USA > Pennsylvania > Annals of Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware > Part 39
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October 11.
In compliance with his orders, Sir Robert proceeded to the Delaware, and commenced his operations, which are related by himself to Colonel Nicholls, in detail, a few days after. The result was a capitulation, when the following " Articles of Agreement" were entered into "between the honourable Sir R. Carre, knight, on behalf of his majesty of Great Bri- tain, and the burgomasters, in behalf of themselves and all the Dutch and Swedes inhabiting on Delaware Bay and River.
Articles of capitulation.
"1. That all the burghers and planters will submit them- selves to his majesty's authority, without making any resist- ance.
"2. That whoever, of what nation soever, doth submit to his majesty's authority, shall be protected in their estates, real and personal, whatsoever, by his majesty's laws and justice.
"3. That the present magistrates shall be continued in their offices and jurisdictions, to exercise their civil powers as formerly.
" 4. That if any Dutchman or other person shall desire to depart from this river, that it is lawful for him so to do within six months after the date of these articles.
"5. That the magistrates and all the inhabitants, (who are included in these articles,) shall take the oath of allegiance to his majesty, and of fidelity to the present governor.
"6. That all the people shall enjoy the liberty of their conscience in church discipline, as formerly.
"7. That whoever shall take the oath, is from that time a free denizen, and shall enjoy all the privileges of trading into
1 Reg. Penns. vol. i. p. 37, from A. P. S. MSS. and N. Y. Records ; see them at length.
365 1664.
Articles of capitulation, continued.
DEPUTY-GOVERNOR RICHARD NICHOLLS.
any of his majesty's dominions, as freely as any Englishman, and may require a certificate for so doing.
"8. That the schout, the burgomaster, sheriff, and other inferior magistrates, shall use and exercise their customary power in administration of justice within their precincts, for six months, or until his majesty's pleasure is further known."
The Oath .- " I do swear by the Almighty God, that I will bear faith and allegiance to his majesty of Great Britain, and that I will obey all such commands as I shall receive from the governor, deputy governor, or other officers appointed by his majesty's authority, so long as I live within these or any other of his majesty's territories.
" Given under my hand and seal, this first day of October, in the year of our Lord God, 1664. ROBERT CARRE.
" Given under our hands and seals, in behalf of ourselves and the rest of the inhabitants, the first day of October, in the year of our Lord God, 1664.
" FOB OUT HOUT, HANS BLOCK,
" HENRY JOHNSON,
LUCAS PETERSON;
" GERRIT S. VAN TIELL, HENRY CASTURIER."
Thus terminated the Dutch power on the Delaware, except for a short period in 1672, and thus was more speedily ac- complished than was anticipated when it was made, the pre- diction that " this river will be settled by the English and Swedes."
Thus terminated the Dutch government over all New Netherlands, they becoming subject to the English crown, thereby fulfilling the prediction made by the Dutch a few years previously. From this date to the present time, with the exception of a short period, the country was entirely lost to the Dutch. In all the quarrels between the Dutch and Swedes, whose history, jointly and separately, we have traced, during a period of about forty years, no blood was shed; it remained for the English to stain the soil with it. But little progress had thus far been made towards the settlement of the country, which it remained for the English also to ac- complish.1
Sir Robert Carre communicates, in a letter of this date to October 23. Colonel Nicholls, an account of his proceeding at New Castle, in its capture from the Dutch, (October 13:)
" Honourable sir-After a long and troublesome passage,
1 Reg. Penns. vol. i. p. 37, from A. P. S. MSS. of N. Y. Records.
2 H 2
366
CHARLES II .- JAMES, DUKE OF YORK.
1664.
Col. Carre's account to Col. Nicholls of his at- tack, &c. on fort at New Castle. Wounded; killed ; plun- der. Condi- tion of fort. The Indians hostile.
