USA > New Jersey > A civil and political history of New Jersey: embracing a compendious history of the state, from its early discover and settlement by Europeans, brought down to the present time > Part 6
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" The Indians here mentioned, were of the Pequod tribe, they had quarrelled with the Dutch at the " House of Good Hope," and in revenge, resolved upon favoring the English.
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NEW NETHERLAND.
The advantage which was thus secured by the English, they were watchful to maintain, and the command of the shores of the Con- necticut, was lost to the Dutch. An ineffectual attempt was also made by the English, to establish themselves upon the Delaware. A small party, under the command of Captain Holmes, proceeded to the vicinity of Fort Nassau, but they were arrested by the Dutch, and sent back as prisoners, to the authorities at Manhattan.21
The administration of Director Van Twiller was not successful either in regard to the outward relations of the province, or the management of its internal affairs. Disorders prevailed in the colony, and economy was not the rule of the government. Some of the officers seemed rather intent upon enriching themselves, than promoting the interests of the company; and the Director himself was not free from suspicion.22 At length complaints against his proceedings were made to the West India Company, and though he was defended by some of the members, it was finally determined that a change should be made.
In 1638 he was superseded by the appointment of a new Director.
His successor in office considered it necessary as a measure of justice to himself, to have a statement prepared, setting forth in full the condition of affairs, at the time of his arrival. The picture presented is by no means a favorable one.23
. 2 O'Callaghan, p. 170.
" In the statement made by Keift, the successor of Van Twiller, it is distinctly asserted that the latter had undertaken different works on account of individuals not of the company, and it is known that he had appropriated portions of lands for himself. The suspicion of want of fidelity is also strengthened by the fact, that after his retirement from office, he was active in opposition to the company, whilst serving as agent at Renselaerwyck.
23 See this statement in New York Historical Collections, vol. 1, p. 274.
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CHAPTER V.
NEW NETHERLAND, NEW ALBION, AND NEW SWEDEN.
WILLIAM KEIFT was appointed as the successor of Van Twiller on the 28th of March, 1638.
The New Director was possessed of a good degree of activity and vigor, and the situation in which he was placed called for the exercise of his best capacities and powers. In addition to the un- favorable condition of affairs at the time of his coming to the pro- vince, he soon became embroiled with the native tribes. The harmony that had so long subsisted between the Indians and the Dutch, was suddenly broken; in the indulgence of a temper which was sometimes ardent to the verge of imprudence, the Director pur- sued a quarrel arising from the act of a single individual, until there arose a general war. Much property was lost, and many lives were sacrificed, in the course of a protracted contest. Besides these internal disorders, difficulties were increasing from without. The English settlers in New England were constantly advancing. Under the influence of forms of government which gave an equal measure of liberty to all, these colonists were inspired with life and activity, and in consequence were continually seeking to widen the field of action, and enterprize. In their efforts for this purpose, a scrupulous attention to form, was not always exhibited. If the limits of particular patents were thought too narrow, they urged on their own behalf the rights of the great England Company, or claimed to have a sufficient warrant as the servants of the King. The claims of the Dutch were no further regarded, than merely prudential reasons required. The very year of the arrival of Director Keift, a company had formed a settlement at a place which the Dutch called Roodeberg, 9
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but to which the English gave the name of New Haven, and not- withstanding a strong protest from Keift against the procedure, they continued to hold possession. This circumstance gave much uneasiness to the Dutch authorities. Some time previous also, the English King had made a new grant, in which a large portion of the territory of New Netherland was included, and the holders of this grant soon afterwards appeared, to support their claims. At this time too, another people, THE SWEDES, were. entering the country, and were seeking to secure possession, by purchasing lands of the natives, and crecting dwellings and forts.
Beside the possession of the lands they occupied, the New Haven settlers attempted a farther acquisition. In the follow- ing year they despatched an agent, Captain Nathaniel Turner, who proceeded to the Delaware, and purchased a tract of land for plantations, on both sides of the river. The prosecution of this purpose is to be presently noticed.
