USA > Pennsylvania > Delaware County > History of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the territory included within its limits to the present time > Part 10
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In September, 1659, Alrichs says there are 110 houses in New
1 Acrelius, 422 ; N. Y. Col. Doc. ii. 73.
2 Dr. O'Callaghan attributes the position that the State of Delaware now occupies as an independent sovereignty, to the stand taken by the Dutch in 1659. Hist. New Netherland, ii. 388.
3 Hist. N. Netherland, ii. 375 ; Acrelius, 423.
77
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
1660.]
Amstel, 16 or 17 more on land belonging to the Dutch, and 13 or 14 belonging to the Swedes.1 In a proposition to tax the Swedes and Finns within the jurisdiction of the West India Com- pany, towards the close of 1659, the number of their families is esti- mated at 200. By estimating five persons to each family at the close of this year, the whole European population of the river would amount to 1,700.
The Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam failing to get rid of their American Colony, made a new loan, and showed a dis- position to act with more vigor in promoting the interests of the colonists. A year, however, was allowed to pass away before the inhabitants of New Amstel felt the invigorating effects of this change in the policy of their rulers. They were even in a state of uncertainty during the most of the year 1660, whether ar- rangements had not been made for their re-transfer to the Com- pany. As a consequence, many disorders ensued, among which jangling and quarreling among the officials were the most promi- nent.
As a means of averting the evils with which the colony was surrounded, days of public thanksgiving were occasionally obser- ved, but this year the ungodly council of New Amstel command- ed that " a fast and prayer day should be holden on the first Monday of each month."2
Sheriff Van Dyck estimates the number of men in the "Swe- dish and Finnish nation," capable of bearing arms at 130. Some of them were allowed to be enlisted as soldiers, while at the very same time an order from Stuyvesant was in force to collect them all into one or two villages.
Preparatory to carrying this unjust and unreasonable order into execution, Beekman spent a few days amongst the Swedes and Finns, and found that different settlements could not converse with each other, "for want of a knowledge of their reciprocal language." There was a difference of opinion between the sett- lers about Aroumerk and those of Keneses, as to which was the more eligible for the proposed Swedish village. It was argued against the latter " that there was no defence whatever, neither a place for safe retreat, as considerable under-wood and many streams must be passed ;" and in favor of Arounderyk, that " there is a pretty large kill, which might be chosen to cover a retreat or prepare for defence." Besides "at Arounderyk they might cultivate their fields on the other side of the kill, on the Passayung road, where is a rich, fruitful soil, and last har- vest a considerable quantity of seed was sowed." He found some willing to compromise, by accepting the proposals, while
1 N. Y. Col. Doc. ii. 76.
2 Beekman's letter, Ilaz. Ann. 303, as quoted from Albany Rec. xvii. 39.
.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
[1660.
others were for maintaining their own rights, in keeping their own farms and lots. Miss Printz, (as Mrs. Papegoya is usually called by the Dutch writers,) was among the latter. She could not remove her residence, " the heavy building not permitting her to change it, and the church where she usually worships being upon that spot." She says further that "she offers her lands without any compensation, but can nevertheless induce no person to settle in her neighborhood."1
Finding that the Swedes could not agree among themselves, Beekman commanded a list to be delivered to him within eight or ten days, designating where it suits best for every person to fix his future residence ; promising his assent in case it comport- ed with the Governor's order ; otherwise he would be compelled to designate where each of them should reside. At the urgent request of the Swedes, from four to six weeks more time was granted; Miss Printz and others requesting Beekman to aid them ; for which purpose, he informs Stuyvesant, "more soldiers will be required." At the solicitation of the Swedish Commissaries, Beekman asks permission from the Governor to allow the Swe- dish nation, "to remain in their present possessions till they have harvested their corn." He had understood that they intended to unite them in one village at Perslajough,2 &c. Peter Kock, Peter Andrieson and Hans Moenson were among those who took a decided stand against removing to Passayunk. There was not sufficient land obtained there "for the pasture of their creatures," and they "ardently wished not to remove." They add " if com- pelled to go, then we will go, or depart to a spot where we may live in peace."3
Beekman eventually became convinced of the injustice of the order for removing the Swedes into one village. He represented to Stuyvesant that it was "unmerciful to force people from their cultivated lands, and put them to new labor and expense." The Swedes were therefore allowed to remain at their respective settlements ; a result not brought about by any kind feelings en- tertained towards them by the Director-general. Persuasion had failed, and as for compulsion, the means were not at hand. The Swedes outnumbered the Dutch on the river, and within the ter- ritory of the company, very few if any Dutch had settled. Dis- sensions were also rapidly growing between the officials of the two Colonies. More favorable privileges being offered by D'Hin- oyossa, a number of Swedes had joined the city colony, and others had removed to Sassafras river.4 Apprehensions that the whole Swedish territory would be abandoned, may also have had some weight in suspending the operation of this iniquitous measure.
