USA > Pennsylvania > Annals of Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware > Part 26
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From a letter of this date, from Alricks to Stuyvesant, August 10. some particulars are learned respecting A. Hudde, who had Second mar- been for several years connected with the affairs of the Dutch company. It appears " he unexpectedly married dejection again, and regained his former confidence. He had been be- and employ- ment. Ap- ricks in his fore somewhat dejected and low spirited, that others were peal of Al- joined with him in the same commission, and seemed appre- behalf. hensive that cre long he might be set aside, as here was re- ceived a schedule that he was not much longer to be respected, and that every thing was referred to the sergeant and clerk ; on which occasion, and at his earnest request, I recommended to your honour his petition for his dismission; but as he is an old servant of the company, residing here, whom, when dis-
1 Albany Records, vol. xv. Ibid. p. 218.
2 Ibid. p. 202.
3 Ibid. p. 216.
4 Ibid. p. 220.
1657.
pears before council.
fore court. Makes a charge; is called on for a copy of it.
riage of Hudde. His
238
J. ALRICKS, COMMANDER OF NEW AMSTEL.
1657.
charged from the company's service, in the same quality as he was before provisionally, on the same wages, board, and in the same quality, engaged in the service of the city, pro- vided he would act at the same time as under-sheriff, on the fees which in that office he may recover, without any other charge on my principals, till otherwise should be disposed of it by our lords and masters."1
August 10.
Murder of L. Hansen by a savage. Some arti- cles stolen were reco- vered.
J. Alricks further speaks of Laurens Hansen, " captain des armes, from Christina, now Altona," who went with Alexander Boyer " on a trading expedition for their princi- pals," to the Minquas, in consequence of permission granted, and was " murdered by a savage, and robbed of some seawan, and a few other articles which he had with him." A short time afterwards, "a Minquas savage, who ruled as a chief in the next fort from here, in the country of the Minquas, came with other savages in our colony, bringing with him some of the seawan, and some other articles taken from the savage who perpetrated the deed." This seawan was " sealed up before witnesses, and consigned to Hudde, ad opus jus ha- bendum," in order to obtain time to give notice to the director, as it belonged to Hansen, one of the garrison of Fort Altona. He requests the director to inform him how to dispose of it.2
August 21. Arrival of the Balance and a yacht.
The "Balance," with galliot " New Amstel," arrived safely, though the former was in great danger near Cape Henlopen, where she experienced several very severe shocks, so that the crew became greatly alarmed. She is to go to New Nether- land. Fifty to sixty lasts of clapboards are ready for her.3
Number of houses and improve- ments in New Amstel.
"Every preparation was made to render the settlement both orderly and secure; lots were conceded to the colonists, a magazine erected, the fort repaired, a guard-house, bake- house, and forge built, together with residences for the clergy- man, and other public officers, a city hall for the burghers, a building or log-house, two stories high and 20 feet square; a square enclosed the public buildings. At the end of the first year, New Amstel was a goodly town of about 100 houses.4
Mode of go- vernment in New Amstel.
Alricks, in one of his letters, thus speaks of the govern- ment of New Amstel, before and after his arrival : " I found the government to consist of a military council over the sol-
1 Albany Records, vol. xii. p. 424-425. 2 Ibid.
3 Ibid. vol. iv. pp. 237, 247; vol. xii. pp. 405-411, 419, 448, 449; vol. xv. p. 124.
4 Holl. Doc. vol. xv. pp. 12, 213, 225, 227-231, 233, 252 ; vol. xvi. pp. 196, 200; from O'Call. vol. ii. p. 337.
239
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
diers, who were here of old. The differences between the old settlers, who consisted of about twelve or thirteen families, were decided by the commander and two persons acting as schepens, and a secretary appointed from among the inhabit- ants, by the general, on the part of the West India Company. These expressed a desire, now that the place had changed hands, that a burgher-like government should be continued, according to the conditions, as it was under the director- general and the West India Company ; so it was, and they continued to decide all differences between burgher and burgher. All affairs appertaining to the city and military matters were disposed of by me and the council, and differ- ences between the city's servants, soldiers, trainsbands and freemen, until the arrival of the Balance, (this day,) when seven city councillors were elected, and from them three new schepens were chosen ; another secretary and schout were also appointed, two elders and two deacons, for the management of church affairs."1
Salt-works are referred to, at which ships stop and take in Sept. 16. the rest of their lading. The " Weigh-scales" may take 150 vats. Vessels may reach there in a day from New Amstel.
