
Phillip Johns.
Tho : Carrieth,!
Not'' Pub''.
No. 2. I, the undersigned, do Iiereby certify and declare in support of the truth, at the request
of the Hon''''' Petrus Stuyvesandt, late Director-General of New Netherland, that it is well
known to me that on his Honor's going, in May, 1065, from Amsterdam, in New Netlierland,
in the ship Gccntyste Ilardt, he took with iiim from there a small keg of gunpowder weighing
about fifty pounds as a sample aud specimen of the sort of powder which was there. When
I arrived, in July of the same year, from Curasao at Bergen, in Norway, I saw that keg
opened on board the Commissary's yacht the Musch, and it was in such condition as to be
unserviceable. And there was not on board said vessel any other powder fit and proper to
use with fire-arms.
At the request of Jan Pieter van Dockum, the skipper, Mr. Stuyvesandt aforesaid sent D"
Egidius Luyck to the ship Smila Caturhui, whereof one Rut .Maximiliaen was skipper, and
borrowed from him, besides three guns, a parcel of about twelve pounds of powder for our
use on the voyage between Bergen and Holland. This, I, the undersigned, by this my hand
signature, declare to be true, and if needs be and when re.quested, will confirm the same by
oath. Dated at the Hague, 8"' April, A" 1666.
(Signed), Jacob Gabui.
No. 2, I, Aegidius Luyck, undersigned, late Principal of tho Latin r^chool in Amsterdam,
in New Netherland, and at present T/icologiae Shuliusus here, aged about 25 years, do hereby
certify and declare in witness of the truth, at the request of Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, late
Director-General in New Netherland that not alone from the Gunner's own mouth have I
heard that the gunpowder was short, bad and unfit for use when the English arrived in New
Netherland, but that 1 moreover well remember and know that the aforesaid General, departing
in May, 16G5, from New Netherland, had brought with iiim from there a small keg of gunpowder,
about 50 lbs., as sample and specimen thereof, which keg I, the declarant, have seen opened
on board the Company's yacht the Mnsch, in presence of Jan Pietersen van Doccum, the
'Thomas Caevktu was the fust Knglitli Nolmj in NcwYoik. lie was comuiisaioiicd un the 2CUi OoLober, ICCl. New-
Yvrk (icuiral KutrUn^ I., hi. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XII. 471
skipper, and Mr. Jacobus de Gabry, and it was found to be such that the skipper himself
pronounced it unserviceable, and in consequence, I, the declarant, at the request of the
aforesaid skipper, was sent, myself in person, by the said Mr. Stuyvesant, with an open note
to the ship Sinte Catharina, lying in the harbor of Bergen, in Norway, and have borrowed and
received from Rut Maximiliaen, her Captain and skipper, besides three muskets, a parcel worth
about 12 lbs. of powder, to be used on the voyage from Bergen aforesaid to Holland. All
which, when requested and when necessity demands, I offer to confirm further and to ratify
by oath, it being subscribed by my own hand and mark.
(Signed), Aegidius Luyck
No. 2. I, Jacques Cousseau, undersigned, do, at the request of Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, late
Director of New Netherland, certify and declare it to be true and truthful, that, at the time the
English frigates had arrived to reduce New Netherland, I had indeed heard, from divers
persons, that there was extremely little powder in store, and that the most part thereof was of
little or no good, without, however, being able to declare anything for certain about the
quantity. But in respect to the quality I say and declare that a few days after the surrender
of New Netherland I, with other merchants, had been spoken to by the Burgomasters of the
aforesaid city, who submitted and offered for sale to us, in part payment of a debt, a lot of
gunpowder, about three or four hundred pounds, which was so weak and unserviceable that it
was pronounced by said merchants unfit for use, unless first made over, or mixed in small
quantity with stronger. Certainly it was not considered worth half price. 1 will confirm the
whole, if necessary, by oath. In witness of the truth, I have subscribed this with my own
hand. Done 19"" April, 1666, in Amsterdam.
(Signed), Cousseau.
(Indorsed) :
Five different declarations of private persons proving the small quantity
of gunpowder in store on the surrender of New Netherland, and that
the most of it was bad and unserviceable.
We, the undersigned, declare it to be true and truthful, that we have seen these words
written on the last page of the Memorandum book or Journal of the issues of powder, kept
by Jan Rynderts Spidts, the Gunner, in said Gunner's hand-writing, which is very well known
to us : viz' :
Remaining in the powder-cellar eight hundred pounds of old powder, two hundred and fifty
pounds of new powder.
Which words agree with the aforesaid Memorandum remaining with the late Secretary
Cornells van Ruyven. Dated Manhatans, 17"' August, IGCG.
(Signed), C. v. Ruyvex,
Jan Evertz" Keteltas,
Jacobus van de Water.
472 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
No. 3. Mr. Van Ruyven to General Stuyvesant.
Honorable, wise, prudent and most discreet Sir and worthy friend.
'Twas easy to foresee tiiat you would experience trouble and difficulty in the beginning, or
on your arrival, on account of the surrender of New Netherland ; but I had not expected that
such would be persisted in, and that you would be subjected to a continuance thereof after an
explanation had been rendered: much less that such would have been your treatment at the
hands of persons who had, or at least ought to have, a knowledge of matters. But it is nothing
new for good servants to be paid in such wages. I cannot myself imagine on what pretext
the loss of the country can be laid to your charge. Was not every possible ell'ort used for its
preservation? And was not its dangerous and ruinous condition notified ; assistance for redress
solicited, or was it not protested that else everything would be lost. Certainly, yes. Not once,
nor one year, but for several years and by almost every ship. What more can be demanded
from a Governor? Ts it possible for him to protect a district of country from an invasion by
the enemy without the required means? And these were demanded time and again. The
result appears by the books. I doubt not but the Hon'''"^ Company hath done its best according
to circumstances. But that was insufficient. Did their circumstances not permit, an
explanation thereof ought to have been submitted to the government {Sfaat van h Laiil) and
its assistance requested. In one of the last letters to the Hon''''^ Company, you said, among
other things, that you were willing to sell your own property, houses and lands in order
thereby to support our falling condition. But purchasers were wanting. What more could
be done? I write to Mr. Abraham Wilinerdoncx, that honor and thanks are due to you for
sustaining the government so long by your prudent administration, especially as it had long ago
begun to totter. Time will tell how this will be received. I have been informed by friends,
that it is taken very ill that I should have written to the Hon'''" Company on this subject, when
you took your departure. But I say in the letter to Mr. Wilmerdonx, that to rob a man of his
good name, or if slandered, not to help to defend him, when in one's power, is, according to
my notion, equally bad. For that reason I shall not neglect to testify to the truth. I heartily
wish that I were with you so as to be able to serve you in any occurring circumstances,
according to humble ability; or that I knew what was necessary to be sent from here; I
sliould not fail therein. What you request, goes herewith, ; viz : the powder-account and
vouchers appertaining thereunto.
It is impossible to find out what provisions were in store at the time of the surrender, but
it appears from the Book of Monthly Payments that all the accounts balance. Therefore
nothing remained in store. The required declaration as to the performance of the duty of
procuring provisions goes herewith; also, of the farmers on your bouwerie; with which 1
likewise send a declaration from the Dutch towns on Long Island respecting the prohibition
they received not to permit any provisions to come here. It was signed by Breuckelen and
some belonging to Middewout, but stuck in The Bay. Covert Loockermans has gone to
reside there, but his wife still keeps the shop here. Had it been returned to me I should have
sent it as it was ; but it is kept back, and there is no time to inquire for it. I hope to send it
by grandfather, if it comes.
Herewith also goes a Di-claration extracted from .Tan Reyndersen Spits' Memorandum, by
which he declares that there was remaining in store, at the time of the surrender, no more
than 250 lbs. of new powder; the remainder being old. This is all I have been able to find
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XII. 473
out regarding him. This ficl^leness greatly surprizes me. The statement he made in my
wife's presence, which you mention, occurred after the surrender.
Everything here is mostly in the same state as on your departure ; as Mr. Backer, who
returns by this vessel, will inform you. Trade is at a stand-still everywhere round about, in
consequence of the privateers who cruize in the West Indies, Virginia and in the neighborhood
of New England. This causes great incoavenience, so that the issue in Europe is eagerly
looked for.
I intended to have communicated some news to you, but, contrary to expectation, notice
was sent round for all passengers to go immediately on board. I have mentioned some
intelligence in the letter to our beloved nephew, young Wilmerdoncx. I have hitherto had
great reason to be thankful to God the Lord for our health and present condition, and it has
afforded me much pleasure to learn the same of you ; but 'twould afford me much greater
satisfaction to be able to see it personally or to hear it from your own lips, which I eagerly
desire. Father is old and weak ; preaching by turns in the outside villages does not help
him much. Mother is also sometimes ailing. Since you left there have died here, to my
knowledge, Abraham Klock, Hans Kierstede ; and Bartel Mannekin van der Doncx' widow
will enter again into possession of Nipperha.' She claims also land in Mespadt. She likewise
recently spoke to me about some ironwork you caused to be hauled from there, but I know
nothing about it. Many old matters are ripped up and misinterpreted, but they are wisely
disregarded by Governor Nicols, so that a man remarked to me, that it was the Governor's
policy to follow the same course you had observed in the case of Governor Kieft.
Wherewith, after hearty greeting and wishes for good success, quick dispatch and safe
return, I shall recommend your Honor to God's gracious protection and remain.
Sir, and kind friend.
Your obliged servant,
Manhatans, -iV August, 1CG6. (Signed), C. v. Ruyven.
No. 3. We, the undersigned, declare it to be true and well known to us that Mr. Petrus
Stuyvcsant, late Director-General of New Netherland, when the public store was in the
beginning of the year 1664, very poorly stocked with provisions, as appears by the Accounts
kept thereof, made use of various efforts to obtain a quantity of provisions, both for the
garrison here and for Curasao, whence the Company's little craft the Mosch arrived here on
the 24"' June, to take in provisions and timber. Divers persons were sent expressly hence
with sloops to the North of New England for that purpose, several times, viz. : Sergeant
Harmen Martensen van den Bos, in the last of Mayor beginning of June ; afterwards, Nicolaes
Beyart, Commissary of stores ; and as both these brought with them little or nothing, it was
resolved to employ a native Englishman for the purpose, in the hope that they would be more
willing to trade with one of their own nation than of ours, on account of the difficulties which,
from time to time, existed between us and them. The son of Mr. John Laurentsens, an
English trader here, being thereunto requested, was also sent thither about the middle of
July, but he had no better success than his predecessors, for he did not bring back more than
three or four tons. As the Hon*"'" Company or their servants, at that time, had little or no
' The punctuation is according to the Dutch text, but I think the eemi-colon ought to follow the word " Mannekin." After
which the passage would read, "Van der Doncx* widow will reenter into possession of Nipperha," &c. — Ed.
Vol. II. 60
474 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANHJSCRIPTS.
credit here, this individual was furnished by the said Petrus Sluyvesant, willi his own private
property and credit. All which we declare to be true and are ready to confirm the same.
Done at Manhatans Island, ^ August, A° 1666.
(Signed), C. v. Ruyven,
rs. Bayard.
Declaration of the Farmers to the effect that Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant hath had
their grain threshed by his own servants, so that the fort may be victualled.
We, the undersigned husbandmen, dwelling on the bouwerye of Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant,
late Director-General of New Netherland, do certify that it is true and truthful that we, the
undersigned, were earnestly requested by his Honor, who arrived home from Fort Orange on
the day before the arrival of the English frigate in the Bay of the North river, to thresh, in a
hurry, as much grain as possible and carry it into the fort. And whereas we had our hands
full of work on account of the harvest, said Mr. Stuyvesant himself had as much grain as
possible threshed by his own Negroes and servants and brought into the fort every day, whilst
the frigates remained at the Narrows. Tiiis we are ready, at all times, to conGrm by oath.
Done at Manhatans this 1*4 August, A" 16G6.
' (Signed), Fockke Jaxs,
KlER WOLTERS,
Jan Jansen van de Langesxraet.
Agreement with Thomas Willot for a quantity of provisions, which, on account
of the troubles, were not delivered.
Extract from the Register of the Resolutions adopted as the Meeting of the Director-
General and Council of New Netherland, Saturday, 31" May, 1664.
Agreed with Captain Tomas Willet that he will procure for us on account of the Hon''''
Company, if he can, a quantity of pork and beef equal to 600 lbs., the beef at 4, and the pork
at 5 stivers the pound, payable in Negroes at such price as may be agreed on : in case of not
agreeing, in beaver or goods, beaver price. And in case these cannot be obtained here, they
shall be ordered from Fatherland and must be delivered at one hundred advance. Ady ut
Supra.
Found to agree, after collating with the Register of Resolutions, by me.
( Signed ), C. v. Ruyven.
No. 4. Additional Declaration of 4 persons who were at the surrender of New Netherland,
and at present in Amsterdam, in proof of the condition and weakness of the
fort, and how defenceless it was.
We, the undersigned, do hereby declare and testify in support of the truth, in no man's
favor nor to his damage, that the Hoa"'^ Petrus Stuyvesant, then Director-General of New
Netherland, did, immediately on the arrival and sojourn of the English frigates, employ every
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIL 475
possible means to encourage and animate the Burghers of the city of New Amsterdam and
the people of the outvillages, especially on Long Island, to all possible resistance; certainly,
to defend the city and fort of New Amsterdam as long as it was capable of defence, but that
neither the one nor the other could be prevailed on to do so, because it was impossible, with
any hope of a good result, as appeared sufficiently manifest, and was notorious to every one ;
the city of New Amsterdam being open all around, and only enclosed on the land side in all
haste and speed, on the arrival of the enemy, by old and rotten palissades, against which a
little breastwork was thrown up about 3 @^ 3J feet high, and scarcely one foot wide, and
consequently unfit to withstand the smallest force.
In respect to the fort : It was sufficiently notorious, from the Declaration of the Governor
himself, that there were not 2,000 pounds of powder in store; two-thirds of this were bad and
unserviceable. Besides, it is notorious and manifest that the fort is, of itself, very weak, and,
in regard to its situation, incapable of any long defence, houses being built almost all around it,
which must first be burnt or pulled down, to the ruin and destruction of the poor Burghers.
It is also to be noted, in addition to the above, that the ground to the north on Broadway
(Hercwegh), scarcely a pistol shot from the fort, is much higher than the bastions and walls of
the fort ; so much so, that the soles of people's feet on the batteries, and in some places, the
terreplein, can be seen from it. Moreover, the walls of the front in some places were not
above 8 @^ 10 feet high, and without ditch or palissade, so that ladders could at once be
brought against the wall. From this and many other circumstances, every one, and even the
principal military officers, were of opinion that the fort itself could not hold out three days,
even though the surrounding houses were cleared away, to the ruin and destruction of the
major portion of the Burghers, and therefore every one thought that it would be more a
matter of desperation than soldiership to subject all, without any possible hope of relief, to
the risk of being massacred and plundered, as demonstrated in a more lengthy petition and
protest to the Director-General and Council, signed by the entire Burghery. Nevertheless,
said Director-General and Council did not fail, by strong assurances, to encourage the Burghers
to some resistance as far as possible. This we, the undersigned, declare to be true and
truthful, and being requested, will confirm the same by oath.
Done Amsterdam, 7'" March, 1606.
(Signed), Aegidius Luyck,
Haumsen Beyn,
GoVERT JoCHEMSEN,
Jacob Gabri.
[L. S.]
This day, the XXIX"" of Oi^tober, Anno XVI'= and sixty-six, before me, Adriaen Sak, Notary
Public, admitted by the Court of Holland, and residing at Amsterdam, and the underwritten
witnesses, appeared Jacob Backer, aged about XXXV. years, presiding Schepen, Francoys
Boon, aged about XXXVII. years. Deacon, Hendrick Huygen, aged about XLVIIl. years, and
Jacobus Gabry, aged about XXXVIl. years, traders, and Hans Steyns, aged about XLVII.
years, all in addition to the aforesaid qualities, inhabitants of New Amsterdam, in New
Netherland, at the time the English frigates arrived there. Who, at the request of Mr. Petrus
Stuyvesant, late Director-General in New Netherland, Curasao, &"=% have, by word of truth,
instead and under offijr, of an oath, testified, declared and attested that it is true that they, the
476 NEW- YORK COLONIAL RLiNUSCRIPTS.
witnesses, never heard, understood nor had any knowledge of the requirant having at the time
aforesaid exhibited any, the least cowardice or given any hint to any person of the promises or
threats held out by the English, but that he, on the contrary, did encourage and animate the
Burghers to defend and fortify said place. Furthermore, they, the witnesses, declare that it is
to their certain knowledge that, on the first arrival of the aforesaid English frigates, when
proclamations and notices written in the English tongue, were sent and scattered broadcast
among the Dutch towns on Long Island and the Burghers of the city of New Amsterdam,
containing, among other things, some promises that each person should retain his own if
the place were voluntarily surrendered ; else they, on the other hand, could not complain of the
miseries of the war; and that the requirant, notwithstandingthis,did notgive the leastknowledge
concerning it, nor discouragement, much less inducement, to the Burghers to draw up and
sign said Remonstrance delivered to the requirant and Council of New Netherland, but that
they, the witnesses, and others, both retired and acting Burgomasters and Schepens, together
with the majority of the principal Burghers, were prevailed on, nay, necessitated to draw up,
sign and deliver said Remonstrance and petition, in regard of the notorious and palpable
impossibility of being able to defend and hold the place, inasmuch as said city of New
Amsterdam was entirely open on two sides along the river banks, whilst some old and rotten
palisades were hastily set up in a straight line, and a slight breastwork was erected on the
land side, unfit to resist any force ; and they were, besides, encompassed round about by a
large number of English, without any hope of assistance.
Furthermore, the aforesaid Jacob Backer alone, declares that he was by and present at the
time the requirant and all the retired and acting Burgomasters and Schepens were assembled
at the City Hall, and that he accordingly very well knew that the requirant did not give any
the least knowledge or hint of any promise or threats of the English, much less move, or make
any speech tending to discourage or dishearten the Burghers, but endeavored, on the contrary,
to animate and encourage them to go again to work, and besought them to consent to aid in
the defence of the place as long as possible. That, in like manner, it is well known to
them, the witnesses, collectively, that at the time, the Burgomasters, Schepens and principal
Burghers, there assembled, requested to have a sight and communication of a certain letter
sent that same day to the requirant and Council, and that the requirant repeatedly refused and
rejected said request, saying it did not concern the Commonalty but the government, and that
it was an unheard-of thing to ask for it, and would be an unjustifiable act on his part to comply.
Also, that it was likewise out of his power to do so, as the letter had been torn up. Lastly,
they, the witnesses, declare that the inhabitants of the place, assisted by their wives and
children crying and praying, had most urgently besought the requirant, at repeated times, to
parley with the aforesaid English, but that the requirant had refused to do so to the last,
saying: He had much rather be carried out of there, or substantially to that effect; they,
the witnesses, giving as a reason of their knowledge, that they were by and present on the
occurrence of the aforesaid transaction. Likewise, that they had heard and understood it
from the mouths of others, and therefore know it well, and have a thorough knowledge
thereof. All done at Amsterdam, in presence of Dirck van der Groe and Johannes Freurup,
witnesses invited hereunto.
Quod attestor rogatus.
(Signed), Adriaen Lock,
Not. Pub., 1GG6.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIL 477
No. 5. Copy of a Petition and Protest of the principal Burghers of the city of New
Amsterdam, in New Netherland, presented to the General and Council,
wherein is set forth the impossibility of being able to defend the fort and
city; delivered twice, viz.: in October, 1G65, to their High Mightinesses'
Assembly, and last April, to the Honorable Mr. Huygens and other their
High Mightinesses' Deputies.
[ Omitted, being already printed, tupra, 248. ]
No. 6 Remonstrance of the Burgomasters and Schepens of New Amsterdam, and the
Delegates from the adjoining towns, to the Hon'^'nhe Directors of the West
India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, dated 2^ November, 1663.
[ From the Record in New ■ York Colonial Manuscripts, X., 309, in the Office of tlio Secretary of State, Albany, N. T. ]
Right Hon'''^ Gentlemen.
The undersigned. Agents and Delegates from the city of Amsterdam and the respective
towns of New Netherland, being compelled and necessitated, cannot refrain from remonstrating
and submitting most humbly to your Honors, their superiors, in the name and on the behalf
of all the inhabitants of this Province, your most faithful and obedient subjects :
That they, the Remonstrants, in these times of perplexity and distress, arising from the
depreciated value of returns, not only causing here an excessive rise and dearness of wares
imported into this country from Patria, but also the departure hence of several families ; and,
consequently, a depreciation in houses and real estate, the prosperity and hopes of agriculture
alone remaining —
Have, at the same time, been expecting and looking forward, with impatience, as seriously
solicited by reiterated letters, the salutary, wholesome and exceedingly necessary means
required for the preservation of the good people of this Province.
Whereunto your Honors, agreeably to the Freedoms and Exemptions which you published
in print, whereby, chiefly, the principal inhabitants have been encouraged to quit their beloved
Fatherland and to transport themselves hither and to settle here, did evidently bind and
oblige yourselves:
Namely. To afford your Remonstrants reasonable protection, peaceable use and enjoyment
of the bona fide property of the lands and whatever thereunto appertained, which they selected,
settled and occupied ;
Also, to protect and defend said proprietors and other inhabitants of this Province against
all intestine and foreign wars, invasion and violence.
And to that end your Honors would endeavor, with the High and Mighty Lords States
General, our supreme Sovereigns, to work out and secure commission and patent, in due form,
whereby your real and .legitimate jurisdiction over this Province and its territories could be
shown, demonstrated and justified;
And afterwards, effectively obtain, through the aforesaid Lords States, from his Royal
Majesty of England, an absolute and definitive settlement of the Boundary with his subjects,
the English Nations, our neighbors here, and the ratification and approbation thereof.
478 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Likewise, for the protection and defence against all internal and foreign wars, invasions and
violence of your Honors' faithful subjects, who have exhibited such willingness in bearing
all imports and taxes,
This Province ought to be reinforced by a requisite number of good soldiers and the means
thereunto required ;
The aforesaid being the principal and universal foundation on which (next to Cod) rest and
stand the tranquillity, preservation and security of this Province and its inhabitants.
Nevertheless they, the Remonstrants, have, to their innermost grief and pain, found
themselves wofully frustrated and disappointed both in the one and the other.
The consequences whereof, so repeatedly placed before your eyes and submitted to you, are
at present palpable, and make the Remonstrants indeed feel the licentious, bloody and
impending ruinous effects thereof:
First, manifested in the dejjlorable and tragical massacre and slaughter of the good people
of the beautiful and fruitful country, Esopus, recently committed by the Barbarians after the
premature and, for this State in this conjuncture of time, wholly unpracticable reduction of
the military force of this Province, which was notoriously and more urgently required to be
completed and reinforced ;
And was on that account, in regard to this Province, directly contrary to all sound views
and maxims of State and policy,
When it is considered that the Remonstrants, on the one side, stand here between barbarous
nations, and are bounded on the other by a powerful neighbor who keeps quarreling with
this State about the limits. Thus the good people are thereby brought and reduced to a
condition like unto that of a flock without a shepherd, a prey to whomsoever will seize his
advantage to attack it.
And lastly (and what is of the most considerable force), is evident by the aggressions
attempted on the part of the English Nation, our neighbors, on divers places under the
jurisdiction of this Province; whereof your Honors will, no doubt, liave been advised by the
Director-General and Council.
Which English Nation hath, as your Remonstrants learn, found out a way neglected by
your Honors, to provide and arm itself with a coat of mail in the shape of an unlimited patent
and commission which it lately obtained from his Majesty of England.
So that this commission and patent being executed by them according to their interpretation;
for experience in State affairs teaches and abundantly exemplifies, that the strongest are
commonly in the right and that the feeble, ordinarily, must succumb;
The total loss of this Province is infallibly to be expected and anticipated, such apprehension
being indubitably very strong; or at least it will be so cramped and clipped, that it will
resemble only a useless trunk, shorn of limbs and form, divested of all its internal parts, the
head separated from the feet; and therefore the Remonstrants would be, if not at once, wholly
oppressed, reduced to such a state of anxiety, as to be desperately necessitated, to their
irreparable ruin, to abandon and quit this Province, and thus become outcasts with their families.
It being objected and pleaded by the abovenamed English, as a pretext for their designs,
that the real right and propriety of this Province and its territories were not duly proved and
justified on your Honors' part by proper commission and patent from their High Mightinesses.
Whence it appears, in consequence of the want of such commission and patent the obtaining
whereof from their High Mightinesses has been so long postponed, as if your Honors have
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XII. 479
been pleased to place the good inhabitants of this Province as it were upon glare ice, and
have given them ground and lands to which you have no real right.
And in this way, too, the well-intentioned English who have settled under your Honors
government are held in a labyrinth and maze, without any right assurance how they shall have
to demean themselves in observing the oath taken by them.
Wherefore the Remonstrants, in these their troubles, afHictions, intricacies and extreme
necessity, are come, in all humility, to throw themselves on your Honors' consideration
fervently and heartily praying you to be pleased to enable them exactly to apply the essential
means whereby they, your Honors' most faithful servants, may be effectually supported and
maintained in the real possession of the lands, properties and what depends thereon, which
were given and granted them by the abovementioned Exemptions, and by them possessed at
the expense of vast labor, bloody fatigue and the outpouring of countless drops of sweat.
And, furthermore, to extend your fatherly care to the protection and preservation of so
many hundred families and thousands of afflicted souls, and in the speediest manner find out
all expedients necessary for the relief of their calamities.
In default of compliance with the aforesaid rational and most just request, the Remonstrants
declare (saving the respect and reverence they owe your Honors) that, for the preservation of
themselves and families, they will, by inevitable necessity, be forced to repair and have recourse
to the Hon"' Deputies from the respective Chambers composing the Nineteen, in order, when
invested and encouraged with their favor and countenance, to open the way by efficacious
recommendation for casting themselves at the feet and into the arms of their High Mightinesses,
our Supreme Sovereigns.
Which being considered by your Honors, with a sensible compassion and affection towards
your most anxious subjects, the Remonstrants wish that the same may be rendered unnecessary
by salutary and most speedy assistance. Whereunto they pray from the bottom of their hearts
that the Almighty God may be graciously pleased to inspire you with additional blessings and
salutary success.
Right Honorable,
Your obedient and faithful
Servants,
The Delegates from the city of Amsterdam and the respective towns of New Netherland.
Dated this second November, 1663, [ Signed by the Delegates of the city of Amsterdam and
^ . .1 • -NT i\T iU 1 J Villao'es of Amersfoort, Breuckelen, Midwout, Haarlem
at Amsterdam, m New Netherland. tt , . ■., , ^^, i
Utrecht, Boswyck and Bergen. J
Agrees with the original.
(Signed), Johannes Nevius, Secf^.
Remonstrance of the Schout and Schepens of the villages of Amersfoort,
Breuckelen, Middelwout and Utrecht, on Long Island, to the Director and
Council of New Netherland,
[ Omitted, being duplicate of Document, supra, p. 401. ]
480 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Remonstrance of Delegates from the Dutch Towns on Long Island, viz.:
Amesfoort, Breuckelen, Utrecht and Boswyck, to the Director-General
and Council.
[ Omitted, being duplicate of Document, eupra, p. 3'74. ] (^ "^ 3 O
Divers Declarations respecting the violent conduct of John Scot.
Before me, Pelgrom Kiock, by the Right Honorable the Director-General and Council
admitted a Notary Public, residing in the village of Midwout, in Nevs^ Netherland, and the
undernamed witnesses, appeared Willem Jacobsen, actual Schepen, aged 47 years, and Jan
Hansen, aged about 27 years, both neighbors and inhabitants of the village of Midwout, both
known to me, who hereby depose and testify by their manly troth in favor and for the sake of
justice, on the requisition and request of Mr, Adriaen Hegeman, Sheriff, dwelling in the
village of Midwout, by and in the presence of Jan Snedecker and Hendrick Jorissen, Schepens
here, that it is true and truthful that on Friday, the 11"" January last past, they, the deponents,
have seen Captain John Schot, an Englishman, come into their, the deponents' village
abovenamed, with a troop of English horse and foot, making a great uproar, with colors flying,
drums beating and trumpets sounding, so that they, the attestants, looked on in wonder, not
knowing what it meant. And afterwards the deponents have seen the abovenamed John
Schot standing in front of the abovenamed Sheriff's door with uncovered head and hat in
hand, who stood and blew out about the English like a mountebank. Not having been able to
understand him thoroughly, further the deponents say not ; but will, if necessary and required,
confirm all that precedes by oath. Thus done and executed in the village of Midwout, in
New Netherland, in presence of Jan Snedecker and Hendrick Jorissen, Schepens aforesaid,
witnesses, on the 15"" January, 1664, who both have signed the original minute remaining
with me, besides this copy.
(Signed), Willem Jacobsen van Boerum,
Jan Hansen,
Louis Jansen Q his mark,
Jan Snedecker,
Hendrick Joorissen.
Lower stood :
Agrees, quod attestor.
(Signed), P. Clocq, Not. Pu''.
Before me, Pelgrom Clocq, by the Right Hon''''' the Director-General and Council admitted
a Notary Public, residing in the village of Midwout, in New Netherland, and the undernamed
witnesses, appeared Jacob Hellakens, aged 52 years, Cristiaen Anthonys, aged 42 years, Jan
van Deventer, aged 35 years, Theunis Idens, a single man, aged 25 years, Harmen Coerten,
aged 54 years, Adriaen Willemsen, aged 27 years, Jan van Cleeft, aged 36 years, and Treyntje
Claes, a pregnant woman, aged 46 years, wife of Rut Joosten, all inhabitants of the village of
New Utrecht, who hereby declare and testify, on their troth, in favor and for the ends of justice,
on the requisition and at the request of Mr. Adriaen Hegeman, Sheriff of the village of Midwout,
&c., by and in the presence of Mr. Baltasar de Vos and Francis de Bruyn, at present Schepens
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 481
of the village of New Utrecht here, that it is true and truthful that on Saturday, the IS"" of
January last, John Schot, Captain of a troop of horse and foot, came to their village, making
a great noise. The aforesaid John Schot, standing on the Block-house, spoke in English, but
all that the abovenamed Aryen Willemse could understand was John Schot saying: This
country and all America from Virginia unto Boston, belong to King Charles. The abovenamed
deponents also jointly declare that John Schot went into the Block-house and examined the
little cannon which he upset, with the carriage. And his men, having afterwards replaced it,
by his order, setting it in the King's name, in another port-hole of the Block-house, which he
calling the King's port, they fired a salute on the occasion.
Jacob Hellaeckens further declares alone, that John Schot came to him, and understanding
that he, deponent, was a Magistrate, inquired if he will submit to the King's authority at
present? Whereunto the deponent answered : The King is our friend already, for we are not
at war; but I remain under the Lord to whom I have sworn allegiance. Then John Schot
spoke : As you will not consent, then you may see what will come of it.
Jan van Cleef declares, in common with all the deponents except Treyntie aforesaid, that
John Schot said : Ye shall not any longer look upon Pieter Stuyvesant your Governor, but
only as a private man, for he is a General no more ; he, John Schot, forbidding them, the
deponents, to give him any property or make him any payment; and [if they must give or
had given any, that he, John Schot, ] would insist that they should get it all back, and that
he would apply to Pieter Stuyvesant for it and constrain him thereunto by the sword.
Treyntie Claes, wife of Ruth Joosten, declares that whilst in her house an Englishman of
the Great Flatt, a smith, came along making considerable noise and uproar, inquiring for one
Matthys Pickstaert, threatening to run her through with a sword which he held in his hand
clear out of the scabbard, and pointed three different times at her, the deponent's breast,
calling out. Where is the man ? So that, eventually, all the Englishmen came into her house
and stilled the fury; she, the deponent, being in great dread and trouble.
Further deponents say not, but are willing to confirm by oath, if needs be, all the aforesaid.
Thus done and executed in the village of New Utrecht abovementioned, on the 14"" February,
1664, in presence of Mr. Baltasar de Vos and Francoys de Bruyn, Schepens, as witnesses,
who have signed the original minute remaining with me, the Notary, as well as this copy.
(Signed), Ariaen Willems j his mark,
Harmen Coerten IK^ his mark,
Treyntie Claes —I— her mark,
Jan Cleef V" his mark.
Christiaen AiiToms L-lii /his mark.
Lower stood :
Agrees with the original.
Vol. II. 61
Jan van Deventer,
Jacob Hellakens,
Theunis Idens,
B. VoscH,
Francois de Bruyne.
(Signed), P. Clocq, Not. Pub.
482 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Before me, Pelgrom Clocq, by the Right Honorable the Director-General and Council
admitted a Notary rubiic, residing in the village of Midwout, in New Netherland, and the
undernamed witnesses, appeared Claes Cornelissen, aged G7 years, Symon Janse, aged 35
years, both residents of the village of Amesfoort, to me, the Notary, known, who declare and
testify, on their manly troth, in favor and support of justice, on the requisition and at the
request of Mr. Adriaen Hegeman, Sheritf, residing in the village of Midwout, by and in
the presence of Pieter Claesen and Roelof Martens, Schepens of Amesfoort, that it is true and
truthful that Captain John Schot, an Englishman, came into their, the deponents' village, on
the 12"" of January last, with a troop of horse and making a great noise. And first the
abovenamed Claes Cornelissen declares that he heard John Schot declare at the time that this
place, in The Bay, was a free place because it was bought and was not Company's property ;
also, that he, John Schot, said that he would return on the first of April, Old Style, and then
open and exhibit his commission ; forbidding him, the deponent, to pay the Company any
Tenths, as the place belonged to the King.
Elbert Elbertsen, Schepen, also appearing, declares that John Schot said : As soon as this
place is the King's, the people will have more freedom than they now possess ; and that they
then will have a free place, then to be able to trade to other places.
Further deponents say not, but are willing to confirm by oath, if needs be, all the aforesaid.
Thus done and executed in the village of Amesfoort, in New Netherland, in the presence of
Pieter Claesen and Roelof Martens, Schepens aforesaid, as witnesses, on the 19"' February,
1664, who have signed the original record remaining with me, the Notary, together with
this copy. ,
(Signed), Claes Cornelissen ^—/-^ his mark,
Pieter Claesen —/-^ his mark,
/
Roelof Martense,
Symon Jansen,
Elbekt Elbertsen.
Lower stood :
Concordat quod attestor.
(Signed), P. Clocq, Not. Pub.
Before me, Pelgrom Clocij, by the Right Honorable the Director-General and Council
admitted a Notary Public, residing in the village of Midwout, in New Netherland, and the
undernamed witnesses, appeared Fredrick Lubherts, aged 55 years, Joris Jacobsen, aged 38
yearS; Barent Jansen, aged 56 years, Hendrick Volckerseti, aged 30 years, Cornells Dircksen,
aged about 65 years, Dirck Jansen, aged 32 years, Wyn.nt Pietersen, aged about 32 years ;
all resident inhabitants of The Ferry, to me, the Notary, known, who hereby declare and
testify in favor and to promote the ends of justice, on the requisition and at the request of Mr.
Adriaen Hegemans, Sheriff, residing in the village ol Midwout, on Long Island, by and in the
presence of Willem Bredenbent and Albert Cornelissen of Breuckelen, there: That it is true
and truthful that John Schot came, on the 11"" of January last, with a troop of Englishmen
mounted on horseback and marched to The Ferry, making a great noise with blowing of
trumpets, and hoisted the English flag; whereupon John Schot spoke in Lnglish, but they
could not well understand him.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XII. 483
Fredrick Lubherts declares alone that John Schot spoke with Mr. Secretary Van Ruyven,
who asked him if he John Schot would cross over? But he refusing, answered: Let
Stuyvesant come over with a hundred men ; I shall wait for him here, and run him through
the body ; the Secretary, replying : That would not be a friendly act. In like manner it
afterwards happened that eight Englishmen of John Schot's party came to his, the deponent's
liouse, with drawn swords in their hands and poked at the deponent, calling out : Here's the
man ; that were he not protected by his wife and by John Schot, he, the deponent, had
been killed.
Wynant Pieterse alone declares : That he came to The Ferry without any thought of
mischief, hearing that Captain Marten Cregier's son had been beaten by the English, and said :
Let them beat those whom they have a right to beat. But an Englishman on horseback,
overhearing this, struck at him, the deponent, with a rattan, so that he, the deponent, having
an axe in his hand and holding it by the handle, struck the horse with the axe head.
Thereupon four Englishmen, on horseback, chased him, the deponent, with drawn swords, as
far as the woods, where he, the deponent, hid himself in the brushwood ; otherwise he would
have been killed.
Hendrick Volckertsen declares that he heard Captain John de Yongh, also an Englishman,
say : If you do not show us the man who made use of the axe, we'll set fire to the houses.
Barent Jansen and Cornells Dircksen declare that Captain John de Yongh called out and
said to him : Barent Jansen, fish the man up who made use of the axe, or else we shall set all
the houses on fire ; and that report went among the people, generally.
Hendrick Volckertsen and Barent Jansen further declare that John Schot struck Martin
Kregier's son severely, who, after being beaten, was forced to take ofl" his hat to the English ;
and afterwards he, Barent Jansen, saw Ritsaert Panten also strike him, Martin, junior, with
a rattan.
And further say not, but are willing to confirm all the aforesaid by oath, if necessary and
required. Thus done and executed at The Ferry, in presence of Willem Bredenbent and Albert
Cornelissen of Breuckelen, Schepens aforesaid, witnesses, on the 20th February, 1G64, who
have signed the original minute remaining with me, the Notary, and this copy. Done as
above, in New Netherland aforesaid.
(Signed), Barent Jansen B | hia mark,
DiKCK Jansen,
Fredrick Lubbertsen,
JoRis Jacobs -!— . his mark,
CoRNELis Dircksen,
Hendrick Folckertsen,
Wynant Pieters // . his mark,
/ /
Willem Bredenbent, Schepen,
Albert Cornelissen Wantenaar.
Lower stood :
Concordat quod attestor.
(Signed), P. Clocq, Not. Pub.
484 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
No. 7. Director Stuyvesant to the Directors at Amsterdam.
Honorable, wise, prudent and Right Honorable.
In the foregoing despatch, transmitted by the ships Rns'hoom and Guhhn Arcnf, and the
appendices thereunto belonging, I have fully informed and advised your Honors of the sad and
perilous condition of this country both in regard of the Esopus Indians and their murderous
designs put into execution against the inhabitants of that quarter, and of the apprehended
difficulties, pretensions and encroachments then already experienced at the hands of the English
of Hartford not only in one place, but all over the entire of this your Honors' conquest.
As relates to the former, we advised your Honors in our last, per the ship Bonhkoc, copy whereof
is again sent herewith, of the success against the barbarous Esopus Nation, for which we are
indebted not to our might or means, but to the special blessing of the Lord ; who were so reduced
by the last attack that, according to the statement of the Highland and other Indians, their
neighbors, not more than 27 (IL 2S effective men and 15 (ai 16 women and some few children
remain, who, through fright, have, as yet, no abiding place nor dare erect any huts. The Chief
of the aforesaid Highland Nation hath offered his service to recover the few Christian children
yet in the hands of the Esopus Indians and to bring them back to us, on condition that the Esopus
women and children who are prisoners be then presented to him. Whereof we are daily
expecting the tffect, and, at the same time, through God's goodness, the end of the war, which,
as heretofore shown, subjected us to so much inconvenience and involved us so deeply in debt
that it will be impossible for us, without your Honors' assistance, to meet our engagements.
The mercy and blessing of the Lord are the more remarkable on this occasion, inasmuch as He
hath been pleased, beyond the hope and expectation of all, to grant such a result in so brief a
period, and that in the summer, at a time when the Indians have the greatest and most
advantage in the woods. Were it still to be gained. Right Honorable, want of stockings,
shoes and clothing for the winter supply of the poor, naked soldiers, would have led to the
desertion of all the enlisted military next winter ; certainly, would have rendered any
expedition impracticable. This, then, is and will be the sole cause of our being obliged to
remain inactive next winter, without it being in our power or ability to follow up our advantage
against the few still remaining Indians and those who may receive them. We, therefore, once
more humbly request your Honors to be pleased to provide us, by the first opportunity, with
such an amount of supplies as you will judge necessary for 200 men for one year. In case
waul of opportunity or inclination prevent your Honors coming to our aid in this and other
requests, we declare that it is wholly out of our power to keep the sinking ship afloat
any longer.
In regard to the second, namely, the unrighteous, stubborn, impudent and pertinacious
proceedings of the English of Hartford, I can only repeat what has for many years past, and
especially these two last, been so frequently stated, set forth and requested ; all which neither
time nor opportunity, at present, permits us to relate and to include herein. Your Honors
will be able to see, from the inclosures, what efforts have been made agreeably to your
Honors' letters, to conclude, in this country, a settlement of the Boundary with our neighbors.
It was first attempted and recpiested bj' the Director-General in person at the general meeting
of the Four English Colonies at Boston ; as appears by Document No. , and since, on the
advice of three of the Colonies, by our Commissioners, viz. : Mr. Coruelis van Ruyven,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIL 485
Secretary, Oloff Stevens Cortlant, Burgomaster of tliis city, and John Laurens, burgher and
merchant, made to the General Court or Legislature at Hartford, as by Appendix, ^'o.
On reading over both Journals, and vpith them what has been so repeatedly and humbly
remonstrated and requested, your Honors will not only perceive the impossibility of effecting
anything here unless all be given up to them, hardly excepting alone what the Dutch Nation
justly possessed and settled on Manhatans Island and on the North river. By virtue of a
patent signed in the year 1626, Boston claims whatever is North of 42J degrees, East and West
from the one sea to the other. This line includes the whole of the Colonie of Rensselaers
Wyck, the village of Beverwyck, all the Mohawk and Seneca country, as appears by Appendix,
No. . Again, the General Court of Hartford lay claim to and demand, in virtue of
the newly obtained patent, all the country lying South of the aforesaid line of 42J degrees
and Westerly until it touches another Royal patent, and therein include all the remainder of
New Netherland, South to the sea coast and West to a Royal patent; and furthermore
declare, positively —
First. Contrary to the advice of the other three Colonies, that the Treaty concluded at
Hartfort, A" 1650, is null and void.
Secondly. That they will rather dissolve the Union with the other three Colonies, than
acquiesce to the prejudice of their patent in the advice of the Commissioners at Boston.
Thirdly. That they know no New Netherland, nor government of New Netherland, except
only the Dutch plantation on the Island of Manhatan.
Fourthly. That the)'- will and must take Westchester and all the English towns on Long
Island under their protection, by virtue of their patent, without being obliged to wait for any
further order from the King, since such was their understanding.
Fifthly and lastly. 'Tis evident and clear, from their repeated declaration, that were
Westchester and the five English towns on Long Island surrendered by us to the Colony of
Hartford, and what we have justly possessed and settled on Long Island left to us, it wouhl
not satisfy them, because it would not be possible to bring them sufficiently to any further
arrangement with us by Commissioners to be chosen on both sides by the mediation of a third
party ; and as in case of disagreement, they assert in addition that they may possess and
occupy, in virtue of their unlimited patent, the lands lying vacant and unsettled on both sides
of the North river and elsewhere, which would certainly always cause and create new
pretensions and disputes, even though the Boundary were provisionally settled here.
All this, and what lias beeti so repeatedly and more circumstantially related in divers letters,
being correctly and according to exigency considered and weighed, your Honors will, in your wiser
judgment and far-seeing deliberations, be able easily to perceive, not only the impossibility
of concluding, with any certainty, a Boundary settlement in this country, but also the necessity of
earnestly and vigorously pushing and promoting the forwarding thereof in Europe both through
their High Mightinesses, with Ambassador Douwningh,' and by them both and their High
Mightinesses' Resident in England, with his Majesty. If this cannot be obtained and effected
by next spring, one of two things is certainly and assuredly to be apprehended ; bloodshed,
and with bloodshed, which they seem only to wish, loss of all we possess, if proper, active
opposition be not offered to the English or their daily encroachments and intrusions ; reducing,
under their obedience, now this and then that place, and occupying suitable spots here and
there up the North river and elsewhere, abundance of which are yet unpeopled and unsettled.
' Hupra, p. 415. — Ed.
486 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
On this point we cannot avoid observing, and seriously submitting to the consideration
of your Honors, the impulse and encouragement which the Indian Barbarians, our sworn
enemies, have received from the public summons, reclamation and encroachments our
abovementioned neighbors have already made and are still making on our towns and places.
The Burgomasters and Schepens of this city and your Honors' faithful servants, seeing the
seditious and mutinous proceedings of the English to detach not only the English, but even
the Dutch, towns on Long Island from our government; being, also, advised and informed by
our Commissioners sent to the General Court at Hartford, of whom Burgomaster OlofT
Stevensen van Cortlant was one, that those of the Colony of Hartford were not satisfied nor
content therewith but were claiming for themselves, in the King's name, the entire Province
of New Netherland in virtue of their unlimited patent, as already stated ; and, with many
other good inhabitants, not a little troubled thereby, requested us, by petition, to convoke and
assemble some Delegates irom the surrounding towns to deliberate with them on the
consequences and danger of affairs, and to be able, according to circumstances, to remonstrate
to the Hon*"'' Majores, and with their knowledge to proceed further according to the general
opinion. The request was, for pregnant reasons, granted, as is to be seen by the copies of
the Petition and indorsement thereon. The summons followed and was dispatched to both
English and Dutch towns on Long Island, as under No. . On the appointed day those of
the Dutch towns made their appearance. The English, who were invited and summoned, as
well as the Dutch, absented themselves ; yea, did not consider your Honors' supreme
government worthy the least answer, either written or verbal : — A sufficient and palpable
proof that if they were not, as yet, absolutely fallen away, at least (paying little or no regard
to the government of the Director-General and Council), the present very dangerous state of
the country, the dread of worse consequences, and other considerations did not permit
anything being done for the present against them.
The Delegates from the neighboring Dutch towns, those at a distance not being able to
appear for the present, resolved to demonstrate, by Petition to your Honors and with your
approval by two Deputies, in the first place, to the Honorable the XIX., and, if necessary,
to their High Mightinesses, the actual necessity and condition of the country, and humhiy to
request and solicit, first and foremost, a settlement of the Boundary and a further supply of
men and means, in order to be at once rid of the frequently experienced barbarian massacres
and murders; as your Honors will perceive, no doubt, more circumstantially from their
Remonstrance and Address.
On their adjournment, they repeatedly requested us to recommend their supplicatory
Remonstrance, indeed, the matter itself, in the strongest manner to your Honors, and if
anything unpalatable or offensive had been written or expressed, to impute it not to their
intention, but to their want of knowing any better, as their only object is to obviate and
prevent further ruin and greater mischief; and, furthermore, to secure a peaceable occupation
of the lands conveyed to them in your Honors' name by patent. We, both for ourselves, your
Honors' faithful servants, and on behalf of your Honors' most anxious and well nigh despairing
Commonalty, will have most earnestly requested and prayed that the advancement of such a
necessary matter may be no longer protracted nor delayed, but that, with all possible vigilance,
a division of Boundary may be hastened. If this be as impossible there as here, and England's
Majesty cannot by their High Mightinesses' exertions and proposals, be disposed to any
accommodation and limitatiou in regard to the bounds of Hartford's patent, and no information
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XII. 487
thereof be transmitted by the first ships in the spring and those of Hartford not estopped in
their claim and design, 'tis beyond a peradventure that they will reduce the whole of Long
Island, as well the English as the Dutch towns, under their obedience. The English towns
are already summoned for the third time. On the day before yesterday, being the V"" of this
month and our ordinary monthly prayer-meeting, about SO Englishmen, on horseback and
a-foot, visited the village of Graveseud, which lies nearest the Narrows and The Bay ; called
the Magistrates and the inhabitants together; declared to and notified them that it was King's
land and that they should not henceforth pay any duty, tenths, toll, or tax to the Dutch
government; deposed the old Magistrates and appointed others in their stead. The same
band were yesterday at Middelborch and Rustdorp ; this morning they will act as aforesaid at
P'lushing and Hempstede. I am apprehensive of bloodshed and consequently the utter ruia
of the people on the Flat land, indeed, on Long Island. In addition, the dangerous troubles
and still continuing war with the Indians, restrain and prevent our ofl'ering any opposition
without your Honors and their High Mightinesses' express order, advice and promise of
support and assistance. Your Honors will please not to leave us or the good people thus any
longer in a state of uncertainty, wasting away our hearts' blood between hope and fear, but
to write as well to the worthy inhabitants who are now remonstrating to your Honors as to us,
your faithful servants, categorically and absolutely, what we are to do, whether to submit or
to resist ; what comfort, help or succor they have to expect from your Honors, and through
your recommendation, from their High Mightinesses.
It is indeed a most sad and painful circumstance for us, your Honors' faithful servants, and
for so many hundred good subjects to have expended now during 10, 20, 30 and 40 years, some
less, others more, under your Honors' order, encouragement, promises of protection and the
enjoyment of a bona fide propriety of the lands pointed out to the good people, so much labor,
pains and sweat in the clearing thereof, to have suffered on that account so much bloodshed,
insult, massacres and murders at the hands of the Indians, and now to be dispossessed and
stripped thereof in time of peace by Christian neiglibors, co-religionists and allies, or to
become subjects to other government and laws. And that, (or no reason in the world but, as
is now publicly put forth, stated and indeed enforced, that your Honors have never had from
their High Mightinesses any commission, patent or title to the lands; for, if your Honors still
liave and can produce any, and it be found older and earlier than theirs, they will then come
to a settlement of boundaries and differences, and no sooner nor otherwise.
Right Honorable. Your Honors' humble subscribers are ignorant what has been written,
requested and done on this subject, and of the necessary progress of the Boundary settlement
before their time. But during their time, now 16 (S. 17, the least 10 years, your Honors have
been continually advised, warned and solicited to redress and prevent what has so long been
dreaded by, and has now overtaken your Honors' honest subjects. This is only briefly related
here, in order tliat your Honors may the better make use as well of the previous as of the
present representations, and the more speedily, promptly and effectually give assistance both
for the recovery of the lost half, if not the whole of Long Island, and the protection of what
your Honors may still claim and possess in New Netherland.
If Long Island, and consequently the Bay and Narrows on this side be filched or taken from
the Company, the remainder, indeed, must, of itself, necessarily follow, or be so curtailed and
straightened as to be of little value. As your Honors resented, in the year 1655, by a vigorous
resolution, the wrong done you by the Crown of Sweden on the South river, which was not
488 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
NoTE.-Th.se villa- go offensive nor preiudicial to this State and Country as tiie missing and losing
Beware, five, inhahi- I J J a n
o^avLemi','''''^'^'' 0^ ^^'^ w^" peopled villages, 5 hamlets or clusters of houses, and many isolated
"Sinet''' bouweries on Long Island, comprised within a circle of less than 8 leagues, we will
kusidor'p.''^ ' hope and trust that you will think this loss of no less importance; and therefore,
An.lSii.habiledby "^ . •' , , , • i
])mch, viz : reputmg the consequent damage and event not less than the experienced wrong,
AinLTsf-nrt. I o i o i u
N'inr"'ht"' that you will apply in good earnest to the more vigorous and speedy redress, either
Boswylk"' by immediately sending over such help and means of assistance ns your Honors
sniaiier'neuiememli Will thiuk uecessary thereto, or by the effectual or immediate settlement of the
'('■ouwanes, Bouudarv with England's Maiesty. The latter would, indeed, be the most
suppen beurt, Certain for the future, and the less embarrassing to the Company for the present.
Kieiiwe beurt, ^ r j r
Mefpaiskii. gut, forasmuch as 'tis to be feared and apprehended that it will be difficult, at least
slow, of success, it would not be unwise, but indeed necessary that your Honors should procure
and obtain from their High Mightinesses a public Acte, Comiuission, Patent or Letter, howsoever
called, whereby their High Mightinesses, determining the limits of New Netherland either
provisionally or absolutely, the inhabitants on Long Island at least, both English and Dutch,
shall continue under our jurisdiction, oath and obedience, on pain of the punishment thereunto
annexed. Were this sealed with their High Mightinesses' Great seal, at which an Englishman
commonly gapes as at an idol, and recommended and communicated to the respective towns by
a short despatch from their High Mightinesses, it would, in our opinion, help matters somewhat
and afford your Honors time to consider and work out the properest means of resentment; at
least for his Majesty of England to write to those of Hartford as their High Mightinesses to
their subjects, to cease from further acts of aggression until the Boundary shall be settled.
The neighboring troubles and the war we have got into, and still continue with the natives
are, 'tis suspected and feared, caused, fomented and continued by evil disposed neighbors.
The extraordinary expenses and costs already incurred by the enlistment of about 130 soldiers
which had to be taken into service in addition to the few from those discharged, amounting
to between 70 (al SO ; by the keeping them provided with arms, stockings and shoes, must
all be raised on credit from the merchants.
Amsterdam, in New Netherland,
this lO'" November, A" 1G63.
Hesolutio/i of tJ/e States -General..
\ From tliu Ilcgister of West India Aflhirs, 1604 — 1070, in the Roy:)! ArcliivcB at the Ilaguc. 1
Wednesday, 9"" March, 1667.
Folio 138. Read at the meeting the petition of Frederik Richel, merchant at Amsterdam,
Fredricli Uichcl. .
Toiwrm I., be whereiii he represents that he left two hundred tubs of tobacco in New Netherland,
t>roiigIil frnm New ,
Netiuriand. auii rctjue.sts that he may iiave them brouglit liither by bis snip called the
flb;)eife/, Claes Los; which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the above
petition be placed in the hands of Mess" Van Oinmeren and the other their High Mightinesses'
Deputies for naval affairs, to inspect, examine and report thereon.
KEPLY
WEST INDIA COMPANY
ANSWER
HON^^^PETEE STUYVESANT,
LATE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
NEW NETHERLAND;
WITH APPENDICES,
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague; Loketkas of the States-General; Kubrick, West Indische Compagnie, No. 57;
4th Divieion of the Bundle. J
1666.
REPLY OF THE WEST INDIA COMPANY TO EX -DIRECTOR STUYVESANT.
To the Honorable Mighty Lords, their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the Affairs of the
West India Company.
On the first of November, 1665, the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company of
this country submitted to their High Mightinesses their Observations on the Report made in
writing to their High Mightinesses by Peter Stuyvesant, late Director-General of New
Netherland, excusing the scandalous surrender of the aforesaid considerable country and
Province. Those Observations being communicated by their High Mightinesses to the
aforesaid Stuyvesant, he desired to lay further remarks before their High Mightinesses in
Answer to the Observations aforesaid. Your Honorable Mightinesses having again required
the opinion of the Company thereupon, it will accordingly, in obedience to your orders, and
as briefly as possible, demonstrate in the following the bad foundation and paltry excuses
contained in the aforesaid writing, to the end that your Honorable Mightinesses having seen
it, may dispose as you think fit of the said Stuyvesant, or of the prosecution to be instituted
against him for the scandalous surrender of the country and Province of New Netherland,
as aforesaid.
The Company, then, will first of all premise that nothing is to be found in the Observations
submitted by it to their High Mightinesses on the 1" of November, 1665, in any way admitting
the Want of provisions and munitions of war mentioned in the aforesaid Stuyvesant's Report
and further Answer, and upon which the surrender of New Netherland is for the most part
justified. But, on the contrary, that the Company ignores the aforesaid want, inasmuch as it
hath no other knowledge thereof than from the Report made and letters written by the
Director-General and Council to the Company ; and for that reason it expressed a doubt in
those Observations of the aforesaid want ; then, further shows, by reasons thereunto applicable,
that even had such scarcity existed, it was caused by want of foresight and inexcusable
carelessness ; and, in regard to the last, hath pointed out to their High Mightinesses some
considerable opportunities improperly, or rather knowingly, neglected by the aforesaid Director.
Again, observing this order, and first taking up the Want of provisions: The Company will
once more, in good faith, plead ignorance of there having been an insufficient supply of
provisions, since it cannot imagine that, in a country so productive as New Netherland, any
scarcity should exist in a year of such abundance as that of 1664, when, according to the
declaration of the Director-General, made in his letter written to the Company on the 10"" of
June, 1664 (L* A.), even the distant lands in and around the Esopus which could be mowed
and sown in the year 166-3, only at great peril and cost, on account of the war, were as
productive and wore as promising an appearance as if they had been plowed and sown in the
fall; and the spring planting of the year 1664 having been blessed by God with a fructifying
492 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
and abundant rain, a good and blessed harvest was expected. The aforesaid Company trusts
that, unless said Stuyvesant shall further prove the aforesaid scarcity, your Hon*"'' Mightinesses,
paying attention to the declaration heretofore extracted from the aforesaid Stuyvesant's letter,
will not be satisfied of the Want of provisions, notwithstanding he assume in his favor the
badness of the year 16G3; because, in regard to the crop of 1G64, it must be remarked that
the Director and Council write in their letter of the 16"" September, 16G4 ( L'' B.), that they
allowed the grain of the year 1G63 to be exported in May and July because the new crop was
already harvested; therefore, the unproductiveness of the year 1C63 hath occasioned them
no scarcity. 'Tis true that Stuyvesant produced a declaration of Commissary Loten and
Herman Marten, who assert that the store was very poorly supplied at the time the frigates
arrived. But this is no proof that there was not a sufficient stock of provisions in New
Netherland to supply the store. This ought to be proved, since there can be no question here
respecting the condition of the store, but whether there had not been provisions enough to
supply it a little before, and on the arrival of the frigates in New Netherland. This can easily
be determined from Stuyvesant's letter aforesaid. And, as provisions were plenty in New
Netherland, the Director cannot reap any benefit from any declaration respecting the condition
of the store, as it could have been sufficiently well stocked. This will be more fully shown
hereafter, and the argument done away with which he seems willing to make ; that other
places in opulent countries are, in fact, lost by scarcity. That does not apply to what is set
forth in the declarations aforesaid respecting the efforts which said Director did have made in
New England to purchase provisions, since the Company is not aware of the existence of any
necessity for sending to New England for provisions, when it is admitted that they were in
the course of exportation at the same moment from New Netherland in other ships; for, the
Director and Council declare in their despatch of the IG"" September, 1GG4 (L" B.), that
they had permitted the exportation of the old grain in the Musch to Curac^ao and in the
Geknnjste Hcrl to this country, whenever the new had been all harvested. The aforesaid
exportation of provisions was therefore injudicious or the result of some speculation, whereof
the Company is ignorant; and the aforesaid declarations cannot prove, in the face of such
plain expressions in the aforesaid despatch, that those messengers were sent to New England
because provisions were not to be had in New Netherland. Of still less weight is the
statement that the servants of the city of Amsterdam have sent to New England for cattlcj
inasmuch as they absolutely did so rather to procure cattle for agricultural purposes and not for
slaughter and consumption, as is well known to the aforesaid Stuyvesant, and can be effectually
substantiated by the city's late Director, Alexander d'Hinjossa, if needs be.
Proceeding now, agreeably to the proposed arrangement, to show that [ no] scarcity of
provisions existed in the city and store (which alone is the question here, inasmuch as it is
clearer than noon-day that there was no scarcity in the I'rovince of New Netherland), the
Company will, in order to eschew repetitions and for brevity's sake, persist in the position
taken in its previous Observations; and to expose the flimsy Defence of the abovenamed
Sluyvesant, say, further, that there is not the least foundation for what he sets forth both
generally and particularly in his Defence, vizi: that he had not timely notice of the designs
which the English, and especially the aforesaid frigates might have had against New Netherland,
and that the Company had, on the contrary, as he gives out, informed him, from this place,
that the English had no intention to use violence against New Netherland. For, it is true and
certain that, in order that he might victual the place and fort of New Amsterdam and keep it
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIII. 493
victualed, the aforesaid Stuyvesant was warned time enough from here and from New England,
of the apparent difficulties between this State and the English, and, more particularly, of the
equipment and approach of the aforesaid frigates ; and, not only did the Director aforesaid,
in the despatch addressed to the Company under date the lO"" June, 1664 (L"" C), plainly
state that the latest intelligence from Old England, received by divers ships, as many as seven
in number, which arrived in Boston, had agreed in reporting that the differences between this
State and the Crown of England might, indeed, come to a rupture ; but also gave advice in
the despatch of the 4"' of August, 1664 (L" D.), addressed to the Company and Appendices
sent therewith, of the special approach of the frigates, and that he had knowledge of the
fitting out of the aforesaid frigates, and that the expedition was got up, let the Company
imagine what they pleased to the contrary, against Long Island and the Province of New
Netherland ; and that he, therefore, being very circumspect and anxious, would take good
care to keep the military together, to raise the fort, to provide it with gabions, and,
furthermore, make use of all possible resistance. Furthermore, the aforesaid Director
protested, in the despatch to the Company written on the 16"" of September, 1664 ( L" E.),
that he was distinctly and precisely advised and knew two years before — these are his own
words — of the fitting out and preparation of those four frigates against this place not only in
England but also from New England. And, finally, he himself asserts in his aforesaid
Answer {Nader bericht), that he already knew and had written over in the year 1661, that
applications were made in England to obtain those frigates and to reduce New Netherland,
Much less was the contrary written from this side with so much assurance that he might rely
on it; for, it will be found, on examining the letter to which he appeals, that it does not
contain a word about the fitting out or approach, or intention of the four frigates, but merely
mentions the report of the King of England's design to reduce the New England government
to the same form in Church and State as that of Old England, in the hope that the New
Englanders settled around New Netherland, having no inclination to the aforesaid Ecclesiastical
order, would not, hereafter, endeavor to do us as much damage as formerly ; encouraging him,
thereby, to recover what the English had taken from the Company. Not a word more. The
aforesaid Director seems to have construed this into a notification of the frigates ; and,
therefore, in his Answer to the aforesaid letter dated the 21" of April, written in New Netherland
the 4"" August, and not the 21" April, as was erroneously stated in the Company's Observations,
he considers the aforesaid advice untrue, discussing the arguments which he thought went to
justify the aforesaid Company's letter, and giving reasons to the contrary from other sources,
which, he says, are to be considered most reliable, and, accordingly, will prepare for resistance.
This can be more fully and circumstantially seen by the Extract from the aforesaid despatch
(L^D.); from which and from the Extract of the letter dated lO"" June(L='C.), compared
with the Extracts inserted by said Stuyvesant in his foregoing writing, you. Noble, Mighty,
will be able also to perceive, first: That the strongest expressions in the aforesaid despatch
are omitted in Stuyvesant's aforesaid writing, with a view, as it seems, to make his defence
the easier ; and that, notwithstanding he questions the possibility of his having answered the
Company's despatch dated the 21" April, yet the Answer is found in the aforesaid letter of
the 4"' of August. He first denies this and then quotes and inserts the Answer, himself, not
20 lines further on ; a true and remarkable sign rather that he hath lost his way in this matter
than that the Company had decided according to passion or wrong presumptions ; as he, with
little respect for his late employers, seems, in his aforesaid letter, to think.
494 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Under all circumstances, the aforesaid Director had so magnified in divers letters the
actions of the New Englanders, their power and progress, and wrote especially that he
entertained apprehensions for New Amsterdam, so that, in his letter of the 10'" November,
1GG3 (L* F.), he was evidently fearful of the loss of everything that people possessed. It
behoved him, therefore, even had he expected no new force from Old England, to have kept
the place supplied with all necessaries, saying in his letter of the last of February, 1G64 (L^"
C), that the English on Long Island were aiming at the whole country, which was not strange,
since the President of the rebellious troop had notified him to that effect, particularly stating
that the Duke of York was sending some frigates to reduce New Netherland, as appears by the
voucher (L^H.) And lastly, the aforesaid Director was, in all the Company's despatches,
expressly charged and commanded to be on his guard, so that, as already stated, he cannot
plead that he had not received any warning.
And herewith, consequently at once fall all grounds of excuse based on the want of
seasonable advice; and, first of all, the stripping of the store by the dispatching of the Musch
to Curasao, it being heretofore shown that the sending of the aforesaid little vessel on the
authority of the Company's letter of the 21" April, 1664, was unwarrantable, since about
the time that she sailed, viz., on the 29"" July, the letter to the Company was prepared and
dispatched 5 days afterwards, namely 4"" August ; from the reading of which letter, it is plain
enough that they were fully informed of the coming of the English frigates and not devoid of
anxiety ; and that the Director and Council did not believe the first intelligence. That letter
also explains everything that the said Director says concerning Mr. Willel's subsequent
declaration and the inferences drawn therefrom, just as if the Company had mentioned
that declaration, because they in New Netherland had alone received the information through
the aforesaid Willet, whilst it was transmitted to the Company only as a specimen of the
intelligence received there and adduced by it as such, and not with a view to make the truth
thereof depend on the aforesaid declaration, since the abovementioned letter of the 4"" of
August throws so much light on the information communicated to the aforesaid Director, that
nothing more is required to convict him.
Secondly. Herewith falls the excuse he makes, that the farmers were constrained by the
English not to convey any grain into the fort, and that the said English had everywhere cut off
the communication, so that grain could not be conveyed across the river ; for, having been
warned in time, they ought not to have waited the arrival of the frigates, but have employed
the interval between the 4"' of August, when the aforesaid letter was written to the Company,
and the arrival of the frigates to provide themselves with grain, and not delayed, as he has
done, until the enemy was at the door.
His further representations hereupon are very ridiculous, such as the lateness of the season
there; secondly, the grain not being all housed ; thirdly, that there was no place in the fort
to store much less to thresh it; fourthly, that he set the farmers on the Manhattans to thresh,
but that it was of little avail. In answer to the first, it is well known that the harvest in
New Netherland is earlier than in this country; for it appears even by the letter, also signed
by the Director aforesaid under date 16"" September, 1064 (L^E.), that the grain was all
harvested but not threshed, and, by his own report, that it was removed from the field. To
the second, that it was not necessary to put the grain first in the barn, for it could be drawn
from the field and provisionally brought into the city. To the third, that, under such
circumstances, all places must serve as threshing floors, all men as farmers and every stick
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIII. 495
a flail. To the fourtli, in justiKcation whereof he produces a declaration from the farmers
dwelling on his own Bouwery, he ought to blush to let people see by the aforesaid Declaration
that the farmers on the Manhattans, being busy with the harvest, could not attend to
threshing, and therefore must, including the Director's servants, be induced to do such work
by prompt payment, just as if there should have been any difficulty in forcing them to it.
Under all circumstances, it was not necessary to have recourse to that, if it could be of no
avail, seeing that, after so many warnings, the opportunity which existed previous to the
arrival of the frigates, was thrown away. And if the English frightened the farmers with
threats of burning, he ought to have constrained them by similar menaces to furnish him
supplies, and in case of neglect, at once to have made an example; unless, as is very probable,
the Director, some Councillors and Clergymen being interested in Bouweries, would not
approve of such a course, through fear that their Bouweries would likewise have to suffer in
return. This is truly a matter that the Company cannot think of without pain, seeing that
the Province evidently failed to be supplied or defended, in order that private farms should
not be destroyed.
Thirdly. Equally unsound is the very silly excuse given by the aforesaid Stuyvesant for his
absence. He says, that he set out on the 31" of August for the Colonie Rensselaers Wyck
to provide against the invasions and recently committed massacre of Northern Indians, and,
therefore, was not present when positive intelligence was received of the arrival of the English
frigates in New Netherland. For, the Director using such expressions in his letter to the
Company on the 4"" of August, respecting the approach of the English frigates, ought not to
have quit the fort a couple of days afterwards, to attend to matters of minor importance,
leaving the Capital, meanwhile, unprovided with everything, to fall a prey to the approaching
and expected enemy. And if the scarcity could have been prevented by his presence and good
care, as it is shown that it could, so is it to be imputed to no other cause than his unseasonable
visit to other places. For, the Company is, moreover, well informed that the aforesaid journey
to the Colonie Renselaers Wyck was undertaken more from habit and to attend to private
aflfairs, than on any other account, since those of Fort Orange and the Colonie Renslaers Wyck
being alarmed by the Northern Indians killing some cattle, had, on the 14"" of July, requested
only advice and counsel from the said Director, who satisfied them by an answer on the 17""
following in the matter, without his visit having been either necessary or requested, so far
as it has as yet appeared to the Company. His sojourn there from the 6"" or 7"" of August to
the 24"' or S-S"", when he returned, can easily show that private affairs must have detained
him there, since he might have given all his orders in a day or two, and he was absent 3
weeks and would have remained longer away had he not been called home, whereas his visit
to the General Court at Boston, 8 days' journey from New-York, consumed only one month.
Finally, the aforesaid Stuyvesant says : That the scarcity of provisions was caused, among
other things, by the arrival of the ship Gideon with between three and four hundred Negroes.
Truly, also, a flimsy excuse. For, besides the number not being so large, one-fourth of them
had been delivered to the officer of the city's Colonie on the South river, who took his
departure with them for the South river three days after the arrival of the frigates, because he
saw the shape things were taking in New Netherland and around the government ; and the
remainder were sold shortly after, so that he had not to provide for them. In any event, had
he, as already shown, made provision seasonably, and as he was bound to do, the aforesaid
496 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Negroes would not have caused any scarcity, wliich, consequently, is again to be imputed to
his neglect.
As the Company mentioned the late transaction of Alrigh, the city's officer, in regard to the
cattle purchased for the South river and seized by the English, simply to show that Stuyvesant
had also neglected the opportunity to supply himself, and as it does not contain anything
essential, the Company will not say much in refutation of the story he relates, except only
that : It ought to have been thought of before the frigates had arrived, when it would have
been of greater service.
Want of ammunition being represented as the second fundamental cause of the surrender
of the aforesaid fort, city and Province of New Netherland, the abovenamed Company will also,
in good faith, plead ignorance of that want; yea, will, on the contrary, assert that it is informed
for certain that, if there had not been a sufficient supply in store, a very considerable quantity
of gunpowder would be found among the Burghers, and particularly at Fort Orange and the
Colonic Renslaers Wyck among the traders ; yea, that full 600 lbs. alone were in the hands of
a certain person, a merchant at Fort Orange, who declared that his supply was very small
compared with that of other traders. The reason of this is, that as the trade at Fort Orange
for Beaver and other peltry must be carried on chiefly by means of gunpowder, and as the
trading season was then at its height, an ample supply of the article had, no doubt, been laid
in by each trader, who, exclusive of what is kept in store, always have had a well stocked
public powder-house to draw on in proper times and circumstances. Besides, also, five
thousand pounds in the hands of the city's Director, d'Hinjossa, on the South river, and what
was in the private ships at anchor in front of the city, without being, in anywise, subject to
the excuse those of Fort Orange gave the Director on the l^"' July, 16G4, when he requested
gunpowder of them ; for they only say that they had need of their powder, on account of the
scarcity. And such was the case, only because the aforesaid traders would, at all times, be
unwilling to deprive themselves of powder, even though holding a large quantity, on a simple
request, if no further constraint was to follow, in order not to be deprived of their trade.
"Tis, indeed, true that the aforesaid gunpowder was not to be found in the store ; but here,
again, is to be considered what efforts the Director-General hath made to provide a supply.
And first, to procure gunpowder from Fort Orange. On this point, nothing else is found than
simply that he had written, on the S"' of July, 1664, for assistance in powder, to those of Fort
Orange and the village of Beverwyck, who, on the 14"" of July following, in a long letter on
other matters, answered, saying only that they had a very small supply. The aforesaid
Director remained satisfied with this, when, rather than to be content with such excuse, he
ought to have sent somebody express, in such an important matter, to Fort Orange to ascertain
the truth of the abovementioned scarcity, well aware that gunpowder is found always and in
abundance among traders, especially on the opening of the trade with the Indians, and being
an article of contraband, that it was concealed as much as possible. This was of somewhat
greater importance than the needless and inexcusable journey which he took to those places
on the e"" or V"" of August, when he could, indeed, by his presence, have ordered the public
powder-house to be opened and inspected, and have the housesof the private traders searched,
which, also, ought to have been done in the city of New Amsterdam. And there is no doubt
but more powder would have been discovered than he had need of, as already stated. But
people were satisfied and lay waiting, as it were asleep and with open arms, for the enemy.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIIL 497
Respecting the opportunity afforded by the gunpowder in the hands of Alexander d'Hinojossa,
the city's Director on the Soutii river, the Company stated that Director d'Hinjossa offered
his powder, consisting of 5,000 lbs., seasonably to Director Stuyvesant, and that the latter
refused it. The truth or falsehood of this will be sufficien'ly established by those whom
your Hon''''' Mightinesses may resolve to instruct to prosecute said Stuyvesant, since the
aforesaid d'Hinjossa, either out of regard for the aforesaid Stuyvesant, or for other reasons,
cannot, it appears, be induced by the Company to make a voluntary declaration on this
subject, whereunto the Company will refer. In order, then, to be done with the long story
which said Stuyvesant fortifies with divers reasons and arguments, we pass over whatever he
produces to prove tiiat he hath not refused Director d'Hinjossa's offer; for, that was not what
the Company's Observations alleged, but, indeed, that he did not accept it, which, it appears, he
did not even attempt to do ; and we merely say, that he does not show that said d'Hinojossa hath
refused him the powder (which he ought to have proved if he could clear himself on this
point), but merely produces a note he wrote in July, and, as he substantially says, receiving
no answer, gave himself no further trouble about the matter, prosecuting his needless journey
to Fort Orange when he might better have dispatched somebody express to Director d'Hinojossa
than to have gone in person to Fort Orange, it being of very little importance, as he could
not, at all events, send for the powder on the arrival of the frigates. For brevity's sake, then,
the Company will only repeat what it hath remarked in regard to the provisions, viz.: That,
having suflficient advice and notice of the coming of the English frigates, he ought to have
embraced every opportunity and not waited for their arrival.
The aforesaid writing having stated that the powder on board the ships and in the city was
of little moment, the Company will not enlarge thereupon but, properly speaking, come at
last to what is principally to be remarked in this scarcity, to wit: That the Director hath not
sent here for a sufficient quantity of gunpowder in order to have a supply at a proper time, since
the Company knew nothing of the state of the store, and the aforesaid Director, whenever in
want is, agreeably to the order usually observed in all foreign possessions, in the habit of sending
over a list of all sorts of necessaries, according to which the Company is in the habit of regulating
itself. If he make no requisition for powder, or an insufficient one, the greatest blame is to be
imputed to him, should a scarcity afterwards occur. This is, indeed, the principal point, and,
therefore, his defence must turn somewhat hereupon ; for all that goes before can come into
consideration only in case he had performed his duty in the premises ; and his duty not being
discharged therein, no attention ought to be paid to the rest. Stuyvesant's entire defence rests,
then, on this point : That he generally did always transmit sufficient requisitions, quoting, for
that purpose, divers letters written between the years 1652 and 16G2, in each of which he made
requisition for a good quantity of powder. This the Company does not gainsay. In like
manner, Stuyvesant must admit that powder was sent on the aforesaid requisitions, according to
the urgency of the circumstances. But indeed that, as all these requisitions do not come into
consideration, being made years before this last attempt of the English against the Company,
the investigation must be restricted to what the aforesaid Director did, in the year 1663,
consider the condition of the store to have been, when the encroachments of the English and
their menaces were so far advanced that he, with such loud exclamations, so earnestly wrote
to the Company respecting the critical state of the Company's possessions and his apprehension
for them. Then will it be found that the said Director did, in November, 1663, at the time
the last Petition was sent hither, when he had sufficient knowledge of the state of the
Vol.. II. 63
498 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
magazine, of the apparent alienation of the English and of the coming of the frigates, as
proved by the letter to the Coiiijiany dated 10"" November, 1603, and vi'liat further has been
hereinbefore produced, make a requisition for only 1,200 lbs. of gunpowder, he being apparently
of the opinion that with that quantity lie had a sufficient supply, as appears by the requisition
( L' I.). He seems to be ashamed to state this, as in his foregoing writing, he begins at the
year 10-53, but not continuing to the year 1GG3, stops short at the year 1G02, in order not to
expose his guilt. The requisition for 1,200 lbs. of gunpowder, which was made in November,
16(53, was received here on the 29"' December and complied with by the first ships sent hence
in the spring of the year 1GG4, and tlie Director aforesaid received the article by those same
ships. Your Honors will be able to discern hereby whether it be untrue that the Company
hath fully complied with even the last requisition, and whether the aforesaid Director, receiving
what he lastly demanded, can accuse the Company and acquit himself because the supjily is
found to be inadequate, or whether lie is not wholly to blame if the English found him without
a supply of powder, as he had not made a sufficient requisition. Which, being evidently false,
the abovenamed Company will only annex the last requisition hereunto, and request that it
may be compared with the Powder-account produced by him, as it will appear therefrom that
he had received the powder, and the truth of the aforesaid will be further substantiated thereby.
And herewith concluding this point, we shall merely add, that more economy might have been
observed with the powder than has been practiced, especially when people in the last e.xtremity
did not hesitate to fire off" the si.xth part of all the powder in the fort, to salute the English
Commissioners. But State, it appears, must be kept up and the Englishman admitted inside.
Hence it is clearly manifest that either the aforesaid places have been well supplied with
provisions and ammunition, or that the failure thereof is to be ascribed to no other person than
the Director-General ; and accordingly, also, the consequences which followed from the
knowledge of the aforesaid scarcity, principally consisting of what the Director aforesaid is
urging in his Report ;
To wit: The third point of his defence — the Unwillingness of the Burghers to defend the
city — since all the world sufficiently knows what zeal they had e.xhibited to protect their
property; working with all their might at the defence of the place, until the want of provisions
and ammunition was instilled into their minds by the government, and the enemy's strength
represented to be much greater than it was in fact, and, moreover, security for their private
properly had been given by the English, in case of surrender; and finally, until the two frigates
passed the fort unobstructed, when their courage began to fail and the idea of surrender gained
ground, on perceiving the intention of the government after it had permitted the aforesaid
frigates to pass freely the fort unimpeded; although, under all circumstances, it is sufficiently
shown in the Observations aforesaid, that the unwillingness of the Burghers to fight, cannot
be any excuse for him, inasmuch as it was his duty to defend the fort. Such being his
apprehension also, he endeavors to defend himself by saying, that the fort was declared
untenable and, at any event, even were it maintained, that the whole Province could not be
preserved thereby. He submits, in confirmation hereof, four reasons, which convict rather
than acquit him, as will be most clearly proved to your Hon'''"' Mightinesses in the following,
since all that he alleged of the untenableness of the aforesaid fort, might have been remedied and
cared for by a good, upright, faithful and provident Director, before the English had arrived there;
as the Company had recommended, instructed and commanded, by repeated despatches,
but in vain. For, us regards the first and second, concerning the condition of the fort and the
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIIL 499
rampart and wall, 'tis indeed true tliat the fort was at first constructed to resist the incursions
of the Barbarians; but 'tis also true, that it was afterwards so strengthened by a rampart and
an earthen wall, that, if kept in good condition, it need not fear any assault from European
arms. In any case, it should not have been constructed so weak as to require its surrender to
the enemy without firing a gun or striking a blow, it being remarkable in all Stuyvesant's
complaining and otlier letters that no mention was once made of the bad condition of said
fortress. This omission was not without a reason. As he had been expressly commanded to
put it into a posture of defence, by complaining he would have shown that he had neglected
to perform his duty in the matter of obeying issued orders; preferring to incur excessive
expenses of late years for the embellishment of the city, by the construction and erection of
very costly stone buildings {stcenc weikeii) rather than bring the fort into a state of defence, to
enable him in due time to resist the enemy ; for no affidavits will be produced that said fort
could not have been brought into a defensive condition; so that it has either been neglected
by the aforesaid Director or not found to be so untenable as he represents. The declaration
of Fiscal and Councillor Silla avails nothing; he hath sufficiently demonstrated, by all his
actions, that he was resolved not to ofter any resistance ; much less have the declarations further
produced on this point by the aforesaid Stuyvesant, for reasons aforesaid, any application,
because they refer directly only to the damage to the Burghers, and consequently merely refer
to the state of the fort ; showing sufficiently that the defence of the aforesaid place would not
have been acceptable to them; they therefore depreciate the said fort as much as possible.
The Company is sufficiently assured that Jacob Backer, the Director's brother-in-law and one
of the deponents, has been one of the most active in discouraging the Burghers, saying
everywhere that it was as impossible to resist the English as to touch the heavens with one's
hands. Thirdly, he alleges that the fort was encompassed round about by houses. Truly a
poor reason and still weaker, that he could not, on account of the damage to the Burghers,
resolve on pulling them down, as the Company in its Observations hath demonstrated, ought
to have been done. For, here was no longer any question of profit or loss to the Burghers
who had abandoned the defence of the city. The defence of the fort only must be looked to,
even though all the houses had to be pulled down ; for, the fort, and consequently occupation,
once lost, the State and Company lost everything. But 'tis here again to be regretted that the
Company was served by men who preferred to save their own property, which they had gained
in the Company's employ, than to observe their oath and honor. The aforesaid Director
would have easily enough resolved upon the pulling down of the aforesaid buildings, were it not
that Councillors and Clergymen were desirous of saving their houses lying next the fort ; for,
when the question of resistance or fighting was under deliberation, it was openly stated in
Council, that, if people should fight, the Commonalty must have a promise that the Company
will indemnify every one who would suflTer loss of house or goods ; and that none of the
Directors would thank any man who may lose an arm or a leg. 'Tis a matter of little moment
that the Burghers, when their houses would be pulled down, should be obliged to retire into
the fort, and that their wives and little ones could not find shelter there ; for he ought to
have known that those who could not be accommodated, ought to have looked out for a place
of safety and retire there, as Secretary and Councillor Van Ruyven took care to do for his
wife, whom he sent, with other women, not to be troubled about them as he said, to the
English, they being friends. This appears by the certificate ( L^ K.). The aforesaid Director-
General ought to have known that he was not a Militia Captain, but a servant of the Company
500 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
and Commandant of its fort, and have followed the example of many other Commandants
who have, to the utmost, defended for their masters the strongholds intrusted to them, even
though the cities may be all reduced, and did not suS'er themselves to be moved by the
flattering tongues of Preachers and others who were troubled about their private property,
without regarding the interest of the State and Company. The last consideration on the
weakness of the aforesaid fort, he founds on the number of his enemies. But, having spoken
hereof in the last of those Observations, the Company will refer thereto and leave the
said Director to answer what is contained in the aforesaid deposition ( L" K), namely; that
the force before the fort was not considerable enough to overcome it ; and again only say, to
put him to shame, that 'tis not true that they were unable to resist the encroachments and
incursions of the New Englanders previous to the arrival of the frigates, but that people
(notwithstanding iterated orders) neither would nor dared offer opposition, all through fear
that here or there they might be injured in their bouweries ; the fact being, by all reports, that
this entire mob of ill-armed rebels was not a hundred and fifty strong, and that their leader
was not commissioned by any one, and consequently, if opposed, would not have received
assistance from any quarter.
Tiie further excuse that there was no cistern in the fort, sounds very strange to the Company,
who now hear the fact for the first time. Yet, when looked into more closely, and the eye is
cast on the situation of the place, 'tis true that close by the fort was a well of water which
could, with a little trouble, be conveyed into the place. But, besides this, the fort might have
been furnished with water-barrels, as the ship Gideon alone could supply plenty to stock the
fort for three months, exclusive of those which still remained in the city.
The fourth point was: that they had no hope of relief. This is spread out so broad, as if,
for this reason alone, the place ought not be defended. On this point the Company will
merely persist in what is stated in its Observations, and accordingly submit, that it could not
know what the aforesaid Director also might say if no relief should arrive. In all cases, he
was not at liberty to surrender such a place without striking a blow, especially so long as it was
not really attacked ; for, as regards relief, they did not know what help would arrive from
Fatherland, because the Company's last letters had assured them of immediate assistance or a
settlement of the Boundiiry. Consequently, the one or the other being to happen, he ought
not to have adopted so rash a resolution. Besides, the Company has as much cause for
positively asserting that the English, on seeing the Director putting himself in a posture of
defence and having the courage to repel them, would not have attacked the place, as the
Director for saying that no relief was at hand. And for the preceding reasons, the Company
will pass over the long detail which the Director makes in his aforesaid writing of other events
in the foregoing years, as both irrelevant and immaterial, and once more conclude on this point :
That he ought to have waited until he saw the enemy commence the attack before he resolved
on the surrender of the place for want of assistance.
He is unable to answer the Observation which the Company mooted in its last argument,
except by a question: Whether the Company's interpretation quadrates wilh what he
presupi)oses, and if the Company's conclusion agree with his? To which the Company will
say, that it hath not attempted to interpret his presumption, but to prove that, even though it
were correct, yet he had not performed his duty and consequently his conclusion was most
unfounded. Even admitting it to be true ihat the English, without any reinforcement from
Old England, were stronger than he, and therefore, when reinforced by a larger body
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIIL 501
from Old England, so much the more able to reduce New Netherland under English authority,
and, from all appearance, in case of war. New Netherland was to be conquered by the English;
yet it did not follow that the aforesaid place must be surrendered on that account, but on
the contrary; and this is the Company's conclusion : It ought to have been defended until the
English had reduced it by their overwhelming force. And hereupon the Company will
willingly abide by your Hon'''' Mightinesses' decision. But as the aforesaid Stuyvesant cyphers
everywhere so amply the greatness of the English force, and relies on it in divers places, the
Company, therefore, will, on this occasion, lay before your Hon""'' Mightinesses its experience
and observations, from which 'twill be found that even his above slated supposition is false.
In order to show distinctly the true state of the abovementioned force, let us consider the
strength of the New England English and that of the English reinforcement which came from
Old England. As regards the former, the Director will never prove that, previous to the
arrival of the English frigates, those of New England, both foot and horse, numbered any more
than 150 men; nor that, by the arrival of the English frigates, the aforesaid troop became
stronger, or numbered more, than 84 foot and 60 horse. According to the reports of those
who had any knowledge of the matter and came into the city, and especially according to
the assurance of the inhabitants of Midwout who came into the city on the i'"" of September, the
New Englanders were not more than the aforesaid S4 foot, quartered in Amersfoort, and
60 horse at Midwout, having no knowledge of any other accession. And this alone is what
must be considered, and not how many people are in New England and how many in New
Netherland, because the New Englanders, being farmers and planters, did not stand prepared
to commence the war, but would, without doubt, have met the English frigates with the same
answer the Dutch farmers gave Director Stuyvesant when he made a requisition on them for
every S"* man — howbeit the New Netherlanders were thoroughly resolved to come up altogether,
in order, when the third man was called on, not to leave the rest to the mercy of the English,
had it not been for the exaggerations of the aforesaid Stuyvesant respecting the approach
of the English from New England — for, the Company knows sufficiently well what cannot
serve him as an excuse, that he hath no information in the world save his own imagination,
and, having sent no person out for information, hath laid hold of those rumors which appeared
to him most plausible, in order to surrender the place. For, the cowardice of the Burghers
mostly proceeded from the circumstance that the boors on the aforesaid Stuyvesant's bouwerie,
having been to the English General for a safeguard for the Director's bouwerie, came and
reported that the English were full 800 strong, which, had good spies been sent out, would
have been found to be false, and, on the contrary, that the English, who had come to the
assistance of the frigates, did not number more than 150 strong, without there being any
appearance of a reinforcement. Now, as regards the second force, which came from Old
England, the aforesaid Director never can prove, in the course of his whole life, that it
numbered more than four frigates of the following rates: One of 36, one of 30, one of 16 and
the fourth of ten guns, the heaviest biing twelve pounders ; nor, tiiat more than three companies
of soldiers had come, viz.. General Nicols', Colonel Cartwright's and Sir Carr's, making together
about 250 men; nor that on board the aforesaid 4 ships were there more than ISO matrosses.
Were the aforesaid Director disposed to obtain reliable information hereof, he could have had
plenty; but he took no information on the point. The Company is well informed that one
Isaack de Foreest, having been released, with a wounded soldier, by the English on the 31"
of August, the soldier was not examined, but rather the aforesaid Foreest, who, greatly
502 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
exaggeratinc; the English force, was believed, and that, on the 4"" of September, some persons
being in the city from Amersfoort and Midwout, stitliciently divulged and alHrmed that tiie
number of the English was as small as is above truly stated. This is also to be inferred, from
the fact that the aforesaid frigates could not carry a thousand men ; every one conversant with
navigation, knowing well the capacity of a brig of 10 and one of 10 gims, and that the aforesaid
ships have had in all 400 men on board, which number siithcienlly incumbered them. The
Company, therefore, plainly asserts (and 'tis also the truth) that all the rhodomontades of
thousands and thousands of men have nothing substantial to cover them, and were fictions
with which men have deceived, first, the people yonder, and now would wish to impose on your
Hon'''* Mightinesses, had not the truth been made manifest after the surrender ot the fort, when
the English (as the Company reasserts and proves by certificate L" K.), did not have the courage
to look at tlie Company's garrison marching out, whilst rage, which possessed the men for having
abandoned such a fortress without striking a blow, had so far carried them away, that they
would, without doubt, have attacked the English in the open field, who (the Company repeats
and defies proof of the contrary), marched in with only two companies, scarcely or hardly as
strotig as those which marched out, viz., Nicols' and Carr's companies, each in three divisions
of three files each, the first and last of which marched 5, the centre 4, men abreast, being
therefore 16S men strong; the third company, under Cartwright, being the remainder of
all the troops that came from Old England, lay at The Ferry until the ship Gideon had sailed
with the Company's garrison, when it went first to Fort Orange, through fear that if it left
sooner, the Company's soldiers, seeing themselves as strong as the others, would have made
an attack on the Fort. To prevent this, the aforesaid Stuyvesant took, also, good care that
the soldiers should not be furnished with powder, wliich was intrusted to Captain Kreyger
until they would sail.
Wherewith, coming to the conclusion drawn by the Company in its Observations, which
consists of acts of omission whereof the Director has been guilty, it will pass over the first,
second and fourth, which are hereinbefore equally answered in the last, and the remainder are
not of much importance, consisting only of acts that are susceptible of a favorable as well as
of an unfavorable interpretation, according to particulars of history and circtimstances, all
which the Company cannot find exactly conformable to the truth ; observing only, on the
second, that it could not perceive, from the Report of the Commissioners who were deputed
to the English, that they were sent to collect information; and on the fourth, that 'tis, indeed,
true that the English had given a promise of Ireedoni to all the villages, and that such was
known in the city, which, however, did not know that the English would treat it in this
manner until the letter had been communicated. But, coming to the third: Is it to be
wondered at, that such a poor defence was made"? for he, himself, admits that he had neither
ordered nor forbad firing. In truth, whether this becomes a Director-General or not, the
Coinpany need not add any more; it only says, that 'tis an action that never can be palliated
in a Director-General, to stand between the gabions looking at two hostile frigates passing the
fori and the mouths of ^2^i pieces of cannon, several of them demi-cartoons,' and not give an
order to prevent them, but, on the contrary, lend an ear to Clergymen and other craven-
hearted people, pretending that he was wishing to order fire, yet will allow himself to be led
in from the rampart between the Clergymen, and then, for the first time, give himself any
trouble after the frigates have passed, when, for the first lime, he will march forth to prevent a
' 24 pounders. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIIL 503
landing. The excuse he gives, that it was resolved not to commence the first act of hostility,
is a very poor one ; for, the English had committed all acts of hostility, carrying off the city's
cattle and the boat in which the slaves were, taking one of the soldiers who was with them,
prisoner after he had been wounded, capturing Claes Verbraeck's sloop, afterwards taking
Isaac de Foreest prisoner, forbidding the farmers furnishing supplies, firing shot at the St. Jacob's
boat, and lastly, summoning the city and fort, in order to save the shedding of blood, and
committing many other acts, too many to be here related ; so that there was no difficulty to
answer them in the same manner. The instance with which he supports the above cited
resolution, is not applicable in the present case ; for, in that the Company being the aggressor,
'twas considered best to receive an attack first and then, being constrained, to defend; it had
rather that no attack had been made and the place been left at peace. The two cases being
dift'erent, the reasoning cannot apply.
The Company considers all those Observations, heretofore submitted, amply sufficient to
convict the aforesaid Stuyvesant of neglect. But the two following points having been
afterwards laid before the Company, whereof it had had no knowledge, it will submit them
to your Hon'*''' Mightinesses, and then close:
To wit : first, When the first frigate had previously come alone, the Director sent for the
Captain of the ship Gideon, to ascertain whether he was fully determined to attack her?
The skipper declared, Yes, whenever he should be supplied with some soldiers and munitions
of war. The Director, having it in his power to employ not only that ship but also the
others, yea, when requested by Secretary Van Ruyven to do so, would not consent, and
shamefully berated and abused the aforesaid Secretary for such advice, whereby the whole
English design would have been easily broken up.
Secondly : the English having committed all acts of hostility possible, the aforesaid
Director did not take into consideration that they had come to The Ferry with only two
companies, very tired and feeble, and that their ammunition being also conveyed there, the
finest opportunity in the world presented itself to determine whether they could not be
attacked there, in which case the ammunition and all could be set on fire. The night afforded
sufficient opportunity, and the military was strong enough for this exploit, and no doubt they
would be seconded from the Dutch villages, but this with other opportunities was allowed
to slip, in order not to give offence to the English.
The Company now believing that it has fulfilled your Hon'''° Mightinesses' intention, will
only again say, in conclusion, that the sole cause and reason for the loss of the aforesaid
place, were these : The Authorities (Regcnlen), and the chief officer, being very deeply
interested in lands, bouweries and buildings, were unwilling to offer any opposition, first, at
the time of the English encroachments, in order thereby not to aflTord any pretext for firing
and destroying their properties; and, having always paid more attention to their particular
affairs than to the Company's interests. New Amsterdam was found, on the arrival of the
English frigates, as if an enemy was never to be expected. And, finally, that the Director,
first following the example of heedless interested parties, gave himself no other concern than
about the prosperity of his bouweries, and, when the pinch came, allowed himself to be rode
over by Clergymen, women and cowards, in order to surrender to the English what he could
defend with reputation, for the sake of thus saving their private properties. And the Company
will further leave to your Hon"*'^ Mightinesses' good and prudent wisdom, what more ought to
be done in this case, hoping that you will take care that the remembrance of such examples in
504 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
future sliall not serve as a precedent or a justification to otliers ; as the examples of Brasil
and Angola were made by this Director so incorrectly and unjustly to apply to his defence.
