USA > Pennsylvania > Annals of Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware > Part 8
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The following is an abstract of the instructions to Governor August 15. Printz. After enumerating the advantages expected to result from the " conquering and purchasing the territory of New Sweden, and the extension of commerce thereby," it is stated
1 MS. Doc. A. P. S., Reg. of Penns. vol. iv. p. 200.
Instructions to Governor Printz.
64
INSTRUCTIONS TO GOVERNOR PRINTZ.
1642.
that " for this laudable end," two vessels to make the voyage have been furnished, named the "Stork" and the " Renown," under the orders of a governor, whom " her majesty has pro- vided with full, convenient and sufficient power," and the vessels, " with other necessary resources."
Must pro- ceed to Got- tenberg to prepare for departure.
The governor must first, without delay, proceed by land to Gottenberg, whither the vessels have sailed. On his arrival there, he must aid in disposing and arranging every thing according to the regulations of the company, in such manner as to be at sea in September next.
Determine on his route according to the wind.
Before, or as soon as the vessels leave Gottenberg, he, with the captain and his council, "should deliberate upon the nature of the wind, and other circumstances, and decide whether to direct his course to the north of Scotland, or through the channel between France and England."
During the passage he is to see that the captain and crew discharge their duties " with fidelity and exactness," and in " all occurrences of importance, and which merit reflection, he must ask the advice of the captain and council, must keep a journal, noting every thing worthy of remark, and send a copy of it back."
When (should it please God) the governor arrives at New Sweden, he is to take care that the frontiers of the country, ac- cording to the contract made by the subjects with. the savages, " extends from the borders of the sea to Cape Henlopen, in returning south-west towards Godyn's Bay, and thence towards the great South River, as far as Minquas kill, where is con- structed Fort Christina, and from thence again towards South River, and the whole to a place which the savages call San- kikan, which is at the same time the place where are the limits of New Sweden. This district or extent of country may be in length about thirty German miles ; as to width in the interior, it has been stipulated in the contracts, that the subjects of her majesty and company may take as much of the country as they wish."
English set- tlement at Varkens kill.
" Seeing that in the year preceding, (1641,) several English families, to the number of sixty persons, established them- selves, and began to build houses and cultivate the earth, in other places, viz. on the eastern side of South River, near & small river called Ferkens kill, the subjects and company have, with the intention of attracting to them the English, bought from the savages who inhabited the country, all the
Have super- vision of the captain and crew. Keep journal, &c.
On arrival, to see the contracts for purchases faithfully executed. Bounds de- scribed.
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INSTRUCTIONS TO GOVERNOR PRINTZ.
said western part, (eastern ?) from the mouth of the great 1642. river to Cape May, and even to another small river, Narra- tisenks kill, the whole extending about twelve German miles, comprising therein even Ferkens kill, above mentioned ; the Conciliatory governor ought to maintain this contract of purchase invio- conduct to be observed towards the English. lable, and with force, and thus to attract these English families under the authority and power of her majesty ; she suggests that these people are disposed to submit as a free people to a sovereign who can protect and defend them, and advises a conciliatory course; " yet as her majesty judges it will be better and more advantageous for Sweden, for the crown, and for those interested, to be able to disembarrass themselves of it honestly, she leaves it to the governor's dis- cretion, to endeavour to obtain this point, and for it to work underhand as much as possible, with good manners and with success." As the Dutch West India Company undoubtedly wishes to appropriate to itself the lands possessed by the English, and certainly also all the eastern part of the great South River, (especially as their fort or redoubt Nassau, now Fort Nassau occupied by about twenty men, is not very far from the occupied by twenty men. eastern side of this river ;) and since they make no pretensions to all the western part, of which the Swedes are in possession, imagining by their Fort Nassau they have acquired and re- served the possession of all said river, and the country on both sides, for which reason they have protested against the Swedish subjects, and have never been willing to permit or grant them to ascend before Fort Nassau, the governor Course of will comport himself towards the Dutch Company with mild- conduct to- wards Dutch ness and moderation, as the Swedes, only seeking to open a according to. free communication for commerce, had bought from the circum- stances. Also to Eng- lish in Vir- ginia. natives that which they possessed and cultivate. If, however, the Dutch, contrary to all hope, show any hostile intentions, "it would be very proper to be on your guard, and repel force by force :" at so great a distance, the government leaves it much to the governor's discretion. If, however, the Dutch do not trouble us in our possessions, " the governor must main- tain amity and good neighbourhood with the Dutch of Fort Nassau, and those established higher up the North River, at Manhattan or New Amsterdam, and likewise with the English who inhabit Virginia, especially because the latter have already begun to procure for the Swedes all sorts of necessary provisions, and at reasonable prices, both for cattle and grain."
