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1624.
This year arrives at New Amsterdam, as director of New Supposed ar. Netherland, Peter Minuit, or Minnewit, with whose history, Minuit at New Amster- dam.
rival of Peter in connection with the settlements on the Delaware, we shall become better acquainted. He continued in this office till 1632, when he returned to Holland.1
An application for a Swedish West India Company, upon Proposal for the plan of the Dutch West India Company, whose establish- a Swedish West India Company submitted to the King of Sweden, by William Usselincx. ment has been noticed, was this year presented to Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden, by William Usselincx, a mer- chant of Antwerp, the original projector of the Dutch West India Company, and for several years connected with it, but who, for some reasons, became dissatisfied. Having derived much information from his long intimacy with the operations of the company, and being convinced of the ad- vantageous prospects which such a company presented, he laid before Gustavus Adolphus his views upon the subject, in such a forcible manner, as warmly to engage the feelings of that monarch in its favour, and ultimately to lead to the incorpo- ration of a company, which, however, did not take place till 1626. Acrelius, however, says, " that he this year obtained a commission for it, dated at Stockholm, December 21, 1624, upon which" a contract was formed for the approbation and signature of the company. The plan was recommended by the king to the States, and confirmed in the Diet of 1627.2
1 O'Call. vol. i. 100, 130. N. Y. Hist. Coll. vol. i. N. S., p. 450.
2 Acrelius, p. 408. Bancroft, vol. ii. p. 284. Argonautica Gusta. Campa- nius, p. 64, 65. Loccenius, p. 556.
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16
CHARTER OF SWEDISH WEST INDIA COMPANY.
1626.
The charter for the Swedish West India Company, before alluded to, was this year obtained. Having never seen it in English, or in print, a full summary of it is furnished, as it was the basis of the Swedish operations on this river.
June 14. Reasons for forming the Swedish West India Company.
Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden, " finding it serviceable and necessary to the welfare and improvement of our (his) kingdom and subjects, that trade, produce, and commerce should grow within our (his) kingdom and dominions, and be furthered by all proper means, and having received of credible and experienced persons good information, that in Africa, Asia, America, and Magellanica, or Terra Australis, very rich lands and islands do exist, certain of which are peopled by a well governed nation, certain others by heathen and wild men, and others still uninhabited ; and others not as yet perfectly discovered, and that not only with such places a great trade may be driven, but that the hope strengthens of bringing said people easily, through the setting on foot com- mercial intercourse, to a better civil state, and to the truth of the Christian religion," concluded, " for the spread of the Holy Gospel, and the prosperity of our (his) subjects," to erect "a general company," or "united power of proprie- tors of his realm, and such others as shall associate them- selves with them, and help forward the work; promising to strengthen it with his succour and assistance, providing for and founding it with the following privileges :"
Duration of the compa- ny. Extent of its trade.
1. The exclusive right, for twelve years, to sail to and trade beyond the Straits of Gibraltar, southward, in the lands of Africa, as in America, and Magellanica, or Terra Australis, reckoning the coast of America at the like latitude as said straits, viz. 36°; also, with all lands and islands between Africa and America in same latitude. The vessels and goods of other than the company, who infringe those rights, to be confiscated. The government vessels of war, because not traders, to be exempted.
When to commence. No funds to be with- drawn. No new mem- bers.
The company to be considered as commencing May 1, 1627, to continue for twelve years, during which none of the company to have power to withdraw the funds embarked in it, and no new members to be, during that time, admitted. If at the end of twelve years, the company wish the term ex- tended, it may be granted at the pleasure of the king.
CHARTER OF SWEDISH WEST INDIA COMPANY.
Accounts are to be settled every year, at which every per- son interested 1000 scudis or thalers, may be present. Every six years, there shall be a final estimate of all accounts, and a new account begun. If then it appears to the majority Accounts, of stockholders that the profits or usefulness of the company do not justify its continuance, it may be dissolved.
Residents or landholders in Sweden may become members What per- until the 1st of March, and those beyond sea till 1st of May sons to be members. next, after which none can enter the company, either for small or large sums. The money to be paid in instalments, one-fourth on subscribing, and the remainder in three annual payments.