Which doing, &c.
(Signed), Mich' Tex Hove.
Appendix A.
Extract of a letter from the Director-General and Council of New Netherland
to the Directors of the West India Company, Cliamber at Amsterdam,
dated 10"" June, 1664 ; on lile in the West India Company's office, Cahier,
No. 12.
Agriculture and husbandry are in a better state than we could or dare imagine. The
distant lands in atid around Esopus, which last year could not be mown or sown, except
with great danger and expense, by reason of the war, have as good and abundant an
appearance as if they had been ploughed and sown last fall. Thos& newly planted this
spring, being blessed, not long since, by God with a copious and good rain, for which His
mercy must be thankt, will, we hope and expect through His bounty, produce a good and
plentiful harvest.
Appendix B.
Extract of a letter from the Director-General and Council of New Netherland
to the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam,
dated 16"' September, 16G4; on file ia the West India Company's office,
Cahier, No. 12.
Meanwhile we entertain the hope that your Honors will not disapprove of us, your faithful
servants and subscribers, continuing here for a short time until further orders and your answer
hereunto, for the arrangement of your Honors' business, both outstanding debts and credits,
your Honors' debtors being somewhat increased and the outstanding debts augmented by
the Negroes. The ship Gideon arrived here at sucii an unseasonable moment, to our great
embarrassment and your Honors' greater loss, with 2'JO slaves even before the arrival of the
frigates, whereby we have been not a little straitened and troubled on account of the want of
provisions, having, on the assured hope of the new crop already harvested, but not threshed,
consumed and sent oil" the old both to Fatherland by the ship '« Gccruysle Hart and to Cura9ao
by the bark Musch.
Appendix C.
Extract of a letter from the Director-General of New Netherland to the Directors
of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, dated the 10"" June,
1064; on file in the West India Company's office, Cahier, No. 12.
Here supervenes a third ditliculty, to wit : the last letters and advices from Old England to
Boston, in New England, by divers ships, seven in number, agree in stating that matters
between our Slate and the King of England did not wear too good and peaceable au aspect,
but seemed to be drifting towards a rupture, which, if it happen,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIIL 505
Appendix D.
Extract of a letter from the Director-General and Council of New Netherland
to tlie Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, dated
the 4"" of August, 1664; on file in the West India Company's office, Cahier,
No. 12.
In regard to your Honors' despatch and your impressions created by the advices which you
have received from Old England : That England's Majesty being disposed to reduce all his
Kingdoms under one form of government in Church and State, and that some Commissioners
(and, as it leaked out here, 2@^3 frigates, sufficiently provided with ammunition and military)
were ready in England to proceed to New England and to install Bishops there, the same
as in Old England ; and your Honors' further opinion and advice for our interest and
encouragement and that of your inhabitants, we shall not at present discuss, much less
contradict, but rather wish and hope, if it promote the advantage of God's church as it
apparently may ours, that it may turn out according to your Honors' anticipation and meaning.
Meanwhile we cannot omit communicating to your Honors and respectfully submitting what
we have, on the contrary, been informed and are still daily warned of, both verbally and in
writing, on this point; partly to be deduced from the accompanying Declaration, No. 14, and
more fully to be perceived by your Honors from the verbal information of the skippers
and passengers returning home, to wit: that the design of those Commissioners, frigates and
warlike force is directed rather against Long Island and these your Honors' possessions, than
to the imagined reform of New England. The probability is presumed and inferred, from
various circumstances, among others from the patent granted last year to Rhode Island,
whereby England's Majesty grants freedom of conscience, in Spiritual matters, to every one ;
yea, even to the Quakers and Anna-Baptists, who are the most numerous and principal there.
Secondly, we have heretofore communicated to your Honors what is now confirmed dc novo,
tiiat Long Island and all the adjacent islands, Rhode Island excepted, are conveyed by patent
to the Duke of York, and, therefore, are the frigates provided with so many people and so much
ammunition. And although the issue and result are in the hands of time, these and similar
reports not only continuing but being so repeatedly confirmed by every letter and passenger
from England, make us very circumspect, anxious and guarded to keep the intrusted military
together as much as possible; to increase the height of our fort and to furnish it all around
with gabions, and to provide for all possible resistance, respecting which the slightest anxiety
does not exist.
Appendix E.
Extract of a letter from the Director-General and Council of New Netherland
to the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, dated
the IG"" September, 1664; on file in the West India Company's office,
Cahier, No. 12.
Certainly it is deducible herefrom that, two years ago, the equipment and design of the four
frigates against this place were not only thus clearly and punctually notified and known in
England, but also here from New England, and information and warning thereof were
communicated to your Honors by us, your servants.
Vol. 1L 64
506 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Appendix F.
Extract of a letter from the Director-General and Council of New Netherland to
the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, dated
10"" November, 1GC3; on file in the West India Company's Chamber,
Cahier, No. 12.
When all this and what is so often related more circumstantially in divers letters relative
to this matter, are weighed and considered justly and according to necessity, your Honors will
be able easily to deduce, in your wiser and more Car-seeing judgment, not only the impossibility
of concluding, in this country, with any certainty, a Settlement of the Boundary, but also that
the prosecution of it ought to be pushed and urged earnestly and vigorously in Europe, both
by their High Mightinesses with Ambassador Downingh,' and by both these and their High
Mightinesses' Ambassador in England with his Majesty. If it cannot be obtained and effected
next spring, one of two things is inevitably to be feared and will infallibly follow : Bloodshed,
and with bloodshed (which they appear to long for) loss of everything that men possess, if
active opposition be offered to the English, as it ought, or to their daily incursions and
encroachments, reducing now this, and then that place under their jurisdiction and occupying
suitable spots here and there on the North river and elsewhere, a great deal of which is still
unpeopled and unsettled.
Appendix G.
Extract of a letter from the Director-General and Council of New Netherland
to the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam,
dated the last of February, 1GG4 ; on file in the West India Company's
office, Cahier, No. 12.
If your Honors will further please to allow your eyes to run over the Appendix N° 4, which
is a daily record, with the addition of a Deduction and Remonstrance of the Dutch towns on
Long Island, and the proofs thereunto belonging, against the conduct of one Captain John
Schot, President, as he styles himself or allows himself to be styled, of the rebellious troops
of over 150 horse and foot, your Honors will be able clearly to conclude that, not content with
the English towns on Long Island only, but coveting all Long Island, yea, the entire Province
of New Netherland, their intolerable menaces have no other object than to get our blood and
that of our people up, and in a manner to drive us to some immediate opposition and resistance,
or to have but one of their men wounded, imprisoned or in any way ill treated, in order
therefrom to create a pretext to fall with a larger force on our people, to plunder and despoil
them of all their property ; all which more fully appears from the aforesaid daily record and
papers annexed thereunto.
' Supra, p. 415. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIII. 507
Appendix H.
Extract from the Register of what passed between Captain John Schot regarding
(he claim on Long Island, dated l-S"" January, 1GC4 ; on file in the West
India Company's Office.
After some conversation, it being past midnight and good weather, we resolved to depart,
in order not to lose any time. At parting, Captain Schot said to Secretary Van Ruyven and
Mr. John Laurens, as they declare, among other things : That there was only one way or means
to put a stop to this begun work. This was, to see and agree as soon as possible with the
Duke of York, since he knew for certain that his Majesty had granted this island to the Duke,
and some parties had informed his Royal Highness that it might produce annually 30 thousand
pounds sterling. The Duke had resolved, if he could not voluntarily obtain said island, to see
and seize it by force, and for that purpose was to send two or more frigates hither to summon
not only the aforesaid island, but the whole of New Netherland, and that he. Captain Schot,
would command on board said frigates as Lieutenant-General. This he declared to us, more
than once, to be the truth. Whereunto we answered, that we did not doubt, whenever his
Majesty and the Duke of York should be informed of the true state of the case, they would
come to a proper agreement with the Lords States-General. And thereupon we departed, and
came at day-break to The Ferry, and immediately reported our return.
Appendix I.
Requisition for New Netherland, 10"" November, 1663.
The following goods are most urgently required here for aid and assistance ; without them
it is impossible to keep and satisfy the military. Your Honors are therefore humbly
requested and besought to provide us with them as soon as possible:
A bale of common grey cloth for clothing, fl. 2,500
StufT, buttons, silk, &c., 500
1,000 prs. of shoes, 2,000
1,000 shirts, 2,000
1,000 prs. of assorted stockings, 800
Flemish and Osnaburg linen, 1,500
Duffels and blankets, 2,000
Munitions of War.
1,200 lbs. powder.
2,000 lbs. lead.
A parcel of match.
50 (a. 60 good snaphaunce.
We are tolerably well provided here with gun-barrels. If your Honors would please
to let us have 50 @^ 60 gun-locks {snayhaen slooten), we could have them put together
here advantageously for the Company.
50 @,60 hangers.
100 @. 150 cartouch boxes, of which we are greatly in need, as they cannot be had made here.
508 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
10 (a-. 12 drums, with duplicate skins, snares and cords; tiiey are particularly required for
the villages, in order to warn the people in time of need.
A package of hour-glasses, to be used on the watch, instead of Match.
A package of flints.
Books to enter the accounts and resolutions, together with guns, paper and inkstands.
Finding ourselves sometimes at a loss in ditl'erences arising with the Farmers of the revenue,
we request you therefore to be pleased to let us have the ordinances enacted respecting the
wine and beer excise, payable by tapsters.
We most respectfully beg and request your Honors to be pleased to send us, among the
articles to come over, 200 guilders' worth of copper kettles and tin ware, such as dishes, plates,
&c., together with 20 P^nglish Bibles, which we have promised here on purchasing a quantity
of beef for the garrison. In default, we shall be obliged to pay nearlj^ double the value for
them here on the spot.
Appendix K.
This day, the 4"" March, IGll?, before me, Henrick Outgers, Notary Public, admitted by the
Hon'''' Court of Holland, and residing in Amsterdam, and the undernamed witnesses, appeared
Harmen Martensen van der Bosch, aged 26 years, and Evert Willemsen Munnick, aged 38
years, both of whom have served the Incorporated West India Company of this country as
sergeants in New Netherland at the time it was surrendered to the English, and have, at the
request of the Hon''"'' Directors of the Incorporated W^est India Company here, declared, testified
and deponed as the truth : That, in the year lGG-1, some time before the coming of the English,
to whom the aforesaid Province of New Netherland was surrendered, news being received
there that a force was coming to reduce it if possil)le, they could not observe nor remark that
any ettbrt was made by the government to bring New Amsterdam into a proper state of defence
in ease of attack, but that everything was left in the same state as it was before. That
finally, in the latter part of the month of August, further news being come there, two or three
days previous to the arrival of the four frigates, the government, for the first time, gave orders
to put the city and fort of New Amsterdam into a state of defence, even as though it were
resolved to resist the English, and that they, the deponents, with the soldiers under them,
being fully resolved and disposed to defend the aforesaid place to the last, helped to raise the
fortifications of the city and (brt, and performed every duty, in order to place themselves in a
posture of defence. Which being done, so far as the shortness of the time permitted, they,
for the first time, began to remark that some of the Burghers manifested cowardice, and,
instead of keeping guard with the soldiers, as they used to do, came no longer to the guard-
house. They therefore, seeing that the Burghers were unwilling, as it appeared, to assist in
protecting the city, retired with the other military, who numbered about one hundred and fifty
men within the fort, in order to defend it. That, in the meanwhile, some negotiation being
commenced between the English and the Director, the purport whereof they, the deponents,
were ignorant of, two of the aforesaid frigates being of very light rate, sailed up, to their very
great surprise, in order to pass the fort; and, approaching it without a word being uttered to
prevent their passage, the soldiers began to murmur and to exclaim aloud that they were sold.
That thereupon the aforesaid frigates, always sailing onward, did, in fact, pass the aforesaid
fort without a shot beiug fired to prevent their passage, which might have very well been done.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIII. 509
That the negotiation, continuing two or three days after, they, the deponents, were notified that
the capitulation was concluded, and that they were to march out with colors flying, drums
beating and bullets in the mouth. The soldiers heard this with singular displeasure, chiefly
because they knew that they were able enough to resist the force which was then around the
place, and had no need to be particularly reinforced; for, the soldiers and old sailors who had
come from Old England with the frigates, amounted together to only four hundred men, who were
very feeble and inexperienced. Furthermore, that the Company's soldiers, on marching out,
could not have the satisfaction of seeing the English, through fear that, being full of courage
and spite, they would yet have attacked them, having still had inclination and courage enough
to do so, and with a good prospect of overpowering the English; on which account they were
embarked on board the ship Gideon before the English made their appearance and marched
into the city and fort, having remained meanwhile at the Bouwery, only within view of them.
Furthermore, the aforesaid Evert Willemsen Rlunnick alone declares, that when the aforesaid
little frigates were passing the fort, Director-General Stuyvesant acted as if he were about to
go to the gunner to order him to fire, but that the Megapolensis, the Clergymen, both father
and son, led him away and prevailed on him to retire. And the aforesaid Harmen Martensen
alone, that being sometime with John Schot's troop, he very well knew that it was not of the
slightest account, and had little influence ; that observing, further, that nothing was done to
oppose the enemy, but that Secretary and Councillor Van Ruyven had sent his wife to Overen
to the English, he asked the abovenamed Secretary what they, the government to wit, proposed,
as he had sent his wife off to the English. Who answered that they had no powder, and the
English were their friends; whereas, on the contrary, when they were embarked on board
the ship Gideon and asked for the provision of powder which they were to have with them.
Captain Martin Kreygier said to them that he should furnish them with it. But, through
fear that the soldiers would attack the English, he had caused two barrels of powder to be
conveyed to his house, instead of to the ship. Finally, the abovenamed deponents again declared
conjointly, that the wife of Nicolaes Meyer, a free merchant there, being on her way with the
abovenamed Madame Ruyven, out of the fort, said : She wished to be on her guard whenever
she saw soldiers; now, the rascals will fight as they have nothing to lose thereby; and we
have our property here, which we must lose in case of a collision. Which having been done
in truth, and in their, the deponents' presence, they ofTered, when required and necessary, to
confirm the same by solemn oath.
Thus executed in Amsterdam; present, Marten Hegervelt and Staphanus Pelgrom, as
witnesses hereunto invited.
Lower stood :
In promissorum fidem.
(Signed), Henry Outgers,
Notary Public.
We, the Burgomasters and Regents of the city of Amsterdam, to all and every whom it
may concern, make known, certifying as the truth that before us appeared Harmen Martenz
van den Bosch, aged six-and-twenty years, and Evert Willemsen Munnick, aged eight-and-
thirty years, legally summoned to bear witness to the truth, at the requisition of the Hon'''''
Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, and have by solemn oaths testified,
510 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
declared, and deposed, tlie contents of the foregoing affidavit read to them tlie deponents, by
the undersigned CJecretary, to be the truth, and that tliey persist therein. So truly help them,
God Almighty. In witness whereof the Seal of this city is hereupon impressed the S"" of
Marcli, 1GG7. (Signed), Nicolai ; having depending a Seal impressed on red wax covered
with a lozenge shape paper.
Memorial of Ejc-lHreetor Stmjve-sant.
{ From iho Original, in the Koyal Archives at the Ilairac ; Lolictkaft of the f?tat08-Gcncral i Rubrict, West Jndische Cvmpagnie, No. 57,
4lh divibiou.]
To the Hon''''' M. Ommeren, Deputy to their High Mightinesses' Assembly.
Ex-Director Stuyvesant, having learned that Mess" the Directors of the West India Company
have presented to your Honor, on last Saturday, the la"" of March, their Further Reply to the
Petitioner's Answer in vindication of the reduction of New Netherland, several months after
he had been referred a second time to said Directors, he humbly requests you will be pleased to
allow communication of said Reply to be given him, and, if necessary, that he be at liberty
to defend himself further against what has caused his detention now so long a time, in order
thus, at once, to obtain his dismissal.
West India Company to the States-General.
[ I''rorn the Ori(;ii)aI, in the Royal ArchivcB at lliu Ilagne ; File, West Indie.}
To the High and Mighty Lords Slates-General of the United Netherlands.
The Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company of this country, with due
respect represent, that the intention of this State, in granting the Charter to the West India
Company, having been to promote foreign trade and to establish Colonies in Africa and
America, whereby the trade and navigation of this country could be encouraged and maintained
in Africa and America, the abovenamed West India Company, among other Colonies, set out
that of New Netherland, which was one of the most considerable, and fostered it at an excessive
expense of many hundred thousand guilders for the space of forty-six years with great care
and risk, and reared it like a foster-child for the benefit of the State and Company ; so that
the abovenamed Colony, before the invasion of the English, produced some return for what the
Company had been obliged to spend for the benefit aforesaid to the amount of so many
hundred thousand guilders in 46 years. And whereas the aforesaid Province was treacherously
taken from the Company before the war with the Crown of England, without that Crown
having ever had any foundation or reason to make any pretence to it, and thereby such
damage and loss have been inflicted on the Company as it can hardly bear, in regard that the
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIIL 511
Company now yearly could draw a considerable sum from the aforesaid couatry for the comfort
of the inhabitants of this State interested ; therefore the aforesaid Directors, ia this
conjuncture of time, cannot refrain from requesting you, High and Mighty, in case any
negotiation of peace with England should be commenced, that it may be your good pleasure
in regard to the Province of New Netherland, to consider generally the commercial interests of
this country as set forth in the annexed Petition of the merchants interested, and especially
also the interests of the Company, to the end that it may not be deprived of so considerable
a conquest, reared up at so vast an expense. And, accordingly, if its restitution be insisted
on 'tis possible it may be accomplished ; and that in the other conquests the Company's
interest may be considered as recommended by your High Mightinesses.
Which doing, &c.
Mich' Ten Hove.
16 f 67. N" 5.
Appendix: 25th March, 1667.
To the High and Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands.
Respectfully and humbly represent
The undersigned persons, all traders beyond the seas, proprietors of ships and inhabitants
of this State, That these Netherlands having always from ancient times had their foundations
on trade and navigation by ships to all countries of the world, have arrived, through God's
gracious blessing, your High Mightinesses' most wise government, and through the industry,
vigilance and practice of the merchants and inhabitants thereof, at such prosperity and success,
that other Kings, Princes and Republics whose countries also border on the sea, have become,
on that account, not only jealous and envious, but have invented and set on foot all means and
practices to put a stop to the further progress of this country in trade aad navigation, and, if
possible, to divert the same, each in his Kingdom and country; having, to that end, erected
Commercial Companies to attract all trade to themselves and to prevent ours importing into
their respective Kingdoms and territories in Europe divers sorts of merchandise as was
heretofore the custom ; and, furthermore, to prohibit trade and commerce to their Islands,
Colonies and Plantations situate beyond Europe ; also, seriously to burthen and overcharge
the goods belonging to the inhabitants of this country with customs, tolls, tonnage, beyond
those of their own subjects. In the same manner, also, as your High Mightinesses' subjects
were by those of Portugal on frivolous and impertinent pretexts prevented and hindered to
trade and carry on business from Portugal and its dependencies to Brazil and back from Brazil
to Portugal, pursuant to the S** Article of the Treaty and Alliance concluded between the
Kingdom of Portugal and your High Mightinesses on the G"" August, 1661; which trade, ia
case it were permitted, might otherwise be of considerable profit and importance, it having
been, in former times, whilst it belonged to this State, of such importance that more than
25,000 seamen were employed on that coast. In addition to this, it has come to pass that
other nations have not scrupled to take from ours, by force and violence, many and divers
forts on the coast of Africa, viz.: Cape Verde, although it was afterwards again recovered by
our men-of-war. Item; the trade and commerce to the River Gambia and Fort St. Andrew,
and Cape Cors, in Guinea, together with Isyquepe, Tobago, Eustatia, Taba, Verges, and other
places in America and the seas thereunto belonging, and principally the whole of New
Netherland, being a country not only possessed for nearly half a century by your High
512 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Mightinesses and your subjects, by a just and indisputable title, but, in addition, of such
importance tbat from it could be brought, in time of need, to these parts, an abundant quantity
of grain, hemp, flax, pork, tar, oak and pine timber fit for the construction of large ships and
houses, masts of 30 palms or more, lumber for staves, wainscoting, salts (wccJuscfi) and potash,
besides all other descriptions of merchandise which were procured and laden by us in the
Baltic. Moreover, it is a healthy and fertile country, situate on the Main in 42 degrees,
possessing a temperate climate corresponding with the latitude of Portugal, and, therefore,
well adapted and proper to the support and easy subsistence of a multitude of families and
many thousand souls, whereby, if peopled, it could be maintained and defended with a small
force ; having, already, two tolerably well built inclosed towns, one open town and lifteen
villages, besides divers extensive Colonies, bouweries and plantations, inhabited by more than
8,000 souls, consisting of about 1,500 families, all natives and subjects of this State, who went
thither formerly to gain a livelihood and to settle, on a promise of being sustained and
protected. And, what is important and profitable for the trade and navigation of this country,
especially, the aforesaid New INetherland aflbrds sufficient opportunities for driving a good
trade and commerce, for conveying thither parcels of linen and woolen cloths and stuffs which
are manufactured here and can be disposed of and sold there. Item; wines, brandies, and other
goods, which amounted, heretofore, to many shiploads annually, chiefly in the exportation and
bringing back of merchandise and returns grown there, which, exclusive of the wares
and fruits hereinbefore specified, consist principally of peltries, beavers, otters and such like
skins, whereby many tons of gold were circulated yearly ; they being a commodity which alone
is of use for Russia, and in which large capitals are invested, because the fur is separated
there in Russia with particular skill and in the most subtle manner from the aforesaid beavers,
and then, so prepared, is brought back here and sent hence to France. This trade alone
amounts yearly to considerable, and the Commonweallh, by the transportation through and
fro as many as three or four times, derives custom-house and Sound duties from it. And
whereas, through the war now waged some years back by the King of England against this
State, and the unrighteous and violent occupation by his subjects of the aforesaid countries
and islands, and particularly of New Netherland, the trade to those parts had to lie pretty
still, in such wise that the Remonstrants and other your High Mightinesses' subjects during
that time not only could not carry on any trade, but have experienced considerable loss; and
as, according to common report, m;ilters seem to promise that Ministers of the abovementioned
King and of your High Mightinesses will shortly treat of and negotiate upon a peace and
its conditions, therefore We, the Remonstrants, cannot refrain briefly to represent to you.
High and Mighty, what is hereinbefore set forth both in regard to general navigation and
trade for and to the parts, countries and lands aforesaid, and our own interest, who, being
merchants, must gain our living by trading beyond seas, exporting and importing goods;
a'so, preparing and equipping ships ; humbly requesting that, in case the treaty of peace has
not only been commenced but has made some progress, and God, the Lord, should vouchsafe to
bless such a Christian and universally beneficial work, you, High and Mighty, would please
to have the goodness to observe such precaution in favor of your subjects, that for reasons
aforesaid and n)any others, said places, countries and islands, and especially New Netherland,
which is the most populous and considerable of your High Mightinesses' Colonies, may, by
the treaty be recovered from the English and restored to our nation. Especially, the rather
on account that in case the aforesaid country be kit to, and remain in the power and hands of
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIII.
513
the English Nation, it could gain and obtain therefrom, in time of war, considerable advantage
over this State and its inhabitants, as well on account that it will be able to draw and
receive thence, and therefore from its own lands and Colonies, almost all the wares, which,
being necessary for its equipments, it hitherto has been obliged to obtain from the Bailie;
that, whenever it will possess and be master of nearly the entire Northern part of
America (for the French will be illy able to hold Canada against that Nation) it can,
without people here in Europe having the least knowledge of the circumstance, fit out a
considerable fleet of large and small ships there (among the rest a frigate of 30 guns is built
there), and with such fleet, in a season of misunderstanding, difTerence, or war, easily and
unexpectedly fall on the ships which come from the West, be it from the islands, the East
Indies, yea, from Russia, and will sail North around Scotland, the distance not being very
great, and, consequently, can be sailed in a short time; whereby said English Nation then
would found and extend considerably its pretended dominion over the sea.
It remains, moreover, still to be considered that, in so far as the English are allowed to
retain New Netherland and the other islands, the Remonstrants and other merchants will have
no opportunity to employ and make use of their ships, which, notwithstanding, are built to
sail, nor to the seamen of this country, many of whom will, in consequence, run away and be
attracted to other countries. Whereby these United Netherlands, which, up to the present
time, have, through your High Mightinesses' prudent government, flourished beyond all other
countries, will be and remain deprived of the commerce, equipment and all the advantages
proceeding therefrom.
On all which reasons and motives your High Mightinesses are requested to cast an equitable
regard, and to resolve thereon as your High Mightinesses shall, in your profound wisdom,
consider favorable to navigation and trade, and advantageous to the country and its inhabitants.
Vol. II,
(Signed), Daniel Planck,
Ter Dingas Bosyn,
Reynier V^erbrugge,
Michiel Muyden,
Claes Schoomeersteer,
Anthonio van Aelst,
Fran§ois Hooglant,
Willem Clermont,
P' and Jan Bert,
Cornells van Gezel,
J. van der Meulen,
Jacob Venturin,
Nicol. Schuyt,
Paulo Roeper,
J. Toornbeek,
Jan Alders van Dyk,
Abraham van Oldenhoven, junior,
Jacob de Ree,
Hendrick Bormeester,
Claes van der Graef,
65
Isack Lussekerck,
Gerredt Dieprinck,
G. Symonsen Witmondt,
Govert van de Raeck,
Andries Bernard,
Jan Baptist van Rensselaer,
Pieter van Beeck,
J. H. Sybingh,
Cornelis Jacobs Mooy,
Abel de Wolff",
Dirck Kroon,
Geerit Jansen Kuyper,
Frederick Ripels,
Conraedt Klenck,
Arnout Schuyt,
Daniel Bernard, junior,
Jean Bernard,
Pieter Bernard,
Marcus Klenck,
Gerart Hamel, 1667,
514
NEW-YORK COLONIAL RL^NUSCRIPTS.
Jacob van Wisselt
Jacobus Schuyt,
Willein van Meekren,
Jean Bernart,
Volckwyn Momma,
Paulus Sweerts,
David de Coninck,
Abraham van Oldenhove,
Gratiaen van der Linden,
Barnart Bronkhost,
Tomas van Bontwyck,
Jociiem Cerdes,
Joan Gramsbergh,
Peyter Goebe,
A"* Leseuter,
Casper Deirksen Boogart,
Semuel Velho,
Jacob Abendanas,
Joao de la Faya,
David Jimes mend,
Aron Moren olen weque,
Simas Dovalle Dafon,
C. van Aucke,
Abrao Pair,
Pieter Frena,
Hendrick Beeckman,
Arnout van Uhlen,
Gillis Roghe,
Pieter Rieverdingh,
Abraham de Bruyn.
Me-soliition of the States -General.
[ From the Register of West India Affairs, lG6i — 1670, in tlie Koyal Archivca at the Hague.]
Friday, 25"' March, 1GG7.
Folio 139. Read at the Assembly the Petition of the Directors of the Incorporated West
Company. India Company of tliis country, to the effect that, in tlie negotiations of peace to
Negotialions Willi ■-.11 1 r •
Kngianii. bs entered into witii Lngland in regard to the Province of ^evv Netherland,
attention be paid to the commercial interest generally of this country, according
to the representation of the interested merchants, contained in the Memorial annexed, and
also especially, that the restitution of the aforesaid Province be insisted on and effected ; and, in
regard to the other conquests, the interest of the aforesaid Company be taken, as recommended.
Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Petition be placed in
the hands of Mess" Van Raesfelt and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for naval
affairs, to inspect, examine and report thereon.
liesohttions of the States of Holland^ d'C.
[ From the Hesolutiejt van Tlolland for 1C67, pp. 120, 133, in the State Library, Albany, N. Y.]
Friday, 2d'^ March, 1667.
Read at tlie Assembly a certain Petition presented to their Noble, Great
Mightinesses, by or on the behalf of the Directors of the Incorporated West India
ma^bepresorvcd.*^ Company, Fcquesting that, in case negotiations of peace should be entered
West India Com-
pany rffjueiis Ihat,
in case ol iicgniia-
tiona with Kn^iniul,
Kew NelluThiud
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIII. 515
upon wilh the King of Great Britain, their Noble, Great Mightinesses may pay attention to
the restitution of the Province of New Netherlaad, which was treacherously taken from the
said West India Company by the subjects of the abovementioned King.
Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Petition, with and
besides another to the same effect, presented to their Noble, Great Mightinesses by and on
the behalf of divers merchants engaged in foreign trade and ship-owners in this country, shall
be placed in the hands of the Members of the House of Nobles {Hceren van de Ridderschajy) and
other their Noble, Great Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of England, in order to
communicate to the Assembly, after maturely considering the same, their opinion and
advice thereupon.
Saturday, 2^ April, 1667.
J'nl J°^mats^ba\ ^hc Grand Pensionary reported to the Assembly the opinion and advice of
nI*w n" h'eria'ud be their Noble, Great Mightinesses' Deputies having, in pursuance and fulfillment
of their Resolution of the 25"" ultimo, examined and considered the contents of
a certain Petition presented to their Noble, Great Mightinesses by and on behalf of the
Directors of the Incorporated West India Company of these United Netherlands, requesting
that, in case negotiations should be entered on with the King of Great Britain, their Noble,
Great Mightinesses may pay attention to the restitution of New Netherland, which was
treacherously taken from said West India Company by the subjects of the abovementioned
King. Which being considered, their Noble, Great Mightinesses have left the aforesaid matter
for the present, according to preceding Resolutions adopted on the subject aforesaid.
States of Utrecht to their Deputies at the Hague.
[From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague ; File, West Indie. 1
Honorable, Right Honorable, Upright, Wise, Most Prudent.
Having considered and deliberated on the Remonstrance and Representation in the Memorial
of the Directors of the West India Company, and having, likewise, seen an extract from a
Resolution of the States of Holland and West Friesland, adopted in their Noble, Great
Mightinesses' session of Monday, the 4"" of August, 1653, We have resolved hereby to
authorize you to submit and make known to the High and Mighty Lords States-General, in
our name, that we understand that a Mandamus of appeal cannot properly, nor in any case
ought, to be granted by their High Mightinesses from a judgment pronounced in New
Netherland ; and that, therefore, you will use all means in your power with the States-General
to the end that the Mandamus of appeal obtained in like circumstances by Henrick Capelle tho
Ryssel on the first of April, 1653, from their High Mightinesses may be rescinded, the same
having been granted by mistake and contrary to all good order.
516 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Herewith, Honorable, Upright, Wise, Most Prudent, we commend you to the protection of
Almighty God, and remain, Your good friends.
The States of the Province of Utrecht.
(Signed), G. van Reede tot Neederhorst,^ ".
By order of the same.
Written at Utrecht tlie XIX. July, 1G67. (Signed), A. van Hilten.
Addressed :
Honorable, Right Honorable, Upright, Wise,
Most Prudent John Baron van Reede,
Lord of Renswoude," Yonkh"" Godart
Adriaen van Reede, Lord of Amerongen,
Ginchei, Elst,
atid
Gysbert van der Hoolck, ancient Burgomas-
ter of the city of Utrecht, Deputies from the
Honorable and Mighty Lords the States of
the Province of Utrecht, to the Assembly
of the High and Miglity Lords States-
General
in
The Hague.
Instruction to the Dutch rienipotentiaries at Breda,
\ Krom Aitzcma, Saaktn ran Staat eji Oarlogh, 4to., XIII., 53.)
I. The Plenipotentiaries shall, in their negotiation, take for a general basis and chief
foundation of the proposed Treaty, the allernaiivc offer, herebefore repeatedly made to the
King of Great Briuiin, and laid down in writing in the despatcii written on the sixteenth of
September of last year by their High Mightinesses to his Majesty, namely: That it be left to
His Majesty's choice to make peace by a reciprocal restitution on both sides of what is seized
by force of arms or detained from the other, either before or after the commencement of the
war ; or else that the one party retain what it hath taken by force of arms or otherwise seized
from the other, as well before as after the commencement of the war.
' Gerard tan Rkkck, Lord of Nederhorst, Kortclioef, Vredelnnd, Overmeer, Horstweert, was eon of Godard van Reede,
Plenipotentiary at the peace of Munster, and Emerentia Ooin ran Wynds;aaiden. lie was proprietor of a Colonie in
New Netherland extending along tiie west side of the Uudeon river from about Caldwell, Rockland county, New-York, to
near Hoboken, New Jersey. It never was improved uor settled, owing to the opposition of the Indians. M. van Nederhorst
was twice married: first, in 1649, to Anna Elizabeth van Lokhorst tot Zuilen; secondly, in 1657, to his Niece, Agnes vaa
Reede tot Drakestein. He died in the year 1670. Kok, XXIV., 114. — Ed.
" John van Reede, Lord of Renswoude, uncle of Gerard van Reede, Lord of Nederhorst abovementioned, was born
about the year 15S0. He purchased the Lordship of RenswouJe in 1C23, whereby he became a member of the States of
Utrecht. In 1644 he was sent Ambassador to England, and the following year created a Baron by King Charles I. Besides
this, he filled the office of Ambassador to Denmark. In 16S2 he was President of the States of Utrecht, and resigned all his
offices in the year 1671. Ua was, notwithstanding, again appointed President in 1674, and died in February, 1682. lb,, 117.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIII. 517
IT. Said Plenipotentiaries are especially recommended to promote the interests of the State
in the Carribbean Islands and the countries thereabout, and, indeed, generally in regard to the
Islands and Colonies which will be freed from the power and oppression of the English by
the French auxiliary arms, to further the restitution thereof, pursuant to their High Mightinesses'
re^olution of the third of March last, if, by any unforeseen accident, such Island and Colonies
still be out of the occupation and power of this State. And if other Islands and Colonies which
the French have taken directly from the English, should, by the intended Treaty between
France and England, remain and be left to the French, they, the Plenipotentiaries, shall make
use of and perform all good offices and efforts, to the end that the King of France may be
disposed to cede some of them to the State on reasonable and fair terms, in regard that his
Majesty, in such case, remain sole possessor and proprietor thereof for an equivalent or more
which this State relinquishes, namely New Netherland and other Islands and Colonies taken by
the English from the abovementioned State ; but, in case the King of France should, for any
unexpected reason, not be disposed thereto, they shall stipulate and agree in the best form
for free trade and commerce to the aforesaid Islands for the inhabitants of these United
Provinces, and if France should resolve to cede the aforesaid Islands by Treaty to England, they,
the Plenipotentiaries, in like manner, shall duly endeavor that such shall not result otherwise
than to the preservation of free trade and commerce thereto for the inhabitants of the Allies,
to wit, France, Denmark and this State. i
Resolution of the States -General.
t From the Itegiater of RcBolutions of the Statee-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Friday, 5'" August, 16G7.
Folio 142. The Deputies for the Provinces of Zealand and Utrecht, have, for reasons
Zealatia. ^
Utrecht. applicable thereto, urged in the Assembly that no Mandamus of appeal from the
judgments pronounced by the officers of the West India Company here, within the limits of
its Charter, should be granted by their High Mightinesses nor any appeal lie from said
judgments to any Provincial Court in this country, but that all relating hereunto be left to the
disposition of the aforesaid Charter ; and, furthermore, that the Mandamus of appeal be
rescinded which the late Mr. Henrick van der Capelle tho Ryssel' obtained from their High
Mightinesses on the lO"" of April, 1653, against a judgment pronounced to his prejudice in
New Netherland. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the papers relating
to the aforesaid subject, delivered in by the said Deputies, shall be placed in the hands of
Mess" Van den Steen and others, their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs ot the West
India Company of this country, to inspect, examine and report thereon.
' Hkicdeik van dee Capelle, Lord of Ryssel and Esfelt, eon of Gerlach van der Capelle, had been Bargomaster at
Zutphen in 1620, and was inscribed among the Nobles of the Duchy of Cleves in 1631. He had been frequently deputed
to the States-General, of which bod}' he was an influential member, and by which he was sent Minister to Brandenburg in
1648, and to Munster in 1657. M. van der Capelle was proprietor of a Oolunie on Staten Island, which was cut off by the
Indians in 1655, and during his lifetime took great interest in promoting the settlement of New Netherland. He died,
unmarried, in the year 1669, and was buried at Zutphen, in Gelderland. Kok, IX., 123. — Ed.
518 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Crreat Victory obtained in the Virginias.
[ From a Broad-Bheel iu the posseseion of James Lenox, Esq., New.Tork. J
Sir.
We, in Zealand here, received a galiot from the Virginias which brings us these good
tidings, that Cornells Evertz, of Zealand, hath burnt many ships and houses in the Virginias
and committed great damage there, to the great loss of the English. Said Commander hath
caused much damage in the Virginias by burning ships. A Barbadoes trader was also lying
in Zealand which was brought in by Andries Meesters.
Comviismry Bourse to the States -General.
\ From the RfgiBler of Ingekomtn Brierent in the Royal Archives at the Hagoe.]
High and Mighty Lords.
Folio 736. Commander Crynssen arrived here to-day with the men-of-war under his
rormai.on. command ; we understand from him that, after the battle with the French against
the English near Nieves, said Commander Crynssens sailed to the Virginias, where he fell so
une.xpectedly, in James river, on six and twenty English vessels, most of them having full
cargoes, and one of which was a man-of-war, carrying forty-six guns, as to capture them all,
without one escaping ; but, being unable to man all of them, he set on fire or scuttled the
major part of them, bringing with liim now eleven ships with full cargoes of Virginia Tobacco,
80 that they cannot expect any Virginia fleet in England this year, as it has arrived safe here
in Zealand.
Herewith,
High and Mighty Lords, &c.
Flushing, 25"" of August, 16G7. (Signed), A. Bourse.
Resolution of tlie States -General.
( From tho Register of Wesl India Aifairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Royal Archiyce at the Hagiae.)
Tuesday, SO'"" of August, 1667.
Folio 15S. Received a letter from Commissary Bourse, written at Flushing the SS'*" Inst.,
commimder crvi^ Staling, aiTiong Other things, that Commander Crynssens had arrived there on
""" the same day, who had informed him that, after the battle witli the French
against the English near Nieves, he had sailed to the Virginias, and in James river there had
cnptiire of EnRiifh fallen SO uncxpectedlv OH six and twenty English vessels, most of them having
Bhi(>B ia the Vjfgi- f J J a ' o
"•^ full cargoes, and one of which was a man-of-war, carrying forty-six guns, as to
capture tbem all without one escaping; but, being unable to man all of them, he set on fire
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIIL 519
or scuttled the most of tliem, bringing with him eleven ships with full cargoes of Virginia
tobacco. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded to transmit the same to the
Board of Admiralty in Zealand, that it may communicate to their High Mightinesses, at
the earliest moment, pertinent information of the whole state of the aforesaid matter, and a
list of the ships and of their cargoes captured by the abovenamed Commander Crynssea with
the public force, iu order that the same may be used here as is proper.
States-Gerieral to the Zealand Board of Admiralty.
[ From the Eegister of Uitgegane BrUven of the States-GeDetal, in the I£oyal Archives at the Ha^e-l
The States, etc.
Folio 234. Honorable, &c. Commissary Bourse hath informed us, by his letter written at
Flushing the 25"" instant, that Commander Crynssens had arrived there on the same day, from
whom he had understood that, after the battle with the French against the English, near
Nieves, he had sailed to the Virginias, and in James river there had fallen so suddenly on six and
twenty English vessels, most of them having full cargoes, and one of which was a man-of-war,
carrying 4G guns, as to capture the whole without one escaping; but, being unable to maa
them all, he set on fire or scuttled the most of them, bringing with him eleven ships with full
cargoes of Virginia tobacco. Wherefore we have resolved to request and earnestly to require
you hereby to transmit to us, at the earliest moment, pertinent information of the entire state
of the aforesaid case, together with a specific list of the ships and cargoes captured by the
aforesaid Commander Crynsen with the National force, in order to make use of the same as
may be found proper. Wherewith ending, etc.
The Hague, the 30'^ August, 1667.
jRemlutio)i of the States -General.
[ From the Register of IVest India Afiairs, 1664 — 1670, in the Royal Archives at the Hague.]
Saturday, 1" October, 1667.
Folio 153. Mr. Heuygens and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for Naval Affairs,
pursuant to the Resolution of the 29"" September last, examined the despatch from the Board
of Admiralty in Zealand, written at Middelburgh the 26"" of that month. Reported to the
effect that the English having, in the last of the year 1G64, without any Proclamation of
war, caused a great number of merchantmen belonging to this country to be captured and
detained, their High Mightinesses, by reason of so grievous a surprise, did, on the 17"" January,
1665, issue a Proclamation declaring that to the inhabitants of this country should be reserved
the right to claim the abovenamed ships at all times and wheresoever they may be able to
520 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
enforce it, in order to obtain the benefit thereof as old right owners. And as Commander
Bbips taken by Abraham Crynsen hath captured, with his squadron in the Virginias, and brought
ten in the Virginias, here divers ships, some of them were claimed by inhabitants of this country, who
pretended, by virtue oft he abovementioned Proclamation, that the right of Vindication belonged
Rigiit of vmdica- ^^ them ; therefore, the said Board of Admiralty could not forbear submitting to
"""■ their High Mightinesses the following Points : First, In favor of what ships ought
the aforesaid right to claim be exercised; of those only which put into a liarbor in England,
in distress, or passing the English coasts without apprehending any hostility, were taken and
captured — or should the aforesaid right be construed in favor of those who, well aware of
English hostilities, nevertheless were taken, but before war had been solemnly proclaimed in
England against this State ; and at what time was Proclamation made according to which the
right to claim should be understood to cease? Secondly; did the aforesaid right appertain to
the inhabitants of this country even against National ships which they might have captured,
or did their High Mightinesses' intention include only those who might purchase such ships
and seek profit through the loss of the inhabitants of this State, in order thus to deter every
one from the purchase of such ships and by that means to frustrate the English, as much as
possible, from the profits ? And in case 'twas to be understood that the property of such ships
should remain reserved to the inhabitants of this State, whether the captors thereof ought not
to receive special salvage, the rather as the abovenamed ships, after having been confiscated
and sold in England were first retaken and liberated after such a long lapse of time? Lastly;
as the time for claiming was not limited in the aforesaid placard, whether such claim has not
been occluded by the treaty of peace and the cessation of hostilities. Requesting, therefore,
early communication of their High Mightinesses' resolution and decision on all the aforesaid,
in order to regulate themselves accordingly ; which, being considered, it is resolved and
concluded that letters be sent to all the Boards of Admiralty, to communicate, as soon as
possible, to their High Mightinesses their opinions and advice on the aforesaid subject.
-^^■'t > ij »
Ite-solutio7i of the States-General.
[ From tho Register of West India Affairs, 1G64 — 1C70, in the Royal Archives at the Hague, ]
Wednesday, IS"" October, 1667.
Folio 159. On consideration, it is resolved and concluded that the Board of Admiralty in
Admiralty in Zea-
'""•J- Zealand be written to, to communicate to their High Mightinesses, forthwith
and without any further delay, pursuant to their despatch of the 30"" of August last, full and
Expedition of Com. circumstantial information respecting Commander Crynssens' recent expedition
mander Crynssens. j^^ ^^^^ Virginias with the National ships ; also, to transmit their High Mightinesses
a correct list of the English ships and their cargoes captured by the abovenamed Commander
Crynssens with the National force.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIIL 521
States -General to the Zealand Board of Admiralty.
[ From the Kegister of Uilgcganc Dricren of tlie States-General, in the Royal Arcbivee at the Hague. ]
The States, &c.
Folio 310. Honorable, &c. By our despatch of the 30"" of August last, we requested and
required you to communicate to us full and circumstantial information of Commander Crynssen's
recent expedition in the Virginias with National ships ; but as we, to our astonishment and
contrary to all expectation, have not received, up to this date, such report, we have this day
further resolved again to request and to require your Honors most earnestly to communicate
to us forthwith and without any further delay, pursuant to our foregoing letter, the required
information and to transmit to us, also, a pertinent list of the English ships and their cargoes
taken by the abovenamed commander. Whereupon relying, &c.
The Hague the 12"" October, 1GG7.
The Zealand Board of Admiralty to the States -General.
[ Fl-om the Register of Ingekoinen Brieven, in the Royal Archives at the Hague]
High and Mighty Lords,
Folio 903. We have received your High Mightinesses' despatch of the 12"' instant, again
requesting to be informed of what occurred during the expedition of Commander Abrahall
Crynsen, and a list of all the ships and cargoes captured by him. We have had receipt of your
High Mightinesses' despatch of the SO"- of August last on the same subject and tenor.
Whereupon we failed not to communicate to your High Mightinesses, by our letter of the S""
of September, a circumstantial account of what has been reported to us respecting the aforesaid
expedition, which, we hope, safely reached your High Mightinesses. But we have been
unwilling to neglect transmitting to you, High and Mighty, the duplicate of our letter aforesaid,
whereby we hope to fulfill your intention. It has since happened that Captain Simon Loncke
arrived here on the S'*" instant, who, too, had sailed out with the aforesaid Commander
Abrahal Crynsen, but, on the departure of the squadron from the River of Surinam, was left
there in wait for some English ships which were still expected, as indeed happened, for, not
long after, a frigate named the York, belonging to the Duke of York, arrived there, not knowing
that the fort and country of Surinam had been reduced by the National force. Said Captain
Loncke immediately attacked and fought her, drove her ashore, and on the next day captured
her. She was a new ship, bored for forty, but now carrying 16 guns and a few swivels, on her
way from Guinea with 250 Black Slaves and one thousand pounds of Elephants' teeth. The
Slaves were put ashore and traded at Surinam for sugar; the Elephants' teeth were brought
here; but the ship, owing to her not being secured immediately after the fight, turned over oh
the running out of the tide, and was lost. The guns, however, were saved, and conveyed
to the fort.
Again, said Captain, not long after, captured a small English craft with a supply of provisions,
which, with the vessel, were likewise sent to Surinam to victual the fort.
Vol. H. 66
522 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Furthermore, said Captain captured a large English fly-boat on her way from New England
to Barbadoes, laden with staves and timber, of no great value. Coming with her hither, he
was chased near the Island of Tercera by eight English men-of-war, who were cruizing about
that quarter, waiting, no doubt, for the East India homeward bound fleet of this country.
Captain Loncke, having been beset by them during four weeks, took his departure and arrived
here in safety.
Herewith,
Middelburgh, High and Mighty Lords, &c.,
20"' October, 16G7. Your High Mightinesses' obedient,
The Commissioners of the Admiralty in Zealand.
(Paraphed), C. Stavenisse '^'
By order of the same,
(Signed) J. Steengracht.
Resolution of the States-GenerdL.
[ From the Register of West ludia Affairs, 1661 — 1670, in the Royal Archives at the Hague.]
Monday, 31" October, 1GG7.
Folio 163. Received a letter from the Board of Admiralty in Zealand, written at
Admiralty at Zea- Mj^delburgh the 20>'' inst., in answer to their High Mightinesses' despatch of the
f™'^9"xpemtum"to 12"" instant, for information of what occurred during the expedition of Commander
the virgmias. Abraham Crynssen, and the list of the ships and cargoes captured by him. Which
being considered, it is resolved and concluded that instructions be sent to the said Board
of Admiralty to transmit to their High Mightinesses, without further delay, another complete
list of the abovementioned ships and goods that have been seized, with the addition, in case
they have been sold, for how much and how the proceeds have been expended.
Order for the Proclamation of the Peace in New-Yorlc.
( Orders, Warrants, Letters, II., 103, in Secretary of State's OiBce, Albany, New-Yorlj. ]
To the Justices of each Riding.
I have herewith sent you the Copyes of two Proclamations, declaring the Peace concluded
between his Mat^, the ff"rench King, and the States General! of the united Netherlands, whereof
you are to cause Publication to bee made, within 48 Houres after the receipt of the same,
in the most Publique place of yo' Towne, The Constable and Overseers respectively and
especially attending, and moreover. That you send Copyes of both Proclamations, and of this
my Warrant, unto the Constable of each Towne within the East Riding of Yorksh., to the
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIII. 523
End, that full notice and publication bee made, according to his Ma''"' good will anxi pleasure.
Hereof you are not to faile. Given under my hand at ffort James in New York, the 1" day
of January, 1667.
Richard Nicolls.
The Dutch Amhassadors at London to the States-General.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague; Secrete Kas of the States-General; Division Engcland; Kas E., Loket M., No. 143. ]
High and Mighty Lords.
My Lords.
It is now designed here to make Sir Daniel Hervey a Lord, as he is about to succeed the
Earl of Winchester ' as Ambassador to the Grand Turk, and Sir John Savil, 'tis reported, is to
be created Viscount Halifax.^
The English men-of-war destined to the Straits are ready to sail on the first notice, since the
crew have been paid in full for their previous voyage, and already orders have been issued to
them to drop down the river; also, the men-of-war the Mtnnnid and the Suppliire have sailed
from Portsmouth to the Downs; orders have been likewise issued to many others to join the
fleet destined for the Straits.
A New England ship, arrived at Lime, confirms the great loss the Province of Virginia has
sustained by the Orcaen ;'' not more tiian one-third part of the houses there are left standing,
and the inhabitants are greatly in want of grain.
These days past, a ship which arrived in the Downs from France was seized, and the crew
imprisoned for having, 'tis reported, conveyed some men from here to France who entered the
service of that King; and it has been recently remarked that the seafaring people of France
have taken up a far greater number of men than the ships required, and, on arriving there, put
the surplus, for a certain sum of money, on shore, and let them remain there.
Some days since, as men were engaged about Ludgate hill, in the ruins of the burnt city,
digging the new foundations for a house, flame burst out afresh, and mucii fire was still
discovered in the ground, which had been smouldering there for these 17 months past.
A ship being now arrived here from Port a Port, brings tidings that matters in Portugal
assume more and more the appearance of a marriage between Don Pedro and the Queen;
also that the Marquis de Sandy, formerly Ambassador to this Court, was most unfortunately
stabbed and murdered at Lisbon, the murderer having intended to speak to another person,
whom he. assassinated.
'John Powlett succeeded his father as fifth Marquis of Winchester in 1628; he was besieged at his seat at Basing, in
Southampton, 1643-1645, when the place was finally reduced and burnt. He died Premier Marquis of England in 1674 in
the 77th year of his age. His son was created Duke of Bolton in 1689, in which title that of VVinL-hesitr liecame, conse-
quenlly, merged (Collins' Peerage, ed. 1766, I., 238), until 1794, when the Dukedom became extinct and the Marquisate revived.
'Sir George Saville, of Tliornhill, in county of York, was created Baron Saville, of Eland, and Viscount Halifax, ISih
January, 1668. Earl of Halifa> in 1679, and Marquis of Halifax in 1682, in which year he was Lord Pi ivy Seal. Under
James n., in 1685, he was President of the Council. He had the reputation of a hardened atheisi, though he denied the
charge. He changed sides so often that, at length, no side would trust him. He died in 1695, and the title became extinct
in 1700. — Ed.
' Sic. Hurricane.
524 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
The reports which prevailed here some days ago, to the effect tliat two and a half millions
of guilders cash, were come over in some English ships-of-war in the Downs, for the account of
Ambassador Molina were found to be utterly false; on the contrary, 'tis money belonging to
the merchants here.
Wherewith concluding, we shall pray God Almighty to bless your High Mightinesses'
laudable government with all good fortune and prosperity, and remain,
High and Mighty Lords,
Your High Mightinesses'
Obedient and faithful servants,
(Signed), J. Meehman,' 1G6S.
London, xt January, 16GS. Joh. Boreel.^
He-'solution of the States -General.
[ From tho Rcgietcr of Wuat India Afl'airs, 16M — 1670, in the Koyal Archives at tlic Hague. ]
Saturday, 10"" March, 166S.
Folio 173. Read at the meeting the Petition of the New Netherland traders inhabiting
Hew Netherland ° °
traders. this State, Complaining that the Directors of the West India Company of this
country had already collected, and would in future endeavor to collect from them, the
Petitioners, five per cent off the goods and merchandise they, the Petitioners, were sending
directly from this country to New Netherland; also five per cent from the goods which they
were bringing from there hither. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that
the aforesaid Petition be transmitted to the Presiding Chamber of said West India Company
for information.
States -General to the West India ComiMny.
[ From the Register of Uilgegane Bricven of the States-Ueueral, in tho Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
To the Presiding Chamber of the West India Company.
The States, &c.
Folio Gs. Honorable, &c. We send you herewith the annexed Petition of the New
Netherland traders, inhabitants of this State, requesting and requiring you to communicate to
us forthwith your information thereupon. Which expecting, etc.
The Hague, 10"' March, IGGS.
'JoHANNEa Meeeman, Burgomaster of Leyden, was the son of Gerard Franszoon Mcertnan, Advocate of Delft Being a
bosom friend of Do Witt, he was sent, after the peace of Breda, Ambassador to England, where he remained about a year. He
was sent Ambassador Extraordinar}' to England again in IGTi", but his stay did not exceed four weeks, and he returned to
Holland, where he terminated his days "in the laudable execution of divers administrative offices." Kok, XXIII , 11. — Ed.
'Supra, p. 2C1, note.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIII. 525
Amsterdam Chamher of tlie Wtst India Company to the States -General,
[ From the Original, in the Koyal Archives at the Hague; File, West Indie.^
High and Mighty Lords.
Having received your High Mightinesses' highly esteemed letter of the 10"" instant, covering
a Petition improperly and without the knowledge or order of the New Nethcrland merchants,
presented to you in their name on the same day by some interested parties and therefore not
signed by any person, with instructions and order to communicate our information to you.
High and Mighty, thereupon, we have immediately taken information from the New Netherland
merchants on the subject of the aforesaid Petition, and accordingly have found ourselves
obliged humbly to submit to you. High and Mighty, the annexed information ; not doubting
but your High Mightinesses will learn from it that we have not acted, nor now act, for the
continuation of the trade to New Netherland otherwise than with every circumspection and
facility to the satisfaction of the New Netherland merchants, and you, High and Mighty, will
be fully contented with our proceedings.
Wherewith, High and Mighty Lords, we shall pray God Almighty to bless your persons
and government with lasting health and prosperity. Remaining your High Mightinesses
obedient servants,
The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam.
( Signed ), Bontemantel,
Amsterdam, 20"" of March, 1GG8. As. Wilmekdonx.
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of Reeolutione of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Received a letter from the Directors of the General Incorporated West India
West India Com- '
Thursday, 22'» March, 1G68.
Folio 278.
_ )t India Co
P""?- Company of this country, written at the Presiding Chamber at Amsterdam on the
20"" instant, in answer to their High Mightinesses' despatch of the 10"" instant, and accordingly,
information on the Petition presented on the same day to their High Mightinesses in the name
Traders to New ^^^ °" ^'^^ behalf of the Ncw Netherland merchants, inhabitants of this State,
Netherland. containing complaiuts that the Directors of said Company had already collected,
and are, also, endeavoring for the future to collect, five per cent from the goods and
merchandise which they, the Petitioners, were sending directly from this country to New
Netherland abovenamed, and 5 per cent off the goods which they were importing thence
hither. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid letter, with
two appendices thereunto belonging, shall be placed in the iiands of Mess" Van Ommeren and
other, their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of said West India Company, to
inspect, examine and report thereon.
52G NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
The Corporation of New Orange to the States-General.
1 From the Original, in the Roynl Arehives at the ITague; File, West Indie. ]
High and Mighty Lords.
Ti.oian.1 Documeuts, ^^ ^^t^ pleased the All-governing God so to bless your High Mightinesses and
■''^' his Serene Highness' Arms under the command of Commanders Jacob Benckes
and Cornells Evertse, Jun% that this entire Province of New Netherland, consisting of three
cities and thirty villages, was, to the great joy of its good inhabitants, on the 9"" August last,
reduced again under the obedience of your High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness,
their lawful and native Sovereigns, from whose protection they were cut off about nine
years ago in time of peace. In the name and on the behalf of our loyal Burghery, we heartily
and with due respect thank your High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, under God, for
this reduction and recovery. And, furthermore, have thought necessary, officially and dutifully
to represent briefly to your High Mightinesses, that the reduction and recovery of this Province
will, in time, be able to confer, exclusive of the reputation and respect, great profit and
considerable advantage on the state of our beloved Fatherland, viz. : Many private families
who are ruined by the French invasion, will he able very easily to earn a living in this country,
if a helping hand were extended to them only for the first year, whereby this Province, which
almost wants for nothing but people to promote agriculture and farming, would be so advanced
as in time to become, for Fatherland, a granary and magazine of many necessaries which are
ordinarily imfiorted from the Sound. A portion of this Province called the Esopus, consisting
of three villages, having already, last year, delivered about 25 thousand skepels of grain
{kdoreit). Certainly Curasao and Serenam could, from this day forward, be provided from this
place with necessary provisions. By which means we shall be able to exchange our, and
tliey their, wares. This Province is, also, very convenient and serviceable for Western
cruisers in time of war to bring in their prizes and to provide themselves with fresh stores.
Moreover, a constant eye can be kept on the actions, in this country, of the King of England,
wtio, in case he only came to be Lord and Master of this Northern part of America, would be
able to equip ships here unknown to any Prince or Potentate in Europe, and thus most
unexpectedly fall on our State or its allies. To the above is still to be added the Beaver and
Peltry trade for the maintenance of commerce with Muscovy; the Tobacco trade, and much
more which we shall omit for brevity's sake and in order not to trouble your High Mightinesses
with any longer deiails, and, therefore, rather refer to the verba! report and information of
Cornelis van Ruyven, the bearer hereof, who hath filled divers respectable offices iiere, who
will be able fully to acquaint your High Mightinesses with all the circumstances of the country
and its inhabitiints. For all which preceding and matiy other reasons, it is highly necessary
to maintain this newly recovered Province whose present condition is such that, without an
actual and speedy reinforcement from Pafria, it cannot, evidently, resist its numerous
neighboring English and French enemies by whom it is encompassed around on all sides ; who,
without a doubt, will exert every effort to take revenge, if possible, for your High Mightinesses'
victory here, when the good Dutch inhabitants, who, with women and children, are estimated
to amount here to about six to seven thousand souls, but in consequence of the vastness of the
country, are at a great distance the one from the other, would have nothing else to expect than
total ruin and destruction, which God forbid. Therefore have we taken the liberty to address
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS; XIIL 527
ourselves to your High Mightinesses, and with all due submission, humbly requesting and
praying you, High and Mighty, in your wonted benevolence, to apply yourselves to the
preservation of this Province and of so many souls, and supply them with such necessary, and,
above all things, speedy succor, as shall be found to appertain to the proper defence of this
newly recovered Province. The requisitions therefor we refer to the paternal care and
opinion of our Hon'''^ Commanders, who, undoubtedly, will submit the necessity thereof, at a
proper time, to your High Mightinesses. Meanwhile, hoping they will protect us, under God,
with the force they command, from all Invasions of the enemy; which praying of the All-good
God, who will grant your High Mightinesses and your government lasting and prosperous rule,
we shall be and remain,
Your High Mightinesses'
New Orange, on the Island of Most humble and
Manhatans, in New Netherland, Most obedient servants,
this S"" September, A° 1673. and subjects.
The Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens
OF THE City of New Orange.
The Amstsrdam Board of Admiralty to tlie States -General.
[ From the Register of Ingekomen Brieven, of tho StateB-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. J
High and Mighty Lords.
Folio 802. One Andries Michielsen, having been placed by Captain Binckes, the
Commander of a squadron of four ships and one sloop-of-war, on board a prize of about fifty
tons burthen, taken by the afores;iid Commander near Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean Islands,
to bring her here, was forced, by leakage and insecurity of the ship, to run through the
Channel, where he had the misfortune to be captured by the English off Bevesier. He
presented himself to-day before our Board, and verbally reported that, after the abovenamed
Captain Binckes, reinforced by Captain Cornells Evertsen's squadron, had, together, burnt in
the River of Virginia five English ships laden with tobacco, and captured six others, without
having been able to effect anything further there, they had sailed for New Netherland, and
became masters of the principal fortress situate on the Island Manhates, on the O"" of August
ultimo ; that also, before his departure on the nineteenth ditto, when he was dispatched with
letters hither, he had heard that they had reduced another fort, situate some thirty leagues
inland. The English had, some days before his departure, been removed elsewhere in (our
ships, viz., three belonging to this Board and one of Zealand; the remLiinder staid at anchor
before the Island Manates. This news being a confirmation of the reports thereof received
by way of England, we could not neglect communicating it to your High Mightinesses, because
we hold ourselves fully assured of the truth thereof; though the aforesaid Andries Michielsen
says that, according to a written order of the abovenamed Captain Benckes, exhibited to us,
he threw overboard all the letters he had with him before he was taken by the English, in
order to keep the contents thereof a secret. This causes us great inconvenience, as we do not
know how to proceed reliably, and are in consequence wholly ignorant of the aforesaid
528 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Captain's intentions, and what order he has taken for the preservation of the recuperated
places. Andiies Michielsen does not know any particulars thereof nor of any other events.
We, however, are in hopes of hearing of tiie further successes of that squadron.
Herewith,
In Amsterdam, High and Mighty Lords, etc.
the S-l"" October, 1G73. Your High Mightinesses' most obedient,
The Committee of the Board of Admiralty.
(Paraphed), G. van Grootvelt.
By order of the same.
(Signed), H. de Wildt.
Re-solution of the Statea -General.
[ From Iho Register of the Resolutions of the States-General, in the Koj-al Archives at the Hague. ]
Wednesday, 20"" October, 1G73.
Folio 429. Received a letter from the Admiralty Board at Amsterdam, written tliere the
Admirally at Am- •'
sterdam. 24ih instant, giving information of what occurred in tiie River of Virginia and in
I'reserTation of
Hew Neiheriand. New Netiierlaud on and about the 9"" of August last, to the advantage of the
State and injury of the enemy. Whereupon no action has been taken.
Secretary De Wildt to Grand Penaionary Fagel.
{ From the Original, in tlie Koyal Archives at the Hague; Secrete Kas of the States-General ; Division, AdmiraUteit^ No. 29. ]
Honorable Sir.
At length, my Lords of the Admiralty here have obtained the confirmation of the recovery
of New Netherland. But whereas, misfortune has decreed the loss of all the letters by
the capture of the little vessel which Captain Binckes dispatched to Europe with tlie news, the
Pilot having, agreeably to orders, thrown them overboard, we are utterly ignorant of what
will have been done for the preservation of the Colony ; also, of the plans of our oflicers who
have, in passing, eftected said reduction. To this is to be added, that the Pilot was a man of
so little curiosity that he has no particulars to report. You will please to consider, in your
wisdom, whether it will not be necessary that something be done in conjunction with a
committee from the Zealand Board, to be appointed by their Noble Mightinesses, which is
the opinion of this Board. But it is not to be begun with any prospect of success without the
authority of their High Mightinesses or of some of the committee on Secret affairs. I have
concerted here with Mr. Ingels, by order of the Lords, respecting the employment of the
abovementioned squadron, and our intention now is, when joined by seven or eight first class
privateers, carrying 24 (^ 30 guns, to order a cruise, with the knowledge of some Lords, about
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIII. 529
Cape St. Vincent, to watch there and intercept, if possible, the convoys which usually sail from
England towards the end of November and in December for Spain and the Mediterranean sea,
whereunto the King has already given his consent, unless matters, meanwhile, be so much
changed as to cause the above convoys to be detained in England. The formation of the
aforesaid junction is kept secret by us, in order not to endanger the loss of the expected
advantage by any premature notification to the enemy. In case your Honor receive, in a post
or two, any intelligence worthy of attention, I pray you to be pleased to communicate it to me.
Wherewith,
Right Honorable,
Your most humble servant,
Amsterdam, 24"" October, 1C73. H. de Wildt.
Secret Resolution of the States-General.
[ From the Register of Secret Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. )
Wednesday, 25"- October, 1G73.
Folio 815. Grand Pensionary FageP hath communicated to the meeting a certain letter
Secretary dewudt. fy^^ jyj_ ^^ Wildt, Secretary of the Amsterdam Board of Admiralty, written the
24"" instant, addressed to him, Grand Pensionary Fagel, setting forth that the Lords of said
, „ Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam had received confirmation of the recapture of
Recovery of JVew J ^
jieiheriand. jy^^^ Ncthcrland. But that misfortune had decreed the loss of all the letters, in
consequence of the capture of the little vessel which Captains Binckes and Evertsen had
dispatched with the intelligence, the pilot having, agreeably to orders, thrown the despatches
overboard. That, therefore, their Lordships are entirely ignorant of what has been done for
the preservation of the Colony, and of the plans of our officers who have effected said
reduction ; also, that the pilot was a man of such little curiosity that he has no particulars to
report. That he. Secretary de Wildt, must, therefore, suggest whether it were not necessary
that something be done in conjunction with a committee from their High Mightinesses and
some members of the Zealand Board to be appointed by the States of that Province.
Which, being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid shall be
communicated, by letter, to M. de Hubert,^ Grand Pensionary of the Province of Zealand,
with request that he will explain it in the proper place, in the best, fittest and most secret
' Gaspakd Fagbx, son of Francis Fagel, member of the Supreme Council of Holland, was born in the year 1629. He waa
named Supreme Magistrate of Haarlem in 1663, and on the decease of Secretary Euyseh, in 1670, succeeded that gentleman
as Secretary or Clerk to the States-General. On the resignation of John de Witt, Mr. Fagel was elected Grand Pensionary
of Holland, 20th August, 1672, and filled that office sixteen years with honor and dignity. He took great interest in the
success of William HI.'s descent on England, which he did everything in his power, by pen and counsel, to promote. He
died on the loth December, 1688, aged 59 years, and was buried in the Great church at the Hague. Kok.
" Peteb de Hutbert was born at Middelburg Ist August, 1622. After haying studied the law he was sent Deputy to
the States-General. In 1652 he attended the negotiations at Mechlin with the Spanish Ambassadors, and went, about
1660, to Sweden and Denmark to assist in concluding a peace between these powers. In 1664 he was advanced to the
dignity of Grand Pensionary of Zealand and filled that high office twenty-three years. In 1667 he assisted in negotiating
the Treaty of Breda. Count d'Estrades considered him a chief supporter of the Prince of Orange and an avowed enemy of
John de Witt, the Grand Pensionary of Holland. He died at the Hague on the 7th January, 1697. lb. — Ed.
Vol. II. 07
530 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
manner, and direct matters so that by Sunday evening next, which will be the 29"" instant,
New Style, some Deputies from the said Board be sent here to the Hague, to enter on business
next day and to send oil' the despatches by post on Tuesday following, in order, being maturely
informed and instructed, to consider and deliberate with some Lords deputed by their High
Mightinesses and some members of the Amsterdam Board of Admiralty what further ought
to be done for the protection and preservation of the Colony of New Netherland aforesaid, or
else to deliberate and resolve on the further employment of the ships under the command of
the abovenamed Binckes and Evertse, as shall be found most advantageous for the public
service; and this extract frotn their High Mightinesses' Resolutions shall be transmitted to the
abovenamed Secretary de Wildt, to the end that he, too, will, in the most secret manner, take
care that by the time aforesaid some Deputies from the Board of Admiralty there may be also
sent hither for tiie end aforesaid.
He-sol tit ion of the States -General.
[ From tlio Rvgieter of lliu Ii(-si»lutioiiH of tlie Slalct- Oeueral, iu tlio Koyal Archives at the Hague. J
Monday, 30"' October, 1673.
F.,iio 450. Tlie Petition being read to the meeting of divers persons, ship-owners and
N<1h"L.f ^an^d merchants trading principally to New Netherland and Muscovy, all inhaWtants of
this State, containing divers observations principally touching the preservation
and maintenance of New Netherland, and, consequently, for the furtherance of navigation and
trade for the public interest and the prosperity of the people. It is, upon deliberation, resolved
and concluded that the aforesaid Petition shall be placed in the hands of Grand Pensionary
Fagel and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for Secret Foreign Affairs, to inspect,
examine, and, if they so resolve, to hear the Petitioners verbally, and so to dispose of the
matter as they shall think proper. Without reconsideration.
Secret Hesolution of the States -General.
{ From the Register of Secret Resolutions of the States-General, in the Uoyal Archives at the TIaguc. 1
Friday, IS"- December, 1873.
Folio 402. After previous deliberation, it is resolved and concluded that the superintendence
Amsterdam Admi- of Ncw Netherland, and whatever appertains thereto, shall be committed, as it
" ^' is hereby committed, provisionally and until further order, to the Board of
OovernmentofNew ai*i a i -,• i i.,t /.m
Netherland. Admiralty at Amsterdam, ordering and commanding the inhabilants of New
jnris Amirinpa, Nelherlaud aforesaid, and the militarv who shall be sent thither, absolutely and
Oovernor of New J ' •'
Niiherianj. without any reserve, to obey the orders which will be issued by or on behalf of
Commission. ^■^^^ g^^-j j3o.„.(j jjj ^\^^^^ jiigj, Mightincsscs' name: That by commission of their
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIII. 531
High Mightinesses a proper person shall be sent thither with the title of Governor or
Commander, in order to clothe him with greater respect ; that the aforesaid Governor
or Commander shall be Chief and Supreme Ruler, both in civil and in military affairs, and that
he shall, by the aforesaid commission, be instructed to obey the orders of said Board of
Admiralty at Amsterdam ; that Joris Andringa, actually Secretary of the Provincial fleet, shall
be appointed and commissioned to said government or command, and that the necessary
commission shall be expedited to him ; that the Captain and officers of the companies to be
sent thither shall be given in charge as they are hereby enjoined, precisely and punctually to
obey all orders that will be given them by said Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam. The
Deputy from the Province of Stadt en Lande here present hath consented to the above
conclusion, subject to the pleasure of the Lords States, his principals.
The States -General to Charles II.
[ From tlie printed Copy in poewcssion of Jame3 Lenox, Esq., New -York. ]
Sire.
We know not what reason finally induced your Majesty to write to us such a letter as has
been delivered to us by the Trumpeter whom we sent to your Majesty, and which is dated
the XT November. Yet we consider ourselves obliged to thank your Majesty for the honor
you have been pleased to confer on us. And especially can we not omit making known to your
Majesty our regret to find its contents so disadvantageous to us ; and that the Ministers in
whom your Majesty has reposed confidence, have, up to the present time, made use of their
knowledge to bring matters to the stand they now occupy, even persuading your Majesty so
far as to have conjointly reminded you of very many things which they supposed your Majesty
had altogether forgotten, and which they in their consciences well know are far from the truth.
This consideration, Sire, prevents us answering particularly the principal points of the letter
which your Majesty hath written us.
We are ready to renew with your Majesty the Treaty concluded with us at Breda in the
year 1667.
Finally, in order to manifest to your Majesty the special esteem which we entertain for your
friendship, we hereby also offer the restitution of !>iew Netherland and of all other places and
Colonies which have been won by our arms during the present war. Firmly convinced that
your Majesty will be unwilling to refuse a reciprocal engagement to restore to us such lands
and forts as your subjects may have taken from us.
The Hague, 1% December, 1673.
532 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
The Corporation of IS^ew Orange to the States -General.
{ From tlio Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague; File, West iiidie. ]
High and Mighty Lords.
We had hoped, wished and prayed that our preceding letter' by Mr. Cornells van Ruyven,
its bearer, had reached your High Mightinesses' hands. But the reason of its not having gone
direct vpas that the little craft by whicii it was transmitted, lost, in a heavy storm, her mast
and sails, and, although arrived in New England at the hazard of sliip and lives, was,
nevertheless, captured and seized as a prize. However, considering the present state and
condition in which we find ourselves, we have resolved to forward a duplicate thereof to your
High Migiitinesses, to the end that you would be pleased to take into serious consideration
most speedily to reinforce us, your High Mightinesses' faithful subjects, with the requisite
help in so perilous and sorrowful a time of war, menaced as we are by our enemies from the
North and from the South, as well as from without, so that what has, by God's blessing, been
won by means of your High Mightinesses' arms to the great injury and discouragement of
your High Mightinesses' enemies in these parts, and strengthened not without great and
incredible labor and expense, even by the coming in of all the surrounding country people,
and preserved faithfully up to this time, may not again fall into the hands of such as do
nothing else but hanker after our substance, which Cod and nature have granted us, and
meditate our total ruin. May God ward this off", who will take your High Mightinesses into
his paternal protection and grant you a lasting and prosperous government.
Meanwhile, we again remain
Your High Mightinesses'
Most humble and
Most obedient servants and
Subjects,
The Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of New Orange.
Done New Orange, on the (Signed), Anthony de Mill,
Island Manhatans, in Johannes de Peyster,
New Netherland, this iEoiDius Luyck,
10"" January, A° 1674. Johannes van Brug,
Will. Beeckman,
Jeronimus Ebbinck,
Jacob Kip,
Laurens van de Spighel,
GUILIAN VeRPLANCK.
Supra, p. 520.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIV. 533
Secret Resolution of tJie States -General.
[ From the Register of Secret Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the HaguB. ]
Thursday, IS"- January, 1G74.
Folio i2. Received two despatches from Mess" Van Beverningk^ and Isbrandts, two of
cologno. their High Mightinesses' Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries for the negotiation
of peace at Cologne, written there on the 14"' instant, and with it five Appendices, containing
notification, et cetera, according to aforesaid despatches and inclosures, inserted hereafter word
for word. Which, being considered, together with the observations and most prudent advice
of the Prince of Orange, it is, conformably thereunto, resolved and concluded that their
High Mightinesses' said Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries shall be written to, that their High
Mightinesses are very well pleased with the good and prudent conduct observed by the said
Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries in the negotiation aforesaid ; that they have seen and
examined the Articles and the Argument in justification thereof, which have been drawn up
and projected, and are of opinion, in order to avoid all collision, that it is best that the aforesaid
Articles, with the Argument aforesaid, be expressed in the manner and form as inserted at the
end hereof. And as regards the first Article, concerning the Flag, &c.
"Gentlemen.
Folio 51. "We have already expressed to you our joy on receiving the King of Great
Britain's answer dated the +f of last month," &c.
FoUo62. "On the Articles respecting the Surrender of the places occupied beyond
D^fch'^nen'i'oten- Europe and the furnishing the sum of eight hundred thousand patacoons, we
''''"''^- pray your Excellencies to consider, and give his Majesty to understand, the
importance of New Netherland, which their Lordships the States-General are to surrender in
virtue of these Articles, although it be their ancient domain and has been taken from them
in the preceding wars, and of what importance a sum of two millions of florins is to them, after
the horrible devastation of their country," etc.
Folio 63. " But if, however, we should have this misfortune, that your Excellencies would
wish to drag this affair to any length or to mix it up with other interests, or hitch it to other
Treaties which have no connection either in themselves or in regard of allies on one side or
the other, you will permit us to say that, as we have proceeded with sufficient frankness in
this affixir and in the hope and expectation of a prompt conclusion, have enlarged on the
contents of the Articles respecting the money to be paid and the surrender of New Netherland,
therefore, in default of such a conclusion we do not wish, in any wise, to be obligated by the
offers we have made.
' See L, 561, note. He was a native of Gouda. Kok, VI-, 530-537, wlticb contains a copy of the inscription on his monu-
ment in St John's church at that place. — En.
534 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Secret JResolution of tlis States -General.
[ From the Register of Secret RcBolutionu of the States-General, in the Royal Archives nt the Hague. )
Wednesday, 24"' January, 1674.
F011060. A certain speech in English, which the King of Great Britain and the Lord
Answer to a Speech Keeper of ths Great Seal' delivered on the seventeenth instant to both houses of
Britain 'and the Parliament, being communicated to the meeting, it is resolved and concluded
Keeper 01 the Great jr^ri ii i it'- r^
Seal. that a dralt ot a letter, addressed to the Ivmg of Great Britain in refutation of the
contents of the aforesaid respective speeches, shall be drawn up and formed. And Mess" Van
Beuningen and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for Foreign affairs, are hereby
requested to communicate said letter, when drafted, to his Highness, the Prince of Orange, and
to M. Cramprich and Don Bernardo de Salinas, at present Ambassadors from the Emperor
and the King of Spain, to hear their opinions and sentiments thereupon, and to report the
whole to the Assembly.
Same day — Five o'clock, P. M.
Having heard the Report of Mess" Van Beuningen and the other their High Mightinesses'
Deputies for Foreign affairs, pursuant to and in fulfillment of their resolution adopted this
morning, having first conferred with his Highness, the Prince of Orange, and afterwards with
Mess" Cramprich and Salinas respectively, at present Ambassadors from the Emperor and the
King of Spain, and communicated to them the draft of the letter to the King of Great Britain,
more fully mentioned in this morning's minutes, and hereinafter inserted word for word :
To the King of Great Britain.
Sire.
Folio 67. Having observed, in the speech your Majesty has quite recently made to
Parliament, that you appear to doubt our sincerity and to accuse us of having made overtures
of peace to your Majesty, solely to gain time and without any design of coming to a conclusion
thereupon, we find ourselves obliged to repeat to your Majesty the offers our Plenipotentiaries
at Cologne have, as we believe, submitted in our name to those of your Majesty, and to seud
'Sir Heneage Finch, son nnj heir of Sir Ileneage F., RecorJer of Loudon and Speaker of the House of Commons in the
first year of Charles I, was born 23d December, 1621, educated at Westminster school, and next entered at Christ Church,
Oxford, in 1C35. He afterwards removed to the Inner Temple, and soon distinguished himself in the study of the law. In
leeO he was chosen to represent the city of Canterbury, and was one of the leading Members of the House of Commons.
He was constituted Solicitor-General June Cth, 1660, and next day Knighted and further advanced to the dignity of a
Baronet, and, in the following year, had the honor to entertain his Majesty Charles II. at dinner in (lie Great Hall of the Inner
Temple. In 1661, Sir Ileneage was elected to Parliament for Oxford. On the 10th May, 1670. he was constituted Attorney-
General ; made Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, 9th November, 1673; created Baron of Davcntry luth January, 1674,
and was one of the Plenipotentiaries to the Treaty of Westminster, in February following. He was promoted to be Lord
Chancellor 19th Ue 'ember, 1675. On May 12th, 1681, he was created Earl of Nottingham, and died at liis house in Queen-
street, London, 18th December, 1682, in the sixty-first year of his age. He was buried in the church of Raunston,
Buckinghamshire, where a monument has been erected to his memory. The inscription on this monument is given at length
in Collins Peerage, ed. 1756, IL, 317. The titles were merged in that of Winchelaea in 1729. lieatson's Political Index, L,
69, 85 ; Campbell's Lives of the Chancellors, 111., 378, et seq. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 535
you a project of a Treaty, which we are ready to sign, without any furtiier conference, or
postponement of the conclusion of a peace, which we have already so earnestly besought.
Restitution of the The fourth article, although in terms of Reciprocity, demonstrates sufficiently
So'utofE'urope'! to what a degree we wish to deserve your Majesty's afl'ection, since we offer to
New Netheriaad. jegtore to you SO Considerable a conquest as New Netherland, without the hope
of receiving anything in exchange for it.
And the last article, whereby we confirm what the Ambassador of the ^'ost Serene King of
Spain has offered your Majesty in consequence of a Treaty concluded between the Crown
of Spain and us in tlie month of August last, is a very clear proof that our desire for the
advancement of peace exceeds all other considerations, since we have consented to pay so
considerable a sum, when we could not be justly accused of the least contravention of the
Treaties concluded between your Majesty and us.
The Hague, the 24"" January, 1674.'
Folio 69. Which being considered, the aforesaid despatch is held as approved, agreeably
to his Highness' most prudent advice, and 'tis accordingly ordered that it be neatly transcribed
and transmitted to the Most Illustrious King of Great Britain. And M. de Salinas is hereby
requested to be pleased to address the aforesaid despatch to the Marquis del Fresno,
Ambassador from the King of Spain at the Court of London, with request to deliver the
same to the King of Great Britain, and to second, with the best of his ability, their High
Mightinesses' good meaning and intention contained therein. That, moreover, copy of said
letter be likewise sent to their High Mightinesses' Ambassadors Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiaries at Cologne and to Mr. Paets,^ their High Mightinesses' Ambassador
Extraordinary in Spain ; likewise to their Deputy Extraordinary to the Emperor and the Court
of Brussels, for their further information and use as to the same shall appertain.
Secret Resolution of the States -General.
t From the Register of Secret Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Monday, 29"" January, 1674.
Folio 71. The Committee of the Amsterdam Board of Admiralty have represented to the
Captain Bincques. , , , , r, ■, r ■ ^ ■ n- i ^ j.^ j i M-
Keduction of New Asscmbly that the Board, after re-perusing Captain Bincques letters, detailing
the transactions which took place on the reduction of New Netherland, had
judged it fitting to request their High Mightinesses' most wise disposition and arrangement on
the following points :
' Thia letter will be found in full in Dumonl's Staatkundiya Verhandelingen, dienende tot een Volkome veratand van de
History der Vreede van Ryswyk, in 's Gravetihnge, 1700, Tweede Deel, 335.
'Adriae!» Paats was a member of the Municipal Council of Rotterdam in 1G68, and afterwards Deputy to the Provincial
Assembly of Holland. In 1672 he was sent Ambassador to Spain, and continued at that Court until the close of 1675. lie
was sent to Englaud in 16S5 to assist in arranging some misunderstanding between the English and Dutch East ludia
Companies, but returned home in 1680, without haviug accomplished the object of his mission. Kok, XXIII., 317. — Ed.
536
NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Points.
The entire district being surrendered at dis-
cretion, their High Mightinesses will please
declare whether the property and effects there
seized, belonging to English subjects residing
out of the district of New Netherland, shall be
holdeu as good prize, and confiscated for the
advantage of the State?
Whether properly shall be restored on
application to the subjects of this State who
heretofore possessed real estate there, and did
not remain on it, but which was occupied by
others ; or shall it be held for the behoof of
the public?
The Deputies of the Admiral- instrnction and
. , p . - opinion of the
ty at Amsterdam are of opmion Lnnisof iheAdmi-
riiry, on New Nelh-
that the property here mentioned eriand.
ought to remain at the disposal of the owners.
The Deputies of the Admiralty at Amster-
dam are of opinion that this must be deter-
mined in each particular case, according to
the ascertained knowledge of the facts.
The South River.
And especially in regard to the Colonic of
the city of Amsterdam, on the South river.
Whether their High Mightinesses' intention
be, that all property of the English Military
officers and of the government, or of the
Duke of York, shall be deemed good prize,
to be applied to the behoof of the State and to
the support of the conquest, or to the payment
of debts?
Whether, also, for the promotion of trade
The Deputies of the Admiralty at Amster-
dam are of opinion, that the intention of the
gentlemen of Amsterdam ought to be first heard
and ascertained hereupon ; whether they pre-
tend, according to "post hminium, to enter again
into possession of the Colonic here mentioned.
The Deputies are of opinion — Yes.
The Deputies are of opinion that the Gover-
in those parts, and special reasons which are nor of New Netherland ought to be authorized
to betaken into consideration, in regard of the to what is here mentioned,
humor of the English Nation and the conditions
whereupon the Colonies there are planted,
both to the South and North of New Nether-
land, their High Mightinesses would not be of
opinion, that it would comport with the interest
of this State to authorize the Governor of New
Netherland to maintain some neutrality with
said Colonies, notwithstanding the war; and
even, with their High Mightinesses' approba-
tion, to conclude a Treaty of Commerce, if
some advantage were judged to result from it
to the State ?
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 537
Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded, before finally disposing hereof, hereby
to request Mess" Van Beuningen and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for Foreign
affairs, to hear and receive on the above points the most wise opinion and consideration of his
Highness, the Prince of Orange, in order, when heard, that their High Mightinesses may make
furtiier disposition thereof as to the same shall be found to appertain.
Secret Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of Secret Resolutions of the States-Geaeral, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Wednesday, 31" January, 1674.
Folio 74. M. Mauregnault, a member of their High Mightinesses' Committee for Foreign
New Neiheriand. ^fj-gj^g^ l^^th reported to the meeting that, agreeably to, and in fulfillment of, their
resolution of the 29"" instant, he had communicated to the Prince of Orange the points and
considerations, together with the opinion of the present Lords from the Board of Admiralty
at Amsterdam, concerning the affairs of New Netherland, mentioned in the minutes of the 29"'
aforesaid, and inserted hereafter word for word. And that his Highness had approved
of, and conformed to the said advice of the said Deputies from the Amsterdam Board of
Admiralty. Which being considered, their High Mightinesses have, agreeably to his Highness'
most wise opinion, also approved the opinion of said Deputies from tlie Board of Admiralty at
Amsterdam. And it is further resolved and concluded that the extract of this, their High
Mightinesses' resolution, shall be transmitted to said Deputies from the Amsterdam Board of ^
Advice and In- Admiralty; also to Joris Andringa, Governor of New Netherland aforesaid, for
struclion lor the
Goveruor. their information and use, according as to the same shall appertain.
Points.
That the entire district, being surrendered The Deputies of the Admiralty at Amster-
at discretion, their High Mightinesses are dam are of opinion, &c.
pleased to declare, etc.
<'■»«!»
Secret Resolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of Secret Resolntions of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Thursday, 15"- February, 1674.
Folio 127. Received two despatches from Mess" Van Beverningk and Isbrandts, two of
Plenipotentiaries at ' o »
tioM'aTcoiogni""' *^®''' ^'S^^ Mightinesses' Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries for
the negotiation of peace at Cologne, written there the 10"" and IS"" instants, and
with them three inclosures, notifying, according to the aforesaid letters and inclosures
hereinafter inserted, word for word:
Vol. n. 68
538 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Extract from the Narrative, 5"" February, 1674.
Folio ISO. That we also had made it a fi.\ed principle that it was unnecessary to enlarge
in any way on the three propositions submitted by the Spanish Ambassador, and accepted in
his Majesty's answer of the 20"" of December, regarding the Flag, the payment of two millions
and the Restitution of New Netherland. Since, in regard to the first, an extension in form
was long before exhibited ; on the last, in Article G, of the Treaty of Breda, a formal article was
found applicable in terminis ; and, as regards the last, there could be no dispute, &c.
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From tliO Register of Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Monday, 5"" March, 1674.
Folio 3«. Received a letter from the Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of
pany. " '" "' New Orange, on the Island Manathans, in New Netherland, written there the
orMge?'*in*' New 10"" January last,' relative to a duplicate of a previous letter of the S"" of
Netherland. n^i -% ^r^n <i 2. • • ni 1.. -i
September, 1G73, containing a summary account of the condition and state
of things in those parts, and further requesting assistance. Which being considered, it is
resolved and concluded that copies of the aforesaid letter and duplicate shall be transmitted to
all the Boards of Admiralty, with request and requisition to take the same into consideration,
and accordingly advise what security might be procured, and, in all kindness, stipulated in
the present negotiated peace with the King of Great Britain from his Majesty, for the aforesaid
Regents, and for the inhabitants and settlers, in order, when known, that such further resolution
may be taken in the premises as will be deemed proper.
States -General to the Board of Admiralty.
t From the Register of Uitgcgarie Viicvcn of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
The States, &c.
„ ^f""""' Hon"''*', &c. We have this day received a letter from the Schout, Burgomasters
New Netherland. ■ °
and Schepens of the city of New Orange, on the Island Manathans, in New
Netherland, written there on the 10"" of January last, relative to a duplicate of a previous
letter of the S"" of September, 1G73, containing a summary account of the state and condition
of things in those parts, and further requesting assistance, as you can further observe from the
copy of the aforesaid letter and duplicate which we herewith send you and the other Admiralty
' Supra, p. 632. ' Supra, p. 526. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 539
Boards, requesting and requiring you to consider and consequently advise what security, by
tlie present negotiated peace with tlie King of Great Britain, could be procured, and, in all
civility, stipulated from his Majesty for the aforesaid Regents and the other inhabitants and
settlers of New Netherland, in order, when known, such further resolution in the premises
may be adopted by us as shall be found advisable.
In the Hague, S"" March, 1674.
Tlie Maeze Board of Admiralty to the States -General.
[ From the Register of Ingekomcn Brieven, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. 1
High and Mighty Lords.
Folio 230. We have received your High Mightinesses' letter dated the fifth of this month,
and with it copy of a letter written to your High Mightinesses by the Schout, Burgomasters and
Schepens of the city of Orange, on the Island of Manathans, in New Netherland, written
there the tenth of January last' relative to a duplicate of a previous letter of the eighth of
September, 1673,^ containing a Summary account of the state and condition of things in those
parts, with a request for assistance, &c. ; you, High and Mighty, requiring us and the other
Boards of Admiralty to advise your High Mightinesses what security could, by the present
negotiated peace with the King of Great Britain, be obtained from his Majesty, and, in all
civility, stipulated for the aforesaid Regents and the other inhabitants and settlers of New
Netherland ; Which, being considered by us, we have resolved to advise your High Mightinesses
tiiat we are (under correction) of opinion, since, according to the sixth Article of the aforesaid
Treaty of Peace, you, High and Mighty, are obliged to restore the aforesaid Conquest of New
Netherland to the King of Great Britain, and that, accordingly, the aforesaid Regents and
inhabitants of New Netherland cannot be maintained nor succored; that the aforesaid, your
High Mightinesses' faithful subjects, have well merited that the King of Great Britain be
interceded with and requested not to consider said inhabitants, your High Mightinesses'
subjects, as a conquered people but as men who have passed, by conveyance and convention,
under another Sovereignty, and, consequently, not to perseeutr and prejudice them in their
persons and goods, but hold and preserve their liberty together with free propriety and use of
their lands, cattle, goods and merchandise, with power to remain in possession thereof, barter
and sell the same at their pleasure; that, in like manner, they shall be free to remain there or
to depart at their pleasure with their persons and goods ; furthermore, that you. High and
Mighty, shall be permitted, whenever requested by the aforesaid inhabitants, to send some
ships to New Netherland to bring the aforesaid inhabitants, with their movables, goods and
merchandise from New Netherland to this country, or to remove them to Surinham or other
Colonies as you. High and Mighty, in time might happen to order ; likewise, that they shall
be allowed to convey, by way of England to this country, their persons and properties (on
payment of reasonable freight) without being charged in regard of incoming or outgoing
duties and passages higher than the King of Great Britain's subjects; and, generally, by the
aforesaid, for your High Mightinesses' faithful subjects, to stipulate such further advautageoua
• Supra, p. o32. * Supra, p. ii6. — Ed.
540 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
conditions as you, High and Mighty, in your profound wisdom, shall devise and judge to be'
able to obtain from his said most sacred Majesty.
Wherewith,
High and Mighty Lords, &c.,
Your High Mightinesses'
Most obedient servants,
Rotterdam, 20"' March, 1G74. The Deputies at the Admiralty.
(Paraphed), Johan tan Grootvelt.
By order of the same.
(Signed), P' van Lodensteyn.
Hesolution of the States -General.
[ From the Kogititer of Kesolutioiis of the StateB-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Wednesday, 21" March, 1674.
Folio 899. Received a letter from the Board of Admiralty on the Maeze, written at
The M^siracy of Rotterdam on the 20** instant, beins? an answer to their High Mightinesses'
New Oning*', m ' D o o
Hew Netherund. (Jespatch of the 5"" instant, and, accordingly, advice on the letter of tlie Schout,
Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of New Orange, on the Island Manathans, in New
Netherland, written there the 10"" January, last, relative to a duplicate of a previous letter of
the S**" of September, 1673, containing a Summary account of the state and condition of things
in those parts and requesting immediate succor; Which, being considered, it is resolved and
concluded that the aforesaid letter shall be deposited in the Secretary's ofhce until those from
the other Boards of Admiralty, on the same subject, be also received ; and copy thereof shall,
without prejudice, be placed in the hands of Mess" Van Beuningen and other their High
Mightinesses' Deputies for Naval Affairs, to inspect, examine and report thereupon.
< .1 » «■ ^
The Amsterdam JBoard of Admiralty to the States -General.
[ From the Begister of Ingekvmen Uriexcn, 5iC-, in the Royal Archives at the Ilague. ]
High and Mighty Lords.
Folio 2S6. In order to be able more understandingly to advise your High Mightinesses on
the point you have been pleased to require by your despatch of the fifth of this current month,
as to what could, in all civility, be stipulated from the King of Great Britain in favor of the
inhabitants and settlers of New Netherland, we have communicated your High Mightinesses'
good intention to the committee from the New Netherland Merchants, who have handed to us
their Observations, as your High Mightinesses will please to see these hereunto annexed, which
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 541
we address to your High Mightinesses herewith, as we would conform ourselves to those
Observations for so much as could be considered out of the Treaty concluded with the King of
Great Britain, in order, agreeably thereunto, to stipulate something, leaving it to your High
Mightinesses' wisdom to pay, on the further suggestion of the interested, so much regard as,
according to occurring opportunity, shall be consistent with the public service.
Herewith,
High and Mighty Lords, etc..
Your High Mightinesses'
Obedient servants,
Amsterdam, 20"" March, 1G74. The Deputies at the Admiralty.
(Paraphed), G. van Grootvelt.
By order of the same.
(Signed), H. de Wilt.
Merchants trading to New Netfcerland to the Admiralty at Amsterdam.
To the Hon'''^ Mighty Lords Deputies at the Admiralty residing in Amsterdam.
Hon''''' Mighty Lords.
Folio 212. The undersigned committee from the New Netherland Merchants, having
understood that their High Mightinesses, by theirletter of the 5"" instant, request your opinion on
the security which should and ought to be, in fairness, requested and required from the Crown of
England for the inhabitants of New Netherland on the restitution of that country, have, on your
recommendation, prepared their Observations thereupon. Before explaining themselves, they
have deemed it their duty humbly to pray you that, as they consider how importantly profitable
that country is to this State, as the New Netherland Merchants have fully remonstrated, you
would please to direct matters so that their High Mightinesses will be pleased to have the
goodness to discover some means whereby his Majesty of England may be prevailed on to
relinquish the promised restitution for the behoof of this State, either in exchange or for a sum
of money, according as their High Mightinesses, in their profound wisdom, shall judge most
beneficial for this State; and, were this to succeed, to stipulate from, and condition with, the
Crown of England, if necessary, such security as their High Mightinesses contemplate herein.
