USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Germantown > The settlement of Germantown, Pennsylvania, and the beginning of German emigration to North America > Part 7
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The Settlement of Germantown.
(3) In regard to the fifteen thousand acres, two great difficulties present themselves, namely that W. Penn does not want to give them all in one tract, so that so great an extent of land will not be desert and vacant; also he does not want it along the Delaware River, where everything is already taken up by others. However, after I had many times by word of mouth as well as by writing represented that it would be very prejudicial for us and our German descendants, to be put under the English and had shown him the communications of B. Furly and his letters to W. Penn, in which he had promised other things to our nation, etc, he at last granted in a warrant that we should have our land altogether, in case we would, within a year's time, place thirty families upon the fifteen thousand acres, namely three townships, each of ten households, in which the three which are already here, are to be reckoned, (but in case there are not thirty families, he will not promise to give the land all in one tract). I for my part would well wish that we might have a separate little province, and be so much the more free from all oppression. Now if one of you might be free in himself to come here, and bring with him so many families, your own good would be in- comparably advanced thereby. He, W. Penn said to me just day before yesterday, substantially that in this case, he would favor you before all English men who have al- ready bought, but are not yet here, and would grant cer- tain privileges to our new Franckenland (as he called the land assigned to us). But if it turned out to be too diffi- cult to transport so many families in so short a time, my earnest suggestion would hold good, that the friend from -should take from you a few thousand acres, and help hither several households from their great overflow, in order that the fifteen thousand acres should remain undi-
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Germantown.
vided, and not occasional English neighbors come between us ; at the same time he will not give it too far away from his town, namely on the Scollkill above the Falls, where he himself expects to build a house, and to set up for him- self a little dominion. The land along the river is rather hilly, and not good for the cultivation of the vine, but further in it is level and fruitful. The greatest trouble is that one cannot go above the falls and rocky cliffs with any boat except after heavy rains, and then not without danger, etc. Now in the meantime I could not know what you might decide to do about it; also, about these oftmentioned fifteen thousand acres. They cost thirty-eight pound sterling, that is five shillings for every hundred acres, according to the measurement of this country, which money I had not at hand, and must wait until I had heard your in- structions in order not to overstep the limits of my power of attorney. But that I might show the three families which had arrived to their six hundred acres I have taken up together with the Crefelders (who bought eighteen thousand acres and being all of them here could not get their land in one tract), six thousand acres in one town- ship, of which they have three thousand, and we three thousand. This town I founded on the 24th of October, and called it Germantown. It lies only two hours from here, upon fruitful soil, and near pleasant springs, which I have already mentioned. This I had to do because W. Penn would give to no one his portion separately, but all must dwell together in townships or towns, and this not without excellent reasons, the most important of which, is that in this way the children are kept at school, and are much more conveniently trained well. Neighbors also offer each other a kind and helping hand, and with united voices, can in open assembly praise and honor and mag-
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The Settlement of Germantown.
nify God's goodness. N. B. You can therefore appropri- ate only one hundred acres to the families which you bring over in the future, and still have almost as much inherit- ance etc.
In regard to my household, I should like to arrange it in good German style in which Jacob Schumacher and the old Swiss are very serviceable, but the Hollanders, who are with me, are not of much use in it, especially the maid who will not agree to live with the English one; The latter will leave, because she cannot get along so well with her two children, or take them to another husband. I very much desire as soon as possible to bring here a German maid, whom I can trust better than I can do now, alas !
Now, if you wish that your hope should not be disap- pointed, send only Germans, for the Hollanders (as sad experience has taught me) are not so easily satisfied, which in this new land is a very necessary quality, etc. I have no carpenter among my servants. There must be a few sent therefore, for the building of houses, and it may be of use to you to know in making your contract with them, that the daily wages here are much lowered, and they receive no more daily, beside their board, than two Kopf- stücke, although most of them do not work for that, and prefer to leave the country. N. B. There is a certain pay fixed for all tradesmen. Also the half of the mer- chant's goods must be gain although indeed there is proba- bly little profit to be made by these in two or four years as the Society is sufficiently aware ; for (1) every new comer brings with him so many clothes and goods that he needs nothing for several years. (2) There is here very little money while the desire for it with many is so much the greater. On the sixteenth of November there was a yearly market in our Philadelphia at which however I spent only
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Trades.
