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Mape, platee, charta. etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratloa. Thoae too large to be entirely included in one expoaure are filmed beginning in the upper left hend comer, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames es required. Tha following diagrems illuatrate the method: Las earUHi, planches. tablMux. etc.. peuvant Atre fNrnAa i dee tnux da rMuetlon diffirenta. Lorsque la document eat trop grand pour Mre reprcdult en un saul cilch*. II aat fUm* i partir da I'angle su|>4rleur gauche, da gauche i drolte. et do haut en baa. en prenam la nombre d'imeges nAceeeaire. Lee diegramniM suivents muetrent la m«thode. 1 2 3 DOCUMENTS RELATIVE 110 THB COLONIAL HISTORY or THE STATE OF NEW-YORK: PROCURED IN HOLLAND, ENGLAND AND FRANCE, BY JOHN ROMEYN BRODHEAD, ESQ., AOENT, OF THE 8TATK,» PASSED MAT », 188». W1/J"IAI, HIBTOKT PCaLIgHICD UNDER iND BT TIRTDR nr IV n-r nm, .n. .. C..T..N DOC.M.MT. n^ZZ T^ ZT.ZuTu^lZrlTrl,^^^ " *" ^" " '■"""'" '»" ^-^ '''«■■•«""' or E. B. O'CALLAGHAN, M. D., LL. D. WITH A GENERAL INTRODUCTION BY THE AGENT. VOL. I. ALBANY: WKED, PARSONS AND COMPANT, P3INTKIM. 1856. Volumes III.. IV., V., VI., VII. and IX. of this work were published under the direction of the Governor, Bkcrktakv of State and Comptrolleu of the State of Now- York ; and the publication has been completed under the authority of the Reoknts or the UNiVBRsitr, in virtue of the Act of the Legislature to that eflfect, passed April 12, 1856. The Documents in Dutch and French were translated by E. B. O'Callaohak, M. D., LL. D., who was employed for that purpose, and to superintend the publication generally. CORRESPONDENCE. Sib: Albany, 30 June, 1856. The Legislatnre haying recently placed the publication of the Documents collected by you in Euro™, «.I»f !™ ♦<, n.tructed by the Committee of tho Regents charged with the subject, to request you to prepare a Gene^ Inti^^ucU^n to that work, to be prefixed to the first yolume, which is now nearly ready P»re a vienerwintroduct.cn Your agency in procuring the Document* of which this publication is composed, and your tho«,u6h knowledge of the who e subject, clearly pomt you out as the proper person to perform this seryi^e , and the CommitZhowTh^t your well known interest in this work will induce you to comply with their request ^"""""ttee hope that I add my own per.om.1 and earnest wishes that you will undertake this task, and am, with great consideraUon, Yours most truly, JOHN V. L. PRUYN, John Rometn BaoDHKAD, Esq., 4c, &c, *c. Chairman of the Ommittte. New -York. Sir : New- York, 1 My, 1856. r h.ye received your letter of yesterday, in which, as Chairman of the Committee of the Regents of the Un.vers.ty hay.ng the subject in charge, you request me to prepare an Introduction to the " C lonial ST'^ of t^il Sute — commonly so called _ to be prefixed to the first volume. The Committee in making this request, have done me an honor which I highly appreciate, and for which 1 be« P— destructive hand of tresZl^^^^^^^^^ . "'n '" """'''' ""' ""'"^ ''^^'"' *''•' and what might now wUh fadUt ' blT'^ f l ° m'"°" ""^'^ '•"P"'''""' "''>'='« "^ '"q^i^JJ beyond the rLhorhuman power '™'" °"'"°"' ''^ «'«"'°^ « ^-y-« -»?'«- " The civil history of this State may be divided into four parts : J. When occupied by the aborigines. M'n.I'lte"under7::rT'"^"K*'' ''"''^'' "'"'='' "«' »"-* '-'^ ^ -"'-y- Vlll GENERAL INTRODUCTION, cultivation. The natural history of the man of America, disfigured and perverted as he has been by European intercourse, may still be obtained to a considerable extent; his language may be put on record, and his traditions may be perpetuated. " As, before the Revolution, the Colonies of France and Great Britain ware connected by vicinity, by treaty, by trade, and by continual and habitual intercourse with the Five Nations and other Indians which occupied this State, we can obtain valuable materials to illustrate this important period from the libraries and public collections of those countries. Many learned, elaborate and interesting works have never been seen in America ; some are so scarce that thev cannot be procured without the expense of transcribing ; and papers of great moment have never been printed. *• The regular minutes of the transactions of the Indian Commissioners for this Colony, from 1675 to 1761, as kept by a secretary employed for the purpose, were bound up in four large folio volumes. This invaluable collection, and the subsequent Colonial records relative to Indian affairs, are not now to be found in this State; and they were probably conveyed away by Sir John Johnson, or his agents, at the commencement of the Revolution. The loss of these documents would produce a chasm in our history that could not be supplied ; and we hope that they may still be retrieved. Our concerns and negotiations with the Indians, since our existence as a State, have not been preserved in regular and complete order. They are scattered among the bureaus of our chief magistrates or are buried in the voluminous files of the Legislature. " To obtain materials for the Dutch portion of our history, comprising an interesting period of half a century, we must have recourse to the papers of the Dutch West India Company, and to the archives of the then government of that nation ; to the Dutch records of some of our counties, and in the office of the Secretary of State ; to the public officer in the neighboring Colonies, with whose governments the Dutch had negotiations ; and to several books published in the Dutch and Latin languages, relative to this country, and which are scarcely known to us. The darkness which hangs over this branch may be perceived in the History of New- York, written by William Smith, a work which skims lightly over this interesting period, leaving it almost entirely unnoticed. ' " To supply that part of our history when we were subject to Great Britain, the most valuable materials may be obtained from various sources. From Chalmers' Political Annals it appears that t''«re are many manuscripts in the Plantation Office, en itled • New -York Entries' and ' New "York Papers.' We find in the catalogue of manuscripts preserved in the British Museum, some writings that refer particularly to this State ; and in the catalogue of books belonging to that institution are preserved many works concerning America, in the Dutch, English, French, Spanish and Latin languages, affording a fund of information important and inestimable. We also know that there are many interesting books and manuscripts, relative to this country, in the library of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in America ; and, perhaps, much important information may be obtained from the public offices in Canada. " The history of our country, since the commencement of the Revolutionary war, is in a better state of preservation ; but even here, how many interesting events are passing into oblivion, how many important facts are distorted and misrepresented, how many illustrious achievements are forgotten or neglected. Documents that may illuminate the obscure, explain the doubtful, and embalm the memories of the good and the great, may now be drawn from their dark abodes, where in a few years they will be forgotten or lost. Letters of distinguished since GENERAL INTRODUCTION. individuals, fugitive pamphlets, perishable manuscripts, ought now to be obtained and preserved 1 he time is pmcious, and not a moment should be lost preserved. brl'^hlV"^^ ^'T^ "^ "■'' "'""'""■ "'■ '^"^ Confederacy is that of William Smith which is .^Xscrll^^^roJIe^Sn /^ ' ''' ^^ '' "' '''' '^^ ^^ ^'— ^« ^^ ^^ ^l "Anxious, as we are. to explore these sources of intellieence and tr, mU.n, n, n,«eH„„ ,,. „. r.,> ,h». ,„. „„. .r f„„„. p„„„,. „„ oLr, ;::':: X z:„:s by the liberality and public spirit of the Leffish.t.irp W. i,„, ^ , . surmounted community lo which we are bound b, ever, lie that Is d-ein.,! ZZ. P™!""'? "' ' .ne„ And ,et i, no, b. ..id ,h,. ,he e',i,e„cL .nh": Unitluhrp 7™:" fX r,'::^ magnanimity of soul which cultivates the arts and sciences amidl, fhl . ,^'y' '" ''^"^ zr E3f -= ^ -~ -»^ ^^=r:o :: "New-Yohk, Jamtary, 1814." This memonal of the Historical Society wa. received with great favor by the Legislature, whtch, with a liberality that has always belonged to the State of New- York, passed two acts on the 13th and the 15th of April, 1814, recognizing, in the oTl'"! r pT' *'' ^'^'"^ '' '^' '"'^"^•^'^ '^ *^^ ^«=*^'-^ ^' *^« representatives of the people Public attention was now drawn more distinctly to the condition of the archives of the State. They were found to be in great disorder, and the ^esslt of some arrangement and classification of them was conceded. The Dutch records especially, being i„ a generally unfamiliar language, provision was made for theii^ translation, and Dr. Fa^xors Adhx.kx V.. z>kk Kkmp, a learned Hollander was appomte by Governor Cu^o. to perW this service, which he accordingly did he Albany Records." A concurrent resolution was also passed by the Legislature at their session m 1819, authorizing the Secretary of State, under L direcLn of the Governor, to cause to be bound and arranged such of the records as he miHit think expedient. On the 4th of January, 1820, Mr. Joii. V.. Nkss Y..., then SecrX of btate, submitted a Report to the Legislature, detailing the steps he had taken in X genjeral introduction. car.ylng their resolution into eflfect, and containing an interesting and elaborate 8ynops'= of the several divisions and the specific character of the public records in his custody. To this Report was appended a general Cat ogue, I., of the Dutch Colonial Re».ords; II., of the English Colonial Records; and III, of the State Records; and from this statement it appeared that thove were at that time in the Secretary's office altogether, 661 books, 324 maps, and JOO bundles of papera. But though the Report of Mr. Secretary Yates and the tiansktions made by Mr. Van deb Kemp had undoubtedly served to enlighteii the public mind as to the historical value and importance of the archives of the State, there was atill great misapprehension in regard to their actual extent and character. Apparently unheeded and allowed to moulder in neglect, a very large proportion of these records yet remained in bundles, which were aeposited in boxes or hidden in almost inaccespible corners in the old State Hall, without any proper av.^angement or means for their convenient examination. It is not surprising, under these circumstances, that while, on the c^e hand, the public archives were known to be defective in many impv^rtant respects, on \,he other haud the State should have been pupposed to be less rich in historical records than it really was • and thai the attention of those whose minds haa long been given to the subject should have been earnestly directed towards the best means of securing and increasing the literary property of +he people by addinr,' to it those materials for the illustration of their history which were preserved in the offices cf European governments. The income of the derosit with the State of certain surplus moneys of the Federal government having then recently been set apart for the promotion of public education, it wi» thought by many that a portion of this revenue might be properly applied towards tlie accomplishment of the object which had beou originally sugges*:ed to the Legislature in 1814, in the memorial of" the New-York Historical Society. Accordingly, at a meeting of that Society on the 10th of April, 1838, a committee was appointed to solicit from the Legislature an anni al grant, out of the income of the United States' Deposit Fund, to defray the e.-qienses of procuring matcrialh in Europe for the ilHstratiou of the history of the State. In pursuance of this action, a memorial waa presented to the Legislature in behalf of the Historic:-! Society; but owing to the lateness of the period of the session, it wa.j not judged expe.lient to pri«s tlie ap^>]ication at that time. In the following Deco.ril>er the Society agrin appointe.l a committee to present the subject at Albany, with a view of procuring an adtqu.ite appropriutio,, f.,r the purpose of obtaining copies of all the documents in the public oflicus of Holland GENERAL INTRODUCTION. . and Engla.1 relating to the Colonial histo^ of Ne.-York. On the 8th of January 183 Mr. JoH. L. SxKPHKxs, from this committee, accordingly reported the draf T^ e folWmg memorial, which w. adopted by the Society and ordered to b ate Id und de.ve.ed to the committee to be by them presented to the Legislature. "TO THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK. with?;eVe^r : ro7cllt :rs'°"?°"7^'^ '-''^ ^--^ -----^^'^^^ -- -trusted document' papers^devSrsarinlr/r^'^T^ '"""'^ '° '=°"«'^' -'^ P— « the history of this State ha" „' ihe!Z J Tf "'f ' ''"'*""« '" '' *" «"y ^"^ "«-«<=ting hold in safe keeping rvi^erestnrr^^ ^"^« collected, and now your .e.oria,istr:;u^"7a::re:2CdT;rsr '"^""^^"^ ""'^ ^^^^"' -^'^^' ^- ^- other sources on which'.hey „ ret a he Ja " "?"'"'"' '"' '"' '''^"^' ''"'^ Holland and England many doc n^^e^ts letter 1 r" '^ ^he archive, and public offices of bearing upon and directly connectrd w Ih hTiv 7"'°. '" ""'^ ^'^'"' ^^'"''"^ '° «"'' history anV of our War of Revo ution 1 h T. ''™"""'"' P'"°"« °'' °- Colonial papers contain matters in relartoth!; «""^ f ~^». 'etters. correspondences and treatment of their Colon^ th tpor ts ^o nionT' 'l" ^"^PT. °' ^''°" governments in the manders. and other office s hen S 7k . '^'""" "^ '^'''" Governors, Military Com- of the country theT arac er" em e T ' ''f r'^'fT """"'^'' """^ «'^"^^''' -"'^'t- diously concealed from tl e co Ws 3 '"'^ '^'""^ °^ '"« P^°P'«' »" "^ -^ich were stu- "And your memoHa s r p/et^t uJt t^^ ""'^"°"'" '" """ -""t^^ papers illuctrate and exphin Zv nn J documents, letters, correspondences and Kevolution ; and that without hem or 'T'V" °"' ''°'°"'"' '"'''"^^ "'"^ °" ^ar of history of this 8tlte carver he written ''" ' " """ ''"^^°' °° '^"« ""'^ P^^-^ th. E„g gowrir, • """""' ""' '"""' '""^ "" Bep.rtm.„,. „r i i. •I Is iU^ xu GENERAL INTRODUCTION. " And your memorialists represent that the present is a most favorable moment for such an application. It is a season of general peace, and great good feeling between our respective governments; and opportunities and facilities are now afforded, in a spirit of the most friendly courtesy, which, in time of war, or even of a troubled political horizon, would be peremptorily refused. "And your memorialists represent that, in all probability, this is the only moment in which your honorable body will be called upon to give its aid in this matter, for it is only because of the special trust reposed in your memorialists that they have deemed it their duty to ask the interposition of your honorable body ; and, though all might consider it a proper subject for the action of this State, its interest is too general and the prospect of success too remote to occupy the minds of individuals. Your memorialists do not believe that there will ever be a more favorable opportunity for renewing their request, and in all probability no such attempt will ever be made by others. " And your memorialists believe that it is worthy the ambition of the Empire State to have under its own control the materials for writing its history. Already, in its rapid increase of population and reaources, it stands as a wonder in tho history of the world : in a few years its changes will almost surpass human belief, and then, the smallest scrap which illustrates its former condition will be regarded as a precious memorial. Indeed, even now it is precious ; for — with a full knowledge of all that has been attempted upon this subject — your memorial- ists represent that the History of the State of New-York remains yet to be written. " To the end that the Historian may come to this work with all the advantages which its importance demands, your memorialists pray " That an appropriation be made by your honorable body, at its present session, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of an Agent, to be sent, under the direction of this Society, in the name and by the authority of this State, to ask for and procure from the governments of England and Holland, if possible, the originals, and if not, copies, of all documents, letters, correspondences and papers in their archives and public offices, which relate to or in any way affect our Colonial history and our War of Revolution ; and that the same, when procured, be deposited for safe keeping with your memorialists. "I". O. STIJVVKSAN'T, [ t- 8. ] " Prtiidtnt of the Xew-York Iliilorical Society, " .lOlIN C. JAY, " Rer. Sivrelary of the New • York Historical Society. " This meinoi-iul was CDininuniciited to the Lcgislatiifc, in the following message from the Governor to the Assembly, on the rjth of February, 1H39 : " I have the honor to transtnit a memorial from the New -York Historical Society, praying for the passage of a law authorizing the appointment of an Agent to visit Kurope, to trnn- •crihe documents remaining in the public offices of the governments of Englcnd and Holland, illustrating the Colonial history of this State. •' it would advance the cause of free government throughout the world, nnd it ii due to ourselves, lo the memory of cur predecessors, and to a just regard for the respect of posterity, that every important circumstance connected with the rise and progress of our free iuititutiout should be recorded and illustrated. GENERAL INTRODUCTION. zui obilc! ''rtr\T "" ^"''"' ""'f'''"' '""""■'^'^'^ ' '""S"'^' indifference in regard tc this object. The Lnghsh government has made a munificent gift to our State Library of ZZl illustratmg the early history of that nation. Massachusetts has tlercare preserve ^ resources for her h.story, during the Revolutionary contest, by causing to be DSbl shed h! JournaU of her Colonial Congress. The State of Georgia has no^an Agen^ir^ L don^ no less .nteres .n rescuing and preserving the memorials of her Colonial condition b,:: :xr.^?::T;s:r."°" " ' ""- "-^"^ ■■"-'-' «-*'° -• ^— " WILLIAM U. SEWARD." This message of the Governor and the accompanying memorial of the Historical Soctety were referred by the House of A.emUy to a select committee, who, on the 19th pf February, 1839, made the following report, by their Chairman. Mr. Chapzx: " The memorialists constitute the Historical Society of the Stale of New Y„rU nn i most Z Ztred o ^-""'-'"'°-. -1 "— g^-d l.y the counsel and inuHence of the most d..t.ngu„hed ol our cUuens. the petitioner, represent that they are desirous to ob.ai^ I ^ 1 it •' iS f-i ♦ f i xir GENERAL INTRODUCTION. the passage oi a law by this Legislature, authorizing the appointment of an Agent to visit Europe, and, under the sanction of legislative enactment, to transcribe the documentary papers there to be found, having reference to the history of this State. They further represent that they have been advised by many, high in official stations, that there are great numbers of letters, records and official documents in England, Holland and France, detrllingthe particulars of our primitive and Revolutionary history, and those relating to public and private negotiations, to distinguished individuals and influential associations, to the plans of foreign goveruments in their treatment of the Colonies, to the character of our people, and to the nature and resources of our arts and arms. And it is also represented, with like truth and force, as your committee believe, that at no period of our history have circumstances been so auspicious for the prosecution and successful issue of their purposes as those presented at this time. Not only are the relations between the governments referred to and our own more intimate and better understood than heretofore, but the increased facilities of intercommunication, and the mutual dependencies of trade, and reciprocity of public and private favors are such as to render the present truly propitious for the execution of the designs contemplated by the memorialists, " The importance of these fiicts has induced other States and associated bodies to become enlisied in the extension of similar objects ; and it is reasonably inferred, the committee think, that the State of New -York — behind none in her extent and population, her arts and her commerce, the productions of her soil, the interest and variety of her historical reminiscences, and the intelligence and publicspirit of her citizens — will not, on this subject, remain unfaithful to her honor, her interests and her fame. " Among the early Colonies and the people composing the inhabitants of our newly discovered country, none were more dictinguished than New York and its enterprising citizens; and up to the present moment it has continued to develope the elements of its greatness, thus characteristic of the Empire SLaie. In the drama of our Colonial and National history, she was, and continues to be, proudly eminent. Her soil, her streams and her people are known to fame. History, faint as it is, reveals her crimsoned plains, her bulwarks of military and naval art, and the chivalry of her sons. The virtues, the heroism and the councils of her citizens were felt and appreciated during the primitive condition of our common country, and while our united energies were called forth in the cause of freedom. But, though History has not denied us the evidences of these truths, yet how much more may she not do for the honor of our State and the glory of our ancestors, when our own historians are admitted to all the sources of her historic treasures! "It is worthy of remark that the only ostensive history of the State of New -York was written by an Englishman, and dedicated to the Right Honorable George, Earl of Stanhope, Commissioner of Trade and IMantations, &c. The extent and character of this history may be estimated from the confession and announcement of the author, in his declaration that it was ' bul a narrative,' and that ' it deserves not the name of history.' And further, in his dedication, that 'it was not presented for his Lordship's injhrmaium,' as 'all the world knows that the affairs of the British Colonies have been for several years past under his principal direction, and the wisdom of the measures pursued for their prosperity and defence are indisputable arguments of his acquaintance with their condition.' "Thus were the details of our Colonnil history, and all the ♦wisdom' displayed in the governnK'nt of the Colonies, presumed to have been condensed within the cranium of his right honorable lordship. GENERAL INTRODUCTION. " The further URefulness of the author to this Prnv!nn« a . wa« prematurely arrested by hi, refuB^Ito renlnce hTaH '°''"''''' '' ™'^'^* ^« '''''' critical juncture of our hi«tory-hi8 confinement ^h ' ""'^'""^« '° '^' ^rown at the most to New-York by General wLhington a d hi^ suh 7"^''''" '''"°'" '-•"' '^''"^Portation and of his choice. ^ ' •"' «"^««1»^"' «h.pment to the land of his birth elaborate work, esclwin,. always. t^iVrHl Z:I::r' ^'"^^ "'' '° ''' ^'™« °^ '^'* of theTat: :rr^troS nt: :!:; :n'h"?'h"'* '!, ^-— '«-. Whether the history and whether it should not b tri ten b^ e of ! l"n V '" "''"'^ '''^" *'"'' "^--'^ '' be derived from the sources before Lntionednndr "I '°''"''' °' ''^^ '""^^"«'«' '» supervision of the State HiatoricnlSocieT '"'"■'^'' '"'^ ""''^^ '^' subsequently as an L,glish Cl y fl I';, t" 76 . ""t"/' "^ '" ^'«*' ""'^ intimate relations existed between the iLit and Ihl T " '"""" "'"' ^'^^ ■""«* numerous records, documents and continuous coesoondln T .'' "°""''"'''' """^ '''«* '"« others were, a, they duly should hav3 b en (i er„Td" r '^^ °V ' T"""^"'"' "^^"'^ ""'^ respective governments. These related to the nn. ^ f '" "'^ "^''°"« «<«««« °f t^e public officers and prominent persono^l "n 't . Sr tT he^"? '[ '^''T' ^^^"'^' *° our new country, and to the feelines and sufferinrif ^'■"'*" ""'^ productions of addition to these, they related, at a ater and ! II "^ " "°"' """^ ''""''^ ^"•^««'°"- ^^ events that brought about the W r n ^ol't ' ^^^^"'"-""^ P-'od of our history, to the to our condition and resources, to our cou and to . ' ," "T '"' '"'' "' °"^ P-P'«' «^^w.h the reports and advices ^'r^^l; 1^^- : ^ = Z^TlZ a:^,i:::^r::rr;i!::iri^^;::::s :rr '--' ''- -^-of Eng^nd papers having reference to the part she Ik „ ou iTl r '" ''°''''"'°" °'" '^°'="'"«"tary relations to this country, and to « the fVench Inr ' "?'^ '"^"^«''' '" ''^ ^"bsequent least a.eeting and impo'rtant porti^n^? ^ CotiaUirorr"' ^''^ '' '' '"'""' ^""" '"^ vario!;;;:;: ;n;z:;:i:,:: ^ jd °::tr ' ^"7 -r- °^ — '°- - subjects of lively interest with .h„ ^ ''«°«P"-ed--o(ten tragical m their character -should be incident to their detriesTondioranir'' ""] ''"" ""^ '"^^'^ '"« '""' ""<1 ''-Ser .-==;z~S SHs-"^^^^^^^^^ op.n,o„ ,l,„, i, d„i,„, ,0 b. f„|,„f„||j, redd r,d u.^.h 7 ,"' Vu '°°""'"" ""' °' •l..,ul», relic, or „r,. tl,-, »H,in , "l, n I '" '"i; ",""' ''? "" "!■'•■■" «r tta mo,. '"^" "' " -« "- .;;."- :M:u"r„; r;::i::i;;;::t;;.;:' •" ^""'• !! ii I i"' XVI GENERAL INTRODUCTION. " Many of these, like the chronicles of our own times now sought to be saved from the same oblivious fate, are fast disappearing before the modern ' march of improvement' and the destructive influence of lime, while others, if known to the early colonists, have sunk into ruin and forgetfulness. •' It appears to the committee, from a review of the subject submitted to their examination and opinion, that it would be 'voi thy of the pride and ambition of our citizens to encourage the enterprise of the memorialists, and to secure for the State the materials for its enlarged history. And your committee believe that no subject is calculated to inspire us with a stronger love of freedom and of country than the records of the times and the chivnlric deeds of our fathers — those who gave us life, liberty, and a country made sacred by their blood. Ingratitude alone must be our apology in failing to cherish the memory and the annals of their history. Nor is it less an obligation to our predecessors, than a duty to posterity, that we encourage the perpetuity of their examples of virtue and of patriotism. " In the execution of the purposes set forth by the memorialists, and commended by the Governor, it is represented that two years should be employed, and that an expenditure of $4000 may accomplish the work. " This amount, though less than that suggested by the inclination of the committee, has been deemed to be an adequate appropriation, which, while it may insure the successful issue of the enterprise, will not be thought unworthy the Empire State for the accomplishment of an object which cannot fail to prove honorable to her fame. •' With these views of the subject, the committee submit the accompanying bill." Tlie bill reported by the select committee, having duly passed both Houses of the Legislature, was signed by the Governor on the 2d of May, 1839, and is as follows: "AN ACT TO APPOINT AN AGENT TO PROCURE AND TRANSCRIBE DOCUMENTS IN EUROPE RELATIVE TO THE COLONIAL HISTORY OF THIS STATE. " Passed May 2, 1839. " The I'cnpfc of the Sialc of New-York, represented in Senate and Asscmhlij, do vnnct as follows: "Section 1. An Agent shall be appointed by the Governor of this State, by and with the advice and consent f^f tha Senate, to visit England, Holland and France, for the purpose of procuring, if possible, the originals, and if not, copies, of all such documents and papers, in the archives and offices of those governments relating to or in any way affecting the Colonial or other history of this State, as "le may deem important to illus'rate that history. "^ 2. The said documents and puners, when procured, shall be deposited in the office of the Secretary of th s State, subject to the use of the State Historical Society. '"^3. A sum not exceeding four thousaad dollars is hereby appropriated for defraying the expenses of said Agent." The words of this act arc very broad and indefinite, and they seem to have been purposely made so. What was evidently intended was, that the Agent should select GENERAL INTRODUCTION. and obtain, in Europe, historical documents and papers which wh.n .. a ^^ offlci.net.arto the «„,.„„, .„:„«„, W,„ .hat two ^ul^Z,^- JZf^Zl 7 ^..t one „. the othe. „, thL ,J:L tlTZZt^ TZZT .0. i„ „„„.oa, with M. B..,., ,e»„,f;: th! ll^'CZt' h?H'°"' and w. t^ ,„™e extent familiar with the p.„„„„ j,,., ,, wa, Cl .o ' rf«°°' In order, however, to a.oid what was felt to he the .k-Jr ^"P""^ « *« for so„,e days, iu the hope tl also mth^ ^'•^"\"''««'«" «^ ^he report has been delayed only abridge the time Xid ti be a w:dT:r'l' '^ '"""'• ^"^ '^'''''' '^'^'"^ -"'^ and to take the necessary action obnnltl A ^''^'^^^^^^ *« "'^^e these exa„,i„atio„s. Agent to a settlement and I qu dat o' iT^ " """' '^'"^ ""'^ '''' "•^^"""'^ «f t^e •qu.dation. Hence, the report and accompanying papers are t? -'"': ' III M, ZXll GENERAL INTRODUCTION. transmitted without the information which enables me to make any recommendation, or even suggestions, as to the iegislation called for or the appropriations'rcquired. " SILAS WRIGHT. '"REPORT OF JOHN ROMEYN BRODIIEAD. •' • To His Excellency, Silas Wright, " ' Governor of (he Slate of New -York, " * Sir — I have now the honor to lay before you a final report of my proceedings, as Agent of the State of New- York, under the act entitled " An act to appoint an Agent to procure and transcribe documents in Europe relative to the Colonial history of this State," passed May 2, 1839, and of the results of my researches in the archives of Holland, England and France. "' Before, however, detailing these proceedings, it may not be out of place to refer briefly to the circumstances which led to the passage of the act of the Legislature by which the enterprise now brought to a conclusion was sanctioned. " • This Agency is the result of the antiquarian spirit that has lately gained so much ground in our country. That spirit, growing and freshening with the advance of years, has been greatly strengthened and fostered by the exertions of the New-York Historical Society ; an institutioii which, it is but faint praise to say, has more than fulfilled the high hopes entertained of its future value and influence, by its projectors, in the year 1804. Exerting itself laudably in times of difficulty — struggling with adversity, and braving obstacles — its important objects gradually became appreciated by the public; and in the year 1814 a memorial, drawn up by the late Governor De Witt Clinton, then vice-president of the society, stating in a clear and masterly manner the objects of the institution, was presented to the Legislature, and was so favorably received as to induce the grant of twelve thousand dollars in aid of the funds of the society. Its library to this day remains a noble monument of the munificence of the State and of the liberality of individuals. " 'In this memorial, the prescient mind of Clinton suggested, in effect, the measure which it was left to after days to see carried into execution. Referring to the gaps and deficiencies in our own existing records, the papers of the Dutch West India Company and the archives of the then government of the Netherlands were pointed out as the sources whence materials for the Dutch portion of our history were to be obtained ; and the records of the Plantation Office (Board of Trade) in London, and the library of the British Museum, were also alluded to, as affording an important and inestimable fund of information respecting the period of our subjection to the Crown of Great Britain. The public offices in Canada, it was also suggested, might contain much of interest to our historians. But circumstances for a long time prevented any direct effort being made by the society to obtain the T vorwble consideration of the subject by the Legislature, and it was not until the year lii6a ib.:« ^«--' advised an application Lthwitrto Her M' '' "^'•>' ^"™'y' i» "^e subject; and make selectil and trans" i^s^d^^^^^^^^^^^^^ f P™-" to the Agent to and other history. A note was ^ccnrZ n ? '"■*''"^^' '^'""^^ *» «"' Colonial 22dMay.l841,LpllnTtheobec ofh^S^^^^^^^^^^ *« the Marquis of Normanby, on the that the necessary facilities mi2 be 1 A f " " "» *•"' application, and requesting possible,thepurpVo TyZ ionto 1^^^^^^^^^ ^'*" ^ "ttle delay a! Normanby to Lord Palmers'^^on. ^ncta^ I "1 J ' %?? was referred by the Marquis of 20th July following an answer rs rein J tl?f«. ^"■'"«" ^*^"^"' ^°^ °" the .ome difficulty in Lcedinrto mv a. nioT * V\^'''""'°"' '^''' ^"^'^ Paimerston felt competent person, and, if no objection should be found to ttp.rh "^ ^^ '"'"' should be copied for my use. on the usual terms at ryexpelse ' ^"---"-ted. they object of the State was to have its Colonic hU^ .1 I ^'"* "'^ New-York ; that the of which w.re presumed to ^i "ihot: Pa; r^ffiTf:: ^ 'T™^"^«' ^"^ not be known, and that they could not S!f ,',''/'"''' P"'''""''''" '^hara^^^^ restrictions imposed in formlr Tse were o '' ' '''^* '''' ''"''"^'""^ ""^ and that the Agent would nfa.T , > T ""^''^''^ *" ^' "'^^"^^d in the present, department. ^ ' " ''''' '''''''^'' '""•«'^'* ^^'^J^'^t to the control and pleasure of the I' !, I XXIV GENERAL INTRODUCTION. "•It was hoped that, on a review of the subject, Her Majesty's government would have looked more auspiciously upon the application, and that, so far from perceiving in it anything objectionable, v/ould rather have viewed the objects of the State as of a purely literary and altogether praiseworthy character, and, as such, commending tiiemselves to the favorableaiid liberal consideiation of an enlightened government. But the then mini-itry went out of office without having altered or modified their decision, which — considering the impossibility of my pointing out the particular documents I might wish to have transcribed, without having the opportunity of Iciirning even the date of one of them — amounted, in fact, to a refusal of the appUcation of the State. While icferring to this subject, I cannot omit avaihng myself of the occasion to acknovvledge the warm and ready interest Mr. Stevenson took in tlie objects of the Agency, and the personal obligations I feel for the courtesies he extended to the Agent. " ' Meantime, pursuant to my instructions and to M>. Stevenson's advice, I had proceeded to Holland, with a view of investigating the archives of that country for documents relating to our early Colonial liistor; ; intending upon the termination of my researches in the Netherlands, to return to London, and avail myself of the expected liberality of the British government. Immediately on my arrival at the Hague, I opened tlie business of my mission to Mr. Bleecker, then the Charge d' Affaires of the United States near the King of the Netherlands. The well known interest of this gentleman in the cause of historical research, induced liim to enter, at once, cordially into the views of the State; and I gladly and gratefully embrace this opportunity to renew the expression of my thanks for those valuable counsels, and frieiuily efforts to furtlier the objects of my appointment, which he was always ready to give and anxious to make. " ' In order to obtain the necessary facilities for investigating the archives of the Netherlands, an application was addressed by Mr. Bleecker, on my behalf, to the Baron Verstolk de Soelen, Minister of Foreign Aftiiirs. Upon my presentation to the King, a few tiays afterwards, His Majesty received nie in the kindest manner, expressing much pleasure with the objects of my mission, and a warm interest in its successful accomplishment. The general direction of the royal archives being entrusted to the Minister of the Interior, the application was promptly referred to the Baron Schimmelpennick, the head of that department; and an interview was accordingly had with His Excellency, who at once informed me that he would give directions to the officer in charge of the archives to afford me all facilities for the purpr>8e of fully carrying out the objects of my commission, and which had been directed by the King himself to be as liberal in their extent as the exigencies of the service would allow. "•The government records at the Hague are placed under the supervision of an •' Archivarius," at present Yonkheer J. C. de Jongo, a gentleman of great intelligence and urbanity, and from whom I received numerous marks of kindness and courtesy, which I am happy to acknowledge. M. de Jonge, on my presenting myself at the archives, pointed out the various depositories in which the documents presumed to relate to the subject of my research were coiitained ; and gave directions that every book and paper, known or supposed to contain information allecting our Colonial history, be submitted, without reserve, to my inspection, and every arrangement made that could facilitate my labors. " ' The archives of the Netherlands, it is believed, constitute one of the richest depositories of historical information to be found in Kurnpe ; commencing with the period of the Union of Utrecht, in J 07U, and extending down to the French Revolution. They are contained in GENERAL INTRODUCTION XXV an immense suite of apartments in the old palace of the Binnenhof • and th. ^ in general very well arranged, though not all equally ^.ell preserved Th T""'' "'"' contained in parchment-bound volumes in mosf in« J Preserved. The greater part are ordinary and secret meetings, kept by their a^.a P'° ,^'''"fe'^«* ^^e States-General, at their the resolutions of that bodVo::;n tlrs! l;' "^J^^ ^^ ^ -*;-'' ^" ^-ail. with the year J.079, and are preserved in an nnhrnf / '" '■^»"*^''« commence correspondence of the gov rnm . a" Tl f """r"" *'"''"'" The diplomatic instructions and commi Jons isrfi J hIL'^"'''''' "' ^''"^™' ''''''"' ""^^ «'«« the of books. The origin, papers::^ z!::!^ ::^T^z7^;::r'' m'- -'-- time, arc arranged on Li.„se» or fil..« «, » .• , ® ' "^^ "'e htates-General from time to Secrrte and Lot K..s. T "e p ip r ' hav s..; 7 " .'""""' "'^''=" '"'^ '^"P-'^^^ '" *he exposure than those in thrbounTvoIumes ""' "°" '^•"" ^'^^ ^^"-^^ "^ «-« -d the "Commis CharterLest: " at he roT^af ,, ."e, "' r^"""*' "/ ''^- ''• ^^ '^•' ^--"' cooperation, I am proud to acknowledge contrirr "'" enthusiastic and untiring the resenrch-I was unre„iitti„g3 ^ed durin. '" T ""u"'' ''^"^ *" *'" '"^^^ «' in the course of which upwards XuXniroiretTrh::;,:: 7'^"'"^ ^"^^^*'«"^'""' examined. Many of the documents were wnm ? , I ^ °' P^P"" ^^''^ carefully that most of them were written .^ T nerveTsT ", "f '"''^''' "^"^ '''' circumstance information, on poinds either' ntirelvnov,' o t ' f.' ^'""I ?' ^^'""^'« --""t of was there contained, the records of tl^ Z h w^ / , il' r ""P^^^^^'f .'^--" *" our history, and direction of the Colony of New Ne er am te M '^"7' "'"'' '""^ the supervision •■ope to find those more particular detaH of v^^^^^^^ •"««'*^'- '" -''-" I -ight personal narratives, which woul.l bo of the \,\iZ7 T IT' ?""«'""*'«"«• settlements and -ttlers. a, well a, to the histon' of N I'vtk til ^ ''T"'*"*^ «' ^''^ «-'y l^een given me at the Ifague that thp«! , ^^ "" *''^ '»<^»™«tion which had organizutmnof thocompan;' in'tw re pZ^^^^^^ ^'""T!""'^ ^''" *"« P"""^ "^ *»« ..cconlingly obtained from L Miniro tl U 7 '" "* Amsterdam, an order was «n.l West Imlia Companies' paper t A .ste am tZP ;""'* '"° '""'''"■ "^ *'^" ""'» «» .locuments in his custody. L rcM 1 ^ I" c^^!Z 7 77 '"'""^■^ ''or examining the contain important information relative to tie Col. v of -TT """ "'"" ^^''^""-'^ *« ".Hlert..ok to manage i„ the year J.i.O(iTa « L i '7^ "'"'^'' ^'•«' '^'ty addressed by the Minister of t.^- Interior 'to ule B ^m r^ ::.""' '" ^^"-'^-- duty, I areordinglv visit..! Amsterdam. g"n'a«ter. I,, further prosecution of my •' 'Rut, on applying at the West India House, I was to mv infmU t.on. informed by Mr. .le Munnick, the keeper hat all' h I . " "'""f"""" """^ '""^"""ea- every kin.l, beU.nging to the ol.l Kast a. I! 't I :Com: .."«'/ •""'"'' ""*' ''"'"'^' '' been sold at public auction in the rear 1N>| v o . " . " ' ^'''' *° ^^""' ''"'^ '''""t nothing ..ould ,... |..rt u„.lon.r „;; . , i ^t . tedt;'"'"'"".' '"' """ ^"''"•^'""<^''- J XXVI GENERAL INTRODUCTION. tion of the order. But I regret to say that this examination waa attended with no favorable result ; and I reluctantly abandoned the cherished hope that the archives of the West India Company would have proved a rich mine of historical wealth to our State. Examination! were also made in the papers of the East India Company, in the hope that something might be ascertained relative to Hudson's voyage of discovery, which was made in their service. The only trace found of that voyage is a memorandum in one of the " ship books," which accidentally escaped sale, stating that the yacht HaJve-Maan, of forty lasts (eighty tons) burthen, had been sent " towards the north," in 1608. Unwilling, however, to abandon all hope of recovering a portion, at least, of the records which had been sold, I caused adver- tisements to be inserted in the most widely circulated journals of the country, requesting any person who might have in his possession any documents relating to the history of the Colony of New Netherland to have the goouiiess to communicate with the (then) Consul of the United States, at Amsterdam, Mr. J. W. Van den Broek. The kind attentions and friendly exertions of this gentleman, to further the objects of my visit to Amsterdam, have imposed on me an obligation which I would do great injustice to my feelings if I did not take this opportunity to acknowledge. It was subsequently ascertained that a portion of the records, sold at Amsterdam, was in the possession of the original buyer, a person residing at the Hague. I purchased permission of him to make an examination of this portion, which was accordingly effected. Nothing, however, relating to our history was found ; and the mortify- ing conviction is now forced upon us, that the papers of the West India Company relating to New Netherland — which, until the year I8'21, were easily attainable by the State, and whose destruction has left such a chasm in the original materials for the illustration of our annals — are now irrecoverably lost! " ' The application to the authorities of the city of Amsterdam, for permission to examine their archives, was at once acceded to in the most courteous manner, and prompt arrange- ments were made to facilitate my investigations of the records in the Stad-Huys. Quite a number of interesting documents, relating to the City's Colony on the South river, were found and copied. " ' Examinations were also mode of the valuable collections of manuscripts and pamphlets in the Royal library at the Hague ; and the most courteous attention was shown by the esti- mable librarian, Mr. J. W. Holtrop. " ' The result of my researches, in the various repositories in the Netherlands just referred to, is the procurement of sixteen volumes of transcripts, conta'ning upwards of four thousand pages. As a full and accurate catalogue of the documents transcribed is appended to thia report, it is unnecessary to give any particular analysis of their character hero. I will only remark that they commence with the year 1614, and oxtonu down, in a tolerably complete series, to 1678, consisting cbietly of memorials and papers presented to the States-General respecting New Netherland, and the proceedings of that body in relation to the various mat- tors from time to time brought before them affecting the Colony and its inhabitants. The act of the Legislature directed me to procure, if possible, the originali, and if not, a>i>iei of all documents illustrating our history. I applied for the originals, but the regulations of ofltce did not allow a com])lianc« with my recjuest; copies were therefore made of the papers selected. Not the slightest difficulty, however, occurred in obtaining these, and not a single objection war made to my having any dnrminMit ♦ranscribcd I wished. The most unbounded liberality waa evinced on every occasion by tlie government of that country to which wa GENERAL INTRODUCTION. XXVll brought me into communication. ^ mission trom time to time the Earl of Aberdeen as prtinal Zeta ! XTf p"'- ^^Tr' ^ "^" "'"'«^'y' -*»• and Mr. Stevenson had been su^ceedeTbv Mr f'"*" t "^"^" ^^'"'' ^"^ ""™« ^-^t" P«^«'. Her Britannic Majesty It the t^^^^^^^ United States, near importance to the Union as weH asT f f 1^%^°'"'''''' ''"'^ J^-^'X appreciating the by the State in sendhg an Lent to eI!! « p ^^'1'"''' '' '""^ "'•'•'"''' ^o^^^-plated Mr. Everett to apply foTh^BHih ^ ' /'"'''"* °*^ ***' ^'"'^^"^ States had instructed the success., P^L^t- l^fn^pt^^^^^^^^^^ as might be necessary Tor him ^;;::;r:ie:.;r'^^:^:;:^;::;--^^ "^^ ^^^- ^--"' -^ -^-^-^^ It need scarcely be said that the virsTf the Sf-Ti T'''""' '^'P" '*"'* ^"^ ''««" ^a^^*"' into by the distinguished In tleZ^ friendlyandvaluablcounsfls hreLd 1 T' 1,°"' '^"""^''^ ^" ^"S'''^'^' ""'^ ^^ose acknowledge; or that itTas fortunat!^^ " ' "r l*"'"" ' ^*"'" "'""y« ^^ P™"'^ *« that th3 Ea'rl of AberdelTra^X/ 1-*-^:^^^ ""' i"'"'"' ""^"^*""" State made a renewed attemnttn 13 ''^*''"^*"'y f ^'^«"* »"'»'" when the Agent of this the duties of hi mi sioa No Ume wasToT"";" "".''" """J"*^"" «"^^™™-' '" -«-*« addressed a note to Lord Aberdeen Tan it ' t T *'' '"' ''''''"'''''' ''^'' ^^- J^-^^" the late ministry, and expre^ a LpetC Ih ' T ""'' ^'^^«"'«" '"^ *'"^- ^'t*' objects of my ml.ion won d "orbe affl d t^^T ""'!": '°"" ^^^^ ""'"""^"^ "'" ^^^ it is claimed that it has " nererpStedLerf 77""' °' ^"'^^ ""**'" ' ^°' ^^'^^^ countenance which it has at all thne,?./.. ^' ""'P'"'"'^ ''^ ""^ «*»'«' i" th. useful knowledge." Sol til ubl l^nM r V^? Jf '-«- ^^ort for the promotion of it might not be%ssibleTrrt:tZr:^;ptclt:t^^^^ ''^' ''^^^' yet. that a general statement of thoir „„f ! T '"storical documents desired, decision on the pendinga M. ication I " T' ^ P™''*'^»'''«' ""'^ would facilitate a .pecific a. the na': e :f^h 'e:^ iL^rh t TT"' "' ''' '""^ '"'^'''^'' ""^ - in a note dated lUh February.?^ "1^:,., \ ^""'''' ^^""""""^ ^« '"« 'ordship. commi«.ion were again urJT and tt h„^. ^J '"""^ '='""■'''''«'• ""'^ "^'J-^" »'" '"X ren.ove whatever ifesitato may have ex sJ 177 ' S'" '•^'""'"*' ' *"^ ''^"P'*''"' ^^'^ •' • It is unnecessary to ^l^^^ZZ^Z^Z " •^""'''"*"""' ^''" "'^ ^«'l"-»- delay, that occurred, before the des^rnTn •''""'""'*'" "'"J ^"« ""countered, and the many April. 1842. I commencdn flat's i '^ZZ^ T tl^f ^' '""»'"' °" '"« «'" <^- -"t by Lord Aberdeen to^he k e r o ho ^ T^ '''"^^^ An order wa. documents in the o.ce relative to ::!vr::!^^ J'ZJZ:: ^ZZZ ^^ '"T^ l'^ my examinations were to be made in th« .,r„. r „ ' ''" ""•^"" *•""''">< »'"»t I was merely, in the Hrnt i . tl i rZ T " ^ '" '''.''" ^"«''''«"-"'- -<' ^hat to transcribe, and not to trac iL ' 1 ^ P" ''[^''^''' **"' docun.ents I might wish indi.;a.d ho.d --^en^^d i:;;;;^^:^;:^ A^ --- - Hi s iiitiiiimi xxvm GENERAL INTRODUCTION. note or memorandum, even of the dute of a uocumeut; which, under the circumstances — the mass of papers to be gone over being so large — was desirable, and even necessary, in order to avoid the risk of marking duplicates, and the embarrassment of depending on memory alone. This, and other points — one of which was a permission to employ copyists of my own selec- tion, by whom the transcripts could have been made at a much less expense than that incurred by the charges of the regular clerks of the office — formed the subject of a subsequent note of Mr. Everett to Lord Aberdeen. His lordship promptly replied, giving me the further permission desired respecting the making memoranda, <&c., but declining to accede to the request that I might be allowed to employ a private copyist. I was obliged, in consequence, to pay to the clerks of the office 4d. sterling for every folio of 72 words that they transcribed. " * Her Majesty's State Paper Office, in London, is strictly a part of the Sovereign's own private library — an appendage to the Secretary of State's office. Being entirely a government establishment, it is not considered as on the same footing as the manuscript department of the British Museum, or other institutions of a like character. No person is allowed to visit the office, for the purpose of consulting documents, until an order for the purpose has been obtained from one of the Secretaries of State-, who alone have the right of granting the privilege. This order usually specifies the series of papers to which the visitor is to have access ; and its directions are strictly and scrupulously followed by the keeper. This office is the depository of all papers and dispatches that pass through the offices of the Secretaries of State, which are there arranged under the superintendence of a keeper, deputy keeper, and other officials ; and the accurate and perfect manner in which this is done reflects the highest credit on the gentlemen to whom the government entrusts this important duty. The building in which these papers are contained was erected in the yea' 1830, in St. James' Park, near the government offices ; and is, in svery respect, well adapted to its purposes. In addition to the papors from the offices of the Secretaries of State (among which is to be found a very voluminous correspondence with the Governors and Military Commanders in America), the State Paper Office now contains the whole of the records of the " Board of Trade," down to its dissolution, in the year ]782, which were transferred to it by order of government, in March, 1842. Upwards of two thousand large folio volumes, relating chiefly to the American Colonies, were thus added, in one mass, to this invaluable repository of historical wealth. *' ' The general supervision and maniigemont of the British Plantations in America, and elsewhere, was entrusted by King Charles IL, by royal commission, dated 1 December, l(i(iO, to a standing council, who were instructed to correspond with the several Governors, &c., and in general to dispose of all matters relating to the good government and improvement of the Colonies. Subsequent commissions were from time to time issued to various individuals, sub- stantially of the same tenor, constituting them a Council iur Foreign Plantations, for the time being. On the 21st of December, 1074, the King revoked the conmiission for the existing council, and directed their books and papers to bo delivered to the clerk of the Privy Council. By order in council, dated 12 March, 1(!75, King Charles II. referred whatever matters had been under the cognizance of the late Council of Trade and Foreign Plantations to a commit- tee of the Privy Council, consisting of the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Privy Seal, and others, and directed them to meet once a week, and report their proceedings to the King in council, from time to tinie. During the reign of King Junius II., (he afliiirs of the Pluntutions coa- tiuued to be managed by a similar committee of Privy Council ; ami upon the uccessiou of this GENERAL INTRODUCTION. XXIX monarch (6 February, 1685), the Province of New-York having devolved to the Crown it w„» placed under the supervision of this committee. Upon the accession of Kin^l^Zr^uill February, 1689 a comnnttee of the Privy Council continued to manage fhe^ affls of "t^e Plantafons until the.r growing importance suggested the necessity of a Larate and distinct department of government for their direction. separate and distinct S; and and f E::"ir' "^f"' r ^^^-^^^^ -*°*'- «--^' co„diti'o„of the ttd ;f entitled " Papers." i7w h a 1 or Z '" ■"""•^"'^ *" *'" '^''"'^'^^'^ ' "'"^ ^^e other iurn, in lie uoanl of Trade series, commencing with 166^1 and extenilii..r tn i7so devolution of the Province to thn « afforded me for examining the wious^intdlndL^"^" .""'''' ' '"' '^''^ '"•'"^^^ of transcripts were made of pales bear nil """^T^' collections, and quite a number institution, I may be pe mUted to rerrr^hT" "Z "'T' ^'"^ '^'"'''^^ "^ *»>» "«bl« of the indispensable necTs ty to th^ inv r T 7" ''"' ^'^ ^ '""''^ ^^^^^^'^ ««°^'-«d books andfo'rmanuscn^ts ^;ltno7L!ot^^ ^°' P-*«^ catalogue of the printed works of nl 7 P'-eparat.on a systematic alphabetical pies about twentyTrge fZ ;;il:; ZZtmi *'"* *'^ '^**«' "^" "'-« -- the learned and Lmpeten Jn le^^ Notwithstanding the active and skilful exertions of many years before ir'an be c'omp Ltd The"' "''"I " ''" '""'"'''''' ^''^' '' -» »>« examination thus rendered peTctt ^ 'l H T' tr'/'"*'^ "^*^'°«"^^ -*^ '^^- collections, by means of the^r accuLL L T u""' *•"' ^'^"«*^«^»« «"d the Cottonian govemment. [re aJost^s reirZ:: tTu ry^nt ^ f^rf I^"' ^^^ T ^^ in Europe ; and each addition to th^ m„ • . j **'® °*'^*'» »« *» t'lose catalogu'ed and thus Ldetracllle """"^^ '^P"*"^"*' '' '' " '«--'^' '« ^^ <>- ™:;:'!: "^'Ssi toZi:^s::^ catr ^^^ -^ ''^' ^"^^^^^'-^ '•^-^^-' in the library was promptlv and chee n !!„ ^ Canterbury for permission to make researches to have this^ppor'tunTy Vait^e^^^^^^^^ -^ it gives me great satisfaction prelate at the head of the 1^1^ Ph ^^ V^ ""^'^'^ '"''"''"•^y «f "'« venerable played by His C^^^fl^^ti^u:^^^^:^ -^ "'? ^"' friendly interest dis- my convenient examination of the doculnt t ^IT:4 "^''"^ "'^^ '^"^"«^™«'^* ^«^ cu;e;'nr.;^Vv:uZT:^^^^^^^^^ *- which refe-rence has just been made. I pro- which fill forty-seven vo uZs A'cororet^™"^"'^ "' '°'^"'"'"*^ "'"*'"8 to our history, ments" is appended to thrreport bvit of ^ZT T'''''' '' '''' " ^""'^^ ^ocu: once ascertained, and any parrcul^a a v^rof The tn t""*" °' ^"'^ ^'^'' '=''" ''^ »* cessary. It commences with imZiZ wi h ITsT'r "■""'" iV ""'''"'' '^""«- dence of the Governors of New-York from if- f 'Comprising the official correspon- the Revolution, as well as various do^urntsnTT" *'•' '''''''' '" '"^^ *« ^'^^ -' «f ".aking my selections, the great! ca e was tat'f " ?"'"' '"" P"^**« '"'"^«- ^^ already in the Secretary of Itat 's oZ ItA h r"'"*^ P'"*''"""^ P'^^" "^""^^ *» »>« original books of record oft ndanComm''"'" T- ?""'' *" '"'^ ''"^ *^''-'' "^ *''« removed from this State duinTtheltevoll^tr'"'.^'''''' "' '"PP*^^^'* ^° '-^« been William Johnson's official eterso uLbS"^ """'' '"* *^"P'" '^^"^ ''««" '"»'^« "^ «» «- Office, as well as of the g eater "ar" oMf " «";•"•'""«»*' ^'"^h remain in the State Paper from time to time sent t'oLtidon proceedings respecting Indian affairs, which were co;:;„unic:ui.:;t'iDi;:t?ori':ti''"^^^ '''' ''-'^ »^«'- ^'^p-^^'^- or f.3w from th.ni to HIh ,yal L, Jr' "i; rir^'r^ [' f "'''=''" '" ^«-^'-'^' -<1 ^^^ Duke, commences with IUtVIS Zi h1 /.f^ ''""''' "•■ '■^•'"'■*^ "*' '«"«" ''•«'" the wiu. W7i, ond from that period they are tolerably well preserved. There I xxxu GENERAL INTRODUCTION. are several deficiencies in the series of letters from Governor Nicolls, and very few of Governor Lovelace's communications were found. There does not seem to have been any file of Governor Andros' letters, to the Duke or Sir John Werden, handed to the Committee for Trade and Plantations when the affairs of the Province came under its supervision, upon the devolution of New- York to the Crown, on the accession of King James II. ; but after that date the records are much more perfect. After the final organization of the Board of Trade, by King William III., in 1696, the New-York papers are full and complete. •"The policy of France in regard to her Canadian possessions — the establishment of her military positions on our frontiers, and her negotiations with the Indian tribes on our borders, and within the very limits of our territory itself, are directly and intimately connected with our Colonial history; and her long struggle to maintain her influence in the northern portion of our continent, affected, in no small degree, the condition, disposition and purposes of the people of New-York. It was with a view of obtaining authentic historical materials, illustrating these points, that an examination of the archives of the French government was made a part of my duty. '" Having made some progress in my researches in London, and commenced the transcription of documents there, I wrote to General Cass, then Minister of the United States at Paris, explaining the objects of the State, and requesting his intervention with the French government (or the purpose of procuring me permission to examine its archives for papers relating to Canada and New-York. A simple statement of my object was all that was necessary to awaken the warmest interest of that eminent gentleman ; and he forthwith applied, on my behalf, to Admiral Baron Duperr^, then Minister of the Marine and the Colonies, for permission to examine the papers relating to Catiada in the bureaus of his department. An answer was promptly returned, authorizing me to make the researches I wished, without limitation; and adding, that " all the facilities he can desire will be accorded" to the Agent. I will only remark, in passing, thc.t this liberality did not prove to be mere formal phrase. " ' In further prosecution of the duties of my mission, I accordingly went to Paris in June, 1842, and commenced my examinations in the archives of the Marine and the Colonies. The general management of the French dependencies in America having been from an early period entrusted to this department, its archives are very rich in materials relating to the! - history. They consist chiefly of instructions of the French government to its agents in America ; letters and dispatches to the King and his ministers, and original papers from the Colonial authorities to the Home government; correspondence with the neighboring Knglish Colonies; reports of interviews with the ludian tribes; plans of campaigns and details of battles and skirmishes, &c., &c. '" The documents relating to Ciinada and New-York are contained in two several divisions. The one is a series of bound volumes, commencing with the year 10G3 and ending very abruptly with 1737. It comprises about 70 volumes, and contains the dispatches and commissions of the King and his ministers to the Governors and other functionaries in the French Colonies. It is greatly to be regretted that the volumes subsequent to 1737 appear to be missing. The other, and by far the most fertile repository, is a series of upwards of an hundred enormous "cartons" or port-folios, each larger than two ordinary folio volumes, and in which, at the time of my examination, were placed loosely and without chronological order, or even the least attempt at arrangement, a mass of original documents relating to Canada, from 1G30 to the Treaty of Paris, 10th February, 1763. The state of deplorable confusion in GENERAL INTRODUCTION xxxm wh>ch I found the contents of these cartons can scarcely be conceived bv anv ohp „h h . made personal investigations, and it must be very evidenMhat it 1, ^ ''•' "°* small degree. It not only very greatly increased the labo.o the res: arch tT •?:"' 7 "h that ,„ „„„y instances paper, of presumed importance were IrgTom ^ mis; Tt '^::z:;its:::^ ;"r::;:rt::r"r '--' -^'^-^ ^^-^^^^l^ perhaps, of the Revo.utra;f:ry)rx-sr^^^^^^^^ order that generally prevail in th'e French gover^:n^u^^^^^^^^ manner consistent with their hi^h imDortnnrp nS u .""f' '^'" '°°" ^^ arranged in a the Ml„i.„r or WaHLtl s™ . Duke^rn''! r'T "" ■'''"'™"°" ""' '"'''»"■> >» Wa, Dep.„,„e„., .. r„ ,„ p„,p,./„, rJl JJ/ '7" " '. ' ^J"' •»" »-hiv„ «r .„e the operations of the French in CinnHa ,.«» i .1 ^"P^"? "" "^^ documents relative to This frank and liberal order so char-ren^^^^^ ^t^''"'"" ' treaty of Paris, in 1763." Council of Ministers, was vervh»nr f'' «""""' '"''^'''' ^'"^ P^^-'^'^" over the Director-Genera :hrarchL of edtVr" "'" f"' '^ ^^""'" «"- »'«'«»' ^-^^ am very greatly indebted^^^rr ^omJZX^L 1^ rextS^ t 'f' ""^"'"" ' custody. The archives of the Department of War nil. "«•">" "S the documents in his to arrangement, to those of the Mar^ea The E J TLCnr'''°"'r^'7^^''''''^ arranged in bound volumes, and their examination waaT al« h^. T '='''-'"'°'°g'«»"y the cartons of the Marine was laborious anrannovin/^rT .' ""' P'«"'«"' «" ^"«^ "f transcribed relate chiefly to the period beLen m^ /'.. documents selected and the correspondence of I Mm.!;^^:^^ ^Z::^:^:^^!!::''' "' '''"'''' that Colfny and the P ovince o tt-Vo • buTM P ;"'"' .""' ''^ '"''''^"""^ ^•^»--» thus expressed himself: " I would b Terv a-lnv tn r '.'" "" "^'^ ^° '"'"• ^»'"'' "«'«' possessed any documents reTati e to tZ rTr 7 ''J! ^l?' ^°"'" ''''"•'''• ^^ '"y department you have already applied Ts tl e „nlv k 1' "'^ '^""'"""y "^ '''« M»""«. ^o which -ubject.CanadaLvCa,way.^t^^^^ ^""/"^"'«!: ^^ ^'^^ '"''--'"ion on this with my department." ^ ' Buperv.s.on. and never having had any relation. an^ 'J^^:^r::z:^ rth::t::!r'°"' '- ''%''r' ''^-^ -^ ^-" ' « -- '^" Public instruction, and ev ry adi tv „ned7".7""'" '' "' ''""'"'"' ^"^ *""'^'- "^ institution. ^ ^ "^'^"'* ^y "'" ««ntleman in charge of this magnificent m:;^f rS:r ;: r^Trrlt^^^' ^^s. ju.a„uded to. occupied me several upward, of six thousand page/ A fJa; " r-. "'""" "'" '^"""-P'^. containing which every paper, i„ Z/Tnd a r T"' ' ""'"'"«"' "^ "'« " ^'«^'« Documents." In this reportf r'eL;, a n::^^^^^^ '« indicated, bei.g also appended to They commence with 1631 and Id to 1 63 ''T;""""? "— "y in this place. , anu extend to 1703; includ.ng selections of the correspondence it if XXXIV GENERAL INTRODUCTION. of the Governors or Canada with the nuthorities in France respecting Indian affairs, the relations with this Province, &c., as wel! as the dispatches of the Military Commanders during the romantic and exciting period in our history of the •' French War." •' ' As at the Hague and in London, the reguli tions of the offices at Paris did not allow me to execute that part of the law, establishing the Agency, requiring the procurement, if possible, of original documents. Transcripts were made, therefore, of the papers selected, and the orthography of (he originals was followed as accurately as possible. In closing this reference to my researches at Paris, I cannot forbear the remark, that the proverbial reputation of tlie French government, in regard to all matters connected with scientiHcand literary investigation, was amply sustained in the courtesies that were extended to the Agent of this State ; and that the historical treasures which were found in its archives are only equaled by the prompt and generous liberality with which they were thrown open to my inspection. That much of the good feeling exhibited was owing to the high standing of our Minister at the French Court, is unquestionable ; and I feel it a duly, not less incumbent than grateful, again to acknowledge the marked kindness of General Cass, and the personal and zealous exertions he never failed making, to render my visit to Paris most advantageous to the State. " ' The researches in the French archives being completed, I returned to London and was some time occupied in further investigations, and in making preparations for my return to America. The documents transcribed at Paris and in London were carefully packed, insured and shipped for New- York ; and my arrangements having been completed, I embarked for home on the 7th July, 1844. " ' From this detail of proceedings, it will be perceived that the execution of my mission was attended with considerable embarrassment. This occurred chiefly in London, where the regulations of office were much more stringent than at the Hague or in Paris. In both these iatter places there was no difficulty experienced, either in obtaining access to the archives or in procuring transcripts at reasonable rates. The price paid f r copies was about eleven cents for each page. In London, however, as before stated, my application for permission to employ a private copyist having failed, I was obliged to pay to the regular clerks in the State Paper Office 4d. sterling for every folio of seventy-two words, or about twenty-five cents for an ordinary page transcribed. This circumstance, and the unexpectedly large number of volumes to be examined, caused me much embarrassment, it became desirable to limit my selections as much as possible, in order to keep the expenses within the amount of the funds appropriated for the Agency ; while at the same time my duty did not allow me to pass by a single document coming under my observation, "important" to illustrate our history. I have before stated that, in the course of my investigations in the State Paper Office, I ascertained that there were other series of books and papers than those the terms of my original permission allowed me to inspect, containing information respecting our history ; and that a subsequent order from Lord Aberdeen gave me the liberty to examine a large number of additional volumes. I am far from affirPiing, however, that everything in relation to our history, in the British archives, has been obtr ned ; though I think it may safely be said that the greater and more valuable portion of the "•...crials there preserved has been secured. Had sufficient funds been placed at my disp;»sal, I should have pursued my researches until everything accessible had been obtained ; and should especially have endeavored to procure copies of the correspondence of the British Military Commande'-s in America, from the surrender of Canada to the end of the American Revolution. LIBRARY, ARCHIVES INDIAN AFFAIRS BRANCH GENERAL INTRODUOTION XXXV publication. thevTesrilv be rnn'^r''' "'""'" *° '""^ '° '' «^"^^« *°^">y "^ -ppre^ed. «:^l^er beXT^^^^^^^ y'^' ^^ '^^ very (.properly pnper. or on account of sor'othe X~^^^^ '"'""''"^ the reader." circumstance which may not immediately occur to Paris were unarranged, and as i wlTsse„ 17^ rh '^%";""^^"P'« '""^e in London and in in accurate chronolgcal ordrblnT it v" -^""^ ''''''''"'''' '"^"^^ deposited in the Secretary of Stae'offi t e 7' '"'"u'^^'l ''''''''' ''^'"^^ ^«'"8 occupy myself with this du'y/andpntuMvt he f""°; "''' '' '"' ''"' ' «''°"''' adding, been diligently Jngaged i:l'erti:^';:;:rr:l"crC:;tt"• ' '''" in one particular set o book or nlT T ' ""'" '^ ''' "'^'""'^ "^^« "»' »" '^""'-■•"«<1 The documents c" i^d t H.fXT '" "f ^ -"y -d various series. myself during leisure ev i i "hr wM "" '"'''^'' ""'^ '"^^''^'^ »>y were bound fnd «ent to I n'y i„ hL « 1" r".""' "" *'' "'"'^^ ^"'^ ^^""^ «^ ^^*«' -^ occupy, as before stated «7 . *''"' ^'"'■- '^'^^«« "Holland Documents" Secrrt^'ryof^^-.E' arTan" H^^.T'S^^^^^" ^^ ^^ '^- ^ ^-r in the in order to avoid the aoDarent Tnf r . Documents," great care was necessary. prevailed i„ Eng,.:l i I y aT^J^ ''uTl TZ' 'j '" "^^ °'" ''^^ ^"^ ^'^'^ -'"'^ carefully guarded, and that the nhn I ^d.^t . 1' ^''^•*'^'''-' *'"•>* ^'"« Point has been commenced on th; 1st o J „u ryf iL"^ 1 J T' z "^ °' ^'^ "^^'"^'"'^ '''' ^^"'^'^ March), and of the Old Style u, H mo ^ ? '^ ^'"' ^^""'^'^ commenced on the 25th .0 have been judical, a rtometti" r^°'^'''"""'' '°°' ^^^^^^ Documen.s"arearrang;d accodinrtoth V '';? r'"V°u ''^ investigator. The .-Paris " ' The calendars to the "Ho Id " • ofd " ' ,' "n'' "" ''"'''' '" ^'^^"^« ''" ^^^2. report, have been prepared wiVh m., l' , "'"' " ^'"' Documents, appended to thi. .he number of eacrdoc'ln „ t ;« vol"' " /' ' '""f "'" '' '""'"^ "«'^^"'- ''^y -^^'-'^ r^«e ; and thus, persons:! . : rj;' ^.f ",7 "°''^""' ^•^^^'^"^^- ''^ ^"'«- ""^ ■"' bearing of each paper in the whoL serl o^e ;:y: r:7'::;"'=V'^ ""'''"'^ """ '"^ " ' By the act of the 2d May. 1830 establishing ,h 1 u '^'"" transcripts, was appropriated towards defrav n. ^ ^'"'^' '*'" '"■" "^ ''°"'" ♦'^""^"•"J J«"ar. of thri: thousand ZZ w aaCo U^r,""?' ? '" ' '^'^ *'' '''''' ''''' ''' ^-'•^ «- was approp.iated by law for its prosecution; and on the 13th of ll Mmmt^aamitmmKttmm XXXVl GENERAL INTRODUCTION. April, 1S43, a Further sum of five thousand dollars was appropriated by the Legislature. These several approprintions, amounting to twelve thousand dollars, have been drawn from the treasury and entirely exhausted in defraying the expenses of my missior ; accurate accounts for which have been rendered to the Comptroller. I will only add, that J have advanced from my own private means a considerable amount, in addition, which has been applied to defraying the expenses of transportation, insurance, binding, and other incidentals connected with the arranging and cataloguing of the documents; in which duly, as before stated, I have been constantly occupied since the month of August Inst. " ' I have endeavored to lay before your Excellency as full and as concise a report as possible of the execution of the duties of the Agency I had the honor to have entrusted to me by the government of my State. The whole question of thic Agency, and of its results, is now before my fellow-citizens, and to their judgment it is cheerfully submitted. Under any circumstances, and in any event, and however unworthy the instrument selected to execute her high commission, it must ever be a source of proud reflection that the State of New-York — not less faithful now, in her time of power and greatness, to her honor and to her fame, than in her day of difficulty and oppression to tlie principles she then so fearlessly asserted — has been among the foremost of the Confederation to vindicate her self-respect to the world, by rescuing from obscurity and long neglect the scattered memorials of her Colonial existence, to place them side hy side the records of her independent progress. " ' I have the honor to be. Sir, " ♦ Very respectfully, " ' Your Excellency's obedient servant, '•'JOHN ROMEYN BROUHEAD. «' 'Albany, 12//i February, 1845.' " The message of the Governor, and the Agent's final report, communicated therewith, wei-e referred to a select committee of the Senate, of which Mr. Folsoji was chairman. On the 5th of May, 1845, that committee made the following report: " A respect for the memorials of the past may be justly considered as one of the marks of advanced civilization. Among saviige nations the only care is for the supply of present wants, which, being e.>i*lusively of a physical nature, like those of irrational animals, are easily satisfied, with equal indifference to the past and the future. But as mankind rise in the scale of intelligenco, a growing solicitude is felt in regard to circumstances and events beyond the present moment; the necessity of making provision for future exigencies becomes more and more apparent, and leads to untiring exertion to accomplish so important an end. It is reserved, however, for a still higher degree of progress to develope any considerable interest respecting the past. It is an old utilitarian maxim that makes a dead lion of less claim to consideration than a living ass ; and the mind requires to be raised above the ordinary calculations of mere thrift to appreciate the value of what no longer possesses actual power or influence in the esteem of the busy world. The monuments of history, standing aside in the seclusion of by-pluces and deserted spots, or buried beneath what is generally regarded as the useless rubbish of the remains of antiquity, are passed by with indifference GENERAL INTRODUCTION, aXX t 21 unlil an enlightened desire is awakened to know something of the early foundations of society, or to explore the sources of national greatness. iullL^"' been made a subject of reproach to this country, by the enemies of republican nsttufons. that no care « taken among us to preserve our ancient records -a chZ m.ply.ng a sem.-barbarous condition of society, and far from complimentary to our national t will not be long deserved ; for public attenti, ,, is beginning to be more and more directed to the ., t„„,, ^f^ ,,^,^ ^^^^^^^^.^^ ^j^^^^^^^ J ^^^^ ^^ illustrate the rise and Sr 1 «"V": '^"'•«"«' ""'J «»'ibit. in bolder relief, the character and labors of the pioneers of civilization upon the shores of the New World of"it '" *^" ■"■"'■"'•'""« «f this State that its early founders have been held up to the ridicule sat re in ' "" " ■'' ""* ''''"' ^°"^' "^"^ ""'' ^^'^-^^^'^ *»>« resourced of is wit and TrlV . 7T"^ r°^""""^ *™'' •" '^''' '^''''''''' ^bile the most polished effortrof h" s fnT r^ eT ''""'' ''"'''"^ *" "'^°'-" *'•« ««""'»•*'"> «=«!'"""« of Sic more aHstoc atL nstitutions of fo.-eign countries. A late excellent writer, the author of a valuable SLrTS" the United States, although a stranger to our country, has spoken in proper ter"ontht subject; he remarks as follows: 'Founders of ancient colonies' have sortfres be" deified by their successors. New-York is pe.haps the only commonwealth whose founders have been covered with ridicule from the same quarter. It is impossible to read the inTenious and diverting romance entitled Knickerbocker's History of New -York ZithLlt I that the author had put a little more or a little less tr'ntl in t^ Ld t\.at ht al-'t Vof humor and sarcasm had found another subject than the dangers, hardships anS vTtue "f the ance tors of his national family. It must be unfavorable to patriotism t'o connec historical recollections Wivh ludicrious associations.' vuuueoi, nisioricai "To remove the reproach thus thoughtlessly attached to the annals of our State it i. only necessary to bring to light the true character of its early colonists who,l VT' ? ranked at that period among the foremost nations of European pit of\:^r^^^^^^^^^ and enterprise, and before all others i.i the freedom of its government ; a reXm purrid by forty years' struggle against the bloodthirsty myrmidons of Spanish despoUsm The . t ascribed by the mock historian to the first settlers of New York In ^7*, *' way attecting the Colonial or other history of this State.' The sum nf f..,,. h a \ \, ]841. neariy two years after the passage of the law, John Romeyn DrodhLl: of the Z7; I a^-a II ii ■ ! I' . '..-^^^ii^A*;;^imjmiii&i^ < iifilMIWi XXXVlll GENERAL INTRODUCTION. of Ulster, was appointed to this Agency, and embarked for England on the first of May fol- lowing, for the purpose of entering upon the duties of his mission. A copy of his instructions, from the Executive of the State, is annexed to tiiis report. " In pursuance of these instructions, Mr. Brodhead, on his arrival in London, applied to the British government for permission to make transcripts of such documents in its archives as related to our Colonial history. The application appears to have been coldly received by Lord Palmerston, then Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, notwithstanding the kind offices lendered to tiie Agent by Mr. Stevenson, Minister from tlie United States near that government; and, without losing time, Mr. Brodhead proceeded at once to Holland, where a very different reception awaited him. Repairing to the Hague, he was presented to the King by the Hon. Harmanus Bleecker, the American Minister to the Netherlands ; and it was soon found that His Majesty took a lively interest in the objects of the mission, and was disposed to grant every possible facility to aid the researches of the Agent. It seems to have been regarded in that country as a gratifying circumstance, that the descendants of Dutch ancestors, who had left the fatlier-land two centuries ago, should so fur cherish the remem- brance of their ancient lineage as to dispatch one of their number across the wide ocean to seek memorials of the olden time ; and a warm feeling of kindness was extended by all classes towards the Agent, and liberal arrangements were made to lighten and facilitate bis labors. "The results of Mr. Brodhead's researches in Holland are sixteen volumes of transcripts in the Dutch language, an analysis of wliich is contained in his printed calendar. It will be observed that these documents comprise a great variety of details relative to the original discovery and settlement of our State; commencing with notices of the first navigators who explored the North and East rivers, and embracing copies of the decrees of the States-Gene- ral, granting the privileges of trade and further discovery to companies of merchants, which led to the subsequent colonization by patroons or patentees of lands. One of these grants, bearing dote October 11th, 1014, is accompanied by a iliscriptive map of tlie North river and the adjacent country, executed witiiin five years after the discovery by Hudson. It only remains that the seal of a foreign language should be taken otf from these valuable .nd curious records, to render them accessible to all ; and to this end the committee would recommond that a suitable person be employed to translate them at the public expense. *' Among these documents the committee would particularly notice one that possesses peculiar interest in its relation to the Dutch Colony on the Island of Manhattan. The precise year in which that Colony was plante(l is not known ; the oldest records in possession of tlio State, before the receipt of theses documents, commence with tiie administration of Governor Kieft, in the year l(i38, with the single exception of some grants of land which go back to lfi30. But there was found a few years ago among the papers of (lOvernor Bradford, of tie I'lymouth Colony, a corresponilence between that functionary and the Dutch authorities of New NetherliUid, on the Islaml of Manhattan, bearing date in the year l(t'27 ; and Bradford, in a letter written at that time, says of the Dutch, * that for strongth of men and fortifica- tions they far exceed them and all others in the country.' Until the reception of these fruits of the Agency, wo were thus indebted to another Colony for tlio first notice of the coloniza- tion of our own State. It is true, a few trading houses had been established, and forts erected, liotli on Manhattan Island and at Albany, several years before ; l)ut no accounts -'^whU canary sJed^ " ' The cargo of the ship consists of 7,246 beaver skin^. 178i otter " 67,0 •« •' 48 mink " 30 cat-lynx " «33 mink •' 34 small rat " together with a considerable quantity of oak timber and nut-wood ' Commending your High and Mighty Lordships to the favor of the Almighty ••'la. your High Mightinesses' humble servant, iG26.' "'1'. SCHAGEN. *' 'At Amsterdam. Nov. r% t ng character of this document cannot fail to strike any 10 first cfTorts to introduce «he arts of civilized life into a vvh.ch has since grown from these small beginnings into wealth, excelling in population and resources some of the " The historical value f • one who is capable of apj new and widely extended a large and llouriMhing oo monarchies of the Old Wor... «. tl,on lil' by r Ir Mi ° I t; ■ •, "'"';""»"«' '' T «"""»")• ."I'l™..! .l..t the ofn™ t-f xl GENERAL INTRODUCTION. in the Secretary of Stute's office. It is the only official act now extant of the 'first Governor of the Colony. " It is not, however, the intention of the committee in this report to pursue the analysis of the documents procured by Mr. Brodhead from the different archives to which he had access. The calenc'ars printed with his report are sufficient for this purpose, and exhibit with great clearness the variety and richness of ma.tniel comprised in the collection. "The committee will only add, that Mr. Brodhead, having finished his labors in Holland, returned to London in December, 1841, where in the meantime a change of ministry had taken place — Lord Palmcrston having been succeeded by Lord Aberdeen in the office of Foreign Secretary. A more friendly policy towards the objects of the Agency was now manifested, and, with the valuable aid of the new American Minister, Mr. Everett, the preliminary difficulties were removed, and Mr. Brodhead entered upon the labors of his mission ; not, however, without encountering many precautions of the government, that contributed to embarrass these labors and add to the trouble and expense attending thenS. It will be observed, in the report of Mr. Brodhead, that he did not confine his researches in England to the archives of state, but extended them to the magnificent collections of manuscripts contained in the British Museum, as well as other repositories in London and its vicinity. "In the summer of 1842, Mr. Brodhead proceeded to Paris, where the active kindness of General Cass, the American Minister, procured him all desirable facilities. The seventeen volumes of transcripts obtained in the French capital commence with the year 1G31 and extend to 17G3. They are beautifully engrossed, and will be consulted with great interest by every student of American history, especially in relation to the border wars that led to the final reduction of Canada and the extinction of French power on this Continent. "Having completed his researches in Paris, Mr. Brodhead returned to England, and on the 7th of July, 1844, embarked for New-York, where he arrived early in the following month. Immediately after his arrival, he reported himself to Governor Bouck, and made known to him the general results of his mission. From that time until the date of his final report, the 12th of February last, he was employed at the city of New -York in arranging the documents in chronological order, framing indexes, and preparing his report. The documents were at the same time bound up in eighty distinct volumes, viz: Sixteen volumes of Holland Documents, seventeen volumes of Paris Documents, and forty-seven volumes of London Documents, — the latter coming down to the year 1782. "Should it be supposed that no practical utility will be derived to the State from the possession of these documents, it may be stated that important references have already been made to them, in the course of legislation, during the present session of the Legislature. The following extract from the report of a committee of the Assembly, in relation to lands granted by the State for military services, shows their value in this rcupect: " 'The committee, also, in the spirit of the ruleof rendering justice to whom justice is due, feel constrained to acknowletlge the important aid they have received, in this investigation and search for the musty records of olden time, from the report and documents of J. Romeyn Brodhead, Agent to procure and transcribe documents in Europe relative to the Colonial history of this State. Important papers and references, relating even to this claim, have been brought to light by his researches, uiid exhibit the iuiportaiice of the objects and execution of his trust.' — IlfiHirt of Mr. liuug/ilun, iy»., Ajitil 21, 184.'i. GENERAL INTRODUCTION XJl " The committee cannot better close this account of the fruits of this interesting mission than by quoting a few passages from a private letter addressed to th. Aae t bv th^ZTo Baneroft the American historian. After having consulted the cot.fctLf ^ th r e'^^^^^^^^^^^^ " 'Your papers I examined very carefully, from 1748 to the close of the series and w^ inexorable caul ""''""' ''"' ^^'^^ ''' •^^«^'^™-' ''^-'y- *« •'•"t-ct and n Jp'/''' "i« following period, your collections were also most interesting, and were absolutelv theT;i« n Tu^lt -^-^-'^^-^ °^*.«^« politics of New-York during tLyetst: tne Kevoiution. The less numerous papers in the years of the Revolution contain some of the most curious and surprising character.' ° Comp°rorr'^rat*'tLrh""r' *''^f''"°°• '* "PP^''"' ^^^^ *»^« «-ount rendered by the «12 00^ h ' i ' ''''° P"*'^ *' ^'^^ ^Sent, from the State treasury the sum of it;! . ?.^ """r"* appropriated by the Legislature to defray the expenses 7the appears^!; Mr Brodh ? ^''^'^^Vf/P"'' 1«43. |.5000. By the Compt;oller's books. U appears that Mr. Brodhead has furnished accounts and vouchers for il2 014 '^-^ inni -i- I c.,„p.„..«.„ .„ U,y 7th, 1844, leaving . balance i„ hi. ,av Hi a t dl ^f^i 43 ' ' The Paris documents,... ^'^^ 13 The London do.,.. 9^4 80 4,078 01 sxx 'r *"° ''"•" "-•» "■»-"■• "'■ '- '^y •' •^««'p.' .»n„„, s ^ 439 42 112,014 23 " It also appears, from the account, that there remains dne to the Agent the sum of «1390 98 ; fctz^rryTsr '^T' X 'T''''" '-' ''-' ''-'''' o; A:g::T84Tto' ±*ui oi j-eoruary last. The committee have examined this account, with thn vo.,rh«« and recommend that it be paid, and ask leave to introduce the accon.panybg bUL" of m' ""VTT'y *'' "''"'* ''™™'"^ ^"""^ ^«" J"^^' '"^ • J- - the 18th of May 1846, the Agent'n accounte were duly settled, and hm duty was completed. The document, thus collected by Mr. BBomiicAi, remained fur several yea« in the oomhtionm which they h.l b.en deponitod in the Secretary's office, aflbnjing light and aid to hmtoncal inqmrers, not only of this hut of other States. The " Paris DocumenU" 9 ii zlii GENERAL INTRODUCTION. .■ were found to be of special interest to the literary investigators of Canada and the northwestern States, while many of the papers procured in England contained new and important facts illustrating the general history of the Union. The "Holland Documents" related more particularly to the local annals of New -York, while it was the Dutch Province of New Netherland. Nevertheless, there were many papers found in that series which had an important bearing upon points of great interest to the neighboring Colonies, and which explained some uncertain passages, especially in the history of New England, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. The documents procured in Holland and France, however, were in the Dutch and French languages — the law of 1839 having required the Agent to obtain " if possible the originals, and if not copies," of papers — and proper translations were necessary in order to render them generally useful. In the meantime the new State Hall at Albany had been completed, and the records of the Secretary of State, together with those of the other State officers, had been removed thither. A better opportunity was thus afforded to ascertain the character and extent of the historical archives which had remained so long in great disorder, and almost inaccessible. Measures were afterwards taken by Mr. Secretary Moegan to have these old papers properly arranged and bound ; and more than two hundred large folio volumes of original documents were accordingly prepared and placed in a condition for easy reference. For the first time, the State archives were thus reduced to comparative order, and a necessary work was accomplished, the want of which had caused many of the embarrassments already referred to. A general catalogue or calendar of all the records in the Secretary's office, which shall indicate the date, character and contents of each document, is still greatly needed ; and it is hoped that it will soon be prepared and printed. The attention of the Legislature having been again directed to the subject, an ap. propriation was made, in the session of 1848, for collecting and translating some of the documents belonging to the State, connected with its history. In pursuance of this action, certain papers were compiled, under the direction of Mr. Secretary Moboak, by Dr. E. B. O'CAtLAonxN, which, on the Tith of January, 1849, the Legislature ordered to be printed. In the following April, the Legislature directed the Secretary of State to cause to be printed a second volume of what was styled the " Documentary History" of New -York. Of this work, four volumes, in all, have been pu1)lished. They contain a miscellaneous compilation, among which are some of the manuscripts procure*! by the Historical Agent in Europe. GENERAL INTRODUCTION. xliii It was thought by many, however, that such of the documents of the Agency as were in foreign languages should be translated, and that either the whole collection or a selection of the most important papers in it, should be published, as a distinct work 'by the authority of the State. This proposition was favorably received, and a bill was mtroduced into the Legislature, which was passed into a law on the 30th of March 1849, as follows: ' "AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE PHBLICATION OP CERTAIN DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE COLONIAL HISTORY OP THIS STATE. "PA.SED March 30, 1849, ' THR«E-FirTH8 being prbimt.' •• The People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as/olUnas: bKCTior. 1 The manuscript documents relating to the Colonial history of this State, now n the office of the Secretary of State, which were procured under and by virtue of an act of ran .T H "■ ^T ^^ ^' ''.''' '°''"^'* ' ^" «*=' ^° "PP°'"' «» ^gent to procure and ranscnbe documents .n Europe relative to the Colonial history of this State.' or such portion. nrinTn T ^^ ^'^'^ f^'^" hereinafter named shall deem advi«ible, shall be translated and printed for the use of the State. "^ 2 The Governor. Secretary of State and Comptroller shall cause said document, to be prepared, prmted. and bound in volumes of such size as they may determine upon, and for such purpose are h.reby authorized to employ some suitable person to translate .uch parU thereof a. are necessary, at a reasonable compensation to be fixed and certified by them. JLl 1 State officers shall issue proposals for the printing and binding of such number of copies of said documents as they shall deem advisable to cause to be printed, not exceeding five thousand in the same manner as proposals are required to be issued for the prmting and binding of legislative documents, and shall make a contract for .uch printing Thl.' *7 /"I ^"'"\°' ^"'°'"' "" '"^"" ^'"'^ ""'""'"^^ P^^PO^-^'- therefor, which. aU thmg. considered, hey may deem most advantageous to the interest, of the Stat^. provided any of said proposals shall be by them considered reasonable. provided " ^ *• The said State officer, are hereby authorized to c-.use .uch portions of said document, to be stereotyped as they may deem the interests of the State to demand, and to secure or ' . . : "T'T ''""r'' " *" ''*'^ J"'^*"'^"* '''"" »'« f"^ '►'<' ""«™.t of the State with th ^"^ '. Tc '°^'""f '"'^ documents, when printed and bound, shall be deposited with he Secretary of State, and one copy thereof delivered by him to each member of the pre.ent A Jmh.""' ';^^"f •"!' °^ ^"^ «-"'«• '='"'^" -'J e'-tive officer, of the pre.ent Senate and Assembly, and twenty-three copies thereof (being one to each) to the several State officer, who are entitled to bound copie. of legislative documents; and the residue of said one thousand copie. .hall be by said Secretary of State retained, until disposed of a. the Governor Secretary of S ate and Comptroller may direct for the purpose and in the way of 1 terary IbT.!" d ;rt^ """' ''"''""*«'' ""''- ^'^ provision'of t hUac^ hall be .old under the direction, of said State officers for such price a. .hall be determined byt em not less than twenty-five per cent over the actual co.t of preparing, print nT.„d bind ng the .ame. and the proceed, thereof pnid into the State treasury '^ ^ " % 6. This act shall take effect immediately." jBbEBif'iivaiaiitiiiawwi xliv GENERAL INTRODUCTION. It became a question whether, under the discretion vested by this law in the State officers therein named, the whole of the documents or a selection of them only should be published. Mr. Bbodhkad, who was then Secretary of the American Legation at London, and about to return home, offered to superintend the publication of such a selection, if it should be determined upon, without any charge to the State for his services. It was, however, on full consideration of the subject, deemed best to print the whole of the documents, and, under the authority vested in the State officers by the second section of the law, they employed Tl. B. O'Cali- .chan, M. D., to make the necessary translations and to superintend t \tion generally. In a communication to the Assembly, dated the 29th Januai, , -lol (Assembly Documents, No. 66), also in a report from the Comptroller to the Senate, made on Ist February, 1863 (Senate Documents, No. 24 ), and in the annual reports of the Comptroller to the Legislature, will be found detailed statements of the progress of the work. The arrangement adopted was, that the publication should consist of ten quarto volumes. Of these, the first ad second were to contain translations of the " Holland Documents ;" the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth, the "London Documents;" and the ninth and tenth, translations of the " Paris Documents." The publication of the work was commenced in 1853 by the issue of the third volume, or the first of the English series — the translation of the papers to form the first and second volumes not having been then completed. The fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and ninth volumes were afterwards successively issued, all of them accompanied by foot notes by the translator. It will be observed that no editor's name is attached to the third volume of the work — the first which appeared as above stated — the note on the back of the title page having been thought to afford sufficient information as to the manner of its publication ; but in the subsequent volumes the name of the translator was, by the permission of the State officers, affixed as editor. At its session of 1856, the Legislature passea the llowing act : " AN ACT IN RELATION TO THE COLONIAL HISTORY OF THE STATE AND THE PUBUOATION AND DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. " Passed April 12, 18S6, ' THREC-rirTua beino prisemt.' " Tke People of the Slate of Nete-York, repretented in Senate and Auembly, do enact aifoUowi: "Bbotion 1. The publication of the documents relating to the Colonial history of the State, pursuant to chapter one hundred and seventy-five of the Laws of eighteen hundred and forty- nine, shall be completed under the direction of the Regents of the University, who shall hereafter have the charge of the same, and of ail things relating thereto, in place of and with th« ■am* powers as the officers named in said act. GENERAL INTRODUCTION is hereby authorized to permit ail oroopr ,„v!.h V- '^°['^''^- The Secretary of State doc«™e„; or books thereKthi;;::;:;:^^^^^^^^^^^^ " ''" ^*'''" "'^ *'>« "- "^ -^ priit L^s,:::: aiate'eVpt'tiorsZ^^^^ "'' '' '-'T' '^ '-' -"''- °^^^« reporters of the pre ent SenLZllu/ J * *"''"' *° ''''^ "^ *''« "'«'''»' offi^"" and to'bound cop ie. o7 egi.l! iTd" lent? ^^^^^ [" ''/ T""' P"""'' "'«'=«"' -»"> "« -'*"«d the Regents of the Un ^rZ rdTw„ H IT Tt'^ '''""' "'"''"' ""«" ''« P'«"=«'^«'' of i^e city of thought advisable to re.in them be ^ !i „ J m^h " "T"'* """ '"""'" ""'^ "' ^^ ^-> ba to the investigator, but rather becl hev . ff H °° "'""" "' *'"^ P""""'"' "'« ^'"^^ -» »<>'' each document. " ' "''''^ ""^'''^ " '=""<'"« ""^ valuable proof of the authenticity of strictly ctronological ROYAL AKr-HIVES AT THE HAGUE ...:.■:: ?i':;ra ::i7z L:-:.rr'J'.;C£:r '• -^°'-^ •— • «' - «- tb« ,e«r 1578. ' '"I" ''' "" S"*" " *''• '' "■« 8t.l«. „J cooa,«„ ,i,i res:;i::;,^tif!rr w2;^:s::4 1 !r:s;r " " t*- "^^' "■ ^^^ — - ^- 16«8. and extend to 1670, .hen they were dTsc^nLrd ' "'""'' ''''^"''"- ^''"'' """^^ -'^ w^..i:rr;i:;ro^:^sr::;::tr:z:" V ^^^ ^^^^ '-'-' - -^-^ - -^- The volume 16D0-1015 is missing ' ' '"''* " ^™''"''''' declaration, of war. Ac, Ac. of O™:^"'*'- '''- -^«'» '^« ^--- i-od from time to time to officer, and agenU «. 2?o.*«.. Co„ta.nmg th. original, of all Laws, PlacaaU, i -., of the Statos-General. 1 HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. 7. Registers of Uytgaamle Drieven. These contain copies of letters from the States to their officers and diplomatic agents, as well as to Foreign powers. They coramenco with the year 1640, previous to which the drafts of letters were preserved on the Liasses — of which presently. 8 Registers of In«le to « con,p.ny of foot. ''""[ D 1 J' n Tr ° V'" «'»'-«--' that Capt„i„ Thoma, Dale', com.i«i„Jb. expedited December 24. Re.ol„t,on of the States-Genera, on the subject of Captain Tho.ua, Dale's pay, *«•,. ....!.::: ..■.:::: J November 15. Memorandum that Thomas Dale and Sir Thorns Gate, were in garrison service at Oudewater a April .4. '^-•"^^tglX" " '"'"' '"""" «'''"'°"— '° •'^ »•>-- ^™- •'^' -mpa„,..e.. 18U. '^ 2 S;." °;;i:: ■'■•■"' ""-" '-" "• -'-' '- ""• "- » <■'"■ - «- » v,^,ir;: September 7. Re«,lution of the State, of Holland. *.. „p„„ the memorial of certain' a,"eVoh.nUabo„t .■„;wi;dis ' covered navigation, ^"»"w» uuout a newijr dia- 1614« ' A March 20. Resolution of the States of Holland, upon the memorial of certain merchants, that the Stales-General Msrch 2. ■ --rri:i^:— >:t— r-^ . March 27 GoJToT ""1 " '"^"^ "' "" '""" """ <"'^°^" ""' "^ ""'<^- pX- H "' " « 27. Gen^ral^Octroy.^ -^ <3i-^eover an, new pai.'h.ven,' lands'; pi;;; ' July IS. Resolution of the Stat;, oVu„;;and;;p;;'th; ™;m"oVi;i p;;;;„t;j ;n";;h;iVo"f" "cVru,;' m';rV.:a'nu ;;« ' ^n. ^ .. Ke=-?;:r:i3t;t=sr ^^'--^ -- ••^■•^ e .ptember. «— :! ^r^z i^^^ ^ rsi^ ^^ ^ • ^ 8eptember3aResol.^ionoftl.8tates.Oener..up„;;hc-A;.g^ng-i;«;;:;;;,i;;8;;X^^ « October , , n T '.'"""V" ^ '''^""" "■"" ""'' "'«•' MiB''t"'e.»^« «l.»n otherwise direct, . October n. «- " -on of the States-Oeneral (upon the report b, the Deputiea of the' U iVed c;mpVny ^i ^:;. " chanty who have discovered New NetherUnd. of the particulars of their discoverv). to fllow t October „. OH.i..«.^raa<>f the 'V'^^'^^.r.,. . .^la :,::^^^ ••> veVr^ „Z ^ , 7 '• •• "* -^"^ ^'-^h-land. for four voyages, within the period if three ye.r^ commencing 1st January. 1015, or soonsr (with ui.p), lii CONTENTS. 1614. October 11. leic August 18. August 18. Augnat 19. August 19. Sept«mbarl2. KoTeinbur 3. 1617. January 18. July 29. August 2. 1618. January 26. 1617. Deeembtr 2. 1618. January 26. January 26. January 29. Fabruary 3. Fabruary 6. February ». August 10. Oeto)>er 4. Ottobar 9. 1620. Fabrnary 11 Fabruary 1 2. OflTieial eopy of the above special grant to Oerrit Jacobsen Witssen and others, of an exclasiTe right to trade, dec., to New Netherland, from the "Aete Boek " of the States-General IS Minute of the appearance, before the States-General, of Captain CorneliG Uendricksen, Ac, in behalf of Gerrit Jacobsen Witssen and others, Directors of New Netherland, and of his submitting his second report of certain discoTeries be had made in New Netherland, in a small yacht of eight lasts burthen, called the Onnut, which the Directors had caused to be built there, Ac, &c, ; jpon which the States- General resolve that, before com'ug to any decision on the special grant asked for, the report be committed to writing, Ac, IS Memorial of Gerrit Jacobsen Witssen and others. Directors of New Nothcrlond, to the States-General, in relation to the discovery, under their direction, by Captain Cornelis Uendricksen, of Munnichen- dam, of certain lands, bay, and three rivers, in the latitude of from 38° to <0°; with an explana- tory map, and also a copy of the general charter or ordinance of 27th March, 1614, annexed IS Report of Captain Cornelis Hendrlcksen, of Munnichendam, of his discoveries in New Netherland, presented to the States-General 13 Resolution of the States-General thereupon, 14 Resolution of the States-General upon the foregoing memorial, ic, postponing a decision 14 Resolution of the States-General upon the same, again postponing a decision, 15 Minute of the presentation to the States-General of a memorial of Lambrecht van Tweenhuysen and otller^ praying the government for a ship of war, to eneourage the fishery, dsc, at Terra Nova, Ao., a decision upon which is postponed It Resolution of the Slates of Uolland upon the petition of the Directors of the Australian Company, pro- hibiting William Janssen from printing or publishing the journals or maps of voyages made in behalf of the said Company, do., IS Resolution of the States of Uolland forbidding William Janssen to make any corrections upon the globe, or to publish any map containing the newly discovered passage from the North to the South Sea, Ac., 18 Address of Sir Dudley Carleton, English Ambassador to the States-General, on the subject of Sir Tbomaa Dale's petition to their High Mightinesses, 18 letter of Noel da Caron, tha Dutch Ambassador at Ixindon, to the States-General on the same subject, 17 Petition of Sir Thomas Dale to the StatesGanrral, setting forth his services in Holland, Virginia, Ae., with two endorsements of the action uf the Slates-General thereupon IT Resoluti'm of the States General, referring Captain Dale's petition to the Council of State, Ac IV Report and cdviee of the Council of State to the States-General, upon the foregoing reference 19 Minute of the States-General, postponing a final resolution upon the report of tha Council of State upon Captain Dale's petition, S>) Resolution of the Stalea-Generel upon Captain Dale's petition SO Resolution of the Slates-General, that their determination upon Captain Dale's petition ba put into tha hands of the Council of State, in order to be carried iato effect 30 Resolution of the States of Holland, upon the ooniplalnt of William Jansaan of tha intardiet against his publishing maps, Ac , allowing him permission to publish SI Resolution »f the States-General, upon the petition of tha Company trading to the Island of New Nethorland, praying for a continuation of thair special grant, to examine the same bafera coming to a decision, . SI Resolution of iha States-flaaeral, upon the petition of Henrick Kalkens, and others, participanta in tha New Netherland Company, Ac, that tha petitionan ba allowed to aend their ship to New Netherland, SI Raaolution of the Btates-Ganaral, upon tha petition of tha DIreators of tha Company trading to Raw Netherland, praying for two shi|s of war, in ordsrto colonise that country unJer the protection and authority of their High Mi|{htinew«a, that before coming to any conclusion thereupon, the opinian of the Admiralty ba taken , , St Memorial of the Diraotora of tha Naw NetherlaDd Company to tha Prinae of Oranga tl CONTENTS. F.bru.ry 26. "-'"'^ of"'' 8t.t...0ener.I. apon the report of th, A^n^ir.Uy. th.t before c^^^^^ •• ''*'* upon the iubjcct of the foreffoinir n.(,H.>n fi. , . „ coming to any deoiuon M.reh ,„. Re,o,nU„nof thist.t.,.0.„eJ^7.^;tr2r:„;Cr ''' """•""'•'' ""''" " Apr. 10- Father resolution of the St.te..Gen«r.l, thereupon " rruitful U„d. a'^^d Jk g fl. peouT'rnt r* "" r T"'' "^'"■' "*" ""'^"•''•" "' othor^ praying their JhMi'htiMerf ' "•. """'""" P*""'" "' "'"""' ^"■•"•- •"«' .hereupon both partieafeir ^ 1 S t""", ."' C"'""' *"" "" P*"""— "d that ^ ^ .nd try to arrange Jter'nicX ' '"'" ""'" ""' '"''' '"* >"«"■ """' "-' to^e"-. N.-nb.r .. «-o>utionof th.stat..Gen.r.,tor..„;,the«wg;.j;p.;.-a;;;;„;^;:^ II Sr^:;:r:;r:;r^°:ri:-:;:^:i:ji-^^ « Se,t H ,, „ "^°''''^'-P"™i--o'.end.:Ct';fwV^^^^^^^ S.U.her..He,.u.noft.S.^.„.,,^ " to New Xetherland and the ^dSr.andrlc .^ " ."'";«-"'"•• "^ <""•". '«-<' t- ."i.- that Hurgomaeter P.«w be requ.lTto wr L L th '"".'' '° "" «'*"-«"«»' ••»•"' Virginia. th„t they inform the Stat« Gene "uf thl it ..T "'%''""'"''"'' '" *"• '""« *" "ew Neth.rlaod. April ,,. R.„,„tio„ If the State, of ^Ln T Jut the Z^^^^^^ -"er referred to by the Amba-ador. . . „ April «. R..„,„tion of the SUte.-Genera.. upon .he ttC ^ "of fZ^ tl^l':: """ '"J'"- " V " " ;"i:z^:zrzx:'' -'° ^°^ '- ^-^ - - - -^- - ;::; -^::::rrs:ii;^!;r^--;;zt:f,^T'""""°'^ " about the arre,, at lioorn'lf'l'l:;::: ^i; tg^'''""' " ^'"''^"'•- '" •"--.O-er.,. ..W.er«fth,Con,n.itte.oftheWe.t,ndiaCo.p.,,yatHoorn,eJn-;g-;^ .0 Apr,, , Let^r^oj^th. SU.e..Oe„era, to the Chamb;; ;.X,x:;;-o;; W^-rindiV C^.;.--.,;. ;h. above " June *• Fjtract of the journal of Memre Van A»i«.n .„ 1 I t"'i"\"l •« September 4. A ilateraent of the property and effeeU of th. W..i r- i- r. Oetobe, ,0. Ke«.,«.ion of the S.lte'olr.t appl „««.!.; ^ VSriH "" {'" !"" «« ing of the We.t In.lU Company ' ■^'"«'" """" "*''"''" '» "" -"«'• Ncemb. . •-- - --^;- 0-^^^^^^^ " NoTember '■ MinuU of the reeWpt of the above Uter »» N i; liv CONTENTS. 1827. Korember 1610. October November 1880. ■"■July ' August 1632. March April April April April May May M«y May March April May. Hay i«3a. March June Jun< 1A!)4. March May May May May Jan* Juo* Jun* 16. Extract of a letter from the XIX of the West India Company to the Stntes-General, with news from New Netherland, ''8 23. Letter of the West Imliii Comimny to tlie Stf.tcvGcneral, remonstrating ngainft n peace with Spain,. . . .S!> 16. Keasons and considenitions offered by the Wcat India Company to the States-General, concerning the proposed peace with Spain, on the subject of the trade of the East and West India Compa- nies, Ac, Ac. CI 10. Remonstrance of the We« 101 October ,0. Resolution of the Itate ,"„ " .' '"' ''"'"''"'"•" '' '" "" -"I-" o I.. of Mr, val nlS:;: ' '" '"^ '"''^•■' '"™--' '^ '"« ^^- "■"- Co„„ , in [L w.b.r.. -- r^;;^ u. .w,. .. --..:..'.;-ti«;;:eu^;/.;:w:;t i^ii; c^n,;.^,--^, '«» 1687. **' 1 An A|.r,l 30. Letter of ,he S,«le, (iener.I to the XI.X. ot li W«t in Vl. r ;••••; '"« Se,,tc.»bor 1 Iio,„luti»n of the Slatosdenoral ..... , ■ r ■ '""'""^ "'"'"' "'■"•'•K<'"'« <>ff«>ir^ Ac 108 NethcrUnd. in pU;: „" wl;';'::;::;,':;'';: ."''""-■-" -^ "^i"'- Kiert .s ..rector ,„ N.W January 1». K.traet frn,„ tlie Points, „., iWAr««..» f . .i. January. ,038 " . '".'^"f]. """"* "' "*" *"' «"-li« Company on »8th 108 ii Ivi CONTENTS. less. April IS. April April April Jan* Jon* 11. 86. 80. 14. 21. Auguit 30. August 30. September 2. September B, 1A39. January 28. JkDuary 17. U»T 13. 1640. Miroh 13. Mar 81. Jul/ IB. Mr IB. ib«i. February 6. February 6. 1642. March 12, May 21. Joljr July Au;{UKt AuguU Auguat 81 AuKUiit 21. Bopteniber It. October 17. Oatobar St. Paoi. Geaolution of tbe Statee-Geoeral, that from tliis day forward all the resolutione, letters, do,, conoeroiog the East anU West India Companies, shall be kept and registered in separate books, &e,, 105 Kesolution of the States-General, referring the memorial of certain participants in the West India Com- pany, respecting the plantiig of colonies in New Netherland, to their Deputies to the meeting of tha Xi:C, Ac, 106 Resolution of the States General, instructing their Oep ities to the meeting of the XIX. to endearor to hare proper church discipline introduced into Brazil, and also to induce colonization to New Netherland ; the States undertaking that they shall not be dispossessed by any foreign power, dee., ie., 106 Re[)ort to theStates-General in answer to questions proposed by their High Mighiinessts concerning tha state of the Colony of New Netherland in the year 1638, 106 Letter of Mr. Joacbimi, the Ambassador at London, to the States-Qeneral about the English oomplaiota concerning New Netherland, <&c., dated 24th May, 108 Extract from the Poinlen tan Bethryiifig, for the meeting of the West India Company on Stb July, 1638, no Articles and conditions for the trade to New Netherland, tic., proposed by Mr. de Laet, 110 Resolution of tbe State8-Qe<«.-.- ... «»,„„„ „ .:.s;r;. :; cr;r::?r"' ■-"• ■^'•"'■"'. •.xrrr,:::::;- ; April 21. Lett,.rof the8tat.,.(3„,„„, toth, XIX of ,ho We.» r r n '" J«ly 12. Ro,,..rt to the Sftes-Uencr,!, I'r tW n:;utVe;\: VhV'xl"'c'"„; V,'' " ' -^ •.• l" ll.e lath OctoUr, 1645 ....... ""''"•'""•8. from the Mlh „f 8.,.teml„r to 188 n ,f Iviii CONTENTS. v'i 1 1646. May July July July July July July July July July July July 1647. 1648. January January 1644 Juno 1643. October February March 27, IMS. January February 1647. June June 1644. Otwber 1617. July 1648. January January 26. Letter of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company to the States-General, about a ship confiscated in New Ncthcrland by the Director and Council there 173 13. Letter of the West India Company to the Stales-General, asliing tlicir High Mightinesses to ratify the oommissioD for Mr, I'eter 3tuy vesant, as Director in New Ncthcrland, 176 13. Resolution of the States-General thereupon, that before taking any action lliey must be informed what disposition the Company has made of the complaints from New Netherland, Ac, Ac, 176 24. Letter of the West India Company to the States-General, again asking that Mr. Sluyvesant's commisaion may bo expedited, 175 24. Resolution of the States-General, further postponing a decision thereupon 176 26. Letter of the West India Company, again praying that Mr. Sluyvesant's commission be expedited, itc, 176 26. Resolution of the States-General, that the West India Company send to their High Mightiuesaes an authentic copy of Mr. Stujvesant's instructions 177 28. Resolution of the States-General, ratifying and approving Mr. Sluyvesant's commission, &<•., 177 28. Minute of the appearance of Peter Stuyvesant, Director of New Netherland, Ac, before the States- General, and of his taking the oatb, Ac, Ac, 177 28. Comniisaiou of Mr. Peter Stuyvesant as Director-General of New Netherland, Ac, Ac 178 28. M.nute of the appearance before the Slates-General of Lubbertus van Dinclagen, Deputy and First Councillor to the Director in New Netherland, and of bis taking the oath, Ac. 179 28. Record of tlie oath of Lubbertus van Dinclagen before their Uigh Miglitinesses, Ac 179 Short account of N«w;Netherland, .rom the year 1041 to the year 1 040 179 7. Resolution of the States-General, referring a loiter of Peter Stuyvesant to their High Mightinesses, dated October 6, 1047, to their Comniilleo on the affairs of the West India Company, Ac 188 11. Resolution of the States-Generul, referring the memorial of Joclicm Pietersen Cuyter and Cornells Melyn, with the appendices, to their Conmiitteo ou tiie alfairs of the West India Company, Ac 188 Papers concerning the situation of atfaira in New Netiicrland, and the proceedings against Coruelis Melyn and his adherents, marked letter A. to letter U., viz : l&li 21. Excise Laws of New Netherland, 1644, 188 24. Letter of the Eiijht Men at the Manhattans to the Assembly of the XIX., 1 00 Resolution adopted by the commonalty of the .Munlmltiins, I'Jl Certificate of the election of the aiorcsaid Ki<,'hl Men 192 Petition of Maryn Adriuenseu and others, for i^ave to attack the Indians 193 26. Commission to Maryn Adriacnsen to attack the Indians at Corlaers Hook 194 , 28. Sundry deposilious rcspeoliug conversations witli Director Kiei'l, 194 Interrogatories to be proposed to Fiscal II^ '7. Februfliy 10. Minute concerning the Lulation of .. ! T . '"" ^"'"P''"^ ""^ ^'«^ Netherland, Ac o,< Feb™.., ,3.Gene.,.poH„Aheco2t : t?^;^^^^^^^^^^ ...:;:;:::: and the means of putting them on ^b^t^ WW l"'"" . " ''^''''' "' '"^ '^««' ^■"'"' Company. ««>"e. « *"'^^' ^"o'"'S- Ac, with extract, of paper, accompanying the Apnl 9. R«»"l"tionoftheState8.Gener8l.refenw'tho'f,!,.h '■', 218 sentence, pronounced against tifem by DircTor Sh, "r"";'"'""^ ''"' "" interdiction of the Apnl 28. Letter „f the States-General to the Direl. t ^L"^"''""' ""<^ Council, on the 26th of July. 1647 249 April 28. Mandamus in Case of AnnLl r ^ "^ Netherland thereupon ^' ^' 1*1 theDircetorr;CotENe:T.r.rL^' Stf^tt '^""^''^ ^^'^"- "--'""-«-- ;; '" April 30. Resolution of the States G,n»«i .""'"'• '"'^'""'•'bitory clause, Ae. •^ .. ..„.,....., tt;'io:s ;T:r.^r.;i°''''AnT'"'— •--■:••■:":■.■.■■:■■:: ».~u„ .. urr.K- 'r •,""■' ■•'•'"■■"'-• -^^^^^ r„: t.?:*"- - -* " "■• »•••' -''• ;;" "■ ""r::':,X-;:r .,r;:^ --.r-'- "■*'--- "«»ln..;i:,; '" April 26. Proe,...,lings „f the Stat,.,.Genoral n Z ^"'" "f <'""'l''"'-"ng of Stuyvos«n^ Ac . / „.. Wiely and Wouter van xl , : a „ n 'Jf I h ?'""„ ""7""'^" ""^ "'''" "«-" ^»"- -u HeXmboraO C e r- r^^ "« October 9 lU , '""7"'"'«» "f "'" «t«te,.Ge„er«l in the above case 2fi7 Uctoher 9. """olution oftheStates-Oeneral upon a letter of r>ln,« m ,;- :;~r:si;;;xs:::rr ""-••-"--"'-- '" 820 iMfiidaiMitiiii^s^ 1649. KoTemb«r fi, November 13. Anguat 10. Norember 26, December 2, December 13. December 13. December IS, July 26. December 13. December 13. December 16. 1660. January 2?. January S). February 7. February 7. February 8. 1847. July 1648. May Uay May 1649. January March 25. 6. 19. 22. July 29. August 1. Miircli 16. March 16. March 16. March iX March 23. CONTENTS. _ Pab» Further resolution of the States-General in the aboTe caw, jjo Resolution of the States-General, referring to the XIX. of the West India Company the further memo- rial of the guardians of John van Renseelner, Ac, Ac, 32O Letter of Peter Stuyvesant to the States-General, in answer to their High Mighliuesses' letter of April 28, 1648, concerning the case of Melyn, ;L7 3W Netherland. (Tl.eonlnnal of tl,i. .1„„..„... :. f f •H,.., ., .„,. ,„,„„. , i. .;,.':.rs.rv.t srT"™ " March March Schedule of public charges in Ne. England; ' b.itted by "se^relar;" occupation of land in New NetheriandVor'coIonies Tan Tienhoven to the committee of the States-General, 4. Information on th( mittcd by Secretary Tienhoven to uie' c'ommU.TroVZ sTates r""' "I ''""*' '""'""'"'^ *<^' '"''• 7. Observations on the duties exacted by the West I„!lL P ^'"''"-^ «"«'■''' land, and whether it is best to continue tl e s ' Ac 'T'"'- I'T ^°'''' '""'"'' "> """^ Aether. March , . P .■""""' '' ""• ^^''"'- f™- '^-^ NethcHa^d ' '"'""'"'"' '" "'^ ^"""'""- "' '^^ States- cate of Willian. Thou.asL, m,,ter of th s ^ r T^ " ''''' Netherland, Ac. with a certifi 12. Resolution of the St„tes.Ge„e;al on tl^e re, or oft:;""' """' the West In,lia Company. New NetherTa';::, Ve 1" "°"""""'-'* "P"" ''"' '"l-J-' <>' th, affairs of 19. Contract between the \V,>»t I,,^:™ ri 200 persons to .W rtlL^Hld.Tc'""""' ""' ""' '''' '"'-'■ ""^ °'''«- ^" ^he tr-an'sporUt;;: 'oi 23. R''8oIution of the States-General thereupon 24. Resolution of the States of Holland «n-'- "^ '"« '>^Tuties from New Netherland abVuV 'the ''* l^ecen.ber 13. Protest „ vice V ': '" '''"""-"" "' ^'«* N^""-"'""'' • • • ''" van Tienhoven be Z^:^^^::^^;^:: "'""' ''""''•"^'"^^"'' ^-""^'"^ ' '>«' Secret^;; ""' 898 It ft if bdi CONTENTS. 1680. April April April July 12, April 12. April 12. April 12. April 14. May 13. May 24. June 8. Jane 14. Juno 30. Juno 30. July 1. July 21. 21, July 2G. IdJI. August 29. 1642. January 21. 1B43. February 25. February 21. 1650. August 9. August 9. Auj;u»t 11. October 15. September 13. Isovi-Miber 1ft. November 29. 1651. Januory 1 4. January 14. February 7. March 14. Paob. Resolution of the Stutcs-Gcneral upon the proposeil provisional artieles, dtc 396 Resolution of the Stiites-Ocnernl, nutliorizing the sending, Ac., of nrnis nnd ammunition to New Nether- land, to be distributed under the direction of tlie govcrnuient there 307 Memorial of the Delegates from New Netherhmd to the Statcs-Gcneial respecting the h' utilities carried on by the Spaniards, notwithstanding Uie pence, (with) 307 Deposition of Willielm Noble, respectinj,' the Spaniards, &e., &o 398 Resolution of the States-General to write to Director Stuy vesant to , 'iblish the treaty of pence (of West- phalia) in New Netherland, Ac 309 Letter of the States-General to Director Stuy vesant thereupon 809 Resolution of the States-General, referring the draft of the provisional order for the government, itc, of New Netherland, to their committee, Ac, Ac. 400 Extract of the Points, upon which the committee of the States-General were charged to report, 400 Draft pf Freedoms and Exemptions, proposed by the West India Company for tlie approval of the com- mittee of the States-General, 401 Resolution of the States-General, upon the receipt of a letter from the Provincial Court of Holland, Ac, in the case of Blommaert et nl. vs. the guardians of Van Rensselaer 408 Resolution of the StntcsGcneral, approving, Ac, the sentence (which is inserted at length) of the Court cf Holland, in the case of Samuel lilommaort et al. vs. Wouter vanTwiller e' al., executors of the .te Kiliaen van Rensselaer, 406 Resuiution of the States-General to grant to Cornelis Melyn a passport, or safe conduct, for his return to New Netherland, Ac, 407 Lette- of protection of the Stateo-General in favor of Cornelis Melyn, who is about to return to New Netherland, 408 Resolution of the States-General, approving the draft of the foregoing 409 Resolution of the States-General, instructing their committee upon the affairs of the West India Company to examine Cornelis van Tieuhoven, nnw at the Hague, upon certain (luints respecting matters in New Netherland, Ac, 409 luterrogatoi iea upon which the committee of the .States-General is to examine Secretary Cornelis van Tienhoven 409 Extracts from the papers of Director Kieft, viz : 414 Proposals of Director Kiefl to the commonalty, and the election, in conseijuence, of the Twelve Men,.. 414 Resolution of the Twelve Men, on a proposed expedition against the I.^dians 416 Commission to Mnrvn Adi iacnsen to attack the Indians at Corlaer's Hook 416 Petition of the inhabitants of Long Island for leave to attuek the Indians, with the answer thereto,. . . 410 Report of the Committee of the States-General on Melyn's puj.ers, ' 417 Resolution of the States-General upon the f!)regoing report, Ac 418 Letter of Director Stnyvcsant to the States-General 418 Resolution of the States-G nernl thereupon, 420 Letter of th> Selectmen of iScw Amsterdam to the Stales-Genera], 420 Resolution of the States Genenl, refe'.ring the foregoing letter, and one fri>ni Adri;ien van der Donek, l;o their comtiiittcc, Ac 421 Secretary van Tienhoven's answer to the Remonstrance from New .V therland 422 Extract of the observations by the committee of the Stockholders of the West India Company, respect- ing the affairs in New Netherland, Ac, 432 Resolution of the States-General, referring a memorial of Adriaen van der Donck, Delegate fiom New Netherland 433 Resol'.'HiT. :;f *hs Stales-General, ordering their proceedings about the East and West India Companies to be continued to be kept in separate registers 433 Order of the Committee of the Slates-General, that Cornelia van Tienhoven do answer the interrogato- ries touching the origin of the war with tlie Indians, 433 Remlution of the States General to write to the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company to send Jan Claessen Damen and Cornells van Tieuhoven to the Uaguo, Ac 434 CONTENTS. i6fii. ^ii l."ve„ to ,.t.,n. to xVew NcthorUud, «„„ a ^tlat thev i '^'Tf ""' '" """" ""^^'"^ ^'" 'T'- not to rocive him on boar.l ' ""''"'=' '^^ "P'"'" "f ""> ''"P Wa^.rAon^, A^st ?;;i:;";;t:t;r;?T"'"r^''''"'-"^"^^^^^^^ "'' 6 "*""""' '""'"S-Genciftl from certain inlmbitnnt- . ^ i . V^ , '^'<^i' NovmH ,, « ''^•■'^""■P'-'>''"8 0f'''«-u.luctoftheEn;i;r "'-'"""^ ofA^'l-d. trading to Virginia. s:;:t;2tri:;:Trr"'''""''"''°'"--"'"»" '" K.|...^, ,.. £„„,„„, „pi...„,„.^j„,„.;,-^; ;;- :v.v«Va,;;,„-i';;.-: <« August IT. Extract of a letter fiv,>„ (!,» c i . M .att,:, . :: '"■" ^'^ '^'^^'™'" "> ^'^-- -> '«->l»re not prepare any more writings-living like 452 Ixiv CONTENTS, insi. September 19. September 20. October II. February 28. Hay 2. September 17. 1652. February 16. February 16. February 23. February 24. Marcli 2. Jfarch 2. ilarcb 8. MarcU 1. March 8. March 8. March 13. March IB. Marcli 15. March 6. April 13. April 22. April 22. April 20. April 26. April 27, April 27. April 27. April 27. April 27. April 27. May May May May May May 13. 13. 13. 16. 24. Fao» Extract of a Latin loiter from Vice-Director van DIncklage — the older Stuy vesant grows the worae he gels, 468 Extract of a letter from Augustin Herman — Van Tienhoven returned, and exposed by the basket- maker's daughter 458 Extract of a letter fi-om Notary van Schelluync — continues to be persecuted — protest from Fiscal van Dyck, 464 Extract of a counter protest of Vice-Director van Dincklage against the Director and Council, with a few of his charges against them 484 Extract of the declaration of Brant van Slechteuhorst, Director of the Colonic Rensselaerswyok — Vice- Director van Dincklage thrust out the Council and committed to the guard-house, 458 Extract of a letter from Vice-Director van Dincklage — waste of tne public property 467 Memoir of Adriaen van dcr Donck respecting the ancient boundaries of New Nctherland, as first occupied in 1609 ; the usurpations by the English from time to time, and what was ceded to them by Director Stuy vesant 467 News from New England in 1660, 490 Letter of the States-General to the different Chambers of the West India Company, about New Nether- lond — provisional order, 483 Letter of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company to the Stales-General, in reply 462 Kesolution of the States-General thereupon 463 Letter of the Dordrecht Chamber of the West India Company to the States-General, (with) 463 Observations of the Dordrecht Chamber rcipeoting the government of New Nctherland, Ac, 463 Resolution of the States-General thereupon, 445 Letter of the Zealand Chamber of the West India Company to the States-General, 465 Resolution of the States-General thereupon 46g Letter of the Delft Chamber of the West ludia Company to the States-General, 467 Resolution of the States-General thereupon 487 Resolution of the States-General upon the petition of Engletje Wouters, 467 Letter of the States-General to the Director and Counci! at New Nctherland thereupon, 468 Letter of the Groningen Chamber of the West India Company to the States-General 488 Resolution of the States-General thereupon 469 Resolution of the States-General, upon the petition of John and Charles Gabry, to write to Stuy vesant in their behalf, 46g Letter of the States-General to Director Stuy vesant thereupon, 489 Resolution of the States-Geueral to grant to Adriaen van dcr Donck, I'utroon of Colendonck, in New Nctherland, " veniam testandi et disponendi," as formerly granted to Van Rensselaer 470 Patent to Adriaen van der Donck, investing him with a right to make a testamentary disposition of his property in New Nctherland 470 Resolution of the States-General, recalling Director Peter Stuy vesant, 471 Letter of the States-General to Stuy vesant thereupon 472 Letter of the States-General to the West India Company thereupon 47a Resolution of the States-General, on the petition of Jan van Buren, to write to the Director and Council in New Nctherland to sustain Dirck van Schelluync in his profession as notary in New Nctherland, 41^3 Letter of the States-General to Stuy vesant thereupon, 473 Resolution of the States-General, referring to their committee a memorial of Martin Beekman and Cornells Melyn, complaining of Director Stuy vesant, Ac 473 Memorial of Adriaen van der Donck to the committee of the Stales-General, stating his intended return to New Nctherland, Ac, Ac 473 Resolution of the States-General thereupon, 474 Secret resolution of the States-Geucral respecting the answer of the Council of Slate, in England, to the Ambassadors of the United Netherlands, upon the 36 Articles of the proposed Treaty 475 Secret resolution of the States-General upon the foregoing matter, 475 Resolution of the States-General, revoking their letter of recall to .Stuy vesant, of the 27th of April last, and ordering Van d>r Uonek to deliver up the same, Ac, , 475 Memorial of Adriaen van der Donck to the Stales-General respecting various matters connected with his visit to Holland on behalf of the cooiiuonalty ut New Netheriaud, Ac 476 CONTENTS. , 16S2. Mi.y 24. Resolution of tlie StatosQenoral thereupon ^*°'- M., n. tet^r^ahe Stat^^ene., . t,.o ai<^ -{-^ui::^- ^J^ ;,- - 1 " *^« M«y 28. I-ettorof the AmaterdnmChamberof tha wU"rn,i;Vr„.,'l""V '.""„ 4'?8 Ma. 2s . "1" "f rr -'"'- "^ -•> --:viX":fa tit ---''- -- . May 28. Resolution of the States-Generol thereupon, •-» i. aic ^,g June 20. Minute of the receipt of a letter from A V .in' In^ll V„'„ " V ". V. ,' •*''9 i. pi... .r 8..,L B,._,„ j;,.t Li;*; ''°™"''"-°'""" •' "• »- M. c-p..,. Juno 24. Resolution of the States General thereupon *^* July 17. Secret resolution of the States-General on thiiVommencen,;;; 'oV ("lie w*; "with" En',i;;V !f ! Ju y 17. Secret resolution of the States-General to send a frigate to New Netherland 17 " July 22. Secret resolution of the States-General on the subioct of th» ,7 "^ ,*."""'^ *"=• 482 July 22. secret resolution of the States-Genera, to wr^^tf; re o/s ^^ Hh:' ' ^ " ' " •. ''' affairs between England and the United Province, he u4Zi:iT.:^:SZ employed, of whose devotion to the State he is not assured, Ac ( Director Stuyve«.nt ^ove.nber 6. Memorial respecting the liu.it, and juri^lietion claimed by the' We»V indi'. r ■•'••.• "2 charter, in New Netherland . ' "''"' Company, in virtue of their looO. November 26. Extract of a letter of Director Stnyve,«„t to the West Ind.V r • • "" to Hartford '" '"^"' ^""'P'^^y. (f'ving an account of hi, visit 1 653. November 8. Ucolution of the Stnte.-Ooneral on the receipt of the f„r-.,n- , "^ December 80. Letter of Captain Krcgier an,i other, a con ' t bel f f'lh'"''"' , 'r ' L "» Island, to the Burgomastors of Am,tord«n, (w th. ' ''""'"' °' '"^ """'"'"»"' ""-^ ^^g December 11. Petition of the comn.onalty of .Vow Netherlnn, t„ n' "." '<;; M9 J"ly 9. Letter from the Burgomasters of Amsterdam to Director Stuvve..nt „ .v • ... some orphans to New Netherland Stuyvesant, notifying the intention to .end September 17. Resolution of the Sta.es.(5e„er«l to de,i;e 'the xix 'oV ihe Wesi In^.'r "« Mightinesses a condensed report on the bound.r^ , i; V Ir U , T'""' '" ""' '''"' "'«'' September 29. Resolution of the States-General to send to their AmalT " '."'"'""^'' *" 856 on the boundary question, furnished ,y 1 We" r, ' P '" ''"^''"'''"> -"-oir and other paper, September 29. Letter of the ..ates-oLeral to ,. .- ^.dl^ :'^:Z^""'"'"' ' " "« November 2V. Letter of Messrs. BeverningU and Nieut::;;! 21 r '.r ""TT p ''''' ^*"'°"'""' »» States-General. in answer to their Ili^h m" ! , ' " "'' ^''^"'^' "'««"n of the .'38-liVl() jjj Deed of sale by the Indians of lands on the Schuylkill, Ac., signed at Fort Beversredo, on the South rirer, 698 Extract of a letter from Adrlaen van Ticnhoron to Peter Sluy vesant, dated at Fort Bererareda, B«4 Memorial of Ibn inhabitiiils of Sehuylkill to I lireclor Stuyvennnt, 594 Deelaratiiin of Wappannhr.ewan, an liiliaii saehem. ri'spooling Governor I'rinti' wishes to buy his landi in South river, Ac. jyn Deihiralion of Mattehooin and two other Indians, respecting the lands on the South river, Ac, dated I'ort .Nn"(BU, 5(17 Dei .aration of Amatteliooren and other Indlan^ of the ce»mmandaut at Fort Casimler, to I'eter Stuyresant tiiil Kx''oet of a letter of I'eter Htuyre«aiit to the Wed, India Company, dated 27th July, lfl.'i4 flol Doporitloni of various persons re«pccllng the Swed.s on the South Uiver, taken before Secretary van Kwyven, IB54, , Boj Extract of a Utter from Governor Johu Itisingh to Director Htuyvesant, (Wi) CONTENTS, I6a5. Septe...beHI. CapUnUi^^^^^^^^^^^ ,,,, ,^,^,^ _ ,„„^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^_^ Sch„t. to Director Septcraber25. Capitulation between UUingh anistuyv^anVat Fort cim,uVa.V//.".'. IC56 Ixix PAOt 607 607 609 """•" "■ "ttm""""*"'" "" "■' '•■•"*■■' "• '"■"'"^ ""-"•• »'■"-. «~ .« . ««.^ February 22. Uesolution of the Stntes-G September, 1640, February 22. RatiBealion of the Treaty of Hartford by tl>e Statea-GeneraV .".'..■.■ "'" cw Nethcrland, e Treaty of Hartford b» thp Stnto..f!„„«..i 609 610 Letter of a Committee of the West India Company to the Con Mwoh March March March March March April June July July August August Auguxt A»){UJit AU)(U8t Auguit August 10 roinu propo^ed by the A.cmbly oft,. XUC to-the-St:;;:^::^^';!:^:;';^;! """'^^^""^ Kcolutiou of the AmHerdam Chamber of the West "ludia Company", rdani the condition* for 22. Letter of Mr. Appelboom, the .Swedish Minister, to '[7' '■'■''" ^■-■-Pany'- officer, in New Nethcrland. in dispossessing the Swed 22. Resolution of the States-General thereupon 24. Resolution of the Slates of Holland, Ac, up;,' 'the' foVcgoing'inem^i'al, 7c. 611 612 with the City of Amsterdam the condition, for planting a Colonic in New Nethcrland, ■ the States-General, complaining of the conduct of the eneral, in the year 1654 gjg jurchnse a tract of land in New ppointing a committee to arrange " ithcrland ig of the conduct of th c« of the South river, 614 616 61S 616 616 617 29. Draft of the City of Amsterdam on the Exchange Hank in favor of .1,.' w !i planting a Colonie on the South dam to emigrant, to New Ne"theri«,;d,' with'rcmarki 618 entered into by the Wc.t India C.,m|.any Draft of condition, offered by the City of Amsterd of the West India Company Form of Permit to suil t,, New Nethcrland, . 1. Resolution of the .'^f«l..,.G,„eral. referring an agreVmenl with the City of Amsterdam, Ac 1. Letter of the SiatesGeneral to the XI.X. thereupon 7. Letter of the Amsterdam Chamber of the Wc.t Ii„iiVi\,™!, \"i"!, City of AmsterdaiuV tVlonie in New Nierland L ' ' "" "'"'"•«"-'■ -P--8 the 10. RcBolution of the Slates-General thereupon,. **^ 10. Letter of the Slates-General to the .XIX. of' ihcWvVt'indU Company,". '.'.'. 619 62S 626 627 628 028 629 October ... K.,r.ct of .letter fro.. nir.ctor S.uyveMot to Mr. ..„ der Cp.lle. informing hi» of the de.tr.i ftcpteiiiber Irt.^rt. October of hi. Col.,ni„ „„ suten I.l„n,l, .... ". ," ."..." ... . ^ ' '"""'"* """ "' '^' de.trnclion Commis,i„n i„ue.i by the State, (ieneral to th'e , ■ eommandrr of the I.Unil of Tobago, Ac, 4. Reaolul co...^;! t ":'::"•■'""':;:!'"'"'' '" ''"«"'"« '•"'^" ^" "" ^>'— «-' "■• w„t mdi. est 640 In CONTENTS. 166S. October 6. October 6. November 1, November 4. November 8. November 11. December 5. December S. Pao& Extract from ta« proeeedinga of the XIX. of the West India Company, 640 Resolution of the Statee-Oenernl upon the reply of the West India Company thereupon, Ac., 641 Report on garrisoning Fort Casimir on the South river 641 Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam, on the pree<-^ing report, 642 EslimateJ expense of sending a colony of 150 persons to the Delaware river, 643 Resolution of the Common Council of Amsterdam, authorizing a loan for the Colonie on th« South ""■••. 646 Commission of Captain Marlyn Kryger to command a o -npaoy at the Colonie on the South river, belonging to the City of Amstardam, 64fl Commission of Alexnnder d'UinoJossa lo be lieutenant of the aame, 648 I F Captili thei OtpUIn paid sickm Octoli HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: I- VIII. Folio !(T. CapUia Dala Mesolutiom respecting Sir Thomm Dale, Resolution of the Slates General. tF«». U.. E.gU.« of Evolution, of ,h, St^ Oen.r.1 1„ the Eorl Ar.h.T« « U., H.,„,.] Friday the 1" August 1603. On the recommendation of the King of France, Captain Dale is commissioned !:rz'::i^?"" «L!^^'"-?-?---^ -P-" condegrar::d , ^ ■ J — — J-."... ui iiic iiiiuni.ry uomc the becretary .s ordered to issue a certificate thereof to him. Resolution of the States General. I Fn». U.. lUgU.., of B«ol„«on. of*. 8..,« o„„^ ,„ „, r„,^ ^„,,,„ ^ ^^ ^^^_ ^ Monday the S"- December 1603. exp^ediS'tndll" ""^'IV'^"'"" '' '^ ^""'^"^ ^""^ ^'"^ Commission be paid to his corpt; \:;t ;'rEi : fS' '""'v^'"; ^"^ '"^ ""^"''°" «»'"" ^« sickness, with his EKcellenr-s l^nnwT . ^ I u '*''°' '^^ '"'y"' ^"''^ ""^"'^^ t''™"gh October last. ^'"''^"^''^y « '^"°«''«%« «t the mustering of the Company on the SI- 1,f Vol. I. , Folio 88» C'aptaln Dale. 2 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Resolution of the Council of Slate of the United Netherlands, I From the orlgioal ReglsKr of Rerclutloni ol the Counoil of State, In Ibe Ro;al Archirea it the Hague. ] Wednesday 24" December 1603. ThommDaie. On the Petition of Tiiomas Dale, an English Captain, this deduction is properly- made, inasmuch as the monies received by him in the Army, were given hira on account. Memorandum that Captains Dale and Gates were in garrison in Holland. [ From the OriKioal Llat in the File intituled Looptnds of Noremb : and Decemb 1604. In the Rojral Archlrea at the Hague. ] From a list of the stations of the Dutch Garrisons on the 15th November, 1606. From this List it most clearly appears that Thomas Dayl and S' Thomas Gaets were in garrison together on the 15"" November 1606 in the City of Oudewater, which is a small City in South Holland situate on the River Yssel. In this list we read as follows: — Oudewater 18' Thomas Dayl Thomas Gaets" Resolution of the States Genei'al granting leave of absence to Sir Thomas Gates. [ From the KegUter of Reaolutlona of the Slatea General, In the Royal ArchWea at the Hague. } Thursday, the 24"' April 1608. FoiioBT. On the petition of Sir Thomas Gates, Captain of a Company of English Soldiers, Captain Thnmaa i , ■ t^. ^ ^, tT • i O'lw- commissioned by the King ot Great Britain to command with three other gentlemen in the country of Virginia in colonizing the said couiUries, the Petitioner is, therefore, allowed to be absent from his company for the space of ono year, on condition that he supply his company with good Officers and Soldiers for the public service. < n > I I » Resolution of the States General, j raiding leave of absence to Captain Dale. [ From the Regliter or Reaolnttona of the Slatee Oeueral, In tha Bo;al Archirea at the Hague. ] Thursday, 20"" January. 1611. Foiio28. On the writing presented by the Honorable Rudolph Winwood, Ambassador from the King of Great Britain, it is ordered as follows: — Captain Dale. The States General of the United Netherlands hereby consent and allow, on the recommendation of his Highness iho Prince of Wales, that (/aptain Thomas Dale (destined HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: I. 3 by the K,ng of Great Bnta.n to be employed in Virginia in His Majestys Service) may absent h mself from ,s company for the space of three years, and th^t his said company sZ remam meanwh.ie vacant to be resumed by him if he think proper. It is understZd that ht pay as Captain shall cease during his absence. unaerstood that his Fnllo 20. Caplaln Dala. I^urth^ Beaolutiou of tU States General respecting Captain Bale. [ From Ihe E.gl.te, „, Ue E,»„l„Uon. of .h. 8.^u» Oen.r.l, ,n .h. Eoyl Arcb.ve. .t .he Hagu,. ] Tuesday, the ^S"- January, 1611. England, in rirgUi.: Bu, il 1. re.oi.ed, in view of the very n,.,„d Ltl ' ''"' "' .he,e..,„ ,„ .He s...e. .... .He .fo...M C.p.j: t ll^i'^.T^r r^Z.r UrS I'urther Resolution of the States General. t From U.e BagUfr of E«oiuUo„. of .h. But, G.n.ra. ,„ ,h, Eo,., Archlvo. ., u,. Dag,.. ] Wednesday, the Q'" February, IGll. c.pJta.r of c'r'eaf Br'it'ain' r"' IT ''"' *'' ''^ "^'""""^ Ambassador of the King bave aga. 4 ":n"=^":S 1:^^;:^^ i^^^Lr^S'j^r ^ be content with the resolution heretofore l^d in u'itcl. """ ''"'''"" ^'^" "^^^ '° i?.../,.^.» ^ M. States Gen.., respecting skips going on a Voyage of Discovery. [ »«-. Ih. B.g....r Of u.. E^oUMon. of .h. 8«... Cnara, .„ u.. E«,., Archlr«M .h, „ag„..] Monday, the 21. February, IGll. ^Jtl „,.. Amlr-rl'"^ ?? T'u " ':""■ ''"" ^'■" ^"'"--^ioners of the Admiralty at ^a:ie— ,^j; ;'^;";; •;'^-' •»'^' ^^'^ '-•■ wherein they advise that the Ships del', to are beginning t Iba R ^ ::rTar T^- "" " "^"'^ ''''' ''' '"« '^'-^^^ ^'^ ^'^V 8 the.rcrew. Requestmg, masmuch as it is important (hat the aforesaid 4 NEW. YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Ships should be provided with Letters from the Lords States General or His Excellency to the Princes or Kings of the countries at which they may arrive, written in such languages and characters as may be most useful, that their High Mightinesses would be pleased to have a draft made of such letters -; si-i, High Mightinesses shall think proper to give them, together with proper Commissions for the cf.ptains who will be in command ; leaving the names of these The Bhip the LitUe in b'. !v,k iJH- being called the Little Fox and the Little Crane. -^''e' deliberation it is ordered, that the required Letters be drawn up, and the draft sent to the aforesaid Commissioners, to have it translated in such languages, as they shall consider necessary: And it is further resolved that his Excellency be requested to issue as High Admiral the aforesaid Commissions for the C.iptains. ' i.u-. ii <. «'r'i»i^TOwi'''"di'* * rovinces, to this Assembly regarding certam newly discovered Navigation, covered N.vigsitoS: being read, the cities Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Hoorn and Enckhuysen request copy, which is delivered them, to communicate it to their constituents. Resolution in favor of those who discovei' New Countries. Copy of a Resolution of the States of Holland and Westvriesland dated SO"" March 1G14. Beiatire to the Re- ^u the Rcmonstrance of divers Merchants wishing to discover New unknown monMrance of di- i-j- i^ * • , r»i T(r.Tr.der.ioiook Itivt'rs, Lountries and I'laces not sought for ( nor resorted to) heretofore from these for New uiiknowti .... a \ / k* ^'Zkc2Zt', P*^^'^' "' '^' ""'^'' Pi'e^'O'JS mature deliberation, resolved that the Generality j;iore.wr"«rte,Ho «'''»'• ^'^'^'^'^^ ^'^^ g'''»"t- t'lft whocver shall rcsort to and discover such new Iron, thi. couoiry. j^j^jg j,„j p];jce8, shall alouc be privileged to make four Voyages to such Lands and I'laces from these Countries, exclusive of every other person, until the aforesaid four Voyages shall have been completed ; it being well understood, that on the return of the first discovery or exploration, a pertinent Report shall be rendered to the Lords States General, in order that their High Mightinesses may then order and determine, according to tiie distance and circumstances of the Countries or l'lace July 1614. mSt'i^'S.X^l': ^" ">« Remonstrance presented on the part of divers Traders of this country d?rM.'rct„l'"Cf '<"■ the formation of a general Company for the promotion of the Commerce, Smin^'iri?'r«'Mon Navigation and Interest of the Country, to carry on Trade on some Coasts of of ■ Company I" » r ■ j * • i i ^wunn. »*• Ke'o^umHi'"o1 ^^^ America where the same may be prosecuted according to the Truce, AMcndAmeric some from Dordrecht, Delft, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Hoorn and Enckhuyzen are appointed to examine the Remonstrance, to hear those who have sent it in. and the circumstances being well considered and deliberated on, to render a Report to the Assembly Which done, and the project being considered laudable and advantageous for the Country and Inhabitants, It is ordered that the matter be promoted in the General Assembly of the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: I. i?...^.^^« oft/, states Gene,'al on tJ. propoeed formation of a Commercial Company. I F«,m th. R,gi,u,r of Bewlu.ion. of ,h. flfl. G.aeral. In th. Roy.1 Arohl,.. ., ,h. H.g„.. J Monday, 21. June 1614. Folio 18». rj J « Diver. Triden. "^f"" a Remonstmnce of divprs Triir1»ra ,»f f >,„« n formation and erection in this countiv of ! , o Provinces m substance for the o..n,p.„r f„r ,he J'"^"'*'" '" ^'^'^ co""try of a general Company for the West Indies, the coast we/i„fii„, am™ o' Africa and through the Strait of Maa-elinn «;iti.^..f • "" "'"•'^' »"« coast •ml iho sirau „f ^ . „ ^nun oi iuageiian, without prejudice to the East India rs:withth?pZ:;^ar:o:tr;:;:r:::idV'"^^' "^^^'^^^'' '-' thedeputiesMtntt four weeks. senJ sZ f the Me^ch „ ' ^Z^' l^ "'r '^'i '""^ '""^- "" ^'^ ^^^ thoroughly examine the matter ell e^in"^: ,:irrm ^a^f ''^''-^ ^'^ Resolution of the States Genial on the proposed fo^^^ation of a West India Company. I From th. R^,to .f U.e K.»,m„„n. „, ,h, 8t.t« Qe„,r»l ,„ ^, Eoy.l Archive. ., u,. Hhu.. ] Monday, 25'" August, 1614. Erw(ionofii,e'we.i °'^^^' '^*"*t the businpss of forming a General Wfl»f i«^:„ r- . ,. 7"^— be undertaken tomorrow morning; moreover Strthl.'""^ "''"" those deputed from the Provinces, those who wil 3 Ho p^^^^^^^^ T' ''"'' act on orders, as well those who anr^nr .., i i, request to promote this work, those who Mee.i..gs Of other Cha^hira^^rr t r/rrr^eV^^^T^^ '' "r^ '"^^ And for this business are deputed Nicasius Kien fnd Wil^enf E^selSr ^"' '•"" '"' further Resolutions concemincj the formation of a West India Company. I From th. Reg,.„r of E«oloUon. o, ,h. Suie. 0...„u, In U.. Eo,., Archive ., «.. H.gue ] Tuesday, 2'* September 1614. 8 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Copy of a Resolution of the States of Holland and West Friesiand dated 25"" August — 27"" Septeml)' 1014. mr,nlr": s/nS ^° *'"^ '"""^'" °^ '^® P^^^ f""" ^^^ cfection of a General Company to navigate ny']«!;i'J'i;!i::"rj ""'^ '•'■'"^'^ °" s°™« coasts of Africa, Terra Australia, America and elsewhere, o7A(r'"»'Tl'rr?A"ui' ^^'so the Charter for said Company, some were anew appointed from the Lords and Uities, to communicate on and further discuss the subject, to examine the draft of a Charter and its consequences, and tc render a repo't of the whole to the meeting; and they having first reported, that it was necessary for the promotion of the aflair that the Slates General should pass an Act including the Trade to Guinea in the aforesaid Charter, the said Act is finally drawn up and concluded, as follows : Art ,pp.«,i„i„g " The States General of the United Netherlands having understood the difficulty """"""' suggested on the paragraph of the draft of a General Company for the Coasts of Africa and America where Trade and Navigation are free by the Truce — to wit, that it was feared that some may secretly endeavor under that cover to pursue trade to Guinea, with a (Jencral Company, and that it was desired to retain and coutinue to prosecute this, notwithstanding the Company and 'i'rade should not prosper in the open parts of America, either because through some defect or impediment, it may not have been included, or being includ.'d, it may happen to cease through want of good success and profits, or some other cause*. " Therefore, We being desirous to afi'ord sufficient security thereto, as we have proceeded herein only uprightly, sincerely and in good faith, did and do Declare hereby, that Our intention was none other than to proceed in good faith, and by means of the aforesaid General Company earnestly and zealously to cause Navigation and Commerce to be uudertAeri as well to the West Indies and the Coasts of Africa as to (Juinea; consequently that the Charter which this (Jeneral Company will obtain in this regard, shall not convey any power or clause to en.ihle any person to take advantage thereof against others, in case Trade shall not be speedily undertaken and prosecuted by said Company as well in the other various Quarters as on the Guinea coasts, or in case the Trade to the other Countries should, through any impediment, by want of profit or through any other cause, happen to fail, be interrupted or cease ; but that in sucl, cas" and tiien, the (iuinea Trade shall he again free, common and open to every one as it has been to this day in every respect, as if no CHiarter hud been granted ; And in order that those at present trading to Guinea may not be injured, it is our meaning, that those who have gone, or have been sent, to ihe Coasts of (iuinea from this or other countries previous to the date hereof, or who shall proceed there within the |)resent year l(il4, shall continue their Trade to the sale of their goods and to their return to this country and no longer, provided that after the 1 .January 1(516, no person shall lave liberty to send out any ships and goods; Nevertheless, howrver, in case the sum of four, five ;)r six Millions of guildeis shall not be subscribed in the year IC.I.'), by this (Jeneral Company, before the 1st May, the Traders to Guinea shall have power to send out their ships for that year, and to continue trading utitil the aforesaid Capital or such Capital, as his Kxcellency [i'rince Maurice] and the Lords Stales (Jeneral shall declaro sufficient to etlectually put this project into operation, shall be sid)scribed, and until the sale of their goods. And (or assurance of the aforesaid, We liuve have granted Uur Acte to serve as may be necessary." HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: L 9 RMumntinr of the '^''^ resumption of the enacted Charter in r„rth^^ „- j , nmorg the Province.. Quarters and Cities, in thellrnH«^^^ T''' '^"'^ Kq-ipment side and through the Strait of mLi? th. Limits on this India Company, with whosrOeputTe e'm.^? the d.fficulMes started thereupon by the East of .he Lord's S^'ates Generl ; ^^ t s ^eTTn f^l ^ "" "."" '', ""''''''' "" ''^ ^"^ exaunned at the first AleetiuL/of the S 'LIT n r T^' "''"" *'"' ''^'""" "''0"'^ be t..e a.resaid business is -^^ for^^i: dlll^r n ^^^Xr.!" "'^ ^°"«'^-"^'°- /I'/wj^ James I. to the States General. Date 19 August ] ''"""'"""'""""""''»>"*"'""••"'■• n.g»e , nie emuM ^«to„<,. , Rec" 30 Septemb' ) ^''•'*' High and Mighty Lords. Our good friends and anies • to settle and g.ve stab.li.y to that en.erpri.e s, ,nir„r . r . "-emammg among them, and to request you to pennit his abse ee mwTo " ""*'^P""' "«"'" "''»' y°"' complete ,he work, so well begun .• whi bv I i 7 ^?'" """■"' '" "'"^•'^ "'"^ '^^ "^^y Ti.is We have right wiiiiugi/und:;^;^::^; di 1 1^ ::rrr'' ''V"'^^"''^^^ consent witb like promptness, not only in tl.i, i ,1' "'" ""' ''"' y"" ^ill advancement of so Ludl.ble an d . n« t ::; '' '" ?" ?'"; ''^P'''''^^ °" ^^ ^^ '^e will be productive of advantage to „u K.I.; 1 ,; '. T^ °' """"' "' '" "" '-"ability it the like to your Provinces. Therefore We re mam '"""""■• ""' '"" '" '"•""'"•""'-"'e From Our Court at ^""'' ^'^'y nHectionate Frieni Leiciiter. the lO"- of Aug" hii4 (signed) James II. (The .Address.) To the High and Mighty Lords. The States General of the United Netherland Province,. P"lio 9M. Offil Mrlt»lo. ♦'•pin I>«I«. Vol.. 1. ne.olution of tf.e State. General on the preceding Letter Tue«.lny. the \m of September ICA4 yie, .avor of Captain Sir Ti.oma, Dale. Marshal of 10 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Virginia, to tlie effect that their High Mightinesses would please to give leave of Absence to the said Captain for two or three years more, in order that he may continue his residence in Virginia meanwhile, to bring affairs there into thorough security, for which he has laid good foundation, and commencement. After deliberation, and on the aforesaid high recommendation by his Majesty and the aforesaid Ambassador, their High Mightinesses have agreed and consented that the said Captain may continue his residence in Virginia, on the previous footing, until it shall be otherwise ordered by their High Mightinesses. Resolution of tlis States General on the Report of the Discovery of New Nttherland. [ From Ihe Kegliler of the RMolutiou of the Stain General, In the Bojril Arehlret at the Hague. ] Present — President, Mr. Ghiessex. Mess" Biesman, Westerholt, Brienen, < )ldenbernevelt, Berckenrode, Driel, Teylingen, Magnus, Moesbergen, Ayloa, Hegenmns. rollo 36S. New Nelherltnd Saturday the ll"" October, 1G14. Appeared at the Assembly the Deputies from the United Company of Merchants who have discovered and found New Netherland, situate in America between New France and Virginia, the sea coasts whereof lie in the Latitude of forty to forty five degrees. And who have rendered a Report of their said Discovery and finding, requesting, in consequence, the Grant promised by their High Mightinesses' published placard. Deliberation or.ni to ih. Mrr. ^'''''*? '""' ''"^'"eon, tlieir High Mightinesses have granted and allowed, and NXilf'o.L" li^reby grant and allow, the Petitioners that they alone shall have the right to •""' resort to, or cause to be frequented, the aforesaid newly discovered countries situate in America between New France and Virginia, the sea coasts whereof lie in the Latitude of from forty to forty five degrees, now named New Netherland, as is to be seen by a Figurative Map hereunto annexed; and that for four Voyages within the term of three years commencing the first January XVI' and fifteen next coming, or sooner, to the exclusion of all others, either directly or indirectly sailing, resorting to, or frequenting the said Newly discovered and found Counlries, harbors or places, from these United Netherlands, within the said three years, on pain of Confiscation of the ships and goods wherewith the attempt shall be made contrary heieunto, and a fine of Fifty thousand Netherland Dui-nts for the benefit of the aforesaid discoverers or finders; provided, that their High Mi«htines8es do not hereby intend any prejudice or diminution to their previous Charters and Concessions; And their meaning also is, that in cane any difference or misiindfrslanding happen to arise or proceed from this their Concession, the same shall then be decided by them. Therefore, they order and command &c. to in od on nd 'g. d. Bl, Its Bn ve in }n id to es be 'y Be )n ly ie ill of 'y ;d Br \1 (/D C_5 ^ Z3 CZ CO or "< •<: C:: ^ Cfi ..JJ 3ZIV: HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: I. ,, Grant of Exclusive Trade to New Netherland. [ Prom IhoMinuU. on .half .h«l of paper, In theBoy.1 ArcW,Te.!a th. H.jue; Filf, £«pmrt*] The States General of the United Netherlands to all to whom these presents shall come. Greeting Whereas Gerrit Jacobz Witssen. an.ient Burgomaster of the City Amsterdam. J(.nas Witssen. bnnon Mornssen, owners of the Ship amed the Little Fox whereof Jan de ^V.th has been Skipper; Hans Mongers. Paulus Pelgrom, Lambrecht van Tweenhuyzen. owners of the two ships named the Tiger and the Fortune, whereof Aedriaen Block and fnH R ^"f "^"«^'^" ^"^-^ ^l^iPP^"' Arnolt van Lybergen, Wessel Schenck, Hans Claessen and Berent bweertssen. owners of the Ship named the Nightingale, whereof Thys Volckertssen was fekipper Merchants of the aforesaid City Amstelredam, and Pieter Clementssen Brouwer. fhe S^ ;rrn ;■ r ''"T^'^ ^'°'^'^-'«-"- ^'-^^^-^^ °'- the city of Hoorn, owners of he Ship named the Fortuyn, whereof Cornells Jacobssen May was Skipper, all now associated iZl^'Tr r^f ""^ r.,...,n,.A to us, that they, the petitioners, after great discover H^Vr"?"- ■^'"' "' '''^^ '"' '^^'"^ '''''"^«"' '-'^' "^^"^^ "^ present year, b tweenN V "'' l'" "'"''' """'^'^ '''' ^''''P^' '^^^^-^ ^'^^ Lands situate in America between New Prance and Virginia, the Sea coasts whereof lie between forty and forty five M^ri . r . ' ""^ "°" '^''"'' ^'^ Netherland: .nd whereas We did. In the month of M-uch ast. for the promotion and increase of Commerce, cause to be published a certain General Consent and Charter setting forth, that whosoever should thereafic- diecover new havens lands, places or passages, might frequent, or cause to be frequented, for four voyages, such newly discovered and (ound places, passages, havens, or lands, to the exclusion of all others from ZaZZJ7TT^ "r "';" "■°'" '" ^'"'^"' '^^'"-^'-''■^. ""ti' t'- «aid 'i-t discoverers and finders shall, themselves, have completed the said four Voyages, or caused the same to be do e within he time prescribe, (or that purpo.-e. under the penalties expressed in the sa^d ^smd fon^': ' "'""' '""' "^ """''' """^'' ^° '•^^"" '^"'^ ^'^' "'' '"« "^-'-'^ ^^'^'-y '" "e Whic-I. being consideref^ We. herefore. in (^ur Assembly having heard che pertinent Report of the PetUioners relative to tne discoveries and finding of the said new Countries between he above named limits and degrees, and also of their adventures, have consented and gr Id" and by these presents do consent and grant, to the said Petitioners now united into one Company, tha, they shall be privileged exclusively to frequent or cause to be vLitH t e above new.y discovered lands, situate in America between New France and Virginia, wr of th sea coasts lie between the fortieth and forty fifth degrees of Latitude, now na led N J w^ll r ;" ";• r " v '^ " ''«""'^'' '''"•' "^^^-""^^ """-'■•^' -"' t'>at for lour V va;" vvi ,n the term of three Years, commencing the first of January. Sixteen hundred and iK ne en..,i.g „r sooner, without it being permitted to any other person from th U it d .N her lands ,0 sail to, navigate or frequent the said newly discovered lands, havens or pi 1 t er .i.recly or indirectly, within the said three Years, on pain o< Confiscation ol the el' and Cargo wherewith infraction hereol shall be attempted, ami a fine of Fi.ly iou " V. ; •".a Ducats (or the benefit of said .liscoverers or finders; provided, neve he " y ...e presents We do not intend to prejudice or diminish any of our former g an. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 I.I 1.25 •« lis 112.2 1.8 U IIIIII.6 P V r /i o A / Hiotographic Sciences oOipOidyDn 23 WEST MAIN STRCET WnSTIIt.N.V I4SI0 (716) 173-4303 4^ f . •' ■•• "^ \ \ V -vi iO^L. /' \^XaM^ \ OMt i/ . / .^ )Q^ -^ o .OV. \ / i\^ ^ n 1 ht )0-wv.^'l (vV^ ,0^ 0^ {~^\'- ';) ^ v/^^ iu 'I % o -9 'fP. s ^ z' C^ O ^' -'^is ^' ■-^Cv- ^ K //■/ 'I'/i,' (''ri.fiuti t .iih- f laurali^e I'fnirx.', tfir , mi ,u\inah P'lH Sinii/f nn.-- I'linn.i «•« Ihf ]ih ^ ,lniU' Id-'*! til lh>' Iiokit fins n/'f/te :'f(it>\>t iffiiirai ,>t >hr TIvmiI A.r/nves at Th'- /litifuv 'f'Ht>ir Hits >u> fttiirA m mr/iu'iwulum upon 1/ fn nJiit/i i/.y «/<*/.' :/»•>• !hl-'f /n »////; t/ii' ff'ii'nil fiintteijc rtnf araiiM /o crhtu itsso,ttit^,i^hi/ii <'*w/y, who lUum fo fun*' ,fii',,'teirii . Un , M'fhe'i'ninJ . >)f' tnnAlfUf i'our )ymv/h^• it inuy ha\'c heen firffcnh'ti ( \ :'ii/<^j/>i HouiruAstii when //r oiiii/r /t/.^ wriHen Keport on the i!^''' Jiufif'f Ui/ft ~l^fll£^ / ^■'ri U**x^\ ^■a.*^ V/^' 7 LITH OFSAHONY M,C' N roHK /- V r >i III mfiiu'luiuium f >faJis ('f'lfi ^//' i/ •//'/ . "Vc/^ > 12 NEW- YORK COLONIAL ^L•\X^SCRIPTS. We therefore expressly command all Governors, Juslices, OlTicers, Magistrates and inhabitants of the aforesaid United Countries, lliat they allow the said Company peaceably and quietly to enjoy the wiiole benefit of this Our grant and consent, ceasing all contradiclic is and obstacles to the contrary. For such we have found to appertain to the public service. Given under Our Seal, paraph and siunature of our Secretary at the Hague tiie xi'" of October 1614. Charter for divers Traders who have discovered certain. Xtio Countries. nth October, 1G14. [ From the Acl Book of Ibe SuIm Genrrul. In the Ka;>l Arrhlve* •> Ihe Ha|tu«. ] [ Thi» beini- « Duplicate of the Di>«ument iinmeJiately |irfct'.ling, in omillcil. — Eu. ] Jiesolution of the States General on a Jit-port of further Discover its in Js'eu) Nttherland. [ Frnin ihe Kegiiter Kit ReM>tulif>ns of the state* tienrral. in the lloval Arrhlvf* at the Uafrtie ] Tiuirsday, the l"?"" August 1010. Koiiosoi. Cornelia Ilenricxs', Skipper, appears before the .Assembly, assisted by Notary Carel van Oeldre, on the belialf of (ierrit Jacob Witssen, burgomaster at .Xmslt-rdam, J 'nas Witssen, I,amhrecht van T'.veenliuyzen, i'aulus I'elgrom cum suit, Directors of New New Neiheriand. Net lierland, extending from forty to five and forty ilcgrees, .tiliiale in ,\niericii between New France and N'irginia, rendering a IJepuri of the second N'oyage, of the manner in whii.i the aforesaid Skipper hath found ami discovcnii a certain country, bay and three vers, lying between the thirty eighth and the fortii tli degree of Latitude (as is more fully to be seen by the Figurative Map;) in a small Vacht of about eight Lasts, named the Dmust (Restless.) Which little yacht they causeil to be limit in the aforesaid Country, where they employed the said Skipper in looking for new countries, havens, liays, rivers, &c. Kequesting the privilege to trade exclusively to the atiircsaid counirifs fur the term of tour years, according to their lliuh .Mightiiii'sse.s' pluard issiitil in M;ircli lOit. It is resolved, before determining herein, that the Coinparanls .sh.ill lie onl.red to render and iruintmit in writing the Itcpott they have made. 3 [ From th< Tot Res] I.amlir exleiiil they li three r the Fij; listless th« I'e Hciuiri liltle V Miglity lU'W CO thi' gfii cuiulili( turn to Mighty *'\,iinini the exc acconi|) Whii ( I'.iitior! First, three riv HOLLAND UOCUMKNTS: L 18 Memorial of Gerrii Jacohat Witsen and othtr.s. Head mh Au>ju.,(, lOlG. To the High and Mighty Lords, the Lords States (ieneral &c. Respectfully represent (i.rrit Jacob Witsen Burgomaster at An.sterdam, Jonas Witsen. Lamhrecht van 1 wee-.huy^en. I'auius I'elgn.n, cu,n ..iis, Directors of Ne^ Netheriand extend.ng from 40 to 45 degrees, situate in A,neri..« l.etween .New France and Virginia, tha; they have, at great and excessive expence. discovered and found a certain country bay and three nvers sUuate in the Latitude of fron> 3. to 40 .legrees, (as is nu.re fully to L seen by t e ,gurat.ve lap hereunto annexed ) in a sn.all Yacht of about eight Lasts burthen, called the «..r/«,, whereof Lornehs Henricksz" of Mu.u.icken.lam is Skipper-Which little yacht they t e et.t.oners, caused to be built in the country there, and employed the aforesaul Cornehs lendncksz ,n the aforesaid Countries during the space of three years, in the above n.entio,.ed hale \acht. looking (or new countries, havens, bays and rivers. And whereas Your High and Mighty Lordsh.ps. .hd ,n March l.iU. publish by I'lacard, that whosoever should discover any new countries, bays or rivers, the said finders and discoverers should enjoy for their discovery the grants to trade and traftic exclusively for (our Voyn -es to the aloresai.i countries, on' condition of making a Keport thereof to You- High Mightinesses ; Therefore Your IVtitioners turn to ^our High Mightinesses, resj.ectlully praying and re.,uesting that You, High and M.glity Lor.ls, n.ay be pleased to hear the atoresaid Cornells Hendrickxx.en's Report, a.id to examine the aforesai.i Map and Discovery, and to grant the IVtitioners accor.linglv Charter of the exclusive trade t.. the aloresaul Countries, (or the term of (our years, according to the accompanying Placard [of the ^'7'" March Kill.J Which doing etc. ( r.ndorsed) IVlition of Cerrit Jacob Witsen, Burgomaster at Amsterdam. Jonas Witsen. I,amhrecht van Tweenhiiyzen. I'aulus I'elgroni cum sociis, Directors of New Netherland. etc. lOlO. 5'' ^ Caj'taiH HttulrUUnf, /:.jx„( of las Di^ronrns ,n \cir XttherUind. [ Kr.ai U.. Orinm.l m ili.- U,.,»i A,ri,„r. .i ii,. ll.,(„.. , ni* rniiilr,! /,u,.j„«./,. ) Report of Captain Cornelis Hen.lricv/" of Munni.kenci,.m lo the High and Mighty Lords Slates (Jeneral of the Krce, Iniied Netherland I'rovinces. ma.le on the xviii"* August A» ItUC... of the countries, bav and thre- rivers situate in the Latitude (rom ;iS to 40 degrees, by him discovered and (ound for and to the behoof of his < )wner8 and Directors of New Netherhiml, by name Cerrit Ja.ob Wilson Biiruomasler at Amsterdam, Jonas Witsen, Lamhrecht van T weenhuy/en, I'aulus I'ricrom and others of their ( "onipany. First, hehuth discovered (or his aforesaid Masters and Directors, certain lands, a bay am! three rivers lituule between 38 and 40 degrees. 5^« '■> ' t -S HAW \t' 4 ^/,^- ;'<> h • /v ,y/;' Jit. //i, ihi.iiinr/ I,/.'/, li./.'/r.i/iti ..y ,/.', ,/<, t/i,i/i flic S,mi/A,i.^ I^'i-i,,/ >'// f/i< \'r '■" ht'/r /'*'/'/ •'// '//< .'I //,, '^/i/Zi.'^ (Ii//i'/, //./// I'/ti jh>\il/ .llt/int-- il/^Cii u'.liHh' ^ ^^,./ ^ ^ ja, .'f,rV"^ :v'V//4 /' ^/ ^,v>,.// V / T" C S'l'XlV' * C «» 'iJ"" '■•«»-'/=;— 7t •^'•i './i ./ / »;.*■ .#1^'^ \ -X «T 30 4U JO A$'i L I ' 1 "l(^^ CI it "'^. I I J 1 391 I I I I I '///• /'/ />/>//,,//.■,// ^//,' />^. /' '// ^/Av>,./v //y V^,,-' / •:■ .«, * /^'«Vfc <» ■cy-^J'f^'i-r^ '" M r'n/''>ir'e lU • rfv /■ If ^ '< / / / ^ 'I t ■ t 14 NEW. YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. M And did there trade with the Inhabitanta; said trade consisting of Sables, Furs, Robes and other skins. He hath found the said Country full of trees, to wit: — Oaks, hickory and pines; which trees were, in some places, covered with vines. He hath seen, in tlu' said 'o;ii»?ry, Bucks and does, turkeys and partridges. He hath found ihe climate of the said Country very temperate, judging it to be as temperate as that of this country, Holland. He also traded for, and bought from the inhabitants, the Minquaes, three persons, being people belonging to this Company ; which three persons were employed in the service of the Mohawks and Machicans ; giving for them kettles, beads and merchandize. Read August 19, 1616. Resolution of the States General on the preceding Report. \ rrom the Bogiilor of Ilia BetoluUona of the States Qeneral, In the Boyal Archifes >t the Uegue. ] Friday the 19"" August, 1616. Foii«»o8. Read the Report rendered in writing by Captain Cornelis Hendricksz. of Munnickendam, of the countries, bay and three rivers situate between 38 and 40 degrees of Latitude, by him found and discovered for and to the behoof of his Owners and Directors of New Metherund. Ncw Nctherland, etc. Resolved, ta make note thereof; then respecting the further request of a continuation of the Charter, the consideration thereof is postponed. Resolution of tlie States Genei'al on the Petition of Oeii'it J. Witsen and others. [ From the Begister of the Keeolutloiu of the Statee QeneraU In the Bojral Archives of the Hague. ] Monday, the 12. September 1616. Foiio2i«. Read the Petition of Gerrit Jacob Witsen, antient Burgomaster of the City Amsterdam, Jonas Witsen, Lambrecht van Tweenhuyzen and Paulus Pelgrom cum sociis, Directors of the Company of New Netherland, requesting a Charter for Directors of New ' ' ■ o Netherland. themsclvcs, of the excluslvc trade to those Lands from this country for four years, under the pains and penalties expressed in the aforesaid General Placard, but no final disposition was made thereof. ^m-f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : I. 15 Mtrth^r Resolution of the States General on the Petition of Mr. Witsen. (From th« EcRLIer of RMOIatlooi of Ih. Bute. Oewr.!, In th« Eoy.l ArchlTM .t th. H.g«. ] Thursday, the S-" of November 1616. Fono m Read the Tetition of Gerrit Jacob Wittsen B gomaster at Amsterdam, Jonas A\..Uen, Lambrecht van Tweenhuysen, Pauwels Pelgrom and partners. Requesting, in as Dre;*":;'";,! Tr^ •".' '^/^ ^"""l '^'^'^^^^^'^ ^y their skipper Cornelis Henricxsen van coun,ri«. .«Ionnickendam, with a yacht of about Eight lasts, certain countries situate in Latitude thirty eight to forty degrees, between New France and Virginia, adjoining the country heretofore discovered by the Petitioners and by them called New Netherland, etc that their High Mightinesses would be pleased to grant them the Charter they demand. But the disposal thereof is again postponed. ^ ii » »i » Resolution of the States General on the petition of L. van Tweenhuyzen and oth^s. [From U>« Begtoter of E«oluUon, of the ai.l«. G.Mnil, In Ihe Boytl ArchlrM .t the Hague. ] p^ii^j^ Wednesday, IS'* January 1617. Di«r.Me°rch.n... Read the Petition of Lambert Van Tweenhuyzen. Jacques Nicquet.Claes Jacobse Harencarspel, Pieter Evertse Hulft, and company. Merchants and Burghers of Amsterdam, requesting to be assisted by the State with a ship of war to realize some profit and advantage a^rr.No«. ,n the celebrated and u eful trade and fishery of Terra Nova; but the disposal thereof was postponed. Interdict to print and publish a Journal of Voyages. Resolution of the Straes of Holland and Westfrieslan.l, dated 29"' July, 1617. wl.'lr;ln„'kr On the petition of the Directors of the Australian Company, it is ordere''. and S'nSr : ''""." T'"" '" ^'"'™ •^'*""- '■^^'•""« °" *^« Water side at Amsterdam. v".:;;:!lr.tb/l!;: ° '"'^ "' ^'^"^ P^^c^e^Jing any further with the composition and printing »;rX,*'XE5: °^ "'" •'""^na'S' Maps and Charts of the Voyage lately made on the part of the .n,othe8.uu.8.. afor.