The new grant from the English King which has already been referred to, was executed prior to the period now under notice, being dated on the 21st of June, 1634. It was made in favor of Sir Edmund Ployden, Knight, and certain associates.
It may have been the design of the English King to convey at this time all the territory upon this part of the continent, not in- cluded in former conveyances, and in this manner to perfect or complete the English title to the country. The patent held by the great New England Company, gave a title as far as to the fortieth degree of latitude; below this, the country had reverted to the English Crown, in consequence of the dissolution of the South Virginia Company. But a portion of the country that had be- longed to the Virginia Campany, had now been re-granted, having been given in the year 1632, to George Calvert, Lord Baltimore, and this portion was erected into a separate province, called Maryland. The province of Maryland extended in a north- wardly direction, to the fortieth degree of latitude, and hence, in that direction, came into contact with New England. But, toward the east, Maryland did not extend to the Atlantic coast, but ran, for a part of the distance, along the course of an inland stream, and of consequence, a portion of territory was left, below the fortieth degree, and between Maryland and the Ocean, that
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NEW ALBION.
was still ungranted.' It may have been the intention of the English Sovereign (but this is only conjecture) to make a con- reyance of this remainder, in the grant to Sir Edmund Ployden, and his associates.2
But whatever may have been the purposed limits of this grant, in the actual execution thercof, portions of territory were included, on the north, and on the south, that were also en- braced in previous claims. The description of limits as given in the several authorities, is somewhat confused and uncertain. In the Patent itself, which is the authority most to be- relied on, the situation of the Isle of Plowden, or Long Island, (which was included,) is first set forth, and the boundaries of the adjacent territory upon the continent, are then described. The outline of the latter portion is nearly as follows:
Beginning at a certain point or promontory called Cape May, and running from thence forty leagues westward, pursuing the course of the Delaware for a time and then passing into Maryland, then, from its western limit forty leagues northwardly, then, by a right line inclining toward the east, forty leagues, to the river, and afterwards descending, touching and including the top of Sandheey, (Sandy Hook,) to the promontory of Cape May aforesaid. Though there is here a want of precision, it is still sufficiently evident that there would be included within these limits a portion of terri- tory belonging to New England, and also a part of the province of Maryland. This encroachment upon adjoining grants is in- deed distinctly acknowledged by a principal authority,3 and it is explained and defended on the ground that the older grants
' From 1624, when the South Virginia Company was dissolved by King James, until the grant was made to Earl Ployden, the portion of territory above mentioned, was not included in any special grant; it consisted of that part of the present State of. New Jersey that lies below the fortieth degree of latitude.
* That the intent in the present case, was such as is here suggested, receives some support from the fact, that in the description of places, the Isle of Ployden or Long Island is said, (though erroneously,) to lie "near or between the thirty- ninth and fortieth degrees," a position which would nearly correspond with the actual situation of that part of the territory upon the continent, which remained ungranted.
' Plantagenet's History of New Albion.
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NEW ALBION.
had been unfairly obtained, or as it is expressed, "were gotten on false suggestions." But in regard to the claims of the New Netherland settlers, it was of little importance what were the limits of the present grant; whether the English claim was every where the same, or not; whether doubled, or single, in any case, the title of the Dutch to the country was wholly denied.4
The grant to Sir Edmund Ployden and his company, was made in the amplest and fullest manner. The patent conferred upon him and his associates and their heirs and assigns forever, the full fight to all the lands that were mentioned and described therein. It constituted the said Sir Edmund Ployden and his associates absolute lords and proprietors of the same. It also provided "in order that the said region might outshine all the other regions of the earth, and be adorned with more ample titles, that the said region should be incorporated into a province to be nominated and called New Albion, or the province of New Albion, to be and remain a free County Palatine, in no wise subject to any other." Sir Edmund was constituted County Palatine, with the title of Earl Palatine of Albion, or of the Province of New Albion in America.
