USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. IV > Part 6
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We are surprised your Hon. amusing himself with pro- tests and contra protests against the common council on affairs of such little consequence as are a pew or a seat in the church, while we suppose that the church shall be large enough to accommodate every individual agreeably to his quality and that similar trifles do not deserve so much attention in such turbulent times.
We understood with great regret that the Mohawk In- dians (Maquas) made an incursion on the territory of France in Canada and taken with them 8 a 9 Christians as prisoners for whom no doubt they will demand a large ransom or they shall be cruelly tortured, which moves your compassion. This is indeed becoming a Christian -but we first ought to take care of our own household. Your Hon. knows how a few of this nation some time past have been delivered at the expenses of the Company and from the public money of which never a farthing was returned-so that we will suppose when these complaints shall be known in France that they shall take care of their own countrymen.
It is not yet in our power to comply with your request to send you a handsome quantity of small money to accom- modate the public and consider your second proposal no more practicable viz : to oblige the traders to pay the recog- nitions of 8 per cent in cash and well in small coin in New Netherlands as they leave nothing untried here to get rid of every burthen at least of the recognitions if not in the whole, therefore their largest part. They are encouraged in this by Wouter Van Twiller and his adherents who would persuade them, that more moderation in this point ere long is to be expected, as no person is longer inclined
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to employ his vessels in this trade or bring their merchan- dise in our magazines. We do not know in what these persons do trust but we are confident they shall be disap- pointed; and more so yet if said Van Twiller intends to monopolize the trade upon the North River, which we know to have been his aim a great while with his toll on Bears Island now called by them Rensselaer's Stein; but we have no intention to permit this, but that every one shall navigate this River unmolested and enjoy a free trade in our fort Orange which these colonists pretend to have been constructed on their territory. Who ever heard a more impertinent pretension? This example makes us averse to permit any one in future such an un- limited colonization and jurisdiction, but remain inclined to allow every individual so much ground as he is able to settle and cultivate, as we insinuated before.
[Vol. 4, p. 52-3.] We are importuned by Peter Gabin upon a draught drawn by your Hon. upon the company of about f500 (£83 6s. 8d.) to obtain payt. so too by Govert Lookemans, who married the widow of Dirck Cornelis Van Wensveen for an account, f861 9 8 which originates in delivered merchandise and wages-But as we are entirely uninformed of the first transaction and know no more about the accounts of Wensveen, and as we have observed in this and other similar accounts that in these are inserted monthly wages, Payments of laborers- Debts and credits of free persons which does not agree with the Records of the Wages on which all similar tran- sactions are set down, so we have declined to meddle with the liquidations of these accounts leaving it to your Hon. to settle with these and similar persons in the best manner you may find practicable-While your Hon. shall recollect, that here on the account of Dirk Cornelis Van Wensveen has been credited f 165 6 which was evidently placed on the records of wages upon another man's ac- count of which sum your Hon. shall take notice by a final settlement.
April 26, 1651. [Vol. 4, p. 59.] You will do well to act in conformity
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with our commands which we communicated in the letter to your Hon. as mentioned above and in one which we wrote to you and your second Dinclagen, as it is our wish to cultivate mutual harmony with the prosperity and increase of the inhabitants of New Netherland. Of all what since has passed in the negotiations and the arrival of the Ambassadours from England, so with re- gard to the termination of the Limits between our colonies as the mutual complaints can your Hon. receive a satisfactory information from Cornelis Van Tienhoven, who, is returning to New Netherland with a renewed commission of Secretary so that there is no necessity for us to enlarge more on this subject. Said Cornelis Van Thienhoven solicited us the privilege to purchase a farm situated in New Netherland and belonging to the com- pany, large about 30 or 33 acres, besides the hay land, a farm house of 50 by 20 feet, a hay loft, two mares and a horse and a Negro, all now in use by Thomas Hall whose lease was to expire next summer. But, as we do know nothing about the value of this farm, not even its situation much less if this purchase should be in pre- judice or advantage of the company we thought best to communicate the subject to you in the hope to receive from you a satisfactory account, that we may accommo- date said secretary, if possible, wherefore it shall be best not to enter in a further contract with Thomas Hall till you shall have received our answer upon your letter which shall be your guide. We have engaged here our first clerk Johannes Dyckman as Bookkeeper in New Netherland with a salary of j 30 in the month besides his boarding: We recommend him so that your Hon: when any opportunity to favor him may appear, may use it to his advantage, in a manner as may be justified with his merits and comportment.
