Annals of Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware, Part 7

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1850
Publisher: Philadelphia, Hazard & Mitchell
Number of Pages: 684

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Grant tó Henry Hock- hammer continued.

vision for religion and education.

PRIVILEGES GRANTED TO THE NEW COLONY.

1640.

Grant to Henry Hock- hammer continued.

of custom-house usual in the kingdom, besides enjoying all the privileges granted to our other subjects. 11th. At the end of ten years, what has been decreed in preceding article, respecting customs, shall remain in force, "and at the same time they shall pay, in New Sweden, five per cent. on all goods which they shall enter there or carry away," and contribute to the pay of officers and support of fortresses, as time and circumstances may require, for the sake of security and peace. 12th. It is desired that no person shall be per- mitted to take any man or woman, domestic or servant, from the service of the master before the term is ended, nor employ any such, without the express permission of the master or governor, who is required to support the master in his rights. 13th. Permission is granted to the above masters of vessels " to send everywhere in the ocean for fish, their vessels built in New Sweden," and to send their fish to all parts of the West Indies, within the Straits of Gibraltar or Mediterranean, it being first declared and registered by our agents that the customs are paid, without fraud, and observing "exactly" the requirements in the 9th article respecting the depôt of Got- tenberg. 14th. If they or their descendants discover mine- rals, precious stones, coral, crystals, marble, a pearl fishery, occasions for making salt, &c., they are at liberty to work them for ten years, without charge, with consent of " our governor." After ten years, they shall have preference, upon paying a certain annual sum, to be determined. 15th. The government promises general protection against all attacks, and to their interests, as those of other subjects. 16th. It expects from them, in return, their services in pro- moting the welfare of the republic, and aid in case of war, though the government desires to exempt them from enrol- ments and compulsory military service. 17th. Property in New Sweden to be exempt from confiscation; and fines, what- ever be the offence, not to exceed 100 florins of the empire, or 40 rix dollars, the government reserving to itself every other species of punishment, according to the offence. 18th. And as the company "think of transporting thither, in a few years," more men and beasts, and other things necessary for the cultivation of the earth, building of houses and found- ing a city, they are permitted so to do, at several different times, from Holland, each time, however, with the knowledge

APPOINTMENT OF JOST DE BOGARDT.

of the government, " as always the equipments were ordi- 1640. narily made at Gottenberg."1

This company appears to partake much of the character of the Swedish West India Company, and to be independent of the colony left by Minuit. A governor is, however, men- tioned several times. They had probably one of their own, though from the expression "our governor in that country," being used once or twice, it would appear that the Swedish government had a governor-general there.

It appears by the following document, that one Jost de January 30. Bogardt received a commission for an office in New Sweden, the precise nature of which is not very clear, perhaps to act as special governor to these Hollanders. In subsequent in- structions to Governor Printz, he is spoken of as their com- mandant, and they as under the protection of the crown of Sweden ;2 by Acrelius, under the name of Boyandh, as chief or municipal director, and by Plantagenet, as " one Bogot, under the Swedish name and commission."3 The fol- lowing is all that we know respecting his duties and pay.

"Jost de Bogardt, having taken upon himself, and having promised to assist, as much as in his power, by his direction and exertions, our subjects at Christina, and the people gardt, and whom we may send there in future, to employ all his care on the different occasions which present for promoting our advan- tage and that of the crown of Sweden, as also to instruct us exactly on every occasion, in every thing which it is important we should know, and to execute faithfully our orders, an an- nual compensation is secured to him from the present time, of 500 florins, or 200 rix dollars, to be remitted to his banker in Holland, by our resident Spiring, or other charge d'affaires whom we may then have in Holland," with the pro- mise of an increase of his annual salary of 100 florins, " if in future we have new proofs of his attachment, and of his zeal to promote our welfare and that of our crown," and " moreover, according to circumstances, to recompense him in a royal manner."

A counter obligation is given by him on the same date, recapitulating the foregoing, and engaging faithfully to dis- charge his duties.4

! Swedish Documents in Reg. of Penns. vol. iv. p. 178.

2 MSS. A. P. S. Reg. of Penns, vol. iv. p. 220. 3 Acrel. 411. Ployden. MSS. A. P. S. Reg. of Penns. vol. iv. pp. 177, 178.

Appoint- ment of Jost de Bo- his salary.

SWEDES DISCOURAGED, ARRIVAL OF REINFORCEMENT.

