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319
1653
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
COMMISSION OF REV. SAMUEL DRISIUS AS DIPLOMATIC AGENT TO BE SENT TO VIRGINIA.
Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of their Noble High Mightinesses, the Lords-States- General of the United Netherlands, and the Noble Lords-Directors of the Privi- leged West India Company, Director-General of New Netherland, Curacao, Bonayro, Aruba and dependencies, with the High Council; December 16, 1653.
To all who may read this, or hear it read, Greeting:
Know ye, that for the purpose of promoting a general peace and the welfare of both nations, we have in May last past deputed, commissioned and sent our extra- ordinary agents, the Honorable Cornelis van Tienhoven, Councillor and Fiscal of New Netherland, and Arent van Hattem, Burgomaster of this City, to the Very Honorable Richard Bennett, Governor and Captain General of Virginia and his Council of State, in order to covenant and conclude with them a close and firm alliance, correspondence and commerce between their and this our Government, without regard to the undesired and unexpected bloody differences, arisen to our great regret between their and our nation in Europe, as their credentials and com- missions have further informed the said Honorable Governor and Council. How- ever the said Honorable Governor, and the Council of State in Virginia, found themselves at that time unauthorized, to give a conclusive answer to the proposi- tions made by our then agents, before they, as they honestly and frankly stated in their reply, had first submitted them to, and advised thereupon with their superiors, the Government of England, which they intended and agreed to do by the first opportunity. If this has been done agreeably to their sincere intention, we trust, that the said Honorable Governor and Council of State received some time ago an answer from their superiors, or may be in daily expectation of it.
Therefore the Director-General and Council of New Netherland have resolved, for the promotion of so laudable an object as the continuation of peace, increase of commerce and cultivation of correspondence between such old friends, neighbors and co-religionists living in such distant countries, to send once more an authorized and suitable person thither, to remind the said Honorable Governor and Council of Virginia of our former good intentions, which we still have, and our propositions, and to learn their reply. We have hereto requested, also authorized and commis- sioned, the Reverend and Very Learned Mr. Samuel Driesius, Minister of the Gospel in the City of New Amsterdam; and, fully relying upon his ability, wisdom and experience, we have directed him, as by this our open letter and commission we direct and empower him, to go to Virginia and address himself there to the said Honorable Governor, Richard Bennett, and his Council, in order to receive, in his quality as our embassador, from the said Governor and Council, an answer to our former propositions, and to learn what reply was given by their superiors upon the matter submitted. If the said Honorable Governor and Council should not yet have received it, then he is to propose and ask for a provisional continuation of the com- merce and intercourse between the two places, a free pass or safeguard, signed by the Honorable Governor, for some of their merchants and yachts, to pay and col- lect debts among inhabitants of Virginia; as we on our side have given and are still willing to give, passes to come and go, to the ships and yachts coming to us from Virginia. All this to be only provisionally, until on either side we shall have re- ceived orders to the contrary from our superiors, and countermanded the provisional passes, of which such ships and yachts might be informed six or eight days before- hand; that thus private losses, general injury and further differences between na- tion and nation might be prevented. If this cannot be obtained, then he shall ask for a free pass for one ship to bring back our envoy free and unmolested by the Parliament ships.
320
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1653
We further promise by this our open letter and commission, to ratify and carry out all that may be covenanted and concluded in this matter between the said Honorable Governor, his Council, and our present envoy, Domine Samuel Drisius. Done at New Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 16th of December 1653.
P. Stuyvesant.
By order.
Cornelis van Ruyven, Secretary. - Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 241, 242.
1653.
At the close of this year, " the Reverend and very learned Samuel Drisius, min- ister of the Gospel in the city of New Amsterdam," was sent to renew the former proposals to Gov. Bennett, and to conclude with him a commercial treaty, including a power to the merchants of New Netherland to collect debts due them in Virginia. Should these be accepted, the Director General pledged himself to ratify whatever his plenipotentiary might agree to, provided, however, that six or eight days notice may be given of any intention to revoke such agreement as may be concluded, " so as to prevent losses and animosities between nation and nation." This mission proved entirely successful .*- O'Callaghan, ii. 235.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
1654
1654, Jan. 1st.
