Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I, Part 42

Author: New York (State). State Historian. cn; Hastings, Hugh, 1856-1916. cn; Corwin, Edward Tanjore, 1834-1914, ed. cn; Holden, James Austin, 1861-
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Albany, J. B. Lyon, state printer
Number of Pages: 812


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1658, Sept. 28th.


Revs. J. Megapolensis and S. Drisius to the Classis of Amsterdam. Rdi. Patres et Fratres in Christo :-


In a preceding letter of Sept. 24, 1658, mention was made of a Jesuit who came to this place, Manhattans, overland, from Can- ada. I shall now explain the matter more fully, for your better understanding of it. It happened in the year 1642, when I was minister in the colony of Rensselaerswyck, that our Indians in the neighborhood, who are generally called Maquaas, (Mohawks,) but who call themselves Kajingehaga, were at war with the Cana- dian or French Indians, who are called by our Indians Adyran- thaka. Among the prisoners whom our Indians had taken from the French, was this Jesuit, (Jogues,) whom they, according to their custom had handled severely. When he was brought to us, his left thumb and several fingers on both hands had been cut off, either wholly or in part, and the nails of the remaining fingers had been chewed off. As this Jesuit had been held in captivity by them for some time, they consented that he should go among the Dutch, but only when accompanied by some of them. At last the Indians resolved to burn him. Concerning this he came to me with grievous complaint. We advised him that next time the In- dians were asleep, he should run away and come to us, and we


437 1658


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


would protect and secure him, and send him by ship to France. This was done. After concealing him and entertaining him for six weeks, we sent him to the Manhattans, and thence to England and France, as he was a Frenchman, born at Paris.


Afterward this same Jesuit came again from France to Canada. As our Indians had made peace with the French, he again left Canada, and took up his residence among the Mohawks. He in- dulged in the largest expectations of converting them to popery, but the Mohawks with their hatchets, put him to a violent death. They then brought and presented to me his Missal and Breviary together with his underclothing, shirts and coat. When I said to them, that I would not have thought that they would have killed this Frenchman, they answered, that the Jesuits did not consider the fact, that their people (the French) were always planning to kill the Dutch.


In the year 1644 our Indians again took captive a Jesuit, who , had been treated in the same manner as to his hands and fingers as the above mentioned. The Jesuit was brought to us naked, with his maimed and bloody fingers. We clothed him, placed him under the care of our surgeon, and he almost daily fed at my table. This Jesuit (Bressani,) a native of Rouen, was ransomed by us from the Indians, and we sent him by ship to France. He also returned again from France to Canada. He wrote me a let- ter, as the previously mentioned one had done, thanking me for the benefits I had conferred on him. He stated also that he had not argued, when with me, on the subject of religion, yet he had felt deeply interested in me on account of my favors to him; that he was anxious for the life of my soul, and admonished me to come again into the Papal Church from which I had separated myself. In each case I returned such a reply that a second letter was never sent me.


The French have now for some time been at peace with our Indians. In consequence thereof, it has happened that several Jesuits have again gone among our Indians, who are located


T


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1658


about four or five days journey from Fort Orange. But they did not permanently locate themselves there. All returned to Canada except one, named Simon Le Moyne, (Le Moine,). He has several times accompanied the Indians out of their own coun- try, and visited Fort Orange. At length he came here to the Manhattans, doubtless at the invitation of Papists living here, es- pecilly for the sake of the French privateers, who are Papists, and have arrived here with a good prize.


He represented that he had heard the other Jesuits speak much of me, who had also highly praised me for the favors and bene- fits I had shown them; that he, therefore, could not, while present here, neglect personally to pay his respects to me, and thank me for the kindness extended to their Society. 1. He told me that during his residence among our Indians he had discovered a salt spring, situated fully one hundred (Dutch) miles (three hundred English miles) from the sea; and the water was so salt that he had himself boiled excellent salt from it. 2. There was also another spring which furnished oil. Oleaginous matter floated on its sur- face, with which the Indians anointed their heads. 3. There was another spring of hot sulphurous water. If paper and dry ma- terials were thrown into it, they became ignited. Whether all this is true, or a mere Jesuit lie, I will not decide. I mention the whole on the responsibility and authority of the Jesuit.


