USA > Delaware > New Castle County > New Castle > Fort Casimir : the starting point in the history of New Castle, in the state of Delaware : its location and history, 1651-1671 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Granted to William Sempill the lot which was formerly granted to Hans Coderus and not yet improved.
Examined per J. A. CLAYPOOLE
& compared.
The lot is bounded to the Eastward by the Front street to the Westward by the Back street, to the Northward by the lott now belonging to the Right Hon'ble Proprietor & to the Southward by the lotts of Engelbert Lott, contains in breadth sixty foot and in length proportionably to the adjoining lotts. Surveyed to William Sempill & sold to Darcus Land, with the draught being lost and no patent yet granted."
In the Albany Records, it is noted that "Jacob Alrich's
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farm north of the town (in 1660) was known as the "Bouwerie." Old residents of the town, now living, have told the writer that they well recollect, the "Bowerie Woods," on the North and Northwest side of the town. Alrich's farm was presumably named after Stuyvesant's home and farm at New Amsterdam, which was called by him the "Bowerie," and the name is still retained in the present "Bowery", of New York City.
From these several descriptions as they appear of record, the present boundaries of the Fort lot are fixed, -almost to a certainty. It was bounded on the N. W. by the present Market street (then Land St. ), on the N. E. by (now, as then) unimproved lands, on the S. E. by Front or Water street, ("'ye street by ye water side") on the S. W. by the lot of Engelbert Lott, on the N. E. corner of Chestnut and Market streets. Chestnut street was the first cross street leading up from the river at that end of the town.
All the cross streets at that time, were called "the thwart streets", and from this fact, the writer has found it some- times difficult to locate many lots, bounded by "Thwart" street. The name had no reference to the Fort as many suppose.
The Thwart street in the survey, is however, unmistakably, the present Chestnut street, and was the street, which lead (by the way of the Great Dyke and the road to Wilmington) to the woods of Jacob Alrich.
Taking therefore, the description of Engelbert Lott's, two lots, as heretofore given and definitely shown by the survey, and allowing 100 feet for the then usual depth of building lots, on the N. E. side of Chestnut street, would make the Fort lot, begin on Front or Water street, (at its
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intersection with Chestnut street), at the distance of 100 feet N. E. from Chestnut street, thence extending 120 feet along Front or Water street, and extending back to Market street 268 feet. Front or Water street, at this point, has been (as stated) entirely washed away,-and also much of the fast land,-and it is not at all improbable, from the lay of the land now, that the precise spot of ground upon which the Fort stood has been submerged.
A few days ago the writer visited and carefully viewed the ground, and he estimates that at the point where the Fort stood (exclusive of the bed of Front or Water street), at least 150 feet of the fast land has been washed away since the Fort was built. Thus reducing the size of the lot from its original dimensions,-of about 120 feet on the Front or Water street, with a depth of 268 feet to Market street,-to about 120 feet on the river, and a depth of about 100 feet to Market street. Which still further strengthens his belief that most, if not all of the soil whereon the Fort stood is now buried beneath the ceaseless ebb and flow of the tide. (The accompanying sketch, shows its present location and boundary. )
There is much of great interest (particularly to one who lives in and loves the ancient town, its history and its people), surrounding this subject.
In Volume 12, "Documents Relating to the History of the Dutch and Swedes Settlements on the Delaware River," published by B. Fernow, Keeper of the Historical Records at Albany, N. Y., there appear many documents bearing upon this general subject. As early as May 15, 1660, William Beekman (Lieut. Gov.) wrote to Governor Stuy- vesant then at New Amsterdam, that the Fort was in a
ORANGE
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STREET
STREET
PLANE
BYLGON
STEEL PLANT
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A
C
MARKET
STREET
CHESTNUT
The "FORT LOT"as a
present bounded
Supposed Location of
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=
"FORT CASIMIR
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HARMONY
FRONT or WATER STREET
RIVER
WHARF
WHARF
DELAWARE
Sketch of Location of "Fort Casimir"-(1905) By alex. B. Cooper Je
NEWCASTLE & WIL MINGTON ROAD
Narrow Dyhe, Ditch
STREET
COURT HOUSE
NEW
DELAWARE
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1
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defenceless condition from the threatened attack by Lord Baltimore, saying,-"only a few musket and gun balls on hand here, and no balls or case shot whatever for the cannons".
