USA > New York > New York City > History of New Netherland; or, New York under the Dutch, Vol. I > Part 2
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15
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
WOUTER VAN TWILLER appointed Director-general-Arrives in New Netherland- His council-Other officers of the company in that country-First clergyman and first schoolmaster in New Amsterdam-An English vessel visits the Manhattans for the purpose of trading with the Indians on the Hudson's River-Director and council refuse her permission to ascend the river-Sails to Fort Orange, netwith- standing-Opens a trade with the natives thereabont-Is opposed by the commis- sary at that post-Indians prefer trading with the English factor, who had been in the Dutch service, several years before, in that quarter-Three vessels arrive witha troops from Fort Amsterdam, to prevent the English trading with the Indians- Pull down the English tent-Force their people and goods on board their ship, which they convey out of the river-Damages inflicted on the English-Quarrel between two English skippers at the Manhattans-Van Twiller opposes De Vries, who wishes to visit the Sound-Contentions in consequence-De Vries's opinions of the functionaries at Fort Amsterdam-Notelman, schout-fiscaal, superseded-Is succeeded by Van Dinclage-Van Twiller determines to build a fort on the Fresh River-Sketch of the quarrels between the Indians there-Tract of country called Conneticock purchased-Deed of sale-Fort Good Hope built-New Plymouth people determine to build a trading-house en the Fresh River-Proceedings in con- sequence -- Van Twiller protests-This protest disregarded-Writes to the XIX .- Attempts to dislodge the English by force; without success-Improvements in New Amsterdam-New fort-Church and other houses erected-Improvements at Fort Orange and Fort Nassau-Schuylkill purchased-Resources of the West India Company-Trade of New Netherland . Page 141
CHAPTER V.
Continued misunderstanding between the Directors and the Patroons-Pretensions ef the respective parties-Referred to the States General-Committee appointed te in- vestigate the same-Articles submitted by the Patroons containing their demands- Replications of the Company-Rejeinder on the part of Patroons-Owners of the William apply to Dutch ambassadors at London for damages-Threaten to apply to the king in council-Application communicated to States General-Referred to the Assembly of the XIX .- Memorial of the latter in reply-Request that the mat- ter be referred to the Dutch and English ambassadors-States General decline to interfere-Quarrel between Van Twiller and Minister Bogardus-Peace made with the Raritans-Imports and Experts-Superintendent over Pavonia arrives in New
158 Netherland
CHAPTER VI.
Encroachments of the New England people on New Netherland-Tear down the arms of the States General at Kievitts Hoeck-Van Twiller protests against the intruders, and makes representations to the directors-The English send Governor Winslow to London to complain against the Dutch-He is imprisoned there-Eng-
16
CONTENTS.
lish attempt a settlement on the South River-Are taken prisoners and sent to the Manhattans-First English settlers in New Amsterdam-Fort Amsterdam finished -Irregularities there-Director-general and several members of his council appro- priate to themselves large quantities of the public domain-Settlement of Flatlands, or New Amersfoort commenced-Van Dinclage, schout-fiscaal, opposes Van Twil- ler-Is dismissed from office-Returns to Holland-Ulrich Lnpold appointed in his place-Van Dinclage brings the affairs of New Netherland before the States Gen- eral-Assembly of the XIX. remove Van Twiller-Willem Kieft appointed direc- tor-general of New Netherland-Prices at New Amsterdam and on the Connecti- ent-Van Twiller adds a number of islands to his estates-States General call the attention of the company to the retrograding condition of New Netherland-Re- quire report thereupon-Queries submitted to the directors-Their answers-Propose surrendering the Indian trade -- Unfavorable state of the colony-Causes thereof- States General insist on the adoption of some plan to encourage emigration to and the settlement of the country, so that New Netherland may not be lost or given away Page 168
CHAPTER VII.
