A history of the state of Delaware : from its first settlement until the present time, containing a full account of the first Dutch and Swedish settlements, with a description of its geography and geology

GIFT OF
MICHAEL REESE

A HISTORY

STATE OF DELAWARE,

$ts first Mlenunt mill tlje frcsent Iimet

CONTAINING

A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST DUTCH AND
SWEDISH SETTLEMENTS,

A DESCRIPTION OF ITS GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY,

FRANCIS VINCENT,

WILMINGTON, DEL.

PHILADELPHIA:
JOHN CAMPBELL, NO. 740 SANSOM STREET.

1870.

BEESE

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by
FRANCIS VINCENT,

in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court of the United States, in and
for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

HENRY B. ASHMEAD, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER,

1102 & 1104 Sansom Street, Philadelphia.

ADVERTISEMENT.

FROM the smallness of the State of Delaware, both
in population and territory, and the few (even of
Delawareans) who manifest any interest in its affairs,
the author has been compelled to issue this work in
numbers of thirty-two pages each, at thirty cents per
number, supposing in that manner it would be placed
more easily within the reach of a greater number of
subscribers. They will be issued about every three
weeks, and can be procured either of the author, at
Wilmington, Delaware, of Mr. John Campbell, No.
740 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, or of the book
stores in the City of Wilmington.

By forwarding the money by mail to the under
signed at Wilmington, Delaware, the numbers will be
sent in any direction free of postage. Back numbers
will always be furnished. The usual discount made
to dealers.

As many of the subscribers to the work appended
their names about four years ago, expecting to be sup
plied with the History at that time, it may have es
caped the memory of some of them. Should any
wish to cancel their subscription from this cause, they
will please, by some means, inform the author.

FRANCIS VINCENT.

WILMINGTON, DEL.

PREFACE.

THE author has no other apology to make for un
dertaking the present work, than that in the course of
two hundred and thirty-eight years, (the period of
time that has elapsed since the first settlement was
attempted of the territory that now constitutes this
State,) no other person has thought proper to write it
before him. Delaware has a history that every citi
zen should be proud of. It is many years older than
that of her great sister, Pennsylvania. Yet how few
Delawareans there are who can tell who settled or
governed it, who fought its battles in the Revolution,
who passed its laws, what they were, or the circum
stances under which they were enacted, or the social
and political changes that have from time to time oc
curred within their State. The want of a relation of
these transactions in a book easy of reference, has
made this ignorance of our State affairs a general ig
norance. This work is designed to remedy this, and
to place it in the power of all Delawareans to obtain
a knowledge of the past occurrences of their State,
that may desire it. All the author aims at, is to plainly,
truthfully, and succinctly, detail what has transpired,

VI PREFACE.

or may in any way relate to the history of Delaware,
in a manner that may be understood by all.

The difficulties of writing a correct History of Dela
ware can hardly be conceived by any who have not
undertaken it. In addition to the extreme lack of
historical interest in relation to their State manifested
by many, even of our best citizens, no care has been
taken of our records. In 1722 they were all de
stroyed by the burning of Major John French's house,
at New Castle. In 1777 they were captured and
carried to New York by the British after the battle of
Brandywine. Many of them were never returned,
and what were, were stowed away in an outhouse,
and afterwards nearly all burnt by a gentleman's
servants, (to light fires,) who were ignorant of their
value. Others have been lost by the carelessness of
our different state and county officers. In moving
the Kent county records from the State House in
Dover (where many of the officers of Kent county
were) to the newly erected county buildings a few
years since, a large quantity of valuable matter that
would have thrown light on our State history was
carted away, and cast out as rubbish. A number
of valuable letters and manuscripts belonging to
Thomas M. Rodney, Esq., consisting of letters of his
great uncle, the celebrated Csesar Rodney, in relation
to the days of the Revolution, were stolen some few
years since. Many of our former most distinguished
families have now no representative left in the State,
and their papers that would have thrown light on our
local history are not to be found. The descendants

PREFACE. Vll

of others who reside here have parted with every manu
script and letter, having in many cases presented them
to New England autograph collectors, amongst whom
such things are preserved and valued. No care has
ever been taken in our public libraries to preserve any
works in relation to this State, and every rare work,
not purchasable, the author has been compelled to pro
cure from the libraries of Philadelphia and New York.
From this our readers can imagine the difficulties
there will be in writing a history of our State ; espe-
pecially after its grant by the Duke of York to Wil
liam Penn — a few years after which grant we first had
an independent government — and our affairs ceased to
be registered anywhere out of our own limits.

This State having been first discovered by the
Dutch, and the first settlement made by them and
the Swedes, its early history must necessarily be
found in those languages. These two nations inha
bited the Delaware between them, and struggled for
mastery, until finally the former reduced the latter to
subjection. The Dutch officials on the Delaware sent
a regular account to New York of every matter of in
terest. The New York officials sent copies of those
accounts to Holland. The Swedes on the Delaware
sent accounts to Sweden. These several accounts,
both Dutch and Swedish, have many of them been
preserved either in the original manuscripts, or by re
cord in books, and it is from these records andcotem-
porary works, written by Dutch and Swedish authors,
that we are enabled to get a minute and circumstan
tial account of our early history.

Vlll PREFACE.

The Dutch records by the liberality of the State of
New York have been translated into English, by
Broadhead and O'Callighan, and published in thirty
large volumes. Among these records are the letters
of Hudde and Beekman, both of whom minutely
record the occurrences on the Delaware. The corres
pondence of the latter, who was governor of the ter
ritory of the northern side of the Christiana, is espe
cially valuable, containing, as it does, a succinct record
of the events in the territory that now comprises this
State from 1659 to 1664. The Swedish documents,
from which we extract our principal information in
relation to Swedish affairs, were furnished by Mr.
Russell, our former minister to Sweden, to the
American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia. They
were translated and published several years ago in the
Register of Pennsylvania. One of the most useful
(though also, in some instances, one of the most inac
curate,) of Swedish works is that entitled, ''A Short
Description of the Province of Neiv Sweden, by Tho
mas Campanim, of Holme" printed at Stockholm in
the year 1702, under the patronage of Charles the
12th.

Delaware, from the time of the subjugation of the
Swedes, in 1655 to 1682, (when it was conveyed to
Penn,) being but a sub government to New York, her
history up to that time, as well under the English as
under the Dutch, must be looked for mainly in the
records of that State. Nicholas, Lovelace and An-
dross, the deputy governors under the Duke of York,
(who was the proprietor of this State, and afterwards

PREFACE. IX

granted it to Perm,) had regular accounts sent on to
them of the affairs on the Delaware, where they were
carefully recorded. Our own records (with the ex
ceptions of a few deeds and wills) do not extend fur
ther back than 1674, when Andross was governor.
They are contained in three books in the Prothono-
tary's office at New Castle, and at least one of them
is a copy from the records of New York.

The author designs that this work shall contain a
narrative of Delaware events from its first discovery
until the end of the year 1869. The plan of the
work will be to give every public event, the essence of
all important laws passed, the names of the governors,
the legislators, and other important public officers.
The different census, and the number of votes cast,
and the majorities at the various elections, and the
principles and objects of the various political parties
that have existed in the State. With this decla
ration of the object of the work, he issues his first
volume, which is now written in hopes it will meet
the approbation and patronage of the citizens of Dela
ware. As the second volume is not yet written, he
should be. pleased if any who have any letters, manu
scripts, documents or books, that will throw any
light on the past history of Delaware, would loan them
to him for a perusal. They will be faithfully returned.

Since the above was written the author has added
two chapters to the work, more than he at first in
tended. The first giving an account of the bound
aries of the State and its Counties, and their extent,
as well as a short description of its surface, harbors,

X PREFACE.

bays, rivers and creeks ; the other, a description of its
geological formation. He has clone this, supposing
that the information conveyed would cause the his
torical portions of the work, when they came to be
read, to be better understood.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

CHAPTER I.

The Radii from New Castle — Mason and Dixon's Line — Jurisdiction
over the Delaware for Twenty-four Miles — Latitude and Longi
tude — Counties of the State — Its Hundreds — Estimated Extent of
its Territory— Boundaries of Counties — Northern Part Hilly —
The Ridge — Cypress Swamp — The Forests, White, Black, Span
ish Oak, the Bark — Game — Mocking Birds — The Rivers, Harbors
and Streams — Naaman's Creek, Brandywine, Christiana, White
Clay and Red Clay, Mill and Bear, Red Lion, St. Georges, St.
Augustine, Silver Run, Duck and Little Duck Creeks — Kent and
Kelley's Islands — Dona River — Port Mahon, Little Jones', Mis-
pillion, Broadkiln and Lewes Creek — Lewes Creek filled up —
Cape Lewes — Rehoboth and Indian River Bays — Indian River
Inlet — Lewes, Middle, Herring and Guinea Creeks — Long Neck —
Burton's Island — Pepper, Vine and White Creeks — Kedging of
the Shallops — Fresh Pond — Salt Pond — Manufacture of Salt —
Assawaman Bay — Fenwick's Island — Assateague Island — Fish
and Water Fowl of the State, the Crocus, the Sheephead, the
Drum, the Man-nin-nose, the King Crab, the Curlew — The Nan-
ticoke, Broad and Pokomoke Rivers — Rivers rising in the State
flowing into the Chesapeake.

THE boundaries of the State of Delaware are as
follows : first, a circle drawn in a radius of twelve
miles from the Court-house at the centre of the town
of New Castle, commencing (we will say) at low wa
ter mark on the shore of New Jersey, north of New
Castlej thence extending over the Delaware, and fol-

12 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

lowing its circumference until it again touches the
shore of that State south of its radius of twelve miles
from New Castle. This circular boundary on the
north gives Delaware sole jurisdiction over the Dela
ware River and Bay from low water mark on the Jersey
side, over a mile north of where Naaman's Creek, on
the western or Delaware side, flows into the Dela
ware, extending southward twenty-four miles to a
place a short distance north of where Silver Run
Creek enters the Delaware from this State, or about a
mile south of where Alloway's Creek flows into it from
the Jersey side. Within these boundaries are com
prised the islands of the Pea Patch, on which is
erected Fort Delaware, and Reedy Island. Below
this circle the jurisdiction of the State extends to the
middle of the bay, as far as Cape Henlopen, where it
flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It then extends along
the Atlantic Ocean to a point at Fenwick's Island, in
about 28° 20' north latitude. The line of the State
then extends westwardly thirty-four miles, three hun
dred and nine perches (being exactly half the dis
tance between the ocean and the Chesapeake Bay).
The State boundary then runs by a right line nearly
due north at a tangent until it reaches the western
part of the periphery of the circle, twelve miles from
the Court-house at New Castle. It contains within
its limits 2002*6 square miles. The State is situ
ated in latitude from 38° 28' to 39° 47' north, and
from longitude from 74° 56' to 75° 46' west from
Greenwich. Its physical boundaries are as follows :
on the north by Pennsylvania and the Delaware River,

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 13

on the south by Maryland, on the east by the middle
of the bay and river to twenty-four miles from the
State's northern boundary, from thence by a line of
low water mark on the Jersey shore to the radius of
twelve miles north of New Castle ; and on the west
by Maryland, and by Pennsylvania to the periphery of
the circle from New Castle, where she connects with
the State of Maryland. This circular boundary of
Delaware causes the entrance of Pennsylvania be
tween Delaware and Maryland in the shape of a long
narrow wedge. The length of the State is ninety-five
miles. At its southern boundary it is nearly thirty-
five miles in width, which width is hardly diminished
for about twenty-six miles, or to Cape Henlopen. But
from Cape Henlopen to its northern boundary, from
the Delaware flowing in a southwest course, it dimin
ishes in width until it reaches its narrowest part in
the neighborhood of Red Lion Creek, in New Castle
county, (where its breadth is not over ten miles,) when
it again widens until it reaches the breadth of twelve
miles from New Castle Court-house. The line that
divides Delaware from Maryland is a part of the cele
brated Mason and Dixon's line, run by Charles Ma
son and Jeremiah Dixon in 1762, (of which we shall
speak more hereafter in its proper place,) to separate
the territories of Lord Baltimore and Thomas and
Richard Penn, sons of William Penn. This Mason
and Dixon's line was popularly supposed to be the
boundaries between the free and slave states. But
this was a popular error. Slavery existed in Dela
ware, which is west of this line, until abolished by

14 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the fourteenth amendment to the constitution. The
mistake occurred, we suppose, from the line when it
passes the periphery of the circle from New Castle
and reaches the boundary between Pennsylvania and
Maryland, instead of running north and south, as be
tween Maryland and Delaware, runs due west. So
that Mason and Dixon's line was the boundary be
tween slavery and freedom when it ran east and west,
between Pennsylvania and Maryland, but not when
it ran north and south, between Maryland and Dela
ware.

The State is divided into three counties, viz : New
Castle, Kent and Sussex, and each of these counties
are subdivided into hundreds. Hundreds are the old
English subdivisions of counties, and Delaware is the
only State, it is alleged, in which they exist in the
United States. They were supposed to have origi
nated with Alfred the Great, one of the old Anglo-
Saxon kings who ruled in England A.D. 877, or 992
years ago. But they are now known to have been
in existence before his time. They derive their
name from having originally, when instituted in Eng
land, contained one hundred families. New Castle
county contains ten hundreds, viz. : Brandy wine,
Christiana, Wilmington, (the city of Wilmington,
which, by law, is a hundred in itself,) Mill Creek,
White Clay Creek, Pencader, New Castle, Red Lion,
St. Georges and Appoquinimink. It contains 424.02
square miles. New Castle is the county town.

Kent county contains seven hundreds, viz. : Duck
Creek, Little Creek, Kenton, Dover, North Murderkill,

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 15

South Murderkill, Milford and Mispillion.1 It contains
613-06 square miles. Dover is the county town, and
capital of the State.

Sussex county contains eleven hundreds, viz. :
Cedar Creek, Broadkiln, Georgetown, Nanticoke,
North West Fork, Broad Creek, Little Creek, Dags-
boro', Baltimore, Indian River, and Lewes and Reho-
both. It also contains 964'08 square miles. George
town is the county town.

There are various statements published of the size of
Delaware, nearly all of which differ ; but the account
we have given is based on the last survey made by
D. G. Beers, for the publication of the State Atlas of
Pomeroy & Beers, in 1868. The survey of Rea &
Price for the State Map in 1850 gives the area of the
State at 2,221 square miles. But they vary in their
own calculation, for they give the number of acres
contained in the counties of the State 1,300,250; this,
divided by 640, the number of acres in a square mile,
would make the State, according to their estimate,
consist of little over 2,031 square miles. Again, they
make New Castle county, in their statement, contain
271,490 acres, and 619 square miles. When 271,490,
divided by 640, would only bring 420, or make that
county 195 square miles less by their report in acres
than by their report in miles. The American Ency
clopaedia gives the area of the State at 2,160 square

1 Murderkill was divided into two hundreds by Act of Legislature
of March 20, 1867. Kenton hundred was formed from parts of Little
Creek and Duck Creek hundred, by Act of Legislature, February 3,
1869.

16 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

miles. Huffington, of the Delaware Register, esti
mates it at 2,070. Mitchell's Atlas makes it 2,120
square miles. So far there has been no official sur
vey of the State to verify what it contains.

Each of the counties take up the whole breadth of
the State. New Castle and Kent are divided from
each other by Duck Creek, and a line running from
its northern branch about due west to the Maryland
line. Kent is divided from Sussex by the Mispillion
Creek and the Tan Trough Branch, one of its tributa
ries ; thence southwesterly to a small branch of the
Nanticoke, down this branch to the southward end of
a beaver-dam, and thence by a line due west to the
State line.

The accounts of most of the natural features of our
State will be given under the head of its geology in
the succeeding chapter. But as little mention of
its rivers, streams and bays have there been made,
and as it is necessary to know them, to comprehend
the events hereafter to be related, a slight sketch is
accordingly given of them and the other geographical
features of the State.

The extreme upper portion of the State of Dela
ware (as will be found hereafter stated in our descrip
tion of its geology) is composed of a mass of beauti
fully rounded hills, nowhere more than five hundred
feet in height, situated on a sub-stratum of rock. Be
low the White Clay Creek, a distance of about seven
miles from our quadrantal boundary, the land be
comes level, the rock generally ceases, and a low
sandy ridge, nowhere more than seventy feet high,

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 17

passes through the State. This table land abounds
in swamps, in which most of the rivers and streams
of the State have their source. At the southern
border of the State is a great morass, called the Cy
press Swamp, about twelve miles in length, the
whole of which is a high level basin. It contains
nearly fifty thousand acres. About one half of this
great swamp lays in Sussex county, Delaware ; the
other half in Maryland. It contains a great variety
of trees and plants, mostly cypress trees, (called by
the residents cedars,) and an immense quantity of
huckleberry bushes, and is infested with wild animals.
The deer and the bear, it is alleged, yet remain
there. Below its surface are found immense trunks
of cedar trees, the remains of giants of the forest long
since gone. The residents of the locality probe
through the morass with rods, to find where they are
situated, and then raise them, and turn them into
shingles for market. This whole swamp can be rea
dily drained and made good land. The soil of the
State is fertile. It has long been celebrated for its
wheat. All the small fruits that grow in the tempe
rate zone flourish here. It appears to be the natural
home of the peach. Cotton was formerly grown in
Sussex county. The noblest forests of white and
black oak, yellow pine, cypress or cedar, tulip poplar,
Spanish oak, gum, and other magnificent trees still
exist in the State, although they are being rapidly
cleared away. Its white oak, it is conceded, is the
finest in the United States. Trees of this description

in the Blackbird, Kenton, and other forests of the

2

18 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

State, are often three feet in diameter across the
stump, and from forty to sixty feet in height. Logs
are often sawed from them of thirty feet long. The
black oak produces the best quercitron bark in the
Union, and it brings a higher price than any other in
the Liverpool market. It is ground principally at
Milford and Smyrna. The Delaware Spanish oak
furnishes the best known bark for tanning, and its
bark brings a higher price, both in the foreign and
domestic market, than any other. The forests of
pine are principally in Sussex county. Sumach,
which is worth from $50 to §60 a ton, grows wild in
immense quantities. All the ordinary game birds,
such as the snipe, the partridge, the old field plover,
(a bird a little larger than a partridge,) abound in the
State. The mocking-bird, rarely, if ever, observed
north of our boundary, can be seen in numbers in
Kent and Sussex, and the lower part of New Castle
counties.

Its principal rivers, streams, and harbors are, first,
the Delaware, which, for twenty-four miles from our
northern boundary, is a part of our State. It is so
well known as not to necessitate any description.
Naaman's Creek, which flows into the Delaware about
a mile from our northern border, is the most northern
stream in the State. The Shelpot Creek, which flows
into the Brandywine a short distance before it joins
Christiana. The mouth of this stream is now dammed
up. The Brandywine, which rises in Pennsylvania,
and flowing through the State, dividing Brandywine
from Christiana hundred, enters the Christiana within

HISTORY OF STHE TATE OF DELAWARE. 19

the limits of the city of Wilmington, about a mile and
a half from where that river enters the Delaware.
The Brandywine is navigable for about two miles
from its mouth for sloops and schooners. From the
termination of its navigation to the Pennsylvania line,
it is mostly rocky, with several falls, which affords
magnificent water power, from the city of Wilmington
to the Pennsylvania border. Its banks are lined on
both sides with mills and factories. The Christiana,
which flows through the State in a northeast course
from Maryland, and empties into the Delaware at
Wilmington. This river is of sufficient depth to be
navigated by vessels drawing 14 feet to the city of
Wilmington, and sloops to the village of Christiana,
about ten miles further. Red Clay Creek, Mill
Creek, and Bear Creek, are large streams flowing into
the White Clay Creek (a confluent of the Chris
tiana) from the northern hundreds. They were once
navigable, but are now valuable, mainly, for their
water power. Red Lion Creek, formerly navigable, is
now dammed up. St. George's Creek is now turned
into the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal, except a
portion of it which empties into the bay partially
through a new channel. St. Augustine's and Silver
Run are small creeks which flow into the bay in St-
George's hundred, below Reedy Island. Appo-
quinimink is an important creek, and is navigable for
sloops to Odessa, about seven miles from its mouth,
and for steamboats to Thomas' Landing, about two
miles and a half from its mouth. Blackbird is a na
vigable creek, which flows due east and north until it

20 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

empties in the bay. Duck Creek, is an important
creek, which divides New Castle from Kent county.
It is navigable for seven or eight miles to within a
mile of the important town of Smyrna, for whose ex
ports it is the outlet. It is also navigable for several
miles for steamboats, having water from twelve to
fourteen feet to Hay Point Landing. It flows into
the bay north of Bombay Hook, through a made
channel called the Thoroughfare. Little Duck Creek
is a creek navigable for sloops for several miles from its
mouth to the town of Leipsic, the commerce of which
it bears upon its waters. Dona River is a small river,
the head of which connects with Little Duck Creek.
For about three miles it flows with a broad channel,
and enters the bay below Little Bombay Hook
Island. This river and Little Duck Creek forms
Kent Island, a large marshy island several miles in
extent. It is navigable for steamboats for about two
miles to Dona Landing. It was the place originally
intended for the terminus of the Delaware Railroad.
About two miles before Dona River reaches the bay,
it is divided into two channels, one of which, (called
Mahon River,) tearing itself a passage through the
yielding marsh, and flowing southerly for about four
miles, forms itself into a bay or harbor, and enters the
Delaware. In conjunction with Dona, it forms Kelley's
Island, another large marshy island, in which there are
several ponds. This bay or harbor is called Port
Mahon, and is esteemed the best harbor for coasters
on the Delaware. Little Creek is a small creek, na
vigable for about three miles from its mouth for sloops

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 21

and small schooners. It is the channel for the com
merce for the town of Dover, the capital of the State,
which hauls its exports four miles to a place upon it,
called Little Creek Landing. It flows into the Dela
ware about a mile below the mouth of Port Mahon.
Jones' Creek, which runs back of the town of Dover,
is navigable for small sloops and schooners to Forrest
Landing, about nine miles from its mouth. Forrest
Landing is where the produce of the town of Camden
is shipped. This creek is about twenty miles long,
and flows in a southeasterly direction until it reaches
the bay. Murderkill is a navigable creek, which
flows in a northeast direction until it enters the bay
about a mile below the mouth of Jones' Creek. Sloops
and schooners can go up to the town of Frederica about
ten or twelve miles from its mouth. Mispillion is
a large creek, upon which the town of Milford is situ
ated. It is navigable to Milford for large sloops and
schooners, and steamboats have ascended it. It is
the outlet for the commerce of that town. Mis-
pillion is also the boundary between the counties of
Kent and Sussex. Cedar Creek is a small navigable
creek, flowing into the Delaware. It has also an arti
ficial outlet into the Mispillion. Draper's, Slaughter's
and Primehook Creeks are small unimportant streams
flowing into the bay at various distances between the
mouths of Mispillion and Broadkiln and Lewes Creeks.
Broadkiln Creek is a stream navigable for sloops and
schooners to the town of Milton, a distance of about
twelve miles from its mouth. It flows in an easterly
course/ and enters the estuary of Lewes Creek about

22 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

two miles from its junction with the Delaware Bay.
Lewes Creek, from where it flows to the Delaware, to
the town of Lewes, a distance of about six miles, is
separated from the bay by Cape Lewes, a cape about
six miles long, and varying from an eighth to three
quarters of a mile in width. Large coasters used to
sail up the creek, but it is now only navigable for
boats. Its navigation was destroyed by what is
known as the " Great Storm." The waters of the
bay washed over the narrow cape, and filled the bed
of the stream with sand. The navigation of Lewes is
now through a canal from a small creek, called Canary
Creek, to Mill Creek, and from there to Broadkiln
Creek. Two small creeks, called Wolfe Creek and
Old Creek, flow into it from the neighborhood of
Lewes.

Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay are two large
shallow bays, which are separated from the Atlantic
Ocean by a narrow ridge of sand, which is from a
quarter to half a mile in width, and about nine miles
in length. Through this ridge the waters of the two
bays have united, and torn a passage, called Indian
River Inlet. This inlet rarely ever contains more
than three feet water, and after a great easterly
storm its mouth is generally stopped up by sand
washed into it from the workings of the ocean ; after
which the waters of the bays again tear themselves a
passage, and wash the sand which has filled up the
inlet into the ocean. These large bays, each, con
tain about twenty-five square miles of surface, and at
their deepest part do not exceed five feet. Their

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 23

general depth is from three to five feet. Rehoboth,
the most northerly of these bays, is nearly square in
shape, and extends parallel with the ocean, separated
from it by the ridge before mentioned for about six
miles. It is probably six miles long by about five
broad. Love Creek, Middle Creek, Herring Creek,
and Guinea Creek flow into it. All of them shallow
streams. It is separated from Indian River Bay by
a neck of land called Long Neck, and several marshy
islands, (now called Burtons,) but in the old maps
called Staten Islands, where it is mentioned as abound
ing in oysters and terrapins. It is at this time, how
ever, too salt for oysters to live in, and consequently
none can be found there. Indian River Bay is about
eight miles long, and from two to four broad. It only
fronts about three miles on the Atlantic, from which
it is separated by the narrow ridge before described.
It extends lengthwise nearly due west into the State.
Indian River, on which is situated the town of Mils-
boro', a broad shallow stream flowing due east,
and of which it is a continuation, enters it. Pepper
Creek, Vine Creek, and White Creek, streams of no
importance, (although making a great show in the
map,) flow into it. On Pepper Creek is situated the
town of Dagsboro, and on White Creek that of Frank-
ford. The small depth of water at the mouth of In
dian River Inlet creates the necessity of forcing the
shallops over the bar by kedging. This causes a thump
ing of the vessel's keel on the sand, which drives the
bilge water into the hold, and spoils much of the grain,
which is the general cargo of these vessels.

24 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Fresh Pond and Salt Pond are the names of two
remarkable ponds in Baltimore hundred, situated
on the Atlantic coast, a few miles south of Indian
River Bay. Fresh Pond is about half a mile long by
one or two hundred yards wide, and about twenty-
five or thirty feet deep. It has no outlet, and ap
parently no streams flowing into it. It contains
beautiful fresh water, and a few fish. The ridge of
sand between it and the Atlantic is not more than an
eighth of a mile wide. Great storms sometimes wash
away a portion of this ridge, and let the salt water
into the pond. But the ocean again forms the ridge,
and restores things to the condition they were in
before.

Salt Pond is another body of water about the size
of Fresh Pond, and situated within about three miles
to the south of it. It is probably one-half of a mile fur
ther from the ocean than Fresh Pond, and the Atlan
tic does not break through its banks and encroach on
its waters, as in the case of Fresh Pond. It, like
Fresh Pond, has no outlet. Its waters are very salt,
far more so than those of the ocean from which it is
separated by such a slight barrier. Indeed, it is so
salt that no fish can live in it. Salt works were once
erected on its banks, and a great deal of salt extracted
from it. Salt is still manufactured from its waters
by the citizens of the neighborhood for their own use.

Assawaman Bay is the last body of water in Dela
ware. The head of it is formed by Jefferson Creek,
which flows into it from the north. It is a long shal
low bay about seven miles long from one to one-half a

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 25

mile broad, and from four to five feet deep, navigable
only for boats. It is separated from the Atlantic by
a long narrow ridge of land, from a mile to three
quarters of a mile wide, called Fenwick's Island. It
flows into St. Martin's Bay, in the State of Maryland,
which is about fifteen miles long, and which has its
outlet in the Atlantic through an inlet formed by the
termination of Fenwick's Island and the Island of
Assateague. After passing Fenwick's Island it takes
the name of Sinepuxent Bay. Williams' Creek, a
shallow stream, flows into Assawaman Bay. Fenwick's
Island is not an island, but a long narrow cape and
rirjge of land, generally from half a mile to a mile wide,
and about twenty-three miles long, covered with oak,
scrub-oak and pine, about one-third in Delaware, and
the other two-thirds in Marjdand. It, with the
islands of Assateague, Chincoteague, Wallop's, and
other islands form a series of shallow sounds stretch
ing from the southern boundary of our State to Cape
Charles, at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. On this
island, at the Atlantic, the southern boundary line of
the State of Delaware commences. Hence the say
ing of Delawareans when they wish to express the
utmost limits of the State, "from Naaman's Creek
to Fenwick's Island," similar to the expression of
the Israelites, of from Dan to Beersheba, or that of the
Britons, from Land's End to John 0' Groats.

This finishes our list of creeks and harbors on the
Delaware River and Bay. This noble bay, which,
with the Atlantic, forms our eastern boundary,
abounds with fish and fowl. Outside of the capes,
on the Atlantic, milletts are caught in immense quan-

26 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

titles by angling. Within the Assawaman, Indian
River, and Rehoboth Bays fish and terrapins abound ;
the fish are mostly rock, flounders, perch and eels.
Around the Breakwater are caught immense quan
tities of black-fish and lobsters. Within the bay
are taken the perch, the trout, the alewive, the sea
crocus, (better known by the name of the spot,) the
sheepshead, as well as the drum and the eel. Terrapins
abound on the shore, and oysters are found in im
mense quantities in various portions of the bay, and
in Mispillion, Broadkiln, Port Mahon, and other
rivers and harbors of the State. Shad and herring
are found in the bay, river, and all the principal
streams. The man-nin-nose, a delicious shell fish,
(shaped something like a clam, only with a soft shell,)
is dug up from under the sand.1 The kingcrab is cast
up in untold numbers every tide by the waters of
the bay, and although not fit for food, serves a valua
ble purpose by being fed to hogs, and ground up into
what is now called " cancerine," and placed upon the
land, where it has proved a most valuable fertilizer.
The crocus, (or spot,) the sheepshead, and the drum
are particularly plenty, and are by some thought to
be peculiar to the Delaware. The crocus, or " spot,'7
derives its name from a little black spot on each side
of its head about as big as a five-cent piece. The
sheepshead have a mouth and teeth exactly like a
sheep, and are nearly as broad as long. The drum
fish are caught principally on Mispillion (generally

1 I do not know whether the name of this fish is spelt correctly. I
have never seen it either written or printed, and never heard of it
out of Delaware.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 27

called by the residents Mushmellon) Flats, in the bay
opposite the mouth of the Mispillion. They get their
name from, when swimming under water, making a
noise like a drum. They are caught with a hook
and line, and often weigh twenty pounds. From
their weight there is often difficulty in hauling them
in. In addition to wild ducks and geese, the curlew
and crane frequent the shores of our State. There are
but few of the latter, however, to be seen.

Although several streams flowing into the Chesa
peake Bay have their rise in Delaware, yet the only
three of any importance are the Nanticoke, the Broad
Creek and the Pokomoke. The Nanticoke is naviga
ble for large schooners and steamboats to the impor
tant town of Seaford. The Broad Creek, to a village* of
a few houses, named Portsville, about three miles
from the town of Laurel. The Broad Creek flows into
the Nanticoke eight or nine miles below the town of
Laurel, and about the same distance from the town of
Seaford. The Pokomoke River, which flows through
and past the Cypress Swamp in a southerly direction,
is navigable for small vessels. The principal streams
which take their rise on the ridge in this State, and
flow into the Chesapeake, are the Back Creek, the
Bohemia, and the Sassafras, in New Castle county.
The Chester, the Choptank, and the Marshy Hope,
in Kent county, and the Wicomico, in Sussex county.
The Marshy Hope derives its principal importance
from being deepened and arranged as a drain for the
celebrated marsh of that name in Kent county. All
the above mentioned streams expand when they reach
Maryland into large and important rivers.

CHAPTER II.

Geology of the State — Its Northern Boundary Curved — Underlaid by
Beds of Rocks north of Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore
Railroad — High Hills — Depth of Soil — Rocks composed of Gneiss,
Feldspathian Rock, Limestone, Serpentine, Granite — Decompo
sition of Gneiss in Christiana and Mill Creek Hundreds — Depth
of Deposits — Garnets — Granite fused into Rock — Magnetic Iron
Ore in Christiana Hundred— Feldspathian (blue rock) from Wil
mington to Naaman's Creek — Hardness of the Rock — Shellpot
Hill composed of it — Limestone in Mill Creek and Christiana
Hundreds, of excellent quality — Serpentine Rock, abounds in
Feldspar — Spar Quarries — Asbestos — Chromic Iron — Hematic
Iron Ore and Kaolin in Mill Creek Hundred — Rock overlayed by
Deposits of Sand and Gravel — Soil of Upper Hundreds tenacious
and heavy — Second, Tertiary and Recent Formations — Table
Land of the State — The Ridge — Red Clay Formations — Clay un
der New Castle, Christiana Village, Red Lion Hundred — Iron
Hill and Iron Ore — Red Clay Formation extends over Hundreds
of New Castle, Red Lion and Pencader — Green Sand or Marl
Formation extends over St. George's Hundred — Value in
Agriculture — Analysis of Marl in Deep Cut of Canal, Organic
Remains, Amber, Ammonite, Lignite, Tertiary — Yellow Clays
of Appoquinimink — Blackbird Hill, the Levels and Ponds in
them, Petrified Wood — Lower Part of Appoquinimink Loamy —
Geology of Duck Creek Hundred, Rock — Soil of Kent County —
Geology on Murderkill Creek — Shells, Clays and Sands of Kent —
Bog Ore — Springs at Dover — Neck Lands of Kent — Marsh Lands
of the Ridge in Kent — Soil Burns like Coal — Recent Formations —
Clay and Sand of Sussex, Clay Predominates — Soil of Sussex
County, Stiff Clays and Blowing Sands — Medium Texture in
Northwest Fork Hundred and the Neck — Course of the Clay Bed —
Iron Ore in Sussex — Sands of Sussex — Soil Blown away by the
Winds — Sand Hills — River Deposits — Neck Lands of the State
formed by them— Blue Mud— Salt Marshes of the State, can be
embanked — Chalybeate Springs and Water in the City of Wil
mington and over the whole State.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 29

THE geological formation of the State is as follows :
the surface of its northern or curved boundary to a
line crossing it at a little north of the Philadelphia,
Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad, and containing
about one hundred square miles of territory, (com
prising the hundreds of Brandywine, Christiana,
Mill Creek, and part of White Clay Creek,) is com
posed of a comparatively confused mass of beautifully
moulded hills, with a bold and rounded outline,
always elevated, and often rising several hundred
feet above tide water, and affording an outlet to the
waters of rain, springs and creeks, through deeply
cleft valleys, with rounded or abrupt rocky sides.
These hills, however, nowhere exceed five hundred
feet in height. The whole of this district is un
derlaid by continuous beds of primary rock,1 which, in
many cases, may be observed cropping out of the
ground. The soil, though varying in particular locali
ties, is generally uniform in its character, being argil
laceous,2 and mingled with a greater or less quantity
of gravel, while an alluvial3 deposit of a similar charac
ter covers the rocks to the variable depth of from
one to sixty feet, and perhaps still more. Of these
rocks there are five different kinds, called by geolo
gists gneiss,4 feldspathic5 rock, limestone and serpen-

1 Rock supposed to be first formed.

2 Composed of clay.

3 Composed of matter deposited by the water.

* A stratified primary rock, generally composed of quartz, feldspar
and mica. Mica is a transparent glistening mineral.

6 A eilicious or flinty rock. The constituent parts of which are
silica, alumina and potash.

30 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

tine.1 The remainder is of a granitic character. Nearly
the whole (or T9^) are gneiss and feldspathic rock, of
which the former (gneiss) composes about three-
fourths of this portion of our State. The mica is more
prevalent in it than its other constituents. This
gneiss is of various degrees of hardness, in some in
stances it can be cut by a knife, and then again the
steel itself is abraded by it. This decomposition of
the gneiss may be observed chiefly in the southern
portion of Christiana and Mill Creek hundreds, and
along the Newport Pike, in the neighborhood of New
port. In some places the deposits above the rocks of
this decayed stone are from twenty to thirty feet,
and how much more has not been determined, although
it is believed the solid rock does not lay far beneath.
In the northern portions of Brandywine, Christiana,
and Mill Creek hundreds this stone becomes hard in
its character. In many places, amongst the north
west portions, the two former hundreds, the common
red garnet2 is diffused amongst it. On the Kennett
Pike, about five miles from Wilmington, the quartz
has the appearance of having been ejected or fused in
a liquid state into this rock. Magnetic iron ore is
occasionally found in the northwest portion of Chris
tiana hundred.

The feldspathic rock, better known by the common
name of blue rock, occurs chiefly along the Delaware,

1 A species of rock or mineral crystallized and massive, and also
fibrous and foliated or leaved, and composed chiefly of hydrous sili
cate of magnesia.

2 A mineral or gem of a red color.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 31

from Naaman's Creek to Wilmington, and from thence
may be observed at intervals to the western State line,
being indicated..by projecting masses of the solid bed,
or by huge b&lilders, upon whose sharpened outline
the atmosphere appears to have had no effect. This
rock extends over one-fourth of the primary portion of
our State, the gneiss occupying nearly the other three-
fourths. It is composed generally of crystalline
masses of smoky feldspar and quartz, with occasional
plates of mica, and more rarely veins abounding in
hornblende.1 The feldspar is the most abundant,
sometimes constituting the entire rock. This rock is
found also along the Brandywine and the Concord
Turnpike. Shellpot Hill is supposed to be entirely
composed of it. It abounds on the top of the hill
skirting the Brandywine near Riddle's Factories,
although there it is of so light a color as hardly to
merit the name of blue. In blasting, enormous masses
of this rock are frequently heaved from the solid bed,
and are capable of being split in wedges in any re
quired direction.

Limestone, although occupying an unimportant ex
tent of country, in comparison with the gniess and
feldspathic rock, occurs in great abundance near Pike's
Creek, and near Hockessin Meeting House, in Mill
Creek hundred, where it is extensively quarried. It
also occurs about two miles wrest of Centreville, and
at Smith's Bridge, in Christiana hundred, and where
the Brandywine enters the State. It is generally

1 Having the ingredients of silica, magnesia, lime and iron.

32 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

pure marble, essentially composed of lime, magnesia,
and carbonic acid. It lays in heavy beds. This
lime is unequalled for agricultural and building pur
poses.

Serpentine occurs about six miles northwest from
Wilmington, where it exists in its greatest extent on
a ridge of about one mile in length, with a breadth of
about half a mile. At one place it rises in a green
rock, abruptly from a meadow near Green Hill School-
house, in Mill Creek hundred. It is traversed by a
granitic vein so rich in pure feldspar as to originate
the " Dixons Spar Quarries," in order for its employ
ment in the manufacture of porcelain. Asbestos1 can
be found there in large quantities, as well as other
minerals incidental to it, amongst which is chromic
iron, a mineral of some value. But it has not been
detected in any quantity, although diligently sought
after. Another body of serpentine exists near the
State line, and where the Brandywine enters the
State, generally of a light green color, and containing
hematitic iron ore of a good quality. It is this ore
that gives it its green color.2

The granite found in Delaware is principally in a

1 This is a fire-proof mineral ; can be woven in connection with
cotton, tow or other textile fabrics, and fire-proof garments made
from it. It is a common practice to cleanse garments of asbestos by
throwing them in the fire.

2 Grace Church, in the City of Wilmington, the most magnificent
Methodist Church in the United States, is built of serpentine. It was
obtained near Chadd's Ford, the site of the Brandywine battle
ground, about three miles beyond the Delaware line. It is part, how
ever, of the same bed with that in Delaware.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 33

vein traversing the serpentine rock. It is charac
terized by its abundant contents of very pure white
feldspar, unusually free from oxyd of iron, a circum
stance from which it derives its principal value. It
also contains numerous minerals. Indeed, the ser
pentine and granite together, offer the finest mineral
locality contained in the State of Delaware. When
feldspar undergoes decomposition it forms a species
of clay known under the name of kaolin, which pos
sesses great value in the manufacture of china ware
and porcelain, especially, when free from oxyd of
iron. This substance has been found in a few locali
ties, but being deposited in small brooks, it is too
limited to demand attention. A large deposit exists
just across the Pennsylvania line, from Mill Creek
hundred.

Overlying the primary rocks of our State is a
diluvial deposit of clay, sand and gravel, arising from
the uneven surface of the rocks, and amounting at
times to at least sixty feet in depth. On the south
eastern edge of this rocky region, it consists of a dark
red clay, embodying in places a large proportion of
gravel, as may be seen more strikingly in the cuttings
of nearly all the roads through that region, in the
neighborhood of Wilmington. This deposit of clay
has a necessary influence in rendering the soil of the
upper hundred tenacious and heavy.

South of the Christiana and White Clay Creek the
geology of the State undergoes a change, and instead
of rocky or primary formation, we have what is called
upper secondary, tertiary, and recent formation. It

3

34 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

presents a comparatively level country, or table land,
generally sloping east and west towards the Dela
ware and Chesapeake Bays from an elevated strip of
land several miles in breadth, on which the streams
flowing east and west take their rise in swamps and
morasses, and cut their channels through the yielding
soil. The name of water-shed or dividing ridge is
applied to this narrow track, which extends through
the whole length of the State. From the boundary
of the primary or rocky region to the southern boun
dary of New Castle county is a series of clays, sands
and gravels, which are called upper secondary forma
tions. But all the tracts bordering on the Delaware,
from New Castle to Sussex, has an argillaceous or
clayey soil. This upper secondary formation is called
by Booth,1 the geologist, from whom we extract our
information, the

RED CLAY FORMATION,

from their being composed of a series of clays, in
which the red color predominates, although inconsider
able veins of white are mixed with it. The rod clay
is often covered with heavy beds of sand and gravel,
although it may often be seen cropping out of the
ground, and again may be observed where cuttings
have been made for the roads. It underlies the town
of New Castle, where beds of it have been penetrated
at one instance to the depth of seventy feet, and in

1 James C. Booth, who was appointed for that purpose by the Le
gislature, made a geological examination of the State in 1837 and
1838.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 35

another case of one hundred and eighty feet. At one
place below this town, on the Delaware shore, how
ever, the white clay predominates, where it is found
in great abundance and purity, and has been used for
the manufacture of crucibles for making glass and
other valuable articles for near seventy years. The
neighborhood of Christiana village affords the best
place for studying this red clay formation, which pre
sents excellent sections in the banks of the creek, and
on the road cuttings, the upper portion frequently
lying from sixty to eighty feet above tide-water. The
red clay may also be observed in numerous places in
New Castle, Pencader, and Red Lion hundreds.
Along Red Lion Creek and its tributaries it crops out
of the sides of the hills, and generally constitutes the
beds of the streams. Iron pyrites1 are sometimes
abundantly contained in it, which accounts for the
frequent occurrence of iron stone and ferruginous
bands. From Newark to Summit Bridge, on the
dividing ridge, the soil is argillaceous, composed of
white and yellow clays, with a bed of gravel and sand
below, which rests on another bed of clay. From the
track of what used to be the French town Railroad to
the Summit Bridge the geology is little else than soil
and gravel. In the vicinity of White Clay Creek
there are several outlying spurs of considerable
height, of which Iron Hill is the most important.
This elevation, rising abruptly from, and traversing
far above the plain, consists of clays, sand and gravel,

1 These pyrites are of a yellow color, shine like, and have the ap-
peaiance, of gold. They are frequently called "fool's gold."

36 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

and derives its name from the abundance of iron,
stone and ferruginous1 quartz scattered over its
flanks, the latter of which was probably at one time
of good quality, but through exposure to atmospheric
agents has been rendered valueless. An excavation
has been made on the summit for the extraction of
iron ore to the depth of forty to fifty feet, which en
ables us to estimate the character of this singular hill.
The mass of earth is highly argillaceous loam, inter
spersed with large and frequent masses of yellow,
ochry clay, some of which are remarkable for fine
ness of texture, not unlike lithomarge,2 and consists
of white, yellow, red, and dark blue clays in detached
spots. Nodules of iron ore are abundantly distributed
through the whole formation. Large quantities of
this ore has been exported. The depth of the red
clay formation is estimated at 250 feet.

Towards the southern border of the red clay for
mation, which extends over the hundreds of New
Castle, Red Lion and Pencader, and which conse
quently possess a soil of a heavier nature than usual,
a deposit of yellow sand begins to appear, in elevated
situations, and becomes gradually thicker as the red
clay sinks below it, until we approach the Delaware
and Chesapeake Canal, where it takes up, and in
cludes in it, the celebrated green sand or marl, which
has added so much to the fertility of the lands in the
neighborhood. This has been denominated the

1 Partaking of the nature of iron.
a A mineral used for drying paint.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 37

GREEN SAND OR MARL FORMATION.

These two sands in combination occupy the whole
of St. George's hundred. The yellow usually pre
ponderates over the other, sometimes presenting bluffs
fifty feet in height, whilst the green sand rarely
exceeds thirty feet in thickness. There appears to be
two principal deposits of green sand, the upper and
lower, which rarely unite to form one stratum, and are
often separated by twenty or thirty feet of yellow sand.
The lower stratum is chiefly confined to the canal,
whilst the upper, although visible at the Deep Cut in
the canal, first assumes importance several miles to
the southward. Both deposits derive their character
from a green substance with which they abound, and
which being in the form of small grains, received the
name of green sand, but this granular form being the
only property in common with ordinary silicious sand,
the two should not be confounded together ; for
whilst the latter contains principally one ingredient,
silica or flint, the green sand is composed of five or
six, amongst which are potassa and lime, two sub
stances of the highest value in agriculture. The soil
on the neck lands and dividing ridge of St. George's
hundred is rather argillaceous and heavy, but through
the rest of the hundred the yellow sand, rising to the
surface, assumes the character of a loam, that can
scarcely be excelled for the well proportioned mixture
of fine sand and clay, and proves itself capable of the
highest degree of improvement. An analysis of the
two descriptions of marl are as follows, viz. : in one,
carbonate of lime, 20; green sand, 38; silicious sand,

38 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

32; clay, 10; total, 100. In the other, silica, 58-10;
p^tassa, 7'55; protoxide of iron, 22*13; alumina,
5-14; lime, a trace water, 8'22 ; total 101-13. The
quantities of these constituents, however, differ in
various degrees in the different localities. The fol
lowing shows the strata of the State at one place,
through the deep cut of the canal, at about one-
quarter of a mile west of Summit Bridge, viz. : soil,
ferruginous gravel and sand, 9 feet ; black tenacious
clay, 7 feet; ferruginous brown sand and clay abounding
in ammonites,1 baculites,2 lignites3, and amber4 for 23
feet. Blue micaceous sand and clay, with same organic
remains as above for 11 feet. Ferruginous sand and
clay of a dull green color for 62 feet. White silicious
sand and lignite abundant for 5 feet. Total, 61 i
feet. This reaches the bottom of the canal, and with
two others, within a quarter of a mile of it, are the
deepest diggings made into the soil of Delaware.
Exactly at the Summit Bridge the depth of the cut
to the bottom of the canal is, however, 74 feet, and
they bored three feet below the bed of the canal. In
this they found iron crusts, and numerous organic
remains which extended as far as the boring. Nu-

1 The shell of an extinct shell fish like a coiled snake, called snake
stone. Called so for ornaments like it being on the chair of the statue
of Jupiter Ammon.

2 A shell similar to the ammonite.

3 Petrified wood.

4 A beautiful gum, belonging to trees long extinct, used for mouth
pieces of pipes, &c. A piece of amber was also found thirty or forty
years ago on the farm of Mr. S. Higgins, on the State Road near the
canal. This is the only place in which amber has been found in this
State, save in the deep cut of the canal.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 39

merous springs flow into the canal from this deep cut,
holding in solution so great a quantity of sulphate of
iron (copperas) as to kill all the fish and the barna
cles on the bottom of vessels passing through it. All
the springs nearly of the deep cut give evidence of
copperas in their taste, and make irony deposits at
their point of issue. Iron pyrites constantly abound
through the sands and clays.

Between St. George's hundred and the lower part
of Kent county the geology of the State again un
dergoes a change. Between these points exists a
series of beds of clays and sands, comprising two
narrow belts abounding in organic remains, which are
different from upper secondary, and therefore the ap
pellation of

TERTIARY

has been applied. When the green sand or marl
reaches Appoquinimink hundred it descends below a
yellowish clay or loam, which underlies this hundred,
from which it is separated by a ferruginous sandstone,
sometimes six feet in thickness. At these points the
clay is not more than fifteen feet thick, but when it
reaches Blackbird it constitutes a hill thirty feet in
height, and occasionally alternates with deposits of yel
lowish sand. This contains a large quantity of silicious
sand, and in many localities rises nearly, or quite, to
the surface, and imparts to the soil of a large portion
of this region a considerable degree of tenacity, and
consequently difficulty of working. The neck lands,
however, as well as the western part of this hundred,

40 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

offer a soil of superior quality. The latter, known as
the Levels, has long been celebrated for fertility.
The soil is a fine loam, and capable of retaining more
moisture in consequence of the yellow clay at no
great distance below the surface. Indeed, the prox
imity of this clay, combined with the level character
of the country, proves an annoyance to farmers from
ponds of water forming in the fields, which often lie
long enough to injure the crops. This yellow clay
abounds in fragments of petrified wood, belonging to
an ancient species of pine, the only specimen of or
ganic remains hitherto detected in it, one of the best
localities of which is on the road from Odessa to
Blackbird, between half and three-quarters of a mile
from the former place, where it is profusely distri
buted in the gravel, and plowed up in the fields, in
masses sometimes weighing thirty pounds. From
the nature of the clay it is supposed that they have
been transported in the state of wood to this place,
when it was below the surface of the water, imbed
ded in the fine mud, and there have been converted
into stone, the vegetable matter having been replaced
by silica and alumina. Similar petrifactions occur
at intervals lower down the State. In some of the
streams of this hundred are found conglomerated
masses of gravel cemented by oxyd of iron. In the
lower part of this hundred are found at times the
light loam and sands of Kent county}

1 In digging a well some years since on the farm of Mr. Benjamin
Dennis, near Townsend, in this hundred, the laborers came to a hard
bed of sand of the consistency of stone, which could be lighted by a
candle or match, and would then burn brilliantly.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 41

In the northern part of Kent county, on Old Duck
Creek, about four miles from Smyrna, and other
places in that vicinity, a strong crust is observed top
ping out of blue clay, containing abundant casts and
impressions of shells. Crossing the dividing ridge, at
the head of the Choptank, near the mill, there is a
blue clay resembling that of Old Duck Creek, and
which is supposed to be a continuation of it, excepting
in the absence of shell impressions. From these clay
deposits emanate a quantity of copperas. Near that
branch of the same creek, lying immediately south of
Smyrna, are found large masses of silicious rock,
which, from its extreme hardness and toughness, could
scarcely be supposed to have had its birth in this
region of soft clays and light sands, had it not been
found in place in one locality. So numerous and
large were the blocks on a farm belonging to the late
Mr. Cloak, on the State Road, on the south side of
the branch, that it was found necessary to sink them
in order to the better cultivation of the land. They
consist of coarse sand and gravel cemented by sili
cious matter, containing frequent casts of shells.
Large blocks of the same substance were found on
other farms in the vicinity. Silified shells are found
abundantly on the Kenton Road, five miles from
Smyrna. Although the soils of the northern part of
Kent county are very valuable, yet we may distin
guish three things which are most prevalent, viz. :
those of the neck lands of a heavy character, but sup
posed to be the most fertile in the State ; those of
the dividing ridge, consisting of very heavy bottoms,

42 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

not always productive, with occasional light sand
hills ; and lastly, those intermediate between them in
position, and occupying a much greater space. They
are light loams easy of culture, which, by the energy
of the farmers, are being brought up to the highest
degree of fertility.

Crossing the middle sections of Kent the tertiary
is found more fully developed on the streams of Mur-
derkill Creek. The lowest stratum is visible at the
head waters of this creek. It is blue clay, closely
resembling that at Duck Creek. It abounds in im
pressions of shells in a soft clayey state, and is separated
from an overlying white sandy bed by a hard ferru
ginous crust, containing similar organic remains. This
white sandy bed is a half-hardened mixture of sand
and clay, consisting almost wholly of shell casts, con
taining but in a solitary instance a trace of lime,
which was a shell found unaltered. Twenty-five feet
is the greatest ascertained depth of the tertiary. Its
clearest indications are observed at Spring Mills, on
a fork of the Murderkill of that name, near Frederica.

In addition to the tertiary there are in Kent
County, for a distance of about twenty miles, a series
of beds of clays and sands, the lowest of which is
clay, observable on nearly all the streams, varying in
color and texture in the same locality, but generally
of a yellowish shade, and of medium fatness or rich
ness, and the upper consisting of ferruginous sands or
gravel. Indications of these formations may be seen
on the branches of Little Creek; at Dover, where the
sandy nature of the upper beds, and the upper level

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 43

of the clay, are indicated by the numerous springs of
excellent water which issue from the foot of nearly
every declivity. Below the entrance of the Tydbury
Branch into Jones' Creek, at Forrest Landing, where
the clay rises some ten feet above tide-water. On
one of the head branches of Jones' Creek, near
Rashe's Cross-roads, beds of solid iron bog ore, of
four-tenths inches in thickness, was found for the dis
tance of a mile. From the similarity of soils through
out a great part of Kent county, in the same relative
situation they may be classed as was done with those
in New Castle county, viz. : with the exception of
the marshes bordering on the bay, all that low land,
known as the neck lands, is of a heavy argillaceous
character, and naturally remarkably fertile, although
some of them have been subject to more than a cen
tury of excessive tillage. As we rise, the country to
the westward, and meet the tertiary deposits, the
soil becomes more loamy, corresponding with the
subjacent deposits, and as these become covered by
loose sand towards the ridge, the surface necessarily
partakes of the same character. Proceeding from
north to south through this middle section, the amount
of loose sand increases in depth and breadth, so that
much of the land in the lower part of Kent county
has a sandy soil. On the ridge we find the same
alternations of light sand hills and heavy clay bottoms,
which was noticed in New Castle county, but which
in Kent are more strongly contrasted. In addition,
however, to these is a vegetable soil too remarkable
to be passed over by a simple notice, viz. : the marsh

44 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

lands, situated in the southern and western part of
Kent, and on the ridge, in Sussex. They are situ
ated on the branches of the several streams, which,
having their source in the Delaware, usually flow to
wards the Chesapeake, and which, originating from
rains and springs in the midst of extensive forests, on
a broad and very flat surface, with a clayey substra
tum impervious to water, and becoming clogged and
dammed up by fallen trees, leaves, and other brush
wood, naturally expand into broad basins termed
marshes. The luxuriant growth of trees, shrubs, and
smaller plants, and their constant dilapidation and
decay in the shallow waters of the sluggish streams
during the lapse of ages, has generated a black vege
table mould, averaging three feet in depth, being
rarely less than six inches, and sometimes exceeding
six feet, being composed throughout of the same mate
rials. It was not until the close of the past or the present
century that effectual means were resorted to for re
covering this land from almost constant inundation,
since which time nearly all the great marshes have
been drained by the excavation of ditches, or, more
properly, canals, in the natural bed of the stream, and
a large amount of the most fertile soil of the State
brought under cultivation. One of these great
ditches increases from twelve to twenty-four feet in
width from its source to its mouth, a distance of nine
miles, and throws off a sufficient quantity of water in
spring to float a moderate sized vessel. The Colbreth,
Cow, Herrington, and Tappaannah marshes, on the
west of Kent county, are the main feeders of the

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 45

Choptank, and Marsh Hope, in the south, forms a
main source of the Northwest Fork River. Heron-
town Bog, another of the great marshes of Kent, was
drained through the energy of the late ex-Governor
Tharp and Alexander Johnson, Esq. This land, which
had for ages been the roost of herons, when cultivated
produced from ninety to one hundred bushels of corn
to the acre. The principal and several minor branches
of the Nanticoke have also been subject to drainage,
besides many smaller streams in Sussex. When all
the water courses shall have been confined in a similar
manner, in their proper channels, which, from the
constant improvements going on in the State, will not
be long, a very large amount of fertile soil will be
brought under the plow, and the noxious exhalations
of marshy lands will cease to produce disease, to
which their inundated state renders them subject.
The soil of these marshes, when drained, are rarely
so light and spongy as not to admit of the growing of
grain after a little cultivation. The quantity of or
ganic matter in them is so great that during a dry
season the soil which was accidentally fired continued
to burn like coal, and was only extinguished by rain.
The remains of such fires have been observed in seve
ral instances, when the carbonaceous matter having
been burned out, left the earthy constituents converted
into a substance resembling brick by the heat of the
fire.

To the southward of the lower tertiary, and as far
as the southern limits of this State, containing the
hundreds of Mispillion and Milford, in Kent county,

46 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

and the whole county of Sussex, the geology of Dela
ware undergoes another change, and what are called

RECENT FORMATIONS,

or land supposed to be recently formed by nature,
occur. They consist of a deposit of clay and sand,
with a preponderance of the former, to which no date
can be assigned, except in a few instances, in conse
quence of the absence of organic remains, and the
impossibility of drawing any conclusion relative to
their age from their mineral character. Thus the blue
clay on Murderkill Creek could not be distinguished
from similar clay on the shores of the bay, which is
quite recent in its origin, except by comparing the
ordinary bay shells of the latter with tertiary shells in
the former. In few cases where shell beds have been
found, there are no indications of tertiary fossils,
the shells being referable only to the same genera arid
species which now inhabit the waters of the bay.
The surface of the country of this lower part of Kent,
and county of Sussex, is much more level than the
other portions of the State, and less scooped out in
ravines. The soil is also more variable, offering the
two extremes of stiff clays and blowing sands. But
in several instances, as in Northwest Fork hundred,
and on the neck lands, it is of medium texture, and
endowed with superior fertility. The greatest thick-
nerss of the clays is forty feet. The lowest stratum
is a yellowish clay, at times of a light lead color,
alternating with thin seams of sand, and superimposed
by yellowish and nearly white sand of very variable

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 47

thickness, amounting at times to twenty feet. On
the Mispillion Creek, in the vicinity of Milford, and
to the west of it, the uppermost stratum is of loose
sand, with an occasional argillaceous bed, below which
is a heavy bed of clay, extending below the water
level. On Mill Branch, about a mile from Milford,
the upper stratum is a loose yellow sand, which is
underlaid and stratified by a white clay, below this
is a fat yellow loam reposing on white sand. On
Cedar Creek below Milford, the clay lies at a lower
elevation, whilst the superimposed sand is of con
siderable thickness. From the abundance of super
ficial loose sand, the soil of this region derives its
character ; but where this has been partially removed
there are basins, with a substratum of clay, which,
being impervious to water, constitute ponds, that
are sometimes a convenience, but oftener an annoyance
to the farmer. At Milton the clay rises to the height
of forty feet above tide-water. Proceeding westward
to Lewes the same beds of clay present themselves at
Cool Spring. The same clay crops out at the beach,
three miles south of Cape Henlopen, where it has
been uncovered by the gradual encroachment of the
ocean, and although no traces are found of it at the
head of Cypress Swamp, the supposition is that this
clay underlies the whole country between Indian
River and the Nanticoke, constituting the bases of
the swamp, for it is well developed in the vicinity of
Laurel, and on nearly all the branches of the Nanti
coke, rising from five to twenty feet above tide- water.
Under the town of Seaford are a series of clays of

48 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

yellow and white colors, with occasional seams of
sand, and intervening crusts of iron stone, the whole
rising fifteen or twenty feet to the sandy soil. Small
nests of shells are found in digging on the banks of
the Nanticoke, between Seaford and Concord, near
Cannon's Ferry, and at various other places. Iron
ore of the bog variety is found in several parts of
Sussex county. Amongst them at Little Creek, and
on Broad Creek, about two miles east from Laurel ;
a few miles northwest of Georgetown, on Deep Creek ;
on Green's Branch, eleven miles west of Millsboro' ;
on Burton's Branch, one mile from the same town.
At one time there were a number of forges and fur
naces that manufactured this ore into iron, and the
county of Sussex was mostly supplied with that ma
terial from its own works. A great deal of iron ore
was also exported from Sussex. But the furnaces
are all now idle, and but little, if any, of this material
is now sold abroad.

To the traveller who for the first time passes
through Sussex county, the formations would appear
to consist almost entirely of loose white and yellow
sands, but a more thorough investigation shows the
fallacy of such a conclusion, and proves that in refer
ence to geological deposits the clayey greatly pre
dominates over the sandy, forming the substratum of
the whole county, but that the latter, overlying and
capping the clay over a large proportion of the sur
face, communicates the well known sandy character
to the soil. These two upper sands probably cover
one-half or two-thirds of the county, are of variable

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 49

thickness, sometimes yellowish and more tenacious,
at other times nearly white, and so loose as to be rea
dily transported by the winds. This sand is of so
loose a nature, that when the sod has been removed
in an exposed situation, the action of the wind roots
it out to the depth of several feet, distributing it
around the surrounding soil, or heaping it against a
bush fence or other obstruction. This sand is some
times blown into steep hills, in several parts of the
county. These sand hills, however, must not be con
founded with the hills partly of sand and gravel which
exist and which is due to the action of the waves, when
the State was covered by water, and which was formed
in a similar manner to the bars now formed in the
bay. The most striking of these hills is one lying to
the south of Milton, and between Georgetown and
Lewes. It is a ridge of variable breadth, and not
more than fifty feet in height, apparently in a north
west and south-east direction, composed of fine gravel
and sand, and a sufficient mixture of clay to render it
compact.

There is another branch of the geology of Delaware
which comes under the name of

RIVER DEPOSITS,

by which the lands bordering on river and bay, called
cur neck lands, have been formed. The Delaware
has been engaged for ages in transporting sand and
clay from the northward, by means of which the sand
banks and shoals of the bay have been raised, and the

heavy soils on the neck lands deposited. A large
4

50 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

number of these shoals are, in all probability, rem
nants of the land which united Delaware and New
Jersey prior to the wearing away of its channel by
the river, but they have been increased, and many of
them entirely formed by the detritus brought down
by the river. A boring made on the island, on which
Fort Delaware is situated, by Booth, the geologist,
proved it to have been wholly formed by the river
deposits. This deposit is generally known by the
name of blue mud, and it is this blue mud which gives
the neck lands of our State their great fertility. These
neck lands are those tracks which border on the De
laware from New Castle to Sussex. The most cele
brated among these are Raymond, Little Creek, Prime
Hook, and Slaughter Necks. Raymond's Neck is sup
posed by many to contain the best land in the State.
It is supposed that the noblest forest in the State
exists at Prime Hook Neck, in Sussex county, con
sisting of tulip poplar, black walnut, and black oak,
remarkable for their enormous size and flourishing
condition.

From the upper part of the State to its southern
boundary, on the Delaware River and Bay, and the
sea-coast, are skirted by marshes of varying breadth,
(better known by the name of salt marshes,) some
times exceeding two miles, subject at times to inun
dations, consisting of flat and dark colored vegetable
mould, and clothed with a luxuriant growth of reeds
and grasses. These marshes are supposed to contain
between one and two hundred thousand acres. This
marsh, it is supposed, could be embanked, and the

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 51

land brought into cultivation. In the upper portions
of the State this has been successfully done. Un
doubtedly the whole of this land will finally be re
covered from the water, as the substrata of the
marshes from the town of New Castle to the southern
boundary of our State are similar.

We shall close our description of the State by
stating that in many parts are chalybeate springs
of excellent qualities, and great medical virtues,
amongst them, are the celebrated Brandy wine Springs,
about three miles from Wilmington; others near
Brackenville, in Mill Creek hundred ; on the Bran
dy wine Creek, about a quarter of a mile from Wil
mington ; in Duck Creek hundred, not far from
Smyrna; at Spring Branch, near the Town of Fre-
derica ; near the Town of Laurel, in Sussex, and va
rious other places too numerous to mention, in all the
counties of the State. In nearly every quarter of
the City of Wilmington, chalybeate water is reached
by digging wells. A pump of this water used to be
in operation near the corner of Sixth and Spruce
Streets, now covered by buildings. Another is yet
used within the city limits, on the Newport Pike.

CHAPTER III.

Description of the State before the Arrival of the White Man — Fruit
and Corn Grow Wild — Diminishing of the Streams — Disappear
ance of Christina Harbor — Diminished width of the Christiana —
Cherry Island Marsh — Overflowing of the Marshes — Diminishing
of Clement's Run — Shellpot Creek — Encroachment of Wilming
ton on the Christiana — Bars formed at Blackbird and Mispil-
lion Creeks — Disappearance of Stone Wharf Creek and Syna-
<puxent Inlet — Dimunition of Lewes' Creek — Loss of its Trade —
Description of Lewes' Creek from a Manuscript in the British
Museum — Encroachments of the River, Bay and Ocean on the
State — Destruction of Graveyard at New Castle — Port Mahon,
Duck Creek, Dona River, Bombay Hook Island, the Thorough
fare — Destruction of the Sand Hills on the Atlantic — Hen and
Chicken Shcal and Island— Increase of Beach near the Break-
water — Extension of Cape Henlopen — Abundance of Fish — Law
passed forbidding the Erection of Dams across the Brandy-
wine — Wild Animals, Bears, Wolves, Wild Cats — Water Fowl,
Disappearance of the Brant.

WHEN the white man first discovered the territory
now known as the State of Delaware, it was covered
almost entirely with a large growth of forest trees?
many of them more than one hundred feet high. Indian
corn, various kinds of fruits, and vines, especially the
grapevine, were found growing luxuriantly and without
cultivation. The latter grew so thick on the site of the
town of New Castle, that it was first named Grape
vine Point. The country was much better watered
than at present, for the clearing off of the woods and
draining of the swamps has caused many streams,
some of which were navigable, to disappear entirely,

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 53

and others that once floated vessels that bore the
original settlers across the ocean, to so diminish in
depth that they will now hardly float the smallest
kind of boat without grounding. The harbor or
lake back of Fort Christina, at the foot of Seventh
street, (within the limits of the City of Wilmington,)
where the Key of Kalmer lay that brought the first
Swedish settlers over, together with the creek that
connected it with the Christiana, was more than forty-
nine years ago filled up, and workshops are now
situated on its site. The Christiana was then over
three hundred and fifty feet wider above Wilmington
than at present. All the ground, from the foot of
Seventh street to the Delaware, now known as
Cherry Island Marsh, was under water at high tide,
save a small island in the middle, which was covered
with cherry trees, from which the marsh derives its
name. The marsh opposite the city, on the southern
side of the Christiana, was also overflowed at high
tide, and the rocks, where the late John K. Kirk-
man's ship-yard is now, and the Old Ferry Point op
posite the foot of Third street, (close to the new
Third street Bridge, where the Townsend Iron
Works are now built,) were then denominated the
Capes of the Christiana, and so inscribed on the re
cords of the county. Between those two points and
the Delaware, at high tide, was nothing but a waste
of water, save the small spot named Cherry Island.
A large stream that eighty-five years ago turned a
wheel for sawing marble at the westerly corner of
Second and Orange streets, flowed into the Chris-

54 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

tiana at the foot of Shipley street, and vessels as
cended it, and boys bathed in it for some distance
above Front street. This stream has now disap
peared. The bowsprits of large vessels eighty-five
years ago extended over Water street, and the Li
berty, a ship of three hundred and sixty tons, was
built at the southwest corner of Market and Front
streets.1 Clements' Creek, the little stream that
crosses the Newport Pike about a hundred yards
from Front street, (or as laid down in the map of the
city, at the junction of Justison and Sycamore streets,)
that now would not float a batteau, was formerly as
cended by vessels to a wharf near the turnpike to
take in wood for the Philadelphia market. Vessels
ascended the run that flowed down Poplar street,
since culverted over, and the great freight house of the
Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad
Company, at the foot of Poplar street, is built on the
site of Mulberry Dock, where vessels loaded and un
loaded their cargoes not more than forty-five years
ago. Shellpot, (or Skillpot, as it was formerly called,)

1 Ferris' Original Settlements on the Delaware. This was a useful
and valuable work, written by Benjamin Ferris, an old and esteemed
citizen of Wilmington, a member of the Society of Friends. It was
published by Wilson & Heald, booksellers of Wilmington, in 1846.
It gave a minute historical account of the first settlements on the De
laware, and graphically described the manners and customs of its
earlier inhabitants. It also contained an excellent history of Wilming
ton. Benjamin Ferris died on the 9th of November, 1867, at the good
old age of 89 years and 2 months, respected and esteemed by all who
knew him. This was the first work ever published devoted mainly
to the historical affairs of this State. In 1838 Mr. Huffington pub
lished the Delaware Register at Dover, but it was as much of an agri
cultural and literary as an historical work.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 55

which flows into the Brandy wine about three-quarters
of a mile from the built up portions of Wilmington,
that now would hardly float a longboat, was stated
by William Penn to be large enough to contain the
whole navy of England.

A similar diminution of the navigable rivers and
streams has taken place over the whole State. Every
creek between the Christiana and Cape Henlopen has
had its navigation injured, and has become much
shoaler within the memory of men still living. A bar
has been formed at the mouth of Blackbird Creek, in
New Castle county. A bar has also been formed at
the mouth of Mispillion Creek, in Kent county,
which extends near two miles out in the bay, which
injures greatly its navigation, and both creeks are
much diminished in depth. Stone Wrharf Creek, up
which the British brought the stone from England (in
vessels which sailed from there) to build what is
known as the Big Light House on the Atlantic Coast,
about a mile from Cape Henlopen, and the brick to
erect the dwelling for the keeper, is now, by the ac
tion of nature, filled up, and wagons and carts drive
over what was once its bed. The site of Synapux-
ent Inlet, in Sussex county, near Lewes, that used
to be navigable for large vessels, can now be drove
over with a horse and wagon. In this inlet a French
war ship, during the Revolution, took refuge, and
landed a quantity of money and arms for the use of
our soldiers, as the British then had control of the
bay, which were taken up the State on wagons, es
corted by a body of Delaware troops under the com-

56 HISTORY OP THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

mand of Colonel David Hall. Now not a vestage of
it is to be seen. Lewes Creek has also diminished
greatly in depth. Thirty years ago large coasters
used to winter in this creek, where is now hard and
fast land. The place where a large British ship lay,
that was captured and brought up this creek during
the Revolution, is now a mowing marsh. Lewes for
merly had a great deal of trade with New York.
Large quantities of grain was shipped from there, and
the Creek at certain seasons was filled with vessels
waiting to convey it to that city. This trade has been
lost from the creek becoming too shallow. Most of
the people resident in the neighborhood were formerly
engaged in navigation, but the rivers, creeks and in
lets diminishing in depth so that they would not
float vessels of sufficient size to navigate the ocean,
has changed the occupation of the citizens, and they
are now cultivators of the ground. Lewes Creek
more than one hundred years ago had begun to di
minish in depth. We copy the following account of
it from Smith's History of New Jersey, a book pub
lished in 1765. It was then called the Hoerenkill.1
The account of this shallowing of the creek, it will be
perceived, is derived from a manuscript in the British
Museum. It is also given the credit of being the best
harbor in the Delaware Bay.

" Two leagues (says the manuscript in the British
Museum) from Cape Cornelius, on the west side of
the river, near its mouth, there is a certain creek
called the Hoerenkill, which may well pass for a

1 This creek was afterwards called by the English Whorekill.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 57

middling or small river, for it is navigable a great
way upward, and its road is a fine road for ships of
all burthens, there being none like it for safety and
convenience in all the bay, the right channel for sail
ing up the bay passing it.

" A certain person who, for several years together
had been a soldier in the Fort, informed us about the
month of June, 1662, being then but lately come from
thence, concerning the Hoerenkill, or Harlot's Creek,
that along the seashore it was not above two leagues
from the cape, and that near the fort, which is at the
mouth of it, it is about two hundred paces broad, and
navigable and very deep to about half a league up
wards, the pilots say generally about six feet of water
in going in, but the canoes can go about two leagues
higher. There were two small islands in it, the first
very small, the last about half a league in circumfer
ence, both overgrown with fine grass, especially the
latter, and are about half a league distance asunder,
and the latter about a league from the channel's mouth.
The two islands are surrounded with muddy ground,
in which there grows the best sort of oysters, which
said ground begins near the first island, for the mouth
of the channel has a sandy bottom, being also very
deep, and therefore there are no oysters there. Near
the smaller island, and higher up, it is as broad again
as at the mouth. Near the said fort the channel for
a good way runs at equal distances from the sea,
having the breadth of about two hundred paces of
high downy land lying between them. Near the fort
there is a glorious spring of fresh water. A small rill,

58 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

rising in the southeast part of the country, and falling
from a rising hill, runs through this downy land into
the mouth of the Hoerenkill, or Harlot's Creek, is
for its goodness and fertility named for the very best
of New Netherland."1

Smith, speaking of the above manuscript, says :

" Soon after English possession it get the name of
Lewistown, by which it is mostly called. It is situate
at the mouth of Delaware Bay, and is a general re
sort for pilots waiting to convey vessels up the river.
Where the creek is described as deep and sandy is
now a mowing marsh. The channel, also, by the
Whorekill, then used for vessels to pass, is diminished
to about a hundred yards breadth at the mouth. The
two islands, one very small, and the other half a
league in circumference, are now, the first, supposed
to be ten, and the last thirty, times as large as there
described, and this alteration in about a hundred
years."

Such is the description of Lewes Creek, variously
over one hundred, and two hundred, years ago. The
islands still exist. They are now several hundred
acres in extent. One is now called Green Island.

But though the land has gained on the navigable
streams by the narrowing and shallowing of their
channels, and the filling of them up altogether, so
that vegetation now grows where once large vessels
floated, the river, bay and ocean, that bounds the

1 This was the name of Delaware at that time. The Dutch were
then the inhabitants, and our State was part of New York, which was
known by the same cognomen.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 59

State, has washed away a large portion of its coast,
and the State is now many square miles smaller than
when the white man first landed on its shores. It is
probable that it is in some places half a mile, and in
others two miles, narrower from these encroachments
than when first settled. From ten to fifty feet of the
State is washed away every year — the fast land be
coming marsh, the marsh sand, and the sand becoming
covered with water. This is owing to the North
easterly storms. In the neighborhood of New Castle
old residents can point to the foundations of houses,
nearly a quarter of a mile out in the Delaware, and
in the limits of the same town, after every storm,
from the enroachments of the river, the bones and
skulls of those buried in a graveyard bordering on it are
exposed to view scattered along the beach, and swal
lowed up by its waters. The lighthouse at the
mouth of Mahon's River, in Kent county has within
forty years had to be rebuilt three times from the en
croachments of the Delaware. The foundation of that
first erected is now nearly a quarter of a mile out in
the bay. More than half a mile of the point of land
that now forms the harbor of Port Mahon is washed
away within the memory of the older residents. It
is also within the memory of people now living when
Duck Creek, and Old Duck Creek, had but one mouth,
both flowing into Dona River, which had but one
channel at the south end of Little Bombay Hook
Island. Bombay Hook was then a part of New Cas
tle county, connected with it by fast land, instead of
an island, as now. Duck Creek now flows in a chan-

60 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

nel at the north of Great Bombay Hook and the main
channel of Old Duck Creek, and Little Creek is to
the north instead of the south of Little Bombay Hook
Island. The old channel at the south of Little Bom
bay Hook is fast filling up. Both these new chan
nels, viz. : the channel to the north of Great Bombay
Hook, and the channel to the north of Little Bombay
Hook Island, were made by men for the convenience
of getting their boats into the bay. These channels
were then washed out and deepened by the force of
the current, so that the commerce of the towns of
Smyrna is carried through the former, and of Leipsic
through the latter. The channel to the north of
Great Bombay Hook is known by the name of the
Thoroughfare, and is now part of the boundary be
tween New Castle and Kent counties. The old
channel is now so filled up that it cannot be used by
the vessels employed in the commerce of those towns,
and is now only navigated by boats.

On the coast of Sussex county, especially where it
it bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, still greater en
croachments have been made upon our State, but in
some instances, as will be related hereafter, the State
has encroached upon the bay.

High hills of sand, from forty to fifty feet high,
used to front the bay and ocean, from Grove Bank,
near Lewes, in front of Lewes, and extending along
the Atlantic Coast to the boundary of the State into
Maryland. They extended probably half a mile in
land, and were covered with grass and pines. The
great storm that about forty years ago devastated our

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 61

coast, swept down all these hills on the ocean side,
made them level, and washed away a great portion of
the ground. From this storm the Atlantic encroached
on our State about half a mile, and made what was
before fast land part of the ocean. During this storm
several hundred acres of the farms of Wm. Newbold
and John Rhodes were washed away, and many people,
and a great number of cattle wrere drowned. The same
storm so encroached on the shores of Rehoboth and
Indian River Bay as to change the nature of their
waters, and to make them so salt as to destroy the
oysters that before abounded there.