We have resolved to promote the population of New Netherland and fix more permanently the navigation in that place, that you will exact 16 per cent from all wares and merchandises imported in English, Virginia or New England vessels to New Netherland and permit these to go from New Netherland thither without paying
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any recognition whatever, to put a stop to the practice of those who send their goods to New England to return these afterwards to New Netherland on a diminished recognition and prevent that the merchants, trading from here to New Netherland, are not longer prejudiced.
What respects the proposal in your last letter to increase the duties on merchandise exported from here with other wares to New Netherland to Virginia to lure the commerce from there this indeed is impracticable, because every department here may issue commissions to the English Virginias because it would be to their pre- judice and to the advantage of the Department of Am- sterdam for which they would decline to give their consent, wherefore your Hon. will conform himself to our order of exacting 16 per cent of all the merchandise imported from English Virginia and communicate in your next your opinion about its success.
26 April, 1651.
[Vol. 4, p. 61.] Honorable, Valiant, Trusty : We have . upon the proposal of secretary Cornelis Van Thienhoven as that he by your Hon. and Council not long before his departure was appointed in the place of Roelof De Haase, Receiver of the company's domains and revenues either from tithes, recognitions or otherwise, confirmed this ap- pointment for his long and faithful services till our fur- ther orders with the allowance of 23 per cent.
And as we know from experience that since a number of years no tythes have been paid from many Lands in New Netherland to which their owners were holden to the company by contract, and that they have been connived at and excused when we were involved in War by the insur- rection of the Indians, and as they now about six years have again been in peaceable possession of these for which they ought not to decline this payment, so that we expect that your Hon. may reflect on the best manner in which this revenue again may be exacted, avoiding in the beginning to create much cause of discontent, and inform us of his success by the first opportunity that we may
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take upon it a final resolution such as we may deem proper. In which confiding.
Honorable, Valiant, Trusty
recommending you in Gods Protection we Remain your Good Friends The Directors of the West Ind. Comp. Department of Amsterdam JOHAN LE THOR
Amsterdam 26 Apr. 1651.
ISAACK VAN BEECK.
Sir P. STUYVESANT Director &c.
[Vol. 4, p. 63.] The contentment which our last letters have given so to our Inhabitants as to the English induce us to continue our course in the same track. The copying of said letters causes us indeed some trouble but we will not shrink from this task because a few seditious persons have endeavored to persuade the inhabitants that these letters were not written by the Company but only by a few of the Directors present so that the good inhabitants may clearly discover the pernicious machinations of the sedi- tious persons. We do not have a shadow of doubt or it shall be in our power to crush their malicious attempts in the birth. The inhabitants will yet place a higher trust in our good intentions as soon as they are acquainted in what favorable manner we havedisposed on their requests ..
- They complain loudly that a fraudulent commerce is made by Individuals in. powder, lead and guns, we send you to prevent this dangerous enterprise, a printed proc- lamation to whose execution the unwearied exertions of the Attorney General are required.
What regard their complaints of the vexations of the Indians to which they are exposed through the instiga- tions of malicious persons who endeavor to persuade those savages, that we dare not punish their insolent bar- barity. It shall appear to them from the execution of the secret resolution with which your Hon. is intrusted that we can effect a league with our English Nabors to guaran- tee our mutual possessions to crush the bold attempts of these barbarous hordes -- proviso always-that no con-
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cessions are made to them of any preeminences which in your opinion might be rather perilous.
