USA > Pennsylvania > Annals of Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware > Part 19
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Unauthenti- cated papers sent.
" Among the documents joined to said letter of Peter Stuyvesant, July 27, are certain certificates and affidavits relative to the scandalous surrender of the company's fort on South River, which are deficient in a principal requisite, as they ought to have been taken under oath, and recorded, without which they can never have any value in a court of justice." They then order verified copies to be sent. Some soldiers go by this vessel.3
Nov. 26. The Golden Shark loaned for the West India trade.
What further proceedings succeeded the answer of the go- vernor to Captain Elswyck's protest, the documents do not show, but the following record would lead to the inference that the Dutch had not given up the vessel, as it is mentioned that " the Golden Shark is loaned by director and council to the associates for four or six months, for the West India trade." She appears to have been prepared by director- general and council.4
1 Albany Records, vol. iv. 157-159. 2 Ibid. p. 166.
3 Ibid. p. 168.
4 Ibid. vol. ix. p. 236.
171
1654.
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
Another meeting of the general court was held, for the purpose of receiving a report from the committee appointed -
on the 2d instant, whose transactions will appear from the following minute.
" At a general court held for New Haven, 27th November, Nov. 27. 1654, the committee which was appointed the last court, about Report of Delaware Bay, acquainted the town that they had desired committee appointed last court on Delaware. Some willing this meeting, that they might inform them what they had done in that trust committed to them. They had spoken with sundry persons in the town, but that not answering expecta- to help. The tion, they got a meeting of the brethren and neighbours, and governor, magistrates, and elders solicited. for the most part they were willing to help forward the work, some in person, others in estate, so the work might be carried on, and foundations laid, according to God, and at that meet- ing they desired that the governor, and one of the magis- trates, with one or both the elders, might by their persons help forward that work, whereupon they had a church meet- ing, and propounded their desire. The elders declared they were willing to further the work, and were glad it was in hand, but Mr. Davenport said, in reference to his health, he Mr. Daven- saw not his way clear to engage in it in person, nor Mr. port declines on account of health. Mr.Hooke on account of his wife's ab- sence. Hooke, because. his wife is gone for England, and he knowing not how God will dispose of her. The governor gave no positive answer, but said it was worthy of consideration. They further informed that some from other plantations see Prospect of a need of the work, and are willing to engage in it, and the aid from other planta- rather if it be begun by New Haven, and foundation laid as tions. here, and government so carried on, thinking it will be for the good of them and their posterity.
" They also declared that they had treated with the pro- Purchase of prietaries about the purchase of the lands, and understand lands. Money ex- that they are out about £600, but are willing to take £300, pended for to be paid in four years, that is, £100 at two years, and them. another at three years, and the last at four years' end, which they accepted of, if a suitable company appeared this spring to plant it.
" After these things, sundry debates passed about it, and Discussion divers declared themselves willing to go, if they might see some appear as leaders to them, for settling and carrying on civil affairs there ; and in the issue it was propounded to Mr.
about lead- ers. Messrs. Eaton and Newman re- quested to Samuel Eaton and Mr. Francis Newman, two magistrates in go. They this jurisdiction, to go along with them, who, after some
consider up- on it.
e
172
JOHN RYSINGH, GOVERNOR OF THE SWEDES.
1654.
persuasions, were willing to take the matter into consi- deration."1
About this time, extensive negotiations were progressing, relative to the boundaries of New Netherlands, between the English and the Dutch. We find the following minute and resolution of the States of Holland, December 4.
December 4. Negotiations between the Dutch and English, on the subject of limits.
" Received a letter from the Dutch ambassador, at London, dated Westminster, 27th November, with an extensive report concerning their negotiations about the limits between the subjects of this republic and the English subjects in New Netherland. Resolved, to advise, at the assembly of the States-General, to send a copy of the aforesaid letter to the presidential chamber of the West India Company, in order to give, with the utmost speed, their considerations and ad- vice, as well as full information on all the points mentioned in the same letter."2
The answers of the gentlemen to whom the proposition was made, at the last meeting of the court, to act as leaders in the contemplated expedition, may be learned from the following proceedings.
Dec. 11.