But, if his Majesty were not to be disposed to that relinquishment by any devisable means,
and if, accordingly, New Netherland must be restored to him, the undersigned committee think,
under correction, that their High Mightinesses, considering with paternal commisseration, the
miseries and troubles to which, in consequence of the restitution of that country, its inhabitants
are exposed, who, through great attachment for their High Mightinesses' government, have
zealously exerted themselves for the success of their arms, are, in duty bound, emphatically to
oblige his said Majesty not to molest, punish nor injure those inhabitants for the aforesaid
cause nor for any other, for anything whatsoever they might have done directly or indirectly
during this war with England against his said Majesty, nothing excepted, but that everything
shall be for all times forgiven and forgotten, to all appearance, as if it had never happened,
nor occurred.
Also, that the inhabitants there, as well as those of this country, shall remain in possession
of their houses, lands, bouweries and all other goods and rights which they have in yonder
542 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
country; and if dispossessed of any of them during or previous to this war, that all such shall
be restored to them, with full power, so long as they remain there, to trade and barter, to sell
or exchange their goods, to collect payment of their debts, and for all of them to settle,
contract, prosecute and obtain judgment in all things with tiie same right, privilege and
freedom as the English inhabitants there. Likewise, that the Dutch inhabitants there shall,
at all times, be at liberty to transport themselves, with their goods and slaves, from that
country whithersoever they please, free and unhindered, and that the Commander who shall
then be over that Colony in his Majesty's behalf, shall give proper passports for such purpose
to such departing Dutch inhabitants within two or three weeks after their request has been
made ; that, also, the Colonic of Renselaerswyck shall be restored to the owners, with all
such rights and freedoms as they have enjoyed and possessed from the foundation thereof.
Further, that the inhabitants on both sides, from here to New iVetherland and thence back
to this country, shall be at liberty, free and unmolested, to go and trade without being obliged,
in the outward or homeward voyages, to touch at and pay duty in Old England or any other
place under his Majesty's jurisdiction, which trade and resort his Majesty did grant to
some ships about the year IGGS. But in case his Majesty object to grant it, and insist that
the outward or homeward bound ships must touch at and pay duty in Old England, we, the
undersigned committee, humbly request that his Majesty may be disposed to appoint some
person or persons in this country to whom the ships going to New iVetherland or returning
thence, may pay the King's customs and duties, and thus be relieved and excused from touching
at or paying duty in Old England.
But should (ree trade be considered unsuccessful, in such case the Dutch inhabitants, who,
in the first instance, will have remained in New Netherland, and who, afterwards, contrary to
the concluded agreement on experiencing ill-usage, may resolve to depart thence, and shall be
in want of ships for their conveyance, their High Mightinesses might insist on sending ships
thither for the conveyance of the inlmhilants, on such conditions as his Majesty hath agreed
to the transportation of his inhabitants in Surinam by the IV"" Article of the Treaty of Peace
concluded at Westminster.
Finally, that the Treaty or Agreement whereby New Netherland was surrendered to Mr.
Nikols for the Duke of York or Crown of England in the year 10(54, shall remain valid and be
faithfully executed, except in so far as it may he or is modified or altered by any subsequent
agreement. But the undersigned submit all the aforesaid to your Hon'''^ Mightinesses' wise
judgment and correction.
Wherewith, Honorable, Mighty Lords, may God preserve your persons arfd bless, prosper
and render successful your administration in this intended work, which is the sincere wish of
Your Hou'''*^ Mightinesses'
Humble servants,
(Signed), Gerart Hamel,
John Baptist van Renselaer,
nicolaus gouverneur.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIV. 543
Resolution of the States -General.
[ From'thc Register of Resolatiuna of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the'Hague. ]
Friday, 23'^ March, 1674.
Folio 406. Received a letter from the Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam, written there
Admiralty at Am- . . . , . . , ...
•lerdam. the twentieth instant, and with it an inclosLire containing, in compliance with
New Netheriand. their High Mightinesses' despatch of the fifth, its information and opinion on
what, with all civility, ought to be stipulated by the King of Great Britain in favor of the
inhabitants and settlers of New Netheriand ; Which, being considered, it is resolved and
concluded that copy of the aforesaid letter, with its inclosure, shall be placed in the hands
of Mess" Van Beuningen and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for Naval Affairs,
to examine and inspect, and to look up the retroacta and to make a report on the whole to
the meeting.
The Zealand Board of Admiralty to the States -General.
[ From the Register of Ingekomen BTieven, in the Royal Archives at the Hague, ]
High and Mighty Lords.
Folio 266. We have duly received your High Mightinesses' despatch of the sixteenth
instant, whereby your High Mightinesses request to have the benefit of our opinions as to
how the inhabitants of this country, being in New Netheriand, could best be served and
accommodated. We are unable to say much to your High Mightinesses on that point, except
that we know no fitter means than to furnish said inhabitants with ships and craft for their
conveyance either to this country or Surinam, or some other Colony dependent on the
jurisdiction of this State.
Herewith, hoping we have complied with your High Mightinesses' intention,
We remain.
High and Mighty Lords,
Your High Mightinesses'
Most obedient servants,
Middelburg, the SS"" March, 1674. The Deputies at the Admiralty in Zealand.
(Paraphed), Corn' Pous"^.
By order of the same.
(Signed), J. Steengracht.
544 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Charles II. to ilie State.<i- General.
High and Mighty Lords, Our good Friends, Allies and Confederates.
Whereas by the sixth Article of the Treaty recently concluded between us, it is agreed
that all lands, islands, towns, ports, castles and forts that one of the parties might have taken
from the other in Europe and elsewhere during the last war, should be restored on the one
side and the other to the Lord and Proprietor who was in possession thereof previous to the
said war, in the same state in which they might be at the time of the publication of the peace,
agreeably to said Article ; We desire that you would order the dispatch as early as possible of
the necessary instructions to your Governor or Commandant of the place called New-York
in the West Lidies, to surrender it to Sieur Edmond Andros, or to such oilier person as we
shall depute thither, with all its dependencies, arms, artillery, anmiunition and material of
war, of what sort soever they may be, and in the same state as they were at the time of the
publication of the peace ; Which orders you will please give to Chevalier Sylvius to be sent
hither, as we have ordered said Andros to proceed to the said place of New-York with all
diligence, and to take possession of it, (or us and in our name. We rely on the effects of your
friendship and justice on this occasion and on all others on our part we promise you the like.
Praying God that He may have you. High and Mighty Lords, our good friends, allies and
confederates, in His holy keeping. Written at Whitehall this last day of March, 1674.
Your very good friend,
(Signed), Charles R.
Hesolutlon of the States -General.
[ From the Register of Reso!atioim of tlic 8mtes-Gonora], in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Thursday, 5'" April, 1G74.
Folio 4T0. Received a letter from the Board of Admiralty in Zealand, written at
Middelburgh the 28"" March last, containing, in compliance with their High Mightinesses' letter
inhnbiianisofNew ^^ '•'^^ 1*^"' iistant, its opiniou how the inhabitants of this country who are in
Nahirianj. ]\ew Netherland could be best served and accommodated ; Which, being
considered, it is resolved and concluded that copy of the aforesaid letter shall be placed in the
hands of Mess" Van Beuningen and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for Naval
Affairs, to inspect, examine and report on the whole to the meeting.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIII. 545
Hesolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Monday, 16"" April, 1674.
Folio 514. Received a letter from the Kina; of Great Britain, written at Whitehall the
England. °
Letter of the King. 31" March last, concerning the Restitution of New Netherland, which letter,
NeS^d?^^*" inserted word for word, is as follows:
[ For the Letter, see, supra, p. 544. ]
Which being considered, and the most prudent opinion and advice of his Highness the
Prince of Orange being received it is, agreeably thereto, resolved and concluded that copy
of the aforesaid letter shall be sent to the Board of Admiralty of the States of Zealand
and the Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam, who shall be also written to, that they give such
orders, and make provision that, conformably with the sixth article of the Treaty of Peace
concluded with the King of Great Britain and published on the sixth of March last, New
Netherland above named, be vacated and restored to the said King of Great Britain. And that
to such end the officers and military, &c., who have reduced said place and still keep possession
of it, be withdrawn with all their property, artillery, gunpowder, implements of war and
everything they have had, taken and conquered there or before the date of the aforesaid
publication of the peace, leaving the aforesaid place, also the cannon, gunpowder and all
implements of war appertaining thereunto, in such a state as they were at the time New
Netherland was mastered and reduced, for so mucli and so far as all of them were in existence
at the time of the publication of the peace aforesaid. That moreover, the Governor or
Commander there shall be ordered and commanded by a letter from their High Mightinesses,
to restore and give up New Netherland abovenamed to Edmond Andros, or to such other
person as his Majesty shall depute thereunto ; and that with all its appendages and dependencies,
arms, artillery, ammunition and implements of war which belonged to, and were in, the place
aforesaid at the time of the publication of the aforesaid peace, without committing nor suffering
to be committed any exploitation, plundering or robbery of any of the inhabitants, or the
removal of cannon, gunpowder or any other material of war which hath belonged to any of
the to-be-restored places, at the time when they were reduced and taken. And that the letter
to be dispatched on this subject shall be placed in the hands of Chevalier Sylvius, to be used
by him as shall be proper. And that, further, information shall be given by letter to the said
King of the aforesaid, their High Mightinesses', promptitude in what is to be complied with
aforesaid ; adding, that their High Mightinesses request, trust and expect from his Majesty,
that he will allow the inhabitants of New Netherland aforesaid the enjoyment of their lands,
bouweries and all their goods and rights which they possess in that country ; all with the same
right, privilege and freedom as the inhabitants abovementioned enjoyed previous to the aforesaid
war. And that an extract from this their High Mightinesses' resolution with the aforesaid
to-be-written letter to the King of Great Britain, shall be sent to M. Van de Lier,' one of their
'Feedehick van Reede, Baron of Reede, at Renswoude, Lord of Schonatiwen, was the third son of Johan van Reede
(supra, p. 516 ). In 1674 his name was inscribed among the Noblea of Holland, as Lord of Lier, near Dellt. Kok, verbo
Rbkde. See, post, p. 648.
Vol. II. 69
546 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
High Mightinesses' designated Ambassadors Extraordinary to the said King of Great Britain,
and that he also shall be written to, that he shall deliver the letter aforesaid to his Majesty, and
most powerfully second near his Majesty, their good intention and meaning contained therein,
with his particular duties and offices; transmit his Majesty's favorable resolution thereupon
and inform their High Mightinesses what shall be by him eftected herein.
States -General to Charles II.
[ From the Register of Uitgegani: Brieven of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Ilagne. ]
Sire.
Folio 130. We have just received the letter your Majesty has done us the honor to write
us on the last day of March, old style, and to prove that we feel no less inclination to execute,
than we did desire to conclude, the Treaty of Peace, we have contemporaneously placed in the
hands of Chevalier Sylvius the letters we have written to the Zealand Board of Admiralty
New Netheriand. and the Board at Amsterdam; also to the Governor and Commandant of New
Netherland for the Restitution of said place, agreeably to the G"" Article of said Treaty and
your Majesty's desire. And, as we hope you will be satisfied with our punctuality
and promptitude, so we flatter ourselves with your Majesty's justice and equity ; that,
allowing the inhabitants of New Netherland to enjoy the effects of said peace, you will not
remember what they might have done, both previous to and pending the last war, and will
leave them in full and entire possession of the lands, property and rights they possess in those
parts, in the same manner they held them before the rupture ; all agreeably to what it hath
pleased your Majesty to accept by said Treaty. It is not only on this point, but on every
other, that we shall anticipate all that you can legitimately desire of us, as Mr. van de Lier,
one of our Ambassadors Extraordinary designated to your Majesty, will more fully give you
to understand. Referring thereunto, we shall pray God, tSire, &c.
The Hague, 16'" April, 1674.
States -Gene)-al to the Zealand Board of Admiralty.
[ From the Register of Uitgegane Urievcn of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
The States, &c.
EestihaionlTifew Honorable, &c. We have received a letter from the King of Great Britain,
Netherland. dated 31" March last, concerning the Restitution of New Netherland, and have
this day adopted thereon the accompanying resolution, which, witii copy of the aforesaid letter
of the said King, we have resolved to send you herewith, with most friendly request that you
will, as far as you are concerned, promptly comply with, obey and fulfill the contents of the
resolution aforesaid. And hereupon relying, &c.
The Hague, 16'" April, 1674.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 547
States -General to the Amsterdam Board of Admiralty.
[ From the Register of Uitgegane Brievm of tlio States-General, in tlie Koyal Arohires at tlie Hagne. ]
The States, &c.
Honorable, &c. We have received a letter from the King of Great Britain,
Eeslitulion of New °
Neiheriand. dated 3P' March last, concerning the Restitution to New Netherland, and have this
day adopted the accompanying resolution thereupon, which, with copy of the aforesaid letter of
the said King, we send you herewith, requesting and requiring that you will, without fail, as
far as you are concerned, precisely regulate and comport yourselves according to the tenor of
said resolution, for such is our earnest intention. And relying hereupon, &c.
The Hague, 16'" April, 1674.
Folio 180.
States -General to M> Van de Lier.
[ From the Register of Uitgegane Brieveti of the States-General, in the Royal Arcliives at the Hague. ]
To M. Van de Lier,' one of their High Mightinesses' designated Ambassadors Extraordinary
to the King of Great Britain.
The States, &c.
Folio 181. Honorable, &c. We have this day adopted, on the Kinsr of Great Britain's
Restitution of New J r • o
Netherland. letter, dated the 31" March last, concerning the Restitution of New Netherland, the
accompanying resolution, which, with copy of the letter we wrote to the said King on that
subject, we send you, requesting and requiring you to regulate and guide yourself according
to the contents of the aforesaid resolution, and to write to us what he shall have done and
performed thereupon.
The Hague, le"" April, 1674.
States-General to the Governor of Nexo Netlierland.
[ From the Register of Uitgegane Brieven of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague.]
The States, &c.
Folio 131. Honorable, &c. We have received a letter from the King of Great Britain
Netherland. dated the 31" March last, concerning the Restitution of New Netherland, and have
this day adopted the accompanying resolution thereupon, which we send you, ordering and
commanding you precisely to regulate and comport yourself according to the tenor thereof, so
far as you are concerned, without failing in any manner therein. For such is our earnest
intention and will.
The Hague, le"- April, 1674.
'See note, p. 646. — EDi
548 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Amhassador Van Reede to the States -General.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives al the Hague ; File, England.]
High and Mighty Lords.
My Lords.
I was not able to comply with your High Mightinesses' commands agreeably to your
resolution of the G"" inst., so soon as 1 had indeed desired, in consequence both of his Majesty's
departure for Newmarket, and of my having been a few days indisposed. Since his
Majesty's return I have had an opportunity to converse with him on the subject of the levies,
and have placed before him your High Mightinesses' serious dissatisfaction at his refusal, and
protested against the sojourn of the English troops in France, directly contrary to the secret
article. 1 added, that you, High and Mighty, had relied on his Majesty taking into
consideration the great zeal and inclination with wliich your High Mightinesses had always
cultivated his friendship, and that the affection which his Majesty declared he entertained for
the Prince of Orange, to whose ancestors his Majesty is under so many obligations, would have
at least prevented the diversion, much less the censure of that great inclination which his
Majesty's subjects bear towards said Prince; but that your High Mightinesses must for these
and other reasons, to their great sorrow, conclude that his Majesty was not proceeding in this
peace with the intention of contracting an honest and close friendship with the State. His
Majesty after having heard me through with great patience, gave me for answer, that he was
truly sorry to learn from me that your High Mightinesses and the Prince, his Nephew, are so
greatly dissatisfied on account of his refusal of the levies, and that it appeared as if people
■would measure the extent of his affection for the State and for his Nephew accordingly; but
he declared with many expressions, that he had no other intention tlian to live with the State
in much closer and firmer bonds of friendship than ever his ancestors had done; that it was
impossible for him vvilh a good grace to recall the troops which are in France; also, that he
did not consider himself bound to do so in virtue of the secret article, mention being made there
only of assistance to be granted in future; yea, that he had fully recalled all his companies of
Guards (both foot and horse) ; that further, all who were there would not be long able to subsist
because he did not permit any rccvvcs to be furnished to them, and that his honor obliged him,
living also with the King of France in the s;ime peace as with your High Mightinesses, not to
allow his subjects to engage in your High Mightinesses' service. But as he was accepted now
as mediator, your High Mightinesses may feel assured that he would aid in so directing matters
as that you. High and Mighty, would obtain a desirable and reputable peace.
Pursuant to your High Mightinesses' commands, I yesterday delivered to his Majesty your
letter of the lb"* instant on the subject of the Restitution of New Netherland, at which his
Majesty expressed great pleasure, and requested me to thank your High Mightinesses for it,
and to assure you that he should have the necessary orders issued that all the inhabitants there
should enjoy all their rights and privileges of which they were in the enjoyment before
the war.
The merchants complain that llie convoys which are sent hither from Holland, are so lightly
armed ihat they cannot without danger proceed to sea with them, the ratiier, as they are
assured that the French of Calais and Dunkirk have many privateers at sea.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 549
Herewith wishing you, High and Mighty, a fortunate and prosperous government, I remain,
High and Mighty Lords,
My Lords,
Your High Mightinesses'
Obedient and faithful servant,
London, 27"" April, 1674. (Signed), F. van Reede.'
Petition of the Proprietors of Rensselaersivyck to the States -General.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague ; File, West Indie.]
To the High and Mighty Lords, the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands.
Respectfully show. The Patroon and Co-Directors in the Colonie called Rensselaers-
Wyck, situate along the North river in New Netherland ;
That the Freedoms which were granted to whomsoever should plant any Colonies in New
Netherland being drawn up and made public in print, in the year 1630, by the Assembly of the
Nineteen of the Incorporated West India Company,
Kiliaen van Rensselaer did, in the same year 1630, purchase from the owners and proprietors,
and pay them for, a certain parcel of land extending up the river, South and North off from
Fort Orange unto a little besouth of Moeneminnes Castle ; and the land called Semesseeck
lying on the East bank, opposite Castle Island, up unto the aforesaid fort. Item, from Petanock
the millstream. North unto Negagonse, in extent about three leagues, with all the timber,
appendices and dependencies thereof. And accordingly, being entered into the possession of
said lands, he had there at his great cost, established a considerable Colonie, and from time
to time so improved it, that a village or hamlet was founded there, first called de Finjck,
afterwards Btvenivijck, and now JVillemstadt, whereabouts the aforesaid Fort Orange was
formerly built. That said Rensselaer, and afterwards the Petitioners, had also exercised there
High, Middle and Low jurisdiction and, accordingly, appointed the necessary Officers and
Magistrates, and enjoyed all the Freedoms, Rights and Privileges which were granted by the
said Company and you, High and Mighty, to him Rensselaer and other Patroons of Colonies.
That afterwards the aforementioned West India Company's Director had indeed disquieted the
Petitioners in the possession of the aforesaid hamlet or village, leaving in the meanwhile
the Petitioners only in possession of the remainder of their aforesaid Colonie. But that the
Committee of said Company having examined the Deed of Sale and Conveyance, Freedoms
and other exhibits, had again now lately declared the Petitioners to be right owners also of
said hamlet or village, and that the disquietude committed against them by the Director
aforesaid, was a violation especially of the sixth article of the Freedoms hereinbefore mentioned,
and could not take away nor diminish the right of the Petitioners; Also, that said Company
had no title, action nor pretence to the aforesaid Colonie; leaving the right of property to the
Petitioners, and, if necessary, so far desisting therefrom in their favor, in order that they may
' Supra, p. 646, note. — Ed.
550 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
dispose of the aforesaid liamlet or village as tiiey could or might do of their other freely and
lawfully obtained property in the abovenamed Colonie, without reserving any right or claim
thereunto. That in the year 10G4, New Netherland and consequently the Colonie aforesaid
fell and remained in the hands of his Majesty the King of Great Britain, when the name of
Albany was given to the aforesaid Fort Orange, which is situate in the Petitioners' aforesaid
Colonie, Rensselaers-Wyck, with said Colonie and other lands lying thereabout, until they were
again recovered by your High Mightinesses' glorious arms. When at the request of the
first Petitioner, he was by Commanders Jacob Binckes and Cornells Evertsen, the younger,
provisionally granted and allowed the enjoyment of his previous privileges, On condition that
said privileges should not continue any longer than the space of the current year, within which
time he should b^ bound to obtain new privileges from your High Mightinesses; all more fully
appearing by the Freedoms aforesaid, the Patent granted on the SO"" of August, 1630, by the
Director and Council in New Netherland, residing on the Island Manahattas and in Fort
Amsterdam, the Declaration of the abovenamed Committee of said West India Company of
the 2* April, 1G74, acknowledged and executed before a Notary and Witnesses at Amsterdam,
and by the copy of the first Petitioner's request to the aforesaid Commanders Benkes and
Evertsen, and the provisional consent thereupon granted the 4"" September, 1G73 ; all hereunto
annexed. And although the Petitioners were now fully restored by the aforesaid Company,
'tis yet apprehended that the act of the aforesaid Commanders might be an obstacle in so
far as it specially provides that the Petitioners shall be bound to request and obtain new
privileges from your High Mightinesses within one current year, or, in default thereof, be
deprived of their privileges. Therefore, the Petitioners had their petition already prepared,
praying. High and Mighty, to be confirmed, and so far as necessary reestablished, in their
aforesaid ancient rights, property and privileges. But whereas by the Treaty of Peace last made
with his Royal Majesty of Great Britain, it is agreed that New Netherland shall come under his
said Royal Majesty's obedience, the Petitioners are under the necessity of presenting their
supplication aforesaid to that King. And although the Petitioners do not doubt but they shall,
through the justice of the abovenamed King again receive possession and usance of the
aforesaid their rights and privileges, yet the Petitioners assuredly believe that they will have
better and earlier success, were their aforesaid request corroborated with favorable letters of
recommendation from you, High and Mighty, to the aforesaid his Royal Majesty of Great
Britain, and an order to your High Mightinesses' Ambassadors at the said Court to second such
recommendation with their efforts and good offices. The Petitioners' only refuge therefore is
in your High Mightinesses' benevolence, humbly praying that you will be graciously pleased
to favor the Petitioners with the aforesaid letters of recommendation, and order to the aforesaid
Ambassadors. Which doing, &c.
FKEEDOMS AND EXEMPTIONS
GBANTED BT
THE BOARD OF THE NINETEEN
OF THE INCORPOKATED
WEST INDIA COMPANY
TO ALL THOSE WHO WILL PLANT COLONIES
NEW NETHEELAND
PUBLISHED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKIKG KNOWN WHAT PROFITS AND ADVANTAGES ARE REALIZED IN
NEW NETHERLAND BT COLONISTS AND THEIR PATROONS AND MASTERS, AS WELL AS
BT FAKTNERS, WHO PLANT COLONIES THERE.
AMSTERDAM:
For Marten Jansz Brandt, Bookseller, living near the New Church in the Reformed Catechism.
Anno 1630.
FEEEDOMS AND EXEMPTIONS
GRANTED BT THE BOARD OF THE NINETEEN OF THE INCORPORATED ^VEST INDIA COMPANY,
TO ALL PATROONS, MASTERS OR PRIVATE PERSONS WHO WILL
PLANT COLONIES IN NEW NETHERLAND.
I. Such members of the said Company as may be inclined to settle a Colonic in New
Netherland, shall be permitted to send in the ships of this Company going thither, three or
four persons to inspect the situation of the country, provided that they, with the officers and
ship's company, swear to the articles, so far as they relate to them, and pay for provisions
and for passage, going and coming, six stivers per diem ; and such as desire to eat in the
cabin, twelve stivers, and to be subordinate and give assistance like others, in cases offensive
and defensive ; and if any ships be taken from the enemy, they shall receive, pro rata, their
proportions with the ship's company, each according to his quality ; that is to say, the colonists
eating out of the cabin shall be rated with the sailors, and those who eat in the cabin with
those of the Company's servants who eat at table and receive the lowest wages.
II. Though, in this respect, shall be preferred such persons as have first appeared and
desired the same from the Company.
III. All such shall be acknowledged Patroons of New Netherland who shall, within the
space of four years next after they have given notice to any of the Chambers of the Company
here, or to the Commander or Council there, undertake to plant a Colonie there of fifty souls,
upwards of fifteen years old ; one-fourth part within one year, and within three years after the
sending of the first, making together four years, the remainder, to the full number of fifty
persons, to be shipped from hence, on pain, in case of wilful neglect, of being deprived of
the privileges obtained ; but it is to be observed that the Company reserve the Island of the
Manhattes to themselves.
IV. They shall, from the time they make known the situation of the places where they
propose to settle Colonies, have the preference to all others of the absolute property of such
lands as they have there chosen; but in case the situation should not afterwards please them,
or they should have been mistaken as to the quality of the land, they may, after
remonstrating concerning the same to the Commander and Council there, be at liberty to
choose another place.
V. The Patroons, by virtue of their power, shall and may be permitted, at such places as
they shall settle their Colonies, to extend their limits four leagues along the shore, that is, on
one side of a navigable river, or two leagues on each side of a river, and so far into the country
as the situation of the occupiers will permit ; provided and conditioned that the Company keep
Vol. II. 70
554 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
to themselves the lands lying and remaining between (he limits of Colonies, to dispose thereof,
when and at such time as they shall think proper, in such manner that no person shall be
allowed to come within seven or eight leagues of them without their consent, unless the situation
of the land thereabout be such that the Commander and Council, for good reasons, should
order otlierwise ; aKvays observing that the first occupiers are not to be prejudiced in tiie right
they have obtained, other than, unless the service of the Company should require it, for the
building of fortifications, or something of that sort; the command of each bay, river or island,
of the first settled Colonic, remaining, moreover, under the supreme jurisdiction of their High
Mightinesses the States-General and the Company: but that on the next Colonies being
settled on the same river or island, they may, in conjunction with the first, appoint one or
more Deputies in order to consider what may be necessary for tlie prosperity of the Colonies
on the said river and island.
VI. They shall forever possess and enjoy all the lands lying within the aforesaid limits,
together with the fruits, rights, minerals, rivers and fountains thereof; as also the chief
command and lower jurisdictions, fishing, fowling and grinding, to the e.xclusion of all others,
to be Iiolden from the Company as a perpetual inheritance, without it ever devolving again to
the Company, and in case it should devolve, to be redeemed and repossessed witli. twenty
guilders per Colonie, to be paid to this Company, at the Chamber here or to their Commander
there, within a year and six weeks after the same occurs, each at the Chamber where he
originally sailed from ; and further, no person or persons whatsoever shall be privileged to fish
and hunt but the Patroons and such as they shall permit. And in case any one should in time
prosper so much as to found one or more cities, he shall have power and authority to establish
officers and magistrates there, and to make use of the title of his Colonie, according to his
pleasure and to the quality of the persons.
Vn. There shall likewise be granted to all Patroons who shall desire the same, venia
testandi, or liberty to dispose of their aforesaid heritage by testament.
VIII. The Patroons may, if they think proper, make use of all lands, rivers and woods
lying contiguous to them, for and during so long a time as this Company shall grant them to
other L'atroons or private persons.
IX. Those who shall send persons over to settle Colonies, shall furnish them with proper
instructions in order that they may be ruled and governed conformably to the rule of
government made, or to be made, by the Board of the Nineteen, as well in the political as
in the judicial government; which they shall be obliged first to lay before the Directors of
the respective Chambers.
X. The Patroons and colonists shall be privileged to send their people and effects thither, in
ships belonging to the Company, provided they take the oath, and pay to the Company for
bringing over the people, as mentioned in the first article and for freight of the goods, five per
cent, ready money, to be reckoned on the prime cost of the goods here, in which is, however,
not to be included such cattle and implements as are necessary for the cultivation and
improvement of the lands, which the Company are to carry over without any reward, if there
is room in their ships. But the Patroons shall, at their own expense, provide and make places
for them, together with everything necessary for the support of the cattle.
HOLLAND DOCTOIENTS. 555
XT. In case it should not suit the Company to send any ships, or there should be no room in
those sailing thither, then the said Patroons, after having communiciited their intentions, and
after having obtained consent from the Company in writing, may send their own ships or vessels
thither ; provided tliat, in going or coming, they go not out of their ordinary course, giving
security to the Company for the same and taking on board an assistant, to be victualed by the
Patroons, and paid his monthly wages by the Company, on pain, for doing the contrary, of
forfeiting all right and property they have obtained to the Colonie.
XII. Inasmuch as it is intended to people the Island of the Manhattes first, all fruits and
wares that are produced on the lands situate on the North river, and lying thereabout, shall,
for the present, be brought there before being sent elsewhere, excepting such as are, from
their nature, unnecessary there, or such as cannot, without great loss to the owner thereof,
be brought there, in which case the owners thereof shall be obliged to give timely notice in
writing of the difficulty attending the same to the Company here, or the Commander and
Council there, that the same may be remedied as the necessity thereof shall be found to require.
XIII. All the Patroons of Colonies in New Netherland, and of Colonies on the Island of
Manhattes shall be at liberty to sail and traffic all along the coast, from Florida to Terra Neuf,
provided that they do again return with all such goods as they shall get in trade to the
Island of Manhattes, and pay five per cent duty to the Company, in order, if possible, that,
after the necessary inventory of the goods shipped be taken, the same may be sent hither.
And if it should so happen that they could not return, by contrary streams or otherwise, they
shall, in such case, not be permitted to bring such goods to any other place but to these
dominions, in order that, under the inspection of the Directors of the place where they may
arrive, they may hi unladen, an inventory thereof made, and the aforesaid duty of five per
cent paid to the Company here, on pain, if they do the contrary, of the forfeiture of their
goods so trafficked for, or the real value thereof.
XIV. In case the ships of the Patroons, in going to, or coming from, or sailing on the
coast from Florida to Terra Neuf, and no further, without our grant, should overpower any
prizes of the enemy, they shall be obliged to bring, or cause to be brought, such prize to
the Chamber of the place from whence they sailed out, in order to be rewarded by it; the
Company shall keep the one-third part thereof, and the remaining two-thirds shall belong to
them, in consideration of the cost and risk they have been at, all according to the orders of
the Company.
XV. It shall be also free for the aforesaid Patroons to traffic and trade all along the coast of
New Netherland and places circumjacent, with such goods as are consumed there, and receive
in return for them all sorts of merchandise that may be had there, except beavers, otters, minks,
and all sorts of peltry, which trade the Company reserve to themselves. But the same shall
be permitted at such places where the Company have no factories, conditioned that such traders
shall be obliged to bring all the peltry they can procure to the Island of Manhattes, in case it
may be, at any rate, practicable, and there deliver to the Director, to be by him shipped hither
with the ships and goods ; or, if they should come here without going there, then to give notice
thereof to the Company, that a proper account thereof may be taken, in order that they may
pay to the Company one guilder for each merchantable beaver and otter skin ; the property,
risk and all other charges remaining on account of the Patroons or owners.
556 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
X\^I. All coarse wares that the Colonists of the Patroons there shall consume, such as pitch,
tar, weed-ashes, wood, grain, fish, salt, hearthstone and such like things shall be conveyed
in the Company's ships, at the rate of eigliteen guilders per last ; four thousand weight to
be accounted a last, and the Company's ship's crew shall be obliged to wheel and bring the
salt on board, whereof ten lasts make a hundred. And, in case of the want of ships, or room
in the ships, they may order it over, at their own cost, in ships of their own, and enjoy in these
dominions such liberties and benefits as the Company have granted ; but, in either case, they
shall be obliged to pay, over and above the duty of five per cent, eighteen guilders for
each hundred of salt that is carried over in the Company's ships.
XVII. For all wares which are not mentioned in the foregoing article, and which are not
carried by the last, there shall be paid one dollar for each hundred pounds weight ; and for
wines, brandies, verjuice and vinegar, there shall be paid eighteen guilders per cask.
XVIII. The Company promises the colonists of the Patroons that they shall be free from
customs, taxes, excise, imposts or any other contributions for the space of ten years; and
after the expiration of the said ten years, at the highest, such customs as the goods pay here
for the present.
XIX. They will not take from the service of the Patroons any of their colonists, either man
or woman, son or daughter, man-servant or maid-servant; and, though any of these should
desire the same, they will not receive them, much less permit them to leave their Patroons, and
enter into the service of another, unless on consent obtained from their Patroons in writing,
and this for and during so many years as they are bound to their Patroons ; after the expiration
whereof, it shall be in the power of the Patroons to send hither all such colonists as will not
continue in their service, who until then shall not enjoy their liberty. And any colonist who
shall leave the service of his Patroon, and enter into the service of another, or shall, contrary
to bis contract, leave his service, we promise to do everything in our power to apprehend and
deliver the same into the hands of his Patroon or attorney, that he may be proceeded against
according to the customs of this country, as occasion may require.
XX. From all judgments given by the Courts of the Patroons for upwards of fifty guilders,
there may be an appeal to the Company's Commander and Council in New Netherland.
XXI. In regard to such private persons as on their own account', or others in the service of
their masters here (not enjoying the same privileges as the Patroons), shall be inclined to go
thither and settle, they shall, with the approbation of the Director and Council there, be at
liberty to take up and take possession of as much land as they shall be able properly to
improve, and shall enjoy the same in full property either for themselves or masters.
XXII. They shall have free liberty of hunting and fowling, as well by water as by land,
generally, and in public and private woods and rivers about their Colonies, according to the
orders of the Director and Council.
XXIIT. Whosoever, whether colonists of Patroons for their Patroons, or free persons for
themselves, or others for their masters, shall discover any shores, bays or other fit places
for erecting fisheries, or the making of salt ponds, they may take possession thereof, and
bsgin to work on them as their own absolute property, to the exclusion of all others. And it
is consented to that the Patroons of colonists may send ships along the coast of New Netherland,
on the cod fishery, and with the fish they catch, trade to Italy or other neutral countries,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 557
paying in such cases to tlie Company a duty of six guilders per last ; and if they should
come with their lading hither, they shall be at liberty to proceed to Italy, though they shall
not, under pretext of this consent, or leave from the Company, carry any goods there, on pain
of arbitrary punishment, and it remaining in the breast of the Company to put a supercargo
on board each ship, as in the eleventh article.
XXIV. In case any of the colonists should, by his industry and diligence, discover any
minerals, precious stones, crystals, marbles or such like, or any pearl fishery, the same shall
be and remain the property of the Patroon or Patroons of such Colonic, giving and ordering
the discoverer such premium as the Patroon shall beforehand have stipulated vpith such
colonist by contract. And the Patroons shall be exempt from the payment of duty to the
Company for the term of eight years, and pay only for freight, to bring them over, two per cent,
and after the expiration of the aforesaid eight years, for duty and freight, the one-eighth part
of what the same may be worth.
XXV. The Company will take all the colonists, as well free as those that are in service,
under their protection, and them defend against all foreign and domestic wars and powers,
with the forces they have there, as much as lies in their power.
XXVL "Whosoever shall settle any Colonie out of the limits of the Manhattes Island, shall
be obliged to satisfy the Indians for the land they shall settle upon, and they may extend or
enlarge the limits of their Colonies if they settle a proportionate number of colonists thereon.
XXVII. The Patroons and colonists shall in particular, and in the speediest manner, endeavor
to find out ways and means whereby they may support a Minister and Schoolmaster, that thus
the service of God and zeal for religion may not grow cool and be neglected among them, and
they shall, for the first, procure a Comforter of the sick there.
XXVI II. The Colonies that shall happen to lie on the respective rivers or islands (that is to
say, each river or island for itself), shall be at liberty to appoint a Deputy, who shall give
information to the Commander and Council of that Western quarter, of all things relating to
his Colonie, and further matters relating thereto, of which Deputies there shall be one altered
or changed in every two years ; and all Colonies shall be obliged, at least once in every twelve
months, to make exact report of their condition and of the lands thereabout to the Commander
and Council there, in order'to be transmitted hither.
XXIX. The colonists shall not be permitted to make any woolen, linen or cotton cloth, nor
weave any other stuffs there, on pain of being banished, and as perjurers, to be arbitrarily
punished.
XXX. The Company will use their endeavors to supply the colonists with as many Blacks
as they conveniently can, on the conditions hereafter to be made, in such manner, however,
that they shall not be bound to do it for a longer time than they shall think proper.
XXXI. The Company promise to finish the fort on the Island of the Manhattes, and to put
it in a posture of defence without delay.
558 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Patent to Kiliaen van Rensselaer.
[ Omitted, being daplicate of Document I., 44. ]
Declaration of tlie West India Company in favor of the Proprietors of
Rensselaers Wyck.
In tiie Name of God. Amen !
This day, the second of April, A" XVI"= and seventy-four, before me, Henrie Outgers,
by the Hon*"'' Court of Holland admitted a Notary Public, resident in Amsterdam, and the
undernamed witnesses, appeared Mr. Jacob Pergens, Hans Bontemantel and Nicolais van
Beeck, Directors of the Incorporated West India Company at the Chamber in this city,
appointed herein for the affairs of New Netherland, and by their associates, to what is
hereinafter set forth, especially by resolution of the XXIX. March, XVI* and seventy-
four, empowered, making known and declaring: Whereas the Patroon and Co-Directors of
Renselaers Wyck, in New Netherland aforesaid, by virtue of the Patent dated the XIII.
of August, XVI. thirty, were declared owners of the lands, buildings and plantations situate
along the North river, more fully set forth in the Letters Patent; and, in consequence, Patroon
and Masters of the hamlet, first called de FiajcJc, afterwards Bcversivyck, and now JVillemstadl,
whereabouts Fort Orange is built. And after the abovenanied hamlet, BeverswycJc, was taken
possession of by the Director of the abovenamed Company, Patroon Rensselaer and other
Directors and Partners already, in the year XVI'^ and fifty-two, and further from time to time
had remonstrated to Mess" the Directors of the aforenamed Company, that the possession was
in direct violation of the sixth article of the Freedoms granted to the colonists, and thereupon
requested that the abovenamed Company and Chamber would be pleased to terminate and
finish said business by a declaratory act. Whereupon, having examined the respective Deed
of purchase. Conveyance, Freedoms and other documents, the abovenamed Commissioners
declare, for and in the name of the abovenamed Company, for the termination and disposal of
said business :
That the abovenamed Patroon Renselaer and co-partners have been already, from the year
XVI'= and thirty, and are true owners of the abovenamed hamlet named Bevcrsimjck or Willemsladl,
and that the possession by their late Director could not take away nor diminish said ownership ;
declaring, therefore, that the abovenamed Company has no right, action nor pretension thereto,
leaving the right of ownership in the abovenamed Patroon and associates, and so far, if
necessary, desisting therefrom for the behoof of them, in order to enter again into possession
of the abovenamed hamlet, and to dispose thereof, as they could or might do, of their other
free and lawfully acquired goods in the abovenamed Colonic without reserving any action or
pretension thereto. Which the abovenamed Commissioners, in the name as aforesaid, have
hereby granted to the abovenamed Patroon and Co-Directors of Rensselaers Wyck, and
consented to grant them an act to that effect in forma publica, to serve as may be necessary.
Done Amsterdam. Present : Jacob de Vries and Gybert Nopperack, witnesses.
In proemissorum fidem.
(Signed), Henr: Outgers,
P. F.
Notary Public, 1G74.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 559
Petition of Jeremias van Renselaer.
To tlie Hon'''* Admirals of tiieir High Miglitinesses, the Lords States-General of the United
Netherlands, and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange.
Honorable Gentlemen.
It hath pleased Almighty God to place this country once more under the obedience and
authority of their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange, &c.
Therefore, have I spoken verbally in the forenoon to your Honors, and obtained for ansveer
that I should make my application in writing. Wherefore do I hereby deduce my right and
privileges of the Colonic named Rensselaers-Wyck, requesting, agreeably thereto, to continue
therein according to our legal, duly obtained right from their High Mightinesses, the Lords
States-General. Relying thereupon,
I remain
Your Honors' affectionate friend
and servant,
(Signed), Jeremias van Renselaer.
Order on the preceding Petition.
Jeremias van Renselaer, the Petitioner, is provisionally allowed and granted the enjoyment
of the foregoing privileges for the term of one current year, on condition of contributing and
paying, as heretofore, the quantity of three hundred skepels of wheat per annum,
and consequently the aforesaid Renselaer shall, from a double number to be nominated by the
inhabitants of Renselaers-Wyck, elect three Magistrates for the present year, and have
the same approved by the supreme government here ; provided that said privilege shall not
continue longer than the space of one current year, within which time he shall be bound to
obtain a renewal of his privileges from their High Mightinesses, &c., or, in default thereof, he
shall be debarred from such privileges.
Done New Orange, this fourth September, Anno 1673.
(Signed), Jacob Benckes,
CORNELIS EVERTZE, JuU'.
Copia Copiae huic annexe.
Done Amsterdam, this 3*^ April, A' 1674.
By me.
(Signed), Henr. Outgers,
P. F.
(Indorsed), Not' PublM674.
Petition
of the
Patroon and Co-Directors
of the Colonic called
Renselaerswvck,
in
New Netherland,
4"' June, 1674.
560 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS-.
Re-solution of the States -General.
[ From the Resolution of the Statoa-General, in the Royal Archives at the Uaguc]
Monday, 4"" June, 1674.
Folio 737. Read at the meeting the Petition of the Patroon and Co-Directors in the Colonic
tnr 'ir°i°''c..i.'nif.i called Rensselaers-Wyck, situate along the North river in New Netherland, to
la New Neihcriand! the cffect that the Freedoms wJiich were granted to whomsoever should plant
any Colonies in New Netherland being drawn up and made public in print in the year 1G30,
by tlie Assembly of the Nineteen of the Incorporated West India Company; Kiliaen van
Renselaerdid, in the same year 1630, purchase from the owners and proprietors, and them paid
for a certain parcel of land, extending up the river South and North oft" from Fort Orange unto
a little besouth of Moeneminnes Castle ; and the land called Semesseeck lying on the East
bank opposite Castle Island, up unto the aforesaid fort. Item, from Petanoch the millstream
North unto Negagonse, in extent about three leagues, with all the timber, appendices and
dependencies thereof. And, accordingly, being entered into possession of said lands, he had
there, at his great cost, established a considerable Colonie and from time to time so improved
it that a village or hamlet was founded there, first called de Finjcic, afterwards BcversivijcJc and
now JVlllcmsladt, whereabouts the aforesaid Fort Orange was formerly built. That said
Rensselaer and afterwards the Petitioners, had also exercised there High, Middle and Low
Jurisdiction, and accordingly appointed the necessary officers and Magistrates and enjoyed all
the PVeedoms, Rights and Privileges which were granted by said Company and you. High and
Mighty, to him Rensselaer and other Patroons of Colonies ; that afterwards, the aforementioned
West India Company's Director had indeed disquieted the Petitioners in the possession of the
aforesaid hamlet or village, leaving in the meanwhile the Petitioners onl)' in the possession of
the remainder of their aforesaid Colonie. But that the Committee having examined the Patent
of Sale and Conveyance, Freedoms and other exhibits, had again now lately declared the
Petitioners to be right owners also of said hamlet or village, and that the disquietude
committed against them by the Director aforesaid, was a violation especially of the sixth
article of the Freedoms, hereinbefore mentioned, and could not take away nor diminish the
Petitioners' right; also, that said Company had no title, action nor pretence to the aforesaid
Colonie, leaving the right of property to the Petitioners ; and, if necessary, so far desisting
therefi-om in their favor in order that they may dispose of said hamlet or village, as they could
or might of their other freely and lawfully acquired property in the above named Colonie,
without reserving any right or claim thereto; that in the year 1664, New Netherland and
consequently the Colonie aforesaid fell and remained in the hands of his Majesty the King of
Great Britain, when the name of Albany was given to the aforesaid Fort Orange which is
situate in the Petitioners' aforesaid Colonie Rensselaerswyck, with said Colonie and other lands
lying thereabout, until they were again recovered by their High Mightinesses' glorious arms.
When at the request of the first Petitioner, Commanders Jacob Iienkes and Cornells Evertsen
the younger provisionally granted to and allowed him the enjoyment of his previous privileges,
on condition that said privileges should not continue any longer than the current year, within
which time he should be bound to obtain new privileges from their High Mightinesses ; all more
fully appearing by the aforesaid Freedoms ; the Patent granted on the 30"" of August, 1630, by
the Director and Council in New Netherland residing on the Island of Manahatta and in Fort
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIV. 561
Amsterdam, the Declaration of the abovenamed Committee of said West India Company of the
2** April, 1674, aclinowledged and executed before a Notary and Witnesses at Amsterdam,
and by the copy of the first Petitioner's request to the aforesaid Commanders Benkes and
Evertsen and the provisional consent thereupon granted the 4"" September, 1673 ; all annexed
to said Petition. And although the Petitioners are now fully restored by the aforesaid
Company, they yet apprehend that the act of the aforesaid Commanders may be an obstacle
insomuch as it also specially provides that the Petitioners shall be bound to request and obtain
new privileges from their High Mightinesses within one current year, or in default thereof, be
deprived of said privileges. Accordingly the Petitioners had already their Petition prepared,
requesting of their High Mightinesses to be confirmed and, so far as necessary, reestablished in
their ancient rights, property and privileges. But whereas by the Treaty of Peace last
concluded with the Royal Majesty of Great Britain, it is agreed that New Netherland shall
come under his said Royal Majesty's obedience, so that the Petitioners are under the necessity
of presenting their supplication to that King. And although the Petitioners do not entertain
any doubt of their again receiving, from the justice of the abovenamed King, possession and
usance of the aforesaid, their rights and privileges, yet the Petitioners assuredly believe that
they will have better and earlier success, were their aforesaid request corroborated with
favorable letters of recommendation from their High Mightinesses to the aforesaid King of
Great Britain, and an order to their High Mightinesses' Ambassador at said Court to second
such recommendation with their efforts and good offices. They therefore humbly requested
their High Mightinesses to be pleased to favor them with the aforesaid letters of recommendation
and order to the aforesaid Ambassadors. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded
that the Petitioner shall be at liberty to apply to the King of Great Britain ; and that their
High Mightinesses' Ambassadors to his Majesty shall be recommended by letter to be aiding
to the Petitioners in the case, and to second them as much as they in any wise possibly can,
80 that they may attain their object.
States-General to tlieir Ambassadors at London.
[ From the Register of Uitgegane Brieven of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague.]
To the Ambassadors Extraordinary to the King of Great Britain.
The States, etc.
Folio 205. Honorable, etc. You can learn from the annexed resolution what the Patroon
and Co-Directors in the Colonic called Rensselaerswyck, situate along the North river, in New
Netherland, have communicated to, and reque'^ted of us. We have referred the Petitioners to
the King of Great Britain and further resolved to request and recommend you hereby to be
aiding unto them in the premises, and to second them in any way you possibly can, so that
they may attain their object. The Hague, 4'*' June, 1674.
Vol. n. 71
562 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Tlte Anihofs-sadors at London to tlie States -General.
[ From tlie Original, in the Royal Archives at the Ilaguc; File, Engeland. ]
High and Mighty Lords.
Our last letter to your Lordships was dated the Hth ultimo. Since its dispatch we have, on
Monday, the i^th following, made our public entry and were received with the customary
ceremonial. Sir Cotterel, Master of the Ceremonies, welcomed us, in the King's name,
at Greenwich and conveyed us thence to the Tower in the Royal barge, followed by divers
others. On our way up the river we were saluted by the Royal yachts, and some
mercliantm(^n lying here and there at anchor; at the Tower stairs we were received in our
barge by my Lord George Bercklay' and by the Lieutenant of the Tower, and conducted to
the King's carriage followed by about -50 others drawn by horses. The Royal standard was
hoisted at the Tower, and whenever the carriages advanced a little way, the Tower guns were
discharged. We were next conducted to the hotel of the Ambassadors Extraordinary, on the
site of the old Palace of Westminster, where we were welcomed on the part of the King by
my Lord Cawendisch,^ eldest son of the Earl of Devonshire, and afterwards by other
gentlemen on the part of the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of York, and in the evening and
up to Thursday noon were most honorably and kindly entertained and treated. On Wednesday
the King and Queen honored us with our first audience. We were conducted from the above
hotel in the King's coach, accompanied by several others, by the Earl of Arran,* second
son of the Duke of Ormond.^ On arriving at Court, we were led to the King's ordinary
' GtoROE, 13th LorJ Beekllev, was born in 1627 nnd succeeJeJ to his fatlier's title in lt)58, his elder brother, Charles,
having been drowneJ in 1641. He was appointed one of the Board of Trade in 16C9; sworn of the Privy Council in 1678;
advanced to the title of Viscount Dursley and to the degree of Earl in 1679; was made Custos Rotulorum of the county of
Gloucester in 1685. On the accession of William and Mary he was continued of the Privy Council, and departed this life on
the 10th October, 1698, aged 71. The title has been in abeyance since 1810. Collim; Debrett.
' William Cavesdisu, son of William, 3d Earl of Devonshire, and Elizabeth, daugtiter of the Earl of Salisbury, was born
25th January, 1640; was elected, in 1661, one of the Members for Derbyshire to what was called the Long Parliament,
and continued to represent that county whilst he lived a Commoner. In 1662 he married Mary, daughter of the Duke of
Oruiond, and in 1665 served as a volunteer in the fleet against the Dutch. In 1679 he was sworn of the Privy Council, but
soon after retired from the Board. He afterwards carried up the articles of impeachment against Chief Justice Scroggs.
He was one of the witnesses in favor of Lord William Russell when t:ied for High Treason, and when his Lordship was
condemned to death offered to change clothes with him in the prison, if it could help him to effect his escape. In 1684 he
succeeded to his father's title, and lived retired at Chatsworth castle. He was among the first to declare in favor of the
Prince of Orange in 1688, and on the accession of William and Mary was again sworn of the Privy Council, appointed Lord
Steward of their Majesties' Household, and elected Knight of the Garter. He accompanied the King to Holland in 1691,
and in 1694 was created Marquis of Hartinston and Duke of Devonshire. During the King's absence his Grace was one of
the Lords Justices of England who administered the government. On the accession of Queen Anne in 1702, he was con-
tinued in his ofBce of Lord Steward and appointed Captain of the yeomen of the guard, and died August 18th, 1707, in
Devonshire House, Piccadilly. In the midst of his weighty duties, the Duke of Devonshire found time to cultivate the muses ;
he was not a poet by genius onl3', but by learning and judgmeijj. Cullins. — Ed.
' Richard Butlcb, second son of James, first Duke of Ormond ( infra ), was advanced to the Peerage of Ireland as Earl
of Arran, in Galway, in 1662, and created a Peer of England, by the title of Baron Butler of Weston, in 1673. He acted
as Deputy-Lieutenant of Ireland in 1682, and performed great service against the mutinous garrison of Carriekfergus. He
also distinguished hinisflf in the celebrated naval engagement against the Dutch in 1673, and died in 1685, leaving no male
issue, consequently all his honors expired. Burke's Extinct Peerage, ed. 1831, p. 102.
'James Bdtler, Marquis of Ormond and Earl of Ossory, in Ireland, K. G., famous for his faithful adherence to Charles
I , was Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland from 1644 to 1647 ; created a Peer of England on the 20th July, 1660, by the titles of
Baron Butler of Lanthony and Earl of Brecknock; the same year, appointed Lord-Steward, and in 1661 was advanced to
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 563
council room, and after a brief" delay, being notified by bis Majesty's Vice-Chamberlain' that
the King was ready to admit us to an audience, we were conducted through iiis Majesty's
guards, drawn up in two rows, to the great Saloon, called the Banquet Hall, and on the steps
were received by the Captain of his Majesty's guards^ and at the door of the aforesaid saloon
by the King's Chamberlain, the Duke of Saint Albans,^ and conducted by him, the Earl of
Arran and the Master of the Ceremonies, with the customary demonstrations of respect, were
introduced to the King and Queen, who at first were seated, and afterwards stood, on a raised
platform at the end of the saloon. Having been most graciously received by their Majesties,
we first congratulated the King and next the Queen on the recently concluded peace and the
reestablishment of the ancient friendship and alliance, enlarging on your High Mightinesses'
sincere and anxious inclination not only to religiously and carefully observe and cultivate them
on their side, but to draw closer and closer the union for the benefit of both nations, with an
abiding hope and an equally humble request that his Majesty will graciously respond to your
High Mightinesses' intention herein. We afterwards, in like manner, presented the compliments
with which his Highness, the Prince of Orange, hath been pleased to charge us on the same
subject; and his Majesty thereupon answered us in most obliging terms, in substance: That
he did not love war, and less with your High Mightinesses than with others ; he was rejoiced
to see peace and friendship reestablished with your High Mightinesses ; he should faithfully
observe them on his side, and doubted not but they would long endure and be safe under so
worthy and sure a pledge and guarantee as his Majesty had in his nephew, the Prince of
Orange, whom, his Majesty said, he loved like a son. We were dismissed with like expressions
of esteem by the Queen, and thereupon, having taken our leave of their Majesties, were next
conducted to the residence of the Duke of York, where we were received with the usual
ceremonies, and obtained a favorable answer to our address, in which his Eoyal Highness
expressed, in most kind terms, his joy at the peace, his good opinion of its long continuance
and particular esteem for the Prince of Orange. We, at the same time, paid in like manner
our respects to her Grace, the Duchess, and were dismissed with a most obliging answer.
On the following day we performed similar duties to the young Princess, the Duke's daughter;
on the same day to Prince Robbert,"' whom we found in the best disposition for the interests
of the public affairs. Meanwhile, we had our arrival and the offers of our service notified to
all the foreign Ministers with whose masters you. High and Mighty, are friends, and have
been daily engaged in receiving their visits and paying ours to such of their Excellencies as
have not as yet followed the King to Windsor, whither his Majesty proceeded last Wednesday,
^nd we are preparing to follow in the beginning of the next week.
the Irish Dukedom of Ormond ; in July, 1662, he was reappointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, which office he filled until
1669, and again from 1617 to 1685. He retained the office of Lord-Steward of the Household until his death, which took
place in 16S8. Jiealson's Political Index, II., 10, 339, 340 ; Burke's Extinct Peerage.
' Hon. Henry Savile was, it is supposed, the eldest son of the Earl of Halifax. [ Supra, p. 623.] He married Esther de la
Tour, daughter of the Marquis of Gouveruet, in France, and died without issue in the lifetime of his father. Burke {supra).
" George Villiers, fourth Viscount Grandison, of Ireland, was third son of Sir Edward V., President of Munster, and
uncle of the Duchess of Cleveland, mistress to Charles II. He died in December, 1699. Collins ; Burke.
* Hesrt Jermtx, second son of SlrTiiom-is, Treasurer to the Household under King Charles I., was Master of the Horse to
the Queen, and elevated to the Peerage by tlie tiUe of Baron Jerinyn, 8th September, 1643. He afterwards accompanied the
Queen to France; was employed abroad in several Embassies by Charles II., by whom he was created Earl (not Duke)
of St Albans in 1660; soon after made Knight of the Garter, and appointed Lord Chamberlain. He died unmarried in
1683, whenthe Earldom became extinct. Barke, — En.
* Hie. Eupert.
564 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
INIr. Secretary Coventry' hath requested, in the King's name, that, in addition to your High
Mightinesses' orders for the evacuation of the places in New Netlierland, a letter may be
forwarded from the Directors of the "West India Company in compliance with your High
Mightinesses' orders. We are well aware that the thing is wholly without the aforesaid
Company's government, and shall take occasion to make it so understood ; but remind your
High Mightinesses, in the meanwhile, whether his Majesty's request should not be gratified,
even at tiie sacrifice of some form. Wherewith, with all respect, High and Mighty Lords,
Your High Mightinesses' Humble and most faithful servants,
(Signed), F. vax Reede,^
C. VAN Beuxixgen,^
Westminster, £;^';^; 1674. W. v. Hare\.<
Resolution of the States -General.
\ From the Register of EcBOlulions of the States-General, in the Eoyal Archives at the Hague.]
Tuesday, S"" June, 1674.
Folio 742. Received a letter from Mess" van Reede, van Beuningen and van Haren, their
E.^'ira.''''" '" High Mightinesses' Ambassadors Extraordinary to the King of Great Britain,
' Henry Covestet, tliinl son of Thomas, first Lord Coventry, was born in 1618, and had his ediica'ion in All-Souls College,
O.\ford, where he was created botli Master of Arts and Bachelor of Law. lie afterwards suffered greatly for his loyalty,
during the Rebellion; so that, soon after the restoration of King Charles II, he was made one of the Grooms of hia
Bedchamber, and, on the 4th of September, 1664, sent Envoy Extraordinary to .Sweden, where he continued near two years,
arriving at Whitehall, 21st June, 16116. The year following, he and Densil Lord Hollis were sent Ambassadors Extraordinary
to Breda, where they concluded a peace with France, Denmark and the States-General. In the year 1671 he went again
Ambassador to Sweden, and on his return from thence was, on the 3d of July, the year following, constituted one of his
Majesty's principal Secretaries of Slate, and sworn of the Privy Council, in wliich eminent office he behaved himself with
much honor and integrity ; but, declining in his lieallh, througli the necessary fatigue of that employment, he resigned his office,
of which this public notice was given in the Gazette, N. 4185: " Whitehall, February 11th, 1679. His Majesty was thisafternooa
pleased to declare in Council that Mr. Secretary Coventry haslong solicited him, on account ofhis infirmity of body, for bis leave
to resign his place of one ofhis principal Secretaries of State; that his Majesty had at last been prevailed upon to grant it,
though with some unwillingness, because of the great satisfaction his Majesty had alwa3's had in his services, and that hia
intention was, he should ever continue of his Privy Council " After this he never accepted of any public employment, but
lived retired to hia death, which was at his liouse in the Haymarket, near Charing-Cross, in Westminster, on the 7tU of
December, 1086, in the si.xtyeighth year of his age, and unmarried. Collins' Peerage, III., 189.
' Supra, p. 645. ' Supra, p. 350.
' William van Haeen, Lord of the Manor of the Beldt, was born on the 17th October, 1626, at Leeuwarden, in Fricsland,
where his father was Master of the Horse to William Louis, of Nassau, the Stadtholder. Having completed his studies at
Franeker, Utrecht and Leyden, he made the grand tour, and returned home in 1649. He was soon after sent Deputy to the
States of Fricsland, and next to the Hague. In 1659 he went Envoy to Denmark, to prevail on the Northern Powers to
conclude a peace with each other, in which embassy he met with much success. After filling various other public offices, he
was sent, in 1671, Ambassador to Sweden, and in 1673 was one of the Commissioners employed in concluding a treatj- of peace at
Cologne. In the latter year he returned to Sweden, and was scarcely come back to Holland when he was ordered to proceed
to EiigluHd in May, 1674, to assist in strengthening the relations of amity between that country and the United Netherlands.
The knowledge and zeal he displayed at Cologne caused him to be sent to Nieuwegen in 1676, and again to be chosen one of
the Ambassadors to negotiate the Peace of Ryswyck in 1697. On the oeceasion of Queen Anne to the throne of England
in 1702, M. van Haren was deputed to felicitate her on the part of the States-General, and to renew the public treaties with
Grent Britain, and on his return home was appointed Treasurer of his native Province, and held that office until his death,
which took place in the year 1708. JCok, XIX., 27 ; XX., 435. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIV. 565
Evacuation of New written at Westminster the first instant, stating among other things that Secretary
Neuieriand. Coventrj had requested in the name of the King of Great Britain, that with their
High Mightinesses' order for the evacuation of the places in New Netherland, a letter may-
be forwarded from the Directors of the West India Company, in support of their High
Mightinesses' orders. Which being considered and deliberated on, although the aforesaid
matter of New Netherland is wholly beyond the control of the Directors of said West India
Company, and therefore such letter of the Directors is wholly unnecessary, yet to comply
with the wishes of the King of Great Britain herein, it is resolved and concluded, that the
Directors of the abovenamed West India Company at the Presiding Chamber at Amsterdam
shall be written to, that they instruct the Governor of New Netherland by letter to vacate that
country, agreeably to the orders previously issued by their High Mightinesses, and that the
Directors cause the aforesaid letter to be transmitted by the earliest opportunity to their
High Mightinesses, to the end that they, the sooner the better, may forward it to their High
Mightinesses' Ambassadors at the Court of the King of Great Britain, who are besides to be
informed by letter, that the aforesaid case of New Netherland concerns in no wise the Directors
of the West India Company, and that consequently the aforesaid letter is of no value and
wholly unnecessary. That their High Mightinesses however, in order as much as possible to
gratify the King of Great Britain in all things, had caused the said letter of the Directors of
the West India Company to be dispatched and sent to the said Ambassadors, to be handed by
them to Mr. Secretary Coventry, in case he should adhere, after this information, to his request.
i ■ ♦ «■ fc
States-General to the Chamber at Amsterdam.
I From the Register of Uilgegane Brieven of the Slates-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hagae. ]
The States, &c.
Folio 206. Honorable, &c. We have received a letter from the Ambassadors Extraordinary
places^ "in " New of this State to the King of Great Britain, dated the first instant, relating among
Netherland. . r i i /^ tvt ivt i i i i i
other things to the evacuation of the places of New Netherland, and have
thereupon adopted the resolution hereunto annexed, which we send you, requesting and
requiring you to regulate yourselves accordingly in so far as it concerns you, and therefore to
transmit us as speedily as possible the required letter more fully set forth therein.
In the Hague, the o"" June, 1674.
Resolution of the States -General.
I From the Register of the Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal ArchlTes at the Hague. ]
Monday, ll" June, 1674.
Folio ra After previous deliberation it is resolved and concluded that their High
vl^yaoJeVthe pco- Mightinesscs' Ambassadors Extraordinary to the King of Great Britain shall be
Netherland. notified that the Amsterdam Board of Admiralty hath prepared a ship to bring
566 NEW-YORK COLONIAL ^L!lNUSCRIPTS.
away and convey to this country the State's people who are in New Netherland. And whereas
the said Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam does not know to what person New Netherland
will be restored for the King of Great Britain, nor whether said person is to be found there,
that therefore, said Ambassadors shall communicate what precedes to his Majesty, with
request that he will at the earliest moment inform their High Mightinesses who the person is
to whom restitution shall have to be made in his Majesty's name, and where the person is to
be met and found. Without reconsideration.
Cliamher at Amsterdam to tlie States -General.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague ; File, West IndiK. ]
High and Mighty Lords.
In compliance with your High Mightinesses' most esteemed letter and resolution, dated
the S"" instant, we transmit herewith, to serve as your High Mightinesses will find proper, the
requested letter to the Governor of New Netherland, on the behalf of this State, whereby
the Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company order and direct him, agreeably
to your High Mightinesses' heretofore given orders, to vacate and move out of the aforesaid
Conquest and places lying under his Government there.
Wherewith, High and Mighty Lords, we shall pray Almighty God, that He would be pleased
to take your High Mightinesses' persons and government into His holy keeping; remaining your
High Mightinesses' humble and obedient servants, the Directors of the General Incorporated
West India Company, at the Presiding Chamber in Amsterdam.
(Signed), Dirck Spiegel,
Amsterdam, Id"" June, 1674. P. Schaep.
To the High and Mighty Lords, States-General of the United Netherlands.
Hesolution of ilie States-General.
[ From the Register of Resolutions of the States-General, iu the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Friday, l-S"- June, 1674.
Folio 776. Received a letter from the Directors of the General Incorporated West India
"West India Com-
pany.
Letter to the Gov-
pany. Company Chamber at Amsterdam, written there the fourteenth instant, and with
ernor of Now ^'^' '" compHancc with thclr High Mightinesses' resolution of the fifth of this
Netherland. month, 3 letter to the Governor of New Netherland on the part of this State.
Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid letter shall be sent to
their High Mightinesses' Ambassadors Extraordinary in England, to deliver the same where
it belongs.
HOLLAND DOCL'MENTS : XIV. 567
States -General to their AniLa-ssadors at London.
[ From the Eegister of Jjiigegane Brieren of tlie States-General, in the Royal ArcMvea at the Ha^e. ]
Thb States, &c.
Folio 516. Honorable, &c. You will find inclosed the letter written by the Directors of
Neir NeOieriand. jj^g General Incorporated West India Company at the Presiding Chamber at
Amsterdam, to the States' Governor in New Netherland, which, with a a copy thereof, we
transmit you, to be delivered where it belongs, and further to serve for your information.
The Hague, lo"- June, 1674.
TIce Amhassadoi'S at London to the States -General.
[ From the Original, in the Eoyal Archives at the Hague; File, En§dand. ]
High and Mighty Lords.
After dispatching our last letter of the ^i instant, we received at once your High Mightinesses'
four letters and resolutions of the 9"" and 11'*' previous; the first containing your orders to
ascertain who is authorized by the King to receive New Netherland from the hands of your
High Mightinesses' Commander there, and the other instructing us to promote as much as
possible the payment of the creditors of the Queen of Bohemia and of the Princess Royal.
On the first, we have spoken with Lord Arlington,' who hath promised to have the requisite
information transmitted to us, which if done before the departure of the now closing mail, will
be forwarded to your High Mightinesses.
As regards the payment of the abovementioned creditors, the fruitless efibrts made up to this
time in their favor seem to demonstrate the slender or hopeless prospect of their finding their
pay here, especially since, through want of money, many of the inhabitants of the Kingdom
are equally unfortunate, and that therefore the little hope which might remain to those good
people only seems to be founded on the two millions their High Mightinesses are bound to pay
this King. But inasmuch as this cannot suffice to satisfy both the Prince of Orange's debt and
the aforesaid creditors if all the pay were not reserved for that purpose, and we,, at the
same time, observe by the printed minutes sent us, that your High Mightinesses, on
application of the Ministers of this King, warn the States of the respective Provinces to pay in
the first installment of the aforesaid two millions, without making any mention of appropriating
this to any other purpose than the payment of his Majesty. So, we do not see much chance of
accomplishing anything effectual for the aforesaid creditors, unless (which we trust is not your
High Mightinesses' intention) by the postponement of the expected assignment of the aforesaid
debt of his Highness to the other instaUments. And although we are duly mindful of what is
committed to us by our instructions, to make use, in good season, of the argument of induction,
to induce his Majesty to assign his Highness' debt and that of the aforesaid creditors on the
first and future installments of the two millions, yet we clearly perceive, from what M. Van de
' Supra, 346, noie. — Ed.
568 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Lier' formerly experienced thereupon, and from the answer given him — that the King could
not admit of any further assignment in regard to the first installment than has already been
made — that there is no prospect of obtaining anything here. And especially not, if your
High Mightinesses, for reasons, continue to evince a disposition to allow the aforesaid first
installment to go without making any remark on your subjects' debts; unless indeed the King,
of his own free will, assign these thereon.
And we shall, therefore, take the liberty respectfully to remind your High Mightinesses of
what you ought further to resolve in order immediately to accomplish your good intentions in
favor of the aforesaid creditors.
M. Van Swerin, Ambassador Extraordinary of the Electoral Prince of Brandenburgh, who
arrived here on the day before yesterday, had his first audience yesterday fixed by the King.
Wherewith ending. High and Mighty Lords, we shall pray God Almighty to be pleased to
bless more and more your High Mightinesses' deliberations and wholesome designs, and remain.
Your High Mightinesses'
Obedient and faithful servants,
(Signed), F. van Reede,
At Soudlay Country Seat, C. van Beuni.vgen,
near Windsor, the i% June, 1674. W. v. Harex.
Folio S18.
Amhaflpadors
He-soluiion of the States -General.
[ From tbo Rogister of Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal Arcbives at the Hague. J
Monday, 25"" June, 1674.
Received a letter from Mess" Van Reede, Van Beuningen and Van Haren,
ijngiand. theif High Mightinesses' Ambassadors Extraordinary, near the King of Great
Britain, written at Sutley country seat, near Windsor, the vy instant, in answer to their High
Mightinesses' respective letters and resolutions of the ninth and eleventh previous, the first,
directing an inquiry as to who was authorized by the King of Great Britain to receive New
Netherland from their High Mightinesses' Commander there ; and the other, to obtain
payment for the Queen of Bohemia and the Princess Royal. Which being considered, it is
resolved and concluded that copy of the aforesaid letter be placed in the hands of Grand
Pensionary Fagel* and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for Foreign affairs, to
inspect, examine and report on the whole to the Assembly.
^ Supra, Y. 545. ' Swpra, p. 529. — Ed.
MINUTES OF COUNCIL
ADMINISTRATIONS
COMMAIJDEES
EYEETSEIT Ao BENOKES
ANTHONY COLVE,
GOVERNOR
NEW NETHEBLAND.
1673 AND 1674
The " Resolution-book, No. 34," in Holland Documents, XIII., 1G7, being imperfect and incomplete, has been laid aside,
ar.d, in its stead, the following Minutes of Council are translated from the Original Dutch Record in Kcui-York Colonial
Manuscripts, XXIII., in the Office of the Secretary of State, Albany, New -York. — Ed.
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF NEW NETIIERLAND, 1673, 1674.
At a Meeting of the Honorable Commanders Cornelis Evertse and Jacob Benckes and their
adjoined Council of War, in the City Hall of the City of New Orange, this IS"" of
August, New Style, A" 1673.
Present — Commander Corn Evertse,
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Capt" Anthony Colve,
Capt" Nicolaes Boes,
Capt" Abram v. Zyll.
John Baker, Jacob Melyn, John Ogden, cum sochs, Deputies from the village of
Elizabethtown, Niew-worke, Woodbridge and Piscatteway, situate in the Province heretofore
called New Yarsey, praying, by petition, that they may be allowed to send some Delegates
from their said villages to treat with the Admirals and associate Council of war respecting the
surrender of their towns under the obedience of their High Mightinesses, the Lords States of
the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange, and that no audience
be granted to their late Governor, Capt. John Berry, before and until the same be granted to
the said Delegates, &c.
Ordered. The Petitioners, namely the inhabitants of the villages of Elizabels Towne
Nieworke, Woodbridge and Piscattaway, are hereby allowed to send their Delegates hither on
next Tuesday morning, to treat with us.
Dated at the City Hall of the City of New Orange, this IS"" August, 1673.
(Signed), Cornelis Evertse, Jun'.,
Jacob Benckes.
By their order. (Signed), N. Bayard, Secref^.
It is furthermore resolved by the Admirals and Council of War, and the following Order
is dispatched to the three remaining villages situate in said Province of New Yarsey:
To thelnhabitantsof the Village of Bergen, and the Hamlets and Bouweries thereon depending:
You are hereby ordered and instructed to dispatch Delegates from your village here to
us, to treat with us on next Tuesday, respecting the surrender of your town to the obedience
of their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, his Serene
Highness the Prince of Orange, or on refusal so to do, we shall be obliged to constrain yon
thereunto by force of arms.
Dated at the City Hall of the City of New Orange, the 12"" of August, Anno 1673.
(Signed), Cornelis Evertse, Junior,
Jacob Benckes.
By their order. ( Signed ), N. Bayard, Secref.
572 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
The Inhabitants of Middeltowne and Shrousbury, are hereby charged and requiered to send
their deputys unto us on tuesday morning next, for to treate w"" us uppon articles of
surrendring their said townes under the obedience of the High and Mighty Lords, the States-
Gennerall of the united Provinces, & his serene Highnesse the Prince of Orange, or by
refusall wee shall be necessitaded to subdue the said places thereunto by force of arraes.
Dated at New Orange, this 12"' of August, A" 1673.
(Signed), Cornelis Evertse,' Jun'.,
Jacob Benckes.
The Magistrates and Municipal Officers of this city being summoned to the Council, they
were released by the Admirals and Council of War from their Oath taken to the English
government, and further recommended to do their duty so that no disorder may be committed
in the place, until the government and Magistrates of this City shall be appointed by the
Admirals and Council of War.
Dated as above.
At a Meeting of the Hon'''* Council of War of New Netherland, holden in Fort Willem
Hendrik, the 13"> of August, A" 1673.
Present — Commander Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Captain Anthony Colve,
Captain Nicolaes Boes,
Captain Abram Ferdinandus van Zyll.
Tiie Commanders and Council of War have summoned the underwritten Towns and
ordered them to submit to their High Mightinesses, ihe Lords States-General of the United
Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, etc., and to send hither
immediately their Deputies together with their Constables' staves and English flags, when
' Cornelis Evertsen was Uio oldest son of the renowned Admiral Cornelis Evertsen, who was killed in the fight against
the English, lllh June, 1606. Being a Captain in the navy, on the death of his father, the States of Zealand recommended
that he be put in command of a ship-of-war, and on the 15th December, 1672, he was promoted to the rank of Commander
of a squadron of fifteen ships of the line, with which he proeeeded to the West Indies, where he captured seven, and
burned five, vessels, and obtained considerable booty. He afterwards destroyed sixty-five French Newfoundland tradersi
and sailed to Martinico, where ho met Captain Jacob Benckes in command of four men-of-war. Having joined forces
they visited all the English and French islands and took a ship bound to Giilway. After inflicting much damage on the enemy,
in those islands, he sailed in 1G73 to New-York, then in possession of the English, which he reduced, and changed the name
of the country to New Netherland, and of the city to New Orange. By this time he had with him about twenty English
prizes, captured in the Virginias and elsewhere, and many prisoners. In December, 1673, he returned to Cadiz, after
destroying more than eighty English and French ships, and capturing New-York and St Eustatiua. In 1675 he was
appointed Rear-Admirnl; in 1679 Vice- Admiral, and, in 168S, Admiral, in which last capacity he commanded a squadron
which accompanied William III. to England. On 30th June, 1690, he engaged the French fleet off Beachy Head, but,
through the treachery of Admiral Torrington, who commanded the English portion of the allied fleet, he was forced to
retreat to Rye bay. Torrington was committed to the Tower, and the Dutch Admiral received the thanks of the King.
After a life of great activity, in which he covered himself with glory, Admiral Evertsen died in November, 1706, and was
baried at Middelburgh in St. Peter's Church. Kok, XIV., 664. — Ed.
VOLUME XXIII. 573
they would, as circumstances permit, be furnished with Prince's flags instead of those of the
English. This summons is sent to the following Towns :
Situate on Long Island,
Flushing, Southampton,
Heemstede, Seatalcot,
Rustdorp or Jamaica, Huntington,
Middelborg or Newtown, Easthampton,
Oysterbay, Southold.
Situate on the Mainland :
Oostdorp or Westchester and its adjoining hamlet, called East Chester.
Note. — The remaining Towns on Long Island had previously sent their Deputies hither
and submitted themselves, viz.:
Midwout, Utreght,
Amersfoort, Boswyck,
Breuckelen, Gravesend.
Also the inhabitants of Staten Island ; all which were at the same time ordered to cause
their inhabitants to nominate three persons for Schout, three for Secretary and six for Schepens,
and to present them on the first opportunity to the Council, when a selection from them shall
be made.
The following is in like manner this day sent to Mr. Steenwyck:
No. 1. Mr. Steenwyck will please observe that orders be issued to call the Burghers together
to commission some, be they four or six, from their midst in order if possible to speak with us
to-morrow afternoon at the City Hall. Whereupon relying we remain,
(Signed), Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Jacob Benckes.
Fort Willem Hendrik, IS"" August, A" 1673.
This 14"" August, 1673: The following answer was delivered by Deputies from the
Commonalty of the city of New Orange, to the Commanders and Council of War.
No. 2. The Commonalty of the city of New Orange being convoked at the City Hall, and
it being proposed to them by order of the Hon"" Commanders and adjoined Council of War of
the fleet to elect persons from the Commonalty to confer with said Commanders and Council
of War, they have, accordingly, by plurality of votes, elected Mr. Cornelis Steenwyck, Mr.
Cornelis van Ruyven, Mr. Johannes van Brugh, Mr. Johannes de Peyster, Captain Marten
Cregier, and Secretary Nicolas Bayard.
Dated at New Orange, this 14"' of August, 1673.
By order.
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secre*'.
574 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
At a Meeting of the Hon'''* Council of War of New Netiierland, holden on the la"" of August,
A" 1G73.
Present — Commander Jacob Benkes,
Commander Cornells Evertsen, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve,
Captain Nicohies Boes,
Captain Abram Ferdinandus van Zyll.
The abovenamed Deputies being called before the Council, were handed the following order :
The Deputies from the Commonalty of the city of New Orange, being sent for by the
Commanders and adjoined Council of War of the fleet, they are recommended to convoke
the Commonalty of this city, without delay, here in the City Hall, and to cause them to nominate
six persons for Burgomasters and fifteen for Schepens, to wit : from the wealthiest inhabitants and
those only who are of the Reformed Christian Religion ; from whom said Commanders
and Council of War will select some as Magistrates of this city.
Dated at the City Hall of the city of New Orange, this IS"- August, 1673.
( Signed ), Cornelis Evertsen, Junior, Jacob Bexckes.
A. Colve, Nicolaes Boes,
A. F. VAN Zyi.l.
This IG"" August, 1G73 : Pursuant to the order aforesaid, the Commonalty of the city of
New Orange have, by plurality of votes, nominated, and delivered in by Deputies to the Council,
For Burgomasters :
Cornelis Steenwyck, Marten Cregier,
Cornelis van Ruyven, Johannes de Pyster,
Johannes van Brugh, Nicolaes Bayard.
For Schryens :
Jeronimus Ebbinck, Francois Rombouts,
Willem Beeckman, Stevanus van Corllant,
Egidius Luyck, Adolf Pietersse,
Jacob Kip, Rynier Willemse,
Gelyn Verplanck, Pieter Jacobse,
Lourens van der Spiegel, Jan Vinges,
Balthazaer Bayard, Peter Stoutenburgh,
Coenraet ten Eyck :
Which abovenamed persons being called before the Council, they took the oath of allegiance,
from which nomination the Commanders and Council of War elected the Magistrates, who
have subscribed the following oath, whereupon it was ordered to make the subjoined
Proclamation to-morrow.
The Oath.
We, the Schout, Burgomasters, Schepens and Secretary of the city of New Orange, qualified
by the Hon'"'' Council of War, do promise and swear, in the presence of Almighty God, that
we, each in his quality, will, according to the best of our knowledge and without passion,
VOLUME XXIII. 575
administer good law and justice between parties in cases brought before us; that we will
promote the welfare of this city and its inhabitants; in all things defend the upright and true
Christian Religion agreeably to the Word of God and the order of the Synod of Dordrecht
taught in the Netherland church ; in all circumstances obey, maintain and help to maintain
the Supreme governmant placed, or hereafter yet to be appointed, over us in the name of their
High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Highness of
Orange, and prevent, as far as in our power lies, everything that may conflict with it. So
truly help us God.
Proclamation altering the Form of Government in the City of New Orange.
The Commanders and Hon*"'* Council of War in the service of their High Mightinesses the
Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness, the Prince of
Orange, &c., Greeting:
Whereas We have deemed it necessary, for the advantage and prosperity of our city, New
Orange, recently restored to the obedience of the said High and Mighty Lords States-General
of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness, the Lord Prince of Orange, to reduce the
form of government of this city to its previous character of Schout, Burgomasters and
Schepens, which exists in all the cities of our Fatherland, to the end that justice may be
maintained and administered to all good inhabitants without respect or regard of persons ;
Therefore We, by virtue of our commission, in the name and on behalf of the High and
Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness, the Lord
Prince of Orange, have elected from the nomination exhibited by those in office, as Regents of
this city for the term of one current year,
Schout, Anthony de Milt.
Burgomasters :
Johannes van Brugh, Johannes de Peyster,
Egedius Luyck.
Schepens :
Willem Beeckman, Jacob Kip,
Jeronimus Ebbing, Lourens van der Splegell,
Gelyn Verplanck.
Which abovenamed Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens are hereby authorized and empowered
lo govern the inhabitants of this city, both burghers and strangers, conformably to the laws
and statutes of our Fatherland, and make therein such orders as they shall find advantageous and
proper to this city and its inhabitants. And the inhabitants of this city are well and strictly
ordered and enjoined to respect and honor the abovenamed Regents in their respective qualities,
as all loyal and faithful subjects are bound to do.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 17"' August, 1673.
(Signed), Jacob Benches, Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Published this 18"" of Nicolaas Boes, A. Colve,
August, 1673. A. F. van Zyll.
( Signed ), N. Bayard Sec''.
576 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
At the Meeting of the Hoa'''^ Council of War, holden in Fort Wiliem Hendrick, on the IS""
of August, Anno 1673,
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornells Evertsen, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve,
Captain Nicolaes Boes,
Captain A. F. van Zyll.
The following Order was made :
On the petition of the inhabitants of the respective towns, viz.; Elizabets Towne, New-
Worke and Piscattaway, situated at Achtcr Coll.^
The Commanders and Hon''''' Council of War having considered and read the Petition of the
inhabitants of tlie villages of Elizabets Towne, New-Worke and Piscattaway, have ordered
thereupon that all the inhabitants of those towns shall be granted the same Privileges and
Freedoms as will be accorded to native born subjects and Dutch towns ; also the Petitioners
and their heirs shall unmolested enjoy and possess their lawfully purchased and paid for lands,
which shall afterwards be confirmed to them by the Governor in due form ; in regard to the
bounds of each town, they shall hereafter be fixed by the Governor and Council ; in respect to
impressment, none of the English nation shall, in time of war with his Majesty of England,
be impressed against their own nation on condition that they comport themselves quietly and
peaceably, but their ships and boats shall be subject thereto. Concerning inheritance, they
shall have to regulate themselves according to the laws of Netherland, but be at liberty to
dispose of their property by will, according to their pleasure ; and in case any wish to depart
from this government with their property, tliey shall be at liberty so to do within the term of
six months on condition of previously paying their debts, and obtaining proper passport from
the Governor. Furthermore, no person shall be suffered to settle within this government
without the Governor's previous approbation ; and finally, the Petitioners are granted and
accorded Freedom of conscience as the same is permitted in the Netherlands.
Further, the Deputies from the towns of Woodbridge, Schrousbury and Middeltowne situate
at Achtcr Coll, coming into court, the above privileges were, at their verbal request, in like
manner granted and allowed to their towns; but all subject to further orders from their High
Mightinesses and his Serene Highness of Orange.
Captain John Berry, ^ William Sandfort, Samuell Edsall and Lourens Andriessen, appearing
before the Council request that they and their plantations may be confirmed in the privileges
which they obtained from their previous Patroons, and furthermore possess unobstructed their
houses, lands and goods, and enjoy such further privileges as are granted and accorded to all
other the inhabitants of Achlcr Cull, lately called New Jarsey.
' New Jersey.
' JouN Bekiit removeJ, it is supposed, from Connecticut to Xew Jersey in 1669, when lie and his associates obtained a grant
of land near Newark, and he was appointed a Magistrate of the Court of Bergen and Deputy Governor of the Province in
July, 1672, on the departure of Governor Carteret for England. Re administered the Government until the arrival of th«
Dutch in 1673. After the return of Gov. Carteret in 1C74, he was appointed one of the Council, and so continued under the
various administrations until 1092, when his name is omitted, jirobably in consequence of his previous death. White/lead. — Ed.
VOLUME XXIII. 577
Ordered thereupon :
The Petitioners shall enjoy their lawfully acquired houses, lands and goods, together with
such privileges as are granted and accorded to their neighboring towns of Achter Coll. What
regards the privileges obtained from their previous Patroons, the same is denied the Petitioners.
From the submitted nomination of the Delegates from the respective towns, Midwout,
Bruekelen, Amersfort, Utrecht, Boswyck and Gravesend, the Hon'''* Council of War have
selected as Magistrates of said towns:
As Schout, Jacob Strycker.
As Secretary,.. fTrancis De Bruyn.
And as Schepens of the respective towns, as followeth :
As Schepeyis of the town of Midwout :
Hendrik Jorissen, Auke Jans,
Jan Strycker, Pieter Lolt.
As Schepens of the town of Bruekelen :
Theunis Gysbertse Bogaert, Thomas Lammertse,
Frederik Lubbertse, Rem Jansen.
As Schepens of the town of Amesfort :
Elbert Elbertse, Roelof Martensen,
Abram Jorissen, Koert Stevensse.
As Sche^jens of the town oj Ulrcght :
Thomas Jansen, Jan Thomassen,
Hendrik Mattyssen, Jan van Deventer.
As Schepens of the town of Boswijk :
Hendrik Barentse Smit, Volckert Dirckse,
Gysbert Theunissen, Jan Cornelissen de Zeew (the Zealander).
As Schepens of the town of Gravesend :
Samuel Spicer, John Emans,
Richard Stilwill, Barn Urin.
All the aforesaid, Schout, Secretary and respective Schepens are required to come at the earliest
opportunity and take the oath of allegiance, which being done, all the inhabitants of those
towns and their dependencies are ordered and charged them to acknowledge and obey as such,
as faithful subjects are bound to do; whereof certificates in due form have been sent to each
of the above named towns.
The Hon""'^ Council of War resolved this day to seize all the goods and effects belonging to
the Kings of England and France or their subjects; to which end the following Proclamation
is ordered to be published and affixed.
Vol. H. 73
578 NEW- YORK COLONIAL IMANUSCRIPTS :
Whereas their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, and
his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, have by their declarations to the whole world
published and made known the injustice of the War, begun and waged against them by the
Kings of France and England; and that moreover their subjects and vassals continue and
proceed to injure, spoil, damage and all possible loss and obstruction to inflict on the good
inhabitants of their said High Mightinesses and the Lord Prince of Orange, for which sufiered
damages and injuries their High Mightinesses and his Highness the Prince of Orange iiave most
urgently caused their Ambassador to demand reparation and satisfaction, but fruitlessly and in
vain. Therefore have we deemed it necessary, and find ourselves by virtue of our commission
obliged to put under arrest and seizure, all such houses, lands, goods and effects together with
outstanding debts, as are at present remaining and belonging within this our government to the
Kings of France and England or tiieir subjects, all which said houses, land, goods and effects
together with outstanding debts belonging to the Kings of France or England or their subjects
as aforesaid, we, in the name and on the behalf of their High Mightinesses the Lords
States-General of the United Netherlands and iiis Highness the Prince of Orange, do hereby
seize and arrest; and to the end that no man may pretend ignorance hereof, we do hereby
most strictly order and charge all our subjects in whose lands or under whose care any of said
houses, lands, goods and effects together with outstanding debts may be remaining, to
surrender and in writing make known the same within the space of ten days after the
publication hereof, to our Secretary Nicolaes Bayard, under the penalty of double tlie value of
the goods which contrary to this order and edict shall hereafter be found in their hands and
keeping, to be applied, one-half to the informer and the other half to the government, and in
addition to be banished out of this Province.
And whereas it has come to our knowledge, that Mr. Thomas de Laual hath, contrary to
the capitulation for the surrender of the country, appropriated to himself a lot of negroes and
other of the Incorporated West India Company's effects, also the revenue from the tapsters'
excise on wine and beer, without paying the debts which according to the capitulation were
to be discharged therefrom: We have, therefore, deemed it necessary also to attach his
property real and personal which can be found here, until we shall receive satisfaction in the
premises, or reasons be adduced why those debts have not been paid. And all and every who
may have on hand any property belonging to the aforesaid de Lauall, or know where any
of it is concealed, are required to make the same known to us, on pain and fine as
abovementioned, and each and every are hereby warned and admonished against damages.
Dated Fort Willem Heudrik, this IS"" of August, A" 1673.
( Signed ), Jacob Benckes,
CORNELIS E%'ERTSEN, JuniOf.
From the nomination of the inhabitants of the town of Bergen and dependencies are this
day elected :
As Schout and Stcrctanj, Claes Arenlse.
As Schcpcns:
Gerrit Gerrits, Elias Michielse,
Thomas Frederiks, Peter Marcelissen,
Cornells Abramse :
Whereof a certificate is sent them, and it is further recommended them to come here and
be sworn in.
VOLUME XXIII. 579
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon"* Council of War of New Netherland, liolden
in Fort William Hendrik, on Saturday, lO"" of August, A" 1G73.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornells Evertsen, Junior,
Captain A. Colve.
The Deputies from the Towns of Elisabets Towne, Neu worke, Woodbridge, Piscattaway,
Middeltowne and Schrousbury appearing, are ordered to call together the inhabitants of their
respective Towns, and to have them nominate by plurality of votes, a double number for
Schepens or Magistrates of said Towns; also from each Town to elect two Deputies, who
shall meet together as one Board, and then nominate, by the greater number of votes, three
persons for Schout and three for Secretary, over the said six Towns, to which end the following
Order is sent to each of them :
The Comraand"-in-Chiefe and Councell of warr in fort William Hendrik.
Do herebij order & strictlij require the Inhabitants of Elizabeth Towne to call a Townes
Meeting, and by a generall vote to nominate six persons for magestraets of their said towne,
as alsoo to appoint twoo deputys who are to meete with the rest of tiie fijve neighbouring
townes, to wit : New worke, Woodbridge, Piscattawaij, Middletowne & Shrousburrij, wich
said deputys shall be authorized to nominate three persons for Schout and three for Secretarijs,
out of wich said nominated persons bij us shall be ellected for each towne three magestrates,
and for the s'* six Townes in generall, one for Schout & one for Secretary, and the said
Inhabitants & deputys are herebij requiered to make a true returne thereof unto us within the
space of six daijes next ensuing. Dated at forte Willem Hendrik the 19 of August, A" 1G73.
( : Signed : ) Jacob Benckes,^
CoRNELis Everts, Junior.
■ Jacob Benckes, after the reductioa of New-York, returned to Europe, and obtained considerable reputation in the war
between France and Holland, in which he commanded a squadron of thirteen ships. With these he set sail on the 16th of
March, 1616, against the French possessions in the West Indies, and arrived before the Island of Cayenne on the 4th of May ;
attacked the place with great fury, and reduced it in a short time, after which he captured St. Martins, and proceeded to
the Island of Tobago, then in the possession of the Dutch, whither he was followed in February, 1677, bj Count d'Estrees, the
French Admiral, who demanded the surrender of the fort. This being refused, the place was stormed and the Dutch fleet
attacked. After an engagement which lasted from the break of day until night, the French were obliged to retire with con-
siderable loss, leaving the victory to the Dutch, and M. d'Estrees returned to France whence he was again dispatched in
October and arrived in December following, with sixteen sail of the line, before Tobago. Here he landed 1,500 men with
Suitable artillery and summoned Commander Benckes, who refused to surrender. The place was soon after invested and the
cannonading began on both sides. Towards noon Commander Benckes, Captain de Montigny of the Marines and other
officers were about sitting down to dinner. Unfortunately the dining room was directly over the magazine or store where
the ammunition was kept Along the pathway leading from this store to the battery much powder was strewed by those
supplying the gunners, and one of the enemy's fireballs falling in this path set the train on iire, and in a moment the
magazine exploded, instantly killing Viee-Admiral Benckes and most of his officers. Kok, VI., 562 ; History of the Buccaniers,
8d edition, London, 8vo., 1704, pp 177-180. Thus perished, on the 12th December, 1677, in the height of a brilliant
career, this brave seaman who identified himself with our history, by the reduction of New-Tork, thus vindicating the honor
of Fatherland. — Ed.
580 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon''''' Council of War of New Netherland, holden
in Fort Willem Hendrik, 21" August, 1673.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve.
The newly chosen Schout, Secretary and Schepens of the Towns of Midwout, Breukelen,
Amesfort, Utreght, Boswyck and Gravesend, appear before the Council to take the oath of
allegiance, which they have subscribed in form as hereinbefore taken by Burgomasters and
Schepens.
The Schout and Magistrates of the Town of Bergen in like manner appearing, have also taken
the oath in form as aforesaid, and are further told that tiie Commanders shall visit their Town
on Sunday after the Sermon, in order to administer the oath of allegiance to all their people.
On the petition of the Schout of the Town of Bergen he is permitted and allowed by the
Hon'"'^ Council of War henceforth to fill and execute the office of auctioneer.
James Grover making known that he hath in hands on Staten Island a Water Mill belonging
to Mr. Lovelace,' on which work he has, he says, received 10 pounds sterling, requests order
what further is to be done. Whereupon he is allowed to proceed with the work according
to contract.
It is this day resolved by the Council of War to demand an account and balance from Mr.
Cornelis van Iluyven, late Receiver of the Duke of York's revenues in this country.
The Deputies from Oostdurp, alias West Chester and the dependency called East Chester,
delivering to the Council their credentials, offering further to suiimit themselves to their High
Mightinesses and his Highness of Orange, are ordered to cause their inhabitants to nominate
by plurality of votes and to present here on the earliest opportunity, a double number to be
Magistrates of their towns, from which three shall be elected by us as Magistrates, to wit:
two for the Town of West Chester and one for East Chester, who shall have power to decide
all suits in his town to the value of 30 shillings English ; suits of a greater value shall have to
be determined by the entire Board in the Town of West Chester aforesaid.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon"*'' Council of War, holden in Fort Willem
Hendrik, Tuesday the 2i!'' August, A" 1G73.
Present — Commander Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Captain Anthony Colve.
The Deputies of Flushing, Heemstede, Rustdorp, Middelburgh and Oysterbay, having been
summoned, appear before the Council delivering in a petition, and with it,
' Colonel Francis Lovelace was the second eon of Sir Richard Lovelace, afterwards Baron Lovelace of Hurley, in the county
of Berks, and Margaret, daughter of William Dodsworth, a citizen of London. His brother John, 2d Lord Lovelace, adhered
to the side of Charles L Colonel Lovelace was appointed Governor of New- York in 1668, and administered its affairs, with
moderation and to the satisfaction of all classes, until the 30th July, 1673. He was active in settling the county of Ulster, where
he laid out the town of Hurley, so called after his ancestral seat in Berkshire, England, and originally owned a large farm on
Statin Island, part of which is at present occupied by the Quarantine grounds. His grandson, the iOi Lord Lovelace, died
Governor of New-York, in 1709. — Ed.
VOLUME XXIII. 581
From the Town of flushing, one Flag and one Constable's Staff.
From the Town of Riistdorp, one Flag and 1 Staff.
From the Town of Middelburgh, one Flag and 1 Staff.
From the Town of Oysterbay, one Flag and 1 Staff.
From the Townof Heemstede, one Constable'sStaff without any Flag, which they promised
to send on the first opportunity, and they were strictly charged so to do.
Item; the Deputies from West Chester delivered in like manner to the Council one Flag and
one Staff.