He told me that he had lived about twenty years among the Indians. When he was asked what fruit had resulted from his labors, and whether he had taught the Indians anything more than to make the sign of the cross, and such like superstitions, he answered that he was not inclined to debate with me, but wanted only to chat. He spent eight days here, and examined everything in our midst. He then liberally dispensed his indulgences, for he said to the Papists, (in the hearing of one of our people who understood French), that they need not go to Rome; that he had as full power from the Pope to forgive their sins, as if they were to go to Rome. He then returned and resided in the country


439


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1658


of the Mohawks the whole winter. In the spring, however, . troubles began to arise again between our Indians and the Cana- dians. He then packed up his baggage, and returned to Canada. On his journey, when at Fort Orange, he did not forget me, but sent me three Catalogues: The first, on the succession of the Popes; the second, on the Councils; and the third was about heresies, all written out by himself. He sent with them also, a letter to me, in which he exhorted me to peruse carefully these Catalogues, and meditate on them, and that Christ hanging on the Cross, was still ready to receive me, if penitent. I answered him by the letter herewith forwarded, which was sent by a yacht going from here to the river St. Lawrence in New France. I know not whether I shall receive an answer .*


Valete, Domini Fratres, Vester ex officio,


Joannes Megapolensis. 1658, Sept. 28th.


(Names of Dutch immigrants for 1658. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 33, 34.)


Rev. Polhemius.


1


1658, Oct. 7th.


Levin Hans a citizen of this place, hands in a letter from Rev. Polhemius, of New Netherland, wherein he asks that this Classis would aid him in seeing that the moneys which are still due him, on account of his salary from the West India Company, may be forwarded to him as soon as possible. The Assembly agreed to do this and commends the furtherance thereof to the Rev. Depu- tati ad res Indicas. vi. 120; xix. 52.


Acts of the Deputies.


1659, Jan. 13th.


Rev. Abram Roeloff in the chair.


A letter from New Amsterdam, in New Netherland, was read, of the date of Sept. 24, 1658, and signed by John Megapolensis and Samuel Drisius, of the following contents: (An abstract is


* See note under date of August 26, 1657.


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1659


here given of this letter, and of others of May 20, West India Company to Stuyvesant; Aug. 19, Director and Council of New Netherland to the ministers there; Aug. 23, their answer to the Director, etc .; but as these are all found in full elsewhere, this ab- stract is omitted. ) xx. 391.


Letters from New Amsterdam.


1659, Feb. 3rd.


Rev. Deputati ad causas Indicas, state that they have re- ceived a letter from New Amsterdam, in which the brethren there request that this Classis will exert themselves with the Directors to increase the number of ministers here. This request the Rev. Deputies have already laid before the Directors, and received for answer that their Estimables would take the matter into serious consideration, and in due time would give the Brethren further information thereon. They further write that the Directors had written to them, that too great strictness is observed by them in the use of the formulae of Baptism; that among other things, on account of the multitude of Lutherans who are there, it would be expedient to alter the customary questions, addressed to the parents and witnesses, in respect to the words, "the Doctrine which is taught here in the Church ", etc. Regarding this they (of New Netherland) ask advice, how they are to act in this mat- ter. The Assembly is of the opinion that the Brethren must be earnestly admonished not to depart from the customary formulae; that meantime an endeavor will be made to inform the Directors regarding several matters, as to which it is observed that their Honors are poorly informed; at the same time begging them not to attempt to make any alterations in the customary Forms. All this the Rev. Deputati ad res Indicas will attend to. vi. 134; xix. 53.


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


441 1659


LETTER FROM THE DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT; LATIN SCHOOL;


February 13, 1659.


Honorable, Prudent, Dear, Faithful: We send you herewith some bound account books, paper, quills and ink-powder, required by you to complete and send over the resolutions and other documents of your administration since January 1657. Al- though some of the most important resolutions and documents have been received by us since that time, the copy of the record of resolutions must not be sent without them, that we may have here and can examine the whole series in chrono- logical order. We would have provided you with this stationery earlier, if you had asked for it; and we send it now with pleasure according to the enclosed state- ment. After the school books and stationery to be used for the education of the youths, stated in the enclosed invoice, you will please to look yourself.


What we have ordered in our last letter of the 19th of June in regard to the Lutherans, may be learned from its duplicate sent herewith; our intentions are still the same, as we see no reason, why the preachers there should raise diffi- culties about it; for it is an order practiced in most of the Reformed Churches here. The enclosed open letter will tell you, what we write to them on this sub- ject: after having read and sealed it, give it to your Reverences.