October 15th, 1670, it was thought by the High Court, consisting of John Carr, William Tom, H. Block, Israel Helme, Peter Rambo and Peter Kock, "that the market place, where the bell hangs, was the most convenient place in NewCastle to erect Block Houses for defensive purposes, and it was resolved to give the order accordingly, provided, that his Honor Captain Carr shall cede forever the necessary ground thereto without retaining any claim on it. As to expenses and labor required for the aforesaid fortifications and Block Houses, the citizens of New Castle are first to advance money, each according to his means and position, to pay the laborers, provided that inhabitants of this district able to do all such work shall be held to assist in the work, as occasion may require. As to the fortifications as above, the matter is left to the discretion of the people there, to choose the most convenient place or places for the defences. All however with the understanding, that if no war breaks out with the natives, which God may prevent, the said houses shall be used for the public service as council house, prison and other purposes, while they may be used as such by the whole river for a general and public account and expense."
Pursuant to this, Captain Carr asked the Governor and council, "that a block house may be erected in some con- venient place of ye town, where a constant whatch may be kept (now ye forte is fallen to ruin and decay) for the com- mon defense, the wch will cost noe great Mattr and may be
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risen at ye charge and expense of ye inhabitants of ye towne and plantation upon ye Rvr, who will not be backward (if any order shall be issued for it) in contributing towards the same." At a Council held in Fort James, New York, on June 14th, 1671, "the erecting of a block-house for common defense is approved."
This was undoubtedly the block-house which history and credible tradition say, was erected at or near the present Immanuel P. E. Church, and which some have confusedly considered as Fort Casimir, although it was not built, until 20 years after the building of Fort Casimir.
After this, numerous petitions and demands were made by the Magistrates of New Castle, to Governor Andros, for "making of a Court House" and prison. These it appears from the Albany Records began in the fall of 1675. There was some delay in their consideration. One reason assigned for the delay was because Mr. Moll, (one of the Magistrates) was absent, "being to go into Maryland".
At another Council held September 15, 1675, "ordered, that ye block-house at New Castle bee removed and built on ye back side of ye towne, about ye middle of it, at or near ye Old Block-House, wherein there may be a Court House and a Prison also". Under this order it seems apparent, that the Block-House near the Church was removed to, and a Court House built on the lot whereon the present Court House stands.
This was the first permanent Court House. It was a small building and stood on the South-Easterly end of the present building, where the sheriff's office was, before the removal of the County seat to Wilmington in 1881.
It is now occupied on the first floor, as the Mayor's Office
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and by the City Council of New Castle, as a Council Chamber. On the upper floor (the old Grand Jury room), by "The New Castle Club," as a social club room.
The building of the prison under the order was still fur- ther delayed. The Governor was again petitioned, as follows :- "There being no prison for ye securing of debtors, fugitives and malefactors, who often make their escape for want of same, wee therefore desire your Honor's order, for the erecting of a prison, which we Immadgine would be convenient to stand in ye fort and that yr Honor will Lykewise p'scrybe what allowance prisoners shall have" etc.
At a Council held in New York November 20, 1676, it was ordered, "(4) Allowed that a prison bee built in ye fort and and the Sheriffe to bee responsible for prisoners."
Governor Andros in compliance with and in execution of this order, wrote to the Magistrates of New Castle, "(4) You may cause a prison to bee built in ye Fort and the Sheriffe is to bee responsible for prisoners."
This last Fort or Block-House built at that period of time, has long since disappeared, but the old Court House, with many subsequent additions, alterations and improve- ments, still stands to visibly mark the spot where the first substantial Court House was built in the year 1675 or 1676.
It may be noted here, that in 1798, Chief Justice George Read recommended building a jail, "with a stone wall around it, with a yard for the prisoners to exercise and breathe fresh air."
So that it may be said upon the authority of these records, by way of a brief recapitulation :-
I. That Fort Casimir was built in the year 1651, upon the lot described on Front or Water Street.
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2. That it went into ruin and decay in 1671, and was abandoned by the building of a block-house at or near the site of the present Immanuel Church.
