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 8
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" The statement that the attack upon the English was made in the time of Hollandare, is made upon the authority of dates. It is generally admitted that the attack was made in 1642, and the successor of Hollandare did not arrive in the province, according to the best authorities, until the beginning of the fol- lowing year.
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But the temporary junction between the Dutch and the Swedes though it resulted in the attainment of their immediate purpose, was followed by no union either of feeling or of action, between themselves. On the contrary, by directly involving their interests, it led to more decided opposition in their future course.
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Preparations had now been made by the government of Sweden for the fuller establishment and maintainance of government, with- in the limits of their province in America. The Queen issued a decree assigning a fund for defraying the expenses of government, and supporting the garrisons, and the several persons employed in the country. For these purposes there was appropriated the sum of two millions six hundred and nineteen Rix Dollars, which was to be raised each year, in Sweden, from an excise on tobacco.35 In the same year Colonel John Printz was appointed Governor, and he immediately departed for the province with a colony of settlers. His commission which was dated the 16th of August, 1642, authorized him to assume the name or style of the GOVERN- OR OF NEW SWEDEN.36
" It was afterwards found that the amount raised in this manner was not more than half the sum mentioned, and also that a great part of the amount actually obtained, had been used for other purposes of the crown, particularly for the construction of the Chateau of Stockholm. During this period the ex- penses of the colonial government were defrayed from the revenues of the com- pany, it was therefore decreed by the Queen that the company should be re- funded, and in case the excise should not yield a sufficient revenue, the deficit was to be made up from other resources of the crown. Hazard's Register.
* [By the Queen.] " Aug. 20th, 1612.
"To the liege subjeects and respective members of. the Kingdom and the Chamber of Finance, greeting, as we have appointed Lieutenant Colonel John Printz, Governor of New Sweden, and have judged proper to give him soldiers and officers to assist him in discharging fully the duties of his station, and as we have arranged a certain appropriation for the support of his troops and their annual pay, as you will perceive by the copy hereunto annexed, we therefore desire and command, that you will follow exactly our said resolution and regu- Litions, and observe that cach person employed in New Sweden shall receive his support according to the foregoing appropriation." By this regulation the Governor received the sum of Twelve Hundred Rix Dollars; a Lieutenant Governor, Sixteen Dollars a month; a Sergeant Major, ten; a Corporal, six ; a gunner, eight; trumpeter, six; drummer five; to twenty-four soldiers, four, cach; to a paymaster, ten; a secretary. eight; a barber, ten, aud a provost, MY. Swedish Documents.
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The Governor was furnished with ample instructions in which the course to be pursued in the administration of government was fully set forth.
He was directed to take care concerning the limits of the pro- vince, and to see that the full extent of territory was secured, both on the eastern, and the western side of the river. The contract made for lands on the eastern side was to be fully maintained, in order that the English people thereon might be attracted under the authority and power of. her Majesty. Yet the Governor might endeavour to cause their removal, and for this purpose, "to work underhand as much as possible with good manners, and with success."
In relation to police, government and justice were to be admin- istered in the name of her Majesty, and the Crown of Sweden.
The Governor must decide all controversies according to the laws, customs and usages of Sweden, and be governed by these also, in all other things. He was empowered to bring to obedience" and order, all mutinous and disorderly persons who would not live in peace, and to punish great offenders, not only by imprisonment . and other punishment, but even with death, yet not otherwise than according to the ordinances and legal forms, and after having con- sidered and examined the case, and consulted with the most.noted and prudent persons he could find in the country.
He was to direct the operations of the settlers, according to his best discretion, so as to secure a good cultivation of the country, and to promote the advantage and profit of those interested therein. He might choose a place for his own residence, and also a situa- tion for building a fortress, but must pay particular attention that by such fortress the South River might be shut, or commanded. He was not to interfere with the Dutch in their possessions, and was to represent to them, that her Majesty had no other than rea- sonable and just intentions, seeking only to occupy and use the lands they had purchased from the legitimate proprietors. But if the Dutch should show hostile intentions, her Majesty (not being able to judge on the spot,) gave authority to the Governor to remove all disputes by friendly negotiation, and this not succeeding, " he . might think of the means of repelling force by force."