The Earl Palatine was empowered to make whatsoever laws might seem best, whether concerning the public estate of the province, or the private utility of individuals, with the counsel, approbation, and assents of the free tenants of the province or the major part of them who should be called together. But, it was further provided, that as it might often happen that there would be a necessity to provide a remedy in a number of cases before the free tenants could be assembled to make laws, the Earl Pala- tine and his heirs and successors, should have authority to make " fit and wholesome ordinations, as well for keeping the peace as for the better government of the people, provided however, that such ordinations should be consonant to reason, and not repug- nant to the laws, statutes, and rights, of the kingdom of England and Ireland, and so that they did not extend to the right or interest of any person, or persons, of, or in free tenements, or the taking, distraining, binding, or charging, any of their goods or chattels."
"Even that portion of country which for a timo had remained ungranted, continued in the interval to be subject to the British Crown.
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NEW ALBION.
It was also provided that all persons should be allowed to travel for the purpose of inhabiting in New Albion, and to carry all goods, wares and merchandize, to be shipped and transported, without any imposition, subsidy or custom, only with a license from the King's Treasurer; so also, all goods and merchandize whatsoever, from the province might be taken to any part of the kingdom, and disposed of without the payment of any tax, sub- sidy, or custom whatsoever, provided however, that this immu- nity should only continue for the space of ten years. Further- more, no imposition, custom, or taxation should be imposed at any time hereafter upon the tenants or inhabitants of the province or any lands, tenements, goods or chattels, or in, or upon, any goods or merchandize within the province.5
The Earl Palatine exerted himself to effect a settlement of his province. It is indeed said in the patent, that the said isle and region had already been "amply and copiously peopled with five hundred persons," but if such a population existed at that time the particulars of its history are entirely lost. But there is evidence that at an early period after the charter was given, an attempt was entered upon to establish a colony. An as- sociation was formed composed of Lords, Baronets, Knights, Merchants and Planters, in all, forty-four persons, and this com- pany engaged by indenture to send out "three thousand able trained men," and settle them upon the Palatine's domain. In the year 1641, the Earl made an attempt to carry out the projected plan, and for its better success, attended the en- terprize in person. He conducted a company into the province, though it would seem that but a small part of the promised number of men, were in actual attendance. Either from the
.Sec New Albion Patent in Hazard's Collections. Penington, a late writer, in an article given in the Memoirs of the Pennsylvania Historical Society, vol. 4, has attempted to discredit this instrument, representing it as spurious, or at least as open to doubt and suspicion. But this writer exhibits, on most occasions, a singularly sceptical temper; he resolutely disputes what most other authorities readily admit. The instrument in question is vague, and sometimes incorrect, in description, and it seems to have suffered from a most faulty translation, but it contains such evidences of authenticity, and is supported by so much collateral proof, that it cannot be wholly rejected.
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NEW ALBION.
smallness of his force, or from some other cause, the Earl did not succeed in his endeavours to establish a settlement; but he remained in the country, and engaged in exploring his province. The whole extent was divided into several manors, and these being dignified with well chosen names, served to give titles to each member of the Earl Palatine's family.6
Almost at the same time with the arrival of the Earl, a company of persons entered the province, with a view to effect a permanent settlement therein. This was the body sent out by the New Haven Colony to take possession of the lands upon the Delaware that had been purchased by Captain Turner, as has heretofore been mentioned. They were instructed to act in close connexion with the mother colony; they were to plant the lands and engage in trade, and were also to establish churches in gospel order and purity.
The company consisting of near fifty families, sailed in a vessel belonging to one Lamberton, a merchant of New Haven, and Robert Cogswell was commander. They touched at Fort Am- sterdam on their voyage, and the authorities at that place be- came thus apprized of the nature of the object they had in view. Governor Keift was too much alive to the movements of the English, to allow him to look with indifference upon the present attempt, and he at once protested against it.7 The English Com- -
$ Plantagenet's New Albion, Barclay's Sketches, Mickle's Reminiscences.