prolonged by the ignorance of the pilots and the shoalness of the water, we arrived the last day of September, at Dela- ware, passing by the fort without notice each of the others, the better to satisfy the Swedes, who, notwithstanding the Dutch persuasions to the contrary, were soon our friends. Afterwards I had a parley with the Dutch burghers and go- vernor; the burghers and townsmen, after almost three days' parley, consented to my demands, but the governor and sol- diery altogether refused my propositions ; whereupon I landed my soldiers, on Sunday morning following, and commanded the ships to fall down before the fort, within musket shot, with directions to fire two broadsides apiece upon the fort; then my soldiers to fall on ; which done, the soldiers never stop- ping until they stormed the fort, and so, consequently, to plundering; the seamen, no less given to that sport, were quickly within, and have gotten good store of booty, so that in such a noise and confusion, no word of command could be heard for some time ; but for as many goods as I could pre- serve, I still keep entire. The loss on our part was none ; the Dutch had ten wounded and three killed. The fort is not tenable, although 14 guns, and without a great charge, which inevitably must be expended, there will be no staying, we not being able to keep it ; therefore what I have or can get, shall be laid out upon the strengthening of the fort. Within these two days, Ensign Stock fell sick, so that I could not send him to you, to particularize all things, but on his recovery I will send him to you. If Providence had not so ruled that we had not come in as we did, we had been necessitated to quit the place in less than a month, there being nothing to be had but what must be purchased from other places, with trade of good account, of which, for the present, we have to satisfy our wants. I have already sent into Maryland some negroes which did belong to the late governor, at his plantation above, for beef, pork, corn, and salt, and for some other small con- veniences, which this place affordeth not. The cause of my not sending all this time to give notice of our success, was the falling of the Indians from their former civility, they abusing messengers that travel by land, since our arrival here, though no ways incensed by us, but exasperated by some Dutch and their own inclinations, that eighty of them came from the other side, where they inhabit, and so strong they are there, that no Christian yet dare venture to plant on that
367
-
DEPUTY GOVERNOR RICHARD NICHOLLS.
side, which belongs to the Duke of York. They stayed here 1664. three nights; we used them civilly, they pretending they came to settle, but since are returned without doing any hurt. We beg your endeavours to assist us in the reconciliation of the Indians called Synekers (Senecas) at the Fort Ferrania, and the Tuscheroras (Tuscororas) here, they coming and doing violence both to heathen and Christians, and leave these Indians to be blamed for it, insomuch that within less than six weeks several murders have been committed and done by their people upon the Dutch and Swedes here. Let me beg the favour of you to send Mr. Allinson and Thompson, the one for the edifying of the fort, the other to fix our arms, there being not any but was broke or unfixed. Your honour shall have a further account by the next, until which time, and ever after, I remain your faithful and obliged servant, ROBERT CARRE.
" Delaware Fort, October 13, 1664."1
Complaint is made by the West India Company to the October 25. States-General, " of the intolerable violences committed Complaint of against said company by the English nation in New Nether- Dutch against Eng- land and other parts, viz. that the ships and armed force sent lish, for cap- by the Duke of York from Old England had taken the town ture of New Netherland. of New Amsterdam, tranquilly and quietly possessed by this republic since fifty years, which event took place 27th August last ; that they had conquered the whole province of New Netherland, and subjected it to the English dominion, giving it the name of New York," and pray "that these violences should be considered according to their importance," &c. The memorial was referred to the committee on English affairs.2
After the reduction of the country by Sir Robert Carre, November 3. Colonel Nicholls himself was commissioned by the two other commissioners to proceed to the Delaware, "to take special care for the good government of the said place, and to depute such officer or officers therein as he shall think fit, for the management of his majesty's affairs, both civil and military, until his majesty's pleasure be further known."3
The name of New Castle is now given to what was before called New Amstel.
Name of New Amstel changed to New Castle.
1 London Doc. vol. i. p. 204.
Miller MSS. in possession of N. Y. Hist. Soc.
3 See Commission, in Reg. Penns. vol. i. p. 37, from N. Y. Records and MSS. A. P. S.
368
CHARLES II .- JAMES, DUKE OF YORK.
1664.
Thus were the English placed completely in possession of all that the Dutch formerly held on the Delaware. We have minutely traced the Dutch and Swedes in their various move- ments, from their first settlement here to their extermination for ever, (except for a short period,) from the river, and have seen that owing to petty feuds and jealousies between the two nations, but slow progress had been made towards the settlement and improvement of the country, yet all tending to prepare the way to effect the great revolution which has produced a uniformity of language, and customs, and institu- tions, and rendered these shores the happy abode of so many millions. The principal actors in the past events probably withdrew ; D'Hinoyossa, it is said, applied to the English for an office, in which expectation being unsuccessful, he event- ually returned to Holland, and entered the Dutch army, where he served in the war between Louis XIV. and the Re- public, and was one of the garrison of a fortress which sur- rendered to the French; after which, it is said, he ended his days in Holland,1 as did probably many of the early Dutch settlers. The Swedes, as we know, more generally remained behind ; the remnants of both nations becoming so blended as to constitute one people, with their successors scarcely at the present day to be traceable. Henceforth the country is governed by governors under the Duke of York.
