USA > Pennsylvania > Annals of Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware > Part 28
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June 13.
transfer of Whorekill to the city.
Agreeably to their instructions, Messrs. Beekman and D'Hinoyossa having effected the purchase of the Whorekills, Alricks asks as appears by a deed sent by William Beekman to director- general, Alricks applies to them, " in conformity to the orders of my principals," for " a transfer of this purchase in forma, as well as of the other land of this colony, (New Amstel,) and further, that I (J. Alricks) may obtain a duplicate of said 1 Albany Records, vol. xii. p. 486. 2 Ibid. 496. Ibid. 499.
257 -
more directs survey of
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
transfer, sealed and signed in the same manner as the princi- 1659. pal, on parchment or franchin, that it may be sent to my lords and masters in patria."1
A person arrives from Bearson, or Godtsnend Island, and June 26. reports the leading men in the country had a meeting, but Danger ap- that nothing could be known, except that several inhabitants prehended. had been warned to keep at home, or on the soil.2
Alarms continue respecting the English in Maryland. Al- July 29. ricks says to Stuyvesant, " the chief consideration with regard Alarms from to the South River is, that the arrival of the English here Maryland. Writes to go- must excite some interest, and raise discontentment. It is vernor. not doubted by the generality, that they intend to come hither. It was resolved here to address the governor of Maryland, that he would send back our deserted soldiers, but as we don't know his name or residence, the letter was sent to Colonel Jude Utie, who resides in Bearson Island, where- as his honour is the first of the twelve magistrates there, so- liciting that it might please him to forward this letter, with his recommendation, to its address, which was accepted, although his honour, during the conversation, declared that he actually had a commission in his house to come hither, but that, in the mean time, Lord Baltimore was arrived, com- Lord Balti- manding that the lands, from such to such degrees, should be reviewed and surveyed, and when ascertained, reduced and lands. remain under his jurisdiction, without any intention to aban- don any part of it."3 *
As soon as it was known here that Josias Fendall, governor August 18. of Maryland, was commanded to inquire into limits, and warn intruders off, it caused great anxiety among the inha- bitants ; operations are discontinued, and each one is pre- paring for flight.4
The following proceedings took place at a council held at August 3. Ann Arundell, in Maryland, August 3d, being the commence- ment of the affair in which Colonel N. Utie acted so conspicu- ous a part :
" Present, the governor, (Fendall,) the secretary, (Philip Calvert, Esq., brother to Lord Baltimore,) Colonel Utie, and Mr. Edward Lloyd. Then was taken into consideration his lordship's instruction and command to send to the Dutch
1 Albany Records, vol. xii. p. 498. 2 Ibid. p. 503. 3 Ibid.
4 Ibid. p. 506. This is probably the letter to which the one that follows is a reply ; if so, it must have been written some time previously to this date. 33 Y 2
Proceedings of council of Maryland.
258
J. ALRICKS AND W. BEEKMAN.
1659. in Delaware Bay, seated within his lordship's province, to command them to be gone, and ordered, that Colonel Na- thaniel Utie do make his repair to the pretended governor of a people seated in Delaware Bay, within his lordship's pro- vince, and that he do give them to understand that they are seated within his lordship's province, without notice given to his lordship's lieutenant here, and to require them to depart the province."
Instructions to Col, Utie.
" That in case he find opportunity, he insinuate unto the people there seated, that in case they make their application to his lordship's governor here, they shall find good condi- tions, according to the conditions of plantations, granted to all comers into this province, which shall be made good to them, and that they shall have protection in their lives, liberty, and estates which they shall bring with them.
" Signed, PHILIP CALVERT."
August 3. Letter of go- vernor of Maryland to governor of Delaware, requiring him to de- part.
The following letter was addressed " to the commander of the people in Delaware Bay," and from the tenor of it, would appear to be in reply to one written to the governor by Al- ricks; the date of neither is given, but that of the governor of Maryland seems to form part of the proceedings of council : " Sir-I received a letter from you, directed to me as the Lord Baltimore's governor and lieutenant of the province of Maryland, wherein you suppose yourself to be governor of a people seated in a part of Delaware Bay, which, I am very well informed, lieth to the southward of the degree forty, and therefore can by no means own or acknowledge any for go- vernor there but myself, who am by his lordship appointed lieutenant of his whole province, lying between these degrees, 38 and 40, but do by these require and command you pre- sently to depart forth of his lordship's province, or otherwise desire you to hold me excused, if I use my utmost endeavour to reduce that part of his lordship's province unto its due obedience under him."1
Stuyvesant thus represents the state of the colony to the company in Amsterdam:
" The situation of the city's interest on South River is very precarious, without great prospect for improvement, and
Sept. 4.