3. That this location, proving inconvenient, it was again removed in 1675 or 1676, and a new one built, with a Court House attached, -and afterwards a prison,-on the lot where the present Court House stands, and at the South- easterly end thereof.
This Court House was the identical one in which William Penn was "welcomed with joy," and given the livery of seisin to the town and territory adjoining, on the 28th day of October, 1682. There can be no doubt of this, in the mind of anyone who has closely studied the true history of the events, which occurred at that time.
On September 22nd, 1676, it appears by the Albany Records, that Edmond Andros (Governor) ordered, that "the booke of laws Established by his Royal Highness, and prac- ticed in New York, Long Island and Dependences bee like- wise enforced and practiced in this river and precinct, etc." The courts were to be held in New Castle once a month, and that "there be a High Sheriff for the town, river and bay." It may not be out of place to here note, that there seems to have been another fort built in New Castle later on.
In Volume I, page 129, of Scharf's History of Delaware, it is recorded, that in 1706 at the secret suggestion of the Governor, the Assembly of the lower counties authorized the erection of a fort at New Castle for her Majesty's service, on account of the war then raging between England, France and Spain. It was however not erected until the winter of 1707, by Captain Rednap, the Queen's Engineer, who was brought from New York by the Governor for the
R. SHAW
THE ORIGINAL COURT HOUSE, NEW CASTLE, BUILT ABOUT 1676.
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purpose. This fort was built more particularly for the pur- pose of imposing a duty on all vessels passing the fort, in going up the river from the sea,-consisting of one quarter of a pound of powder per ton, for all vessels owned by persons residing on the Delaware river or bay, and a half of a pound for those owned by all others, excepting only ships of war,-etc. John French was the first commander of the fort. This fort it is said and it is generally believed was erected near the river at the foot of what was called "Fort Lane," which was, -- what would now be,-the river end of South street extended, on the southwest part of the town.
This was the last fort built in the town, (exclusive of the Earth-Works in 1812) and the last that is known of it, was in 1752, when it seems to have been demolished by the County authorities.
Mr. Rogers, (who has aided me by his valuable papers and reminiscences) has kindly permitted me to copy an item in an old bill in his possession as follows :-
"New Castle County, To Geo. Monroe, Dr.
Feby. 1752, To taking down the flag pole from the fortific- ations and setting in the street, Io"(shillings)
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PART II.
To complete the full purpose of this writing, it is neces- sary to give a brief yet comprehensive outline of the history of Fort Casimir, during its continuance as such. Its useful- ness as a fortification, practically ended with the ejection of the Swedes. Subsequent to that event it began to decay, and was only used for the miscellaneous and public purposes of the inhabitants of the town. Soon after its erection, Stuyvesant returned to New Amsterdam, with the full belief that the possessions of the Dutch in Delaware were perma- nent and secure. Von Poffenburg was left in command. Governor Printz protested to him, against the building of the fort, alleging that it was in violation of the treaty.
These protests were disregarded. The fort was armed and garrisoned. The Dutch rapidly increased their forces and supplies, so as to be ready in any emergency that might arise.
The Swedes looked upon and considered these preparations with alarm, and began to take active and vigorous measures for their protection. But suddenly and without assigning any reason therefore, Printz relaxed his aggressiveness and became a warm friend of Stuyvesant, and continued so until he (Printz) sailed for Sweden in 1653. Much interesting matter of detail, surrounds the history of these times and events, but it is sufficient for the purpose of this writing, to refer only in a general way to the more material and impor- tant facts. The Swedes again began to complain to (their Governor) Printz against the building of the fort, and under this pressure, Printz again issued a protest to Von Poffenburg,
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the Commander, -warning him to leave, as no authority had been given by him to build it, and that it was within the Swedish jurisdiction. Von Poffenburg replied to these pro- tests, saying that the land was "regularly and fairly pur- chased from the Indians," that it was the land of the Dutch, and that he (Printz) had ceded it to them, and that they proposed to stay there. Then followed "a windy warfare between them." No swords were drawn or blood spilt. These futile and unmeaning protests continued until Printz, realizing the position which he had unwittingly placed him- self, left the country and went back to Sweden. He left his son-in-law John Pappegoya in charge at Fort Christina.