Governor Nicholls grants a license to Elizabeth Cousterier, November 5. to transport herself and goods to Delaware Bay, there to trade.2
Powder and shot, &c. ex- pended at Delaware.
Colonel Nicholls certifies that Captain Carre has received from his majesty's ship, the " Guinea," a flag and sea com- pass, at Delaware Bay, and that Captain Thomas Morley being employed by him at Delaware Bay, with his ship " William and Nicholas," had received from Captain Hyde, of the "Guinea," two barrels of powder, and twenty iron shot, which were spent at the reduction of the fort at Dela- ware, and asks credit to be given in the gunner's account.
The commissioners also order the "Guinea," Captain Hyde, to sail directly for Portsmouth, England, with despatches.
1 London Docs. vol. i. p. 232. O'Call. vol. ii. p. 554.
2 N. Y. Records, Breviat.
369
DEPUTY GOVERNOR RICHARD NICHOLLS.
1665.
In consideration of the good services of Captain John Carre, in storming and reducing the fort at Delaware, Go- June 30. vernor Nicholls grants him " all the lands, houses, and estate, Confiscation real or personal, which is or shall be found to have been of estates, and grants really and truly in possession of, or appertaining to Gerrit to Carre and Van Sweringen, at the time when said fort was reduced by Tom. force to his majesty's obedience, it being sufficiently known that he was then schout, in hostility against his majesty, for which reason all his estate stands confiscated."1
The estate of Peter Alricks was at the same time confis- cated, for his hostility to his majesty, and granted to William Tom, for his good services at Delaware.2
Governor Nicholls grants license of alienation to Jacob July 15. Vis, to sell his estate, consisting of house and garden, at or Licenses to near New Castle, to any person living within this government.3 sell real es-
Philip Carteret having been commissioned governor of New Jersey, arrives with a number of planters.
tate. August. Governor Carteret ar-
vileges to l'. Alricks.
Governor Nicholls, by his license, grants leave to Peter rives. Alricks to trade or traffic with the Indians in and about Nov. 21. Whorekill, for skins, peltry, &c., the said Alricks making due Special pri- entry with the officers at Delaware, of the quantity or quality of such commodities as he shall trade for. Also, with his servant and six horses, to pass from New York to Delaware, and from thence into Maryland, and so to return, "about his occasion."4
1666.
A certain piece of land on Christina kill, heretofore in March 3. tenure of Joost Rugger, the miller, deceased, was, by the Grant of officers at Delaware, who were empowered by Nicholls's com- land. mission to dispose of implanted land there for the best advan- tage of the inhabitants, granted unto Hans Bones; the same is confirmed to him in 1668, he paying to his majesty two bushels of wheat as a quit-rent.5 (February 21.)
Governor Nicholls issues orders to collectors and receivers March 30. of customs, and notices the necessity of granting some tem- Order re- porary privileges for encouragement of trade between New
1 Delaware Records, in Del. Reg. vol. i. p. 175.
3 N. Y. Records, Breviat, p. 38.
5 MSS. in Reg. Penns. vol. iv. p. 75. 47
2 Ibid.
4 Breviat, p. 38.
specting du- ties on Dela . warc.
370
CHARLES II .- JAMES, DUKE OF YORK.
1666. York and Delaware, and that the tenths of all sorts of goods, liquors, or peltry, &c., by former practice and order, had been collected and paid in or at the aforesaid port, or in Delaware River ; now he orders that (until further orders) no sort of liquors, goods, or peltry, shall be liable to pay any custom, either in New York or Delaware River, provided that due entry and certificate be made and given of all such goods transported to or from those places.
Order re- specting pa- tents.
July 11.
A general order was issued at New York, by the Court of Assizes, that all persons who held old patents should bring them in to be renewed, and those who had none should be supplied, by a certain time; and more especially those who had been under the Dutch, and are now under his majesty, the inhabitants in and about Delaware being under this go- vernment are therein concerned. This was renewed in 1669, under penalty.1
1667.
January 11. Grant to Capt. Carre.
Nicholls, " in consideration of the good services of Captain John Carre, in storming and reducing Fort Delaware, grants to him a piece or parcel of meadow, valley, or marsh ground, on the Delaware, near the fort, about 150 acres," having lately been in tenure of A. D'Hinoyossa, then governor, it being sufficiently well known that he was in hostility against his majesty, for which reason all his estate stands confiscated. Quit-rent to his majesty, 1} bushels wheat.
Several grants.