Bricks or stones for chimneys are wanted; they appear to have been made at, and brought from Fort Orange. Captain De Raet sailed this night upwards to the Schuylkill.2
Complaints are made against Alricks, for using the com- Sept. 15. pany's oxen and negroes.
Alricks com- plained of.
from Fort Amsterdam small.
Great sickness (a fever) prevails at New Amstel. Alricks, October 28. his wife, and three or four children sick; scarcely a family Great sick- exempted ; no deaths as yet. ness.
Three persons arrive with about forty cows. Alricks being Cows. in great want, purchases them at 128 to 130 guilders per head. He wants a " ross-mill for breaking corn."+
Two boats, with 14 Englishmen, ran on shore at Haver- Two boats kill. Captain Flanning is sent to save them ; he lost an an- chor, and did not succeed. Michael was then sent, who ran- somed six from the savages, and brought them to New Amstel.
cast away. English.
1 Holl. Doc. quoted in note by O'Call. vol. ii. p. 337.
2 Albany Records, vol. xii. p. 437.
4 Ibid. vol. xii. p. 437.
3 Ibid. vol. iv. p. 249.
1657.
Salt-works, bricks, &c.
The directors express themselves pleased that so few are Emigration disposed to go from Fort Amsterdam to South River; they hope it may so continue ; no force to be used.3
240
J. ALRICKS AND M. KRYGIER.
1657.
As Alricks immediately sent information to the governor of Virginia, it is probable they belonged there.1
Dec. 15.
Frauds at- tempted. Warning against is- sued by di- rector-gene- ral and council.
The director-general and council issue a " warning," having been informed by different merchants and inhabitants of the city of Amsterdam, and the village of Beaverwyck, through petitions, " that they long ago furnished different inhabitants on South River, in the neighbourhood of their former forts Nassau and Casimir, with several cargoes, for the payment of which the majority of the inhabitants mortgaged their lands, houses, and all their real property. Said debtors, by removing to the colony of New Amstel, endeavour to sell and alienate, to defraud their creditors, which is against all law and justice; therefore all such sales and transfers made without consent of creditors, are null and void; purchasers are warned not to make any payment on such purchases, un- less a formal notification is made previously of their inten- tion, under penalty of being compelled to pay it a second time to the creditors, unless done in the presence or with the consent of the concerned.2
Alricks re- presents forts in bad condition.
Dissatisfac- tion ex- pressed against AI- ricks. He vindicates himself.
Alricks, in a letter to Stuyvesant, represents Fort Amstel in a sad condition, the expenses heavy, means gone ; fort and several buildings much damaged; no magazine to save vic- tuals ; walls and fortifications crumbled down, as easy to pass them as through the gate; another gate required, to make " some outward appearance of defence." He says of Chris- tina, that "75 men should go to Fort Christina, now Altona ; for a long time no garrison has been there, and as it was rather decaying, and they knew not what to do, either in re- gard to their lodgings or victuals ; they found indeed, at first, enough to do in the beginning, when struggling with so many difficulties, to save and provide for themselves, as they had no employment for their stock, and not desiring to take care of them, much less that they should be solicited further, so no representation in this respect took place, but they solicited that I would from time to time provide the garrison with bread, and also now and then some peas, oil, and other arti- cles of which they were in want. I never refused. I cannot guess what reasons for discontent they might have, and on what ground they could make any written complaint about my past transactions with them. I cannot discover that I have ever given them any reasons for offence, or that I per-
1 Albany Records, vol. xii. p. 437.
2 Ibid. vol. vii. p. 406.
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
formed any thing against their will and desire. But what has been reported by Ensign Smith and Henry Huygen, on this I shall only say, in a few words, with regard to the en- sign, he says often more than he well understands, and often wished he had used fewer words in my lodgings to my ser- vants, but nevertheless I passed it by, and never have given any offence either to him or Van Huygen."1
" The Delaware was frozen over in one night, so that a Delaware deer could run over it, which the Indians relate had not hap- frozen in one night. pened in the memory of man."2
1658.