The Dutch colonists who had settled in the province under
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allegiance to the Crown of Sweden, were to retain the privileges that had been granted them, but they were to be removed to a greater distance from Fort Christina, if this could be done without actual compulsion. Ile was to treat the natives with humanity and mildness, to see that neither injustice or violence was done them, but on the contrary, to labor that these people be instructed in the christian religion and the divine service.
He was required, above all, to labor and watch that he might render in all things to Almighty God, the true worship that is his due, and the glory, praise and homage which belong to him, and to take good measures that divine service should be performed according to the true confession of Augsberg, the council of Upsal, and the ceremonies of the Swedish Church; having care that all men, and especially the youth, be well instructed in all the parts of Christianity, and that a good ecclesiastical discipline be observed and maintained. The Dutch settlers might be indulged in the exercise of the Reformed religion.
The Governor was exhorted in general terms, to comport him- self in a manner becoming a faithful patriot.
From these instructions an opinion may be formed, not only as to the nature of the government that was to be established, but also, as to the claim of the Swedes, to the country they occupied.
No mention is here made of a treaty with the English, or a purchase from the Dutch; the claim as now presented, is only to lands that had been purchased from the Indians who are called " the legitimate proprietors." But such a claim, whether just in itself, or not, could scarcely be urged to much effect, by the · Swedish settlers. No European people, not even the Swedes themselves, had paid any regard at their first appearance in the country, to the rights of the natives; lands were entered upon and possessed, without the least attention to their wishes or will, or if their claim was considered at all, it was merely as an inci- dent that would follow the superior right. According to a principle which had become incorporated into the code of international law, the claim of the natives could not be taken as a foundation of title. But had the case been otherwise, had the rights of the natives been acknowledged as distinct and independent, or even superior, still the Swedes would have gained but little from such a concession.
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These rights had already been acquired by others. Such at least was the case in regard to a portion of the territory included in New Sweden. Godyn and Bloemmaert had purchased lands on both sides of the Delaware Bay, and the New Haven colony had obtained a similar claim. The natives, it would seem, were dis- posed to sell, as often as a purchaser appeared. 6
The Government of New Sweden as set forth in the instruc- tions of Governor Printz, was perfectly simple in character. The laws and customs of the mother country were to be extended to the province, but the whole administration of law, both executive and judicial, was placed in the hands of a single individual, the Governor, only that in certain cases he was to act with a council selected by himself, from the "most noted and prudent persons" in the province. With these limitations, property, liberty, and life, were entirely at his disposal.
The Governor selected for his residence a small Island on the Delaware which the natives called Tennacong, (the name has since degenerated into Tinnicum,) which Island was afterwards given to the Governor in fee. At this place the Governor erected a number of dwellings, and a fort, which he called Fort Gottenberg; here was the Capitol of New Sweden.
Governor Printz exhibited activity and vigor in the discharge of his duties. He was relieved from the necessity of carrying out his instructions in regard to the English colony, by the occur- rences that had taken place before his arrival, but he assumed im- mediate control, in this portion of the province. In order to provide against further encroachment, as well as for the more perfect fulfilment of the direction to " shut up the Delaware," a fort was erected on this border of the Delaware, not far from the mouth of the Varcken's Kill.37 Three forts were thus erected upon the river, and were sufficiently armed and garrisoned,38 and
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" This Fort was erected by Printz soon after his arrival ; it was on the south side of Salem Creek, (otherwise called Varcken's Kill,) near its junction with the Delaware. The Fort was called Elfsborg, afterwards, from the number of musquitoes that infested the place, it came to be called Myggenborg. The namo of the Fort is still preserved in the name Elsingborg or Elsingborough which now belongs to a township in the vicinity.