1 Beekman's letter to Stuyvesant, Haz. Ann. 306.
2 Passayunk. 3 Haz. Ann. 314.
+ Acrelius, 422.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
1661.]
The Dutch having got into difficulties with the Esopus Indians on the North River, sent to the Swedes and Finns for recruits. They could not be persuaded to go to Esopus as soldiers ; though " they would not be unwilling, provided they could remain there in peace with the savages."! The sheriff, Van Dyck, and some of the commissaries, are accused with discouraging, and actually preventing, some individuals from emigrating to Esopus.
Miss Printz, instead of her recognitions, (taxes) requests per- mission to make payment in a fat ox, fat hogs, bread and corn.2
The seat of justice for the company s jurisdiction was at Altona, where annually three or four courts were held "as circumstances might require." Among the Finns was a married couple who lived together in constant strife, the wife being daily beaten and "often expelled from the house like a dog."3 A divorce was solicited by the priest, the neighbors, the sheriff and commissaries, on behalf of these parties, and that their small property and stock be divided between them. The matter was referred to the Governor, but the result is not known. As the parties were Finns, they probably resided in the vicinity of Marcus Hook.
The Swedish priest had married a young couple against their parents' consent, and without the usual proclamations, for which he was fined 50 guilders. Oloff Stille was suspected by Beek- man of having "arrogated to himself to qualify the priest," to officiate at the marriage, for which Oloff opposed him pretty warmly at court, denying Beekman's right to meddle with the affair, that being the province of the Swedish consistory. Even in a case of assault and battery committed on the Swedish priest, the jurisdiction of the court was questioned.4
About this time, mention is made of Israel Helm carrying on trade at Passayung. He took a prominent part in the transac- tions on the river till some time after the arrival of Penn.
Beekman becomes alarmed in consequence of a threatened war between the Indians and the English of Maryland, and is appre- hensive that the savages will again claim and take possession of these lands, or that they will be eventually settled with English and Swedes.
During the early part of 1661, Oloff Stille, one of the commis- saries, with a few Finns, visited Maryland for the purpose of taking up land and emigrating there in the spring. Not finding their friends on Sassafras river in the satisfactory condition they expected, the project was abandoned, and Stille on his return, expressed the opinion that many, if not all the Finns, then re-
1 Beekman's letter, Haz. Ann. 309.
2 Acrelius has understood this as an annual bounty to Mrs. Papegoya, on account of her poverty, evidently a mistake. See p. 423.
3 D'Hinoyosa's & Beekman's letter, Haz. Ann. 310, as quoted from the Albany Rec. xvii. 51.
4 Ib.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. [1662.
siding there "would return hither." In that event, Beekman suggested to the Governor that they might unite in one village at or near Perslajong, (Passayunk) " and not be permitted again in separate spots as is the custom with that sort of men."1
A sad misfortune now befell the Swedish priest Mr. Laers, or Laurentius Carels, as he signs his name. One Jacob Jough eloped with his wife, and although Beekman specdily dispatched expresses in different directions, the fugitives were not arrested, but the trunk of Jough with various articles of Mr. Laers' pro- perty, was found at Upland. Not a month had elapsed till Mr. Laers solicited the consent of the vice director to marry again, his intended bride being but 17 or 18 years of age, and as yet no divorce had been decreed between him and his unfaithful spouse. This was too grave a matter to be determined by Beekman alone, and was accordingly delayed in order to obtain the approbation of Governor Stuyvesant. But the reverend gentleman became impatient, and at the expiration of two weeks renewed his appli- cation for permission to marry, "as the situation of his family imperiously requires it."?