The galliot remained at the kill all winter, but is now at March 18. Altona for the nutwood (hickory) which was chopped by Articles of Stuyvesant's orders, and is going to Tinnicum for rye straw. Three hundred planks are wanted at New Amstel, for the garret in the magazine, with lodgings of the commis- sary, with the house in the fort wherein Alricks resides, of which only one-third part is furnished, with a garret and one room ; a new guard-house is wanted, as the old one is entirely tions. decayed. There is no carpenter there.3
With respect to the distribution of lots, Alricks says, " at Distribution first after my arrival, eight or more days passed by before I could effect any thing about it, as there was scarce a single by lot. lot which could be freely disposed of, as one or another made some claim upon it; this made it necessary to collect infor- mation, when at last, on the petition of Jacob Elder, it was resolved to distribute all these lots, so that they should draw for them. When the ' Weigh-scales' arrived, I authorized the late Fabreck Spelen and A. Hudde to act in the same manner. On my arrival, and not before, the lieutenant, D'Hinoyossa, assisted at the drawing, so that to him again, at the arrival of the ship, and the schepen, Rademan, the disposition and distribution of the lots were referred, and by them accepted. Mr. A. Hudde, with a carpenter, Breant, surveyed in June last, as much land as he desired, and ac- tually received, as is evident from the signature of each in- dividual, yet in my possession. This was done as well to the colonists as to the officers and soldiers. * Scarce one of the men here had a dwelling-house for their residence,
241
1657.
trade. Nut- wood; rye straw. Decayed con- dition of the fort, and want of ac- commoda-
of the lots at New Amstel
1 Albany Records, vol. xii. pp. 417-423. 2 Campanius, p. 55.
3 Alricks's Letters, in Albany Records, vol. iv. p. 285, &c. X
31
242
J. ALRICKS AND M. KRYGIER.
1658. or is now engaged in constructing one, as there were only four or five carpenters here, whom I was compelled to employ, and they were usually poor workmen, without experience or ingenuity, and what they are able to effect is of very little consequence; they who cannot pay must labour for them- selves alone, without any assistance, and consequently make very slow progress. The prevailing sickness and hot fevers threw us considerably back, and made many linger ; there were neither stables nor hay ; nevertheless, as a few heads of cattle arrived from Virginia, our hope is somewhat revived."1
Condition of things at' New Amstel. Want of carpenters. Great sick- ness. Dis- couraging prospects.
March 30. Fast day at both forts.
The proclaimed thank, fast, and prayer day was celebrated on the 13th, and on the following day in the same manner, by the Rev. Welius, who by the commissary at Altona was desired to deliver a sermon there for the same end, which was done. "I fear, nevertheless, a scarcity of victuals."2
April 20.
Affairs on South River deranged. Smuggling common.
The director-general suggests to council that the affairs on South River required to be examined into, and that some changes in their management were necessary, many irregu- larities having been introduced, owing probably to the removal of Jacquet. It was requisite "that the rights of the com- pany ought to be maintained, particularly in collecting the recognitions from imports and exports, as he was advised by letter of great frauds by merchants of this city, and others on South River ; that those who do not pay could sell cheaper Persons wish to settle near Altona. than those who do. That several persons of New Amstel colony asked permission to settle near Fortress Altona, in Swedes to be the company's district, there to begin plantations. Some regulated. Director- general, &c. to go to De- laware. regulations were necessary also among the Swedes." The council therefore advise that the director-general and the honourable Peter Tonneman should proceed to the Delaware, and place matters in a proper train.3
April 30. Saw and grist mills.
Joost Andriansen & Co. propose to build a saw and grist- mill below the Turtle falls, the site for which they obtained from the provisional commissary ; they ask a patent for it, which is granted by the director-general, on condition that they charge no more for grinding than is paid at the com- pany's mill.4
May 8. Director arrived.
The director-general and Mr. Tonneman having arrived at South River, the Swedish sheriff, Gregorius Van Dyck, Oloff Stille, Mathys Hanson, Pieter Rambo, and Pieter Cock, ma-
1 Alricks's Letters, in Albany Records, vol. iv. pp. 285, &c. 2 Ibid.
3 Albany Records, vol. xiv. 227-228. 4 Ibid. p. 250.
243
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
gistrates, Swen Schute, captain, Andries D'Albo, lieutenant, 1658. and Jacob Swensen, ensign, met him at Tinnicum, and pre- - sented their petition for various privileges, as will appear from the following summary. They renewed their allegiance, by taking the subjoined oath, as all others were required to do.