> Christina, Fort Gottenborg, and Elfsborg.
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under the management of Governor Printz the means at com- mand would be used to the greatest effect. He had no reluctance to oppose "force to force." All vessels passing the Swedish posts were compelled to cast their anchors, or lower their flags, not excepting, as it is said, those of the "noble West India Com- pany," and some of their vessels were injured by cannon balls, and were in eminent danger of losing their crews.39
The internal administration of Governor Printz was positive and rigid, and in some of his acts he not only exceeded the authority given in his instructions, but assumed an independence of the Swed- · ish government itself. Yet some reason may be urged in extenua- tion of his course, at least in regard to certain particulars. A design was entertained by the government, to use New Sweden as a penal settlement, and a number of convicts and other offenders were sent to the province, to be employed in various ways.40 Go- vernor Printz forbade a party of these emigrants to land, and compelled the commander of the ships to carry them back to Sweden. This assumption of power, however unwarranted, was probably the means of arresting a policy which must have proved inimical to order and government, and pernicious to the interests of the province. Had it been fully pursued, the mother country would have been freed from a number of vicious inhabitants, but New Sweden might have been rendered a reproach to the parent State, and a disgrace to the New World.41
It was not to be supposed that the authorities of New Nether-
3 Hudde's Report.
""The people who went or were sent from Sweden to America were of two kinds; the principal part of them consisted of the company's servants, who were employed by them in various ways; the others were those who went to the country to better their fortunes; they enjoyed several privileges, they were at hbwerty to build and settle where they thought proper, and to return home when they pleased. There was a third class consisting of mulefactors and vagabonds. 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 to intercourse with them, but a particular spot was chosen for them to reside upon." Campanius.
" For some years the Government continued to send convicts to New Sweden, but not in great numbers.
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land would finally submit, and allow the country they had claimed and held, entirely to pass from under their control. They had not attacked the English upon the Delaware and the Schuylkill, in order that the advantages obtained, might be held by the Swedes ; and the positive and forcible measures of Printz, though causing delay, were not such as to secure submission.
In 1646, Van Ilpendam, the Commandant of Fort Nassau, fell under the suspicion of want of fidelity, and in consequence, was re- moved from his place ; but not long afterwards Andreas Hudde was ordered to the Delaware, and directed to assume the principal com- mand. Hudde was active and vigilant, and speedily adopted mea- sures for regaining possession of the country, and for the recovery of trade. A principal means by which the Swedes and the Dutch conducted their opposition, was the agreements they made with the Indian tribes; by these, new claims were acquired to portions of land, and also to certain privileges in traffic. In the pursuance of this singular strife, the Dutch became possessed of portions of territory near to the seat of Swedish authority, and the arms and insignia of the West India Company were erected thereon.42 This pro- ceeding excited immediate opposition on the part of the Swedes ; the offensive ensign was torn to the ground, and Governor Printz declared, that he would have done the same had it been the colors of their High Mightineses, the States General of Holland. He also addressed a protest to Hudde, warning him "to discontinue the injuries of which he had been guilty against the Royal Majes- ty of Sweden, my most gracious Queen; not showing the least respect to her Royal Majesty's magnificence, reputation, and dignity." Hudde disclaimed all intention of encroaching on the rights of the Swedes. "The place we possess," he said, "we held in just deed, perhaps before the name of the South River was heard of in Sweden." Angry contention only short of actual violence ensued. Printz was imperious and passionate, and
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" In pursuance of special direction, Hudde had purchased of the natives a tract of land on the western shore, "about a mile distant from Fort Nassau, to the north." It is supposed to have been the site on which the city of Phila- delphia now stands. See Ferris's Settlement on the Delaware, p. 74.
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Hudde unyielding and positive. But the crisis which seemed to be threatened was deferred for a time. .