A war is at this time in progress between the Senecas and Minquas Indians, the small-pox being prevalent in the latter nation at the same time. Great alarm spread among the Euro- pean inhabitants, which was fully shared by the Swedes ; for the Senecas were as little known to them as to the Dutch.
During the early part of this year, the Common Council of the city of Amsterdam, by means of commissioners appointed for that purpose, went into a thorough examination of the causes that had heretofore defeated all their efforts to render the colony of New Amstel prosperous. The result was a negotiation with the West India Company for an amplification of the privileges of the city in respect to trade ; of the powers of the local government rendering it less dependent on the Director-general, and an ex- tension of their territory, so as to embrace the east side of the river as high up as their present limits extended, and the west side to Upland kill.3
The introduction of negroes as laborers, had now become more general on the river. As early as 1657, complaints were made against Vice Director Alrichs, "for using the company's oxen and negroes," and in a letter from Beekman to Director-general Stuyvesant, dated on the 18th of March, 1662, he "solicits most seriously," that his Honor "would accommodate him with a company of negroes, as he is very much in want of them in many respects."
The case of the Swedish priest grows desperate. He obtained
1 Haz. Ann. 323.
2 Ib. 328, &c.
3 N. Y. Col. Doc. ii. 168-173, &c.
4 Haz. Ann. 331.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
1662.]
a divorce from the council which does not appear sufficient in the eyes of his tormentors, and he then proceeded "to marry him self." But his greatest offence, it would seem, consisted in break- ing open a door at Upland, and opening the trunk of the man who stole his wife. The following are the proceedings in the case before the court at Altona, composed of Vice Director Beekman, and Commissaries Peter Kock, Matthys Hanson, and Oloff Stille, as justices or connnissaries.
" Hon. Vice Director as Sheriff, plaintiff versus Rev. Laers Carels, Defendant. The plaintiff concludes, as it is of notoriety, and acknowledged by the Defendant, that on the 20th of Sep- tember, 1661, he, Minister Laers committed the violence in breaking the room open, and opening the trunk of the fugitive Jacob Jough, when said Jough the night before absconded, and made an inventory of his property, which he left behind, as is evident by his own handwriting, to which the defendant was not qualified, which ought to have been done by the Vice Director and the court, and that he usurped and suspended their authority, and villified it, wherefore he remains answerable and holden to make compensation to the company of what was yet due the company by said absconded Jongh, of which the residue amounts to 200 gl. in corn and 40 gl. in beaver, which is to be delivered and besides this, an amende of 40 gl. for having vilified author- ity. Defendant said, he came at that time to the house of Andries Hendrieson Finn, and asked him if his wife was with J. Jough in his room, when the wife of Andries Finn, answered, that she did not know it, that her master might look at it, on which he took an axe and broke the door, and made an inventory of the goods. The commissioners having considered the case, commanded that the Rev. Laers shall satisfy the demand, 200 gl. and pay for his insolence."1
The defendant was eventually sentenced to pay the above 200 gl. which had been advanced to Jough to buy corn on behalf of the company ; to pay 40 beavers due from Jongh to Beekman and a Mr. Decker, besides an amende of 40 gl.
The above is given as a specimen of judicial proceedings on the river-perhaps no better specimen could be found of judicial robbery. Beekman not only had a direct interest in the matter, but had expressed his apprehensions as to the result some time before the trial. As bad as was the character of the defendant, it is difficult to see how the Swedish commissaries could be indu- ced to join in such an unjust transaction.
On the day of the trial, Andries Hudde as secretary, announ- ced to the Rev. Laers, the illegality of his marriage.
The unfortunate priest feels, that by reason of the decision of
1 Haz. Ann. 331.
6
82
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
[1662.
the court, he is a ruined man, and submits a petition to the Governor in which his deep humility is apparent. He alleges that he broke the door in search of his wife, and both in this proceeding and in his marriage by himself, he acted in ignorance. He had already paid nearly 200 gl. and craved the aid of the General to save him from further punishment, and also to "save his reputation and condition as a minister."1
A corn-mill was now in the course of erection at " Turtle Falls, about one and a half miles (Dutch) from Fortress Altona," on condition, however, "that the garrison should not pay for their grist." A mill of some kind was in existence at New Am- stel called a Rosmolen (Ross mill,) to which the people of Altona resorted, or when they could not be served, were compelled to go to the old "Swedish mill" at the distance of six miles (Dutch) from Altona. This old Swedish mill was the mill built by Gover- nor Printz on Cobb's creek.