1640.

February 1. Guaranty to be taken from Hock- hammer, &c.

It appears by a letter addressed by the Swedish govern- ment "to the resident, Peter Spiring, on account of the privi- lege granted to the people of Utrecht," dated February 1, that after completing the grant and privilege to Rhedere, De Horst, Vreeland, &c., according to the preceding abstract, it occurred to them that they had neglected to receive from them " for guaranty, a counter-obligation, which it is abso- lutely necessary they should give us. This is sent in form to Spiring, with instructions to have it completed, and " more- over, to endeavour that the words 'so far as regards the state of New Sweden' be excluded, more especially as their new obligation, even without that, signifies no other thing, as their other obligations and duties towards their country remain in full force." In case of their refusal, it is left to Spiring's discretion to make the best arrangement that he can, " so that the vessel be despatched with the greatest diligence possible."1

Hogs stolen by persons going to the Delaware.

Some of the Dutch West India Company's servants landed about this time on Staten Island, to take in water, on their way to South River. Before they reimbarked, they stole some hogs belonging to their employers and to Captain De Vries, who then had an infant settlement in that island. The blame was laid on the Indians who lived on Raritan. This led to very serious consequences there.2

Fortunate arrival of Swedish ves- sel.

The Swedes were so much discouraged at this period, that, according to the Dutch statements, they had fixed upon a certain day for their departure, when fortunately for them a vessel arrived, by which they were strengthened; but the trade of the Dutch, according to their own statements, was "entirely ruined."

It is probable the vessel here referred to as arriving so opportunely for the Swedes, was one of the vessels under command of Captain Powelson, which sailed from Sweden in January or early in February.

Letter from Kieft. Swedes ready to de- part. Are relieved by arrival of a vessel. May 1.

On the 1st of May, 1640, Director Kieft, writing to the directors, says, " The Swedes on the Delaware were resolved to break up, and to come here, (Manhattan,) but the day be- fore their intended departure, there arrived a vessel, by which they were strengthened, having caused the company great injury, and still do so, the trade being entirely ruined."

1 Swedish MSS. in Reg. of Penns. vol. iv. p. 200.

2 O'Call. vol. i. p. 226.

ADVENTURERS FROM NEW HAVEN ON THE DELAWARE.

And on the 15th October, 1640, he further says, "The 1640. Swedes near the Delaware last spring got a vessel, with a cargo and a reinforcement of people, otherwise it had been arranged for them to come here, (to Manhattan.) We shall treat the Swedes with every politeness, although they com- menced with many hostilities forcibly to build, attack our fort, trading, threatening to take our boats, &c."1

Another to same effect. October 15.

The Swedes here alluded to, as being in so desperate a con- dition, must be those of the colony left by Minuit.

It is said that in this vessel arrived Peter Hollandaer, who Arrival of P. is afterwards mentioned as Minuit's successor.2 Hollandaer.

About this period commence the attempts of the English The English to make settlements on the Delaware. We are left to almost as much uncertainty respecting their operations, as to those ware. of the other nations which preceded them. After a diligent search among the ancient records of New England, we can collect but little definite information on the subject, except that they did make several attempts; that they purchased land and met with ill treatment both from the Dutch and Swedes. Nothing seems to be known respecting them, and no traces left where they are said at first to have settled; we shall therefore be compelled to throw what light we can upon it, as it gleams through existing records and occasional no- tices of authors. The earliest is found in the records of the United Colonies, in a long presentation of their grievances, submitted to the Dutch in 1653.

They say, " in the year 1640, the English at New Haven Kieft pro- sent men to view and purchase part of Delaware Bay, but with express direction not to meddle with any thing the Dutch or Swedes had right unto. As the English vessel passed by the Manhatoes, Monsieur Kieft made a protest, but on infor- mation of the order given, he was satisfied, and wrote to John Johnson, the Dutch agent at Delaware, to hold good corre- spondence with the English there, which accordingly he did at first, and showed them how far the Dutch and Swedes' title or claim reached ; the rest he told them was free for them to purchase, and offered his assistance therein, which offer, Afterwards (though kindly accepted,) was not entertained; but the In- dians being free, the English agents, at several times, from they make a the several proprietors purchased large tracts of land on both purchase.

1 Holl. Doc. vol. viii. p. 53, 54. 8

2 O'Call. vol. i. p. 365.

first appear on the Dela-

tests against the English, but allows them to pro- ceed. Kind reception by Jan Jansen at first.

opposes the English, but

PROTEST AGAINST THE NEW ENGLANDERS.

