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Lippincott's
Cabinet Bistories of the States.
NEW JERSEY.
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/historyofnewjers00incarp
LIPPINCOTT'S
CABINET HISTORIES.
INDEPENDENCE & PROSPERITY
NEW JERSEY.
PHILADELPHIA. J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO 1856
THE
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY
FROM ITS
Carlirst Settlement to the Present Time.
EDITED BY
W. H. CARPENTER, AND T. S. ARTHUR.
Gc 974.9 C22h
' PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 1856.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by T. S. ARTHUR AND W. H. CARPENTER, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON AND CO. PHILADELPHIA.
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PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
THERE are but few persons in this country who have not, at some time or other, felt the want of an accurate, well written, concise, yet clear and reliable history of their own or some other state.
The want here indicated is now about being sup- plied ; and, as the task of doing so is no light or superficial one, the publishers have given into the hands of the two gentlemen whose names appear in the title-page, the work of preparing a series of CABI- NET HISTORIES, embracing a volume for each state in the Union. Of their ability to perform this well, we need not speak. They are no strangers in the literary world. What they undertake the public may rest assured will be performed thoroughly; and that no sectarian, sectional, or party feelings will bias their judgment, or lead them to violate the integrity of history.
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The importance of a series of state histories like those now commenced, can scarcely be estimated. Being condensed as carefully as accuracy and interest of narrative will permit, the size and price of the volumes will bring them within the reach of every family in the country, thus making them home-read- ing books for old and young. Each individual will,
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PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
in consequence, become familiar, not only with the history of his own state, but with that of other states : -thus mutual interest will be re-awakened, and old bonds cemented in a firmer union.
In this series of CABINET HISTORIES, the authors, while presenting a concise but accurate narrative of the domestic policy of each state, will give greater prominence to the personal history of the people. The dangers which continually hovered around the early colonists ; the stirring romance of a life passed fearlessly amid peril; the incidents of border war- fare; the adventures of hardy pioneers; the keen watchfulness, the subtle surprise, the ruthless attack, and prompt retaliation-all these having had an im- portant influence upon the formation of the American character, are to be freely recorded. While the progres- sive development of the citizens of each individual state from the rough forest-life of the earlier day to the polished condition of the present, will exhibit a pic- ture of national expansion as instructing as it is inte- resting.
The size and style of the series will be uniform with the present volume. The authors, who have been for some time collecting and arranging materials, will furnish the succeeding volumes as rapidly as their careful preparation will warrant.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
New Netherland-Traffic with the Indians-Settlement on Manhattan Island - Argall's visit to Manhattan -The States-General grant commercial privileges to discoverers --- Block explores the harbour of New York-Coasts with Christiaanse, Connecticut and Rhode Island-Manhattan Island fortified-May enters the Delaware Bay-Authorities appointed to govern New Netherland-Alliance with the Iroquois-Increase of population at New Amsterdam-The Plymouth settlement-Dutch West India Company organ- ized-A colony planted on the Delaware-Fort Nassau built-Administration of Minuits-Commercial prosperity of New Netherland-New plan for colonization adopted --- Manors of Pavonia and Swanandael-De Vries' settlement at Hoarkill-Offence given to the Indians-Massacre of the colonists-Return of De Vries-Abandonment of the Swanandael purchase. Page
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CHAPTER II.
Dispute between the patroons and the West India Company -Manors of Pavonia and Swanandael abolished-Wouter Van Twiller governor-Difficulties with the Plymouth co- lony-Rival trading-houses on the Connecticut-Governor Kieft-Minuits founds a Swedish colony on the Delaware- Its prosperous condition-English settlers at Salem Creek ---- Dispossessed by the Swedes and Dutch-Printz succeeds Minuits as governor of New Sweden-Encroachment of the Puritans upon territory claimed by the Dutch-War with the Indian tribes on the Raritan-Unsuccessful negotiations for peace-Massacre of the Indians-Their terrible retalia-
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CONTENTS.
tion-Overtures for peace-Council at Rockaway-War re- newed-Settlements on the Passaic destroyed - Captain John Underhill-His successful descents upon Long Island -Arrival of reinforcements-Vigorous prosecution of the war-Interposition of the Mohawks-Peace declared-Un- popularity of Kieft-His recall-Lost at sea. ... Page
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CHAPTER III.