Rudman says, that Printz returned to Sweden suddenly and without reason, except, "weary of delay and apprehen- sion of danger from the near vicinity of the Dutch, Fort Casimir being only five miles from Fort Christina, he went back to Sweden." It is more than probable that his return was brought about from remorse, from his untimely, sudden, denounced and supposed treacherous treaty. His departure however was a severe blow to many of the Swedes. They keenly felt their strength weakening. They had no confi- dence in Pappegoya. The next year (1654) John Claude Risingh, "a Swede of large proportions", who had been commissioned Governor of New Sweden in 1653, to take Printz's place, sailed for the Delaware, and arrived at Fort Christina in the month of May of that year.
He brought with him instructions, to at once enlarge and extend the Swedish colony, without giving offense to the Dutch or English, "and rather suffer the Dutch to occupy said fortress" (Casimir), "than it should fall into the hands of the English, who are more powerful and of course most
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dangerous in that country." Notwithstanding these instruc- tions (feeling his ability to do so) he determined to seize Fort Casimir and drive the Dutch away. To this end he and John Amundson, who was with him as Military Com- mander, appeared before Fort Casimir, with their men. They "fired a royal salute," and dropped anchor on May 31, 1654. They at first determined to attack the Fort by a bold and unexpected strike and fight their way through as best they could. But they finally concluded to gain possession, if possible, by skill, artifice and stratagem. They landed near the Fort with about twenty to thirty men of their military retinue, under the immediate command of Captain Swenso. They viewed the Fort and its surroundings, and saw at a glance the incompetency and inefficiency of the garrison opposed to them.
The Military commander of the Fort was Gerrit Bikker. He was a man of "great weakness and timidity," and instantly became much alarmed. Through his great fear and trepidation, it is recorded by some writers, "he submitted to the Swedish authority of Captain Swenso and his twenty men, who had been sent ashore, and permitted them to enter and take possession of the Fort." Others say, and their account seems more in accord with the truth, "that the controlling cause of the surrender, was the fact that Risingh and those under him, had basely pretended that the Dutch West India Company had authorized it,"-and that Risingh had been commissioned by the Company to take possession of the Fort and occupy it. Acrelius says, the Swedes, "gave two salutes and demanded the surrender of the fort, as erected on Swedish ground."
The better opinion however, as gathered from the various
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writers, seems to be that the surrender was brought about "solely upon the misrepresentations of Risingh." There is nothing reliable to the contrary of this, unless an alleged statement of Bikker himself, be accepted as true. This under the circumstances, however, could hardly be expected. Bikker's statement as it has come down to us, is,-that while the officers and garrison of the fort, were wondering and consulting as to what should be done, Captain Swenso and his 20 to 30 men, with their swords partially drawn, entered the fort. "I welcomed them as friends," says Bikker, "and asked them for a parley. But my soldiers were immediately chased out of the fort, and their goods taken in possession, as likewise my property,-and I could hardly by entreaty, bring it so far to bear, that I, with my wife and children, were not likewise shut out almost naked." Other accounts, of hardly a credible character, suggest,-"That the soldiers of the fort seemed to be acting in concert with the enemy,"- that they were all engaged "in revelry and carousal,"-that the Dutch were enjoying themselves in eating and "drinking to hilarious intoxication,"-including Von Poffenburg and Bikker, "until such time as Risingh and his soldiers saw fit'' to take advantage of their condition, and expel them and take formal possession, in the name of Queen Christina of Sweden. It seems quite clear from the best authorities, that Risingh throughout it all, represented himself to be acting by the authority of the Dutch West India Company.