1640. sides of Delaware Bay and River, and began to plant and to set up houses for trade within their own limits."1

ner, for New Haven, makes a pur- chase.

Trumbull, in his History of Connecticut, says, " A large Captain Tur- purchase, sufficient for a number of plantations, was made by Captain Turner, agent for New Haven, on both sides Dela- ware Bay and River. This purchase was made with a view to trade, and for the settlement of churches in gospel order and purity."2

1641.

Vessel sails from New Haven to Delaware.

Early in this year, it is believed, an effort was made to settle upon the lands purchased by Captain Turner at Dela- ware. A " barque or catch" appears to have been fitted out from New Haven by a Mr. Lamberton, under the command of Robert Cogswell. Having reached Fort Amsterdam, the Director Kieft became apprized of their intention of pro- ceeding to Delaware with a view to a settlement there, and fearing an interference with the settlements of the Dutch, he resorted to a formal protest, in the following words :

April 8.

Gov. Kieft protests against R. Cogswell, master of Lamberton's vessel.

" I, William Kieft, director-general, &c., make known to you, Robert Cogswell and your associates, not to build nor plant on the South River, lying within the limits of New Netherlands, nor on the lands extending along there, as law- fully belonging to us, by our possessing the same long years ago, before it was frequented by any Christians, as appears by our forts which we have thereon; and also the mouth of the rivers sealed with our blood, and the soil itself, most of which has been purchased and paid for by us, unless you will settle under the States and the noble West India Company, and swear allegiance and become subject to them, as the other inhabitants have done. Failing whereof, we protest against all damages and losses which may accrue therefrom, and desire to be holden innocent thereof."3

English pro- ceed to settle on Delaware.

Notwithstanding this protest, the English proceeded to the South River, having assured the governor that it was not their intention to interfere with any settlements already made, or if none could be found free from claims, they would return. They very soon made purchases on both sides, com-

I Records of the United Colonies, in Hazard's Hist. Coll. vol. ii. p. 213.

Trumbull, vol. i. p. 116. 2

3 Holl. Doc. vol. ix. p. 205, in O'Call. vol. i. p. 232, whose date we follow, he having reference to the original document; but this, or a similar protest, is referred to as April 9, 1642, in Hazard's Hist. Coll. vol. ii. p. 265.

CAPT. TURNER AUTHORIZED TO GO TO THE DELAWARE.

menced erecting trading-houses on Varkin's or Farkin's kill, 1641. near the present Salem, N. J., and probably on the Schuyl- kill. The first is expressly alluded to in the instructions to the Swedish governor in next year, which mention the settle- ment of about sixty persons there, and their having built houses on the east side, and cultivated the earth in other places.1 Winthrop also says, "a plantation was begun at Delaware Bay by those of New Haven, and some twenty families are transported thither."

The following minute is on record, and probably alludes to 6th mo. 30th, the purchase made last year by Captain Turner, and that he (August?) now proposes to pay Delaware a second visit.

" At a general court held at New Haven, 30th of the sixth month, (August,) 1641.

" Whereas there was a purchase made by some particular Previous persons, of sundry plantations in Delaware Bay, at their own charge, for the advancement of public good, as in a way of trade, so also for the settling of churches and plantations in those parts, in combination with this; and thereupon it was propounded to the general court, whether plantations should be settled in Delaware Bay in combination with this town, yea or nay; and upon consideration and debate, it was assented unto by the court, and expressed by holding up of hands."

"So far as Captain Turner hath reference to the civil state, Captain Tur. and employed therein, provided that his place be supplied in his absence, the court hath given free liberty to him to go to Delaware Bay for his own advantage, and the public good, in settling the affairs thereof."

" It is ordered that those to whom the affairs of the town The town of- is committed, shall dispose of all the affairs of Delaware Bay according to the intent of the agreement2 for combination affairs of with this town, in settling plantations, and admitting planters Delaware Bay. to sit down there."3

This year, according to Acrelius, and all others who have Reputed succeeded him, died Peter Minuit, the conductor of the first Swedish colony to this river, in 1638, and the reputed first Minuit. governor. IIe was buried at Christina.4 We have already

1 Reg. Penns. vol. iv. p. 219.

2 This agreement does not appear on the records.

3 New Haven Court Rec. vol. i. p. 46.

4 Acrelius, p. 410, 412. Ferris, &c. p. 57.

purchases of Delaware Bay alluded to.

ner autho- rized to go to Delaware, finding a substitute in the office he held. ficers to su- perintend

death and burial of

THE NEW HAVEN PURCHASE.