«aid Company, from the North into the South Sea. but that he send over all the pieces, with declaration from whose hands he hath received them, or come over himself here with them, without leaving any of them behind or etaining them, on pain of other proceedings against his person. ^V J, M NEW-YtlRK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. sImI Interdict to owrect existing Maps. Resolution of the States of Holland and Westfriesland, dated S""* August, 1617. Mnp of ih« RoHth. Having seen tiie Answer of the Directors of the Australian or South Company em pMMgo o' ' ■ jjj ^|jg writing of Willem Jansz. regarding what he proposes to correct on the HewP.8Mge. Globe and to publish in the Map in relation to the new found Channel, Strait or Passage from the North into the South Sea; it is Resolved thereupon to notify the aforesaid Willem Jansz., that he shall not presume to correct the Globe, or the priuted or written Map, nor in any other manner to publish or cause to be published the aforesaid discovered Strait, Water, Countries, Islands, or Coasts discovered there, but to keep himself strictly and specially holden as interdicted, as such is considered for the Public good; on pain of other proceedings being taken, as may be proper, against him, according as shall be determined against one who contemns the Supreme Authority's Commands and hath incurred its indignation. it Address of Sir Dudley Oarleton to the States . General. [ From the Original In the Bnjii Archiree it the Iliigae ; File entitled Sngeland.] Messieurs! I have express Orders from the King my Master, to accompany the petition I hold here ready to present to Your Lordships, with his Majesty's serious recommendations; the petition is exhibited by Captain Thomas Dale, an English Knight, who having a Company of foot in Your Lordships' service, absented himself with Your permission granted at the instance of Henry, late Prince of Wales, of glorious memory, for the space of some years, having command and authority for planting a Colony of the English Nation in the Country of Virginia, whereof he hath acquitted himself with reputation and honor to himself, to his Majesty's sat-sfaction and to the publick advantage, in as much as by signal patience, diligence and valon he overcame divers serious difficulties and dangers and finally established a good and permanent settlement all along a river navigable for seventy leagues into the interior ; and by that means hath preserved it to God, by the exercise of Religion which is introduced there, and to Man, by the augmentation of Commerce. Several of the nation, as well Lords as other Gentlemen of quality and honor, have considerably contributed to this design. But two of our Captains ( Sir Thomas Gates and this one of whom I now speak,) have promoted it more than any other. Chevalier Gates found by the hearty welcome he experienced from Your Lordships on his return, by the present you made him of the entire amount of his pay during his absence, that his duties were agreeable to you. Your Lordships, on the testimony his Majesty bears of Chevalier Dale's good demeanor on that occasion, and on the recommendation He makes in his behalf, will, if it please You, be happy to receive his petition and, for the reasons it contains, do him the same favor. ' *ii& HOLLAND EOCUMENTS : I. 17 Which hia Majesty will take in very good part, as done out of respect for him, and will acknowledge with like regard all that will be recommended to him on Your side. Presented in the Assembly of the States General of the United Provinces, on the 26'^ day of January 1618. (Signed) Dudley Carlbton. ■■■ M Nod de Carcn to the States General. I From the Origlaal Iq Ih* Boytl ireblrn tt Iht Hugue ; FUs enUUad Avtlond. ] High ond Mighty, Potent, Noble and right Discreet Lords. My Lords, Sir Thomas Dale has stated to me that he was permitted about five or six years ago by your Mightinesses to proceed to Virginia, and had gone thither. He has returned here about a year ago : but, as he represents, has since been very sick and feeble, so that he could not before now present himself to Your Mightinesses. He requests my letters to you, High and Mighty, and says he carries with him letters from his Majesty also, to Ambassador Carleton- He likewise says, he has been long in the public service ; so that [ consider Your Mightinesses should please to entertain the matter, inasmuch as his voyage was undertaken with Your Mightinesses' Consent and Knowledge for the space of five years, as he says. And, although I know his Majesty's letters are fully sufficient to promote his recommendation, yet being solicited by the Earl of Southampton and him, I could not refuse to accede to his Lordship's and his own request, well knowing that whatever is reasonable and just will be done therein. And so these serve no other purpose. I shall pray God High, Mighty, Potent, Noble, Wise and right Discreet Lords, to maintain You in a prosperous government. Your High and Mighty Lordships' From South Lambeth Humble and obedient Servant, the ii. December 1617. Old Style. (Signed) Noel dk Cahon. Rec. 26 January 1618. Petition of Sir Thomas Dale, and the Order thereupon. i From tho Orlgliiil In th« Boril ArohiTM at tbo B>(na ; FU« onUUed Lix^mmU. ] To the Noble, High and Mighty Lords, the Lords the States General of the United Netherlands. el. Further Resolution of the States General in the matter of Sir Thomas Dale. t From lb* Rrginmt of R«nlnilant of lb* HIiIm 0«Mral, In Iht Eojil ArohIrM ti Urn Utgwt. ) Friday, the 9'* February 1018. TiMem. Opi DmI. The resolution of the 0" ii.st., adopted by their High Mightinesses on the petition of Sir Thomas Dael, Knight, Captain of a Company in this country's service, HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: L mm being reconsidered with the previous opinion of the Council of Slate, and special attention being pa.d to the recommenda.,on of M. Carieton. Ambassador from the King of Great Britain re ation wrr^H '" ""'"^'^ "^ "^^J^'^'^ ""''" ^° ^^«'^ "'g*' Mightinesses. aUo th hlirHilM h. '"'T' ''"■'°™'' *'^''' P^''''°"«' in Virginia, hath with this country, their H>gh M.ghtmesses have agreed and hereby consent that the petitioner shall be gratified by the payment of his full wages for the time of his absence, to wit. seven years the resolution adopted at the time of his absence to the contrary notwithstanding without! however the same bemg drawn into precedent. Ordering, that for such purpose, this resolut on I a be communicated to the Council of State for execution. »" '' ' "" ""<«» 8"au Permission to William Jansen to publish his Chart. Resolution of the Lords States of Holland and Westvriesland : dated 10 August. 1618. On the petition of Willem Jansz.. Burgher at Amsterdam, complaining that he is PrtiUoi of Willem j.nK. Burgher , I - -'""• 8"^' •»- "^"'oicruuiii, complaining that hc Is ^r:1ZqZ ^;^'^'^^'^ '« P^bl.sh the chart of the new passage discovered by the Australian Mr-tt Company, and that such was done here b'y others to his loss; it l tnelutd. not ♦ A "i"'°"8^" ^•'^^ preferable that the chart should not have been published, yet not to render the petitioner's case worse than others', he is allowed to publish the chart. * '■ * I ^ Resolution of the States General on the trade to New Neth^rland. [ From Ik. R^grtai., „f R«oluUoi» of th. BUM O.n.riU, Id Ih. R„,.i ArchiT* .1 Ui. R vi>. ] Thursday, 4 October 1618. '2 '; "•'"d the petition of the Company trading to the island of New Nethe-land. »ewN.K.r,.„a. requesting the continuance of their charter for some years longer to trade exclusively o the aforesaid Island. But it is resolved, before disposing thereof, first to see and reconsider the aforesaid petitioners' charter. "■- ursi lo see and Jif^'^htion of the States General on the Petition of Ilendrick Filing. I rroo u,. B^flM, „f iu«„uoM of u,. »,.;« 0««.l In u,. B„y.i Arrtim « th. H^w. 1 Tuesday the 9'" October 1618. H-nr,':"" t.h,„ ^'f "'* P^'it'"" °f Henrick Eelkins and Adrinen Jansse Engel cum sociis. .11 .u.u.„,p..„ merchant, residing at Amsterdam, associate, and partner, in what is called the 22 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ;il II New Netlierland Company, which their High Mightinesses have incorporated for the term of four successive yenrs, whereof the fourth and last year hath expired in January last; requesting that, in consequence of said expiration and of their, the petitioners', having already prepared A tiiip to New '*■ ^^'P named the Schilt to proceed thither, their High Mightinesses would be Nuhurnnd. pleased to grant them a favorable per.nission, in order that they may perform the aforesaid voyage without any opposUion from their former partners. Their High Mightinesses have consented hereunto, because, and by reason, of the expiration of the charter granted to the petitioners, and therefore permit them to perfor.a their intended voyage to New Nelherland with their prepared ship herein mentioned. I l|t liesolution of the States General, on the Colonization of Xew Netherland. [ From Iho Rrglttcr o( KesoluUons of Ihe SiaiM Ocncral, In the Boyal Archivct at ihc IIiTgae' ] Wednesday, 12 February 1C20. Foiio4S. jigjjj (|,g petition of the Directors of the Company trading to New Netherland, New Netlierland ' r j o i toiiipany. situate between New France and Virginia, in lliel alitude of from forty to forty- live degrees, that the aforesaid Island might be peopled under their High Mightinesses' protection and government, whereunto they request two ships ot war. But it is resolved, before disposing thereof, to procure '.ho opinion of the deputies from the Board of Admiraltj who are invited here for the 15"" inst. 11^ Petition of the JM/'ectora of the .\ew Netherland Company. I From Ibe Original la lb« Royal ArcliIrM at tht Hague , File enUUtd A To the PnixcE of Ohanoe, &c. !?u*Tih"ii'«!iT,f 'I'l"' Directors- of the Company trading to New Netlierland, situate in latitude m'li'i''™her"f'r",' from 40 to 4) 'Ifgrees, between New France and Virginia, reverently represent ur,\ymi<.(*\tn- that llicv, the petitioner"^, have, as discoverers and nrst hnch'rs of said countries, •il ) C. Avnaefiii i , i' , !•"" traded t'lither now several years, in virtue of a certain general Charter from the High and Mighty Lords States (ieneral. d ited the 10'" .Marili KiU; that tliey, also, have delivered to tlieir High Mightinesses their written report, with a map of the situation and usefulness of saiil countries. ,-\nil whereas the petitioners' Charter has expirei' so that every one IS now at liberty to trail" there, they have again ueni thither two ships, in or.ler to preserve the reputation of said trade; some vessels have been likewise sent by other traders exclusive of the Company. Now it happens, that tli -re is residing at Leyden a certain Knj^lish I'reaclier, versed in the Dutch language, who is v/ell iii'liiied to proceed thilher to live, HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: L S8 assunng (he peUhoners t!,„t he lu.s the means oC in.lunng over four hundred families to aceo,npany hnn thither ho.h cut of this country and England, provided t y wo , e gu rded and preserved from all violence on the part of other potentates, hy the a^th'ri y ami n.l.r the protect,on of your Princely Excellency and the 'fligh and ft^ghtv Lord State m tha country ,„ true learning, and m converting them to the Christian Faith, and thus rough the mercy of the Lord, to the greater glor of this country's government'to !„; irth "^",^"7""--^'^"-"" "-'-the order and command of /our^>rincci; ExedC and the Hjgh and M.ghty Lords States General. And whereas they, the petitlners have experienced that h.s Majesty of Great Britai, would be disposed t'i peopltj afore "d lands w,th the English nation, and hy force to render fruitless fheir possLsio an id^rery and hus epr.ve th.s State of it. tight, and apparently with ease surprize the s i s of U CO ntry wh,ch are tl.re, and are ordered to ren,ain there the whole year ; wherefore, they e pet,t,oners. pray and request that your Princely Excellency n,ay\enignly pie to la « i 1 rthT" -Tm ^'"' le -"-ieration. so that, for the preservatit./of'this coun tr,' ^ ; c:^ ^rtiid !::t ^^t '"''^•' """""' """"*'^ "^^^ '^ ^^'^- -"- ^'- protect^: o this country, and that two ships of war maybe provisionally despatched to secure to the state the a.ores,ud Countries, inasmuch as they would be ol'much importan e wh e e West India Company is established. i„ respect t. the large abundance of timb.. fit fo sh.p building .^c. as may be seen by the accompanying report. On all which (Endorsed) Petition of the Directors of the Company trading to New A'etherland. 12 Februarv. 1G20. J^e^olutio,, of the StaL. G, February 1020. The Deputies present from the Board of Admirulty have presented to their High Mightinesses, in writing, its opinion on the petition presented by tne Directors of ,he t;„mpar,v trailing to New Nelherlaud, hereinbefore inserted ; and the nioresn.d opinion being ren.l. and eonsi.iered. it is resolved, before disposing thereof, that his Excellency sIihII be consulted and his opinion obtained. ^ Knllo 63. Adnilrslly. " « S(lherl»nil Iiticnin.-i. 94 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Further Mefiolution of the States Oemral on ihe preceding Petition. [ From Ihe Reglilcr of Euolutioni at ttat SUIm Oanenl, In the Bojil Archlrea at tbo Iligne. ] Tuesday, the 10"" March, 1620. FuiioTs. Resolved, that the opinion of his Excellency shall be first obtained on the compeny* " *" Petition presented by the Directors of the Company trading to New Netherland, before acting on it and on the advice of the Deputies from the Board of Admiralty. Further liesolution of the States General. t From the Segli'.er of RMnlntioiu of the Statet General, In Ihe Kajral ArohlTM tl the Bt(ne. ] Friday, the 10'* of April, 1G20. Folio 118. Read the petition of the Directors of the New Netherland Company, that their o^wpeny," ' ° reoucst should be favorably disposed of, and resolved to obtain his Excellency's opinion thereupon. Resolution of the States GenercA on the Petition of the Ke/io Netherland Company. [Fron: ne Regliter of Rceolutleni of the 'iMtm Oenenl, In Ihe RoyrI Arahlree «t the Utfue.] Saturday, the 11 'Vpril, 1G20. Folio 115. The petition of the Directors of the New Netherland Company, that they, New Netherland -, ,. /..t»ii , -,.i^ ■ r cnmpuy. for the peopling of said Island, may bo assisted with two ships of war, la again rejected. ^ n » »■ > Resolution of th« States General on further Petitions to trade to New Netherland. [ F.-YHD the lUnleter of B««oluUou of the Slake Oeneral, In the Rnyal ArehWea tl the HaRae. ; Saturday, S'J"- August, 1020. Foiiotw Head the petition of the .loint Owners of the Ship naned the (Had Tidings (de The ownm of the '^ '^ Bijip, the oiad Ti- (,fyjg booiiclhij'J wliereol Cornells Jacobsen Mey of Hoorn is commander, who New (huad Country, having discovered some now Countries populous and fertile, abounding in nil sorti of Timber and never discovered before, pray that their High Mightinesses may be pleased to hear HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: L or any of the lHver. of N,w KetZZiZTt u T "«'"'''°8'l"'Tra.l, o„ ,h. Co,,,., Friday, tlie e"- Novemb' leao. --™.,Ui.,a,.^o„.id.Ji:r^^^^^^^^^^^ 1- olio 8M. Ni-w NBihrrUnd Pr.c..^/«,;y o. the Peti'^on of Tm.k'rs to Vinjinia, cfr. Resolution of the States of Holland and Westvriesland, dated 13 Sept'. 1681. relHIoii of til* tnt" TtanA * • ■ »t«i« Tr4dm, r^. ,, .... """°^*^" """ Other Goinea Tfadpra • Ttam ^■'^inici.. b, ai. also, the petition of Traders to Viroinio - .■ , "'"^'' *'^o<'«"> "em, ""••■I k. »n.l lomB . ' iiuuers 10 > irglmp, reuU.'Stinff to !)P nllnivur) »» ..>»j &■?£:•.?'!■:': «<>"i« "hips to l.rlnK their ref.r,.. ,L \..: V ' «'"«*«rt to send out Bhi|»»(.) Men thrir HHiirnt from Uiit C"Qmry hither. ■»"■• 'o ! , .heir ,.,a„,. .. „ ' , "„ "LI ^ " ZT ': T' "".' .ad ..dy. ""-"'"" •^"^" "• "»• •» '« '"■• ««" -e w.-ur Co";:; rfZ.^ Vol. 1. i. -a 26 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Reaolution of the States General respecting New Virginia. \ Fmm tha RegUtcr of Roaolatlona of the Slates OenenI, In llie Koyal Archirn at the Hague. ] Tuesday, the 4"" September, 1621. Read the petition of Henrick Allartszzn' cum suis, in which they request ,..»,.„.. permission to send a ship to New Virginia to fetch' their people and property from there; but it is resolved, before disposing thereof, to hear the opinion of the Board of Admiralty in Zealand. Folio 861. Ilenrick AllatKzzn cum duit. Virginia. Resolution of the States General permitting a ship to proceed to Virginia. [ From Ihe Register of UesolutlDDa of the Stalet General, In the Rofal Archlrea at the Hague. ] Wednesday, 15 September, 1621. On the petition of Henrick Elkens, Hans Jooris Houlon and Adriaen Janssen, Engel cum sociis, merchants in Amsterdam, what follows is granted: — The States General, &c., having communica'ion of the contents of this petition, have, for reasons submitted with the presentation thereof, granted, and do hereby grant, for disposition thereof, that the petitioners, according to their request, shah be at liberty to send their ship named the White Dove, burthen about forty lasts, whereof Wilhem Janssen Houton is Master, to Virginia, on condition that they shall have returned to this country before the first of July next, with their goods and ship. Folio 8«3. nrndrirk Elkens cum buls. Folio 87«. Dlrck Volkfrme. eum saia. Resolution of tli^ States General permitting anotJter Ship to he sent to Virginia. [From the Begisier of Resolution) of 'he sttalas Oeneral, In the Rojal Archlrea at the Hague. ] Friday, 24"" Septemb', 1621. On the petition of Dierck Volckertse, Doctor Verus and Doctoi Carbasius, residing at Hoorn, I'ieter Nannincx, of Medenblik, Accountant, and CorneliB Volckertse, together with Pieter Dircxzen Schodeis, it is allowed as followeth: The States, etc., having communication of the contents of this petition, hiive, for reasons tlierein mentioned, allowed and hereby allow, for dispositior thereof, and that the aforesaid Petitioners may, accordingly, for the purpose aforesaid, s -nd to the Virginias, one ship, laden with all sorts of permitted merchandiise, to trade with and profit by the same; and afterwards to br ng over their cargoes, goods, clerks and seamen, to this country, provided that they shall have returned home before the first of July, sixteen hunUred and twenty-two. ' Miaapelt for " Henrich Elkena," t«« nut reaolutioD, — Ed. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: L m Resolution of the State, General pe,-mittir,g a Ship to be sent to New Netherland. I From .h, Begfle, of K«oI„u„n. of tho St.... Gen.r.1, m Ih. Ko,.l A,chlT« ., .he H^ue. ] P„,„8,o Tuesday, SS'" September, 1G21. d.gre.. of l,,i,„d« call/d N w N.U eZd- a ., ,1 l'™"' ""'"«" "" '»" »1 -*' a.L. N.„ u,v.:,"!;-;'!': ,:i:i t:r:; ,.f::,'r;:;':;;; xr °"'" ";'" 1621. »,, J, MkMOKASDI M. J';:n:- X rr:?::::;;.:^ ;:;;;r r,r r ^"""' "- '-^'^ - -- -- •- — .hereof .„.de. especially aM^e(>i,i,.,,o,;4 37^^ T"' """ •"""^"" ''■^''""■""* '" ''»- '--"."« Tru.,ce.. i, now in tho Sutc Library J KB ' ''^' "^ *'""''• I'"^'"**"^ »>> ■"<> ""''- ".e direction of ,h. s i?..«^«./.« o/ the State. General on a Conununicatio. from Sir DuJley Carkton, I Fr.™ u.e 8^U,„ or R«o>«Uo« o, ,h. sute. Oen.,^, ,„ .h. Uo,., Arch„« ., ,b„ H.,u,. ] Wednesday, the IG'" March, lO^o. thdr'Hirh'Mr.r "'"""'" ?:'" ,"" ''"'« "'■ '''•"" «""•'"• ^-ommended .hat i nia' iff ;"*""' """' ,"'?' " "*-'"""" °" •"« P-P-i'-" relating to to the etrect that Zr J Mil I ' ',"' '" ""; "'"''' '" ""■ '^'""'^ "'' ""'^ Netherland, contained in the IflreLd X;::;.t;:r^" '''''' " ''' '"^"""^'^ '"' ''' ''^ '^'^ ^'^ "-- ' For thi( propoiiUon. ttt poll. III., 8. — Ed. Fnlln »l. (Iroti BrIUIa. VIrglnU. 28 NEW. YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. i'l III Menclution of the States of Holland and Westfriesland on a j' opostd j>lan of immigration. [ From th« printed BvgUter. ] The 21 April, 1622. f'y'Sd'tS'uS'wS; The Directora of the West India Company report that they have examined luJie.. ^jjg paper relative to the Families to bt conveyed to the Wist Indie), and are of opinion, that it is very advantageous for the Company, and therefore that au effort ought to be made to promote it, with a promise that they sliould be employed ; and to postpone it until the Directors should be formed, if the Assembly thought proper that this promise should be made to them ; which, being considered by the Lords, gentlemen and ciii.-s, it is unanimously resolved and concluded, that the said promise shall be given with the knowledge of the Magistracy, and to proceed with it accordingly. Resolution of the States General on a Communication from Sir Dudley Carhton. [ From the BrgUter of ReMlulloni of Iho SUlea OenenI, In the Itojul Archlret at the Uagae. ] Wednesday, S?'" April, 1G22. Qre/B'r.wr Ambassador Carleton recommended that a resolution be passed on the communication he had made on the part of his M;ijesty, regarding the Island of virgini.. Virginia; and it is resolved, that the said communication shall be examined, together with what has been published in print at Amsterdam on this subject. Resolution of the States General on the Petition of the Jieir of Rev. Mr. Plancius. C From the KeKliter or Resulutloni of the Stale* OenenI, In the Boyal Archlrea at the nagua. ] Saturday, IS"" June, 1622. Foiiom Read the petition of Clues Jacobsen Ilarinckcarspel, Schepen and Councillor of the city of Amsterdam, heir of the deceased Petrus I'lancius minister of Cod's word, cum New NeiherianJ. suis, praying, for reasons set forth in the petition, that the time allowed to them, the petitioners, to bring over their returns from New Netheriand to this country, may be extended six months, but the resolution thereupon is postponed. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: L MeMon of tke State. Gen.-al rejecting 0. „r. of tAe We.t In.la Company, P^, ^j, Tuesday, the 29'" November, 1622. w«. 1.1 ««„. ^^"«;.«'J' t''»' the papers of the West India Co,r,pany remaining in the office Folio £8. Kngltnd. ^«.^ i?.../W.o« ./ tl. ^tate. General on a proposed Union of tke We.t India Companies. Friday, the Si"* March, 1G24. His Excellency appearing in the Assembly, in his presence are read the noint, February ^J^:^T;:X^:^ X^rt^l^'' '' '^'-'' ''' ^^^^^^^ and with the advice of his I Ll Lee I y it tr'^'^^r"'/"'' "'"'" -"-^«-'-n. M,„„.^p<„..,„„ fourth point.re«nrdinrthe Wpt/V 'y^^''^ ""^^ concluded; first, on the w.«i indii oom- |'"'iH. regarding the West India Company and thp Iptt^r „f .i, r j « ^n to be ^:s-';Lr;::t^^^^ Mightinesses' deputies at present attendi^rjLmee.Wtle X x!^ ' TV'"'^ "'«" Amsterdam, to submit to the n.eeting. as matters are S a d !""''" ^7/^7 '1 at present, that probably a West India Company will be forn^d „ 1 e ^d ^ or else some expedition be undertaken, whether thev wi 1? ^ . '""«''''""' consider if it would not be prudent to c^nTe on . .n.I ' "''''H^''''' *'''" "'^"^^io" and other equipment to be sent, on bott siLs to tl^ WeT, r ".^'^ '''' Companies, or of some not, of Use,, be strong enough, wU:^;:,:;:! ^ t:.r::dlfr::;r 77^ ^"' resist alone such a powerful force as is nut to «p. ... and to<.peration of others, to ships, for the purpose of cn.shi g e Comlv n t "T ' r'"' ''^ ''^ """^'^^^ "^ '"^^ agree respectiilg Ihe present and' tie future t F I'lT ' ! m' '7",' "'" '^ ""''"' *° when this Company In have sustained tVe LL He ^b^^^^^^^^^^ T'' which may be incorporated by God's gracious helo . d frl TTl ''""" "'" P''"'' without falling into the same diftic I'vT t L F .',; n "''^ '"""°' '^^ '"'^''^'^ can now be easier obviated eiler 1 1 . ^ "!'" ^"'"P''"^' '^"'^ ""^'^ them, which equipment to be exe:;;t:d itjat; ' ''"'""""'"" "' "''' '=°'"'"^"'- ^ ''^ «-« -'-i Of r :::;:::■ S'lr:: ::::;::r2r ror '^ r^ r -"^-^ "■- ^--'>- resolve thereupon with better loun.hUion ' '''''" ''"' " """' '" "^^ '•^^'*' '° .w„u,u..co.. And whereas his Excellency proposes that the Ambassadors ought necessarily be authorized, n case any league Hp r.n,w.i.,j a . i "etessariiy i-aoc i.uy league De concluded, to make some present to Mess" iiilft^iunert. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) b 1.0 iA£12.8 150 ^^~ 2.5 2.2 I.I 1^ 1^ Z \i^ 12.0 I 1.25 1.4 1.6 V] (7 <^ .^ ^^v ?.^ ^ >> V «k ^o'* '^ 9/j. Hiotographic Sciences Coiporalion ^V <* >. 33 WtST MAIN STMIf WiBSTIRNV U pleased so to provide therein, and so to order, that not only the aforesaid ship should be forbidden and prevented undertaking its intended voyage, but that the Company n.ay also be put beyond the risk of such evil practices being in future undertaken and attempted to its injury; and, likewise, to act further therein as your High Mightinesses shall consider necessary for the greatest advantage of this Company, and in keeping with your strong nflection for its prosperity: And, whereas, the noble Mighty States of Holland are at present assembled, il is most humbly requested, that you, High and Mighty, would be pleased on the occasion, to order and direct, through those of the North (iunrter, that the sails and guns be removed from the aforesaid ship; advising you. High and Mighty, moreover, that we also certainly understand that many are equipped in that Northern department for the West Indies; and we therefore request you, High and Mighty, to be pleased, through the said Lonis of the North Quarter, also so to provide, for reasons aforesaid, that the same be prevented and abandoned. Which hoping we shall. High and Mighty Lords, commend you, High and Mighty, tu the protection of the Most High. Your High Mightinesies most obedient servants, The Commissioners at the Assembly of the Nitieleen of thfl Incorporated West India Company, now in session in Amstero-.Ti. Amsterdam, this 30'^ March, 1G94. (Signed) Henr- Feith. ileceived 8 April. Jan Uybbrkoht. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: L 81 Agents of the West India (Jompany at Room, to the Assembly of the XIX. [ From th* MS. reMlrsd w an AppandU bjr Iha BUlM Oenwil ; Bor>l ArchlfM, Higne. File ITm* Inau. ] Honorable, Worthy, Wise and right Prudent gentlemen and friends. Whereas we repaired this morning to the meeting of the Directors of this city, and, after sundry >3onversations, explained to their Honors that we understood that a certain th'p was fitting out here with design to go to the Virgmia) under Frmch commission, intending to take along good carpenters and shipwrights to construct a store, housss and ships there in order to be employed elsewhere within the limits of the charter. This then appearing to be a matter of great consequence, we both deemed it proper to wait on the Magistrates of Hoorn, as we did forthwith, and after explanatory introduction, requested them, as Judges and administrators of the laws, to maintain us against this contravention of the charter, and its amplification. Whereupon they answered, that we might certainly rely on them, and they resolved, with our previous advice, to summon the Skipper, who was busy taking out his ship, and about to sail forthwith, to demand of him an inventory thereof, and of a'l that is, or will be received on board. The Skippei appearing in our absence, refused to coirply, saying he wish-s to go to F ranee, wanting to know who acted thus, threatening to complain, as if the King of France's crown were attacked. The Burgomasters finding him thus obstinate, said that he was then arrested until he should give satisfaction herein, against which he has protested, and demanded certificate of arrest. We thought proper that this should be done in the npme and on behalf of the Assembly of the XIX., though we are not exptessly authorized hereunto. We request your advice whether the arrest shall continue, and what further shall be done in the premises. You may be assured that a certain person of credit is here, who was lately offered a share of that ship, v,rell knowing that some owners reside here and at Amsterdam : therefore, the matter ought, in our opinion, be prosecuted, for the sake of example, and thereby to discourage others, who are disposed to go the same road. Regarding our affairs, we have done nothing, except to make some prepaiatory arrangements to facilitate the business as much as possible, expc^cting to-day the Deputies of the respective cities. The Directors of Hoorn have informed us, that they authorized, or wrote to your Commissioners for the opening of their subscription to the capital, in the assurance that their petition shall be taken into consideration. What relates to it, your Honors will presently know. Herewith ending. (Understood:) Honorable, worthy, wise, right, discreet gentlemen, praying the Almighty to keep you in his Holy protection. (Signed) Yjur Honors' dutiful Commissioners, Hoorn, the 29* March. 1624. Kooikr Cobbbrt lleceived a* Apri., 1624. Blkndricxs', Alb' Wikrikck. (At the side stood:) Post. After closing this, the arrested Skipper hath had an attachment •erv.;d on us, and summoned us for the next day, which we shall endeavor to meet by ey' ptions, etc., until further instructions and advice will be received from youi Honors. The address was: Hight Honorable, worthy, wif«e and most prudent, the Commissioneri at the Assembly of the Nineteen, on behalf of the West India Company, at Amste'dam. I m fill III 82 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. States General to the Assembly of the XIX. [ From Ihe Mlant* Id the Kojal Archlm tX (he Uigae; File HM /mHa, 1628 — 1614. ] The States. D»»idPietei». Honorable : By the annexed petition, presented to us by Captain Bavid, PUten, you will be able to learn what he hath communicated and requested on the part of his owners residing at Rochclle. And whereas we so regard the matter that the Incorporated fVett India Company ought not to enter, in the beginning, into a dispute with the subjects of neighboring Kings and Princes, but much rather observe good corrnspondeuce and friendship towards them. We have, therefore, deemed it proper and necessary to send Your Honors the aforesaid Petition, and reflecting on theconsequences which may arise to the injury of the Company by disputes with the French, hereby recommend you to endeavor that this matter be arranged by agreement; either that your Honors receive the ship and cargo by purchase from the Petitioner, or, should this not be ejected, cause him to enter into bonds, that the ship will not go within the limits of your Charter; or thut some other amicable arrangement may be discovered whereby both sides may be satisfied. Whereunto awaiting. Done the 6'*' April, 1624. Secret liesolution of t/ie Staffs General on the proposed Union of tlie West India Companiet. I From tke RegMer ofSecrat R«*olutlona of the 8UtM OenermI, in (he Kofil irehlrea al Ihe Higne. ] Tuesday, the 9"- of April, 1624. Kngiaod. Mcss" TBH Zoelcn, Duyck and Magnus have reported that they have, with inrtroMion tor the his Excellcncy, reconsidered the resolution adopted on the 28^ March last, on t"he „""„'" "*" „_, points left open for the further Instruction for the Ambassadors to England, and CnellllonnrthrWeiit '^ ' o ' *»'"• u^np^r- especially the 4*, 7'* and 8"" points of the above mentioned Instructions concerning, tTTcZ^onin. first: the West India Company; secondly: the aid that should be promised from Uiiiury tikin. ^j^jg gjjg j„ p^gg jj,g j^j„g gg j^ ^^^ . ^j^j^ thirdly: if some regiments might be newMdiera. exchanged, new levies for old experienced soldiers; and, conformably to the advice of hU Excellency, it is resolved, on the first point: That the declaration of the Assembly of the Nineteen on this matter must be waited for, to which purpose their High Mightinesses' Deputies now returning to that Assembly, are directed, moreover, to insist thereon by resolution, in order to send copy thereof to the Ambassadors. U«g( rding the second and third points, as there is no appearance that the King will be willing to bring a formal Army into the field, it is resolved, that it is, as yet, unnecessary to determine specially thereupon, but prudent to postpone it until it will be seen what his Majesty will please to resolve in the premises. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: I. ^ Secret Resolution of th States General [ Prom Ih. BcgUtor of Secr.i R««luilon. of 8UI.1 Oeuenil, In ih. Ror.I Archlr. .1 the Ilario. ] Friday, the 17"" of May, 1624. It being reported that his Excellency has been pleased to write the letter the 8- instantT "I T-'"^?^ '" u'' '^"•'^»'"'"^°" '" P'-»"«=«. *« ""swer to their letter of the 8 instant, it u concludea to let it be sent, as here inserted : — Folio 08. Franoe, Ldlirr In ihs Am iHUMdorf. The States General of the United Netherlandi. Honorable wise, right prudent Gentlemen: We duly received, on the 10«^ inst., your d patches af the 27- and last of April. I„ like manner, was handed to us, on tl e U- n 7„7;h ^oth1r^^ ""^ ^^P^^^^P''^ '^'^^""-" «--«-' "n'^''- upon con i,f ' fh r"lf """'^"'"^ ''^ "'' '^' ""'^ "''"' ^'^ "-^^"'^^ °- ''"^1^- resolution th " ' It o """''^ ^^ "* "'•^°'''^'"« '° '■'« *" ""'I S- articles of the Treaty of lllZT) V f ;'' '"' ""' '^''' '"''' ""^'«""°"' ^"' "f ^'^ breaking with thus o Algiers; 6": of the Judicature, &c. On the third point speaking of the East and West India Company, you will, so far as relates KdJr.llHre""''*" ° , '^ '"'^'*'''' *^*'*=""« *'• ^'"' ll^^ '"^st reasons you can adduce; and fiiinliy, declare that nothinr can be done therein without hearing the Company. And 11 If . '"5 " '" """"r"^ "'"'' '^ '^'^'^ '' 8'^« ^'" "^'"J-^y «" P-'-ib'^ -tisfacUon «r?.°4i^^ °»d as far as the West Indies is concerned. We have sent you, by Salais. the declaration of the Nineteen, to which we refer, in order that you may treat to l^'nd! * "" "^^ ""'^ '"°"'"" ""P^ "''''"'"• '" '"" '''' ^"' ''''°"''* "°^ ''«^« '=°'"« Respecting the fourth point, you shall, etc. i detract from the Jour,uil of the Dutch Ambassadors in England. ( Ftom Ih* Orlflntl lo lh« Kor«l Art lk« Hajue- ] Monday, the 14 Octob., 1624. R.|wJ'tn.°m*Br..ii, Albert Koenmels and Philips Doublet, Directors of the West India Company, vi.gini.w.,iouiii«. pppeared before the Ass .mbly, and rendered a report of the present stale of affairs, both in Africa and Brazil, relating that two ships have arrived from the coas' of Guinea, bringing, in addition to their freight of 627 pounds of gold, 1840 elephants' teeth, and 330 ton* of pepper, news that the General there hath made an alliance and treaty with the King of Sabou and Acora, not to trade with ai./ one eicept with those of the Company; and that he is engaged in a like negotiation with a third King. And fhat four ships ' ' e arrived from the Bay of All Saints, bringing the Vice Roy and his Son, and the Jes ts prisoners. That Admiral Willekes is gone to the Weat Indies with 12 Ships, and the Vice Admiral to Angola, with 5 ships. That one ship ig arrived from Virginia, bringing some peltries with a number of other articles. Request their High Mightinesses' resolution on certain points delivered in writing by them, the disposal whereof is postponed to to-morrow. It I i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: I. 95 Rmilution of the States General admitting Mr. Schagen to his Seat. I From the BegUtor of BnolaUou of the BlatM Oenwal, In the Eojal ArchlT««, at Ih- Ha(ne. ] Tueaday, the 6"" May, 1625. Mr.p.j.LUen. Received a letter from the States of Holland and Westfriesland, of this day's date, wherein they advise that they have deputed Pieter Janssen Schagen. Councillor and Magistrate of the City of Alcmaer, to their High Mightinesses' Assembly, in the stead of the Mr. Albert Sonck, requesting that he may obtain admittance, which their High Mightinesses granted. ^J'eds of the West India Company, 1626. t '»«» *• Original in tho Royal ArchUM at the Ilagne j File, WiH Jitdien. ] Two ships destined for the trade and settlement of the Colony in New Netherland. Efficts of the Incorporated West Lidia Compan>j, as they are found at present, after it was determined, aa it indeed is true, that the Sailors and Soldiers of the Fleets of General Boudewyn Hendrixsen, the Admiral t'Lam, be paid, and can be forthwith paid out of the Company's previous funds, and all moneys on interest be paid, which are very trifling. Estimated this 4"" Sept', 1626. 9 ships from 150 to 200 @, 230 lasts, well equipped. 3 large yachts. In all, 12 ships and yachts destined for the African trade in Guinea, Benin, Angola, Greyn, and Quaqua coasts, with the exported cargoes and expected returns, as more fully can be shewn, amount to, according J°''°'l' fl. 1,709,000 1 ship of Dordrecht to Cape Verd, with cargo 60,000 1 ship ) destined for the trade of the Amazon and the Coast o( CJuiana, 2 yachts ) with the cargoes 80 000 1 ship of about 130 lasts, | well equipped, destined for the trade and ^ y^*^^^ ) colonization of New Netherland, estimated, *''""'•"* 120.000 Total, 18 ships and yachts trading to all quarters where the Company hath any ~ free trade, amounting to 1,969,000 9 large ships of 200 to 300 lasts, ) despatched in May, 1626, under 6 large and small yachts, j Admiral Pieter Pieterzen Heyn, { whose plan promises to be successful ) victualled for 18 months, having full 1800 men, furnished with metal and iron guns, amounting, with the equipage, to 70U 000 T. — ■ ■ ( ■ ' ■iLajumma M NEW-YORK COLONIAL MiNUSCRIPTS. 8 ships and yachts on div rs expeditions, under Thomas Sickes flag, victualled for 18 inont amounting to fl. oqO 000 33 ships of 200, (ft, 300, (Bi 350 lasts, including 9 or 10 big and little yachts — which the Company hath still lying here in port, provided with In all 73 metal and iron guns, and all sorts of supplies of ammunition of war, ships. powder, muskets, arms, sabres, and whatever may be necessary for the equipment, which can be fitted for sea at the fourth part of their former cost, estimated, as more fully can be seen, at 1,100 000 The sugar prize lately by Thomas Sickes, and the goods freighted through the fleet by General Boudewyn Hendrixen, will amount '""y 'o 300,000 The wages of the 1600 soldiers allowed to the Company by your High Mightinesses, and the expense incurred thereupon by the refusal to pay anything ^50,000 That your High Mightinesses still owe, on the promised 1500"" guilders, to be paid before you can derive any advantage as partners, 150,000 These following moneys are still to he received in cash, which being in the Treasury, will be applied to keep the foregoing ships at sea, not only to injure the King of Spain, but also by God's blessing to do your High Mightinesses and the Company much service, and the Partners good profit : From the shareholders what is yet unpaid of the 3^ installment; the third of the 3" installment, estimated at 488 000 From the shareholders for the 4"- installment, all which is forthcoming, amounting to 1,467,000 Your High Mightinesses still remain indebted on the 1500"" guilders, bi sides the 150°" guilders before stated .' 750,000 Total, fl. 7,304,000 Further, 5 ships and 3 yachts which your High Mightinesses promised to indemnify the Company for in guns, powder, and other munitions of war; as these are still wanting to complete the subsidy promised by the 40'* article of the Charter, and by divers acknowledgments made by your High Mightinesses, as to be seen in resolutions. It remains to be staled, that the valuation of the ships and necessaries of war hereinbefore entered in gross, is not taken at the highest value, but will doubtless bring more when minutely reexamined. Then, as to what relates to the state of the trtide and the pay of shareholders, they think they are sufficiently well informed thereof. N. B. When the Assembly of the XFX. resolved to send the expedition under Admiral Willekens, the capital of the shareholders of all the chambers, aJded together, amounted to, -, .„„„„„» m I- I.- _../ fl.4,300,000 To which 18 added what youi High Mightinesaea promise by the Charter, 5,000,000 In all fl.6,300,000 m HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : I. „-> n^^H "'K'^'f '""'"'"^'.' "P''"" '' «'""'" "' *'"■« ^'■™«'' ''3' t^« mi"!""', than it was at that A«^««' the trade with ' andirifl ""'^ P^'^' -"« «"" ^-'-" independent of the King of Spain, is very meager and trifling; and that the countries, yet uninvaded, are for the most part of liftle consequence and unproductive, or if good and fruitful, are very difficult of cultivation, especially for our people, who. being unaccustomed to so hot a climate, can with great difiiculty be.ake themselves to agriculture; and being unprovided with slaves, and not used To the einployment of them, cannot, like the Spaniards and Portuguese, supply throul^. others their own insufficiency. Moreover, the colonizing such wild and uncuLated cou„ r * demands more inhabitants than we can well supply; not so much through lack of pop lln •n which our provinces abound, as from the fact, that all who are inc'ned to do ny r toJ from home on an uncertainty; to this may be added, the doubt of being able to protect it 11 i i 40 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. unless at greater and heavier expense than the returns are worth that may probably be derived from thence. But in order that you, High and Mighty, may be correctly informed herein, and understand the situation of the countries yet uninvaded by our enemies, we shall explain to you more particularly the extent and condition thereof, from one end of our boundaries ia West India to the other. The limits granted to us by Your High Mightinesses, start from, or begin on the North at, Nova Francia, the bounds whereof were extended somewhat too far by the French ; so that they have even been inclined to dispute us New Netherland, which is the first country occupied and possessed by our people ; and the Company, on that accomit, have suffered, of late yeaiis, notorious damage by reprisals. Now, this district, which we have named New Netherland, although it ought to be, in point of climate, as warm and as well adapted for the cultivation of fruits at least, as the furthept frontiers of France towards Spain; yet it has been found much colder, and as much subject to frost and other inconveniences as these; nay, as more northern countries. The people conveyed by us thither, have, therefore, found but scanty means of livelihood up to the present time ; and have not been any profit, but a drawback, to this Company. The trade carried on there in peltries, is right advantageous ; but one year with another, we c^, at most, bring home only Fifty thousand guilders. Proceeding more Boutherly, next comes Virginia, possessed by the English ; and Florida, so far as it has commercial advantages, by the Spaniards. For, although Florida is extensive, the places occupied by the Spaniards are few, and the harbors, even for middling ships, so rare that there is but very small probability of being able to execute anything advantageously there. The large Islands are settled by the Spaniards, etc. Exhibited 23" October, 1629. Considerations in regard to the Truce with Spain, [ From the Original In the Boytl ArchlvM at tht, Hague; nir, Wtct IndU, ] Extract of the Reasons and Considerations submitted ' y the Directors of the Incorporated TFeat India ComjHiny to their High Mightinesses, the Lords States, in the present deliberation regarding the truce with the King of Spain. Exhibited the IG Novemb., 1G29. High and Mighty Lords, Although we are confident that you, High and Mighty, can in your usual wisdom, and will, pursuant to your special regard and favor for us, consider that the security and welfare of our beloved Fatherland is most intimately connected with the preservation and prosperity of our Company, yet we have deemed it our duty to lay, with all submission, before you. High and Mighty, in a summary manner, the principal points which, in these parts, ought to be taken into consideration. First: it is to be considered with what longing the Company has been expected, for many years, by all good Patriots at home, and all good wishers of our slate abroad ; and how slowly HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: 1. wUl, foreign.,,. ' ' ""' "'"' "■ ■»"""*'»• '" "'"I' '""S"*. «" th.ir com™,. our»r,icei wte-.^ the p.ol tl 'onr M, ■ ,°' ", °°"' " I"'"""' '"" ■«■»»» '» we have at present over 400 m(.i«l .,;„ . l . ^ mcreasect this year, so that r.w.,.; hLesped::r:ir;:r^^ ^^'-- -- -- -*- one hundred thousand pound op wdeFr^m'l.'r-^'^"' "' '""'^ °"^ «'"P«' "^^ trade our equipments have created ^Z^Jr T '' """' "' ''""^ ^« «««"' ^^at with what a\eLrUh.e7orce:rh :e'^^^ r^^^^^^^^^ ^ ^- -'P'oyed. and High Mightinesses can make use in tim^ on, ^°" , ^'^ M'ghtinesses' navy, of which Your particularly we., timed in tL ,:s;;r^l"::;;;e: '"'"''^"^' '''' -''^-'^--'"«. was thil^:::;:; '° '^ '""'"^^ ^""^'''•^^^'^ -'^^ --^^^ ^•>-. our ship,, have brought into e4;"n;s^":::?p:^';:.,^r:i:r'f ?^" ''r^- ^^-^ '" -urse or trade in gold, in b'ars. received^rr ^ m i/Jn I^'^^^^^^^^ ''"" ^'^^ "^-' ^^^ «"ver. coined'and New Spain, amounted to so Zn T tr ' *> '=°"''''1"""=« "^ '^e capture of the fleet from or any other countrj ' ''''""' ""' "•^^'"•'"" "^"^ «-' ''^'"8-'=^ a prize to this. Vol. I. 6 1 4 I III »,.• .•*- 4S NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. oecondlj: we have now, during some consecutive years, plundered the e.iemy and enriched this country with many large parcels of Indigo, so that over 4000 cases have been received at the close of the last, and the beginning of this year. Thirdly: a large quantity of Sugar, so that we have brought in, this year alone, thvee thousand cheots. Fourthly : a wonderful large quantity o' Haw hides, and have taken 36" principally this year from the enemy. Fifthly : the hanJsomest lot of Cochineal that was ever brought i ito this country. Sixthly : a considerable quantity of T'^bacco, which is now an important article of commerce. And finiliy, a vast amount of wealth in all sorts of precious stones, silk and silk goods, musk, amber, all sorts of drugs, Brazil and Log Wood ana other wares, too numerous to mciition here; so that we have already brought several millions into this country. All which warss, sold and distributed among the good inhabitaatd, were consumed here and conveyed elsewhere, and therefore enriched yourHigli Mightinesses' subjects, and inceased the revenue- Tlia damage done thereby to our enemies, is easily estimated. Wii have, moreover, captured some even of the King of Spain's galeons, hithp to considered inviiicible, besides some other of his men of War, exclusive of more than two hundred ships and barks which we have ta' t.. from his subjects, and partly appropriated to our own use, and partly destroyed. Our ships and fleets also reduced, and lor a time kept possepsion of, the rich and migiity city of St. Salvador, in Brazil ; sacked Porto Rico ; pointed out the way to seize its exceedingly enclosed harbori^, and ha^e destroyed the castb of Margrita. Py all which acts have we not only drained the King of Spain's treasury, but also further pursued him at considerable expense. We say, exhausted his treasury — First, by depriving him of so much silver, which was &8 blood from one of the arteriea of his heart. Secondly, bj Sk. Your High MightinesseB* Humble Ssrvants, The Depuiied of the Chartered West India Company at the Assembly of the XIX. (Signed) Ant* Gcdin, Symon van der Dobs. Mascvc van Valckunburch, db MooR; .To' DB Last, Dirdkrich ScHBRpy, PiBTBRzoN'T, Abraham Oykns, J. Van dkr NrENBUROy Wkprincc' ' Tb« kboT : doeament will b« fcimd •otir* in AilMm*, Stoat m Oorlogh, folio, I., tOl; 4to IL, 9\% wher* Uiati(n«i b/; Kimii* Ruit, A. ricnuoNt, Didusii Scnnw, Kvtom Oon.1, Oeuit tan NrtuMI, Aiiabaii Utirn, I Di LiiT, Stmcn Vcidub, Ai»UT WTrmnoE. lUl'int TAD ViUXIHiniB JoaAM PI MoOl, HOLLAND DOCtJMENTS! L 48 A Paient to Messrs. Qodyn and Bhmmaert for a Tract of land on Delaware Bay. [ From U. Orlftn.1 ; ind from th. Soeord In Book O Q.. to U» ofllc. of Iho Bw^r of 8tat^ Albuij, N.T. ] We, the Director and Council in New Netherlnnd, residing on the Inland Manahatas and ia For Amsterdam, under the authority of their High Mightinesses the Lords States General of the United Netherlands, and of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, hereby acknowledge and declare, that on this day, the date underwritten, came and appeared before us, m their proper persons, Queskakous and Eesanques Siconesius, and the inhabitants 0. their village. sUuPte at the South cape of the Bay of the South River, and freely and vo.untan.y declared, by special authority of the rulers and consent of the Commonalty there, that they already, on the first day of the month of June bf Jhe past ytar, 1629, for and on account of certain parcels of cargoes, which they, previous to the passing hereof, acknowledged to have received and got into their hands and power, to their full satisfaction, have transported, ceded, given over aud conveyed in just, true and free property, as they hereby transport, cede, give over and convey to, and for the behoof of. Mess" Samuel Godin and Samuel Blommart. absent; and for whom We, by virtue of our office, under proper stipulation, do accept the same, namely: the Land to them belonging, situate on the South side of the aforesaid Bay. by us ca led The Bay of the South River, extending in length from C. Hinlopen off unto the mouth of the aforesaid South River, about eight leagues (groote mylen), and half a league in breadth, into the interior, extending to a certain marsh (Icegte) or valley, through which these limits car be clearly enough distinguished. And that with all the action, ri«ht and junsdiction to them in the aforesaid quality, therein appertaining, constituting and surrogalinR the said Mess" Godin and Blommaert in their stead, state, real and actual possession thereof; and gmng them, at the same time, full and irrevocable authority, power and special command, to hold in quiet possession, occupancy and use. tanquam Actores et Procuratores in rem propriam. the aforesaid land acquired by the above mentioned Mess" (Jodin and Blommaert or those who may hereafter obtain their interest; also to do. barter, and dispose thereof, as they may do with their own well and lawfully acquired lands. Without they, the Grantors, having reserving, or retaining for the future, any. the smallest part, right, action or authority, whether of property, command or jurisdiction therein; but now, hereby, for ever and a day desisting, retiring from, abandoning and renouncing the same for the behoof aforesaid; promising further, no only io observe, fulfill and to hold fast, unbroken and irrevocable, this their conveyance and whatever maybe done in viriue thereof, but. also, the said parcel of land to maintain nga.nst every one and to deliver free of controversies, gainsays and contradiction., by whomsoever instituted -gniiist the same. All in good faith without guile or deceit. In Witness IS this confirmed with our usual signature and with our seal dependant therefrom. Done on the aforesaid Island Manahatas, this fifteenth of July. XVI" and thirty. (Signed) Peter Minuit, Director, PiBTEH ByLVELT, Jacob Elbertpen Wissinck, Jan Ja\nkn Brouwer. SVMON DlHCKSEN Po8, Rkv.mxr Harusnsbn. Jan Lampc, Sheriff. u NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Patent to Kiliaen Van Rensselaer for a Tract of Land on Hudson^s Hivet: f i Ml [ From the aaUienlle Tranacrlpt Iq the Eojral Arohlree U the Hague ; File, WmI Iitdit. ] ( L. 8. ) Anno 1630, adi 13th of August. Wb, the Director and Council of New Netherland, residing on the Island Manhatas and in Fort Amsterdam, under the authority of their High Mightinesses the Lords States General of the United Netherlands and the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, do hereby acknowledge and declare, that on this day, the date under written, before us appeared and presented themselves in their proper persons : Kottomack, Nawanemit Albantzeene, Sagiskwa and Kanaoinack, owners and proprietors of their respective parcels of land, extending up the River, South and North, from said Fort unto a little south of Moeneminnes Castle, to the aforesaid proprietors, belonging jointly and in common, and the aforesaid Nawanemit's particular land called Semesseerse, lying on the East Bank opposite Castle Island off unto the abovementioned Fort; Item, from Petanock, the Millstream, away North to Negagonse, in extent about three miles, and declared freely and advisedly for and on account of certain parcels of Cargoes, which they acknowledge to have received in their hands and power before the execution hereof, and, by virtue and bill of sale, to hereby transport, convey and make over to the Mr. Kiliaen van Renspelaer, absent, and for whom We, ex officio and with due stipulation, accept the same; namely: the respective parcels of land hereinbefore specified, with the timber, nppendencies and dependencies thereof, together with all the action, right and jurisdiction to them the grantors conjointly or severally belonging, constituting and surrogating the said Mr. Rensselaer in their stead, state and right, real and actual possession thereof, and at the same time giving him full, absolute and irrevocable power, authority and epecial command to hold, in quiet possession, cultivation, occupancy and use, tnnquam actor et procurator in rem suam ac propriain, the land aforesaid, acquired by said Mr. Van Rensselner, or those who may hereafter acquire his interest; also, to dispose of, do with and alienate it, as he or others should or might do with his other and own Lands and domains acquired by good and lawful title, without the grantors therein retaining, reserving or holding any, the smallest part, right, action or authority whether of property, command or jurisdiction, but rather, hereby, desisting, retiring and renouncing therefrom forever, for the behoof aforesaid ; further promising this their conveyance and whatever may by virtue thereof be done, not only forever to hold fast and irrevocable, to observe and to fullill, but also to give security (or the surrender of the aforesaid land, obligans et renuncians a bona fide. In testimony is this confirmed by our usual signature, with the ordinary seal thereunto depending. Done at the aforesaid Island Manahatas and Fort AniHlerdam, on the day and year aioresaid. Signed, Tutkii Mi.nuit, Director; Pieter Bylvelt, Jacob Elbertss. Wissinck, Jun Jussen Drouwer, Symon Dirckss. I'os, Reyner Harmfiisen, Jan liampe, Sheriff. There was, besides; This Conveyance written with mine own hand is, in consequence of the Secretary's absence, executed in my presence on the thirteenth day of August, XVI', and thirty, as above. Si^^.icd, Lknaht Colk, Deputy Secretary. After collating with the Original, dated, signed and sealed as above, this Copy is found to agree with it. Amsterdam, the 6"" September, ItiTsJ. In testimony, (Signed) Auiuaen Lock, Nutaris Publ. 1072. i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: I. 45 Subjects for tlm Consideratwn of the AssemUy of the XIX. [ Prom the Ort^n«l in th. Eoyid Archlrw tl the Hign. : File. II e^ IndU. ] Points for Consideration on which all the Chambers of the We*t India Company are convoked for tho SO- March, 1632, at Amsterdam; from which is extracted so much as relates to Nev Netherland. U"" Point. And observing the misconstructions which occur in the Freedom and Eremvtions to the them he', ;: IT "'"'"^ ^'"" *'""'°" ^""« '° '^^^^ '^^ — -^ blg^v^^h them the hsts of the.r rece.pt, together with the names of those, who are admitted as pfaZZ Exhibited 19 March, 1632. i .11 'I i Hi Mrf van Arnhem to the States General. [ Fromthe Origtnel In the Roy.l AnshlTt. u the Befae ; File. Wm IndU. ] High and Mighty Lords. The Directors of the West India Company have informed us that one of their ships named 'he r .r ' :T '"' "" ""«" '' ''''' "'''P ""^ P'"--'^ "' 'h«^ J^"«'i«'> Coi;Z; next h« the Company had appropriated some countries belonging to the Englfsh; notwithstanding said trade was prosecuted at such places in New NetlLland; to wil be^re I t e So f ami South Rivers ; which have been always in the peaceable and uncon.ovet" possession of the Company ; and those of sai>>r of nnolttUou of Uw SUtM Oraaral, In th* Ka;tl Arohln* M tin llifu*. ] Wednesday, T^ April, 1632. iMio «!«. Ileceived a letter Trorn Mr. Anihein, their High Mightinesses' associate Delegate to the Assembly of the XIX., M' Olican absent, written at ^nsterdora the 6"" inst., ond seconded by the verbal petition of Mr. Adriaen Pieterson, Director of the aforesaid Company, in order to obtain letters to Ambassador Jonchiini and Deputy (lovert Drasser, with n view Ship Unity. that, through tlieir intercession, the Ship EenJntchi, coming from New Nelherlnnd and touching at I'lymouth, in Knglnnd, and there seized, should be again released and discharged ; which, being considered, it is hereby resolved and decided, to uUow and grant th« letters aforesaid in the best fuini. asmihrs in A'ligland. [ rram llu UlBnto In Ui* Rorml ArcblTM •! Ill* Htguc : nif, Wm$ MJU ] To Mess" Joachimi and Urosser, their High Mightinesses' Ambassador and Deputy in Knglaud ; the 7<^ April, 1062. Tub States, etc. Honorable. The Directors deputed to the Assembly of the XIX. of the West India Company, at .Vmsterdam, have represented to us that the Ship Emdracht, on arriving at Plymouth, from New Netherland, was, by the Vice admiral nnd Captains of the Plymouth Castles, seiied on the false information of the provost of said Ship, who was dissatisfied, because he could not have his earned wages paid to him there, {which lie must first receive at Amsterdam) and of the Pilot, who, in opposition to the Director and Skipper, being on shore got married. Rut a settlemiMit being had, with much dillicully, she was released again, and the aforesaid provost, having received his wages, went up to London, and before the shi|> m ,l.,ll HOLLAND DOCUMENTS i L 4* could depart, hrought down a accond nrre.t. in which the ship must remain and be yet detained wuhu. freight solely upon a« untrue representation that the Peltries were bought with i„The jurisdiction or district belonging to his Majesty of Great Britain, whereas they were on the contrary bartered m New Netherland. under our resort and within the limits of thabov! named Company's charter, on the South and North Rivers, where there are not any English oftriiw^^^^^^^^^ InL hlhU "^'^'f,*"^""'" Y""' ""*»". and especially of the Concession of freedoms granted by his said Majesty to the above Company'. Ships, said Company is most deepTy prejudiced, and put to excessively great expense, such as loss of wages 'and consumpUon of stores, amounting, daily, to a large sum. besides the loss of the season for the sale of peltries, which go most y to Russia, and could otherwise have been sold with the pel rie already advertised And. moreover, the crew of the aforesaid ship had so much the more time aflorded them to take away, ,„ violation of their oath, great quantities of the peltries belonging to the Company and to convey the same stealthily into the interior, or elsewhere. Therefore we cannot, neither must we. neglect to request and solicit you hereby, to do the Compa y uch good offices and kindnesses with the King of Great Britain and other persons, if necessary re oVc"ost anri" ' ''\"'°T" "'"^ ""' """'' "^"^ '^ i-ediately released LraS' free of cost, and damages, but. also, that order may be given that hereafter such unfounded «t,ac ments and impediments may be avoided, and the Company freed from such inconven ences. troubles and annoyances. And in case the aforesaid, or any other ship. may. in conse uence of the unfounded pretension, of the Earl of Carlisle, be troubled about a certain iTndSt Martin, claimed have been given him by the King ; where, nevertheless, the saiS E rTn;ve; had any people, but which has been made use of by the above mentioned Companyryou will on the contrary, nlege such reasons as you «ill consider most applicable in the premise.! Relying on which, we commend you to God's protection. At the Hague, the 7'* April, 1032. Messrs. Joachimi and Bnmer to the States General. ( rroiii Id* Or1,lii«l. r.ni.laln. In th. Ro,.l ArohlTM .1 th. Hi«.. j ril., BHgrimd. ] High and Mighty Lords. My Lords. K»!r.'.S "^ '"" '» I""' High Mightln..,,., „», of ,h. 2,. of |„., „„„,h, gi„„, 1^ •n.i»ir,rtofiu(m. """^ on iiio eveuts at Amboina; and a so. reauoatHH ihnt hi. i ^.a u- ■ . iH.runi pointo; to nro««„f . k . • .. ' '"H^'e""*! toat his Lordship wou d eonfar wU Ml K«. pfcvent ths exportntiou of warlike stoma »« tu^ »„-.., ..• / . n\\f>nc, iher.>i|K.B, ■ . "^ wHriiRo Biores to the enemy ; settins forth ihn SRr^ lIT "*' ^^t ?">'"«••«- ™'«"'' •" *<- -Hi place, deprive therefr ^ Hi -^c„, J.^. Lordsiip said, he hau not given any consent to have the book printed; and th Secratarie. w.r ^l'l')'^!>---^^ "ad no knowledge of it. That the Bishop, or B^Cftarie.. w«. ,., hab.t of giving such licence., that he agreed with us. it were better ¥' 48 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. omitted. But that such was permitted in the case of the East India Company, which is much dissatisfied, because it does not receive any satisfaction for the Amboina affair. And in regard to the export of warliiie stores, that the Council had requested his opinion thereupon, in connection with his Majesty's finances, and that he had then disapproved thereof. We, nevertheless, have been, afterwards, informed that the exportation is permitted to Spain and Italy- His Lordship told "s among other things, that he had copy of the Instruction given to Don Gunsalva di Cordua, from Spain, to the effect that he should proceed quietly in all other matters, except in regard to the reconciliation of the King with his mother and brother; that he should thenin proceed zealously and earnestly. He also said, he had advice from the English Ambassador, resident in France, that such was the case; and having received no satisfaction therein, he had refused to accept a costly rapier from the King, and a certain present from the Queen. And his Lordship added, moreover, that he thought the fi-st news we should receive from Spain, would, also, bring intelligence that the Spaniards from Catalonia had fallen on France; for which purpose great Naval preparations were making in the Mediteraneau. We likewise addressed ourselves to Mr. Secretary Kooke, whom we found much excited in the India affair; and soon observed, that he had consented to the publication of the Book. His Lordship was so violent in the matter, that, when we afterwards spoke to him of Captain le Clercq's trial, and the wrong suffered therein, he gave us for answer, Amboina. When he complained of the proceedings of the Admiralty at Rotterdam, in the case of the owners of the Ship the Kim, (the Child); we answered thereunto, that we should afford his Lordship good satisfaction, whenever the complaint was laid before us. His Lordship hath since received the Seals of the Foreign affairs; so that, hereafter, all these matters will pass through his hands. We have congratulated his Lordship, and expressed our satisfaction that his Majesty had been pleased to employ him therein, as we were well aware that his Lordship was always disposed to maintain good correspondence between this kingdom and the United Countries. Indeed, his Lordship is, also, well disposed towards the Reformed religion, and not favorable to Spain ; and labors strenuously to establish the English nation in trade and commerce. As all matters must henceforth pass through the hands of this gentleman, and the expeditions be advanced by him, your High Mightinesses will please to consider in your great wisdom, whether U would not be for your High Mightinesses' service to present him some token of courtesey on his entrance into office. Whatever your High Mightinesses resolve to apropriate thereto, may be paid hero from the balance of the payment of 100,000 guilders which have begun to be disbursed, on account of the (J50,000 for which Mr. Carleton signed; then, should there be a deficit of 3, 4 to 5, 1000 guilders, nothing, in our opinion, would be thought about it here. His Majesty being returned hei^ on the first of April, we requested his answer to our proposals made at New Market, and, ii; addition, complained of the seizure since at f'lymouth of a certain ship named the Eendiachl, belonging to the West India Company, and now coming from New Netherland, where your High Mightinesses' subjects have long pep.ceahly traded, and, moreover, many years ago planted a colony an a certain island named Manathans, situate on the river also of the same name, which they purchased from the native inhabitants and paid fur. That your High Mightinesses' said subjects had hitherto, in going and coming, peaceably made use of the harbors of Knglaiid, without opposition from any quarter, and that a ship coming from thence, was now seiited for having traded within his Majesty's territories. HOLLAND DdCUMEKtS: I." % should also take further infor Jtl rda ive o the T ^"«"«V*'^"«"P''" afterwards; that he his roads and harbors. ThatT-rhad aoDoLH P ^^" ""^"''^ °" "' ^^ °"^ «"«"'^"> '" of the published hooks, ^x ::^s^:i ^::z:t:^ zi^^^^ttv governor at Plymouth had advised him of it and .h,f h ^ i £««/r«c/<^ that his Mightinesses had. heretofore 0^1 fl , ' """ '"'^""""'^ ""'^ ^our High trading to those iartT But hrad «H ''""''''""'• '"'^^'^''^'^'^ y"""- i"h»bitants from circum'stances of C Le :le then r/tTeTh: Id I T". ""' """^'^^'^ '">^ ^'-^ '»'« as we urged the provisional release of h« r '^°'^\'''' '^"^"'" mformation thereon , and therefor, and meanwhile to keep evervthirin 1 \v "''"" '" '•«1""--»tiBfactio„ this opinion, because the Lord Hig , T Jr IZ^Ta ""' f """'' ^""'^'^^ >" which, howev.r. wa, made bv o^L of hlp^ '^""?"" "'^ ''^^ '^'''"''''^ "«'=="■•«. Lordship is the first: Moreover be nfdesro^rT'"'"r\°' ''' ^''""""^' ""^^^f '''» Vol. L •0 NTCWYORK COLONIAL MANIT8CRIPT8. Ill thnt win, without doubt, \u\ moat ulinrply diKpuled here. The ship the Kcndrachi hni over five tlioiianiul henvtir Rkins on honrd. T\u\ llt'ildent Ciirloton nnd M' Uoshuil,' who ia to reiide near your High Mighlineiaea in the place of the former, hi»ve been to vialt ua, iind notified ua thnt tliey nre about to take their departure, preaenling their aervicp. Finally, they requeated tliat wo ahould recommend your High Mightinoaiea to furnish the nforeaaid Uoahuil with a free houae, and that your High Mightineaaea would bo pleaaed to interpoao a word in (iivor of the aforenamed Carleton'a family, that they may romuin a mouth or more after May in the old house. The above named Uoahuil hath the reputation hero of being a very honeat man, and, eapeclally, that he ia well inclined to mnintain good correapnndence between hia Mnjeaty and Your High Mightineaaea. We aubmit to Your High Mightineaaea' wisdom and discretion, whether or not you will furniah hhn with a (Vee house. We ahall merely observe thua much, that, if not done, it will again lay open the wound of the refuaed seat in the Council, and bo interpreted aa having been done through disreapect for hia Majeaty, whoso agents have, heretofore, been supplied by your High Mightineaaea with a fh'o house. 8ir Bronckhorst has alao waited on ua, saying that he undorstood your High Mightineaaea were making new levies. Ami as he had a commiaaion to raiae a regiment, he requeated ua, whenever your High Mightineases were enlisting new forcea, to acquaint yout High Mightineseas of hia oiler to raiae a regiment and to take it over at hia own expenae. We were afterwarda informed that application would bo made for permission to convey to Dunkirk a large quantity of Saltpeter, which has arri 'ed from India. And herewith, conimending ourselves, most reaped fully . to your High Mightinesses' good graces, we ahall continually pray Almighty (Jod. High and Mighty Lorda, that he may bluaa Your High Mightineaaea' wiae government njore and more. Your High Mightineaaea' Moat liumble and The l(V» April, loas ; Moat faithful servant.. Stylo novo. In London. (Signed) Ai.B. Joachimi. Uecvived I May, ItiUy. Oovk«t Bra^srr. nWt Ituiiii Chm/ktnt/ to th« StatM (i«nmU. I F»o« Uif Oriftnal la ih. Uojii AnhlTM >l Um U>r» ; ril», Wtat At.N*. 1 To the High and Mighty Lortia Stalea General of the United Netherlands. High and Mighty Lorda. We have heretofore complained to your High Mightineaaea that our ahip the Eendracht. coming from .New Netherland, laden with peltriet, '«., was detained at Plymouth by his M-.je8ty'a command, under pretence that our pe&ple had traded in countriea claimed to belong to hia aforesaid Majesty. ' Bo»w«ii. — r». HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: I. &1 On the third instant. Pieter Minuit of We.d, Director on behalf of your Company in New Ne her ..nd and Jnn Lampo of CantelbergI, Sheriff on the hland ManlLles Ze o us her^ .md .".onned u, that, on arriving with your Hhip. named the /JcW. J/, i . he po of I'lymouth, were there arreMed for having tra.ied in countries under the King of GrearBrit „^ junsdicfon. We thereupon complained to hi. Majesty; related the circumstances o the nl an requested that the aforesaid ship may be provisionally released Zm srsat. that hJ had been advised thereof by his governor of I'lyn.outh. ami ha.l been i..formeJ i I't ^n a trmer compla,nt. y h„ lather, to their High Mightinesses, of their inhabitants hgtadeTo those Countries, their High Mightiness had forbidden them so to do ; but rddnot know P-cise y w at the circumstances were, and would Inform himsel furiler of it A. .7 notw.lhstan ing our repeated deman.i for the provisional release of the ship . s Ma Ity wi of his r ght We addressed ourselves, with a similar view, to some Lords of the Council and received substantially the same answer. council, and «u.r;"^tThe'firt'r"'' ' i" '^ "■■ '"'^ *° "■^''""^^""^ »'«»• m'^*^^--- th„t. BUbstquent to the first discovery, by your subjects in the year 1000. of the North River (commonly called the Manhattos. also Hio de Montaigne and North ri er.) and afte some of your inhabitants had resorted thither, in the year ,6,0 and following ^ears. you hI M.g htines.es had hnally. i„ the year 10,6, granted some of your inhabitants a ch rter to " de to those countries, to the exclusion of all other persons, and that they estabi shed a or a„d garriHon there which were maintained until the charter granted to th Wes „dia Company included the:, and other countries That in the year ,006. his MajesTv of Great Britain granted to his subjects by special charter South -.ml lV,r.l, r .i r V, ^ Wl„r.u|,„„, .!,„ E„8li.l, begun, „b„„, ,|,. y.nr 1007, l» ..,,1. by ,h„ riv.r S»g,dahoc, which .elllement w„. »g„„, »ft„,w„„r. „ba„do„e,l, „„l no „«„ pl«„ta,i„„ undertaken bAh. I'l.! north or New Ne.bcri.n.l, befo,. the yea, ,020, when oh'., whioh . y o NeC^^^^^^^^ was commenced behind Cape Cod. lymoum, The English themselves, according to their charter, place New England on the coast between the forty-first and forty-fifth degrees of latitude. oetween But the English began in the year ,600. to resort to Virginia, which is South of our territory tr::!::^C^ ''- ^--'-'-- --^'-^ - ^^^'^ ^--. r-, the z;z:2 So that our boundaries, according to their own shewing, should be from the thirlv-ninth I s» NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Whnt boundaries your High Mightinesses have granted to your subjects, can be seen by the charter issued in the year 16Jd, which your High Mightinesses will please cause to be looked into. We have not the slightest knowledge of his Majesty's further allegation respecting the demand made by his father, and the result thereof.' In order to execute this business effectually, your High Mightinesses will be pleased to have this examined, and cause your High Mightinesses' Ambassador to be duly informed thereof, and to order the release of our ship and goods to be prosecuted and obtained. It is further to be remarked : that inasmuch as the inhabitants of those countries are freemen and neither his Britannic Mnjesty's, nor your High Mightinesses' subjects, they are free to trade with whomsoever they please. That his Majesty may likewise, in all justice, grant his subjects by charter the right to trade with any people, to the exclusion of all others, his subjects, as your High Mightinesses have u right to do by yours. But, that it is directly contrary to all right and reason, for one potentate to prevent the subjects of another to trade in countries whereof his people have not taken, nor obtained actual possession from the right owners, either by contract or purchase. Much more, to lay claim to countries of which your High Mightinesses' subjects have acquired the property, partly by confederation with the owners of the lands, and partly by purchase. "^ ^ And many other reasons which your High Mightinesses' wisdom will better suggest, for the maintenance of your sovereignty and the freedom of trade by sea, and alliances with distant nations, who are not, naturally, the subjects, nor have become the property, of any other person, by conquest. Exhibited 6 May, 1632. Resolution of the States General on the preceding Letter. I From tta. B«(UI«r of the B«olaUani or the Sletee Oener.1, In the Royel Arehlre. .1 the n.r>e. ] Wednesday, the 5"" May, 1G32. 7ZB^' ^ ^" '''^ <=°'"P'"'"' »'■ ^he West India Company, to the effect that their ship, the 8h„.L.,T.cht. Ecndnichl, commg from Nev^ Netherland, laden with peltries, &c., is seized at P;ymou h by the King's command, and that his Majesty questioned the said Company's right to trade to the aforesaid New Netherland. It is, after previous deliberation, resolved and concluded, that Ambassador Joachimi and Deputy Brasser shall be written to, that they use and exert all possible means to have the aforesaid ship released from arrest, and the West India Company in future saved from all similar annoyances, and that the Deduction communicated by tho Deputies of the abovementioned Company in attendance on their High Mightinesses, be sent to the said Miuisters to justify the trade to the aforesaid New Netherland. 'Seepof/, IIL, «. — Ed. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : I -. am States General to their Ambassadors in England. [ From th. Mlnuto tu Ih. Bo,.l Archl,.. « th. H.,.. i Fll., Eneriand.^ To Mess" Joachimi and Brasser, the 6'" May, 1C32. The States, etc. dou..t your hearty zeal no. duty, yet a. we uri,n^7L":^:^,ZZ aZ' admonished to exert and exercise all possible means for the release o L aforesaid shTpTnd that the merchant-men of the West India Company may in future be saved rom u E' 1 ke annoyances. And m justification of the trading of said Company to the Zesaid liew ^et erland, the sa.d Directors have communicated to us the annexed Deduct „ to wS we have appended copy of a certain Charter, granted by us on the 14- Octob. 1«U to some private inhabitants of this country, to resort to New Netherland Rv nil h .' ^ T the right of the aforesaid Company to trade to New Ne:,?e:,rd'muftVe'^^^ Z^^^^^^ ^j^l add thereunto such reasons and motives as you shall judge pertinent, according to circumstanlesl Done the 5^ May, 1632. ^1 * " »■■» Messrs. Joachimi and Brasser to the States General I F«,n. lh« Origtn.!, In lb. Ho,.l A«hlr«i .t th. H,«n. , FU.. Unf^nd. ) High and Mighty Lords. possible diligence, to obtan a written answpr fn ,..., I » . "c euueavorea Dy all eo,u.,i„i„g. f„ brtef, .he .„b«: . IZlu p Tc d "f Th" '°""""f '" 'l''" ""'""■ •" -• ' ■•- ""-■>. - -.: .." " .'•™:.-:;r xr^tzi ' Aengeteyektndt ia the Dutch word: it it doubtlM. *n .«.„. t AmbM«.dor'. next de.p.tch. - Ed. ' ^°' ong^tuckend, un.igned. which i. the word ueed in the M NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. that Mr. Vosbergen waa not charged with wliat, report says, has since been negotiated with France; that we had no knowledge in the world of it; that being, apparently, matters concerning the direction of the war, his Majesty had no reason to take it ill. that it was kept secret until completed ; with which answer the Secretary seemed somewhat satisfied. The second reason why he wished to speak to us on the delivery of the answer was, we think, to communicate to us, in addition, the internal meaning of the answer; namely, that the intent is, that like batisfaution shall be given by parties on both sides for every thing; that is to say, satisfaction shall be given for what passed at Amboina; otherwise, we cannot expect that any regard will be paid to our complaints ; for, indeed, matters here are so situated that we are in great doubt whether or not we shall press for his Majesty's declaration, that your High Mightinesses' subjects shall be at liberty to bring their captured prizes in and out again of his Majesty's harbors; for we know, that so long as this stumbling block be not removed, every thing shall turn to our prejudice. Regarding the Amboina affair: whilst it pleased your High Mightinesses to commit the direction thereof to his Lordship the Prince of Orange and some of the members of your High Mightinesses Assembly, we repeatedly wrote on the subject to the Prince and represented i.t full length and breadth, in what position the affair, in our judgment, stood here. Your High Mightinesses will please to remind the gentlemen to whom this affair was committed, to prosecute the aforesaid affair with all diligence; for otherwise, more or less danger is to be expected from this quarter. We send your High Mightinesses, herewith, copies of said proposal and answer. The aforesaid answer did not contain any mention of the trial of Captain le Clercq. Apparently from considerations before mentioned, this affair was dragging along to the exceeding great inconvenience of your High Mightinesses' subjects who, meanwhile, dare not approach his Majesty's harbors with their prizes; whereby many, either through stress of weather, have perished, or through inability to wait for a convoy, have fallen into the enemy's hands; as has happened, even within four days, to a certain privateer who had a good prize with him ; understanding, off Plymouth, that Captain le Clercq's ship lay there still seized, he dare not enter the harbor, and both ship and prize fell into the hands of 4 Dunkirkers. These Dunkirkers, it is reported, are expressly instructed to keep themselves west of the needle, in order that our ships, not daring to enter the harbors here, might fall into their mouths. It is to be remarked, that the trial of Captain le Clercq is of great consequence, as 'twill be a beacon to all those who shall have made any prizes on the enemy, to determine whether or not they are to have the privilege of entering the harbors of this kingdom. We, therefore, requested your High Mightinesses heretofore, in our dispatches of the 26"* March and 17"* April last, to advise us how we should act in case judgment was rendered against the said Captain; requesting, also, most respectfully, that the aforesaid order might be sent over to us by the earliest opportunity. We apprehend another difficulty in this matter; namely, that the Captain's owners, weary of the long nnd useless proceeding, iiicli/.t* to ^;ttle with their adversaries; which, as regards your High Mightinesses, is almost ar |if«tji diiii i as the loe ; ; f the suit; for your High Mightmesses' inhabitants understanding tliai, will not dare to enter the harbors. We do not fail to encourage the owners, and to dissuade them from that course; but do not know how far desperation may drive them. We have, therefore, concluded 'o suggest to your High Mightinesses, whether it were not better for the State to negotiate rather with the owners, and to assume the stock for the public, it being well undftrst vs):; »> 'tis said, that the owners cannot be any longer kept from agreeing with HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: I. 55 the opposue party. It is of the highest importance to our enemy that this matter be settled by arrangement, though their inhahitnnts should derive but little advantage therebv for reason, already stated. The aforesaid owners are also much importuned thereunto. Your High Mightinesses, in your profound wisdom, will best understand what ought to be done in this matte. We shall most respectfully await your comnrnnds, and will most dutifully and faithfully obey them. •' Regarding the inquiry about the little ship taken near the Recolvers, we do not. and cannot think what IS wanting. The long delay in sending that over. doe. your High Mightinesses' affairs here no good. o a ^o^o Lieutenant Colonel Ashley has requested us to inform your High Mightinesses, that he has gone hence, by express orders from his Majesty, to the King of Sweden ; that if your Hiirh Mightinesses require him to join his regiment, he shall do so immediately; he intends to convey his Majesty's final resolution to his Ambassador. Lord Faen. and entertain, do doubt but the subsidy of 100- guilders a month will be paid from here to the King of Sweden. His Majesty seems resolved to dotate his niece, the Duke of Lenox's daughter, and to give her ,n ™;rriage to the Lord High Treasurer's son. whose oldest sister is married to the Earl hL m!w ' f TC- "^''^ '^''""''' ^"' ^' ""' " ""'« strengthened by this connexion with his Majesty s next of kin. and the friendship between him and the Earl of Arundel, whi. h is considerable, will apparently be further increased. The aforesaid High Treasurer's son goe. Zi.'!lVTTr7 '" ^'"^' ^'"^ " -nessage of condolence on the death of the late S:]i:t/s ills Itr '"'" '"" " ''' ^'"« '' ^""™"'' ^° ^^^'^'^ "'^ ^'^ ^-'^ °f ^^' And herewith, commending ourselves, most humbly, to Your High Mightinesses' good graces, we will pray God Almighty, High and Mighty Lords, that He may bless your High Mightinesses wise government more and more. Your High Mightinesses Most obedient and In London, this SS- May. 1632. rsKd?'"''""! '^'''T'' Stylo, novo. ^^'^°'^^ Alb: Joachimi. GOVERT BbASSBB. Menumstrance of the Amhassadors of the States General to King Charles I. i From Uio US. Id th« B..„| ArohlrM >t the Utgn. ; File, imUIKxl B!ng>land. 1089. ] To the Most Serenb Kino of Great Britain, &c. Sire repre. n ed that th'^ H . ' - « ^""' ''"^"'' '° ''" "" ^* ^^"'"»^''«*' "« lX«H?r . Lordships, the States General, our Masters, aware that the enemy ndeavoi: "r h"r '""'""'^•'"'-'''"« ^«'-- Vour Sacred Majesty and their LordsMps' endeavoring, for that purpose, to create a belief that their Lordships did not entertain the respect due to Your Sacred Majesty, and even that they leaned more towards some otrPri nee NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. than townrds Your Majesty, had deemed it necessary to send expressly to Your Sacred Majesty to assure you of their respect for Your person, and of the affection they bore Your Majesty's Sacred Person and State, and to pray you not to condescend to lend an ear to such like calumnies, which, tending only to disturb an existing uninn, they have the greater cause to fear. That, in confirmation of the respect our said Lords cherish for Your Sacred Majesty, khey had i)een pleased to communicate to Your Majesty the subject of the embassy they had sent to France, and that they had, on the earliest notice, ordered that the vessel be sent back which their Captains had onptured near Roculvers ; they pray the affection they entertain for Your Sacred M.njejty may be measured by that they manifest towards your nearest of kin. We besought your Majesty, Sire, thereupon to be pleased to continue to our Masters the honor of Your good graces, and to treat them as good neighbors, friends and allies, by causing our enemies to give up the vessels they have captured, md especiidly that it please Your Majesty to put an end to all seizures and prohibitions against the prizes taken from our enemies at sea. being brought into your Majesty's harbors, such being contrary to the law of Nations and the universal law and practice of all the princes of Europe, and contrary even to the constitution of Your Kingdom and the practice of Your ancestors, and even of Your Majesty, aud finally, to give order for the delivery to Captain le Clercq, of the prize he captured from our enemy fourteen months ago. We complained also. Sire, of the publication of two certain books, the tendency whereof is only to excite the te'i.per of one people against the other, a result altogether contrary to that desired by our Masters. Your Majesty was pleased to defer an answer to the foregoing, until you should have returned to the city of London. Wherefore, Sire, we most respectfully approach Your Sacred person, that you may be pleased to give us such a reply as may contribute to a firm union between the two States, so profitable to both. The happy accession of Your Majesty to Your crown, which we this day celebrate, induces us to hope. Sire, that Your Majesty will render us this day happy, by the assurances to our Masters of your affection for them. We pray God that Your Majesty may see many returns of the same day. Moreover, Sire, we cannot conceal from Your Majesty that we are very sorry to hear that whilst we labor to cement the good correspondence between Your Sacred Majesty and their Lordships the States, your subjects, on the other hand, create new difficulties. Thus it is, that the subjects of their Lordships, the States, have, for a long time, traded in the river Manathans, now called Maurice, in the West Indies, having purchased from the native inhabitants and paid for a certain island called also Manathans, where they remain surrounded on all sides by the Natives of the country, and have, from all time, in coming and going, freely enjoyed your Majesty's ports and harbors without any objection. Now it has happened, that a vessel belonging to the West India Company, and coming from the said island, with quite a number of people, their wives and children on board, arrived at Plymouth harbor through stress of weather, where she has been seized with very great inconvenience to the said people. Wherefore, Sire, we most humbly pray your Majesty to be pleased to give order that the ship be released, so that the said people may terminate their voyage. [Pound as an appendix to the despatch of Mess" Jouchimi and BroMer, received ll"" June, 1C33.] HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : I. ^-j Answer to the Remomtrance of the Dutch Ambassadors. [ rrom the MS. Id lh« Bortl Archirn at the nigue ; File .ntlUed, JSntOmi. \m. ] Answer to the Remonstrance presented to the King and the Lords, his Commissioners, by their Lordships the Ambassador and Deputy of the Lords States General of the United Provinces, in April, 1032. First: as regards the occasion of this Remonstrance, which is founded on the suspicion of some misunderstanding, it cannot but appear strange to his Majesty who could not imagine, by any indication, except l>y this Remonstrance, that there had been evil designed attempts made with a view to disunion, nor that offence had been taken to the respect shown by the said Lords the States to other princes. For although hi. Majesty might well claim for himself the preference in the balance of their esteem, he would not object to the good understanding they cultivate with their other friends, confident that they are in a position to weigh well in Uie.r prudence how much more advantageous is their union with him to that with others. Now inasmuch as they have sent expressly to assure his Majesty of the respect and aff-ection they bear h.m. the attention they have manifested therein is deserving all praise. These pains cannot indeed be too great to preserve such a treasure as they possess in the friendship of hi. Majesty and his subjects, their antient friends and good neighbors. And the consideration of that respect towards his Majesty, afforded l,y the communication of the contents of their Inst despatch to Prance, furnishes, indeed, an evidence of their confidence without, in the least prejudicing their affairs; and were this frr.nkness continued, it would, without doubt, have dissipated all those pretended clouds of disaffection and distrust. As regards the restoration which they have made of the vessel captured near Reculvers by one of their ships (mention whereof is made in the second Article) that also deserves praise, as the result of their justice, especially if the first delinquent had been punished and had made reparation for the losses and damages they have been always accustomed to demand and sue for in such case, which also should properly be made to prevent the recurrence of ■uch depredations. In the third place: as regards the representation to his Majesty of the friendship they have manifested to his nearest relatives ; although these personally are well worthy thereof, and may well merit it. yet his Majesty always willingly shares and feels an interest in whatever concern, the beloved persons of his brother and sijter. and hopes that the Lords States will not have cause to repent of the kind offices they have done th"« everlosethefortunalerronTths '.f '7,? " 7 '"'' "'«'' '^"k''^'— will fo? nnances. Tor Jet y Z^s of 0^1 . f^"' '"""""' ^''"^ l-redi.ary enemy', straw can the enemy ^'::i::;Z^ ;rtC::h ^n 7 ''" [" T^^""^; ""' « and consequently, only n s.all portion ofthe Se^en L n , i ° wl "' be e„,j ,oyed; Ind.ans to tra 'e with us, nor can we trade with them witL.^ '^' "'" ourselves the friends of the Snanii ds an „ 7 circumspection, if we show to court the Chilians an to s^n t 'sp n^^^^ ZT''' " ."'"" "'" '"'"• '' ^'^^^ ""« meager scum of a well fed bod v for h? "' """""^ "'"' '■'^'^'"'" ''"■• "»■ ««ve a tbeir'largest «hips J Lan/o t^hH n ^ 17^ ""' 'h^ """^r' " ^^" " «-"' ^-'^ "^ empty or sicM -d then. nLer::e::ToraV: '^Z/Zu':-;::' ^hr:;' V^f '7'' 77 discouraged; the shares will fall in value- ma.v wTll 1 i stockholders will be done, and daily continue to do- even JVh , ^ ""'' "' '"'"^ ''"^« "'"-^^dy this Company. ' '" ''^ "'"'^ ''''°' "P '° ^'"« ''-"«• have conferred lustre ou Will adopt a laudable'and fi^m reJolut to ;: IS •''"'"^.^' ,""'' ^"'^«^- '^•'" ''-^ them in prosecuting the war- and thnT v "'7'"'" '\^"'"P""y '" '''^'r Charter, and aid example o'^'.eale,u!,?oU:;Vo:to;m:r,r:h^^^^^ '''''-''- -'"' -^'- ^ «'- ^n are :i;::'ztr:^.:ii:nt:f :::;;:::; 7^"^ "r ^"^^''"^'^^^' -''- '- ^-" we now propose to do if .rooerlv n f , "'"' "" «-^P'"-'''"<'''d chief thither (as State, but^endere so ; t e Tint itsT'^ "-^T "'" ""' °"'^ '^'^ «'^'^"-^ ^^ ^'- trade and prosperity tols L.'ntl^;' '^ ^^^'^""^ "'" '''^'^PP^^' "'"^ '^ -"' P-duce great JZ^::'^^::^:Zr:^''' -'"'-'- r ^-«^---o demanded are where those subsidies appT to be air no difficulty about them; but the profit.to be reaped t Ee r 1 rs „I o o 77' "T,''"""' circumstances can well justify. t..^.. .0 evident t.,at tbt :;:r x^j^ ^ si'::^:?;: ""^^ ^"' "'^^ P."^ =; ^Z^rt::—:- ^- ^^ - ^t- --^ ^-: were v.ed these heretofore derived but little' ^^v tie fj^f """ r"" "'"'" ""« «'"'« '^'^ weakening the enemy; with wha:t u;e L^v m'^Te^,: 7;"'"'^ '':''''''''"' ""'' disregard of a Comnanv wl.i,.l, „,.. r •. "'''" '° '^°^'"" "'e'r neglect or com„!onwealth nd'w icl el: : e'lr" '"'T """' "'^'•^ --^'"'-'^" «-' for the dreaded except by its enemies/ ^"^ """"^ ^"«'""'««es' wings, and cannot be m 48 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. If your Great Mightinesses please to examine the deliberations previous to the compleat establishment of the Company; the Charter which tbeir High Mightinesses offered, unsolicited by their subjects; the circumstances which occurred in the course of the Administration, it is a very questionable point, whether the Directors are not better able to vindicate themselves before their stockholders for having expended their property so lavishly in the puolic service, than the rulers of this State to excuse themselves to posterity for having had such little regard for the services of the Company, which they had hitherto assisted, as to abandon it at last on the appearance of the enemy. It depends on the determination of the Lords to continue the war, or to terminate it by a peace, or even to suspend it for some years, by a truce. Whichever bo resolved upon, the Company must necessarily come into consideration. The enemy who intrudes herein, seems not disposed to come to any conclusion, before and until the Company be taken off his neck, and the captured places restored on certain conditions. We are not afraid that their High Mightinesses will concur with the foe in this; but, indeed, that those who most affect the truce, may charge us with being an obstruction to its full accomplishment. And, although it were in no wise to be tolerated, the consequence will be, that the resolution of subsidies will be passed late, and carried slowly into effect, so that, in conclusion, we shall have to pray your Great Mightinesses seriously to consider, first: whether this State hath to expect any notable relief and profit from the war which the Company is to continue in the countries of America? or, if it be better to oblige the King so far as to surrender such considerable advantages, obtained at so great an expense, and to abandon the Company. And. meanwhile, your Great Mightinesses are humbly requested to take into consideration the Charter the High and Mighty Lords States General have granted us, which attracted stockholders not only in this country, but also among many of the confederates, and how it will be possible to answer the one or the other before the world ; also, to pay due attention to the placards lately promulgated in Brazil, in the name of their High Mightinesses, according to whicn the natives and likewise some of the Portuguese, as we are informed, have already begun to regulate themselves, and cannot be abandoned without marked infamy and loss of credit. We pray God, that He be pleased to inspire your Great Mightinesses in such wise, as shall tend to the dissemination of His honor, and the prosperity of our fatherland. SvJiject for tJie Consideration of the Assembly of the XIX. 1634. [ From the Orifiiul In the Bojril AnshlTM at (ha Hagu : File, WM Tndie. ] Points of Reference on which all the Chambers of the West India Company are summoned to Amsterdam for the 18"" March, 1634, extracted as far as relates to New Netherland. 6"' Point. Inasmuch as the dilajrences with the proprietors of Colonies of New Netherland were postponed at the last meeting, the members shall be reminded to come with mature deliberation, in order to terminate this matter at once, according to the Resolution of the V^ and lO* September, 16* November, and l?"- and 21" December last. ! m HOLLAND DOCUMENTS j II. ^^ I^esdution of the State. General on the difficulties between the Company and the Patroons. Saturday the 13"" May, 1634. w.*i"lt?lp,ny ^8'"' a certain memorial pr, ented to their High Mightinesses setting f.r,^, T., Wr™7^^«' ««-"« ''iff-'^'-ences have arisen between the Directors of he w2 .^ Heir Nelherlwid. fJomnnnTr nn th,. ^ x i ■ „ i'lio-iors 01 tne West India their committee; and that their High Mlghtinlr houirihlr T* ^ """'"' ^ and con, respecting their differences; and afterwards to decide said Hrff.? \ , ' ^^ of votes, shall be found most agreoable to jus ce • a„ri„ cl J f T "'' ^ party or the other, their High Mightinesses' ra^rc'oUji: r a Impter; to tts"! busmess w.th the party present; and those interested shall be summoned tHnn T the 21" inst., in order to proceed to business on the day following ' °° Slates General to the Amsterdam Clmwber of the West India Company. [F.om U>6 lllnut« In th. Eo/.! Arehlrw .t lh« Hig«. j Fll., W»t Indi.. ] The States. r"!iS"»r„*':'"™' "' ''"• "■" ''•y '''P"'«i "-• Lord, from ou, A...mbly, to he., .„d Which h,v, ,™e„ ;„:,h .iX^^"^'.T^:,:^^:'::r^f:' "" "'"'r- plurality of ,ot.., .h.ll and ™o.t .greeabl, to ia.lic. Aad , , sS ■ .T" " ""''• '"' ...d ..pointed hy ou,co™.i..i„„.,f r„ .,„ huZH wetter, '".rd".? Xt Done 13'* May, 1634. m NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. States General to the Patroons of New Netherland. ( From Iha Mloale In th« Ro)r«l ArohlrM at th« Iligue ; File, Went Indie. ] To Mr. Michiel Pauw, Lord of Achlienhoven, Co-Patroon m New Netherland. The IS"- May, 1634. The States. '^*" oSIS'p.n,'"'"* Whereas we have this day deputed some Lords from our Assembly, to hear Mi«PiiiJi«n"of!J«w and examine you and the other interested patroons, planters of the Colonies in " Tieia. i^ew Netherland, on the one part, and the delegated Directors of the West India ?."ma'i! irmmel;; Company and the authorized Stockholders on the other part, relative to the iwr.°i"ur'icit iuIJJh. differences which have arisen, with power afterwards to determine the said ditferences, as by plurality of votes they shall find equitable. And the Sa"" instant having been fixed and appointed by the said Lords, our Deputies, as the day for the business; we have therefore resolved to notify you thereof, commanding you to attend here at the Hague, duly provided in all things, as the case requires, on the evening of the 21" instant, in order to appear on the next day, for the purposes aforesaid, before the above mentioned Lords, our deputies, who will then proceed to business. Wherein fail not; giving notice hereof to the other patroons, planters, who are also interested iu the aforesaid difTerences. Done 13 May, 1G34. Jiesolution of the States General on a letter from the West India Company. [ From lb* RegliKr of Retolutlont or Uir SMIm OenenI, In ths Itojril ArchlTM •! Ui« Bigu*. ] Monday, 22 May, 1634. Read a letter from the Directors of the West India Company at Amsterdam, of the ao"" instant, requesting, for reasons therein set forth, that the appearance before their High Mightinesses' Deputies, whereunto they are summoned for the 82*' instant, may be postponed for eight days or more. Whereupon it is resolved, to hand the aforesaid letter to Messrs. Arnhem and others, their High Mightinesses' Dt puties, who will fix another suitable day, and notify the aforesaid Directors, together with the masters of the Colonies in New Netherland, to appear as aforesaid. Folio 4*0. WmI India Com paujr. Plintorv. Jiesolution of the States General fjcimj c day for hearing the Patroons, d'C. I From th* Ranttur »r ItoolaUoiu of UiK SUIm Otncrkl, In th* Itojrtl ArtklrM •! lb« Hifiir, ] Saturday, 10 June, 1634. . .f"!!",^' ^^1 motion of Mr. .\rnhem, the Directors of the West India Company, and the lb. p!IJ?i"l pi.nl. f'"'''oo"»' pirtiilf" in New Netherland shall be summoned to be on the evenin[, •" of the U"" instunt at the tavern, in order to proceed to buaineas next day on the diflfereDce between them respectively existing. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: II, n States General to the Patroom of Mw JVethei-land. I From Ih. Mlouf l„ u,. Royl Archlr- ., ,h. 11.^,. F,„, r«« MdU. ] To the Patroons. planters in New Netherland. The lO- June, 1634. The States. rSSZ, „^^' "°''fi«'^yo» and the other Patroons, planters, on the 13- May last to Nnh.ri.od. -Tppear here on ihe evening nf fho oi« . I, .. . "»'«y lasi, lo differences exis ing wi.h those of e West I . i a cll„ '"'"'"«' °" ''* ""'J^'^' °' ^'^^ rights i„ New Netherland. And wherTa h d v m stT'" T'"';* ^ ''°'°"'" ""'^ ^"'^'^ the West India Company, we have a o ding y aLur ed^^ °'^'°^^ "'" in the evening, at the tavern. Wherein fail not * '""''"'• °"' ^""^ '"«' Done 10* June, 1634. States General to the Amsterdam Chancer of the West ladia Company. t From Ui, Mlnut. In Ih. B071U Arohlr- ,t ,h, H.r... File. W^ /*/fe. ] ""^ Ju'nf I'at" °' ''' "^"^ '"'" ''°'"''""^' •" ''•^ ^""'"^^ ^' A-t-d-. The 10* The States. ItrS!;' ,,7,7°""''' ''°'' '"' "" "" "»' I""' <» "PP"' l>"- »" th. eTCTin, of th. Done 10'* June, 163* •^/r. Joachimi to the States (feneral. t 'mm DM Ofl|Hn.l, m Ui. Ko;.! AiohlTM u u,, »,„,; r,,^ m,),iam4. J High and Mighty Lords. trnm/there.n i:;'^ X ,;t. »*« of the said about the latitude'lf ffoXd'e-^^^^^^^ -uth or entrance of said river i. degrees or thereaboutes from Fnulan. I T^ '"'""'''• ""'^ '" '°"«'^"'^« "'^^ «"<» fou^tye that assoone as the I ippt^.e i^uoTf '"'' TT '"''«"" ''^ " '''''^- ^"^ --'h. all her compauye (excepte o' e boye to I ' H ". T- "" '''''' "''' ^"'^'^ commanded Where they^ere abou L " «: ie Tnd hi" ! "l" T' '" '^^"^ '° '^«'^« f^'^ afterwards wente about ffourtyelngue;^^^^ "bord theire shippe againe; and the merchants factor, and some ot^s of tlfe r ' "^'"^ "'""' •^"'^"'' •^"^°''«°" *^"''"''. and carryed divers g odes w t n to t de r.T;';'' ""'*' °" ''°"« """^ P'^'""" »"« ^-'« other furrs. But the Dutch followeth th m u^^ 1 T"" °'" """ ''"''"' ^°^ ''-^-» -^ trade there; but went on shoar Tnd o l' 7^^ the sa.d r.ver. and would not suffer them to and the said factor, and the rest ; the col ^ "u ''''''' ''"'' ""'^ '^"^'^ '"« «ood, boate. in disgrace of the Englislfera d rfwo tl" "'lT"'*^' ''"" trumpett in the with them to trade with the Li jlcob Jacol , . 7 ' ^'""'^ ''"'' ""'^ ''^°"«'"« <"her. the Dutch goinge abord the srid X':^^:^^:::^^'' ^^^ ^"" "'^^-"'^• to depte with the said shippe out of the aid wJ T ""'^ '"^''''"^ ^'' companye Bea They should not trade there anrtls-iH ""f "'"' '""'"" '''* "^^^ ^'"^ '"«•" «« and others of the said shipps' comp; 'ye) d si "TT T'" <*" ''^ ^""''^ '''" "-•^«'« towards the companye of the said sh p'pe .„d h t th "n '"" ''" ''""^'^ °' "^^^ -"*««« to shewe it to his merchants, w ien lea^an e .om '.T "n '"" ''* ^"«""^« '^«^« ^^eir. further he cannot depose. '"'"•'' *'"^'' '^' ^"''='' '«'""''«'l to give him. and that sett her forth, have thereby .usteyned 10^1. 7 T"'"'"' ""'^ ''^^ '""^^^^ to the value of foure thousand poL^delT. „';::; , eXfh ^ ''^' '^^ ''"^^^^^'^ > m trade with the natives in those places if fll„ 7 L ^''•"^ '"«'8f"« there have gott awaye all theire godes. accorire to h ' L'll th '7 '"":"' '" '"""'' ""' ""^ '-<=*«<» the said goodes. be.ore the Du.cM Lced e„ o Zt " k'' '" ""^ "'""" ''"-^'•"' "^ he cannotl depose. "' '° '^"P'' ^'""' '»"'"<=« «« aforesaid, and further Dicto die. Vol. I. 10 74 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. To the ffirst iiiterrye : he sayeth, that in or about the moneth of November Auno domini 1632 last past the interr'* William Clobery, David Morehead and John Delabarr of London merchants, did victuall and set forth the shippe, called the William of London (whereof William Trevore was Master) and did lade diverse goodes abord her, for a voyage to bee made by her to Hutson's river, adioyninge to Virginia and New England, within his Majesties dominions, there to trade and trucke awaye such goodes asshee carryed in her with the natives of those countryes for beaver skinnes and other furrs; the premisses he knoweth to bee true, being gunner of the said shippe the said voyage. To the second hee sayeth, that the said shippe the William arived and entred into Hutson's river in the moneth of Aprill last ppst, which is in the latitude of ffourtie degrees and twentye minutes or thereaboutefl, and about three dayes after her arrivall there, the Dutch there inhabitingesend and commannded all her companye (excepte one boye) to come to their forte, where they stayed about twoe houres, and whilest they were there, the Governor commannded his gunner to make ready three peeces of ordnance and shott them off for the Prince of Orange and to spread the said Princes Colouers, whereupon Jacob Jacobson Elkins, the merchants factor of the siiid shippe, tlie William, commannded this deponent to goe abord the said shippe and spread her Colouers, and to shoote of theire p'feccB of ordnance for the honor of the Kinge of England. And afterwards the said shippe, goinge about three or fower and fourtie leagues higher upp in the said river, to trade a Spanishe carvell, manned with all Dutch, and a smacke followeth the said shippe; and after the said marchants factor, and this exaidate, and some other of the said shippers companye, had carryed divers goodes on shoare, and pitchte theire tent. And when the Indians or natives of those places came downe to trade with them, the Dutch did as much as they could disparidge the cloath and other comodities, that the Englishe did trucke away to the said Indians. But the said Jacob Jacobson Elkins, being very well acquainted with the said Indians, having often traded with them and speakinge theire language. The Indians were a greate deale more willinge to trade with them then with the Dutch, which the Dutch perceavinge they forbadd, and would not suffer the said Jacobson Elkins and the rest of the Companye of the said shippe the William to trade th.re any longer, but inforced her Companye to take theire goodes, which they had landed, to trucke awaye with the said Indians, and putt as manye of them as the shaloppe, belonging to the said shippe, would carrye abord that shalloppe, and therein so carryed them abord the said shippe, and the rest of the said goodes together with the said factor, and the rest of the said shippes Companye, which were on shoait^. The Dutch carryed abord her in theire owne boate, and then weighed her Anchors, and putt her under senle, and commannded the companye of the said shippe to come downe to theire lower forte. And the said Dutch smacke kepte them companye to see (as this deponent and the rest of the Englishe did conceave) that they should not trade by the waye. And hee also sayeth, that about three or foure dayes, before the Dutch carryed the Englishe and theire goodes abord theire shippe as aforesaid; this deponente beinge in a shalloppe, neere the upper forte, belonginge to the Dutch, in trade with the Indians for some fewe beaver skinnes and other furrs. The Dutch commannded him to bee goone from thence with the saide shalloppe unto the tent, where the rest of his Companye were. Whereuppon this deponent desired a note under the hand of the Governor of the said forte, that hee was forced to depte from thence with the said shalloppe. Otherwise (he tould them) the merchants would not give him his wages. And then the said Governor sett his hand to such a note as he desired; and then the said Governor and others of his companye came into the said HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: II overthrowne, and the merchants which sett her forth andfrdghted her. have t TbyT teyned for r.rl X A,l " " ^''''' 'l"""'"'*^ "'■ ''«"^" «'^'""«« «"d «'her furrs to be trade for there And the natives of those places were a greate deale more willinge to trade whh e Enghsh t en w th the Dutch, and sayeth. that if they had bine suffered to st ye and t-d he e and had truci^ed awaye all the goodes abord the said shippe, att the rate as thev had : ' Tttn ; :V'"' '^t r -^'^^^ ^^^-^ ^^« ^-^ch^i^f^ced the": Cn .1 'rto the vaCn f ^r "I" '"" "' "" '"'"^ ^'"^'' '" ^«^'- ^l^'-^^ -d other furrs. then to the value of four thousand poundes. And this he affirmeth uppon h.s oath to be trul! Dicto die. swlfaslre^d"' "' ''""' '" ''' ^°""^^^ °^ ^'^^^ '"-^"". ^^^"^ ^bout .4 yeare. Tho the ffirst in.errye: hee sayeth, that the shippe the William of London (whereof William master Delabarr. of London merchants, and they lu.led diverse goods abord her for a vova J be made by her to Hutsons river in An.erica. betweene Virg'ia and New EngLd " hb th dom.mons of the K.ng of England, to .rucke awaye such goodes, as shee carryed wi" he irthVl [k "I' "T "^'^' '-■"'"P""^'" "'■'''•' «^''^ ^'^'PP"' "'« ^"i'J voyage. ..1? u?"^''^' ''^"' "•' ""''^ ^•^'PP^ 'h« ^""o"'- «"'ved into Hutsons river, ri.hte ga.nste t e Dutch forte there, about the latter end of Aprill or begininge of May la. p tT t^ h.s nowe beste remembrance:) an.i after her arrivall there, the Dutch'inhabiti^ i . th s'a d florte commannded all her companye (: except one boye.) to leave the said shippe, and to c'"e on shoare att the said fforte. And whilest they were there, there were tl, ree pee.eVof oHnance s ott oH from the forte, for the Prince of Orange and his Colours we pr'edXod upon the Cas le. And the Governor of that fforte toulde the factor and the rest of he companye o t e said shippe. that they should not trade there. But the said n rchant. fac or Z^i^VlTl ''";"r°"" "-«~of the said fforte, that that land wa he K.ng of hngl««ds ande. and they (: meaning the companve of the said shippe) were subiect. and therefore would trade there. And after they had stayed three dayes brti e" d ff^ y* river, to trade and trucke awnye the godes abord the said shippe. Whereunpon the Dutch .a.d .h.ppe. And alter the sa.d factor had landed a good quantitie of goodes. and had erected ti.!'!*:;. -eI""' """'*"• •"" '""'" '^ ^^ '■•'"""■"^ '" '•»'• - ^"— """/ - Vicdir^tor .t Fort Or.ng, « f 76 NEW-YORK COLONUL MANUSCRIPTS, m a tente, and traded with the Indians some fewe dayes; the Governor of the upper fforte, belonginge to the Dutch, cominge to the said tent with other Dutchmen with him, and perceivinge, that the said Jacob Jacobson Eikins was very well aquainted with the Indians, and speake theire language very well, and was much beloved of them; and that they were a greate deale more willinge to trade with him then with the Dutch: the said Governor envied att the said merchants factor and the rest of the Englishe, and tould them, that they should •not trade there any longer. But the said factor replyed, that they were the Ivinge of Englands subiectes, and that that land was within the dominions of the Kinge of England. And therefore they would trade there. Whereuppon the Dutch pulled downe the said tent, and tooke all the goodes, wiiich were in the sai'j t, "», an-.? s.^^fr ihem, together with the factor and the rest of the Englishe, which were . u abord the said shippe the William, some in their owne boate and some in a > , ^e, bebnginga to the said shippe the William, And then the said Dutch, goinge aboiu the said shippe, they weighed her anchorr and commannded them to departe. And the foresaid carvell and twoe other small sloopes wente downe with them to the lower tforte, to see that they did not trade by the waye; and further he cannott depose. To the third he sayeth, that by reason the Dutch would not suffer the Companye of the saide shippe to trade, as aforesaid, her voyage was quite overthrowne ; and that if the said Dutch had sustened them to trade freely (here, and that they had trucked awaye all the goodes, which they carried thither, ntt the rate that they trucked awaye the rest they mighte have had in trucke for the sai 1 goodes, which they were inforced to hringe away from thence in beaver skinnes, furrs and other commodities, to the value of foure thousand poundes Sterlinge att the ieaste; and this heo sayeth is true, of vertue of his oath. Dicto die. 4. Christopher Langham of Wappinge, in the countie of Middex, sayler, aged about 26 yeares, sworne as aforesaid. To the ffirst interreye : he sayeth, that master Clobery, master Morehead and master Delabarr, of London merchantes, about a fortnighte or three weekes before Christmas laste paste, did victuall and sett forth the shippe the Willuim (whereof William Trevore was master) and did lade diverse goodes abord her, to be transported to Hutsons river, betweene Virginia and New England, within the dominions of the Kinge of England, to bee traded and trucked awaye there with the natives of those places for beaver s. innes, and other furrs; the premisses he knoweth to bee true, being one of the quartermasters f the said shippe, the said voyage. To the Second interroyc : hee sayeth, that the said sliij^pe arrived att Munhaddons fort in Hutsons river uppon or about the thirtet-nth day of Aprill last past, where all the said shippes Companye (excepte one boye) were commannded to come on shoare att the said fforte. And after the said shippe goinge further upp in the said river to trade with the natives of those places, for beaver and furrs. This exadiate and his precontest William Fford and some others of the said shippes Companye, beinge in trade with the Indians neere fort Oramia, another fort, belonging to the Dutch, They were by the Dutch forbidden to trade there; and afterwards the Governor of the fort, named Master Huntum came accnmpanyed with other Dutch into the Challopp, belonginge to the William, and rowed the said shallopp upp to the place, where Jacob Eikins and other of the said shippes companye hat pitched theire tent, and were in trade with the Indians for beaver and furrs. And as they wente up in the laide HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : II 77 shallopp. they sticked greene bowes all about her, and drancke strongwaters and sonndpH the.re trumpett in a triumphinge manner over the Englishe. And when tC ame In t th ja.d tent they would not suffer the said Jacob ElkL (whoe was weV knowne both o h Dutch and to the Indians) to trade there; but pulled dole a part oT is tenr and in .' the said factor to send part of the goodes. which' he had landed f^r trad nt^d^Ze abord the said shippe the William, and the rest of the said goode t ^et e Tub h s'a^S factor ; and the rest of the English, which were there on shoare The Dutch carded n thei e owne boate abord the said shippe (and as he hath heard) did beate some o thTlnd ans fo^ trad,ngew,^theEngIishe; and bee also sayeth, that the said Dutch, goinge abord tesa^i sh.ppe the W.lham. weighed her anchors, and commannded her CompaVto depa e f "^ thence. Whereuppon the Companye of the said Shippe. to keepe her from drivinge on Ir pu her under sa.le and sailed downe the said river. And the said Dutch hoye failed downe w,th her. And when the sa>d shippe came to the lower forte, the said Jacob Elkins did demande a cerfficate from .!.. Governor to shewe to his merchants of the behav o'of t e Dutch towards the Englishe; but whether that certificate were denyed or given him he knoweth not; and further he cannott depose. ' To the third bee sayeth. that the voyage of the said shippe the William was quite overthrowne by reason hat the Dutch would not suffer her Companye to trade as aforesaid And Ihe :;::;;:: at i"r r '"?• °" ''^^"^ '""p"''*^'^ ^° '^^ --« °f ^-^ thousand pu„e ten nge att the least, as bee verily beleeveth. for (hee sayeth) if they had traded for and trucked awaye all the goodes. which shee brought from [hence unto^hose IndLs wTth whome they were .n trade they mighte have gayned in trucke for the saide goodes soe much beaver and furrs as would have bine worth foure thousand poundes and upwards jandtht he aftrmeth uppon his oath to bee true. "«»,auuini8 I 6 November 1633. ^ ^""^™ ^««P'"K« °f ^he Parishe of S- Mary Monthawe. London barber. Chirurgeon aged ahou 27 yeares sworne before the Wor" William Merricke. doctor of lawes. Z"e' Adllntfe ' ''"''"' '"'''' ^""'^ °' ""''' ''"^"^'^' "'«''« ^^''' «""»'• To the flirste interreye : hee sayeth. that in the monethes arrived the shippe the William of of W, ham Cloberye, Dav.d Morehead and John Delabarr, of London merchantes. And the e w re d.verse goodes. laden abord by them, to be transported in the said shippe to Hut^ons r^r Teetal T"".H 'T'''' ^T'' ""' ""'^ ^"«'«"'^' "''^'" ''^^ M^JeBtiesTominronMhc o .kt s I r; ""'^,'^"'^^«'^. -"y^ '« 'he natives of those countries for beaver and oth r .t'ppTt^sati^rya:: '^^"""^^ '' ^""^^^'^ '' '" '-'' ''^^^ ^'^^-^ °^ '^^ ^^'^ To the second interrey«: he ^yeth. that the said shippe arrived at the mouth of Hutsons mer. uppon or about the twentieth day of Aprill laste paste. And when she came riglue agams e Manhutton. fort the in said river, which fort was commannded by the Du^ . T Z it Td't""'" '"''^^;" '"' .ointreate the Governor to come abord' the said shipp" But the sa.d Governor would not goe abord, but commannded that all the companye of the said .h.ppe should come to the said fforte, went* accord inglye. and they oll(excepte ou« boy^) 78 NEW- YORK COLONIAL ALA.NUSCRIPTS. Hll'f lefte theire shippe, and the Governor demannded theire merchante, wherefore they came thither. And he replyed, that they intended to goe upp further into the river, to trade with the natives of those places, as it was iawfull for them to doe, beinge the King of Englantes subiects. But the said Governor tould the saide factor, that hee could not suffer them to passe: for (as hee sayde) it was more then he could answere to his masters att home; and therefore he would take some time to advise with his counsell about it. And after the companye of the said shippe had stayed before the said forte five or sixe dayes, expectinge the Governor answere, whether he would suffer them to passe upp the said river, to trade there or not; and noe answere beinge broughte they weighed theire anchors, and wente upp the river. And after they had bine in trade there by the space of tenn dayes or thereabouts, there came upp an officer from the said fforte with twoe letters from the said Governor, and that officer did commannde them in the Governors name, to give over tradinge there, and to departe from thence. And presently thereuppon parte of the goodes, which the merchant and other of the companye had landed for to trade, were broughte abord the said shippe againe by her owne shallopp, and the saide merchants factor and the rest of the companye, which were there on shoare, and the rest of the said goodes were broughte abord her by the Dutch, in theire owne boate; and then the Dutch weighed the anchors of the said shippe the William, and broughte them abord her by the commannde of the said officer. Whereuppon her companye to keepe her from runninge on shoare, putt her under saile, and beinge forbidden to trade there, sailed downe the said river. And hee also sayeth that there was a note sett upp againste the gate of the cheife forte there, the effecte of which note (: as a fflemminge that belonged to that fforte tould this deponent :) was, that the Governor did thereby straightlye chardge and commannde all his people, that uppon paine of loosinge theire head and all theire wages, none of them should give any certificate to the Englishe, how they were used by the Dutch, and kepte from tradinge there: and further hee cannott depose. To the third he sayeth, that the voijage of the said shippe was overthrowne by the iniuries and wronges, done unto her Companye, in not sufferinge them to trade there; and the merchants that freighted and sett her forth, have bine thereby greatly dampnified ; and further hee cannott depose, savinge he sayeth, that whilest the said shippe was in trade in the said river, there came some Indians abord hir, which did tell this deponente (:as it was interpreted by a fflemminge, that belonged to a dutch pinnace) that, if the said shippe the William did staye there, but one moone longer a nation, called the Maques, would come downe, and bringe with them fower thousand beaver skinnes. And another nation, called the Mahiggins, would come downe thither with three hundred skinnes more, every merchantable beaver skinne, beinge worth twenlye shillinges at the leaste. Dicto die. 0. John Johscn of the pnrishe of 8aint Botolphes Algnte, London cittizen, and cordwayner of London, aged about 45 yeares, sworne before the wor"" William James, doctor of lawes, surrogate to the righte wot"" Sir Henry Marten, Knight judge of his Majesties highe court of the Admiralltye. To the ffirstinterreye: he sayeth, that about a moneth before Christmas laste past, the shippe the William of London (whereof William Trevore was master) was victualled and sett forth by master Cloberye, master Delubarr and master Morehead of London merchnntes. on a voyage to Plymouth in New Kngland, there to lande some passengers, and from thence to Hutsona HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IL 79 river, betweene New England and Virginia, there to truci^e awaye such goodes as shee carryed to the nat.vea of those countryes for beaver and other furrs; the premisses hee knoweth to be true, beinge cooke of the said shippe, the said voyage. To the second he sayeth, that after the arrivall of the said shippe into Hutsons river, neere Manhattons forte (beinge inhabited by the Dutch ) the Governor comannded all her companye to leave their shippe, and to come uppe to the forte, where they stayed about an houre, and then returned abord theire shippe againe. And afterwards wente further upp into the river to trade ' and there Jacob Jacobson Elkins, the factor of the said shippe (whoe was well knowne to the Dutch and also to the Indians) wente on shoare together with this deponente and some other of the said sh.ppes companye, and landed diverse goodes to trucke with the Indians, and erected a tent for themselves to lodge in, and putt their goodes in, and after they had bine there in trade some fewe dayes, the Dutch came and pitched a tent there, likewise to hinder the trade of the Enghshe. But yet notwithstandinge the Indians did soe well affecte the said Jacob Jacobson, that they did resorte unto him, and were more willinge to trade with him then with the Dutch ; which the Dutch perceavinge, there came about a dozen dutch men, with half pikes, swords, musketts and pistolls, and forbade the factor, and the rest of the companye of the William, to trade there any longer; but commannded them to departs and pulled downe their tent. Whereuppon the said factor and the rest of the Englishe were inforced to give over their trad.nge, and sente parte of their gooces abord theire shippe againe in theire shallopp. And the Dutch would not stayetill the returne of the said shallopp, but took de rest of the Englishe goodes out of their tent, and carryed them together with the said factor and this deponente abord their shippe in a boate, belonging to the Dutch. And afterwards the Dutch weighed the said shippes anchors, and broughte them abord her, and commannded the companye of the saii shippe to departe the said river; and further hee cannott depose. To the thirth hee sayeth, that by the injuries and wronges, done by (he Dutch as aforesaid, the voyage of the said shippe the William was overthrowne ; and accordinge as the companye of the said shippe, after they were putt from theire tradinge, did cast upp the remainder of the goodes abord her. There were soe many goodes, remayninge abord her, of her outwards landlnge, as would have yeelded, if they had bine trucked an! done antrye did (as he said) belonge to the Prince of Orange, and not to the Kinge of England. And after the said shippe had stayed there Qve dayes before the said forte, this deponeite wente to the forte, to speake with the Governor, to see if hee would sulTer then, in a friendly manner to passe up the said river ; and he tould the said Governor, if he would not give him his good will soe to doe, hee would goe upp the said river without it, allhci gh it cost him his lilo. Whereuppon the Governor commannded all the companye of tho said shippe to come on shoa e. And in the presence of them all, the said Governor commannded, that the Prince of Orange his flagge should bee putt upp in the forte, and three ^eeces of ordnance to bee shott off for the honor of the said Prince. And then this deponente comannded the gunner of the said shippe the William, to goe abord and putt upp the .^nglishe flagge, and to shooto of three peeces of ordnance for the honor of the King of Eiiglanc. And then the said Governor badd this deponente, takd heede, that it did not cost him his necke, or his (:the said Governors). And after the premisses this depone te and* the companye of the William wenf& upp the said river »o trade, and comminge neere the fort, called Orange, the Governor of that forte would not suffer theire shallopp to come to the shoare, to trade there. Whereuppon this deponente wente a mile L»;lowe ♦hat forte, and there sett upp a tent, and carryed all theire goodes on shoare, and was in trade with the Salvages. And the Dutch sett upp a tent by the said englishe tent, to hinder theire trade ;.j much as they could. But this deponente beinge well acquainted with tne Salvages (havinge heretofore lived foure yeare wi ^ them) them all came to trade with him; and after he hath bine there in trade about four'.t '(i". dayes, there came upp a pinnace from the lower fort, manned with the souldiers and seamen, to drive this exaidate and companye from tradinge there. And before the comminge of that pinnace, there were twoe other pinnace, lyinge neere the said shippe the William, to hinder her trade. And then there came souldiers from both the saide dutch forts with musketts, halfe pikes, swords and other weapons, and beate some Indians, which came to trade with this deponente, and commannded this exaidate and companye to HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. II. 81 son. in „ sLNoppe. ifelon^inge . th: V^.L^ a^lt.^ i' 'dr.! and then the Dutch weighed the anchors of the Willian,. and c ye h f J^/ e.^^ltj c'r;-: di o:::; tr r^' '"t^ ''- ^-'^ '-- "«"'-• ^'- «•'« -.et «: -haft ort th,« depo .o„te be nge there on shoare. The Governor commannded him to sends all th beaver and other skinnes on shoare to the fort, which this deponente and ompanye had gott ,n trucke w,th the Salvages; which this deponente re.usinge'to doe. the Go ernor then demannded a particular of ail the sl.innes that were abord the sahl shippe Wllh " rt eu.er or'irr :: ir "" ' t', '" '^'^ "^^''' ^"^ '-^ ''- ^'-""-"^ ^—^^'^ « - " or c tejne Holla ders. >nhab,t.nge neere the said fort, of the behavio' of the Dutch towards the Lnghshe and howe they had putt thorn from theire trade, as aforesaid. Which certificate was denye h.m ; an t e Governor caused a writinge. to be sett uppon the gate of that for I e eby (orbu d.nge al' h,s people uppon payne of death, to give anj certifi't. to hnn or aly o he Lngl.she. howe and ,r. what manner they were used by the Dutch. And he also snyeth. that the names of some of the Dutch, which were principall actors in doinge of the wronges and .n,ur,es aforesaid ; were as followeth. viz' Walter Vertrill,' Governor or Amsterdam fibrt. John van Remunt.h.s feerreta.yr, Marlyn Garetson, Co.rad. Notemaa' Ahuddus.» and Captaine Jacob Johnson Hesse. Counsollors of the said Governor, ..nd Hance Jorison Houten. Governor ot the ttort o( Orange ; and further hee cannott depose. To the third interreye: hee sayeth. that th , voyage of the said shippe the William was overlhrowne by the part.es befcrr mentioned, in not sufteringe her companye to trade there, as aforesaid. Ana that there were soe manye goodes. remayninge abord the said shippe. of her outwards ladmge; when they were p-ut from theire trade, as would have purchased ia irucke with the said Salvages (:att the rate as the rest of her goodes. which were trucked awaye. were alone awaye :) five thousand beaver skinnes. And that hee is .^rteyne. hee should have had trucke for all the reuiainder of the said goodes. if the Dutch had suffered them to trade there; for that there are in the said river usnally fiftecne or sixfeene thousand beaver sk.nnes yearly traded for; and for that the Salvages would not trade with the Dutch, as longe as thus deponente was there. But did all resorte unto him ; and (or the reasons aforesaid, hee sayeth that the said master Clobery, master Morehead and master Delabarr. the merchants that sett forth the said shippe. have bine dampnified by the wronges and injuries, done by the Dutch, as IS aforesaid, to the value of ffive thousand pounds sterlings att the least. And this hee afl[irmeth uppon his oath to be true. • Wonttr v«n Twiller. • Notelman. • Andrea. Iludd, He came to New Notherl.nd in 1629. and .fUr .erviug the goyerument in v.riou. o.p,citie. for thirty- four years, d.od 4th >ovemher. 1608. at Appoquinimy. In the pre.ent SUte of Delaware, on hi. way to Maryland. -Ed. Vol. r. 11 88 NEW. YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Resolution of the States General referrivg the preceding Documents. [ From the BoglsKr of Rcs'iliilloni of Iho Sl:it«s 0.mcrnl, In (he Rnjral Aruhlvii il Ihn llagiir. ] Tuesday, 13 June, 1G34. Follows. Received a letter from Mr. Joachimi, written at fjondon on the S?*' May last, lleMn. Joachlmi i»»r. -i /••"ii ■ndRrauer. also a letter from tiie same and Mr. Brasser, written conjomtly, as atore.iaid, the S* instant, and besides the said letters, divers appendices containing matters for reflection ; which, being considered, it is resolve'', and concluded, that both the aforesaid letters, with the appendices, be placed in the bands of the Mr. Vosbergen, to extract therefrom the points on which resolution is required. -^-»« » »->^— Resohitioii of the States General changing some of the Members of the Committee on the differences between the Company and the Patroons. i From the Begliter of Beiolutloiu of the Slalei Oeneral, la the Royal Archlrea at the Uagse. ] Thursday, IS"" June, 1634. Foiio4M. After deliberation, it is hereby resolved and concluded to substitute Mr. Beaumont in place of Mr. de Knuyt, and Mr. Staackmans in place of Mr. Lecklama, in consequence of the absence of both of them ; and tiiat. for the purpose of aiding in the despatch of business, the other, their High Mightinesses' deputies in tlie matter in difference weatin.iiarorapanj between the Directors of the West India Company on the one part, and the the Pi-ntfra of Patfoons, planters of New Netherland, on the other side. New Netherland. '^ ■ ' Resolution of tlie States General on the Report on Mr. JoachimUs last Despatch. [From the Beglaler of BeaoluUona of the State* Oeneral, in the Roxal Arohire* at the Hague.] Folio ste. Joachiml. Tuesday, 20'" June, 1634. Mr. Vosbergen reported that he hath, in virtue of their High Mightinesses' resolution of the 13"' instant, examined a certain letter from Mr. Joachimi, written in London on the Q?"" May last, and found that the said letter sets forth, among other injumi Engiiatimro things, that Mess" William Clobery, David Morehead and John de la Barre, inN.w.N,:in.rianj. merchants at Loudoo aforesaid, having fitted out a ship to trade in Hudson's river (as they call it) were prevented trading there and thereabout, by the officers of the ■w.^t India Com- West India Company of this country, whereby they maintain to have been injured ; claiming damages for their loss. Which being taken into consideraliun, pany. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: 11. 88 it is resolved and concluded, ihnt this matter sliall, by extract hereof h« r.«,^, • . ^ . may know how to comport himself in the premises. accordingly, that he Hi Se^uHon of the State. Omeral re>p«,i„, a, CommiUee „„ rt. iiff,r,,cee htween the Company and the Fatroom. { From th. E,gU.« of R«olaUo». of the 8Ul« O.ner.1, In lU. Hoyal Ar.hlr<» „ ,h. H»rx,. ] Wednesday, 21" June, 1634. K.«o«. After deliberation, it is hereby resolved and concluded, to substitute Mr Huygens, m place of Mr. Arnhem, (absent) to assist the other, their High M Jesses' Hepufes. m .nvest.gating the questions and difTerences which have aH en b t'w en the Patroons, planters, on the one part, and the West India Company on the other; Id further to proceed accordmg to the original Commission. ' Patroons of New Netlurland to the States General June, 1634. [From th. Original, In Ih. Ro,.! Archlrw .1 th. H,gn., In Ih. LoMhuol ,h, Sl.l« General ■ DIvl.lon r«. i^< . ^ U...rI..No.6;par.»offlun,,,..nUU.d..B,u«.nr..ond.d«Vr;:n!r";;pt;n^^^^^ '"*- '^•• High and Mighty Lords. Whereas, in pursuance of the resolution dated 27th March. 1634. adopted at the Assembly of the XIX.. and the pet.t.on presented to your High Mightinesses and postiled {grapnsnllcerl he Patroons of New Netherland are, by their High Mightinesses' letters datfd 13th May Jo^s tg^irn^T " '-' ""'''"' ''' '-'-' ''- '--' '^ -p^^'-' - -^-"it to Jr!!t\r'-^lf *"«'!^'"«««««' by CImrter dated 3d June, 1621. granted to all inhabitants, stockholders in the wUhm named Company exclusively, the navigation, peopling and trade to the West Indies, within the limits therein described, investing XIX. persons with the entire management thereof; expressly stipulating, that your High Mightinesses, on being required to prosecute the infraction and contravention of such public resolutions, shall cause the same to be repaired and maintained. But the principal stockholders having solicited your High Mightinesses for further sal.sfact.on. your High Mightinesses, by nmplification, agreed and approved that the first two vacancies m the Board of Directors at Amsterdam and Zealand; item, the first in the Maese Chamber, should successively be supplied by the principal stockholders of the respective ^^^^^H jfe ^^^^^^^^^|p 1 W^^^^m i ^^^^^B- i ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^K i lit ^■^^^^^^^^^^E/- If- % tW, t .* J 'i ill §4 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Chambers, leaving them to protect whatever regnrded them and their right, both in the Assembly of the XIX. and in the aforesaid Chambers. Tlie Company, reduced to this firm order and government, took specially to heart your High Mightinesses' motives contained in the last part of the second capital article of the Charter, containing two subjects; namely, contracting and forming alliances with princes and natives of the countries within their limits, or promoting the population of productive and uninhabited regions. Experience has shown that the prudent management of the Company did not attend the attempts to carry this out in divers quarters, both on the Wild const and in New Netherland; the conduct of the people was not regulated; the expenses were excessively high, and the want of success beyond expectation. The accounts having been frequently reviewed at the Assembly of the XIX.; the supplies requisite for the planting having been compared with the returns received from the Colonies, it was finally decreed and enacted, at the Assembly of the XIX., on the 10"" March, 1628, in the presence of your High Mightinesses' deputies, the Directors delegated by the respective Chambers, the Directors and assessors from the principal ■tockholders, for the behoof of all the stockholders in the said Company, hy virtue of the Charter, to draw up Freedoms and Exemptions, for the benefit of the General West India Company, and advantage of the Putroons, masters and private persons. 526 February, 1G29. Commissioners reported to the Assembly of the XIX., and it was resolved to make an Order, resuming the draft of the planters, at the next ensuing meeting; to consider the proposals of certain respectable principal stockholders, to draw out the differential points and refer them to the Chambers. 18 April, 1629. Points of Reference were circulated; in article 2 of which, the respective Chambers were requested to appear fully instructed to conclude whether the articles of Freedoms and Exemptions submitted at various preceding Assemblies, with the annexed new articles, demanded by divers principal stockholders, might be amplified and amended according to circumstances. 29 May, 1629. Commissioners are named, on resuming the Order in regard to Planters, to submit the draft to the Assembly of the XIX. 7 June, 1629. The Freedoms are enacted in terms as hereunto annexed. Whereupon some Directors of the before named Company, in addition to the great interest they possessed with their next friends in the said Company, (who imported [to the value of] more than two tons of gold ;) animated with new zeal to carry out their High Mightinesses' intention, and hoping in consequence for Cod's blessing, preceded all the other stockholders by way of a good example, saving the aforesaid Company from expenses, troubles and heavy charges, and further involved themselves by undertaking divers Patroonships, the expenses whereof, incurred and laid out to this day, amount to not far from one ton of gold, cash down, and are yearly taxed, in addition, with at least 45 thousand guilders for the support of three of their Patroonships. The Patroons proceeding on daily, notwithstanding, bought and paid for not only the grouDds belonging to the chiefs and natives of the lands in New Netherland, hut also iheir rights of sovereignty (Jura MaJKiuitit) and such others as they exercised within the limits of the Patroons' purchased territories. So that on the 2S'* November, lOiO, were read at the Assembly of the Directors, the deeds of conveyance of the lands and jurisdictions purchased from the Saccimaes, the Lords of the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IL 8ft Country, executed for the behoof of the Patroons, their successors; and t^e new proprietors were accordingly thereupon cr-ngratuiated. proprietors On the 8- December, in the year aforesaid, the patents sent to the Patroons from New Netherland were ,n ke manner also again read, recorded in the Company's Register, ordered LV^ratl? d 'h h Vrr'^' "'' ''^ "'^^ of New Netherland; the Patroons were aga n congratulated and handed their patents. * IG'H ditto The Patroons. on resolution of the Assembly, delivered to the Company's counsel, a perfect list of their undertaken patroonships. ""naei. 8- January, 1631 The Patroons' Colonies were ex supra abundanti confirmed, on submitting the question to the Assembly of the XIX.. holden in Zealand. * Confiding fully in the before related acts and solemnities, the Patroons would never have incurred any expense, had they ever imagined that the Freedoms and Exemptions, which were a mutual contract of profit and loss, agreed to by their High Mightinesses' Deputies, the Directors of the respective Chambers, the Directors and Assessors of the principal Stockholders, and accepted and entered on by the respective Patroons in all sincerity, would have been at any time queHtioned and pulled to pieces; but. on the contrary, they supposed and felt assured, t.iat their High Mightinesses would, in course of time, maintain the Patroons. and. if necessary, when requested, provide them with greater privileges, as a reward for their exceeding zeal, in enlarging the boundaries of these countries and in consideration of the heavy outlays and perilous dangers which their people and property must experience, and have already sustained, both on land and water. But, alas! your High Mightinesses will remark what damage the change of persons and the unsteadiness of humors have brought on this praiseworthy Company and the good Patroons. fhe manifold occupations relating to the planting of Colonies, the articles of Exemptions and Freedoms, drawn up A- 1628; revised, enlarged and accepted by the Patroons in 1629- who. A- 1630, were congratulated thereupon; A» 1631, ex superabundanti confirmed, are secretly undermined on the 30." October. 1631. when new articles were proposed, thereby the previous Freedoms and Exemptions were no longer obtainable; the Patroons particularly commanded to perform things which experience taught them were impracticable: Yea, all the Exemptions were drawn into dispute. 2S May. 1632. Some of the principal stockholders suggested to them to bring in gravamina Bjainst the amended freedoms. ° 1 June 1632, is drawn up an.l enacted a certain placard, purporting, as it appears, to be in rr N fh rr"'"^''?" '•"''"'•' ""J'^'dual. carrying on the prohibited trade in peltries in Now Netherland ; according to the copy hereunto annexed. But. converted, through evil council, by resolution of the 18'" November. 1038. to the injury and prejudice of the Patroons. whereby the Exemptions and Freedoms, so solemnly enacted on the 7 June. 1629. on which the patroonships were registered, are. it is particularly to be remarked, disavowed. / "<> And in order to deprive the Patroons altogether of the trade, the Director in New Netherland was ordered to appoint commissaries and assistants in all the patroonships. to afhx the placard and in no wise to suffer any of the Patroons to interfere in the fur trade! I he Director had no sooner arrived in New Netherland, than he proceeded nRninst the Patroons pursuant to the orders given him. s m NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Whereupon the Patroons were under the necessity of submitting their grievances to the Assembly of the XIX., and it was mutually agreed to refer all differences arising therefroiUi to their High Mightinesses' decision. The Patroons have accordingly handed in, ai the request of the committee of the Directors, the following points of their pretensions and well founded claim. Pretension and Claim of the Patroons of New Netherland, delivered to their High Mightinesses' Deputies on the IG"" June, IGSl, against the Directors the Incorporated West India Company. That the Freedoms and Exemptions promised and granted to the Patroons and their people within the limits of New Netherland and the dependencies thereof, must be truly maintained and observed by the Incorporated West India Company, according to their tenor and contents; and are to he holden ns a mutual contract, binding on both sides, whereby the Patroons were invited to send their people and goods thither; in consequence whereof, they claim to enjoy inviolate, the privileges contained therein. That the Company having up to the 19'* December, 1G33, repeatedly called in question the conceded Freedoms, are bound to make good the manifest damages caused thereby to the Patroons. 3. That in the Exemptions and Freedoms, mention only was made of the property of those lands of which the Company could, by virtue of its charter, dispose ; and such extension is considered as referring alone to the fertile and uninhabited lands, or lands on which settlements were found of particular Indians, having no chief, whom the Patroons were bound to satisfy for the soil: In addition to these, within the limits and extensions of the purchased pntroonships, exist Lordships having their own rights and jurisdictions, which the chiefs of said nations have ceded to the Palroons, exclusive of the proprietorship of the soil, as can be seen by their deeds of concession and conveyance. The Patroons maintain that such prerogatives and advantages in that country, belong absolutely to then, ; and that the Company hath no more power over the Patroons, as purchasers of such lands, than it bad over the lords Sachems, the sellers, inasmuch as their Hi«h Mightinesses' intention by the charter notoriously was, not to abridge any person in what is his, and consequently cannot be burdened with the Venia testandi, justice and police which are repugnant to the right already acquired by the Patroons. 4. That under the term goods, mentioned in Articles X., XIII., XXVI., must necessarily be understood such nierchandistj, without wliicli the permitteii trade along the coast of Florida and Newfoundland, cannot be carried on, nor the soil of the Patroonsliips paid for. //,»«, Nhoes and stockings and other necessaries of the people, not in use among the natives of the country, ought to be among the indispcnsiilile articles for !i>;i'i(--ulture, of use only to the tenants of the Patroons; every description of which the Company has promised to convey over for nothing. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS .- II. 8? c. aJ!,? f 1"Tu '",^««^.N'''f''"-'»"''' tl.e island of Manhattan excepted, are. by th» XII* Article, tree for the plantation of Colonies. . y ir aii 7. That the Patroons may sail from the coast of Florida to Newfoundland, paying 6 per centum recogn. ,on; therefore the FatroouB cannot be prevented sending shipsor yaci tswith a rsorU of goods to New Netherland. without which the aforesaid coasts cannol b iTuen d no prizes taken from the enemy. Art. XIIL. XIV., XVI.. XXIH. 'requented, nor \yherea8 the Company, Art. XV.. first absolutely, and afterwards by restriction, reserved the fur trade every where on the coast of New Netherland and the places circ mLent U.^^^^^^^^^^ not ncluded therein; and, therefore, that the Patroons are not obligated to p y, wZ^^^ l.m.s,one gu der on each merchantable Bkin. /,c.. that the Patroons. ou'pa;m n of one g.. er (or each rnerchan.able beaver or otter skin, n,ay procure in tradL for'good ob Led th re. all sorts o furs, outside their Colonies, and every where about the coas.s of New Netherland and the places circumjacent thereto, where the Company had no commit iesaT t e .me of granting the Freedoms. M... W..„p,„„ „ei..g, ,, ! J,,,,,^ the cu'^ cy tlL country wUh which the produce of the interior i, paid for. must be considered as obtain d goods, being the representative thereof. ouiainea 9. That the Company, pursuant to the tenor of Art. X. and XVL, is obliged here, and by it. servants ,n New Netherland. to give seasonable notice to the Patroons and their comn issari when requested of the places which remain vacant in its ships, in order that tl y may egula.e themselves ,n regard to their people, goods, cat.le and implements; and havZ accommodation in their ships, it is not at liberty to refuse the Patroons the freiduing ther of nor charge moro than the allowed freight. 'c'gi'ung mereot, 10, That the appeals to the Director and Council, reserved in civil actions of fifly guilder, tliepltrnl? ""' ''"'•' '" ''" ■'"' "" '"«'^- J"-'i--- -.«i other prW ifeges " 11. Wheren. the Company. Art. XXV.. hath promised to take all Colonists of New Netherland m.o i.s sale keeping, to assist in .lefending them, as well as possible, against all internal and foreign v-ar. and violence, with the power it may have there; the Companv. or it. servants. 89 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. V failing so to do, are bound to make good the damage wiiich tl)e Patroons' people, cattle and goods there, have thereby suffered and still suffer. 12. That the Freedoms and Exemptions, are permanent for all partners, without the Company having the power to infringe or restrict them, to the prejudice of the Patroons. 13. That the expenses of traveling, consultations, fees &c., incurred or to be incurred by the Patroons, for the maintenance and justificaticr. of the Freedoms and Exemptions, for the service of tlie Company and advantage of all partners, ought to be defrayed by the Incorporated West India Company. 14. That the Company cannot affix, in the Patroons' Colonies, without their knowledge, and against their will, placards excluding every one from the entire fur trade, nor introduce Commissaries there trade; nor constrain the Patroons' inhabitants, by an oath drawn up for that purpose, not to trade in peltries, wampum or maize. 15. That the Patroons' Officers and Magistrates in New Netherland may oppose themselves thereto; and should the Company, at any time, enter by force of arms, and affix such placards, the Patroons' courts are at liberty to tear down the affixed placards, as being contrary to their freedoms. And on the Patroons' Superior Officers being arrested tliereljr, which we protest against, should it ever be adjudged that their Patroons have lost the granted Freedoms, such proceedings shall be declared null and void ; the Company charged in future to abstain from such practices, and to make good the damage caused thereby. 16. Finally, in case the Company seek, by direct or indirect means, to induce the Patroons to abandon their Colonies, it shall be declared bound to make good all incurred costs and damL^es which the Patroons, for causes aforementioned, should happen to experience or have experienced. (Signed), M. Paauw. S. Blommabrt. KiLiAEN Van Rensselaek. He.nouick Hambl. HOLLAND DOCTTMENTS: IL ^ Anewer of the West Irutia Company to the Patroom. Answer of the West Ind'a Company to, and against ti.e Pretension and Claim of M>chael Paauw Kiliaen Van Renselaar and Samuel Blommaert. Pat oons DeX '"'''' '" '"' ''"'*'*' "^ *"«'^ "'«•> ^»'«'''ine'«-' m INew IVetherland, hath given .n his separate remonstrance to the Assembly of the Nineteen w.th request that the aforesaid Assembly dispose thereof; it can therefrom be eenZ 2 pre ens,o„s of the aforesaid Patroons differ, and are even Erected on'^rTnt foundaut^l^ t in ir"°' rV,t\r ''''''' '•*°'- ^««"'"'y «-"««<». --h less re ed of le he said pToI H n iT"": '''' '''"'''"'" "''''«"'*™«^' ^''•"■«^-«' maintain t at eLh set forth la e h th L: °" '"•"""'' "" "^ "'""'''" ""' ""'"'* ""' ''""" P.tltl'^u'^Z'^^^ ' termination be put at once to said differences, that the above mentioned Patroons be obhged to mention, in their respective demands all, as well general as paruZr questions of wh.ch they have any knowledge, and on which th.y may inlnd to .^3"; ncfon against the aforesaid Company, on pain, in default thereoff of their being and reii„^ Zr: "of^Ih 7 ""'t'o'' '' '" ^'^•"'^°" """ °^'^'-'' « mandamus on the ZZs £ :";{.°'jltr '^ '^"'™°"" '° '-- -*' '-''^^^'' p---- ^^ '^-^ text m l ../«... afo^'eVaid ctll' ''" f '"n"'*^ ''**''°'"" ^^"""^^ ^''''* ''^''y ''"^« "° ?"»'«"•" «•«*"» ^gain-t the on y a decision on the general points which concern the aforesaid Patroons conjointly -The ?. Ta di: aUoi:: : 7°'"'"''°" ^"^^^ ^''"'"'"'"« '»"'' ^-"''"«'''« daiiegldng (Signed), Albert Kounraut Buroh. Exhibited, 32. June, 1634. ^^''""'^ "'^^ "°"''' ■f " Jil!/ of the PatrooM to the We^t hulia Ompany. Ho. »,|.«ft8of UioDimdlfcJ •'"vir^ < ^-^k n.., imui u. High and Mighty Lords. beh'«i?onrD;rectols''of''u °"w '"i ''r/"*""''"' ""^'"^ "«"" '"^^ -"''"« ''«"-"d <"> DehaM of the Directors of the West India Company, in opposition to the demand and claim of Vol,. I. jg # ■I 'II ( 90 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. the said Patroons, communicated in Writing to your High Mightinesses, they say in reply to it : As the foundation of the suit which they may institute, in proper time, against the above named Directors, for indemnification of such damages and losses as they respectively shall happen to have suffered, because the aforesaid Directors have not allovi^ed, nor suffered, them to realize the full effect of the granted Exemptions and Freedoms, mainly depends upon the force and tenor of said Exemptions and Freedoms; and your High Mightinesses would be uselessly detained by the deduction of the damages and losses suffered by the Patroons in the planting and continuance of their respective Colonies, and the consequences thereof, in case the above named Directors are not bound to make good the aforesaid losses and damages, for having failed to carry out the aforesaid granted and accepted Exemptions and Freedoms ; therefore, in order that they may not rashly enetr into a dispute with the above named Directors, about the aforesaid indemnity, they have deemed it necessary and essential to the despatch of business, first and foremost, to request your High Mightinesses (to whom, by resolution of the 27"" March last, adopted in the Assembly of the XIX., the differences of parties on both sides are referred) to determine the force and tenor of the aforesaid Exemptions ; as the Pretension and Claim of the Patroons is directed to that and to no other end ; in order that such judgment being delivered, the act beinf^ one of wrong and affecting all the Patroons in common, then the Patroons will ha.e to state their respective losses and damages, and adopt pertinent conclusion thereon ; the rather as, after the rendition of the aforesaid judgment, they shall have conjointly to determine upon the continuation or abandonment of their Colonies, and as there is no reason for postponing the said judgment until the decision on the Patroons' respective losses, which by reason of instruction and the distance of place, will experience some delay; meanwhile the Patroons, in their view of the aforesaid Exemptions and Freedr ns, remain injured and would be further damaged in their means. The aforesaid Patroons are content, on the rendition of the above mentioned judgment, respectively to deliver in their declaration of damages and losses, and to proceed further in the matter, by a certain reasonable time, to be afterwards fixed by your High Mightinesses, according to the circumstances of affairs and the distance of places. And for these reasons, rejecting the dilatory notice of the aforesaid Directors, the abovenamed Patroons respectfully request your High Mightinesses to be pleased to order the aforesaid Directors to answer, peremptorily, their aforesaid declaration; and in default thereof, that your High Mightinesses would be pleased to render your judgment on the articles contained in the aforesaid petition, in' such wise as shall appertain to just equity and right, and to the public service. Which doing, etc. (Signed) Exhibited 22d June, 1634, and furnished to opposite party for replication. M. Paauw, 8. Blommaert, Henrick Hamel, KiLIABN VAN RbNRSELAER. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IL H Hesoluiion of the Statee General postponinff a Decision on the preceding Pleadings. [ From lb. Regtetw of BmoIuIIou of the Bute. 0«n«id. In Ih* Eoyid AroU w .1 the R.ga« ] Saturday, 24th June, 1634. F.,„«^ Beinc heard, the report of Mess" Huygens and others, their High Mightinesses' nirr """T V '' v' u . P;°"«'^«'^' P"""«°' to resolution, in the case of the Patroons. planters of New Netherland against the West India Company. It is after previous dehberatmn. resolved and concluded, to postpone this mattter for twelve days; and parties shall .n the meanwhUe endeavor to settle their differences by agree.nent and mutual accord; and .f not the.r H.gh Mightinesses will, at the end of the aforesaid time, have the said t^r:Z gr^all ' " ''^''"'" ^^'^^^^'^ '° ''' "^"'^^"''^ ^-'"^^ ^^ -^^-'^^ Suhjects fin- the Consideration of tU Assembly of tU XIX. [ From the Orlgloal la t'.e Royal ArohirH at the nagne ; File, WiK IwiU. ] 1(534. loinU of Reference, whereupon all the Chambers of the West India Company are summoned to Amsterdam on the 31 July, 1634; extracted as far as relates to the matters of New Netherland. Exhibited 18 July, 1634. 8* Point. As Ambassador Joachimi hath advised the Cmpany of the claims of Jacob Eelkens, who H '^^r.f "»'""''• ""'"""ting to 40 (ax 60 thousand guilders, which he pretends to have lost .n New Netherland the members will be pleased to come prepared to resolve thereupon, according as it shall be most advantageous to the Company. The Assembly of the XIX. to the States Gemral 1 From the OrlflBal la the Bojral AroUrea at the Hacue i FUe, HM Inii4.\ To the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands. High and Mighty Lords. The year 1634 approaches now to a close, and the West India Company hath not, up to the present time, received the vote of the subsidy demanded by the Council of State, many mon";s since, for its support for that year. Notwithstnnding the Deputies from the XIX. have, with such great persistence, applied to your High Mightinesses therefor, from time to time. m NEW. YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. And now clearly made manifest both to your High Mightinesses and to the respective provinces, that it is impossible for the Company to prosecute any longer the expensive war in Brazil, much less to accomplish any thing of advantage to this State. Unless your High Mightinesses continue to afford it liberal assistance, and not only promise the Company that, but also make them sensible of it. Meanwhile the Company abates nothing in the advancement of its affairs, but has done more than was expected from it. With what difficulty that was effected, your High Mightinesses can sufficiently understand, by comparing the heavy expenaes of the war which it has now waged for so many years, with the subsidies voted us, and the trifling profits it has derived, up to this time, from the conquests. What the end of this is to be, we leave your High Mightinesses' prudent wisdom to consider. Of this we must, with all submission, warn your High Mightinesses; unless your High Mightinesses procure a vote of the required subsidies, and move the respective provinces, so that they will be received more promptly than heretofore, we see no prospect of meeting any longer the heavy expenses of the war. The great work in Brazil, which is now so far advanced, that an end to it is, in a manner, perceptible, will be interrupted and perhaps entirely fail, to the serious disgrace and injury of this State. Much more ought to have been done than the Company ever wished to solicit from your High Mightinesses, in order to accomplish an undertaking of such vast importance to the country, and not only to render that work secure, but to give the King of Spain employment elsewhere by way of diversion, so as advantageously to execute, meanwhile, the affair in Brazil and to allow thif> State to taste the fruits thereof. We have submitted to your High Mightinesses heretofore, many reasons which ought to move you hereunto, and could add others, were we not convinced that your High Miglitinesses understand them better, and give them as deliberate consideration as they deserve. We shall, therefore, not detain your High Mightinesses with a longer deduction, but conclude this, our remonstrance, with an humble request: That your High Mightinesses, in consideration of the duties lately and still daily performed by the Company beyond its ability, and of the benefit this State derived therefrom. May be pleased so to influence the respective Provinces that, finally, the required vote of subsidies may be obtained, if not more, at least in the same form as was demanded by the Council, aud the effect thereof be realized as promptly as necessity requires. So that we may prosecute with renewed courage, and complete, with God's blessing, successfully our begun work, for the benefit of this State, and the humiliation of the common enemy. The Deputies of the XIX. are also instructed to explain to your High Mightinesses, certain difficulties they experience in New Netherland, from the English ; whereof Mr. Joachimi, your High Mightinesses' Ambassador, hath advised us. As the matter consists of a long narrative, and many circumstances, wMch would detain your High Mightinesses' Assembly too long, they respectfully request your High Mightinessea to be pleased to appoint a committee from your midst, to whom we may communicate the said representation, and submit the means whereby further inconveniences may be avoided. Which doing, &c. Exhibited 24 October lfi34. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: II «. W Sesolution of ths States General on the preceding Menumai. [ Jrom a.e lUgUfr of E-olmion. Of U.. 8U.« 6.o«.J, in .h. KoyiU AnAlm u U« H.r... ] Tuesday, 24'" October, 1634. ^«.'troo„. r?r'w ' remonstrance of the attending Deputies of the Assembly of the XIX Secondly, the above named remonstrants are also instructed to exnlain t« ti. • «• u included, o„"tfi:::pt''i„rrsLtx°;.i'.rfor'.'' " """t r High Migh.l„e..e.' crrf,„,ial., .Ml .!,„ be i.M,„cKd . Z °! hll! ^ Z"' "'"' """' to the .mount expre..ed la the geneml petition „r,he Council of State but .!.„ .h. T- . of ,h. urre.,. „bieb the .for...ld Company, by prevlou. vote !"d 't 1 I^ZZTZ respective provmces, and to withdraw. For that puroose cxtrLt« «f ..a T f handed to the Deputies. And as regard the rorp^^t hrcl^rsT I !„'' Herberts. SwarUen urch. Marienburch and Schaffer. are requested and ap^o „ ed io tar t^e' explanation of the above named remonstrants, and to report thereupon. The AssemUy of the XIX. to the States General. t From U.. 0,W,»1 ,n lb. Eoj,.l Archl.e. „ u.. n.g«. ; «!., ,„ua«l W^ IndU. ] To the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands. High and Mighty Lords. The Deputies of the Assembly of the XIX. are instructed to complain to your Hi^h Klob rv'Th ' °" J-o»' J-obsen Elkens. having entered the service o Mr. Wiul Klobery and h,s assistants, with the ship, the William, whereof William Trevor wis ma teT did m the past year 1633. Trevor was master, «»roma:o";t.;?;::;n?oCB:ua:''"''' ""-^ ■*»"-"»"' -«— ^»^. 94 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Without, however, holding, as far as is known to us, or being willing to exhibit, when demanded, by our agents, his Majesty's Instruction or Cammission, which he might have for that purpose. Nevertheless, it is sufficiently notorious to all the world, and he, Jt'r-ob Elkens himself knows best of all, having been employed, even before the year 1614, in the service of those who then had your High Mightinesses' grant to trade, exclusively, to that r'ver and the surrounding places. That said river and adjacent countries had been discovered in the year 1609, at the cost of the East India Company, before any Christians had ever been up said river, as Hudson testified, who was then in the service of said Company, for the purpose of discovering the northwest passage to China. And that your High Mightinesses' grant hath conferred, from that time down, on divers merchants, the exclusive trade in peltries there. Likewise, that one or more little forts were built, also under your High Mightinesses' chief jurisdiction, even before the year 1614, and supplied with people for the security of the said trade ; Further, that after these countries had passed into the hands of the incorporated West India Company, not only were the above named forts renewed and enlarged, but said Company purchased from the Indiars who were the indubitable owners thereof, the Island of the Manhattes, situate at the entrance of the said river, and there laid the foundation of a city. As also, not only on that river, but likewise on the South river, and others lying to the east of the aforesaid North river, divers natives and inhabitants of these countries, by the assistance of said Company, planted sundry Colonies, for which purpose were also purchased from the chiefs of the Indians, the lands and soil, with their respective attributes and jurisdictions. As is to be seen by divers deeds o\ conveyance and cession, executed in favor of the Patroons of the Colonies by the Sachems and Chief Lorils of the Indians, and those who had any thing to say therein. So that said Company had occupied, settled and cultivated those countries, and carried on trade there from the commencement of their charter, without any one having justly [complained] of them for so doing, or endeavored b_ to destroy their trade, except some [transported ] landers, and namely: Jacob Elkens, who least of all [should do 80 : who] lately by false [representations] sought to perauade his Mfijesty of Great Britain, that those rountries of New Neth 'Hand were a part of his domains in that quarter of North America. And although iiur Governor anH officers there advised the aforesaid Jacob Elkens, in a fsiv^ndly manner, to refrain from trading within their jurisdiction, yet he went, notwithstanding, higher up the river, and having pitched his tent on the shore, begun to trade with the Indians, the Company's allies. So that our officers were obliged, after various negotiations and protests, as more fully may be seen by the writings and authentic copies thereof existing, to weigh said Elkens' anchor, and to expel him from said river. And although the Company hath by buch arrival, suffered serious damage, and their trade has been thereby particularly spoiled. And injurious seeds of division sown between the Indians and our people, who had previously lived together in good union. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IL H^ And other serious mischiefs hnve proceeded therefrom, such as killing of men and cattle Whereof we expect fuller information by the next ship, which is now soon expecte from h ''" '"'' ««-e«t cause of complaint against, and serious losses and damages to claim from, the employers of th.s Jacob Elkens. of which, on the contrary, they complain again T and pretend their losses are very great. F «■" "gainsi us. To escape from, and to avoid these difficulties "-e better in future, the Deputies of the XIX submit to your High Mightinesses' wise considera .n. KZ''Tcr'7n-t"T ^' **"" '° communicate this matter to the Mr. William Boswel, the Kmg of Great Bntam's agent. inti"rvl^r '" ftT' ""'^"'J^'^'^y' fi"t. 'his question, which is reasonable, may. by the nterv nt,on of h.s Honor on the one side, and Ambassador Joachimi on the other, be settled in a fnendly manner; inasmuch as no suit has. so far as we know, been entered, up to the present time, against the Company, or complaint been made to his Majesty on the subject. ^ And. secondly, future mischiefs maybe avoided by a proper boundary I ne between his Majesty's, and your High Mightinesses', subjects. Inasmuch as the welfare of both depends on mutual good understanding. And a contrary course will afford an opportunity, whereby not only the Indians will be emooldened anew to kill the Christians, as the English heretofore sorely e er enc d in Virginia, and to [slaughter] our people for a much slighter [cause], but also tL K n'of Spa n brdegre:s"rr " '''"^^^ "^ ""* ^'^ ^^^^'"^ f*'" "^^^ ■ which'othe^:;: Exhibited S-S'" October. 