You have also given credit to Domine Johannes Polhemius for fl 782.6 .- , but as he has that much to his credit on his Brasilian account, we have balanced these two sums against each other, which you too must do in your books and you are hereby expressly charged, not to give further credit either to his Reverence, whose account is now closed and with whom the Company has nothing further to do, nor to anybody else, be he an officer or a party, to whom the Company owes nothing; for in case of death of the persons or other troubles the Company would only be the loser .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 427, 429, 430, 432.


ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


New Netherland.


1659, Feb. 24th.


The Rev. Deputati ad causas Indicas having proposed to the Estimable Directors the examination and ordination of Rev. Beau- mont, their Estimables permitted themselves to be pleased there- with; but as to what was also enjoined them (the Deputati), to request the Directors not in anywise to suggest to the Brethren in New Netherland any change in the formulae for Baptism, they noticed when they waited upon the Directors, that the broach- ing of this subject would be likely to awaken some displeasure in them, because of the small amount of correspondence of the Church there with the Directors; it was resolved to confer first with the Rev. Classis about this incident, and to submit whether


442


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1659


it be advisable to precipitate this matter. The Rev. Assembly consented to postpone addressing them (the Directors) on this sub- ject until the Brethren in New Netherland could have been written to (saluted) thereupon in the next letters. vi. 135; xix. 54.


RESOLUTION OF THE AMSTERDAM DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST IN- DIA COMPANY APPOINTING A LATIN SCHOOLMASTER FOR NEW AMSTERDAM.


Tuesday, April 10, 1659.


Before the Board appeared Alexander Carolus Curtius, late Professor in Lithuania mentioned in former minutes, who offered his services. After a vote had been taken, he was engaged as Latin Schoolmaster in New Netherland at a yearly salary of five hundred florins, of which one quarter shall be paid to him' in advance, that he may procure what books he requires. The Board further, grants him a gratuity of one hundred florins, which the Company will lay out in available merchandise to be used by him upon his arrival in New Netherland, where a piece of land convenient for a garden or orchard shall be allotted to him by the Director General. He shall also be allowed to give private instructions, as far as this can be done without prejudice to the duties, for which he is engaged. 1


Agrees with the original record.


L. Van Vevtenter .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 437.


LETTERS FROM THE DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT :


LATIN SCHOOL ;


April 25, 1659.


Honorable, Prudent, Dear, Faithful. Since our last letter to you of the 13th of February, sent by the "Trouw " and the " Otter", the Patroon and the other Directors of the Colony of Rensselaerswyck have presented a remonstrance, con- taining various, but in the main the same, complaints, which have already been made several times, to which they have only added their lamentations over the demand of the tenths (tithes for Church support,) and the farming out of the excise on wine and beer consumed in the said Colony of Rensselaerswyck. In regard to the last two points we referred to what had passed between you and Jan Baptista Rensselaer in June 1656 and we must admit, that we are highly. pleased with your answer to his remonstrance, wishing only, that you had avoided or passed over the too minute explication or statement regarding the expenses, which he claims the Patroon and the co-director incur in the maintenance of their servants: the following words "or if impartial men etc." might also have been omitted, for it seems, they have given these people with their unfounded claims some hope, that by supporting a preacher they could avoid the paying of the tenths; especially if the case is to be adjudged by arbitrators, which they have already desired, while we considered it uncalled for and against the interest of the Company: we stand upon quite a different, but sufficiently firm basis, also upon some demands against the Patroon and the co-director, for which in due time we shall demand satisfaction.


443


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1659


How much trouble we have taken, to find a Latin Schoolmaster Is shown by the fact, that now one Alexander Carolus Curslus, late Professor In Lithuania, goes over, whom we have engaged as such at a yearly salary of five hundred florins, board money included; we give him also a present of one hundred florins in mer- chandise, to be used by him upon his arrival there, as you may learn by the enclosed extract from our resolutions or by the contract, made with him, to which we refer for brevity's sake .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 435, 436.


ADMINISTRATIVE MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM. Salary of Curtius, Latin teacher.


Friday, 4th July 1659 ; In the City Hall.


Present the Heeren Nicasius de Sille, Marten Cregier, Olof Stevensen Cortlant.