1641. given, as we proceeded, all that is now known of Minuit and his public acts. The fact of his departure, ascertained by later documents, has rendered somewhat unsettled the state- ments heretofore made respecting him, and relied upon with so much confidence. Mounce Kling is said to have acted as deputy under him.1 Here we must leave the matter for future research.

Minuit's successor, P. Hollan- daer.

Minuit is said to have been succeeded by Peter Hollandaer, whose arrival has already been noticed, and who continued in office for about eighteen months. Of him and his acts less is perhaps known than of his predecessor ; he is reported to have returned to Sweden.2

1642.

March 27.

New Haven people re- move to Dela- ware. Purchases effected through the influence of a Pequot sachem.

" The New Haven people, (being Londoners, chiefly un- skilled in husbandry, and unable to bear labour, their estates wasted, servants scarce and high,) they inclined to look out, and so to settle themselves elsewhere more commodious for their subsistence, and with them also joined a great part of the other plantations of their union, partly from their love and desire to be together, and partly stimulated by some like reasons among themselves. They made once and again attempts at Delaware, where they had purchased large tracts of land, but were prevented by injuries from the Dutch, or one means or another." " Righteousness exalteth a nation, and maketh them honourable even in sight of the very heathen, as was manifest at this time amongst the Indians, in the observation of the proceedings of the English, for in this year, those of New Haven intending a plantation at Delaware, sent some men to purchase a large portion of land from the Indians there, but they refused to deal with them ; it so fell out that a Pequot sachem, who had fled his country in the time of the wars with them, and seated himself there upon that river, was accidentally present at that time, and taking notice of the English, and their desire, persuaded the other sachem to deal with them, and told him, that however they had killed his countrymen, and driven him out, yet they were honest men, and had just cause to do what they did, for the Pequots, he owned, had done them wrong, and refused to give them the reasonable satisfaction which was

1 Acrelius, p. 410. O'Call. vol. i. p. 366.

2 Acrelius, &c. p. 410.

1642.

VAN ILPENDAM SENT AGAINST THE ENGLISH.

demanded ; whereupon the sachem entertained them, and let them have what land they desired."1

The director-general and council "having received unques- tionable information that some English had the audacity to May 15. land in the South River, opposite to our Fort Nassau, where Settlement they made a beginning of settling on the Schuylkill, without

of English on Schuyl- any commission of a potentate, which is an affair of ominous kill. 'consequence, disrespectful to their High Mightinesses, and injurious to the interests of the West India Company, as by it their commerce on the South River might be eventually ruined ;" resolved, " that it is our duty to drive these English Resolution of from thence, in the best manner possible." the Dutch.

Accordingly, on the 22d, they issued the following instruc- May 22. tions to Jan Jansen Van Ilpendam, the commissary on South River, viz.

" As soon as the yachts Real and St. Martin shall have Instructions arrived there, he, Jan Jansen Van Ilpendam, shall embark on either of the two yachts, or, if he thinks it best, with both, assisted with such a body of men as he can collect together, and proceed towards the Schuylkill, disembark there directly, and require from the English to show him by what authority they acted, and how they dared to make such an encroach- ment upon our rights and privileges, our territory and com- merce; and if they can show no authority or royal commission to settle within our limits, or an authentic copy of such a commission, then to compel them to depart directly in peace, to prevent cffusion of blood. If they will not listen or sub- mit, then to secure their persons, and conduct them to the yacht, that they may be brought hither. Be in every respect on your guard, that you remain master, and are not surprised, and maintain the reputation of their High Mightinesses and the noble directors of the West India Company. If the English leave the spot, or make their escape, then you must destroy their improvements, and level those on the - spot. While you, Jan Jansen Van Ilpendam, shall take care that the English are not injured in their personal property, but that there be made in their presence an accurate inventory of the whole."2

These English are said, by some, to have been Mary-

I Hubbard's N. E. in Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll. vol. vi. 2d series, pp. 326, 381. Hazard's Hist. Coll. vol. ii. p. 164. Winthrop, vol. ii. p. 62.

2 Albany Records, vol. ii. pp. 162, 164, 165.

to J. J. Van Ilpendam, who is sent to Delaware with two vessels, to drive out the English.