1«34. Jiesolution of the States General on the difficulties with the English in New Netherla^ul. [ From U» B.gUI«r of Rowlallon. of th. 8c..« 0,„„.|, ,„ u,. BorU ArohlT« .t tb. H.gu.. ] Wednesday, 25"- October. 1634. rou.a». Mess" Arnhem and the other, their High Mightinesses' Deputies have reported that, pursuant to yesterday's resolution, they have heard and considered the state of the SlKn./" •"" ;J"""°° ""/l difference which arose in New Netherland between the English h V K •.. iT ; °^ '*"" ^"" '"•^''^ ^'"'"P^ny "f these United Netherlands, and have submitted herewith to their High Mightinesses certain Representation on said que t.on communicated by the Directors of the West India Company aforesaid. Whereupon, dehberation being bad. It is resolved and concluded that this State cannot by any means interfere therein, but leave the aforesaid matter to take its course; but their High Mightinesses permit the il?M R 'TV°r1 ""'^ "°"^" hereupon, on behalf of the Company in particular, with Mr. Boswell, the Resident of his Majesty the King of Great Britain. "^ ^ ^ 96 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. New Project of Freedoms and Exemptima. [ From tha US., wlihout date, In tha Boral ArchWaa »t tha Htgua ; Flla, anIIUad Wmt Indtt, leaO-lOM. ] Freedoms, PRiviLEaEs and Exemptions, granted by the High and Mighty Lords States General, ex plenitudine potatatu, to all persons of condition, inhabitants of these countries, to be qualified thereunto by their High Mightinesses, as Lords and Patroons of New Netherland, for the purpose of planting Colonies and introducing cattle there, all for the advancement of the Incorporated West India Company, and for the benefit of the inhabitants of these countries. Persons admissible thereunto by their High Mightinesses, being inclined to plant Colonies in New Netherland, shall be permitted to send thither, by all of the West India Company's ships and yachts going thither, three or four persons, to examine the state of things there, on condition of paying for board and passage out and home, six stuyvers a day, and those wishing to eat in the cabin, twelve stuyvers. 9. And in case of offensive or defensive operations, they must lend assistance the same as others ; and if any of the enemy's ships be captured, they shall also receive their share, pro rata, according to each person's quality; to wit, those not eating in the cabin the same as seamen, and those who board in the cabin, a share equal to that ot the superior officers, calculated one with another. list Herein shall be preferred such persons as shall be admitted first on their High Mightinesses' 4. And for Lords and Patroons of New Netherland shall be acknowledged those who will, within six years from this time, (exclusive of the year of admission) undertake to plant in New Netherland a Colonic of forty-eight souls, on pain, in case of palpable neglect, of being deprived, at their High Mightinesses' discretion, of their acquired Freedoms, Privileges and Exemptions. I'u^T'm'L ^ ^"' «^'«'"y ""« '8 notified that the Company reserves unto itself the Island of ^•^^j'V^ Manhattes, Fort. Orange, with the lands and islands appertaining thereunto, oJLi."*" "" Slaten Island, the land of Achauemet, Arasick and Hobokina, together with the Cokmie of Swanendale. 6. And from the very moment that the Lords and Patroons of New Netherland have designated the places where they wish to plant their Colonies, and have obtained admission thereto from their High Mightinesses, they shall be preferred before all others, for such lands as they have selected. 7. But if they are not afterwards pleased with the places, or be deceived in the selection of the land, they shall have another opportunity to make a selection. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: 11. 9: 8. 9. .rrrrrrc':::\-^tr^^ 10. 11. or to etw ; I rXr^^ '''- ^"•«-«. - rar as to be able to found one enact laws and pol and rkele^^^^^^^^ ""^^ ""S'^'^^'- therein; will and pleasure ^ ' °'''' ""^* '""^ """^ of their Colonies, according to thei; 12. -"•:r=.:r.x it.r^:;r ;t'o.t' tir """■ -" •^--' '-• 13. «.v«.,„a„, obKrved here! "^ ""' J"'""' '"■'"•"''"f '» "I" iie mode of 14. bound t tier onT:;:;: o^^d J s r-^r;"^' ''''" ^" '''-'' p-p'« -^ p-p«-y merchandise. 5 per' oTcash on wha thl '"!'" ft ''''•^' " ^^''='" ^°'- ^°^ '"-'«'•' "' the herein. hovvever^attL a. aX^^^^ T "f '"' '" ""^ •=°""^^y' "°^ --'"^-g nothing; whereLe tht; h f es "ve etr^^^^^^^^^ ^""""'^ ^""" ^'""^y ^^ 'o' thither J but the Patroons shall annrlnrt u ^ '" ''"P' ""** y^'^'' ^'"'^h will sail ever, thing necessar;°rttl:EZrorertr ^ ''' '''' '^''-' ^'^^ P-'<^'"« "c"::;^:"^;^:^""'^^ '- '- Netherl„„d..a/„e;o; be obsUucteJ int Vo.. L ,3 98 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 16. f:# The Patroona shall, at all times, be privileged to send their own ships to New Netherland; and in going and returning, to attack and conquer, oiTensively and defensively, the enemies of this state, and to secure thereby the same right aa the Incorporated West India Company enjoys. 17. The Patroons of New N"*'^«?rland shall have the privilege of sailing and trading along the whole coast, from Florida uii.i0 Newfoundland, and to all the Wild islands of the West Indies. 18. The Patroons shall likewise be at liberty, every where around the coasts of New Netherland and the places adjacent thereunto, to trade their acquired goods for all sorts of wares and merchandises to be had there, without any exception. 19. On the arrival of such wares here in the ships of the West India Company, there shall be paid for the freight of each merchantable skin, whether otter or beaver, one guilder; and on all bulky articles, such as pitch, tar, ashes, timber, grain, fish, salt, rosin or such like, ten guilders per last (estimated at 4000 lbs.), on condition that the Company's seamen shall be obliged to wheel and bring the salt on ship board; with this understanding, that the Patroons' own ships shall be always preferred, and on coming to this tountry, shall enjoy all such benefits and Freedoms, as are granted to the Company. •20. All wares not enumerated in the preceding article, and not being bulky articles f/mt waeren) shall pay for freight 1 guilder per hundred weight, and wines, brandies, vinegars, verjuice, 10 guilders per barrel. 91. Their High Mightinesses promise the Patroons not to impose on their Colonies, any Custom, Toll, Excise, Impost or other tax, but allow them to enjoy such Freedoms and Exemptions as are granted, or shall hereafter be granted by Charter to the Company. 99. No person shall be at liberty to take from the nervice of the Patroons any of their Colonists, whether man, woman, son, daughter, maid-serviint, or man-servant, even though solicited by the ColonisU themselves to receive them (except by written consent of their i'atroons), during the term of years for which they are bound to their Patroons; ader the expiration of which time, the Patroons shall be at liberty to send back to this country the Colonists who leave their service, and then first discharge them ; and 11 any Colonist run away to another Patroon, or resume his freedom contrary to his contract, other I'utroons of New Netherland shall be bound, and do promise their High Mightinesses, to cause him, as far •\s lies in his power, to bo surrendered into the hands of his Patroon or his Comminsary, in order that proceedings Uiay b« iusliluted against auuli Culunist, according to circumstances. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: II. 99 23. of all othera ' "* ""' """'' *''*'" ''°''"«' '» ?«'''«'=' Property, to the exclusion 34. They shall be privileged, also, to send their ships every whera to fi-h .n^ . what has bean caught, to ail neutrals and friends of'this sfate ' ' '° '" ^'' ^'^'^ 25. ^r^^"^Z:^^f:^:j:^z^::: 't% ""^^"'" '-'-- •-- l>e allow such discoverer, as a premium th' If T ' ^"'™°"'' P'°P'''y' P'^''^^'^ for ihat purpose. ^ ^ "''''^'''' '° '"""^^ «« "'^ P«'^°°n «hall have stipulated 2G. fore, .h., h.,. i„, .„d Zi, b:i,,;r,:Lt7err„r"''' "»'""^-'"».»''^ "^.-er «7. 2S. 29 deliberations, in order thereVtoJe able !'„" ?'!,'"' ""'^ '''' """' ^'^•' '""""K" and mereby to be able to promote the necessary protection of the Colonies. 30. f.r^^'llt Their High Mightinesses shall exert themselves to provide the P«fr„,„ ..u leo NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 88. The Incorporated West India Company undertakes to maintain the fort and stronghold on the Island of Manhatten, in good defence and garrison, and to allow the Patroons to enjoy peaceably and quietly these Exemptions, Privileges and Freedoms. 33. All private and poor people fonvermogen yersonen) are excluded from these Exemptions Privileges and Freedoms, and are not allowed to purchase any lands or grounds from the Sachems or Indians in New Netherland, but must repair under the jurisdiction of the respective Lonta Patroons. Thus done and enacted. Svhject foi the Comklemtion of the Asmnbly of the XIX. 1636. [ Prom the Orifiiul In Um B071I ArehlrM it th« lUgn* : Filr, HM tftii*. ] Points of Reference whereupon all the Chambers of the West India Company are summoned to Amsterdam on the 1" of June, 1636, extracted so far as relate to the affairs of New Netherland. Exhibited 24* May, 1636. 7* Point. They shall also come prepared to resume and, if necessary, amend the order for the Director of New Netherland, Curasao, Cape de Verde, Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leone, the Wild Coast, Fernando Noroncho and the Colonies planted here and there, and for this purpose each in hit place shall bring with him all books and papers for information thereon. Readution of the States General on the J'etittoit uf Lul>lmt Van Dindagen, \ rroB tiM IUcMm of RMolatloiu or Ui* BIctM Otnonl, In lb* Rojtl ArehlTM U Ui« HnrM. ] Saturday, SO"- August, 1636. >.« RMMfiud. Read the petition of Lubbert van Dinclagen, fiscal and sheriff of the General Ijbb.rtT.BU,o.i,. Incorporated West India Company, in New Netherland, complaining of the wrong which, he maintains, has been done him in the service of the nforesaid Company, under th» manager.ient of the Chamber residing at Amsterdam. Whereupon deliberation being had, il it resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid petition, with the papers annexed, be sent to the Directors in the aforesaid Chamber, in order to afford the petitioner satisfaction; or, in default the; jof, to inform their High Mightinesses oi Ihe true circumstances and correct stafa of the petitionar'i obm, in order, on seeing it, that further proceedings be had thereon, u to the same shall Appertain. ill ^ HOLLAND DOCUMENTS! IL 101 S^tea Gem>-al to tJi^ Anwterdam ClutinJber of tJie West India Company. I From the Minata In Uia Royal ArobWaa at tha llagua; Flla, Wtt IndU ] To the Directors of the Chamber of the West India Company, at Amsterdam. The States. li^^" ""'""''• ^"" *'" *** ^^'^ Lubbert van Dincklagen, fiscal and sheriff in New *«•"• Netherland, has represented to, and requested of us, by the accompanying petition and annexed papers, the original of which we have resolved to send you herewith- requesting that you will cause satisfaction to be given therein to the petitioner; or, in default thereof, inform us of the correct circumstances and true state of the petitioner's case; in order, on seemg it, that further proceedings be had thereon, as to the same shall appertain. Done 30th August, 1G3G. Hesdution of the States General on another Petition of Mr. Van Dinclagen. [From tba BagMar of KaaoluUoaa of tba BUtat Oanaral, la tha Eoyal Archlraa al tka Hagua. ] Monday, 6th October, 1636. On the further petition of Lubbertus van Dinclagen, roiio ;t4. Na« NrUiarlaad. DIaclagan. „_-., late advocate-fiscal and sheriff in New Netherland, It is, after previous deliberation, resolved and concluded that this petition shall be sent to the Chamber of the West India Company, at Amsterdam, in order that they may reply to the petitioner's foregoing request, within fourteen days after the receipt of the letter. ^atea General to t/it Amsterdam Chamber of t/ie West India Company. [ rrom Ika MInM In Ika Bojal Arablraa al Iba Ba|«a g File, rail InMt, ] Thk States. DiMkiar*. You can see from the accompanying petition, which we have resolved to tend you herewith, what Luh?rtu« van Dincklagen, late advocate-fiscal and sheriff, hath further represenii-d to and requested of us; desiring that you reply within fourteen dcys after the receipt hereof, to the petitioner's foregoing petition. Wherein fail not. Done, 6'» October, 1638. 102 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS Hemlution of fh^ States General on the An-nver of the Armterdam Chamber. [ From the Bi«l.t,r of E«K.lotlOM of*. State 0.n,nil. In Ih. Ror.1 Arohi«. lU th. H^u..] Monday, 20"' October, X636. w^.'iirL.. Received a letter from th^ Directors of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West 7r „hb.rfn/°v' ^TT' '" T'^'l '" ?"'" ^'^'^ Mightinesses' letter, written in the case of Lubbertus Van D.nclagen. late fiscal and sheriff in New Netherland. Whereupon del.berat.on being had, .t .s resolved and concluded that the aforesaid letter shall be handed to party, m order to say what he thinks proper thereupon. <■■»■■» iti»^ Subject for the Consideration of the Assemhly of the XIX. 1636. I Vtota ths Original In tha Eojt. ArchIrM il the Hague. Pile, Wtt 'm/w. ] Points of Reference whereupon all the Chambers of the West India Company are summoned to Amsterdam for the 8'" December, 1636. extracted so far as relates to the affairs of New Netherland. Received 26 Nov. 1636. 10"- Point. They shall also come prepared to resume and amend if necessary, the order on the management of New Netherland, Curasao, Cape de Verd, Senegal, Sierre Leone, the Wild Coast, Fernando, Noronho, and the Colonies planted here and there. And for this purpose each, .n his place, shall bring all books and papers for information thereon. Mr. Van Beveren to tJie SUttes General. I From tba Original In tha Royal Archlraa at Uie Hagiia ; File, KM M /S'tofc* 6^tf««-o^ to the Aamnhly of the XIX. i From th* Mlaula to tha Bojil Archi™ tt Ita* Htgu* | FU», ir«( ImlU.] To the Assembly of the XIX. of the West India Company ; the 30"" April, 1637. The States. jU|.b^r„D.«^. We wrote you at three different times last year. 1630, to pav to Lubbert Van th«r»n„ • ^"'<''''"8«» *"«/*''«« y^»" ""'"^y' «» Fi-cal of New Netherland, with the costs hereon, or m case of refusal to show cause to the contrary. We have sinc^ received you let er. wr.t.en there the lO'^ October, in the aforesaid year. 1636. which, after pre oTsr ad ng and exammation. we placed in the hands of the above named Dincklngen. to make hiJ o servafons thereupon, and he. Dinckiagen. ha.h represented to us this day' by petiU^n thl^ he. having examined your letter, finds that it states : "^ .Wdir Jhlt'" rH"°"T' '""'T'^ ''°'" New Netherland uncalled for and without orders. Ne^ellj' T . ''•^""""'*'"8 »"» «"^"«'l '"""thly wages, the Commissioners of New Netherland. who had previously thoroughly informe.l themselves of, and examined all the documents, allowed him all such sums of money as were afterwards tendered to him, wi .Uut making any computation of the amount. without Thirdly, at he the petitioner, complaining to you, .ev.r.l persons w.re appointed from your body with the ordinary Commissioners, to review the whole matter, v.hich ^ done ^ the presence of Mr. Uerrard Van Arnhem. Lord of Zeventer, and t... tl.; .aid Mr! Ar": '" 104 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. had infovmed the ordinary Commissioners, that in his opinion, he, the petitioner, had been more than satisGed by the allowance of the aforesaid small sum of money. To which three points, he, the petitiDner, makes answer, by the aforesaid petition. First, that he did not return home without orders, or unrecalled ; but that he considers the forcible opposition in his office in New Netherland, his illegal removal from his said office, and other unbecoming proceedings of Wouter Van Tweyler, Director in New Netherland. together with his command and order to betake himself to Fatherland, as the aforesaid Dincklagen can prove, to be a recall and order to return home, as indeed it is. Secondly, that the sum tendered to him is no more than nine months of what is due him. Thirdly, that neither examination, nor revision, much less reconsideration of the matter has been made by the Commissioners, but on the contrary, that the petitioner's vouchers and papers were rejected, and not considered worthy either of perusal or examination by them. Wherefore, we having further examined the petitioner's case, find the same to be just, and therefore cannot and ought not omit hereby officially and earnestly to request, desire, and to exhort you once more for the third time, to cause, and let satisfaction be made him, after such long unfounded delays and postponements; and shall confidently rely on you no longer remaining ir t'efault herein, so that we may hereafter be freed and relieved from the petitioner's troublesome, but well founded, solicitations. And with this view, we have requested Messrs., our deputies, who are to go and preside over your present Assembly, in our behalf, earnestly to recommend and iirge this matter on you, so that the Petitioner be deprived of cause of complaint. Don^. XXX'" April, 1637. Resolution of the States Ceneral to commission Wilkm Kieft, Director of New Netherland, [ Prom tk* B«tMw of PeMluUani of the BlalM Oratril, In Ihs Hoy.l ArchlTH al the Hague. ] Wednesday, 2'» September, 1637. Polio 4M. Director Elias de Raet appeared in the Assembly, with credentials from the Directors of the West India [Company] Chamber at Amsterdam, of the first instant, and rnrrJ,;,*"- P'"''y«^ ''^^'^ ^'^^ Mightinesses that CommlRsion do issue, and the oath be He- N.th.rta«d. entered of Willkm Kieft, to go in the stead of Wouter Van Twyler, as Director of New Netherland. Which being granted by their High Mightinesses, the aforesaid Commission is ordered to be issued, and the aforesaid Willem Kieft was thereupon sworn. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IL 105 Subject for Comideratwn by the Assembly of the XIX. 1638. [ From the Original In the Eny,l ArchWee m the Hague ; Flip, Walt IntHa. 1 Points of Reference on which ail the Chambers of the West India Company are summoned to Middelburg for the 2,V January, 1638; extracted so far as relates to the affairs of New Netherhind. Received 19 January, 1638. 17"> Point. They shall come also prepared to consider, and, if necessary, to improve the management of New Netherland, Curasao, Cape de v'erd, Senegal, Sierre Leone, the Wild Coast. Fernando. Noronha. and the Colonies planted here and there ; and with this view, each in his place will bring all books and papers for information thereon. J2esoIvthn of the States General directing a Register of West India Affairs to be kept. I From the BegUter or the Wert India Affair., 1688-lfl»l, la th. Boyal Arehlre. .t the Kagne. ] Friday, 16 April, 1638. FoHo 1. After deliberation, it is resolved and concluded, that henceforth all re^^olutions, letters or other writings, relating to the East India Company and also to the West India Company, shall be entered and arranged in a book apart from the others. liesolution of the Stales General on a Project for Colonizing New Netherland. [ From the BegWIar of the Weal rn.lla AKklra, IdM-lMl, In tk< Ror*l Archlre. .1 the Hague.] Saturday, i;"> April, 1638. PafnmMrtiiock- ^*""' '" ^^^^ Assembly a certain remonstrance, presented to their High o!i?nl In New '^''«''''"^*'^'' '"'''*' """"^ ""'^ «" ^''e ''^half of divers partiicrs and stockholdefs of wXrllnd" "* the West India Company ; also was exhibited, in addition, a certain Project regarding the planting of Colonies in New Netherland. Whereupon deliberation being had, It is resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid Remonstrance and Project be placed in the hands of their High Mightinesses' De.-uties to the present Assembly of the XIX., here at the Hague, to be by them communicated to that Assembly, and further to manage and direct the affair there, so that proper resolution tyay be taken thereupon, one way or the other, before the Assembly of the XIX. adjourn. Vol. I. U ^It im NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Resolution of the States General urging the Colonization of JVew Mtherland. [ from Ihe Reglater of the We»t Indls AOkln, 168S-t661, In the Bo7>l ArchlTet at tht Hague ] Monday, 26 April, 1638. Whereas their High Mightinesses learn that a sufficient number of good and Polio 1. Divine Worship in , tj o — «■■•-- »• Mv.M«mv,(^yt.i«, ijumi^ci ui guuu uiiu « order .ed ^'""^ clergymen have not been sent to labor at Brazil in the harvest of the Lord ; di«=ipHn.. also that church discipline has not been duly introduced, much less practiced youth. there, nor even order taken for the establishment of schools for the education of the rising youth, that they may be brought up in religion and piety. ^cSnd" *"" Secondly, their High Mightinesses receive additional information that the Popuiauon. population in New Netherland does not only not increase as it ought, but even that the population which had been commenced is decreasing, and appears to be neglened by the West India Company, so that the inhabitants of foreign princes and potentates, are endeavoring to incorporate New Netherland, and if not seasonably attended to, will at once entirely overrun it. Therefore their High Mightinesses, atter previous deliberation, have resolved and concluded on the first point, hereby to instruct and authorize their deputies to the Assembly of the XIX that in conjunction with the present delegates from the respective Chambers to said Assembly! they assist in making and enacting such order, that Divine Worship in Brazil be duly attended to, church ordinance and discipline introduced and practiced, and the rising youth educated and brought up in the fear of the Lord and in the Christian Reformed religion. On the second point, their High Mightinesses have resolved and concluded, that before the present delegates from the respective Chambers to the aforesaid present Assembly of the AIX. adjourn, their High Mightinesses' deputies shall assist in making and enacting such efJectual order regarding the population of New Netherland, and thereunto invite all good inhabitants of these Netherlands by such inducements and pre-eminences as, with the approbation of their High Mightinesses, they shall resolve to offer to all colonists, bo that this State may not be deprived of the aforesaid New Netherland, by any indirect underhand dealing or some inhabitants of this country, and the intrusion and invasion of those of foreiRn princes and potentates. *^ w lieport on the Condition of tlis Colony of Xew Netherland, in ir,38. [From the Orlgmelln the Bo,.! Archlroa.tth. Hague: /./-,«•«„, ,h. sutM General; DWIalon. r«« /m/^.M« Cbmpo^i,, No. «. ] iKirrSj J^''^?"J '^^ ^°'^^ ^'"•'"' ^«"""' °^'''''" ""reliable information on the pS'^7r;:;'T.!J , !" "^ ^'^ Netherland; that it is retrogra.iing more and more, to the injury j52:r"'NJU.V,t °' ""« ''*"^« «"'! 'ts inbabitantj, it is demanded : najBl Tnn Voor- and 8w.r«nberg. 1. HOW lar do tile limits of New Netherland extend a.'ong the sea coast? HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : II. 107 Ci,apoa . along the «ercoast to Zfoundland^' " """"""^ '"^ "^'^^'"'^ *° "''' ''-«» 2. Are these limits still i„ the possession, at the present time, of the West India Company, and the inhabitants of this country? ine west India Th. E»gli.h extend from ,he aonhemt of New EDgl..d „.to the F,.,h River. irthere*be^r„l'le ''°"''"°'"','"° ""1 """""'°« "'"'"'y ""i '^ "ha, mean.? Th r^'iT" ';''""''» °"i™' "'« neighbors, above and below! ha™ be^:.'"" '°"°" "' "°'° ''"''°'" ""» "'- ^"8""1i »" '• ".«»!. f-her .. our'. Lo... If U ^I'^aZrp'rot^l-^l/r^r '^' ^'■°'- »"'- --"-' 7. And in ea,e of lo... and their High Migl„i„e,„, coa.ider it advanl„~oo. lo ; rer;,:d"atTe'i;i,'!rrL?: s::i:t •» ■>'- - -"- - - They have no intention .o to do, unle.s they derived profit by it. Of X't'T' °°" ""' "" '"" "'" ■°"" ""'" »'»"' B'-^'. "••■ i' "ill P-. . .cure. :52r r ~ -"- -= ~s.i. r :.- the A«e„.L„ „f the X.X. of the VoU I J. Co.np'i^tt the H^'r ' "" "" ''' °''*''""'^' ""^ '» P-'<^-' Che..p.»ko. . Meaning, p.„i„My. the Ha«..of Good Uapo. on the C,nne.Ucut River; now. Hartford.- Eo. ; 'i » *1 «:0aQi 106 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Mr. Joachimi to the States Oeneral. I From tbo Original Is Ih* Rojral Archlrct at th« Hagut ; nie, SngOaHd. ] High and Miglty I,o>.h:' My Lords ! Your High Mightinesses will see, by the accompanying papers, the resolution of the Lords of the Kings Council on my application to his Majesty respecting letters of reprisal granted to George Henley and his associates, also to Polhil, and regarding that of the intercourse. I have added thereunto copy of the answer of the Coinniitteeof the council of the ix March 1C35. (that is, of the xix March 1G36, new style) quoted I'v their Lordships in this resolution of the xxv April 1638, English style. I ohjiM dt lo :iie u(v'" tl,eco„„„„„d of „„ army that wa, raised and ..mrohed into tngUnd or the reli.f of Charle, I., but wa. d.fe.h.l at IWon, whe: .. Cin.ce wa, taken prisoner. He w« beheaded on : „""'■'• '''^'^' ■ '"" '"'" •'*" ''" ^"^"^ *•■"'*■• '"^^ •""''■■'"1 "x' •«'"< f«t». «'>J JieJ with nndannted courage - En Sir ThoDiat Koe. *■ '14 ini I 1] ! I Mi VW' ^® NEW. YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Sui^ect of /Reference for the Asmnbly of tU XIX. 1638. [ From the Origlnil In Mxi Eoyal Archiret at the Iligm ; ru«, RM /,««* ] Points of Reference on which all the Chambers of the West InJia Company are summoned to Middelburg for the 6- July 163S ; extracted so far as they IS'' Point "'' ^""^ ^«'»'«'-'«"d. Exhibited 12'- June. 1638. * ■■ » 11 » Proposed Articles for the Colonizatior, and Tmde of New Netherland. I From th. Origln.1 to th. Royal Archlre., at the Hagu. j File, r.rt /Mto. ] Articles and Conditions drawn up and published by theChamber of Amsterdam, with the approbation of their High Mightinesses, the States General of the United Netherlands, in conformity to the authority of the XIX ; on which the respective Lands and Places in and Exhibited SO"- August 1638. Report 2 Septemb' 1G3S. Referred to Mess" Arnliem Noortuyn, Noortwyck, Vosbergen, Weede, Priussen, Donkel and Coenders, to view, examine and ^^e^Tn bJ'"^ «'«\^''«^Hnesses' aro.d' New ^^;;;;:;;7;h::;,:'Z""r t^h'^h. ' D ne or;:;:r J '''''-' •^-forward be traded to. frequented and Signed. Corn- M "sch 1C3S Bettled according to such form of government, S ooRN MLscH 1638. a„d poi.ce „, n,,y ^t present, or shall hereafter. be established there by the Company or its agents. execution thereof, all high and low jiirisdiction, together with the exercise of this and oth^r appendages of public affairs ; in order that its Governors, officers and all otIs employed by it may administer, regulate, manage and execute the same, under their High Zght „. sses ccor ing to the instructions to be given thereon from time to time, without it' ei ^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ tl.e respective churches, with which every one shall be satisfied and content' without. Eve;. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: 11. provided he avoid frequentL any forbid!iP„„. n ^ " '''^" '" P'"'^ and decorum; up any such ; and further absl Xn „ l.bTeTc 'f ," "Tf'^'^" ""^"^ '^" ^""^^ ^ ««' charged to prevent by all (ittin.reDrol. Jh T • " "^'"'''' ^'"'='^ "'« '""g'^trate is Company. ,Vom time'to time 'of ^ a ^ry rcJlr":"'- "■'' ""^"^^^' '° "'^'^ ^••« misunderstandings may be timely obviatedZ prevented!" ' " ''''' ""''"^'°"'' ""'^ and- p''b;c';r::t- htvVTe^^^ ''-': ««-'«• ^^^ -" ^--^ -on«Ho.ds. maintained, preserved and improv d to the b" '^''^"'"^^"' ''-" 'f^^-. «'-!! be pfoperly general assessment to be P idZ he er t on and c""?'' °' '" commonalty, and that the collected with the least inconvenience o ,6-- "" TT '''"''''' ^^"" ''^ '^'^^ and power of the Director or his CounXl le r; tre't^^^^^^^^ ^''T '1 '''"' '" ''' and us consent be obtained. Which assessment In ^""^ ^' advised thereof, works and charges, for the maintenlLe ^ ! el th^; w^":; I?"^ "'-''' *° «-- and granted. ' ^ ^^'^^ "' '"« commencement voted cou^nt^. a':;:':: ^oifbteiMr ';?pT t " ^'^ •^"'"^^''"" -^ -">--' °^ ^-^o- the public waters, creeks, bajs and ri tr 7„ "IT""" "' ''""''^"■°"' ''^""^ ^'^ "«« "^ dry marshes therein situate, all thesTsh:!! if . ^PP'^^P^'-'^""? «ny inlands, sandspits and make such arrangements, thi-^h the D t a^d 5 nd. rh''""!'"^'-"''^'' "^""^'^^^ ^° that all the inhabitants of those o.rts «hnll , • u ^ ^''^' '""""'"^ the use thereof, advantage, unless the Compan! C v t' 7' ^'^"'^°™/'- g-atest possible profit and disposition therein, which Lsolul^' and H "T 'v """''' ''''" ''' "'^'^^'^'^ '' "^'^^ °'her withoutanytroubl oroppos^on Ldt how" ""' °"' ''^" '^ '"""^^ '««»>-"«. he 3b.l. be corrected andXourhrto t'd':^t;;;;:;ii:7„Z:^''- " ''"'-'- '- -"'^' an^r Jrt:rtr:;:ra;J::^^^^^^ -r '° ^" ^-^-'-^^ customs already made, or to be hLXr I '^ P'""""'^"'"' ""'^ the laws and contribute actively and firm yhereunoTnssn"' r^'"""'^ ^''"«'"« ^^^^^^^ "^-^ to any regard of perLn or pl . t o ^Z heir^^be" '"T"'''' ''' ""' ^''"' ^""-^ itself particularly; i„ which case the judgefshal be sp c a lv"h "d ! TT" ''' ''"'"P""^ aci^:g t:r ^ni;;:. ^^^o- g'^i;;:. :::^i -. °- p'- ^- -- ^« ^'«po«ed inhabitant shall be bound willingly to ace p and h„ "", "^'^"'"f ' "^ ""'"" *''^^«' ^«'='' place of residence, according to ^ s oath an.tro h and ,T ' " ' ""' '" ''"'"^^^ ^^ '''« Bame. all public burthens and duties sm.1 as the nffi r' '"^'^"'^"""^ S'^^" ^•«"<^«rning the ii lis NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. of the Director and his Council, on condition of giving the Company notification thereof, and obtaining its approbation therefor. 7. No public servants, whether Director, councillors, military commanders, commissaries, skippers, nor any others in the receipt of orJinary wages from tlie Company, shall, unless permitted so to do, be at liberty to carry on any trade either for themselves, or as factors, or on commission for others, much less undertake any farms or bouweries ; but be content with their ordinary wages. And if they happen to transgress herein, they shall immediately be deprived of such offices and qualities us they may be invested with, and forfeit, moreover, their earned monthly wages and any purchased lands and goods which may be discovered contrary to this article in their possession, or the value thereof, should they have traded or conveyed those away; and the respective officers and justices are commanded to enforce the execution hereof, without any connivance. 8. Each householder and inhabitant shall bear such tax and public charge as shall hereaft-^r be considered proper for the maintenance of Clergymen, comforters of the rick, schoolmasters and such like necessary officers; and the Director and Council there shall be written to touching the form hereof, in order, on receiving further information hereupon, it be rendered the least onerous and vexatious. 9. The inhabitants shall be at liberty to build there for themselves, or for such others as shall instruct or commission them thereunto, all descriptions of craft, either large or small, and with such vessels and no others, ascend and descend all rivers, and prosecute thfir their lawful trade and barter, as well as trade therewith along the entire coast, from Florida to Newfoundland. And in case they happen, in the course of such voyage, to take any of the enemy's ships, they shall bring such to the place of residence of the Director there, to be by him either distributed, or sent hither ; one-third part for the benefit of the Company, and two-thirdi for the captor, provided, if the prize come over here, the proper share for the Company shall be first deducted. 10. And should any wares or merchandises from any neighboring place there, or from any other kingdom or country, he landed from any foreign ships on the coast of New Netherland and places circumjacent thereto, within the limits of our Charter and the Company's possessions, the said goods shall not be opened nor unloaded until they are duly entered, and the duties thereon paid; which, in con»e(iuence of the heavy expenses and charges the Company has to meet, and the gr^-at burdens lying on the inha'oitantg of this'slate, shall be reckoned at fifteen per cent on the estimated value of the said goods there; and thirty per cent on whatever shall he exported in said foreign vessels. 11. The Company will take under its protection and safeguard, all those who report to, or inhabit, said countries under the obedience of their High MightinesscH, the Lords Slafei General; defend them against all assaulls or attacks, coming either from within or without, with such force as it may at present have, or hereafter send, there: provided that every one, be he trader or inhabitant, who happens to be there, freely consent to be employed with others on such occasion for self defence, under command of the respective officers; and to this end, shall every male emigrant take with him, nt his own cost, a musket and side arms, and he enrolled, in case of apparent danger, into eompaniei or sijuads. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: 11. ,,„ 113 without d.J„eth,g «n/„f7h?o"„ 3 .1 t ,7 '""'■;'•'■<"«''"' " »" P---).. JM;:.:^:;r,::,^zr:r,r:i:r;:i:r;,,:;^ West Lndia Co.vh-axy. New \c.he,l«„d IhT ! r C u '"°'"°"' "'"' ""l""™ """ ""•I" »"'! Populalion of iiiiiliiiHii they or their agents ,„-.v JtlT V ' u »d^'«'''l>le; and receive the returns bent .nannJr o ' y :. t ,^ ZTV ' T "" '" 'f ""' "" *""' """^'' ^'" "' «"-• '" ^'^« ca. t... the, ..,:r:: ::.:h;r';:;*;::Lr ::.::::.r^^' -^ ^"^ ^'--^ -■ -« On n i merclmndises g„i„g thither, there Hhall be ,,aLi to the Company here „ duty of ten owner* ,.er.onally «p«ken to. according to the choice o» the D.rector. or their agent,. V«r,. T. I '. m 114 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. And where?8 it is the Company's intention to cause those countries to be peopled and brought into cultivation more and more, the Director and Council there shall be instructed to accommodate every one, according to his condition and means, with as much land as he can properly cultivate, either by himself or with his family. Which land, thus conceded to any person in the name of the Company, shall remain the property of him, his heirs or assigns, provided he shall pay to the Company, after it has been pastured or cultivated four years, the lawful tenths of all fruits, grain, seed, tobacco, cotton and such like, as well as of the increase of all sorts of cattle; of which property a proper deed shall be given, on condition that he truly undertake the cultivation or pasture thereof. Failing therein, he shall incur, in addition to the los. of such land, such penalties and fines as shall be mutually agreed on at the time of the grai t. To which penalties and fines his successors and assigns shall be also bound. And in ore^er to obviate all confusion and losses, which have formerly arisen therefrom and are hereafter .o be expected in a still graver degree, no one shall henceforward be allowed to possess or hold any lands or houses in those parts, that have not previously come through the hands of the Company. The Company, subject to the High and Mighty Lords States General, shall take care that the places and countries there shall be maintained in peace and quietness, in proper police and justice, under its ministers or their deputies, conformably to the regulations and instructions thereupon already established and issued, or to be hereafter enacted and given, upon a knowledge and experience of affairs. All those who will be inclined to go thither, to inhabit the country or to trade, shall severally declare under their signatures, that they will voluntarily submit to these regulations, and to the orders of the Company, and shall allow all questions anl Ih* Ht,(iM. J Monday, 30"' August, 1«>3S. iinrdtu.^ Sieur Johan de Laet having presented and exhibited to the Assembly of their High Mightinesses the Articles and Conditions drawn up lor their High Mightinesses' H.. N«h.,i«d. approbation, whereupon the respective places and countries in and around New Netherland are, from now hencelbrlh, to bo traded to, frequented and settled. It is, after previous deliberation, resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Articles and Conditions be placed in the hands of Mess" Arnhem, Noortwyck, Vosbergen, Weede, Pruyssen, Donckel and Conders, to view and examine them and to report. The ..aid Deputies of their High Mighticeuet may proceed forthwith thereupon. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IL 115 nesolution of the State. G.ural, on tie preceding ArticUs and (MUion,. [ftom th, Reg....r of W«. I„d,. .^„, ,e8S-I6»., la ,h. Eor.l Archive .. *, H.,.^] Thursday, 2 September, 1638. the aforesaid Hubje W be ^^^ s:::b-:;:;:b~^^^ Chamberof the West,, diar "^^ T '^•'^^ P^«J«'=»' t" be communicated to the Subject for the CoMidtrntUm of the Assembly of the XIX, 1038, [ From ih. Ori,tlM.I ID Ih. R„„| Amhlm .1 ih. iu,ut. ni. Wmt Indi,. ) Point. Of Reference vvheroon nil the Chan.ber of the Weat India Company are .um„,on..d ,„ liddleburg for the 27- September. 103S ; extracted so far Z 17". Point. ' ' ' "^ ^''" '^'♦"'"•'•"'"J H-.^»'ibited, 9.-. September, 1038. NVrN'ttlm/" (''"''''"!*" "":":' "• """'- ""'' '''"'^-""^^ "'"-•'• ♦»- "'"nngement of Noronhr ;'"•'?"'''""'" ^'""'' •''*•""«"'■ •'^'•■"'' '-'""«.»•-• Wild Const. Fernando ' f»«« «iipra, p gn. _ Ku, 116 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Resolution of tlie Suites General, to pay Kiliaen Van Rensselaer his Account. I From the Beglittr of Rewlutioni of the Slates General, remaining In the Eojral Archlrei at >be Hague. ] Friday, 28"' January, 1639. K™iai.«'".fl Presented and read to the Assembly the account of Kiliaen Van Renselaer and deack. George Everard Klencii, ordered by their High Mightinesses in February, 1637, to come hither, amounting to forty-three guilders and four stivers. After previous deliberation, it is resolved and concluded that an order .''or the aforesaid sum shall be issued on the above account. Directors of tfie Enchlmyzen Chamber of the West India Company to the States General [ From the Original In the Koyal Arclilrej at the Hagno ; File, Wat Indtt. ] High and Mighty Lords. Your High Mightinesses' letter, dated 31" December, 163S, with the annexed memorial of the Hon"" M' Spieringh, KesUent of the Crown of Sweden, was handed to us on the 13* instant, but the previous one, dated SS"" October, has not been received. As soon as we had Been the tenor of your High Mightinesses' said letter, we were prepared to obey your High Mightinesses' order and command, ariJ with tlwit view, sent an express immediately to Wedenblick, wliich brines us the roilowini; iiilorniation : That on the nr.ival of the ship there, our brother Director, wishing to attend to, and take care of, the import duty, granted and conveyed by your High Mightinesses to the Company, sent for the skipper of that ship; in whose absence the pilot appeared, and being asked. Where he came from 'ind what his freight was / answeretl. From the West Indies, and the cargo, tobacco. Being .^^urther asked, respecting the quantity thereof, said thereunfi, Jiat he was not obliged to give that information, as he did not know who made the inquiry. The quality of our confrtre being made known to hini: he p.-rsisted in his previous answer, adding, 1 am no skipper, and tiie ship is going home to Sweden, and had her Majesty's letters; whitli being demanded, were refused to be siiown. Whereupon, fiie pilot having departed, he returned shortly after, saying. Our nkipper has just arrived. Which i-kipper being sent for, lie answered, Whoever wants to speak \ th, or Una ary thing to say to me, may come to me; so that the Director had the said skipper summoned by the city marshal to produce his commission ; this, Imwever, he would not do, but again answerui as above. Such being the case, the shij) wag placed under arre.U. Notice having be^n given us thereof, we immediately sent one of our Chamber thither, who, with the Direc» r at Med^mblik, spoken to the skipj.er. He then exhibited his commission from the Crown of Sweden. This done, the arrest was at once reinoved and he was allowed to depirl with the ship, as soon as he pleds* ' ; whereupon, he took his departure without any discontent or verlial protest. This, High and Mightj Lords, is tlie true slate and circiimsfnnces of the case regarding the above mentioned whip; whereby your High Mightinesses can perceive liow honestly every thing was transacted, doubling not but. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS • II Herewith. High ancf Migl.ty Lords we p^av Go'^ r""'°'' '° ''' ^"^ °^ ^'^^ P"^^^- be pleased to grant your High M^'r-rsses a 11 """'"''"^ '" "^ ''"'"''•' «"PP'ication. to dear Fatherland. ^'M't.nesses, a prosperous government, for the welfare of our Your High Mightinesses- Humble Servants, The D.rectors of the West India Company, Chamber at Enchuyzen. Enchuyzen, 17'- January, Anno 1639 ' ?°"''^ ^'"'^ '""' ^™°«- Received, 31. January, 1639. '^^^ Volckaerts z Sailmp.ker. Pi '"'I I^^solnUon of tUe States General on a..t,er Petition of LuLLert Van Mnclayen t Proa. U.. «.,...„„, w«U.a,....,„, ,„,-,«,, ,n ...e «„,., .„Mve..uU. „a,uM '.Vednesdny, the IS" May, 1639. L.-.b.« v.n'D,„. . J\^. J''/''f ^ remonstrance presented to thoir High Mightinesses hv n,.A „„ .k cii«e... behaK o( Lubhert Van Dincl i^rpn ., ^ r . • ^ '"'gii'iiesses by and on the obtain satisfaction from the West I dia ( omf ' ' '" ^'"^ ^'«'''erland, in order to previous deliberation, resolvedld I^ Xl^ '"' ^'•^""' '^'"«^^""" ' '' '«' °^'- of their High Mightinesses- Denuti s w ' t / ! remonstrance be placed in the hands XIX. of the above named ComC J in '""v "' '''' approaching Assembly of the by their means and interces iT nv L f ''.'" "'' '" ''' "'' '"'' ''" f''''''""^^' above named Con.pany. in r;;:;,';;;Ls:r::i:c,:ir '"^ ''''''''''' '^'-'^ '^^ ^'^ Folio 3ii. Ii..ol-^io. ,/ M. ,SV.,^., Gene,'al, imtructin.j their D^utie.. Tuesday, 13"' March, 1640. and Aldringa. iM^^S^r^rllt r"":':.^"^^ «^..™ . ,. Mi„ain..ses- reso.u.io„\.f ^^^^^ ,;;;:':; •,:;::''";' i ''-' ''''' West imlia Company, sent over bv >ll . ' ''''"'■'''"■•' '"^ "'" Mightinesses, to the end that lie XIV JT • . ''"'"^""" "' Amnterdam to their High •"id city. It is. after pr n i , dHil n TT' ^''"'"'' """^^ •'"•'•-'P°" -'"'<" Mightinesses. ,>ep..tieMo';;;:r..t'rv.r'M """ ,-"i";'r' '""^ "•'•'^ "'«•• concluding on the aforenaid points, as th v IdMl" T ." '''■'"'^^'»""*^- "dvi.ing and general, and the West India'com a v ^ , ;;V"!*, t'""'^^" "' ""■ """'"^^ '" iioined to attend to the (iff, n„,„ , ,1 '!'"""."• '"" •"'"' I>q>ut.t.s are most especially be practiced under co TLZ1:X:J^'''''; "'""""' "'"' "• '"'« '^"^^ "-"' "''"'-- •'b- the „(.i.ir« of New Ne i er ^d V , "" ' "'' '"^"^ ""'•""" P— '' Tom it ; also. Ne.nerland may, by L „ orri , "" .n---rvcd. but likewise promoted.and that.New y, by the most favorable conditions, be rendere.i agreeable to the inhabitants of 118 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. these countries. But as regards the trade of Guinea, no alteration shall be made therein, without their High Mightinesses' previous sppciai cons.-nt. Further, their High Migiitinesses have decided, in pursuance of their resolution of the 20"" September 1639, and the renewal thereof, which followed on the T"- November last, that the provinces of Guilderland, Zealand, Ftrecht, Vriesland, and Overyssel, shall be again requested to consent to the augmentation of the capital ^vhich the States General invested in the Aforesaid Company, and to introduce their resolution to that effect within the space of two months, or that their High Migiitinesses shall then, after the aforesaid iterated request and prayer, be necessitated to allow the aforesaid capital to be increased by others, in order that the Company may be assisted hy one or the other; and the Deputies of the said Provinces have again undertaken to second, by their respective individual letters, their High Mightinesses' meaning and intention. Bewlution of tU Stat",s- General relative to an offer to send People to New JSTetherland. t From the BaglHer of WeH India affai™, lOSS-lMl, Id Ihe Eoyal ArohWM at the Hague. ] Thursday, 31 May 1640. Folio «. M.. Van Reinswoude hath by express orders from the States of Utrecht dated Sv*.'^™«„rtinR 12" April last, represented to their High Mightinesses that the Count of Solms ftnine of his tlistret.))- • • !• l ^ i ^ x' %t i » i ed »««»ai« lo New 18 ueu (jisposcd to Send to Aew iNetherland some o( his vassals, who have been Nethcfliin.l 10 plant j • #■ ,_ . . colony ibir^. clriveH out oJ the county of Solms by the war, for the purpose of planting colonies there, relating besides the offers his I^ordship had made to the West India Company and the result; that the aforesaid company had refused him what it had already granted to diver»^ private individuals, as well traders as others. Whereupon, after deliberation, it is resolved and concluded that their High Mightinesses' Deputies, who are to attend the present Assembly of the XIX, shah there propose and urge free access to New Netherland for the said Count of Solms and other inhabitants of these count-ies, and for that purpose, that they brvig over the Conditions which they were heretofore ordered to enact, that they be approved and ratified by their High Mightinesses, or in default thereof, their High Mightinesses will themstjlves give appropriate orders thereupon. Remlution of the States General on a Neto Draft of Freedoms and Exemptions. i From the bfglater of Weal India alTalrt, IHS'i-lilBl, In ibe Bojral Arclilraa at Iha nigua. ; Thursdf-y, the 19 July, 1640. F.,iio44. Elias de Ilaedt, Director of the Amsterdam Chamber, appeared in their Hitfh I>lr»cl.ir De KaedL »«.i.. . ii,-.,,.. , ^ Fr««..i,.n,i and Ki- .Miglitiiiesses Assemiily furr.ished with a letter of credence dated l?"" instant. •mpllimt for nil , I , . , i «- , . , »'»"""«fi I" "»d hath, in virtue thereof, (ielivercd to their Hii/h .Miuhtinesses a draft of New .Vrtheriand. I' leedoiiis and fcxemplions for all I'atrooiis, masters or jirivate persons who will introduce any colonies or cattle i,to New Netherland. Whereupon deliberation being had, the provinces requested copy thereof, which is granted. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : II. U9 Proposed Fveedmis and Exemptions for New Netli^-land. 1640. [ From the Orlgln.l, 1„ ,he Ro,„ A„fc,,„ „ ,^, ^^^, p,,^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^ Fkkedom. and Exemptions granted and accorded by the Directors of the General Incorporated West India Conipany at the Assembly of the XIX., with t ,e N her,,„a3, to all Patroons, Masters, or Private persons who will plant any Colon.es or introduce cattle in New Netherland. Exhibited l-. J^i^, i^J to wit. those who eat in the master's cabin m r ^^ , '""^ P'''''^" °"' ""^ '"""«• year, and .oL...J„™';;r;'L;j,';°„r' f "' ■'»:■"■«■; »—'""' P"' wHhin .he no„ri.„. „.g,,,, .h.. c'^a /";;:'' ^tlBrr' ?"']'"""""'■ """■''" Company ,c..e,v„ ,i„ ,„.„d Manl.aue. >= i,.* ^' '""" '" """'' ""' "" S »' 120 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 1600 Rhineland perches) along the coast, bay, or a navigable river, and two contiguous miles landward in; it being well understood, that no two Patroonships shall be selected on both sides of a river or bay, right opposite to each other; and that the Company retains to itself the property of the lands lying between the limits of the Colonies, to dispose thereof hereafter according to its pleasure; and that the Patroons and Colonists shall be obliged to give each other an outlet and issue, (nytlewceghen cnde uyttewaleren) at the nearest place and at the smallest expense; and in case of disagreement, it shall be settled in the presence and by the decision of Uie Governor for the time being. The Patroons shall forever possess all the lands situate within their limits, together with the produce, superficies, minerals, rivers and fountains thereof, with high, low and middle jurisdiction, hunting, fishing, fowling and milling, the lands remaining allodial, but the jurisdiction as of a perpetual hereditary fief, devolvable by death as well to females as to males, and fealty and homage for which is to be rendered to the Company, on each of such occasions, with a pair of iron gauntlets, redeemable by twenty guilders within a year and six weeks, at the Assembly of the XIX., here, or before the Governor there; with this understanding, that in case of division of said fief or jurisdiction, be it high, middle or low, the parts shall be and remain of the same nature as was originally conferred on the whole, and fealty and homage must be rendered for each part thereof by a pair of iron gauntlets, redeemable by twenty guilders, as aforesaid. And should any Patroon, in course uf time, happen to prosper in his Colonic to such a degree as to be able to found one or more towns, he shall have authority to appoint officers and magistrates there, and make use of the title of his Colonie, according to the pleasure and the quality oi the persons, all saving the Company's regalia. And should it happen that the dwelling places of private Colonists become so numerous as to be accounted towns, villages or cities, the Company shall give orders respecting the subaltern government, magistrates and ministers of justice, who shall be nominated by the said towns and villages in a triple number of the best iiualified, from wl. Ji a choice and selection IS to be made by the Governor and Council; and those shall determine all questions and suits within their district. The Patroons who will send Colonies thither, shall furnish them with due instruction agreeably to the mode of government both in police and justice e8tablished,or to be established, by the Assembly of the XIX., which they shall first exhibit to the Directors of the respective Chambers, and have approved by the Assembly of the XIX. The Patroons and Colonists shall have the privilege of sending their people and property there in the Company's ships, on condition of swearing allegiance, and paying \u the Company for the conveyance of the people, as in the first article, and for freight of the goods requisite for their bouwery, five per cent on the cost of the goods here, without, however, including herein the cratle, on the freight of which the Company shall be liberal. But in case it should come to pass that the Company have no ships to dispatch, or that there be no room in the sailing vessels, in such a cm-, the Patroons and Colonists can, upon previously communicating their determination to, and obtaining the consent of the Company HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IL * pain, in case of contravention of fnrf^iiin,, »i, • . • **^^/""" "^ P^'° "X the Company; on Company, it ..ainin, o^i:: wUriH"? t^: tj/r t'e^ oTtH^ ^^^"'^ "^' ^"« country thereabout, before hej n be ent fu ttr""" Tu"' '"^ ''" ^°^''' "^'^^ ^^^ ^^« useless there, or cannot be broV/ht there exi '^ ""^ "^'"" '^^^'^ "« the latter shal. be bound to give t melv noti 7 P ►^ " '" '^' "^°^"' '" ^'"'=h case or to the Governor and clur!^ It re th^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ '° "•« ComP-ny here. shall be found to require. '''"'"''^'^ '^°'"' '»'^^°'-*^'"« «« 'he circu^nstances he:i!'::Hr;;:;ss^Lt:ia:::^:;r' r ^"' -;'--^^°'^e" intheco.pa„y the following conditions: ""' '"'"■' '=*^''«'' ^^°-'" ^^'""'^^ ^^ Newfoundland, on for iLpection a'nd pay^n^^f^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ '"- ^^'^ Co.pan.'s storL f^; article here, besides convoy-freight and ^veral .1 """i ''"' "° ^'^ '^^^'^ '^''^^ "^ '^^ what may be sent in the Co„,nanlsll7 ,'*,,. '""""""''""^ '""'^'^ '°' '"^^ f'-^'ghts of whereexceptattheManhat «u Til '. r" ""' ^" ""''"^*^ ^° ^' ^''^'^ -7 liberty, after proper i„spe on of h ^T "" . ^""'^'"^ '""'^ "^^^ °^^*'^' «° "« 'o be at place they thiSk p^^pe"!' ''"' '"'"'^ ''"' *'« ^"'^^ ^''^-f' ^o depart to whatever abr th": ctv:;'it7;:n::rbyihei.::", tv'''-" -'-' '- ^^'^ •-- °- -^ the valuation to be made I ere 1 sue ' ■' ^"'"^'''"y' "^^ P" ^«"'' "'^'"•"^'ling '« with the Governor Td C ncil th re or'th f " ^ T"' ' '"' "" ^^^•'^"^•'"' --' '^ '^^'^ from there in the Company's sior'' f "" . °' "'^ "'' ''" ^'^"'^^ ""»' "^ »>-"« ««nt which will be sent fro Zret e ll T • ^ "" ,"' "'' ''"^'*^"' '^""^ ''"' ^''^^ P ''"• «• cent, all in kind, and due re^ipt fi, M '"V". ^"'"""^ '''"'^ ^"""'^^ '''"^- "^« Per confirmation of all the furs w f, J ^' y»y"e"t thereof, shall be brought along, on pain'of Company, and with th^rbltrp^;!:!::;",:;- '''' ""^ '^'"^ ^"^ ^^^ ^^''-'"^ '^« Fi"i:z^::.,:ri:pr;o:^^:r-"^' : '-^--^'-^ -'-^ ^^« -- '^- to bring the same, or to c.sl' ^ am^: beL'ur'tl ^I T " ''' T""" '^ °'"««'^ Netherlnnd. or to the Chamber w .J.T.u '^ ' ^^ Governor and Council in New- the third partthereo 2 ;;etIi„X 17'""" rf ^ '" '' ''''''''''"' ^^ "^-' ^^^ State's portion, the two other hirnluf.rUrrT'' 'l'"'' '^'^^'^'^ •- Highness' and the and risk, all in pursuance of the Co '^ay' or e"' '" "'"" '" ''''' '''''"'' "P^""" Vot. r. IG und to eturn to this country, with their ships and yachts, to the place they sailed from, in order to discharge all their freight into the Company's stores, according to the register and clearance to be 1 ought from thence, on pain of forfeiting their ship and goods for the Company's behoof, should they go and break bulk elsewhere, or have any unregistered goods on board. The Company promises, during the continuance of the present charter and no longer, not to burden the Patroons and Colonists in that country, either with customs, toll, excise, imposts or any other contributions, and after the expiration hereof, at farthest, with no greater duty than is imposed on goods in this country. The Company shall not take from the service of the Patroons or Colonists, their man servants or maid servants, even though some person should solicit it; nor rtueive them, much less suffer them to go from their master's service to that of another, during the term of such years as they are bound for ; and if any man servant or maid servant run away, or take his freedom contrary to contract, the Company shall, according to its means, cadse such to be delivered into the hands of their masters, to be proceeded against according to the rcumstances of the case. From all definitive judgments pronounced by the Courts of the Patroons or Colonists, for an amount exceeding one hundred guilders, or from such as entail infamy, also from all sentences pronounced in matters criminal, on ordinary prosecution, conformable to the custom of this country, an appeal shall lie to the Governor and Council of the Company in New Netherland. All Patroons, Colonists and inhabitants are allowed free hunting and fishing, both by land and by water, generally in public woods and rivers in the extent of their lands, according to the order to be made thereupon by the Governor and Council ; and the Patroons exclusiveiv within the limits of their Colonies, with the clear understanding that the Governor and Council shall not be excluded therefrom. All Patroons, inhabitants or Colonists, are also allowed to send ships along the coast of New Netherland and the countries circumjacent thereunto, to fish for Cod, &c., and to proceed with the catch straight to Italy or other neutral countries, on condition of paying to the Company for duty, in such case, six guilders per last, and on coming here with their freight, it shall be allowable and sufficient to pay the Company the custom dues alone, without conveying, under pretence of this consent, any other goods elsewhere, on pain of arbitrary punishment, it remaining ul the pleasure of the Company to put a supercargo on board each ship, on such conditions and terms as hereinbefore set forth. If any Patroons, inhabitants or Colonists happen by their industry, diligence or otherwise to discover any minerals, precious stones, crystals, marbles, pearlfisheries or such like within the limits of their lands, all such Patroons and Colonists shall give one-fifth part of the nett proceeds to the Company, which for this purpose shall have the power to appoint one or more inspectors, at the charge of said mines and pearlfisheries; but any one finding such without their limitt, HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : U. .»ir™. .hal/be obliged rprovi .hi, ,f7hi.l" '" "t'"" ''""'°" '"* "»" ADd DO Oilier Religion >hall be publicly admilted in New Netberland e<™nt ib. B r j .. .... a. p,e.„, p„ached and pracleed b, public .u,hor t" b ,be U„1,erNe, e l.^d^'Tad ::b.:iz™d'::irz.r:cr"= -^ -"""'" -- -^ .i"'";t;b:^! «p.«, « iea„ .e, .e,™ ^jiro" ■ tdt: rorritSTisrsr "" The Company reserves unto itselfall large and small tyti.es all waifs thp ri<,hf r • » laying out highways, erecting forts, making war and pea e tolrer w h »M °[,"""'«8^' .upremacj, domain, 6nance. and righie of ibe Genera We,. Tdf, rl ' r , °'"' d":ir:t reTor prxiiiit:. trt^'' ™'r"-"*'" '"- - ■"*"- unchallenged a'ralT persons S" " '""'"" "'^"•'" ""'^ *^<=«"- ?--"'>«'' -^ complained oritraltake '"" r^'""" '''''^"'"""'^^ ^'""^ -""«" '^>-e appe^tainining t:t^;7::^Cr :hf Co:;::;; ^-^ "'"''"'"•^^ '^^ -^ ^-"- - «» — ^. «Ai ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A »^ 1.0 I.I W BSA llllli— 12.5 12.2 (.25 1.4 1.6 ^ 6" ► 4 o ^ 'm /a Mi Ji: '^J> Hiotographic Sciences orporation G 39 WIST MAIN STRIIT WItSTBir, N.V. M580 (7U) 173-4503 ^.''<^'' ^ t 1S4 3 ■ ill I NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. rollo 48. Klllwn VtD B«n- ■eUtr. Resolution of the States General empowering KUiaen Van Rensselaer to dispose of >m Cdonie hy Will. [ From th« E«glrt»r 0/ Weit Inai« afliii™, 1088 — U61, In the Eoyil AtcWtm It the Digne.] Tuesday, 6"" February 1641. Read in the Assembly the petition presented to their High Mightinesses in the name, and on the behalf of, Kiiiaen Van Renselaer, Patroon of his Colonie called Rensselaerswyck, situate on the north river of New Netherland ; praying approval of a certain order entered by the Amsterdam Chamber of the Wast India Company on 14"" November 1689 on the margin of the Petitioner's request, to be allowed according to article 7, to dispose of his, the Petitioner's, manor or feudal estate referred to in the sixth article of the Freedoms granted to the Colonists in New Netherland. Whereupon after deliberation and consideration of the fifth article of the abovementioned Freedoms, their High Mightinesses instead of the aforesaid approbation by him prayed for, have granted and allowed tue Petitioner Veniam testandi, in order to enable him to dispose by last Will, accotding to his pleasure, of the aforesaid manor or feudal estate, whereof acte shall issue to the Petitioner in due form. ■♦ »•♦ ti » i|*; Power to Kiiiaen Van Rensselaer to devise his estate in New Netherland. I From the Aott botJi of the Blatee General In the Royel Archlree at the Hagae. ] Grant empowering Kiiiaen Rensselaer to bequeath and dispose, by last will and testament, of his property situate in New Netherland. Folio 14a The Str.tes General of the United Netherlands. To all who shall see these or hear them read. Health. Bb it Known, that on the humble petition of Kiiiaen van Rensselaer, Patroon of his Colonie named Rensselaers-wyck, situate on the North river of N«ivi Netherland, within the limits of the General Incorporated West India Company of this country, and having referred to the 6''' Article of ihe Freedoms, granted by the Assembly of the XIX., of said Company, to all those who shall plant any Colonies in New Netherland aforesaid, We have given, granted, allowed and conceded, and do of Our Sovereign power, by this Our letter, give, grant, allow and concede unto him, the petitioner, authority to dispose of, bequeath, and give directions concerning the aforesaid his fief, named Rensselaers-wyck, either by form of testament and last will and codicil, before a notary and witnesses, superintendents and vassals of the manor where the said properly is situate, or otherwise nt his pleasure, for the behoof of his children, if any he hath, friends and relatives or others, strangers, as he shall please and think proper; the aforesaid, his manorial estate to his children or other persons to give, transport, or leave in whole or in part; thereupon to assign rents hereditary, or for life, or even to give 'any one the usufruct thereof, at his discretion and good pleasara. We have, moreover, given, and do hereby giv^, the petitioner permission, power, and leave hir aforesaid ■ testament and last will, which he will thus make, or hatl< previously made, to alter, HOLLAND DOCTJMENTS: IL ,-- 18a law., .MM, mi cuMo™. of the place wherein .», 1 1 """" '"°"""8 '" «" and way., .. if ,he .aid gi„. „ X2:tTZT:2':cTj'Zr:Za "" iV" """' or other., their agent., whom it niav concern p,wj j .? . , "'"' <^°'"P>"y. p.lition.r .hall gT,e. order, "r mZover the' JZ t, ° T'"""'"'" 'l" "bavenamed be boand, wUhin a ^ar a d .'rweerafter he d aTh o The". ' '7'°" "°""'°' "' ■''"" entrance into po,.e..ion of the above de"rbldf!nd.T.,, , J?" '*""°""' »"•" °"'" «..amen., oLr a'ad la., „i„ ofT at™ , ^'0, onTa Te' tiirr I'd"' '''"" "n Minute, of the A.semUy of XIX. respecting New Netherhnd. Extract of a Report made to the States Genernl. of the business transacted at ;ithe;rr';'L«:''^ '^'"- -' ''- ^^^ ^-^'^ ^-^^-^ - — ^-! Monday, S" March, 1642. .. on:'irt cfati^'vircir'^n '°'" '^""^■""' "'^°"«' ^•'^ •^-'--^- -•>-- .ome enclosure. " '^""''''"' '""'='°' "^^ ^"^"^■"«' -''^out date or plac, with And auother from John van der Hil,- from New Netherland, dated C* Janu^y! ,648. ' C«pt John Uodtrhill. — Ki\ 126 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPT& i And they are referred to the Mess" Looten, de Raet, Loyssen, Halewyn, Loose and van Royen, to examine said letters and papers, as well as the wLole state and conditicn of New Netherland, and to report thereon to tho Assembly. Admonition being given, &c. Thursday, e"- March, 1642. Read a despatch from Ambassador Joachimi, dated Canterbury, 26th February, 16i2, with certain appendices containing some declarations and complaints of the English in fisw England against our people in New Netherland; and placed tiie same in the hands of the Commissioners on the aSaits of New Netherland. Friday, the 7'* March, 1642. Read a petition of Cornells van Hoykens, fiscal in New Netherland, soliciting increase of salary, with good accommodation in his quarters. And resolved to place the same in the hands of the Commissioners on the affairs of New Netherland. Wednesday, 12* March, 1642. The Commissioners on the affairs of New Netherland, having reported on the despatch of the ambassador Joachimi, and the complaints of the English, therein contained. It is resolved, to place the said despatch, with all papers and maps touching New Netherland, in the hands of the Advocate, to form a rescript for Mr. Joachimi. The Committee nominated on the S"* instant to examine the papers from New; Netherland and Cura9ao, report that they are of opinion still to preserve the said places at the smallest expense possible, conforming to the letter of the Director there, dated 4"' July, the resolution of the XIX., ar.d letter of the 20"' September, 1641, sent to the aforesaid Director by the ship the Brandaru, which the Assembly approves; and resolves, moreover, to postpone the sending of a Clergyman or Vicar. Readution of the States General on a Petition of Fiscal Van Dinclagen. [ From lb* lUfUtor of W«u IndU kfftin, 1«S.S-1U1, in lb* Bojral ArelilTe* at tb« Htftt*. ] Wednesday, 2l8t May, 1642. Folio 10. The further petition of Lubbert van Dincklagen, lats fiseal of New Netherland, '•€"• With the appendix thereunto annexed, is, alter previous deliberation, referred to their High Migtinesses' deputies, actually presiding at the Assembly of the XIX. of the West India Company, at Amsterdam, in order that the petitioner may, by their direction and interposition, obtain his just arrear?, which the said Company may owe him on his claims. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: II. 127 Mr. Joachimi to the States General I Frwn tbs OrlglnH It Ui« Rofal ArahiTn H tin HigiM ; File, Unfkmd. ] High and Mighty LorHs. My Lords, No notice has been taken in the House of Commons of what I communicated to some Lords on the xxii. and xxlii., from your High Mightinesses' letter of the twelfth instant, as I have understood from a Knight, a member of the same house, who is also of opinion that the alliance with Spain and the trade are wholly opposed to our proposal. Since my last of the xxv., some more cavalry have made their appearance here; and infantry are continued to be enlisted by beat of drum. Some of these have been sent to Hull. It was here considered certain that the King hath some force in the vicinity of this city, with a view to seize it; that they are not three thousand strong, and that they had burnt some mills in the neighborhood of the city; but that those inside have received three or four pieces of artillery and taken twelve or thirteen persons prisoners. The particulars are diversely related. On the xxvi., the votes and resolutions appeared in print, whereby it was determined to raise an army of which the Earl of Essex ' is to be General, the Earl of Bedford' to be General of the Cavalry, as your High Mightinesses will see in the printed paper sent herewith. I find that the little service I can perform here has been much curtailed by the publication of the aforesaid resolution. Letters are received from the Commissioners, who went on the part of both houses of Parliamer; , the King, that they had presented, on Saturday evening, the petition with which they had been dispatched, to his Majesty, who had taken it for examination. I have not yet learned th-^ answer. If the Parliamentarians will be reconciled to the King, private complaints of the people against the Dutch, lud petitions for the improvement of trade will undoubtedly be brought forward and flxnminad in Parliament. It should therefore (under gracious correction) be seasonably considered, how the issue of letters of reprisal, or the passage of resolutions affecting thetrade, is to be prevented ; from which serious inconveniences must arise. Among the English complainants, are the inhabitants of New England, as your High Mightinesses will be able »o perceive from a Memorial hereunto annexed, handed me by my Lord Seie.' The Earl of Warwick had already handed me a similar one in English. Some of ' RoBHT DiTBUtux, 8J E»rl of Gmx, wh ippoinUd to the conini*nd of the «rmy. ig.inst th« Scotch CoT«n«nt«r», in J68»; -ifUrwird. Urd Ch«mb«rUiii, and in 1441, Lieutenant of the Kingdom south of the Trent In the following ye»r he VM di.tni«»ed from bit office of Lord Chemberliin, whereupon the I'.rliament nppointed him to the commend of their tonm. He WM then deeUi-ed • traitor by tho King, againut whom he fought with varloue iuoeeet, until the year 1846, when h« reeigned hie oomroiiaion. He died in September, lt4A. • Wiiuui Roaatu, Sth E»rl. and lit Duke of n«.Iford, K 0., waa bom in 1814 ; created Marqueaa of Tariitock and Dnk« of Bedford, Ilth May, 1849. aud died 7 September, 170a He waa father of the celebrated Lord William Roaael who waa beheaded in 1888. i>«6rt((. ' • WiLUAM FimxB, 4th Baron, vraa created in 1814 Viaconnt, Say and Sele. Ha waa one of the original palenUea of Connecticut After pawng harmleaa through the troublea whioh at thia period conrulaed England, he became Lord Priry Seal after the R«t<.ratlon, which he had been initrumenUl in bringing about, and died in 1883. Saybrook. in Connecticut, derirea thj firet part of iu name from thii nobleman. The latter part .'com Lord Brook, aflerwarda a ParliamenUrT BeneraL and killad at Litehflald in 1741— Eo. / « h % 1S8 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. - the said complainants have spoken very menacingly and said :— If the matter be not arranged, our people will be, within the year, expelled from the quarter whence the complaints proceeded. The Directors of the West India Company have cognizance of the aforesaid complaints. On the xxiii. instant, I communicated to my Lord Seie above mentioned, information relative to the aforesaid memorial, copy whereof goes herewith. He requested tiiat letters be written to the Dutch who are in New Netherland, to the end that our people, who have been complained of, may comport themselves in a peaceable and friendly manner with the English. I doubt if he hath correctly seized the meaning of the English. The Mayor of London is still in the Tower. He cannot be prevailed on to name a Deputy to fill his place in the City. It is said there is no precedent for the appointment of a Deputy to a Mayor, except he be sick, or not in his proper mind. Herewith commending myself humbly to your High Mightinesses, I pray God. High and Mighty Lords, that He may bless your High Migr.tinesses' government more and more. Your High Mightinesses' most humble servant, At London, the last of July, 1642. (signed). Alb. Joachimi. Received, 9'" August, 1642. Appendix received from My Lord Saye. Read 9th August, 1642. [ From the Orlglul In the Bojral Arohlree >t the lligue ; File, Wtt Indi*.] Many of the English (his Majesty's Subjects) having ' een incorporated by his Majesty's letters patent and having, in order to obviate all difficulties, purchased the land from the natives, the acknowledged and right owners thereof, established divers factories on the river Coaectccot, m New Englmd, where they have experienced manifold molestations and insolence! from the Dutch nation, who, having previously erected a small factory on the aforesaid river, claim, in virtue thereof, tiie right to the whole, and not only that, but to all the extent of country from Naragamet Bay to Hadsoas river, which they call by the name of New Net/ierland, although it had been granted by his Majesty to divers of his subjects, and is exclusively inhabited by the English, entered many protests against the peaceable proceedings of the English, towards whom they have transgressed in various manners and ways, adding thereunto sundry threats and haughty afgumeuts. All which the English bore, and though no more than Jive or six Dutch, at most, reside on the aforesaid river Co:iecticot, where there are exceeding two thousand E^glUh, ya the latter have not used any violence towards them, but treated them with all kindness: yea, have thr. jeen the means, under God, of savinir their lives. The Dutch sometimes, 'tis true, aver that they purchased from the Pequot Indians, a piece of land lying on the aforesaid river, to which, in virtue of that purchase, they pretend a right. But if any such purchase has been effected, which has never been proved, it is very well known that the Pequots had no just, but an usurped, title. And herein is apparent the weakness of their claim : the English, by divers letters addressed to Governor Willem Kiejl, residing on Hudson, river, offer-d to refer the settlement of the aforesaid difference to disinterested arbitrators, but he would not accept it. It is requested that they be ordered to demean themselves, in the place they occupy, in n peaceable, neighborly manner, and be content with their own limits, or required to leave the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: II. 139 Zr^. h . '"°''*'° '^''' '""""■'' advantage; it being very probable that the returns have never repaid, or will never reimburse, their outlays. Moreover, they live there without rule, m a godless manner, beseeming in uo w;se the Gospel of Christ. Their abode here^w, 11 never be productive of any other effect than expense to their masters, and trouble to Rm>lution of thi States QemrcA, referring tU preceding Documents. [ From th. Bi^iMor orih. W«» ladU aAin, IdSg-lMl, In the Kar.1 XtMn, M tke H^ie. ] Saturday, 9 August, 1G42. H«,Z2 I. ^T'T^ ^ ''"'' ''™'° ^^'' •^°""'"'"'' '^^'' ^'^^ Mightinesses' Ambassador in • England, written at London the last of July; with an appendix containing Slrjlf ":r ° .f H°""' "'""f* ?' ''''''' P^°P'« '" '^^^ ^«'^-'-«^- Which Sr,Slil^„,T'?S>l.'!: ''"°« :'<"»«'d«red. ,t ,s resolved and concluded that copy of the aforesaid i.N,wij.ih.„..d. complaints of the English be sent to the presiding Chamber of the West India Company at Amsterdam, for information. * I » II w State* General to the Amsterdam Ghamher of the West India Qmpany. [ From Ih* Uiaal* In Uw K071I Arahlrw u Ut* Bicae j Flto, r«K ibiU^] To the presiding Chamber of the West India Company at Amsterdam, the 9* August. 1649. Thb States, btc. grngjinu V ^ ^ ^.„ ,^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ annexed papers we have resolved to send you herewith for information (which you will communicate to us with all speed), what Mr. Joachini. our ordinary Ambassador in England, hath in his letter, dated last of July past, represented to u. relative to complaints of many Englishmen against the Dutch people of New Netherland. Done 9 August, 1642. <■■*■■> Mr. Joachimi to the States General. [rroalhcOflflBiJInUuUajnlAraklrMniUwHafMi ru^JhfviaiiA] High and Mighty Lords! My Lords! Your High Mightinesses have been able to gather from my despatch of the last of July, the latest information I possessed respecting the matter I had submitted to some Lords, in • Mr. d« ZwMD inyi, of th. Dntob Ma - " ThU piM« U .yid.nUy • tr*o«l*Uon from tht Engluk"-Ee Vol. I. 17 180 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS, accordance with your High Mightinesses' letter of the xii"* preceding. On last Sunday, one of the best informed Lords, an Earl, came to me, who said u misfortune had occurred; that the Hollanders had captured and sent to Zealand twelve or thirteen ships that designed to enter Dunkirk under convoy of a ship of war, which the Earl of Warwick' had granted tiiem. And that the said Earl, without waiting the opinion of Parliament, had detained three Dutch merchant vessels, which were bound for the Mediterranean ; then, that iie hoped the aforesaid three ships would be discharged the next day, and requested that I should represent this in most favorable terms beyond sea. Thereupon I said to the aforesaid Lord, that I was willing to do whatever might tend to the preservation of friendship between both States and Nations. But that I had received neither letter nor complaint respecting what precedes. On the following day, I acquainted another Lord of the Upper House of what the aforesaid Earl had communicated to, and requested of, me; and added thereto, that, with his Lordship's permission, I should come at noon, or send to inquire what had been done regarding this affair. He said, I should send and he would communicate the resolution to me. I received the answer first on Tuesday; and he let me know by the person I had sent, that orders had been given the day before, without in any wise giving me to understand what had been ordered. 1 had dispatched an express to Dover, on Monday, to obtain information of the real state of the detention of abovementioned three Mediterranean traders, who brought me an answer in writing from Sieur Cornells Bos, that twelve ships, mostly English, were taken to Zealand by Mr. Tromp; and that on the ii. of the month, five Dutch Mediterranean merchantmen were detained in the Downs; but that these were released on the evening of the fifth. He added, moreover, that their voyage was scarcely interrupted. No complaints have been presented to me from these ships, nor from those carried into Zealand. Since, a report has been rendered by the Commissioners, who had been to the King, at Beverly, from the Parliament, to propose terms of accommodation to His Majesty, whereby the danger of a civil war might be avoided; people have been continually occupied in enlisting and mustering troops, both foot and horse. The city of London will furnish, and maintain for some months, it is reported, five thousand men. The apprentices who volunteer with their masters' consent, and will be received into service, will, by their service, shorten thei • apprenticeship, and be for ever freemen of London. A great many more are presenting themselves than it is designed to accept. One of the Commissioners who had been to the King, told me, that Parliament had offered to place the city of Hull in His Majesty's hands ; to restore the magazine that was there ; to regulate the militia by bill ; to discharge the forces enlisted on both sides, at one and the same time. And he declared, moreover, that those of the Parliament will uphold the King in good faith, and sincerely in his prerogative, dignity and rank. On the other hand, his Majesty requires, first of all, that Hull and the magazine be restored. That those of the Parliament do first dismiss the force they have raised, and place the militia, as well as the fleet, at his disposal. Moreover, that the Parliament be adjourned, to meet in some other place besides Westminster or London. This being effected, his Majesty will consider what is necessary to ■ RoiuT Ricn, 2d Earl of Wurwick, aiicceeiled to hit father's title on 24tb March, 1618-19; he waa a great friend of the Puritani, and High Admiral for the Long Parliament After filling variona officea, he died May 39, 1669. Ilia nephaW married Francea, youngeit daughter of Oliver Cromwell, lord Protector of England. Collituf Ptrrag: Ed. 1766. 11^88. He waa, says Clarendon, a man of pleasant and companionable wit and conversation; of an uniTersal jollity; and such a liaense in 1 vorda and actions, tliat a man of less virtue could not be found ont Tlie Karl of Warwick Tr»»-presid6nt of the Council ol Plymouth, under which the New England colonies were planted ; und his eonnexion with the Puritans, with whom be waa vary popular, may account for the character of the early emigration to thoa* par' — Ed. m HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: 11. m be done with Parliament, Tor the good of the nation. Some of the Commissioners' suite had heard some Cavaliers of the court wish the said Commissioners n:uch bad luck, should they wait on the King for the purpose of making peace. A printed copy of the King's answer accompanies this, by which your High Mightinesses will perceive, more clearly, the nature of his Majesty's demands, and that he hath required a full and positive answer thereunto by Wednesday, the xxvii. of July, old style. How it is received by the Houses of Parliament, I have not heard for certain. Afler the departure of the aforesaid Commissioners, the King went to Leicestershire, where, it is reported, a division has broken out among the people. And a committee of Parliament is engaged in putting into execution the militia law. The people had, moreover, refused to deliver up the magazine; but it is as yet scarcely possible to write with any certainty about such matters as transpire at a distance from here; seeing, by daily experience, that things are printed here, under the eyes of Parliament, which have not the least semblance of truth. Your High Mightinesses' despatches of the xxvii. July, are delivered to me whilst I am engaged in writing this. I thank your High Mightinesses for the Rescript,' and I shall make use of it as occasion demands, and state decidedly every where, when the subject is mentioned, that your High Mightinesses will not meddle with the domestic difficulties of this kingdom, and that the government of the United Netherlands keeps itself neutral in this regard. I avoid as much as possible having any thing to do with the Parliament, and holding any conversation with the members thereof, in order not to excite any cause of jealousy. I mentioned in my last of the xxxi. July, that the English in New England complain of the Dutch in New Netherland, and that some of the English have spoken very boldly and said, if the affair were not settled, that the Dutch would, within a year, be out of those parts whence the complaints proceeded. Those who dare threaten in that manner, would perhaps also venture on putting threats into execution. , What my Lord Seye requests, is ineffectual to keep the English back from New Netherland, should they design driving our people from their place. I have, therefore, bethought me to propose respectfully to your High Mightinesses, whether it would not be proper, in order to obviate inconveniences, that your High Mightinesses should write to the King and request his Majesty to be pleased to order the English in New England to leave the Dutch undisturbed in New Netherland and parts adjacent, where they had been before the English arrived in those countries. For such orders must proceed from his Majesty, who might take it ill that the Houses of Parliament were applied to for a remedy, whose orders probably would not be acknowledged in that far distant quarter. In considering the aforesaid point, it is ( with submission), to be borne in mind, that the winter will be soon at hand, and that opportunitisB to go, or to send letters to those parts, do not occur every day. The Portuguese agent, who remained here after the Ambassador's departure, spoke to me on Saturday last, to request Vice Admiral Tromp to assist two Commissioners of the Kiug his master, who had arrived at Dover, in reaching the United Provinces in safety. They were sent, he said, to your High Mightinesses on business of importance, and which required despatch. I granted him his request; but I know not whether Mr. Tromp can accommodate ' See Aitxema. Folio. II. ,816, for the terras or buii of the Reicript. — Ed. 183 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. him. The Earl of Leicester' lefl here last weeii for his government, in Ireland. Herewith ending, I commend myself respectfully to your High Mightinesses, and pray God, High and Mighty Lords, that He may bless your High Mightinesses' Government more and more. Your High Mightinesses' London, the eighth of August, 1642. most obedient servant, Received le"* of August, 1642. (Signed) Alb. Joachimi. P. S. The letter was entirely written when I received the printed replies to the King's answer brought over lately by the Earl of Holland.' A copy of said replies is hereunto annexed. New Neiherland. 1638 to 1642. In all the Points of Reference for the Assembly of the XIX. of the West Indis Company, reoeired by the States General between 9 September, 1688, and 2Sd August, 1842, no mention is found of New Netherland, though all these points hava been carefully examined twice. J. A. di Zwaah. liaroh, 1848. <.■»■■» Subject for the Consideration of the Assembly of the XIX. [ From the Origtaui in the Bojal Archires at the Hsgae: File, Wti* Indit, ] Points whereupon all the Chambers of the West India Company are summoned to Amsterdam for the 15 Sept' 1642, extracted so far as relates to the affairs of New Netherland. Read 23 Aug. 1642. 24"" Point. And in what way to deviae an effectual and good plan for the places in New Netherland regarding the Freedoms and peopling thereof, and, generally, in what manner the aforesaid conquests shall be resorted to and traded with. * RoBEBT SiDRiT, 2d Earl of Leicester, and brother-in-law of the Earl of Northumberland, was a man of great parts, very converfant in books, and much addicted to the mathematics ; and though he had been a soldier, and commanded a regiment in the service of the United ProTiucer, and w»e afterwards employed in several embassies, as in Denmark and France, was in truth, rather a speculative than a practical man. He was, after the death of the Earl of Strafford, in 1641, called from th« embassy in France to be Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and shortly after lost the King's favor and his office, without having gone to take possession of that government; aft«r which he joined the Parliament, and Cromwell showed his sense of that step by appointing Lord Lisle, his eldest son, Lord LieULensntof Ireland in 1648. Clarmthm. • Hk.ibv Rich, Ist Earl of Holland, K. O., vas the second son of Robert, 1st Earl of Warwick, and brother of Robert, montionei in a preceding note. He was created Knight of the Bath in 1611, and in 1618, CapUin of the King's Guard; became Lord Kensington in 1623-4, and Earl of .Holland in Lincolnshire, in 1623. He was sent ambassador to France, and afterwards to the United Provinces, in 162B, in which country he had already made two or three campaigns, and in 1689, on the first insurrection of the Scots, was constituted General o: the Horse in the expedition into that country. On the break- ing out of the Rebellion, ho endeavored to accommodate matters, and with that view, accompanied the Earl of Bolford ( see lupra, p. 127.) to the King at Oxford. But these efforts beconiing fruitless, he took up arms in the Royal cause, was taken prisoner in July, 1648, condemned to death by the High Court of Justice, and beheaded on the 9th of March, 1649, before tha gates of Westmioster Hall. Collini. — Ed. HOLLAND DOCtJMENTS: II. Mr. Joachimi to the States General. [ From ths Origlul Is tfao Sofil AretalTM at tho Hagsa : File, Xngiltmi. ] High and Mighty Lords ! My Lords, My servant, whom I sent on the iii. inst. to Holland with despatches to your High MightineBses and his Highness, returned yesterday with a certificate, that he had duly delivered them, without bringing back any rescript from your High Mightinesses : I shall expect it shortly. I submitted to your High Mightinesses, in a despatch of the last of July, divers points to which (under correction) attention ought to be paid. Among the rest, to that of the complaint which 'he English of New England make against some of the Dutch Company in New Netherland. Were these to be once dislodged, they could not return there except with great difficulty. On the xviii. of August I also requested your High Mightinesses to be pleased to consider, in case the war proceed, whether the Ambassadors are at liberty to remain here, where the Parliament meets, or to repair to the King, without their Sovereigns and themselves being thereby understood to be compromised ; and what is best to be done at this conjuncture, so that neither your High Mightinesses nor the State, nor your High Mightinesses' servant may be put, on this account, to any inconvenience. The French Ambassador hath taken his leave of the King, and calculates to depart this week. He leaves only one person here, who will send him over an account of whatever transpires in this place. With my last of the xii., I sent your High Mightinesses the King's Message to both Houses of Parliament, brought over by the Earls of Dorset' and Southampton' and their co-delegates, at the close of last August, with the answer of the aforesaid houses thereunto of the xxix. Another Message from his Majesty, or a reply to the aforesaid answer and the declaration made on the fifth of September thereon by the Lords and Commons in Parliament accompanies this despatch. Adjoined to them are two Journals of what had been done in the House of Commons during the week last past. In two or three days, we shall know what resolution the Lords of the Upper house will have adopted on the subject of the Episcopacy. Those of Scotland also desire that the Church government may be assimilated and rendered uniform in both Kingdoms. A Parliamentman told me to-day that the West Riding of Yorkshire hath pronounced for the Parliament, and that the two Serjeants major who were sent up from Boston with nine or ten Officers, are placed in separate prisons. News is received here of the siege of Sherborne [Castle] from which the ■ Edwakd Saoktilli, 4th Earl of Dorivt, K. 0., wm born in the year 1590. Hd represented the eouaty of Saiaex in the time of James L; accompanied the forcea sent in 1S20, to the assistance of the King of Bohemia, and was engaged in the battle of the Prague, He was Amhaasadur to France in 1621, and succeeded to the title, on the death of his brother, in 1624. In thn following year, he became one uf the Lords of Trade ; in 1627 he was appointed one of the Commissioner* to conclude an alliance with the States General, and in 1A3S one of the Lords of the Admiralty. On the breaking out of the ciril war ha adhered to the King; superceded the Earl of Essex as Lord Chamberlain ; in 1646, he. with other* of the Council, signed the capitulation for the surrender of Oxford, and in Ihe following year retired into prirate life. He died on the nth July, 16S2. Collin$. L, pt ii., 768. —Ed. ' Thomas Wiiotiiislt, Earl of Southampton, K. 0., Lord High Treosurer of England. The title became extinct on his death in 1667. Z><6r><(. — Kd. .$ I if 184 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Marquess of Hertford' fled. Some great men say. that those besieged l.ave slain between two nnd three hundred of the Parliamentarians. From the South we hear, that those ZolZ orlT'h ; "?"'/ '"' "'"^'" '''' ^"^« «°' ''"'y P--" of cannon U^ probably follow from this, that this place will surrender to them. Herewith humbly commending myself to your High Mightinesses. I shall conclude and pray God. H.gh and Mighty Lords, that he may preserve and protect Fatherland. ^ ^ T-,. J *i. ,«.i.o , Your High Mightiness' London, the l?"" September. 1642. mn.»v...«,ki r> • J «~.i, r. . » ■«*• most humble servant. Received 27'^ September. 1642. /s,Vn„^\ * x (oigned) Alb. JoACHiMi. 1642. Th!' f H-T" "'k"'"'* "'^u '*"'' "^"^ ^"*''"' '•"'' P°'-''""°"th has surrendered to the Parliament. The conditions have nof been yet received. Dated as above. "n.ameni. Mr. Joachimi to the States General [ From lb* Origln.1 in Ui« EojriU Archlrw at Ibe Higoe ; Flto, Xng4la«d. ] High and-Mighty Lords! My Lords ! Your High Mightinesses could have seen from my last, of the ir. instant, what has been said here of the rencontre which occurred on the previous Saturday, near Wore" ter. b twee„ t « Cavaliers under Pnnce Robert and some Companies of the Parliamentarians Your hLh Mightinesses will receive herewith the information communicated thereby to the King ani'a book containing an agreement between the nobility and gentry of Yorkshire"^ mutualfy pi Sging themselves to remain neuter and to abstain, in the aforesaid County, from the pfoc edfZ U atSTt: tht a;;^""-/'''"* ^'^ the Parliament hath publis'hed a dectaZ w f 8 attached to the aforesaid agreement, commencing "fourteen articles of peace." Private o the Kin" t r "'t'' '"" '^^"^"'" ^'"''"« '''^' ^'^ ^^-'^-'^^ '^-e been pres nted to the King which were taken, in the rencontre above mentioned, from the Parliamentarians and It IS reported that some thousands of the latter b ,ve been slain. '"""enta^'ans , A Parliamentman of quality told me. on Saturday last, that the Earl of Essex was with the army wUh.n twelve miles of Shrewsbury ; that place has been fortified by the King, who keeps his main force there. It is believed that My Lord Strange, now Earl of Derby,' by^he • Wau.- 8.T«,om Earl of Hertford. K. O., .ucooedod to the title on the death of his grandfather in 1621 and wo advanced to the d.gn.ty of Marqueaa en the 8d of June, 1640. and conaUtuted Governor of the Prioc. of Wal^ On Z JI!^ . '!I'"''J'^^'' °^ ^"'^' """ '""'"«'»'"» t" Poriiament by the title of Lord Strange. 18th February 1828 and particulan. of hm death are very fully detailed in Collin,, IF., X4, - Kr,. ' ' HOLLAND DOOXJMENTS! IL 185 death of hi. father has been before Manchester with about three thouisnd men to invest the place , and that he hath suffered some loss from those occupying that post. If this Ze should contmue I cannot write anything as certain. « wis siege Of the Marquess of Hertford it is stated that he has succeeded in getting into one of the Castle. tl E T„" F •'" °°* '":' "'^''^^ '''' ""'•''•"" -"'•'^ the'parlifment recomm nded he Earl of Essex, ,s sent to the King. Something ha. been done here in Church matters. h th 7 / "Z'V'l ''" ^"•'^" •""' «°"« »° '^^--' -'^ - offi^- of the King Your mix kT k"-"""^ '^"' "'"' "^ ''^^ ^°'^' '' «°°^«y her Majesty thither Your High M.ghfnes8es can best tell how much truth is in it. Your High Mightinesses will please to find, .o the accompanying Journals, what has occurred here during the past week. Towards the end of the aforesaid week, the Duke of Soubisse died here. A distinguished Kn.ght. who sold h.s property above eight or nine years ago and removed the proceeds, a. well as h.8 sons, to New England, yesterday renewed to me the complaints against some of our nation belonging to New Netherland, relative to which I have heretofore writt.a to your High Mightinesses. It will be necessary seasonably to consider the means of preventing an attack being attempted on our people. Herewith, commending myself to your High M.ghtrnesses, I pray God, H.gh and Mighty Lords, to prosper the State and to bles, your High Mightinesses' Government. ' Your High Mightinesses' London the xvii October. 1642. Most humble Servant. Received 25- October. 1642. ( gigned ) Alb : Joachim,. Resohitum of the Statea General m the preceding Despatohee. I From Iba B«giil« of Wort InJl, ajwm, 1688-1«1, la tho Boy«l AnhlTM .t lb* Htcso. ] ,„,„ ^ Saturday, 26'* October. 1642. H..,jo.chi,ni. Received a letter and appendix from Mr. Joachimi. their High Mightinesses' ordinary Ambassador in England, written at London the 18'^ inst.; the aforesaid letter Now^ Noihorund Containing, among the rest, a notice of affairs that occurred in New Netherland ; which, being taken into consideration, it i. resolved and concluded, that the retro-acta relating hereunto shall be examined. < ■ » » I ■ ». SvJ^ects for the Cbnsideration of the Assembly of the XIX. 1643. [ From iho OrlgiiMl, In Iko Ku/tl ArchlTM at Uw B>(ne j File, Wft htdit. ] Points on which all the Chambers of the West India Company are summoned to Amsterdam for the 21 February, 1643; extracted so far as they relate to the affairs of New Netherland. Read 2 February, 1643. IS'" Point. It being found that New Netherland hath been hitherto of great expense and small profit to the Company, and that the plan of opening the trade io said place, produce, no true effect 136 NEWYORK COLONIAL MANUSCSI?TS. according to the intent, inasmuch a-* many will go thither to trade without acquiring a domicile there; and therefore, population scarcsly increases there, whilst trade is s-iriously ruined. Therefore, the members are recommended to consider vrhether the internal trade there ought not to be confined to the inhabitant* of that country. And in order to induce u greater number to repair thither, and to encourage the people there to the culture of the soil, grain and the fisheries, whether it would not be well to open to tne inhabitants who liave a permanent domicile, and oblige themselves to remain there, the trade from that country to Brazil, under proper orders and duties, for the benefit of the Company ; and vice versa, that from Brazil back to New Netherland. 19. In tike manner, as a supply not only r,f ail sorts of animals and cattle, but especially of salt, is necessary for that country; and the islands of Curasao, Bonaire, Aruba particularly, furnish no other supplies, the settlement ami cultivation of said islands by private individuals, u ider conditions to be thereunto agreed on, shall also have to be considered ; permitting the trade between them. New Netherland and Brazil, and vice versa as above, in the Company's unarmed ships. 20. Moreover, that i*ll the Chambers that trade exclusively to one quarter or the other, shall bring the account thereof with them in order to determine, after examination of the same, if it be expedient to conlmue thai course, or to open the trade. Subject for ilut Consideration of the AasemUy of the XtX. 1643. t From Um Orltlail Ic ttr Boral ArahlTM of ih« Hdcve ; n)», ITm* ntdU. ] Points on which all the Cb .mbers of the Wast Indin Company are summoned to Amsterdam for the U July, 164.3; extracted so far as relates to tha •jffairs of Now Netherlatjd. Received 19 June, 1643. 9" Point. Proper enquiry shall, moreover, be made, and order also given as to the trade which' nome Chambsrs saparalely carry on to one quarter or the other, especially how, in accordance Tr'th the IS* and 19'" poin',2 or reference of the last Assembly, the iaiatid of Curasao and New Netherland car, best be benefitted; and, in the meantime, to resume the p.^fers lately received from thence. ^ ■ ' « »■ » liiedulion of the States General on a Fetiiion from Fiscal Van Dindag«n. [ Ftim th« RHttiw of W«l ladl* ABUn, tMS-lMI, ia Um KajH AKb\JM H Uu Umm. ] Tuesday, 28 J ily, 16^3. The p-tition with the appendix presented to their High Mightinesses bv and on the behalf of Lubbert Van Dincklagen, late fiscal of New Netherland, being Folio M. DInel'ifm. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: II. 187 read to the Assembly, complaining that he, the petitioner, hath not been able as yet to obtain from the West India Company, payment of his three years' services and other claims. After previous de.iberation. it is resolved and concluded, to refer the petitioner hereby to the Courts of Justice. States General to the Assembly of the XIX. [ From the Minnie in Uie Eojel ArchlTei •( the Hicue ; FU«, Witt IndU. ] To the Assembly of the XIX. of the West India Company, the SO'" August, 1643. The States, &c. M'°faV.''; Wnereas [complaints have] come now and again before us from the English KngUDj. residmg in New England, againet the Dutch sett'ed in New Nelherland ; Therefore, we have resolved and concluded hereby to request and require you to take care that no acts of hostility do arise [on auy pretence] between the English and Dutch nations; but on the contrary, that good Iriendship and harmony be maintained with the English. Expecting which. Done 20"" August, 1643. Th. word, within bracket^ in th. .bore letter, .ro .uppUed. - the Ma i. imperfeet. in oon«qn.nce of the origin.1 being, u It II lUted, p»rU«ll7 illegible, from damp.— Bo. a ». Resolution of the States General on a Report of the Proceedings of the XIX. [ From Ih. BefUter of W«t Indl* tllkln, 1«88- 1«1, In the Rojel ArchlTM at the Uegu*. ] Saturday, 7th November, 1643. I>rpuU ■ lUlMl '^'VhoV* '^^°'* ^^'"« *'^"'' °^ ^'*""" ""»" ^" Cappelle tho Ryssel and Hogendorp, •iihexik. (Mr. Bicker being absent) who by virtue of their High Mightinesses' Commission, presided at the Assembly of the West India Company holden at Amsterdam, in September and K,po«,.u,. October last; and the said report being exhibited and submitted in writing; It is upon previous deliberation, resolved and concluded, etc. i.ubh»ri Tin And as to what regards the case of Lubbert van Dingslagen. the retroacta shall i)ii>td4.n. jjg examined, in order that they be placed together with the petitioner's request, in the hands of their High Mightinesses' Commissioners. Finally, the Lords of Holland are, at i.ieir request, granted a copy of the aforesaid written report; with recommendation that they assist in forwarding the maitter tliereia set forth, so far as their Province ii concerned. Vot. I. It ^lii 188 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Resolution of the States Genei'al. I From the Begliter or Wett India ilhin, 1688— I Ml, In thg Eoyil ArchlTM it the Higne. J Tuesday, 24th November, 1643. Deliberation being had, it is hereby resolved and concluded to delegate Mr. Arnhem, in the matter of Lubbertus van Dinsiaken, late fiscal of New Netherland, in the stead of Mr. Bommel, (in consequence of the latter's departure). Folio W. Lubbcrt ym DIotIt keD. M i .A' ( Svh;eci for the Ounsideration of the Assembly of the XIX. 1643. [ From the Orlfln»l, In lh« EojtU ArcblTM, at the n»gii«. File, WiKl IndU. ] Points wrhereon all the Chambers of the West India Company are summoned to Amsterdam, for the IS"- December, 1643; extracted so far as relates to the affairs of New Netherland. Received 2 December, 1643. 10'* Point. Item. Due inquiry ought to be again made and order also given respecting the trade which some Chambers carry on separately to one quarter and another; whether it can be best promoted by trading conjointly to several places, or otherwise, each independently; first of all, praying strict attention to the Island of Curasao and New Netherland; both of which cost the Company considerable annually, without atfording any profit or return. Resolution of the States General in the matter of Fiscal van DincJagen. I Fr»m Ihn Brgliter of WM Indl* AMn, 1«8»-l«lll, In U» Rojtl AKklTM M Ui« R«(ue. ) Friday, 1 1 December, 1643. Folio »». Having heard the report of Mr. Arnhem and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies, in virtue of their respective resolutions of the T'" and 24«'' November last, and having viewed and examined the petitions and appendices heretofore presented to their High Lubh.H fu Dioo. Mightinesses by and on behalf of Lubbert van Dincklngen, late Advocate fiscal and .Slieriff of New Netherland, instituting complaint of and against the West ludia Company of these parts, in order to receive from it payment of his three years' service and other claims, which he maintains to be due him from the above named Company. It IS, after previous deliberation, and after examining their High Mightinesses' resolution of the 28* July hereupon, in conformity thereunto, hereby again resolved and concluded, to refer the Petitioner to the Courts of Justice. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: II. 139 Resolution of the States General in the matter of Fiscal van Dinclagen. £ F-om Iht Brglitor of Wiit India Affain, 1688-HOl, In liia BortI Arcblrcaat Iha Hagna. ] Wednesday, IG December, 1643. Lubb!r""».7Din^ '^^^ further petition of Lubbert van Dinckxiagen, late Fiscal and Sheriff in New "«•■>• Netherlnnd, with the vouchers thereunto annexed, are, after previous deliberation, placed in the hands of their High Mightinesses* Deputies going to preside at the next Assembly of the XIX. of the West India Company, in order to urge and endeavor that the petitioner may be deprived of complaint; and their High Mightinesses' resolutions of the 28"' of last July and xi. instant, respectively adopted in the Petitioner's case, are, in consequence, hereby altered. Atemorial of the Eight Men at the Manhattans to the States General. I From Uia aalhenUnlcd copy In Iba Boyal Arehlraa al Ibe Uagua ; File, Wtt fmH*. ] Noble, High and Mighty Lords, the Noble Lords the States General of the United Netherland Provinces. Noble, High and Mighty Lords. As no sacrifice is more acceptable to our God than an humble spirit and a contrite heart, so nothing should, in like manner, be more pleasing to all Christian princes and magistrates, than to lend an ear to their complaining, and to extend their hand to their distressed, subjects. It is tlien so that we poor inhabitants of New Netherland were here in the Spring pursued by these wild Heathens and barbarous Savages with fire and sword; daily in our houses and fields have they cruelly murdered men and women ; and with hatchets and tomahawks struck little children dead in their parents' arms or before their doors ; or carried them away into bondage ; the houses and grain-barracks are burnt with the produce; cattle, of all description!, are slain and destroyed, and such as remain must perish this approaching Winter for the want of fodder. Almost every place is abandoned. We, wretched people, must skulk, with wives and little oneo that still survive, in poverty together, in and around the fort at the Manahatas where we are not safe even for an hour; whilst the Indians daily threaten to overwhelm ui with it. Very little can be planted this autumn, and much less in the spring; so that it will come to pass that all of us who will yet save our lives, must of necessity perish next year of hunger and sorrow, with our wives and children, unless our God have pity on us. We are all here, from the smallest to the greatest, devoid of counsel and means, wholly powerless. The enemy meets with scarce any resistance. The garrison consists of but 60 (ti.00 soldiers unprovided with ammunition. Fort Amsterdam, utterly defenceless, standi open to the enemy night and day. The Company hath few or no eH'ects liere (as the Director hath iulormeil us); v ere it not for this, there would have been still time to receive assistance ^ Ml 140 NEW.YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. II i;. ! ! ■h it from the English at the East (ere all had gone to ruin); and we wretched settlers, whilst we must abandon all our substance, are exceedingly poor. These heathens are strong in might; tliey have formed an alliance with seven other nations; are well provided with guns, powder and lead, which they purchased for beaver from the private traders who have had, for a long time, fkee range here ; the rest they take from our fellow countrymen whom they murder. In fine, we experience here the greatest misery, which must astonish a Christian heart to see or to hear. We turn then, in a body, to you. High and Mighty Lords, acknowledging you as our Sovereigns and the Fathers of Fatherland. We supplicate, for God's sake, and for the love your High Mightinesses bear your poor and desolate subjects here in New Netherland, that your High Mightinesses would take pity on us, your poor people, and encourage the Company thereunto, and command them (to whom we also hereby make known our necessity) to forward us, by the earliest opportunity, such assistance as your High Mightinesses will deem most proper, in order that we, poor forlorn people, may not be left all at once a prey, with wives and children, to these cruel heathens. And should suitable assistance not speedily arrive (contrary to our expectations), we shall, through necessity, in order to save the lives of those who remain, be obliged to betake ourselves to the English at the East, who would like nothing better than to possess this place. And that an account of the superior convenience of sea coasts, bays, and large rivers, besides the great fertility of this place : yea, which alone could of itself provision and supply yearly 20, 25(a,30 ships from Brazil or the West Indies with all necessaries. (Was underwritten:) Remaining, as we are, your High Mightinesses' faithful servants and subjects, lawfully chosen and authorized by the Hon'''* Director and Council and the entire Commonali^ of New Netherland, (Signed) Coobnelis Meltn, ToMAS Hal, ISAK AlLERTON, Abraham Pieterse, Jan Evertsk Boudt, Gbrrit Wolpiikrtsb, Bakent DmcKSB, JOCHEM PiETBRSE KuYTBR. Dated Manahatan, in New Netherland, this 3"* November, 1643 ; Stil : Rom". Thia is found, ou collating, to agree with the Minute. ( Signed ) Cornelib van Tibnbovbn, Sec'. Resolution of the States General referring tfie preceding Memorial. { From Um R*(M«r of Wad India AMn, IMS— 1«I, In Ui« Bojrtl ArchlTM tl tha llifu*. ] Tuesday, 6 April, 1644. '""""»• Read in the Assembly a certain Remonstrance presented to their Hiffh s«ii«uaj. Mightinesses in the name and on behalf of the entire Commonalty of New HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IL 141 Netherland, containing divers complaints respecting the inconveniences to which they are there exposed. Whereupon, deliberation being had, it is resolved and concluded, that copy of the aforesaid Remonstrance be sent to the Assembly of the XIX. of the West India Company, so that prompt order may be taken on said ComplainU, and for the removal of the aforesaid inconveniences. [ Here follows a fragment of the letter of the States General to the Asaemhly of tha XIX, transmitting the ^regoing Besolution, but it is, for the moat part, unintelligible. — Ed.] .ri Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company to the States General. [ From the Orlgtnal In the Boxsl ArctalTH it the Hague. File, Wti£ IndU. ] High and Mighty Lords. Your High Mightinesses' letter dated the 6"" April, is duly come to hand. Though addressed to the Assembly of the XIX., we have opened it here at our private meeting, and read it with particularly grateful acceptance, in regard of your High Mightinesses' paternal and gracious care for the wretched Commonalty of New Netherland; we have also attentively examined the petition of the said Commonalty presented to your High Mightinesses. We have resolved, to write to your High Mightinesses in answer to the one and the other, that jointly and individually, we sensibly feel in the inmost recesses of our hearts, the miserable and desolate condition of the poor people there, the rather as we find ourselves in such inability that we not only cannot supply the requisite means to bring this Colony, which is a source of so much expense for the West India Company, to such a state that we might in time realize the long looked for fruits thereof; but cannot, at present, even furnish those poor people who have let their Fatherland, in the hope of obtaining, with their wives and children in that country, an honest livelihood, with such supplies as are most urgently required Tor their support and protection against the barbarous inhabitants of those parts. And we are truly of opinion that greater and greater difficulties are to be expected from long delays. In order [to prevent] which, as well in New Netherland as in other distant places where the Company, and consequently this State, have to fear no less dangers, through the scarcity of divers required necessary provisions, ammunition, goods, &c., we are obliged respectfully to submit to your High Mightinesses, that the Company is fallen into both such inability and discredit tiiat it is out of its power, any longer, without considerable aid from the State, to supply any distant places, or to continue any further the necessary daily payments in this country. We most humbly request Your High Mightinesses, therefore, to be pleased to take these untoward circumstances into such consideration us the constitution of the Company for the welfare of this State most seriously demands. High and Mighty I ords, let not the good and willing stockholders who have contributed such large subscriptions for the advancement of the prosperity of this Stale, and have already provisioniilly adopted on eilectual and advantageous resolution with the East India Company; lat them not bt discouraged or dismayed in contributing to such a beneficial work as the ( mbinatlon of these two notable Companies would prove for this State. The vigorous I 1 3^'f 142 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. continuance of the Company's maritime affairs, and at least of its daily occurring disbursements here, would contribute a little to that [prosperity]; and with an immediate grant of about a million, it can be placed in good, prosperous and profitable condition. We also respectfully request you. High and Mighty, to be pleased to receive further information from our Deputies, who will present this to your High Mightinesses, and therein to vouchsare them favorable audience and fuH credit. Thereupon awaiting your High Mightinesses' favorable resolution, which is mosi, .lecessary, we shall meanwhile. High and Mighty Lords, pray God for the continual success of your High Mightinesses' prosperous government. Your High Mightinesses most humble Servants, The Directors of the West India Company at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, this 23 April, 1644. (Signed) Jacob Hamel. Received 27'" April, 1644. Marcus de Vooelabr. ^ ■■ » ■♦♦- Resolutio7i of the States Qeneml, referring the preceding Letter. i From lh« Begliter of We»t ladla affaira, 1683 — 1881, In lh« ISoy»l AruhirM st Uw Htfiie. ] Wednesday, 27 April 1644. Folio no. Appeared in the Assembly some Directors from divers Chambers of the West oc'ra^n" "^ ' * India Company, and by the mouth of one of the Advocates of said Company proposed to their High Mightinesses, and subsequently submitted in writing, what is Proix.,1. substantially set forth in the proposition hereinafter inserted. And the aforesaid Directors also delivered, besides, to their High Mightinesses a certain letter from the Directors of the abovenamed West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, written there the 23" instant, being an answer to their High Mightinesses' despatch of the S'" of the present month, AffaimnfN.w respecting the affairs of New Netherland ; which being considered, the Provinces desired copy of the aforesaid proposition, as well as of the said letter which was granted them. Report of tli4 DepuVm from the States General to the Assembly of the XIX. [ From Iha Original In th* Bojal Arehlrta at tha Hague ; File, Wut IhdU. ] Extract of the Report of Henrick van der Capelle toe Ryssel, Daniel Hoog.ndorp ■riaio Nauta, Gerrit van Santen, their High Mightinesses' deputies to the Asssmbly of the XIX. of the West India Company at Amsterdam in April, 1614. Exhibited 1" October, 1644. High and Mighty Lords. The deputies to this Assembly have found great discord and mutual distrust prevailing among the Chambers; and the Bnizilg with the coasts of Guinea, Angola, etc., were in consequence, not provided with what those coasts required for support and trade for this State. Those from Zealand, etc. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: II. 143 Mr. Spiei;ingh to the States General I From the Original In tha Boyal Archlrra at the Hagne: File, DuUsoUand. ] High and Mighty Lords. Whereas her Royal Majesty's ship, the Fame, coming from Nova Suecia, her Royal MamtyU Vo»e,non, freighted with some pehrUs and tobacco, has arrived in this country, and I, desiring to have said freight discharged here, gave notice, in the ordinary course of trade, of said cargo at the customs through my agent at Amsterdam, who applied for a permit to unload ; but this was refused h.m, and he was referred from there to the West India Company; this astonished me not a little, as I do not know wherefore he is referred from one to the other when the customs and duties thereof are offered to be paid. Therefore I would hereby request your High Mightinesses to be pleased to give such orders and instruction to whomsoever has charge and authority over the customs and duties that they will no longer refuse to allow this her Royal Majesty's ship to be unloaded and discharged in due course of trade, but that such be done wilhout hindrance, lest the perishable goods remain on board to their damage ; expecting which speedily from your High Mightinesses, ° r o I wish you from Almighty God a prosperous government, remaining High and Mighty Lords, Your High 'lightinesses' Friend and dutiful Hague, 8'" October, 1644. (Signed) Peter Spieringh Silvercroen, hereditary Proprietor of North Holm. [op Norshollcm er/gesdten.'] * II » ir » Resolution of the States General on a further Memorial of the Swedish ResicUnt. [From ll» K Dec 1G44, in the hands of the Ga^al Board of AccounU, to examine the same, to make a digest thereof, and to advise the Assembly how the decay there can be prevented, population increased, agriculture advanced, and that country wholly improved for the Company's benefit. New Netherland. situate in America, between English Virginia and New England, extending from the South river, lying in 34J degrees, to Cape Malabar, in the latitude of 41 tTlZf!!V"''Tfn' "'' '"'"'''""'' "'■''"^ '=°""'^y '" 'h« y«" ^^^S. and especially by hose of the Greenland Company, but without making any fi.xed settlements, only as a helter m he winter, f or which purpose they erected on the North and South Rivers there, two little forts against the Incursions of the Indians. A charter was afterwards, on the 11"> October. 1614 granted by their High Mightinesses to Gerrit Jacobsz. Witsen, antient burgomaster of the city of Amsterdam, Jonas Witsz, Symon Morrisen. Lambert van rweenhuyzen, Wessel Schenck and associates, all inhabitants of these parts, to trade exclusively to the newly discovered countries, situate in America, between New France and Virginia, and now called New Netherland, to resort thither exclusively for the term of three years, without any other persons being able, during that time, to frequent that place NetlrlandTclT '" '"'" "'' '""^'""''"'^ "'' ''"P' "'"^ g"'"^^' ^"^^ ^ «»« "f fi^y thousand charter 'o?r 'T "' '''^''^ '''"' ^"'" ''"'"P^"^ ^"""^ P— '°"' ^^ -^'"« «f their rini '1 H .T r°""'. ^' ""f '""^'^^'^ '""''^''^ '" "^^'^ ^''•P' '•>« ^^-^ Netherland, divers Co on sts under the direction of Cornells Jacobsz. Mey, and Adriaen Jorissz. Tienpoint, which D. tors, in the year 1624, built Fort Orange on the North River, and Fort Nassau on the bouth River, and after that, in 1620, Fort Amsterdam on the Manhattes. In all which garrisons were continually maintained, and trade was carried on in those several districts with 150 N3W-Y0RK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. yachts, sloops and other craft. And in ih? yp^r 1629, the Freedoms and Exemptions conceded by the Hon"" Assembly of the XIX. «vere published, with their High Mightinesses' approbation. Thereupon divers Patroons and Colonists resorttd thither ?nd endeavored to advance agriculture and population. For further security. Fort Good Hope was also erected in 1633, on the Fresh river. But said population did not experience any special impulse until the year 1639, when the Fur trade with the Indians, wh;ch had been previously reserved to the Company, was thrown free and open to every body; at which time not only the inhabitants there residing spread themselves far and wide, but even new Colonists came thither from Fatherland; and the neighboring English, both from Virginia and New England repaired to us. So that in place of sevea Bouweries, full thirty were plant-id and full one hundred more eripected in a sho. t time from the plantatious which were taken up ; insomuch that there was every appearance that provisions might be furnished in two or three years for ten thousand men. Although the hope was now entertained that the country would by such means arrive at a flourishing pass, yet it afterwards appeared that the abuses attendant on the free trade was the cause of its ruin — First: because the Colonists, each with a view to advance his own interest, separated themselves from one another, and settled far in the interior of the Country, the better to trade with the Indians, whom they then sought to allure to their houses by excessive familiarity and treating. By this course they brought themselves into disrepute with the Indians, who, not having been always treated alike, made this the cause of enmity. Secondly: in consequence of the proximity to the Indians, whose lands lay unfenced, the cattle belonging to our people, straying without herdsmen, seriously damaged their corn or maize. This occasioned much complaint, and no redress following, they revenged themselves, killing both the cattle and horses. Thirdly: not only the Colonists, but also the free traders proceeding from this country, sold for furs in consequence of the great profit, fire-arms to the Mohawks for full 400 men, with powder and lead; which, being refused to the other tribes when demanded, increased the hatred and enmity of the latter. Fourthly: It happened, in addition to this, that the Director had, a few years after, imposed a contribution of. maize on the Indians, whereby they were totally estranged from our people. Hence arose divers threats and injurious occurrences, which finally broke out into acts of hostility, so that, first.: the Uaritan Indians attempted to make away with one of our sloops, and afterwards killed some hogs on Stati-n Island. Whereupon the Director dispatched eighty soldiers thither to avenge the act, who burnt their corn and killed three or four of their people. Both sides then desisted from further proceedings. Next it happened that a Wechquaeskeck Indian' murdered, about the year 1640, an old man in his own house with an axe, for which no satisfaction having been aflbrded by the tribe, 12 men, chosen from the Commonalty, afterwards resolved, in the year 1042. to revenge tho murder by open war ; but nothing was done at that time in consequence of missina the enemy, who, observing what was dcnigned agaiuNt Ihcni, sued Cor peace. Some time afterwards the Iliukingsiuk Indians designedly shot, with an arrow, a Dutchman, who sat thatching a house. The Commonalty were very much troubled at this, dreading the ' A WiiaUhMtcr (rib*. — En. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IL 151 GodTelJ t h ; T' ^"' "'"' *'^ ""'"''''' "^^ ^^^^'"8 - ^-" f"-- satisfaction. God seemed to have taken vengeance on those of Witqueschack, through the Mahikan Indians, who surpnz.ng slew full 70 of them and led many women and children away in o capt.v,ty. Th,s obhged the remainder to fly to our people at the Manhattans, where they were received mto the houses, and fed by the Director during fourteen days. Shortly afte^ this, seized w.th another panic, they fled with the Hackingsacx, fully a thousand strong, to the v,cm,ty of the fort, and over the river of Povonia. Some of the 12 men perceivh.g this, t e D.rector, on the petu.on of three of them, namely. Jan Janse Damen, Abraham Plangh and Maryn Adnaense who s.gned in the name of the entire body, authorized an attack on the abovement.oned Indians, in the course of the night between the 27"" and 2S'- of February. 1G43 by a party of soldiers and burghers, who. with cruel tyranny, slew 80 of them, and took 30 prisoners. And although the Commonalty protested against the Director and the aforesaid I Ilr ZT\ '" """"' "'' "r' ^""'^ "''^ "^"" proceedings, as having taken place without l«"' of tl., city of IVrn.mbuco. l>ftw«n the riv.r nil.irib« ,nd th.. ,.», i. . ,m.ll tonga, of Un.l on which •lood » TilUg. died th« Heoiffo, wl.er. nil joou. w.r. •hipp.J .dJ diMl,»rg,Kl. V$ U,l. Vtrko,! v«n Wm Indin, lol. 156 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 1 Corporal, with a soldier to clenn the arms, being also a smith, (&fl. 15 oer month, fl. 180 1 Commander, (S. fl. 60 per month 720 1 Ensign, (S. fl. 45 640 2 Serjeants, @^ fl.25 each 600 2 Corporals, (^ fl. 18 each, , , ... 432 1 Drummer, (g. fl. 13, 166 4 Cadets, @. fl. 15 each, 720 40 Soldiers, @, fl. 13 each, 6,240 1 Surgeon for the soldiers, @. fl. 25 300 1 Skipper on the sloop, @^ fl. 25, 300 4 Miitrosses, (S. fl. 1 3 per month each, 624 1 Boy, (& fl. 9 per month, 108 69 persons, amount yearly to, fl.20,040 The mills there must be leased. These oflicers and servants would be sufficient for the business; and carpenters, masons, smiths and such like ought all to be discharged, and left to work for whomsoever will pay them. The States General to the Assembly of the XIX. [ From the Mlnut* In Uw Bojal ArcblTM il Ibt Htgne ; FU«, WuH IndU. ] To the Assembly of the XIX. of the West India Company, the 21" of April, 1646. The States, etc. Two 8w«duh shipt. The reprfisfintations and complaint to us of Mr. Spieringh tho Norsholm, the Queen of Sweden's resident here, relative to your proceedings in the matter of interfering with the cargo of the Royal thipt the Calmer sleuiel and Fuma, coming from Nova Suecia, a district in the possession of her IJoyal Majesty, which vessels ran in here and broke bulk, you will be able to see from the annexed papers, copies of the said Mr. Spieringh's memorial and of the pieces thereunto appended, this day presented to us, which we have hereby resolved to send to you, desiring and requesting that the said laden goods and merchandise of the aforesaid two ships, may be discharged without making any further difficulty therein; our previously repeated resolution and order remaining in force and effect, respecting the eight per cent in question, hereinbefore imposed and exacted on all other such wares and marchandise for the benefit of your Company. Whereupon, relying, etc. Done 21" of April, 1646. HOLLAND DOCUMENVS : III. 157 Jieport on the Proceedings of the AssenMy of the XIX. 1645. t From (he Original In Ihe Boyal Archiru Rt the H«gne ; File, Vu* IndU. \ Summary Report rendered by Mess" Van der CUpellen toe Ryssel, Herbers and Nykerk, ot' the principal matters that occurred in the Assembly of the Nineteen, at Amsterdam, since March, 1645. Exhibited 12"" of July, 1645. 1. Order was introduced last December, in the respective possessions of Brazil, Guinea, Angola, the island of St. Thomas, New Netherland, and answers thereto have been received by the ships which arrived in June, 1645. Every thing is, by God's blessing, in a good condition; and in consequence of the employment of the negroes, which were from time ta time introduced from Angola into Brazil, in planting grain, flour is produced in such quantity that what used to always cost 8 to 10 guilders, still contintes to be sold at the low rate of six stivers, wherefore the Supreme Council now have written to send from here haif as much flour as used heretofore to have been conveyed thither. 2. Orders have been made by this Assembly for the aforesaid possessions of the Company; letters have now been sent over to the Directors in those countries on the subject. 3. Propositions have been made by Directors and principal stockholders of the Amsterdam Chamber for the opening of the Angola trade to all, to which the other Chambers are strongly opposed. It was to be expected that this would create some diiference beiween this Amsterdam Chamber and the others, to the loss and discredit of the West India Company ; which was prevented by good reasons. The trade principally to Guinea and Angola, is the life of the Company; and the ruin of the latter would follow the deduction or diminution thereof. The Company can neither exist or flourish without commerce ; even though all the public subsidies were promptly paid. The receipts herefrom still keep the Company alive, and furnish means for the equipments and cargoes for these and other coasts. 4. At the request of your High Mightinesses' delegates, something has been proposed by the General Board of Accounts for the support of the Company; namely, 10"= 63 M. guilders yearly ; out of which, they say, the six per cent per annum can be paid. The Chambers have taken the proposition with them in order to resolve thereupon at the next Assembly of the XIX., in Zealand. (No. 1.) 6. Those responsible to the Company for the domains, provisions, ammunition, will not keep their accounts henceforward according to the Italian mode, but according to order; the public receivers and clerks shall account to the Council of state. 6. Something has been done respecting the supreme government in Brazil, agreeably to the resolutions of the 14'^ of December, 1644, and 14"' of April, 1645, Nos. 2 and 3. Four Councillors have been nominated to the supreme government of Brazil ; but they have given in some considerations whereon they demand explanation. The nomination and proposing of the President also remain unsettled ; all these, as well as the establishment of the Board of accounts in Brazil, and the departure of the delegates to the supreme government, will be arranged at the lirst meeting of the Assembly of the Nineteen, at Zealand. ii. 158 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 7. The promiaed subsidies of tlie state are most necessary for the support of the West India Company, in this its backward and feeble condition. The Company's shares had been down to 43 and 44, when your High Mighlinesses first commenced the reform of its abuses in August, 1C44. And when the Merchants and stockholders perceived the commencement of the reform, the shares advanced to 58. The opponents of the Company brought the shares down again ; namely, to 44 and 46, when your High Mightinesses extended, in May of this year, the Charters of the East and West India Companies; these opponents misrepresenting and giving a false coloring to your High Mightinesses favor, by reporting at Amsterdam that your High Mightinesses will not contribute any more to the support of the West India Company ; that such was evident from the fact that your High Mightinesses had extended both Charters, notwithstanding the Directors of the West India Company had been so long at the Hague, soliciting the means of subsistence from your High Mightinesses. 8. Some steps have been taken in New Netherland, to conciliate the Indians, by means of our forts and Colonies. The trade will now be open to all the Chambers in common ; and to all the inhabitants of the United Netherlands. Some proposals have been submitted to make use of Cura5ao for the improvement of the slave trade from Angola to Cura9ao. 9. The Chambers intend to fit out some ships for the respective coasts; six to Brazil; two to Guinea, including the cargoes for St. Thomas; three to Angola; one or two to New Netherland ; and the Chambers have promised to complete the appointed rotations {tourbeurim), to the respective possessions, when your High Mightinesses assist them with a liberal portion of the promised subsidies. Vessels are expected from Brazil and the other coasts; namely, seven from Brazil, one from Guinea. The hague, the \^ July, 1G45. Extract of Appendix. Exhibited 12** of July, 1645. Considerations of the General Chamber of Accounts, delivered in the 22"^ of June, 1645, to the Hon"" Assembly of the XIX. as to what might be saved yearly here as well as at Brazil and in the other of the Company's possessiors. First: The Company should by reducing the Train bands in Brazil, etc. But the chiefest of all is the saving in the equipment of the ships, .'or if the Chan 'n for themselves only eighteen first class ships, being two for each |, and charter llie re. a profit will be realized on each ship of at least 1200 guilders a month. The ships which are yearly required in the Company's possessions are, For Guinea, -^ Argyn, Cope Verd, River Gambia, Sierra Leone and the Bight, 4 St. Thomas, 2 Loando 18 New Netherland and Cura9ao, 2 Brazil, 24 48 Deduct ships retained,. 18 Remain ships to be chartered, 30 HOLLAND DOCUMENTS t IIL 159 each of which, as above mentioned, will cost the Company 1200 guilders per month less than those they now fit out, and thus it will derive a profit, in the year, of fl. 432,000. With which, in our opinion, the six per cent might be yearly divided, or employed in the purchase of shares, in order to reduce the immense capital or to pay off some of the Company's liabilities. (Signed) Abraham Trouwers. and Gerrit Janssen de Vrt. ft . 1 -^-••-♦-•♦^- Mr. Spieringh to tlie States General. I From Ui« Original In the Roj»l ArctaiTM at lh« Hague ; File, WM IndU. ] K)gh and Mighty Lords. On the 27"" instant I represented to your High Mightinesses that my factor at Harlingen was called on by the Board of Admiralty at that place to pay the import duties (convoy) on the freights of the royal Mpi the Calmershutel and Fama, which I have already once paid to the West India Company at Amsterdam, as appears by the annexed authenticated copy, the original whereof remains with me; and as my said factor at Harlingen still remains impeded, and what has once been paid cannot again be craved, I have to request your High Mightinesses to be pleased to cause the said Board of Admiralty at Harlingen to be forthwith notified to desist from this or farther pretences, and not to give my factor any further trouble or inconvenience in this matter. Which expecting, I wish God Almighty to grant you a long and prosperous reign, remaining, High and Mighty Lords, Your High Mightinesses' affectionate The Hague, (Signed) Peter Spierinoh Silvercroon, 31" of July, 1645. hereditary proprietor of North Holm. Copy. Aiipendix. Received 31" of July, 1645. 5'* of July, 1646, at Amsterdam. Sieur Lucas Arentsz, Agent of Resident Spierinck, received here the following parcels of Tob&cco and Beavers which were brought in the subjoined two Swedish ships from the limits of the Incorporated West India Company in those countries, to wit: In. the Ship the Fame. 10 cases containing 2137 piecesof Beavers, which valued at 7 guilders, amount to, fl. 14,959 Whereof the Import duty is 2 stivers on every six guilders' value, fl. Item, 105 tubs of leaf tobacco, weighing, together, gross 28,319 lbs. Whereof deduct, for tare, being 69 lbs. per tub 6,300 lbs. 249 6 R«m"«>i 22,019 lbs. Hit: ilif 160 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. And from the Ship the CJmersleutcl. 783 rolls 63,100 lbs. For sticks off, estimated at 6 pounds per roll, 4,698 lbs. nett, 48,402 lbs. Total, 70,421 lbs. Whereof the customs amount to 1^^ stiv. per pound, fl. 4,401 6 fl. 4,650 12 Thus done, counted and settled with Sieur Lucas Arentsz, above named, in the presence of and before the undersigned Directors of the Chamber at Amsterdam and North quarter in Amsterdam, the S"" of July, of the year 1646. (Signed) Marcus de Vooelaar, Flooris Huych, Lucas Arentsz. The four thousand six hundred and fifty guilders twelve stivers, contained in the present account, are received by us undersigned in our aforementioned quality for the said West India Company from the hands of Sieur Lucas Arentsz, aforesaid, in the name as above ; promising to guarantee and release him herein from all demands under bond of the property and effects of the aforesaid Company. In witness whereof is this signed, in Amsterdam, the 6"" day of July, 1646, and was subscribed, Marcus Vogelaar, Flooris Huych. Agrees, after collation, with its Original, dated and subscribed as above. (Signed) J. Havelaar, Notary public. Done at the Hague the xxix July, XVI. hundred five and forty. 1645 i^ Instructions to the Director Oeneral and Council of New Netherland. [ From the OammiuMntk of tbe SUlM General, Id the Koftl Archlrea at the Hague. ] Instruction of the Deputies to the Assembly of the XIX. of the General Incorporated West India Company, for the Director and Council of New Netherland, according to which, they are provisionally, and until further order, to regulate themselves. Folio m. The supreme government in the countries of New Netherland, shall consist of three persons, namely ; the Director as Presideut, his Vice aud the Fiscal, by whom occuring HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 161 matters apper.nining to the police, justice, militia, dignity and rights of the Company, shall be treated and decided, each, nevertheless, being bound to vindicf tc his own commission. With this understanding, however, thr.' -n all cases wherein t.e Advocate fiscal shall be bound to prosecute, whether civilly or criminally, for the preservation of the right of the supreme government or the Company, the military command shall succeed to his place, and in criminal cases, two capable persons from the Commonalty shall, moreover, be joined from the district or Lolonie where the crime or deed was committed. Regarding the prosecution of the settlement of the limits between New Netherland and the English ,t .8 not yet determined to proceed therein; but the Director and Council are enjoined to see that the English do not incroach further on the Company's lands. Meanwhile, they are to try if the settlement of the limits cannot be arranged yonder with the aforesaid English, and If these are found so inclined, advice thereof .hall be sent here by the first opportunity, together with pertinent information what extent of the Company's lands the English possess, in , *° ^ '"«t^"cted thereupon, when seen; all, with this understanding however, that the aforesaid English who are at present and have settled, within the Company's district, or who will be disposed to come and settle therein, must be subject to the Company's government t. 3re and to that end take the oath of fidelity to the High and Mighty Lords States General and the West India Company, and consequently be, at the same time, accounted in no other wise than as original subjects. In order to reestablish peace and quietness, in the- country, they shall endeavor, by all possible means to pacify and give satisfaction to the Indians; and the Director and Council are enjoined to promote, on the one side, the Company's interest and the welfare of the Commonalty and on the other hand, to maintain good correspondence with the neighbors, and especially with the Indians. r j They shall endeavor as much as possible, that the colonists settle themselves with a certain number of families on some of the most suitable places, in the manner of villages, towns and hamlets, as the English are in the habit of doing, who thereby live more securely; this was also the Company's intention when it granted the heretofore printed Freedoms, and the amplification thereof. The aforesaid Director and Council shall speedily advance the repairs of Fort Amsterdam for which purpose it is thought to be best, and least expensive to the Company, to have it repaired with clay, earth and firm sods, and that efforts be made, by some presents, to encourage the soldiers thereto, and to oblige them to keep it in permanent repair. Also, as it IS of the highest importance to the colonists to have a good and safe retreat in case of necessity (which God forbid), they ought to be induced, for this once, to assist the work; and the Director is commanded to pay strict attention in future to the ordinary repairs. The persons hereinafter specified, shall be maintained for garrisoning the fort, at such allowance as shall be most advantageous to the Company, and for greater security, the Colonists and their servants shall be bound under certain penalty, to provide themselves with good guns and other arms for their defence, in order to be, with the garrison in time of need, a watch against any general attack, without the Director, colonists or any other person whatsoever, having the power of enlisting any soldiers, be they few or many, at the Company's expense. ^ Vol. I. 21 ■ f .- 'I' 162 NEW. YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. P Further, inasmuch na the respective colonies were allowed by the Freedoms, to commission one or two persona, to inform the Director and Council, at least every twelve months, of the state and condition of their Colonies, the aame is again confirmed. The Director and Council ahall cause the Colonists and freemen to settle, first of all, on the Island Manhattes and point out to them as much land as they ahall be able to cultivate, either in planting tobacco or grain or any other crops to which the soil is adapted, and from which they will expect to be able to derive the largest profit. And for the promotion of agriculture there, it is deemed proper to permit, at the request of the Patroons, colonists and other farmers, the conveyance thither of as many Negroes as they are willing to purchase at a fair price ; and the Director and Council shall notify the Assembly hereof every year, when further order shall be taken regarding the transport of Negroes thither. And although it is proposed, for the greater encouragement of the population, to reserve the trade with the Indians exclusively to the Patroons, Colonists and free farmers resident there, without permitting any import merchants (permissie vaerders) to carry on any interior trade with said Indians, it is, nevertheless, resolved, as regards this, to adhere to the existing practice, but the Director and Council shall trke information hereupon, to serve as advice to the Assembly. The aforesaid Director and Council shall pay strict regard that no arms or munitions of war shall be sold by the freemen to the Indians, nor by the import merchants to the freemen or Indians upon certain heavy penalties .to be thereon enacted, but the freemen who shall require any thing of the sort, shall be at liberty to procure them from the Company's store, on the order of the Directors and Council. And whereas the Company hath now resolved to throw open to private persons the trade which it hath exclusively carried on with New Nertherland, and to empower the respective Chambers of the Company to give permission to all private inhabitants of these countries to sail with their own ships to New Netherland, the Virginias, the £(vedish, English and French colonies, the Bermudas or any other places situate thereabouts, according to the drafted regulation, they shall, therefore, strictly observe and cause to be obsered, that the contents thereof shall be attended to, as much as is in their power, proceeding against the contraveners, agreeably to the first article of the charter, and the tenor of the regulation already enacted, or to be hereafler made, and regarding the receipts of duties, tolls, and other customs already, or to be hereafter, imposed as well on exported, as on imported, goods, for so much thereof as shall have to be paid in that, and not in this, country. All which Points and A/ticlea the Director and Council ahall be bound to obaerve and to follow, as closely as possible, regulating themselves further according to the Instructions heretofore given for the government of those countries, so far as they are not by these presents altered, or may not be hereafter changed, which power this Assembly reserves unto itself. Thus done and resolved in the Assembly of the XIX. of the General Incorporated West India Company in Amsterdam, in the year 1645, the 7"' of July. Was paraphed. Hern van der Capellen toe Rysael. Under — By order of the same. ( Signed ) Gysbert Rudolpht. Enregistered in the Acu-boek of the States General, on the 26 July, 1646. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 168 Streets for the Consideration of the Assetnhly of the XIX. 1645. [ From the Orlglail In tha Royal Arohlraa at tha na(ua. ] Points whereupon all the Chambers of the West India Company are summoned to meet at Middelburg on the S"^ of September 1646, extracted so far as relates to the affairs of New Netherland. Read the le"" of August, 1645. 13'" Point. The Chambers will be pleased to instruct their deputies regarding the affairs of New Netherland, in order to resume the business of the 6** and 7"" of July, and to resolve afterwards as shall be most serviceable and most advantageous for the Company. 14*. What shall be done respecting the island of Cura9ao ; for it is certainly to be presumed that to maintain it as has been previously done, is too great a tax on the Company. And the Amsterdam Chamber which hath hitherto had the direction thereof, is requested to send its deputies prepared to give full explanation to serve for instruction in the resolution. '■»^P= Proceedings of the Assembly of the XIX. in regard to New Netherland. 1645. [ From tha Copjr In tha Bojral Archiraa at tha Ilagtia ; Loketkat of tha Blatea OanenI ; DiTlaton, Wft Inditcht CompapnU, No. 17.] Extracts from the Resolutions of the Assembly of the XIX. of the West India Company, holden at Middelburg, from the 9"" of September to the IG"" of October, 1645, as far as tiiey relate to the affairs of New Netherland. Tuesday, the 21" September, 1645. The opinion of the before mentioned deputies being heard, it is, af^er divers discourses between the members from Amsterdam and other Chambers, concluded and re^ioived, inasmuch as some Clergymen are about to return home from Brazil, that they be permitted to return, and that the number of those who shall remain there be limited to nine persons, to wit: one for each ninth part, to be distributed by the President and Supreme Council among thtj principal places where the hearers are most numerous, and their services shall be most advantageous. And that the smaller places shall be served by precentors, comforters of the sick and schoolmasters who shall offer up public prayers, read aloud from the old and new testament, from printed sermons, and tune the psalms. But inasmuch as the Amsterdam Chamber maintains, at its charge, seven of the aforesaid clergymen, besides one in Cura9ao, one in New Netherland and one in Loando, making 10 in all ; on the other hand, Zealand and the Maese have only one ; Zealand and North Holland is to send one, and Stadt en Landen^ hath sent one by the last ship; it is resolved that the ' In 1694, Prince Maurice reduced tha city of Oroningen snd united tha Ommelandtn, or surrounding rural diatrietn, to it aa one prorinca. Itartintt. BtKhryving der NtderlaniUn, IL, 148. The province of Groningen waa hence •ometimei called Btadt an Landm ; city and country. — Ei>. 164 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. I' I Supreme government in Brazil slinil be bound herein to make an equal repartition of those who are to remain in the service or are sent out, in order that thus the nine parts hereafter to be borne by the members, be equally charged. The Commissioners named on the 9"" instant, etc. Read a remonstrance from Director Petrus Stuyvesandt, containing divers considerations relative to the iylaad of Curacao and New Netherland ; also, read the 13"- and 14"' points of reference, both regarding the aforesaid countries ; question having been put, it is resolved to refer the received remonstranco to the Commissioners who shall examine it, and advise the Assembly on the points of reference, and thereunto are appointed Mess" Van Hecke, de Laet, Hamel, Haelewyn, Huigh and Iddekinghe. Tuesday, the SO"- of Sept', 1645, Read a letter from Willem Kieft, Director of New Netherland, written the S""" of August, 1646, from fort New Amsterdam to the Amsterdam Chamber, and il is resolved to place it in the hands of the Committee on the IS"" and 14"" points of reference, to be made use of in their business. Wednesday, the 11»* of October, 1646. The Commissaries named on the 22"* instant' to examine the 12"'pointof reference, speaking of the Yachts at present within the charter, and which are yet to be dispatched, have found that, of those sent by the Amsterdam Chamber to the respective places within the Charter, the following are still in the public service: The Santvoort, Spreeuw, Gulderee, on the coast of Brazil. Sloterdyk, Reyger, Heemstee, Vlug, on the coast of Angola. Reael, Fortuyntjen, on the coast of Guinea. Neptuynis, Cat, Parquit, in the West Indies. From Zealand, ;^e Yachts, etc. Tuesday, the 12"' of October, 1G46. The Commissioners being again assembled on the la"" and H'* points of jference, pursuant to the resolution of the ll"" instant, report, that before they can determine to express their opinion, the Chambers ought categorically to declare whether they will obey and execute the resolutions adopted on the 6"- and 7'" of July last respecting? New Netherland ; whereupon, question being put, the deputies from the Chamber of Zealaml declared, that they are instructed not to consent to the contribution of any money (or the benefit of the aforesaid New Netherland ; but it may bein(|uired how such might be eflected on certain conditions to be considered; the Company reserving to itself the supreme authority. Those of Amsterdam, Maese and the North Quarter declare, that their Chambers are ready to and will execute the resolutions of the fi* and 7'" of July aforesaid; those of the city of Croeningen and Ommelanden (say) the circumstances of their Chambers do not admit of furnishing any money at present for New Netherland, but that their intention would truly agree with that of Zealand. The Commissioners having heard this declaration, further report thnt they are of opinion, that the dissenting (diiruulorendc) Chambers shall declare whether they will abstain from all interference with New Netherland, and leave the managen>ent, on lucli plan as they may '.Si>._Eo, If HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IIL 165 determine to enact, to those who shall carry out the resolutions, without meddling with that country again in case the condition of affairs there may hereafter improve. The deputies from Zealand, being requested, have undertaken to communicate further with their principals hereupon, in order to be prepared to-morrow, and those of Stadl en Lmiden will inform the Amsterdam Chamber within the space of one month, or sooner if possible. « Friday, the IS"" of October, 1645. Regarding New Netherland: the gentlemen of Zealand being asked, pursuant to yesterday's resolution, declared their instructions to be, as before stated ; that they cannot resolve to contribute any thing to New Netherland ; whereupon, the other Chambers in all cases decide that Zealand is bound to execute the resolution of the previous XIX; and they persisting it IS resolved and concluded, that the equipment for New Netherland shall be completed according to the resolution of the previous Assembly, on condition, if any members fail to pay their contingent to the Amsterdam Chamber, the supreme government in Brazil shall bi notified to charge the deficiency to the account of the Chambers, and to make good the same in sugar to Amsterdam. ' On the petition of Albert Adriaense Van der Wielen, etc. It being stated that one Laurents Cornelisen, being banished from New Netherland, requests permission to be at liberty to go thither whenever the new Director proceeds there, and to pursue in peace, without being troubled by justice, some other business than that which he followed when he was banished ; on hearing further explanation of the circumstances of the case, it is resolved to leave the convict (gtsententieerJe) as he is, and that the petition lie on the table. Saturday, the 14'*' of October, 1C45. On resuming, the Chamber of Zealand adhering to its declaration rendered yesterday, and the other Chambers to the resolution, the proposal of the commissioners named on the 18** of September, and whose report was made on the 10"" of this current month, relative to the 14'' and 13'" points of reference respecting Cura<;ao and New Netherland, was consequently confirmed, reading, word for word, as follows: Tl- niiliti Th •oject how Curasao can best be kept under the Director of New Netherland, and the old people be brought thence. the aforesaid island, on the 1" of September, 1644, in officers, train and * Heads, 116 wol, carrying 82 guns, jq Cat, do 14 do 5q Neptuynis, do 10 do 4g I'uruquit, do 6 do 3q tieadi, 31S T^\ ! -, r f 166 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCEIPTS. The aforesaid place might be henceforth garrisoned with 116 men, whose pay for a year would amount to 1 Commandant with a lieutenant, per month, fl. 60 1 Ensign, 36 1 Comforter of the sick, 30 1 Superintende&t of the store with an auditor, "28 1 Clerk 14 2 Serjeants at fl. 18, 36 1 Smith and 1 corporal of the armory, 20 2 Mason and carpenter @^ fl. 22, 44 1 Barber (surgeon), 24 1 Barber's mate, 12 1 Baker, 18 1 Baker's man, 12 1 Gunner „ ig 2 Corporals^, fl. 12, 24 60 Soldiersca, fl. 8, 450 12 Troopers @^ fl. 12, I44 8 Hands for the sloop per month, fl. 10, 80 The yacht, the Paroquit, requires further : 1 Skipper per month, 46 1 Pilot 28 1 Supercargo, 16 1 Chief boatswain, 18 1 Gunner, 16 16 Sailors, 130 116 persons cost per month, the sum of fl. 1,327 And the pay for 12 months, amounts to fl. 15,900. For maintenance of the garrison, also for the Indians, it is necessary to send from Fatherland in provisions, stores, merchandize, etc., to the amount, as per list N' , about the sum of fl 1S,36G. A first class ship and flyboat will have to be sent from Fatherland with 70 soldiers and 20 ■eamen, for the purpose of conveying the people, provisions, etc., to Cura(,ao, and relieving the old garrison, on the calculation that 26 men can be selected from the old hands, which would tiien make up the IIG persons, as hereinbefore stated. Which aforesaid ship and llyboat will have to curry out from Fatherland all the necessaries, agreeably to list tuimber 1, already enumerated, together with the necessaries, according to lists Nos. 2, 3 and 4. Having arrived at Curasao and landed the people, the first class ship should retain the necessaries in list No. 2, which amount to the sum of fl.6,69S.14. And there embark l:iO of the old forces, and deliver to the Cat the necessaries in list No. 3, fl. 3,999.4. The aforesaid yacht, the Cat, to be manned with 60 of the old forces at Curasao, HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 167 And also to deliver over to the yacht Neptuynis, the like necessarieB, according to liat No. 3. amounting to fl. 3,999.4. The aforesaid NeptuynU to be, in like manner, mann id with 60 of the old forces. In the aforesaid first class ship and two yachts, ought to be laden the 2700 first quality hides, lying there ; and thus return home aaer cruising together through the West Indies as long as their provisions permit. The flyboat and the ship Swol, ought to take on board all the old iron, unnecessary ordinance and other useless stores, along with as many horses, and as much salt and dried codfish, as can be stored therein ; with which the Director and the remainder of the old forces, being about 60 persons, should proceed to New Netherland. taking with him the stores, as per list No. 4, amounting to fl. 779.6. On arriving in New Netherland, the ship Swol, being old. ought to be sold,' together with the horses, the salt and old iron ; the soldiers who are to be brought along, should be retained in garrison there; and the flybont, with the guns from Curasao, the dried codfish and the New Netherland soldiers, sent home, with intelligence whether peace has been concluded with the Indians. If so. it will be necessary to send a fast sailing frigate or boat, to be dispatched from New Netherland with provisions to Curasao; to return thence with horses and salt, which can be sold in New Netherland, especially the horses, at a high price. Were Curasao also placed under the government of New Netherland, the garrison could be maintained at little expense, and the poor people preserved from the dreadful famine to which they have sometimes been subject. It had been much more i.dvantageous for the Company to abandon the island of Curasao; but this cannot be eftected without the cooperation of their High Mightinesses and his Highness; and although it could be accomplished, yet we are obliged to incur the greater part of the aforesaid expense to bring the people thence. Meanwhile, their High Mightinesses and his Highness, will be informed of the situation of the aforesaid Island ; and that, in New Netherland, we can possess all the advantages over the enemy, except the great quantity of horses, which can be taken from Curasao to the Contitient ; and thus the aforesaid Island must be provided with the said garrison until their Mightinesses, upon application, shall resolve to abandon it. List of the provisions, stores and merchandise required for the Island Curasao, including the bark Paroquit, the sloop and l.irge boat, in all 116 personi, as well marines as train bands, for one year. 26 barrels of beef (& fl. 90 the bbl.. fj, g 260 19 barrels of pork (li, fl. 08i the bbl.. i jgy |q 10 cans of oil (a. fl. 80. g^Q 12 hogsheads of vinegar (qi, fl. 20 840 30 barrels of groats, _ c,qa 26 barrels of beans (ffi. fl. 13. 14 stiv.. 335 14 ditto, grey peas, (a\ 19. 4 stiv., 268 16 14 ditto, white peas, (al 19, 4, 868 16 ' Thli TNMl WM Mid, io »«HUnk«r, U47, to Mr. UoodjMr, dtputj goMmor tt H«w U«».p. 168 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 7,200 lbs. dried codfish @, fl.9, per 100 lbs., 648 3,600 lbs. bread at same price, 324 20,000 lbs. meal (a, fl. 6 per 100 lbs I.OOO 3,000 lbs. cheese (a, fl. 17 per 100 lbs., 610 2 barrels butter (& fl. 83 perbbl 166 9 casks Spanish wine @^ fl.70 ea., C30 3 ditto, French wine @. fl. 40 ea., 12O Spices, mace, nutmegs, pepper, ginger, cloves, sugar and prunes, for the sick, 260 10,123 6 Stores for the ship Paroquil, sloop, and jolly boat. 2 bales of canvas @^ fl. 150 ea., fl. 300 100 lbs. of best bolt rope come to 16 30 lbs. of sail yarn @^ 9 stiv. per lb., 12 12 bundles of assorted thread, l,*? 13 45 bundles of marline (& 4 stiv. ea., 9 40 bundles of huisingh (ft. 6 stiv., 12 43 bundles of twine (& 6 stiv., 6 15 600 lbs. light running line, 96 8 tons of tar (^ fl. 12 the ton, 96 2 barrels of pitch C^i fl- 12, 24 3 barrels of rosin (& fl. 30, 90 60 clew lines {clouwcns loerck), % 6 St., 18 1 prince's flag, for the fort 33 100 boards, 200 9 hamburg planks 63 70 boat planks, HI 600 norway deals, 226 60 sawed boards, 30 1 ,000 assorted spikes, 160 1 hide of pump leather, 12 10 100 lbs. suet, 25 100 lbs. tallow, , 24 300 lbs. double medium nails, 48 1,S96 17 Ammunition for fort Amsterdam and the yacht Paroifuit. 1200 lbs. new powder, fl.406 60 five lb. balls, 16 000 lbs. of musket balls, 90 600 lbs. pig lead, 60 4 reams cartridge paper, 60 HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 20 Ibg. cartridge thread, 2q 10 kegs of black, 1 keg of red, 1 keg of white, ^paint, gO 1 keg of red, 1 ditto of yellow.; 1 small barrel of linseed oil 38 Materials for the use of the Salt manufacture and agriculture. 30 barrows for unloading salt @, 26 stiv., ea, fl. 73 60 bound shovels, (& 18 stiv., 54 40 hollow ditto, (a. 8 stiv., jq 100 axes, (a, 15 stiv., ' qq 100 chopping knives, (a, 18 stiv _" 90 3 chaldrons of smith's coals, (^ fl. 22, (55 2 seins, @. fl.66, jgg Cargoes for distribution among the Indians and Negroes, for clothing. 600 ells of white linen, 12 (^ 14 stiv. the ell., fl. 36O 3C0 pairs of shoes, from 7 to 10 sizes, (ffi, 28 stiv., 420 400 ells coarse linen (g^ 6 itiv., I20 30 lbs. gray yarn, 3q 160 packs linen clothes, 300 For the office. 6 reams of paper, q 2g 6 blank books, ^o 6 penknives, * , 20 bundles of quills, g Ink powder, ^ One medicine chest, well supplied with good and fresh medicines. 169 846 686 1,230 Invoice of merchandise necessary to be distributed to the garrisons in part payment of their monthly wages. 3 ps. of colored everlasting g gg 3 ps. of muslin gO 3 ps. of colored coarso camlet,. joB 3 ps. of colored camlet gy Vol. I. gg r 170 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 4 ps. of Haerlem narrow stuff, 36 600 prs. of Bhoes @. 5 stiv. the pair, 760 2 ps. of mixed cloth, 300 1 pc. of red , 100 900 ells of linen cloth (a. 15 stiv., 675 300 ells (a, 25 stiv. per ell, 376 600 ells unbleached linen (av 8 stiv 240 silk thread, assorted balls, 200 a tin service (S. 230 lbs. tin, , 149 10 3 doz. napkins, 36 1 doz. towels, . 10 6 tablecloths, 24 2,985 10 fl. 17,675 13 The ship that carries the provisions thither, being to be manned with 130 hands, and cruising through the West Indies on her return home, requires provisions as follows : — 16 barrels of Beef@,fl. 90 the bbl., fl. 1,440 15 ditto of Pork @, fl. 62J •' " 937 10 5i awms of Oil (a. fl. 80 •' awm, 440 6 hogsheads Vinegar (^ fl.25 ea., ]25 18 barrels white peas @^ fl. 19 the bbl., , 342 10 barrels grey peas " " 190 6 ditto beans (a. fl. 13 14 stiv., " 79 4 18 ditto groats (ail. 24. " " 432 6000 lbs. dried codfish (S, fl. 9 per 100, 450 15000 " bread (& fl. 9 " 100 1,350 300 Cheeses, being 3000 lbs. (& fl. 17 the 100, 410 4 casks of Spanish wine, 360 1 ditto Brandy, 100 1 case i wax candles, 60 fl. 6,698 14 List of the Provisions for the Yacht the Ncptuynis, having a crew of 60 persons, to return to Fatherland with them after cruising through the West Indies; requires therefor the following provisions, stores, and munitions of War. 7 bbls.of Beef (ffi. fl. OOperbbl fl,630 dittoof Pork (a. fl.62i " 375 2i awms of Oil @. fl. SO per awm, gOO 2 half casks of Vinegar @; fl. 32 64 8 bbla. white peas d^ (1. 19 4 St. per bbl., 163 12 HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL m 5 bbls. grey peas (®, fl. 19 4 at. per bbl.. g^ 4 ditto beans (a. fl. 12 14 St., " 64 16 8 ditto groats @, fl. 24 " " j92 2,000 lbs. dried codfish d, fl. 9 per 100, [[]] 180 6,000 lbs. biscuit (a, fl. 9 per 100, ]"" 54q 130 Cheeses, being 1,300 lbs., @, fl. 17 per 100, ^21 3 casks Spanish wine, 270 1 ditto Brandy,. j-.^ i awm Train oil 27 1 cask i wax i tallow candles 50 Total of the provisions, fl 3 1.50 8 1 bale of canvas, j7^ 100 lbs. of bolt rope 16 20 lbs. sail yarn (a, 10 stiv. per lb, '"' jq li ton of Tar @, fl. 12 the ton is 1 ton of pitch, * j2 1 bbl. of rosin, on 40 clew lines @. 6 stiv j2 400 lbs. running line, fl. 16 the 100, g^ 10 ps. linen @. fl. 1 J the pc, " jg 20 bundles marline (ffi. 4 stiv. the bundle, 4 20 bundles huysingh (®. 6 stiv. the bundle g 20 bundles hording (&^ 6 stiv. the bundle, \^[ g 6 tar brushes (|. 6 stiv. the ps., 1 Ig 1 prince's flag, 33 10 boat plank (g. 5 stiv. the ps., " jg 4 hamburg planks (g, fl. 7, \ 28 60 norway deals, * nn 300 lbs. assorted nails @^ fl. 16 the 100, 45 100 Ibs.tallow V." [[..[]. ..[...[ 20 1 hidepumpleather, 22 flatheads and pump nails for g fl.642 16 Ammunition. 1 ream cartridge paper, ^ 22 4 lbs. cartridge, . 600 lbs. good powder, 200 fl.216 d' til 172 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. The ammunition, , fl. 2,i6 The stores, 048 IG The provisions, 3,160 8 Total of the required necessaries, 3,909 4 And as much for the Yacht the Cat, manned with 60 hands. The Ship the Swol requires one month's provisions in order, with 60 hands, to convey some horses, salt and other effects from Cura9ao to New Netherland : 1 barrel of beef, fl. 90 1 ditto pork, 62 10 3 ditto vegetables, 60 300 lbs. dried codfish, 27 900 lbs. bread 82 60 cheeses 102 fl.423 10 Oil, Vinegar, wine, will be had from the other ships. Stores. IJ bale of canvas for a new mainsail and further repairs of other sails, fl.247 100 lbs. coarse bolt rope, jg 16 lbs. sail yarn, ^ 7 jq 8 bundles of assorted line, ^ 12 16 bundles huysingh, 3 15 bundles marline, 3 15 16 bundles boards 3 2 tons tar, ^ 24 1 ton pitch, 12 J barrel of rosin, 15 1 hide pump leather, 12 10 Stores amount to, 355 15 Provisions, 403 iq fl. 779 6 The Commissioners appointed on 21" of September on the 13'* point of reference, relating to ihe resolution of the XIX., adopted the 6"" and 7"" of July last, have, after consultation, and after having deliberated on the aforesaid resolution, resolved to submit to the Assembly their considerations on said resolutions, and first, on that of the 6'" of July, contained in 6 distinct articles. On the first, which reads thus: That the enactment of the 4"" of May previous, shall be entered by form of Instruction to be given provisionally to the Director going thither. Said Instruction to be confirmed except this Assembly find it expedient to add thereunto by form of amplification. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : III. 178 On the second, which reads: That the Company shall open the trade and commerce to New Netherland, which they had exclusively retained and prosecuted themselves, allowing individuals to sail thither with their own ships, or freight, &c. The Commissioners judge that this opening and permission, as far as relates to New Netherland, ought not to be extended farther than to the Patroons of Colonies and all Colonists having and holding a dwelling in yonder country, without giving it to those who merely go over and hither, spoil the trade, threaten the Company on all occasions, and rob both here and there, and by smuggling of contraband goods strengthen the Company's enemies, and by conveying strong liquors, debauch the Colonists and inhabitants. To leave unaltered the remainder regarding the Virginias, the Swedish Colony, the Bermudas, &c. To consider only whether the Assembly should not resolve that one or two cargoes be sent alternately by the respective Chambers, in the manner as used heretofore to be done. Leaving the third point untouched, as it stands, we should only enlarge it with this addition: That all the goods sent to New Netherland, or parts thereabout, must first and foremost come to Fort New Amsterdam, before being exported elsewhere, for the purpose of having iheir permits exhibited there, to be entered and that the ships may be visited, in order to see that they have no prohibited or unentered goods on board. In like manner, the return cargoes shall have to be entered at the same place; and it must be declared for what ports in this country they are destined, with the restriction, that the duties and other imposts shall have to be paid into the Chamber from which they obtained the permit, and they shall be cleared thence for Fort New Amsterdam : further, they shall be bound to return direct to Fatherland, without being at liberty to touch at any trading places, on paia of forfeiture of ship and goods, should they act otherwise. Finally, leaving the remaining points as they are, also the instruction to be amplified by new additions of what this Assembly may determine further to resolve on the suggestion of Director Stuyvesant. Monday, 16"' of October, 1645. The presiding Chamber of Zealand, wilh those of the General Board of Accounts, is deputed and authorized to execute the resolution adopted by this Assembly, so far as authorized thereunto by instruction. H Th^ Aimterdam Chamber of the We^t India Company to the States General. [From the Original In lb* Royal Archlrta at tha Hague ; rile, Wttl IndU. J High and Mighty Lords. We have duly received you High Mightinesses' postile, of the IS'* of April last, inscribed on the margin of a certain petition presented to your High Mightinesses in the name, and on the behalf, of Simon Janssen, of Durgerdnin, lute skipper of the ship named St. Peter, acting as agent for his late owners ; the aforesaid postile importing, that we should also communicate our remarks on the aforesaid petitioner's request presented to your High Mightinesses on the 3 of November, of the past year, and seat to the Assembly of the XIX., in Zealand. 174 NEW.yORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. It will serve for riiirillment of said order, that n written ngreement and contrnct was made, on ttie IS"" of August, of the year 1(544, with the aforesaid Simon Janssen, that he should be at liberty to sail with the aforesaid ship 8t. Peter, from this city, Amsterdam, to New Netherland, situate within the limits of our Charter; on condition timt he, b^-fore loading his goods, should be bc'f'nd to bring the same into the Company's warehouses, in order to be conveyed on board, when inspected and stamped with the Company's mark; and to cause to be paid thereon the duty of sixteen per cent, in addition to the permits and convoys; also, that he should not, whilst on the way between this city and the fort Manhattes, in New Netherland, touch at any other places; but bo ohllgnted to discharge his laden merchandise at, ond as far as possible to be of service to, the aforesaid fort ; nil on pain of forfeiting the aforesaid ship and property ; and although he, Simon Janssen, ought accordingly to have fulfilled the aforesaid contract according to its tenor, and to regulate himself in conformity to its contenis, yet he is found, in truth, to have violated it in divers instances. First: having set sail from here and arrived about Durgerdam, without, yea, against our consent, he rec»'ived and took on board the ship a quantity of gunpowder, notwithstanding private individuals are not permitted to trade in that article. Secondly : he did not procetd from this country to New Netherland, but to the Bermudas, and there oroke bulk ; and trucked, or sold, the greoter part of his goods for, or against, West India hid'js, and a good many pieces of eight. Thirdly : on arriving afterwards in New Netherland, it was discovered that he had brought with him divers contraband and prohibited goods; though it was imnossible to make so thorougli an examination, because the said Simon Janssen bad sailed from the Texel without taking with him any invoice from the Company. All which, coming to the knowledge of Cornels van der Hoyckens, the Fiscal, he prosecuted the said Skipper before the Director and Councd. Duly instituting his action, agreeably to the signed contract, and concluding that the a«b-e'aid ship and property should be declared forfeited and confiscated to the profit of the tympany ; the aforesi>id Skipper answered thereto, and the Fiscal replied. Finally, the Fiscal's demand and conclusion were allowed by judgment of the aforesaid Director and Council, except the goods which belonged to the sailors, and paid the duties here. And whereas, your High Mightinesses can, from what precedes, sufKciently infer that the sa-i Simon Janssen complains unjustly of those of the Com.iany, and that the case of said ship, as between him and the aforesaid Fiscal, has been now already examined, in New Netirerland, ond decided by the definitive judgment of the Director General and Council ; we, therefore, humbly pray you, Higii and Mighty, to be pleased to dismiss the request contained in the petition of the aforesaid Simon Janssen, and to order hi. > not to trouble us any more touching the matter aforesaid. Wherewith ending W3 shall pray Cod for the continued success of your High Mightinesses' prosperous government and remain High and Mighty Lords, Vour High Mightinesses' humble servants. The Directors of the West India Company, Chamber nl Amsterdam. Amsterdam the SG" of May, 1G46. (Signed) Jacob Perobns. Received 29'" May, 1646. Joannes Uyckabkt. ■'I»-: 5 -J HOLLAND DOCUMENTS. I!L j^j West India Company io the States General. [ Prom the Origin.) In Iho Rojr.l ArchltrM at Uit II.(u, , Fll«, VmI Indit. ] To the High and Mighty Lords Stntea General of the United Netherlands. High ind Mighty Lords. The Directors of the Fncorpornted West India Company, supplicate, with all reverence, that your High Mightinesses he pleased to cause to be issued the commission of Petrus Stuvvesant Director of New Netherlund. a form whereof is hereunto annexed. btuyvesant, Which doing. &o. ( Endorsed ) Memorial on behalf the Wesv India Company, in favor of the Director to New Netherland. 13 July, 1G4C. ^ ■■ ♦ ■■ » Hesolution of the States Oen'jral on ih^ p-eceding Utter. [From th. Bi^lrt,, of W«t Indl. ,fll..«, V38-1M1, In ,1,, Eo,al Archlr.. .( Ih. Hngu.. ] FriJay, IS* of July, 1C4G. F- .or. Read ir che Assembly a certain memorial presented to their High Mighlinessee .n the name and on behalf of the Directors of the Incorporated We.t India Company of this country, requestmg that their High Mightinesses would bo pleased to cause to be dispatched rr,H.n<,. " '=°";'"'««7 f»[.;:«'7« Stuyvesant. Director of New Netherland. according to • . ^.^^ r exhibited and submitted to the Assembly with the aforesaid memorial. Whereupon, deliberation being had, it is resolved and concluded, before p", • eedin^ herem. that inquiry be made what order and plan are generally adopted on such and similar occasions, and whit disposition the above named Directors of the West India Company have attculUrr" '"""^^ °''f« complaints presented heretofore to their High Mightinesses.'in the name and on behalf of the inhabitants of New Netherland aforesaid, and what has been done therefor in their High Mightinesses' Assembly, in order that further disposition be made therein, as shall be deemed meet. j i "" We. ^ ''"'"'" memorinl, presented to their High Mightinesses by and on behalf of N.wN«.h.„.„d. the West India Company for a patent of Commission fo, the Director going to New Netherlan'l, being read to the Assembly; it is, after previous deliberation, resolved and concluded, before proceeding thereupon, that the above named West India Company shall exhibit to their High Mightinesses an authentic copy of the Instruction for the above mentioned Director, according to which he will have to regulate himself. Resoluthn cf the States General approving the Commission of Director Stuyvesant. t From the Rfgljter of West India ulTain, 1833-1G6I, Id the Eoyal Anhivee *t th« Hagn.. ] Saturday, 28"" July, 1646. c'mSll*'^ The draft of the commission made out for Petrus Stuivesant, as Director of K'N^ih^rtand. New Netherland as well as of Cura(;ao and some other Islands, being read in the Assembly; it is, after previous deliberation, considered as enacted, and further ordered, that said commission be issued without reconsideration, inasmuch as the aforesaid Director is very urgent to depart. Minute of Peter Stuyvesant havijig been sworn in as Director of New Netherland. [ From tba Rofcliler of We.( India ABiilrs, 1688-1651, In the Royal Arehlrea at the Hague. ] Resolution of the States General. Saturday, the 2S"" July, 1646. m>.i,«,°nt!'""' ^e^rm Stuivesant appeared before the Assembly as Director of New Netherland ^ommiMion. and Director of Cum^ao, and some other islands mentioned in his commission, and Kew Netherland. took, accordlng to a Certain formulary, the proper oath, and amongst other things, swore specially that he would conform to his Instruction given him by the Assembly of the West India Company, which Instruction is, pursuant to their High Mightinesses' order dated the 2&^ instant, exhibited itt their High Mightinesses' Assembly, and a copy thereof enregistered in the Act Book. Vol. I. iid ? f- H II •1 178 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Commission of Petei- Stuyvesant as Director Oeneral of N'ew Netherland. [ From the CommUtieiiotk of the Stilei aeneral lu the Rojral Archlree U the Ilague. ] Commission for Petrus Stuyvesant as Director on the Coast of New Netherland as well as the Island of Curasao and the places thereupon depending. Folio sot. The States General of the United Netherlands to all those to whom these Presents shall come, or who shall hear them read, Health. Bb it Known : Whereas We have deemed it advisable for the advancement of the niTairs of the General Incorporated West India Company not only to maintain the trade and population on the Coast of New Netherland and the places situate thereabout; also, the Islands Curasao, Buenaire, Aruba and their dependencies, which have hitherto been encouraged thither from this country, but also to make new treaties and alliances with foreign princes and to inflict as much injury as possible on the enemy in his forts and strongholds as well by sea as by land ; for which purposes it becomes necessary to appoint a person Director; We, therefore, confiding in the probity and experience of Petrus Stuyvesant, formerly entrusted with Our affairs in, and the government of, the aforesaid Island of Curasao and the places thereon depending. We, being well pleased with his services there, have commissioned and appointed, and by these presents do commission and appoint the said Petrus Stuyvesant, Director in the aforesaid countries of New Netherland, and the places thereunto adjoining, together with the aforementioned Islands of Curasao, Beunaire, Aruba, and their dependencies ; to administer, with the Council as well now as hereafter appointed with him, the said office of Director, both on water and on land, and in said quality, to attend carefully to the advancement, promotion and preservation of friendship, alliances, trade and commerce; to direct all matters appertaining to traffic and war, and to maintain, in all thingd there, good order for the service of the United Netherlands and the General West India Company ; to establish regularity for the safeguard of the places and forts therein ; to administer law and justice as well civil as criminal; and, moreover, to perform all that concerns his office and duties in accordance with the Charter, and the general and particular instructions herewith given, and to be hereafter given him, as a good and faithful Director is bound and obliged, by his oath in Our hands to do ; Which done. We, therefore, order and command all other officers, common soldiers, together with the inhabitants and natives residing in the aforesaid places as subjects, and all whom it may concern, to acknowledge, respect and obey the said Petrus Stuyvesant as Our Director in the countries and places of New Netherland, and in the Islands of Curat;ao, Beunaire, Aruba, and their dependencies, and to afford nil help, countenance and assistance in the performance of these things, as We have found the same to be fur the advantage of the Company. Done in Our Assembly at the Ilague, on the xxviii. July, 164G. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 179 Resolution of the States General. [ rnm ttar Btgiitcr of We«t India « ffalrt, 1688 - 1061, In the Boyal Anblre* «t the Higus. ] Saturday, 28"" July, 1646. Dr. LntLIT"™ ^' Lubhertus van Dinclagen appeared in the Assembly as Second, and first Dindagen. Counclllor of the Director of New Netherland, and hath sworn that he will observe K.wNotherUnd. the Commission given him by those of the Asssembly of the West India Company, on the 6'" May 1645, as well as the Instruction which has been furnished him on the behalf as aforesaid, dated 7"- July of the present year ; whereupon he withdrew. Certificate that Lnhbertxis van Dinclagen 7ms taken the Oath of Office, [ From OommtMifjMek of the SUtM Otnenl, In Uio EortI ArcliirH it the Iligne.] roiio m. This day the xxviii. July XVL- and six and forty D' Lubbertus van Dinclagen hath, as Vice-governor and first councillor of the Director in New Netherland, taken the [.roper oath at the hands of the IVesiaent of their High Mightinesses' Assembly that he will strictly conduct himself agreeably to his commission and the Instruction furnished him on the part of the Assembly of the XIX, and dated ?"• July, 1G45. JOURNAL OF NKW NETHERLAND ; Wrilten in the ymrt 1641, 1642, 1643, 1644, 1646 wdJ 164G. (From * Uantuortpl In the Royal IJbraiy at the Hagnt. ] Brief Description of New Netherland. New Netherland, ho called because it was first frequented and peopled by the free NetherlatJers, is a province in the most northerly part of America, situate between N. England (which bounds it on the N.E. side) and Virginia, lying to the S. VV. Its entire length ia washed by the ocean and has a clean sandy beach resembling very m\ich that of Flanders or Holland, having, except the rivers, few bays or harbors for ships. The air is very temperate, inclining to dryness, healthy, little subject to sickness. The four seasons of the year are about as in Franco or the Netherlands; the .lifterence being, the spring is shorter, because it begini later; the summer is hotter, biv ause it comes on more suddenly; the autumn is long and very pleasant; the winter cold and liable to much snow. Two winds ordinarily prevail, the N. W. in winter, and the 8. W. in summer; the other winds are not ""mmonj the N. W. corresponds with our N. E., because it blows aoroti the country from the cold point, like our N. E. The •# . - i*. .-SJ 180 NEW. YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. S. VV. is dry and hot like our S. E., because it comes from the warm countries; the N. E. is cold and wet like our S. W., for similar reasons. The aspect of the country is very like that of France; the land is reasonably high and level, to wit, along the coast, broken by small hills which are rocky and unlit for cultivation ; further in the interior are pretty high mountains, exhibiting generally strong indications of minerals ; between those mountains flow a great number of small streams; there are even in places, some, but not many, lofty mountains of extraordinary height; in fertility, the country falls behind no province in Europe both as to excellence and cleanness of fruits and seeds. There are three principal rivers, namely : the Fresh, the Mauritius, and the South rivers; all three reasonably wide and deep, adapted to the navigation of large ships twenty-five leagues up, and of common sloops even unto the falls; a canal extends from the river Mauritius to beyond the Fresh river, and forms an island forty leagues in length, called Long Island. This is the ordinary passage from N. England to Virginia, having on both sides many harbors for anchorage, so that people make no difficulty about navigating it in winter. The country is for the most part covered with trees, except a few valleys and some large flats, seven or eight leagues and less in extent; the trees consist as in Europe, of oak, hickory, chestnut, vines. The animals also are of the same species as ours, except lions and some other strange beasts; many bears, abundance of wolves, which harm nothing but small cattle. Elks and deer in vast numbers, foxes, beavers, otters, minx, and such like. The fowls which are natural to the country, are turkeys, like ours, swans, geese of three sorts, ducks, teals, cranes, herons, bitterns ; two sorts of partridges, four sorts of heath fowl or pheasants. The river fish is like that of Europe, namely : carp, sturgeon, 8nge« are wanting.'^ ' EcndrMlit miukl mtoht — Union in atrvtigtli, — Kn. ' ApiMir»nlly compuuDdtil of tli« r)«lii«'arr wonln Unthafi, " nn ■" lillioul;" and 0/«, "lUirl" or courigt — (Coward. ,5 fit HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 183 he of Witqueschreek, living N. E. of the Island Manhattan, perpetrated another murder in the house of an old man, a wheelwright, with whom he was acquainted (having been in his sod's service) ; being well received and suppled with food, and pretending a desire to buy something, whilst the old man was taking from the chest the cloth the Indian wanted, the latter took up an axe and cut his head off; moreover, plundering the house, and then ran away. This outrage obliged the Director to demand satisfaction from the Sachem who refused it, saying, That he o.p,*pJ;;k:x*e.i.r ^*' ^""^ '^""'y Christians had not been murdered • and that this Indian had 21 Aug: 1641. ' only avenged the death of his Uncle who had been slain ever one and twenty years previously by the Dutch. Whereupon, the Commonalty were called together by the Director to consider this affair; who all appeared and presently twelve men delegated from tNoteB. among them, t answered the propositions, and resolved at once on war, should I^E'fiTMi"*'* ^^^ niurtJerer be refused; that the attack should be made in the harvest when the Indians were hunting; meanwhile, an effort should be again made by kindness to obtain justice, which was accordingly several times sought for but in vain. The time being come, many obstacles arose and operations were postponed until the year 1642, when it was resolved to avenge the perpetrated outrage. Thereupon spies looked up the Indians who lay in their village suspecting nothing, and eighty men were detailed and sent thither under the command of Ensign Hendrick van Dyck. The guide being come with the troops in the neighborhood of the Indian wigwams, lost his way in consequence of the darkness of the night. The Ensign became impatient and turned back without having accomplished any thing. The journey, however, was not without eftect, for the Indians, who remarked by the trail made by our people in r.iarching, that they had narrowly escaped discovery, sued for peace, which was granted them on condition that they should either deliver up the murderer or inflict justice themselves. Ihis they promised, but did not keep their word. Some weeks after this, Miantenimo, principal Sachem of Sloops Bay, came here with one E■,»lih*'"M«•lft.^ hundred men, passing through all the Indian Villages J soliciting them to a """sNot, D, general War against both 'he English and the Dutch,§ whereupon some of the d.uHij J.U,-, 1044. neighboring Indians attempted to set our powder on fire and to poison the Directon or to enchant him by their devilry, as their ill will was afterwards made manifest as well \n fact as by report. Those of Hackingsack, otherwise called Achter Col, had, with their neighbors, killed an Englishman, a servant of one David I'ietersa., and a ievr days after shot dead, in an equally treacherous manner, a Dutchman who sat roofing a house in the Colonie T,„ '.,^;;:.T ^,, ,h. °'' ''^'y'l^-n Meynden^.H hanng scliUd ihrre agaimt l/ie mivicc of the Director and the ^^X'^i!:^lCt "•'''' "f ""^ fndians, nmi had caused, by the continual damage the cattle committed, "'"'°' "" ''"'« dissatisfaction to the Indians, and conlributpd greatly to the War. The Commonalty began then to be afraid, and not without reason, having the Indians daily in their houses. The murderers were frequently demanded, either living or dead, even with a promise of reward ; a scoffing answer was always returned by the Indians, who laughed at us. Finally, the Commonalty, seriously distrusting the Director, siispecling him of conniving with the Indians, that an attempt was making to sell Christian bloodlf and resolved. 1 Si'** F. that the will of the entire Commonalty was surrendered to him, inasmuch as he Jauuxry, lUA would not avenge blood, lliey would do it, be the consequence what it may The Director hereupon advised I'achnm, the Sachem, who interested himself in this matter, warning him that we would wait no longer, inasmuch as satisfaction had not been given. 184 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Meanwhile God wreaked vengeance on those of Witquescheck without our knowledge through the Mahicanders dwelling below Fort Orange, who slew seventeen of them and made prisoners of many women and chihlren ; the remainder fled through a deep snow to the houses of the Christians on and around the Island Manhatens. They were most humanely received, being half dead of cold and hunger, and supported for fourteen days ; even some of the Director's corn was sent to them. A short time after, another panic seized the Indians, which caused them to fly to divers places in the vicinity of the Dutch. This opportunity to wreak vengeance for the innocent blood, induced some of the Twelve men to represent to the Director that tiie time was now come ; whereupon, they received for answer, that they should put their • Noteo. request in writing; which was done, by three, in the name of all,* in a petition Thflrptlilino.dtted . ,. . , , ,. xx i • i . • • , i- • • .^i 24Feb.,i6«. to be allowed to attack those of Hackingsack, lying in two divisions — on the Manhatens and at I'avonia. This was granted after a protracted discussion, too long to be reported here, so that the design was executed that same night; the Burghers attacked those who lay a short mile from the fort, and the Soldiers those of I'avonia ; at which two places about eighty Indians were killed, and thirty were taken prisoners. Next morning, before the return of the troops, a man and woman were shot at Pavonia, who had come either through curiosity to look at, or to plunder the dead; the soldiers rescued a young child, which the woman had in her arms. Thei/ ''"iu."' anrt The Christians residing on Long Island also requested by petitiont to be FebrMry'ai.iMa!''' allowcd to attack and slay the Indians thereabout, which was refused; as these especially had done us no harm and showed us every friendship. (Vea, had even voluntarily killed some of the Raritans, our enemies, hereinbefore mentioned). Yet, notwithstnnding,t $N..fi. some Christians attempted, secretly with two wagons, to steal maize from Bee the Information . ... ..ii ■■ i j, x. al ihereuiwn. thcse Indians ; which, they perceiving, endeavored to prevent ; tnereupon three Indians were shot dead ; two houses standing opposite the fort, were in return forthwith set on fire. The Director knowing nought of this, sent at once some persons to inquire the reason. The Indians showing themselves afar off, called out — Be ye our friends? Ye are mere corn stealers — making them also parties. This induced one of the proprietors of the burnt houses to upbraid, therewith, one Maryn Adriaenzen, who, at his own request, had led the freemen in the attack on the Indians, and who, being reinforced by an Knglish troop, had afterwards undertaken two bootless expeditions In the open held. Imagining tliat the Director had accused him, being one oi the signers of the petition, he determined to revenge .himself. .„ ^ With'^ this resolution he proceeded to the Director's house, armed with a pistol. Hi! trill tii.rt.rof. i„.jje,i jind cocked, and a hunger by his side ; coming unawares into the Director's room, he presents his pistol at him, saying. What devilish lies art thou reporting of me? but by the promptness of one of the bystanders, the shot was prevented, and he arrested. A short time after. Marine's man and another entered the fort, each carrying a loaded gun and pistol — the first fired at the Director, who having had notice, withdrew to his house, the bullets passed into the walls along side the door behind him; the sentinel firing immediately at the fellow who had discharged his gun, brought him down. Shortly afterwards, some of the Commonalty collected before the Director, riotously demanding the prisoner; they were answered, that their request should be presented in order and in writing; which was done by about 25 men, who asked the Director to pardon the criminal. The matter was referred to them to decide conscientiously thereupon ; in such wise, that they immediately went lorlh ; without hearing parties or seeing any complaints or documents, t/iry condemn him in a fine (if five hundred guilden. l| HOLLAND DOCUMENTS! Ill 185 and to remain three month* away from the Manhalens; but on account of the importance of the afTair, and some considerationa, it was resolved to send the criminal, with his trial, to Holland, which The winter passed in this confusion, mingled with great terror; the season came for driving out the cattle, which obliged many to desire peace. On the other hand, the Indians seeing also that It was time to plant maize, were not less solicitous for a cessation of hostilities; so after some negotiation, peace was concluded in May. A" 1C43, rather in consequence of the importunity of some, than of the opinion entertained by others, that it would be durable. The Indians kept still after this peace, assodniing daily with cur people; yea, even the greatest chiefs came to visit the Director. Meanwhile Pacham, a crafty man, ran through all the villages urging the Indians to a general massacre. Thereupon it happened that certain Indians called Wappingers, dwelling sixteen leagues up the river, with whom we never had the least trouble, seized a boat coming from Fort Orange, wherein were only two men, and full Thrir'^^owW fo""" hundred beavers. This great booty stimulated others* to follow the Eru.f"*''''''i3 ®*'""P'® ' ^° ^^^^ '^®y seized two boats more, intending to overhaul ihe fourth E'.giiVh'rtji.. • also; from which they were driven, with loss of six Indians. Nine Christians, including two women, were murdered in these captured barks; one woman and two children remaining prisoners. The rest of the Indians, as soon as their mai/e was ripe, followed this example; and through semblance of sellinsr beavers, killed an old man and woman, leaving another man with five wounds, who, however, fled to the fort, in a boat, with a little child in his arms, which, in the first outbreak, had lost father and mother, and now grandfather and grandmother; being thus twice rescued, through God's merciful blessing, from the ha:.Jsof the Indians; first, when two years old. Nothing was now heard but murders; most of which were committed under pretense of coming to put Christians on thtir guard. Finally; the Indians took the field and attacked the bouweries at Pavonia. Two ships of war and a privateer, were here at the time, and saved considerable cattle and grain. Probably it was not possible to prevent the destruction of four bouweries on Pavonia, which were burnt; not by open violence, but by stealthily creeping through the bush with fire in hand, and in this way igniting the roofs, which are all eithei of reed or straw ; one covered with plank, was preserved at the time. The Commonalty were called together, who were sore distressed. They chose Eighi.t iiU^T»B^t '" ^''^ "^^'^'^ °^ ^•'^ previous Twelve, persons to aid in advising what was beet; lOM. but occupied as each one was, in taking care of his own, nothing b( ueficial was adopted at that tim« ; nevertheless, it was resolved that as many Englishmen as were in the country, should be enlisted, who were, indeed, now proposing to depart; the third part of these were to be paid by the Commonalty, who so promised, but the pay did not follow. OjMhl?roctob.r, Terror increasing all over the land, the Eight men assembled, drew upj a ""• proposal in writing wherein they demanded : that delegates should be sent to our English neighbors, at the North, to request an auxiliary force of one hundred and fifty men. for whose pay a bill of Exchange should be given for twenty-five thousand guilders ; that N. NetheHand should be mortgaged to the English as security for the payment thereof, (one of g««i iI^m;™!., the most influential among the Eight men had, by letter, ^ enforced bv f.recedenls, previously endeavored to persuade the Director to this course; as ihey had In Ji/'iJli?,, of resolved to do a few days before ||) that the provisions destined for Cura5ao '•«• '*'"•"'"'' should be discharged from the vessels and the major part of the men belonging Vol. I. 24 4l >mi' 1 I i t 186 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Hi to them detained, and that the ships be sent away thus empty. This was not agreed to, nor deemed expedient by the Director. [Here four pages are u;anti»g.'\ [An expedition was despatched consisting of soldiers] under the command of the Sergeant; XL. Burghers under Jochem Pietersen, their Captain; XXXV. Englishmen under Lieutenant Bacivster ; but to prevent all confusion, Councillor La Montagne was appointed General. Coming to Staten Island, they marched the whole night ; the huts were found empty and abandoned by the Indians; they got 6 or 6 hundred skepels of corn and burnt the remainder without accomplishing anything else. Mayane, a Sachem, residing eight miles N. E. of us,. between Greenwich (that lies within our jurisdiction) and Stamford, which is English, a fierce Indian who, alone, dared to attack with bow and arrows, three Christians armed with guns, one of whom he shot dead ; was, whilst engaged with the other, killed by the third Christian and his head brought hither. It was then known and understood, for the first time, that he and his Indians had done us much injury, though we never had any difference with him. Understanding further that they lay in their houses very quiet and without suspicion in the neighborhood of the English, it was determined to hunt them up and attack them. One hundred and twenty men were sent thither under the preceding command. The people lanced at Greenwich in the evening from three yachts, marched the entire night but could not find the Indians, either because the guide had given warning, or had himself gone astray. Retreat was made to the yachts in order to depart as secretly as possible; passing through Stantford some Englishmen were encountered who offered to lead ours to the place where some Indians were ; thereupon four scouts were sent in divers directions to make a discovery, who, on returning, reported that the Indians had some notice of our people from the salute the Englishmen fired, but without any certainty; whereupon five and twenty of the bravest men were at once commanded to proceed thither to the nearest village with great diligence. They made the journey, killing eighteen or twenty Indians, capturing an old man, two women and some children to exchange for ours. The other troops, on reaching the place immediately in the yachts, found the huts empty. The old Indian, captured above, having promised to lead us to Wetquescheck, which consisted of three Castles, 8ixty-n"e men were dispatched under Baxter and Peter Cock, who found them empty, though thirty Indians could have stood against Two Hundred soldiers, inasmuch as the castles were conatructed of plank five inches thick, nine feet high, and braced around with thick plank studded with port holes. Our people burnt two, reserving the third for a retreat. Marching 8 or 9 leagues further, they discovered nothing but a few huts, which they could not surprize as they were discovered. They returned, having killed only one or two Indians, taken some women and children prisoners and burnt some corn. Meanwhile, we were advised that Pennewitz, one of the oldest and most experienced Indians in the country, and who, in the first conspiracy, had given the most dangerous counsel, to wit: that they should wait and not attack the Dutch until all suspicion had been lulled, and then divide themselves equally through the houses of the Christians and slaughter all of them in one night; was secretly waging war against us with his tribe who killed some of our people and set fire to the houses. It was, therefore, resolved to send thither a troop of one hundred and twenty men, the Burghers in their Company, the English under Sergeant Major van der Hyl' (who, a few days previously, had offered his services and was accepted), the old soldiers ' C*pi Jao. UodarhUl ; £>r »a Mcouot of whom, ••• Thompim't Uulory qf Long Ithmd, id tii, IL — Go. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IlL 187 under Peter Cock, all commanded by Mr. La Montagne, to proceed hence in three Yachts, land in Scout's Bay on Long Island, march towards Heemstede, where there is an English Colonie dependent on us. Some who had been sent forward in advance, dexterously killed an Indian who was out as a spy. Our force formed themselves into two divisions, Van der Hil with fourteen English towards the smallest, and Eighty men towards the largest village, named Matsepe ; bo'h were very successful, killing about one hundred and twenty men ; one man of ours remained on the field and three were wounded. Our forces being returned from this expedition. Captain van der Hil was dispatched to Stantfort to get some information there of the Indians. He reported that the guide who had formerly served us and had gone astra- in the night, was now in great danger of his life from the Indians, of whom there were arout five hundred together, and offered to lead us there to prove that the former mischance was not his fault One hundred and thirty men were accordingly dispatched under the aforesaid Gen' van der Hil and Ensign Hendrick van Dyck. They embarked in three yachts, landed at Greenwich, where they were obliged to pass the night by reason of the great Snow and Storm ; in the morning they marched N. W. up over Stony Hills, over which some were obliged to creep. In the evening, about eight o'-lock. they came within a league of the Indians, anH inasmuch as they should have arrived too early and had to cross two Rivers, one of two hundred feet wide and three deep, and that the men could not afterwards rest in consequence of the cold, it was determined to remain tlure until about ten o'clock. Orders having been given as to the mode to be observed in atlr.tKing the Indians, the men marched forward towards the huts, which were set up in three rows, street fashion, each Eighty paces in length, in a low recess of the mountain, affording comolete shelter from the N. VV. wind. The moon was then at the full and threw a strong light against the mountain, so that many winters' days were not clearer than it then was. On arriving, the enemy were found on the alert and on their guard, so that our people determined to charge and surround the huts, sword in hand. The Indians behaved like soldiers, deployed in small bands, so that we had in a short time one dead and twelve wounded. They were likewise so hard pressed that it was impossible for one to escape. In a brief space of time, one hundred and eighty were counted dead outside the houses. Presently none durst come forth, keeping themselves within the houses, diccharging arrows through the holes. The General seeing that nothing else was to be done, resolved, with Serjeant Major Van der Hil, to set fire to the huts; whereupon the Indians tried every way to escape, not succeeding in which they returned back to the flames, preferring to perish by fire than to die by our hands. What was most wonderful is, that among this vast collection of Men, Women and Children, not one was heard to cry or to scream. According to the report of the Indians themselves, the number then destroyed exceeded five hundred. Some say, full 700, among whom were also 25 VVappingers, our God having collected together there the greater number of our enemies, to celebrate one of their festivals; no more than eight men in all escaped, of whom even three were severely wounded. The fight ended, several fires were built in consequence of the great cold; the wounded fifteen in number, were dressed and sentinels having been posted by the General, the troops bivouacked there for the remainuer of the night. On the next day, the party set out much refreshed in good order, so as to arrive at Slantlbrt in the evening. They marched with great courage over that wearisome mountain, God afl*ording extraordinary strength to the wounded some of whom were badly hurt ; and came in the afternoon to Sianlfort alter a march of two days and one night, with little rest. The English received our people in a very friendly manner, m. 188 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. affording them every comfort. In two days they reached here. A thanksgiving was proclaimed on their arrival. [ The remainder it uMnting."] <■«»■■» Resolution of the States General. I From th« Begiil^r of Weit India Affkin, 16S3— l(iSl, In the E.i]r*l Aroblrea *t Iha Hagne. ] Tuesday, 7"" January 1C48. received a leter from Peter Stuyvesant written in New Amsterdam in New Netherland the 6"" October 1647, and with it some enclosures respecting the condition and state of niTairs there. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded hereby to request the Mess" van der Capellen tho Ryssel and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies in the matter of the reform of the direction and management of the affairs relating to the W.st India Company, with what appertains to, and depends on, them, to inspect and examine the same and report thereupon. Tnllo tin. T. StajrtttaL Resolution of the States Ger,eral on a Petition from New Netherlands [Fnm tha Bagliler of WmI India Affkin, 1633—1651, In the Bo/al Archlraa at Iha Uagii» ] Saturday, ir* January 1648. Folio 806. The petition pienented to their High Mightinesses in the name and on the cII?iI^"an(U!o'r'^ behalf of Jochem Pietersen Cuyljr and Cornells Melyn, inhabitants of New '''''■ Netherland is, after consideration, placed, with the papers thereunto annexed, in the hands of the Mess" van der Capellen tho Ryssel and others their High Mightinesses' deputies in the matters concerning the Redress of the decline of the West India Company, for inspection and examination, to look into what has L ?n done thereupon, to hear the Directors of the aforesaid Company, and to make a report of the whole. PAPERS RELATING TO THE CONDITION OF NEW NETHERLAND, And the proceedings against Cornelius MJyn and his adherents ; marked from letter A. to letter R., 1643—1647. ( Ftoni the anthantleatad Copjr In the Bo;al Arebirea at tlie Hague ; LoUOeat c'. the Statee Oenaral ; Dlrlaloa WmS hsdin/u Oompagntt, No. U. ] Excite Law of 1644. A. Whereas, the General war which we have been forced to wage against the surrounding Savages hath obliged us, ia order to preserve the country, to employ aa HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: Ul. 189 extraordinary number of soldiers, who must necessarily be paid, as well as other heavy expenses caused by the war ; to accomplish which we have spared none of the available means of the Honorable the West India Company, but have, in addition, been obliged to raise as much money as we could obtain on bills of exchange, drawn on the Hon"'' the Directors ; and Whereas, we are now devoid of all means, and despair of immediately receiving any assistance from Holland, in this our necessity; therefore we are constrained to find out some plan to pay the soldiers, or else must dismi ,hem, which according to all appearances, will lend to the utter ruin of the country, especially os the harvest is at hand whereby people must live and fodder be procured for the remaining cattle ; for neither grain nor hay can be cut without soldiers. These matters being maturely considered, and all things being duly weighed with the advice of the Eight men chosen by the Commonalty, no better nor more suitable means can be found in the premises, than to impose some duties on those articles from which the good inhabitants will experience least inconvenience, as the scarcity of money is sufficiently general. We have, therefore, enacted and ordained, and do hereby enact and ordain, that there shall be paid on each half barrel of beer tapt by the lavt-rn keepers, two guilders, one-half payable by the brewer and one half by the tapster ; the burgher who does not retail it, to pay half as much ; on each quart of Spanish wine and brandy, four stivers ; French wine, two stivers, to be paid by the tapsters. On each merchantable beaver purchased within our limits and brought here to the fort, one guilder; the three-quarters and halves in proportion. All oq pain of forfeiture of the goods, to be prosecuted by the officer or the collector, to be thereunto appointed; one-third for the informer, one-third for the officer, and the remainder for the Hon"-'' Company. All this provisionally, until the good God grant us peace, or we receive sufficient succor from Holland. Ady 21 June. A" 1644, in New Netherland. The above copy written by the Director, is collated and found to agree with the original. Done, Manahatas, this 2S"' June, A° 1644. Copy. From each merchantable beaver purchased within our limits and brought here to the fort fifteen slivers, the small in proportion, which shall be immediately marked, and those that will be found unmarked, shall be forthwith confiscated; and all who have beavers in their possession, are hereby notified to come to the Ueceiver of the Company's customs, thereunto appointed, and to have them marked, or agree upon a commutation, all on pain of confiscation. Let every one be hereby warned, and protect himself from loss. 24 June, 1644. The above copy written by the Director, is collated and found to agree with the original. Done Manahatas, this 28 June, 1644. (Signed) Jochum Pietersen Kuiter, the mark p. of Ment Dibks,* made by himself. ' Sit. loteoded for Darent Diroki.— £]>. J S« 190 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. i i il The Eight Men to the Assembly of the XIX. B. Honorable, Wise, prudent Gentlemen of the XIX. of the General Incorporated West India Company at the Chamber in Amsterdam. Honorable Gentlemen ! Rightly hath one of tho ancients said, that there is no misery on earth however great that does not manifest itself in time of war. We, poor inhabitants of New Netherla.id, now complain that having enjoyed for a long time an indiB'erent peace with the heathen, Almighty God finally, through his righteous judgment, hath in this cui rent year iiindled around us the fire of an Indian war in which not only numbers of innocent people, men, women and children, have been murdered in their houses and at their work, and swept into captivity (whereby this place with all its inhabitants is come to the greatest ruin); but all the Bouweries and Plantations at Pavonia, with 25 lusts ' of grain and other produce are burnt and the cattle in part destroyed by the Indians. Coming next to Long Island : It also is stripped of people and cattle, except a few insignificant places, over against the main, which are about to be abandoned. The English who have settled among us have not escaped. They too except at one place, are all murdered and burnt. Staten Island, where Cornells Melyn settled, is unattacked as yet, but stands hourly expecting an assault. On the Island of the Manachatas, from the north even unto the Fresh Water, there are no more than five or six spots inhabited at this date. These are threatened by the Indians every night with fire, and by day with the slaughter of both people and cattle. Achter Col where the Honb'" Mr. Van djr Horst founded a Colonie, is altogether ruined, so that we have no other place of shelter remaining for ourselves, our wives and cliildren, than around and adjoining Fort Amsterdam at the Manalmctas. The enemy experiences no resistance, through want of men, arms, and ammunition with which this place is very poorly supplied. The Fort is defenceless and entirely out of order, and resembles (with submission) rather a molehill than a fort against an enemy. These Indians are, on the contrary, strong and mighty ; have, one with the other, made alliances with more tlian seven different tribes well supplied with guns, powiler and ball, which they to their hearts' content have procured and still daily receive from private traders in exchange for beavers, and with which they murder our people. The woods and thickets are now very useful to them ; they have removed all their women, children and old men into the inteiior, the rest of the most expert warriors hang daily on our necks, with fire and sword, and threaten to attack the Fort with all their force, which now consists of about 1500 men ; this we hourly expect, for all the outside places are mostly in their power. It is owing entirely to their pleasure if any cattle are found alive throughout the entire country. Your Honors can easily conceive how wretchedly it fares with us, distressed people, and the wholecountry, for the growth and prosperity thereof consists chieflv in men, cattle and houses, in which we, jointly and severally, have exhausted all the means we have been able to realize. The population is composed mainly of women and children; the freemen (exclusive of the English) are about 200 strong, who must protect by force their families now skulking in straw huts outside the Fort; the cattle are partly burnt and killed, what remains has been conveyed to the Fort on the Manahates, where for want of food they must starve this coming winter, if ' A la*t K equal to 80 English biithek Holtrop't Dutch Dictionary. — Ed. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL 19 not immediately slaughtered. The most of the houses have been fired and destroyed, those still standing are in danger of being also burnt. It is likewise to be apprehended that this will be but the beginning of our troubles, for, as these Indians with their weapons kill our people, one after another [it is to be feared] that they will next with guns destroy us, our wives and children, while the men are ruined, the grain and other produce burnt, very little saved, not even a plough can be put in the ground this fall, so that not 100 skepels will be sown in this neighborhood, and consequently much less in the spring, and were any provisions to be obtained from the English, in the East, we know not wherewith we, poor people, will pay for them, whilst the private traders have by their unnatural extortions for the last three or four years utterly drained us, and impoverished this country; for such must be the result so long as industry is obliged to stand still in the land. Cattle destroyed, houses burnt ; the mouths of women and children must remain shut. We speak not now of other necessaries, such as clothing, shirts, shoes and stockings, In fine, it is like to happen, that it will be with us, according to the words of the Prophet, Whoso draweth the sword, shall perish of hunger and cold. We turn, then, to your Honors; we humbly pray and beseech you to be pleased to help us in this distressed plight, and with the first opportunity to assist us with such aid as your Honors may, in your wisdom, consider best, as we have also by this opportunity set forth in a Remonstrance and petition to their High Mightinesses' ; so that this place, and all of us, with wives and children, may not be delivered over a prey to these cruel heathen, whereupon we rely. Underneath was written. We remain your Honors' faithful subjects, lawfully elected and authorized by the Hon-" the Director and Council, and the entire Commonalty of New Netherland. (Signed) Cornelis Meltn, Gerrit Wolpherjsen. Abraham Pietersen. Isack Allertov, Dons Manahatas this 24"" October Thomas Hal, Jan Evertse Bout. in New Netherland, Anno 1G43. Barent Dircksen. Jochem Pietersen. Resolution adopted by the Commonalty of the Manhattans. C, We, the undersigned, having appeared at the Fort at the request of the Hon"" Director and Council, to express our opinions on their proposition, they have required us to elect five or six persons from among ourselves to weigh maturely the articles laid before us ; wherefore hHve we considered it wise on so doing to leave to the Director and Council the execution thereof; namely, the selection of those persons, provided that we shall be at liberty to reject the person or persons against whom there may be anything to object, and who are not agreeable to us. Cornelis Melyn, This is the mark This is the mark Jan Snedeker, Abram Planck, This is the mark Pieter Linde, .^L of WOLPHERT GbRBITS, P of Babent Dircksen, SiBERT ClASEN, Cornelis Wiletnsen, T of Louis Chain,' ' S«a nipra, f. 189.— Eo. m U; NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. This is the marli Z This is the mark + This is the mark A PlETER COLET, Jan Janben Damen« CORNELIS Voi.CKERS, IsACK DB Forest, This is the mark of CORNELIS LaMBERTSEN CoOL, of CORNELIS JaOOBSEN StILLB, of Abraham Jacobsb, Abraham Pietersen, Heindrick Heindricksen KypB, GOVERT LOOCKEMANS, IsACK AlLERTON, This is the mark *S^ This is the mark Barent Jansen, Thomas Hall, Wilheim Gaulders, This is the mark X of Claes Caerlessen, of Claes Montelaar, Jacob Couwenhoven, of Gerrit Wolpherts, This is the mark This is the mark This is the mark This is the mark Benjamin Pawlev, This is the mark This is the mark This is the mark Willem Adriaensbn, Claes Jansen Ruter, Jan Verbauue, of George Hans [Holmes?] by me, Cornblis Dircksen Hoochlant, H of Hans Hansen, of Thomas Sandersen, of Ambrosius Loman, of Jan Piccbs, Richard, A This is the mark This is the mark Jan Pathaway, P H 6 of PlETER AnUAENSBN, of Ritchfrt Colfecx, of Heyndrick Hbvndricksbn, CoRNELis Twits,' of Lawrens Pietersen, of Cornelia Soulbman, P. R. Gichhous. ill Certificate of the Election of the Eight Men. D* We, the undersimned, do declare that we have elected Joachim Pietersen, Jan Damen, Barent Dircksen. Abraham Pietersen, Isack Allerton, Thomas Hal, (Jerrit Wolphertien and Cornells Melyn, to consult on and maturely to consider the propositions submitted to us by the Director and Council of New Netherland, approving hereby what the aforesaid persons shall treat and determine i'\ the premises. Phlipb Gravb, This is the mark A of AMnHosiua Lonhbn, This is the mark + of Cornblis Swilwan, Bbnjamtn Pawlby, William Gouldbb, !• tb« B«xt (iMumtot thli dmo* ii Ttoali Ottj. •Qh) HwllA— Kft V^' Cli' HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IlL 198 This is the mark This is the mark This is the mark This is the mark Albert Jansen, This is the mark P of Lauhens Pibt- sen, f |{ of Jan Haer, X ' of Thomas Sanderson, ^^ of IsACK DB Forest, Peter Colet, T of Teunis Cray, This is the mark O I -mof Jacob Stoffelsen, COUNELIS WiLLEMSEN, PlETER LiNOB, This is the mark ^R^ of Claes Carstersbn, John Pathaway, Ritchert Gebbers, This is the mark | of Piccis, This is the mark ^ Jacob Couwenhovbn, This is the mark '^ of Abraham Jacobsbn, Reiner Jansen, Jan Verbrugh, of WoLPHERT GirRITSEN, GOVERT LOOCKBMANS, This is the mark B WiLLEM AdRIAENSEN, of QoRis Bastblaer, This is the mark ^ 4 - - V of Egbert Woutersbn, And whereas, the aforesaid elected men have unanimously resolved, for certain reasons them thereunto moving, to exclude Jan Damen, they have unanimously determined to choose, as they do hereby choose, Jan Everlsen Bout to consult with them, in the stead of the said Jan Damen, upon what they will deem to appertain to the public service. Petition for leave to attack the Indians. B. To the Honorable William Kieft, Director General of New Netherland, and his Hon'''* Council. The whole of tha freemen respectfully represent, that though heretofore much innocent blood was spilled by the Savages without having had any reason or cause therefor, yet your Honors made peace on condition thui the chiefs should deliver the murderer into our hands, (either dead or alive,) wherein they have failed, up to the present lime ; the reputation which our nation hath in othf r countries, has thus been diminished, even, notwithstanding innocent blood calleth aloud to " I''® '"'"'^ °f Jacob STOFrii.mN. To my knowledge, Cornbus van Tibnhovbn, SeortUry. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IIL 195 I. Before me Cornells van Tienhoven, Secretary of New Netherland, appeared Cornells Ariasen, aged about 36 years, who, at the request of Cornells Leendersen, deposes, testifies and declares, in the place, and with the promise of solemn oath, if necessary, that it is true that he accompanied Jacob Stoffelsen and Gerrit Dyrcksen into the fort on the day after the attack on the Indians, and there heard the Director say: " 'Tis the fault of the freemen that the Indians were attacked — but your neighbor, Abraham Planck, was well aware of it, who might have warned you." All which deponent declares to be fact and truth. Done ia fort Amsterdam, the 28"" March, 1643, in New Netherland. This f y-f is the mark of V CORNELIS ArISSBN. To my knowledge, (Signed) Cornblis van Tibnhoven, Secretary. K. Before me Cornelia van Tienhoven, Secretary of New Netherland, appeared Pieter Cornelissen, aged about 36 years, who, at the request of Cornells Leendersen, deposes, testifies and declares, as he doth hereby in place, and with promise of a solemn oath, if necessary, that it is true that Peter Cornelissen, aforesaid, had a conversation with the Director, respecting what occurred between our Nation and the Indians. The deponent inquired : " How it occurred?" The Director answered : " It was petitioned for in the name of the Commonalty, by three persons, (without naming any one) being three of the Twelve elected men." To which this deponent replied — "Your Honor had forbidden them to meet on pain of corporal punishment; how came it, then?" The Director rejoined — "It is probably so." Which the deponent declares to be true. Done, the 28"" March, A" 1643, in fort Amsterdam. (Signed) Pieter Cornelissen. To my knowledge, (Signed) Cornelis van Tienhovbn, Secretary. li. Before me Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary of New Netherland, appeared Gerrit Dircksen Blauw, who at the request of Cornelis Leendersen, deposes, testifies and declares in the place, and with promise of a solemn oath, if necessary and required ; that it is true that he, with Cornelis Arissen and Jacob Stoffelsen, met the Director in the fort, the day after the Indians were attacked, when he, the deponent, addressed his Honor, saying: " You have now done fine work, in causing the murder of Christian blood;" alluding to his stepson, who had been killed by the Indians. The Director gave for answer — " You must put the blame on the freemen, of whom your neighbor Abraham Planck is one." Which the deponent declares to be true. Done the 28"* March, A" 1043, in New Netherland. (Signed) Gerrit Dirckhen Blauw. To my knowledge, (Signed) Cornelis van Tienhovbn, Secretary. m. Interrogatorict to be projtoitd to F'ucal Heindrick van Dyck, Article 1. Ts he not well aware that the late Director General Kieft. did, on the night between the 84" and 80'* February, in the year 1043, send a party of Soldiers over to Pavonia by the bouwery of Jan Kvertzuon, and behind Curler's plantation on the Islai.d of Manhatani and cause them to kill a party of Indians, with women and children, who lay there? i!» \t 196 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. S. Did Mr. Kieft previously propose this expedition to the Council, and subsequently communicate it to him as Officer of thq Soldiers, which he then was; and did he vote for it? 3. Were not the Indians much embittered by this act ; and did not the general war between our Christians and these Americans follow the next day, and date its commencement from that time ? 4. Is it not also true, that all those Indians had fled to the above described place some days before, through dread of the Maicanders ; in the hope of being protected by our people from their enemies? 6. Did not we, the Dutch, in this country, live in peace with these Indians before and until this cruel deed had been wrought on them over at Pavonia and on the Island Manhatans? Interrogatoriet to be proposed to Mr. Comelii van der Hoykim. -. Article 1. Did he approve the levying of the contributions which the late Director General Kieft imposed on those Americans in the year 1639 ? 2. Was it ever before proposed in Council by the said Kieft, and was it approved by that body? 3. Lid not he (the witness) well remark that this tax had in general excited great animosity among those natives, so that the Raritans shortly after killed four of our people on Staten Island ? 4. Did not Mr. Kieft on the night of the 24th February, 1643, cause a party of Indians, our friends, to be massacred with women and children in their sleep, over at Pavonia and behind Corlaer's plantation ? 6. Did Mr. Kieft previously propose this expedition to the Council, and was it approved by witness, as fiscal at that time, and by the other members of the Council ? 6. Is it not true that the Indians were much exasperated against us on account of this murder, so that the general war between them and our people followed on the next day ? Did not the Dutch nation in this country live in peace with those Indians before this cru«l deed had been committed against them ? HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL mi Did not those Indians fly to those two places above named through fear of their enemies, in full confidence of hiding among, and of being protected by, us ? Interrogatories to be jiropoud to Dr. Johannes di la Montaigne. Article 1. Did he vote for, and approve of, the maize tax in the year 1639 ? a. Was it ever before proposed in their Council, and now when Mr. Kieft had imposed contributions on those natives, did he (La M.) not say in the presence of s<»"eral persons : — that by those proceedings, a Bridge had been built, over which War would soon stalk ^ through the country ? 3. Does he know from what cause originated the first trouble between our people and the Raritan Indians? 4. Was not that difficulty with the Raritans, as well as the one with these of Wicguaesgeck again settled, and peace made in the beginning of the year 1643 ? 6. Were not we, the Dutch, then living in peace with all those surrounding Indians, the Yaccinsack murderer excepted ? 6. Is it to his knowledge that Jan Clasen Daem, Maryn Adriaensen and Abram Planck presented a petition to the late Director General Kiell, and did he approve of the answer thereto? Did he not at that time object to the petitioners these and similar onsiderations — namely, that such an important matter ought tu be more deliberately weighed before it should be determined on. Also, that the peculiarity of places should be considered ; whether we could extricate our people who had settled at a far distance ; also, the question of force and munitions of war ; whether we could indeed defend ourselves and continue the war ? -^ I' m\ Is it true that Director Kieft made answer to this in his room, in the presence of Jan Claesen Daem, Abraham Planck, and Maryn Adriaensen, who had already obtained his written reply to the petition — '* The word has gone forth ; it must remain out?" 9. By whose order were the Indians, with their wives and children, killed over at Pavcnln, and behind Corlaer's hook on the Island of Maiihatan?, between the 24"' and 86* February, .ii,43? 10. Did he vote for it and was it subsequently reaolvtd in tha lawful Council ? fe 198 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 11. Were not our surrounding Indians and neighbors very much exasperated against us on account of this murder, so that the general war broke out the next day ? 12. Did we not, up to this time, before this deed was committed, lire in peace with all those Americans, the Haccinsack murderer excepted ? 13. Is it not true, that all those Indians had fled to the two places abovementioned, through fear of the Mahicanderi), in the hope of being protected by our people from their enemies? 1^ ItUenogatoriti to be propoied to Secretary Comelis van Tienhoven. Article 1. Can he, the Secretary, not fluently speak the Manbatans language, which was used by the Im!ians hereabout? 2. Did he not, therefore, act as interpreter to the late Director General Kieft, with those Indians? 3. In what year was he sent to those Natives to collect the contribution of maize from them ; if he was not employed, who then was ? 4. To how many tribes was this done; and how are they named? Did those Indians willingly consent to this contribution; or did they then protest against it ; and what were their debates abou*. it ? Can he report in writing — if not, verbally — the result of this mission; which Mr. Kieft entrusted to him ? 7. In what terms did he endeavor to persuade the Indians to consent to the contribution? 8. In what year was he, deponent, sent by Mr. Kieft to the Raritanus ; and did he not go there with a party of armed soldiers and sailors under the command of Heindrich, captain of the NeptunuB? 9. What order did the Director give him, the Secretary, particularly in this case; and how did he execute it? 10. Did Mr. Kieft give any different orders to the soldiers generally, when they stood in front of the Director's house, previous to setting out? HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL 199 11. I Were not similar expeditions sent out in the same year against the Raritans ; and does he know what was the reason and object of them ; and what was then accomplished? 13. Did not the Raritans revenge themselves the next year; killing four Christians, on Staten Island ; and did they not afterwards destroy the houses of David Pietersen ? 13. Was not that difficulty sometime after entirely settled with the Raritans ; so that they have remained quiet, on their side, to the present time ? 14. In what year did he, the Secretary, make the peace with the Wicquaesgeckers, at the house of the late Jon^s Bronck? 16. After the difficulty with the Raritans and with the Wicquaesgeckers had been arranged and peace concluded, did not our people live in peace, in the year 1642, with all those surrounding Natives, the Hackinsack murderer exccepted ? 16. Did he, the Secretary, not write a petition, on 24"" February, 1643, on the subject of this war with thos? Natives for Maryn Adriaensen, Jan, Claesen Daem and Abram Planck; and by whose order, or at whose request, was it sent? 17. Did he copy the aforesaid petidon from another's draft, or did he draw it up himself; was it conceived by himself, or did he, in accordance with his duty, first submit the draft to the Director before it was signed ? 18. For what reason, and by whose authority did he, the Secretary, insert the words — " the whole of the Commonalty or free people and by their order" — in the petition, when he, indeed, well knew that no person either without, or on, the Manhatans had any knowledge of it except Director Kieft, he, the Secretary, and those three petitioners ; also, that he should have considered that an affair of such importance, so productive of heavy loai to the Hon**'* Company and the inhabitants in this country, ought not to have been undertaken on the simple representation of those three men. 19. Was not he, the Secretary, sent by Mr. Kieft, on the 24th February, in the year 1643, with one Corporal Hans Steen, over to Pavonia, to the Indians who lay near Jan Evertsen Bout's bouwery ? 80. For what purpose and with what instructions did they go there? m ~- '! M tm NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 21. Did they faithfully report at that time to Mr. Keift, how many different tribes of Indians were then together there ; and can he enumerate them ? 29. Did not these Indians fly thither through dread of the Maykanders, who were at that time their enemies, in the hope of being protected by our people? 23. Is it not true, that a troop of armed soldiers were sent by order of Mr. Kieft, on the next night to the aforesaid place, and a party of freemen behind Corlear's plantation on the Manhatans, who slew a large number of these Indian refugees, and afterwards burnt all their huts ? S4. Is it not true also, that the general war between us, the Dutch, and those Americans, here around the Manhatans, first originated from this r^ffense ? 36. Does he, the deponent, also know whether the scheme of the contributions and of this expedition was ever approved and set on foot in the regular Council ? Interrogatoriet for iht Reveretid Everardtu Bogardut, Minister of the flock of Jesus Christ here on the Manhatans. Article 1. Was not your Reverence in the room with the late Director General Kieft when the three men, namely, Maryn, Adriaensen, Jan Ciaessen Daem, and Abram Planck, presented their petition respecting the demand for the war against the Natives? 2. Is the conversation between Mr. Kieft and the three men on that occasion still fresh in your Reverence's memory? 3. Can he, the witness, conscientiously and solemnly declare before God, verbally or in writing, all that then transpired in the room, between these five persons, respecting the War? I :i Interrogatories for Jan C' 'k» Dnem and Abram Planck, freemen at the Manhatans. Article 1. Did not they, the witnesses, in company with one Maryn Adriaensen, present to Mr. Kiefl, in February, 1643, a certain petition respecting the war against our Americans? 2. By whose order and by what authority did they do so, and who prompted them thereunto, that they inserted in the petition the words — Of the whole of the freemen. .il-ill HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL 201 Was there any other person in the room with Mr. Kieft when they presented the aforesaid petition ? 4. By whom was the petition drawn, or did they request the writer to doit; or was he authorized by any person to that effect ? 6. Do they, the witnesses, lii^ewise know that the aforesaid petition was copied by another, or did the writer draw it up of himself? 6. Did they, the witnesses, get an answer from Mr. Kleft on the same day, or was it when Councillor Johan de la Montaigne came from his bouwery to Mr. Kieft? ! • ; Did not Councillor de In Montaigne remark, on their petition, that they ought to reflect well before beginning the war, whether we could undertake by ourselves to protect those who were dwelling afar off; also, if we had men and ammunition enough to defend ourselves, and to continue until help be received from Holland ? 8. Also, is it not true, that Mr. Kieft replied to this — •' The word has gone forth ; it must remain so" — and had they not then already obtained in writing Mr. Kieft's answer to the petition? .^ Petition of the Twelve Men and the Annoer thereto. Tothe Hon"" Willem Kieft, Director General and the Council residing in New N« Netherland on the behalf of the General Incorporated West India Company. We, the undersigned, Selectmen on behalf of the Commonalty of New Netherland, respectfully represent that it is highly necessary that your Honors do order a general Muster to take place once every year, under arms, on condition that at the muster half a pound of powder shall be given each man on the part of the Company. Orders shall be issued for an Annual muster, for which a plan was agreed on long ago ; but i pound of powder to each man can be ill alTorded, as provision must be made for the day of need, for which we must, above all things, prepare. Each i'atroon's establishment must provide for its own defence. 9. 9. The petitioners respectfully request that Weshould willingly consent, but it is indirect every freeman be at liberty, once for all, opposition to superior orders, as many of the Vol. I. 2G ^ If i i 202 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 1^1 without any one's consent, to visit, on their arrival, all ships, yachts and sloops, coming here from sea, wrhether they be Dutch, English or French, &c., after the fiscal shall have been on hi. ;S| ;<.!;ordlug to tiie custom in Holland. Also, that the Council of New Netherland shall Irom this time be rendered complete in members, especially as the council of a small village in Fatherliind consists of five (Sx seven Schepens ; also, that from nos" 1. ii. ' ri fhe Director and Council do not try any criminals unless five councillors be present, inasmuch as the Commonalty talk considerably about it. Also if your Honors please to choose four persons who shall have access to the Council here, as your Honors formerly proposed, we should be much gratified, so that taxes may not be imposed on the country in the absence of the Twelve. Also that every inhabitant of New Netherland, be he who he may, shall be henceforward at liberty to resort, go to and return from all places in this neighborhood and to our friends, and allies without notifying or asking any one ; and to repair to all such places as he shall derive most advantage from, on condition of first receiving a regular pass and clearance from your Honors and paying therefor all such duties as to the Hon*''* Company shall appertain. In case your Honors choose four of the fittest to appear m your Council, as stated, it remains to be noted that two of the four retire every year and two others be chosen in their stead out of the 12. Company's ships will probably come here with prizes, and it would create great disorder. If application for the purpose he made, once for all, to the Director or Fiscal, permission will be granted unless weighty objections exist. Letters have been sent to Holland, so that we expect to receive some persons of rank by the first ships, and thus have a complete Council. That the Commonalty should comment considerably on the smallness of the Council can well be, but we wish very much to know whether any one has cause tocomplainof unjust decisions, and who tho.se are who talk considerably thereof? We are fully satisfied to choose 4 persons, to assist in maintaining the Commonalty in their right, and whom we will invite to our Council, when necessity requires ; also to fix upon certain periods of the year to meet together on public business and to conclude on some articles as to the extent of their powers. As regards the 12 men, we are not aware that they receivtd fuller powers from the Commonalty than simply to give their advice respecting the murder of the late Claes Swits. Granted, provided the Hon"' Company receive their dues and that the goods be not sent to an enemy. We are fully content that two of the four be annually changed. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 208 Likewise, as v <• all aim at and expect, with God's blessing, the increase of the cattle, so it is, that hertiofore the English have sold cows, bulls and goats, whereby ours have fallen into disrepute and are not as much valued as formerly. It is therefore solicited that henceforth no cows or goats be sold here by the English ; only oxen and he goats. Also, that the value of money be raised in order that it be retained here and not exported hence by foreign nations. All which we the petitioners pray may be duly considered by your Honors, and trust that herein shall be done what will be most beneficial for the Inhabitants. Done the 21 January, 1642. Was subscribed by divers persons. We shall prevent, as much as possible, the sale here of any English cows or goats. We shall raise the currency; the placards are prepared for that purpose. Ordo- dissolving the Board of Twelve Men, And whereas the Commonalty at our request appointed and instructed these 12 men to communicate their good counsel and advice on the subject of the murder of the late Claes Cornelisaen Swits, which was committed by the Indians; this being now completed by them, we do hereby thank them for the trouble they have taken, and shall, with God's help, make use of their rendered written advice in its own time. The said Twelve men shall now, henceforth hold no further meeting, as the same tends to a dangerous consequence, and to the great injury both of the country and of our authority. We therefore, hereby forbid them calling any manner of assemblage or meeting, except by our express order, on pain of being punished as disobedient subjects. Done in fort Amsterdam, this eighth of February, 1642, in New Netherland. By order of the Hon*'' Director and Council of New Netherland, (Signed) Cornelis van Tibnhovbn, Secretary. Ex-Director Kiejl to Director Stuyvetant. To Myn Heer General and the Hon"' Council. O. Hon""'" gentlemen. Whereas Jochem Pietersen and CormUs Melyn have sent some letters to Holliinil to the Directors, in the name of the Eight men ; amongst others, one dated 25"" October, 1644, containing nothing but libels and lies. To point out all these here, would take up loo much space. I shall enumerate only some few: 1. First: they say, we could bring into the field 400 men on the arrival of the Blue Cock, and that we neglected the opportunity to attack the Indians. S04 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Secondly: that they have not been able to obtain a single mnu for defence. 3. That no care is taken any more of the country. 4. That princely power was usurped. 5. That the Eight men received foul taunts and reproaches when assembled, and that they scarcely dare open their mouths. 6. That they conceded our proposal of the excise. 7. That the little Book treating of the war, contained as many lies as lines. 8. That the Indians were previously like lambs, and that men were seized with a rash hankering for war, and by an accursed act had murdered the Indians. That 2,600 pounds of powder had been received in store, and not 500 pounds used against the Indians. 10. That skipper Laurens could not defend his case, in consequence of the Director's authority, etc. We are prepared to prove that these are all false calumnies and lies. Your Hon" can well infer what the rest are. We have, in the writing hereunto annexed, answered in all respects these two fine gentlemen of whom the Directors have warned us, according to their letters exhibited to your Honors. They dispatched in an irregular manner and clandestinely sent off, that libellous letter; deceived the good people whose names they used; who, according to their own declarations, were not aware that it contained such scandalous things. Jacob Stoffelse and isack. Allerton principally implored the people to sign — yea. even after the letter was off to Holland, they suborned, according to Melyn's own acknowledgment, the Secretary's clerk, and caused him also to sign, thus abusing our Lords Patroons, making them believe that the original letter was subscribed by the Eight men, cheating the good people, and endeavoring with false and bitter poison, to calumniate their magistrates and to bring them into difficulty; wherefore we demand justice, in order that our innocence may be known both here and in Holland, and their falsehood punished, that the Fiscal may prosecute them according to the heinousness of their crimes; also, that they be required to prove said letter, and to exhibit the copy of it which they sent off by the Blue Cock, and to which the Directors refer. Which hoping. Ady IS" June, 1647, New Amsterdam. Your Hon" ever ready servant, (Signed) Willem Kieft. This is found, on collating, to agree with the original, the 19"* June, Anno, 1C47. (Signed) Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. Mcsirs, Jochem 'FieUricn Kuyter and Cornclis Mehjn to Director Stuyvetant. 205 P, To the Hon'''' Peter Stuyvesant, Director General of New Netherland, Cura5ao and the Islands thereabout, and to the Hon'''' Council. Hon"^' Gentlemen ! The written demand of the late Director General Kieft was sent to us by the Court messenger about 9 o'clock on the 19"" June of this year, 1644, with express orders to answer thereunto within twice 24 hours. Coming then to the point — Mr. Kieft says in his first statement that .lochem Pietersen and Cornelis Melyn sent some letters to the Honorable Directors in Holland in the name of the Eight men, containing nothing but libels and lies, etc. It was not under, nor in the name of the Eight men, but by their previously determined counsel and resolution, word for word, conjointly approved and signed by them. We shall, therefore, without any glossing or circumlocution, simply answer according to our ability his Hon" proposed articles. 1. Your Honors will pleasp to know, as regards the 400 men who could be brought into the field on the arrivfil of the Blue Cock, that we doubt not but we were informed of it by his Honor himself and Captain de Vries told us so. They admit first, that 130 soldiers had come in the Blue Cock, commanded by the aforesaid Captain. 2°. There were yet also at that time between 40 and 60 old soldiers, exclusive of the English who, according to our best judgment, were full 50 strong. There were, likewise, at this time, between 50 and CO sailors or seafaring people, who were willing to, as they sometime afterwards did, serve the commonwealth. We do not include the crew of the Blue Cock. 3°. The Hon'"'" Mr. Kieft also allowed, in two places, as is to be seen in Carta A. B., for two hundred freemen and Company's servants, and thus, whenever a calculation in gross is made from what we have enumerated, it will, without making a very strict examination, be found that probably between 3 and 400 men could be brought before many days into the field against the enemy, as stated in the letter; and yet they could miss the few opportunities which they still possessed to restore, through God's mercy, a desirable peace to this country; as Mr. Kieft himself hath written in a letter of the 21 July, 1G44, (marked C.) And whilst that was neglected, our people were killed and murdered within a few weeks, at divers places without the Fort, by the Indians who, for all that, gathered in safety their maize and other necessaries in the meantime. We, on the other hand, continued in the greatest terror, with the cattle which still remained ; and in the heat of the war complained, and do still complain, to our Lords Patroons, to wit: to the Noble Lords Majors, but not to foreigners, nor to the enemies of the United Netherlands. 2. Your Honors will please to observe in the two remonstrances or protests of Thomas Hall and the late liarent Dircksen, what defence or assistance was furnished to any of ours at that time. 3. The piles of ashes from the burnt houses, barns, barracks and other buildings, and the bones of the cattle, more than sufiiciently demonstrate the ordinary care that was bestowed on the country, God help it, particularly during the war. We respectfully request your Honors to institute a rigid inquiry into this matter: How many first class Bouweries and plantations were abandoned in the war by our Dutch and English, whose houses were burnt, as has been l| 206 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. '^W stated, and what number of cattle ha? each individually lost? It is cur opinion those will amount to between 40 and 60, and had they been all preserved, might have been doubled at this day, and the cattle quadrupled, so that a considerable tenth would yearly accrue to the Hon''" Company, ed us in hii letter, and shall willingly sutler and take it with an honest face; for the wisest man teaches that the feeble mudt not speiik evil, as an^.r is not excited against the silent man. It is said that Diogenes was once asked how he could contrive to live so many years at court? To which the philosopher answered : I had to bear and endure much injury at court from the 208 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. King, and I always in return said, Thank you. We willingly confess tliet we have not experienced what the philosopher here represents, for not an unkind word was exchanged between us and Mr. Kieft in our intercourso with that gentleman. His Honor must prove that the Eight chosen men, who were elected by the Commonalty and approved and authorized by his Honor and his Council, acted unlawfully in communicating to their High Mightinesses and Lords Majors, the general ruin and necessity of the country, in order thereby to obtain earlier aid and assistance, as is, God be praised ! now evident. Were this true, as we trust it is, we think, under correction, that we have not injured Mr. Kieft .T general nor in particular ; and that his Honor ought not so sharply and so severely censure aid reprimand us; for the ancient Sage was of opinion that a person high in station could not C'/mmit a graver fault than to insult those who durst not answer him. But it had been better t.iatlhis matter had been referred to those by whom it could have been brought to a final decision; for it Mr. Kieft has yet to prove that his Honor lawfully and of a necessity, commenced the war in question against those Natives. If lawfully, his Honor will rejoice, and we, on the other hand, shall remain in shame and disgrace ; if the contrary be established, to wit, that it was urged forward through his own fancy, let us then once see what the law of nations thinks of it; for in the exacting of pun'shment, this law must lirst of all be observed, so that no war be ever again undertaken, unless men are stronger than the opposite party. For not only doth prudence, or the love of one's own, but even frequently those also who administer justice, demand that people abstain from a hazardous war, as, from the nature of government, the sovereign is bound by justice to care for the subject, no less than the subject to obey; so that even a King, who undertakes a war for a trilling cause, or to exact unnecessary punishment, which is very hazardous, is bound to indemnify the subject for all damage incurred thereby; having, by that means, done him wrong and, for insufficient cause, brought down on him such serious difficulties. For this reason Linius says — " That is a just war, which is a necessary one." James, King of Great Britain, in his lifetime admitted this; and Prcpertius says — " A soldier must bear arms in order thereby to control arms." Moreover, even just cause, does not oblige rulers to undertake war for their subjects, except it can be done without damage to all, or the majority of them. For the office of governor extends rather over the whole, than over a part ; and where a part is greater, there it approximates more closely to the nature of the whole; and in regard to Christ's precept, which wills that we be ready to lay aside all contention and discord; consequently, still more does it discountenance war; and, therefore, says Ambrose — " It is not only generosity in a prudent man to desist somewhat from his right ; but it is also profitable and advantageous." In like manner Aristides — " Men must quietly yield and grant a little, for those are prized who will rather suffer wrong than contention." Xenophon : — •' It becometh even the wise not to commence a war (or a great cause." From all that has been here slated on the subject of war, it can readily be concluded how prudently we must proceed in the matter; and how hazardous it is to engage in it, especially with so rude and barbarous p people ns these Indians are. This being now laid aside, let us conclude. As regards the letter to the XiX. by the Blue Cock, we cannot produce it, inasmuch as wo sent it by Govert Loockemans to Holland, enclosed to a person whose nnme we, for cause, would not willingly disclose ; we cannot for certainty say whe'her Andries Hudden, who drew up that letter and who also subscribed it with his own hand, still retains the draft or minute ofi*. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 209 It appears, then, from what we have answered in this our declaration, that we did not act as Mr. Kieft is pleased to lay to our charge ; but submit all this to tho discretion of your Honors' wise and mature judgment. It is remarked, that Mr. Kieft demands in his declaration, which was read to us in your Honor's court on the IS"" instant, that we be sent to Holland as pests and seditious persons. We, therefore, respectfully request of your Honors that it be granted to us, not to go as pestilent and seditious persons, as his Honor represents, but as good patriots and proprietors of New Netherland ; this, it is manifest we are, from what we have expended in the country; and which, in this war, was in a moment laid in ashes, whereby we have lost all our property. Whereunto we call God, the Lords Majors and the entire Commonalty, to witness. Also, that the other four out of the Eight chosen men, may be likewise sent with us, in order that they may acknowledge their signatures before their High Mightinesses; moreover, that all who are on their interrogatories may be summoned before your Honors for the IS"" instant. Finally and lastly, we respectfully pray the General and Council to be pleased to legally call together, before the departure of the Princess, all the freemen and Company's servants, who have survived the war, and ask them conjointly the following question, to wit: If we did not live in peace with these surrounding Indians before they were slaughtered, in February, 1643, on Jan de Lacher's hook, near Jan Evertscn's bouwery at Pavonia, and behind Curler's plantation on the Island of Miii.hattans ; also whether each of them, individually, could not a( the time, uninterruptedly pursue their outdoor labor in the hush, as well as in the field, and live safely in their houses with their wives and children, without any fear of the Indians. Expecting this, &c., remaining your Hon" faithful iniiabitants of New Netherlard. Done at the Manhutans, Ady, this SQ** June, 1U47. (Signed) JocHiEM Piet : Cuttbr, CORNELIS MeLYN. The Eight Men to the Amsterdam Chamber of tiie JVcit India Company. ^. To the Honorable, Wise, Prudent General Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. Honorable Sirs. We gratefully learned by your letters per the Marht van Knckhtujzen, your Honors' dispositioa to extend assistance lo us in this our truly most unfortunate pliglil; we also trust and pray to God that it he done by the earliest opportunity. We afterwards again respectfully dispatched by the ship Blue Cock, our general necessity to the Hon'''' XiX. We nope your Honors will have favorably regarded the contents thereof, in which wp, in n superficial nianner, briefly yet truly, submitted the first origin whence this war arote, to our universal ruin. Would to (iod it had not been meddled with. We were greatly rejoiced at the miraculous arrival of the Blue Cock here wit'-, so many of the Company's people, and therefore hoped that the field would be taken with between ihree and four hundred men, (not including the sailors and settlers,) divided into three companies of one hundred and thirty men each, and by this force, the neighboring savages for I '> ^li. 20 miles around, would have find their crops destroyed, and themselves stripped of all their support for the winter, whereby great injury might have been inflicted on the enemy, in order with a view Viit.. I. y? S 'f li 210 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ii to their easier reduction hereafter to terms. But nothing in the least has been done therein. In all that time, scarce a foot has been moved in the matter, nor an oar laid in the water. The captured Indians who might have been of considerable use to us as guides, have been given to the soldiers as presents, and allowed to go to Holland ; the others have been sent oflf to the Bermudas aa a present to the Knglish governor. The oldest and most experienced soldiers, who for several years were acquainted with all the paths here, have obtained their passport and been allowed to return home. In the meanwhile the Indians secreted without molestation their fish caught this lasS summer on the river, of which they had uninterrupted use at their pleasure. Our fields lie fallow and waste; our dwellings and other buildings are burnt; not a handful can be planted or sown this fall on all the abandoned places. The crop, which God the Lord permitted to come forth during the past summer, remains on the held, as well as the hay, standing and rotting in divers places ; whilst we poor people have not been able to obtain a single man for our defence. We are burdened with heavy families; have no means to provide necessaries any longer for our wives or children. We are sealed here in the midst of thousands of Indians and barbarians, from whom is to be experienced neither peace nor pity. We have left our Fatherland, und had not the Lord our God been our comfort, must have perished in our wretchedness. There are amongst us, who by the sweat and labor of their hands, have been endeavoring at great expense, to improve their lands and gardens; others with their own capital, have equipped with every necessr.ry their own ships, which have been captured by the enemy in coming hither, though they have continued the voyage with equal zeal, and at considerable cost. Some, again, independent of liie Company, ha.e brought hither large numbers of families in vessels of as great burden, freighted with a large stock of cattle, and have erected handsome buildings on the spots selected for their people ; cleared the forest and the wilderness, enclosed and brought their plantations under the plough, so as to be an ornament to the country and a profit to the proprietors, after their long laborious toil. All these ore now laid in ashes through a foolish hankering after war ; for it is known to all right thinking men here, that these Indians have lived as lambs among us until a few years ago, injuring no one, affording every assistance to our nation, and had in Director van Twiller's iitn", (when supplies had not been sent for several months), furnishad provisions to several of the Company's servants, as they state, until supplies were received. The Director hath, by various uncalled for proceedings, from time to time so estranged them frcm us, and so embittered them against the Dutch nation, that we do not believe any thing will bring them back, unless the Lord God, who bends all men's hearts to his will, propitiate them. Thus hath the Anlient vi y truly observed : "\ny man can create turmoil, and set the people one against the other; but to establish harmony again, is in the power of Ood alone." A semblance of peace was attempted to be patched up last spring with one or two tribeii of Savages towards the North by ». foreigner ' whom we, for cause, shall not now name, without one of the Company's servantt tiaviiig been present, whilst our principal enemies are led unmolested. This place hath borne little fruit for the Commonwealth and our Lords' reputation, and we now daily experience what we observed in the S"" article oi our previous letter to ii;« Hod*'* XIX. For these savages had no sooner their maize in pits but lh» y beg.in In murder ' C«|iL John t'nderliill — Kb. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : TIT. 211 our people in various directions. They continually rove around in parties, niglit and day, on the Island of Manhattans, killing our people not a thousand paces from the Fort ; and things have now arrived at ^uch a pass, that no one dare move a foot to fetch a stick of fire wood without an escort. The two bouweries in the Bay, and the three on this Island, one of which belongs to the Hon"' Company, are in great danger of being burnt this winter, for never have these Savages shown themselves so boW and insolent. The cause of this is, that they have not experienced any opposition from us this summer, nor lost any of their crops. And, thus, have they circumvented us by a strategem under p. .tense of peace. Had diligence which is most necessary in time of war, been used, as we requested, with the force of the Blue Cock, during this season, the Indians would, beyond a peradventure, have made advances themselves, and some hope would exist of enjoying, against the arrival of a new Govtrnor, a general peace. But to dtia very little attention has been paid. The favorable season has been allowed to go by, and paople have busied Ihemselves with private quarrels and law suits, with this one and that, especially about sending pearls by Louwrens Corneliesen, skipper of the Maecht mn Enrkhuyzcn, which lasted six weeks, and who on that account has been banished. Through respect for the Director, 've shall not rightly speak of the matter which finally appertains to the Lords only to pass on, but so much is said und heard here, and it is our opinion, that had it not been for the authority of the Director the poor nkipper might have fortified himself with divers most respectable certificates ; not i liy with those which were sent with him but also with divers others. Two guides have recently been called from the North with whom Captain De Vries was sent, on the 22'' instant, with a party on an expedition in that direction. They killed eight 5 but as the saying is — '■ Whenever we lay one enemy low, Un the morrow another returns the blow." With those raw and naked soldiers who have resided for so many years in warm climates, we Bi.all have to wade in frost and snow through rivers and creeks ; but shall probably survive this and sneak back gain into our shells from the winter. We are again ii. want of po-vder. Including that of i'eter Wynkoop, it is estimated that 2500 weight was received in the cellar up to this date, tiv hundred pounds of which ha- .; not been useU in that period, against tiie enemy. The country here is no longer of any or much account. Every place is going to ruin ; neither counsel nor advice is taken ; the only talk here is of princely power and so ereignty. about which La Montaigne argued a few days ago in the tavern, maintaining that the power of the Director here wiih great-r, as regards his olHce and commission, than that of his Highness of Orange in the iN'etherliinds. For the sake of appearances. Twelve men were called together here, in November, 1642, on the subject of the murder of Claes, the wheelwright; the Director submitted to them whether the blood of the aforesaid wheelwright should not bo avenged? Whereupon divers deltates arose on the one side and the other, as the document will show; for at this time a liiinkering alter war had wholly seized on the Director. But the aforesaid 12 men could not continue to meet any longer than the b'S.f February following ; (or such wa« (()rhidden on pain of corporal punishment. Shortly after, he commenced the war against those of Weiquecqueck, on his own mere motion, as appears by the petition of the Twelve men. 212 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. At the request of the Director, the Commonalty again elected S men, in September, 1613; but this was 6 @^ 7 months after the Director liad authorized the execution of the cruel deed over at Pavonia. They did, indeed, draw up some good and suitable regulations; forbidding taverns and all other improprieties ; appointed a week's preaching instead, as can be seen by the order; but it was not executed by tiie officer. These Eight men, aforesaid, were never called together again on public business, from the 4" November, 1643, to the 18"" June, 1644; though in that period many things occurred. It was, indeed, sufficiently manifest how little were these Eight men respected, for no sooner did they open their mouths to propose anything tending in their judgment to the public good, than the Director met them with sundry biting and scoffing taunts ; and sometimes had them summoned, without asking them a question, thus obliging them to return amidst jeers and sneers, as wise as they went. We were finally again convoked, on the IS"' June, 1644, as above slated, when the Director demanded that some new taxes and excise should be imposed on the Commonalty, or he should discharge the Engliisi) soldiers. Whereupon we remonstrated, that it was impossible for us to raise means from tha people, as those outside (de buijtcn hmjs Iwjdrn) were reduced to the extremest necessiiy by this war; and we did not conceive that our powers extended so far as to impose new taxes; but that such must first be considered by a higher authority (to wit, by the Lords Majors). Hceat the Director became much enraged: and with an altered mien said to us, in presence of lh(. Fiscal and Moniaigne : I have more power here than the Company ; therefore I may do whatever ) jslease. He further added : for I have my commission not from the Company, but from tiie Lords the States: as by ilie certificate further can be seen. We nevertheless consented to the Director's proposition ; but submitted to his Honor that there was a more suitable means devisable, by which the poor Commonalty could he spart-d (to wit), that the private traders, who had drawn excessive profits from the country, by their injurious usury, should contribute something to the public service. And what further followed is seen ir two difl'erent Remonstrances; but the Director was pleased to disregard this; rejected it, as utterly unworthy, anil allowed (ierrit Vastrick to depart with sc -e thousand skins, without taking a penny from hmi; from what motive is unknown to us. With all that, the Director, a few days before the Blue Cock sailed, had a placard published without our knowledge, wherein the aforesaid duty was demanded from others, and laid at 16 stuyvers per ber.ver ; and 'i guilders for every tun of beer, from the brewers as well as from the tapsters; but the former were allowed in return to charge tiie burgher a guilder more; and the tapster to charge one stiver (more) per pot ; so that this will probably have to be paid by the poor, who are unable to procure beer for the sick and wounded, except by the can. We understand here, that the Director sent to the Lords, by the IJlue Cock, a Book ornamented with various pictures in water colors, in which he dilates at length on the origin of the war. On that subject it contains as many lies as lines; as we are informed by the Minister and others who have re^td it; and from our time to his, bs ffw facts as leaves. It ia to be embellished with an oil painting. We shall not question what sort of birds are in the woods, nor what species offish resort the rivers here; nor the h-nglh and breadth of the land. All this is mere copy, and has beea long aj;o described oy others. It may, indeeci, be asked, how it comes that the Director can so aptly describe all localities and the nature of the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL 218 animals, since iiis Honor in tlie six or seven years he lias been residing at the Manhatans, has never been, in this country, farther from his iiitchen and bedchamber than half way up the aforesaid Island. But laying all the preceding aside, we shall still have to inquire, namely — Were we not at peace with all those surrounding Indians on the 24''' February, 1643, at the time, we say, when the Director kept Shrovetide with three of his cronies at one of their houses, on which occasion Jan Dam proposed a mysterious toast, and a few days after which, this accurst i deed was executed by the murder of so many innocent Indians at Pavonia and at the Manatans. Should we relate all the circumstances that have occurred in this country in six @. seven years, time would fail us, and the perusal would fatigue jour Honors. But with your permission we shall postpone it to a more appropriate time. Honored Lords ! This is what we have, in the sorrow of our hearts, to complain of; that one man, who has been sent out, sworn and instructed by his Lords and masters, to whom he is responsible, should dispose here of our lives and properties at his will and pleasure, in a manner so arbitrary that a King dare not legally do the like. We shall terminate here, and commit the matter wholly to our God ; who, we pray and heartily trust, will move your hearts and bless your deliberations, so that one of these two things may happen ; that a Governor may be speedily sent with a beloved peace to us ; or, that your Honors will be pleased to permit us to return, with wives and children to our dear Fatherland. For it is impossible ever to settle this country until a different system be introduced here, and a new (Jovernor sent out with more people, who will settle in suitable places, one near the other, in the form of villages or hamlets, and elect from among themselves a Bailiff or Sellout and Schepens, who will be empowered to send their deputies and give their votes on public affairs with the Director and Council ; so that the entire count.y may not be hereafter, at the whim of one man, again reduced to similar danger. So long as this is not done, we say, the rural districts can never be cultivated. We respectfully request that the aforesaid may be taken into consideration. We remain, as we are, your Honors' faithful, poor and distressed inhabitants of New Netherland. Done Manatans this 26"' October, A" 1644. We should have postponed these our multitudinous complaints were we assured that our previous letter to the Hon''" the XIX., by the Blue Cock, bad safely arrived. (Signed) JocHEM T" Civ-irR, The mark ©—/—m of IsACK Allerton, This ic the mark — i y of Gerkit Wolfkersen, made by himself. Cornelis Melyn, Jacob Stoffelsen, Thomas Hall, Jan Evertsbn Bout, The mark p of Barent Dircksen, made by himself. U. Judgment jtronounccd by Director iituyvctant on Jochem Pictcrscn Kuyttr. 1G47. The 10 August this was sent to my house by the clerk, Jacob Kieft. Whereas, Jocliim I'ietersen Kuyter, aged 60 years, a native of Ditmersen, hath presumed and undertaken to threaten with the finger the Hon"*'* Director, his Chief, here in the meeting ^ ft. ;■ 214 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. of the Eight men, who were assembled as a Board, and to say — When he had doffed the coal with which his Lords and Masters had cloathed him, he will then certainly have him : witness his own confession dated IG*** July last, when he said, in Our court, that he gave some explanations to this effect : That this could happen only when Mynheer had taken off the coat his Lords and Masters had put on him ; and the abovenamed Jochem Pieterseu, in company with one Cornelis Melyn, drew up, prepared and wrote a false and libelous letter, dated 37 October, 1644, which he signed with Melyn and sent over in the name of the Eight chosen men, to the Hon**'' Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, wherein they clandestinely and most scandalously accuse, injure, criminate and charge the late Director Kieft, then their lawful Governor and Chief, with divers criminal misdeeds as is and can still be more fully seen and read in the original and authentic copy thereof. We and Our Council having inquired and taken testimony as to the truth thereof, at the request of said Director Kieft, it is, accordingly, found that such libelous letter is in many parts, false, lying and defamatory, as appears and is proved by experience and by the evidence of others heard to the number of fifteen ; also, by the confession and answers of the co-signers; Therefore, the Fiscal instituting criminal suit and process, accuses and convicts the aforesaid Jochem Pietersen of having offended against the Director's quality and falsely injured him in writing. All which being fully examined, weighed and every thing being maturely observed and considered by the Hon Director General and Council, the aforesaid perpetrated offence is found to be of great and serious importance, and not to be tolerated or endured in a well orutred and governed Republic, it being a matter of very evil consequence. Therefore the Hon'"'* Director General Petrus Stuyvesant, with the advice of his Hon'"'* Council, administering justice in the name of their High Mightinesses, the Lords States General, his Serene Highness, the Hoii'''« Directors of the incorporateu West India Company, hath condemned, as he hereby doth condemn, the abovenamed Jochem Pietersen, to a banishment of three consecutive years, and to depart with the earliest opportunity, and in addition, to pay a One of one hundred and fifty guilderp, to be applied one-third for the Fisc, one-third for the Church, and one-third for the Poor. Dismissing the Fiscal's further demand. Thus done and enacted at the Court in fort Amsterdam, in .^ew Netherland. the 26"' July, 1647. Agrees with the Book of Resolutions. ( Signed ) Counelis van Tienhoven, Secretary. All the abovewritten Letters, Declarations, &c., are, after due, careful collation, found to agree with the Originals and principals. At the Hague, the 17" February, 1650. To my knowledge, (Signed) M. Beeck.m an. Notary Public. <■■».. ^ Jtesolutioiis of the States General on the opening of Trade in New Netherland, [ Vrom ibe Brgutor of Wot India AITdra, 1 ^S«— iSSl, In Ihe Rojit\ ArrblfM u lh> Uague. ] Saturday, IS'- January, 1648. NewT!i^.mi '^^^ seventh and last section of the Management of the Company which treats i)7ife«n'''.''l'»?iJl'o ^^ ^^^ Netherland, is taken up, and resolved to open the trade to that quarter, ullu'"""*"'"'""' and to permit individuals to export thence in their own ships, their country HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IlL 215 produce, grain, flour, fish, -^nd other supplies. But innsmuch as some discrepancy exists between the members, as to whether this exportation shall be granted alone to Brazil, or indeed to all of the Company's districts, except Guinea and St. Thomas, they are requested to consider the same unt',1 next Monday, and to come to a mutual understanding. Folio 834. Monday, 20 January, 1648. Again the seventh section of the Management is taken into consideration, and ex'i^ri ihf"''OTuui' it is icsolved that private inhabitants of New Netherland shall be allowed to Uy prwiuce to Bra- zi! *Dd Angola. export their country produce under suitable duty, in their own or chartered ships, to Brazil and Angola, on these following conditions: ' -st, that the afoiesaid ships, when in Brazil, shall not be at liberty to return back with sugars to New Netherland aforesaid, but shall let themselves be chartered directly hither. Secondly, that the permit to proceed to Angola above menti .led, shall only be provisionally granted, and that for the time that the dispensation sha'l continue in regard to the exportation of Slaves, which was b' corded on Thursday last. Thirdly, that those willing to go to Angola, shall, previous to their departure from New Netherland, take out commission and permit from here, and also give security, similar to all other persons trading from this coi ntry. Mr. Mortamer alone requested, that before the passing of this resolution, he may communicate its contents to his Chamber, and learn their opinion thereon. Wednesday, 6 February, 1648. Mr. Mortamer being called on respecting the business of New Netherland, he consents to the resolution adopted on the 20"" Folio 827. The retolutlDD r*- , , . . , , ... srHH^ting New hath declared, that Netherland, ap- prored by Zwund. January last. Resolution of tlie States General on the openint; of Trade in New Netherland. [ rram Um BegMar of 'rat ladla AIMn, 1688— tWI, In tha Bojtl ircbWaa at Iba Ba(ua. ] Monday, 10 February, 164S. Folio is«. The considerations of the Directors and principal partners of the Zealand Chamber of the West India Company, being now submitted to their High Mightineues, » H Resolution of the States General on Complaints against Directors Kieft and Stuyvesant [ From tba Haglalar of Weat India AITWre, 1888-1661, la Iba Boyal AroliWaa at Iba Hafaa.] Friday, 7"" February, 1648. rrirat." ^mpiainu ^^^ad two petitions of Jochem JPieters" C. Melyn, and Michiel Bu quet, Tn"w NethlTS^ complaining of the Directors Kieft; and Stuyvesant, in New Netherland, which are referred to the Directors [of the West India Company,] to give information thereon. i 'y l! S16 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPXa pursuant to their High Mightinesses' order nnd letters diUed xxx. March, 1647, on the subject of the redress, management nnd trade of the Directors, for thf preserv ition nnd maintenance of the aforesaid Company. With a view to grant the said C .npany, with the newly concedeii charter, the following to be executed and maintained according to order. And first the most principal work, etc. Foil. m. Tt should be also understood, that individuals shall be at liberty to export to New Neiheri«Dd. Brazil, lu their own ships, fish, flour nnd country produce, the growth ot that country and no other, in the manner and form granted in the next preceding article, as stipulated of wines and oil, on such duty ns is paid in th>' country to the Company on he exportation thereof, on condition that the shins from Brazil must not return to New Netherland with any cargo, but come directly hither with their freight ; all with this understanding, that rotation shall be observed among the respective Chambers in the fitting out for the places within the Company's charter: whereunto proper rules shall be also enacted here to the satisfaction of the members. Monday, 10 February, 1648. RepiMln'r^iwt- New Netherland can never be a source of profit for the l mpnny, until the jsfiheliMdf '"'*"' population from our country be encouraged more than it has hilli.rto been, which can be effected by allowing them, in addition to their present privilege, to export their fish, flour and produce, the growth of that country and no other, to Brazil, in private or the Company's ships, under the supervision of a commissary, to be placed by the Company on board the ships, on the usual Brazilian duly payable at the lleciff to those o! the Company who are to be ordered to allow the said goods to be disposed of there, and in return to export, at certain duty, from Brazil to New Netherland and not elsewhere, as much merchandise, such as Slaves, by direction of the government, so that the sugar trade may not, by that means, be diverted, it being well understood that in loading and unloading, they shall be bound to b ag the goods to the Company's store. Report on the Affairs of the West India Company. [ From tti« Regltler of WmI Indlm Affaln, 1(188—1661, in Ihe Royal Arehlret at lh« Hagti*. J Summary Report of what has been done for the improvement of the declining ah'airs of the West India Company in January 1C48. Folio 818. Messrs. van der Capellen tho Ryssel, Beveren, Bruininx, Vett, van der Hooick, HSSVIhi^'wi!; Andree, appointed in the place of Mr. Houbois, van der Eyben, '"'"• co^P""- Commissioners on the Redress of the declining affairs of the West India Company, have reported in virtue of, and pursuant to your High Mightinesses' resolution of the 22'' March 1647, adopted before granting the Charter of the West India Company, and made on your High Mightinesses' letters to the respective Chambers dated }\ December 1647, to send their respective deputies to the Hague by the 7"" January, in order to make a beginning of the aforesaid iiedress ; HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : III. 817 commenced the conference on the g"- of January with the Directors, and demanded of their deputies the condition of the Company, as well in receipts as disbursements, with their respective opinions upon the reparation of the decline experienced therein ; and thereupon the five Chambers of Amsterdam, Zealand, Maaze, North Quarter and Groeningen delivered in their respective opinions, but they said that the pertinent statement of the receipts and expenditure of the Company, both domestic and foreign, was not ready. And thereupon we requested the deputed Accountants Bloemert and Altingh to make up the Company's aforesaid statement, and, meanwhile, the said opinions of the respective Chambers were read. On the 4"' February the Accountant Altingh delivered in a statement of the Company's expenditures and income in Bra3il from January 1647 to January 1648, from which it appears that the Company's expenses for that year were Eleven to Twelve Tons of Gold,' and the income, on the other hand, from an uncertain source io provisionally estimated at four tons of Gold N" 1 ; from which the total ruin and decline of the Company is to be expected, if prompt provision be not immediately made against it. And whereas the present statement was made up at the time of the Portuguese rebellion in Brazil, in the lowest condition of that conquest, your High Mightinesses' Commissioners also -•nquested of the Accountants the statement of the Company's receipts and expenditure in Brazil, previous to the rebellion, in order to ascertain whether, in case of the re-establishment of Brazil, means are to be found for the support of the Military, w Inch are needed for the preservation of that conquest, and the annexed statement No. 2, was delivered in by the Accountants. It appears therefrom, that the public expenses for the re-establishment of Brazil were not incurred in vain ; especially as that statement does not include considerable returns yet to arrive from Angola, Guinea, and St. Thomas, if these coasts are properly traded. Besides that, the Provinces have no better guarantee for the maintenance of peace with the King of Spain, than in the preservation of the conquests in Brazil ; because, from that point can be invaded and ravaged the King of Spain's possessions in the West Indies and South Sea, from whence he yearly derives his greatest supplies of Gold and Silver; so that he could not have suflScient power to molest or endanger these United Provinces with a numerous army. Your High Mightinesses' Commissioners have held divers Conferences on the subject of the redress of the decline and the arrest of the farther decay, and thereunto examined the management of the Company in the matter of 1" Trade. S""* Retrenchment. 3"* Support, or regular finance of receipts and expenses for subsistence. 4"' Government, foreign and domestic, for the establishment of a good police, and a regular force by land and water. And, hereupon, were divers good opinions brought in, as is to be seen from the report (No. 3) of the business transacted thereupon, from the 9 January to the ll"" February; the opinions of the five Chambers of Amsterdam, Zealand, Maaze, North Quarter and Groningen No. 4 : with, likewise, the general report ( No. 6 ) drawn up from the aforesaid opinions of the five Chambers, and of the delegates from Holland, with the considerations of the actual ' A toD of gold is equal to on< hundrad thouund guilden ($10,000) — Siwau. Vol. I. 28 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // /A'// / ^° ^4§ 1.0 I^IM 12.5 ■10 i^ IIM = 1^ 1^ 111112.2 I.I SB. ft t ^ 1112.0 u 18 1.25 iii 11114 V. /# 7 c* X-^ e :^ > ^J>.^ ?r to attract provisions and other necessaries to Brazil, the freights ought to be reduced one-third for the tirst two months, and afterwards one-fourth for the two succeeding monlhi. The duties on the goods might be left provisionally, at their present rates. It is necessary that there be added to the turns in rotation, two Galiots at Land's end, to convey hither tne advices respecting, and from, Brazil during the employment of the Military for the recovery of that place. 3. The third means is, that an effort be made to promote trade to the Caribbean islands, according to the regulation concluded thereupon, and as it is hoped three or four tons of gold will be yearly realized from such trade, that the proceeds be applied to the interest of the principal and obligations which have been raised in ready money for the Company. In this way new credit is established for the Company, and in consideration of payment of the interest, no pledges of wares, salaries. Sec., of whatever description will follow. The Accountant ought to make distinct lists of all thrse obligations. 4. The fourth means: It will contribute essentially to the support of the Company to create a commercial stock, in conformity with your High Mightinesses' resolution of the 87** February 1637; whereunto the partners ought to be invited to subscribe the sum of Ten hundred thousand guilders, for the purpose of trading to the coast of Guinea, St. Thomas, and the north coast o( Africa, both in consideration of the return which, through God's blessing, is to be expected, whenever [means] are employed according vO the annexed plan of the Directors No. 18, and in regard of the great assistance afforded by your High Mightinesses for the restoration of Brazil. 8 ';»l 290 NEW-yORK COLONUL MANUSCRIPTS. The trade and commerce to Angola is with the special permission of the Chambers, laid open pursuant to a certain regulation, for two years. From this source a good return may also be expected for the support of the Company. The trade to New Netherlend is in like manner opened, in order that the grain and produce of that country may be exported to other places; the regulation whereof, as well as of the trade to Angola, is contained in the gr-ieral advice of the respective Chambers under No. 4. 5. The fifth means is : Assisting the Company in supporting the expenses of the war in Brazil for one, two, or three years. For this purpose, it would be expedient to invite the Provinces to aid the Company in this difficulty and dilemma, and for that purpose to cause, through the Council of State, the Military to be paid from the subsidies which your High Mightinesses promised the Company to defray the heavy war expenses both by land and water ; and which are still in arrears, according to the statement (No. 13) delivered in by the Accountants, to the amount of seventy-four tons of gold, and fifty-one thousand six hundred and fifty-nine guilders ; on which promise, the capital was increased by the stockholders. And this will not fall so heavily on the Provinces as did the million of money which wa« paid in various years for the execution of the designs of the army. And the aforesaid subsidies would tend to the r-^covery and preservation of a mighty Kingdom, to the security of this state against all hostile machinations, and to the enlarging of a wished for trade in sugars, Brazil wood and other costly wares. Which Military could afterwards, when Brazil, through the blessing of God the Lord, shall be reduced, be paid out of the tenths and the proceeds from the farming of the revenues accruing in brazil, as is to be seen by the balance sheet of the Brazil receipts and expenses for the year 1643, No. 2, previously mentioned. From which balance sheet it is to be seen that the revenue of Brazil was eight tons of gold and sixty thoueand guilders, more than the expenses of that year. 6. The sixth means is : The collection which the Directors have to make from time to time, of the Company's old outstanding debts in Brazil; these, by rough computation of the Chambers, should amount to between sixty and seventy tons of gold ; and by the extractor Pieler van der Hagen, late councillor in Brazil, were estimated at seventy-nine tons of gold ( No. 14). The AccountanU can inquire into, and make pertinent report hereupon, according to the evidence of those who are acquainted therewith, so that such collection may be made from time to time, when Brazil is restored, and further abuses therein be prevented at the fight time. The required indemnity for damages committed in Brazil by the Portuguese and Rebel inhabitants in sugars, houses, mills, gold, silver, cattle, etc., since the year 1646. estimated by the Directors in the conference with the Ambassador of Portugal, at over one hundred tons of gold, will also help, in its time, as far as its amount goes, to the diminution of the Company's burdens. And the undertaken recovery of Brazil being successful, a portion of the Company's old debt could be paid from this income. But in order to maintain the Company's credit by some provisional payment of the more urgent debts, those of the Provinces might demand five tons of gold in diminution of the arrears of the aforesaid promised subsidy, menti( ned. No. 13. And from the stockholders might, also, be demanded a like five tons of gold ; which aforesaid five tons of gold, with the ten before mentioned for the .rade, might be raised by an installment from the stockholders of nice per cent. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS t Ul. 221 7. The seventh means is: The prosecution of the Salt trade at Punto del Rey. which might by inductive means, be facilitated by the Spanish plenipotentiaries before the ratification by our plenipotentiaries, of the Treaty of Peace at Munster; the rather, as the inhabitants of Spain do not draw any salt from Punto del Rey. It is necessary that the cultivation of wheat and other produce be promoted for the support of the inhabitants and soldiers of Brazil, as soon as any provinces shall be reduced ; and it will be expedient that the Supreme Council be written to immediately on the subject, so an to advance, as much as possible, the cultivation of the soil, according to the previous resolution of the XIX. In like manner, the Directors ought now and again pay attention that agriculture and population be, from time to time, encouraged in New Netherland as well as in Brazil; pursuant to the resolution of the Assembly of the XIX., as the same will tend to the public advantage and special prevention of the decay of the Company, and relieve the latter from sendinir over provisions. The Commissioners, with this report, deliver the papers therein mentioned, with the commissions from the respective Chambers, to the deputed Directors with whom they have acted, as is to be seen by the annexed register. or»."S.'«.f;i^ Which being taken into consideration, their High Mightinesses have thanked «dinga.p«u the above mentioned, their Commissioners, for and on account of the trouble taken in the aforesaid business, and the Deputies of the respective Provinces have requested copy of the foregoing Report and papers thereunto appertaining, which is hereby accorded; and it 18 unanimously recommended in an especial manner, that they take the trouble to exert themselves and use al. their influence, either verbally, or in writing, with the Lords their respective principals, in order most speedily to effect the same and to receive favorable provincial opinions from their respective principals. Inventory of the Papers delivered in with the Report on the redress of the West India Company. ( Thus • marked, have not been copied.) N» !.• Balance sheet for Brazil, from the year 1647, to the year 1648. N" 2.» Statement of the year 1643, in Brazil. N" 3.* Report of the business from the 9"" January, to the 11* February. N" 4.» Opinion of five Chambers, to wit. Amsterdam, N« 1 ; Zealand, 9 ; the Maaze, 3 ; North Quarter. 4; Groningen, 5. N- 6. General Report drawn up from the aforesaid opinions of the five Chambers. N» 6. Advice of the Lords of Holland, with remarks of the respective Chambers in the margin. N" 7. Advice of the Company's Chamber of Accounts, N» 8.» Statement of the Chamber of Accounts, respecting the salaries of Directors and their attendants. N° 9.» Plan of an honorable Patriot en the reduction of the Directors. N" 10.« Plan of the Chamber of Accounts for the saving of ten tons of grid; rendered in June, 1646. N° H.« Plan of Director Morlhamer, for saving ninety-nine thousand guilders, in unnecessary services in Brazil. ' N- 12.» Plan of the Directors for the trade to Guinea, St. Thomas and the North coast of Africa. N" 13.» Statement of the Arrears of the subiidies amounting to seventy-four tons of gold and fifty-one thousand, six hundred and fifty-nine guilders. ^'ili roMo 8-^ « *«• third point. Of support. First point — Of Supbrintendencb. What relates to superintendence. It vras heretofore considered, that it had reference particularly and exclusively to the the trade and commerce prosecuted by the Company, or by individuals with the Company's permission, within the limits and districts of the charter, whence have arisen a great many disputes up to this time among the Chambers; but such order has at present been provisionally made therein, as can be deduced 'rom tiie following. The principal place of trade is Brazil, respecting which, the deputed Directors resolved on the 6"" July, 1647, that said coast shall continue to be frequented and traded to, in the manner and order heretofore in force, to wit : that the trade shall be free and open to all, on condition, however, that all wares and merchandisps shall have to be brought into the Company's stores, and exported in ships owned or chartered by the Company, subject to the duties and freights thereon, ail by the respective Chambers in rotation ; it is, however, to be here observed, that the Chember of Westfriesland and North Quarter submitted divers sound considerations on this point, which can be further examined at a proper time, and also be taken up and put into practice according to circumstances. Order and Reg lation of the General Incorporated West India Company, made at the Assembly of the XIX, with the approbation of the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherip „ by and pursuant to which each and every of the inhabitants of the Lnited Provinces shall be at liberty to trade to certain parts hereinafter mentioned, within the limits of the above named Company's charter, whether to attack or injure the enemy, or to export salt, timber, tobacco, cotton, &c., as well as other wares or merchandises, the growth thereof. 1. roHoSM. First, we hereby declare that we annul and quash ell former orders and Rrfnlfillnn of ihe . . , , . . i ., r"?m'uie'i'"1IP'" '^Ku"*''"""' hy and pursuant to which all ships iu the respective provinces, ofuieir.d.. whether armed or unarmed, offensive or defensive, or engaged in private trade, HOLLAND DOCUMENTS! III. 238 !:1 'S 'JLi carrying timher, salt, tobacco, cotton or other fruits and wares, the growth thereof, were empowered to resort to certain parts within the charter of the West India Company, howsoever, and at whatever time they might have been enacted, published and executed ; and do enact, decree and ordain anew, that the ships of the aforesaid inhabitants shall be at liberty henceforth to sail in the West Indies, to wit, from the River Oronoco, westward along the coast of Paria, Cumana, Venezuela, Carthagena, Porto Bello, Honduras, Campeachy, the Gulf of Mexico and the coast of Florida ; also, between and around all the Islands situate within the said district, even to Curasao, Buenaire and Aruba, without being at liberty to go further eastward on the Wild Coast, much less to the Amasons or Maraigum, nor more northerly than Cape Florida, nor for any cause or in any wise, to be at liberty to resort to the Virginias, New Netherland, New France, and other places lying thereabout, or to be able to go to or on the coasts of Africa, Brazil or elsewhere, wheresoever it may be, where the Company trades, under a penalty, for whomsor tot shall infringe or act contrary to the same, of forfeiting ship and goods, which everywhere, even without previous prosecution, shall be seized and held as forfeit for the Company's behoof; and in case such ships or goods be sold, or run into other countries or harbors, the "kipperp, owners or charter-party, shall have execution issue against them for the value of said ships and goods, according to the first article of the charter. S. The ships which will repair to the before mentioned permitted parts within the charter, must be provided with clearance and authority from the General Incorporated West India Company, at the Assembly of the XIX, which shall be issued to the skippers, owners or charter-party, in the Chamber from which they shall conclude to send out their respective ships, under the penalty that those who let their ship or ships sail without the aforesaid clearance and authority, shall fall within the meaning of the first article of the charter granted to the West India Company, and be accordingly forthwith treated as contraveners ; and, also, before obtaining such permit, a pertinent return must be made of the name of the captain or skipper, also the name and tonnage of the ships, with their guns and men ; and as it is not intended to license the ship or ships, returned in manner as aforuiaid, merely to trade in or carry timber, salt, tobacco or cotton, and all other wares and merchandises, the growth of the aforesaid limits, but it is, also, designed to commit offensively and defensively, every hostility and damage on the King of Castile's subjects, they shall be also obliged to take with them a commission from his Highness the Lord Prince of Orange, as Captain Admiral General together with the permit of the General Incorporated West India Company, and for further ecurity of their precise observance of the tenor of the obtained commission and of this regulation, they shall be bound, in addition to the obligation stated in the preceding article, to enter sufficient bail at the Chamber where they will receive the permit in the prescribed form, on pain, if found neglecting so to do, of being debarred from all license, in the same manner as if none had ever been granted them, and of being subject to the fine and forfeit hereinbefore mentioned. B *. And the aforesaid ships shall be bound to take on board one Supercargo to whom, pursuant to the resolution of the XIX. adopted the 4 October 1643, shall be given instruction and commission at the Chamber where the aforesaid ships , who shall have his berth and table ia the cabin, at ths expense of the ship and her owners, his monthly wages being if4 NEW-YORK COLOr^IAL MANUSCRIPTS. a km paid by the Company, and the aforesaid Siupercargo shall be treated with due respect and propriety as well by the skippers as their officers and crew; and if any ill treat him in any wise either by word or deed, the skippers and their officers promise to be aiding unto him for his protection. 4. The skippers being desirous to take with them, in the outward voyage, any good., wares or merchandise in the aforesaid ships, whether as their own freight, or on commission, shall make true entry thereof to the Company by notice under their hand, and afterwards break bulk in their stores, that such goods may be inspected and marked with the Company's mark, and pay therefor the amount of the public convoy according to the list, before they can take such gooda on ship board. 6. The aforesaid ships, on perceiving or meeting any vessels belonging to the King of Castile's subjects and adherents, may attack and master them either offensively or defensively, but shall not be at liberty to attack or injure any of the Allies, or Inhabitants of the United Provinces ; they shall be obliged to observe strictly their aforesaid Commissions from the Lord Prince of Orange, as they are especially bound, in the aforesaid bailbonds to do. 6. They shall be also bound to strike on meeting with the West India Company's ships, and to exhibit their permit, authority, and commission, and as long as they remain with the latter they must submit to the flag, without setting up any claim to either part or portion of the prizes which may be captured in their presence, unless they be, by the Admiral General or Commander of the said Company's ships, expressly requested to assist, in which case the prizes which shall have been captured by the Company's ships and them conjointly, shall be equally divided according to the ship's equipment, guns and force, and from their portion shall moreover be paid the Company's share, according to the rate of profit they shall happen to derive from such prizes, as hereinafter according to Articles ten and twelve. And in case any of the Company's ships propose to make an attack on any of the enemy's places or ships, and find some privateers also desirous to make the attempt, the said privateers must desist and permit the Company's ships to proceed uninterrupted with their expedition ; or if acting contrary, shall be subject to a forfeit of ship and goods, to be confiscated for the Company's benefit. 8. Item ; the aforesaid ships will be at liberty to sell and dispose, within the before described limits of the charter, the goods, wares and merchandise they take with them, and in return to buy, obtain and take in others such as Timber, Salt, Tobacco, Cotton, Hides etc., the produce of those parts, either on their own account, or as freight or on commission, and bring them over held in their ships. 9. Further, the skippers, or in their stead the owners anJ freighters, shall be bound, at the time of the return of tb" ships, before they break bulk, to address the Directors at the Chamber or place from which they sailed, and by manifest under their signature must correctly return HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL S25 the quantity or quality of the prizes or goods, wares and merchandises which they will have taken, traded, or received on charter during the voyage, and then with the consent of said Directors discharge the aforesaid goods and bring them into the Company's stores to be inspected, computed and weighed, and shall not be at liberty to remove them thence before the duties and other the Company's dues shall be satisfied in kind or money, at the choice of the Company, on pain, if failing herein, to be treated according to the tenor of the first article. 10. From all prizes they will have captured from the enemy, South or North of the Tropic of Cancer, either in their voyage out or home, which shall be declared good prizes by the Court of Admiralty, and that as well in ships, cannon, as in goods, without any exception, they shall pay, as a recognition, to the Company, in addition to his Higlmess' right, twenty per cent, besides all rights to which the same shall be bound and rated as Company's prizes, and that from the nett proceeds to he realized by sale, without deducting any expenses of equipment or otherwise ; and the sale of the captured property, munitions of war, with their appurtenances, as well as of the cargo, must be effected at the privateer's expense. 11. On the cargo, whether purchased on their own account, taken on freight, or on commission, there shall, in addition to the right of convoy granted by the public tr tiie Company, be paid in kind or money at the Company's choice at the Chamber or place as aforesaid from which they cleared, as stated hereinbefore in article ten. And on all sorts of Red dyewood. Dried Codfish, Campeachy wood, ten per centum. Brazil wood, seven and a half per cent. Lignum vitre, yellow wood, five per cent. On Sugars, one-third part shall be paid in kind. Imported tobacco shall not pay for convoy and recognition any more than sixty stivers per hundre'' pounds, from which one-fourth shall be deducted as allowance for stems, rottenness, dampness or other damage ; but the foreign tobacco of Marocive shall pay twenty guilders per " pound, with like allowance. 12. On Salt no more shall be paid than is granted to all inhabitants of this province by agreement entered into (respecting the difference) between some cities of the North Quarter and the Company, with this understanding, that they shall pay on the Salt taken from places where the Company hath establishments, according to the order already made and hereafter to be concluded thereupon. 13. Cotton, Hides, and all other wares and produce, the growth of the West Indies, eight per cent. 14. And in order that the Inhabitants of these United Countries may be at liberty to trade and sail with strange and foreign ships, so shall, likewise, all strange and foreign vessels bringing into these countries Timber, Salt, Tobacco, and all other the aforesaid wares, fruits and merchandises from the West Indies or the Limits of the Charter granted to the Company, whether on their own account, on freight or on commission, convey and bring the same into Vol. I. 89 226 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. the Company's stores in manner as in article ten is Jiereinbefore recited, and accordingly pay the above named Company the convoy and such other duties as the Inhabitants and ships of these countries are bound to do, whether such foreign and strange ships come direct to this country from the West Indies and limits of the charter in order that their freight may be brought to other countries or kingdoms, from what cause soever that may happen, unless the goods were obtained in exchange from the owner where they grew, and had paid the duty there imposed; which any one alleging, he shall be bound sufficiently to prove on the importation of the goods, in order that the intention of the State and the Company may not be frustrated herein. 15. All skippers, owners and freighters of ships belonging to these countries trading to the aforesaid permitted Limits of the Charter, shall be bound to return with their ships and all their cargo, and captured prizes or prize goods, to this country to the Chamber whence they sailed, under the penalty of the ship and goods, or the value thereof, to be recovered as in Articles one and two, without being allowed to discharge, diminish, trade or barter by the way any of the freighted or captured goods, wares or merchandises, much less to bring them over as freight for others to any where else than this country. 16. It is further resolved, that the respective Chambers, each among themselves, shall be at liberty to commission one or more persons to visit and search the outgoing and incoming vessels ; for which visit and search the general Inspectors in the public service, and each and every of them, shall be also qualified, on application to the Company, and are hereby qualified, with authority on finding any unentered goods, to send them up to be declared seized or confiscated by the respective Magistrates of the Cities, or the Court of Admiralty for the benefit of the Company. 17. Which aforesaid deputies shall have power to search any ship or ships entering any of the ports in this country, to place on board at least two trust-worthy persons as watchmen, so that the Company may not be defrauded on the way between the aforesaid ports and the destined places of unloading, and the skippers, officers or crew shall not embarrass the afoiesaid watchmen either by word or deed, nor obstruct them in the proper discharge of Iheir duty, under a penalty of ^50 flemish, to be received, one half by the officer of the place who shall levy execution, and the other half by the injured watchman, and the skipper shall be responsible for his men. 18. And in order that each and every one shall receive information and notice hereof, we have resolved to cause the same to be notified by handbills affixed at every place interested therein, and to have the skippers, owners or freighters furnished, for their information, with a printed copy of this Regulation, signed by the Directors, together with the Company's permit and authority, at the Chamber, where the latter are obtained, receipt whereof the skippers, owners or freigiiters shall acknowledge on the Bailbond, also under their signature. HOLLAND DOCtTMBNTSi 111. 227 19. On the return of the ships from the voyage, the skipper, owner or freighter shall be bound to surrender the permit or authority obtained from the said Incorporated West India Company, together with the commission of his Highness, the Prince of Orange, if any he has had, back to the Chamber whence it was received within the space of six days, on pain, in case of failing herein, of paying a sum of three hundred guilders of XL. groots for the benefit of the poor. 20. Moreover, in order that this Regulation be observed and enforced by those of the West India Company, and that no license or authority to trade within the limits of the Charter be granted except by those of the General Incorporated West India Company at the Assembly of the XIX., it is expressly declared, that all those who shall sail with their authority to the permitted Limits of the Charts/, shall be instructed and authorized to demand from all (ihipa belonging to this country, which will be met with, in those parts, their license and commission, and finding them without that of the General Company to be furnished at the Assembly of the XIX., the ships provided therewith shall be empowered to drive them from the loading or trading places, in addition to the penalty incurred by them for the Company's benefit, which the skippers, owners or freighters thereof shall be empowered to demand again from those by whom such were licensed and commissioned. Thus provisionally enacted and resolved by the General Incorporated West India Company at the Assembly of the XIX., with the approbation of the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands, at Middelburgh, in Zealand, the U* October, 1646. f™. t™*,. 7. The seventh and last place is New Netherland, which the majority consider will be best benefited by granting individuals there the liberty to convey, in their own ships, their country produce, grain, flour, fish and other provisions, from thence to other places situate within the Company's Charter, on proper recognitions ; which liberty some members restrict to Brazil, others to all the places of the Charter, except Guinea and St Thomas. Second point — Op Retrenchment and Reform. In treating of the second point, the Chambers unanimously declare they are not aware but this has been studied as much as possible ; yet should your High Mightinesses be conscious of any thing to the contrary, they are most willing to submit to your High Mightinesses' discretion. In order, however, to afford some opportunity for such action, these following points were, by one and the other Chamber, submitted for consideration : 1. Whether the Company's own large ships ought not to be sold, or only a certain number of them retained ? 2. Ought not the Company disembarrass itself of the large quantity of cannon, &c., which is still here and there among the Chambrrs ? 3. Ought not the dock yards, rope-walks and drug stores be sold ? 4. Could not the number of Directors be reduced ; or salaries which they receive, diminished ? 5. Ought not the Provincial and City Directors be domiciled at the place where the Chambers to which they belong are located ? 6. Could not the Assembly of the XIX. be held less frequently ; and would it not be better attended here ia the Hague than at Amsterdam and Zealand ? Retnncbment ud Be form. NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS, 7. Ought it not be resolved that all goods be sold for current silver money? 5. Can any better order be made for increasing the gold from Guinea f 9. Must the defective Chambers supply their lists? 10. Ought not equalization be introduced between the respective Chambers? The third •point — Of Ways and Means. 8uM*t»iice. In order to allow the Company to recuperate, and to subsist for the future, the respective Chambers consider these two means necessary. 1. First, that the Brazilian conquests be purged at the public charge and by the public force; the petition for six thousand men is to that effect. 2. Secondly, that it ojght to receive the East India Company's duties to the amount of fifteen hundred thousand guilders, pursuant to your High Mightinesses' resolution. In addition to these general means, the majority of the Chambers add some special liieans as follows : — oa neoiMitieritioa, 3. Those of Zealand — that the public ought to pay the arrears of the subsidy the DepiIlM rwim . , I, , , ' z««iu(f Mj, that amounting to about seventy tons of sold. IhtiT a>k Ihe afora- ° JO "n«i Z''crn,^nT *' ^^^ ^ote a now additional supply of seven hundred thousand guilders yearly ouaobaiatbyiudi fo^ ^^6 term of the new charter. 6. Amsterdam. — That the State ought to be solicited to assume the responsibility of the Company's obligations. 6. Maaze — That in addition to the two general means, the State ought to be requested to aid the Company with a yearly subsidy of three hundred and fifty thousand guilders for the new Charter, on account of the old subsidies; and these three means being realized, the stockholders ought to be persuaded to advance ten per cent in order to pay the old debts and to liave a trading fund. 7. West Friesland and the North Quarter are of opinion, if affairs be redressed and brought in train according to their advice, that the Company will be sufficiently able to exist of itself. 8. Stadt en Land ' requires only payment of the subsidies in arrear, in addition to the general means hereinbefore mentioned. These are, in fact, three points whereupon run the opinions of the respective Chambers each in an especial manner ; except that the Zealand Chamber gave, in addition, its opinion on the articles of the old Charter, as they ou^ht, in their estimation, be altered and improved. Advice of the Deputies of Holland, with the opiniont of the several Chambers. N"» 6. Advice of the Deputies of Holland. Redress, Retrenchment, Subsistence and Trade. To the Noble, Great and Mighty Lords, the States of Holland and Westfriesland. Noble, great and Mighty Lords ! 1. The Members deputed at the Meeting of your The present deputed Directors of the Great Mightinesses by your resolution of the respective Chambers of the West India ' See Note, tupra, p. 188. — Ed. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: HI. 329 l'« July, 1647, to attend to the establishment of good and proper order in the government of the Incorporated West India Company, and the redresf. of all such matters and abuses as might have been found to exist to the prejudice of said Company, having heard the verbal information of the present deputed Directors of the aforesaid Company, and read and examined the written remonstrance to them delivered — Item, the respective written opinions of each of the five Chambers of said Company in particular, and of all its Chambers conjointly or in common; also of the deputies of the General Chamber of accounts of the abovementioned Company, all delivered in to the High and Mighty Lords States General of these United Netherlands in pursuance of their High Mightinesses' order and letter of the 30'* March, 1647 ; Find, that for the restoration of the West India Company, three chief points are principally to be considered, to wit. First, the Management in regard to Navigation and Trade. Company, having pursuant to the order of the deputies of the High and Mighty Lords Scates General, examined the annexed advice, have adjoined thereunto, as their opinions, what stands noted in the mnrgin on each point thereof. ^1 Secondly, Retrenchment and redress ; and Thirdly, Means of support; and that upon all these points very good suggestions have been made in the written Memoir of the aforesaid joint or general advice of the deputed Directors of the respective Companies whereunto they refer, except that certain articles relating to hostility or enmity shall cease in time of peace. But, under correction of your Great Mightinesses, they are moreover of opinion, that the following would be also beneficial and advantageous to the aforesaid Direction : That individuals trading to Brazil shall cause the duties, freights and convoys to be paid in Brazil to six Commissaries to be appointed by the respective Chambers, with certain instruction to be drawn up for said Commis- saries, and on the plan more fully detailed in u. NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCaiPTS. the adv>^ of t!ie Chamber cf Westfriesland And North Quarter. 4. Which Commissaries shall pay the Military in Brazil on the footing, and according to the regulation, laid down in the aforesaid advice of the Chamber of Westfriesitnd and North Quarte:, out of the duties, freights and convoys; also, out of about three hundred thousand guilders to be seut them from Fatherl.^nd, in flour and other dry goods; out of the recognitions and convoys of the country produce exported by permission in private vessels fiom New Netherland to Brazil, and out of the Spanish wines and oils imported from the Islands, also out of the three per cent on the goods from Angola, pent from then^re to Brazil, in consequence of want of sale, and fro /I i.ie 30 and 50 florins per h^ad, od each slave respectively. 0. Your Great Mightinesses' deputies being of opinion that for the tenths of the sugars, duty, freight and convoy, the Chambers in this country shall receive, ut the lowest calculation, one naif in kind ; that is, of two chests, one. 6. Also, that 30 wet wares shall be sent on the Company's account, but only fiour, beef, perk, oil, butter, dried codfish and cheese, leaving the aforesaid wet goods exclusively to individuals who will be at liberty, on permissioii, or on excusable reasons and immediate notice, to export from the Islands aforesaid, Spaui?h wines and oib in their own or private ships, on paying Ihe duty and convoy in Brazil to he aforesaid Commissaries of the respective Chan.bers. 7. That the -Slave trade at Ar.1-a and Calbri.ye, The Directors are of opinion, that the trad« ought to be reserved to th« aforesaid Company, here menlir.ned, ought to be pursued on a plan on the regulation made thereupon. there laid down. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 231 8. That the north coast of Africa can be resorted to by the joint vesgels bringing the proceeds of their trada to the Castle Del Mina, in order that it may vome ■pro rata to the respective Chambers. 9. That the inhabitants of New Netherland only, ought to be at liberty to export the produce growing there to all the Company's conquests, except Guinea and St. Thomas, and ♦hat OT payment of the duty and convoy in manner as before mentioned. 10. That noChamber nor anyindividual Director shall have power to reduce any duty, nor to rate any goods at less than laid down in the general list thereof, under the penalty, for the Directors so doing, of making good the same themselves, and of being, moreover, removed from their employment. 11. That the Directors of the respective Cham- bers shall not, either directly nor indirectly, endeavor to overreach one another with the crew, nor seek to draw trade away from one city to the other. 12. That their High Mightinesses' approval And the approval of the regulation respecting ought to be requested for the regulation more the Caribbean traders, which is requested. fully contained in the aforesaid Memoir, respecting the Caribbean Traders. The coast of Guinea ought, according to the enacted regulation, be frequented in turns by the respective Chambers, but what regards the remainder of the north coast, the management thereof shall remain provisionally as it is. The trude of the inhabitants of New Netherland ought to be permitted to Brazil and Angola, in manner as mentioned on the opposite side. The order and penalty enacted on the other side, ought to be observed; As well as what is here enacted. 13. What now regards the aforesaid second point, of retrenchment and redress, the aforesaid, your Great Mightinesses' deputies are, with submission.ofopinionthatallold, unserviceable, unnecessary v»ggels and yachts, together with th« heavy guns, also the Company's store- houses, ship yards, rope walks and drug fciores, ought to be sctd and got rid of for its advantage. The unnecessary ships, yachts and guns, are, for the most part, already sold ; but what regards the disposing of the store-houses, ship yards, rope walks and drug stores, that concerns exclusively the Amsterdam Chamber, which hath promised to examine into and give orders respecting the same. m 232 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 14. • d Also, that all the Company's unnecessary The respective Chambers undertake to servants, both in this country and abroad, dismiss ail useless servants, ought to be dismissed. In like manner no more factors shall be employed at AmsterdaTi by the Chambers, except by Zealand and StaJt en Lande, on account of the distance of their places. 15. That, in like manner, the factors whom the outer Chambers have introduced into Amsterdam, contrary to the 26"' Article of the Charter, ought to be dispensed with, because they draw wages from said Ciiambers, and pay separate store rent; and there ougiit to be such good correspondence between the respective Chambers and Directors, that the one transact the other's business, as is the case with the East India Company. 16. That no moneys shall be borrowed on interest for the West India Company, except with the knowledge and consent of the Nineteen. 17. That in matters of taxation, &c., conflicting with the Charter, there shall be no plurality voting. 18. That the aforesaid XIX. ihull assemble ordinarily but once a year, and if necessity require, shall hold an extraordinary meeting within the City of Amsterdam if accommoda> • tion only can be obtained. 19. Moreover, said Assembly of the XIX., at its TheCommissionersought indeed be nppoint- adjournment, shall appoint certain Commis- ed by the Assembly of the XIX., but in regard ■loners from among the Directors, each in the to, and in correspondence with, the general city where his Chamber is established, which Board of accounts, to which alone, and nccor- Cnmmissioi rs shall, each in his place, take ding to their instruction, belongs the superin- cnre and see that the resolutions of the XIX. tendence here mentioned, (hnll be well and punctually executed and obeyed, and this without expense to the Company, except tlieir bout and carriage hire, which shall be charged to the said Company. The adjoining article ought to be, in future, enforced. In the matter of the plurality voting, the tenor of the charter ought to be observed. The place of meeting of the XIX. shall be as heretofore, and must not be as stated in the annexed article. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL 333 Reaolutioii hereupon ought tc be requested from their High Mightinesses. The annexed article is found very useful, but is as yet impracticable in consequence of the unfavorable condition of the Company. 20. That the Commissioners who appear in the Assembly of the XIX., on behalf of their High Mightinesses, shall henceforth travel, board, and attend at the expense of the State, and not of the Company. «1. That the Military or soldiers in the Com- pany's service shall be paid in money in this manner, to wit: of each year on foreign service, six months shall be retained ; two for the wives and children, and the remaining four months shall remain until the return of the aforesaid men ; but those who have neither wives nor children, shall be at liberty to dispose of the aforesaid two months' pay for the benefit of such other persons as they shall think proper, and this fo' the term of three years, according to the articles of enlistment. 22. That the number in the Board of Directors ought to be reduced on the occasion of death and of the change which must take place according to the Charter; and that to such amount as the members of the Board shall agree upon among themselves. 98. And that each of said Directors shall henceforth serve nine years instead of six. 24. And be obliged continually to reside within the cities where their Chambers are estab- lished. Sfi. And as regards the premised Chief point respecting the aforesaid means of subsistence, your great Mightinesses' Commissioners are, under correction, of opinion — 28. That besides the provisional aid required fl. 7,800" to wit: fl. 6,300» of money bor- for the Company, and what is connected rowed on interest, and fl. 1.600- of current and Vol. 1. fQ The Commissioners have no objection to the diminution of the Directors, and hereby leave this to the discretion of the Board. As well as the order which ought to be enacted respecting these two points. SS4 NEW.YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. there^'th, the aforesaid general Board of Accounts ought to prepare and deliver in a just, subscribed statement of debits and credits ; alsojof the efiects which the Company possesses at home and abroad. 27. And the deputed Members submit to your Great Mightinesses, whether the Board ought not seasonably to consider how and in what manner its debts shall best be paid. as. And moreover, a pertinent statement ought to be prepared and exhibited by their High Mightinesses' Secretary and by the aforesaid General Board of accounts, also by all the Cham- bers of the West India Company, respectively, of the subsidies voted the aforesaid Company by the Provinces, and of the sum paid thereon, and consequently of the amount of subsidies still due by the State or the Provinces. 29. That further efforts ought to be made in order that the provi es, in consequence of their neglect to pay respectively the aforesaid voted subsidies, may undertake to discharge or relieve the Company from the moneys borrowed on interest on their account. 80. That in the foregoing required statement ought to be noted, what provinces have not thus far voted subsidies for the Company, nor paid these when voted as Holland has done ; and the provinces in arrears ought Ihen to be admonished, to clear up their deficiency so far as to be on a par, in votes and payments, with Holland and Weslfrietiliind. accruing debts ; the credits in the country, independent of the property in storehouses, yards, ships and cannon, are few or nonr>,. Those of Brazil were included in them. Yes ; the Board ought to be requested to consider how the Company shall best be relieved of its debts. The votes of subsidies ought to be taken according to the estimate of the increase and the petitions of the Council of State consequent thereupon, that is up to the close and last of the year of the old Charter, being in ten years 7,000' guilders ; what portion thereof has been paid by the one or the other province can be seen by the last statement of the General Board of Accounts. The Company in general ought to request simply to be relieved from all money taken li deposito. The first part of the annexed article has been complied with, and what regards the remainder the Board will act as it deems most proper. \h,k: 31. That further the Provinces all together ought Instead of the proposed new subsidy of to be requested, by petition, to continue lieiu-c- fl. 700' a year as long as the war in Brazil forward the votes and payments of the subBidy continues, the State ought to be requested to of seven hundred thousand guilders a year for support the entire army there and to pay its HOLLAl^'D DOCUMENTS: III, 235 the Company so long as the war in Brazil shall ladt, and until the Company's afTairs there shall be reestablished, and that such order be given in the provincb that the moneys of each voted instalment be as promptly furnished. 3S. That finally, the stockholders of the West India Company ought to be required and obliged to increase their stock in said Company twelve per cent ; one-thy-d part of said increase payable six weeks afler having received notice so to do ; the second instalment in six months afterwards, and the last instalment six months subsequently. 33. That one-half the proceeds of this increrse shall be applied to the trade or comnierce of said Company. 34. Your Great Mightinesses' Commissioners are further of opinion that the Plenipotentiaries deputed from this State to negotiate the peace, ought to be instructed to urge, when opportu- nity offers, on the Spanish Plenipotentiaries, for the benefit of the West India Company of this country, the free trade to Ponto del Rey, or the Salt point, according to said Company's Charter. wages and food until it can be paid from the tenths and other revenues there. The Directors trust that on the adoption of a resolution to the effect aforesaid by the Board, for the advantage of the Company, the worthy Stockholders will be disposed to add a oew clause for the negotiation and contents hereof. fc % Advice of the Chamber of Accounti of tlie West India Company. Considerations of the Board of Audit of the W^est India Company regarding the reform of srid Company, drawn up pursuant to the order of the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands and delivered to their High Mightinesses' Commissioners at the Hague, the 27 May, 1647. Ra.T. AilTlwoftk* Ch>iiilwrur*m>iinlt The decline of the Company's affairs and the difficulty in which they are at Rr.irew. present placed, arise on the one hand from divers disorders in this country and bad management in the foreign conquests (which have for a longtime past impaired the Company), and on the other, from some unfortunate occurrences in Brazil, Angola and elsewhere, which have completely prostrated and ruined it. Two-fold means of redress must consequently be tn 886 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. discovered and applied. First : to reestablish the Company in its lost or disturbed possessions. Secondly : to enact such firm and good orders that the Company will not only be maintained in its ordinary course, and continue to subsist, but may in time be brought to a flourishing state. In regard to the recovery of the conquest of Brazil, we see no other means of accomplishing that, than what has lately been submitted by the committee of the Directors of the respective Chambers to your High Mightinesses at the Hague, to wit : that in addition to the aid already dispatched, (which was not found sufficient against such a united body of Portuguese rebels, ) a competent and combined military force be voted anew by the State, and conveyed to Brazil with ships, ammunition and other necessaries, not only to recover and c'ear our frontiers, but also to prosecute further designs either against Bahia, as the chief seat of the war and of the piratical practices of the Portuguese, or elsewhere. The Company, once relieved by these means, of its treacherous neighbors, could disembarrass itself of the onerous charge of the military, and of the support of several fortresses; the freemen would be induced to establish themselves p-jaceably in said conquests, without fearing to be again stripped of their plantations (ingenhos) and goods, and by the increase of population and agriculture, the Company would be at once set on its legs. Short of this, we see no remedy for the reparation of the damages the Company has already suffered, except by indemnifying ourselves with the enemy's full and flourishing plantations ftngenAo*; and lands; inasmuch as it is to be feared that our entire and wasted district, if not soon redressed, will not supply as much produce and revenue as will equal the Company's expenses. Respecting Angola: it must be borne in mind that our people do no not fare much better there than in Brazil, inasmuch as we are advised by the latest letters, dated last May, that the Portuguese in the interiorhaving received a great accession of force, had, after a victory obtained over the Queen Donna Anna Ciuga, united with some tribes of Blacks, to drive our people wholly from that country. Our folks in Loando are too weak to act in company with them ; and are very poorly supplied with provisions, and especially munitions of war, none of which has been now sent them for over a year. Cut off, also, on the land side, and blockaded in their forts and in the city of Loando, they probably can not make a long s»and, but will at last be forced either to treat with the enemy, or indeed wholly to abandon the country, (as was the case with Maranhao in the year 1644,) unless they receive prompt succor in provisions and other necessaries, in order temporarily to maintain these conquests. A plan could be considered, and arrangements made to dislodge the Portuguese governor, Sotto Mayor, with .his troops either by stratagem or force; for which purpose three or four hundred men ought to be transported from Brazil after they had completed their designs there. The recovery of both these conquests is particularly important, as they are partially the foundation on which ihe Company must hereafter rest; the commerce with Guinea, St. Thomas and adjoining trading places, not being sufficient to feed so huge a body. Moreover, they have cost the Company anJ individuals so many millions, and can contribute so essentially to the damage of the general entmy and the security of this State, that your High Mightinesses will be induced in your wisdom ano generosity to contribute further aid, and to vote for a short period, the oil requested succor, which indeed ought to be done early, if possible, considering that the number of soldiers and sailors already in Brazil, at great expense to the Company, will otherwise remain useless and ineffective, and the most favorable season and opportunity for the execution of any thing worth mentioning, would have passed away, not to be uflerwardi retrieved, except at double the outlay. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL 287 ie^ The aforesaid conquesU being tlius, with the assistance of God, recovered, further means of redress, in the matter of superintendence, retrenchment and trade of said Company, could be takea in hand and promoted as follows;— First — Respecting Soperintenibncb. 8up«rinieD exportation directly from Angola or at least from Brazil, to other places on double duty. But besides other difficulties which manifest themselves in this point. It must be borne in mind, that in case a way be once opened for slaves, where greater profits would be realized than in Brazil, then private traders will mostly take that course, and Brazil thus remain deprived of a due supply of slave labor on the abundance of which, however, the cultivation and prosperity of our conquest must depend. Also, whenever private traders could raise the price of slaves elsewhere the merchants in Angola would begin to compete among each other and run up the price, and thu*! ruin all at once the trade at Brazil. In order to contrive a middle course herein, it is submitted, whether the business could not be so regulated that the slave staple be provisionally established at Brazil, so that all private traders from Angola must first touch there, without being able to go directly elsewhere ; expose the slaves to sale at the Heciff", or barter them with the Seigniors of the I'lantations (Ingeniot) and not be at liberty to export them so long as each slave, one with another, is wqrth twenty milreas or one hundred and fifty guilders cash, or so much mo;e or less as the traders might with a reasonable profit be able to obtain; acting thus, traders would, in the first place, have no inducement to enhance the market for slaves in Angola relying upon what they should be able to sell t'.em for in Hnizil ; secondly, the inhii'.itanls oi Brazil would not be imposed on in the price, especially if such order were made in Urazil that Jobbers and Jews, who buy up the •Inves for cash, should not sell them on credit at a higher rale than one jier cent a month, the slaves being hypothecated to them for the full amount. But whenever Brazil is supplied with slaves, or otherwise has no need of them, the remainder might be allowed, with the permission of the supreme government there, and on paying a reasonable toll, to be expor. ' farther. By this means the slave trade which hath so long lain dormant, to the great damage of the Company, might by di-grpes b.. «gnin revived; Angola, indi-pendent »( the Company's ■upplies, would be somewhat assisted l)y the trade of individual merchants; the country be cultivated by freemen, who will settle there lor the purpose of raising provisions and necessaries, HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL S45 and the tolls and duty on the slaves, can contribute somewhat to lessen the burthen of our Military there. Such at least might be allowed provisionally for some time, until the condition of affairs, whether in Brazil or elsewhere, otherwise demand. Coming now to the conquests of Brazil and New Netherland, it is notorious that all their profit and prosperity must proceed exclusively from the cultivation of the soil, and this cannot be better promoted than by population. It is, indeed, true *hat the supply and abundance of slaves, by whom the tillage of the soil must be accomplished, obviates the necessity of a great number of people who would otherwise be required for Agriculture. Nevertheless, if slaves are to be properly treated, they must have their particular owners, each of whom undertakes colonies, plantations and farms according to his circumstances and means, and endeavors by slave labor to derive therefrom, either for immediate support or for exportation, whatever can be a source of profit. Population in Brazil can be promoted not only by pointing out for its support lands fit for cultivation, but the common people be induced to settle there especially, provided all necessaries which do not grow there, and must absolutely be brought from Fatherland, can be procured at a cheap rate there. Moreover, those who have any means to establish plantations and colonies [Ingenhoi] must be encouraged as well by the concession of privileges for the Seigniors of the colonies [Ingen/ios], exemption from tolls for some time, and other advantages, as, mainly, by the hope of profit they will realize by the improvement and barter of their products. Free trade will contribute, it is supposed, more to this end than exclusive commerce, especially as the former is regulated according to the merchant's greatest supply, and burthened with less charges than the Company's circumstances can at any time justify. The order hitherto observed in loading the goods of private traders in the Company's ships, hath given them occasion frequently to complain ; because several Chambers laying on three ships probably each time, which do not sail before they are full, (a thing that sometimes takes a long while) merchants cannot make any calculati )n respecting the arrival of their goods at Brazil; moreover, the Chambers whose turn it is to fit out ships, have frequently rejected goods of' the greatest bulk and lowest duty, or left them lying a long time in store to the injury of the merchants, and sometimes the goods are not accommodated with storage, etc., in the Company's ships to the satisfaction of the merchants. But the excessive freights of exported merchandise and particularly imported sugars, have so burthened goods, that not only the inhabitants of Brazil must pay the highest prire for every thing, but the traders of this country, unable to compete with other nations, are wholly excluded from the trade. These inconveniences ought by all means be remedied cither by issuing an order that the ships taking turns (lournhrjtenj, must hereafter be put up for a time certain ; for example, three to four weeks; and not being full in that time, must complete their loading with the Company's goods, und proceed to seo with the earliest fair wind ; no distinction being made in receiving and accommodating goods, on condition that the receipt of the recognitions be equalized among, and effectively paid to, the other Chambers; that the freights be proportionably reduced to what the Company might take them in chartered ships. Otherwise, and if no better order be introduced among the alternating ships than has prevailed hitherto, private traders ought be allowed to prosecute the trade in their vessels, on a regulated plan, as proposed by the principal stockholders of Amsterdam and Zealand; if, indeed, it is desirable that any merchant continus lunger to trade to Bni/.il, when it is notorious, that the Company is not in a condition to supply of itself all the Brazilian necessaries fur the support of so many thousand peuole in addition to those soinu to keen nlantutiuns f Intrenhot i. .: S \W' WT^ '^ 246 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Should this throwing open the trade to private vessels be distasteful to some Chambers, in the supposition that the free course of trade which tends more to one place than to another, would prove prejudicial to their Chambers and cities and diminish their freights, it is submitted whether, in such case, those Chambers would not be satisfied by allowing them to send more vessels to other districts, so that each member may enjoy its proper management, and the provinces the benefit of the trade which was allowed them respectively on the establishment of the Company. Respecting New Netherland: That country is considered to be the most fruitful of all within your High Mightinesses' jurisdiction, and the best adapted to raise all sorts of thi» country produce, such as rye, wheat, barley, pens, beans, etc., and cattle; and that in more abundance than can be done here, were it suitably peopled and cultivated. The granting of Freedoms and Privileges, hnth indeed induced some Patroons and Colonists to undertake agriculture there ; but as the produce cannot be sold any where except in the adjacent places belonging to the English, who are themselves sufficiently supplied, those planters have not received a return for their labor and outlay. With a view, then, to give greater encourngement to agriculture, and consequently to population, we should consider it highly advantageous that a way be opened to allow them to export their produce even to Brazil, in their own vessels, under certain duties, and subject to the supervision both of the Director in New Netherland, and the Supreme Council in Brazil ; and to trade it off there, and to carry slaves back in return ; which privilege of sailing with their own ships from New Netherland to Brazil, should be exclusively allowed to Patroons and Colonists, who promote the population in New Netherland, and not to the interlopers, who only carry goods to and fro, without attending to agriculture. By this mean^i not only would Brazil be supplied with provisions at a cheaper rate, but New Netherland would by slave labor, be more extensively cultivated than it has hitherto been, because the agricultural laborers, who are conveyed thither at great expense to the Colonists, sooner or later apply themselves to trade, and neglect agriculture altogether. Slaves, on the other hand, being brought and maintained there at a cheap rate, various other descriptions of produce would be raised, and by their abundance be reduced in price, so as to allow, when occasion would offer, of their advantageous exportation hither and to other parts of Europe. Thus having now treated of the three points of reform in the Company, referred to us by your High Mightinesses, to wit. Superintendence, Retrenchment and Trade, we shall add a few words on the subject of the Company's finances, or means of support ; as without amendment herein, the preceding points can never be thoroughly introduced, nor put into practice by the respective Chambers; it being notorious, that a great portion of the abuses or disorders in the Compmiy, principally in the department of trade, proceeds from the want of means and scarcity of cash ; because each Chamber is under greater necessity to extricate itself from embarrassment than to pay attention to the general interest. By this means the conquests of (iuinea, St. Thomas and Angola, were not, sometimes since, properly supplied; yea nmre, they have been rather a burthen than a profit to the Company. The decline in the Company's finances is caused, among other things, by the heavy military force in Brazil; especially during the war with the i'ortuguese. For this reason, the government of this country promised the Company, at the Inst augmentation of its capital, and on the issue of the Charter, to pay a yearly sulwidy of seven tons of gold. But its payment not being forthcoming as promptly as the Company's circumstances demanded, the latter was HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL 247 obliged to borrow a considerable sum, the interest wher-^of it must now daily pay, to its serious embarrassment. It has happened, moreover, that since the outbreak in Brazil, all the Tenths, Excise, Revenue and other Domains and Receipts, which might be applicable to the lessening of this charge, have wholly ceased, and few returns coming over, the current debts are also remarkably increased by the respective Chambers, so that it is impossible to continue business any longer in that country ; much less to attend to the preservation and trade of the foreign possessions, unless the Company be succored by prompt means in cash. The stockholders, to all appearance, will not be induced to subscribe any thing additional before Brazil be recovered, and, as already stated, placed in its previous condition ; because it is the principal pledge on which their money has been invested j and even though restored, no assurance can be given them, that the ancient difficulty would not hereafter return, so long as the burthen of the military continues to hang around their neck ; therefore, your High Mightinesses ought, above ail things, vote the extiaordinary aid for Brazil, as requested and already consented to by some provinces ; and, consequently, after the accomplishment of the principal design in Brazil, reduce the military which are required there for the defence and maintenance of the garrisons in that quarter, to a smaller number, to be continued and supported at the public expense, at least until Brazil again recovers itself, and the excise and tenths and similar public revenues, produce sufficient to defray the military expenses. Should the inhabitants of Brazil, considered as the subjects of this State, receive in this way that protection and benefit from your High Mightinesses which they might enjoy in this jountry, freemen would be encouraged to settle down there quietly under your High Mightinesses' guardianship, and Brazil being riveted to this country, might not only afford trade and support for many thousand people in time of peace, but serve as a bulwark for the security of this State in time of war, atid as a point from which the enemy in the vicinity of his West Indies could be harrassed and kept always more effectually in check. The fifteen tons of gold receivable from the East India Company would serve to stock Brazil and Angola with provisions, munitions of war, stores and general supplies, and fit out ships and yachts both for the conveyance thereof and the defence of the coasts. For the payment of the salaries of the superior officers in Brazil, which amount, as before stated, to over ten thousand guilders per month, and of other additional officers in the respective Colonies, who might be placed to the account of the General Company, the Commissioners recently at the Hague voted and applied on the tenth of December, the revenue and duty from privateers and private jmerchnntmen trading within the limits of the charter; with orders that the moneys received be consigned to this Board of Accounts, and that the preceding salaries be paid therefrom. Hut in consequence of divers obstacles on the part of some Chambers which would not willingly surrender the aforesaid revenue, wherewith they endeavor to defray their particular expenses, the said order has not been yet obeyed, and thus the Board of Accounts is unable to satisfy the aforesaid superior officers, who will now transmit their bills by the first ships. It would therefore be highly necessary that your High Mightinessei issue orders for the prompt execution of the resolutions adopted by the Chambers, so that the General Company may experience the benefit thereof, in the lessening of their common burthens. As regards the remaining charges, such as the current debts of the respt'ctive Chambers, the yearly interest of money in deposit, the accounts payable to those returning home from all quarters, and other expenses accruing in this country, we see no means applicable thereunto, as the Company's effects are very fesv, or none, and the respective conquests are destroyed, or so at It mi J -fc: 248 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. '1^ reduced in matter of trade that little or no returns are to be expected from them. In addition to this, new capital is demanded for the reegtablisiiment of and trading to the North coast of Africa, St. Thomas, and adjacent commercial posts, on the supposition that Angola be thrown open to private traders, which otherwise would require a heavy capital. Before being encouraged by the vigorous aid of the government, it ought to be determined whether the stockholder^ could not be disposed to do something on their part, and to furnish a new subscription or capital loan of ten (S. twelve per cent, payable periodically or in instalments. Of this loan a million ought to be voted and appropriated to the aforesaid trade to Guinea, St. Thomas and adjacent places, in order first, to provide these posts with all sorts of cargoes, and to exclude therefrom the English and foreign nations, and, further, to defray out of that fund the provisioning and establishment of the coast and the outfit of the ships. Whatever may remain from the aforesaid new subscription, ought to be applied to the liquidation of the most urgent debts and incumbrances, which cannot be 'deferred. In case the Company be further aided by a subsidy, and somewhat relieved by your High Mightinesses, at least until its returns produce sufficient for the payment of the interest of the moneys on deposit, which, as above stated, were taken up in consequence of the subsidy in arrear, 'tis confidently to be hoped that affa-rs, both at home and abroad, may, through God's blessing, hi; again established, and the respective conquests brought by degrees into a flourishing condition, in order that they may be able hereafter, not only materially to reduce the Company's yearly incumbrances, but bring forth some fruit to the stockholders, to indemnify them for so much sunk capital. Thus done and drawn up by the Commissionera in the Board of Accounts of the General Incorporated West India Company at Amsterdam, this 19'" April, Sixteen hundred and forty-seven. (Signed) J. Blommaert M. Altinqh. I Resolution of the States General, referring the preceding Papers. I From the BtgltUr of Watt Indi* allUra, 1(8S — I Wl, In th* Boxtl ArehlTM it Uii Htfu*. ] Thursday, ix'* April, 1648. joohnra'"" 'n.t«i. The additional petition presented, with divers papers annexed, to their High o,iyw|r.nJc«™.ii. Mightinesses, in the name and on behalf of Jochum Pieters* Cuyter and Cornelia Melyn is, after previous consideration, placed in the hands of the Mess" van der Cape lie tho Ryssel, and others their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs concerning the Redress of the Decline of the West India Company, to inspect, examine and to look into the past proceedings thereupon, and to report on the whole with power to their High Mightinesses' Deputies who may be present, to proceed to business in the absence of one or the other of the committee ; to progress therein and to terminate the same. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS! III. 249 Folio Mt. Joehlm PeterM, Utr and Cornel Melyn. liesdution of tits Stake General permitting Messrs. Oayter and Melyn to return to New Netherland. I rrom tke BegliUr of Wetl India AOIiln, 1<88— 1691, Id th* Boral ArckiTM «t the Ha««a.] Tuesday, 98* April, 1648. oor. The report of Mess" v n: 'Jer Capelle Iho Ryssel and the other their High ™°'' Mightinesses' Deputies, Wi.,i, pursuant to their High Mightinesses' resolutions of the 11 January last, and the S"" instant, inspected and examined the re.'^pective petitions presented to their High Mightinesses in the name and on the behalf of Jochim Pieters' Cuyter and Cornelia Melyn, together with the papers thereunto annexed, being heard: It is after previous deliberation, resolved and concluded to grant the petitioners, hereby, provisional appeal, with the clause suspending the respective sentences pronouced against them on 26th Pr BtayTMMt July, of the year 1647, by Peter Stuyvesant, Director of New Netherland, in the iiwduBii*. ^ffe*^ Indies, with the advice of his Council ; and the petitioners are further allowed and granted liberty to return to New Netherland aforesaid, and free and unmolested to use and enjoy their property there, the same as other Colonists and inhabitants, pending the case in appeal; and letters shall be addressed to the present commander and mutatis mutandu, to the government there, that they leave the parties unmolested and in the enjoyment of their High Mightinesses' resolution ; with this understanding that this shall not be drawn into precedent, to the prejudice of the charter granted to the West India Company of this country. -♦■»■ » » I » States General to Director Stuyvesant, [From Iht B«gUtar of VUf/fant Britm or tho StatM a«Bo»l, In th* Bojral ArehIrM >'. the lltfne.] To the Director in New Nethtyland, 28* April, 1648, and mutatis mutandia to the government in New Netherland. The States Genbral, &c. FoHow. Honorable, &c. We have this day heard and considered t'.ie report of Mess" our Deputies, who, pursuant to our previous resolutions of the xi January last, and of the 9'* instant, have investigated and examined the several petitions presented unto us, in the name and on the cuyMrtadMei;*. behalf of Jochum Pieters Cuyter and Cornells Melyn ; also the papers thereunto annexed; and after previous deliberation have, consequently, granted the petitioners provision of appeal, with the clause suspending the respective sentences pronounced against them, on the 24 July, of the year 1647, with the advice of his Council, by Peter Stuyvesant, Director of New Netherland, within the limits of the West India Company ; and We have, moreover, granted to nnd allowed the petitionerH liberty, pending the case in appeal, to return hence to New Netherland aforesaid, and free and unmolested to enjoy and use their property there, the same as other Colonists and inhabitants} of all which We have resolved hereby to advise Vot. I. 32 850 NEW.yORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. you, and to order and charge you, that you shall allow the aforesaid petitioners to act unmolested and peaceably to enjoy the full effect of these, Our good designs and intentions, without failing in any way therein. Done aS'* April, 1648. Mandamus in Case of the Appeal of Messrs. Cuyter and ilelyn. [From the AcU-botk of th« Slain Oengnl, In tha Roy»l Arehlrei *l th« Hague. ] Mandamus in case of appeal with suspensory clause for Jochem Pietersz Cuyter and Cornelis Melyn, inhabitants of New Netherland. Folio 274. The States General of the United Netherlands to the first marshal or messenger hereunto requested, who is qualified to act. Health. Know Ye, that We have received the humble petition presented unto Us, by and on behalf of Jochim Pietersz Cuyter and Cornelis Melyn, setting forth that they, the petitioners, had, by permission and leave of the Assembly of the Nineteen, of the General West India Company, transported themselves in the year One thousand six hundred and thirty-nine, with wives and children, and the means of private citizens, besides a large stock of cattle from this country into New Netherland, so that they, the petitioners, had in the year 1643, after a heavy outlay, much trouble and indescribable labor, brought into good order their lands, houses and other improvements, which they were obliged to abandon in the year aforesaid, in consequence of the war that Director Kieft illegally and contrary to all public Law, had commenced against the Indians or inhabitants of New Netherland, and have accordingly lost all their property; wherefore the petitioners, together with the other six chosen men resolved, in the name of the unanimous Commonalty in New Netherland. and sent over by the Blue Cock in the year 1644, their complaints on this point in two letters to the Assembly of the Nineteen, and to the Directors in Amsterdam. The mischiefs which followed this deed of murder, massacre and other additional abominations, that Director Kieft, of his own motion, permitted at the time to be perpetrated on the innocent and guiltless Indians, which must startle the Christian heart that hears of them, may be fully seen in the original letter to the Nineteen.' The Eight chosen men were not aware that they had, in thus acting, committed any offence, but hoped that the most favorable construction would be placed on it by the Directors, who, however, the petitioners find did, on the contrary, take the letter in the worst part, and accordingly sent it by the new Director Stuyvesant, back to New Netherland to Director Kieft. The consequence of this was, that the aforesaid Kieft determined to proceed very severely against the Eight chosen men, especially against both the Petitioners, and had them prosecuted by the Fiscal, so that Director Stuyvesant, to gratify the aforesaid Kieft, hath banished the petitioners for some years from the country as they would not contradict the truth, and persisted in their previous writings. The Petitioners then turned unto Us, requesting, imploring, praying, for God's sake, that We would please to protect them in their rights, that they may be able to return to their poor, desolate wives and children, and bo established in their previous condition on their lands, and in case the 'Suprt, p, 190. — Ei>. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IIL 251 PetitionerB have given offence by any improper papers, tending to injure New Netherland or the puhlic weal (which they in no way desired), they submit themselves here to such punishment as We shall find appropriate; but it will appear, on the contrary, that the Petitioners had no other aim in their writings than the promotion of the public good and the wished for peace in New Netherland, and the removal of the inhuman cruelties, tyranny and misgovernment which the servants of the West India Company, and especially Director Kieft, inflicted from time to time on the Natives of New Netherland; the consequence whereof is, that by these barbarous proceedings, the country is wholly prostrate, the settlers hunted, their lands laid waste, the bouweries and plantations, to the number of 60 or 60 burnt and laid in ashes, and what is worst of ali, the Dutch name is through those cruel acts, despised to a most sovereign degree, by the Heathens of those parts: And whenever the poor inhabitants complained to the supreme government of these harsh doings, they were so persecuted by the Directors there, that the Dutch, in course of time, abandoned the country, and little more than one hundred men, besides private traders, are found there at this day. It is therefore much to be apprehended, that the English will endeavor in time, to become masters of it, for they, of late years, have come near unto the Dutch, and within fifteen years have increased in New En.^Iand to fifty or sixty thousand souls, who have now already got a smack of the productiveness and of the convenient navigable rivers of Our New Netherland. The Petitioners, then, earnestly imploring that this, their humble petition, may by Us be taken into consideration, and they be granted their reasonable and fair request, which, also, the Assembly of the Nineteen itself promisedin their charter of 1630, to all Patroons and free inhabitants: seeing which. We, therefore, request and command you, who are hereby deputed hereunto, to summon, in Our name, at the request of the aforesaid Petitioners, the above named Director Stuyvesant, and those of the government in New Netherland aforesaid, with all others required, to come and appear, or send attorneys, on a suitable day, to sustain and defend the aforesaid sentences and the tenor thereof before Us, here at the Hague, or to renounce the same if they think proper ; to see and hear the same adjudged null, void, and of no effect, and accordingly, legally to amend and correct them according to law, if such be right, on such application as the Petitioners, on the day appointed, shall present, in order, parties being heard, the Petitioners may by Us, be provided with such remedy of justice, and also of grace if necessary, as shall be found pertinent and applicable to the case. Moreover, right stricly forbidding and commanding in Our behalf, on certain heavy penalties, the aforesaid defendants, and all others whom it may concern, that pending the matter in appeal, they neither do attempt, nor innovate any thing against the aforesaid Appellants, but, on the contrary, if any thing be done, attempted or innovated, that they immediately and without hesitation repair it, and place it in its first and proper position. Leaving copy hereof and of your summons for the behoof of the Defendants, and reporting to Ua, on the day aforesaid, what you shall have done herein. Given in the Hague, on the twenty-eighth day of April, XVI' and forty-eight. 252 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ''■ Besdution of the States Oeneral approving the preceding Mandamus. [ From tb* RagUter of Wert IndU AUkln, 168»-1M1, In Um Eoy.1 AreblTW M tbc Higne. ] Thursday, 30* April, 1648. The draft of the Mandamus in the case of appeal prepared by order of their High Mightinesses in behalf of Jochum Pieters- Cuyter and Cornelis Melyn being read to the Assembly, it is, after previous deliberation, held as enacted, and it is further ordered to be dispatched and issued. roHo 401. Oa;t«r ud Melyn Readution of the States General to grant Safeguard to Messi'S. Cuyter and Melyn. [Prom the Eegtaler of Wert Indli AflUn, 1(88— 1«1, In Uie Eoy»l Arcblree *t the H«(aa. ] Wednesday, 6* May, 1648. A certain other petition presented to their High Mightinesses in the name and m* MS. Joobem Plelerae - ■ o — c ■•• •■■" ......^ miu 02t»«do»nH,u. on the behalf of Jochem Pieters- Cuyter and Cornelis Melyn, their H'gh 8ta?;l22.t Mightinesses' subjects and inhabitants in New Netherland, is read to the Assembly, uudemn*. Setting forth, that their High Mightinesses were pleased on the 28"" April last, to grant them, the petitioners, a Mandamus in case of appeal, with the clause suspending the •entence which Peter Stuyvesnnt, Director of New Netherland under the West India Company, with the advice of his Council, pronounced against them on the 25* July, 1647, and that their High Mightine/ises, in addition, have granted them, the petitioners, liberty, pending the case in appeal, to return hence to New Netherland aforesaid, and use and enjoy their property there free and unmolested, the same as other colonists and inhabitants. They, the Petitioners, praying their High .Mightinesses to be pleased to extend their favor further, so far as to advise the Assembly of the XIX. thereof, or in its absence, the presiding Chamber of the West India Company ; and further, to grant them, the petitioners, Acte ad omnct Popuks, and particularly to those directly or indirectly under the jurisdiction of this State, so that they, the Petitioners may, with the one and the other, enjoy the effect of their High Mightinesses' kindnes" ' favorable resolution. Whereupon deliberation being had, it is resolved and conclude;, agreeably to the Petitioners' request the aforesaid concession shall be notified to the afores,. „ Assembly of the Nineteen, or in their absence to the presiding Chamber of the saia Company; and to them, the Petitioners, shall be forthwith issued, Acte ad omna Pojmlos, and particularly to all those who, directly or indirectly, are under the jurisdiction of this State; so that the aforementioned Petitioners, both one and the other, may enjoy the effect of their High Mightinesses' resolution and concession aforesaid. And the aforosaid Mandamus shall be enlarged, as it is hereby enlarged thus far, to wit: that the said Mandamus shall be served not only hy a mesBeng»-r, marshal or notary, hut by such other person, whether public or private, as they, the Petitioners, jointly or severally may accept and empower. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 253 Passport to Messrs. Ouyter and Mdyn to return to New Nethsrland, [ From tlM ^c«»4Mt of the BUIm Ooneral, In Itao Bo^il ArctalTM at the Bigao. ] Act ad omnes Populos for Jochem PieterszCuyter and Cornells Melyn, inhabitants of New Netherland. vouo sn. The States General of the United Netherlands. To all those who dball see or hear these read, Health : Bb it Known, Whereas, We, on the 28"' April last, did grant unto Joachim Pietersz Cuyter and Cornelis Melyn provision of appeal with the clause of inhibition (according to the Letters thereof issued) from the respective sentences which Peter Stuyvesant, Director of New Netherland, in the West Indies, with the advice of his Council, pronounced against them on the 25'^ July, of the year 1647 ; and have, moreover, accorded and granted liberty to the Petitioners, pending the case in appeal, to return to New Netherland aforesaid, and there enjoy and make use of their property free and unmolested, the same as other Colonists i>nd inhabitants ; We, therefore, request all Kings, Princes, Potentates, Republics, Parliaments, States and Deputies, being with Us and these United Netherlands in friendship, alliance and neutrality; also, their admirals, lieutenants and vice admirals, captains and commanders to allow said Joachim Pietersz Cuyter and Cornelis Melyn to prosecute their voyage to New Netherland aforesaid, they being inhabitants and subjects of this State, and We shall en that account be and remain at all times, disposed, such to reciprocate towards the illustrious Kings, Princes, Potentates, the high and honored Republics, Parliaments, States and Deputies and to acknowledge towards the aforesaid their admirals, lieutenants and vice-admirals, and captains, and likewise towards their inhabitants and subjects on all occurring occasions. We further charge and command all admirals, lieutenants and vice-admirals, captains, lieutenants, commanders and common soldiers and sailors, being directly in Our service, and in that of the General Incorporated West India Company of this country to afford and lend to the afore-named Joachim Pietersz. Cuyter and Cornelis Melyn in the prosecution of their aforesaid voyage to New Netherland, all help, assistance and address, and to this end to convey and transport them as passengers, and at their own cost, in the respective ships under their command, if by them thereunto requested; also, to land them whereseover the aforesaid ships shall have designed to go and their voyage lies, on pain, of actir.g contrariwise, of incurring Our highest indignation, for such We have found expedient. Given at the Hague in Our Assembly, under Our Seal, paraph and the Signature of our Greffier, on the vi. May, 164S. Hesolution of the States General on the Treaties, dec, entered into hy the West India Company. [ From Iho RofltUr of Wett India alTain, 1038 —1«SI, In Iho Boral AnbW M ai tko Bagnt. ] Thursday, 27'" August, 1648. Vaiio4t4. In fulfillment of their High Mightinesses' resolution of the 14'^ instant, and the letters of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company consequent thereupon, 254 NEV.-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. S2lSL,°'".*,?Sto, I^'™ctor de Laet delivered unto the Assembly authentic copies of such treaties, Prii<»."«dp^^ contracts and capitulations as the said West India Company hath made and •^- concluded with the Kings, Princes and Potentates within the limits of their Charter. Whereupon deliberation being had, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid authentic copies be locked up and preserved. Resolution of the States General on the Petition of the Guardians of Johannes van Rensselaer. I rrom Ui< KeglMar of WmI ladt* aAln, l«8ft— IWl, Id tfa* Boyil AnhiTM at the HigiM.] Wednesday, 21" October, 1648. The petition of the guardians of Johan van Renselaer, minor son of Kiliaen van Renselaer, being read to the Assembly. It is, after previous deliberation, resolved and concluded that it be placed, with the papers annexed, in the hands of the Mr. van Rpnswoude, to inspect, examine and report thereupon; and this resolution shall be made public without reconsideration. Folio 481. Oaardiant of Johan Tan BeoMlaor. f« Resolution of the States General on the Repo7't in the case of Johannes van Rensselaer. I From Ihe BegUter of Weal India affalra, 1688—1661, In Iht Boyal Archlrea at th* Hagna.] Thursday, aS October, 1648. Fo«o«i. Having heard the report of Mr. van Reinswoude who, in virtue of their High Mightinesses' order yesterday, inspected and examined the petition, with the papers thereunto annexed, presented on the same day to their High Mightinesses, in the name and dn behalf of ^MBiSJiwr""" '''e guardians of Johan van Renselaer, minor son of deceased Kiliaen van Benitiaera Wjck. Rcuselaer, for Letters of Investiture of High, Middle and Low Jurisdiction over the Colonie aituafe in New Netherland and called Renselaers Wyck. It is, after previous deliberation, resolved and concluded to hereby thank the said Mr. van Reinswoude for and on account of the trouble taken by him in the aforesaid ; but before proceeding finally in the matter, it is resolved and determined that copy of the aforesaid petition, as well as of the papers thereunto annexed, be transmitted to the Assembly of the XIX. of the West Iidia Company, at present convened in Amsterdam, in order to understand from it, without d 'ly, whether it have any valid objections against the aforesaid investiture, and to communicate the same to them in the speediest manner. And the petitioners are, meanwhile, esteemed diligent. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: III. 255 Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company to the Sates General. I rnm Iht Orlflul: In tha Bojril ArahlTn al Iha Hi(M ; Fll^ WhI lHd44.] To the High and Mighty Lords States General ot the United Netherlanos. High and Mighty Lords. The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company at the Amsterdam Chamber having received your High Mightinesses' letter of the 30«* October last v\rith the copy of the petition presented on the same day to your High Mightinesses, by or on behalf of Jacob Tafyn, they state for information thereupon, that they have received advices by letter from Director Petrus Stu-resant, written in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, on the S"" of August last, that a Spanish bark, burthen about 70 to 80 lasts, had been sent in there, laden with hides, and captured by the yacht the Cat conveying some horses from the Island of Cura9ao to the Caril f.ean Islands, a portion of which aforesaid hides the said Director had sold there, and would send the remainder, amounting to about 2000, to this country, as was subsequently done. And as the aforesaid prize, according to the law of Nations and the treaty of peace concluded b tween this State and the King of Spain, is without any gainsay, well and duly sent in ; without the Company being able, or bound, to know whose property any of the freighted goods were which, however, by means of that prohibited ship also were rendered contraband. The above named Directors, pursuant to the Company's order, therefore considered themselves to be warranted to take the benefit of, and to sell the aforesaid goods sent over to this country. Then having remarked by the aforesaid letter that your High Mightinesses had provisionally staid the aforesaid sale, we have deemed it expedient, in addition to the present information and in consideration thereof, humbly to solicit your High Mightinesses, that we be at liberty to proceed, on the day appointed by the notices and of which the merchants are now advised, with the aforesaid sale, and to benefit the most advantageously by the goods ; the rather, inasmuch as the said Tafyn or any one else who might pretend a claim thereupon, which however cannot be, can and shall retain as much right to the moneys proceeding from the aforesaid sale, as he hath had to the aforesaid property. Which doing, etc. Presented in the name of the Directors of the West India Company at Amsterdam, the G"" November, 1648. (Signed) Gvsbert Rudolpht. Hesolution of the States Genefral on tlie petition of Mr. Blommaert and others. I From th« Rrgliter of WmI India aSklra, l«3S— 16et, In tha Royal Archlraa at tha Bagna.] Friday, 20'" November, 1648. samnerBiOTdiart '^^^ petition of Samuel Blommaert, Johannes de Laet, Margriete Reinst, cXn^r'.^N w ^'^°^ °^ Adam Bessels and Toussaint Muyssart, on and against the guardians of Naihariand. the minor son of Kiliaen van Renselaer, relative to certain Colonie of New Netherland [being read]; copy thereof is, ader previous deliberation, placed in the hands of said guardians, for the purpose of commenting thereupon in writing. 256 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Folio 487. Onwdlau of Johin Tu Umaalur. EesoltUions of tJie States General in the matter of Johannes van Jiensselaer, et al. I Tnm the B«(Ut«r of Wm* Indim aOUn, 1«88— 1651, la Uw Boy*] AnhIrM «l lfe« Hig**.] Monday, 26** April, 1649. Read to the Assembly the petition presented to their High Mightinesses in the name, and on the behalf of the guardians of Johan van Renselaer, the son of BiuirMuL Kiliaen van Renselaer, complaining of Petrus Stuivesant, the West India Company's Director in Fort Amsterdam, situate at the Manathes in New Netherland. Whereupon, deliberation being had, it is, previous to proceeding further herein, resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid petition shall be sent to the presiding Chamber of the aforesaid Company resident at Amsterdam for information. Resolution of the States General. Monday, 26 April, 1649. joh.n"'«D**w..iy The answer of Johan van Weely and Wouter van Twiller, guardians of Johan Tw,i J°"'" ^" van Renselaer, son of Kiliaen van Renselaer, to the petition heretofore presented .ndputaon. to their High Mightinesses by Samuel Bloemert and partners. Is, after previous deliberation, handed to parties to reply thereunto, within the time of fourteen days after service hereof. Resolution of the States General. Tuesday, 1 June, 1649. The reply of Samuel Blommaert and associates, partners in the Colonic of New Netherland, to and against Jan van Wely and Wouter van Twiller, as guardians of Johan van Renselaer, Is, after previous consideration, handed to Mess^' Huygens, Vett and van der Hoolck, to inspect and examine the same, and report thereon ; and with this exception, parties shall be at liberty meanwhile to rejoin. * Resolution of the States General. Folk) Ml. BIOBRlMrt u>i parinefs. Friday, 4 June, 1649, rolls Mf. On consideration, it is hereby resolved and decided, to enlarge their High Mightinesses' order of the 31" May last, placed in the margin of the answer presented on the liTd/iS?"'*" **'"® ^^^ '° '''"'^ ^'^*' Mightinesses by Samuel Blommert and Jan de Laet qualUate quA to the effect that Mess" Huygens. Vett and van der Hoolck, their High Mightinesses' preceding Deputies, shall be empowered to summon both parties before them, on a certain day to be prefixed by them for that purpose, in order to accommodate, if possible, the differences mutually existing between them; and if not, to render a report to their High Mightinesses of their proceedings. Tnllo 4K. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV Resolution of the States General. Saturday, 3^ July 1649. 257 Weir "nd Tirlltr. Bcuulur. On consideration, it is resolved and decided that Johan van Wely and Wouter van Twiler, guardians of Jnn van Renselaer, be notified to repair hither on next Thursday, the 8* instant, for the purpose set forth in their High Mightinesses' Resolution of the 4'* June; and the letter to be written, shall be dispatched without reconsideratioh. I Folin 48«. BUrnimsert and Da Resolution of the States General. Thursday, 30 September 1049. Read in the Assembly a certain memorial of Samuel Blommaert and Johannes de Laet cum lociit, respecting the difference which has arisen between them and ?"'Km"n'"'«B **^® guardians and heirs of Kiliaen van Renselaer concerning the Colonic of BanKiur. Renselacr's-Wyck in New Netherland, setting forth in effect, that they having appeared some months ago before their High Mightinesses' Commissioners, the order was made: that parties on both sides should exchange their papers within the space of fourteen days, and then deliver said papers with the Advertisements into the hands of said Commissioners, in order to make further disposition therein, as may be expedient; but so it is, that they, the Petitioners have long since placed their papers in the hands of their adversaries, and that fourteen days more than a month have elapsed, without their opponents having handed in any thing: Wherefore they, the petitioners, most humbly request their High Mightinesses to be pleased to direct that their opponents be required to obey the aforesaid Order within a brief space of time and that in default thereof, their High Mightinesses' Commissioners be authorized, by deprivation of the right of defence or otherwise, to put an end to the case in such manner as the aforesaid Commissioners shall determine, more especially as the matter cannot suffer any further delay, without prejudice to the plaintiffs. Whereupon deliberation being had, it is resolved and concluded that the guardians and heirs of Kiliaen van Renselaer shall be held, ua they are hereby expressly ordered again within thu space of eight days after the service hereof, to fulGll and obey their High Mightinesses' preceding order, on pain of deprivation of their right. Resolution of the States Oenei'ol on a letter received from Director Stui/vesant.' [From lb* 8«gMl ArchiTn at Ih* Hignt ; hdkeOau or Ik* BtatM Q eotral ; Babrlo ITmI IndUtiu CmpagnU, Hs. 80. Dirltlon 1.] Great, Powerful, High and Mighty Sovereigns. After our distressed circumstances had forced and obliged us to represent the poor condition of this country and to pray for redress therein, we considered it proper to delegate also some persons whom we know and acknowledge to be honorable, honest and trustworthy ; likewise well experienced in, and acquainted with, the circumstances of this country, in order that they may furnish your High Mightinesses, if such be your will and pleasure, with further information and explanation on every subject & circumstance, and also to importune your High Mightinesses to grant seasonable relief and aid. We, therefore, hereby humbly entreat and request your High Mightinesses to be pleased to give credence in all things that they may do or say in the premises, to these persons, to wit, Adriaen Van der Donck, JACon van CouwKNHovEN, and Jan Evbrtse Bout, our Delegates and Agents ; inasmuch as we know them for persons of honor and of good name and fame, also right well disposed towards the interest of this Country. With humble reverence we pray your High Mightinesses to be pleased to grant them a favorable audience, and we are and remain your High Mightinesses' faithful subjects. We have, in addition, presumed to send your High Mightinesses a specimen of this country's products, crop and forage most humbly praying that, according to our straitened circumstances, it may be graciously accepted, which we pray God also to grant, to whose keeping we ever commend your High Mightinesses' persons, deliberations and undertakings. Ai«s' . In the name, and on the behalf, of the Commonalty of New Netherland, Done the 86'* July 1649 in New Amsterdam, on the Island Manhattans in New Netherland. (Signed) Auoihtin Herman. Ahnolbub van Hardinbkrch. Olofk Stkvkn'ss. Maciivel Janssbn. Thomas Hall. Elurrt Elubhtsbn. GovBRT Loockbrmans. Received 13 October, 1649. Hkndrick Hbndricksi Kip. (Addressed as follows:) To the Great, Powerful, High & Mighty Lord* The Lords ritates (Jenenil of The United Nelherluuds retidiiig ttl the Hague. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IV. 259 Petition of the Delegates from New Netherland to the States General. [ From the Orlglitl In Ih* Koral ArehWai >t the Uegne; Lctetkat of the BUIee General ; Eobrfcj Wttt MOitche OompagnU, No. 80; M dtrUloa or the Bundle. ] [l. S.] To the High and Mighty Lords the States General of the United Netherlands. The Delegates of the Commonalty in New Netherland most respectfully represent that they, the Petitioners, being obliged, agreeably to the annexed request, to lay before your High Mightinesses the Sober Condition and poor circumstances of New Netherland aforesaid, which is clearly set before, and demonstrated to your High Mightinesses in said petition and more minute Remonstrance, the Petitioners presuming that your High Mightinesses cannot well have leisure as a body, being occupied by other public business, to examine the same, are therefore under the necessity of addressing themselves to your High Mightinesses, rcEoectfully praying your High Mightinesses to be pleased to appoint some Members of your Assembly i examine the said Petition and Remonstance, to hear the Petitioners verbally, and report being rendered according to their finding, that your High Mightinesses may dispose thereof as to the circumstances of the case according to your wise discretion, may appertain. Which doing etc. Petition of the Commonalty of New Netherland to the States General. [Prom Ike OriglBtl («eihe«t of paper Mmewhetihlok aid larfe) la the Boral Archlree at Ike nafve; locktUtat or Iba Bttttea OeBeral; Bal>rie Wtt InditeKt OomptfnU; M dirialon ef Ike Bundle. ] To the Illustrious High and Mighty Lords, The Lords States General of the United Netherlands, our Most Excellent Sovereigns. Gracious Lords, etc. Whereas in process of time this Province of New Netherland has attained a very poor and most low condition, the cause whereof we presume to be First, Unsuitable government; 2« Scanty privileges and exemptions; 3* Onerous imposts of duties, exactions and such like; 4" Long Continued War ; 6" The loss of the Princess ; 6» A superabundance of Petty Traders and pedlars (Schntten en Chineztn) and a waeit of Farmers and Farm servants : 7* Great dearth ia general; 8* and lastly, the insuflerable arrogance of the Natives or Indians, arising from our smaller numbers, etc. And having waited long in vain, for aid, redress and assistance from the Directors even in our greatest need, though we petitioned and begged for it ; We, therefore, unable to delay any longer, being reduced to the lowest ebb, have determined to fly for refuge to your High Mightinesses, our gracious Sovereigns and the Fathers of this Province, most humbly craving and beseeching you to look with eyes of compassion on Ibis your Province, and that your High Mightinesses would be pleased to order and redress matters so that ditngers may be removed, troubles put at end to, and population and prosperity promoted, as your High Mightinesses in your illustrious wisdom shall coasider best, only we have with humble reverence d«euied it 260 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. proper and necessary, respectfully to petition your High Miglitinesses for these rollowing points as advantageous for this Province: First. We supplicate and beseech your High Mightinesses to supply New Netherland with suHicient population to enable it to support, sustain and defend itself against Indians and others who may disturb and invade it; for if this should fail, not only will the direst ruin follow, but it will easily become a prey to our Neighbors ; and those who already dwell in it will be forced to use all possible means to return and save themselves from misery, or to submit to foreign Nations. All which will be remedied, in our humble opinion: 1. Whenever your High Mightinesses will be pleased to take this Province under your gracious safeguard, and allow your Fatherly protection for this Country and its granted privileges to be made public and manifest throughout the United Netherlands. Then would many be attracted towards this country, from which, on the contrary, every one is discouraged by the Company's harsh proceedings and want of means. II. Consequently were your High Mightinesses pleased for a few years to send some vessels hither in order that people, principally Farmers and Farm Servants, may with their poverty be removed and conveyed gratuitously hither, together with some necessary support until the poor people have something in esse, your High Mightinesses would not only relieve many embarrassed persons, but also may expect, through their intercession with Cod, suicess, a blessing and prosperity. HI. Also were your High Mightinesses to please order that all vessels proceeding and trading to those Northern parts of America, should touch first at the Manhattans in New Netherland, and bring with them us many persons as seasonably present themselves, and they can conveniently carry at suitable fixed rates, many friends (litfhMcrs) would, no doubt, emigrate within a short time to New Netherland. Sccomitij. We humbly solicit permanent Privileges and Exemptions which promote populatioa and prosperity and which, in our opinion consist: I. Of suitable municipal (Imrgrrlycke) government, such as your High Miglitinesses shall consider adapted to this Province, and somewhat resembling the laudable (Jovernment of our Fatherland. II. Exemption from imposts, tenths and burthens, which, at the first beginning, are disadvantageous and oppressive, until the country becomes populous and somewhat permanently established. III. That the returns in Tobacco shipped hence, be exempt from all duties. This would not only afford great encouragement to the planters who convert the forest into farms, but be better also for their servants who could thus be supplied with all sorts of necessaries. IV. Al8o> permission to export, sell, and barter grain, timber and all other wares and merchandise the produce of the Country, every way and every where your High Mightinesses have allies and have granted to the Neiherlanders the privilege of trade and resort. V. That your High Mightinesses should please to grant Privileges and Freedoms to the Inhabitants for the encouragement of the Fiitlu-ries which many suppose were good and profitable heretofore, and would hereafter be of great importance. Thinlty. We humbly heseecli your high Mightinesses to bs pleased to determine and so to establish the Boundaries of this Country, both north and south, that all causes of difference, discord and trouble may be cut off" and prevented: that your High Mightinesses' subjects may live and dwell in peace and quietness and enjoy their liberty in trade and commerce wilhla the established boundaries. JI. Also, that your High Mightinesses be pleased to preserve us in peace with the neighboring Republics. Colonies, and other your High Mightinesses' allies, so that we may pursue our country's trade, without let or hindrance, under proper regulations HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 261 from your High Mightinesses, as well along the coast from Terra Nova to Cape Florida, as to the West Indies and to Europe, wherever the Lord our God shall be pleased to permit ; and, JII. In order to make manifest your High Mightinesses' earnest support of this Province to those who may be incredulous on that point, we respectfully entreat your High Mightinesses to be pleased to quarter a company or two of Soldiers here for the defence of those dwelling outside and in newly added plantations and colonies, until by our increase we ohall dread neither Indians nor other enemies, but even be able to prevent their mischievous acts. All this have we concluded, with humble reverence, to propose according to our limited knowledge and understanding, earnestly supplicating your High Mightinesses, for the love of New Netherland, which now lies at its extremity, as is to be seen at length in our annexed Remonstrance, to be pleased to direct your attention thereto according to your wise and provident counsel, and to interpret most favorably this our presumption. We pray and hope that the name of New Netherland and the conversion of the Heathen, which ought to be hastened, will move your High Mightinesses hereunto. Awaiting, therefore, a happy deliverance, we commend your High Mightinesses' persons and deliberations to the protection of the Almighty, and remain your High Hightinesses' humble a.id obedient servants. Written in the name, and on the behalf, of the Commonalty of New Netherland, the six and twentieth of July, in the year of our Lord Jesus tJlirist, One thousand six hundred and nine and forty, in New Amsterdam, on the Island Manhattans, in New Netherland. (Signed) Adiuaen van der Donck. AuausTiN Herman. Arnoldus Van Haruenberch. Jacob van Conwgniioven. Olofk Stevenss. Machyel Janssen. Thomas Hall. Eliibht Klbertsbn. Govert Luockermans. Hbnorick Hendkickskn Kif. Jan Kvertsbn Bout. ( Endorsed ) Petition for the Committee of the Commonalty ^ of New Netherland. 13 October, 1049. 262 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Additional Observations on the preceding Petition. t From a MS. Id tbo Bojr»l Arehlr« at the Hagna ; LolMkat of the Statet Ocn>ral ; Bubric Wetl IndUcM CmpagnU, No. JO ; 6th dlTition , ^ or the Budle. ] 1. roPL'LATION. 2. Privileoes. 3. exbmi'tion FROM Duties. 4. Pbotbction. Further Explanation of, and Observations on the Petition to the Illustrious, High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands, Our Most Serene Sovereigns. Gracious Lords. Whereas, in process of time, this Province' of Nev? Netherland has attained to a very poor and low condition,* the cause whereof we presume^ to be, 1. Unsuitable Government ;' ][. Scanty Privileges and Exemptions;* IIL Onerous imposts of duties," exactions and such like;^ IV. Long continued war i° V. The loss of the Princess;" ' It is called a Province because it was invested, by their High Mightineswes, with the Arms of an Earl. • It will be seen, generally, in the Remonstrance, thai New Netherland has arrived at the lowest ebb, so that if provision be not seasonably made in the premises, it will bo wholly abandoned. ' Not that there is any doubt of it ; for it is as clear »nd notorious as that the Sun emiU light. See Remonstrance patiim. • That is bad and intolerable ; yea, wholly ruinous to the country as adtninistered here by the Directors, and in New Netherland by their Servants. ' The Company hath never adhered strictly to any privileges in Now Netherland, buf always altered those granted to suit its own convenience {ad proprium commodum). This liath causetl decrease of population. " Hot'orewo can get our goods home we must pay 10. 4J and 8, making ";h as they never took our petitions into consideration. " Hocause attached to, and dependant on, the sovereignty of this country. "" The Directors (of the Company) and their Officers in New Netherland with their dependants are the chief dangers in that country. " It will be hereafter shown how it can l»e done. " Wo shall not prescribe any rule to your High Mightinesses, but leave every thing absolutely to your judgment. " Inasmuch as wo have observe*! and concluded, after much experience on the spot, that it is impossible (speaking \mdcr correction) to romeay New Netherland and briiig it into a state of prosperity without these following points. ii 264 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. First, we supplicate and beseech your High Mightinesses to furnish New Netherland with sufficient population* as to enable it to support, sustain, and defend itself against Indians and others who may disturb and invade it ;' for in case this should faii,^ not only will the direst ruin follow^ but it will also easily become a prey to our neighbors,* and those who already dwell there" will be forced to use all possible means to return and save themselves and theirs from misery,' or submit to a foreign Nation.* All which, in our humble opinion, is to be remedied.' Of Population. L Whenever your High Mightinew r ^^W h^ pi^r«ed to take this Province under your gracious safeguard," and allow youi ' , . , protection for this Country" end its granted privileges to be made public and mai. ..oughcut the United Netherlands," then would many be attracted towards this Cou-ury," from wnich, on the contrary, every one is discouraged by the Company's harsh proceedings '< and want of means." ' Without referring it to the Cotnpnny or the Directors, for truly nothing will como of it, as the result has hitherto tai.giit us, though they pron)iso wonders. Besides that, the name alone terrifies the inhabitanta; as they are scorned and despised by our neighbors on account of their evil tricks, even so is the country prejudiced against them. • Were there a thousan.l or tiftcen hundred inlmlitants in New Netherland, or even more, the Indians or the Swedes would never think or dream of daring to offer us any insult. ' If your High Mightinesses do not, this time, determine on permanent redress, privilege and population. • It will lose even the name of New Netherland, and no Dutchman will liave any thing to say there. ' The English, fully aware that our .country is bettor than theirs, eii.leavor to push us out of it and to seize it for themselves, which they will easily effect, if no redress be now had. ' To wit, Dut('h freemen. ' As the tyrannical government of the Company there is int<.lerable; for a man in that country is not sure of either his life or properly, if he but say anything displeasing or otherwise offensive to the Governors who comport themselves like sovereign tyrants. • The English or Swedes, of whose subjection there is less appearance. ' And so prevent men ever dreading tin- like again. '" So that people may be no longer harassed or troubled by the Company or its servants, but that the government, consisting of those interested in the country, may be absolutely depen.lent on this Mate. " To which wc hope you will consent. " IJy every where affixing notices or orders, or such liko, wherein people could be informed of the Gtntralia, both in government and priviiegen. " When, relieved from the Company's tyranny, it woi.M be dependent on this State, and Iks favored with gootl government and firm, valid anest. ' Were those in New Netherland, who sit down in poverty in this country and almost perish of want, yea have need of bread to eat, and sufier from distress and cold, — and were thay industrious, they could honestly earn their living. * People are bound to pray for their benefactors, and if they do it not, virtue is always its own reward and e thereunto appointed by your Iligh Mightinesses in order thrt everything be done with regularity, for otherwise those skippers who do not want that, will elude your High Mightinesses' good intention and orders. " That must not be left to them but to the overseers, as there will always he a great deal more than the skippers can carry ; for people must not bo trusted farther than they can be seen. " This rate must be fixed by your High Mightinesses and, at farthest, ought not to he more for the voyage than 30 and 32 guilders for a full grown man or woman oatinp; in the 'tween ducks (overloop), and 38 and 40 guilders in the cabin. This money might, as herein l>eforo stau>d, Cap. V., N* 4, be advanced out of the public funds, and again made good in l5ew Netherland ; and for that purpose it would bo very well to cause all those people who become free of the country or descend from those who have l>eoome free, to pay double in favor of the finances, and in order to induce those to emigrate who arc somewhat slow on account of tlieir straitened circumstances. " Deing allured by the fertility and salubrity of the countrj-, by the goo«l order, privileges, ttee government, and by being conveyed over on the first voyage, without disbursing any money. Vol. I. M : IP iS •I 260 NEW-YORK COLONUL MANUSCRIPTS. Op Privileobs. exemptions,' which promote Secondly. We humbly solicit permanent privileges and population and prosperity,' and which consist, in our opinion," First. In suitable municipal {horgerhjcke) government.^ such as your High Mightinesses will consider adapted to this Province,* and somewhat resembling the laudable government of our Fatherland.^ ' Which are not to be altered ad proprium commodum et avarorum opinkmibut, as has been already been done by the Directors. » Were we, in Now Notherl.ind, on an equality irf matter of privilege with our neighbors, and were such niaclo manifest in this country, many would endeavor to repair to New Netherland, and it would not bo lacking in population. ' As we think, wlio have resided there a considerable time and have given attention to thomatter from time to time. * That those interested in the country may also attend to iU government and keep a watchful eye over it, without its being intrusted to a set of hairbrained people, such as the Company flings thither, bat to such a^ obtain in Now England. NoTA Bkne.— Now England is divided into four Colonies, which they style Provinces. Each Colony hath ita Governor, and neither Patroons, Lords nor Princes are known there ; only the People. Each Governor is like a Sovereign in his place, but comports himself most discreetly. They are, and are esteemed, Govei. on next to God by the people, so long as the latter please. In each Province are many and divers villages {dorpen), some larger and some smaller. Hut there is one Capital town where the Governor resides. In case of appeal, the course is as follows : If any one in a town that is not the Capital, considers himself aggrieved by any judgment, ho may appeal, if the sum exceeds the limit each court takes cognizance of. Otherwise, no appeal lies, and this law was passed with general consent ad utilitaUm civium el paganorum, ad dirimendai litet Then appeal lies to the court of the Colony, which we would call the Provincial court, and the defeated party wishing to proceed further, appeals to the General Court. This moeU twice a year and continues until pII busmess, as well public affairs as law suits, is disposed of. Few suita are brought before this court, and those definitely decided there are not to be again instituted. » For wo are not fit nor qualified to prescribe a rule to your Iligh Mightinesses. • In form of a State {Staet), like the government of this country, especially as in this case there is no difference, but fundamentally a similarity between it and our neighbors of New England, apart from whom we have no neighbors of consequence. NoTA Bene.— In New England, the government is carried on thus : Each town, no matter how small, hath iU own court and jurisdiction, also a voice in the Capital, and elecW its own officers. Few taxes are imposed, and these only by general consent. In their Capital thoy have a Governor, a Deputy (that is, Vice) Governor] a Constable, that is Ju.lge, a Secretary and two Provincial Councillors. In the individual towns, they have li Constable, a Clerk and Selectmen. They call all these Magistrates, an,it)iout prejudice to this State, and bo thus accomplished. If»your High Mightinesses were to cause to bo published here, that tobacco entered and shipped in New Netherland, should not bo subject to, but bo exempt from all charges, and that all tobacco arriving from any other port of North America, be it from New England or Virginia, must pay as much as that received from New Netherland hath paid heretofore, that is, 3 stiv. per pound. f ' 4 ■ 268 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. great encouragement to the planters who convert the forest into farms,' and be better also for their laborers who could thus be supplied with ail necessaries.' IV. Also permission to export, sell, and barter grain, timber and all other waras and merchandise, the produce of this country,^ every way and every where your High Mightinesses have allies, and have granted to the Netherlanders the privilege of trade and resort.^ V. That your High Mightinesses would please to grant Privileges and Freedoms* to the inhabitants for the encouragement of the fisheries," which many suppose were good and profitable heretofore, and would hereafter be of great importance.' Of Protbction. Thirdly. We humbly beseech your High Mightinesses to be pleased to determine and so to establish the boundaries of this country both north and south,' that all causes of difference, discord and trouble may be cut off,' that your High Mightinesses' subjects" may live and ' Tobacco plan,ing is one of the most suitable means of converting the forest into forms. As people in New Netherland endeavor to have several corn fields and bouweries, it ought therefore be encouraged, especially as tobacco now rates low. " For, ail skippers and traders would then be eager for the tobacco, which now they neither can nor will regard; for ths reason the poor planters, who must perform the heaviest labor, remain unaccommodated and reckless. Go.)d and profitable trade would also accrue by fetching tobacco from Virginia and elsewhere, were privileges granted for so doing, to the great benetr.t of the inhabitants and the revenue. • As there are already divers articles, and with population many could be produced there, several handsome things besides could also be accomplished for the advantage of the inhabitants and the revenue. • Without that, there is not always an opportunity, and if that be not permitted they are bound to convey the goods '.riey carry, direct to Fatherland, The Company will readily permit the contrary, but heavy import and expor. duties must be paid. So many inspections and exactions must also be ondureil that no profit is realized before ambition is destroyed. Our neighbors in New England, on the contrary, trade where they list, withrut knowing either duty or inspection. » The fisheries first and mainly placed New England on its legs and, were our people privileged, would be • fource of considerable profit to the country also. • That no others should be at liberty to lish there, or participate t^arein dnectly or indirectly, except those interested thereunto specially privileged. ^ The rather because wo have had some proofs of it, and it is the same sea and facility which render our neighbors prosperous. • That the settlement of the boundary be effected. The English =n tha; quarter resdily admit that the country is justly ours; but their pretence [is] the richness of the land and that it lies waste; also, the Company will do nothing but protest, which they disregard, when admonished. Therifore, this matter is very urgent, if we arc not to be scoffed at by that nation and lose the countrv To attack them by force is too dangerous and inexpedient for New NothcHand. But their own offer is not unworthy consideration ; for they frankl; say— Wo have taken the land which was entirely, or for the most part, waste, and now occupy it; ye s- 'tis your's. Let us remain friends like our sovereignR, and refer Uiis .juestion to both your, and our superioro; what they do or order in the nremises, we must admit, and neither of us will gain any thing by talk. * ' • On this ix>int the English sny— wo should live with the l>uteh as brothers, were we not, first, too grossly aff'ronted by thn Directors, and secondly, had wo not to snarl, like two dogs, for this .1-iinty morsel, or such like. '» Both English and Dutch in that country are tmder your protection. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. S69 dwell in peace and quietness,' and enjoy tlieir liberty, in trade and commerce within the established boundaries.' ]I. Also, that your High Mightinesses be pleased to preserve us in peace with tt.e neighboring Republics, Colonies, and others your High Mightinesses' allies,' so that we may pursue cur country's trade without let or hindrance, under proper regulations from your High Mightinesses,^ as well along the coast from Terra Nova to Cape Florida as to the West Indies p-^d to Europe, wherever the Lord our God shall be pleased to permit it.* IIL And thirdly, in order to make manirest your High Mightinesses earnest support of this Province' to those who may be incredulous on that point,' we respectfully entreat your High Mightinesses to quarter a company or two of soldiers here, for the defence of those dwelling at a distance,' and of newly rising plantations until by our improvements' we shall dread neither Indians" nor other enemies," and be even able to prevent their mischievous acts.'' All this have we concluded, with humble reveience, to propose according to our limited knowledge and understanding," earnestly supplicating your High Mightinesses, for the iove of New Netherland, whish now lies at its extremity,'^ as is to be seen in our annexed Remonstrance, to be pleased to direct your attention thereto, according to your wise and provident counsel, ' ^^ ithout quarreling about boundaries. • both with OhrJAtians and Indians; the English endeavor to exclude us from the latter, so as, by that means, to monopolize all .he profits of the Wampum trade to tbomselves. Therefore, inasmuch as the lands, jurisdiction and navigabi ) riven are ours, and tlie English ha' e free trade with us, care ought to be taken of this. ' Namely, with the English who are beyond our liiiits, ant! with New France, Virginia and the Carribean West India Islands, &c., known to yr .c High Mightinesses better than to us. ' For the Company's regulatiobii are so selfish, onerous and intolerable, yea, so devoid of good faith, that it is impossible to act with them. ' For if our trade and commerce be more rostrictetl than that of our neighbors, who are at liberty to trade with all the world that England traffics with, it will be very disadvantageous to us and the country. ' To exhibit your High Mightinesses' intentions towards New Netherland. ' For our neighbors frequently laugh at ua. The works testify, the forts speak und express the earnest intentions the States bear towards this country. This greatly emboldens them and causes them to despise the country and its inhabitants. • For the support of the outside people in addition to the garrisoning of the fortresses ; and as the people first begin to establish colonies or plantations, these expenses might in the course of time be reimbursed out of the revenue of New Netherland, but your High Mightinesses must at first meet the outlays. For the country cannot sink in tlie beginning into helplessness, and New Netherland will come into condition, if some gentlemen privately, or what in our opinion would be better, if your High Mightinesses were to make some disbursements. • Well understood, by population, good morals and prosperity. '" The Indians are of little consequence ; were there one thousand or two thousand men more than there are now, the natives would be obliged to forego and suppress all their arrogance and designs. " Who may come from out side, or from one side, as Pirates, Englishmen, Swedes, or such like. " With previous advice ana orujr of your High Mightinesses, Ex<.lniunt tamen tuhitce neeeiiarim et improvua differtntia. " Not as orders and rules, but simply as our opinions. " If your iligh Mightinesses please to believe uj, we say, and it is a moral certainty — if wo now depart without the business being accomplished, there will not be another opportunity or season to remedy New Netherland, for the English will annex it. 270 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. and to interpret most favorably this our presumption. We pray and hope that the name, of New Netherlands and the conversion of the Heathen, which ought to be hastened,' will move your High Mightinesses hereunto. Awaiting, therefore, a happy deliverance, we commend your High Mightinesses' persons and deliberations to the protection of the Almighty, and remain your High Mightinesses' humble and obedient servants. Written in the name and on the behalf of the Commonalty of New Netherland, the 26 July, of this year of our Lord Jesus Christ, XVI« and forty-nine, in New Amsterdam, on the Island Manhattans, in New Netherland. (Signed) Adriabn van dbr Donck. AuQUSTiN Herman. Arnoldds van Hardenbbrg. Jacob van Kouwbnhovbn. Oloff Stevens. Michel Jansbn. Thomas Hal. Elbbrt Elbbrtsen. GoVBRT LOKERMANS. Hbnrick Henbicksen Kip. Jan Evertsen Bout. ' Otherwise it will be a shamo and a disgrace for our nation. * The English and French hare, each in their way, already done their duty in this regard. Neverthelett, we are older than they in that country, and therefore ought also to begin. Prmtat tero quam nunguam. REMONSTRANCE or NEW NETHEELAND, THE OCCURRENCES THERE. ADDREBtED TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY LORDS STATES GENERAL OF THE UNITED NETHERLANDS, BV THE PEOPLE OF NEW NETHERLAND, On the £8tb July, 1649. Trakksibid from the authenticated copy of the Remonttrance, containing 88 pagea, remaining in the Royal ArohivM at the Hague, in tlie Lokrtkai of the Statei Qeneral ; Rubric Wttl InditcHt Cempagni*, No. SO; 4th diviaion of the Bundle. J 9 i Note. — ^Tbe 6gurea in the body of the text, within parenthMit, refer to the eomnienoenieBt of the pagea of Uie rolume in the State Library, entitled : Virtoogh m* Nim-Ntdt-lMnd Wrghtnt raiiae It rMtemhlea Neihnrlandlnmanr reettrota. When the Initlana ilrat uw the ihlp, Ihfy knpw not whnl U waa : they knfw not of any other world or people. r.aUtnde of Kew N&berland. Rntmdary of Now Nftiiertand. The fllmale la tem- perate ; (he north wret win'l '. the aalTation A the •Mnlry. 276 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. NSfhe'i^d iLS". itself. The Coast is generally clean and sandy ; the Foreland doubles or is broken or*i«"brok.Q""into 'nto Islands. To the east of the North River lies Lone Island, about 40 leaeues in length, forming a nne wide river which opens into tiie Ocean at each extremity and affords a very convenient passage inside, along the shores, without much risk from the Sea, on account of the great abundance of safe bays and other SJni£.2J.""' *»"c*i°''3g« grounds; so that vessels can securely sail through it, both Eastward and Westward, even in the winter. There are several inlets along the south coast, before reaching the South Kiver, but they are mostly muddy and sandy; nevertheless, with proper experience, they could be made use of. Inside these again, are large bays and valleys, but the bays are for the most part shallow. rodj/Tn™. " ^" t*'® Sea side the land is commonly bandy or compact (lingelachtichj, not very high, yet tolerably fertile, so that it is for the most part covered with handsome trees, hill *" j;™"'*«5 '^^^ Country generally is in many places hilly, with some high Mountains, T.I1.JI. likewise many very fine Flats and Maize lands, together with extensive Valleys, some of which are salt, others again are fresh ; all very good Meadows. With 'he exception of the Maize lands, flits and valleys, which have few or no trees and could with little labor be converted into good tillage land, the soil is commonly covered with all sorts of timber standing, however, without order as ia other wildernesses. TiwBeuaiui The Seasons hare are about the same as in Netherland, but the summer is »i» ih. we.ui«r, warmer and begins more suddenly ; the winter is cold, and far in the interior, or towards the most northern part, colder than in Netherland ; 'tis likewise subject to a great deal of Snow which also remains a 1 ng time, far in the interior however, fully 3, 4 @ 6 months on the ground ; but near the Seacoast it is quickly dissolved by the Southerly wind ; moreover, Thunder, Lightning, Rain, ij2S'ert«™*"'° ''^"vy showers, Hail, Snow, Rime, Dew, Frost and such like are the same here as in Netherland, except that in summer 'tis subject to more sudden tornadoes. i!?nd."ll}'rr'^''wull The soil is fit and adapted to the bearing of all kinds both of Winter and NrthMilind. "■"" '" Summer crops, and that with less labor and tilling than in Netherland. It ?uH I'lrge and small ; hickory, also large and small. This timber is very abundant here, and much used as firewood, for which it is also right well adapted; Chestnuts, as in Netherland, but they grow wild without regularity; three sorts of Beeches, such as the water-beech,' common beech and hedge beech, axhandle wood, two sorts of canoe wood,' ash, birch, pine, lathwood, Imberni or wild cedar, linden, alder, willow, thorn, elder, with divers other species adapted lud, ' 8oni«tiniM called bjr farmani, Uliit beech. * LiriuUendroD Tulipifrra. JakHion. — Vjt. ( C*r|iinui Amcricknui. ) HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 277 to many purposes, but the names thereof are unknown to us ; we wiii gladly submit them to carpenters for further examination. The fruits which the country naturally produces consist chiefly of acorns, some of them very sweet, nuts of various sorts, chestnuts, beechnuts, but not many, mulberrys, plums, medlars, wild cherries and black currants, gooseberries, abundance of hazel nuts, small apples, a great abundance of strawberries throughout the entire country with considerable o'lier fruits and roots, of which the Indians make use. There are also quantities of bill-berries or blue-berries together with ground nuts and artichokes. Almost the whole country, as well the forests ns the maize lands and flats, is full of vines, but principally — as if they had been planted there — around and along the banks of the brooks, streams and rivers which course and flow in abundance very conveniently and agreeably all through the land. The grapes are of many varieties ; some white, some blue, some very fleshy and fit only to make raisins of; some again are juicy, some very large, others on the contrary small; their juice is pleasant and some of it white, like French or Rhenish Wine; that of others, again, a very deep red, like Tent; some even paler ; the vines run far up the trees and are shaded by their leaves, so that the grapes are slow in ripening and a little sour, but were cultivation and knowledge applied here, doubtless as fine Wines would then be made as in any other wine growing countries. As for the rest, all fruits which will grow in Netherland will also thrive in New Netherland, without requiring as much care as must be given to the former. All garden fruits succeed likewise very well there, but are drier, sweeter and better flavored than in Netherland. As a proof of this, we may properly instance melons and citrons or water-melons, which readily grow, in New Netherland, in the fields, if the briars and weeds be only kept from them, whereas in Netherland they require particular attention in gardens, either from amateurs or those who raise them for profit, and yet are not near as perfect nor as palatable as they usually are in New Netherland. All kinds of pumpkins, or such like, grow there much drier, sweeter, more delicious, and of better fla'or, which is caused by the temperateness and pleasantness of the climate. The domestic cattle are(')) here in size and other respects about the same as in Netherland, but the Knglish cows and swine thrive and feed best; yea, appear to be better suited to this country than those from Holland; they require also less trouble, expense and attention, for it is not necessary to look so much after the inferior stock, such as swine, in winter; but if done in some sort, whenever there is deep snow, 'twill be so much the better. Milch cows, also are much less trouble than in Holland, for, most of the time, or when necessity demands, a little hay is only occasionally thrown to them. The Wild animals here consist principally of lions," but they are few; bears, of which there are many; elkii, a great number of deer, some of which are entirely white and others wholly black, but the latter are very rare. The Indians ■ay that the white deer have a great retinue of other deer, by which they are ' Coiig»r ur Panther. '• In lb* ••riy Mltlcmant of thit lUto, thit ■niiokl wh iMliircd to Ix ■ lion." yahtral UiUoiy of AW York, p«rl I., Mammalia, 48. — Ko. or the rriilti Indl- gnnout lo the eonn* try. or the TfnM, aiid how thejr grow. The ftrAn fraitt •re drier end tweet- er In N. Nether, lend. or nr.meetle rttne, end ]«:w they will thnre la N. Nether. lend. Ortbe Wlldentmtte and what the; m. i4 » I J9 278 Of (ho Lanil birds. or the Wntar fowl. Vmrlmn lorU nrar tiah. Virion! Mrtt of ■•• NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. highly esteemed, beloved and honored, and that it is quite the contrary with regard to those that are black. There are, besides, divers other large animals in tile interior, but they are unlinown to Christians ; also, wolves, but dangerous only to small cattle ; likewise beavers, otters, 6sher8, catamounts, foxes, racoons, minks, hares, muskrats about as large as cats, martens and squirrels, some of which can even fly; there are, besides, woodchucks and divers other small animals, but for the most part, as we are informed, unknown to the Christians. The country is in no wise deprived of its share of birds, for there are found great numbers of birds of prey, such as: two varieties of Eagles, some they name white heads,' which have a white head, white tail and white striking feathers; the others are the common. Also, Hawks, Sakers, Sparrowhawks, Duck-hawks, (steencryters). Chicken-hawks and various other sorts, all birds of prey, and capable of being trained and used for falconry, though some of them differ somewhat in shape from those in Netherland. Here is, also, a bird of a white color with a head like a cat's, and a body like a big owl. We know no name for it in Dutch. In France they call it Grand dux,^ and it is held in high estimation. The other land birds consist mostly of Turkeys, the same as in Netherland, but wild, and best and plentiest in winter; also various sorts of Partridges, some smaller, some larger, than in Netherland ; Plover, wood and water Snipe, Pheasants Heath-hens, also Cranes, Herons, Bitterns, multitudes of Pigeons closely resembling wood pigeons, but a little smaller; likewise. Quails, Merlins, Thrushes, Sand-pipers, but differing in some repects from the Dutch species. There are also other small birds, some of which sing, but the names o*" most of them are unknown to us, and would also take too long to enumerate. Different sorts of water fowl likewise are found there, which are all very good and fit to eat; such as Swans, similar to those in Netherland, and fully as large; three species of Geese, to wit, grey geese, which are the largest and best; (7) Brant geese,» and White heads; Ducks of various sorts; Widgeons, Divers, Coots, Spoonbills and several other kinds, but not so numerous as the foregoing. The river Fish here is almost the same as in Netherland, and consists of Salmon, Sturgeon, Striped-bnss, Drum-fish, Shad, Carp, Perch, Pike, Trout, Roach, Bull-heads, Suckers, Sun-fish, Eels, Nine-eyes ov lampreys, bul much more abundant and larger than in Netherland; there are various other species of fish, of which we know not the names. In the salt water are found cod-fish, shell-fish, weiik-fish, herring, mackerel, thornbacks, flounders, plaice, sheeps-heads, (iteenbnuem,) black-fish, sharks, (zcehonden,) tamyns' and divers others, together with lobsters, crabs, concks, from which the Indians make white and black wampum, abundance of oysters and ' Falco Uueocephalu: White headed or BaKl E«g1e. Nuttal. 'Stria VirgiHiana. Wilton. The Greet Uumed Owl, often celled the Cat Owl. Natural Uittory of Nev-York. I'ert II., Ornitholugjr, 24. ' Rotgi'iuun. Writiiiif of IIih llrant OuOfe, Nntt«l Mve: the nevifretor Barent, found muHitiidee iittlnir on their eggs aliuut the 2Ut June, Ifiys, in the grvet buy culled Wil<>hinii' 'tit, I'anynt. -■ Ko. rgKj'L' HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IV. 279 muscles, with many other similar sorts of shell fish resembling each other, with the names of which we are not acquainted. There are, also, both sea and land tortoises. The venomous reptiles found there, consist chiefly of adders and lizards, but ™ii5S?|J|of^t" they do little or no harm ; there are various sorts of snakes, but not dangerous ; ^'" "*"""'• if they possibly can, they retreat before people (else they are usually killed) except the rattle-snake, which has a rattle on the tail, wherewith it makes a very loud noise whenever it is angry, or intends to bite; it grows a joint longer every year. This snake is very malignant and not inclined to retreat before a man or any other creature. Whoever is bit. by one runs great risk of his life, if not immediately attended to; but the best of it is, they are not num^^rous; and the true Serpentaria grows spontaneously here, which is very highly prized by the Indians, as being an unfailing cure. The Medicinal plants discovered up to the present time in New Netherland, or the medieiui after a little search, are, principally, as far as they have come to our knowledge, Capdli veneris (Maidenhair), Scholopendria (Hounds tongue), Angelica (Belly-ache root), Po/ypodtum (Fern), Feriawcwm aZAum (white Mullein), Calceus sacerdotis vel Marie^ (Moccasin plant), Atriplex hortensis vd ntarina (garden or marine Orach) Chorlium turriles (tower Mustard), Calamiu aromaticus (Lweet flag), Sassajrax (Sassafras), Roeit virginiarum^ (Sumach), Ranuru lut (Crowfoot), Plantago (Plantain), Buna poiloris (Shepherj's purse), Malva (Mallow), Origanum (Marjoram), Geranium (tilrane's bill), Althea {Marsh mallows), Cineroton pseudo- daphne (Spice bush), Viola (Violet), Irias (Blue flag), Indigo silvestrit (wild Indigo), SigiUum talamonii (Solomon's seal). Sanguis draconium (Dragons blood), Cojwo/iJa ( Comfrey ), Millefolium (itlUfoW), several species of Fern, various wild lilies. Agrimony, (wild Leek), Carduus benediclus (Blessed Thistle), Serpentaria (Snakeroot), Indian figs, which grow on the '.eaves. Tarragon (Wormwood), and numerous other plants and flowers ; but as we are not skilled in those things, we cannot say much about them. Nevertheless we doubt not but amateurs would be able to find there divers simples of great and varied virtues in which we have confidence, principally because the Indians can cure very severe and dangerous wounds and sores by roots, leaves and other trifles. It is certain that the Indigo Silvestris grows spontaneously here without any oroiewUduaigo. human aid or cultivation. Without doubt, were there (8) people and were attention turned to it, it could be easily raised ; at least the other species would grow very well here, and yield a good profit. We have seen proof of this in the Colonie of Uenscelaerswyck, but it was sown entirely too late and upon a barren rock where there was little earth ; though it came well up, but in consequence of the drought turned all yellow, withered and was neglected. Notwithstanding, it is evident that, were it well managed, it would perfectly succeed. Planting of madder would also undoubtedly thrive well, even better than in Zealand, ip regard of the lauds and other circumstances. m^ ' Oaloeolus Mirianus CtnaiUtisi*. Charltvoi*, I'l. XXXYI. ' Qui Rhui Tir|{inicum. — Go. 1 i 280 OflhaMlawili. NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Th« Sngllih Mtt Various minerals have also been discovered here, both accidentally and by J"''""? search ; some experiments have been made on these, according to the :L3'»'^ ™ limited means of this country, and they have been found good. Attempts have been made several limes to send specimens of them to Fatherland; once by Arent van Corenss,* by way of New Haven and England ; but the ship foundered, and no tidings of it were ever received. Director William Kieft again had several specimens afterwards with him in the ship the Princess, but they were, also, lost with him. The mountains and mines, however, remain, and can easily be found again whenever there is any disposition to incur the trouble and expense. They have already progressed so far in New England that they cast Iron pots, cannon, shot and similar articles from the mineral they have there; and we believe that here it only requires a commencement, for we have, and there are found in New Netherland two sorts of marcasite, white and yellow; mines of quicksilver, of gold, silver, copper, iron, black lead and hard coal, and there is little doubt but tin and lead are, also, to be found there ; but who will look for them, or who will make any use of them, as long as there is not a larger number of people. Fuller's earth is, also, found here in abundance; likewise bole, and white, red, yellow, blue, grey and black clay, which is very solid and greasy, and would be' suitable for many purposes, together with earth for brick and tiles. Here are also mountain crystal, glass like that in Muscovy, great abundance of green a'.>IVar^. ""* «e'-pe°t'ne, grey hearth-stone, slate, brown grindstone, flint, pebbles, paving stones, large quantities of every sort of quarry stone suitable for the manufactory of millstones and for the construction of all sorts of buildings. Here also are plume-alum and divers other mordants, which might be applicable to the service of man. There are also various descriptions of dyes here, but the Christians are not experienced in them, though they are seen daily on the Indians who are conversant with, and also make use of them, to paint themselves of divers colors. Were it not for lack of explorers, they could be easily discovered and employed, ' Arent Conun. Anno 1643, 0, —En.' TlWTMittjorMrili ud olij. OrtlMpalnU. r '.t*.'4i»V HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 281 (9) OF THE AMERICANS, OR NATIVES; THEIR APPEARANCE, OCCUPATION AND FOOD. The natives are generally well limbed, slender around the waist, broad shouldered; all having black hair and brown eyes; they are very nimble and swift of pace, well adapted to travel on foot and to carry heavy burdens ; they Rre dirty and slovenly in all their habits ; make light of all sorts of hardships, being by nature and from youth upward accustomed thereunto. They resemble Brazilians in color, or are as tawny -.s ihose people who sometimes ramble through Netherland and are called Gipsies. Generally, the men have very little or no beard, some even pluck it out; they use very few words, which they previously well consider. Naturally they are quite modest, without guile and inexperienced, but in their way haughty enough, ready and quick witted to comprehend or learn, be it good or bad, whatever they are most inclined to. As soldiers they are far from being honorable, but perfidious and accomplish all their designs by treachery; they also use many stratagems to deceive their enemies and execute by night almost all their plans that are in any way hazardo»8. The thirst for revenge seems innate in them ; they are very pertinacious in self defence, when they cannot escape ; which, under other circumstances, they like to do ; and they make little of death, when it is inevitable, and despise all tortures that can be inflicted on them at the stake, exhibiting no faintheartedness, but generally singing until they are dead. They also know right well how to cure wounds and hurts, or inveterate sores and injuries, by means of herbs and roots indigenous 'o the country, and which are known to them. The clothing as well of men as of women consists of a piece of duffels, or of deerskin leather or elk hide around the body, to cover their nakedness. Some have a bearskin of which they make doublets; others again, coats of the skins of racoons, wild cats, wolves, dogs, fishers, iquirrels, beavers and the like j and they even have made themselves some of turkey's feathers ; now they make use for the most part of duffels cloth which they obtain in trade from the Christians ; they make their stockings and shoes of deerskins or elk hides, some even have shoes of corn husks whereof they also make sacks. Their money consists of white and black Wampum which they themselves manufacture; their measure and value is the hand or fathom, and if it be corn that is to be measured, 'tis done by the denotas which are bags of their own making. Their ornaments consist of scoring their bodies, or paiiitlntr them of various colors, sometimes entirely black, if they are in mourning ; but mostly the face. They twine both white and black wampum around their (10) heads; formerly they were not wont to cover these, but now they are beginning to wear bonnets or caps, which ihey purchase from the Christians ; they wear Wampum in the ears, around the neck and around the waist, and thus in their way are mighty fine. They have also long deers-hair which is dyed red, whereof they make ririglels to encircle the head ; and other fine hair of the same Vol. I. 80 T'le tndtiint flf>«ftk ilowly ^nU liUie. Wh^n Inrilanii are >t the ^ukv lh«r ■Inc unlll they are (lead. They know how to cure all wounda anil accldenia. or thfi clothing or the ladiaoa. The Tntlisn car- rfncT I* white nnd black wampum. The Indiana H>nra and paint their bndlea by way of or- nament. Si' t>, ui 282 They nuke (heir boftU ihemsMlvra of tree* uid tb« bark of trees. Indians do not DMiry. They Are Tary nn- cbMtr, and fre- qusDllj chaogf UMirwlree. "Who dr the work among the lodlant, and how. Of the hoDies of the lo4l«iM, aud how they ramoT. . There to a Chief orer each tribe of ladiaus. (ndlAnt know little of Ot»d, but hare SreKt fear of the eTi),to whom they evt)D make olfer- 1fig». ■ '^ Nelthw law nor Jiistit-e among the Indiaii:? Their wt'iiiHmii are ttipMw and arrow ; now llicy jt«t fi:>di*n ditnk having no other beverage ; they eat the flesh of all sorts of game that the country v°^^- supplies; even badgers, dogs, eagles, and similar trash, which Christians in no way regard ; these they cook and use uncleai '*d and undressed. Moreover, all sorts of fish ; likewise, snakes, frogs, and sui. . like, which they usually cook * with the offals and entrails. They know, also, hew to preserve fish and meat for the winter in order then to cook them with Indian meal. They make their bread, but of very indifferent quality, of maize, which they also cook whole, or broken in wooden mortars. The women likewise perform this labor and make a pap or porridge, called by some, Sapiit, by others, Duundare,^ which is their daily food ; they mix this, also, thoroughly with little beans, of different colors, raised by themselves ; this is esteemed by them rather as a dainty, than as a daily dish. BY WHOM NEW NETIIERLAND WAS FIRST OCCUPIED, AND HOW FAR ITS BOUNDARIES EXTEND. That New Netherland was first discovered, owned and settled by Netherlands, has already been stated ; but inasmuch as considerable dispute has arisen on this point, not only with the Swedes, who have little pretense, but principally with the English, who have already usurped and settled a great portion thereof; 'twill be, therefore, nocessary to treat of each in particular somewhat more precisely and at large. But inasmuch as divers ingenious persons have treated of this matter in its length and breadth, and as those pretensions are absurd and require but few arguments, we shall dispose thereof as briefly as is in any wise possible. After their (12) High Mightinesses, the Lords States General were pleased, in the year XVP and twenty-two, to include this Province within the Charter of the West India Company, the latter considered it necessary to take complete possession of this naturally beautiful and noble Province ; this, indeed, did follow in course of time, but according as circumstances permitted, as in all beginnings; for since the year of our Lord XVP and twenty-three, four forts have been built there by order of the Lords Majors, one on the south point of Manhattans island, at the junction of the East and North rivers, and named New Amsterdam, where the ' S*|Mi8 seems to be a ■ynonym for Sftp|)«eii : Duundare is "f tlie Iroquois stock, and means, litfrslly, Boiled bread ; from Onnonlara, boiled, and Dalarak, bread. St* FoniMary, m OaU., 824; also, JVaHtactiont of Ntm-York Btknotogical Society, II., 7». — £■>. The cDuntry Is llrsl dtfcorered, tskea p^wseMloc or antt ■rilled bjr NeUiei» Unders. The English hare appropriated a Urge portion of IL Font ft>r1s hare been built there la token of poaeeaaion. ^^fflfs^ 284 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. liup**. staple right of New Nelherland> is designed to be. Another, called Orange, is in the Colonie Renselaerswyck, thirty-six leagues higher up on the west side of the Inst named river, three leagues below the Kahoos, or Great falls of the Mohawk kill; but there never has been, as yet, any difference with foreigners ^'••nVdim""^ a*>out that (North) river. On the South river stands fort Nassou, and on the ri».r. ' " Fresh river, the Good Hope. In these four forts there has always been some garrison from the beginning to the present time, though just now they are all «rT ""Jfoo'r" "2! in « very poor condition, both ns regards themselves and the garrison. "" "*■ These forts, as well north and south, were located not only to close and command the said rivers, but as far as property by occupation extended, to possess as well all the lands comprehended between them as round about them, and on the opposite side of the river; to declare them the Hon. Company's own, and to guard them against all nations whether foreign or indigenous, that would attempt to seize the same against its will and consent. Nevertheless, this has been, but principally on the North east side of New Netherland, in no wise regarded or l^tJ^ThnoZ respected by the English residing to the Eastward; for notwithstanding sufficient possession was already taken by the erection and garrisoning of fort Good Hope, and no neglect to warn them occasionally has occurred, in order to make known our right, and to protest against them for usurpation, force and violence, yet have they, disregarding all this, seized and occupied, and still retain, the largest and best part of New Netherland, to 'x-it : East of the North river, beginning at Cape Cod, named in IGOO by our own people New Holland, (whereof also, •"™.I*,«^^" poss^-ssion was taken, if we are correctly informed,* by the erection of their High New'Kta^dr' "' Mightinesses' arms) down to within six leagues of the North river; for the English have now a village called Stamfort, from which place a man can reach the North river and return home on a Summer's day, according to the knowledge Th. En^iuh .IV acquired of the Indian paths. Again, the English of New Haven have a Tradine post situate to the Last or bouth east of Magdalen island, at no greater distance than six leagues from the North river; for that island lies on the East side of the North river, 23J leagues above p-ort Amsterdam;' and the Trading post is established with no other design than to attract or wholly to destroy the entire trade of the North river, where it now passes down entirely free.' They, moreover, made repeated efforts eight or nine years (1.3) ago, to purchase a large tract of land from the Indians, as we understood from the latter; this would have been rather with a view to attract the trade than anything else, for it was situate on the east side, not more than three or four leagues from the Colonie of Renselaerswyck. These people will now accuse us of this and similar things, all under the pretence of an excessively scrupulous conscience, notwithstanding King James, of most glorious memory, incorporated the Virginia Companies, with a condition ' Soo on« anderi do w»erh«yt bereolit it, The«e words are omitted in th* printed Vtrloogh. ' Magd»I«n island is opposite tli« town of R«d IIooL, Dutches* county. The trading post w«t on the site of the present town uf Springfield, Mass. •The trade on the Rliine and other European rWen, was subject to toll, which system the agents of the Palroon of Renselaerwyck attempted to esUblish also on the Hudson. But the attempt was resisted, and failed. — Ed. Their nt'sii^' Ibu Norib river. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IV. that they must remain apart from each other one hundred miles, according to our reckoning. They are willing to avail themselves of this grant, but in no wise to comply with the terms s'ipulated in the patent. All the islands, bays, harbors, rivers, kills and places, eren a great way on the other side of New Holland or Cape Cod, have Dutch names, which were given them, long before they had any others, by our Dutch navigators and traders when they first began to discover and trade to those parts. The English themselves are well aware of this, but so long as they can manage it, and things get along to their liking, they will not admit the fact; for those of the Fresh river desired to enter into an arrangement, and to pay a yearly acknowledgment, or to purchase the f»^e. This, indeed, is proof positive, that the right is well known to them, and they, themselves, had nothing in conscience against it, though they now from time to time, have forged and invented many things to serve them for a screen or fence, or indeed as a pretext for delay. In like manner those of Rhode Island, when they were at variance with those of the Bay, solicited leave to take shelter under the Dutch, and to be subject to them; there are proofs and documents in abundance, with the Secretary or Directors of the Company, of all these things, and of what we shall relate in the following pages. In short, 'tis thus far with the English, that they are very willing to recognize the Nelherlanders, and make use of them as a cloak in time of need, but again when this is past, they regard them not and make fools of them. This proceeds entirely from having neglected to people the country, or to speak plainer and more correctly, from a desire, through motives of selfishness, to scrape all the fat into one or two pots, and therefore to continue trade, and neglect population. Long Island, which is a crown of the province by reason of its great advantage of excellent bays and harbors as well as convenient and fertile lands, they have also entirely usurped, except Breukelen and Amersfoort, two Dutch villages of little moment on the West end; and some English settlements, such as Gravesend, Greenwich, Mespat whence the people were driven away in the War and which was afterwards confiscated by Director Kieft, but the proprietor appealed and so it yet remains, and there are very few people in the place now. Flushing, which is a handsome village and tolerably stocked with cattle; the fourth and last is Heemstee, which is superior to all the rest, for it is very rich in cattle. But, now. since we have entered on the subject of Long Island, we shall (14) treat of it somewhat more at length, because the English greatly hanker after it. The Ocean on the south, and the East river on the north side form this Island, which, as we have already remarked, is a crown of New Netherland, on account of its convenient position, its suitable harbors, and anchorage grounds. The East river, which separates it from Manhathans Island as far as the Hellgate, is tolerably wide and convenient. Our freemen have resided on that Island down from the very first, according as circumstances permitted. In the year 1640, a Scotchman came to Director Kieft with an English commission, 285 The Virflnlt Com- P*n7 miut remain onii hundred niilet apart fh>m each oih«r. The Ulands and bajri hare Dutch naiuea. Thou nf the Fmb river have offered a yearly aoknowledg- '■nn ■ The orldnat papen and documents re* roatn with the 8ee- reury or Dlrectnn of the Company. Xjnng Island la ■ crown ol New NeUi* erUnd. There are few peo- ple at HvipaL Floshinfr fs a hand- aume towo. Of long Island In particutfj'. n An. 1640, A Scotch- mar came to de- mand Ihl8 Uland. 286 I ForTMler, Dowagnr Blwltnc'i OoTwnrr. NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. and claimed this Islnnd ; but iiis pretension was noi much respected ; he therefore again departed without having accomplished any thing except imposing on the lower classes. Afterwards Director Kieft broke up and scattered the English who were desirous to settle at Oyster bay, and thus it remained for a while at that time. In the year 1647, a Scotchman came here who called himself Captain Forester, and claimed that Island for the Dowager of Starlingh, whose governor he represent'"' himself to be. He had a commission dated in the XVIII'* year of King Jan.^'S, but it was not signed by his Majesty nor by any one else. Dependent from it was an old seal that could not be deciphered. His commission included the entire island, with five leagues around, both mainland and islands. He had also a power of attorney from Maria, Dowager of Stearling, and this was all ; nevertheless, the man was very consequential, and said, on his first arrival, that he came here to see Governor Stuy vesant's commission, and, if it was better than his, he would give way to him; if not, the other must yield. To be brief, the Director took a copy of the papers, and sent the man over in the ship, the Valckenier; but he did not reach Holland, for having touched at England he left the vessel there, and never troubled the Captain. The English have since talked loudly of it, and gave out that he had returned to Boston, but he has not been seen. It is to be feared, were he to come now, that something untoward might really happen, wherefore it would be very wise to hasten ihe redress of New Netherland. OF THK FUESII mVEU. Thr,i|iEngH.h,j.iiii Sometime after the .completion on the Fresh River of Fort Good Hope, which Sn^-Si; *''" ''^^un in the year 1623, an English schooner arrived there, but Jacob van Curler, the Company's Commissary, protested against it by order of the Director Wouter van Twiller; yet notwithstanding this protest, they came there about a year or two afterwards with some (15) families, whereupon another protest IX '??r*"p''r...«u, *"»■ "•^'■ved on them; but it was very evident that these people cared very little "f fvThBitrr."*' for It, for, notwithstanding repeated protests to the contrary, they finally invaded and usurped the entire Fresh river, and finally sunk so low in shamelessness as to have seized in the year 1640, the Company's lands around the fort. And when this was protested against, they paid no attention to it. They have proceeded iUrVW^a'X! «'«'" further, and have severely beaten the Company's people with sticks and *Bpftm«'i.*""'"* clubs, and when the 1 tier were on their land for the purpose of working, forcibly thtcw their plow and other implemeuti into the river and impounded the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 287 horses.' The same thing occurred repeatedly afterwards, and they also took up the hogs and cows belonging to the Fort, and even frequently sold some of them, ThjEngiuhMUour for damages as they say. Protests have been made against all these acts and each of them in particular, but they were mocked at; sundry very severe letters were written to their Governors in Latin on this subject, minute or copy whereof remains with the Company's officers, who can furnish a fuller account of this affair; but all opposition was vain; for they having now a smack of the excellence and convenience of this river, and remarking the difference between the land there and that more easterly, will not consent to go back, nor easily p* Engii"i>^ !"»• ^ D * z the land, and will submit to their High Mightinesses' protection unless respectfully invited thereunto, ''°' "*"' *° ''"*• which it was desirable might have happened from the first. OF THE DUTCH TITLE TO THE FRESH RIVER. In the beginning, before th^^ English were ever spoken of, our people, as we find it written, first carefully explored and discovered the northern parts of New Netherland and some distance on the other side of Cape Cod. And even planted an ensign on, and took possession of Cape Cod not only trafficked at the Fresh river, but had also ascended it before any English people had ever dreamed of coming there; the latter arrived there for the first time in the year 163G, after our Fort Good Hope hud been a long time in existence, niid almost all the land on both sides of the river had been bought by our people from the Indians, which purchase took place principally in the year 1632 ; and Kievjts hook* was purchased at that time also by one Hans Eencluys, an ollieer of the Company. The States' arms were also affixed at this Hook (16) to a tree in token of possession, but the English, who still occupy the Fresh river. Join 'ifil!?' ii*^ Anno 1614, our traders ?»' i»"p'« ""' look [HMMMion of the counirj, aofi koughl couidMnbl* of It. threw them down, and engraveJ a fool's face in their stead. Whether this wos .nJ •ngrsTtd It 111. 1 ■ I I I < 1 . tnoV\ flue lu their done by authority or not, we can not say ; such is probable, and no other than an n«»- affirmative opinion can be entertained ; this much has come to pass — they have been informed of it in various letters, which never produced any result ; but they have in addition, contra jut gcniium jterjiu et nrjiu, invaded the whole, because, as they say, the land lay unoccupied and waste, which was none of their business, and, besides, was not true ; fur on the river a fort had been already erected, which ' The fullowiaft eitr* t irom the Culoaitl RMorde uf Conneeliout illuitratM the Kit : — "Hirtford June ii. 1640. WhcreMllii* !>uUjli entle ai^ im|>ouiid*>l fur trMpwuingthe Rngliihmen'ecuriin, It it tliti judgment of the I'ouiia thnt lh<' Diitchinen ehall he iiiacle •R<|n*inteil wth the treepaue, and iatlefaotioa demandad, the wph if they refute to |iajr, thu Caltle are to li« keple in the |Hiiind three dajtat, and then to b« prjted A told, and the tr«e|>at>e to ^t• tttiaflod, tii){*thfr with the chard^e uf iinpoiinding, keeoaing i tandiiig tba uid catlii n- lliitM» iipnrntafh '»n Ihr I *ni1, iiHin^tTpr ill* i*m'<1 i*T^r> !»">• Ir I, in'! Jintir* II i*r>iBt>IVf« t>y •lib* '^rfUfMu OK THE ItODENUKlUHI, BY THE ENGLISH CALLED NEW HAVEN; AND OP OTHER PLACES OF MINOU IMPORTANCE. All the villages settled by the p:ngllsh from New Holland or Cape Cod unto Stamford, within the Dutch limits, amount to about thirty, and maybe estimated at nearly five thousand persons capable of bearing arms; their cattle, including cows and horses, are computed at thirty thousand; their goats and hogs cannot be stated ; it is impossible to ascertain precisely both the one and the other, for there are divers places which cannot well be put down as villages, and yet are beginnings of them. Among the whole of these, the Uodenbergh or New Haven is the principal; it has a (Jovernor, contains about thirteen hundred and forty families, and is a province or member of New England, there being four in ail. ( 17) This place was begun eleven years ago, in the year 163S, and they have since hived further out and formed Milford, Stratford, Stamford, and the Trading House already referred to. Director Kiefl hath caused divers protests, both in Latin and other languages, to be served on these people, commanding them by virtue of his commissions, in the name of ihe Lords States Oeneral, his Serene Highness of Orange, and the Honorable Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, to desist from their proceedings and usurpations, and in cane of refusal, warning them thereby that satisfaction should be required of them, some time or other, according as circumstances might allow; but it was knocking at a deaf man's door, for they did not heed it, nor give it any attention; but, on the contrary, had recourse to several subterfuges, circumstances, false pretences anlonli*u ftt the Whore Kill, lh« Oolonl*. for a time, •toad Hill. The SwedMi ereet fun ICtetDburgh. The Swodn hen no right to tlie iottth nrer. DIrart placet on the South river in pea- aeaaioD of ov peo- ple. The Swerf^ eooM mi«ni»M on the i><>uih rtT» i;i Swediah hiatury for tha lauding of (it arua Vaa*, in 1 ft'.'O, when about to delirar bia country from tlx d.-.u-JBation of forei^ ten. — Ki>. 1 ~1 292 The Bwedn protest- ed agtlnat, and the SlaWi' Amu hi up. The Swedes throw down tlw SlatoA AruM. Tb« Ooi M>^'?.T'» •«•- ▼anta t^a fnmleh fbtler Informallnnon the proceedinga of the bwedva. The Enitllah ex|iel- led from ilie buuib tint. Tlie English again hanker after (be South rlTer. TtaeDlrerloradonot people 11, but ot>- atruci papulation. The Hrlhi-rlandori rt-qiK-ai a piare >*n the tlouth rlviT, but In Talo. NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Bubterruges in explanation; nevertheless, some presumed that such was their design. The third time, 'twas clearly seen by the building of a fort, what their design and intention were. Director Kieflt, on obtaining information of the matter, protested, but in vain. It was their determination not to depart thence, as the sequel of the matter clearly and plainly showed. As a proof of this, the arms of their High Mightinesses were erected above Machihachansio,' at the Sankikans,'' by order of Director Kieft, in token that the river with all the adjoining countries and circumjacent lands and superficies were under the control and in the possession of their High Mightinesses. But what fruit did that bear, save lasting scorn and decreased respect? For the Swedes with insufferable insolence, have thrown them down, and so 'tis allowed to remain; and 'tis considered, especially by the Governor, a brilliant achievement. 'Tis true that several protests were made both against this and other matters that occurred, but they produced as little effect as the flight of a crow (21) overhead, and it is to be feared that if this Governor had an adequate force, there would have been more mad freaks with him than with the English or any of their Governors. And this is, in brief, the case of the Swedes ; the Company's officers ought to be able to make a pertinent report on the subject, as they have in their possession all the papers and documents, to which and to the journals, we refer. The English have also sought at divers times and places to annex this river, leing, as they say, the nearest to it ; but they have been prevented hitherto in this, by divers protests, and also by their being expelled by force, well knowing I hat if they but once happen to settle there, the river would be lost, or cause considerable trouble; for they would swarm to it in great numbers. It is currently reported here every day, and we are informed, that the English will soon repair thither with several families. 'Tis to be borne in mind, that if these people come to settle there, they will so rapidly spread themselves over every place, that shortly neither Dutch nor Swedes will have much to say there; at least, there will be a risk of losing the river, in whole or in part, if some particular precaution be not taken ; and this, then, would be the fruit of want of population; yet with all, the Directors of the Company have not to this day paid any attention or regard, worth mentioning, to the matter. Tl.ough it has been communicated to them fully and by divers letters, they have been a serious obstruction and an impediment; for it fares with this as with the rest — Greed hath befooled Wisdom ; for the report now prevails that the English will build a village and trading house there : and, in truth, if they begin, there is no one here on the part of the Company who can prevent them, or apparently offer them much opposition. And not longer ago than last year, divers freemen, among whom were even some of ourselves, and all of whom without exception had or could have good employers in Fatherland, requested liberty to make a settlement there; to wit, a trading house, some bouweries^ and plantations, on condition ' Or Mitgnhifutthou, of tho Dutch Miir i; auppftaed to be llio creek at liurdentown, N. J. • Tronton FnlU. Aeflius Uittori/ uf Xtw Swtdtn. ' Here sgnin the word ii, incorrectly, Brouwrytn, in !!i>- VrtoogK — V.o, HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. ' and provided some suitable Freedoms and Exemptions were granted ; but this the General refused, saying, he could not do it as he had no order nor instructions to that effect from the Hon"* Lords Majors; but if they chose to make a beginning there, without Freedoms or such \\ke, that could in some respect be done. And when we represented to his Honor that such were oifered us by the neighbors all round, if we would only declare our willingness to acknowledge ourselves members of their government, and that this place ran a thousand dangers from the Swedes and English ; his Honor replied, that he well knew it, and that it was as we represented, whereof in fact he was fully aware. Reason was on our side, but the instructions he had from his superiors were such that he could not justify it before them. Now we are blind in these matters, but one of (22) two things must be true ; either it must be the fault of the Director or of the Company, or of both. Whichsoever be the case, the one shifts the blame on the other, and between them, all runs to ruin. Strangers possess the land and fare right well, and mock us if we say any thing. They enjoy free Privileges and Exemptions, the like of which, were our Netherlanders to possess, they would (with God's lelp, without which we can do nothing) doubtless flourish as well as, if not better, than the English. Therefore, the Company, or its servants, have been, up to this time, the obstruction and the cause that the country does not make greater progress. It is not to be expected that 'twill fare any better, but much worse whilst it is under their control, such is their greediness and misgovernment ; but the right time to treat of this matter is not yet arrived. 29a TheDlrralorblamM the Company for tho want of population* Straneen mjoy FreatloiDi and i'rlv- ileget. Then la no hope lh^t 'twill fare bet ttT with tliti country io t(U)K as it is tut^* )ecl to Uia Company. OF THE CONVENFENOE AND EXCELLENCE OP THE WATEIW. There are, in New Four chief riyam in Now NallwrlaiHi. Having treated of the situation of the land and its boundaries, and having spoken, consequently, of the location of the rivers, it will not be foreign to our purpose to add a word respecting the goodness and convenience of the waters, which are salt, brackish and fresh, according to their locality Motherland, four principal rivers; the most southerly is commonly called the South river, the bay, before entering the river, Godyn's bay ; the river is so named not because its course is south, but because it is the most southerly river of New Netherland. It is immediately south of another, which is also the principal and best as regards trade and population, and is called Uio Montanjes, on account of some mountains, or Mauritius' river, commonly the North river, because its course is mainly, and for a great distance, towards the north. The third is the East rivku, so named because it stretches East from the Manatluins. This is Tim Ea>i nrpr, to . , pallwl b«cau8e It esteemed by many not a river but a bay, because tis very wi>Je in some places, uns east .nj w«i. and opens at both ends into the sea. We, however, consider it a river, and it is •■% ! '■■: I 894 NE W.YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ifr Many ilrMRM II lo •reel isllta oo> A f rati muy lbnn> Ulu and wellt !■ Now KnUlwIind, •onie of wblch •moke Ir winter (torn hf at, and are right ootd In turn* New NetherUod Yield* tn DO pror- laoe in Europe. New NetkerloHl Ij well suited Mr irad*. New Nelherland ean be very pruHla- bie heroanrr lo the Metlierlaud uatlou, Thanki lo Ood Ibr having laTorrd the Nrlherlaiid nation Willi tliii oounirjr. generally so reckoned. The fourth \a the Fresh river, because its water is, for the most part, fresh, more so than that of the others. In addition to these rivers, there are still many and various bays, harbors and inlets, very convenient and useful, some of which fully deserve the name of rivers. Tnere is also abundance of lakes, some large, some small, besides navigable kills, which are very like rivers, and multitudes of creeks very useful for navigating over all parts of the country, as the (23) Map of New Netherland will demonstrate to us. There are, besides, many and various waterfalls and streams adapted for the erection of all sorts of mills for man's use, and innumerable small rivulets and brooks throughout the whole land, as arteries through a body; the water of all is fresh, except of some few at the sea side which are salt and fresh, or brackish, all very good drink for wild and domestic animals ; discharging their surplus waters into the rivers or into the sea. In addition to all these, there are fountains and springs, innumerable, every where throughout the country, even at places where they would not be expected, as on ciifTs and rocks, from which they burst forth like water spouts; and some are of such a nature that they are worthy attention, not only because they are all, except those in the thickets, very clear and pure, but many have this peculiarity, that in the winter they smoke from heat, and in summer are so cool that even in the hottest part of the season the hand can, with difficulty, tolerate them on account of the cold. And this circumstance renders them very pleasant for the service of man and beast, by whom they can be used without danger; for should any one drink thereof, it does him no harm, even though it be very warm weather. This much being stated regarding the property, convenience, goodness and fertility of this province, in which respects it need not yield, as far as our limited experience extends, to any province in Europe ; and as relates to trade, wherein Europe, and especially Netherland, excels, this province not only lies very convenient and suitable for it, but were thef'? only population, would be found to have exported more ommodities by and of itself to other countries than it need to import from elsewhere. These being considered, 'twill be very little labor for the intelligent to estimate and to compute exactly what importance this naturally noble province is to the Netherland nation, what service it might herearier be to if, and what a refuge' it would be for all the needy in Netherland, as well of high and middle as of low degree, for it is much easier for people of industry to obtain a living here than in Netherland. We cannot sufficiently thank the Fountain of all (ioodness for having conducted us into so good, so fertile and so wholesome a land, which we, however, did not deserve, on account of our manifold sins exceedingly increased by us every day in this country. We a; . also beholden, in the highest degree, to the Indians, who not only surrendered this rich and fertile country, and for a trifle made it over to us, but did, over and above, also enrich us with their valuable and mutual trade, so that there is none in New Netherland, or trading to that country, but is under obligation therby. Great is our shame now, and fortunate should we be did we duly acknowledge this benefit, and in return for what the Indians had shared with ui of their substance, endeavor, as much as in us lay, to divide with them HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IV. 295 the Good Eternal. It is to be (24) feared that for this injury they will stand up against us at the last day. Lord of Hosts! Torgive us that we have not hitherto comported ourselves better in this matter ; but grant us the means and direct our hearts that we in future duly acquit ourselves herein unto the salvation of our own and their souls, and the glorifying of Thy Holy name, for Christ his sake, Amen. 'Tis respectfully submitted that the trouble which will attend the adjustment of the boundaries, and the expenses to be incurred at first for the increase of the population of this Country ought to be disregarded, and it ought to be borne in mind that beginnings are difficult, and that sowing would be irksome were men not comforted by reaping. We trust and are confident that your High Mightinesses' very great experience will accomplish this belter than we are able to suggest; but it may probably appear strange to your High Mightinesses and some other friends before whom this may come, that we speak so highly as we do, and as we know to be true, of this place, and yet complain of its indigence and poverty and beseech help, assistance, redress, diminution of burdens, population and other similar benefits for it, and show that it is in a poor and ruinous condition ; yea, so low, that unless it receive especial aid and assistance it will utterly fall away and be ruled by foreigners. It becomes therefore incumbent to point out the true reason and cause why New IVetherland is in its present low condition, which we shall do as correctly, minutely and truthfully as will be in any wise possible, according to the facts as we have seen, found and heard them ; but as this relation not only will call forth and experience much opposition and reproach, as it will greatly excite many against it, we therefore most humbly pray your High Mightinesses and all well wishers whom this may reach, not to allow the truth to yield to falsehoods, previously trumped up and invented ; and not to admit any evidence against it, except of such impartial persons as have not either direcHy or indirectly been injuriously affected by, nor had a hand in, the ruin of New Netherland, nor are otherwise under obligation to it. And with this observation, we proceed to the reasons and sole cause of the evil, which we truly, though briefly and indistinctly set forth in the beginning of our petition to your High Mightinesses. The expente and trouble of eetlllnf the iKiondary muH be dtin-Kerdrd end the COR' equencM oonildered. The relation of the rvarone and eaaeea of the low condition of New Nelherlaod will Irritate and b« haleftd to manjr. 4 * (25) OF THE REASONS AND CAUSE OP THE GREAT DECAY OF NEW NETHERLAND. As we shall treat of the reasons and causes by which New Netherland has been reduced to its present low and ruinous condition, so we consider it necessary Grst to enumerate them separately ; and, in accordance with our daily experience ns far as our knowledge extends, we here assert in one word, and none better offers, 296 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ui.** r^n'*""™.!? that the cause is bad government with its attendants and consequences. With " ""' ■ our best light we cannot perceive any other than this to be the sole and true ?i^w%'hOTTan"' ta fou" with lb« Cumpanj. regards the South r /er, and in the meanwhile have foreigners intruded there, and nothing has been done except a prohibition and protest against it. Nothing else could well be done, for the garrisons are not sent out complete agreeably to ^he ittuit or New the Exemption, so that the fault of New Netherland's low condition lies as much at the door of Fatherland, as of this place ; yea, the seed of the war was, according to Director Kiefl, first sown in Fatherland, for he said that he had express order to exact the contribution from the Indians ; this would have been very good, had the country been peopled, but in this int. .mce it was premature. Trade, without which, when lawful, no country prospers, has also fallen off so i>((iiini»te trad* in J r r ^,^ Nt-Uitrland It much in consequence of the Company's acts, that it is without a parallel, and more ^ jju"" '•t ""• slavish than free, owing to high duties and all the inspections and trouble that accompany it. We highly approve of inspection according to the orders given by i!nug^'S^,'fo7**J the Company to its officers, and so far as 'tis done to check smugglers, who have Milnto™"'"' "" ruined the country, and now go out from all parts; but it ought, nevertheless, be executed without partiality, which is not always the case. The duty is high; of inspection and seizures there is no lack, and thus lawful trade is turned aside, except some little which is carried on on\y pro formd, in order to push smuggling under this cloak. Meanwiiile the Christians are treated almost like Indians in Christiana an treat- ed almost like lo- the purchase of necessaries which they cannot do without; this causes great ""*"•• complaint, distress and poverty. Thtis, for example: — the merchants sell their dry goods, which are subject to little loss, at a hundred per cent advance, and that freely, according as there is a demand for, or scarcity of this or that article; (27) petty traders who bring small lots and others who speculate, buy up those goods from the merchants, and sell them again to the common people who cannot do without them, often at another advance of cent per cent, more or less, according as they are persuaded or disposed. More is (aken on liquors which are subject to considerable leakage, and those who purchase such from them, pursue a course similar to that <>tated of the dry goods, and generally with so much shrewdness, oooda >re aoid in that the goods are disposed by the first, second and third hands, at an advance of oueTtwo ud'thrM ., , III- -ii/- hundred per oeot one and two hundred, and more per cent. It would be impossible for us to •druutt. enumerate all the practices that are had recourse to, for the purpose of promoting self or individual interest; whilst little thought is bestowed on introducing people into *he country. We intended to be silent. But the people have, moreover, bee driven away by harsh and unwarrantable proceedings ; their Honors, however, authorized this, for they instructed Director Kiefl to pick out faults The Dirw-tort order ' ' that > partial ihonkl where none existed, and to Kin ;ider a partial, as a complete, error and SO forth, has also been seen how the letters of the Eight Men have been treated, and the [5;^^,,. result; besides miiny additional orders and instructions which are not known to us, and are alike ruinous: but laying this aside for the present, with a word now and again by way of remark, let us proceed to examine how their servants, and the Directors and their friends, have fattened here from time to time, having played with their employers and the people as *.he cat plays with the mouse would, indeed, be very easy to give an account of t from the beginning, but as the most of us were not here at that time, and Vol. I. 38 J^ be c maidered u a aompltite error, ami trare«l the It The Directora play with Uirlr luiulera •ir management and course "t"wau"i'mmJ?. ' I: 898 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. The innirt of Klefl'a xlmlnlUralloB uill continnw. The DIraeInn •<)- Tanoe their own, under the pretence or the pabllc inter- The DIreeton pley the ibiolut* muter. Slrednr Kleft K"e out here that ho waa BoTeretgn, anil had finreretgn power here anperior to the Gumpany. Btnrreaant alao re- Aiaaa appeal. gtiymanl tppliea to hlmieir the maxlni. The Frtnce la abore the law. T)i» i-loao of DlrM- tnr Kieft'a adminU- Iraiion llliutnted bj examplca. consequently not eye witnesses, and as it was long ago and has partially escaped recollection, and did not seem to us so bad as afterwards when land was granted free, and the freemen began to increase, we shall therefore pass over the beginning, and let Mr. Lubbert van Dinglagen, Vice-Governor of New Netherland, describe the administration of Director Wouter van Twiller, with which he is known to be conversant, and treat only of the two last sad and senseless extravagances — we should say, administrations — of Director Kieft, which is now in truth past, but its evil consequences remain ; and of Director Stuyvesant, which still stands, if that can be said to stand which lies completely prostrate. The Directors in this country being at a distance from their masters, looked close to their own advantage. They have always known how to manage their own affairs handsomely, with little loss to thembelves, yet under plausible pretexts, such as public interest, &c. They have also comported themselves just as if they were Sovereigns of the country; as they would have it, so must it always be, and as they desired it, so it was. " The Board of Managers," say they, "are, indeed, masters in Fatherland, but we are masters in this land. As they decide, so 'twill go; there is no appeal." And it has not been difficult for them hitherto to put this in practice ; for the people were few, and the majority of these (28) very simple and uninformed; they, moreover, had business with the Directors every day, and if there were any men of intelligence among them, who could walk on their own feet, efforts were made to conciliate these. It was impossible at first fully to comprehend their policy, which was always artful and insidious, especially as it was so often successful in this respect, and had sometimes quite a long duration. Director Kieft himself said, and allowed others to repeat it, that in this country lie was Sovereign and the same ns the Prince in Netherland. He was told so repeatedly here, and never made any particular objection to it. The refusal of appeal and other such acts, prove it so conclusively, that, in our opinion, it does not require any further evidence. This present Director does, also, the same thing, for he too was quite at home in refusing appeals. He also quotes right readily this maxim, " The Prince is above the law," and applies it to his own case with so much arrogance, as to make even himself ashamed. These Directors, then, having the power in their own hands, could do, and did whatever they chose, according to their good will and pleasure, and whatever was, mubt be right, because it was agreeable to them. 'Tis well known that those who arrogate to themselves, and exercise power, for the purpose of issuing such commands as they please, frequently command and require more than they really ought ; and whether it he proper or not, there are always some persons there to praise it; some through a desire to witness and abet evil; others, from fear; and thus do people still continue to complain, with Jan Vergas, de clemenlia ducit, of the clemency of the Duke. But that we may give no one reason to suspect that we blow too hard, 'twill be proper to illustrate the close of Director Kieft's administration, and the government of Director Stuyvesant a little before our departure by a few examples, but we willingly admit, that it will not be in our power lully to relate all the particulars, as they HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 299 were transacted so oeeretly, and with so much duplicity and guile. We shall, however, expose some of them according to our ability, and let an opinion be formed of the Lion by his paw. Casting our eye, then, over Director Kieft's administration, we come first to the Church, and we shall speak, after that, of the public property, both ecclesiastical and civil. But as this man is now dead, and some of his proceedings and acts are freely discussed by Jochem Pieterss Cuyter and Cornells Molyn, we shall dispose of this point as curtly as we possibly can. Previous to Director Kieft's bringing the unnecessary war upon the country, his principal aim and object were to take good care of himself, and to leave behind him a great name, but without any expense either to himself or the Company; for he has never yet done anything remarkable for the country by which it was improved. With that view he considered the erection of a Church very necessary, being a public work, the rather as it was in contemplation at that time to build (29) a place of worship in llenselaerswyck. Bearing this in mind, he communicated his views to the church wardens, of whom he himself was one, who readily approved of and praised the project. The place where it should stand was then discussed. The Director wished, and insisted that it should be located in the fort, where it was erected in spite of the others. And truly, the location is as suitable as a fifth wheel to a coach ; for, besides being small, the fort lies on a point, which would be of more importance in case of population ; the Church, which ought to be owned by the people who defrayed the expense of its construction, intercepts and turns aside the Southeast wind from the gristmill which stands in that vicinity ; and this is also one of the causes why a scarcity of bread prevails frequently in summer for want of grinding. But this is not the sole cause ; for the mill is neglected, and having been leaky most of the time, it has become decayed and somewhat rotten, so that it cannot now work with any more than two arms, and has gone on thus for all of five years. But, returning to the Church from which the gristmill has for the moment diverted us; the Director concluded, then, to have one built and on the spot which he preferred. He lacked money ; and where was this to be got? It happened, about this time, that Everardus Bogardus, the clergyman, gave in marriage a daughter, by his first wife. The Director thought this a good time for his purpose, and set to work after the fourth or fifth drink ; and he himself setting a liberal example, let the wedding guests sign whatever they were disposed to give towards the Church. Each, then, with a light head, subscribed away at a handsome rate, one competing with the other; and although some heartily repented it when their senses came back, they were obliged, nevertheless, to pay; nothing could avail against it. The Church, then, was located in the fort, in opposition to every one's opinion. The honor and ownership of that work must be inferred from the inscription, which, in our opinion, is somewhat ambiguous, and reads thus: Anno, 1642. Willem Kieft, DiaECTBUE Generael, heeft de gemeente dcten temple doen bouwen. But, laying that aside, the people, nevertheless, paid for the church. or the Church nnd •cclftiastlcal pru- p«rly. TTnne<uth"n>"i'fi.m!t'' ill- III Ihlog more. attention to the public property, and see how the money has from lime to time been employed according to the placards. If we are correctly informed, and have fully investigated and examined all these, we cannot ascertain or find that any thing — we say any thing — big or little, worth m. ioning, was done, built or constructed, during Director Kiell's administration, in which the people were "oihint .lone r.i ■^ ' ■ ih»|i«»pl*liiKiV«««et It irorte Iti that r*> tpect than KlefU 11 •> t Th« TwelT© and Eltcht mctn have The Plrecit)r« give out (hut thty are Soreri-ignt, Bocuntft every one Uy at ihe Hirrctnr'i dnnr the bloo i*e!ttl>ineni aol •nUraly ma>A-eut. NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ( 34 ) THE ADMINISTRATION OF DIRECTOR KIEFT IN PARTICULAR. SuflRcienl has been said relative to what Director Kieft hath done in civil and ecclesiastical matters ; whether buildings, resources or revenues. It remains for us to visit the Council chamber and bring out some specimens, according to our promise. Herein we shall also study conciseness. The Council consisted, then, of Director Kieft and Monsieur La Montangie; thd Director had two votes and Mr. La Montangie one; and yet 'it was a high crime to appeal from their judgments. Cornells van der Hooykens sat with them as Fiscal, and Coruelis van Thienhoven as Secretary. And, moreover, whenever anything extraordinary came up, the Director had a few additional invited, according to his pleasure ; these were mostly ofticers of the Company. This, however, happened but seldom, yet it produced dissatisfaction. Neither the Twelve men nor the Eight after them, had voif"c or opinion in cases before the court ; they were chopen in view of the war and some other occurrences, in order to serve as a cloak and a catspaw. In other respects, they were of no consideration, and little regarded when they proposed anything in opposition to the views of the Director, who imagined himself, or would fain persuade others, that he was Sovereign and that it was absolutely in his power to do, or to permit, everything; and he heeded little that the safety of the People was the supreme law, as was clearly manifest in the ./ar; although an effort was made by subterfuges and piles of certificates and petitions, to shove the respo isibi'ity on others, when the spit was turned into the ashes. But this was done because things went too far, and every one laid the damage and bloodshed at his door. La Montangie said that he protested against it, but that he was mixed up with it against his will and to his deep regret ; and afterwards, when it did take place, that he pretended to assist to the best of his ability. Secretary Cornelia van Tienhoven also says, he had scarcely any hmd in it a.id that he had done nothing in the premises except by the express order of the Director ; but this was not believed, lor thtre are some who heard Ln Montangie say, that had not the Secretary brought a false report, the affair would have never happened. There are also some others who know it, and almost every one believes it, to be ■0, and indeed it seems v?ry likely. No confidence was placed in Fiscal Van der Hooykenx in consequence of his drinking, in which all his science consisted; neither had he any experience in this country, and at Mie commencement, frequently cursed the wai as being against his wiiL so that the responsibility remains and must test with the Director and Secretary Thienhoven. To Cie Director was intrus.ed the supreme authority; did any one advise (U5) him to the country's ruin, he must not follow such advice, and afterwards endeavor to throw the blame off his shoulders on people who will ;>x,.U8o themselves although they are, in our opinion, rot wholly blameless. We believe the war to havo been caused by the exaction of the cuutributioii, lor which the Director said he HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. had the order of the Mnjores, and by Lis own imprudent expeditions, which manifested themselves chiefly in the mysterious toast; but there are friends whom this ciosaly concerns and who have already undertaken it. We shall leave the matter to them, and give a lew specimens of his aspirations after sovereignty, omitting several others for the sake of brevity. At this point we are met by one Franciscus Douthy, an English clergyman here, and one Arnoldus van Hardenbergh, a free mercnant, also of this place; but as this will probably come before your High Mightinesses in full session, in tlie cases in which they appear, we shall give merely a sumn iry of them. This clergyman, Franciscus Douthy, came to New lingland at the commencement of the troubles in England, in order to escape them, and found that lie had got out of the frying pan into the fire. He betook himself, inconsequence, under the protection of the Netherlaoders, in order that he may, according to the Dutch reformation, enjoy freedom of conscie-ice, which he unexpectedly missed in New England; and the Director granted i;nd conveyed to him an absolute patent, with manorial privileges. He added some families now to his r.ettlement, in the course of one year; but the war breaking out, they were all driven off their lands, with the loss of some people, and the destruction of many cattle, of almost all their houses, and whatever they had ; they returned a while after that, and having consumed more than they knew how to obtain, they came to tl ^ Manathans, whither all the refugees at that time fled, and Master Douthy was minister there. After the flame of war had died away, and peace had been concluded, in such a manner, however, that no one had much reliance on it, some returned again totl.eir land. The Director would fain see this man go back to his land, in order that evpntiihjr wiiold hHve MfMpaUi p»t>- itlt'I'^ U LintiMd wr'Init Ui« mlnUltr DouUiy. Orth«alntil«PolMM tn lb* ground ))rieflk Tbrre U * ooDtn- dlcttoQ in one knd tha Mine piltnu the game was repeated ; it was a high crime ; the Fiscal made great pretence and a judgment was pronounced, the contents whereof were as follows: — "Having •' seen the written demanu of Fiscrl Van der Hoeikens of and against Arnoldus " van Hardenburch, and that in relition to the appeal from our judgment, dated •• 28"" April last, as appears by the signature of the above named A. van •♦ Hardenberch, from which judgment no appeal can lie, as the commission of •• their High Mightinesses the Lords States General and his Highness of Orange, " proves to him ; therefore, the Director General and Council of New Netherland, '♦ regarding the dangerous consequences which tend to the injury of the supreme •' authority of the magistracy of this country, condemn the aforesaid Arnoldus •'van Hardenberch in the fine of 25 guilders, payable immediately, or to be •' imprisoned until the fine be paid, as an example to others." If the lion be now known by his paw, it can be seen that these people make nothing of the name of your High Mightinesses, His Highness of Orange, the honor of the magistracy, and have used the words, dangerous consequences, an example to others and more of the like description, in order to play off their own personages therewith. We "la/e, therefore, placed this act alongside of that perpetrated against the MinisUir Douthy ; and many more such pieces, or similar ones, are to be found in the record, if the entries be not altered, which is gravely suspected, as alterations have been sometimes seen in them. It is, then, sufficiently apparent, that pretty much every thing has gone amiss, and herewith shall we quit the subject, and pass on to Director Stuyvesant's administration, with a word, however, first regarding the clause sinisterly introduced into the patents, as the sequel will enable one easily to determine. For by the patents absolute conveyance was granted to the people who then thought all vas safe, and that they were masters of what they possessed. The patents were next called In, on pretence that something had been forgotten in them ; but it was not so, only 'twas imagined that something had been surrendered in the grant, and therefore a clause was added to the patents, which were signed anew ; this con"'".t8 directly with the patent, so that without distorting its tenor in the least, ihere is now a contradiction in one and the some patent; for the old deeds read thus: — "And they enter on the laud and valleys which appertain thereunto of old." And the clause says, — No valley to be used before the Company; which can easily use all of it and have their competency. (37) Another clause is usually inserted in the patents, which is objected to by every one, to wit : That they must be subject to all burthens which are already, or shall hereafter be imposed. — That can be carried out ad infinitum, and it has already been enforced against divers inhabitants, and has discouraged others from undertaking anything on cuch conditions. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 807 THE ADMINISTRATION OF DIRECTOR STUYVESANT, IN PARTICULAR. We sincerely wish we were already through this administration, for it hath heen heavy upon us, and we are conscious of our feeble power ; we will, nevertheless, wake a beginning, and as we have already treated of the public property, ecclesiastical and civil, we shall examine into the administration of justice and the rendering of judgment between man and man, and demonstrate, as with a finger, in the first place, the manner of the Director and Council. As regards the Director, his manner in court has been, from his first arrival unto this tin-.e, to browbeat, dispute with and harass one of the two ptirties ; not as beseemeth a judge, but like a zealous advocate. This has caused great discontent every where, and has gone so far and had such an effect on some, that many dare not bring any suits before the court, if they do not stand well, or passably so, with the Director ; for, whom he opposeth hath both sun and moon against him. In addition to the fact that he hath himself appointed and obliged so many Councillors, some of whom also are well disposed, so that he can constrain the others by plurality of votes, he likewise frequently submits his opinion in writing, and that so fully and so amply that it takes up some side, and then his word is: "Gentlemen, this is my opinion; if any one have aught to object to it, let him express it." If any one, then, on the instant, offer objection, which is not very easy unless he be well grounded, his Honor bursts forth, incontinently, into a rage and makes such a to-do that it is dreadful ; yea, he frequently abuses the Councillors as this and as that, in foul language better befitting the fishmarket than the Council board ; and if all this be tolerated, he will not be satisfied until he have his way. To prove this by example and certificates, though possible, would, however, carry us to too great a length. But, we all say and affirm, that such has, from the commencement, heen and still continues daily to be, the common practice, and that this is the conduct and bearing in the Council of the Director who is president and head thereof. Let us now, also, cursorily speak of each of the other Councillors. Lubhert van Dinklagen, the Vice- Governor, hath 'oi' a long time exhibited great dissatisfaction, and on several occasions, and for diver!? matters, (39) hath protested against the Director and his appointed Council, but it is only of late, after some others had offered opposition. He had been previously so inlluenced by fear that he durst not oppose the Director, but was obliged to let many things take their course and submit to them, to which, he afterwards declared, he had great objection because they were unjust, but he saw no other way to secure peace; for the Director himself said, in Council, that he would treat him worse than Wouter van Twilltr had ever done, if he would not obey his wishes. This man is then overruled. Let us now proceed further. Monsieur La Montanie had been in the Council in Kieft's time, and was then, by many, greatly suspected ; he hath no commission from Fatherland ; was, also, driven off his land by the war ; is BlujTTmnt'i idmln- iitntioD beare btrd OD the tnbabiunu. SlnyTfMnl utt lh« advocsle and n J1 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) "/ ^ A •^ 2e 1.0 1.1 11.25 ^1^ 1^ lit lU IM i.4 ?.2 "2.0 I 1.6 PhotogTdphic Sciences Corporation ^jk ^ ^ v^ 4^^. ^ <> 7i WIST MAIN STREIT WIISTIR.N.Y I4SSC (716) t72-4S03 812 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. a Order of the Dirco- lor» to sell powder •nd Icid. Prnoefid Inn against Jacob Keyniirns HDil Jacob Bchor- inerhuorn. Proerrdlni^ agalnil JooatTbeuniaBack- rmmcdlnga aitalnai Pleter van dor Lin- den. Plarard (hf lh» pro- iMtloo of aril doera. The Director l«rl|iht nuiy to cunllKala. " is part owner of ships, a merchant and a trader both in lawful and contraband " articles." The Director, however, disregards what is said, and exhibits the Company's order for so doing, adding that he should leceive by the Volckenitr a supply of powder and lead for this purpose. In fine, he who forbids the trade to others on pain of death, will carry it on himself, both covertly and publicly, and desires, contrary to all sound principles, that his example shall not be followed. And if others happen to follow it, which indeed is too often secretly the case, then away v/ith such people to the gallows. This have we witnessed in the case of Jacob Ryntgens and Jacob van Schermerhoren, who were capitally prosecuted for this ofience, and a great deal of difficulty was experienced before they could be got off, and even then they were banisned as felons and their property was confiscated. By the repeated interposition of several worthy citizens, the banishruent was revoked, bat the pioperty which was somewhat considerable, they being importers, remained confisraied. We cannot refrain from relating here what happened to one Joost Theuniss: Backer, as he has complained to us that his case was one of gross injustice, which it indeed is. For the man, being an honest Burgher here, of good repute, though moderate means, was thrust into prison, cind charges raked up against him from every hole and corner, on the intbrtnation of one of the Company's servants, who, according to the statement of the General and Council, had richly merited the gallows three times, and for whom even a new one had been erected, which, however, he had out of mercy, escaped ; finally, not a shadow of a charge being estpblished, the accused was liberated, after 13 days imprisonment, on giving sufficient bail. If the Fiscal should find anything, he is to institute his action, but up to this time nothing has been done. A considerable time having elapsed, we, as organ of the Commonalty, respectfully demanded, at his request, as his bail was importunate, that the man should have his trial and be (43) punished according to his deserts, if he were guilty ; if not, that he be discharged. But it availed nothing, for we received injurious language, and the Fiscal was allowed to vomit forth whatever came into his mcuth, and the man became the subject every where of dislike, and was al'used as a hideous monster. Did he petition for anything, even if it were just, he received coarse, angry abuse; his petition was not received, and justice was denied him. These things cause great dissatisfaction, anu excite thoughts of abandoning the country. Pieter van der Linden fared no better, but he was not imprisoned, though many were, the most of whom are frightened, and would speak if they dare. Now as the Company itself carries on the forbidden trade, the people think that it is no sin for them too to prosecute it, if they can do so with impunity. And this gives rise to an incredible amount ol smuggling and fraud. It does not appear to prevail this year as much as usual. The publication of a placard offering freedom and protection here to those liable to civil or criminal prosecution in New England, hath also greatly embittered the minds of the F.nglish, and it was considered to be by every one of evil consequence. Mr. Sluyvcsant's promptness at confiscating, causes also great discontent among the inhabitants. Scarce u ship HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. comes in, or near this place, that he does not look o.i as a prize, unless it be the property of friends. Great pretensions will be set up on this subject, though with slender profit. Their merits we shall not question ; but confiscation hath made so mLch noise in New Netherland, that none of those in any way in bad odor, considers his property secure. Were the noise thereof confined exclusively to the country, it were well ; but he has spread it himself, throughout the neighboring English, both north and south, even to the West Indies and Caribbee Islands; everywhere there is such evil report, that not a ship dare venture here from those parts. Worthy and reliable people who come thence here by way of Boston, and others trading hence to Boston, assure us that more than 26 ships uncollected, and which were due for the most part by poor and impoverished people, who commenced with nothing and who lost their savings in the war, by which they were compelled to (44) abandon their houses, lands, cattle, and other means; and when they pleaded, that they were unable to pay — that they had lost their all by the war ; that Master would please only to have patience — they were repulsed, and the resolution thereupon adopted and indeed put into execution, to the effect that those who do not discharge the claims of the Company, must pay the interest, notwithstanding the debts were incurred in and by the war, and the people are unable to pay either principal or interest. Again, he will not pay the just debts which Director Kieft hath left behind on the Company's account, whether consisting of earned monthly wages, delivered grain, or any other lawfully proved liabilitiei; and when we object to this, that it is identically the same, people growl and will have it so. We have by petition and remonst.ance so far succeeded, that the collection of the debts is postponed lor a time. In addition, the Company's land is so burdened, taxed and kept down, that the inhabitants are unable to compete with their neighbors of Virginia or New England, or to undertake anything. It appears, and all the inhabitants of New Netherland, ns far as our knowledge extends, believe, that the Directors in Holland pay no Iieed or attention to New Netherland, except when something is to be received from it, which is a reason that less is received by them. The extreme distress of war which hut prevailed hero, clearly demonstrates that they Vol. I. 40 313 Rnmor nf eonfltea- tion raaiM much In- Jury and dlrerti trade. rienljr of shipplaf nuikea goud trade. Tbe DlreelAr ealb in itae debts, even tl)<«e oodlrecled In llie war; and will nnr altuw any Jul bfbet. Tlie PInMfwa tn Hi'iland <'ari- mttb- l"f fit N Neth r- ltnl«llrit Mrceuett hit dirfO* (Initi an nol lollow- ed. Various mB«t(> tn divfift the Bfierd from iu pur- ■ The wsrdi of their CommiiaioD.— Eu m ^^Kh «16 OribtBoufh nottf. Tha notra Mltr r NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANT>SCRIPTS. who is generally very prone to confiscation. And though men act fairly and give h.m his due. yet it is necessary still to continue to please him, if one would have quietness. Good population should follow good government, as we have demonstrated, according to our ability, in our petition. And although free passages and the fitting out of ships, were such requisite, would, at first, cause expense, yet when the result is considered, such an outlay would be immeasurably well employed, if farmers and laborers with other people in straitened circumstances, of whom Fatherland has plenty to spare, were by that means introduced with what little they may have, into the country. We hope It would then prosper, especially had it, what we consider to be the mother of population, good (49) Privileges and Exemptions, which could encourage the inhabitants; attract navigation and profitable trade, and with the pleasantness convemence, salubrity and productiveness of the country, allure everyone hither' If a Boundary were added in the protection, to what has been already done, then n' J ? / •'«']' ^^^^^^'''"g ''°"'d. in human probability, go well, and New Netherland could be, in a short time, a brave place, able, also, to be of Service to the Netherland State, to richly repay expended outlays and to thank her benefactors. High and Mighty Lords! We have taken the liberty to write this Remonstrance, and to submit the case as we have done, through love of tne truth, and because we have felt bound to do so by our oath and conscience. It IS true that all of us, either together or individually, have not seen, heard or had a knowledge of the entire contents in every particular; nevertheless it contains nothing but what some among us well know to be true and credible We all know the greatest part of it to be truth; some are acquainted with the remainder of it, and have also heard it from trustworthy persons, and sincerely believe it to be wholly true. We hope your High Mightinesses will pardon our presumption, and be indulgent to our plainness of style, composition and method. In conclusion, we commit your High Mightinesses' persons deliberations and measures with your people both at home and abroad, together with all friends ol New Netherland. to the merciful guidance and protection of the Most High, whom we supplicate to grant prosperity ta your High Mightinesses in time and eternity. Amen. Done this XXVI II July, in New Netherland. 