The shoals called the Hen and Chickens, situated
in the ocean, near Cape Henlopen, now miles out in
the sea, it is supposed, was once connected by the
fast land with our State. The oldest citizens of the
nighborhood recollect it as an island covered with
trees. The waters of the Atlantic now roll over it.
At extreme low tides the stumps of trees may be seen
miles out in the ocean, showing how it has encroached
on Delaware, and washed away its shores. At the
lowest calculation two miles of the State, where it
fronts the Atlantic, and one mile from New Castle to
the Cape Henlopen, which was once fast land, is now
covered by water. The contrary of this is, however,
the case in that portion of the State opposite the
Breakwater. This bank of stone, protecting it from
the storm, the beach has encroached on the bay, and
is now about half a mile nearer the breakwater than
it was before that great work was erected. So much
so, that the pilots avoid taking vessels out of the

62 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

channel between the breakwater and Cape Henlopen,
and it is thought that in time the beach will so pro
ject as to connect itself with the breakwater. Cape
Henlopen is also extending itself into the ocean. It
now reaches out more than a mile further than it did
a hundred years ago. The Big Light, built by the
British, to mark the entrance to the Delaware before
the Revolution, is laid down in the old charts as being
one cable length, or 12 fathoms, (730 feet,) from
this point of the cape. Several vessels sailing by this
chart, and endeavoring to enter the bay by that dis
tance from the light, were wrecked on the cape. A
new light has now been erected on the extreme end
of the cape. The distance between the new and old
lighthouses is about a mile and a half, so that by this
extension of the cape over a mile of land has been
won from the ocean. This is a small gain, however,
in comparison with what it has robbed us of. But
even should its stormy waves in the lapse of event
ful time totally destroy our State ; wash away both
hill and plain, and leave not a vestige of its terri
tory, save what was covered by its waters, Delaware
would still live in history and the minds of men;
from the glorious deeds of her sons in the Revolution,
and from her being the first to adopt the constitution
of what will be the greatest and mightiest nation
the world has ever seen, which now known as the
United States of America, may hereafter be the
United States of the world. The mortal body of our
State may be destroyed, but its soul will live, " till
time is old, and hath forgot itself."

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 63

Baltimore hundred, in Sussex county, now so
populous and well cultivated, was originally a track
of worthless land, a mere outlying part of the Cypress
Swamp. It has been drained and made valuable.
Other great swamps and bogs, such as the Tappahana
and Heronton Bogs, have been also drained, thus ma
terially altering the surface of the State.

Every stream, when the Swedes and Dutch first
landed here, abounded in shad. They ascended the
Brandywine to its head, and were caught in quanti
ties above the City of Wilmington. An act of the
Legislature was at one time passed forbidding the
erection of dams across the Brandywine, (after the
State had been conveyed to Penn,) because such dams
would prevent the shad ascending the stream, and
thus cause dissatisfaction among the Indians, who,
in its season, lived principally upon this fish.

The woods everywhere abounded with deer, bear,
wolves, opossums, hares, squirrels, wild turkies, phea
sants, wild pigeons, and many other kinds of animals
and birds. There was also the wild-cat and the rat
tlesnake. Wolves were so numerous as to prove a
great annoyance, and to cause repeated public efforts
to be made for their destruction. Near the margins,
and on the surface, of the rivers and creeks, were
found beavers, otters, muskrats, terrapin, and other
aquatic animals, whilst swans, geese, ducks, brant,1
cranes, and other water fowl were in great variety
and abundance. The shores of the bay were covered

1 The brant was a water fowl about the size of a duck. There are
none now. It totally disappeared about thirty years ago.

64 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

with king crabs. So great was the quantity of swans
in the bay that the first Dutch settlers named that
portion of Sussex county, near Lewes Creek, Swanen-
dale. The cultivation of the ground, and the clearing
away of the woods, and draining the marshes, having
destroyed the harbor for these animals, they are
either entirely extinct, or exist in far lessser numbers.
The last wolf has long since gone. Bear and deer,
it is still alleged, exist in the Cypress Swamp, al
though they are rarely seen, whilst there is not a
tithe of the wild fowl, fish, or animals there formerly
were. They have receded with the Indian before the
advancing civilization, and given place to the domes
tic animals, who are more under the dominion of man.

CHAPTER IV.

The Aboriginal Inhabitants — Leni Lenape or Delawares — They Drive
off the original Indians — The Minquas — The Nanticokes — The last
Indian leaves Delaware — Bones found at Laurel — Their Govern
ment Hereditary— Their Councils — Punishments — Retaliation for
Murder by other Tribes — Their Weapons — Mode of War — Cruel
Treatment of their Prisoners, they burn them alive and scalp
them — Cannibalism — Their Hunting — Their Money — Their Man
ufactures — Their Boats — Their Dwellings — Their Hospitality —
Their Food — Their Marriage — They Practice Polygamy — Their
Children — Their Religion — Supposed Tradition of Christ — Their
Medicine — Their Heaven — Mode of Burial — Customs thereat —
Character of the Indians — Reason why they were conquered by
the Whites — They hold a Council to see whether they Massacre
the Swedes, decide against it — The only recorded Council of the
Aborigines of this State.

THE aboriginal inhabitants of Delaware, at the time
the European settlers came amongst them, were
known by the name of Leni Lenape, meaning in our
language, original people. They were called by the
English, Delawares, after Lord Delaware, from whom
the state and the bay also derives its name. The
tradition is that they and the five nations, both emi
grated from beyond the Mississippi, and by uniting
their forces, drove off and destroyed the primitive resi
dents of the country. Their settlements extended
from the Hudson to the Potomac, and their descend
ants finally became so numerous that near forty tribes
honored them with the title of grandfather.1 These

1 Thatcher's Indian Biography.

66 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

three tribes were in process of time subdivided into
many others, as location and convenience required.
There were twelve Indian tribes resident within the
limits of this State around New Castle. The two
most prominent thit ruled in Delaware were the
Minquas and the Nanti cokes. There were probably
many others, but history does not record their names.
The Minquas inhabited the banks of the Christiana
and Brandywine. The Nanticokes the lower end of
the State, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The
last of the Nanticokes took their departure from the
Delaware in 1748. (The last Minqua had left long
before.) They were then residents of the neighbor
hood of Laurel. They dug up the bones of their
principal chiefs and carried them with them. The
bones of the rest of their dead they re-interred in the
same vicinity, where they were found by digging
about fifty years ago.1 Each tribe of Indians had a

1 Huffington's Delaware Register. This Register was a monthly
magazine, published by William Huffington, at Dover, in 1838, and
printed by Samuel Kimmey. It was one of the best publications of
the day, and one of its objects, as stated by the editor in his address in
the first number, was, "in a series of numbers, to collect and combine in
a sensible form all that can be rescued from the dust of oblivion, from
which, at a future day, a history of our State may be written." It
is to be regretted that it did not succeed in a pecuniary point of view,
for it contained matter of much value, both as regards the history and
agriculture of the State. Its publication ceased at the end of the year,
and but few copies of it exist. It is, however, found bound in two
volumes in the libraries of some of our citizens. The publication of
this magazine was the first attempt to preserve and make known our
history. Mr. Huffington was a lawyer, a man of refined mind and a
good writer. He, at different times, held several important offices.
He had been Clerk of the House of Representatives, a member of the

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. G7

ruler, whom they called a sachem. The office was
hereditary, but on the mother's side, in order that no
illegitimate children could be placed at the head of the
nation. " When a king died, it was not his children
who succeeded him, but his brother by the same
mother, or his sisters, or her daughter's male children,
for no female could succeed to the government."
Each king had his council, and nothing of importance
was undertaken, such as war, peace, and the sale of
land, without being first discussed in council, to which
not only were the counsellors called, but also the
common people. When they made any treaty of
peace or friendship, they gave to those with whom
they made it a pipe to smoke, which finally sealed the
agreement, as they believed if any one should break it,
they would be afterwards visited by some great misfor
tune. Their punishments generally consisted of fines.
If a man committed murder, " he may be forgiven on
giving a feast or something else of the same kind ;
but if a woman be killed, the penalty is doubled,
because a woman can bring forth children, and a man
cannot." Murder was very uncommon among them
until " the white man came, when, under the influ
ence of intoxication from the liquor they sold them,
several were committed by the Indians. When they

Legislative, and Mayor of the City of Wilmington in 1848 and 1856.
He died at Wilmington in 1800. Samuel Kimmey, the printer, was a
man who took great pride in his art, and the typography of the Regis
ter was, pe/haps, equal to any publication in the country in its day.
lie was also the printer of the "Revised Code" in 1852. There are
few specimens of the typographical art of the time superior to this.
He died at Djver, October, 1854, in the fifty-second year of his age.

68 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

committed murder under those circumstances, they
excused themselves by saying it was the liquor that
did it." "When any one of them was condemned to
death, which seldom happened, the king himself
would go out after him," and as they had no prison
to confine the criminal, he generally " fled to the
woods-." When they find him, " the king first shoots at
him, and afterwards those who accompanied him in
like manner shoot at him until he was dead." If an
Indian kill another Indian of a different tribe, those
of the tribe to which the murdered man belonged
would send one of their men to kill one of the other
tribe, and thus "wars were kindled between them.
Otherwise there was no law amongst them, though
they generally exercised the law of retaliation."1

Their weapons were stone hatchets and bows and
arrows, in quivers made of rushes. Their bows were
made of the limb of a tree of above a man's length,
and their bow strings of the sinews of animals. Their
arrows were made of reeds a yard and a half long.
At one end was fixed a piece of hard wood about a
quarter length, at the end of which they made a hole
to fix in the head of the arrow, which was made of
black flint stone, or of hard bone or horn, or the teeth
of large fishes or animals, which they fastened in with
fish glue in such a manner that the water could not
penetrate. At the other end of the arrows they put-
feathers. The flint and stone arrow heads and stone
hatchets are still often plowed up in our fields, and

1 Campanius' description of Indians.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 69

are all that remain to remind us that another race
than our own (now extinct) were once lords of our
soil, save a few of our streams, that yet retain their
Indian names, such as Naaman's, Appoquinirnink, and
Nanticoke Creeks.

When they went to war, each provided himself
with a bow and sufficient quantity of airows, and
placed on his head a red turkey's feather, as a sign
they were going to shed blood. After they had car
ried their wives and children to an island, or other
place of safety, they proceeded on their way in a cer
tain order, and when they met their enemies attacked
them with great outcries. They thought they had
made a great battle when ten or twelve men remained
dead on the field. Those who had gained the victory
took off the scalps of the enemies they had killed,
and carried them away as a warlike trophy. They
were very cruel in the treatment of their prisoners.
They would cut and slash them alive ; cut off their
ears, their noses, their tongues and their lips, also
their fingers and toes. They also cut off flesh from
different parts of the body, and then strewed ashes
over the wounds to prevent the blood from flowing, and
that their victims might not die too soon. Such an
example occurred in the year 1646, when Campanius,
the chaplain to Printz, one of the Swedish governors
of this State, was in the country. The Indians resi
dent of the Christiana and Delaware had taken one
of the Mingoes, and bound him to a tree. They
made a large fire round him, and when he was half
roasted let him loose. Giving him a fire-brand in

70 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

each hand, and taking one in each hand themselves,
they challenged him to fight, and when at last he
could no longer stand, but fell down, one of them
sprang upon him, and with his nails cut the skin of
his forehead open, and tore off his scalp. The Min-
goes and Minquas were often at war. They were
also in the habit of eating the flesh of their enemies
after boiling it. Campanius also relates that some
Indians once invited a Swede to go with them to their
habitation in the woods. When he arrived there they
treated him to the best the house afforded, and
pressed him to eat, which he did. There was broiled
and boiled, and even hashed meat, of all which the
Swede ate with them. But it did not agree with his
stomach, for he threw it up immediately afterwards.
The Indians did not let him know what he had been
eating, but it was told him afterwards by some other
Indians that he had been fed on the flesh of an Indian
of a neighboring tribe with whom they were at war,
and that that was the broiled, boiled and hashed meat
with which he had been treated.1

They had a system of fortification, which was by
surrounding their villages with palisades. The Min-
ques or Mincks (probably the Minquas) had a fort on
a very high mountain, very difficult to climb, about
twelve miles from New Sweden,2 which was the
name this State was first known by. This mountain
was, probably, Iron or Chestnut Hills, ne;ir Newark.
The usual employment of the Indians, were fishing

1 Campanius, 122. 2 Ibid. 127.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 71

and hunting, and shooting with the bow and arrow.
Lindstrom, the engineer, who came over with Gov
ernor Printz, and who improved the fortifications at
Christina (now Wilmington), and at Fort Cassimir
(now New Castle) , in a manuscript treatise written
by him, says:

" As soon as the winter is over they commence their
hunting expeditions, which they do in the most in
genious manner. They choose the time when the grass
is high, and dry as hay. The Sachem collects the
people together, and places them in a circumference
of one or two miles, according to their numbers ; they
then root out all the grass around that circumference,
to the breadth of about four yards, so that the fire
cannot run back upon them ; when that is done, they
set the grass on fire, which of course extends all round,
until it reaches the centre of the circumference. They
then set up great outcries, and the animals fly toward
the centre, and when they are collected within a small
circle, the Indians shoot at them with guns and bows,
and kill as many as they please, by which means they
get plenty of venison. When the grass has ceased to
grow, they go out into the woods and shoot the ani
mals which they find there, in which they have not
much trouble, for their sense of smelling is so acute
that they can smell them like hounds. Their Sachem
causes a turkey to be hung up in the air, of which the
bowels being taken out and the belly filled with money,
he who shoots the bird down gets the money that is
within it."1

1 Campanius, 128.

72 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

The money of the Indians was called wampum. It
consisted of beads neatly cut out of white or brown
cockle, muscle or oyster shells, through which they
bore a hole and string them together on a thread like
pearls. Each fathom of wampum was worth five
Dutch guilders, reckoning four beads for every stiver.
The brown beads were more valued than the others,
and brought a higher price. A white bead was of the
value of a piece of copper money, a brown one was
worth a piece of silver.

Speaking of the money of the Indians, the engineer
Lindstrom, says : " Their money is made of shells,
white, black, and red ; worked into beads, and neatly
turned and smoothed. One person, however, cannot
make more in a day than six or eight stivers. When
these beads are worn out so that they cannot be strung
neatly and evenly on the thread, they no longer con
sider them as good. Their way of trying them is to
rub the whole thread full on their noses. If they find
it slides smooth and even, like glass beads, then they
are considered good ; otherwise, they break and throw
them away. Their manner of measuring their strings,
is by the length of their thumbs, from the end of the
nail to the first joint makes six beads, of which the
white ones are worth a stiver, or piece of copper money ,
but the black, or blue ones, are worth two stivers or
a piece of silver."1

When the Europeans first came, the Indians had no
instruments or tools made of iron, but still there was

1 Campanius, 132.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 73

mechanical talent among them. They could tan and
prepare the skins of animals, which they afterward
painted. They adorned skins and bed covers with
various colored feathers, binding them with a kind of
net-work, which, says Campanius, " was very hand
some, and fastened the featners very well." They
also made light, and warm clothing and covering for
themselves of the same material. With the leaves of
Indian corn and reeds, they made purses, mats, bas
kets, and everything else they wanted. They also
" made very handsome and strong mats of fine roots,
which they painted with all kinds of figures. They
hung their walls with these mats, and made excellent
bed-clothes of them."

The women spun thread and yarn out of nettles,
hemp, and some plants unknown to the white men.
Campanius said, •' Governor Printz had a complete
suit of clothes, with coat, breeches, and belt, made by
these barbarians, with their wampum, which curiously
wrought with the figures of all kinds of animals, and
cost some thousand pieces of gold." Their tobacco
pipes were made out of reeds, a man's length. The
bowl was made of horn, but sometimes of clay.

Their boats were made of the bark of cedar and
birch trees, bound together and lashed very strongly.
They also made boats out of cedar trees, which they
burnt inside, and scraped off the coals with sharp
stones, bones, or muscle shells.

The dwellings of the Indians were made of the
branches of trees, twisted together with bark, covered
with mats, made of the leaves of the Indian corn matted

74 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

together. They first put a pole in the centre, and
then spread their mats and branches around it, and
then cover it above with a roof made of bark, leaving
a hole in the top for the smoke to pass through. In
the pole they fixed hooks to hang their kettles on,
and a large stone to protect themselves from fire, and
around it they spread the mats and skins on which
they slept, Their principal furniture was the kettle
in which they cooked their food. They had no seats,
but sat on the ground. The Indians not being ac
customed to it, could not sit on chairs. Accordingly,
when they visited white men, the tables were
always uncovered at the lower end, so that the In
dian at meals could get on the table, and sit and eat
what was set before him cross-legged. When a white
man visited an Indian, he spread his best mats on the
ground, and laid before him Indian bread, deer, elk,
or bear's meat ; fresh fish, and bear's fat, instead of
butter. These attentions the Indians expected to be
received with thankfulness, otherwise, their friend
ship would be turned to hatred.

The food of the Indians, was the kind of wild ani
mals which abounded then in the State, which they
shot with their bows and arrows. Also fish, which
they shot with the same weapons. When the waters
were high, the fish run up the creeks and returned at
ebb-tide ; so that the Indians could easily shoot them
at low water, and drag them ashore. They also made
bread out of Indian corn, which they crushed between
two stones and a large piece of wood. They then
moistened it with water, and made it into small cakes,

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. <5

which they wrapped up in corn leaves, and baked in the
ashes. When they were traveling or laying in wait
for their enemies, they took with them a kind of bread
made of Indian corn and tobacco juice, which, says
Campanius, "is a very good thing to ally hunger
and quench thirst, in case they have nothing else at
hand."

Polygamy was practiced amongst the Indians, and
marriage was early. As soon as an Indian was seven
teen or eighteen years of age, he took one, two, or
three wives, according to his ability to maintain them.
The woman was expected to be in constant attendance
upon her husband. Should she be guilty of infidelity
or otherwise misbehave, her husband would at once
turn her out with blows, and take another wife in her
place. They considered it disgraceful to get married
until they had, by some exploit in hunting or war,
given proof of their manliness. The girls remained
with their mothers, and assisted them in the care of
the household, such as making mats and carrying
small bundles. When they wanted to get married,
which generally happened when they were thirteen or
fourteen years of age, they were accustomed to cover
their breasts, and wear something upon their heads,
by which it was understood that they were ready for
a husband. When a warrior or sachem married, his
wife wore her clothes for a year, completely covered
with strings of wampum, in various figures, with
with which her hair, her ears, her arms, and her
waist, even down to her knees, were decorated. Her
hair was greased and her face painted with all sorts

76 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

of colors, which gave her a shocking appearance. At
the same time the husband's person was similarly
adorned. No care was taken of the women when
bearing children. She merely laid down behind a
bush or tree, and immediately after the birth, both the
mother and child would bathe in the water, and the
day after be as fresh and well as before. They would
then fasten the child with a deer skin to a board, a
little longer than itself. From this board it was not
detached for many months — the mother always carry
ing it and suckling it attached in that manner, until it
was freed from it, to learn it to walk, which it generally
did at nine months old, at which time they gave it a name
taken from anything that they thought best suited
to it.

The Indian religion acknowledged a supreme being,
who made both the heavens and the earth. It also
acknowledged an evil spirit, a manetto, manitto or
devil. They, however, in contradistinction to the
white man, worshipped the evil spirit. Their reason
was as follows :

"The Great Sachem in heaven," they said, "is not
bad. He does us neither good nor harm, therefore we
cannot worship him." " The evil spirit," they said,
" is bad, and if we don't do something to please him,
he will hurt or kill us, therefore we must worship
him." They accordingly offered sacrifices to the evil
spirit, in woods. They would erect an altar, and offer
upon it meat, fish and tobacco, and all sorts of fruit.
This they do whenever they prepare to go into or
return from a war. In performing their sacrifices

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 77

they uttered lamentable cries, with strange contor
tions of their bodies. One portion of their religion
was dancing in circles, with songs and joyful cries.
Two of them stood in the middle running to and fro,
holding in their hands a hollow reed, or dried skin.
The Indians gave to Lindstrom the following account
of a portion of their religion, from which he appeared
to think they had some notion of " Christ and his
apostles." They received it by tradition from their
ancestors.

"Once upon a time," (Lindstrom said) they informed
him, " one of your women came among us, and she
became pregnant in consequence of drinking out of
a creek. An Indian had connection with her, and he
also became pregnant, and brought forth a son, who,
when he came to a certain size, was so sensible and
clever that there never was one that could be com
pared to him, so much and so well he spoke, which
excited great wonder ; he also performed many mira
cles. When he was quite grown up, he left us, and
went up into heaven, and promised to come again,
but he never returned. Afterwards there came a big
mouth, (meaning an eloquent man), with a large
beard, like your big mouths (preachers). There was
also another big mouth among us, in former times, but
he also went off (pointing to heaven ) ; he promised
to come back, but never returned."

When the white men first came amongst the In
dians in this State, they were not in the habit of com
mitting excesses in eating or drinking. They lived
upon the animal and vegetable productions of the

78 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

country, and drank nothing but pure water. There
fore they generally lived to an advanced j.ge ; many
of them to over,a hundred years. What sickness they
had was trifling, and having a knowledge of the cura
tive properties of many herbs, what diseases occurred
amongst them readily yielded to their treatment.
Campanius says : " They have a cure for the bite of
the large poisonous snakes with which their country
abounds, which is truly wonderful. It is a kind of
root which they call snake root ; they chew it and
mix it with their spittle when fasting, and lay it upon
the wound. It almost immediately reduces the swell
ing, and soon effects a complete cure."1

When an Indian died, his relations and friends
brought precious and valuable articles to his grave, in
order that he might be provided with everything that
he might want when he arrived at the Indian heaven,
which they believed laid far to the west, where peo
ple wrent after their death. A country, they said,
which abounded in game, and fish, and with every
thing that might be wished for.

They made their graves round, and lined them
with logs, and for their great men with planks arid
boards. The corpse was placed in it in a sitting pos
ture, and by it was laid its shield and the weapons
that belonged to it in life. They tied its hands to
gether, one on each side of its head, and then laid
planks or boards underneath it to support it; then
filling the grave with earth, they push planks or logs
upon it to keep it from the wild animals, and fixed in

1 See Campauius, 142.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 79

the middle a long painted pole in remembrance of the
deceased, on the top of which, if he was a good hun
ter, they put the figure in wood of some wild animal;
if he was a fisherman, that of a fish. For three
months afterwards the relations and friends would
daily visit the grave, and ask him, with cries and
lamentations, why he left them so soon, and why he
could not stay longer amongst them, and whether he
had not good meat, good drink, and everything else he
could wish. They then kept their faces blackened for
a year. They were very attentive of their graves,
that they might not fall in or be overgrown with
grass or bushes, lest the memory of the dead should
be forgotten.

Such were the habit, custom, and character of the
Indians who inhabited this State, of whom it is be
lieved not one of their descendants now remain alive.
They were orators, counsellors, and warriors. Equal
in morals and general intelligence to the wrhites, and,
we believe, considering the circumstances, in truth,
honor, and honesty their superiors. But they were
ignor/int of letters; they violated God's law, of not
being willing as a race to "earn their bread by the
sweat of their face." They were hunters, not agri
culturalists, and as all wealth, all science, all knowl
edge depends upon labor, and those nations or races
who employ in that labor their brightest and most
acute intellect are the most successful and the most
powerful, so notwithstanding the many natural high
qualities of the Indian, because his labor wras done by
his women, who were from the nature of things, weak

80 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

and ignorant, he was defeated, driven back, and ex
terminated by the white man, whose labor was per
formed by the. strength of body and intellect of the
males of his race, instead of the necessary weakened
physical and mental organization of the female. The
letters and books from which the white man derived
his instruction, the ships which brought him over, the
iron of which his cannon and muskets and swords
and bayonets were made, and the forts which protected
him, and the implements with which he tilled the earth,
producing from a small space a large crop, were all
the results of male labor. It was the possession of
these things that enabled him to conquer his red
brother. Without them he would have been as help
less as the Indian. Without labor he could not have
had them. Therefore, the real cause of the fall of
the Indian, in his conflict with the white race, was
his contempt for labor, and placing it upon his women.
As the white man cleared the woods and plowed the
fields, the game having no cover, retreated from his
advancing footsteps. The Indian, depending mostly
on game, went back with the animals, which the white
man drove to the receding wilderness. So that even
had there been no war between the races, the Indians
must have been driven to the wilderness as the white
man advanced, which every day was, and is now, re
ceding to the westward.

These accounts of the Indian we have got mainly
from Campanius, as he is the only writer that has
dwelt at any length upon those of that race who in
habited the territory now comprised in the boundary

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 81

of Delaware. There was probably but little difference
in character between them and the other Indians that
inhabited this Continent; but as his description apply
especially to the Indian inhabitants of this State, and
those residing in our immediate vicinity in Pennsyl
vania and New Jersey, we prefer his description to
any other.

Although the following council of Indians might
have been more appropriately introduced under the
events of 1645, yet we relate them here, as illustrating
the character of the Indians. As regards the place
where the council was held history does not inform us.
Printz was governor, of what is now our State, at the
time. It was called by the head sachem Matta Norn,1
to know whether the then inhabitants of Delaware,
principally Swedes (though there were some Dutch)
should be destroyed. The sachem calls his son,
Agga Horn, and a dialogue occurs between them, as
follows :

Father Matta Horn. — Where are the Swedes and
the Dutch?

Son Acjga Horn. — Some of them are at Fort Chris
tina, and some at New Gottenberg.

Father. — What do the Swedes and the Dutch say
now?

Son. — They say, why are the Indians so angry with
us ? Why do they say they will kill all of us Swedes,

1 This Sachem owned the territory on -which the city of Wilmington
is built. The grounds on which Fort Christina was built was pur.
chased from him, and on that ground was his wigwam. He is some
times called Matta Hoon.
ti

82 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

and root us out of the country ? The Swedes are very
good. They come in large fast sailing ships, with all sorts
of fine things from Swede's country, or old Sweden.

F. — Go round to the other chiefs and to the com
mon men, and hear what they say.

$m — They say, you Indians and we (Swedes and
Dutch and English) are in friendship with each other.
We are good men. Come to us. We have a great
deal of cloth, kettles, gunpowder, guns, and all that
you may want to buy.

F. — I understand. What do you say about this,
Agga Horn, my son ?

S. — I say that I think it best not to fall upon them,
because the Swedes are skillful warriors.

F. — My son, you must go about here and there, to
our good friends, the officers and common men, and
engage them to come immediately here to me, that
we may consult together as to what we shall do.

S. — It is well, I will go.

F. — Do that, but don't be long away.

The son comes again and salutes his father.

S. — My father, Matta Horn (that is), Good bye,
father, Matta Horn.

F. — Yes, here I am my dear son, Agga Horn.

S. — Father Matta Horn, I have done what you or
dered me.

F. — Well, my son, what answered the officers.

S. — They answered that they would come here to
us, the day after to-morrow.

F. — You, my son Agga Horn, may go with the men
to shoot some deer in the woods. Perhaps the good
gentlemen may be hungry when they come.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

&. — I understand that well, I will go immediately
out hunting.

After being hunting, he returns with venison.

F. — Have you been hunting ?

£. — Yes, I have.

F. — What have you done ?

S. — We have killed two elks, and as many deer as
will be wanted.

F. — Have you shot no turkeys ?

S. — I shall have also, twelve turkeys.

F. — Enough, enough.

The people are now assembled in Council.

Sachem. — Are you here, good friends ?

Warriors. — Yes, we are.

Sachem. — That is well, you are welcome. Set down
and rest.

Warriors. — With pleasure, for we are much tired.

Sachem. — Are you also hungry ?

Warriors. — Yes, may'be we are hungry.

Sachem. — I know you have gone a great way, so
you must be very hungry. We shall have meat pres
ently.

Warriors. — That will do for us.

Sachem. — Here, you have to eat. Eat all, ye good
friends.

Warriors. — Yes, we will do our best. Give us meat.

Sachem. — Do you also want drink ?

Warriors. — Yes, give us drink. This is sweet and
good water. We are now well satisfied. Thanks,
thanks.

Sachems Speech to the Warriors. — My good friends,

84 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

all of you don't take it amiss that my son has called
you to this place. The Swedes dwell here upon our
land, and they have many fortresses and houses for
their habitation. But they have no goods to sell to
us. We can find nothing in their stores that we want,
and we cannot trade with them. The question is,
whether we shall go out and kill all the Swedes, and
destroy them altogether, or whether we shall suffer
them to remain ? Therefore, I am glad that you came
here, that we may consult together on this subject.
You chiefs and warriors, what advice do you give ?
What shall we do with the Swedes ? They have no
cloth, red, blue, or brown. They have no kettles, no
brass, no lead, no guns, no powder. They have nothing
to sell us ; but the English and Dutch have got all
sorts of merchandize.

Some of the Chiefs answer. — We are for the Swedes,
we have nothing against them.

Another Chief answers. — It would be well to kill all
the Swedes ; for they have nothing in their stores,
for which we can trade with them.

Tne Common Warriors answer.

A common warrior says : Wherefore, should we kill
all the Swedes, and root them out of the country ?
They are in friendship with us. We have no com
plaint to make of them. Presently they will bring
here a large ship full of all sorts of good things.

Others ansiver. — You talk well, we common warriors
agree with you. Then we shall not kill all the Swedes,
and root them out of the country.

Others reply. — No, by no means. For the Swedes

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 85

are good enough, and they will shortly have here, a
large ship full of all sorts of goods.

The King's decision. — Right so. We, native Indians,
will love the Swedes, and the Swedes shall be our
good friends. We, and the Swedes, and the Dutch,
shall always trade with each other. We shall not
make war upon them and destroy them. This is
fixed and certain. Take care to observe it.

The whole meeting answers.

We all agree it shall be fixed and certain.

Now, we are going home.

Yes, farewell.

Whither are you going ?

To our plantations.

I understand.

The maize is now fully ripe.

Yes, it is certainly ripe.

Now then, fare ye well.1

Such is the account given by Campanius of the
council held by the Indians, to decide whether they
should attempt to massacre the first settlers of Dela
ware. It is the only recorded proceedings in exist
ence, of any council held by the Indians who inhabited
this State, or of any meeting of theirs, that had any
relation to its inhabitants. This council will be al
luded to in our history, hereafter.

1 See Campanius, 153, 154, 155, 156.

CHAPTER V.

FROM A.D. 1492 TO 1606.

Discovery of America by Columbus — Of the Continent by John
Cabot — Sebastian Cabot sails from Labrador to Virginia — Passes
the Southern Boundary of Delaware — Makes several other voy
ages — Made Grand Pilot of England — Verrazani touches the Conti
nent in the latitude of Wilmington — Grant to Sir Humphry
Gilbert — He touches the Continent near the Kennebec — No grant
of Delaware — Lost on his return to England — Grant to Sir Walter
Raleigh — He has the right to Delaware when he discovers it — He
does not do it — He assigns the right to merchants in London —
James I. claims the land between the 34th and 45th degrees of
latitude — Grant to Xorth Virginia, from 41st to 45th degree of
latitude — To South Virginia 34th to 38th degree — Delaware not
included.

P14921 ^scoverJ °f ^ne Western hemis

phere was made by Christopher Columbus,
a Genoese, who was employed by Ferdinand and Isa
bella (the King and Queen of Spain) to discover a
new route to the Indies. He sailed from Palas, in
Spain, on the 14th of August, 1492, old style,1 and
landed at St. Salvador, or Cat Island, on the 12th of
October following. This discovery of Columbus was
the cause of the settlement of this State by its pre-

1 There are nine days difference between the old and new styles, the
new style being nine days later. English and Swedish date op to
1752 are old style, and nine days must be added to them to corres
pond with our present mode of reckoning. Dutch dates are new style,,
or dates now in use. They adopted the new style about 1600. The
English did not adopt it until 1752.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 87

sent people. As the discoveries by him incited the
enterprise of the citizens and navigators of England
and Holland, the former of whom in subsequent voy
ages discovered the continent of which our State is a
part, and the latter the river, on the banks of which
it is situated. In May, 1497, or about five
years after Columbus saw the first island of
the New World (as the Continent of America is
called), John Cabot, a Venetian, under the authority
of the English King Henry VII., discovered the con
tinent. On the 21st of June he first saw what was
supposed at that time to have been the Island of New
foundland, but what is now thought to have been the
coast of Labrador. He soon afterwards returned to
England. The following year his son Sebas- ri 400-1
tian Cabot, who was with him on his first
voyage, and born in Bristol, in England, and there
fore an Englishman, made a second voyage, and ex
plored the continent from Labrador to Virginia, and
some say to Florida. He thus sailed past the south
ern shore of this State, on the Atlantic. After several
other voyages he returned to England, during the
reign of Edward VI., and as a reward for his services
was appointed grand pilot of the kingdom. Several
other voyagers made discoveries in America, but it is
not our purpose to allude to any but those that have
in some manner been connected with the State of
Delaware. In 1524, or twenty-seven years ri KO^-I
after Sebastian Cabot had sailed past it on
the Atlantic, John Verrazani, a Florentine of cele
brity, in the employment of the French, discovered

88 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE,

the continent in the latitude of Wilmington, in this
State. He must therefore have touched or observed
it at what is now called the Long Beach, in New
Jersey? near ^ne town of Tuckerton. In 1578
Queen Elizabeth of England gave to Sir
Humphrey Gilbert an open or patent letter for "all
such remote heathen and barbarous lands as he should
discover in North America, and of which he should
take possession ; these lands not having been occupied
before by any other Christian power." She vested in
him and his heirs the right of property, and guaran
tied that all who should settle there should enjoy the
privileges of free citizens and natives of England. He
was to acknowledge the sovereignty of England, and
pay one-fifth of all the gold obtained. Under this
patent he made several voyages during the year 1579
and 1583, and touching at the Island of New Found-
land, sailed as far south as the Kennebeck, but it does
not appear that he had himself any grant, or was in
any way connected with Delaware, though some geo
graphers place down the whole territory between
Florida and New Brunswick as being the " Remote
and Heathen Lands" patented by Queen Elizabeth to Sir
Humphry Gilbert in 1578. This map is so laid down
in Willard's History of the United States. This
grant would, of course, include Delaware, but as the
patent granted only included such lands as he dis
covered, and he did not sail further south than the
mouth of the Kennebeck River, in Maine, he could
have never had any jurisdiction over our territory.
However, upon the death of Gilbert, (a noble, gallant

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 89

and Christian sailor, who was lost at sea in a little vessel
of ten tons, called the Squirrel, on his return to Eng
land,) a patent was granted by the same queen to the
celebrated Sir Walter Raleigh, his brother-in-law, for
all the land he should discover between the 33d arid
40th degree of north latitude. This gave him the
right to all the territory, tvhen he found it, from a
short distance south of the Santee River, in South
Carolina, to a point a few miles north of Tom's River,
in Ocean County, New Jersey, and also a mile or so
north of Philadelphia, at a point between Philadelphia
and Germantown. Raleigh sent several vessels to
America, which discovered Albermarle and Pamlico
Sounds, in North Carolina. He there established a
colony on Roanoke Island, which was destroyed. But
it does not appear that either he, or any of those
under him, ever sailed as far north as Delaware Bay,
and all his connection with this State was a right to
discover and possess it; a right which he never exer
cised.

Soon after Raleigh assigned his patent to ri CCOT
a company of merchants in London. Seven
years after this assignment to the London merchants
James I. of England, claiming all the land ripQp-i
between the 34th and 45th degrees of north
latitude, (or from Cape Fear River, within a mile or
two of the southern boundary of North Carolina, to
the St. Croix River, which divides the northern
boundary of the United States at the State of Maine
from the British Colony of New Brunswick,) divided
it into two districts, which he called North and South

90 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Virginia. North Virginia included from the 41st to
the 45th degree, and contained the whole of New
England, nearly the whole of the State of New York,
a small part of New Jersey, and that portion of Penn
sylvania north of a line drawn through it from east to
west, from about Stroudsburg, in Monroe County, on
its eastern border, to New Castle, in Lawrence
County, on its western border. This he granted to
the Plymouth Company, composed of " knights, gen
tlemen and merchants." South Virginia included
from the 34th to the 38th degree of latitude, and con
tained the territory between the mouth of the Cape
Fear River, near the boundary of North and South
Carolina, and the boundary of Virginia and Maryland.
This was granted to the London Company, composed
of "noblemen, gentlemen and merchants," mostly
resident of the City of London. The intermediate
district, from the 38th to the 41st degree, comprising
the States of Delaware and Maryland, and the largest
part of Pennsylvania, nearly the whole of New
Jersey, Manhattan Island, on which the present city
of New York stands, together with Staten and nearly
the whole of Long Island, was open to the settlement
of both companies, but neither was to come within
one hundred miles of the other. These grants were
thus made three years before the discovery of Dela
ware River, by either the English or any other nation.
Under these companies both Virginia and New Eng
land were settled. The Plymouth or North Vir
ginia Company, however, fourteen years afterwards,
succeeded in getting their charter modified, and their

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 91

territory extended, by an additional grant of one de
gree of latitude from the 40th to the 41st degree,
thus bringing under their dominion the whole of New
York and nearly the whole of Pennsylvania, and
near two-thirds of New Jersey.

CHAPTER VI.

FROM 1600 TO 1614.

Employment of Henry Hudson by the Dutch East India Company, to fin J
a Northeast passage to China — Sailed from Texel, in the yacht
" Half Moon"— His Discovery of Cape Cod — Supposed Discovery
of Chesapeake Bay — Discovery of Delaware Bay — Log of Robert
Jewett, Hudson's Mate — Discovery by Capt. Argall — Visit of Lord
De-la-war, in the Bay from which it derives its Name — Aban
donment of Hudson by his Mariners in Hudson's Bay — Sketch
of the Life of Hudson — Recorded Names of Crew of Half Moon —
Samuel Purchase. First Writer on Delaware.

Hudson? an Englishman, in the
employ of the Dutch East India Company,
belongs the honor of first discovering the State of
Delaware. He certainly never landed, but sailing
into the Bay from which the State derives its name,
he undoubtedly obtained a sight of our shores. He
was engaged by the East India Company to find a
Northeast passage to China. That measure at that
period, obtaining a large portion of the attention of
the scientific and commercial portions of the civilized
world. Accordingly, he was engaged by that Com
pany, as captain and supercargo of the ship or yacht
"Halvemann," (or Half Moon,) 40 lasts or eighty
tons burthen. She left the Texel, April 9, 1609,1
and sailing toward the Northeast, endeavored to make
a passage to China in that direction, but changed his

1 Broadhead's Address, N. J. Historical Col.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, 93

course owing to the ice, and stood over toward what
then was called New France, now. the British pos
sessions of North America. He passed the Banks of
Newfoundland, in latitude 43° 23'. He made the land
in latitude 44° 15', and went on shore at a place where
there were many of the natives with whom, as he
understood the French came every year to trade.
This place is supposed to be the mouth of the Penob-
scot, or a small French settlement, now Annapolis.

From thence he took his course to the South, run
ning S. S. W., and S. W. by S., where he again made
land, in 41° 43', which he supposed to be an island,
and gave the name of New Holland, but afterward
discovered that it was Cape Cod. Pursuing his course
toward the South, he again saw land in 37° 15'. The
coast was low, running North and South, and opposite
to it lay a bank or shoal, within which was a depth
of 8, 9, 10. 11, and G£ fathoms, with a sandy bottom.
This he called Dry Cape (supposed to be Chesapeake
Bay, and Cape Charles). Changing his course to the
northward, he ngain discovered land in latitude 38° 9',
where there was a white sandy shore, and within ap
peared a thick grove of trees, full of green foliage.
His direction of the coast was N. N. E., and S. S. W.,
for about 24 miles, then North and South for 21 miles,
and afterward S. E. and N. W., for 15 miles. They
continued to run along this course to the North, until
they reached a point from which the land stretches to
W. N. "VV., where several rivers discharge into an open
bay. Land was seen to the E. N. E., which Hudson
at first 'took for an island, but it proved to be the

94 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

main land, and the second point of this bay, in lati
tude 38° 54'. This was, without doubt, Cape May,
now laid down in latitude 38° 57'. varying only three
minutes from the observation of Hudson; the re
mainder of the description applies well enough to the
Delaware Bay and River, now, first discovered by
the Dutch. Standing in upon a course N. W. by E.,
they soon found themselves embayed, and encoun
tered many breakers, and stood out again to the
S. S. E. Hudson supposed that a large river dis
charged into the bay, from the strength of the cur
rent that set out, and caused the accumulation of
sands and shoals. Convinced that the way to China
did not lay in that direction, they then continued
along the coast toward Sandy Hook.1

^e f°H°wm8' ig fr°m the log-book of Rob
ert Jewett, the mate, who gives the follow
ing account of the discovery of Delaware Bay.

" Friday, Aug. 28. Fair, and hot weather, wind
S. S. W. In the morning, at 6 o'clock, we weighed
and steered away north 12 leagues until noon, and
came to the point of the land ; and being hard by the
land in five fathoms, on a sudden we came into three
fathoms, and we bore up and we had but ten feet
water, and joined to the point. Then, as soon as we
were over, we had 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13
fathoms. Then we found the land to trend away N.
W., with a great bay and river. But the bay we
found shoal, and in the offing we found ten fathoms,

1 De Laet's Description, N. Y. His. Col.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 95

and had sight of beaches and dry sands. Then we
were forced to stand back again, so we stood back
S. E. by S., three leagues, and at 7 o'clock we an
chored in eight fathoms of water, and found a tide set
N. W. and N. N. W., and it rises one fathom, and
flows S. S. E. And he that will thoroughly explore
this great bay, must have a small pinnace, that must
draw but four or five feet water, to sound before him.
At 5 in the morning we weighed, and steered away
to the eastward on many courses, for the more north
ern land is full of shoals ; we were among them, and
once we struck, and we went away and steered away
to the S. E., so that we had 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
fathoms, and so, deeper and deeper."1

From this it will be seen, that Hudson was the
first person that discovered this State, and that the
28th day of August, 1609, was the first time its
shores were seen by civilized man. One year later,
it is alledged, that Sir Samuel Argall,2 after-
ward Governor of Virginia, visited the Dela
ware Bay, and named it Cape Delaware, after Lord
De-la-war, the Governor of Virginia. In his report
he states, that he caught halibut, cod, and ling fish
in the Bay.3 The year afterwards, Lord De- ri gi i n
la-war himself visited the Bay, on his voy
age homeward. It was after this called by the English
Delaware Bay. The Indians called it Chickohockie.4

1 N. Y. His. Col.

2 It was Argall that seized on Pocahontas, as a hostage for the good
conduct of her father, the Indian chieftain, Powhattan.

3 Strachey. 4 Anderson's History of Colonial Church.

96 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

To Hudson, therefore, is due the honor of its first dis
covery, and although his name is not applied to it, it
still lives in that of the great river, on the banks of
which is seated the great metropolis of this continent,
and the great bay of the North, which has proved
both his u tomb and his monument."1 In other words,
Hudson River, on which the great city of New York
is situated, and the great Hudson's Bay, in the Brit
ish possessions of North America, where he was
abandoned by his treacherous sailors, and never
afterward heard of.

The Delaware Bay (and consequently the State of
Delaware), was discovered by Hudson six days be
fore he entered the Hudson River. As we have before
said, the 28th of August, he sailed in and explored
the waters of the great Bay, from which this State
derives its name ; whereas the Half Moon did not
anchor within Sandy Hook until the evening of the
3d of September. New York, to use the words
of an eminent descendant of Delaware, is accord
ingly, Delaware's younger sister.2

Of the birth, parentage, home, boyhood, and early
days of the manhood of the discoverer of Delaware ;
nothing is known prior to the 19th of April, 1607,
when he suddenly appears upon the stage of action
as a captain in the employ of the Muscovy Company,
an English Company, of which another Henry Hudson

1 Bancroft, 265-275, 19th Edition.

2 Lecture delivered by Jno. Meredith Read, before the Historical
Society of Delaware, October 13, 18G4, on the life of Hudson. Pub
lished by the Historical Society of Delaware.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 97

(supposed to be his grandfather1) was one of the
founders, formed for the purpose of trading between
England and Russia. The original name of the
family was supposed to be Hodgson (derived from
Hodge's son — the original, bearer of the surname

t— - O

being the son of Hodge), and thus changed to Hodg
son, and from thence to Hudson by various modes
of spelling. He first commanded a ship called the
Hopewell, in which he was sent to discover a route
to China by the way of Spitzbergen and the North
Pole in April, 1607. In 1608 he made a second
voyage for a similar purpose, for the same company,
which resulted in making known a portion of Nova
Zembla. In 1609, in the service of the Dutch East
India Company, he discovered New Netherlands (a
part of which was the State of Delaware). His mate
desired that he should winter in Newfoundland and
search for a northwestern passage. But as his crew
were mutinous, and had savagely threatened him, and
as many of them were ill and sickly, they returned
homeward. On their voyage they put into Dartmouth
in England on the 7th of November. Hudson and
the other English were here commanded not to leave
England but serve their own country.2 The Half
Moon3 returned to Amsterdam after eight months de
tention.4

In the preceding month of April, Hudson sailed

1 Lecture by John Meredith Read. 2 Purchase's Pilgrimages.

3 This vessel, the first that ever entered the Delaware, was wrecked
at the Island of Mauritus in 1015. Broadhead i., 43.

4 Stowe'fi Chronicle, 509, 510.

7

98 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

under English auspices again to search for a north
west passage. lie wintered in latitude 52, and sailed
up to latitude GO along the western shore of the Hud
son Bay. Here his crew mutinied. They had been
absent from home ten months, with provisions for
only eight, and during their whole voyage they had
met with but a single man, an Indian armed v.ith a
cris or poinard. He brought them an animal which
they a,te, but having badly treated him, he went away
and never returned. Now, although, " he had divided
even with tears his last bread with his men, yet on a
midsummer's day in 161 1, his ungrateful crew thrust
him into a frail boat with his son,"1 John Hudson,
and left them to their fate. The crew then returned
by the way they had come, and reached their home
in September, 1611, where they were thrown into
prison. Three ships were fitted out and sent in search
of Hudson by the King, the Prince of Wales, and some
merchants, but the unfortunate discoverer of Delaware
was never heard of more.

All published accounts2 of Hudson are derived from
" Purchase's Pilgrimages ; or, Relations of the World,"
an unfinished work giving an account of the voyages
of the early navigators.3

1 Bancroft.

2 J. M. Read, Jr.

3 The Rev. Samuel Purchase was a London clergyman. He is en
titled to the honor of being the first author who wrote of our State.
He was a philosopher, historian and theologian, widely known for his
writings, especially for his large volumes pertaining to the East and
West Indies. The publishing of his works brought him in debt, but
he died not in prison, as stated, but in his own house.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 99

•

Besides Hudson, Robert Juet and John Coleman,
are the only recorded names of the crew of the Half
Moon that visited Delaware Bay. Hudson's manu
scripts are lost, and the only written account of his
visit to the Delaware, is that of Juet, who lived at
Limehouse.

Delaware Bay and River has received different
names from the various nations who have at different
times inhabited it. By the Indians it was called
Pontaxat, Chickohockee, Mariskitten and Moherish-
kisken, and Lenape Whittuck. The Dutch called it
Zuydt or South River, Nassau River, and Prince
Hendrick's or Charles River ; the Swedes, New
S wed eland Stream ; the English, Delaware ; Heylin,
in his Cosmography, calls it Arasapha. It has also
been known as Newport and Godyn's Bay.

CHAPTER VII.

FROM 1614 TO 1G21.

Passage of General Edict by States of Holland in favor of Discoverers
of New Lands — Terms of the Edict — Fitting out of vessels under
it — Building of Block's vessel the Fortune — Building of the
Yacht Restless, the first vessel built in the United States —
Naming of Cape May from Capt. Cornells Jacobsen Mey — Re
turn of the vessels to Holland — Hendrickson sails up the Dela
ware to the Schuylkill — Hendrickson the first who Landed in the
State of Delaware — He purchases Indians from the Minquas —
Block, May and the rest form a Company and Petition the State
General for Confirmation of the Privileges promised to Discoverers
by their Edict — Their Petition granted — Death of Lord Delaware
from whom the River and State derives its Name — His antecedents
and Family.

AFTER the discovery by Hudson in 1609,
no steps were taken by Europeans to settle
the shores of the Delaware until 1614, at least none
known at the present day, as the document relating
to events between those periods were destroyed in
Holland. In that year in consequence of petitions
being presented to the States of Holland by " many
merchants interested in the maritime discovery" to
what, in the terms of the petition, were called the "High
and Mighty States General of Holland," a general
edict was passed in favor of all persons who should
discover " any new courses, havens, countries, or
places, of the exclusive privilege of resorting to and
frequenting the same for four voyages? If any vio-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 101

lated the provisions of the edict, they were to forfeit
their vessels and be fined 50,000 Netherland ducats,
which were to be given to the discoverer whose rights
they had infringed upon. The discoverer in fourteen
days after his return was required to deliver to the
State "a pertinent report of his discoveries." If one
or more companies were to discover the same coun
tries " within the same time, then they were unitedly
to enjoy the privilege of the four voyages, the time
when they shall cease to be determined by the States,
who were also to settle any differences arising."1

Under this edict, there were five vessels fitted out
by merchants of Amsterdam, viz., the Fortune belong
ing to Hoorne, by Captain Cornelis Jacobson Mey ;
the Tiger, commanded by Captain Hendrick Cortien-
son ; the Fox, Captain De With ; the Nightingale,
Captain Volkersten, and another vessel, named the
Fortune, commanded by Captain Adrien Block. These
vessels sailed to the mouth of the Manhattan River,
where Block's vessel was unfortunately destroyed by
fire. To supply the place of his burnt ship, he built
at a small island, near the mouth of Long Island
Sound, on the coast of Rhode Island (and now named
after him Block Island), a yacht of 38 feet keel, 44 J
feet long, and 11 feet wide, which he called the
" Onrest" or Restless. She was when finished about
16 tons burthen. This was the first vessel built in
this country by Europeans. With the exception of
the Fortune, Captain Mey, all these vessels sailed to

1 Hist. Doc., translated by O'Callighan.

102 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the eastward. Captain Mey sailed south and arrived
at the Delaware Bay, and it is from him that the
eastern cape of the Delaware derives its present
name of Cape May. The southern cape was named
after his first name Cape Cornelius, but it was after
wards changed to Cape Henlopen, the name it at
present bears. Shortly after this all the vessels re
turned to Holland, with the exception of the yacht
Restless, which was placed under the command of
Captain Hendrickson. She was left to make a more
minute examination of the country, and was the first
vessel to explore the Delaware Bay and River.
' In it Hendrickson sailed up the river as high
as the Schuylkill. He was consequently the first
whom it is known, beyond a doubt, discovered this
State and landed on our shores. Hudson had merely
a view of our coast, from where our southern bound
ary touches Worcester County, Maryland, to about
where the town of Lewistown now stands. There is
no evidence that either Argall or Delaware went on
shore. But Hendrickson landed on our soil, and
made purchases of some prisoners taken in battle
from the Minquas who inhabited the banks of the
Christiana. Therefore, to him, we think, belongs the
real honor of being the first discoverer of the State
of Delaware. In his report, which is among the Hol
land Documents, and which, however, gives but little
information, he speaks of " having discovered and ex
plored certain lands, a bay and three rivers, situated
between 38 and 40 degrees, in a small yacht of six
teen tons burthen, named the "Onrest" (Restless),

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 103

which had been built at Manhattan. He also states,
that "he bought three native inabitants from the Ma-
quas (Minquas) and Mohicans, who held them in
slavery, for whom he gave in exchange kettles, beads
and merchandise." He also furnished a very curious
map (a fac simile of which is now at Albany, N. Y.)
drawn on parchment, about two feet long and eighteen,
inches wide, and " executed in the most elegant style
of art," showing "very accurately the coasts from
Nova Scotia to the Capes of Virginia. Hendrickson
applied to the States of Holland for the privileges
promised by the edict passed by them, and on the
faith of which, he made his discoveries, but from
some cause he was unsuccessful in his application.1
The bay and rivers, spoken of by Hendrickson as
discovered by him, were undoubtedly the Delaware
Bay and River, the Christiana and the Schuylkill.
The Delaware was the river on which he sailed. The
Christiana the one from which he purchased the slave
Indians from the Minquas who inhabited its banks,
and the Schuylkill, the one that marked the limit of
his voyage up the first mentioned river.

After Block, Mey, and their fleet returned to Hol
land, they formed themselves into a company, and on
the llth of October they petitioned the States General
for a special edict in their favor, agreeable to the
terms of the general ordinance of the 27th of March.
They stated that at great expense and heavy damages
to themselves, arising from loss of vessels during the
last year, they had, with five ships owned by them,

1 L'roadhead, 18 ; Hist. Doc., 59 ; O'Callighan, 18.

104 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

discovered and explored certain new lands lying in
America between New France and Virginia, in the
latitude from 40 to 45 degrees, which they called
" New Netherlands." They also presented a map of
the newly discovered country, which amongst other
things, contained a faithful delineation of the Hudson
River as far as Albany, which was made within five
years after the discovery of that river by Hudson (a
fcie simile copy of which is also preserved amongst
the records of New York). The State General after
hearing the report and examining their map, granted
to Captains De With, Block, Volkersten and Mey,
the discoverers, now united into one company,1 with
the privilege " exclusively to navigate to the said
newly discovered lands lying in America between
New France and Virginia, the coast of which is
situated in latitude from 40 to 45 (now called New
Netherlands), for five voyages, within the period of
three years, commencing the first day of January,
1615." None others were allowed the privilege of
navigating to or trading with those countries under
penalty of the confiscation of the vessels and cargoes,
and a fine of 50,000 Netheiiand ducats for the
benefit of the discoverers. This decree was dated
at the Hague, October 11, 1814. They thus granted
to these navigators, what King James the First had
claimed eight years before, and granted the most of
it, viz., between 41 and 45 degrees, to the North
Virginia Company, in 160G. We have no evidence
that the vessels of this company ever traded on the
Delaware. Their privileges expired by their own

1 Broadhead Address. IL.lland Doc.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 105

limitation in 1618. An application for their renewal
was partially granted and for limited periods.1 The
same year the company's privilege expired.

Lord De-la-war from whom the bay and rifn on
State derives its name, died. Some say, off
the Capes of Delaware ; others, off the Western Isles.
He was on a voyage from Virginia to England. It
has been asserted that he was poisoned.2 This, how
ever, we do not believe. There were three hundred
persons on board the vessel with him at the time,
sixty of whom also died.

Lord De-la-war's real name was Sir Thomas West
(West being the family name of the De-la-wars). He
was the third son of Lord De-la-war, and we suppose,
out of courtesy, received the title of his father. In
1602 he married the daughter of Sir Thomas Shirley.
The name of Shirley, the ancient seat on James River,
Virginia, may be traced to this source. He was the
first Governor of Virginia, and one of the best. His
name first appears in a commission appointed in the
reign of James the First, "for inquiring into the cause
of all such persons as should be found openly opposing
the doctrines of the Church of England." Persons
descended from the West stock are yet to be found
in Virginia bearing the name. West Point in that
State derives its name from this source. Earl Dela
ware, who lived in England a few years ago (and prob
ably may be yet living) is a descendant of his. All,
however, that he had to do with our State, was the
honor of giving us a name.

1 Holland Document. 2 Beverly's Virginia.

CHAPTER VIII.

FROM 1621 TO 1629.

Charter of the Dutch West India Company, the United Company of
the -United Netherlands — Licenses granted to Trade with New
Netherlands, its Boundaries, which included Delaware — English
hear of Dutch Trading on the Delaware — Vessel sent by them
runaway with by her crew — Information of Dutch Trading sent
to England — English Ambassador remonstrates with the Dutch
Government — Sailing of an Expedition for the South (Delaware)
River with Colonists — Building of Fort Nassau — Arrival of Gov
ernor Minuit New Amsterdam — William Usselincx presents
the plan of a Swedish West India Company to Gustavus Adol-
phus — Granting of the Charter, its principal features, delight of
the Swedes at the enterprise, they eagerly subscribe, their attempt
at Settlement stopped by the War — Birth of Queen Christina, in
whose reign the State was first settled.

["16211 Pr^v^eSes of the first company, or ori

ginal discoverers of Delaware and other por
tions of this continent, having expired by limitation,
and the trade thus becoming free to all, the celebrated
West India Company was chartered, under whose
auspices the first settlements were made on the banks
of the Delaware, and within the limits of this State.
The charter provided that for the space of twenty-
four years no native inhabitants of the United Nether
lands should be permitted to sail to or from the said
lands, or to traffic on the Coast of Africa, from the
tropic of Cancer to the Cape of Good Hope, nor in
the countries of America or the West Indies, begin-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 107

ning at the south end of Terra Nova by the Straits
of Magellan, La Maire, or any other straits and pass
age situate thereabout, to the Straits of Anian, as
well on the North Sea, as on the South Sea; nor any
islands situate on the one side or the other, or between
both, nor on the western or southern countries,
reaching, lying, and between both the meridians, from
the Cape of Good Hope, in the east, to the east end
of New Guinea, in the west, but in the name of the
United Company of these United Netherlands, " under
penalty of forfeiture of goods and ships found for
sale on the above coasts and lands. The charter to
operate from the 1st of July."

The company may in the name and authority of
the State make alliances, contracts, &c., with the
natives of the countries mentioned, build forts, "ap
point and discharge governors, equip armies," appoint
" officers of justice, and other public officers, &c. ;"
" they must advance the peopling" of these countries,
&c., and transmit a report of such contracts and alli
ances, and " the situation of the fortresses, &c.
taken by them. The States to approve of instruc
tions to governors," and to grant the commissions,
with various other regulations of their internal con
cerns.1

The company had five branches, or chambers, in
different sections ; but the principal was at Amster
dam. The board governing consisted of nineteen
members, which was usually denominated the Col
lege of nineteen, of which Amsterdam furnished

1 Hazard's Historical Collection.

108 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

eight members, the State General one, and Zealand,
Maeze, Friesland, the North Department and Groen-
ingen the remainder.

The West India Company did not commence opera
tions under their charter for some time after its grant.
Licenses were, however, granted to several persons to
send out two vessels to truck and trade with the
natives in newly discovered countries between lati
tudes 40° and 45°, called " New Netherlands," and
to the adjacent territories, together with a great river
lying between 38 and 40 degrees of latitude.1 The
great river ivas undoubtedly the Delaware, as it is the
only great river lying between those two degrees.
These vessels were bound to return with their cargoes
before the following 1st of July. We have no ac
count of their visit to Delaware. But information
from several hands had reached the Virginia Com
pany that the French and Dutch carried on a very
profitable trade with the Indians on Delaware and Hud
son Rivers, which they supposed " were within their
grant, and then esteemed parts of Virginia. The
Company therefore this year resolved to vindicate
their rights, and not to permit foreigners to run away
with so lucrative a branch of their trade. One Cap
tain Jones was accordingly sent upon the voyage, but
by the wickedness of him and his manners, the adven
ture was lost, and the whole project overthrown,"
after having been supported by the Earl of South
ampton and Sir Edward Sandys, who each subscribed
«£200.2

1 Holl. Documents. 2 Stith's History of Virginia.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 109

Confirmation of this attempt of the Dutch to trade
with and occupy territories on this continent was
immediately sent by the Virginia Company to the
English Government, who at once directed their Am
bassador at the Hague, Sir Dudley Carleton, " to bring
the subject of the Dutch Plantations in North Ame
rica to the special notice of the State General." The
English Privy Council say, "Whereas, His Ma
jesty's subjects have many years since taken posses
sion of the whole precincts, and inhabited some parts
north of Virginia, (by us called New England,) of all
which countries his Majesty hath in like manner, some
years since, by patent granted the quiet and full
possession unto particular persons, nevertheless, we
understand that the year past, the Hollanders have
entered upon some part thereof, and have left a
colony, and have given new names to the several
ports appertaining to that part of the country, and
are now in readiness to send for their supply six or
eight ships ; whereof his Majesty being advertised,
we have received his royal command to signify his
pleasure that you should represent these things to the
States General, in his Majesty's name, who jure pri-
mae occupationis, (by right of first occupation,) hath
good and sufficient title to these parts, and require
of them that as well as those ships, as their further
prosecution of that plantation may be presently stayed."

This remonstrance of the English Privy rip .1-1-1
Council was made on the 15th of December,
(0. S.) Sir Dudley Carleton appears to have delivered
the remonstrance to the State of Holland the follow-

110 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

["16991 year* ^e inf°rms the Council "that

about four or five years previously, two com
panies of Amsterdam merchants began a trade to
America, between 40° and 45°, to which they gave
the name of New Netherlands, North and South Sea,
£c., and had ever since continued to send vessels of
60 or 80 tons at most, to fetch furs, which is all their
trade," and have factors trading with the savages ;
" but he cannot learn that any colony is as yet planted
there, or intended to be." He, however, held an
interview with the States, and presented a memorial
dated Feb. 9th, of the subject of which they pre
tended to be ignorant, but promised on the 16th of
March to write for information " to the participants
of the trade in New Netherlands."1 There is at pre
sent no written evidence of the result of this remon
strance to the Dutch, though a reply to it is inform
ally referred to many years later. From this, as well
as other evidence, it will be seen from the first, the
right of the Dutch to the territories of New York,
New Jersey and Delaware (which they claimed under
the name of New Netherlands) was disputed by the
English. It was never acknowledged, but constantly
denied until their expulsion in 1664.

^e West India Company having made
arrangements to fulfill the objects of its char
ter, viz. : to trade with the natives and settle the
country, fitted out a vessel called the New Nether
lands, and appointed Captain Mey (from whom Cape
May was named) and Adriaen Joriez Tienpont to be

1 O'Callagan. London Docs.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. Ill

directors of the expedition. Colonists, stores, provi
sions, and everything necessary were placed on board
the vessels, and Mey and his companions took their
departure for the Delaware, but which they called
Zuydt or South, and also Prince Hendrick's River.
They arrived safely and ascending the river for about
fifteen leagues, immediately commenced the erection
of a fort, which they named Fort Nassau. This was
the first known building erected by civilized man on
the banks of the Delaware. It was supposed to have
been situated on the most northerly branch of Timber
Creek, in New Jersey, not far from where the town
of Gloucester now stands, a short distance below
Philadelphia. On the map in Campanius'1 work it
is placed between the two branches of Timber Creek.
But although the site is not certainly known, there is
proof enough to show that it was within a short dis
tance of Gloucester Point. We have no information
as to how long Mey staid, or when he took his depar
ture. It is supposed that he remained for some time,
and carried on a trade with the natives for skins and
furs, and that when he left he bore with him their
affection and esteem. This, however, is all conjec
ture. Fort Nassau, after his departure, it is said by
some writers, was abandoned, and the savages took
possession of it. This was the case in 1633, when
it was visited by De Vries, (who was the first that
made an attempt at settlement within the limits of
the State of Delaware,) and that it was then in the
possession of a few savages, who wanted to barter

1 The History of the Swedish Settlements on the Delaware.

112 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

furs.1 But it must have been occupied the same year,
as there are accounts of Arens Corson, a commissary,
and a clerk residing there, who made purchases on the
Schuylkill for the erection of another fort. As Van
Twiller became Governor of New Amsterdam (now
New York) this year, it is more than probable that
hearing of its decayed condition, that he had it put
in repair. In 1635 the English made an unsuccessful
attack upon the fort.

rifi941 Peter Minuit2 or Minewa arrived at New
Amsterdam as Director of New Netherlands.
He became afterwards the Governor of Delaware.
He generally receives the credit as being the first
who ruled in the State, and his name is always placed
in all publications first on the list of our chief magis
trates. But Giles Osset, who administered the affairs
of the Dutch Colony, massacred at Lewistown, was
really our first Governor. Minuit, however, was the
originator of the first permanent settlement both in
our State, and on the banks of the river and bay,
from which it derives its name.

The same year William Usselincx, a merchant of
Antwerp, the original projector of the Dutch West
India Company, presented a plan to Gustavus Adol-
phus, King of Sweden, for the formation of a Swedish
West India Company, from which plan originated the
settlement of the present State of Delaware. Usse
lincx, for some reason, became dissatified with the
Dutch West India Company, of which he had for a
long time been a director. He accordingly visited Stock-

1 De Vries. 2 O'Callaghan.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 113

holm, and proposed to the renowned Gustavus Adol
phus, then the champion of the protestant interest in
Europe, a plan for the organization of a trading com
pany to extend its operations to Asia, Africa and
America. Usselincx, in a written description, gave a
glowing account of the advantages to be derived from
this enterprise. In eloquent terms he represented
such an establishment would be the means of planting
among the heathens the Christian religion. That by
it his Majesty's dominions would be greatly extended,
his treasury enriched, his people's burdens at home
diminished, and the nation not only relieved, but
made prosperous by the establishment of a lucrative
trade. The eloquent description of Usselincx had
the desired effect. A company called the i-i^p-i
Swedish West India Company was formed
and a charter granted them by Gustavus Adolphus.
It was dated Stockholm, June 14, 1626, (old style).
The following were its principal features.

Gustavus Adolphus (the King of Sweden) in
granting it says :

" Finding it serviceable and necessary to the wel
fare and improvement of our kingdom and subjects
that trade, produce and commerce should grow within
our kingdom and dominions, and be furthered by all
proper means, and having received of credible and
experienced persons good information that in Africa,
Asia, America and Magellanica, or Terra Australis,
very rich lands and islands do exist, certain of which
are peopled by a well governed nation, certain others
by heathens and wild men, and others still unin-

114 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

habited ; and others not as yet perfectly discovered,
and that not only with such places a great trade may
be driven, but that the hope strengthens of bring
ing said people easily, through the setting on foot
commercial intercourse, to a better civil state, and to
the truth of the Christian religion," concluded " for
the spread of the holy gospel and the prosperity of
our subjects," to erect "a general company" or "united
power of proprietors of our own realm, and such
others as shall associate themselves with them, and
help forward the work ; promising to strengthen it with
our succor and assistance, providing for, and founding
it with the following privileges :"

The exclusive right for twelve years to trade beyond
the Straits of Gibraltar, southward in the lands of
Africa, and in America and Magellanica, or Terra
Australia, reaching the coast of America at the like
latitude as said straits, viz., 36° ; also, with all lands
and islands between Africa and America in same lati
tude. The vessels and goods of others than the com
pany, who infringe those rights, to be confiscated.
The government vessels of war, because not traders,
to be exempted.

The company to be considered as commencing May
1, 1627, to continue for twelve years, during which
none of the company have the power to withdraw
the funds embarked in it, and no new members to be
during that time admitted. If at the end of twelve
years the company wish the term extended, it may
be granted at the pleasure of the king.

Accounts are to be settled every year, at which

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 115

every person interested 1,000 scudis or thalers may be
present. Every six years there shall be a final esti
mate of all accounts, and a new account begun. If
then it appears to the majority of the stockholders
that the profits or usefulness of the company do not
justify its continuance, it may be dissolved.

Residents or landholders in Sweden may become
members until the 1st of March, and those beyond
the sea until the 1st of May next, after which none
can enter the company either for small or large sums.
The money to be paid in instalments, one-fourth on
subscribing, and the remainder in three annual pay
ments.

After the time for subscription shall expire, there
shall be an election for regents or directors, in pro
portion to one for every 100,000 thalers subscribed.
If, however, the subscribers of 100,000 thalers wishes
it represented by two directors, it may be so, but the
two only to receive the salary of one.

The directors to be chosen by a majority of the
votes of stockholders, none to vote unless owning
1,000 thalers, and none to be a director who does not
hold 2,000 thalers, and which sum while a manager,
he cannot divest himself of.

The directors first chosen to continue in office for
six years ; after this, two-thirds to be newly elected,
and one-third to be taken from the largest stock
holders ; this to be observed every two years until
the expiration of the charter.

All countries, cities, and individuals who bring
100,000 ihalers shall be entitled to appoint a director,

116 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

and for this, all nations who have signed the agree
ment and transmitted the funds to some person in
whom they may confide, and each individual subscri
bing shall declare the nation to whom he wishes to
belong, and place his money.

Foreigners who decide to reside in Sweden, and
contribute 25,000 thalers,1 to enjoy the same privi
leges as citizens, and be free from every tribute, and
as they carry on no trade, may depart at pleasure.

The directors to be all equal in power and autho
rity, take oath of fidelity, administer justice without
fear or affection, not deal in merchandise or own
vessels.

They are to have a salary of 1,000 thalers per
annum. In case of traveling for the company, be
sides their carriage, they shall receive six Swedish
marks per day. The secretary and other servants to
be paid out of the funds of the company ; the direc
tors of each chamber to be responsible for them.

If any damage result to the company from any of
the directors, it shall attach to the chamber to which
he belongs, and be refunded out of the funds contri
buted by it to the company.

Neither the directors nor their goods shall be liable
for the company's debts.

All funds invested in the company shall be free
from confiscation, even in the event of war of the
King of Sweden with the nation of which the sub
scribers are a part.

Cities convenient for navigation, whose merchants

1 About 74 cents.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 117

contribute 30,000 thalers or scudi, shall constitute a
chamber, or different cities or countries may unite
their funds and agree upon the location of the cham
ber convenient to the company.

The company's vessels about departing from the
different ports shall unite in a fleet at Gottenberg,
and take their departure from thence, and at the end
of the voyage return thither with their cargoes, which
shall be unloaded, and thence transported, wind and
weather permitting, without injury to the company.

If one chamber has goods, which another requires,
they shall be furnished, so as to keep up a similar
assortment in each.

There shall be one or more superintendents, who
shall examine the accounts closely and consult with
the directors on important matters connected with the
interests of the company, and in elections of superin
tendents, captains, &c., required, stockholders shall be
preferred, if equally capable.

Superintendents may be removed from one chamber
to another, and every chamber shall have a represen
tative at Gottenberg, and be informed within two
months after the sailing of the vessels of the matters
connected with the voyages, and every three months
furnished with an account of goods sold.

When necessary there shall be held a diet or meeting
of all the chambers, to take place alternately, at dif
ferent chambers, in the order of the largest subscrip
tions, the object being to discuss all the general in
terests of the company, voyages, freights, prices, &c.

To each diet, twelve managers shall be sent from

118 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

each chamber, and the government to be entitled to
one vote, making thirteen, or casting vote ; every
chamber having a vote in proportion to its furnished
capital ; a chamber furnishing half has six votes, one
third four votes, and a majority to decide.

On all imports or exports to or from Sweden, a
duty to be paid of four florins per cent., which pay
ment entitles them to be transported freely thereafter
through the whole kingdom.

The company to be under the royal protection, in
the free exercise of its trade, the use of its vessels,
and defence against all attempts to injure it in war or
in peace.

The government to furnish vessels of war, forts,
soldiers, guns, &c., at its own expense. All vessels,
&c., taken by the company from pirates, &c., shall be
for the company's benefit, except where they are
assisted by the government vessels, in which cases
the prizes to be divided equally.

The government not to use the vessels of the com
pany, nor their funds or merchandise, even in war,
without its consent.

The company shall be entirely at liberty, within
the aforesaid limits, to make treaties with foreign
chiefs or people in their own name ; to build cities,
castles, fortresses ; occupy desolate places, and make
them habitable ; operate and procure what they can,
of use to, and for the convenience of the company ;
but not to commit violent hostilities against the inhabi
tants of the country, nor, unless so tempted, do any
other thing against the subjects of the King of Spain,

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 119

nor exercise commerce in places with their subjects
without their express license, under pain of penalties
against transgressors of the King's orders and dis
turbers of the public peace.

In case of ill treatment in the use of its trade, or
by force or fraud, the company is at full liberty to
avenge itself on its enemies as against pirates and
robbers, &c.

In order to manifest the desire of the government
to aid and improve the company, it will contribute
and put at equal risk with others, 400,000 Swedish
dollars.

The government, besides the four florin per cent,
duty, will receive one fifth of ores, silver and other
minerals, which may be transported from the mines,
and one tenth of the fruits of the country, in recom
pense for its aid, privileges, &c., granted. The mer
chandise, and metals received from merchandise, to
be exempted and remain for the country. aAnd,
whereas, William Usselincx, of Brabant, Antwerp,
has spent much time of his life in seeking out
said ports, and by the testimony of the State of
Flanders, and Maurice, Prince of Orange, he is stated
as the chief inventor in Holland of the West India
Company, and by him, its administration has been
much aided, and having already resolved to establish
in Sweden, hits promised faithfully to exert himself;
therefore, to recompense him, the Company are to pay
him one florin per 1000, of the merchandise which
the company shall import or export during its traffic
within the limits of its charter. "

120 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

The company to constitute a council, which, with
its officers, shall attend to the administration of justice,
preservation of good laws, continuation of war; ap
point soldiers, governors, directors and judges ; build
castles and cities ; accommodate differences between
the citizens of the country and the natives, as well
as between directors or chambers, and finally preserve
everything in good condition, and under good order.

This council must consist of the chief stockholders,
and attend to the business and consignments on com
mission and others, furnish information of the ships
and advices received, and decide on operations. The
number of council to be determined by circumstances
and the judgment of the company.

If any chief community, city, or company, con
tribute 500,000 to the company, it may appoint an
agent with full powers to negotiate about things neces
sary to be done.

If the company requires alterations in the condi
tions and of the charter, not contrary to the laws
and welfare of the republic, they may be conceded
to it.1

The eloquent description of Usselincx, and the
granting of the charter, created a perfect furore
amongst all ranks in Sweden. The historian of the

1 Hazard's Annals. It was translated for this work from, " A urgu-
nautica Gustaviana," printed in Frankford, 1633, a very rare work,
the only copy known to be in this country is in the valuable library of
Harvard College, to whose librarian Hazzard was indebted for the use
of the work. It is in the German language. The charter is also to
be found in the Italian language, in the fourth edition of Harte's Life
of Gustavus Adolphus.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 121

life of Gustavus1 says, " It is not to be described, how
much all these new schemes delighted the Senators,
particularly that relative to the establishment of the
West Indies (as America was then called), to which
all people subscribed readily and generously, in con
formity to the example set them by the king."
Another writer2 says that the plan was supported by
the king's mother, by Jno. Cassimer, Prince Palatine
of the Rhine, who had married the king's sister, by
the members of his majesty's councils, by the prin
cipal nobles, general officers, bishops, clergy, burgo
masters, councillors of cities, and the greatest part of
the common ility, and that a time was appointed for
bringing in the amount subscribed in Sweden proper,
in Finland, Sivonia, and elsewhere. The "ships and
all necessaries were provided ; an admiral, vice-ad
miral, officers and troops, commissaries, and mer
chants, and assistants were appointed. The work
was ripe for execution, when the German war, and
afterward the king's death prevented it, and rendered
the fair prospect fruitless." Others assert, that a
squadron was fitted out and sailed for America,3 but
this is not well authenticated. Campanius asserts
that "the designs of Gustavus could not be carried
into full effect, because he was engaged in a war with
six powerful enemies, and because the ships for that
purpose ivere stopped and detained b?/ the Spaniards in
their voyage (to America), which zvas done in order to
favor the Poles and emperor of Germany r, then engaged

1 Harte. 2 Campanius.

3 Campanius and Ilarte, Life of Gustavus Adolphus.

122 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

in a war against us." But documentary evidence
shows great doubt on this. Campanius was an unre
liable writer. And the received opinion amongst his
torians is, that no attempt was at that time made by
the Swedes to settle America. But, that the purpose
then formed, was afterwards carried into effect, some
twelve years later, viz., in 1638, when the first per
manent settlement on the Delaware was formed within
the present limits of the city of Wilmington. The
archives at Stockholm showed that preparations were
at that time made to settle this country, but did not
record the failure, and hence, the error of many early
historians, in their relation of the early settlements
on the banks of the Delaware. Gustavus Adolphus,
to whom, in no small degree is owing the first settle
ment of the State, was afterward killed at the battle
of Lutzen, in the year 1632. The expedition that
finally did make permanent lodgment in Dalaware,
did not sail until five years afterwards, in the reign
of his daughter Christina, who was born the 9th day
of December (0. S.), or about six months after the
grant of the charter, for the settlement on the banks
of the Creek, which long bore her name, but which
was afterward corrupted into Christiana.

CHAPTER IX.

FROM 1629 TO 1633.

Delaware a part of the Dutch Colony of New Netherlands — Charter
of the Assembly of XIX to settle New Netherlands — Features of
the Charter Grant to Herr Samuel Godyn of lands in South (Dela
ware) River — First Land Grant in Delaware — Sale of land by
the Indians, to Godyn and Blommaert — First deed in Delaware —
Godyn and Blommaert form a partnership to settle this State —
Peterson De Vries — Sailing of a Colony from Holland for Dela
ware under De Vries — They settle at Hoornkill (Lewistown) —
They build Fort Oplandt— Name the place Swanendale — De Vries
leaves for Holland — Delaware Bay called Godyn's Bay — Massa
cre of the Settlers by the Indians — Arrival of De Vries in the
Delaware — Interview with the Indians — Their account of the
Massacre — Asserted relinquishment of the Delaware by the Eng
lish to the Swedish Ambassador — Governor Minuit recalled to
Holland — Grant to Lord Baltimore — His death — Death of Gus-
tavus Adolphus, through whose influence Delaware was first
settled.