Governor Stuyvesant-His character-His wise and cautious policy-Quarrel with New England-Belligerent desires of Stuyvesant-The West India Company counsel peace-Ne- gotiations opened-Provisional treaty concluded-Second English attempt to found a colony on the Delaware frustrat- ed-Swedish colony threatened by Stuyvesant-Fort Cassi- mir constructed-Printz builds Fort Elsingburg-Rising governor of New Sweden-Takes Fort Cassimir by strata- gem-The Swedes conquered by Stuyvesant-Indian hos- tilities-Activity of Stuyvesant-Prosperous condition of New Netherland-Lord Baltimore claims the territory on the west bank of the Delaware-Its cession to the city of Amsterdam-Perilous position of Stuyvesant-Stringent regulations of the West India Company-Concessions de- manded by the people-Haughty reply of Stuyvesant-A popular assembly established-New Netherland granted to the Duke of York-Arrival of the English fleet-Stuyve- sant summoned to surrender-Capitulation
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CHAPTER IV.
The Duke of York's patent to Berkeley and Carteret-The province of New Jersey-Liberal policy of the proprietaries -Their concessions to popular freedom-Nicholls governor of New York-His activity in colonizing New Albania- Carteret appointed governor of New Jersey-Establishes his capital at Elizabethtown-Inducements held out to set- tlers-Rapid increase in population-Puritan settlement on the Passaic-Threatened by the Hackensack Indians- Peace restored-Newark founded-Narrow policy of the colonists from Connecticut-First legislative session of New Jersey-Partial adoption of the harsh New England code
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CONTENTS.
-Local rights of self-government claimed-Opposition to quit rents-Great dissatisfaction throughout the province -A new assembly constituted-Deposition of the governor -Carteret sails for England-Carteret's authority confirm- ed-Power of the assembly curtailed-War between Eng- land and Holland-Capture of New York by the Dutch Page 55 -Its restoration to the English.
CHAPTER V.
The Duke of York confirmed in his title to New York-An- dros appointed governor-Petition of New Jersey-The Quakers punished as recusants-Unjust charges against them-Their principles proscribed-Their persecution in England-Advised to settle in America-Salem settled- Governments of Fenwicke and Carteret-The boundaries of East and West New Jersey established-Constitution pro- mulgated-Its liberal concessions-Emigration of wealthy Quakers-Anecdote of Charles II .- Difficulty with Andros, governor of New York-Burlington settled-Fear of In- dian hostilities-A special treaty entered into-Speech of an Indian sachem-Progress of the colony-Increase of population.
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CHAPTER VI.
Dispute between New York and East New Jersey-Arbitrary conduct of Andros-Claims jurisdiction over New Jersey- Carteret refuses to resign his government-His arrest- Tried at New York and acquitted-Andros attempts to con- trol the assembly of East New Jersey-Their spirited re- sponse-Heavy tax on imports-Remonstrance of the New Jersey proprietaries-Their complaints referred to commis- sioners-The tax pronounced illegal-The Duke of York relinquishes his claim to govern New Jersey-Byllinge go- vernor of West New Jersey-Appoints Jennings deputy- governor-First legislative assembly convenes-Adoption of a constitution-Burlington erected the capital of the province - The assembly maintains its prerogative - Amendment of the constitution-Jennings elected go- vernor-Is sent to England-Olive governor-Byllinge ap-
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CONTENTS.
points John Skene deputy-governor-Death of Byllinge -Sale of his interest in New Jersey-Dr. Coxe claims entire executive control-A change foreshadowed ...... Page 77
CHAPTER VII.