Further, the deputies from said Five Long Island Towns are ordered and directed, as soon
as possible to cause to be nominated by their Commonalty, and to be presented to the Council
here, three persons for Schout and three for Secretary ; also, for each Town, six persons for
Magistrates, certificates whereof are formally executed to each, and on their said petition it is
ordered as followeth :
The Petition of the Deputies from Flushing, Heemstede, Jamaica, Middelborgh, Oysterbay
and West Chester, wherein they declare their submission to their High Mightinesses the Lords
States-General of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c.,
being read, examined and taken into consideration, it is ordered as followeth :
That the same Privileges and Rights as are given to the inhabitants and subjects of the
Dutch nation, shall, in like manner, be granted and allowed them, and accordingly, the four
points requested in their petition, with this warning nevertheless, that the petitioners shall in
future demean themselves as loyal subjects, and attempt in no wise, as some have formerly
done, contrary to honor and oath, for which they are now pardoned on their request
and submission, to take up arms against this Government, under the penalty that the
transgressors shall without any mercy or favor be totally ruined and punished as they deserve.
( Signed ), Cornelis Evertse, Junior, Jacob Benckes.
The inhabitants of Mamarnek have in like manner by their Deputies submitted themselves,
whereupon an order is sent them to nominate, by plurality of votes, four persons, and to
present them here on the earliest occasion, when two will be chosen by us to be Magistrates.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon'''* Council of War, holden in Fort Willem
Hendrik, 23'' August, A" 1673.
Present — Commander Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Captain Anthony Colve.
The Delegates from Oysterbay appearing, handed in the following Petition :
Now in as much as wee have answered yo"" Requierings, who were never under yo' Governm',
and therefore never had occasion to make any agreement w"" yo'' nation, about Rights &
priviledges given or allouwed, because divers in o"" towne Schruple in takeing of an Oath or
training, or to be forced to maintaine a Minister not of their Judgement and therefore we
desire Liberty in such Casses Relating to Concience & to Civil things as you have Promissed ;
there shall be no Respect to Nations itt is sum Satisfaction to us who do Expect you will
582 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
performe as you have promissed, and is manifested by yo'' honn" to New towae flushing,
Jamaica, Hemsted & oisterbay.
The Delegates from Oysterbay delivering the above Petition to the Commanders and
adjoined Council of War and the same being taken into consideration, their Petition aforesaid
was consented to and allowed. Dated Fort Willem Hendrik, 23 August, 1673.
Agreeably to our previous order, the inhabitants of the Towns of Woodbridge, Elizabets
Towne, Shrousbury, Middel towne, situate in the Kill van Col, and Manarueck, situate on the
Sound over right Oysterbay, have nominated and this day presented to the Council a
double number as Magistrates for their respective Towns.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon'''" Council of War of New Netherland, holden
in Fort Willem Hendrik the 24"> August, 1673.
Present — Commander Cornelis Evertse, Junior,
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Captain Anthony Colve.
From the nomination presented by the inhabitants of the Towns of Elisabets Towne,
Woodbridge, Schrousbury, Middeltowne and Mamarneck, the following are this day elected
Schepens of said Towns :
Magistrates or Schepens of Elizabets Towne:
John Ogden, Senior, Samuel Hopkins,
Jacob Melyn.
Magistrates or Schepeiis of Woodbridge :
Samuel Dennis, 1
Obadiah Hoits, > Sworn 1" September, 1673.
Stephen Kent, J
Magistrates or Schepens of Shrousbury :
John Hanoe, "j
Eleakim Wardil, V Sworn 1" September, 1673.
Hugh Dyckman, J
Magistrates or Schepens of Kewworke :
Jasper Crane, "j
Robbert Bond, I Sworn 1" September, 1673.
John Ward, j
Magistrates of MamarnecTc:
John Busset, Henry Pisbrou.
Of which election a formal certificate was sent to each of said Towns, and 'tis ordered that
those elected shall come hither on the first opportunity to be sworn in.
VOLUME XXIII. 583
The following is the Form of the Oath :
Whereas wee N: N: are choseu bij y^ authority of the high & mighty Lords the Staets
Gennerall etz to bee magestraets of the towne called N. N. wee doe sweare, in y' Presence of y*
allmigbty Godt, to be true & ffaithffuU to y^' said authority, and their Govern" for y« tijnie
being, and that wee equally & impartially shal exercize, Justice betwixt party & partij, without
Respect off persons or nations, and y ' wee shall ffollow such ffurther orders & Instructions as wee
ffrom time to time shall receive ffrom y' Govern"' & Councell in time being. So help us God.
Pursuant to previous letters and summons, appeared at the Council the Delegates from the
English Towns situate on Long Island, East of Oysterbay, delivering in the following writing:
Jamaica, August the 14"' 1673.
Whereas wee y* Inhabitants of the East Riding of Long Island (: namely SoutHamptoa,
Easthampton, SoutHoold Seataucok & Huntington were sometime rightly & peaceaffully
joyned with Hertford jurisdiction to good satisffaction on both sides, butt about y' yeare 1GG4
Genu" Richard Nicolls comeing in y'= name off his Ma''^' Roijal Highnes j° Duke off Yorcke
& by power subjected us to y^ Governm' under W"" wee have remained until! this present
time and now by turne off Gods Providence shipps off fforce belonging to y^ States off Holland
have taken New Yorke y'= 30"" of the last month, and wee having noe Intelligence to this day
ffrom 0"' Govern': Era' Lovelace Esquy' off whatt hath happened or w' wee are to doe, Buit
y^ Gennerrall off y' said dutch fforce hath sent to us his declaration or Summons with a
serius Commination therein contained and since wee understand bij y" post bringing the said
declaration That our Govern"': is peacebly & respectfuUij entertained into ysaidffort & Citty;
wee the Inhabitants off y" said East Rijding or o' Deputies for us, att a meeting this daij dee
make these o' request as ffollow ;
Imprimis That iff wee come under y'= dutch Governm', wee desire y' wee maij retaine o'
J^clesiaslicall Priviledges viz', to Worship God according to o"' belieffe w"'out anij imposition.
2'^ That wee maij enjoij y' small matters off goods wee possess, with o' Lands according to
o' Purchaze of y' Natieves as it is now bounded out, without ffurther charge off conffirmation.
3'y That y* oath off allegiance to bee imposed may bind us onely whyles wee are under
Governm' but y' as wee shall bee bound not to act against them, soe also not to take up amies
ffor them against o"" owne Nation.
4'^ That wee maij alwayes have Liberty to chuse o"" owne officers both civil & millitarij.
S'J" That these 5 Townes may bee a corporation off themselves to end all matters of difference
between man & man, excepting onely cases conserning Lijfe, Limbe & bannishment.
6'y That noe law may be made or tax imposed uppon y' people at anij tijme but such as
shall be consented to bij y' deputies of y'^ respectieve Townes.
7'^ That wee maij have ffree Trade w"" y^ nation now in Power and all others without
paiing custorae.
S^^ In everij respect to have equall previledges w"" the dutch nation
9'y That there may be ffree liberty graunted y^ 5 townes aboves'' for y" procuring from any
of y'= united Collonies (: w"''out molestation on either side:) warpes irons or any otl:er
necessaries ffor y*^ comffortable earring on the whale designe.
584 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
10'>' That all Bargaines covenant & contracts of what nature soever stand in ffull fforce, as
theij would have been had there bene no change of Government.
East Hampton, Thomas James.
John Jessip,
South Hampton,
Sovth Hoold,
Brooke Haven,
Joseph Reyner.
Thomas Hutchinson,
Isacq Arnold. \ Deput.
Richard Woodhull,
Andrew Miller.
rr ,• . ( Isaq Piatt,
Huntmgton, J ^
^ I Thomas K
Thomas Kidmore.
The Delegates from Easthampton, Southampton, Southold, Setalcket and Huntington
requested an audience, and entering, delivered in their credentials with a writing in form of
a Petition ; they further declared to submit themselves to the obedience of their High
Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the
Prince of Orange, etc. Whereupon the preceding Petition having been read and taken into
consideration, it is ordered as follows:
On the first point : They are allowed Freedom of Conscience in the Worship of God and
Church discipline.
S"*. They shall hold and possess all their goods and lawfully procured lands, on condition
that said lands be duly recorded.
S"* point regarding the Oath of Allegiance with liberty not to take up arms against their own
nation, is allowed and accorded to ihe petitioners.
4"" article is in like manner granted to the petitioners: to nominate a double number for
their Magistrates, from which the election shall then be made here by the Governor.
5"". It is allowed the petitioners that the Magistrates in each town shall pronounce final
judgment to the value of five pounds sterling, and the Sellout with the General Court of said
five towns, to the sum of twenty pounds, but over these an appeal to the Governor is reserved.
C"'. In case any of the Dutch towns shall send Deputies, the same shall, in like manner, be
allowed the petitioners.
On the T"" and S'*" articles it is ordered : That the petitioners shall be considered and treated
as all other the subjects of the Dutch nation, and be allowed to enjoy the same privileges
with them.
9"" article cannot, in this conjuncture of time, be allowed.
10"" article : 'Tis allowed that all the foregoing particular contracts and bargains shall stand
in full force.
The Delegates of Hartford Colony delivering in the following letter requesting some verbal
conference, are told to put their proposals in writing.
g, Hartford ?"■ August 1673.
Although wee have heard of ijour Action at Ijorke ijet because the cheife trust of those parts
did Reside in other hands from whome you have too suddenleij surprized it, wee made o'
Busnisse to attend what was devolved uppon o'' selves that waij nextlij yettwee understanding
VOLUME XXIII. 585
you content not yourselves with what ijou have alreadij taken but demauad submission of the
people, his Ma"" subjects seated on Long Island Eastward beyouad Oisterbaij & have seized
a vessel of M' Sillte one oflFo'' people near one of o"" harbors, Wee have therefore sent James
Richards & M"' William Roseweil to know your further intentions, & wee must lett you know,
that wee & o"" Confederates the united colonyes of New Englant, are by o"' Royall soueraiyne
Charles the second made keepers of his subjects liberty in these partes & doe hope to acquitt
G'selves in that trust through the Assistance of all mighty God, for the Preservation of his
Ma"" Colonijes in New England, which is all att present represented to you from the GoverQ:
& Gen" Assembly of the Colonij of Connecticutt, signed p'^ their order
p' mee John Allyn Secre'^
This
Pr James Richards & M'' William Roseweil.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon""'* Council of War, holden in Fort Willem
Hendrick, 24"^ August, A" 1673.
Mr. James Richards and Mr. W" Roseweil having delivered yesterday the aforesaid letters from
Connecticut Colony to Mess" the Commanders, request to-day another audience of the Council,
which being granted them they appear and after divers discourses declared to have verbal
orders from the Govern"' and Council of Connecticott Colony, to notify the Commanders that,
as they had remained at peace in the time of the previous Dutch government, even in a season
of war, they, on their side were equally disposed thus to continue without molesting this
Province, or making use of any act of hostility against it. On condition that nothing be
undertaken to the prejudice of their Colony from this side, it certainly will not first attempt
anything liostiie ; in case such should be committed against them by this Province, they then
protested themselves guiltless of the blood that may be shed in consequence, &c.
Whereupon the Commanders and Council of War answered, requesting them to be pleased
to put in writing whatever they might have to say on this or any other point, when they should
be answered in like manner. This Mess" Richard and Roseweil declined to do, since they
had no order to that effect from their principals, and that such written negotiations might be
turned to the worst use by any disaffected person of their Colony. To which the Commanders
and Council of War replied, that they could not readily understand the English language and
therefore could not well enter into any verbal negotiation with them, but if the gentlemen
would please put their proposals in writing, then they would be answered in like manner, and
to the end that no evil interpretation should be given to it by others, the Commanders offered,
after reading their proposals to restore the same to them, on condition that the answers should
in like manner be given back. Which Mess" Richard and Roseweil having again declined for
the foregoing reasons, the following Letter is transmitted by the aforesaid Mess'^ Richards and
Roseweil in answer to the Governor and Council of Hertforts Colony.
g. . In Fort Will" Hendricke, this 24"' Aug' An" 1G73.
For answer to yo"" letter of the 7th Aug', which was delivered vnto us, we say, that we are
sent forth by the high and mighty lords, the States Gen' of the Vnited Netherlands, and his
serene highness the lord Prince of Orange, to doe all manner of dammage vnto the enemyes of
Vol. II. 74
586 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
the said high and mighty lords, both by water and by land ; from which cause we being come
heere into Hudson's River, have brought the land and forts w"'in the same vnder o' obedience ;
and in regard the villages lying to the eastward of Oyster Bay did belong to this Governm',
soe it is tliat to prevent all inconveniencyes we haue cited the same togiue the oath of fidelity ;
in which if they remaine defectiue, we are resolued to force them with the armes likewise ;
allsoe we shall not be afraid to goe against those that shall seeke to maintaine the said villages
in their injustis. Conserning the vessell that is taken by vs close to yo' havens, their is noe
other consideration but that it was taken from o"' enemyes, wherefore it appeares very strange
before vs that we should bee objected against concerning it. Wee doe well beleive that those
that are set for Keepers of his Majesty of England's subjects will quitt themselves as they ought
to doe, for y* preservation of tiie colonyes in New England ; however, we shall not for that
depart from o' firme resolutions. We conceive we have heerwith answered yo"" letter. Thus
done, in the place as above
By order of the Comand" & Counsell of Warr,
N. Bayard, Secretary.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and adjoined Council of War holden on the 25""
August, 1673.
Present — Commander Cornells Evertse, Junior,
Commander Jacob Benkes,
Captain Anthony Colve.
The delegates from the Towns of Seatalket, Southampton, Huntinghton, Easthnmpton and
Southhold, appearing, are ordered to cause their respective inhabitants to nominate and to
present here, each, one for Schout and one for Secretary of the Five Towns, and four for
Magistrates, only such as are of the Reformed Christian Religion, or at least well ailected to it,
from which nomination the election shall then be made.
From the nomination of the inhabitants of Staten Island, are elected Magistrates thereof:
As Schout and Sckepen, Pieter Biljou.
As ScJtepens:
Tys Barentse, Jan Willemse.
who have this day taken the oath, whereupon the election is sent to the inhabitants of
said island.
John Russell is until further order, allowed to take charge of Capt. Manning's plantation
situate on Mespat Kil.
The Delegates from Midwout, Amesfort, Breukelen, Utreght, Boswyck, Bergen and Staten
Island are notified of the necessity of fortifying the city and of each contributing to said
necessary work according to its means, which they undertake and promise ; whereupon they
are referred to the Burgomasters and Schepens of this city, to confer with them thereupon.
VOLUME XXIII. 587
At a Meeting of the Hon''''= Commanders holden in Fort Willem Hendrick, on the Se"" of
August, 1673.
Present — Commander Cornelis Evertse, Junior,
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Captain Anthony Colve.
Nathaniel Silvester part proprietor of Shelter Island appearing, offers his submission and
requests confirmation of his previous privileges granted to him and his island, called
Shelter Island.
Whereupon said Silvester is answered that before a final conclusion could be come to in
this matter, he must exhibit his privileges, which he hath undertaken to do.
Furthermore, the abovenamed Nathaniel Silvester declares he has orders from his neighbor
David Gardner to ofl^er submission for him and his island, promising that said Gardner would
come in like manner in person by the first opportunity.
From the nomination of the inhabitants of the Town of Piscattaway are elected :
As Schepens :
John Smally, l
Nicholas Boman, j- Sworn G"- Sept^ 1673.
Daniel Denton, j
The 27 "■ August.
Pursuant to the resolution of the 21" instant, the Commanders and Council of War did this
day proceed to the Town of Bergen, where the Burghers of that town and dependencies were
found to amount to 78 in number, 69 of whom appeared at drum-beat who took the oath of
allegiance in like form as hereinbefore inserted under date instant; the remainder were
absent, whose oaths the Magistrates were ordered to forward.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon'''° Council of War holden in Fort Willem
Hendrick, 2S"' August, A" 1673.
Present — Commander Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Captain Anthony Colve.
The following Notice is this day affixed :
Whereas many of the good inhabitants of this place have informed us that considerable sums
of money are due them from the late Mr. Lovelace, both for goods delivered and labor
performed ; also, that said Mr. Lovelace has open accounts with divers persons who would be
found indebted to him whenever said accounts were closed. Therefore, have we considered
it necessary to cause said accounts to be closed and have thereunto appointed Stephanus
van Cortland, Balthazaer Bayard, Jacobus van de Water to close, in the presence of Pieter
de Lanoy, the said Mr. Lovelace's late servant's said account. So that such may be immediately
set about, all persons residing here shall have to deliver in their accounts to the aforesaid
588 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
persons, before the S"" September next ; the account being closed and delivered to us, further
orders shall be issued as to further proceedings.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrik this 2S'*' August, 1673.
(Signed), Coknelis Evektse, Junior,
Jacob Benckes.
Nathaniel Silvester delivering in an extract from his privileges, was ordered to exhibit the
original. He said he had left it at home, whereupon the Register being referred to, 'twas found
that the heirs of his late brother Constant and one Coll. Middelton, residing in England, were
in like manner partners in his island, called Shelter Island, whose share must be confiscated to
the behoof of the State; whereupon the aforesaid Nathaniel Silvester replied, that large sums
of money were due him from said heirs of Constant Silvester. But after divers arguments
pro and con., it was agreed that said Nathaniel Silvester shall pay to the government here the
Bum of five hundred pounds in this country's provisions for the interest of the heirs of
Constantine Silvester and Thomas Middelton.
The following is the act of Confiscation of Shelter Island and the conveyance thereof to
Nathaniel Silvester.
We, Cornells Evertse the younger and Jacob Benckes, Commanders, with our adjoined
Council of War from the fleet in the service of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General
of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, Greeting, make
known that, in virtue of our commission from their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness
the Prince of Orange, we are authorized and empowered with our ships of war and entrusted
military, to wage war and hostilely to inflict all possible loss and damage both by water and
by land, on the Kings of England and France and their subjects, and if possible to take
and conquer them and when conquered to confiscate, and to declare forfeited for the behoof of
the said High and Mighty the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene
Highness the Prince of Orange, and furthermore to dispose thereof to the best advantage ;
We therefore pursuant to our aforesaid Commission, have endeavored to execute the same, to
which end having by force of our arms lawfully taken and restored under the obedience of our
aforesaid Lords and Masters, Fort James now called William Hendrik, with the city of New
York now named New Orange, situate on the Island Manhatans, with all the lands, places and
territories thereunto depending, as they were lately possessed by the subjects and in virtue of
the commission of his Majesty of lOngland under the patroonship of the Duke of York, among
which lands and territories is also found a certain island known by the name of Shelter Island,
situate east of Long Island, at present in the possession of Nathaniel Silvester, yet a part
thereof belonging in real property to the heirs of Constant Silvester and Thomas Middeltowne
residing in England and Barbados, being subjects and vassals of his said Majesty of England,
and of a consequence equally open enemies of our Lords and Masters aforementioned, to whom
in no wise can be granted the freedom accorded to all others our actual good subjects, who
have willingly submitted themselves under our obedience, but agreeably to the customs and
laws of all nations, the goods and effects of the said our enemies ought to be confiscated.
Therefore have we, in virtue of our aforesaid commission, after having previously had mature
deliberation with our Council of War on the subject, confiscated for their High Mightinesses the
Lords States-Generjil of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange,
all the right, property, action and claim wiiich the aforesaid heirs of Constant Silvester and
VOLUME XXIII. 589
Thomas Middeltowne or any other persons, our lawful enemies have in the aforesaid island
called Shelter Island, as we do hereby declare forfeited and confiscate their interest and
property for the behoof of our Lords Masters with this understanding however, that in this
confiscation are by no means included but on predetermined deliberation most expressly
excluded whatever interest and right said Nathaniel Silvester hath to said island or other his real
and personal goods, effects and furniture, negroes or whatever else is lawfully belonging to
him within this government, as, because of his submission under our said Lords Masters
their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene
Highness the Prince of Orange, equal protection is granted and allowed to him the same as
to all others our good subjects.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, the SS"" of August, 1673.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon""'" Council of War holden the 29"" of August, 1673.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve.
Capt. Willem Knyff and Lieutenant Jeron^ de Hubert are this day ordered with Ephraim
Herman, clerk in the office of Secretary Bayard, to repair to the Towns of Midwout,
Amesfort, Bruekelen, Utreght, Boswyck, Gravesandt, Flushing, Heemstede, Rustdorp and
Middelborgh on Long Island, and to administer the oath of allegiance to all the inhabitants
thereof; to which end a commission is granted to them.
Note. — The form of the oath to be taken by the inhabitants of the Dutch Nation shall be
as follows :
We do promise and swear, in the presence of the Almighty God, to be loyal and faithful to
their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, and his Serene
Highness the Prince of Orange and their Governor already, or hereafter to be appointed here,
and to comport ourselves on all occasions as loyal and faithful subjects are bound to do. So
truly help me God Almighty.
The following is the form of the oath to be taken by the inhabitants of the English Nation:
Wee do sware in the presence of the Almighty Godt, that wee shall be true & faithfull to the.
High & Mighty Lords the Staets Gennerall of the united Provinces of his Serene highnesse
the Lord Prince of Orange & to their Govern" here for the tijme being, and to behave o'' selves
nppon all occasions, as true & lawfull subjects provided onlij that wee shall not be forced in
armes against our owne nation if they be sent bij authoritij of his Majesty of England, except
they be accompanied by a commission of force of other nations when wee do oblidge o'' selves
to take up armes against them So help us God.
Nathaniel Silvester hath this day, pursuant to agreement concluded yesterday, executed
an obligation at the office of Secretary Bayard, whereupon the following conveyance is made
and confirmed to him :
590 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
The Honorable Council of War, over a squadron of ships now anchored in Hudson's river
in New Netherland, on the behalf of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-
General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange,
Greeting, make known :
Whereas we, by virtue of our commission, by a preceding act of this date, for sufficient reasons
us moving have, for the behoof of our Lord Masters confiscated the lands, houses, goods,
negroes and effects of whatever sort they may be, belonging to the heirs of the late Constant
Silvester and Colonel Thomas Middelton, situate on Shelter Island, east of Long Island, being
property belonging to tiie subjects of England and public enemies of our State, Therefore
have we thought proper and resolved to sell said houses, lands, movables, negroes and
effects belonging to the enemies of our State as aforesaid, for the advantage of our Lords and
Masters, and pursuant thereunto have in like manner arranged and agreed with Nathaniel
Silvester, co-proprietor of Shelter Island, already mentioned, to whom we have sold the
aforesaid interest and right of the abovenamed heirs of Constant Silvester and Thomas
Middeltone, for the sum of Five Hundred Pounds Sterling, payable agreeably to the tenor of
a certain obligation thereof being, declaring therefore, that we will cede, transport and convey,
as we do hereby cede, transport and convey to the abovenamed Nathaniel Silvester, his heirs
and assigns, for and in consideration of the said sum, all interest, right, title and propriety
which the aforesaid heirs of Constant Silvester and Thomas Middeltone have to the aforesaid
island and dependencies thereof, to be by the aforesaid Nathaniel Silvester, his heirs and
assigns, entered on, used and in perpetual, real and free possession forever and hereditarily
to be possessed, and further to do therewith as he should or could do with any other his
patrimonial Lands and effects, with additional confirmation of all profits, rights and privileges
which by previous governments have been granted and conceded unto said island, viz. :
Freedom from all taxes, whether civil or military (the public customs or duties excepted), unless
their Higii Miglitinesses the Lords Slates-General impose any new tax on the whole country.
lum, he shall not be cited in law before any subaltern courts of justice except only before the
Supreme Court, and furthermore, not be bound to any mustering or outfitting or maintaining
of soldiers or any military necessaries of war, save only what he shall voluntarily do for the
defence of said island and government in time of need against any foreign invasion or
troubles with the Indians, all which aforesaid Freedoms and Riglits to the aforesaid island
belonging, are liereby again confirmed to the abovenamed Silvester and his assigns, with
Freedom of Conscience and all other privileges and rights, the same as shall be granted and
accorded to all the subjects of this government. Dated, Fort Willera Heudrik, this 29""
August, 1673.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon''''= Council of War, holden on the 30"" of
August, 1073.
PuESENT — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornelis Evertse, Junior,
Captain Anlliony Colve.
From the nomination of the inhabitants of the Town of Oostdurp (alias ) West Chester,
and Hamlet East Chester, are this day elected as
VOLUME XXIII. 591
Schcpens or Magistrates of Oostdvrj) :
Joseph Pamer,
Edward Waters,
Sworn the 2^ September, 1673.
A/id for the Hamlet East Chester :
John Hoit.
Whereof certificates in due form are transmitted to said towns.
This day Hans Lourens and John Russel are allowed to mow Captain Manning's valley in
Mespat, and after so doing to report, when further agreement shall be entered into with him.
John Smith, Captain Laval's late servant, is instructed to take good care of said Laval's
property at New Haerlem until further orders.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon'''^ Council of War, holden on the 31"
August, 1673.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornells Evertse, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve.
From the exhibits of the inhabitants of the undernamed towns on Long Island, the following
were this day elected Magistates of the said towns :
For the towns of Flushing, Heemstede, Rustdorp, Middelborg & Oisterbay ;
For Schotit, William Lawrence.
For Secretary, Carel van Brugge,
who have taken the oath before the Council of War, the 4"" September, 1673.
For Schepens of Flushing :
John Hingsman, ^
Francis Bloetgoet, > Sworn the 4"" September, 1673.
Richard Wildie, )
For Schepens of Heemstede :
John Smith, Senior, 'J
John Semmens, I Sworn the 4"' September, 1673.
William Jacobs, )
For Schepens ofRustdor-p:
John Carpenter, ^
Robberd Ashman, V Sworn the e" September, 1673.
Nathaniel Denton, }
592 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
For Schepens of Middelborgh :
Richard Belts, 1
Jonathan Hazard, >• Sworn the 6"' September, 1673.
Ralph Hunt, J
For Schepens of Olstcrbay :
Nicolas Wright, ^
Thomas Tounsen, V Sworn the 6"" September, 1G73.
Nathaniel Coles, )
Certificates in due form of all the preceding elections are transmitted.
This day the Proclamation of the seizure of the goods belonging to the subjects of England
and France, hereinbefore enregistered under date IS"" of August, is transmitted to the courts of
Willemstadt' and Esopus to be there published and posted up.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon'''= Council of War, holden in Fort Willem Heudrik
the 1" September, 1073.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornells Evertse, Jun',
Captain Anthony Colve.
The Delegates from the Esopus appearing, delivered in a certain Petition whereupon the
following Order was made :
The above Petition of the Magistrates of Swaenenburgh, heretofore called Kingstowne,
also the Petition of the Magistrates of the towns of Horley & Marbeltowne, situate in the
Esopus, being read and considered at a Meeting of the Hon'''* Commanders and adjoined Council
of War of the squadron of ships in the North river of New Netherland, etc.:
It is ordered as follows :
First. The Petitioners shall give in a list of the number of their inhabitants, and what they
will be able to contribute to the support of a Minister, which shall be transmitted by us to our
principals. Regarding the requested instruction it will be prepared on the earliest opportunity
by the Governor and sent to the Petitioners.
Secondly. The Commonalty of the 3 respective towns shall conjointly nominate by their
deputies 3 persons for Schout and 3 persons for Secretary, from whom we shall then
elect one to be Schout and one to be Secretary over all those towns; also, the Commonalty of
Swaenenburgh shall nominate eight persons as Commissioners of that town. Horley and
Marbeltowne, which have up to this time been under one Bench of Justice, shall still so
continue until further order, and therefore shall in like manner conjointly nominate and present
to us S persons, from whom we shall then make a selection. Item, they were in like manner
recommended to nominate and present to us a double number for the chief officers of
the militia.
' Now, Albany. — Ed.
VOLUME XXIII.
593
3<">' The Governor will as soon as possible take the subject of the Excise into consideration,
to whom will in like manner be recommended wliat the Petitioners consume in their families.
4"' Point is granted to the Petitioners, who are expressly recommended to pay attenlioa
that none be nominated who are not of the Reformed Religion.
5"" Nor shall any be nominated but such as are at least friendly to the Dutch Nation.
6"" article, regarding the improvement of those towns by population, shall be submitted to
our principals, who we do not doubt will adopt the earliest measures for its execution.
7"" The Governor will be recommended to provide the Petitioners with the needful
ammunition and military In seasons of exigency. -'
8"" Point, regarding prohibiting the sale of strong drink by the small measure to the Indians,
is approved, and the Schout is recommended to pay strict attention thereto.
Furthermore, the present Magistrates are recommended to publish and post up the
inclosed Proclamation.
The Delegates from Fort Orange, lately called Albany, requesting an audience, are admitted,
and deliver in a writing containing the following articles, which are answered as appears
annexed in the margin.
Points to be proposed by the Delegates
to the Hon"" Council of War of the
Squadron of Ships lying at present
before the Fort called Willem Hen-
drick, for the maintenance and pre-
servation of the rights of the Town of
Beverwyck and Fort Orange :
First and foremost : Most seriously to request
that the Officers and Justices of Fort Orange
and Beverwyck aforesaid may be upright pro-
tectors of the true Reformed Religion, accord-
ing to the Ordinances of beloved Fatherland.
Secondly. That conscience shall not be sub-
jected to any constraint, as there are some
here of different opinions who have intermar-
ried, but that every one shall be at liberty to
go where he pleases to hear the Word of God.
Z^ To request a reasonable garrison for the
defence of the place, according to their Hon-
ors' discretion.
4''' To request the Great Excise from this
time down, and the balance of this year also,
on account of the backwardness which exists
Vol. II. 75
The annexed petition being taken into
consideration by the Hon"" Council
of War, their Honors have ordered
that Fort Albany shall henceforward
be called Fort Nassau, and the Town
of Beverwyck, Willemstadt, and have
further ordered as follows :
1" The Commandant there shall be most
expressly ordered to protect the Reformed
Christian Religion, and failing so to do, the
Petitioners shall have to address themselves
to the Governor at this place, and the Magis-
trates shall alone consist of persons belonging
to, or at least well atti3cted towards the
Reformed Christian Religion.
2'* Article is granted, and the Commandant
and Magistrates are ordered to pay attention
to it.
3"* The Governor-General will take care
that the Fort there be provided with a suitable
garrison.
4"' In regard to the request for the Great
Excise, nothing as yet can be done, but, in
case the Petitioners are able to show that they
594
NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
here, and for repairing the bridges and streets
which, by reason of the low state of the Reve-
nue and Receipts, are not repaired, and to con-
sider the heavy expenses already, and still to
be, incurred for the preservation of the place,
if their Honors undertake to pay therefrom
the Ministers and Officers in Church and State,
also that it is necessary to make a reasonable
present to our neighbors, the Indians, espe-
cially at this conjuncture of time, in order to
prevent the designs and undertakings of our
enemies the French ; which present would
require, to wit, For Five different Nations con-
sisting of Ten Castles, viz. : The Mohawks,
Oneidas, Nondages, Cayugas and Sinnedowane,
a sum of fl. 1000 Hollands.
S"" Those of Schanhectede not to extend
their privilege any further. The land was
granted them by the late General Stuyvesant
solely that they should occupy themselves
with agriculture, on express condition not to
trade with the Indians ; which was confirmed
by tlie English Governor Nicolls according to
his Proclamation in existence.
G"" To request that the Excise be taken off
what the Burghers and farmers consume, who
are taxed to pay the same Excise as the Tap-
sters, directly contrary to all reason ; and tliat
there be paid here only on each anker of
Brandy fl. l-l for Tapsters' excise ; and for
Burghers' excise fl. 4. 10 ; in all, fl. IS. 10 ; and
up at the Fort, fl. 24, making a difference of
six guilders payable in Beavers or Wampum,
calculating three for one, as is the case here at
Willemstadt.
7"" To request that Fort Orange be well
provided with powder and lead, so that the
Burghers, in case of invasion or dearth, may
be accommodated there, as the place is badly
provided therewith.
S"" To request four pieces of cannon in
order to be able to make use of them in time
of need, for the defence of this place, Bever-
wyck.
were in receipt of the Excise heretofore, the
matter will be submitted to our principals.
Regarding the present to the Indians, the
Petitioners are allowed to take Five Hundred
guilders in Beavers from the Excise, to be
expended for the aforesaid present ; and in
case this be increased by the Petitioners, they
shall in like matter receive their share pro rata
of whatever present the Indians, according to
custom, may make.
5"" The inhabitants of Schaneghtede shall
have to regulate themselves provisionally by
their previous instruction, and in case any
difference arise about it, they shall have to
address themselves to the Governor-General.
G"' The subject of the Excise shall betaken
into consideration by the Governor as soon
as possible, to whom the consumption by the
inhabitants will be recommended.
7"" The Governor will take care that the
Fort be supplied with necessary ammunition.
S"" Four cannon shall be sent by the first
opportunity to the Petitioners.
VOLUME XXIII. 595
9"" To request that the Town of Beverwyck Q^^ The petitioners shall enjoy the same
shall retain its former privileges of trade and privileges as they did in the time of the pre-
barter with the Indians, &c., as heretofore. vious Dutch government.
Furthermore : The present Magistrates are
recommended to have the annexed Proclama-
tion published and posted up.
Dated at Fort Willem Hendrik, the T'
Septs 1673.
Moreover, an Order is sent to the Commissaries of Willemstadt to cause their Commonally to
nominate a double number of 8 persons and three for Secretaries, and to send said nomination
down by the first opportunity, from which the election shall then be made.
The following is the election and commission for the Schout and Secretary of the towns
situate at Achler Coll.
The Lords Commanders & Honn"''''^ Councel of Warre of New Nederland, residing in fort
Willem Hendrik etz.
Whereas wee have thought fitt & necessarij to discharge the forme of Governm' late
in practise here and to reduce it under the stijie of Schout and Scheepens, vi"^ is customarij in
our natieve country, the United Belgick provinces. Know yee therefore that wee bij vertue
of o' Commission from y^ High & mighty Lords the States Generall and his Serene Highnesse
the Prince of Orange etz. out of y* Nomination presented unto us bij y'' deputies of Elizabeth
Towne WoodBridge, Shrousburry, New-Worke Piscattewaij & Middeltowne, have elected
and established
Mr John Ogden to be Schout &
Mr Samueil Hopkins to be Secretary
of all the said respectieve Townea
Giveing & by these presents granting unto the s'' John Ogden & Samuel Hopkins & each of
them, full pouwer strenght & authority in their said offices. The said Schout together w"" y^
Schepens'or magistrates of y" respective Townes to Rule & governe as well their Inhabitants
as Strangers and y" s"* Samuel Hopkins to administer the office of Secretarij in y= s"* Townes
according to the Laws of the United Belgicq Provinces and such particuler Instructions as
they from time to time shall receive from us &from our Gouvern" for the time being, and wee
do hereby strictly order & command all the inhabitants of the said Townes to obeij & execute
all such lawful! orders & constitutions as shall be made by y' s"* Schout & magistraets for the
welfare of y* s"* respective Townes and y' inhabitants thereof.
Dated as above.
The Schout John Ogden and Secretary Samuel! Hopkins are this day ordered to take an
Inventory of the Estate of the late Governor Carter.et, and to report the result.
The Worship" Orphan Masters of this city of New Orange are requested and authorized to
summon before them the Curators of the estate left by dec"" Richard Moris^ and Walter Webley,
' Richard Morels, son of Col. Lewis Morris of Monmouthshire, England, served ns a Captain in Cromwell's army. At the
Rtstoration, he retired to Barbadoes where he married a lady of fortune named Pole. He next removed to New-York, where
he was a merchant and purchased lands in Westchester county, since known as Morrisania. He died in 1672. — Ed.
596 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
and to require of them administration of that estate and as soon as possible to make a
report tiiereof.
Ca()tnin KnyR", Lieutenant Jeronimus Hubert and the cleriv Ephraim Hermans being
commissioned on the 29"" of August last to administer the oath of allegiance to tlie iniiabitants
of the undernamed Towns on Long Island, returning this day, report and deliver in l)y list the
names and number of the inhabitants of said towns, amounting as follows:
Midiimil, 73 men, all of whom took the oath of allegiance.
Amisfiiort, 4S men, all of whom have taken the oath.
Br, uhUn and dependencies, SI men, 52 of whom have taken the oath; the remainder are
ordered to take it from the JLigistrates.
Nnv Utrecht, 41 men, all of whom have taken the oath.
Buslmijc'k, 35 men, all of whom have taken the oath except Humphrey Clay who is a Quaker.
Gravescnd, 31 men, all of whom have taken the oath.
Ilemstide, 107 men, 51 of whom have taken the oath ; the remainder ordered to do so before
their Schout and Secretary.
Flushing, 67 men, 51 of whom have taken the oath; the remainder absent, are ordered as
above. Among these are 20 Dutch.
Rustihrp, 03 men, 53 of whom have taken the oath ; the remainder absent, are ordered
as above.
Midikl/jorgh, 99 men, 53 of whom have taken the oath; the remainder absent, are ordered
as above.
'J'lie Proclamation respecting the seizure of all houses, lands, goods and effects, together
with outstanding debts in this country belonging to the King of England and his subjects, is
this day also sent up to Willemstadt and Esopus to be there made public in like form as
hereinbefore registered in date IS"" August.
Note. — Johannes Provoost is authorized to keep an account thereof at Willemstadt and
William Montague at the Esopus.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon'''" Council of War holden 2"' September,
A" 1(573.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve.
Th3 petition of Johanna de Laet, wife of Jeronimus Ebbing, being read and considered,
setting forth that there is coming to her from the succession of her dec"* father, Johannis de
Laet and otherwise, a just tenth part of the Colonie Renselaerswyck, situate on the North
river of New Netherland, requesting, furthermore, that Mr. Jeremias van Renselaer, under
whose direction that has l)een for some years, may be ordered to render her an account and
reliqua of his administration, and that he shall allow her to receive her tenth part of said
Colonie either by allotment or otherwise, &c. ;
Which petition of hers being taken into consideration, and verbal discussion between the
abjvenamed Mr. Renselaer and Madame de Laet being heard, and the papers which were
VOLUME XXIII. 597
procured being examined, we find that the abovenamed Renselaer, by his own acknowledgment,
has not rendered any account of his administration for eleven or 12 years, but offers now to
render such to the Petitioner; therefore have we resolved and ordered the abovenamed
Renselaer to deliver, within two months from this date, into the Secretary's office here, to be
recorded, an account and reliqua of his said administration up to this date, whereof the
Petitioner shall obtain an extract.
Dated as above.
(Signed), Jacob Benckes,
CoRNELis EvERTSE, Junior.
This day is Houwel Thompson, late servant of Mr. Lovelace, ordered to quit this government
within the space of ten days from the date hereof.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon''''= Council of War, holden at Fort Willem
Hendrik the -l'" September, A" 1673.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornells Evertse, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve.
Mr. Jeremias van Renselaer entering, requests by petition, in substance, confirmation of the
previous privileges granted by their High Mightinesses to the Colonic Renselaerswyck.
Ordered : The Petitioner is allowed and granted to enjoy, provisionally, his previous
privileges for the term of one current year, on condition of contributing and paying, as
heretofore, the quantity of three hundred skepels of wheat per annum ; and the Petitioner shall,
as heretofore, from a double number to be nominated by the inhabitants of Renselaerswyck,
elect three Magistrates for the ensuing year and obtain the approbation of the supreme
govenmient here for them ; provided, always, that said privileges shall not continue longer
than the space of one current year, within which time the aforenamed Renselaer shall be
bound to obtain nevv privileges from their High Mightinesses, &c. ; or, failing the same, he
shall be occluded from said privileges.
This day Mr. Renselaer took the oath of allegiance before the Council.
From the nomination of Militia officers, handed in from the town of Bergen, are elected :
Caspaer Stynmets, Captain.
Hans Diederichs, Lieutenant.
Adriaen Post Ensign.
On the petition of Petronella Carr, wife of John Carr, etc., requesting permission for her
husband to settle under this government;
Ordered : The Petitioner's request is granted on condition that her husband previously take
the oath of allegiance, when he shall be considered a faithful subject and enjoy, like all
others, the property lawfully belonging to him.
Schout William Lawrence and Secretary Carel van Brugge are authorized to summon the
remaining inhabitants of the towns of Flushing, Heemstede, Rustdorp and Middelborgh, who
598 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
have not, as yet, taken the oatli of allegiance, to administer the same to them, and to render
us a report thereof by the first opportunity.
On the petition of Ide van Vorst and Claes Janse, requesting, substantially, that Casper
Steynmets may not be allowed any more privileges than were granted him under Mr.
Stuyvesant's government.
Ordered : Caspar Steynmits, of wliom the Petitioner complains, shall not be allowed any
more privileges than have been granted him by Mr. Stuyvesant's government.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and IIou'''' Council of War, holden in Fort Willeni
Eiendrik on the G''' September, A" 1G73.
Present — Commander Cornells Evertse, Junior,
Commander Jacob Beiickes,
Captain Anthony Colve,-
Captain Knyf and Captain Snell are this day commissioned and authorized by the Hon'''*
Council of War, to repair with the clerk Abram Varlet to Elizabets Towne, Woodbridge,
Shrousbury, Piscattaway New Worke and Middeltowne, situate at Achlcr Coll, and to
administer the oath of allegiance to all the inhabitants of those towns in the form as hereinbefore
recorded, to which end orders and instruction in due form are also given them.
The Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of New Orange appear and present the following
Petition :
To the Valiant Commanders and Hon'''* Council of War of the squadron of ships in tlie
service of the High and Mighty Lords the States-General, &c., anchored in the North
river of New Neilierland, and now residing in Fort Willem Hendrik.
Most respectfully represent.
The Sellout, Burgomasters and Schepens of this city New Orange:
That whilst they and all good inhabitants have had and still have reason gratefully to thank
God the Lord and you, \'aliant gentlemen, for the unexpected reduction of this place and the
entire government under the obedience of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General and
his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, they and as many of the Dutch nation as are dwelling
within this government who, with women and children, are estimated to amount to six
thousand souls have now on the contrary grave reasons to be altogether most profoundly
grieved, if it be true, as your Felilioners are informed and have unexpectedly heard, that you,
V^aliant gentlemen, intend to depart without leaving here for a time, as we had hoped, some
ships of War or one of the three superior officers, wherefore we find ourselves by office and duty
bound for the benefit of the country in general and specially of the good inhabitants of this
place clearly to submit to you as briefly as possible the present state of the country.
Before you, Valiant gentlemen, arrived here, all was peace and quietness ; the entire coast
from Virginia unto Nova Scotia far beyond New England being occupied by thousands of
English, Canada on the other side occupied by some thousands of French, all of whom can, in
a few days' journey come and on all sides attack us who are scattered in this government,
VOLUME XXIII. 599
in the centre of these English and French, in divers corners, some here, some up at Fort
Orange, now called Willemstadt, some at the South river, others in various towns on Long
Island who all together when compared with those of New England can scarcely amount to
one in 15, even though we could come together, which is indeed impossible on account of the
distance of the places. All these English and French round about, in consequence of
the reduction and recovery of this place which is under the obedience of their High
Mightinesses, with whom they are at war, are become now our enemies by whom we, as
already stated, are encompassed round about on all sides whithersoever we face or turn. These
enemies, albeit they now keep themselves somewhat quiet, will doubtless endeavor, by all
possible means, to reduce this place under England so soon as they hear that we are again left
to ourselves ; our weakness and condition being as well known to them as to ourselves since
they have had now 9 years' command over us. Besides, they will not want instruments to
promote this work, several great lords being themselves as much interested as the Duke of York,
Lord Berkely' and Carteret.^ This without any doubt renders some so bold as to say already
that something else will again be seen before Christmas, and that the King of England will never
suffer the Dutch to remain and sit down here in the centre of all his dominions to his serious
prejudice in many respects, so that we are inevitably to expect a visit from our malevolent
neighbors of old, now our bitter enemies unless they be prevented, under God, by your valiant
prowess and accompanying force ; Wherefore do we turn ourselves unto you. Valiant gentlemen,
humbly requesting and praying to take seriously into consideration what is aforesaid, and to be
pleased to take to heart the welfare of so many innocent souls, although very few in comparison
to the great multitude of our enemies, and not leave them a prey to be destroyed or to be sold
' JonN, 1st Baron Beukeley, jouBgest 3011 of Sir Maurice Berkeley, was born in 1G07. Haviiig a command in tlie araiy
raised to march against the Scots, in 1638, received the honor of Knighthood from the King at B<.rwielv, in July of that
year, and at the breaking out of the rebellion, appearing in arms for his Sovereign, was one of those very good ofiRcers (as
Lord Clarendon calls them) who were ordered, with the Marquis of Hertford, to form an army in the west. But, before
entering upon that duty ( in 1642 ), Sir John safely conducted a supply of arms and ammunition from the Queen into Hol-
land. Soon after this, being constituted Commissary-General, he marched into Cornwall at the head of about one hundred
and twenty horse, and not only secured the whole of that county but made incursions into Devonshiie; and being in joint
commission with Sir Ralph Hopton, obtained divers triumphs over the insurgents of those western shires in the several
battles of Bradock, Saltash, Launceston and Stratton, as also at Modbury, in the county of Devon; subsequently investing
Exeter, he reduced that garrison and gallantly repulsed the enemy's fleet, then at Top^ham, under the command of the Earl
of Warwick, when he was constituted Governor of Exeter, and General of all his Majesty's forces in Devon. Sir John
Berkeley stood so high in the estimation of the Queen, that her Majesty selected the city under his protection as the place of
her accouchement, and was delivered, at Exeter, of the Princess Henrietta Maria. Exeter subsequently surrendered to Sir
Thomas Fairfax, but its Governor obtained the most honorable terms for its inhabitants and garrison. Sir John Berkeley
was afterwards employed with Mr. Ashburnham, in endeavoring to negotiate terms for the unfortunate Charles. During
the usurpation. Sir John Berkeley remained in exile with the royal family, and after the death of Lord Byron, in 1652, was
placed at the head of the Duke of York's family, having the management of all his receipts and disbursements. In a few
years afterwards, he was elevated to the Peerage by the exiled monarch, as Baron Berkeley, of Stratton, in the county of
Somerset (one of the scenes of his former triumphs over the rebels), by letters patent^ dated at Brussels in Brabant, on the
19th of May, 1658, in the 10th year of his Majesty's reign. Upon the restoration of the monarchy, his Lordship was sworn
of the Privy Council, and with other great Lords obtained a grant of Carolina from Charles H., and in 1664 received,
with Sir George Carteret, a grant of New Jersey from the Duke of York ; and at the close of the year 1669, Lord Berkeley
was constituted Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, where he landed in 1670, and contint;ed in the government for two years, when
his Lordship was succeeded bj' the Earl of Esse-x. In 167.5, he was accredited Ambassador Extraordinary to the Court of
Versailles, and died on the 28th of August, 1678 His Lordship married Christian, daughter and heiress of Sir Andrew
Riccard, President of the East India Company, and widow of Henry Rich, Lord Kensington, son and heir of Henry, Earl
of Holland, by whom he had three sons, all of whom eventually succeeded to the title, and one daughter, Anne, married
to Sir Dudley CuUum, Bart., of Hawsted, in the county of Suffolk. Collins ; Burke. — Ed.
' See note, supra, p. 410.
600 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
as slaves to the English plantations, which we certainly anticipate unless it please you, Valiant
gentlemen, to allow under the command aud prudent conduct of at least one of the superior
oflicers, two ships of war to winter here ; assuring you of the good-will and unanimous
resolutions of the good inhabitants to exert themselves to the utmost of their abilities, to defend
this place for tiie welfare of ourselves and beloved Fatherland, the proof whereof you yourselves
have already in a short lime witnessed in its fortifications. Expecting a favorable answer we
shall remain. Valiant gentlemen,
Your faithful servants,
(Signed), Anthony de Milt, Will Beeckjian,
Johannes van Brugh, Jeroximus Ebbingh,
Johannes de Peyster, Jacob Kip,
jEgidius Luyck, Lourens van der Spiegel,
GULIAEX VeRPLANCK.
Which being taken into consideration the following Answer is given :
That it never was the intention merely to reduce and replace the Petitioners under the
obedience of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and
his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, but to protect them against all invasions of their
enemies; this in our opinion could be suificiently effected with the garrison which would be
left for that purpose in this Fort. However, as the Petitioners are so urgent for a stronger force
it is therefore allowed and granted, that to the said garrison shall be added and left here in this
place under the command of Mr. Colve, one of our ships of War carrying forty guns, and a
small frigate named the Zccliont, which shall continue here until the Petitioners are furnished
with other help either from Fatherland or by the ships already sailed hence.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, as above.
( Signed), Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Jacob Benckes.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon"'' Council of War, holden on the T"-
September, 1G73.
Present — Commander Cornelis Evertse, Junior,
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Captain Anthony Colve.
Schout John Ogden and Secretary Samuel Hopkins appearing, complain that Robert Lapriere'
bath removed divers goods from the house of Piiilip Carteret which lie refuses to restore ; also
that one John Singletary refuses to obey their commands ; whereupon 'tis ordered to arrest said
persons and bring them hither, to which end some soldiers are furnished. They are
furthermore ordered to summon James Bollen, late Secretary of the Province of New Yersey, to
deliver up, agreeably to former order the Governor's papers within the space of 10 days after
this date, or in default thereof, his property shall be at the disposal of the Hon"'' Council
of War.
' Robert Laptiere, or Lnprairie, was ao alias of Robert Vanquellin, o native of Caen in France, who emigrated to this
country, and was appointed Surveyor-General and one of the Governor's Council in New Jersey, in 166S. Whitehead. — Ed.
VOLUME XXIII. 601
This day are delivered in the Town's flag and Constable's Staff and nomination for Magistrates
from the town of Southampton.
Also the nomination for Magistrates and the Constable's StaftTrom the Town of Seatalcket.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon"' Council of War, holden on the S"" of
September, A" 1673.
Present — Commander Cornells Evertsen, Jun',
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Captain Anthony Colve.
From the nominations submitted by the towns of Southampton, Seatalcket, Huntington,
Easthampton and Southold, are elected by the Hon'''"' Council of War :
For Sellout, Isaac Arnouts.^
For Secretary Henry Pierson.
And as Magistrates of the undermentioned towns respectively for the next year, whereof a
certificate is sent to each in form, to wit :
As Magistrates of the town of Southampton :
Edward Howell, Josuah Barens.
As Magistrates of the town of Seatalcket :
Richard Woodhill, John Bayles.
As Magistrates of the town of Huntington :
Joseph Whiteman, Tsacq Plott.
As Magistrates of the toiun of Fasthampton:
John Mellford, John Stretton.
As Magistrates of the town of Southold :
Thomas More, Thomas Hudsisson.
To the written petition of the inhabitants of the foregoing towns, that some change may be
made in the oath, the following answer was returned.
Loving ff-rinds ^°^^ Willem Hendrik 8 7"" 1673.
Wee have received by y' hands of your messengers, the severall nominations of your
Townes and have further proceeded to the election of y' magestrates, w""" wee have sent to
each towne in particuler, but we cannot but wonder verrij much that some of you do offer
to make scrupple of y' word (freelij :) inserted in the prologue of our answer to your deputies
petition, as alsoe about y' last clause of y' oath of fBdelitij ; Neverthelesse finding neither of
it to be material, wee have uppon the earnest request of some of ijou, ordered that the s**
' Sic. Arnold. — Ed.
Vol. ir. 76
(502 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
word ( frelij : ) uppon y" records should be left out and y' oath of fidellitij by all ijour inhabitants
shall be done in the same forme as here under is exprest, which will be admiaistred unto them
by our Commission": which to that purpose shall be appointed from
your ffriends
To M. Isacq Aernold Schout
of Southhold, Seatalkot,
Southampton, Easthamton &
Huntington to be communicated
to y* Magestrates of the s"* Towuea
Oath of fidellitij.
Wee do sware in the presents of the Almigtij God, that wee shall be true & faithfull to y' high
& mighty Lords y'= States Gennerall of y" united Belgick Provinces & his Serene hignesse the
Prince of Orange, & to their Govern" here for the time being, and to y" utmost of our power to
prevent all what shall be attempted against the same, but uppon all occasions to behave
ourselves as true & faitfull subiects in conscience are bound to do, provided that wee shal not
be forced in armes against our owne Nation if theij are sent bij a Lawfull commission from his
Majesty of England. Soo help us God.
On petition of Cattelyna Hegemans, widow of Adriaen Hegeman requesting, in substance,
that she may be allowed to proceed with immediate execution against the debtors for what
still remained due to her of the outstanding debts from the sales at auction, according to the
customs of our Fatherland ; the same is allowed and granted her. Dated as above.
Ciiptain Berry and William Sandford entering and requesting, in substance, that the Records
and Papers of tiie late Province of New Yarsey, may, for divers reasons be delivered to and
remain in the office of the Secretary of this Government, and not with Mr. Hopkins individually ;
the same is provisionally allowed them until further inquiry be made herein.
Jonathan Silck, to whom the Commanders, for reasons them moving, had given an old boat,
appearing before the Council, requests their Honors to be pleased to let him have in its stead
Captain Lavall's old ketch, now lying sunk in Westchester creek, on condition that he should
pay the government something for it ; whereupon, coming to a trade, they finally agreed for
the sum of sixty Beavers ; viz. : thirty in cash, and the value of the balance in cattle, wherefore
Egidius Luyck hath become security, according to the bond remaining in the hands of
Secretary Bayard.
The confiscation of said ketch is as follows :
The Commanders and Honorable Council of War over a squadron of ships lying at
anchor in the North river of New Netherland, in the service of their High Mightinesses
the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince
of Orange, etc.
To all who shall see these or hear them read. Greeting : make known,
Whereas in the reduction of this Province of New Netherland under the obedience of their
said High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, we have found in said
VOLUME XXIII. 603
Province and taken a ketch named the Rebecca and Sarah about twelve lasts burthen, whereof
William Merrit was late skipper, and which is lying at present in the river of Oostdurp heretofore
called Westchester. Therefore we, by virtue of our commission containing the clause of
confiscation, do declare said ketch named the Rebecca and Sara, late the property of the
enemies of our State, a lawful prize, and accordingly confiscable to the behoof of our Lords
Majors, as we do hereby confiscate said ketch with all her sails, anchors, cables and other
appurtenances, for the behoof as aforesaid, to be from now henceforth employed or disposed
for the benefit of our said Lords Majors, as shall be found compatible with the advantage and
profit of our Lords Majors, aforesaid.
Thus done at the Meeting of the Hon'''* Council of War in Fort William Hendrik on the
Island Manhatans in New Netherland, this S"" September, A" 1673.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon'''"' Council of War, holden on the 9"" of 7''", 1673.
Present — Commander Cornells Evertse, Junior,
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Captain Anthony Colve.
Robert Lapriere and Jonathan Singletary being arrested by the Sheriff of Achter Coll and
pursuant to previous order sent hither, are examined in Council on the charges brought against
them, all which were denied by them. Whereupon ordered, that John Ogden, the Sheriff, be
summoned hither to prove his complaints against those persons.
Whereas the Council is informed that Captain Lavall's servant who had charge of his property
at Haerlem has absconded, the Hon''''' Council of War hath therefore resolved to authorize
Resolved Waldron to take charge of said property at New Haerlem until further order; which
is, also, accepted by him.
Furthermore, said Resolved is ordered to forbid the Ferry people at Haerlem and Spy tenduyvel,
in the name of the Hon'''" Council of War, to put across any strangers from this Island, unless
they first exhibit a pass to that effect.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and the Hon""'^ Council of War, holden on the ll"" of
7''", 1673.
Pkesent — Commander Cornells Evertse, Junior,
Commander Jacob Benckes,
Captain Antony Colve.
The Hon'''* Council of War having resolved that the late Governor Lovelace must depart
forthwith out of this Government to New England, or in the ship now expected to sail, to
Holland, which being notified to him by Captain Charles Ypesteijn, he gave for answer, that he
may be permitted to go in Commander Benckes' ship. Which being considered, be is allowed
to do so; and 'tis further resolved that forty Beavers be paid him, in consideration of the
Wampum by him delivered to the Council of War, and an order is granted him for the same.
The Council of War this day resolved to refuse all strangers [admission] into this city, to
which end the following Proclamation is ordered published :
604 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
Whereas it is found that many strangers are daily passing in and out this city of New
Orange, without giving any account of tiiemseives or their business, or whence they come or
whither they go, which at this conjuncture of time ought no wise be tolerated nor allowed in
a well governed city. In order then to prevent and obviate the same in future, We, the
Commanders and Hon'''= Council of War of this our newly recovered Province of New
Netherland, do order and direct, that all strangers who have not taken the oath of allegiance nor
obtained any license from us, shall depart within 24 hours after the publication hereof, from
this city and its jurisdiction, and that from this time forward no one but our faithful subjects
only shall presume to enter this city of New Orange until they have previously obtained our
license to that effect, on pain and penalty to all those who shall be found within this city and
its jurisdiction, contravening this our order, of being considered enemies of our State,
and, consequently, treated as spies and disturbers of its public peace. And that this, our
order, may be more effectually enforced, we have to interdict and forbid all inhabitants of this
city of New Orange, in their houses to entertain, lodge or give beds to any strangers or
outside people of what Nation soever they may be, before furnishing the names of those
strangers and outside people, and of the places of their abode, to the Schout of this city before
the going down of the sun, under a fine of six hundred guilders, in Beaver, for each person
that will by them be entertained contrary to this our order, and in addition, according to the
circumstances of the case to be arbitrarily punished as an example to others ; and the OfTlcer
of this city is further required and charged to pay strict attention that this our order be
executed according to its tenor, and to deliver to the Officer in the Fort, every evening
before drum-beat, the names of the outside people with which he will be furnished. Let every-
one be warned hereby and take heed of damage.
Dated Fort William Hendrick, as above.
(Signed), CoiiNELis EvEKTSE, Junior,
Jacob Benckes.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon''''= Council of War, holden on the 12"'
of September, 1G73.
Pkesent — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornells Evertse, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve.
The Deputies from the South river entering and delivering their credentials, further declaring
their submission to the sovereignty of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the
United Netherlands and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange, with request that they
may be granted and allowed some privileges, handing in, to that effect, some articles which,
being taken into consideration, it is ordered as follows :
First. The Petitioners are allowed, until further order from our Lords Principals, free trade
and commerce with Christians and Indians, the same as given and granted to all other
inhabitants.
S*" A person shall be appointed Commandant over the South river who shall be authorized
to enlist 10 @; 12 men on our account, and, furthermore, to summon every sixth man from
among the inhabitants of that river, and to order a fort to be built in the most suitable place,
such as the Commandant shall judge necessary for the defence of said river.
VOLUME XXIII. 605
3'' The Commandant shall appoint a person to collect all debts due the English government,
report whereof being made to the Hon"'' Governor, further order shall be issued thereon.
4"" The Petitioners are allowed Freedom of Conscience.
5"" The Hon'''*' Governor shall, at the proper time, make due disposition of the valley
adjoining the place.
6"> The Swedes and Fins residing there on the South river shall enjoy the same privileges
as will be granted to all other subjects of this government.
7"^ In compensation and consideration of the excessive expenses which the inhabitants of
the South river shall have to incur in erecting the fort, they are hereby granted and allowed
exemption from all rent charges and excise on Wine, Beer and distilled liquors which will be
consumed on the South river until the month of May in the year 1G7G.
S"" Those of the English nation shall enjoy the same privileges as will be granted to all the
other inhabitants of this government, provided they take the oath of allegiance.
9"" All inhabitants of the South river shall have and hold all their houses, lands and goods
lawfully belonging to them.
And in case any persons now residing in Maryland have taken up any lands in the South
river, and obtained legal deeds therefor, such persons shall be permitted within the time of
three months from date hereof to apply to the Governor here and obtain confirmation of their
patents, and in like manner they shall be obliged to settle down under this government, and
take the oath of allegiance, on pain of forfeiting their lands aforesaid. Ady as above.
( Signed ), Jacob Benckes,
CORXELIS EVERTSE, Juulor.
And whereas it is highly necessary for the maintenance of good order, police, and so forth,
that the inhabitants of the South river be provided with some courts of justice, we have
therefore deemed it necessary to order and instruct the inhabitants of said river to nominate
by plurality of votes, for each court, eight persons as magistrates, whose jurisdiction shall
provisionally extend as follows:
One Court of Justice for New Amstel, to which provisionally shall resort the inhabitants
dwelling on the east and west banks of Kristina kill unto Boomties Hook, with those of
Apoquenamins kill inclusive.
One Court of Justice for the inhabitants of Upland, to which provisionally shall resort the
inhabitants both on the East and West banks of Kristina kill and upwards unto the head of
the river.
One Court of Justice for the inhabitants of the Whorekill, to which shall provisionally resort
the inhabitants both on the East and West sides of Cape Ilinloopen, unto Boomties
Hook, aforesaid.
And all the aforesaid inhabitants are hereby required and directed to deliver the nomination
to the Commandant or Schout Peter Alrigs, to be then transmitted to us by the first opportunity,
when a selection shall be made therefrom and sent to each of them. Dated as above.
( Signed ), Jacob Benckes,
CoRNELis EvERTSE, Junior.
James Bollen, Capl° Berry, Samuel Edsall and some inhabitants of Woodbridge, again
request that the books and papers concerning the province called New Yarsie, may be delivered
G06 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
into the hands of Secretary Bayard, and not to Samuel Hopkins, as they have great reasons
to suspect said Hopkins of having made avray with some of them. Their request is granted
mil! allowed.
The Milgistrates of the Town of Oysterbay appeared this day before the Council and took
the oath, who are notified that some persons shall be appointed to administer the oath of
allegiance to their inhabitants, when also some instruction would be sent them.
On this day by ordt-r of the Hon'''* Council of War, the following is published :
Whereas Daniel Lane, apprehended on cbarge of having committed high crimes, did last
night break jail and hath absconded, we have thought it necessary strictly to interdict and
forbid all our subjects to harbor, lodge or in any wise to entertain said Daniel Lane in their
houses, but, on the contrary, in ease any of them know where he may be skulking, to make
the same known immediately to the Officer on pain of arbitrary correction. Dated Fort
Willem Hendrik, as above.
The Hon'''' Council of War have this day conveyed and made over unto Jonathan and John
Silck, the ketch named the Rebecca and Sara, about 12 tons burthen, lying in Westchester
Kill, with all her sails, anchors, cables, ropes, and other appurtenances at present with tier,
whereof a formal conveyance is executed to them.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon''* Council of War, holden on the 13""
of 7"", ]073.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornelis Evertse, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve.
The Sachems and Chiefs of the Hackinsagh Indians, accompanied by about 20 of their
people, requested an audience, and being admitted, state that they have been sent to the
Commanders by the rest of their Indians, to request that as they heretofore had lived in peace
with the Dutch, they may so continue in future ; declaring that on tiieir side it was sincerely
desired, in token wliereof they presented about 20 deer skins, 2 (a^ 3 laps of Beaver, and 1
string of Wampum.
Whereupon they were answered: That their presents and proposals were accepted, and
they should be considered by the Government, as heretofore, good friends; in confirmation
whereof they were presented with 6J@^ of checkered linen; 12 pairs of woolen hose, and
five cartridges of powder ; for which they thanked the gentlemen, and again departed.
The Hon'''" Council of War having heard and examined the complaints of John Ogden,
Schout, against Jonathan Singletary, for not only refusing to obey the orders sent him by
said Schout, but moreover for answering very rudely and discourteously in writing, in contumely
and disrespect of his authority, which being sufficiently proved, partly by admission and further
by evidence on oath, the Hon'''^ Council of War, by virtue of their commission administering
justice, have therefore condemned and sentenced, as they do hereby sentence and condemn
said Jonathan Singletary to pay a fine of Five Pounds Sterling, to be applied to the behoof of
the poor of this city, with further warning that strict orders shall be given to the Magistrates
of Achtcr Coll to have a strict eye over his behavior, and that he shall, on the first complaint
VOLUME XXIII. 607
made de novo against him, be punished as a mutineer and disturber of the public peace, and as
an example to others. Further to pay costs of court.
The Hon''"'' Council of War having heard and examined the complaint of John Ogden,
Schout, against Robert Van Quelen, alias Lapriere, who refuses not only to obey the orders
sent to him by the Schout to restore the goods removed by him from the house of the late
Governor Carterett,' but moreover publicly stating with threats that the Duke of York had still
an interest in Fort James, and that there would be another change within half a year. All
which being sufficiently proved under oath, the Council of War therefore administering justice
by virtue of its commission, have hereby condemned and sentenced said Robert Van Quelea
to restore the removed goods of Capt. Carterett, and furthermore, to be banished as an
example to others. Ady as above.
At the Meeting of the Commanders and Hon'"'* Council of War, holden on the 14""
of 7"", 1673.
Pkesent — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornells Evertsen, Junior,
Captain Antony Colve.
Capt" Knyff and Lieut. Snel having returned yesterday from Aghlcr Coll, report: That
pursuant to their commission, they have administered the oalh of allegiance in the form
hereinbefore set forth, under date , to the inhabitants of the undernamed
towns, who are found to number as in the lists delivered in to the Council.
Elizahelhtown, 80 men, 76 of whom have taken the oath ; the remainder absent.
New TVorcIc, 86 men, 75 of whom have taken the oath ; the remainder absent.
Woodbridge, 54 men, all of whom have taken the oath except one, who was absent.
Piscattaway, 43 men, all of whom have taken the oath.
Middeltowne, 60 men, 52 of whom have taken the oath ; the remainder absent.
Schroushury, 68 men, 38 of whom have taken the oath ; 18 who are Quakers, also promised
allegiance, and the remainder were absent.
The following is the roll of the officers of militia elected and sworn in by Capt" Knyff and
Lieutenant Snel, by order of the Council of War:
' Philip Cakteeet was, necording to Collins' Peerage, the second son of Heliev Carteret, Deputy-Governor, King's Proctor
and Bailiff of the Island of Jersey, and of Elizabeth Dumaresq, and brother of Sir George Carteret, Bart, (supra, p. 410),
by whom he was appointed Governor of New Jersey, where he arrived in Angust, 1665. He named the place at which he
landed, Elizabethtown, it is said, after his brother's lady. He administered the government of the Province until July, 1672,
when he returned to England to make some representation on the state of the Province, in consequence of the diBatl'ection
of a portion of ihe settlers. During his absence the Dutch reduced the country. He was recommissioned Governor, July
31st, 1674, and returned to New Jersey in November following. He remained undisturbed in his government until 1680,
when Sir Edmund Andros laid claim to it, who caused Governor Carteret to be seized on the night of the 30th April, 1680,
and carried prisoner to New-York, where he was tried and acquitted. He remained, however, virtually deposed until
March, 1681, when orders were received from England to have him restored to his government and to forbear interference
with him. In April following he married Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Richard Smith, of Smithtown, L. I., and relict of
William Lawrence, of Flushing, and died in December, 1682, at an advanced age. Collins' Peerage, title, Granville; White-
head's East Jersey under the Proprietors. The latter work differing with Collins, says, p. 85, that Kachel was the name of
Governor Carteret's mother. — Ed.
608 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCEIPTS :
Elizahcthl'iivn : Jacob Molyn, Captain; Isaac Whithead, Lieutenant; John Woodrof, Ensign.
New Worlce: Samuel Swaine, Captain ; John Ward, Lieutenant ; Samuel Kitchell, Ensign.
Wooflbridge : John Pike, Captain; John Bishop, Lieutenant; Samuel Dennis, Ensign. "^
Pisscattuway : Bennayah Dunham, Captain; Joseph Snow, Lieutenant; John Longstaf,
Ensign.
Middeltownc : Jonathan Hulmes, Captain; John Smith, Lieutenant; Thomas Whitiock,
Ensign.
Schrousbunj : William Newman, Captain; Jolm Williamson, Lieutenant; Nicies Browne,
Ensign.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon"'' Council of War, holden on the lo"" of
September, 1673.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornells Evertse, Junior,
Captain Antony Colve.
Captain Laval! is at his request allowed to have his daughter, Margriet Laval), and his
brolher-in-law, Edward Dy[er], conveyed hence to Seakonck in the sloop the Planter, on
condition of giving sufficient security for the restoration of the sloop within the space of 3 weeks.
The petition of Martin Cregier being taken up and read, it is ordered as follows:
First: The Petitioner is permitted and hereby authorized to collect the Great Excise until
the l^'of May, 1674. The provisions which the Petitioner will deliver at Fort Nassouw' shall
be paid for out of the excise already due and the debts and goods belonging to Captain Thomas
Lavall, whereof the Petitioner shall by the first opportunity transmit a list to the Governor,
when further disposition shall be made in the premises. Dated Fort W" Hendrick,
as above.
It was at the same time understood, that the Petitioner shall meanwhile be at liberty to trade
certain goods for peltries, as he shall deem most profitable; the Petitioner is also authorized
and qualified with the Commander, Officers and Commissaries of Fort Nassouw, to search for
the property of Thomas d' Lavall and other officers, and to make the same known to the
Governor. Ady, as above.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and the Hon^'^ Council of War, holden on the IS"" of
7''", 1673, in Fort Willem Hendrick.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornells Evertse, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve.
The Sachems and Chiefs of the Mohawks being come hither to see the naval force of the
Commanders and to make a report thereon, having entered, now request permission to depart,
which is granted them, and they are presented with 8 @^ of cloth, 0 pairs of woolen hose, 3
cartridges of powder, and 3 muskets.
VOLUME XXIII. 609
The petition of the inhabitants of the village Schaneghtede being received and read,
requesting in substance the confirmation of the privileges i;nd freedoms granted and allowed
to them by the late Governor Stuyvesant, deceased. Whereupon, it is ordered :
The Petitioners are allowed and granted the enjoyment of their previous privileges and
freedoms, on condition and provided that they have not been afterwards countermanded by
Mr. Stuyvesant for sufficient cause.
And furthermore, the Commanders have elected, from the nomination for Magistrates of the
village Schanegtede for the ensuing year :
Sellout, Jan Gerritse van Marck.
Commissaries, Sander Leenderse Glen, Herman Vedder, Barent Janse.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, as above.
(Signed), Jacob Benckes,
CoRNELis EvERTSE, Junior.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon''''' Council of War, holden on the 19"'
of 7»", 1673.
Commission for the Hon'''^ Governor-General Anthony Colve, recorded this day
by order of Mess" the Commanders.
The Honorable Council of War over a squadron of ships now at anchor in Hudson's
river in New Netherland, for and in the name of their High Mightinesses the States-
General of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange.
To all who shall see or hear these. Greeting:
Whereas it is necessary to appoint a fit and able person as Governor-General to hold the
supreme command over this conquest of New Netherland, with all its appendencies and
dependencies, beginning at Cape Hinlopen, or the south side of Delaware bay, and fifteen
miles more southerly, including said bay and South river, as they were formerly possessed by
the Directors of the city of Amsterdam, and after by the English government, in the name
and on the behalf of the Duke of York ; and further from the said Cape Hinlopen along
the Great Ocean to the east end of Long Island and Shelter Island ; and thence westward to the
middle of the channel, called the Sound, to a town called Greenwich, on the main, and so
to run landward in, northerly ; provided that such line shall not come within ten miles of
the North river, conformable to the provisional settlement of the boundary made in 1650 and
afterwards ratified by the States-General, February 23, 1656, and January 23, 1664 ; with all
the lands, islands, rivers, lakes, kills, creeks, fresh and salt waters, fortresses, cities, towns,
and plantations therein comprehended. Wherefore, being sufficiently assured of the capacity
of Anthony Colve, Captain of a company of Dutch Infantry in the service of their High
Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince
of Orange, &c., by virtue of our commission granted us by their before mentioned High
' Now Albany. — Ed.
Vol. II. 77
610 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, we have appointed, commissioned and qualified, as we
do by these presents commission and qualify the said Captain Anthony Colve to be Governor-
General of this country and forts thereunto belonging, with all theappendencies and dependencies
thereof, to govern, rule and protect them from all invasions of enemies, as he, to the best of
his ability shall judge most necessary. We therefore charge all high and low officers, justices,
magistrates and other commanders, soldiers, burghers and all the inhabitants of this country,
to acknowledge, honor, respect and obey said Anthony Colve as their Governor-General, for
such we have judged necessary for the service of the country. All subject to the approbation
of our principals. Thus done at Fort William Hendrick, the 12th day of August, 1673.
(Signed), Jacob Benckes,
Cornelius Evertse, Juu^
Commission for Cornells Steenwyck to be Member of the Council.
The Hon'''= Council of War over a squadron of ships of war now at anchor in the North
river in New Netherland, on the behalf of their High Mightinesses the Lords
States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of
Orange, &c.
To all those who shall see or hear these read. Greeting :
Whereas we have deemed it necessary for the promotion of justice and police in this conquest
of New Netherland, under the superintendence and direction of the Hon. Governor-General
Anthony Colve, to appoint and commission an expert person as member of Council in this
Province. We, therefore, npon the good report which we have received of the abilities of
Cornelius Steenwyck, former Burgomaster of the city of New Orange in the time of the West
India Company's government of this country, have commissioned, qualiCed and appointed, as
we now commission, qualify and appoint the aforesaid Cornelius Steenwyck, Councillor of the
aforesaid Province of New Netherland, to assist in the direction of all cases relative to justice
and police, and further in all such military concerns, both by water and by land, in which the
Governor shall deem proper to ask his advice and assistance, to maintain good order and
promote the welfare and prosperity of this country, for the service of the Lords Maijors, to
take all possible care for the security and defence of the forts in these parts, to administer
justice, both in criminal and in civil cases, and further to do and execute everything relative
to his office, that a good Councillor is in duty bound to do, upon the oath which he shall
have taken. Commanding, therefore, by these presents all persons whom this may concern,
to acknowledge, respect and obey the aforesaid Cornelius Steenwyck, as Councillor in New
Netherland, as we have deemed it necessary for the service of this country, but all this under
approbation or rejection of our Lords and Principals.
Dated in Fort William Henry on the day as above.
The following is the Oath, taken by the Hon. Steenwyck, as Councillor at the hands of
the Commanders :
I, Cornelius Steenwyck, appointed Councillor in New Netherland, by the Hon"'''' Council of
War, in behalf of their High and Mighty Lords the States-General of the United Netherlands
and his Serene Highness the Lord Prince of Orange, &c., over a squadron of ships of war, now
VOLUME XXIII. 611
at anchor in the North river of New Netherland, on the approbation of their Lords Principals,
Do promise and swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I will in that quality be faithful
to their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, and to the Noble and Mighty Patrons of
this Country — that I will maintain the Reformed Religion, administer justice to the best of my
abilities, and further endeavor to promote the best interests of said Patrons, and to conduct
myself in that quality, as a good Councillor ought to do : So truly help me God Almighty !
Resolved to qualify a person to superintend the gunners and ammunitions, &c., for which
purpose the following Commission was granted to Cornells Ewoutsen :
Whereas an expert person is highly necessary, and required, to superintend the gunners and
ammunition of war, and to take good care of the laborers, so that everything be executed with
the greatest speed. Therefore, we, fully persuaded of the vigilance and knowledge required
for this purpose, of Cornells Ewoutse, commanding the States' snow, have authorized and
qualified him for said office, as we authorize and qualify him for it; commanding therefore the
gunners and artillery men, and all such master laborers as are, or who will in future be
employed in our service, to obey him Cornells Ewoutsen, and to execute his orders, promising
him in the name of our principals a decent salary, at the discretion of the Noble and Mighty
Lords, on the report and certificates, which by the Governor in process of time shall be made
upon it.
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Hon"' Council of War, holden on the SO"" 7''", 1673.
Present — Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornells Evertse, Junior,
Captain Anthony Colve.
The Hon"^" Council of War over a squadron of ships now at anchor in the North river of
New Netherland, on behalf of the High and Mighty the Lords States-General of the
United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange.
To all those who shall see these or hear them read, Greeting :
Whereas we, by a previous Proclamation dated the IS"" of August last, for sufficient reasons
us thereunto moving, have taken and seized all the houses, lands, goods and effects with the
outstanding debts in this country remaining and belonging to the Kings of England, France
and their subjects; and whereas not the smallest Capitulation was entered into at the last
surrender of this Fort and Province to the obedience of their High Mightinesses and his Serene
Highness, and consequently in virtue of the war all the goods and effects belonging to said
Kings of France and England and their subjects are liable to confiscation and forfeiture. We,
therefore, by virtue of our Commissions do find ourselves obliged to confiscate all the houses,
lands, goods and effects in this country being and belonging to the aforesaid Kings of England
and France and their subjects, without any exception, together with the houses, lands,
goods and effects belonging to the Duke of York, his late Governor, and Auditor-General, and
all other his Military officers in this country, as we do hereby confiscate them for the behoof
of their said High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, excepting alone the goods and effects
belonging to the actual inhabitants of the neighboring Colonies of New England, Virginia and
612 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS ;
Maryland who for sufficient reasons are as yet excepted from this Confiscation. Once more
ordering and commanding all and every of our good inhabitants that, agreeably to the tenor of
said Proclamation, they discover and make known what is required thereby, on pain as
expressed in said Proclamation. Let each one again be warned and take heed of damage.
Dated Fort Willem Heudrick, this 20"' September, A" 1673.
(Signed), Cornelis Evertse, Junior,
Jacob Benckes,
Anthony Colve.
Be it hereby known to all and every that I, Jacob Benckes, Commander of a squadron of
ships in the service of the Lords of the Admiralty at Amsterdam, on the resolution adopted
with Mr. Cornelia Evertse, Commander of his squadron of ships of the Province of Zealand,
and our assisting Council of War, have obliged and bound myself, as I do hereby oblige and
pledge myself, that my Lords Principals shall accept and that the aforesaid Province of Zealand
shall pay and disburse their just and legal share of all monthly wages, expenses and other
charges which after our departure with the squadrons shall be incurred by the man-of-war
called the Serenam, now under the command of Capt° Evert Evertsen, and the sloop called the
Zechonl, which are left in this country by the abovenamed Mr. Evertsen, agreeably to previous
resolution, for the better defence of this Province: Also that my sa'd Lords Principals of the
Admiralty at Amsterdam aforesaid shall, in like manner, accept and assume the payment of
their portion in all damages, danger, peril, loss, and wear which the aforesaid ship Serenam or
sloop or snow Zcchont shall happen to incur; thereunto binding my person and property, real
and personal, without any exception submitting the same to all courts and judges. In witness
of the truth have I subscribed this with my own hand. Signed in Fort Willera Hendrick in
New Netherland, this lO"- T'", 1673.
(Signed), Jacob Benckes.
Witness
N. Bayard, Secretary.
Commission of Nicolas Bayard to be Secretary to Governor Colve.
The Hon'''^ Council of War over a squadron of ships at anchor in the North river of New
Netherland, on the behalf of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the
United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c.
To all those who shall see these or hear them read, Greeting:
Whereas it is highly necessary to appoint and commission a good and proper person to serve
the Hon'''" Anthony Colve, Governor-General here as Secretary and Register of the Province
of New Netlierland, we therefore, on the good report made to us of the fitness and capacity of
Nicolas Bayard, Secretary of the city of New Orange, and late Clerk in (he time of the West
India Company's government here, have commissioned and qualified, do hereby commission and
qualify said Nicolas Bayard to be Secretary and Register to the aforesaid Governor Colve, to
execute the duties of said office and whatever thereunto appertains, and further to pay attention
to and perform everything as a good and faithful Secretary is officially bound to do by the
oath hereunto by him taken, furthermore ordering and commanding all our officers, justices,
VOLUME XXIII. 613
and magistrates, together with burghers and inhabitants of this Province, and all whom these
may in any wise concern, to acknowledge the above named Nicolas Bayard as such, for such
have we considered to be for the public interest. All, however, subject to the approval and
rejection of our Lords Principals.
Dated Fort Willeni Hendrick in New Netherland, this 20"' of August, A" 1673.
(Signed), Cornelis Evertsen, Junior,
Jacob Benckes.
Note in the Original. The aliove commission was omitted to be entered at its date, which, therefore, is done here.
Commission of Nicolas Bayard to be Reciver-General.
The Hon'''' Council of War over a squadron of ships at anchor in the North river of New
Netherland, on the behalf of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of
the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c.
To all those who shall see these or hear them read. Greeting :
Whereas it is necessary that a fit person be appointed Book-keeper and Receiver-General of
the Public Revenue and payments of this newly conquered Province of New Netherland, and
that for such purpose a proper and formal book be kept, to which end is proposed to us the
person of Nicolas Bayard, Secretary and Vendue Master of the city of New Orange, and late
Clerk in the time of the West India Company's government here: We, therefore, on the good
report and information to us given of the fitness and capacity of the aforesaid Nicolas Bayardi
have commissioned, qualified and appointed, as we do hereby commission, qualify and appoint
him to be Public Book-keeper and Receiver-General to collect and receive all public revenue and
income, to give acquittances for its receipt if needs be, also to keep account and entry in form
with all officers and servants, colonists and merchants, whenever demanded, of all public
payments, and further to do and perform whatever an honest and faithful Book-keeper and
Receiver is bound by his duty and office to do. Ordering and commanding all our respective
officers, servants and soldiers, together with all others whom these may in any wise concern,
to acknowledge the above named Nicolas Bayard as our Book-keeper and Receiver-General as
aforesaid, as we find the same to be for the best advantage of this Province. All, however,
subject to the approval or disapproval of our Lords Principals.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, the 20"^ September, 1673.
(Signed), Cornelis Evertz, Junior,
Jacob Benckes.
Order fixing the amount of Nicolas Bayard's Salary.
Whereas, it is highly necessary that a fit person be appointed Secretary and Book-keeper
and Receiver-General of New Netherland, under the authority of the Hon""'" Governor-General,
Anthony Colve, to which end we have provisionally accepted the person of Nicolas Bayard, to
fill said offices until further order of our Lords Principals; said Nicolas Bayard therefore for
his to-be-performed services in the qualities aforesaid, by us the subscribers in the name and
on the behalf of our aforesaid Lords Principals, their Noble Mightinesses, the Lords of the
Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam, has been allowed and granted a sum of one thousand
614 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
Carolus guilders per annum, and for the receipt and disbursement of the cash accounts
the same allowance as was made to the preceding Receivers in the time of the West
India Company, being six per cent, and all this until further order and disapproval of our
Lords Principals.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick in New Netherland, this 20"" September, 1673.
{ Signed ), Cornelis Evertz, Junior,
Jacob Benckes.
In the Name of the Lord. Amen ! '
ig"" September, A" 1G73.
Commission by the Hon'^'*^ Governor Anthony Colve to Peter Alrigs, to be Schout
and Commandant of the South river in N. Netherland.
Anthony Colve, Governor-General for their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General
of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, etc.
To all those who will see these or hear them read, Greeting:
Whereas, it is necessary to dispatch a fit and proper person as Commander and Schout on
the South river in New Netherland, lately called Delaware, beginning from Cape Henlopen
and so far more southerly as the same was heretofore possessed and settled at the time of the
previous Dutch government; we therefore, on the good report tons given of the person of
Peter Alrighs, late Ensign and Commissary there in the time of the Dutch government
aforesaid, have commissioned, qualified and appointed, and do hereby commission, qualify and
appoint him, Peter Alrighs, Commander and Schout of said river, in order as Commander
and Schout, under the supreme command and authority as aforesaid, the said river and its
inhabitants both on the east and west banks to govern, rule and against all hostile invasions to
protect, as he shall find consistent with the best means in bis power for the public service.
Hereby ordering and commanding all ofilicers, justices, magistrates, burghers and inhabitants
there, the abovenamed Peter Alrighs as their Commander and Schout, under the supreme
authority as aforesaid, to honor, respect and obey; for such we have judged necessary for the
public service. All subject to the approval and veto of our Lords Principals. Thus done in
Fort Willem Hendrick, this IQ"- 7''", A" 1G73, in New Netherland.
(Signed), A. Colve.
The following is the Oath taken by Schout Peter Alrighs, at the hands of the Governor;
I, Peter Alrighs, appoined Schout and Commander on the South river of New Netherland,
by the Hon"" Governor-General for their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the
United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, etc., do promise and
swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I in that quality will be true and faithful to their
High Mightinesses aforesaid and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, together with
the Hon''''* Mighty Patroons of this country; that I will maintain and aid in maintaining the
Reformed Religion ; to the utmost of my power support and help to support the right of said
' Here begins the Record of Governor Colvo's Administration. — Ed.
o
VOLUME XXIII. 615
Patroons in this country, and to the best of my knowledge administer and help to administer
good law and justice, and further so govern, comport and behave myself in that office as a
faithful Schout and Commander is bound to do. So truly help me God Almighty.
Order to Commander Alriglis to Administer the Oath of Allegiance to the
inhabitants of the South river.
Whereas, it is necessary that the inhabitants of the South river who have voluntarily
submitted, shall take the oath of allegiance to their High Mightinesses the Lords States-
General of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, etc.
Therefore the Hon''''= Governor-General of N. Netherland hath to that end commissioned and
authorized Mr. Peter Alrighs to be Schout and Commandant of the South river aforesaid, who is
hereby authorized to administer the oath of allegiance to all the inhabitants of said river, from
Cape Hinlopen off unto the head of said river, both on the east and west banks, and by the
first opportunity to make a report on his proceedings in the premises, accompanied by a correct
list of the inhabitants dwelling there on said river. Dated Fort Willem Hendrick this 25"'
of 7''", 1673.
Commission for Walter Wharton to be Land Surveyor.
Anthony Colve, Governor-General for their High Mightinesses the States-General of
the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c.
Whereas it isnecessary that a fit person be appointed and authorized as sworn Land Surveyor
in the South river of New Netherland to survey all lands and lots which by me as Governor-
General shall be laid out and disposed of, as well as lands and lots of private persons, for which
office the person of Walter Wharton late Surveyor of said river being recommended to me:
Therefore, on the good report to me made of the capacity and fitness of said Walter Wharton to
perform in a proper manner the duties of said office there, I have commissioned and qualified
said Walter Wharton, as 1 do hereby commission and qualify him from now henceforward, on the
oath by him taken there to discharge and to perform the duties of the office of sworn Surveyor,
hereby giving him full power and authority to fill that office on the salary hereafter to be fixed;
and further to observe and regulate himself according to the orders and instructions which he
from lime to time shall happen to receive from me in the premises.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick in New Netherland, this S-S"" of September, A" 1673.
(Signed), A. Colve.
The following is the Oath taken by Walter Wharton as Surveyor, 26"" 7''", 1673 :
I Walter Wharton Surveijor off the South Rivier here to fore Called dellewarr; being Chosen
and established by his honn' Anthony Colve Govern"" generall off the New Netherlands, I do
sweare bij the Everliving Godt, to be true & faithfuU to the high & Mighty Lords the
States-Generall off the United belgicq Provinces, & his Serene highnesse the Prince off Orange,
and to their govern' or govern" for the time being ; Item that I shal bee true & faithfull in the
Survey off all y" Lands for which I shall have order. Without respect off anij Person and
QIQ NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
further to governe, & behave my selfe in the s'' Employm' as a faithfull Surv' & Subject ought
to doe, Provided that I shall not be forced in arms againts my owne Nation if theij be sent
bij authoritie off his Maijestij off England. Soo lielp mij God.
Letter sent by the Governor to the Magistrates of Hemstead.
Friends
This Messenger delivered to me the Nomminatie off' y" tovvne for a Magestrate in the stead
off John Smith, out off which I have Elected Robbert .Jackson, who bij these Presents is
Established & Confirmed in the s'' office; but the s'' Messenger withall acquainted me that a
Strainger hath beine at yo' towne who Endeavoured to disturbe yo'' Pease, devulging that he
was sent by some other authorilij, all which in a wel regulated government Can Nott be
Suffered, wherefore You are greatly to be blaimed, for Your Neglect in not apprehending ofi"that
Person, & Sending off him to mee ; and ifi'for the future Such a bouldnesse should be Committed
You are hereby Warned Nott to Passe it bij, be Cause such Persons are to be sent to Me for
to receive Punishm' according to deserts, or by further Neglect You must Expect to be
accounted accessarij therein & accordingly treated; and Whereas report is Made Unto me that
the rest off' Yo'' Inhal)itants which where ordered to do y oath off allegiance uppon the Schouts
Warning have not appeared ; Wee have therefore thought fit to Issue the Inclosed order which
You are required forthwith to Publish in Yo' Towne; Not Else at Present but that I am
was underwritten
Dated att fort Willem Yo' friend
hendrick this 25"" off A: Colve.
7''" 1673.
Order sent to those of Hemstede directing those who had not taken the Oath of
Allegiance to do so within four days.
Whereas bij a former Publi(;alion Unto all the Inhabitans off" this Province it Was Manifested &
declared that all Persons that should be Willing to Submitt them selves Under the obedience
& take the oath off fidellitij unto the high & Mighty Lords the States Generall off the United
belgick Provinces & his Serene hignesse the Prince of Orange viz Should be Concidered as
faithful Subjects and Enjoy the Priveledges Equally with the rest off the good Subjects of the
dutch Nation, Where uppon amongst the rest of Our good Subjects & Some off' the Inhabitants
off the Towne off hemstead alsoo have Submitted themSelfes, but being since Informed that
Some off the s"* Inhabitants ( although being Legally Summoned ) have not appeared nor taken
the s"* oath off allegiance ; I have there fore thought fit to order Publish & declare, & doe
herebij order Publish & declare that the s"* Inhabitants off hemstead, who have not yet taken
the oath off allegiance, Siiall within the time of 4 dayes, after the Publication here off make
theire appearance; before me for to take the s'' oath of allegiance or give Satisfaction for there
Neglect & delaij herein Uppon the Penalty that the Persons who Shall refuse or neglect the
same, Shal be Concidered as disturbers & Publicq Enemijes off this Common Wealth, and
that against their Persons & Estates shall be Proceeded accordingly dated at fort William
hendrick this 25 7"'" 1G73.
( signed ), A. Colve.
VOLUME XXIII. 617
Free Pass for Walter Webly.
Whereas, I am informed that Walter Webly still scruples to come hither, through fear that
he should be molested on account of the effects which he hath removed hence for the benefit
of the orphan child of the late Richard Morris, therefore have I thought proper on the request
to me, made in his behalf, to grant said Walter Webly again free conduct and passport, and at
the same time to make known that it was never intended to seize the effects of said child, but
only those belonging, in lawful propriety, to Col. Lewis Morris.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 26"" 7'^", 1673.
(Signed), A. Colve.
The Governor-General of N. Netherland having read and considered the petition of Myndert
Fredricksen, Jan Hendricksen Bruyns, Volckert Jansen, Hans Hendricksen and Hans Dreper,
in their own and in the name of their congregation of the Augsburg Confession at Willemstadt,'
requesting in substance free exercise of their religious worship, without let or hindrance, to
the end that they may live in peace with their fellow burghers, etc.
It is ordered as follows :
The petitioners are granted and allowed their aforesaid request, on condition of comporting
themselves peaceably and quietly without giving any offence to the congregation of the Reformed
Religion, which is the State Church {de hoofft Eercke).
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this SG"- 7'^% 1673.
This day hath Hendrick van Borsum contracted to serve the Hon''''^ Governor as carpenter
for the period of one current year, commencing to-morrow; for which service he shall receive
a salary of fl. 30 a month,^ without board, payable in Holland, or here in Holland currency, at
the choice of said Van Borsum; but whenever he shall be sent to work without the city he
shall be provided with victuals. 26"' 7''", 1673.
Adrian Janssen van Westerhout is this day hired by the Hon*"'" Governor as carpenter to the
first of May next and 2 @^ 3 months, more or less, on the foregoing conditions.
John Sharpe appearing requests a passport for himself and some of his goods, to depart
agreeably to the Commanders' orders; which is allowed him and passport granted.
Captain Willeth requests to get his arrested goods on giving security ; which is for the
present refused.
Commander Alrighs is this day authorized to enlist 10 @. 12 soldiers on government account,
including 2 corporals, whose ordinary pay shall be :
One corporal, 48 stivers Hollands per week.
One private, 35 stivers per week.
6 lbs. of beef, or 3^ lbs. of pork, per week.
6 lbs. of rye bread per week.
i lb. of butter per week.
J barrel of small beer for 7 men per week.
1 skepel of peas per month.
' Albany. » Equal to $12. — Eo.
Vol. II. 78
618 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
Instruction for Andries Draeyer, Conamander and Schout :
1. The pure, true Christian Religion, agreeably to the Synod of Dort, shall be taught and
maintained in all tilings as it ought, without suffering any the slightest attempt to be made
against it by any other sectaries.
2. He is earnestly recommended to keep his men in good order, and to be punctually all
night within the Fort.
3. He shall do everything in his power to entertain good correspondence with the
Commissaries of Wiilemstadt.
4. He shall as much as possible keep the Natives and Indians devoted to him, and according
to his ability render the Dutch government agreeable to them, and obtain from them all the
information he can respecting the trade and doings of the French, and prevent all
correspondence they may carry on with the inliabitants of Wiilemstadt.
5. In issuing the rations he shall regulate himself by the following:
For each man, a week, 6 lbs. of beef or 3i lbs. of pork ; 6 lbs. of bread ; i lb. of butter, or
2 stivers Hollands instead.
1 skepel of peas a man, a month. In addition.
i barrel of small beer for seven men.
6. In regard to the office of Schout, he shall conduct himself therein according to the
instruction which shall be sent him to that effect.
7. Furthermore, he shall have to regulate himself agreeably to any additional orders and
instructions which will be transmitted to him from time to time.
S. He shall not fail on all occasions to report what passes there, and when necessary to send
a boat express for that purpose. Dated Fort Willeni Heudrick, 20"' 1^"', 1073.
Mr. Marten Cregier:
Whereas, Andries Draeyer, the Commandant of Fort Nassau, will stand in need of some
money for the support of that Fort and its garrison, therefore have I considered it necessary to
provide him with credit there; and you are hereby required to furnish the abovenamed
Commander on his order whatever he shall need for that purpose, until otherwise directed,
and not fail every three months to transmit to me proper account of the same. Whereupon
relying, I remain, &c. Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, the 27"" 7"", 1073.
Instruction for Peter Aldrickx, Schout and Commander at the South river.
1. The pure, true Christian Religion, according to the Synod of Dort, shall be taught and
maintained in every proper manner, without suffering anything to be attempted contrary
thereunto by any other sectaries.
2. He is earnestly recommended to keep his men in good order and strictly within the Fort
all night.