The West India Company having assented to a favorable modi- fication of the conditions under which the City of Amsterdam held its colony, and the city having agreed to furnish pecuniary aid to emigrants, a reasonable prospect was presented, that immigration in that direction would proceed with great rapidity. Among those who were allured by the proposed advantages, was a com- munity of Menonists, who proposed to plant themselves at Hore- kill. Their articles of association are remarkably singular. The associators were to be married men or single men twenty-four years old. Clergymen were excluded from the community, as were also, " all intractable people-such as those in communion with the Roman See ; Usurious Jews ; English stiff-necked Qua- kers; Puritans; fool-hardy believers in the Millennium; and obstinate modern pretenders to revelation." Laws, subject to the approval of the authorities of the City of Amsterdam could be passed by the votes of two thirds of the members, but no magistrate was to be allowed any compensation for his services- "not even a stiver."2
Enticed by the favorable terms offered to emigrants by the City of Amsterdam, sixteen or eighteen families, chiefly Finns, had embraced them by removing within its jurisdiction. They were to be eighteen years free from tax and to have their own judges and religion, while at the same time they meant to retain the lands from which they emigrated.3
The location of Printzdorp has presented a difficulty to wri- ters on the early settlements on the Delaware. The following extract from a letter written by Beckman to the Director-general
1 Haz. Ann. 332, &c.
2 Broadhead's Hist. N. Y. 1698 .- N. Y. Col. Doc ii. 175.
3 Haz. Ann. 337, from Albany Rec.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
1662.]
on the 14th of September, 1662, leaves no room for doubt on that subject.
"I inquired, at the request of Hendrick Huygen, into the situation of a certain lot of land, situated at the south-west side of Upland-kill, and was informed by the Swedish commissaries, and other ancient inhabitants of the said nation, that aforesaid tract is called Printz's village, which had already been in posses- sion, during sixteen years, of the Swedish Governor John Printz, and his daughter, who owns it. I cannot hear that this tract has ever been in possession of one Hans Ammonsen or his heirs, or that any land was cultivated by him in that neighborhood, but well that it was said so of one Elias Sullengreen, after the arrival of Governor Rysingh, that his wife's father had a dona- tion in writing from Queen Christina, of a certain piece of land, situated between Mary's corner (Marytjens Hoeck) and Upland kill. I received this information this day at Fort Altona."1
The grant to John Amundson Besh, by Queen Christina in 1653, appears to have the same position as Printz's village. It will be remembered that Amundson did not accompany the ex- pedition of Rysingh as military commander, agreeably to his appointment, at the time the grant was made to him. This circum- stance may have led to its revocation. It will also be remembered that Governor Printz, in 1647, after the royal grant of Tinicum had been made to him, asked her Swedish Majesty to " confer on him certain lands and occupations."2 Doubtless these lands had been laid off and particularly designated in his application ; and as the time this application was made, accords well with the time that "the Swedish commissaries and other ancient inhabitants," remembered that the tract on the south side of Upland kill had been in possession of the Governor and his daughter, no doubt can remain as to the locality of Printzdorp.3
It is quite possible that Governor Printz may not have received a grant for this land before his return to Sweden. The claimant Sullengreen seems to have been the son-in-law of Amundson.
A murder was committed by an Indian within four hundred rods of Fort Altona, for which the Minquas were suspected. This happened on the 17th of November, and on the 3rd of December, three Minquas chiefs with their suite presented themselves at the fort. The Swedish commissary, with Mr. Huygens and Jacob Swens being sent for, the chiefs charge the offence on a captive Seneca residing among their tribe. In their remarks, the chiefs aver that it cannot be proven that the Christians have ever been injured or offended by their nation ; " but on the contrary they
1 Haz. Ann. 339 .- Albany Rec. xvii. 238.
3 This will be more fully confirmed hereafter.
2 Haz. Reg. iv. 315.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
[1663.
have shown them every mark of friendship, and were always willingly and cheerfully employed in reconciling differences be- tween them and other savages, &c." They also reminded Beek- man, that three years ago one of their nation had been murdered at New Amstel of which they took no notice. Presents were exchanged and thus the matter was ended.