FOR the purpose of promoting the settle- rig 99-1
ment of what the Dutch called New Nether
lands, then consisting (according to the Dutch claim)
of the present State of Delaware, New Jersey, New
York and part of Connecticut ; the Assembly of XIX,
on the Tth of June, granted a charter of " Freedoms
and Exemptions, to all such as shall plant colonies in
New Netherlands." This gave the privilege to mem
bers of the company to send to New Netherlands in
the company's ships, on certain terms, three or four
persons to view the country, for the purpose of select-

124 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

ing lands. Those, who after four years notice to the
company, planted a colony of fifty souls, over fifteen
years of age, were to be entitled to the dignity of
being made patroons. They were allowed to have
the privilege of selecting lands for four Dutch miles
(about sixteen English) along the shore on one side
of any navigable river, and as far into the interior of
the country as their situation would permit. If they
selected their lands on both sides of a navigable river,
they had only two Dutch or eight English miles in
length. The company reserved the right to the land
between the limits of the colonies to themselves,
under the general rule, that no person should be
allowed to come within thirty-two English miles of
them without their consent. The jurisdiction of the
river was reserved to the States General or Company.
The patroons were to enjoy and possess over the
lands within their limits, fruits, rights, minerals,
rivers, and fountains ; have " chief command and
lower jurisdiction," fishing, fowling, and grinding, ex
clusively. They had also the privilege of found
ing cities, appointing officers and magistrates, be
sides other powers and privileges.1 It was, in
fact, transplanting the feudal system of Europe to
the shores of America. Under this grant, " The Herr
Samuel Godyn (a merchant of Amsterdam), and
Samuel Blommaert, on the 19th of June, obtained
a grant of land on the west side of South River Bay,
extending from Cape Henlopen inland thirty-two
miles, and two miles in breadth. They had pre-

1 O'Callighan, N. Y. Documents.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 125

viously sent persons to examine it, and purchased it
from the Indians. This was the first grant of land
made to any European in the State of Delaware, or
on the banks of the river and bay of that name. An
Indian village then stood somewhere in the neighbor
hood of Lewistown, possibly on the ground on which
that town now stands. Moulton speaking of this pur
chase says, " One of three ships sent over by the de
partment of the West India Company, this year (1629),
visited the Indian village on the Southwest corner of
Newport, May, or Delaware Bay, and that the pur
chase was then made from Cape Hindlop to the mouth
of the river." What river we are left to infer. But
as in the deed (in Moulton) speaks of the extent of
the grant being eight large miles, and as the Dutch
mile measures in length that of four English miles,
therefore the extent of the Indian grant to the Dutch
would be thirty-two English miles along the coast of
our State from Cape Henlopen northwards.

The river alluded to therefore, must either be
Jones' or Murderkill Creeks, or Mahon River. It is
more than probable the latter. For as the Dutch
(judging from the usual course of the dealings of
the white man writh the Indian) would be more apt
to over than under measure their purchase, we may
safely judge that the Mahon, which is over thirty-
eight English miles as the crow flies, from Cape Hen
lopen, would be more likely to be the one alluded to,
than the Jones or Murderkill, which are hardly twenty-
six miles.

This grant therefore, comprised nearly the whole

126 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

bay front of Kent and Sussex counties. The deeds
of this land has been happily preserved in the New
York State Library, and as it is the first deed ever
given for land in Delaware, or on the banks of the
Delaware we have published it entire. It is as
follows :

"We, the Directors and Council of New Netherlands,
residing on the Island of Manhattan and in Fort Amster
dam, under the authority of their High Mightinesses
the Lord's State General of the United Netherlands,
and of the Incorporated West India Company Chamber
at Amsterdam, hereby acknowledge and declare, that
on this day, the date underwritten, came and appeared
before us in their proper persons, Queskacous and
Entquet, Siconesius and the inhabitants of the vil
lage, situate at the South Cape of the bay of South
River, and freely and voluntarily declared by special
authority of the rulers, and consent of the common
ality there, that they already on the first day of June,
of the past year 1629, for, and on account of certain
parcels of cargoes, which they previous to the passing
hereof, acknowledged to have received and got into
their hands and power, to their full satisfaction, have
transferred, ceded, given over, and conveyed, in just,
true, and free property, as they hereby transport,
cede, give over, and convey to and for the behoof of
Messrs. Samuel Godyn and Samuel Blommaert ab
sent; and for whom, We, by virtue of our office under
proper stipulation, do accept the same, namely, the
land to them belonging, situate on the south side of
the aforesaid Bay, by us called the Bay of the South

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 127

River, extending in length from Cape Hinloffin, off
into the mouth of the aforesaid South River, about
eight leagues (groote mylen), and half a league in
breadth into the interior, extending to a certain marsh
(lieyte) or valley, through which these limits can clearly
enough be distinguished. And, that with all the action,
right, and jurisdiction, to them in the aforesaid quality
therein appertaining, constituting and surrogating the
said Messrs. Grodyrig and Blommaert, in their stead,
state, zeal, and actual possession thereof; and giving
them at the same time, full and irrevocable authority,
power, and special command to hold in quiet posses
sion, occupancy and use, tanquam Actores et Pro-
curatores in rem propriam the aforesaid land, acquired
by the above mentioned Messrs. Godyn and Blomm
aert, or those who may hereafter obtain their interest ;
also, to so barter and dispose thereof, as they may do
with their own well and lawfully acquired lands.
Without the grantors having reserving or retaining
for the future, any of the smallest part, action, right,
or authority, whether of property command or juris
diction therein ; but now, hereby forever and a day,
desisting, retiring from and abandoning, and renounc
ing the same, for the behoof aforesaid, promising
further, not only to observe, fulfill, and hold fast,
steadfast and unbroken, and irrevocable, that their
conveyance and whatever may be done in virtue
thereof, but also the said parcel of land to maintain
against every one, and to deliver free of controver
sies, gainsays, and contradictions, by whomsoever
instituted against the same. All in good faith, with-

128 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

out guile, and deceit. In witness this confirmed with
our usual signatures, and with our seal dependant
therefrom. Done at the aforesaid Island, Manhattan,
this 15th July, xvi. and thirty.1

PETER MINUIT, Director,
JACOB ELBERTSON WISSINK,
JAN JANSEN BROUWER,
SIMON DIRCKSEN Poo,
REYNER HARMENSEAR,
JAN LAMPE, Sheriff"

It would be impossible at this day, to find out the
grant by these landmarks, which the deed says,
" through which by thes^ limits can clearly enough be
distinguished" The valley does not now (if it ever
did) exist in Kent county. If the changes in the
country by the encroachments of the bay has not de
stroyed the hills, the landmarks the deed alludes to,
must have been in New Castle county. The term
marsh is very indefinite, as with but few intervals of
fast land (such as at Kett's Hammock, in Dover hun
dred, Bower's Beach, in South Murderkill hundred,
Kent county, and Thorn Point, in Cedar Creek hun
dred, Sussex county), the whole bay coast between
Mahon River and Le wist own, is marsh.

1 A photographed copy of the original of this deed, was presented to
the Historical Society of Delaware, by General Meredith Reed. This
is the first time it was ever published. This deed, as given by Moul-
ton, is published in Hazard's Annals, page 23. The name, however,
of Blommaert, is not inserted in that deed. There are no signatures
to it, and the name of the Indian grantors are given as Queskakous,
Esanques, and Sickonesgris.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 129

After the grant of this land to Godyn and Blom
maert, they formed a partnership with several others
to attempt a settlement, also with a view of engaging
in the whale fishery, " whales being plenty in those
regions, and fish oil being 60 guilders per hogshead "
in Holland. Previous to forming this partnership,
however, he met with David Pieterszen De Vries, of
Hoorn, a port in North Holland, "a bold and skilful
seaman, and master of artillery in the service of the
United Provinces." He had about two months pre
viously returned from the East Indies. An offer of
a " commander ship " was made to him by Godyn, or
Blommaert, or both, and employment as " second
patroon," such as granted by the State, and by the
19th Article of the West India Company's Charter.
This he declined to accept, unless he was made equal
in all respects to the others as patroon, which, being
readily agreed to, a patroonship was formed by enter
ing into formal articles of association on the 16th of
October. Those who composed it were Samuel
Godyn, William Van Rensselaer, Samuel Blommaert,
Jan De Laet, and De Vries, to which several others
were afterwards added. Preparations were made
immediately for the expedition, a ship and yacht
were fitted out, thirty colonists placed on board, with
material for whaling and for planting tobacco and
grain, and thus equipped, on the 12th of December,
under command of De Vries, they sailed from the
Texel, to make the first attempt at settlement in the
State of Delaware.1

1 De Tries, N. Y. His. Collection.

130 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

When De Vries' expedition arrived in the
-I Delaware is not certainly known, but as he
sailed in December, taking the usual length of pas
sages at that time as a criterion, he must have arrived
in the Delaware Bay in the March or April of the fol
lowing year. After passing Cape Cornelis, he entered
a deep creek, abounding with oysters, which he named
Hoornkill or Hoorkill, probably after Hoorn, the
place of his residence in Holland, and kill, the Dutch
name for creek. In other words, Hoorn Creek, after
wards called Whorekill.1 It is the present Lewes
Creek in Sussex county. Here he erected a house,
and surrounded it with palisades instead of parapets
and breastworks, which served the purpose of both
trade and defence. He named it Fort Oplandt. The
weather was fine, and no inconvenience was suf
fered from it. From the number of swans which he
had seen, he named the place Swanen.dale, or " Valley
of Swans." De Vries sailed some time in the course of
the year for Holland, leaving the colony in command
of Gillis Hossett, the commissary of the expedition.
Either before or after the departure of De Vries, a
purchase was made by Gillis Hossett from the Indians,
for Godyn and Blommaert, for a tract of land, on the
east side of Delaware Bay, or Cape May, in the
present State of New Jersey. Both sides of the

1 Several writers have said that this name was given from the bad
conduct of the Indian women. But there is no just reason for this
statement. The Dutch always called it Hoornkill. It was not until
after the arrival of the English that it was called Whorekill. Until the
arrival of Penn, Whorekill was the name given to the whole of Sus
sex county.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 131

river were now named Swanendale. The purchase
was made on board the " Ship Walrus," or Whale,
before Peter Heysen, skipper, and Gillis Hossett,
commissary. This ship Walrus was probably the
yacht that came over with De Vries for the purpose
of whaling. Hossett, who may be called the first
governor of Dclaivare, as he governed the colony of
Swanendale, had formerly been agent for the pur
chase of lands around Fort Orange (now Albany,
N. Y.) for Van Rensselaer. The bay was at this
time called Godyn's Bay.

Some time after the departure of De Vries, this
unfortunate colony (the first settlers of our State)
were all massacred by the Indians. The setttlers
under Mey had at this time abandoned Fort Nassau,
and the only white residents on the Delaware were
the colonists at Swanendale. The account, as learned
by De Vries on his second visit, was as follows :

The Dutch, according to their custom, had erected
a pillar, on which was a piece of tin, on which was
traced the coat of arms of the United Provinces. One
of the chiefs wanted to make it into tobacco pipes,
and not knowing that it was improper, took away the
tin, which gave the officers in command much dis
satisfaction, so that the Indians did not know how to
make amends. They went away and killed the
chief who had taken the tin, and brought a token of
it to those who commanded at the house, who told
them that they had done wrong ; that they ought to
have come with him to the house, and they would
have told him not to do so any more. They then

132 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

left, but the friends of the murdered man resolved to
be revenged. They attacked the Dutch when they
were working in the field, leaving but a single sick
ma,n in the house, and a large bull dog, which was
chained out of doors. The man who had command
of the house stood near the door. Three of the
boldest Indians who were to perpetrate the deed,
came and oifered him a parcel of beavers to barter,
and contrived to enter the house. He went in with
them to transact the business ; that being done, he
went to the garret where the stores were. Coming
down, one of the Indians cleaved his head with an
axe, so that he dropped dead on the floor. They
then murdered the sick man, and then went to the
dog, which they feared most, and shot at least twenty-
five arrows at him, before they killed him. They
then went in a treacherous manner to the people in
the field, approaching them with the appearance of
friendship, and murdered one after another. " Thus,"
says De Vries, "terminated our first colony, to our
great loss."1 Thus also perished the first white in
habitants of the State of Delaware.
r De Vries by some means had heard of the

destruction of his colony before he left the
Texel, which was in the latter part of the year.
The news had more than probable been carried by the
Walrus (which appears to have been an appendage to
the colony for the purpose of whale fishing) or some
other vessel, to New Amsterdam, and from there to
Holland. Long before he saw the land, he knew he

1 DC Tries, N. Y. His. Soc. Coll., vol. 1. X. S., p. 5l>.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 133

was near the coast, "by the odor of the under
wood, which at this time of the year is burned by
the Indians, in order to be less hindered in their
hunting." On the third of December he saw the
entrance of the bay, on the 5th sailed within the cape,
having a whale near the vessel, and on the 6th ran
with the boat up the Hoornkill, having first put them
selves in a proper state of defence in case of a hostile
attack from the Indians. They found their dwelling
house and store had been burnt to the ground, and
their fortification utterly destroyed. The ground was
bestrewed with the heads and bones of the murdered
men, but he saw no Indians. Supposing that they
might be attracted by the sound of a gun, he went on
board the vessel and ordered the guns to be fired.
On the 7th the Indians appeared near the destroyed
house; afraid to approach, they wished the people
from the vessel to come on shore, which" De Vries
resolved to do next day, in the yacht, that he might
" have a shelter from their arrows." Accordingly he
went in the yacht up the creek to the house. The
Indians were on the shore, but at first they would
not go on board ; at last, however, one entered the
vessel. De Vries gave him a cloth dress, and told
him he desired to make peace with them. Others
then went on board, expecting also a dress, but he
gave them only trinkets, adding that the dress was
given to the first as a reward for his confidence in
venturing to enter the boat. They were desired to
come on board with their chief, called Sakimas, for
the purpose of making a satisfactory peace. One

134 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Indian, however, remained on board all night in the
yacht, and from him De Vries, upon inquiry, received
the account which has already been given of the
murder of the colonists. On the 9th the Indians,
with their chief, came. They sat down in a circle,
and concluded peace. Presents were made them
of duffels, bullets, axes, and Nuremberg trinkets,
with which being well pleased, and with promises of
reciprocal benefits, they departed joyfully, no ven
geance having been taken for the previous cruelties.
De Vries now made preparations for the fishery, and
for boiling oil, by forming a lodging place of some
boards.

About this time it is said that upon the application
of John Oxensteirn, the Swedish Ambassador, King
Charles I. relinquished to the Swedes all claims to
to this part of the country by reason of discovery.
There is -no documentary evidence to support this
agreement. Acrelius refers to this circumstance,
but places it at a later period.1

During this year Director Minuit, who afterwards
commenced the settlement at Fort Christina, and was
the first governor of Delaware after its permanent
settlement, (or by any portion of the ancestors of the
present people of this State,) was recalled to Holland.
He embarked from New Amsterdam in the spring.

On the 20th of June, 0. S., Cecilius, Lord Baltimore
received the grant for the present State of Maryland.
His intention was to settle in Virginia, but being a
Catholic, and finding himself uncomfortable on account

1 Hazard's Annals,

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 135

of his religion, he departed for England, and obtained
a patent for the land between that of the North and
South Virginia companies. There he died before his
return. The next year his son had his patent con
firmed to himself. The terms of his grant included
not only the present State of Maryland, but the whole
of Delaware, and that part of the State of Pennsyl
vania from the Delaware line a short distance north
of Philadelphia, including in its limits the present
city of Philadelphia, and a great proportion of the
counties of Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, York,
Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, and Somerset.
The following description will show the extent
of the grant :l

" By letters patent of this date reciting the petition
of Cecilius, Lord Baltimore, for a certain country there
inafter described, not then cultivated and planted,
though in some parts thereof inhabited by a certain bar
barous people, having no knowledge of Almighty God,
his majesty granted to said Lord Baltimore all that
part of a peninsula lying in the parts of America
between the ocean on the east and the bay of Chesa
peake on the west, and divided from the other part
thereof by a right line drawn from the promontory or
cape of land called Watkins' Point (situate in the
aforesaid bay, near the river of Highco) on the west,
unto the main ocean on the east, and between that
bound on the south, unto the part of Delaware Bay
on the north which lieth under the 40th degree of
north latitude, from the equinoctial where New

1 Beverly, 47, 48 ; Barkes' Virginia, 11, 39 ; Bosnian's Maryland.

136 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

England ends ; and all that tract of land between the
bounds aforesaid, i. e. passing from the aforesaid
bay, called Delaware Bay, in a right line by the
degrees aforesaid promontory, or place called Wat-
kins' Point."

This grant was a consequence of many disputes,
both with the Dutch, the Duke of York, and Penn.
Under it Baltimore claimed possession of Delaware.
This matter will be found treated of more at length
in another portion of this history.

Gustavus Adolphus lost his life at the battle of
Lutzen, the 16th of October. A short time before
his death, whilst at Nuremberg, he drew up a scheme
of a company, which was ready for his signature, but
which was prevented by his death. It was however
the next year submitted to the people by his chan
cellor, Oxensteirn. It was in a great degree to the
exertion of this renowned prince that Delaware owed
her first permanent settlement.1

1 Statement of Penn's cases, by Murray. Reg. Penn., vol. 2, p. 204.

CHAPTER X.

FROM 1G33 TO 1637.

De Tries sails up the Delaware to Fort Xassau — He is -warned
by an Indian woman of treachery — Massacre of English boat's
crew — Indians warned to go on shore — They make peace with
Do Tries — De Tries sails for Virginia — Is informed the English
claim South Iliver — Is told the murdered boat's crew belonged
to Virginia — De Tries returns to South Iliver — Bad success of
whale fishing — lie returns to Europe — War between the Timber
Creek Indians and the Minquas — Publication of the Charter of
the Swedish West India Company by Chancellor Oxensteirn —
Grant to Sir Edward Plowden by Charles I. — Sale of the colony
of Swanendale to the Dutch West India Company.

DE VRIES, whom we made mention in the
previous chapter as having concluded a peace "-
with the Indians, remained some time in the neigh
borhood of Lewes Creek, during which interval it is
supposed he engaged in whale fishing, proceeded in
his yacht up the Delaware, to procure beans from the
Indians. At the mouth of the river he saw a whale.
When opposite Fort Nassau, he found a few Indians
disposed to barter some furs, but wanting only Indian
corn, and having disposed of most of his articles at
Swanendale, he had none to trade for furs. The
Indians advised him to proceed to Timmerkill (now
Timber Creek). But he was prevented by the kind
interference of an Indian woman, to whom he had
given a 'cloth dress to induce her to communicate

138 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

what she knew. She belonged to the " Sankitans."
She informed De Vries that they had murdered the
crew of an English boat that had ascended the Count
Earnest (Delaware) river and would undoubtedly attack
them. On the Gth, he weighed and stood before Tim-
merkill (Timber Creek) fully prepared for the Indians
if they intended to harm him. They soon approached
the boat, and about forty-two or forty-three entered
the yacht. Some began to play on reeds, so as to
induce no suspicion of their designs, but, being only
seven in number, the crew were upon their guard,
and when De Vries thought they had been long
enough on board, he ordered them ashore, threaten
ing to fire if they refused to depart. The sachem
offered beavers for sale, which were declined, but the
Indians were again ordered on shore, and given to
understand that Manito, their devil, had advised
them of their evil designs. They then went on
shore.

These Indians were said to be " Roodehoeks or
Mantes." They were partly dressed in English
jackets, which created suspicion, and confirmed the
story of the Indian woman. On the 8th, De Vries
returned to his position before the fort, which was
now crowded with Indians, and their numbers in
creasing. A canoe with nine chiefs from different
places came off, amongst them the man who had
appeared with the English jacket, which, however,
he did not now wear. They sat down in a circle, and
said they had discovered that De Vries' people were
in fear of them, but they came to conclude a perma-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 139

nent peace, and presented ten beaver skins, with a
distinct ceremony with each. De Vries, upon the
receipt of each article, offered some presents, such as
axes, adzes, or small knives, &c., which they re
fused, saying " they did not make these presents to
receive others in return, but to make peace." They
replied, " these must be given them on shore." De
Vries, on the 9th and 10th obtained from them in
barter some Indian corn and furs.

De Vries failing to obtain corn in the South (Dela
ware) River, sailed for Virginia. Upon his arrival
there, he was met by the governor, attended by some
officers and soldiers, who crave him a cordial welcome.

c_^

Upon inquiring from whence he came, and being in
formed from South River, the Governor invited him
to his house, and treated him to a glass of wine. He
then told him that South River belonged to the
British, and was by them named Delaware Bay, after
Lord Delaware, who some years ago had taken pos
session of it, but not supposing it navigable owing
to the sand banks, he did not ascend the river. De
Vries informed him he was mistaken. That the
Dutch had built a fort there many years ago, called
Nassau, of which he appeared never to have heard
before, and that it was a fine navigable river. The
governor spoke of a small vessel that he had sent,
some time before, to the Delaware, which had not re
turned, and he supposed was 'lost. De Vries then
related the circumstance mentioned by the Indian
woman of the murder of an English boat's crew, and
that he had seen an Indian wearing an English jacket,

140 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

which he had concluded belonged to his boat's crew,
which had been sent there to make discoveries. The
governor gave him six goats for his new colony ; he
then purchased some provisions, and returned to
South Bay. He there learned that in his absence
they had only taken seven whales, which yielded
32 cartels of oil. Finding that the fishing here was
too expensive in proportion to the profit, and the fish
poor, he returned to Fort Amsterdam, and from there
to Europe."1

The Timber Creek Indians at this time were at
war with the Minquas on the Christiana. The name
of the sachem belonging to the former tribe was Zuee
Pentor.2

The Chancellor Oxensteirn, on the 10th of April,
published the proclamation which had been left un
signed by Gustavus Adolphus. The chancellor also
added :

" Though the above declaration and amplification
of the before mentioned privileges of his majesty of
glorious memory could not have been signed on
account of the multifarious and incredible affairs of
the war, I cannot, in consequence of my duty and
good personal knowledge, but certify that the same
has been the highest desire and wish of his royal
majesty ; therefore I, by the crown of Sweden, and
plenipotentiary minister general, have signed it with
my own hand, and affixed my seal to it at Hilebrum,
April 10th, 1633."

The chancellor also published an address, in which

1 De Tries, N. Y. His. Coll. 2 De Vries.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 141

be asserted that it was the desire of Gustavus Adol-
phus that there should be a " general commercial
and navigation company" in Sweden, and that " free
and open commerce should he carried on in every
part of the world where the greatest advantages might
be derived." He also stated that " the work was
almost carried into operation," but was delayed by
the absence of the king in the crusades, in Prussia
and Germany, and from other causes. He appointed
as first director of the company, W. Usselincx, the
indefatigable Antwerp merchant, through whose ex
ertions it was the first settlement was made in this
State.

On the 21st of June, a patent was granted
by King Charles the 1st to Sir Edward L1
Plowden. It is said under this grant that a settle
ment was made on the banks of the Delaware. Many
writers suppose it was within the limits of this State.
Huffington was of this opinion.1 But the courses and
distances in the grant do not seem to apply to
Delaware.

The grant to Plowden was from " Cape May,
and from thence to the westward for the space
of forty leagues, running by the river Delaware, and
closely following its course by north latitude, unto a
certain rivulet there, arising from a spring of the
Lord Baltimore and the lands of Maryland, when it
touches, joins and determines in all its breadth, from
thence takes its course to a square leading to the
north by a right line for forty leagues, &c. ; thence

1 Iluffington's Delaware Register.

142 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DEL AAV ARE.

likewise by a square inclining to east in a right line
for the space of forty leagues," and from thence by
various other courses and distances, mentioned in the
grant, to the place of beginning, at Cape May. This
region was called New Albion. But as it runs by
the course of the Delaware, and as following the
course of that river from Cape May, would lead in a
northwest direction, the grant to Plowden, was from
all the evidence that can be procured, from Cape
May to about Trenton, from there to the neighbor
hood of Jersey City, opposite Long Island, and in
cluding that island to Cape May again. Thus this
grant of Plowden appertained exclusively to New
Jersey,1 and had no relation to Delaware.

On the 7th of February the two colonies
•• of Swanendale, one heretofore described,
comprising that portion of Kent and Sussex which
fronts on the bay, the other on the opposite coast of
New Jersey, were sold by the patroons to the West
India Company for 15,600 guilders, or §6,240. This
was the first land sale made by white men in the
State. There appears to have been a difficulty
between the patroons and the company, as in the
grant it was stipulated that " the right of neither
party in a suit depending between the patroons and
the company at Amsterdam wTas to be impaired."
The purchase-money was to be paid in installments
on the 27th day of each of the months of May,
August, and November, 1635. The outstanding

1 In 1G4S a pamphlet was published, giving a description of New
Albion. It may be seen at length in Smith's History of New Jersey.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 143

accounts between the settlers and the Company to he
considered as discharged, and they not subject to
duties on an export cargo of timber.1

No other event is recorded in any manner relating
to the State until 1637.

1 See the agreement at length in O'Calli^an.

CHAPTER XI.

FROM 1637 TO 1G3S.

I

Peter Minuit— Embarkation of the Swedes from Gottcnberg for Dela
ware, under Minuit — Voyage — Arrival at Jamestown, Va. —
Letter of Governor of Virginia in relation thereto — English claim
the country — They arrive at the Delaware— They land between
Murderkill and Mispillion Creeks — Name it Paradise Point —
Sail up the Delaware, enter Minquas Creek, and land at the Hocks
— Appearance of the Country — Build Fort Christina — Change the
name of Minquas to Christina Creek — Build Christnaham —
Purchase land from Indians — Dutch object to Swedish settle
ment — Protest of Director Kieft — Cruelty of Kieft to Indians — •
Purchase from Cape Ilenlopen to Trenton — Review of rights of
Dutch and Swedes — Remarks thereon.

j--, ,,0^-1 THIS year the energy of Usselincx, the pro
jector both of the Dutch and Swedish East
India Companies, to which is owing both the settle
ment at Manhattan (New York) and the South River
or New Swedeland stream (the Delaware) as it was
named by the Swedes, bore fruit. Gustavus Adol-
phus, the renowned King of Sweden, had been killed
five years before at the battle of Lutzen, and his
infant daughter, Christina, was now seated on the
throne of Sweden. Peter Minuit, who had been ap
pointed as Director-General of New Netherlands, in
1624, and who had been recalled in 1632, had quar
reled with the compairjr who had employed him, and
offered his services to the crown of Sweden. The

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 145

Dutch West India Company had been engaged in
disputes with the patroons, or large landholders pos
sessing feudal powers, and their interest was opposed
to the monopoly of trade enjoyed by the Company.
Minuit appears to have been a man of integrity, who
endeavored to maintain the legal right of the com
pany, or in other words, their monopoly of the com
merce between New Netherlands (as the Dutch pos
sessions in this continent were called) and the mother
country. lie was undermined, by interested state
ments made to the directors, and probably smarting
under what he considered their injustice, laid before
the celebrated Chancellor Oxenstiern a plan for the
settlement on the Delaware, and offered to conduct
the enterprise. His offer was accepted. He was
appointed governor of the expedition, and accordingly
some time in the fall of the year it is supposed (for
the true date of the sailing of this expedition has
never been ascertained), he set sail from the port of
Gottenberg on the west coast of Sweden. The expe
dition consisted of two vessels. One was an armed
ship, called the " Key of Kalmar," named after a town
in Sweden, the other a transport ship, named the
" Bird Grip," or Griffin. The expedition, it is sup
posed, numbered about fifty persons, many of whom
it is said were criminals, as it was the custom of the
Swedish as well as other governments at that time to
transport convicts and laborers to the colonies, where
they were sold as indented servants.1 They were
well supplied with provisions for the colony, and

1 Acrelius, 408.
10

146 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DEL AAV ARE.

arms and ammunition for defence, with merchandise
for trade, and with presents for the Indians. They also
brought over with them Reorus Torkillus, a clergy
man, who died in 1643. This was the first clergy
man that ever preached on the banks of the Dela
ware. He was buried, it is supposed, in the grave
yard of the old Swedes Church in Wilmington. They
sa^ec^ ty ^ne Wa7 °f the West Indies. On
their route they touched at Jamestown, Vir
ginia, and made known to the English authorities
there that they were bound to the South River. The
English desired a copy of their commission, but this
was refused, unless they were allowed free trade in
tobacco to carry to Sweden. This was not complied
with, as being contrary to the English king's instruc
tions. The vessel remained at Jamestown for about
ten days, to refresh with wood and water, and then
proceeded on their destination to the Delaware,1 where

1 The following letter from Jerome Ilawley, Secretary of Virginia,
to Mr. Secretary Windebanke, gives an account of this visit of the
Swedes. It is copied from Broadhead's London Documents, at
Albany, vol. 1, pp. 57 and 58 :

"JAMESTOWN, IN VIRGINIA, May 8, 1638.

" RIGHT HON. — Upon the 20th of March last I took the boldness to
present you with my letters, wherein I gave only a touch of the
business of our Assembly, referring your honor to the general letters
then sent by Mr. Kemp, from the governor and Council. Since which
time have arrived a Dutch ship, with commission from the young
Queen of Sweden, and signed by eight of the chief lords of Sweden,
the copy whereof I would have taken to send to your honor, but the
captain would not permit me to take any copy thereof, except he
might have free trade for to carry to Sweden, which being contrary
to his majesty's instructions, the governor excused himself thereof.
The ship remained here about ten days, to refresh with wood and

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 147

they arrived in the month of April of the same year.
As the expedition entered our beautiful Bay at the
time all nature was shining forth in verdure, they
came to a point of laud jutting into the broad ex
panse of its waters, on which they landed for obser
vation and refreshment. It was situated between the
present Murderkill and Mispillion Creeks, in what is
at present Kent county. They were so struck with
its beauty that they named it Paradise Point. It
was only a few miles from where De Vries' colony
had been massacred by the Indians.

After refreshing themselves a brief time at Para
dise Point, they weighed anchor and sailed up the
Delaware, and passing the point where New Castle
now stands, at the distance of four miles above it,
they found the land on the left to trend away towards
the west and northwest, forming a cove about three
miles long, and varying in width from one furlong to
one or two miles. They sailed on until they entered
Minquas Creek, (the Christiana,) and proceeding up
it for about two and a half miles, cast anchor at the

water, during which time the master of said ship made known that
both himself and another ship of his company were bound for Dela
ware Bay, which is the confines of Virginia and New England, and
there they pretend to make a plantation, and to plant tobacco, which
the Dutch do so already in Hudson's lliver, which is the very next
river northward from Delaware Bay. All which being his majesty's
territories, I humbly offer the consideration thereof unto your honor,
and if his majesty should be pleased to think upon any course, either
for removing them, or preventing others from settling upon his
majesty's territories, I humbly conceive it may be done by his
majesty's subjects of these parts, making use only of some English
ships that resort hither for trade yearly, and be no charge at all upon
his majesty."

148 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Rocks. . These rocks form a natural wharf of stone,
and are situated at the foot of Sixth street in the
city of Wilmington, and the site of which was until
recently occupied as a ship yard, and at that time
were one of the capes of the Christiana. The
other was the old Ferry Point, where the Townsend
Iron Works now stand. The marshes on the south
and east on both sides of the Christiana, on the south
and east of the city of Wilmington, known as the
Cherry Island, Holland's, Middleborough, and Deer
Creek marshes were then at high tide under water,
save a small island known as Cherry Island, which
gave the former marsh its name. Therefore between
the Rocks, the old Ferry Point at high tide, and the
the Jersey shore opposite, was a waste of waters, the
Delaware then washing their shores. These rocks are
the termination of a vein of hard blue rocks, which
" issue from our loftiest hills." This ledge, passing
across the country in a southerly direction, sometimes
dipping beneath the surface, sometimes just showing
itself above it, at length arrive at the shores of the
Brandywine, a short distance below the mills. There
it presents a high, bold point, and then sinks beneath
the channel of that river. After passing under it, and
a narrow strip of meadow land on its south side, it
immediately rises in large naked masses, and pro
ceeding onwardly, mostly below the soil, at length ter
minates abruptly on the margin of the Christiana,1
and forms the rocks, the natural wharf above des
cribed. The land covering this ledge from the point

1 Ferris' Original Settlements.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 149

of rocks toward the north rises with a gentle, continual
swell, widening as it recedes from the Christiana, and
standing high above the meadows on either side. It
extends in that direction about six hundred yards,
and then gently declines towards the Brandy wine.1
At this time it "formed a beautiful promontory,
jutting far out into the cove of waters, presenting on
all sides extensive scenery, bounded only by the
Jersey shore and the natural forest of the country.''2
It was also enclosed in a magnificent semi-circle of
high hills, whose tops, covered with trees, reared
their beautiful heads to heaven, forming one of the
most splendid landscapes the world has ever produced.
On these rocks the Key of Kalmar and the Griffin
landed their passengers and freight. They at once
commenced the erection of a fort and trading house,
which they named in honor of their young queen
Fort Christina. They also changed the name of the
creek to Christina Creek.3 A small town, named
Christinaham, or Christina Harbor, was also erected
behind the fort. Lindstrom, an engineer who came
out in 1652, left a plan of this town and fort.4 It
was butlt close to the point of rocks, its southern
rampart being within a few feet of the creek.5 On

1 Ferris' Original Settlements. 2 Ibid.

3 It was afterwards corrupted to Christiana its present name.

4 See the plan in Campanius' Work.

5 Various discoveries and relics have been made at different times
in digging at the site of the fort. In 1745 a Spanish privateer threat
ened to land on the Delaware, and fears being entertained that they
would attack Wilmington, attempts were made to place the old fort
in repair. In digging the ground for that purpose, they found several

150 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the eastern side of the fort, immediately under its
walls, was a small cove or basin, called the " Harbor,'7
in which their vessels might lay out of the current of
the Christina, and without danger from the floating
ice, on the breaking up of winter. " This basin is
now filled up, and the cattle are browsing where their
ships were once moored, but its original outline and
form are yet distinctly visible, coinciding precisely
with the representation made by Lindstorm," over
two hundred years ago.1 An Indian sachem, named
Mattahoon, lived near the fort, from whom Minuit
bought the land, for which he gave him a copper
kettle, and some other small articles. He also bought
of the same Indian as much land as was contained
with "six trees." For this, the Indian afterwards
stated, Minuit promised him half the tobacco
which would grow upon it, which, however, the
sachem said he never gave him.2 This Mattahoon
was undoubtedly the sachem Matta Horn who called a
council in 1645, to consider whether the Indians
should destroy the Swedes.3

The arrival of the Swedes was almost instantly
known to the Dutch who inhabited Fort Nassau, as

pieces of money, with Queen Christina's stamp upon it. On the 31st
of March, 1755, on taking up by chance some pieces of the walls,
there were found many cannon balls, granadoes, and other similar
things, which had been kept carefully concealed since the surrender
of the fort by Rising. Five pieces of cannon (according to Acrelius)
were kept mounted there previously, as at the treaty of Aux la Cha-
pelle, in 1046, an English salute was fired from them, in honor of the
governor, who was going to meet the Legislature at New Castle.

1 Ferris' Original Settlement, p. 43.

2 O'Calligan, vol 1. 3 See ante p. 81.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 151

on the 28th of April the assistant commissary of that
fort wrote to New Amsterdam that Minuit had " sent
his ship below the fort, and afterwards wanted to
send her up again, but this we prevented." The com
missary of Fort Nassau also sent Peter Mey to Minuit
to see his license and commission, but this he refused
to show. Jan Jansen, the clerk, was ordered to pro
test in proper form, in case Minuit did any thing to
their disadvantage. As to whether Jan Jansen pro
tested or not, history is silent. But the following
formal protest was almost immediately made by
Director Kieft/ from Fort Amsterdam :

1 The character of Kieft stands out darkly in comparison with that
of Peterson De Tries, who first attempted to settle this State. He
thus describes the massacre of the Indians at Pavonia, now Jersey
City, opposite Xew York, under the orders of Kieft :

" It was on the nights," he says, " of the 25th and 26th of Febru
ary, 1643, that they executed these foul deeds. I remained that
night at the governor's and took a seat in the kitchen near the fire.
At midnight I heard loud shrieks. I went towards the parapets of
the fort, and looked towards Pavonia. I saw nothing but the flash of
the guns, and heard nothing more of the yells and clamor of the
Indians, who were butchered during their sleep. About day the
soldiers returned to the fort, having murdered eighty Indians. And
this was the feat worthy of the heroes of old Rome, to massacre a
parcel of Indians in their sleep — to take the children from the breasts
of their mothers — to butcher them in the presence of their parents,
and throw their mangled bodies into the fire or water. Other suck
lings had been fastened (by their mothers) to little boards (according
to the Indian manner of nursing very young infants) and in this
position they were cut to pieces ! Some were thrown into the river,
and when the parents rushed in to save them, the soldiers prevented
their landing, and let the parents and children drown together !
Children of five or six years old were murdered, and some aged, de-
crepid men cut to pieces. Those who had escaped these horrors and
found shelter in bushes and reeds, making in the morning their ap
pearance to beg some food to warm themselves were killed in cold

152 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

" I William Kieft, Director-General of New Nether
lands, residing on the Island of Manhattan, in New
Amsterdam, under the sovereignty of their High
Mightinesses the State General of the United Nether
lands, and the privileged West India Company's de
partment at Amsterdam, make known to the Hon.
Peter Minuit, who calls himself commissioner in the
service of her royal majesty of Sweden, that the
whole South River, in New Netherlands, has been in
our possession many years, and has been secured by
us with forts above1 and below,2 and sealed with our
blood, which has happened even during your direction
of New Netherlands, and is well known to you.
Whereas you now do make a beginning of a settle
ment between our forts, and are building there a fort,
to our prejudice and disadvantage, what we shall
never endure or tolerate, and which we are persuaded
it never has been commanded by her royal majesty

blood, and thrown into the fire or water. Some came running to us
in the country with their hands cut off. Some had their arms and
legs cut off. Some who had their legs cut off were supporting their
entrails with their arms. Others were mangled in other horrid ways,
in fact too shocking to be conceived/'

Do Vries, in his remonstrance against the above massacre : ll Con
sider, sir, what good will it do? We know that we lost our settle
ment at the Hoorn Creek (Lewestown) in 1630, by mere jangling
with the Indians, when thirty-two of our men were murdered by the
Indians, and now lastly at Staten Island, where my people were des
troyed, occasioned by your petty contrivances in killing the Indians
at Raritan, and mangling the brother of their chief for a mere baga
telle." De Tries, notwithstanding all his losses by the Indians, had
a good opinion of them. He says of them, " they will do no harm if
no harm is done to them."

1 Fort Nassau.

2 Fort Oplandt, at Lewes, where De Vries' men were massacred.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 153

of Sweden, to build fortresses on our rivers, and along
our shores, so is it that we, if you proceed with the
building of forts, and cultivating the lands, and trad
ing in furs, or engage further in any thing to our
prejudice, protest against all expenses, damages, and
losses, and will not be answerable for any mishaps,
effusion of blood, troubles and disasters which your
company might suffer in future, while we are resolved
to defend our rights in all such manner as we shall
deem proper. Done in the year 163S."1

No attention was paid to this protest by Minuit,
who went quietly to wrork to finish Fort Christina,
and was submitted to by the Dutch. Shortly after
wards the Swedes purchased all the lands from the
Indians from Cape Henlopen to Santickan, or what
is now known as the Falls of Trenton, and there fixed
up stakes and marks. The original deeds for these
lands, with the marks of the Indians, were sent to
Sweden, and preserved in the archives of Stockholm,
where they, as well as a map of the country, made
by Magnus Ivling, their surveyor, was seen by Israel
Helm, and a copy of the map made and brought over
by a clergyman who arrived here in 169 7. 2 Part of
this land, supposed to extend from Cape Henlopen to
Mahon River, had been sold eight years before to
Godyn.3 It was on this land that De Vries' colony

1 This document is dated Thursday, 6th of May, 1638, in Acrelius'
History of New Sweden. At the records in Albany, N. Y., Monday,
the 17th day of May. The Swedes used the old, the Dutch the new
style ; hence the difference of days. The reader must keep this in
mind in regard to dates.

2 Rudman's notes, in Clay, p. 17. 3 See ante p. 127.

154 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

was massacred. The Indians thus sold to the Swedes
what they had previously conveyed to the Dutch.
We must not judge them harshly for this, for the
Dutch had to all appearances abandoned the territory,
and without doubt they were not aware they were
committing any injustice or wrong in selling it over
again. It was impossible for them to be acquainted
with European rules in relation to real estate con
veyances. To them the land was hunting ground,
free to all. It will be seen hereafter they even
denied to the Dutch the selling of the land to the
Swedes, and sold it to the Dutch a second time.
This leaves the matter a question of veracity between
the Swedes and Indians.

As to who had the best right to the Delaware, the
Dutch or the Swedes, we think that hardly any can
did person will deny that, according to the European
rule of right, the better claim lay with the former.
According to the claim set up by the European mari
time nations, the right of first discovery gave the dis
coverer the paramount right of occupancy and pos
session, and of purchasing from the Indians. Accord
ing to this rule, the Dutch had a prior right to the
Swedes, as they had discovered the Delaware in
1609, sailed up it as high as the Schuylkill, and
built Fort Nassau, and afterwards Fort Oplandt, on
the sight of or near Lewistown, in Sussex county, in
this State. But before this the English had sailed
past and discovered the shores — and it is said mapped
them out — and three years previous to the Dutch
discovery of the Delaware, had laid claim to the

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 155

territory, and granted it to companies for settlement,
who had settled portions of it under that grant. So
that according to these rules, neither Dutch or Swedes
had a right, but only the English. But according to
natural right, the Swedes had a better claim than
the Dutch, at least to Fort Christina, and the places
they occupied, if not to the territory from Mahon
River to the Trenton Falls. For the Indians were
an independent people, lords of the land, had a per
fect right to make sales to whoever they chose ; and
if they sold the Swedes the land, as the Swedes
claimed they did, they had a better right than either
the Dutch or English, who really had no right at
all.

The probable reason of the Dutch submitting so
quietly to what they considered the usurpations of
the Swedes, was that the charter of the West India
Company prohibited their declaring war or com
mencing hostilities either with a foreign State or the
native Indians, without the consent of the States
General of the United Netherlands ; and in case a
war should be waged against the company or its
settlements, the States were only bound to furnish
one half the means for equipping and manning a
squadron for the occasion, and after it went into ser
vice the expense of maintaining the armaments were
to be paid wholly by the company. Again, Sweden
was then a great military power, and considered the
champion of Protestantism in Europe, at the time
when the feeling between it and Catholicism was
most intense, and there was a struggle between them

156 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

not only for dominion, but on the part of the former
almost for existence.

Ferdinand II., Emperor of Germany, a cruel and
despotic prince, had determined to extirpate the
Protestant religion from every part of his extensive
dominions. Gustavus Adolphus, supported by other
European powers, determined to invade Germany.
In the year 1630, he crossed the Baltic, arid, after
gaining several brilliant victories in a short time,
took three hundred strong towns and fortresses in
the German empire, and gained possession of the
extensive tract of country extending from the borders
of Hungary and Silesia to the banks of the Rhine,
and from the Lakes of Constance to the Black Sea,
This success having prevented the execution of Fer
dinand's designs against the Protestants, we can
imagine, caused a fraternal feeling between the Swedes
and the Dutch, who but a few years before had
separated from Spain, on account of their religion,
the main cause of the Dutch revolt being, that whilst
they held the Protestant, the Spaniards held the
Catholic faith. Therefore, in addition to the blood
and treasure which might be spent, were an attempt
made to dispossess the Swedes by force of arms,
there was the rupture of good feeling that would
occur between two Protestant nations, a feeling
which was much stronger then than now, when reli
gious persecutions are unpopular, and wars between
nations on account of their faith unknown. It was
from these causes, and not from any want of courage,
that the Dutch submitted to the usurpations of the

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 157

Swedes on the Delaware. Both, however, in the end
succumbed to a stronger and more numerous race,
who now inhabit the land for which they disputed,
and whose rule, language, manners and customs may
possibly hereafter extend over the globe.

CHAPTER XII.

FROM 1038 TO 1642.

Departure of Minuit for Europe — The return — Complaints of Dutch
Company against residents for infringing on their trade — Em
ployees of Company forbidden to trade — Slavery on the Delaware
— Dutch Company complain of the heavy expense of Fort Nassau,
and of injury to their trade by the Swedes — Dutch forbid powder
and ball being sold to Indians — They forbid any vessel to sail
in South River — Penalty — Swedes think of abandoning Delaware
and going to New Amsterdam — Prevented by the arrival of the
ship Fredenburg with succor — Arrival of Ilollendarc — The
Dutch settlement under the Swedish rule — Their Charter — Jost
de Bogart, their Governor — It is supposed they settled at St.
Georges and Appoquinimink Hundreds — Complaint by the Dutch
of injury to trade and outrage from the Swedes — English settle
on the Delaware — Kieft's protest against them — Death of Peter
Minuit, the first governor of Delaware — New Sweden the name
of Delaware.

ABOUT three months after Minuit entered the Dela
ware, and probably directly after the Fort was
finished, he sailed again for Europe, with the two
vessels, leaving twenty-four men in the fort. But he
returned soon afterwards.1 There is, however, little
left to tell us of the actions of the first governor of
our State.

The Dutch West India Company made great corn-
plaints, on the 7th of June, of the frauds committed
against them in the fur trade by parties resident in
New Netherlands, whom they asserted " embezzled

1 Hazard's Annals, p. 48.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 159

and appropriated to themselves the largest and
choicest assortment of furs, exchanging their worst
skins for the best skins of the company." They com
plained grievously of the expenses of vessels and
forts, and forbid any merchandise being sent, without
the consent of the Company, to New Netherlands.
They also forbid any person from trading without
their consent, under penalty of loosing all their

wages.

At this early period there appears to have ri gom
been slavery on the Delaware. As one
Coinclisse was " condemned, on the 3d of February,
to serve the company with the blacks on South River
for wounding a soldier at Fort Amsterdam. He was
also to pay a fine to the fiscal, and damages to the
wounded soldier."1 On the 22d, a witness testifying
in the case of Governor Van Twiller, (the governor
of New Netherlands before Kieft,) who was charged
with neglect and mismanagement of the company's
affairs, said that " he had in his custody for Van
Twiller, at Fort Hope and Nassau, twenty-four to
thirty goats, and that thr~e negroes bonylit by the
director in 1686, were since employed in his private
service."2 Thus it will be seen that slavery was in
troduced on the Delaware as early as 1636, though
probably not in this State, as the Dutch at that time
had no settlement here. By another witness in the
same case, we find that a large house was built at
Fort Nassau, which was much decayed. The direc-

1 Albany Records, vol. 2, p 10.

2 Albany Records, vol. 1, p. 85.

160 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

tors in Holland severely condemned Van Twiller for
these expenses. The mention of these matters are
necessary as showing beyond a doubt the continued
occupancy of this river by the Dutch. The directors
also complain that Fort Nassau is a heavy burden to
them as regards the garrison, provisions, and the
vessel. They say, however, they cannot reduce it
on account of the Swedes, who, being but five Dutch
miles (twenty English) have done 30,000 florins
worth of injury to their trade. They however con
soled themselves by the thought the Swedes would
soon have to break up if they received no succor.1

Thus early had the arrival of the Swedes in this
State injured the Dutch trade on the Delaware. They
had been very successful in their trade the first year
after their arrival. They had exported thirty thousand
skins, having managed, in their dealings with the
Indians, to undersell the Dutch.

On the 31st of March, the Dutch made several
rules in relation to the South (Delaware) Elver.
Amongst them was one prohibiting the selling of
powder and guns to the Indians, under penalty of
death. Also one prohibiting any one sailing with boats
or vessels on the South River without license, under
the penalty of the confiscation of the vessel and
cargo.

["16401 Notwithstanding the excellence of their

trade, the Swedish settlers at fort Christina

became discouraged, and in the spring had determined

1 Holl. Doe., vol. 8, pp. 52, 53.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 161

to abandon their settlement, and remove to New Am
sterdam.1 Every preparation had been made for their
removal, and they were to have started the next day,
when, to their great joy, a vessel arrived with suc
cor from Sweden. This, of course, caused them to
abandon their intention. She proved to be the Fred-
enburg, Captain Jacob Powelson. She was a Dutch
vessel, and her crew and passengers were Hollanders,
though sailing under the Swedish flag. She had left
Holland in January, and arrived in the South River
some time previous to the 1st of May. She was
laden with men, cattle and everything necessary for
the cultivation of the country. They brought with
them a letter from the two Oxenstierns (the chan
cellor and his brother), directed to the commissary or
other inhabitants of Fort Christina, in New Sweden,
commanding that no obstacle should be placed in their
way by the Swedish inhabitants, and that for their
own advantage and safety, they should be on good
terms with them. The same letter informed them
that two more vessels would be sent out to them in
the spring.2 In this vessel it is said arrived Peter
Hollendare, who succeeded Minuit as Governor of
Delaware.

This settlement of Hollanders was made under a
charter first given to Gothardt de Redden, William
de Horst and Fenland, but it was afterwards

1 Holl. Doc., vol. 8, pp. 53, 54.

2 See Register of Penn. vol. 4, 179, where are published from docu
ments furnished to the American Philosophical Society, by Jonathan
Russel, whilst minister to Sweden.

11

162 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

assigned (for what reason, at the present day is not
known), to Henry Hockhammer, &c., they, as the in
strument states u having the intention of establishing
a colony in New Sweden." As what now constitutes
the State of Delaware was then entirely under the
dominion of the Swedes ; what Dutch there were
being settled in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, we
may consider New Sweden, (although its boundaries
were undefined,) as being the appropriate name of
Delaware at this time. The principal features of this
charter were, that provision was given them under
royal protection, to depart from Holland at their own
expense, with two or three vessels, with "men, cattle
and other necessaries to form a settlement, at least
five German miles below Fort Christina, on both
sides of South River, and take up as much land as
they could place in actual cultivation in ten years."
In addition to. the fullest power over the land, if one
part did not suit them they were allowed to choose
another, with the consent of the Governor of the
country. They were to pay to the Swedish crown as
an acknowedgment of its authority, three florins for
each family established in the territory. They had
the right of exercising high and low justice, of found
ing cities, villages, and communities, " with a certain
police, statutes and ordinances, to appoint magistrates
and officers, to take the title and arms of their colony
or province." " It being," the charter says, " under
stood that they and their descendants shall receive of
us and our successors, that jurisdiction, and these
royal rights, as an hereditary fief, and that they must

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 163

conform themselves in this case, to all which concerns
the ordinary justice of fiefs." Their statutes and or
dinances were to be communicated to the governor
for approbation and confirmation. They were allowed
to exercise "besides the Augsburg confession," the
"pretended reformed religion" but " in such a manner,
that those who profess the one or the other religion,
should live in peace, abstaining from every useless
dispute, from all scandal and all abuse." They were
" to be obliged to support at all times as many minis
ters and school-masters as the number of inhabitants
shall seem to require," and " to choose for this pur
pose, persons who had at heart the conversion of the
pagan inhabitants to Christianity." They were allowed
to establish all sorts of manufactories, and to " engage
in all commerce, in and out of the country, with the
coast of the West Indies and Africa, belonging to
friendly powers, but only with vessels and yachts
built in New Sweden, under promise of the govern
ment's assistance. Gottenberg was to be the depot of
all merchandise transported from New Sweden to
Europe. The merchants were not required to pass
the sound, if they wished to go to some other part
of the kingdom. They were not to enter foreign
ports not dependant upon the crown of Sweden,
except in cases of necessity, and they were then to
proceed to Gottenberg, to show the reasons that com
pelled them to enter the foreign port, to pay duty on
the merchandise they had sold elsewhere, and to equip
their vessels anew. They were to be exempt for ten
years, from all impost and duty (except the three florins

164 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

on each family). After the ten years they were to
pay five per cent, on all goods that should be imported
or exported from New Sweden, and contribute to the
pay of officers and support of fortresses. No one was
allowed to take a servant from his or her master, be
fore the term of service was ended, nor employ them
without express permission of the master or governor,
who was required to support the master in his rights.
Whoever discovered mines, minerals, or precious
stones, were to have the right of working them for
ten years, with the consent of the governor,1 after
that to have the preference, upon the payment of an
annual sum to be determined. Property was to be
exempt from confiscation, and no fines, whatever be
the offence, wrere to exceed one hundred florins of the
empire, or forty rix dollars.2 There were various
other matters in the charter, but these appeared to be
its principal features.

From the above it appears that a separate Dutch
colony was formed, (within the present limits of this
state), under the Swedish rule. Jost de Bogardt it is
believed was appointed their governor, at a salary of
500 florins or 200 rix dollars per annum, with the
promise of an increase of 100 florins to his salary,
" if" (as his commission says,) " in future we have
new proofs of his attachment, and of his zeal to pro
mote our welfare, and that of our crown.3 As to

1 From this sentence it would seem that the consent required was
that of the Dutch governor, appointed over these particular settlers,
and not the Swedish governor.

2 Swedish Documents in Register of Pennsylvania, vol. 4, p. 170,

3 Reg. of Penn. Acrelius.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 165

how Jost de Bogardt acted, or whether he got an in
crease of his salary, history is silent. This Dutch
settlement it is supposed, was in the neighborhood of
St. Georges and Appoquinimink hundreds in New
Castle county. The instructions to Governor Prince,
which it is supposed alluded to this colony, says,
" that those of the Dutch nation who have gone to
New Sweden, and are there established under Swed
ish protection, and under commandant Jost de Bo
gardt, the governor must show them all good will,
seeing that they comply with the conditions stipu
lated, and also obey the orders signified to them this
year ; that being established too near to Fort Chris
tina (report says only three miles distant), they must
abandon it, and occupy a place more distant from the
fort; but the governor may remove them or suffer
them to remain, as he finds convenient.

The Dutch at this time made most grievous com
plaints to the directors in Holland, of the injury
done to their trade, and outrages by the Swedes on
the South River. Director Kieft, in a letter dated
October 15, said, "we shall treat the Swedes with
every politeness, although they commenced with
many hostilities forcibly to build, attack our fort,
trading, threatening to take our boats, &C."1

At this time, we have the first authentic information
of the attempt of the English to settle on the Dela
ware. The different records do not exactly agree, but
enough can be extracted from them to render it cer
tain that Captain Turner, as the agent of several

1 Holl. Doc., vol. 8, pp. 53, 54.

166 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

citizens of New Haven, embarked from there for the
Delaware, and when he arrived, purchased several
tracts on both sides of the river, for the purpose of
settling it with English families from that place. On
their way they called at New Amsterdam, and Di
rector Kieft made a protest against their visit. But
upon representation that they had " express direction
not to meddle with anything that the Dutch and
Swedes had a right too." He wrote to John John
son (Jan Jan sen in Dutch), the Dutch agent at Dela
ware to hold "good correspondence with them,"
which accordingly at first he did, and showed them
how far the Dutch and Swedish title reached. The
rest he told them was free for them to purchase, and
offered them his assistance.1 Trumbull in his history
of Connecticut, says, " A large purchase, sufficient
for a number of plantations was made by Captain
Turner, agent for New Haven, on both sides the
Delaware Bay and River. This purchase was made
with a view to trade, and for the settlement of
churches in gospel order and purity."2
P16411 Early in the year, the English made their
attempt to settle on the lands purchased by
Turner on the Delaware. A bark or catch was fitted
out at New Haven, by Mr. Lamberton, under the
command of Robert Cogswell. They stopped at
Fort Amsterdam, when Director Kieft hearing of
their intention delivered them the following protest :

1 Records United Colonies in Hazard's Historical Collection, vol.
2, p. 213.

2 TrumLull, vol. 1, p. 116.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 167

" I, William Keift, Director General, &c., make known
to you Robert Cogswell, and your associates not to
build nor plant on the South River, lying within the
limits of New Netherlands, nor on the lands extend
ing along there, as lawfully belonging to us, by our
possessing the same long years ago, before it was fre
quented by any Christians, as appears by our forts
which we have thereon; and also the mouth of the
rivers sealed with our blood, and the soil itself, most
of which has been purchased and paid for by us,
unless you will settle under the States and the noble
West India Company, and swear allegiance, and be
come subject to them, as the other inhabitants have
done. Failing whereof, we protest against all dam
ages and losses which may accrue therefrom, and
desire to be holden innocent thereof."1

The English however, assured the Governor, that
it was not their intention to interfere with any settle
ment already made, and if none could be found free
from claims they would return. They accordingly
proceeded to South River, and commenced erecting
trading houses or Varkens, or Farkenskill, near the
present town of Salem, N. J., and it is supposed also
on the Schuylkill. This settlement consisted of sixty
persons,2 comprising twenty families.3

About this time died Peter Minuit, the first Gov
ernor of New Sweden. He is usually placed in our
annals, as the first Governor of Delaware, although

' Holl. Doc., vol. 9, p. 205.

2 Instruction to Swedish Governor, Reg. Pcnn. vol. 4, p. 219.

3 Winthrop.

168 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

that claim rightly belongs to Peter Hosset. To his
exertions our State owes its first permanent settle
ment. He was buried it is supposed, in what is now
the graveyard of the Old Swedes Church, in the City
of Wilmington. There his bones rest, in company
with those of Reorus Torkillus, the first clergyman.
Thus, the first chief magistrate and the first minister
of Delaware, sleep side by side, with no stone or
insignia to mark their resting place.

It is supposed, that the Old Swedes Church is
built on the site of the old graveyard, used by the
first Swedish settlers to inter their dead. This is
inferred from the following circumstances : Fort
Christina served the purpose both of a church and
fortification, as in it the Swedes held their public
worship. In the rear stood the village of Christina-
ham, the ancestor of the modern Wilmington. On
the wrest side of Christinaham being near to the vil
lage, a few hundred yards from it, was the present
cemetery of the Old Swedes Church. For many
years the great body of the settlers clustered in their
habitations round the fort. All the rest of the country
at that time was wild and uncultivated. It is not to
be supposed, that a people so religious as the Swedes,
would be without a burial place. No other graveyard
was ever known at that time to be laid out in the
vicinity. The contract for the erection of the Old
Swedes Church said " that it was to be built in and
upon the churchyard at Christeen." This proves it
was a burial place before building the church. There
fore, judging from these circumstances the probabili-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 169

ties are, that the churchyard of the Old Swedes
Church, was the first cemetery in Delaware, and
that there was buried 'Peter Minuit and Reorus
Torkillus.

Minuit appears to have been an energetic, just man.
Acrelius says, " he did great service to the first Swed
ish colony, during three years he protected this small
fort (Christina), which (in his time) the Dutch never
attempted. Vanderdonk, in his description of New
Netherlands, quotes of a letter of Minuit's whilst
Governor at New Amsterdam, which shows his con
cern for the agricultural interests of the colony. He
tells us " that Mr. Minuit writes that he has sown
canary seed, and that it grew and yielded well," but
he adds, " that the country is new, and in a state of
beginning ; and that the time of the cultivators should
not be spent in such experiments, but to the raising of
the necessaries of life ; of which, God be praised, there
is plenty and to spare for a reasonable price. And
we begin to supply provisions and drink in common
with our Virginia neighbors, to the West Indies, and
to the Carribbee Islands, which we expect will in
crease from year to year, and in time become a fine
trade, in connection with our Netherlands and Brazil
commerce." And again, " Commander Minuit testi
fies that cremmin seed, canary seed, and the like
have been tried,1 and succeed well, but are not sought
after."1 But little however is known of him, save a
few detached items which we get from the corres
pondence of the period.

1 Vanderdonk's N. Y. His. Coll., pp. 156-160.

I

CHAPTER XIII.

FROM 1642 TO 1643.

Peter Hollendare succeeds Minuit as Governor of New Sweden, (Dela
ware) — lie returns to Sweden — Made Governor of the Naval
Arsenal — English expelled from Schuylkill by the Dutch — Col.
Jno. Printz appointed Governor of Now Sweden — His instruc
tions in relation to the government of the country — In relation to
the English — They were to be removed if possible — The Dutch
right to the South Iliver denied — They are not to be allowed to
stop the Swedes from trading above Fort Nassau — If they use
force, they are to be repelled by force — Savages to be treated
with humanity — To be instructed in the Christian religion —
Goods to be sold them lower than by the Dutch and English —
Fortifications to be erected to shut up or command the South
River — Offences to be punished — Death inflicted in some cases —
Fisheries to be established — Salt and oil made — Timber exported
— Religion to be according to the Augsburg Confession — Dutch
allowed to hold the reformed faith — Expenses of government of
New Sweden.

F16421 AFTER the death of Minuit, Peter Hollen
dare became Governor of the Swedes on the
Delaware. He was an officer of the Swedish army.
Of his character as a governor nothing is known. He
held his office for about one year and a half. He
then returned to Sweden, and was made commander
of the Naval Arsenal at Stockholm. But little is
known of his acts.1

The Dutch at New Amsterdam, now determined to

1 Acrelius, p. 410 ; O'Calligan, vol. 1, p. 366 ; Clay, p. 17.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 171

expel the English from the Schuylkill, the settlement
at Varken's kill or Salem, they appear at this time
not to have interfered with. The Director General
and Council at their meeting passed a resolution
which says, that "having received unquestionable
information, that some English had the audacity to
land at South River, opposite to our Fort Nassau,
where they made a beginning of settling on the
Schuylkill, without any commission of a potentate,
which is an affair of ominous consequence, disrespect
ful to their High Mightinesses, and injurious to the
interests of the West India Company, as by it their
commerce on the South River might be eventually
ruined:" Resolved, " that it is our duty to drive
these English from thence, in the best manner pos
sible." Accordingly on the 22d of April, they
issued instructions to their commissary or governor
on the South River, Jan Jansen Van Ilpendam (called
by the English John Johnson), that as soon as the
yacht Real and St. Martin should arrive at the South
River, he was to embark in either of the two yachts,
(or, if he thought best in both of them,) with such a
body of men as he could collect together, and proceed
towards the Schuylkill, disembark there directly, and
require from the English to show him by what au
thority they acted, and how they dared to make such
an encroachment upon " the Dutch rights and privi
leges, territory, and commerce." If they could show
"no authority or royal commission to settle within,"
the Dutch " limit," or " an authentic copy of such a
commission," then then they were to be compelled

172 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

'- to depart directly in peace, to prevent effusion of
blood." If they would " not listen or submit," then
" their persons" were to be secured and brought to
New Amsterdam. He was instructed to be on his
guard, to remain master, not to be'surprised, and to
" maintain the reputation of the High Mightinesses
and the noble Directors of the West India Company."
If the English left the spot, or made their escape
then he was to destroy their improvements, and level
them " on the spot." Whilst he was to take care
that the English were not injured in " personal prop
erty," but that "in their presence" an accurate inven
tory should be made of the whole.1

Jan Jansen appears to have carried out his instruc
tions, and have expelled the English from the Schuyl-
kill, for the Dutch chronicles are silent as regards the
attack on the English settlers. The complaints of the
latter, however, are made known in the English
records at New Haven. They say that notwith
standing the purchases of the English on both sides
of the river, to which they affirm neither the Dutch
or Swedes had any just title ; Governor Kieft, with
out protest or warning sent armed men and by force,
in a hostile manner burnt their trading house, seized
and for some time detained the goods in it, not suffer
ing their servants so much as to take an inventory of
them. He also seized their boat, and for a while kept
their men prisoners, for which treatment they could
not up to 1650, get any satisfaction. They also as
sert that they " attempted to seize Mr. Lamberton's

1 Albany Records, vol. 2, pp. 162, 164, 165.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 173

vessel, or drive him out of the river/' but being on
his guard, he at that time mrdntained the right and
honor of the English. As he was returning from
Delaware, the Dutch Governor at Manhattan com
pelled Mr. Lamberton, who was the agent at New
Haven, " by threatenings and force, to give an ac
count of what beaver he had traded for within the
English limits at Delaware, and pay recognitions for
them, against which a protest sent from New Haven
was of no avail." The damages done to the English
at Delaware was estimated at ^lOO1 sterling.2

At this time a great sickness and mortality pre
vailed among the settlers on the Delaware. It
affected both Swedes and English.3

On the 16th of August, John Printz, a Lieutenant-
Colonel in the Swedish army, was appointed Gov
ernor of New Sweden. He was the third Governor
of Delaware. His instructions were dated Stockholm,
the 15th of August, 1642, or one day before his ap
pointment. His commission was as follows : " Our
faithful subjects having commenced visiting the West
Indies, and having purchased in form, and already
occupied a considerable part of that country, which
they have named New Sweden, in consequence — as
their laudable project, the navigation which they have
undertaken, and the cultivation which they are dis
posed to make, cannot but increase and facilitate com
merce — to give them more vigor and extent, not only

1 About $500.

2 Hazard's Historical Collection, vol. 2, pp. 162, 210.

3 Winthrop, vol. 2, p. 76.

174 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

have we approved their design, and taken the country
and its inhabitants under our royal protection, but
again to favor and strengthen the work which they
have commenced, we have given to the country and
inhabitants, our subjects, a Governor, and have named
as we do here, by virtue of his Better patent, our very
faithful subject, the above named Lieutenant of Cav
alry, John Printz for Governor of New Sweden. He
engages to administer and govern said country, and
to defend its inhabitants against all violence and for
eign attachment, and to preserve above all, that coun
try in safe and faithful hands. He must preserve
amity, good neighborhood and correspondence with
foreigners, with those who depend on his government
and the natives of the country ; render justice with
out distinction, so that there shall be injury to no
one. If any person behave himself grossly, he must
punish him in a convenient manner ; and as regards
the cultivation of the country, he must in a liberal
manner regulate and continue it, so that the inhabi
tants may derive from it their honest support, and
even that commerce may receive from it a sensible
increase. As to himself, he will so conduct his gov
ernment, as to be willing and able faithfully to answer
for it before God, before us, and every brave Swede,
regulating himself by the instructions given to him."
The inhabitants are required to acknowledge and
obey him as Governor.1

His instructions, which he received a day. earlier,

1 MS. Doc. American Philosophical Society, Reg. of Perm. vol. 4,
p. 200.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 175

were as follows : After reciting the advantages ex
pected to result from " the conquering and purchas
ing the territory of New Sweden, and the extension
of commerce thereby," and that " for this laudable
end, two vessels named the ' Stork' and the ' Re
nown,' have been furnished," he was instructed to go
to Gottenberg, to embark from there, to consult with
the captain and council as to the manner of the voy
age, the course he should take, &c. When he arriyed
in Xcw Sweden, he was to take care, according to
the contract with the savages, " that the frontiers of
the country extend from the borders of the sea to Cape
Henlopen, in returning southwest towards Godyris Bay,
and thence towards the Great River, as far as Minquas
kitty ivhere is constructed Fort Christina, and from thence,
again toiuards South River, and the whole to a place
which the savages called Santickan, which is at the
same time the place where are the limits of New
Sweden. This district or extent of country may be
in length about thirty German miles ; as to width in
the interior, it has been stipulated in the contracts,
that the subjects of her majesty and company may
take as much of the country as they wish." The
boundaries claimed by New Sweden, were thus, from
Cape Henlopen unto the city of Trenton, N. J., com
prising the whole of Delaware and part of Pennsyl
vania, including the ground on which Philadelphia
now stands.

As .regards the English settled on " Ferkin's kill,"
as the agents of the Company, as her majesty's sub
jects had bought from the Indian owners, the whole

176 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

district from Cape May to Raccoon Creek, with a view
to unite these English with the Swedes; the gov
ernor was faithfully to perform the contract. His
instructions also say, that "she (the Queen), suggests
that these people are disposed to submit as a free
people to a sovereign who can protect and defend
them, and advises a conciliatory course/' as yet, as
her majesty judges it will be better and more advan
tageous for Sweden, for the -crown, and for those in
terested, to be able to disembarrass themselves of it
honestly, she leaves it to the governor's discretion, to
endeavor to find this point, and for it to work under
stand as much as possible, with good manners and
with success.

As regards the Dutch. The instructions after re
citing their claims to South River, and stating that
they (the Dutch), lay no claim to the "western part
of which the Swedes are in possession." After also
asserting that " they undoubtedly wish to appropriate
to themselves the lands possessed by the English,
and certainly all the eastern part of the great South
River," and have endeavored to prevent the Swedes
from ascending above Fort Nassau, he was instructed
"to comport himself towards them with mildness
and moderation," as the Swedes "only sought to
open a free communication for commerce," and had
" bought from the natives that which they possessed
and cultivated." If, however, contrary to all hope,
the Dutch should " show any hostile intentions, the
instructions say, " it would be very very proper to
be on your guard, and repel force by force," " at so

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 177

great a distance the government leaves it much to
the Governor's discretion." If the Dutch did not
"trouble him, he was to maintain amity and good
neighborhood with them, also with those who in-
Imbited Manhattan or New Amsterdam,, and likewise
with the English who inhabited Virginia, especially as
the latter had began " to procure for the Swedes all
sorts of necessary provisions, and at reasonable prices,
both for cattle and grain."

As to the Dutch who had gone to New Sweden,
and were there established under Swedish protection,
under Commandant Jost de Bogardt ; the government
must show them all good-will, seeing that they comply
with the conditions stipulated, and also obey the
orders signified to them this year, that being estab
lished too near Fort Christina (report says only three
miles distant), they must abandon it, and occupy a
place more distant from the Fort; but the governor
may remove them or suffer them to remain as he
finds expedient.

He was instructed to treat " the savages with hu
manity and mildness and see that neither violence
nor injustice was done them," but " must labor to in
struct them in the Christian religion, and the divine
service, and civilize them." He was to " bring them
to believe that the Swedes have not come there to do
them injustice, but rather to procure them what they
need, in order to live reciprocally in common, and sell
and exchange provisions." He was instructed "to
sell to them at lower prices than the Dutch at Fort

Nassau, or the English; so as by this means to disen-
12

178 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

gage them from these people, and accustom them more
to the Swedes.

He was also instructed to choose his residence
where convenient. To erect fortifications at Cape
Henlopen, James' Island/ or any other favorable
position. The fortress erected was to be able " to
shut up the South Iliver," or it must be commanded
by it. If, however, he could protect himself with
Fort Christina, he was instructed to turn his attention
especially to agriculture, sowing enough grain for
their support. He was to attend to the culture of
tobacco,' to raise sheep and cattle, to improve the
breed by procuring from the English or others, and
increasing their number. He was to have " commis
saries to inspect the trade with the Indians, and pre
vent others from trading with them." The manufac
ture of salt was recommended, also examinations for
" metals or minerals." He was to reflect on what
was to be done with the superfluous wood, whether it
could not be used for ballast, whether oil could not
be procured from the nut trees by pressure. Whether
fisheries, especially for whales, could not be estab
lished as they were especially numerous in Godyn's
(Delaware) Bay, whether silk and silk worms might
not be produced to advantage.

Justice was to be done in the name of " her ma
jesty." "Detailed and perfect instruction (the in
structions say) cannot be given, therefore it is left to
the instruction of the Governor, according to circuni-

1 A part of Camdon was formerly an island, and called Jaines
Island. See Mickle, p. 85.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 179

stances." Controversies were to be decided by the
" laws and customs of Sweden." He had power to
punish for offences, " great offenders by imprison
ment, and even with death, according to the crime,
after legal forms and sufficient examination by the
most noted persons, such as the most prudent as
sessors of justice that he can find and consult in the
country/' but " before all," he was " to labor and
watch that he renders in all things to ALMIGHTY GOD,
the true worship which is his due." Divine service was
to be " performed according to the true Confession of
Augsberg, the Council of Upsal, and the ceremonies
of the Swedish Church." The Dutch residing in
Swedish territory, were not to be disturbed in the
exercise of the reformed religion.

C

Governor Printz was appointed for three years,
after which he was allowed to return, leaving a suc
cessor or viceroy in his place, or he might be re-
appointed. He was allowed 1200 silver dollars per
annum, to commence January 1, 1643.1

The Swedish government at the same time passed
an ordinance appropriating 2,619 rix dollars to be
collected each year, from the excises upon tobacco
for the expenses of New Sweden. The following
were the expenses of the military department, viz. :
governor, 1200 silver, or 800 rix dollars, half silver
and half excise ; lieutenant governor, 16 rix dollars
per month; one sergeant-major, 10 rix dollars; one
corporal, 6 rix dollars ; one gunner, 8 rix dollars ; one
trumpeter, 6 rix dollars ; one drummer, 5 rix dollars ;

1 MS. American Philosophical Society, Reg. of Perm., p. 219.

180 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

twenty-four soldiers, at 4 rix dollars ; one paymaster,
10 rix dollars; one secretary, 8 rix dollars; one
barber,1 10 rix dollars ; one provost, 6 rix dollars, and

one 4 rix dollars ; making 185 rix dollars per

month, or 3020 rix dollars per annum.

Surgeons were then called barbers.

CHAPTER XIV.

FROM 1642 TO 1643.

Governor Printz sails from Stockholm, for New Sweden, in the ships
Renown and Stork — Arrival in the Delaware — Storm in the Bay
—The Renown runs aground — Arrival at Fort Christina — Rev.
Jno. Campanius — He builds Fort Gottenburg — A mansion and
church on Tinicum Island — He builds Fort Elfsberg — De Tries'
compelled to strike his flag at Fort Elfsburg — Great size of Printz —
Drunkenness of Swedes — Printz expels the English from Salem
Creek — Takes Lamberton prisoner — Persuades Lamberton's men
to accuse Lamberton of exciting Indians against Swedes — Lam
berton's men refuse to do so — They are placed in irons — Lamberton
pays beaver to get his liberty — Printz abuses the English — Dutch
assist the Swedes in expelling the English — Lamberton complains
to the Court at New Haven — Governor Winthrop requested to write
to Swedes and Dutch — Vagabonds and malfactors sent to New
Sweden — They are prevented from landing — Mortality among
them on their return — Erection of Fort Schuylkill — Fort King-
sessing — Fort Korsholm by the Swedes at Passyunk — They stop
the trade of the Dutch on the Schuylkill.

Ox the IGth of August, Governor Printz sailed
from Stockholm, for New Sweden, in the ship Re
nown,1 accompanied by the Stork. They took a
southerly route, sailing by the Portugese and Bar-
bary coast, passing the Canary Islands, arriving at
Antigua on the 20th of December. There they spent
their Christmas holidays, and were well entertained

1 Campanius calls it the Fame. We have preferred to go by the
instructions to Printz, and call it the Renown. Other writers speak
of the two vessels as the Fame, and the Charitas.

182 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Governor's house.1 On the 3d of Janu

rifU31

ary they left Antigua, and sailing by way of

St. Christopher, St. Martin's and other West India
Islands, on the 24th of the same month found bottom,
and on the 25th saw land on their left. On the 26th
they were in the bay off the Whorekill (Sussex county),
and on that and the 27th experienced a severe storm,
accompanied with snow, when the Renown was run
aground and lost three large anchors, a spritsail, and
the mainmast, and experienced other damages. On
the 15th of February they arrived at Fort Christina.
They were five months or 150 days on their passage,
from the time they left Stockholm, until they arrived
at Fort Christina. With this expedition came a
clergyman named John Campanius Holm, more gene
rally called Campanius ; rendered celebrated from
being the first to translate Luther's catechism into the
Indian language. Also from keeping a journal of
his visit to New Sweden, from which his grandson
Thomas Campanius Holm, wrote his celebrated " De
scription of the Province of New Sweden."2

1 Campanius. *

2 John Campanius Holm was born at Stockholm, on the 15th of
Angust, 1001. His father was Jonas Peter, clerk of the congrega
tion of St. Clara. He went through his studies with great reputation,
and was for a long time preceptor in the Orphan's House, at Stock
holm. On the 3d of February, 1642, he was called by the govern
ment to accompany Governor Printz to America, where he remained
six years pastor of the congregation there. On his return home, he
was made first preacher of the Admiralty, and afterwards was pastor
of Frost Hultz and Herenwys Uplandt, where he translated Luther's
catechism, with other things, into the American Virginia (Indian)
language, a work which he had begun in America, and which he

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 183

Governor Printz, soon after he landed, agreeable to
his instructions, selected a site for his residence, and
commenced the erection of fortifications to command
the river. At a place called by the Indians Tena-
cong (now called Tinicum), a short distance above
where Chester now stands, lying between Darby and
Crurn Creeks, he found a beautiful piece of land, with
a hi<rh bold shore. It is now the Lazaretto, used to

O s

quarantine vessels bound for Philadelphia with infec
tious diseases on board. It was then, as now, an
island, having the Delaware on ths east, Darby Creek
on the south and west, and on the north, a sound or
branch passing across a morass, and connecting Darby
Creek with the Delaware near Fort Mifflin.1 Here
Printz built a fort which he named Fort Gottenberg,
also a mansion. The fort was constructed by laying
very heavy hemlock logs, the one on the other, and
was " pretty strong."2 The mansion for himself and
his family, was " very handsome" ; there was likewise
a fine orchard, a pleasure house, and other conveni
ences. He called it " Printz Hall." On this island,
the principal inhabitants (afterwards) had their dwel
lings and plantations. A church was also erected
there, which, on the 4th of September, 1646, Dr.
John Campanius consecrated for divine service, and
also its burying place.3

here perfected. He died on the 17th of September, 1G83, at the age
of 82. and was buried in the church of Frost Hultz, where a hand
some monument was erected in the choir to his memory. — Campanius.

1 Ferris, p. 62.

2 Hudde's Report, N. J. His. Society Mem., p. 420.

3 Campanius, p. 79. Ferris says, this hall stood more than 120

184 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

This fort controlled the access of the Dutch to
Fort Nassau. The same year he erected another fort
at Varkenkill, afterwards called by the English, Salem
Creek. It was called Elfsberg or Wootsessung,1 after
wards known by the name of Elsinburg or Elsinboro.
It was erected at the south side of the creek at its
junction with the Delaware.2 Hudde says, " It was
usually garrisoned by twelve men, commanded by a
lieutenant. It had eight iron and brass guns, and one
potshoof.3

The main object of this fort was to visit the Dutch
vessels, and oblige them to lower their colors as they
sailed up the Delaware, which greatly "aifronted
them."4 Peterson De Vries, the energetic projector
of the unfortunate colony at Lewestown, was fired at,
as he sailed up the Delaware, in the month of October
of this year, and was ordered to strike his flag. He
says the fort was commanded by Captain Printz,
" who weighed upwards of four hundred pounds, and
drank three drinks at every meal." He describes
the Swedes " as not very sober, as they bought from
the captain of the vessel, a good quantity of wine and
sweetmeats, and that neither here nor in Virginia,
was intoxication punished by whipping.5

Either shortly afterwards or previous to building
this fort, Printz succeeded in expelling the English,

years, and was at last burnt down by accident, since the commence
ment of the present century, p. 70.