. 62

SEIZURE OF ENGLISH MERCHANDISE BY THE DUTCH.

1642.

landers,1 and that they were driven off. Bozman, the histo- rian of Maryland, says, "our records make no mention of this attempt by the inhabitants of Maryland to form, at this time, any settlements on the Schuylkill."2 They were most probably a part of the New Haven Company.

August. Conduct of the Dutch to the English.

Notwithstanding the purchases of the English on both sides of the river, to which, as they affirm, neither the Dutch nor Swedes had any just title, Governor Kieft, without pro- test or warning, sent armed men, and " by force, in a hostile way, burnt their trading house, seized, and for some time de- tained, the goods in it, not suffering their servants so much as to take a just inventory of them. He there also seized their boat, and for a while kept their men prisoners, for which treatment they could not, up to 1650, get any satis- faction. The Dutch governor sent armed vessels to De- laware to seize Mr. Lamberton's vessel, or drive him out of the river," but being on his guard, he at that time main- tained the right and honour of the English. As he was returning from Delaware, the Dutch governor at Manhattan compelled Mr. Lamberton, who was the agent of New Haven, " by threatenings and force," to give an account of what beaver he had traded for within the English limits at Dela- ware, and pay recognitions for them, against which a protest sent from New Haven was of no avail." The damages done to the English at Delaware were estimated at £100 sterling.3

Great sickness and mortality prevailed among the settlers of last year upon Delaware, which dissolved "the plantation. The same sickness and mortality befell the Swedes also, who were planted in the same river. The English were after- wards driven out by the Swedes."4

Gov. Printz appointed.

However uncertain may have been our knowledge hereto- fore, of the executive operations of the Swedes since the departure of Minuit, there is now no longer any doubt upon the subject. In the latter end of the year, John Printz, a lieutenant of cavalry, is appointed governor, receives his commission and instructions, and early in next year arrives in the Delaware. Of both documents we now proceed to

1 Smith's N. Y. vol. i. p. 6.

2 Bozman's Md. p. 207; edit. 1837.

3 Hazard's Hist. Coll. vol. ii. pp. 164, 214. Trumbull's Conn. vol. i. p. 120. Smith's N. Y. Albany Records, vol. ii. p. 177, 185.

4 Winthrop, vol. ii. p. 76. Hubbard.

JOHN PRINTZ MADE GOVERNOR.

give an abstract. The commission, though latest as to date, is 1642. -

given first.

John Printz, lieutenant of cavalry, is appointed by Chris- tina, queen of Sweden, governor of New Sweden. His August 16. commission is dated 16th, although his instructions are on Appoint- the 15th August. It commences by stating that " our faith- ment of Gov. Printz. sion. General du- ful subjects having commenced visiting the West Indies, and His commis- having purchased in form, and already occupied a considera- ble part of that country, which they have named New Sweden, ties. in consequence,-as their laudable project, the navigation which they have undertaken, and the cultivation which they are disposed to make, cannot but increase and facilitate com- merce,-to give them more vigour and extent, not only have we approved their design, and taken the country and its inhabit- ants under our royal protection, but again to favour and strengthen the work which they have commenced, we have given to the country and inhabitants, our subjects, a governor, and have named, as we do here, by virtue of this letter-patent, our very faithful subject, the above named lieutenant of caval- ry, John Printz, for governor of New Sweden. He engages to administer and govern said country, and to defend its inhab- itants against all violence and foreign attachment, and to preserve, above all, that country in safe and faithful hands. He must preserve amity, good neighbourhood, and corre- spondence with foreigners, with those who depend on his government and the natives of the country; render justice without distinction, so that there shall be injury to no one. If any person behave himself grossly, he must punish him in a convenient manner ; and as regards the cultivation of the country, he must in a liberal manner regulate and continue it, so that the inhabitants may derive from it their honest support, and even that commerce may receive from it a sensi- ble increase. As to himself, he will so conduct in his govern- ment as to be willing and able faithfully to answer for it before God, before us, and every brave Swede, regulating himself by the instructions given to him." The inhabitants are required to acknowledge and obey him as governor.1

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Annals of Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware, Part 7

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870 Publication date: 1850 Publisher: Philadelphia, Hazard & Mitchell Number of Pages: 684

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1850
Publisher: Philadelphia, Hazard & Mitchell
Number of Pages: 684