a few pounds sterling. (3) One can find no return at all of goods from this country to England, etc. W. Penn in- tended very especially to establish weaving and vine cul- ture. Send us, therefore, when you have a good oppor- tunity some good vines of whose bearing there will be no doubt .- Item. All kinds of field and garden seeds, espe- cially lentils and millet, etc. Also N. B. some large iron cooking pots and some double-boilers; item, one iron stove; because the winters here are mostly as cold as with you and the rough north wind much stronger. Item, some bed covers or mattresses, as I brought no more with me than just what I needed and have already taken one more servant. Finally will you also send here some pieces of Barchet and Osnaburg linen cloth. It can be sold with great advantage, etc. A tanner can begin his trade with great advantage as we can obtain enough skins in the country around us, exchanging one dressed for two un- dressed and also keep the best for a pair of shoes etc. But a certain amount of capital must be employed for it ; and then, through a little money scattered in a short time a rich harvest would be reaped. Reflect on this with due consideration. The two most necessary things are I, to build upon the lots in this town comfortable houses, which may be leased for a good deal of money, and yearly twelve per cent. may be made, 2, to found a tile bakery for which W. Penn has promised to give us a suitable place, for as long as we bake no stone, our building is entirely of wood. Other tradesmen may still wait several years etc. etc.
To the four questions I give these brief answers; (1) W. Penn has laid a good foundation for a wise rule and published from time to time useful laws. (2) He keeps up neighborly friendship with all governors around him. He also hopes that the threatening contention with Baldi-
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The Settlement of Germantown.
mor will as soon as possible be brought to a close and re- moved by royal decree. (3) The said W. Penn is loved and praised by all people ; even the old vicious inhabitants must recognize that they have never seen such a wise ruler. Oh, what strong and impressive sighs this dear man sent up on the first day of this again recurring New Year on high and to the throne of our Emmanuel, because the true Philadelphia and brother love is not to be met with as freely in this our Philadelphia, as he on his part desires, and for the furthering of which he is industriously working like a true father of his country. (4) The Indians (of whose nature some little is stated in the foregoing) de- crease in numbers here daily and withdraw several hun- dred miles farther into the country etc.
Now perhaps you might ask whether I with a clear, un- biased conscience would advise one and another of you to travel hither. I answer with careful reflection that I would very gladly from my heart have the advantage of your dear presence : nevertheless if (1) you do not find in yourselves the freedom of conscience and (2) you cannot resign your- selves to the difficulties and dangers of the long journey and (3) to the lack of most comforts to which you have been accustomed in Germany such as stone houses, agree- able food and drink etc. for one or two years, then follow my advice and remain yet awhile where you are; but if these above-mentioned considerations do not seem too hard to you, then go, the sooner the better, out of the European Sodom and think then of Lot's wife who indeed went for- ward with her feet but left behind her heart and inclina- tions. Oh, worthy friend, I wish indeed that with this eagle's plume I could express to you the love I feel for you and indeed convince you that it is not a mere lip love but one which wishes more good to you than to myself. My
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Indian Coin.
heart is bound unto yours in a bond of love. Let us now grow together like trees which the right hand of God has planted by streams of water so that we bring forth not only leaves but fruit at the proper time, the fruit of repentance, the fruit of peace, the fruit of justice. For of what ad- vantage is such a useless tree, although the Gardener spares it for some years longer, digs and works about it with all care, he at last when it shows no improvement cuts it down and casts it into the fire. Forgive me this com- parison, dear friend. We find here daily such unfruitful trees and cut them down and use them for firewood. It is entirely a heartfelt warning which can do no harm. I recommend you altogether to the divine influence without which our fruitfulness is imperfect. May the Lord who has given the will give also the fulfilment ! Amen.