The situation of affairs in New Netherland at this juncture, was not favorable to a vigorous prosecution of its claims, and the repre- sentations and demands of the Commandant on the Delaware, call- ing for assistance and support, did not meet with a ready response. Director Keift had become involved in difficulties which for the time, diverted attention from the encroachments of the Swedes; the resources of his province were consumed by the long con- tinuance of the Indian war; much dissatisfaction with his measures was felt and expressed by his own people, and the English upon his northern possessions continued to strengthen their settlements, and to urge their claims.
The people at New Haven had been greatly excited on ac- count of the destruction of their colony on the Delaware, by the Dutch and the Swedes, and measures had been immediately adopted for obtaining redress. A statement setting forth the in- juries they had sustained, was introduced to the notice of the Commissioners of the United Colonies of New England, and the subject was presently taken up in that body.43 Upon full con- sideration, it was resolved, that letters should be directed to the offending parties, reciting the facts, and demanding satisfaction.44 Accordingly, in September, 1643, letters were written both to Governor Keift, and Governor Printz; these letters were signed by John Winthrop, Governor of Massachusetts colony, and Pre- sident of the Commissioners for the United Colonies of New
"The union between the several colonies of New England was formed in 1643. It was designed for mutual defence against the Savages, and for protec- tion and security against the claims and encroachments of the Dutch. The parties to the confederacy were Massachusetts, New Plymouth, Connecticut and New Haven. By the articles of confederation, the colonies entered into "a Erin and perpetual league of friendship and amity for offence and defence, mutual advice and succour upon all just occasions, both for preserving and propogating the truth and liberties of the Gospel, and for their own defence and welfare." The allairs of the United Colonies were to be managed by a legislature to con- rot of two persons, to be styled Commissioners, to be chosen by each colony. It was to this legislature that the application from New Haven was made.
" For the recital, see note, p. 71.
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England. Some months afterwards answers were received from each of these parties, but they were evasive, and gave little satis- faction, and the New Haven colonists were obliged to await a more favorable opportunity for the pursuance of their claims in this particular case. But in 1646 they made a new acquisition, purchasing lands not far from the Hudson River, and erecting a fort; by this movement a long altercation was brought on, be- tween Director Keift, and Eaton, the Governor of New Haven. The former declared "that we are forced again to protest and by these presents we do protest, against you as breakers of the peace, and disturbers of the public quiet," and he also threatened, that unless the New Haven people should restore the places they had taken, and repair the losses the Dutch had experienced, the latter people would manfully recover them by such means as were within their power, and would hold the English responsible for all the evils that should ensue. In his answer, Governor Eaton denied that he had entered upon lands to which the Dutch had any known title, he alluded to the injuries and outrages done to the people of New Haven, both at the Manhattans and on the Delaware, and concluded with an offer to refer all difficulties between his people, and the Dutch, to the decision of any compe- tent authority, either in America or in Europe. Not long after- wards the correspondence between these parties was laid before the Commissioners of the New England Colonies, at a meeting held at New Haven, and the matter at issue, together with other differences between the English, and the Dutch, became subjects of earnest attention. The Commissioners afterwards addressed a letter to Director Keift, mentioning the difficulties that had oc- curred on the Connecticut River, and also the recent proceedings of their confederates of New Haven, and expressed an opinion that the answer of Governor Eaton, was fair and just. The final reply of Director Keift was expressed in terms of far more vehe- mance, than strength, yet it seemed to proceed from a real convic- tion that there was justice in his claim. 45
But the administration of Director Keift was drawing to its
"O'Callaghen, p. 385.
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close. Strong complaints had been made against him, and trans- mitted to the Directors of the West India Company; he was charged not only with mismanagement, but also with the greatest abuse of his powers. It is certain that the course he pursued brought serious misfortunes upon the province. In the war with the Indians the population was reduced, and debt was incurred, and in consequence the colonists were subjected to numerous and heavy exactions. His own people became enfeebled, whilst the neigh- boring colonies were waxing in strength. The Governor was active, but his activity frequently ran into rashness, and his zeal was of a kind that often wore the appearance of passionate impulse.