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Quit-rent disputes-East New Jersey purchased by Penn and others-Extension of the partnership- Robert Barclay made governor-Appoints Thomas Rudyard his deputy- Session of the assembly-The province divided into counties -Administration of Rudyard-Gawen Laurie governor- Mixed character of population in New Jersey-Scottish emigrants-Scot of Pitlochie's book-Lord Campbell ap- pointed deputy-governor of East New Jersey-James II. violates his obligations-Difficulties with New York- New Jersey threatened-Remonstrance of the proprietaries -Surrender of East and West New Jersey to the juris- diction of the crown -Andros commissioned governor -Flight of James II .- Resumption of the proprietary governments-Hamilton governor-Land titles-Hamil -. ton superseded by Basse - Inter-provincial disputes - Hamilton re-appointed governor-New Jersey becomes a royal province.
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CHAPTER VIII.
The New constitution for the Jerseys-The legislative power -In whom vested-Slave trade ordered to be encouraged -The judiciary-Arrival of Lord Cornbury-His demand for a permanent salary rejected by the assembly-Corn- bury's illegal proceedings-Opposed by Lewis Morris and Samuel Jennings-The assembly wait upon Cornbury with a remonstrance-His response-Retort of the assembly -Conduct of Cornbury censured by the English ministry -His removal-Imprisoned by his creditors-Popular ad- ministration of Lovelace-His death-Ingoldsby deputy- governor-War between France and England-Capture of Port Royal
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CONTENTS.
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CHAPTER IX.
Arrival of Governor Hunter-His speech to the assembly -His popularity-Invasion of Canada advocated by Ni- cholson-Organization of the provincial levies-Disastrous failure of the expedition - Treaty of Utrecht-Quaker difficulties in New Jersey-Opposition against Hunter- His success-Provincial demonstrations of regard-Burnet appointed governor - His removal to Massachusetts- Montgomery governor-Petition for a separate government -Administration of Crosby-Of Hamilton-Separation of the Jerseys from the government of New York-Morris commissioned governor-Rapid decline of his popularity- Maintains the royal prerogative-War declared between England and France-Shirley plans an expedition against Louisburg-Sharp controversy between Morris and the Assembly-Death of Morris-Succeeded by Hamilton- Feeble and abortive attempt to invade Canada-Peace of Page 109 Aix-la-chapelle.
CHAPTER X.
Belcher governor-Revival of quit-rent disputes-A commis- sion of inquiry ordered by the crown-Claims of France to the Ohio valley-Mission of George Washington to Fort Le Bœuf-The works commenced at the forks of the Ohio seized by the French-Washington ordered to protect the Virginia frontier-Skirmish and death of Jumonville-Formal declaration of war-A plan of colonial confederation proposed-Rejected by the pro- vinces and the Board of Trade - Campaign of 1755 -Defeat of Braddock-Victory of Lake George-Alarm of the colonies-Indian incursions-Campaign of 1756 -Loudoun appointed commander-in-chief - Descent of Montcalm on the forts at Oswego-Treaty with the De- lawares. 117
CHAPTER XI.
Increase of British power in the colonies-Subordination of colonial officers-Indignation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey-Campaign of 1757-Co-operation of New Jersey -Expedition against Louisburg-Inactivity of Loudoun 2
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CONTENTS.
at Halifax-Energetic movements of Montcalm-Siege of Fort William Henry-Surrender of Munro-Attempted massacre of the prisoners-Heroic conduct of Montcalm -Alarm of General Webb-Death of Governor Bel- cher- Campaign of 1758- Masterly arrangements of Pitt-Hearty response of the colonies-Capture of Louis- burg-Repulse of Abercrombie before Ticonderoga-Fort Frontenac taken by Bradstreet-Evacuation of Fort Du- quesne-Indian council at the forks of the Delaware - Campaign of 1759-Invasion of Canada projected-Ti- conderoga and Crown Point abandoned by the French- Surrender of Fort Niagara-Capture of Quebec-Peace of Fontainebleau-Change of governors in New Jersey-In- Page 130 dian outrages.