For executions, they ask a court messenger. Director says Ask for the jailer can perform this duty, as he is now employed by court mes- senger.
the sheriff and commissioners to make summons, arrests, and executions.
They ask for free access to the soldiers of Altona, in case For soldiers they wish their aid for execution of resolves. The provisional from Fort commissary is commanded to furnish them, if solicited by the Altona. sheriff.
They ask that no person shall leave their limits without the Regulations knowledge of the magistrates, much less male and female ser- vants; that when they leave without a discharge, or try to run off, they may be arrested. Director orders that no per- son shall leave without consent of commissary, but first ob- tained of director-general and council, as usual in New Netherland; and if any Swede departs, sheriff to order him May be ar- to return, and in case of refusal, to arrest him, and inform rested. the director.
Some subsidies are required ; sheriff and commissary to in- Subsidies quire " where they can be obtained with the least incumbrance for the Swedish nation, our good and faithful subjects, whom we promise that we cordially desire to favour as much as any of our own nation, on the oath which they voluntarily took, and which must yet be taken by those who have not, viz. We promise and swear in presence of Almighty God, that Form of we will be loyal and faithful to the high and mighty lords the oath. States-General of New Netherland, and lords directors of the general privileged West India Company, with director-general and council already appointed, or in time being, and will re- main and show them honour, respect, and obedience, as good and honest subjects ought to do, as long as we remain in this New Netherland province, so truly help us God Almighty."1
The director, on his return to Manhattan from South River, May 13. May 13, reports " many things there not as they ought to be, Stuyvesant chiefly smuggling and fraud on the company's recognitions on goods imported from Holland, many articles not having the
1 Albany Records, vol. xiv. p. 249.
for fugitives.
requested.
returned to Manhattan.
244
J. ALRICKS AND M. KRYGIER.
1658. company's mark being shipped in late vessels, without pre- caution taken against it, as with a case of 36 guns from the man-of-war Weigh-scales, embarked by the brother of Dr. Welius, which were distributed by Alricks among the com- munity."
Oath omits mentioning directors.
2. He is surprised at the oath taken by Alricks from newly arrived settlers, entirely omitting the directors of the com- pany, and director-general and council in New Netherland. Alricks promised to alter it.
Appeal from a sentence.
3. Vanderlis and one N. Ring, being aggrieved by a sen- tence, intended to appeal, and requested the secretary to enter the appeal, which he declined doing.
Swedes ask to be neutral in case of war.
4. The Swedes, after taking the oath on South River, de- manded that they might be permitted, if there arose a differ- ence between the crown of Sweden and our state in Europe, not to side with one or the other party, but remain neutral and quiet, to which the director-general consented.
Lots laid out near Altona.
5. He had laid out a few lots near Fort Altona, some 30 feet, the double of 60 feet broad, 100 feet deep, on condition that two buildings should be erected ; if the first proprietors failed to build, their lots to be disposed of to others; the first proprietor may demand 100 guilders for fencing, &c.
Election of officers.
6. Officers elected over the Swedes-Captain Swen Schute, Lieutenant Andries D'Albo, Ensign Jacob Swensen.1
May 17.
Alricks seems to be sensible that the director-general, during his late visit, had not been entertained as became his rank, and writes him, after his return home, the following apologetical letter :
Apology of Alricks to Stuyvesant,
" After your departure from here, I hope that your return home may have been easy and prosperous, and that you met your family in the same happy situation. I solicit now and for not treat- trust that your honour will excuse our moderate reception, as ing him in better style. it was not in our power, in our distressed situation, to contri- bute any thing further to your comfort, and I beg you will take our good-will for the deed. If our situation improves, then we will endeavour to acquit ourselves of our duty to- wards you, and, if possible, cancel our debts."2
May 28.
It will be recollected that two boats, with a number of Englishmen from Virginia, were cast away on Cape Henlopen, and a part of them ransomed by Alricks. It appears by a letter of this date to P. Stuyvesant, and in one of a later
1 Albany Records, vol. xiv. p. 245.
2 Ibid. vol. xii. p. 456.
245
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
date from the directors in Amsterdam, that they view this 1658. transaction with a jealous eye, and fear that it is only a scheme of the English to get possession of this part of the river ; to prevent which they afterwards direct a purchase to be made.