1 Campanius. 2 Ferris.

3 Iludde, p. 429. * Acrelius, p. 412.

5 De Vries, p. 273. Hazard thinks this was not Governor Printz
but a relative. Hazard's Annals, p. 73.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 185

who were settled on Varkenkill, under Lamberton.
He attacked them and burnt down their trading
house, and by surreptitious means, succeeded in mak
ing Lamberton a prisoner.1 Lamberton was in his pin
nace named the " Cock," at anchor about three miles
above Fort Elfsberg, when a letter was brought by two
Swedes from Printz, (" Tim, the barber, and Godfrey
the merchant's man,") stating that the Indians had that
day stolen a gold chain from his wife, and that those
Indians were about trading with Lamberton, and that
he desired his good offices to get it back. He also
desired Lamberton " to stay on board until the next
morning," affirming, that " he would know the Indian
that stole it by a mark that 'he had on his face." No
Indians however, came on board. Lamberton after
wards calling at the Swedish fort, where, it is sup
posed, he went in obedience to a request from a
second letter from Printz, was arrested, in company
with Jno. Woollen, his Indian interpreter, and John
Thickpenny, and placed in prison. Woollen was put
in irons. Printz himself fastening them on his legs.
It is asserted that Printz' wife, and Timothy the bar
ber (surgeon), endeavored to get Woollen intoxicated,
by giving him a quantity of wine and beer to drink,
and that immediately after drinking the liquors, he
was conveyed to Printz, who, " with professions of a
great deal of love to him, making many large prom
ises to do him good," endeavored to get him to say,
" that George Lamberton had hired the Indians to cut
off the Swedes." Woollen denied that Lamberton had

1 Rudman, Swedish Records at Wicaco.

186 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

any such intention. The governor then " drunk to
him again/' and said, " he would make him a man,
give him a plantation, and build him a house, and that
he should not want for gold and silver," provided he
made the accusation against Lamberton. But Woollen
still refusing to accuse Lamberton, the governor was
much enraged, and stamped with his feet, and calling
for irons, " he put them upon Woollen with his own
hands, and sent him down to prison." It is also as
serted, that the watchmaster and Gregory, the mer
chant's man, endeavored to get John Thickpenny to
accuse Lamberton of plotting with the Indians to cut
off the Swedes.1 But Thickpenny refused to make
any such accusation.

Lamberton before he regained his liberty, had to pay
a " weight of beaver" to Printz. Printz also expelled
all the English that would not take the oath of alle
giance to the crown of Sweden. He also railed at the
English in a very intemperate manner. He cursed,
swore, and reviled at them, calling them English rene
gades. The Dutch assisted the Swedes in the expul
sion of the English from Varcken's (or Cohansey)
Creek. Complaint of these outrages were made by
Mr. Lamberton, to the court of New Haven, which met
on the 2d of August. They were substantiated by the
oath of John Thickpenny, one of Lamberton's sailors.
The Court requested the President Governor Win-
throp, to write to both the Dutch and Swedish gov
ernors, expressing particulars, and requiring satisfac-

1 Deposition of John Thickpenny, New Haven Colonial Records,
rol. 1, pp. 97-99.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 187

tion ; and professing, that as they would not wrong
others so, they may not desert their confederate in a
just cause.1 A commission was also given to Mr.
Lamberton, to go and treat with the Swedish govern
ment, about those injuries and damages, and to agree
with him about settling their trade and plantation.

On the 7th of September, Reorus Torkillus, the
first preacher in this State, or on the Delaware, died.
He was born in West Gothland, in the year 1608.
After going through his studies, he was made pro
fessor of a college at Gottenberg, and was afterwards
chaplain to the superintendent, Andrew Printz, who
was probably a relation to Governor John Printz.
He fell sick on the 23d of February.2 He married
one of the residents of New Sweden (Delaware),
by whom he had one child, whose descendants may
possibly still be living amongst us, under an anglicized
name. His death and burial have been before men
tioned.

About this time, a number of robbers and malefac
tors were sent from Sweden, to settle on the Dela
ware. Campanius speaking of them, says : " The
generality of people who went or were sent over from
Sweden to America, were of two kinds. The princi
pal of them consisted of the company's servants, who
were employed, by them in various capacities; the
others were those who went over to that country to
better their fortunes ; they enjoyed several privileges ;
they were at liberty to build and settle themselves

1 Hazard's His. Coll., vol. 2, p. 11.

2 Campanius.

188 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

•where they thought proper, and to return home when
they pleased. By way of distinction, they were called
freemen. There was a third class, consisting of vaga
bonds and malefactors; these were to remain in slavery,
and were employed in digging the earth, throwing up
trenches, and erecting walls and other fortifications.
The others had no intercourse with them, but a par
ticular spot was appointed for them to reside upon."
" In the beginning of Governor Printz's administra
tion, there came 'a great number of those criminals,
who were sent over from Sweden. When the Eu
ropean inhabitants perceived it, they would not suffer
them to set their foot on shore, but they were all obliged
to return, so that a great many of them perished on
the voyage. It was after this forbidden, under a
penalty, to send any more criminals to America, lest
Almighty God should let his vengeance fall on the
ships, and goods, and the virtuous people that were
on board ; it was said, that there was no scarcity of
good and honest people to settle that country ; but
such a great number of them had gone thither (as
engineer Lindstrom says), that on his departure from
hence, more than a hundred families of good and hon
est men, with their wives and children, were obliged
to remain behind, as the ship had taken as many on
board as she could hold, and yet these honest people had
sold all their property, and converted it into money,
not imagining that they could be so disappointed."1

1 Campanius, pp. 73, 74. He says, " This was related to me amongst
other things, by an old trustworthy man, named Nils Matson Utter,
who, after his return home, served in his majesty's life guards.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 189

0

On the 2d of November, John Papegoy, who had
previously been to New Sweden, received a letter of
introduction to Governor Printz, from the Swedish
government. The letter recommended his employ
ment, protection, and advancement. He afterwards
marrried Printz's daughter, and succeeded Printz as
governor of New Sweden, until the arrival of John
Claudi Rising. On the 6th of November of the same
year, Queen Christina granted New Gottenberg or
Tinicum Island to Printz.

In pursuance of his plan to fortify all important
points on the Delaware, and " shut up the river,"
Printz erected a fortification on the Schuylkill. This
river was so named by the Dutch. In their language
it means " hidden creek, or Sculk Creek," from the
retired and hidden situation of its mouth. This fort
was built on an island in that river, within gunshot
of its mouth. Ferris says: "At that time, all the
great meadows extending from the high point of land
at Bartram's Botanic Garden, (this garden does not
now exist,) in a southerly course to the Delaware,
were under water. When the tide was at its highest
point, vessels drawing four or five feet water, could
sail from Fort Gottenberg, or Tinicum Island, across
the meadows to the mouth of the Schuylkill; which,
at that period, opened just below the said garden, the
south point of which was one of its capes. Just
above the elevated point, on which stands Bartram's
old mansion house, and through which, by a deep cut,
walled on both sides, the Philadelphia, Wilmington
and Baltimore Railroad passes ; there is, on the pre-

190 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

sent margin of the Schuylkill, a cluster of rocks, con
siderably elevated above the water, and partly covered
with earth and forest trees. Between these rocks
and what was once the shore, close by the railroad,
there is a piece of meadow land more than two hun
dred yards wide ; which, in Governor Printz's time
was under water, and constituted part of the river
Schuylkill. That cluster of rocks and the earth con
nected with them, formed the island on which Printz
built the fort as aforesaid.1 This fort was named
Fort Manayunk, or Schuylkill. It was a handsome
little fort, built of logs, filled up with sand and stones,
and surrounded with palisades, cut very sharp at the
top. It was mounted with great guns."2 He also
built a fort, or " strong house" at " Chinsessing,"
(Kingsessing.) This was called the " New Fort." " It
was not properly a fort, but substantial log houses,
built of good strong, hard, hickory, two stories high,
which was sufficient to secure the people from the
Indians." " In this settlement there lived five free
men, who cultivated the land and did very well."3
This fort was situated a little below the former fort,
He also built a fort named " Korsholm," at Passa-
yunk, in the same neighborhood. The tract of land
on which this fort was built, was granted by the
Swedish crown to lieutenant Swen Schute, who after
wards surrendered Fort Trinity, or rather Fort Cassi-
mer to the Dutch. He was its commandant. " After
Governor Printz's departure for Sweden, it was aban-

1 Ferris' Original Settlements on the Delaware, pp. 70, 7L

2 Campanius, p. 80. 3 Ibid.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 191

doned by the Swedes, and afterwards burnt and de
stroyed by the Indians."1 Printz also constructed
about half a mile in the woods, at " Karakung," other
wise called the Water Mill Stream, a " fine mill, which
ground both coarse and fine flour." This was the
first mill erected on the Delaware. " There was no
fort near it, but only a strong dwelling house, built
of hickory, and •inhabited by freemen. This mill,
Ferris supposes, was on Cobb's Creek which flows
into Darby Creek. The site, it is supposed was on
some rocks, just above the bridge where the Phila
delphia road crosses that stream." The Dutch com
pany's carpenter assisted the Swedes in the erection
of one of these forts. One of the trading houses of
the Swedes, was also built right before the Dutch
Company's fort of Beversreede, not being a rod from
the gate.2

From the above, we should judge the Dutch Com
pany's employes were unfaithful to their interests.
The conduct of the Swedish governor was also ex
tremely insolent and tyrannical.

The erection of these forts, enabled the Swedes
effectually to control the trade of the Schuylkill, the
only remaining avenue for them to trade with the
Minquas, without which trade, says the Dutch com
missioner, Hudde, (who then had command of the
Dutch fort on the Delaware,) this (the Delaware)
river is of little value.3

1 Campanius. 2 Holl. Doc., p. 32, 50.

3 Hudde'-s Report, p. 429.

CHAPTER XV.

FROM 1643 TO 1648.

Winthrop writes to Printz, complaining of the treatment of the Eng
lish settlers — Printz denies the bad treatment — Expresses good
feeling — Mr. Eaton asserts that English can settle on Delaware,
on securing new commission — Expedition from Boston to Dela
ware to discover Lake Lynconnia — Jealousy of Dutch and Swedes
— Drunkenness of the English captain — Swedish vessel from
Delaware compelled to pay duty in Holland — Birth of William
Penn — Queen Christina assumes the government of Sweden —
Capture of an English vessel and murder of her crew — Removal
of the Dutch governor, Jan Jansen — Appointment of Andreas
Iludde — Destruction of Fort Gottenberg — Dutch vessel driven
from the Schuylkill — Protest of Hudde- Dutch endeavor to as-

| cend the Delaware above the falls — Are prevented by Indians
through machinations of the Swedes — Grant of land opposite
Reedy Island in Delaware — President Eaton of New Haven com
plains to Kieft of outrages to English on the Delaware — Dutch
purchase land from Indians on site of Philadelphia — Erect
Dutch arms upon it — They are pulled down by the Swedes, who
protest against the purchase — Hudde' s counter protest — Insult
to the messenger — Bad treatment of Dutch by Swedes — George
Lambert drowned — Stuyvesant appointed Governor of New
Netherlands — He writes a complimentary letter to the Governor
of Massachusetts and New Haven — Claims of the Dutch — Quar
rels between Swedes and Dutch — Swedes accused of inciting
savages against the Dutch — Vulgar language of Printz to Hudde
— He takes powder and shot from a Dutch vessel — Vessels arrive
from Sweden — Swedish tobacco ordinance — Swedish vessel re
fuses to show her colors at Fort Nassau — Swedes build on Schuyl
kill — Dutch receive grant of land from Indian sachems — Sachems
tell Swedes they have no right to the land, but the Dutch have —
Dutch attempt to build — Are driven off by the Swedes— Com
missioners sent from New Amsterdam — Their impolite treatment

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 193

by Printz — They protest against the Swedish outrages on the
Schuylkill — Further outrages by Swedes — They drive away
Dutch citizens, and threaten them with beating — Swedes build
a house in front of Dutch fort of Beversreede — Murder of Swedes
by Indians.

AGREEABLE to the instructions of the court,
held at New Haven, Governor Winthrop ^
wrote to Printz in relation to his treatment of Mr.
Lamberton. Printz wrote back, denying the whole
matter, "using at the same tim; large expressions" of
his "respect" to the English, and particularly to the
" New Haven colon?/" He also sent copies, on oath,
of the " examination taken in the case, with a copy
of all the proceedings between them " and the English
who had settled on the Delaware from New Haven.
These letters1 were laid before the Court of the United
Colonies of New England, which met at Boston on
the 7th of March. It was also stated by Mr. Eaton
that Printz requested to be shown a copy of the New
England patent, and that he told the agent of the
Commissioners of the United Colonies that upon a
new commission from them he would allow the Eng
lish to go on with their plantations on the Delaware
Bay and River. This commission was granted.2

An expedition was sent from Boston to the Dela
ware to discover the great lake Lynconnia, which it
was supposed laid northwest of the New England
patent, and could be reached by sailing up the Dela
ware Iliver. It was supposed that the great beaver
trade "from the eastern and southern ports"

1 No copies of these letters are now in existence.

2 Winthrop, vol. 2, p. 257.

194 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

from thence. They intended to sail in their pinnace,
which was well manned and supplied with provisions
and " trading stuff/' " as high up as they could go,
and then some of the company under the conduct of
Mr. William Aspinwall, a good artist, and one who
had been in these parts, to pass, by small skiffs or
canoes, up the river as far as they could." They
took with them letters both to Printz and Jan Jansen,
the Dutch governor. The Dutch allowed them to go
up, telling them, however, they would have to pro
test against them for their own interests. But the
Swedes brought them too by a shot from one of their
forts. Aspinwall at once landed, and remonstrated
with the Swedish governor, who " acknowledged he
had acted ill, and promised all favor." Both the
Swedish and Dutch governors allowed them to pro
ceed up the Delaware, but neither would allow them
to trade, and each appointed a pinnace to attend
theirs. " But the master of the vessel proved such a
drunken sot, and so complied with the Dutch and
Swedes, that they feared that when they had left the
vessel to have gone up to the lake in a small boat, he
in his drunkenness would have betrayed their goods
to the Dutch, whereupon they gave over and returned
home." The Swedish lieutenant made them pay forty
shillings for the shot he fired at them before they
left the river.1

Both the Swedes and Dutch were extremely
jealous of the pertinaceous attempts of the English to
settle on the Delaware ; and both used their utmost

1 Winthrop, vol. 2, p. 101, 179, 1ST.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 195

endeavors to prevent them. They were between the
English of Virginia on the one side, and New England
on the other, both swarming with population. They
knew that the English claimed the Delaware, and
that if they once got a foothold they could not be
expelled. Hence the not unnatural desire to prevent
them making any permanent lodgment.

The ship Fame (or Renown), that brought Printz
over, and the Key of Calmar. the first vessel that
brought the Swedes to settle at Fort Christina, sailed
from the Delaware for Sweden with valuable cargoes.
From some cause they were compelled to put into the
province of Friedland, where duties were demanded
from them by the Dutch, as sovereigns of the terri
tory in which New Sweden was situated. A long
correspondence took place between the Swedish
minister at the Hague, and the State General in re
gard to the claims of both parties to South River.
The cargoes were finally liberated by the payment of
an impost duty of eight per cent, under protest.
These vessels had on board 2,127 packages of beaver,
and 70,421 pounds of tobacco.1

On the 14th of October, William Penn, who re
ceived a grant of the State of Delaware from the Duke
of York, and who was the founder of Pennsylvania,
was born in London. Queen Christina also assumed
the government of Sweden this year.

The English at Boston, undeterred by the bad suc
cess of the expedition under Mr. Aspinwall, again
fitted out ah expedition to the Delaware, which ended

1 O'CaL, vol. 1, p. 371.

196 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

still more disastrously. They had procured a good
supply of beaver, when some Indians who were trad
ing with them suddenly drew out hatchets from under
their coats, and killed the master and three others,
and took away a man and a boy. The man saved
was named Redman, and he understood their language.
The Indians gave him a large portion of the goods.
He lived amongst them for five or six weeks, when
Printz got Indians to go and fetch him, and then sent
him to Boston, where he was tried for betraying his
companions, but acquitted.1

Jau Jansen Van Ilpendan, the Dutch
C°J governor on the Delaware, was, on the 12th
of October, removed upon the charge of fraud, and
Andreas Hudde appointed in his place. Jansen ap
pears to have neglected the Dutch interests, and
played into the hands of the Swedes, as instanced by
his allowing his carpenter to assist in building for the
Swedes the fort that cut off the Dutch trade.2

In December, Fort Gotten berg was destroyed by
fire, and all the powder and goods blown up. It
happened by a servant leaving a candle burning in
the nightr whilst he fell asleep.

This year commenced a series of disputes
between the Dutch and Swedes, which finally
ended in the overthrow of the Swedish power on the
Delaware. Andreas Hudde was now the Dutch
commissary or governor on the Delaware, a more
active, energetic, and pertinaceous man than Jan
Jansen, as well as far more faithful to the interest of

1 Winthrop, vol. 2, p.. 237. 2 Albany Records. Acrelius.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 197

his employers. Determined to get some of the trade
of the Minquas on the Sehuylkill, he ordered Captain
Blancke, the commander of a sloop that had just
arrived from Manhattan, to ascend the Schuylkill for
the purpose of trading with the natives. Blancke
was immediately warned off by the Swedes. Refus
ing to go, the next day Printz sent a minister of the
gospel to Hudde (probably Campanius) who informed
him that if the bark was in the Schuylkill, " he
should compel her to leave it." Hudde claimed the
right to trade in any part of the Delaware, and pro
tested against any losses or hindrances that might
arise from the proceedings of the Swedes. After an
angry altercation between Hudde and some Swedish
officers sent by Printz, in which Hudde remarked that
" he would remain and see who would be so daring as
to drive" him " away," Printz sent a letter to Captain
Blancke, ordering him to leave the Schuylkill, " and
seek the spot where sloops are usually accustomed to
trade," under penalty of forfeiting both his vessel and
cargo. The Dutch captain therefore left,1 as he was
ignorant of the causes of the dispute between the
Dutch and the Swedes, and, being a private person,
if his vessel and cargo were forfeited it would be a
difficult task to recover them.

Hudde now infused great activity into the Dutch
affairs, and appears to have made every endeavor to
extend the Dutch influence and dominion. He en
deavored to ascend the Delaware above the falls, in
obedience to instructions from Manhattan to look for

1 See Iludde's Report, Albany Records, vol. 1, pp. 429, 451.

198 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

minerals, but was prevented by the Indians, who
told him that the Swedes had informed them that the
Dutch were coming from Manhattan with two hundred
and fifty men to kill all the savages below the river,
and erect a fort that would prevent the savages above
from coming to their assistance. In proof of this they
said the Swedes had also told them that the Dutch
"would first come up in a small vessel and explore
the spot, and then kill two savages as a pretext, but
that Printz would never permit it." Iludde was
therefore compelled to return.1

The Dutch governor at Manhattan, William Kieft,
granted one hundred morgans of land opposite Reedy
Island (called by the Dutch the little island of K
Vogelssant) in the neighborhood of what is now Port
Penn, in New Castle county, to Abraham Planck,
Simon Root, Jan Andriessen, and Peter Harmensen.2
But the men never came and took possession.3

President Eaton, of New Haven, under date August
12, wrote a letter to Governor Kieft, of Manhattan,
complaining of the outrages suffered by the English
on the Delaware.4

On the 7th of September, Iludde received orders
from Manhattan " to purchase some land from the
savages situated on the west shore, about a mile distant
from Fort Nassau to the north!' In obedience to this
order, on the 25th of the same m;nth, Huclde pur
chased it from the Indian proprietor, and erected the
arms of the Dutch West India Company upon it, upon

1 Hudde's Report. • * Albany Records, vol. 1, p. 153.

3 Acrelius, p. 417. 4 Hazard's Historical Col., voL 2.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 199

a pole. As one Dutch is four English miles, this
must have been part of the land upon which the city
of Philadelphia now stands. The Swedish commis
sary, Hendrick Iluygen, at once pulled down the
the arms, which caused fresh protests to be made by
Hudde, Printz also protested against the purchase,
and claimed that the land belonged to the Swedes.1
This brought forth a counter protest by Hudde, who
complained grievously of the insulting manner in
which the arms of the company were torn down,
besides the many "bloody menaces" wrhich were re
ported to him from time to time. This last protest
was made on the 22d of October. It was sent to
Printz in charge of a sergeant. Printz (the sergeant
said) received it contemptuously, throwing it on the
ground to one of his attendants, and saying, " take
care of it." The attendant picked it up, and the
sergeant was kept there waiting. Printz then de
parted to meet some Englishmen just arrived from
New England. After some interval the sergeant asked
to see the governor to obtain an answer, when he was
thrown out of doors, and Printz (perhaps exasperated
by the interruption of the sergeant) " took a gun
from the wall to shoot him, as he imagined, but was
prevented from his leaving the room."

This treatment Hudde complained of, as being very
common on the part of Printz. " Freemen," he said,
" as well as servants, when arriving at where he re
sides, are in a most unreasonable manner abused, so

1 The Swedes had before purchased all the lands from the falls of
Trenton to the Whorekill. See ante p. 153.

200 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

that they are often, on returning home, bloody and
bruised."1

George Lamberton. who endeavored to set-
n P A ^"i

J tie on the Delaware, and with such bad suc
cess, was lost at sea whilst on a voyage to England.

Peter Stuyvessant arrived at New Amsterdam on
the llth of May as governor of New Netherlands in
place of Kieft. Pie commenced his administration on
the 17th of May. Shortly after his arrival he wrote
complimentary letters to the Governor of Massachu
setts and New Haven, desiring to be on friendly terms
with them, but at the same time asserting the right
of the Dutch to all the land between the Delaware
and Connecticut rivers. The Dutch called the Dela
ware the South River, the Hudson the North River,
and the Connecticut the Fresh River.

The quarrels between the Swedes and the Dutch
on the Delaware still continued. The Armewsick
savages, one day at noon, attempted to surprise the
Dutch, but they by some means got information of
the attack. This, and a misunderstanding amongst
the savages, rendered the attempt abortive. Hudde
insinuated it was by the machinations of the Swedes
that this attack was made. " Printz," he says,
" leaves nothing untried to render the Dutch sus
pected by both savages and Christians." Printz,
both from English and Dutch accounts, appears to
have been a violent abusive man. Upon Hudde
urging the older claims of the Dutch to the Delaware
he told him " that the devil tuas the oldest possessor of

1 Iludde's Report, N. Y. Hist. Coll., vol. 1, p. 435, 436.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 201

hell, lut that he sometimes admitted a younger one"
" This/' said Hudde, " he declared at his own table,
on the 3d of June, in presence of me and iny wife,
and many other equally vulgar expressions, serving
and attended for the same purpose." Printz was also
charged with tampering with the Maquas Indians,
who lived near the Dutch possessions at Manhattan,
(New York) and furnishing them with guns and
powder.1 Printz also stopped a Dutch vessel called
the Siren, examined the goods, and tumbled them,
and took from her a quantity of powder and shot.2

Several vessels arrived from Sweden this year
with merchandise and settlors. They wrere the Swan,
the Black Cat, the Key,3 and the Lamb.

On the 20th of January, an ordinance was
passed in Sweden, granting one-third of the '
excise on confiscated tobacco to the support of New
Sweden, it having been found that the grant of the
excise in 1642 did not produce half the sum expected.
If this third of the excise did not prove sufficient,
the balance was to be made up from the revenues of
the crown. Goods from Holland landed at Gotten-
berg, but not intended to be sold in Sweden, were
allowed to pass to New Sweden without duty.

The dispute between the Dutch and Swedes still
continued on the Delaware, the Swedes being ex
tremely arrogant, and appearing to pay no respect
whatever to the Dutch or their authority. The

1 Albany Records, vol. 3. p. 248. 2 lloll. Doc., vol. 8, p. 48.

3 Probably the Key of Kalmer, the first vessel that brought over
the Swedish settlers.

202 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Swedes apparently desired to pick a quarrel with
them, and drive them from the river.1 A vessel, on
the 2d of April, sailed past Fort Nassau without
showing her colors, so that Hudde was doubtful as to
what she was. Two guns were fired from the fort,
but the vessel paid no respect to them. Hudde sent
a boat with eight men after her, but the weather
being fair, he was unable to overtake her. In two
or three days she returned, with her colors flying.
It proved to be a Swedish bark. Iludde then asked
the skipper (Claret liuygen) why he " passed the
fort without showing his colors, by which it might be
known who the master was, though he had colors
with him, as was evident, since they were now
flying." The Swedish captain answered him very
contemptuously, " that if he had known this would
have come into consideration, he would not have done
it now, but that he certainly should do so in the
future, if it was to irritate, and a mark of his con
tempt." Iludde, who was extremely sensitive as to
any thing concerning Dutch honor and authority,
immediately sent a protest to Printz in relation to
this conduct. In it he stated that it was contrary to
an arrangement made between them, viz., that the
vessels of each were to stop at the forts of the other,
even when it was sufficiently known from where they
came," Hudde very justly says, " so that neither your
subjects and ours might be exposed to any mishap,
whilst it was to be feared that otherwise, that under

1 MSS. American Philosophical Society, Register of Perm., vol. 4,
p. 315.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 203

this cover, one or other foreign nation, to our great
injury, might pass by."1

During the whole winter the Swedes in the neigh
borhood of Schuylkill. had been gathering logs with
the evident intent of building. Hudde, who kept a
sharp watch over all their proceedings, supposed they
were going to build near the place where the vessels
usually laid at anchor. The correctness of his sup
positions were soon made evident. On the 4th of
April, some of the sachems from "Passayunk" called
on Hudde, and inquired "why he did not build on
the Schuylkill, as the Swedes had already done so."
Upon inquiry, he found this to be the truth, and " in
some places, too, of the highest importance." Ac
cordingly Hudde commenced preparations to build
too. He obtained a grant of land near the Schuylkill,
in the neighborhood of Fort Nassau, and on the 27th
of April went there with the necessary timber. He
also called on the sachems who had granted him the
land, and stated his intention of building on it. They
sent a message " to the Swedes, who lived there
already, and commanded them to depart, insinuating
they had taken possession clandestinely, and against
the rule of the sachems." That they (the sachems)
had ceded it for the present to the Dutch," and that
Hudde "should build there too." Then "Martt
Hoock and Wissemenets, two of the chief sachems,
planted with their own hands the colors of the Prince
of Orange, and ordered that Hudde should fire a gun
three times in token of possession." " This was done,

1 Iludde's Report, p. 427.

204 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

and the house raised in presence of the chiefs.
Towards evening," Henry Huygen, the "Swedish
commissary arrived, with seven or eight men, and
asked Hudcle with whose permission or order he had
raised that building." He answered, " By the orders
of my masters, and the previous consent of the sava
ges." Huygen asked if Hudde " could show any
order of his master, and not letters of some freemen."
Hudde answered, " Yes, and was ready to produce
them, when he (Huygen) had shown by whose order
he made that demand." " The sachems then told
Henry Huygen that they should grant" the Dutch
" that tract," and they " should settle there," and
asked "by what authority the Swedes had built
there," and " if it was not enough that they were in
possession of Mattenehonk, the Schuylkill, Kingses-
sing, Kankanken, Upland, £c., possessed by the
Swedes, all which they had stolen from them. That
Miriuit, now about eleven years past, had no more
than six small tracts of land up Pagahacking. pur
chased to plant there some tobacco, of which the
natives, in gratitude, should enjoy one half of the
produce." They wished to know if the Swedes,
" when purchasing one tract of land, should take
those next adjoining it, as they had done, and yet
continued to do."

They were greatly surprised that the Swedes, who
had only lately arrived on the river, should prescribe
laws to those who were the original and natural pro
prietors of the land, as if they might not do with
their own as they wished. That the Swedes who

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 205

had only lately arrived on the river had taken a great
deal of land from them, whilst the Dutch had never
taken any from them, though they had dwelt there
for " thirty years."1

Such was the speech of the Indian sachems to the
Swedes, at least so Hudde wrote to Stuyvessant at
New. Amsterdam, for we have no Swedish accounts.
But it had no effect on their determination to stop
the Dutch from building on the Schuylkill. Hudde
commenced the erection of palisades around the house,
because, said he, the Swedes had before destroyed
the house which the company possessed on the
Schuylkill, and built a fort in its place, and they per
haps might do the same here.

Whilst Hudde was thus engaged, " Moens King,
lieutenant of the fort on Schuylkill, arrived," with
twenty-four men, fully armed, with charged muskets,
and bearing maces, and marching in ranks. The
Swedish lieutenant " commanded his soldiers to lay
down their muskets, and each take his axe in hand
and cut down every tree which stood near and around
the house." They "destroyed even the fruit trees"
which Hudde "had planted there."2

This outrage of the Swedes was soon reported at
Kew Amsterdam. The council on there, on hearing
of it, sent S. Van Dincklage and La Montague to in
quire into the affair. They arrived on the 7th of
June.3 They met the sachems on the 10th, and re
ceived a formal transfer of the land from the Indians.

1 Hudde, p. 440. 2 Ibid.

3 Ibid.

206 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

This Land had fifteen years previously been transferred
to the Dutch by the Ind:ans in 1633. The convey
ance was to Arent Corssen, the Dutch Commissary,
that year at Fort Nassau, and was then called Armen-
veruis. The Dutch had erected Fort Beaversreede
upon it.1 The Indians had been paid in part, but not
in total. This grant must therefore have been the
final execution of the bargain previously made.
After finishing this business they sailed from New
Gottenberg, where they were received by Commissary
Huygen and Lieutenant Papeogya, u who left them
about half an hour in the open air, and a constant
rain." After they were admitted to an audience with
Printz, " they delivered him a solemn protest against
his illegal occupation of the Schuylkill, to which he
promised a reply before their departure."2

It is unnecessary to mention in detail the numer
ous disputes that took place between the Dutch and
Swedes as they principally occurred in the country
in the neighborhood of the Schuylkill. They belong
more to the history of Pennsylvania than to Delaware.
It will be sufficient to state, the Dutch continued to
grant land on the disputed territory, that they
several times attempted to build, but that they were
in every instance driven off by the Swedes. And
that Hudde, having no other mode to oppose Printz's
violence, still pertinaciously protested, copies of which
he always forwarded to New Amsterdam, and thus
made the injuries matter of record, which record is

1 Holl. Documents, p. 32, 50, 55, 56.

2 Iludde's Report, p. 440.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 207

now of the greatest service in elucidating the past
history of this State.

The following are a few of the many outrages per
petrated : Hans Jackson made an attempt to settle in
July. His buildings were destroyed by the son of
Governor Printz, who threatened that if he came
there again and attempted to build, he would give
give him a "good drubbing." Thomas Broen at
tempted to settle at a place which he gave the name
of New Holme. The Swedes, under Sergeant
Gregory Van Dyck, pulled down his buildings, and
told him if he did not leave they would beat him.1
In this state of affairs Hudde left for Manhattan,
when Printz, on the IGth of September, built a house
in front of the Dutch fort of Beversreede, of twenty
feet broad, and from thirty to thirty-five feet long,
the back gable of the house being within twelve feet
of the fort, entirely cutting it off from a view of the
water. Simon Root and others endeavoring to build
near Fort Beversreede were driven away by Lieutenant
Swen Schute, and their buildings pulled down.
Thus the quarrel went on, until the Dutch gathered
up their strength, exasperated at the repeated injuries,
and finally destroyed the Swedish power on the
Delaware. Of which, however, more hereafter.

Two Swedes, who, with seven or eight guns, some
powder and balls, went to trade with the Manquas, a
tribe of Indians residing near Fort Nassau, were
killed by them. This is the first recorded instance
of any Swedes being killed by the Indians.2

1 Hudde's Report, p. 440. 2 Albany Records, vol. 5, p. 71.

CHAPTER XVI.

FROM 1049 TO 1053.

English complaints laid before the United Colonies of New England
— Their action — They write to Stuyvessant — Stuyvessant meets
them at Hartford — An arbitration agreed upon — The New Eng-
landers claim between the fortieth and forty-eighth degrees of
north latitude — All the land claimed by the Dutch wanted by
the English — Stuyvessant not ready with his proofs — They are
in Holland — The arbitrators award both parties to settle on the
Delaware on the lands they had purchased — Stuyvessant visits
the Delaware — Endeavors to settle boundaries with the Swedes —
Swedish claims — Their proofs in Sweden — Dutch allege Indians
did not sell lands to Swedes — Stuyvessant meets the Indians —
Buys from them the land between Fort Christina and Bombay
Hook — Builds Fort Cassimer — The name — Supposed origin —
Abandonment of Fort Nassau — Stuyvessant returns to New
Amsterdam — Printz protests against the erection of Fort Cassi
mer — English from New Haven call at New Amsterdam on their
way to Delaware — Stuyvessant arrests them — Threatens to for
feit their goods and send them to Holland — The English com
plain to the United Colonies — United Colonies promise them aid,
if they send expedition — They accuse Stuyvessant of breaking
the agreement — Write to their agent in London — Captain Mason
applied to, to go to the Delaware — He declines — Commissioners
from United Colonies visit New Amsterdam — Complaint of
English against Stuyvessant — Stuyvessant threatens to prevent
English settlement on Delaware by force of arms.

PI fUQl ^nJur^es ^one ^0 the English on the

Delaware by the Dutch, and their claims to
the territory on that river, were brought to the notice
of the United Colonies of New England at the meet-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 209

ing of the Commissioners at Boston, by Governor
Eaton of New Haven. Th^ Commissioners, however,
declined to encourage, " by any public act," the settle
ment of the Delaware, as they could not spare the
men, the English plantations in New England not
having a sufficient supply of hands.1 They, however,
caused a letter to be written to Stuyvessant on the
10th of August, in which they (alluding to a former
letter from the Manhattan authorities) stated that
the answer they received in relation to the letter
written, complaining of injuries received by the
English on the Delaware Bay, was not satisfactory.
They asserted the right of the English to the tracts
on the Delaware, and that whilst the people of New
Haven wrould neither encroach nor in any way dis
turb the peace of the Dutch, they must not fail in
maintaining the rights and interests of the English
there.2

To settle the difficulties in relation to
Delaware, between the Dutch and English L
of New Haven, Stuyvessant agreed to meet the
Commissioners of the United Colonies at Hartford.
This meeting was brought about at the solicitation of
the commissioners. Stuyvessant arrived at Hartford
on the 23d of September. The correspondence
between them it was decided should be in writing, to
avoid the inconvenience of speaking. After settling
as many points as possible in this manner, there were
others that could only be arranged by disinterested

1 Hazard's Coll.. vol. 2, p. 127.

2 Trimilmll's Conn., vol. 1, p. 184.
14

210 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

friends of each party, therefore an arbitration was
agreed upon. Two commissioners were appointed by
each party. Stuyvessant appointed Captain Thomas
Willett and Ensign George Baxter. The United
Colonies appointed Simon Bradstreet and Thomas
Prence. Stuyvessant gave his arbitrators full power
to settle " any differences between the two nations," to
end and determine them, as they " might deem just and
right, with power to enter into such terms of accord for
provisional limits and leagues of love and union betwixt
the tivo nations in those parts as to them should seem
just and right." The New England arbitrators had
similar instructions.

The New Englanders claimed by their patent all
the territory between the forty and forth-eighth de
gree of north latitude. In other words, all the terri
tory between a point a short distance north of Phila
delphia, and another at the mouth of Chaleur Bay,
near the river St. Lawrence, including not only what
is within the present limit of the United States, but
also the present British possessions of Nova Scotia
and New Brunswick. This was according to the
grant of the North Virginia Company in 1606 and
1620. Between the thirty-eighth and fortieth degree
of north latitude, north of the Potomac, had already
been granted to Baltimore. * Thus every foot of land
professed to be owned by the Dutch in America was
claimed as being granted by the English government
to English citizens.

The arbitrators met, and the colonies of Connecticut
and New Haven kid these complaints before them.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 211

As most of the injuries suffered were done by Gover
nor Kieft, Stuyvessant was not prepared to make
answer to them. They therefore made no judgment
on them until Stuyvessant could lay the matter before
the West India Company. Stuyvessant, however,
still asserted this claim of the Dutch to the Delaware,
and protested against any other claim. The English
also claiming the right, and as Stuyvessant advanced
no proofs, all the commissioners could do was to
award that both parties were to remain in statu quo
prius, (that is, in the same state as they were before,)
and that they were " to plead and improve their just
interests on the Delaware for planting and trading,"
only that "all proceedings were to be carried on in
love and peace." This award, which settled nothing
and amounted to nothing, was duly signed by the
four arbitrators, in the presence of all the commis
sioners, and Stuyvessant promised to abide by their

decision.1

Stuyvessant then visited the Delaware,
and attempted to have a settlement betwen *-
the Dutch and the Swedes, as regarded their limits
and boundaries. But this could not be done as though
Printz " determined the Swedish limits ivide and broad
enough, yet without any justification or proper proofs,"
giving as an excuse that all the papers relating to the
purchase of the lands were not at hand, but deposited
at the chancellery at Stockholm.

Stuyvessant asserted, in his report to the Dutch
West India Company, that this reply of Printz's was

1 Hazard's Historical Collection, vol. 2, p. 171, 172, and 218.

212 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

not true, as he tried to purchase from the Indian
sachem Waspang Zewan the lands that the Swedes
were then settled on. But that the sachem refused to
sell the land because the Swedes " had for a long time,
and against his inclination, and with a forcible hand?
kept possession of a part of said lands, without ever
having given him the least consideration for them."
" This," said Stuyvessant, " the chief declared verbally
and in writing to the director, in presence of several
reliable persons." The same sachem, Stuyvessant
also asserted, gave the Dutch " authority, in a proper
manner, to inherit and possess forever," all the land
between Racoon Creek and the Minquas, or Christina,
on both sides of the Delaware.

Stuyvessant, for further security, summoned to

meet him on the 19th of July all the Indian sachems

who lived near the Delaware, and all the owners of

land in the neighborhood. He then questioned the

Indians in regard to the land they sold to the Swedes.

The Indians denied " ever having sold any land to

the Swedes," as they pretended, excepting the ground

on which Fort Christina was situated, and some

ground around it for a garden to plant tobacco in.

They then granted to the Dutch all the land between

Fort Christina and Bombay Hook, (called by them

Neuwsings,) on condition they should repair the gun

of the chief Pemmennatta, when out of order, and

give them a little maize when they required it.1

Stuyvessant immediately prepared to erect a fort
to secure his newly acquired purchase. Accordingly,

1 O'Call., vol. 2. p. 106.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 213

on the spot where New Castle now stands, a short
distance north of the present town, he erected Fort
Cassimer. We have no knowledge of the reason of
the name. The directors of the East India Company
were themselves surprised at it when they were in
formed of it, as it is more Swedish than Dutch. It
was probably from John. Duke of Casimir, a Swedish
noble, who was instrumental in aiding the first
Swedisli settlement on the Delaware. Stuyvessant,
after having thus fortified his purchases, returned to
New Amsterdam, first abandoning Fort Nassau, and
removing the garrison to Fort Cassimer, and having
several conversations with Printz, " wherein they
mutually promised to cause no difficulties or hostilities
to each other, but to keep neighborly friendship and
correspondence together, and act as friends and
allies."1 Printz, however, protested against the erec
tion of the fort.

Supposing that according to the terms of the agree
ment with Stuyvessant, that their right to settle on
the lands they had purchased on the Delaware was
conceded, Jasper Graine, William Tuttell, and other
inhabitants of New Haven and Sotocket, to the number
of fifty, hired a vessel, and sailed from there for that
purpose. On the 14th of September, on their way
they stopped at New Amsterdam, and informed
Stuyvessant of their intention. He asked to see their
commission. It was shown to him, and he then re
fused to give it up, placed the master of the vessel
and four others in prison, and refused to let them out

1 Holl. Documents, vol. 8. p. 32-50.

214 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

until " they pledged themselves under their hands"
that they would not go to Delaware, and' at the same
time informed them that if any of them were after
wards found there, he should forfeit their goods, and
send them prisoners to Holland. He also, on the
llth of April, wrote to the Governor of New Haven,
affirming the Dutch right to the Delaware, and
threatening to prevent any English settlement there,
" with force of arms and martial opposition, even unto
bloodshed."

The ill-used Englishmen made prompt complaint
of the Dutch treatment at the next meeting of the
commissioners of the United Colonies, who were ex
tremely indignant at the act of Stuyvessant. They
passed a resolution affirming that " they did not think
it meet to enter into any present engagement against
the Dutch, choosing rather to suffer injuries and
affront (at least for a time) than in any respect to
seem to he too quick," but that if they should at any
time within twelve months, at their own charge, trans
port one hundred and fifty (or at least one hundred)
able bodied men, with arms and ammunition and
vessels " fit for such an enterprise," and the same was
approved by the magistrates of New Haven, then if.
while they " carried themselves peaceably," they met
Avith any hostile opposition from the Dutch and
Swedes, and they required any further aid or assist
ance, then the United Colonies should furnish them
with a sufficient number of soldiers for their defence,
they paying the expense, and their lands there and
trade with the Indians, to be answerable until it was

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 215

paid. They also wrote a severe letter to Stuyves-
sant, complaining of his breaking his agreement with
them, telling him he showed at their meeting " no just
title to the Delaware, and asserting that, by the agree
ment made between the arbitrators, the English
settlers were to be allowed to settle on their lands.
They also wrote to Mr. Edward Winslow, the agent
in London, complaining of the conduct of the Dutch,
of the dishonor placed upon the English nation by
submitting to such outrages, and of their duty to pre
serve English title to so considerable a place as Dela
ware." They also claimed that the Dutch should be
compelled to make satisfaction to the English they
had injured in their persons and estates, and requested
information from him as "to ivhat esteem the old
patents for that place (the Delaware) have with the
Parliament or Council of State, where there hath
been no improvement hitherto made by the patentees ;
whether the Parliament hath granted any late patents,
or whether, in granting, they preserve not liberty and
encouragement for such as have or shall plant upon
their formerly duly purchased lands."1

The people of New Haven, determining to main
tain the rights to the Delaware, applied to Captain
Mason, a man of known courage and military skill,
to remove with them to Delaware, and take the
management of the company. He was inclined to go,
but his services at home being deemed essential by
the General Court at Connecticut, they unanimously
requested he would abandon all thought of going to

1 Hazard's Historical Collection.

216 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Delaware, to which he yielded, and the design was
abandoned.1

But little was done by the English of New Haven
or the United Colonies for two years, when, at the
request of Stuyvessant. three commissioners were ap
pointed by the United Colonies to visit New Amster
dam, but without any result. From some cause the
commissioners left suddenly, greatly to the surprise
of Stuyvessant. On the 2d of May, the New Eng
land commissioners again wrote to Stuyvessant in
which they reiterated all their previous complaints,
and say " that to this day they have received nothing
but dilatory exceptions, offensive affronts, and un
pleasant answers, as well in the South River Bay,
called Delaware, as upon the Fresh River, called
Connecticut." This letter brought an answer from
Stuyvessant, in which he says he could not admit of
any settlements on the Delaware River as being con
trary to his express orders, and that he done nothing
in warning and preventing the settlers from New
Elaven from continuing their voyage to Delaware, but
what was proper, and thus forewarn and advertise
them from " all damage or bloodshedding," which
might result therefrom. This letter showed to the
United Colonies that Stuyvessant had thrown off the
mask, and was determined that no English settlement
should be made, if he could prevent it, on the banks
of the Delaware.2

1 Trimibull, vol. 1, p. 298.

2 Hazard's Historical* Collection, pp. 256, 260, 268, 270.

CHAPTER XVII.

FROM 1653 TO 1054.

Swedes request Dutch to take them under their protection — Stuyves-
sant refuse* — Reason — Writes to Holland in relation to it — Per
mission to take them if they apply again — Printz returns to
Sweden — John Pappegoya appointed Governor — Affairs of New
Sweden placed in hands of College of Commerce — Jno. Amund
sen Besh — Rising appointed governor — His salary — His instruc
tions — Grant of land to Rising — Privileges to settlers by the
College of Commerce — Rising embarks for New Sweden in the
shi o Aren. with two or three hundred people — Arrive in the
Delaware — Attack and capture FortCassimer — Bikker, the Dutch
commander, censured — He takes the oath of allegiance to the
Swedes — Rising rebuilds the fort — The engineer Lindstroem —
Dutch think of giving up Fort Cassimer — Decide to hold it —
Rising makes a treaty with the Indians — Naaman's speech —
The English write to Rising, informing him of their claim to
land in Delaware — Population on the Delaware — Its increase —
Rising wants a wife — Death of Chancellor Oxcnsteirn — Abdica
tion of Queen Christina — Charles Gustavus, King of Sweden —
Peace between England and Holland — Dutch capture the Golden
Shark — Offer to restore her if Fort Cassimer is given up — Rising
refuses — Correspondence between Rising and the United Colo
nies on English claim — Indignation in Holland at capture of
Fort Cassimer — Stuyvessant commanded to expel Swedes from
Delaware — He makes preparations to do so — Expedition to Dela
ware discussed in meeting of United Colonies — Two magistrates,
Eaton and Neuman, propose to lead it — New Sweden has the
monopoly of exporting tobacco to Sweden — expenses and garri
son of New Sweden for 1655.

FOR some time before the building of Fort
Cassimer, there had been no arrival of succors
from Sweden, and the Swedes becoming discouraged,
made a request to Stuyvessant for him to take them

218 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

under his care, they at the same time promising to
become subject to the Dutch. Stuyvessant, to pre
vent trouble that might ensue, declined to receive
them, being unwilling to undertake so important a
step without consultation with the powers at home.1
He accordingly, on the 6th of October, wrote to the
directors, who gave him permission to exercise his
judgment. In their reply they said that " population
of the country, that bulwark of every state, ought to
be promoted by all means, so that the settling of free
men ought not to be shackled, but rather encouraged,
by all honest means ; all such, therefore, who are
willing to obey our laws and statutes, ought to be
protected in their rights of citizenship to the utmost
of our power."2

Governor Printz, who had long been desirous of
returning home, it is supposed either in October or
November of this year, returned to Sweden. His
torians differ in regard to the correct time of his de
parture. Some place it in the year 1652. But one
paper at least is extant dated " New Sweden, October
1, 1653."3 It is more than probable this was his last
official act. A letter from Sweden, that arrived at
Delaware after he had left on his return home, said
"that they should extremely regret his immediate
departure, before" they could make arrangements "in
regard to his successor, and for the government of the
country; if, however, this should be imposing too
much upon him, and their service would be equally

1 Holland Documents, vol. 8, p. 32. 2 Ibid. p. 154.

3 Sec Plymouth Records, vol. 2, part 1, p. 87.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 219

well performed by those whom he might leave in the
country, he was at liberty to return home."

Printz was more than probably mortified at the
strength of the Dutch whom he had before so imposed
upon when under the command of Hudde, but whom,
under a Stuyvessant, a soldier equally as fierce and
determined as himself, he was bound to treat with re
spect, as instanced in his inability to prevent the
erection of Fort Cassimer. Printz was ungentlemanly,
unjust, and unreasonable, both in his treatment of the
Dutch and English. Rudman says, that becoming
weary of delay, and'apprehensive of danger from the
near vicinity of the Dutch Fort Cassimer, being only
five miles from Christina, he went back to Sweden.
The same writer also informs us that he had become
unpopular by a too rigid authority. Printz, after his
return home, was made governor of Joukeoping.

Printz appointed John Pappegoya, his son-in-law,
to take charge of affairs. He ruled Delaware on the
interim between the departure of Printz, and was
the fourth governor of Delaware. His term of office
was about eighteen months.

The " press of business and other obstacles" pre
venting the government of Sweden from regulating
the affairs of New Sweden " as the utility of the
company and the interests of the government de
manded," the management of the affairs on the Dela
ware was placed in the hands of the " General College
of Commerce." They accordingly, in November,
commissioned John Anundsend (or John Anundsen
Besh, as he is sometimes called) a captain of the

220 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

navy, who was about to embark on board a galliott,
to take command of the seamen in New Sweden.1
His duty was to u consist principally in performing
with fidelity and zeal all the duties that appertained
to a captain of the navy in endeavoring to procure
every species of advantage to the benefit of her
majesty and the Company of the South ; and should
he, by the grace of God, arrive in New Sweden, to
superintend carefully the construction of vessels, in
order that they may be faithfully and diligently built,
&c." He was to conform in all things to the instruc
tions of the governor, and to receive such annual
compensation "as his capacity of captain" would
" entitle him to." In future he was " to count with
certainty upon the favor of her majesty, and to obtain
from the country a more elevated employment." The
government was required to receive him with the
rank of a captain in the navy.

The College of Commerce, on the 12th of December,
also nominated John Rising'2 (by some called John
Claudii Rising) under the title of commissary, to
take charge of affairs in New Sweden. The letter of
his appointment stated " to aid for a certain period
our present governor" of New Sweden. He was
therefore only intended as a lieutenant-governor, but
as Printz had sailed before he arrived, and he had the
full charge of Swedish affairs in this country, we may

1 MSS. American Philosophical Society, Reg. of Pennsylvania, vol.
4, p. 374. It is not certain from the language whether Anundsen
was to command the seamen of the galliott or of New Sweden.

2 This name, like all the names of this period, is spelt many differ
ent ways.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 221

consider him the fifth governor of Delaware. He
was allowed one thousand two hundred dollars in
silver per annum in addition to what he may receive
from the Company of the South, also one thousand rix
dollars for his equipment for the voyage. His in
structions in effect were to be as follows :

He was told to fortify and protect a harbor that
had been established; to extend the Swedish posses
sions on both sides of the river, as far as possible,
without, however, causing any " breach of friendship
with the English and Dutch." He was to induce, if
possible, the Dutch to abandon Fort Cassimer, by
" arguments and serious remonstrances," but " without
resorting to any hostilities. It is better," says his in
structions, " that our subjects avoid resorting to hos
tilities, confining themselves solely to protestations,
and suffer the Dutch to occupy the said fortresses,
than that it should fall into the hands of the English,
wlio are more powerful, and of course the most dangerous
in that country. But it is proper that a fortress be
constructed lower down the river, towards the mouth;
employing, however, the mildest measures, because
hostilities will in no degree tend to increase the
strength of the Swedes in the country, more particu
larly as. by a rupture with the Dutch, the English may
seize the opportunity to take possession of the aforesaid
fortress, and become, in consequence, very dangerous
neighbors to our possessions in said country." Thus
early was perceived by Swedes, as well as the Dutch,
the danger that the English would finally conquer
and occupy the whole of the territory.

222 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Rising's instructions also recommended "employ
ing every means to facilitate commerce, as the most
likely course to benefit the country, such as not
exacting more than two per cent., or even allowing
to enter free, merchandise arriving or departing, if
sold to or to be employed in trade with the savages.
The same was to be exempt from duty in Sweden,
provided it belonged to Swedish subjects, but foreign
ers were to be compelled to pay a duty, and were not
to be permitted to ascend the Delaware with their
vessels, but were only allowed to trade with the com
pany. The duties and excise levied on foreigners or
subjects, were " to be employed for the defence of the
country, and profit of the Company."

" Purchasers of land from the Company or savages,
and becoming subjects," were " assured of being admit
ted into the Company," and enjoying all privileges and
franchises. No one was, however, to enter without
consent of the government.

Before Printz left the country he was to render to
Rising a full account of the situation of affairs. He
was to place all that related to military affairs and the
defence of the country in the hands of John Amund
sen, establish a council formed of the best instructed
and most noble officers in the country, of which
Rising should be the director, in such a manner that
neither Rising in his charge, nor Amundsen as gover
nor of the militia in his, should decide or approve of
any thing, without directly consulting with each other.
Printz for the present was to give them written
directions for their guide. Should he remain in the

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 223

country longer, he was to accept Rising as commis
sary and assistant counsellor, and in the council those
whom he should think most proper. They also
granted to Rising as much land as could be cultivated
by twenty or thirty peasants.

Various privileges were also at the same time
offered by the College of Commerce, for the more ex
tensive settlement of the country. Swedes sailing in
their own vessels, had the liberty of trading in the
interior of New Sweden, " as well with the savages
as Christians, and the Company itself, without paying
any greater tax than two per cent." They also had
the privilege of importing " merchandise procured in
trade on the river into any port belonging to Sweden
free of duty, but foreign vessels were prohibited from
trading on the river with savages or others, but with
the Company alone." All Swedes were allowed " to
establish on the lands of the Company as many coli-
nies as they may be able at their own expense to
keep on said lands, and employ them on plantations
of tobacco, or in any useful manner during certain
years of franchises, and under good conditions."
Those who purchased lands from the savages or the
Company were to have the same forever. These and
various other similar regulations were made by the
College of Commerce, for the guidance of affairs in
New Sweden.

Resing embarked for New Sweden from n - -,
Gottenberg in the ship Aren, Captain Swen-
sko. -The precise day of his sailing is not known,
neither is that of his arrival. It is more than proba-

224 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

ble he sailed in December, and according to his own
account he arrived in the Delaware, or South River,
as it was then called, a few days before the 27th of
May. He brought with him, besides a body of officers
and troops, Peter Lindstrom, a military engineer, a

clergyman named Peter , and a number of

settlers, in all numbering some two or three hundred
souls. They sailed up the South River until they
came near Fort Cassimer, and were perceived by
the Dutch, on (as they allege) the last day of
May. Gerritt Bikker, the commandant of Fort Cas
simer, immediately sent Adriaen Van Tienhooven,
accompanied by some free people, to see who they
were. The next day they returned, informing the
commandant that it was a Swedish ship with a new
governor, and that they desired possession of Fort
Cassimer, which .they said was lying on the Swedish
government's land. About two hours afterwards,
Captain Swensko and about twenty soldiers were sent
from the Aren in a boat. They landed at Fort Cas-
.simer, and were civilly received on the beach, near
the gate of the fort by Bikker, who supposed they
would inform him, if they had any intention to com
mit hostilities. But contrary to this, they hurried
through into the fort, (the gate being open,) and some
immediately went to different parts of the bastions.
They then demanded, at the point of the sword, the
surrender of the fort as well as the river.

This transaction was so hurried as hardly to give
time enough for the Dutch to send two commissioners
on board the Aren to demand of Rising his comuiis-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 225

sion, and some little time for consultation ; but before
the commissioners had got on board, there were two
guns fired over the fort, charged with ball, as a signal.
The Dutch soldiers were then deprived of their side
arms, and aim taken on them ready to fire because
they did not deliver up their muskets, which were
immediately snatched from their hands. In the mean
time the commissioners who had been sent on board
the Aren returned, and brought information that
" there was no desire to give one hour's delay ;" that
the commission of Rising was on board the vessel,
and that the Dutch would immediately perceive the
consequences of it. The Dutch soldiers were then
chased out of the fort, their goods taken possession
of, as was likewise the property of Bikker, the
commandant. The Swedes confiscated every thing
in the fort. Bikker, in his letter to Stuyvessant,
giving an account of the affair, says : " I could hardly,
by entreaties, bring it so fir as to bear that I with
my wife and children were not likewise shut out
almost naked. All the articles which were in the
fort were confiscated by them, even the corn, having
hardly left as much as to live on, using it sparingly,
&c. The governor pretends that her majesty has
license from the state general of the Netherlands, that
she may possess this river provisionally."1

This was the first fortress captured by civilized
men on the Delaware. This treacherous capture of
the Dutch fort, as will be seen in the sequel, was re-
talliated on the Swedes, by the capture of all their

1 lloll. Doc., vol. 8, p. 85. 87.
15

226 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

possessions on the Delaware, and the overthrow of
their power there forever.

Fort Cassimer was captured, according to Swedish
accounts, on Trinity Sunday, and they accordingly
named it Fort Trinity.1 According to Dutch
accounts, it was captured on the 31st of May.2 The
Dutch garrison only numbered some ten or twelve
soldiers. Bikker was severely censured by Stuyves-
sant and the West India Company for his easy sur
render of the fort: Stuyvessant spoke of it as a
" dishonorable surrender," and the Company as " a
cowardly and treacherous surrender." Bikker's ac
count of the affair sent to Stuyvessant was unsigned
by him. He remained with the Swedes, and took
the oath of allegiance.3

Rising immediately after the capture of the fort,
wrote to Stuyvessant, giving an account of the affair.
In his letter he alleged " that it was a matter of too
great importance to settle between him and Stuyves
sant," but that " the sovereigns on both sides would
have to compromise the matter." He also had the
fort rebuilt and made much stronger, under the direc
tion of Peter Lindstroem, the engineer. Lindstroern
also prepared for the Swedish government a large
map, embracing both sides of the Delaware River
to Trenton. The original was destroyed with the
palace of Stockholm, in 1697, but a copy pre-

1 Acrelius, p. 114 ; Campanius, p. 82.

2 The difference in dates is more than probable the difference
between the old and new style. Therefore, old style, the fort would
be captured on the 21st of May ; new style, the 31st of May.

3 Holl. Documents, vol. 8, p. 89.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 227

viously taken still remained among the royal archives
in 1834.1

On the 2d of June, Stuyvessant had made a propo
sition to the council at New Amsterdam to abandon
Fort Cassimer. It was, however, decided still to
continue the garrison there. The reason for the pro
position, it is supposed, was the threatened appear
ance of danger from the English. The news of the
Swedish attack on the fort had not then reached New
Amsterdam, although it was in the Swedish posses,
sion.

The Dutch residing near Fort Cassimer had already
taken the oath of allegiance to become subjects to the
Swedish crown. Rising accordingly prepared to
make a treaty with the Indians. On the 17th of
June, a meeting was held at Printz Hall, on Tinicum
Island, of ten of the Indian sachems or chiefs, and
there " a talk was . made to them," in which it was
offered on behalf of the Queen of Sweden, to renew
the ancient league of friendship that subsisted between
them and the Swedes, who had purchased of them
the land which they occupied. The Indians com
plained that the Swedes had brought much evil upon
them, for many of them had died since their coming
into the country.2 A number of presents were made
and distributed amongst them, on which they went
out and conferred for some time amongst themselves,

1 A copy of this map is in the possession of Thompson Westcott,
Esq., author of a valuable series of articles on the history of Phila
delphia, now being published in the Philadelphia Sunday Despatch.

2 This year the Indians held a council to consider whether they
should destroy the Swedes. See ante pages 81, 82, 83, 84 and 85.

228 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

and then returned, and addressed the Swedes. Their
principal spokesman was a chief named Naaman, whose
dominions were on the creek of that name. This
(Naamnn's) creek is the most northerly of our streams,
and flows into the Delaware, a little more than a mile
from the Pennsylvania line. Naaman made a speech,
in which he rebuked the rest for having spoken " evil
of the Swedes," and done them an injury, and told
them he " hoped they would do so no more, for tne
Swedes were very good people." " Look," said he,
pointing to the presents, " see what they have brought
to us, for which they desire our friendship." So say
ing, he stroked himself three times down his arm,
which among the Indians is a token of friendship ;
and afterwards he thanked the Swedes on behalf of
the people, for the presents they had received, and
said that " friendship should be observed more strictly
between them than it had been before ;" that " the
Swedes and the Indians had been in Governor Printz's
time as one body and one heart, (stroking his breast
as he spoke,) and that thenceforth they should be as
one head ;" in token of which he took hold of his head
with both his hands and made a motion as if he were
tying a strong knot. And then he made this com
parison, that " as the calabash was round without any
crack, so they should be a compact body without any
fissure ;" and that if " any one should attempt to do
any harm" to the Indians, the Swedes should imme
diately inform them of it, and, on the other hand, the
Indians would " give immediate notice to the Chris
tians of any plot against them, even if it were in the

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 229

middle of the night." On this they were answered
that this would indeed be a true and lasting friendship,
if every one would agree to it, on which they gave
a general shout in token of consent. Immediately
upon this the great guns were fired, which pleased
them extremely, and they said, "Poo, hoo, hoo;
mockiricJc pickon;" that is to say, " hear and believe
the great guns are fired." Then they were treated
with wine and brandy. Another of the Indians then
stood up and spoke, and admonished all in general,
that they should "keep the league and friendship
which had been made with the Christians," and in
" no manner to violate the same," nor do them " any
injury, or their hogs or cattle," and that if any one
"should be guilty of such violation, they should be
severely punished, as an example to others." The
Indians then advised some Swedes to settle at Passy-
unk, where there lived a great number of Indians,
that they might be " watched and punished if they
did any mischief." They also expressed a wish that
the title to the lands which the Swedes had purchased
should be confirmed, on which the copies of the agree
ment (for the originals were sent to Stockholm) were
read to them word for word. When those who signed
the deed heard their names, they appeared to rejoice ;
but when the names were read of those that were
dead, they " hung their heads in sorrow."

" There was then set upon the floor in the great
hall two large kettles, and many other vessels filled
with sappaun, which is a kind of hasty pudding, made
of maize or Indian corn. The sachems sat by them-

230 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

selves, the other Indians all fed heartily and were
satisfied."1

The English still persisted in their claims to the
Delaware, and having heard of the arrival of Rising,
at a court held at New Haven, July 5th, it was
ordered that a letter should be written to him, in
forming of the "propriety which some of the New
Haven colony have to large tracts of land on both
sides of the Delaware, and desiring a neighborly cor
respondence with the Swedes both in trading and
planting."

The Dutch and Swedish population on the Dela
ware was at this time, according to a letter of Rising
to Sweden, dated the lith of July, three hundred and
sixty-eight persons. When Rising arrived, there were
only seventy persons. So that in a few months, by
various arrivals, the population had increased more
than five fold. The same letter desired the officer to
whom it is written to " look out for a zvife" for him.
Rising's residence was in the fort at Christina.2 In
the same letter he recommended John Poppegoya as
Schuten. John Amundsen, who was appointed to
command the militia on the Delaware, as well as the
seamen, it is more than probable never came to Dela
ware, as there is no mention of him in any proceed
ings taking place there.

In August, Axel Oxensteirn, the Chancellor of Swe
den, who did so much for the settlement of Delaware,
died. Christina, Queen of Sweden, (who may be reck-

1 This account is copied from Campanius, pages TO, 77, 78.

2 Translated from a French MSS.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 231

oned also Queen of Delaware,) abdicated the throne in
favor of her cousin, Charles Gustavus. On the 16th
of July, peace was celebrated between England and
Holland, who had been at war. The hostilities between
those nations were confined to Europe. Notwith
standing the matters in dispute, there were no hostili
ties between them on this continent.

The unprovoked assault of the Swedes on Fort
Cassimer, and the capture of the same, was now re-
talliated on them by the Dutch. On the 27th of
September, a Swedish ship, called the Golden Shark,
commanded by Hendrick Van Elswyck, bound to
South River, by mistake or ignorance of the pilot, or
from some other cause, put into the North River, and
got behind Staten Island. On discovering his error,
the captain dispatched a boat to Manhattan for a pilot
to take him to South River. Stuyvessant at once ar
rested the master and seized the vessel, and brought
it up to New Amsterdam. The crew of the Shark
(which was described by the Dutch as an old and
leaky fluyt of forty to forty-five tons burthen) were
allowed to stay on board the vessel, whilst Elswyck
was sent on to the South River, to invite Rising to
visit Manhattan, and arrange the difference between
them. Stuyvessant agreeing that if Fort Cassimer
was restored to the Dutch, that they in return would
restore to the Swedes the Golden Shark and its cargo.
The rudder was, however, taken from the vessel, and
two Dutchmen placed on board. Elswyck accordingly
went to the South River, but Rising refused to visit
Manhattan, preferring to hold on to Fort Cassimer,
and let Stuyvessant have the vessel.

232 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

The Commissioners of the United Colonies met at
Hartford, and on the 23d of September addressed a
letter to Rising, again urging the claims of the New
Haven Englishmen to land on the Delaware. Rising,
it appeared, had written to them on the 1st of August,
in which he spoke of " a treaty or conference before
Mr. Endicott, wherein New Haven's right was silenced
or suppressed," and asserted the right of the Swedes
to the. " land on both sides the Delaware Bay and
River from the Capes." " This," said the letter of the
commissioners, "is either your own mistake or at
least the error of them that so inform you. We have
perused and considered the several purchases our con
federates of New Haven have there made, the conside
rations given, acknowledged by the Indian proprietors
under their hands, and confirmed by many Christian
witnesses, whereby their right appeareth so clear to
us, that we cannot but assert their just title to said
lands."

In the meantime, Stuyvessant, who, with the ex
ception of the seizure of the Golden Shark, had quietly
endured the outrage of the seizure of Fort Cassirner
by the Swedes, had received information in regard to
that affair from Holland. The directors of the West
India Company were greatly exasperated, and in a
letter to him, dated November 16th, issued orders
to Stuyvessant "to exert every nerve to revenge the
injury," and not only to recover the fort, and " restore
affairs to their former situation," but to drive the
Swedes from " every side of the river." Only that
those "who desired to settle under the Dutch govern-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 233

ment should be allowed to." They also desired Stuy-
vessant, if possible, to get the Swedes to settle in
other places within the Dutch district, as they " would
be more gratified if the borders of the river wrere
settled by Dutchmen." " No means," said they,
" ought to be neglected in case of success, which God
may grant for its accomplishment, either by encourag
ing Dutch settlers, by bounties, or other more power
ful luring motives." They promised him " succors,
both in vessels, materials, and soldiers," and ordered
him to " press any vessels into his service that might
be in New Netherlands." They informed him that
he had nothing to fear from any other enemy, being
at peace with the English, so that he could " take all
the soldiers at New Amsterdam." He was also in
structed to accept the services of all persons who
might offer their services," as the citizens of New
Amsterdam were fully strong enough to protect that
city during his absence on the expedition to Delaware.
They also instructed him. to apprehend Gerrett Bikker,
the late commander of Fort Cassimer, who, "from
documents and private information, they are compelled
to conclude, had acted very unfaithfully and treacher
ously." That he should be punished, " as an example
to others who had shared more or less in that shame
ful transaction."1

Agreeable to these instructions, Stuyvessant went
silently though actively to work to prepare a fleet
and armament. For some months previously there
had been protesting by the Swedes and counter pro-

1 Albany Records, vol. 4, pa^es 107, 150.

234 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

testing by the Dutch in relation to the seizure of the
Shark, in which the title of both to the South River
were again and again gone over. But this was now
stopped, and whilst the Swedes were lulled into secu
rity, and made no preparations for defence, the Dutch
were quietly and energetically pushing forward their
armaments to expel them from the Delaware by force
of arms.

The English in New Haven still continued to dis
cuss at their meetings at the court at New Haven,
and of the Commissioners of the United Colonies,
their right to Delaware, and the .best means of obtain
ing the same. On the 27th of November, the court
at New Haven met, and amongst other things in rela
tion to it discussed the propriety of purchasing the
right of the English proprietors for the lands they
claimed there. They agreed to take three hundred
pounds for it. Several declared their willingness to
go if they had the right leaders. It was proposed to
two of the magistrates, Samuel Eaton and Francis
Newman, who agreed to take the matter into conside
ration. Another court was held at New Haven,
December llth. Eaton and Newman both made
similar answers as regards taking the lead of the
colony to Delaware. Eaton answered that " it was
necessary there should be some leader to such a work,
but for his part, this (New Haven) jurisdiction having
an interest in him, which he must have respect to,
but if it appears that God called him thereunto, he
should be willing." Newman answered that "if a
meet number for quality and quantity were ready

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 235

to go, he was willing to accompany them in the

spring."1

Charles Gustavus. King of Sweden, (also, therefore,
King of Delaware,) granted by a decree to the Swedish
West India Company, on the 23d of December, the
right of importing tobacco into Sweden. The decree
states that it hoped that " not only New Sweden will
be able to support itself and prosper, but also that our
nation wrill have greater opportunity and facility for
accustoming itself to the navigation and commerce of
America."2

The following were the estimated expenses for New
Sweden for the year 1655, viz. : One commandant,
75 silver dollars per month ; one captain, 36 ; one
lieutenant, 24; one ensign, 18; one sergeant-major,
15; three gunners, 8, each of whom is to have charge
of the magazine in his redoubt ; one corporal, 9 ; one
drummer, 7i ; thirty-six soldiers at 4 dollars each;
one provost, 9 ; one executioner, 6 ; 3 priests, 10 ; one
superior commissary who shall also be book-keeper,
20 ; one fiscal, who shall also be adjutant to the com
mander, 12 ; one barber, (surgeon,) 15 ; one engineer,
who is also secretary, 12; one sub-commissary placed
at the river Hoernkill, (Lewistown Creek,) 12; total,
550? dollars per month, 6,606 dollars of silver per
annum, or 4,404 rix dollars.3

1 Xcw Haven Records, pp. 160, 161.

2 Register of Perm., vol. 5, p. 15.

3 Penn. Register, vol. 5, p. 15.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Petition of Jno. Cooper and Thos. Munsen to General Court of New
Haven — Desire of magistrate to accompany expedition — To loan
them guns and powder — To assist with money — Answer of Xew
Haven Court — Delaware and New Haven to be under one juris
diction — Governor to reside one year at Delaware and one at
New Haven — Second meeting of New Haven Court — Swedes
supposed to be too numerous to allow of English settlement —
Party to go and treat with the Swedes — English attempt to settle
Delaware appears to be abandoned — Dutch make preparations
for the conquest of the Delaware — Send ship-of-war Balance from
Holland — French privateer hired — Day of fast appointed — Sail
ing of the expedition — They reach the Delaware — It captures
Fort Cassimer — Terms of surrender — Those who took the oath of
allegiance to the Dutch allowed to stay — Twenty Swedes take it
— Rising considers the surrender dishonorable — Swedish detach
ment captured — Rising sends Elswyck to remonstrate with Stuy-
vessant — He endeavors to persuade him not to attack Fort Chris
tina — Fort Christina besieged — Arrest of Swen Hook as a Spy-
Capture of Fort Christina — Terms of surrender — Outrages by
Dutch — Stuyvessant offers Fort Christina to Rising, who refuses
it — Rising plundered — His departure — Swedish preuchcrs ex
pelled — The name of the State New Netherlands — Original
names of rivers and places — Cooper's Island — First manufactory
in Delaware — Names of Swedish families — Dwelling places of
Swedes.

r THE General Court met at New Haven on

J the 30th of January, again to take into con
sideration the matters in relation to Delaware, when a
petition was presented from John Cooper and Thomas
Munsen in behalf of some fifty or sixty that were
desirous of settling in Delaware Bay. They desired

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 237

that Samuel Eaton and Francis Newman, two of the
magistrates, should be allowed to visit Delaware, and
examine into affairs there, to see what chances of suc
cess there would be for an English settlement there ;
and that if they did not desire to pay their expenses,
they should be paid by New Haven. They also re
quested that two great guns and powder might be
granted them, that the lands of those going might be
freed for a time *from rates and public charges, and
that a sum of money might be raised in that jurisdic
tion, " either to buy a small vessel that should attend
their service, or otherwise, as should be thought meet."
The court, in answer to the petition, allowed Newman
and Eaton, and such others as might choose to follow
them, to go to Delaware. Instructed them " either
to take the propriety of all the purchased lands into
their own hands, or grant it to such as should under
take the planting of it." Desired " that it should re
main part of New Haven jurisdiction." Provided for
its future government, by declaring that it (the Eng
lish plantations on Delaware) should become greater
in population than New Haven. That their " due
consideration should be taken for the ease and con
venience of both parts," so that the governor might
be one year on the Delaware and another at New
Haven. That the court for making laws should be
ordinarily but once a year, and at the place of the
governor's residence. That if the plantations should
increase in Delaware and diminish in New Haven,
that possibly in that case the governor might reside
constantly in Delaware, and the deputy governor re-

238 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

side at New Haven. But the lesser part of the juris
diction was to be promoted and eased by the greater
part, " both in rates and otherwise." In relation to
the lending or granting of any thing, they promised to
propound it to the several plantations, " and promote
the business for procuring something in that way."1

In the meantime John Cooper, one of the peti
tioners, went to Delaware, and a special court of New
Haven was called on the 16th of March to hear his
report. He stated that he found " little encouragement
in the bay; but few were willing to engage in the settle
ment at present." During the debate on the subject, a
Mr. Goodyear said, " Notwithstanding the discourage
ment from the bay, if a considerable number appear
that will go, he would adventure his person and estate
to go with them, in that design, but a report that
three ships had come to the Swedes, seems to make
the matter more difficult." After debating the case,
it was voted that New Haven should be at twenty or
thirty pounds charge, and that Mr. Goodyear, Ser
geant Jeffery, and such others as they should think
fit to take with them, might go to Delaware with a
letter for the commonwealth, and " treat with the
Swedes about a favorable settlement of the English
on their own right; and then, after harvest, if things
be cleared, the company may resort thither for the
planting of it."2

Another court was held at New Haven on the 9th
of April, in relation to this matter. Several citizens

1 New Haven Records, pp. 83 and 85.

2 New Haven Records, p. 165.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 239

of New Haven being willing to go, it was ordered that
they should still belong to the jurisdiction of New
Haven. That their families should not be compelled
to employ watchmen in their absence. That such of
their lands and houses as lay unimproved, should be
free from all rates for one year. They also agreed
to lend them two guns belonging to the town, (if they
could get permission of the jurisdiction for it,) half a
hundred shot, a proportion of musket bullets, and a

barrel of powder.1

This is the last account we have of the attempt
of the English of New Haven to settle on the Dela
ware. Probably the great strength and energy ex
hibited by the Dutch in the overthrow of the Swedish
power deterred them from carrying out their inten
tions. The United Colonies were not inclined cr pre
pared to go to war with the Dutch for such purposes,
and New Haven itself would have been too weak
alone to engage in such an enterprise. The desire of
New Haven, moreover, appeared to have been rather
to have such a settlement made by the private enter
prise of her citizens, than to engage in it as a com
munity.

In the meantime, extensive preparations were being
made both in Holland and Manhattan to recover Fort
Cassimer, and overturn the Swedish power on the Dela
ware. In Holland, the drum was beaten daily for
recruits. A ship of war, called the Balance, under
command of Captain Frederick de Koninck, was sent
over, as well as two or three vessels, amongst which

1 Xew Haven Records, pp. 166, 167.

240 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

were the ships Great Christopher and King Solomon.
Gunners, carpenters, and powder were also sent from
Holland. In New Amsterdam, every exertion was
made to procure volunteers. Stuyvessant being sick,
Vice-Director Mathias De Stille, Attorney-General
Tienhooven, and Captain Frederick de Koninck were
appointed to superintend the fitting out of the expedi
tion. A French privateer, named the L'Esperance,
Captain Jean Flamand,that happened to be at New Am
sterdam was also hired for the occasion. After hiring
and pressing many vessels into the service that hap
pened to be in the harbor of New Amsterdam, and
getting supplies of men, provisions, and ammunition
from others, the expedition, by the 5th of September,
was prepared to sail. They had, however, previously,
on the 25th of August, held "a general fast, thanks
and prayer day," according to their language, to "im
plore the only bountiful God that it may please him
to bless the projected expedition, only undertaken for
the greater security and extension and consolidation
of this province, and to render it prosperous and suc
cessful, to the glory of his name." The director and
council prohibited "all usual exercises, as plowing,
sowing, mowing, fishing and hunting on that day, and
all other amusements and plays, all tippling and in
toxication, under penalty of arbitrary correction."1

On Sunday, the 5th of September, accordingly the
expedition sailed. It consisted of seven vessels,
having on board six or seven hundred men. Stuyves
sant was accompanied by De Stille, the vice-director,

1 Albany Records, vol. 9, pp. 31, 32.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 241

by Captain de Koninck, who commanded the naval
part of the expedition, and the Rev. Mr. Megapolinsis,
his chaplain. The next day (the Gth of September)
they arrived in the bay of South River. The weather
being fine, they met with no accident. Owing to "a
profound calm and inconvenient tide, they did not
reach Fort Elsingburg, which was then abandoned
and in ruins, until the day following. Here Stuyves-
sant divided the force into five sections, each under
its own colors. Making their preparations, took them
some days. On the next Friday morning, they
weighed their anchors and came opposite Fort Cassi-
mer, about eight or nine o'clock, and anchored a short
distance above the fortress. Stuyvessant sent Lieu
tenant Smith with "a drummer towards the fort, to
claim the restitution of (to use the Dutch language)
their own property"1

The Swedes had been informed some time before
this, by the savages, of the intentions of the Dutch,
and Rising had caused Fort Cassimer to be supplied
with men and ammunition, to the best of his ability,
and had instructed, in writing,2 Captain Swen Schute,
to defend the fort if it was attacked. He also ordered
him to send on board these ships when they ap
proached, and demand of them whether they came as
friends, and in any case not to run by the fort, upon
pain of being fired upon, (which in such case they

1 We follow, in the account of this expedition, Dutch dates, which
differs ten days from the Swedish.

2 Stuyvessant's letter to the directors of the West India Company.
Albany Records, vol. 13, p. 348.

16

242 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

could not reckon but as an act of hostility). On the
contrary, if they were minded to treat with them " as
friends concerning their territories and boundaries, he
was to compliment them with a Swedish national
salute, and assure them that they were well disposed
to a fast friendship." Schute, however, disobeyed his
instructions, and allowed the Dutch ships to pass the
fort without firing a single shot.1

Upon the demand to surrender the fort, Schute re
quested time for consideration, and until he should
communicate with Governor Rising. This was re
jected. In the meantime, all the passes leading from
the fortress to Christina were occupied by fifty of the
Dutch soldiers. They even placed their forces as
high up as Christina Creek. Schute was then a sec
ond time warned to surrender to save bloodshed. He
answered this second summons by soliciting an inter
view for negotiation, which being acceded to, he met
the Dutch in a valley about midway between the fort
and a newly constructed battery. He then requested
to be allowed to dispatch an open letter to Rising,
after it was shown to the Dutch, which proposal was
at once rejected. He then left the Dutch, dissatisfied,
on which they approached the valley in sight of the
fort.