Arrival of WILLEM KIEFT, third Director-general-His council-Colonial Secretary, and schout-fiscaal-Other public officers-Their salaries-Condition of New Am- sterdam-Irregularities there-Proclamations of director and council-Organiza- tion of court of justice-Proclamation against drunkenness-Arrival of immigrants -Purchase of land on Long Island-State of public morals-Regulations for the inspection of New Netherland tobacco-Rights of the Dutch threatened in the sonth-Swedish West India Company formed-Pieter Minuit, former director of New Netherland, appointed director of New Sweden-Arrives at the Delaware with some Swedes-Is boarded by the Dutch Commissary-Opens a trade with the natives-Purchases land and erects Fort Christina-Kieft protests against him several times, but in vain-Minuit returns to Sweden, leaving a colony of twenty men behind-Swedish ship seized in Holland on her return from " the West Indies" -Is released-States General urge the permanent settlement of New Netherland -New articles and conditions proposed by the Amsterdam chamber-a " new pro- ject" also submitted by parties friendly to the Patroons-Patroons seek to enlarge their privileges, and to reserve the country for manors and lordships-States Gene- ral disapprove of both these plans-Proclamation opening the trade in New Netherland, and aholishing the monopoly hitherto enjoyed by the West India Com- pany 180
17
CONTENTS.
BOOK III.
FROM THE OPENING OF THE INDIAN TRADE TO THE END OF DIRECTOR KIEFT'S ADMINISTRATION. 1639-1647.
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CHAPTER I.
Consequences of the opening of the trade-Encouragement to emigration-English settlers in New Netherland obliged to take an oath of allegiance-Further encroach- ments of the English-Settle New Haven-Hartford people oppose the Dutch at Fort Good Hope-Controversy between the parties-Grant of Long Island to the Earl of Stirling-An agent appointed by that nobleman to settle that island-Fur- ther purchases by the Dutch thereupon-English cross over and commence settle- ments on the east end of Long Island-Additional grants hy the Dutch on the western extremity-Lupold removed from office-Cornelis van der Huygens ap- pointed schout-fiscaal-Other appointments-Renewal of the differences between the English and the Dutch on the Connecticut-Change of commissary at Fort Hope-The Norwalk Islands purchased by the Dutch-Additional purchases on Long Island-Earl Stirling's agent arrives at New Amsterdam-His pretensions disregarded-A party of English attempt a settlement west of Oyster Bay-Dutch expedition sent to prevent them-Prisoners taken and dismissed-Southampton and Southold commenced-English commence a settlement at Greenwich-Protested against-Proceedings in Holland regarding New Netherland-A new charter agreed upon by Assembly of the XIX .- Provisions thereof-Laid before the States General-Effects of opening the fur-trade on the Indians-Director Kieft deter- mines to impose a tribute on them-Indians discontented-Occurrences at Staten Island-Property belonging to the company stolen-Kieft enraged against the Ra- ritans-Sends an expedition against them-Attack-Result-Prices of sundry com- modities at New Amsterdam-Still erected on Staten Island-Brandy and other liquors manufactured Page 205
CHAPTER II.
Murder of one of the company's slaves by six other negroes-Lots drawn to determine which should be executed-Scene at the place of execution-Proclamations against Drunkenness, and regulating the currency-New Haven people intrude on the South River-Protested against-Renewal of the difficulties on the Connecticut- Collision between the Dutch and English there-Rev. Hugh Peters sent by Mas- sachusetts to England ; commissioned to proceed to Holland to settle the difficul- ties between Connecticut and New Netherland-Propositions submitted to the
3
18
CONTENTS.