We consent to abolish the recognition on the imported Tobacco besides this we are actually soliciting our Go- vernment that from the new taxation of the tobacco, cul- tivated in New Netherland may be exempted, which must be of great advantage to the planters.
To the Director and Council of New Netherland.
[Vol. 4, p. 64.] We consent to show another favour to these plantations upon the proposal of the inhabitants that they may import in their own vessels so many Negroes as they may want to the cultivation of their fields on the conditions of our government of which we inclose a copy.
[Vol. 4, p. 66.] We have, to promote this end [getting reports ready] established a separate office for the affairs of New Netherland for which it is required that you send us by the first opportunity accurate Registers of all the Lands, farms, and houses which are rented in behalf of the company and upon what terms and conditions these have been rented. As we know that the Island of Man- hattan has been exclusively reserved to the company as is evident from the reservations and yet have reasons to suspect that some tracts on it have been granted to indi- viduals without our knowledge, so is it becoming that we should receive a full account of similar transactions; while it has the appearance that within a few years the population shall under God's blessing be considerably in- creased, so it becomes us to make in this view proper ar- rangements for it and provide that the land may be dis- tributed in a more equal manner as formerly has been the practice, when every one seemed to have followed the de- sire of his own heart and this without any previous know- ledge of the Directors or that of their ministers. The necessity of similar precautions in future becomes evi- dent from the conduct of Wouter Van Twiller, Olfert Gerritsen, Lubbert Van Dinklagen, Jacob Wobferts and others who purchased from the Indians considerable tracts without our knowledge or approbation which is insuffer-
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able and wherefore, it is our will that every one shall be warned by a proclamation to be on his guard not to pur- chase, or take possession of any lands whatsoever with- out knowledge and approbation of the company or its ministers-That further all similar purchases shall be annulled and rendered void with the reserve that a reim- bursement shall be made of the purchase money, actually paid and that the company may be reinvested in that pro- perty. It remains our intention nevertheless that every one shall be able to acquire so much land as he can settle and cultivate, provided he holds it from the company, but we are very averse to throw away these lands without distinction as too long has been the custom viz: with whole Islands, so as to Cornelis Melyn who settled a tract, long 8 miles with 5 or 6 souls and who consequently had forfeited his right and title to it long since -- wherefore it had been well that you had divested him of this property long since and entrusted with it such persons who would have been more punctual in fullfilling their agreement. It has now the appearance, that the Barons Henrik and Alexander Van de Capelle have negociated with this Pa- troon and purchased a part of the said Island without our knowledge or approbation. Besides this we have been informed by Baron Hendrick Van De Capellan that he purchased for his account the tract named Newensing and Raritans, situated behind Staten Island, which tracts knowing nothing of these transactions we had already en- gaged to Cornelis Van Werkenhoven who has embarked with a numerous family and suit, to take possession of it. As your Hon. will see from the commission which we have granted him. If this Nobleman do interest himself in the welfare of New Netherland and well in regard of the company, as we have reason to suppose, then he might be an instrument through which many persons might be al- lured to embark for that country nevertheless we could have wished that we had been excused of disposing of such a large tract in his favour as we do agree with you in opinion that it can not be very serviceable to the com- pany, but we could not disoblige this man, being a mem- ber of our Government and would avoid the appearance