Request to the Hon. XIX, to prevent Lutheran Preaching and Public Assemblies in New Netherland, with Answer thereto.
Concerning the complaint of the church in New Netherland : The Lutherans there have desired to call a pastor from Holland, and organize public assemblies, (congregations.) They have re- quested consent thereto by letters to the Hon. XIX, as also to the Hon. States of Holland, as appears from the extracts, (folio 146) of their letter sent to our Classis. They request that our Classis would help to prevent this, with all earnestness, before the Hon. Directors of the West India Company, as it would be a circumstance very injurious to the Reformed doctrine there.
This complaint was presented by the Deputati ad res Indicas to the Hon. Directors. They have responded that they were in- clined to oppose the plan of the Lutherans; that they, with the church in New Netherland, believe that such permission would be very injurious. They also declare their fear that other evil consequences might result; that the Mennonites, as well as the
Domine Drisius's commission is in Alb. Rec. ix., 59. It embodies the statements in the text. It is rather singular that none of the historians of Virginia, (at least, so far as our research has gone,) gives any particulars of these early embassies.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
321. 1654
English Independents, who are numerous there, might seek to introduce like public assemblies.
And as the Deputies represented that the Lutherans had not only made known their request to the Hon. Directors, but also to the Hon. States of Holland, and that it was to be feared that they might grant their petition; they reply thereto, that they would take care in this matter ; that in case the Hon. States should incline thereto, they would give opposing reasons; that they would bind themselves to resist the request of the Lutherans, and would notify the Deputati ad res Indicas, that they might transmit (such information) to the church in New Netherland, in the city of New Amsterdam .- xxvi. 148.
FATHER LE MOYNE, FEB. 5,-AUG. 16, 1654. DISCOVERS THE SALT SPRINGS.
The friendship exhibited at this period by the savages covered, however, a deeper policy than the mere desire for peace. Their continual wars had thinned their ranks, and they were desirous to obtain the removal of the Hurons to their country to supply the places of those they had lost. This motive alone had induced them to restore Poncet. But this policy was not confined to the Mohawks. The Onon- dagoes had suffered also from their contests with the Chats or Cat Indians, and wished to embody the Hurons among their tribe. They were likewise anxious to be independent of the Mohawks, at whose hands they experienced considerable ill treatment in their passage through the lower country to the Dutch. They calcu- lated that they could secure this by uniting themselves more closely with the French, whom they wished to build them a fort, where their wives and children might retire in time of danger. To accomplish all these purposes, they now visited Canada, Feb. 5, 1654, and solicited the Governor of that country to send, as a pre- liminary, a Jesuit Father among them. Simon Le Moyne, a missionary of much experience, who had already passed eighteen years among the Indians, was accord- ingly allowed to accompany them. He had not been gone many days, when a depu- tation of the Kayingehagas, or Mohawks strengthened with letters from the Dutch of Beverwyck, arrived July 4, 1654, to make a similar request. They were exceed- ingly disappointed when they learned that the Onondagoes had forestalled them. " We of the Five Nations have but one cabin," said their orator; " we make but one fire, and have always dwelt under the same roof. Is it not then by the door that the house should be entered, and not by the chimney and roof, unless you be a thief and desire to surprise the inmates? You do not enter by the door, which is on the first floor. We, Mohawks, are that door. You enter by the roof and chimney, for you begin with the Onondagoes. Are you not afraid that the smoke will blind you, as our fire is still burning? Do you not fear to fall from the top to the bottom, having nothing solid to rest your feet on?" Means were taken to pacify them, and they retired for a season to their homes.
Father Le Moyne was, meanwhile, far on his journey to the country of the Onon- dagoes. He sojourned among that tribe some ten days, and crowned his mission, on the 16th of August, 1654, by the discovery of the rich and exhaustless Salt Springs for which that district has been so long and so justly celebrated .- O'Cal- laghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. ii. 299-303.
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322
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1654
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
1654, Feb. 23rd.