West India Company by Governors Winthrop and Haynes-Several English fami- lies propose removing from Massachusetts to Long Island-Privileges granted to them-A new colonie planted behind Newark Bay-Staten Island granted to Melyn-Other settlements at Hoboken-Increased misunderstanding between the Indians and the Dutch-The latter set a price on the heads of the Raritans- Peace concluded between both parties-A Weckquaesqueeck Indian assassinates a Dutch settler to avenge the murder of his uncle, committed twenty years previ- ously-Kieft demands the murderer-His surrender refused-The murder justified -Meeting of the commonalty in consequence-Election of "the Twelve Men"- Their proceedings-Kieft displeased-Sends expeditious against the offending tribe, but effects nothing-The Twelve Men seek reforms in the government- Absolute power of the Director-general-Exercises legislative and judicial func- tions-Demands of the Twelve Men-Answers of the Director-general thereupon- Meeting of the Twelve Men forbidden on pain of corporal punishment-Expedition against the Weckquaesqueecks-Fails in discovering the enemy-Peace with these Indians .
Page 229
CHAPTER III.
Continued disagreements between the people of Hartford and the Dutch at Fort Good Hope-Kieft forbids all intercourse with the former-Greenwich comes un- der the jurisdiction of the Dutch-Progress of the English at the South River- Kieft determines to break up their settlements-Measures adopted with that view- Excitement at New Haven in consequence-Delegates from Hartford arrive at Fort Amsterdam to negotiate for the purcbase of Fort Hope-Terms proposed by the Dutch-Movement in England against New Netherland-Lord Say's repre- sentations to the Dutch ambassador at London-Several English families remove from Massachusetts to New Netherland-Westchester, or Vredeland, settled- Surveyor appointed-A fine stone tavern built in New Amsterdam-George Bax- ter appointed English secretary-Ruinous condition of the church at Manhattans -Measures taken for the erection of a new building-First consistory in New Amsterdam-Contract for the proposed building-Inscription in front of the church -Renewal of misunderstanding with the Indians-Miantonimo conspires against the whites-General alarm in consequence-Some Dutch traders rob an Indian, wbo murders two settlers in revenge-Endeavors of the Indian chiefs to make sat- isfaction for the murder-Fail-Mohawks make a descent on the River Indians- 'The latter fly for protection to the Dutch-Are hospitably entertained-Remove to Corlaers Hook and Pavonia-Kieft determines to attack them-Is opposed by the principal men at New Amsterdam-Kieft will not listen to their objections-The attack-Cruelties practised against the Indians-Settlers ou Long Island attack the Indians in their neighborhood-Eleven tribes proclaim war against the Dutch -All the Dutch settlements destroyed-Public discontents-Kieft endeavors to propitiate the Long Island Indians-The latter reject his ambassadors-A day of General Fast and Prayer ordered-Proposals to depose the Director-general-An attack made on his life-Disorders consequent thereupon-Arrival of a flag of truce from the Indians on Long Island-Ambassadors sent to invite them to Fort Am- sterdam-Speech of the Indian chief-Treaty of peace and cessation of hos- tilities 251
19
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
Union of the New England colonies-Congratulatory letters sent by Director and council of New Netherland-Reply of the governor of Massachusetts-Proceedings of the Commissioners of the United Colonies regarding the Dutch-Sir Edmund Ployden Earl-palatine of New Albion-Boundaries of the Palatinate-Continued dissatisfaction of the Indians-The Wappingers attack a Dutch boat and com- mence hostilities-Several other boats attacked and Christians killed-Meeting of the commonalty-Election of the Eight Men-Names of the citizens present on this occasion-Conclusions of the Eight Men-Expel one of the board, and nomi- nate another in his place-Army raised against the Indians-The latter attack some settlers on Staten Island and in the colonie at Achter Cul-Murder several persons, and overrun the country-Mrs. Hutchinson and family killed-Attack on Lady Moody-Further deliberations of the Eight Men-Prices at New Amsterdam -Lettere to the Assembly of the XIX. and to the States General-Rules for the soldiers on guard-State of affairs on the Island of Manhattans Page 279
CHAPTER V.