3. He shall keep up good correspondence with the Commissaries of the South river.
4. He shall keep the Natives and Indians as much as possible devoted to him and render by
all means in his power the Dutch government agreeable to them.
5. In issuing the rations he shall regulate himself by the following:
VOLUME XXIII. 619
For each man, a week, 6 lbs. of beef or 3J lbs. of pork ; 6 lbs. of bread ; J lb. of butter, or
2 stivers Hollands instead.
i barrel of small beer for seven men.
1 skepel of peas a man, a month, in addition.
6. In regard to the office of Schout, he shall conduct himself therein according to the
instruction which shall be sent him to that effect.
7. Furthermore, he shall have to regulate himself agreeably to any additional orders and
instructions which will be transmitted to him from time to time.
8. He shall not fail on all occasions to report what passes there, and when necessary to send
a boat express for that purpose. Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, S?"" September, 1673.
29 7tember, 1673.
On the request made on behalf of Col. Lewis Moorris,' pass and repass is granted him to
come into this government, on condition that he attempt nothing to its prejudice during
his sojourn.
John Schakerly is on his petition, allowed to go with his sloop to Newhaven in New
England, and to bring thence such goods as lawfully belong to the inhabitants of this
government.
Notice is this day sent to the Magistrates of the town situate at the Nevesings near the sea
coast, which they are ordered to publish to their inhabitants, that they on the first arrival of
any ships from sea shall give the Governor the earliest possible information thereof.
Whereas the Late Chosen Magestrates off Shrousburij are found to be Persons whoes
religion Will Not Suffer them to take anij oath, or administer the Same to others wherefore they
Can Nott be fit Persons for that office I have therefore thought fitt, to order that bij y^ b'*
Inhabitants off y* s"" towne a New Nomination shall be made off four Persons off the true
Protestant Christian religion, out off which I shal Elect two, and Continue one off y^ former
for Magestrates off y' s"* towne ; dated att ffort W^illera hendrick this 29"" 7''" 1G73.
(signed), A. Colve.
' Lbwib Morris was a native of Monmouthshire, Wales, and commanded a troop of horse in lUe Parliament army against
Chariest. He afterwards went to the West Indies; purchased "a loTely estate " on the Island of Barbadoes, and was
member of the Council of that Island. In 1654, an expedition having been fitted out against the Spanish possessions (p
those parts, a commission of Colonel was sent to him by Protector Cromwell, but when the fleet arrived at Barbadoes, in
1655, "he prized himself at so high a rate" that he demanded a present of one hundred thonsand weight of sugar to pay
his debts, before he would consent to accompany the fleet. He finally, however, consented and was present at the reduction
of Jamaica, after which he returned to Barbadoes and is said to have been interested in the purchase of St. Lucia in 1663.
He now openly professed the principles of the Quakers, and as one of their prominent members entertained the celebrated
George Fox, at his seat near Bridgetown, when he visited Barbadoes in 1671; signed the addresses to the Governor and
Legislature complaining of the persecution to which the Friends were subjected, Mr. Morris, himself, having been mulcted,
in fines, to the amount of 16,193 pounds of sugar for refusing to pay Church dues and Minister's money, and to furnish men
and horses for the militia. On receiving intelligence of the death of his brother, Richard {supra, p. 595, note), he came to
this country, whilst it was in the possession of the Dutch, in the year 1673, and not after the peace of 1674, as erroneously
stated by Dunlap and others. After visiting Barbadoes for the purpose of winding up his affairs, he returned to New-York in
1675 and settled at Bronoksland, in Westchester county, for which he received a patent, 25th March, 1676. He was afterwards
member of Governor Dongan's Council, from 1683 to 1686, and died in the year 1691, at his " plantation over against Harlem."
This property is called " his Manor of Morrisania," by Mr. Whitehead, in the Introductory Memoir to the Papers of Governor
Morris, p. 3; but erroneously. The Manor of Morrisania was not erected until the 6th of May, 1697, some six years
after Colonel Morris' death. OranvilU Penn's Memorials of Admiral Penn, II., 41, 42, 46 ; Fox's Journal, fulio, 433 ; BesseU
Sufferings of the Quakers, IL, 313, 314, 315; New-York Council Minutes, V., 43, 78, 86, 93, 166; VH., 109.— Ed.
620 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
Loving friends
Tiie beares hereoffare Sent by me in Commission to administer the oath off allegiance unto
the Inhabitants off all the Easterne Townes on Long Island, with whom I have alsoo sent the
Provisional! Instructions for yo^ selfe & the rest off the Magistrates and you are Withall
recommanded to Cause a Coppy off the s^ Instructions to be Sent unto each off Yo'' Townes ; to
the End they may governe & regulate them selves accordingly I have alsoo sent You by the
bearers the Proclamation & arrest off all the Estate belonging to the Kings off England &
france, & their Subjects and Now remaining in this Province, which is Sent to be Published in
all Y" townes, Not else at Present butt that I am
Yo"" Lov friend
Dated att fort Willem hendrick A : Colve
this first day off octob : 1G73.
The following is the Commission to Captain Knyff and Company :
Whereas I haue thought itt Necessarij that the Inhabitants off Easthamton and the rest off
the Easterne townes on Long Island, beginningfrom oister baij, &Eastwards (as the rest off the
Subjects off this Province alreaddy have done) Jo sware fidellity to our Souveraignes Lords,
the high & Mighty Staets gennerall off the United Provinces, and his Serene Highnesse the Lord
Prince off Oraugne: I have therefore thought ffitt to nominate, authorize and appoint, and do
by these Presents nominate authorize & appoint Capt° William Knijffe and Leftennant
Anthony Malypnrt together with the Clarcq abram Varlett to Call a townes Meeting in all the
s"* respective Townes, and to administer Unto the Inhabitants thereoff the said oath off fidellitij,
and to make a true returne thereoff under their hands, and for so doing this will be Unto them
a Sufficient Warrant and Commission; given under Mij hand att fort William hendrick, this
first day off octob A" 1G73.
(underwritten),
A Colve:
Provisional Instruction for the Schout and Magistrates of Midwout, Amesfoort,
Breuckelen, New Utrecht and Gravesend, situate on Long Island, and to
the Magistrates of Bushwyck.
Art. 1. The Sheriff and Magistrates shall, each in his quality, take care that the Reformed
Christian Religion be maintained in conformity to the Synod of Dordrecht without permitting
any other sects attempting anything contrary thereto.
2. The Sheriff shall be present, as often as possible, at all the meetings and preside over the
same ; but should he act for himself as party, or in behalf of the rights of the Lords Patroons
or of Justice, he shall, in such case, rise from his seat and leave the Bench and in that event he
shall not have any advisory much less a concluding vote, but the oldest Schepen shall, then,
preside in his place.
3. All oases relating to the Police, Security and Peace of the Inhabitants; also to Justice
between man and man, shall be finally determined by the Magistrates of each of the aforesaid
villages, to the amount of, and under, sixty florins, Beaver, without appeal : In case the
sum be larger the aggrieved party may appeal to the meeting of the Sheriff and Councillors
VOLUME XXIII. 621
delegated from the villages subject to his jurisdiction, for which purpose one person shall
be annually appointed frona each village who shall assemble in the most convenient place to be
selected by them, and who shall have power to pronounce final judgment to the amount of
fl. 240 Beavers and thereunder. But in all cases exceeding that sura each one shall be entitled
to an appeal to the Governor-General and Council here.
4. Incase of inequality of votes, the minority shall submit to the majority; but those who
are of a contrary opinion may have it recorded in the minutes but not divulge it without the
meeting on pain of arbitrary correction.
5. Whenever any cases occur in the meeting in which any of the Magistrates are interested,
such Magistrate shall, in that instance, rise and absent himself, as is hereinbefore stated, in the
S"* article, of the Sheriff.
6. All inhabitants of the abovenamed villages shall be citable before said Sheriff and
Schepens or their delegated Councillors who shall hold their meetings and courts as often as
they shall consider requisite.
7. All criminal offences shall be referred to the Governor-General and Council, on condition
that the Sheriff be obliged to apprehend the offenders, to seize and detain them and to convey
them as prisoners under proper safeguard to the Chief Magistrate with good and correct
informations for or against the offenders.
8. Smaller offences, such as quarrels, abusive words, threats, fisticuffs and such like, are left
to the jurisdiction of the Magistrates of each particular village.
9. The Sheriff and Schepens shall have power to conclude on some ordinances for the
welfare and peace of the inhabitants of their district, such as laying out highways, setting off
lands and gardens and in like manner what appertains to agriculture, observance of the Sabbath,
erecting churches, school-houses or similar public works. Item, against fighting and wrestling
and such petty offences, provided such ordinances are not contrary but as far as is possible,
conformable to the Laws of our Fatherland and the Statutes of this Province ; and, therefore,
all orders of any importance shall, before publication, be presented to the Chief Magistrate
and his approval thereof requested.
10. The said Sheriff and Schepens shall be bound strictly to observe and cause to be observed
the Placards and Ordinances which shall be enacted and published by the supreme authority,
and not suffer anything to be done against them, but cause the transgressors therein to be
proceeded against according to' the tenor thereof; and further, promptly execute such orders
as the Governor-General shall send them from time to time.
11. The Sheriff and Schepens shall be also obliged to acknowledge as their Sovereign Rulers,
their High Mightinesses the Lord States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene
Highness the Lord Prince of Orange, and to maintain their sovereign jurisdiction, right and
domain over this country.
12 The selection of all inferior officers and servants in the employ of the Sheriff and of
the Schepens, the Secretary alone excepted, shall be made and confirmed by themselves.
13. The Sheriff shall, by himself or deputies execute all the Magistrates' judgments and
not discharge any one except by advice of the Court ; he shall also take good care that the
places under his charge shall be cleansed of all mobs, gamblers, whore-houses and such
like impurities.
14. The Sheriff shall receive the half of all civil fines accruing during his term of office
together with one-third part of what belongs to the respective villages from criminal cases ;
but he shall neither directly nor indirectly receive any presents forbidden by law.
622 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
1-5. Towards the time of election, the Sheriff and Rchepens shall nominate as Schepens
a double number of the best qualified, the honestest, most intelligent and wealthiest
inhabitants, exclusively of the Reformed Ciiristian Religion or at least well affected thereunto,
to be presented to the Governor, who shall then make his election therefrom with continuation
of some of the old ones in case his Honor may deem it necessary.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, the first of October, 1673.
The preceding instruction, as registered word for word, is in like manner sent
To Schout Peter Aldrichs and the Magistrates of the respective Towns on the South river.
To Schout Isaac Grevenraet and the Magistrates of the Towns of Swaenenburg, Horley,
and Marbletowne in the Esopus.
Also, in English, to Schout William Lawrence and the Magistrates of the Towns of Flushing,
Hemestede, Middelburgh, Rustdorp and Oisterbay.
In English, to Schout Isaack Arnolds and the Magistrates of the Towns of Southampton,
Southold, Seatalcot, Huntington and Easthampton.
In English, to Schout John Ogden and the Magistrates of the Towns of Elizabethtown,
Woodbridge, Shrousbury, New arke, Piscattaway and Middeltown, situate at Achter Col.
To the Schout and Magistrates of the Town of Bergen, only with this alteration, that in the
S"* par. they shall pronounce definitive judgment to the amount of fl. 00 in Beavers and
no further.
Ditto to those of Bergen and Westchester and Staten Island.
The Governor has this day resolved to sell Major Kingland's plantation and effects at Achter
Col; and the Magistrates of the Town of Newarke are accordingly authorized to drive off and
sell by public auction the cattle and swine of said plantation, to be paid for next winter in salt
pork @^ 3 ^, or beef @^ 2 ,£ per barrel, winter wheat (Sj^ 6 guilders or peas (^ 4 guilders,
Wampum currency, per skepel ; and it is further ordered, that written notice shall be given that
said plantation and house will be sold on the 2S" instant at the house of Philip Nys here in
this city. Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 1" October.
David Gardener appears before the Governor and declares, he submits himself to the obedience
of their High Mightinesses, etc. Furthermore requesting that his Island may be confirmed to
him, and that he may enjoy the privileges and preeminences which he possessed in the time
of the late government.
Which request being taken into consideration by the Governor, he is allowed and granted the
same privileges and preeminences that may be granted to the other subjects of this government ;
whereof on his application formal certificate shall in its proper time be granted. First
October, 1673.
Memorandum and Order for Ensign Jan Sol, Major of the garrison in Fort
Willem Hendrick.
First. He shall take care that a corporal's guard from each company shall be put on duty
each day, when the arms shall be inspected by the sergeants and corporals of the guard.
2. The guard shall be relieved at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, and at 12 o'clock on Sunday,
at which time the gates shall be closed, when there shall always be present in rotation one
VOLUME XXIII. 623
Lieutenant or Ensign who shall command the guard, and during the watch shall wear his sash
and be continually in the Fort, in order thus to be able to give an account of the watch, and
in the morning to come and report to me what has occurred.
3. The reveille shall be beaten at the break of day, and the gate shall be opened as soon as
'tis light and shut in the evening before dark ; and furthermore, at 9 o'clock the drum shall
beat the tattoo, when all soldiers and matrosses shall quietly repair to their quarters without
making the least noise.
4. The corporals shall take good care that their men be continually at the guard, and that
not more than three or four at the same time have leave to go and eat; pay particular attention
that no strong drink be brought, much less drank, in the guard-house ; constantly teach the
men the use of arms, and punctually observe all orders to be from time to time issued, and
take care that their men obey the same ; and, above all things, pay attention that no Dutchman
nor Englishman (the city Magistrates excepted) come here into the Fort without permission,
much less be suffered to go on the batteries.
5. The Grand Rounds shall go before midnight and receive the word, but before that a Cadet
at least, shall go around, and after the Grand Rounds the Cadet shall continually go the rounds,
as well also on Sunday during Divine service, both in the fore and in the after noon, when
he shall continually go around the walls.
6. He shall take care that the soldiers do weekly clean out their barracks and quarters and
not permit any filth to be deposited in the Fort, but all their filth and water be thrown out of
the Fort, on pain of being punished according to the circumstances of the case; the
corporals shall relieve their sentinels every half hour during the night, and during the day
according to circumstances; and shall also take care that the arms of the guard be loaded with
a loose ball, and whenever it is necessary to discharge the muskets, in order to clean them,
that shall be done on the Battery after drawing the ball ; and he shall further pay attention that
the ordered powder in the bandoleers* shall be preserved, to which end each corporal on his
watch shall inspect the bandoleers, and also attend to all munitions of war.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, 1^' October, 1673.
Whereas experience has shown that great disorders have arisen and are growing more
numerous every day among the people here in Fort Willem Hendrick; to prevent and obviate
the same, it is therefore, resolved to commit to paper some necessary orders extracted from
the Articles of War ; and to the end that no man shall plead ignorance, the corporals are
hereby strictly ordered and commanded to recommend and to read them to their men.
First. Whosoever blasphemes the name of the Lord or his Holy Word shall be for the
first offence fined and committed three days to prison on bread and water ; and for the second
offence shall have his tongue bored with a red hot iron, and he shall furthermore be banished
out of this government and the United Provinces as a villain.
2. Whosoever shall have uttered any words tending to sedition, mutiny or disobedience, or
heard them uttered without making them known to his officer, shall suffer death.
3. Whosoever shall go further than cannon range from the garrison, without his officer's
consent, shall undergo corporal punishment.
' Bandoleers were little wooden cases covered with leather, of which every musketeer used to wear 12 hanging on a
shoulder belt, each of them containing the charge of powder for a musket. Thej' are no longer in use, having given place to
the cartouch-box. — Ed.
624 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
4. Whosoever neglects his guard or any duty committed to him, shall suffer death, and
whosoever neglects his parade, his watch shall be assigned to another and he shall be seated
three hours on the wooden horse and nevertheless he must stand his guard.
5. Any soldier found asleep on his post or whilst standing sentry shall be flogged without
mercy ; in like manner the soldier shall be punished who will leave his post either by night or
by day.
C. Whosoever shall absent liimseif from his guard-house, without his corporal's permission,
shall suffer corporal punishment.
7. Whosoever smites another with sheathed sword, stick, stone or otherwise and blood
flows, shall suffer loss of hand.
8. Whosoever in a quarrel or fight shall call his comrade to help him, shall be hanged
and strangled.
9. Whosoever shall be found at night out of the Fort without his Captain's permission, shall
suffer corporal punishment.
10. Whoso challenges to fight shall be subject to corporal punishment ; in like manner shall
be punished the corporal, sergeant or other officer commanding the guard, if he be cognizant
thereof and doth not hinder it.
11. Whoso enters or leaves the Fort by any other way than through the ordinary gate, shall
be hanged and strangled.
12. The soldier who shall refuse to obey the orders of his officer or others in command over
him, shall suffer corporal punishment; in like manner shall be punished whoso disobeys any
order communicated by beat of drum.
13. Whosoever shall be found drunk on guard shall be broken and expelled the company.
Item, if any man shall commit any evil or forbidden act when drunk, he shall not be excused
on that account, but therefore be punished the more severely.
14. The soldier who resists his officer or commander shall suffer death.
15. If the Provost or his men take one or more prisoners, no one, be he who he may, shall
oppose it, nor rescue nor endeavor to rescue them ; all on pain of corporal punishment.
16. The corporals shall take good care that their men be continually at the guard ; pay
particular attention that no strong drink be brought, much less drank, in the guard-house ;
constantly teach the men how to handle their arms; punctually observe all orders which will,
from time to time, be issued ; take good care that their men obey the same, and, above all
things, pay attention that no man ( the city Magistrates and those of the Fort excepted) shall
come here within its gate without permission, much less be suffered to go on the batteries.
17. All soldiers shall clean their quarters at least once a week and be careful that no filth be
found before their barracks, but remove the same without the Fort, on pain of being punished
according to the circumstances of the case. In like manner shall be severely punished those
sentries who happen to ease themselves or permit others to ease themselves on the ramparts
or breastworks ; the sentry near whom it is found, shall have to justify it or be himself punished.
18. During the night the corporals shall relieve their sentries every half hour, and during
the day according to circumstances, and order them to stand erect during their guard or walk
near their sentry-box ; wherefore the soldiers are strictly ordered to obey them ; and the
corporals shall also take care that the arms in guard be loaded with a loose ball, and whenever
it becomes necessary to discharge the piece in order to clean it, the same shall be done at the
Battery, the ball being previously drawn. Furthermore, care shall be taken that the ordered
VOLUME XXIII. 625
powder shall-be kept in the Bandoleers, to which end the corporals of each guard shall inspect
the Bandoleers ; also the sergeants and corporals shall continually see that nothing be deficient
in the arms; and whoso shall be discovered to have sold, or to have not been duly careful of,
his ammunition, be it powder, ball or match, shall be rigorously punished.
19. All other offences and crimes not specified in this ordinance shall be punished according
to the placard, laws and customs of war.
Dated in Fort Willem Hendrick, 4"' of October, 1673.
Instruction for the Commissary.
1. The Commissary shall have to regulate himself as follows in the issuing of provisions :
For each man, a week, 3J lbs. beef and 2 lbs. of pork, and in case beef only be issued each
man shall receive as rations, 7 lbs. of beef, or 4 lbs. of pork ; 7 lbs. bread ; J lb. butter, or the
value thereof, 2 stivers Hollands.
For 7 men, per week, J barrel small beer.
For each man, per month, IJ peck of peas.
For each man, for three months, i skepel of salt.
The sergeants and gunners shall each receive one ration and a half.
The corporals, each one ration and a quarter.
2. The Commissary shall keep a correct account of the provisions which shall be placed in
his hands, and not issue any ration except on the muster roll of each company, signed by me,
and pay strict attention to what remains from time to time in store, and be accountable
therefor to Burgomaster iEgidius Luyck, as Commissary of Provisions, to whom he also from
time to time send requisitions for what provisions he may require.
3. He shall take good care of the munitions of war, and not issue any arms, powder, lead
or match, except on my written order. The Commissary shall keep proper account of the
daily wages of the working people ; what they are employed at, and note down the least
neglect, to the end that on settling with them the same may be deducted, and they shall receive
an order on Burgomaster iEgidius Luyck for what they have done.
4. Whenever any men are required to assist in executing any work, he shall make application
to the oiBcer of the guard. 4"" October, 1673.
At a Council held in the village of New Haerlem, this 4'" of October, 1673.
Present — The Governor-General and Councillor Cornells Steenwyck.
The inhabitants of Fordham appear, complaining in substance of the ill-government of their
landlord, John Archer, requesting that they may be granted the nomination of their own
Magistrates, as is allowed to all the other inhabitants of this government. Whereupon, the
aforesaid John Archer being summoned to appear, the complaint is communicated to him, who
voluntarily declares, tiiat he desists from the government, authority and patroouship of said
town, reserving alone the property and ownership of the lands and houses there; according,
therefore, to the said inhabitants the nomination of their own Magistrates, which is confirmed
to them by the Governor and Council. Whereupon, the following minute is granted them :
Vol. II. 79
626 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
The inliabitants of the town of Fordham are hereby authorized to nominate, by plurality of
the votes of their town, six of the best qualified persons, exclusively of the Reformed Christian
Religion, as Magistrates of said town, and to present said nomination by the first opportunity
to the Governor-General, from which his Honor will then make the selection ; it is also
recommended them to pay attention when nominating, that the half at least of those nominated
be of the Dutch nation.
Dated New Harlem, 4"' of October, 1673.
Commission for Captain William Knyff" and Lieutenant Anthony Mallipart,
commissioned and sent by the Hon""^ the Governor to the east end of Long
Island, to administer the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants there.
Whereas I have thought itt Necessarij that the Inhabitants off Easthampton, and the rest off
the Easterne Townes on Long Island beginning from Oisterbay & Eastwards (as the rest
off the Subjects of this Province already have done) do sware fidellity to o' Soveraigne Lords,
the high en Mighty Staats generael off the United Provinces, and his Serene highnesse the
Lord Prince off Orange ; I have therefore thought fitt to nominate authorize and appoint and
do by these Presents nominate authorize & appoint, Capt. William Knyffe and Leffennant
Anthony Malypart together with the Clarcq Abram Varlett to Call a Townes Meeting in all
the said respective Townes, and to administer unto the Inhabitants thereoff the Said oath off
fidellitij, and to make a true returne thereoff under their hands, and for so doing this will be
unto them a Sufficient Warrant and Commission, Given under my hand, att ffort William
hendrick this d"- daij off Octob 1G73.
(Signed), A Colve.
Gentlemen :
Herewith goes the election of the Magistrates and Militia ofBcers of the towns of
and Marble, who shall have to be sworn into their respective offices by Ensign Vos, who is
ordered to stop at the Esopus, on his way down, for that purpose. As regards the nomination
for Schout, whereunlo, among others, is nominated William Beeckman, who resides and is in
office here and also declines accepting that appointment ; therefore have I deemed it necessary
to recommend you and the other inhabitants of Swaencnburgh to nominate, by plurality of
votes, another proper person as Schout, in the place of said Beekman, and to send such
nomination hither by the first opportunity ; whereupon relying, I shall remain,
Your friend,
Fort Willeni Hendrick, A. Coi.ve.
6"" October, 1673.
The above letter is s nl to the inliabitants of Swaenenburgh and those of the Towns of
Horly and Marble.
From the nomination by the inhabitants of the Town of Swaenenburgh, the Governor
selected for the next year as follows :
For Schq)C7is :
Cornelis Wyncoop, Wessell Ten Broeck,
Roeloff Kierstede, Jan Burhans.
VOLUME XXIIL 627
For Militia Officers :
Captain, Mathys Mathysen.
Lieutenant, Jan Willemsen.
Ensign, Mathys Barentsen.
For Magistrates of the Towns of Horlij and Marble :
Louis du Bois, Jan Joosten, and
Roeloff Hendricksen, Jan Broersen.
For Militia Officers :
Captain, Albert Heymans.
Lieutenant, Jan Broersen.
Ensign, Gerrit Adriaensen.
and for Secretary of the Court of Swaenenburgh, Horly and Marbletown, William Lamontague,
who hath also taken the oath as Secretary.
Mr. Andrew Draeyer:
I have duly received the nomination of the inhabitants of Willemstadt, and have therefrom
selected for Magistrates, as will be seen by the minute inclosed ; and you are hereby authorized
to install those Magistrates into their respective offices, and to administer the oath to them.
This further covers the inclosed instruction whereby you are henceforth to regulate yourself
in the issuing of provisions to the military. Whereupon relying, I remain, after greeting,
Your friend,
A. COLVB.
Whereas I have considered it necessary for the greater advantage and welfare of the Town
of Willemstadt and Colonic Renselaerswyck to change the form of government there, and to
reestablish it according to the laudable custom of our Fatherland, therefore have I thought
proper to commission and qualify, as I do hereby commission and qualify, Andrew Drayer,
Commander of Fort Nassau, to be Schout over the said town of Willemstadt and Colonic
Renselaerswyck; and further have I from the nomination exhibited by the inhabitants of
Willemstadt aforesaid, selected and qualified for Schepens for the ensuing year as follows :
Gerrit van Sleghtenhorst, Cornells van Dyck and
David Schuyler, Peter Bogardus.
And further, on the election made by Sieur Jeremias van Renselaer, have approved and
qualified as Schepens for the Colonie Renselaers wyck :
Martin Gerritsen, Peter Vounen and
Hendrick van Nes.
And finally, for Secretary of said Court, Johannes Provoost, and the inhabitants are well
and strictly ordered and commanded the said persons in their respective offices to honor,
respect and obey as loyal subjects are bound to do ; for such I find to be for the good of
said town and Colonie. As above.
628 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
Regulation for Commander Andrew Drayer in the issuing of provisions.
For eacii man, per week, 7 lbs of beef or 4 lbs of pork ; G lb. of bread ; i lb. of butter or
the value thereof; 2 stivers Hollands.
For each man, per month, li peck peas.
For 7 men, per week, i barrel small beer.
For each man, for three months, 1 peck of salt.
The sergeants shall receive li ration each, and the corporals 1^ each.
Done at fort W'" hendrich this 6'" of Octob., 1673.
Letter to the Magistrates of Hemstede.
Friends
Vppon the Earnest Request off Mr. John Simons in the behalve off such Inhabitants off
hemsteade, which had nott taken the oath off allegiance, I have accepted off the Excuses by
him Made in the behalfe off the s** Inhabitants, and accordinglij have Sent an order here
inclosed to Cap* Knyff & Leffennant Malipart, to administer the oath off allegiance unto them,
at their Returne from the East End off Long Island ; hereby requiring the s** Inhabitants Nott
to faile in giveing their attendance & Performing their duty as true & faithful! Subjects are
bound to do Nott else att Present but that I am
Yo'' friend
A. COLVE.
Dated at fort Willem
hend' this 7"' day of Octob. 1673.
Capt. Knyff and Lieuten' Malepart.
On the urgent request of those of Heemstede, I have excused them from coming hither and
consented that you on your return from the East end of Long Island shall administer the oath
of allegiance to such of the inhabitants as have not yet taken it, which is hereby recommended
to you. Whereupon relying, I remain
Your friend
Fort Willem Hendrick, this 7"' of October, 1673. A. Colve.
Mr. William Lawrence & M"' Charles Bridges :
1 have here Inclosed Sent You the Instructions for your selfe & the Magistrates off the
townes in Yo' Precincts, off which You are to Lett Each off them have a Copy ; to the End
theij may regulate them selve accordingly. You are alsoo required to Cause this Inclosed order
off arrest to be Published in all the s"* townes, and to order the severall Clarkes for to returne
an ace' off the arrested goods found in Each towne ; to the End I may have generall ace'
thereofffrom Yo'' Selves; and Whereas I am Credibly Informed that a Certaine Person hath
bene in the towne off hemstead declaring that he had order from those off Connecticott to raise
men for theire ace" in the s*" towne etz, and the Like Seditious Words tending to Meuteny,
uppon w'^'' I Signifyed my displeasure to the Magistrates who made their Excuse that it Was
done in a Private house & ordinary and that the Person was departed before they heard off it ;
I have therefore thought it necessary to acquaint you thereoff and withall to recommend unto
you for to make a strict Enquire unto that buisscnesse and to Examine for what reasons the
VOLUME XXIII. 629
Person in whoes house it Past did Nott give Imediate Notice thereoff Unto their Magistrates
Nott Else for the Present but that I am
You'' ffriend
Dated at ffort Willem A. Colve.
hend-- 7 Octob% 1673.
Pursuant to the above, the Provisional instruction for the Schout and Magistrates of the
towns lying within his district, as it is hereinbefore registered under date, is by order of
the Governor sent to Schout William Laurence, in the English language, with the Proclamation
seizing on all goods and effects belonging to the King of England and his subjects, which was
issued by Commanders Jacob Benckes and Cornells Evertsen, dated 18"" of August last.
I, William Lamontagne, appointed by the Governor of New Netherland Secretary of the
Towns of Swaenenburgh, Horly and Marble, promise and swear in the presence of Almighty
God, that I will punctually observe the orders which shall be given me from time to time by
the supreme government and the subaltern Court of justice of the aforesaid towns, that I will
keep correct record and register of the minutes of said Court, and further demean myself as a
faithful Clerk and Secretary is bound to do. So truly help me God Almighty.
Gentlemen.
Whereas I am informed that the time of letting the excise on wine and beer to be drank in
your towu is near therefore have I thought it necessary to order you to direct said excise to be
collected by some trustworthy person until further orders from me, and moreover to transmit
to me by the first opportunity the conditions on which the last letting was made. Vale.
Your friend,
Fort Willem Hendrick, 7'" of October, 1673. A. Colve.
The above letter was sent to the Magistrates of Swaenenburgh, &c.
Schout Peter Biljou.
This serves to direct you by order of the Governor in case you may descry any ships coming
from sea inside of Sandy hook, instantly to send an express to notify his Honor thereoff who
also expects your advice that the palisades contracted for the Fort are ready, for the term of 14
days is already expired. Wherewith ending I remain after greeting
Your friend.
Fort Willem Hendrick, 7"" October, 1673. N. Bayard, Secretary.
At a Meeting of the Honble. Anthony Colve, Governor-General, and Cornells Steenwyck,
Councillor, holden in Fort Willem Hendrick, S"" of October, 1673.
The Burgomasters of this city being sent for and appearing, the Governor submitted
to them the necessity of demolishing or removing some houses, gardens and orchards situate
under the walls of this fortress Willem Hendrick, and the newly begun fortification of New
Orange, and said Burgomasters are recommended to propose the same to the owners and report
the result.
630 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
In Council, this Q"- of October, 1C73:
Present — Governor Anthony Colve and Councillor Cornelia Steenwyck.
The Burgomasters of this city entering, report in writing the answer the owners of the houses
and lots situate under the walls of Fort Willein Hendrick and city New Orange, have given
respecting the demolition and removal of their said houses and lots ; which answer being read,
it is resolved that the Governor and Council shall summon said owners to-morrow in the
presence of the Burgomasters, and explain to them the necessity of the removal and promise
to indemnify them for the loss of their ground and the removal of their houses on the valuation
of arbitrators; to which end it is resolved to lay an extraordinary duly on the following:
On exported beavers and peltries, 2i per cent.
On imported blankets and duflels, 2 per cent.
On imported wines, brandies, distilled liquors, rum, powder, lead and guns, 5 per cent.
V
Letter to the Magistrates of Swaenenburgh.
Honorable, Faithful :
The Governor is informed that among othi-r property belonging to the subjects of England
are three horses, running at large in the bush near the Town of Swaenenburgh, which it is
necessary to sell ; therefore his Honor hath thought well to recommend you to cause said horses
to be caught and by the Vendue Master to be sold to the highest bidder for wheat deliverable
here next spring, and when sold to report the same to his Honor. Whereupon relying, after
greeting, I remain
Your friend,
Fort Willem Hendrick, Q"" October, 1G73. N. Bayard, Secretary.
At a Meeting holden in the City Hall of the city New Orange, the 10"" of October, 1G73 :
Present — Governor Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck,
Burgomaster Johannes van Brugh,
Burgomaster Johannes de Peyster,
Burgomaster iEgidius Luyck.
Pursuant to the resolution adopted yesterday, the persons whose houses and lots have
been ordered removed are summoned to the meeting. The same being submitted by the
Governor to each in particular, they answered as follows :
Gerrit Janssen Roos, having already removed his house, is promised to be indemnified for his
lot and moving on the valuation of arbitrators, with which he is satisfied.
Willem van Vreedenburgh, having removed his house is, in like manner, promised satisfaction,
with which he too is satisfied.
Johannes van Brugh and Sara van Borsum are promised indemnity for their lots, with which
they are content.
VOLUME XXIII. 681
Peter de Riemer is willing to remove his house, but requests Muyen's lot or one at the
Water side instead.
Lodewyck Pos requests the house next tlie City Plali ; otherwise 'twill be impossible for him
to move.
Jacobus van de Water requests Pattison's house in Pearl-street, or a lot as near his former
residence as possible, with satisfaction.
George Cobbet says, he is unable to move unless assisted.
Jan Dircksen Meyer says, he knows not whither to turn, but finally requests a lot behind
The Five Houses in Bridge-street.
Andrew Meyer in like manner requests a lot there.
Gerritt Hendricks, butcher, says, he has been ruined by the English and is unable to move;
requests help and assistance.
Peter Janssen Slott, by his father, requests a lot behind the City Hall.
Simon Blanck requests accommodation for the winter, as his house cannot be moved; asks
a lot behind The Five Houses.
Peter Stoutenburgh, absent.
Marten Jansen Meyer says, he is not able to move; is offered the lot next to Kip in the
valley, or recommended to look up another.
Lysbeth Tyssen is told that her small houses will be examined, to see whether they cannot
be spared.
Peter Harmensen's little house is in like manner to be examined.
Peter Jansen Mesier requests a place on the Water side ; otherwise cannot remove.
Ephraim Hermans requests satisfaction with others.
Doctor Taylor's wife says, that her husband is willing to risk his house, and to abide
the result.
Messrs. Cornells Steenwyck, Johannes van Brugh, Johannes de Peyster and jEgidius Luyck
are hereby authorized and requested to value the lots of those who, on account of the
fortification, are ordered to move, besides the necessary expenses to be incurred by them in
the moving of their said houses; also to value the houses and lots which, according to their
opinion, are to be given in return to said persons; with power to adjoin to themselves one(SL
two persons in the valuation of those houses and lots, and to report their proceedings to the
Governor as soon as possible.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 11"" October, 1673,
The Governor-General having read and considered the petitiso of Lewis Morris, requesting
in substance the guardianship of the minor child of his deceased brother, Richard Morris, and
of his estate, without any exception, to be managed and administered for the behoof of said
orphan child, further to enjoy the same privileges as are granted and allowed to the neighboring ^
Colonies of New England and Virginia, &c.
It is ordered :
The Petitioner is allowed to have the guardianship of the surviving orphan child of his
deceased brother, the late Richard Morris, and granted such power to take into his keeping all
goods, effects, negroes and servants, as belonged in lawful property to the said Richard
Morris at his decease, on condition that he pay therefrom the deceased's funeral expenses, but
he shall, first of all, deliver in here a correct inventory of the property left by the deceased, to
632 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
be recorded in ihe Orphan Chamber, which being done, the necessary letters of administration
shall then be issued to him. What regards the Petitioner's request to import into this
government some necessaries for advantage and maintenance of said orphan and estate, the
petition is allowed, provided it be done with such ships as are already here or will be permitted,
and on paying such customs and public duties as are paid by other inhabitants. Regarding
the request that he may have such privileges as are granted to New England and Virginia by the
Proclamation, dated last, the petition is refused and denied, being an inhabitant of
Barbadoes, which consequently cannot be considered with the neighboring Colonies of New
England and Virginia. Moreover, the Petitioner shall be at liberty to show where any
property belonging to the plantation is lying, and then order will be given for its restitution to
the right owner. And Anally, the Petitioner is allowed to employ such substitutes and servants
as in case of his living or dying, shall from time to time, with advice of the Orphan Chamber
here, be deemed necessary for the greatest advantage of the orphan, on condition that the '
Petitioner and his agents shall remain bound at all times to afford said Orphan Chamber due
account, proof and balance of their administration.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 11"' of October, 1673.
Mr. Alrighs :
This serves to cover the inclosed instruction for you and the Magistrates of the respective
subaltern Courts of justice in the South river, which are sent you by the Governor's order;
you will please transmit a copy to each of them in order that they may regulate themselves
accordingly. His Honor has made some alteration in the distribution of provisions, respecting
which you will find an order herewith. In other respects nothing has transpired here since
you left worthy notice. Therefore, breaking off, [ shall, after salutation, commend you to God's
protection, and remain,
Your affectionate friend,
New Orange, this IS"" of October, 1G73. N. Bayard, Secretary.
Note. — The regulation hereinbefore recorded 6"" October, is sent to Mr. Alrigs.
The Governor-General of New Netherland having read and considered the written petition
of the inhabitants of Oysterbay, in the first place thankfully acknowledging the Freedoms and
Privileges not to be forced to carry arms against their own nation, etc., with further promise
to demean and comport themselves like loyal subjects, it is noted on said petition :
That what is stated in the previous Order, dated last, to wit, that some in the
time of the preceding Dutcff government have rebelliously opposed it; does not apply to
the Petitioners, but only to those who were then subject to said goverment. What regards the
point of voluntary subjection, we have in our foregoing summons declared, that in default of
voluntary submission they should be constrained thereunto by force of arms. Respecting the
request that the Petitioners, their heirs and descendants may peaceably and quietly enjoy
the lands belonging to them in propriety, the same has been already granted and allowed to
them, and is hereby again confirmed unto them.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, 12"- of October, 1G73.
Thomas Hont, junior, having shown himself contumacious in the taking the oath of fidelity
when summoned at Oostdurp, is hereby ordered and commanded to depart out of this
VOLUME xxm. 633
goverument within the space of fourteen days from the date hereof, and not to return during
this war. He is allowed to convey out of this government also, whatever goods lawfully
belong to him, provided he previously pay his debts.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, 14"" of October, 1673. (Signed ), A. Colve.
Ensign Nicolaes Vos is, from the date hereof, allowed board money at the rate of four guilders
per week, wherefor an order on Egidius Luyck is given him.
Schout Jacob Strycker.
Some of the late Constables on Long Island have complained to me that some sums of
money were still due them on the taxes or rates of the previous English government ; you
are therefore required and commanded to summon all the late Constables within your district,
. and to obtain from them an account and balance of those taxes, and to report your success.
Whereupon relying, I remain, after greeting.
Your friend,
( Signed ), A. Colve.
Mr John Ogden.
Yesterday I sent You y« Instructions bij ij"^ waij of New Worke since that time I Received
y" of y« 29"" of Septemb' last and Vnderstood out of y same y^ proceedings of ijour people
w"" y^ Indians of W^"" I do wel approve and according to your desire I wil alsoo Endeavour that
Satisfaction maij be given by y" Indians to y'' owners to w^"" End I have once more thought fit
that y'^ Indian Sachem be summoned to appeare before me to give me satisfaction about it
and that y^ Messenger doth signify to him that I do much wonder that all y^ Cheife Sachems
hereabouts as also those of y^ Mohacks have bene here to present themselves unto me and that
he onlij Remains Defective therein wherefore I would willingly Speake w"" him to know y'
Reason; and that I promise him & his Company freely to Passe & Repas without any
Molestation you may alsoo give Order what goods he hath Tendred or yett shall tender to
Restore y^ people maij Receive from him and lett an ace' be sent me what y" losse maij be of
y^ goods w'='= still are wanting You are also Required to send hether bij y« first opportunity
the amies & other goods according to Inventorij formerlij belonging to y^ Late Gouvern"
Cartrett and to Cause this Inclosed order of arrest to be published in your Severall Townes and
to order y^ severall Clarkes to returne an ace' thereof unto you for to be presented unto me,
And lett M"" Hopkins Examin uppon what Conditions y' Tennants are Seated uppon the
plantations of CapL" Carterett and ace' thereof Returned unto me; not Else at Present but
that I am.
Your Loving ffriend
Dated at ffort Willem ( signed ), A : Colve.
Hendrick 14'" Octob^ 1673.
Whereas Fort Willem Hendrick and the city of New Orange situate on Manhatans Island is
seriously encumbered and weakened by the houses, gardens and orchards which lie so close
under its walls and bulwarks that it is impossible to defend it properly when occasion requires
against its enemies, unless at least some of those houses, lots and orchards be demolished and
removed. It is therefore considered necessary by the Governor-General, by and with the
previous advice of his Council, to demolish, pull down and remove the undernamed houses.
Vol. II. SO
634
NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS;
The houses, gardens and
orchards of
Situate under the walls and
bulwarks of Fort Willem
Hendrick.
gardens and orchards) and the owners thereof are hereby most strictly ordered and commanded
instantly to commence demolishing and pulling down their houses, gardens and orchards, and
to remove them to such lots as are laid out within this city by the Governor's order to that end
and shall be shown to each of them by the Burgomasters ; on pain of depriving those who
shall be found contumacious or negligent, of the indemnity which according to the terms of
this Proclamation are granted and allowed to the following persons or those among them who
shall come to remove their undernamed houses, gardens and orchards and, over and above, on
the first arrival of any ships, of having their houses demolished or burned, to wit :
Peter de Riemer,
Lodewyck Post,
George Gobbet,
Jan Dircksen Meyer,
Jacobus van de Water,
Symon Blanck,
Andries Meyer,
Gerrit Hendricx,
Peter Jansen Slott,
Gerrit Jansen Roos,
Peter Stoutenburgh,
Henry Taylor,
The Lutheran Congregation,
Willem van Vredenburgh,
Peter Jansen Mesier,
Martin Meyer Smith,
Augustine Hermans,
Lysbet Tyssen,
V Peter Harmsen,
Johannis van Brugh,
Sara van Borsim.
The houses, gardens and
orchards of
Situate under the fortification
and bulwarks of the city of
New Orange.
The gardens and orchards of j
But whereas said houses cannot be removed except at great and heavy expense to the
proprietors, to whom, in return, indemnification and satisfaction ought, in equity, be allowed
because said removal is done for the public benefit and better defence ; it is therefore resolved
that the grounds and lots belonging to said persons, with the necessary expense which they
shall happen to incur in the removal of their houses, shall be valued by impartial persons, and
to tlie proprietors instead of these lots shall be shown and conveyed, subject to like valuation,
any other lots within this city to which they will be at liberty to remove, and whatever their
cancelled lots and expenses of removing their houses will be found to exceed in value what
shall be shown them instead, shall be promptly made good, fulfilled and paid to them from the
extra duty which, for that purpose, it is resolved and ordered to collect from now henceforth
until said indemnity and damage shall be prompt paid to said persons, and no longer, to wit :
From all Beavers and peltries which will be exported from this government to Patria or
elsewhere after the publication hereof, two and one-half per cent.
VOLUME XXUI. 635
From Duffels and Blankets, imported from Patria or elsewhere into this government, two
per cent.
And from powder, lead, muskets, wines, brandies, distilled waters and rum, five per cent.
Hereby ordering and commanding all and every the subjects and inhabitants of this
government and all others whom it in any wise concerns, that they shall have to give notice
to the collector of the importation or exportation of the above specified goods, and shall pay
therefor the said extraordinary duty in manner as aforesaid on pain of the forfeiture and
confiscation of the imported or shipped-off goods ; to be applied agreeably to the orders
and placards enacted against smuggling.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this IG"- of October, 1673, in New Netherland.
(Signed), A. Colve,
CORNELIS StEENWYCK,
JOHANNIS VAN BrUGH,
JOHANNIS DE PeYSTER,
Egidius Luyck.
Willem van Vredenburgh :
You are hereby required and ordered, pursuant to the Proclamation, to demolish from cellar
to garret your house and lot lying and being in Broadway, and to remove to the Company's
garden. No. 1, for which removal you are allowed by arbitrators the sum of fl. 330, Wampum
value, which shall be handed and paid you out of the extra duty which is ordered to be paid
for that purpose. Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, 16"" of October, 1673.
A similar order is sent to the house of all the others mentioned in the Proclamation,
except Doctor Taylor, Lysbet Tyssen, and Peter Harmsen, whose houses shall be
still further examined, in order if possible to spare them.
List of the Valuation made by Mess" Cornelis Steenwyck, Johannis van Brugh,
Johannis de Peyster, Egidius Luyck, and carpenters Abram Jansen and
Jan Hendrickx Splinter, authorized by the Govern" commission to appraise
and value the Houses and Lots which, according to the Proclamation, must
be removed, as well as those given in their stead.
Dr. Willem van Vredenburgh. Cr.
■Wampum Value. Wampum Value.
To lot allowed him in the Company's By his lot and removing his house,, fl. 790
garden No. 1, valued @^ fl. 460
Balance due him, 330
fl. 790
Dr. Gerrit Jansen Roos. Cr.
To lot allowed him in the Company's By his lot and removing his house,, fl. 880
garden No. 2, fl. 460
Balance, 420
fl. 880
636 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
Dr. Peter Stoutenburgh. Cr.
Wampum Value. Wampum Value.
To lot ill the Company's garden No. 3, fl. 460 By his lot without the garden, and
Balance,. 420 the removal of his house, fl. 880
fl. 8S0
Dr. Ephraim Hermans. Cr.
To i a lot in the Iloogh-straat behind By his and John Paine's lot, and
William Pattenson's house, occu- the removal of his house, fl. 2,260
pied by Jan Buytenhuys, fl. 570
Balance 1,690
fl. 2,260
Dr. Jacobus van de Water. Cr.
To William Pattison's house and lot By his lot and removal of his house, fl. 1,420
situate in Pearl-street, assigned to Balance, 1,920
him for fl. 3,340
fl. 3,340
Dr. George Cobbet. Cr.
To lot in the Company's garden No. 4, fl. 440 By his lot and the removal of his
Balance, 340 house, fl. 780
fl. 780
Dr. The Lutheran Congregation. Cr.
To lot in Company's garden No. 5, fl. 435 By their lot and the removal of the
Balance 415 house, fl. S50
fl. 850
Dr. Gerrit Hendrickse Butcher. Cr.
To house and lot in the Smith- By his lot and removing his house, fl. 1,660
street next to Andries Rees which be- Balance, 280
longed to William Pattisson and
assigned to him for fl. 2,140 fl. 2,140
Dr. Peter Jansen Mesier. Cr.
To 19 ft. of a lot behind the Five By his lot and removing his house, fl. 1,000
Houses in Bridge-street, in propor-
tion as the others are valued, .... fl. 562
Balance, 438
fl. 1,000
VOLUME XXIII. 637
Dr. Martin Jansen Meyer Smith. Cr.
Wampum Value. Wampum Value.
To the house and piece of a lot in the By his lot and removing his house, fl. 2,080
Sheep /FaZi, which belonged to Capt" Balance, 70
Lavall, bought of Mr. Silla, assigned
tohimfor , fl.2,150 fl. 2,150
Dr. Johannis van Brugh. Cr.
By his garden and orchard valued at fl. 460
Dr. Sara van Borsim. Cr.
By her garden and orchard valued at fl. 825
Dr. Christiaan Lauwer. Cr.
By his garden and orchard valued at fl. 460
Cr. Jan Dirckse Meyer, by balance Note. — The above list is entered in form in
on the removal of his house, . fl. 990 the Register of Private Deeds, folios 11, 12,
Cr. Andries Meyer, balance ditto,.. S60 13.
Cr. Symon Barentse, balance ditto, . 3S0
Cr. Peter Janse Slodt, balance, 270
Dr. Peter de Riemer, on Buys' house
in WincJcel-siraat, 360
Dr. Lodewyck Post, on Pattison's
house SO
Cr. Peter Harmse, his house and lot
valued, 820
On the petition of Lewis Morris,' requesting that he may have a grant of the plantation of
his late brother, Richard Morris, for the benefit of his orphan child, with the cattle and other
dependencies thereof, together with the guardianship of said child, &c.
It is ordered :
That the Petitioner be allowed the requested Bouwery, buildings and materials thereon, for
the benefit of the minor orphan child, on a valuation made by impartial arbitrators ; in like
manner the Petitioner shall be at liberty to appropriate, without any order, all the chattels
which he can attach that have been removed from the Bouwery, on condition that they be
brought to the Bouwery and inventory thereof delivered in ; and whereas, since the surrender
of the place, divers articles have been removed hence by Walter Webly, it is herewith ordered
that said goods be returned to the plantation for the benefit of the child, when the Petitioner
shall be granted letters of guardianship ; the government will appropriate on account, the fat
cattle, such as oxen, cows and hogs, on condition of being responsible for the payment of the
orphan's share.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 17* October, 1673.
' See, tupra, p. 619, note. — Ed.
638 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
On petition of William Dervall, requesting in substance that he may be allowed to take
possession of his property remaining in this city, inasmuch as the same is allowed to these
subjects by the neighboring Colonies of New England,
It is is ordered :
That the Petitioner shall be considered and shall enjoy the same advantages as will be
allowed and granted to all other inhabitants of the neighboring Colonies of New England, and
he is hereby directed to deliver in by the first opportunity an inventory of his goods which
remain within this government.
Burgomaster Luyck :
Please furnish Capt" Cornelia Ewoutsen, or his order, such materials as he will from time to
time require for the Fort, the ship Strinam and the snow Zeekont ; also furnish the Commissary
such provisions as he shall require weekly for the garrison ; on condition of delivering in an
account to me of the same every two months.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this IS"- October. 1673.
The Governor has, from the nomination of the inhabitants of Fordham, elected as Magistrates
of that village for the ensuing year :
Secretary, Johannis Verveelen.
Bastyaenssen,
e Claessen.
f Michiel
ocnepcns, i ,, ,
' ( \ alentin
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, as above
Mess" Francis Rombouts and Gabriel Minvielle are this day, by order of the Governor,
authorized to appraise the goods received by Egldius Luyck from the houses of Captain Lavall
and Walter Webly, agreeably to delivered inventory, and to render a report thereof.
On the urgent request of Col. Lewis Morris, Walter Webly is allowed to retain his residence
within this government, on previously taking the oath of allegiance.
Dated Fort William Hendrick, this 19"' of October, 1G73.
October 19, 1673. Capt° Willem Knyf and Lieutenant Anthony Malipart, having been on
the first instant by commission qualified to administer the oath of allegiance to the remaining
inhabitants of Long Island, situate east of Oysterbay, returning this day, Report:
That in obedience to said commission, they had repaired to all the said towns, and there
called Town Meetings, and proposed to them the oath of allegiance to their High Mightinesses
and his Serene Highness, which all of them refused with the exception of Oysterbay, where
it has been taken, and Huntington, where the inhabitants requested to be excused from the
oath on promising fidelity in writing to the government. Said Commissioners bringing
with them the written answer of said Town, in words following :
VOLUME XXIII. 639
Octob the first 1673. At a Towne Meeting of y= Towne of Southampton vpon occasion of
gentlem : from Manhatans Island that Came as Report goeth to Administer an Oath
of Allegiance to y'^ Inliabitans of y"" s** Towne.
The Townes Answer is as followeth.
1*' That whereas some debate hath formerly been betweene y' deputies of this Towne & the
dutch generall at y^ Manhatos Concerning Some Articles between y* said dutch generall & this
Towne & the other foure Easterns Townes of Long Island w'^'" said Tearmes or Articles (But
some of them being granted and others Semingly granted now by their p'tended body of Laws,
are overthrowne Therefore wee Cannot but feare them & soe are not willing to trust them
any further
2'"^ And whereas the oath of allegiance theij saij wee shall take wee Vtterly deny any other
Souveraigne Lord over us then his Most Sacred Ma"'^ of England & therefore cannot in
Conscience Sweare to any foraine Power.
Notw"''standing wee the Inhabitans of y^ said Towne and our Neighbours the dutch both
on y"^ Manhatos Island & on y^ West End of this Island haveing formerly lived as Loving
Neighbors and friends, yet also now is our desire that the same may still Continue, and wee
doe promise and Engage our Selves that we will in no waye disturbe or Molest them Soe Long
as wee are not Molested by them nor any other from or vnder them Vnlesse Called thereunto
by his Ma''" Power of England.
A True Coppy
P"' me John Laughton.
Southold Septemb' 29"' 1673.
The reasons following shew wij wee the Majoor part of y*" Towne of Southold abovesaid
doe forbeare to act further then wee have acted upon the Summons sendt us by Mr
Isaacq Arnold ;
Inp'"nius That wee did Conceive it was Intended oulij that the Schout & Magistrates of
Each Respective towne should take an oath and no other person :
2""^ That the first Law debarrs us the freedom of Concience granted in y' first article.
3'*''' That y^ Second & ll"" Lawes (being Compared) being our Lawes wholy into y* y"
propriotij of y" Lords of y" United provinces & the Prince of Orange Contrary to the grant
of 2"^ Article.
4'"'' That if Criminal! Causes be Referred to the gouvern' and Counsil where shall the
Capitall be tryed.
5'y That an Order is granted & Issued for Seazure of all debts belonging to y* Subjects of
y" King of England etc: w'^'' is Contrary to y* 10"" Article first granted.
6''' That y^ grant our 4"" article affords us is Cut of by y' 15"" Law.
7''' That wee have been left w'^out governm' about a month w^'' hath been prejudiciall to
some & Caused feare in others wee lying open to the Incursion of those who threaten us
dayly w"" y' spoiling of our goods, ifi" we take any oath of fidellity to you and now you
comming amongst us w"'out power to settle either Civill or Milletary governem' wee notw""
standing are willing to Subraitt Our Selves to your governm' (during the prevelince of your
Power over us ) provided you performe those Articles you first promised us ; and also Establish
640 • NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
a firme & Peacable governni' among us protecting us from y" Invasion of those w'''' Daylij
threaten us.
Gentlemen Octob' the 2'- 1673.
Wee the Inhabitants of Easthampton understanding you are Sent by Commission for y*
astablishing the affaires of your governm' in these parts and that you desire an answer from us
in particul"' Wee being now meet together doe Eeturne Answer that for the present our
humble Request is : that there may bee noe further proceeding then hath been in former
Transactions Betweene us and Your Selves & that for the future wee may be left to be
Regulated by our fformer Lawes and that authority is resident amongst us, and this wee the
more Earnstly desire from you because that Severall amongst us from the first stood disaffected
to any Ingagem' to your Selves in point of governm' yet all of us Cannot but acknowledge
your Christian & Moderate dealing w"" us and are as willing uppon all Occasions to retribute
the like to your Selves and to live peacable Neighbours to you & doe Engage for y® future not
to Move in any act hostilety against you, and wee doe more Earnstly desire in that we Cannot:
but bee Sensable of the great danger wee are in boath from those that are neere home So well
as those abroad of Our owne Nation, S'' our owne Safty puting us uppon y* Suspending our
further proceeding in this way w"" you, soe hoping our humble desires in the premisses may
find acceptance from you wee rest yours to Serve in what wee may.
Subscribed in y"= Name, & w"- the Consent of the Inhabitants of Easthampton,
Bij mee Thom' Tallmage, Record''
Honof" Sirs —
The Occasion of our writing is upon Information of some actings w"' Respect to the answer
we very lately sent by our Messengers w"='' wee are much troubled at wee Sent a letter to you
subscribed by our Recorders hand w'"'" wee sealed, w'^' letter we vnderstand was opened at
Southampton before it was delivered & read to severall there w"" severall Railing Expressions
as wee are informed against it whereuppon our Messengers took upon them the boldnesse to
forme another our Main Argument being taken out \\'=*' was (that there was not the general!
Concurrence of the other townes w"" Respect to y* governn^' as we Expected Etz) as also Etc:
the truth is this is it not the first tijme wee have had our letters opened & stopt at
Southampton and many threatning Expressions have proceeded from severall disaffected
persons there w"" Respect to our Submission to your governm' what we have yeilded Vnto we
hope we shall never denij as some doe but shall owne & stand bij what our deputy or deputies
have Transacted w"' you but as Matters are in this Confused way we know not w"^ way to
take desiring to approve our Selves honest in the^ of all men had y'= Come heather to us w""
your Commission wee should have imparted more of our minds to you &we hope to such good
Satisfaction to the governm' that they would see no Cause to lay Blame uppon us, & that the
Innocent may not suffer w"" the Nocent we Vnderstanding that y'' were to goe on your Journey
Spidely & being late in the Night Could not Enlarge nor gett the Towne together but so many
as Could have Consulted & made bold to send these few Lines as a hint how Matters are
w"" us Soe wee Remaine yours to Serve
(Signed:) Tho : Tallmage, Recorder,
Octob-- the 3^ 1G73. Tho : Dyment, Constabell.
' Sic. — Ed.
VOLUME XXIII. 641
Hon"'' Sir.
With humble Respects on belialfe of this towne of Seatawcott it may please you to make
such favorable Construction as in your wisdome can be aforded our Case Considered it was
not easy to draw up any other Conclusion at present then what is now Sent by your
Commission" the place wee live in of noe Such Importance as to bear eup alone against the
prevailing sense of Neighbouring Townes: Wee meant no other then wee pretended in
our former addresse and it may seem Neither discreet nor faire that wee should not knowe our
owne minds upon w'^'' accompt there had now Come a more particular Narrilive of our pretend
actings but for want of time & wee were upon the dispatch of your Commission" at the
writing hereof wherefore be pleased onely at present to suspend y' sensure but a few daijes,
and if wee Can not come up to your demands wee may at least have your charitable opinion
& Rest
Yours to their Power
Seatawcott, Octob'' 4"", 73. (Signed), Nath: Brewster on the behalfe of the Rest.
Seatawcott Octob"- 4'" old stile 1G73.
Att a towne Meeting then & there appointed to treate w"" the Commision" sent from the
hono^'= gouvern'' at ffort William Hendrick it was Resolved ; — Imprimus That the Inhabitans
of the said Towne desire to p''serve their aleagiance to his Maijesty of England & by noe meanes
to Renounce his just Title & authority; 2'"''. They are willing to Live quietly & friendly
toward their Neighbouringh Townes & desire not to molest the dutch governm' uppon Tearmes
of mutuall Security on that behalfe.
They agree to shew all Resonable Civility to the dutch Comision" and to send up a faire
answer to y° govern' of y* dutch by way of apology for their not takeing the Oath in this
unexpected posture of distracion' :
Subscribed in behalf of the Towne by me ;
(: Signed:) John Tooker, Secref''.
To the honor"* Gouvern"' now in ITort Willem Hendrick
Whereas it hath pleased the almightie god by his providence to make a Chang and alteration
Soe as to take the power of governm' from the English and to give it to the hono"* States
of hollon, and wee the Inhabitants of huntington haveing from you Received Summons to yo'
obedience & wee accordingly by our deputies haveing had debate & tearmes of Complyance
proponded granted & Excepted & wee being Conientious to what wee have done tending
thereto because wee feare god who will at last be Judge of all, therefore it is our desire not to
flij from what wee have done onely this wee desire that wee may bee Excused from takeing
the oath for the Present, the reasons thereof are, first because wee of the East Riding w'=''
hitherto was Never related to this Nation but was as wee Conceive, falsely on the one part
taken off from Conniticut and out of feare lett goe the other part yet notw"'standing had
never an oath imposed uppon us by any of y'= Duke of Yorkes agents neither yet but iew that
ever gave oath to the King of England soe y' an oath is a startling amazeing thing to most
people here and the people are not willing to doe any thing whereby there affections should
bee weakned towards there gouvern"' as the strainious Exacting this oath will endanger to doe,
Secondly as wee are Ready faithfully to promise what good Requires of us in order to our
Vol. II. 81
642 NEW- YORK COLOXIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
faithfulnes to y'' p'sent governm' soe wee Conceive that he or they that will not make Conscience
of his promise will not make Concience of his oath nextly wee Conceive at present there
are but two known Enimies to y'' Nation but English & Frenscli & against y'^ Frensch wee are
Resolved w"' the help of god to spend & bee spent our lives & Estates to defend our Selves
against there tirrany & for our owne Nation if any attempt should be made by them your
p'sent grant (w'^'' is but according to law of nature doth Excuse us from takeing up armes
against them, yett wee doe promise in case the English doe com wee will sett as natures till
forced to doe other waijes and alsoo to be guided by your Lawes and to owne no other power
soe long as unreduced by any other power, therefore wee humbly desire that yo'' honn"' would
prove our faithfulness to our promise one yeare and if uppon Tryall you see Cause and CJeer
fault in oure promise wee shall submitt to your pleasure in takeing the oath & shall set downe
now and alwaijs we hope quiet <& peaceable Neighbours in all Common Commerce nextly wee
humbly desire that in case our Eastern Neighbours see Cause to stand at a distance from this
p'^sent power yet notw"'standing that wee of this Towne may Stand of our Selves, and in noe
sort be Joyned or related to y"" western Townes in any Execution of Justice between man &
man but desire rather to have one or two men more added to y'' two first as Magistrates to end
and determine matters that maij arise in the Towne & grater matters to your Honn' & Counsel
the reasons of this last Recjuest is first because most of the Townes westward was formerly
under oaths to the dutch Nation as sume of them as wee have bine Informed were the first to
tender there service to reduce the dutch to the obedience of the English the w'^'' makes us
unwilling to be Joyned w"" them Secondly they are Various in there oppinions in point of
Religion the w"''' makes us to fear diflferance in Civill administration & soe discord may arise
other reasons wee have but are loath to Expresse lest wee should give ofi'ence to our Neighbours
In behalfe of the Rest wee doe Subscrib our hands
IsAACQ Platt,
John Koncklyne,
Richard Williams,
Huntington the G"- Octob' Joseph Whiteman,
1673 : Styl nova Epexetas Platt.
At a Council this 20"' October, 1673.
Present — Covernor-General Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck and the
Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of New Orange.
The Governor having submitted to the meeting the foregoing Report of Commissioners
Cap" William Knyff and Lieutenant Anthony Malypart, also the preceding answers, whereby
the inhabitants of the East end of Long Island refuse to take the oath of allegiance ; further,
proposing whether it would not be necessary to send a considerable force thither to punish them
as rebels, in case tliey persist in refusing to swear obedience ; requesting advice hereupon.
Whereupon, after divers debates pro and con by said Burgomasters and Schepens, the majority
were of opinion that in this conjuncture of war it was not advisable to attack them by force
of arms, as we should thereby be afibrding them and the neighboring Colonics occasion again
to take up arms against us ; but they judged it better to send a second delegation.
VOLUME XXIII. 643
Being sent for by the Governor, the Schepens of the respective Towns on Long Island named
Midwout, Bosveyck and Uytrecht, Amersfoort, Breuclielen, Gravesend, in Schout Jacob
Strycker's district, appeared in Council, who being asked whether they will perform their
duty according to the oath they had taken, with promise that they shall be protected against
all invasions, and further recommended henceforth to keep a watchful eye and good order, and
to report to him on every occurring occasion ; Item, in case any enemies may happen to
approach, whether some of their patriots would not be willing to come hither to resist the
common enemy; to which they answered: They had no doubt but it will be done by the
entire of the people.
, They are further ordered to nominate and present to the Governor a double number for
Militia OfBcers of their said Towns respectively.
At a Council held on the 23'' October, 1673.
Present — Governor Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck.
The Schout and Schepens of the Town of Bergen exhibiting to the Council some ordinances
drawn up by them for the observance of the Sabbath, respecting Fences, &c., requesting
thereupon the approval of the Governor and Council ; which being read and examined, the
same is approved ; with the reserve that works of charity and necessity on the Sabbath, with
the knowledge of the officer, shall be tolerated.
On the petition of William Darvall being read and considered, requesting that the sloop
Planter, which he says formerly belonged to him and is now seized with other of his goods,
may be released, etc., exhibiting also, pursuant to order, an inventory of what goods he
claims here in this government.
It is ordered :
The Governor and Council persist in their order granted to the Petitioner on his petition,
and recommend him to exhibit further proofs of the particulars mentioned in the inventory,
inasmuch as the greater part of the property claimed by him has not been found.
Nells Mattysen and Christiana Lourens requesting by petition that they may be granted
and allowed the propriety of a piece of land called I'attry's Hook, situated between Lewis
Morris' land and The Two Brothers;
It is ordered :
That Petitioners' request be for the present declined and postponed until the Governor shall
have better information and knowledge of the premises.
Peter Janse of Gouwanis, requests by petition a piece of land on Staten Island, opposite
Amboyne, etc. Order is made thereon as above.
Ariaen Willemsen and associates, inhabitants of the Town of New Utreght, request by
petition that they may be allowed and granted some land on Staten Island. Order is made
thereon as above.
The petition of the Magistrates of the Town of Haerlem, requesting in substance that in
consideration of what Capt. Lavall is in arrears to them, they may be allowed and granted a
little clover meadow of about 2 morgens, which belonged to said Lavall, situate between the
two high roads of their town, being read and considered,
644 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
It is ordered :
The Petitioners are allowed to use the liltle clover meadow applied for, provisionally, until
furttier disposition be made of Capt" Lavall's case ; meanwhile the Petitioners can lay their
just claim thereto before the Curators to be elected thereto.
Peter Croisson requesting, by petition, that he may be granted a lot belonging to Capl"
Lavali, situate in the Town of Haerlem, in consideration of what said Lavall owes liini ;
having heard the information of the Magistrates of tlie aboveuanied town on this petition,
It is ordered :
The Petitioner's request is refused ; but lie may lay his just claim before the persons who
will be appointed thereto.
On Egidius Luyck's petition, he is allowed to purchase the attached English goods of
Thomas Willet, on condition that the payment he may make in return may remain attached
instead, and he execute an obligation to that effect.
The petition being read and considered of the inhabitants of Hurley, in Esopus, requesting
that for the greater security of their town, its inhabitants may be forbidden to build on their
lands without the village, and that they may be provided with some ammunition, etc.,
It is ordered :
That the Petitioners receive from the Magistrates of Swaenenburgh twenty pounds of the
nails which belonged to Capl° de Lavall, for the repairs of the r>lock-house ; also for the two
Towns Horley and Marble thirty pounds of powder and 20 pounds of lead, and all the
inhabitants of the Town of Huriy aforesaid are hereby most strictly ordered and commanded
not to remove their dwellings outside the village, unless they have obtained special
consent thereto.
1'he inhabitants of the Esopus requesting relief and mitigation in the excise there, at least
on what they themselves consume,
It is ordered :
In the matter contained in said requests, the Petitioners are, for reasons, put off until the
month of May next.
At a Council :
Peesent — Governor Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Burgomaster Johnnnis van Brugh,
Burgomaster Egidius Luyck.
From the nomination of the courts of Swaenenburgh, Hurley and Marbletown, the Governor-
General hath elected Isaac Grevenraet as Schout of said towns, and this day in Council
administered to him the oath as Schout.
Thomas Wandel having been complained of and detained for some seditious words spoken
against the government, being this day examined, he denied the charge, notwithstanding Jan
Jacobse, the complainant, afiirms the same in his presence. He is for the present released from
confinement, with a warning to be careful in future not to attempt anything against the
present government.
Jan Albertse being imprisoned for uttering some seditious words against the government, but
the proofs not being sufficient, he is released, and ordered to be more careful for the future.
VOLUME XXIII. 645
The Council having read and considered the information of the Burgher watch of this city
in the matter of the ten packs of heaver belonging to Capt" Thomas Wiliett seized by them
about midnight, between the 19"" and 20'" of this month, having been put on board a canoe
with the intention, as said Wiilet himself acknowledges, to export them without entering them,
in direct contravention of the laws and placards to that end enacted.
Whereupon Capl" Wiilet having been repeatedly summoned before the Council and asked
what could be brought forward in defence, answers, that he had in no wise tried to smuggle
those Beavers to defraud the public revenue, but only to save them from the general seizure
imposed on all his goods; requesting that they, for the reasons and motives more fully set forth
in his petition, and through commisseration, may be restored to him, &c.
All which being considered by the Governor-General and Council, they declare said seized
and not entered beavers and peltries confiscate and forfeit, agreeably to the pubhsiied placards,
but he is excused this time, for reasons, from further fines and penalties.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, 25"> October, 1G73.
At a Council holden in Fort Willem Hendrick, the SS"" October, 1673.
Pkesent — Governor Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck.
Councillor Steenwyck states that one Nicolas Eedes, dwelling at Southold came to him
yesterday, saying he had been sent by Colonel Lewis Morris and Nathaniel Silvester, with
request that his Honor would be pleased to order the sending of a second embassy to the East
end of Lond Island so that the innocent may not be punished with the guilty, doubling not but
said towns, on the second embassy, would submit as dutiful subjects &c. Whereupon the
aforesaid Nicolas Eedes is summoned before the Council, but is found to have already left.
On which report the Governor-General and Council resolved on a second embassy as far as
Huntington, whereunto are appointed Cap'" KnyfF and Ensign Vos, to whom the following
commission is granted :
Whereas I have Thought it Necessary uppon the Returne made unto mee by Capt" Knyff &
Leftennant Malipart for to Commissionate some Persons unto some of the Easterne Townes
on Long Island, I have therefore Nominated Constituted & appointed, and do by these
presents nominate Constitute & appoint the s"" Cap'" William Knyff & the Ensigne Nicolaes
Vos fforthwith to Execute the s"* Commission, and to administer the Oath unto the Magestrates
and Inhabitants of the s'' Townes, or such of them as shall be free to take the same, And to
make a true Returne thereof under their hands, Dated at fforth William Hendrick this 25""
day of Octob' A" 1G73.
(: Signed :) A. Colve.
The nomination made for Militia officers of their respective towns being delivered in to the
Council on the part of the undermentioned places, the following are elected from them :
For the Town of Mldwout:
As Captain, Jan Strycker.
Lieutenant, . Titus Sirix.
Ensign, . Pieter giliamsen.
G46 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
For the Town of Amafort :
As Captain,. Elbert Elbertse.
Lieutenant, . Roelef Martensen.
Ensign Dirck Jausen.
For the Town of Urcuckdcn :
As Captain,. .. . Jeronimus llapalie.
LieutenanI, . Miciiiel Hanse.
Ensign, Daniel Rapalie.
For the Towns of Utrecht t^ Bushwtjck :
As Captain, Jacques Corteiijou.
Lieutenant, . Joost Cockuyt.
Ensign, RijnrJansen.
For the Town of Gravcsend :
As Captain Richard Stilwill.
Lieutenant,. Samuel Homs.
Ensign, William Golding.
which election is transmitted to Schout Jacob Strycker with authority to administer the oath
of allegiance to the newly elected, and to install them into their respective offices.
At a Council holden in Fort Willem Hendrick the 25"" October, 1G73.
Present — Governor Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck.
On the petition presented to the Council by Isaac Grevenraet, Schout of the Towns of
Swaenenburgh, Hurly and Marbletown,
It is ordered as follows:
An ample commission and instruction shall be furnished the Schout, and the Magistrates
there are recommended to give orders that the Schout in arresting evil-doers be assisted by the
13urgher watch ; and whereas we are informed that the Town of Swaenenburgh is provided
with about SO lbs. of powder, the Magistrates there are therefore ordered to give thirty pounds
of it to the villages of Hurly and Marble ; in regard of the lead, the petitioner shall receive to
wit, 30 lbs. for Swaenenburgh and 20 lbs. for Hurly and Marble ; as regards the demanded
salary, the same is refused, because no such thing has ever been allowed any Schouts within
this government, but he is continued as Auctioneer of the aforesaid Towns. And with
Secretary Montagne, empowered to collect the excise there until the first of May next, until
which time it is resolved for reasons to continue the previous excise unaltered, on condition
that due account, proof and reliqua thereof be rendered the Receiver-General ; and finally,
the Schout and Magistrates of the Town of Swaenenborgh are recommended and commanded
to send down the two metal guns by the first opportunity, inasmuch as the same are
required here.
VOLUME XXIII. 647
27"" of October. The petition of Thomas Willet being read and considered, in substance
requesting, out of commisseration for the reasons set forth, that the judgment pronounced
against him in the matter of the arrested beavers may be reconsidered and avoided ;
It is ordered :
That sufficient indulgence is understood to have been already shown to the Petitioner by
the Governor-General and Council, on account of the good report rendered by the inhabitants
hereof him ; however, the Petitioner's further request being considered, and some credit being
attached to what is therein adduced by him, the half of the seized and confiscated Beavers
shall be restored to him, with the full understanding that they shall remain until further orders
in arrest with his other attached goods, to be disposed of in due season as may be deemed
proper. The other half shall as before remain confiscate ; and it is considered that the
Petitioner is hereby treated with great leniency.
Whereas it hath come to my knowledge that Mr. Thomas Gibbs and John Boun who,
heretofore have, with Mr. Henry Taylor, been qualified as Curators over the estate of the late
Nicolas Davis, excuse themselves from any further concern with said administration, therefore
have I deemed it necessary in their place to adjoin with the abovenamed Henry Taylor two
others as Curators of said estate, wherefore I have to this end commissioned and qualified, do
hereby commission and qualify Mr. Jeronimus Ebbingh and Gabriel Minvielle as Curators
with the abovenamed Mr. Taylor over said estate, in order to administer the same under
benefit of inventory for the advantage of said creditors, to collect and sell the debts and effects,
and to cause payment and distribution to be made to those who have lawful claim thereto ;
ordering and commanding the previous Curators to hand over the said estate of Nicolas Davis
to the present Curators, and to render an account and reliqua of their administration.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick this 27"' of October, 1673.
( Signed ), A. Colve.
Whereas, T am informed that John Manningh, late Captain in these parts, hath on his
departure left behind him divers outstanding debts and bills for which he was security to divers
inhabitants ; therefore have I deemed it necessary for the benefit of the common creditors to
appoint some persons Commissioners to wind up the abovenamed Manningh's estate ; to which
end 1 accordingly have commissioned and qualified, do hereby commission and qualify Mess"
Peter Jacobse Marius and Assur Levy as Commissioners over the estate left by the abovenamed
John Manningh, who are hereby required and commanded to affix notices in public, that s\\^
those having claims against, or who are indebted to said estate, shall make the same known to
them on double penalty, and the aforesaid Commissioners are hereby further qualified to gather
together and sell the cattle and other personal property which may be discovered and found by
them within this government; which being done, to render me an account and report of the
ertate, when further order shall be^'made in the premises.
(Signed), A. Colve.
SS"" of October. Captain Willem Knyflf and Ensign Vos, commissioned on the S-S"" instant
to proceed to Huntington and Seatalcot to administer the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants
there, returning this day, report, that the inhabitants of said towns had, under their hands,
promised fidelity to the government; that the list of their names has been delivered to the
Governor and is deposited in the Secretary's office, and that they have sworn Joseph and
Isaac Piatt for Magistrates of Huntington, and Richard Woodhil as Magistrate of Seatalcot.
648 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
30"' October. Tlie Governor-General and Council have resolved and concluded to send in
like manner a second embassy to the remaining eastern towns on Long Island, and for that
purpose have commissioned Councillor Cornells Steenwyck, Capi" Care! Epesteyn, and
Lieutenant Carel Quirynsen, who are authorized to set out for that quarter, without delaVi
in the Snow, for which purpose the following commission and instruction are also given them :
Commission to Mr. Steenwyck &c. to visit the East end of Long Island.
Anthony Colve (iouern'-generall of the iVevv Netherlands appointed by authority of the
high & mighty Lords the States generall of the Vuited Belgic(j IVovinces «Sc hia
Serene highnesse the Lord Prince of orange Etz.
Vnto all wliome these Presents shall Come send greeting:
Whereas Capl" William Cnijfl' & Leftenn' Anthony Malipart being now Lately by
mee Commissionated for to administer the Oatii Vnlo the Magestrates & Inhabitants of the
Easterne Townes uppon Long Island, have made Returne & rapport unto me that Some of
Your Inhabitants there in Stead of Complyance with my orders have obstinately made answer
by tiieir Letters w"'' do more appeare to be dictated by Mutenyes & Rebellions as by true &
fiithfull subiects, that they Refused so to doe, Whereuppon I had already taken Sufficient Care
& order to bring Vnder & Subdue the s** Malifactors yet Neverthelesse uppon the Intersession
of some of the good Subiects of this governem', and in Concideracon of Severall of the good
Inhabitants W'' I am Informed are seated there I iiave Thought filt before I do proceede to the
Extreemity, once more to Commissionate some Persons and to that End and purpose have
Committed qualified & appointed, and do by these Presents Commit qualify & appoint the H"'
Cornells Steenwyck Primo Counsel of this Province, Capt° Charles Epesteyn, & Leftena'
Charles Quirynsen who are hereby Required with all Possible Expedition to transport them
Selves to the said Townes Called Easthampton, Southold & Southampton Lying on the East
End of Long Island, or otherwise if they see Cause to Summon the inhabitants of the s**
Townes before them to some Convenient place as they shall Judge fitt, and to admonish the
Inhabitants of their duty & true Submission, as alsoo to Establish the Elected !^lagistrates in
their respective offices, and to administer the oath as wel Vnto them, as the rest of the
Inhabitants there, hereby Stricktly Charging & Requiring the Inhabitants of the s"* Respective
Townes, and all others whom these may Concerne to acknowledge & yeild unto the s^
Commission" all due obedyence honn'' & Respect to the End I may not be forced to use such
meanes as would tend to the ruine & greatest Damage of some of them Dated at liort W'illem
Hendrick this ^O"- of Octob', 1G73.
(.■Signed:) A: Colve.
(: Vnderstood :)
By Order of the lion' the gouern'' generall
of the Niew Netherlands.
N: Bavakd, Secret.
VOLUME XXIII. 649
Instruction for Councillor Cornelia Steenwyck, Captain Carel Epesteyn and
Lieut"' Carel Quirynsen, Comuiissioners to the Towns situate on the East
end of Long Island.
First. They shall use all speed in the snow the Zechont to reach the Towns mentioned in
their Commission, and in case they meet any boats or other craft belonging to the neighboring
English Colonies, they shall let them pass unmolested.
2. On their arrival in each of the Towns respectively cause the inhabitants to be assembled
together and bring them by the properest means to swear allegiance, but in case great
objections were made to the oath and that in place of an oath of allegiance and obedience to
the government, it were offered by handwriting and signature, in such case they (but as if of
their own accord) may allow them to do so, but the Magistrates and Secretaries must take the
oath, as the Sheriff, Isaac Arnold has already done.
3. In case any Towns may request that the number of their Magistrates be increased,
the nomination of a double number shall immediately be allowed them, from which you shall
make the selection and swear them with the other Magistrates.
4. In case there may be any difference of opinion among them respecting the interpretation
of the instruction sent to the Schout and Magistrates, you can give further explanation thereof,
and thus show that it in no wise conflicts with the order formerly granted on their petition, to
which end a copy of each accompanies this.
6. If they ask to trade with the neighbors of the North, make known to them that, when
they solicit it, the inhabitants of the government obtain permission to bring their own
supplies hither from the neighboring Colonies, which shall be granted them also, provided they
like others apply for a pass for that purpose.
6. Should the inhabitants demand that the nomination of their own Magistrates be left to
themselves, you are authorized to concede it, and furthermore, to assure them that the
government will never refuse them whatever they ask in fairness, which on the contrary will
be granted and conceded to them as to other good inhabitants.
7. But if contrary to expectation the inhabitants obstinately refuse obedience and allegiance,
they are to be publicly told that they will be the cause of their own ruin ; you will then
endeavor to obtain in writing the names of the chief mutineers, and return hither in all haste
without any delay.
If an opportunity offer, inquire at Easthampton for the cannon of the wrecked ship, which
remain thereabouts, their calibre, the best mode of conveying them hither, and the expense
of fishing them up and bringing them here. Dated as above.
( Signed ), A. Colve.
Anthony Colve, Governor-General of New Netherland for their High Mightinesses the
States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of
Orange, &c.
To all those who see these or hear them read, Greeting :
Whereas, it is necessary to appoint a fit and proper person Schout of the Towns of
Swaenenburgh, Hurly and Marbletown, situate in the Esopus of New Netherland ; I have,
Vol, II. 82
650 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
therefore, from the exhibited nomination of the inhabitants there for Schout of said towns,
selected, commissioned and qualified, do hereby elect, commission and qualify Isaac Grevenraet,
late Schout there, to administer with the Magistrates of the aforesaid towns, according to the
best of his knowledge and ability, good law and justice ; to aid in the enactment of good
ordinances for the best advantage of the towns and greater peace and quiet of the inhabitants
there, and when enacted, to take care that they be duly executed ; and further, to cause to be done
and performed whatever a good and faithful Schout is bound to do by duty and office, regulating
himself according to the instruction already given or from time to time to be sent by me to
him, hereby ordering and commanding all officers, magistrates, burghers and inhabitants there
to acknowledge, respect and obey the abovenamed Isaac Grevenraet as their Schout, fori have
judged the same to be necessary for the public service.
Thus done in Fort Willem Hendrick, this 30"" October, 1073, in New Netherland.
(Signed), A. Colve.
The Schout and Secretary of Swaenenburgh, Hurly and Marble, are authorized to install the
Magistrates and Militia officers there into their respective offices, and to administer the Oath to
them, of which the following is the form :
We, N. N. officers of the militia of the Town of N. N., qualified by the Hon*"'^ Governor-
General of New Netherland, promise and swear, in the presence of Almighty God, that we
will be true and faithful to their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United
Netherlands, his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, etc., and their Governor-General
already appointed or hereafter to be appointed here, that we, according to our ability, will
study the interest of the Burghers entrusted to us, will from time to time keep them in good
order and military discipline, to aid in protecting against all invasions of their enemies, and
further comport ourselves as faithful militia officers are bound to do ; regulating ourselves
according to the orders and instructions which will be transmitted to us from our superiors.
So truly help us God Almighty.
Whereas, it is found by daily experience that the Burghers of this city of New Orange, sell
strong drink and give credit to the soldiers, which has given rise to much mischief; therefore
all inhabitants and Burghers are hereby ordered and commanded not to sell strong drink to
any soldiers or matrosses garrisoned in the Fort here, nor to give them credit on the pledge of
their clothing, arms, or any material belonging to the Fort here, on pain, if contravening this,
of forfeiting all pay for the delivered goods; and whoever hath already received payment in
clothing, arms, or material of the Fort, shall be obliged to restore the same with double the
value thereof. Let each and every be warned hereby and take heed of loss.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 31" October, 1673.
By order of the Governor-General of New Netherland.
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
Whereas, it has been found that the two-third parts of the estate left by the late Richard
Morris belong in real propriety to his brother. Colonel Lewis Morris, a resident of the Island
of Barbadoes in the Caribbees, whose estate by the Proclamation dated the SO"" of September
last, is confiscated for the behoof of the government, and it being therefore necessary that in
addition to the guardians and tutors of the aforenamed Richard Morris' surviving orphan child,
VOLUME XXIII. G51
Bome one be commissioned on the part of the government to regulate said estate. Therefore
have I resolved to commission and qualify Balthazar Bayard to that end, as he is hereby
commissioned and qualified to assume the said estate for the two-third parts thereof which
belong to the government, with said guardians, by name Mess" Joiin Lawrence, Stephanus van
Cortlant and Walter Webly, for the one-third part thereof inherited by them ; to adjust
and settle the debts and credits ; to sell the remaining personal property, and thereof to deliver
in to the Secretary's office pertinent account and balance, when order shall be issued what
further disposition shall be made therein.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 1st November, 1673.
Whereas, Mr. Francis Lovelace hath, on the surrender of this place and his departure hence,
left, both for himself and the late English government, among divers inhabitants of this
government many outstanding debts and liabilities, and it being therefore necessary for the
benefit of the parties interested, that some persons be appointed Commissioners to regulate
the estate of said Mr. Lovelace and the government, I have therefore to that end commissioned
and qualified, and do hereby commission and qualify Mess" Olof Stevense van Cortlant, Gelyn
Verplancke and Gabriel Minvielle, who are hereby authorized and instructed to liquidate,
settle and arrange with all persons who may have any unsettled accounts against said estate,
and to announce this by notices to be affixed, hereby ordering and commanding all and every
whom these may in any wise concern, and especially the widow, who remains in the possession
of the estate of the deceased Mr. Isaac Bedloo, late Factor and Commissary of the abovenamed
Mr. Lovelace, on sight hereof to hand over to said Commissioners, under proper inventory, all
the books, accounts and papers in any ways concerning the aforesaid government or factorship ;
also to render to said Commissioners due account, proof and reliqua, in like form as said Factor
'was bound to render to the abovenamed Mr. Lovelace ; and said Commissioners are hereby
required and ordered to give proper report and pertinent account of their administration and
conclusions, when order shall be issued as to further proceedings.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 2" 9^", 1673.
Ou the petition of Lodewyck Cobes and the recommendation of the Worship" Court of
Willem Stadt, requesting that he may be there admitted notary and attorney ad lices, the
Governor-General of New Netherland orders :
The Petitioner's request is granted and allowed, and a commission accordingly shall be
issued him.
g, Hartford Octob' 21'" 1673.
It being not the manner of Christian or Civill nations to disturb y' poore people in Cottages
& open Villages in the times of warr much less to Impose oaths uppon them but to suffer them
to goe on w'" their Husbandry & other Contry affiiyres, wee Cannot but wonder to heare that
some of yours ( Notw^standing a Caution formerly to the sea Command") haveing bene lately
done toward the Eastern End of Long Island have urged his Ma''" Subiects there to take an
oath Contrary to their alleigance to their Souveraigne & to use many threatning Expressions
towards them in case of the Refusall of such an oath, Wee thought fit hereby to lett you
know that wee kan scarce believe that such Commission should proceed from your selfe,
whom wee have heard to be a Souldier, & wel acquainted w"" Martiall affaires & may suppose
652 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
you to Vnderstand better the Law of Nations & the Customes & Vsages of persons of honour
in their pretences of warr, And we Cannot giies that the reasons should move to such
molestation towards poore planters, except it be to attaine some plausible pretence for
Plundering & pillaging, w""*" if it should be done wee know verry well where there may be
Easy Reparacon among your Boares & open Dorps, but the English will scorne such unchristion
designes Except Barbarous depredations from your selves should Necessitate Retribution to
the Injured You may bee assured if you proceed in Provocations to Constrayne the rising
of the English Colonyes, they will not make it their worke to tamper w"" your peasants about
sweareing but deale w"" your head quarters, v/"'' yet if reduced to obedience to his Ma'" may
Certainly Expect thereby much more happynesse & larger Immunityes w"'out such Imposure
then can be Enjoyed by them in the station wherein they now are.
Mr John Bankes is our messenger by whom wee send these who can further Informe you
how tender wee are of the Effijsion of Christian blood yet cannot but resent w"" great
Indignation of any Malicious oppression shall be forced upon our dear Neighbours his Ma""
good Subiects These adnimadversons are Represented to your serious Consideration from,
( Signed : ) John Allyn Secret'^ in the name & by the
These for the Command"^ in Order of the gouvern' & generall Court of
Chiefe of the dutch forces in the Connetticott.
manados.
This p' me
John Banckes.
The following is the answer:
Sir.
A certain unsealed paper, signed by one John Allyn qualifying himself Secretary and written
by order of the Governor and General Court of Connecticut was placed in my hands yesterday
by a man who called himself John Bankes. I cannot believe that such an impertinent and •
absurd writing emanates from persons bearing the name of Governor and General Court,
therefore have I deemed it unworthy any answer. However I have resolved to send you these
presents by express, with copy of said paper ; an answer hereunto by the bearer will be
expected in order that I may so regulate myself as I shall judge necessary. For the present
nothing more from
Your friend.
Fort Willem Hendrick 5^ November, 1673.
The superscription was
Edele Manhafte H' D' H' Johan Winthrop, Govern' van Connecticotts Colony
Residirende to Harfart.
Antonia van Corlears requesting by petition license to trade with the Indians at Schaneghtede
as allowed her on the 27"' January last by the late government,
It is ordered :
Pursuant to the foregoing grant, the Petitioner is allowed to sell rum and lead to the Indians
at Schaneghtede until the last of May next coming.
Mde Maria Varlett wife of William Teller making known by petition that in the year 1664,
she had purchased from Mr. Stuyvesant and Ruyven a Negro and paid for the same, which
VOLUME XXIII. 653
negro was upon complaint of Gideon Schaets talien from her and given him, by the late
government, but with a promise of satisfaction which was never redeemed ; therefore requests
restitution of said negro, or of the money paid for him.
Ordered. The Petitioner is referred to the Schout and Magistrates of Willemstadt who are
ordered after due examination to render the Petitioner right and justice.
Provisional Instruction for the Schout and Magistrates of the city of Willemstade
and Colonic Renselaers wyck.
1st. The Schout and Magistrates shall each in his quality take care that the Reformed
Christian Religion agreeably to the Synod of Dort shall be maintained, without suffering any
attempt to be made against it by any other sectaries.
2. The Sheriff shall be present, as often as possible, at all the meetings and preside over the
same ; but should he act for himself as parly, or in behalf of the rights of the Lords Patroons
or of Justice, he shall in such case, rise from his seat and leave the Bench and in that event
he shall not have any advisory much less a concluding vote, but the oldest Schepen shall, then,
preside in his place.
3. All cases relating to the Police, Security and Peace of the Inhabitants ; also to Justice
between man and man, shall be finally determined definitively by the Magistrates of the
aforesaid Town of Willemstadt and Colonic Renselaers wyck, to the amount of and under two
hundred and forty florins, Beaver, without appeal : In case the sum be larger the aggrieved
party may appeal to the Governor-General and Council here; also all judgments pronounced
by the court of Schaneghtede and amounting to upwards of sixty guilders, Beaver value, and
as high as fl. 240, Beaver, as aforesaid, may be carried by appeal and determined by the court
at Wellemstadt.
4. In case of inequality of votes, the minority shall submit to the majority ; but those who
are of a contrary opinion may have it recorded in the minutes but not divulge it without the
meeting on pain of arbitrary correction.
5. Whenever any cases occur in the meeting in which any of the Magistrates are interested,
such Magistrate shall, in that instance, rise and absent himself, as is hereinbefore stated, in the
2'^ article, of the Sheriff.
6. All Inhabitants of the abovenamed city and colonic shall be citable before said Sheriff
and Schepens who shall hold their meetings and courts as often as they shall consider requisite.
7. All criminal offences which will be committed there shall be referred to the jurisdiction
of said Schout and Schepens, with power to pronounce judgment thereon to death inclusive,
on condition that all capital sentences be not executed until the approval thereof by the
Supreme Court here be first requested and obtained.
8. The Sheriff and Schepens shall have power to conclude on some needful ordinances for
the welfare and peace of the Inhabitants of their district, provided such ordinances are not
contrary but as far as is possible, conformable to the Laws of our Fatherland and the Statutes
of this Province.
9. The said Sheriff and Schepens shall be bound strictly to observe and cause to be observed
the Placards and Ordinances which shall be enacted and published by the supreme authority,
and not suffer anything to be done against them, but cause the transgressors therein to be
654 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
proceeded against according to the tenor thereof; and further, promptly execute such orders
as the Governor-General shall send them from time to time.
10. The Sheriff and Schepeus shall be also obliged to acknowledge as their Sovereign Rulers,
their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene
Highness the Lord Prince of Orange, and to maintain their sovereign jurisdiction, right and
domain in this country.
IL The selection of all inferior officers and servants in the employ of said Sheriff and
Schepens, the Secretary alone excepted, shall be made and confirmed by themselves.
12. The Sheriff shall, by himself or deputies execute all the Magistrates' judgments and not
discharge any one except by advice of the Court ; he shall also take good care that the
places under his charge shall be cleansed of all mobs, gamblers, whore-houses and such
like impurities.
13. The Sheriff shall receive the half of all civil fines accruing during his term of office
together with one-third part of what belongs to the respective villages from criminal cases;
but he shall neither directly nor indirectly receive any presents forbidden by law.
14. Towards the time of election, the Sheriff and Schepens shall nominate as Schepens a
double number of the best qualified, the honestest, most intelligent and wealthiest inhabitants,
exclusively of the Reformed Christian Religion or at least well affected thereunto, to be
presented to the Governor, who shall then make his election therefrom with continuation of
some of the old ones in case his Honor may deem it necessary.
Dated S"" of November, 1G73.
This day an Instruction is transmitted to the court of the Town of Schaneghtede in like
form, word for word as the instruction to the Schout and Magistrates on Long Island, which is
hereinbefore recorded under date first October, with this alteration only : That those of the
Town of Schaneghtede, (instead of. To the commissioned Council,) shall be at liberty to appeal
to the court of Willemstadt for the sum of Q. 240 Beavers, and that all criminal offences shall
be referred to the Schout and Magistrates of Willemstadt aforesaid.
Mr. Cornells Steenwyck, Capt" Carel Epestyn and Lieutenant Carel Quirynsen,
commissioned on date , last, to proceed to the Towns of Southampton, Southold and
Easthampton to encourage the inhabitants there to dutiful obedience and to have the oath of
Allegiance administered to them, returning this day Report, that said inhabitants exhibited an
utter aversion thereto, making use of gross insolence, tfireats &c., so that the Commissioners
were obliged to return, their object unaccomplished. Furthermore they have handed to the
Governor a Journal in writingof the occurrences there, whereof the principal is herein recorded.
Journal kept on board of the frigate named the Zce-hond, Capt. Cornells Evertsen,
sailing with the Commissioners, Councillor Cornells Steenwyck, Capt"
Charles Epen Steyn, and Lieutenant Charles Quirynsen, from New-Orange
to the East end of Long Island. 1G73.
We sailed on the 31 October, being Tuesday, about noon, with a southerly wind, and were
thrown ashore by the current near Corlears hook — but throwing out the anchor we warped
afloat, and sailed to the farthest point of the Hel/gate, where we met the flood, so that we were
compelled to return and anchor near Barents Island, where, a short while after, the sloop
VOLUME XXIII. 655
Ecndragt, Luycas Andriessen, skipper, arriving from Boston, passed us. We dispatched our
boat to inquire if there were any letters for us. Coming on board, we received several letters
for the Hon. Steenwyck, and were informed that Maestricht had been taken by the French.
1 Nov"' The wind blew very hard from the east, so that we were compelled to remain at
anchor; in the meanwhile rowed the Commissioners to Barent's Island. On their return
they touched a rock near the Pot, when the boat was nearly upset by the stream, so that they
were indeed in imminent danger.