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66
INSTRUCTIONS TO GOVERNOR PRINTZ.
1642. As to those of the Dutch nation who have gone to New Sweden, and are there established under Swedish protection, and under Commandant Jost de Bogardt, the governor Directions in must show them all good will, seeing that they comply with relation to Bogardt's colony. the conditions stipulated, and also obey the orders signified to them this year ; that being established too near to Fort Christina, (report says only three miles distant,) they must abandon it, and occupy a place more distant from the fort ; but the governor may remove them, or suffer them to remain, as he finds expedient.
The savages to be treated with kind- ness, and their favour courted.
With regard to the savages, the governor is to treat them with humanity and mildness, and see that neither violence nor injustice is done them, but "must labour to instruct them in the Christian religion, and the divine service, and civilize them. He must bring them to believe that the Swedes have not come there to do them injustice, but rather to procure them what they need, in order to live reciprocally in com- mon, and sell and exchange provisions. The governor must sell to them at lower prices than the Dutch at Fort Nassau, or the English, so as by this means to disengage them from these people, and accustom them more to the Swedes."
Internal regulations.
Having thus summarily disposed of the Dutch, English, and savages, the instructions enter upon matters of internal regulation.
Governor to choose his place of resi- dence; also for fortifica- tions and a fort. 1
The governor may choose his place of residence where he finds most convenient ; he will choose a place suitable for for- tifications, either at Cape Henlopen or at " James's Island,"1 or any other favourable position. He must pay particular attention, that by such a fortress the South River "may be shut," if it is possible, or commanded by it, and find a con- venient port where vessels may be safe, even in winter.
If Christina is sufficient, must attend to agricul- ture, &c.
If, however, he can protect himself with Fort Christina, he ought to turn his attention especially to agriculture, sowing enough grain for their support. He may then attend to the culture of tobacco, and allot to it a certain number of labourers, to increase the quantity, and that all vessels may bring back a great portion of it. Sheep and cattle are next to claim his attention, especially to improving the breeds of sheep, by procuring from the English or others, and increas- ing the number.
In order to support, in good condition, the trade in peltries 1 A part of Camden was formerly an island and so called. See Mickle, p. 85.
INSTRUCTIONS TO GOVERNOR PRINTZ.
67
1642. -
with the Indians, he must have an inspection, establish com- missaries to prevent others from trading with them, that it may be exclusively for the company.
It is supposed, from the climate being the same as Portu- Manufacture gal, that manufactures of salt may be established; if the heat of salt. of the sun is not sufficient, use fire. It should have the gover- nor's attention, as also should the culture of the vine, as grapes are everywhere found wild.
Recommends examination for metals and minerals ; if any Mines and are found, send home a particular account, and wait for minerals. orders.
Must reflect on what can be done with the superfluous Superfluous wood, especially oak and nut trees ; from the latter try if oil wood. Oil
from nuts. cannot be procured by pressure ; wood may answer as ballast.
Fisheries are next noticed. Inquire where they can be Fisheries. established to advantage, especially for whales, which are at times numerous in Godyn's Bay.
Silk and silk worms may be produced to advantage. The Silk worms good culture of the country generally is specially recom- and silk.
mended.
" But above all, whatever regards the police, government Police, go- and justice, must be done in the name of her majesty. De- vernment and justice. tailed and perfect instruction cannot be given, therefore it is May use his left to the discretion of the governor, according to circum- own seal. stances. For the present he may use his own seal, but with great form, in all the contracts and correspondence."
All controversies to be decided by the laws, customs, and Laws, cus- usages of Sweden, and in other things he will " adopt and follow the laudable manners, customs, and usages of Sweden."
toms, and usages of Sweden to prevail.
He has power to bring to obedience and order the mutinous and refractory, who will not live in peace; he may punish Crimes and great offenders by imprisonment, and even with death, accord- punish- ments. ing to the crime, after legal forms and sufficient examination by the most noted persons, such as the most prudent assessors of justice that he can find and consult in the country.