They, however, had determined to prosecute the war with the Senecas in the spring, having secured the services of eight hun- dred " Swedish Minguas," two hundred of whom had already arrived. They "solicited the Christians to provide them with the amunition of war, when they paid for it."1
It appears that towards the close of this year, " Miss Printz, (Mrs. Papegoya,) made a conveyance of the Island of Tinicum to a Mr. La Grange, and had received from him a bill of exchange as part of the purchase money, which bill was protested. Beek- man visited Tinicum for the purpose of arranging the matter, but after using every exertion failed. From this transaction much litigation ensued, which was not ended till after the government passed into the hands of Penn. The letter of Beekman, commu- nicating this matter to Stuyvesant, is dated at "Tinneconk, N. Leyden," December 23rd, 1662.
Harmonious action, between the officers of the City and those of the Company, was not established by the new arrangement entered into between the parties. It became apparent, that a joint occupancy of the river must ever be attended with difficulties, that would prevent the rapid settlement of the country, and would materially interfere with the prosperity of the Colonists. Under this impression, the Burgomasters of the City in the early part of 1663, made application to the company for authority to extend their jurisdiction, "from the sea upwards as far as the river stretches." After considerable negotiation, a cession was accordingly made to the city, embracing a margin of nine miles on the coast, and extending to the English Colony on the west side of the river, on conditions that made its Colony almost wholly independent of the Company. The cession was not however actually made till near the close of the year, until which time Beekman continued to perform the duties of his office.
A trade had sprung up between the Colony of the City and the Marylanders, which under the new arrangement that excluded the Company's officials from the river, the city hoped to extend ; it having been offered by the English, in case they would trade with them, "to make a little slit in the door,"2 whereby they could be reached overland. In a proposal submitted by the com- missioners to the Burgomasters of the City, cargoes amounting to
1 Haz. Ann. 341 ; Albany Rec. xvii.
2 N. Y. Col. Doc. ii. 201.
85
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
1664.]
from thirty-five to thirty-six thousand guilders are estimated for this trade and that of the Indians. In the same document it is especially urged, that a contract be immediately made for fifty head of slaves, " for procuring which the West India Company had a ship ready to sail." These slaves were ordered in pur- suance of a report made by Director Alexander d'Hinoyosa, who regarded them as " particularly adapted to the preparation of the valleys which are found exceedingly fertile."1
Hendrick Huygens, the commissary, is about to remove from N. Leyden which was on Tinicum. He probably fixed his resi- dence at Upland, as he reports to Beekman, "a horrid deed" that was committed at that place by a Finn named Jan Hen- drickson against " the honest Juriaen Kuys Sneart, whom he had cruelly beaten."2
The Swedes entertained a more kindly feeling towards the officials of the City Colony, than towards those of the Company, which appears to have been reciprocated; for no sooner is the authority of the City extended over the Swedish settlements, than we find Peter Kock, a Swede. appointed to the important trust of "collector of tolls on imports and exports from the Colony of the city," and Israel [Helm, ] another Swede, to superintend the fur trade at the upper end of Passayunk.
Mrs. Papegoya is now absent from the river, but the precise time she left, is not mentioned. Israel [Helm,] who appears to have accompanied this lady to Sweden, returned early in Decem- ber with D'Hinoyosa and Peter Alrichs, who had been on a visit to Fatherland. A formal transfer of the whole river was imme- diately made by Stuyvesant to D'Hinoyosa, who received it on behalf of the Burgomasters of the city of Amsterdam.3 The Burgomasters did not, however, accept of this enlargement of their American possessions, without apprehension that the whole might not soon be rescued from them ; but they did not discern the real source of danger. News of the fitting out of a secret expedition in Sweden,4 had reached Governor Stuyvesant, and could not have been unknown in Holland. A demand was also formally made by the resident Swedish minister at the Hague, for a restoration of New Sweden to the Swedish Company,5 which clearly shows the real object of the expedition. But a series of maritime disasters that befell the ships composing the expedition,
I N. Y Col. Doc. ii. 213-214. The valleys here mentioned are the rich alluvial flats along the Delaware which were then overflowed at high tide, and which now eonsti- tute the embanked marsh lands along the river and some of its tributaries. The Dutch being perfectly familiar with the art of reclaiming overflowed grounds in Fatherland, it was to them and not to the Swedes, that we are indebted for introduction of the plan of reclaiming these lands on the Delaware.
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