" [Protest.] "I, William Keift, Director General, in behalf of the High and · Mighty Lords of the States General of the United Provinces, of his Highness of Orange, and the Noble Lords Directors of the Privileged West India Com- pany, residing in New Netherland, make known to you, Robert Cogswell and your associates, not to build nor plant on the South River, lying within the limits of New Netherland, nor on the lands lying along there, as lawfully be- longing 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 Lords, the States and the noble West India Company, and swear allegiance and become subject to them as the other inhabitants have done. Failing where- of we protest against all damages and losses that may accrue therefrom, and desire to be holden innocent threof."
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NEW ALBION.
mander replied that it was not their intention to settle under any government, if any other place could be found, but that should they settle within the limits of the States General, they would become subject to the government. The company then proceeded. 'They finally reached a place which they selected for a settlement not far from the Delaware, on a small stream called Varcken's Kill.s
Whether these settlers were at all aware of the rights and claims of the Earl Palatine of Albion, at the time they entered the province, is unknown. But finding him in the country as the holder of a grant from the English Crown, they were ready to submit to his rule, and hence upon being visited by persons com- missioned by the Earl, they swore fealty to him, as the Palatine of Albion.9
But the company had not long been settled in their new situa- tion before they found themselves in need of the aid and protection which their present ruler was in no condition to give.
Their settlement had been observed by Jan Janssen Van Ilpendam, the Dutch Commandant, who resided on the Delaware at Fort Nassau, and information of what was passing was soon transmitted to the Director at Fort Amsterdam. Keift immediately ordered that two vessels should be prepared and despatched to the Delaware, with orders to visit the English and to reduce or dis- perse the colony. This order was speedily obeyed; the Dutch made an entrance upon the settlement, took possession of the goods, burned the houses, and detained a number of the people as prisoners. . The Swedes who were established upon the Delaware gave aid and assistance to the Dutch in this attack upon the English colony.10
' Otherwise called Hog Creek, now Salem Creek.
'Plantagenet's New Albion, Barclay's Sketches, Mickle's Reminiscences.
" The English account of these proceedings is as follows: "That by their agents they had duly purchased of the Indian Sachems and their companions, several tracts or parcels of land on both sides of the Delaware Bay or River, to which neither the Dutch or the Swedes had any just title, yet without any legal protest or warning Monscre Keift, the Dutch Governor, sent armed men in 1612, aul by force and in an hostile way burnt their trading houses, seized and for wie time detained the goods in it, not suffering their servants so much as to
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NEW ALBION.
After a period, an attempt was made from another direc- tion, for the purpose of establishing a colony within the province of New Albion.
The storm of political agitation was now arising in England, and its violence had already become such as to shake the State and the Throne. The minds of men were ill at case, and such as were disposed to seek tranquillity and peace, rather than to share in the danger, the glory, and the guilt of the coming strife, were anxious to find an asylum in some distant land. A number of "Knights and Gentlemen" who were thus disposed, associated together and chose one of their company to visit the English plantations in America, and select a place for a settlement. The individual chosen for this purpose was Beauchamp Plantagenet. He proceeded at once upon his errand, and after extensive travel in the several colonies, finally fixed upon the province of New Albion. He made application to the Lord Governor then in the country, and obtained under the seal of the province, a grant of ten thousand acres of land. This tract was called the Manor of Belvill. Some time afterwards, Plantagenet returned, in order to attend the removal of his companions, and nearly at the same time, the Earl Palatine also departed from the province, being obliged to return to England for aid and supplies.11 Upon their
take a just inventory of them; he also seized their boat, and for a while kept their men prisoners. That the said Dutch Governor compelled Mr. Lamberton, their agent, to give in at the Manhattans, an account of what beavers he had traded within New Haven limits at Delaware, and to pay recognition for the same. That John Johnson, (Jan Janssen Van Ilpendam,) the Dutch agent, with the Swedes Governor at the Delaware, charged Mr. Lamberton, as if he had plotted with the Indians, to cut them off. A capital crime, for which they imprisoned and tried him, but could bring no proof to satisfy themselves who both accused, and sat as judges, yet they set a fine upon him, for trading within New Haven limits there." Hazard's Register, vol. 1, p. 17.