In the meantime, after the Dutch had raised their
breastworks to a man's height, the surrender of the
fort was demanded for the third and last time.
Schute (the Dutch say) then humbly supplicated a

1 Rising's official report, New York Historical Coll., vol. 1, pp.
443, 448.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 243

further delay, until early the next morning, which
was granted, because they would not be ready with
their battery, to approach yet nearer the fort under
protection of their guns. The next morning, the llth
of September, Schute went on board the ship Weigh
Scales or Balance, and signed the capitulation of Fort
Cassimer on the following conditions, viz. :

" 1. The commander shall, whenever it may please
him, or when he obtains an opportunity, by the
arrival of the Croon, or by any other private vessels,
be permitted to transport from the Fortress Cassimer,
all the artillery belonging to the crown, either large
or small guns, as they were designed by the commis
sioner, 4 iron guns of 14 Ib. balls, and five pieces, viz.,
4 small and 1 large one.

" 2. Twelve men, with their full arms and accou
trements, shall be permitted to march from the fort
with the commissioner as his life-guard, the remainder
only with their side arms, provided that the guns and
muskets belonging to the crown shall remain at its
disposal, or that of the commissioner, to transport
them from the fortress whenever the commander may
have an opportunity of bringing it to its execution.

" 3. To the commander shall be delivered in safety
all his personal property and furniture, which he may
either carry with him or send for, when it shall please
him, and so, too, all the goods of all the other officers,
provided that the commander remains obliged to sur
render, this day, the Fortress Cassimer to the director
general, with all its guns, ammunition, and imple
ments of war, and other effects belonging to the

244 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

general privileged West India Company. Done, con-
eluded, and signed by the combatants on the llth of
September, A. D. 1665, on board the man-of-war
Weigh Scale (or Balance) at anchor in the neighbor
hood of Fort Cassimer.

" P. STUYVESSANT.

" SWEN SCHUTE."1

After the surrender of the fort, an offer was made
to the effect that all persons who would take the oath
were permitted to remain as freemen of South River,
whilst those who had any conscientious scruples
against taking it were to be allowed to dispose of
their goods to the best advantage, and have a free
passage out of the country. Twenty of the Swedes
at once took the oath, of whom, however, only seven
wrote their names. Swen Schute, the commander,
also afterwards took the oath of allegiance and re
mained in the country. Those of the Swedish garri
son that did not take this oath were transported to
Manhattan.

Rising, in his official report of this affair, severely
censures Swen Schute for the surrender of the fort
ress. He blames him for allowing the Dutch ships
to pass the fort without firing a gun, whereby he
says " they gained command of the fort and the whole
river, and cut off communication between the forts by
posting troops between them as high up as Christina
creek. He also calls the surrender a " dishonorable
capitulation," in which " he forgot to stipulate a place

1 Albany Records, vol. 13, pp. 349, 350.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 245

in which he, with his people and effects, might retire."
He also complains of his " subscribing the capitulation
not in the fort, or in any indifferent place, but on
board a Dutch ship." But the world and impartial
minds will justify Schute's surrender. The Dutch
force was so overwhelming, that resistance was hope
less, and it could only have resulted in the shedding
of human blood, without any possible benefit. Rising
himself afterwards surrendered with the main forces
to the Dutch with scarcely any more resistance than
that made by Schute. The only hope of the Swedes
to have defended themselves successfully, would have
been in the concentration of their forces at some one
point, either at Christina, Cassimer or Tinicum, where
they might for a time have successfully withstoood a
seige, and possibly tired the Dutch out, who were
not prepared for operations that required length of
time. But it is very doubtful if even this course
would have been successful, so great was the power
of the Dutch in comparison with that of the Swedes.
The whole population of the Swedes the year before,
including Hollanders, (who of course could not be
relied upon to fight against their own countrymen,)
men, women, and children, only numbered 368 per
sons, whilst the Dutch force numbered between 600
and 700 armed men.

Fort Cassimer had fallen so suddenly that Rising,
ignorant of its surrender, had sent nine or ten of his
best men to strengthen the garrison. This detach
ment crossed the Christina Creek early in the morn
ing of (according to Swedish accounts) the 1st of

246 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

September, at the place, a few years since, known as
the Old Ferry, but at present occupied by the
Diamond State Iron Works. As soon as they arrived
at the opposite bank, the Dutch, to the number of
fifty or sixty strong, attacked them, and summoned
them to surrender, but they put themselves in a pos
ture of defence, and, after skirmishing with the Dutch,
were all taken prisoners, except twTo, who retreated to
the boat, and were several times fired upon by the
enemy without being killed or wounded. Upon this
the Swedes fired upon the Dutch from the fort,
whereupon they retired into the w7oods, and after
wards harshly and cruelly treated such of the Swedes
as fell into their hands.

The same day the factor Elsnyck was sent down
by Rising from Fort Christina to Stuyvessant to de
mand an explanation of his conduct, and to dissuade
him from further hostilities, as Rising asserted he
" could not be persuaded that Stuyvessant seriously
purposed to disturb the Swedes in their lawful do
minions." Stuyvessant at first threatened to detain
Elswyck as a spy. However, upon his asking him
the reason and intention of the arrival of the Dutch,
u with the orders of the principals," Stuyvessant in
formed him the Dutch " claimed the whole river and
all the Swedish territory thereon." He then re
quested the Dutch to remain satisfied with Fort
Cassimer, and endeavored to dissuade them from
advancing any further on Swedish territory, or prose
cuting any further hostilities against Fort Christina,
using " extremely courteous language, now and then

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 217

intermixed with threats." But Stuyvessant was
neither to be frightened nor persuaded from his pur
poses, arid accordingly Elswyck went back to Rising,
and Stuyvessant prepared to move with his fleet and
army to besiege Christina.

When Rising was informed of the ill success of
Elswyck's mission, he collected all the people he could
for the defence of Christina, and labored night and
day in strengthening the ramparts and filling gabions.1
The next day (the 2d of September2) the Dutch
showed themselves in considerable strength on the
opposite of Christina creek, but attempted no hostile
operations. On the morning of the 3d they hoisted
their flag on a Swedish shallop which lay drawn up
on the beach, and established themselves in a neigh
boring house. Rising then sent Lieutenant Swen
Hook with a drummer to demand " what they pur
posed," and for what purpose they posted themselves
there, and (as if there could be any doubt on the
the matter) as to whether the Swedes should view
them as friends or enemies. When he had nearly
crossed the creek, he asked the Dutch whether he
might " freely go to them ?" They answered, " Yes."
And whether, after " discharging his commission, he
might freely return." To which also the Dutch
answered " Yes." So the drummer rowed the boat
ashore, without beat of drum, (as a drummer could
not well row a boat and beat a drum at the same

1 Baskets, filled with earth.

2 We are now following Swedish records, and have to give Swedish
dates.

248 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

time). The lieutenant was met by an officer, and
conducted to a house at some distance off, which the
Dutch had taken possession of. He was then sent
down to Stuy vessant, who, believing him to be a spy,
arrested him, and threw him into the ship's hold.
Thus asserted Rising : " They treated our messengers
contrary to the laws and customs of all civilized
nations."

On the 4th of September, the Dutch planted
gabions about the houses on the opposite shore of
Christina Creek, in the neighborhood of where the
Townsend Iron Works are now, and afterwards threw
up a battery under cover of them, and intrenched them
selves there. Rising supposed this indicated, as the
purpose of the Dutch, to " claim and hold all the
territory from Bombay Hook to the south bank of the
Christina," which the Dutch had some time purchased
of the Indians, and that they intended to construct a
fort there to hold those possessions. Rising did not
believe that the Dutch would commence hostilities
against him until they had made some claim or pro
mulgated some protest, as he had "received from
them. neither message nor letter assigning any manner
or cause of complaint." Rising appears to have
forgot that he himself had set the example of com
mencing hostilities, without warning, by his attack
and capture of Fort Cassimer.

On the 5th they sent their transport ships up the
Brandywine, then called the Fish Kill, or Fish Creek,
to Tredie Hook, which means the third point or
promontory. This was an elevated piece of fast

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 249

land on the north side of the Brandywine, below
the present railroad bridge, and below a brick house,
which is still standing, and which used to be known
as Vandever's brick house. Here they landed their
men, and marching up the point a short distance,
crossed the low valley which at that time was over
flowed at flood tide, and made what was until a few
years ago the farm on the eastern side of the railroad
bridge, an island. It was called " Timber Island,"
and was formerly in the tenure of the Vandever
family.1 It was a few years ago purchased by the
Christiana Improvement Company, who have divided
it mostly up into lots, and laid out streets through it.
Claymont and Heald, and Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth
and Thirteenth streets, when they cross the Brandy-
wine, now cover its site. The army having now got
possession of this island, passed over the west side of
it, and threw up a battery, on which they planted four
cannon, all pointing towards Fort Christina, and
within effective gunshot of it. Leaving there two
companies of troops to man the battery, they marched
up the creek, and then crossed over the " Stoor
Fallet" (Great Falls) meaning the Brandywine, more
than probable at the place "There the old ford used to
be, at the foot of the old King's Road, below the first
dam across the Brandywine, and which road is yet
used, from Delaware Avenue to that stream, forming
the western boundary of the cemetery.

1 A number of the descendants of this family now reside amongst
us. It is one of the oldest in Delaware. They are descended from
one of the old Dutch settlers,

250 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Having crossed the Brandywine, they marched
eastwardly again, until they came to a place between
the burying ground of the Old Swedes Church, and
the Diamond State Iron Works, about what is now
the neighborhood of Church and Fourth streets. At
that time this was a high bank, and here they erected
a battery, which they mounted with three cannon.
They also erected another, within the present grave
yard of the Old Swedes Church, near its south wall.
These batteries were manned with four companies.
They also planted a battery of five cannon within the
village of Christinaham, whose site was more than
probable on what is now covered by the lower por
tions of Sixth. Seventh, and Eighth streets, and But-
tonwood street and the railroad, where they come in
juxtaposition. This battery was placed immediately
behind the fort, in which they placed the largest
body of their force, consisting of six companies. This
was formerly high ground, but it is now7 leveled and
almost entirely covered with buildings. They also
had a battery erected on the fast land, on the opposite
side of the Christina, of four guns, manned by three
companies. This was about where the Townsend
Iron Works now stand, at what used to be the old
ferry, on the southern shore of the Christiana, where
travellers crossed the Christiana before the erection of
the present bridge at the foot of Market street.

Thus the fort was now invested on every side,
except towards the southeast, in which direction there
was nothing but low morass, which at high tide lay
four or five feet under water. Through this low

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 251

morass the channels of the Christina and Brandy wine
then pursued a serpentine course, but in different
directions, but at length were united in one stream
about half a mile southeast of Fort Christina. That
the investment might be complete, the Dutch now
brought up their armed ships,, and anchored them in
the mouth of the Brandywine.

The Dutch had about finished their preparations,
without any molestation from the Swedes, when the
latter burnt a little powder in a couple of their guns
to scale them. The Dutch fired several shots over
their heads from Timber Island, where they had taken
post in a house. They also announced to the Swedes
they had taken up a position on the west side by
several volleys. Rising continued to make the best
defence which his strength would allow, if he should
be attacked, for he was not yet satisfied as to the in
tention of the Dutch, when a circumstance occurred
that left him no longer in any doubt, for an Indian
arrived with a letter from Stuyvessant, in which he
claimed the " whole river," and required Rising and
all the Swedes either to evacuate the country, or to
remain there under Dutch protection, " threatening
with the consequences in case of refusal." Rising
answered by letter " that he would reply to this ex
traordinary demand by special messengers," and sent
him back his answer by the same Indian. He then
held a general council of war as to what should be
done if the Dutch assaulted him by storm or battery,
at which it was determined that the Swedes should
in any case remain on the defensive, and make the

252 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

best resistance they could, but not to commence or
provoke hostilities, on account of their weakness and
and want of supplies. That they should wait until
they were fired upon, or the Dutch began to storm
their works, and then defend themselves as long as
they could, and leave the consequences to be re
dressed by their superiors.

The Dutch now began to make still further encroah-
ments upon the Swedes. Rising, in his official report
says : " They killed our cattle, goats, swine, and
poultry, broke open houses, pillaged the people with
out the sconce of their property, and higher up the
river they plundered many, and stripped them to the
skin. At New Gottenberg they robbed Mr. Poppe-
goya's wife of all she had, with many others who had
collected their property together there." The Dutch
in the meantime continued to advance their approaches
to Christina, which was a small, feeble work, and lay
upon low ground, and could be commanded from the
surrounding heights, all of which hostile acts, injuries
and insults we were, to our great mortification, com
pelled to witness and suffer, says Rising, " being
unable to resist them by reason of our want of
men and of powder, whereof our supply scarcely
sufficed for a single round for our guns." Rising,
however, seeing he was unable to make any defence,
still determined to try negotiation. He sent messen
gers to Stuyvessant, (who was staying at Fort Cassi-
mer,) with a written commission, to dissuade him
from further hostilities, again protesting against the
invasion of Swedish territory, without assigning

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

causes, or denying as far as they could the Swedish
right to the river. Rising also suggested to Stuy-
vessant the jealousy that would undoubtedly ensue
between their respective sovereigns, and other momen
tous consequences that might arise from his acts, as
the Swedes were determined to defend their right to
the utmost of their strength. That Stuyvessant
would have to answer for all the consequences that
might ensue. The message finally required him to
" cease hostilities and retire with his people from Fort
Christina:' But all this availed nothing. Stuyves
sant had received his orders from Holland to take the
Swedish fortresses, and he was determined to obey
them. So he simply answered Rising's letter by re
affirming the Dutch right to the Delaware ; spoke of
the Swedish claim as a usurpation, and never for an
instant relaxed in his preparations to take the fort
ress.

The garrison of Rising consisted only of about
thirty men. With this small force he was unable to
make any sorties to prevent the Dutch from taking
any position they desired. They had command of
the fort so completely, that not a man could stand on
the ramparts with security. Besides, some of the
Swedes were sick, some ill-disposed, some had de
serted, provisions were scanty, and all the men nearly
worn out with watching. From these considerations,
and from fear of a mutiny, when Stuyvessant, who
had heretofore been at Fort Cassimer, but had now
came up to Fort Christina, peremptorily summoned'
him, on the 12th of September, to capitulate, with

254 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the threat of giving no quarter, the Swedes proposed
to Rising to go out and have another conference with
Stuy vessant, and endeavor to " bring him to reason."
On the 13th of September, accordingly, Rising, ac
companied by the factor Elswyck, went out to the
most advanced work of the Dutch. He was met by
Stuyvessant and De Stille. The place of meeting
was then an elevated spot behind the fort, but was
cut down and levelled with the grade of the street,
to fill up wharves constructed on the western side of
where the fort once stood. Here, in presence and in
full sight of both the hostile combatants, the repre
sentatives of the Swedes and Dutch commenced their
parley.

Rising again protested to Stuyvessant against his
proceedings, and again went over the argument in
favor of the Swedish claim. But all this, as might
be expected, produced no impression on Stuyvessant,
who would listen to nothing but the surrender of the
fort and the whole river. To this Rising replied that
he would defend the fort to the last. The conference
was then broken off, and Rising and Elswyck retired
within the ramparts, and encouraged his men to make
as manly a defence as they were able.

On the 14th, the Dutch having completed their
works, "formally summoned Fort Christina with harsh
messages, by drummer and messenger, to capitulate
within twenty-four hours." Rising then assembled a
general council of the whole garrison, who, as there
was a want of powder and munitions, and no hopes
of relief, decided unanimously to surrender, which

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 255

was therefore done on the 15th of September, (old
style, but new style, or present mode of reckoning,
the 25th of September,) on the following conditions,
viz:1 —

1. All guns, ammunition, implements, victuals, and
other effects belonging to the crown of Sweden and
South Company which are in the fort and its vicinity,
shall remain in full, property to the crown and com
pany, whilst it shall depend upon the Governor
either to take all these with him, or deliver them to
the Director General, Peter Stuyvessant, on condition
that all, when demanded, shall be returned without
any delay whatever.

2. Governor Rising, with all field officers, and sub
altern officers, ministers and soldiers, shall march out
of the fort with beating of drums, fifes, and colors
flying, firing matches, balls in their mouths, with their
arms, first to Timmer Isle, (Building or Timber
Island), wrhere they all, at their arrival from the fort
shall be lodged in the houses, with security, till the
departure of the Director General wTith the man-of-
war, the Weigh-Scales, wrhich shall convey, at longest,
within fourteen days, the Governor, with his people
and goods, so far as the Sand Point, about five miles
from Manhattan, in full security. Meanwhile it is
permitted to Governor Rising and his factor Elswyck,
with four or five servants, to remain so long in their
houses in the fort till they may arrange their private
affairs.

1 The account of the surrender of Fort Christina is derived from
Rising's official statements. See X. Y. Hist. Soc. Coll. vol. 1, pp.
443, 448.

256 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

3. All papers, letters, documents, and acts belong
ing to the crown of Sweden, the South Company
or private individuals, discovered and obtained in Fort
Christina, shall be delivered unopened and unsearched
to the late governor, to be distributed at his discretion.

4. No person belonging to the crown of Sweden, or
the South Company, officers, soldiers, ministers or free
men shall not be compelled to stay, but permitted to
accompany the government wherever they may deem
proper.

5. All the high and low ministers of Sweden or of
South Company, ministers, officers, soldiers and free
men shall be maintained in the undisturbed posses
sion of their individual property.

6. If any servant or freeman desires to leave this
country, and now could not be ready to depart with
the Governor and his people, all such shall be per
mitted to dispose of their real and personal property
during the period of one year and six weeks, pro
vided they take the oath of loyalty for the time they
intend to remain on this river.

7. If there are any Swedes or Fins who do not
wish to depart, then it shall remain free to Governor
Rising to admonish them, and if they upon such ad
monition are inclined to follow him, then all such shall
not be prevented by the Director General from doing
so, while they who voluntarily are resolved to remain,
and desire to search for their sustenance in this coun
try, shall enjoy the liberty of the Augsburg Confes
sion, with a minister to instruct them in this doc
trine.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 257

8. The Governor, John1 Rising, the Factor Elswyck,
with all the other high and low officers and soldiers
and freemen, who now wish to depart with their per
sonal property, shall obtain from the Director Gene
ral a convenient vessel, which at Sand Point shall take
them in, and transport them farther to the Texel, and
from there further with a Boeyer, galliot, and other
good ships, to Gottenberg, free from expense, provided
that such ship or galliot shall not be molested or de
tained at Gottenberg, for which the aforesaid Governor
remains responsible.

9. If Governor Rising, Factor Elswyck, or any
minister of the aforesaid crown or South Company
have contracted any debts, they shall not be subject to
arrest within the government of the aforesaid general.

10. Governor Rising is permitted to inquire unmo
lested, how the late Commander Schute, officers and
other soldiers have conducted themselves in the sur
render of the fortress at Sand Point.

11. Provided the Governor engages to march out
of the Fortress Christina on this day, being the 25th
of the month of September, with all his men, and to
surrender it to the Director General. Done and
signed on 25th of September aforesaid, on the paved
place between Fort Christina and encampment of the
Director General.

PETER STUYVESSANT.
JOHN RISING,

Director of the Country of Xew Sweden.

1 In some documents he is called Jno. Clandii Rising. In others,
John Fusing. His name is also spelt Risingh.
17

258 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

There was another article of this treaty, by which
it was agreed that the skipper, with whom Governor
Fusing and the Factor Elswyck shall depart, shall be
expressly commanded to land them either in England
or France, and that Stuyvessant should advance to
Rising £300 Flanders, which sum Rising agreed to
pay in six months, at Amsterdam. In the meantime,
the property surrendered to Stuyvessant was to be
forfeited if the money was not paid at the stipulated
time. The money was never paid, and therefore
Stuyvessant kept the goods. Thus, after about
seventeen years' rule, fell the Swedish power on the
Delaware.1

After the surrender, the Dutch were accused of
committing many outrages on the inhabitants. Some
writers affect to disbelieve them, but the evidence is
such as leaves but little doubt of their truth. Rising,
in his remonstrance to Stuyvessant, accuses the Dutch
of u plundering Tennakong, Uplandt, Findlandt,
Printzdorp, and several other places." At Fort
Christina, he says, "women were violently torn from
their houses, whole buildings destroyed, and they
dragged from them : yea, the oxen, cows and swine,
and other creatures were butchered day by day; even
the horses2 were not spared, but wantonly shot, the
plantations destroyed, and the whole country left so
desolate that scarce any means are remaining for the

1 The articles of surrender are from Dutch authorities. See Albany
Records, vol. 13, pp. 353, 359. They of course have new style
dates.

2 This is the first mention of horses on the Delaware.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 259

subsistence of the inhabitants." Acrelius says "the
Swedes suffered great hardships from the Dutch.
The flower of their troops were picked out and sent
to New Amsterdam ; though under the pretext of
their own choice, the men were forcibly carried aboard
the ships. The women were ill treated in their houses,
their goods pillaged, and the cattle killed. Those who
refused allegiance were watched as suspicious."

After the surrender, a tender was made of Fort
Christina to Rising, but it was refused, the Dutch
say, " under pretence that the affair was not complete,
and he would rather hold himself to the capitulation
made."

On the evening of the 28th of September, a mob
of Dutch assaulted Rising and some of his men in
the fort, and plundered them of all the goods they
could find, much of which was Rising's private pro
perty. Rising and Elswyck were finally conveyed to
Manhattan in the man-of-war Balance, when a sharp
correspondence took place between Rising and Stuy-
vessant, Rising accusing the latter of breaking the
terms of the capitulation in several particulars.

There is but little doubt that the Swedes after
their surrender were disgracefully plundered, although
it was probably against the wish or desire of Stuy-
vessant.

Rising and the rest of the Swedes finally took their
departure for Europe in the ships Spotted Cow and
Bear, but were compelled to put into England, where
he o;ave the first information of the overthrow of the

O

Swedish power on the Delaware, to the Swedish Min-

260 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

ister. Thus terminated the short career of this rash
and injudicious man, who in defiance of his instruc
tions commenced a war which ended in the over
throw of himself and nation on this continent. The
last heard of Rising was a report made to the Dutch
authorities that " Hendrick Huygen had said that in
September, 1660, Rising had been arrested in Swe
den, but that after long entreaties it was at length
consented to grant him an armed vessel for the recov
ery of South river."

"Two out of the three Swedish clergymen, it is said,
were expelled the country ; and the one left was of
godless and scandalous life."1

The Swedish rule thus being ended by their being
conquered by the Dutch, New Sweden ceased to be
the name of our State. From the fall of the Swedes
until its capture by the English, it was part of the
Dutch territories of New Netherlands, and conse
quently went by that cognomen. The boundaries of
New Netherlands were never accurately defined.
The Dutch, however, at this time exercised jurisdic
tion over the settled parts of the State of Delaware,
(which extended from Lewes to our northern circular
boundary at the Pennsylvania line), and up the Dela
ware as high as Trenton, on both sides of that river,
over the whole of the State of New Jersey, and both
sides of the North, or Hudson river. They claimed
the right of jurisdiction over the Connecticut, which
they called the " Fresh river," but the English citi
zens of New Haven held it in conjunction with them,

1 O'Call. vol. 2, p. 290, 318.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 261

and finally expelled them. They also struggled with
them for the possession of Long Island. New Neth
erlands, of which our State was then a part, may be
said to consist of the State of Delaware, Pennsylva
nia, New Jersey, and New York, and part of Con
necticut. They named the great rivers of this terri
tory as follows : — The Connecticut, the Fresh river,
(from being composed of fresh water) ; the Hudson
river, the North river ; and the Delaware, the South
river.

The following were the names given by the Swedes
to the various streams and places in our State. They
are derived principally from the map made by the
Engineer Lindstrom,1 who has set them down both in
Swedish and French. This map takes in the Dela
ware from Trenton to the Capes. The first name of
a place is the Swedish, the second the French.
Naaman's creek is named " Naanian," (the same as
now), and " La Revier de Naaman." The creek to
the South of Naaman's, and which we believe is the
creek which flows into the Delaware near Hollyoak
Station, on the railroad, was named "Naaman's Fal-
let," (or Falls), or the "Cataract de Naanian." The
land between Naaman's and this creek, on the Dela
ware shore, was named " Windrufwe Udden," " Le C<rtp
des Raisins." Udden appears to have been the Swedish
name for "Cape." The French translated into Eng
lish means Cape of Grapes. It is more than probable
that grapes in the early settlement of the State grew

1 We are ^indebted to Thompson Westcott, Esq., of Philadelphia
for the perusal of this map.

262 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

there in great plenty, and probably " Windrufwe" is
Swedish for grape. Shelpot creek was named " Skil-
paddle Fallet," or " La Cataracte des Tortues," or in
other words, Turtle Falls. This was first corrupted
into " Skillpot," which was the name it bore in the
time of Penn, and afterwards into Shelpot, its pre
sent name. The Brandy wine was called the " Fiske
Fallet," or " La Cataracte des Poisons," in other
words Fish Falls, or Fish creek, or river. Cataract
or Fallet being applied to its rougher parts. The
Shelpot and the Brandywine then, according to the
map of Lindstrom, had mouths, which carried their
streams into the Delaware, as well as into the Chris
tiana. The Brandywine, it is alleged, received its
present name " in consequence of the loss of a vessel
in its waters laden with brandy," in the Dutch lan
guage called Brand-wijn. This account is confirmed
by the report of a number of old persons, who declared
that the remains of the vessel were frequently pointed
out to them in early life by their ancestors, with the
assurance that those remains were parts of the ship
whose loss gave rise to the name of the river.1

At the mouth of the Shelpot and Brandywine was
formerly an island named " Rylflacht," or " Plaines
des Rosseau." This was a beautiful little island, con
taining a few acres of land, studded with lofty forest

1 See Ferris, p. 196. He also says : Frederick Craig, a very worthy
citizen, and remarkable for a clear, retentive memory, who lived to
eighty-five years of age, and died in 1841, has been frequently
heard to say that the wreck of the ship which gave a name to the
Brandywine, had often been pointed out to him in early life by the
old people of that day.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 263

trees, and called by the Indians " Manathan." This
spot was inhabited in the time of the Swedes by two
Dutch families, with their workmen, who followed the
business of ship carpenters, boat builders, and coopers.
Here they built yachts, a kind of fast sailing trading
vessel, with which they could run up the creeks and
inlets along the shores of the river, to trade with the
natives. They also built boats and galleys, and made
casks and tubs. From this it was named " Coopers'
Island." This was the first workshop or mechanical
establishment we have any record of as being carried
on in this State. They occupied the island, accord
ing to Campanius, when Governor Printz first came
over. After the country became more thickly set
tled, they abandoned their solitary home to reside
amongst the planters. Being left again to the care of
nature, unassisted by man, the cleared parts of the
island were soon covered with the wild plum, or
mountain cherry, which grew up spontaneously, and
was the cause of its taking the name of "Cherry
Island." By the embankment of the meadows, the
island lost its insular character, but the name was
retained, to give a distinctive appellation to the land
around it, which is still called Cherry Island Marsh.1
At the mouth of the Christiana there was also a
marshy island, on one side of which the Brandywine
flowed into the Christiana, and on the other into the
Delaware. This was also embanked, and has lost
its name in that of Cherry Island Marsh. Amongst
other names, it was then called " Rylflaett's Plaines,"

1 See Ferris' Original Settlements.

264 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

or " Campagne des Rosceaux sont Marques pas des
Points." The ground on which the main part of the
city of Wilmington stands, was named " Hiort ad
Cap de Corp." Clements creek, a small stream which
flows into the Christiana west of the Harlan & Hol-
lingsworth Works, near Justison street, was called
"Liblefals Kylen," or "La Reveire de la Petit Cat-
racte." There was a large island in the Christiana,
in the neighborhood of where the town of Newport
is now, which was called "Nootebohms," or " He de
Codraie." The land between the Clements creek and
the White Clay creek, on the north side of the Chris
tiana, was called "Huis Kakamense," while Bread and
Cheese Island, near Stanton, had the name of " Kees
und Tvrodts a eller Rodoleaus oen ke da Fromage et
du Paine," or in the main, the same names it has now
in the English instead of in the French and Swedish
language. The Christiana, before its junction with
the White Clay creek, was called " Sickpeckons Sip-
punck," or "Tasswagers Kyi," whilst the land on the
south bank of the Christiana from the city of Wil
mington to where the White Clay creek flows into it
was named "Tura Udden," or uDe Cap des Pins."
On the same side of the Christiana, but east of Fort
Christina, it was named " Kojaca Salung." It was
also called " Tenacongs." On the river shore of New
Castle hundred, between what is now the town of
New Castle and the mouth of the Christiana, were six
considerable streams, probably made so by the influx
of the tide. These streams cut the ground up into
necks or capes, the principal of which were named

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 265

"Grane Udden," or "Le Cap des Cruces ;" " Strand-
wick," or " Bale de Rivage," and "Nieu Clareland."
From New Castle to St. Georges, the land was known
by the name of " Ackan Marnangaha Tusockhoc-
kung." The Appoquinimink was called the "Appo-
quonema ;" the north point of Bombay Hook, " Eager
Udden," or " Le Cap des Herons," (Cape of Herons) ;
whilst Bombay Hook was called " Bomtes Udden.''
Duck creek was called " Aucke Kyhlen," or the " Re-
viere des Canards," or in other words, its present
name anglicized into that of Duck river or creek.
Jones creek was then called "Warge Kyghlen," or
"La Riviere des Loups," translated to English, Wolfe
river. Murderkill was named " Mordare Kylen," or
" La Riviere des Assassins ;" the name in English it at
present bears. South of the Murderkill was called " Pa
rades Udden," or " Le Cap de Parades," in English,
Paradise Cape, promontory or point. From the above
it will be seen that many places in our State still
bear the old Swedish names, although many have
been translated into English, and the idiom of some
has been altered.

The Swedes that remained within the present
boundaries of this State, generally settled near Fort
Christina. Before the arrival of Penn, none of them
resident within the limits of Delaware, lived more
than a Swedish mile from the fort. A body of them
clustered around Printz's house (afterwards occupied
by his daughter, Armgardt Pappegoya,) and Fort
Gottenburg, at Tiriicum Island, where they built a
small village called Printzdorp. The Fins, a distinct

266 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

people from the Swedes, had their settlement in Penn
sylvania, a few miles north of our boundary line, be
tween Marcus Hook and Chester. The Swedes and
Fins on the Delaware generally devoted themselves
to husbandry, the Dutch to commerce. A great many
of our most respectable families owe their descent to
the Swedes, but their names have generally been an
glicised. Amongst them the Rambos ; the Justisons
and Justises, whose original name was Gostafsson,
the Boons whose name was formerly Bond, the Iloff-
mans whose names were formerly Hoppman, the Coles-
berry s changed from Kalsberg, the Wheelers from
Wihler, the Yocums from Joccom, the Dalbows from
Dahlbo, the Sinexes from Seneca, the Johnsons from
Johansson, the Poulsons from Paulson, the Culins
from Von Culen, the Vannemans from Van Neman,
the Kings from Konigh, and the Keens from Kyn.
The Walravens spelt their names with two Ts. The
Hendricksons are changed from Hindrickson, the
Stidhams from Stedham. The Petersons, the Stal-
cops, the Matsons, the Talleys, the Andersons, and
Walravens have their names spelt nearly as formerly,
save in some cases the consonants are doubled, but
the sound of the name is not changed by the spelling.
The Vandevers, were spelt as Van der Weer, but
their ancestors were Dutch, not Swedish, although
they intermarried with the Swedes.

CHAPTER XIX.

FROM 1656 TO 1657.

Appointment of Perk Smidt as Governor — Departure of Stuyves-
sant — Indians assault Fort Cassimer — Jews on the Delaware —
Jno. Paul Jaquette appointed Governor — The Council — Rules to
govern the inhabitants — Swedes not to be allowed in the Fort —
Vessels not to go above Fort Cassimer — Suspicion of the Swedes —
Duties laid — Laying out of the town of New Amstel (New Castle) —
Interview with Indians — Demand higher prices for their wares —
Answer of Jaquette — Present given to them — Attempt to remove
the Swedes into the villages — They remonstrate — First brick made
in Delaware — Company object to written capitulation of Fort Cas
simer — Swedish Ambassador demands restitution of New Swe
den — Receives no satisfaction — Arrival of the Mereurius with 130
Swedes — Jaquette forbids her landing — Pappegoya petitions Coun
cil of New Amsterdam to let the Swedes settle on South river —
They refuse; — Mereurius runs past the batteries — Lands her pas
sengers at Marcus Hook — Man-of-war Balance sent to South river
— Mereurius sails for Manhattan — Is allowed to sail for Europe —
Pappegoya leaves the country — His wife left at South river — Set
tlers from New Amsterdam arrive at South river — Build New Ain-
stel (New Castle) — Lots granted — Territory between Christina and
Bombay Hook transferred to city of Amsterdam — First bridge
built in Delaware — Tobacco raised — Regulations — Inspectors ap
pointed — Aldricks appointed Governor of Delaware — "NValdenese
expected — Stuyvessant ordered to purchase between North and
South rivers — Fears New Amsterdam settlers will remove to South
river — Fineness of the river.

AFTER the conquering of the Swedes, the extend
ing Dutch power over the Delaware, and the annex
ing our State to New Netherlands, Stuyvessant de
parted for the Manhattans, first appointing Captain

268 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Derk Smidt as Commandant or Governor of Delaware.
He was the first Dutch Governor of our State, and
the sixth in succession from Minuit, the first Swedish
Governor.

After the departure of Stuyvessant, late in the
fall, Fort Cassimer was assaulted by more than five
hundred Indians. The Dutch thought they were
incited to this attack by the Swedes.1

At this early date we have an account of Jews on
the Delaware, as in November, Abraham Lucenna,
Salvador de Andrade and Jacob Cohen of that reli
gion petitioned at Manhattan for the privilege of
trading on South river. The petition was granted.

On the 29th of November, John Paul Jaquette
(the ancestor of the celebrated Major Jaquette who
fought so gallantly in the Delaware line in the Revo
lution,) was appointed the seventh Governor of De
laware.2 He was to be assisted by a Council com
posed of Vice Director Andreas Hudde and Elmer-
hysen Klein. His instructions were as follows :

" If the affairs to be taken into consideration were
purely military, or to relate to the company exclu
sively, they were to be assisted by two sergeants ;
but if purely civil, between freemen and the com
pany's servants, then two freemen were to be chosen
instead of the two sergeants.

"All meetings of the Council were to be called by
him. He was to propose to them all matters relative
to police, justice, and commerce. Things were to be

1 Lambrechten, p. 109.

8 Albany Records, vol. 10, p. 174.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 269

decided by a majority of votes ; the Governor was to
have the casting vote.

" Hudde was to be the Secretary and Surveyor ;
he was to keep the minutes of the Council.

" They were strictly to observe the regulations re
specting the sale of brandy, &c., to Indians, plunder
ing gardens and plantations, running through the
country, in town, and drinking on the Sabbath, its
profanation, &c.

"No officers and soldiers were to be absent from
the fort at night ; no freemen, especially no Swede,
living in the country to stay in the fort at night ;
Fort Cassimer not to be visited too often by them or
the savages, much less the fortifications examined.
In this respect, pay particular attention on arrival of
any foreign vessel, yatchs or ships.

"No vessel to go above or below Fort Cassimer for
trade with savages or Christians, but such as remain
at the fort at anchor, and well near the shore. All
on guard to be kept in good order, the fort to be kept
in good repair, and its fortifications in a proper state
of defence ; but permission may be granted to plant
on taking the oath to assist the fort, or be trans
ported in case they refuse to take the oath.

fci In granting lands, above all things, to take care
that a community of at least sixteen or twenty per
sons reside together, or so many families, and to pre
vent coveting lands, require for the present, instead
of one-tenth to be paid per morgan,1 only twelve stivers
per annum.

1 About 7 acres.

270 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

"Grant no houses or lots on the side of the meadow
of Fort Cassimer, viz. : between the creek and the
fort, nor behind the fort, that land to be reserved for
fortifying and outworks of the fort ; for favoring the
dwelling together on the south side of the fortress,
lay out a convenient street behind the houses already
erected, and lay out convenient lots on the same,
about forty or fifty feet broad, by one hundred feet
long, and the street at least four or five rood broad.

" Take very good notice of the behavior of the
Swedes, and in case any of them should be found not
well affected to the honorable company, and the state
of our native country, to prevent further trouble, all
such, with all imaginable civility, were to be caused
to depart, and, if possible, sent to New Amsterdam."

Jaquette took the oath "to be loyal, and faithfully
administer justice and maintain the laws, and main
tain and protect the reformed religion, as learned and
instructed, and in conformity with the Synod of Dor
drecht, and to promote it as far as his power may
extend, and to secure and defend the fort."1

This laying out of lots, &c., was the first commence
ment of the town of New Amstel, now New Castle.
For a long time it was the most important town on
the banks of the Delaware. New Castle is therefore
the oldest town either in Delaware or Pennsylvania.

On the 20th of December, the following duties
were imposed on liquors by Jaquette, viz.: On a
a hogshead of French wine, 20 guilders ; on an anker
of brandy or distilled water per ton, 6 guilders ; on

1 Albany Records, vol. 10, pp. 174, 186, 191.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 271

Holland or foreign beer per ton, 4 guilders. It was
also forbidden to sell liquor to the Indians. Jaquette,
previous to his administration on the Delaware, had
for some years been a resident of Brazil.

On the 28th of December, several Indian sachems
arrived at Fort Cassimer and demanded to be heard,
which being granted in the presence of the Council
and citizens. They stated that from the late com
mander (Delmetz ?*) they were promised an exten
sion of the trade, and at higher prices. Jaquette re
plied, "that having but lately arrived, he did not
know what was done before, but his wish was to live
in peace and amity with them, and that if anything
promised had been neglected through ignorance, it
ought to be overlooked."

They asked an alteration in trade, "using a vast
volubility of words," and demanded for two deer, a
dress of cloth, or things in proportion. Jaquette re
plied, "that his principal's custom was not to dic
tate ; but that each was at liberty to act his pleasure,
and might go where his purse and the wares best
suited," to which they assented.

They then stated that according to previous custom
presents were made to the chiefs at the confirmation of
a treaty. Jaquette answered " that goods were now
very scarce, and though as much inclined as ever to
give proofs of friendship, they would do however
what they could." Accordingly, a subscription was

1 Derk Smydt is undoubtedly meant. The records make sad work
of iiumes. ' Every prominent man's name has Leen spelt two or three
different ways.

272 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

taken up amongst the traders of New Amstel, to
which the company, and Jaquette also, subscribed
liberally. Eighty-nine guilders was collected, with
which presents were purchased and given to the chiefs.
Two traders, Israel and Isaac Van der Zee refused to
contribute, preferring "to depart the river and aban
don the trade, rather than assist with the other in
habitants to maintain the peace and tranquility of the
community."

P.. ~r p -, Attempts appear to have been made in the
beginning of this year to remove the Swedes
by the Dutch, and settle them in villages according to
the plan proposed previously, as on the 19th of Jan
uary the "free people of the Swedish nation residing
on the second corner above Fort Cassimer," appeared
before the Council and solicited that they might re
main on their lands, as they had no inclination to
change their place of abode, or build in .the new vil
lage, but claimed the promise made to them by Stuy-
vessant of being allowed to remain one year and six
weeks, the time allowed by the capitulation. At the
end of that time, they said they would conclude what
to do.

At this time, it appears that bricks were made in
this State, as "Jacobus Crabbe," on the 5th of Feb
ruary presented a petition to the Council "respecting
a plantation near the corner, where brick and stone
are made and baked." His petition was to be granted
after the place was inspected.1

On the 13th of March. Stuyvessant received news

1 Albany Kecords, vol. 10, p. 411.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 273

from Europe, in answer to his despatch announcing
the conquest of the Delaware. In reply they say,
" We do not hesitate to approve of your expedition
to the South river, and its happy termination. While
it agrees in substance with our orders, however, we
should not have been displeased that such a formal
capitulation of the surrender of the forts had not
taken place, but that the whole business had been
transacted in a similar manner, as the Swedes set us
an example of when they had made themselves mas
ter of Fort Cassimer; our reason is, that all which
is tvrittcn and copied is too long preserved, and may
sometimes, when it is neither desired or expected be
brought forward, whereas words not recorded, arc by
length of time forgotten, or may be explained, construed
or exercised as circumstances may require. But as all
this is passed by, our only object in making this ob
servation, is to give a warning if similar opportuni
ties might present themselves in future. You will
take care that said Fort Cassimer is in every respect
well provided, and placed in a state of defence, but
do not mind the Fort Christina, leaving only to ascer
tain its possession, three or four men in it, soliciting
some individuals to establish themselves there."1

The news of the conquest of New Sweden had by
this time reached the Swedes. Accordingly on the
22d of March, H. Appleboom, the Swedish resident
at the Hague, delivered a strong protest to the Dutch
government respecting it. In it he asserted that the
Swedish company had the best title to the territory;

1 Albany Records, vol. 4, p. 204.

18

274 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

that they had purchased it from the natives. He
desired speedy redress, and that the Swedish com
pany should be restored undamaged. The States
General received the memorial, and passed a reso
lution on the 24th of March, that it should be ex
amined, together with an extensive memorial on the
"same business by the deputies of Amsterdam, Rot
terdam and Hoorn." and a speedy answer made to
the Swedes.1 But nothing was ever done to give
satisfaction to the Swedes, and it continued to be a
subject of complaint on the part of the crown of
Sweeden to the State General for many years. In
this correspondence the Delaware is called "the South
river of Florida."

Before the news of the conquest of their posses
sions on the Delaware had reached Sweden, they
had despatched a vessel from there called the Mer-
curius, with 130 people for South river. She arrived
about the latter end of March. Jaquette prohi
bited her landing her crew and passengers, not
withstanding the request of Pappegoya and Sweri
Schute, who remained after the departure of Rising,
and who were no doubt glad to see the arrival of
friends and countrymen from fatherland. Word was
immediately sent to Fort Amsterdam. The Council
there met on the night of the 28th of March, and
passed a resolution confirming the action of Jaquette
in prohibiting the landing of her crew and passen
gers, but allowing her to revictual and depart for
Sweden. Two days after the passage of this resolu-

1 MSS. in N. Y. Hist. Soc.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 275

tion a letter was received by the Council at New Am
sterdam from Pappegoya requesting that those that
came from Sweden should be allowed to settle in this
country. Hendrick Huygen, the captain, also wrote
to the Council, making the same request. In his let
ter complaining of the hardship that would be the
result if the colonists in his vessel were not allowed
to land, he said, "beside the immense loss they would
suffer, many good farmers would be ruined, parents
separated from children, and even husband from wife."
From this it appears that many that came over in the
Mercurius were portions of the families of those
already resident on the Delaware. The Dutch de
sired them to settle at New Amsterdam. But the
captain, Huygen, very properly remonstrated against
his countrymen " being compelled to reside among a
foreign nation whose language they could not under
stand, and whose manners were unknown to them."
This remonstrance also had no effect upon the New
Amsterdam Council, who at a meeting on the llth of
April more peremptorily insisted that the crew and
passengers of the Mercurius should not land on the
South river.

The Dutch were greatly alarmed at this accession
to the strength of the Swedes, and it was resolved at
the same Council to send the man-of-war Balance to
the South river to bring the Mercurius to Manhattan.
But the Captain arriving overland to hold personal
communication with the Council, to save expense,
this part of their resolution was rescinded, although
it was resolved to keep her at New Amsterdam until

276 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the Mercurius arrived there. In the meantime ru
mors came to them through the savages that there
had been difficulty between the Swedes and Dutch.
On the strength of these rumors, twelve or fifteen
armed men, under command of Ensign Smith, were
at once sent to the South river overland. Informa
tion, however, soon afterwards arrived that John
Pappegoya and a number of Indians and resident
Swedes had gone on board the Mercurius and sailed
past Fort Cassimer, both in defiance of Dutch orders
and Dutch cannon, and landed her cargo and passen
gers at Marcus Hook. The Dutch, it is said, did not
like to fire on the ship for fear of injuring the Indi
ans. In the Mercurius came over a Swedish clergy
man named Matthias. He stayed here about two
years, and then departed for Europe.

The Dutch were much incensed at this action of
the Swedes, and despatched the man-of-war Balance,
whose previous order for sailing to the South river
they had rescinded, to bring the Mercurius to New
Amsterdam. This was done, but it appearing upon
examination that the Captain had nothing to do with
running past the Dutch Fort, but that Pappegoya and
the resident Swedes were the only ones to blame in
the transaction, he was allowed to return to Europe
with his vessel upon paying the duties on the cargo.
Pappegoya about this time must have returned to
Sweden, leaving his wife, Armigard, the daughter of
Governor Printz, behind him, as on the 3d of Au
gust, in her own name, she petitioned the Council at
New Amsterdam to be allowed to take possession of

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 277

Printzdorp and Tinnakonk, which she had been for
bidden to do by Jaquette. Her petition was granted.
Printzdorp, it is supposed, was situated on Tinicum
Island. It is more than probable the reason for Pap-
pegoya's leaving the Delaware was the part he took
in running the Mercurius past the batteries. It is
believed he never returned to Delaware, as no men
tion is ever made of him afterwards in any record in
relation to the affairs of this State. Frequent men
tion, however, is made of his wife Armigard.

In the spring a number of settlers came from Fort
Amsterdam and settled at Fort Cassimer. The Gov
ernor and Council then commenced giving deeds for
lands. By August they had given seventy-five,
mostly for lots in the town of New Amstel, around
the fort. A yearly rent of twelve stivers for every
morgan of land was required.1 Within the Swedish
districts, which were principally on both sides of the
Christina and Brandywine creeks, in New Castle,
Brandywine, and Christiana hundreds, in New Castle
county, no deeds were given at this time, but a tax
of five or six gilling was laid on every family agree
able to the project of the Schoute.2

From various causes, the Dutch West India Com
pany now found themselves much in debt. To re
cover the South river from the Swedes, they had to
receive aid from the city of Amsterdam. To relieve
themselves from this embarrassment they on the IGth
of August agreed to transfer to that city all the lands

1 Acrelius. A stiver is a Dutch coin, in value about two cents.

2 Acrelius, p. 420.

278 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

on the west side of the Delaware, from the south
side of Christina creek2 to Bombay Hook. This was
called the Colony of the City. All the land above
Fort Christina, extending up the river as far as the
limits of the Dutch settlement was called the Colony of
the Company. Acrelius has the matter exactly con
trary, giving the Colony of the Company jurisdiction
below the Christiana, and that of the city above, or
north of it; and Ferris, in his "Original Settlements,"
follows his authority. But a copy of the original
grant is extant, and republished in the Holland Docu
ment. The transfer, however, was not concluded
until April 12, 1657. The following was the agree
ment entered into between the Burgomasters of Am
sterdam and the intended settlers of the Colony of
New Amstel, (now New Castle,) that they were to
transport from that city to the Delaware.

They were to be transported, with their families,
furniture, &c., in vessels to be procured by the city,
who were to advance the freight money, to be after
wards refunded. The city engaged to provide them
a fruitful soil, healthy and temperate climate, watered
by and situated on a fresh water river, on which large
ships may sail, having made an agreement with the West
India Company to this effect, for a place at their dis
posal, to which no other persons have any claims.
The city was there to lay out on the river side a suit
able place for their residence, and fortify it with a
trench without and a wall within, and divide the in
closed lands into streets and lots for traders, mechan-

1 The Indians also called Christina creek, Suspencough.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 279

ics and farmers, and have a market, all to be at the
expense of the city. The city was to find a school
master, and provide for him, who should also read the
Holy Scriptures in public, and set the psalms.

The city was also to provide for one year, clothing,
provisions and garden seeds ; to build a large store
house to contain their goods, clothing and provisions ;
to keep a factor there with all necessaries, and sell
them at Amsterdam prices to the colonists. The com
pany's toll was to be employed in building and sup
porting public works, under direction of those author
ized by the West India Company and city. The po
lice of the town and city, as well as administration
of justice was to be as in Amsterdam. A schout, or
head justice was to be appointed in the names of their
"High Mightinesses and West India Company," by
deputies of Amsterdam, who were to give the director
a power of attorney. Three burgomasters were to
be appointed by the common burghers, from the
" honestest, fittest, and richest" of the inhabitants,
and five or seven schepens, of which the burghers
were to nominate a double number, from which the
director, by attorney, were to select. When the town
contained two hundred or more families, they were
to choose a common council of twenty-one persons,
to meet with the burgomasters and schepens, and
consult on matters relating to government of the
city ; once established, the council were to supply
vacancies by a new election, by a plurality of votes.
They were annually to choose burgomasters, and
nominate a double number, out of which to choose

280 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

schepens. The schepens were to decide causes for
all sums under one hundred guilders1 ($60) ; over that
sum appeal was to be allowed to the Director General
and Council of New Netherlands. The schepens to
pronounce sentences in criminal cases, subject to ap
peal.

The city of Amsterdam was to agree with a smith,
wheelwright, and carpenter to live with the colonists.

The city agreed to divide the lands about the town
into fields, for plough, meadow and pasture, and allow
for roads. Every farmer was to have " in free, fast
and durable property" as many morgans of land as
the family could improve, and for grazing, which was
to be under cultivation in two years, or they were to
be forfeited. No poundage, horn or salt money was
to be required for ten years from the first sowing or
pasturing ; at the end of ten years they were to pay
no other tax than the lowest paid in any other dis
trict of the West India Company. They were to be
free from tenths for twenty years, from the first sowing;
at the end of twenty years the tenths were to be
given to the city of Amsterdam, half of which tenths
were to be applied to the support of the public works
and of persons employed in the public service, so also
of poundage and other charges whenever paid.

The ships sent from Holland by the city of Am
sterdam were to load and bring over corn, seeds,
merchandize and wood. The colonists were at liberty
to charter private ships; but they were to be con
signed to the city of Amsterdam, who were to provide

1 A guilder is about 60 cents.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 281

for them storehouses and sell the goods, and return the
proceeds as ordered, deducting only two per cent, for
commissions, and one tenth of net proceeds for dis
bursements by the city for the freight and passages
of the colonists, and their goods, which were to cease
when the disbursements were refunded.

The colonists were allowed to take what they re
quired from the city's warehouse, at a fixed price,
the account to be sent with their goods and to be de-'
ducted therefrom.

The colonists were allowed to cut what wood they
require for building houses and vessels, from any
forest in the district not granted to private persons,
free of cost, and were allowed also freely to hunt in
the woods, and fish in any waters not private pro
perty, under regulations to be made by the com
pany, &c. The burgomasters of Amsterdam, as foun
ders and patrons, were to appoint secretaries, messen
gers, and other inferior officers, and the city of Am
sterdam were to see that all tools and implements
were transported free and without recognitions.
The discovery of minerals, crystals, precious stones,
marbles, &c., were allowed to keep them as their own
for ten years, free of duty or imposition ; after ten
years they were to pay to the company one-tenth of
their proceeds. The city of Amsterdam was to pro
vide a warehouse for all the goods it should send to
New Netherlands, to be visited by any person ap
pointed by the directors of the West India Company,
under the inspection of a person appointed by the
city, and marked with the marks of the city and

282 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

company ; the recognition was to be paid to the
company, according to the list. These goods might
then be laden with the knowledge of the company,
in any vessel they could obtain. If the city was to
ship any goods or freight to New Amsterdam, they
were to submit to the same regulations as others ;
but if the city of Amsterdam sent its own or char
tered vessels, laden only with its own goods, the
vessel was to go to its own city or colony, but all
the goods on board were to be advertised in the city
warehouse, under the inspection of any one of the
company appointed for that purpose, to whom the
letters and commission from the company were to be
delivered; and vice versa of goods that were im
ported from the city's colony into Amsterdam. Duties
to the country and to the company were to be
paid.

All materials, &c., for farming or trades were to
be free from recognitions ; all produce of New Neth
erlands on importation was to be free of duty ; so
also was salted or dried fish taken there. Peltry,
such as beavers, otter, &c., had to pay eight per cent.
Besides the duties above paid in Amsterdam, there
was also to be paid in New Netherlands 4 per cent,
in light money, reckoning the rix dollar at 63 sti

vers.1

On the 4th of November, a bridge was ordered to
be built over the creek near Fort Cassimer. This
was the first bridge that we have any account of as
being built within the limits of this State.

1 Hazard's Historical Collections, vol. 2, pp. 543, 547.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 283

It appears that tobacco was at this time one of the
most important productions raised by the Dutch in
this State. On the 9th of November the inhabitants
of New Amstel were summoned to nominate four
persons, out of whom to elect two expert persons as
tobacco inspectors.

On the 12th of December a placard was posted up
stating "that it is ascertained that this river has be
come renowned for its tobacco, and persons are daily
encouraged to settle within its limits ; if this pro
duce is managed as it ought to be, and properly cured
and packed, and all sorts of fraud, which might be
used, is carefully avoided ; and whereas, all this can
not well be effected except it is examined and in
spected before reported, arid whereas expert and
faithful persons are required for this inspection, &c.
Meenes Andriessen and William Maunts are selected
for the nomination as inspectors/' They were to in
spect all the tobacco before it was exported. Ja-
quette commanded that no tobacco should either be
delivered, received or exported without being in
spected. For each hundred weight of tobacco, six
stivers were to be paid by the receiver, and four sti
vers by the seller, under penalty of fifty guilders for
the first offence, and for the second and third in pro
portion. The informer was to receive twenty guilders,
and his name was to be kept secret.1

In the latter part of this year, Stuyvessant re
ceived information of the sale of Fort Cassimer and
the territory in our own State, from Christina to

1 Albany Records, vol. 10, pp. 448, 450.

284 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Bombay Hook, to the city of Amsterdam. The
name of Fort Christina was then changed to Altona.
He was also informed that Jacob Alricks (now spelled
Alrich,) was appointed Director or Governor of the
City's Colony. The numerous and respectable family
of Alrich in this State are descended from the nephew
of this Governor. One of them now occupies the land
which has been successively inherited in unbroken
succession from his ancestor, this nephew, who was also
a governor of Delaware. Stuy vessant was instructed
to garrison the different forts of Altona, New Got-
tenberg and the Island of Hattenberg, with eight or
ten soldiers. The directors also informed him that
"to all appearance a large number of the exiled Wai-
deneses" would flock to Delaware as an asylum. They
promised to endeavor to induce them to do so. They
also sent him orders " to endeavor to purchase, before
it could be accomplished by any other nation, all that
tract of land situated between the South river and
the corner of the North river." The directors also
express their fears to him that the establishing of the
new colony at Delaware, and the consequent cheap
ness of goods and taxes may prove an injury to New
Amsterdam, by the migration of its citizens there.
In a Holland document, written this year, reference
is made to the Delaware as being considered " the
finest river of all North America, being wide, deep,
and navigable ; abounding in fish, especially an abund
ance of sturgeons, of whose roes a great quantity of
cavejaar might be made."1

1 IIoll. Documents, vol. 8, pp. 32, 50.

CHAPTER XX.

FROM 1657 TO 1659.

Meeting at New Amstel to regulate the price of furs — The penalty
for its violation — Trading with Indians forbidden — The city of
Amsterdam sends settlers to Delaware — Wreck of the Prince Mau
rice — Arrival of Alrick Governor of New Amstel, of D'Hinoyossa,
of Martin Krygier — Formal cession of New Amstel to city of Am
sterdam — Deed of grant — Arrival of Alricks at New Amstel,
settlers and soldiers — Van Sweringen — Removal of Jaquette —
Twelve Indian Nations. — Attempt to get the Swedes to settle in
villages — They have their own officers — Murder of Laurens Ilan-
sen by Indians — City Hall and 100 houses built at New Amstel —
Its government — Seven City Councillors elected — Schepens ap
pointed — Salt Works on Delaware — Bricks at New Amstel. —
Sickness — Alricks uses the company's negroes and oxen — Cows
purchased — English wrecked at Cape Ilenlopen — Ransomed —
Settle in Delaware — Jealousy of the West India Company — No
more English to settle — First Church and Schoolmaster — Forts
New Amstel and Altona — Food scarce — Bad state of affairs
— Council at New Amsterdam on affairs of Delaware — Frauds of
merchants and inhabitants — Stuyvessant visits Delaware — Swedes
take the oath of allegiance — Privileges granted them — Subsidies
from the Swedes to be neutral in war between Sweden and Hol
land — Jealonsy of English — Stuyvessant instructed to purchase
land between Bombay Hook and Cape Ilenlopen — Sickness at New
Amstel — Distress for bread — Arrival of ship Mill with settlers —
Sickness amongst them — Beekman, Governor of Altona — His in
structions — First tailors, shoemakers — Expenses of garrison at
New Amstel.

ON the 10th of January, a meeting was r-iazr— i
held at New Amstel to fix the price to be
given to the Indians for their skins and furs. Com
plaints were made that some persons did not hesitate

286 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

to spoil the trade with the Indians by increasing the
price of deer skins one-third, which price it was
feared would continue to be increased to the " great
loss of the lower classes." Those "who made their
living by their hands, it was stated, would have to
pay a higher price for several articles than they could
sell them for again." This inconvenience was thought
to be small, compared to " what might be apprehended
when the spring trade in beavers was opened. In
which case the inhabitants residing in the neighbor
hood might be utterly ruined." Jaquette, who called
this meeting, stated that "serious complaints had
been made to him in relation to the matter, but he
saw no mode to avert the evil, save by calling a meet
ing of the community and determining on a price
which should be adopted as a rule in trading. He
promised that all orders the community should de
cree should be promptly executed by him and the
Council." Accordingly they adopted the following
rules, " and promised by their signatures, on their
honor and oath" to maintain them. If they broke
them, they desired to be considered perjured men.
For the first violation, the penalty was to " forfeit
the privilege of trading for a whole year." For the
second such penalty as the community might inflict.
For the third violation they were to be expelled from
the river. The prices agreed upon were as follows :

For a merchantable beaver, two fathoms of sea-
wan.

For a good bear's hide to the value of a beaver,
two fathom.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 287

For an elant's (moose) hide the value of a
beaver.

For a deer skin 120 seawan.

Those of foxes, ratelaplan, hispans, and others in
proportion. This was signed by about thirty-six
persons, of whom about a dozen made their marks.1

On the 10th of January Jaquette issued a placard
complaining of the great abuses by the inhabitants
running after the savages, and detaining them, when
they have articles for sale, and orders " that in future
no person shall go to the Indians by land or water
to trade with them, or offer them by gifts by sailing
up and down the river ; nor meet the Indians when
they approach their dwellings to hire and coax them,
or call them in their houses, but permit them to use
their pleasure," under penalty of the forfeiture of the
furs thus obtained, besides arbitrary correction.

In the meantime the city of Amsterdam prepared to
send out settlers to their colony in Delaware. They
fitted out four vessels, which sailed from Amsterdam the
latter part of 1656 or beginning of 1657, and arrived on
our coast in the early part of March. They were the ship
Prince Maurice, which had one hundred and twelve
persons on board, besides a crew of sixteen officers
and sailors ; the Bear, which had thirty-three per
sons, and the Flower of Gelder, which had eleven,
being in all one hundred and sixty-seven souls, who
intended to settle in this State. There was also a
vessel called the Beaver, the number of whose pas
sengers -is not given. They all arrived safely but the

1 Albany Records, vol. 10, p. 455.

288 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

principal ship, the Prince Maurice, which was wrecked
a few days previous to the 12th of March, on Long
Island, near the present town of Islip, near Fire
Island Inlet. The crew and passengers were saved.
In the Prince Maurice came the new Governor for
the City's Colony, Jacob Alricks, and a company of
fifty soldiers, commanded by Captain Martin Kry-
gier, and Lieutenant DTIinoyossa. The ship proved
a total loss, although a great portion of the cargo was
saved. D'llinoyossa afterwards became Governor of
the State, and Martin Krygier held several important
offices, and remained here after the conquest of the
State by the English. Alricks wrote an account of
the disaster to Stuyvessant, who promptly sent him
relief.

In addition to the former mentioned vessels, the city
of Amsterdam also sent over a few months later, the
man-of-war Balance, (which by this time had arrived
in Amsterdam), with colonists, and a sloop called the
Golden Mill, with merchandize.

On the 12th of April, Stuyvessant made a formal
session of the 1'ands on the Delaware, heretofore
mentioned as purchased by the city of Amsterdam,
to Jacob Alricks,1 who immediately afterwards em-

1 The following is the grant :

"I, Peter Stuyvessant, in behalf of the high and mighty Lords,
the States General of New Netherlands, and Lords Directors of the
privileged West India Company, Director General of New Nether
lands, &c., declare that on this day, in conformity with the orders and
letters of the Directors, dated December 19, 1650, I made a transfer
and cession to the Honorable Jacob Alricks and Commissary General
of their Colony on South river, in New Netherlands, the Fortress
Cassimer, now named New Amstel, with all the lands dependant on

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 289

barked on the Gilded Beaver for New Amstel, the
future seat of his government. He took with him
one hundred and eighty people, of which seventy-six
were women and children, and sixty soldiers. They
reached New Amstel after a passage of five days,
about the middle of April, when he assumed the
government of that portion of Delaware from the
southerly side of the Christiana, to what is now known
as Little Duck creek. Jaquette remained governor
of that portion of the State on the northern side of
the Christina, comprising the city of Wilmington and

it, in conformity with our first purchase from, and transfer by the
natives to us, on the 19th of July, 1651, beginning at the west
side of the Minquas, or Christina Kill, (named in their language
Suspencough), to the mouth of the bay or river included, named
Sompjeshockj (Tree's Corner), in the Indian language Canarasse, and
this so far in the country as the limits of the Minquas land, with all the
streams, hills, creeks, harbors, bays and plains belonging to these ;
of all which lands, with their appendages and dependencies, we now
make a cession and transfer in the name and behalf of the Lords
Directors, patrons to the aforesaid, the lion. Jacob Alricks, in behalf
of the Honorable Burgomasters and rulers of the city of Amster
dam, making a cession of all our actual and real possessions, pro
perty, right and privileges, and all that on such conditions as between
the aforesaid Directors, and the Burgomasters and rulers of the city
of Amsterdam, have been sanctioned ; appointing, therefore, in our
place, and constituting the aforesaid lion. Jacob Alricks in that
quality, in behalf as before proprietor, in our place, without reser
ving to our place in our former quality any action or pretension,
promising, therefore, to hold sacred this our transfer. In truth
whereof we have signed this, and confirmed it with our usual signa
ture.

" Done in Fortress Amsterdam, New Netherlands, April 12, 1657.

P. STUYVESSANT,
NICOLAS DE SILLE,
PETER TANNEMAN."
Albany Kecords, vol. 15, pp. 124, 125.
19

290 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the hundreds of Brandywine, Christiana, White Clay
creek, and Mill creek, together with the portions of
Pennsylvania that were then settled. Gerritt Van
Sweringen, afterwards one of the governors of this
State, was the supercargo of the Gilded Beaver.

Jaquette held his office as governor of the northern
portions of Delaware but a few days after the arrival
of Alricks, for complaints having been made to Stuy-
vessant of his " delaying and declining to administer
justice, obstructing legal arrests, of arbitrary execu
tions on his own authority, without the shadow of any
legal process, but by acts of violence, of taking pos
session of lands, and cultivating those which were
granted to other persons ;" for these, and various other
alleged breaches of law and right, Stuyvessant, on
the 20th of April, removed him from office, and in
structed him to deliver all the effects of the company
into the hands of Andreas Hudde, Jan Juriansen and
Sergeant Paulus Jansen. He was also instructed to
prepare for his defence. He at the same time sent
Captain Martin Krygier overland to Delaware, to re
ceive what goods Jaquette had had in his possession.
On the 23d of May, Attorney General Nicatius De
Sille arrested Jaquette. In asking authority for this
course he asserts that Jaquette "vexed the commu
nity, tyrannized over the inhabitants, and made the
soldiers' lot nearly insufferable." Great complaints
were also made by the farmers against him. On the
18th of June Jaquette appeared before the Council,
where the main body of these charges do not appear
to have been inquired into, but instead, some disputes

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 291

with Jacob Swenske, as to " who violated the arrest
of a certain Neil Swarsen," received the attention of
the Council. As to the result of the trial of the seventh
governor of Delaware, history makes no mention.

Alricks soon after his arrival made inquiries in re
lation to the number of the Indian nations in his
vicinity — he found there were twelve of them.

Attempts were again made to get the Swedes to
settle in villages. They appear at this time to have
had their own officers. Gregorious Vandyke was
their sheriff.

On the 10th of August, Laurens Hansen, described
as a captain of armes, one of the garrison at Altona,
(now Wilmington), went with Alexander Boyer on a
trading expedition to the Minquas, and was mur
dered by the savages, and robbed of some seawan,
and a few other articles which he had with him. The
Minquas chief, who resided in the next fort to Altona,
recovered some of the articles from the murderer and
restored them to the Dutch. It does not appear that
any punishment was ever inflicted on the Indian
murderers (whoever they were) for this offence.1
This was the first Indian murder in New Castle
county, and with the exception of the massacre at
Lewis town, the first murder known to have been
committed in the State.

In the meantime the building and improvement of
New Amstel went on energetically. About the be
ginning of September, lots were granted to the colo
nists. A magazine was erected, the fort repaired, a

1 Albany Records, vol. 12, pp. 424, 425.

292 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

guard-house, bake-house and forge built, together with
residences for the clergymen and other public officers.
A city hall, for the burghers, was also erected. It
was a log building, two stones high, and twenty feet
square. The whole of the public buildings were en
closed within a square. At the end of the first year
New Amstel was a handsome little town of about one
hundred houses.1 It was therefore nearly one-half
its present size. Alricks, in a letter written about
this period, thus speaks of the government of New
Amstel. He says :

" I found the government to consist of a military
council over the soldiers, who were here of old. The
differences between the old settlers, who consisted of
about twelve or thirteen families, were decided by
the commander and two persons acting as schepens,
and a secretary appointed from among the inhabi
tants, by the general, on the part of the West India
Company. These expressed a desire now that the
place had changed hands, that a burgherlike gov
ernment should be continued, according to the condi
tions, as it was under the Director General and the
West India Company. So it was that they continued
to decide all differences between burgher and burgher.
All affairs appertaining to the city and military mat
ters were disposed of by me and the Council, and
differences between the city's servant, soldiers and
trainsbands and freemen, until the arrival of the
Balance, when seven city councillors were elected,
and from them three new schepens were chosen ; an-

1 Holl. Documents, vol. 15, pp. 12, 213, 225, 227, etc.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 29 {

other secretary and schout were also appointed, two
elders, and two deacons for the management of church

np ' )>1

atlairs.

Salt works are referred to in the records at this
period. Bricks for Delaware appear to have been
brought from Fort Orange, now Albany. Things did
not appear to go on well at New Amstel either. On
the 15th of September, complaints were made that
Alricks used the company's oxen and negroes. In
the latter end of October, there was also a great deal
of bilious fever at New Amstel. Alrick's wife and
three or four children were sick. Forty cows were
at the same time introduced in the colony, which
were purchased by Alricks at prices ranging from
128 to 130 guilders per head.2 This would make
the price of a cow at that time about $78 80.

About this time two boats, with fourteen English
men ran on shore at Haverkill.3 The Dutch des
patched a vessel to save them, but did not succeed in
their attempt, though they lost an anchor. They
however managed to ransom six of them from the
savages, and brought them to New Amstel. Alricks
immediately sent information to the Governor of Vir
ginia, as he supposed4 they belonged to that place.
They however settled at New Amstel. When the
news of this affair reached Amsterdam, it caused a
great deal of uneasiness to the Dutch. They were
afraid that the English were endeavoring to get pos-

1 Holl. Doc. vol. 2, p. 337. 2 Ibid, p. 437.

3 This place appears to have been near Cape Henlopen.

4 Albany Records, vol. 12, p. 437.

294 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

session of the country. They accordingly wrote to
Stuyvessant to instruct Alricks if these men were
fugitives from labor from Virginia, he was to return
them. If they were freemen, he* was to get rid of
them the best way he could, without giving offence,
but on no account to let any more English settle there,
"much less to allure them by any means whatever."
From subsequent accounts, it appeared that the whole
fourteen were ransomed from the savages, and that
all finally settled in this State.

At the latter end of this year there appears to
have been further troubles at New Amstel. At any
rate, Alrick's letters from there were filled with com
plaints. Several residents of New Amstel who had
purchased goods of the company, and mortgaged their
houses and lots as security, sold them, and moved to
Altona without satisfying the company's debt. On
the 15th of December, the company issued a warning
to purchasers that such sales were null and void, and
cautioned them not to make payment unless with the
company's consent.1 Fort Cassimer he represented
as in sad condition; the expenses heavy, the means
gone, no magazine to save victuals, the walls and for
tifications crumbled down so that it was as easy to
pass them through the walls as through the gate.
Another gate, he said, was required, to make some
outward appearance of defence. Some parts of the
fort had been washed away by encroachments of the
river. He also represents Fort Altona (Christina) as
decaying, and stated that it had had no garrison for

1 Albany Records, vol. 12, p. 437.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 295

a long time. He complained of the scarcity of food
for the garrison, and of his want of means to get any.
Complaint had also been sent to Stuyvessant in rela
tion to his administration by Ensign Smith and Henry
Iluygen,1 which gave him additional grounds of dis
content.

The Delaware was about this time frozen over op
posite New Amstel, in one night, so that deer could
run over on it, which the Indians relate had not hap
pened before in the memory of man.2

On the 25th of April, Evert Pietersoh, whose offi
cial position was that of schoolmaster and comforter
of the sick, landed at New Amstel. He is the first
schoolmaster of whom there is any record on the
Delaware. He at once commenced keeping school,
and had 25 scholars on the 10th of August following.
In a letter of his to the Commissioners of Amster
dam, he states that " wharves were already laid out"
at New Amstel, "and almost built." He also says
that he "found 20 families, mostly Swedes," in the
City's Colony, (that portion of Delaware south of the
Christina), "and not more than five or six belonging
to our (the Dutch) nation."3

In the spring things were still backward
in New Amstel on account of the prevalence
of the bilious fever in the fall. Building was slow,
as from the desponding letter of Alricks giving an
account of affairs on the South river, we learn that

1 Alrick's letters, in Albany Records, vol. 4, p. 283.

2 Canpanius, p. 55.

3 Broadhead and O'Callighan, vol. 1, p. 7.

296 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

there were only "four or five carpenters" at New
Amstel, "and they were usually poor workmen,
without experience or ingenuity." They were also
short of provision, but a few heads of cattle arrived
from Virginia, and that somewhat revived them.1

On the 20th of April, the Council met at New
Amsterdam, and took into consideration the affairs of
South river. It was decided that there must be a
change of management, as owing to the removal of
Jaquette there were many irregularities. Stuyves-
sant stated he was advised of great frauds by mer
chants of this city, (New Amsterdam), and others on
South river, in non payment of imports and ex
ports. " That those who did not pay, could sell
cheaper than those who did." That several persons
of New Amstel asked permission to settle near Alto-
na, "there to begin plantations." Regulations, it was
said, were necessary among the Swedes. It was de
cided that Stuyvessant and Peter Tonneman should
proceed to the South river.2 This they accordingly
did. They were met at Tinicum by the officers of
the Swedes, viz., Gregorious Van Dyck, the Sheriff,
Oloff Style, Mathys Hanson, Peter Rambo, and Peter
Cock, Magistrates ; Swen Schute, Captain ; Andrier
D'Albo, Lieutenant, and Jacob Swensen, Ensign.
They renewed their allegiance, and presented a peti
tion for the following measures, viz. :

For executions they asked a Court Messenger.

Stuyvessant told them "the jailor could perform
this duty, as he was then employed by the sheriff

1 Alrick's letter, in Albany Records, vol. 4, p. 285. * Ibid.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 297

and commissioners to make summons, arrests and ex
ecutions."

They asked for "free access to the soldiers at Alto-
na, in case they wished their aid for execution of re
solves."

Stuyvessant commanded " the provisional commis
sary to furnish them if solicited by the sheriff."

They asked that "no person should leave their
limits without the knowledge of the magistrates,
much less male and female servants, that when they
leave without a discharge, or try to run off, they may
be arrested."

Stuyvessant ordered " that no person should
leave without the consent of the commissary. Con
sent, however, was first to be obtained of the Di
rector General and Council, as usual in New Nether
lands ; and if any Swedes were to depart, the sheriff
was to order him to return, and in case of refusal, to
arrest him, and inform the Director."

Some subsidies being required, the sheriff and com
missary, were directed to inquire " where they could
be obtained with the least incumberance to the Swed
ish nation," who are styled " our good and faithful
subjects, whom, we promise that we cordially desire
to favor as much as any of our own nation."

The Swedes after taking the oath of allegiance,
demanded that if there arose a difference between
Sweden and Holland in Europe, that " they might be
allowed to remain neutral, and side with neither
party." -This request was granted by Stuyvessant.

The Directors at Amsterdam were still haunted

298 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

with visions of English encroachments on the South
river, and fearing they might endeavor to purchase
the lands in the State between Bombay and Cape
Henlopen, then called the Hoernkill. On the 1st
of June, they sent instructions to purchase it from
the Indians, on the account of the Colony of the City,
who pledged themselves to erect a redoubt for its de
fence. They further informed Stuyvessant they in
tended to place buoys in the bay for the security of
vessels which might arrive on the coast.

In the fall of this year, New Amstel was again
badly afflicted with the " fall" or " bilious fever/' and
to add to the calamity, the barber (surgeon) died. But
few old people died, the mortality being chiefly among
the children. Amongst the sick were Hinoyossa, and
Rynvelt, the commissary, who afterwards died, and
all the schepens. Christian Barents, whom he had
employed to build a Ptoss Mill, also died. The num
ber carried off by this sickness amounted to about
one hundred, or one-sixth of the population. As the
population of the Colony of the City was then according
to a letter of Alricks to the Commissioners, appointed
by the City of Amsterdam, six hundred souls. The
colony was also in great distress for the want of bread
and corn. The harvest proved a failure. The worm
appeared in vast quantities, and injured the crops and
gardens. It also suffered from drought, and then
again from excessive rains. It did not even produce
its seed, as where nine hundred sheples were sown,
only six hundred sheples were produced. Rye was
sold at nine guilders the sack ; peas at seven or eight

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 299

guilders per gallon. Again there was not a single
merchant in New Amstel that sold provisions. The
feeding for one year, also from the company's stores,
had caused many of the people to neglect work.
Alricks, in one of his letters, says : " Many come
here poor as worms, and lazy with all, and will not
work unless compelled by necessity."

Several children were sent at this time from the
Almshouse of the City of Amsterdam to New Am
stel. They were bound out by Alricks for two and
three years.

On the 27th of September, the ship Mill arrived
from Amsterdam, with one hundred and eight set
tlers on board. Owing to the long voyage, scurvy
broke out amongst them, and ten of her passengers
died. Three more died after their arrival. She
brought no provisions, and so many more mouths
being added to consume the slight stock of provi
sions on hand, caused additional distress.

Notwithstanding the general distress, Alricks
greatly improved the town of New Amstel by the
erection of several buildings and enlargement of
others. He built a barracks adjoining the fort, of
119 feet long, by 16 or 17 feet wide ; a public store
of 27 feet long, and 51 feet wide; a bake-house
roofed with tiles imported from Holland, 18 feet
wide, and 31 gr 32 feet long. This house was built
in the Square, (more than probable the square where
the public buildings stand in New Castle), and a
house for the commissary. He also purchased and
enlarged a building to be used for a church, also a

300 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

house for the minister. This is the first mention
made of any building used solely for religious pur
poses in this State.1 We have no evidence in regard
to the place in which it was situated. The erection
of the barracks were for the soldiers who had wives.
Most of the soldiers were married, and had servant
girls, and drew rations for themselves, their wives,
and servants, from the company. The position, there
fore, of a soldier, must have been better in those
early days than now. Many of the settlers, Alricks
complains, were "weavers, shoemakers, buttonmakers,
and tailors. Farming/' he alleges, "was too hard for
them. They did no work, but loaf about."2

On the 28th of October, William Beekman, a
Schepen and Elder of New Amsterdam, was ap
pointed Vice Director and Governor of Altona, in
place of Jaquette. He was to be supreme com
mander in that part of our State, both in civil and
military affrirs. His salary was the same as Ja-
quette's, viz,, 50 guilders per month, and 200 guild
ers per annum for board, in all 480 guilders per year.
His residence was for the present to be in the dwell
ing house at Fortress Altona, but he was instructed,
as soon as possible, to have his permanent residence
at or near New Amstel, and to hire a house or rooms
for that purpose at the expense of the company.

1 This was undoubtedly the commencement of Emanuel 'Church at
New Castle.

2 Albany Records, vol. 12, pp. 467, 476. Broadhead. vol. 1, pp.

49, 56.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 301

Delaware was therefore at this time divided into two
States, with two governors.