Another meeting of court, to re- ceive the answers of Eaton and Newman. Both willing, under cir- cumstances.
" At a general court for New Haven, December 11, 1654, the committee appointed about Delaware Bay acquainted the town that they desired this meeting, that the town may re- ceive the answer of Mr. Eaton and Mr. Newman, in the matter propounded to them the last court. Mr. Eaton gave answer, that it is necessary there be some leader in such a work, but for his part, this jurisdiction having an interest in him, which he must have respect to, but if it appears that God call him thereunto, he shall be willing. Francis New- man assented to what Mr. Eaton said, and declared, that if a meet number appear, for quantity and quality, that the work of Christ may go on in church and commonwealth, founda- tions laid, and things carried on as here, and that in conve- nient time this next spring, at furthest, though he has sundry objections in respect of himself, and private occasions, yet he is so far willing to further the work, as he would not, by his withdrawing, hinder it."3
Dec. 23.
The following decree is passed by Charles Gustavus, in
1 New Haven Records, p. 160, 161.
2 Miller, MSS. before referred to. See also Brodhead's Address, p. 35, and O'Call. vol. ii. p. 279, and Holl. Doc. vol. vii.
3 New Haven Records, p. 161.
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
relation to tobacco. By an ordinance of last year, it was 1654. judged proper " to suppress and abolish the privileges granted to a certain company for the monopoly of that commerce," " in consequence of the divers complaints and inconveniences Exclusive which have resulted therefrom, and particularly as the tobacco, considered in itself, is a merchandise which is necessary to the comfort of no one, and for which each one ought to re- press and restrain his unaccountable taste; and as we have stored. just reason to stop and forbid, rather than permit and facili- tate the commerce and importation of tobacco, yet a deep- nalty, on rooted custom having so far spread itself, that in our kingdom tion of ordi- contraven- the people very generally purchase and make use of the to- nance. bacco, it has appeared to us to be dangerous to suppress and forbid entirely the importation of the same, but we have rather desired to devise means by which to render the com- merce in it to contribute to the public good. In consequence of these reasons, the exclusive privilege is granted to the company of America, under certain conditions, hoping that by this means, not only New Sweden will be able to support itself and prosper, but also that our nation will have greater opportunity and facility for accustoming itself to the naviga- tion and commerce of America, and that it will endeavour to improve itself in the same." No one, under any pretext, shall « dare, or have the power or permission to bring in, or cause to be brought into the kingdom, or the Grand Duchy of Finland, Carelie, Kirgersmary, Gottland, Holland, and Jempst- land, any portion of tobacco, secretly or openly, either to sell or for his own use." "Any person contravening, by importing from the smallest quantity up to 20 pounds, for the first offence, shall lose all, and pay 40 marks of silver; for the second, 80 marks, and for the third, double, and so on for every offence ; for over 20 pounds, for every pound, a fine of 20 runsticks of silver, and confiscation of the tobacco." All officers to prevent infractions.1
Andreas Hudde, late commandant of Fort Nassau, applies A. Hudde to director-general and council to be appointed schoolmaster. It is referred to the minister and consistory.2
Governor Stuyvesant sails from Manhattan to Barbadoes, to make some arrangements for trade.3 It afterwards appears he did not inform the company of his intention.
1 MSS. A. P. S., Reg. Penns. vol. v. p. 15.
2 Albany Records, vol. ix. p. 309. Acrel. 413. 3 O'Call. vol. ii. p. 276.
173
privilege to import to- bacco by company of America, re-
Curious rea- sons for pe-
wishes to be a school- master. Dec. 25. Stuyvesant sails for West Indies.
P2
e
174
JOHN RYSINGH, GOVERNOR OF THE SWEDES.
1654.
The Swedish government, calculating upon their continu- ance in power on the Delaware, made the following estimates of expenses for New Sweden, for the following year, 1655: December. Estimate of officers and their pay, in one commandant, at 75 silver dollars per month ; one cap- tain, 36; one lieutenant, 24; one ensign, 18; one sergeant- major, 15; three gunners, 8, each of whom is to have charge New Sweden, of the magazine in his redoubt ; one corporal, 9; one drum- for 1655. mer, 7}; thirty-six soldiers, at 4; one provost, 9; one exe- cutioner, 6 ; three priests, 10; one superior commissary, who shall also be book-keeper, 20; one fiscal, who is also to be adjutant to the commander, 12; one barber, (surgeon ?) 15; one engineer, who is also secretary, 12; one sub-commissary, placed at the River Hornkill, 12; total, 550} per month, 6606 per annum, dollars of silver, or 4404 rix dollars.1
1655.