2 Nov"' The wind as before, with rain and violent gusts; about breakfast broke our rope, but
somewhat nearer its bight; exerted all our endeavors to recover our anchor, but could not find
it. The Commissioners rowed in the meanwhile to N. Haerlem, and returned on board
towards evening.
3 Nov"' The wind N. N. West; we again weighed anchor, and sailed against the tide
through the Hellgate ; towards noon the wind veered again to the east, and as the tide was
against us, we could not proceed further than the White Stone, where we cast anchor ; then
went in the boat ashore to procure water. Towards evening we were favored with a Northerly
breeze — got under sail, and when we arrived near Minnewits Island, the wind again veered to
the N. East, so that we were obliged to cast anchor there.
4"" Nov' We sailed at day-break, the wind N. West ; towards noon, the wind blowing very
fresh, we lowered our topsail ; towards evening took in all sail with two reefs in our mainsail,
and were about South of Newhaven, the wind very cold, the waves rising and the night dark.
About three o'clock in the morning, saw Falcon's Island, about a pistol shot to leeward ;
we intended to avoid it, but could not succeed, through the violence of the wind, so that we
tacked quite clo>se to the rocks, with great good luck. Night approaching, the storm sensibly
increased, and about day-break it was a complete hurricane.
6"" Nov"" The wind as before, but somewhat more Westerly, we ran on with a reef in our
foresail ; about eight o'clock, our boat broke adrift, which compelled us to return ; we recovered
it with great difficulty after three hours, and when we had her on board, saw that nearly all
the stauncheons were torn in pieces — a short while after the wind increased in violence, so
that once more we were compelled to run to leeward, and about four in the afternoon cast
anchor near the riff of the Little gatt — our boat full of water and utterly unfit for use — so that
we abandoned her to the deep.
6"" Nov' Lying at anchor. In the morning at day-break, in Pluymgat, the wind N. W. and
W., weighed anchor again, and discovered a sail to leeward ; we pursued with our courses set,
and hoisted English colors ; we supposed him to be a West Indiaman ; hoisted our topsail.
The tide turning against him, he anchored near Silvester Island in 8 or 10 foot water ; we then
lowered the English colors and hoisted those of the Prince, whereupon they instantly struck
their colors. Commanding them to come on board, the skipper arriving with two men,
reported that they came from New London, and that Capt. Winthrop and Mr. Willis were in
his ship, being commissioned by those of Connecticut. Sent the boat for them ; when on
board, they said they would show us their commission, to take a copy of it. They farther
stated, that those of Connecticut dispatched a Letter to the Governor-General A. Colve, of
which a copy should be shown to us; whereupon we showed them our commission, together
witli the Article penned by those of the East end of the Island, and in consequence of it, their
nomination, and subsequent election, &c. ; the answer thereto was exhibited, to wit : That the
9"" article had not been consented to, and consequently all the other articles, together with
656 NEW-YOEK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
their subsequent nomination and their actual submission to their High Mightinesses, had been
rendered null & void. We then, after having treated them to the best in our power, permitted
them to go on shore in the ship of Lieut. Quirynsen. Towards evening we again hoisted sail
and anchored before Silvester's ; towards evening at a signal, Silvester sent his son with a boat
on board, to carry the Commissioners on shore, who staid that night with him.
7"" Nov' In the morning, the Commissioners of Connecticut delivered us a copy of their
commission as follows :
" Whereas by divers Reports & Informations wee are given to Vnderstand that there are
some forces Expected spedily from New Yorke at the Eastern End of Long Island to force
and Constrayne the People there to take the oath of Obedience to the States generall & Prince
of Orange; Wee have thought it Expedient to desire & Empower you Samuel Willis Esq' &
Capl" John Winthrop or Either of you to take such necessary attendance as you Judge meet
& forth""" to goe over to the said Island or Shelter Island & treat w"" such forces as there you
shall meet & doe your Endeavor to divert them from using any hostility against the said
People & from Imposing uppon them letting them know if they do proceed notw"'standing it
will provoke us to a due Consideration what wee are Nextly oblidged to doe. Dated at
Harford Octob' 22"' 1G73.
(: Signed:)
And signed p' order of the Gouverno'
& Magistrates — p' me John Allyn
Secref."
And further delivered us a copy of the Letter which was sent by the Court of Connecticut
to the Governor, Anthony Colve, and requested that we should abandon our voyage and not
proceed further in persuading the English of Easthampton, Southold or Southampton to take
the oath, whercunto we answered that we were in duty bound to execute our commission and
so departed from Silvester's Island. In the mean while those of Connecticut hoisted the
King's Jack at their mainmast which was permitted them as they were Commissioners.
About 10 o'clock the Connecticut gentlemen rowed up towards Southall in the boat belonging
to Silvester's ship, with the King's Jack in the stern, when the Commissioners immediately
followed in a boat they had borrowed from Capt" Silvester, with the Prince's flag also in the
stern; arrived at 2 o'clock in the afternoon about Southold, when they heard the drum beat
and the trumpet sounded, and saw a salute with muskets whenever the Connecticut gentlemen
passed by. Meanwhile the water being low and the tide on the turn, the boat being slowly
dragged along by the sailors, the Commissioners were obliged to land. Approaching somewhat
nearer, they discovered a troop of cavalry riding backward and forward, four of whom
advanced towards us, and when they reached the Commissioners, offered them their horses, on
which these mounted, ascended the heights, where they met Cap" Winthrop and Esquire Wyles
with a troop of 26 or 28 men on horseback, and so they rode on together towards the village,
on reaching which they found a company of about sixty foot men in arms. After tarrying a
few moments, they marched into the village to the house of one Mr. Moore, where dismounting
from their horses, they were invited to enter. After having been a little while in the
house, Mr. Steenwyck requested that the inhabitants of the village might be convoked
to communicate to them the cause of their arrival, also the commission of the Governor, to
VOLUME XXIII. 657
which those of Connecticut answered, that (he inhabitants of that village of Southold, being
subjects of his Majesty of England, had nothing to do with any orders or commission of the
Dutch, and then said to the inhabitants, Whosoever among you will not remain faithful to his
Majesty of England, your lawful Lord and King, let him now speak, to which not one of the
inhabitants made answer. Mr. Steenwyck replied thereupon, that they were subjects of their
High Mightinesses the States-General and his Highness the Prince of Orange, as appeared by
their colors and constable's staff, by the nomination of their Magistrates, presented by them to
the Governor, and by the election subsequent thereon ; he further requested that these elected
persons might be called, of whom Thomas Moore appeared, but Thomas Hudsingsen absented
himself, and could not be found. When the election of Governor Colve was communicated to
said Moore, he would not accept it ; saying, that he had nothing to do with it ; then Isaack
Aernouts, who had been already sworn in as Sheriff of the 5 easterly villages on Long Island
was asked, who declared that he had already resigned his office as Sheriff, because it was not
in his power to execute that ofRce, having been already threatened by the inhabitants that they
would plunder his house. Mr. Steenwyck again asked the people, most of whom were present,
if they would remain faithful to their High Mightinesses and take the oath ? But not one
person answered ; signifying plainly enough by their silence that they would not. Then
orders were given to read to them the commission of the Governor, which being perceived
by the Committee from Hartford, they said, as before, that the inhabitants of that place, being
subjects of his Majesty of England, had nothing to do with a commission of the Dutch. So
that after many discussions pro and con., we took up our commission and papers after having
entered due protest and resolved to depart out the village. On leaving the place, some
inhabitants of Southampton were present; among the rest one John Couper, who told Mr.
Steenwyck to take care and not appear with that thing at Southampton, which he more than
once repeated; for the Commissioners, agreeably to their commission, had intended to go
thither next morning; whereupon Mr. Steenwyck asked, what he meant by that word Thing,
to which said John Couper replied, the Prince's Flag ; then Mr. Steenwyck inquired of John
Couper, if he said so of himself, or on the authority of the inhabitants of Southampton. He
answered, Rest satisfied that I warn you, and take care that you come not with that Flag within
range of shot of our village. When taking leave of the Connecticut gentlemen they asked us
to what village we intended to go first to-morrow morning, and they assured us that they
should be there, as they intended to be present at every place the Commissioners should visit.
Entered the boat and rowed again toward Schelster Island, and resolved not to visit the other
two villages, as we clearly perceived that we should be unable to effect anything, and rather
do more harm than good. Arrived about ten in the evening at Sylvester's Island where we
passed the night.
8"" Wednesday. The wind being S. E. we set sail again about 12 at noon, with the ebb,
towards New Orange. When the sun being yet about an hour high, passed Plum-gut with a
spanking breeze. Saw two sails ; spoke one, belonging to Aghter Kol, they who passed N. Orange
a day after us.
9"" In the morning at day-break, we had Onlieway on our beam; about north of us, espied a
mizzen sail ahead, near the White Stone, when it became very calm, so that we were compelled to
row, and arrived by dark at Deutel hay, whence the Commissioners traveled by land to New
Orange, and arrived about eight in the evening at Fort William Henry, delivering a report
Vol. H. 83
658 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
of their Irausactions to Governor A. Colve. The ship the Zcchond anchored in the harbor
about midnight.
Proclamation for a day of Humiliation and Thanksgiving.
Trusty & Welbeloved,
Concidering the Manifold Blessings & favours w'^'' the Bountiful) & Merciful god hath bene
pleazed graciously to Bestow uppon this Province and the Inhabitants thereof amongst w'='' is
to be Esteemed beyond all others the free & pure worshipp of god vv'*" Blessing together w''
all others ought Not only to drawe & obJidge us to dutifull thanckfulnesse but also to meeknesse
& Rependance because of our Manifold sins & Transgressions to the End the s"^ Blessings &
favours of our god may be Continued towards us & this People & Country be free from this
weldeserved Wroth & Indignation, Know Yee therefore that wee have thought it Necessary &
do by these Presents order & Proclaime an universall day of fast humiliation & thaucksgiveing
w'''' shall be held w"'iu this Province on the first Wednesday on every mounth & beguun on
the first wesnesday of the next ensuing month of Decemb"" being Second day of the s"* Month,
& soo Alsoo uppon Every first Wednesday of y* month thereunto Ensuing; And to the End the
s" day of humiliation & thankxgiveing may bee the better put in practice & due Execution,
Wee do hereby strictly prohibite & forbid on the s"" day of humiliation Thaukxgiving all
manner of Labour & exercizings of hunting ffisshing gaming Excesse in drincking and the
Lyke & all Inkeepers & ordinaris not to Retayle any Licquors or drinke uppon Penalty of
Corporall Punishment, To the true p'"formauce of w*^"" wee do hereby stricktly order &Comand
all Magistrates officers & Justices of this Province & prolecute against the Transgressions
according to the Tenn': thereof and to Cause this Proclamation to bee published in due time
& place, Soo wee Recommand you to the Protextion of the Almighty godt ;
Trusty & welbeloved
Your Loving ffrinds
In fort W" Hendrick this IS"- of Novemb\ (: Signed:) Antoxy Colve.
(Vnderstood :)
By order of the govern'
general! & Councell of the
Niew Netherlands.
N : Bayard Secret^.
Whereas some difference has arisen between Mr. Jno. Berry and Mr. William Saudford, both
of whom requested that it may be referred to the court of the Schout and Magistrates of the
town of Bergen, which request being considered by the Governor, the same is for the present
granted and allowed.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick this 19"" 9"^", 1673.
Capt" Cornells Ewoutsen is hereby ordered at sight hereof to proceed with all speed in his
snow and sail through Hellgate to the Cape of Nantucket, or to the place where the small craft
Expcclatic lies, now lately commanded by Capt" Vonck, and exert every effort to have the said
vessel brought hither, but at the same time to take care, if it were judged impossible, not to
put his snow in any danger, being on that account recommended to be always very careful.
He will likewise be particular not lo detain nor in any wise damage any vessels he may fall in
VOLUME XXIII. 659
with belonging to New England, but allow them to pass unmolested after having visited them
and seen their papers. But if it be impossible to save the Expectatie or she be considered
in sufficient safety, he shall then return hither as speedily as possible, and if he think he can
come back outside and meeting some of the enemy's ships he will try to master and bring them
in, but he is to take good care that no goods, papers nor clothing belonging to the crew be
plundered ; but in case said little craft, contrary to our supposition, may have been taken by any
one, be he who be may, he shall then endeavor to recover it, or to destroy it if its recapture be
impossible, in which case he shall attack, capture or endeavor to destroy all English boats and
craft whencesoever they may be.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this IG"" Q*-", 1673.
Whereas some persons do presume to passe from this place towards New England & also
Returne from thence w"'out haveing any Passe or Licence so to doe; his honn'' y* gouern'' hath
therefore thought fitt to order & authorize Mr. John Hoit Magestrate of the Towne of East
Chester uppon the maine not to suffer any Person or persons whatsoever to passe or repasse
through the s"" Towne to or from New England ; Except they can produce a Legall passe or
Licence from authority for the same, and for soe doeing this will be unto the s'' Magestrate a
Sufficient Warrant & Discharge.
(: Signed :)
By order of his honn' the gouern"^
Dated at fort W" Hendrick IG"" 9''", 1673. N. Bayard Secrets.
Jone Lattine, widow of the late Richard Lattine, residing at Hempstead, representing by
petition that her deceased husband had, whilst living, made over all his estate on his children
by a former marriage, who now appropriate everything without allowing her to retain anything
for her necessary support, requesting that she may obtain legal relief.
Ordered, That the Magistrates of the .town of Hempstead be recommended strictly to
examine into the Petitioner's complaint, and on finding it founded, to extend good right and
justice to her.
Commandant Draeyeris by letter written to and ordered to put a stop to all correspondence
with the Jesuit (Jusuyl) and Frenchmen from Canada, whether runaways or others. See
Letter Book.
Schout Jacob Strycker reports, that he hath found on inquiry that the towns of Gravesend,
Amersfoort, Breuckelen, Utreght and Boswyck, are not in arrears to the county rates of the
late English Government, but that Midwout was found to be still in arrears, according to
the accounts delivered in, Q. 130, 7. Wampum value.
The Governor hath, from the nomination made by the Magistrates of the town of Utreght,
selected Jan Gysbertse van Meteren as Magistrate in the place of Jan Thomassen, now
lately deceased.
Commandant Peter Alricx in the South river is ordered by letter, in case Capt. John Carr
had not submitted according to his request and come to reside within the government, to seize
his estate by virtue of the declared confiscation, and by the first opportunity to send hither
account and inventory thereof.
(3(30 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
Mods''
Last Night I Received your letter of the first of O''" W^" I will not Call Impertinent, because
it suits your owne fancy — The Expresse mentioned came no further then fayrefield w'='' may
be about haife waij but had one Come heather w"- the least Schroule Vnder your hand though
more Insignificant he should not have been deteined the least minute by Confinement as we
heare Mr John Bankes hath beene since his arrivall there whoe (you may in answer to your
querie agayne be Informed hereby) was the Messenger sent w"" that letter ( whereof you have
now Returned a Coppy :) Subscribed by our Secretary by order as there asserted, w"^"" ifw"'out
passion, you shall some tymes again peruse may appeare to Importe very pertinent & Needful
promonitions for the preventing a Confluence of Evill Consequences, That wax upon the
usuall place of sealed letters was Impressed w"" a faire Coath of amies w-^"" if broken or defaced
its yet vnknowne to vs heere by what abuse or accident & that it was not Cloase sealed was
no other then, as we had the letter from those sea Command" when they were w"" you this is
all at present from him whoo is,
S' Yours as you repate him
Dated in Hartford Octob'"' (: Signed :) J : Winthrop;
31"" old stile
The following is the answer:
Gentlemen,
I yesterday received your letter of the 31" October, old style, wherein seeing that the
aforesaid of the 21" of said month handed by John Bankes was from you, I answer : 1 am very
well aware how the subjects of their High Mightinesses and the inhabitants of open hamlets
and villages ought to be treated, but I also well know that I am not obliged to account to you
in the premises. It is sufficiently notorious and can also appear by their written requests that
the inhabitants of the East end of Long Island have submitted and declared themselves subjects
of their High Mightinesses, delivering up their colors, constables' staves, making nominations
for Schout Magistrates and Secretaries, whereupon their election also duly followed;
furthermore we have been requested by their deputies to excuse the elected magistrates from
coming hither to take the oath, but as it was necessary to send Commissioners thither in order
to bring the people under oath, that they too may be qualified to administer the same to the
magistrates in like manner, which we were pleased to grant them and which would
undoubtedly have been complied with by them had not some evil disposed persons gone from
you and dissuaded them. I am here to maintain the right of their High Mightinesses and his
Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, ray Lords and Masters; therefore give little heed to
your strange and threatening words, knowing to put with God's blessing and the force entrusted
to me, such means into operation as will reduce rebels to due obedience, and to make those
who uphold them in their unrighteous proceedings to alter their evil designs. Regarding what
you write, that I am led, by barbarous motives, to molest the Dutch open villages, but that the
English scorn such unchristian designs; 'tis known throughout the entire world in what a
humane manner we treat our conquered enemies whereunto your nation is no stranger both in
the last and in the present war, our fleets having had plenty of opportunities to cause great
damage, yea ruin to whole countries, but have exhibited no inclination thereto, which was not
VOLUIVIE XXIII. 661
the case with your nation, on the island of Ter Schellingh' towards poor fishermen and farmers.
I deem it unnecessary to answer any other points of your letter. Therefore break off
and subscribe
By order of the Hon''''' Governor-General
of N. Netherland.
Fort Willem Hendrick this IS"- 9^", 1673. (Signed), N. Bayard, Secret'.
The superscription was :
To M'' John Winthrop, commanding at Hartford,
and the Court of the
English inhabitants of Connecticot.
Whereas Daniel Lane late of Seatalcot heretofore apprehended uppon accusation of haveing
Committed the Crime of Incest before the day of the Tryall hath broken prison & become
fugityf & still doth absent himselfe although several! publications are made for to summon
him in to stand out his Tryall in Law; These are therefore to order & authorize the
Magistrates of the Towne of Seatalcot to seize uppon the Estate of Daniel Lane, And to Cause
the same to be secured and an ace' thereof Returned unto me to the End the s^ Estate may
not be Embazeled or made away^but preserved for"y' use of y' Credit" thereof the 21"" of
9^" 1673.
Sent to the Magistrates of Huntington and Seatalcot the instruction for Schout and Schepens
in form as hereinbefore is recorded under djite first October, with the exception only that in
the 3^ Article they are authorized to pronounce definite judgment to sixty guilders Beavers, and
for all greater sums an appeal shall lie to the Governor-General and Council, and not to the
Deputy Councillors ; and the following is added at foot :
The abovewritten are the Instructions sent to all the Magistrates of Long Island & whereas
your Towne for the present no Schout is Established his honn'' the gouvern" pleasure is that
the president Magistrate shall represent the office of Schout in Cases where it Requires who
by these presents thereunto is authorized ; And concerning the last article wherein it is Exprest
that the nomination shall be made by the Magestrates, If the Towne Requires it may be done
by themselves & petition for it that and all other Civiil desires of Explaining the s"* Instructions
shall be granted unto them by his honn'' the gouvern'' the SI"" day of O**" 1673.
At a Council holden in Fort Willem Hendrick, 23'^ 9"", 1673.
Present — Governor-General Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck.
Anna Lysbet and Henry Nuton, &c., representing that one Roger Purches, who owes them
some money, is now residing on Hog Island, request he may be brought thence by the court,
&c., which request is granted.
Some inhabitants of Mespath's Kill requesting that Mark Dall, who renounces the
government may be allowed to reside there, it is for the present declined.
' In 1666, the English landed at West Ter Schellingh and burnt that village. — Ed.
602 NEW- YORK COLONIAL INIANUSCRIPTS :
Marcus de Sausoy anil Martyn Hardewyn requesting by petition to be allowed to summon
some persons of Staten Island to the Court here. The Petitioners are referred to the Schout
and Magistrates of Staten Island who are recommended to administer equitable law and justice
to the Petitioner.
Richard Hamer, late an English soldier, requests that he may be allowed to reside here
{laniwlnnhigc). Whereupon is ordered:
The request is refused and the Petitioner shall have to regulate himself according to the
proclamation to quit this province.
On the petition of Thomas Hont, senior, requesting that his son, Thomas Hont, junior,
banished hence, may be allowed to reside within the province. Whereupon is ordered:
Petitioner's son may come within the government on taliing the oath of allegiance and
giving security for his good behavior.
27"' 9''" Luytenaut Drayer is written to and instructed to keep his men in good order and
dicipiine, and not to allow them without proper consent to leave the Fort or to lodge out; abo,
according to previous advices, not to confide in any French from Canada, to break off all
correspondence with the Jesuit, but to excuse himself in a courteous manner.
So"" 9''" Captain Cornells Ewoutsen sent on the le"" 9''"='' with the Snow to bring hither
Capt. Vonck's inward bound little vessel, which lies dismasted near Nantucket in New England,
returned this day and reports that said ship was taken off by one Capt" Diedson and carried
to Boston in New England ; therefore hath Cornells Ewoutsen, pursuant to the orders given
him, taken and also brought hither four ketches on their way home, three belonging to Salem
and one to Piscattaway.
At a Council holden in Fort Willem Hendrick this 29"" <d^" 1G73.
Present — Governor-General Colve,
Councillor Steenwyck,
Captain William Knyff and
Captain Carel Epesteyn.
The Captains of the ketches brought here yesterday by Captain Carel Ewoutsen, being
examined, declare as follows :
Richard Hollingworth declares he is commander and owner of the ketch Frovidence, taken
in the neighborhood of Blocx Island on his way from Virginia, freighted on account of Wharton
and Company, merchants at Boston, with 47 tubs of tobacco; Iletn, 6 tuba of tobacco for
Matthew Cartright, and 13 tubs for himself and crew, whereof a part is loose ; in all 66 tubs,
with 8 hides, which he declares to be, as far as he knows, all the cargo on board.
John Ingersol, Skipper of the ketch Nightingale, belonging to John Graftin of Salem, taken
in Tarpaulin Cove, declares he has on board :
2 barrels of Rum. 17 yards of Kersey.
2 hogsheads and 2 bushels of Salt. 1 tierce of Sugar.
8 yards of Cloth. 200 lbs. and 2 bits of Cotton Wool.
1 pc. of Stuff. 2 barrels of Mackerel.
VOLUME XXIII. 663
Thomas Bearch, Skipper and owner of the ketch named The Friends' Supply of Boston,
where he resides, declares he has a cargo of divers goods according to bill of lading delivered
with his book to Capt. Ewoutsen, and says he has nothing more on board but 4 guns and one
pistol; declares further that he hath heard that Mr. Diedson, backed by some Boston merchants
but without the consent of the Boston government, hath taken the flyboat near Nantucket
and carried her to Boston.
David Kalley, commander, and James Coffin, merchant, of the ketch Neptune, belonging
to Mr. Richard Cotts of Piscattaway, declare to be loaded with some wine, rum, salt, sugar
&c., according to inventory handed to Capt" Cornells Ewoutsen, and that they have seen
Captain Thomas Dudson, some 14 days ago, with a brigantine carrying 2 @. 4 guns, and
14 @^ 20 men take Capt" Vonck's flyboat, near Nantucket, and that they were informed by
the Governor, Thomas Gardner, that said Dudson had shown him Letters of Mark from his
Majesty of England, in virtue whereof he hath taken said flyboat and carried her to Boston.
Furthermore, James Coffin in particular declares that he himself was on board the flyboat after
she had been taken by said Dudson, and that he had heard that the Dutch crew were lodged
ashore at the governor's and his brother's, and afterwards went in the flyboat to Boston.
The Governor and Council having examined the Commanders of the four English ketches
brought hither yesterday from New England by Capt" Cornells Ewoutsen, resolve to detain
said ketches and cargoes provisionally under arrest, and to inform the skippers thereof with
permission to them and their crews to depart; to whom all their clothing and baggage is
ordered to be restored; and that they shall be conveyed hence to Rhode Island free
of expense.
Honored Sir:
The bearers hereof are the Commanders of the four New England ketches brought in here
yesterday, whom I have allowed to depart with their arms, unmolested, and for that purpose
have despatched an express boat to convey them free of expense to the neighboring colony ;
therefore I request that you will civilly treat our seamen of the ship Expectatie, taken near
Nantucket, and, according to information, conveyed to your colony, and allow them to come
hither unmolested, which will oblige me on like occasion to be,
Honored Sir,
Fort Willem Hendrick, Your friend and servant,
27"' 9''", 1673. (Signed), A. Colve.
The superscription was:
Honorable Mr. John Levereth
Governor of Massachusets Colony
Residing at Boston.
as"" 9""" From the nomination of the inhabitants of the Whorekill in the South river, the
Governor hath selected as Magistrates for the next year, Mr. Harmanus Wiltbanck, Sander
Maelsteyn, Doctor John Roots, William Claesen.
Whereas I am informed that 2 millstones are lying idle in the Whorekill which heretofore
belonged to the city's colonie in the South river; and whereas the garrison at New Amstel
hath need of them, therefore the Magistrates of the Whorekill are hereby ordered to cause
said stones to be delivered to the Commandant, Peter Alrigs.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 2S"' 9^", 1673.
6G4 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
To the Hon"''" Anthony Colve, Governor-General of New Netherland.
Right Hon'''^ Sir :
Whereas, departing on your pass from New Orange to Oysterbay, and so to New Haven, I
have recovered there some of the missing estate belonging to my nephew's plantation within
your jurisdiction, I therefore humbly request you to be pleased to grant me a pass to enable
me to bring said property which belongs to my nephew, who is one of your subjects, with the
sloop belonging to my cousin's plantation, known by the name of Bronck's land, or to New
Orange, or to Oysterbay, or to Silvester's Island; my affairs being such, your compliance
herewith will oblige me to be and remain,
Your Honor's faithful friend,
In the name and at the request of
Lewis Morris.'
Ordered : The Petitioner is allowed to come hither in person, and to bring all such goods as
lawfully belong to the late Richard Morris' orphan child, also said orphan's boat.
This 30"' 9"", 1673. By order of the Governor-General
of New Netherland.
(Signed), N. Bavard, Secretary.
At a Council holden in Fort Willem Hendrick, SO"" November, 1673.
Present — Governor-General Anthony Colve,
Captain William Kuytf, ^
Captain Carel Epestyn.
The Governor-General and the Hon''''" Council of War having taken into further
consideration the attachment dated 26"" instant, placed on the four English ketches and their
cargoes brought in here from New England by Capt" Cornells Ewoutse, and finding that said
ketches belong to subjects of England actually in open war against our state, whose subjects
under the command of one Captain Thomas Dudson, now lately in New England, have
captured from us in the neighborhood of Nantucket and there carried off a certain flyboat
named the Exjiectatic, which was last commanded by Captain Martin Vonck, Therefore, we,
in virtue of our commission, find ourselves obliged all the said four ketches named the
Providence, o[ Salem, whereof Richard Hollingworth was the last owner and Commander;
item, the ketch named the Neptune, of Piscattaway, David Kelles, Commander, and the
property of Richard Cotts; item, the ketch named the Nightingale, of Salem, John Ingersol,
Commander, belonging to John Graftin ; item, the ketch named Friends Supply, of Boston,
Thomas Bearch, owner and Commander, to declare subject to confiscation and forfeiture, as
we do hereby confiscate said four ketches, with all their masts, sails, anchors, cables,
appurtenances and their cargoes belonging to the subjects of the King of England, for the
behoof of our Lords Majors, to dispose thereof from now henceforth as shall be considered
most advantageous for our Lords Principals. Done as above.
' See, supra, p. CI 9, note. — Ei>.
VOLUME XXIU. 665
1" X'«% 1673.
On the petition of Jan Jansen Veryn, requesting that he be allowed to repair his old fence
around his land, lying near the village of New Utreght, which the inhabitants of ZVew Utreght
had forbidden him,
It is ordered :
The Magistrates of the town of New Utreght are directed to allow the Petitioner to proceed
with the repairs of his old fence, or else show cause within thrice 24 hours wherefore they
prevent the same.
On the complaint of the Magistrates of New Utreght that Jan Jansen Veryn is encroaching
on their bounds, the Governor-General hath therefore resolved to refer the examination thereof
to Mr. Cornells van Ruyven and Schout Jacob Strycker who are hereby requested and
authorized to inspect the land in question and to hear the arguments on both sides and to
examine and if possible reconcile parties, if not to report their decision to the Governor.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this S"- X''", 1673.
By order of the Governor-General of New Netherland.
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
At a Council holden in Fort Willem Hendrick, the S* X'^% 1673.
PaESENT — Governor-General Anthony Colve,
Councilor Cornells Steenwyck,
Burgomasters Johannes van Brugh and Egidius Luyck.
Francis Beado being again examined and it being found both by his own acknowledgment
and evident proofs, that he hath endeavored to disturb the peace of the good inhabitants etc.,
it is therefore resolved to proceed to the sentencing of him. Burgomaster Van Brugh alone
requests to be excused in the matter, inasmuch as he maintains that the jurisdiction thereof
does not concern the Burgomasters but the Governor and Council only. Wherefore he is
excused in the premises.
The following is the sentence :
Whereas ffrancis Beado aged about 27 years, a native of London in Old England, at present
a prisoner, hath presumed in defiance of the published orders and proclamations, to come,
without consent into this Province and to disturb the good people thereof, giving out that he
hath commission said inhabitants by fire and sword to attack, rob, burn and destroy, which
he also threatened to put in execution in the village of Fordham and would have doubtless
carried out had he not been prevented by arrest, all which is sufficiently proved by eye
witnesses and his own confession, without torture, and therefore cannot be tolerated in a
place where justice is administered, but must be punished as a disturber and breaker of the
peace ; We, therefore, in virtue of our commission administering justice in the name and for
the behoof of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and
his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c., have condemned and sentenced, do hereby
condemn and sentence the said Francis Beado to be brought to the place where justice is
usually executed and there placed at the stake to be firmly bound and to be branded on the
Vol. II. 84
666 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
back with a red hot iron and furthermore to be banished out this Province of New Netherland
for the term of five and twenty years on pain of death in case he be found and apprehended
within that time in this Province, and to pay the costs and expenses of court incurred herein.
Thus done in Fort Wiilem Hendrick, this S"" X^^ 1673.
By order of the Governor-General
and Council of IVew Netherland.
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
The above sentence was executed according to its tenor on the 20"" X**", 1673.
Whereas it is found by experience that, notwithstanding the previously published order and
proclamations, many strangers, yea enemies of this state, attempt to come within this
government without having previously obtained any consent or passport, and have even
presumed to show themselves within this city of N. Orange, also that many inhabitants of this
Province losing sight of and forgetting their oath of allegiance presume still daily to correspond
and exchange letters with the inhabitants of the neighboring Colonies of New England and
other enemies of this state, whence nothing else can redound but great prejudice and loss to
this Province and it is accordingly necessary that seasonable provision be made therein :
Therefore the Governor-General of New Netherland by and with the advice of his Council
renewing the aforesaid orders and placards enacted on that subject, have deemed it highly
necessary strictly to order and command that all strangers and others of vphat quality or nation
soever they may be, who have not as yet bound themselves by oath and promise of fidelity to
the present Supreme Government of this Province and been received by it as good subjects,
do within the space of four and twenty hours from the publication hereof depart from out this
Province of New Netherland, and further interdicting and forbidding any person, not being
actually an inhabitant and subject of this government, to come within this government without
first having obtained due license and passport to that end, on pain and penalty that the
contraveners shall not be considered other than open enemies and spies of this state and
consequently be arbitrarily punished as an example to others; and to the end that they may
be the more easily discovered and found out, all inhabitants of this Province are interdicted
and forbidden henceforth any strangers to harbor or lodge over night in their houses
or dwellings unless they have previous given due communication thereof to their officer or
Magistrate before sunset, under the penalty set forth in the preceding Proclamation.
Furthermore, are the inhabitants of this Province strictly interdicted and forbidden from this
day forward to hold any correspondence with the inhabitants of the neighboring Colonies of
New England and all others actual enemies of our State, much less afford them supplies
of any description on pain of forfeiting said goods and double the value thereof; likewise to
exchange any letters of what nature soever they may be, without having obtained previous
special consent thereto ; therefore, are all messengers, skippers, travelers together with all
others whom these may in any wise concern, most expressly forbidden to take charge of, much
less to deliver, any letters coming from the enemy's places or going thither, but immediately
on their arrival to deliver them into the Secretary's office here in order to be duly examined, on
pain of being fined one hundred guilders in Beaver to be paid both by the receiver as well as
by the deliverer of each letter which contrary to the tenor hereof shall be exchanged or
delivered ; and finally are all officers, justices and magistrates of this Province ordered and
VOLUME XXIII. 667
commanded to be careful that these presents be promptly put into execution, and the
contraveners duly prosecuted.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 12"' December, 1673.
( Signed ), A. Colve.
Published and affixed
within this city New Orange ( Undersigned ), N. Bayard, Secretary,
ady ut supra.
On the petition presented by theCommissioners appointed over the estate of the late Governor
Francis Lovelace, that Mr. Jacobus van de Water may be adjoined to them inasmuch as he can
explain many doubtful items ; therefore is said Mr. Jacobus van de Water hereby commissioned
and qualified, to settle and arrange together with the Commissioners appointed to that end on
the 2^ November last, the books and accounts of the aforesaid Lovelace, in like form as said
Commissioners are by their previous commission requested to do.
(Signed), A. Colve.
S'
Haveing Intellegence that you have lately seized severall vessels belonging to the Vnited
Colonyes of New England in their Sayling from Port to port uppon these Coasts & that you
doe Contrary to y* practise of both Nations in this warre deteyne y" men prisoners w""
depredation uppon us & our people you have made before wee have given you any provokation
or offerd you or yours any Injury or Comissioned any of ours to seize any thing of yours;
Wee doe hereby demand the Dilivery fcreleaseof our vessels men & goods forthwith otherwise
according to the former Resolution of the Vnited Colonijes Wee doe declare our Selves bound
& Resolved byy^ help and assistance of god to Endeavour a full Reparation by force of Armes,
Expecting your present & possitive answer by these our Messengers M"" Nathaniel Davenport
& M'' Arthur Mason whom wee have sent unto you for that End ;
Boston 25'" 9'«"' 1673. Your Servants
In the Name & by order of y® gouvern' & Counsel
of his Maij"" Colony of y* Massachusets in N. England.
( : Signed : ) Edward Rawson Secret'^
( The Superscription was:)
ffor the Hon"''^ Monsi'' Anthony Colve
Command'' in Chiefe of all the
dutch forces in the flbrt William
Hendrick.
The following is the answer:
Gentlemen.
Your letter of the 25"" 9^' last was handed to us yesterday evening by the bearer hereof,
wherein you demand restitution of four New England ketches brought in here. You cannot
be ignorant that first the government of Connecticut, your allies, with your approbation as
they give out, hath usurped some towns situate on the east end of Long Island, belonging,
according to their own submission, to this government; and that the subjects of your own
government hath taken near Nantucket and carried into New England a certain craft called the
Expeclatie, then belonging to our State, which act of hostility was committed by you before
668 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
and previous to anything on our side having been undertaken lo your prejudice. HoweTer,
such having been undoubtedly done by lawful commission, we cannot make the slightest
complaint, which to our surpise we perceive you have, in the case of the four ketches, whose
crews have not been detained prisoners here as you write, but are sent to you iree of expense,
and Ihey will undoubtedly before the receipt of this have reported to your Honor how they
have been treated here. We had in our previous letter to you requested the same civility in
the case of our prisoners, and even expected it.
Gentlemen. We have thought it necessary to inform you that all the messengers who may
be sent by you hither, shall be received also with civility, but we request you in future to be
pleased to employ honorable people in that capacity and no spies, which we are informed for
certain this M' Davenport was, the last time, who although coming here without a pass being,
however excused and civilly treated, after his departure hence made use of such language as
cannot be considered to come from any one but a spy, considering, however, the character in
which he is at present employed by yoii, I have for that reason overlooked it. Having nothing
more to add I break off and subscribe myself.
Gentlemen, your servant.
By order of the Governor-General and Council
of New Netberland.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, ( Signed ), N. Bayard, Sec\
this IS"- December, 1673.
^ The superscription was:)
These for the Hon*"'* the Governor and
Council of Massachusets Colony in
New England, residing at Boston.
The Governor-General of New Netherland having read and considered the petition of
Catrina Lane, wife of Daniel Lane, with the recommendations in her favor from the
Magistrates of Seatalcot, on Long Island, that something maybe allowed her and her children
out of the attached estate of her husband, it is resolved and ordered that the Petitioner apply
to the iMagistrates of the town of Seatalcot aforesaid ; who are hereby authorized to examine
whether the Petitioner has been in any wise guilty of, or accessory to, the abominable action
whereof her husband stands accused, and if found innocent, to allow her to receive the just half
of the entire estate as it now will be found to exist, the remaining half to be employed by the
appointed curators in the payment of the debts of the Petitioner's husband, among which
the costs incurred in his apprehension must have the preference, after the account thereof shall
be taxed by said Magistrates according to equity and the circumstances of the case.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 14 X*-", 1673.
Anthony Colve, Governor-General of New Netherland for their High Mightinesses the
Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince
of Orange.
To all who shall see these presents or hear them read, Greeting, make known :
Whereas, it is necessary to commission a fit and proper person for Fiscal and Conservator
of the Laws {Rcghi bewacrdtr) of this Province of New Netherland; therefore, J being
VOLUME XXIII. 669
sufficiently assured of the capacity and fidelity of William Knyff, Captain of a company
of Netherlands Infantry here in Fort Willem Hendrick, have commissioned and qualified, as I
do hereby commission and qualify Captain Willem Knyff as Fiscal and Public Prosecutor of
the Province of New Netherland aforementioned, to the best of his ability to promote its
increase, population, peace and quiet, and to take care that the sovereign jurisdiction and
domain of their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness over this Province be duly
maintained without suffering anything to be directly or indirectly attempted to the prejudice or
injury thereof; also to apprehend and prosecute all malefactors, whether criminal, political,
or military, who have committed anything against this Province or its supreme magistracy;
likewise, to pay particular attention that all scandals, irregularities and ungodliness be driven
from this Province; moreover, that good law and justice be administered without respect of
persons, in all courts of justice within this Province, according to the laudable custom, laws
and ordinances of our Fatherland. Item, to execute all placards and ordinances, also all
sentences and judgments of the supreme magistracy, according to their tenor, and to prosecute
all law-breakers as they deserve, and furthermore to govern and demean himself as a faithful
Fiscal and Conservator of the Laws of the land is officially and in duty bound to do : Ordering
and commanding all magistrates, officers and justices, soldiers and inhabitants of this Province
to acknowledge said Captain Knyff as their Fiscal and Conservator of the Laws, for such have
I deemed to be necessary for the public good.
Thus done provisionally and subject to the approbation of their High Mightinesses, the
Lords Majors, in Fort Willem Hendrick, this IS"" X''", 1673.
On this day the Governor-General, in company with some of bis officers and principal
inhabitants, paid a visit to the town of Midwout, on Long Island, whither he had invited all
the Magistrates and chief officers of the Dutch towns situate on Long Island, who accordingly
were there present; to whom his Honor stated that he had been now repeatedly informed that
those of New England were making preparations and were already on their way to attack this
Province in a hostile manner. Though his Honor could not attach any credit to the report,
yet he had considered it necessary to encourage them in their plight and oath, and to
recommend them with all possible expedition to thresh, and to remove to the city of New
Orange, as much of their grain as they in any wise could, and commanded them not to fail,
whenever he should call on them and their people, to repair on the instant to the city ;
meanwhile, to keep good watch by turns, sometimes to send a man or 2 on horseback to the
surrounding English towns, and inform his Honor of all occurring events. AH which they
unanimously promised to do, thanking the Governor for his good care, promising prompt
obedience to his orders.
Whereas, divers outside people have requested, for the better security of their families and
goods against any attack of the enemy, that they may be permitted to remove them hither
within this city, and that some houses may be appropriated for that purpose ; also, that for the
present some orders may be issued respecting the Long Island Ferry, to the end that their
property to be sent across, maybe conveyed over with all possible expedition. Therefore have
I thought proper to that end to commission and qualify Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Cornelis van Ruyven and Johannis van Brugh, Burgomaster of the city of New Orange, who
are hereby required and authorized to inspect all houses and dwellings within this city, to
ascertain what rooms therein can be hereafter conveniently vacated, and to billet therein such
670 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
outside people as apply to them ; likewise, to issue such orders respecting the Ferry as they
shall deem necessary for the better accommodation of housekeepers.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this IQ"- X"", 1673.
The undernamed commissioned officers of militia of the city of New Orange, viz' : Captain
Cornelis Steenwyck, Captain Marten Kregier, Captain Johannes van Brugh, Captain Egidius
Luyck, Lieutenant William Beeckman, Lieutenant Jacob Kip, Lieutenant ChristofTel
Hooghlant, Lieutenant Nicolaes Bayard, Ensign Crabriel Minvielle, Ensign Stephanus van
Cortlant and Ensign Gelyn Verplanck, being summoned by the Governor-General to the Fort,
his Honor thanked them for the great zeal they exhibited in fortifying this city, recommending
them to persevere therein until the work be completed, promising on his side that their High
Mightinesses will not fail to appreciate it and to be induced to take the greatest interest in the
preservation and prosperity of the city. They being further told that they had as yet neglected
to take the military oath, to which end they were now summoned, the said officers accordingly
took the following oath at the Governor's hands :
We N. N. each in his respective station being chosen and commissioned by the Governor-
General of New Netherland as officers of the militia of the city of New Orange, do promise
and swear in the presence of Almighty God to be true and faithful to their High Mightinesses
the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of
Orange and their Governor already appointed or to be hereafter appointed here ; to apply
ourselves earnestly to the welfare and peace of the abovenamed city and its inhabitants and to
the utmost of our ability defend and help to defend it against all its enemies and not suffer
anything to be attempted to its injury or prejudice, and furthermore, regulate ourselves
according to the orders and instructions which we shall happen to receive from time to time
from our superiors. So truly help us God Almighty !
Fort Willem Hendrick in New Netherland, this 21" X"", 1673.
Loving ffriends
I was on Thuesday last at midwout where I had appointed & found the officers of the
severall dutch Townes on Long Island recommending them to their duty &• fidellity in w"^"" I
have not found them any thing wanting the Time & Season of the yeare would not suffer me
to vizitt your townes wherefore I have thought fitt to salute you by these Lines & witthail to
recommend unto you as you wish the welfare & tranquility of your Selves to be true & faithful!
according to your Oaths & Promises & not to be deluded by any Illminded spirits as some of
the Easterne Townes verry unwisely have falsified the same whom due tyme as rebellions will
reipe the fruit thereof You are also Required to take Care that good orders be kept in your
Respective Townes & if any thing should be attempted by any in prejudice to y' governm' in
generall, or any of your Townes in Particular to give me Imediate Notice thereof not doubting
w"" y" help & assistance of god fully to maintaine all true Subiects in their Rights & priviledges
against all them that shall attempt any thing in prejudice of the same — Soo Recommending
you to y' protextion of y' almighty god,
I Rest,
To M' William Lawrence to be Communicated Your Loving ffriend
to y*^ Magistrates & Inhabitants of all the (Signed), A. Colve.
Respective Townes w"'in iiis precincts.
VOLUME XXIII. 671
Whereas the inhabitants of Staten Island have not- yet taken the oath of allegiance to the
government, the Governor-General hath therefore this day to that end sent Captain Carel
Epesteyn and Ensign Jan Sol thither to administer the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants
there, to which end a commission is granted in form.
21" December, 1673.
Read and considered the petition of Allard Anthony requesting to be admitted a public
notary and attorney in private suits pending before the superior and inferior courts of this
Province, &c.
Whereupon is ordered :
The Petitioner's request is granted, and a commission in form shall be granted him to
that effect.
Whereas it is found that some persons are, contrary to the placard dated IS"" instant issued
on the exportation of provisions and other goods, exporting a large quantity of provisions, the
Governor and Council of New Netherland have therefore thought to prohibit and forbid, until
further explanation of said Proclamation, the exportation from this city from this day forth of
ail provisions and other articles except so much as each of the inhabitants of this Province
residing on the flat land, shall have need of for their families and no more. Further, the well
disposed inhabitants of this city are ordered and commanded from this day forward to begin to
lay in a supply of necessary provisions for their families for six or eight consecutive months
commencing next April. Let every one be warned hereby.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, 221 x^', 1673.
Anthony Colve, Governor-General of New Netherland for their High Mightinesses the
Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince
of Orange.
To all who shall see these presents or hear them read. Greeting, make known :
Whereas for the reinforcement of the militia of the city New Orange it has been considered
necessary to enlist another company of infantry under the command of Councillor Cornells
Steenwyck, heretofore Captain of horse, therefore by virtue of the commission and authority
of their said High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, I have chosen,
constituted and commissioned said Mr. Cornells Steenwyck, Captain of said company of
militia, hereby giving to said Captain Cornelis Steenwyck full authority and special commission
to command, and keep in good order and military discipline said company; ordering and
directing furthermore all officers, privates and burghers of the abovenamed city, and especially
those of said company already, or yet to be, enlisted to acknowledge said Mr. Cornelis
Steenwyck as their Captain and to submit to all his military orders and discipline. For such
have I deemed necessary for the public service and the better reinforcement of this city.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick this 22'' December, 1G73.
A similar commission is also issued to Lieutenant Nicolaes Bayard and Ensign Gabriel
Minviele of the same company.
672 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
Good Friends.
1 held on last Tuesday a conference in the town of Midwout with the magistrates and chief
officers of all the Dutch towns situate on Long Island concerning the present situation of the
country whereupon I have received good satisfaction and contentment. I had greatly wished
tiiat time and the season of the year had permitted me to visit you and the remaining towns ia
like manner; but time not admitting, I have thought it necessary by the bearer Mr. Cornells
van Ruyven, to incite you to your plighted duty, and to repair to this city where suitable
lodgings will be prepared for, and assigned to you. I refer further to the verbal communication
of Mr. van Ruyven whom I have sent to that end, not doubting but 1 shall understand by him
that you and all other inhabitants will abide by your honor and oaths. Meanwhile I remain
Your friend.
Fort Willem Hendrick, 22" December, 1673. (Signed), A. Colve.
To the Schout, magistrates, officers and inhabitants of the Town of Bergen.
At a Council holden in Fort W" Hendrick, the 24"' December, 1G73.
Present — Anthony Colve, Governor-General,
^ Cornelis Steenwyck, Councillor.
Roger Tounsen complaining in writing that those of Westchester are daily doing him great
damage in his lands and cattle, requesting some persons may be commissioned to inspect the
premises and report Sec.
It is ordered, and resolved,
By the Governor-General and Council after having considered the Petitioner's complaint
and petition, to refer the examination of the case in question to Schout William Lawrence and
Mr. Richard Cornwel, who are hereby required and authorized at the Petitioner's expense to
inspect the premises, to hear the arguments of parties and if possible to reconcile parlies, if not
to report their decision. Dated as above.
Claes Janse Backer and Andries Jurianse, heirs of the late Jan Evertse Bout, representing
by petition that they had sold a house and lot to Captain Nicolls for the sum of fl. 2,000
Wampum, whereof he has paid fl.500, and declares now on his departure that he is unable to
pay, wherefore he hath abandoned the purchase; request therefore to reiinter into possession
of said house and lot, &c.
Ordered :
Permission is granted the Petitioners to have the house and lot publicly sold, and to receive
the money proceeding from the sale, provided it do not exceed the amount claimed
by them.
On the petition presented by Surgeon Cornelis van Dyck, that in settling with the
Commissioners of Capt» Lavall's estate, he may be allowed his claim against Mr. Lovelace,
Ordered :
The Petitioner will have to present any claim he may have against Mr. Lovelace's estate to
that gentleman's Commissioners.
The Schout and Magistrates of the town of Bergen requesting that the inhabitants of all
the settlements dependent on them, of what religious persuasion soever they may be, shall be
bound to pay their share towards the support of the Precentor and Schoolmaster, &c., which
being taken into consideration by the Governor and Council,
VOLUME XXIII. 673
It is ordered :
That all the said inhabitants, without any exception, shall, pursuant to the resolution of the
Magistrates of the town of Bergen, dated 18"" X''", 1672, and subsequent confirmation, pay
their share for the support of said Precentor and Schoolmaster. Dated as above.
Whereas, T remark that the good people of the towns of Amesfoort, Midwout, Breuckelen,
Utrecht and Bushwyck, on Long Island, do, according to the permission granted by the
Magistrates and officers, daily betake themselves hither; which zeal of theirs in the discharge
of their sworn oath and bounden duty for the public good is most pleasing to me ; I have
therefore thought it necessary on the proposals submitted to me on the part of some inhabitants
of sundry of the said towns, that at first some men shall remain in each of the aforesaid
towns, to prevent further damage, until additional news be received of the enemy's approach
or designs; and in order that such be executed for the greatest security of the public and in
good order, the respective Captains, Lieutenants and Ensigns of the aforesaid towns are
hereby ordered to appear with their companies fully armed next Friday, being the 29"" instant,
in the forenoon, in the city of New Orange, in front of Fort Willem Hendrick, leaving six
men in each town, which being done, one-third of each company shall be furloughed for the
present and at liberty to return to their respective towns, to remain there until relieved by
another Corporal's guard, which shall until further order be on the third day; and the officers
and Magistrates are hereby authorized to give such orders respecting threshing and the
foddering the cattle as each in his district shall consider best, above all taking good care that
proper guard be kept and patrolled both day and night, so that they may not be surprised by
the enemy or cut off from us ; whereupon relying, I remain
Your friend,
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, By order of the Governor-General of New Netherland.
this 26'" December, 1673. (Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
The above letter was sent to the Five Dutch towns on Long Island, and to the town of
Bergen, on the
To the Schout, Magistrates and inhabitants of the Towns of New Haerlem and Fordham.
Good Friends :
On last Tuesday week I had some conference in the town of Midwout with the Magistrates
and chief officers of all the Dutch towns situate on Long Island, concerning the present
condition of the country, and had wished indeed that time and the season of the year had
permitted me to visit you the same as the rest ; but time not allowing this, 1 have therefore
deemed it necessary hereby to incite you to your duty, and with many of the other good
inhabitants to fulfill your oath and honor, whereof I entertain not the least doubt, being herein
partly assured by the Schouts of your respective towns. Therefore nothing remains but to
recommend you to keep a wakeful eye on all designs which may be concocted against this
Province or yourselves in particular, and always to be ready to transport your families and
movables hither on certain information of the enemy's approach, or on special command from
me ; and that such may be executed in good order, Schout Kesolved Waldron is hereby
appointed chief officer of the militia of the towns of Haerlem and Fordham, with order to
Vol. II. 83
G74 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
communicate these presents to the inhabitants of said towns, who for the preservation of
better order in each town are hereby required to choose a Sergeant, and not to fail to give me
communication of all that occurs. Whereupon reljing, I remain
Your friend,
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, 27"" X''", 1G73. (Signed), A. Colve.
Whereas the fortifications of this city of New Orange have, at great and excessive
expense, trouble and labor to the citizens and inhabitants, been for the most part brought to
perfection, and it is therefore necessary that some orders be given for their preservation and
the greater security of this city; therefore, the Governor-General of New Netlierland hath
deemed it requisite to enact the following orders and to make known by publication to the
Burghers: First. From this day forward the Burgher guard of this city shall be set and
commence at the beat of tiie drum, about half an hour before sunset, when the city soldiers
then to mount guard shall parade before the City Hall of this city, on pain of paying the fine
formerly affixed. Item, the city gate shall be closed by the Town Major and his accompanying
men at sundown and be again opened in like form at sunrise. Item, the Burghers and
inhabitants of this city and all others of what quality soever they may be, the guard alone
excepted, are strictly interdicted and forbidden to attempt between sunset and sunrise in any
wise going on the walls, bastions or batteries of this city on pain of corporal punishment.
Item, all and every be they who they may, are most strictly interdicted and forbidden on pain
of death, to presume to enter or leave this city by land by any other means, way or manner
than solely through the ordinary city gate. And finally, whereas it is found that the hogs
which are kept in great numbers here in this city at large in the public streets have done much
damage from time to lime to earthen fortifications and that the same will again inevitably
happen here to the erected works, every one who keeps any hogs within this city, is therefore
ordered and commanded to be careful that their hogs shall not go to, in or on the walls, bastions,
curtains or batteries on forfeiture of said hogs and double the value thereof, to be applied one-
half to the informer and the other half to the officer who shall levy the execution. Let all and
every be hereby warncnl and take heed against loss.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick this 27"' X''", 1G73.
By order of the Governor-General
This was proclaimed and of New Netherland.
affixed this day, (Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
Commission granted to Jacobus van de Water as Major and Auditor of the city
of New Orange.
Anthony Colve, Governor-General of New Netherland for their High Mightinesses the
Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince
of Orange.
To all those who shall see these presents or hear them read. Greeting, make known :
Whereas for the greater security of the city of New Orange and the maintenance of good
order among the Burghers and military of the city aforesaid, it is necessary that a fit person be
appointed Major of the abovenamed city, therefore have I, by virtue of the commission and
VOLUME XXIII. C75
authority of their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, constituted
and appointed, do hereby constitute and appoint Jacobus van de Water Major of the city of
New Orange, and Auditor of its court-martial, hereby giving to the abovenamed Jacobus van
de Water, full authority and special command to fill and exercise the office of Major and
whatsoever depends thereon within' this city, according to the orders and instructions to be
received by me in the premises ; furthermore ordering and commanding all officers, burghers
and militiamen of the city aforesaid to acknowledge said Jacobus van de Water as Major and
Auditor of the abovenamed city. For such I have considered necessary for the public good
and the greater security of the city.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this first day of the month of January, 1674,
Anthony Colve, Governor-General of New Netherland for their High Mightinesses the
Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince
of Orange.
To all those who shall see these presents or hear them read. Greeting, make known :
Whereas experience hath proved that it is highly necessary to continue the office of
Auctioneer on Long Island, therefore on the petition presented by Secretary Francis de Bruyn,
he is thereunto commissioned and qualified, and said Francis de Bruyn is accordingly
commissioned and appointed hereby as Auctioneer for the towns of Midwout, Amesfort,
Breuckelen, Boshwyck and Utreght with their dependencies situate on Long Island aforesaid :
Ordering and commanding all and every whom the same may in any wise concern to
acknowledge said P>ancis de Bruyn as Auctioneer of said towns and to let him act as such
unmolested pursuant to the orders and instructions which to that end are already or will
hereafter be issued. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, the first January, 1673.^
Governor Colve to the Magistrates of Schenectada.
Good Friends.
The Magistrates of Willemstadt have complained to me, that you have not evinced towards
them that respect which is due them ; you are, therefore, ordered, being an inferior court to
that of Willemstadt, to avoid such conduct in future. It is also complained that you pretend
to the privilege of the Indian trade, which, as is alleged, has been always prohibited to you ;
the privilege granted you by the Commanders extends only to what heretofore was allowed
by the late Governor Stuyvesant and no further. Furthermore, Capt" Schuyler, in like
manner, lodges a complaint against the Schout Harmen Vedder, which he substantiates by
affidavits. I am surprised that said Vedder dare act in such a manner against said Schuyler,
without having any, the least order thereto. I have referred the matter to Commandant
Drayer and Mr. Jeremias van Renselaer. The aforesaid Vedder shall have to regulate himself
accordingly. For the present nothing else, than I remain
Your friend,
Fort Willem Hendrick, first January, 1674. (Signed), Antony Colve.
' Sie. — Ed.
676 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
Whereas it is necessary that a proper person be commissioned to regulate the Estate of
Thomas de Lavall at Willemstadt, to receive the debts and to give a proper account thereof;
I have, therefore, to that end commissioned and qualified, do hereby commission and qualify
Mr. Marten Kregier, Junior, merchant at Willemstadt aforesaid, who is hereby empowered to
collect for the benefit of the general creditors all personal property, movables, effects and
outstanding debts, to settle and balance all unliquidated debts, and as soon as possible to
render a report and account of the said Estate to me or my agent. Done Fort Willem
Hendrick, 1" January, 1G74.
Mr. John Ogden : —
His honn"^ the govern' is Informed that at your Towne are Lying 2 or three peeces of
ordinance for W^*" he hath at present occasion to make vse of, you are therefore hereby Required
to Cause the s"" peeces to be sent hether w"" the first apportunity whereof you are not to faile
Soo haveing not Else at present I Rest —
Your Loving ffriend
(: Signed:) A. Colve.
fibrt Willem Hendrick
2 Janu'^J' 1G74.
Instruction for the Officers of Militia of the several towns in the Esopus.
The Commissaries in the Esopus will take care that according to the strength of the militia
there good watch be kept, to which end some of the Burghers shall repair every evening,
about sunset, to the usual guard-house, and not leave it before sunrise.
The word shall be given by the Schout, or, in his absence, by the presiding Commissary of
the town.
The Commissaries shall take good care the militia officers be duly respected and obeyed by
their men, and the Commissaries, as well as the militia officers, shall inspect the men's arms
and be careful that the men be supplied with good arms and ammunition; and said
Commissaries and officers conjointly are authorized to make and, until further order and
approval from me, provisionally to enforce, such rules as shall be found necessary for the good
of their respective towns. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, 3'' January, 1673.
Whereas, it is necessary to appoint a proper person Commander of the ketch called the
Hope ; I being sufficiently assured of the fitness of Capt" Marten Vonck, have appointed and
commissioned, as I do hereby appoint and commission said Marten Janse Vonck chief officer
and commander of the abovenamed ketch the Hope, ordering all officers and matrosses on
board of her to duly acknowledge and obey him Marten Janse Vonck, for such is demanded
by the public service. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, lO"" January, 1674.
(Signed), A. Colve.
(Under written) By order of the Governor-General
of New Netherland.
N: Bayard, Secret^.
\
VOLUME XXIII. 677
Instruction for Capt" Marten Janse Vonck, now Commander of the ketch the
Hope, destined for Fatherland-
Commander Marten Jansen Vonck shall at sight hereof, wind and weather permitting, set
sail with the ketch under his command, steering towards the Azores in order to reconnoitre
them, but finding that he has passed them, he shall pursue his voyage towards the channel,
and if wind and weather are favorable, he shall try to run through the channel and then make
the first best port that opportunity presents, whether in Holland, Zealand, or even in Flanders ;
but if the wind be unfavorable for the channel, he shall not remain cruizing but repair to the
CaronieSji or some other port in Galicia, and thence transmit, under cover of private merchants,
the thickest packages of letters to their Noble Mightinesses the States of Zealand,' the Board
of Admiralty at Amsterdam, and Mr. Cunningham, adding a short note of his arrival at that
port; he shall retain the three smallest packets, and not send them ofi" until two or three
weeks after, if he remain there so long, for he will be at liberty to try and run through the
channel should the wind be favorable. If he be taken by any of the enemy, which God
forbid, he shall take good heed to throw his letters overboard into the sea, well fastened to
weights, with which view, as soon as he will be out at sea, he shall collect all the letters that
may be in the possession of the sailors, and keep them well fastened together, for the public
service so demands it. This 10"" January, 1674.
(Signed), Antony Colve.
On the 11"' January, Allard Anthony took the following Oath at the hands of the
Governor :
I, N. N., admitted by the Governor of New Netherland a Notary and Attorney within this
city New Orange and Province of New Netherland, do promise and swear, in the presence of
Almighty God, that I will faithfully and honestly execute said office ; that in the writing and
drawing up all Instruments and deeds, I will deal between man and man without any regard to
or respect for persons, and keep a correct register of the whole. Item, that I will faithfully
to the best of my ability maintain, defend and prosecute the right of all causes which will be
committed to me as Attorney, and moreover, that I will not directly nor indirectly comport and
demean myself otherwise than as a good and honest Notary and Attorney is bound to do. So
truly help me God Almighty.
Instruction for Jacobus Van de Waeter, Major and Auditor of the city of New
Orange.
1" The Major shall take good care that the gate be opened in the morning at sunrise, and
locked in the evening at sunset, to which end before the time fixed he shall go to the main
guard and there apply to the commanding officer and obtain from him as escort, at least one
sergeant and 6 soldiers provided with their arms, wherewith he shall proceed to the Fort to
procure the keys, and having opened or locked the gate, bring the keys back to the Fort, and
at the same time come and receive the word from the Governor, or in his absence from the
' A small port on the N. W. CoaBt of Spain. The above vessel seems to have arrived home in the beginning of March, 1674.
Bee tupra, p. 638. — Ed.
G78 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
commanding ofiicer ; he sliall then return to the City Hall and communicate the received orders
to the Sergeant of tiie guard to be notified to whom they may concern.
2. The Major shall attend all courts-martial, and in his turn vote after the youngest
Lieutenant.
3. The Major may go the rounds every night, but lie shall give the word to the Corporal,
and visit the guards and finding any man absent, report him next day to the Governor.
4. As Auditor he shall act as Secretary in courts-martial, and take care that a proper record
be kept of what occurs, and said book of minutes shall remain in the hands of the Auditor,
and not furnish copy to any person without special authority.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, 12"" January, 1G74.
The following Proclamation is sent to Commandant Alrigs to be by him published :
Whereas, some Englishmen of Maryland have driven the subjects of this government, in a
very strange and cruel manner, from their dwellings and by burning the same, ruined those
people, whereby many are doubtless stripped of all means of support, therefore have I deemed
it necessary hereby to proclaim and make known that means shall be provided for feeding and
supporting all such refugees, both Dutch and English, who will repair hither, with a certificate
from Commandant Alrigs that they have so suffered ; and in order that such cruel tyranny
may be prevented in future, and the good inhabitants secured against it, 'tis necessary to
institute good order, therefore are all inhabitants of the South river of New Netherland
required and commanded in case any enemies be discovered, to repair forthwith to such place
as Commandant Alrigs shall deem most necessary for their more effectual protection, and the
greater damage of the enemy ; whosoever shall contravene these or be found negligent herein
shall be considered a perjurer and proceeded against as it is usual to deal with such persons.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 14"' January, 1674.
( Signed ), A. Colve.
(Under written)
By order of the Governor-General
of New Netherland,
N. Bayard, Secf^
Provisional Instruction for the Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens of the city
of New Orange.
1" The Schout and Magistrates, each in his quality shall take care that the Reformed
Christian Religion conformable to the Synod of Dordrecht shall be maintained, without
suffering any other Sects attempting anything contrary thereto.
2. The Schout shall be present at all Meetings and preside there, unless the Honorable
Governor or some person appointed by him be present who then shall preside, when the
Schout shall rank next below the youngest acting Burgomaster. But whensoever the Schout
acts as Prosecutor on behalf of Justice or otherwise, having made his complaint, he shall then
rise up and absent himself from the Bench during the deciding of the case.
3. All matters appertaining to the Police, Security, and Peace of the Inhabitants, also to
Justice between man and man, shall be determined by final Judgment by the Schout,
Burgomasters and Schepens aforesaid to the amount of Fifty Beavers and under, but in all
VOLUME XXIII. 679
cases exceeding that sum, each one shall be at liberty to appeal to the Governor-General and
Council here.
4. All criminal offences which shall be committed within this City and the Jurisdiction
thereof, shall be amenable to the Judicature of said Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens who
shall have power to judge and sentence the same even unto death inclusive; provided and
on condition, that no sentence of corporal punishment shall be executed unless the approval of
the Governor-General and Council shall be first sought and obtained therefor.
5. The Court shall be convoked by the presiding Burgomaster who shall, the night before,
make the same known to Capt. Wiilem Knyff, (who is hereby provisionally qualified and
authorized to be present at and preside over the Court in the name and on the behalf of the
Governor,) and so forth to the remaining Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens.
6. All motions shall be put by the first Burgomaster, whose proposition being made and
submitted for consideration, the Commissioner there presiding in the name of the Governor,
shall first vote there, and so afterwards the remaining Magistrates each according to his rank ;
and the votes being collected, it shall then be concluded according to plurality; But if it
happen that the votes are equal, the President shall then have power to decide by his vote, in
which case those of the contrary opinion as well as those of the minority may Register their
opinions on the Minutes, but not publish the same in any manner out of the Court on pain of
arbitrary correction.
7. The Burgomasters shall change rank every half year, wherein the oldest shall firs
occupy the place of President and the next shall follow him ; but during this current year the
change shall take place every 4 months, since three Burgomasters are appointed for this year.
8. The Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens shall hold their Session and Court Meeting as
often as the same shall be necessary, on condition of previously appointing regular days
therefor.
9. The Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens shall have power to enact, and with the
approbation of the Governor to publish and affix Statutes, Ordinances and Placards for
the Peace, Quiet and Advantage of this City and the inhabitants thereof within their district,
provided that the sanre do not in any wise conflict, but agree, as much as possible, with the
Laws and Statutes of our Fatherland.
10. Said Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens shall be bound rigidly to observe and cause to
be observed the Placards and Ordinances of the Chief Magistracy, and not to suffer anything
to be done contrary thereto, but proceed against the Contraveners according to the tenor
thereof; and further promptly execute such orders as the Governor-General shall send them
from time to time.
11. The Schout, Burgomaster and Schepens shall be also bound to acknowledge their High
Mightinesses the Lords States General of the United Netherlands and His Serene Highness
the Lord Prince of Orange, as their Sovereign Rulers, and to maintain their High Jurisdiction,
Right and Domain in this Country.
12. The election of all inferior officers and servants in the employ of said Schout,
Burgomasters and Schepens shall, with the sole exception of the Secretary, be made and
confirmed by themselves.
13. The Schout shall execute all judgments of the Burgomasters and Schepens, without
relaxing any, unless with the advice of the Court, also take good care that the jurisdiction
under his authority shall be cleansed of all Vagabonds, Whorehouses, Gambling houses and
such impurities.
680 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
14. The Schout shall receive all fines imposed during his time, provided they do not exceed
yearly the sum of Twelve hundred Guilders Wampum value, which having received he shall
enjoy the just half of all the other fines, on condition that he presume neither directly nor
indirectly to compound with any criminals, but leave them to the judgment of the Magistrates.
15. The Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens aforesaid shall convoke an Assembly on the
ll"" day of the month of August, being eight days before the Election of New Magistrates and
in presence of the Commissioner to be qualified for that purpose by the Honble Governor-
General, nominate a double number of the best qualified, honestest and wealthiest persons, and
only such as are of the Reformed Christian Religion, or at least well affected towards it, as
Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens aforesaid, which nomination shall be handed and
presented folded and sealed, on the same day, to his Honor; from which nomination the
Election shall then be made by his Honor on the 17"" day of the Month of August, with
continuation of some of the old Magistrates, in case his Honor shall deem the same necessary.
Done, Fort Willem Hendrick the l-S"" January 1674.
By Order of the Honble Governor-General of New Netherland,
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secret^'
IG"" January.
The Governor having ordered that the Magistrates of the city of New Orange convene a
meeting, which being done, his Flonor with Secretary Bayard appeared at said meeting in the
City Hall, and the instruction hereinbefore recorded being read and delivered to them and
having at the same time stated that his Honor judged it necessary that he, or some one
deputed by him should be present at all meetings of the court and that with such view
he had provisionally commissioned Captain Willem Knyff; whereupon the President of the
Burgomasters requested permission to examine the instruction once more, and if any
obscurities were found therein, to apply, in that case, to the Governor which his Honor
allowed, with promise that further explanation would be made in case any obscurity should be
found in the instruction, and thereupon his Honor sent for Capt° Knyff to the meeting who
also appeared, and said Capt" Knyff was notified and ordered by the Governor to regulate
himself according to the issued instruction, whereupon his Honor took his leave.
Siiortly after Capt" Knyff returned from the City Hall reporting that the meeting had
adjo'irned, saying that they did not intend to do anything from this day forth, whereupon the
Burgomasters were summoned before his Honor, and strictly ordered to have the Court again
called together pursuant to the instruction; otherwise he intended to issue the following
Ordinance :
Whereas this day, the 16"" January of the year one thousand six hundred and seventy-four,
the Governor-General of New Netherland coming to the Court of the Schout, Burgomasters
and Schepens to enact such means and orders as would promote the welfare and peace of this
city New Orange, to which end delivering in a certain good and ample instruction which shall
herewith, in like manner, be also published notifying said Magistrates that in case any
obscurity may be discovered therein further explanation shall follow ; whereupon, the Governor
having withdrawn, leaving Captain Willem Knyff in his name and place, who coming shortly
after from the City Hall to the Governor, reported that said Magistrates in an unbecoming and
unheard-of manner had rose up saying, that they did not intend to do anything, which being a
matter of very bad consequence that cannot be considered to proceed from good and faithful
VOLUME XXIII. 681
Magistrates, but on the contrary from such as do not properly affect the good of the people,
seeking to preclude the chief government from what occurs at the City Hall, whereby they
render themselves in the highest degree suspected at this conjuncture of time, being contrary
to the oath and duty of faithful Magistrates and subjects, consequently opposed to all good
government and police and unfit to fill such offices; therefore they are hereby dismissed from
all their offices and released from their recorded oath, and that the administration of justice
for the benefit of the inhabitants may not be interrupted, the Burghers of this city are
authorized and empowered to come to the City Hall of this city, to-day at two o'clock in
the afternoon, to nominate in the presence of the Governor, and attending Commissioners for
Magistrates persons of whose fidelity they are sufficiently assured, so that justice may be
administered by such as have nothing more at heart than with God's blessing and honest and
sincere zeal, to seek and' endeavor to relieve the citizens from all dangers both internal
and external. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this IG* January, 1G74.
The aforesaid draft being submitted by his Honor to the Burgomasters, they requested to
be permitted to communicate it to their Court, which was allowed, and after some messages
to and fro, the said Burgomasters and presiding Schepen again appeared in the Fort and
declared that it will always afford them pleasure should his Honor vouchsafe to change them
in order to come and preside in the Court, also that they would provisionally vacate the
President's chair in favor of his Honor's deputy and abide by the issued Instruction, saving
the Prerogatives and Privileges which the citizens might claim by virtue of the commission
granted to the Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens, to the end that their Court may not be
blamed in consequence by the Commonalty, &c. ; whereupon they took their leave, promising
to have the Court convened to-morrow, as this day was now at an end; which, being
communicated to his Honor, he agreed thereto.
17"" January.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland having read and considered the
petition of Richard Smith requesting, in substance, a rehearing in his suit against the inhabitants
of the Town of Huntington touching some lands in dispute between them, which was granted
him by the last Court of Assize in the time of the English government but was hitherto
prevented by the reduction of the country.
Ordered :
Before final disposition be made herein, the Petitioner shall prove that the said Court of
Assize hath, as he states, granted him a rehearing.
Whereas, some of the inhabitants of Staten Island have complained to me of and against V
Peter Bitjouw, the Schout of the aforesaid Island, I have therefore hereby resolved to commission
and empower Mr. Cornells van Ruyven and Capt" Carel Epesteyn to repair by the first
opportunity to the village on the aforesaid Island, and there to convene a meeting of the town ;
to examine the charges which will be brought against said Schout, to hear the debates on
both sides, and if possible to compose the differences between them or else to report their
conclusion. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 22'' January, 1674.
Vol. II. 86
(382 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
At a Council holden in Fort "Willem Hendrick this Sa"* January, 1G74.
Present — The Governor-General and
Council of New Netherland.
Metapis, Sachem of Crossweeckes, with Memarckitan and Equanecon, who represent
themselves to be brothers of the Indian who a few days ago was shot dead by the sentinel on
coming under the Fort after the guard had been posted, because the said Indian, being drunk,
did not answer when challenged by the sentinel; to which Sachem and the brothers and
other attendant Indians, the Governor explained that the orders to the military were such that
no person could come about the Fort without answering the sentinel's challenge ; which
having been neglected by the slain Indian, he was in consequence shot, not through hatred or
spite to the Indians, but only because orders must be obeyed in the Fort. Whereupon the
Governor hath presented them 4 cloth coats and 2 laps, to wit: To the Sachem ] coat; to
each of the 2 brothers 1 coat and 1 lap, and also to the messenger who brought the Indian
here, one coat. Which being delivered to them, they thanked the Governor and departed
well pleased.
Cnpt" Evertsen.
Capt" Cornelis Ewoutsen, the bearer hereof, will inform you that his boatswain's mate,
named Jan Pieterse, hath behaved very ill, being not only disobedient to the command of his
skipper, but even scolding and threatening him, which being a matter of very grave
consequence that consistently with the maintenance of the officer's authority cannot be
tolerated, but must be punished as an example to others, therefore do I send him to you
herewith, after mature advice, in order that he be thrown, on board your ship, three times
from the yard-arm, and then to be flogged as long as you and Capt" Ewoutsen will think he
can bear it. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 2o"' January, 1G74.
(Signed), A. Colve.
Whereas, it is found by daily experience that, notwithstanding previously issued orders and
proclamations, some inhabitants oi this city still presume to sell strong drink to the soldiers
and sailors in the public service here in Fort Willem Hendrick, and on board the ships of war,
whence great mischiefs arise ; therefore the Governor of New Netherland hath thought proper
renewing and amplifying the foregoing proclamations on this subject enacted, strictly to
interdict and forbid all persons, of what quality soever they may be, to sell, barter, give credit
for the payment, or to make a present, without the consent of some of the superior officers, of
any strong liquor, much less to receive, pawn or buy any clothing, arms, ammunition, or other
material therefor, and whosoever is found contravening these shall not only not receive any
satisfaction for his delivered wares, but moreover pay a fine of one hundred guilders in
Beavers for each time, and the officers whom these may concern are recommended and
commanded to lake care that these be put into execution and the violators therof be duly
prosecuted. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 24"" January, 1674.
SO"- January.
The Governor-General having read and considered the petkion of John Ogden, Schout at
Aghler Col, requesting, in substance :
VOLUME XXIII. 683
First. The Governor-General's ratification of some ordinances enacted by the Magistrates,
according to the copies thereof delivered in.
2. That Samuel Moore on behalf of the foregoing hath some promissory notes in his
possession against some of the inhabitants, which the Petitioner requests may be placed in
his hands.
3. Requests that the records of the late government may be lodged, under inventory, with
the Secretary of Aghtcr Col.
4. That the Court may be authorized to sentence and inflict corporal punishment, such as
flogging and lighter penalties.
It is ordered :
The Petitioner is directed to have the enacted ordinances translated into the Dutch
language, when they will be examined, and if found suitable, ratified ; regarding the complaint
against Samuel Moore, those interested in said notes can institute their action at law against
him, and furthermore, it is granted to the Petitioner that the requested records shall be lodged,
under proper inventory, with the Secretary there. The 4"" point will be taken into further
consideration by the Governor and Council.
Mr. Jacques Cortelyou the late Vendue Master on Long Island is this day allowed to proceed
against his debtors with prompt execution.
At a Council holden the 1" February, 1G74.
Present — The Governor-General,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Mr. Cornells van Ruyven, and
Fiscal Willem Knyfl'.
Fiscal Willem Knyff, Pltff.,
against
DiRCK Janse van Deventer, alias Smith, Deft.
PlaintiflT says that Defendant did, on the 30"" 8''" last, grossly insult Lieutenant Carel
Quyriusen, then his officer of the guard, for which the Deft, was prosecuted by the Schout
before the Burgomasters and Schepens of this city, who pronounced sentence in the case on
the l?"" January last; but inasmuch as the Pltff". maintains that the Burgomasters and Schepens
have not duly appreciated the merits of the case, he has thought it necessary to arraign the
Deft, before the Supreme Council ; concludes that the Deft, ought for the reasons aforesaid be
condemned to demand forgiveness of God, justice and the injured gentleman, and to pay a fine
of five hundred guilders in Beaver, and further be banished out this Province.
Deft, answers, that he did not know Mr. Crynsen ; says also, that he is not aware of having
affronted him.
Ordered and resolved by the Governor-General and Council that before this case be further
proceeded with, the Burgomasters and Schepens shall depute two of the Board to give
further explanation and information on said judgment at the next meeting of the Governor-
General and Council.
(384 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
The Fiscal, Pltff.,
against
AssuR Levy, Deft.
Pltff. alleges that the Deft, hath, contrary to the Proclamation of the 12"" X"" last, received
a letter from New England ; concludes that the Deft, shall be condemned in a penalty according
to the Proclamation. •
Deft, says, he was not at home when the letter was brought to his house, and that his wife
received it unwittingly, but did not read it.
The Governor-General and Council having heard the Deft's excuse and read the letter, have
let him off for this time, and dismiss the Puff's complaint.
The Fiscal, Pltff.,
against
Thomas Fleet, Deft.
Pltff. alleges that the Deft, did, contrary to the published proclamations of this Province,
trade with the neighboring Colonies of New England, and brought a letter from there, &c.
Deft, says and proves that it was done before the publication of the proclamation, &c.
The Governor-General and Council having heard parties, dismiss the Plaintiff's complaint.
The Fiscal, Pltf.,
against
Walter Webley, Dc/l.
The Pltff. alleges that the Deft, hath been contrary to the Proclamation of the 12" X''" last,
in the enemy's country and brought letters thence hither ; concludes therefore tliat the Deft.
shall be condemned in the fine according to the placard, Ac-
Deft, answers, that he hath pursuant to the Proclamation, delivered the letters into the
Secretary's office and says, he hath had before this a pass to go in search of his uncle Morris,
which he claims he can again do, on said pass, &c.
The Governor-General and Council having heard the Fiscal's demand and Deft.'s excuse
condemn the Deft, for the reasons aforesaid, in a fine of eight Beavers, with costs.
Note. — 'Tis ordered that the above Beavers shall be applied one-half to the Fiscal and the
other half to the Church.
The Fiscal, Pllff.,
against
Jacob Leunen, Deft.
Pltff. alleges that the Deft, hath, contrary to the Proclamation of the 31" October, sold rum
for clothes to Jan Pietersen, boatswain's mate of the snow, &c.
Deft, answers and proves, that it was before the publication of the Proclamation.
The Governor-General and Council having heard the arguments of parties, dismiss the
Pltff.'s demand and conclusion, and order Deft, to restore the purchased property for the same
price he hath bought it.
This day Jacques Cortelyou is ordered to deliver into the Secretary's office, an account of
the estate of the dec'' Knoet' Mauritz, who hath died in this country without leaving any
legal heirs.
' A boor, or farmer ; a rustic' — Ed,
VOLUME XXIII. 685
Having read and considered the petition of Richard Smith setting forth that the previous
English government had for reasons and motives more fully expressed in his petition, granted and
allowed a revision and rehearing of a certain judgment pronounced between the Petitioner
and the inhabitants of the town of Huntington, in regard to some lands in dispute ; as more
fully appears by a certain minute of the Court of Assizes dated , produced by
Petitioner in council ; requesting further that agreeably to said minute, revision may be granted
and allowed him. Said request being taken into consideration, it is allowed according to the
tenor of tlie abovfmentioned minute ; but before and previous to proceeding, the Governor-
General and Council of New Netherland have resolved and ordered that some persons
conversant with the matter, be appointed to decide as arbitrators, if possible, the case between
the parties, to which end are hereby commissioned and empowered Mr. Joim Lawrence,
merchant in this city, Mr. Richard Cornwel, residing near the village of Flushing, Mr. Richard
Odel and Mr. Robert Townesand, Magistrates of the town of Oysterbay and Seataicot, who
are recommended if possible to meet, at the Petitioner's expense, at a certain time and place
to be designated by them, to examine the case in dispute between the parties, to hear
arguments and if needs be to make ocular inspection of the lands in question, and to exert
every possible means to decide the case, and to make parties agree; but if unable to effect
that, to render the Council a written report of their proceedings.
Whereas the Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of New Orange have made known to
me by petition that, in consequence of the excessive expenses incurred by Ihem in the
fortification of this city, they owe a considerable sum of money, and that they are daily
troubled and applied to by their creditors for payment ; requesting that some expedient be
found and invented for the payment and discharge of those expenses already incurred, and yet
to be incurred for completing said fortifications, which request of theirs being found consistent
with equity, and taking its necessity into serious consideration, I find that for the present no
means can be enacted or discovered more reasonable, fitter or more equitable than to raise
the moneys by form of a tax on the wealthiest and most affluent inhabitants, as is practiced in
Fatherland, in such and similar circumstances. Therefore have I deemed it necessary to
ordain that an assessed tax be levied on the estate and means, without any exception, of all
the inhabitants of this city of New Orange, those alone being exempted whose capital shall be
estimated not to exceed the sum of one thousand guilders Wampum value, and in order that
said assessment may be effected in the tenderest and fairest manner, I have resolved, that it
be made by six indifferent persons, and to that end have commissioned and appointed, do hereby
commission and appoint, for the supreme government Mr. Cornells Steenwyck and Secretary
Nicolas Bayard, and for the commonalty, Mr. Cornells van Ruyven, and Mr. Olof Stevensen
van Cortlant, who with the two Deputies to be commissioned by the Magistrates from their
body are authorized to effect said valuation in manner as aforesaid, and render me a written
report thereof. Done Fort Willem Hendrlck, this first February, 1G74.
Alike commission is also given to Mess" Johannisvan Brugh, Egidlus Luyck, Burgomasters;
Jacob Kip, Schepen, Capt° Martin Kregier, Mess" Jacob Leiseler and Francis Rombouts,
merchants of this city.
Whereas I am informed that for the maintenance of good order on Staten Island, it is
necessary instead of two, that four proper persons be appointed as Commissaries there.
(386 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
therefore, the actual Schout and Commissaries are hereby ordered to convene the proprietors
of real estate {de vastgegoede ingesctenen), there residing and by plurality of votes to nominate
four persons from whom two will be elected by me as Commissaries with those at present in
commission.
G"" February, 1G74.
Whereas complaint is made to me that Ralph Doxy and Mary Lintsch are, without being
lawfully married, cohabiting together in or near the village of Newtown, on Long Island,
therefore the Fiscal, Captain Wiilem Knyff or his deputy, is hereby ordered and commanded
to apprehend said Ralph Doxy and Mary Lintsch and bring them here prisoners, to which end
the officers, Justices and Magistrates of this Province are required and ordered to aflbrj him
all help and assistance. Done Fort Wiilem Hendrick, this lO"" February, 1074.
Whereas the inhabitants of Staten Island have requested of me that an addition be made
to the present number of their Magistrates, which I have, for reasons, granted and allowed
them ; therefore, from the nomination made by them, I have elected, as Magistrates,
Gideon Marlet,
Nathan Whiteman,
and the inhabitants of the aforesaid island, and all others whom such in any wise concerns,
are ordered and commanded to acknowledge them as such. Done Fort Wiilem Hendrick,
14"" February, 1074.
Anthony Colve, Governor-General of New Netherland, for their High Miglitinesses the
Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince
of Orange
To all who shall see these presents or hear them read, Greeting, make known:
Whereas Mr. Wiilem KnyfT, Fiscal of this Province, hath complained that the Schout of
this city of New Orange has been necessitated to institute suits before the Court of said city,
on and against Dirck Janse van Deventer, alias Smit, on account of the affronts and threats
offered and made to Lieutenant Carel Quirinsen when commanding officer of the guard,
whereupon the Court aforesaid did in like manner pronounce judgment on the l?"*" January last,
whereby said Fiscal, as conservator of the laws of this Province, finds himself most gravely
prejudiced, because said Court did not comprehend the case according to its justice or merits,
praying, therefore, that an appeal be granted in the case. You are, accordingly, hereby
commissioned to summon, in the name of the supreme government, the said Dirck Janse van
Deventer to appear at the next meeting of the Governor-General and Council of New
Netherland, which shall be holden in Fort Wiilem Hendrick on the 15"" day of this current
month of February, to answer the complaint to be by the appellant then and there lodged
against the Def, with intimation to those of said Court also on the same day to come or to
send an attorney to witness the annulment, approval, correction or modification of said
judgment as shall be found to be according to law; further commanding in the name of
said supreme government to suspend the execution of said judgment until parties shall be
heard and it be ordered otherwise ; leaving copies hereof both for the behoof of the Defendant
VOLUME XXIII. 687
as of those intimated, and reporting to me your proceedings. Done Fort Willem Hendriek,
this 14"" February, 1674.
(Signed), A. Colve.
(Under stood ):
By order of the Governor-General of New Netherland.
N. Bayard, Secretary.
At a Council in Fort Willem Hendriek, the IS"" February, 1674.
Present — Governor-General Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck,
Fiscal Captain Willem KnyiF,
Mr. Cornelis van Ruyven and
Secretary Nicolas Bayard, assumed Councillors.
The Fiscal, Pllff.,
against
LOURENS VAN DER SpiEGEL, Deft.
Pltff. says that Deft, hath, contrary to the Proclamation dated 31" 8''", sold two cans of
rum to a soldier stationed in the garrison here, for which he received a crane.
Deft, answers that he did not purchase the pot-hooks, but that his wife gave 2 cans of rum
as a present, intending to have the crane returned to the owner, as she had heard it had
been found-
Parties are recommended to settle the matter between themselves before the next session of
the Court, or else it will be finally disposed of then.
The Fiscal, Pllff.,
againit
DiRCK Janse van Deventer.
Pltff. persists in his demand made at the last Court, requesting that the judgment of the
Burgomasters and Schepens in the suit between the Schout of this city and the Deft, for
the insult offered by the Deft, to Lieutenant Quirynsen shall be annuled and the Deft,
condemned according to his previous demand, &c.
Deft, answers that he is not aware of having made use of any ill language to Mr. Quirynsen,
and in case he hath done so unknowingly whilst in liquor, declares he is sorry for it.
Ordered : That the suit be continued until the next Court, which is to be next Thursday)
the 22'* instant, to learn, meanwhile, if the Burgomasters and Schepens can give any further
explanation of their judgment.
On the petition of Christiaen Pieterse, requesting to be allowed to offset against Collector
Kregier what Mess" Lovelace and Lavall owe him, the Petitioner,
It is ordered :
The Petitioner, as far as regards his claim against the estate of Mess" Lovelace and Lavall,
is referred to the Commissioners thereunto appointed, to whom alone it belongs to examine
the justice of his claim, and it is further ordered that he pay the excise which he owes.
688 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
Read and considered the petition of Robert Coo, of Rustdorp, requesting to be admitted
into tlie married state with Jane Rause, widow of Edward Rause, who died about 2i years
ago at Carolina;
Ordered : That the Magistrates of the Town of Rustdorp inquire as to the certainty of said
Edward Rause's death and report their conclusion.
Read and considered the petition of Pouls Regrinar, inhabitant of Staten Island, requesting
confirmation of a certain piece of land situate on Staten Island, granted to him by the late
Governor Lovelace, according to the affidavit of Matthya Nicolls, late Secretary, provided the
same be not prejudicial to the town;
Ordered: That the Schout and Magistrates of Staten Island inspect said piece of ground
and report wliether granting of it to the petitioner be prejudicial to the town.
Whereas the respective Commissioners appointed at two different times to value the property*
of the Burghers of this city, have made a written report of their assessment which varies
greatly in divers items, an unavoidable consequence under such circumstances, I have
therefore thought proper that three be appointed by the Commissioners on both sides, each in
its Board, who shall meet at 9 o'clock on Monday next at the City Hall of this cit}'-, conjointly
on both sides to take into consideration anew and to revise the valuation which has been made,
and witli each other by plurality of votes, to establish the general valuation, and report the
result in writing. Done Fort Willeni Hendrick, l?"" February, 1674.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland, being informed that previous to
the date hereof, divers sorts of Measures and Weights have been in use in this city, whereby the
good inhabitants are liable to be seriously defrauded and wronged, therefore the Governor-
General and Council have thought it necessary to interdict and forbid all merchants, traders,
shopkeepers and all others who vend or sell anything by the ell, measure or weight, making
use within this city of any other than the real Amsterdam measure and weight; and in order
that such may be done, all merchants, shopkeepers and inhabitants of this city, are ordered
and commanded to have their measures, ells and weights stamped within fourteen days from
the date hereof by the sworn Sealer to be appointed for that purpose by the W. Court of
this city, on pain and fine of twenty-five guilders Beaver currency for each [unsealed] weight
or measure, which will be used after that date by any merchants, traders or inhabitants, and
the officers whom these may concern are strictly ordered to be careful that this be particularly
observed and duly executed. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this SO"" February, 1674.
By order of the Governor-General
and Council of New Netherland.
N. Bayard, Secretary.
VOLUME XXIII. 689
At a Council ia Fort Willetn Hendrick, Thursday 22* February, 1674.
Present — Governor-General Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck,
Fiscal Willem Knyff,
Mr. Cornelis van Ruyven and
Secretary Nicolas Bayard, assumed Councillors.
The Fiscal, Fltff.,
against
LOURENS VANDER SpiEGEL, Deft.
Pltff. alleges that the Deft, contrary to the Proclamation of the 31" October, purchased a
crane from a soldier and paid 2 cans of rum for it ; concludes that the Deft, shall be condemned
in a double fine with costs.
Deft, answers that his wife did not buy the crane, but in ignorance of the Proclamation had
given 2 cans of rum as a present for it, &c.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland decide that the Deft.'s wife dealt out
the rum contrary to the Proclamation, and he is therefore condemned in the double fine
according to the Proclamation, being 4 cans of rum &c., with costs.
The Fiscal, Pliff.,
against
Jacob Fabritius, Deft.
Deft, being in default it is ordered that copy of the demand be placed in the hands of Deft.,
who is ordered to appear personally or by attorney on the next Court day, to answer thereunto.
The Fiscal, Pllff., in appeal,
against
DiRCK Jansen Smitt, Defi.
The committee of the Burgomasters not appearing to render to the Court according to
previous order further explanation of their rendered sentence, it is resolved to continue this
case to the next meeting.
The Fiscal, Pltf.,
against
James N., Deft.
Pltff. alleges that the Deft, hath committed in the Town of Flushing divers evil deeds and
actions, using force in breaking doors open, beating women and children, burning houses
and threatening further acts of arson; concludes, therefore, that Deft, ought, as an example to
others, be severely whipped and furthermore banished out of the country ; with costs.
Deft, answers that he would not have done so had they not kept his grain and horses
from him.
The Governor-General and Council having considered that the Deft, is not in possession of
his right reason, therefore pardon him this crime, and he is directed forthwith to take up hia
Vol. II. 87
590 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
abode on Staten Island where he shall be put to work by order of the Magistrate who is hereby
empowered, if the Deft, behave badly, to punish him according as he may deserve.
Read and considered the petition of Elizabeth de Potter, widow of Isaac Bedloo, complaining
that Gabriel Minvielle grossly defames her late husband, and being at present at law with said
Minvielle in the city Court respecting some unpaid and protested bills of exchange; requests,
therefore, that another indifferent person shall he put in his place as Commissioner for settling
the books and further that the Commissioner's demand and contradictions be put in writing, to
be replied to by the Petitioner.
Question being put, it is declared :
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland see no more reason for excusing
Gabriel Minvielle than any other of the Commissioners, but allow the Petitioner, in case she
thinks proper, to depute another on her side, in addition to the already appointed Commissioners
for the settlement of the books, and the Commissioners shall be recommended to use all possible
expedition in the winding up of the books. As regards the alleged injury, the Petitioner is at
liberty to institute her action before the competent tribunal therefor, and further explanation
is required of her request about pulling to paper the demand and contradictions.
Secretary Nicolas Bayard requesting permission to proceed with immediate execution against
his unwilling debtors who owe auction moneys, and he being allowed to do so, the following
authority is granted him :
Whereas Nicolas Bayard, the Auctioneer, hath complained that divers persons are in arrears
to him large sums for auction moneys, requesting that he may be allowed and permitted, as
all Vendue Masters of this Province have been hitherto, and are still allowed and permitted, to
proceed to immediate execution against all unwilling persons indebted for auction moneys,
which request of his being taken into consideration, and found consistent with equity, the
same is accordingly granted and permitted him, on condition that, before taking out execution,
he shall be bound to prove the justice of the debt before some Burgomaster or Magistrate; and
the respective oflicers and justices of this Province, to whom these presents will be exhibited,
are required and ordered to allow said Vendue Master to enjoy that privilege, and to let him
obtain all possible expedition of justice in the prosecution thereof. Done Fort Willem
Hendrick, this 22"' February, 1674.
SS"" February, 1674.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland, having taken into consideration the
petitions and other documents produced and delivered in council on the part of the inhabitants
of Huntington on the one part, and Mr. Richard Smith of Nesaquake, on the other, concerning
the land in dispute between [him and] those of Huntington, judge it to be a case of importance,
and whereas divers cases of this nature are postponed to a general meeting which shall be
holden in or about May next, tiiey have deemed it necessary, for divers pregnant reasons, to
postpone and refer tiiis case also to that time to the general meeting ; meanwhile parties are
ordered not to molest each other in what either, now, possesses.
(Signed), A. Colve.
VOLUME XXIII. 691
The Fiscal, PUff.,
against
Ralph Doxy, Deft.
Pltff. alleges that the Deft, did, on the 5"= inst., enter, in an unlawful manner, into the
married state with Mary van Harris, making use, for that purpose, of a forged certificate, and
that Deft, hath still a wife alive who resides in New England ; therefore, concludes that the
Deft, ought to be conveyed to the place where justice is usually executed, severely whipped,
and, furthermore, banished the country forever ; with costs.
Deft, denies ever having been married to a woman before ; acknowledges his guilt as regards
the forged certificate ; says, that through love for Mary Harris he had allowed it to be executed
by a certain Englishman, now gone to the Barbadoes, and therefore prays forgiveness.
Whereas parties, on both sides, are expecting further proofs, the Governor-General and
Council order this case to be continued to the next Court day, which will be next Thursday.
Whereas John Lawreace and Stephanus van Cortlant, guardians of the surviving orphan
child of Richard Morris, dec**, excuse themselves from regulating the estate for the behoof of
the general creditors, therefore the Governor-General of New Netherland hath resolved, on
behalf of said creditors, to commission and appoint, for that purpose, Mess" Dirck van Clyff
and Walter Webly, who are hereby recommended, with Balthazar Bayard, the already appointed
Commissioner, to aid in regulating, in the speediest manner, the estate of the abovenamed
Richard Morris, and to report the result to the Governor. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this
2S"' February, 1674.