" Before all, the governor must labour and watch that he Worship of renders in all things to ALMIGHTY GOD the true worship which is his duc, the glory, the praise, and the homage that belongs to him, and take good measures that the divine service is performed according to the true Confession of Augsburg, the council of Upsal, and the ceremonies of the Swedish church, having care that all men, and especially the youth, be well
Głod to be ac- cording to Augsburg Confession.
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JOHN PRINTZ, GOVERNOR.
1642. . instructed in all the parts of Christianity, and that a good ecclesiastical discipline be observed and maintained. With Dutch to en- respect to the Dutch colony which resides and is established joy their own wor- in the country of her majesty and of the crown, the governor ship. must not disturb what has been obtained in the aforesaid grant of her majesty, with regard to the exercise of the reformed religion."
Things not mentioned above.
As to what cannot be here written, the governor must com- port as a faithful patriot, and observe with the greatest care, best intelligence, and great zeal, all that concerns his charge, regulating himself also by what has been verbally com- municated.
The governor is appointed for three years, after which he Governor ap- may return, leaving a successor or viceroy in his place, or he may be reappointed.1
pointed for three years.
A special order was passed, allowing Governor Printz "an Gov. Printz's annual support and compensation, as long as he shall remain in service in the country, 1200 silver dollars to be drawn regularly from the existing revenue, or which shall be regu- lated hereafter, to commence January 1, 1643.2
salary.
August 16.
Departure for, and ar- rival at De- laware.
Governor Printz sailed from Stockholm, with the ships Fame and Stork, and after a passage of one hundred and fifty days, arrived in the Delaware in February of next year.
August 30.
Expenses of government of New Swe- den. How provided for.
The government furnished Governor Printz soldiers and officers to assist him in the discharge of his duties, and passed an order on the counsellors of the kingdom, requiring them to provide for the regular payment of the expenses of the government of New Sweden, amounting to 3020 rix dollars per annum, viz. governor, 1200 silver, or 800 rix, half silver and half excise ; lieutenant-governor, 16 rix dollars per month ; one sergeant major, 10; one corporal, 6; one gunner, 8; one trumpeter, 6; one drummer, 5; twenty-four soldiers at 4; one paymaster, 10; one secretary, 8; one barber, (pro- bably surgeon,) 10; one provost, 6, and one -, 4; making 185 rix dollars per month, or 3020 rix dollars per annum, viz. 400 rix or 600 silver, and in excise on tobacco coming from New Sweden, 2620 rix dollars. An ordinance was, about the same time passed, decreeing and assigning for the state and support of the government of New Sweden, of the
1 MSS. A. P. S., Reg. of Penns. p. 219, in detail.
2 Ibid. p. 200.
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WILLIAM KIEFT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
garrison under its orders, and others in its employ, 2,000,619 1642. rix dollars, to be collected each year from the excises upon tobacco.1
1643.
Governor Printz, as we have seen, left Stockholm, " in the February 15. Lord's name," August 16th of last year, and arrived here in Voyage of February of this year. Rev. John Campanius, who accom- Gov. Printz. panied him as chaplain, has left us an account of their voyage, which may furnish some idea of the tediousness of a passage at that time. They sailed in the ship Fame ;2 after touching at Dahlehamn, Copenhagen, and Helsingör, they reached Gottenberg on 12th of September : on the 1st of November they took their departure from Gottenberg; on the 21st they were sailing along the coast of Portugal, "where the crew performed the ceremony of tropical baptism." On the 26th they sailed along the coast of Barbary ; on the 28th they were half way between Old and New Sweden; they passed the Canaries, and on 20th of December arrived at Antigua, where they spent the Christmas holidays, and were well entertained at the governor's house. On the 3d of January, 1643, they left Antigua, passing numerous islands. On the 24th they made soundings, and on the 25th began to see land. Having had severe storms, with snow, on the 26th and 27th, when, being in the bay off the Whorekills, they lost three anchors, a spritsail, and mainmast ; the ship ran aground, and lost some of her "apparel." On the 15th of February, " by God's grace," they " came up to Fort Chris- tina, in New Sweden, Virginia, at 2 o'clock, P. M.," being five months, or 150 days, from their leaving Stockholm.3
At the time of Governor Printz's arrival, he found here Dutch, English, and Swedes, all professing to have claims upon the river and country ; his situation, therefore, required great caution as well as energy, as all his movements would be closely watched, and any encroachments on preconceived
1 MSS. A. P. S., Reg. Penns. vol. iv. p. 314. Ibid. 373.
2 In the instructions to Printz, two vessels are named, the Stork and Renown. This last is probably the one here named, by a different translation, the Fame. Most writers give the names of the vessels in Printz's company, as the Swan and the Charitas; the former is probably the same as the Stork; where the latter name is derived from we do not know. Campanius speaks only of the Fame, on which he came, not mentioning the other, though there were probably two vessels in the company.
