USA > New York > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and family history of New York, Volume I > Part 4
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of the Lord, not to let the courage fail me which in my duties here I so especially need.
"The voyage was long, namely from the 24th of January till the 7th of April, when we first set foot upon land. Of storm and tempest which fell hard upon the good wife and children, though they bore it better as regards sea sickness and fear than I had expected: we had no laek, particularly in the vicinity of the Bermudas, and the rough coasts of this country. Our fare in the ship was very poor and seanty, so that my blessed wife and children, not eating with us in the cabin, on account of the little rooms in it, had a worse lot than the sailors themselves; and that by reason of a wicked cook, who annoyed them in every way: but especially by reason of the captain himself, who al- though I frequently complained of it in the most courteous man- ner, did not concern himself in the least about correcting the rascal; nor did he even when they were all sick, give them any- thing which could do them any good, although there was enough in the ship: as he himself knew very well where to find it in order ont of meal times, to fill his own stomach. All the relief which he gave us, consisted merely in liberal promises, with a drunken head, upon which nothing followed when he was sober, but a sour face, and he raved at the officers and kept himself constantly to the wine, both at sea and especially here while lying in the [Hudson] river; so that he navigated the ship daily with a wet sail and an empty head, seldom coming ashore to the Connei! and never to Divine service. We bore all with silence on board the ship, but it grieves me, when I think of it, on ac- count of my wife, the more because she was in such a physical state as she was; believing herself to be in a delicate condition, and the time so short which she had vet to live. On my first voyage I roamed about with him a great deal, even lodged in the same hut. but never knew that he was such a brute and drunk- ard. But he was then under the direction of Mr. Lam, and now he had the chief command himself. I have also written to Mr. Godyn about it, considering it necessary that it should be known. "Our coming here was agreeable to all, and I hope, by the
grace of the Lord. that my service will not be unfruitful. The people, for the most part, are rather rough and unrestrained, but I find in most all of them both love and respect towards me; two things with which hitherto the Lord has everywhere grac- iously blessed my labors, and which in our calling, as your Reverence well knows and finds, are especially desirable in order to make [our ministry] fruitful.
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"From the beginning we established a form of a church and as Brother Bastian Crol very seldom comes down from Fort Orange, because the directorship of that fort and the trade there is committed to him, it has been thought best to choose two elders for my assistance and for the proper consideration of all such ecclesiastical matters as might ocenr, intending the coming year, if the Lord permits, to let one of them retire and to choose another in his place from a double number first lawfully proposed to the congregation. One of these whom we have now chosen is the Honorable Director himself, and the other is the store keeper of the Company, JJan Huyghen, his brother in law, persons of very good character, as far as I have been able to learn, having both been formerly in office in the church, one as deacon, and the other as elder in the Dutch and French churches respectively at Wesel.
"At the first administration of the Lords Supper which was observed, not without great joy and comfort to many, we had fully fifty communicants. Walloons and Dutch, of whom a portion made their first confession of faith before ns, and others exhibited their church certificates. Others had forgotten to bring their certificates with them, not thinking that a church would be formed and established here, and some who brought them had lost them unfortunately in a general conflagration, but they were admitted upon the satisfactory testimony of others, to whom they were known, and also upon their daily good deportment, since we cannot observe strictly all the usual formalities in making a beginning under such circumstances.
"We administer the Iloly Sacrement of the Lord, onee in four months, provisionally until a larger number of people shal! otherwise require. The Walloons and French have no service on Sundays, otherwise than in the Dutch language, for those who understand no Dutch are very few. A portion of the Walloons are going back to the Fatherland, either because their vears here are expired, or else because some are not very serv- iceable to the Company. Some of them live far away and could not well come in time of heavy rain and storm, so that it is not advisable to appoint any special service in French for so small a number, and that upon an uncertainty. Nevertheless the Lord's Supper was administered to them in the French lan- gnage and according to the French mode with a discourse pre- coding, which I had before me in writing, as I could not trust myself extemporaneously. If in this and in other matters your Reverence and the Honorable Brethren of the Consistory who
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have special superintendence over ns here, deem it necessary to administer to us any correction, instruction or good advice, it will be agreeable to us and we will thank your Reverence there- for, since we must have no other object than the glory of God in the building up of His kingdom and the salvation of many souls. I keep myself as far as practicable within the pale of my calling; wherein I find myself sufficiently occupied. And although our small consistory embraces at the most. when Brother Crol is down here, not more than four persons, all of whom. myself alone excepted, have also public business to attend to, I still hope to separate carefully the ecclesiastical from the civil matters, which ocenr, so that each one will be occupied with his own subject. And though many things are of a mixed kind, and political and ecclesiastical persons can greatly assist eachi other, nevertheless the matters and offices belonging to each other must not be mixed but kept separate, in order to prevent all confusions and disorder. As the council of this place consists of good people, who are however, for the most part simple and have little experience in public affairs, I should have little ob- jection to serve them in any serions or dubions affair with good advice, provided I considered myself capable, and my advice should be asked, in which case I suppose that I would not do amiss or be suspected by anyone of being a meddler, or busy body.