The subject of settling on the Delaware again claimed the attention of the people of New Haven.
January 30. Petition of company in- tending to go to Dela- ware for aid.
" At a general court held at New Haven, for the jurisdic- tion, 30th January, 1655, a petition was presented by Thomas Munson and John Cooper, of New Haven, on behalf of a company of persons intending to remove to Delaware Bay, wherein they propound, that for the enlargement of the kingdom of Christ, the forwarding of the gospel, and the good of posterity therein, that they may live under the wings of Christ, they would afford some encouragement, to help forward so public a work.
Ask for two magistrates to go with them.
"1. That two magistrates, Mr. Samuel Eaton, and Mr. Francis Newman, may have liberty from this court to go in person at first, and in case they see not themselves called to lay out so much of their estate as is like to be disbursed in such an undertaking, that then it would please the court, that out of the jurisdiction they may be honourably provided for, as men that are willing to lay themselves out for the public good.
tection of the juris- diction, till they can es- tablish themselves.
" 2. In case that there be an undertaking, then that they Ask the pro- may at first go under the protection of this jurisdiction, and that in case of any affront, the jurisdiction will engage to assist, till, by the blessing of God, they may be able of themselves to set up a commonwealth, according to the fun- damental form of government laid at New Haven.
1 MSS. A. P. S., Reg. Penns. vol. v. p. 15.
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
"3. That seeing our numbers are yet small, about or be- tween 50 and 60, we desire the court to consider what number they think may be a competent number, that we may secure God's providence, and yet not let the work fall for want of too great a number.
175
1655.
"4. That two great guns and powder, and what belongs to Want guns them, might be granted.
and powder.
"5. Seeing that most that have purposes to go, do only Those who for public respects undertake, and not for any need at pre- go ask ex- emption sent, and that they do leave their houses and lands without from taxes that improvement that they themselves did make, they desire that for some time, as the court shall think meet, they may be freed from rates and public charges.
"6. Seeing that they whose hearts God stirs up to under- Ask money take at first, are men, for the general, of no great estate, to be raised to buy a and some cannot go without help, we desire that a sum of small vessel. money may be raised in this jurisdiction, which may be em- ployed either to buy a small vessel that may attend their service, or otherwise, as shall be thought meet. Now that which occasions this last, is not only the sense of their great expense and charge at first, and the present need that some have now, but also we have heard from sundries, that gene- rally men are willing to help on the work, either by persons or estates. Thus begging pardon for our boldness, and hum- bly desire to submit all their consultations unto the direction of the God of wisdom, and so remain yours to be com- manded, JOHN COOPER, THOMAS MUNSON,
"In behalf of the rest."
To which the court returned :
" That having read and considered a paper of some pro- The court positions presented by Thomas Munson and John Cooper, of New Haven, in the name and behalf of sundry persons of this jurisdiction and elsewhere, appearing as undertakers for the first planting of Delaware, in order to the public good of this jurisdiction, and the enlargement and further advance- ment of the kingdom of Christ in these parts, do return in answer as followeth :
"1. That they are willing so far to deny themselves for Allow the the furtherance of that work, in order to the end propounded, as to grant liberty to one or both of those magistrates men- others as tioned to go along with them, who, with such other fit per- sons as the court shall see meet to join with them, may be
replies to the petition.
magistrates, with such
they see fit.
while absent.
176
JOHN RYSINGH, GOVERNOR OF THE SWEDES.
1655. empowered, for managing of all matters of civil government there, according to such commission as shall be given them by this court.
ment, if the settlement increases. The gover- nor may be alternately at New Ha- ven and De- laware.