1649. (feigned) Adriaen van der Donck. Augustyn Harmaa. Arnoldus van Hardenbergh. Jacob van Couwenhoven. OlofT Stevens, (beside whouname is written) " under protest. Obliged to sign as to the Heer Kieft's administration." Michiel Janss. Thomas Hall. Elbort Elberts. Govert Lokermans. Hendrick Hendrixs Kin and Jan Everts Bout. "^ (Underneath stood) After collating with the Original Remonstrance dated and subscribed as above this IS found to agree with it, at the Hague the 13lh October 1649 by me. (Signed) D. V. Schklluynk, Not Pub. 1049. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 319 Vice-Director DincUagm to the States General. [ From til* Origiul In th* Boyd Archlrn at the Htgne ; Flla, Wttt Indit. ] Great and Mighty Sovereigns. Whereas the condition of that most fertile New Netherland is seriously impaired by the war, and the CommoDalty hath resolved on a delegation of three of the Nine Selectmen, in order that your High Mightinesses may obtain full and thorough information on every point, I have not been able to dissuade them therefrom. I cannot say but they intend what is right. These persons are thoroughly conversant with the situation of the country. I hope your High Mightinesses will be pleased thereby and extend to them a favorable audience, and give them despatch as soon as your High Mightinesses' more weighty affairs will permit, as the people will be very anxious. God preserve yoar High Mightinesses in continued health and prosperous government. Your High Mightinesses' At the Manhatans Most obedient humble servant, in New Nelheriand, ( Signed ) Lubberthus van Dincklaohe, the 12'" August, 1649. Vice-Director of New Nelheriand. Received IS* October, 1649. (Addressed) To the High and Mighty Lords, States General of the United Netherlands, Jcc, in The Hague. a n « ■■ » JResolution of the States General on the preceding Papers. [ From the BegMer of Wett India ASkIn, l«38-iasi, In Uu Eojral Arehlrea at tbt Haga*. ] Wednesday, IS'" October, 1649. Folio ««. Received a letter from the Commonalty, in New Netheriand, written in New M«w Hriheriand. Amsterdam, on the Island of Manhatans, the 26'* July last, setting forth, in substance, that they had concluded to depute hither, of their number, Adriaen van der Donck, Jacob van Couwenhoven and Jan Everts Bout, for the purpose of representing to their High Lubb«rtu. ran Mightinesses the state and condition of affairs. Received, also, a letter from iiiockia«>. Lubbertus van Dincklage, Vice-Director in New Netheriand, written at the Manhatans the 12'" August, ultimo. Likewise, read a petition of the aforesaid three deputed persons, wherein they pray their High Mightinesses to be pleased to appoint some gentlemen from their midst in order that they may furnish some further information respecting the condition and state of the aforesaid affairs in the abovenomed New Netheriand. Whereupon deliberation being had, it is resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid letter and petition be 830 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. placed in the hands of Messrs. Huygens and the other, their High Mightiuesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, for inspection, who are to examine and hear the aforesaid delegates and to make a report of the result and issue thereof. Hesdution of the States General on a Petition of the Guardians of Johannes Menselaer. van [ from tha B«gl>ter of We« India AMn, 1J88-1J51, In the Bopd AnhIrM it Uw Bigua. ] Thursday, 14 October, 1649. v.n wZr™ T J*"' T'^'°? °^ '^°^^" '"" ^"'^ '"'^ ^°"'" '"" 'r^'"^'' ^°th guardians of ^rd'MeT"""" i° ° Renselaer, against Samuel Blommaert and Johannes de Laet, cum sociit, 1 A ^ u^ '^''^ '" ^^^ Assembly, it is, after previous consideration, resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid petition be placed in the hands of the opposite party in order to answer thereunto as to the same may appertain. -»•■»■■» Resolution of the States General on a Petitim of Mes^s. Blommaert and De Laet. [ From the BegUltr of Wett InJI* ASWn, 1688-U61, In the Eoj.1 ArohlTM at tho Stgat. ] Friday, 6 November, 1649. Biomn.«i. ,nd D. '^^^ petition of Samucl Blommaert and Johannes de Laet, cum tociu, against ^.r.7" 3 •^'" '"° ^"'y ""'^ ^°"'''' "«" '^^y'^^' ^^'^ Guardians of Jan van Renselaer. S*Jirr„J'^f'.o'S'iS '■««P«f' °g ^ '^«'tain Colonic in New Netherland. being read in the Assembly, it ™n,n«...,. IS, after previous consideration, resolved and concluded, hereby, to order and enjoin parties, on both sides, to furnish their respective papers within the term of eight days after service hereof, to their High Mightinesses' deputies for the purpose of examining the' matters aforesaid, in order, such being done, their High Mightinesses may then make further disposition in the premises. Mesdution of tU States Gemral on a Petition of the Guardians of Johannes van Pmselaer. [ Prom (he BecUter of W«l Indli Air»lr^ 1689 -1«51, In the Boral Archire* at the Hefoe. J Saturday, 13 November, 1649. A certain further petition of the Guardians of Johan van Renselaer, minor son of Kihaen van Renselaer, regarding a certain Colonic on the North River of New , Folio 60«. Oauitltne of Johan Tan Reiuelaer, CeclalD Coloaie. Netherland, being read in the Assembly, it is, upon consideration, resolved and HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IV. concluded that the aforesaid petition be sent to the Assembly of the Nineteen of the West India Company at Amsterdam, with request and order that they shall, pursuant to their High Mightinesses' letters of the 22 Octo'" 1648 and 26 April last, again answer whether they have any valid reasons against the request contained in the petitioners' two distinct petitions and communicated to them, and if so, to send the same hither, and give information in the premises without being any longer in default, on pain of judgment. < H » 11 » Director Stuyvesant to the States General. I From lh« Original in the Bojril ArchlTW at the Bigae ; LoteOe »i » Besdution of the States General on the preceding Lett^. I From lb* Bagbter of Wort India Aefkin, 1688 - 1«51, In Ui« Bo;aI ArohlvM'it Ibe fligu*. ] Friday, %th November, 1649. FoiicMj. Received a letter from Commandpr Stuyvesant, in New Netherland, written at comnj,. .r stu,- Manhatans the lO'" of Ai^gust last, rappecting the case entered ind instituted Com,!,. M.i,n. here before their High Mightinesses by Cornelis Melya against the abovenamed Commander. Whereupon deliberation being had, it is resolved 5nd concluded that the aforesaid letter be plac«d m the hands o^ Messrs. Huygens and other their High Mightinesses' previously appoiiited c',.puiies for the affairs of the West India Company, for inspection and exam'nation, and to report thereon. Resolution of the States General on a Petition of Secretary van Tieuhaven. C From Ihe B.Cl«« of W«» Indl. Alfki™, lOA'i - IMI , In lb. R„„l A«hlT« .1 Ih. lI.gofc ] Thursday, 2d December, 1649. ro.i.»u. On petition presented to their High Mightinesses in the name and on the ^iW^JrlZ , ''"r" °'' ^°'''**"'' '"»" Tienhoven. Secretary of New Netherland, an attorney of H.wNe..«,.„ Answer of Secretary van Tienhoven to Cornelia Melyn's Complaint, [tnm the Original lu the Bojral Arehlerei M the H substance, inasmuch as your High Mightinesses have *)een pleased to admit him in appeal from the judgment aforesaid and as the said Cornelis van Tienhoven had come over to this country and was residing at the Hague for the purpose of defending the came on behalf of the abovementioneii Director and Council, that your High Mightinesses would be pleased to assign the said Tienhoven time and place for him to make his appearance and to take cognizance of such demand and conclusion as he, Melyn, should presenl and take against the aforesaid van Tienhoven, in his aforesaid quality. In order to answer the said petition, the aforesaid Tienhoven says, not only that he does not assent to the said presented petition, but also even that a request has been already presented by him to your High Mig^'tinesses to the same effect, which is therefore again hereby voluntarily renewed, that an early precise d..y may be appointed by your High Mightinesses on which the aforesaid Cornelis Melyn, the Appellant in the aforesaid case, shall Le ordered to institute his action without delay in order that the Respondent may except to, or answer the same, to be "I i| ! I' til* 326 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. further respectively replied and rejoined to, according as the merits of the case shall be found to demand ; or in default thereof, that parties shall on the day aforesaid, be mutually at liberty to demand such advantage as, according to custom and rule, the party in attendance usually obtains against the party in default. And that the proceedings herein may be in the ordinary style usually followed in cases in appeal, agreeably to your High Mightinesses' resolution, dated the 2d December 1649. Which doing, etc. Endorsed : — Cornelis van Tienhoven's rescript. -♦-.» ♦ 1. » %i Fullo 914. Cornelia vnn ThieO' hnvtio New Netharland. Resolutwn of tlie States General on the ahove. [From the Begliter of Weet India ktt\tt, 1683—1651, In the Bojral ArchleTei at the lligne.] Monday, 13 December 1649. Read in the Assembly a certain petition of Cornelis van Thienhoven, Secretary of the Director and Council of New Netherland setting forth in substance that he hath come hither by order of the abovenamed Director, pursuant to the tenor of the writ of mandamus in case of appeal, granted to Cornelis Melyn by their High Mightinesses on the 2Sth April 164S, praying to be informed how and in what manner the proceedings therein will be commenced and completed. Whereupon deliberation being had, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid petition shall be referred to Messrs. Huygens and other their High Mightinesses' deputies for the affairs of the West India Company for inspection, consideration and examination of the retro acUt,nnA to confer thereupon with the Directors of the West India Company here, and to report on the whole subject to their High Mightinesses. Petition of Jomt TeutiMsen. I rrom the Urif lul In the RortI Archint it the VtfM : Die Wul InJU. ] To the High and Mighty Lords, the Lords States (Jeneral of the United Netherlands. High and Mighty Lords. Joost Teunissen, baker, burgher and inhabitant of New Netherland, most respectfully represents that he, the petitioner, was on the S2"* May, Anno 1649, nine days before Whitsuntide, cast into prison by order of Director Stiiyvesant, without the presence or attendance of the Fiscal and without the knowledge even of the Council, and that he. the petitioner, was accused with having sent to Fort Orange, powder, lead and guns, which articles wer« afterwards eflectuully sold to the Indians. Whereupon the Director threatened to cause HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 827 him, the petitioner, to be subjected to torture, to which intent he had his, the petitioner's house, twice searched by the entire Council, himself also overhauling all the barrels, bales, cases, corners, stores^ etc., the petitioner remaining meanwhile, for the space of thirteen long days, in the aforesaid close confinement at the gate, and in the place where felons deserving death are usually imprisoned, without any one, even his own wife, being admitted to him, or to have any, the least communication with him ; and when, after minute search, nothing was discovered whereupon the Fiscal could institute proceedings against the petitioner, and detain him on suspicion, he is finally released, on the iterated request of good friends, on condition of giving Isaacq Foreest and Sibout Claessen as bail, to answer whatever the Fiscal might from time to time deem proper to institute against the petitioner ; and after the petitioner was kept for the space of more than a year and a day in rcatu, nothing meanwhile being produced against th petitioner, and the secuiities demanded to be discharged, he, the petitioner, was obliged to apply to the Nine Men, requesting them to intercede for him, ^hat his case may be taken up or his bail discharged, which they did. But Stuyvesant would not condescend to answer the written petition of the Nine Men. The petitioner consequently, presented a petition in his own name, which he would not once notice, wherefore the petitioner presented another request, copy whereof is hereunto annexed. To this it was answered on the margin that it must be communicated to the Fiscal, which having been done, the Fiscal veplied that he must have 6 to 6 months time for the purpose, as he knew nothing of the matter; this hr; pened when the petitioner was on the point of leaving, for which he having asked permission, the Director refused to grant it, but the skipper connived at it, and consented to bring him along. It can be easily surmised, that the petitioLier was obliged to depart for Patria, as he could not peaceably carry on his trade there, nor travel hither and thither through the country to purchase his wheat and grain, which his business required for bread for the use of the burghers, for, on twice applying to the Director for a pass, he was each time threatened by him with a caning, so that the petitioner, without ellecting either the prosecution of his case, or the discharge of his bail, notwithstanding Sibout Claessen accompanied him, has been obliged to repair to Fatherland, and to cast himself in most humble obedience, into your High Mifchtinesses' righteous and compassionate arms, respectfully praying that you would be graciously pleased to make such provision that the Director, who is too powerful for your petitioner, may be estopped from giving him, the said petitioner, your High Mightinesses' subject, any further unjustifiable trouble; but that he maybe obliged to indemnify him, the petitioner, for the losses and damages he, the petitioner, hath suffered by his unlawful proceedings, and further allow him, the petitioner, to earn his living honestly and honorably for himself and family, both by his daily labor and trade, and to transact, unwatched, the business necessary thereunto. Wtierefore the petitioner will respectfully await your High Mightinesses' favorable answer. Which doing, etc., Signed Joost Tbuniss. Baker. Read 13'* December, 1G41). 828 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Appendix to the preceding Petition. To the Hon"'' Petrus Stuyvesant, Director of New Netherland, Cura9ao and dependencies thereof, and to the gentlemen of the Council. Joost Teunissen, baker, represents with all due respect to your honors, and hui ibly prays the Hon""" General and Council to be pleased to discharge him from the suit formerly instituted against him, and herein to release the bail, which falls very onerous on him ; or in case the Fiscal is still inclined to maintain his pretension, the petitioner had wished, nay hoped, the case might have been long ago disposed of, and meanwhile, as prayed for in the last petition, he again requests that his case may be terminated and the bail discharged, so that he, the petitioner, may pursue his voyage to Patria unhindered, for which he humbly solicits your Honors' permission to depart in person in the Valckenier, as he otherwise, by being prevented, would suffer great loss. Awaiting hereunto a favorable answer, Remains your Honors' humble and obedient. In the margin was: — Copy of the answer given to Joost Teuniss, baker, on S6 July, 1649. These are to be communicated to the Fiscal, in order to prosecute the case. Ady 26"' July, 1649. New Amsterdam in N. Netherland. Lower stood: By order of the Hon"" General and Council of New Netherland: Underneath was: Cornells van Tienhoven, Secret : Still lower was: — Agrees with the original, which I certify. Signed A. Keyser. (Endorsed) Petition of Joost Teuniss, baker, burger in New Netherland, to their High Mightinesses, the Lords States General of the United Netherlands- 13 Decemb' 1649. Petition of Sibout Claessen to the States General [ From Iho Onglul Id tb« Eoytl ArchlTM u iha Iligtie ; Fll*, Wit tndU. ] To the High and Mighty Lords, the Lords States General of the United Netherlands. High and Mighty Lords. Sibout CInessen, house carpenter, burgher, and inhabitant of New Netherland, most respectfully represents, that he, having married Susanna Jnnss, at the time widow of Aert Teunissen, her previous husband, who had entered into a contract with Director Kieft to lease a certain bouwerie nar.ied Iloboquin, situate in Pavonia on the west side of the North river, for the term of ten years commencing 1" January, 1041, whereupon Aert Teunissen fenced the lands, cleared the fields, and erected a suitable brew-house, which id yet standing there, and brought thither eight and twenty head of large cattle, besides various small stock, swine, HOLLAND DCX^UMENTS : iV. 329 goats, &c., and sheep {crylend veek), together with many of his own fruit trees. And thus considerahle value was added to the bouwery, which Art Teunissen, as lessee, kept possession of until the year 1G43, when the cruel, unnatural and very destructive war broke out and his twenty-eight large cows and horses were killed ; the swine, goats, and all the other small cattle and sheep {crytend vcch) were destroyed, the dwelling-house, barns and stacks of seed burnt, the brew-house alone remaining standing. After the cessation uilitcr qualiler of the war, in which Art Teunissen was murdered, with many others who were killed before and after him, by the Indians, the petitioner claimed as having married the above mentioned widow, that he was the next to enter into possession of this bouwerie and the residuary property which was to be inherited. But Kyft resolved to lease that bouwerie to another, without once considering the enormous loss the petitioner's wife had suffered by the war, and that the brew-house, which was still standing, was built there with her own means and therefore of right belonged to her. The petitioner having understood Kyft's intention, again spoke to him in order to prevent her loss by reasonable arguments, so that Kyft most solemnly declared that there was nothing of the sort and that he had not once entertained the thought of putting her out of her lawful possession, and nevertheless Kyft leased the same bouwerie some days afterwards to Dierrk Claessen, who also afterwards abandoned it, so that it now lies empty or waste without the petitioner or his family having ever been able to obtain any indemnity for the brew-house or other remaining property; which unjust act was not only confirmed and continued, but even surpassed by Director Stuyvesant, as can be sufficiently seen by the following proceedings. The petitioner, having afterwards sold to Joost Teunissen, baker, his house at the Manhatans, as it was convenient for trade and was not well adapted for the petitioner's affairs, in order that he might, in accordance with the Company's ordinary rule, obtain another place from the Director or from the Inspector of buildings, yet was this absolutely refused him by Director Stuyvesant. The petitioner, having afterwards purchased a place from Abraham Pieters, when Stuyvesant understood that he, the petitioner, was to be the owner thereof, he, Stuyvesant, so diminished and encroached on said lot, in violation of the tenor of the deed thereof, which had been duly executed, and according to which divers proprietors hud already occupied it, that the petitioner was obliged to sell it at a loss of one-half, and being unable to gel another place adapted to his purposes, seeing that the Director endeavored, in every instance, to inconvenience him, he was, therefore, under the necessity of repairing to Fatherland. Seekinf permission so to do, it was refused him. Yet, notwithstanding, when the petitioner w<3nt ou shipboard, not secretly but openly, in the face and with the knowledge of the Director, without his saying anything against it, the skipper wae allowed and received permission, underhand, to convey him to Fatherland. VVIierefore, the petitioner most humbly supplicates your High Mightinesses, respectfully beseeching that you would he pleased to a('opt such order that he may enjoy, without any hindraiice on the part of the Director, what so justly belongs to him, and that he be indemnified for the loss and damage he hath already suffered by ihe Director's act, and further, that he may enjoy, in all that he is entitled to, the favorable and wonted protection of your High Mightinesses, the petitioner's f/acious Sovereigns, and he will remember the persons Vol. I. 48 i 880 NKW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. and plans of your High Mightinesses in his prayers to the great and good God during his whole life, and awaiting your High Mightinesses' favorable answer or despatch. Which doing, etc. (Endorsed) ^^'^"^''^ Sibout Claskn. Petition of Sibout Claessen, house carpenter and burgher of New Netherland to their High Mightinesses, the Lords States General of the United Netherlands. 13 Decemb', 1649. ^ ■■ ♦ ■■ » p ?2 hi It Mesolution of the States General an the Petitims of Augustyn Herman and others. [From th« Rrglitar of WmI Indl« AflUra. 1688-16S1, In tba Boy«l AtcWtm *I the Hagnt.] Monday, 13 Dectmber 1649. F0110B14. Read to the Assembly three separate petitions, presented to their High 4"«»«yaH.mn.n. Mightinesses in the names of Augustyn Herrman, Joost Theunissen, baker, and Sibout Claessen, house carpenter, all three burghers and inhabitants in New NetheHand, complaining of the Director there. Whereupon deliberation being had, it is resolved and concluded that the said three petitions be placed in the hands of Messrs. Huyghens and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for West India Affairs, to inspect, examine, confer thereupon with the Directors of the aforenamed West India Company here in attendance, and report on the whole to their High Mightinesses. Resolution of the States General ordering Judgment to be drawn up in tlie case of Blommaert and others against Van Rensselaer^ &c. [ From Iha BffUter of Wm« Indti Aflkin, ItlU - 1«61, Id Uw Bor>l ArohlTM >l Uu> U>|iiio. J Thursday, 16" December 1649. Biomn^rtinj D« Exhibited to the Assembly two bags filled with papers in the case of Samuel KrnUer. Blommacrt and Johannes de Laet cum lociit Plaintiffs versut Jan van Wely and Wouter van Twyller, guardians of the minor con of Kiliaen van Renselaer, regarding certain Colonic in New Netherland. Whereupon delibeiation being had, it is resolved and concluded S:.m J'^'J.";'™ ""*' ^°^^ ^^'^ aforesaid bags of papers sii. 11 be sent locked to the provincial Court d«ft of j„,U«,. of Holland, Zealand and Friesland, to inspect and examine the same, and thereupon to prepare a draft of judgment, which being received by their High Mightinesses the costs and charges attendant thereupon being calculated, parties shall deposit with the Secretary a sum to be afterwards disposed of pursuant to the tenor of the abovementioned draft of judgment. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 881 Manwrandum of things necessary to he done for New NetJierland. To people it for the benefit of the Company and freemen. To anticipate or to prevent the English. To encourage Divine Worship. To relieve the Company of divers unnecessary officers. Means for the support of the requisite garrisons. West India Company's Abstract of the Remonstrance from New Netherland. I FmB * US. in tfco Boy»l ArehlTM at tho Iligiis ; LokMJtat of ih« Slatet Oenenl ; Rubric W«l IndUclm CkmpagnU, No. M ; nh diTitioD of the BuBdle. ] Brief Analysis of a certain Short Digest delivered in by Jacob van Couwenhoven and Jan Evertsen Bout. Chapter I. Of Policy. Article 1. Bxactin» contributiona, tho cause of the war with the Indians. 8 Remonstrants ruined; have complained to the Directors. Divers placards under Stuyvesant ; in particular that all merchants should submit tdeir books to him. Half an error to be counted a wholu one. The people forbidden to meet on the subject of the delegation to Netherland. Chapter II. The Church, fc Ownorihip of the Church. The collection for the School diverted. Tho Poor's money in tho hands of the Company without capital or interest. Chapter HI. Of the Administration of Justice. Directors ( in Amsterdam) : A letter to compute a half fault as a whole one, and to institute proceedings against the Colonists, where there was no cause of action. The Director 2 votes; yet there is only one Councillor. Harsh treatment of the Clergyman. Interpolation of the land patents ; different from the old ones. Secretary Comelis van Thicnhovcn descrilied ; now in the country. Stuyvesant: the freemen deprived of their arms, which are sold to the Indians. Proclamation offering refuge to tho English who had been guilty of criminal acts in Now England. Children of manumitted persons held as slaves. Chaptfu IV. Of Revenue and Trade. The Company exacts 16 per cent now, instead of 5. The authorities trade as well as the subjects, and .... Kiefl exacted duties from the peopV?, contrary to the Company's orders. The revenue and excise are wastc.l with the Company's property, to procure friends and affidavits. No order exists in that country reBiK>cting ells, weights and meniiures, or the currency. Chapter V. Of the Military. Onler to sell arms to the Indians, contrary U> the Company's Instructions. False reports of Secretary Thienhoven Uie cause of the war. ajB If! 882 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. SHORT DIGEST EXCESSES AND HIGHLY INJURIOUS NEGLECT WHICH NEW NETHERLAND HAS EXPERIENCED SINCE IT HAS BEEN PLACED UNDER THE COMPANY. Exhibited the 27th January, 1650, at the meeting of their High Mightinesses' Deputies, by Jacob van Couwenhoven and Jan Evertscn Bout — Adriacn van der Donck absent — and placed in the hands of the Directors. § CHAPTER I. OF POLICY. Article 1. The Directors in Fatherland loolting more to the'r own interests than to the general good, incur many expenses and charges unnecessary and burdensome to the stockholders, without therehy advancing the population: such as the undertaking of Colonies by members of the Board of Directors, the expensive construction of the ship Nieu-Nederlant, of three cumbrous mills, brick making, tar burning, manufacturing ashes, cutting timber, etc. Excessive wages have been fruitlessly paid in this way, tools with a hundred similar things uselessly destroyed, which, had order been observed, would have been highly advantageous. But by doing the last thing first, and the first last, the zealous and constant transportation of cattle, farmers and farming implements, required for the cultivation of the soil, the support of the people, for labor and o4lier designs, has been neglected. Remonstrance, pa'ge 296." 2. Our people, on their petitioning, would not be allowed, but have been expressly refused permission to take up lands, of which the English afterwards took possession ; as happened to Jacob Walingh and divers others — p. 296. 3. The Exemptions first established, were subsequently altered twice, to the injury of public and private undertakings. 4. Levying contributions on the Indians which they did not owe, was, according to Kieft's statements, in pursuance of orders from home ; and thus the seed of the war was sown in Fatherland. For, when the Indians refused to give, an unnatural, cruel, unnecessary, unjust and injurious war broke out. 6. The Directors (in Amsterdam) sent back to Kieft the letters the "Eight men addressed to them for information, and as a warding. The writers were thereby forcibly ruined, whereunto reference is made at p. 297. ' The figures at tb« eod of th« pitriigra|ibi in tbi* doouoMnt, ref«r to th« piiKM of thi* volume. — Eo. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 883 6. The Directors are not careful in the selection of their agents and of their governors, which is therefore made without consideration: for the latter are allowed to do as they please, and whatsoever they do, is considered to be well done ; and even if guilty of any gross misbehavior, they are protected; those are violently opposed who make any serious representation to the Company or to any other proper quarter; as is more than notorious in the case of Joachim Pieterssen Kuyter and Cornells Melyn, and in the present instance of the Delegates from the people; instead of discountenancing evil doers and their gross misdeeds, as they ought to do. Petitions are not duly dispatched, by which neglect many persons have been obliged to alter their plans, and have suffered serious loss. In the commencement of Stuyvesant's administration, several placards were issued, and not enforced. Among the rest, that all books, as well of merchants as of others, should be subject to his examination. 7. Directors in New Netherland consider themselves Sovereigns, saying they are as much masters m New Netherland, as the Board of Managers, yea, even as the Prince or their High Mightinesses — p. 298. 8. The custom of computing half a fault as a whole one, was enforced by Kieft with bitter jealousy against those of whom he entertained a prejudice— p. 297. 9. The sworn Selectmen, chosen (in the words of their Commission and the amplification thereof,) from the best and honestest of the people, were treated insultingly by Stuyvesant. whenever they did not find him in good humor, and were berated as bear-skinners, rascals, rabble, rebels; and though they were the people's representatives, their Commission was of no weight, save when they acted in accordance with the Director's pleasure and orders— pp. 303, 304, 309. 10. Stuyvesant's prejudice against Joachim Pieterssen Kuytter and Cornelis Melyn, in their suit with Kieft— p. 310, — which he considered as a private one. 11. The people wishing to send a delegation to Fatherland, Stuyvesant encouraged the design with all his influence; but when he perceived that they would not communicate with him, he violently opposed the delegation, not being willing that the people meet, or to allow them to assemble; yea, expressly forbidding them to sign; not permitting, but forbidding affidavits to be drawn, except in presence of Secretary Tienhoven, who communicated to him every report .n circulation; the Company promising to improve the government, sends out a worse one — p. 314. CHAPTER II. OP THE church; ecclesiastical i'ropertv and benevolent institutions. 12. Contrary to the advice of the Churchwardens and the sound opinion of others, the Church was located in the fort, which is exceedingly small; so that the Church occupies almost one fourth part of it. Moreover shutting off the S. E. wind from the Mill ; Director Kieft's will and pleasure herein must be obeyed — p. 299. 13. The Church was built by a collection among the People, and the Directors will have it the property of the Company — p. 299. 14. No care or attention has hitherto been paid to secure or obtain Ecclesiastical property, or to select anything for the purpose— p. 300. il^ 334 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 15. A plate has long been going around for a School, but the money has been diverted • some few materials have been bought for it, but the first stone is yet to be laid — p. 300. IG. The poor's money is mostly in the hands of the Company, wlio have paid neither prmcipal nor interest — p. 300. 17. There was indeed a flying report about an orphan-house, hospital and asylum for the aged, but it amounted to nothing — p. 300. IS. The Directors have made no effort to convert to Christianity either the Indians, or the Klacks or Slaves, owned by the Company there. CHAPTER IH. OF JUSTICE. 19 The Directors have written to Kieft that he, instituting an action against the Colonists should, where there was no cause of action count one default, and reckon half a fault as a whole one, and so forth — p. 297. 20. No appeal from the Director is allowed, and Kieft had two votes in the Council; he had, moreover, but one councillor John de la Montague, who had only one vote. Cornells van Koykens was Fiscal : Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary. Sometimes, on extraordinary occasions which were very rare, the Director allowed those whom he thought proper to be mv.ted to a seat in the Council but all these were usually the Con>nany'8 servants. This was the Court, where all justice in New Netherland was administered, and no nigher nor lurther must men go. Was not that a poor provision — p. 304. 21. The unjust proceedings of the Directors against Francis Douthey the Minister, who. because he appealed from Kieft's unrighteous sentence, was put in prison, and obliged to pay a line of 25 guilders before he could be set at liberty— pp. 305, 306. 82. The same proceedings were had recourse to against Arnold van Hardenberg, who was likewise fined 25 guilders because he appealed — pp. 305, 306. 23. After transfer had been executed on the patents to proprietors, Kieft added thereunto a lit e clause which was manifestly contradictory ; inasmuch as the patents include the land and valley, and the clause takes the valley bach for the Company ; in addition to what was contained in the old patents, it was conditioned that people must bear all burdens that the Company will impose thereupon, which can be extended ad infinitum— p. 306. 24. Director Stuyvesant acts in the Court as an interested advocate of one party or the other; whosoever contradicts him, he berates like a fishfag— p. 307. 25. Vice Director Lubbertus van Dincklagen must accord with the Director, on account of the menaces with which he is threatened— p. 307. 26. La Montagu, is a councillor, but he hath no Commission from Fatherland. Brian Nuton being an Englishman, understands neither laws nor language. ' 27. Adriaen Keyser, the Commissary is unqualified ; says, he lets God's water run over God s land. 28. Jelmer Thomassen, skipper, and 29. Paulus Le.ndertsen, Naval Storekeeper (rr/ulpage mccster) are looked upon by Stuyvesant as thieves; and it is probably true, inasmuch as Paulus Leendertsen has become wealthy in a short time, though ;n receipt but of a small salary— pp. 307, 308. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 88S 30. Henrick van Dyck is Fiscal ; utterly intolerable in words and deeds; an addle pate— p. 308. ^ 31. Cornelis van Tienhoven is Secretary ; he is subtle, crafty, intelligent, sharpwitted for evil; one ofthe oldest inhabitants in the country; is conversant with all the circumstances both of Christians and Indians; hath even associated with the savages through lechery; he is a dissembler, doublefaced, a cheat ; the whole country proclaims him a knave, a murderer, a traitor— pp. 308, 309,— inasmuch as he by false reports originated the war ; he holds the office'of Secretary, wherein he perpetrates all conceivable sorts of blunders now against one, now against another ; even against his own employers ; he fleeces the people. 32. Director Stuyvesant, though heretofore warned of the Secretary's qualities, hath, notwithstanding, employed and promoted him. 33. Director Stuyvesant's arrogant and partial behavior towards Joachim Pietersen and Cornelis Melyn, in their absence, is to be seen on p. 310, saying, though they return with an order from the States, he should send them back forthwith. 34. Francis Douthey, an English Clergyman, was subjected to an utterly unjust condition before he was allowed to depart— never to mention how illegally he had been treated in New Netherland ; and because he would not execute an obligation to that effect, he would not be permitted to leave — p. 311. 36. Stuyvesant forcibly seized fire-arms, the property of some freemen, and secretly sold them to the Indians — p. 311. 36. Divers persons are denied justice: there are sundry declarations to that effect. 37. Joost Teunissen Baker complained to the 9 men of open violence; having been without a shadow of proof, accused of smuggling, by one the Company's servants underserving of belief, he was, after thirteen days' imprisonment, released on bail; and no proof being forth coming after the expiration of a year and a day, Stuyvesant refused, nevertheless, to discharge the bail, which is still bound, whilst Joost Teunissen himself is in Fatherland. The nine men demanding right and justice in his behalf, were, however, unable to assist him. 38. Peter van der Linde is, in like manner, refused right and justice. 39. The English were highly indignant at that atrocious proclamation in which he offered free refuge to all those who had fallen into the hands of justice in New England, no matter what their crime was. 40. Confiscating ships for trifling reasons, causes much trouble and diversion of the trade — p. 312. 41. Stuyvesant went in person to the room of Adriaen van der Donck, president of the board ofthe nine men, and took away the rough draft or blotter, which he, by order of the Selectmen, had filled up from day to day — p. 316. 42. To cut off the usual means of justice and declarations, the Directors, both Stuyvesant and Kieft, gave orders that no declarations should be drawn up except before Secretary Tienho-en, who reported everything just as he pleased. And it is to be remaked, that such order was issued or renewed each time they became alarmed that certificates of their misgovernment were in course of prcpnration — p. 316. 43. Children of manumitted si ives were retained in slavery, contrary to all public law. r;9 Vr I fl 886 NEW. YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. CHAPTER IV. OP FINANCE AND TRADE. 44. Because the Exemptions have been changed twice, occasion has been taken by the D.rectors and other the Company's servants, when the merchants and inhabitants plead l!.xempt..on to say:_The Exemptions are abrogated; and where the goods are at the charge of the inhabuants, they are rated at their full value. Wherefore, whatever men please, is a lowed to, or retained from people, who are subject to arbitrary imposition. 'Twas promised at hrst. that the Company would be satisfied with five per cent; it now collects a duty of full sixteen per cent — p. 314. ^ f h„?h ^"fPf "7';f "g«; carelessness and detention of goods, fall so heavy on the merchant hat he had as l.ef be a slave under the Turk as a trader under the rule of the Company Bv these means, also, is the trade of this country retrograding — p. 897. 46. There are some few, on the other hand, who stand well with the Masters or the Master's men. or do them particular good turns- with these everything is done pro formd, by v^hich means they drive a more lucrative trade than others. Hence arises this evil : the government does what the subjects do-to wit. carries on trade there, and that in competition with the people— pp. 311, 312. * ^ nuu wiui me 47. The Company hath never yet undertaken anything special for the advantage of New Netherland whereby It has been iiiiproved — p. 300. from'it-rsis"'' " '"''' '"^ ^''^ "^ ^''' Netherland. except when something is to be got 49. The inhabitants universally complain that they prosper less than their neighbors who enjoy greater freedom, as regards imposts, than our nation. The Directors and the Company's servants make answer, tliat they are well aware of it, and cannot help it ; complaint of it must be made to the Lords Majors and their High Mightinesses - p. 314 50. The excise was imposed by force ; that on beer by Kieft — p 300. 61. Kieft hath also imposed duties on the People contrary to the Company's orders. orth.lT^T\ '""T"^ "." T''" °" '''"'' '°"''^'y '" '^' P«''"°"' •'^"'J "g-'"^' the consent, of the inhabitants. Instead of removing that on beer which was finally agreed to for the duration of the war. or imposed against the public will, contributions were levied for public works, which, notwithstanding, have never been constructed — pp. 301, 302, 303. 53. The Company's property in New Netherland amounts to about 00(1,70,000 guilders- per contra, it is indebted as much or more to private individuals — p. 301. 64 The revenue and excise are incorporated with the Company's effects, and the one and the other employed to make friends and to obtain certificates — p. 302 65 Stuyvesant hath built considerably, at great expense to the Company, from which no pront has been derived — p. 302. 56. Neither has any order been made relative to the e]l or weights and measure., onr t. '!,e currency m wampum or coin, notwithstanding the people have petitioned and .!...„ l,o^ it ought and could be effected — p. 302. 57. The Company's grain measure is suspected — p. 303. 58. Stuyvesant trades in articles of contraband, and carries on all sorts of traffic on his individual account — pp 311, 312. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 887 59. Stuyvesant insists on the payment of the debts contracted by individualB during the war, or that Company be paid interest ; many being impoverished, little or no choice is thus left them — p. 313. 60. On the other hand, payment is refused of the lawful debts which the Company owes individuals, such as earned monthly wages, goods delivered, &c p. 313. 61. With a view to win th^^e back whom he hath offended in the highest degree, Stuyvesant hath exempted the English, for a long time past, from the duty which the Dutch were obliged to pay; his caprice may be hence inferred. Great injury was thus inflicted on the trade of our nation and of our merchants. CHAPTER V. OF THH MILITARY. 62. The Directors, in Amsterdam, have given orders to Stuyvesant to sell articles of contraband, such as guns, powder and lead, to the Indians — pp. 311, 312. 63. The fort is dismantled and allowed to go to ruin ; and a military force hath never been maintained there competent for the defence and protection of the inhabitants, but sufficient for their ruin and destruction — p. 303. 64. Kieft falsely laid at the door of the people the blame of the war which had been enkmdled by him and his adherents, especially by Secretary Cornelis van T;enhoven by means of his false reports — p. 304. 65. The war was caused solely by the exaction from and refusal by the Indians of contributions which they did not owe; the injudicious expeditions and violence against them, and the cruel slaughter which first manifested itself in a mysterious toast — pp. 304, 306. 66. Jacob Ryntges and Jacob Schermerhorn were banished, and their goods confiscated, for smuggling: the ban is removed, but the restitution of the property is impossible — p. 312. 67. The Directors, in Holland, have not endeavored, nor used any means, nor given' any orders, to discover the cause of, or to forbid the war, which creates strong suspicion that they themselves authorized it — p. 314. 68. The St. Beninio, a ship belonging to Benjor, an Italian at Amsterdam, was forcibly cut out of New Haven, where it lay under the protection of the English, and brought as a prize to, and confiscated at the Manhattans. In addition to these, there are divers other excesses too numerous to particulariae. J, -■ f Vol I. 43 11 fi .i ts f 838 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS, Answer of the Wesi India Company to the liemomtrance from New Nethtrland. IFrom lh« OrlglMl m J,, Ejy.! jrchlvei .> IL. Imgu, j LokMm of th. State. Oen.ral ; of the Bundle, ] Robric Hirt Inditcht CotnpaatM'&a. 80 \ Tlh dlTlalon Answer to the Remonstrance delivered by the Delegates from New Netheriand, or. the 27'" January, 1C50, to the High and Mighty Lords States Gene.al of the United Netherlands. It appeareth strange to the Directors (of the W. L Company.) that the Remonstrants commence t.ie.r mtrcduct.on with calumnies againnt the Board, their Patroons. complaining of excesses and highly injurious neglect, vhich, if any existed, ought to have been rep.-esented in season to the laid Patroons, by them in virtue of their commission dated 27 July 1C49 communicated for the tirst time, on th. O'- of Decomber last, full eight or nine weeks subsequent to the.r arrival ; and that they addressed themselves to the Lords of the Supreme goverr.nent without havmg ever spoken or made any application on the subject of their commission, to the Directors, notwithstanding the latter were requested by th.i: general letters to lend them assistance. And though under correcum, the Directors are of opinion that, by virtue of the Charter granted by your High .Mightinesses to the Company, the said Delegates, as they style themselves, were in duty bound to address themselves to the Directors at the Chamber at Amsterdam, and in case of receiving no satisfaction there, to f-te Assembly of the XiX where your High Mightinesses preside by your Hon"" Deputies. Being, with this reservation, disposed to respond to your High Mightinesses' invitation, we say : To the tirst Article. If the petitioners know of any Directors here, who have preferred their own private interests to the general advantage of the Company, contrary to their oath and honor, they ought to stale It, or be bound yet to do so. Failing therein it is answered, that the petitioners do in no wise refer to the Company's government, inasmuch as they speak of matters which transpired betore the major part of them were in the country. To the 2nd. The Directors ignore this ; saying, if lands have been refused for purposes of cultivation the petitioners ought to indicate who those were that did so. if they know them. ' 3. The Exemptions have never been altered without the knowledge of your High Mightinesses and that of the XIX.. and let it be shown who aimed therein at their private advantage. 4. The Directors are not aware that contributions have been levied off the Indians, much less that orders to that eflect have been issued by them or any other person. The letter was communicated to the Diret-tnr with good intentions, in order that he m.Vl.t see, and purge himself of. the accusation ; without any orders to molest the signers of the letter for what they had done. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 339 6. The Directors do not select any agents but such as they consider qualified, and ere approved by their High Mightinesses and by thorn provided with regular Commission and Instruction. And as regards the case of Jochim Pitersen and Cornelis Melyn, who have been punished for reasons more fully set forth in their sentence, the Board finds ii particularly strange that these people dare complain that (to use their own language) evil doers and their gross misdeeds go unpunished, when on the other hand, 'tis notorious that up to the present time, no application has been made to the Directors. As regards the complaints about the petitions, we cannot form any other opinion but that the Governor found suflicient reasons to lay them aside, and hath left them unanswered. Such placards were never communicated to the Board of Directors. 7. The Board has no knowledge of what the Directors (in N. N.) say; but this is true that the latter represent the Supreme government and the Company, administering justice conformably to Commission and Instruction, in the name of their High Mightinesses, his Highness and of the Company. 8. We cannot understand what the petitioners would express by the S"" Article. We never heard before that the Director spoke harshly to those who treated him respectfully ; but are now informed that a certain person, who was unwilling to allow his goods to be inspected, behaved with great opposition towards the Director. Wherefore it may be that the hitter expressed hnnself as the occasion required, but we know nothing of the matter. *• 10. The sentence can explain the grounds of Jochim I'itersen and Cornelis Melyn's punishment. U. We say the Director was favorably inclined to promote the interests of the Commonalty, on condition that he were communicated with, But these men separated themselves from the well-disposed and secretly induced a few low inhabitants to sign their names, who, also, Jiave contributed each a few pennies to the delegation, as more fully can appear by the particular signatures, or procuration atfixed to the Remonstrance; hence, 'tis probable that these persons abuse the name of the Commonalty, as the Uenionstrance is signed by the minority, the masa of the people not approving of those proceedings, but evincing every satisfaction with the present government, according to the Uemonslrance No. 3, signed by i»0 persons residing at the Manliatans. la. The Church was erected, for latisfactory reasons, in the fort. 13. It roNt much more than SOOO guilders whereof it cannot be proved that the people paid eight hundred; the collection taken up by subscription, hath realiied the least. 1 ( 840 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 14 We request that they declare what they understaod by ecclesiastical property. 15 The Director hath not the administration of the money that was taken up on the plate • but Jacob Couwenhoven, who is one of the petitioners, hath kept account of it in his quality of churchwarden. ' 16. 'Tis acknowledged that the Company is indebted to the Deaconry, nine or ten hundred guilders, according to the tenor of the obligation thereof drawn up in New Netherland A" 1G49 The first interest thereupon will fail due A" 1650. i7. The Company's circumstances admitted of the building neither of an hospital nor orphan asylum, which are not very necessary there as yet. 18. Every one conversant with the Indians in, and around New Netherland, will be able to say that It IS morally impossible to convert the adults to the Christian faith. Besides, 'tis a Minister'! business to apply himself to that, and the Director's duly to assist him therein. Chapter III. Article 19. The present Board of Directors seeks for proof as to who those are who have given orders to reckon half a fault for a whole one; they cannot believe that such order emanated from the Assembly (of the XIX.) 90. • The Charter accorded by their High Mightinesses to the Company shows that the judgments of the Director and Council are final. Respecting this article, we refer to the sentence. 22. This article we refer, as above, to the sentence. 83. ,v^y" «'« '"/"""^d ""'' therefore sny, that the petitioners will not prove that the late Director. \\,IIem K...rt hath c.lled in more than one patent; and he subjoined with his own hand, that he reserved the vnlU-y. not for the Company, but for the town of Breuckelen in general The reason of this revocation was, because Jan Kvorsen Bout, one of the petitioners who ...Tupu-H part ol the valley, together with others besides him who undertook to found or improve the town of Breukelen at their own expense, submilt...! to the Director how prejudicial twould be to the town that one man named Tunis Nyssen shoul.l have the exclu.iv.. pcesnion of so extensive a valley, directly contrary to the Freedoms. The Director had signed" the patent on the report of Iludde, the Surveyor, without specifying therein the number of m.r^«,.. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 341 And after information had been received from said Jan Eversen (one of the petitioners) and others, the Director allowed Tonis Nyssen agreeably to the Freedoms, as much of said valley as he should have need of in proportion to his plantation. 24. The Director being president, gives permission to speak ; but it must be shown that he, sitting in court, pleaded any one's case as an advocatt. This point demands proof. 95. 26. Director Kieft did, with the approbation of his superiors, employ La Montagne, a very learned man, as member of the Council, although not sent from Fatherland expressly in that capacity, in which he is continued by Director Stuyvesanl. Brian Nuton, Captain Lieutenant, having served the Company a long time, is also employed as Councillor; and it is a great untruth, that he does not understaud the Dutch language, but it will be proved that he speaks it fluently. 27. The petitioners must show that Commissary Adriaen de Keyser, is unqualified for his office. 28 and 29. We are not aware that the Director esteems Jelmer Tomassen and Paulus Leendersen to be thieves. Jelmer Tomassen is in this country ; if needs be, he will willingly answer the petitioners. 30. On proof of this article by the petitioners, the Fiscal will be recalled. 31. As regards the calumnies against Cornells van Tienhoven, he is prepared to answer the petitioners, if their High Mightinesses consider it necessary. 88. No person warned the Director against the Secretary, except those who were seeking for hit situation : that might be proved in New Nethcrland. 33. Dirertor Sluyvpsant's demeanor towards Jochem Pitersen and Melyn, is to ut unknown, and it must be proved, and not stated through passion. 34. Frunris Doulhey being indebted to the Company about eleven hundred guilders, petitioned, in New Nt-therland, for perniisHJon to depart. The Director and Council are willing to all. w him to do so, hut think they ought first of all he paid ; his inrapncity so to do, was the reason why he was not allowed to depart, and it must be proved that the Director required from him any ohiigation under his hand. 342 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 35. t I We are informed that the petitioners will in no wise be able to prove that Director bruyves,.nt hath confi^caled any person's arms; but 'tis very true, that in 1648. a few d2tJ ^ 1 '"7 uT ""^ '""""• ^''° ^■'''^ '^'y '""^ '^^""g'^' '^^^"^ r°r their personal defence And as tliey had n„r provided themselves with a certificate from the Chamber at Amsterdam, pursuant to general orders, the Fiscal seized the guns, for each of which, though u .ject .0 confiscat.on the Director out of pure kindness, paid two beavers or sixteen guilders, being nearly double what they cost in this country. 36. The petitioners ought to have exhibited the declarations, if any they have, to the Board. 37. Joost Tonissen having been accused, with others, by the Company's Corporal, of having bougt guns, locks and barrels from him ; and as the accusation was true, which said Corporal repented agamst Jacob Reynsen. the Council, with the Fiscal, went to his (Tonisen's) hou e and makmg a search, found one Company's musket, which the Fiscal took away with him fnd i^ouIon'lT"' ''°""" ""'^'^ '■"'"" '"'™^'-. Joo«t Tonissen was'implZ' 38. Wherein was Piter van der Linden refused right or justice ? 39. VVe are informed that the English in the colony of New Haven, in New England, had. c tr y to ancent custom, protected the Company's servants and freemen who had run way and. though requested, would not allow them to return ,o their Lords and Masters A rroc ,,„, ,hen issued, with the advice of the Council, that whosoever won d comt ove to us frou, thence, should be protected in like manner. On Governor Ew,n ll.ti g ome ng.t.ves go who returned back to us, .he proclamation was annulled, the disle „b7u 40. The ships confiscated in New Netherlnnd nr« tho «» u„ i • .. ... Williu,, Ki.c. . .1. V. 1/ •• ,""'""•' ""^^ ♦"« A/. PiZ/er, durmg the administration of Z r V ""^"' "'"' "'' ""'' ^'"^ ''^'"^ '•"" f>'"'n""kcn, bv Director Stuyvesant ndCounc.1 because the first had not observed his contract, and had articles of cot.a.ad the other h..d come wuhout license an.! without paying either duties or convoy, to trade w.tlun the lunus o< the charter granted to the Con.,,any by their High Mightinesses. 41. Director Stuyvesant was so informed by Thomas Hall and Michiel Jansen, co-petitioner.- :':: ir:z;;« '- '- -' ^"^ '--^ "« --^ '•• -^ - -^^^ - ~i:;;; 42. In consequence of housekeepers and other common people in New Netherland comin. frequently beiore the court, with declarations drawn up by this or t'other sailor, and tiZ HOLLAND DOCl^ENTS: V. 343 who had signed the declarations as deponents, when heard thereon, frequently asserting that the declarations were drawn up quite contrary to their meaning, it was ordered that no declarations should be of any force in that country unless drawn up by the Secretary or some other public persou qualified thereunto, but by no means with any such view as the petitioners represent. 43. The Company's negroes, taken from the Spaniards, beit- all slaves, were, on account of their long services, manumitted on condition that their children serve the Company whenever it pleased. Of all the children, no more than three are in service, viz., one, which Sluyvesnnt has with him on tfee Company's bouwerie; one at the house, the Hope; one wench with Marten Krigier, who hath reared her from a little child at his own expense. 44. It is not true that the Company hath received five per cent, but in reality sixteen per cent, according to contracts made with merchants in the premise-s ; th- y enjoy, in return, trade which the Company might otherwise retain to themselves agreeabi;,- to the charter; and the text — five per cent — is incorrectly applied, it having reference to freights and not to duties; according to Exemptions, article 10. 45. The merchants are treated agreeably to the regulations made therein. 46. We know not wliat the petitioners mean by this article. 47. We think the Company has done enough, to wit: in conveying over, at the Company's expense, numbers of people, among whom were Jacob Couwenhoven's father and brothers, together with cattle and other necessaries. 4S. We consider their duty to be to receive wiiatever is to be paid. This article is answered in the deduction. 49. 00. 'Tis to be considered that, in New Netherland, only a beer and wine-excise is levied, which is paid by the Tapsters alone; the rest of the inhabitants are untaxed and do not pay any excise. «1. The late Director Kieft. having great need of money, collected, in New [Netherland], in supplies for the people, the duties which the traders were bound to pay to the Directors at Amsterdam, as the accounts of llio privileged merchants can show; some petty traders (schotten) paid in beavers or in wampum. I. 1:1 1 844 NEW-YOR I COLONIAL MANUSCEIPTS. 62. The burgher, or other .nhab.tants of New Netherland. do not pay any beer or wine^xcise ; the >nn or tavern-keeper, alone is obliged to pay the excise, which impost is less than of right belongs to the Company, and there is no cause for the inhabitants to complain on that account. 63. We are of opinion that the petitioners are utterly ignorant of the Company's property and very .mproperly make any estimate thereof, that being, in no wise, the petit^oneXusiCs 64 and 66. We consider that we are fully authorized to employ the Company's revenue as may be necessary, wuhout being obliged to render any account to the petitfoners or uch pZns and demand proof that the Company's property is employed in getting certiHcates 66. NeufeT7'.r w ^"' ^"\"" '"""""'^ '"" ^^'-""P"-" «'"°"« the common people, in New to X wl r'"" "r''"' '"""'^ P""'^ '' ''' '''' »'■ f°- f- « «tive'r. was reduced to .X. We are not aware of any other but the Dutch ell. measure and weight, being h> use and an order was .ssued. last summer, that all the inhabitants should bring fheir w2 s" o the Company's warehouse, to be stamped anew there. ^ 67. No complaint has been heard against the Company's grain measure. 68. The petitioners ought to prove that the Director trades on his own account or allow, rad,ng ,„ art.cles of contraband. If he sell merchandise, or cause any to b sdd 'ti h^ business and 'twill appear in account, and be charged to the Company. ' 69. rr •;;: :-.:,■>• s::;:- Hs ~3 =E= Company itself pays interest. ^ ramer as the 60. 'Tis strange that these petitioners should say the Company's debts arP nnf nn! i • x. 61. » I i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 845 Chaptkr v. Article 62. It is not known, and proof is demanded, that orders have been given by us to trade in articles of contraband. 63. The fort belonging to the Company has, for want of means, not been properly repaired ; the petitioners, though requested, would not aid in repairing it, although 'twas designed for their own defence; and the additional embarrassments of the Company prevented soldiers being sent thither, if any one hath suffered annoyance from the soldiers, he ought to have complained thereof to the officer. 64. We know not to whom Willem Kieft, now deceased, attributed the war; but 'tis, indeed true, that the freemen (accompanied l)y Covert Loockermans, one of the petitioners), made the attack on the Indians at Corlaer's Hook, and the soldiers on those at Pavonia. Previous to these expeditions and before war was decided on, in the Council Chamber where th^ Reverend Mr. Bogardus was present, Cornells van Tienhoven and Hans Steen were commanded by the Director and Council to repair to Pavonia, and to examine the position of the Indian huts; whereof they made a report. 65. We never authorized nor countenanced the war; but on all occasions, ordered that every possible attempt be made to preserve peace. G(i. Jacob Reynfjes an! Schermerhoorn were not banislied for smuggling; but because they purchased the Company's arms from its Corporal, and traded them away to the Indians; as can be proved by their letters, signed with their own hands. 67. That we have been the cause of the war, requires proof; on the contrary we have written, by every opportunity, to endeavor by all means to restore peace. 68. The ship Beninjo. belonging to Sieur Bensio, being come within the limits and charter of the Company, without permit, or consent of the Chamber at Amsterdam, much less without having paid duty, was taken out of the bay in front of New Haven, and confiscated in New Netherland. The owner is in Amsterdam ; had he thought that he suffered any wrong he should long since have brought it before the court. And it is worthy remark, that some of the petitioners offered a reward for the seizure or arrest of this interloper. The grounds of the confiscation appear in the judgment. We cannot discover from the Remonstrance of the delegates from New Netherland, with what view these people have come hither, inasmuch as the entire of their complaints is' filled with calumnies, not only agninst the Director, but especially against us. (heir Patroons. who therefore, cannot presume otherwise hut that these people intend, on the one hand, to rid liiemselves of all government, or on the other, to pay in this wise the Company, what many of Vol. I. 44 I- -> 346 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. i'^- them are for a long time indebted to it ; and principally to escape the tenths of their incomes now due by many for several years, and which, on account of their iterated complaints of the losses they had experienced, were remitted up to the year 1648, when the Director first mentioned them. The consequence was, the people being under covenant in this case, requested to be exonerated for still another year from the aforesaid tythes. In this they were again favored, and it seems as if, in return for all this, they intend to pay their Patroons as already stated. We are respectfully of opinion that, if these people have anything to represent or to request, they, as has already been said in the beginning, ought to have applied to the Board of Directors, in conformity to their credentials, addressed to this Chamber. Done at the Hague, the 31-' January, 1660. (Signed) P. Marcus de Vogelab. Jacob Pergens. ISAACK VAN BeECE. Petition of the Delegates from New Netherlands [ From .b. Or.gln.1 in th, Boyal Archlrw .t .He Hague , Zotrtto, of the Stale. Geoeral t DItWoo, Wut Inii^ OompagnU, No. ». ] [ L. S. ] To the High and Mighty Lords, the Lords States General of the United Netherlands. High and Mighty Lords! The Delegates from New Netherland represent with due respect, that they delivered into the Assembly here, on the 13- October. 1649, a certain petition and commission, Setting forth the sober, and utterly ruinous condition of Ne^ Netherland ; and, moreover, have communicated to the committee divers other p .pers, together with a perfect map of the country, and its situation, as well as some samples of the fruits and peltries produced there; also, furnished full verbal information on every subject in particular; performed, likewise, all the duties they could remember, according to the directions and instructions of their principals in New Netherland, in order to obtain thorough redress. Whereupon some of the Board of Directors were inclined to act inconsiderately, as is their usual custom, and to criminate and countermine what the petitioners have done, accusing them of being unworthy of all credit, demanding unseasonably further proof of matters, in order, as the petitioners cannot but apprehend, thus, by controversy, to delay and protract the good work. Independent of the petitioners and their constituents being public, and for the country's interests, sworn individuals, who therefore in such case deserve full credit, their proofs are as palpable as the sun at clear noon, inasmuch as they have asserted, that disorder and an insufferable government, with their consequences, in conjunction with the covetousness of some individuals, are the sole cause and parent of all that ruin and mischief, as the injurious fru.ts thereof amply testify, because Heaven has not visited New Netherland with any extraordinary, unavoidable calamities, except such as have originated with the Company and Its agents. Again, that country is more favored, and better situated than New England ; the Dutch also commenced planting their respective lands many years before the English, yet, notwithstanding. New England is populous, rich, prosperous, driving an immense trade and 5 ii ,» I HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. mi commerce almost with the entire universe ; yea, is flourishing, whilst New Netherland, on the contrary, is a desert, usurped on the east side by the English, and on the southwest side by the Swedes, despite of first possession taken by this State; and is, moreover, impoverished, harassed and afflicted ; yea, reduced to utter ruin by the aforesaid bad government. Pending the war, remonstrances and complaints against it were addressed, in abundance, both verbally and in writing to the Amsterdam Chamber of the XIX. Finally, when hope and help there was none, the matter was communicated to your High Mightinesses. The entire country hath long felt the evil effects of the war ; and felt it the more through the danger of Indian revenge ; and it will continue to experience it, until those in that country who are responsible for the mischiefs, and were instructed and sworn by your High Mightinesses to correct the evil by strict justice, are recalled home; until Cornells van Tienhoven, Secretary of New Netherland, now here at the Hague, also a chief cause of the ruin (as is to be seen by the copy of a petition hereunto annexed ), be removed tut of the country, and until population be encouraged, of which there is little appearance, unless your High Mightinesses will please to assume the supervision and protection of the coun'ry absolutely to yourselves, and to favor it with a good civil government, composed of ihose interested in the country; unalterable Privileges and Exemptions together with a settlemeat of the boundaries, which is very necessary for the country and its peace. Such is, also, very just; for it was taken possession of from Cape Hinlopen to Staten Hook or Cape Cod, by your High Mightinesses' subjects and this State, in the year 1609, before any English or Swedes had thought of coming thither. Wherefore we, the petitioners, in our quality aforesaid, have recourse to your High Mightinesses, humbly praying and urgently beseeching, as the Spring is at hand, and the season for preparation daily approaches, and the Delegates are here at heavy expense, that the affairs of New Netherland and its Redress be favorably considered, and that it be provisionally encouraged by the enactment, at an early day, of a good ordinance. To the end that the worthy patriots and the well meaning people in that country may no longer be frustrated in their hope, but entirely relieved and released from oppression and slavery ; and that this State may not be wholly dispossessed of that fine country, which alone is of greater extent than the Seventeen Dutch Provinces, and which, in the hour of need, will he found a strong arm, by the assistance it will render in people and provisions; for after j-opulation shall have increased, your High Mightinesses will carry on a very large trade from the one to the other of your own countries — hinc inde et inde hinc— without any save your High Mightines-es' having control or authority overy it. Which doing, etc. je margin.) •; Statjs General of the United Netherlands have, after previous deliberation, placed this .. 'ranee in the hands of the Lcrds Aertsbergen and the others their High Mightinesses' i^v,iutie8 for tha West India Company's affairs, to investigate and examine it; to extract the important points therefrom, and report on the whole. Done in the Assembly of the most noble the Slates General, the 7"" February, 1G50. (Signed) Johan van Reeue, V*. By order of the same, in the absence of the Secretary, ._ , ,v (Signed) J. Spronssen. (Endorsed) ' Petition of the Committee from New Netherland to their High . Mightinesses the Lords States General of the United Netherlands: 1650^ i. > ' Director; the Hon"" Director may occupy himself with the Company's servants— he is a headstrong fool («« duyvcls hop), with many other mutinous and seditious words uttered against this one and that, as well soldiers as freemen, advising the Company's servants to leave its service, as they could receive neither money nor pay; that the Director, like the biggest liar in the country, gave fair words and plenty of promises, which bore no fruit, &c. ; in order to instigate the freemen not to pay anything, as is apparent to us l)y divers collected affidavits and credible testimonies, with name and surname, duly read in his presence; also, that he, by his servants, endeavored, even before, or in the beginning of the war, to purloin either secretly or forcibly, the maize belonging to the Indians of Long Island at that time not yet at war with our nation, for which they even killed an Luglishman ; whereof, contrary to two witnesses, he knows nothing. It 5 51 *Sft' .i ,a; 850 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. appears, however, by his own confession made in our presence, on the 16«* July of this year without torture or iron bands, that he had a knowledge thereof; confessing that his servants with soldiers had so attempted, but contrary to order and command, whereof he, however hath neither since nor before complained nor given any information, which is proof enough that he connived at, and silently assented to it: Moreover that he exacted and took by force from the Indians, when they were hunting on Staten Island, a portion of their game, according to the sworn affidavit dated the last July A" 1C46; all which matters are of very dangerous consequence, tending to mutiny, defamation of justice and supreme authority, to force, [violence] and exaction. To this is also to be added, that he, Melyn, with one Jochim Pietersen Cuyter forged, conceived, drafted, and wrote on the 28"- October 1644, in the name of the Eight Selectmen, a most false and calumnious letter and caused it to be transcribed and sent to the Hon"" Chamber at Amsterdam, thereby clandestinely, most scandalously charging, defaming, criminating and accusing the Hon"" Director Kieft then in loco their governor and superior, of divers gravo and culpable errors, as is and can be further seen and read at length in the original, and in the authentic copy thereof. Which We and our Council having investigated and inquired into, at the request of said Director Kieft, said calumnious letter has been found to consist in many points of false and defamatory lies, as is apparent and proved by experience itself, by the testimony of others heard to the number of fifteen, also by the declaration and answers of the co-signers Whereupon the Fiscal instituting criminal action and suit, charged, accused and convicted said Melyn of having here committed in writing against the Hon"- Director Kieft .he crime of insult, defamation and falsehood, and consequently is declared guiltv of Which documents and proofs having been examined, investigated and inquired into by the Director General and Council, and everything material having been duly weighed, the case was found to be of very bad consequence, and ought and cannot be tolerated in a law abidii «r and well regulated g-vernment, but must be punished as an example to others Wherefore, the Hon"" Petrus Stuyvesant, Director General, with the advice of his Council adm.nistenng justice in the name of the High and Mighty Lords States General, his Serene' Highness the Lord Prince of Orange, and the Hon"" Directors of the General li^corporlted West India Company, hath sentenced and condemned, as he doth hereby sentence and condemn, the aforesaid Cornells Melyn. to be banished for seven years from the district and jurisdiction of New Netherland. and also to depart by the first ship, revoking all previous granted benefits, actions and pretensions which he may have obtained, or yet claims from the Hon Directors; and, moreover, to pay a fine of three hundred Carolus guilders, to be apphedi one-third for the Poor, one-third for the Fiscal, and one-third for the Church- dismissing the Fiscal's further demand. »-"urtn , Jui^!" A-mV"'' '"'''''' "' "" "^'"'"''''y' '" ^°^' Amsterdam, in New Netherland, the 25th (Signed) P. Stuvvesant, L. van Dincklage, Bbian Neuton, Paulus Leendeutsen van der Grift. and Jan Claessen Bol. After haying been collated, Miis is found to agree with its original, the IG'" of August. 1649 by me, in the absence of the Secretary. "ugusi. loiJ, (Signed) Jacob Kieft, Clerk. 351 No. 4. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. Mandamus in cate of the Aitpeal of Metm. Cttyler and Mclyn. [ Omitted j being already printed, tupra, p. 260. ] Endorsement on the ensealed Mandamus: — The States General of the United Netherlands, To all those who shall see or hear this read, health. Be it known, That we, having looked into the further petition presented to us this day. in the name and on the behalf of Jochem Pietersen Cuyter and Cornells Melyn, our subjects and inhabitants in New Netherland, have enlarged, as we do hereby enlarge, the Mandamus on the other side hereof, to wit, that it may be served not only by a messenger, marshal, notary, but by such other person, either public or private, as the aforesaid petitioners together, or one of them, shall accept or permit. Charging and commanding all and every whom it may in any wise concern, to regulate themselves precisely conformably hereunto, the same as if the aforesaid augmentation had been inserted, word for word, in the Mandamus aforesaid. Done at the Hague, on the sixth of May, 1648. (Lower stood) ^^'S'^'"^) T. van Gent, V. By order of the Most Illustrious Lords States General. p„., , . ^ r ., (Signed) Corn' Musch. Jburttier endorsement on the aforesaid copy, No. 4. Copy of their High Mightinesses' Mandamus in case of appeal against the sentence which Petrus Stuyvesant and his Council pronounced on the 25"' July 1647 in New Netherland on the Manhattans respectively against Jochem Pietersen Kuyter and Cornells Melyn. No. 6. States General to the Director in New Netherland, and fmuttuU mutandis) to the Administration there. [ Omitted ; being already printed, tupra, p. 240. ] No. 6. To Peter Stuyvesant, Director of New Netherland, the lO"- May, 1648. The Prince of Orange. Honorable, prudent, and discreet, specially dear. You will receive by the bearers hereof, Joachim Pietersen Kuyter and Cornells Melyn, the commands which the High and Mighty Lords States General have resolved to communicate to you, to the end that you allow these people to enjoy their property free and unmolested there, by virtue of provision of appeal granted by their High Mightinesses unto them, with 852 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MAInl SCRIPTS. Inhibitory Clause respecting the sentence pronounced by you against them on the 25th July 1647; though we do not doubt but you will understand duly to respect and obey those commands, yet we are disposed earnestly to admonish you hereby, in addition, expressly noti.ying that you shall have to allow said petitioners, peaceably and without objection to enjoy the effect of their High Mightinesses' aforesaid resolution. And herewith, Honorable, &c. (Signed) William, (Endorsed) - Prince d'Orange. Copy of his Highness' letter to Peter Stuyvesant Director in N. Netherland, 1G48, 19 May. No, 7. This day. 220 May 1648, Cornells Melyn handed in to the Assembly of the Directors of the West India Company in Amsterdam, a sealed letter from their High Mightinesses the States General of the Lnited Netherlands. Done the day as aforesaid. (Signed) Guysbert RuDOLPHr, This day, the 2- January A" 1049, Cornelis Melyn haiided to the Director General Petrus Stuyvesant and the Council of New Netherland, a letter from their High Mightinesses directed to the Hon '• Director & Council ; one from his Highness to the Director General exclusively, two letters from Mr. Capelle to the Director General only. Ady as above. By order of the Hon"" Director General and Council. (Signed) Corn' VA^f Tienhoven. (Endorsed) Secretary. Receipt for the delivery by C. Melyn of their High Mightin.H^es' letters. &c., addressed to the Directors at the Amsterdam Chamber. Also to the Director and Council of iNew Netherland. No. 8. On the 8". of March, 1649, when the People were assembled in the Church by onh-r of the I on- Director ^-neral Petrus Stuyvesant, Cornelis Melyn re,,„ested that the Mandamus granted by their High Mightinesses may be read and served there by the Nine Men, and that It may be read particularly by Arnoldus van Hardenbergh. Whereupon, after some discussion and obtained consent, it followed that Cornelis Melyn handed the aforesaid Mandamus to the said Hardenbergh in order that he may read it. Then the (.enerni «iemanded. If he wished to have it served now y Cornelis Melyn answered yes. 1 he General said, Fh.-n I must have th. copy , and snatched th« Mandamus from the abovennmed Hardenb-rgh's hands, so that their High Mighimesses' seal (ell almost entirely off; hardly hanging to a small strip of parchment. Cornelis Melyn said. The copy is annexed to .< ; so that on the interpositi,.,, ofHome persons, it was returned by the General. Then was it received and out of respect for their High Mighlinesse. the Noble Lord. State. General and HOLLAND DOCUMENTS; V, 858 their Commusion, read by me Arnold van Hardenbergh who summoned his Honor by virtue thereof, to appear, by the first opportunity, at the Hague before their High Mightinesses, there to hear such demand and conclusion as Cornelis Melyn shall desire to institute or make against his Honor. ° Whereunto his Honor made answer, to the best of our recollection-/ Aonor the Slate, and their Commission, and will obey their Commands, and send an Agent to maintain th-. judfrmenl ,u a wa, well and legally jrrononnced. 1 demanded to have the answer in writing, but the (.eneral said, menerer you deliver me an authentic copy of the Mandamus, I will give it to you. I then requested Secretary Tienhoven, there present, whose duty it was. to be pleased to do so and to authenticate it, but he refused to do so. saying. You may do it yourself, which I afterwards did, and should have placed it in the (ieneral's hands next day, but a rumor prevailed that the ndians had killed a Dutchman, and Meljn aforesaid had gone to Staten Island; so I brouizht his Honor the copy of the Mandamus first on the IS'" ditto, accompanied by Augustyn Heerman and Jacob van Couwenhoven, and then requested his Honor's answer in writing, but he refused it, saying, Their High Mightinesses' award I shall regard. Thus done and transacted on the day and date aforesaid, at the Manhattans in New Netherland. (Signed) Arnoldus van Hahdenbeboh. Augustyn Heerman, Witness. (Endorsed ) Jacob van Couwenhoven, Witness. Certificate of the service made on Monday the S"> March 1849 on Director Petrus Stuyvesant of their High Mightinesses' Mandamus in case of appeal in the matter of the judgment delivered the 25'- July 1G47, in New Netherland, against Cornelis Melyn ; by which will be seen Stuyvesant's disrespect of their High Mightinesses' Mandamus, and his tergiversation and all sorts of subterfuges, on frivolous and unfounded foundations. No. 9. It is now about seven months since I arrived here with their High Mightinesses' Mandamus and Order, which, on the S'" March, were served on you Petrus Stuyvesant. Director, and alterwards on the other members of the Court. Accordingly on the twentieth of March I demanded reintegration, pursuant to the tenor of the Mandamus, and observing neglect, on the SO'" June, insisted and at divers times applied verbally, for the moat part, in these terms— Pursuant to the Mandamus and your obligation to honor their High Mightinesses and their Commission (I demand) reintegration and such salishiclion as that brings with it; I have now borne long enough with postpone nent and Iruilless promises; time is short and the vessels are making ready ; if your Honor designs to "lake restitution or reparation, let it be done quickly, according to the tenor of the Mandumuij i( not, I hereby protest against you. And if your Honor intends to maintain what, if you have yet any conscience leO. you cannot deny to be your Honor's pronounced sentence, you must appear personally, or l.y another qua!i(i«d to represent you and will so stand and suffer and bear what is charged against you, m If you were yourself there; you shall also permit the other member of the court, who Vol. I. 40 if 354 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. |i is subject to you, to depart in person, or some other individual for him ; for one delinquent cannot defend the other; and in case such be not done, I do hereby again protest. I demand, according to your Honor's promise, that ail copies both of judgment, affidavits, acta and proceedings which have been heretofore refused, be seasonably furnished me, in order that I may also summon the deponents; for the affidavits which xMipi heer, or his like, take here from their subjects, who must say what you please, are, in my opinion of no value nnd, as I, therefore, conclude, of no force in law. In case, then, all the documents proceedings and declarations, or one or any of them, which are to be used in law against me, are detained from me ; and in case they are refused me, and copies of the papers and documents are not furnished, as heretofore has been the case, I declare that I am deprived of, and excluded from the right and proper means of justice and legal evidence, against rules and order to you well known. In like manner 1 do declare null, void, and of no effect all acts, proceedings, affidavits and declarations whereof I have not obtained copies here, and of which use shall hereafter be made against me, being utterly unworthy of consideration on account of the suspicion of being acknowledged in bad faith ; and, thirdly, against you, Petrus Stuyvesant, Director, individually, and against all the members of the Court generally, do I protest for and on account of all damage and losses already suffered or yet to arise, from the omission and neglect of orders and instructions to do what is right ; and their High Mightinesses command and expressly order you, in case you do not repent, to wit, sincerely and indeed, and not in fine phrases, as has hitherto been your case. Dated Manahatans, New Nelherland, this 29'" July, 1649. (Signed) Cornelis Melyw. Answer to Cornells Melyn's disrespectful Protest handed to my Wife, as she says, by Adriaen van der Donck and A. Ilardenbergh. We hear nnd see, but protest against the disrespectful discourtesies contained in the protest, especially against the seditious service of the Mandamus, at an unsuitable place, in the Church,' nnd with much disparaging language in presence of the entire Commonalty. Nevertheless,' we esteem the service valid, nnd say, as before, that we shall honor and regard whatever our Sovereigni will decide. We are no ways bound to restitution, since we have not received nnylhing; nor to any reparation so long as the case is in appeal, and no additional injury done the protestor. We grant and allow him peaceable use of his lan van Hardendergh. /,,,,, Adbiaen van obr Donck. (Endorsed) Anno 1649, 16 March. Return of service made on Lubbert van Dincklage, Vice-Director of their High Mightinesses' Mandamus, in case of appeal from the sentence pronounced in New Neiherland, on I?'" July, 1G47, against Jochem Pietersen Kuyter and Cornells Melyn. Whereunto he made answer that he was deceived: 1" That he had not communication of divers papers essential to the defence of those condemned. 2- That Director Stuyvesant and others called by him to the C"Mncil for that occasion, resolved that Joachim Pietersen Kuyter and Cornells Melyn, were not qualified to write on pul/lic afliiirs. :»•' That he was misled and brought to vote for the aforesaid sentence by affidavits produced In court, prejudicial to the condemned persons. No, 1 1. On the Ki'fc March, 1640, at the request of Cornells Melyn, and in virtue of certain Mandamus grtnited him by their High MiMlitinesaes, have I, the uiidernlgned, in presence of Adriuen van der Donck ami Jacob van Couwenhoven, summuiied the (ollowing persons to 356 I NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS, appear at the Hague before their High Mightinesses, by the first opportuni'y, there to hear and answer such demand and conclusion as Cornelia Melyn shall then make or institute aguinst theiii, viz' — 1« MomUur La Montngne: And his answer was — that Cornelis Melyn should first give reasons for summoning him, and he should then communicate his answer. Done as above, on the Manhattans, in New Netherland. 2» Brian Nitton, Captain Lieutenant: And he gave for answer— he did not understand it and will answer to-morrow. Done as above. 3" Pouhi Lrni'ia/sm: And ho gave for answer— that he will appear, or send an attorney, provided Cornelis Melyn give security here in this place, for the costs which will accrue thereon. Done as above. d'O Ahmhmn Plancke: And he made answer — that he knew nothing about when the war commenced. Thus done, on the day and date as above ; and left copy of the aforesaid Mandamus for the benefit of the defendants, in presence of the undersigned witnesses, at the Manhattans, in New Netherland. (Signed) Arnoldus van Hardenberoh. Adriaen van der Donck. /r. J J. Jacob van Kouwbnhoven. (Kndorsed) Return of service, made ihe 16'" March, 1049, on the undernamed persons, in virtue of their High Mightinesses Mandamus, in case of appeal on the judgment pronounced on the 26"' July, 1G47, against Cornelis Melyn; who made answer as followeth : — Jean La Montagne, demands cause of summons, and he would then answer. Brian Nuton, Captain Lieutenant, does not understand it, and will answer to-morrow. Paulus Leendersen. that he will send an attorney or appear himself, when Melyn will give security there for the costs. Abraham Plancke, one of those who had signed the petition to make war on the Indians, says; he knew nothing about when the war began. No. 12. On the sixteenth of March, did I, the undersigned, accompanied by Adriaen van der Dc.iK-k ami J.icob van Couwenhoven, at the request of Cornelis ^rHlyn, and in virtue of certain Manilamus granted him by their High Mightinesses, summon the Fiscal. Hendrick van Dyck, to appear, by the first opportunity, before their High Mightinesses, ht Ihe Hague, and there to hear such demand and conclusion as Cornelis Melyn shall make or institute against him. and left copy of aforesaid Man.lamus for the behoof of the defendant. Whereunto he wrote to me as follows— Henrick van Dyck, Fiscal of New Netherland, in answer to the Mandimus, served on him by me, at the request of Cornelis Melyn, says, that he is not a parly in ihe suit Thus given, in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, dated ni above. Anno 1049, at the Manhattans, in New Netherland. (Signed) Arnoi.dus van HAROBNBBRaH. Adrian van der Donk. Jacob van Kuuwbnhuvbn. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 357 derstand it (FlulorBed) Ueturn of service of their High Mightinesses Mandamus, in the case of appeal on the judgment pronouced against Cornells Melyn, made on Fiscal Ilendrick. van Dyck, who instiluted the suit, A° 1G47. Whose answer was: — Anno 1649, March 16. He was not a party to the suit. No. 13. On the 23" March, 1G40, did we, the undersigned, at the request of Cornells Melyn, and in virtue of certain Mandamus granted unto him by tneir High Mightinesses, summon Secretary Cornelis van Tlenhoven, to appear by the first opportunity, before their High Mightinesses, at the Hague, there to hear such demand and ccmclusion as Cornelis Melyn, on the occasion, sh.ll institute; but the aforesaid Tienhoven refused to answer thereunto and to accept the copy of aforesaid Mandamus, until he should see that we had special and written order from Cornelis Melyn to summon him. And as we had it not with us, we brought it to him on the next morning, with copy of aforesaid Mandamus; then the aforesaid Secretary, said that he would give us his answer in writing, in the afternoon; but we did not get it. We applied to him lor it repeatedly afterwards, but could never obtain any correct information i.i answer, as he always sought evasions and delays. Finally, he said he would not give any. So that we took no farther action, afler that, in the matter. The 25th May, 1649, at the Manhattans, in New Netherland. (Signed) Arnoldus van HARDENBEiian. ,_ , ,. Adriaen van deb Donck. (Endorsed) Return of the service of their High Mightinesses' Mandamus in case of appeal from the sentence pronounced on Cornelis Melyn the 25"' July, 1()47, in New Netherland, made on Cornelis van Tienhoven Secretary, the 'J-i March and 25 May, 1G49. Tienhoven rtiuses to make any answer to it. No. 14. On the 23'* March, 1649, did I, the undersigned, nt the request of Cornelis Melyn, and in virtue of certain Mandamus granted by their High Mightinesses unto him, summon Jan .lansen Damen in the presence of Adriaen van der Donck, to appear by the first opportunity before their High Mightinesses at the Hague, there to hear such demand and conclusion, us Cornelis Melyn shall have occasion to institute. Whereupon the aforesaid Jan Damen gave for answer, that, whenever Cornelis Melyn exhibited to him their High Mightinesses' order wherein his name appeared, that he then is perfectly ready to come whfther by night or by day ; provided he (to wit, Melyn) give security for the loss and damages to be incurred thereby. Thus done on the day and date aforesaid at the Manhattans in New Netherland, (Signed) Arnoi.dus van Hardemieroh. Adriaen van dkr Donck. ^S8 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. (Endorsed) Return of the service and summons made on Jan Jansen Damen, on the 23" March, 1649, in virtne of their High Mightinesses' Mnndamiis in ease of appeal from the sentence pronounced in NewNetheriand, on t'o"- July, 104!), against Cornelis Melyn. 1649, 23 March. Answer: Is ready to come whenever he i- served with their High Mightmesses' Mandamus, containing his name, and Melyn gives security for the costs. No. 15. We the undersigned, Lubbertus van Dinclilage and Johannes la Mont-ne. declare that a peimon was delivered to the Director and Council at the meeting in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland from Jacobus Loper, late Captain Lieul ,• ; Curasao, requesting permit to trade and barter, along with other freemen, in the Sourl. ^ New Netherland, and that the Hon"" Director said-He had received express orders U. his superiors to keep an eye on Melyn. "^ ^ The Council demanded— Shall the sins of the father then be visited on the son ? The Director said further. It cannot be otherwise this time; he shall not go. We declare the above to be true and trustworthy on our manly troth in place of oath which. If necessary, we shall tender. This lO*" August, 1649. Manhatans, New Amsterdam, New Netherland. (Signed) L. van Dincklage. (Endorsed) ^^ Montaqne. Declaration of Vice-director Lubbert van Dincklage and La Montague, from which it appears — T!.at Director Stuyvesant said he had received express orders from his Masters to have an eye on Melyn. which Stuyvesant stretched so far as to refuse a license to trade to Jacob Leper ex-Captain Lieutenant and son-in-law of Melyn. No. 16. This day the lO'" December Anno 10 10 before me Cornelis Toun, resident of Amsterdam and admitted Notary public by the Court of Holland, in presence of the undersigned witnesses appeared William Hendricks, aged 42 years, residing at Weesp. who, af the request of Cornells Melyn resi.ling in New Netherland, on Staten Island, testifies, declares and attests by true words, in place and under oiler, of solemn oath, that it is tr that he. the witness being in the latter part of the year ItilO, on the island calie.l the Mai„ Uans, also sKuated in New Netherland. was engaged by the month, by William Kieft. Commander of New Netherland, to distil liran.ly, and at the house of the retpiirant in this case. That he. witness, accordingly in the beginning of December of the aforesaid year 1640, did begin to distil Brandy at the requirant's house, but having continued therein six or seven months, he. the witness, must give up that work, as the aforesaid Kieft and the renuirant found it expedient to let the Brandy be. He further declares that the aforesaid Commander Kieft himself paid and made good to him, witness, his wages at five and twenty guilders per month, an.l that he, witness, did, also, during the SIX or seven months aforesaid, conv..y some kegs of brandy and other liquors from said Staten Island to the Manhathans, and delivered the same to the aforesaid Commander Kieft. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 859 All truly done at Amsterdam, in the presence of Harmen Harmensen Cruyer and Cryn Cornelissen, mason, witnesses, who. have likewise signed, with the aforesaid deponent, the original minute hereof remaining with me notary, Quod attestor (Endorsed) (Signed) C. Tou Notar. Publ. Declaration of William Hendricksen for Cornells Melyn. in opposition to the denial of William Kieft, that the deponent distilled brandy for C. Melyn and Kieft in Company. AH these aforesaid acts and declarations have I, the undersigned Notary, found, alter comparison to agree with their originals; at the Hague the S'" February A». 1650. Me teste. ^ (Signed) M. Beeckman, Notar Publ. Resolution of the States General, referring the preceding papers. t Froo, U.» Beg>.l«r of W«,t Indl. Affair., H88-10SI. Id (he EoyiU ArcUlvM .Ithe U.guo. ] Tuesday, S"" P'ebruary, 1660. FoHo m. The petition of Cornelia Melyn, patroon on Staten Island in New Netherland, TTTm '«^'^'«'-P'-''^''»"«'J«li»'«ration placed, with the pieces thereunto annexed, in the hands of Mess" van Aertsbergen and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the West India Company saflairs, in order to inspect and examine them, and to hear again and again the petitioner and Secretary Cornells van Tienhoven actually here at the Hague, and to render a report of the whole to their High Mightinesses. Secretary van Tienhoven^s Observations on the Bomuianj and Colonization of New JVethcrlnnd. [Fro,nU.,OHK,o., In U.. Eo,.. A„,.„„ ...h. H.g,. ; Zo.*-t« „, .he 8u.« .,„„.„„ u.^.„„. ^^ /«,,.*, n«.;KHm«., No. «,;,.., dWWo, or llic llunillo, ] Observations on the settlement of the boundary, and on the colonization of New Netherland. Furnished 22"' February, 1650. The settlement of the boundary is highly necessary, in order to avoid, in future, all difficulties with thos-, of New Kngland and Virginia; it will also promote tht quiet of the Dutch Nation 111 New Netherland. as many would be thereby encouraged to undertake Colonies, Douweries and I'lantations, in that country. This settlement of the boundary -.ras. in my opinion, not easy to be obtained before the present tune, , ronsequence of the troubles in Kngland ; the rather, as those of Virginia declare for Charles the Second, and those of New England for the Parliament. 360 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. In order then to block the further progress of the English, I would suggest (under correction), that we should provisionally set about hitching on to New Netherland the most distant lands lying between the Dutch Nation and the English, which are yet vacant and in no one s possession, by the occupation thereof in manner hereinafter described. 1st. Having been plainly tricked by the English out of the Fresh River, notwithstanding a block house, called the Hope, had been erected 21 leagues up the river, in the year 1633, long before the English had been there, -a sign of first and earliest possession -nothing could, at hrst, be done in that quarter, except to repair said house, the Hope, and keep it as heretofore occupied by a suitable garrison, for the purpose of maintaining prior possession of the most remote boundary. 2nd. The village of Greenwich belonging to their High Mightinesses', being the furthest place where the Director and Council exercise authority, in the name of their High Mightinesses the States General and of the West India Company, is separated from the English village Stamford, by a small stream; so that the English along the main north coast cannot approach nearer New Netherland, without being obliged to settle between Greenwich and New Amsterdam, where there is an interval of about seven leagues of country: And to prevent that, Director Stuyvesant purchased these lards last summer from the native and right owners thereof, and paid for them, on account of the West India Company. 3d For the security of the beautiful North river, on which New Amsterdam stands, it would not be unwise to take possession first of the land situate on the west bank of the East river, between Greenwich and New Amsterdam, establishing villages, bouweries and plantations there; this done, there need be no dread of the further progress of the English on that side and the North river, whence most of the peltries are brought down, would also be protected 'xhe North river is about eight leagues west of the East river at Greenwich. 4th. Long Island which extends in length from the heights opposite Staten Island, is washed on the south side by the Great Ocean ; on the north, by the East river, which divides it from New Amsterdam and the aforementioned lands. It is full thirty leagues long from the west to the northeastern point, and at the west end 2, and further eastward 4, 8, 12 and 15 leagues broad It IS the levelest and finest soil in New Netherland ; very well adapted for agricuUure and the rearing of all sorts of cattle; furnished with beautiful valleys, navigable harbors rivers and bays, the chief of which are Hempstead bay, Martin Gerritsen's bay, Oyster bay thJ Cromme gouw," being a considerable inland sea,' (Iwhose shores are inhabited by Indians )' and .1. which are various other fair and fertile islands. The greatest part of the Wampum, for winch the furs are traded, is manufactured there by the Natives. The English of the Colony of New Haven settled two villages at the bight of the aforesaid inland sea. about three leagues from the East point of said Island ; one culled Southampton containing about 10 &k 12 houses, [the other] Southold, about 30 houses. The undernamed towns are planted on said Island, and are all under the jurisdiction of their High Mightinesses the Lords States General of the United Netherlands viz' llemsteede, Gravesend. Flushing, Amersfoort, and Breukelen. with divers bouweries nnd plantations. The further progress of the English on Long Island would, in my opinion, under correction be prevented and estopped, without the settlement of the boundary, by the following means:- ' The Crooked couutry or dintrict. ' (<»riliner'8 b«y. — Kd. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 861 First )y purchasing from the natives the lands situate on the East point of Long Island not aire .dy bought; that done, by taking possession of the East point which is about three' leagues from houthampton, and by securing its possession, at first by a Redoubt and a small garnson. or settlmg ,t by means of a Colonie. The west point of the aforesaid sea being taken possession of m l.ke manner, the villages of Southampton and Southold would be shut in- after th.s, 8 accomplished, Siketeu Hacky, Oyster bay and Martin Gerritsen's bay must also be taken possession of. The whole of Long Island would be thereby secured to New Netherland, and he design of the English in regard to the domination of said convenient harbors, be rendered fruitless and null. The South river, situate thirty leagues south of the Great Bay of the North river as computed along the coast, has been possessed and frequented by the Dutch more than wenty-eight years before any foreign nation had been there. Ten years ago the Swedes lined sa.d river with four forts, and. by means thereof, endeavor to seize on the entire river The further progress of the Swedes, could be prevented and neutralized by planting a Colonie at Swauendael, otherwise called the Whorekill, on the weet side of the Bay; another on the east side; and one on the west bank, at the Company's Redoubt, named Beversreede. about seven leagues above Fort Crislina. This being done, the Swedes could not take up any more land, either above or below, nor extend their pretended jurisdiction any farther No difference has arisen between the Dutch and the English of Virginia on the subject of boundary, because they have not owned what we, Netherlanders. possess. However, it would not be impolitic to determine the boundary between Virginia and New Netherland, so that all future misunderstandings and differences on this head may be prevented. The settlement of the boundary by possession can never be effected, except by sending out working people and disbursing money necessary for such work; and in order to encourage those who are able to make disbursements, firm and permanent privileges should be granted consistent with the right accruing from the charier granted to the West India Company. 1: t"^^ For the conveyance of farmers and their families, and of handicraftsmen, are required: — A large fly-boat of 200 lasts, which would be chartered for the voyage out, for fi. 6000. A vessel of 200 lasts, would probably carry over 250 persons, exclusive of the ships crew; they would require for food, for the voyage, each at least 30 guilders, fl. 7500. Every 260 fanners would require a superintendent. A clergyman ; or, in his place provisionally, a Comforter of the sick, who could also act as schoolmaster. A surgeon, provided with medicines. A blacksmith, who is conversant with the treatment of horses and cattle. Three or four house-carpenters, who can lay brick. One cooper. One wheelwright. Other tradesmen, such as tailors and shoemakers, follow with time. A necessary supply of munitions of war. for the defence of the Colonists, in case of misunderstanding with the natives. Vol. I. 46 *1 362 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Farming implements, such as axes, adzes, mattocks, spades, rope, ploughsliares, &c. These people arriving in New Netherland would require to be victualed for at least a year; for little produce is to be expected the second year, from the newly cultivated land. It is not necessary to send the food from Europe, since it can be supplied by the Dutch and the English. Oil and vinegar alone must come from here. Cattle, such as horses, cows, hogs, need not be sent from this place, in consequence of the great expense, as they can be be got at a reasonable price from the Dutch, and principally among the English, who have plenty of them. The foregoing is what I, with all submission, briefly, and according to my imperfect knowledge, communicate on paper to your High Mightinesses on the subject of the settlement of the Boundaries by possession, such as peopling it with one or more Colonies in New Netherland. I pray the All-wise God, to preside over your High Mightinest es' Assembly, and to be pleased to permit your resolutions to redound to the honor of his name, the proeperity of his Church and ',o the peace of your High Mightinesses' subjects. Done at the Hague, the 22'' February, Anno 1650. Your High Mightinesses' subject, (Sign«id) CoRNELis van Tienhoven. Plan for the Colonhation of New Netheiland. I From the MS. In the Boyal ArchIrM «t ttaa H.ju« ; LokMkat of '.ho StatM Oeneral i Eubrlo Wtl IndiKht Qmpodnit No. 80; Slh dlTliloq of the Bundle.] New Netherland. The Directors deputed by the West India Company do not deem it expedient to conjointly advise your High Mighti-.iesses in the present instance on the affairs of New Netherland, and the places thereunto belony.ing, inasmuch as the superintendence thereof has hitherto been with the Chamber at An- '.erdam, which, also specially declares its opinion thereUf.on, as to the manner that supen"teidence ought to be directed in future for the greatest. advantage. The other Chambers have merely requested copy thereof, to be communicated to their constituents, with the understanding, however, that the afore...iid Amsterdam Chamber shall, meanwhile, remain and continue invested with the aforesaid superintendence, and provisioally pnt in practice, as far as possible, the following advice : — Provisional Plan for the Trade, Colonizatian and advantage ot New Netherland, and of the Islai d of Curasao, Bonayro and Aruba, dependent on the said government. Which placss have been managed exclusively by the Chamber of Amsterdam from the year 1645 up to the date hereof, although it was resolved in the Assembly of ihe XIX., on the e"" July of the same year, that they should be under the superintendence of the Chambers in common. With this view, an estimate was computed of the expense of Director Stuyvesant's I ^'^■\ m HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 868 outfit, wliich was divided according to the quota to be furnished by each Chamber respectively. In the meantime, the Chamber at Amsterdam undertook to fit out at its own cost two ships, namely tlie Princcine and Groote Gerrit. Afterwards, however, in October following, at the meeting of the XIX., in Zealand, it happened that some Chambers found it difficult to share the expense, and thus this superintendence has remained exclusively to this date with the Chamber at Amsterdam. Again, the Committee of the Amst rdam Chamber considered 'twould be better that those countries should remain bound to all i\\> Chambers in common, but as trading to these places in rotation cou.d not conveniently be carried into execution, the Commissioners, subject to a better decision, were of opinion, that it would be best, that the outfitting should remain with the Amsterdam Chamber, and be done through its Commissioners, to be appointed for that purpose, to whom likewise all returns must be consigned under bond that they be responsible to the respective Chambers, to appropriate to each its contingent proportion. Now, in order to be able properly to provide good order and necessaries for those coasts, and to supply them with troops for the defenco of the four forts in New Netherland and one at Curagao, we consider that the garrisoning of the first four requires IGO men under the command of sub-officers, as ihe country is at peace ; 12 soldiers only need be sent to the last l)lace under a commander cllow wsges To carry out the above, we judge the sur^ of fl to be i.eccssary. As the respective Chambers might consider this airount burdensome, it must be decided whether it shall be raised on interest at 4 per cent, pledging for both principal an(' interest all the elTects and returns coming thence, together with tiie whole Teiritory kMII belonging to the Company, and not conveyed to Colonists; and e-in; cially the kland of Manhatans. n.s the islands of Curoy-ao, Bonaire and Aruba have been found for many years to be only a burden to the Company, not producing any profit, we have, merefore, considered whether it would not be well to request permission of the Supreme government to give up said Islands: but if such were not feasible, 'twould, in our opinion, be best, to permit every one to establish Colonies on said Islands, to distribute and concede the land free of rent, and to allow all to cut Logwood on paying a duty of ; that every one, no matter of what nation, ihi 11 be at liberty to bring from said Island, as many horses and as much salt as he may think proptr on payment of duty, namely, lor the horses fl per htad ; and for each last of salt fl ; provided neither horses nor salt be conveyed to any other place than New Netherland. As for the last mentioned country, we consider little or no change necessary in regard to Colonists who have planted Colonies there already, but to permit them to enjoy the Freedoms granted on the in the year 1630. But as those Colonists formerly complained that they were not allowed to export the products of their lands for their own benefit beyond the territory of \ew Netherland, they were permitted to export such produce in their own ships to Brazil, on condition that they should not retura thence to New Netlierland again with any Brazilian prf^ducts. This should in our opinion be enlarged ; so that said Traders on disposing of their produce and crops in any of the Company's districts, shall be privileged to com^ back with their ships and returns to tlie place whence they sailed, on condition jf paying the duties to be imposed thereon. M ^i.\ IHi «■»' 864 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. S^ Also, that the Inhabitants of New Netherland shall be nt liberty to purchase Negroes wheresoever they may think necessary, except the coast of Guinea, and bring them into New Netherland to work on their bouweries, on payment of a duty off! ... . per head. We should above, all things consider it necessary to provide ways and means ; we are of opinion that permission should be obtained from the Magistrates of some Provinces and Cities, to take from the alms-houses or orphan asylums 300 cii. 400 boys and girls of 10, 12 to 16 years of age, with their consent, however, and that their passage and board could be procured for fl. 60 or 60 per head. With that recognition a large ship might be chartered, suitable for the conveyance of horses and salt from Curasao and alterwards return hither with a cargo of Logwood. It must be, further, declared that said children shall not remain bound to their masters for a longer term than 6 or 7 years, unless being girls, they come, meanwhile, to marry, in wh.ch event they should have the option of hiring again with their masters or mistresses, or of remaming wholly at liberty and of settling there, on condition that they be allowed bo much land as the Director shall consider it proper each should have for the support of her famdy. free from all rents and exemptions for the term of 10 years after entering on such land • but the inhabitants shall have, after the lapse of the aforesaid term of years, the tenth of their incomes. Now, it will be in the highest degree necessary, to endeavor some settlement of Boundary with the hngl.sh on any terms whatsoever; and as no opportunity might offer for the negotiation of any Boundary line either in the name of King or Parliament, or of existing Powers, in consequence of violent interruptions in the government of England, we should not deem it unw.se to empower the Director to agree provisionally, with our neighbors the English on some line of Boundary, for which they themselves have made overtures, subject to the approbation of each of the principals. ►»■ » ■ . » PvUic Charges in New England. t From the Origin.! In Ih. Uorl A«hl«. 1 u.. n^,; LoteUa. of .h. 8...« Gen.,.1 ; Eubric We., fnOUc;.. Campa^U, No. 80; 8U. dWllo. of tba Buadle. ] Taxes payable by the English in New England. Delivered in by Secretary Tienhoven, 3" March, 1060. In New England all the property and means of the people, as well of the highest as the lowest, are appraised by the Magistrates, and taxed according to each one's ability; for the Pay of the Governor. Deputy Governor. Magistrates. Secretaries, Marshals and Constables. I ay of Military Olficers who exercise th<3 inhabitants continually under arms. The military officers are Majors. Captains, Lieutenants, Ensigns, &c. Salary and residence of the minister and schoolmaster. Erection of churches and school-houses, and repairs thereof. For all city and town edifices. For the construction and repairs of all bridges over the rivers along the highways. For the erection and repairs of all ordinaries for travelers. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 365 For the mninJenance of the University at Boston, nnd its accessories. The people must also defray the expenses incurred by the General Assemblies which are held in each province respectively, four times a year, and the General Coi^rt once a year. This Assembly continues a long time. In the event of war occurring, as was the case a few years ago against the Pequatoos and other Indians, all the towns are obliged to furnish as many soldiera at their expense, at the place of rendezvous, as the General Court indicates, on condition of the latter providing their pay, rations and ammunition. The foregoing are the burthens which New England has, to my ov. n kaowledge, to defray. Ady, a-* March. ' ■4 , Information re-specting Land in New Netherland. [ Prom IheClgliullB the Bojr.1 Archir«.t Uio U^pie; tolMco»^ the Stale, Oon.ral , Kubrio »W Mi^h* Cbmpa^n*,, No.80j (Hi JltltlOD of the Bundle. ] Information relative to taking upland in New Netherland, in the form of Colonies or private bouweries. Delivered in by Secretary van Tienhoven, on the l'" of March, 1U50. If any one be disposed to begin either by himself or others. Colonies, Bouweries or Plantations in New Netherland, which lies in the latitude of ont and forty degrees and a half, he shall first have to inform himself fully of the situation of the lande lying on the rivers, havens and bays, in order thus to select the most suitable, and particularly the most convenient grounds: It is therefore to be borne in mind, that the lands in New Netherland are not all level and flat, and adapted to raising of grain, inasmuch as they arc, with the exception of some few flats, generally cnered with timber, in divers places also with large and small stcues. In order, then first to describe those lands which are actually the most convenient and the best and ought to be occupied the earliest, where and how located, I shall enumerate the Tjllowing places, and commend the remainder to the consideration of proprietors of this country. I begin then at the most easterly corner of Long Island, being a point situate on the Main Ocean, inclosing within, westward, a large inland oea,' adorned with divers fair havens and bays, fit for all sorts of craft; this point is entirely covered with trees, without any flats, and is somewhat hilly and stony, very convenient for cod fishing, which is most successfully followed by the natives during the season. This point is also well adapted to secure the trade of the Indians in Wampum, (the mine of New Netherland,) since in and about the abovementioned sea and the islands therein sifjate, lie the cockles whereof Wampum is made, from which great profit could be realized by those who would plant a colonic or hamlet at the aforesaid Point, for the cultivation of the land, for raising all sorts of cattle, for fishing and the wampum trade. 'Qtrdatr'* Bay.— Eo. ^tt^v |il ■Ih^' II pn* h lil» ii 866 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. It would be necessary, in such case, to settle on the aforesaid land some persons thoroughly conversant with agriculture, nnd others with the fishery. Oysterbiuj, so called. from the great ahundance of fine and delicate oysters which are found there, is about short league across, or in width at the mouth ; deep and navigable, without either rocks or sands, runs inland nearly west, and divides itself into two rivers, which are broad and clear, on which lie some fine maize lands, formerly cultivated by the Indians, some of which are still worked; they could be had for a trifle. This land is situate on such beautiful bay and rivers, that it could, at little cost, be converted into good farms, fit for the plough ; there are here, also, some fine hay-valleys. Martin Gerrkscn's bay or Marthuiehouci; is much deeper and wider than Oyster bay, nnd runs westward in, divides into three rivers, two of which are navigable; the smallest stream runs up m front of the Indian village, called Martinne houck, where they have their plantations. This tribe is not strong, and consists of about 30 families. There were formerly in and about this bay, great numbers of Indian Plantations, which now lie waste and vacant. This land IS mostly level, and of good quality, well adapted for grain and rearing of all sorts of cattle ; on the rivers are numerous valleys of sweet and salt meadows ; all sorts of river fish are also caught there. Schout's buy, on the East river, is also very open and navigable, with one river running into It; on said river are also fine maize lands, level and not stony, with right beautiful valleys. Beyond said river is a very convenient hook of land, somewhat large, encircled Ly a large valley and river, where all descriptions of cattle can be reared and fed, such convenience being a great accommodation for the settlers, who otherwise must search for their cattle frequently several days in the bush. The country on the East river between (;reenwicli and the island Manhattans, is for the most partcovered with trees, butyet flat and suitable land, with numerous streams and valleys, right good soil for grain, together with fresh liay, and meadow, lands. lyia/uucskeck, on the North river, five leagues above New Amstenlani, is very good and suitable land for agriculture, very extensive maize land, on which the Indians have planted— proceeding from the shore and inland 'tis fiat and mostly level, well watered by small streams and running springs. It lies between the East and North rivers and is situate between n rivulet of Sintinck and Armonck.' In the Day of the North river, about two leagues from .Sandy Hook, lies an inlet or small bay; on the south shore of said bay. called S,y,we. ■ 'n.i, tr«. t ..t*..d. .cro- th. county wf We.t.WUr, from Sing Sing to tb. Iljr.m riy.r. BoH.m; /liHoru uf Wm^KuI^ Vvunty, I., 2. — to. ' HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 867 benns; pumpkins, and other fruits. Tliis district was abandoned by the natives for two reasons ; the first and principal is, that finding themselves unable to resist the Southern Indians, they migrated further inland ; the second, because this country was flooded every spring like Renselaer's colonic, frequently spoiling and destroying their supplies of maize which were stored in holes under ground. Through this valley pass large numbers of all sorts of tribes, on their way north or east; this land is therefore not only adapted for raising grain and rearing all description of cattle' but also very convenient for trade with the Indians. ' On both sides of the South bay and South river also lie some handsome lands, not only suitable, but very convenient for agriculture and trade. 1 have already stated where the first Colonists should, in my opinion, settle, regard being had to the convenience of those lauds in the possession of which other nations being anticipated, they would not be able to extend their pretended limits further, and great peace and security would be afforded to the inhabitants. I shall here further state the time when those emigrating hence, to and arriving in New Netherland will take up land, and how each will afterwards earn a living and settle in the most economical manner according to the fashion of the country. Boors and others who are obliged to work at first in Colonies ought to sail from this country in the fore or latter part of winter, in order to arrive with God's help in New Netherland early in the Spring, in March, or at latest in April, so as to be able to plant, during that summer, garden vegetables, maize and beans, and moreover employ the whole summer in clearing land and building cottages, as I 'shall hereafter describe. All then who arrive in New Netherland must immediately set about preparing the soil, so as to be able, if possible to plant some winter grain, and to proceed the next winter' to cut and clear the timber. The trees are usually felled from the stump, cut up and burnt in the field, unless such as are suitable for building, for'palisades, posts and rails, which must be prepared during the winter, so as to be set up in the spring on the new made land which ia intended to be sown, in order that the cattle may not in any wise injure the crops. In most lands is found a certain root, called red VVortel, which must before ploughing, be extirpated with a hoe, expressly made for that purpose. This being done in the winter, some plough right around the slumps, shouhi time or circumstances not allow these to be removed; others plant tobacco, maize and beans, at first. The soil even thus becomes very mellow, and they sow winter grain the next fall. From tobacco, can be realized some of the expenses incurred in clearing the land. The maize and beans help to support both men and cattle. The former having tlius be^-un, must endeavor, every year, to clear as much new land ns he possibly can, and sow it with such seed as he considers most suitable. It is not necessary that the husbandman should take up much stock in the beginning, since clearing land and other necessary labor do not permit him to gave much hay and to' build barns for stabling. One pair of draft horses or a yoke of oxen only is necessary, to ride the planks for buildings, or palisades or rails from the land to the place where they are to be set. The farmer can get all sorts of cattle in the course of the second summer, when he will have more leisure to cut and bring homo hay, also to build houses and barns for men and cattle. I« mm\ OF THR DUiLDINO Or HOUSES AT FIRST. Defore beginning to build, 'twill above all things he necessary to sel.-cl a well located spot, "3" either un some river or buv. Nuiluble for tli^ Mi>it|«i>i.»ii ••)' ■, v.iio.... <.. i i... 'i» «'»- --t-t. ^. „ .,,:„_^.. ^,, fftttftiT-i, 1 Ilia la 1* 368 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. previously properly surveyed and divided into lots, with good streets according to the situation of the place. This hamlet can be fenced all around with high palisades or long boards and closed with gates, which is advantageous in case of attack by the natives, who heretofore used to exhibit their insolence in new plantations. Outside the village or hamlet, other land must be laid out which can in general be fenced and prepared at the most trifling expense. Those in New Netherland and especially in New England, who have no means to build farm-houses at first according to their wishes, dig a square pit in the ground, cellar fashion, SIX or seven feet deep, as long and as broad as they think proper, case the earth inside all round the wall with timber, which they line with the bark of trees or something else to prevent the caving in of the earth; floor this cellar with plank and wainscot it overhead for a ceilmg, raise a roof of spars clear up and cover the spars with hark or green sods, so that they can live dry and warm in these houses with their entire families for two. three and four years, it being understood that partitions are run through those cellars which are adapted to the size of the family. The wealthy and principal men in New Kngland. in the beginning of the Colonies, commenced their first dwelling-houses in this fashion for two reasons • first in order not to waste time building and not to want food the next season; secondly in' order not to discourage poorer laboring people whom they brought over in numbers from Fatherland. In the course of three @ four years, when the country became adapted to agncult-.re, they built themselves handsome houses, spending on them several thousands. After the houses are built in the above described manner, or otherwise according to each person's means and fancy, gardens are made and planted in season with all sorts of pot-herbs prmcipally parsnips, carrots and cabbage, whij, bring great plenty into the husbandman', dwelling. The maize can serve as bread for men, and food for cattle. The hogs, after having picked up their 'food for some months in the woods, are crammed with corn in the fall ; when fat Ihey are killed and furnish a very hard and clean pork ; a good article for the husbandman who gradually and in lime begins to purchase horses and cows with the produce of his grain and the increase of his hogs, and instead of a cellar as aforesaid builds good farm-houses and barns. * OF TUB NECESSARV CATTLB. The cattle necessary in a Colonic or private bouwery in New Netherland,' are good mares and sound stallions. Yoke-oxen for the plough, inasmuch as in new lands, full of roots, oxen go forward steadily under the plough, and horses stand si ill, or with a start break the harness in pieces. Milch-cows of kindly disposition, and good bulls, sheep, sows. etc. Fowls are well adapted to bouweties. ' These cattle are abundant in New Netherland, and especially in New England, and to be had at a reasonable price, except sheep, which the English do not sell, and are rare in New Netherland. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 869 PRICES OP CATTLE. In New Nelherland. A young mare with her S* or third foal, costs fl.160 to 160 A 4 10 5 year olil stallion, about ^30 A milch cow with her Si'' or 3" calf, 100 A year-old sow, 20 (3. 24 A sheep, being an ewe 20 (g. 24 In New England. A good mare sells for 100®. 120 A stallion, , jOO Amilchcow, 60 @, 70 A yearling sow 12 @, 14 Sheep are not sold there. It is to be observed that in a Colonie each farmer has to be provided by his landlord with at least one yoke of oxen or with two mares in their stead, two cows, one or two sows, for the purpose of increase, the use of the farm and the support of his family. If the above cattle multiply in course of time with God's blessing, the bouweries can be fjlly stocked with necessary cattle, and new bouweries set off with the remainder, as is the practice in Ilenselaer's Colonie and other places, as so on de novo, so as to lay out no money for slock. All farming implements necessnrj for the land must be also procured, except wagon and plough which can be made there. And as it is found by experience in New Netherland, that farmers can with difficulty obtain from the soil enough to provide themselves with necessary victuals and support, those who propose planting Colonies, must supply their farmers and families with necessary food for at least two or three years, if not altogether, it must be done at least in part. 'l>| NBCESSART SUPPLIES FOR THE FARMER. If no wheat or rye can be had for bread, maize can be always had in season from the Indians at a reasonable price. The skepel costs ordinarily 10 (ii. 15 slivers when bought from the ludiaas. Vinegar, Peas and Beef, I'ork, Butter or oil instead; Beans. Salad oil and vinegar are not easy to be had in thai country except at an excessively high price from the Uulch traders. All this being arranged it must bo noted what description of people are best adapted for agriculiure in New Nelherland, and to perform Ihc most service and return the most profit in the ttegitining. Tirst, a persoa ia necessary to auperintend tlie working men; he ought to be acquainted with faniiing. Vol. I. 47 370 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Il^ t^ Industrious country people, conversant with the working and cultivation of land, and possessing a knowledge of cattle. It would not be unprofitable to add to these some Highland boors from the Veluwe » Gulick,* Cleef,^ and Berg.* ' Northerners are a people adapted to cutting down trees and clearing land, inasmuch as they are very laborious and accustomed to work in the woods. Northerners can do almost anything; some can build much, others a little, and construct small craft which they call yawls. Carpenters who can lay brick. Smiths conversant with heavy work, curing cattle and provided with suitable medicines. One or more surgeons, according to the number of the people, with a chest well supplied with all sorts of drugs. One or more coopers. A clergyman, comforter of the sick, or precentor who could also act as schoolmaster. A wheelwright. All other tradesmen would follow in time; the above mentioned mechanics are the most necessary at first. In order to unote population through such and other means, the people must be provided with Preedon.., and Privileges so as to induce them to quit their Fatherland, and emigrate with their families beyond the sea to this far distant New Netherland. And as poor people have no means to defray the cost of passage and other expenses, it were desirable that wealthy individuals would expend some capital, to people this country, or like the English ot New Lngland, at their own expense remove themselves with funds and a large body of working men. and provide those without means with land, dwelling, cattle, tools and necessary support; and that, until they could derive the necessary maintenance from the soil and the increase of cattle, after which time they would be able to pay yearly a reasonable quit-rent to their lords and masters from the effects in their possession. ny the population and cultivation x)f the aforesaid lands those who will have disbursed funds for the removal of the laboring classes, the purchase of cattle and all other expenses. would,,n process |of some years, after God had blessed the tillage and the increase of the cattle der-.ve a considerable revenue in grain, beef, pork, butter and tobacco, which form at firs the earliest returns, and in time can be improved by industry, such as making pot and pearl ashes Inpbonrds, knees for ship building, staves, all sorts of pine and oak plank masts for large ships, square timber and ash and hickory planhs; in which a sbple trade could be estab hed. The English of New England put this in practice, as is to be seen, after the and had been first brought to proper condition; they sell their provisions at the Caribbean slands, staves at Madeira and the Canaries, masts and (ish in Spain and PortuRal and bring in return all sorts of commodities; so much of these returns as they do not consume, are agnin distributed by them throughout all the islands known and inhabited in the Northern part of America. Thus, through the variety of the returns which of necessity were received a profitable trade is already established in New England, which can also be right well set oa' loot by the Netherlanders, if the population of the country were promoted. ' Tlie diitrict of Arnham, in the Pro»inc« of GeIJ«rI«n(l. • Bttween the Khin« km) the (]enn«n fnmiinr, " 'nit Duchy of Ilerg ii nhout four or Bto milM loulUeMt of Arnhtm. — Ed * A Qtrmtn town wtit of Keulgn. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 871 The following is the mode pursued by the West India Company in the first planting of Bouweries. The Company, at their own cost and in their own ships conveyed several boors to New Netherland, and gave these the following terms: — The farmer, being conveyed with his family over sea to New Netherland, was granted by the Company for the term of six years a Bouwerie, which was partly cleared, and a good part of which was fit for the plough. The Company furnished the farmer a house, barn, farming implements and tools, together with four horses, four cows, sheep and pigs in proportion, the usufruct and enjoyment of which the husbandman should have during the six years, and on the expi'-ation thereof, return the number of cattle he received. The entire increase remained with the farmer. The farmer was bound to pay yearly one hundred guilders and eighty pounds of butter rent for the cleared land and bouwerie. The country people who obtained the above mentioned conditions all prospered during their residence on the Company's lands. Afterwaids the cattle belonging to the Company in New Netherland were distributed for some years among those who had no means to purchase stock. The risk of the cattle dying is shared in common, and after the expiration of the contract the Company receives, if the cattle live, the number the husbandman first received, and the increase which is over, is divided half and half; by these means many people have obtained stock and, even to this day, the Company have still considerable cattle among the Colonists, who make use on the above conditions of the horses in cultivating the farm ; the cows serve for the increase of the stock and for the support of the family. The foregoing is what is necessary to be communicated at present respecting the establishment of one or more Colonies and relative to supplies. What regards the government and preservation of such Colonies and what persons Ought to be ii. authority there and who these ought to be, I leave to the wise and prudent consideration of your noble High Mightinesses. Meanwhile I pray the Creator of Heaven and Earth to endow your High Mightinesses with the Spirit of grace and wisdom, so that all your High Mightinesses* deliberations may tend to the advantage of the Country and its Inhabitants. 872 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. «' I Observations on the Dutus levied on Ooods sent to New Netherland. i P«,« th. Origins in th. Eojl Ard.!,,., :■> „u. l.a,u.. : /.*,«„. ,., .h.. S,,,,.. ,i,.„„r»l ; Rubric, HW /nd<.M, <*™,K,^fa. N.. ao, lOih DWUloa of llio Uuucllo. ] ConsideratioriH on tl... sul.jert of'tho duty which the Hon"'* West India Company levies on the goods exported to New Netherland, and whether it were better, in regard to this Slate, the Company itself and New Netherland to continue them, to reduce them in any degree, or wholly to abolish them. Received from the Delegates from New Netherland, 1<^ March, 1G50. What duty the Company exacts. Th.dut,i.i«p.r In course of time, for it was not the custom to give so much, 16 guilders per cent are paid to the West India Company, at the Amsterdam chamber, on the goods exported to New Netherland; that is, whoever hath a hundred guilders' worth of properly must give sixteen additional to the Company; the convoy used to be 3*, but this is oflered to be taiten off. S. When people return from New Netherland they must again pay there, on the goods, eight per cent, according to their value in that country. No\v, in this way, the cost in New Netherland w, and must be, doubled if expenses are in any way to be realized. Again 16 per cent, the same as on exportation from Netherland ; twice IG make 82. This is a sum de"'.":.''*'./"^'; ''''''"'"• '^'"''^ "•"'' '"' f"'** '" ^^^ Company before a hundred guilders, Inr'Tura'*''" ^'■""s'"'"^'! f'""'" Netherland, can be icimbursed exclusive of the convoy, which r<>c«iv«i. the Hon"'* Company now offers to take off. iHM" »?u ■" ^' ^'^'^ ^^ ^'^^ ^^^^ '* *^°"»''^^'"»'''y increased, fully equal to ten per cent more; '■"■"• thus: The first 16 guilders must he paid down here before goods can leave; no that these 16 pay, also, interest and insurance; yea, are counted as capital. Again, a person's goods must be sent to the warehouse at Amsterdam before being shipped; that counts so much. A supercargo must be supported on board in the cabin ; that is also so much. But the worst of all is, that on the arrival of the ships in New Netherland, they are bur.iened with soldiers, so that the skipper himaelf is not, and does no longer remain master of his own ship l^u, dil^'lu'r "^'"^ ""*" "" ""^ g""''" »^« ng»i" removed to the public store, broken open, o,Lb.r^.. examined, remeasured, unpacked, thrown adde and damaged in a way that 'tis painful to beiiold. Frequently they are also detained so long that the best season for selling or trading them off is lost. When, then, they are sold and returns come to Fatherland, such returns must again remain a long time in the public store, and convoy must be paid. All Th. d.,.r .dui M this expense, salvage and duty, the merchants include in the capital ; were they relieved thereof, they would be able to sell their goods fifty per cent cheaper. 4. This duty is paid, partly, in Fatherland ; partly in New Netherland, hut all' M tl.» i~* 1 I n . 1 . . . . _ prr CtUL Thf HnlT la n>• thence, suiih as, first ; from population, provisions and a continual trade which, if the duties were removed, would amount to six times more than it now is, and also increase from year to year and be of very great consideration reciprocally from their High Mightinesses to every one else. But on the contrary, this State will inevitably be subject to contempt and derision on tlie part of the English, (who in course of time will absorb the country) for suffering 80 very advantageous a position and so profitable a province as New Netherland to slip through its fingers, on account of some p.irticular interests ; and for still lacking means, with a knowledge of the superiority of the country, to retain it and render it prosperous. 3. Were the duty taken off", and good government established. New Netherland would do well, and the people might properly be encouraged to go thither ; population might then be advanced in an orderly manner and with little trouble, and this State would, with poor and Hfjond Neihwi.nd willing people, who are in each other's way here and almost perish of want, r««r another Ntlh- v^ . . j r > •riaod. rear up another Netherland beyond Netherland at a trifling expense, and those going thither would be afforded opportunities and means for wealth and state. Secondly, the Heathen in that country would be brought to Christianity by our Nation. What blessings would be drawn down on this Land by relieving a number of poor and impoverished people and bringing them into good circumstances, and by converting or calling the Heathen, I leave to wiser heads than mine to determine. Whether the removal or continuance of the Duties be advantageous to the West India Cotnpany, and in what way. 1. We suppose that the Director! will maintain that it will be best for the Company to continue the duties. Ve are, nevertheless of a contrary opinion and say, that it would he The draws do.... body'i carw. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 375 f.!r'r ^^n,p; 7°"'"^ ^^ ^^"^ '■'"■ f'e Company in goneral to remove at once the New Netherlands r^ir^rSrchl "^"'^ J^"^ "^ ^^^^ simple position may not, perhaps, be admitted by them, we -""T. shall submit further reasons in support of il, and show in what respect it is of advantage to the Company that the duty should not be collected any more. 2. There is not a man In New Netherland who does not believe, that the duly is the cause ^'pViSon """*"" °^^^^ intolerable scarcity, and of the disorder and want of population there. ^""^ ""■ Many reproaches and curses, have been in consequence heaped upon it, which will not cease, but continue so long as the duty lasts. The datydiT.ru ih. 3. The exacting of duties diverts trade from here, for were the im^-osts removed, '■ a greater and ,; larger business would be transac* d at New Netherland ; and this renders the duty with good reason unsavory to, and hated uy all maritime cities, adapted to commerce, such as principally Amsterdam and similar places, which in this conjuncture do not require them. •' 4. Where the curse of every man is now directed against the Company, numbers of people ■ ,w?rr7. .^""'"^ ^^ bound to bless It were New Netherland peopled, which cannot be so "*>• long as the customs duty continues. TJ:l'S.Z^il ^- N^"' Netherland is every year a burthen, not a benefit to the Company, which ?;x"»«ir ^''P^"'^'' "'°^« °"' 'han is received from it. without, however, at all benefiting ......... New Netherland. Now, were the duty abolished, the Company could, with a cX"^.T/Z',',' ^°°^ ^'^''^' put a stop to all its present expenditure there, leaving only one person U^wNSrod."' '** '""""^Se their revenue in that country, and to command the people. Whilst you now give us nothing, you must defend yourselves ; we canrmt maintain any soldiers for you ; if you will have them, pay them yourselves Again, as we cannot support any government for you, if you want any, you will have to provide means to pay it, or get those who will work for nothing for you. By the above plan, the Company would derive so much proht certain ; Inasmuch as it would only receive the income of the property it possesses in that country, aud avoid all loss which It now annually incurs by New Netherland 6. By abolishing the duty, the Company would also do a service to this state, and therefore r:;:Th::» '"*'"' ^" indemnity, which at this time would not come amiss to it. In case the N«N.«,.r,.„d. duty remain, your High Mightinosses, however willing you may be. cannot secure nor populate New Netherland; and if this do not happen, it will bring you into great disrepute with the English and Swedes. Again, your High Mightinesses will be continually troubled and disturbed by public aud private petitions, until the entire country will become exclusively English. 7. Now, should the Hon-'^Company answer to this: Whence shall we be paid back our arrears? We reply by stating, how 'tis possible or practicable. First, the Company would get the nett receipts of all the income of its property in that country, as already stated. Further, it must well know, that in its present -. ate, or in that to which it can be brought by such management, there is hardly any hope or prospect of realizing any thing considerable; (or even though the revenue were increased, it will nevertheless accrue and melt for the benefit of the Company's wXh "i..""",* ■®'**'""'*' ^"'' «"''J«<^t to better judgment, this must be done — first, it must be KiSS """"8*^'' "'"' '■'« country remain for some years, bound and pledged to pay C„.'^d. "" """"""y t» 'he Company, a certain sum nett. And this, in my opinion, is the country. ^ best and only way to help the Company to what is its right, and to retain the For, if It be retained by the Company on a diftereot plan, the latter will, from year 376 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS, to year, get into more intricate labyrinths, and finally the English and Swedes will make away with the Province. Whether the removal of the duty be advantageous to New Netherland. ihe abolition, modification or alteration of the duty is, in our opinion, in the greatest degree advantageous to New Netherland. But, as every one familiar with that country ought to be aware of this, 'twill be unnecessary to enter upon a long explanation of it. We shall merely point out some effects which would accrue to New Netherland, leaving the rest to better judgments. By the abolition of the duty. New Netherland would obtain and acquire: 1, population ; 2, great trade; 3, reasonable profit on all goods and wares; 4, internal peace ; 5, security from all foreign and domestic attacks ; 6, settlement of boundaries and peace with its neighbors, in addition to all the advantages which flow from these principal points. Memorandum. We are now and always ready, when 'tis jour High Mightinesses' pleasure, to exhibit and produce the papers and letters, mentioned on the fifth instant, in your High Mightinesses' Assembly, 7 March, 1650. Received 12 March, 1650. Petition of tJte Delegates from JVew KeVierland. [ From Un OrlgiDsl In the Boyil ArehlTM (t the Htgiie ; lakilkat or the Slatet Qcoerol ; Bubrie Wft huUtcht Oampai/nU, So. 80 ; llf' dlrlaioB or the Buadle. ] To the Hinorable Mighty Lords, the Lords Alexander van der Cappellen of Heraertsbergen and the other their High Mightinesses' deputies on the redress of New Netherland. Honorable, Mighty Lords. Tlie Delegates of the Commonalty in New Netherland respectfully represent : as the ship ie Valckcnier now lies ready to sail on her (^ parture for New Netherland, and full one hundred and forty persons have offered to emigrate to thrt country at their own expense, and have been accepted, aad as still upwards of tiiirty persons additional have solicited and requested a passage in said ship, who must be refused, because there is not accommodation in the vessel for ihein, she being not more than a hundred and sixty loita burthen or thereabouts. The skipper and owners of said vessel further declare that, had they six times more accommodation or ships, they would all be filled ; so that in the hope of belter government, more passengers begin to set their faces towards New Netherland, according as passage and opportunity offer. As this tends greatly to the peopling and prosperity of that j'rovince, we, therefore, are unwilling to neglect directing your Mightinesses' attenlioa to it, requesting you to be pleased HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 877 to take this mto considerntion for the sake of New Netherland, to the end that speedy order and l.recucn be given that sufficient accommodation thither may be furnished. Which doing. (Endorsed) Remonstrance of the Delegatps from New Netherland to the Most Mighty Lords their High Mightinesses' Deputies on the redress of New Netherland, Received IS"- March, 1650. Ajipendtx. Before me. Jan Colterman. admitted by the Court of Holland, a notary public, residing la the city of Haerlem, and the undernamed witnesses, appeared the worthy Willem Thomassen sk.pper of the ship named d. Vulckcnier, lying in the harbor of Amsterdam, ready to sail ht New Netherland; who, at the request of the delegates fro.n New r.therland, testifies and declares by h.s troth, in place and with tender of an oath, if requisite and required, that it IS true that he, deponent, agreed about two weeks ago, to convey as many people in his aloresaid sh.p to New Netherland, as he can in any way accommodate; and that he has r^^ni I ""''• ""^f"^ '" ^^ ''''™' °'^''' P^"""«' ''°'- P"««»g« '" '''«• cleponent's, ship. And that he, deponent, hath rejected lully as many as thirty persons, for the aforesaid reason, that he cannot accommodate any more people in his vessel ; further deponent saith not. Thus executed w.th.n the city of Haerlem aforesaid, on the fifteenth of March XVI' and fifty, in presence of Mathys Arentsen Zuyck and Govert van Liphorst. witnesses, invited for the ver.ficat.on hereof and who. with the deponent and me, the notary, have also signed, in testimony, the original draft hereof. S ' " Quod Attestor. (Signed) J. Colterman, Nof Pub. Resohtion of tlie States General concerning New Nethrland, d-c. I From the Register of Wnt InJIt Affkln, tm - lasi, In Ihe Eojil ArchWo ai il,< Uagtia ] Saturday, 12 March, 1650. rnii«««. Messrs. van Aertsbergen and other their High Mightinesses' previous deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, have proposed to their High Mightinesses and requested RwfrMiiBdtEoon- ''''"*' *'!"* '^e Provinces should pronounce on the following points: On the •"''■ Redress and (Economy drawn up for the West India Company and heretofore transmitted to the Provinces. Secondly, that extr.u-t of a Writing transmitted on the rV instant by the Chamber at Amsterdam to them, their High Mightinesses' Deputies, respecting the ui«i«d "" ''•" ^^^'^ '° ^^ Larried on with New Netherland from other cities of the United ""■ • Netherlands besides Amsterdam, be sent to the respective Chambers of the West India Company, with request that the said Chambers speedily send acme person hither Vol I. 48 878 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. J? from among them, charged and authorized to conrer with their High Mightinesses' deputies on the entire subject of New Netherland. Thirdly, that a letter be written to the President and Preiideni ind su- Supreme Council in Brazil, also to the Lieutenant General of the Military there, ImTu. °°"° " in answer to the news and despatches of the 13"" December last, to encourage D«fen*e tmi'm.m. '^^'" '° ^^^ defcuce and maintenance of the forts and country there, with notice mTimSI'io b™. 'hat their High Mightinesses have sent a reinforcement thither of twelve ships, ProriiioM ud provisions, money for the pay of the soldiers, and supplies of shoes and stockings oih.r>uppiiM. ^Q be delivered to the Military, at such price as they are purchased here; all amounting to one hundred and twenty thousand guilders cash, and thirty thousand guilders in the aforesaid necessaries purchased in this country. Whereupon deliberation being had, it is hereby resolved and determined on the first point — to request the deputies of the Provinces present to be so good as to communicate the provincial opinion of their respective principals, regarding the aforesaid points for Redress and CEconomy in the affairs of the aforesaid Company. On the above mentioned second point it is resolved and concluded, that extract of the aforesaid writing shall be sent to the respetive Chambers of the above named Company, with request and desire, that each of them shall depute hither one or two directors against the 25"" instant, fully empowered and authorized to confer in the aforesaid case with the Lords their High Mightinesses' deputies over the whole subject of New Netherland. On the abovenamed third point, it is resolved and concluded, that agreeably to the plan therein proposed, the President and Supreme Council in Brazil, and, mutatis mutandis. Lieutenant General Schoppe shall be written to and be respectively encouraged to the defence and maintenance of the forts and countries of Brazil. States General to the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company. [ Vrora the Regiiler or CilgtgaM Brimm or lb« SttiM Osneril, in tha Royal ArohiTaa at (he Hagnt. ] To the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company. The States General, etc. Folio «3. Honorable, &c. We have had an extract made, as annexed hereunto, of the information you sent on the ll'" instant to the Lords, our Committee, for the affairs of the West India Company of these parts, so far as mention was made, in the aforesaid information, NawNatherid. of frequenting Nev^ Netherland and of its trade, and transmitted said extract to the other Chat ibers of said Company respectively, with request that they will depute hither one or two of their Board against the 25"' inst., fully empowered and authorized to confer with said Lords, our Deputies, on tha whole subject of New Netherland; Whereof we have resolved to notify you hereby, and likewise to request and desire you to depute hither by the abovementioned prefixed day, one or two of your Board fully empowered and authorized for the end aforesaid. Wherein fail not. Done 12"' March, 1660. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 879 States Oeneral to tlie other Chambers of the West India Gnnpany. [ From tht BegiaUr of UUgtaane BrUvm of Uw 8Utn OemnI, in lh« Borol ArchlvM it th* Hafuu. ] To all the Chambers of the West India Company except that at Amsterdam. The States General, etc. F011088. Honorable, &c. Herewith is sent an extract from written information which the Directors of the West India Company, at Amsterdam, transmitted on the ll"" instant to N.W NetheriMd. our Committee in the matter of the West India Company of these parts. As mention is made in the aforesaid information of the resort to New Netherland and its trade, we, therefore, hereby request and require you to depute one or two of your Board hither by the 25"" instant, fully empowered and instructed on the whole New Netherland business, to confer thereupon with our Committee. Wherein fail not. Done 12"" March, 1650. I * ■« » »i » Draft of a Contract to convey Emigrants to New Netherland. [ From tba MlDut* In the Bo;al Archirea >t tho llagns ; File, W—t IndU, ] This day, the 19** of March, 1G50, the Committee of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company on the one part, and Adriaen van der Donck, Jacob van Couwenhoven and Jan Evertsen Bout, on the other part, have mutually agreed and concluded, in the presence of their High Mightinesses' Deputies : That the aforesaid Van der Donck, Couwenhoven and Bout will undertake, as they do hereby contract to charter a suitable fly-boat of 200 Imls and therein to go to sea before the first of June next, and convey to New Netherland the number of 200 passengers, of which 100 are to be farmers and farm servants, and the remaining 100 such as the Amsterdam Chamber is accustomed to send over, conversant with agriculture, and to furnish them with necessary supplies for the voyage on the condition that the aforesaid Committee of the Company shall allow the New Netherland contractors here to have, or to draw from the duties which, after this date, will be paid to the Company on freights for New Netherland the sum of four thousand guilders cash, to pay present expenses; the subject of duty, redress, and New Netherland freedoms remaining for the more full disposition of their High Mightinesses and the Directors of the West India Company. The Committee of the Company shall immediately make an assignment of such funds, together with seven thousand guilders additional, to be drawn in New Netherland from the peltry revenue, amounting, in all, to the sum of eleven thousand guilders, the further sums derived from board and passage, if any there be, remaining for the profit and behoof of them the New Netherland, contractors, without they, or the aforesaid hundred gratuitously conveyed persons, demanding anything further from the Company, or taxing them not even one stiver beyond the said eleven thousand guilders. Tho contractors shall, also, bind the aforementioned two hundred conveyed persons to remain there at least three years, unless some of them, for pregnant reasons, may obtain, from the 380 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Council in New Netl.erland, permission to return earlier, and not allow them to depart without tTo Zdfe °""^ '" V'""""' °' '"^ '''''''" """ '" '-' '^ -- '" P- '^»' 'h-^o «S Tto sea h TVv "? P;^' °" '"'^■'°"^' "'""" "^^ "'■°^^«"*'^ '"-• «o «« 10 l'" »l"e '« go to sea. the aforesa.d Van der Donck. Couwenhoven and Boudt. shall forfeit to the Company. from the.r pr.vate property, in addition to the restitution of the 4000 guilders received fo fuZ bZuo?. " r'" °', '"° ''""""' '''''''■' "^ once, without ?he Company being further bound fo the aforesa.d passage or hoard money. And the West India Company shaH b pr,v,leged. whenever said 200 persons are brought on board, to cause to be inTpeCed t e «lnp and the peop e. ,f these be qualified a. ..foresaid. And the New Netherland conlcto d c are t at they do not intend to derive any profit beyond the return of cost whid" mu be d.sbursed ,0 obta.n the passengers; they also bind themselves, the costs being ledu ted to eave any overplus there n.ay be. to be appi.ed next year to the like conveya, e^o fa mers' ir farm servants; whereunto they each oblige themselves ,„ ./,^„. „,.d unde enu c .U o of :7s'i;rd' by t ^:: ;'^' r'Ti' ^--^'^ ^'-^ ^"^«- ^'- -^-^ anrcoii and signed by the Contractors, on both sides, at the Hague, on the day and year aforesaid. liesolution of the Stales Oenercd on the preceding. t V«m Ih. B.g1.t., of Wm, India Afclr., loss - ,«,, In ,h, Eo,.! Arohlr- .1 th. U.,... 1 Wednesday. 23"* March. 1G50. Fo,i^M». The report of Mess" van Aertshergen and other their High Migtinesses' P«-,n^r..h„h., the actual delegates from Vew iVetI.erlnnd relative to the conveyance to that country of two hundred passengers, and the conditions thereof, and the remarks of the D.recorsof the West India Company present, being heard, the Lords of Holla drquLd copy thereof, and the matter is meanwhile poetpo.ied. requested ■^»« ♦ ■■ fc liesoUtion of the Stites of Hullaml and West/ricA-Ian,/. ^JSml-JLt""" '^\ Assembly i. advised that some Delegates from New Netherland having come here w.th power to convey from this country to that, n considerable number of farmers and other people, but that the aforesaid district being under the Wes iT. a Company's jur.sd.ct.on. ,he Director, of said Company intend to draw some duties me aforesaid country of New Netherland. " "uncs irom me Whereupon deliberation being had. it is resolved that the Directors of the aforesaid allow. do py o v^hat the above menli.,ned Delegates have comn.unicated to the (Jeneral HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V, 881 Chamber of Oroningen to the States General. t From the Origlnil in the Koyri Archlroi .t th. Hague j LoMkat of the SKUm Qener.! j DlTl.lon, H ».< InaUeht CompagM,, No. 80.] High and Mighty Lords. We learn from a reliable source, that by your High Mightinesses' order, the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company is authorized to lay on a ship for Brazil; and we have lying at Amsterdam a lot of forty barre's of beef, each weighing 600"», well packed in iron bound barrels, which through want of opportunity cannot be cleared nor conveyed to Brazil, and even did occasion present, no one would be willing to receive the aforesaid beef unless the freight were previously paid, which it is impossible for us to do. And considering that provisions will be in the greatest demand in Brazil, we request your High Mightinesses to be pleased to order that the aforesaid forty barrels be shipped in this vessel now put on, and be therein conveyed to Brazil. Further, we duly received your High Mightinesses' letter of the 12'" instant liilo loci, that we should confer at the Hague with your High Mightinesses' Committee on the 26'" March, on the subject of the resort to New Netherland and of its trade, upon certain information transmitted by the Amsterdam Directors to your High Mightinesses' Committee for the aflkirs of the West India Company, we would not willii y fail to depute thither some one of our Chamber, hut inasmuch as we possess very little knowledge thereof, having never traded to that place ; and as in these haru times every expense must be avoided, we therefore request your High Mightinesses will be pleased to excuse us in this instance. We will, meanwhile, conform ourselves to whatever your High Mightinesses' Committee, with the assistance of the Directors delegated from the other Churnbers, shall do and determine in the premises. Herewith concluding, we will commend you. High and Mighty Lords, to God'i Holy protection. Your Higo Mightinesses' obedient friends. The Directors of the West India Company at the Chamber of 8tad' Croningen and Ommelanden. Done, Groningen, the 14'" March, 1050. (Signed) Rengehs. Received 31 March, ItioO. HesolufioH of the States General. I from th* RtglMer of WmI ludli Alhlra, IdSS - 1881, In lh« Bojtl ArehIrM >l lb« nnfiig J Thursday, 31" March, 1050. Folio MS. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company at the rh.,„b«.,o™in. Chamber of the city of (Jroningen and Ommelanden. written at (;roningen, !;r "••'""■ »''" '4"' instant uiln loci, regarding the sending provisions to Bnizil. and b!?o the N.« N„h„i.„d. „ffuir of iNew Nrtherhuid. Whereupon, deliberntion being had. it ii resolved and concluded that the aforesaid letter shall be placed in the hands of Mens" van Aert/.I.ergen and other their High Mightinesses' depuiim for the afluirt of the West India Company, to inspect, exaiuiae and to report upon it. NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Resolution of the States Oenerak [From tbe EegUler of Wert India Alhira, 1M8 ~ 1691, In the Boytl Arohlfee it the Hague.] Friday, the 1" April 1650. Fouo 648. On representation made to the Assembly by Mess" van Aertsbergen and other their High Mightinesses' deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, it is, after pieierStayTMint previous deliberation, resolved and concluded that PieterStuyvesant Director and the other Councillors in New Netheriand, shall be v^ritten to that their High Mightinesses are engaged in deliberation with the Directors of the West India Company on subjects appertaining Atmir. of New *» t^c population and prosperity of New Netheriand aforesaid, and meanwhile have licensed some persons delegated hither from the Commonalty there, to return home, requiring him, Stuyvesant, and the other Councillors there not to trouble nor molest such persons, who came from New Netheriand and will again return thither, for representations which may have been made here. And whereas it is considered necessary that the population now under consideration be favored and encouraged in every way, their High Mightinesses charge him, the Director, and Council to take care that the country be not divested of oant,hon«.eo«i. horses and cows, also i,hat provisions be retained to supply arriving Colonists, and the inhabitants generally furnished with arms necessary for their defence, and the guns stamped ; the aforesaid New Netheriand delegates being to that end allowed to purchase and carry over two hundred guns for distribution according to the order to be issued thereunto by their High Mightinesses; and to that end all inhabitants shall be forbidden henceforth to sell stamped guns and to export, or cause to be exported, any horses or cows without the permission of the Council. Further, that said guns shall be distributed among the inhabitants of the city of New Amsterdam and those who are capable of bearing arms, and also to olher families spread throughout the Country, who shall be expressly ordered and obliged to keep their guns in good condition and to supply themselves with necessnry powder, causing pertinent record to be kepi of the guns distributed as aforesaid, in order that they be inspected and examined every three months; and should any guns remain over, they must be secured in the public store, and tbia conclusion is proposed by Mr. van Renswoude. States Oeieral to the Director^ etc., of Xe^o Ndherland. [ rrom the BerUh r of CUgtaM Biimtm uf ihe Slelei aeoerkl, In the Buyal Areblv* tt the llegue. ] The States General, etc. roiio4T. Honora'ile, etc. We continue daily to turn our attention to the prosperity of New Netheriand interests, and are therefore oct-upied in deliberations with the Directors p.i.