Alexander Carolus Curtius appears in Court, who is informed that two hundred florins are allowed him as a yearly present from the City; an order on the Treasurer is also handed him for fifty florins over and above, which he thankfully accepts ; but requests as he has but few scholars as yet, that his salary may be somewhat increased, as the beginning entails great expence, saying whenever he gets twenty five to thirty children to the school he shall serve for less salary; but refers it to the discretion of the Magistrates .- Early Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. vii. pp. 223, 224.


LETTER FROM DIRECTOR STUYVESANT AND THE COUNCIL TO THE DIRECTORS IN HOLLAND :- RENSSELAERSWYCK ; LATIN SCHOOL; FORT AMSTERDAM.


July 23, 1659.


By the " Trouw ". Honorable, Wise, Prudent and Very Worshipful Gentlemen. The order issued by you in regard to the sale of real estate shall henceforth be obeyed and carried out; we have also considered it advisable to wait with the' collection of the fortieth penny until the arrival of the expected candidates for the ministry (propenenten), for then we shall have so many more reasons for the introduction of this measure.


The complaints and lucubrations of the Patroon and the other Directors of the Colony of Rensselaerswyck, together with your reply to them, first call for our answer. We have little or nothing to add to what you said, because since the' departure of Brant van Slechtenhorst, little has occurred between us and his successor Jan Baptista van Rensselaer concerning the old, frivolous claims and questions; as far as we know no other complaints have been made, than against the farming of the tavernkeepers' excise on beer and wine, and the collection of


444


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1659


the tenths (tithes for church support); and as what has occurred between us and them in regard to these matters has been sent to and received by you from time. to time, we think a repitition of it unnecessary.


Alexander Carolus Cursius, engaged by you as' Latin schoolmaster, has arrived. here. We hope and trust, that the community shall reap the desired fruits through their children, to which God may give his blessing: the state of the school shall be reported to you in due time.


Domine Johannes Theodorus Polheym, preacher upon Long Island, remonstrates,. as you may see from the enclosure No. - that you have deducted fl 782.6 .- heavy money from his credit on his Brazilian account, which amount he has. received here in light money, besides fl 160, - a total of fl 942.6. - for serving: as minister from October 1654 to the 7th of April 1657; for these services the' above sum was allowed him and credited to his account, as shown by the Register of Resolutions, sent to you, under let. E. p. 63, January 29th. You will please to give such order in this matter, as in your opinion equity demands .- Col. Docs ... N. Y. xiv. 438, 442, 443.


SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT HOORN.


1659, Aug. 5 et seq.


Art. 25. Extracts from the state of the churches in India and other foreign regions.


Extract from a letter from New Netherland, dated September- 24, 1658.


1. The English villages there had been more than a year with- out preachers. They request that some may be sent them at the- earliest opportunity.


2. That they still had among them wandering Quakers, who- are tolerated only in Rhode Island.


3. They make known the condition of the Lutherans, that there- still abode among them a pastor (phar-heer) of the name of Ernestus Goetwasser. He lay ill within New Amsterdam, after he had concealed himself at the house of a Lutheran farmer. The fiscal had been ordered to send him away as soon as he shall. have recovered.


4. They request two Duytse (German or Dutch?) ministers, in: two new Duytse (German or Dutch ?) villages. These, indeed,


445


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1659


should be introduced because of the difficulty of the work, in the most populous places; and the death of others.


5. They had been somewhat annoyed by the Lutherans, but through the good care of the Director-General, of which they had already had good evidences, they hoped they would suffer no harm. As to the rest, the churches were in a good condition.


LETTER OF DIRECTOR STUYVESANT TO SERGEANT LOURISSEN AND


OTHERS AT THE ESOPUS; REV. DOMINE BLOM PROCEEDS THITHER TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE CONGREGATION THERE.