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as if we were inclined to stop the course of the popula- tion. We experience in this respect the inconveniences of that licentiousness of which we before complained as the Baron pretends to have already and well one year and a half before this time been in possession of these lands, to which we can only answer that we had not received any knowledge at all so that they ought to agree upon it among themselves. These are the fruits when it is en- deavored to establish one government in another. If your Hon. had sent Dinklagen hither this incident might have been prevented. This might have been perfected with reason and decency as he did resign his office without having answered the trust reposed in him for which he could not make a pretention to any wages due to him. It is to be presumed that he was resolved since 1650 to leave the company in the lurch when he was pressing your Hon. with such an importunity to pay him his salary in full, with which however he was not satisfied but stirred the soldiers to mutiny. We have already connived too long at the impertinent behaviour of some turbulent individu- als to make them ashamed by our benevolence and dis- cretion but perceiving at last that all our condescension does not avail so must we take our refuge to God -- to na- ture and the Law, for which we command you whenever you might discover some clandestine associations, conven- ticles or machinations against the Government of our re- public or company that you will proceed against such malignant persons according to the rigour of the Laws and their own demerits with this precaution that it is by no means our intention that any one should obtain rea- sons to complain that he was injured by private malice which is far from us. Although we plainly perceive that many skulk under this cloak and we may discover their
malice under this Garb yet we have resolved upon your 1 proposal to stop the slandering mouth, to agree that you shall establish a court [of Justice] ? similar to that which exists in this city for which we send you printed copies of all the Courts of Judicature and Magistracy. We sup- pose it shall at first answer every purpose to elect a sher- iff two Burgomasters and five Schepens, so that all judg-
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ments may be carried in appeal to the Supreme Court of Judicature to obtain a definitive judgment. Every atten- tion is to be paid in the Election of these magistrates so that honest and respectable persons which we hope that may be found among the Citizens may be chosen. It is our earnest desire that as much as possible the preference shall be given to Individuals of this Nation which in our opinion shall be gratifying to the people at large. We give our consent above all this that one public school may be established for which one school master would be suf- ficient and he might be engaged at f 250 annually. We recommend you Jan De La Montagne whom we have provisionally favored with the Appointment. Your Hon. may appropriate the City Tavern for this pur- pose, if this is practicable. We do not see in what manner or by what means we shall be able to stop the abuse of which you complain if the Attorney General will not acquit himself of his duty, and we fear that you have erred in raising the value of the money 25 per cent., to bring by these means some more cash in the country. It shall soon become evident what fruits may be expected from this resolution. It has been observed by experience. that the raising of the value of money was followed by the ruin of the country and its inhabitants, wherefore we deem it a perilous experiment, and had rather seen that our opinion had been asked before such a plan had been adopted.
[Vol. 4, p. 72.] We can conquer our surprise at the insolence and boldness of Barent Van Schlegtenhorst, who has dared to expel few individuals from their Gar- den spots which they cultivated, in the vicinity of Fort Orange, upon which we will say nothing else, as that it is our firm resolution to maintain our Jurisdiction in the neighborhood of this Fort, by all means within gunshot ; and if he has injured any citizen, or destroyed any of their possessions within these limits, to compel him to give such a one satisfaction and compensation, in what- ever manner the damages should have been done. It · seems to us that the Colonists of Rensselaerwyck here,
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have agreed mutually upon their disputes, and it is pre- sumptive that they will send another Director thither, although we are in doubt if it will be in their power to disengage themselves from Van Schleghtenhorst, more so as it is said that he claims from the Colonists between f 14 a. f 15,000; but we cannot say what is the truth.
Wouter Van Twiller has renewed his claims to settle his accounts originating from victuals delivered at the different Forts. We could not fall with regard to him on a better expedient, as to declare him that we would send you orders to liquidate with his assignees, on the hope that when they shall account for the tithes of that Colo- ny, they will be obliged to pay us some balance.