Keift was removed from office in 1646, and in the following year departed from the province to return to Holland; but the ship with all on board were lost on the voyage.
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CHAPTER VI.
NEW NETHERLAND, NEW SWEDEN, AND NEW ENGLAND.
PETER STUYVESANT was next appointed as Director in Chief in New Netherland. His commission was dated on the 26th of July, 1646, and included the province of New Netherland, and the Islands of Curacoa, Bonaire and Aruba, on the Spanish Main. He arrived in the country in May, 1647. He had long been employed as a military officer in the service of Holland, and was reputed to be courageous, prudent and firm.
At an early period the new Director applied himself to a re- moval of the difficulties and dangers with which the province was surrounded, from the hostile dispositions of the Indians, and the doubtful attitude of the English, and the Swedes. He concluded a treaty of peace with the natives which continued unbroken during the whole of his administration.1 But the differences with the English were not of a nature to be readily terminated ; at this time, the principal matters in dispute related to the claims of New Haven and Connecticut, to the ownership, and exclusive posses- sion of lands.
The New Haven people were not disposed to relinquish the claims they had advanced to lands upon the Delaware, and in 1649, Governor Eaton, on behalf of the colony, made a new ap- plication to the New England Commissioners. He proposed that effectual measures should be immediately adopted for securing the rights of New Haven, by taking possession of the territory in question, and planting colonies thereon. The Commissioners did not agree at the time, to engage in any attempt for the purpose proposed, but they recognized the rights of the people of New
' Frost's History, vol. 2., p. 47.
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Haven to lands on the Delaware, and left the owners at liberty to cultivate their interests therein, in such manner as they should deem proper.2
The Director of New Netherland did not fail to perceive that the aspect of affairs was threatening, and he endeavored to pro- vide for the danger. Application was made to the West India Company, for the necessary authority and aid, but the corporation refused to give sanction to any measures of violence or force. " War," they said, "cannot in any event be to our advantage; the. New England people are too powerful for us."3
Negotiation was therefore resorted to, and Stuyvesant himself, repaired to Hartford in order to effect an adjustment of the points in dispute. A conference with the Commissioners led to a resolve that Delegates should be appointed who were to represent the in- terests of their respective parties, and to devise some plan of agree- ment. After long discussions, articles of agreement were con- cluded upon by the delegates, on the 19th of September, 1650.
* Extract from the proceedings of an extraordinary meeting of the Commis- sioners for the United Colonies, held at Boston, July 23d., 1649.
From New Haven general court, it was propounded to the Commissioners what course might be taken for the speedy planting of Delaware Bay. The title some merchants at New Haven have by purchase from the Indians, to con- riderable tracts of lands on both sides of the river, was opened; and the Com- tuissioners did read and consider what had passed at a former meeting of theirs, in Anno Domini 1613. A writing delivered into New Haven Court, by Mr. Leech, concerning the healthfulness of the place, the goodness of the land, conveniency of the lesser rivers, with the advantage of a well ordered trade there, was also jerused. The Commissioners with the premisses considering the present state of the colonies, the English in most plantations already wanting hands to carry ou their necessary occasions, thought fit not to send forth men to possess and Hant Delaware, nor by any public act or consent, to encourage, or allow the Nanting thereof; and if any shall voluntarily go from any of the colonies to Iwlaware, and shall without leave and consent of New Haven, sit down upon any part or parts thereof, or in any other respect shall be injurious to them in their title and interests there, the colonies will neither protect nor own them therein. The New Haven merchants being notwithstanding left to their just liberty, to dispose, improve, or plant the land they have purchased in those parts or any part thereof as they shall see cause. Hazard's Register, vol. 1., p. 17.
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