CHAPTER XII.
Colonial expenditures during the war-Project to tax Ame- rica-Obnoxious to the colonists-Unanimity of the pro- vinces-Stamp Act proposed-Remonstrance of the colo- nies-Stamp Act passed-Spirited resolutions of Virginia -National Congress recommended-Disapproved of by the New Jersey house-Indignation of the people against their representatives-House again convenes at Amboy- Delegates appointed to the Congress-Petition and remon- strance forwarded to England-New Jersey stamp-distri- butor resigns-Stamp Tax repealed-Party lines drawn- Opposition to the Quartering Act-Townsend's tax bill passed-Agitation in the colonies-Language of the New Jersey house-Non-importation agreements-Violated by New York traders-Their reception in New Jersey-Repeal of all taxes except the duty on tea-Popular tumults in Monmouth and Essex counties-Odious nature of the tax on tea-Rendered nugatory by non-importation agree- ments-Parliament endeavours to force tea into America -Tea destroyed at Boston and in New Jersey-Port of Boston closed-New Jersey people sympathize with their Massachusetts brethren-National Congress of 1774-Battle of Lexington.
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CHAPTER XIII.
Affair of Lexington-Military activity of the provincials - Proceedings of Congress - Ticonderoga surprised by
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CONTENTS.
Ethan Allen-Lord North's conciliatory plan rejected by New Jersey-Organization of the militia-Battle of Bunker Hill-Evacuation of Boston by the British-Declaration of Independence-State of New Jersey formed-Livings- ton elected governor-New York menaced by Howe- Activity of Washington-Battle of Long Island-New York evacuated by the Americans-Capture of Fort Wash- ington by the British-Retreat of Washington across the Jerseys-Condition of his troops-Meeting of the first state legislature-The American army crosses the Dela- ware-Capture of General Lee-Surprise of the Hessians Page 157 at Trenton.
CHAPTER XIV.
Washington takes post at Trenton-Cornwallis advances against him-Perilous situation of the American com- mander-His daring scheme to escape-Attacks and de- feats the enemy at Princeton-Subsequent movements of the contending armies-Washington goes into winter quarters at Morristown-Inspiriting effect of the late victories-Outrages committed by the enemy-New Jersey militia take the field-Skirmishes near Springfield and Hillsborough-Washington's proclamation to the disaffect- ed inhabitants-Exceptions taken to it-Legislature con- venes-Difficulties in framing a new militia law-Non- resistance principles respected-Dissatisfaction of Livings- ton-" Council of Safety" appointed-Its extraordinary powers-Bill to confiscate the estates of Tories-Its favour- able conditions-Plundering expeditions of the Tories from New York. 168
CHAPTER XV.
Opening of the campaign of 1777-American stores at Peeks- kill destroyed-Skirmish at Boundbrook-Washington takes a strong position at Middlebrook-Howe's feint to draw him from his camp-Its ill success-Howe retreats to Am- boy-Washington advances to Quibbletown-Howe returns to attack him-Is again foiled-Retires to Staten Island, and embarks for the southward-Perplexity of Washington
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CONTENTS.
in regard to his movements-Loyalists on Staten Island become troublesome-Sullivan's attempt against them- Howe lands at the head of Chesapeake Bay-Battle of Brandywine - Wayne surprised at Paoli - Howe enters Philadelphia-Clinton ravages East Jersey-Battle of Ger- mantown-American successes at the north-Movements on the Delaware-American works at Byllinsport captured -Defences near the mouth of the Schuylkill-Donop as- saults Red Bank and is repulsed-Re-election of Livings- ton-Dickinson's attempt against the Staten Island Tories -Fort Mifflin evacuated and Red Bank abandoned-Bri- tish in full possession of the Delaware-Skirmish near Gloucester Point-Washington goes into winter quarters Page 179 at Valley Forge.
CHAPTER XVI.