I send enclosed a sample of the Indian coin in common use here, of which six white ones and three black ones make an English farthing ; and now certain Indians will sell nothing more for silver money but will only be paid in their own coin, because they for the most part are leav- ing this country and want to retire several hundred miles into the woods. Then they hold certain superstitions that just as many Indians must die annually as there are Euro- peans who come here, etc.
Now I have to state this, according to the measure of my duty, and I take the greatest care to be truthful, of which W. Penn and other honest people as well as my own con- science, which I prize more than thousands, can give irre- proachable witness. That it is pretty hard for me in this expensive country, almost without provisions to take care of so many servants and dependents, you can easily imagine ; but trust in our Heavenly Father overcomes all things.
Give my hearty greeting to all my other acquaintances.
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The Settlement of Germantown.
LETTER FROM JORIS WERTMULLER. 67
March 16th, 1684.
The blessing of the Lord be all times with you, dearly beloved brother-in-law, Benedict Kunts, and your house- hold companion and all good friends who shall inquire for me, and especially all those who are from the land of Berne. Through the Blessing of God I greet you all very heartily, giving you to know that I arrived here in good health, and God be praised !- find myself still very well, earnestly wishing that I may receive the same infor- mation concerning you.
The city of Philadelphia covers a great stretch of country, and is growing larger and larger. The houses in the country are better built than those within the city. The land is very productive, and raises all kinds of fruits. All kinds of corn are sown. From a bushel of wheat, it is said, you may get sixty or seventy, so good is the land. You can keep as many cattle as you wish, and there is provender enough for them and as many swine as you want, since there are multitudes of oak trees, which produce an abund- ance of acorns to make them fat, and other wild nuts. You find here householders who have a hundred cows and in- numerable hogs, so that a man can have as much pork as he wants. There are all kinds of wild animals, such as deer, roes, etc; all kinds of birds, some tame and others wild, by the thousand, together with an exceptionally great quantity of fish. The land lies in a good climate and is very healthy. You seldom see mists or fogs. There are many great and small rivers that are navigable, beautiful springs, fountains, mountains and valleys. The farmers or husbandmen live better than lords. If a workman will
67 Biography of Hendrick Pannebecker, p. 27.
IOI
Needs of the Voyage.
only work four or five days in a week, he can live grandly. The farmers here pay no tithes nor contributions. What- ever they have is free for them alone. They eat the best and sell the worst. You can find as many wild vineyards as you wish, but no one troubles himself to look after their safety or take care of them. The vines bear so many bunches that from one vine many hundred bottles of wine should be made. Handicraftsmen earn here much money, together with their board and drink, which are very good. The natives or Indians are blackish like the heathen, who through Germany and Holland have disappeared. They are stronger and hardier than the Christians, and very mild. They go almost entirely naked, except that they cover their loins. They use no money, except kraaltjes and little shells like those one finds on the bridles of the train horses in Holland. If any one is inclined to come here, let him look for a good ship-master, since he cannot believe everything that they say. The freight from England to Pensilvania is five pound sterling, about fifty-six Holland guldens, but I should advise you rather to go with a Holland shipmaster to Manhates, formerly called New Amsterdam, and now New York, two or three days' journey from Pensilvania, and I should advise you to take with you what you need upon the ship, especially brandy, oranges, lemons, spices and sugar since the sea may be very trying. See that you are well supplied with clothes and linen, and it will be better than to have money, since what I bought in Holland for ten guldens, I here sold again for thirty guldens ; but you must not buy too dear.
I have written to my brother in Amsterdam that he send me a chest full of clothes. If you or any one else from the Hague, come here and are willing to bring it along and take care of the transportation, I shall compen-
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The Settlement of Germantown.
sate you well for your trouble. So if you bring or send to me here one or two of my sons who are with my brother I shall pay all the costs. If anyone can come here in this land at his own expense, and reaches here in good health, he will be rich enough, especially if he can bring his family or some man-servants, because servants are here dear. Peo- ple bind themselves for three or four years' service for a great price, and for women they give more than for men because they are scarce. A good servant can place himself with a master for a hundred guldens a year and board.