A very short time before this, the Swedish Ambassadors at the Hague, were informed by the State's General of Holland and the Directors of the Dutch West India Com- pany, that they had not authorized the erection of the fort on Swedish territory. Risingh's knowledge of this enabled
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him to originate and successfully carry out his fraudulent scheme. When the surrender however was completed, he at once announced his real authority, and offered induce- ments to the people to accept the Queen as their Sovereign. Many of them accepted and took the prescribed oath of allegiance, which he personally administered to them. He then placed his friend Swen Schute (or Skyte) in command of the fort and went to Fort Christina, taking with him (as prisoners) Von Poffenburg and several of the garrison, whom he feared if left at large might transmit the intelligence of the surrender to the authorities at New Amsterdam. He well knew the belligerent and head-strong character of Stuyvesant, and dreaded his vengeance should he be apprised of the true state of affairs. But he "reckoned without his host". It is said that one Dirk Schniler, a good-for-noth- ing, bright sort of a fellow of the Dutch garrison, "having seen and heard all that went on, stole away from the fort unseen by the Swedes." He made his way at once, and as best he could, to New Amsterdam, his native place. From the accounts given of his journey, he met with many trials and difficulties; but after many days of travel through swainps, woods and other obstructions, he arrived at his destination. He sought and found Governor Stuyvesant, and gave him a detailed account of all that had occurred. The taking of Fort Casimir by the Swedes, was accomplished on "Trinity" Sunday, and in their reverence for theday, they signalled their victory by naming the fort, "Trefalldigheets Fort," or "Fort Trinity." Even at that time, when pre- sumably at its best, the fort was weak for the purposes of defense, but was admirably well located. Risingh fully realizing the condition of affairs, at once began to thoroughly
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repair and strengthen it. This work was done under the personal supervision of Peter Lindstroem, an expert engineer of that day. Risingh was jubilant for awhile, but his joy was soon turned to sorrow. The intrepid and bold Stuy- vesant had heard it all, and had communicated with the authorities at Holland, to either contradict or sustain the representations of Risingh. The following year (although Risingh had ceased to be in authority at the fort), Stuy- vesant received intelligence from Holland, exposing the fraud perpetrated by Risingh, and emphatically directing the entire "expulsion of the Swedes from the South River." The Dutch West India Company also severely and publicly denounced Bikker, and his surrender of the fort was declared to be an "infamous surrender." Stuyvesant was also ordered, "to exert every nerve to revenge that injury, not only by restoring affairs to their former situation, but by driving the Swedes from every side of the river, as they did with us." In obedience to these orders, in the month of August (near the middle) 1655, Stuyvesant organized and equipped a fleet of vessels and set sail for Fort Casimir, or Fort Trinity, as it was then called by the Swedes. This flotilla consisted (as variously estimated) of from five to seven armed vessels and transports, containing from 500 to 700 men. Risingh in some way was informed of their sail- ing. Presumably by friendly Indians. He at once reenforced the fort and laid in additional ammunition. Swen Schute being in command was ordered to resist any attack the Dutch might make, "but if the Dutch came peaceably as friends he was to so meet them and amicably adjust their difference."
They then awaited the arrival of the enemy with fear and apprehension. Early in September, Stuyvesant with his
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fleet and his "New Netherland Volunteers," appeared a little north of Fort Trinity. They then landed without any opposition whatever. Not a gun was fired on either side. He first cut off as far as he was able to do so, all communi- cation with Fort Christina, and then directed his attention towards capturing Fort Casimir. He at first sent an envoy of peace to Swen Schute, and requested a conference with him. This was granted. The conference however was very brief. Stuyvesant made demand for the immediate and unconditional surrender of the fort. "The villagers were not to be molested." If this demand was not promptly acceded to, "the Fort and village would be fired upon at once." Schute felt his inability to cope with such a force, and rather than see the destruction that would follow his refusal, ignominiously surrendered and delivered to Stuy- vesant, the fort and all its property, "to be taken and held by him as the property and possessions of the Dutch West India Company,"-of which Stuyvesant was a director. Both victor and vanquished entered the fort together in good humor. A sermon was preached by Dominie, Mega- polensis of the New Amsterdam church. This is said to have been the first sermon ever preached in New Castle. But however this may be, Stuyvesant wrote to the City Fathers, "with our imperfect thanksgiving, as God's hand and blessing was remarkably visible with us, as well in the weather and prosperous success, as in the discouragement of our enemy." There also appears in the Albany Records the following report from Stuyvesant to the Council, sent from Fort Casimir under date of September 12, 1655,-"Last Sun- day a week ago to-day after the sermon we took our depar- ture," (from New Amsterdam) "next day about 3 O. C. p. m.