1 Albany Records, vol. xii. p. 514. Reg. Penns. vol. iv. p. 97. N. Y. Hist. Soc. Coll. vol. iii. p. 368, from Maryland Records, by Bozman. This letter may also be found in a note to O'Call. vol. ii. p. 378, where it bears date July 8, 1659, as from Holl. Doc. vol. xvi. p. 99.
259
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
it is much to be apprehended that if no other and better measures are adopted, that this settlement will fall into ruins. It would be too long and tedious a task to enumerate the various complaints which are reported from there, and cannot all be Letter from equally credited. This is certain, that several inhabitants are removing from there. While I am writing this, there India Com- arrived here from there an English ketch, which sailed from pany, Am- sterdam. state of the colony, ow- ing to Al- ricks.
Boston three weeks ago, with provisions ; the skipper, a well- Ruinous known and credible person, said that while he was on South River, about fifty persons, among whom several families, re- moved from there within a fortnight, to Virginia and Mary- A vessel land : a chief excuse for these removals to Virginia, (that the general complaints and rumours are spread here and every- where,) is supposed to be the too great preciseness of honour- able Alricks. We gave to individuals a pass for coming hither, even to such as offer to pay their passage and fare, or who are giving security for it, who otherwise would have de- sired rather to remain among their own nation than to remove among strangers. The probability of this might be corrobo- rated by our own experience, because his honour more than once prosecuted and solicited that those might be returned who did come hither, without being willing to accept their pay or security, not even when we addressed him on this point with such preciseness, of which, perceiving the dangerous fruits, we resolved, at least till further orders and advice, to act not with much rigour from our side, by returning thither all such as might come here, as there is more prospect for the city of receiving its payment from those who remain under this government, and within this province, than from those who, if not admitted, are as much enforced to remove and settle amongst strangers ; on which we therefore shall expect your honour's advice to regulate our conduct."
He alludes to rumours afloat respecting the English of Kent English ex- and Maryland, a part of Virginia, making an attempt on South River. Fears and suspicions of a confederacy between Sweden and England, and the disputes with our government might continue, and some enterprise be undertaken under Swedish colours; fears their feebleness to oppose such an event.1
" We mentioned in our last the desolate situation of the September. city's colony on South River, by the elopement and removal
1 Albany Records, vol. xviii. pp. 28-39.
1659.
P. Stuyve- sant to West
from Boston.
pected from Maryland.
260
J. ALRICKS AND W. BEEKMAN.
1659. of a number of colonists towards Virginia and Maryland, and other places, day by day, and growing worse and worse, so that scarce thirty families remain there. Besides, the sol- diers of the city, who were fifty in number at their arrival, are melted down to near one-half, of whom two-thirds have been garrisoned at Whorekill, not without fear and peril to be there all massacred by the cruel savages, so that in and about New Amstel no more than eight or ten soldiers are remaining."1
Removals to Maryland. Only thirty families re- main.
Sept. 9.
Letter from Alricks to P. Stuyve- sant, giving account of interview with Colonel Utie and others.
Alricks writes to Stuyvesant that " six persons arrived at New Amstel from Maryland, on last Saturday, about 8 P. M., viz. Colonel Nathaniel Utie, his brother, his cousin, a Major Jacob De Vrintz and servant, with four fugitives, of whom three were apprehended, and one escaped. Colonel Utie de- manded an audience on Wednesday, which was consented to. When they appeared before us, I asked for his commission, when he showed me his instructions, which he said was at the same time his commission, of which I now enclose a copy. He appeared pretty harsh and bitter; however, what he joined to it was perhaps yet more pungent and bitter, yea, even so that it was not to be suffered. He urged that we should give him our answer and declaration without delay, by yea or no, or he should be compelled to use other means, and then he would be innocent of the blood which in such case might be shed. He was fully authorized; might not indulge in any delay, neither could there be a more favourable period to execute the plan, as they might now dispose of a number of tobacco-planters. It appears that they are warmly en- gaged in the execution of this project, as becomes further evident from his answer or protest." * * [Three lines are here lost.] " The citizens are few in number, and un- willing to fight, because, as they say, the city has not kept its conditions, but curtailed them ; and to be short, it is utterly impossible to secure this place without a larger reinforcement, or immediate relief, which, on receipt of this, ought to be conveyed hither with all possible speed, without the least de- lay." He hopes the galliot can be equipped, and " your honour come in person. We cannot expect to live with them in peace, except your honour, with his usual discretion and prudence, can dispose them in such way as your own council may deem proper. Do not then forsake us in our distressed 1 Albany Records, vol. xviii. p. 445.