Distress of the American prisoners in New York-Sufferings of the army-Measures taken by the state for their relief- Articles of confederation brought before the legislature of New Jersey-Alliance between France and the United Co- lonies-Objections of the legislature to the Articles of Con- federation-British foraging party under Mawhood enters Salem county-Conflict at Quinton's Bridge-Gallant ex- ploit of Andrew Bacon-British forces a second time re- pulsed at Quinton's Bridge-Americans massacred at Han- cock's Bridge-Correspondence between Mawhood and Colonel Hand-British return to Philadelphia-Expedition against Bordentown-Narrow escape of Lafayette at Barren Hill-Clinton ordered to evacuate Philadelphia-He retreats across the Jerseys-Washington starts in pursuit-Battle of Monmouth Court House-Lee's conduct during the action censured-He is arrested, tried, suspended, and finally dismissed from the service. 193
CHAPTER XVII.
D'Estaing arrives with a French fleet-Sullivan's unsuccess- ful attempt against Newport-Massacre of Baylor's cavalry regiment near Tappan-British expedition against Little Egg Harbour-Chestnut Neck burned-Pulaski's legion surprised in the vicinity of Tuckerton-New legislature
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CONTENTS.
elected-Livingston re-chosen governor-Articles of Con- federation approved-French fleet sails for the West Indies -Campaign of 1779-Difficulty with the Jersey brigade- Capture of Stony Point by the British-Recaptured by Wayne-Major Lee surprises the English garrison at Paulus Hook-Sullivan's expedition against the Indians of New York-Fierce partisan contest in New Jersey-Operations in the south-Financial difficulties of Congress - New Jersey legislature orders nine millions of dollars to be raised-Distress of the American army at Morristown- Washington's requisition upon New Jersey for supplies- Page 207 Unsuccessful attack upon Staten Island.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Campaign of 1780-South Carolina invaded and overrun by the British-Discontent in Washington's army-Knyphausen lands at Elizabethtown Point-Marches toward Springfield -Burns the village of Connecticut Farms-Retires to the Point-Is joined by Clinton-Patriotism of the Rev. James Caldwell-He becomes obnoxious to the Tories-His wife is murdered by a refugee, during the attack on Connecticut Farms-He is shot by a sentinel at Elizabethtown Point- Clinton advances against Springfield-Is met by Greene- Springfield burned-Clinton retires to Staten Island-Arri- val of Rochambeau-Gloomy opening of the year 1781- Revolt of the Pennsylvania line-Part of the New Jersey brigade mutinies-Mutineers shot-Cornwallis in the south -Battle of Cowpens-Battle of Guilford Court House- Greene partially recovers South Carolina-Cornwallis enters Virginia-Fortifies himself at Yorktown-Is besieged by the allied armies, and the fleet under De Grasse-He ca- pitulates-Prospect of peace-Tory outrages in New Jersey -Murder of Captain Huddy-Peace
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CHAPTER XIX.
Embarrassed situation of the country-Conditional cession of public lands by Virginia-Objected to-Grounds of New Jersey's objection-Virginia withdraws her condition, and the cession is accepted-Federal imposts proposed-Favour- ed by New Jersey and other states-Defeated in conse- 2*
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CONTENTS.
quence of the opposition of New York-Ill feeling thus created-Embarrassing resolution of the New Jersey legis- lature-National convention recommended-Meets at Phila- delphia-" New Jersey Plan"-" Virginia Plan" adopted- Constitution submitted to the states-Ratified by the New Jersey convention-Republican and Federal parties-Poli- tacs of New Jersey-Washington chosen president-His journey from Mount Vernon to New York-His reception at Trenton-Trenton established permanently as the capital of the state-Death of Governor Livingston-William Pat- terson governor-Is made an associate judge in the Supreme Court of the United States-Resigns the executive of New Jersey-Is succeeded by Richard Howell-New partisan differences-Alien and sedition laws-Decline of the Fe- deralists-Joseph Bloomfield elected governor of New Jersey by the Republicans-Removal of the Brotherton
Indians
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CHAPTER XX.