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we arrived off of the bay of South River, a calm and unfavor- able tide delayed our running up to it. The following day we came to anchor before the place,-the Swedish Fort Elsburg," (at the mouth of Salem Creek) "then we mustered and divided our little force into five sections. On Friday in the morning we weighed anchor, wind and tide being favor- able, passed about 8 or 9 o'clock Fort Casimir without show of hostility on either side and cast anchor about a patereros shot distant from the above mentioned Fort. We landed our troops instantly and sent Capt. Lent Smith with a drum- mer to demand restitution of our property. The factor Elswick came from Fort Christina next day and asked in a friendly way, the cause of our coming, 'to obtain and main- tain our possessions,' we answered."
These two, seem to constitute all the official reports of record made by Stuyvesant, of the re-capture by him of Fort Casimir. Schute's conduct in thus surrendering the fort, was severely criticised and condemned by Risingh, when he heard it the next day, as he was on his way to the fort with reenforcements. But he was too late. All further efforts on the part of Risingh to regain his lost possessions were fruitless. The factor Elswick was threatened with arrest as a spy, but finally allowed to go in peace, and bear to his master the intelligence, "that the Swedes had no right to any part of the country," and that they would not be acknowledged in any way, except upon the condition that they would take the oath of allegiance. All who refused to do so should, "leave and return to their own country." The Swedish garrison at Fort Trinity, was small. About two-thirds of them took "the required oath," to the "High and Mighty Lords and Patroons of the New Netherland
-
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Province." These were granted the privilege of remaining as "freemen" on the South River. Of those who lived in the town outside of the Fort, no oath of allegiance was required or demanded. Without a murmur they all acquiesed in the change of government.
Harsh and angry words continued to be exchanged between Risingh and Stuyvesant. Military preparations went on upon both sides. Lieut. Hook was sent over to Fort Casimir to imparl. He no sooner arrived, than he was arrested as a spy and imprisoned. Throughout all of this "war of words," as bitter as it appeared to be, Risingh never seemed at all to think or even to suspect that Stuy- vesant intended going beyond the possessions he obtained through his treaty with Printz. He thought that under any circumstances, he (Stuyvesant) would confine himself to the territory south of the Christina creek. But in this he was mistaken. Stuyvesant's intentions extended much further. He intended in accordance with his secret instructions, "to drive the Swedes from the country." Therefore, instead of waiting for any offensive action on the part of Risingh, he marched over with his men to Fort Christina, and after "a seige of fourteen days, and the firing of but a single gun," the Swedes surrendered. The Dutch entered and the Swedes marched out. With this event, New Sweden (or New Swedenland as it was then alternately called) on the Delaware, permanently came to an end. The historian, Bancroft, in commenting upon these events says,- "Such was the end of New Sweden, the colony that connects our country with Gustavus Adolphus, and the nations that dwell on the Gulf of Bothnia. It maintained its distinct existence for a little more than seventeen years, and
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succeeded in establishing permanent plantations on the Delaware."
The new and extended Dutch colony was then called the "South River Colony," and it was placed under the super- intendence of Mynheer, William Beekman, as Lieutenant Governor, under the control of the principal or superior government of New Amsterdam.
"Fort Christina," was changed to "Fort Altona," "Fort Trinity" resumed its original name of "Fort Casimir," and the settlement adjoining it was called "New Amstel,"- after a stream of water or river which flowed through Amsterdam in Holland. The word "Amsterdam" signifying "a dam or dyke of the Amstel" river.
With the passing away of the Swedes, Fort Casimir began to be neglected and to go into ruin. It was used occasionally as a public store house, for religious worship, for dispensing of justice and other public purposes. But its usefulness and availibility for defensive purposes had ceased.
In the Albany records there are a few references to it, in its expiring years. In a document dated at New Amstel, March 30, 1658, J. Alrich writes to Stuyvesant as to some of its needs, "a store and building in the fort, because they have not yet begun to trade in beavers."
March 13, 1658, and the following day, "Preacher Mellins preached and held thanksgiving services in the Fort." March 15, 1658, Stuyvesant reports they "were not in a good condition on South river, much fraud, smuggling, crime and larceny."