The request of the church of New Amsterdam in New Nether- land, recorded on folio 148, has been granted by the Hons. Lords, Directors of the West India Company. They resolved, Feb. 23, 1654, not to permit any Lutheran pastors there, nor any other public worship than that of the true Reformed; and to transmit this, their resolution, at the first opportunity to their Governor, and to announce the same to the Church.
At the same time they declare, that if a suitable person could be found, willing to go to New Netherland, and there take charge of public worship upon a certain island,* they will also consent thereto, and that they had appropriated six hundred guilders as annual salary. They request the Classis of Amsterdam to look about and discover whether a suitable person could not be found for this service, and to make the same known to them .- xxvi. 158.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Revs. John Megapolensis and Samuel Dries (Drisius), Pastors in New Netherland; written and transmitted Feb. 26, 1654. For resolution of the XIX, see above .- xxvi. 158.
Reverend, Godly, Highly Learned, Brethren :-
Your letter of Oct. 6, 1653, came safely to hand. From it we learn with great joy that God the Lord has hitherto blessed your labors in his vineyard, so that the saving doctrine of the Holy Gospel grows and increases daily not only among the Dutch and other Europeans, but also among the blind heathen, whom God has heretofore suffered to walk in their own ways of errors ..
We learn also from your letter that the Lutherans are very restless; that they hinder the pure doctrine and obstruct its
(* This reference is to Long Island, where no Dutch churches were as yet. established).
323
1654
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
course, requesting permission to hold public divine services for themselves, and to that end, that they may have a Lutheran pas- tor from Holland; also that they have transmitted their request to the Hon. XIX, and to the States of Holland.
This grieves us. But you have acted very well and prudently in that you have not only attempted to hinder their purpose through your Hon. Governor, but have also transmitted to the Hon. Directors your complaint, (asking them) not to grant their request. At the same time you have requested our Classis to lend you their helping hand. This we have willingly undertaken. We immediately charged our Deputati ad res Indicas to make known your necessary and just request, with your annexed rea- sons, to the Hon. Lords Directors, and to request favorable ac- tion thereon. This was done, and we have received a favorable answer concerning it, viz., that they would consider the request, which was also made known to them by yourselves, and would reply to us.
This they have done. They have notified us that they have refused the request of the Lutherans in every particular, and have resolved to tolerate no other (public) exercise of divine worship in New Netherland except that of the true Reformed Religion. They would also transmit their action to their Gov- ernor, by the first vessels, and have the same promulgated there. Hence we do not doubt but that the Reformed Doctrines will remain unembarrassed, and be maintained without being hin- dered by the Lutherans, and other erring spirits. May the mer- ciful God grant to them his grace, and graciously bless you and your services, to the honor of his name, and the propagation of the true worship.
Thus done at Amsterdam, Feb. 26, (N.S.) 1654, in the name and by the order of the Classis of Amsterdam. Written and signed by
(In the volumes of Correspondence of the Classis, 26-32, the names of the writers are frequently omitted).
324
1654
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
To send a Preacher to New Netherland.
1654, March 2nd.
Inasmuch as the Messrs. Directors of the West India Com- pany ordered the Deputati ad res Indicas to seek a candidate who is willing to sail as minister to New Netherland, and prom- ise to give him a salary of six hundred guilders, ($240.) and some perquisites (privileges) besides, the brethren were asked if they happened to know of any such candidate. Inasmuch as at present no one was found, it remains further recommended to these Brethren to bear the subject in mind .- v. 319.
DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT : CHURCH AFFAIRS.
Honorable, Worshipful, Pious, Dear, Faithful.
i
We have decided absolutely to deny the request made by some of our inhabitants, adherents of the Augsburg confession, for a preacher and free exercise of their religion, pursuant to the custom hitherto observed by us and the East India Com- pany, on account of the consequences arising therefrom; and we recommend to you also not to receive any similar petitions, but rather to turn them off in the most civil and least offensive way, and to employ all possible but moderate means in order to induce them to listen, and finally join the Reformed Church, and thus live in greater love and harmony among themselves.