3 Campanius, p. 70.
70
JOHN PRINTZ, GOVERNOR.
1643. rights noticed. How he acquitted himself, we shall see in the sequel.
Agreeably to his instructions, he very soon turned his attention to the selection of a suitable place for the perma- nent residence of the government of New Sweden, and to the fortification of the river. The Dutch had Fort Nassau, at a considerable distance up the river, and the Swedes were fortified by Fort Christina below, and, as he probably con- cluded, not sufficiently near to Nassau to answer his designs ; he therefore selected the island of Tenako, now Tinnicum, as combining both objects, of residence and defence; here he built a fort, which was named New Gottenberg. It was " constructed by laying very heavy hemlock (greenen) logs the one on the other," and was " pretty strong." Between Tinnicum and Christina there were at this time some planta- tions, but few houses, and at considerable distance from each other. Tinnicum is, towards the river side, "secured by creeks1 and underwood; no plantation between it and Schuyl- kill, because near the river nothing is to be met but under- wood and valley lands."2 Here Printz built a mansion for himself and family, which was very handsome. There were likewise a fine orchard, a pleasure house, and other conve- niences ; he called it Printz Hall. On this island the prin- cipal inhabitants had their dwellings and plantations."" This fort controlled the access of the Dutch to Fort Nassau. It was, a few years afterwards, accidentally burned down.
Printz Hall and Fort New Gotten- berg, &c. built.
Fort Elfs- borg built by the Swedes.
During this year, also, Printz, in order to carry out his instructions to "shut" up the river, erected another fort, called Elfsborg, or Elsingborg, on or near the present Salem creek.4 Some writers allege it was not built for several years afterwards, but various facts contradict this. De Vries was fired at from it in the autumn of this year, at which time eight cannon were mounted there. Hudde says, "it was built by Printz soon after his arrival, about three Dutch miles below the mouth of the river ; that it was usually garrisoned by twelve men, commanded by a lieutenant, had eight iron and brass guns, and one potshoof."5 The main object was to
1 See Ferris, p. 62.
2 Hudde's Report, 1645. Vol. i. N. Y. Hist. Soc. Mem. N. S., p. 429. 3 Campanius, p. 79.
4 Called Octsessingh, or Wootsessungsing, Asamohackingz, by the Indians ; by the Swedes, Elfsborg, or Elsingborg; Dutch, Varckenskil, or Hog Creek.
5 Hudde, p. 429.
WILLIAM KIEFT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
visit the Dutch vessels which passed, and oblige them to 1643. lower the colours, which greatly affronted them,"1 also to salute Swedish vessels arriving. It has been asserted that it was soon deserted, on account of musquitoes, but there seems to be no good foundation for this story, although, from the location, they must have been troublesome. A Dutch document, speaking of this fort, says, "they (the Swedes) have been so bold, that they not only stopped and prevented from continuing their voyages, the sloops and small craft that were favoured with the company's licenses, but, under pretence of examination, took the best articles out of them, to the notable injury of the people, and disrespect of the States and the company, who, by the right of first discovery, have owned and possessed the river; the said Governor Printz has even not hesitated to say, at different times, that the before-mentioned fort was built there for the purpose of closing the river."2
Some uncertainty exists as to the precise location of Fort Elsingborg ; it has usually been placed upon the creek, but upon inquiry in the neighbourhood, and especially of an old resident there, the author is led to believe that it was situated three or four miles below Salem Creek, at a point which has long been known as "Elsinburg Fort Point." So early as November 12, 1676, " a conveyance by warrant was made of 1000 acres, by John Fenwick, to be set out, limited and bounded at and near the point heretofore called Elsinburg Fort, and hereafter to be called Guy's plantation." There was a large body of marsh on both sides of a creek then called Fishing Creek; " on the south side of this creek was an island of upland, on which, I well remember, were three well-sized trees ; on this island of upland I understood the fort formerly stood, nor have I ever heard any Salem county man locate it in any other place." "This island was most judiciously selected for the erection of a fort, being protected by the river on the west, on the north by Fishing Creek ; turning east and south, on the south by an immense expanse of wild marsh."3
The creek is now called Mill Creek, from a mill having
1 Acrelius, p. 412.
2 Holl. Doc. vol. viii. p. 32 to 50.
3 For these facts I am indebted to the kindness of Col. R. G. Johnson, the well-known author of a small History of Salem, N. J., and one of the oldest inhabitants of Salem, who has favoured me with a long letter on the subject.