He was, amongst other matters, instructed on the
arrival of any vessels or yachts of any nation (or
at least before their unloading), to be in or near Fort
New Amstel, to attend carefully to their loading and
unloading. To allow no goods to be laden or unladen
without his examination, and to see that all duties
were paid. To prevent smuggling, he was always to
have a guard of the company at New Amstel, under
his orders. He was to seize all smuggled goods, and
have a share of those confiscated, and prosecute the
smugglers before the Council. From their decision
there was an appeal to New Amsterdam. He was
also to have all the powers possessed by the com
pany in Altona, to administer justice both in civil
and military affairs, and in criminal cases of minor
grade. He was also instructed to find out the owners
of land between Bombay Hook and Cape Henlopen,
if their demands were reasonable, to enter into an
agreement for their purchase. He was to take the
advice of Alricks in his purchase, and if he had an
opportunity before winter, to erect a fortification at
Henlopen or the Hoernkiln.1

The wages for labor at this time in Delaware, ac
cording to A] rick's letters, were for laborers three
guilders a day, for mechanics four guilders a day.

The estimated expenses of the garrison of Fort

1 Beekrnan's Letters, which have been preserved amongst the Re
cords at Albany. They form the most valuable history of the early
settlement of this State bv the Dutch.

302 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Cassimer were as follows : Captain, 50 florins per
month ; lieutenant, 30 ; ensign, 25 ; two sergeants,
30 florins; one captain of arms, 10 florins; two
corporals, (12 florins each), 24 florins; six cadets,
(each 10 florins), 60 florins; two drummers, (£ flo
rins each), 18 florins; forty-four soldiers, (each 8 flo
rins), 352 florins. Total pay per month, 599 florins.
The expense in addition for rations was for the cap
tain for the year, 150; the lieutenant, 120; the en
sign, 100; each sergeant, 80; and each soldier 60
florins. The estimated expense of the garrison of
New Amstel was 11,018 florins per annum.

CHAPTER XXI.

A. D. 1659,

Ravages of fever at New Amstel — Death of Alrick1 s wife — Despond
ing letter of Alrick — West India Company suspicious of the
Swedes — Disapproves of their arming and appointing their officers
—Wish them settled among the Dutch — Alterations of the agree
ment with settlers emigrating — Consternation and dismay of the
Colonists thereat — Emigration to Maryland and Virginia — Sickness
and bad harvests at New. Amstel — Scarcity of food — Provisions
shipped for New Amstel ran away with — Deaths among the citi
zens — Purchase of land between Bombay Hook and Iloernkiln —
Swedish minister forbid to preach — Descriptions of settlers of New
Amstel — First elders and deacons — Dutch soldiers desert to Mary
land — Council of New Amstel request Marylanders to return
them — Baltimore claims South river — Utie sent by Maryland to
demand it — Letter from Josiah Fendall, the Governor — Continued
flight to Maryland and Virginia of settlers and soldiers — Stuyves-
sant disapproves of Alrick' s course — Arrival of Utie at New Am
stel — Demands the South river — Answer of Alricks and Beekman —
Utie's threats — Firm and conciliatory answer of the Dutch — Infor
mation sent to Stuyvessant — He blames Alricks and Beekman for
not arresting Utie as a spy — Appoints Martin Krygier and Van
Kuyven to regulate affairs on South river — Krygier appointed Cap
tain of the troops — Sixty soldiers sent from Manhattan — Com
manded to arrest Utie as a spy — Augustus Herman and Resolved
Waklron Ambassadors to Maryland — Their instructions — Arrival
of Van Ruyven and Krygier at South river — They censure Alricks
— Report of the deplorable condition of New Amstel — Tyranny of
Alricks — Citizens refuse to enlist under him — Manhattan dissatis
fied at sending soldiers to defend New Amstel — Complain of the
number at the Whorekills — Directors in Holland disapprove of
Alrick' s conduct — Think it will ruin the colony — Again recommend
disarming the Swedes, and compelling them to reside among the
Dutch.

304 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

pi proi THE unfortunate town of New Amstel still
suffered from the ravages of the fall fever, and
to add to the misfortunes of Alricks, his wife died from
the disease. In a letter describing the distressing con
dition of affairs, he said, " Winter early and long, and
unexpected, caused great distress ; the previously
long continued rains prevented the collection of fod
der for the creatures, and continued sickness curbed
us all so far down, that all the labor in the field and
agriculture was abandoned ; the guns are rusty, not
having any proper place to keep them in. One rea
son for the want of victuals is that the lands are new.
I did see from the first, that from the New Nether
lands settlers, who actually resided here at our arri
val, scarce one obtained during our residence one
schepel of grain ; those who came with us hither, or
emigrated afterwards to this place, did not much more,
nor could effect anything better, as the time in the
first year was spent in building houses and making
gardens, in which small compass of garden each indi
vidual, as well in clearing soil, in building and carry
ing the materials, was so busily engaged that the
summer was passed without having sown much seed
in the ground ; beside this, was then obstructed by
the general prevailing sickness during two successive
years, while the immoderate hot weather was another
impediment."1

The desire of the Swedes to remain neutral in case
of a war between Holland and Sweden, appears to
have excited the distrust of the West India Coni-

1 Albany Records, vol. 12, pp. 480, 483.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 305

pany. Accordingly, on the 13th of February, they
wrote to Stuyvessant approving of all his orders ex
cept the appointment of Swedish officers. They said
'•the Swedes were not to be trusted." They told
him "that it would have been preferable to have dis
armed the whole nation, than to provide them with
officers, and place arms in their hands which they
might use against them, not only by the arrival of
any Swedish succor, but on any other occasion."
They told him " not only to remove the Swedish
officers, and replace them with Dutch officers, but on
the first favorable opportunity, to disarm them at the
least symptom of disaffection." He was also in
structed to endeavor to separate them, and induce
them to settle amongst the Dutch inhabitants; and
to admonish Alrick from time to time of his duty,
and particularly to assist Beekman, who was con
tinued custom-house officer and auditor of the colony
of the city on the South river.1

At this time there were several alterations made in
the conditions upon which the colonists had agreed to
emigrate, by the Burgomasters of the city of Amster
dam.

The principles were as follows :

Provisions were only to be distributed from the
public magazines, amongst those who had left Hol
land prior to December 1658. Merchandize was to
be sold only for cash, and the city of Amsterdam was
no longer obliged to keep supplies in their magazines.
Exemptions from tenths, instead of continuing for

1 Albany Records, vol. 4, pp. 291, 292.
20

306 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

twenty years, were to cease in 1678; and poundage,
horn and salt money, ten years earlier than stipu
lated, "when taxes were to be imposed by the
director according as the enclosed lands are situated
near or at a distance." Goods in future were to be
consigned exclusively to the city of Amsterdam,
whereas the West India Company allowed all traders
on South river to export whatever they pleased, ex
cept beavers and peltry, the monopoly of which was
still retained by the city.

The promulgations of these new regulations caused
intense consternation and dissatisfaction amongst the
citizens of New Amstel, and this was not a little in
creased by the alleged tyranny of Alricks. A writer
describing the effect it had upon the citizens of New
Amstel at the time, says :

"Many poor folks, whilst they had anything left
wherewith to pay for their passage, had offered it to
Alricks, and besought him with clasped hands to ac
cept it in payment for their debts, but he declined,
saying, 'Ye are bound to remain four years.' 'We
have spent in our hunger and wretchedness and mis
ery all that we hove saved from our small pittance.
We have nothing left wherewith to pay,' was their
reply. ' You must pay first, and then go,' was the
answer of Alricks."

Numbers fled to Virginia and Maryland, where
they spread the news of the weak and desperate
condition of New Amstel.1

Stuyvessant, in a letter dated 4th of September,

1 O'Call. vol. 2, p. 376, 377.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 307

complains of this conduct of Alricks to the com
pany.

The following fragment of a letter from Alricks to
Stuyvessant, show some of the causes operating
against the colony of New Amstel. He says :

u That prevailing violent sickness, which wasted a
vast deal of goods and blood from one year to an
other, arid which not only raged here, but everywhere
throughout this province, and which consequently re
tarded not only our progress in agriculture, but threw
a damp over the other undertakings. Besides that,
in the ship 'Mill,' which only lately arrived, a very
short time before the severe cold weather, were em
barked more than two hundred souls, besides those
who last spring arrived, and bringing, as ap
peared by the. lists, about five hundred souls, without
bringing any victuals with them, which baffles in this
respect all our measures. It is true that we received
by said ship a small cargo, about 3000 guilders worth
for the purchase of victuals. The ship Mill arriving
late, the harvest, by the unfavorable season being
collected late, the little grain that was not drowned
by the heavy incessant rains, but remained stifled in
its growth, was sold at such excessive prices that it
often could not be purchased where it was necessa
rily wanted. We were not permitted to go to Vir
ginia, nor to the Xorth, so that our bread magazine,
our pantry room, our only refuge is to Manhattan."

Alricks despatched a galliott to Manhattan for food,
but it was frozen up. A supply, however, Avas sent by
Stuyvessant in the yacht Brigantine, consisting of

308 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

pork, beef and maize, but she was run away with by
her captain, Lumis Obbes, and the supply never
reached the suffering colonists at New Amstel. Obbes
went privateering. In the meantime the sickness
still raged there. Alricks in his letter says, "sick
ness and death pressed upon us with such unabated
violence, that a large number of men, and not a small
number of our cattle perished."1

Agreeable to instruction, Beekman purchased from
the savages the land from Bombay Hook to Cape
Henlopen, named the Hoernkill. He departed for
that purpose in company with D'Hinoyossa, on the
24th of May, and by the 14th of June had succeeded
in completeing the purchase from the Indians. This
was the third time that the Indians had sold the
most of this land. They had first disposed of it to
Godyn and Blommaert, and it wras under the title from
this sale that the settlement was made by the unfor
tunate first settlers of Delaware, who were massacred
at Lewistown. They then sold it to the Swedes, and
now they again sold it to Beekman and D'Hinno-
yossa.

About this time one of the Swedish ministers at
tempted to preach in the City's Colony — in the town
of New7 Amstel. The commissioners -of the colony
would not permit this on account of the difference
between the religious faiths of the Dutch and Swedes.
In a letter to Alricks they say : " The bold under
taking of the Swedish parson to preach in the colony
without permission does not greatly please us. No

1 Albany Records, vol. 12, pp. 484? 485.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 309

other religion but the reformed, can or may be toler
ated there, so you must by proper means put an end
to, or prevent such presumption on the part of other
sectaries."1

In a letter dated August 16th, to the Commission
ers at Amsterdam, Alricks gives the following unflat
tering account of the settlers at New Amstel:

"In the Prince Maurice," said he, "'were 35 colo
nists, free handicraft's men, amongst them some work
men, but the major part tradesmen, who did not learn
their trades very well, and ran awray from their mas
ters too early, in consequence of their own vicious-
ness. Also 47 soldiers, 10 civil servants, 76 women,
children and maid servants. Those who arrived in the
vessels De Waig, De Sonne, De Meulen, were of no
good repute, scarcely three good farmers among the
whole lot. The total was 137 tradesmen and ser
vants, 70 soldiers and civil servants, 300 women and
children, and the maid servants of the married women
and children, &c., who came here as single women."

Alricks objected to this description of colonists,
and desired " stout growing farm servants," and that
the " women and children be omitted for the present,
as agriculture could not be advanced without good
farmers and strong laboring men."2

Two elders and two deacons were elected at this
time in New Amstel. These were the first elders or
deacons we have any account of in this State.3

1 Broadhead and O'Calligan, vol. 2, p. 61.

2 X. Y. Doc. ; Broadhead and O'Calligan, vol. 2, pp. 68-71.

3 Ibid.

310 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

The Dutch were now alarmed by the encroach
ments of the English from a new quarter. Hereto
fore their trouble was from the English of New
Haven. It was now to commence with the English
from Maryland. Amongst the many Dutch that had
fled from New Amstel to Maryland, were six soldiers,
who had deserted from the Dutch service. The Coun
cil of New Amstel held a meeting on the 20th of
June at which it was resolved to request Josiah Een-
dall, the Governor of Maryland, to send these sol
diers back. Being ignorant of the governor's address,
on the 25th of June they sent the letter to Colonel
Nathaniel Utie, (called by the Dutch Jude IT tie),
who was the chief of the Maryland magistrates, who
resided, according to Dutch accounts, on Bearson
Island, and solicited him to forward the letter. This
Utie agreed to do, but at the same time informed the
messenger that he had a " commission in his house to
go to New Amstel," but that "in the meantime Lord
Baltimore had arrived, and had commanded that the
lands between the degrees of his grant should be re
viewed and surveyed, and when ascertained, be re
duced under his jurisdiction, without the intention
of abandoning any part of it."

This being reported at New Amstel, together with
the rumor that intruders on Baltimore's land were to
be warned off, caused great anxiety amongst the in
habitants. Business operations were discontinued,
and many prepared for flight.1

In accordance with this determination of Balti-

1 Albany Records, vol. 13, p. 49S.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 311

more, a meeting of the Council of Maryland was held
on the 3d of August, (old style), at Anne Arundel.
Those present were Josiah Fendall, the governor,
Philip Calvert. brother to Lord Baltimore, the Secre
tary, Col. Utie and Mr. Edward Lloyd. According
to the minutes of the Council, " Then was taken into
consideration his Lordship's instruction and command
to send to the Dutch, in Delaware Bay, seated within
his Lordship's province, to command them to be gone,
and ordered that Colonel Nathaniel Utie do make his
repair to the pretended governor of a people seated
in Delaware Bay, within his Lordship's province, and
that he do give them to understand that they are
seated within his Lordship's province, without notice
given to his Lordship's lieutenant here, and require
them to depart the province."

" That in case he find an opportunity, he insinuate
into the people there seated, that in case they make
their application to his Lordship's governor here,
they shall find good conditions, according to the con
ditions of plantations granted to all comers into this
province, which shall be made good to them, and that
they shall have protection in their lives, liberty and
estates which they shall bring with them.

(Signed) PHILIP CALVERT."

The following letter was addressed to the '"Com
mander of the people on Delaware Bay." From the
tenor of it, it would appear to be in reply to one
written to the governor by Alricks ; the date of
neither is* given. But by the records of Maryland it
is inserted under the proceedings of August 3d — it

312 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

was, more than probable, written on that date. It
says :

« SIR : — I received a letter from you, directed to
me as the Lord Baltimore's Governor arid Lieutenant
of the Province of Maryland, wherein you suppose
yourself to be the governor of a people seated in a
part of Delaware Bay, which I am very well informed
lieth to the southward of the degree of forty, and
therefore can by no means own or acknowledge any
for governor there but myself, who am by his Lord
ship appointed lieutenant of the whole province lying
between these degrees, 38 and 40, but do by these
require and command you to presently to depart north
of his Lordship's province, or otherwise desire you
to hold me excused if I use my utmost endeavor to
reduce that part of his Lordship's province unto its
due obedience under him."1

In the meantime, the affairs of New Amstel were
so badly managed by Alricks, and his strictness, or
rather tyranny, so great, that numbers of the inhabi
tants deserted the colony and fled to Maryland and
Virginia.

The captain of an English ketch that had sailed
from Boston with provisions, informed Stuyvessant
that fifty persons, amongst whom were several fami
lies, had removed from New Amstel to Maryland and
Virginia within a fortnight. Alricks even endea
vored to get Stuyvessant to return those who fled
from New Amstel to Manhattan ; he was not even
willing to accept pay and security for what they owed

1 Maryland Records, Council, &c., II. H., 1656 to 1668, p. 43.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 313

the city of Amsterdam, but insisted on their return.
Stuyvessant in his letters to Holland severely cen
sured this conduct of Alricks, and refused to return
the fugitives.1

la the meantime, the desertions from the unfortu
nate colony of New Amstel to Maryland and Virgi
nia still continued, until scarce thirty families re
mained. Of the fifty soldiers originally sent there,
nearly one-half deserted, and only about eight or ten
of them Were garrisoned at New Amstel. The rest
were sent to the Hoernkill. Thus, as Stuyvessant
said, " leaving them in fear and peril of being massa-
sacred by the cruel savages."2

Whilst the City's Colony was in this trouble, both
soldiers and citizens deserting, Baltimore sent mes
sengers demanding that the Dutch should abandon
their settlement and jurisdiction on the South river,
as they were within the limits of his grant, between
the 38th and 40th degree of north latitude. The
embassy was composed of six persons, viz. : Colonel
Nathaniel Utie, his brother, his cousin, Major Jacob
De Vrientz, and a servant. They brought with them
four fugitives, of whom three were apprehended and
one escaped. They arrived at New Amstel on Satur
day, the 6th of September, and demanded an audi
ence on the following Wednesday, which was con
sented to. At this meeting both Alricks and Beek-
man were present.

Utie first delivered his letter to Alricks, and then a

1 Albany Records, vol. 18, pp. 28-29. 2 Ibid, p. 445.

314 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

copy of his instructions and his orders from the Govern
or of Maryland. He told them that the South river was
in Baltimore's jurisdiction, and commanded the Dutch
" to leave it directly, or declare themselves subject to
Lord Baltimore." He also told them that if they
" hesitated to resolve upon it voluntarily he deemed
himself not responsible for the innocent blood that
might be shed on that account."

The Dutch answered that his " communication ap
peared very strange in every respect, as they had
been in possession of the land so many years, as well
by an octoroy of the State General and the Directors of
the West India Company, which they had previously
obtained."

Utie replied that "he knew nothing about that."
That " the land was granted to Lord Baltimore, and
confirmed by the King himself, and renewed two
years ago, and sanctioned by the Parliament to the
extent of forty degrees." Utie then repeated again,
" that he was innocent of the blood that might be
shed, as Lord Baltimore was invested with the power
of making war or peace without any man's control."
He also said, " we ought to take hold of this oppor
tunity, as the men had chiefly deserted New Amstel,
and those who yet remained would be of little or no
aid." He declared it was their " intention to take
hold of this occasion, and not to let it pass," convinced
as they were of the weakness of the Dutch. That
"the present time suited them the best of the whole
year, as the tobacco was chiefly harvested." Utie
therefore demanded a positive answer, intimating at

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 315

the same time it was indifferent to him how " they
might resolve."

Alricks and Beekman answered that they " could
not decide the case, but that it must be left to the
lords spiritual and temporal in Holland and Eng
land."

Utie replied that he did "not care anything about
them."

Alricks and Beekman then- answered that they
" could do nothing without them, and were in duty
bound to refer the case to Stuy vcssant, to whose gov
ernment they were subject, and that it would require
some time to consult him."

Utie asked "what time would be required?"

The Dutch proposed three weeks; on which Utie
said. "I have no orders to give any respite, never
theless, I will give you the required time."

On the 9th, Utie was again summoned to the fort
to receive the Dutch answer in writing, when seeing
Beekman, he addressed him particularly, telling him
he understood that he " was commander at Christina,
that he too must depart from there, as it was situated
within the 40th degree of north latitude."

Beekman answered, " that if he had anything to
say to him, he ought to appear at the place of his
residence."

Utie replied, " I think it is sufficient, at all events,
that I have made you this communication."

They then delivered to Utie a written protest, in
w*hich they state that the " instructions" (meaning the
letter from the Council held at Annapolis on the 3d

316 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

of August), given by Josiah Fendall, Lieutenant of
Lord Baltimore, was without day, date or place, or
where it should have been written, and was only
signed by Philip Calvert, Secretary ; that all related
in relation to the alleged claim of Baltimore was mi-
authenticated, by a single document. That his deck-
ration that in case the Dutch refuse immediately to
depart, he would be unaccountable for the innocent
blood that might be spilled, appeared to them as '"un
expected and strange treatment" by Christian and
Protestant brethren, and near neighbors, with whom
they desired and never solicited anything than a
" sincere cultivation of harmony and friendship;" that
they yet desire may be uninterrupted. They there
fore requested at least an extract from the deeds and
documents in relation to Baltimore's claim. In it they
offered to show their title by grant from the State
General, by transfer from the West India Company,
and by payment made for the land and its actual
possession. They desire that the differences might
be settled by the States General and Parliament.
They also protested against that part of Title's in
structions in relation to ^ the favorable terms and
agreements about some plantatations to the inhabi
tants." They complained of the citizens of the South
river being lured away to Maryland by promises of
" protection and much liberty," some of whom were
bound to their "lords and masters by oaths, and
others who were in debt for considerable sums, by
which their lords and masters are disappointed, aifd
were frustrated to recover their debts." They pro-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 317

tested also against the losses and damages they had
already suffered, and might thereafter sustain, with a
view of recovering compensation for such injuries
thereafter. They also pointed to the treaty of alli
ance concluded on the 5th of April, 1654, between
England and Holland, as well in America as Europe,
" whereby they were charged and recommended to
commit no hurt, hostility or injury against one an
other, as expressed by the loth article."

This protest1 was signed by the Director Generals
or Governors Alricks and Beekman, and by the Coun
cil and Schepens, viz. : Alexander D'Hinoyossa, John
Williemsen, John Crato and Hendrick Hipp, and by
Secretary G. Yansweringen.

Immediate information was sent to Stuyvessant,
overland, through the present State of New Jersey,
of this visit and the demands of Utie, who in a letter
dated the 23d of September, expressed his displea
sure at wThat he termed " the frivolous fabricated in
structions, without date or place" of Nathaniel Utie,
and the " not less frivolous answers and proceedings
with him, of the Governors and Council of Altona and
New Arnstel." He blamed them for allowing Utie " to
sow," what he termed, " his seditious and mutinous
seed among the community," during four or five days.
Also for " for agreeing to give him an answer within
three weeks, on his threatening expressions. This,"
Stuyvessant told them, " showed unquestionable
proofs on their part of a want of prudence and

1 Sec protest in full, in Albany Records, vol. 13 ; Hazard's Annals,
p. 265 ; Holl. Doc. vol. 10, p. 117.

318 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

courage." He informed them they should '• have ap
prehended Utie as a spy," and to show his want of
confidence in them, appointed Captain Martin Kry-
gier, a Burgomaster of New Amsterdam, and Corne
lius Van Ruyven, his Secretary, to " dispose of and
regulate the affairs" on South river, in relation to the
proceedings of Baltimore and Utie. He also ap
pointed Krygier commander of all the militia and sol
diers on South river, and sent with him a reinforce
ment of sixty soldiers, to assist in protecting the
Dutch settlements on the South river from invasion
from Maryland. He also instructed them if Utie or
any one else came back "for an answer for his frivo
lous demand, or frivolous signed promise, (such were
the words of Stuyvessant), they were to arrest him
as a spf/y as not being entitled to an answer." unless
" he exhibited a due qualification of a State Parlia
ment or lawfully established government/' and in the
meantime hold him as a hostage until the Dutch might
be acquainted (in the language of Stuyvessant), as
to " where, how, and on whom" they might " take
satisfaction for the cost and expenses they had already
been at, or yet to be at, in the maintainance and de
fence of their own."1

At the same time two commissioners or ambassa
dors were appointed to visit the Governor of Mary
land. They were Augustine Hermans and Resolved
Waldron. Herman (or Harman, as the name was
afterwards changed to), was the first proprietor of the

1 A. P. MSS. in lleg. of Perm. vol. 4, p. 1)8 : Hazard's Annals, im.

207, 208.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 319

celebrated Bohemia Manor, consisting of eighteen
thousand acres of land, which lays partly in St.
Georges and Pencader hundreds, in New Castle
county, and partly in Cecil county, Maryland. This
land is supposed to be the best in Delaware. Her
man1 (from who in is descended several of the most
celebrated families of this State, some of whom still
possess the land, derived by descent from him), was
originally from Bohemia, and when he came to New
Amsterdam was clerk to John and Charles Gabry, of
Amsterdam, in Holland. He was a man of great
ability, and amongst his other qualifications, was a
good surveyor and draughtsman.

In 1647 he was appointed by the Director and
Council of New Netherlands, one of the nine men, a
body of citizens selected to assist the government by
their counsel and advice. His first wife was Jan-
neken Verlett, of Utrecht, whom he married in New
Amsterdam, December 19, 1650. He was formerly
opposed to Stuyvessant in the disputes that divided
New Netherlands.

Adrian Van Tienhoven, on the contrary, formerly
Secretary of the Colony on the South river, was a
firm supporter of Stuyvessant, whilst Herman and
Van Dincklage, Govert Lockerman Van Derdonk,
and others, formed a combination against him. Her
man and Van Dincklage wrote several letters to
Holland, severely condemning his conduct, The
following is an extract from one of Herman's

1 A more full account of him will bo found in the following por
tions of the history.

320 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

to Van Derdonk,1 yet extant, dated September 20,
1651:

" Govert Lockerman is totally ruined, because he
will not sign that 'he knows and can say nothing of Di
rector Stuyvessant but what is honest and honorable.'
I fear we too shall experience a like fate, whether we
have safeguard from their High Mightinesses or not.
Tis all alike. The Directors have written not to pay
any attention to their High Mightinesses' safeguard
or letters, but to theirs ; and every one can see how
prejudicial that is to us. We are turned out, and
dare scarcely speak a word. In fine, matters are so
situated that God's help only will avail. There is no
trust to be placed in man. That infernal swaggerer
(blassegust) Tienhoven, has returned here and put
the country in a blaze. Things prosper, they report,
according to their wishes, to which I know not what
to answer, &c. The basketmaker's daughter, of
Amsterdam, whom he seduced in Holland, on a pro
mise of marriage, coming and finding that he was
already married, hath exposed his conduct even in
the public court. Your private estate is going all to
ruin, for our enemies know how to fix all this, and
attain their object. * There is no use in' complaining.
We must suffer injustice for justice. At present, that
is our wages and thanks for our devotion to the public
interests. Yet we will trust in God."2

1 Van Derdonk was banished from the Colon}' for seven years, for
abusing the Directors.

2 The basketrnakers' daughter was a girl named Lisbeth Van
Hoogvclt, whom Tienhoven debauched and lived with as his wife,
whilst in the Hague, having at the same time a wife in New Nether
lands. This affair cast a stain on the character of Tienhoven.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 321

Van Dincklage also writing to Van Derdonk in a
letter dated the 19th of September, 1G51, speaking
of Stuyvessant, says :

" Our great muscovy duck goes on as usual with some
thing of the wolf. The older he gets, the more
inclined he is to bite. He proceeds no longer by
words and writings, but by arrest and stripes."1

The dissensions of which the above letters are ex
emplifications, at this time must have been healed, or
Herman would never been appointed to the respon
sible station of ambassador by Stuyvessant.

Herman and Waldron took with them a letter from
Stuyvessant to the Governor and Council of Mary
land, in which he expressed his astonishment at the
arrival of Col. Utie at New Amstel, and the demand
for the South river, and complained greviously of his
conduct "in threatening the government, council and
inhabitants of that place with blood," in case the ter
ritory was not given up within three weeks ; and
also of his "having sought to alienate and induce to
rebellion from their lawful commander, the citizens of
New Amstel." He at the same time instructed the
ambassadors in a "friendly and neighborly way" to
request the Governor of Maryland to deliver up to
the Dutch " such free people and servants as for debt
and other ways" had fled, and taken refuge in Mary land.

If this was done, they were instructed to agree
that all runaways and fugitives from Maryland, or
South river, should also be delivered up to the Mary
land authorities, and that they would in every way

1 Broadhead and O'Calligari, vol. 1, p. 453.
21

322 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

" maintain good justice and neighborly duty." If
the Governor and Council of Maryland refused this,
the ambassadors were to inform them that the law of
retaliation would be enforced, and that they in return
would refuse to deliver up "all servants and negroes
that might escape from Maryland to the South river."

In relation to the demand made for the surrender
of South river, through Col. Utie, they were to repre
sent that " threats to invade by way of hostility, any
possession of the Dutch on South river, was alto
gether contrary to the 2d, 3d and 16th articles of the
confederacy of peace made between the Republic of
England and the Netherlands in 1654."1 That the
Dutch had had possession of the South river (by
grant from the Lords State General, and by deeds
of the natives), for over forty years. That by these
articles of the treaty between England and Holland
all questions in dispute were to be referred to their
decision. The ambassadors were therefore by virtue
of those articles of peace to demand of the Governor
and Council of Maryland to give them reparation and
damages against Nathaniel Utie for his "frivolous
demands and bloody threatenings."

Van Ryven and Krygier, who had embarked from
Manhattan, with their troops in three barks, on the
23d of September, arrived at the South river, oppo
site New Amstel on the 28th. They found the peo
ple in commotion and fear respecting the threatened

1 The English government from 1649 to 1601 was Republican under
the rule of Oliver Cromwell, styled the Protector of the Common
wealth of England.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 323

English invasion. Upon examining into affairs, they
saw much to condemn in the conduct of Alricks.
They charged him as the cause "of all the misfor
tunes in New Amstel." " In such bad name is this
place," (New Ainstel), said they, "that the whole
river cannot wash it out off, and would to God that
it remained here, and that it was not openly pro
claimed in our fatherland, and to the scorn of this
whole province." They denounced him for oppress
ing the people. For first refusing them liberty to
leave New Amstel when they offered to pay the debts
they owed the city, but insisting on their remaining
four years, and afterward when their money was
spent, and they were sick and hungry, not allowing
them to leave until their debt to the city was satis
fied. It was reported they said, "that many actually
died by hunger." So unpopular had Alricks become
that the citizens would not enlist under him for the
defence of New Amstel, although they were willing
to engage under Krygier. And when Utie was there
making his demand for its surrender, and Beekman
proposed to detain him, Alricks declined to do so, for
fear of a revolt of the citizens. Van Ryven in
writing to Alricks afterwards, charged him with
making no effectual means to enlist men. " Did one of
the city officers stir one single step towards this ob
ject?" "Or shall it be urged that it was published
by beat of drum: But no person enlisted?" wrote
Van Ryven. " It was known beforehand that none
could be obtained in this manner," he asserted, "at
least not from the inhabitants, because the great ma-

324 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

jority Avho yet remain in the city's service are dis
satisfied with the magistrates of this colony, for what
reason/' says Van Ryven," " must be best known to
your honor." " These persons," said he, " ought to
have been encouraged by favorable terms and salary,
as is the usage in fatherland, and anywhere else, in
such great distress." At this time the Dutch, in ad
dition to their troubles with the Marylanders, ex
pected a war with the Indians at Manhattan, and
endeavored to get Alricks to enlist fifty men.
They were dissatisfied at taking the soldiers from
Manhattan to defend New Amstel, which they thought
should be able to defend itself. They also condemned
the sending of so many of the soldiers to Hoernkill.

In speaking of this matter, Van Ry ven in a letter
to Alricks says :

"But what excuse can be made why the soldiers on
the Hoernkills, as we were promised last September,
were not commanded to march hither or have not
arrived. It is indeed too absurd, that the Director Gen
eral and Council should believe their own places of
far greater consequence of the necessary soldiers, and
send them hither for succor, and that you should not
send for your own soldiers, but leave them to guard
one or two houses, built apparently more for private
views than for the welfare of the country, and employ
sixteen or eighteen for this purpose."1

The Directors of the West India Company when
they heard of the conduct of Alricks in relation to
the oppression at New Amstel, expressed their dis
approval in a letter to Stuyvessant. They considered

1 See Van Ry yen's letter, vol. 18, p. 425, 426, N. Y. Records.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 325

" it a symptom which threatened a total ruin of the
colony." and that gave no prospect of a return for the
expenses that had been entered into. They laid the
whole to the " too rigid preciseness" of Alricks, in not
permitting the New Arnstel colonists to settle at Man
hattan. Stuyvessant was instructed to try to divert
Alricks from " this plan as soon as possible." He was
told to show to Alricks that "at this critical moment
it would be far preferable, if he would make volun
tarily an offer to the remaining creditors to settle in the
Manhattans, provided they gave bonds for the debts
which they were yet owing." In " this case," say
they, "their recovery may sooner or later be expected,
which is utterly hopeless if they remove from the
district of the company, and settle anywhere else."
He was also instructed not to compel any New Am-
stel colonist to return who had settled at Manhattan.
Also to solicit the return of those who had settled in
Virginia and other neighboring districts, and employ
every feasible means to that end. They also informed
him that they persisted in the sentiment that the
Swedes should be separated one from another, and if
possible amalgamated with the Dutch nation, and
that they should be disarmed at the earliest opportu
nity. Stuyvessant was recommended to do this before
they (the Swedes) could make any alliance with the
English to the disadvantage of the Dutch. The pos
sibility of this alliance appears to have given consid
erable uneasiness both to Stuyvessant and the Direc
tors in Holland.

The Indians about this time killed four of the
Dutch settlers. On this account Alricks and Beek

326 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

man had great difficulty in sending information of
Baltimore's threatened invasion to Manhattan, no one
being willing to cross through New Jersey from New
Amstel to Manhattan by land.

Alricks in a letter to De Graeff, Burgomaster of
Amsterdam, who appears to have had the main charge
of the affairs of the City's Colony says : " that there
were one hundred and ten houses in New Amstel, and
16 or 17 more on land belonging to our nation, and
13 or 14 belonging to the Swedes." He does not
mention whether these other houses are situated in
the City's Colony, or the Company's Colony of Alto-
na, north of the Christiana. But we infer from the
tenor of his letter that he means that this number of
houses were in New Amstel and its neighborhood
alone. As he intended to give to the agent of the
city of Amsterdam a description of their property,
and not of that of the Company. He is incessant
(in his letter to the NewT Amsterdam Commissioners)
in his demand for practical fanners. He especially
desired 20 or 25 families of good agriculturists, and
30 or 40 cows to each family. The cattle he recom
mended should be furnished by the city of Amster
dam, to be kept on shares, the family to have half,
and the city half. He describes the poods as most in
demand at New Amstel, as duffels, gray osnaburgs,
and strong liquors. " Clearing lands," he says, " fur
nishes considerable employment here. Plowing, sow
ing, mowing and thrashing, requiring strong people,
accustomed to labor, most of whom should, as far as
possible be men."1

^roadhcad and O'Calligan, N. Y. Doc. p. 76, 78, vol. 2.

CHAPTER XXII.

FROM 1659 TO 1660.

Herman and Waldron leave as Ambassadors to Maryland — Difficul
ties in their way — Threatened by two Fins — Stop at Capt. Wick's
plantation — Are informed that the English believe the Dutch in
cited the Indians to murder them — Visit Secretary Calvert — Con
versation with Calvert on English and Dutch rights — Meet Gov
ernor Fendall and Maryland Council — Claim for the Dutch the
territory between the 38th and 42d degree of north latitude — Re
cite the Dutch claim — Complain of Col. Utie — Demand return of
fugitives — Deny claim of Maryland — Mary landers justify Col.
Utie — Persist in their claim — Endorse his instructions — Mary-
landers claim between 38 and 40 degrees latitude — Extent of said
claim — Warmth of Col. Utie — Discussion between him and the
Ambassadors — Marylanders demand to see the Dutch patent —
They have not got it — The mountain — The Ambassadors depart —
Herman goes to Virginia — Dutch suspicious of plots — Beekman
sick — Stuyvessant fears the English — Urges population — Disputes
between the authorities of City and Company — Recrimination be
tween them — Death of Alricks — D'llinnoyossa appointed his suc
cessor — Proposition to tax the Swedes.

Ox the 30th of September. Herman and Waldron,
the ambassadors appointed by Stuyvessant, left New
Amstel for Maryland. They were accompanied by
some guides, mostly Indians, and convoyed by a few
soldiers. They travelled by land, taking the first day
a course W. N. W. from New Amstel. They con
tinued this course for 4i Dutch miles, (about 13±
English), when they took a due west course, and
after travelling three more Dutch miles, the Indians
refusing to proceed any further, encamped for the

328 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

night. On the 1st of October they continued their
travel, going W. by S., and then again directly South.
The country at first was hilly, and then low. They
soon arrived at a stream, which the Indians informed
them flowed into the Bay of Virginia, the Chesapeake
Bay. They followed this stream until they found a
boat hauled upon the shore, and almost dried up.
Dismissing four of their guides, and retaining only a
man named Sandy Boyer, and his Indian, they pushed
off, but were soon obliged to land again, as the boat
became full of water, whereupon they turned the boat
upside down, and caulked the seams with old linen.
They thus made it a little tighter, but one was obliged
to sit continually and bail out the water. Proceeding-
down this stream, they soon reached the Elk river.
Here they made a fire, and proceeded with the evening
tide, but with great trouble, as the boat had neither
rudder nor oars, but only paddles. Having rowed
all night, on the 2d of October they reached the Sas
safras river, and stopped at the plantation of a man
named John Turner. Here they met a man named
Abraham, (a Fin), a soldier of Altona, who had run
away with a Dutch woman. They were offered a
pardon if they would return to Manhattan or New
Amstel within a month. The woman agreed to do
this. She h:-d three months of her time to serve —
but the soldier refused ; he, however, made two oars
for them. Here they set Sandy Boyer on shore for
information, but they could get none, as the only in
habitants were a few Fins and Swedes who had de
serted from the South river, in the time of Governor

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 329

Printz. They proceeded onward, but had scarcely
left the shore when this Abraham and another Fin
named Marcus, followed them in a canoe, and endea
vored to stop their passage, claiming the boat as their
own. Herman and Waldron desired to proceed, as
suring them they should have the boat on their
return ; but they endeavored to stop them by force,
and Marcus drew a pocket pistol, and threatened to
fire. They also had two guns with them. At last,
with difficulty, they succeeded in getting rid of them.
At the mouth of the Sassafras they came to Colonel
U tie's, where they heard a "strong firing," supposed
to proceed from fifty to sixty men. They supposed
from this that an expedition was being prepared to
visit South river. On the 3d of October they entered
the Chesapeake B;iy, and in the evening arrived at
the plantation of Captain Wicks, one of the three
magistrates of Kent Island. Of him they endeavored
to learn whether the English had laid any regular
plan for attacking South river. Wicks informed them
he understood "it belonged to Lord Baltimore, and
that he was obliged to sustain him in his right and
title." Herman and Waldron endeavored to prove
the contrary, and informed Wicks that "he who would
have it, must get it by force. That the Dutch had
already sent one hundred men from New Amsterdam
for the defence of South river, and that double that
number were soon expected," but they hoped to be
on friendly terms.

The Butch here learned during the discussion with
Captain Wicks that the English were informed that

330 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the Dutch at Hoernkill were stirring up the Indians
in the war they were then engaged in against the
English. That it took place thus :

"A certain savage met a Dutchman at Whorekill,1
and told him he would kill a Dutchman, because
his father had been killed by a Dutchman before.
To which the Dutchman replied that his father had
been killed by an Englishman, and therefore ought
to take revenge on them. On which the savage went
off and killed an Englishman. Thus the war, said
one of the English, was aided by the Dutch in sup
plying arms."

Herman at first denied this, and then palliated it.

Of Captain Wicks the embassy procured a boat,
and sailing down the Chesapeake, on the 7th of Oc
tober they arrived at Secretary Calvert's. They were
quartered in the neighborhood, on a Mr. Simon Over-
fee or Overzee.

On the 8th of October they invited Calvert, the
Secretary, to dine with them, when they had a familiar
conversation on the affairs of South river and Mary
land.

Calvert during the conversation said he "wished
happiness to Maryland and Manhattan."

" This," the ambassadors remarked, " included the
whole land, it having retained its ancient name from
the tribe of savages among whom the Dutch made a
beginning of the first settlement."

1 This is spelt by tho Dutch Iloernkill and Hoerkill. When giving
Dutch accounts, we shall spell it in the former way ; when English
the latter.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 331

Gradually they struck on the point of the limits,
which Calvert said of Maryland, was " between 38
and 40 degrees of latitude along the sea, by which
Delaware Bay was included, and then in a direct course
to Paman's Island, and thence to the origin of Poto
mac river."

The ambassadors answered the 38th and 40th de
grees ought to be understood of the Chesapeake Bay
upward, and then the colony of Virginia reached, the
same bay to the sea.

Calvert replied " that it was not so ; but that it
ought to meet the limits of New England."1

"'Where, then," exclaimed Herman and Waldron,
-' would remain New Netherlands, if their limits were
to join New England ?"

Calvert answered, " he did not know."

The ambassadors then said that they " knew for
both of them together, that it was a mistake, and
that New Netherlands was in possession of those
limits several years before Lord Baltimore obtained
his patent, and they actually settled those spots."
The ambassadors further alleged that " Edmund Ploy-
den had in former clays made a claim to Delaware
Bay, and that the one pretension was not better sup
ported than the other."

To this Calvert replied " that Ployden had not
obtained a commission, and was in England thrown in

1 The charter for New England, granted in 1606, called originally
for all thejand between the 41st and 45th degrees of latitude. In
1620 the 40th degree was added, thus effectually granting away all
the lands settled on by the Dutch. See ante pp. 89, 91.

332 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

jail for his debts. That Ploy den had solicited from
the 'king a patent for New Albion, but had been re
fused, -on which he addressed the Viceroy of Ireland,
of whom he obtained a patent, but that was of no
value at all."

The ambassadors, to use their own words, then
said, "On this we entirely confounded him with his
own words, by saying that it could not be known of
my Lord Baltimore's pretensions, if he had any on
the Delaware Bay, had obtained these by false or
foreign representations. Neither could it be believed
that the King of England, who once took notice of
the Dutch plantations in New Netherlands, and who
commanded those of Virginia and New England, as
we could prove by their own English authors, ex
pressly to remain at a distance of one hundred
leagues from one another, determining nothing about
it. It was therefore an unquestionable proof that he
might reach the borders of New England, that it then
was void, and of no value whatever."

The ambassadors were not able to see the governor
for several days, and accordingly on the 12th of Oc
tober, Calvert was again invited to dine with them,
when, after the cloth was removed, another discussion
took place as to the relative claims of the Mary land
ers and Dutch to the South river. Three maps were
introduced. One printed at Amsterdam by direction
of Captain Smith, the first discoverer of the Chesa
peake Bay ; the second also printed at Amsterdam,
about the time of Baltimore's patent. The other was
in manuscript. They all differed from each other.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 333

By these maps, said Herman, "they endeavored to
prove Lord Baltimore's claim, but we showed that the
Bay of Chesapeake being so much to the northeast
would come in our limits."

" How can that be, as New England was discovered
first ?" exclaimed Calvert.

" On this." says Herman, the Dutch alleged " they
were nearly three years earlier in their parts than the
English were in theirs."

Calvert replied, " they counted from Walter Ra
leigh."

'- We," said Herman, " derived our right from

C1 ' "

bpain.

Calvert in reply said, " the Dutch were then not
a free nation."

" Waxing warm," said Herman, " we took up other
subjects."

The ambassadors stopped at Mr. Overfees until the
16th of October, when they were informed that Gov
ernor Fendall would meet them at the house of Mr.
Bateman, at Potusk. Two horses were sent for them.
They arrived at Mr. Bateman's about 3 or 4 o'clock
in the afternoon. They were courteously received
by the governor, and invited to dinner. After dinner
the governor gave them an audience. Herman was
placed on the left, Secretary Calvert on the right;
then followed Waldron and the members of the Coun
cil, who consisted of Captain William Stone, Thomas
Gerrard, Luke Barber, Colonel Nathaniel Utie, Baker
Brooke and Edward Lloyd.

The ambassadors then made, or rather read, a com-

334 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

munication, copies of which, in Dutch, were handed
to the English, and afterwards rendered into English
by Mr. Over fee.

They first cited their claim as by grant from the
States General of the land between the lines of lati
tude of 38 and 42 degrees. The extent of this claim
they do not appear to have been aware of. But it
included the territory at present comprised in the
Eastern Shore of Maryland, the State of Delaware,
New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island, and part
of New York and Massachusetts, including the cele
brated Plymouth Rock, the landing place of the pil
grims. They claimed this right first from the Spani
ards who were the first discoverers of America, and
of whom they were at the time subjects, and who
afterwards they alleged, (when Holland separated from
Spain, and became independent,) " granted to them
amongst other territories, that at present called
New Netherlands, now also secured by the right of
possession and discovery." After reciting the various
claims of the English and French, based on the right
of discovery (making, however, no mention of Sebas
tian Cabot, who under the English flag was the first
discoverer of the continent), they asserted that the
boundaries of the possessions of the Christian Princes
of Europe, were " by communication with each other's
ambassadors agreed upon." That upon this agree
ment King James of England, " commanded and re
quired that Virginia and New England should remain
asunder and not meet together within the space of a
hundred leagues," which space they alleged "was

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 335

alloted for the Dutch plantations, then called by the
general name of Manhattans, after the name of the
Indians, they were first seated by." They scouted
the idea that the name of Manhattan applied only to
the island upon which New Amsterdam was built.
The South river, they alleged was in the primitive
times possessed by the Dutch, and " a colony planted
on the western shore, within the mouth of the South
Cape, called Hoernkill." That they " built there a little
fort, and established a colony, but that it was massa
cred by the Indians." After this, in 1623, they " built
the Fort Nassau, about fifteen leagues up the river,
on the eastern shore, besides many other places built
by the Dutch, and the Dutch Swedes." That they
" thought it well to remove Fort Nassau downwards to
the western shore, and there to fix a town," which
they asserted " stood at this day, no man ever making
any protestor claim from Maryland or Virginia against
it." They also claimed " to have just right and title
to the South river by lawful purchase from the In
dians, the natural proprietors of the soil." They also
alleged that from the " primitive time aforesaid, they
had always held friendly and neighborly correspond
ence with the English of Maryland and Virginia,
without any claim, injury or molestation to one an
other, until the 8th day of September, when Colonel
Nathaniel Utie came into the town and fort of New
Amstel, erected in the year 1650, and without any
special commission or lawful authority from any state,
prince, parliament or government, exhibited only by
a piece of paper, or cartabel, by form of an instruction

336 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

from Philip Calvert, Secretary, written without year
or day, name or place, were neither signed or sealed
by any state, prince, parliament or government, de
manded in a manner, and required in a strange way,
that the town and the country should be delivered up
to the province of Maryland, as he said, for my
Lord Baltimore ; going from house to house to seduce
and draw the inhabitants to rebel and fall from their
right and lawful lords, and threatening, in case they
did not submit and deliver up possession of New Am-
stel, to come again with force of arms, and fire and
sword, and plunder them, and take their houses from
them." Against this the ambassadors protested.

This conduct of Utie they asserted was " not
only against the law of nations, neighborly friendship
and common equity, but also contrary to articles 2, 3,
5, 6, 9, 10 and 16, of the treaty of 1654, between
the two republics of England and the United Pro
vinces. By the conduct of the said Nathaniel Utie,
the said treaty of amity and peace was disturbed and
interrupted, and they demanded justice and satisfac
tion for the wrongs and damages they had suffered
and might suffer, according to the 16th article of the
treaty."

They also demanded the sending back "of all Swedes
and Dutch subjects, runaways and fugitives, who
from time to time (especially the year 1659) had ran
away from the South river. For the most part," they
said "they were deeply indebted or delinquents." They
declared that New Netherlands would also engage to
return fugitives which might come into her jurisdic-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 337

tion. If not according to the leges faglionis (or law of
retaliation). New Netherlands would hold itself "con
strained, necessitated and excused to publish free
liberty, access and recess to all planters, servants,
negroes, fugitives and runaways, which from time to
time might come into her jurisdiction."

The ambassadors utterly denied that Baltimore
under his patent had any right to South river whatever.
They asserted they had had possession of the territory
for forty years, whilst the patent of Baltimore was of
no longer standing and settlement than twenty-four
or twenty-seven years. That he had not even as
much title as Sir Edmund Ployden. That even if he
had had a title to the South river, according to the
30th article of the treaty between England and Hol
land, he should have made his claim known before
the 18th of May, 1652, to the commissioner appointed
by both England and Holland to determine such differ
ences as might have occurred between the year 1611
and the 18th day of May, 1652. In proof of the cor
rectness of this, they stated that "New England having
set up some claims to South river, arid the ships of the
Lords Protector (Cromwell) having been sent there
to subdue the province of New Netherlands, upon
peace being concluded between Holland and England,
the design of the conquest of New Netherlands was
given us, and the ships of war were sent against the
French." They also said that their " western limits had
been questioned, and having thereupon observed arid
suspected, the Bay of Chesapeake, in the uttermost
part therefore winding so much to the northeast as to

338 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

run about Sassafras and Elk river, in our (their) line,
they therefore laid claim to those parts, until by due
examination hereafter the truth thereof may be found
out, or agreed and settled amongst us (them) otherwise."
The ambassadors concluded by declaring that they
never meant any " wrong or offence to the provinces
of Virginia or Maryland," but on the contrary, still
desired to continue in neighborly amity, confederacy
and friendship; that they only demanded that "justice
and satisfaction might be given." To prevent further
mischief, they advised that three rational persons
should be appointed from each province, to meet at a
certain specified time, about the middle, between the
Chesapeake Bay and South river, at a point which
they described as "a hill1 lying to the head of Sassa
fras river and another river coming from our river,
almost meet together," with full power to settle the
bounds and limits between the provinces of Mary
land and New Netherlands. If such a settlement is
not possible, then to refer the matter in dispute to
their sovereigns at home, the States of England and
Holland. But that in the meantime " all further hos
tility or infractions towards each other may cease,"
so that the soldiers that were sent to defend New
Amstel might be sent home — and no further expense
be added, and that a fair correspondence might be kept
up between them as heretofore. After desiring that
what they had stated might be recorded, they wound
up their address by the following :

1 This hill, we think, must be Iron Hill, near the village of New
ark, in New Castle county.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 339

" And so wishing the Lord God Almighty will con
duct your honors both to all prudent results, that we
may live neighborly together in this wilderness, to
the advancement of God's glory and kingdom of
heaven, amongst the heathens, and not to the des
truction of each other's Christian blood, whereby to
strengthen the barbarous Indians. Nay, m;iy we
rather join in love, and league together against them,
which God and our Saviour will grant."

After this the commissioners1 delivered a written
copy and withdrew from the room.

The ambassadors made no allusion to Hudson, who
discovered both the North and South rivers.

After their withdrawal, the Maryland Council took
the matter into consideration, and resolved to have
an answer ready by Saturday, the 8th, at 5 o'clock
P. M. They then adjourned until the next day,
when they again met. and u after a long debate, it
being considered that Baltimore's instructions and
orders were only to give the Dutch warning to be
gone, and that when they were able to beat them out
they might not plead ignorance, it was resolved that
an answer iu writing, by way of a letter, should be
given, directed to the General of the Manhattans."

In accordance with this resolution a letter was p e-
pared, in which they acknowledged letters of cre
dence by the ambassadors, containing u many expres
sions of love and amity." It said they "felt them
selves obliged to return them real thanks, in giving
them (the Marylanders) an opportunity of unfolding

Maryland Records, from the book entitled "Council. &c.. II. II."

310 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the causes that had been the reason of the Dutch
astonishment and wonder." It said, it would give the
Dutch that satisfaction which " with reason they could
expect," and which they should likewise exact from
them (the Dutch) as substitutes of Celius, Lord
Baron of Baltimore, proprietary of that province,
and that part lying on Delaware Bay, to them in
trusted, and on which the Dutch had injuriously
seated themselves, to the prejudice of Lord Balti
more's right and title. In answer to the ambassadors
demand made on them, they said that Colonel Na
thaniel Utie w?as by them "in pursuance of a com
mand from Lord Baltimore, ordered to make his
repair to a certain people seated on the Delaware
Bay, within the 40th degree of north latitude, and
let them knowT they were residing in his Lordship's
jurisdiction without his knowledge, and much more,
without his license, and without grant of land from,
or oath of fidelity taken to his Lordship, which were
the conditions and laws on which he granted the plan
tations to those within the jurisdiction of his grant.
In case of their refusal he was instructed to let them
know that all lawful means were to be used to reduce
them to obedience, which all people within his terri
tories were bound to yield to those entrusted with
the province of Baltimore, who wras sole and absolute
lord and proprietary, by patents under the great
seal of England, bearing date the 20th of June, 1632,
and since confirmed by acts of Parliament," a copy
of which w7as shown to the ambassadors. It said,
"that as the ambassadors seemed to insinuate the

HISTORY OF THE STATE^OF DELAWARE. 341

colony on the Delaware was seated thereby and under
the command of Stuyvessant, to whom the letter was
directed as General of the Manhattans, they pro
tested against him and all other persons, either prin
cipals or abettors, in the said intrusion upon their
bounds and confines." It also declared their inten
tion of recovering in due time, and by all lawful
means, damages and costs that they might have, or
hereafter might have sustained from the Dutch occu
pancy and injurious detention of the territory within
their bounds and limits.

The letter also asserted " the original rights of the
Kings of England to these countries and territories,
which it was their (the Maryland Governor and
Council's) business to maintain, and not by any dis
course to controvert, or in the least attempt to yield
up. That they could accept nothing from any other
power, nor could they yield up any authority with
out the consent of the Kings of England and their
successors. That the Dutch had no authority to ex
ercise any jurisdiction on the Delaware by virtue of
any grant from the State General, because the Stite
General had no authority to make such grant, and
if they did make one, it would be void and of no
force and effect."

In relation to the instructions to Colonel Utie, (so
much insisted on by the Dutch), they said " were
such as every person inhabitant of this province of
Maryland ought to take notice of." It was signed by
the Secretary of the province, and this was the usual
and common mode of giving notice to the inhabi-

342 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

tants of Maryland, and that they made use of no
other. It stated that they did not believe that the
State General " would 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."

In relation to indebted persons, it informed the
Dutch " that the Maryland Courts were open — that
their justice was speedy, and denied to none that
should demand it, which they thought was as much
as in reason could be expected of them. That they
took the same course in relation to the neigh
boring colony of Virginia, and only gave the
Virginians and their brethren (the English) the same
remedy."

It wound up by saying : " 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."1

Notice was then given to the ambassadors " to
attend on the next day for an answer." Accordingly
Herman and Waldron attended, and presented a
paper, which stated "that having viewed Lord Balti
more's patent, in which they say they reserved only
what the Governor and Council of New Netherlands
might have to say against it; that they repeat their
former declaration and manifestation of the 6th hist.,

1 X. Y. Historical Col. vol. 3, pp. 384, 385.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 343

and that Baltimore's patent, that he had petitioned
the King of England for a country in the parts of
America' which was not seated and taken up before,
only inhabited (as he saith) by a certain barbarous
people, the Indians ; upon which ground his royal
majesty of England did grant and confirm the said
patent. But that the South river, of old called the
Nassau river of New Netherlands, (by the English
surnanied Delaware), was taken up, appropriated,
and purchased by virtue of a grant from the State
General, long before the grant to Baltimore. There
fore the King of England's intention and justice was
not to have given and granted that part of a country
which before was taken in possession and seated by
the subjects of Holland. So that the claim of Balti
more to Delaware Bay or any part thereof was inva
lid."

It was on these words of the grant Baltimore was
was afterwards defeated by Perm, in his claim to this
State — otherwise the State of Delaware, the City of
Philadelphia, the town of West Chester, and portions
of Delaware, Chester, York, Adams, Franklin, Ful-
tun, Bedford and Somerset counties, Pennsylvania
would now be included within the limits of the State
of Maryland.1

In addition to these formal letters and written
speeches, considerable conversation relative to the
South river and the conduct of Utie took place. The
governor asked the ambassadors "if his letter by

1 Maryland Records, copied by J. Leeds Borzinan for the Nc\v
York Historical Society.

344 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Utie had been received by the Director General
and Council ?"

They said " no, they had received no letter. That
they were informed on South river that Alricks had
received a private one, in answer to one of his with
out date, time, or place, of which he took no notice."

Governor Fendall said "he had no intention to
meddle with the government at Manhattan, but that
the government and people who had settled on the
Delaware Bay, were within their limits, and that he
once sent Colonel Utie to them, and that he should
have delivered his instructions, though only given to
regulate his conduct, &c."

The ambassadors replied " that the government and
inhabitants on South river made separate government,
but a sabaltern and subject, being only Vice Govern
ors and Members of New Netherlands," &c.

Fendall answered " that he knew no better, and
had always understood that the General Director on
South river, in Delaware Bay, did hold his commis
sion from the city of Amsterdam, and had settled
there with his people as a separate government,"

The ambassadors answered, " no ; but that the city
of Amsterdam was in possession of that place as a
colony, and a particular member of New Netherlands,
in a similar manner as their colonies in Virginia and
Maryland were subsisting ; and they had many simi
lar colonies in New Netherlands, so that any injustice
or injury committed against the colony of New Am-
stel, was perpetrated against the whole State of New
Netherlands."

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 345

This answer of the ambassadors appeared to have
offended Col. Utie, who said with great vehemence,
" that they might take notice of all that had hap
pened, but that all that he had done against the peo
ple who had dared to settle within the province of
Lord Baltimore, if the Governor and Council would
renew his commission, he would do again."

Herman and Waldron replied that " if he returned
once more, and acted in the same manner as before,
he would lose the name of ambassador, and be con
sidered as a pertrubator of the public peace, because
it was not lawful in an ambassador or delegate to
attempt any other thing than to present in courteous
manner his message to the magistrate or supreme
chief to whom he was sent, but that it (his) was the
language of open hostility, a language of war, to
summons a place to surrender in such a manner as by
fire and sword."

To this Utie answered that "he had not done so,
further than his instructions and commission justi
fied."

%

The ambassadors replied " that they would only pay
regard to the answer which they received in return,
and therein he would clearly perceive in what man
ner he made his."

Utie further added " that he too had further under
stood that they had threatened to transport him to
Holland, which lie wished they had executed."

They replied "that if he once more returned and
acted in -that manner, perhaps that nothing better
might be his lot."

346 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Utie then asked "in what manner he ought to have
conducted himself; he had despatched two of his
men before him," he said, " to notify his arrival, after
which he took up his abode in the city, and if it then
was not permitted to take a walk arid look at the
place, and converse with the inhabitants, who invited
him to enter their lodgings."

The ambassadors answered " that it was permitted
to do this, but not to stir up revolt and rebellion
against the magistrates, and threaten them if they
would not voluntarily surrender, that they were to be
plundered and expelled, so that those altercations
caused uneasiness on both sides."

Utie at this (the ambassadors said), glowed? with
rage, and was commanded by the governor to keep
himself more reasonable. That they remained at full
liberty to explain themselves without interrupting
each other.

The ambassadors " then appealed to what they had
brought with them in answer from New Netherlands,
which they declared they had made known, and which
they solicited might be taken into serious considera
tion, so that they might avoid any frivolous dis
courses."

Fendall hinted to Herman and Waldron, amongst
other points, that they had "arrived there without
having demanded or obtained, as they ought to have
done, a license."

They remarked that they "were yet unacquainted
with the forms of the government, but would con
duct themselves in future in accordance to their cus-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 347

torn, or such as they should deem proper to estab
lish."

On this Utie exclaimed that they " should have
stopped at his island to inquire there whether they
should be permitted to land."

The ambassadors thought from this that if he had
met them, or known anything about their embassy,
he would have kept them there, and not permitted
them to proceed further. But one of the council
interrupting Utie, said, " that then they would have
been accommodated with a better vessel," as Herman
and Waldron had before told them they had arrived
in an old and leaky boat, and that they could not
wait to procure a better one. They however thought
that if they had not exerted themselves to the utmost
on the road to avoid Colonel Utie, he would have left
nothing untried to disappoint them and frustrate their
plan.

This was the end of this conference.

At another time they had friendly discussions with
the Governor and Council individually. They "pro
posed to submit the matters to a committee of both
nations, or enter into friendly correspondence for
trade," &c. This, the ambassadors said they seemed
to consent to, but they were inclined to defend
their rights under the patent.

They also held an interview with Governor Fen-
clall after they had given their answer in relation to
Baltimore's patent, when he told them that Balti
more's patent was given by his majesty, with full instruc
tions that Delaware Bay was to belong to the Eng-

348 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

lish. He also required of them the Dutch patent for
New Netherlands and the Delaware Bay.

They answered that " they did not need to expose
it at present, as they did not come for that purpose,
but only lo prepare a day for a future meeting be
tween both parties."

Fendall then thought that he " ought not to have
shown his."

The ambassadors then replied '• they intended no
other use for it than the Delaware."

Fendall said that " Claiborne h-id before made the
same objection regarding the Island of Kent, of which
he had taken possession of before the patent, but it
did not avail, as he had to implore Lord Baltimore to
save his life."

The ambassadors replied, " this was a different
case; that they were not subjects of England, but of
the Dutch nation, and had as much right to settle
part of America as any others."

On the 18th, the governor again demanded to see
their patent for South river.

The ambassadors replied they "had not had
it with them, but they would show it at a future
meeting."

There were also some remarks made on soldier hos
tilities, and that each must pursue his own course.

The ambassadors replied that the}^ " should pre
pare themselves for defence," but at the same time
solemnly protesting against such attacks. They also
said they knew they (the Marylanders) would not
attack them (the Dutch) in a clandestine manner.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 349

To this the Council replied, " they would use their
own pleasure. Payment for runaways," the Council
informed them. " might be settled by their courts ;
but they could not compel them to return, because
they considered Delaware in their jurisdiction."

At a further conversation between the governor
and the ambassadors, the governor asked as to who
was meant by the " Dutch Swedes" spoken of in their
address.

To this the ambassadors made an answer that was
hardly a truthful one. They replied " that they had
been partners and associates, residing for some time
(or rather connived at) under the jurisdiction of the
Company, but they became so insolent, that in a trait
orous manner they surprised New Amstel, then called
Fort Cassimer, by which the Director General and
Council of New7 Netherlands were compelled to
cleanse that neighborhood of such a vile gang."

The Swedes did indeed attack and take Fort Cas-
sinier, but they were never (until conquered by Stuy-
vessant) under Dutch jurisdiction, as the ambassa
dors intimated. Fendall, it appears, was ignorant of
the settlement of the Swedes, and the conquering and
occupation of their territory by the Dutch, although
how this could be, when there were so many Swedish
refugees in Maryland, it is hard to imagine.

Again, the ambassadors in their communication to
the Marylanders, mistated the time of the destruction
of Fort Oplandt and the murder of the first settlers
of Delaware. They alleged it occurred previous to
the building of Fort Nassau, in 1623. When this

350 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

event took place, in 1631, or nine years later,
and only one year previous to the grant of the
State of Maryland to Baltimore, which was in
1632.1

Fendall also inquired of the ambassadors with
great anxiety in relation to the "mountain" they had
mentioned as a place of meeting, from which (as the
ambassadors said), "the Sassafras river, in Virginia,
and the kill which emptied itself into South river,
behind Reedy Island, seem to derive their origin."
They said, " we had our passage over this mountain."
This, we think, must have been either Chestnut or
Iron Hills, near Newark, which wrould have been in
their course, more than probable the latter. They are
situated in Pencader hundred, about two miles from
the town of Newark, and about the same distance
from the Maryland line. The Sassafras river and the
Augustine creek, which flows into the Delaware back
of Reedy Island, do not indeed take their origin there,
as Herman and Waldron supposed, but Persimmon
creek, which flows into the Christiana, and a branch
of the Elk river, which takes its course through the

1 Subsequent investigation has led the author to believe that the
earlier historians who have written on the Delaware river, have been
wrong in placing the scene of the massacre of the early settlers of
Delaware at Lewistown. Paradise Point is laid down by Lindstrom
as being on the southern bank of the Mordare Kylcn, or Murderer's
Creek. Lindstrom arrived only 12 years after this massacre, and
therefore, whilst it was fresh in men's minds. It was at Swanendale
the unfortunate settlers built their fort. Therefore there is but little
doubt that on the southern bank of the Murderkill Fort Oplandt was
built, and that that creek derives its name from the tragedy enacted
on its banks.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 351

Cat Swamp, have their rise within about half a mile
of each other, near the Iron and the Chestnut Hills.

The ambassadors also had some private conversa
tion with the governor on the subject of establishing
mutual trade overland between Maryland and Dela
ware Bay.

Herman assured him " that this could easily be
carried on, as soon as this question was terminated,
and the limits of both sides adjusted."

This trade it was intended should have its course
overland from the Bohemia river, in Maryland, to the
Appoquinimink creek, in Delaware. It was intimated
to Herman that this trade by land would be less
likely to excite the jealousy of England than if it
was conducted by sea. This hope of trade between
these places was undoubtedly the reason that induced
Herman to obtain the grant of the land now known
as Bohemia Manor.1

On the 20th. the ambassadors departed. Waldron
to the South river, with a relation of their proceedings,
and Herman to Virginia, for the purpose, as he wrote,
" of inquiring of the Governor of Virginia what was
his opinion on the subject, and to create a division
between them both (i. e. Maryland and Virginia), and
to purge the Dutch of the slander of stirring up the
Indians to murder at Accomac."

Thus ended the embassy of the Dutch to Mary
land.

Herman in a letter to Stuyvessant recommended

1 See Herman's account in Albany Records, vol. 18, pp. 337-364,
and in vol. 2, Broadhead and O'Callighan, pp. 80-98.

352 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the Board of Directors at New Amsterdam to appoint
one of their number to visit Lord Baltimore "to see
whether an agreement could not be made quietly."
He also recommended the drawing of a corrrect map
of the South river and Virginia, in which the lands
and hills (creeks) should be laid down on an exact
scale of latitude and longitude.1 These things he
wished done before complaints were made by Balti
more to the English government.

The Rev. Everardus Wclius, the first clergyman
W7e have a record of as residing at New Castle, died

o

on the 9th of December.2

At this time the following mechanics were em
ployed at New Amstel. They are the first named us
following these trades in this State, viz. : Andries
Andriessen, a carpenter; Theunis Servaes, of Har
lem, a cooper; Cornelius Theunissen, a smith; Wil
liam Van Rnesenberg, a surgeon; Thys Jacobsen, a
boy working at carpentering with Andries Andries-
sen; he is the first carpenter's apprentice recorded.
There were also Joost, of Amsterdam, and Antony
Willimsen, of Vreedlandt, masons.

In the meantime, the Dutch were still suspicious of
the Swedes. Some concealed pOAvder was discovered
in a desk, and they were afraid that some one who
was working mischief was concealed amongst them.

Beekrnan, the Governor north of the Christiana,
became very sick, and things generally on the South
river were in very bad condition.

1 Broadhead and O'Calli^han, vol. 2, pp. 99, 100.

2 In 1657 or 1658, the Rev. John Polhemus organized a church at
New Castle, whilst on his way to Brazil.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 353

Stuyvesant wrote to the Directors in Holland,
giving an account of the disputes with the Mary-
landers. He expressed the opinion that " they would
take the first opportunity to expel" the Dutch from
the South river. He urged the strengthening of
that river, and at the same time informed them
that " Governor of Maryland had already caused
a survey to be made of the lands at the distance of
about one or two miles1 from Fortress New Amstel,
and caused a distribution to be made of them amongst
the inhabitants of Maryland. He desired informa
tion if they took possession of these lands, what
should be his course of proceedings."2

The City of Amsterdam found that the Colony of
New Amstel was of great expense, and no profit
to them. On the 30th of September they ap
pointed a committee of their Council to confer with
the West India Company in relation to surrendering
it back to them on equitable terms. On the 8th of
November no agreement could be concluded to that
effect.3

In addition to other troubles that afflicted the un
fortunate Dutch colonists of the South river, were
petty disputes between the officials of Altona and
New Amstel. The officials of the Colony of the
City believed that those of the Company were per
suading the settlers to desert their territory and re-

1 The reader must bear in mind that in Dutch correspondence,
Dutch miles are meant, which are three English miles.

2 Albany 'Records, vol. 10.

3 Broadhead and O'Callighan, vol. 2, p. 111.

23

354 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

y

move to New Amsterdam. Several residents of New
Amstel declared before their Council on the 14th of
November that the officers of the Company, amongst
them Cornelius Van Ryven and Martin Krygier, had
held out inducements for them to desert New Amstel
and remove to Manhattan. These declarations, signed
by the parties, were sent to the Burgomasters of Am
sterdam.1 These disputes finally broke out in open
quarrel between them in regard to a frivolous matter—
the cleaning of the Fort at New Amstel. Captain
Krygier ordered a sergeant to assist in this work,
who was one of the city's soldiers. He refused to
obey the order, stating he was forbidden by Alricks
and D'Hinoyossa " to obey any other command than
theirs." This, Krygier afterwards naively remarked
in a letter to Stuy vesant, " sounded in our ears as
an uncommon trumpet." Krygier, however, directly
afterwards addressed himself to Alricks in presence
of D'Hinoyossa, expressing his surprise at the com
mand, telling him " that he must know" by his " cre
dentials and instructions with what high commission
he was endowed, and that he wished to know if it
was done with his (Alricks) knowledge."

Both Alricks and D'Hinoyossa then declared " that
the City of Amsterdam's servants were not holden
agreable to their oath to obey any further commands
than those of the city." And D'Hinoyossa further de
clared that " no one, while he held commission, should
hold command over him, or the soldiers of the city,"
and such other discourses, which, says Krygier in

1 Broadhead and O'Callighan, vol. 2, pp. 103-6.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 355

his letter to Stuyvesant " should not be passed with
out protest, yet we do it, as it might lead to discus
sions, and to be avoided. We trace it, however, to
the oath which had been taken, excluding the Direc
tors of the West India Company."1 Krygier proposed
alterations in this respect.2 Other matters of annoy
ance also took place between them. Van Ryven
and Krygier on the side of the West India Company
finding constant fault with Alricks and D'Hinoyossa,
the officers of the City of Amsterdam, caused the
latter to retort, and Alricks charged the company and
its commissaries " with all the trouble that had been
raised in the City's Colony by the desertion of its
citizens and soldiers. In one of his letters Alricks
alleged that if the " Colony of New Amstel, or any
place depending on it, was lost or ruined, that they
(Stuyvesant and the other company's officers) would
be to blame for it." Alricks also protested against
" recalling the garrison from the Hoernkill." Stuy
vesant severely censured him for this. In a letter
to the Company he denounced this latter charge in
the protest of Alricks, of " absolutely commanding
the recalling of the garrison from the Hoernkill as
" impudent and false."

On the 30th of December, Alricks, after a sickness
of several months, died, having first appointed Alex
ander D'Hinoyossa as his successor, and Gerritt Van
Gezel, secretary.

Alricks' appointment was unfortunate for the

1 Albany Records, vol. 18.

2 Ibid, p. 234.

356 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Colony, principally on account of his " too rigid pre-
ciseness," as his strictness in collecting debts due the
city of Amsterdam (and his holding the unfortunate
emigrants from Holland to their agreement to stay
four years), was called by Stuyvesant. But it must
not be forgotten that he had a difficult task to per
form, and that the records from which we mainly
derived our information as to his character were
written by those opposed to him. And again, the city
of Amsterdam dispatched over vessel after vessel
loaded with colonists, who were not agriculturalists,
or men fully master of any mechanical art useful
in a new country. In many cases they were of
sedentary occupations (such as weavers, tailors and
buttonmakers) unaccustomed to hard bodily labor, who
however valuable in an old and thickly settled com
munity were useless in an uncleared wilderness, which
was then the condition of what is now the State of
Delaware. Again many of those sent over were
vagabonds, without any legitimate occupation, who in
fested the streets of Amsterdam. With people of
of this description, that city swarmed the colony of
New Amstel, without sending sufficient food for their
support.

The ship Meul, with one hundred souls, arrived at
one time without a mouthful of provision ; and then
at another time the Indians destroyed their corn.
In addition to other evils the settlers were attacked
by the bilious fever, which disease is always preva
lent in neighborhoods where wild lands are being
cleared for cultivation. Delaware was no exception

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 357

to this rule. Even in the memory of men still living
this disease was very prevalent in what are now por
tions of the city of Wilmington ; and in certain houses
this malady annually entered, and struck down the
inmates with sickuess and death. The old Whitehall
property still standing near Church and Ninth streets,
which at the time of its erection was considered one of
the handsomest residences in Delaware, was especially
noted for its unhealthiness. It was then the mansion
of a farm or plantation. At a residence situated at
Seventh and French streets, which was then the
summit of a hill, the bilious fever would annually
enter and prostrate the household. There were other
houses in Wilmington where it was almost impossible
to live and retain health, and where almost annually
one of the family would be carried to the grave. In
portions of Kent and Sussex it was especially fatal.
Children were raised with difficulty; and nearly every
family would have to mourn the loss of portions of
their younger offspring.

The clearing of the woods and draining the swamps
and marshes has greatly ameliorated this disease in
all portions of our State, and in some sections driven
it away entirely. But it especially marred the efforts
of Alricks, leaving him with a horde of sick and
helpless people, whose energies were destroyed, with
so little food to feed them, that it is alleged many of
the unfortunate settlers of New Amstel died from
starvation.

CHAPTER XXIII.

FROM 1660 TO 1661.

Dispute between D'Hinoyossa and Secretary Van Gezel — He flies
to Altona to save himself from arrest — His removal from office —
Appointment of Prato as Councellor — Van Sweringen as Secretary

— Peter Alricks appointed commander at the Hoernkill — Orphan
house at New Amstel — First Delaware orphan — Murders of
Indians — They threaten revenge — Information sent to Stuyvesant

— He urges punishment of the murderers — Sends commission to try
them — Tried and sentenced previously by D'Hinoyossa — Payment
made to the savages as a recompense — Robbery of Hudde — Fears
of invasion from Maryland — Fort Christina decaying — Beekman
attempts to move the Swedes — They refuse — Number of Swedes
able to bear arms — Swedes receive permission to stay — Removal of
Van Dycke the Swedish sheriff — Runaway Maryland servants
delivered up — Horses on the Delaware — First divorce case —
Criminal trial — Stuyvesant writes a letter censuring D'Hin
oyossa — Indian sachem visits Beekman — Ferry at Hoernkill —
Utie agrees to inform on runaways — Attorney for Baltimore de
mands the delivery up of New Amstel from West India Company

— They refuse — They lay it before the State General, who in
structs their ambassador to lay it before King Charles — Dispute
between Beekman and D'Hinoyossa — D'llinoyossa will not be
commanded by Stuyvesant — City of Amsterdam confirm D'Hin-

^oyossa as governor — His conduct approved of — The Rev. Mr.
Laers — Augustin Herman — First roads in Delaware — Founding of
Appoquonome (Odessa) — Amsterdam desires to give up New Am
stel — Agree to hold it.

[16601 ^HE (^ea^1 of Alricks and the appointment of

D'Hinoyossa as governor of New Amstel, it

does not appear, worked more advantageously to the

benefit of the settlers. The jealousy between the

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 359

officers of the two colonies of Delaware (Altona and
New Amstel) still continued. A dispute occurred
between D'Hinoyossa and Van Gezel, who was a
nephew of the deceased governor Alricks, in relation
to the latter's estate, and Van Gezel had to fly to
Altona to save himself from arrest by D'Hinoyossa,
and request Beekman to protect him from his
(Hinoyossa's) violence. Upon this D'Hinoyossa
removed him from his office of councellor and secre
tary. John Prato he appointed to the former office,
whilst the sheriff, Van Sweringen, acted as secretary.
D'lIinoyossM also, upon Van Gezel refusing when
summoned to appear before him, entered his house
and took therefrom a mirror and picture valued at
twenty-five guilders.

The government of New Amstel at this time con
sisted of D'Hinoyossa as governor, Van Sweringen
and Prato as councellors, whilst they called to their
aid on extraordinary occasions Williams, the surgeon,
and John Block, the gunner. Peter Alricks was ap
pointed as commander of the Hoernkill.

Beekman, on the 1st of February, received a note
from D'Hinoyossa, without any address, making in
quiries in relation to Van Gezel, and offering as an
excuse for its want of direction, " that he had no time
to ivrite the address ivithout breaking in upon his lazi
ness" Of this Beekman sent on a rather sneering
account to Stuyvesant. D'Hinoyossa complained that
Van Gezel had not rendered either his accounts as
an auctioneer, or those of the orphan house. For
at this early period had the Dutch an institution to

360 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

provide for friendless children. The first child placed
in this house was born on the Prince Maurice, wrecked
on Long Island, whilst on her way to this country
with settlers for New Amstel. Its father was named
John Barneston. He was murdered by the Indians.
Its mother died at Colonel U tie's. Its parents appear
to have tied from New Amstel to Maryland. It was
named by the Burgomasters of New Amstel " Amstel's
Hope." "

The first criminal trial we have any mention of
now occurred in our State. Gerrit Herman and
Govert Jansen having quarrelled, Jansen with his
sword wounded Herman in the palm of the left hand,
and cut off his finger ; he was sentenced to pay the
account of Herman, also his surgeon's bill, sixty guil
ders in money, and to work for six weeks at the
spade and wheelbarrow in the fort at Altona. The
sentence was signed by Beekman, and on the 31st of
May approved by Stuyvesant.

In addition to internal trouble, and the uncertain
state of affairs with Maryland, the unfortunate Dutch
settlers were now in danger of a war with the Indians.
Three Indians were found murdered on the farm of
Jacob Alricks, the deceased governor, near New
Amstel, on the 21st of January. One of these was a
Minqua, or one of those Indians who resided on the
Christina river. The murder, it was alleged, was
committed by two of Alrick's servants. The bodies
were found in the underwood, in the marsh, by some
Indians, who communicated the information of the
murder to their tribe, who at once threatened to take

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 361

revenge on the residents of New Amstel. The
neighboring inhabitants, upon this, abandoned their
residences, and fled to the fort for protection. Much
indignation was excited against D'Hinoyossa on this
occasion, on account of his saying that " he would not
contribute a farthing in the case of this murder, but
that it must be borne by the community, and that he
was " pretty indifferent whether the savages went to
war or not." Beekman, however, endeavored to
settle the matter peaceably with them, and sent for
Van Dyke, the Swedish sheriff, to consult with the
authorities of Altona and New Amstel, to devise
means to prevent the threatened bloodshed.1 The
supposed murderers were apprehended, and informa
tion sent to Stuyvesant, giving him a full account of
the affair. He wrote back, urging the importance of
the conviction and execution of the murderers. As
he could not go himself to the South river, he sent
his attorney-general, Nicatius de Stille, and Paulus
Lindert Van de Graft, an old burgomaster of Amster
dam, who, with Beekman, D'Hinoyossa, Van Swer-
ingen, Jacobus Backer, (acting schoepen,) and John
Prato, were to inquire into the circumstances of the
murder. They were instructed as follows :

" When the inquiry is made, the delinquents dis
covered, and by sufficient proofs and voluntary con
fessions convicted, then prosecute them before the
delegated Judge to make up his conclusion according
'to law, demand speedy and impartial justice, and
execute the pronounced judgment there on the spot
for others' example.