«i.tin« of New ol the West India Company, on the peopling of said New Netheriand and ill ethrriead. dependencie.. Meanwhile, we have permitted some persons delegated hither from theCommonuity of that place, to return there requiring you, therefore, neither to trouble HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 888 nor molest those who came from New Netherland, and are about to return thither, on account of any representations that may have been made here ; and whereas we deem it expedient, that the population, which is now needed, should be favored and encouraged in every way, we direct and order you to take care that the country be not divested of horses and cows: also that supplies of provisions be reserved for the arriving colonists, and that the inhabitants be furnished with arms necessary for their defence, and the guns stamped, wherefore the delegates from New Netherland are allowed to purchase and convey thither two hundred guns, to be distributed according to the orJer by us given. And that, therefore, all inhabitants shall be forbidden henceforth to sell any stamped guns, and to export or cause to be exported, any horses or cows without permission of the Council. You shall, moreover, distribute the aforesaid guns among the inhabitants of the city of New Amsterdam, and to all those who are capable of bearing arms, and to other families scattered throughout the country, with express command that they shall be obliged to keep their guns in good order, and to provide themselves with requisite powder, keeping correct register of the guns distributed as aforesaid, so that they may be inspected and examined every three months, ajd should any guns remain over, they shall be stored in the warehouse. Done the first April, 1650. Eesdiution of th: States General to invest Mr. van Rensselaer with Manorial Privileges. [ rnm lh« B«tMar of VmI ladU AAiIra, IMS — l«6l, is lb* Eoy»l ArehlTH *l Uu Bifve. ] Thursday, 7'* April, 1650. Folio 880. The report being heard of Messrs. van Aertzhergen and other their High Mightinesses' Committee for the affairs of the West India Company, who pursuant to their High Mightinesses' resolutions looked into and examined certain petition of the guardians of joh.u T.n B.n«. Johan van Rensselaer, minor son of Kiliaen van Renselaer deceased, whereby they ■..rtgowdi™.. request their High Mightinesses to be pleased to grant the aforesaid Johan van Renselaer patent of investiture of High, Middle and Low jurisdiction over a certain Colonie in New Netherland, called Rensselaer's Wyck, together with fishing, fowling, and milling to the exclusion of all others; it is after previous deliberation hereby resolved and concluded to allow and accord the Petitioners' request, on condition that they shall previously designate the bounds and district of the aforesaid Colonic called Rensselaer's-VVyck, in order that after the same is seen and examined by their High Mightinesses, further disposition shall be made as to the issuing of the aforesaid patent of investiture. m 884 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Eesolution of the Slates General admitting D. ran Schtllnyne to he Notary in New Netherland. [ From the RdglaKr of West India Alhlrt, 1883-1881, Id llio Koyil ArehlvM it the ni«ae.] Friday, 8"" April, IC50. FoHoosa On the petition of Dirck van Schelliiyne Notnry here in the Hnmie, it is, after nirrk inn Bchol- . j i l .• i i . . . . . o ' hijtnp mHmiiie.1 N.U previous deliberation, hereby resolved awA concluded to admit the petitioner Ury in Ndir Neih. i i , . i . n ■ , ' «ri.nd. peaceably and quietly, in all loyalty, to exercise the office of Notary at the Manhatans, and further throughout the entire of New Netherland in all existing and future Colonies vehere the Petitioner elects his domicile, or by request or occasion may repair, without opposition or contradiction of the Director or any others, for the benefit of the Commonalty there; whereunto a commission in due form shall be issued for the petitioner. Commission of Dirch van Schelhiyne as Notary in Nero Netherland. [ From lh« AcU-Botle at the SUtm Otntril, In the Royal Archlrn •! the Iltgne. ] Commission to Dirck van Schelluyne, Notary here in the H.tgiie, authorizing and oppointing him to exercise said office of Notary in New Netherland. Folio M. The States General of the United Netherlands. To all those who shall see these or hear them read. Health. Ivnow Ye : Whereas We have received the humble petition to us presented by Dirck van Schelluyne Notary here at the Hague, to empower him to exercise said Notarial profession at the Manhattans, and further throughout the whole of New Netherland in all existing and future Colonies thereof. Therefore, on account of the good report made to Us of Dirck van Schelluyne aforesaid, and of his utility and fitness, fully confiding in his in iiistry and fidelity. We, the aforesaid Dirck van Schelluyne have appointed and authorized, an ) do hereby appoint and authorize, to exercise the aforesaid profession of Notary at the abovenamed Manhatuis and further throughout the whole of New Netherland in all actual and future Colonies, where the petitioner keeps his domicile, or may on request or occasion, repair, giving him full power, to draw up all Declarations, Testaments, Codicils, I«*rumentB, preliminary Informations, Mercantile and Marriage Contracts, and other acts, stipulations necessarily of use to the Commonalty, and moreover to do all things that a good and faithful Notary may and ought to do, on condition that he shall be bound to take at Our hands the usual oath for the due execution of his office, which being done. We request and command the Director and Council, and all other Our subjects in the aforesaid Countries of New Netherland, who are now or may be hereafter commissioned thither, whom this may io any wise concern, to acknowledge the aforesaid petitioner for Notary, and to offer him no let or hindrance. Dotie at the Hague, the eighth of April XVI' and fifty. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. Jiesdution of the States of Holland and Westfriedand. 385 Now NMhwiud On the report of Mr. Paats that strong efforts are making in the General ikgatM. Assembly to get their Great Mightinesses there to cause to be introduced some Provincial motion on the petition olthe delegates from New Netherland relative to the conveyance of two hundred or more farmers or other persons required in that country, and other matter appertaining thereunto. Whereupon deliberation being had, the members from Amsterdam are requested to communicate their opinions, as it is, in like manner, understood that the Chamber of the West India Company at Amsterdam shall be heard, thereupon. Delegates from New Netherland to the Committee of the States General (From Um OrlglDil.lntheltoj*) AreblvM«tth« Iligne; Z«*rf«n» of Ui« Slilft General ; Rubric Wat rnoH of the Commute of the States General on the Affairs of New Netherland. [ From U.. MS. U. Ita. Koyd A«hi«. .t th. H.r,e ; LokMa. of Ih. SUt« Geaer.1 ; Bubru- W»l IndUcK. O^pagnU, No. 80 ; 16U. dlvUlon of the Uundlo, 1 Provisional Order respecting the Government, Preservation and Peoplinir of New Netherland. Messrs. van Aertzbergen and the other your High Mightinesses' Committee on West India affairs, havmg been for some months in conference with the Directors delegated by the Chan.ber at Amsterdam and others of the West India Company, on matters brought before your High Mightinesses, both by the Delegates from New Netherland and the Directors there, from and on behalf of the People, in divers written and verbal remonstrances and memorials, have, at the request of the Directors of the Amsterdam Chamber, consented to pass over divers matters contained in the Gukat Reeonstraxce of the People, and to apply themselv^-s to the principal points, on the express assurance from the aforesaid Directors that th.-y would receive all just and respectful representations. And to this end, having inquired into the system of government hitherto maintained in New Netherland, the heavy burthens which the Company hath in consequence borne, and the small profit derived therefrom, the destruction of the population, the neglect in applying remedies to errors and excesses; and, considering that your High Mightinesses cannot, and ought not any longer approve of the perverse n^m.nistration of the privileges and benefits granted by charter to the stockhplders of the West India Company; of the commissioners of New Netherland, under the authority of the Chamber at Amsterdam, neglecting or opposing the gooo plans and offers submitted for the security of the boundaries and tiie increase of the population of the country: And whereas your High Mightinesses, as sovereigns over your subjects, are well qualified, nay. bound to see that the property of the latter, (still in a condition to be saved and improved if no time be lost and good care be taken) shall not be allowed to go to ruin or fall into the han.is of others ; I herefore, we, your High Mightinesses' Committee, are of opinion that the preservation of those countries and benefits, which were originally granted by your Hi^-h Mightinesses not the Directors of the Chamber at Amsterdam, but to all the stockholders of the West India Company scattered throughout the Provinces, demands other orders than those issued 888 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. heretofore for the government thereof, the increase and establishment of the population, raising and bearing of necessary taxes, the prevention of dangers and general ruin similar to what has been bitterly experienced for a few years ; and further, for the ettectual removal of all sorts cf evils and troubles, which have been elaborately submitted to your High Mightinesses: And in order that the complaints of the Nation's subjects, now heard and examined for the space of five months, may be deferred no longer by conferences and objections, but remedied by good resolutions. We would, therefore, be of opinion that your High Mightinesses do, with the advice and communication of the Directors now summoned from all the Chambers of the West India Company, the major part of whom are in attendance, permit the Delegates from New NetI.erland to return this season, to encourage and animate all the innaoitants there sedulously to attend to the cultivation of the soil and to the improvement, security and increase of the population within their Umits. And, accordingly, that the offer respecting the conveyance of passengers and farmers which they made, ought to be speedily accepted and executed; and, further, that this Provisional Oudek be enacted and also furnished them. ^ First. Whereas their High Mightinesses have received the strange and unexpected intelligence that contributions have been demanded from the Aborigines of the country and, such having been refused, that the late Director Kieft, under pretense that the people sJ demanded by petition, signed, however, by merely three persons, had waged against those Aborigines an unnecessary, bloody and ruinous war, the instigators whereof have not been duly inquired after, or punished, the Director and Council shall in future be careful that [no war] be undertaken against the Aborigines of the country or neighbors of New Netherland, without their High Mightinesses' knowledge. And in case any misunderstanding and trouble' may arise between or with said Aborigines or neighbors, all possible means shall be made use of to remove the same, before matters come to extremities, and advice shall be sent at once to their High Mightinesses of what might transpire in the premises. 9. Secondly, Jan Jansen Damen and Abraham Planck, having presented the petition, whereupon the war was commenced, shall be sent to their High Mightinesses, that information may be obtained from them from what occurred, and who had induced theif> to pre-int the aforesaid petition. Thirdly, that those who, contrary to express orders and prohibition, have undertaken to sell and barter articles of contraband, such as guns, pistols, powder and lead to the Aborigines, and thus exposed themselves, with all those who actually resi-l", or hereafter may come to New Netherland, to the imminent danger of being suddenly ai.;icked, massacred and driven off, shall be punished lor the excesses herein committed, especially for what occurred duriig the war, when subjects of this State dared to strengthen their enemies by the sale of prohibited articles of contraband. And whereas this evil has now reached that stage that the trade in the aforesaid coniralmnd goods cannot easily be cut short or forbidden, without evident danger of new war and trouble between the subjects of this Slate and the Aborigines, the Council of New Netherland shall be notified, and ordered to take care that none of the aforesaid articles HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 389 of contraband shall be hereafter traded and sold either by colonists or other inhabitants, except with Its knowledge and by its order, the guns to be charged at 6 guilders, the pistols at 4 guilders, the pound of powder at six stivers, all for the benefit of the public interests there; so as in time, when it can, in their opinion, be safely done, to forbid the trade altogether, under heavy penalties to be thereunto enacted. 4. Fourthly, whereas their High Mightinesses learn that the people of New Netherland either are not obliged, or have themselves forgotten to possess and maks use of arms necessary for their own defence, therefore, the inhabitants generally, shall be bound each to provide himself with a good gun and the requisite powder and lead, and be enrolled and formed into companies, have the said guns stamped and inspected, with a prohibition against the sale of such stamped guns, on pain of himself or family being deprived thereof. 6. The forts shall all be well maintained and taken care of at the places where, for the occupation of the country, they have been, or shall by order hereafter be erected; the magazine therein provided with necessary munitions of war, the houses and court yards built either within the walls or at a short distance around them, without, however, impeding the defence which must be made therefrom ; causing the inhabitants to dwell so close and compact together, that they be able to help, aid and defend each other. 6. New Netherland being at present provided with only one clergyman, orders shall be given forthwith for the immediate calling and support of at least three preachers; one to attend to Divine service at Ilenselaer's colonic; the second in and about the city of New Amsterdam, and the third in the distant places; and the Commonalty shall be also obliged to have the youth instructed by good school-masters. 7. Whereas it Is found that greater pains have generally been taken to promote the fur trade than the agriculture and population of the country, the Supreme Council there, shall, in consequence, above all things, provide that cattle he not exported, but be as much as possible retained and reared there ; also that a good quantity of grain be kept iu store, to be furnished and sold at a reasonable price to newly arriving immigrants, who are to be assisted and favored in every manner, and be located on good lands, suitable for cultivation, taking care therein that they shall dwell as close and as compact together as possible on such lands and places as shall he considered best and most suitable for homestead, bouwerie, plantation and security; the I'atroons of colonies remaining at liberty to improve their own lands as they think proper, they being likewise obliged to settle tneir colonists in the form of villages. 8. The Council shall also provide for the establishment and continuance of a good trade and commerce in provisions and other commodities between New Netherland and the national forts in Brazil, permitting the merchants to take in all sorts of wares there, and to bring back whatever they shall deem proper. Kii^Ssl f&M 390 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. The propositions as they are drawn shall be amplified for the relief of the Directors of the Amsterdam Chamber and the increase of the public revenue, witliout embarrassing the State or West India Company, in such wise that instead of 20,000 guilders or thereabouts, which the Amsterdam Chamber now draws annunll-/, \t kU.u\ be able to derive fifty thousand guilders and by degrees increase further to the esa. ntia'. ;i JvAi^tnge of the worthy stockholders, and to that end, the Supreme Council shall be wriitLf; to and instructed to have the Colonists or their Patroons, and the people of New Netherland convoked, and to endeavor to induce them to consent to, assume and bear the aforesaid charges, causing them to collect and manage the funds and to pay the taxes in such proportion as they shall themselves enact. 10. The request for Freedoms and Exemptions shall be more fully examined, with the considerations moved thereupon. 11. The Council of New Netherland shall consist of a President or Director; a Vice Director and of three Councillors, one of whom shall be appointed on the part of their High Mightinesses and the West India Company, and the other two selected from the inhabitants of that country. 12. For which purpose the Director and Council shall be bound to call a meeting of the Patroons of Colonies, or their agents, and of the deputies of the Commonalty, to be held within the city of New Amsterdam for the purpose of nomii. ting four qualified persons from whom two shall be selected who shall be thereunto qualified by their High Mightinesses and those of the West India Company. These two elected Councillors shall serve four consecutive years, but on the expiration of the aforesaid four years, one of the two may by lot continue two years more and the other retire in order to present two others in future, biennially, by a new nomination, in manner as aforesaid. 13. The Advocate-fiscal shall haveboth seat and vote in said Council, in matters not appertainine to his oflUce. ° Petrus Stuyvesant, the present Director, shall be instructed to return home and report. 15. And a suitable person conversant with Agricultural matters and the nature of soils, shall be forthwith dispatched and sent by the first opportunity to New Netherland to take charge of the lands situated on both sides of the Great North river, extending southerly to the South river, and northerly to the Fresh river, with instruction based on the Considerations exhibited conjointly by the Directors and the Delegates from New Netherland. 16. On the increase of the population and the augmentation of the inhabitants, a Court of Justice shall be established in the province. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 391 17. 18. Meanwhile shall the Nine Selectmen continue three years longer, and have jurisdiction over mall causes ans.ng between Man and Man, to adjudicate definitively on suiu not e ceedinl the sum of fifty guilders and on higher amounts under privilege of appeal. * 19. All inhabitants now there, or arriving hereafter in the country, shall take an oath of fidelity according to the form to be sent to the* Supreme Council. ^' 20. hfoXirr^' proceeding to the north parts of America and the islands thereabout, shall be oblged to convey over all passengers who will present themselves to be taken to New Netherland. to the number at least of persons for every ship whose burthen is a„d more m proportion. ■^ f " "» anu 21. Finally, the sum of fifteen thousand guilders at least shall hereafter be annually appropriated from funds pointed out by the Delegates from New Netherland, for the conveyance of f^nilies exp nses And for this purpose, two ships shall, agreeably to concluded arrangements, be chartered and provisioned, with this understanding, that double the expense of passage and provisions shall be exacted from all immigrants who will, after the expiration of four years have the means of payment, or otherwise desire to quit the country. Observations of the Chamber at Amsterdam on the preceding Report. To the Noble Mighty Lords, che Committee of the High and Mighty Lords State, General of the United Netherlands for the afTairs of the West India Company. The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company of the Chamber at Amsterdam, havmg communication of the annexed writing, and being ordered to submit their opinion hereon Stat., under correction, as their conclusion on the first.-That they most respectfully ri nlh . 7- ' " 7 "^' ■"*"""' " "PP'^^" '° "'«'^ «'8h Mightinesses that the war against the Indians was undertaken soMy on the petition of three persons, especially as they llTe Doctor. "' """ '"''°""''^' "" '"" ^" '''" ^'"'" ' "'''''" "P°^' «'"' °^^^ ^^ '»>« 2. This article relates to the Uatement in the first. 892 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 5^ 1 3. The trade in articles of contrnband has been always forbidden ; and we cannot consider it wise to give private persons, yet, so much latitude. But if some of the aforesaid wares must, however, to avoid offence, be sold with a sparing hand, such shall be permitted by the Director and Council, with knowledge of circumstances and only when necessary. This small charge is also wholly unnecessary, inasmuch as the Indians will readily purchase guns in the spring, (ffi, 120 guilders, and a pound of powder, (S. 10 or 12 guilders. 6. Those of the Colonie Rensslaers-Wyck must pay their own clergyman, and are busy inquiring for a person. New Amsterdam is provided, and none is yet required in the out-lying places. 8. This point is fully treated in the Freedoms. 9. The purport of this article ought to be made clearer in order to render it intelligible. In all cases we cannot understand how the inhabitants can be brought to bear the expenses, inasmuch as it is already slated that they complain about a small impost on beer and wine, which is, however, paid only by the tapsters. 10. The subject of the Freedoms forms a particular report, which will be approved by us when the copy thereof is ready. 11. The Council ought to remain constituted as lately enacted by the Assembly of the XIX.; it can then be conceded, for the satisfaction of the people, that two of their number shall be adjoined to the aforesaid Council, to be selected by the Company here from a nomination of a triple number to be previously made by the aforesaid Commonalty. 12. This article is co-dependent on what has been already stated. 14. The Directors consider this coming over to be entirely unnecessary, unless some reasons to the contrary be alleged. And in case some information be required on the affiiirs in New Netherland, in addition to what Secretary van Tienhoven can furnish, the Vice Director might come home. 15. They consider this to be co-dependent on the preceding. 18. The Judicature ought to be left as established, both in the Company's lands and the Colonies. in HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 393 20, ThI. order is in regard of some private ships, impracticable and useless for the Company Only th.s can be enacted, that all ships entered for New Netherland shall be obliged toZvev over as many persons as they have lasii burthen. ^ 21. So long as the Company continues in its present straitened condition and want of money, it cannot pledge Use to these 16,000 guilders per annum. And neither would the credi^;r8 rema'n unpa^ '" '""'^ '" """ "'"^^"''^ ^'' '"""^ " P"'P°««' *^"«* '''«'' ^^^^ts (Endorsed) Remarks of the West India Chamber at Amsterdam on the Provisional Order on the government, preservation and peopling of New Netherland. 11 April, 1650. Provisional order respecting the govern- ment, preservation and peopling of New Netherland. Messrs. van Aertsbergen and the other your High Mightinesses' Committee on West India affairs having been for some months past in conference with the Directors delegated by the Chamber at Amsterdam and others of the West India Company on matters brought before your High Mightinesses both by the Committee from New Netherland and the Director there, from and on behalf of, the people, in divers written and verbal remon- strances and Memorials, have at the request of the Directors of the Amsterdam Chamber consented to pass over divers matters contained in the Great Remonstrance of the People, and to apply themselves to the principal points, on the expressed assurance from the aforesaid Directors, that they would receive all just and respectful representations. And to this end, having inquired into the system of government hitherto maintained in New Netherland, the heavy burdens which the Company hath in consequence borne, and the small profit derived therefrom, the impeding of the population, the neglect in applying remedies to errors and excesses; and con- Vox,. I. 50 Remarks of the Amsterdam Chamber. 11 April, 1G50. The Directors of the West India Company Chamber at Amsterdam being ordered to make their observations on the annexed writing, state their opinion thereupon aa it is here inserted. The Directors of the Amsterdam Chamber respectfully deny that they made the request mentioned, but indeed that they on the contrary were requested to refute those people's abusive representations; who 'tis notorious were not willing to subscribe their written deduction in presence of their High Mighti- nesses' deputies. The Directors request proof wherein or whereby population has been impeded or hindered by them. % ' ""i i i 394 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCftlPTS, O BJdering that your High Mightinesses cannot, and ought not any longer look approvingly on the perverse administration of the privileges and benefits granted by charter to the stockholders of the W<^9t India Company, and that the good proposals and offers submitted for the security of the Boundaries and popu- lation of the country have been slighted or opposed by the Commissioners of New Netherland under the authority of the Chamber at Amsterdam. And whereas your High Mightinesses, as Sovereigns over your subjects, are well quali- fied, nay bound, to see that the property of the latter, still in a condition to be saved and improved, if no time be lost and if good care be taken, yhall not be allowed to go to riiin or fall in'i- the hands of others; Therefore, they, your High Mightinesses' Committee, are of opinion that the preservation of those countries, and advantages granted originally by your High Mightinesses, not to the Direc- tors of the Chamber at Amsterdam, but to all the Stockholders of the West India Company scattered throughout the prot'inces, demand other orders than those issued heretofore for the government of the country, the increase and establishment of the population, the raising and bearing of necessary taxes, the prevention of mischiefs and general ruin similar to what have been bitterly experienced for a few years j and further, Tor the effectual removal of all sorts of evils and troubles which have been fully submitted to your High Mightinesses ; And in order, with that view, that the complaints of the Nation's subjects now heard and examined during the space of five months, may be deferred no longer by conferences and objections, but be remedied by good resolutions; It is, therefore, con- cluded that your High Mightinesses do, with the advice and communiciition of the Directors now summoned from all the Chambers of the West India Cofnpany, the major part of whom are in attendance, permit the New The Directors have never done anything in administration and management except in presence of their High Mightinesses* deputies to the Assembly of the XIX. The Commissioners of New Netherlaud have no knowledge that such Boundary proposals have been made ; but it can be proved by all the letters written by this Chamber to Director Stuivesant that the bounr^ary is therein particularly recommended ; provided it be approved by their High Mightinesses. The Directors will not believe that their High Mightinesses will repudiate the adminis- tration of this Chamber, as it was accorded to them by the Assembly of the XIX. in the presence of their High Mightinesses' Deputies. These mischiefs have occurred without our knowledge and order; and when we had advices of them we called the late Director Kieft home to defend himself. These people are themselves the cause of their delay, as tlicy did not apply to the proper quarter nor deliver their credentials before, and until they had sojourned a long time at the Hague. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 395 Netherland Delegates to return this season, to encourage and animate all the inhabitants there to sedulously attend to Iha cultivation of the soil,the improvement, security and increase of the population within their limits. And accordingly that the offer respecting the con- veyance of passengers and farmers, which they made, ought to be speedily accepted and i;xecuted ; and further, that this Provisional Order be enacted and also furnished to them : The Directors understand that these people are not fit to contribute anything to the popu- lation and its advancement, inasmuch as they have set themselves up against the Company and its officers. ■^ ■» » »«-^- Adriaen van der DowJc' to the Committee of tice Slate-i General. IFrom US. Id Ibe Kojal Archir- at th. Hhoo ; l^>tMa» of th. 8UIm Oenerti ; X.kric W^ JmlUcH, OmpagnU, No. M,- lOth dir^on of th« Bundle. ] To the Noble Mighty Lords, the Lords of Heraertsbergen Loo, Velt, van der Hoick and others, a Committee on the Redress of the ruined affairs of New Netherland. Noble, Mighty Lords. The very laudable zeal which their High Mightineejes and you, Noble Mighty, have been plsased to evince as well for the preservation of whatever yet remains by God's especial blessing in ruined New Netherland as for the restoration of the sad and prostrate rffairs there, supplies me with confidence and courage to lay before you. Noble Mighty, some means which will be highly necessary, and. according to all human calculation, advantageous and profitable to their High Mightinesses' design herein. The affairs of New Netherland assumed in the beginning a favorable appearance of good progress and especial advantage from individuals and particularly from the State ; but the hope which everyone there entertained of the proximate establishment of some improvement in that quarter, h.ith been well nigh destroyed, the work being almost smothered in the birth by misgovernment on the part of the officers there as well in oppressing private citizens, as by waging unlawful and unnecessary war on their own authority. What damage .New Netherland hath suffered in consequence of the aforesaid unlawful and unnecessary War, which brought it to the brink of ruin — and how much innocent blood, as well of heathens as of christians and even of sucklings, hath been unnecessarily and barbarously shed, your noble Mightinesses will be able to ascertain from the annexed Points and Articles,' which I present to you, not from any particular object I might have iig ist Cornelis van Tienhoven,bui that your noble Mightinesses may have a foundation for the inquiry as to what constituted the cause of the country's ruin. The few inhabitants that may still he in New Netherland have all along hoped that their High Mightinesses woul.l have passed soma ' ThU dooumcut i« without nom* or J.U; 'ti. ■Imntt MrUiolj by AdriMD T*n dtr UoDck. - J. A. o» Z. Kor thM« poiiiu «B'I ■rliolea, tfopoit, p. 4ii«.— Eii. \l •J I' # w 896 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. animadversion on Ihoee who were the authors of the aforesaid mischiefs. Knowing that the abovenatned Tienhoven is not only .,ne of the principal authors thereof, but that he actually hath sojourned some time here in Fatherland, those people, if they see him arrive yonder from Fatherland without being either censured or corrected as the joint author of the aforesaid nrjischiefs will not only wholly despair and probably in desperation depart thence, perceiving that no blame follows in a case so grave, so notorious and familiar to the entire country ; but the aforesaid Tienhoven will in consequence be encouraged to aid in strengthening the rule over the inhabitants still there, tanquam bellicns, but more stringent, according to the lust and appetite of the rulers as has already unreasonably happened. In order not to deprive the inhabitants there wholly of heart, and to afford the a.ovementioned Tienhove , [an opportunity to defend himself,] as well as [to furnish 1 your Mightinesses particular inbrmntion and knowledge of the truth of the inhuman transaction there, your Mightinesses might hear the aforesaid Tienhoven, and cause him to answer the annexed interrogatories. If the said Tienhoven will truly answer these questions, the axiom quod mconfucnte nulla restant alio p,irtes JudicU ,jmm in condcmnando, must be put in force against him. If, on the contrary, he should obstinately and shamelessly deny the truth thereof, or otherwise render it obscure by amphibological, double-meaning or indire t answers, I, through the humble duty I owe their High Mightinesses and the love I feel for the preservation and prosperity of the present people of New Netherlr.nd, am always ready to furnish your Mightinesses, or whomsoever their High Mightinesses shall be pleased to empower, ad cLam Jsc: cgendam v^Uh such documents and information as shall fully convict the abovementioned Tienhoven of notorious falsehoods in his denial. But all this, with the understanding that in such matter as concerns the public, I, in nowise intend to enter into a law suit with said Tienhoven, ,n my intiividual capacity, but, in fact, should said Tienhoven deny the charges, to aupply such documents as shall be demanded even for his conviction and confusion. Jl April, 1660. Be.9olation of the State.9 Gmeral on the Provimmnl Order re.9pectir,g New Ndherland, ( riwn tb. IU(M« of Wert UdU Ablr.. xm - IWl, In U.. Royl Arrhl,« .. it,. Uh^. ] Monday, ll"" April, 1G50. affalrTof'the JJ"';'-;''"/«^^''''«^f' ' ^-^\olWr, their High Mightinesses' deputies, for the affair, of the West India Company, have submitted and laid before the Assembly, a certain rn^NrNVrnrr. V'i'*"" »'^°7'°""' O^-'*-^ respecUng the government, preservation and peopling «f New Netherland. Whereupon, deliberation being had. it is resolved and toncluded. that the aforesaid Provisional Order shall bo read to the Assembly ou the day alter to-morrow. ' ' HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 897 Besolution of the States Omeral aniliM nMcral, In Iha Rojril ArehiTM kl Iht ilagiM. ) To the Di-ector and Government in New Netherland. the XII April, 1660. Thk States Genehal, ktc. roit^t. a(,n'.-able. Whereas we are informed Ihnt the p.«acp has not yet been published T^t-Niati ii» '" *''■'• Netlierliind, and fhiit, Iherrforf. some \mteti are still defained there, •^ nolwiihelanding we sent yoa already, on the ly" Mwy, JlJ4o, some copies of the 400 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Treaty. We, thereFore, have resolved hereby again to direct and command you, that you cause on mght hereof, the Teace aforesaid to be proclaimed every where in that district, under the jurisdiction of this State, without remaining any longer in ddfault herain; and accordingly some proclamations with divers copies of the aforesaid Treaty of peace in both languages, go herewith. And you shall allow the Vice Director and the Board of the Nine Men provisionally, to continue in their respective commissions and instructions, or offices, tntil we shall have made other dispositions therein. Done xii April, 1C50. <■■>■■» !|' I' Jiesolution of the States Oenefol on the Provisional Order respecting New Netherland. [From III* BegUUr or Went India Aintln, IMS — 1 2^^ 408 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Whoever will desire to erect, as Patroon, a Colonic in New Netherland, shall be also at liberty to do so, and for that purpose to look out, either himself or by others, according to circumstances ; on condition that he declare that he will undertake to plant therein within the space of four years, after giving notice to any of the Company's Chambers here, or to the Commander or Council there, a Colonic of one hundred souls above fifteen years old, one fourth part thereof within the year, and to ship hence, within three years after sending out of the first, making, in all, four years, the balance to the full amount of one hundred parsons, on pain of losing, by notorious neglect, the freedoms obtained. But he shall be advised that the Company reserves unto itself the island of the Manhattes. And from the first moment that he shall have signified the places where he intends to plant his Colonic, he shall be preferred before all others in the free possession of such lands as he shall have selected there ; but in case such places shall not be afterwards agreeable, or a mistake occur in the choice of the ground, another opportunity shall be granted to make a second selection upon Remonstrance having been previously presented to the Director and Council. And Patroons shall be at liberty, through their agents, at the place where Ihey intend to plant their Colonies, to extend their limits four leagues along the coast, or on one side of a navigable river, or two leagues along both sides of one river, and as far inland as the circumstances of the occupants will permit; which circumstancrs shall be considered by, and be at the discretion of, the Director and Council there; Nut as regards the lands situate without the bounds of the Colonies, the patroons shall not be entitled to claim any authority thereupon, on one pretense or the other, but remain contented with the lands pointed out to them, leaving the disposal of the additional lands at the Company's discretion, either to grant them to other Patroons or to be possessed and cultivated by private Colonists, in which case the Patroons of the respective Colonies, or individual occupants shall be bound to observe good neighborhood, and to afford each other free outdrift and issue at the nearest place and smallest expense, appealing, at all times, in case of difference, to the decision of the Director and Council to be appointed for the time being by the Company. All the land situate within the limits aforesaid, together with all the fruits, superficies minerals, rivers and fountains thereof, shall the Patroons possess for ever in propriety, with high, middle and low jurisdiction, hunting, fishing, fowling and millinir, the lands remaining allodial ; but the jurisdiction be held as a perpetual hereditary fief, fealty and homage for which, when it devolves, shall be renewed to the Company by n pair of iron gauntlets, redeemable with 20 guilders within a year and six weeks. And should any one in course of time happen to prosper in his Colonic to the degree that he would come to plant one or more towns, he shall be authorized to appoint officers and magistrates therein, and make use of the title of his Colonic according to the pleasure and quality of the persons, all, however, with the knowledge and consent of the Assembly of the XIX. V'enia testandi.or patent to authorize the disposal of the aforesaid feudal estate by will, shall also be granted to all Patroons who request it. The Patroons shall also be at liberty to make use of all adjacent lands, rivers and woods of any use to them, untill the sani" bo alloted by this Company to other Patroons or individuals. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 403 Whoever shall send colonists over shall furnish them with proper instructions in order that they may be ruled and governed both in police and justice, conformably to the manner of government in use here, which instructions they shall previously submit to. and cause to be approved by, the Assembly of the XlX..on pain of forfeiting their obtained right and jurisdiction. The Patroons and Colonists wishing to prosecute trade, and to send, for that purpose, any cargoes by the Company's Ships, shall pay thereupon the same duties as other private merchants ; but as regards the necessaries for the Colonists, and implements necessary for agriculture, they may be conveyed over for a trifling gratuity, or even for nothing, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, But in case it be not convenient, or suitable for the Company to send any ships, or if there be no room in the sailing vessels, then the -Uroons. and also all other private persons, shall be at liberty, after having previously communicated their intention to the Company, and obtained Its written consent, to send thither their own ships or yachts, provided that in going or returning, they do not diverge from their ordinary course; and give the Company security to that effect and take an assistant along to be boarded at the expense of the Patroons jr of the private individuals, and to be paid his monthly wages by the Company; on pain, if acting contrary, of torJeiting their obtained right and title to the Colonic. And whereas it is the Company's intention to colonize the island of the Manhattes first, the staple of all produce and wares accruing on the North river and the country thereabout, shnll be provisionally there, before they can be sent further, with the exception of those which are naturally useless there, or cannot be brought thither without serious damage to the owners; in which case, the owners thereof, shall be obliged to give timely notice in writing of such inconvenience, to the Company here, or to the Director and Council there, in order that the same may be remedied as to the circumstances of the case shall appertain. All Patroons, colonists and inhabitants of New Netherland, shall be at liberty to sail to, and trade along the entire coast from Florida unto Newfoundland, provided they return with all the goods they obtain in barter, first to the island of the Manhattes, and pay five oer cent duty to the Company, in order, if possible, to be sent thence to the aforesaid countries after proper inventory of all the cargo.' Said Patroons. colonists and inhabitants, shall be also at liberty to trade theirgoods obtained there, everywhere on the coast of New Netherland and parts circumjacent thereunto, for all sorts of merchandise to be met with there, conditioned that such traders shall be obliged to l.nng to the island of th« Manhattes, if it be anywise possible, all the goods that they will be able to procure, in order that the Company's dues may be paid, and further that said goods be sent by the ships hither. *ith the knowledge of the Director and Council, or of their agenu; or if they come to this country, without euch having been done, that they be discharged, with the Company's knowledg,-, under proper inventory and payment of the duty accrued thereon, on pain of forfeiting said goods or the vaiue thereof. The Company promises that it will not take from the service of the Patroons any colonists whether man or women, son or .laughter, man servant or maid servant; and should any desire ' Om «o J..t n.og,lyck U. y,n Jwr ««.r Uhoorlyok. iavcnfrUatic- t«. «I1o ingelad.u go«der.n. ua d« voomohr^vci. lanJon gfsuuuca JA werden. 1 404 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. the same, that it will not receive, much less permit them to leave the service of their Patroon for that of another, except by previously written consent of their Patroon ; and this durins; such term of years as they are bound to their Patroon; at the expiration whereof, the 1 .troons shall be at liberty to cause the colonists, who may be unwilling to continue in their service, to be brought hither, to be then for the first time restored to their freedom ; and should any colonist run away to another Patroon, or resume his freedom in violation of his contract, the Company also promises to have him, as far as lies in its power, surrendered into the hands of his Patroon or his Commissary, to be there proceeded against according to the circumstances of the case, agreeably to the practice and uses of this country. An appeal shall lie, conformably to the custom of these countries, to the Company's Director and Council in New Netherland, or to such government as shall be established there, from all definitive judgments pronounced by the courts of the Patroons, excseding the sun of one hundred guilders, or such as attach infamy ; and, also, from all judgments, in criminal Ci ses on ordinary prosecutions. Whosoever, whether Colonists of Patroons for their Patroons, or Freemen for themselves, or other individuals for their masters, shall discover shores, bays or other places suitable for fisheries, or for the erection of salt-ponds, may take possession thereof and work them as their own absolute property to the exclusion of all others. And the Patroons of Colonists are allowed to send ships along the Coast of New Netherland for the fishing of cod, and to proceed with their catch directly to Italy or other neutral countries, on condition of paying the Company in such cise six guilders per last duty ; and should they touch here with their cargo, they shall be free [to continue their voyage] but they shall not, under pretext of this, or the Company's consent carry any other wares to Italy on pain of arbitrary punishment, the Company remaining at liberty to place a supercargo on board of each ship. The aforesaid Colonists and free men shall also be at liberty to export and convey all the products and crops of the country in their own, or in chartered ships free of duty, to Brazil and other places situate in the West India Company's territory, the coast of Guinea excepted. But they shall be bound to pay the same duties as the inhabitants of this country on the returns wiiich they will obtain for ihem in trade and import into New Netherland or here ; but on Negroes they shall not pay more than 20 guilders per head. And i.i -use it happen that the ships of the aforesaid Colonists and Freemen should in going or returning overpower any Portuguese prizes, they shall be obliged to convey them forthwith either to Brazil, or to New Netherland, or to this country, in order to receive the benefit thereof and that they be declared good prizes, on sjch duty as is paid by other inhabitants of this country. And in case any of the Colonists should by his industry and diligence happen to discover any minerals, precious stones, crystals, marble or such like, also, any pearl fishery, the same shall remain the properly of the Patroon or Patroons of all such Colonic, on condition of allowing the finder such reward as the Patroon shall have, beforehand, stipulated with such colonist by contract ; and the Patroons shull be exempt from all such recognition to the Company for the term of eight years, and pay for bringing them hither only two per cent; HOLLAND DOCTJMEK 7 S ; V. 405 and after the expiration of the aforesaid eight years, for duty and freight, the eighth part of what they may be be worth in this country. The Company will request the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands to talie all Patroons, colonists and inhabitants, whether free or bond, under their protection in like manner as the Company, as far as it lies in its power, is doing; and ac ordingly promises to assist in defending as far as it will be able, with the force it hath there, the aforesaid I'atroons. colonists and others against all foreign war and violence, on condition that said persons shall, on such occurrence, properly defend themselves; for which purpose every male person going over there shall be obliged to provide himself, at his own expense, with a firelock or musket of the usual calibre. The Pa jns and Colonists, shall also, particularly endeavor to devise, in the speediest manner, some means among themselves whereby they will be able to support a Clergyman and School-master, that the service of God and z, x\ for religion may not grow cool among them : and they shall provide at first for a comforter of the sick there. The Company reserves unto itself all great and small tithes, all waifs and estrays, the right of establishing mints, highways and forts, declaring war and making peace, all wildernesses, planting cities, towns and , rches, and all according to the Charter and under the supreme sovereign rule of the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands ; and that, saving unchanged and undiminished whatever is heretofore grant- d to the Patroons in the matter of high, middle and low jurisdiction. Accordingly, the Company shall appoint and keep there a Director, competent councillors, officers and other ministers of justice, for the protection of the good, and the punishment of the wicked ; which governor and council, now, or hereafter to be, appointed by the Company, shall take cognizance, in the first instance, of affairs appertaining to the freedom, dignity, domain, finance and rights of the General West India Company ; of the complaints which any one, as well strangers, neighbors of the aforesaid countries as inhabitants thereof, may make In cases of privilege, innovation ordisuetude of customs, uses, statutes or descents; with power to declare the same corrupt and to abrogate them as vicious, if such should be found equitable ; of matters appertaining to minor children, widows, orphans and other unfortunate persons who complain first to the Council inorder to obtain justice; of all contracts or obligations; holding prerogative jurisdiction, of personal property, possession of benefices, fiefs, of crimen lesaj majestatis, of religion, and of all criminal cases and excesses being prescribed and unchallenged; and may by prevention receive ail persons to be purged of matters brought in accusation against them there, and generally take cognizance of, and administer law and justice in every case aflecting the dignity of the Company. Thus done by the Committee of the General Incorporated West India Company in the Hague the The States General of the United Netherlands having seen and considered the preceding Freedoms and Exemptions, have approved and ratified, as their High Mightinesses do hereby approve and ratify the same. Requiring and ordering the Director and Council of New Netherland to regulate and conduct themselves agreeably thereunto. Done at the Assembly of the aforesaid States General, etc. "«u e> p r IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A ,. children. rcsolved and concluded that the aforesaid lette- and bag shall remain sealed and deposited in the office of their High Mightinessee' Secretary, until the costR and charges which have accrued in the aforesaid case shall have been paid and defrayed. ) i i/« Resolution of the States General confirming the Judgment in the case of JBhmmaeit et al. against Van Renssdaer. [ From the BegiMer o* Weet Indie Atfhlra, 168S -1«51, In the Eoyal Arcblrei >t the Hegne. ] Tuesday, 14 June, 1650. Foiiocw. Received a letter from the Councillors of Holland, Zealand and Friesland, written here at the Hague on the first instant, being, in effect, an answer to their High Mightinesses' letter of the IG'" December, 1649, communicating, pursuant thereunto, a draft of judgment prepared by them in the suit instituted before their High Mightinesses between cuTwcH."'"'"''"'' ^'"""^' Blommert cum sociis, plaintiffs on the one side, and Wouter van Twiller, wou,.r,r„T,ui.r "'^° *^"'" ^°''''* '" ^^^ ^"'^'''y '" ^'hlch they Bct, defendants on the other side J .i*,cum.ocii^ Whereupon, deliberation being had, their High Mightinesses have resolved and Dicuimofjndrneni. concluded that the aforesaid draft of judgment shall be pronounced, as it is inserted here below, and be communicated to parties in the case in this form : " JndpnenL I,, the suits pending before the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands between Samuel Blommaert, Mr. Johannes de Laet, for himself as well ae in the name and on thn behalf of and as attorney for his sisters and brothers, and Jacomo Wessels for himself as well as attorney for his mother, brothers and sisters, and Toussaint Kiii.« T>n Keo- Moussart, plaintiffs on the one side, and Wouter Van Twiller, acting for Jan V«-"'^' ''"'h executors of Kiliaen van Renselaer, defendants, on the other side. Their High Mightinesses having seen the proces-verbal, with the other papers and proofs delivered in to them have, after previous mature deliberation and counsel, condemned, as they do hereby condemn, the defendants in the quality in which they act, \.n render to the plaintiffs, Onioni.r«ii«iB.D. »» partncrs in the Colonif3 called Renselaers-Wyck, n.^re fully Mentioned in the -taen-wjck. gyjj j,erjjne„t p^j j„g account, proof and reliqua, not in gross, but in detail, according to the tenor of the contract of manugement and administration of the Colonio HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 407 aforesa d and Us aPpurtenances possessed by ihe above named Kiliaen van Renselaer. deceased, in h s lifefme. and by the defendants, qualiiate qua, after his death, as well as of all its fruits t"o"t'h''7.H "? ^7 "'".^.''^^ ^y '^'^ respectively had and enjoyed; and to tender and pa; to each of the four pla.nt.ffs one just tenth part of whatever the defendants shall be found! by balance to be .ndebted to them; also, to bring to a neutral place and exhibit to the plauitiffsail books. letters and papers in any wise concerning the aforesaid Colonie and its direction, none excepted, so that they may be preserved there for the behoof of the partners of the.Colonie aforesaid. And further, to regulate themselves strictly, in future, in every particular relating to the management of sa.d Colonie and its dependency, and whatever appertains thereunto, agreeably o the contract or agreement in the premises, entered ir.to and signed on the first of October. 16 and thirty between Samuel Godyn. Samuel Blommaert, Kiliaen van Rensselaer and Johannes de Laet in the place of Albertus Conrad Burch ; and that, accordingly, when the fief shall be taken up in the name of Kiliaen van Rensselaer's son and his successors, it be we 1 and faithfully expressed in the Patent, that to the aforesaid Kilaen m Rensselaer's son and his successors, belongs no greater superiority or authority than to the aforesaid plaintiffs, his equals and partners in the aforesaid Colonie, except simply the title of Patrocn, provided always, that the management of the aforesaid Colonie shall consist, according to the aforesaid agreement, of four persons or votes, to wit. the defendants presenting two votes, and the aforesaid Blommaert or Moussart one vote, and the heirs of Johannes do Laet. deceased, or the widow and heirs of Adam Wessels. the fourth vote ; and to pay the costs of this suit, for reasons their High Mightinesses thereunto moving. Thus resolved and pronounced, in the Assembly of the High and Mighty Lords States General. ontheU'" June, XVI« and fifty. ^ (On one side was written) I, the undersigned, have removed ftom the office of their High Mightinesses' Secretary, the bag of papers between Samuel Blommert and Johannes de Laet. cum sociis. plaintiffs against Jan van Wely and Wouter van T-.viller, as Guardians of the children of Kiliaen van Renselaer. defendants. Done the l?"" June, 1660. C. SCHENCK. I, the undersigned, have removed from the office of their High Mightinesses' Secretary, the bag of papers of the Guardians of the minor son of Kiliaen van Renrselaer. defendants against Samuel Blommert cum sociis, plaintiffs. Done the 7'" October, 1660. Hknrice Berna\t8. V • • ^k-.- Resolution of the States General granting Letters of Protection to Cornells Melyn. [ rrom Iha B July of the year 1647. And whereas the aforesaid suit is not yet terminated and the actual circumstances of the petitioner do not by any means admit of his longer sojourn in this country. Therefore, We, after previous deliberation, have granted and accorded, as We do hereby grant n'id accord unto him, safe conduct and passport to repair freely from this country back again to New Netherland aforesaid, tb ■ abovementioned suit notwithstanding; and he shall be accordingly at liberty to dwell there on his property unmolested and undisturbed by any person whatsoever, during the time that the suit remains here undecided ; the petitioner having empowered a person here to defend his right in or out of court against the said sentence. Wherefore We order and command all a;id every person being in our service and under our obedience, whom this may in any wise concern, either in this country, on the passage, or in New Netherland, and especially the abovenamed Stuyvssant and his Council that they shall cause and allow the abovenamed petitioner to enjoy the full effect hereof, and accordingly, not to molest him in his person nor in any wise to be hindering unto him, on pain of incuiring our highest indignation. Given at the Hague, under cur beat, paraph and signature of our Secretary, the 30** June XVP and fifty. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 409 Mesolution of the States General approving the preceding Letter. I From the Eejtl.tet of Wort lodia Affair., 1688 - 1661 , in Ihe Boy.1 ArchlvM li th« Higne. ] Friday, 1« July, 1650. The draft of the letters of protection prepared pursuant to their High Mightinesses' order of yesterday, for the behoof o^ Cornells Melyn, going to New Natherland, being read in the Assembly, it is, after previous deliberation, considered as enacted, and moreover ordered to be issued. Folio 679. Cornelia Ue\}n Resolution of the States General ordering Secretary van Tienhovea to be examined. I From the Keclaler of Weal India Affair., 1638 - 1«51, In the Boy.l Archive, at the Hague ] Thursday, 21" July, 1650. Foiiom. After previous deliberation, it is hereby resolved and concluded, to request and authorize Me,8" van Aertsbergen and the other, their High Mightinesses' deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, to take the trouble to cause Secretary Corners van Tienhoven, at present here, to be heard and examined by M' Harman van Zuylen van Nyevelt, m their presence and that of some of the Directors of said Company, and to answer NewNetheriaod. categorically on certain points and articles lelatinjr to New Netherland, exibited and shown this day to the Assembly; which shall accordingly be placed in the hands of Mess" their High Mightinesses' deputies. And their High Mightinesses shall report at their convenience, on said subject. Then the deputies, on behalf of the Province of Friesland, gave notice hereupon, that they are not concerned in this matter. ii a Tnterrogatori.es to he proposed to Secretary van Tienhoven. [ rr«n Ih. 0rl«ln.l 1. the Ro,al Arehlre. at the llagne ; l^tMa, of the Bute. General ; ni,l.l„n. m»l IndUci* CompagnU, No. ». ) Points and articles to which the High and Mighty Lords States General, or their deputies should instruct, and consequently order and command Secretary Cornells van Tienhoven to render categorical answers. Exhibited 21 July, 1650. 1. Can he, Cornells van Tienhoven, understand and speak the Indian language? a. Was he not usually employed in Director Kiea's time, as the medium through whom comiiiunituliuns were made to the ludiiinsy V OL. I. 4i^ 410 fmm ■ ^1 5J NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Hath he, the Secretary, not exacted tribute from the Indians ? 4. By whose order did he do so; by the Directors at Amsterdam, or by order of Kieft only? 6. Was it not done with the knowledge and approbation of the entire Council in New Netherland ? 6. When did it occur? What debates and controversies took place on both sides between the Indians and our people; did the Indians allow or refuse such tribute, and how many tribes had notice of it? 7. In what year was he, Tienhoven, sent down to the Raritans by Kieft? 8. Did he not go thither with a party of armed soldiers and sailors, under the command of Hendrick Gerritsen, skipper of the Neptunut )> 9. By whose order, and with what result was he there; and was not the supercargo of the Neptunui, named Rosd, killed by the Indians in that expedition ? 10. Did not the Raritans, in the course of the following year, avenge themselves at Staten Island, by killing four tobacco planters of David Pietersen de Vries, whose house they burnt? 11. Did not the Raritans afterwards make peace with our people ? 19. Did not the Raritans, after the peace, keep always quiet, and abstain from all acts of open hostility against our people, even during the general war with the other Indians? 13. Did not oua of the Wickwaskeck Indians kill one Claes Cornelissen Switz in revenge for the murder oi' one of his relatives, who was slain by three of Commander Binnewitz'' farm servants ? 14. Did he, Tienhoven, not assist in making peace for that affair with those of Wickwaskeck at the house of Jonas Bronck ? ' Sie. Miriuit — Ed. ommand of HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 411 15. Was any proposal made to the 12 men by, or in the name of Director Kieft to commence, on account of that murder, a war against those Indians ? 16. Did not the Twelve men advise not to commence a war on account of the murder committed on the aforesaid wheelwright ? 17. Did not Director Kieft subsequently forbid the Twelve men to hold any more meetings, saymg they were of dangerous tendency, injurious to the country an-^ the Director's authority? 18. Did not the Indians live thenceforward in peace with the Dutch up to the year 1642 inclusive, except a Hackquinsack, who killed Gerrit Janssen, M' van Nederhorst's servant? 19. For what reason did the Hacquinsack kill the abovenamed Gerrit Janssen? 20. Did he, Secretary Tienhoven himself, not draw up and write a petition in the name of the people of New Netherland, wherein Director Kieft was solicited to allow war to be proclaimed against the Indians ? 21. Did all the people ask him, Tinehoven, to do this? If not, why did he use the name of all the people ? 22. Was not the petition signed by all those who requested him to draw it up? If not, why did he not permit all to sign it? 23. Let him state the names of those who requested him to draw up said petition ; especially, if they were not Maryn Adriaensen, Jan Claessen Damen and Abraham Placck ? 24. What relationship exists betwepn him. Tie hoven, and Jan Damen and Abraham Planck? 26. What are the terms of the petition and of the postil or order upon the petition, and the tenor or contents thereof? 26. Were not he, Tienhoven, and Corporal Hans Steen sent on the 24"' February, 1G43, to the Indians, at Pavonia, near Jan Evertsen Bout's bouwerie, before and previous to any attack on them ? r ^ 27. For what purpose and with what instruction and result, was he there >• -1 M 412 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTP. Kb «y5 28. How many tribes were there at that time and what report did he make of them to the Director? 29. Had not the Indians at that time fled there from the Maykanders, their enemies, in the hope of being protected by our people? 30. Was not a mysterious toast drank at an entertainrn'-ni at the house of Jan Damen, by some few, though not by all then presetit, without the major part having been aware what it meant? 31. What was this mysterious toast, and what was its purport ? 32. On the request expressed in the aforesaid petition, was not a troop of soldiers dispatched by Director Kieft's order, in the night between the 25"- and 26"' February, 1643, to Pavonia, near Jan Evertsen Bout's bouwerie, to the place where the Indians lay? Also, another party under the command of Maryn Adriaensen, behind Curler's plantation, for the purpose of falling on the Indians there, whilst they slept, and acting towards them as they found expedient? 33. Did not both these expeditions attack, shoot and slay in their sleep a large number of these Indians with their wives and children, including even innocent sucklings, and set fire to their huts? 34. Had the Dutch residing at the Flat land any warning to be on their guard? 36. Did the people, especially those dwelling at the Flat land, not immediately express dissatisfaction at this sudden and unexpected slaughter? 36. Was it perpetrated after previous deliberation of the entire Council in New Netherland and with its approbation ? 37. Did not the general war follow these acts when the Indians sought to avenge themselves? 38. When the heads of certain slain Indians were brought to the Manhatans, did not Secretary Tienhoven's mother-in-law exult over the circumstance, and with her feet kick the heads which were brought in? 39. Was she not then upbraided by the women that her husband and brothers-in-law had or.gmated this war. and also caused their husbands to be in consequence daily slain by the Indians? ^ ■' HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 418 I of them to jmies, in the herland and 40. Did not the soldiers. ,n cold blood, and before all the world, cut and stab with knives one ofthe two Indian prisoners at the guard-house who had been brought from Heemstedo and were not hvmg sHces cut from the other's body, and whilst he wL st 1^1 v^ were no'th"s pr.vy parts cut off in the Beaver's path where they afterwards cut off his head ? 41. ^ Were not Kieft and La Montagne also present when the slices were cut from the living 4S. too^7ison!/s"'"" ''"" "^ °"""° *" '' ''' "•^^ '" '"^''^ '' °- P-P'« -horn they 43. Hath not Director Kieft kept scouts who showed our soldiers the Indians that lay scattered far and wide, and whose abode was not known to our people ? ^ scattered 44. to ?iin wL^n'rr ^'t7u'^ ^'°'' "'«''''* '°^ '°^"«"""° '^""^ -"^^ f'^vorable opportunities to shp, when he brought the war on the people ? "I'Fur'uu'ueB * 46. How many head of cattle were lost by the war? 46. How many houses, bouweriesand such like property burnt and destroyed? 47. How many Indians and how many Christians lost their lives in this war? 48. ^ ' D.d not Director Kieft endeavor to throw the responsibility of this war on the people especially on the petitioners ? m me people, 49. Did not Mnryn Adriaenssen, an old freebooter and one of the abovementioned petitioners endeavor to shoot K.eft with . pistol, which he presented at his breast, for the very reason' that he. K.eft. accused him of being one of the originators of the wLr a d ^aZh not prevented by Jean de la Montagne. Kieft's Councillor, who let the hammer snap on his thumb ? 60. Was not Maryn Adriaenssen imprisoned, and what happened to him subsequently? 61. Whilst Maryn Adriaenssen was imprisoned, did not Jacob Slangh come into the fort with a gun on h,s shou der. demanding of Kieft. whether he will liberate Maryn Adriaense ^7 otJ and a.mmg at the same time at Kieft, did not Slangh fire at him as he stood at his door ? fi ':(, i i^ J> 'J 414 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 52. Was not said Jacob Slangh thereupon forthwith shot as an enemy, and his head stuck on a post ? 53. .Did not Jan Damen also tell Kiefl to his face and in the presence of the Eight men and of him, the Secretary, that he was not a cause of the war, and that he had signed the petition through Kieft's misrepresentation, which declaration was made when the other seven Select men refused to sit with him ? 54. I>id not Jan Damen at the time state in public, that Kiefl had suggested to him under a mysterious toast, the necessity of such operations, and place the responsibility of the mischiefs openly on Kieft's own s\iggestion and proposal ? 65. Did not the Select men complain to the Board of Directors in Fatherland of the injuries they had suffered from this war? 56. Was not their letter sent back by Director Stuyvesant? Whftt order did Stuyvesant take over, and from whom? 58. What inquiry or proceeding did Stuyvesant hereupon make and institute? 59. Finally, what was the cause or foundation of the commencement of this war? {Endorsed) » Interrogatories on which Cornells van Tienhoven is to be heard. Extracts from the Papers of Director Kieft. [FromcoplMlntheEoyal ArchlTMatlhonagae; £aMfau of the 8Ute4 OeoenU ; DItWod, Wet IndUch* CompagnU,'So.K.-\ Extracts from the papers in Director William Kieft's copy book which he hath taken with him to Holland. Received J§ July, 1G60. Proposals of the Honorable Director and Council to the Commonalty. First. !s it not right and proper to punish the scandalous murder lately perpetrated by a savage on Claes Swit? ; and in case the Indians do not surrender the murderer to our demand is it not right to destroy the whole village to which he belongs? Secondly. In what manner and at what time should it be done ? Thirdly. By whom shall it be executed ? HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 415 ead stuck on The Commonalty of fiew Netherland assembled by the Director's order, to answer three Articles proposed by him, do say thereunto as follows 7 thlm!lllr ^' ''"T '* 'V""^'^ '""P""* expedient that the murderer should be punished as D^r torr„r"'r'V" "'" '' '""^ ^'^"^ '" ^^'« -'-• f-™ t-° direction's fn that ha Director shall employ hereunto as many of the strongest and most active of the Negroes as h! can conven^ntly spare and provide them with a small ax and half-pike ^ ' thpTrM th ' T. ^P'' "*y' "' "^^y ''""^ °° "t*'^^ «"P«"or than the Director, who is as well l„H?h ". . commander, that to prevent all disorder, the Director shll perso„Il I lead th expedition, m which case the people are resolved personally to attend h m. ' Unaily for the purpose of lulling the suspicions of the Indians without using any threats we consider U prudent that the Director aend a sloop again 1. 2. (^ 3 times.'peaceabTy to demand the murderer, in order then to put him to death. peaceaniy to ,hll'l^°'"7°"''^ '"'''' r''"'""' "*'°''" '^' undernamed twelve persons, and empowered them to resolve on everything with the Director and Council; they also took the Tth" namely- Signed.) Jacques Bentyn, [Maryn Adriaensen], Jan Damen, HendrLk [Jansenl tailor David Pietersen [de Vries], Jacob Stoffelsen. Abraham Molenaer. Frederick Lubber e^' '':^^T^:i::t::n Ams;er : ""-'-' ^-- ^-'^' — -- Resolution adopted by the Twelve Men empowered by the whole of the People. }.J^T'"'k\^"!^^""' '"'^ •"'^"''•'«°«« "fNew Netherland. previously invited and requested by Wi lem Kieft Director General and the Council of New Netherland. and with the con nt of all the restof t e nhabitants.our fellow-brethren. have been unanimously elected to answe eyZw'. h" : "r" ""T"' ""' ''°""^"' ^"-^ '° S*- °" ^^^-^ according " l best knowledge and understanding; Therefore, three articles were then proposed to us whereupon we gave answer and expressed ourselves according to the best of o'ur op on and belief, to which we unanimously refer. And whereas, the most favorable time and opportunity for our nation now offer, which according to previous resolution ought to be considered; we, therefore, request h Hon- Director. Willem K.eft. to proceed, whereunto we offer our persons to follow him faithfully. ' The Norwalk Islands. •"to keep their advice secret" A'e^-IW* Colonial ifanu,.n><, IV.. from which wo .dJ>, n.n,es in bracket. - E. - 416 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. !l^ 5' and it is necessary he himseir accompany us to prevent all disorder; the Hon'"'* Director shall also provide powder, ball, and the provisions necessary for the expedition, such as bread and butter, together with a steward, so that everything may be in order, and the rations served j and if any one require more than bread and butter, he must provide it himself. Also, if it happen, which may God Almighty please to forbid, that one or more of the freemen be seriously wounded in the expedition, or in the aUack on the enemy, the Honble Director and Council shall remain bound, on the part of the ITon'*''' West India Company, to support him or them, that they may live comfortably with their Tamilies; and to have a simple wound cured at said Company's expense. Ady, 21" January, 1642, in New Netherland. Extract from the Register of Resolutions kept by Director Willem Kieft and Council, in New Netherland. Whereas the good inhabitants here have occupied their property up to this time in great alarm, and cautiously cultivated the soil through fear of the Indians, who have in a treacherous manner murdered some of our nation without any provocation, and we, by indulgence, cannot obtain any satisfaction, recourse must therefore be had to arms for the purpose of defending our right, in order that we may live here in peace, with full confidence that God will bless our resolution, the rather as the people themselves on the 22'"' February, 16J3, requested that they may put the same in execution. Wherefore, we hereby authorize and empower Maryn Adriaensen, on his petition, to attack with his company a party of Indians lying behind Curler's Hook or plantation, and to act with them as they shall find expedient, as time and circumstances will permit. Done 25"' February, 1643. Petition of the Inhabitants of Long Island. We, the undersigned, inhabitants and subjects residing on Long Island, under the jurisdiction of the Hon""'" Lords, the Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands, the Serene Prince, his Highness, and the General Incorporated West India Company, and ui^der your Hon*"'* government. Request with all humble submission — whereas, a short time ago the scum' of this place, which is justly called our fatherland, hath revolted against the righteous side, our common friends; and whereas, we see their preparation for hostilities tending to the ruin and destruction of the inhabitants there who are under the necessity of earning, by steady labor, in fields and woods, food and support for their wives and children, each for himself, and conjointly for us all, regarding the inconveniences which must spring therefrom, do request as above, and humbly pray, in all respectful obedience — that we, in genera' may be granted and allowed such public enemy to ruin and conquer, and, further, from time to time, unto the ' The word in tlie text U " bcaclicrminge," protection ; but being unable to rnnke iense of tlie p«M«go with llmt word, 'ti» proeumed to be an error of the copyiat for " beschuiminge." — Ed. sm Kieft and HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V «- 417 fo^'t" ceTthil 7 """"""k" ''"r "' "^""^' "^ *'■** »* °"- »"« P^--- -d 'nuc'' wished peace of th.s place, may be and .emain permanent. This doing in the name of us aTl (Signed) Gerrit Wolfpersen. Jacob Wolpersen. DiRCK WOLPFERSEN. HanS HaNSEN. and Lambert Huybertsbn Mol. Postil. We cannot at present resolve to attack the Indians at Mareckkawich. as they have not given us huherto any provocation, and as it would draw down an unrighteous war on our heaj; sp cally as we are assured that they would be on their guard and hard to beat, and apparent v excte more enem.es. and be productive of much injury to up. whilst we trust t'lat^m through God's mercy, now result in a good issue. ^ "■ """' But in case they evince a hostile disposition, every man must do his best to defend himself i.;^ro;x« oXr.."r;'st,r ■ "•"""• ■'-'^- --"^- «--« -- Done the 27"' February, A- 1643. in fort Amsterdam, New Netherland. Extract from the Register of the resolutions of the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands. Tuesday, the 9- August. 166o! [ Omitted. b«iDg a duplicate of Document ;»•(; p. 418. ] ilh I liat word, 'tit Hepori of the CommiUee of the Slates General on Mdyn'a Papers. Your High Mightinesses' deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, havine xam.ned the petU.on and papers thereunto annexed, delivered in by Cornelis m! yn and bemg .nstructed to extract therefrom the matter for consideration, have repo ted u"a the pomts therein set forth are of two sorts : private and public The private points consist in the suing and prosecuting of a Mandamus on appeal, obtained by the abovenamed C. Melyn against Peter Stuivesant. Director in Nc^ Nether and and Cornehs van T.enhoven, Secretary, for a certain sentence pronounced by t e D^ector and Council against him. the petitioner. ^ i^irector i^^!^lZT^'\^ IvT'^ ^"'"'"'' '^*'"''°^«" "^"'y ?■■«''«"«« »>'•"««"• i" writing, and requests hat your high Mightinesses would fix a certain early day when the appellant in the Tase should be obliged to enter his complaint. &c. unne'cesrafLrlt h""''""'" "'"■"">, '""° ''"""P""^' '''« P^"^"""*"? '^^^ undertaking an unnecessary and bloody war against the natives of New Netherland. friends lliere of the V^OL. I. g3 », ..<*- 418 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. subjects of these United Netherlands, to the destruction of the infant settlements and population of New Netherland ; therein he accuses the abovenamed Cornelis van Tienhovec to have been the chief fomonter and party in provoking and fostering the destructive war aforesaid. The inquiry as to the cause, the auihors and .tianagement of the aforesaid bloody and ruinous war is considered by your High Mightinesses' Deputies and the associate Directors, to be necessary and essential, and with thi(ii«. ] Tuesday, 9'* August, 1660. Folio 5T0. The report being heard of Mess" van Aertsbergen and others their High Mightinesses' previous deputies for the afl'nirs of the West India Company, having in virtue of »I"-Sh(.^i'™"' '^^ resolution of the 21" of July last, caused Secretary Cornelis van Tienhoven to be heard and examined by the advocate M' Herman van Zuylen and Nyevelt, in presence of themselves and some Directors of said Company ; also to answer to certain points «"nli! '*"'' ''°"'" ""'' "''''*^'*'^ respecting the war in New Netherland, submitted and exhibited to their High Mightinesses on ti.e day aforesaid ; it is. after previous deliberation, resolved and concluded that copy cf aforesaid points and articles be furnished, at his own expense, to the aforenamed Secretary Cornelis van Tienhoven, who shall he obliged to answer and file his reply thereunto within eight days after the receipt thereof; and meanwhile remain here at the Hague without departing. The Lords of Friesiand have hereupora repeated their previously made declarations. director Stuyvmant to the States General [trim Iho Orl(lD>l In Iha IU>7id ArehlTao ai Ilia Ha«tia ; Flla, WtH lmli*.\ Right Honorable High and Mighty Lords. My Lords. Your High Mighlinesses' letters have been duly received by us. Y'our High Mightinosspi were p'e»«ed •<) advise us in the lirst, of your cnlinual care f.tr |t.'opliMg and advancing this place, being yet engaged through your Higli Mi^lilinuBses" deputies, with the DirecloiB of the V : \ HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 419 Incorporated West India Company in establishing a permanent arrangement in the matter. Meanwhile your High Mightinesses have permitted some persons belonging to the Commonalty sent hence to return here, with inhibition to disturb or prosecute them for what they have represented. We first^of all tender your High Mightinesses all possible thanks for your precaution under so many weighty .roubles. Respect for that and for your High Mightinesses' sovereign authority obliges and induces us to observe your High Mightinesses' orders in regard of the other, Rendering unto your High Mightinesses' letters full credit and obedience; meanwhile the returned Remonstrants bring with them, as they report and also exhibit to strangers, an authentic copy of the signed resolution of your High Mightinesses' deputies whereby we are, among other things, commanded to appear before your High Mightinesses to answer some charges. Although we have demanded copy of that' resolution which has been communicated and read to some officers and inhabitants of this city, and even to foreigners, ye* hath it been refused us up to the present time, so that we know not what to answer thereunto, much less what to do. Right Honorable, High and Mighty Lords— On heing released by those to whom we a'e bound by oath, we shall not fail to appear before your High Mightinesses, on your summons, being ourselves conscious of not having committed anything worthy of punishment, either against your High Mightinesses' grandeur, oragainst the tenor of your Commission, or contrary toour recorded oath, or to the injury or prejudice of the public interest. We can therefore object nothing against the accusation presented by our inveterate opponents, who, we understand, are many and powerful, but a reply in the negative, together with an humble prayer that our secret accusers may appear personally before your High Mightinesses with their suborned witnesses, in order to convict us, in the usual course of law to our shame, disgrace and confusion, or in default of proof, to revoke the charge and to indemnify us for the damage and disgrace we have sustained. The first, which is vouchsafed, saving your High Mightinesses' authority and judgment, to the meanest offenders, belongs also to us, a freeborn citizen of a free State ; the last as a public functionary, favored and intrusted with your High Mightinesses' commission ; though aiming at or desiring as a Christian, no man's damage or disgrace through a spirit of vengeance, yet as a man and public officer we cannot, without personal degradation, permit suffered insults to go unreproved, according to the instruction of 8eneca: AJ calumnias lacendum non ett ut conlrndicendo no, ulciicamur te.d ne laccndo mendacio not affmsum progressum iiermiltamu,. It pains us, therefore, that former pretending friends who, on their departure and setting out from this place, freely and unsolicited thanked us as their father, swearing with an oath, as well to our foce as behind our back, that they had nothing, either against us or against our government, nor would they trouble themselves with any private affairs, should afterwards, when contradicting their own oath and conscience, not be obliged to answer legally for their calumnious and unfounded accusations. Nevertheless your High Mightinesses' good intention shall serve us, in these and other commands, as a rule to govern ourselves under them with patience and obedience until the Almighty grant another result. Your High Mightinesses' commands regarding the exportation of cattle shall be observed ns far as possible, but time will determine whether it will not create disgust among the Knglish people residing under our jurisdiction, inasmuch as they live only by trade in grain and cattle. In order to avoid trouble, we shall use all possible moderation ; were we provided with money and goods to enable us to purchase all the grain and cuttle Hint might be ofli-red, we should have it in our power to enforce your High Mightinesses' orders with greater rigor. I 31 -' 420 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. As soon ns we received the proclamations of the Peace, we caused them to be published and posted in all the towns and villages of this our government, and had previously ordered a cessation of hostilities on the strength of public rumor and on the advices of our superiors. Herewith, Right Honorable, High and Mighty Lords, we commend you to the grace and favor of the Most High, and shall be and remain, Your High Mightinesses' obedient and faithful servant. Dated Manhatans, In Fort Amsterdam, (Signed) P. Stuyvesant. in New Netherland, this l?"- August, 1G50. Addressed as follows : Noble, High and Mighty Lords, the Noble Lords States General of the United Netherlands, at the Hague. I Resolution of the States General on the foregoing Letter. [ From U» Reginer of WmI Indl» Air»lri, 1688 - 1661. In the Eojil ArchlTM .1 Ihe n.gne. ] Satuiday, IS'" October, 1G60. D,r<.I,tZ.n. . "^^""'"^^ " '^"^ f^""^ Director Stuivesant. written at Manhatans, in Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland, the 17'" August last, in answer to their High Mightinesses' previous despatch. Whereupon no action was had. Selectmm of Neio Amsterdam to the States General. ( Fron. U.. R»(Ul.r of /,„,*««, BH4t4n of lb. 8l..« Oe««l, I. ik. BojiU ArchlTM it Uii Uifrit. J High and Mighly Lords. Gracious Sovereigns. Folio M.I. Our associates, Jacob van Couwenhoven and Jan Everts Bout, who were delegated Inst year, 164!>. to your High Mightinesses, by our Assembly, in conseq.-.nce of the extremely urgent necessity of the poor distressed people of this country, relumed here, through (.0.1 s merry, on the ««,"■ June, bringing with them an authentic copy of the Report, or Irovis.onal Order, drawn up and suba.itted to your High Mightinesses, by your Committee deputed for the affair, of New Netherland in the matter of the Iledres.. Preservation and Population. That we have not, as yet, received your High Mightinesses' ratif-cation thereof is. we confi.iently trust, owing solely to ihe tedious and dangerous voyage, for we have seen and found your High Mightinesses to be our beloved fathers, wiio have been pleased to take to HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 421 r the United heart the sorrowful condition and extreme necessity of this poor, distressed people. We cannot express nor render sufficient thanks to our Gracious God and your High MiKhtinesses wh,ch the love and affection exhibited towards us. can sufficiently do. ^And peLiving that the f /Z r ""V "'T^' ""'^ '^"* y"""" "'^"^ Mightinesses- letters have been handed, on said 28 June, by our aforesaid associates to Director General Stuyvesant and Council, who rJ^J.h W" 'r^^'y ^°"'' "'»*' Mightinesses' said order, except only in proclaiming Peace wUh the Kmg of Spain, which hath been done here at the Manhatans but nowher! else, to our knowledge; and as the distressed state of this country remains unchanged- except by gettmg froni bad to worse, as we have informed our associate, Adriaen van der Donck.-we are therefore, tc our grief and sorrow, obliged to apply to your High Mightinesses 1^7^' '" '""^r- ^°"; '"'"• "^^ P'""^ y''"' «•■«'' «"^ '^'g'^'y- t° be graciously pleased to remove our suffer.ng. for so long as we are here without the Redress, we cannot be relieved. Hopmg. therefore, that it will soon arrive to comfort and console us. we, in conclusmn, shall commend you. High and Mighty, generally and individually, and your lTr"K.' ! ^T-TrT'"' '° ^°^''' P'°'^*'''°"' '«">«'"'"« y°"' High Mightinesses- most humble and most faithful subjects. » e (Signed) AuotjsTiN Hehmans. Jacob van Kouwenhoven. Elbert Elbertsen. T . . Hkndhick Hendrickshn Kip. Lower stood. By order of the Selectmen. /rn«K^.„ ■ V (Signed) D. v. Schblluyne. (In the margin was,) At the Assembly of the Selectmen, the 13'^ September. 1660. New Amsterdam, Manhatans, New Netherland. Maochiel Jans. Thomas Holl. Oloff Stevens. govert loockermans. '*m Resolution of the States Oeiusral on a Retmnstrance of Adriaen van der Donch [ rnm ih. R.(l.l.r of W«. Indl. ABki™, lOM _ IMl, m ||» BoyU Archl»« .1 ih. U,ri«. 1 Friday, iS"- iNovember, 1050. A.tru«"d- , """'* *° ^^^ •"''•'''"8 *''= Hemonstance of Adriaen van der Donck, a delegare i»«ck. from the people of New Netherland. Received, also, a letter from the Selectmen there, written in New Amsterdam the 13'* of VT.^ZX^ '""' September, both praying Redress in the matter of the disorders which exist, inN.,N.u.«,.„.,. prevail and manifest themselves more and more in New Netherland aforesaid. Herewith were, likewise, exhibited two sealed private letters addressed from said country to M' van Aertsbergen, at present absent, and to other their High Mightinesses- deputies. Whereupon deliberalion being had, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid remonstrance, with said public and private letters be placed, altogether, in the hands of Mess" Huygens, anJ other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of New Netherland to niciuire into the business reloting hereunto lately under consideration here, and to look further i' I B 422 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. therein, to examine the aforesaid remonstrances and letters, and to report on the whole. In the absence of, or in case of inconvenience to, the one or the other of the Lords, those present may proceed and dispatch the aforesaid business. Secretary van TienhoverCs Answer to the Remonstrance from New NetJierland. I Fiom Uu, MB. Id lb. E.y.1 ArohlT- U lb. UMp.. ; LoUOca, of the 81.1.. G.i.M.1 , Babrio RM /«/<«*, OmpagnU,, No. 80; IBlb dlrWoD of lb. Bunill..] Brief Statement or Answer to some of the points contained in the written Deduction laid by Adriaen van der Donck cum tociU before the High and Mighty Lords States General : Drawn up l)y CorneMs van Tienhoven, Secretary to the Director and Council of New Netherland. In order to present the Answer succinctly he. Van Tienhoven, will allege not only how illy it becomes the said Van der Donck and other private inhabitants to challenge and abuse, in such harsh and general terms, the administration both of the Directors in this country and of their officers yonder; and that they would have performed their duty much better, had they first submitted to their Lords and Patroons whatever Observations they might intend to offer. But passing this by, and leaving the consideration thereof to your High Mightinesses' discretion, it must be remarked preliminarily and generally, that those persons make a great many assertions and prove nothing, so that what they shamefully state, can be as easily denied and with greater truth. Coming then to the point, we shall only notice those parts wherein either the Board (at Amsterdam) or the Director is accused ; and we say to the 1st Point: It is denied, and will never be proved that the Company hath refused our nation land for purposes of cultivation, and willingly allowed foreigners to occupy it. 'J'lie Company's order to act on the defensive was better and more prudent than to have recourse to hostilities, inasmuch as it had not the force to resist its hypocritical friends, and could^protect its rights only by protest. Trade has long since been opened to every one and is as profitable as evert no property has been confiscated except of those who violated their contract or the order whereunto they were bound ; and if any one thinks he has been wronged by confiscation, he can come and speak for himself. At all events, 'tis not these people's business. They complain that Christians have been treated like Indians; to wit, in the sale of goods. But, observe, that such was not the act of the Company nor of its Director, because they God help th.!m — have not, and for several years have not had, anything there to sell. The fault lies at the door of the majority of those Remonstrants who are merchants or factors, and who charge there for what costs fl. 100 in this country, one, twc hundred per cent, nnd more advance over and above first cost, assurance, duty, laborers' wages, freight &c., all which are added to the first cost. 'Tis evident these people accuse the Board of DirecJorg and its officers of the very fault they themselves commit, and never will they prove that the Company had gold goods, during the time, it kept its store and magazines stocked there, at :.n advance of more than fifty per cent, agreeably to the Exemptions. The Director there c.inot prevent 1^ ! HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 423 >■ 80; IMh dimion of this one and that forestalling and seeking his own profit, particularly as the trade is thrown open to the httle as well as to the big. 'Tis a pure calumny that the Company ordered half a fault to be accounted a whole one.' What instruction or order the Pa.roon gives his Director is no affair of the Colonist: forsooth tis Jor the purpose of inventing prosecutions. These people then would fain live subject to no person s censure or discipline, which, however, they doubly require. The instance wherein the Director exercised and usurped Sovereign power, must be specified and proved. It, too, is in general terms. That the Colonists had need of the Directors is evident from the account books which will show that the Company supplied all freemen, some few excepted, with clothing, provisions and other articles for the construction of houses, at an advance of 50 per cent, on the just cost in Fatherland ; which supplies have not yet been paid for; and people by their complaints would fam hich the country from the Company, and pay nothing. 'Tis ridiculous to accuse Director Kieft of saying that he was Sovereign like the Prince in iH . fh I ; . ! ' u 'T^ '° '^' "^"''' °'' '"°^^' '° f'-'herland. it arose from the circumstance that the Island of the Manhatans was reserved, in the Exemptions, as the Capital of New Netherland, and hat all the Colonies round about should bring their appeal to it, as th" SupremeCourt of that quarter. i »» vuo •Tis to be. moreover, borne in mind that the Patroon of the Colonic Renselaervyck causes nil h.s tenants to sign, that they will not appeal to the Manhatans. in di.ect contravention of the Exemptions, by which the Colonists are bound to render to the Director and Council at the Manhatans an annual Report both of the Colony and of the Administration of Justice. The Directors have never had any administration of. nor concerned themselves with eccles.ast.ca property ; t.s also denied and cannot be proved, that any of the inhabitants of New Netherland have, e.ther voluntarily nor when requested, contributed or given anything for the bu.lJ.ng o an Asylum for orphans, or for the aged. 'Tis true that the Church hi the fort was budt in W.llem Kieft's time, and a subscnption list was signed which amounted to fl. 1800. rue accounts of most of the subscribers we.-e debited accordingly, but they have noc yet paid the money. Meanwhile the Company disbursed the funds, so that it was not the Commonalty (some few excepted) but the Company that paid the workmen. If the peoole require institutions as above stated, they must contribute towards them as is the custom in this country; and were there Asylums for orphans and the aged there, revenues would be ngeTSe""' ^ '^ '^' '"'"''"' '° '''"''■' ''"' '° ""PP"'' '^^ °^P''"" '"''^ »»>« The Uemonstrants Wll. if any one can be likely to p^ove that money, or real or personal property has been bestowed by will or donation, by any living person, for such or any other public works; but there is no instance of the kind in New Netherland; and the charw is uttered or written through passion. When the Church, which is in the fort, was proposed to be bu.lt, the Church wardens were content; but it is these people who make a to-do, because they consider the Compa.iy'B fort not worthy the lionor of a Church. Before the Church was erected, the grist-mill could not work with a southeast wind, because the wind from that quarter was shut off by the walls of the fort. Although the new School-house, towards which the Commonalty contributed something, has not been yet built, it is not the Director, but the Church wardens, who have charge of the ' U.t u een puyro o,lo,n„U d.t do c„,np.u;i,i« g.oi Jonue«tt I.Beft, h.Uc f.ut, voor I.e^I. le rokw«D. ^1 V- 'I mm 424 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. funds. The Director is busy providing materials. Meanwhile a place has been selected for a bchoPi, of which Jan Corneiissen has charge. The other teachers keep school in hired houses, so that the youth are not in want of schools to the extent of the circiiinstances of the country. Tis true there is no Latin school nor academy; if the Commonp.lty require such, tliey can apply for it and fu.nish the necessary funds. As regards the deacons' or Poor-fund, the deacons are accountable for that, and are the persons of whom inquiry should be made as to where the money i, invested which they have, from time to time, placed at interest; and as the Director never had charge of it. such not being usual the deacons, and not the Director, are responsible for it. 'Tis, indeed, true that Director Kieft, being at a loss for money, had a box suspended in his house; of that box the deacons had one key, and all the small fines and penalties which were levied on court days, were deposited in it. He opened it with the knowledge of the deacons, and took on interest f Jie money, which amounted to a handsome sum. 'Tis admitted that the Excise on beer was imposed by Willem Kieft. and that on wine by Fetrus btuyvesant; and that such excise was collected up to the date of my departure. But tis o be observed here, that the Remonstrants have no cause to complain on that score, for the trader, burgher, farmer and all others except the vintners, lay in as much wine and beer as they please, free of excise. They are merely obliged to enter it. so that the quantity may be ascertained. The vintners pay three guilders per tun on beer, and one stiver per can on wme; they receive this back from those who daily resort to their houses, and from the traveler from New England. Virginia and elsewhere. No other internal taxes have been imposed, up to the present time, on the Commonalty, except the excise already mentioned, unless the voluntary offering which was applied two years ago to the erection of the church, be accounted a tax, of which Jacob Couwenhoven, also one ot the Church Wardens, will have to render an account. In New England there is no impost or duty on imports or exports, but every one is assessed by the ocal government according to his means, and must pay to the extent of his property and as the ^nagistrates tax him, for "^ ^ ^ Building. and repairing of Churches ; Support of Ministers; Erection of Schools and Salary of Teachers ; All city and town improvements; cou';urrtt".r' '''l"" "' °" '''^''r^' ""*^ '°''''' •"""^ ■""«« ^^ ^'•'^•^"-^^ ^^^- >•« that country so hat horses and wagons can be used and journeys made from one place to the other ; Construction and repair of all bridges across rivers on the highways ; Erection of public houses for travelers ; Salaries of Covernors, Magistrates, MarHlmls and constables; and Pay of Majors, Captains and other officers of the Militia. A general Court is held quarterly in each of the New England Colonies, consisting of all the mag.strates within such province, and there is, annually, a general assembi; o a 1 1 e'^^^^^^^^^^^ X n?: °, " ""7"'' ""'"''^ "'"^ ""'' ""'^^^ »"•" '"-''"« -"""-- a long time AH :rtrp:o:';: :: Tnrdtd^"^^^ ''- -'- '-'-'''-' ^'-^ ---« '"« p-p'«- '^^ -pp- The accounts ought to show the amount of duties received annually in Kieft's time, but it will not appear as much, by far. as tlu-y «ay. 'Tis not the Company's nor the DireZ's lault HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 425 that the Commonalty have to pay so much, but that of the traders, who charge 1. 2 and 3 hundred advance ; and the people must submit, because there are few merchants fromXV"""''' "7 "°;''«^«»'''«'-' ^' ^f^""^" 'hat 30,000 guilders a year have been collected from the Commonalty m Stuyvesant's time; for nothing was received but the beer and wine excise wh.cn. at the Manhatans. yields about 4000 guilders a year ; little or nothing is received from the other neighboring towns, because they have no taverns, except one at the Ferry and one at Flushing. / " If any confiscations have taken place, they have not been of property belonging to colonists, but of imported contraband goods, and no person's property has been confiscated without sutncient cause. The question k, are the Company or the Directors obliged to have constructed any buildings for the people out of the duties paid by the trader in New Netherland on exported goods, particularly as their High Mightinesses granted those duties to the Company to facilitate garrisons, and the payment of the expenses attendant thereupon, and not for building Hospitals and Orphan asylums. Churches and School-houses for the people. It cannot be substantiated that the Company's property has been squandered for the purpose of securing friends. f f ^ The provisions received in exchange for the Tamandare Negroes, were sent to Curacao, except a portion consumed at the Manhatans. as the accounts will show. But all these are matters which do not concern these people, especially as they are not responsible for them. m regard to the letters of manumission which the Director was so good as to grant to the Negroes who had been the Company's slaves : They were set free in return for their long service, on condition that the children remain slaves ; these are treated »he same ns Christians : at present there are no more than three of these children in service ; one at the House of the Hope, one at the Company's bouwerie. and one with Martin Crigier. who. as everybody knows, brought up the girl. ' ' •Twas Mr. Stuyvesant's duty to construct, caulk and repair the Company's property He will answer for the profit or loss the Company has in consequence incurred. The burghers on the Island of Manhatans and thereabouts ought to know, that no one comes or Id admitted into New Netherland (it being a conquest), except on this condition-not that he shall have anything to say, but-that he shall acknowledge the sovereignty of their High Mightinesses the States General, the Directors as his Lords and Patroons. and obey the Director and Council for the time being, as a good subject is bound to do. Those who complain of Stuyvesant's haughtiness are. such I think, as wish to live without government or order. The complaint that no regulation has been made concerning wampum, is unfounded. In Director Kieft's time, good Wampum passed for four, and loose beads at six, for a stiver. The reason for not prohibiting unstringed wampum was, because no money was in circulation, and mechanics, farmers and the rest of the Commonalty, having no other currency, would suffer serioP. loss: and had it been cried down, doubtless the Remonstrants would have booked the circumstance among the rest of their grievances. No one will prove that Directoror Stuyvesant hath berated as rascals, or made use of foul language to. any persons of respectability, who treated him courteously. If the Director hath made use of any harsh language, it must be that some profligate hath provoked him to it. Vol. I. 54 ¥ It -t i 426 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. The Fort not being properly repaired, is no concern of the colonists ; 'tis not their domain, but the Company's. They would fain be protected by good forts and garrisons belonging to the Company, without affording any aid, assistance in labor or money for those objects. But it seems they do not wish to see a fort properly fortified and duly garrisoned, from the apprehension that the ill-disposed and seditious might be the more effectually punished ; this they call, cruelty. The fort had, doubtless, been already completed, had the Director not been obliged to supply the garrison of New Netherland and Curasao with provisions, clothing, and money. With whom had Director Stuyvesant an unprovoked and unjustifiable personal quarrel? They call a present of Maize or Indian corn, a contribution; a present has never been received from the Indians without double as much being given in return; for these people being very covetous, throw a herring in order to catch a ced; as every one acquainted with the Indians can testify. Francis Douthay, Adriaen van der Donck's father-in-law and an English Minister, was granted a colonic at Mespacht, not for himself alone as Patroon, but for him and his associates whose Agent he was, and who at the time were residing at Rhode Island and at Cahanock and other places. Mr. Smith was one of the leaders of these people, for said Minister had scarcely any means of himself to build a hut, let alone to plant a colonie at his own expense. He was merely to be employed as a clergyman by his associates who were to prepare a bouwerie for him in that Colonie, in return for which he should discharge the duty of preacher among them, and live on the proceeds of the bouwerie. Coming to live at the Manhatans during the war, he was permitted to officiate as Minister for the English in and around that place, who were bound to maintain him without either the Director or Company being liable to any charge therefor. And as the English did not afford him a sufficient support, two collections were taken up among the Dutch and English, on which he lived at the Manhatans. The Mespacht Colonie was never confiscated ; that is proved by the actual residence on it of the owners, who had an Interest in it as well as Douthey ; but as the latter wished to obstruct Its settlement and to permit no one to build in the colonie unless on paying him a certain sum down for each morgen of land, and a yearly sum in addition in the nature of ground rent, and endeavored thus to convert it into a domain, against which those interested in the Colonie, especially Mr. Smith complained, the Director and Council finally concluded that the copartners should enter on their property, and the bouwerie and lands in the possesion of Douthay be reserved to him, so that he hath suffered no injury or loss thereby. This I could prove, were it not that the documents are in New Netherland and not here. I have treated already of the appeal. No clauses conflicting with the Exemptions are inserted in the patents; but the phrase— "«ocA te beramen" [hereafter to be imposed]— can be omitted from them, if found objectionable. Stuyvesant hath never oleaded any causes in court, but spoke and proposed questions to parties, as president, and, with advice of the Council, adminietered justice whereof the malevolent complain ; but that Stuyvesant withheld justice from any one remains to be proved. As to what appertains to the Deputy director, Dinclagen, let him plead his own case. It can be established that Brian Nuton not only understands, but speaks the Dutch language, so that their accusation, that Nuton does not understand Dutch, is a falsehood. All the other slanders and calumnies uttered against the rest of the officers, ought to be proved. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 427 T,B true that .t was ea.d ,n New Netherland, ,n the course of conversation, that no appeal lay from a New Netherland judgment, pronounced on the Island Manhatans; this was founded on the Exemptions where that Island is establishedas the Supreme Court of all the circumjacent Colonies, and on the fact that no precedent existed of their High Mightinesses' having ever received those ,n appeal who. coming from New Netherland. had applied for that purpose here-viz'. Hendr.ck Jansen the tailor. Laurens Cornelissen and several others, who were banished many years ago from New Netherland. 'Twould be a very strange thing if the officers of the country could not banish anybody from it. whilst the authorities of the Colonie SZ r.H 7J 7^° are subordinate to the Company, absolutely banish whomsoever they please and the welfare of the Colonie requires to be excluded ; And they do not allow any person to reside there except at their pleasure and upon certain conditions, some of which i submit here-First. No person up to the present time in the Colonie possesses a foot of land of his own. but IS obliged to »ake all the land he cultivates upon a rent-lease; where a dwelling-house is built, he is obliged to pay some beavers annually as ground rent, which Va w?" r"' "' '"^"''■"'^ '° P"y' '" '•''"^" 'f'^y ^^« ^"«wed free trade- as 'tis called. Where is there one inhabitant under the Company's jurisdiction charged or taxed in any way for either trade or lots,? All lands are conveyed in fee subject to this clause- beramt ojle noch te beramen. [ Taxes imposed or to be hereafter imposed.] Francis Douthey, the English minister, hath never been employed by the Company, wherefore .t owes -him nothing ; but his English congregation is bound to pay him. as can be proved in Now Netherland. The Company has advanced to the said minister from time to time in goods and necessaries, to the amount of about fl.UOO., as the colonial account books might show ; this he has not yet paid, and he complains because he is unwilling to pay. I know not whether the Director hath required a promise from Douthey. Director Stuyvesant. on his arrival in New Netherland. endeavored, purs-.ant to his orders qmeUy to put a stop to the contraband trade in guns, powder and lead. On perceiving which.' the Colonie Renselaers wyck itself, sent a letter and petition to the Director, wherein they requested moderation the rather, they said, if the trade be wholly abolished, all the Christians in the colonie would run great danger of being murdered-as by the tenor of said petition may more fully be seen. The Director and Council, taking the petition into consideration, and reflecting further on the consequences, resolved to barter sparingly a few guns and a little powder through the Commissary at Fort Orange on the Company's account : taking good care, moreover, that the sloops navigating the river shoul- not convey any quantity up. This was provisionally only, and until further order. 'Tis to be observed in this place, that the Director dreading one of two evils, permitted some arms to be bartered in the Fort in order to preserve the Colonie from danger. Neither will any one prove that the Director hath sold, or allowed the sale of, any articles of contraband on his own private account. The seizure of some guns bv eave of the Director, happened because they were not accompanied by any permit, as ordered by the Company. Under such guise many guns could be introduced. The Director ordered sixteen guilders to be paid for each gun that was seized, although it could not have cost more than 8 (|, 9 in this country. 'Tis true that Vastrick brought over, by Director Stuyvesant's order, a case containing 30 guns, which the Director, with the knowledge of the Deputy and Fiscal, permitted to be landed in open day. These guns were transferred to Commissary Keyser with instructions to sell them to the Dutch who were unprovided with arms, so that they might, in the hour of need If if 438 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS, have wherewith to defend themselves. If there were any more guns in the ship, 'twas without the Director's knowledge. The Fiscal whose business it was, should have seen to it, and inspect the vessel; and these accusers are bound to prove connivance and neglect of proper inspection. Jacob Reynsen and Jacob Schermerhoorn are petty traders, natives of Waterland ; one of them— Jacob Schermerhoorn— resided at Fort Orange and Jacob Reynties at Fort Amsterdam ; the latter purchased powder, lead, guns and salt and sent them up to Schermerhoorn who disposed of them to the Indians. So it happened that Goert Barent, the Company's corporal who had charge of whatever of the Company's arms required to be repaired or cleaned, sold guns, locks, barrels, &c., to Jacob Reynties aforesaid ; as can be proved by his own confession contained in letters written to his partner long ere this transaction came to light, and by the information of the corporal. Seduced by Jacob Reynties' solicitation, the corporal sold him arms as often as he applied for them, though the former was well aware that the guns and barrels were the property of the Company and not of the corporal. A parcel of peltries was therefore confiscated, as may be seen in the accounts; most of those furs having, as appears from the letters, been purchased with contraband goods. And as Jacob Reyntjes has been back in this country since the confiscation, he would have readily complained had he not felt guilty, especially as he had been sufficiently urged to do so by the enemies of the Company and of the Director ; but his own letters can be produced in evidence against him. Joost de Backer, being accused by the aforesaid Corporal of having also purchased locks and barrels of him, and the first information being found correct, legal search was made in Joost's house, where a gun belonging to the Company was found, which he had obtained from the Corporal; he was, therefore, placed in confinement until he gave security for the Fiscal's suit. As the English of New England harbored and employed all fugitives, whether persons in the Company's service or freemen, who fled to them Irom the Manhatans without a pass, which is required by the custom of the country. Commissioners endeavored to induce the Englihh to restore the fugitives according to a previous agreement entered into with Governors Eton' and Hopkins.' But as the former declined to surrender the runaways to us, although earnestly solicited so to do, the Director and Council, pursuant to a previous resolution, issued a proclamation, by way of retaliation, to the eff'ect that all persons who should come to New Netherland from the province of New Haven (all other places being excepted), should be protected ; and as the Governor delivered up to us some fugitives, the Director and Council revoked the proclamation, and since then matters have gone on peaceably, the dispute about the boundaries remaining in statu quo. No person's property is confiscated in New Netherland without just cause, and if any one feel aggrieved on this point, the Director will be ready to answer. 'Tis probable the ships • TiiEopHii-ug Eaton, first Governor of New Haven Colony, wo8 born at Stony Stratford, in Oxford.hire, his father being the minieter of that place. Ue wa« bred a merchant and waa fur eeve.al yi-ars agent for the King of England at the court of Denmark ; and after hie return pro.ecuted his busine*. in London v,i I. high reputation. He accotDj.anied Mr. Davenport to New England in 16a7, und soon after his arrival was chosen one of the magistrates of Mamchusetti He was one of the foundem of Mew Hav.n in 10:18, and was annually el.'cted Governor till his death, Jan. 7, lil37, aged 98. AlUii. • Edward Hofkins, Governor of Connecticut, and a benefactor ot Harvard College, was an eminent merchant in London and arrived at Boston in the summer of IC37 and soon removed to Connecticut. He was cho.en a msg.sirate in 1B8» and Governor of Connecticut every other year from 1840 to 1654. He afterwards wont to England, where he was chosen warden of the English fleet, oommissioner of the Admiralty and a member of Parliament. U* died in London in March 1667 HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 429 or the skippers are afraid of confiscation, and tlierefore do not resort to New Netlierland for nol,ody can resort tliere witiiout a permit. Wiioever is provided with that, and does not violate h>s contract and has duly entered his goods, need not be afraid of confiscations; but all smugglers and persons sailing under double commissions may well dread them. All those who were indebted to the Company were notified to pay up the debts left uncollected by the late Willem Kieft, and as some could, and others could not pay. no one was constrained to liquidate their account; but this debt, amounting to about fl.30,000. rendered many who were disinclined to pay, insolent end illdisposed, especially as the Company had, now, nothing to sell in that country on credit, and it appeared that some endeavored to pay, Brazil fashion. The petitioners requested that the Commonalty should not be oppressed. This has never been done; but they would gladly see the Company dunning or suing nooody. and yet paying its creditors. The Company's books will show that the debts were not contracted during, but long before the war. Those who were poor and burdened with wives and children, have be.n assisted by the Company with clothing, houses, cattle and land, &c., which were, from time to time, carried to account against them, in the hope that payment would be made sometime or other. If the New England taxes, already mentioned, be compared with those of New Netherland, twill be found that the people of the former country are more heavily taxed than ours. The taxes in New Netherland are : An excise on wine of one stiver per can, first imposed in the year 1647. An excise on beer of three guilders per tun, laid on by Kieft in the year 1644, Which excise is paid by the Tapster and not by the Burgher. A duty of eight per cent on exported beavers, which falls, not on the colonist, but on the merchant, who is bound to pay it, according to contract. The Director always manifested a desire, and was pleased to see a delegation", from the Commonalty, which should seek in Fatherland from the Company, as Patroons, and the Lords btates, as Sovereigns, the following, viz': Population ; settlement of boundaries ; reduction of the duties on New Netherland tobacco. &c. ; facilities for emigration ; permanent and solid privileges, &c. He always offered to assist in the promotion of these objects, but the Remonstrants had recourse to underhand ways ; they excited some of the Commonalty, from whom they obtained clandestine and secret certificates, and aimed at nothing less as their Remonstrance proves, than to render the Company, their Patroons, and the officers in New Netherland, (except such as are devoted to them.) odious before their High Mightinesses, so as by that means to deprive the Company of the Jus Palronatua, and inflict on it further injury. The Remonstrants assert that we had courted the English in order through them to distract the Board, as they call it. This statement is untrue, as appears by the propositions submitted to them. 'Tis worthy of remark here, however, that the English residing under the protection of the Dutch, have taken an oath of fidelity, and are domiciliated and settled in New Netherland ; they are therefore to be accounted fellow citizens of the country, which these persons have always opposed, because the English would, as well as they, have had some voice in the delegation, and would not subscribe to all the calumnies and slanders, but aimed solely at the good of the country and of its inhabitants. No postil was ever affixed to the petition, authorizing them to go and speak privately to the Commonalty. The intention of the Director was. to have the people convoked at his own time and when the proper season If'' if '•■ It 4j- P ui ^ I 430 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPXa arrived, when they might be addressed publicly on the subject of the delegation. The Director was not obliged, as alleged, to have the people called together immediatisly ; he must be the judge of the time, and when every one could leave home conveniently, and without serious loss, especially as some lived far in the interior, etc. The unwillingness of the Remonstrants to communicate, arose from the circumstance, that all whom they now paint in such ugly colois, could have provided them elves with means of defence, and have the contrary proved, and in that case would be able to produce something even from some of those very persons. And as the Director and those belonging to the government in New Netherland are sorely wronged and defamed, I request time, in order to await, if necessary, documents to the contrary from New Netherland. Verdonck and his colleagues say, that the Director had instituted personal actions against some. The Director arriving at the house of one Michiei Jansen, a co-signer of the Remonstrance, was notified by said Michiei and by Thomas Hall, saying:— " A scandalous Journal of Adriaen van der Donck h within there." The Director took this Journal away with him, and on account of the calumnies and aspersions it contained, as well against their High Mightinesses as against individ-^als. Van der Donck was confined to his lodgings, and required to prove what he had wril ew ; be was released, however, on the intercession and at the request of others. The publication and posting of a notice in Kieft's and Stuyvesant's administrations, to the effect that no declaration or other public writing should have any legal force in New Netherland, except written by the Secretary, did not proceed from any design to prevent the preparation of evidence, but from this consideration: — Those living in New Netherland are, for the most part, country people and seafaring men, who summon each other frequently before the court. for mere trifles; many of them cannot read or write, and several produce no intelligible papers or evidence ; and if anything were brought forward, 'twas written sometimes by a sailor or farmer, oftentimes wholly indistinct, and entirely repugnant to the meaning or declaration of the person who had caused it to be written. The consequence was, the Director and Council could not learn the facts of the case properly, and in accordance with justice, &c. No persons have been arrested, during Stuyvesant's administration, but Verdonck for writing the Journal and Augustyn Heermans, Gabri's clerk, for having refused to produce the writings which were drawn up for circulation among the Nine men. This was told to the Director, who had been repeatedly for them, like a little boy. On the Ist point of the Redress, as they term it, these Remonstrants advise that the Company ought to abandon the country, and decamp. Can there be a more frivolous suggestion? The Company conveyed thither, at its own expense, cattle and a number of people; built a fortress, succored many persons who, on arriving from Holland, were poor and in distress, and furnished them with clothing and provisions, and now that some of them possess a little more u ,=, ,hey can consume in a day, thgy would fain be released from the authority of their beneOict, r-r ir, i, if possibi . e en without paying— a sign of gross ingratitude. The CM'iiUr; Has been, up to the present time, nothing but a source of expense to the Company, and now when 'tis in a position to provide henceforward for itself, and there is some hope that 'twill be a source of profit to the Company hereafter, these people are unwilling to pay the tenths they honestly owe at the end of ten years, according to the Exemptions which they invoke. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 481 On the 2nd point they say : that provision ought to be made for ecclesiastical and municipal property, divme service, and for an asylum for orphans and aged people. If they are such patriots as they appear to be, let them be leaders in generous contributions for such laudable objects, and not complain when the Directors requested a collection towards the erection of a Church and school. What complaints would there be. were the Director to demand a collection for an asylum for aged people and orphans. Divine service will not be interrupted, by the absence of D' Johannes Backerus. who. however, has been there only 27 months. Thpn'' 7r"r'°r^''n . '"''*'/ ''""'•^ ^"^ ^'"^'y '^'''Wnan. who requires no interpreter when defending the Reformed Religion against any minister of our neighbors^ the English Brownists. The preceding are, in fact, the points requiring any answer. We shall add thereunto as follow* ''"""" ""P^cting the persons who have signed the Remonstrance. They are Adriaen van der Donck has been about 8 years in New Netherland; he originally ZtlS Z " uZ'l" *''r'"P'°3^ "'■ '^' co-proprietors in the Colonie of Renselaers wyck. but did not long hold that ofBce ; he resided in the Colonie. however, until the year 1646 Arnoldus VAN Hardenberch accompanied Hay Jansen. in 1644. to New Netherland. with a cargo for his brother, where he never suffered any let or damage, to our knowledge; but he knows how to charge the colonists well for his wares. CatHTe tXTuir "" '" ''' ''^"^ """ ^"^'"^*-' '^'"«' ^« ^« "°- '- "^-^ ^° Jacob van CotnvENHovEN having, when a lad. accompanied his father to that country, was taken by Wouter van Twiller into the Company's service as an assistant, and becomTng afterwards a tobacco planter, the Company helped him. as is to be seen by the books, with necessaries ; but they have been paid for. ». """i Olof Stevensen. brother-in-law of Covert Loockermans. went out in the year 1637. in the ship the Hartng, as a soldier in the Company's service ; was promoted by Director Kieft and finally appointed Commissary of the store; he has profited by the Company's service and is endeavorirg to give his benefactor the pay of the world; that is, evil for good. He has signed under protest, saying he was obliged to sign, which can be understood two ways- either that he felt obliged to subscribe to the truth, or that he was constrained thereunto' If he intends the latter, he must prove it. "icujio. th«*rT' ^T^"" ^T °"' 'V^' ''P'^^'y '^ farm-servant in the employ of the partners of the Colon e of Renselaers wyck, in New Netherland. He made his fortune in a few years land Manhatans in the year 1646. He was to have come hither, but accounts not be ng settled between h.m and the Colonie. as he has a claim which the partners do not admit! Jan Evertsen came over in his stead. au'un, Thomas Hall came to the South river in 1635. in the service of an Englishman named Mr Horns who intended at the time to rob us of the South river of New Netherland, mcludingfor Nassouw, and ran away from his master there; arriving at the Manhatans, he hired himself as farm-servant to Jacob van Curler. Becoming a freeman, he made a tobacco plantation on Wouter van Tw.ller's land; he has also been overseer (^«^«rter). Twiller knows the man. Thomas Hall resides, at present, on a little bouwerie belonging to the 482 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Elbert Elbertzen, arriving in the country as a farm lad, was about 10 or eleven years in TVouter van Twilier's service, and has never had any land of his own. About three years ago he married the widow of Gerrit Wolphertsen (brother of the abovementioned Jacob van Couwenhoven), and is, therefore, up to the present time, in the Company's debt, from the payment of which he would apparently like to be relieved. GovERT LoocKERMANs, brother-in-law of Jacob van Couwenhoven, went to New Netherland in 1G33, as cook's mate in the yacht St. Martyn; was taken by Wouter van Twiiler into the Company's service ; having realized some profit in it, he became a freeman, and finally took charge of the trade of Gillis Verbruggen and company, in New Netherland. This Loockmans ought to show his gratitude to the Company, under God, for his prosperity, and not plot to deprive it of the country. Hbndrick Kip is a tailor, and has never sufldred any injury in ?>'ew Netherland to our knowledge. Jan Evertsen Bout, formerly in T e Company's service, went over the last time in the year 1034, in the ship the Eendracht, in the employment of Hon"'" Michiel Pauw ; resided at Pavonia until the year 1G43, and prospered somewhat; and as the Hon"" Company purchased Mr. Pauw's property, the said Jan Evertsen got on right veil in its service, it having acquired M' Pauw's interest. And as his house and barn, at Pavonia, were burnt in the war, which he seems to mak- a pretext for his complaint, 'tis proper to observe here, that the Hon"" Company having paid fl.2G,000 for Mr. Pauw's Colonic, made a free gift to the said Jan Evertsen, long after the houue was burnt, of the land whereon his house stood and of the bouwerie, which produced good wheat. Michel Jansen purchased that farm and a poor, unfinished house, with some few cattle, for fl.8000. In fine, these people, glozing over their acts, say they are bound by opth and obliged by conscience; but, had this any force, they would not thus assail the Company and others, their benefactors, nor seek to strip them of this noble country by advising a conveyance of it, now that it begins to assume some shape; promises to make the Company some return, and when many of the colonists find themselves in better circumstances than ever. Ambition, apparently, p'ompts many, &c. Ady 29. November, 1650. The Hague. < •'. Extract of Ohftervationa on the West India Qmjiany's Affairs. I From tl» MS. In Ih* Bnjral ArehIrM •! Iho Hafnc ; rx>kn<'iu of thn AuIm 0.n»r.l ; Rohrlf Wut MitoJu <\mp<,fnU, No. n j Brwlllia put rriha Diitidle, \^.] The Committee of the prncipal Partners of the West India Company at Amsterdam, havin» hdard the report of the business nt the Hague, have resolved to comr.umcate their opinion thereupon as follows:— 5. As regards New Netherland, they are of opinion that the trade ought to he encouraged with the Eame freedoms, and the charges thereon ought to be on the same footing, as in New HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 488 [ Without any year, but found with papers of the year 1650. ] wi fatherland to Jie.olutlon of tU States General on a Petition of AdrLn van'der Donch. [Froin.h.E*gW.,of W«, IndU Afti™, !««_,„., 1« .h. Uo,., Arch.™ ., U>a n.r... ] Saturday, 14"' January, 1G51. Read to the Assembly the Petition of Adriaen van der Donck. delegated by the People of New Netherland, again praying that a speedy and necess'ary reJr s A n r J^^yl^^^"""^^^'^ «n '" regard to the affairs of New Netherland. Whereupon dehberafon be,ng had. t is resolved and concluded th.t the aforesaid Petition be pkc d n Z hands of Messrs. Aertsbergen and the other their High Mightinesses' deputies fothe West lad.a affaus, m order to examine the same and to make use of its information and ad ice Folio MT. Peopla of New Netherland. Bedreat. Eeedution of the States Ome,'al o. the liecords of tU Indm Companies. t Vfom Ih. BagUtar of Waat Indl. Amilr., 1688 - 1«5I, In the Boj.1 Arohlraa .1 Ih, n.,ue. ] Saturday, H"- January, 1651. Fo„o..T. On motion of Secretary Ruysch, it is, on deliberation, resolved and concluded -^^ofsecreur. t.,at their High Mightinesses- Resolutions respecting the East and West '^dia Krf .t. Compan.es bo continued to be kept in separate Registers pursuant to their High diaoompaniaa. M.ghtinesses' fesolution of the IG'" April, 1638. f'r "ign aOj Brunian pari Order to Secretary van Tienhaven tn answer Interrogatories. t From Ih. Mln..l.a In the Ro,»| irchl,,. at Ih. ni*,,,, rila, »•«« ImlU. ] the'affa^rn'rhrw" .";'"; "n '''''''' '^"" ^"'''' ''"'''"'' "" '^° United Netherlands, for to serves /. n ," " Company, hereby order Mr. Harmon van Z.,ylen van Nyvelt ou , I T ' Tf' "" ''-'"""hoven with a duplicate of certain point, and article, iLhtir "Z\1\'" "" '" """^ Netherland. submitted and exhibLl to tb i ' h MighUnesse. on 21.t July, 1060. and the aforesaid Thienhovea .hall be obliged, pur^^amt oo I ^. 484 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS, their High Mightinesses' resolution of the 9'* August, of said year, to answer and enter his reply thereunto, within the space of eight days after the receipt and service hereof; and meanwhile to remain here at the Hague, without leaving. Done at the Hague aforesaid, 7 February, 1651. By order of the aforesaid Lords, their High Mightinesses' Deputies. <■■»!■» Eesoluthn of the States General summoning Seci-etary van Tienhoven and Jan C. Damen hefoi'e them. [From tha BegUter of WeU India ASkin, l«88-ie&l, In Ihe Boyal Arehlraa at Iha Hafoa.] Tuesday, 14'" March, 1661. Folio «T. On the report of Mess" Van Aertsbergen and the other their High Mightinesses' Nwhwhinu"'" ''"' Deputies for West India affairs, it is, after previous deliberation, resolved and concluded, that the Chamber of the West India Company residing in Amsterdam shall be ThiMhoran. written to, to direct Jan Claes* Damen and Cornelus van Tienoven, Secretary in New Netherland, to come hither by the first opportunity, and to appear before the abovenamed Mess" Aertsbergen and the other their High Mijrhtinesses' Deputies, and not to depart for New Netherland before and until they will have been here. And said Tienoven, on coming here, simll be summoned and notified promptly to answer before the said Deputies the interrogatories heretofore communicated to him. And this their High Mightinesses' resolution, as well as the letters consequent thereon, shall be dispatched and sent off without reconsideration. .» . ■ ♦ ■■»■»- iff 7 States General to the Chamber of the We^t India Company at Amsterdam, [ from tba Brglilar at rUftaiu BtUmk of Iha BUIaa Oanaral, In Iha Boyal Arehlraa at Iha Uapie. J Thb States, etc. Follow. Honorable, &c. We have this day heard and considered the Report of Mess" van Aertsbergen and other our Deputies for West India affairs, and have accordingly, after previous deliberation, resolved to request and require you hereby, to direct Jan Claesi "imr Damen and Cornells van Thienhoven, Secretary of New Netherland, to come Thi«ho..n. hither by the first opportunity to appear before the said Mess" van Aertsbergen and the other our Deputies, and not depart for New Netherland before and until they shall have been here, whereon relying. Done 14 March, 1G61. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. and Jan 0. 485 JieeoluUon of the States General referring a Letter of the Amsterdam Chan^. Tuesday, 81 March 1661. HtfhTrr'' «_'««" fr- the Directors of the Incorporated West India Co,npany H the Chamber at Amsterdam dated 25.-. instant, being an answer to their E M.ghtmesses' letter of the U- of this month, to the effect that Jan Jans- Dan en has returned to New Netherland, and that Secretary Corneiis van Tie hove" i^ — - -"• i^hir r "' '''*' ^'^^ ^^^ ""' '^"'"^ ^"' "« -•" afford theiHgh c..„,K.w»... M.ghfn^sses .nformat.on on all points. Whereupon deliberation being had it i. Mess« Aersbe ;:';1dterhtreirSi;; Vr '^ '"n' '''' '' '''-' ^ ^'^ '^^^ ^^ inspect and examine it and re^or; uZ^ '"''""" '^'"'"'^^ for West India affair, to FoUo MO. Chamber at A nuier- (!uni. Dftmen and Tienhoreo. Hesolvtion of the States General fading Secretary van Tienhooen to depart I rrom th. n^,...r .r R«ol„,|«,. Of *, 8...« G.„„,, „ „,. e.,^ A«hl,« .. u.. Hv«. ] Friday, Slst April 1651. .^It *^..^ '^!'; Pf "■«" "'' ^'--'^tin Beeckman in the name and on the behalf of Mr Harm„„ — ■»«« ♦ 11 » States Ge,.eral to the Cha,nUr of the West India Gon,pany at Amsterdam. Thb States, ktc. ThiTh"*" ."""°"'':'''' *^- '^»'"<"" w« «re certainly informed that Secretary Cornell, van Th.en oven ,s .nlenJing to proceed on an earlj day to New Netherlnnd. w hLe reso ved^o ii! 436 NEW-rORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Petition of certain Dutch Merchants to the States General. I From the OrigtuI Id tb« Bofal Archlrcs il (he Htgae ; FUe, Wtit tndU. ] To the Noble, High and Mighty, the Lords States General of the United Netherlands. The resident merchants of these United Netherlands respectfully and with reverence represent that they have traded for upwards of twenty years past, to all the Caribbean islands and to Virginia, by which commerce the aforesaid places have, from very feeble beginnings and appearances— yea, utter inability of themselves, — so improved from time to time, and been brought 10 such condition as to be at present a source of astonishment to the whole world. This trade has been prosecuted with considerable profit for the inhabitants of this Province, though not without great risk, because they must always invest and intrust a heavy capital to people of the aforesaid places, whom they have frequently assisted in their misfortune and great necessity, and brought, with food and raiment, out of extreme ruin. This trade was formerly prosecuted by all nations freely and unincumbered, and notwithstanding the inhabitants of the aforesaid places and islands, have, by means of our supplies and liberal credits, had the opportunity to improve and advance their Colonies to their incalculable advantage, and to such a flourishing state, yet an attempt is now being made, regardless of what we have contributed to their prosperity, to exclude us from the trade to said places, and those of the Parliament of England have issued a certain notice to that efl'ect, prohibiting the trade to Islands where they or their nation have any Colonies, anc' particularly to the Virginias, on pain of the forfeiture of ship and goods, and of being treated ae enemies. 'Tis indeed true that they have fixed some time in their prpclamation, but it is so short that 'tis impossible to obey it, and utterly impracticable to get in from thence our ships, unsold goods and outstanding debts within the said time, we being allowed for that purpose, only from the S" October, 1650, the day of publication, until the 20"" March, 1661 j after which day, our ships found returning thence, or trading anywhere else, on or near those places, are declared good prizes. All the merchants interested in said trade, are, therefore, obliged to address themselves respectfully to you. High and Mighty, with due reverence, humbly praying your High Mightinesses to be pleased to take into serious consideration, this matter, which is of such importance and advantage to this state, so that they may not only be freod from the rigor of the aforesaid proclamation, but be also maintained and continued in the privilege of trading to the abovementioned islands and places; and to be pleased to give extraordinary instructions for that purpose, and, if possible, at the earliest moment, to the Noble, High and Mighty Lords Commissioners, whom your High Mightinesses have appointed to treat with the Ambassadors from England, as we have been informed, for a certainty, that a considerable number of men of war lie in the harbor of Falmoutii, prepared to enforce that proclamation, and 'tis reported that they have already sailed thither; so that your petitioners may be saved from loss, and not deprived of a trade so advantageous to all the inhabitants of this Province. For, independent of the profit accruing from ship-building and what is connected therewith, our cargoes, which are exported thither to the value yearly of several millions, consist, not of gold, silver, or any description of coin, but exclusively of all sorts of domestic manufactures, breweil beer, linen cloth, brandies, or other distilled liquors, duffels, coarse cloth, and other articles suitable for food and raiment for the people inhabiting those places, in return for vhich are imported all HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. sorts of eastern commodities, as from Virginia, beavers and other eastern furs, considerable to acco, and from the Caribbean islands a large quantity of sugars, tobacco. i^dTgo g „er cotton and d.vers sorts of valuable wood, affording extensive trade by the exportation o faid 171 T'T " '' "" ?■■ '"' ''''-' -"'"''"ting to the support of Several thousand people, mdependent of the profit of common stock. (Signed) Jean Gabry. Goycken Elber, W- Watson, Gilles Verbrugge and Son Jean Schuyl, Egbert Dolm , Pieter Bert, Abraham van Susteren.' Adam van Germez, Jaques de la Rue, Willem Reyerssen, Solomon van der Burch, Jan Jansen van Dinter, H. Colyn, Jan Claese Langedyck and ComP/, Willem Kalff, Hendrick Stocqman, Pieter de Lageur, Joan Kley, Isac Foucquier, D. Strycker, Geraert Smitos, P Goethals, Joorii y, ^^^ ^- ^^^ssa, Egbert Senit, Jeremia van Collen, Guilliaem Momma, Rombout Lefer, Gasparo van Collen, Joan van den Velde Andries Pols, Jacques Tliiery. D. Haen Jun', A. Boelens, Joannes Faes' Jacob van Eschwiler. Watt Fuls, Jeronimo de Haze Jun'., Bait' Schouten, Egb' Cor' Schouten, Godefridt Wassenbergh, Guyl" Bartolott, Rouan Ben Isaack de Neufviele, Balthy Jan Coyirian, Dierck van de Perre, Justus Baeck. Secret Resolution of the States General. [ From tht B«gM«r of Ihe B«en« RmoIuUod. of th« SUit«. OmMml, In th. Bojil Archlrc. .t th. Hifii.. ] Thursday, 83 November, 1661. M' Veth. president of the Assembly, hath suggested to their High Mightinesses „":ntn„» , r fV'r t'u"""''''" Extraordinary, proceeding hence to England, ought not to be recommended by fur. her and express resolution, to endeavor, by all possible 2'nii5"d."-ill5 '"«^"'' ''"'^ appliances, that the inhabitants of this country may resort to, and trade v..n,.. with the Caribbean islands and places in Virginia, in the sa'me manner asly have hitherto resorted and traded thither, irrespective of whether said islands or places were firs or shoud be hereafter occupied or possessed by the inhabitants and subjects of the I "'•'•a-ent of the Republic of England, or of those United Netherlanda. any prohibition made or published by the one party or th, other, to the contrary notwithstanding. Whereupon deliberation being had. it is resolved and concluded, hereby seriously to recommend to thj aid Ambassadors, in addition to the performance of the other articles of their instruction, the negotiation of the aforesaid 11"" article. "'rucuon. 438 NEW-YORK CO1.ONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Memorial of Adriaen van der Donch. t From lh« MS. in the Eoyil Arohlret at th< Higa« ; LoMkat of lh« BlatM G«ner.l ; DlrUlon, We>* IndUdU Ompatitit, No. 8«. ] To the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherland Provinces. Th. 8t,t«. o.n,nd Adriaen van der Donck, agent of the Commonalty of New Netherland, represents "Ii'.lTdo/.'^.'i'A''; respectfully, to your High Mightinesses that on reiterated complaints, ^i«jTnd'"eondu'- remonstrances and representations to your High Mightinesses in this regard, such Kpen^fi K?tl^; progress has been made that not only a written report has followed, but, with a mU jiigMin^' view to maintain better order in that country and in this matter, divers good and R,'^;;!;'"..''*?.""^. wholesome resolutions have been adopted by you, High and Mighty, on the 1" DonraTilla AiS^ml gjjj jjih April, 1650, Tiud on 14'* March and 21" April, 1651, so that the entire oMriu^ihf*?^ Commonalty there, on seeing the written report and aforesaid orders which were fpSJr' communicated by the Delegates whom you. High and Mighty, permitted to go Byorrte"o'"h''.'J^t. thither, entertained now very high hopes, and each and every of them promised *N.kuT«oB. themselves the enjoyment of the good and long wished for fruits thereof, and to be able to thank your High Mightinesses for them. But with grief, regret and sorrowful eyes must they witness and behold that, to the country's ruin and their own exceeding great damage and derangement, Stuyvesant, Director in New Netherland, and a few French and English Councillors, appointed neither by your High Mightinesses nor by the Hon"'" West India Company, but by him, the Director, according to his own pleasure, in opposition to the protest of the other officers known to, appointed by your High Mightinesses and the Hon"" West India Company and possessing jurisdiction with the Director in that country, have so ill-received your High Mightinesses' authority and orders that the said orders not only have been disregarded and passed over, but the direct contrary thereof has been put into practice without any member of the government being at liberty to make an objection thereunto, unless at the risk of being affronted by every means, direct and indirect, and banished, as your High Mightinesses will be fully able to perceive from the annexed protest and following examples. The Director was not willing to communicate to the other Councillors appointed by your High Mightinesses and the Hon"" Company, your High Mightinesses' general letters dated the Ist and II'* April, and given to the Delegates on their departure, so that such refusal was protested against, as is to be seen by the document hereunto annexed. The guns which were sent over, are not stamped and distributed according to order, but the Director first took possession of all of them, sold some of them to the Indians or Natives of the country, and refused to leave the remainder at the disposal of Jacob van Couwenhoven thereunto qualified by your High Mightinesses' resolution dated 11'" April, 1650, so that the whole affair has got into confusion. The Commonalty are not only not disciplined nor armed, pursuant to your High Mightinesses' order, but when such was repeatedly demanded by the Select men pursuant to your High Mightinesses' issued commands, they were dismissed with hard words, by the Director who only answered — I shall do so when I please ; so that this matter has been treated with contempt up to the present time, contrary to your High Mightinesses' order. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VI. 489 By said letter dated 11'- April. 1650. your High Hightinesses also command that Vice Director Dmcklagen and the Select men be continued until further order; but this has not been obeyed, the direct contrary has been done, for in opposition to this your High Mightinesses' instruction; in violation of their settled right of nomination signed by the Director himself, and contrary to all reason and equity, the Select men were altogether suddenly and unexpectedly dismissed by Director Stuyvesant, and again received back according to his humor. Vice Director Lubbert van Dincklage has in the presence and before the eyes of Director Stuyvesant been forcibly removed by soldiers from the Court where he sat as joint Judge, and was for several days confined in the military guard-house, after which he was not suffered to go unmolested, but finally deposed without your High Mightinesses' knowledge, though appointed and qualified by your High Mightinesses, whilst foreigners, such as Ji-nghshmen and Frenchmen, neither nominated nor known by your High Mightinesses, are on the contrary, employed and continued. Your High Mightinesses have, also, by resolution of the 14 March, 1661, commanded Secretary Cornelis van Tienhoven and Jan Claessen Damen not to depart for New Netherland before, nor until, they had furnished your Hon"" Committee with information on some important points respecting the war, and had obtained your High Mightinesses' consent; but Jan Claessen Damen went off immediately after the receipt of the notification, not reRardiuK It in the least. * ® And Secretary Tienhoven, who was accused and proved before your High Mightinesses, to have been the chief cause of the cruel, injurious, unnecessary and even provoked igeaffectee^de^ war with the natives of New Netherland who was sent hither by Director Stuyvesant to defend his causes pending before your High Mightinesses, with which, however, he gave himself little or no trouble, having, in the meanwhile debauched an honest man's daughter here, under promise of marriage, (notwithstanding he had a Wife and Children in ^avr Netherland) lived with her here in continual dalliance until he, too, took his departure for New Netherland, on the S'" May 1650 in violation of your High Mightinesses' iterated resolution and letters in company with this female whom, with the consent of her friends, and under a promise of marriage, he took along with him on ship board. Your High Mightinesses were also pleased, for the accommodation of the people there to license Derek van Schelluyne as a Notary who hath commenced the exercise of his profession there with the consent of the Director and Council, but it being no longer pleasing to the Director, he forbade him the exercise of said office, regardless of your High Mightinesses' commission, which is in direct opposition to such an act. Your High Mightinesses will clearly see from all this and from the annexed petition of the people to you. High and Mighty, and from the protest of the Vice Director and Fiscal who, with the Select men constituted in that country the Magistracy on behalf of your High Mightinesses and the Hon"" West India Company up to the present time, that everything in that quarter goes on contrary to your High Mightine. es' direct order, in great confusion, according to the will and pleasure alone of the Director and his foreign Council ; the country, without population, 18 reduced to the greatest ruin and brought under foreign nations, English and Swedes. Therefore nothing is more necessary than a good Redress, which we have zealously and industriously solicited and importuned now for more than two years on behalf of the people. 440 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Since the Select men and the Magistracy are dismissed contrary to your High Mightinesses' commands, and contrary to all right and reason, we again humbly pray and request that they be, in conformity with your High Mightinesses' granted order, again commissioned and that they continue until further directions from your High Mightinesses; also, that your High Mightinesses would be pleased to confirm by resolution the Report made to your High Mightinesses' Assembly on the 11* April 1660 by M'. van Aertsbergen and the other your High Mightinesses' Committee for the a:'^airs of New Netherland, and privately communicated to us in writing, and by us sent, with the knowledge and approval of your High Mightinesses' committee, to the people of New Netherland — So tliat all confusions and troubles being cut off thereby, the country may, by means thereof, be brought into a state of peaceful prosperity in population and trade, as New England, though commenced several years after us, hath now arrived to a high degree of population and commerce by a similar mode of government to that laid down and contained in said report. And as no demand was made by the aforesaid on your High Mightinesses for money, as in the case of the redress of Brazil, but merely an order of government and maintenance against violent infraction of privileges granted to the people and Colonists of New Netl.erland ; so the said delegate of the Commonalty of New Netherland again humbly prays and requests jour High Mightinesses to be pleased to dispose favorably of the aforesaid, in order that he, the delegate, may leave by the first ship this spring on his return for New Netherland, with your High Mightinesses' good resolution, and make a report of his commission to the great comfort and joy of the people there, who will be thereby encouraged to supplicate God Almighty mure and more for the prosperity of your High Mightinesses' administration. Which doing, (Signed) Askiaen van des Donck. Sdect men of New Amsterdam to the States General. [ Fiom 1 US. In the Bojril ArehlrM »! Ibe Higas ; LokeOuu of Ui<- CatM Qenoral ; Dlrlilan, Wft JmlUclit OompagnU, ITo. M. ] To the High and Mighty Lords States General of the free United Netherland Provinces, our Most Illustrious Sovereigns. Gracious Lords. The sorrowful and utterly prostrate cohj this country and its poor inhabitants, have we been obliged to make known, in their ^o your illustrious High Mighilnesses, last year, 1649, by our committee and delegates, vfuy and plainly, according to our ability. Your High Mightinesses' condescension in listening to our sad and truthful complaints was a source of exceeding great joy to us and the people, for which we cannot sufficiently thank you ; but, notwithstanding we fully believe and are assured that your High Mightinesses are again preoccupied with highly important affairs, we make bold, and our universal imperious necessity presses us humbly to approach your High Mightinesses once more, being forced to complain principally of great scarcity, excessively onerous duties, exactions and such like, and the grievous inconvenient government over us in these parts. The annexed protest of the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. aai Vice Director and A.lvocate Fiscal (who alone with the Director constitute the government here) can assure your High Mightinesses thereof and how it fares here at presfr Wha on TSlln "" ^°"'."'»'' '^"«»'''"«"«''' P»ti«"ce. Adriaen van der Donck. the deZte ZnHlolr h" ^77"^"^ ^™'". °- A"-bIy. to your High Mightinesses at the Hogu wiU LT k/ K, * ^''f/"'^"" ^ith fuller and more ample information on every point We the lorT ^''"!; " '7'"' ^°"' "'«' Mightinesses to be pleased to reform aL' to redr^! Hi^hTJ > T''- ''™"'"'"' """''"'"' °' '''' -""'^y- "--''■•"8 to the plan of you fofJf A ^T"' "'' " y°" ^"' P'^'^''^ ^"^ ''«'«™"-« to be proper for ou/relief e t vear from ;::r"H' h m" T' ""• ""* ''^" "^^''^ '^'^'^ «-«» I fid'ence to rec v' next year from your H.gh M.ght.nesses. the effect of our tendered duties, as our service for the Commonalty expires according to our commission and instruction on next New yea^s day. and the D.rector. not obeying your High Mightinesses' order, gives out that heliU no act on our nom.nat.on of other Select men to be elected in place oflhe six who retire so tha rh:zHc\;i''orhf""r'"''v^ ™^^' ^'*«°^^^ '"^^°-'"- ^n the;™^ Hi.h M^htl!! 1 , , """i 7 '"^ ""«"■• "^^ ^''" '^'" represented the matter to your t"Lt we m v be I ""^ t""t"^' '" '°"'°"'"y ^"" ^•'^ "'"'^'-t t^"t''. through dread that we may be harassed, as others have been heretofore with suits at law. where no cause on the New year, we shall herewith commend to God's protection your High Mightinesses' persons, government and the preservation of thia country. Remaining Highand Mighty 1 our faithful, obedient and humble servants. . (Signed) Augustin HeAman. Jacob van Kouwenhovbn. Oloff Stevens. In the Assembly of the Select men, ^'ZZ'' H^""""* V .„ A . J ., . IHOMAS Hall. New AniBterdam. Manhatans. j^^ ^^^^^^ New Netherland, 22- December. 1660. Elbeet Elbeets. And by order of said Selectmen, D. V. ScHELLEUYNE, Scribo, 1660. Declaration ruptcting Director Stuyvemnt', Conduct. Before me, Derek van Schelluyue, created and admitted, by the High and Miahlv I nrA. State. General of the United Netherlands a Notary Public, an'd resilg in New Amfte^dam Manhattans, in New Netherland. appeared this day, the xix. P^cember. XVP and fif^ ' he Hon-. Mess" Lubbertus van Dincklage. Vice-Director, and Henricus van Dyck Advocate-Fiscal of New Netherland. declaring, in form of complaint, that Director Petru. Stuyvesant said, in substance, on the fourth of July last, in full court, that the Direc o s of he .eZn r'T r r''^'" ''""'•'""y """' ""'"'^'^ »'""-» »<» communicate to us any general letter either of their Honors, of their High Mightinesses tKe Lord. States Genera .hii H ghnes. or other, relating to the affairs of this country. They, accordingly, declare ha his Honor, pursuant hereunto, has not been pleased to exhibit or to communfca^; to u^up to Vol. L 5q r«* 442 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. this day, any letter relating to public nffnirs either from the Company, from their High Mightinesses, or from his Highness. Item, that his Honor was pleased to treat on public affai;? with the English of New England without any resolution or concurrence of our Assembly, notwithstanding both the one and the other of us protested against it at divers times. That his Honor conveys a great deal of land, mostly to the English, and deeds thereof are issued in the name of the Director General and Council, without our having any knowledge thereof; that his Honor delivers many orders, replies to petitions, judgments and sentences which his clerk, Jacob Kip, issues, without our knowledge and advice ; that his Honor, also, disposes of the ship's stores independent of us ; that his Honor, likewise without us, appointed and commissioned, as Lieutenant of a company of soldiers consisting of 28 men, an Englishman named Brian Nuton, who does not understand the Dutch language, and pronounces judgment, with his Honor, on political and all other matters. Item, he retains, as councillor, a Frenchman named La Montague, on like footing, who is indebted to the Company fully ten thousand guilders ; and now, again, adjoins as Councillor and Commissary one Carel Verbruggen, also an Englishman, all without our knowledge and against our will ; against all which have we and the entire Commonalty protested, not being subject, as freemen, to any Military council ; the Director hath sold the Company's guns and cannon, with all sorts of munitic >8 of war, to the English at Boston ; he retains our salary, and does not pay our just share in the captured prizes and confiscations, and thus the country is exposed, by such rule and government, to the imminent danger of going to ruin, and ere long to fall into foreign hands ; wherefore, we are under the necessity of ignoring all those occurrences and the mischiefs which are impending^ over the country, and expressly to protest before their High Mightinesses, his Highness, the Hon"* West India Company and the entire world, holding ourselves pure, clear and innocent ; consenting that record hereof be made by me. Notary, and delivered in due form, in order to be used as shall be deemed advisable to witness the truth hereof. Signed in New Amsterdam, :;anhatans. New Netherland. Dated ut supra. (Signed) H. van Dyck, fiscal, L. van Dincklage, and in presence of me, D. v. Schelluyne, Not. Fubl. Underneath was: Agrees with the Original remaining with me. D. v. Schelluyne, Not. Publ. 1650. ci« ; Lotttkat of lb« Btilu OtmnI ; DirliloB, Wut hdinkt CompagnU, IT*. M. ] Extracts and Copies of Letters, Memoirs, Journals and Resc'jtions sent by the Select men of New Netherland in the years 1660 and 1661, to Adriaen van der Donck, corroborating the petition; (furnished) pursuant to their High Hightinesses' Order dated 16*'' P'ebruary, 1662. Extract of a letter of the Select men dated 17'^ Agust 1650 to Adriaen van der Douck. You will learn from our letter to the Noble Mighty Lords their High Mightinesses' deputies on the affairs of New Netherland, the time of our arrival here and in what condition we found the Board and the Commonalty. The people are greatly imposed on ; men will fain hang and burn the Select men, and moreover, whilst duly observing our honor and oath, &c. The affliction in which the poor Commonalty here live, cannot be any longer endured ; they are more and more oppressed. Extracts of two different letters from Augustin Herman, dated 10 September, 1660. Further, whatever you have done there for the public interests, I, for my part, do especially approve ; hope also 'twill terminate well, although the opposite party jeer at it, saying, when they do anything — (Jo, and complain to the States. We are anxiously expecting the approval of the Redri'ss and a change, about which we [can talk] in covered terms; but if it endure longer, 1 fear 'twill terminate badly, which God forbid. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. 445 The D'rector hath .e.zed three .hip,, because he will have from each one hundred nound. of powder, harbor duty ; though neither Mr. Dincl^iagen nor the Fi»cal knows anything of it nor wa. ,t determined on in Council, yet he will have it by force; but Vastrick and Bloemer; are gone free, or are paid for it. It appears that the Company backs him up strongly. I had indeed, brought a flag with me for the Burghers, but Stuyvesant will not allow it to be carried Ue does as he pleases. Extract of the letter of Jacob van Couwenhoven and Dierck van Schelluyne. Notary, dated the 13th September, 1660. The Director and his partisans work secrectly among the people and make them believe that we have done nothing but brought expense on the Commonalty; that their High Mightmesses w,l| never introduce reforms into the country; that the Directors write. they will mamtam h.m, that the gentlemen from Amsterdam will steadily oppose the Redress ; and thus he attracts to him most of the people who derive some profit thereby. For the rest, we harm , shall be eventually rumed and run aground, if the Redress do not arrive speedily. Extract from an authentic copy of a letter from Vice Director Dincklage to the Hon-" Directors of the Amsterdam Chamber, dated the 8'^ Septemb' 1650. I have already addressed two letters to your Honors, but have not received any answer to hem At present. I write only this:-.Here the law is violated.' Profit is loss ; and Zlil IS private property; resources are wasted and diverted without advantage to the Hon^: Company and the country; I cannot help it, as Director Stuyvesant says, 'tis none of my business; that he will answer for it all at Amsterdam. ^ Ldriaen van Extract of a letter from the Select men, dated 13'^ Sepf 1660. hZ^wZ ^""''^'\'^f «»'* '^«"^'''«n «f this Country in the accompanying letter to their H.gh M.ghtme.ses and the.r committee on the affairs of New Netheriand. Things proceed daily. ,„ truth, as related in the letter. We are obliged to listen every day to scoffs and sneer, from many because their High Mightinesses have done nothing in the matter of the Redress which several have flung so far off" that it could not come to life. Extract of the Journal kept by order of the Commonalty to which tliey refer in letters to us. 4 July, 1650. Friends report and complain that they have not only not been recogniz. v the Director and Council during the absence of the delegates, but that contumely t reproaches have been cast on them by the Director, from whom they were obliged also to listen to divers calumnies, insults and contumelious words ; they also complain that the Director ' Hier gitt ffl«n met den reehten weg. • 446 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. was pleased on the S"* of April last, with a view to insult and affront the Select men, to cause the benches in their pew in the Church to be torn up, and to take possession of it himself. About this time the Fiscal received a settlement of his share of the confiscations, and being referred therewith to the Directors, he showed it to the Commonalty and reported also abroad, among others to Oloff Stevense and Schelluyne, that the Director swallows everything; that he will prove him a perjured villain and that he hath robbed the Company of fully one hundred thousand guilders. Extract of a letter from the Vice-Director, dated 12"" September, 1G50, The people here are somewhat solaced on learning from the despatch that the affairs of New Netherland are beginning to bi thoroughly and truly considered by their High Mightinesses, but they anxiously expect absolute Redress. Seeing they are so harassed and plagued in every way, it surprizes me that they have endured it so long, and I cannot easily help it. Several affidavits, to be annexed hereunto, should make some commotion. I have enough to do to keep the people quiet. The abuses and faults are as notorious as the sun at clear noon. Extract of the letter from the Select men to Van der Donck, dated the G* September, 1C50. Among other things, some individual Directors of Amsterdam have written by Vastrick to the Director General that they will uphold him with all their might and means; that they shall be dismissed before him; that the Burgomasters of Amsterdam will effectually oppose the Redress, &c. But the Board and I shall all confidently rely on their High Mightinesses and the Lords of the Committee abovementioned, and depend on their words and earnest zeal, and exercise patience in all things, although wholesale ruin of ourselves and of the people and country, stares us in the face, and the water reaches almost to our lips. Extract of a Memoir sent by Mr. van Dinclage to Van der Donck. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director of New Netherland, Curasao, &c., did nothing in this country and Curasao during the last lour years, from the year 1G40 to this current year, IGfiO, for the beni'lit of the Incorporated West India Company, this Burgliery or the inhabitants, notwithstanding he, himsell, declared in the year 1(147, before the entire Commonalty under arms, when he came into office and Kiefl retired, that ho should govern, and be, like n father over his children, for the advantage of the Incorporated West India Company and this Burghery and country. The aforesaid Memoir being, further, of the same tenor and purport, but too long to peruse. Extract of a letter from Jacob van Couwenhoven and Dirck van Schelluyne, the Notary, to Van der Donck, dated G"- October, IGQO. I embrace the opportunity afforded by the depurture of the ketch called the Voorlooj)er, for the Caribbean Islands, to advise you, by way of Barbadoes, that we have not as yet received the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VI. 447 Redress of New Netherland nor any improvement here, but find the sorrowful condition of th.8 country to be worse and worse, and in a short time we shall have to feel the smart- this hiri?" T '° ^7"^'"«"'^ '» y°» particularly the despatch of affairs. On motion mad'e by h.mself m Counc.l. but on which no resolution followed. Director Stuyvesant departed on the I7.H September last for New England, with an intention, according to said motion, of which I thZ\T!i! r "°r T'^"''"''' '" ''"'^ •' °''' ^''''''''^'' '° ^'•'>"««^' ««■"« Public business will determine"!' ^^ ' '""''• ^''' '" ^"' ''''"'' '" that quarter, time Should Secretary Thienhoven come here with people and troops, as is reported, we shall again have war w.th the Indians, and they fear it; and if he come here before the Redress, it can easily occur, for the Indians have no confidence >„ him, and should he come, they will not imagme anything else. In fine, adding this to what has been written to you by the VMcnicr you can well imagine our conditio 1 and anxiety. il The Select men of New Amsterdam to the States General. High and Mighty Lords. Gracious pDvereigns. ourToaJd"."