Brother-in-law B. K., if you come into these regions bring a woman with you, and if you bring two for me, Joris Wertmuller, I shall be glad, because then we shall live like lords. My brother, who lives in Amsterdam, is named Jochem Wertmuller. He lives in Ree Street in the Three Gray Shoes. I have many more things to write to you, but time does not permit. Meanwhile I commend you all to God the Father Almighty, through our Lord and Sa- viour Jesus Christ. Amen.
I, Joris Wertmuller, Switzer by birth, at present in Pen- silvania.
N. B. If anyone comes in this land or wishes to write letters, let them be addressed to Cornelius Bom in Pensil- vania, in the city of Philadelphia, cake baker, who used to live in Haarlem in Holland, and who came here in the same ship with me and knows where in the country I dwell.
LETTER FROM CORNELIUS BOM, OCTOBER 12, 1684. Jan Laurens, well beloved friend :
I duly received yours of the 22nd of April, 1684, and have read it through with heartfelt pleasure, as an evi-
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Bom and Telner.
dence of your love to me and to the Lord. Well, Jan, I have not forgotten you since I have been away from you, but you have many times been in my thoughts. I have
Miffive van CORNELIS BOM, Gefchreven uit de Stadt PHILADELPHIA. In de Provincie van PENNSYLVANIA, Leggende op d'Ooftzyde van de Znyd Revier van Nieuw Nederland.
Verhalende de groote Voortgank van de felve Provintie. maer bp komt De Getuygenis van JACOB TELNER. van Amfterdam.
Tot Rotterdam gedrukt , by Pieter var Wijnbrugge, in de Leeuwentract. 168:
not written to you, but remembered you in the letter I sent to Rotterdam. My business has been urgent, and I have had little time for writing many letters. You want to
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The Settlement of Germantown.
know how it goes with me here, and how I like it, and whether things are prosperous with the people, and you want to learn the condition of the country. Concerning these things I should answer you briefly and truthfully as follows : the country is healthful and fruitful, and the con- ditions are all favorable for its becoming through the blessing of the Lord and the diligence of men a good land-better than Holland. It is not so good now but daily grows better and better. The increase here is so great that, I believe, nowhere in history can be found such an instance of growth in a new country. It is as if the. doors had been opened for its progress. Many men are coming here from many parts of the world, so that it will be overflowed with the nations. Our Governor's authority is respected by all and is very mild, so that I trust the Lord will bless this land more if we continue to walk in his way. The people in general have so far been pros- perous in their business, so that those who are industrious daily expect to do better and have reason to live in hope ; but many have found it hard to get along, especially those who did not bring much with them and those who went into the land to clear it for themselves and did not go to work for hire by the day. Many of those who have sat down to their trades alone 68 have had it somewhat hard. Carpenters and masons have got along the best. During the first year or two men spent what they had saved, but now almost everything is improving. As for myself, I went through and endured great difficulties, unaccustomed hardships and troubles before I got as far as I am now, but now I am above many, in good shape, and do not consider that I have less of my own than when I left Hol-
68 So that people who are far from the city can obtain necessary accon- modations.
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Prosperity.
land, and am in all respects very well-to-do. I have here a shop of many kinds of goods and edibles; sometimes I ride out with merchandise and sometimes bring something back, mostly from the Indians, and deal with them in many things. I have no servants except one negro whom I bought. I have no rent or tax or excise to pay. I have a cow which gives plenty of milk, a horse to ride around, my pigs increase rapidly, so that in the summer I had seventeen when at first I had only two. I have many chickens and geese, and a garden and shall next year have an orchard if I remain well; so that my wife and I are in good spirits and are reaching a condition of ease and pros- perity in which we have great hopes. But when we first came it was pretty hard in many respects. Those who come now come as in the summer in what there is to be done, since now anything can be had for money. The market is supplied with fresh mutton and beef at a reason- able price, in a way that I would have not thought could have occurred in so short a time. Sometimes there is a good supply of partridges for half a stuiver apiece, pigeons, ducks and teals, and fish in great quantities in their seasons. There are not many roads yet made in order to receive from and bring to market, but these things are now beginning to get into order. In a few years, if it continues in the same way, everything here will be more plentiful than in other lands. The commerce and trade are close at the door, to the Bar- bados, Bermudas and other West India Islands that will bring this country into a good condition. Time will best show this to be the case. Nevertheless I do not advise any one to come here.69 Those who come ought to come
69 And in this he acts wisely and with foresight, for how could any one in such a matter, especially if unrequested, give advice : for it may hap-
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The Settlement of Germantown.