261
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
situation, neither permit that we should be ruined. New Am- stel, September 9, 1659 .- P. S. Three weeks allowed."1
On the 12th of September, Beekman writes to Director Stuyvesant, that on the 9th he had despatched to him a sa- Sept. 12. vage with the honourable Mr. Alricks, and now sends another, Letter from fearing some accident to the former, and would have sent a soldier with the latter, but for a rumour of the difficulties at Staten Island. He proceeds : "On the 6th of this month, towards evening, arrived at New Amstel, Colonel Nathaniel Utie, with his suite, being altogether seven in number, who, on the 8th, solicited an audience, which directly was granted. I was then very urgently entreated by Mr. Alricks to assist in their meeting, to hear the colonel's conclusion and pro- posals, while he further said that I was far more deeply in- terested in it than he, in regard to my relation with the West India Company, while the city of Amsterdam had been guarantied by the company, who sold the land to the city of Amsterdam as free from any incumbrances.
" Colonel Utie first delivered a letter to Alricks ; then, at our request, a copy of his instructions ; then communicated his orders from the governor of Maryland, and ' declared that we here in South River have taken possession of Lord Balti- more's jurisdiction, and therefore commanded us to leave it directly, or declare ourselves subject to Lord Baltimore ; and if we hesitated to resolve upon it voluntarily, he deemed him- self not responsible for the innocent blood which might be shed on that account.' We answered, ' that this communi- cation appeared very strange in every respect, as we had been in possession of this land during so many years, as well as by octroy of the States-General and the directors of the West India Company, which we previously obtained.' His honour said, ' he knew nothing about it; it was granted to Lord Baltimore, and was confirmed by the king himself, and re- newed two years ago, and sanctioned by the parliament, to the extent of forty degrees ; when he repeated again he was innocent of the blood which might be shed, as Lord Balti- more was invested to make war or peace, without any man's control. He said further, 'we ought to take hold of this op- portunity, as our men had chiefly deserted us, and they who are yet remaining will be of little or no aid, therefore it is our intention to take hold of this occasion, as we will not let
1 Albany Records, vol. xii. p. 509.
1659.
W. Beekman to P. Stuyve- sant, giving an account of the visit of Colonel N. Utie, on the part of Lord Baltimore.
262
J. ALRICKS AND W. BEEKMAN.
Letter from W. Beekman to P. Stuyve- sant. Utie's visit.
1659. it pass by, convinced as we are of your weakness, and it now suits us best in the whole year, as the tobacco is chiefly har- vested; we therefore demand a positive answer, just as you may please ;' just as if he would say, 'it is indifferent what you may resolve.' We answered, ' that we could not decide the case, but that it must be left to our lords and principals in England and Holland.' He replied, 'he did not care any thing about them.' We answered, 'that we would do nothing without them, and were in duty bound to refer the case to the director-general of New Netherland, to whose government we were also subject, and it would require some time to consult them.' He demanded ' what time would be required.' We proposed then 'three weeks,' on which the colonel said, ' I have no orders to give any respite; neverthe- less I will give you the required time.'
" On the 9th, we summoned him to the fort again, to re- ceive our answer in writing, when the colonel repeated his former saying, and then said to me particularly, as he under- stood that I was commander at Christina, that 'I too must depart from there, as it was situated within 40°.' I answered, " that if he had any thing to say to me, that he ought to ap- pear at the place of my residence ;' when he replied, ' I think it sufficient, at all events, that I made you this communica- tion.' The writings reciprocally delivered are now transmitted to your honour by Mr. Alricks ; we expect your orders and assistance with all possible speed, and ardently wished that your honour was here on the spot. We devoutly pray that it may please God to spare your honour in health, and pros- per the administration of your government, while I remain, your faithful servant, WILLIAM BEEKMAN.
" Altona, 12th September, 1659.
" P. S. Last week a soldier ran away, so we now only have thirteen men, besides the sergeants."1
Sept. 9.