This statement is hardly correct in regard to the want of any protest against the proceedings, the protest has been given.
" In Winthrop's History it is stated, that in 1648 Sir Edmund Ployden arrived at Boston, on his way to England, and that he had been in Virginia seven years. It is possible that the Earl may really have been in Virginia during his visit, though a considerable part of the period of his sojourn was , spent in his own province. Sce upon this point, and also for general remarks re- specting New Albion, King's Discourse before the New Jersey Historical Society.
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NEW ALBION.
arrival in Europe, the Earl Palatine and Plantagenet again met, and they then exerted themselves to revive the energies of the New Albion Company. For this purpose Plantagenet wrote and published " A Description of the Province of New Albion," dedicating it to the officers and members of the company; the writer himself having become a member of the body. To excite the greater interest, a sort of order of Knighthood was instituted, with a view to enlist persons to go to the province and engage in efforts for the conversion of the natives, to the Christian faith. Those who should devote themselves to this service, were to be associated under the name and title of "The Albion Knights of the Conversion of the Twenty-Three Kings." This title had reference to the number of Indian Kings supposed to be living and ruling within the province .. But all these efforts fell short of their object. The "three thousand able trained men" were never enlisted, and no one of the Albion Knights of the Conversion ever arrived at the field of labor. Nor did the Earl Palatine himself, or his coadjutor, Plantagenet, find a fit opportunity again to visit the province.
What number of persons ever resided in New Albion under the Palatine's rule, or what was their condition, is but imperfectly known. A fort called Eriwoneck was erected upon the Delaware near the mouth of the Pensaukin, and this post was held during the greater part of the Earls sojourn, by a small body of men. The New Haven colony was said to consist of near fifty families, and there were also a few traders from Virginia residing at different places. These companies, together with the people on the Isle of Plowden, or Long Island, made up the population of the Palatine's province. One of the manors called Watcessit, was selected as the principal residence of the Earl, and this, it may be supposed, was the seat of authority. A plan of government was also fully devised; as described by Plantagenet, it was dif- (rent in some respects from that laid down in the patent. A particular notice of its provisions may not be necessary, as it was never brought into actual operation, but its general character is worthy of notice. It was mild and liberal in temper.
In religious matters the most entire freedom was given. Some fundamental doctrines, as well as certain forms, were to be settled 10
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NEW ALBION.
by acts of Parliament, yet dissent was not to be punished; indeed, all railing against any one on account of religion, was deemed an offence. For, it was said " this argument or persuasion in religion, ceremonies, or church dicipline, should be acted in mildness, love, . charity, and gentle language." This noble sentiment carried out as it was to have been into actual practice, gives one of the finest, as well as carliest examples of religious toleration, known to the world: In regard to this particular, full justice has not been done to the lawgiver of New Albion. Williams and Calvert have been lauded, and justly lauded, as being the first to remove the shackles of religious intolerance, and give full liberty to the mind of man in the communion it holds with its Great Creator. Williams was doubtless the first to proclaim the principle "that the civil magis- trate has no right to restrain or direct the consciences of men." Calvert followed closely in his track. To these men let honor be given. But they have been represented as standing entirely alone - until the appearance of Penn. This is not just or true. Ployden may not have advanced to the same point; he retained the shadow of a State religion; but he offered the fullest freedom, and the fullest protection to all, and gave his voice in favor of mildness, charity, and love. Though his designs were not successful, though the work he projected fell short of completion, yet he deserves to be ranked with the benefactors of our race, and New Albion is entitled to a higher place in the history of human pro- gress, than is often allotted to older, and greater, and more fortu- nate States.
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