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Situation of Fort Elsingborg.
1
72
JOHN PRINTZ, GOVERNOR.
1643.
been there. Great changes have been effected by the tides, on this part of the river.
As this fort was quite near to the English settlement on Varkens Creek, it must have led to some collisions with them ; and if it be the fact that the English were driven off by the Swedes, as is stated, it may have hastened their de- parture, as Printz's instructions would authorize him to get possession there if he could, the Swedes having bought from the savages "from the mouth of the great river to Cape May, and even to another small river, Narratikon, (now Raccoon Creek,) the whole extending about twelve German miles, and comprising therein even Varkens kill."
May 19. Union of N. E. colonies.
The colonies of Connecticut, New Haven, Plymouth and Massachusetts, form a confederacy for mutual protection, under the name of the "United Colonies of New England." Their articles may be seen in Hazard's Historical Collections, vol. ii. p. 1.
Died Rev. Reorus Torkillus, who came with Minuit to this September 7. country, in 1638, and of course was the first Swedish clergy- Death of Reorus Tor- killus. man. " He was born in West Gothland, in 1608, was a profes- sor in a college at Gottenberg, and afterwards chaplain to the superintendent Andrew Printz. He went afterwards to Vir- ginia, where he remained four years, married, and had one child." On the 23d of February, he took sick, and died Sep- tember 7; he was buried at Fort Christina, about two years after his voyage companion Minuit, aged 35.1
Criminals sent to New Sweden.
In the early part of Printz's administration, great num- bers of criminals were sent over from Sweden, till finally the Europeans perceiving it would not allow them to land, but compelled them to return, and many perished on the voyage. Many of those who accompanied Minuit are said to have been " bandits."2 "It was, after this, forbidden, under a penalty, to send any more criminals to America, lest Almighty God should let his vengeance fall on the ships and goods, and the virtuous people that were on board."3
De Vries re- visits the Delaware. Fired at from Fort Elsinburg.
De Vries, whose settlement was destroyed, at the Whore- kills, in 1631, and at which time, he says, no Swedes were known on the river, now revisits the South River, on his way to Jamestown, and finds them there in possession of three forts. The first was Elsinburg, on which they had eight
I Campanius, p. 107, 109. Clay, p. 149. Ferris, p. 57. Campanius, p. 73. 2 Holl. Doc. vol. viii. p. 32 to 50.
3 Campanius, p. 73.
WILLIAM KIEFT, DIRECTOR-GENERAL.
73
1643.
metal guns of 12 lb. ; they fired at his boat, and ordered him to strike his flag. It was commanded by Captain Printz, who, he says, " weighed upwards of 400 pounds, and drank three drinks at every meal." He speaks of the Swedes as Description " not very sober, as they bought from the captain of the ves- Printz. of Captain sel a good quantity of wine and sweetmeats, and that neither here nor in Virginia was intoxication punished with whip- ping." This description has been usually applied to Governor Printz ; some doubt may suggest itself whether a relative of the same name may not be intended, as it is probable the governor would be at head-quarters, at Tinnicum, and not commanding this out fort. The two other forts were Chris- tina and New Gottenberg. At Fort Nassau there were yet some of the people of the West India Company.1
At a meeting of the commissioners of the United Colonies, Sept. 26. complaints were laid before them, by Mr. Eaton and Mr. Complaints Gregson, " concerning the foul injuries offered by the Swedish to the governor, in Delaware River, to Mr. Lamberton, and those nies against people whom New Haven had planted there," and also of the injuries done to them by the Dutch governor's agent there, such " as burning down their trading-house, joining with the Swedes against them, &c." The president, Governor Win- throp, was requested to write to both governors, " expressing particulars, and requiring satisfaction," and " professing, that as we will not wrong others, so we may not desert our confederates in any just cause."2 A commission was also given " to Mr. Lamberton, to go treat with the Swedish
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