"In my opinion it is very expedient that the Honorable Directors of this place should furnish plain and precise instrue- tions to their Governors, that they may distinctly know how to conduct themselves. in all possible public difficulties and events ; and also that I should have all such Acta Synodolia, as are adopted in the Synods of Holland, both the special ones relating to this region and those which are provincial and na- tional, in relation to ecclesiastical points of difficulty, or at least such of them as in the judgment of the Honorable Brethren, at Amsterdam. would be most likely to be of service to us here. In the mean time I hope matters will go well here, if only on both sides we do our best in all sincerity and honest zeal, whereto I have from the first entirely devoted myself and wherein I have also hitherto by the grace of God, had no just cause to complain of any one. And any dubious matters of importance happen to me, and especially if they will admit of any delay, I shall be guided by the good and prudent advice of the Honorable Brethren to whom I have already wholly commended myself.
"As to the natives of this country I find them entirely
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savage and wild, strangers to all deceney, yea, uneivil and stupid as garden poles, proficient in all wickedness and godlessness; devilish men who serve nobody but the devil, that is the spirit which in their language they call Menetto, under which title they comprehend everything that is subtle and erafty and be- vond human skill and power. They have so much witch craft, divination, savagery and wicked tricks, that they cannot be held in by any bands or locks. They are as thievish and treach- erons as they are tall, and in cruelty they are altogether in- human, more than barbarons, far exceeding the Africans. I have written concerning these things to several persons else- where not doubting that Brother C'rol will have written to your Reverence and to the Honorable Directors; as also of the base treachery, and the murders which the Mohicans at the upper part of this river, had planned against Fort Orange, but by the gracious interference of the Lord for our good, who when it pleases Him, knows how to pour unexpectedly, natural impulses into these unnatural men, in order to prevent them, they did not succeed. How these people can best be led to the true knowledge of God. and of the Mediator, Christ, is hard to say. I cannot myself wonder enough, who it is that has imposed so much upon your Reverence and many others in the Fatherland, concerning the docility of these people, and their good nature the proper principles of religion and the remains of the law of nature which should be among them ; in whom I have as yet been able to discover hardly a single good point, except that they do not speak so jeeringly and so scoffingly of the god like and glorious majesty of their creator, as the Africans dare to do. But it is because they have no certain knowledge of Him, or seareely any. If we speak to them of God it appears to them like a dream, and we are compelled to speak of flim, not under the name of Men- etto, whom they know and serve, for that would be blasphemy, but of one great, yea, most high Sackiema, by which name they, living without a king, call him who has the command over sev- eral hundred among them, and who by our own people are called Sackemaker's; and as the people listen some will begin to mutter and shake their heads as if it were a silly fable and others in order to express regard and friendship for such a proposi- tion will say, orith, that is good. Now by what means are we to make a salutory breach for the salvation of this people? I take the liberty on this point of enlarging to your Reverence.
"Their language, which is the first thing to be employed with them, methinks it entirely peculiar. Many of our com-
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mon people call it an easy language which is soon learned, but I am of a contrary opinion. For those who can understand their words to some extent, and repeat them, fail greatly in the pro- nunciation, and speak a broken language like the language of Ashdocd. For these people have difficult aspirates and many guttural letters, which are formed more in the throat than by the month. teeth and lips, to which our people are not accustomed. and making a bold stroke at which they imagine that they have accomplished something wonderful. It is true one can learn as much as is sufficient for the purpose of trading. but this oc- curs almost as much by signs with the thumb and fingers as by speaking, but this cannot be done in religious matters. It also seems to us that they rather design to conceal their language from ns. than to properly communicate it, except in things which happen in daily trade, saying that it is sufficient for us to under- stand them in that, and then they speak only half sentences. shortened words and frequently call out a dozen things, and even more, and all things which have only a rude resemblance to each other. they frequently call by the same name. In truth it is a made up childish language, so that even those who can best of all speak with the savages and get along well in trade, are nevertheless wholly in the dark, and bewildered when they hear the savages talking among themselves.