After the time for subscription shall expire, there shall be Election of an election for regents or directors, in proportion to one for directors. every 100,000 thalers subscribed. If, however, the subscriber
Number and terms. of 100,000 wishes it represented by two directors, it may be so, but the two only to receive the salary of one.
The directors to be chosen by a majority of votes of stock- Majority of holders, none to vote unless owning 1000 thalers, and none votes to gov- to be a director who does not hold 2000 thalers, and which ern elections. sum, while a manager, he cannot divest himself of.
The directors first chosen to continue in office for six Rotation of years; after this, two-thirds to be newly elected, and one- directors.
third to be taken from largest stockholders ; this to be ob- served every two years till the expiration of the charter.
All countries, cities, and individuals who bring in 100,000 Directors in thalers, shall be entitled to appoint a director, and for this, all nations who have signed the agreement, and transmitted the funds to some person in whom they confide, and each individual subscribing shall declare the nation to which he wishes to belong, and place his money. Foreigners who de- cide to reside in Sweden, and contribute 25,000 thalers, to enjoy the same privileges as citizens, and be free from every tribute, and as they carry on no trade, may depart at pleasure.
The directors to be all equal in power and authority, take Equality of oath of fidelity, administer justice without fear or affection, directors. not deal in merchandise nor own vessels.
They are to have a salary of 1000 thalers per annum ; in To have a case of travelling for the company, besides their carriage salary ; as also the sec- they shall receive six Swedish marks per day. The secretary retary, &c. and other servants to be paid out of the funds of the com-
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B2
17
1626. .
when to be settled.
proportion to sums sub- scribed.
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CHARTER OF SWEDISH WEST INDIA COMPANY.
1626.
pany, the directors of each chamber to be responsible for them.
Chambers re- sponsible for directors.
If any damage result to the company from any of the directors it shallattach to the chamber to which he belongs, and be refunded out of the funds contributed by it to the company.
Not respon- sible for com- pany debts. Funds free from confis- cation.
Neither the directors nor their goods shall be liable for the company debts.
All funds invested in the company shall be free from con- fiscation, even in the event of war of the King of Sweden with the nation of which the subscribers are a part.
Chambers, how consti- tuted.
Cities convenient for navigation, whose merchants contri- bute 30,000 thalers or scudi, shall constitute a chamber, or different cities or countries may unite their funds, and agree upon the location of the chamber convenient to the company.
Guttenberg, place of de- parture.
The company's vessels about departing from the different ports, shall unite in a fleet at Gottenberg, and take their de- parture from thence, and at the end of the voyage return thither with their cargoes, which shall be unloaded and thence transported, wind and weather permitting without injury to the company.
Stocks at each to be alike.
If one chamber has goods which another requires, they shall be furnished, so as to keep up a similar assortment in each.
Superinten- dents.
There shall be one or more superintendents, who shall ex- amine the accounts closely, and consult with the directors on important matters connected with the interests of the com- pany; and in elections of superintendents, captains, &c. re- quired, stockholders shall be preferred, if equally capable.
May be re- moved to other places.
Superintendents may be removed from one chamber to another, and every chamber shall have a representative at Gottenberg, and be informed, within two months after the sailing of the vessels, of the matters connected with the voyages, and, every three months, furnished with an account of goods sold.
Diet or gene ral meetings.
When necessary, there shall be held a diet or meeting of all the chambers, to take place alternately, at different chambers, in the order of the largest subscriptions, the object being to discuss all the general interests of the company, voyages, freights, prices, &c.
Represented from each chamber.
To each diet, twelve managers shall be sent from each chamber, and the government to be entitled to one vote,
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CHARTER OF SWEDISH WEST INDIA COMPANY.
making thirteen, or casting vote; every chamber having a vote in proportion to its furnished capital ; a chamber fur- nishing half has six votes, one-third, four votes, &c. ; majority to decide.
1626.
On all imports and exports to or from Sweden, a duty to be Duty to paid of four florins per cent., which payment entitles them to government.
be transported freely thereafter through the whole kingdom.
The company to be under the royal protection, in the free Under royal exercise of its trade, the use of its vessels, and defence against protection. all attempts to injure it in war or in peace.