September 4, 1659, Stuyvesant reports, "Every-thing in the city's Colony on the Delaware in a deplorable state."
October 1, 1659, "Fort Amstel had become very dirty and
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it was ordered to be cleaned out, which was done imme- diately."
December 30, 1659, William Beekman wrote Stuyvesant, "Jacob Alrich died and it caused a great altercation in the colony. Most of the colony went to Manhattas instead of Virginia."
Under English rule, on "December 6, 1669, Court held at the Fort in New Castle upon the Delaware river for the tryall of the Long Finne &c. about the late insurrection."
This Court was held under a commission of Sir Francis Lovelace, Esquire, Governor General of His Royal High- ness, the Duke of York.
Marcus Jacobsen, called the "Long Finne," was the ring- leader of a rebellion against the English authority. He was arrested, tried, convicted and branded with the letter "R," (the insignia of a rebel) and sold as a slave and sent to Barbadoes. All the other insurrectionists were punished by fine and forfeiture of their goods.
So it was, as is herein written, that Fort Casimir was built by the Dutch in 1651, and ended in decay and ruin under the English in 1671.
The present city of New Castle thus begun, soon spread in size and increased in population. It was first incorpo- rated on May 17, 1672, by the name of a Balywick, governed by a Baily and six assistants.
Much of the early and interesting history of this great country of ours, centres around this ancient place on the shores of the Delaware River. But the rise and fall of Fort Casimir being the sole scope and purpose of this writing, other matters of perhaps equal interest, must be deferred to some future day.
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FORT CASIMIR.
Believing his pleasant yet onerous task measurably well performed, the writer will conclude by quoting the closing lines of Washington Irving, as written in his humorous, yet truthful work, with which all readers are, or should be familiar, "Notes from the History of New York, by Diedrich Knickerbocker."
"Before I conclude," says Mr. Irving, "let me point out a solemn warning, furnished in the subtle chain of events by which the capture of Fort Casimir has produced the present convulsions of the Globe. By the treacherous sur- prisal of Fort Casimir then, did the crafty Swedes enjoy a transient triumph, but drew upon their heads the vengeance of Peter Stuyvesant, who wrested all New Sweden from their hands. By the conquest of New Sweden Peter Stuy- vesant aroused the claims of Lord Baltimore, who appealed to the cabinet of Great Britain, who subdued the whole province of New Netherland. By this achievement the whole extent of North America from Nova Scotia to the the Floridas was rendered one entire independency upon the British Crown. But mark the consequence, the hitherto scathed colonies being thus consolidated and having no rival colonies to check, or keep them in awe, waxed great and powerful, and finally becoming too strong for the mother country, were enabled to shake off this bond, and by a glorious revolution became an independent empire. But the chain of events stopped not here, the successful revolu- tion in America produced the sanguinary revolution in France, which produced the puissant Bonaparte, who pro- duced the French Revolution, which has thrown the whole world in confusion. Thus have these great powers been successfully punished for their ill-starred conquests, and
38
FORT CASIMIR.
thus, as I asserted, have all the present convulsions, revolu- tions and disasters that overwhelm mankind, originated in the capture of Little Fort Casimir, as recorded in this event- ful history."
39
FORT CASIMIR.
APPENDIX.
Should the authenticity of the facts stated in this paper be questioned, the critic is referred to the following author- ities:
The Public Records of New Castle County.
The Statutes of Delaware.
The Albany Records (N. Y.), Vol. XII; B. Fernow.
History of New York; Roberts.
Knickerbocker's New York; Irving.
Scharf's History of Delaware.
Ferris' Early Settlements, etc.
Life and Correspondence of George Read; Read. Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, etc.
The Making of Pennsylvania; Sydney George Fisher. The Thirteen Colonies; Smith.
A History of New Sweden; Acrelius. Annals of the Swedes on the Delaware; Clay. History of the United States; Bancroft. History of the United States; Alex. H. Stephens. History of Immanuel Church; Holcomb.
Province of New Sweden; Thomas Campanius Holms. Duke of York's Record, (Dover); Printed by State in 1903.
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