Offensive measures against the Indians-Expedition to Staten Island-Mayn Mayano slain-His head brought into New Amsterdam-Expedition to Greenwich-Fails in finding the Indians-Returns to Stamford-Collision between a Dutch soldier and Captain Patrick-Latter killed-Attack on an Indian settlement-Detach- ment return to the Manhattans-Expedition against the Weckquaesqueecks --- Ar- rive at the castles of that tribe, but find them abandoned-Pennawitz, chief of the Canarsee tribe, discovered assisting the enemy-Expedition to Schout's Bay on Long Island-Attacks on the Heemstede and Mespath Indians-Triumph of the Dutch-Consequent outrage on some prisoners-Underhill proceeds to Stamford- Expedition against the Indians of that quarter-Description of the Indian camp --- General attack thereupon-Important victory gained by the Dutch-Over five hundred savages slaughtered-Public thanksgiving at New Amsterdam therefor- Savages sue for peace-Treaties concluded between several of the river, and Long Island tribes and the Dutch-Proceedings of the States General on the petitions of the Eight Men-The West India Company unable to render any assistance- Their letter to the States-Two Spanish vessels taken and brought to New Am- sterdam-Low state of the colonial treasury-Kieft resolves to have recourse to taxation-Convokes the Eight Men-Submits his plan-The Eight Men object -- Kieft becomes irritated-Claims unlimited power-The Eight Men succumb-Ex- cise duties provisionally imposed-The Eight Men treated with disrespect by Di- rector Kieft-The Dutch expelled from Maranham, a province of Brazil-Fly to Curaçoa-Destitute condition of that island-Are sent to New Netherland-Arrive opportunely at Fort Amsterdam-Council resolve to continue the excise-The burghers oppose this arbitrary taxation-Prosecutions of the brewers-Persist in their refusal to pay the excise-Execution issued against them in consequence --- Public discontent becomes very high-Parties formed-Protests against the Direc- tor-general-Complaints against him sent to Holland, demanding his recall-Letter
20
CONTENTS.
of the Eight Men-Sad condition of the country-Strictures on Kieft's maladmin- istration Page 296
CHAPTER VI.
Colonie of Rensselaerswyck-First settlers sent out by the Patroon-His jurisdiction -System of law in the colonie-Local courts-First magistrates-Population- Tenures-Patroon's privileges Settlement of the Fuyck commenced-Beverswyck -Arrival of Adriaen van der Donck in the colonie, as Schout-fiscaal-First cler- gyman sent out-Agreement with him-Arrives with several other respectable settlers-A church erected-Its dimensions-Regulations concerning the Indian trade-Infractions thereof-Further regulations-Intrigues of Van der Donck- Threatened mutiny of the settlers -Return of the Mohawks from Canada-Are visited by Van Curler-Particulars of the interview with these tribes-Efforts to procure the release of a Jesuit and other French prisoners-Continued misunder- standing between Van der Douck and other local authorities-Van der Donck pro- poses to erect a colonie in Katskill-Orders from the Patroon forbidding this-Di- rects the dismissal of Van der Donck should he persist-The " Arms of Rensse- laerswyck" sent out with a valuable cargo of goods-Arrives at the Manhattans- Difficulties between the supercargo and the authorities at New Amsterdam-Ves- sel and cargo seized-Protests and replications-Occurrences at Rensselaer-stein- A vessel fired into while passing that place, because she refused to lower her colors and bring to-Excitement in consequence-Prosecutions entered into against the commander of the post-Further protests-Death of the first Patroon-Nicolaus Coorn appointed Schout-Fiscaal-Quarrel between Vau der Donck and Van Cur- ler-Departure of the former for the Manhattans-Severity of the winter-De- structive freshet, and visit of whales to Rensselaerswyck . 319
CHAPTER VII.