The following protest against Colonel Utie's proceedings, by the commanders on South River, shows the ground they took in this high-handed measure :
Protest against pro- ceedings of Col. Utie.
" Whereas you appeared yesterday afternoon, at your re- quest, in our meeting, and read and showed us there a certain instruction, which, as you said, was given by order of the honourable Josias Fendall, lieutenant of Lord Baltimore, but
1 Albany Records, vol. xvii. p. 5. This volume contains a large portion of Beekman's correspondence between 1658 and 1663.
263
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
without day or date, or place, when or where it should have 1659. been written, being signed by Philip Calvert, secretary, &c., and designing us by it, as at the Delaware Bay or the colony here; in which aforesaid instructions is simply said and al- Protest leged that this place is situated in the aforesaid Lordship's Baltimore's province, and that therefore this government, together with its subjects, ought to leave this spot the instant it was notified to them by you. You further proposed by it, that all the lands between 38º and 40°, from sea to sea, east and west, belonged to Lord Baltimore's governors of Mary- land, and that what had been before disputed in Old England, had lately been granted and confirmed; relating to us all this, without producing one single document for its sanction, or forwarding to us any of this kind, so as we too could have wished that you had been pleased to commit your proposals in writing, to avoid future misunderstandings. It is true you declared, in words of more weight, that in case of refusal of immediate departure, to be unaccountable for the much inno- cent blood that might, by reason thereof, be spilled. Such proceedings and treatment appeared to us unexpected and strange, and so do such procedures and treatment by Chris- tians and Protestant brethren, and our near neighbours, with whom we desired, and of whom we never solicited any thing else, nor do it yet, than a sincere cultivation of harmony and friendship, that we yet desire may be uninterrupted, as we, from our side, are confident that we never gave them any reason of discontentment ; we therefore request once more, as we did before, to deliver us at least an extract, to verify your principal's pretended rights, to ascertain the title and limits of his property, either that these have been conquered by his right hand, or that they have been acquired by a title of purchase or donation, so too, what in Old England might lately, or for some time might have been disposed by the par- liament in favour of the claims of your principal.
" We offer to show and prove this instant, in what manner we obtained the possession of this land, as well by a grant of their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United New Netherlands, as by a legal transfer of the West India Company, by the payment we made for this land, and its actual possession.
" But that we, if some misunderstanding with regard to this or any other subject might have taken place, we should
against proceedings of Col. Utie.
264
J. ALRICKS AND W. BEEKMAN.
Protest against proceedings of Col. Utie.
1659. wish that such a difference should be submitted to our sove- reigns, as the parliament and the States-General, otherwise because we are but new comers in these countries, and there- fore unacquainted with the circumstances of this affair, or what may be found concerning the same in the public offices of record or elsewhere. We refer ourselves to the proofs, against any suggestions to the contrary which are yet in the possession of the director-general, and in whose government of New Netherland we reside.
" It was further continued at the next meeting, with regard to your instructions. It is given in consideration, if it is lawful, that offers are made here to some of our inhabitants, and favourable terms of agreement about some plantations proposed, enforced by the prospect of a future commerce with the inhabitants of Maryland, and the promise of pro- tection and much liberty, which has been already actually performed, as well to such individuals as by their oath were bound to obedience to their lords and masters, and who were owing considerable sums to one and other of their fellow- citizens, and who, seduced by such lures, are wavering if they shall abandon their former pursuits, and conclude to run away, to meet their utter ruin half-ways, by which, neverthe- less, their lords and masters are disappointed, and are frus- trated to recover their debts ; wherefore we are compelled to enter a solemn protest against your honour and his principals, as we are doing by this, against all losses and damages which we suffered already, or yet might sustain, with a view to pur- sue the recovery there, and as we may deem proper.
" With regard to the continuation of peace and harmony, as concluded by the republic of England and their High Mightinesses the States-General, we cheerfully refer ourselves to it; also to the treaty and alliance concluded 5th April, 1654, under which resort all governments, as well in America as in Europe, and whereby they are charged and recommended to commit no hurt, hostility, or injury against one another, as by the 16th article.
"I am confident, nevertheless, that you will consider every point maturely, and require nothing further than you, in equity and justice, can desire to maintain. We declare that we are utterly averse to defend or patrocinate the least in- justice, but are always cheerfully willing to second those who have the right side, or to give place to them; while in all,
265 1659. -
dred men preparing to come from Maryland.