We have been pleased to see the zeal of several of our inhabitants of a new village on Long Island for the Reformed religion; and that it may not cool, we have resolved, upon this representation, to contribute, in the beginning, six hun- dred florins yearly, and are looking about here for a fit and pious teacher or minister: we have also notified the Reverend Classis here, so that you and the people may expect him by the first opportunity. We are hereby reminded, that now and then complaints are made to us, of the inconveniences and troubles to which Domines Johannis Megapolensis and Samuel Drisius are unreasonably ex- posed there by the irregular and scanty payment of their respective salaries. We are astonished to hear, that even the former has to claim an arrear of several thousand guilders, although you had made a special agreement with him, that his salary should be paid there; while the other has been sent to you on the same condition: as this has always been your proposition, based upon so good and fair reasons, and was really necessary, as stated before, it surprises us, that you take no better care to place these men above want. To prevent this in future, we deem it requisite to charge you, herewith, and seriously recommend, that you satisfy the demands of these persons as best you can, there, so that no further complaints are made to us. March 12, 1654 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 250, 252, 253.
1
325
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1654
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies .- William Vestensz.
1654, May 11th.
Rev. Wittenwrongel mentions that he has received word from William Vestensz, in which he complains of slow payments. He requests, through the intervention of the Classis, some compen- sation for his four years' administration of the office of sexton ; also that another be sent in his place, and he, upon his return, be transferred, as Visitor of the Sick, to the East Indies. This is referred to the Rev. Deputati ad res Indicas. xxvi. 169.
Ministers' Salaries.
1654, June 1.
The Fiscal is ordered and commanded to notify and inform Burgomasters and Schepens, that the ministers have applied to us, by petition, for their accrued salaries; and as a half-year's allowance has matured and become due since the excise has been drawn by the Burgomasters and Schepens; Burgomasters and Schepens will therefore please to furnish the accrued half-year's salary out of the receipt, according to promise. Done in the Session of the Hon. Director General and Supreme Council of New Netherland, in New Amsterdam, June 1st 1654.
Agrees with Register of Resolutions.
Cor. Van Ruyven, Sec. -- Records New Amsterdam, i. 206. Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 268-9.
DIRECTOR-GENERAL TO THE BURGOMASTERS ETC. OF NEW AMSTERDAM, PAY THE MINISTERS' SALARIES, ETC.
To the Worshipful Burgomasters and Schepens of New Amsterdam: To-day we take God and our consciences, your Worships and other reuptable citizens, as witnesses, that we have now, and before this, repeatedly, reminded your Worships of the precarious situation; and requested to think of assistance and means. Your Worships' word and promise were good enough, and, influenced by them, we let your Worships have provisionally the Tavern keepers' Excise on the distinct promise, that your Worships would then provide means and take care, that the ministers of the Gospel should be paid their salaries.
New Amsterdam, June Sth, 1654 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 271, 272.
1654.
These propositions did not satisfy the Director General. The promise to com- plete the fort, after the city had been secured, was not redeemed. The monies already borrowed were expended in defending the city, and not in repairing the fort. Those who advanced that loan were urgent for its payment. The Burgo- masters and Schepens had received the excise, but had not furnished the sub-
326
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
-
1654
sidies which they had so solemnly promised, and now presumed to fix their quota at three thousand guilders, when it was notorious that they had collected more than that sum. They had not contributed a farthing towards repairing the public works, yet they pretended, " very abusively," to give good example. As they had now failed in their duty, and had not paid the clergymen, schoolmaster nor beadle, the Director and Council reclaimed the excise, and farmed it out. "Both the gospel ministers " were paid, and the whole subject was again referred to the Lords Patroons in Holland for their decision. The Amsterdam Directors were not in the best of humor on receiving intelligence of the obstinacy of the city fathers. They immediately instructed Stuyvesant to use his authority to enforce the orders he had already received, " so that these men may no longer indulge in the visionary dream that contributions cannot be levied without their consent."- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. ii. 269, 270.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
1654, July 15th.
Revs. Megapolensis and Drisius to the Classis of Amsterdam. Reverend, Pious, Very Learned Fathers and Brethren in Christ :
Your letter of 26th of February of this year (1654) is most acceptable. We understand from it, that our request that you would aid us as far as practicable in the matter of the Lutherans here, has been considered by you, and that through your repre- sentations, the Lutheran request before the Hon. Directors, (Heeren majores) has been rejected. Thus also the way for other sectaries is closed up. By this a great service has been rendered to our church, for which our thanks are due.