States General order an inquiry into the condition of New Netherland-Proceedings of the XIX .- Kieft recalled-Van Dinclage appointed, provisionally, in his place- Interesting report on the state of New Netherland-Recommendations contained therein-Proposed civil list-Modifications in the government, trade, &c .- Some Indian tribes desire a cessation of hostilities-Several of the Long Island tribes come in-Kieft concludes a peace at Fort Orange with the Mohawks and Mohe- gans-General peace between the aborigines and the Dutch-Low condition of the colony-Thanksgiving ordered-Additional purchases on Long Island-Orders re- ceived to explore the country for minerals-Proceedings in consequence-The ship by which specimens were sent to Holland, founders at sea, and all on board perish -Petrus Stuyvesant, Director at Curacoa, besieges the island of St. Martin-Is obliged to raise the siege-Receives a severe wound-Returns to Holland-Is ap- pointed Director-general of New Netherland-Submits a plan for the better man- agement of the company's transatlantic possessions-Further changes proposed regarding the colonial trade-Differences of opinion in the Assembly of the XIX .-- Departure of Stuyvesant postponed-New Netherland continues under the mis- management of Kieft 347
21
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIII.
Fruits of faction-Quarrel between the Rev. Mr. Bogardus and Director Kieft-Pro- gress of affairs at the South River-Sufferings of the first Swedish colonists-Re- solve to abandon the river and to remove to the Manhattans-Are prevented by the opportune arrival of additional supplies and settlers-Boundaries of New Sweden -Royal appropriations for its support-Printz appointed governor-His salary- Strength of the Swedish establishment on the Delaware-Its annual expense- Dutch force at Fort Nassan-Instructions to Printz-Swedish forts on the South River-Swedes seize the Indian trade-Loss accruing to the Dutch in consequence -Seizure of a Swedish vessel in Holland-Proceedings attendant thereupon- Hadde appointed commissary at Fort Nassan-Some Dutch merchants send a venture to the South River-Their vessels ordered off by the Swedes-Several Dutch freemen receive grants of land on the Delaware-Measures taken to ex- tinguish Indian titles-Company's arms erected on the spot-Swedes tear them down, and protest against the Dutch, who reply-High-handed measures of the Swedish governor-The Dutch traders appeal to New Amsterdam-Renewal of the controversy between Kieft and New Haven-Continued misunderstanding on - the Connecticut-Correspondence with the commissioners of the United Colonies -The Director-general refers the matters to Holland-Instructions from the West India Company-Patents for new colonies at Katskill and Yonckers-Breukelen obtains manorial rights and municipal privileges Page 362
CHAPTER IX.
Termination of Kieft's administration-General condition of the country-Slaves- Their lot under the Dutch-Population of New Netherland-Revenue-Causes of the backward state of the province-Advanced condition of New England-Re- flections-Settlements enumerated-Their government-Transfer of the municipal institutions of Holland to New Netherland-Errors of contemporary writers- Character of Director Kieft-Denies the right of appeal from his judgments- Harsh and tyrannical proceedings against the Rev. Mr. Donghty and Mr. Van Hardenbergh-General discontent-State of morals, religion, and education-Con- clusion . 384
APPENDIX
399
CONTENTS
OF
THE APPENDIX.
Page. A .- Charter to the Dutch West India Company, . 399 B .- Agreement between the Managers and Principal Adventurers of the West India Company, . 408 C .- Names of the Directors of the West India Company to the end of the year 1636, 411 D .- Capt. Mason's and Sir Ferdinando Gorges' Letters relative to the Dutch in New Netherland, 415
E .- Report, &c., on the Condition of New Netherland, anno 1644, . .