A certain island in the Delaware, called Swarton Natton, containing about 300 acres, bounded on north by Christina kill, and on the west by a little creek, is granted to Thomas Woolaston, James Crawford, Herman Otto, and Gerard Otto; quit-rent, 3 bushels wheat. This island " having been here- tofore granted by A. D'Hinoyossa, late governor there, to some persons who have since appeared in hostility, whereby it is forfeited, and remained in his majesty's disposal."2
Governor Nicholls is succeeded by Colonel FRANCIS LOVE- LACE, whose administration now commences.
May. Gov. Love- lace. July 31.
The war between the English and Dutch was concluded by the treaty of Breda, by which either party was to retain all property in their possession prior to 10th May last, but any thing taken after the 10th May shall be restored, in the same
1 Breviat, p. 39.
2 Reg. Penns. vol. iv. p. 74.
371
1667.
Crane Hook built.
DEPUTY GOVERNOR FRANCIS LOVELACE.
condition as they are when the knowledge of the peace reaches the places.
This year was erected the Swedish church at Crane Hook, about one and a half miles from Fort Christina, on the south Church at side of the creek, in which both the Dutch and Swedes assem- bled for worship. The church early built in the fort had served them for about twelve years. The church now erected was a wooden one; no vestige of it or the grave-yard at present remains ; an orchard now occupies their place. For several years, the Rev. Mr. Lock officiated as minister of this and the church at Tinnicum.1
1668.
The governor and council gave the following directions for May 1. the better government of Delaware :
" It is necessary, to hold up the name and countenance, of Garrison. a garrison, with 20 men and one commissioned officer,
" That the commissioned officers shall provide all sorts of provisions for the whole garrison, at the rate of 5d. per day, viz. wholesome bread, beer, pork, peas, or beef, that no just complaint be made of either. That the soldiers, (so far as conveniently may be,) be lodged in the fort, and keep the stockades up in defence. That the civil government in the respective plantations be continued till further orders.
" That to prevent all abuses or oppositions in civil matters, A court for so often as complaint is made, the commissioned officer, Cap- tain Carre, shall call the schout, with Hans Block, Israel Helm, Peter Rambo, Peter Cock, Peter Alricks, or any two of them, as counsellors, to advise, hear, and determine, by the major vote, what is just, equitable, and necessary in the case and cases in question.
" That the same persons also, or any two or more of them, be called to advise and direct what is best to be done in all cases of difficulty which may arise from the Indians, who must obey and attend their summons upon such occasion.
" That two-thirds at least of the soldiers remain in and Soldiers to be about New Castle at all hours.
" That the fines or premunires and light offences be executed with moderation, though it is also necessary that ill men be punished in an exemplary manner.
" That the commissioned officer, Captain Carre, in the de- Casting vote.
1 Ferris, p. 145-147. Clay.
Provisions.
civil affairs.
always in New Castle. Fines, &c. to bo moderato.
372
CHARLES II .- JAMES, DUKE OF YORK.
1668. termination of the chief civil affairs, whereunto the temporary before-mentioned counsellors are ordained, shall have a cast- ing voice, where votes are equal.
Oaths.
" That the new appointed counsellors are to take the oaths to his royal highness.
English laws to govern. To be read.
" That the laws of the government established by his royal highness, be showed and frequently communicated to the said counsellors, and all others, to the end that being there- with acquainted, the practice of them also in convenient time be established, which conduceth to the public welfare and common justice.
" That no offensive war be made against any Indians, be- Treatment of fore you receive directions from the governor for your so Indians. doing.
Appeal to
" That in all matters of difficulty and importance, you must have recourse, by way of appeal, to the governor and council at New York."1 (April 21.)
New York.
June 18.
Indians de- sire prohibi- tion of sale of rum.
An official letter to Carre alludes to a former one relating to the Indians who murdered the servants of Mr. Tom and Peter Alricks. They are informed by one Rambo, that the Indians in those parts desire there should be an absolute pro- hibition on the whole river, of selling strong liquors to the Indians ; Carre is therefore to unite with those in the manage- ment of civil affairs, and with their advice give the neces- sary orders for the good government of Christians and Indians, and what they do shall be confirmed.2
July 17. Confiscation of property.
A certificate states, that at the taking of fort and town of Delaware from the Dutch, and reducing it to his majesty, all the goods and servants taken or seized in said town and fort, belonging to city of Amsterdam, or their officers, were con- fiscated and made free plunder, and so disposed of accord- ingly ; and there being several negroes taken away from Peter Alricks, who fell into the hands of Ensign Arthur Stock, he afterwards freely restored and bestowed 11 negroes on said Alricks as a gift, which was allowed and approved of.3
July 18. Grants of Jand.