In the first letter they say, "two boats, with 14 English, Apprehen- arrived near Cape Henlopen, and were taken by savages, ransomed by Director Alricks, and settled in the city's colony ; from which it is apprehended, that if said English remain there, and increase in number, said nation, which at present, although without sufficient grounds, claim the said river, with adjacent country, will endeavour to intrude upon us there, and dwell on said spot, as they before tried it from the side of New England, and become its usurpers on the first favour- able opportunity ; whereon it is resolved, that to prevent this, the director-general, Stuyvesant, shall be authorized and recommended to be on his guard, and take care that Director Alricks be instructed that said persons, who are represented as fugitives, if they, without a willing consent and act of their governor in Virginia, left that colony, be again conducted thither ; or if they are free persons, to disentangle himself from them in the best manner possible, without giving them any offence; at all events not to admit any English beside them in that vicinity, much less to allure them by any means whatever."1
Michael Baukhuysen, " adelborst" in the colony of Director May 28. Alricks, complains that he was engaged on South River as A person jailer, (captain geweldiger,) but that he is employed by the sheriff as the meanest servant ; prays that a mandamus may issue to Alricks, commanding that Alricks ask of him no other services than those of adelborst, or discharge him. Answer-the suppliant must previously address himself to his competent superiors.2
The directors in Amsterdam, fearing the English designed to make a purchase of the lands below Bombay Hook, direct Stuyvesant to anticipate them. They view the affair of the boat and crew as a deception.
" We have been informed by the commissioners appointed June 7. for the direction of the colony of this city in New Nether- land, that the burgomasters were inclined to take possession of a tract of land called the Whorekill, and situated in the
1 Albany Records, vol. viii. p. 185.
2 Ibid. vol. xiv. p. 392.
x 2
sions in Am- sterdam re- specting the ' English. In- structions to Stuyvesant respecting his conduct towards them.
complains of oppression.
246
J. ALRICKS AND M. KRYGIER.
1658. bay of South River, at its west side, (on which bay they in- tended to place some buoys for the security of the vessels which arrive on that coast,) they requested us that we should Order to purchase, on our own account, said tract of land, beginning at Cape Henlopen till Boomtjies-hook inclusive, and make then a legal transfer of it to their director. It was further their intention to construct a redoubt for its defence. As Afraid of the this undertaking cannot but promote the interest of the com- pany, and procure an additional security to its possessions, so would we not delay in recommending that you would exert yourself to obtain the possession of this tract as soon as pos- sible, and if it is not done before, to purchase it from the original owners, from whom a written transfer, with usual formalities, must be obtained, that afterwards your honour may transfer it again in due form to the director of said colony. You will perceive that speed is required, if for no- thing else, that we may prevent other nations, and principally our English neighbours, as we really apprehend that this identical spot has attracted their notice ; because we have been informed that lately two boats, with Englishmen from the Virginias, were seen near the Cape Henlopen, and thereabout were driven on shore, when the crew was taken prisoners by the savages. When they were ransomed by the director, Alricks, they pretended to be fugitives, perhaps to remove from their governor the suspicion that they had been acting under his direction ; while we are further informed that the director, Alricks, consented that a few English families might settle there ; and when we reflect on the insufferable proce- dure of that nation, not only by intruding themselves upon our possessions about the north, of which our title is indis- putable, and when we consider the bold arrogance and faithless- ness of those who are residing within our own jurisdiction, then we cannot expect any good from that quarter; and therefore recommend you to pay a particular attention that you become duly informed what number of families have actually settled there, and that you warn the director, Al- ricks, of the disastrous consequences of placing too great a confidence in them, with all possible courtesy. Do not omit to advise us, in time, of the true state of affairs, that we may take such measures as may be required. Amsterdam, June 7, 1658."1
1 Albany Records, vol. iv. pp. 273-274.
purchase lands from Cape Henlo- pen to Bom- bay Hook. English do- ing it. Propose placing buoys in the river.
247
1658.
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
An order for a purchase of land, it will be recollected, was given in 1656, somewhat similar to this.
It was usual for vessels from Amsterdam, bound to South River, first to touch at Manhattan, unless special permission to the contrary was granted by the directors, as was done in the following instance by the directors in Amsterdam :
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