"It would be well then to leave the parents as they are and begin with the children who are still young. So be it. But they ought in youth to be separated from their parents, yea, from their whole nation. For without this they would forthwith be as much accustomed as their parents to heathenish tricks and deviltries, which are kneaded naturally in their hearts by them- selves through a just judgment of God; so that having once by habit. obtained deep root, they would with great difficulty be emancipated therefrom. But this separation is hard to effect. for the parents have a strong affection for their children and are very loth to part with them; and when they are separated from them as we have already had proof, the parents are never contented. but take them away stealthily. or induce them to run away. Nevertheless although it would be attended with some expense. we ought, by means of presents and promises, to obtain the children with the gratitude and consent of the parents, in order to place them under the instruction of some experienced and godly schoolmaster. where they may be instructed not only to speak, read and write in our language, but also especially in the fundamentals of our Christian religion, and where besides
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they will see nothing but the good example of virtuous living; but they must sometimes speak their native tongue among them- selves, in order not to forget it, as being evidently a principal means of spreading the knowledge of religion through the whole nation. In the mean time we should not forget to beseech the Lord, with ardent and continual prayers for His blessing, who can make things which are unseen suddenly and opportunely to appear, who gives life to the dead, calls that which is not as though it were, and being rich in merey has pity on whom he will, as he has compassionated us to be his people when before we were not compassionated and were not his people, and has washed us elean, sanctified us and justified us when we were covered with all manner of corruption, calling us to the blessed knowledge of His son, and from the power of darkness to His marvelous light. And this I regard so much the more necessary as the wrath and curse of God resting upon this miserable peo- ple is found to be the heavier. Perchance God may to that end have morey upon them, that the fullnes of the heathen may be gradually brought in. and the salvation of our God may be here also seen among these wild and savage men. I hope to keep a watchful eye over these people, and to learn as mneh of their language as will be practicable, and to seek better op- portunities for their instruction than hitherto it has been pos- sible to find.
"As to what concerns myself and my household, I find my- self by the loss of my good and helpful partner, very much bindred and distressed, for my two little daughters are vet small; maid servants are not here to be had, at least none whom they advise me to take, and the Angola slaves are thievish, lazy and useless trash. The vonne man whom I took with me I dis- charged after Whitsuntide, for the reason that I could not employ him out of doors, at any working of the land, and in- doors he was a burden to me instead of an assistance. He is now else where at service among the farmers.
"The promise which the Honorable Directors of the Com- pany had made me of some aeres of surveyed lands for me to make myself a home. instead of a free table which otherwise belonged to me, is void and useless. For their Honors well knew that there are po houses, cows or laborers to be obtained here for money. Everyone is short in these particulars and wants mere. I should not mind the expense if the opportunity only offered. for the sake of our own comfort. Although there are no profit in it. (the Honorable Directors nevertheless re-
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maining indebted to me for as much as the value of a free table) for refreshment of butter, milk, etc., cannot be here obtained, though some is indeed sold at a very high price, for those who bring it in or bespeak it are jealous of each other. So I shall be compelled to pass through the winter without butter and other necessaries which the ships do not bring with them to be sold here. The rations which are given out and charged for high enough, are all hard, stale food, as they are used to on board ship. and frequently not very good, and even so, one can- not obtain as much as he desires. I began to get considerable strength by the grace of the Lord, but in consequence of this hard food of beans and gray peas which are hard enough, barley. stock fish, ete .. without unch change, I cannot fully re- euperate as I otherwise would. The summer yields something. but what of that for any one who has no strength? The savages also bring some things, but one who has no wares, such as knives, beads and the like. or seewan (wampum) cannot come to any terms with them. Though the people trade such things for proper wares, I know not whether it is permitted by the laws of the Company. I have now ordered from Holland most all necessaries, but expect to pass through the winter with hard and seanty food.
"The country yields many good things for the support of life, but they are all too unfit and wild to be gathered. Better regulations should be established, as, doubtless, will gradually be the case, so that people who have the knowledge and imple- ments for seeking out all kinds of things in their season shall secure and gather them. In the mean while, I wish the Honorable Directors to be courteously enquired of how I can have the op- portunity to possess a portion of land. and at my own expense to support myself upon it. For as long as there is no more aecomodations to be obtained here from the country people. 1 shall be compelled to order everything from the Fatherland at great expense and with much risk and trouble, or else live here upon these poor and hard rations alone, which would badly snit me and my children. We want ten or twelve farmers with horses, cows and laborers in proportion, to furnish us with bread and fresh butter. milk and cheese. There are convenient places which can be easily protected, and very suitable, which can be bought from the savages for trifling toys, or could be occupied without risk. because we have more than enough shores which have never been cleared but have always been reserved for that purpose. The business of furs is dull on account of a new war
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of the Maechibaeys (Mohawks) against the Mohicans, at the upper end of this river. There have occurred cruel murders on both sides. The Mohicans have fled and their lands are unoc- enpied and are very fertile and pleasant. It grieves us that there are no people. and that there is any regulation of the Honorable Directors to occupy the same. They fell much wood here to carry to the Fatherland, but the vessels are too few to take much of it. They are making a wind mill to saw the wood and we also have a grist mill. They bake brick here but it is very poor. There is good material for burning lime, namely, oyster shells, in large quantities. The burning of potash has not succeeded. the master and his laborers are all greatly dis- appointed. We are busy now in building a fort of good quarry stone which is to be found not far from here in abundance. May the Lord only build and watch over our walls. There is good opportunity for making salt, for there are convenient places, the water is salt enough and there is no want of heat in summer. Besides, as to the water, both of the sea and rivers, they yield all kinds of fish. and as to the land, it abounds, in all kinds of game, wild and in the groves, with vegetables, fruits, roots, herbs and plants, both for eating and medicinal purposes. and with wonderful cures can be effected, which it would take too long to tell, nor could I do justice to the tale. Your Rev- erence has already obtained some knowledge thereof and will be able to obtain from others further information. The country is good and pleasant, the climate is healthy notwithstanding the sudden changes of cold and heat. The sun is very warm, the winter is strong and severe and continues fully as long as in our country. The best remedy is not to spare the wood, of which there is enough. and to cover one's self with rough skins, which can be easily obtained.