Grants of land made to John Hendricks, Niels Nielson, jun., Hendrick Nielson, Mathys Nielson, and Niels Nielson, March 5, 1663, and 15th June, 1664, are confirmed to them at New Castle, by Governor Lovelace; each to have a plan- tation, situate in the Verdrietige Hoeck, extending to Stone
1 Smith's N J. p. 52. Reg. Penns. vol. i. p. 37. 38.
2 Breviat, N. Y. Records, p. 38.
3 Ibid.
DEPUTY GOVERNOR FRANCIS LOVELACE.
kill, acknowledgment, 5 bushels of wheat.1 Also a confir- mation of a grant to Captain John Carre, of 50 and 100 acres, "land and bowery," on first corner above the fort.
A certificate that William Tom came over with the certi- August 27. fier in his majesty's service, and had ever since been in Wm. Tom office, and for two years last past commissary at Delaware; asks a dis- charge.
and having behaved well, asks for a discharge, which was granted.
An order to Captain John Carre, "reciting that an agree- Dec. 15. ment had been made with Peter Alricks about Mattinicum, Carr's or alias Carr's Island, in Delaware, and all the stock, goods, and other materials thereon, heretofore in your care and cus- tody, therefore requiring immediately to make a surrender of said island to Alricks or his assigns, and return a true inven- tory of all goods, &c. which were delivered you there by Sir Robert Carre."2
1669.
Governor Lovelace having last year granted to the Lu- March 2. therans, in New York, liberty to send to Europe for a minis- Lutherans ter, they accordingly sent, and on 20th February, 1669, Rev. Mr. Jacobus Fabricius arrived there. The governor issued his proclamation, declaring that said Fabricius has leave to exercise the office of pastor, and that he be protected in it as long as he and the people behave orderly, and as long as his royal highness shall not order otherwise. In April, he had a pass to go to Albany ; while there he behaves ill, op- April. poses the magistrates, and imposes a fine of 1000 rix-dollars on the person of Helmar Otten, for complying with the ma- gistrates in the consummation of a marriage with Adriantze Arentz, his wife, according to the law of the land. On this offence, Governor Lovelace orders him to be suspended from his functions in Albany, until his friends intercede, and the magistrates there are willing he should be restored; but he was allowed to preach in New York.3
Governor Lovelace confirms a license of alienation granted April 2. by the late Governor Nicholls unto William Beekman, to sell a house and lot at Delaware.
Another to Jurien Jans, for land on a neck above New April 13.
1 N. Y. Records, in Breviat, p. 38.
2 Breviat. This island is near Burlington, and not Tinnicum, before men-
tioned. 3 Albany Records. Miller's MSS. in N. Y. Hist. Soc. Library.
21
373
1668.
Mattinicum island.
authorized to send for a minister. Fabricius ar- rives. Goes to Albany ; belraves ill ;
is suspended.
374
CHARLES II .- JAMES, DUKE OF YORK.
1669.
Castle, containing 46 acres; quit-rent, one bushel of wheat.
April 14.
Also, several others, beyond Christina kill, near Horse Neck, called Paerd Hook, or Haymakers' Hook, in New Cas- tle, near Upland ; to Bernard Eken, a house and lot in New Castle, bounded west with church-yard, and north with the mart, Crane Hook.1
May 31.
Lovelace's order about lands under Dutch te- nure.
Governor Lovelace issues an order to those on Delaware, as well as elsewhere, who held the lands by patent or ground- brief of Dutch tenure, and those who have none, with all convenient speed, to apply with or for them, or be liable to penalty by law. There was an order to this effect made by the court of general assizes in 1666.2
August 12. Wm. Tom appointed collector of quit-rents.
William Tom is appointed collector of quit-rents, which were imposed on all persons on Delaware who have taken out patents, and hold the lands under his majesty's ordinance, but who, neglecting the duty, suppose they are exempt, which would be very unjust and unreasonable; and from all others who have no patents, and hold lands there, so much as will at least be proportionable with the rest, for taking out of whose patents there is notice given in another ordinance.3
Governor Lovelace, at the request of William Tom, grants Finns and others have grant of that the Finns or others removing at or about Delaware, may have an enlargement of their bounds, for which they desire lands on Ap- to take up some lands at Apoquinimy, lying and being within oquinimy. the government, for the good and welfare of the inhabitants, and encouragement to them, on condition that in some con- venient time, a draft be taken of said land, and a return be made to him, together with its extent, whereon those who settle shall have patents for their confirmation.4
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