The government to furnish vessels of war, forts, soldiers, Government guns, &c., at its own expense. All vessels, &c., taken by the to furnish vessels, Share cap- tures. company from pirates, &c., shall be for the company's bene- fit, except where they are assisted by the government vessels, in which case the prizes to be divided equally.
The government not to use the vessels of the company, nor their funds or merchandise, even in war, without its consent.
Government not to use company's
Powers of the com-
The company shall be entirely at liberty, within the afore- property. said limits, to make treaties with foreign chiefs or people, in their own name; to build cities, castles, fortresses ; occupy pany. desolate places, and make them habitable ; operate and pro- cure what they can, of use to, and for the convenience of the company ; but not to commit violent hostilities against the inhabitants of the country, nor, unless so tempted, do any other thing against the subjects of the King of Spain, nor exercise commerce in places with their subjects, without their express license, under pain of penalties against transgressors of the king's orders, and disturbers of the public peace.
In case of ill treatment in the use of its trade, or by force May avenge or fraud, the company is at full liberty to avenge itself insults or wrongs.
on its enemies, as against pirates, robbers, &c.
In order to manifest the desire of the government to aid Government and improve the company, it will contribute and put at equal risk with others, 400,000 Swedish dollars.
The government, besides the four florins per cent. duty, Government will receive one-fifth of ores, silver and other minerals, which share of mines, &c. may be transported from the mines, and one-tenth of the fruits of the country, in recompense for its aid, privileges, &c., granted. The merchandise, and metals received for mer- chandise, to be exempted, and remain for the country.
" And whereas, William Usselincx, of Brabant, Antwerp, has spent much time of his life in seeking out said ports, and
subscription.
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CHARTER OF SWEDISH WEST INDIA COMPANY.
Usselincx, as proposer of the com- pany.
1626. by the testimony of the State of Flanders, and Maurice, Prince of Orange, he is stated as the chief inventor in Holland of the West India Company, and by him its admi- Share of W. nistration has been much aided, and having already resolved to establish himself in Sweden, has promised faithfully to exert himself; therefore, to recompense him, the company are to pay him 1 florin per 1000, of the merchandise which the company shall either import or export during its traffic within the limits of its charter.
A council to be consti- tuted.
The company to constitute a council, which, with its offi- cers, shall attend to the administration of justice, preservation of good laws, continuation of war ; appoint soldiers, gover- nors, directors, and judges ; build castles and cities ; accom- modate differences between citizens of the country and the natives, as well as between directors or chambers, and finally, preserve every thing in good condition and under good order.
Of stock- holders.
This council must consist of the chief stockholders, and attend to the business and consignments on commission and others, furnish information of the ships and advices received, and decide on operations. The number of council to be deter- mined by circumstances and the judgment of the company.
Large con- tributors If any chief community, city, or company contributes may appoint 500,000 to the company, it may appoint an agent, with full agents. powers to negotiate about things necessary to be done.
Alterations.
If the company requires alterations in the conditions, &c., of the charter, not contrary to the laws and welfare of the republic, they may be conceded to it.1
This charter is dated Stockholm, June 14, 1626.
Errors of early histo- rians with
This company having received its charter, is said to have been enthusiastically encouraged by the subscription of per- sons of every rank, and that every thing was in readiness regard to the for carrying out' the plan to its fullest extent. It is even arrival of the Swedes. asserted that the expedition actually sailed, but was captured by a Spanish fleet, but documents, hereafter to be noticed, will, we think, clearly show, that, owing to wars, &c., nothing was effected for several years afterwards. Some of the early historians, (at the head of whom is Campanius,) even assert
1 The above charter is translated from " Argonautica Gustaviana," printed at Francfort, in 1633, a very rare work; the only copy known to be in this country is in the valuable library of Harvard College, to whose librarian the author is indebted for the use of the work : it is in the German language. The charter is also to be found in the Italian language, in the 4to edition of Hart's Life of Gustavus Adolphus, vol. ii. pp. 13, 14. See also Bancroft, vol. ii. p. 285.
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PATROONSHIPS ESTABLISHED.
that the arrival of the Swedes took place in this year, or the next, in which later writers have naturally followed.1
It will be seen, as we proceed, that these early writers are evidently in error, which we can only account for by the work of " Campanius" having been written many years after his death, by his grandson, who was never probably in this country, but whose information was derived, as the translator2 in the preface observes, " from notes or memoranda left by his grandfather, and the verbal accounts which he obtained from his father, and writers who preceded him."