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
what more is required, and exceeds this just measure, or is contrary to it, we refer to our sovereigns, or otherwise ; we so, tenderly, protest against all losses and damages as before.
" It was further proposed, that in order to deliver a more decisive answer, it would be expedient to write, with all pos- sible speed, to the director-general, for which end the colonel allowed three weeks or thereabouts, at least till his answer can be received. Was signed,
" J. ALRICKS, JOHN WILLIEMSEN,
" ALEXANDER D'HINOYOSSA, JOHN CRATO,
" WILLIAM BEEKMAN,
HENDRICK RIPP.
"By order of the director-general and council, with the Director Beekman and schepens. By absence of secretary, "G. VAN SWERINGEN."1
Beekman refers to a letter sent, for greater security, by a Sept. 20. savage, with Sanders Boyer and Vanetas, to inform him of the transactions with the English; they, however, returned last night to New Amstel, the savages having advised them not to proceed. At a consultation at request of Alricks, it was agreed to send Van Sweringen, with eight or ten men, with two soldiers, by land to Manhattan. By two Englishmen lately arrived, they learn that when Colonel Utie returned, five hundred men would be ordered to be ready to march on Five hun- orders. Beekman, on hearing this, sent a person to Virginia for information, solicited Sheriff Van Dyck to provide eight or ten men for the security of Fortress Altona, but he did not succeed; is expecting instructions and reinforcements from director-general.
They again resolve to write, by ten men by land, "as the Sept. 21. road was here deemed very unsafe." Beekman returned to Altona, for two soldiers, which were sent over to Alricks be- fore evening, but he had changed his mind, and sent back the soldiers. Alricks hired a yacht of Captain Jacobs, to sail that evening, on hearing which, Beckman stepped into a canoe, and went to New Amstel, where he met Vanetas and Andreas, who said Alricks had changed his mind, because he deemed it improper to send so many men from the colony. Beekman writes, "it seems to me that Alricks and Hinoyossa are much perplexed and full of fear, with respect to the Eng-
1 Albany Records, vol. xii. in which are several chasms, which we have filled from the copy in the A. P. S. Collections, published in Reg. Penns. vol. iv. p. 97. Holl. Doc. xvi. p. 117. 34 Z
266
J. ALRICKS AND W. BEEKMAN.
1659.
Letter of P. Stuyvesant to Alricks and Beek- man, blam- ing their course with Utie.
Van Ruyven and Krygier appointed.
lish coming from Maryland, which I could not believe." No tidings of the sheriff and commissary. Alricks, in a letter of same date, to Peter Stuyvesant, confirms the return of the savages and men, after being eight days on the road, which compelled him to hire the yacht at 200 guilders. " Hopes in God for a large reinforcement ;" says " the English conduct themselves in such a manner that we cannot count on any time with certainty, neither can there be placed any confi- dence in them".1
Sept. 23.
After receiving from Alricks and Beekman their account of Colonel Utie's visit, Stuyvesant expresses his displeasure at some of their proceedings, in the following letter :
" I did see, with no less regret than surprise, in your last letter, with the annexed documents, the frivolous conclusion of Nathaniel Utie, and your not less frivolous answer and further proceedings with him, on such a frivolous fabricated instructions, without date or place when and where it was signed, or by whose authority and order it was given; much more so yet, that you permitted the aforesaid Utie to sow his seditious and mutinous seed among the community, during four or five days, without compelling him to defend his coming there ; permitting him first, (after the fifth day of his arrival,) at his request, to obtain directly an audience, with a further written promise, signed by the great council, that a further and more satisfactory answer should be given upon his frivo- lous conclusion and well within three weeks, and all this only on his threatening expressions, without showing any qualifi- cation or commission by whom he was authorized ; unques- tionable proofs, indeed, of want of prudence and courage, partly avowing his rash conclusion, at least greatly encourag- ing the boldness of the man, who rather deserved to have been apprehended as a spy, and conducted hither, than to have obtained an audience upon such a frivolous fabricated instruction, without a commission. To leave then no shadow of hope to that spy, thus are we, by the past transaction, and your honour's letter, compelled so to redress the one and cor- rect the misconduct of others, to appoint and authorize the bearer of this letter, our beloved, discreet and faithful Corne- lius Van Ruyven, secretary, and Captain Martin Krygier, burgomaster of this city, to dispose and regulate all the affairs there, agreeably to their commission and instruction, placing 1 Albany Records, vol. xii. p. 516 ; vol. xvii. p. 6.
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