after Christian deliberation, with pure intentions in fear of the Lord, so that the Lord may be their support, for be- fore a man here reaches ease he must exercise great patience, resignation and industry, the one as much as the others. Therefore, whoever comes, let him come with a constant mind, having his eyes fixed upon the commands of the God above him. This none can do except those who have the Lord with them in the matter and so are cleansed from fleshly and worldly views and they have good counsel by them in all things.
It is hard to them, if trials come, they look to the Lord and are clear in themselves, so that to them all things are for the best. For my own part I have no regrets that I came here, but all the while we have a good hope that everything was sent for my good, and being clear be- fore the Lord that I have had no views which dis- pleased him, and having faith in the great God over the sea and the land. He has not forgotten me, but has shown his fatherly care over me and mine. Truly he is a God over those who are upright of heart and looks upon many of their weaknesses leniently.
So, my dearly beloved friend, not knowing whether I shall see your face in the flesh again, I take my leave of you for the present in the tender love of our Father who has shown his love for us through his Son, the true light through which he daily seeks to unite us with him. O great love of our God ! O let us not forget or think little of him, but daily answer him by submitting ourselves to his wishes and
pen to one well to another badly, and no one affair, land, place, state or manner of living is equally pleasant to all. It is not a vain proverb which says an affair may be equally open to all men but the outcome be very different. So that he who such a journey undertakes does well to consider whether he is able to endure the possibilities of failure as well as of success.
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Jacob Telner.
the power of his mercy which he shows us ! O let us hold him here in love, and above all remember him and cling to him ! O that we might daily perceive, that our hearts more and more cling to the Lord ! That we still more and more might be united with him in that his spirit might wit- ness that we are his children, and so his heirs ! Then shall we be able to say with the Apostle Paul that we know whenever this earthly house is broken, we have a building with God everlasting in Heaven. O great cause worthy of consideration above all causes !
So, true friend, I commend you to the Lord and to his word of mercy, which is mighty to build up you and me to the end. So with love, I remain your unchangeable friend,
Cornelius Bom.
In Philadelphia, the 12th of October, 1684.
Here are it is supposed, four hundred houses great and small.
INFORMATION FROM JACOB TELNER, OF AMSTERDAM.
Jacob writes to me that he supposes there are many who are desirous of knowing how he and his family are and how it had fared with them, and requesting me to inform such persons briefly out of his letters. He says that they have had a long and hard voyage (that is to say, to New York, hitherto New Amsterdam); that they were twelve weeks under way, others having made the trip in five, six, or seven weeks; that they had very contrary winds and calms ; that they therein found and experienced remarkably the presence and protection of the Lord; that on their arrival they were received by all their acquaintances with much love and affection ; that his wife has now forgotten
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The Settlement of Germantown.
the hardships of the sea ; that he found it a very pleasant country, overflowing with everything (that is to say, in New York, where he was), where people can live much better and with less expense than in Holland; that if men are industrious in what they undertake, and live in a Christian manner, they need not work many days in the week; that he had heard a good report of Pennsylvania; and that there was a very wonderful increase in the production of everything in proportion to the time, although it was im- possible in a short time to have things as abundant as in New York; that when he went to Pennsylvania he hoped to give a true report of everything there. Since then he made a journey there and has again returned to New York. He writes, December 12, 1684, that he found a beautiful land with a healthy atmosphere, excellent fountains and springs running through it, beautiful trees from which can be obtained better firewood than the turf of Holland, and that in all things it might be considered an exceptionally excellent land, and that those who belittle it are unworthy of attention ; that Philadelphia grows rapidly, having al- ready several hundred houses of stone and wood and cot- tages ; that he, with his family, intends to move there in the spring, and further, that he is very well, and that his wife and especially his daughters are in good health and fat.70
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