Re-election of Bloomfield-Act for the gradual abolition of slavery-Aaron Burr-Sketch of his life-Origin of his quarrel with Hamilton-He kills Hamilton in a duel-Is in- dicted for murder by a New Jersey grand jury-His jour- neys to the West-His arrest, trial, and acquittal-His sub- sequent career and death-Is buried in the Princeton grave- yard-Difficulties between the United States, England and France-British orders in council-Napoleon's retaliatory decrees-American Embargo Act-Continued aggressions of England-Affair of the Chesapeake-Hostilities declared -Exemption of New Jersey from invasion-Naval victories of Bainbridge and Lawrence-Death of the latter-Ameri- can successes-Peace-Governors Aaron Ogden, William S. Pennington, Mahlon Dickerson-School fund created - Isaac H. Williamson governor-Act to expedite the extinc- tion of slavery-Common schools established-Peter D. Vroom governor-Jacksonian and Whig parties-Governors Samuel S. Southard, Elias P. Seeley, Philemon Dickerson -Financial embarrassments-Triumph of the Whigs- William Pennington governor-Constitutional convention -New constitution ratified by the people-Governors Dan. Haines, Charles C. Stratton, George F. Fort-Present con- dition and prospects of the state-Conclusion
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HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER I.
New Netherland-Traffic with the Indians-Settlement on Manhattan Island-Argall's visit to Manhattan-The States General grant commercial privileges to discoverers-Block explores the harbour of New York-Coasts with Christi- aanse, Connecticut and Rhode Island-Manhattan Island fortified-May enters the Delaware Bay-Authorities ap- pointed to govern New Netherland-Alliance with the Iro- quois-Increase of population at New Amsterdam-The Plymouth settlement-Dutch West India Company organ- ized-A colony planted on the Delaware-Fort Nassau built -Administration of Minuits-Commercial prosperity of New Netherland-New plan for colonization adopted- Manors of Pavonia and Swanandael-De Vries's settle- ment at Hoarkill-Offence given to the Indians-Massacre of the colonists-Return of De Vries-Abandonment of the Swanandael purchase.
ALTHOUGH discovered by a navigator in the service of a Dutch company, the territory adja- cent to the Hudson River was not formally claimed by Holland until after the lapse of several years. In 1610, a few merchants of Amsterdam fitted out a ship with various sorts of merchandise, and despatched it to the newly- found lands, in order to open with its native in-
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HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. [1613.
habitants a traffic in furs, which were there both abundant and cheap., Success attending this venture, similar voyages became frequent, and trading-houses began to spring up on Man- hattan Island, and at Beaverwyck, where Albany now stands.
Antagonistic as these establishments were to the pretensions of England, they did not lòng remain unnoticed by that country's agents in America. In November, 1613, Captain Argall, of Virginia, while returning from an unjust and useless expedition against the French in Acadia, visited the feeble trading-post at Manhattan, and compelled the Dutch to stipulate allegiance to Great Britain, tribute to Virginia, and the partial payment of his own expenses. But no sooner had Argall left the bay than the Dutch flag was again hoisted, and every thing went on as before.
In April following this occurrence, the States- General of Holland issued a decree, grant- ing to such persons as should discover new lands, the right of exclusive trade to them for four successive voyages. In order to secure the benefits of this grant, a number of merchants entered into partnership, and fitted out five ships, the chief command of which they gave to Hendrick Christiaanse, with Captains Adrien Block and Cornelius Jacobsen May as his subordinates.
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MAY ENTERS DELAWARE BAY.
1613.]
Block was the first to reach the Bay of New York, where, his ship being accidentally de- stroyed by fire, he built a small yacht, and pass- ed through the East River into Long Island Sound. Near Cape Cod he encountered Chris- tiaanse, returning from Massachusetts Bay, and together they examined the shores of Connecti- cut and Rhode Island with considerable care and thoroughness.
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