Honored, Dear and Beloved Friends. According to the promise, which I made, I have informed the. Lords Directors last year of your just demand, to have there a good, orthodox and pious preacher, which their Honors did not less judge proper and necessary and they resolved thereupon, to inquire for some suitable and pious candidates and send them here. As in the meantime, the rumor spread of the lack of preachers in the open country here, Domine Hermanus Bloem, a candidate, resolved to make a voyage hither and inspect the condition of affairs and he' arrived here by the ship "de Otter", bringing with him very good testimonials from several ministers concerning his life and good qualities for preaching; during his stay here he has several times preached God's Word, as well in this City as in the villages of Brooklyn and Midwout, to the great satisfaction and pleasure of his hearers, so that some of the neighboring villages have made several requests, to have him as their minister, but considering that these neighboring villages can go to Church to one or the other place near by and have the benefit of partaking of the sacraments, while on the other side you can get to hear God's Word and partake of the Sacraments only with great difficulties and troubles, I have per- suaded the said Domine Bloem to make a trip to the Esopus with me, as I intended to visit you before the sailing of the lately departed homeward bound ships, but being prevented by the great mass of our business and the time for the Lord's Supper coming on in the meantime, I resolved to partake of it myself, so that. it was finally decided to leave here next Thursday, but Homo proponit, Deus dis- ponit; since that time I have suffered almost daily from a violent fever, which still continues, so that my indisposition does not allow me to go from home now. But in order not to delay so important a matter but to let it have progress, I have' resolved, to request our Reverend Domine Megapolensis, the bearer hereof, to con- duct the said Domine Blom thither and inform you of our wishes in this regard. You will now hear yourselves the said Domine Blom preach. If you are satisfied with his gifts (and we do not doubt, but he will please you) you may take hold of this chance, which will not offer again apparently in some years, to ask his. Reverence to be your Minister and notify us by letter, also how much you will contribute yearly for his maintenance, which you will have to raise from the inhabitants in due time in the best and most convenient manner. Relying hereon we commend you all, with cordial salutations, to God's merciful protection and remain,


Honored, Dear and Beloved Friends,


Your affectionate friend. Actum Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland the (11th) August Anno 1659 .- Col. . Docs. N. Y. xiii. 102.


446


1659


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


LETTER OF DIRECTOR STUYVESANT TO SERGT. LAURENSEN AT THE ESOPUS ; REV. MEGAPOLENSIS PROCEEDS THITHER; INCREASED VIGILANCE RECOMMENDED.


Honorable, Valiant Sir. In case your Honor should discover any probabilities in the rumors or signs, that the savages might attempt something, your Honor will communicate it to the bearers hereof, the Reverend Domine Megapolensis and Ensign Dirck Smith, upon receipt of whose report and opinion such orders shall be given, as will be found to be needed: wherewith closing we will commend your Honor to the protection of God and remain,


Honorable, Valiant Sir,


Your Honor's affectionate


P. Stiyvesant.


Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 11th of August, Anno 1659 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. Xiii. 101.


VICE DIRECTOR ALRICHS TO BURGOMASTER DE GRAAFF. (NEW


AMSTEL.) ABSTRACT. 1659, Aug. 16.


After describing the settlers on the South (Delaware) River, and the govern- ment, and the election of civil officers, he adds that there were chosen - " Two Elders and two Deacons ".


Moreover, outside the Fort, I repaired the Clergyman's house and that of the smith .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 69.


PETITION OF INHABITANTS OF ESOPUS, REQUESTING THAT THE REV. MR. BLOEM BE APPOINTED THEIR MINISTER.


To their Noble Very Worshipful Honors, the Honorable Director General and Council of New Netherland.


Show with due humility the inhabitants of the place, called the Esopus, that on the 17th of August the Rev. Hermanus Bloem has preached at the place of the petitioners in the fore and afternoon, which has satisfied the petitioners very well and they wish sincerely, that they could obtain him for their duly authorized minister. They request therefore respectfully, that your Honorable Worships will please, to consider this matter and effect, that he may be appointed here by the proper authority, while we promise to treat him decently and in order that his. Reverence shall be able to sustain himself and be more encouraged in his work we have all resolved (subject to your Honorable Worships' approval) to make a good bouwery for him, provide it with a house, barns, cows and other cattle as proper, to tend the land, which your Honorable Worships shall please to allot to him, plough it and bring the whole in good order, so that he may cultivate it himself, or hire it out advantageously, as long as he shall fill the position of preacher here, but in case he should leave or die, then this bouwery shall always remain for the support of the minister, then being here, and as the number of the petitioners is as yet very small and the establishing of such a bouwery will be- troublesome and costly for them, may the petitioners therefore be granted, that all who hereafter come to take possession of lands and bouweries here shall also contribute pro rata to the obligations of the present petitioners, who must now; incur these expenses. We await a favorable decision hereon.




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