1 Albany Records, vol. 7, p. 29.

362 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

" Shall invite the sachem and some other individuals
to be present, and explain it as an object of frier dship,
and that they may be made to do so when Indians
kill whites."

They also brought with them some other instruc
tions, viz., to inquire into the case of a man named
Becker, for selling rum to the soldiers, some of whom,
whilst in a state of intoxication, had burnt a canoe
belonging to the Indians. Becker was tried, con
victed, and dismissed from his office of clerk for this
offence. They were also to exhort D'Hinoyossa and
Alricks' executors to peace, and to advise and assist
Sergeant Andreas Laurens in the military serrice,
whom they authorized to " enlist Swedes and Fins
as soldiers at eight or twelve heavy guilders per
month."1

Nicatius de Stille and Van de Graft arrived at New
Amstel on the 8th of March, for the purpose of com
posing part of the court to try the murderers of the
Indians, but on the 10th of February, nearly a month
previous, D'Hinoyossa had tried, convicted, and sen
tenced the murderers on his own responsibility. He
solicited the attendance of Beekman at the trial, who
at first declined to be present, but afterwards attended.
Beekman asked him if he " supposed himself suffi
ciently qualified to decide such cases." D'Hinoyossa
answered "Yes." He then requested Beekman to
" take a seat near tke fire and hear the debate and
decision." To this Beekman consented. The alleged
murderers were convicted, but they appealed from

1 Albany Records, vol. 24, pp. 108, 109.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 363

the judgment of D'Hinoyossa to the director and
council of New Netherlands at Manhattan, by whom
it appears that the judgment of D'Hinoyossa was
reversed. This was the first trial for murder that
took place in Delaware.

On the 18th of August, payment was made by
Beekman to the savages as a satisfaction for the
murdered men, and a receipt signed by them given
to him. Whilst this was being done, a band of Indians
attacked and robbed Andreas Hudde, formerly di
rector or governor of the Dutch possessions on the
Delaware, at the time they were mainly in and around
Fort Nassau, and on the site of the present city of
Philadelphia. The Indian sachems, upon being in
formed of this outrage, engaged that every thing
should be returned. This, however, was never done,
and poor Hudde, who had proved himself a faithful
servant of the Dutch, was reduced to poverty.

The Dutch were still alarmed by rumors that
Baltimore would invade the South river. On one
occasion, fearing an attack from the Marylanders,
they pulled down an old house on Cooper's Island
(which was situated on Cherry Island Marsh, now
within the corporate limits of the city of Wilmington)
to get timbers to repair Fort Christina, which was in
a decayed condition.

Attempts were still made by Beekman, in accord
ance with the instructions from Holland to get the
Swedes to change their habitations, but strong objec
tions were made by them to moving from their settled
and cleared lands, where they had already erected

364 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

their dwellings, to others, wild and uncultivated, and
destitute of buildings. The Swedes and Finns appear
to have been much annoyed at this constant inter
ference with their habitations, and some twenty
families prepared to leave the company's colony of
Altona and reside in the city's colony in New Am-
stel.

At this time, according to the report of Van Dyke,
the Swedish sheriff, to Beekman, there were one hun
dred and fifty of the Swedes capable of bearing arms.1
The Swedes and Finns were two separate people, arid
could not converse with each other on account of the
difference in their language. Originally, the land
between Marcus Hook and Chester, Pa., was called
Finland, and here undoubtedly was the principal
settlement of that people. Endeavors were made to
get them to settle at Passyunk, a territory lying
between the Wicaco and the Schuylkill, situated
within the present limits of the city of Philadelphia,
but they declined on one pretext and another. First
soliciting a delay until after harvest, and at last per
emptorily refusing to go. Attempts were then made
to get them to settle at Esopus, now called Kingston,
in the present State of New York, but as the Dutch
were engaged in war with the Indians in that neigh
borhood, they very properly declined to reside in a
vicinity which was then the scene of massacre and
murder. Eleven Indians at Esopus had just been
slaughtered by the Dutch, and the whole of the
Indian tribes there were banded together to revenge

1 Beekman's Letters, vol. 17, p. 45 of Albany Records.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 365

the murder. Beekman thought " they were admon
ished and encouraged by some of the principal leaders
among them not to disperse, but to remain on the
South river as closely united together as possible.'''
They finally received permission from Stuyvesant to
stay, but not until they informed Beekman that if
compelled to go, " the?/ would depart to a spot where
they might live in peace." Van Dyke was afterwards
discharged from his office of sheriff, on the ground
that he had influenced the Swedes against moving
from their settled habitations to other places marked
out for them by the Dutch.

On the 2d of April, a Mr. Henry Coursay, a mer
chant of Maryland, arrived at New Amstel, seeking for
some runaway servants of his. D'Hinoyossa at first
refused to deliver them up, but finally agreed to do
so, and they were given to him at the Hoernkill on
the llth of April. Beekman thereupon sent to 'the
governor of Maryland, to Colonel Utie and the magis
trates residing on the Sassafras river, a complimentary
letter, in which he " requested that if any Dutch
soldiers deserted to Maryland, that he would arrest
and imprison them, and inform him of it by express,
at the expense of the company, in which case he
would despatch with their permission, a sergeant,
assisted by soldiers, to accompany them home."1

We have an account of the number of horses on the
Delaware at this time. They appear to have increased
but slowly. Beekman notifies Stuyvesant that the
" horses are misused by the Swedes," so that he feared

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, p. 49.

366 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

there would be " no increase by them." He stated
" that the mares were spoiled by drawing the whole
moral ng heavy beams," and that " only three mares
and two stallions were alive" of the number Stuy-
vesant sent, "besides two young colts of two
years."1

We have in the dispatches of Beekman this year
some accounts of criminal trials, and also glimpses of
the darker shades of social life in our State at that
time. He says :

" Amongst the Finns is a married couple who live
together in constant strife. The wife receives daily
a severe drubbing, and is expelled from the .house as
a dog. This treatment she suffered a number of
years ; not a word is said in blame of the wife, whereas
he, on the contrary, is an adulterer. On all which
the priest, the neighbors, the sheriff, appeal to me, at
the "solicitation of man and wife, that a divorce might
take place, and the small property and stock be
divided between them." Beekman asked for orders.
This is the first mention made of any divorce case in
Delaware.

Beekman also gives an account of two other trials,
one for marrying illegally, the other for assault and
battery. In the one case, Oloff Stille, an influential
Swede, was a prominent actor. He was the resident
of a village named after him by the Swedish freemen
" Stillensland," situated on the Delaware, not far from
Chester, Pa. Stille had a thick black beard, from
which the Indians gave him the name of " the man

1 Albany Records, vol. 18, pp. 51, 58.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 367

with the black beard." He was the ancestor of the
respectable Stille family now residents of Philadelphia.
Beekman, in giving his account of the trial,1 which
took place at Altona, says : " Oloff Stille opposed
himself to me pretty warmly in court, because I sus
pected him, that he, without being authorized, had
arrogated to himself to qualify the priest to marry
a young couple without the usual proclamations, and
against the will of the parents, on which I condemned
the priest in a fine of fifty guilders, which said Stille
too opposed, saying that it was not our province to
meddle with this affair, it ought: to be done, if any
interference was desirable, by the Swedish Consistory,
and that we had nothing to do with the priest. Mr.
Laerson2 adopted the same opinion, as our court re
lated to us, last November, on a summons, that we
had no right to interfere with the rights of Christina,
so that he did not appear before us. The case was
this : Mr. Laerson had complained of assault and
battery by Peter Mayer ; he was severely struck and
wounded in his face, so that I never saw a worse, on
which both were summoned to appear before us ; and
before the court could meet, the affair was settled^
pretending the incompetency of the court. On the
19th of August the court me:. There were twelve
Swedish and Finnish nations summoned, and a default
by the Jagers and other Dutchmen in the colony,

1 Campanius.

2 Laerson was the Swedish minister left by the Dutch, and spoken
of as of" godless and scandalous life." He is named by some as " Lau
rence Charles Lokenius.'' He is also called " Laers."

368 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

when an order was issued that for each default, which
was voluntarily and premeditated, and not brought
forward by any extraneous or invisible obstacles, as
through sickness, or on God's wind and weather,
should be paid a fine of ten guilders, so that no per
son should be delayed in his just pretensions, as there
were annually only three or four courts, as circum
stances might require. On the Tth of this month,
being court, the priest and Mayer were again sum
moned on the same affair by Sheriff Van Dyke ; and,
further, that Peter Mayer treated another person in
the insolent manner*, and Peter Mayer, deliberately
occasioning default, after the eight intimations, to
Jacob Van Vern, in whose behalf the assignment was
made by the sheriff and commissaries for liquor re
ceived ; on which Peter Mayer, coming to me, requested
a receipt, making at the same time a great noise, that
in this manner the costs were excessive, but that he
too would not be at rest until he had legal security
for his land. He told me, further, in pretty harsh
language, that every year new commissaries ought to
be appointed, as entitled, or that he and other free
men were always to be treated as boys, so that con
stantly we are to be ruled by madcaps, who did not
understand reading or writing, and were to be pre
ferred before him, who was acquainted with letters
and penmanship, and that the affairs should be
managed in quite different manner, if he should re
main here; with many other similar insolent blubber-
ings ; to all which I listened with patience, refuting
him with solid arguments, and advised him to go to

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 369

your honor and lay his complaints before you.
A few days ago, when I sent him warning to deliver
up his horse, his wife came here and made a horrible
noise ; they could not spare the horse ; they were
not accustomed to carry their wood on their necks,
and they had a share in the property of the horse as
well as I ; and, be it said with reverence, she did not
care a groat about my orders, as they intended to
leave soon this spot ; on which I menaced to send
her to the guard house ; but having no wish to throw
her in consternation, as being in her last stage of
pregnancy, I let it pass by. In short, this people
conduct themselves most despicably. Nevertheless,
if they are resolved to move from here and reside in
the colony, or any other part, I shall remind him of
the fine which he yet owes for selling liquor to the
savages. I am informed that the greater part of those
now living separately do intend going to reside in
Maryland with a few of the Finns."1

Stuyvesant appears to have severely censured the
conduct of D'Hinoyossa, the governor of New Amstel,
as Beekman, in a letter to him of April 8th, says :

" I copied your letter to the Honorable D'Hin-
oyossa, sealed it, and then directly conveyed it to
him. He was, he said, much surprised at such a
vulgar address, covering such bitter contents, and you
might be assured that he would show it from the
greatest to the smallest, and even forward it to the
States. He said, further, he wrould not do any thing
contrary to your orders, but bear all things with

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, pp. 51, 58.
24

370 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

patience, but remonstrated against it to his principals.
He wished to be informed by me if the colony was
again transferred to the company. He understood at
least by your letter that a change was in contempla
tion."1 Beekman also complained of D'Hinoyossa
not restricting the sale of liquors to the Indians in
daylight.

On the 23d of May, the great chief of the Minquas
visited Beekman, and showed him his poor coat.
The hint was taken by Beekman, who thereupon pre
sented him with a coat and piece of frieze in the name
of Stuyvesant. On the 17th of June, a sachem
arrived at Altona from Hackensack, with three or
four other savages, among whom, it was said, was the
brother of a sachem who was killed at Esopus by the
Dutch. Accompanying these savages was the great
chiefs of the Minquas, who informed Beekman that
he intended visiting New Amsterdam the next night
to see if he could make peace between the savages
and the Dutch. As to whether the great chief of the
Minquas visited Stuyvesant on that peaceful mission,
or as to the result of that mission if he did, history is
silent.

There appears to have been a ferry at the Hoernkill
at this early day, as the records say the boat used for
it was sunk. By the same record we learn Colonel
Utie agreed to inform the Dutch of the runaways
from the Delaware to Maryland.2

On the 1st of September, Captain Neal, the attor-

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, pp. 51, 58.

2 Albany Records, vol. 18, p. 80.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 371

ney of Lord Baltimore, in obedience to instructions
from him, had an interview with the College of 19
in Amsterdam, and asked the Directors (much to
their surprise) to deliver up the Dutch Settlements
on the Delaware, in the neighborhood of New Amstel
and Altona to him. This claim was made (Neal in
formed them) under the grant from Charles the 1st.
If the demand of Neal was complied with, Baltimore
agreed to give them indemnity for " all costs, damages
and interests already undergone or to be yet incurred"
They replied by asserting their " right by possession,
under the grant of the State General for many years,
without disturbance from Lord Baltimore, or any
other person." They declared they were " resolved to
remain in possession and defend their rights," and
" if Lord Baltimore persevered and resorted to violent
measures, they would use all the means God and
nature had given them to protect the inhabitants,"
and " would be innocent of any blood which may be
shed."1 The College (or West India Company, by
which name it is better known to our readers) on the
'5th of November following, laid the matter before the
State General, and requested them to " represent,
through their ambassadors in England, the situation
of affairs with Maryland, and to complain of Lord
Baltimore's encroachments and pretensions," and to
desire that the English government should require
that Baltimore should " desist from them until a
boundary line could be run between the provinces of
Maryland and the Dutch." The State General agreed

' Albany Records, vol. 8, pp. 294, 296, 301.

372 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

to the request of the Company, " and all necessary
papers were furnished to the ambassadors, who were
instructed to direct the attention of King Charles the
2d to the subject.1

The dispute between the jurisdiction of the com
pany and the city appear to have continued through
the whole of 1660, and Beekman made complaint of
D'Hinoyossa in every letter he wrote to Stuyves-
ant. He complained of him for allowing liquor to
be sold " to the savages, so that they behave shame
fully ;" also " of his administration of the estate of
Alricks." In one of his letters he says that he
(D'Hinoyossa) says that " he will not be commanded
by your honor (Stuyvesant), as he does not acknow
ledge any person his superior, except his principals
in fatherland."2 Again he wrote, (speaking of his
administration on Alricks' estate,) " D'Hinoyossa is
mentioned as conducting himself in a haughty and
imperious manner, defaming and slandering the de
ceased director (Alricks), and disregarding manda
muses, and injuring the property of the deceased."3
But the conduct of D'Hinoyossa appears to have
met the approbation of the city of Amsterdam, as on
the 27th of August the magistrates of Amsterdam
appointed him as director, and John Prato and Gerritt
Van Sweringen as assistants. They also resolved to
continue their support to New Amstel, and approved
of his conduct in seizing the property of Alricks.

1 Holland Documents, vol. 9, p. 144; O'Call. vol. 2, p. 461.

2 Albany Records, vol. 17, p. 92.
5 Albany Records, vol. 18, p. 141.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 373

This intelligence arrived in New Amstel by way of
Maryland, on the 24th of December. Beekman, in
describing the arrival of the intelligence, says : " In
short, the joy is here great, so that the seal of the
letter was scarcely broken, than he commanded the
cannon to be three times fired."

After the death of the Rev. Mr. Welius, the only
clergyman on the South river was the Rev. Mr.
Laers, Lokenius, or Laerson, (for he is known by
all three names). The Swedish or rather Finnish
minister (for he was a native of the latter country),
and his character was such that he could not com
mand the respect of the Dutch. Four clergymen
were expected to arrive at New Amsterdam from
Holland. Beekman petitioned that one might be
sent to Altona.

Augustine Herman appeared to have remained and
settled in Maryland, and at this time obtained the
grant of Bohemia Manor. This grant was made to
him on account of his making a complete map of Mary
land and Virginia, which he dedicated to Charles the
2d, King of England. In the Greenville Library is a
copy of this map. It was made by Fairthorne, an
artist distinguished for crayon portraits and copper
plate engraving. On it is this statement, " Virginia
and Maryland, as it is planted and inhabited this
present year, 1670, surveyed and drawn by Augustus
Hermann Bohemiensis." This map also contains a
beautiful portrait of Hermann.1 He was also instru
mental in constructing a cart road which was made

1 See Neill's Terra Mariae.

374 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

about this time between the Bohemia river, in Mary
land, and the Appoquinimink creek, in New Castle
county, Delaware. The making of this road caused
the building a village on the Appoquinimink creek,
called Appoquoneme.1 This village was the ancestor
of the present thriving town of Odessa, formerly
known as Cantwell's Bridge. Odessa is therefore the
next town in our State in antiquity after Wilmington,
New Castle, and Lewistown. This was the first road
we have any account of, as being constructed in this
State. He also endeavored to establish a village on
the Bohemia river. Writing to Beekman, some time
later, he says : " I am now engaged in encouraging
settlers to unite together in a village of which I
understand a beginning will be made before next
winter. From there we may arrive by land in one
day at San Hoeck (New Castle). * * * The
Maquas (Christina) kill, and the Bohemia river are
only one mile2 distance from each other, by which it
is an easy correspondence by water, which would be
greatly encouraging to the inhabitants of New Nether
lands."3 This village is now called Port Herman,
but it has dwindled to nothing. It has not thrived
like its Delaware sister. Herman appears to have
made successful efforts in softening the differences
between the English and the Dutch, and rendering the
intercourse between them pleasant. It was undoubt
edly owing to his influence that the fierce Marylanders

1 Journal of Bankers and Stuyter. See Memoirs of the Long
Island Historical Society, vol. 1.

2 A Dutch mile is three English miles. 3 Vol. 17, p. 111.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 375

were modified and induced (instead of marching with
armed forces against the Hollanders) to open a trade
with them that would tend to their mutual advantage.
He wrote several letters to Beekman, advising him in
relation to matters occurring between the citizens of the
South river and Maryland, and appeared deservedly
to have acquired the confidence of both Dutch and
Mary landers.

The colony of New Amstel had proved an expense
to the city of Amsterdam instead of a profit, and they
desired to convey it back to the company. They
appointed a commission to see if arrangements could
not be made for that purpose on the 30th of Sep
tember, 1659. but no satisfactory terms could be
agreed upon between them. To the 1st of January
it had cost them 165,200 guilders, for which outlay
there had been little return, and they had been
dunned for the interest of the loan. On the 16th of
March (as they could not get rid of it) their Council
passed a resolution to retain the colony. The com
mission they had appointed to inquire into its affairs,
reported to them that amongst other causes tending
to injure New Amstel was the interference of the
company's officers with those of the city's colony.
They were of opinion that this difference about juris
diction might be remedied by the " company holding
their director (Stuyvesant) to his duty, and sharply
interdicting him from undertaking any thing contrary
to the right of the city's colony." The commissioners
also reported that the right of appeal to the Director
General and Council of New Netherlands, in cases where

376 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the sums in dispute were over one hundred guilders,
and of appeal in criminal matters, and the claiming of
dues for anchoring in front of New Amstel, and com
pelling vessels carrying goods for the South river to
unload at New Amsterdam, were amongst the other
things detrimental to New Amstel. The Council of
Amsterdam accordingly conferred with the West
India Company, who agreed that the courts of New
Amstel should have jurisdiction in actions to the
amount of 600 guilders ; that there should be no ap
peal in criminal cases ; that the city of Amsterdam
should have the appointment of sheriff; and that
vessels should be allowed to proceed direct to New
Amstel and discharge their cargoes, without touching
at New Amsterdam. There were also other minor
considerations and alterations made in the original
compact between the company and the city. The
city of Amsterdam1 also issued proposals, inviting
merchants and others to engage with the city in the
planting and trade of New Amstel. The city had
hopes of an increased prosperity of their colony from
the opening of a trade with Maryland. They speak
of a certain creek (in the report of their commissioners)
that has been discovered, that is navigable with
small boats, within a quarter of a mile of the English
creek. The creek alluded to was undoubtedly the
Appoquinimink.

D'Hinoyossa had, in a letter written at New
Amstel the 12th of December, 1659, and received by
the city commissioners the early part of this year,

1 Broadhead and O'Callighan, vol. 2, p. 172.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 377

offered, if the city of Amsterdam advanced one hun
dred thousand guilders, to plant a thousand souls on
the South river, and give them security for the money.
He blamed the failure of the colony to Alricks. He
accused him of " getting all he could gripe and catch,
provided only it could be got on credit." This letter
was written a few days before Alricks' death, who
believed to the last that D'Hinoyossa was friendly
to him. It undoubtedly encouraged the city of Am
sterdam to persevere in the establishment of their
colony, and caused them to believe that better man
agement of the affairs of New Amstel would make it
a profit to them, instead of a loss, which it had hereto
fore been.

- CHAPTER XXIV.

FROM 1661 TO 1662.

Murder of three Englishmen and a Dutchman by Indians — Arrest of
savages with their clothes in New Amstel — They are let go — Indig
nation of the Marylanders thereat — English suspect the Dutch of
inciting the Indians to murder — Indians alarmed at the English —
Hold a meeting at Passyunk — Present seawant to Minquas to
reconcile them — Minquas present furs to Marylanders for that
purpose — They refuse — Desire Minquas to form alliance to destroy
the Indian murderers — Minquas refuse — Peace made between
Marylanders and English near Appoquinimink — Dutch to supply
Marylanders with negroes for tobacco — Grave of an Indian sachem
violated and robbed — Maqua and Seneca Indians at war — Mary-
landers assist the former — Senecas destroy plantations in Mary
land — Effect on Swedes and Finns — Catholics visit New Amstel
and Altona — Wish to settle — Not encouraged — Unpleasant con
versation between them and Beekman — Maryland Council decide
not to press the rights of Maryland to New Amstel — Do not know
whether it is in latitude 40 — Wait for the will of the proprietary-
Send agent to lay claim for the West India Company to South
river — West India Company agree to give up Hoernkill — S^uyves-
ant censured in relation to New Amstel — His defence — First
elopement in Delaware — Laers marries himself — Continued ill feel
ing between Beekman and D'Hinoyossa — Beekman's letters on
the subject — D'Hinoyossa makes vessels lower their colors pass
ing New Amstel — Refuses to see Beekman.

ri661~l ^ January? some Indians who

resided on the Delaware murdered four people
who were travelling from New Amstel to Altona. They
were three Englishmen and a Dutchman (the brother
of a Dr. Herck) who had been at Altona only a few

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 379

days on a visit. Two or three days after the committal
of the murder, several savages arrived at New Amstel,
who had with them some of the clothes of the mur
dered men, which they offered for sale. It could not
be ascertained whether they were the murderers, but
two of them going to the house of a man named Foppo
Jarison, were at once seized by him, assisted by William
Hollingsworth, an Englishman, and Gerrit Ruster, an
inhabitant of New Amstel. They immediately in
formed D'Hinoyossa of the seizure, who placed them
in prison, the savages at the same time " uttering
violent threatenings" against the inhabitants of New
Amstel. After an examination they were set at
liberty. The setting of these savages at liberty was
very displeasing to Philip Calvert, who had succeeded
Fendall as governor of Maryland, (and who was an
illegitimate son of George Calvert, the first Lord
Baltimore, by a lady who had accompanied him on a
visit to Newfoundland and Virginia,) and excited sus
picion in the rninds of the English, so much so, that
Augustine Herman wrote in private to D'Hinoyossa
" that the English foster the opinion that the inhabi
tants of New Amstel and the Hoernkill secretly in
stigate the river savages to such misdeeds, which/'
says Beekman, in a letter to Stuyvesant, giving an
account of the affair, " is certainly an odious and
wrong imagination."1 Herman also wrote, a short
time afterwards, to Beekman, in which he said : u It
is much disliked, and had given offence that the
apprehended Indian murderers, who murdered the

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, p. 109,

380 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

English, and carried their clothes to Sand Hoeck, (New
AmsteL) have been set at liberty. The English
require satisfaction from the murderers, or war,
whichever they choose, on this point they are now
quarelling with the Susquehannocks. It was desira
ble that D'Hinoyossa would write the governor in
a manner to remove the broil, and conciliate his good
will, as the English are inclined to live with us in
harmony and friendship, and cultivate and promote
commerce between the two nations, which they would
not interrupt, unless compelled by force or necessity.
I hope for a favorable answer. It is said here that
the Susquehannock chiefs have been summoned to
Sand Hoeck, and there is some suspicion that it re
lates to the aforesaid business."1

The energy and determination of the English of
Maryland in their demand for satisfaction from, or
war with the savages for this murder greatly alarmed
the latter. Accordingly, some time in the latter end
of May, they held a meeting at Passyunk, and col
lected a large portion of seawant to make presents of
it to the Minquas to reconcile them to the English
for these murders. The Minquas, had, some days
before, endeavored to present to Calvert some furs,
which he refused to accept, but requested them rather
to unite with him and destroy the nation of the sava
ges that committed the murder. This the Minquas
declined to do. The Dutch at this juncture endeav
ored to reconcile matters between them, and to get
the Indians to send ambassadors to the Mary landers.

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, p. 114.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 381

This they refused to do, being afraid to trust them
selves in their power. They said to the Dutch, " the
English killed some of us, and we killed some of them ;
the one pays for the other." This answer, however,
did not satisfy the Marylanders, but finally, on the
6th of September, the Dutch succeeded in getting two
chiefs of the savages residing on the South river to
meet Calvert, in company with D'Hinoyossa and
Peter Alricks, to negotiate a peace.1 This meeting, at
which Calvert was attended by his council, took place
at Colonel Utie's.2 This, however, was only a pre
liminary negotiation, as another conference was held
in the month of October, between the head of the
Appoquinimink creek (then called the Appoquinime)
and the head of another creek that flowed into the
Chester river. Only one savage chief was present on
this occasion, and he was from the eastern side of the
Delaware. A treaty of peace was here made between
the Marylanders and the Indians, a solitary sachem
acting for the latter; and, as the Dutch chronicle re
marks, " had a joyful intercourse between them and
D'Hicoyossa." At this meeting the Marylanders
offered to deliver annually to the Dutch two or three
thousand hogsheads of tobacco, either at the Sassafras
river or Appoquinimink creek, provided the Dutch
could supply them with negroes and other commodi
ties. Beekman,3 in his letter to Stuyvesant, giving
an account of the troubles arising from this murder
by the Indians, gave utterance to the following pre-

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, p. 124. 2 Ibid, 137.

3 Beekman's Letters, Albany Records, vol. 17, p. 142.

352 HISTORY OF THE STATZ OF DELAWARE.

diction, which in part was soon to be verified. II e
said: *• It is my humble opinion that if the English
enter intn a war with the savages, it cannot be bur to
injure the public welfare, and that the savr.ges will
agnin claim and take possession of all the lands, or

$tcs'&*."~ This accounts for the anxiety of Seek mar-
to preserve i^ace between the Marylanders an i the
Indians. The Dutch had previously, in the beginning
of January, fears of an attack from the Indians them
selves. The grave of Hoppionewick. an In.ii\n
sachem who w^s buried opposite the house of Captain
Krieirer. had be^n violated, and some seawant. and
thre-? or four rieoes of frieze, and some other thir.rs
that was buried wirh him had been stolen. At this
the savages murmured, an I mischief was apprehended
at New Arnstel.'

The Maqua and Seneca Indians were at this time
at war. The Marylanders assisted the Maquas with
nfty men in their fort.2 The Senecas. in retaliation.
it is asserted, destroyed several plantations of the
Swedes and Finns who settled in Maryland. This
was more than probablv the case, as Oloti Still-/,
who left the Delaware with some Finns, to settle on
the Sassafras river, in Maryland, (where several of
their countrymen, who had also left the South river.
had before settled, returned, and continued to resile
on the South river. They found the position of their
countrymen not as comfortable as had been reported.

- B-r^jcr-in § Letter?. Ale any FU^oris. vol. 17. p. lOv.

i A^&sj Record*. TO!. 17. p. 9-x * Ibid. p. 11*.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 383

The return of these Finn-; was more than probable
the result of actual or threatened raids from the
savages/

The trouble and strife that at this time occurred
between the Catholics and Protestants in Maryland.
caused some of the Marylanders of the former faith
to visit the South river, to see if they could settle
under Dutch jurisdiction, without being delivered up
to Maryland authority. On the 4th of February.
Captain Wheeler and Ulrick Anthony, two Catholics
from Maryland, visited both New Amstel and Altona.
and proposed the question to Beekman. whether - if
any resident of Maryland came to the South river
the Dutch would give him up when demanded ? or if
it was presumptive that he would defend them T
Beekman pretended that "he was not obliged to
answer, as. not being deeply enough versed in law.
even if it was brought before him." He told them ii
was a question too critical for him to decide; the
more so as Maryland appeared deeply interested in
it. as being in duty bound to defend the privileges
of their citizens." They appeared to be mortified at
Beekrnan's answer, and excused themselves for their
arrival and departure from his house by saving that
triey well knew how to show due respect, but in this
cu.se their conscience would not permit it." Beek-
m-n answered that his "conscience did not tolerate
such a sect." In his letter to Stuyvesant relating.
the meeting. Beekman says : •• If they remain quiet,
and no others of the same creed shall arrive hither. I

• A'.banv Record*., vol. 17. p. 104, 105.

384 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

shall tolerate them till I have received your honor's
further orders; but by an unexpected increase I shall
command them to depart, in conformity to the orders
of your honor." In a former part of the same letter
he said : " Just as we were desirous to avoid making
any encroachments upon the rights of our neighbors,
it seems to me, in this question, with regard to us,
every regard due to an independent State is lost."1

Some time in the month of May, the claim of
Maryland to the Dutch possessions was again brought
before the Maryland Council, when it was resolved
that as it was a matter of doubt whether New Amstel
lay below the 40th degree of north latitude, and as
the West India1 Company resolved to maintain their
possessions by force, and there was no prospect of
any aid from the other colonies, in any attempt
which they might make to reduce them, all further
efforts for their subjugation should be delayed until
the will of the proprietary could be ascertained, and
that in the meantime some effort should be made to
determine whether the settlement was located within
the limits of Baltimore's grant. An agent was also
despatched to Holland to enforce upon the West
India Company the claims of the proprietary to the
territory in question, and to repeat the demand that
it should be abandoned. Compliance with this de
mand was again refused by the company, but it gave
orders to its settlers to withdraw from the terrritory
about Cape Henlopen, which they had purchased from
the Indians.

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, pp. 104, 105.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 385

But New Amstel and the adjoining territory were
still held in possession by the Dutch.1

The squabbles between the two settlements, the
Company's Colony of Altona and the City of Amster
dam's Colony of New Amstel — accounts of which
were undoubtedly sent to his employers (the City
Government of Amsterdam) by D'Hinoyossa — caused
the censure of Stuyvesant by the West India Com
pany in Holland. D'Hinoyossa appears to have com
plained of the interference in the City Colony's affairs
by the authorities of the Company, and the reversal
of his judgments in the cases of the murderers of the
Indians. In his letter of defence, written in July,
Stuyvesant says :

" If all our letters written since the death of Al-
ricks — written to his successor, D'Hinoyossa, and one
or two of his principals — had been transmitted, it
would, to all appearance, become evident that we in
stituted no process whatever against the City's minis
ters, much less that we sowed the seeds of discord
amongst them ; to the contrary, it would evidently
appear that we most sincerely recommended them
peace and harmony, with the promotion of the com
mon welfare. What regards the case or process men
tioned by your honor relative to the estate of deceased
Alricks ; our opposition against judgment on the mur
derers of three savages, in a case of appeal, and our
unwillingness to the judgment against Jan Garrettson
and Van Marcker, it was our duty to inform you of

1 See McMiihon, p. 25, who quotes Council Proceedings of Mary
land.

386 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

both, and all the circumstances of these affairs, and
our own honor and character compels us imperiously
to express our minds with all possible brevity."

Then alluding to transactions connected with the
estate of Alricks, and the petition of Van Gezel, Al-
ricks declared heir and executor, he says : " Never
was there an infraction upon arrest made by Pro
visional Director D'Hinoyossa in behalf of his prin
cipals or the estate, or money coming from it, or con
tracted for, which aforesaid remains responsible."1 In
this letter he speaks of Alricks as a man of discreet
character.

The inhabitants of the South river were at this
time greatly excited by a case of elopement — the first
case chronicled as taking place within the State. On
the 20th of September the wife of Mr. Laers, the
Finnish priest, eloped with a man named Jacob Jongh.
They departed in the night in a canoe, accompanied
by an Indian. Messengers were despatched by Beek-
man to Sassafras river and other parts of Maryland,
with directions to arrest the fugitives, but without
success. . Laers the night following went to the house
of Andreas Hendriessen, a Finn, where Jongh resided,
and broke open the door of Jongh's room, and also
broke open his trunk, which was there. Laers, how
ever, does not appear to have been inconsolable, or to
have taken his loss much at heart, as in less than a
month after (on the 15th of October) he solicited
Beekman for his consent to marry again — to a girl
seventeen or eighteen years old. He wished to make

1 Albany Records, vol. 18, p. 143.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 387

the proclamation on the 16th of October. Beekman
delayed to give an answer until he should obtain
Stuyvesant's approbation. On the 18th of November
he again solicited Beekman's permission to get mar
ried, as "the situation of his family," he said, "impe
riously required it."1 On the 15th of December he
solicited from the Council a divorce from his wife, and
obtained it. He did not get married, however, until
the 31st of January following, when he married him
self — " a transaction," says Beekman in his letter to
Stuyvesant, "in my opinion, under execution, entirely
unlawful, and expect your honor's orders how to con
duct myself in it."

Laers afterwards got himself in trouble by this
transaction. Jongh, it is supposed, went to New
England, as his trunk, with several articles of Mr.
Laers' property, was afterwards found at Upland (now
Chester).

The ill feeling between Beekman and D'Hinoyossa
still continued, and almost every letter of Beekman's
contained complaint of his conduct. In his letter of
January 14, in describing D'Hinoyossa's carnage upon
his late appointment as Director or Governor of New
Amstel, he says: "He feels himself again pretty high,
and is strutting forward in full pride. He is boasting
that he will recover all the effects of the deceased
Alricks, and sings already another tune. He removed
from office his secretary, Van Nas, because he did not
flatter his whims in writing the records.'"2 On the
Cth of September Beekman went to New Amstel to

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, pp. 142, 144. 2 Ibid, p. 00.

388 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

converse with him in relation to his making vessels
lower their colors as they sailed past Fort New Am-
stel, when he was stopped at the door by Van Swer-
ingen, who was ordered to prevent his entrance, al
though D'Hinoyossa was notified by Alricks of his
arrival. A small boy afterwards brought word to
Beekman from D'Hinoyossa that " he could not speak
with him with a good conscience, and advised him to

go home."1

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, p. 135.

CHAPTER XXV.

FROM 1602 TO 1664.

War between Minquas and Senecas — Dullness of trade thereupon —
Trial of Laers, the preacher, for breaking open Jongh's room and
marrying himself — His marriage declared illegal — He appeals to
the Court — First mill near Wilmington — Grant of land at Iloernkill
to Mennonists — New Amstel fears an attack from Indians — Alarm
thereat — Indian murders — Friendly feeling of the Minquas — Mo
nopoly of trade of Iloernkill granted to Alricks — Selling liquor to
Indians forbidden — Penalty — Disputes between Beekman and
D'Hinoyossa — Charges by the former against the latter — D'Hino-
yossa abuses Stuyvesant and the Manhattans — Sells guns to sava
ges — Other things to Maryland — Does not keep a day appointed
by Stuyvesant of fasting and prayer — Chooses one of his own —
Desires no more orders from Manhattan — Is censured by Stuyve
sant — Hanging of a runaway servant — Meeting between D'Hino
yossa and Governor of Maryland — Beekman continues to complain
of D'llinoyossa — First protested bill of exchange — Death of Pap-
pegoya — Small-pox among the savages — First Frenchman in Dela
ware — The City of Amsterdam complain of their laborers being
enticed from New Amstel by the Company's Colony — First land
grant in Wilmington — Victory of the Minquas over the Senecas —
Pardon of Van Sweringen for killing a soldier — Mary landers
march on Iloernkill — Dutch abandon it — Duties levied at Iloern
kill — Baltimore invites settlers there — He visits New Amstel —
Arrival of colonists from Holland — Fort Altona decaying — City of
Amsterdam requests that Altona and the country above Christina
Creek should be ceded to them — The Company decline the con
ditions — Offer to cede Fort Christina — They finally agree — The
deed of transfer to City of Amsterdam — Laborers escaping from
City's Colony to Manhattan to be given up — City to send 400 colo
nists over — Farms, cattle, sheep and swine on South river — Death
of Hudde.

THE war still continued to wage between pi** on
the Senecas and the Minquas, which caused

390 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

a stagnation of trade on the South river, as the In
dians, whilst engaged in slaughtering each other, neg
lected their hunting, and therefore the procurement

of furs.

On the 14th of April the Court at Altona tried Mr.
Laers. the Finnish minister, for breaking open the
room and trunk of Jacob Jorigh, who had eloped with
his wife. lie was also accused of making an inven
tory of Jongh's property, which ought to have been
done by the vice-director and the court, and that by
so doing it was alleged he "usurped," "suspended"
and " vilified their authority." He was sentenced to
make good to the Company what Jongh owed, viz. :
200 guilders in coin, 40 guilders in beaver; besides a
fine cf 40 guilders for having " vilified authority."
He was also tried for having married himself, which
the Court said " was directly contrary to the orders
sanctioned about marriaere connections." His marriage

O t_y

was therefore declared "null, void and illegal." Laers
sent in a statement to the Court, in .which he says
he had been condemned to " heavy amends," which,
in his " poor situation," he could by no means pay ;
that he " paid already nearly 200 guilders," and now
was again condemned to pay a fine of 280 guilders.
He also alleged that he only broke open the door
because he was informed his wife was concealing her
self there, and found nothing but a few pairs of stock
ings, which the fugitive raptor of his wife had left
behind." He said it was his "submissive petition"
that Beekman "would make a favorable and merciful
intercession in his behalf," and pardon graciously what

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 391

was committed "through ignorance," and to save his
"reputation and condition as a minister not to inflict
any punishment." With regard to his marrying him
self he said : "I cannot discover anything illegal in
it. I acted just in the same manner as I had done
before in respect to others ; exactly as others do who
are not prosecuted for it, and I can conscientiously
assure you that it was done without any evil inten
tion. Had I known that my marrying myself in this
manner should have been so unfavorably interpreted,
I should have submitted to the usage of the Reformed
Church. But I did not know it. Wherefore I pray
once more the honorable general that he will vouch
safe me his aid, and "take into consideration my forlorn
situation, so that I, without becoming a burden to
others, may supply my daily wrants." As to whether
the Rev. Mr. Laers was pardoned, or had his fine re
mitted, history is silent.

But it is not silent in regard to the injustice and
oppression of Beekman. He has condemned himself
by his own writing. According to the 7th article of
the terms of the surrender of Fort Christina, the
Swedes and Finns remaining on the South river were
to be allowed the liberty of their national religion,
known as the Augsburg Confession. Laers was not
compelled to conform to the usages of the Reformed
Church in marriage ; but to his own. The breaking
open of a room and trunk to see if his wife was in the
one and- his own goods (of which he was robbed by
an adulterer) in the other were acts liable to be com
mitted by any man under such circumstances, and the

392 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

assumption that Jongh had left behind him in that
trunk goods enough to pay the debts of the Company,
and that they had been taken and kept by Laers, was
most unwarrantable. It should have occurred to the
meanest intellect that if the adulterer had taken with
him the goods of the husband whom he had wronged,
he would also hardly have failed to have carried off
those belonging to himself when they were portable
enough to be contained in a trunk. It was one of the
rankest cases of judicial injustice ever committed on
the Delaware.

At this time we see mention made of the erection
of the first mill in this State north of the Christiana.
It was situated on Turtle, or SKilpadle, creek (now
called the Shelpot), about one and a half Dutch, or
four and a half English, miles from Altona. John
Staelcup petitioned for the land around the mill, so that
he " could attend to it with greater safety."

This mill stood in 1769, and was then carried on
by a Swede, or Holsteiner, named Tapoeise. Bankers
and Sluyter, the Labadists, visited it that year whilst
passing through Delaware to visit Augustin Herman
in Maryland. They describe Tapoeise as short in
person, but u a very friendly fellow," having several
children. He is the first miller in our State of whom
history records a description.1

A grant of land at the Hoernkills was made to a
party of Mennonists. The association was to consist

1 See Travels of Bankers and Sluyter, in Memoirs of Long Island
Historical Society. (The Labadists were a sect of Christians that
lived at one time in Delaware and Maryland.) Also. O'Calli^han.
vol. 2, p. 466.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 393

of married males and single men who had attained
the age of twenty-four years, who were not bound to
service or indebted to the association. No superiority
or office was to be sought for; but all persons were
to obey the ordinances for the " maintainance of peace
and concord." No minister of the gospel was to be
allowed in the association, for being composed of per
sons of various religious opinions, no one minister
could preach in accordance with the sentiments of the
whole of their community, and to get one of each sect,
it was argued, would not only be impossible, "but an
inevitable pest to all peace and union." The number
that agreed to settle was thirty-five men, the principal
of whom was Pieter Cornelioz Plockhoy, of Zierikzee.
The City of Amsterdam agreed to loan each of them
one hundred guilders. The whole community were
to be security for this loan. Thus every man was
surety for all the rest. It is not made manifest with
any degree of certainty on the records, whether or
not any of this association ever emigrated to Dela

ware.1

In the early part of September, New Amstel was
again alarmed by fears of an attack from the savages.
An Indian came running into the town severely
wounded, to the consternation of the inhabitants.
He gave them to understand, as far as he could, that
it was done by the Senecas. A short time afterwards
an old man, named Jans Flons, whilst riding in the
woods with his wagon and two horses, was shot and

1 O'Callaghan, vol. 2, p. 466. Broadhead and O'Callaghan, vol. 2,
pp. 176, 177.

394 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

killed. The inhabitants immediately fled with their
property to the fort. They apprehended an attack ;
but they were not further molested.

On the 17th of November a youth, the servant of
John Stalcup, was murdered about four hundred rods
from Fort Altona. His master had just left him.
These murders, it was supposed, wrere committed by
the Senecas. A small house was at another time
burnt by the savages, near New Amstel.1

On the 3d of December three Minqua chiefs visited
Altona. They informed Beekman that the murderer
of the youth was a young Seneca captive. They also
informed him that as long as the Christians had re
sided on the river, they had never in any manner
injured or offended them (the Minquas); on the con
trary, they showed them every mark of friendship,
and were always willingly and cheerfully employed
in reconciling differences between them and the other
savages. They also told Beekinan that about three
years ago one of their nation was murdered by Chris
tians at New Amstel; but they did net resent it.
That they expected ere long to their assistance about
eight hundred Swedish Minquas, of whom about two
hundred had arrived, so that the next spring they
were resolved to go and make war on the Senecas
and attack them in their forts. They solicited the
Dutch to supply them with ammunition wrhen they
paid for it.

On the 29th of March D'Hinoyossa granted the
sole privilege of trading between Bombay Hook and

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, pp. 230, 245, 246.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 395

Cape Henlopen to Peter Alricks. The penalty for
violating this privilege was forfeiture of goods. This
order caused much discontent amongst the Swedes.
He also prohibited the selling of liquor to the Indians
under a penalty of 300 guilders. If any one sold
the Indians liquor, they (the Indians) were to be
allowed to rob them of it.1

^The disputes between Beekman and D'Hinoyossa
still continued. Beekman, in his letters to Stuyves-
ant, constantly reiterated his complaints of the con
duct of D'Hinoyossa, wrho insisted on vessels lowering
their colors when they passed New Amstel, and
threatened to examine their cargo. Beekman, claim
ing the jurisdiction over the river, denied his right to
do this, and in May summoned him to appear before
him at Altona. This summons D'Hinoyossa disre
garded. Beekman further charged him with making,
in a tavern, attacks on Stuy vesant. Also with charg
ing the inhabitants of New Amsterdam with bringing
the Swedes to South river by their ill treatment of
Minuit, and threatening, if he could, to drown or poison
the Manhattans.1

In a letter to Stuyvesant in June, he charges
D'Hinoyossa with taking away the palisades of the
fort and burning them in his brewery; also, with sell
ing to the savages the new city guns which arrived
in the ship Parmeland Church; also, with selling to
the English in Maryland the city millstones, brought
in the same ship, for one thousand pounds of tobacco,
and a small brewer's kettle for seven or eight hundred

1 Albany Records, O'Call., vol. 2, p. 465.

396 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

pounds; also, with railing against the Manhattans
and threatening vengeance.1 These charges Beekman
sustained by affidavits.

In July Stuyvesant proclaimed a day of fasting
and prayer in New Netherlands, and Beekman corn-
plained that D'Hinoyossa did not publish it in his
jurisdiction, giving as a reason that his colony was
not " especially mentioned." About the same time
D'Hinoyossa also issued a proclamation for fasting and
prayer, but iu the name of the Director and Council
of New Amstel (thus ignoring the power of Stuyves
ant) ; but which, said Beekman, they " did not keep."
D'Hinoyossa also wrote to Beekman, informing him
that he expected from them (Stuyvesant and the
other officers of the company) " no more similar or
ders or injunctions;" but that "in future" they
" would take care of it" for themselves, and for that
purpose they had " established a quarterly prayer
day."2

In a letter written by Beekman in August he says
" he cannot live on good terms with D'Hinoyossa."
Stuyvesant also severely censured his conduct in a
letter to the directors in Holland. They had written
to Stuyvesant. complaining " of certain proposed pro
posals, and defence against the savages, and a di
visional line by Maryland," which they said they
never passed. Stuyvesant, in a letter dated July 15,
in reply, said : "As to what passed between Mary
land and D'Hinoyossa remains a secret. Beekman
gave, it is true, some communications that in conse-

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, pp. 158, 159. « Ibid. p. 195.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 397

quence of the murder of two or three English, going
from New Amstel to Maryland, trouble and some war
had arisen between them, which caused certain cor
respondence, and some embassies sent vice versa by
D'Hinoyossa and the Governor of Maryland ; but all
this without any action with us or Beekman, so we
are ignorant about it. Daily occurrences prove that
D'Hinoyossa is either too ignorant or too great in his
own eyes to consult your ministers on those or other such
like affairs."

In September there was a runaway servant hung,
the first execution we have any record of in this
State. From the loose structure of the language it
is almost impossible to say who hung him or for what
he was hung. It rather conveys the impression that
he was hung by the Indians ; but a letter from the
directors in Holland to Stuyvesant, written April 16,
1G63, gives the impression that D'Hinoyossa hung
him for the crime of running away, though this it
is difficult to believe.

Beekman, writing to Stuyvesant, says : " On the
I9th was hung, the head cut off and placed on a
stake, in the presence of " French," one of the English
runaway servants, and bought by Peter Alricks at
Hoernkill from the savages. When these were to be
conducted to New Amstel by some English, French
made an attack upon them near Bompjes (Bombay)
Hook, wounded two, when they fled out of the boat;
but were again overtaken at New Amstel, where they
were apprehended by orders of D'Hinoyossa, when
on the 3d the English masters departed ; but D'Hin-

398 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

oyossa refused to deliver French to them, because he
committed, as he suspected, a delict in the distance
of the colony. I sustained that the case belonged to
your honor's jurisdiction, as the deed was committed
on the river and not in the colony. Van Sweringen
was sitting as judge in the case."1 The directors in
Holland, writing to Stuy vesant, say : " The com
plaints which have been made against the director of
this city, Alexander D'Hinoyossa, and the sheriff,
Gerritt Van Sweringen, and their proceedings there
in executing and hanging a runaivay servant who resided
before in New Netherlands, is strange!''1

In November D'Hinoyossa and Van Sweringen left
suddenly in a shallop to meet Calvert, the Governor
of Maryland, at the house of Augustin Herman.
They went there in obedience to a request by letter
from Calvert. They gave no information of this
movement either to Beekrnan or Stuyvesant, The
information in relation to this meeting was sent to
Beekman by a Mr. J. Willems, who appeared to be
a sort of spy in the service of Beekman at New Am-
stel. Willems, like most spies, determined to earn
his wages. He narrowly watched every action of
D'Hinoyossa and reported them all to Beekman. He
described a meeting in the valley near Fort New Am-
stel, where D'Hinoyossa and several persons who
were with him "lifted up their eyes towards heaven,
laid their hands upon their breasts," and did several
other unnecessary and unmeaning things, from which
Willems suspected they were plotting evil to the com-

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, pp. 243, 244. 2 Ibid. 128.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. , 399

pmiy of the colony. This Willems died shortly
afterwards.

Mrs. Pappegoya, the daughter of Governor Printz,
who had since lived at her father's place at Tinnicum,
where was situated the Finnish village of Printzdorp,
sold it to Mr. LaGrange. A part of the purchase
money was a bill of exchange, which was protested.
Suit was entered on this bill of exchange before
Beekman at Altona, who gave judgment against La-
Grange. This was the first known protested bill on
the Delaware, and the first case tried on any written
obligation within the limits of the territory constitu
ting this State. An appeal \vas taken, and Tinnicum
island and the Printz property was afterwards the
cause of a great deal of litigation between the Mrs.
Pappegoya and others. There is some evidence to
show that at this time her husband, Pappegoya, had
died. Mrs. Pappegoya lived alone, and the fact of
his decease is mentioned by the Labadists, Dankers
and Sluyter, who visited Tinnicum in 1679. But
history neither records the time, nor place, nor cir
cumstances of the death of the fourth governor of
Delaware.

The first letter written by Beekman this
year was one filled with the usual complaints
of the conduct of D'Hinoyossa. " He sells every
thing for which he can find a purchaser," says Beek
man ; " even powder and musket balls from the
magazine; I know that he sold a considerable quan
tity to Augustin Herman, besides nails belonging to
the city," &c. And again he says : " D'Hinoyossa con-

400 . HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

siders us his mortal enemies." He rejected a surgeon
because he was a friend of Beekman.

In the early part of February the small-pox ap
peared amongst the savages on the South river. This
is the first mention of small-pox on the Delaware.
We have now, too, mention made of the first French
man in Delaware. His name was Pickard. He
owned a house and land in Altona, which he sold and
then removed away.1

In February also the duty of four stivers on a
beaver, levied on the trade of South river by the com
pany, was abandoned, and left for the benefit of New
Amstel.

The records, whilst they abound with the* com
plaints of Beekrnan on the conduct of D'Hinoyossa,
show little or no complaint of D'Hinoyossa against
him. But from this it must not be supposed that his
letters showed one mite more of satisfaction at the
acts of Beekman, than those of Beekman did of him.
Beekman's letters, which so minutely detail the his
tory of the territory that now constitutes this State
whilst under the rule of the Dutch, were written to
Stuyvesant, in New Amsterdam, and are therefore
preserved in the New York Archives ; whilst those
of D'Hinoyossa were written to the Burgomasters of
Amsterdam, in Holland, and were not therefore as
well kept, or so conveniently within our reach. It is
more than probable they censured the conduct of
Beekman as bitterly as those of Beekman did his.
Now and then a complaint of D'Hinoyossa was laid

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, p. 260.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 401

by the Burgomasters of Amsterdam before the Direc
tors of the Company. In a letter from them to Stuy-
vesant, they allude to " the repeated complaints of
the commissaries that the Company's government in
New Netherlands seemed to make it a study to oppose
the colony of the city — to prevent its growth," and
alleged, amongst other examples, that they "did pro
tect the colonists who, from time to time, escaped
from the city's colony, and hired by sinister means
their best and ablest farmers from there." This, as
they alleged, had actually been practised by one
Brex Wolters. " Said commissaries entreated us
most seriously, as they had again concluded to send
there fifty laborers and twelve girls for the service of
the colony, not only that similar measures might not
again be put in practice, but farther, if any of them
within three years might escape from the service in
the colony to the Manhattans, they might be sent
back again."

On the 17th of May a grant of a small valley,
situated on the west side of Fort Altona, together
with some woodland, in all eight m organs, or fifty six
acres, was made to Beekman by Stuyvesant. This
is the first recorded grant of land to an individual
within the limits of the city of Wilmington that we
have an account of. From its description we should
judge that it extended from Church street to Walnut
street, and from the Christiana probably to near Ninth
street, as- the grants generally at that time far ex
ceeded the estimated measurement, and a great part
of what is now firm land was covered by the Chris-

20

402 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

tiana, as well at low as at high .tide. The hill that
commences at Walnut street would form a valley be
tween Fort Christiana and French street.1

In the early part of June a battle took place be
tween the Minqua and Seneca Indians. " The Sene-
cas, to the number of eight hundred, blockaded the
Minquas in their fort whilst a large proportion of their
number were out hunting. When the Senecas ap
proached, three or four men were despatched to the
fort with the offer of peace, while their force remained
at a distance; but a Minqua returning from hunting
discovered the Senecas, so that the next day those in
the fort concluded to meet them with twenty or thirty
men. The other Minquas at the same time, w7ith
their forces, made an attack, put the Senecas to flight,
and pursued them for two days, retaking ten persons
and killing ten Senecas." The Governor o( Maryland
assisted the Minquas with two cannon and four men
to manage them. The accounts of this battle handed
down to us are confused. It is more than probable
the assistance rendered by the Marylanders contribu
ted to the Minquas victory. The site of the battle
is not definitely known; but it is supposed to have
been within the limits of the State. Probably in the
neighborhood of Iron or Chestnut Hill, near Newark,
as the Minquas fort was situated on a high mountain.
These hills answer best to the description given by
Campanius as the site of the Minquas stronghold.

Gerritt Van Sweringen, the sheriff and counsellor,
had shot and killed an insolent soldier. On the 1st

1 Albany Records, vol. 21, p. 108.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 403

of June a vessel arrived from Holland, pardoning him
for the offence.1

About this time we are inclined to believe that the
Governor of Maryland fitted out an expedition to
attack the Dutch settlement at the Hoernkill. It is
generally supposed to have taken place in 1661 ; but
it was more than probable this year. As the Mary-
landers advanced the Dutch settlers withdrew and
abandoned the Hoernkill. Duties were also levied
on the trade of the South river at the Hoernkill at
this time,2 and encouragement was given by Baltimore
to those who desired to make settlements there, and
Col. William Stevens was authorized by him to in
duce emigrants to take up land in the vicinity.3

On the 9th of August Lord Baltimore visited New
Amstel, with a suit consisting of twenty-six or twenty-
seven persons. On the llth and 12th of August he
visited Altona, where he was entertained by Beekman.
Stuyvesant made him an offer, through Beekman, of
a convoy and horses if he visited Manhattan. He
returned his thanks for the offer, and promised if he
visited Boston in the spring, a matter he had in con
templation, to go by way of Manhattan.

In August a vessel arrived at New Amstel from
New Amsterdam with farmer's instruments of indus
try and ammunition for the City's Colony.4 This was
probably the ship Jacob.5 The same month Beekman

1 Albany Records, vol. 17, p. 280.

2 Griffith's Sketch of the History of Maryland, p. 22.

3 NeilPs Terras Marise, p. 161.

4 Smith's New York, p. 113. 6 Albany Records.

404 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

informed Stuyvesantthat Fort Altona (Christina) was
out of repair, that the palisades and the whole fort
was in decay.

The difficulties between the officers of the Com
pany at Altona and the Colony of the City at New
Amstel induced the City of Amsterdam to endeavor
to get Altona assigned to them, and have the whole
of the South river under their jurisdiction. They had
made a proposition to the Director of the Company to
that effect in February, in which, amongst other arti
cles, they stipulated that when Altona should be
assigned to them, their jurisdiction and property of
the land should be from where the South river entered
the sea to its head. Their property on the west side
of the South river they desired should extend to
Baltimore's line. On the east, or New Jersey side,
they wnshed it extended from the river three miles
into the country ; and that to this territory the Com
pany " should renounce and quit every claim ;" that
they (the City of Amsterdam) should have " all the
rights of high and low jurisdiction which the Com
pany possessed," provided that they paid to the Com
pany " the recognitions which were actually paid from
all imports and exports, without being obliged to bring
their goods into the Company's magazine." They
desired " not to be visited by the Company's commis
saries ;" but " that the Company should remain satis
fied with the declarations " of the City's " commissary
or director," and that " nothing should be paid to the
South river ;" neither should "' the Company claim
any authority upon it." The Company at first de-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 405

clined to grant the whole of the colony, although
they offered to assign to the city Fort Christina. They
also refused to agree to the non-bringing of the goods
into the Company's magazines, and the non-visiting
of the city's cargoes by the Company's officers, and
the paying of nothing on the South river; also to
some others of the articles.

The dangers from the English, however, both north
and south, finally induced them to cede the balance
of the South river to the City of Amsterdam. Ac
cordingly, on the llth of September the agreement
between them was entered into, and on the 22d of
December Stuyvesant made a formal transfer of Al-
tona to D'Hinoyossa, as the agent of that city.
D'Hinoyossa had left Holland some months pre
viously, and on the 3d of September had returned to
the South river, in company with Peter Alricks, with
one hundred and fifty passengers, nearly all of whom
were Swedes and Finns. There were thirty-two of
the latter nation.1

In making this transfer of the remaining portion
of the State of Delaware to the City of Amsterdam,
the West India Company thought that that city would
u prove a wall between them and the English of
Maryland;" would increase the influence of New
Netherlands with the States General and prevent the
bickerings between the officers of the city and Com
pany in relation to jurisdiction, as the city would
thus have sole control of the South river, by which
the remaining portions of our State, as well as other

1 Broadhead and O'Callighan, vol. 2, p. 233.

406 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

territory, was transferred from the possession of the
West India Company to the City of Amsterdam. It
comprised all that portion of Delaware north of the
Christina, and consisted of the City of Wilmington and
the Hundreds of Brandywine, Christina, Mill Creek,
White Clay Creek, and a small part of Pencader.

The territory that constituted the State thus passed
entirely under the control of the City of Amsterdam,
with the exception of that portion that lies between
Cape Henlopen and the Maryland line that fronts on
the Atlantic ocean, and which was more than probable
at this time under the jurisdiction of Baltimore. The
following is a copy of the deed of grant :

" Peter Stuy vesant, in behalf of their High, Mighty
Lords, State General of the United Netherlands, and
the Lords Directors of the Council, attest and declare
how we this day, in conformity with their orders and
letters of aforesaid Lords Directors of the llth of
September, 1663, transported, surrendered and trans
ferred to the Honorable Alexander D'Hinoyossa, in
behalf of the noble, great and respected Lords, Bur
gomasters of the City of Amsterdam, Director in
their colony on the South river, from the sea upwards,
so far as that river extends itself, towards the country
on the east side, three miles from the borders of the
river, and towards the west side so far as the country
is extending till it reaches the English Colonies, with
all the streams, hills, creeks, harbors, bays, and parts
relative to it, of all which land, with all its depen
dencies, especially so of the Fortress of Altona, we?
in the name and behalf of the aforesaid Lords Direc-

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 407

tors, make at this time a full cession and transfer to
the aforesaid Alexander D'Hinoyossa, on behalf of
the noble, great, and respectable Burgomasters of the
City of Amsterdam aforesaid, making to him a cession
of all actual and real possession, property and privi
leges ; and all this upon such conditions as have been
agreed upon between the noble Lords Directors and
others and the noble, great and respectful Burgomas
ters of the City of Amsterdam, without reserving
any actual or real pretensions, promising therefore to
consider and keep this transfer inviolate in truth;
wherefore we signed it and confirmed it with our seal
in red wax, imprinted in the Fort Amsterdam, in New
Netherlands, 22d December, 1663."1

The Company had agreed, before they resolved to
transfer New7 Amstel, not to admit within their juris
diction "any colonists of the city, or its laborers,"
except they " could show their pass and prove by cer
tificate that the city had received payment of her
advance money." They instructed Stuyvesant to
consider private debts as " personal matters." The
City, in its agreement with the Company, agreed to
settle on the South river four hundred colonists and
other useful husbandmen, and held out the impression
that they would send out a greater number. This,
said the Directors, in a communication to Stuyvesant,
" must contribute to our security against the English
north." " Besides," said they, " we may expect a
more powerful intercession of the city by our govern-
in cut to obtain from the Crown of England the final

1 Albany Records, vol. 21, p. 445.

408 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

settlement of the long desired boundaries." In ob
taining the assignment of Altona, the City of Amster
dam " reserved to herself alone " the " exclusive com
merce" of the South river. This alarmed several of
the merchants of New Amsterdam, for fear the com
merce of the Manhattans might be diverted to another
channel. This fear, however, was without foundation,
as the intention of the City of Amsterdam, by reserv
ing the exclusive commerce of this river, " was only
to insure cargoes for the ships which she sent over
with the laborers and colonists."

The West India Company could hardly have been
aware of the extent of their grant to the city. It
extended up the Delaware to near the Catskill Moun
tains in New York, in latitude between 41 arid 42
degrees ; and as Baltimore's grant did not extend be
yond the 40th degree of north latitude, ihe City of
Amsterdam would by this deed have obtained posses
sion of nearly the whole of Pennsylvania and a large
portion of the State of New York, and might even
hare extended to the Pacific unless the Virginians
had interfered with them in the progress westward.

On the South river at this time, according to the
report of the Commissioners of the City of Amster
dam, the Swedes, Finns, and other nations had estab
lished about 110 good boweries or farms, which had a
stock of 2,000 cows and oxen, 20 horses, 80 sheep,
and several thousand swine. It was recommended
that no Hollander should be employed in agriculture ;
but that Swedes, Finns, and other foreign nations
should be induced to emigrate to the South river for

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 409

that purpose. The city was to offer to lend such
people sufficient to pay their passage and purchase
agricultural implements.1

Most of the emigrants who arrived in the Parme-
land Church with D'PIinoyossa were Swedes and
Finns, who were aided by the City of Amsterdam in
this manner.

The Dutch of Delaware at this time brewed a great
deal of strong beer, which was sold to the Maryland-
ers (who did not manufacture any) for tobacco.

On the 4th of November Andreas Hudde, who
figured so prominently in the early portion of our
history, died at Appoquinimy, which was then the
name of Appoquinimink. He had been a faithful
servant of the Dutch for many years, and his services
were appreciated by them ; but he had been robbed
and all his property destroyed by the Indians, and he
had sunk from the position of commissary, or gover
nor, to that of clerk. He petitioned for his discharge
as clerk, and it being granted, had left Altona on the
1st of November and was going by way of Appo-
quinimy to Maryland, where he intended engaging in
the brewing business ; but he died before he reached
there of an " ardent fever." His first service under
the Dutch was as surveyor at Manhattan, 1642, from
which station he was removed; in 1645 he was com
missary of Fort Nassau, since which time he had
been identified with the Dutch interest on the South
river.2

1 Broadhead and O'Callighan. vol. 2, pp. 210, 211.
'Albany Records, vol. 17, p. 309.

CHAPTER XXVI.

1664.

Resignation of Beekman — Absolves Swedes from their oaths — They
are summoned to New Amstcl to take a new oath — They refuse —
Allowed eight days to leave or take the oath — Farm offered to
Beekman — He declines — He begs office of Stuyvesant — Is made
sheriff of Esopus — D'Hinoyossa sole governor of South river — In
tends building his capitol at Appoquiniminy (supposed to be Odes
sa) — Intends constructing dykes around valleys — Appoints Alricks
superintendent of fur trade — Prohibits brewing and distilling —
All goods exported to pay recognitions — Order of boundaries —
Swedes fit out an expedition to recover Delaware — Vessels run
ashore — Expedition abandoned — Grant of territory between the
Delaware and St. Croix to Duke of York — Under it no grant of
Delaware — Duke of York grants New Jersey to Berkley and Car-
teret — Swedes present memorial to States of Holland in relation
to New Sweden — Expedition fitted out under Col. Nichols — Slaves
for New Amstel arrive in New Amsterdam — Capture of Manhat
tan by Col. Nichols — Name of New Amsterdam changed to New-
York — Narrow escape of New Amstel slaves — Surrender of town
of New Amstel to Sir Robert Carr— Terms— D'Hinoyossa refuses
to surrender— Retires to the fort— Storming of the fort— Three of
the garrison killed and ten wounded— It is plundered— Name of
New Amstel changed to New Castle— The South river to Dela
ware — Fort Altona to its old name of Christina — Destruction of
Fort New Amstel (Casimer)— Slaves divided amongst captors-
Murders by Indians— Momentous consequences of fall of Dutch
power in Delaware — Author's prediction — Destiny of Anglo Saxon
race— Plan of union of (note) Confiscation of property of D'Hino
yossa, Alricks and Van Sweringen— D'Hinoyossa and Van Swer-
ingen retire to Maryland— D'Hinoyossa' s letter— Goes to Hol
land, &c.

[16041 ALTHOUGH Altona had been transferred to
the City of Amsterdam, and it and New

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 411

Amstel were both under the governorship of Alex
ander D'Hinoyossa, Beekman continued to act as
Governor of Altona until the 5th of June, when the
Swedes and Finns were summoned to appear at Fort
Altona, and he then resigned his office.

On the 9th of June the Swedish deputies and a
great part of the Finns assembled at Altona, and at
their request were absolved by Beekman from the
previous oath they had taken. They were much
dissatisfied at the change and made use of the ex
pression : " We are now sold — deliver us." A new
oath was proposed to them by the directors and coun
cil on the 8th of June, in the presence of Beekman,
to be taken at New Amstel. This they unanimously
refused to take, unless they received previously in
writing a promise of " all such privileges of free trade
and others as they lucre favored with under the Com
pany s administration!' Without this they said they
would be " compelled to depart." Eight days were
allowed them for consideration, when all who did not
take the oath would be compelled to leave the South
river.1

D'Hinoyossa, under the City of Amsterdam, was
now the sole governor of the whole South river, on
both its eastern and western shores, and Beekman
was out of office. Pie, however, offered to Beekman,
if he would stay at Altona and take possession of the
great farm in the vicinity of the fort, to provide him
with some five or six men servants. This Beekman
declined, as he could see no good that would result

1 Albany Records.

412 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

from it, "as in future," he said, " no freeman would
be permitted to trade either with the English or sav
ages, and the tobacco or fur trade was reserved for
the city."

He wrote pitifully to Stuyvesant for an office, tell
ing him he " could not live " on the South river " as
a freeman and support his family, and did not wish to
go to Maryland." He wound up his appeal by saying,
" take care of me, father."1

A short time after this Beekrnan took his departure
for Esopus, of which place he was appointed sheriff.
He was continued in office under the English govern
ment, and afterwards became an alderman in the city
of New York, where one of the principal streets
(Beekman street) is named after him. He died in
that city, at the age of 85, in the year 1707. He
must have had a numerous family, as during his brief
residence at Altona he had three sons born. A
daughter of his married a son of Stuyvesant. In
speaking of him, Acrelius says :

" While the colonies were kept up, Beekman had
a share in the administration ; but was little consid
ered. This made him envious of D'Hinoyossa, whom
he aspersed in frequent letters to Stuyvesant."

Many of his charges are, however, supported by
evidence. His letters to Stuyvesant form a most
minute history of affairs in this State at that time.
After his removal to Esopus they, of course, ceased.

D'Hinoyossa, now the sole governor on the Dela-

1 Letter from Wm. Beekman to Peter Stuyvesant. See Hazard's
Annals, p. 355.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 413

ware, determined to take up his residence in Appo-
quinimy, and there build his capital. Here it was
determined to erect a large stone fort and promote
trade with the English.1 He resolved to construct
dykes around several valleys in that vicinity, which
Beekman, before he left, informed Stuyvesant " the
savages would be much opposed to." He appointed
Peter Alricks to superintend the fur trade and reside
at New Amstel ; a man named Israel, a member of
the Council, to reside at the upper end of Passajong
(changed to Passyunk — now part of the 1st and 26th
Wards in the city of Philadelphia), and another mem
ber of the Council to superintend the trade at the
Hoerakill. He also prohibited brewing and distilling in
the colony even for domestic use, and ordered that all
goods and tobacco exported should pay recognition.2

The slave trade was now engaged in. The city of
Amsterdam entered into partnership with the West
India Company to engage in this traffic. On the 20th
of January they made a contract with Lymen Gylde
to bring from Loango, on the coast of Africa, in the
ship Gideon, three hundred slaves. The city was to
receive one-fourth of these slaves when they arrived
for the use of the colony on the South river.3

On the 23d of January an order issued by the
State General claimed that New Netherlands on the
South river extended sixteen leagues south of Cape

1 D'Hinoyossa's capital was undoubtedly the present village of
Odessa, at the end of Herman's Cart .Road.

2 Albany Records, vol. 17, pp. 317, 318.

3 Broadhead and O'Callighan, vol. 2, p. 222.

414 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Henlopen. The Swedes, who had apparently aban
doned their possessions on the South river, now fitted
out an expediti.n for their recovery. The Dutch,
however, who seem to have had efficient spies in
Sweden, were early informed of their intention, and
in a letter dated the 16th of October, 1663, had given
information of the matter to Stuyvesant.

This expedition consisted %of a frigate called the
Falcon, of thirty -two guns, and a yacht of eight or
ten guns, manned, in addition to the customary crew,
by two hundred or more soldiers, who were to be
taken on whilst passing the Sound. This expedi
tion was commanded by the Swedish Vice-Admiral,
Hendrick Gerritson Lesselin, or Lechelm, who was
well acquainted with New Netherlands, having been
employed there in 1641 in the ship Neptunis, from
Curacao.

Had it arrived at the South river, the Dutch
would have been able to have made but a poor de
fense, as both Forts Altona and New Amstel were in
a state of decay, having but few pieces of cannon.
The Swedes and Finns, too, on the Delaware, and
who were dissatisfied with their rule, far outnumbered
the Dutch inhabitants. Indeed, the latest emigrants,
who arrived on the ship Parmeland Church, were
nearly all Swedes and Finns, who could not be ex
pected to fight against their own countrymen. This
expedition, whilst on its way to New Netherlands,
met with such disasters' that it had to be abandoned.
It first ran aground on the Landts Croon, situated
near Heisselberg, in Denmark, at the north entrance

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 415

of the Sound, and having miraculously got off and
parsed the Sound, it again ran aground on what is
supposed to be the Island of Anholt, where the small
est vessel was wrecked, with all her stores. The
Falcon unshipped her compasses and found it neces
sary to run for Gottenberg, when she again went
ashore and was so injured that she had to be dis
mantled. Her crew were, therefore, discharged, and
the expedition given up. Thus ended the last attempt
of the Swedes by force of arms to recover their pos
sessions on the South river.

Stuyvesant did not think the City and Company
exerted themselves sufficiently to resist this threatened
attack. In writing to them in relation to this expe
dition, he says: "It excites in ourselves strange emo
tion that your Honors and the Worshipful Commis
sioners over the City's Colony, w?ho have had such
long and particular knowledge and information of this
meditated expedition, and did not, conjointly, imme
diately 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."1

The Swedes, on the failure of their expedition, de
termined to see what could be done by diplomacy.
Accordingly the Swedish Ambassador, Harald Appel-
boom, proceeded to address a series of energetic notes
to the States General, demanding the restitution of
New Sweden. In one of the 10th of June, on this

1 Broadhead and O'Callighan, vol. 2, pp. 232, 23Q, and Albany
Records, vol. 4, p. 466.

416 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

subject, he requested " prompt expedition, reparation
and satisfaction in the complaint so frequently made,
and again repeated." He again, on June 27th, makes
another demand, in which he recites the Swedish
claim. In this he alleges the right of Sweden to the
western side of the Delaware. He acknowledges the
right of the Dutch to the eastern side. In this note
he complains of the Dutch " debauching not only the
Swedish inhabitants who happened to be" on the South
river; "but even drawing and conveying from Film
land and Old Sweden additional inhabitants to be
employed in their service in New Sweden." lie states
in one of these notes that "the Swedish people are
more conversant with and understand better than any
other nation the cultivation of pasture, wood and til
lage land, fishing, hunting and fowling."

This last complaint of Appelboom's must have
alluded to the Swedes and Finns who sailed with
D'Hinoyossa in the Parmerland Church.1

Upon the receipt of these repeated remonstrances
and demands for redress from the Swedish Govern
ment, the States General referred the matter to the
West India Company for information, and they on the
9th of October made answer through their secretary,
Michael Tenhove, that they had the best right to the
South river. In this answer they recited their
original discovery and possession, and the capture of
Fort Cassimer and other outrages done to them by the
Swedes. They also stated that having sold the ter
ritory in dispute to the city of Amsterdam, they had,

1 Broiulhead and O'Callighan. vol. 2, pp. 239, 240, 242.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 417

therefore, no longer possession of the place.1 This
was the last demand of the Swedes for the possession
of their American territories that history makes men
tion of; for now occurred an event which was to ren
der nugatory and futile all attempts of the Swedes,
whether by arms or diplomacy, for the possession of
New Sweden, and also all the enterprises of D'Hino
yossa for the benefit of the Dutch trade on the South
river. This was the happening of what Stuyvesant
had long feared and predicted, viz., the conquest of
New Netherlands by the English. D'Hinoyossa had
scarcely enjoyed his power four months when it was
wrested from him and he himself was expelled from
New Netherlands.

On the 12th of March2 Charles, II., king of Eng
land, granted to his brother James, Duke of York and
Albany, a patent for all the land embraced between
the river St. Croix (which is now the northern bound
ary of the United States) and the east side of
the Delaware bay. This grant really comprised what
is now the New England States and the States of New
York and New Jersey. It took in all of New Neth
erlands belonging to the West India Company and
the possessions of the City of Amsterdam on the east
side of the Delaware; but it did not take in the City's
Colony, or what was then known as New Sweden,
which was situated on the west side of the Delaware.
Nearly the whole of this, or from a point a little north
of New -York, or Patterson, New Jersey, to the

1 Broadhead and O'Callighan, vol. 2, p. 259.

2 English dates are old style.

418 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

<

river St. Croix, had been granted in 1589 to the
Plymouth or North Virginia Company by his
grandfather, James I.,1 whilst the west side of the
Delaware, from Philadelphia to the Virginia line, or
from the 38th to the 40th degree of north latitude
on the peninsula between the Chesapeake bay, the
Susquehanna river and the Delaware, had been grant
ed by his father, Charles I., to Cecilius, Lord Balti
more. Yet, under this grant, whose metes and bounds
are so distinctly defined, James, Duke of York, con
quered and held possession of the territory now com
prised in the State of Delaware, which was not men
tioned in his deed, but which was distinctly mentioned
and set forth in the grant of his father, Charles I., to
Baltimore.

On the 3d and 4th of July2 the Duke of York
granted the territory between the Hudson and Dela
ware rivers to Lord Berkley and Sir George Carteret.
The territory comprised in this grant now constitutes
the State of New Jersey.

When the grant of this territory was made to the
Duke of York, war had not been declared by the
English against the Dutch ; but it was soon after
wards. On the 25th day of May (old style) an ex
pedition sniled from Portsmouth, England, for the
purpose of capturing all the Dutch possessions on the
continent of North America known as New Nether
lands. It consisted of four vessels, viz., the Guinea,
a frigate of thirty-six guns, commanded by Captain

1 See pages 90, 91, ante.

2 The reader must bear in mind that English dates are old style.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 419

Hyde; the Elias, of forty-two guns ; a ship of eighteen
guns, and a transport of fourteen or sixteen guns. On
these vessels, in addition to their crews, were three
hundred soldiers. The expedition was commanded
by Colonel Richard Nichols, and with him came Sir
Robert Carr, Knight ; George Cartwright and Samuel
Maverick, Esqs., with extensive powers to visit the
several English colonies and to hear afnd receive, ex
amine and determine all complaints and appeals in all
matters, military, civil and criminal, and to provide in
all things for "settling the peace and security of the
country." They were also instructed that the first
business to be done was the "reducing of the Dutch
in or near Long Island, or anywhere within the limits
of" the English "dominions, to an entire obedience."
Their instructions recited that the Dutch colonies
" were a receptacle and sanctuary for mutinous, sedi
tious and discontented persons, who fly from justice
as malefactors, and who run away from their masters,
or avoid paying their debts, or who have other wicked
designs." They also say that as soon as they (the
Dutch) "grow to any strength or power," "their
business is to oppress their neighbors and engross the
whole trade to themselves " by any indirect, unlawful,
or foul means. In proof of this the instructions re
cited " their inhuman proceedings at Amboyna,1 in a
time of full peace and all professions of particular
love and friendship." Reciting this, the instructions

1 The English were cruelly massacred and tortured there by the
Dutch, for which Cromwell afterwards compelled them to pay about
$300,000.

420 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

say " it was high time to put them (the Dutch) with
out a capacity of doing the same mischief" in America,
" and reducing them to the same rule and obedience "
with the English "subjects there."

The Commissioners were instructed to use no more
violence than was necessary to reduce them to obedi
ence. No man who " would yield obedience " was to
be "disturbed or removed from what he possessed."
Those who would submit to English authority were
to enjoy the same privileges as English subjects.
They also said that they (the Dutch) had " no kind
of right to hold what they were in possession of," as
" they were King Charles' unquestionable territories,
which they were possessed of by an invasion of En
glish right."

The Dutch had received some information of the
intentions of the English, yet they had made no ade
quate preparations to counteract their designs. The
English of Connecticut were pressing on the Dutch
at Long Island. Several English villages were estab
lished there, and in December a Captain John Scott
had landed on that island, from Connecticut, with a
troop of horse and foot, and took possession of part
of it, and in some settlements displaced the Dutch
magistrates and appointed English in their place. He
and his men committed several outrages, amongst
which was the beating of a son of Captain Martin
Krygier (named after his father, Martin Krygier,1)
and several others.