Anthony Colve, for their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands
and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c., Governor-General of New
Netherland ;
To all those who shall see these presents or hear them read, Greeting, make known :
Whereas Lourens Sacharyassen Sluys, skipper of the ketch called the Welvacrt, proposes to
make a voyage with his ketch and cargo from this port to Surinam, to which end the
abovenamed Lourens Sachariassen Sluys hath requested and obtained our passport, therefore
all Admirals, Governors, Commanders, Captains, and all others, higher or lower officers in the
service of their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, or his
Allies, are required and requested in no manner to molest said Skipper Lourens Sacchariassen
Sluys with the ketch and cargo under his command in this his voyage, but to let the same
pass and repass unhindered ; also, if requested, to afford him all possible help and assistance.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, in New Netherland, this 28"" February, 1674.
692 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
At a Council, Thursday the first of March, A" 1G74.
Present — Governor-General Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck,
Mr. Cornelis van Euyven, and
Secretary Nicolaes Bayard.
(.^■?
» -■:• / , The Fiscal, PUff., in appeal,
J j~ ^_ against ,
t' <? Jan van Deventer, Deft.
0- '.;.■ ' The Governor-General and Council having read, considered and examined the documents,
papers and exhibits, produced on both sides, in the matter of the affront offered by the Deft,
on the SO"" October last, to Lieutenant Quirynsen at the time ofBcer of the guard ; also having
heard the arguments of parties on both sides, find by the judgment rendered on the 17*
January last by the Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of New Orange, that they have
not understood the case as it deserved, and annul said judgment, and administering justice as
it ought to have been done in the first instance, condemn and sentence the Deft, for the reasons
aforesaid, to demand in this Council pardon of justice and of the injured Mr. Quirynsen, and
to pay over and above, a Cue of twenty-five Beavers for the behoof of the Church, with costs.
They further dismiss demand and conclusion.
Note. — After the Deft, had made the acknowledgment in manner as above ordered in
council, and promised to avoid such behavior in future, the fine of 25 Beavers was remitted,
on condition only of paying to the Church one sum of fifty guilders. Wampum value.
The Fiscal, ritf.,
againtt
Ralph Doxy, Deft.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland having read and considered the
papers, documents and exhibits produced on both sides, and having heard the arguments of
both parties, declare the marriage contracted by the Deft, with Mary van Harris on the
S"" of February last, to be unlawful, inasmuch as it was solemnized by Jacobus Fabricius,
who had no legal power so to act, and without his engagement having been published
three several times according to the laws and customs of the government ; but finding the
charge against him of having a second wife in New England unfounded, he is therefore
permitted to confirm himself in wedlock with the abovenamed Mary, according to the laws of
the government ; in regard to the forged certificate exhibited by him to the abovenamed
Fabricius, he is pardoned for this time on his promise of improvement, and request for
forgiveness: finally, they condemn the Deft, in the costs incurred herein.
VOLUME XXIII. 693
The Fiscal, Pltff.,
against
Jacob Fabricius, late Lutheran Minister, Left.
Pltff. alleges that the Deft, contrary to the laws of the government did, on the S"" of
February last, without having any legal authority so to do, and without any previous
publication, marry Ralph Doxy to Mary van Harris; therefore the Pltff. concludes, ex-officio,
that the Deft, ought to be brought to the place where justice is usually executed and there
severely flogged, and further for ever banished out of this Province, with costs.
Deft, acknowledges he did wrong through ignorance ; prays forgiveness, and promises to
behave himself properly in future.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland having heard the Fiscal's demand
and the Deft.'s acknowledgment and submission ; also having been informed of his previous ill
conduct, have nevertheless been unwilling out of respect for his old age and the office he last
filled, to proceed rigorously against him, but condemn and declare the Deft, incapable, for the
space of one current year, of performing within this Province the duty of Clergyman, and
what depends thereon; after which time Deft, shall be bound to apply for special license
before and previous to being admitted to perform said function.
The Fiscal, Pltff.,
against
Jacobus Fabricius, Beft.
Pltff. alleges that the Deft, did, on the 23"^ February last, beat and use force and violence
against Marretie Jurians, in her own house ; therefore concludes that the Deft, be, consequently,
condemned in a fine of five Beavers, with costs.
Deft, admits the charge but says, that the abovenamed Marretie Jurians did provoke him
with harsh language.
The Governor-General and Council having heard parties, condemn the Deft, in a fine of two
Beavers, with costs.
Read and considered in council, a certain petition of Elizabeth d'Potter, widow of the late
Isaac Bedloo. After question had been put, it is ordered as follows:
Regarding the Petitioner's request, that the Commissioners should put in writing their
demand of the capital received by the Petitioner's deceased husband, with their objections to
some obscure items, it is referred to the Commissioners to be by them executed, if possible;
in which case the Petitioner is allowed to contest said demand in writing; further, may
institute her complaint and action for damages in the proper Court, as is more fully expressed
in the foregoing Order ; and, that the business may be concluded with all possible expedition,
the appointed Commissioners, to whom the Petitioner is allowed also to adjoin two on her
side, are recommended to occupy themselves at least three days with the business, whereunto,
in the absence of the rest, some four of the six persons are hereby qualified, also to observe the
best form in the examination of the books, and finally, all the foregoing liquidated accounts and
receipts are approved, in case they are judged by the Commissioners to be sufficient and lawful.
George Coock, personally requesting, by petition, permission to make a voyage to Rhode
Island ; on question being put, the same is declined, being in direct contradiction to
the Proclamation.
G94 NEW-YOllK COLONIAL IMANUSCRIPTS :
Read and considered the petition of Ephraim Herrnians, requesting, in substance, that,
pursuant to the postile granted on his petition by Commanders Benckes and Evertsen, on 7"'
September last, he may receive satisfaction for 7 barrels pork, 1 barrel of suet and 1 barrel of
flour, forcibly taken from liim and carried into the fort by the English at its surrender.
Ordered :
I'ursuant to the said postile of the Commanders, Petitioner shall be paid for the provisions
on tiie valuation of indifferent persons, on condition of deducting three barrels of pork,
because, on the first arrival, divers barrels of damaged pork were found in the Fort.
On the petition laid before the Council on the behalf of Thomas Lovelace, it is, after
question was put, ordered as follows :
The time fixed for tlie Petitioner's departure from the Province within G months, is further
extended for the space of three months ; but since the requested Bouwery is already leased,
he must provide himself with another residence ; in regard to the requested piece of land, if
it be surveyed, he shall procure the Surveyor's notes of the survey and lodge the same in the
Secretary's office ; furthermore, the Petitioner is allowed to dispose, at bis pleasure, of
the goods belonging to him personally; respecting the carpentry work applied for. Petitioner
is referred to Schout Billjouw, to prove to him that the same was paid by the Petitioner, when
he shall obtain satisfaction therefor if any of said carpentry work be judged suitable for
raising a new house on the plantation, or else he may remove the same ; furthermore, the
two requested horses are allowed and granted to the Petitioner and the Schout is required to
let him have them ; iitially, the Petitioner's last request about the cows, will be taken into
further consideration.
Thomas Johnson, inhabitant of New worke, at Aghttr Coll, is hereby permitted to proceed
hence, in person, to New England and to remove thence and bring here his vessel and some
goods lawfully belonging to him, on condition that he do not carry hence nor bring in here
any letters contrary to the placard, and be bound, on his return, to surrender this permit and
to report himself to the Governor-General here ; and all Captains, Commanders and other
ofiicers of this Province, are hereby required to allow said Thomas Johnson to pass and repass
this time. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 2"^ March, A" 167i.
At a Council in Fort Willem Hendrick, Thursday, S"* March, 1674.
Present — Governor-General Antony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Mr. Cornells van Ruyven and
Secretary Nicolacs Bayard, as assumed Council.
Read and considered the petition of Bartholemew Appelgadt, Thomas Appelgadt and
Richard Sadler, requesting in substance that they may be allowed to purchase from the Indians
a tract of land situate about two leagues on this side of Middle Towne, near the Nevesings, fit
for a settlement of 6 @^ S families, &c. Whereupon, it is ordered :
The Petitioners' request is allowed and granted, on condition that after the land be
purchased, they take out patents in form for it, and actually settle it within the space of two
years after having effected the purchase, on pain of forfeiture.
VOLUME XXIII. 695
Agreeably lo the order dated IS"" February last, granted on the petition of Paul Regrenie,
the report of the Schout and Magistrates of Staten Island was produced in Court, declaring
that the grant of the applied-for fifty morgen of land would not be prejudicial to their town;
whereupon, the petition being taken further into consideration, the Petitioner is allowed and
granted the fifty morgens of land which he applied for, and the Petitioner shall, upon the sworn
Surveyor's survey, be granted a patent thereof in form. Regarding the request for the valley,
he shall in like manner produce a survey of it, when further disposition will be made in
the premises.
Mess" William Lawrence and Richard Cornwel, appointed on the 24"' X*"" last "to decide, as
Arbitrators, certain question between Rodger Tounsend and the Town of Westchester, making
a written report that those of Westchester had refused to appear ; the following order was
thereupon made :
Whereas, Schout William Lawrence and Mr. Richard Cornwel were commissioned on the
24"' December last to decide as Arbitrators, if possible, a certain dispute existing between
the Town of Westchester and Rodger Tounsend, have made a report that they, pursuant to
said order, did repair to said town, but that no one appeared for it ; therefore, is it again
ordered and commanded that the above named Rodger Tounsend and the Magistrates and
inhabitants of said town, on sight hereof, shall appear or send an attorney at the time
and place to be fixed by the abovenamed arbitrators, who are de novo requested to examine and
agreeably to the foregoing order, if possible, to decide the case between the parties in question
and to reconcile them ; otherwise to report.
Certain information being communicated to the council from the Court at New Haerlem,
respecting the hog recently shot on that island by Reyer Michielsen and Hendrick Kiersen,
and found to belong to Jean le Maistre ; which information being read by the Governor-
General and Council, they have ordered and decreed that those of the Court aforesaid shall
adjudicate on this case unless they find it to be criminal, when it must be referred by them to
the Governor-General and Council, and those of the Court abovenamed are ordered to produce
on the next Court day the order that no person shall shoot any hogs on that island without
the knowledge of those of said Court ; also the order respecting the case in question received
from the Worship" Court of the city New Orange.
NicoLAES Bayard, Auetioneei-, Pltff.,
against
Jacob Meltn, Deft.
Deft, remaining contumacious, and not appearing when summoned, it is ordered that the
Pltff. shall by express again cause the Deft, to be summoned to appear here before the Governor-
General and Council within twice 24 hours, on pain, if failing herein, of judgment being
pronounced by default.
Whereas divers Skippers and Sloop captains have requested leave to sail to Esopus and
Willemstadt with their vessels, whereby this city would be almost wholly stripped of craft,
and the citizens greatly weakened, to prevent which those of the Court of this city are ordered
to summon all skippers and sloop captains of this city before them, and to instruct them that
no more than two sloops shall go at one time, by lot or rotation, to Willemstadt and Esopus
and one sloop to the South river ; nor shall they take any passengers with them from here
without a pass ; for such is found necessary for the better security of this city. Done Fort
Willem Hendrick, as above.
696 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
The Governor-General of New Netherland : To all those who shall see these presents or
hear them read, Greeting, makes known :
Whereas the fortifications of the city of New Orange, are by the good zeal and industry of
its Burghers, so far completed as to be now on the eve of perfection, when this city will be in
such a state of defence that it will be capable (under God) of resisting all attacks of any
enemies which might be expected to come hither; nevertheless, considering that in such
case it would not be possible to defend all the surrounding villages and out places of this
Province, but that their safety must depend alone on the preservation of said city, as previous
experience hath clearly made manifest ; therefore have I deemed it necessary hereby, strictly
to order and to command all out people of the Dutch nation, dwelling in the respective
circumjacent towns, and on the Flat land, that they repair to the aforesaid city of New Orange
without any delay, provided with proper hand and side arms, on the first notice they shall
receive of the enemy's approach, or even of the coming of more than one ship at the same
time, whether it be with the Prince's flag or otherwise, on penalty that all who will be found
negligent therein, shall be declared traitors and perjurers, and consequently be proceeded
against as enemies, or be punished with death and confiscation of all their goods, as an
example to others; and all Schouts, Magistrates and Militia officers of the respective towns to
wiiom these shall be transmitted, are ordered and commanded to make known this our order
without any delay, in their respective towns and the dependencies thereof, by publishing and
posting the same, to the end tliat no man plead ignorance in the premises, and furthermore
take care that this our order be duly observed and executed according to the precise tenor
thereof. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this IS'" March, 1674.
(Signed), A. Colve.
By order of the Hon'''' the Governor-General
of N. Netherland.
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
The above Proclamation is transmitted to the Schouts and Magistrates
of the towns of Midwout, Amesfordt, Breuckelen, Utrecht, Boswyck,
Haerlem, Fordham, Bergen.
The Governor-General of New Netherland : To all those who shall see these presents or
hear them read. Greeting, makes known :
Whereas the fortifications of this city New Orange are, through the good zeal and industry
of its citizens, so far advanced that they will now soon be brought to such perfection and
posture of defence, as to be, under God, capable of resistance and defence against the attacks
of any enemies who might be expected, nevertheless it being considered that the preservation of
the entire Province, is for the most part dependent on the preservation and security of this
place, therefore have I, at this present conjuncture, for its better security to call on and order
all the out people of the Dutch nation in the circumjacent towns and on the Flat land, to
repair to this city with their respective companies, on the first notice of the approach of any
enemy, and to stand by their colors, as they have all promised to do ; therefore have I, in like
manner, deemed it essentially necessary all and every of the Burghers, Freemen {Poorters) and
VOLUME XXIII. 697
inhabitants of this city, New Orange, women and young children only excepted, strictly to
interdict and forbid, without exception of what rank soever he may be, to presume to depart
hence, to any other place, or to pass the night out of this city without special consent
from their Magistrates and officers, much less to absent themselves from within this city, on
the arrival of any enemies, or directly or indirectly to correspond with the enemy on pain of
death and confiscation of all their goods ; and those of the Court of this city aforesaid, are
hereby ordered and instructed to communicate these presents to their inhabitants to the end
that no man plead ignorance in the premises. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this IG*
March, 1674,
(Signed), A. Colve.
Whereas, it is deemed of the highest necessity by the Governor-General and Council of
New Netherland, at this conjuncture, that the fortifications already erected and still required
to be constructed on this Island Manhatans, for the security of this city and Province of New
Netherland, should now be brought in a short time to a wished-for end, which it is not possible
to effect in a proper manner unless some means to that end be devised and furnished, from
which the expenses of said fortification already incurred and to be hereafter incurred may be
defrayed and paid, to which end the Court of this city also hath made divers applications and
petitions ; therefore the Governor-General and Council of New Netherland have resolved
and ordered, that said moneys shall be furnished and advanced as a loan by the most affluent
inhabitants of this city or such of them whose capital will, by the valuation made by the
Commissioners appointed for that purpose on the 17"" February last, exceed the sum of four
thousand guilders. Wampum value, hereby ordering and commanding all and every the said
persons to furnish and advance by way of a loan, for the completion of the aforesaid
fortifications, to the person to be for that purpose appointed, the hundredth penny of the
capital at which each of them was assessed and entered at said valuation, and such with good
merchantable Beaver or Wheat, at Wampum price, which furnished and advanced moneys of
theirs shall be reimbursed, returned and paid from the extraordinary duty imposed the 16'"
October of last year, on exported beavers and peltries and imported duffies, blankets, powder,
lead, guns, wines, brandies, distilled liquors and rum; which duty is resolved and ordered to
be continued and imposed until the time said advanced moneys will be efTectually returned
and paid, and no longer; for such is deemed to be necessary for the public good. Done Fort
Willem Hendrick, this 17"" March, 1674.
(Signed), Antony Colve.
By order of the Governor-General
and Council of N. Netherland.
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
Vol. ir. 88
698 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
At a Council, Thursday, the IS"" March, 1674.
Present — Governor-General Antony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Fiscal VVillem KnyfT,
Mr. Cornells van Riiyven and
Secretary Nicolaes Bayard, assumed Councillors.
The Fiscal, Fltff.,
ar/ainat
Jan SriEGELAER, Drft.
Pltfr. alleges that the Deft, did on the 7'*' inst., being Prayer-day, contrary to the
Proclamation, tap rum for Hendrick Janse of Dort, a soldier, and afterwards made a liole in
his head with a pair of tongs; concludes that the Deft. ouglU to be coademned for tapping
in a fine of one hundred guilders in Beavers, and for having done so on a Prayer-day, in a fine
of twenty-five guilders, Wampum value, and in addition for the blow, in a fine of one hundred
guilders. Wampum value, with costs.
Deft.'s wife acknowledges to have tapped the rum, but says she was misled by said Hendrick
Janse, and complains that he had excited a quarrel in her house and drew the sword on the
Deft., whereupon the Deft, struck him a blow witii a tongs on the head.
Parties being heard, the Governor-General and Council condemn the Defendant, for tapping
to the soldier, in a fine of one hundred guilders in Beavers, according to the Proclamation,
and for having done so on a Prayer-day, to an additional fine of fi. 2-5, Wampum value, and
furthermore have forbidden him to allow any strong liquor to be sold in his house for the space
of one year and six months, and to pay the costs incurred herein. As above.
The Fiscal, Pl/Jf.,
at/airtat
Jan SriEGELAER, De/t.
PltfT. alleges that the Deft, hath at three different times, contrary to the Proclamation,
tapped rum to Peter Janse, drummer, Dirck Jansen, and Cornells Wyuhardt, soldiers, and
after the abovenamed Dirck Jansen was fuddled, made a hole in his head ; also that Deft.'s
wife bit off half Cornells Wynhardt's finger and cut two holes in his head : Item, that the
Deft, did without any provocation cut Andries Cesar, a soldier, with a knife through his
clothes clear to his naked back, &c., all contrary to the orders and proclamations in the case
enacted. Therefore Pltff. concludes that Deft, be condemned for each time he tapped rum to
a soldier, in a fine of one hundred guilders in Beaver, and for the blow and cut, the sum of
two hundred guilders Hollands, with costs.
Deft, denies all the Pltff.'s charges.
Parties having been heard and witnesses examined, the Governor-General and Council
condemn the Deft, not to allow any strong liquor to be drank in his house for the space of one
year and six weeks, and to pay costs of suit. As above.
VOLUME XXIII. 699
l?'" March, 1674.
Gabriel Tliomassen requesting by petition that he may be permitted to bring his goods
here, which he was allowed, by a former order of the Governor, dated last, to bring
from New England :
The Governor being informed that the Petitioner was prevented by heavy sickness bringing
his goods at that time, is therefore hereby allowed and permitted to do so.
Pursuant to a second order of the Governor-General, the following valuation was this day
extracted, in the City Hall of this city, by the Commissioners, from the second compiled
valuation of the best and most affluent inhabitants of this city, to wit :
Holland Cnrroncy.
Adolph Pieterse, fl. 1,100 .00 . 00
Assur Levy, 2,500.00.00
Barent Coerten, 3,500 .00 .00
BaUhaz-- Bayard, 1,500 . 00 .00
Baltha// de haert's house, 2,000 . 00 . 00
Cornells Steenwyck, 50,000 .00 .00
Cornelis van Ruy ven, 18,000 . 00 .00
Carsten Luersen, - 5,000.00.00
Claes Bordingh, 1 ,500 .00 . 00
Coenraet Ten Eyck, 5,000.00.00
Christopher Hooghlandt, 5,000 . 00 . 00
Cornelis Clopper, 5,000 . 00 . 00
Cornelis van Borsim, 8,000 .00 .00
Cornelis Dirckse v: Westveen, 1,200.00.00
Daniel Hondecoutre, '-...- 5,000.00.00
DirckSmit, 2,000.00.00
Dirck van Clyff, 1,500.00.00
DirckSiecken.......... ...- 2,000.00.00
Egidius Luyck, 5,000.00.00
Evert Pietersen, 2,000.00.00
Evert Duyckingh, 1,600.00.00
ffredrick Philipsen, 80,000.00.00
Francoys Eombouts, 5,000 . 00 . 00
Gelyn Verplanck, 5,000.00.00
Gabriel Minvielle, 10,000.00.00
Hendrick Wesselse Smit, 1,200.00.00
Hendrick Willemse Backer, 2,000.00.00
Hans Kiersteede, 2,000.00.00
Johannis van Brugh 14,000.00.00
Johannis d'Peyster, - 15,000.00.00
JeronirausEbbingh, 30,000.00.00
Jacob Kip, 4,000.00.00
Amount carried forward, fl. 296,600.00.00
700 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
Holland Currpncy.
Amount brought forward, fl. 296,600.00.00
Isaacq van Vleecq, 1,500.00.00
Isaacq de fiboreeet, 1,500.00.00
Jacob d' haert, 6,000.00.00
Jan Hendrickse van Bommel, 1,500.00.00
Jacob van de Water, 2,500.00.00
Isaacq van Tright and brother's houses, 2,000.00.00
Jacob Abramse, shoemaker, 2,500.00.00
Jonas Bartelse, 3,000.00.00
Jan Harberding, 2,000.00.00
Jacob Theunisse Kay, 8,000.00.00
Jan Lawrence, 10,000.00.00
Jan Coly, smith, 1,200.00.00
Jan Shakerly, 1,400 . 00 . 00
Jan Joosten, sloop Captain, 1,500.00.00
Jacob Leisler, 15,000.00.00
Jacob Varravanger, 8,000.00.00
Lourens vander Spiegel, 6,000.00.00
Luycas Andriese, sloop Captain, 1,500.00.00
Marten Cregier, Senior, 2,000.00.00
Matthys de Haert, 12,000 .00.00
Nicolaes de Meyer, 50,000.00.00
Nicolaes Bayard, 10,000.00.00
Olof Stevense van Cortlandt, 45,000.00.00
Pieter Jacobse Marius, 5,000.00.00
Poulis Richard, 5,000.00.00
Reynier Willemse Backer 5,000.00.00
Stephanus van Cortlandt 5,000.00.00
Symon Janse Romyn 1,200.00.00
Thomas Lewis, 6,000.00.00
William Beeckman, 3,000.00.00
Total , fl. 520,900.00.00
In witness of the truth is this signed by the abovementioned Commissioners. Dated New
Orange, this IQ* February, 1674.
( Signed ), Corxelis Steenwyck,
JEgidius Luyck,
cornelis van rutven,
Jacob Leiseler,
ffRANCOYS ROMBOUTS,
WiLLEM Beeckman.
VOLUME XXIII. 701
Schout Jacob Strycker.
You are hereby required and ordered to notify the Dutch Towns situate In your district, to
commissioQ each of them a MiHtia officer and Magistrate from their respective Towns, with
whom you will repair, on Monday next at ten o'clock in the forenoon, to the City Hall of this
city, when I intend to have some conference with you on the present state of the country.
Whereupon relying, I remain
Your friend,
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, 22'" March, 1674. (Signed), A. Colve.
A similar order is also transmitted to the Schouts of the Towns of Bergen and Haerlem.
The Governor-General hath this day granted a commission to Francis Bloodgood to be chief
officer of the inhabitants of the Dutch Nation dwelling in the Towns of Flushing, Heemstede,
Rustdorp and Middelburgh, and their dependencies, whereby said Francis Bloodgood is ordered
to make known to the said inhabitants that they, on the first notice of the enemy's approach
or the arrival of more than one ship at a time, shall repair, with their arms, immediately to
this city on pain as more fully set forth in the Proclamation of the 13" instant, whereof copy
shall be transmitted to said Frans Bloodgood. Further, an order is sent to the Schout and
Magistrates of Flushing that they inform themselves whether any arms, loaned or furnished
for their defence in the time of Governors Stuyvesant, Richard NicolJs, or Francis Lovelace,
remain in the possession of any of these inhabitants, which arms they shall deliver up to said
Magistrates within the space of 24 hours after notification, to be sent hither, on pain of
arbitrary correction.
Whereas it is necessary that a proper person be appointed Book-keeper and Receiver of the
moneys which will be furnished and advanced pursuant to the Proclamation dated 17"" instant,
for completing the fortifications of this city New Orange, on the Island of Manhatan and
Province of NewNetherland, I, therefore, to that end, have hereby commissioned and appointed
Jacobus van de Water, Major of the city aforesaid, ordering and commanding, furthermore,
said Jacobus van de Water not to dispose of, nor pay out any of the said moneys otherwise
than on my written order or on that of Secretary Nicolaas Bayard, authorized by me. Done
Fort Willem Hendrick, 24"" March, 1674.
At a Council holden at the City Hall on the 26"' March, 1674.
Present — Governor Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Mr. Cornells van Ruyven and
Secretary Nicolaes Bayard, assumed Councillors, with the
Burgomasters of this city.
The Deputies summoned on the 22'' instant to the Council from all the circumjacent Dutch
Towns appearing, each of them, individually, was asked by the Governor-General if he had
caused to be published and posted in his respective Town the Proclamation sent to them on
the subject of the Out people coming in on news of the enemy's approach or on the entrance
of more than one ship at the same time, which his Honor had thought necessary hereby to
recommend and order them again verbally, so that no man plead ignorance in the premises.
702 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
for in case, contrary to expectation, any be found negligent therein, hostile proceedings should
be employed against him without any favor or respect of persons, and his ruin effected,
recommending them, therefore, as lovers of Fatherland, and for the preservation of themselves
to observe their sworn oath, not doubting but they will be able (with God's help) to resist the
attack of any enemy who can be expected here. Whereupon said Deputies, each individually,
answered, that they had published and posted the transmitted Proclamation in their respective
Towns, and that they were all together resolved to obey it and to observe their honor and
oath, requesting only that notice be sent them in time, and some sloops and boats dispatched
to the following Towns to convey the people hither, viz.: to Bergen some boats; to Utrecht,
in Gowanis, two sloops; to Bushwyck, one sloop or boat: also, requesting that the Governor, in
such case, be pleased to bear in mind the promise his Honor made them when last at Midwout,
which his Honor pledged himself to do. Whereupon the meeting broke up.
The following are the names of the Deputies:
From the Town of Bergen, Schout Claes Arentse and Capt" Caspar Steynmits.
" Long Island, Schout Jacob Strycker.
" Midwout, Capt" Jan Strycker and Schepen Auke Jansen.
" Amesfordt, I^ieut. Roelef Martense and Schepen Koert Stevense.
" Breuckelen, Schepen Teunis Gysbertse Bogaert and Capt" Jeronimus
Rapalie.
" Bushwyck, f.ieut. Joost Kockujt and Sciiepen Hendrick Barentsen
Smit.
" Utreght, , Schepen Hendrick Mattysen Smack and Ensign Cryn
Jansen.
" The Dutch Inhabitants at i
Flushing, Rustdorp, Mid- V Fians Bloodgood.
delburgh and Heemstede, )
" Haerlem, Tiie Deputy absent.
Wlu^reas it is necessary that good care be taken that the neighboring Out-people be provided,
on tlie arrival of any enemies, with proper boats to convey themselves and families hither;
therefore have I thought proper thereunto to commission and empower Mess" Cornells
Steenwyck and Cornells van Ruyven, who are hereby required to take care that in such case
tlie neighboring Towns, or those of tiiem who have applied, may be provided and accommodated
with suitable vessels, and the skippers and boatmen of this city are ordered and commanded
promptly to obey whatever orders they may receive from those gentlemen in the premises.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 26'" March, 1674.
Whereas the vessels lying in tlie harbor near the public VVeigh-house of this city are
considered to be seriously in the way should the enemy arrive, and it is therefore necessary
tiiat they be brought thence in season, inside the float {in 't vlot), therefore all skippers, barge
and boat-men of this city, are hereby ordered and instructed to bring their vessels from said
harbor inside the float, and to anclior before this city, and on the arrival of more than one
ship at a time, to haul them behind the sliip Siirinam near the circular battery {rondcel) in front
of the widow Loocquermans, on pain of having all vessels without discrimination burnt, which
will then be found lying in the way. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 27"" March, 1674,
VOLUME XXIII. 703
At a Council the 5"" April, 1674.
Present — Governor Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Mr. Cornells van Ruyven, and
Secretary Nicolaes Bayard, assumed Councillors,
Captain Willem KnyfT, Fiscal.
The Fiscal, Pltff.,
against
Mr. Francis Rombouts, Beft.
PllfF. alleges that the Deft, did, contrary to the Proclamalioa of the IS"" X''" last, depart out
of this city, and verbally confer with Nathaniel Davenpoort, residing in Nevp England;
concludes therefore, that Deft, ought to be condemned in a fine of three hundred guilders in
Beaver ; with costs.
Deft, answers, that he went from the place with the consent of his officer, and says that the
abovenamed Davenport came accidentally to Pel's to the Deft, where he had some conversation
with him concerning the securing the Deft.'s private estate in New England ; declares, also,
that he was not aware that said Davenpoort would have come there.
The Governor-General and Council having heard parties, find that the Deft, hath contravened
the placard, yet for reasons (but not as a precedent), condemn the Deft, only in a fine of five
and twenty guilders in Beaver, to be applied one third for the Fiscal, and one third for the
Church, with costs.
The Fiscal, Pltff.,
against
Gelyn Verplance, Deft.
Pltff. says, that the Deft, contrary to the placard of the 12'*" X''" last, hath gone out of tiiis
city and held correspondence with one Nathaniel Davenpoort, residing in New England, which
is the more grave as Deft, is himself, a Magistrate of this city. Concludes therefore, that he
ought to be condemned in a fine of fl. GOO Beaver, with costs.
Deft, acknowledges he has been to Pel's to speak with Davenpoort, about securing his estate
in New England, &c.
The Governor-General and Council having heard parties, find that the Deft, hath contravened
the Proclamation, but consider it may have been through ignorance ; condemn the Deft., but
not to serve as a precedent, only in a fine of fifty guilders Beaver, to be applied two thirds to
the Fiscal, and one third for the Church, with costs.
Whereas Peter Poulsen, aged about 43 years, born at Wolster, hath dared on the 20"" of
this last month, being intoxicated and drunk, to assault people in the streets of this city New
Orange, running through divers streets with a drawn hanger, and without uttering a word,
much less receiving any provocation, first cut and wounded Jacob Wolfertsen, a soldier, in the
face, and in like manner challenged the soldier Francis Buyssen, who refusing, was also cut
in the arm ; all which cannot be tolerated in a place where justice is administered ; therefore,
the Governor-General and Council of New Njtherland, administering the law in the name
and in the behalf of their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Netherlands, and
704 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, having heard the demand of the Fiscal, and the
acknowledgment of the aforesaid Peter Poulsen, have condemned and sentenced, do hereby
condemn and sentence him to be imprisoned during the time of 8 days on bread and water,
afterwards to be tied three hours to the stake and encircled with rods ; furthermore, to pay
the Surgeon for curing the wounded, also the costs of court, and expenses of execution.
At a Council in Fort Willem Hendrick, IS"^ April, 1674.
Present — Governor Colve,
Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck,
Mr. Cornelis van Ruyven and
Secretary Nicolas Bayard, assumed Councillors ; and
Fiscal Willem Knyff'.
Read and considered the petition of Richard Smith, setting forth tliat he hath a difference
with Jeremy Wood which the Court at Heemstede considered to be too serious to be decided
by it, requesting that the cause may be referred to a higher Court.
Ordered r
The Petitioner is referred to the Court of Schout and deputed Councillors of the Town of
Heemstede, Flushing, &c., to whom an appeal sliall lie from all judgments of their respective
Schepens.
Catrina Lane, requesting, by petition, letters of divorce and separation from her husband,
Daniel Lane, as her said husband has been accused of, and arrested for having committed and
perpetrated incest with his own daughter, and without clearing himself thereof hath broken
jail and absconded ; which, being taken into consideration by the Governor-General and
Council of New Netherland, they have ordered as follows :
In case Daniel Lane, the Petitioner's husband, do not present himself in Court within the
space of six months from date hereof and purge himself from the crime of incest with which
he is accused, Letters of Divorce and Separation shall be granted to the Petitioner.
On the petition of Casper Steynmits, requesting that the lease entered into by his wife and
her previous husband with the English government whereby the Bouwery at Hasimus was
granted and leased to them during their lives, may be confirmed,
It is ordered :
Petitioner's request was, for reasons, consented and allowed, and an acte, in form, shall be
granted him in the premises.
Whereas daily experience hath shown that, notwithstanding previously published Orders
and Proclamations, great damage is done to the fortifications of this city by cattle, and
particularly hogs, which run and are kept in herds along the public streets, and also cause
great stench and filth within this city, which, being infected therewith, serious sickness is
engendered in consequence; to prevent and obviate which, as much as possible, I have,
therefore, thought it necessary to interdict and forbid, three days after the publication hereof,
the running of any hogs, be they big or little, within this city along the public streets; but
they shall run and be confined in inclosed and fenced places ; also, the allowing of horses or
cows to feed within the walls of this city, or to go along the public streets without a person to
VOLUME XXIII. 705
drive them to and from pasture, under the penalty of the forfeiture of the hogs which will be
found after said time, within this city's walls along the public streets ; and in case any horse
or cow shall be found along the public streets without a keeper, the owner thereof shall, for
each time his cattle be taken up, be fined in a penalty of twenty-five guilders. Wampum value,
which fine, if not forthcoming and paid within 24 hours, said horse or beast shall be publicly
sold by the officer and the aforesaid fine paid and made good from the proceeds of such sale ;
and the officer of this city is required and commanded to take care that these presents be duly
executed, without distinction of persons, as I have considered the same to be for the advantage
of this city and its inhabitants. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this IG*"" April, 1674.
(Signed ), A. Colve.
At a Council, IS'" April, 1674,
Present — Governor-General Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Mr. Cornells van Ruyven and
Secretary Nicolas Bayard, assumed Councillors, and
Fiscal Willem Knyff.
Whereas Samuel Forman, residing atOysterbay, on Long Island, at present a prisoner, hath
dared to come, some time ago, into this city without permission and to make great noise and
uproar along the public streets, and whereas he hath attempted to disturb the public peace,
and, moreover, presumed to come into the church on the last Sabbath, and there, in full
meeting, during divine service, to make great outcry, abusing, with great levity, the Word of
God, and blaspheming His Holy Name, all which, in a well regulated community, can in no
wise be tolerated but ought be punished as an example to others; therefore the Governor-
General of New Netherland, administering justice in the name and on the behalf of their High
Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the
Prince of Orange, having heard the Fiscal's demand and the prisoner's acknowledgment, have
condemned and sentenced, do hereby condemn and sentence said Samuel Forman to be brought
to the place where justice is usually executed, there to be severely whipped with rods, and to
be banished forever out of this Province ; furthermore, to pay the costs and expenses of justice.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, the IQ"- April, 1674.
By order of the Governor-General
and Council of New Netherland.
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
On the petition of Timotheus Gabrie setting forth that he has been greatly wronged by the
late English government through the annulling of a certain judgment dated 1663, pronounced
by the late Governor Stuyvesant and Council, between the Petitioner and one Jan Janse
Veryn, which annulment, according to the Petitioner's representation, was made contrary to
law and equity, but also even contrary to the concluded capitulation ; requesting therefore
that he may summon his party before the Governor-General and Council, and that the latter
be ordered to answer to such demand as the Petitioner shall make and institute against him.
It is ordered :
The Petitioner is allowed to summon his party before the Governor-General and Council,
and to institute his action against him.
Vol. n. 89
706 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
Jacobus Fabricius, late Lutheran minister, requesting by petition that the judgment
pronounced against him may be so far annulled as to allow the Petitioner, if not to exercise
the ministerial office, at least to baptize.
It is ordered :
The Petitioner's request is declined.
Thomas Bigs, residing at Rustdorp, on Long Island, requesting by petition that he may be
allowed to reside at Seatalcot, and that the inhabitants of the latter place may be ordered not
to prevent him so doing ;
It is ordered :
The Petitioner is referred to the Magistrates of Seatalcot, who are required to permit the
Petitioner to reside there or to show cause for refusing.
On complaints made by the Magistrates of New Haerlem, that divers persons without their
knowledge had gone to shoot hogs on this island, whereby they have lost several hogs,
requesting that some order may be made in the premises, therefore the Governor-General and
Council have thought proper to interdict and forbid any person, be he who he may, from now
henceforth going to shoot or catch hogs in the public woods on this island, unless he give
previous notice to and obtain the consent of the officer of this city or of the Town of New
Haerlem, under a penalty of one hundred guilders, Wampum value ; also, all persons, actual
inhabitants of this island only excepted, from allowing any cattle or hogs to run and graze in
the public woods of this island without consent as aforesaid ; whereof the respective Courts
shall have to inform their inhabitants by posting up written notices.
Read and considered the petition of Jacob Melyn and Jacob Kip, as guardians of the widow
of the late Cornelis Melyn, requesting that they may be allowed and granted possession (in
consideration of the lands which said Cornelis Melyn reserved to himself when he sold Staten
Island to the West India Company) of a certain piece of land situate between the mill-kill
and Schutter's Island,' and that Thomas Lovelace may be refused said land which they
understand he is applying for.
Ordered:
Petitioners shall within 1-4 days from this date show what right they have to any lands on
Staten Island, or to the land allowed to Thomas Lovelace.
John Bound and Richard Hartshooren, residing at Middletoun, both for themselves and
partners, give notice that the land granted to Bartholemew Appelgadt, Thomas Appelgate
and Richard Sadler, on their petition, is included in their, the Petitioners', patent, requesting
therefore that said land may be again denied to said Appelgate's.
Ordered :
Petitioners shall, within six weeks from this date, prove that said land is included within
their patent, when further order shall be made in the premises.
A certain Proclamation being delivered into Council from the Magistrates of the Town of
Middeltoune, prohibiting and forbidding all inhabitants from departing out of said town, unless
they give bail to return as soon as their business will have been performed, or they be
employed in the public service, &c., requesting the Governor's approval of the same; which
being read and considered, it is resolved and ordered by the Governor-General and Council,
that no inhabitant can be hindered changing his domicile within this Province unless arrested
' At the mouth of Newark bay. — Kd.
VOLUME XXIII. 707
for lawful cause ; however, no one shall depart from the Town of Middeltoune unless he
previously notify the Magistrates there of his intention.
This day Councillors Cornells Steenwyck and Cornells van Ruyven heard, by order of
Governor Colve, in Fort WUlem Hendricli, the claim of some Indians who assert that Sicakus,'
a small island situate behind Bergen, was not sold, but only Espatingh and its dependencies,
and that other Indians blamed them for having sold land that was not theirs ; whereupon the
deed of purchase being examined and arguments further heard, they find the aforesaid Island to
be included in the sale made in January, A" 165S, but not In the sale of the land of Espatingh,
which being interpreted and explained to them by Saartie van Borslm, they say they did not
know it; propose that they ought to have a present of an anker of rum, which those interested,
in order to obviate further difficulty, have consented to give them.
Read and considered the petition of Mary Varlet, wife of William Teller, setting forth that
he Is gravely injured by a certain judgment pronounced by the Court of Willemstadt, on
the last, between the Petitioner and Gideon Schaets, requesting therefore that it
may be taken up in appeal, &c. ; which request being taken into consideration and the papers
examined,
It is ordered :
Fiat mandamus in case of appeal.
23"> April, 1674.
This day the Governor drew an order on Jacobus van de Water, book keeper of the moneys
which are to be furnished for the construction of the fortifications on this Island Manhatans, to
pay Secretary Nicolaes Bayard, a sum of six thousand guilders light money, in satisfaction for
labor and materials furnished for the behoof of Fort Willem Hendrlck.
Whereas we are this day informed that a ship or ships have come to anchor within Sandy
Hook of the North river of New Netherland, Capt. Cornells Ewoutsen, is therefore hereby
ordered and commanded instantly with the Snow under his command, to sail to the aforesaid
Sandy Hook, to learn what ships they be, and to give me notice thereof in the speediest
manner, but at the same time take care not to imperil his Snow. Done Fort Willem
Hendrlck, this 25'" April, 1674.
( Signed ), A. Colve.
Points to be submitted to and requested The request on the other side of the
of the Hon"'^ Anthony Colve, Gov- Committee of the city of Willem-
ernor of New Netherland, for the stadt, being received and read by
benefit of Willemstadt, communi- the Governor-General and Council of
cated by the Committee from that New Netherland, It is ordered as fol-
place.
1.
lows;
First. To propose in what form we shall First. Having understood that the place is
bring our place into proper defence, and already fortified by palissades, it is considered
whether his Honor would please to send up a best to leave it in that state, until the arrival
'Now, Secaucua, a ridge of upland having Snake hill at its southern extremity; Btill called an island from its being
surrounded hj salt meadows. WiiUehead's East Jersey, 20, note. — Ed.
708
NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
person of good knowledge to superintend the
work.
Secondly. That his Honor will please provide
the place with some necessary munitions of
war, to wit, four @^ five hundred pounds of
gunpowder, and round shot with it.
3.
Request we may have for our convenience, a
sloop at Willemstadt which sails at the public
expense, and occasionally to go between both,
in order to send his Honor occasionally notice
thereof, as at this conjuncture of time 'tis
impossible to know what may happen us.
of ships from Fatherland, when opportunity
oflering, somebody will be sent thither.
2.
Whereas it is the opinion that there is in
proportion a greater quantity of gunpowder
among the people there than here, therefore
those of the Court there shall if necessary
make use of it, and appropriate it for the
behoof of the public and they can, meanwhile,
in order to have some supply, purchase 100
@. 150 lbs. there from the Commonalty, which
will be paid them when circumstances permit.
Regarding the shot, they shall be provided
with some on sending down the caliber.
For the accommodation of the inhabitants
of Willemstadt, two sloops which sail at the
public expense, shall be permitted to go
thither, and whenever necessity requires it,
those of the Court can press one or more
sloops.
4. 4.
We request his Honor to allow us to enjoy Whenever disposition shall be made respect-
gome benefits from the revenue, for the support ing the revenue of other places, this point will
of public affairs. be also taken into consideration.
6. 5.
Where shall we hold our sessions or Court? Their sessions in the town of Willemstadt
shall henceforth be held in the house formerly
appropriated by that purpose by the English
government, unless their deliberations be upon
affairs of government, when they shall hold
their meeting in Fort Nassou.
On the petition of Christiaen Pieterse, it is allowed that the little freight which will be
earned in coming down and going back, shall not be paid to the public treasury, but to him
individually, inasmuch as he was pressed by the Commandant and Court of Willemstadt to
bring down the Committee and the French prisoners.
Whereas Thomas Gibs and John Curtes have complained to the Governor, that John
' Archer at Fordham is owing them some money, and that said Archer is disposing of his effects
with intention to defraud his creditors of their just right, therefore the Schout and Magistrates
of the aforesaid town of Fordham, are hereby ordered and commanded to arrest on the
complaint of said persons, the estate and effects of the abovenamed Archer, and to allow said
VOLUME XXIII. 709
persons after due examination and according to the state of tlie case, to receive good law and
justice. Done Fort VViilem Hendrick, this 7"" May, 1674.
By order of the Governor-General and Court of New Netherland.
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
Whereas Thomas Lambertse hath complained to me that he is greatly annoyed by some
inhabitants of the Town of Breuckelen, on account of some arrears of country rates under the
late English government, therefore the Schout and Magistrates of the abovenamed Town are
required and commanded to take care that the aforesaid Thomas Lambertse be not molested
on account of any claims that might or can be set up against him as Constable, until further
orders, which shall be issued by direction of Commissioners. Done Fort Willem Hendrick,
10"" May, 1674.
Whereas Isaacq Melyn, at present a prisoner, hath presumed, on the S"" of this current
month, being come from New England, within this city New Orange, to make use, to divers
of the good inhabitants, of very seditious and mutinous language, which can be considered only
as tending to mutiny and disunion, and can in no wise be tolerated in a well regulated
community but is deserving to be punished as an example to others ; therefore the Governor-
General and Council of New Netherland, having heard the demand of the Fiscal and the
confession of the prisoner, and administering justice in the name and on the behalf of their
High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the
Prince of Orange, &c., have condemned and sentenced, as they do hereby sentence and
adjudge said Isaacq Melyn, that he shall come personally every day, when the Burgher
companies are employed at the city fortifications, and work with them until said fortifications
be completed, and the respective Burgher oflicers are required and commanded to pay strict
attention not to neglect but duly to execute this ; with costs of Court and expenses of suit.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, IS"- May, 1674.
By order of the Governor-General and Council of New Netherland.
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
Whereas John Sharp, at present a prisoner, hath presumed, in disparagement of his
previous banishment, not only to come back to this Province of New Netherland, on the S""
of this month, without consent and contrary to the published Orders and Proclamations, to
bring a letter, but hath, moreover, presumed, in the Town of Weschester and other places
within this government, to spread such reports and relate stories that can be considered to
proceed only from fomenters of mutiny and disturbance, which can no wise be tolerated in a
well regulated community, but is deserving of condign punishment as an example to others;
therefore the Governor-General and Council of New Netherland, administering justice in
the name and on the behalf of their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United
Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c., having heard the Fiscal's
demand and the prisoner's acknowledgment, have condemned and adjudged, as they hereby
condemn and sentence said John Sharp to be banished out of this Province of New Netherland
for the term of ten years, without coming back during that time on pain of corporal
punishment, and to pay costs of Court and expenses of justice. Done Fort W" Hendrick,
IS"" May, 1674.
By order of the Governor-General and Council of New Netherland.
(Signed), N. Bayard, Secretary.
710 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
Whereas by a previous Proclamation and Act of Confiscation, dated the 20"" of September
last, the goods and effects found within this Province belonging to the inhabitants of New
England, Yirginy and Maryland were, for that time, excluded and excepted from said
confiscation; therefore the Governor-General and Council of War of New Netherland, having
taken the same again into consideration and deliberation, find themselves obliged, for sufficient
reasons and motives them thereunto moving, to confiscate, by right of war, all the
abovementioned goods and eflTects, together with the outstanding debts remaining in this
country and found to belong to the inhabitants of New England, Virginy and Maryland
aforesaid, for the behoof of their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United
Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c., as the same are hereby
confiscated for the behoof aforesaid, in order to be disposed of as shall be judged most
necessary for the public benefit. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, in New Netherland, this 12""
May, 1674.
(Signed), A. Colve,
Willem Knyff,
C. Epsteyn.
Whereas it was considered necessary by previous resolutions for the better preservation of
tliis Province of New Netherland to repair its ruinous fortifications, to erect some new works,
and to strengthen the military of the country wiiich could not be effected without borrowing a
considerable sum of money from divers of the good inhabitants of this city, who have advanced
the same to the State on promise of repayment ; and whereas the present condition of the
country in this conjuncture of war, will not only not permit the reimbursement and pa3'ment
to the creditors of the aforesaid advanced moneys, but moreover demands, for the further
support of said garrison, and other public expenses, an additional considerable sum, which it
will at present be very difficult to negotiate unless good and sufficient security be given for the
moneys already, and yet to be advanced ; therefore the Governor-General and Council of war
of New Netherland, have decided and resolved, in default of other ready effects, that the
pieces of metal cannon hereunder specified, lying in Fort Willem Hendrick, named and
weighing as iiereafter set forth are, and agreeably to the resolution aforesaid, shall be specially
hypothecated, pledged, bound and mortgaged, for the greater security of the repayment
aforesaid, to whomsoever iiave for the support aforesaid already advanced, or will still advance
any moneys, wherefore we, the undersigned Governor-General and Council of war of New
Netherland aforesaid, by virtue of our commission from their High Mightinesses, the States-
General of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c., do
pawn, place and bind the abovementioned pieces of metal cannon, as a special mortgage and
pledge as the same are hereby pawned, placed and bound as a special mortgage and pledge to
Nicolas Bayard, Secretary and Receiver-General of New Netherland, for security and satisfaction
both of the moneys advanced for the behoof aforesaid by him, and which he shall still happen
to advance, and which have been by said Receiver Bayard borrowed from divers merchants, or
will still be borrowed for the behoof aforesaid ; and it is hereby well and expressly stipulated
that in case the aforesaid loaned moneys be not paid and deposited on legal notice with said
Receiver Bayard, then he shall be at liberty to seize the aforesaid guns in order to reimburse
therefrom the said advanced and furnished moneys free of costs and charges, and that it shall
be at the absolute choice of the aforesaid Receiver B ly.ird, in case he cannot agree with the
VOLUME XXIII. 711
Governor and Council of war on the value of said guns, to ship oft' and send them hence to
Fatherland, to be sold there, and in case said guns in their conveyance to Fatherland happen,
contrary to hope, to be lost, the same shall be absolutely at the risk and damage of the State ;
in which case said Receiver Bayard shall be paid out of the other most available public property
for the account aforesaid. In witness of the truth are these subscribed by us and confirmed by
our usual signature, in Fort Willem Hendrick in New Netherland, this 12"" May, 1674.
( Signed ), A. Colve,
Willem ICnyf,
C. Epsteyn.
To Mr. Johan Doncker, Governor at the Island of Cura§ao.
Honorable Sir,
Your letter of the 20'*' March last, reached me by Mr. Balthazaer Bayard, the bearer hereof.
Since then a ketch has been dispatched hence with provisions to the Island of Curasao, and a
small ship named the Coopman arrived thence here. Reports from New England and Virginia
talk of a peace, the confirmation whereof is shortly expected from Patria. No more at present
but greeting and commendation to God from
Fort Willem Hendrick, Your friend and servant,
in New Netherland, 12"' May, 1674. (Signed), A. Colve.
Lieutenant Andries Drayer,
Sir,
The Governor received yesterday by express a letter, but without any signature, date or place
where written, and as his Honor hath not yet received the Commissioners' letter whereof you
make mention, he hath therefore instructed me to notify you, that he postpones his answer
until that time, and in the meanwhile is regulating himself according to the annexed letter of
the -S"" inst. Further, this serves for advice that, by express this day, information was received
from New England, that peace had been concluded between Holland and England on the 19""
of February last and proclaimed on the 28"" following, which is believed at present, but the
confirmation by the next. No more at present than greeting and commendation to God from
Fort W" Hendrick, Your affectionate friend,
12 May, 1674. (Signed), N. Batard.
Jacobus van de Water, the Receiver, is hereby ordered and instructed to cause to be paid to
the W. Burgomasters of this city, the sum of six tliousand guilders. Wampum value, from the
moneys which will be collected according to the valuation that has been made, for completing
the fortifications on this Island of Manhatans. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this IS*
May, 1674.
(Signed), A. Colve.
712 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MAJOJSCRIPTS :
At a Council ia Fort Willem Hendrick, lO"- May, 1674.
Present — Governor-General Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck, and
Secretary Nicolaes Bayard, assumed Councillor.
Read and considered in council the petition of Richard Smith, setting forth that Joseph
Smith, of Jamaico, did in the year 1670, to the Petitioner's prejudice, make an affidavit in the
case between the Petitioner and the Town of Huntington, of the right meaning of which
affidavit the Petitioner hath at divers times sought for further explanation from said Smith,
but the same has each time been concealed ; therefore the Petitioner requests that the
aforesaid Joseph Smith may be ordered to make further legal declaration in the premises ;
complains, moreover, that a certain person residing about the Town of Huntington is
committing great damage daily on Petitioner's cattle, and therefore requests an order may be
made to prevent him.
Ordered :
The Petitioner in the case of Joseph Smith is referred to the next Court of deputed
Councillors, which will be held for the Towns of Flushing, Hemstede, Rustdorp, Middeburgh
and Oysterbay, which Court is hereby recommended, after examination of the case, to make
such order therein as it will find agreeable to equity. Regarding Petitioner's complaint of the
loss of his cattle, he may institute his complaint before the officer of the place where the person
he complains of resides.
Jeremy Wood, complaining by petition that Richard Smith, of Nessequack, hath obtained
judgment at the last Court of the deputed Councillors, holden at Jamaico, against the Petitioner,
whereby the latter finds himself aggrieved, complaining further that said Court was no wise
conducted according to law or the order of the government, but that said Richard Smith, with
the aid of his son-in-law, Schout Willem Lawrence, had chosen such judges [jury] as were
favorable to him, &c. ; requests that the case be reviewed or else taken up in appeal.
Ordered :
The next Court of deputed Councillors of the Towns of Flushing, Hemstede, Rustdorp,
Middelburgh and Oysterbay are recommended and commanded to examine the Petitioner's
complaint herein, and on finding that the last Court was not conducted according to the order
of government, then to grant Petitioner a rehearing and revision.
Propositions made to the Governor- Answer of the Hon*"'* the Governor.
General of New Netherland by the
Mohawk chiefs of the two nearest
castles situate beyond Fort Nassou,
the first called Kaghenewage and the
S** Kanagaro; interpreted by Jan Janse
Bleycker and Hendrick Lantsingh.
First. Say that they have come here as to To the 1" point. As they say that they
their brethren, for the Dutch both at Nassou come here as to their brethren who arc one
VOLUME XXIII.
713
and here have been always one flesh with flesh with them, they are received as such
them, and state that they are going to Four and are accordingly wished a welcome.
Nations to renew Peace with them, and there-
upon present a belt of Wampum.
2. 2.
Say, they concluded a new bond of peace The Governor is well pleased at the renewal
last harvest with the Dutch at Nassou, which of the peace last harvest at Nassou, and will
they now come to confirm; and thereupon take care that said treaty shall be strictly kept
present a belt of Wampum. by the Dutch.
3. 3.
Say, that if the French, as is reported, should Are thanked for the offer of assistance
come to injure the Dutch, they intend then to against the French and other Indians, and
side with the Dutch and to live and die with are promised in like manner, in a just cause,
them ; thereupon present a belt of Wampum. • protection against the exactions of their
enemies.
4. 4.
Say, they are glad that the Governor hath Are answered, that the Governor hath
built so strong a fortress here, hoping that expressly caused the fort and fortifications to
this country will be defended by him against be built in order to be able to repel all
all enemies, and that no other nation will enemies ; however, thanks them for their
ever master it ; thereupon present a belt of affection and good wishes.
Wampum.
5. 5.
Say, that they are deputed to some other As they are sent and are going to other
nations to renew peace with them, and that nations, the Governor wished them a safe
they intend on their return to pass through journey and good luck in their renewal of the
here ; request, therefore, that they may be peace with those nations, and were allowed
allowed to do so; and thereupon present a freely to return hither,
belt of Wampum.
Say, that at Nassou they had requested to The Governor is of opinion that there were
be sent down in a sloop, but there was not no sloops at Willemstadt, when they were
any up there, and therefore request (as they about coming down, to convey them hither ;
are aged people) that on their return they may but whenever they will have concluded their
be conveyed in a sloop; thereupon present a business with the other nations and be back
belt of Wampum. here, a friendly present shall be given them,
and they shall be conveyed to Willemstadt
free of expense. Thus done in Fort Willera
Hendrick, in New Netherland, this 22" May,
1G74.
Vol. 11. 90
714 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
In a Council, holden at Fort Willem Hendrick, this 24"" May, 1674,
Present — Governor-General Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck and
Secretary Nicolaes Bayard, assumed Councillor.
Read and considered the petition of Samuel Moor, setting forth that he is aggrieved by a
certain judgment pronounced against him by the Schout and Magistrates of the Town of
Woodbridge, requesting that the case may be taken up in appeal v^ithout bringing it before
the deputy Councillors, inasmuch as the Schout who presides over them and the Secretary are
interested in the case.
Ordered :
The Petitioner in the case in question is referred to the Court of the deputed Councillors at
Aghtcr Col, whose judgment must be pronounced on it before it can be taken up in appeal by
the Governor and Council, and the Schout there is ordered and commanded to be careful that
said Court be conducted pursuant to the Governor's order, and that impartial judges be
appointed over it who are no wise interested in the case or with the parties on either side.
Read and considered the petition of Berry, complaining that he is aggrieved by a
certain judgment pronounced by the Court of the Town of Bergen between William Sandfordt,
Pltff., and the Petitioner, Deft., on the last, requesting, therefore, that it may be
taken up here in appeal.
Ordered :
Fial mandament in appeal for Thursday, four weeks.
The Schout, Magistrates and Commonalty of the Town of Bergen, complaining, by petition,
that over two years ago a question arose between the Petitioners and their dependent hamlets
of Gemoenepa, Mingaghquu and Pemrepogh respecting the making and maintaining of a
certain common fence to separate the heifers and steers from the milch cows and draft oxen ;
which question was referred, by the late government, to four arbitrators chosen by both sides,
who decided, on the 10"" April, 1G72, according to the certificate produced in Court, which
decision Petitioners allege their constant willingness to obey, but it was at once rejected by
their opponents ; therefore, request they may be ordered to comply with said arbitration, or
show cause for their refusal.
Ordered :
The inhabitants of the hamlets Gemoenepa, Pemrepogh and Mingaghquu are hereby ordered
and commanded promptly to regulate themselves according to the decision of the arbitrators
dated the lO"" April, 1672, or deliver in to the Court of the Governor-General and Council,
within the space of 14 days from the date thereof, any objection they will be able to produce
against that decision.
The Schout and Magistrates of the Town of Bergen, complaining, by petition, that some of
the inhabitants of their dependent hamlets, in disparagement of the previous order of the
Governor-General and Council dated the 24"'' X"'" last, obstinately refuse to pay their quota to
the support of the Precentor and Schoolmaster.
Ordered :
The Governor-General and Council persist in their previous mandate of the 24"" X'^'' last
and order the Schout to proceed to immediate execution against all unwilling debtors.
VOLUME XXIII. 715
At a Council in Fort Willem Hendrick, 26"' May, 1674,
Present — Tiae Governor-General,
Capt° Willem Cnyfl",
Capt° Carel Epensteyn and the rest of the officers.
Capt" Cornells Ewoutse being arrived here this day with his Snow, the Zeehont, reports
having captured on the coast of New England three small new England prizes, to wit: on the
■H- instant, a sloop laden with grain, and on the If instant a sloop and a ketch laden with
tobacco, and hath brought the two sloops in here, and expects the ketch hourly ; says also, he
brought the skippers of all these vessels here, who being sent for and questioned, declare
as follows :
Samuel Woodberry of Swansy, skipper of sloop Swaji declares said sloop to be the property
of himself and John Dixy's widow residing at Swansy ; that he loaded at Milfort and sailed
thence on Thursday the -i% instant for Swansy, and was taken by Capt° Cornells Ewoutsen
near Prudence Island ; declares the account of his cargo is in his chest on board, and guesses
his cargo consists of
700 bushels of wheat,
60 @ 70 bushels of pease,
60 bushels of maize.
Richard Pattishall, skipper of the sloop Egmond and Mattheu, belonging to himself, John
Daffom and Thomas Russel, all residents of Boston, declares he sailed from Virginy, on
Tuesday the i-o instant, and on Wednesday the il instant, was captured by Capt" Cornells
Ewoutse, near the East end of Long Island, and says his cargo consists of
47 hogsheads of tobacco in tubs, and
12 hogsheads loose in bulk.
William Lewis, skipper of the ketch called the Prosperous, belonging to Richard Cuts residing
at Piscattaway, in New England, declares that he sailed from Maryland on the i%- instant for
New England, and that on Wednesday if instant was taken by Capt" Cornelis Ewoutse near
the East end of Long Island, having on board for account of his employers:
50 tubs of tobacco,
70 @ SO bushels of maize,
600 lbs. of old iron,
10 hides.
For himself 7 tubs of tobacco in bulk.
For his crew about 10 tubs of tobacco in bulk,
For John Smith, a passenger, some English goods valued by him at ^40, and rope to the
value of ^10.
For Robert Ydmans, a passenger, his chest and straw bed.
Whereas Capt" Cornelis Ewoutse hath this day brought in here three New England vessels
captured by him on the H" and >! of this month on the coast of New England, which
71G NEW-YORK COLONIAL ISLyTO^SCRIPTS :
vessels and cargoes, according to the declarations of the skippers and merchants of said vessels,
are found to be the property of the subjects of England, at present at open war against our
state, we therefore, by virtue of our commission, do find ourselves obliged to declare all said
three vessels, namely, the sloop Swan, Samuel Woodbridge,' skipper; the sloop nnmed the
Egmont and Mathcw, Pattishall, skipper, and the ketch named the Prosperous, William Lewis,
skipper, with all their cargoes, to be forfeit and confiscate as we do hereby conGscate said three
vessels, with all their sails, anchors, cables, rigging and appurtenances with their cargoes for the
behoof of our Lords Majors, to be disposed of as shall be judged to be most necessary for
the public service. Dated as above.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland, having heard the dispute between
Casper Steynmits, lessee of the public Bouwery situate at Ahasymus, on the one part, and
Claes Jansen and Yde van Vorst, residing at Ahasymus aforesaid on the other, in regard to their
valleys and pasture lands; It is by the Governor-General and Council decreed and ordered,
that Casper Steymits, the lessee, shall be allowed provisionally and until the Governor-General
and Council, either by themselves or their deputies shall have occasion to investigate the
circumstances tiiere, to fence in all the ungranted valley appertaining to Ahasymus, or so much
thereof as he shall have need to use; also Claes Jansen and Yde Cornelissen, are at liberty
to fence in for their particular use all the tillage and valley lands there belonging to them in
lawful property ; in regard to the pasture and woodland of Ahasymus, they remain as
heretofore for common pasturage of the cattle of said parties, and in fencing off the valleys, all
persons are most expressly forbid to set up any fence (on the pasture and woodland).
Mr. Jacques Cortelyou, the surveyor, is hereby required and ordered to set off for tlie
undernamed persons the following lots within this city New Orange, to wit:
For Gerrit Janse Eoos, 1 lot No. 2, situate in the company's garden.
For Willem van Fredenburch, 1 lot No. 1, situate as above.
For Peter Stoutenburgh, 1 lot No. 3.
For George Cobbet, 1 lot No. 4.
For the Lutheran Congregation, 1 lot, No. 5.
For Lodewyck Post, 1 house and lot, situate next the City Hall.
For Ephraim Ilerrman, 1 lot, situate in the Iljoghsiract, behind Lodewyck Post's house.
For Peter de Riemer, 1 house and lot, situate in Wtndehtract.
For Peter Harinse, 1 house and lot, situate in the Smilslracl opposite bastion " Zelandia"
For Marten Janse Meyer, 1 house and lot, situate in the sheep lane {Schape JViy/ie) ;
And the W. Burgomasters of this city are required to deputize some of themselves to point
out said lots, and to assist at the survey.
In a Council at Fort Willem Ilendrick, 5"" June, 1G74.
PuESENT — Governor, Anthony Colve, and
The Council of War.
The Mohawk sachems who left here on the 22"'^ May last, being returned, appear this day in
council, thank the Governor for the late received treatment, and request now that they may be
conveyed back to Fort Nassou in a sloop, which was promised them, and request, furthermore,
' «c.— Ed.
VOLUME XXIII. 717
whereas their nation and all other Indians have been forbidden since sometime back to lodge
in Wiilemstadt, that from now henceforth that they may be allowed to do so, being brethren
of the Dutch; also that some orders may be issued respecting trade, so that they may purchase
as heretofore a coat of duflels for one beaver, and all otlier goods in proportion ; finally
promising at all times to remain faithful to the Dutch as their brethren ; and in order that they
may be stronger, to resist all their enemies, they say, tliat they had removed all their three
Castles now into one Castle; and thereupon present two belts of Wampum.
The Governor answers: They shall be forwarded by the first sloop going to Wiilemstadt,
and a letter also shall be furnished them recommending the Commissaries to exhibit all possible
favor to the Mohawks, as brethren of the Dutch; concerning the dearness of merchandize, that
is caused by the very long war in Europe, but so soon as peace will return, and the Dutch
will receive goods in abundance from Fatherland, then will thsy furnish goods to the Mohawks,
as their brethren, as cheap as it is in any way possible; and thr^reupon they were presented
with three coats of duffels, two cartouches of powder, about 20 lbs. lead, 1 pair of hose, 1 hat,
and departed content.
A a Council, 5"" June, 1674.
Present — Governor Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Mr. Cornells van Ruyven,
Secretary Nicolaes Bayard, assumed Councillors, and
Fiscal Willem Knyff.
On petition of Abraham Frost, the Magistrates of Middelburgh are ordered, if required, to
examine some persons on oath, or else to show cause for refusing.
On petition of Richard Smith against Joseph Smith, requesting to be taken up in appeal,
It is ordered :
Petitioner is directed to express more clearly his meaning in the annexed request.
On petition of William Hailet, requesting that the deed of separation entered into between
him and his wife may be annulled, he being unable to pay her the promised ^15 a year, &c.
Ordered :
The Court of Councillors deputed from the towns of Flushing, Middelborgh, &c., are
recommended to commission some persons to hear the complaints of the Petitioner and the
answer of his wife, and to use all possible efforts to reconcile the parties ; but in case that
cannot be effected, then to report their conclusion and to deliver in writing their action in
the premises.
Timotheus Gabrie, complaining by petition that Jan Janse Veryn refuses to appear here on
the summons served on him, by order of the supreme government, requesting further summons,
It is ordered :
Schout Strycker is hereby directed to have Jan Janse Veryn legally summoned to appear at
the next Court, which shall be held in Fort Willem Hendrick on Thursday, the 14"" instant,
to answer the complaint of Thimotheus Gabrie, on pain of proceeding to judgment by
contumacy.
718 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
Rodger Tounsend, by petition, complaining that the Magistrates of the Town of Weschester
refuse to submit to the award of the arbitrators thereunto appointed by the Governor-General
and Council, &c.
Ordered :
Petitioner is permitted to summon the inhabitants of the Town of Weschester in the case
in question before the Court of this city New Orange, to which the adjudication of this case is
hereby referred.
On the petition of Rodger Tounsend against Joseph Smith,
Ordered :
If Petitioner will come and prove to the W. Court of this city that the Magistrates of the
Town of Weschester are parties in this action, then he is allowed to cause his party to be
summoned before the W. Court aforesaid, to which this cause is then referred.
On petition of Jan Jacobse, soldier, against the Commissioners over the estate of John Rider,
It is ordered :
Petitioner may have his party, who is an inliabitaut of this city, summoned before his
competent judges.
Read and considered the petition of the inhabitants of Mattinekock, in Oysterbay, requesting
that Samuel Andrews and all others be forbid to purchase, to their prejudice, any lands from
the Indians.
Ordered :
Samuel Andrews, and all others on whom these presents shall be served, are hereby
interdicted and forbidden to buy any lands within this Province from the Indians, unless
consent thereunto shall have been previously obtained, on pain as formerly set forth.
Lowies du Bois, Magistrate of the Town of Horly, complaining, by petition, that Roelof
Swartwout is gone to dwell on the Flatland contrary to order, and that two Frenchmen,
residing in the Town of Horly, refuse to take the oath of allegiance.
It is ordered :
In the case of Roelof Swartwout, Petitioner is referred to the Court of deputed Councillors
intheEsopus; as regards the Frenchmen, the Schout shall order them instantly to depart
unless they take the oath of allegiance to the government, and to remain quiet in case of any
attack by their nation.
On petition of Matthew Blanchan, for himself and the inhabitants of Horly, against Roelof
Swartwout, that he may be forbid residing out of the village of Horly,
Ordered :
Petitioners are referred, in regard to these complaints, to the Court of the deputed
Councillors in the Esopus.
On petition of Mathew Blanchan against Schout Isaacq Grevenraat, requesting that he may
be ordered to pay the sum of fl. 102, which he retains from the Petitioner on pretence of
a fine,
Ordered :
Petitioner in this case is referred to the Court of Swanenburgh.
On petition of Mathew Blanchan against Captain Palingh, requesting that the Schout in the
Esopus be ordered to assist him in obtaining his right in the matter of burning a parcel of
reed, &,c.,
VOLUME XXIII. 719
Ordered :
The Petitioner may institute his action herein, against his party, before the Court of the
Town of Swanenburgh.
On petition of Mathew Blanchan against Roelof Swartwout and Secretary La Montagne,
requesting that they may be ordered to appear here before the Governor and Council to
answer the Petitioner's complaint for injury received.
Ordered :
Petitioner may summon his party before his competent judges, and is ordered in future not
to trouble the Governor any more with similar petitions.
On petition of Mathew Blanchan against Schout Grevenraat and Secretary Montagne,
respecting encroachment on his ground,
Ordered :
Petitioner in this case is referred to the Court of Schepens of the Town of Swanenburgh.
On petition of Charles Hill and Anthony Jinckins, requesting leave to come from New
England with a cargo to this government, as peace between Holland and England was now
proclaimed in New England,
Ordered :
Before disposing hereof, Petitioners shall have to prove that peace is proclaimed in New
England, and produce a declaration under the Governor's hand that vessels from this place
shall be at liberty to trade there unobstructed.
Fiscal WiLLEM Knyff, Pltff.,
against
Schout Antony de Millt, Deft.
Pltff. alleges that Deft, used force and violence at the house of Mettie Wessels, &c.
Deft, denies it.
Ordered, that parties on both sides shall bring in their proofs at the next Court.
The Fiscal, Pltff.,
against
Francis Chartee, Deft.
Deft, not appearing in consequence of not being properly summoned, the Pltff. is ordered to
have him summoned de novo.
ll"- June.
Adolph Pieterse is this day authorized to use G,000 feet of 2 inch plank to double the
Surinam.
Whereas, complaints have been made to me that some persons neglect and refuse to pay
Jacob van de Water, the Book-keeper, the hundredth penny, which, pursuant to the Valuation
and subsequent Proclamations dated lO"" February and 17"" March last, was ordered to be
advanced, by way of loan, to defray the expenses already incurred and still to be incurred in
the construction of the fortifications on the Island of Manhatans ; therefore have I deemed it
necessary hereby to order and command the W. Court of this city of N. Orange to proceed to
immediate execution against the persons thus neglecting and refusing, without any distinction.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 12"' June, 1674.
720 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
On petition presented by Thomas Friszel, skipper of tlie sloop St. Katrlna van Bmgge, now
lying ready to sail, logo hence to New England, he is allowed by the Governor-General oCNew
Netherhuid, without any hindrance, to return with his said sloop to this government, provided
he do not break bulk before he shall have made application to the said Governor-General.
Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 13"> June, 1G74.
Whereas, the account between Burgomaster Egidius Luyck and the late Governor, Francis
Lovelace, remains unsettled in consequence of Governor Lovelace's sudden departure;
therefore Mess" Gabriel iMinvielle, Stephanus van Cortlant, and Jacobus van de Water, or any
two of them, are hereby required and authorized to settle and balance said open account with
said Burgomaster Luyck, and to report in the premises as speedily as possible, to the
Governor. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this loth June, 1G74.
At a Council held in Fort Willem Hendrick, la"" June, 1G74.
riJESENT — Governor-General Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Fiscal Willem Knyff, and
Secretary Nicolaes Bayard as assumed Councillors.
Fiscal Wii.LiA.ir Knyff, PltJ)'.
again&t
Fkancis Chartee, Deft.
PltfF. alleges that Deft, did on the 30"' April last, contrary to the proclamations of the
government, sell rum to soldiers; also that Deft, hath made the French soldiers who deserted,
drunk and intoxicated two days before their desertion, &c. Concludes therefore, that Deft.
ought to be condemned in a fine of two hundred guilders in Beaver, and arbitrary correction
with costs.
Deft, admits to have sold rum to the value of twenty guilders, light money, but denies
having been the cause of the French soldiers designing, &c.
The Governor-General and Council having heard parties, condemn Deft, for tapping rum to
soldiers, in a line of one hundred guilders in Beavers, according to the proclamation ;
with costs.
On petition of Lourens Andriese, Samuel Edsal and Dirck Claesen, agents of some hamlets
dependent on the town of Bergen, requesting that the Sellout and Schepens of said towns be
ordered to leave the Petitioners undisturbed, respecting a certain fence in dispute between
them, or to cause the Petitioners to be summoned, and to institute their action in this case,
before the Governor, &c.
Petitioners are again ordered pursuant to the previous instruction, to deliver into Court
within 14 days, their objections in writing to the award given by the arbitrators, on pain of
discontinuance without being heard any more in the premises.
On petition of Lourens Andries and Joost van der Linde, agents for the inhabitants of
Mingagque and Pemrepogh, requesting to be excused from contributing to the support of the
schoolmaster at Bergen, &c.
Ordered :
Copy hereof to be furnished the Magistrates of the town of Bergen, to answer the same.
VOLUME XXIII. 721
Read and considered the petition of Mr. Corneiis van Ruyven, setting forth that by the last
general account closed between the late Governor Lovelace, and the Petitioner as Receiver,
there remains in divers goods and outstanding debts the sum of fl. 41,618.9, and whereas
Petitioner is now on the eve of departing for Patria, therefore requests that some persons may
be appointed to examine the account books and see what persons owe said balance, to declare
their opinion, and award in behoof of the Petitioner, and further that he informed into whose
hands he shall deliver over the books and journals regarding the same, &c.,
Ordered :
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland hereby commission and authorize
Mess" Olof Stevense Cortlant, Gelyn Verplanck, Gabriel Minvielle and Jacob van de Water
or any two of them, to examine said books herein mentioned, and to render a report of their
conclusion, which being done, the Petitioner is ordered to deliver said account books into the
Secretary's office here.
John Archer requesting by petition, that Johannis Vervelen be ordered to hand over to him
(the Petitioner) the books concerning the town of Fordham,
Ordered :
Schout Vervelen is hereby directed to hand over to the Petitioner the books and protocols
properly belonging to him.
TiMOTHEUS GaBRIE, Pllff.,
against
Jan Janse Veryn, Deft.
Deft, setting forth by petition that he is sick, requests therefore delay to appear at the next
Court, which is granted.
On petition of Joost van der Linde, Hendrick Janse Spier, Hendrickde Backer and Harmen
Edewartse, requesting that each of them may be given and granted a piece of ground on
Staten Island at the mouth of the Kill van Koll,
Ordered :
Petitioners are deferred in the matter of their request, to the time of the disposal of lands.
The Fiscal, Pllff.,
against
George Dennis, Deft.
Pltff. alleges that Deft, has been, contrary to the proclamations of the government, to New
England and brought rum from there and landed it at Oysterbay without paying any license;
also landed an anker of rum in Mespaths Kill, and retailed it by the small measure ; therefore
concludes that Deft, ought to be condemned in a fine of twelve hundred guilders in Beaver,
with confiscation of the boat and cargo.
Deft, admits having landed one anker of rum for his own supply in Mespaths Kill, but says
he gave no order to sell it, and denies all further charges brought against him.
The Governor-General and Council, having heard parties, find that the rum brought to
Mespaths Kill was landed and a part sold there contrary to the orders of the government ;
therefore declare said anker of rum confiscate and forfeit for the behoof of the Fiscal, and
dismiss the Fiscal's further demand until he shall produce additional proof, and condemn
Deft, in costs.
Vol. II. 91
722 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
Captain Willem Knyff, Fiscal, ritff..
apainH
Sellout Anthony de Milt.
Pltff. alleges that the Deft, did, on the 21" May last, use force and violence at the house of
Mettle Wessels ; therefore concludes that he ought to be condemned in a fine of fifty Beavers,
with costs.
Deft, denies having used force and violence, but says what he did was done hy order of the
Burgomasters ; requests that PllfT., for his unfounded trouble, may be condemned in a like
fine with costs.
The Governor-General and Council, having heard parties and examined their produced
affidavits, find what the Deft, hath done was according to order ; therefore dismiss PltflT.'s
demand, and, for reasons, divide the costs incurred therein between them.
On the petition of Widow Megapolensis, &c., the following recommendation is granted her :
Whereas we are informed that a considerable sum is yet due to the Widow of deceased D°
Megapolensis and to D* Samuel Megapolensis, late Ministers in this city, both from the city,
and others, for earned salary, requesting that the same may be paid her the earlier because
said Widow is now about to return to Patria ; therefore those of the W. Court of this city are
recommended, on her petition, to examine the justice of said debts, and where the fault lies ;
why said earned salaries are still unpaid, and further, if possible, to devise some expedient
whereby said arrears may be paid and discharged.
Whereas it has been represented to us that the Widow of deceased Dom* Megapolensis and
Dom^ Samuel Megapolensis. late Ministers in this city, have still due to each of them
for earned salary from the Town of Bergen, the sum of fl. 100, Wampum value, requesting
that the same may be paid her, the rather as said Widow is on the eve of going to Patria;
therefore, the Magistrates of the aforesaid Town are, on her presented petition, recommendbd
to use all possible means that said arrears may be forthwith paid and discharged.
Burgomaster Egidius Luyck is hereby required and ordered to demand an account from Jan
Corsen, the steward, of the provisions received by him as steward since the 10"" of October,
167-3, to the 31" of May last, from said Burgomaster Luyck for the use of the garrison; and
further, to settle and close said account with him and thereof to report as soon as possible.
On petition of Daniel Dentom and John Oilman, agents for the inhabitants of the Town of
Piscattaway, at Aghlcr Coll, in regard to some valleys in dispute between them and the Town
of Woodbridge.
Ordered :
The Governor-General and Council decree and direct, that this case in dispute between the
Towns of Piscattaway and Woodbridge, must be decided by the Court of Schout and deputed
Councillors, to whom shall be added some persons in consequence of the present small number
of their Board.
On the petition of the Schout and deputed Councillors of Aghter Coll, requesting further
explanation of the third Article of their Instructions and that some persons may be added to
their Board in order to decide the matter in question between the Towns of Woodbridge
and Piscattaway,
Ordered :
Whereas the question is between two Towns and not between man and man, as mentioned
in the S** Article of the Instruction, therefore said case can be decided only by the Court of
VOLUME XXIII, 723
Sellout and deputed Councillors, to whose number, on the Petitioners' request, shall be added
some more persons for the decision of the case.
Anthony Colve for their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United
Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c., Governor-General
of New Netherland, together with the Council,
To all those who shall see these presents or hear them read, Greeting, make known :
Whereas, we are informed by the Schout and deputed Councillors of the respective towns
situate at AgJiter Coll, that between two of said towns, namely, Piscattaway and Woodbridge,
a difference has arisen in regard to certain valleys in dispute between them, and that process
has issued thereupon before the deputed Councillors aforesaid, who, in consequence of the small
number of their Board, caused by the exclusion of the two Deputies from said interested
towns, they cannot decide said case, requesting therefore that some persons may be added to
their Board for the decision of said question ; therefore the Governor-General and Council
have resolved to add some persons to said Board, and to that end have appointed and qualified,
do hereby appoint and qualify Mr. John Lawrence as President, Mr. Richard Betts, and Mr.
James Hubbert, who are commissioned with the aforesaid Board of Schout and deputed
Councillors, on a certain suitable day to be previously fixed by the Schout, to hold a session
and Court within the jurisdiction of said deputed Councillors, and to debate, examine and
decide the case in dispute between the abovenamed, according to law; and the parties in
question, with their witnesses, and all others whom these may in any wise concern, are
ordered and directed to acknowledge the abovementioned additional members and Councillors,
or any four of them, as their lawful judges, being representatives of the Board of deputed
Councillors of said Towns, and promptly to obey their orders. Done Fort Willem Hendrick,
this l?'" June, 1674.
On petition presented by Mr. Jonathan Silke, he is allowed to come into this government
with his sloop and cargo. Dated as above.
On the petition of Mr. Nathaniel Davenpoort he is, in like manner, allowed and granted to
come personally into and unmolested to depart from this city New Orange.
At a Council in Fort Willem Hendrick, this 21'^' June, 1674.
Present — The Governor-General,
Councillor Cornells Steenwyck,
Mr. Cornells van Ruyven and
Secretary Bayard, as assumed Councillors ; and
Captain Willem KnyfiT, Fiscal.
TiMOTHEUS GaBRIE, Pllff;
against
Jan Jansen Veryn, Deft.
PltfF., entering his demand in writing, which, being read to Richard Stilwel and John
Eraans, Deft.'s attorneys in this case, they answer that the case was decided during the
724 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS :
English government, and produce some papers, which, being read with the Pltff.'s documents,
the Director-General and Council order that copy of the PltfF.'s demand and of the protest
made by Pltff.'s attorney against Hans Aucxbrebis and Abram Wilmerdoncks, be furnished
the Deft, to answer the same at the next Court, which will be on this day fortnight, when the
Deft, is ordered to appear personally to render fuller explanation of the matter.
On application of the Fiscal, requesting that Dirck Gerritse, at present a fugitive from
justice, be summoned by tolling of the bell of this city to answer a certain criminal charge,
Ordered :
Dirck Gerritse is hereby ordered to appear at the next Court here in Fort Willem Hendrick,
which the Fiscal shall cause to be notified, by legal summons to the abovenamed Dirck
Gerritse, or in his absence, at his usual place of residence.
The Fiscal, Pltff.,
against
Anthony Lepinard, Deft.
Pllff., entering his suit, 'tis ordered that he shall prove his instituted demand more fully on
the next Court day.
Mr. Cornelis Steenwyck, setting forth, by petition, that he is greatly aggrieved by the
judgment of the W. Court of this city, dated the 9"" inst., pronounced between the Petitioner
and Jacob Varrevanger, attorney of Poulers Leenderse van de Grift, requesting, therefore,
that the case be carried up in appeal and a mandamus issued accordingly,
Ordered :
Fiat mandament in case of appeal for the next Court on this day fortnight.
Cornelis van Borsim, setting forth, by petition, that he finds himself greatly aggrieved by
the judgment of the W. Court of this city, dated the 16"" instant, pronounced between the
Petitioner and Jacob Teunissen Kay, requesting, for reasons set forth in his petition, that
the case be taken up in appeal,
Ordered :
Fiat mandement in case of appeal.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland having taken up and read the
petition of divers creditors of the West India Company in this country, requesting in substance
that the said Company's estate still in being here may be conveyed and made over to them for
payment, of what is justly due them by the company, &c..
Ordered :
Pursuant to Petitioners' request, the outstanding debts belonging to the West India
Company here, shall be transferred to its creditors in this country, in payment of its just
debts, and the other efltects and real estate heretofore belonging to said Company, shall on
approval of the Lords Majores, remain bound for the effectual payment of said creditors,
whereof order shall be granted for their benefit.
Whereas it is represented to me by petition, and it also doth appear that, by the Capitulation
concluded in the year 1664, on the surrender of this Province of New Netherland, it is
conditioned and agreed, that the West India Company in this country should retain all their
houses, bouweries and other property which at the time were considered sufficient to pay
all its debts here, but is by lapse of time, neglect of collections and departure, death and
impoverishment of many of its debtors, now greatly reduced, so that its estate will in a
VOLUME XXIII. 725
short time come to naught, unless proper order be issued that its debts be collected and paid
without further delay ; therefore have I thought proper, on the petition of divers of the
inliabitants to consent and allow that their just demands shall be satisfied and paid out of
the still outstanding debts of said West India Company as far as they will go, to which end
said debts were transferred and assigned to said creditors of the West India Company, as the
same are hereby for the behoof aforesaid transferred and assigned, also, that tiie houses, lands
and other effects heretofore belonging to the said West India Company in this country, and
still in being, shall with the approbation of the Lords Majores, be and remain unalienably
pledged to the said creditors, until said creditors shall be fully paid and satisfied, and Mr.
Cornells van Ruyven, the late Receiver of the West India Company, is ordered and
commanded to hand over the account books and journals, and other proofs thereto belonging to
Councillor Cornells Steenwyick, Secretary Nicolaes Bayard, and Mr. Jacobus van de Water,
who are hereby authorized to receive said account books, and to hold them in possession and
safe keeping until some Commissioners shall be chosen and appointed by said said creditors,
for the settlement of the books and collection of the debts, to whom the debtors of said West
India Company after due balancing of their accounts, are then ordered promptly to pay their
arrears, on condition that said Commissioners shall be bound to furnish the Governor with
due account, proof and reliqua of their administration when required. Done Fort Willem
Hendrick, in N. Netherland, this 26"" June, 1674.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland having taken up and read the
petition of Richard Pattishall, skipper of the sloop the Egmond and Ma/hew, captured and
brought in here by Capt" Cornells Ewoutsen, requesting in substance that his cargo of tobacco
and other goods may be discharged from said sloop, and he be allowed to make a voyage on
charter with said sloop from here to New England, offering to give sufficient security for the
value of said sloop, &c..
Ordered :
Petitioner is allowed to have the tobacco and other goods discharged from his sloop here,
and to make a voyage hence to N. England with said sloop provided he give sufficient bail to
the satisfaction of the Governor, that said tobacco and other goods shall not be alienated nor
assigned ; also, that in case the Petitioner's said sloop shall be found to be a lawful prize she
shall on demand be delivered free of cost and damage, or the just value thereof on the
award of arbitrators shall be paid to the Governor or whomsoever has his order. Mess"
Christopher Hooglant and Peter Jacobsen Marius, are hereby commissioned and appointed
to make out such valuation. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 27"" June, 1674.
On petition of Cornells van Ruyven, setting forth in substance that in the years 1660 and
1661, he had sold and delivered to the West India Company in this country, for account
of Hobbe Cornelissen Hobbensen, Quiryn van Seventer and Peter van der Meulen, a lot of
merchandise, a balance whereof amounting to the sum of fl.3711: 18 is still due to them,
requesting that in payment of said debt, one of the Company's bouweries may be conveyed to
him on valuation of arbitrators and the balance paid, &c.,
Ordered by the Governor :
Petitioner is referred to the Commissioners who, agreeably to the appointment of the 21"
instant, shall be commissioned to liquidate the West India Company's accounts and pay its
726 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
debts, who are hereby also recommended to afford as much satisfaction as possible to the
Petitioner for the account of his principals, in common with the other creditors.
Oil petition presented by Mr. Cornelis van Ruyven, on behalf of the Widow of dec"* Dom*
Johannis Megapolensis and of Dom* Samuel Megapolensis, requesting that what still is due
them for earned salary both from the West India Company, from tiiis city and the Town of
Bergen, may be ordered to be handed and paid him, &c..
Ordered by the Governor-General of New Netherland :
As regards the claim against the estate of the West India Company, the Petitioner is
referred to the Commissioners appointed on the 21" instant for the settlement of its books and
payment of its debts; regarding the debt of the city and of the Town of Bergen, it is already
recommended to the respective Courts, in order that some means may be found, if possible, to
pay the same.
Anthony Colve, for their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands
and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c.
To all those who shall see these presents or hear them read, Greeting, makes known :
That I, for sufficient reasons me thereunto moving, have, on the petition presented by some
of the good inhabitants of this Province, consented to release and discharge all arrested goods
and effects here being and belonging to the inhabitants of New England, Virginy and
Maryland, as I do hereby release, discharge and set free said goods from such arrest or any
confiscation, with this reserve and express stipulation however, that the governments of New
England, Virginy and Maryland aforesaid, shall reciprocally and in like manner release and
discharge the goods and effects of any inhabitants of this Province seized or arrested by said
governments during the progress of the war. Done Fort Willem Ilendrick, in New
Netherland, this SS"- June, 1G74.
John Berry being already allowed to appeal from the judgment pronounced between him
and William Sandfort, in case of injury by the Court of the Town of Bergen, dated 11" 9'"^'^
last, a mandamus is accordingly this day granted him.
ag"- June.
Mr. Cornelis Steeuwyck being admitted on the 21" instant to appeal from the judgment
pronounced by the Court of this city N. Orange on the 9"" instant, between him and Mr.
Jacob Varrevanger, a mandamus is accordingly this day granted him.
Cornelis van Borsim being admitted on the 2P' instant to appeal from the judgment
pronounced by the Court of this city on the 16"" instant, between him and Jacob Teunissen
Kay, a mandamus is accordingly this day granted him.
Whereas, by the Articles and Proclamations of Peace between the Crown of England and
their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands, published on the G""
of March last at The Hague, it is found that the sloop named the Egmond and Mathew, Richard
Pattesal, skipper, captured by Capt" Cornelis Ewoutse, with his snow called the Zcchont, on
Hd May last, on the coast of New England, must, agreeably to said Treaty of Peace, be
restored to the owners; therefore Capt" Cornelis Evvuulse is hereby ordered and commanded
VOLUME XXIII. 727
said sloop and all its cargo to restore and deliver up to said skipper Richard Patthesal, in such
condition as they were taken by said Capt" Ewoutse, on the date aforesaid. Done Fort
VVillem Hendrick, this 4"" July, 3 674.
Like order is issued for the behoof of Samuel Woodbury, skipper of the sloop Swan, and
William Lewis, skipper of the ketch named the Prosperous.
At a Court held in Fort Wiilera Hendrick, on the 5"" of July, 1G74.
Present — Governor Anthony Colve,
Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck, and
Secretary Nicolaes Bayard, as assumed Councillor.
Thimotheus Gabrie, Pltff.,
against
3kK Jansen Vertn, Deft.
Deft, remaining for the third time in default and presenting an apologetic petition, it is
ordered that in case Deft, shall neglect taking up at the Secretary's office copies of the papers
and answer finally on the next Court day. he shall be pronounced contumacious.
Richard Smith, Pltff.. in appeal,
against
Joseph Smith, Deft.
Pltff. alleges that Deft, hath taken a false oath, making two different affidavits in the case of
the land in dispute between the appellant and the Town of Huntington ; first, declaring that
he paid for the land in question, and afterwards saying that he only meant the valley and
grass ; therefore requests that the judgment of the deputed Councillors, dated last,
pronounced at Jamaico, may be annulled and Deft, be declared a perjurer and condemned in
the costs.
Deft, appearing by his Attorney, Mr. Waters, persists in his declaration made before the
deputed Council, and requests that Pltff. shall be condemned to pay Deft, all costs and damages
for this illegal persecution.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland having heard parties and examined
the produced declarations of the Deft., and other papers and documents pertinent to the case,
find said judgment of deputed Councillors to be valid and legal, it is hereby approved, and the
appellant condemned in the costs incurred herein.
Cornelis van Borsim, Pllff., in appeal,
against
Jacob Teunissen Kay, Deft.
The Appellant rendering his complaint in writing, represents that 'twas not he but the
Deft, who was the first author and instigator of the quarrel betvs^een them, and that his first
witnesses are still ready to confirm, on oath, their original declarations ; therefore maintaining
that, for this and other reasons more fully inserted in his petition of appeal, the judgment of
the Court of this city, dated the 16"' of June last, ought to be annulled, and the conclusion
adopted by the Appellant in his action be adjudged in his favor.
728 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS:
Deft, denies having been the author of the quarrel ; requests that the produced declarations
be examined and investigated, and persists further in his demand and conclusion taken in the
first instance, &c.
The Governor-General and Council of New Netherland having seen and read the documents,
papers and exhibits produced by parties, and the witnesses on both sides being summoned to
Court and again examined, and further having observed, weighed and pondered over whatever
was material, decide that both parties are to blame ; therefore, the judgment pronounced by
the Court of this city, in the case aforesaid, is hereby annulled, and administering justice de
novo, in form as it ought to have been done in the first instance, condemn both parties, each
in a fine of twenty-five guilders, in Beavers, to be applied, one half for the Schout and the
other half for the Church ; with equal share of the costs incurred herein.
T"- July, 1G74.
Read and considered the petition of William Meaker and Thomas Thompson, residents of
Elizabethtown, at Agktcr Coll, complaining that Samuel Moor did, contrary to the order
of the deputed Councillors of AghUr Coll, refuse to deliver up the bail bond executed by
the Petitioners on 26"" June, 1673, to Capt° John Berry, then Deputy Governor, to appear
before the next Bench and there to answer the complaint of Thomas Pardon, &c., requesting,
further, that said Moor may be commanded to comply with the order of the deputed
Councillors, by delivering up said bond.
Ordered :
The Governor-General and Council having seen that Samuel Moor doth, as it appears, in
disparagement of the orders of the deputed Councillors, neglect to deliver up the bail bond
of the Petitioners' to Secretary Samuel Hopkins, Mr. John Ogden, the Schout, is hereby
instructed and commanded to put in immediate execution the said order of the deputed
Councillors against said Samuel Moor, and demand said bail bond, or, in case of further
refusal, to apprehend said Moor and send him a prisoner hither.
On the petition of Daniel Dantom and John Oilman, agents for the Town of Piscatteque,
complaining of the dilatory exceptions made by Samuel Moor and Pike, respecting the
retention of the Petitioners' valleys, request to be maintained in their good right, &c.,
Ordered :
The Petitioners may cite their parties herein before Mess" John Lawrence, Richard Betts
and James Hubbert, and the Court of deputed Councillors appointed by previous commission
to hear and determine the matter in question between the Town of Woodbridge and
Piscatteque. Therefore are the Petitioners again referred to said Court, wliich is hereby
recommended, upon due examination of affairs, to cause quick right and justice to be
administered to parties.
On petition of Richard Smith, complaining that notwithstanding the Governor's order on
Petitioner's request, granted 26"" June last, and the subsequent order of Schout William
Lawrence, the Marshal of the Town of Hemstede, Richard Valentyn by name, to put in
execution the judgment of the deputed Council against Jeremy Wood, asking, " Is it in the
name of the King of England, for I will do nothing in the name of the Prince or of the States
of Holland," &c.,
VOLUME XXIII. 729
Ordered :
Sellout William Lawrence is again ordered and commanded to see, without further delay,
that said judgment of the deputed Councillors against Jeremy Wood be put in execution, and,
in addition, strictly to examine whether the Marshal did utter the seditious words, or words
like those herein stated, in which case said Schout is ordered to arrest said Marshal forthwith
and send him hither properly secured.
Mr. CoRNELis Steknwyck, a PUff., in appeal,
against
Jacob Hendrickse Varrevangek, Deft.
Deft.'s wife delivering in the papers in the case, is ordered to inventory them ; and parties
on both sides, if they wish so to do, are to be allowed to take copies of papers in order to
answer thereunto at the next Court day.
Captain John Berry, Fltff., in appeal,
against
Wm. Sandfort and Schout Claes Arentsen, conjoined Lefts.
Pltff. complains that Defts. have instituted an action against him, before the Court at Bergen,
for carrying off some hogs which he claims to be his own property, and have thereon obtained
judgment, as if he had obtained those hogs in a scandalous manner, by stealing ; requesting,
for reasons more fully set forth in his petition and application for appeal, that judgment of
said Court, pronounced 11"* 2^' last, be annulled, and the Pltff. relieved from this scandalous
action, &c.
Schout Claes Arentsen appearing, answers and requests that Deft, [in the Court below,] be
ordered to prove that they were his hogs ; says further, that the Court aforesaid have not
condemned the Pltff. of theft, but of inconsiderate removal of the hogs, without the consent of
any officer, &c.
Appellant acknowledges having rashly removed said hogs without consent, thinking they
were his own, requests therefore to be excused, &c.