418
F .- Patent of Mespath, or Newtown, L. I., . 425 Ff .- Some Particulars of the Rev. Mr. Doughty, 427
G .- Account of Expenses incurred by Kiliaen van Rensselaer, as Patroon, anno 1630, 1631, 429
H .- Names of Settlers in Rensselaerswyck, from 1630 to 1646, . 433
I .- Legal Custom, &c., in the Colonie of Rensselaerswyck, 442
J .- Contract between the Rev. Johannes Megapolensis, Jr. and the Patroon of Rensselaerswyck ; Dismissal of the Rev. Mr. Megapolensis by the Classis of Amsterdam ; Patroon's consent that the Directors of West India Company should approve said dismissal, . 448
K .- Memorandum for Dominie Megapolensis, &c. ; Catalogue of Books for the Colonie of Rensselaerswyck, . 452
L .- Arendt van Curler's Letter to Patroon of Rensselaerswyck, anno 1643 . 456
M .- Insinnation, Protest, &c. on behalf of Patroon, anno 1643, 466 N .- Debit and Credit Account of the Estate belonging to the first Patroon in Holland, at his decease, . . 468
O .- Van Curler's Account of the Quarrel between himself and Van der Donck, and Minute referring the latter's claim to Holland, 469
P .- Tenths in Rensselaerswyck for 1642, 1643, 1644, 1645, 472
Q .- Two leases in Rensselaerswyck, 1646, 1647, 473
R .- Prices in Rensselaerswyck from 1630 to 1646, . 477
S .- Godyn's Notice of his intention to occupy the Bay of the South River, dated 19th June, 1629 ; and an Agreement, dated 7th Feb., 1635, between the Directors of the West India Company and Samuel Bloemmaert and others, for the conveyance to the former of the colonie of Zwanen- dael, 479
FAC-SIMILES OF THE SIGNATURES Of the three first Directors General, of the Dutch Clergymen and other principal men connected with the affairs of NEW NETHERLAND.
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Everhard Boglardons Esce. Manalat
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Johande Lact
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Harman Myrdans Sandy BouganA
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Felices Van Resus flex Patron Vardeformuvan Prins Sears Wick
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Jan Lampo fazant
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Johannes
Jan Lampo abater
BOOK I.
FROM THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA TO THE INCORPORATION OF THE DUTCH WEST INDIA COMPANY.
1492-1621.
CHAPTER I.
Discovery of America by Columbus-Jean and Sebastian Cabot visit the coast and claim the country for the King of England-Verrazzano enters the Bay of New York-Revolt of the Seven United Provinces from Spain-interrup- tion of Dutch commerce in consequence-The Dutch determine to compete with the Spaniards in the trade with India-Successive attempts to carry out that project-Willem Barentszoon and Jacoh Heemskirk try to find a north- ern passage to India and fail-Repeat the attempt, and are again unsuccess- ful-A third effort made-Heemskirk winters in Nova Zembla-Returns to Holland-Project of finding a passage to India by the North abandoned- Several Dutch merchants send expeditions to the West Indies-Vessels in the employ of the Greenland Company said to have visited New Netherland, and to have built forts on the North and South rivers there, for the purpose of shelter for the crew in winter-The Company of Foreign Countries formed in Holland-Send four ships to India by way of the Cape-Expedition success- ful-Other expeditions follow,-Dutch East India Company incorporated-A Dutch West India Company proposed-Plan therefor drawn up and published -Favorably received-Project interrupted by the truce with Spain-Dutch visit the River of Canada in search of furs-A private association in London resolve to look for a north passage to India-Dispatch a ship under command of Henry Hudson ; who makes two voyages to the north, but is unsuccess- ful-Hudson proceeds to Holland-Is patronised by the Dutch East India Company-Sails from Amsterdam, in the Half Moon, on a voyage in search of a northwest passage to China and India.
THE annals of the century succeeding the discovery of Co- BOOK lumbus are filled with accounts of voyages undertaken with a~ view to explore the New World ; some in quest of adventure ; 1492. some in search of mines of the precious metals ; some in search of a northwest passage to India : all in the hope of
4
26
HISTORY OF
BOOK securing for the projectors sudden and boundless wealth, or I. imperishable fame.
1497. Jean and Sebastian Cabot were among the earliest followers
of the celebrated Genoese. Under a commission from Henry the VII. of England, they sailed for the western continent, 1498. and sweeping along the extensive coasts of North America, claimed, on this pretence, for their sovereign, the entire ter- ritory which they occasionally saw at a distance.
Jean de Verrazzano, a Florentine, in the service of the 1524. French monarch, who succeeded Cabot in these seas, entered, as it is maintained, the bay of New York, in the spring of 1524, and gave, on his return, an account of his voyage to his royal master.1
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