It is a little remarkable, that while Gustavus Adolphus December 9. was thus laying a foundation for a future portion of her em- Christina pire, his daughter Christina, afterwards the empress, should born. be born. This took place on the 9th day of December.3
1629.
For the purpose of promoting the settlement of colonies June 7. in New Netherlands, which was one of the objects originally intended by the establishment of the Dutch West India Company, the Assembly of XIX. granted a charter of " Freedoms and Exemptions, to all such as shall plant any colonies in New Netherland," by which members of the com- pany might send, on certain terms, in the company's ships going thither, three or four persons, to inspect the situation of the country, with a view to the selection of lands. They who, within four years after giving notice to the company, undertake to plant a colony of fifty souls, over fifteen years of age, one-fourth of the number within the first year, and the remainder of the fifty within three years more, were to be acknowledged as patroons of New Netherlands ; neglecting to comply, they forfeited the privilege. The island of Man- hattan was excluded. They were to have the preference to the lands they selected, with liberty to choose others, if they did not suit them, (the commander and council approving.) They might extend their limits four miles Dutch, (sixteen English,) along shore on one side, or two miles, (eight Eng- lish,) on each side of a navigable river, and as far into the
1 Into this error the author, in the Register of Pennsylvania, in a hasty sketch drawn up on the moment, from the then accredited authors, and before he had looked as much as he has since, into authorities, fell; which he now embraces the opportunity to notice and correct.
2 P. S. Duponceau, p. vi. of vol. iii. Mem. Penns. Hist. Soc.
3 Biographical Dictionary.
1626.
How ac- counted for.
Patroon- ships esta- blished.
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PRIVILEGES OF PATROONS.
1629. country as their situation would permit ; the company reserv- ing the lands remaining between the limits of the colonies, to be disposed of as they think proper, under the general rule that no person be allowed to come within seven or eight miles (or thirty-two miles English) of them, without their consent. The jurisdiction of the river to be in the States- General or company. They were to enjoy and possess for ever the lands within their limits, fruits, rights, minerals, rivers, and fountains ; have " chief command and lower juris- dictions," fishing, fowling, and grinding, exclusively, as a perpetual inheritance from the company, or if it devolved to the company, might be redeemed with twenty guilders, paid within one year and six weeks. If they found cities, they may establish officers and magistrates, and use the title of the colony at pleasure, and according to the quality of the per- sons ; and may dispose of it by will. Besides these powers and privileges, others of trade, exemptions from taxes, &c. &c. were granted, which may be seen at length in the authorities referred to.1 It was a system of " feudal tenure and feudal burdens,"2 transplanted from continental Europe.
Charter of Freedoms and Exemp- tions for Pa- troonships.
June 19.
By the following extract from the proceedings of the chamber at Amsterdam, we are informed of an intention to commence a colony on the Delaware, and which led to an actual purchase.
S. Godyn de- clares his in- tention of colonizing in the Dela- ware.
" The Heer Samuel Godyn, having heretofore given notice here that he intended to plant a colony in New Netherland, and that he also, to that end, had engaged two persons to proceed thither to examine into the situation of those quar- ters, now declares that he, in quality of patroon, has under- taken to occupy the bay of the South River, on the conditions concluded in the last Assembly of the XIX., as he hath likewise notified the director, Peter Minuit, and charged him to register the same there."3 It appears, however, that pre- viously, viz. June 1, his agents had purchased from the natives the tract of country on the west side of South River Bay, extending from Cape Henlopen inland thirty-two miles, and two miles in breadth, which purchase was ratified July 15th of the next year.4
Purchase made on west side of river.
1 O'Call. vol. i. p. 112; and Holl. Doc. vol. ii. 98, 99. Moulton, 389. N. Y. Hist. Coll. vol. i. p. 370, N. S. 2 O'Call. vol. i. p. 120.
3 Appendix to O'Call. vol. i. p. 479, taken from a notarial copy, which is among papers of the late Proprietaries of Pennsylvania.
4 O'Call. vol. i. p. 121.
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INDIAN DEED FOR GODYN'S PURCHASE. -
Who the agents of Godyn, in this purchase were, does not appear, but the fact tends to show that communication must have been held with the natives by sea, and that vessels then visited the river. Moulton says, one of three ships sent over by the department of the West India Company this year, visited the Indian village on the south-west corner of New Port May, or Delaware Bay, and that the purchase was then made from Cape Hindlop to the mouth of the river.1
1629.
1630.
Before the director-general and council of Manhattan, July 15. appeared several chiefs of the nation from whom the purchase of land had been effected last year, on Delaware Bay, then called Godyn's Bay, and made their formal acknowledgment of the sale in the following words :
" Before us, (the Directors, &c.) in their proper persons, Indian deed came and appeared Quesquakous, Ensanques, and Sickonesyns, for the sale to S. Godyn, Bay, south and inhabitants of their villages, lying on south corner of the on Delaware Bay of South River, and declared voluntarily and deliberately, or west side. and with the special order of the rulers, and with the consent of the community there, that on the 1st of June, in the last past year 1629, for and in consideration of certain parcels of goods which they acknowledge to have satisfactorily re- ceived into their hands, before the passing of these presents, they have, in their true and free ownership, transported, given over, and deeded to and for the behoof of, the much esteemed Mr. Samuel Godyn, (absent, and for whom we, ex officio, under stipulations, accept the same,) viz. the land be- longing to them lying on south side of aforesaid bay, by us named the Bay of South River, extending in length from Cape Hindlop to the mouth of said river, about eight large miles,2 and landwards half a mile,3 to a certain valley or marsh, through which these bounds can be sufficiently distin- guished, and that, with all the action, right and equity which to them in the aforesaid quality appertain, constituting and putting the aforesaid Mr. Godyn in their place and stead, in the sure and actual possession thereof, and moreover, also giving full and irrevocable might, authority, and special license, unto said Samuel Godyn, or his assigns, peaceably and quietly to possess, enjoy, cultivate, use, and have the said lands, tanquam actor et procurator in rem suam ac propriam,
Moulton, p. 401. 2 Dutch, or 32 English.
3 Two miles English.
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PATROONSHIP FORMED FOR THE DELAWARE.
1630.
Sale to S. Godyn.
and also to do with, manage, and dispose of the same, as he may or can with his own lands, to which he is rightfully and lawfully entitled, without that the grantors having or reserv- ing thereto or thereout, any part, right, title, or authority, either of ownership, power, or jurisdiction, but, to the be- hoof as aforesaid, from henceforth for ever, desisting, resign- ing, and renouncing the same, promising moreover not only to keep, maintain, and fulfil this, their transport, and whatever may be done by virtue thereof, for ever after, firm, inviolable, and irrevocable, but also to maintain and defend the aforesaid land against all persons, free from all claim, challenge, or incumbrance to be made thereon by any person, all in good faith, without fraud or deceit. In witness whereof, these presents are confirmed by our usual signature, and with our seal thereto affixed. Done on the island of Manhattan, this 15th day of July, 1630."1
No signatures recorded.
It is stated by O'Callaghan, that, according to " Holland Do- cuments" lately received, Samuel Bloemmaert was interested with Godyn in the above purchase ; his name, however, does not appear either in the original or translation, in the Alban'y Documents from which we copied the foregoing instrument.2
A patroon- ship formed, and articles of associa- tion entered into for esta- blishing a colony on South River, under Capt. De Vries.
David Pieterszen De Vries, of Hoorn, a port in North Holland, " a bold and skilful seaman," and a " master of artil- lery in the service of the United Provinces," having, about two months previously, returned from the East Indies, met with Mr. Samuel Godyn, a merchant of Amsterdam, and the pur- chaser of the land above mentioned, who informed him of the intention of himself and associates to form a colony in New Netherlands, particularly directing his attention to the South River, with a view to the whale fishery, " whales being plenty in those regions, and fish oil being 60 guilders per hogshead" in Holland. The offer of " commandership" was made to De Vries, and employment " as second patroon," as was granted by the States, and by the 19th of the West India Company's charter, which he declined to accept, unless he was made in all respects equal with the others as a patroon, which being readily agreed to, a patroonship was formed by entering into formal articles of association, on 16th of Octo- ber, 1630. The members composing it were Samuel Godyn,
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