"2. That they will either take the propriety of all the Will provide purchased lands into their own hands, or grant it to such as for the pre- sent and fu- shall undertake the planting of it, provided that it be and ture govern- remain a part or member of this jurisdiction. And for their encouragement, they purpose, when God shall so enlarge the English plantations in Delaware, as that they shall grow the greater part of the jurisdiction, that then due consideration shall be taken for their ease and conveniency of both parts, as that the governor may be one year in one part and the next year in another, and the next court for making laws may be ordinarily but once a year, and where the governor resides ; and if God much increase plantations in Delaware, and diminish them in these parts, then possibly they may see cause that the governor may be constantly there, and the deputy governor here, but that the lesser part of the juris- diction be promoted and eased by the greater part, both in rates and otherwise, which they consider will be both accept- able to God, and (as appeareth by the conclusion of the commissioners, anno 1651) most satisfying to the rest of the United Colonies.
Will consult the other plantations about en- courage- ment.
"3. That for the matter of charge propounded for en- couragement to be given or lent, to help on their first begin- ning, they will propound the thing to the several particular plantations, and promote the business for procuring some- thing that way, and shall return their answer with all con- venient speed."1
It appears that a Mr. John Cooper2 had been to Delaware, and returned to New Haven. In order to afford him an op- portunity of imparting the information he possessed, as well as to take further necessary measures, a special meeting of the court was called. Of their proceedings we have the fol- lowing minute :
March 16.
" At a general court for New Haven, 16th of March, 1655, the town was informed that the occasion of this meeting is to let them understand how things are at present concerning Delaware, now John Cooper is returned, he finding little en-
1 New Haven Records, pp. 83-85.
2 May not the above John Cooper be an ancestor of the present extensive Jersey family of that name ?
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PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
couragement in the bay, few being willing to engage in at present, and therefore they may consider whether to carry it on themselves, or to let it fall. Mr. Goodyear said, notwith- standing the discouragements from the bay, if a considerable A person re company appear that will go, he will adventure his person and estate to go with them in that design, but a report of three ships being come to the Swedes seems to make the business more difficult. After much debate about it, it was voted by the town, in this case, that they will be at twenty or thirty pounds charge, that Mr. Goodyear, Sergeant Jeffery, Arrival of and such others as they think fit to take with them, may go to Delaware, and carry the commonwealth letter, and treat Delaware. with the Swedes about a favourable settlement of the English upon their own right, and then, after harvest, if things be cleared, the company may resort thither for the planting of it."1
This is the only account we recollect to have seen of the arrival of the Swedish vessels. If correct, they probably arrived after the vessel in which Rysingh came : it will be of the Swe- recollected he speaks of a considerable increase, in a few months after his arrival.
Several persons having expressed a willingness to proceed April 9. to Delaware, another meeting of the court is held, on the 9th of April.
" At a general court for New Haven, 9th April, 1655, the Several pro- town was informed, that the occasion of this meeting is about Delaware Bay; there being several who have purposed to go, but they conceive they want both number of men and estate to carry it on : now if any be willing to further it in person or estate, they may do well to declare it, it having been first made known to them that, though they may go free, and not engage to be a part of this jurisdiction, yet they, and all such as come after, must engage to go upon the same foundations of government as were at first laid at New Haven, which were now read unto them, and though some objections were made, yet, notwithstanding, the business proceeded, and divers declared themselves willing to further it, as appeared by a note in their secretary's hand.
" And for their further encouragement, the town granted, if any go, and leave none in their families fit to watch, their wives shall not be put upon the trouble and charge to hire a watchman, the persons only which are present being to carry
177
1655.
turns from Delaware. Reports dis- couragingly. Some willing to go not- withstand- ing.
three Swe- dish ships at
Town votes £20 or £30. Send letter to the Swedes. Respecting the arrival
dish vessels.
posing to go to Delaware. Court ex- pects them to be under jurisdiction of New Ha- ven.
Watchmen shall be pro- vided for their fami- lies in their absence.
1 New Haven Records, p. 165.
23
178
JOHN RYSINGH, GOVERNOR OF THE SWEDES.
1655.
Town will lend 2 guns, shot and powder.
Their houses and lands to be free from taxes for a time.