"The harvest, God be praised is in the barn, and is larger than ever before. There had been more work put on it than be- fore. The ground is fertile enough to reward labor, but they must clear it well, and till it just as our lands require. Until now there has been distress because many people were not very industrious, and also did not obtain proper sustenance for want of bread and other necessaries. But affairs are beginning to put on a better appearance, if only the Directors will send out good laborers and exercise all care that they be maintained as well as possible with what this country produces. I had prom- ised to write to the Honorable Brethren, Rudolphus Petri. Johanes Sylvius and Domine Clappenburg, who with your
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Reverence are charged with the superintendence of these re- gions. Will your Reverence be pleased to give my friendly and kind regards. Will you also give my sincere respects to the Rev. Domine Triglandins, and to all the brethren of the Con- sistory. And especially do not forget my hearty salutation to the beloved wife and brother in law of your Reverence. Heartily commending your Reverence and all of you to Almighty God.
"From the Island of Manhatan in New Netherland this 11th day of August Anno 1628 by me your Reverence's very obedient servant in Christ.
"JONAS MICHAELIUS."
CHAPTER VII. FORT AMSTERDAM.
When Governor Minuit came to New Netherland there came with him a military engineer named Kryn Fredericke, and under his direction preparations were made for erecting a fort. It was located upon the point of land which commanded the en- trance to both rivers. Concerning the location of this fortifica- tion. there is no doubt or uncertainty, for it stood until the Revo- lution. The walls were originally of earth, and faced with sods. In 1628 it was still unfinished. and then the walls were fortified by masonry work of stone. It included an ample space for buildings, among which were a warehouse for storing the Com- pany's goods, a horse mill, a house for the Governor, a Secre- tary's office. and still later a church. At each of the four corners of the fort was a strong bastion, and the exact location of each may be here given. The southwest bastion was very near the river side, and at the present junction of Bridge and State streets. The northeast bastion was at the corner of Whitehall street. The sontheast bastion was on the line of Bridge street, but some ways west of Whitehall. The northwest bastion was some ways from the river side, and was nearly opposite the corner of Broadway, the extreme point being a little farther west. but not half way to Greenwich street. Between these bastions on the east and south sides were spaces of land nsed as gardens. The lots which fronted on Pearl street were bounded north by the Governor's garden, which was a part of the Fort grounds, but the line was not straight. The westernmost lot on Pearl street was described as bounded on the west "partly by
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the strand and partly by the Governor's garden." The fort. as regards size, seems to have remained unchanged, and from a survey made in 1788 it seems that the entire plot of ground, or the fort premises. was about 395 feet on Whitehall street. or the east side, the south line was about 425 feet. On the west it was about 400 feet, and about 344 feet on the north. In 1642 a new church. the second in the city, was built by Governor Kieft. It was a building of considerable size, and shows very
Fort Amsterdam.
conspicuously in all of the many views given of New Amster- dam. All of the publie business of the Colony was done, or supposed to be done. in the fort. and all decrees and patents for land are described as "done at Fort Amsterdam, " and in later years, under English rule, as "done at Fort James."
The first accurate description of this fortification is found in the Journal of the Labadists, who came here in 1679. They state: "The church being in the fort. we had an opportunity to look through the latter. It is not large. it has four points, or batteries; it has no moat outside, but is enclosed with a double
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row of palisades. It is built from the foundation with quarry stone, the parapet is of earth. It is well provided with cannon, for the most part of iron, though there were some small brass pieces, all bearing the mark or arms of the Netherlands. The garrison is small. There is a well of fine water, dug in the fort by the English. Contrary to the opinion of the Dutch, who sup- posed the fort was built upon a rock, there is indeed some in-
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