In addition to this, you make mention in your letter, that you have gathered from our letters, that the knowledge of the Gos- pel is making great progress among the Indians here. Speak- ing with all deference, we do not know or think that we have furnished any such intelligence in our letters. We greatly wish indeed, that such were the state of things among the Indians, but as yet, there is little appearance of it. It is indeed true that a sachem of the Indians has sojourned for a length of time among us at the Manhattans, who was diligent in learning to read and write, which he learned to do tolerably well. He was also instructed in the principal grounds of the christian faith,
327 1654
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
and publicly joined in recitations on the catechism by christian children. We gave him a Bible that he might peruse it and teach his own countrymen from it. We hoped that in due time he might be the instrument of accomplishing considerable good among the Indians. But we acknowledge that he has only the bare knowledge of the truth, without the practice of godliness. He is greatly inclined to drunkenness, and indeed, is not better than other Indians. We do not indeed expect much fruit of religion among these barbarous nations, until they are brought under the government of Euorpeans, as these latter increase in numbers. Finally, we commend you to the care and protection of the Most High. Pray also for his blessing on our ministry.
Johannes Megapolensis. Samuel Drisius.
New Amsterdam, July 25, 1654.
To the Worshipful, Worthy, Dear, Faithful, The Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens of the City of New Amsterdam, with Proclamation. (Peace between the Republics of England and Holland.)
1654, July 18. City Hall. Saturday.
On the date hereof, Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of New Amsterdam, in conformity with the following letter, cause to be published and affixed at the City Hall, after the usual preliminary ringing of the bell, the (Proclamation) of Peace, which has been concluded between the Republics of England and Holland, according to the printed copy.
Copy.
The Director General and Supreme Council of New Netherland:
Worshipful, Worthy, Dear, Particular :-
This serves to convey the Proclamation of Peace, Union and Confederation made and concluded on the 15th of April last (1654), at Westminster, between Messrs. the Commissioners of the Lord Protector of the Republic of England, Scotland and Ireland on the one part, and the Ambassadors of their Noble, High and Mighty the Lords States General of the United Netherlands on the other part. Which Proclamation sent us by their said Noble High Mightinesses, we have thought proper to communicate hereby to Your Worships, charging and command- ing you, to cause the said Proclamation of Peace, Union and Confederation, to be published and affixed, where it is customary to be done; and the contents thereof; according to its form and tenor, you are to have observed and obeyed in good faith by all who are or may be placed under you. Wherewith ending, we commend Your Worships to the gracious protection of the Most High. New" Amsterdam, in New Netherland, this 17th day of July, Anno 1654.
P. Stuyvesant. By Order of the Director General and Supreme Council.
Corn. van Ruyven, Sec .- Records New Amsterdam, i. 215.
328
1654
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1654, Aug. 24th.
Catharine Polhemus, wife of the minister recently in Brazil re- : quests the assistance of the Brethren, the Deputies, to procure her the money, which her husband, Rev. Mr. Polhemus, had earned. Her request was received, and Rev. Langelius will inquire of book-keeper Schaef, what the prospect is of her being paid. XX. 314 .- See also Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 70.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Support of the Church, etc., in New Amsterdam.
1654, August 24.
The Burgomasters and Schepens of the City of New Amsterdam all due rever- ence and respect represent :
That on the 21st of July being assembled collegialiter at the invitation of the Honorable Director General, his Honor did in the presence of two ministers, Dominies Megapolensis and Driesius, call their attention to the letter of the Directors of the Chamber of Amsterdam, the Lords and Patroons of this Province of New Netherland, and to their request, and therefore being admonished to think no more of all that had ever passed heretofore and to live in future in all friend- ship, which was mutually promised. At the same time the Honorable General delivered to the Burgomasters and Schepens a despatch sent by the Honorable Lords to the Burgomasters and Schepens, according to which we are determined to regulate ourselves and to obey all that is therein mentioned.
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