Governor-General and Council having heard parties, and examined and investigated the
papers and documents produced on both sides, declare the Appellant in the case, not guilty of
the suspicion of theft, yet finding that he hath gone too far in the inconsiderate removal of the
hogs, without having previously obtained consent to that effect, and modifying the judgment of
the abovenamed Court, condemn the Appellant herein in a fine of one hundred guilders light
money, with restitution of the removed hogs, on valuation of arbitrators, unless he will within
6 m. be able to prove that they were his own hogs, and pay the costs herein incurred.
On the petition of Joost van der Linde, and Hendrick Spiers, each is allowed a piece of land
for a bouwerie, each piece 2-5 morgens, beginning opposite Schutter's Island, and further
westerly along the Kill van Koll.
Symou Jacobse complaining, by petition, that he is grossly calumniated by the false
accusation of Dirck Gerretse, as if the Petitioner had committed a very shameful and
scandalous action, requesting justice in the case against the accused, &c.
Vol. II. 92
730 NEW- YORK COLONIAL RLANUSCRIPTS :
Ordered :
The Magistrates of the town of Bergen, are ordered legally and publicly to summon Dirck
Gerritse within 14 days, and to proceed against him according to law, on Petitioner's complaint
or else to put their previous judgment against him into execution.
The Governor and Council of New Netherland, having seen the complaint of the town of
Dergen against the inhabitants of the villages of Pemrepogh, Mingagquy, &c., and the answer
given by them, in regard to what the inhabitants of Pemrepogh and Mingagquy aforesaid, owe
for the support of the Schoolmaster, and precentor of the town of Bergen, it is after due
inquiry resolved and ordered, that tiie inhabitants of Pemrepogh and Mingaghquy, shall
promptly pay their share for the support aforesaid, on pain of proceeding against them
with immediate execution.
Abigail Messenger, the deserted wife of Pilchard Dailin, requesting by petition an act of
divorce and separation from her said husband, with permission to remarry, on account that
her husband, according to his own acknowledgment, iiatli broken the marriage ties by
committing adultery, and thereupon has absconded, &c..
Ordered :
Petition is for cause postponed for six months, within which time Petitioner's husband is
ordered to come and purge himself of said charge, or in default, the Petitioner will then be at
liberty to prosecute her suit.
On petition of the Consistory {Kcrckcnraal) of the Dutch Reformed Christian Religion in
New Orange with the Church-wardens {Kerchneesters) of that city, requesting in substance
confirmation to them of the Church standing in Fort Willeni Hendrick, which it was agreed on
the surrender of this Province in the year 1GG4, should witii other public buildings continue to
be employed for the same purpose as they then were used ; as more fully appears by the
S"*" article of the Capitulation,
Ordered :
Flat confirmaiio, and a deed in form shall be granted to the Petitioners in the premises.
Remluiion of (lie States -General.
( From llio Uejjislur of Resolutions of the States-Ocncral, in the Royal ArchlTcs at the Ilagno. ]
Saturday, T"- July, 1674.
Folio 27. Received a letter from the Board of Admiralty, at Amsterdam, written there the
fifth instant, to the effect that Captain Tol's ship was finally ready to convey to New
Netherland, agreeably to their High Mightinesses' resolution of the sixteenth of April last, the
Orders for evacnat- orders for the Bvacuation of the forts, and the restitution of that country to the order
und. *" ° " of thg King of Great Britain, requesting for reasons alleged, that such further
orders to Captain Anthony Colve, Governor in New Netherland, as their High Mightinesses
shall find for the public interest, may be communicated through Captain Toll, who is about to
come before Scheveling to convey their High Mightinesses Commissioners to England ; which,
being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that Captain Anthony Colve, Governor of New
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIV. 731
Netherland aforesaid, shall again be ordered and charged, as he is hereby ordered and
commanded to restore and surrender the aforesaid New Netherland to Edmond Andros, or such
other person as the King of Great Britain shall have deputed for that purpose ; that in case the
abovenamed Edmond Andros should not have as yet have arrived yonder, and no one have
order from the King of Great Britain to receive the aforesaid country, the abovenamed
Governor Colve shall, pursuant to the last treaty concluded with the said King in February last,
and agreeably to their High Mightinesses' aforesaid resolution of the sixteenth of last April,
vacate said New Netherland, and place it, having made an inventory and obtained a receipt,
in the hands of the political government there, to the end that thus possession may be taken
for the behoof of the King of Great Britain. The extract of this their High Mightinesses'
resolution shall be placed by Captain Toll in the hands of said Governor Colve, that he may
punctually regulate himself thereby. In like manner extract of this their High Mightinesses'
resolution shall be sent to their High Mightinesses' Ambassadors Extraordinary, near the King
of Great Britain to communicate it to his Majesty, and to request that some person may be
authorized by his Majesty and sent off without delay, to whom New Netherland aforesaid shall,
agreeably to the abovementioned Treaty, be delivered up and restored, and their High
Mightinesses' said Ambassadors shall state what order his Majesty will have issued on this
head, and extract of this their High Mightinesses' resolution shall also be sent to the Board of
Admiralty at Amsterdam, and the deputed Council at Zealand for their information'.
States -General to the Boards of Admiralty.
[ From the Register of Uitgegane Brieven of tlie States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
To the Board of Admiralty of Zealand, and the Admiralty at Amsterdam.
The States, &c.
Folio 240. Honorable, &c. We have received a letter from the Board of Admiralty at
Amsterdam dated 5"" instant, giving notice that finally Captain Tholl's ship was ready to
capt. Thoii'B ships, convey to New Netherland, pursuant to our resolution of the 16"" April last, the
Netherland. ordcrs for the cvacuation of the forts, and the restitution of that country to
the person empowered or authorized by the King of Great Britain ; and have thereupon
adopted the resolution annexed hereunto, which we have hereby resolved to send you for
your information.
The Hague, 7'" July, 1674.
732 NEW- YORK COLONIAL IVL^NUSCRIPTS.
States-General to Governor Calve.
[ From Iho Register of Uilgcganc Brieven of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hagne. J
The States, &c.
Folio 240. Honorable, &c. On occasion of the receipt of a letter from the Board of
Admiralty at Amsterdam of the 5"^ inst., giving notice of Captain Tol's ship being ready and
Order to New Neth-^'^o"'^ to Sail for New Ncthcrland, we have this day, adopted the accompanying
"'*"''• additional resolution respecting the restoration of said country to the agent or
depHty of the King of Great Britain, which we send you, ordering and commanding you
to regulate yourself precisely according to the tenor thereof, without failing in any particular,
for such is our earnest will and order.
The Hague, V"- July, 1G74.
States -General to Captain Henrick van ThoU.
[ From the Kogifltor of Uitgcganc Brieven of the States-General, in tho Koyal Archives at the Ilaguo. )
The States, &c.
Polio 240. Valiant, &c. Herewith you will find our resolution adopted this day, on the
Neiheriand. ^'^ letter of the Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam of the S"" instant ; also a letter to
Captain Colve, Governor of New Netherland concerning the restitution of said country, to the
agent or attorney of the King of Great Britain, as you have further and more fully to
understand from the foresaid resolution, which we send you, ordering and commanding you
to place the aforesaid letter to said Governor in his hands, that he may regulate himself
punctually thereby.
States -General to the Ambassadors in Mi gland.
[ From the Bcgieter of Uilgegane Brieven of the States-Qeneral, In tho Royal Archives at tho Hague. 1
The States, &c.
Folio 241. Right Honorable, etc. On the letter of the Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam,
Hetherian'd. *" dated the 5"" inst., regarding the readiness of Captain Toll's ship, and her
departure for New Netherland, we have this day, further adopted the accompanying resolution
respecting the restitution of that country to the agent or deputy of the King of Great Britain
agreeably to the tenor of which we request and require you, as far as you are concerned, to
regulate and comport yourself.
The Hague, ?"■ July, 1674.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 733
The Ambassadors at London to the States -General.
( From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague; File, Engeland. ] •
High and Mighty Lords.
My Lords.
After dispatching our letters of the lO"' instant we received your High Mightinesses'
resolution and letter of the 7"" previous, containing your further orders for the evacuation of
New Netherland to be sent thither by the ship commanded by Captain Toll, and instructing us
to communicate the same to the King ; also, to recommend the dispatching of some person
from here for the purpose of receiving the aforesaid Colony, and to inform your High
Mightinesses what order his Majesty will issue thereupon. Immediately after its receipt, we
acquitted ourselves of our aforesaid duty, both to his Majesty and the Duke of York, and
received for answer: That Mr. Andrew is authorized to receive the aforesaid Colony and is
ready to proceed thither in a ship which (as we are elsewhere informed) is about to convey
over, at the same time, a number of new colonists from these parts, and will sail before
the end of this week.
We have also received a letter from the Board of Admiralty in Zealand dated the 6"" instant,
wherein we are informed that Cornells Arentse, a privateer, hath cut out of the harbor of St.
Valery, two English ships which were laden with wine at Bourdeaux, to convey it from one
French harbor to another, and as the privateer, being afterwards met by an English man-of-
war, was brought, with his ship and the aforesaid prizes, into the Downs, we are requested,
for the reasons mentioned in the aforesaid letter, to make the proper application for the
discharge of the aforesaid ship and prizes. We have spoken on the subject to the King, who
admitted it. But as by the nearly constant absence of Secretary Coventry ^ and the other
Ministers who commonly remain at London, we have, in this matter, not yet been able to
effect anything, and, meanwhile, have learned that the aforesaid privateer is accused of having
subjected the Englishmen to torture, to extort from them such declaration as he considered for
his advantage ; and that he is committed to prison on the charge; and this complaint was
communicated to us already ten days ago, by Mr. Coventry, without our having then received
any further information of what hath been done in the case.
We have not concealed from his Majesty that this accusation had come to our ears ; but
have said, that if his Majesty were pleased to allow the proofs to be handed us, good and
prompt justice should be administered. But as the complaints of such odious excesses on the
part of privateers are very frequent, and do no little injury in turning public opinion here and
elsewhere against the State, so it appears that some particular application on the part of your
High Mightinesses is demanded to prevent it. And we see, in the meanwhile, little or no
prospect that inhabitants of England, who are ill-treated after this fashion (if reports be
true), will be sent over to Zealand to obtain justice there. Yet we shall not neglect to use to
the best advantage the reasons submitted to us for that purpose by the Lords of the Admiralty.
Your High Mightinesses will have already received the news brought by letters from the
Indies hither, of the naval engagement in which three of 10 English ships have been captured
by ours, which were far more numerous; but one of those captured, afterwards foundered.
' Supra, p. 664. — Ed.
734 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
The conflict continued hot from morning until evening and was somewhat damaging to those
of the East India Company here. The remaining seven will not be able for several weeks to
reach their usual po.rt here from the place where the battle was fought.
The committee of the Directors of the East India Company have come to London for some
days and have conferred with us yesterday. We expect now, from day to day, your High
Mightinesses' Commissioners to commence the business committed to them.
The Marquis Salvago, Ambassador from the Republic of Genoa to the King of France, has
been since three days at this Court, to deliver a message, thanking this King for his exertions
to settle the differences between France and that Republic.
Wherewith ending, we remain.
High and Mighty Lords,
Your High Mightinesses'
Humble and faithful servants,
(Signed), F. vax Reede,
At Soudtlay house, C. van Beuningen,
near Windsor, the -rr July, 1G74. W. v. Haren.
Hesoluimi of the States- Genei'dl.
[ From the Register of Resolutions of the Statce-Gencral, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. )
Saturday, 21»' July, 1674.
Folio 69. Received a letter from Mess" Van Reede, Van Beuningen and Van Haren, their
Kngiand. High Mightiuesses' Ambassadors Extraordinary to the King of Great Britain.
Kvacuation ofNew a a j o I
jseiiieriand. Written at Soudlay house, near Windsor, the seventeenth instant, in answer to
their High Mightinesses' letter of the seventh previous, concerning the evacuation of New
Netherland, also notifying that the Board of Admiralty in Zealand had informed said
Ambassadors that Cornells Arentse, a privateer, had cut out of the port of St. Valery two
English ships laden with wine at Bourdeaux, to carry it from one French port to another, and
that said privateer was afterwards brought in, with his ship and prizes, to the Downs, by an
English man-of-war, and the accompanying circumstances; which being considered, it is
resolved and concluded that copy of the aforesaid letter be handed to Grand Pensionary
Fagel ' and their High Mightinesses' Deputies for Foreign Afiairs, to inspect, examine and
report on the whole to this Assembly.
' Supra, p. 529. — Ed.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 735
The Amsterdam Board of Admiraltij to the States -General.
[ From the Register of Ingekomcn Brieven of the States-General, in the Royal Archivefl at the Hague. ]
High and Mighty Lords.
Folio 8SS. We are informed that a certain petition had been yesterday presented to your
High Mightinesses by those interested in the little ship Jacol, arrived from New Netherland,
or New York, requesting, for reasons therein set forth, that your High Mightinesses would
decide whether the import duty on the cargo of said vessel should be paid to this Board or to
the West India Company, and that your High Mightinesses had resolved to place the petition
aforesaid in the hands of the Deputies for Naval Affairs, who probably will not deem it proper
to report thereupon before we shall produce the reasons in support of our claim, that the
country is entitled to the aforesaid duty, and not the Company, whose charter is granted for a
future time, and that meanwhile the aforesaid interested will be most seriously prejudiced in
the matter of the discharge of the cargo. We therefore will humbly submit to you. High
and Mighty, in their favor that whilst waiting for a final decision, whether the aforesaid duty
shall be paid for the advantage of the public or the Company, the interested be permitted to
unload on provisionally paying the duty into the counter of the convoy here, subject to your
High Mightinesses' disposition, in order to save the interested from loss by the postponement
of the discharge of the vessel.
Herewith,
High and Mighty Lords, &c..
Your High Mightinesses' most obedient,
Amsterdam, the 6"" October, 1674. The Deputies at the Admiralty.
(Paraphed), J. B. van der Dusse.
Lower: By order of the same.
(Signed), H. de Wildt.
Resolution of the States -General.
t From the Register of Resolntions of the StateB-Qoneral in the Royal Archives at the Dagae. ]
Monday, S" October, 1674.
Folio 416. Received a letter from the Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam, dated the sixth
instant, to the effect that they were informed that on the day before, a certain petition had
been presented to their High Mightinesses by those interested in the little ship
ship Jacob. jj^g Jacoh, arrived from New Netherland or New York. Requesting for the reasons
therein set forth, that their High Mightinesses would decide whether the public import duty on
the cargo of said vessel, should be paid to the aforesaid Board, or to the West India Company,
and that their High Mightinesses had resolved to place the aforesaid petition in the hands of
their Deputies for Naval Affairs, and that they probably will not resolve to report thereupon,
until they of the Admiralty should submit the reasons why they claim that the aforesaid duty
belongs to the public and not to tiie Company, whose charter is granted for a future time.
736 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
And that meanwliile the aforesaid interested parties would be most seriously damaged in the
matter of discharging the cargo. That the abovementioned Board, therefore, would submit to
their Hfgh Mightinesses in their favor that, whilst waiting for a final decision whether the
aforesaid duty shall be paid for the use of the public or the Company, the interested be
permitted to unload on provisionally paying the duty, subject to their High Mightinesses'
decision, into the oflice of convoy at Amsterdam aforesaid, in order to save the interested from
loss by the postponement of the discharge of the vessel ; which, being considered, it is resolved
and concluded that copy of the aforesaid letter shall be sent to the Presiding Chamber
residing at present in the aforesaid city of Amsterdam, to communicate its information to their
High Mightinesses at the earliest on the contents thereof, to the end that when seen here, such
further disposition shall be made thereon, as their High Mightinesses shall deem proper.
States -General to the Cliamljer at Amsterdam.
[ From Iho Register of Uilgeganc Dricvcn of the SlatcsGcncral, in the Royal Archives at the Haguo. ]
Folio 357. Honorable, &c. We send, herewith, copy of the letter of the Board of Admiralty
at Amsterdam, written there on the 6"" instant, concerning those interested in the little vessel
The yami arrived Called the Jacoh and her cargo, with request and nevertheless earnest requisition
from NewNetlier- , , , .,, ^ , . , , , . , • ,- • i
land or New York, and ordcr that you will furnish us, without delay, with your iniormation thereupon,
so that, when seen, we may dispose thereof as we shall deem proper ; wherewith ending,
and looking for the information aforesaid by the first opportunity, we commend you to God's
Holy protection.
The Hague, S'" October, 1G74.
Chamber at Amsterdam to the States -General.
[ From the Original !n the Royal Archives at the Ilaguo ; File West Indie-]
High & Mighty Lords.
Your High Mightinesses' letter of the S"" of October last, being safely come to hand with its
inclosure, which is a letter dated the sixth of that month, written to your High Mightinesses
in the name and on the behalf of the Board of Admiralty in this city, concerning those
interested in the ship the Jacoh, David Jochemse, skipper, arrived from New Netherland or
New York, and specially whether the public import duty of the cargo of the abovementioned
ship should be paid to the said Board, or to the West India Company at the Chamber of this
city. We shall, in obedience to and in fulfillment of your most esteemed jetter, most
respectfully submit, that the Deputies at the Admiralty aforesaid having objected some time
ago and Ai different times, to allow the aforesaid Company such duties as it was competent to
collect and receive agreeably to the respective resolutions, placards and regulations in this
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 737
regard, successively and from time to time adopted and issued by your High Mightinesses,
from and off the goods, wares and merchandize exported and imported to and from the district
included within its Charter, we have been under the necessity, for the maintenance and
preservation of the aforesaid duty, of causing notice to be given to the skipper of the aforesaid
ship, the Jacob, by a notary and witnesses, not to remove a particle of goods from his aforesaid
vessel, neither by means of any entry at the Admiralty aforesaid, nor under any other pretext,
before and until he shall in fact pay to us the proper duties thereunto belonging. We hope
that the reasons and motives which have moved us officially and in duty hereunto, will be
considered so powerful and sufficient that your High Mightinesses will not make any difficulty
to issue such order, and to make such provision, to the end that prompt and full restitution be
made to the Company of what hath already been paid and consigned to the office of the said
Board, both on account of the aforesaid ship, the Jacob, and of other ships.
We do not, High and Mighty Lords, base this, our right, so much on the Charter which you.
High and Mighty, have been pleased to grant to the newly established Company, as, indeed,
on its clear appearance from preceding charters and their successive extensions, and your High
Mightinesses' consequent resolutions and regulations, that as the Company is authorized and
privileged by you. High and Mighty, solely, and to the exclusion of all other inhabitants of
this State, to trade to the kingdoms, countries and places where it has forts, houses or
established trade, it is in like manner competent, furthermore, to receive from the inhabitants
of this country, who are willing to frequent, or trade to any of the further kingdoms, countries
and places above set forth and included in the district of the abovementioned charter, in form
of recognition, the import duty agreeably to the order and to the amount customary in the
case. That, also, the skippers and in their stead, the owners and freighters at the time of
the sailing out and return of the ship, before they load, or break bulk, are bound to apply
to the Chambers or places whence they may have sailed, and that they, under pertinent
specification and signature, must give in the quantity and quality of the goods, wares and
merchandize which they will take along and have traded during the voyage, or may have
taken in on freight. Likewise, that the aforesaid convoy and duty must be paid in kind or in
coin, at the choice of the Company, on pain of pursuing and prosecuting the defaulters and
contraveners thereof, as provided in Article L of the abovementioned Charter. And seeing
that, by the specific distinction of the district and limits of the Charter, it is evident that the
Colony of New Netherland is included in it, and that the export and import duty must be paid
to the Company off the goods conveyed to that Colony and brought back from it hither; and
that the private traders trafficking to this and the other places of the second class must, in this
regard, acknowledge the aforesaid Company, and are bound to pay and give it, for and on
account of the import duty and moreover by form of recognition, an amount equal to their
actual profits in said trade ; Therefore shall we, for these and other additional reasons to be
alleged, if necessary, at the proper time, hope and trust that you will be graciously pleased,
High and Mighty, vigorously to maintain the Company in the rights aforesaid and in the
peaceable possession thereof, and effectually put aside all obstacles, hindrances and opposition
offered and brought forward thereto; and furthermore, enact such law to the end that not the
smallest infraction of the Charter may be committed.
All which we, with due submission, do request that you. High and Mighty, will please to
take into such favorable regard, as the importance and justice of the case and the actual
condition of the Company's affairs, demand. Whereupon relying, we shall willingly leave it
Vol. H. 93
738 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
commended to your High Mightinesses' good and paternal care, for the advancement of the
prosperity of the abovementioned Company; and
Herewith,
High and Mighty Lords,
praying God Almighty, to the end that his Divine Majesty may be pleased to prosper your
High Mightinesses' most renowned government, and to vouchsafe your eminent persons every
holiness and blessing.
We remain your High Mightinesses'
Most obedient and
Most humble servants,
The Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam.
Amsterdam, (Signed), J. Bontemantel,
first November, 1G74. Jacob Pergexs.
Resolution of the States-General,
t B'rom tho Ucgieter of the RcsolutiouB of the StatcB-General, in the Royal Archives at the Ilague. 1
Thursday, G"" December, 1674,
Folio 620. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at
West India Com- ^ ■'
p™j- Amsterdam, written there the first of November last, in answer to their High
Mightinesses' despatch of the eighth of October previous, and accordingly information on the
inclosure, which was copy of a letter from the Board of Admiralty resident at Amsterdam,
David Jochemso. couceming the parties interested in the ship Jacob, David Jochemse, skipper,
Dntiea on ships arrived from New Netherland, or New York, and especially whether the public
cnn>iii(y from New
Kethoriand. import duty ou the cargo of that ship should be paid to the said Board of
Admiralty or to the West India Company ; which being considered, it is resolved and
concluded that the aforesaid letter shall be placed in the hands of Mess" Pompe and other
their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, to examine and
report thereon.
Petition of Dutch Burghers of New-Yorlc to the States- General.
[From tho Original, in Iho Royal Archives at the Ilague; File, Engcland. ]
To the High and Mighty Lords, the States-General of the United Netherlands.
The Dutch nation in New York, heretofore called New Netherland, most humbly showeth :
That this country had been taken by your High Mightinesses' arms, and reduced under your
High Mightinesses' obedience, by Commanders Binckes and Eversen, in the year 1073, during
the war with England. That by Article 6, hereunto annexed, of the Treaty of Peace, which
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIV. 739
was concluded on the -rg February, 1G74, it was agreed : That the islands, cities and harbors,
castles or forts, which the one party will have taken, or will yet take from the other, since the
breaking out of this unfortunate war, whether in Europe or elsewhere, and before the expiration
of the period hereinbefore set down for the cessation of all hostilities, shall be restored to the
former Lord or Proprietor thereof, in the same state and condition as they shall have been, &c.
That, further, Anthony Colye, at that time Governor of the aforesaid country, hath
surrendered the same, by your High Mightinesses' order, to Major Andros, the English
Governor, pursuant to the aforesaid Article of the Treaty of Peace. When they, the
Petitioners, did not doubt but they would remain in the enjoyment of the rights and privileges
which they had possessed, under the government of the English, previous to your High
Mightinesses' occupation, and principally by virtue of the Capitulation hereunto annexed,
which was entered into in the year 1664, on the 27"" of August, old style, before the surrender
to the English Governor, Richard Nicolls, which was also accorded to them, the Petitioners,
by the aforesaid G"" Article of the Treaty of Peace. But they, the Petitioners, to their
profound sorrow, find at present that the aforesaid Governor, Major Andros, does not allow
them, the Petitioners, the enjoyment of the effect of the aforesaid Capitulation, and
consequently also of the B"" Article of the Treaty of Peace, but hath, over and above, laid
before them, the Petitioners, a formula of an Oath he hath drawn up according to his opinion,
and not according to the aforesaid Capitulation. Wherefore they, the Petitioners, have been
necessitated for the maintenance of the privilege which you. High and Mighty, had stipulated
for your subjects there, to postpone the aforesaid oath and, by humble and civil supplication,
to request of the abovementioned Governor, Major Andros, to allow them a proper time to
depart with their families and property, and meanwhile, protection both in their persons
and goods; likewise, free and unmolested, to transport themselves elsewhere, wherever
the opportunity should offer ; they, the Petitioners, promising, on oath, to be faithful to the
aforesaid Governor during their sojourn there, with the exception only of not. being forced to
take up arms against their own nation, as is more fully demonstrated to your High
Mightinesses in the copy of the petition hereunto annexed ; and notwithstanding they, the
Petitioners, considered it their duty to preserve their privilege and concluded Capitulation, and
to demonstrate the same by a most submissive petition to the aforesaid Governor, yet hath he.
Governor Andros, not only illy received, but peremptorily rejected their humble and civil
petition, and denounced them as disturbers of the King's peace, placing them, the Petitioners,
in close confinement, from which they have been released, under bail, and ordering them
to be tried. And in order to communicate this to his Majesty of England, the aforesaid
Governor Andros to that end hath most subtilely (as they, the Petitioners, are for a certainty
informed) dispatched Captain Salsbury to denigrate the Petitioners (as can well be proved) to
bis Royal Majesty, whence nothing is to be foreseen but ruin and destruction to the Petitioners.
Wherefore they find themselves under the necessity of turning to you. High and Mighty,
humbly praying and beseeching you. High and Mighty, to cause information of this matter
to be transmitted to M. Van Beuniugen, Ambassador to his Royal Majesty of England, or to
whomsoever you. High and Mighty, shall consider it proper to refer, to the end that no bad
nor wrong impression of them, the Petitioners, may be conveyed to his Majesty by the
aforesaid Salsbury, Governor Andros' messenger.
And further, that the matter be so directed that they, the Petitioners, may be continued
[in the privileges accorded] by the annexed Capitulation, concluded on the 27"" August, stilo
740 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
veteri, 1674,' between his Majesty of England and your High Mightinesses, and enjoy the
same without being contravened by any contradicting statutes, ordonnances, formulas of oath,
or otherwise ; and principally to order, provisionally, that no prosecutions, punishments, nor
other inconveniences be instituted against them, the Petitioners, by reason of the aforesaid
presented petition.
Which doing, etc.,
(Signed), Cornelius Magistris.'
Appendix:
Articles of Peace and Alliance between England and the United Netherlands,
Anno 1G74.
[ Title only given. ]
Petition of Dutch Burghers of Xew-Yorh.
To the Right Honorable Edmond Andros,' Governor-General over all his Royal Highness's
Territories in America, and his Honor's Council.
Honorable Gentlemen.
We the undersigned, your Honors' subjects and Petitioners, with all due respect represent,
that in obedience to your Proclamation published on Saturday last, giving notice to all persons
who propose remaining residents here, to come and take the oath of allegiance on the ringing
of the town bell, we, with many other inhabitants, presented ourselves yesterday about half an
' Sic.
' Sic. ; but supposed to have been, in the original, "Steenwjck."
'Sir Edmund Andros, Knight, Seigneur of Sausmarez, was born in London 6th December, 1637. His ancestors were
from Northamptonshire. John Androe [or Andrews *], the first of them connected with Guernsey, was Lieutenant to Si'
Peter Meautis, the Governor, and married, in 1543, Judith de Sausmarez, the heiress, who brovight the' fief Sausmarez into
the family. Their son, John, became the King's ward, in the custody of Sir Leonard Chamberlain, the Governor, during a
long minority, and appears as a Jurat of the Royal court at the coming of the Royal Commissioners in 1582. Tlie grandson,
Tliomas, also a Jurat, was Lieutenant-Governor, under Lord Carew, in 1611. Ue married Elizabeth, daughter of Amice
de Carteret, Seigneur of Wiasby Manor in Jersey, and Lieutenant Governor and Bailiff of Guernsey, and had many children,
from whom several branches sprung. Amice, father of Sir Edmund, was the eldest son, and married Elizabeth Stone, sister of
Sir Robert Stone, Knight, Cupbearer to the Queen of Bohemia and captain of a troop of horse in Holland, and was Master
of the Ceremonies to King Charles the First at the time of his eon's birth, who was brought up from a boy in the Royal
family, and in its exile commenced his career of arms in Holland, under Prince Henry of Nassau. Upon the restoration
of Charles the Second in 1660, the inhabitants of Guernsey thought it right to petition for pardon for having submitted to
CromwelL On the 13lh August, an Order in Council was issued granting said pardon, but declaring, at the same time, that
Amice Andros of Sausmarez, Bailiff of said Island, Edmund, his son, and Charles, brother of Amice, had, to their great
* In the parish of Ilarlostono, In Norlbamptonshiro, a family named Andrews, nncienlly eet.iblisbcd there, boars the same arms ns tboso of Androa:
A chevron belweeu throe pelicans vulnlng themselves.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIV. 741
hour after the ringing of the bell at the City Hall, and remained there until each of your
Petitioners undersigned was ordered by the marshal or constable to appear at the meeting of
the Hon'''' Mayor's Court, where by your Honors' special commands we were ordered to
take the oath of allegiance, word for word, as 'twas taken by the inhabitants of Dutch origin,
in the year 1664, on the surrender of this place to his Majesty at the hands of your Honors'
predecessor, Governor R. Nicol, which oath we, each for himself, declared our willingness
solemnly to take and to observe in all its parts, only humbly praying that what the Hon'''* R.
Nicol had declared respecting this oath, by proclamation under his hand and seal, now also
may be confirmed. Namely, that it was by no means the intention of such oath to annul the
Capitulation then so solemnly concluded, signed and sealed; which in our opinion and under
correction of better judgment, is not annulled (gemortlficiert) but rather confirmed, and
strengthened by the sixth article of the peace last concluded between his Majesty of Great
Britain and the States-General of the United Netherlands. Whereupon the Hon''''^ Mayor
replied, that he was ignorant of any such declaration, when an authenticated copy thereof was
produced with further humble request that his Majesty's Hon"''' Court would be graciously
pleased to inform your Honors of the matter in the most friendly manner, and to intercede for
us, your Honor's faithful subjects, that said declaration of your Honor's predecessor, as far as it
concerns your Honor's present subjects, principally in the point of freedom of religion and
pressing in time of war, may in like manner be confirmed by your Honors at the time of
credit during the late Rebellion, continued inviolably faitbful to his Majesty, and, consequently, have no need of being
comprised in the general pardon. To reward his loyalty, Edmund was made Gentleman in Ordinary to Elizabeth Stuart,
Queen of Bohemia, the King's aunt, noted for the vicissitudes of her life, and as having given an heir to the House of Hanover;
her daughter, Princess Sophia, being the mother of George the First. He subsequently distinguished himself in the war
waged by Charles the Second tigainst the Dutch, and which ended in 1667. He married in 1671, Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas
Craven, a sister of Sir W. Craven, of Appletreewick in Yorkshire, and of Combe Abbey in Warwickshire, Knight, heir in
reversion to the Barony of Craven of Hampsted Marshall, which was then held by William, Lord Craven, the most remarkabla
amongst those of his countrymen who chivalrously devoted themselves to the fortunes of the Queen of Bohemia {see her
Memoirs by Miss Benger) ; and in 1672, was commander of the forces in Barbadoes, and had obtained the reputation of
being skilled in American affairs. Under Eoyal warrant to the Master-General of Ordnance, of 2d April in that year, a
regiment of dragoons, raised for the King's cousin. Prince Rupert, was directed to be armed " with the bayonet or great
knife;" this being its first introduction into the English army. Major Audros was promoted to this regiment, and the fonr
Barbadoes companies then under his command, were advanced to be troops of horse in it. {Origin and Services of the
Coldstream Guards, by Col. Mackinnon.) In the same year, the Palatine and proprietors of the Province of Carolina, by
patent in the Latin language, dated 23d April, under their great seal and hands, and making allusion to his services and
merits, conferred on him and his heirs the title and dignity of Landgrave, with four Baronies containing 48,000 acres of land
at a quit-rent of a penny an acre. The distinction bestowed by the proprietors, honorable as it was to him, does not
appear to have been otherwise beneficial ; neither he nor his heirs, it is believed, at any time derived advantage from
the large quantity of land annexed to the dignity. In 1674, on the death of his father, he became Seigneur of the Fiefe
and succeeded to the office of Bailiff of Guernsey, the reversion to which had been granted to him by his Majesty in
the father's lifetime. The same year, the war which had recommenced with the Dutch having terminated, his regiment was
disbanded and he was commissioned by the King to receive New-York and its dependencies, pursuant to the treaty of
peace, and constituted Governor-General of that Province. He arrived in tliis country, accompanied by his wife, on the 1st
of November, 1674, and entered on the government on the 10th of that month. He returned to England in November, 1677,
and was Knighted by Charles the Second in 1678, on the 27th of May of which year he sailed again for New- York in the
ship Blosso7n, Richard Martain, of New England, Master. He was accompanied by his Chaplain, the Reverend Charles Wolley,
A. M. William Piuhorne [post, IIL, 716), James Graham [post, IV., 847), James White, John West [post, III., 667), and
other merchants and factors came passengers in the same vessel, which arrived at New-York on the 7th of August [A Two
years' Journal in New-Yo^-k, by Rev. 6'[/iaWfs] W[olley'\, A. M. : London, 1701), when Sir Edmond resumed his government,
the affairs of which he continued to administer until January, 1681, { N. S.), when ha repaired by order to England, and in
1682 was sworn Gentleman of the King's Privy Chamber. In the following year, the Island of Alderney was granted to
him and Lady Mary Andro?, for ninety-nine years, at a rent of thirteen shillings, and in 1685 he was made Colonel in her
Eoyal Highness Princess Anne of Denmark's regiment of horse. In 1686, James the Second appointed him Governor, Captain,
742 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
administering tlie oatli. Flereupon, having been dismissed by the Court, we were yesterday,
by your Honors' order, summoned personally before your Honors, and appeared accordingly;
when you were pleased again to require from us, your humble servants, the same oath taken
to your Honors' predecessors, which we heartily declared ourselves willing to take, only
requesting your Honors' confirmation of said declaration, so far as it concerned any of the
Petitioners, as already stated, or otherwise, that we were willing to take the oath of allegiance
to your Honors, the same as exacted by the late Dutch government from the inhabitants of the
English nation, which last request your Honors then declared that you would take into
consideration. Your undersigned subjects and Petitioners were thereby induced to hope that
your Honors would favorably entertain and grant said request. But to our utter grief and
hearty regret, you were pleased to summon the undersigned again before the Council, and to
refuse to realize our hope and expectation, and to persist in your previous resolution, that we
should take the ordained oath ; looking upon us further as mutinous, because we in obeying
your Honors' proclamation have had the misfortune to have been the first summoned to the
Council. We hereby honestly declare that we went thither without any other intention than
to obey your Honors' order, as already stated, not doubting that your Petitioners would so far
intercede on taking the ordained oath, that Governor NicoU's declaration would be confirmed
by your Honors, so far as your Petitioners were concerned, the rather as we, each for
himself, offered to make it clear that we religiously and uprightly observed, fulfilled and kept
General anJ Viee-Acimirul of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New Plymouth and certain dependent territories, and
60on afterwards, in addition, of Rhode Island and of Connecticut successively, comprehending the whole of New England,
lie arrived at Nantasket in the Kingfisher, 50, on the 19th December, 1GS6, and was received, a few days after, iu Boston
"with great acclamation of juj-." {Cunbrilge Almxnac, 10S7 ) On the 7th April, 1688, Xcw-Tork and New Jersey were
placed under his jurisdiction. In the month of September following he held a Treaty with the Five Nations of Indians at
Albany, and a few weeks after returned to Boston where he had the misfortune to lose his wife in the forepart of the follow-
ing year. Her Ladyship was buried by torchlight, the corpse having been carried from the Governor's residence to the
South church, in a hearse drawn by six horses, attended by a suitable guard of honor. In the administration of his govern-
ment, for the particulars of which we refer to the several histories of the New England Colonies, Governor Andres failed not
to become unpopular, and on the 18th April, 1089, shortly after the receipt of the news of the Revolution, he was deposed
and imprisoned, and sent back to England in 1690. Ho continued, notwithstanding, in the favor of the Court, and in 1G92
William the Third preferred him to the governorship of Virginia, to which was adjoined that of Maryland. Governor
Andros brought over to Virginia tlie Charter of William and Mary's College, of which he laid the foundation. He also
encouraged manufactures and the cultivation of Cotton in that Colony, regulated the Secretary's office, where he commanded
all the public papers and records to be sorted and kept in order, and when the State House was burnt, had them carefully
preserved and again sorted and registered. By these and other commendable acts, he succeeded in gaining the esteem of
the people, and in all likelihood would have been still more useful to the Colony had his stay been longer, but his adminis-
tration closed in November, 1698. Beverly's Virginia, I., 37; Oldmixon, I., 390-398. In 1704, under Queen Anne, he was
extraordinarily distinguished by having the government of Guernsey bestowed upon him, which he held for two years; he
continued BailifT until his death, and was empowered to appoint his Lieutenant-BailifT, who was likewise authorized to
name a deputy. Sir Edmund Andros was married three times. The second wife was of the family of Crispe, which, like
his own, had been attached to the Royal house in its necessities. He closed his eventful life in the parish of St. Anne,
■Westminster, without issue, in February, 1713 (0. S.), in his 70th year. He was succeeded, as BailifT, by his nephew, John
Andros, who, from liis marriage with Elizabeth, heiress of Sir Edmund's first cousin, Charles Andros, was also at the same
time Seigneur d'Anneville, and by purchase from whose ?on, Charles Andros, 1748, Sausmarez returned to a possessor of the
original name, by whose descendants it is now held. The fief d'Anneville, which was first acquired iu 1659, by the marriage
of Clutrles Andros, uncle of Sir Edmund, with Alice, daughter and sole heiress of Thomas Fachion, still continues in the
family, of which one branch only is now remaining. To this branch belonged Charles Andros, many years Lieutenant-BailifT,
who died in 1805 without issue male, the maternal grandfather of John Guille, the present Lieutonant-BailiiT. Duncan's
History of Guernsey, 1841; 588-590: London; Berry's Hittory of Guernsey, 4to (1816), 107, 108, 138, 197, 215, 292;
Collins' Peerage, Art. "Ckavkn;" New-York Oouncil Minutes; Biogr-tjh'<-it Dictionary of llie Society for the Promotion of
Utcful Knowledge, Verbo ; Upland Records, by Edward Armstrong, E;q., in Pennsylvania Historical Collections, VII. — En.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIV. 743
the oath formerly taken and afterwards de novo ordered, in all its parts, clauses and points.
Wherefore we your Honors' Petitioners again make so bold as humbly to request your Honors
to be pleased again to take the aforesaid into your wise consideration and deliberation, so as to
graciously allow your Petitioners, for reasons and motives hereinbefore alleged, to enjoy
the right of exemption from being impressed, agreeably to the aforesaid Capitulation and the
subsequent declaration of your Honors' predecessor, Nicol. Hereby once more declaring and
offering to take, and religiously to observe the ordained oath, otherwise praying to be allowed
to give satisfaction with the oath taken to the Dutch government here by the inhabitants of the
English nation at the time of the last war, intimating in all parts full obedience except alone not
to be forced to take up arms against any native Dutch nation, if acting under commission from
the State, in case of war, which God prevent ; hoping and praying that we, your Petitioners,
may not in our consciences be pressed to abjure all natural affection towards our own nation,
but that your Honors, out of consideration as aforesaid, will be pleased to be satisfied with
the Christian oath, the same as your Petitioners have taken and subscribed to your predecessor,
when you will find that the more we now object to swearing lightly what nature and love for
our own nation forbid, so much the more shall we strive to keep sacred what we have sworn.
But in case it turn out, contrary to hope, that your Honors would not be pleased graciously
and favorably to consider this our humble petition, we, your Petitioners, are conscientiously
necessitated to request your grace and favor graciously to grant and allow us, the Petitioners,
a proper and suitable time to dispose of as much as is possible of our estates and to remove
elsewhere with our substance and families, during which time the Petitioners humbly
requesting your Honors' letters of protection for person, condition and property, with further
consent to proceed and transport free and unmolested whithersoever our occasions will
demand; promising and offering on oath to be faithful to your Honors' government during
our sojourn here, with the above exception only, not to be forced to take up arms against our
own nation. Which doing, we shall remain, honorable gentlemen,
Your Honors'
Faithful subjects and servants,
(Signed), Cornelis Steenwyck,
JOHANNIS VAN BrUGH,
New-York, Johannis de Peyster,
le"- March, A" 167^. N. Bayard,
Jacob Kip,
E. LUYCK,
W. Beeckman,
(Indorsed): Anth. de Milt.'
Petition of
the Dutch Nation
in New-York, heretofore
called New Netherland.
' Thia Dutch MS. appears to be a translation from the English. The documeut, of which this is a transcript, is very much
broken in style and language, and not free from errors, de Ztcaan.
744 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Articles of the Surrender of New Netherland ; 27"" August, Old Style, A" 1664.
Simon Gilde van Barop, Captain of the ship Gidion, coming from the Menates, or New
Amsterdam, in New Netherland, reports that New Netherland was surrendered, by agreement,
to the English, without any opposition, on the S'' of September, New Style, on the following
Conditions :
[ For these Conditions, see supra, p. 250. ]
Resolution of tlie States- General.
[ From the Eogister of Resolutions of the States-Gcueral, in the BojeiI Archives at the Ilftgue. )
Saturday, 12* October, 1675.
Fouo 876. Read to the Assembly the petition from the Dutch nation in New York, heretofore
Dutch Nation In Called Ncw Netherland, complaining that the Governor, Major Andros, does not
New Netherland, ' r o > j
or New York, allow them to cnjoy the benefit of the Capitulation, entered into on the 27"' of
Ajndros. August, iu the year 1664, old style, before the surrender to the English Governor,
Richard Nicolls, and consequently also of the e"" Article of Peace, lately concluded on the
T^gth February, 1674, with the King of Great Britain ; but, in addition thereto, proposed to
them a form of an oath drawn up according to his opinion, and not agreeably to the aforesaid
Capitulation. That, having presented a most submissive petition on this point to the
abovenamed Governor, he not only took their just supplication ill but utterly rejected it;
declared them disturbers of the King's peace, and ordered them into close confinement, from
which they were afterwards released on bail ; but directed that they should be put on their
trial. And that the aforesaid Governor had dispatched Captain Calsbury to England, to inform
the King of Great Britain thereof. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that
the aforesaid petition and documents exhibited in its support, shall be sent to M. van
Beuningen,' their High Mightinesses' Ambassador near the King of Great Britain, requesting,
requiring and commanding hira so to direct the affair that the Petitioners may be continued
and maintained in the aforesaid Capitulation, and enjoy its effect without being obstructed by
any conflicting statutes, ordonnances, forms of oath, &c.; and principally, in the meanwhile,
the Petitioners be not subjected to any prosecutions, punishments, or other penal proceedings,
by reason of the presented and rejected petition.
^ Supra, ■p. 850. — Ed.
'' HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 745
States -General to Ambassador Van Beiiningen.
[ From tlie Kegiatcr of Uilgegane Drieven of the Statee-Goneral, in the Eoyal Archives at the Hague. ]
The States, &c.
Dat/^NatTot in HoDorable, &c. You will be able, circumstantially, to understand, from the
New York. annexed petition and the papers thereunto annexed, what the Dutch nation in
Complaints against t^t -.y- t i
Governor Andros. Ncw York, heretofore called New Netherland, have complained of to us and have
requested regarding the proceedings commenced and instituted against them by Major Andros,
the Governor there ; which petition and papers we transmit you, to the end, as more fully
expressed in our accompanying resolution, according to the tenor of which we require and
command you to regulate and comport yourself.
The Hague, 12'" October, 1675.
< 1 1 » II >
Ambassador Van Beuningeri to tlie Secretary of the States -General.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague; File, Engetand. ]
Sir.
Since the dispatch of my last letter to you of the -^2 instant, I have received their High
Mightinesses' resolution of the t^V of last month, whereby I am ordered to do everything in
my power to secure a favorable hearing for the humble petition of the Dutch nation of New
York, to be maintained in the capitulation under which they have first placed themselves under
the obedience of this King. I shall obey it, as in duty bound, and shall report my success to
their High Mightinesses.
The Lower House has been occupied these three days past on the subject of the building of
20 ships of war, regulating their size and the sum demanded for the building aforesaid. On
the day before yesterday, it was resolved that 1 ship of the first class of 1,400 tons, five of the
second of 1,100 tons, and 14 of the third of 900 tons, being all of 60 guns and upwards,
should be constructed, and that 14 pounds sterling should be furnished for each ton of the first
class; 12J pounds sterling for each ton of the 2"* class, and 10 pounds sterling for each ton of
the 3"^ class, making, in all, 202,300 pounds sterling. Yesterday, on resuming and further
considering whether all ship equipments must be included in the construction, it was finally
understood that a supply not exceeding 300,000 pounds sterling shall be voted for building
and equipping said ships.
A bill for the recall of the English troops in the French service, was read again.
Also, for the exclusion of Papists from both Houses, and preventing the illegal imprisonment
of subjects of the kingdom.
But the consideration of the trade with France is again postponed until to-morrow, when
will likewise be considered the importation of Irish cloths, which have a somewhat free sale
here, contrary to the maxim : as much as possible not to admit into England any other than
English manufactures.
Vol. H. 94
746 NEW- YORK COLONIAL ^LA:^^USCRIPTS.
In the Upper House, the Lords continue busy with their deliberations on the Judicature, on
which they were engaged yesterday, from the morning until 6 o'clock in the evening, and
resolved to admit and to hear the appellant, Doctor Sherley, against it on the 20"", old style.
Letters from Jamaica state that Holy Trinity harbor, on the Island of Cuba, has been
plundered, and it is supposed that the English, under a commission from the King of France,
have had something to do with it.
A considerable party having marched out of the garrison of Tangier, on a raid aniong the
cattle in the low land, were attacked by the Moors and forced to retire with a loss of about
one hundred men, which is unpleasant news, as it is feared that it will dispel the hope that
was entertained of making a peace with those of Morocco.
The King is to intercede with the Emperor, at the request of the Bishop of Strasburg, for the
release of Prince William of Furstenbergh, whenever it can be done without wounding
the Imperial authority, on condition of the King of France abstaining from his claim. Mr.
Shelton, a Lord of his Majesty's chamber, is to be named for this commission. His Majesty is
also to endeavor to bring about a peace between France and Hamburgh.
Wherewith 1 remain,
Sir,
Your most obedient and
Westminster, Most humble servant,
i^th November, 1675. (Signed), C. van Beuningen.
West India Company to the States -General.
[ Prom the Original, in Iho Royal Archives at the Hague ; File, West Indie. ]
To the High and Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands.
High and Mighty Lords.
The attending committee of the Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company
of this country find themselves under the necessity of remonstrating to you. High and Mighty,
in the name of their principals, that although the Charter granted to said Company on the
20"" of September of the year 1675, clearly directs that private merchants frequenting with
their ships, and trading to, any places within the limits of the abovenamed Charter included
within the second class, are previously bound to acknowledge said Company by payment of
duty both in going out and in coming back, and especially that from this principle, goods
conveyed to or brought from New Netherland owe to the Company three per cent. The Board
at Amsterdam, by their resolution of the 10"" of this current month of December, have,
however, been pleased to understand that before the aforesaid three per cent is received by
the Company, they would demand further explanation from your High Mightinesses on that
point, because the ships trade indirectly from here to New Netherland aforesaid ; and going
and coming, or at one of both times, touch at England and clear there ( being in fact nothing
less than paying customs) to proceed thither; according to the words of the aforesaid
resolution. And whereas that cannot prejudice the aforesaid Company in its aforesaid right,
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIV. 747
being only a domestic order which the King of Great Britain hath long exercised in his
kingdom, namely: that all such ships must enter and clear there before they can be privileged
to prosecute such voyage. And if such were the case, the aforesaid Company would be
thereby deprived of a considerable part of its privilege in case other places or kingdoms
should also make similar orders. That your High Mightinesses, being well aware of the fact
at the time of the granting of said Charter, have, irrespective thereof, graciously been pleased
to allow the Company such duties and at the same time to promise to maintain it both in this
and in all other privileges and rights ; therefore the Directors abovenamed hereby most
humbly request you, High and Mighty, to the end that it may be your pleasure to make known
to the said Board, and if need be, also to the other respective Boards of Admiralty, by a special
and further communication, what your High Mightinesses' intention and meaning are on the
aforesaid point. Although (under correction) it is of itself sufficiently clear and evident,
namely, that, irrespective of the hereinbefore mooted obstacles, the aforesaid Company is
competent and qualified to draw, raise and receive the aforesaid three per cent on goods
exported and imported respectively, agreeably to the abovementioned Charter.
Which doing, &c.
In the name of the Directors aforesaid,
( Signed ), Quina.
(Indorsed):
Remonstrance
of the
West India Company,
21" December, 1675.
Resolution of tlie States -General.
[ From the Eegister of Resolutions of the States-General, In the Eoyal Archives at the Hague. ]
Saturday, 21" December, 1675.
Folio 654. The Remonstrance of the attending committee of the Directors of the General
piny, ^toee*^p"r Incorporated West India Company being read to the Assembly, touching the
going" 'to° ^Tnd three per cent which the goods sent to New Netherland and brought thence hith-^r,
coming from New ^ ,..-,^ ■ ■ r -i ^■^ ■
Netherland. are bound to pay to the aforesaid Company, it is, after dehberation, resolved to
transmit copy of the aforesaid Remonstrance to the Deputies from the Province of Holland
and Westfriesland, to be communicated to their principals.
748 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
liesolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of ReflolutionB of tLo States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Saturday, 26"" September, 1676.
Folio 25C. rpi^g Remonstrance presented to their Hisrh Mightinesses by the Directors of the
West India Com- ^ o o j
pany ^^^^^^ General Incorporated West India Company of this country, on the last,
I^Bttniam!"^ "' being again brought before the Assembly, complaining that the Admiralty Board
at Amsterdam claimed that the aforesaid Company was not entitled to draw the three per
Three per cent off ^^'^^ which the goods to be conveycd to New Netherland and brought thence, are
NetKaudTy way bouud to pay to the aforesaid Company, agreeably to the Charter granted to the
of England. aforcsaid Company, except when the goods aforesaid are sent in directly from here
to }\ew Netherland or thence hither, but happen to be conveyed by way of England to New
Netherland aforesaid, or brought thence byway of England here. And that the aforesaid Charter
distinctly empowering said Company to collect the aforesaid three per cent inditferently, they,
the Directors, request to be therein maintained; which being considered, it is resolved and
concluded that said Company shall be maintained by their High Mightinesses in their aforesaid
Charter, and the respective Boards of Admiralty, and namely the Board of Admiralty at
Amsterdam shall be notified to allow the aforesaid Company to enjoy the three per cent,
which the goods sent to New Netherland and brought thence hither, are bound to pay to the
aforesaid Company according to the Charter aforesaid, both whenever the aforesaid goods are
sent directly hence to New Netherland aforesaid or thence hither, as well as whenever they
happen to be conveyed by way of England to New Netherland, or be brought thence by way
of England hither.
The States -General to the Boards of Admiralty.
[ From the Register of Uitgcgune Bricven of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
TuE States, &c.
Folio 244. Honorable, &c. In our Assembly this day was again broughtup, the Remonstrance
heretofore presented to us by the Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company
of this country, complaining of the pretension set up by the Board of Admiralty at
. „ Amsterdam, respecting the collection of the three per cent which the goods
Three per cent off ' r o r o
"rjf,"v NclhSd conveyed to New Netherland and brought thence hither, are bound to pay to
and tiioneo iiitiior. ^^^ aforesaid Company according to its Charter, we have thereupon adopted the
accompanying resolution which we send you, requiring you to regulate and comport yourselves
according to its tenor, as far as you are concerned.
The Hague, Se"- September, 1676.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 749
We-si India Company to tlie States -General.
[From tlio Original, in the Royal Archives at the Ilaguo ; File, West Indie. 1
High and Mighty Lords.
Although your High Mightinesses have by your resolution of the 26"' September, of the last
year 1676, determined and decided that this West India Company should continue to collect
and enjoy the duties which the goods conveyed to and from New Netherland, is bound to pay
to said Company according to its Charter, both whenever they are sent directly hence to New
Netherland aforesaid and thence hither, and whenever they come to be conveyed by way of
England to New Netherland aforesaid, or are brought thence by way of England hither. Yet
such is the case, that the Boards of Admiralty have been pleased up to this time to let said
resolution remain a dead letter, and cause some difficulty in the matter to the Company which
being prevented receiving the aforesaid duties to its serious loss, and contrary to your High
Mightinesses' good intention, we find ourselves again necessitated to request and supplicate
your High Mightinesses to be graciously pleased again to notify and order the said Boards of
Admiralty that they would allow the Company to enjoy the effect of the aforesaid resolution,
without further hindrance or obstruction and, as its clear text comports, accordingly cause
restitution of what might have been meanwhile received from the aforesaid source. We
declaring hereby, for the removal of all difficulties which the aforesaid Boards of Admiralty
could or might make in and about the execution of the aforesaid resolution, and which have
been the cause that the Company has remained so long deprived of the right confirmed to its
behoof by said resolution, and for the full tranquillizing of those Boards, that we are ready to
allow all such orders or regulations as you, High and Mighty in your wisdom and discretion
will in the premises enact, to be punctually enforced and observed in the respective chambers.
Wherewith ending,
High and Mighty Lords,
We shall pray God Almighty to bless, more and more, your High Mightinesses' persons and
laudable government; and remain
Your High Mightinesses'
Most obedient and faithful servants.
The Committee of Directors from the respective Chambers
of the General Dutch Incorporated West India Company,
at the Assembly of The Ten.
(Signed), Nicolaus van Beeck,
Jan van Ekpecum,
Johan van de Porle,
Adr. Boot,
Amsterdam, IS"" May, 1677. Joan van Broecke.
750 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
He-solution of the States -General.
[ From tlio Register of Resolutions of the States-General, in tho Royal Archives at the Hagtic.]
Friday, 14"' May, 1077.
Folio 411. Received a letter from the Committee from the Directors of the respective
West Indies. Chambers of the General Incorporated West India Company, at the Assembly of
The Ten, written at Amsterdam the thirteenth instant; setting forth, among other things, that
Puties on gooJs to although their High Mightinesses, by their resolution of the twenty-sixth
nnil from New
Nethcriand. September of the last year, 167G, did resolve and conclude that the aforesaid
West India Company should continue to collect and receive the former duties, which goods
conveyed to J\ew Netherland and thence again here are bound, by the Charter, to pay
said Company, as well whenever the aforesaid goods will be sent hence direct to New
Netherland aforesaid, or thence hither, as when they happen to be shipped by way of England
to New Netherland, or from the latter country, by way of England, hither ; yet the Boards of
Admiralty have allowed said resolutions to lie without any effect up to this time, and to
interpose some difficulty in the Company's way, which is prevented receiving the aforesaid
duties, to its serious loss and contrary to their High Mightinesses' good intention. Which
being considered, it is resolved and concluded that copy of the aforesaid letter shall be sent to
all the Boards of Admiralty, who shall be written to again, and seriously and earnestly
requested and required to allow the said Incorporated West India Company the full effect of
the aforesaid, their High Mightinesses' resolution of the six and twentieth September, 1676,
without further let or hindrance, as the te.xt also clearly implies, and consequently make
restitution of what they might have received in the mean time from that source.
States -General to tlie Boards of Admiralty.
t From tho Register of Uitgegane Bricven of the StatcB-General, in the Royal Archives at the nagno. ]
The States, etc.
Folio 118. Honorable, &c. We have received a letter from the Committee of the Directors of
the respective Chambers of the General Incorporated West India Company, at the Assembly
of The Ten, of the IS"" instant, concerning the collection and receipt of the duties which the
Duty on goods goods shipped to New Netherland, and transmitted thence back hither, are
Kwhrrrand," and bound to pay to Said Company, pursuant to Charter, so and in such manner as in
the aforesaid letter is more fully expressed, and thereupon have adopted the
accompanying resolution, which, with the copy of the aforesaid letter, we transmit you, with
serious and earnest requisition to regulate and conform yourselves precisely according to the
tenor of the aforesaid resolution, as far as you are concerned.
The Hague, ll"" May, 1677.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV. 751
Maaze Cliamher of tlie West India Comjyany to the States -General.
{ From the Original, in the Royal Arcbivea at the Ilague; File, West Indie. ]
To the High and Mighty Lords, States-General of the United Netherlands.
The Directors of the Incorporated New West India Company, Chamber of the Maaze,
respectfully represent :
That, although no person is privileged to frequent the coasts within their jurisdiction
except by the Petitioners' previous consent and passport, who are qualified thereunto by your
High Mightinesses' Charter, Article 1 ; yet the General of the Board of Admiralty at the
Maaze, maintains that such does not apply to persons residing in other kingdoms, which must
be to the profit of said Board of Admiralty, as the aforesaid Charter to the Petitioners
applies only to your High Mightinesses' subjects, notwithstanding said Charter was granted
generally ; and the General also disputes the payment of the duty and convoy money {veyl
gelden) on the ships and goods imported from the Virginias ; thus trying to deprive the
Petitioners of what fairly belongs to them, and to debar them from such right as is granted
them, the Petitioners, by the aforesaid Charter and resolution, notwithstanding you. High
and Mighty, have, by resolution dated the Id"" May, 1677, been pleased to grant them, the
Petitioners, the receipt of the duties and convoy money of goods coming from New Netherland,
which borders on the Virginias, being an island. And as the Petitioners believe, since they
oppose him, the General in the matters aforesaid, that he will, by petition or otherwise,
address himself to you. High and Mighty, and endeavor to obtain a resolution or order
prejudicial to your Petitioners, they request, in case the General aforesaid happen to apply,
or hath already applied to you. High and Mighty, that your High Mightinesses will please not
to dispose of his petition until the Petitioners be previously heard.
This doing, etc.,
(Indorsed): (Signed), Pieter Willmenhall.
Petition.
The Directors of the Incorporated New
West India Company, Chamber at
the Maaze, 24"" June, 1677.
■ «♦«■»
Resolution of the States -General.
[From the Register of Resolntions of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague.]
Thursday, 24'" June, 1677.
Folio 536. rpj^g petition of the Directors of the Incorporated New West India Company,
West India Com- „,, ,,, ,.,,1/-, • /-, ir j
pany. Chamber at the Maaze, on and against the Commissary-General ot convoys and
licenses, at present residing at Rotterdam, concerning the trade to the Virginias and the
Dot on the paymeut of the duties and convoy money on the ships and merchandise coming
Virginia trade. thcncc hither. It is after deliberation held as antidotical, to be attended to at its
proper time.
752
NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Petition of the Mercliants trading to Keio Netlierland.
[ From the Original, in the Royal Archives at the Hague ; File, West Indi''. ]
To their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands.
The undersigned persons, all trading to New Netherland, respectfully show:
That the commerce to that quarter is burlhened by the Incorporated West India Company
of this country wilh such high duties, that they are greatly incommoded in consequence. And
whereas this ought not to be, especially where the merchants must run, in this sorrowful
season of war, very great risls. with their goods, and said Company although thereunto
requested, manifests no moderation therein up to the present time, the Petitioners find
themselves necessitated to apply to you. High and Mighty Lords, humbly requesting you,
High and Mighty, to be pleased to apply such redress in favor and for the encouragement of
trade as you, in your wisdom, will find to appertain.
This doing, &c.
(Signed), Abel de Wolff,
PlETER VAX WeRCHOVEN,
Jan Sybing,
J. B. VAN Rensselaer,
Jan IIend. van Bael,
CORNELIS JaCOBZ MoOY,
Nicolaes Gouverneur,
]\P)s TEN BrOUK,
David Couterier,
Gerart Hamel, 1G77
HiERONYMUS van DiLSEN,
( Indorsed ) : Fran(^ois Hooglandt.
Petition
for the
Merchants to
New Netherland,
T7
1677.
Resohition of the States-General.
(.From the Register of Reaolutiona of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Monday, 12 July, 1677.
Read at the Assembly the petition of divers persons all trading to New
Netherland, showing that the trade to those parts is burthened by the Incorporated
wcir'india West India Company of this country, with such duties as greatly to embarrass
them. It is after deliberation resolved and concluded, that copy of the aforesaid
petition shall be transmitted to the Presiding chamber of the abovenamed West India Company
for information.
Folio 26.
Traders to New
Netherland
Th.
Company.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: XIV. 753
States -General to the West India Company.
[ From the Register of Vitgtgane Brieven of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
The States, &c.
Folio 161. Honorable, &c. Divers persons, all trading to N. Netherland, have represented
Traders to New i_ • ■ i i , ,
Netherland. to US by petition that the trade to that quarter was burthened by the Incorporated
West India Company of this country, with such heavy duty as seriously to embarrass them,
as you can more fully and circumstantially perceive from the aforesaid petition accompanying
this. We therefore request you to communicate your information thereupon to us as early as
possible. Wherewith ending, etc.
The Hague, IS'"" July, 1677.
Chamber at Amsterdam to the States- General.
( From the Original.'in the Royal Archives at the Hague; File, West Indie.']
High and Mighty Lords.
From your High Mightinesses' esteemed despatch, dated the 12"" July last, and the
accompanying petition presented to your High Mightinesses by or on the behalf of divers
mercliants trading to New Netherland and the Virginias, respectively, we have seen their
request, tending to obtain some modification or diminution of the duties wherewith the trade
to that quarter is incumbered. As you. High and Mighty, have been pleased to require our
information and advice before the same is disposed of, we shall, in obedience and in fulfillment
thereof, humbly say:
That we can well conceive that the duty paid to the Company on the goods which are
conveyed to New Netherland and the Virginias, respectively, and thence hither, is somewhat
high, and therefore we may permit that some moderate change be made in it. But we have
hereby to request you. High and Mighty, before disposing hereof, to forward the opinions the
abovementioned traders may entertain, respecting the aforesaid diminution, to this Presiding
Chamber, in order to be able further to communicate to you, High and Mighty, our information
and advice. The aforesaid petition is returned inclosed.
Herewith ending.
High and Mighty Lords,
We shall pray God Almighty, &c..
The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam.
( Signed ), Paulus Godin.
Amsterdam, 16"" November, 1677. Nicolas van Beeck.
Vol. II. 95
754 NEW- YORK COLONIAL RL-VNUSCRIPTS.
Mesolutiori of the States -General.
[From the ReglBter of the ResolutionB of tho States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Ha^e. ]
Monday, 22'' November, 1677.
Folio 4S0. Received a letter from the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company,
West India Com- Chamber at Amsterdam, written there the sixteenth instant, in answer to their
Modiflcation of the High Mightinesses' despatch of the twelfth July last, and the accompanying
dere *io""ihc " v"." petition, presented to their High Mightinesses by or on the behalf of divers
piniaa aud New -^t twt i
Netheriand. merchants trading to New Netherland and the Virginias, respectively, to obtain
some modification or diminution of the duties, wherewith the trade to those parts is burthened.
Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded, before proceeding any further herein,
that the abovementioned merchants trading to New Netherland and the Virginias, respectively,
shall have to deliver, in writing, to their High Mightinesses, the opinions the Petitioners may
entertain concerning the aforesaid diminution, to be transmitted to said presiding Chamber,
to the end that said Chamber may be then better able further to communicate its information
and opinion to their High Mightinesses thereupon.
Resolution of the States-Genercd.
( From the Regieter of the Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal Archiycs at the Hagtie.]
Friday, 14"" January, 1678.
Foiio48. Read at the meeting the further petition of the merchants trading to New
West India Com- ivr ,i , . , , t. . . , . , . . ,
pany. Netherland and Virginia, relative to their request, previously presented on the
ihe^duti'cs" for th^o twelfth of July last, to obtain some modification or diminution of the duties
traders to Uew , -lUiLij i -ii ■■ ..
ijetheriand. wtierewith the trade to those parts is burthened, containing, in compliance with
their High Mightinesses' resolution of the 22^ November, 1G77, the opinions which they, the
Petitioners, entertain respecting the aforesaid diminution. Which being considered, it is
resolved and concluded that copy of the aforesaid further petition shall be sent to the presiding
Chamber of the Incorporated West India Company, at Amsterdam, in order to let their High
Mightinesses receive their information and advice, as in the present instance, concerning it.
Folio 13.
Traders to K
ew
States -General to the Chamher at Amsterdam.
I From tho Register of Uilgtgane Drieren of the States-General, in tho Royal Archives at the Hague. 1
The States, &c.
Honorable, &c. We have resolved to send you herewith the additional petition
vir^ii!"'' "'^ presented to-day to us, by the merchants trading to New Netherland aud Virginia
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : XIV, 755
relative to their previous request, presented on the 12"' July last, to obtain some modification
or diminution of the duties wherewith the trade to those parts is burthened, and containing
further, in fulfillment of our resolution of the 23"* November last, their opinions on the aforesaid
diminution ; requesting you to communicate your information and opinion thereupon to us.
Wherewith, etc.
The Hague, 14'" January, 1678.
Chamber at Amsterdam to the States -General.
[ From the Original in the Eoyal Archives at the Hague ; File, Wes< /ndi'e. ]
High and Mighty Lords.
Agreeably and in obedience to your High Mightinesses' most esteemed dispatch of the 14""
instant, wherein you are pleased to require our information and advice on the additional
petition given in on the same day to you. High and Mighty, by or on the part of divers
merchants trading to New Netherland and Virginia, relative to the previous one presented
on the la"" of July last, to obtain some modification or diminution of the duty, wherewith
the trade to that quarter is burthened. We shall with all respect say, that we do not oppose the
petition, but can well see, with submission to your High Mightinesses' most wise considerations
and better knowledge, that said duties may be provisionally modified and regulated in manner as
requested in the aforesaid petition, namely: That from all goods, wares and merchandize
shipped for New Netherland and the Virginias, and coming from that country hither, there be
paid to this Company two per cent ai valorem,, the peltries alone excepted from which
should be paid only one per cent ai valorem ; further, that from the tobacco in ordinary tubs
weighing four hundred pounds gross, may be paid thirty stivers the tub. This then being
our information on the request made in the aforesaid petition, we will hope and trust that you,
you. High and Mighty, will have the goodness to pay attention to it and to make arrangements
accordingly, comporting with the interests and advancement of trade. The aforesaid petition
petition is returned enclosed.
Wherewith ending.
High and Mighty Lords,
We shall pray God Almighty, &c.
The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, at the presiding Chamber.
(Signed), Francois de Vicq,
Amsterdam 25 January, 1677.* Gasper PELLicoitNE.
' Sie. — Ed.
756 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.
Hesolution of the States -General.
[ From the Register of Resolutions of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Wednesday, SG'" January, 1G78.
Folio 77. Received a letter from the Directors of tiie Incorporated West India Company,
West India Com-
pany- presiding Chamber at Amsterdam, written there the 25"" instant, containing in
compliance with their High Mightinesses' despatch of the 14"' instant, information and advice
on the further petition delivered in to their High Mightinesses the same day, by or on the
behalf of divers merchants, trading to New Netherland and Virginia, relative to their previous
request presented on the twelfth of July last, to obtain some modification or diminution of the
Dui on the New "^"'y whercwith the trade to those parts is encumbered. Which being considered,
Neiheriand trade. ^ jg resolvcd and concluded, that the aforesaid duty shall be, as it is hereby,
provisionally modified and regulated, agreeably to the aforesaid information and advice of the
aforesaid Presiding Chamber of the West India Company; namely, that from all goods, wares
and merchandize sent to New Netherland and Virginia, and coming thence hither, there shall
be paid to the said Incorporated West India Company, two per cent ad valorem, except that
from peltries alone shall be paid one per cent ad valorem; further, that from tobacco in
ordinary tubs, weighing four hundred pounds gross, shall be paid thirty stivers per tub.
Extract hereof shall be transmitted to the abovenamed Presiding Chamber of the Incorporated
West India Company for information, and to serve furthermore as to the same may appertain.
States -General to the Presiding Chaniber of the West India Company.
I From the Register of Uitgegane Brieven of the States-General, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
The States, &c.
Folio 20. Honorable, &c. We have received your letter of the 25"' instant, being an
"nc'w N^iherhind ^nswer to our letter of the 14"" previous, and agreeably thereto information and
und the Virginias, ^dvicc ou the further petition presented to us on the same day by, or on the
behalf of, divers merchants trading to New Netherland and the Virginias, to obtain some
Diminution of the modification or diminution of the duties wherewith the trade to those parts is
the 'trade* i^'lhole burthened ; and thereupon have adopted the accompanying resolution which we
par SIS un ena . j-^jj^gp^jj jg y^y f^^ y^yj. information and to serve further as to the same may
appertain. Wherewith, &c.
The Hague, 26'" January, 1678.
APPENDIX.
The highly interesting Tract, a copy of which follows, ha3 recently been printed for private distribution, by the Honorable
Henby C. Mdbfht, United States Minister at The Hague. — Ed.
THE rmST MINISTER
DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH m THE UNITED STATES.
There has just appeared in the Kerk-historisch Archief, a work published periodi-
cally at Amsterdam, one of those interesting fragments, which the researches of the
curious into the history of the settlement of the United States are constantly bringing,
for the first time, to light. It is a letter of Jonas Michaelius, who may now be called
the first minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in the United States, written at
Manhatas in New Netherland on the 11"" of August 1628, and communicated to the
work above mentioned, with such notices of the life of the writer, as existing materials
permit, by Mr. J. J. Bodel Nijenhuis ; who deserves well of Americans, and especially
of New Yorkers, for the zeal which prompted him to rescue this waif from oblivion,
and for the industry which he has exhibited in collecting as far as possible the events
in the life of the missionary. "We are now carried back five years earlier in the
history of the regular ministration of the Gospel in New- York, and are enabled to
add one more to the list of clergymen of the Dutch Reformed Church in America,
one who, by his attainments and his holy zeal, as well as the high respect with which
he was regarded by his learned brethren in Holland, is not unworthy to take his
place at the head of the roll of that learned and pious body.
This letter is addressed to Dom. Adrianus Smoutius, minister of the Dutch
Reformed Church at Amsterdam. It was found among the pajjers of the late Jacobus
Koning, clerk of the fom-th judicial district of Amsterdam. Further than this its
history is unknown ; but as Mr. Bodel Nijenhuis justly observes, it is imdoubtedly
to the importance of its contents that we are indebted for its preservation. Of the
author, however, some few incidents interesting both as connected with his life and
confirmatory of the claim now established in his behalf, have been discovered.
They sei-ve to excite om- wonder that no intimation of his ministry and residence at
New-Amsterdam has ever before been given. From the researches of Mr. Bodel
Nijenhuis we learn that Jonas Michaelius was born in the year 1577 in North-
760 APPENDIX.
Holland and was educated contemporaneously with Jacob Cats and Ger. Joli. Vossius
at the celebrated University of Leyden, in which as appears by its records, he was
entered as student of Divinity on the 9"" of September 1600. He was settled as
minister at Nieuwbokswoude in North-Holland in 1612 and two years later at Hem,
in the same neighborhood. In 1624 he was, on the conquest of St. Salvador from
the Portuguese to the Dutch arms by Peter Heyn in that year, established as a
minister there ; but on the recovery of that place by the Portuguese in the following
year, he left for Guinea and became the minister at the fort there, then recently
taken from the Portuguese. He returned to Holland in 1627 and in January
following, as his letter states, embarked with his wife and three childi-en for New
Netherland. He was then over fifty years of age. How long after writing his
letter he remained in New Netherland is not known. He appears however in 1637
and 1638 to have been again in Amsterdam, when he was requested by the Classis
of Amsterdam to return as minister to New Netherland. This he consented to do
and the Classis directed an application to be made to the West India Company to
send him out. This was refused after some months delay for reasons which do not
appear. Whether his advanced age, or the additional expense which the Company
would incur, or what other reason caused the rejection of the application, is not
known ; the confidence which he had of the Classis of Amsterdam shows it must
have been some special reason not affecting his standing as a minister. There is
what appeai-s to us an important fact in the register of these proceedings of the
Classis of Amsterdam. Michaelius is there styled " late minister in Virginia,"
(gewezen predikant in Virginia), a cu'cumstance not important, as Mr. Bodel
Nijenhuis intimates, because it may thence be infen-ed that he emigrated from New
Netherland to Virginia, for there is no possible reason why he should go there as a
'■^minister'" where neither the Dutch nor the French language was spoken; but as
confirming the authenticity of the letter itself, which otherwise stands wholly unsup-
ported by other testimony. It shows that Michaelius had been in North-America as
a minister, and the fact that he is mentioned as of Virginia, proves nothing more,
taken in connection with the letter, than that the Registrar who penned the minute,
had in his mind the idea, which prevailed at that time throughout Europe, and which
assigned the general name of Virginia to all that portion of North-America lying
between Florida on the South and New France on the North, and embracing the
colonies of New-England, New-Netherland and Maryland, as well as the particidar
colony of Virginia.
There is, however, in the letter itself abundant intrinsic evidence of its authenticity.
The nationality of the first adventurers, Walloons as well as Dutch ; the jilace of
the former residence in Europe of the Governor, Minuit ; the war between the
Mohawks and the Mohicans, are all stated incidentally in such a manner, that, being
at the same time consistent with the facts kno-s\Ti from other sources, they leave no
reasonable ground for doubt, even without the i-ecognition of the ministry of Sir.
APPENDIX. 761
Michaelius In New-Netherland by the note of the Registrar in the Ada Classicalia,
of its truth.
This letter, of which a faithful translation into English is now offered, possesses a
peculiar interest independently of its importance in connection with the history of
the Church. With the exception of Isaac de Rasieres' letters to Governor Bradford,
of New-Pl}Tnouth, and to Mr. Blommaert, of Amsterdam, it is the only letter extant,
within our knowledge, written during the first years of the settlement of New- York
by any of the adventurers. Wliile New-England is rich in this kind of material for
its history, New- York is, with these exceptions, entirely barren. We read with
interest the picture which the writer draws of the privations of the first settlers of
New-Anisterdam, of their first cultivation of the land, of the productions of the
country, and of the manners and language of the Indians, from all which the reader
will derive the means of no unprofitable reflection.
HEN. C. MURPHY.
The Hague, April 1, 1858.
Vol. II. 96
REVEREND JONAS MICHAELIUS TO THE REVEREND ADRIANUS SMOUTIUS.
Honorable Sir, Well-beloved Brother in Christ, Kind Friend!
DE VREDE CHRISTi:
The favorable opportunity, which now presents itself of writing to you, Right
Reverend Six-, I cannot let pass, without embraciug it, according to my promise. And
I first unburden myself in this communication of a sorrowful circumstance. It has
pleased the Lord, seven weeks after we arrived in this covmtry, to take from me my
good partner, who has been to me for more than sixteen years, a virtuous, faithful
and in every respect amiable yoke-fellow, and I find myself with three children very
much discommoded, without her society and assistance. But what have I to say \
The Lord himself has done this, in which no one can oppose Him. Wherefore I
should also be willing, knowing that all things must work together for good to those
who love God. I hope therefore to bear my cross patiently, and by the grace and
help of the Lord, not to let the courage fail me which I stand in need of in my
particular duties.
The voyage contimied long, namely, from the 24"" of January till the 7"" of April,
when we first set our foot upon this land. Of storm and tempest we have had no
lack, particularly about the Bermudas and the rough coasts of this country, the
which fell hard upon the good wife and children, but they bore it better as regards
sea-sickness and fear, than I had expected. Our fare in the ship was very poor and
scanty, so that my blessed wife and children, not eating with us in the cabin, on
account of the little room in it, had a worse lot than the sailors themselves ; and
that by reason of a wicked cook who annoyed them in every way ; but especially
by reason of the captain himself who, although I frequently complained of it in
the most courteous manner, did not concern himself in the least, about coiTCcting the
rascal : nor did he, even when they were all sick, give them any thing which could
do them any good, although there was enough in the ship ; though he himself knew
very well where to find it in ordei', out of meal times, to fill his own belly. All the
relief which he gave us, consisted merely in liberal promises, with a drunken head,
which promises nothing followed when he was sober, but a sour face, and thus has
he played the bi-ute against the officers and kept himself constantly to the wine, both
at sea and especially here in the [North] river; so that he has navigated the ship
764 APPENDIX.
daily witli a wet sail and an empty head, coming ashore seldom to the Council and
never to tlie public Divine Service. We bore all witli silence on board the ship ; but
it o-rieves me, Avlien I think of it, on account of my wife ; the more, because she Avas
placed as she was, — not knowing whether she was pregnant, and because the time
was so short which she had yet to live. In my fii-st voyage ( * ) I travelled nmch
with him, yea, lodged in the same hut, but never knew that he was such a brute and
di-unkard. But he was then under the direction of Mr. Lam, and now he had the
principal direction himself. I have also written to Mr. God}Ti about it, considering
it necessary that it should be known.
Om* coming here was agreeable to all, and I hope, by the grace of the Lord, that
my services will not be unfruitful. The people, for the most part, are all free, some-
what rough, and loose, but I find in most all of them both love and respect towards
me ; two things with which hitherto the Lord has every where graciously blessed my
labors, and which will produce us fruit in our special calling, as you, Right Reverend,
yourself, well know and find.
We have first established the fonn of a chm'ch (gemeeute); and, as Brother
Bastiaen Crol very seldom comes down fi-om Fort Orange, because the directorship
of that fort and the trade there is committed to him, it has been thought best to
choose two Elders for my assistance and for the proper consideration of all such
ecclesiastical matters as might occur, intending the coming year, if the Lord pei-mit,
to let one of them retire, and to choose another in his place fii'om a double numlDer
first lawfully presented by the congregation. One of those whom we have now
chosen is the Honorable Director himself, and the other is the store-keeper of tho
Company, Jan Huyghen, his brother-in-law, persons of very good character, as far
as I have been able to learn ; having both been formerly in ofiice in the church, the
one as Deacon and the other as Elder in the Dutch and French churches, respectively,
at Wesel.
We have had at the first administration of the Lord's Supper full fifty communi-
cants— not without great joy and comfort for so many — Walloons and Dutch ; of
whom, a portion made their first confession of the faith before us, and others exhibited
their cluu-ch certificates. Others had forgotten to bring their certificates with them,
not thinking that a chm-ch would be formed and established here ; and some, who
brought them, had lost them unfortunately in a general conflagration, but they were
admitted upon the satisfactory testimony of others to whom they were known and
also upon their daily good deportment, since we cannot observe strictly all the usual
formalities in making a beginning under such circumstances.
We administer the Holy Sacrament of the Lord once in four months, provisionally
until a larger number of people shall otherwise require. The Walloons and French
have no service on Sundays, otherwise that in the Dutch language, of which they
(♦) To Brazil.
APPENDIX. 765
understand very little. A portion of tlie Walloons are going back to Fatherland,
either because their years here are expired, or also because some are not very service-
able to the Company. Some of them live far away and could not come on account
of the heavy rains and storms, so that it was neither ad\asable, nor was it possible,
to appoint any special service for so small a number with so much uncertainty.
Nevertheless, the Lord's Supper was administered to them in the French language
and according to the French mode, with a preceding discourse, which I had before
me in writing, as I could not trust myself extemporaneously. If in this and in other
matters you, Right Reverend, and the Reverend Brothers of the Consistories, who
have special superintendence over us here ( * ), deem it necessary to bestow upon us
any correction, instruction or good advice, it will be agreeable to us and we will
thank you. Right Reverend, therefor ; since we must have no other object than the
glory of God in the building up of his kingdom and the salvation of many souls.
I keep myself as far as practicable within the pale of my calling, wherein I find
myself sufficiently occupied. And although our small consistory, embraces at the
most — when Brother Crol is down here, — not more than four persons, all of whom,
myself alone excepted, have also public business to attend to, I still hope to separate
carefully the ecclesiastical from the civil matters, which occur, so that each one will
be occupied with his own subject. And though many things are mixti generis, and
political and ecclesiastical persons can greatly assist each other, nevertheless the
matters and offices tending together mixst not be mixed but kept separate, in order to
prevent all confusion and disorder. As the Council of this place consists of good
people, who are, however, for the most part simple and have little experience in
public affairs, I would have little objection to sei-ve them in any serious or dubious
affixb with good advice, provided I considered myself capable and my advice should
be asked ; in which case I suppose that I would not do amiss, or be suspected by
any one of being a iroX-.Tr^^ayjxwv or aXXo'r^ioe7r!o'xoiros.(f )
In my opinion, it is very expedient that the Lords Managers of this place should
furnish plain and precise instructions to their Governors that they may distinctly
know how to regulate themselves hi all difficult occurrences and events in public
matters ; and at the same time that I should have all such Acta Synodalia, as are
adopted in the Synods of Holland, both the special ones relating to this region
and those which are provincial and national, in relation to ecclesiastical points of
difficulty, or at least such of them as in the judgment of the Reverend Brothers at
Amsterdam would be most likely to present themselves to us here. In the mean
time I hope matters will go well here, if only on both sides we do the best in all
sincerity and honest zeal ; whereto I have from the first entirely devoted myself, and
wherein I have also hitherto, by the grace of God, had no just cause to complain of
any one. And if any dubious matters of importance happen to me, and especially
( * ) Named at the end of the letter.
( f ) A busy-body, or Meddler in other people's affairs.
766 APPENDIX.
if they will admit of any delay, I will api)ly to the Reverend Brothers for good and
prudent advice, to which I have already wholly commended myself.
As to the natives of this country I find them entirely savage and wild, sti'angers
to all decency, yea, imcivil and stupid as posts, proficient in all wickedness and
godlessness, devilish men, who serve nobody but the Devil, that is the spirit, which,
in their language, they call Manctto : under which title they comprehend every thing
that is subtle and crafty and beyond human skill and power. They have so mucb
witchcraft, divination, sorcery and wicked tricks that they cannot be held in by any
bands or locks, They are as thievish and treacherous as they are tall ; and in
cruelty they are more inhuman than the people of Barbary and far exceed the
Africans. I have written concerning these things to several persons elsewhere, not
doubting that Brother Crol will have written sufficient to you. Right Reverend, or
to the Lords Managers thereof ; as also of the base treachery and the mvu-ders which
the Mohicans at the upper part of this River, against fort Orange, had committed ;
but their misfortune is by the gracious interposition of the Lord, for our good ; who
when it pleases Him knows how to pour unexpectedly natural impulses into these
unnatural men in order to hinder their designs. How these people can best be
led to the ti-ue knowledge of God and of the Mediator Christ, is hard to sav. I
cannot myself wonder enougli who it is who has imposed so much upon you. Right
Reverend, and many others in Fatherland concerning the docility of these people
and their good nature, the proper principia religionis and vestigia legis nalurce which
should be among them ; in whom I have as yet been able to discover hardly a single
good point, except that they do not speak so jeeringly and so scoffingly of the
godlike and glorious majesty of their Creator, as the Africans dare to do. But it is
because they have no certain knowledge of Him, or scarcely any. If we speak to
them of God, it appears to them like a di-eam : and we are compelled to speak of
Him not under the name of Menotto, whom they know and serve, — for that would
be blasphemy, — but imder that of some gi-eat persons, yea, of the Chiefs Sackiema, —
by which name they, — living without a king, — call those who have the command
over any hundreds among them and who by our people are called Sackemakers, the
which their people hearing, some will begin to mutter and shake their heads as of a
silly fable, and others in order to express regard and friendship to such a proposition,
will say Oriih, that is, good. Now, by what means are we to make an im-oad or
practicable breach for the salvation of this people 1 I take the liberty on this point
of enlarging somewhat to you, Right Reverend.
Their language which is the fii'st thing to be employed with them, methinks is
entirely peculiar. Many of our common people call it an easy language, which is
soon learned, but I am of a contraiy opinion. For those who can imderstand their
words to some extent and repeat them, fail greatly in the pronmiciation and speak a
broken language, like the language of Ashdod. For these people have difficult
aspirates and many guttural letters which are formed more in the throat than by the
APPENDIX. 767
mouth, teeth and lips, which our people not being accustomed to, guess at by means
of their signs, and then imagine that they have accompHshed something wonderful-
It is true, one can learn as much as is sufficient for the purposes of trading, but this
occurs almost as much by signs with the thumb and fingers as by speaking ; which
could not be done in religious matters. It also seems to us that they rather design to
conceal their language from us than to properly communicate it, except in things
which happen in daily trade ; saying that it is sufficient for us to understand them
in those : and then they speak only half their reasons, with shortened words ; a^d
fi-equently call a dozen things and even more by one name ; and all things which
have only a rude resemblance to each other they frequently call by the same name.
In truth it is a made up childish language : so that even those who can best of
all speak with the Indians and get along well in trade, are nevertheless wholly
in the dark and bewildered when they hear the Indians speaking with each other
by themselves.
Let us then leave the parents in then* condition and begin with the children who
are still young. So it should be. But they must be separated in youth from their
parents, yea, from their whole nation. For, without this, they would be as much
given as their parents to heathenish tricks and deviltries, wliichare kneaded naturally
in their hearts by themselves through a just judgment of God ; so that having once
obtained deep root, by habit, they can with difficulty be wholly eradicated therefrom.
But this separation is hard to efi'ect ; for the parents have a strong aff"ection for their
children and are very loth to part with them : and, when they are separated from
them, — as we have already had proof, — the parents are never contented, but take
them away stealthily or induce them to run away themselves. Nevertheless we
must, — although it would be attended with some expense, — obtain the children
through a sense of gratitude on the part of theh parents and with their consent, by
means of presents and promises ; in order to place them under the instruction of
some experienced and godly schoolmaster, where they may be instructed not only
to speak, read and write in our language, but also especially in the fundamentals of
of om- Clu-istian religion, and where, besides, they will see nothing but good examples
and virtuous lives ; but they must speak their native tongue sometimes among them-
selves in order not to forget it, as being evidently a principal means of spreading the
knowledge of Religion through the whole nation. In the meantime it must not be
forgotten to pray to the Lord, with ardent and continual prayers, for his blessing,
Wlio can make things which are unseen to be quickly and conveniently seen. Who
gives life to the dead, calls as nothing that which is, and being ricli in mercy has
pity on whom He will : as He has compassionated our people to be his people, when
vre before were not pitied and were not his people, and has washed us clean, sanctified
us and justified us, when we were covered all over with all manner of corruption,
calling us to the blessed knowledge of his Son and from the power of darkness to
his marvellous light. And this I regard so much the more necessary as the wrath
768 APPENDIX.
and malediction of God, which have been fovxnd to rest upon this miserable people
hitherto, are the more severe. May God have mercy upon them finall}", that the
fulness of the heathen may be gradually accomplished and the salvation of our God
may be here also seen among these wild and savage men. I hope to keep a watchful
eye over these people and to learn as much of then- language as will be practicable,
and to seek better oppoi-tunities for their instruction than hitherto it has been possible
to find.
As to what concerns myself and my household : I find myself by the loss of my
good and helping partner very much hindered and distressed, — for my two little
daughters are yet small ; maidsei-\'ants are not here to be had, at least none whom
they advise me to take ; and the Angola slaves are thievish, lazy and useless trash.
The young man whom I took with me, I discharged after Whitsuntide, for the reason
that I could not employ him out of doors at any working of the land and, in doors,
he was a burden to me instead of an assistance. He is now elsewhere at ser\dce
with the boers.
The promise which the Lords Masters of the Company had made me of some
acres or surveyed lands for me to make myself a home, instead of a free table which
otherwise belonged to me, is wholly of no avail. For their Honors well know that
there are no horses, cows nor laborers to be obtained here for money. Every one is
short in these particulars and wants more. The expense would not trouble me, if an
opportunity oidy offered, as it would be for our own accommodation, although there
were no profit from it (save that the Honorable Managers owe me as much as the
value of a free table) ; for there is here no refreshment of butter, milk, etc., to be
obtained, although a very high price be offered for them ; for the people who bring
them and bespeak them are suspicious of each other. So I will be compelled to pass,
through the winter without butter and other necessaries wliich the ships did not bring
with them to be sold here. The rations, which are given out and charged for high
enough, are all hard stale food, as they are used to on board ship, and freqv;ently
this is not veiy good, and there cannot be obtained as much of it as may be desired.
I began to get some strength through the grace of the Lord, but in consequence of
this hard fare of beans and grey peas, which are hai'd enough, barley, stockfish, etc.
without much change, I cannot become well as I otherwise would. The summer
yields something, but what of that for any one who has no strength ? The Indians
also bring some things, but one who has no wares, such as knives, beads and the hke
or Seewan, cannot have any good of them. Though the people trade such things
for proper wares, I know not whether it is penaiitted by the laws of the Company.
I have now ordered from Holland most all necessaries : but expect to pass through
the winter with hard and scanty food.
The country yields many good things for the svipport of life, but they are all
to be gathered in an uncultivated and wild state. It is necessary that there should
be better regulations established, and people who have the knowledge and the
APPENDIX. 769
implements for gathering tilings in their season, should collect them together, as
undoubtedly will gradually be the case. In the meanwhile I wish the Lords
Managers to be courteously inquired of, how I can have the opportunity to possess
a portion of land, and at my own expense to support myself upon it ! For as long
as there is no more accommodation to be obtained here from the country people, I
would be Compelled to order every thing from Fatherland at great expense, and
with much risk and trouble, or else live here upon these poor and hard rations alone,
which would badly suit me and my children. We want ten or twelve farmers with
horses, cows and laborers in proportion, to furnish us with bread and fresh butter,
milk and cheese. There are convenient places which can be easily protected and
very suitable, which can be bought from the Indians for trifling toys, or could be
occupied without risk ; because we have more than enough shares which have never
been cleared but have been always reserved for that purpose. The business of furs
is dull on account of a new war of the Maechlhaeys [Mohawks] against the Mahicans
at the upper end of this river. There have occurred cruel murders on both sides.
The Mohicans have fled and their lands are unoccupied, and are very fertile and
pleasant. It grieves us that there are no people, and that there is no regulation of
the Lords Managers to occupy the same. They fell much wood here to carry to
Fatherland but the vessels are too few to take much of it. They are making a
windmill to saw the wood : and we also have a gristmill. They bake brick here
biit it is very poor. There is good material for burning lime, namely, oystershells,
in large quantities. The burning of potash has not succeeded ; the master and his
laborers are all greatly disappointed. We are busy now in building a fort of good
quan-y stone, which is to be found not far from here in abundance. May the Lord
only build and watch over our walls. There is a good means for making salt ; for
there are convenient places; the water is salt enough and there is no want of heat m
summer. Besides as to the waters, both of the sea and rivers, they yield all kmds
of fish- — and as to the land, it abounds in all kinds of game, wdd and m the
groves 'with vegetables, fruits, roots, herbs, and plants, both for eating and medicinal
pmTDOses, working wonderful cures, which are too long to relate, and which, were it
ever so pertinent, I could not tell. You, Right Reverend, have already obtained some
knowledo-e thereof in part and will be able to obtain from others further information.
The country is good and pleasant ; the climate is healthy, notwithstanding the
sudden changes of cold and heat. The sun is very warm; the winter strong and
severe, and continues full as long as in our country. The best remedy is not to
spare the wood-of which there is enough,-and to cover oneself well with rough
skins which can also easily be obtained. The harvest-God be praised-is m the
barns and is better gathered than ever before. The ground is fertile enough to
reward labor, but they must clear it well, and manure and cultivate it the same as
our lands require. It has hitherto happened much worse because, many of the
people are not very laborious or could not obtain their proper necessaries for want
Vol. If. 97
770 APPENDIX.
of bread. But it now begins to go on better and it would be entirely different now
if the Masters would only send good laborers and make regulations of all matters,
in order, with what the land itself produces, to do for the best.
I had promised [to write] to the Venerable Brothers, Rudolphus Petri, Joannes
Sylvius, and Dom. Cloppenburg, who with your Honor were charged with the
superintendence of these regions (*) ; but as this would take long, and "the time is
short, and my occupations at the present time many, will you, Right Reverend, be
pleased to give my friendly and kind regards to then* Reverences and to excuse me,
on condition that I remain their debtor to fulfill my promise, — God willing, — by
the next voyage. Will you also give my sincere respects to the Reverend Dom.
Triglandius and to all the Brothers of the consistory besides, to all of whom I have
not thouglit it necessary to write particularly at this time, as they are made by me
participants in these tidings and are content to be fed from the hand of you, Right
Reverend Sir. If it shall be convenient for your Honor, or any of the Reverend
Brothers to write hither to me a letter concerning matters which" might be important
in any degree to me, it would be very interesting to me, living here in a savage land
without any society of our order, and would he a spur to write more assiduously to
the Reverend Brotliers concerning what might happen here. And especially, do not
forget my hearty salutation to the beloved wife and brother in law of you, Right
Reverend, who have shown me nothing but friendship and kindness above my
deserts. If there is anything in which I can in retm-n sei've or gratify you, Right
Reverend, I will be glad to do so and will not be behind hand in any thing.
Concluding tlien herewith and commending myself to your Right Reverend's
favorable and holy prayers to the Lord,
Honored and Learned Sir, Beloved Brother in Christ and kind Friend :
Commending you, Right Reverend, and all of you to Almighty God, by His
Grace, to continued lioalth and prosperity and to eternal salvation of heart.
From the Island of Manhatas in New-Netherland this 11"' August Anno 1G28, by
me your Right Reverend's obedient in Cluist,
Jonas Michaelius.
(Endorsed.) The Honorable Learned and Pious Mr. Adrian Smoutius,
faithful Minister of the Holy Gospel of Christ in His Church, dwelling
upon the Heerengracht not far from the House of the West-India Company,
Amsterdam. By the care of a friend whom God preserve.
( Sealed with a wafered signet not discernable.)
(*) Mr. Bodel Nijciihuis states, that it was so co.umitted to some of the Ministers of Amsterdam by the Sjiiod of North-
Holland ; and the Ministers above mentioned were all at that time active Ministers at Amsterdam, where Sylvius and
Triglandius had been since IGIO, Petri since 1612 and Cloppenburg since 1G21.
9>J. \Hif'
CORRIGENDA.
Page 5, line 1, for " Dirck," rearf, David.
Page 32, line 8, from bottom, for " August," read, October.
Page 103, line 14, from top, for " Thursday," read, Tuesday.
Page 217, line 8, from bottom, for " 1662," read, 1663.
Page 276. The Resolution on this page ought to be dated "Friday, 31st October, 1664."
Page 469, line 5, from bottom, for " fifty-five," read, sixty-five.
Page 609. The note on the bottom of this page belongs to p. 608.
FOR GENERAL INDEX, SEE THE LAST VOLUME.
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