Stuyvesant appointed some commissioners to con-

1 Broadhead and O'Callighan, vol. 2, p. 483.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 421

fer with him, amongst whom was Cornelius Van Ruy-
ven. On the loth of January, during a conference,
he informed Van Ruyven that the Duke of York not
only intended to reduce Long Island, but the whole
of New Netherlands to obedience, and that he
designed fitting out vessels for that purpose.1

Information had also been received by the West
India Company of the sailing and destination of the
expedition in June, and they immediately informed
the Council of the City of Amsterdam and urged that
city to use its influence with the States General to
get them to send a force to aid in the defense of New
Netherlands. This the City of Amsterdam resolved
to do. However, as the English expedition was well
on its way across the Atlantic, as will be seen in the
sequel, New Netherlands fell before it would have
been possible to have rendered it any effectual assist
ance, even had the Dutch moved energetically in the
matter.

On the 25th of August the frigate Guinea, the first
ship of the expedition, arrived in the outer bay of
New Amsterdam, information of which was immedi
ately sent to Stuy vesant. The English at once issued
a proclamation, offering protection to those who would
submit. On the 27th they captured a sloop engaged
in the service of Peter Alricks, the Commissary of
the South river, who had come from NewT Amstel, with
twelve soldiers, for the purpose of purchasing cattle,
which he had succeeded in doing in New England
and having them brought to Manhattan, previous to

1 Broadhead and O'Callighan, vol. 2, pp. 400, 587.

422 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

shipping them to New Amstel. Both the cattle on
the vessel and those not yet shipped on the shore
were captured by the English.

A few days previous to this the ship Gideon had
arrived at New Amsterdam from Africa with 290
slaves of both sexes on board, one-fourth of which
belonged to New Amstel. New Amstel's portion of
them were hastily run in gangs through New Jersey
overland to the South river by Alricks, and narrowly
escaped capture by the English. The boat in which
they crossed the North river, and some of its crew,
was taken.

This was the first introduction of slaves into Dela
ware from Africa of which we have any record.
Slaves were on the South river from its earliest set
tlement ; but we have no account of the mode and
manner by which they were brought to its shores.

On the 28th the three other vessels composing the
English expedition arrived in the bay of New Am
sterdam. Stuyvesant in the meantime had placed the
fort in the best posture of defence he could and sent
to the various villages for assistance. The inhabitants,
however, refused to come to his aid, giving as a reason
" that they would not leave their wives and children
a prey whilst aiding to defend another place."

He also sent to the commanders of the expedition,
by the hands of four commissioners, amongst whom
were Cornelius Van Ruyven and the Rev. Mr.
Megapolinisis, inquiring the object of their arrival
and continuance in the harbor without giving notice
of their design, which they ought to have done.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 423

The next day (the 30th) his commissioners reported
to him that Colonel Nichols demanded the Fort and
place ; that he said he would not argue the case in
relation to the English or Dutch title ; but that he
would attack Amsterdam in Holland if so ordered.
He demanded a surrender of the place without debate.
Several days in the meantime elapsed, and Stuyvesant
on the 2d of September sent to the English a lengthy
letter, in which the Dutch and English titles were
elaborately gone into.

On the 4th of September the English came nearer
the Fort, when they were joined by Captain Scott,
with his horse and foot, numbering about sixty men.
Another demand was made to surrender, and two of
the English vessels sailed above the Fort. At this
Stuyvesant went up to his gunners as if to order them
to fire, but the two Megapolinisises (father and son)
took hold of him and led him away.

The English had made a peremptory demand for
surrender, and Stuyvesant had replied that he had
determined to defend the Fort; but the commission
ers requested further time for consideration and ces
sation of hostilities, and Captain Hyde of the Guinea
agreed not to fire on the town.

On the 5th a meeting of the inhabitants was held
and a remonstrance voted on and passed, which was
handed to Stuyvesant signed by most of the citizens,
imploring him as there was " no hope of relief," and
as it was " impossible to make head against so power
ful an enemy, to surrender," or else they " would call
down on his head the vengeance of Heaven" for "all

424 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the innocent blood which should be shed" on account
of his " obstinacy."

The English commander having refused to give
another day, and thus worked upon from all sides,
Stuyvesant agreed to treat for a surrender. On the
6th the terms were arranged and concluded ; on the
8th they were ratified and exchanged ; and on the
9th day of September New Amsterdam, its fort, and
the whole of Manhattan were formally surrendered
to the English. The Dutch marched out with all
their arms, colors flying and drums beating, and the
English marched in and took possession of the Fort.

The Dutch soldiers were extremely anxious to fight,
but were hurried off and placed on board the slave-
ship Gideon before the arrival of the English. They
demanded powder, and Captain Krygier promised to
give it to them ; but instead, carried it to his own
house, as it was feared they might attack the English
if they had it. The burghers were suspicious of the
soldiers. They had threatened to plunder the place,
and exclamations were heard amongst them such as,
" they knew where the booty was to be got, and where
the young women were who wore gold chains," and
that they now had " an opportunity of peppering the
devilish Chinese who had made them smart so much."1
A crowd of them surrounded the house of Peter
Meyer and attempted to plunder it, but were pre
vented by the burghers.

The terms of capitulation, amongst other articles,
provided : That the people should be free citizens and
enjoy their lands and goods ; those who desired should

1 Chinese, a nickname applied to petty traders.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 425

be allowed to move away ; any one could come from
the Netherlands and plant in the country ; ships
should be allowed to go to the Netherlands and come
to Manhattan for the space of six months ; the inhabi
tants to be allowed to traffic with the English as with
Indians ; inferior magistrates to remain in office ; the
towns of Manhattan to choose deputies and to have
a free voice in public affairs, and no Dutchman or
Dutch ship to be pressed to serve in war against any
nation ; every Dutch soldier staying in the country
was to have fifty acres of land.

Fort Amsterdam at the time of its surrender was
totally untenable. It was built only as a defense

against Indians, and was never intended to stand a

<^ /

siege against a civilized force. Not more than 300
men could be raised capable of bearing arms in Man
hattan ; there was not 600 pounds (or a day's supply)
of powder in the fort ; there was little or no provisions ;
the houses were built close up to the fort, and the
bombardment necessary to reduce it would have de
stroyed New Amsterdam and ruined its citizens, who
expected to be pillaged, in the result of resistance,
both by the English and their own soldiers.

Again, the citizens were dissatisfied with the West
India Company. On the 10th of November both they
and Stuyvesant had informed the Company they had
expected an attack both from the English and the In
dians, and the Company had not deemed their com
plaints worthy of an answer. Therefore the citizens,
when discussing amongst themselves the question of
the surrender, publicly exclaimed : " If the honorable

426 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Company give themselves so little concern about the
safety of the country and its inhabitants as not to be
willing to send a ship of war to its succor in such
pressing necessity, or even a letter of advice as to
what we may at present depend on and what relief
we have to expect, we are powerless, and therefore
will not defend the city, to imperil our lives, property,
wives and children, without hope of any reinforce
ment or relief, and to lose all after two or three days
resistance." New Amsterdam at this time contained
a population of about 1,500 people.1

The name of New Amsterdam was changed by the
English to that of New York, by which name it is
still known. It is now the largest city not only in
the United States, but on the American continent,
and will undoubtedly, in course of time, be the largest
city in the world.

After arranging affairs in New York, the English
turned their attention to the South river, and a com
mission was issued by the other three commissioners
who came with the expedition, to Sir Robert Carr, as
follows : —

Whereas, we are informed that the Dutch have
seated themselves at Delaware bay, on His Majesty
of Great Britain's territories, without his knowledge
or consent, and that they have fortified themselves
there and drawn a great deal of trade thither; and
being assured that if they be permitted to go on the

1 For the particulars of the surrender and the before mentioned
circumstances, see Broadhead and O'Callaghan, vol. 2, pp. 307, 36U.
375, 410, 411, 483, 504, &c.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 427

gaining of this place will be of small advantage to
His Majesty, we, His Majesty's Commissioners, by
virtue of His Majesty's commission and instruction
to us given, have advised and determined to bring
that place, and all strangers thereabout, in obedience
to His Majesty ; and by these do order and appoint
that His Majesty's frigates, the "Guinea" and the
•• William and Nicholas," and all the soldiers which
are not in the Fort, shall, with what speed they con
veniently can, go thither under the command of Sir
Robert -Carr, to reduce the same, willing and com
manding all officers, at sea and land, and all soldiers,
to obey the said Sir Robert Carr during this expe
dition.

Given under our hands and seals at the Fort in
New York, upon the Island .of Manhattan, 3d day of
September, 1664.

(Signed) R. NICHOLLS,

G. CARTWRIGHT,

S. MAVERICK.1

Sir Robert Carr was instructed when he came near
the Dutch Fort to send his boat on shore, to summon
the governor and inhabitants to yield obedience to
His Majesty as the rightful sovereign of that tract of
land, and let them know "that all the planters shall
enjoy their farms, houses, lands, goods and chattels,
with the same privileges and on the same terms upon
which they do now possess them, only that they
change their masters, whether they be the West India

1 Register of Pennsylvania, vol. 1, p. 36, and New York Records.

428 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Company or the City of Amsterdam. To the Swedes
you shall remonstrate their happy return under a
rnonarchial government and His Majesty's good incli
nation to that nation, and to all men who shall com
ply with His Majesty's rights and title in Delaware
without force of arms."

That all cannon, arms and ammunition belonging to
the government shall remain to His Majesty.

Future trading to be regulated by rules of Parlia
ment; right of conscience to be guaranteed; for six
months all the present magistrates to continue in
office, taking oath of allegiance, and their act to be in
His Majesty's name.

If Sir Robert finds he cannot reduce the place by
force, nor upon these conditions, he may add such as
he finds necessary ; but if both fail, he is, by a mes
senger to the Governor of Maryland, to ask aid.
After reducing the place, his first care is " to protect
the inhabitants from injuries, as well as violence from
the soldiers, which may easily be effected if you set
tle a course for weekly or daily provisions by agree
ment with the inhabitants, to be satisfied to them
either out of the profits, customs, or rents belonging
to their present master, or, in case of necessity, from
hence."

The laws for the present to remain as to the admin
istration of right and justice.

He is to declare to Lord Baltimore's son and all
the English concerned in Maryland, that this great
expense to His Majesty, in ships and soldiers, has
been incurred solely for the purpose of reducing

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 429

foreigners in these parts to His Majesty's obedience ;
but that being reduced at His Majesty's expense, he
is commanded to hold "possession for His Majesty's
own behoof and right, and that he is willing to unite
with the Governor of Maryland in His Majesty's in
terest on all occasions; and if my Lord Baltimore doth
pretend right thereto by his patent (which is a doubt
ful case), you are to say that you only keep possession
till His Majesty is informed and otherwise satisfied."

" In other things/' says the instructions, " I must
leave you to your discretion and the best advice you
can get upon the place."1

In compliance with these orders, Carr sailed from
New York with the frigate Guinea, Captain Hugh
Hyde, and the ship William and Nicholas, Captain
Thomas Morley, and after a long and troublesome
passage, prolonged by the ignorance of the pilots and
the shoalness of the wrater, arrived at Fort New Am-
stel on the last day of September (old style). They
passed by Fort New Amstel without notice, the better
to satisfy the Swedes, who, notwithstanding the Dutch
persuasions to the contrary, were soon the friends of
the English.

Carr then had a parley with D'Hinoyossa and the
Burghers of New Amsterdam. The burghers and
the townsmen, after three days' negotiation, agreed
to give up the town of New Amstel to the English ;
but D'Hinoyossa and the soldiers refused to surren
der, and -they retired into the Fort. The following
were the terms of capitulation, viz :

1 Register of Pennsylvania, vol. 1, p. 37 ; New York Records.

430 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

"1. That all the burgomasters and planters will
submit themselves to His Majesty's authority, with
out making any resistance.

"2. That whoever, of what nation soever, doth
submit to His Majesty's authority, shall be protected
in their estates, real and personal whatsoever, by His
Majesty's laws and justice.

"3. That the present magistrates shall be con
tinued in the offices and jurisdiction, to exercise their
civil powers as formerly.

" 4. That if any Dutchman or other person shall
desire to depart from this river, that it is lawful for
him so to do, within six months after the date of these
articles.

" 5. That the magistrates and all the inhabitants
(who are included in these articles) shall take the
oath of allegiance to His Majesty, and of fidelity to
the present governor.

" 6. That all the people shall enjoy the liberty of
their conscience in church discipline as formerly.

" 7. That whoever shall take the oath is from that
time a free denizen, and shall enjoy all the privileges
of trading into any of His Majesty's dominions as
freely as any Englishman, and may require a certifi
cate for so doing.

" 8. That the schout, the burgomaster, sheriff, and
other inferior magistrates shall use and exercise their
customary power in administration of justice within
their precincts for six months, or until His Majesty's
pleasure is further known.

"The Oath.— I do swear by the Almighty God that

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 431

I will bear faith and allegiance to His Majesty of
Great Britain, and that I will obey all such commands
as I shall receive from the governor, deputy governor,
and other officers appointed by His Majesty's authority,
so long as I live within these or any other of His
Majesty's territories.

" Given under my hand and seal this first day of
October, in the year of our Lord God, 1664.

"ROBERT CARR.

" Given under our hands and seals, in behalf of
ourselves and the rest of the inhabitants, the first of
October, in the year of our Lord God, 1664.
" FOB OUT HOUT, HANS BLOCK,

HENRY JOHNSON, LUCAS PETERSON,

GERRITT S. VAN TIEL, HENRY CASTURIER."

D'flinoyossa having refused Carr's proposition to
surrender peaceably, and having retired with the
soldiers into Fort New Amstel, and it is believed
with Alricks and Van Sweringen with him, Carr pro
ceeded to use forcible means. Accordingly upon the
Sunday morning following he landed his troops, and
commanded his ships to fall down below the fort,
although within musket shot, and to fire into it two
broadsides each. This was done. The ships fired
into Fort New Amstel, and the land troops making
an attack at the same time took it by storm. The
Dutch lost three men killed and ten wounded in this
affair. After the fort was taken, the soldiers and
sailors commenced to plunder, and succeeded in get
ting a great deal of booty. The noise and confusion

432 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

was so great during this interval, that " no words of
command could be heard for some time." Carr did
his utmost to prevent this, and keep as many of the
goods as he could entire. Fort New Amstel, though
mounting fourteen guns, " was not tenable."1

After the capture of the town and Fort of New
Amstel, a general scene of plunder took place. All
the soldiers and many of the citizens of New Amstel
were sold as slaves to Virginia (for white slavery or
forced service then existed, as well as black). The
negroes brought by the Gideon, and run across New
Jersey by Alricks (as well as more than probably
others, that could be found) were forfeited, and mostly
divided amongst the captors, save those that the
Dutch managed to conceal. Several were taken be
longing to Alricks. Eleven were returned to him
some four years afterwards by Ensign2 Arthur Stock
as a free gift.3 They also took from the Dutch all
the produce of the land for that year, and amongst
other things were 100 she.ep, 30 or 40 horses, 50 to
60 cows and oxen, a brew-house and still belonging
to it, and a saw-mill ready to put up. (This is the
first mention we have of a saw-mill in Delaware).
They also plundered the settlement of the Mennon-
ists at the Hoernkill, leaving the inhabitants there
(to use the words of Van Sweringen) " not even a

1 See Carr's letter, London Documents, vol. i. p. 204.

2 Ensign in the English service is the lowest commissioned officer
in the company.

3 In this gift there was some act of policy, the reason of which is
not at this time perfectly known.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 433

nail."1 Stuyvesant also in writing of this affair says:
" That although the citizens of New Amstel made no
resistance, 'they were stripped' and ' utterly plun
dered.'" He also confirms the selling of the citizens
and soldiers as slaves. The amount of plunder ob
tained amounted to <£4000. Carr, notwithstanding
the amount of sheep and cattle taken from the unfor
tunate citizens of New Amstel, in writing to Colonel
Nichols giving an account of the expedition, says :
" That nothing was to be had on the Delaware but
what was purchased from other places, and that to
supply the wants of the garrison he had to send into
Maryland some negroes belonging to D'Hinoyossa,
which he sold for 'beef, pork, and salt/" and, to use
his own words, " other small conveniences," which,
he said, " the place affordeth not."

Carr also complained of the Seneca and Tuscarora
Indians, whom he said, "were exasperated by some
Dutch and their own inclinations," and who "did
violence both to heathens and Christians ;" for which
" the Indians of the neighborhood were unjustly
blamed." Several murders, he said, " had been com
mitted by them upon the Dutch and Swedes in less
than six weeks." They were so strong on the east
side of the river, " that no one dared to plant there."2

1 From this it appears the Mennonists did settle at the Hoernkill
(Lcwistown). For Van Sweringen's account, see Broadhead and
O'Calligan, vol. 3, pp. 343-6. He there alleges that the Schuylkill
derived its name (sculk, hidden ; kill, creek) from the Swedish
vessel, Mercurius, that run past the batteries hiding there. See pp.
274-5, ante.

2 London Documents, vol. i. p. 204.

28

434 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

He wished a treaty of peace to be made with them.
The Guinea was immediately afterwards ordered to
proceed with despatches to England.

In all the previous conflicts between the Dutch
and Swedes, and Dutch and English, no life was lost,
and no blood was shed, that history records, save in
the cracking of the crown of an unfortunate white
named Ever Ducking, whom some Englishman
knocked over the head in a dispute about some land,
between them and the Dutch, on the Fresh (Con
necticut) river. This unusual violence was duly
noted and denounced in the Dutch chronicles. Fort
Cassimer was taken twice in the conflicts between the
Dutch and Swedes, without a scratch being suffered
by any one. Fort Christina was captured, and not
withstanding the length of the siege nobody was
hurt. It was the same with Fort Amsterdam and
Manhattan, which was surrendered without the least
damage being done to any individual. So that the
northern suburb of the pretty town of New Castle
was the first and only place that was soiled in these
conflicts with the stain of human gore. The en
croaching Delaware, however, has since washed it
away, and of the fort which was the scene of the
carnage, and of the ground on which it stood, not a
vestige now remains : all has been swallowed up in
its waters. The site of Fort Cassimer, or New Am-
stel, as it was afterwards called, must have been a
point of land on the northern side of New Castle. It
then extended probably over a quarter of a mile
further into the Delaware than now, as the river has

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 435

washed and still washes away from three to five feet
annually. During every storm the skulls and bones
interred in an old graveyard (which must have been
in the rear of this fort) are now torn by the angry
Delaware from the graves in which they were laid,
and strewed along its shores.

On the 7th of November, 1676, or only twelve
years after its capture by the English, the fort was
in ruins. It was then granted to Englebert Lott.
The following is the extract from the New Castle
records authorizing its destruction : —

" 7th of November, 1676, Englebert Lott prefer
ring in Court a petition desiring a grant from this
worpfl. Cort, to take up ye Lott att ye Easte End of
this Towne, where the old Forte formerly stood.
The Court granted the petition his said request, hee
leveling the old walls and buildings upon the same,
according to his honor's, the governor's regulations."1
Englebert Lott must have pulled down the ruined
walls, as the Labadists, Dankers and Sluyter, on
their visit to New Castle in 1680 say that the fort
was " demolished."

Thus fell the Dutch power on the Delaware, and
the Anglo-Saxon — that race that is more than prob
ably destined hereafter to make its language, laws,
manners, customs, and institutions those of the world,2

1 New Castle Records.

2 The author has come to the conclusion, after maturely consider
ing the matter, that it is the destiny of the Anglo-Saxon race (no
matter how Utopian or improbable it may seem) finally to unite the
world together under one form of government, and thus do away
with wars between the nations of the earth. In accordance with this

436 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

became the possessors of New Netherlands, which
was the single gap in their possessions, that prevented

belief, in 1868 he wrote an essay to the London CoMcn Club, com
peting for the gold medal offered by the late Mr. Cobden for the
"best essay on the best way of developing improved political and
commercial relations between Great Britain and the United States of
America." In this essay he recommended the re-uniting together of
the two great branches of the Anglo-Saxon race (i. c. the United
States and Great Britain and her colonies) into one government j
thus forming a great Anglo-Saxon Confederacy on the following
plan, viz : Great Britain to abandon the government of Ireland and
her colonies, and leave them to manage their local affairs by legis
latures chosen by themselves. The United States and Great Britain
and her colonies then to be divided into representative districts of
equal population ; each district to elect a member to a legislature (to
be composed cither of one or two houses), to meet at a place chosen
for a capital, to pass laws to govern the great united nation. All
members, both of the general and state legislatures, to be elected by
universal suffrage, and representation always to be in proportion to
population. An 'executive or executives to be elected to govern the
great nation, with similar powers to the President of the United
States, and courts to be instituted to try causes of difference that
might arise between the various States, according to laws made and
provided beforehand. Perfect freedom of trade to be between the
various States. Education to be compulsory and universal, so that
no one should "grow up by its ignorance to jeopardize the general
welfare." Libraries to be established in districts convenient to and
open to all, where the laws of the Great United Nation, and books
that contained such information as would tend to the welfare of the
citizens, should be deposited by the Government. All nations to be
admitted into the Union upon application, and allowed every right
enjoyed by the rest of the States, and representation in its legislature
in proportion to the number of their people, provided they agree to
abide by its laws, and teach the English language in their schools,
so as to have one language for common use throughout the Confed
eracy : thus adopting for the Anglo-Saxon or English speaking
races, and finally for the world, a form of government similar to that
of the United States, save that senators should be in proportion to
population, and be elected by universal suffrage, instead of two from
each State, chosen by state legislatures as at present. The author

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 437

their owning the territory on the Atlantic seaboard
from the 31st to the 46th parallel of latitude, or from

thinks that the uniting together of two such powerful nations on the
principle of exact justice — every member comprising it having rights
equal with the rest — would make a community too powerful for any
nation or combination of nations to compete with in warfare. That
nation after nation would join it, as they would then save the great
expense of their army and navy (for the same military and naval
orce would do for all), and the devouring conscription for enforced
service in their armies, to which most civilized nations are now sub
ject, to protect themselves against other nations having similar mili
tary systems. That this and the freedom for trade existing amongst
us — a trade that would not be interrupted by hostile imposts or wars,
but which would be allowed to flow in its natural channels, each
section producing what it could with most advantage to itself, and
exchanging with the others its surplus — would induce country after
country to join us, until finally possibly all the nations of the earth
would be admitted to our Union. The world would then be one
nation, with one language, the English. Wars would exist no more ;
universal peace would prevail. The words of the prophet would be
fulfilled. Swords would (metaphorically) be turned into plows, and
spears into pruning hooks. There would be peace throughout the
world. Utopian as this scheme may seem, it is just such men as you
and I, reader (in the United States and Great Britain), who have
power to say whether this shall be done. We have simply [enough
of us) to manifest by our votes at the polls that this is our desire,
and the thing can be accomplished, as both in America and Britain
the people control the government. It is simply a matter of will,
and the two people can say whether they prefer to unite themselves
as one together, and live in harmony, deciding their differences by
courts, on whose benches shall sit such judges as Hale and Mansfield
or Marshall and Story, or fall out and kill each other by wholesale,
and destroy each other's property. If the German and the Italian,
notwithstanding the sanguinary battles that have occurred between
their States, forgetting all past quarrels, so yearn for a unity of their
race as to be willing to wade through seas of blood to accomplish it,
why should not the Anglo-Saxon be willing to do peaceably, with
none so bold as to say to him "nay," what they could only succeed
in accomplishing by a costly expenditure of life and money. The
author has treated these views more at length in an essay to the

438 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

the St. Croix, which flows past the northern boundary
of Maine, to the St. Mary's, which forms the southern
boundary of Georgia. Never perhaps was the taking
of so trifling a fortress as New Amstel by so insig
nificant an armament productive of such momentous
results. The capture of this, the last hold of the
Dutch, consolidating the English possessions, caused
our admixture from Maine to Georgia into one people,
the grant of Pennsylvania to Penn and New Jersey
to Berkley and Carteret, and their settlement with
the English speaking races. This consolidation of
territory also enabled us to show a united front to
Great Britain, when we threw off her yoke, declared
our independence, and formed the mighty Republic
of the United States of North America, which who
shall say hereafter may not be the United States of
the World. What would have been the result had a
single Dutch armed ship aided D'Hinoyossa against
the frigate Guinea? It might have repulsed the
attack, and whilst New Amstel stood the Dutch would
have endeavored to have recovered Manhattan. If
New Netherlands, or even the Dutch settlements on
the South river, had divided New England from
Maryland and the states south of her, as a conse
quence there would have been no Pennsylvania, or
possibly New Jersey or New York, but a foreign

European Permanent League of Peace at Paris, whose sitting was
put an end to by the Prussian war. lie also laid them formally in a
series of resolutions before the Pennsylvania Peace Society on the
27th of November, 1869, and before the Peace Union, New York,
May 27, 1870.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 439

people, speaking a different language and having dif
ferent customs, severing communication between the
English colonies north and south of the Delaware,
and thus prevented not only united action, but prob
ably even communication between them. Could the
British colonies, thus separated, without the aid of
Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York, ever have
hoped to have thrown off the yoke of the mother
country ? What the course of events would have
been no man can say. But the capture of New Am-
stel was the cause of the settlement of the Delaware
by the English and the foundation of Pennsylvania,
by the uniting of the territory from Maine to Georgia
under English rule, which caused the union of the
colonies as states, and as a consequence the formation
of the great American Republic, which has had and
will still have an immense effect on the destinies of
the world. Without the capture of this little fortress
this might not have been. Therefore, never perhaps
in the history of the world was the capture of so in
significant a stronghold productive of such momentous
events for the benefit of mankind.

After the capture of New Amstel, the English con
fiscated the property of D'Hinoyossa, Van Sweringen,
and Alricks. Part of D'Hinoyossa's property con
sisted of 150 acres of marsh land near the fort, was
granted to Captain John Carr; another part described
as a certain island in the Delaware river, called
Swarten Natton Island, bounded on the north by
Christina Kill, and on the west by Little Creek, con
taining 300 acres, was granted to Thomas Wollaston.

440 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

James Crawford,1 Herman Otto, and Gerard Otto.
To John Carr was also granted all the estate, both
real and personal, of Gerrit Van Sweringen, amongst
which was a house and ground in New Amstel. Peter
Alricks' estate was granted to William Tomm, amongst
which property was an island in the Delaware, about
seven miles below New Castle.2 The grants to John
Carr were made " for good services in storming and
reducing the fort." To William Tomm, for services
on the Delaware.3 No mention is made of the reason
of the grant to the others. Alricks, however, soon
succeeded in being taken into favor by the English,
for on the 21st of November, 1665, he received a
special license to trade and traffic with the Indians
in and about the Whorekill.4 He was also allowed
to pass from New York to Delaware, and from thence
to Maryland and return, with a servant and six
horses;5 and a few years later he was appointed one
of the counsellors.6

D'Hinoyossa, Van Sweringen, and many other
citizens of New Amstel, after the surrender retired
into Maryland. Several of them settled permanently
there, and there many of their descendants yet re-

1 This was the first ancestor of the numerous and influential family
of Crawfords in this State, many of whom yet reside in this county.
Theodore F. Crawford, Esq., of Wilmington, is one of his descend

ants.

2

The Labadists speak of Peter Alricks owning an island opposite
Burlington, N. J.

3 Delaware Records.

4 We now use the English mode of spelling this place.

5 MSS. in Reg. Penn., vol. 4, p. 75.

6 Smith New Jersey, p. 52.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 441

main. D'Hinoyossa settled on Foster's Island, in the
Chesapeake, where he lived several years : it is at
tached to Talbot county, Maryland. In 1671 he
petitioned the Maryland Assembly that he, Marga-
retta his wife, and his children, Alexander, John,
Peter, Maria, Johanna. Christina, and Barbara, might
be naturalized. It is said that he applied to the
English for an office : it is certain he did for his for
feited estate, which is proved by the following letter,
the last known on record that he has written. It
was written from the house of Captain Thomas How-
ell, of St. Mary's, to Colonel Nichols, who was then
Governor of what was New Netherlands. It says :
" Your honor's very agreeable answer to my letters
came safely here, and I learn from it that your honor
is sorry for my loss. If your honor would please to
console me therein, it can be done by giving me the
rest of my lost estate ; and could I get it back, I am
resolved to live and die under your honor's govern
ment, yea, on the same conditions that I had from
the City of Amsterdam. Meanwhile, should your
honor incline thereunto, the answer should be sent to
me at Captain Thomas Howell's, in Maryland, where
I shall remain two or three months. Should these
not be accepted by your honor, I would hereby re
spectfully request you to send me a letter under your
honor's hand to His Highness the Duke of York, in
order that I may take occasion to apply in London
to His Highness aforesaid on the subject."1 Nicholson

1 Xeil's Terra Marise, p. 163. Also Broadhead and O'Callighan,
vol. 3, p. 83.

442 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

paid no attention to this respectful petition, and the
gallant old soldier eventually returned to Holland,
and entered the Dutch army, where he served in the
wars between Louis XIV., King of France, and the
Republic of Holland. He was one of the garrison
of a fortress that surrendered to the "French, after
which, it is said, he ended his days in Holland.1
Whatever may be said of his discretion in defend
ing an untenable fort, he evidently displayed great
bravery. His whole course shows him to have been
a man of great nerve and action. Van Sweringen
also became naturalized as a citizen of Maryland.
After leaving Delaware he resided in the town of St.
Mary's, in that State.

The name of the town of New Amstel was changed
to that of New Castle, which name it has ever since
borne. Altona again received its old name of Chris
tina, and the great river — a part of which forms a
portion of our State — and the great bay into which
it flows, lost its name of South river, and has ever
since been known by its English name of Delaware.

Hugh Hyde and Thomas Morley, the captains of
the frigate, for their services in capturing New Am
stel, had granted to them a place to hold as a manor,
named Grimstead, at the head of the Delaware. It
was called by the Indians Chipussen. They were to
stock and people it in six years; otherwise their
grant would be voidable. They were to be lords of
the manor, and had the right of holding " Courts
Leet." This was an ancient English court, held by

1 London Documents. O'Callighan, vol. 2, p. 554.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 443

lords of the manor, which has now even in that
country fallen into disuse. It had jurisdiction from
common nuisances and other offences against the
public peace and trade, down to eaves' dropping (lis
tening under the eaves of houses) and other trifling-
offences. Its business is now done by Courts of
Quarter and General Sessions,

CHAPTER XXVI.

Title of English and Dutch to New Netherlands— English had equal
rights — Character of the prominent Dutch officials who took part
in Delaware affairs — Character of Stuyvesant — Kind to his friends
— Energetic — Great tyrant — Partial and unjust judge — His perse
cution of Just Teunissen — Of Sabout Claessen — Of the Eight Men
whom he imprisons — Banishes Kuyter and Melynr— Confiscates
their property — Also that of Van der Capclle — Banishes Van dor
Donk and Gouvert Lockermans — Arrests Augustine Herman — Ar
rests Van Dincklage, vice-governor and judge — Puts him in guard
house — Persecutes people with false suits — His will law — His gov
ernment a fraud — Notary fears to buy property, for fear it would
be confiscated — Insults Van Dyck the fiscal — His councillors for
eigners or men of bad character — Dissolves a convention with
threats — His haughty message — Is opposed — Charter procured for
New Amsterdam — Retires to his farm after capture by English —
His life and death — Complaint of deputies of New Amsterdam to
States General — Their names — Their complaints — Company make
laws to suit themselves — Plunder settlers' goods — Of tyranny of
Stuyvesant's government, under which life and property are not
safe — Company's poverty cause them to oppress — Second remon
strance of the deputies — Caustic review of the administration of
Kieft and Stuyvesant — High duties injure trade — Goods mostly
smuggled — Kieft and Stuyvesant claim sovereign power — Kieft' s
plan to build a church — Takes advantage of drunkenness to obtain
subscriptions — Money raised for school and poor spent by Com
pany — Excise laid on wine and beer — Kieft uses such lofty lan
guage that the people cannot understand him — Public money
placed with the Company's — Free negro slaves against law-
Character of fiscal Hooyhens — Censure of Stuyvesant — He uses
public money for private purposes; — Wastes it in unnecessary
councillors — Company's measures suspected — Fort a ruin — Money
raised to repair it spent by Stuyvesant— His abuse— He is an
unjust judge— Partial and oppressive— Abuses those who differ

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 445

•with him — Abuses the Eight Men — Threatens to kill those who
appeal to Holland — He sells arms to Indians — Carries on all sorts
of business — Carries on trade which he forbids to others on pain
of death — His propensity to confiscate everything damages trade
of New Amsterdam — Ships afraid to come on that account — Col
lecting debts from citizens, refuses to deduct what the Company
owes them — Enters room of Van der Donk — Seizes draft of com
plaint of deputies — Arrests him — Arrests and guards by soldiers
all who differ with him — Excludes Van Dyck from the council —
Character of Stuyvesant's council — Of Brian Nuton, who loves
and fears Stuyvesant, and always says " yes" — Of Adrian Keyser,
who holds his tongue — Of the captains of the ships as councillors,
whom Stuyvesant calls " a pack of thieves" — Of Van Dyck, " whose
head is a trouble to him" — They are the judges that rule New
York and Delaware — Bad character of Tienhoven, the Secretary
of State.

IT has been the custom of many writers to
condemn the English for their attack upon the
Dutch, and the capture of New Netherlands.
The Dutch have been considered in the right, and
the English in the wrong. It is not our purpose in
this history to enter into an elaborate discussion of
the title of the two nations to the territory on this
continent then called New Netherlands. It will be
simply sufficient to state that the English discovered
and explored that portion of the continent in which
New Netherlands was situated before the Dutch ;
that they actually made formal claim, and granted
portions of it to their citizens before the Dutch en
tered either the Delaware or the Hudson ; that they
continually, both on the Delaware and Hudson, de
nied the right of the Dutch to the land, gave them
warning repeatedly that they were trespassers on

446 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

English territory, and made constant endeavors to
settle, both on the Delaware and at New York. That
on the former river their citizens, as will be seen by
the former pages of this history, were driven away,
their trading houses burnt, and their settlements de
stroyed. That at the first, when formal notice was
given to the Dutch by the English ambassador, they
made evasive replies, instead of honestly claiming
their rights. That up to the time of the capture of
New Netherlands the English were unceasing and
incessant in their demands for the territory, and
never for an instant gave up the claim to what they
considered their own. The English, therefore, taking
all the circumstances into consideration, appear 'to
have had at least as good a right to the territory as
the Dutch, and in our opinion a better. In the cap
ture of the Dutch possessions they did not, therefore,
commence an entirely causeless war. but took what
they believed was their own lands, and of which they
believed the Dutch not only held violent and wrong
ful possession, but in addition committed outrages on
their citizens by driving them away, when they went
there for the purposes of trade and settlement.

We close the first volume of our history by a de
scription of the characters of Stuyvesant and Kieft,
the last Dutch governors of New Netherlands, of
whom Delaware was a part; and also a description
of the character of the ruling Dutch officials, who,
although residents of New Amsterdam, were mixed
up with our affairs, and really ruled the territory

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 447

now composing our State. And also in the succeed
ing chapter a description of such Dutch or Knicker-
hocker families that were famous, and who settled in
New Netherlands before its conquest by the English,
and whom we can trace by the records as having de
scendants resident in Delaware, and who, being
amongst the patriarchs of our State, have their blood
flowing through the veins of thousands of our citizens,
mixed with that of every other civilized nation under
the sun. They with the Swedes and Finns, the
Huguenot French and Protestant refugees, and a body
of leading Irish citizens, who emigrated to Delaware
about the years 1737 and 1745, engrafted on the
English that came with Sir Robert Carr and William
Penn, may be considered as the progenitors of a large
portion of the citizens of Delaware. They were the
fathers of intermingled tribes, which exist not only
in Delaware, but are spread over all the States of the
Union, where they have always taken leading parts
in the public and private business of whatever State
they may happen to be residents. In a great pro
portion of Delaware it is only recently that the cur
rent of modern emigration has began to flow. Pre
vious to 1845 there were barely a dozen families of
foreign birth resident south of the Appoquinemink.
In the city of Wilmington and the hundreds of
Brandy wine and Christiana, there has always been a
steady flow of emigration and an infusion of new
blood. • But in the lower part of New Castle and
Kent and Sussex the citizens were until recently
mostly born on the soil, and their descent could be

448 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

traced to, comparatively speaking, few families, prin
cipally Dutch, English, and Irish Presbyterians, and
French refugee Protestants, intermingled with a few
Swedes and Finns. Therefore, in giving a sketch of
these leading Dutch families, we really give a history
of the ancestors, from whom a large number of our
citizens are descended. Of the others we shall speak
in their chronological order.

Of the characters of the prominent men who re
sided, and ruled our State, on the Delaware, our
readers can form a pretty correct judgment from the
account of their actions in our previous pages. But
of those resident at the Manhattans, a further de
scription of them will be needed to form a correct
idea of their characteristics. This we have been
enabled to give from the disputes that took place
between them, which taking the part of remonstrances
and petitions, and having been reduced to writing
and filed : their quarrels have thus illustrated their
history.

Stuyvesant (which, reduced to English, means holy
saint) was the supreme governor of Delaware (the
others merely sub-governors), and one of the greatest
tyrants. With some good, he had nearly all the bad
qualities that would render him unfit for a ruler. He
was bold and energetic, kind to his friends, and prob
ably as moral as most men of his day. He was an
elder in the church, and, as far as known, a faithful
outward performer of his religious duties ; but here
the list of his good qualities may be said to end. If
the statements made to the Government of Holland

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 449

and the West India Company are correct, and we
have no good reason to doubt them, for they are in
part proved, and were made by the best citizens of
New Amsterdam, he was one of the worst rulers of
his age. Another of the many instances that can be
pointed at to show how little man is to be trusted
with power over his fellows. He cheated both the
Company and the public. Money going into his
hands, wrenched from the suffering citizens of Man
hattan, who had been precipitated into an unjust war
with the Indians by Kieft, his predecessor, and whose
homes were destroyed and whose fields were ravaged,
he diverted ta his own private purposes. He sought
eagerly for confiscations, and using his powers as a
judge, under the forms of law robbed all who were
opposed to him within his power. He was abusive
to all with whom he differed, both in his public and
private intercourse. We will cite the following as a
few cases of his injustice, viz. : — Whilst he sold the
guns and powder of the Company to the Indians, and
kept the proceeds, on a similar charge being made,
without proof, against Joost Teunissen, a baker, he
threatened him with torture, and when he applied for
permission to travel through the country to buy
wheat to carry on his business, refused him a license
and threatened him with "a caning;" and so malig
nantly persecuted him and Sabout Claessen that they
had to fly from the colony. The latter he deprived
of his property. Every man who opposed him he
endeavored to crush and ruin. The Eight Men elected
as the counsellors of the citizens who made the com-

29

450 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

plaint against the Indian war, to use the words of
Van der Donk, ahe caused to be separated, put in
prison, locked up, or hunted and utterly terrified."
In their complaint they alleged, "the Indians lived
amongst them like larnbs, injuring no one, but afford
ing them every assistance, until they suffered out
rages which originated in a foolish hankering after
war." He banished Joachim Peterson Kuyter and
Cornelius Melyn — one, as he alleged, for shaking his
finger at him in the council of the Eight Men, but
the real reason for the banishment of both was send
ing Gouvert Lockermans to Holland with the com
plaints of the Eight Men in relation to his evil gov
ernment. They appealed from his judgment to Hol
land, and in revenge he confiscated their property,
and also confiscated a vessel belonging to Van der
Cnpelle, the Patroon of Staten Island, on a false charge,
because he thought that Melyn had in some way an
interest in it. Another instance of his oppression
was in the case of Van der Donk, who had prepared
a complaint of the Select Men to send to Holland.
He entered his room, seized on the rough draft of it,
and banished him from the colony. He trumped up
a charge against (and prosecuted capitally) Gouvert
Lockermans, one of the Nine Men,1 and sentenced
him to three years' banishment, and threatened to
enforce that sentence unless he signed a certificate
that he could say nothing of him "but what was
honest and honorable." He arrested Augustine

1 A body of men chosen by the citizens of New Amsterdam to
assist iu the government.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 451

Herman for refusing to produce a paper that was
drawn up for circulation amongst the Nine Men. He
sent a file of soldiers into the court, and arrested Van
Dincklage, the vice governor, whilst he was sitting on
the bench as a judge, and confined him several days
in the guard-house, and then acting beyond the power
delegated to him, turned him out of his office. He
instituted numerous false suits to ruin people — he
himself acting as judge — and confiscated their pro
perty. The government was administered by him
self and a few sycophants whom he controlled. " His
will was the law." Ordinances were made and en
forced of which the community received no notice.
He imitated in his petty government a royal state,
and had a guard of halbadiers around him. Those
who attempted to appeal to Holland from his judg
ment were fined and imprisoned. So great was the
terror of him, that a notary public sent from Holland
wrote back, that he could get no one to assist him to
prepare his papers, and that he dared not purchase
property for fear false suit would be entered against
him, and that it would be confiscated. He was in
sulting and brutal to those officers who differed with
him, as will be seen in the sequel by the formal com
plaint of the Deputies of the people to the States-
General, and in his treatment of Van Dyck the fiscal,
who by law had the direction of all actions, both
civil and criminal, and who was entitled to a seat in
the court. When he endeavored to exercise this
right, Stuyvesant told him to "get out" and said,
Whenever I want you, I will call for you." He

c

..

452 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

also degraded him by ordering him to "keep the hogs
out of the fort" — work before done by a negro — and
whenever he spoke to him or contradicted him, to use
his own words, "got a groivljust as if he would eat him
up." He selected his councillors too often from the
worst and most ignorant people, from foreigners to
the exclusion of his own countrymen, and from men
dependent upon his bounty, or who were devoted to
his will. When in 1653 a convention assembled and
demanded that no new laws should be enacted and
no officers appointed but by the consent of the people,
he ordered them to separate on pain of punishment,
and said to them, "We derive our authority from
God and the Company, and not from a few ignorant
subjects." He was, however, manfully opposed by
Gouvert Lockerrnans, Augustine Herman, and other
sturdy burghers of New Amsterdam, notwithstanding
his threats and confiscations. They finally succeeded
in getting a charter for New Amsterdam, giving the
citizens a voice in the government, and thus checking
his power. After the capture of New Netherlands
by the English, he retired to his farm.

Stuyvesant was born in Holland in 1602. He en
tered the army, served in the West Indies, and lost
a leg in the attack on the Island of St. Martins. He
was also at one time governor of Curocoa, one of the
West India islands. He died in New York in 1682,
and was buried in St. Mark's Church.

The most caustic review of his actions, and the
men who administered the government under him,
was made in 1564 by the Deputies of the citizens of

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 453

Manhattan in two formal complaints to the States-
General. Amongst them were Augustine Herman
and Gouvert Lockermans, the ancestors of several of
our Delaware families. In these complaints, amongst
other matters they spoke of unsuitable government,
onerous imposts and duties, and long continued war.
They alleged that the Company had never adhered
to the privileges of New Netherlands, but always
altered them to suit its own convenience ; that " a
man was not master of his own vessel, but that the
Company's soldiers were put on board, goods by force
discharged from their warehouse were roughly used
and robbed by the Company's servants." Or as they
quaintly express it, " They bite sharpe and carry
away? They alleged that under Stuyvesant's gov
ernment a man was not sure of either life or property.
" If," said they, " he but say anything displeasing or
otherwise offensive to the governors. This tyranny,"
they said, " consisted mostly in arrests, imprison
ments, banishments, confiscations, harsh prosecutions,
blows, scoldings, reckoning half faults for entire
ones, &c., and offering every one as many insults as
they can invent." The poverty of the Company,
they said, caused them to have recourse to various
bad finesses, §uch as extortions and confiscations.
They also alleged that the " high duties and confis
cations made with partiality ruined the trade ; that
the principal portion of it was done by smugglers."
To use their own words, u The duty is high. Of
inspection and seizure there is no lack, and thus
lawful trade is turned aside, except some little which

454 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

is carried on only pro forma in order to push smuggling
under this cloak." After enumerating many griev
ances, they said, "The people have been driven away
by harsh and unwarrantable proceedings, and that
the Company had instructed Kieft Ho pick out faults
where none existed, and to consider a partial a com
plete error/ " They also said that Kieft and Stuy ve-
sant alleged that they were the same as the prince in
Netherlands, and claimed sovereign power ; and that
Stuyvesant alleged, in addition, that the "prince was
above the law" They complained of the following
plan taken by Kieft to build a church, which exem
plifies the manners of that age. Said they, "We
lacked money, and where was this to be got ? It
happened about this time that Evergardus Bogardus,
the clergyman, gave in marriage a daughter by his
first wife. The director thought this a good time for
his purpose, and set to work after the fourth or fifth
drink; and he himself setting a liberal example let
the wedding guests sign whatever they were disposed
to give towards the church. Each then with a light
head subscribed away at a handsome rate, one com
peting with the other, and although some heartily re
pented when their senses came back, they were obliged
nevertheless to pay. Nothing could avail against it.
The church then was located in the fort, in opposition
to every one's opinion. The honor and ownership of
that work," they say, "must be inferred from the
inscription, which in our opinion is somewhat am
biguous, and reads thus: Anno 1642, William Kieft,
Directeur General, heeft de gemeente desen temple doen

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 455

bouwen. But laying aside that, the people paid for
the church."

They also alleged that " the plate had long been
passed around for a common school, which has been
built with words ; for," they said, "as yet the first
stone is not laid." The money, however, had all
been spent. The money collected for the poor was
also spent by the Company. Excises were levied on
wine and beer, and when remonstrance was made to
Kieft, " instead of relief they received a sharp repri
mand and a written answer, which, as was his cus
tom," they said, " he had couched in so lengthy and
diffuse a style, that poor, humble people, such as are
here, must inevitably commit mistakes regarding it.
Money," they complained, "contributed by the people
for public purposes was absorbed amongst the Com
pany's property, and the children of certain free
negroes were held in slavery," — to use their own
words — "contrary to all public law, that any one born
of a free Christian mother should not be a slave." In
Kieft' s fiscal, Van der Hooykens, they said, "no con
fidence could be placed, in consequence of his drink
ing, in which all his science consisted."

Their censure of Stuyvesant was even more severe
than that of Kieft. They alleged that he wasted the
public money in unnecessary counsellors; that money
raised for public, he employed for private purposes ;
that the Company's grain measure was suspected,
but, sard they, "who dare say so?" They complained
terribly of his "ill and spiteful language, even to those
who were officially brought to speak with him. If

456 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

he were not in a good humor," said they, "they were
berated as rascals, beer drinkers, &c. The fort," they
alleged, "laid like a mole hill in a ruin, whilst he had
spent the money raised for its repair by the people
for other purposes."

They alleged he differed from Kieft in being "more
active and malignant in looking up causes for prose
cution against his innocent opponents; and that in
his court he would browbeat and dispute and harrass
one of the two parties, not as beseemeth a judge, but
as a zealous advocate ; and that on business before
his council he would say, 6 Gentlemen, this is my
opinion. If any of you have aught to object to it,
let him express it.' If any one then on the instant
offer objection, his honor burst forth incontinently in
a rage, and makes such a to-do that it is dreadful ;
yea, he frequently abuses the councillors as this and
that in foul language, better befitting the fish market
than the council; and if all this be tolerated, he will
not be satisfied until he have his way." They alleged
that when Kieft, his predecessor, was accused before
him, he acted as his advocate, and spoke of the
"Eight Men" as boorish brutes, threatened Melyn,
who appealed from his decision, with having him
"hanged on the highest tree in New Netherlands,"
and also of threatening those who appealed from his
judgment to Holland with death.

They accused him of selling powder and arms to
the Indians; of preventing people by threats from
letting it be known how they were treated; of carry
ing on all sorts of business; of being a brewer, a

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 457

farmer, a part owner of ships, a merchant; of having
various stores of his own; of trading in contraband
articles, and of forbidding "trade to others on pain
of death," and then carrying it on himself. They
said his promptness in confiscating caused great dis
content amongst the inhabitants. "Scarce a ship,"
said they, " comes near the place that he does not
look upon as a prize. Everywhere there is such an
evil report that not a ship dare venture from the
Carribee Islands." Again they complained that al
though the people were impoverished by the war, yet
he collected rigidly the debts of the Company, and
would not allow debts owing by the Company to the
citizens as an offset. Those who would not follow
his wishes, they said he denominated as "rascals,
liars, rebels, and usurers." They recited at length
his entry into the room of Van der Donk, his seizure
of the draft of the complaint of the Deputies, and of
his arrest and trial before the Supreme Council on a
charge of having committed crimen lesce mojestatis.
Those who took part in public affairs, they alleged,
if they acted contrary to his will and pleasure, were
persecuted, imprisoned, and guarded by soldiers.
Amongst other instances of his tyranny, they recited
the exclusion of Hendrick Van Dyck from the council
board for the space of twenty -nine months. For this
he gave an excuse, that "he could not. keep a secret,
but divulged whatever was done there." He also
frequently declared that he was a "villain, a scoun
drel, and a thief." Such was the character given of
Stuy vesant by the Deputies of New Amsterdam. In
the same paper they give the following as the char-

458 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

acter of the principal men of his council, who were
also the Supreme Council of Delaware.

Brian Nuton, an Englishman, who commanded the
soldiers, they describe as ignorant of the Dutch law
and language, who dreaded Stuyvesant, and honored
him as a benefactor. To everything "proposed by
Stuyvesant, he would say yes."

Adrian Keyser they described sarcastically as "a
man who had not forgotten much law." His saying
was, that he let God's water run over God's field.
"He," they alleged, "can say nothing, and dare not
say anything." The captains of the ships had a vote
in the council when they were ashore, but they ns-
serted "Stuyvesant kept them so dependent that
they dared not speak. He," they said, "once called
them before the minister 'a pack of thieves.'"

Of Hendrick Van Dyck, who was also fiscal and
commissary, whom Stuyvesant called a "villain, a
scoundrel, and a thief," they spoke of "as a man
wholly intolerable alike in words and deeds. What
shall we say," they exclaim, "of one whose head is a
trouble to him, and whose screw is loose, especially
when it is surrounded by a little sap in the wood,
which is no rare occurrence, as he is master at home."
These men were the " supreme bench of justices"
that ruled our state, as well as New York.

The Deputies were, however, most severe on the
Secretary of State of New Netherlands, Cornelius
Van Tienhoven. The following is their description
of his character. They say : "A great deal might
be said of this man — more even than we are able to
et forth. For brevity's sake, however, we shall

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 459

select here and there a few traits. He is crafty,
subtle, intelligent, sharp-witted — good gifts when
properly applied. He is one of those who have been
longest in this country; is thoroughly acquainted with
every circumstance relating both to the Christians
and the Indians. With the Indians even he has run
about like an Indian, with little covering and a patch
before him, through lust for the prostitutes to whom
he has ever been excessively addicted, and with
whom he has so much intercourse, that no punish
ment or menaces of the director can drive him from
them. He is a great adept at dissimulation, and
even when laughing intends to bite, and professes
the warmest friendship when he hates the deepest.
To every one who has business with him — and there
is scarcely one but has — he gives a favorable reply,
promises assistance, and assists scarcely anybody, or
leads them continually off on some course or the
other, except the minister's friends. In his words
and acts he is loose, false, deceitful, and given to
lying; prodigal of promises, and when it comes to
performances, nobody is home. The origin of the
war was attributed principally to him and some of
his friends. The director was led astray by his
false reports and lies. Now if the voice of the
people, by this maxim, be the voice of God, of this
man hardly any good can with truth be said, and
no evil concealed. With the exception of the
director and his party, the whole community cries
out against him, as a villain, a murderer, and a
traitor ; and that he must quit the country, or there
will not be any peace with the Indians."

CHAPTER XXVII.

The Dutch patriarchs — Sketch of families descended from them —
Huguenot French — The first Bayard — John Paul Jaquett — Jo
hannes de Hayes — The first Statts and Comegys — Herman sick —
His second •wife — His daughter Margaretta, first described Dela
ware young lady — His death — Gov. Bassett possesses his mansion
— Its destruction by fire — Tradition of Herman and his horse — A
description of his descendants — Alricks' descendants — Gouvert
Lockermans — Sketch of his life — Sketch of his descendants — End
of first volume.

WE conclude this last chapter of the first volume
of our history by a short account of some of the
families descended from the Dutch patriarchs who
were residents of Delaware — whose blood now flows
through the veins of thousands of our citizens, both
in our own and other states. Of some of these old
families every link can be traced in the chain of their
descent, from the first ancestor to the present exist
ing offspring. Amongst these are the descendants
of Augustine Herman and Gouvert Lockermans. In
others the links are broken, and we only know them
from the similarity and peculiarity of their names,,
both Christian and surname. Oftentimes a child of
each succeeding generation has received the name of
its father or grandfather, and so it has been handed
down, until many of our citizens bear the same name
as their first ancestor, who emigrated here more than
two hundred years ago.

A large proportion of our public men have always

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 461

been of Dutch descent, either by the father's or
mother's side. Even after the conquest of the State
by the English, for many years most of the principal
magistrates and other public officers were Dutchmen.
Amongst the numerous families who are in whole or
in part descended from the Dutch patriarchs, in many
cases mixed with Huguenot French, are the Oldhams
(on the mother's side), the Van Dykes, the Vande-
grifts, the Bayards (on the mother's side), the Al-
ricks, the Statts, the Vandevers, the Harmans, the
Comegys, the Vangezels, the Jaquetts, the Van
Zandts, the Vances, the Hyatts, the Cochrans, the
Fountains, the Le Counts, the Blackstones, the Kings,
the Andersons, and others. There were also families
of Van Dykes, Petersons, and Andersons, who were
Swedes. Amongst those who derive their descents
from the Huguenots and refugee Protestant French
are the Bayards, the Bellvilles, the Bouchells, the
De Hayes, and others. The Delaware Bayards are
descended from Nicholas Bayard, who fled from
France to Holland, and married Anneke, a sister of
Stuyvesant. They had three sons, Belthazar, Peter,
and Nicholas. Peter left New York, and came to
Delaware with the Labadists. In 1675 he received
a grant of Bombay Hook Island. Four years after
wards he purchased the right of the Indian owner,
Maeesitt, Sachem of Canswick, for one gun and some
other matters. From this Bayard it is believed the
Bayards x>f Delaware are descended. Bayard street,
in New York, is named after this family. The
Bayards, like many of the other patiiirchal Dutch

462 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.,

Huguenot families, have well maintained their social
and political standing. The family have been dis
tinguished for great talents. Three succeeding gene
rations of them have represented the state in the
United States Senate, viz. : the celebrated James A.
Bayard, who signed the treaty of Ghent, then his
sons, Richard Bayard and James A. Bayard, who sat
there at different times, and Thomas F. Bayard, the
son of the second James A. Bayard, who at the time
of this writing represents the State in that body.

John Paul Jaquett, the second Dutch governor of
Delaware, was also a French Protestant,1 who had
fled from France to Holland to avoid religious perse
cution. Before his arrival in Delaware, however, he
had resided in Brazil. The Jaquetts lived on their
farm, holding it from John Paul Jaquett, the first
ancestor, until the time of the celebrated Major
Peter Jaquett, the last surviving officer of the Revo
lution belonging to Delaware. This land was granted
to Jaquett soon after the capture of Delaware by the
Dutch. It is now called Long Hook, and belongs to
Theodore Rogers, Esq. It is situated at the end of
the causeway on the road from Wilmington to New
Castle, about a mile from the bridge at the foot of

1 The statement of Jaquett being a French Protestant is made on
the authority of Miss Elizabeth Montgomery, in her " Reminiscences
of Wilmington/' a work written and edited without notes, and pub
lished in 1868. It gave a minute and graphic account of Wilming
ton, and its vicinity, and its citizens, and during her recollection.
She was the daughter of Captain Hugh Montgomery, who was killed
in a naval action during the Revolution. She was born in 1778, and
died in the Episcopal Hospital, Philadelphia, a few years ago.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 463

Market street, in that city. In 1699 the Labadists
(Bankers and Sluyter) crossed the Christiana near to
this farm. They speak of it as follows: " We pro
ceeded thence a small distance overland to a place
where the fortress of Christina had stood, which had
been constructed and possessed by the Swedes, but
taken by the Dutch governor, Stuyvesant, and after
wards, I believed, demolished by the English. * * *
We were then taken over the Christina Creek in a
canoe, and landed at the spot where Stuyvesant threw
up his battery to attack the fort, and compelled them
to surrender. At this spot there are medlar trees,
which bear good fruit, from which one Jaquett, who
does not live far from there, makes good brandy or
spirits, which we tasted and found even better than
French brandy."1 By this it will be seen that in
1679 Fort Christina was destroyed.

From Johannes de Hayes are descended the Jan
vier (New Castle) family on the female side. A
picture of him is still preserved in this family, and
was exhibited to an audience during a lecture at
Drawyers Presbyterian Church, in New Castle county,
on the 10th of May, 1842, by the Rev. George
Foote. Foote said, uHe was evidently, as his cos
tume shows, either a knight or a military officer of

1 The medlar is a fruit not now raised in Delaware, or anywhere
else in the Union that we know of. It is about the size of a peach,
and is not eatable until perfectly rotten. Allusion is made to it in
Shakespeare., when he says, "Like a medlar, rotten ere you are ripe."
This is one of our extinct fruits. How many more plants were there
that used to grow amongst us that are now extinct? The fig used to
be raised in our gardens* There are none grown now.

464 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

high rank."1 In 1676 he purchased of Joseph Chew,
a farm of 400 acres, described in the New Castle
Records as being near the "Old Landing" on the
Appoquinimink Creek, for 2,000 pounds of tobacco,
Dutch weight. He was then a merchant. He was
afterwards a magistrate at New Castle, both under
the Duke of York and William Penn.

After the capture of our state by the English, be
sides DTIinoyossa and Van Sweringen, a number of
other citizens of Delaware moved to Maryland. The
principal evidence we have of this is the settling of
so many Dutch and Germans in the neighborhood of
the Sassafras and Bohemia rivers, and near the town
of St. Mary's. They were, no doubt, brought there
by the influence of Augustine Herman. Amongst
these families who again settled in Delaware we are
inclined to believe are the Comegys, the Cochrans,
the Blackstones, the Le Counts, the Kings and others,
and possibly the Bouchells. Several of them were
naturalized by Maryland law from 1666 to 1684,
amongst them were Peter Bayard, Arnoldus de la
Grange, William Blackenstein (Blackstone), Hans
Hanson, Cornelius Comegys, Gerritt Van Sweringen,
besides Jacobson, Errickson, Peterson, and Le Count,
whose Christian names are not given. In 1666
Augustine Hernuin petitioned the Maryland legisla
ture for the naturalization of himself and all his

1 The Rev. George Foote, a talented and highly esteemed minister
of the Presbyterian Church, died at Odessa, in 1808. This lecture
contains matter of much historical interest. It was published in
1842 in a small book.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 465

family, viz. : Ephraim, Georgius, Gasparus, his sons,
and Anna Margaretta, Judith, and Francina, his
daughters.1

The Statts, now so numerous amongst us, were
here as early as 1648. The first of them made
mention of was Abraham Statts, surgeon, and elder
of the church of Renslaerswick, New York. He
was in 1651 driven from the island of Aharonnumy,
in the Schuylkill, by the Swedes, and had his home
burnt by the Indians in New York.

The first Comegys came from Vienna, in Austria.
He was undoubtedly the ancestor of the present
Comegys family.. The late lamented Cornelius P.
Comegys, who was governor of the State from 1836
to 1840, was undoubtedly a descendant of his, as he
bears the same Christian name. One of his descend
ants (Joseph P. Comegys, son of the ex-governor)
represented the State in the United States Senate.
The Labadist, Bankers and Sluyter, give the follow
ing account of their visit to him in 1679. He is
undoubtedly the Cornelius Comegys we have before
spoken of as having been naturalized in Maryland.
He appears to have been a man of wealth, owning
several plantations, and employing several servants.
He lived in Maryland, near the Sassafras river.
They say: "We arrived at Cornelius, the son of
Cornegys, and called out to him, and he brought a
canoe, which relieved us, as it was close on to even
ing. We thanked the person who had brought us,
and stepped into the canoe. Cornelius, who was an

• l Neil's Terrae Mariae.
30

466 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

active young man, was pleased to meet Hollanders,
although he himself was born in this country. We
found Mr. Comegys on the next plantation, who bade
us welcome ; and after we had drank some cider, ac
companied us with one of his company to Mr. Hosier's,
who was a good, generous-hearted man, better than
any Englishman we had met in this country. He
had formerly had much business with Mr. Moll, but
their affairs in England running behindhand a little,
they both came and settled down here, and therefore
Mr. Moll and he had a great regard for each other.
# # :;- ]yjr Comegys was from Vienna, and had a
Dutch woman for a wife, who had taught her children
to speak the Dutch language : they therefore had a
kind disposition towards Hollanders. After her death
he married an English woman, and he had himself
learned many of the English maxims, although it
was against his feelings ; for we were sensible that
he dared not work for us with an open heart. He
told us that he would rather live at the Cape of Good
Hope than here. 'How is that/ said I, 'when there
is such good land here ?' ' True,' he replied ; < but if
you knew the people here as well as I do, you would
be able to understand why.' "

Augustine Herman will hereafter cease to take
part in Delaware history, save in a grant of land to
the Labadists. Of all his children only the issue of
his son Gasparus are now alive. From him are de
scended the Oidhams and the Bouchells. James R.
Oldham, of Christiana Bridge, is the only male de
scendant now residing in the State. He is seventh

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 467

in descent from the Augustine Herman. This is one
of the few families that can be traced by their descent
without a break in the link. The line runs thus :
Gasparus Herman left issue a son named Ephraim
Augustine Herman, who left a daughter Catharine,
who married Peter Bouchell, a descendant on one
side from Hendrick Sluyter, one of the founders of
the Labadists. A gentleman named Joseph Enser
or Inser married Mary, their daughter. They had
one son, who was killed whilst celebrating his twenty-
first birthday. He had given an entertainment to
some young men, and whilst running races for amuse
ment with their horses, he was thrown and killed.
Colonel Edward Oldham, of the Maryland line of the
Revolution, grandfather of J. R. Oldham, married
their daughter Mary. There are several on the
female side, both in Delaware and Maryland, de
scended from Colonel Oldham and Mary Ensor. In
1679 the Labadists visited Augustine Herman. They
found him sick, and his family broken up from a
termagent wife, who had driven his children away.
They say: "He showed us every kindness he could
in his condition, as he was very miserable, both in
soul and body. His plantation was going much to
decay, as well as his body, from want of attention.
There was not a Christian man, as they term it, to
serve him — nobody but negroes. All this was in
creased by a miserable, doubly miserable wife; but
so miserable that I will not relate it here. All his
children have been compelled on her account to leave
their father's house. He spoke to us of his land,

468 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

and said he would never sell or hire it to Englishmen,
but would sell it to us cheap if we were inclined to
buy." At a second visit they describe his wife as
the most artful and despicable creature that can be
found. They also called Herman "a godless person."
We must, however, receive with great allowance the
account of the Labadists, who were a sour sect.

Augustine Herman died a short time after this,
and was buried on the manor. His death must have
occurred about the last of December, 1669, as on the
14th of December, after they left him, whilst visiting
his son Ephraim, they were informed that he was
very sick and at the point of deatty, and that his
daughter Margaret had gone there to attend upon
him in that condition.

The Bayards, who afterwards came into that por
tion of the manor on which was situated the grave of
Herman, took the tombstone for a door for their
family vault. The inscription on it is as follows : —
"Augustine Herman, Bohemian, the first founder and
seater of Bohemia Manor, Anno 1669." In this
vault lies buried the remains of Richard Bassett, a
former governor of Delaware, a member of the con
vention that formed the Constitution of the United
States, and the father-in-law of the first James A.
Bayard.

The following tradition is related of Herman, of
which, however, we found no allusion to in the
records, notwithstanding a careful search. An ac
count will be found of it both in Ledmun1 and Foot.

1 Ledmun's Rise of Methodism in America.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 469

Ledmun says : " It is said that the Dutch had him a
prisoner of war at one time, under sentence of death,
in New York. A short time before he was to be
executed, he feigned himself to be deranged in mind,
and requested that his horse should be brought to
him in the prison. The horse was brought, finely
caparisoned. Herman mounted him, and seemed to
be performing military exercises, when on the first
opportunity he bolted through one of the large windows
that was some fifteen feet above ground, leaped down,
swam the North river, run his horse through New
Jersey, and alighted on the bank of the Delaware
opposite New Castle, and thus made his ecsape from
death and the Dutch. This daring feat, tradition
says, he had transferred to canvas — himself repre
sented as standing by the side of his charger, from
whose nostrils the blood was flowing. It is said that
a copy of this painting still exists. He never suffered
this horse to be used afterwards, and when he died
had him buried, and honored his grave with a tomb
stone."

The author has seen the copy of this painting. It
is in the possession of James R. Oldham, Esq. It is
as represented by Ledmun.

The old mansion house of Herman was occupied
by Governor Bassett, and soon after his death it was
burned down. Ledmun says : " Many old valuable
paintings were consumed with this house. One of
its large halls was lined with them. Many of them
had belonged to Augustine Herman, the founder of
Bohemia Manor. His likeness and that of his lady

470 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

perished; also the painting representing the flight
from the Dutch in New York by means of his famous
war charger. There are still people living who saw
these paintings again and again before they were de
stroyed." Ledmun also says: "Herman was the
great man of the region : he had his deer park ; he
rode in his coach, driven by liveried servants."

We will close our history of the Herman family
by an account of Margaret, his daughter, who is the
first Delaware young lady of whom history records
a description. The Labadists met her just before
she left her brother Ephraim's to attend the death
bed of her father. They said, " She showed us much
kindness. She was a little volatile, but of sweet and
good disposition." Again speaking of her, they said,
" She possesses a good disposition, although a little
wild, according to the nature of the country. She
complained that she was like a wild and desolate vine
trained up in a wild and desolate country ; that she
had always felt an inclination to know more of God
quietly, and to serve him. She treated us with great
affection, and received thankfully and acceptably what
we said to her." The Cochrans, now so numerous
and influential, it is alleged, are descended from
Derick Kolchman (now changed to Cochran), who
was one of those engaged in founding the Labadist
colony.

The Alricks, one of whom (Lucas Alricks, Esq., of
New Castle hundred) holds the land on which he
lives from his first ancestor, have from the time of
the first governor of that name been numerous and

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 471

influential. Their blood flows in the veins of large
numbers of the most respectable citizens of Delaware
and other States ; for, like most old Delaware fami
lies, their descendants are scattered over most of the
States of the Union.1

Of all the Delaware Knickerbocker families none
that we know of have so complete a chain of descent
as the offspring of the celebrated Govert Loocker-
mans, the sturdy leader of the citizens of New Am
sterdam, and colleague of Augustine Herman. From
him the Loockermans of Dover are descended. One
of his descendants still occupies the family mansion at
Dover, which was built, in 1742, by Nicholas Loock
ermans. We insert it, as it not only shows the num
ber of generations, link by link, that has existed in
the State since its first settlement, but also the for
tunes of a prominent and representative Delaware
family.

Govert Loockermans, the progenitor of the Loock
ermans, came to New Amsterdam with Youter Van
Twiller, the director general or governor of New
Netherlands, in the caravel St. Martin or Hope, com
manded by Juriaen Blanck, in the month of April,
1633, from Holland, in the service of the West India
Company. At the time of his arrival, he was aged
about seventeen years. He married Maria Jansen
(a daughter of Roelf Jansen and his wife Annetje
or Anneke Jans, who, after the death of her husband,
married the Rev. Everardus Bogardus), and was by

1 Levi Alricks, Esq., of Philadelphia, is making a thorough research
into the genealogy of the Alricks family.

472 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

that marriage brother-in-law of Oloff Stevenson Van
Courtlandt, whose son founded the Van Courtlandt
manor, in the State of New York ; also of Jacob Van
Couwenhoven. He filled some of the highest civil
and military offices in New Amsterdam. He was
despatched with Jan Davitz in May, 1664, across
the Green Mountains by Stuyvesant to arrange peace
with the Mohawk Indians. At Warrington he con
cluded a treaty with them. About the same period
he commanded a small armed vessel. He drove the
English from a fort they had erected up the Hudson
river; also at the head of an armed force he sur
prised and utterly extirpated a tribe of hostile Indians
on Staten Island, who had greatly annoyed and in
jured the settlers in New Amsterdam. It is said that
the memory of this indiscriminate slaughter of this
tribe of Indians, although approved by the popular
sentiment of his day, occasioned him much disquietude
of conscience, after his retirement from active life, in
his last hours. He was despatched at one period of
his life, at the head of an armed force, to expel the
Swedes and English, who had encroached on territory
claimed by the Dutch on the Delaware river, near the
present city of Philadelphia.

Govert Loockermans was also a successful mer
chant and politician. He headed the popular party
of New Amsterdam, known as the "country part)',"
and resisted the dictatorial assumption of Stuyvesant,
the hard headed and wooden legged leader of the
court or administration party, by wresting from him
for the people the right of representation in the

HISTORY OF ,THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 473

council called the Schnepens, of which he was a
member in 1657 and 1661. This bridled the preroga
tive claimed by Stuyvesant, and made the govern-
ernment of the Manhattans in a measure, republican.
He was three times banished by Stuyvesant, and was
as often recalled on account of his public services. The
feud between Stuyvesant and him was subsequently
terminated by the marriage of his granddaughter
with the grandson of Stuyvesant. After a career
of honored usefulness, Govert Loockermans died in
1670, reputed the richest individual in North America.
He was worth 520,000 Dutch guilders, an immense
sum when the period in which he lived is considered.
His public influence and position after his decease
devolved on his son-in-law, Jacob Leisler, who became
by a civil revolution the first governor of the people
of the colony of New Amsterdam.

Govert Loockermans left five children, Elsie, Cor
nells, Jacob, Joannes, and Maritjie. Elsie Loocker
mans married Cornelis P. Yan-der-Veen, by whom
she had Cornelis, Timothy, and Margaret. She
next married Jacob Leisler, who subsequently acted
so prominent a part in the early colonial history of
New York.

Maritjie Loockermans married Balthazar Bayard,
step-son to Governor Stuyvesant, and of this marriage
was born Anna Maria, who married Augustus Jay,
grandfather of Governor Jay. 2. Arietta, who married
Samuel -Verplank. 3. Jacobus, who married Helle-
gonda De Kay. 4. Judith, who married Gerardus
Stuyvesant, grandson of the last Dutch governor,
Peter Stuyvesant.

474 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Joannes or Jannetje Loockermans was the second
wife of Surgeon Hans Kiersted, and her children were
Areantje, Cornells, Jacobus, and Maritjie.

Cornells Loockermans died, it is believed, childless
in early life.

Jacob Loockermans, second son of the above
named Govert Loockermans and Maria, his wife, was
born A. D. 1650, in the city of New Amsterdam. He
was a regularly graduated medical doctor, and prac
tised medicine; but, he became a planter in 1682.
On the 29th of January, 1677, he married Helena
Ketin. Being involved in the political troubles, which
culminated in the overthrow of his brother-in-law,
Jacob Leisler, — (who was deposed and brought to
the scaffold, by the royal governor of William III., of
England), about the year 1681 he emigrated to Easton,
in the State of Maryland, where he became a planter.
He was a man of wealth, and left behind a great deal
of real estate, in the city of New York, undisposed
of. He died, on the 17th of August, 1730.

He left a son, Nicholas Loockermans, who was born,
on the 10th of November, 1697. He married Sally
Emerson, daughter of Vincent Emerson, of the Grange
near Dover, in 1721. He died March 6, 1769, aged
over seventy-one years. His tombstone remains at
the Grange, to this day.

Vincent Loockermans, only child of the above named
Nicholas Loockermans, was born at the Grange before
mentioned, in 1722. He married as his second wife
Elizabeth Pryor, daughter of John Pry or, merchant of
Dover, in February, 1774. By his first wife Susannah,

HISTORY OF THE STATE OP DELAWARE. 475

he had one child, Vincent Loockermans the younger.
By Elizabeth Pryor, he had two children, viz. : Eliza
beth and Nicholas. Vincent Loockermans the elder sat
in the Legislature. He was a prominent Whig in the
Revolution. He died at his residence, in Dover, on
the 26th of August, 1785, in his sixty-third year.
He left a large landed estate in and around Dover.

Nicholas Loockermans, son of Vincent Loockermans
and Elizabeth, his wife, was born November 27, 1783.
He sat in the Legislature, and died March 20, 1850.
He was never married.

Elizabeth Loockermans, the only daughter of Vin
cent Loockermans and Elizabeth, his wife, was born
December 23, 1779. She married Thomas Brad
ford, LL.D., of the city of Philadelphia, counsellor-at-
law, the 8th of May, 1805. She died in the city of
Philadelphia April 12, 1842, leaving her surviving, her
husband and five children, viz. : Vincent Loockermans,
Elizabeth Loockermans, Benjamin Rush, William, and
Thomas Budd. She was buried along with her
brother in her husband's family vault in the burial
ground of the Second Presbyterian Church of Phila
delphia, which vault has since been transferred to
Laurel Hill, Philadelphia.

Vincent Loockermans Bradford, eldest surviving
child of Elizabeth Loockermans and her husband,
Thomas Bradford, was born September 24, 1808.
He adopted the legal profession, and was admitted to
practice, in Philadelphia, in April, 1829. He remeved
to the State of Michigan in 1835, and was elected, in
1837, to the Senate of that State. He resumed the

476 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

practice of his profession in Philadelphia in 1843, and
was elected President of the Philadelphia and Trenton
Railroad Company in 1859, being subsequently re-
elected until 1871, inclusive. He married July 21,
1831, Juliet S. Key, daughter of Emanuel Key, Esq.,
planter of the Island of St. Martin, West Indies. He
still lives.

Elizabeth Loockermans Bradford, eldest daughter
of Elizabeth Loockermans and her husband, Thomas
Bradford, married the Rev. William T. Dwight, D.D.,
of Portland, Me. (a son of Timothy Dwight, D.D., the
distinguished President of Yale College). She died
in 1863. Her husband died in 1865. She left sur
viving four children, the Rev. Henry E. Dwight, M.D.,
Thomas Bradford Dwight, counsellor-at-law, of Phila
delphia, Elizabeth Bradford Dwight, and Mary W.
Dwight — all of whom are now alive.

Benjamin Rush Bradford, of NeW Brighton, Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, son of Elizabeth Loockermans
and her husband, Thomas Bradford, Jr., married in
1860 Margaret Campbell, of Butler county, Penn
sylvania. They have four children, viz. : Juliet S.,
Thomas, Eleanor C., and William C., all of whom
now live.

William Bradford, of the city of Philadelphia, son
of Elizabeth Loockermans and Thomas Bradford, was
born in 1815. He still lives.

Thomas Budd Bradford, son of Elizabeth and
Thomas Bradford, Jr., was born in 1816. He is a
minister of the gospel, and now resides in the ances
tral mansion of the Loockermans at Dover, which has

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. 477

sheltered the blood for more than a century. He
still farms as proprietor much of the old Loockermans
land contiguous to Dover. By his first wife he had
no issue. He married as his second wife Miss Lucy
II. Porter, a daughter of Dr. Robert R. Porter, an
esteemed and influential citizen of Wilmington, Dela
ware, a granddaughter of the Hon. Willard Hall,
District Judge of the United States District Court
of Delaware, and a great-granddaughter of Chancellor
Killen, of Delaware. His issue by this last marriage
is four sons and one daughter. Since the foregoing
was penned, Rev. Thomas B. Bradford departed this
life, at Dover, March 25th, 1871.

A granddaughter of Vincent Loockermans the
elder, by his first marriage, (being a daughter of
Vincent Loockermans the younger), Elizabeth Loock
ermans, married Thomas Davy, of Philadelphia. She
and her husband are both dead, leaving an only
child, Mary S. Davy. Another grandchild of Vincent
Loockermans the elder, by his first marriage, (being
a daughter of Vincent Loockermans the younger) mar
ried the Hon. Nicholas G. Williamson, for many years
Postmaster and Mayor of Wilmington; by whom she
had issue, Mary Ann (married to Rev. Corry Cham
bers), Harriett (married to Hon. William D. Baker),
Sallie E. (married to the Hon. Horn R. Kneas),
Evelina (married to Courtlandt Howell, Esq.), Hel
ena, and Elba (married to Leonard Phleger, Esq.).

Although the family, for a century past, have
signed themselves and been called " Lockerman," the
true spelling, as derived from the early records of
the family, is " Loockermans."

478 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

It will be seen by this history of the descendants
of Govert Loockermans how the blood of the Knick
erbocker patriarchs is mingled and scattered over all
the States, how the families maintain their position,
and that seven generations of the descendants of the
Locokermans and eight of the Hermans (for some of
the last named descendants of both families have
living children) have existed since the first settlement
of Delaware. And as the same rule exists in all the
families, we may consider from seven to nine genera
tions of people have dwelt and now dwell in our
State since the first white man took up his habitation
upon our shores. The first volume of the first his
tory of Delaware is now finished, and we hope that
a kind Providence will allow us also to complete the
second.

END OF VOL. I.

14 DAY USE

RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED

LOAN DEPT.

This book is due on the last date stamped below, or

on the date to which renewed.
Renewed books are subject to immediate recall.

12Feb

DOT 18 '67 -7PM

FE'ff i ? 13 /y

REG. GIB. FEB 1 5 1S7!)

LD 21A-50m-8,'61
(Cl795slO)476B

,7 1990 1

General Library

University of California

Berkeley

U.U. BttmtLtY LIBHAKIt

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY