USA > Pennsylvania > Annals of Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware > Part 32
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Answer handed to commission- ers.
Inquiries on trade and commerce, and other matters.
October 19, handed an answer to our decision by secretary, neatly written, and bade him farewell, as we could not find that they were inclined to enter into an amicable agreement, without authority from Lord Baltimore, or wait for orders, which he might perhaps convey during summer. Had some conversation on trade and commerce between Delaware and Maryland, by land, which might be done without reaching the question of right; desired him to communicate with his bro- ther, Lord Baltimore.
Inquired with great anxiety about a mountain we had men- tioned as a place of meeting, from which the Sassafras River in Virginia, and the kill which empties itself into South River, behind Reedy Island, seem to derive their origin. We had our passage over this mountain, which deserves by us to be examined and surveyed.
On the 20th they prepare for their departure, and next day Departure of despatched Waldron to return by land, with relation of our commission- ers. transactions, and all the papers, while I proceeded to Vir- ginia, to inquire of governor what is his opinion on the subject, to create a division between them both, and purge ourselves of the slander of stirring up the Indians to murder English at Accomac.
Nov. 11.
Signed, A. HEERMANS."1
Beekman says, "one-third of the seven persons who make out our present garrison, reside out of the fort, and are all
1 Albany Records, vol. xviii. pp. 337-364.
fo
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297
1659.
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
married persons." A court-martial had been held on a drunken sergeant.1
A galliot arrives with letters from Peter Stuyvesant; Al- ricks offers her to the director-general, if he has any occasion Dec. 3. for her services. Hudde is going to Manhattan. Beekman says he has sold his mill to Hinoyossa.2
Much uneasiness was created by the following circumstance, Dec. 13. related in a letter from Beekman to Stuyvesant :
" John Schelten and John Tenneson discovered some pow- Discovery of der concealed in the desk; Hinoyossa was informed of it; powder; causes some they are now conversing upon this point, now by the one, alarm. then by Van Ruyven ; then calling for an advocate. We are called their masters, and yet too often they seem to follow their pleasure, but we shall be on our guard. We examined several, and inquired if they had not been commanded by Van Ruyven and Captain Krygier to go to Manhattan, and if they had not been willing to go thither before the commissaries arrived here. The same question was proposed to Reyneer Van Hayst, but we made no discovery, which it seems not their wish we should do. It seems, however, that some per- son here or there lays concealed, and that there were some clandestine machinations by some individuals in the commu- nity, against the commissioners of your honour, during their short residence here."
" I consider Mr. Carman in great danger, if my informa- tion is correct ; his wife conveyed secretly all her principal property to her trusty friends, as they call him openly a speculator ; in short, they cause a vast deal of trouble and anxiety."
" On the 26th of last month, the sheriff and commissioners Proposal to proposed, in their ordinary meeting, that I should charge each tax the Swedes and Finns. family of the Swedes and Finn nations with a tax of six gl., or with so much as annually might be required for our ordi- nary expenses, which, by their calculation, would amount to about 400 guilders. I answered, they should prepare a cor- rect list of all the families. I expect, meanwhile, to be favoured with your advice in what manner I am to conduct myself."
" The Rev. Wellius was yesterday buried. He died on the Death of Rev. tenth day of his sickness. I too, was last Monday night Wellius. Sickness of Beekman. attacked by an ardent fever; my breast became suddenly
1 Albany Records, vol. xvii. p. 18. 38
2 Ibid. p. 20.
298
J. ALRICKS AND W. BEEKMAN.
1659. very much oppressed, with violent pains in the side, so that I appeared in a very forlorn situation. I discharged, during three days and nights, nothing but bloody flux, by a copious discharge, so that the sight of it created a great alarm, which debilitated me so much that I can scarcely go alone without great difficulty. I hope and pray that it may please God to spare my life yet a little while, for my wife and little chil- dren's sake. I write this with great difficulty."
Hinoyossa going to Hol- land with a remon- strance.
" As an imperious necessity required it, and your honour might be informed of it through another channel, I am pleased to inform your honour that the honourable Hinoyossa, not later than Monday next, goes to Holland in a Virginia ves- sel, carrying with him a remonstrance to the burgomasters of Amsterdam."1
Dec. 21.
P. Stuyve- sant informs West India Company of the appoint- ment of Wal- dron and Heermans commission- ers to Mary- land. Sends copies of in- structions, &c. Asks advice and assistance.
The director-general announces, in a letter of this date, to the company in Holland, the appointment of Augustus Heer- mans and Resolved Waldron, as commissioners to the governor of Maryland, and sends them a copy of their " letter of cre- dence and instructions," as well as the journal kept by them, including a letter of the governor of Maryland, "from. which," they say, " your honours may see, that notwithstand- ing our remonstrance and that of the commissioners, with regard to the honourable company's indisputable title, right, and actual possession of South River, those of Maryland held fast to their frivolous pretensions, from which it may be pre- sumed that they will take hold of the first opportunity to expel our people from our possessions, unless, ere long, by your honours and the burgomasters of Amsterdam, regard is paid to the population and defence of these parts. We are already informed, with some certainty, that the governor of Maryland had already caused a survey to be made of these lands, at the distance of about one or two miles from the fortress of New Amstel, and made a distribution of these among several inhabitants of Maryland, against whom, if they take actual possession, we solicit earnestly your honour's or- ders, to know what we have to do, and how to conduct our- selves against such usurpers, if they left for a while the aforesaid fortress unmolested, and at the same time the neces- sary and efficacious means to execute your honour's orders with reputation."2
The directors of the West India Company again allude, in 1 Albany Records, vol. xvii. p. 22. 2 Ibid. vol. xviii.
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PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
their letters to Peter Stuyvesant, to the increasing difficulties 1659. on the South River, and speak of negotiations being in pro- gress with the burgomasters, for the retransfer of the colony of the city to the company. They say, " we see, however, Soldiers from the documents, that Collector Beekman, on South River, raised by Beekman, has engaged some soldiers without your honour's knowledge, without the which ought not to have been done without communication knowledge of P. Stuy- vesant. Censured. to, and special orders of your council, to whom the general direction is intrusted."1
" We observe, with regret, the unfavourable situation and decline of the colony of the city on South River, but as we have already discussed this point at large in our last letter, we shall now pass it by."
"It occasioned us, indeed, deep regret, when we were in- Bad condi- formed of the difficulties which are threatening the colony of tion of colo- ny of city. this city on South River, as unlawful usurpers seem to stand Negotiations at the door. We are pleased with the measures and exertions between company and burgo- masters about it. by which your honour intended to avert the danger, while it is our great concern that this settlement should, by all possi- ble means, be preserved; not only because, if it prospers and remains respected by its neighbours, it is a bulwark for the settlements of the company against any enemy on that quar- ter, but because it may be presumed the said colony might ere long be given in property to the company, as we are ac- tually negotiating on this point with the burgomasters, and will inform you of the issue, if it is concluded."2
In a letter to the West India Company, Stuyvesant alludes Dec. 26. to differences between Van Ruyven and Krygier, and Alricks, in which the latter charges the company and commissaries " with all the troubles which have been raised in the colony, as its depopulation by retreat of colonists, and of the colony's soldiers, consequently the ruin of the whole colony, if this or any place depending on it was lost." Refers to " his frivo- lous and abusive protest, charging us as impudently as falsely, that we absolutely commanded to recall the garrison from the Whorekill."3
Jacob Alricks, the vice-director of the city's colony of New Dec. 30. Amstel, died, having previously nominated Alexander D'Hin- Death of oyossa his successor, and Gerit Van Gezel, secretary. His Alricks. continuance in office was short, and his administration con-
1 Albany Records, vol. iv. p. 317
3 Ibid. vol. xviii. p. 66.
2 Ibid. p. 326.
299
Difficulties between Van Ruyven, &c. and Alricks.
Vice-director
300
A. D'HINOYOSSA AND W. BEEKMAN.
1659. sidered rather prejudicial to the interests of the colony; as we have seen he was censured for his conduct, and many off the evils which befell the colony were charged to him, whether justly or not it is difficult to determine, as so much jealousy existed at that time, in those who were perhaps interested in his downfall. Some disgraceful proceedings at the time of his death will be noticed in the early part of the next year .. It is said he left the colony considerably in debt, but probably much allowance must be made for the peculiar circumstances which surrounded him, such as prevailing sickness, want of provisions, the death of his wife this same year, &c. Many Dutch families had removed to Maryland, and it is said the inhabited part of the colony did not at this time extend two Dutch miles from the fort.1 Only ten soldiers remained in the fort here, and five at Whorekill.
1660.
The death of Jacob Alricks, which has already been men- January 14. Condition of things in consequence of Alricks's death. Hinoyossa tioned, produced some trouble in the city's colony. Mr. Beek- man, in a letter of this date, says, "since my last by the galliot, we lost, at New Amstel, the honourable director, Jacob Alricks, who died December 30. His death causes a great alteration in the colony, and principally so among the his successor. council and the heirs. The honourable D'Hinoyossa was, by his last will, designated his successor, and if I am well in- formed, said Jacob Alricks conducted himself generally in a fierce and forcible manner, by which many were alienated from him, so that it is nothing surprising that the inhabitants generally wish that you could make it convenient to arrive here in the spring, to establish good order, and appoint another director.
Convention of schepens, &c. on Al- ricks's af- fairs.
" While I was dictating this letter, there arrived here a cousin of Mr. Alricks, deceased, with a package of letters from Mr. Van Gezel, who informed me that after my depar- ture yesterday, there had been again a convocation of the schepens and vroedshap of the city, which happens nearly every day under his present administration. He wished to obtain from them that the honourable Alricks had very un- happily directed his administration, which they declined ; nay, they would not appear again upon the third and fourth notice, whereupon Elmerhuysen and Mr. Willems were summoned,
1 Acrelius, 422. Albany Records, vol. xvii. p. 25.
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301 1660.
rance of sol- diers. They burn a ca- noe of the savages. Danger in consequence.
two savages.
removed. Present ad- ministration.
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
and Mr. Evert, the chorister, was conducted to the fort by the sheriff, the sergeant, and four soldiers, to give his evidence against the deceased director, and at the same time Mr. Van Gezel had been put under arrest in the fort, as he fostered the opinion that he stirred up the people against him ; so that it has a great deal of appearance that the affairs will come there in great confusion."
" Complaints against Jan Juriansen Becker, for selling January 14. liquors to the soldiers for cash or on credit; yea some, prin- Intempe- cipally young lads, drank up two or three months' wages be- fore they stayed here six or seven weeks. They delivered him a note of hand, in which it was written that he had pro- vided them with the necessaries of life to the amount. I am obliged to forbid it, but he continues secretly. This credit has been the cause that two soldiers, being intoxicated, burnt a small canoe of the savages, on which the savages threatened to set fire to a house, or shoot our cattle, so that I was com- pelled to satisfy them. Every necessary is here very high."
Beekman asks " that his son may be gratified with appoint- ment and wages of an adelborst."1.
Some savages report that two corpses of savages had been January 21. found by savages in the underwood, on a marsh, supposed to Murder of have been murdered by Christians, at which the savages were highly dissatisfied, and threaten those of New Amstel. I cannot, however, ascertain the fact, but communicate it to D'Hinoyossa."2
In New Amstel, Cornelis Van Gezel was removed from January 25. office, and in his place John Prato appointed as councillor. Van Gezel The sheriff, Van Sweringen, acts as secretary ; " so that the pre- sent administration now consists of honourable D'Hinoyossa, Van Sweringen, and Prato, while they assume to their aid in all extraordinary transactions, Mr. Williams, the surgeon, and the gunner, John Block. D'Hinoyossa has again engaged Peter Alricks in his service, to act as commander on the Whorekills, in the spring."3
" Some farmers arrived here in the ship Golden Mill, and Arrival and settled opposite to our fort ; complain of want of subsistence, distressed situation of as they gathered very little from the land, and received their new settlers. plant-maize, from Alricks, which they received late, and being English corn, came very late to maturity, and was
I Beekman's Letter in Albany Records, vol. xvii. pp. 25-33.
Ibid.
3 Acrelius, p. 424.
20
1
as of er sy in of r.
f y e
302
A. D'HINOYOSSA AND W. BEEKMAN.
1660.
Distressed situation of some new- settled far- mers.
frozen in the field, so that they have scarce any victuals, neither do they possess the means of obtaining it from any- where else, not even from D'Hinoyossa, notwithstanding he in- vited them to New Amstel, with promise of his assistance. He distributed to seven or eight families one quarter of maize to each, and told them he did so only in his individual capa- city. It is true these farmers had a considerable quantity of winter corn, but several persons are of opinion, if they cannot receive aid, they will be obliged to abandon the soil before the new harvest of corn, as they already sold their clothes last winter to keep themselves alive." .
" Since two days, the river is free from ice, and again na- vigable. We are in great want of a drum, as ours is too decayed for use."1
" We received information with regard to the murderers of Feb. 3. the three savages, among whom is one Minqua. The deed Murderers of was perpetrated on the farm of honourable Alricks, deceased, the three savages as- certained. Consulta- tions about it with the Indians. by two of his servants, who, on 26th ultimo, were imprisoned by honourable D'Hinoyossa. This affair will cost us a great deal of trouble, as it is reported the savages are resolved to take revenge on those of New Amstel. I was yesterday there, and observed that they who resided at some distance from that place fled to the nearest houses under the fort. I heard many complaints against D'Hinoyossa ; among various others, that he should have said that he would contribute not a far- thing in this case of murder, but that it must be borne by the community, and that he was pretty indifferent whether the savages went to war or not. This is only report. I will try to induce him to a peaceable course."
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Meeting in consequence of the mur- der.
" This instant I received a letter from Sheriff Van Dyck, whom I had requested to come to New Amstel with the com- missaries, when the savages intended to meet there, to con- verse about the murder, as the constitution and manners of the savages were better known to them than to us new comers. They excused themselves, however, as they did not receive a special and written message from the director-general and council of New Amstel, and further, they informed us that the savages told them they ought not to interfere or meddle in any manner with this business, because they of Smith's Corner of New Amstel were of the same nation, yet they would, if in any manner possible, come to-morrow, to
1 Beekman's Letters, Albany Records, vol. xvii. pp. 33, 34.
303
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
act then together in concert ; that it would not answer to re- 1660. fuse their aid, if necessity required, if solicited to bestow it, as this might prevent bloodshed."1
" Cornelis Van Gezel arrived here at Altona on 30th ; per- Conduct of sists in avoiding to meet the honourable D'Hinoyossa, who had commanded him that he should declare on his solemn oath, upon penalty of 25 guilders, what property the honourable Alricks left behind. He said that he was daily so troubled and insulted, that he would not longer be induced to remain there, when D'Hinoyossa carried from Gezel's house a large mirror and painting, apparently on the fine of 25 guilders, because he had not appeared before him."
" On the 1st instant, I received from D'Hinoyossa a sealed letter, without address, who sent with it an apology, that he had no time to write the address, without breaking in upon his laziness. He inquires if Gezel is here, and if he in- tended to go to Manhattan by land, which he took amiss, as Van Gezel was yet holden to bring in his accounts as auc- tioneer, and those of the orphan-house. When I communi- cated this to Gezel, he immediately returned thither.
" He mentioned too, in the same letter, that he and his Monthly fast council had commanded that a fast and prayer day should be and prayer- day. holden on the first Monday of each month.
" While copying this in a hurry, I unexpectedly received a Van Gezel message from Van Gezel, soliciting that he might be informed
asks protec- tion of Beek- if I could protect him from D'Hinoyossa's violence, as D'Hino- man at Al- yossa presumed to say that if he retreated to Altona, and na. should not be delivered up at his summons, that he would carry him off with force; to which I answered, that I would directly communicate the affair to your honour, and that meanwhile I would protect him till I should receive your answer."
" Jan Schoeten arrived here from Maryland, as I was ready Return of to seal this, who says, that many there would return here, if fugitives to Maryland.
I would assure them of my protection, which I promised till I should receive your orders on the subject."2
The following case shows the state of crime and the mode February 20. of punishment ; the sentence was signed by Beekman, at Case of crime Altona : " Gerrit Hermans and Govert Jansen having quar- and punish- ment.
relled together, the former was wounded on the left hand with
1 Albany Records, Beekman's Letter, vol. xvii. p. 39.
2 Ibid.
D'Ilinoyossa towards Van Gezel.
Auctioneer and orphan- house.
304
A. D'HINOYOSSA AND W. BEEKMAN.
1660.
the latter's sword, the little finger being cut off, and other severe wounds inflicted on the palm of the hand. Govert Jansen, with the full consent of the sergeant, is condemned to pay the account of the patient, in compensation for the loss of his finger, and the laming of the second also, 60 guilders, and besides to defray the expense while under the care of the surgeon, and be condemned for six weeks to the 'spade and wheelbarrow in the fort," which sentence was ap- proved by director-general and council at Fort Amsterdam, in form, May 31.1
March 1.
Murder of savages by two Chris- tians. Dele- gates ap- pointed to in- vestigate it. Their in- structions.
D'Hinoyossa and Beekman inform Stuyvesant of a horrible murder committed on a savage on South River, near the co- lony of New Amstel, and that it was probably done by two " so named Christians," for which they were apprehended. Stuyvesant enters into a long argument on the importance of their conviction and execution at South River, where he can- not go, and concludes to send his attorney-general, Nicasius De Sille, with William Beekman, on behalf of the company, Alexander D'Hinoyossa, on part of burgomasters, provisional director in the colony, Paulus Lindert Van De Graft, old burgomaster of Amsterdam, G. Van Sweringen, as provi- sional sheriff and commissary, Jacobus Backer, acting sche- pen, and John Prato, adopted member of council, as delegates. They were qualified, with the following instructions :
1. When arrived on South River with the yacht Sea-Bear, with one or two of their body must inquire into the circum- stances relative to the murder.
2. When inquiry is made, delinquents discovered, and by sufficient proofs and voluntary confession convicted, then pro- secute them before the delegated judge, to make up his con- clusion according to law, demand speedy and impartial justice, execute the pronounced judgment, and there on the spot, for others' example.
3. Shall invite the sachem and some individuals to be pre- sent, and explain it as an object of friendship, and that they may be made to do so too when Indians kill whites.
4. Inquire about Becker's case of selling rum.
5. In case of Alricks's executor and D'Hinoyossa, exhort them to peace.
6. Advise and assist Andreas Laurens in the military ser-
1 Albany Records, vol. xxiv.
305
1660.
vice.1 He is authorized to enlist Swedes and Finns as soldiers, at eight to twelve gl. heavy money.2
Holland di- rect to drive
The directors in Amsterdam, after speaking of the conduct of the English, encroaching on the North and South Rivers, March 9. say to Stuyvesant, "if they won't be persuaded, they must Directors in be dislodged. Your honour ought to oppose, in the same manner, those of Maryland, if they undertook to settle on off Mary- South River, within our district, first warning them, in a civil landers. manner, not to usurp our territory, but if they despise such kind entreaties, then nothing is left but to drive them from there, as our claims and rights on the lands upon South River are indisputable, not so much (which, however, is the case) as first occupants, but by real purchase from the natives, who were the only real progenitors of the soil."3
Beekman writes to Stuyvesant that he has received his let- March 15. ter of 19th, and that he has endeavoured to reconcile D'Hino- Agreement yossa and Van Gezel; that he had directly published the about the murder of savages. Farmers. transmitted placard relative to the farmers, and had it affixed at the same time. "On the 8th of February, I sent with Sheriff Van Dyck, a commission at New Amstel, at request of D'Hinoyossa, to enter into an agreement about the murdered savages, and succeeded to their satisfaction; on the 18th, at evening, the next day, the payment was made, the agreement signed, and a receipt given me."
" When employed in concluding an agreement with the Reported savages, I was informed that Mr. Hudde was robbed and killed, on which I directly despatched the sheriff to inquire about it, by the Swedes. When he returned, he reported him as not killed, but plundered, which we then communicated to the sachems, who engaged that every thing should be returned.
" On the 10th February, the delinquents were sentenced by D'Hinoyossa, for which he solicited my presence, which I declined, but I asked him if he supposed he was sufficiently qualified to decide such cases; he answered, Yes; then he requested that I would consent to take a place near the fire, with Mr. Elmerhuysen, and hear the debates and decision, to which I consented."
" It is rumoured that Lord Baltimore had arrived in Mary- Report of land, and would come to us within three or four days, with 500 men. It is an uncertain rumour; asks for governor's in-
1 Albany Records, vol. xxiv. pp. 108, 109.
3 Ibid. vol. iv. p. 331. 39
2 Ibid. p. 115.
2c 2
murder and robbery of Hudde.
Trial of de- linquents.
Lord Balti- more.
PETER STUYVESANT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
t d e 0 2
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1660.
structions in such a case, and further, if it is not necessary that the decayed batteries are repaired, either with sods or . beams, which are here at hand, from the old house on Cuy- per's Island, of which a part was already used to barricade the fort. There is only a small provision of musket balls, and none whatever for our large guns.
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