After two years and a half, must pay usual rates.
on that service. They also further agreed to lend the com- pany the two small guns which are the town's, or else one of them and one of the bigger, if they can procure leave of the jurisdiction for it, with at least half a hundred of shot for that bigger gun, if they have it, a meet proportion of musket bullets, according to what the town has, and also a barrel of that powder which the town bought of Mr. Evans; and con- cerning their houses and lands which they leave, what of them lying unimproved shall be free from all rates, one year and a half from the time they leave them, paying as now they do for what they improve ; then they shall have one year's time more, that they shall pay but one penny an acre for fenced lands and meadow, as they do at present. But if they dis- pose not of them when that two years and a half term is out, they must pay for their lands after the old way of rating, viz. four pennies and two pennies an acre, while they keep it in their hands."1
April 26.
The West In- dia Company approve of the arrest the Golden Shark. How the Swedes are
Stuyvesant's proceedings in the detention of the Swedish ship, were approved in Holland, for in a letter of this date from the West India Company to the director-general, they say, " we approve of your prudence in arresting the Swedish vessel, with its cargo, while we, in our last to the director, have declared our mind in what manner the Swedes on the South River ought to be treated, however, we cannot omit to to be treated. inform you, that we, in our deliberations upon, and examina- Defective ti- tle-papers. tion of the claims of the company in the South River, dis- covered that the transmitted copies of the documents were not only insignificant, but in places unintelligible, and prin- cipally the documents between the Director Stuyvesant and the Swedish governor, in 1650." Then referring to the call made by the English to see our documents, viz. letters-patent and deeds of the land purchased by the company, with the provisional contract between us at Hartford, in 1650, they say, " but to our great surprise, none of these documents have been received by us."2
Ship of 36 guns almost ready to sail for South River.
In reference to the proposed expedition against the Swedes, after alluding again to the instructions given to Stuyvesant, (who at this time had gone to Barbadoes, without notice to the directors, till his letter from there in January,) in regard to the treatment of them, they inform him that they " have hired from the burgomasters one of the largest and best ves- 1 New Haven Records, pp. 166, 167. 2 Albany Records, vol. iv. p. 177.
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
179
sels, the Vigilance, of 36 guns, which is now preparing to 1655. sail in twelve or fourteen days; as soon as she shall have arrived, you are commanded and authorized to undertake this expedition with all possible despatch and prudence, even Expedition if the director shall not be returned from his voyage. You to be com- menced. may open this letter and act conformably ; keep secret. We are informed the Swedes are making immense preparations in Sweden to second their countrymen on the South River."1
Further instructions are given by the West India Company May 26. to Stuyvesant, on the treatment of the Swedes, and the ex- Further in- pedition. "We informed you in our last general, and now here enclosed letter, in a manner sufficiently plain and intel- ligible, as we presume, what our opinion and intentions were with regard to the Swedes on South River; which warning or order we now renew, with this further explanation, which we have adopted after mature elucidation, that after your exploit shall have been successfully executed, you permit them to hold the land on which Fort Christina is built, with a garden to cultivate the tobacco, because it appears that they made this purchase with the previous knowledge of the company, pro- vided said Swedes will conduct themselves as good subjects of our government and company, of which we inform you, that you may act accordingly, while we, before we leave this point, must recommend you once more, in the most serious manner, to make the utmost speed, after the arrival of the Urge de- man-of-war, with this exploit, while we cannot doubt your honour has already made all the necessary preparations, as we had informed you of our intentions, by the Bompteka."
structions about the Swedes. Fort Chris- tina to be given them, if expedition is successful.
spatch in the expedition.
They allude to instructions sent on the same subject, in a May 28. private letter, supposing Stuyvesant still absent.2
Governor Stuyvesant having returned from Barbadoes, August 16. though probably before he could have received the foregoing instructions from Amsterdam, sets himself to work, and makes various preparations for the intended expedition against expedition. Fort Casimir, alias Trinity. The first measure that we have noticed was a proclamation for "a general fast, thank, and prayer day, on the 25th August," which says, "but which is the chief object on this solemn humiliation and thanksgiving, is to implore the only bountiful God, that it may please him to bless the projected expedition, only undertaken for the greater security, and extension, and consolidation of this pro-
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