[Vol. 4, p. 73.] Your journey to the South River and what has passed there between you and the Swedes, was to us very unexpected, as you did not give us before so much as a hint of this your intention. God give that these your intentions be crowned with success. We can- not give our opinion upon it before we have heard the complaints of the Swedish Governour to his Queen, and ascertained how at her court these have been received. We hope that our arguments to prove that we were the first possessors of that country shall be acknowledged sufficient. But it is in our opinion nearly impracticable to enter here with the Swedes in negotiations upon the limits much less to arrive at a final conclusion. We will not enter in a discussion, if the demolition of Fort Nassau u was an act of prudence, as no one could institute any claim upon it even if the Swedes made a show of pre- tense. Time shall instruct us of the design of the New Built Fort Casimir. We are at a loss to conjecture for what reason it has received this name. You ought to be on your guard that it is well secured, so that it cannot be surprised. We cannot determine if it is required to erect any fortifications on the East side opposite this Fort, and must leave this to your discretion. But on this point we deem it necessary to warn you to pay a continued atten- tion that no Fortifications on any of the isles in the neighbourhood of the Manhattans are erected from per- [ Annals iv.] 8
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sons who have dared to instigate the savages against us. We declare that you will inquire in this affair with a sedulous attention, and in case you might discover the truth, to prosecute similar persons with that rigour which their demerits deserve; but recommend again to make use of all prudent discretion, that your procedures may be laid open before the whole world.
We have objections against the provisional agreement with the English about our limits. In the instructions of our embassadors to England is recommended to them to negotiate, and if possible to agree with that Government about our limits; but the situation of affairs between England and our Government bears yet a very unfavora- ble aspect. God grant that extremities may be avoided.
[Vol. 4, p. 75.] At your zealous solicitations to be favored with another clergyman who could preach in Eng- lish as well as in Dutch, we left nothing untried to gratify . you, till, as if the Lord had guided his steps, the Rev. Sam. Driess adressed himself. He is single; about 40 years of age, who left England to avoid its present tur- bulent state. He is recommended as a pious man and a man of talents, able to preach in both languages, viz : Dutch and English-and if necessity did require it, in French too. He is said to be a man of peaceable man- ners and agreeable conversation, so that we cannot doubt, or the society shall reap a great deal of contentment from this vocation, as we may expect that he shall be a pow- erfull instrument to proclaim the holy word of God-to make his glory known, and assist that worthy old ser- vant, the Rev. Megapolensis.
We have allowed him f 100 per month, and f 250 for his boarding; and as he is single it did strike us that it might perhaps be acceptable to all, if he could agree for his boarding with Mr. John La Montagne. We do not however press this point as the proposal originated by us from pure affection.
[Vol. 4, p. 83.] Now is it however, that although we did flatter ourselves with the hope that some arrangement
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might have been made with our Government and the Re- publick of England, we have been disappointed in it, as this Republick-all our honorable and just proposals not- withstanding, has not hesitated while our Embassadors were yet there, to arrest all our vessels, without paying any regard from what place these might arrive-to take the Crews from others, who, ignorant of the present state of affairs had entered their harbours-to arrest these vessels to our great loss, not permitting the departure of one single vessel; not even the Men-of-War arrived from the Brazils, so that when the Embassadors of our Repub- lick complained to the Parliament in vain, of these griefs and received empty words in lieu of redress; these have been recalled and are actually returned home. It appears to us from the formidable equipments and preparations, principally so by our Government, that war soon shall be declared; more so as our Admiral Tromp has been sent about the North with about a hundred sails, while the British Admiral, Blake, was steering the same course. May it please the Almighty to bless us with a happy event, and crush the Brittish pride.
This unexpected Rupture, which we had not courted, induced many merchants trading on New Netherland to solicit us that we would send an advice boat to your Hon., so that you and the Colonists there might be in- formed of this state of affairs. We have considered this plan and agreed with them that they should freight and dispatch a swift sailing Galiot, provided they should be indemnified for this voyage from the freight and the re- cognitions of the merchandise charged in this vessel -- so too of those which shall be paid on its return, every one in proportion to his shares in this enterprise.
Although we doubt not or you shall have agreed about the limits with those of New England in conformity to our intentions, or entered with them in a more close 1 Union and harmonious compact as once before, so that we may have nothing to fear from New England. We considered it nevertheless an imperious duty to recom- mend you to arm and discipline all free men, soldiers and saylors-to appoint the officers and rendezvous to sup-
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