^""""!!,'''." ;,"V"" ^''"■""" ''°"'' '^' '"" ^'''«'''' ""* commissioned by our Board to your High Mightinesses last year, 1649. in consequence of the imperiou^ necessity of the poor suff-eruig people of this country, arrived here again through God Wcy on the 28- June bringing with them an authentic copy of the report or Provisional Ord^r o^ the subjec of the Redress. Preservation and Peopling of this Country, drawn up anS submitted to your High Mightinesses, by your High Mightinesses' CommiUee. actingTn the aff-airs of New Nether and. We confidently trust that nothing but the tedious and danger u voyage has prevented our receipt to this time, of your High Mightinesses' approval tlu^reof for we have seen and found you. High and Mighty, to be our dear fathers, who have b en pleased to take to heart the sorrowful condition and urgent necessity of this poor afflicted Commonalty. We are unable to evince or to proffer sufficient thankfulness to the good God and you High and Mighty ; the love and affection shown to us. can amply supply this. Your High Mightinesses' letter being handed by our delegated associates to Director General Stuyvesant and Council, on the said 2S"- June, they have in consequence of the non-arrival of the Redress, been pleased to disregard your High Mightinesses' orders up to this time with the exception alone of the proclamation of the peace with the King of Spain, which has been made here only at the Manhattans and no further, to our knowledge. The wretched condition of this country continues, meanwhile, unaltered, an.l has even become worse, as we have communicated to our associate delegate Adriaen van der Donck. We are, therefore to our grief and sorrow, under the i,er..ssity of troubling you in this manner and of again iniplonng your favor, and pray you. High and Mighty, to be pleased to be indulgent toward, us. for so long a. the Itedres. is not here, we cannot refrain from .0 doing; therefore, hoping that Its speedy arrival will comfort and console us. we. in concluding, shall commen.l you. High and Mighty, both generally and in particular, and your prosperous and wholesome (,overnme,,t unto (Jod's protection, remaining your High Mightinesses' most humble and most faithful tervauls. ' • D«Ud 13 SopUniber, 1680. B«« Juplicstt, tupra, p. 420. — Kn. 1 i i 448 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. The Select men of New Amsterdam to tlie Committee of the Slates General. Noble Mighty Lords. On the arrival here, namely, on the 28"" June last, of Jacob van Couwenhoven and Jan Evertse Boutt, delegates sent commissioned by our Board last year to their High Mightinesses, and on the delivery of the letters from their High Mighlinesses and others, to the Director and Council of New Netherland, we wrote to their High Mightinesses, and summarily related in brief, that the Director and Council did not observe their High Mightinesses' order. The melancholy condition of this country remains unchanged, and even has become worse; His Honor does not recognize any Select men, and regards not our Board ; he considers not of the least account the copy of the report and Provisional Order. '". the matter of the Redress, preservation and peopling of New Netherland, &c., with great labor and pains drawn 'ip, proposed and submitted by you. High and Mighty, for the advantage of this country and its inhabitants, and which we were under the necessity of communicating to the Commonalty, in order to animate and encourage them, notwithstanding his Honor never deigned to look at it. The Commonalty live in fear and anguish, not knowing with whom to associate. They dare not now, as we fully know, make any declaration of what they are cognizant of. Terror possesses them, thinking he can still injure us. But we hope that their High Mightinesses and you. Noble Mighty, will give full credit to all that we have represented and written, all which (God help us) is too true — We gladly saw, and it was fortunate that the drainage of the people had censed, and that they could earn an honorable livelihood. God grant that the country may this year be redressed ; it would cheer and console the people and set them on their legs, otherwise we and the entire country are in. danger of going to ruin, and of falling jnto foreign hands. But we shall wait patiently, and cannot but hope that a matter in which their High Mightinesses have taken so much trouble and interest, hath already, or will soon, come to perfection. We cannot conceive, let alone express, words suflicient to convey our gratitude to you. Noble Mighty. We have written to our delegate and agent, Adriaen van der Donck, all the particulars; we request and pray you. Noble Mighty, to be pleased to attach credit to it all. which is the strict truth, and to continue to support and uphold the cause, and to look with indulgence on, and to excuse our plain and humble style. Herewith shall we commend you. Noble Mighty, in general and in particular, and your prosperous and good government to God's protection, remaining. Noble Mighty, your most humble and most faithful servants. (Addressed:) To the Noble Mighty Lords, the Lords van Aertsbergen and the other their High Mightinesses' deputies, occupied with the affairs of New Netherland. Copy of an extract from the Register of the resolutions of the Select men of New Amsterdam, Manhattans, the 89'^ August, 1050. Honorable Gentlemen. Whereas the High and Mighty Lords .States General of the United Netherlands, by letters delivered to the Director General on the SU'^ June last, resolve to continue our Bo...d, and you. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VL 449 regardless thereof, have not heen pleased to recognize us, up to the present time. Item whereas the D„ector General hath caused the benches in the Select men's pew in the ch^ h wh ch Z:rM::^'^T^T'T"1 ^.^-'--'--'^-«.to hetom' up,andtoorpos;el thereof himse... to the derogation, derision and contumely of our Board : which thouL^h it concerns not us individually, but regards the Board, who represent the peopTe . t 2 are ::auZr'^D:"'"tt!'^"^^''" r'^^^ ^-^^ •^^^°«'^''°" andaffronTti^luSran Beneath was, (Signed) Olop Stkvknssb. By order of the Select men in New Amsterdam. (Signed) D. van Schllluvnb. Extract from the Journal of the Select men. 3 November. 1650. The English of Gravesend among others, having, with the Director's consent. Riven the Ind,ans of Cannarse some stamped guns, in payment for their land, the latter can wi "1! o.. t e 6- duto to Couwenhoven's house. Couwenhoven complained of it to the Fisca and t^ Mr. Montague who. tou. hath seen the guns ; but without any result. 'Twas allol-ei:: pLs «o Extract from the letter of the Select men to Van der Donck. dated 22- December. 1660. We observe, with surprise, that (he directors of the affairs of this country have made a representat-on to the Burgomasters of Ams,..r.Iam accusing us most unjustly of'endeavoTinl to .vert the trade of th.s country, and that they believing .he statement. L pleased so poZ u- y to protect and encourage their Honors in their error, when our aim and endeavor never had any other object than the Con.pnnyV and country's welfare grS;":!ii ' Their'HiihVrr;" "" ;"^'"""" '"^^'"^ '^^" "•"^^''*" ^^^'^^ «' -»• -•^ - brll : . h ^ ^"«'' •"-»«-« ''"vmg granted him an order and protection so ns not .« be mol.,^ted by any person, places us un.ier dutiful thankfulness to their High Mightinesses- but the Directors, or some others having o.i the contrary instructed their oL-er here. " „ respect any sa eguard granted, or to be granted, by their High Mightinesses to any nh itl t ll^hXhliners'tde:^"""'"^ ""^ '' '"^"^'^""'«' ""'' "^ '^« '"-"'"« -'^-e to their Extract from a declaration of the Vice Director as to the answer he -eciy.d Irom the hiscni. when he inquired about the news from Holland ; dated ;¥ November IGoO. The Fiscal answered, My„ Heer Sluyvesanl told me the Directors write, that their Hiah W.gh,ine.,es have referred the affairs of New Nethe ,d ,0 th.-n,. as that country tlo«, .xclusiveiy to them, and I shall remain some year, longer. They also write that He should Vol. I. 57 t^ 450 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS, not ooDsider of any value, nor regard in the least, t'le protections and passes which their High Mightinesses had already granted and given, or shuuld hereailer grant to any inhabitants of New Netherland, &c. Extract from a declaration of Joachim Peters Cuyter in the matter and case aforesaid ; dated as above. Myn Heer Stuyvesant had received several letters ; among others, from Mr. Pergens and other individual directors of the Hon'"''' West India Company, and that M' Pergens had written, that the Committee had from their body stated to their High Mightinesses in the matter of New Netherland in their High Mightinesses' meeting, that New Netherland did not belong to their High Mightinesses ; that the Lords Majors had purchased the country ; Miat it was their property exclusively, and also that such was true. He said further, that they will uphold the Director with all their might and means, even (they write) unto blood. Extract from the letter of the Select men to Van der Donck,of 22"'' December 1660. At present we are nothing more than ciphers and esteemed an a scoff, and Stuyvesant iioreover threatens us with utter ruin, for which purpose he applies every means, and we Iready behold with pain its approach from a distance. This, it appears, will be the end and reward of our honest labor for the public good, unless God and their High Mightinesses otherwise seasonably provide, as we, nevertheless, hope and trust they will. We have, among other things, submitted to the Director and Council on the IS"* of this month, pursuant to our Commission and instructions, the nomination of a double number in order to elect six other Select men in place of those retiring, but he himself reports, that he will not act on it; he says, that we have exceeded our Commission and instruction, and ignores the amplification granted to us, which he, nevertheless, signed in his Register of resolutions in the presence of us all, and his Council afterwards approved and also signed. The Vice Director and Fiscal entered the annexed protest against the Director principally because his Honor hath without their knowledge negotiated with the English at the North, and in that transaction hath without doubt committed an error, for the version of the news from New England is for the most part true ; and moreover, because his Honor was not willing to communicate anything about it to them. There is one circumstance regarding this protest, worthy of remark, viz'. The Vice director and Fiscal are continued of the Council, and not discharged or dismissed, yet, though everything is kept secret and concealed from them, all it done and executed as if they assented thereunto. Extract of a joint letter of the Select men to Adriaen van der Donck, doted 86 November, 1650. To be brief, you will be able to understand everything from the accompanying. It grieves us exceedingly that we, in the observance of our oaths and honor, are still daily subjected to gross scoffs, jeers and misrepresentations, to our serious private loss respectively, as has been stated to you in the extract from the Journal, &c. bo far is it gone, that the Director, instead HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. 451 r and case ember 1660. of obey.ng their H.gh Mightinesses' order, acts directly contrary to it. His Honor has been with the English at the North, and negotiated with them about the boundaries, &c., but keeps It all, as yet, a secret from his Council. The annexed newe from New England, which has been brought here and thrown in to a certain English house, where the English themselves laugh at the Director, is, we fear, too true, as it is, also, confirmed by daily rumors. We hope and request that you, at least, will do your duty so that it may attract the attention of our ^vereigns when the Treaty of the Director and the English may come up for ratification. We know not what the Director will effect by such a mode of proceeding, especially as it happens that the stamped guns, distributed among the people, are sold to the Indians with his consent, and those guilty of such acts are not sought for ; whereby, and as his Honor will not permit the inspection of the arms, still further opportunity is afforded. Those persons would be soon found out were the Director pleased to follow their High Mightinesses' order, certainly if he will permit those who have charge of the distribution, to obey it ; but that may not be. 'TIS now all of two years, last Amsterdam fair, since the citizens were under arms: and under these circumstances we fear, that as long a time will elapse again; that for divers reasons and from daily experience, the Indians will anticipate the Director and exact from us awoful inspection of our guns, and may God grant that the weakness of the citizens and people may be ready in their own defence. The past and the present impress on you the advancement of matters more strongly than our pen can herein recommend. We entertain no doubt ot your devotedne«s, and, being disinclined to make further complaint, we hope that their High Mightinesses will at once put an end to the affair, and forthwith determine the intolerable disunion, confusion and jarrings; whether these are now again set on foot by Directors in Fatherland, or whether they are fomented among the people on the invention of the Executive and Fiscal here, we leave others to infer from the annexed papers. For the Director being still in his sovereign power, we dare not w/ite any more to their High Mightinesses, as he again obtains copies of everything; and we dread that the effects of his daily menaces will light suddenly on our heads, and that the country will, moreover if seasonable provision be not made by their High Mightinesses in the premises, soon fail into the hands of foreigners, an event rendered the more probable by the non-resistance the Swede meets with in the South river, and the high favor the English experience. So much transpires for the ruin of this country that it makes our heads ache to think of it His permitting the Vice-Diiector and our Board to continue until further order, pursuant to the commands of their High Mightinesses, is too far away. A somewhit different result will be easi^ witnessed next New-Year ; and the Director still represents, that he is anxious to be at the Hague to vindicate himself but that it may be done here. If their High Mightinesses be not easily imposed upon by falsehoods and frauds, it will not be difficult for us to prove and establish, according to the Ilemonstrance and daily experience, the melancholy condition to which the people here is reduced by mismanagement and misgovernment. We think it strange that no better attention is paid to the Vice-Director's repeated letters to the Board of Directors informing them that their public property in this country is becoming private, and that the public good is not studied here. It grieves us extremely that the Hon"" Company Itself IS defrauded, the people oppressed, and that even such persons are still found as counteract the public interest. You can readily conceive what grief it causes among the people here when the Fiscal announced that the Directors (in Amsterdam) had written to Mr. Stuyvesaut, among many other things, to pay no regard nor attention to any safeguard or W 452 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. passport of their High Mightinesses. Mr. Pergens and others know best whether it be so. It grieves us to be obliged to listen to such things; high eulogiums on the Hon"" Company and ridicule of the States and the Ship of state (whereof we have never made mention), is greatly in vogue with the Director and his adherents, and recourse is had to every expedient to influence our Board and to insult us in particular, so that we may by our errors in some way afford a pretext for confiscations and banishments. But we hope that the good God will preserve us against this craftiness, and that their High Mightinesses will quickly bring matteri to a close, for our release from this wearisome business. Extracts of the last letters of the year 1651, written to me since tne Select men and the Vice Director have been dismissed, contrary to their High Mightinesses' ord-jr; serving also for the justification and verification of the petition, as provmg clearly the points set forth therein. Extract of the letter of the IS* September, 1051, signed by the Select men. In order to avoid any error on our parts, and pursuant to our instructions, which are equally binding on the Director as on us, we submitted last New Year to his Honor (although he, contrary to their High Mightinesses* Instructions, would not condescend to recognize us) a nomination of a double number, to choose from it six new Select men in the place of those retiring, whom his Honor was pleased in this wise to discharge, &c., doing his best, for all that, to prosecute us on account of the llemonstrance to their High Mightinesses, and in the meantime to institute proceedings against us. We are fully aware of that, by means of this Board, which dare not oppose the Director and all his illegal actions, or maintain justice. Notwithstanding, we finding ourselves overpowered and out of office, dare not meet together without getting into difficulty, yet have we contrived to communicate these to you. 'Twill not be in our power after this, to watch over the public interests. The matter being thoroughly understood in Fatherland, it remains with you to deliberate and to ascertain whether the Uedress and the expense thereon, are to bo furnished by their High Mightinesses or in what other manner, &c. Extract of a lengthy letter from Sohelluyne, being wholly a complaint of the violence experienced by him. Date, IS"" Octob', 1651. The favor in which Tienhoven is still received by him (Stuyvesant), and his false tongue, to which credit is given, cause no little trouble. 1 dare not prepare any more writings. I commend matters to God. You will be able to see from mine and other persons' letters, how we are lorded, and how, with his illegally appointed Select men, we live like sheep among wolves, one friend not being able to speak to another without suspicion. 1 greatly desire to communicate verbally with you and others, i had willingly assisted Melyn in sending over his documents, but with my inhibition it could not be; however, the most important are forwarded. In my opinion, 'twill be decided that very spoil has been made of another man's property. Whilst almost every one is harassed by all sorts of practices, power, fore md undue means, as Melyn, myself, Dyckman, the bookkeeper, and others, have just reason to complain, I hope, and h HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. 4-* rn'rJiritr ti^t: :s IT '"° "°-*'""°- -- - ^™" - Mighlfne.M. ,l,„„ld he ,bu.ed he„ 1 'I" «P'«»"'.l.«e .ov.r.igni, „f ,hei, High people woold be . h.med 1. ob.». '. 'T?,''' "" •"""'' '"™'"'"' "' ""• ■"I'"""". p;o.ed^..».e,b/„o..o,„c;:rb;:,^^ case continued on y 5 dnys; that execnfinn »ill u^ ; j , ^ ' ' '"® *"" '" ^^"8 certificate that he k'nows an an ^a/nlTng " the Zt 1 .^"-"^—^ -'" -g" a is honest and honorable. ^ "'"'°'" ""'' •"« government, but what I laint of the Extract fron. a letter of Augustin Hermans, dated 20". September. 1651. I wish I felt authorized to advise you of better npwa tk^ n a contrary to our expectation, we are not only threatened n^/ued oh'? TTJ '*'" '^'""•'• shall be also totally ruined. Govert LanoUrl .' !T ' °*'«*'""'='«'^ ""^ affronted, but that he knows and'can slj JZ^lfZZ^^^^^^^^^^^^ Tt 'T" '' "'" ""' «'«" I fear we. too. shall experience a le hte whT ' u "'^''' '" ^'""" ^""^ "onorable. Mightinesses o'r not. UisTaTke 1 D e'ctt teTri uT: „:f fo^^ '"^ ''''' "'^^ their High Mightinesses- safeguards or letters, but to tT irs and ^"^ ""^ ""'"''"" *° prejudicial that is to us. We are turned out Ind da^e c iy^p alTwoT; eTc" 7 T matters are so situated, that God's help only will avail • fh„, ! . ^" ''"*• That infernal swaggerer f,asr,.esO Tienhl: 7 'turnTd V: :::Z1/'''' '" """"• blaze. Things prosper, they report, according to their w shes to " hi^ I ^ '"I " to answer, etc. * wisnes. to which I know not what The baskelmaker's daughter of Amsterdam, whom he seduced in Holland on a Dromi.« f marriage, commg here and findini? hn w». nir^n^,, • j , ■ """""«> °n » promise of the public court. &c. Your private esTateis -I H '. ' ''"^'\^''P°''«'' »"« <=-^-t even in fix all this and to attain thrc^^eet T I 7^^^ ^"^ ^- '° injustice for justice. At present, t at is o r w g s and thanks T' T"'' "" *""'' '"""" interests. Yet we still trust in God. etc. ' ""^ ''''°"''" '° ''"^ P"^"«' 'I irt % 454 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Extract of a letter from i>\rck van Sch; lluyne, dated ll*" October, 1651, sent by way of the Caribbean Islands. I have written you per Joost Michielsen's ship and communicated to you my experience here, which is that I am forced, contrary to my oath, to divulge what I have written, or what has been executed in my presence, against public or private persons generally and individually ; also, in what a painful position I find myself, on account of another's act, &a. Relying on you, I shall expect, on the first opportunity, your favorable diligence to avert my ruin. If the Redress be not confirmed, and if it do not arrive by the first vessels, I shall be obliged to sell my little property and go back with my wife and children. Otherwise I must waste it altogether in poverty, inasmuch as every effort is made use of here to ruin me and to take the bread out of my mouth. I should have sent the papers in the case of Melyn altogether, but as nobody would consent to collate them with me, not even Allard Anthony, notwithstanding I had requested him to do so, and I dare not trust the documents in my house through fear that Stuyvesant would remove all my papers as he proposed and threatened, it was therefore out of my power to send them over. Had he been willing to permit me to go, I should have carried them with me. I doubt not but such unheard of mode of proceeding will be taken into consideration, and we released at once from this dreadful yoke. I have had every intention to build on a lot that I had purchased from Mr. Dincklage; also, to undertake a bouwerie, but dare not commence so long as things continue thus, dreading and anticipating the moment I had any real estate here, that a false suit would be thrown around my neck and my property be swallowed up ; according to all the examples I have seen of those who do not submit to haughty humor, and cannot say — Yes, My lord. Had I been able to go over, I should indeed say, what now I dare not write. A Protest of the Fiscal Hendrick van Dyck, states in substance. That the Director molests and injures him, the Fiscal ; making seizures by his own authority; cites him before the Lords Majors in Fatherland ; protests against it before God and the entire world. An Interrogatory for Secretary Tienhoven, who departed hence from the Hague contrary to their High Mightinesses' order, sets forth : — That he debauched Lisbeth van Hoogvelt, under a promise of marriage, kept house with her some months, and that they conversed together as man and wife; the said Tienhoven having been previously married in i\ew Netherland, where his wife is still living. Divers Extracts from the papers of the year 1661, received from New Netherland. Extract from the counter protest of Lubbert van Dincklage, dated 28'* February, 1661. Their High Mightinesses' letters hava bean scandalously slighted by you, especially by the Director, instead of communicating them to me, and obeying their High Mightinesses' orders, ( ^ 'Ml HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. 455 mf I I Jr'r. '" *^°"'- '^''"' "^'^ •« incontrovertibly true and truthful, is more than to n !; ; t"" "'"'" '"' ''°"°"' ''' '""^'^'^ "^y ^^-^ -'^ '«"er. dated 12- Apr iZesard to permit the continuance of the Board of Nine Men until their High Mightils Is' Jurthe; In't'Id T I "' -'y'^'-''«y«d -d B'ighted. but the instruction and ^p ifi a^^ ^ granted them by our court, is by you set at nought. ampiincai.on, The hundred muskets which Jacob van Couwenhoven brought with him. two or thr^ unstamped ones of which the Director seized and apparently sold Vhe Jole toThe Zil :nTthl'serf ^''"'^' ^""""^ ''' people, with t'h'e know.ed e of t" D ect fjr^^^^^^^^ and the Select men, pursuant to their High Mightinesses' orders and letters, dated i«ADr Mightinesses had directed, so that the contempt shown thereto, is incontrovertible. esTecut as, happened that the officers of the Burgher companies, through good dispo t oTfo t^e public service, requesting the Director to allow them to bring the cofps once u„tr arm in order that they might send a list thereof to their Hi,h Mightinesses, recdved f^an we^ from His Honor:-.. When I want you for that purpose I shall send for you." So thatTnow th^ hird half year since the Burgher compan, s have been nustered underarms, and 'tis certlinlv to be feared that they w 1 be unable properly to defend themselves in time of nece ^ity " ' Whilst your Honors' disrespect caused both the stamped and other guns to be sold to the Indians, who were seen running all over the Manhattans with some of them. ern^^llUh Jr'!,' ^°" ^-'^ '"" ^"'"' ' P'"' ™«"""dinous false accusations, and divers highly embellished fruitless writings, after the ancient custom of the Director awa; elsewhere oZl me, as I were, to demonstrate to you the monopoly and imposition whiciI^he Direct'or a„'d .0^ of the Board in Amsterdam, and nol the Board in general as you by perver on fllse v accused me of saying, have so long carried on. to the prejudice of the Hon- Compar's c W and contrary to your oath and bounden duty. Some instances thereof I shall lay be o e v „ as It appears I muot refresh your Honors' memory with the truth ^ ' Is It not monopoly in the Director when, having sailed in the year 1646 from Fatherland for New Netherland with the ship, the Prince,, and Grooie Gerru,oo arriving i^ the latitude „f he Canary Islands, he altered the course to New Netherland, the des i'n d p ac nd set towards and ran to Curasao, bj which means the traders having freight on board knl no better than that they should proceed direct to New Netherlan'd. s ff ed^^^^^^^^^^^^^ damage, as everybody in Amsterdam was advised by public printed notirp/ „ T .hereof has been made: and many people, who were en^g^ged n e Hon- Com Lnv str^"' ,n New Netherland and nowha.e else, and would not consent to go fo any otrpC ™ wuh other free men, deceived in their good designs and intentions, and re'du to' suc^rief and discouragement that many of them died of broken hearts on the voyag. and at Curlr? from ' HolLr"'"'? '" ^ ^'T\ "' ^"^"^"°' ^^^^^ ^^'P^^ "^^ ^^^ -^^ ""e vTag Zn^t l"\ '^" "°" Con^P<^ors commission, to dismiss Fiscal Hendrick frl Vu TTa^ '" "'' ^!'""'°'' °" '^'PP" ^''"'^«" Blommert's arrival at New Netherland LTo" int'tig^uar'"^ '"' ''-' '''" '' ''-'-' -' '-'- ^« *"^« '« ^-- *^- wth Is it not monopoly in the Director to send horses by Arent van Curler from New Netherland to Barbadoes la the ship Jen Jongen Frius .an Denn.nar,uen, to be sold there, which were Jequ "ed 456 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. in New Netherland for the cultivation of the soil and for the benefit and advantage of the Hon'''' Company's domain in these parts? Is it not monopoly and are they not fraudulent papers, when the Director grants lands (mostly to the English,) and issues patents thereof in the name of the Director and Council, as if the Fiscal and I had voted for them, when we, nevertheless, had no knowledge of them ? Is it not monopoly and are they not private conventicles, when postils, judgments and sentences are pronounced in the name of the Director and Council, unk own to me and the Fiscal? Is it not monopoly in the Director to distribute an.l absolutely grant away in fee to individuals, lands and lots acquired at great cost by the Hon"" Company, and among the rest wild woodland ? Is it not monopoly for the Director to visit the English at the North, and there, without the Fiscal's or my order and consent, to confer and make treaties, and not render any report thereof to the Council, notwithstanding he was thereur.to frequently invited? Is it not monopoly in th . Director to alienate and sell the Company's shot and munitions of war, without the Fiscal's and my consent ? Is it not monopoly in the Director to dispose of ship's stores without the Fiscal's and my knowledge? Is it not monopoly for the Director not to pay either the Fiscal or me our share of the vhipg legally confiscated, but to retain the whole to himself? Is it not monopbly to keep to himself, and not to produce their High Mightinesses' letter, dated IQ** May, 164S, written to the Director and Council, wherefore the publication of the peace was not made before the receipt of their High Mightinesses' second letter, bearing date 1" April, 1650 aforesaid, and prizes are still so long detained here? Is it not monopoly for the Managers ( bnointhebbercn ) to write to the Director, as the latter asserted injjlcno co/lcgio on the 4"' July, not to communicate to the Fiscal or me, any letters either from their High Mightinesses or from his Highness, or from the Hon''" Company; and that he hath concealed and detained, and still detains said letters, notwithstanding copies thereof have been requested by me in the Council ? Here, in the first piece, are thirteen instance') to the dozen. If more be required, more can be prcduced, and if demanded, can be proved on request being made. From all the aforesaid, your Honors can best infer, and in your consciences and hearts bethink yourselves wh.it grave faulls and mistakes have been committed and perpetrated against your Hon" oath and bounden duty, by illegal proceedings, slighting their High Mightinesses' orders, and the abuse of the Hon"'' Company's charter, &c. Extract fi^m the attestation of Brant van Slichtenhorst, Director of the Colonie Uensrilaerswyck, dated in New Amsterdam, Manhattans, New Netherland, 2-" May, 1651. And Dincklagen not being wiliing to depart (that is, from the Council) before and until he, the Director, exhibited authority therefor, Director Stuyvesant called the serjeant and two loldiers (who placed their guns beside the door), also. Lieutenant Neuton and Ensign Baxter, who came to his assistance and seized Dincklagen by the body, Dushing him thus, together, by force, out of the house, notwithstanding Mr. Dincklage warned them to take good heed rantage of the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. 457 Extract of the copy of a letter sent by Vice-Director Lubbert van Dincklagen othe D.rector8 at the Chao^bers at Amsterdam, and dated 17- September 1651, speaking of Director Stuyvesant. It were yet more commendable, were attention paid to those who. on the means of th^ HonW. WhatstnH boors .e, .r and grope aHer. the children ^^l^Z^^Z -1::!;!2 I, the undersigned. Notary at the Hague, certify that having carefully examined and co^p ed all the aforesaid copiea and extracts, with the originals, pi ce by piTe they are found str.ctiy to agree with the same, so far as the aforesaid extracU are concerned, in wovds and dates, this xxi April. 1662. Hague. (Signed) M. Behckman, Not' Publ. ed. more can Memoir on the Boundarm of New Ketlerland. By Adriaen van der DoncTc. Memoir respecting the ancient Boundaries of New Netherland. as first occupied in the year 1609 ; the usurpations, from time to time, of the English, and, finally, what has been ceded by Director Stuyvesant to the English, subject to their High Mightinesses' ratification, as indicated in letters and memoirs from New Netherland. drawn up pursuant to their High Mightinesses' last , resolution, dated IG'" February, 1662. 5 s es lasi AiLcIt the ancient original Boundaries are very fully treated of at page 11 to pa^e 22 > of the Great Remonstrance made by the people of New Netherland and presented in o!to er. 1649 by their Delegates to their High Mightinesses, and afterwards published in print to which Vol. L 'Pp. 288, aw, «u;)ra. — Kb. 58 458 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ! their Noble Mightinesses nre respectfully referred ; it will be highly necessary briefly to review and explain what has occurred since the Remonstrance has been prepared. That paper relates that New Netherland was casually discovered in the year 1609 ; that the Netherlanders were the first finders and occupiers thereof; that the English came to those parts, for the first time, some years after due possession had been taken thereof by the Dutch ; that the former had been protested against, from time to time, and that they had continued to advance by force, and not of right, &c. But in order to be more precise, we shall say a word generally of the progress of the affair. 'Tis, then, thus: — The Knglish remarking from time to time more closely and particularly that the lands within the territory of New Netherland were much better anulch gave New Haven. — Ed. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI, ^^y Staetea hook. Were it ao arrnnged, New Netherland could be tl,UB bounded and the trade ja.n as .t ,s , otherwise the trade will suffer great da.nage, because the Eng. ^ Ji rett all he Wampum manufacturers to themselves and we shall be obliged to eat oT ou o thet!;,"' ^'^ '^"""'^^ ^"•' '''-''-' "'-"y« "« «p-- -p-«^ -'^ eoir :J This is briefly what is to be observed hereupon. I shall now annex hereunto the extracts and news .a order that your High Mightinesses may see how the work has been managed Extract from the copy of the Journal of the Select men in New Netherland, sent to Van der Donck. 1650. 17.- September. The Director has gone to the North to negotiate with the English, according to h.s written communication to the Council, which was not followed by any resolution. "muwcu uy hoLt lasftight. '^^^ ^'''''""■' ^^" ^"" '"'^^''''"'^'^ ^"•' g--^^' P°"'P '" New England, returned r^K fT'A J^\^'""'^''' ^"'J Council met. and the Vice-Director requested a report of what had been done and transacted by the Director General in New England. His Honor postponed Uunt.l the arrival of Carel Verbruggen. when he should have it all translated from the English. He also said that nothing special had passed or occurred ^'.^..1;.^ November S-. Oleff Stevens conversing with George Baxter respecting the I Director iT' ''^'"f"!^^ »'-'='«; ""^ ^^e English, understood from him. Baxter? that the Director hath surrendered Greenwich to the English, and the differences between the Director and the English were arranged by him and three other selected arbitrators. December U^. Schelluyne conversing with Westerhuy sen's wife regarding the confiscation will be. My husband has a writing from the English Commissioners whereby Director TCul"' 'PH "n ''; "'"' i ."'''■■ '"'• ""'■ '"^ '' P'-^"'- ""y P^«''^"«'°"« t« New Haven. 14 ditto. Pho Director and Council being assembled, the Vice-Director again demanded to be informed respecting the negotiations of the Director with the English ; who gave for answer that nothi^ng special was transacted and that Mr. Schaep of Amsterdam who was goinir Ambassador to England, would treat there, by order, of the Lords Majors, touching the boundary between New England and New Netherland. ^ 1 Extract of the letter written by the Select men to Van der Donck. dated 26'* November, 1650. His Honor has been to the North with the English and there entered into a Treaty respectinir he Boundary, &c but keep, everything concealed from us and from hi.Council. We fear Z news from New England, (a translation whereof is annexed.) which was secretly bro Lht and hrown into a certain house here, is too true, inasmuch as 'tis confirmed by daily'ruZV We at least hope and request that you will be particular in calling the attention o 1 Hilh M.g t.nesses our Sovereigns thereto, whenever the Treaty between the Director nnd fie English comes up for ratification. ^'"cior and the 460 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Translation of News from New England, 1660. The Governor of New Netherland has been received and treated like a Prince wherever he passed ; for which he expressed himself very grateful. On arriving at the Court of the New England Commissioners, he meant that the matters in dispute should be discussed and debated there ; wherefore his Honor submitted divers charges aud grievances. He particularly asserted the Boundary to extend from Cape Cod to the Fresh River and so forth, and dwelt on the usurpation of territory, lands &c.; but they answered him that they had not come to question or to be questioned; excusing themselves and declining his premises as they could not admit of such pretensions which, as far as they were concerned, were mere idle talk without proof. They finally drew and got him so far along by a sweet and right subtile line, in order, howbeit, to reach the matter itself, that they have mutually referred their differences about boundaries. Sec, to four Arbitrators. The English chose their own people, and instead of Dutchmen the Governor of New Netherland named Mr. Willet and George Baxter, two Englishmen. The matter remaining under their consideration, and the English meanwhile, continuing to entertain and treat him like a Prince, knowing that he was pleased therewith, the decision of the Arbitrators finally followed, to wit: not only were the aforesaid Governor's pretensions declared null and of no avail, but the English limits are four leagues West of Greenwich, and are to include Greenwich ; the remainder is to constitute New Netherland. Thus East of the Manhattans, the limits of New Netherland will be about four leagues, and in addition to that, from' Oysterbay east on Long Island, is to be New England, and west. New Netherland. The English lay claim to the South river against which the Dutch Governor warmly protested, but the English have answered that they should persist in, and retain possession of what they claim. In (ine, it looks as if everything would shortly be English, for experience shows that the boundary line four leagues west of Greenwich encroaches as it goes into the interior of the country and that the English will in a short time be in the neighborhood of Fort Orange and the trade. The Dutch Governor is absolutely stripped of the Freiih river and New Haven, especially and particularly of New Haven, on which he declares he has not, nor ever had, any pretensions. And then his former various protests and menaces were read to him, and among the rest, his letter that the blood should be on their own heads, which he denied, saying: that such was an error of his Secretary, i':.? English will not trouble him, at present, respecting the capture of Westenhuysen's ship which lay at New Haven and was confiscated by the Dutch Governor, as he has requested, and obtained from the I'nglish Comoiissiouers, permission to pass and repass. But time will tell what circumstances will bring about on the next opportunity, for the Commissioners nave given Westenhuysen a writing under their hand that the Dutch Governor has not, and never had any claim to New Haven. Moreover, at the meeting »' the Colonies a firm alliance was entered into between both Nations, the English and the Dutch, to the effect that they shall help to defend each other, as good neighbors, against all enemies, ilnd mutually entertain good correspondence and trade, the Indian trade excepted, which remains unchanged; also, the Dutch governor shall be at liberty to assist at the meetings of the Commissioners. Thp English declare that they have nothing to do with Rhode Island, therefore the Governor may seek satisfaction as hest he can for the prize permitted there. When the four Arbitrators abovementioned had made their report, and it was brought to the ears of the Governor, he made a great complaint against his two chosen agents, crying out: I've been HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. ^- he never i,nagi„ed that such hard pms wou d h« ^' ^ ""- '" ^'"^' ^' '''"" thoroughly united with the Duth Gov nortotrJr^'^ '^ ''^""- ''^" ^"8'""'^ •" speaks of him in terms of great praTeespdH^^ ""'^"^ ^'"' '^''" ' himself to be entrapped By L lZ7;:dT^' ord::G\:erert.:;t^^^^^^ and verification of the whole hnvp h«B„ »,»^ j .u ^ ^"^eenwicn. Valid, perfect copies, hath subscribed the eL7e ^t at on But t? J ^k"""" "'^^ '"' *"° Commissioners othe- limits concluded upon he hath v!t / ?° '. ' ""''''"''" "^ ^'•^«""''='' «"^ '^e the approbation of hilcr.cilunjl? ""'^ "«"''^ '" ^°"''^"°'' «"''J««t. however, to Finally, 'tis reso a ^ : ^ hea^erd Zrf ^ ^^ "^"^'^ «« P^'^'- and Parliament, in order that ^Z ^^^":::L:':;::^!''''' ^°"'''-^' '^« «- Extract of the Resolutions of New England, translated from the English. Know all men by these presents, that the shin <}/»•• , , . Westerhuysen came to trade, and was about th.« ^-'•'««. commanded by Mr. Wilhelm Haven, which Is a part of New EnZd ."nt . h ^7" T ""''" °"' °^ '''' ''"^°'- "^ ^'«- hy the English anS actuall^etr; ^Cld^r^:^^^^^^^^^^ ^r' whom the matter may comein su t thlp ^on^'derat.on of each anJ every, before -«ch was not done unTe T^ t L " 'h 'v b^™" ° ^7 ^f '^-'-'^ acknowledging that as- of September. 1650. Tug tafst^^ '''"" ^"'^'^ "^ Hartford, the Brawter.' Will Halkorne « Phro P ' 'ol » T f . T "°'"'"''' P"'''*^''"'' S'"""' Stepsen Goodjeare.' ^^ ' """'* •'°'" * ™""^' ««• ""y'^'' Theoph : Etson.' (Lower down was): — Agrees with the Original. DouaiiTY. Some agreement was also to be entered into with the Swedes nn .h« « .k • the particular, thereof have not transpired. Th y rlarnl' th« W ^r . "'"' ^''' "" Quod aflirmo. (Signed) M. Bbkckman, Not. Pub. lOflS. >Br.w.Ur. '^wthor.* 'Tbom- Mb.* • Brpwu.. ' Katon. • St«|)li.n Goodyear. - £» 462 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. States General to the West India Gompany. [ From Uis Urgitter of UUg«gan* Srlaem of the StatM General, In lh« Kojr il Archlret tt the Bigas. ] To the respective Chambers of the West India Company. The States, etc. Follow. Honorable, etc. Herewith goes copy of the Provisional Order of government NMhJrt™"""^'' in New Netheriand, which we have resolved to transmit to you and the other Chambers of the West India Company, requesting and commanding that you and they shall transmit immediately your opinions thereon without fail, it being considered that the matter demands dispatch. Done 16"" February, 1652. Amsterdam. CJuimher of the West India Company to the States General. [ From the Rcflelar of Ingtkomn arinm of th« BtelM Oamral, In lfe« Boytl Arcblrn >l lbs Higg*. ] High and Mighty Lords. We have duly received your High Mightinesses' despatch of the IG'* instant, with the annexed draft of the Provisional Order, respecting the government of New Netheriand, and in compliance with your High Mightinesses' command sent us therewith, we cannot omit observing, that we have alrendy communicated our opinion in writing on the aforesaid draft, on the 25"" May, 1G50, and hnve conferred, at divers times since, with the Lords, your High Mightinesses' deputies, so that we concluded that your High Mightinesses had designed laying aside the unfounded complaints of the Delegates and ill-affected Committee of some malcontents in New Netheriand, and we are at present surprised at a draft being now brought up, which for so long a time has been considered as disposed of. Your High Mightinesses will please not to take any action in the premises until fully informed of the circumstances of the case, which information cannot be furnished by any of the other Chambers, aqtlie management of that district is referred and given up specially to us. Herewith ending, we pray God Almighty to he pleased to preserve your High Mightinesses in a prosperous government, and remain, High and Mighty Lords, Your High Mightinesses' humble servants. The Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. Amsterdam, the 23'' February, 1G52. ( Signed) Johan lb Thob, Received 24'" February, 1G62. David van Babhli. Folk) «. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VL Resolviion of the Stales Qeim^al on the preceding Letter. I Prom .h. EogU.., „r W«. lodl. AM™, mi-im. m ,h. Boy., Arch.r- ., U,. H.gu.. ] Friday 24'" February, 1662. ch.™b„.. ,^^zt ijz::: :ie"'r'z;s s/°-".r'-^' ^•"- i>or^...7.< C7.a„^r ./ th. West India Company to the States General High and Mighty Lords. according to your High M.«hti„l«1.7 ! .* '^^^herland thereunto annexed, whereupon, in manner, as y^urTh S^^^^^^^^ ""' "'"'"''"'' "« ^«^« ''--" "P «- "P">ion requesting your HghM^Se^t^^^^^ "!"''' '" *'" •""«'"' "''P^'^'^""^^ ""'J '-^l^'y for the Stafe. and eaZ v to '« Vk ?"! '° """''''■•' '" ""'"•'" «° «°°'' "'"^ wholesome receive desp.ehhySr:r:t:::: :::-::::: ^::^^X"^^" -' We remain, High and Mighty Lords, Your High Mightinesses humble servants, . Dordrecht. 2 March. IGfio '^'*" ^''■'"°" "'' "" '^'^" ^"'^'" ^°'"P"»y "» Dordrecht. Ueceived 6 March, 1668. (Signed) D. Hokufft, Gerhabdt ISof.Y Oi^vcuion, of «. cUa.^ a, Dor4„e,.i „n «, l-ro.i,,onal Or,kr „,^„„„ ^r^ Aetherkind. the Partner, of he We^t hd c^^^^^^^^^ ''""Tl "''" '''"""''-^ "' ^"""-'''""- ''"t to all west rndia Company dispersed throughout th« Provinces, and that it cannot 1 i 11 464 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. any longer be tolerated that such fertile countries should lie neglected in consequence of bad administration, which up to this time, has been exercised through Commissioners of New Netherland under the direction of the Amsterdam Chamber, the Directors of the Maase Chamber at Dordrecht therefore respectfully request their High Mightinesses to be pleased, respecting this and other important matters concerning the Company, to call together at the Hague a half-Nineteen for the purpose of there adopting, under their High Mightinesses' eyes and observation, some good and beneficial resolutions, and particularly, that it may be expressly enacted that all the Chambers shall from now henceforward be at liberty to trade to New Netherland, and to grant commissions to individuals to that eflect, under such orders and regulations as shall be issued by their High Mightinesses. 3. On the third point, where mention is made of the sale of contraband goods ; inasmuch as it cannot be put an end to suddenly and at once, they submit to their High Mightinesses whether instead of such articles being sold with the knowledge of the Council there, it were not best that the sale be made by the Council itself according to the circumstances of affairs and times, inasmuch as 'twill be clearly impossible to maintain individuals in such order as tjiat they would not, without the knowledge of the Council, run the aforesaid merchandise, which is so much sought for. S. They submit to their High Mightinesses whether it were not better that the duty herein laid down be imposed in this country, and that a fixed regulation be made, not only for the goods sent hence thither and from that country here, but also for whatever may be conveyed thence to Bra.-il and other places. 9. They request their High Mightinesses to be pleased to undertake it forthwith, so that those who are inclined to go thither may thereby be more encouraged. 10. They submit to their High Mightinesses whether the Vice Director should not be appointed by their High Mightinesses ami the Company, inasmuch as in case of the demise of the Director, the administration of all affairs would devolve provisionally on the Vice Director. 13. They request their High Mightinesses in case of Director Stuyvesant's recall, that the lulministration should be meanwhile committed to a competent person, conversant with civil and military affairs. 14. Although the Boundaries of New Netherland may, in virtue of first possession, be extended somewhat further, it will be highly necessary thnt they be at once settled ns well as can be agreed upon with England, requesting that their High Mightinesses shall give such in commmul to their AmbasgHUor, and in all cases to include therein Long Island which lies right opposite the Main. f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. 465 r«iioT. lie^olution of th. SlaUe General on the preceding Fopere. Tuesday, S"" March, IG62. p«.rw„„,i „M„ on the Trovisionnl Order rcspectinK New NnfliPrl-mH w. • . i "'"ervaiiong oiiNBwN«iherii.nd. ;, • , , , pci-unf; i^ew i^etlierljind. Wliicli l)eiii(j cons dered .Wr. of New N..h„,.„d, ,„ l..k o... ...nHne':^ ";«;?"* ''""' °"'""" '" "'" ^ n » :~^~ Chamber at Middelbuvg to the States General High and Mighty Lords. reatrlf '"" '° ^"' "'^'' Mightinesses' order nnd despatch of the IG- February last requestmg our suggestions on the part of the Zealand Chamber on the report ^r Mess" N t erZ" :"' "''"/''•"^ "'«^ Mightinesses' Depu.ies on the I'rovisi:,; e 'in N ew Netherland, we cannot express ourselves otherwise thereupon than to thank your Hil of that district in New Neiherh.nd. lying within our common paten, j we gladly beheld such good order and resolution introduced and applied thereto Ss you High^M gLne ' ea y and effectively consider serviceable. Heretofore our CommissLers have ,u m teJ the rar,cular suggestion, on this matter to your High Mightinesses, to the effect for the most par substHntially. that population and agriculture there may be encouraged by the grnn ing ^f uch t reedom, and Exemptions whereby every one, may be encouraged by tife opportu i y ,o transport themselves thither with their means, and in order that such'perso'n s mayld oc Ln the to ,n al the Provinces let those concessions be drawn up on an i.npartial basl and gran e. by a 1 the Chambers to such as may happ.n to present themselveH. which we readily conclude Uerested, are o» op.nmn under correction that such district of country Iving within the limi.a 1 Ch T r.7 ' '"'/" '" '^' "''■""'^'■'^ '« .he Chamber of Amsterdam. 'T.," with Hlnr •^"'";"^'f- -P:""""y «•«■--' t" "«<""« ... and other Chambers, hut ,w„y with the Clause and Con.l.tion. that they should be reimburs... the expenses incurred Zl accep that , and therefore have they. to this date, monopolized that government to t e « eat preju,.ce of the.- High Mightinesses' design, the sole object whereof i, ,he promo io„ of he Z" ; ;:"• "■ r .: ';"""" '""" "" ""• P---'-*'"- •" order then not Ta t r.r y 466 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. common, we are prepared, as we have always been, and even as it was determined in the last Assembly of the Nineteen held at Amnterdam, that men should liquidate and equalize among each other, wherein we shall gladly admit whatever claims of the Chamber of Amsterdam will be found just, expecting for this and other reasons that we shall be admitted by your High Mightinesses to the right which according to the Charter appertains to us. In regard to the other additional particulars regarding the reform of the government, etc., we shall willingly agree to whatever will be found most reasonable and most expedient, wherewith ending, we ■hall pray God to be pleased to bless your High Mightinesses' Government and We are Your High Mightinesses' Humble and faithful servants. The Directors of the West India Company, in Zealand. Middelburg, first of March, 1652. (Signed) D. Bantb. Received S"" March, 1652. Joh. Pblletibr. III Resolution of the States General on the preceding Letter. [From the It«gM«r orWeit India Affliln, 16B9— IMS, In Uia R07U AnhlTM at the Hague.] Friday, 8'* March, 1662. FoBo*. Received a letter fiom the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber of Zealand, written at Middelburgh 1" inst., containing the answer to their High Mightinesses' ProTt.i<)ii.i Order despatch of the le"" February last, relative to the Provisional Order of government UIl?^nt'''ili'"'{r.w in New Netherland. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid despatch shall be placed in the hands of Mess" Capelle tho Ryssel and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies, to look over, examine, and to determine what has already been done and to report thereon. I Chamber at Ddft to the States General. [ rrom Ui« Orlflnal In the Roral ArehlTM at llM HacM ; loMlm nt tha BUtM OaMral) DlrMon, W-t IndUdu Oonpagnu, No. M. ] High and Mighty Lords. We duly received your High Mightinesses' despatch with a Provisional Order respecting the government, preservation and population of New Netherland, requiring our opinion and suggestions thereupon. We have been unwilling to neglect this, but on consultation together, find that this Provisional Order is the same that in the months of March and April of the year 1660 was drawn up by Commiasioner!! from all the Chambers of the West India Company in the presence of some Lords, your High Mightinesses' Deputies in the Hague when we f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VI. ^j toli*!if^?"'""'^xi° u"' "P'"'""" ""^ '■"'■*''*'• ''"•""'unicated our thoughts and consideration, and 28 May of the sa.d year 1660. by Deputies of the ChP^^bere of Zealand. Maase ar 1 hereto; and shculd your High Mightinesses conclude to resume ani further mqu re into these matters, when the deputies from all the Chambers appear again at the HaJe Iwh will apparently be soon, we shall direct and instruct those o'f our Cl^ambe of S/M^l't arrange a I th.ngs for the public advantage on the resolution of Your High Might.n^ se, n RtaLtrheTS:^""""""^^"^"^^ «^'°-" '^ '^' ^overnmen^tandU^m';:. High and Mighty Lords, Your High Mightinesses' n.^st humble Servants, The Directors of the West India Co.-rpany, Maase Chamber at Delft. Delft. S- March. 1652. ^^'^^^ ^ i'"" ''*'' Lodensteyn. 1652. Received 13 March. ^' "'' "°'^*' i| * '» » «i m Resolution of the States General on the preceulng Letter. t From Ih. Ei„w« of W«. Indl. Affair., .«9 - IMS. In Ih. Boy.I ArcWT« ., ft, H.g„.. ] Wednesday, 13 March, 1652, Fo,,,,.. R i,,d a letter from the Directors of the West India Company. Chamber of 'r^^^^XV. f' M«^^««;' Delft, dated the 6- inst., in answer to their High M-ghtinesses' T^L."! «- f^^'P^'^f- °f 'he February laat relative to the iVovisional Srder respecting the Government, preservation and populafion of New Vetherland. Which bein» ons.dered ,t .s resolved and concluded that the aforesaid letter shull be placed hi t e h ds Ind^^Com 'T',"f "''" ''"' '''«' Mightinesses- Deputies for the 'affairs of the Ws India Com4)any to look over, examine and to reporf thereon. .Resolution of the States General [ From th. K.gl«« o, ,h, E«»l„Up„. of Ih. B>.1« 0,n«l. In th. Roy 4„hire. tt th. H^u^ ] Friday. IS'" March, 1662. « Jt *" K "^^^ ^"""T °^ ^"*'"-'' ^°"""' '*'''*'^ "'■'*'« '»'« "»"» Woutersse, draper and XTCTu 'T'" "' ^'"«'"'''»'" beins-.ead.it is. upon ueliberation resolved andconTuded hereby to allow and to grant the Petitioner letter, recommendatory to the Director aV^Coundl against Eva Lucas, shopkeeper at Bruckel. a >• '"" f I i- 468 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 2he States General to the Director^ t&c, of New Netheiiand. [ from the R«gUI«r of VUgegant BHnm of thn SUtn fieunl, In the Royal AnhlTn it Uu Hague. ] To the Director and Regents of New Netherland. The States, etc. Folio 10. Honorable, etc. The representation and request to us of Engeltje Wouters, Engdu. wo»u«. ^i^o^ of the late Hans Wouters, draper and burgeress at Amsterdam, your Honors will understand from the annexed petition, which we have resolved to transmit to you, and to chiirge and command you to let the petitioner receive good, quick, prompt and full justice and dispatch in the matter which she hath outstanding on and against Eva Lucas, late shopkeeper at Bruckel, and actually resident in New Netherland, which shall confer on her particular expedition, and on ns pleasure, and therein fail not. Done 16'* March, 1662. * ii > 11 > Chamber at Oroningen to the States General. irrom U>. Origln.1 t> U>. Eoy.1 Anshi™ .t th. H.ga.; Lolclla, of th. 8l.t«. O.ner.1; DlyWon. WMIndUch, QmpaQnU. No. M.J High and Mighty Lords. Your High Mightinesses were pleased to send us, with a despatch of the 16 February last, copy of the Provisional Order of government in New Netherland, with a view to receive ouj opinions thereupon. We have been unwilling to be wanting therein, and answer:— Whereas the management of said Nfw Netherland, with the places dependent thereon, has hitherto devolved on the Amsterdam Chamber, which consequently possesses the most reliable information thereof, we shall rely on, and defer to whatever representation said Amsterdam Chamber makes on' the subject, without, however, in any way prejudicing our right, in order both to participate in the profits on liquidation, and even hereafter to fit out for, and trade io New Netherland And without dwelling any longer hereupon, we commend your High Mightinesses to God's protection. Your High Mightinesses' Humble servants. The Directors of the West India Company. Chamber Stadt en Lande. Dated Groningen, V^^ 1652. ^^'^"''^^ ^' "" ^'°"^««' ^'' Receivett 13"" April, 1662. 469 rotiou. H0L7.AND DOCUMENTS: VI. Resolution of the State, General on the preceding Letter. [ F«m .h, B«l«., of W«. Iniu A*. ^ ,«,_ ,^ to U.. Eoyl A,dU,« ., .h. Hh«. ] Saturday, 13 April, 1662. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber of SHjr - - ^^11^^. ^f"^-' 7"tten at Groningen. 6'* March last, being fn an we to the^ High Mightinesses' despatch of the IC" Februnrv !««» ro„.^,i .u , ^V"**. No. M.] Resolution of the State, General on a Petition of Messrs. Ga&ry. Folio U. John and Ghulu Oabrjr. [F,o» ih. R.,...., Of W.^ ladL, AlWr.. 1«5«_,M8, In .h. E„,., A,cbl,«„ u.. H.„^, Read the petitions presented to their High Mightinesses in the name and on the behalf of John and Char es Gabrv. merrhnnt. a* &^ t a ■ . Mightinesses, favorable letters and recommenda'uon fru^st^^^^^^^^^^^^ ''''' T New Netherland, to lend a helping hand to the Pe.itioners or t ei ato^fj 1, uL^'m^ receive from Augustin Herman, the-r factor in those narf, H„„ „„ """''"eys. 'hat they may of the goods Which he hath had to dispo^" IrTir 2 tli^nr .7: el" :;rtn^ Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid petitions E be transmit ed to the Director General abovenamed, with request and requisition be a ' „ the Petitioners, and to assist them in such manner and way as shall be prone so that th.v may receive due satisfaction in all equity and good justice. ^ ^ States General to Director Stuyvesant. t From U.. TU^, o. P«^« Bri^ „,„,. g^.^ o„„.,, „ „,, ^^ ^^,^^ ^, ^ ^^^ ^ To Peter Stuvesant, Director General, in New Netherland. The States, etc. w-.«. Honorable. &c. You will be able to understand what John and Charles Gabrv JO. -a c^- merchants at Amsterdam, have represented and requested, from theT lnex7d' petitions this day presented in our Assembly, which we have hereby re-nlved to .Mmt 470 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ^n send you, requesting and requiring you to aid and assist the Petitioners in such crise as may be right, so that they may receive due i ontcut*^ lent and satisfaction in all equity and good justice against Augustin Herman. Done 22 April, 1662. ^ ii » ■■ » Hesoluiion of the /States General to grant Adriaen van der Donck Venia testandi. [ riom th« K«(l«l«r of WeM lad^a AAiira, ISSi — 1<«8, In Um Bojal Anhlre* tl Ihe H*(a«. ] Friday, 26* April, 1S52. Folio t». Read in the Assembly the petition of Adriaen van der Donck of Breda, Patroon dSJ*? **° *" "^ ^^^ Colonic of Neperhaem, called by him Cokendonck, situate in New Netherland, requesting that he may be granted Venia teitandi et disponendi, as heretofore grante.. unto Kiliaen van Renselaer in quality aforesaid. Which being considered, it is resolved and considered hereby to consent to the aforesaid petition, and such grant shall accordingly be issued for the behoof of the Petitioner. Patent empotoering Adriaen van der Donck to dispose of Ids Colonie hy Will. [ From tho Aett-SoA of Uio BMt» OenertI, In tho Bojal Arohlrei at Ihe Hagoe. ] Patent granted to Adriaen van der Donck, Patroon of the Colonie Colendonck, situate in New Netherland, empowering him to dispose by will of said Fief of Colendonck. Polio 401. The States General of the United Netherlands. To all who shall see these presents or hear them read, Greeting : Be it known : That We, on the humble supplication of Adriaen van der Donck of Breda, Patroon of the Colonio Nepperhaem, by him called Colendonck, situate in New Netherland, within the limits of the General Incorporated West India Company of this country, and having carefully looked into the fifth article of the Freedoms granted by the Assembly of the Nineteen of said Company, to all those who shall plant Colonies in New Netherland aforesaid, have by these our letters unto him, the Petitioner, sovereignly given, granted, allowed and conferred, do give, grant, consent and confer, power to order, testate and dispose of his aforesaid Fief, called Colendonck, either by form of testament and last will, codicil before a notary and witnesses, superintendents and vassals whe'-e said property lies, or otherwise at his pleasure, for the profit of his children, if any he have, friends and kindred or others, strangers, according as it shall please and seem good to him, the aforesaid, his manorial estate to his children or other persons to give, transport or leave in whole or in part, thereupon to assign rents hereditary, or for life, or even to give any one the usufruct thereof, at his discretion and good pleasure. We have, moreover, given, and HOLLAND DOCUM^^NTS: VI. in do hereby give, the Petitioner permission, power -nd itrve, his aforesaid testament and last will, that he shall thus make or hath previously maue, to alter, enlarge, diminish and revoke by codicil or other arrangement of last will, whenever and at all times that he shall olease- which testament, gift and order thus made or to be made by the Petitioner, we now. for then' have confirmed and ratified, confirm and ratify by this our letter, and will that it be maintained and perfected, and be valid and of good effect forever; and that whomsoever the aforesaid Petitioner hath given the snid manor or portion thereof, or assigned any rents or usufruct thereon to. shall use the same according to the laws, statutes and custom, of the place in which they are situate, in the same manner and in all forms and ways, as if the said gifts or grants were made and executed before the General Company or other their agents, whom It may concern. Provided, that whomsoever the abovenamed Petitioner shall eive. order or make over the aforesaid Fief to. whether man or woman, shall be bound, within a year and six weeks after the death of the aforesaid Petitioner, or his or her entrance into possession of the above described Fief, to do homage unto us and no one else, and pay the rights thereunto appertaining and belonging, all without fraud, guile or craft. Wherefore We do request and order those of the aforementioned General Incorporated West India Company to instruct and command the Governors or Commanders and Council, who now are. or shall hereafter be in New Netherland, and moreover all others whom it in anywise may concern, conjointly and each in particular, as it shall behoove him, that they maintain and perfect the testament, order and last will of the abovenamed Petitioner, as he shall have made, or yet shall make it. and as it now by Us is ratified and confirmed as aforesaid; and whomsoever he, by his testament and last will hath given and granted the aforesaid Fief, or shall have made and assigned, or yet may make, give or assign any rents, or usufructs to, the same to cause and permit the quiet and peaceable use and enjoyment thereof, without causing or allowing him at any time to experience any let. hindrance or molestation therein to the contrary. Uiven under Our seal, paraph, and the signature of our Greffier in the Hague, the SIX and twentieth day of April, XVP and fifty and two. ^ ■■ » 11 » Besdutim of the States General, recalling Director Stuyveaant. I riom iha Begbter of W«tt luait AOtin, 1«S —IMS, Id the Boytl AreUrH M Uu Higu*. ] Saturday. 27»'' April, 1662. Dir«'f8w",»«L '^P°° consideration, it is resolved and concluded to write to Petrus Stuyvesanf, B«.ii. Director General in New Netherland, to repair hither on receipt of the despatch, in order to give their High Mightinesses circumstantial and pertinent information of the true and actual condition of the Country ; also, of the boundary line between the English and Dutch there; extract of this, their High Mightinesses' resolution, shall be sent to the presiding Chamber of the West India Company at Amsterdam, for its information. 479 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. States General to Director Stuyvesant. I Prom Iha Itegltlar of UUgegatw BrUtm of tho BUlM OenonI, In Ih* Enytl ANtalTM at Iho Ua(n«. ] To Patrus Stuyvesant, Director General in New Netlierland, Thb States, etc. Folio m Honorable, etc We have, in view of the public service, considered it necessary B«»ii. to require you, on sight hereof, to repair hither, in order to furnish us circumstantial and pertinent information, as to the true and actual condition of the country and affairs; also, of the boundary line between the English and Dutch there. Done 27 April, 1652. States Oenerdl to the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company. ( From the B««t«w of VUgtgmt BrUtm of th« SUlM Qenond, la the Bor*l ArohlTM tl the Higno- ] To the Chamber of the West India Company at Amsterdam. The States, etc. Honorable, etc. You will be able to see what we have resolved respecting the return of Petrus Stuyvesant, Director General of New Netherland, in the accompanying extract of our resolutions, which we have thought proper to send you herewith, for your information. Done 27 April, 1652. Folio 101. DIrmlor Poinu 81u;reMaL FoUo SM. Resolution of the States General on Jan van Buren's petition. [ From Iho Bogliter of BeMdationi of tho StttM General, In the Sofal ArchlTea at the Hagoe. ] Saturday, 27'* April, 1652. Read in the Assembly the petition of Jan van Buren, chief of the fire department (branlmee»ter),Q{ the Noble Mighty Lords, the States of Holland and Westfriesland, and Dirck van Schoonderwoort. Notary here in the Hague, respectively father-in-law and uncle Sl« ""ou,?t °^ ^'"^"^ ^^" Scheliuyne, Notary residing in New Netherland, complaining of the M„ii.u,«iaod. Director and Council, who are obstructing the abovenamed Scheliuyne in the exercise of his Notarial office, &c. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded to write to the aforesaid Director and Council, fo maintain the abovenamed Scheliuyne in hii aforesaid office and right. f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. States General to Director Stuyveaant. 478 lF«,n. Ih. K.,i.U,r of TO,v«« BH^„ of th. 8U.« Oe««.J. In ». B„y.l Archl,« „ ,h. H.g«.. ] To Petru^Stuyvesant Director General, and to he Council of New Netherland. The States, etc. Fojiom Honorable, etc. Whereas we have heretofore qualified Dirck van Schelluvne to res.de there as Notary, and are informed, that he experiences divers obstacles and difficuUi"; Dj„k ,„ soh^ m the exercise of his said Notarial office. We have, therefore, resolved to hereb^ nffi.«« A ■ ., "'■^"^ command that you maintain the abovenamed Schelluyne in his said office and nght, its consequences and appurtenances. Done 27 April, 1G52. Besduiion of the States General. [ From th. lJ,gtoU» of W«l Indl» Aflklr.. 165J - lOM, In U.. Roj.1 Arohlr» tt th. H.ga..) Saturday, 27"' April, 1652. Fouo,,. Read in the Assembly the petition, presented to their High Mightinesses of Slf:: T" " ^"""^^ °''^°"'^''^ ^«'y"' ^»'-- - Staten Island in New Nethe'Ld D,«?.o, 8..Tv«- «=°"t«'"'"« a cont.nuat.oa of the complaints against Director Petrus Stuyvesanf rpf.rr.^. which bemg considered, it is resolved and concluded that said petition shall be' If he W . 'rr "'"«" ""^ *'' "*'" ''^'' «'«^ Mightinesses' deputies for the affair of the West India Company, to examine and inspect the same and to report thereon. Memorial of Adriaen van der Donck. irrom th. 0H,..^,„th.Bo,«4«h,v«.,U..n.^.; Zo*..*u. of th. 8ut« 0.n.r., , DWU.on. HW /n<,i«^ a«.pa'« appear Vol. I. tiO Pl 474 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. The Petitioner to this end, also, most humbly prays your High Mightinesses to write to the Commonalty of New Netherland, that the settlement of the boundary, population and reduction of duties shall be taken into early consideration by your High Mightinesses, wherefore they have resolved to recommend my return hither ; also that the Director, Council and Select men shall not practice evasion or delay respecting the incurred expenses and vacation during this delegation, which the Petitioner is obliged to demand as he has certain information that the Direc'or intends anew, through him, by lack of pecuniary support, to crush the good and needful work for the Commonalty in New Netherland. * Which doinjE:. •( Endorsed ) ^ Memorial of Adriaen van der Donck, delegate from the Commonalty in New Netherland 13 May, 1052. '* ■ ■ « I r fc liesohition of the States General on the preceding Memorial. [ From the B«glil«t of Wm( India AOTiira, 165J-16M, In th« Royal Arthlre. «l tbe lUjne.] Monday, 13 May, 1652. F..HO «o. Read in the Assembly the petition of Adr : van der Donck, Delegate from the A,i,:,.„d„n,™ck. Commonalty of New Netherland addressed to Mr. van Aersbergen and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies, praying, substantially, that aa the ships lie ready to sail in Texel and he, the Petitioner hath embarked therein all his goods and also divers people, he may be granted an open dismissal with the clause dc non offcmUndo, and that the Director and those whom it may further concern, be ordered to allow the Petitioner peaceably to hold the office of President of the Commonalty of New Amsterdam, which the Petitioner wab filling when he took his departure; the Petitioner not being able, otherwise, to leave without directly contravening their High Mighiinesses' resolution of the 14'" of March ; further offering, should their High Mightinesses think proper, to appear again in person here at the Hague next winter. Secondly, the Petitioner moat humbly prays also, to this end, that their High Mightinesses may write to the Commonalty in New Netherland that the settlement of the boundary, the popuh.tion and reduction of duties shall be taken into early consideration by their High Mightinesses, wherefore they have resolved to recommend his, the Petitioner's return here ; that, also, the Director, Council and Select men shall not practice evasion or delay respecting the incurred expenses and fees during this delegation, which the Petitioner is obliged to demand, as he has certain information that the Director intends anew, through him, by lack of pecuniary support, to crush the good and needful work for the Commonalty in New Netherland. Which being considered, the Lords of Holland hav.- taken the matter aforesaid into their hands to be more fully communicated to their constituents. ( HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI, 475 Secret Heeolutiom of the Stat., General on the Negotiatim, with England. [ F«,« *. E.,..,„ of 8^, Ee«„u«,n. of ,h. 9UU. 0.«.,.,, ,„ «.. j^,^ i„,„„ ., „,, g,^. ^ Monday, 13 May, 1652. U..8. .,u.,^ y^je on the Tin rty-s.x Articles ,n question, which were to serve as a hasis of a State, being a« „ brlir" .. T'" '"' ''''P"''"*= '' '^"^'""'^ "'"-^^-'l «"'' '^is conclde hereby o raw no their "^^,^«««•",^•y ' '' '«• "'^^ deliberation, resolved and inserted, ;ord for word ^ '^ considerations in manner and forn. as is hereinafter Mess" the Ambassadors shall be careful, &c. of .1.. Boun/air'^:;: :;" • T:zi':^jT """ '-' "" ■""™"" favorable opportunity. " '''"" ^"^ Pos'poned until a more TucKday, 14 May, 1652. J».--™ ,. High MmZZI'TT Z "■' '^"""f -' «»'« i" K„»l«,„l ,„ M„,» ,|,eir ^■" n 8' •■■ghl.ne,.., Amba.„d„„ Kx.r.ordinnry at pre.e.u Cher., „a ,i,« Tl,i„v-,ix b«..c„ ,„e TXTZZJT T 'Vr "■ '■ ""'• °'"" '■'-"•y '" "• '« - ►» » ♦<■» - Thuredny, 16 May. 1662. ro..o,,. tipon leliberntion. it is resolved and concluded that the Letter of Rpmil umm In ih. Kiw^ wnl'en on ihw ''7it> A.,rii i» . . !•,■ , ^.filler of iCecall already issued, shall be revoked and retained nmil (l.» «, ., . 476 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS, Petition of Adriam van der Donch to the States Genercd. t From the MS. In the Ko/d Archlrw tt th« H>gne ; iolatto. of lh« StaCn Oenenl ; DlTtaion, WtH IndUaht (hmpatn**. No. M. ] To the High and Mighty Lords, my Lords the States General of the United Netherlands. High and Mighty Lords. Adriaen van der Donck, Delegate of the Commonalty in New Netherland, respectfully represents, that he, the Petitioner, has been for over twro years and a half continuously in this country in quality of Delegate from the Commonalty in New Netherland, of the Manhattans or New Amsterdam, Amersfort, Breukelen and Pavonia, the Delegates being first three in number, whereof two, namely Jacob van Couwenhoven and Jan Everls Bout, were discharged by your High Mightinesses on the first of April, 1650, so that the Petitioner alone hath remained here in commission. And first, namely, on the S?"- of January, ICOO, and 10'" and 18", and principally on the 20'" February of said year, they, the Delegates, at the Hon"" Directors at the Chamber at Amsterdam, in presence and before your High Mightinesses' Commissioners, being severely reproached by the Hon"" Directors who were unwilling to acknowledge their commission or constituents (commiiientcn), delivered to your High Mightinesses' Commissioners for the affairs of New Netherland, copy of their commission and of the commission of their constituents (commitlenten), which, notwithstanding said opposition of the Directors was, afterwards, on the 11'" April, confirmed by order of your High Mightinesses, as is to be seen by the annexed paper No. 1. The Select men, their constituents, were, however, afte. wards on a sudden, very unhandsomely dissolved by the Director, contrary to your High Mightinesses' order of the 11'" of April and contrary to their own right and privilege of nomination, after they had, on foreseeing the occurrence from afar, by complaint and letter made known and forewarned your High Mightinesses of what was to happen, according to the Director's expressed words and threats. And as the Petitioner's own affairs in New Netherland are going fast to ruin, and the common Redress is here by divers means kept back, the Petitioner repeatedly besought your High Mightinesses, most humbly, to dismiss him. principally in his petition of the tenth of March, and now lately, he proposing from day to day to depart, by your High Mightinesses' consent, with his wife, mother, sister, brother, servants, maids, and in that design had packed and shipped all his implements and goods. Whereupon the Petitioner proceeded to An)sterdam to arrange his other affairs at that place ; but he understood here, before he left, that the Hon"" Directors of Amsterdam had forhid«'« «'«d -port thereupon a. .oon ¥'" <; H 480 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS, Besolvtion of the States Oeneral on the death of Samuel Blommaert. [ From th« BegitUr t Weat India Affitln, 16fi8 — 1663, In ths Royal AretaIrM >t tha Hague, ] Thursday, 80 June, 1652. Folio 24. Received a letter, written at Amsterdam the 18"" instant by Abraham de Deckere. doowued. junior, hlling the office at present of Accountant General of the West India Company in the place of Samuel Blommaert recently deceased, and two accounts therewith e»;c. Besolution of the States General on a Letter from the Chamber at Amsterdam. [From the Begtiter of Weal lodia ABUn, IGfiC — 1668, In the Bojral ArehlTea at Ibe Hague.] Folio St. Saturday, 22 June, 1652. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Weil India Cham- Amsterdam, written there on the 21" instant, with some documents annexed, in r at AmaierduB. gjjg^^gj, j^ j|jgj^ jjjg,^ Mightinesses' letter of the 24** May last,' and consequently information on the petition the same day presented to their High Mightinesses, in the name Adriaen Tan der a"^ «" t^^ behalf of Adriacu van der Donck, styling himself Delegate of the *^"'*' Commonalty in New Netherland. Which, being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid letter and documents be placed in the hands of Mess" Huygens and the other, their High Mightinesses' Deputies, for the affairs of the West India Company, to examine, look over, and to report thereon. Such is the aforesaid conclusion formed by Mr. van der Hoolk, in bis capacity of president last week. ■ n » ■■ > Chamber at Dort to the States OeneraX. [ From the OrlgUial In the Bo;al Archirn at the Rigna ; LokMuu of th* BUiea General ; UirltloB, W4H IndUdU ObmpoffnU, Ho. M, ] High and Mighty Lords, Your High Mightinesses' letter dated 24"" May, duly reached us with the petition of Adriaen van der Donck inclosed, whereon your High Mightinesses require our advice upon that petition. We respectfully answer thereunto — inasmuch as the acquired country of New Netherland has been heretofore administered by the Chamber of Amsterdam, we have very little knowledgo of it and of the situation of the people there ; therefore, cannot form any correct opinion of the legality or illegality of the commission or person of the aforesaid Adriaen van der Donck, which we judge can be most properly done by your High Mightinesses' Commissioners appointfid for th« aflfairi of New Netherland, who from time to time have taken thorough 'aupra, p. «78,— Eo, f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. information on the matter aforeaairl w«» ^^ Van der Donek should be forbXtavfrrN/; HZZ 'T:^ ""'^'''^'^ '"« "^"^^^ family nor why his apphcation to your High Mi jl „" L " ^" "''''' ""^'^^^ """^ «»''" H.gh Mightinesses, in ratifying the Chart^ h ® . '^"^ -mproper. inasmuch as your to yourselves. Wherewith ending we remain " "'""' ""' ''''''^' '"^^ ^'^-^ authority Your High Mightinesses' Humble servants, The Directors of the West rn#i;o r>^^ west Ind a Company. Maase Chamb,,r at Dort. (Signed) Gerhahdt No»y. Received 24 June, 1662. ^' ^^-^wrN. ^^■^aoms RBPB1.ABB HUYGENS Resolution of tU State. Genial on th. preceding Letter. roHo!^ Monday, 24'" June, 1G62. w«i lodi. ch.m. Received a letter from the Directors of the VU^t ^r,A^ r^ •« -D«,d«.*t the Maase at Dordrecht bein., in „n °V t '^ Company, Chamber on the 24." May last, and opinion o„ th7pe,o„nl '7 "'l' ^ the same day. in the name and on the bbl "f aT '\''''" "'«^ Mightinesses on Commonalty in New NetherlandT Whicl tin. c„""; 'T 'r ''°"'='' "^^'^^^'^ f^«- ^^e requested copy of the aforesaid letter. llTcLtri.::;'^^^^^^ '"^'^' °^ "°"-'' ^-e Secret Mesc^ution of tU States General on t,e com.n^^, ,f ^,, ,,, ^^^^^^^ . Wednesday. 17 July, 1652. ■^ -fc^^jB^ Vol. I. •1 If. f 488 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Secret Resolutions of the States General on the opening of the War with England. [ From Ui« Ktglita of Um Secret Rgwlutlaiu of lbs S'^tM Oanaril, In Iha Bo^il ArohiTM at Om Hagoe. ] Wednesday, l?"" July, 1652. Polio «s. Upon consideration it is resolved and concluded that Commander Cats Bhall SmIim ow *'"'°" Le written to, informing him that reliable advice has been received here that itah'8Jijrm''*(iMiI*' some richly laden English ships from Smyrna are proceeding to Leghorn, where they await other similar vessels, a'so, as is reported, some convoy, and that, therefore, he the Commander shall keep a watchful eye on them, and consequently repair to and remain at such place as he shall consider best adapted for the capture of the aforesaid English ships ; and on meeting, act towards them according to the directions in the Instruction sent him heretofore and again in duplicate and triplicate, to be annexed to the despatches to be then written, and according as soldiership and seamanship shall demand ; with this understanding that the despatch arising herefrom shall be sent off both by express and by the ordinary post. Monday, 22 July, 1652. FoiioM. After deliberation it is resolved and concluded hereby to request Mess" o'triT'of " Br.l?i* Huygens and other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West Otiinra. New He* , •*. rf-, . . • i> • ■ . »-k. «. , iberikBd. India Company, to consider at the earliest moment with the Directors of that Company who may be here and convenient, how the Coasts of Brazil, Guinea and New Netherland shall be best preserved, and the English about those parts annoyed. Sesret Resolution of Oie States General that none hut trustworthy Persons he employed in New Netherland. [ From the BefletM of the Stent Beeotuliou oT the Slatai Oenenl, In the Boytl Areklret tl Uw nagiM. ] Monday, 22 July, 1652. r«ii« M. After deliberation, it is resolved and concluded that Peter Stuyvesant, Director Peter Btnrretut. of New Netherland be instructed to take good care, and keep a watchiiil eye in the present rupture between this State and England, that no person be employed either in the "^'.V^Ne* Neuu-'r' po'i'io' govemmcnt or Militia in that country, except those whose fidelity and '"^' affection to this State can be fully relied on. And the despatch to be written shall, without reconsideration, be sent to the Board of Admiralty in Zealand, to be transmitted by the frigate destined for the Caribbean Islands and New iNetherland aforesaid. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VL aom 4S9- Slates General to Director Stuyvemnt. [Fro™ .be Beg...., or UUoe,an, B,^ „rm. 8,.... Q.„.„,, ,„ .,„ »„,., ^„,„„ „ ^, „^^ ^ To P. Stuyvesant, Director General in New Netheriand. . The States, etc. °Z".rr,ro'.r' •^°" "'■°" «^"^'^ - --r .;rr -\™r,:; :,.ti': *»■« J/.™».V „/ a. W«, lau. a^pany r^^Un, Brazil ani New NeO^Uni "'° o:nrrwe,s;i.'s.'^- "''""• " •*- ""' -^ «'«-' ■■"'- «-» Honorable and Mighty Lords • l..n,ed with ,„„, joy fro™ "u .."or hL7h.a h '""""'»»»"•«■'■ I""™ i" -l-elr afflicioo ...«n>. it a. . ..k.„ or li, Zh trr'^ .' !'. "^'"" ■"■ """ ^°"'P»"'' """ •• '>"7 u n,.y b. „ f„ c.:«nuid toirf; ;rrx:: r 'V';^ ^'' ■"" "'"' "'' ob„™.K, order preacHlXLIdilllt ""'""°"' "" "°"^'' ■""""■ "•'" Brazil hath no communication with those of England excent that fh. P ♦ occasion presents, are accustomed to charter some of heir sh ns Th . r ^"''T'"'' ^f'^" done there by the English, and conseouentlv 'tZ.M K ^ Therefore no mjury can be the abovementioned dltria in connect on wit thm unZ'Jh^n' 'T °'^ ""^ "'•''=''°" °" difficulty, which on this occasion cannot be omit ed I s ts fnT^thTrr ""''" very apprehensive of the important deliberation, in JL h 1 Company is engaged, and is therefore of opinion that it wZ J -/P-fve Provinces are now who have their hands full of work at home To tak. T"""' '^''' "'»*' Mightinesses. Brfl.il. Nevertheless whilst on IT.k 1 ?"^ *"''^" principally on the restoration of .. ...„d.d. ...r. J.;: rz o- ::rr:: -r^^^^^^^^^^^^ 4ft4 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. g « being under the necessity of asking, only that it may be considered and determined eith. one way or the other. And, accordingly, in case the settlement of the chief point is not probable, then that order at least he taken, whilst wailing for more favorable opportunity, pr visionally to preserve and secure the coast, so that the stores which must be sent successively hence, may arrive in safety there. The Portuguese ships which come from Cape St. Augustine or other adjacent places to the Reciffe and, whilst it is unprotected by any of our marine, capture the aforesaid vessels arriving with provisions and other supplies, effectually blockade, both by water and by land, that port, which necessarily must fall into the hands of the enemy, to his exceeding great joy and to the irreparable damage and dishonor of this country. To prevent this, a trifling aid of eight or ten ships of war, with some small craft, is required. Otherwise, the coast, which is at present destitute of all naval force, is wholly and utterly abandoned to the mercy and pleasure of the Portuguese. In like manner, that their High Mightinesses would please to provide money for the payment of the 2800 soldiers in service there, so that they may not become dissatisfied on account of the want of their pay, and desert as many have already done, and the RecifT and other places belonging to the country experience great annoyance, damage and ruin by means of the deserters. In regard to the Coast of Africa, wherein Guinea comes specially under consideration ; the Castle of Elmina and the other fortresses of the Company are thought to be sufficient for their own defence ; and the English thereabout can be somewhat annoyed by the privateers of this country, to whom commissions will be granted for that purpose, pursuant to their High Mightinesses' resolution of the IS'" instant, according to a regulation prepared by the respective Chambers. New Netherland is the only place from whence the English in various parts, and especially in the Caribbean Islands, can be attacked. For this purpose, should the Government be agreeable S or 6 ordinary, but well manned, frigates could be employed, the expenses whereof could doubtless be easily defrayed out of the property taken as prizes. But in case the Commonwealth be no wise disposed thereunto, the matter must be kept a profound secret; otherwise, the English in those parts, being very strong, must not be troubled, but those of the Company remain altogether on their guard. Thi'o handed in and delivered on the SO"- July, 1G52, pursuant to the Command of the Honorable Mighty Lords Deputies. (Signed) Johan lb Thok. In ftOK VAN Bbeck. N Ten Hovb. Secret Eesolution of tJie States General < i iJie preceding Memoir. t From tht Begtiter of Uie Beont BMolnUoni of Ibe StitM Owml, Id Ih* Eoyal Archi™ >l ih« Hagne.] Wednesday, 31 July, 1652. follow. Heard the report of Mess" Huygens and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, pursuant to the resolution of the 22* HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. 486 S.'"'" *" '"';;"'• "'« »"-"«li"« DirectorB of the West India Company being, niso. conferring "»•:;%%,.„„. - "^; Pre«ervation of the coasts of Brasil, Guinea, and New^ h Zd ""d to that efcJ:::::::z^:y'v"T'r-' --^ ^ ^"'"'" •'p'-- of thetrec.: Provinces ha. ^e;:x^w:rd:r:^^^^^ ^^- — • - Petiiion of Adriaen van der Donch to the States, Genei-al. To the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands. tharhr:heTetu:.!^:.ts''to;s:r:Lt'°"'"^°r^^ °^"^^ ^"^"•-'^' ^-^^-^ »^--h. New Netherland. on heTe^ ayZs de „1 ed 11 thT' "''" ? '"^ P"'"' °' '^^P'^^''"^ '« as he. the Petitioner, on the 2^" Marfol'lfw /^^^^^^^ ^"'«'«^''«'" C^-»>". with the knowledge of the Yi\rllVTlll!r^ ^ ^^ ^"^^^^ ^^ Provinces, and cop%f it «ent ee'spJv^ T '=°'"™""'-'«'^ 'o all the to the Chamber of Amsterdam whiclseer^'^r^'^^^^ ^r -nformation thereon, as well as exclusive right, and sen it answer to v^r^^^ affairs of New Netherland as its was referred, without ay fXposi ^t„ h'" ""^ ""' ^ '""''' "''^^«""'° "^^ Wherefore, he. as Delegate' re ect uS; pplTe To vou^HL^M^'hr ''"'"'""" ^° '''''''' that, pursuant to your High MightinesLtllL^e^tl'' t^ASo^rh' '^veTlh^^ Commissioners over the affairs of New Netherland »hn™ », . ^ °'' '^^ been pleased to appoint thereunto, may pro to busTnes^ m ala ' ^'TT "^^^ (Endorsed) (Signed) Adriaen van dbr Donck. Petition of Adriaen van der Donck. Delegate from New Netheriand. Exhibited 6 August, 1662. Resolution of ths States General on the preceding Petition. Monday, 6 August. 1G52. ^1 n i \i '^ 486 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. that the aforesaid petition shall be placed in the hands of Mess" van der Capelle the Ryssel, and the other their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the aflfairs of the West India Company, to investigate, examine and report thereon. ^ Answer of England to the Proposal of the Dutch for Free Track and Settlement of tfie New Netherland Boundary. [From lh« Original VtrbatI van «0 Tuesday, 3* September, 1662. ».w ^?!'^;iSi««i . ^*"'''""' ^^^" H'8h Mightinesses are certainly informed that New Netberland 18 in great danger and imminently exposed to invasion, aurprisal and to the of th. Co».,.L H. d.«l .a 18»8, «d wm .uocd.-i by hi. wn, with who« th. tiU. b.«u.w «tin,t in 1748. i»«rL -to rfcidi 488 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. besieging of the cities and fortresses there, by the English, it is, therefore, upon consideration resolved and concluded, that a letter be written to the presiding Chamber of the West India BMig>iaMUi« Company of this country, to notify the Director, his council and those of the EDgiand. government of the Commonalty in New Ne(herland aforesaid thereof, and earnestly recommend them to garrison, provision and complete the fortresses in New Amsterdam and elsewhere in the speediest and strongest manner, also to m later their militia and other forces in as large a number as is in anywise possible, cad to be generally on the alert, for the obviating of all dreaded misfortunes. States General to the We^Ht India (Company. [ From Ui« Berbtor of Utlfftgatu SritMnotOit SUIet Oeneral, Id (he Royal i " '^e office, likewise the behavior of th Di" to Is^ or o'fs "«^'"'^T '" ^''^''^'''^^ "'' '"'"« van Tienhoven who brags here th-.t vo r HiJh ,7 u ? ^"'^'^'"' '■"^«^°^" ^ornelis even has go^ so .r as I c^l!;; ^r h!^' S^"~ ^S^^^^ Hj^ to leave, and over in person, but am burdened with a w^fe an! foSr cMI Z """ r^' '^Z / «'^°"''J ''«ve gone not to depart; I have resolved to r.^^ ^^:Z:^tr;::' :^:^ ^^^ T:^''' Di.ctor remain, and th;p.,ured";t:::;;i:r::c:^ :-^-:'^ !•!« Your High Mightinesses' Most Obedient Servant, I pray God Almighty to be pleased to continue you^^ MighlZa^'in' , '''"'•'• . blessed government. * • I'tnimesses in a long and Manathans, IS"" 7"*' A" 1C53. ' Antoin. rM.r»OT. OarJin.l ,U OrinMlo, wn. Mini.lrr to Cli.rU. V ., I a ••" *' - "' M..««.e.. .,f V ^ K.,,..t .,f „., w • 1? '1^1: ;;•';"'-">'• •-> ""'iP n.. K., or Sp-.n ; .,«, ooul.l do „.„|.i„, w.,.,.,u. 1,„..„ „„,„o., aoc.,.. ll " '.,M " "T '." '"'""""' """ ''••' 'l"' "'«' "'« ^-^ *-' '"- "-^'-i - »'-iH... ., s.,,te„„,.., >«s« . L •;:^''^::^';"'v,r'''"'' "' "'^ ''-"•"• "• "- 1-- cmMM..li„„ with .1,, l,i,i.,rv of Uie luil.J \\.th„l,. . 1 in "'' ''^"■'"'■"<'">« //■•'<«•.,«., V.. 1.17 Hi, i 492 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Commissions, Instructions and Ordeiis of the High and Mfglity Lords States General and Hon"'« QenernI Incorporated West Indh Company of the United Netherlands, to which Petrns Stuyvesant as Director, Lubbertus van Dinckliige, Deputy, and Hendricus van Dyck as Fiscal, of New Nelheriand and places lying IhereaboPt, are respectively bound by oath, together with the (Jravamina on the several Instructions and Orders drawn up by the said Fiscal for his Defence before the August, Noble, High and Mighty Lords and Masters. Commv'ion of Petrus Sfuyvetont at Director of New Nctherland. [Omitted; being already priuted, fu^rn, p. 178.] Oath of Pelrus Stuyvetant at Director. This day, the 28" July, 1040, hath Petrus Stuyvesant, as Director, named in the blank hereof, taken the proper Oath, at the hands of the Lord President of their High Mightinesaes' Assembly, punctually to conform himself to his Instruct! in. both in regard to New Netherland and other Islands mentioned in his Instruction. Was signed in my presence. COBfi' MuscH. Committion for Curasao. The Directors of the Cieneral Incorporated West India Company in the United Netherlands. To all those who shall see these presents or hear them read. Health : Whereas, for tlio government and promotion of our afliiirs at Cur!i(,ao and the Islands dependent thereon, and of the ships and yachts heretofore sent and to be hereafter sent thither by us. We hau need of a capable qua'if.ed person. Be it known: That We, confiding in the probity, expe 'ncp and prudence of Petrus Stuyvesant, heretofore in charge of the Covernment aforesaid, etc. Done in our Assembly, at Amsterdam, this 10"" July, 1040. Underneath was (Signed) BcNAVKNTURE Broen. And lower down, (Signed By Order of the same) Gvsbert IIudoli'hi. Jfitt li,Jiii ComiHiny's Commiition lo Director Sfutjveiant, The Commissioners on behalf of the (General Incorporated West India Company in the United Netlierlaiiils. To all those who shall see these presents or hear them read. Health : Uk it known: Wh.'..ug, We have deemed it advisable ,'or tlie promotion of the affairs of the General Incorporalei* West India Company, n(;t only -o mail "in the trade and population of the Coasts of New Netherland and the placu situr.le therealouts, together with the Islands of Curnqoa, Buenaire, Aruba and their dependencies, hitliert - rcouraj^ed thither from this country, hut also to endeavnr lo make new treaties and alii , i > uh foreign princes, and to indict as much injury as posgille on the enemy, in lui (oris n" . onjjholds, as well by iva m f HOLLAND DOCITMENTS : VI , , * 498 wit!, our alTairs at, and the Kovpmmpn. nP .h r f f 'y^^"""'' formerly intrusted appointed, and by these nrespnfe ,J« n„ • » . '^*^"-''* '"^'^«' "^^e commissioned and Director over tli/a^Ciirn^ie^fTC^NltZTdThr to administer, with the Council as well now as herJfter tn P'^^^^'/hereunto adjoining. ofiice of Director, both by water and lanl'and in .i , rl "'''^°"''*"^ ""' '"'"' ^'" '^'^^ advancement, promotion and preser '.tion of frie 1 h ''■,'' '" ""'"' ^''"''""^ '° ^^'^ direct ail matters appertainin/tTtr„A 7nd f ^' ""'''• '""^' '"'^ commerce; to the. tor the servi^of t^irrih::::^;:^^;: or r ^ri^t -''''^^ office and duties in ceo dance wtl' .i' """TT' '" '''''''"' '"'^ ''''' -"-"- ^is herewith issued, and to b he"! J Z To' T '"""';"' P-ticular Instructions bound and obhged to do by hi- ^th ti r , ?h r* r f ^''"'' '"^ '''*'^"^"' D'-'^"'^ •« which done. We order and ;„r f n . '"^' °' '''' President of our Assembly : the inhahitalurLd n ives reXr.^ t e°l :; ""."? "'"'"°" ^"•'"^'«' ^"^^^''^ ^'^ might concern, to acknow»d«er si. an !ih" ^T '' '''''''''' '»"'^ '''" -''"'" <' •. t..e countries and P.ac;s^:rZrti:r':Td Id '^ rj !^^ ^°- ^'-- Uv... . Beneath was. By Order ofl "lei (^;::^)^r :: I;!^.:^^^^^^^' ^'" Co«.i„,-„n „/ LMertus .an D.^clagc as D.pu,y Go^nor of Neu> mUerland Nj^!::i^drwC::^':^::;::,::r^p-"'«" ^^^^ '-''- '-^^--y '- ^'-^ ^^-^ have considered it pro.r n ssary ;e'lTtrT"' "^ ''''^^ '''•^•"''^'''-'• Vice-Direc, . and I plscal, an." ZZ ^T .^ ^r^ Ir'X^^t'f ^ '"'Tf' ^ with a fit and capable person to furnish :_Tl.ereforWerenoi.rT; V"' '^ ^ '"'' m.de to us of Dr. Lubbertus van DindJrnf h' ^.^ '•^P"""* '=°"'"*''»'--'"" 'he gcd report acknowledged, appointed ddepUedntrv \'T', '"''^"""'='' ""' "'P'^'^''^' ''"- Lubl,ertus van I incl.ge s S c^ud to -u, fi Tp^ "'knowledge, appoint, and depute the said in .uch ,uali,y to proved t; and esideT Fort a'T " ' i'" ''''"''' '" •''"" ^^^^^'^^1..^, chief, wilh him over « loc^i r nJ 7 :tion^„f w" "l "' "'f ""' ''"''''' '^ ^'^^l'-'' ^ "- his place in the absence of t saiTl, rX Z'.u t.'l '"''' '" ''^"'""••'' ""* '° ''" contracts, all alliance, frien Ihin 1 "'tend to the preservation and increase of justice as well r la'l d ■ | 'a T'""T' '" ""? '" ^''" "''•""''«'^"''"" of law and J «tn iriminaias cml, all disorders, abuses, and irregularities which h..v« ni, .,j ■«■ ■.* 494 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. therefore respect and uphold the aforesaid Lubberlus Dinclnge, and in the fulfillment of these to afford him all help, support and assistance, each so far as to iiim appertains; on pam of the contraveners or disobedient incurring our indignation, as we have found such to be fitting to the service of the Company. Given in our Assembly of the XIX. in Amsterdam, this S"" May, IG45. Was paraphed. Henricus van der Capelle tho RyssEL, "'. Beneath was, By order of the same. (Signed) Gvsbeut Ruuolphi. Commmion of Henricus van Dijck as Fiscal The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company at the Chamber of Amsterdam. To all those who shall see or hear these presents read, Health. Be it known : Whereas We, for the maintenance of all good order, regularity and discipline among the people in New Netherland, and the places situate thereabout, under the command of our beloved, faithful Director there residing, have found it necessary at the said place to appoint a good Fiscal, to make complaints against all delinquents and transgressors of the military laws and all other our Instructions and commands, the same to arraign and cause to be punished; and for such office has been proposed to us the person of Hendrick van Dyck, Therefore, We confiding fully in his fitness and diligence for the performance thereof, have deputed, authorized, and appointed, and hereby depute authorize, and appoint the said Hendrick van Dyck as Fiscal over the aforesaid countries of iNew.Netherland. and the places situate thereabout; giving him full power, charge and authority the said ofhce to fill and attend both by land and water; to take congnizance and information on ail forfeits, excesses and crimes; all delinquents, contraveners, and transgressors of the law martial and all other Instructions and orders, as well of the aforesai.l Assembly of the XIX as of t.ie aforesaid Director, to summon and, according to demand an,..hl .>f lb..M. who are inrhn-.j to a|.|.ro«eh (he TabI, of the i,„r.l " ■ l-o f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS- VI 497 Province, the Director decTined thtTe^J^.T ^ ''"""^ ''°"'^ '"J"^'°- '" "'■•» and transaction, with ti.e Kngth f /vrtho \"'"^^^^^ -ake puhiic his adventure, appointed by himself, h.ve d nd d a re^o^^^^^^^ "^'^^ ''' "^"^'^ °^ '"'"^ «•"-'-„ strange reports are abroad a.^Ht peopT^ ,;;' .r^Di:";"" J'r^"!: '"-'""•^^ '^^ ^^^ English, he gave us for answerf M n'ust hV a„ ceo .nT T «"'^ ^''^ -""^ry to the nothing else." etc., as appears by the ta ement of the 7 1 "'>'/"'^'"'-'°"' ""'^ ^^g-d I-I. so that we have notlen ab^e to otr::;: orTule? ss3: e a:^ ^t ''''' ^'.tsiatirr^r^r^-^:^, - 7-- - ri^!--;;:;; reports, both of public and pHvIte'tlttlTperlrirose p^ ^ ''''-' '' ^^"^ '" °:H:n:j:r:;^.i;^^rrrrp:T '"-.^^-^^o-he country, t^e^ and the Director and Co n re 1 ;'>.?' Z ^'^ -'-faction to thelndians; interests of the Con,pa y n„ on t e ot e r^''' ? ."'"^"?' "" '"^^ ''"« «''^«' ''- their neighbors, and esped^My tTe Ind.lns " " '°°' — Pondence with The country is more and more disquieted md distnrbp,! . f„, ♦• t j. that they receive no satisfaction for the land but , h ' ' ^'"^'•''"' ""' ""'^ '^"'"P'^'" settlers who are dispersed throu« out th.- . ■^'"'"'' ""' '" "" °" "" '""^"'^^ ''« Peter Corn.lissen. on'eof thet^^ me„ loinLZL^Ih T'^ '"^'^ "" "^^ '"' ^''^^ '-' '<> Indians killed on his houwerie Ir JCr j/ ^ ^"''"^'^ Michiel Jnnsen.Geurt Coerten and mnnv „,h '" . ''" Cuyter. Willem Beeckman. bouweries fired should nosSi.e nrJive^^t d' . '"'^'^^V"^'^"^^"*''' '° '^^^ ^'^^^ What hmds were bought and how were U ey'p Jd fof T ' " '"" ."'''""^"^ ''"i"'^'-'^ always be satisfied with the word and sal I ofs .. ' r" 'T' '°"''' '"'^"- ^''^ ">"«' Director. 1 cannot omit stating here tlnTfh 7 r -^ ^""•'"*' '"" '^'''"'"'^'■" ""^ »''« Heermau going hence to Uh de ll d i N ^^^7"^"' t'""': ""''''' ""'' ^"^-^- Baxter gave them a letter for Wm a Co dill i r '" ' "' ."' '' ""''''' ^'"'"S" ^'^"'•g^ Assembly of the people of Uhor d intr '^^^^^ Oovernor there, which letter the Court or the Governor and their Director lei"!,., J t" 7"" ' "'""'"^ ''' ^'^""^^ '' '^ «''" treason against the State of New Fn. Ind i 7 '"' B-ter. of conspiracy and i>e« England, inasmuch as. among other things, the Director Col„,.y. On the cha„ge o. the Charter o, the city of N w t t I yVT"'"'""'"' '""' •^'""""■"" »«""»' "'« ""'^h if fi«t Muyor. ari.1 held that oftice „,-,.i„ ,„ ,««/(„ .,1 !„„ I '' ''.'';"«'"'' f"'"'. ■» 1««5. C.puia Willett w.. a,,p„i,„ed .nd,ettK.d.tKeh„l,uthorSw.n,ey,(,,„v^i, J; i;':;:r";f -^'""- '"• >—>->."« "turned ,„ NewTglU m«n,„„.„t n.., k. the .,,„t where h,. ^ul, rapo-e ^•'•'<^"^."i H'9"''r. IX.. 318 ; Ka/«„.„.'. i,„,.,„,. , j, J.^^ Merch.-,, at IWon. ..,d removed to liLu ,,U„d. ^f Z^Z^'^Ziir^ """•'"'"'•''',''" «>!-""««-". po.itio,. „^, w«. cho.e„ Governor uf that Colony in 1640 .„d for tl """^ "';""°'' P'"'' '"■■ *" ">« principal in.trumert. He .om„i„i.,ned .Governor of A.p.etnJk Island' ,.,11" LZ" '"°'=''*''"'8/"- »« *•"' '» E»k1«"H in 1631, and wm text A. the p,ople wore oppo.ed to ," '." oH ,}■"' "' "'" •'"'""■'• "'""' ""^ ''^'""'' ^^f— ' '" '" th. 1678, .«.d 77 yaar^ AtUn. _ £„. " *^'"'' *»»«'"''«'>•• "« "»« re elected iu 1«75. and died ^ovou,b«r 1. Vol.!. ^^ J' III:: i 498 NEW- YORK COLONIAL M VUSCRIPTS. in said letter offered Governor Coddington some soldiers to be employed ngainst the Inhabitants of Rhode Island. Wherefore the bearers of th letter were obliged to give bail in the sum of lUOlb. sterling uiuil their innocence shou be proved. Whereupon the aforesaid persons returning hither with copy of the letter, complained to the Director and Council of the aforesaid Baxter's writing. Tliey were illy rece ed. finally obtaining, after great trouble, a certificate of their ignorance from the abovenamed Council and Select men. And instead of the Director, Tienhoven en I Baxter purging themselves as I eing innocent of disturbing the peace between our neighbors, o at least punishing the writer of the letter, the matter was disregarded and the Director, Tieahoven and Baxter still lemain great amigos and coiupanions daily resorting each other .s company to the gr«>at suspicion and probability of what is above related. The High and Mighty Lords and masters have to consider how the advantage of the Company, the welfare of the people, and the maintenance of good correspondence with neighbors and with Indians are promoted. 6. They shall do all in their power to induce the Colonists to establish themselves'at some of the most suiiahle places, with a certain number of inhabitants, in ihe manner of towns, village iid hamlets, as the English are in the habit of doing, whereby they will dwell in g ater security, according to the intentions of the Company in the granting of the a. ready printed Freedoms, and the amplific. ns thereof. The Director proceed? so rigorously against the Commandant of the Colonie Renslaerswyck and the Patroon of St. 'en Island, that it is to be deplored and is a scandal for neighboring Christians and heathens, causing him to be dragged forcibly by soldiers out of the Colonie, and to be detained a prisoner at the Manhatans ; and so terrifying Cornells Melyn, on Staten Island, that he dare not leave the place, nor entirely expose himself; the Director managing all this with his needy Council, where, nevertheless, differences are settled by other appropriate means, and such violent proceedings p evented without any diminution of the Hon**'* Company's rigtit and authority. The Director hath, on his own authority, begun to plant a hamlet in the Flat bush, on Long island, between Amersfort and Breukelen ; he named it Middelwout, where Jan Snediker, one of his Select men hath settled. The Indians complaining that they were not compensated for that land, no attention was paid to them. Being dissatisfied, they threatened Jan Snediger to burn his bouwerie, who, complaining thereof to the Director, the latter, with his good friends, arranged on the 2"'' of June last, with the Indians, respecting the payment for the land. The Director was to pay, but nothing has been done in the matter, so that the man continues in danger, and the village does not prosper; the Director will not pay, neither will he suffer others to pay for the land. The Director and Council aforesaid, shall use dispatch in the repairs of Fort Amsterdam, for whicli purpose 'tis considered best and least expensive to the Company, to build the same of good clay, earth and firm sods, and to encourage the soldiers to that work by some presents, and bind them to keep it in continual repair. And whereas it is of the higltest importance to the Colonists to possess a good and safe retreat in case of necessity (which Cod prevent), they should be induced to aid in the work for this once, w: d the Director is commanded to attend closely for the future to the ordinary repairs thereof. f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VI. ^qq ™in, .ho for. co„iH b« ...i,/fi„r. ja wi?h .t 1 ."7h i;:;,:r.::r i '°" " "r :;« ;r ^ ' : c:::;:;t'"c :: " b':. r .r '"-,■ .^-^ r ™""" °^ "■= '•°" ^-^ -^•"^ w,.e„upo„^„. Di:l.o:„,^L;.r.i ":.";:;. '::'"""•: ■"■"' "r-' "■• '="■ accordinplv Hnno. o n .. °""®" '" ^"°°t whatever hogs came there. This was >B used to torment, rather than to defend several of the ifhabitantstd itlon^stl Co nt! .?, "°H ''''"'!'''^*"'^' f- ^he Company, and for greater security the Colon, is and the.r domest.cs shall be holden, under certain penalties, to provide he.nse ves w,th good muskets and other weapons for their own defence, so Z he Dire ;„ 'r'T of necess.ty. with the garrison to resist a general attack, without oav o th r' ' " T.'.''"''''' '' ""'' '*'' '''^^'"^ ''' P°^- t° ^""^e into the pay of the Company any soldiers, be they few or many. The Director garrisons the fort according to his pleasure without mine or the Deputy's knowledge; h3 d.scharges and enlists soldiers; gets some out from Fatherland S^ nee he T: 1: eTrir. 1 1' ^^IT' ""^ °' °"^ '^''" --^ ^P^^--^^^ ..is betlrCorneU v 0„A , ? °r' ''""'^ P'''*^'^"'^' '""^ '"'^"y ^'''diers he hath in pay. over by Ja" ZkL ''",'"" '''T''' ^"°"^' ''^'^ Peop-e. which h'ad' been brought over by Jacob van Kouwenhoven; without the assistance and accommodation in wheat him and L«...r. 1 V '••'Presentation of the D.uctor, who repeatedly borrowed grain of Srnl es' ord "h^^^^^^^^^^ notwithstanding. -Twill hereafter be shown, on your High Mightinesses order, how the people were bound to keep their arms in good condition. 8. Further, inasmuch as the respective Colonists have been allowed by the Freedoms to dtlegate one or two persons to give information to the Director and Council at IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) h {/ /q ^ .^^■i^. ^ y.^ w '^ 1.0 I.I Uiyi 12.5 ^ 1^ 12.0 12.2 IL25 i 1.4 1.8 1.6 HiotogTdphic Sciences Corporation 93 WIST MA(N STRUT WIBSTIR, N.y. 14300 ( 7 1«) •73-4503 k° /^id* i\ ^ v^ 500 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. This has neve been done to my knowledge, and I refer to the answer to the 6'* article which can be talien into consideration here. 9. The Director and Council shall, first of all, establish the Colonists and freemen on the Island of Manhattans, and grant to them as mu' h land as they will be able to cultivate, either as tobacco plantations, or with grain and all other crops to which the soil is adapted, and from which they may expect to derive the greatest profit. I have no knowledgeof any bouwerie having been formed on the Island of Manhatans during Director Stuyvesant's administration. Some have been abandoned; others not begun. Jochem F^ieters Cuyter whom the Director did heretofore, for the affair of the Select men, publicly banish the country, with ringing of the bell, and whom he now has re-established in the same office and appointed Elder of the Church, hath again commenced his bouwerie in company with the Director, and many others should be begun. Many other persons would fain undertake bouweries but the matter sticks and the country remains uncultivated, partly, in addition to other reasons, through dread of the Indians and their threats; partly also, through fear that ilie patents are invalid, inasmuch as the Director executes and issues them in the name of the Director General and Council, without my knowledge and advice or that of the Deputy ; as appears by the protest which we liave signed dated the IQ" December, 1650. The Director shall vindicate all this. 10. And in order to promote the cultivation of the land there, 'twould be well to permit at the request of the Patroons, Colonists and other farmers, the introduction of as many Negroes as they are willing to purchase at a fair price ; and the Director and Council shall notify 'he Assembly hereof every year, when further order shall be taken respecting the transport of Negroes thither. No request for Negroes has been presented from Patroons or Colonists here to my knowledge. But m the year 1G5I, the Director inducing and advising the Commonalty through special regard to make renewed efforts to get people, &c., from Fatherland hither, the Lords Majors advised his Honor and his Select men for good reasons, to the ertect that it was not acceptable. 11. And although 'tis proposed for the further encouragement of population, to reserve the trade with the Indians exclusively to tlie Patroons, Colonists and freemen residing there, without permitting any private traders to carry on any commerce with said Indians, 'tis nevertheless resolved as far as regards these, to adhere to the existing practice, but the Director and Council shall take information thereupon to serve as advice to the Assembly. The private traders carry on traffic with the Indians the same as the Freemen, according to the old custom, and nothing in regard thereto has ever been mooted or proposed by the Director in the Council. i 1 he 5'* article HOLLAND DOCUMENl'3: VL 501 12. The Director allows his commissaries at Fort Ornnes to sail with their own ships to New Netherland, he Virginia he owed.ah. L.,gl.sh and French Colonies. Barmudas or any other places situate hereabout, nccording to the drafted .egula.ion, they shall' carefully bsee se to be observed, that the contents .hereof shall be attended to as mu s i m the.r power act.ng against the contraveners. agreeably to the first art" e f he Charter, and the t. nor of the regulation already made and to be hereafter ena t d and regarding the receipts of the duties, tolls and other rights already rposed and to be hereafter imposed, as well on the exported as on the impor ed good7for 80 much thereof as shall have to be paid in that and not in this counrry. Hon... Company were closely observed by me a, ZTl Z ^J^.^Z^ Z^^!:: The Director alone has to answer for the receipt of the duties, tolls and other drr,"^ he" neve acknowledged me .n the matter, nor ever paid my salary nor my pa o the CO fi cat.on. and on t e contrary, upheld by his needy, unlawful Cc^.ncil aforesaid be hi ha nd undertaken the management of all things, without recogni^i„g the Depu y orn e InZr : rslTltfeTd 'Z^:' '' '^ "^°"' ''' '"""^ ^ ^^^^ '" --entL Jt^ old to follow, as much as possible, regulating themselves further according to the n«truct.on,, heretofore given for the direction of those countries so aV the same are not hereby alre.uly altered or may not be hereafter changed, w .ich power the Assembly reserves to itself. '-"nngea , wincb T T 502 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. The High and Mighty and Hon"" Lords and Masters can judge how we have been domineered over, and how the Director has to answer for everything, and I doubt not they will hold us excused in the premises, respectfully and most humbly requesting the payment of our salaries, and offering our further service in our respective capacities. Under present circumstances or with the present government, 'tis impossible for the country to exist ; with siniuter and seditic js practises, all means have been employed to force us out of the service, and notwithstanding all frivolous actions have been sought, the aid of pasquinades must be called in and had recourse to. Were an honorable gentleman put in my place, the fals, accusation which the Director made and sent over against me long ago, might have some semblance of truth ; but his perjured Secretary, Cornells van Tienhoven, who returned hither contrary to the prohibition of their High Mightinesses; who is known, and can be proved to all the world, to be a public whoremonger and perjurer; who is a disgrace to, and the sole affliction of Christians and heathens in this country and whom the Director hath always managed to shield ; this is the person whom the Director hath, of his own authority, appointed Fiscal. A fuller account shall be hereafter given hereof. And we have patiently borne and endured everything up to this time. Had we in the slightest degree opposed the Director's usurped Sovereignty, the country would have easily been deluged with blood, which (God mend it!) is even yet to be apprehended. Thus done and resolved in the Assembly of the XIX. of the General Incorporated West- India Company, in Amsterdam, in the year 1645, the T'" of July; was paraphed Henr. van der Capelle tho Ryssel (and was signed) By order of the same. Gysbkrt Rudolphi. My gravamina for vindication in the premises to the High and Mighty and Hon"" Lords and Masters, thus done and represented in New Amsterdam, New Netherland, the IG"* September A" 1662. ^ ' (Signed) H. van Dvck. I concur in the preceding gravamina for my defence, in my quality as Deputy. Done as above. (Signed) L. van Dincklaqk. (Duplicate.) States General to the Director and Council of New Netherland. Honorable. We continue daily to turn our attention to the prosperity of New Netherland interests, and are therefore occupied in deliberations with the Directors of the West India Company on the peopling of said New Netherland and its dependencies. Meanwhile we have permitted some persons delegated hither from the Commonalty of that place, to return there, requiring you, therefore, neither to trouble nor molest those who came from New Netherland and are about to return thither, on account of any representations that may have been made here ; and whereas we deem it expedient that the population, which is now needed, should be favored and encouraged in every way, we direct and order you to take care that the Country be not divested of horses and cows, also that supplies of provisions be reserved for the arriving Colonists; that the inhabitants be furnished with arms necessary for f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VL guns to be distributed acco diL to ord^^ h ""'^- """''^ '^'''^^ *"" »'""^'«d inhabitants shall be forbidden eL forth to «!. "" """' ^"' ''"*' *'"^'°"' ^" caus. to be exported any horses or cows wirhr^' ''""?"' ^""' """^ '° ^^^P"^'"' shall, moreover, distribute relLZ '''"""'" "'' *''" ^°""'=''- Y°" ofNew Amsterdam nd to althrrh ^"'' ""ur^ ''' •"'^''■*^""' "'^ '"e City families scatterd th oulut le ColT '"?''''"' °' ''"""« "'"«' '»"'^ '° "^her obliged to keep ther.ts i„ Ihoh'"'' ""'i ""'''"' """'"''"' ''"' ^'^^^ «'^"» ''^ powder, keeping correct elterofl" "!• ''''''"'^ '''''""^'^^^ "'^^ -q^'o'te -y be inspe'ctfd anTexaS « I ^'rlTmo^^ "h^'m"^''' '^ '''' '''' over, they shall be stored in th^wLhr n ' t ''^°"''' ""^ «""« ^«'"«'« paraphed Johan van Zde « [1! ^ °"' '''' ^''' ^P"' ^«««- Was Lords States General. ' ""''' ^"^' ^^ ''''' "^ '"e High Mighty (Addressed.) ^"^"'^ Cohn. M.sch. Venerable, Honorable, Valiant our right faithful, the Director and Council in New Netherlnnd. ^>recior Was sealed with their High Mightinesses' Seal in Red wax covered with paper. Select men. To what tl D rec rtth t^^^^^ '^« '^^P-'-te of the this and from his defence. The complaints of ol ? '"' "^'^ "''"' *'" ''^^^ «PP«" ^o™ whatever appertains thereun.o.Te'Xo d How"r T'" '""'I' '"" P°P"'«''- ""'^ and others returned hither have bee' t^a ted at. t ^^^"''' ^"""^ '^'^ Commonalty practices, on account of matters repr s nted to 1 Hi:h'Mrhr' "' ^'''^ P^"-"'^'^ 'y -'«te' every one of them knows. The Director hat, sfn^ A ^J Mightinesses, themselves can tell, for India Islands, which he hath .old 7a„ igu vLT 7" ?"'" ' "'*'' '°"'' '° '"« ^est grain in store, in place of keeping t s pp , h miff' 7 '?"'' '° "'"'" ''' ''^«--''' .ervaats both here and at Curacao U'to borrow H T\ 7 "'^" '° '''^ '^« Company's who for peace sake, dare not oM r b t 11 "1 J ""' '"" Kouwenhoven's'corn. Kouwenhoven brought over a hundred musk" s'for^'t e C ' "T '''' """ ""^^ •^"-'' -° distributed among them, but we. soT'to he l'^^^^^^^^^ and with the consent of the Director twnln a """'* "" '^""^ ""' stamped; to the Indians in payment of e.ad Z'l '""7"^ «'"" '^ ^'^^ ^"«'""> «^ ^-esend n^onths; indeed, n'o^nspecnlnh re'takeMr'lh'eT T '"' '"""'^'^ ^^"^'^ '"- when he himself was the cause and made a 1 ill tr^l^^^^^ ! f "■'?"' '''''"''^ ""« "^ connivance, once brought an Indian to n.e wi.l. a stamp^uT but it "'. 1""' '"" Kouwenhoven I -Hould perform my duty, in order to ^:^:^Z^:;;:Z::j^-^Z^.^- '''' ' Sit. V«n Ourler. _ Eo. I ill 4 504 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Instruction for Hendrick vnn Dyck, Fiscal of the General Incorporated We«t India Company in New Nelherland and adjoining places. Gravamina for the vindication of this Instruction, by me as Fiscal of New Nelherland and adjoining places, to the High and Mighty and Noble Lords and Masters. 1. In the first place, he shall be holden with zeal, diligence and activity to protect, preserve, and defend the public and Company's rights, domains, jurisdiction, dignity and authority, as well in as out of.Court, witliout dissimulatio'i or regard to any private favor or hate. On the voyage hither, or first to Cura§ao, with the Director, his Honor confiscated in the roadstead of (St.) Christopher the yacht called the Liefde wMch sailed from Schiedam; this was done without desiring to have any demand from me officially to that effect; refusing me free access and seat, contrary to the Instruction, saying: (Jet out, whenever I need you, I'll call you ; addressing to me this rude language — Who allowed you to come into the Court V In regard to the protecting, preserving and defending the Company's lands, rights, domains, jurisdiction and authority, the Director hath continually treated me in like manner, recognizing me no further than he thought proper now and then, and as his liking or disliking dictated, as he strutted along in his sovereign mood. .1 2. He shall consequently be and form a party when necessary, in all questions of police, justice and finance, before our Director and Council resident in New Nelherland, and before the Military and Naval Courts there, or which shall resort under the ai.ihority of the aforesaid Di-^ctor and Council, to any forts, roads or havens in and on the Coast of New Nelherland, and the places thereon adjoining, at all which he shall have free access and seat, but no vote. When I arrived in the harbor of Curasao, I offered my s^'vice according to the Instruction to attend to t'"e Company's rights in discharging the ships, the Groole Gcrrit and the Princet which his Honor did not permit, though there was no other Fiscal there, saying: You are no Fiscal of Curasao ; refusing me there free access and seat, as long as we remained, and keeping me in the ship some three weeks, ere I ■* permitted to go ashore, notwithstanding all the other otficers, nay, even the soldiers hau ave immediately on their arrival. In New Nelherland lie admitted me and gave me a seat according to his pleasure, not hesitating to exclude me from Court for the space of 29 months, afterwards detaining me a prisoner in my house 4 days, with a sentinel before the door who had express orders not to permit any person to speak to me, and then releasing me when his hastiness was over and his passion had abated. Thus hath his Honor endeavored, from the beginning, to drive me from the service. 3. To his care are committed the direction and management of all actions, as well civil at criminal, thereabout ; to institute, defend, arrange and draw up the same, and prosecute them to a tertnination in such manner as be shall, ou hia sworn oath find proper, or consider best. i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI. 505 4. It being well understood, that he shall not undertake any actions having reference to our rights, domain or finance, except by order of our Council aforesaid. The direction and management of all business, both Civil and Criminal h«„« i, undertaken by the Director himself, who employed me very aeirld nosuh M« h :Xi::T"'T'''' --^ to keep Ue from the^orl^hrh^T ^cL M 1' mSJ^- ,?"""'"• ," • '""''"" ""^ '^•""""^ ' """"^ "* "^y «"'■' ""'J Pleo" drawn up by the with instituting suits or was willing to hear a word from me in the case. ff. And he shall not criminally arraign any man before the respective courts of justice nor cause h.m to be arrested, but upon previous information, which howier he Bhall not take himself, except by order as aforesaid, or in such cases as he might have personally been witness to. when they took place, and wherein the delinquent might be prosecuted on the instant occurrence of the dee.). God be praised, no criminal cases occurred in my time deserving of corporeal punishment the DireTor.'""" '"'' ^"'' ""' '°'*'""" ""^-b--^' -'-was pLoned by 6. In the taking of informations, he shall exert himself honestly and legally to scrutinize matters to the utmost, with all their circumstances, to establish in writing the truth thereof in the strictest and purest manner, noting therein, as well the points o( de ence of the prisoners and accused persons, as the accusations against them • provided always that what most concerns the interest of the Company therein' must first of all be inquired into. ^ So far as I have taken information. I have, without boasting, acted honestly and Wallv herein ; the informations, among others, taken by me against Cornells van Tienhoven who hath brought from Holland to this country a young woman named Lysbeth Hoochvelt. und^r promise o( marriage, and had carnal conversation with her. both in Holland and on board of ship, notwithstanding he has here a married wife; and against the skipper of the fVaUr/,oud in which Tienhoven and the above named Lysbeth came over togetheJ.'for having Cetdl sugar prize rather freely. This, the Director, the Minister Megapolensi, and tl!e Director', needy Councillors have endeavored and sought to oppose in every way and by all sinister practices, and so well were their mouths sweetened out of the said sugar prize, that Tienhoven a become so sweet to them that they cannot taste any bitterness in hfm. for to uphold •; character they have made him Fiscal, but the poison now making itself manifest in t sweetness, it appears that they will experience a heavy and severe purgation. I hope God W.I yet punish he presumption of the notoriously wicked, and the oppression of the innocent and guileless. In other cases where the interests of the Hon- Company were concern d .uch as. among the rest, that of Cornells Melyn and the ship the FoL/n. 1 must take thj Vol. I. „4 9S 506 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ui a informations of the ship's crew in confinement in the Tavern, according to the draft and order of the Director, in the presence of his aforesaid illegal Councillors, and whether I have done well or ill, his order must be followed and not be exceeded, so as to avoid trouble and blows. Thus, his Honor has to answer for everything. 'Tis not strange that his Honor hath accused me of negligence to the Hon*"' Directors of the Chamber at Amsterdam, as I have understood from their despatches; for his Honor is accustomed to threw his misdeeds on other men's heads and to asperse them therewith. Whoso obeys orders, doth well; though he doth ill, 'twill be defended in the despatch. 7. He shall strictly cause to be observed the placards, ordinances, resolutions, military regulations and commands of the High and Mighty Lords States General and the General Incorporated West India Company, and see that nothing be done contrary thereto. Their High Hightinesses' and the Honorable Company's placards, ordinances, resolutions, instructions and commands were never shown to me by the Director, much less was copy communicated thereof, but when requested hath always been refused; and it was stated in full Assembly on the 4 July, 1660, and afterwards, that the Lords Directors wrote to him not to communicate anything either to me or to the Deputy, and to keep all letters secret from us; which he hath done. 'Tis a strange and lamentable thing still to continue the Fiscal in this manner as Councillor. To this end he shall take good care, and use all diligence in finding out and obtaining information of the ill conduct and delinquencies of officers and of all persons who are in the general or special pay, by water or on land, of the General Incorporated West India Company; for which purpose he shall pay strict regard when the Commissaries come to the Manhattans from their trading posts; Item, when ships arrive from or leave for Patria, and to the loading and discharging of the same, without neglecting anything in the prosecution of the confiscations, and other penalties and fines, whether on the goods or persons of those who shall be at any time found guilty, according to our aforesaid Resolutions, ordinances and Military regulations, or in default thereof, the written laws directing the proceedings and prescribing the style and manner thereof; to the proper phraseology of all writings and proofs, until these shall be brought to a determination, after which he shall prosecute the same to a conclusion, all in the speediest manner without delay to parties. I refer to the answer to the G"* and 12"" articles of the general Instruction, as far as I was employed, whether in visiting the ships arriving from Patria and returning thither, I have done my duty. But divers ships, such as the St. Btni'Jo, the hide prize, the ValckenUr, were unloaded without me, the Director employing as Inspector, Paulus Leendertsen, late naval officer, whom he heretofore pronounced to be an open robber, and who is now one of his Select men ; the Director retained the invoices, as Paulus Leendersen also did in the case of the prize at Cm ^, without my knowledge. The Director and Paulus Leendersen, obtaining goods from Holland by the Valcktnier above named ; thes" must not he put in the store, but be brought f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VL 5^7 fhe'^returnT'o'? 7^'T "'""r"?" . '''"''" "" ' "''°™^'^ °^ ^"^^ '^^'P* "^ ^he duties on Ifln r K uT"' *'••"'" "''' "'■^'^'"'^ I '=°"''l "«^" '«y«" eye on; this was Hirh M ?r ^ the Director on Ins own authority. Although I could not get a sight of their contanrT "' .'^ "°"" "^""'"'"^'^ "^'^*"^"-«- --'"'-- instructio s d how „ H 7' "^^^"'^^'r P"'"'-'"^'^ '"y duty as well as possible and as well as I knew Javored or hated. On the smallest pretext, the latter must sufler, as the old Select men who were dismissed by the Director, are daily obliged to feel. 9. And in order to enjoy more freedom in all cases, he shall not take from any person whomsoever, any salary, pensions or gifts, and shall content himself with the civil fir.es or penalties which shall be adjudged to him ; and as regards the criminal fines, confiscations of wages, monthly pay and such like, he shall make no further da.m than shall be permitted to him at the discretion of our beforementioned Director and Council, who should endeavor so to manage thereupon, that the Fiscal s part, according to circumstances, shall not exceed for any one person, 25, 30, or at the utmost 50 guilders. I declare never to have received anything to the prejudice of the High and Mighty and Noble Lords and Masters, but have been content with whatever the Director and Counci^have o wTl"'' IT "'' '7 'f r ""'^ ""'" ^" "^P^^' ^° """'-• «"«« -'J confiscations of wages, monthly pay and such like, it never happened, except as above. 10. But from prizes or captured goods nothing shall be received or claimed, under any pretence by him; he shall only pertinently inform himself of all sorts of prizes which may be captured anywhere within his jurisdiction, by the ships or yachts of the Company or private persons, of the time, place and persons, nations and causes, whereby these should be holden and declared to be good prizes, and obtain all accounts regarding the quantity and quality of the captured property, and cause the same, after previous valuation, to be declared good prizes by our Director and Council there. I have neither received nor claimed anything from prizes or captured goods, but the Director has to answer for the proceeds thereof; namely, of the prizes at Caracos, the hide prize the three prizes brought by Captain Blauvelt. the Portuguese sugar prize captured last year, 1G51 by the IVaierkond, of which the Director and Cornells van Tienhoven. with the Lords have' disposed according to their pleasure. The Director only allowed me a trifle of sugar. 11. He shall likewise aid in observing that in cases carrying with them loss of life and property, the Judges shall be duly qualified, and be at least five in number, and he shall equally assist to procure the enforcement of the same rule, wheresoever criminal judicature shall be holden thereabout. :m A m m ^^"^^Wf If . 508 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. I The Director hath, on his own authority, qualified and admitted as many and such councillors as he thought proper; who were under obligations to him, and he well knew would not be opposed to him in the occasion of confiscating ships, and who had not capacity to penetrate a question, such as his present Select men, who are in his good graces, as they are devoted to him ; and whenever 1 contradicted him, I got a growl just as if he would eat me up. IS. In case extensive Colonies shall come there, in order that all may proceed regularly, the Commanders of said Colonies thereabouts, shall endeavor that from time to time, the judgments delivered within their jurisdiction, whether civil or criminal, with the informations and answers taken thereupon shall be sent to him, that he may examine and see if any excesses have been committed, and in case of any such, to cause the same to be corrected in future ; also if particular malice shall be anywhere observed, to proceed as before, on communication earnestly and rigorously against the malfeasors. I refer to my answers to all the preceding ; this article can be satisfied thereby. 13. He shall transmit hither by ships coming here, copies both of the judgments and informations sent to him and of those taken and obtained by himself, and allow the institution of all judicial acts necessary to defend the same here. I have observed this as far as I was able, but the Director must chiefly defend himself. 14. He shall take care that the criminal matters and judgments decided by our said Director and Council shall, after communication with them, be promptly executed. The Director hath caused the sentences to be executed according to his pleasure, but no criminal cases occurred except as related. 15. He shall also take care that such as are in prison with the knowledge of the Director and Council aforesaid, shall not remain long thereat the expense of the Company, without special cause, but so expeditiously prosecute them, that their trials shall be dispatched, and therefore advise the Director and Council as frequently as possible what prisoners are in keep at bis suit, or otherwise and on what charges. The humor of the Director is followed in the apprehending, detaining and discharging of prisoners. Whether properly or improperly done, the Director is to answer; according to his orders have I acted ; otherwise he would have efiectually imprisoned me or bastinadoed me with the rattan. 16. In fine, he shall be holden in all places and in all matters to be diligent and faithful, as a good and trusty Fiscal is bound and obliged to be, in return for such allowances and emoluments as are allowed to him by the Honorable Company. sure, but no HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VL -«o .ad .™., .... .H. L.,d. „„, .. p,„„a .0 p., "j;:,:;! ir,"'.;eZl; ::;•:;.. ■ "»'• 17. And for the better execution and performance of his duty and office, the Secretary of the a oremenfoned Director and Council shall as we hereby cha ge him astuhe Fiscal, .„ the taking of any preparatory information, such as judic al ac'ts Tnd al other previous matters and papers in Judicio and out of the same wh ct'sh U t necessary for the performance of his duty. " Secretary Cornells van Tienhoven, the clerks and other writers in the serv.Vp .r .k v, b. Company here, have not been willing to assist m« .S n i. T °^ '''* "°° acknowledge me except in whatev^r'al d 'd ^h t e';;::^r.^^^^^^^^ defend myself against the Director's false accusation, IhTk", ? "°'' "'"' '"^ *° taste of the Director's disfavor who wer an" way e ic" L : " in? '"', '' °''^" ""' ^ for such, as well as myself and the Deputy were es eemed bv th« n ' '?'"^°'' ^"''"S* government of New Netherland. though ertielvinnol^ H ' ''"''' "«""'«* '"« nothing else than peace and a united good goverlrnt. ""'"""^ '" "^ °P'"-° 18. He shall also enjploy a sworn or such officer as the aforesaid council is accustomed f. make use of, to serve all such summonses, citations, or any othlr T ! mandamuses necessary to the performance and execution ofYislce andTu^ " The marshal of the court was at my service according to the pleasure of th- n- . . when the latter or his council affected displeasure, the Officer dura' not ^o ay bu^r;?:; '"^ or serve any process, in order to retain the Director's good graces. "^ 19. All this provisionally, the Directors of the West Indin rnmna„.. Gene™, A.se™M, „r .He X.X., ,H..e m.™."".,^":" ^11°^^' accordmg to circumstances, or Otherwise to order as to thom «hlii ' Th„. do., ^ Be,»„ „.. .,„e. wuh .Ke j^z. i-^::, r.rjx:: The alteration, diminution or enlarging of this Instniptmn »,o« „».,o. i, me. notwithstanding I have repoatedfy Lou^ ^ To": ts s o ^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ office, on account of the trouble the Director gave me in the performance of my du ,^s Zl finally I have received from the Hon"'. Lords Directors of thp PhnmK., . a ^ . "** ..„. by .H, Di,.eu,r .o ., hou,e, f,„„ .U.,ZZ': f unt. l^Ir fD' '""" and others his sycophants, who were latelv in Fn»h»,i„„^ • ""''^"''*'^' ""»* 'he Director .ueifMM. wm\.Vn,.:..„.en:;:rv;T' ir:;Lr.:eCV'TV''\'T'^ nei.her recalW nor di.mi.Kd .hereby, the DIreolor h.ih J 1, ""!'"''■ ^''""'S'l ' m n,y pue. p„. bu donr, „o.o„o„., .•^^x X:^:!^:::::^^^:^^:!::!:^ ^'Ji . i>m. I'm 510 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. i t Lampoon against Director Stuyvesant. This circulated Lampoon aiTorded tlie Director a pretence to deprive me of my office. Myn heere Generael. 'Tis impossible for me to conceal from your Honor, that I heard you berated and cursed on the 11'* of March at Mr. Fyn's house, as a rogue and a tyrant, with many other slanderous defamations, which cut me to the heart. Thou art a God appointed of God. I pray you for Christ his sal^e, to prevent it or I shall again come to great misfortune thereby, for I can no longer listen to it, and dare not acquaint you of it by word of mouth. Krestman Vyn and two women heard it also. I wish the Fiscal would bestii himself. No one is better. Was neither signed nor subscribed, nor collated with the discovered scrap, this 28'* March 1652 in New Amsterdam. Signed Cor van Tienh : Secret^ Respecting the Lampoon. Whoso does not call the Director, "General," is not his friend. In all Commissions and Patents he styles himself thus: — Petrus Stuyvesant, on the behalf of the High and Mighty Lords Slates General, and the General Incorporated West India Company of the United Netherlands, Director General of New Netherland, Curai;ao, Bonaire, Aruba and the dependencies thereof. Captain Admiral over the Ships and Yachts cruizing in the North parts of America. The word,-; in the Lampoon, "Thou art a God appointed of God," and the halberdiers whom the Director keeps as his body guard, greatly augment his pride. This Christman, who came heretofore into the country as Supercargo, was appointed by the Director, clerk to Tienhoven, and by his informing and tattling whilst a resident here, hath rendered himself very obnoxious to everybody and tvas strongly suspected of having circulated this Lampoon, Francis, his late Captain in Brasil who was here in the year 1G50, and applied, on returning to Fatherland, for my place, as some of the Directors know, is also a witness against me, as well as a woman, one widow Lammerije by fiame, with whom Christman cohabited when here, and was to be stewed into a Fiscal by the Director and Tienhoven, if the pot be kept closely covered ; these were to have heard me curse the Director. 'Tib to be considered '. hether this be not a conspiracy of these persons to drive me from my place. I have frequently said and complained that the Director never treated me otherwise than as his boy, and that he allowed Van Tienhoven to deceive him, which is well known to all men here, but nothing else. However, what he is, will be best known by his defence and report. Extract from the Resolution of New Netherland, 28* March, 1C52. The Honorable, the Director General, having submitted at the meeting to the Hon'''* the Councillors and the summoned Select men, the frequent misbehaviors and connivances of Hendrick van Dyck, to this date Fiscal of New Netherland, wherefore the said Lord General represents it to be for the advantage of his Lords Superiors, and for the public peace and good, to supersede the said person from his office and quality, and to audit his account, which is this day done in presence of the Hon'"'* Councillors, and undersigned invited Select men. Wherefore, the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VI 511 aforesaid Hendrick van Dyck is dismissed from his office and trust, and notified bv the Hon- D.rector General in the Assembly, not to trouble himsef henceforward ila 1652 I'nT ' A T J""' ""t '^""'"' ^-"'^-«- ^an den Grift, this 28'^ Tu l?u I Amsterdam. ... New Netherland. Was signed, By order of the Hon-, the D.rector. Cornelis van Tienhoven. Secretary. ^ hav?demard^tTa:S;Se:;tm^^^ T V' -"' ""' ^° '^ ««<"-'^- ^ His Honor derivrmrorl^^^^^^ being willing to support me therein. Corners van T.enhoven. as Secretary, acted faithlessly and falsely in the drawin.^. 5 Extract of the Resolution of the date above mentioned. The Fiscal. Hendrick van Dyck, appears in the Assembly, where he is informed by the Hon ■• D.rector General, that he. Hendrick van Dyck. hath injured the Genera ia h.s honor and fame, which he hereby expressly denies, and therefore prots. 8 aga.nst h.s d.sm.ssal. and demands copy hereof, and the discovered pap. >' Done as above. Beneath was- Agrees with the Register of Resolutions. ( Signed ) Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary. In place of Lampoon makers being punished and instead of search being made, as it ou«ht to be, to d.scover them, the Director believes, on the contrary, that the Lampoons Ire o u "*L him. as in this case, so as the better to play his card The TiirSnl I I .\ *° .have wounded him in his honor and reV^oti^lfwhl^^ hX^^^^^^^^ real vlTlTnf "' " '" 'rT""''' "" """ °^ ''''''' '° -"«- ^^^ 'his usurped sov ignty really smacks of force and violence, and the Lords can judge how matters go here. * ^ ' which he, Van Dyok, o.Il. . Umpoou. If^.r,^k Cohniat Ji,^rd.. T. - £,. [f-% -w..' ^- SIS NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Letter of the Hon''" Directors of the VJest India Company Chamber at Amsterdam, to Hendrick van Dyck, Fiscal. Honorable, Valiant, Beloved, Faithful, We aj-e in receipt of your letters of the SS"- December 1G50, IS" and 12"" September of this last year, wherein you complain on the one hand of Cornelis Melyn in these express words: — that he hath grodsly slandered the Hon**'" Directors and that it wero desirr.ble that such rascals had never come thnre ; and, on the other hand you complain of the Director's arger against you. We shall state biierty in answer, thct the Directors are vnry little surprised at the calumnies of dishonorable men, and it makes little difference whether bad men are there or here, but we had wished that as you had such opinion of those people, that you had performed your duty, and had in season o strict watch at Staten Island on the ship in which he went over, as that was the place ■>'here you could fall in with all the contraband goods f^iat he hath run on shore there during the night and at unseasonable times; and we cannot put such smuggling on any othei than your shoulders. We know not in what the Director', anger against you consists; yet we suppose he does not put you to any inconvenience without great cause. But whilst you are free, Oil youi side, to complain, neithi-r can we omit to inform you, sii, of the reasons of our dissatisfaction, independent of the complaints of the Director and Council respecting your disorderly life and dissolute conversation. We shall therefore tell you frankly from tiio mouths of many honorable people arrived from those parts, all of whom declare, that you ordinarily pass your time in drunkenness, that you scarcely pay any attention to your oflice, whit h we cannot tolerate. Out of respect for your friends, many of your faults have been overlooked, but for all that, no change for the better has been observed. We are, therefore, constrained to recommend you to aUend to your bounden duty; otherwise, we shall be obliged lO make such provision in the premises as shall be proper. Herewith, we commend you Honorable, Beloved, Valiant, Faithful, to Cod's protection and remain Your good friends. The Directors of ihe West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, Amsteruam, 9'^ April, IG-ia. (Signed,) F. Sciiuvr.KNnoRCH. KOUARJL* Mi" ". (Addressed) Honorable, Valiant, Beloved, Faithful Hendrick van Dyck, Fisc .l, in New Nuthcrland. Mr. van Dyck's answer to the preceding Letter. My Lords. The cnmpiaint.^ 1 have made in my quality as Fiscal, against Cornelis Melyn, in the desp-it'h o( the yb"- of December KiOO, I was obliged to make, as appears by the Journal of the Supercargo, for the protection of my Lords and Masters. The complaints in my letters of ir,* ami 1^"" Si-ptpmber lOol of the Dirci lur's anger against me. I, to my sorrov-, have been obliged to make, and you cau infer froai all the foregoing, whfther 1 had oud still have not, ( Aiiuterdam, HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VI. 518 The ship with which Melyn came, anc" ed w t e Sood ZtrZZTl T'' ''"^'"- Had my recommendation to the Director to institute my suit against Melvn and tho ^H conjointly been attended to. such disorder had not occurred in thf ^.1^ ^/^^' h=-rr;h^:^j^;::-rr^^^^^^ displeased with me. inasmuch as^u give credit to Ihrr^rLo';: t d^e:,;^;:":;; a^d d.S80lute hfe; I am certain that those who informed against me. willingly accept mvoSc« ar, are devoted to the Director; for the latter having laired so hard removTle U dt notappear strange to me that I am unjustly accused and slandered in all mannero'f ways The los« of t.me by running about in drunkenness, if it must needs be. and notwi hs taS* the contrary u best known to me. is a trivial circumstance ; yea, in my opi ion. demies res,f fruu/"nd n^"T'r"' '^ ^"'^^ *"''°™^" "^'^'-' -«• I wiLgly acknowedt my faults and pray God da.ly to remove them and to amend my life. SucJ personsw th thTi^ aTr Z "• U °" '"^f'"« \''"^ °"" ^'"^' ^°'"'"««' '"'S''' -" remain'silen Tam ly TTlotn "r'^";r '" """'" ""' '"^ "''"•'• ''"' '^'« -«"y '-"-ked in me. yet not a r.enhoven though ha come out of the Tavern so full that he cannot walk it must be whattn T' "" '"" " "'"« '''''''' ""-^ "P'-"^ "^-^ ^y ''- Com a ; b^t wi 1 .That .mprovcment m return, appears hereby. I thank you extremely for the recommendaC of my bounden duty, assuring you. whenever the Director's violence shall cease. o^rS r s aU be ,n troduced herem. that I shall demean myself i„ the discharge of my duly a an honoraLll Fiscal ought to do; but this is impossible for me under the preset adinini't^t'n High and Mighty and Noble Lords. The treatment I have experienced here hath given me occasion thus to present my gravamina for my vindication, declaring according to proof. &c. confirmed by oatJin 2 matter, of my ofl.ce, that the whole is true and truthful ; not doubting, yea. assurL mv Lord, that the Director's defence of hi. administration will establish his^ufu: "rv'ereign u ' and that h.s unheard of rigorous and passionate proceedings will be confirmed by the complaint; of he inhab, ants, and I trust, that no idle evasions nor frivolous accusation, against Zs one and that, will excuse the D.rec.or, whilst others who have not eaten of the roast meat are to be beaten with the spu. May God preserve the High and Mighty and Noble Lord, and 2^^Z;^Z;Z::' '"°"' «°^"""'^"- ^--^ "«- """'-""- '-^-Nethenand. Your Servant at command. (Signed) H. van Dick, Fiscal. Vot. I. M 514 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRiPTS. I Appendix, received 6lh December, 1652. This day G* December, 1651, before me Johannes Vrosse by the Court of Holland admitted a Public Notary residing at Amsterdam and in presence of undernamed witnesses personally appeared Elizabeth Janns, innkeeper, widow of Bastiaen Nalsman, residing at the Arms of Haerlem at the dam (overtoom) outside the Holy road gate of this City, aged about GO years, and hath declared by true Christian words, on her conscience in place and under offer of a solemn oath, if necessary, at the request of Marritgen Ommers, widow of Jan Fraassen Croon of Hoochvelt deceased, late basket maker in this city, that he testifies and attests that it is true and well known to her that, last winter and in the beginning of this current year 1551, without being certain of the precise time, a person named Mr. Cornells van Tienhoven came divers times to the house of the deponent keeping open tavern at the Ooerloom aforesaid, with Lysbet Janssen Croon of Hoogvelt, daughter of the requirant herein, and have there at different times, now and then eaten fish and showed and' manifested towards each other great love and friendship such as is the custom among sweethearts; moreover, she the deponent on such occasions distinctly heard and understood that the abovenamed Van Tienhoven hath represented himself as a suitor and a single unmarried person, whereupon she, the witness, said toVanTienhoven, If yoube a single man why do you not marry her, (meaning the abovenamed Lysbet.) To which question and observation the aforesaid Van Tienhoven hath answered, I will not marry in this Country, but so soon as we have arrived in New Netherland, I will then marry. Thus done without the City of Amsterdam aforesaid in presence of Mr. Abrnm Caspars and Martyn Luych, wilneises. Subscribed. Quod attestor rogatus Joannis Crossis, Nu ary Public. Upon collation this agrees with its original, dated and signed as pbove, in New Amsterdam in New Nelherlnnd. Signed ^p:^ D. V. Schelluyne, Notary .^ublic. Agrees (after collation) with the authentic copy by me. (Signed) D. V. Schelluvnb, Notary Public 1652A Appendix, received 6th December, 1 G62. Singnoor, as I have found good quarters where I have been formerly lodged, be so good at to come with the bearer hereof, who will show you ihe way. I expect you, sir. Your humble Friend, M' Kip hands you this letter. (Signed) C. V. Tibnhovew, Upon collation with its original, signed ns above, this is found to agree therewith; In New Amsterdam, New Netherland, 31" July, A" 1G53. Beneath was (signed) D. V. Schelluyne, Notary Public. Agrees (after collation by me,) with the authentic copy. (Signed) D. V. Schelluyne, Notary Public. 1G52,\. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VL su Appendix, received 6th December, 1652. anr'e;erv tt"!' ?"'«°'""«'"'" ^'^f^'^^' -"^ ««««»»- of the Hague, make known to each and every, hat before us came and appeared Louisa Noe. wife of Arien Fietersz- Bock ret f Tr"''''t '"^' "'" '^'"« '"'^ «"'"'"°"«'^ ^^ «'- -"^-ee of the „ h at the req est of Maertyn Ommers. widow of John Fra„s«e„ Croon, of Hooghvelt. in hs lifetime a takTn hV"he^"'r r* ^"' ^ ''' '''T'' ''''''''' '' -iemn'oath 'administered^ and taken by her. that her declaration or deposition, made before the Notary. Martva PuIltNtta;v'h;the CoT '"^' ^^^^''" Beeckman. admitted 1 ubi.c Notary, by the Cour of Holland, res.dmg at the Hague, and before the undernamed ManatbanMnNewNethrland.whereby:h:r;ue:Lt?^^^^^ and that she speak by her woman's troth, instead of an oath, at the requisition of MarHen Ommers. w.dow of Jan Franssen Croon, of Hooghvelt. in his lifetime basket maker, withi^ he cty of Amsterdam that about a year ago. not being certain about the precise datura cm a corpulent and th.ckset person, of red and bloated visage and light hair, who she afrerwari^ understood was called Van T^enhoven (and who on her frequency asking him or hi na":!' refused to g.ve U). requested her to engage a room for him and a certain young lad^^ o woman! a. s e. the deponent, was accustomed .o do. She. according to such request, first engZd and bespoke a room ,n the ^F.^^...,. here, which said Thienhoven noUikin; he gave her hree guilders for her trouble. ...ying he wished a room in a house with a shop wLeupon the deponent says, she was again employed to look up another room, and bespoke one „ ^he house 0. a grocer here .n the Pooten, opposite the Bogyne,truuc, at the sign of the Univer.a f^r V TH K ""T' "^' ""' '°^ '•'^ '^""''•^ °" "- — ^ o-asion. she re e ed from Van Th.enhoven three guilders more. She the deponent, further saith. tha before to the nbovennmed woman; whether she should hire it for a young man or for a married r.::i l" "ih :• h :":""• ''^" ""• '^"^ '^ ^^ ^ "'"«•« -"• - ' ^-^ "•'-. "« depo „t' should s y that he had run away with the woman. ng.nnst the will of her parents, but tha he intended to marry her on the first opportunity, which he frequently repeated to he the deponent, and that frie.Ki. were employed to obtain her parents' consenl an'd 1 1 'ol i-.n marry her. Further, she. the deponent, attesting and declaring that the above am d person whose name she heard was Thienhoven. came a few days after to her hoL wi Zhe aforesaid young woman ami complained that Sherifl' P„uw had caught him. sny i g I d t displeased, she repaired and complained thereof, to the Bailiff- who consented to investjl tf the matter. He Thienhoven understanding this, prevailed on him to desist f rom .* ch investigation^ She. the deponent, terminating her deposition herewith, offers, if necessary ^d when demanded, to renew and with solemn oath to repeat and affirm all the aforesaid. Thu, here, and P Ki.senburgh. being invited hereunto a. witnesses, who have signed the minull 'U 516 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. hereof, with the aforesaid deponent and me, the Notary, at the ahove date. Below was Quod ita esse afferm: and was signed M. Beeckman, Notary Public. In testimony whereof, we have confirmed these presents with the impression of our Common City Seal, the second March, XVI"= and fifty-two, was signed G. Graswinckel. Having on the margin a seal impressed in green wax, covered with paper. After collation with its orginal, signed and sealed on the date above, is this copy found to agree therewith, in New Amsterdam, in New Netherland, on the 31" July, A" 1652. Signed by me, D. V. Schelluyne. Agrees (after collation by me,) with the authenticated copy. (Signed) D. V. Schelluyne, Not. PublS 1662^. Appendix, received 6 December, 1G52. We, the Schout, Burgomaster, S^hepens and Regents of the Hague, make known to each and every, that before us came and appeared Jacob Thomassen van Kessel, burgher and inhabitant here, who being duly summoned to testify the truth, on the petition of Maritjen Ommers, widow of Jr.n Franssen Croon, of Hoogvelt, in his lifetime basket maker within the city of Amsterdam, and he, the deponent, declares by solemn oath, duly proposed to and taken by him, that his declaration or deposition made before the Notary, Martin Beeckman, and certain witnesses on the S"" of December, 1061, is true and truthful, as follows: This day, the 8* of December, 1651, before me, Martin Beeckman, Public Notary, admitted by the Court of Holland and residing at the Hague, and the undernamed witnesses, appeared Jacob Thomassen van Kessel, who, on further request and requisition of Maritjen Ommers, widow of the late Jan Franssen Croon of Hoogvelt, in his lifetime basket maker within the city of Amsterdam, and agreeably to the latter of Elizabeth van Hoogvelt, written at the Manathans, in New Netherland, the nbovenamed Requirant, specially mentioned therein, prays, that the deponent should be requested to testify in this matter, as he hath full cognizance thereof, who, on his veracity and conscience, instead of oath, hath certified and declared as he N. B. doth hereby that it is true, t/uit Secretary van Thieiihoven having slept at his house a considerable time with a certain Elysabeth ran Hooghvclt, was caught by the respective sheriB's of the Hague; first by Sheriff Paauw and afterwards by Peilenburch, and' that when said Thienhoven and the aforesaid Elysabeth van Hooghvelt were ejected from his, deponent's house, had afterwards gone to a grocery here in the Pooten, opposite the Bngynestraat, at the sign of the Universa' Friend ; he, the deponent, giving good reasons for his knowledge of the aforesaid, that he hath heard it all from the mouth of the abovenamed Thienhoven when the latter opened hie heart to him, at the time he returned onco in a while to sleep at his, deponent's house; he did, also, learn particularly from said Thienhoven's mouth, that he was obliged to pay to the almrrnamed two Sheriffs, as a fiat, the sum of cightyHro Rlx dollars, in two several divisions, because he had been caught with the nbovenamed F«' ^^-^^ one of their ^ H » 11 » /Siiafe* fir^n^o^ to ;A« Chamier at Amsterdam. To the Director, of the West India Company at the Chamber at Amsterdam. The States, etc. Ha=.dhX:^X:ri£rt:x^^^ and requiring that within 'the space of twodlys f om the r.o t ^T"^ '° "»' "^"^''ing to us information thereupon, or else se^rsome oZn h r '^ ""u T" ^"' «="""" "«'<=«'« Relying thereupon, etc. 'd „e ^ " DectZr, 2 °° '"" '"''''' '" ''''^' P^''^^"''- |i < Chamber at Amsterdam to the States General. I RftMu of rni<*cmm BH,o^ m ih. lUyiU ArehlTM it U.. Hmu.. ] High and Mighty Lords. FoHoi We yesterday duly received your High Mightinesses' letter of the 28'k in«fnnt p.im«« .» 520 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. observe, that we immediately gave orders to examine the aforesaid petition, point by point, and to draw up accordingly a rescript thereupon as far as will be necessary for the defense of the Company's right; then as the points set forth against us are very numerous, and necessitate the examination and review of divers papers and documents, we have hereby humbly to submit to you, High and Mighty, that 'tis impossible not only to accomplish this in two «'.Hys, but to have it done even in two weeks. We, therefore, respectfully request that ample time be afforded us, to make answer unto all according to demand and circumstances, the rather as the aforesaid Patroon and co-directors suffer no prejudice herein, the ship having sailed eight days ago for New Netherland, and as no opportunity will offer until the spring, in ti?e month of April or May, when the vessels are accustomed to take their departure for that quarter. Relying thereupon, we shall. High and Mighty Lords, etc. Your High Mightinesses' Servants, The Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. Amsterdam, this 31 December, 1662. (Signed) Eduard Man. Received, 2 January, 1653. Isaack van Bbeck. ■ 11 > II » Resolution of the States Oenerd on the preceding Letter. [ From VSn Regittw of Vett India AflUri, 1653 — IOCS, la tbe B071I AtchlrM at Ui* Hagu*. ] Thursday, 2 January, 1653. Folio 45. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, written there the 31" December last, in answer to their High Mightinesses' letter of the 28"* of said month, with intelligence that it was impossible for them to furnish their coioniiu la New High Mightinesses, within the space of 2 days, the requisite information on the NeibMund. petition of the Patroon and co-directors of the Colonic Renselaerswyck, requesting, therefore, that proper time be afforded them to give au answer upon all points according to demand and circumstances. Whereupon no action was taken. < II > >i » Chanyber at Amstetdam to the States Oeneral. I From 111* Orlgloal In ths Bojal Arehlre* at th* nagne ; Ilia VTat IndU. ] High and Mighty Lords. After W€ received on the 30"" December last your High Mightinesses' letter of the 28* of the same month, and briefly and provisionally submitted on the following day to your High Mightinesses that it would be impossible for us to give an answer within the space of two days HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII -«, OBl de Laet and the wdow and heirs of Samuel Blommaert, co-directors of the coTonie nnnipH Ren,elaers-wyck we daily occupied ourselves in .he examination of the aforesa S " Uion and \eZ7ZZrVl "''' '•'^O'-^- General of New Netherland haradr^ TuVby persons So ar "'' T^'^fu' "'"'"' ""'^ informations of other qualified and reliable Erered hlr ^ " T I "^ '''"' ^'^'" """^ '^ ^' «^«'"'««'l ^hat we have not been prepared before now, to send your High Mightinesses the requisite information -herein w« 1 Lr n'd tha i ITh h '"r^'" "'^' ''"' '^^'''•'^^^•- '"^y •'^ »'^«J thereupon wisetro^rtrslTa^p^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "' ^'^^ ^"" ^«->«^«e of the circumstances in sL wifhlhrBoa^'Tn tt^'r^r "'' '^r""^'"" ^° ^""^^^ "" '''''^'"^ '° «^-P"'« -"tinually Neherland it h J h '■^' "' *^''' ^"'""'^ '"" ^'''^ t''"^^ "^ '^e Company in New 66 .« 3 I! !; s I lu 522 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. aforesaid complaints. If such has been the ense, we doubt not but we have satisfied your High Mightinesses, and shall willingly refer ourselves in the premises to your knowledge thereof. We readily confess we cannot perceive how the alleged acts of the Director General can be called attacks, unless the Patroon and co-directors had judged that the best course to adopt was to take up the case de piano and without any examination, because such would indeed be the most profitable for them who otherwise have no right ; but as it is unauthorized by your High Mightinesses, we hope 'twill not be of any weight. And as we, iu accordance with preceding submissions and resolutions, acknowledge your High Mightinesses herein as judges, so we, likewise, promise that we shall not attempt anything prejudicial to your commands whose authority we have always acknowledged and observed with more respect than even those of this Colonie, which shall be made apparent in the deduction of the case at the proper time. We only pray your High Mightinesses to be pleased to provide that no conclusion be taken herein to the prejudice of the Company without full knowledge of the case ; and with this view, that a plan be adopted on which your High Mightinesses will decide this suit shall be ordered, prosecuted and determined. Wherewith ending. High and Mighty Lords, we shall pray Almighty God for the uninterrupted success of your High Mightinesses' prosperous government. Your High Mightinesses' humble servants. The Directors of the West India Company, at the Chamber at Amsterdam, Amsterdam this 16"" January, 1 , Abr. Wilmerdonx. I '""^ ' Eduabo Man. Received 17"* January, Apptndix, received 17 January, 1653. Points extracted from the petition of the Patroon and co-directors of the Colonie Renselaers-Wyck. 1. First. Coming into the Colonie of Renselaers Wyck aforesaid, and there causing the Peti- tioners* flag to be hauled down in opposition to the will and protest of their officers. 2. Secondly. Publishing there, by placard, that timber might be cut in, and removed from, the Petitioners' woods, without the knowledge of the Petitioners or their officers, or applying to them on the subject. 3. Thirdly. Publishing, as aforesaid, that the right of jurisdiction and of soil appertained to the aforesaid Company to the extent of one Remarks by tlie Chamber at Amsterdam on the annexed Points. Directors are truly ignorant of the place where the Petitioners' flag was pulled down, and consequently cannot fiirnish any informa- tion on this point, unless on further advice. This placard is published at the place where the Company exercises jurisdiction, and the woods from which the timber was to betaken, are so defined that no person can be in f>nv wise injured by removing such timber; also, no one hath legally any pretention thereupon. The title of Fort Orange existed in the Com- pany long before the Colonie llenselaers- Wyck was ever granted, and the limits of the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VII. hundred and fifty rods around the aforesaid trading house causing the same to be staked off by the Petitioners' own inhobitants whom they conveyed over to the aforesaid Colonie at great expense, notwithstanding the ground was bought by the Petitionersfrom the previous owners and is notoriously their property, together with the jurisdiction there, thus depriving the Petitioners of their right, and a small bouwerie. 58S aforesaid Colonie were consequently computed above and below the fort. The Petitioners were afterwards /jrecorio allowed to come under the cannon of the fort, in order to be secure from the insolence of the Indians. No title can accrue from this. How far the limits of a fort ought to be computed, the Directors will hereafter willingly examine. 4. t Amsterdam Fourthly. Releasing the Petitioners' subjects there inherited from the oath taken to the Petitioners and its consequences, and binding them by an oath to the aforesaid Company. 6. Fifthly. Conceding on a ground rent the lands and lots aforesaid taken from the Petitioners, attempting to make there a village, already called Bevers-Wyck. Sixthly. Erecting a court of justice in the aforesaid trading house. 7. Seventhly. Forming from the inhabitants of the aforesaid Colonie, a company of men as it were of the said West India Company, whom they incite not only against their fellow inhabitants, but also against their lawful Lords and the contracts entered into with them. 8. Eighthly. Releasing on his arrival at the Manhatans.Gerardt Swart, who was sent Sheriff to the aforesaid Colonie, from the oath taken to the Petitioners, and forcing him to take an oath to the aforesaid Company. 9. Ninthly. Requiring communication of the rolls, protocols, sentences, resolutions and suits relating to the Colonie and its affairs. On the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh points, the Directors ignore and consequently deny, in good faith, that anything was done against the Petitioners' subjects ; but these people are free inhabitants, bound in no way to those of the Colonie. As far as we know, this person was not released by the oath taken to the Company, from the oath previously taken to the Petition- ers, but remains bound to both in their respective qualities. The Petitioners are expressly bound by the Freedoms to make this communication, and it was accordingly well nnd legally demanded. 5S4 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 10. Tenthly. Causing, by force, the bell in the house of the Director of the nforesaid Colonie, to be rung by Johannes Dyciiman, Commis- sary at the aforesaid trading house, assisted by soldiers with loaded muskets, burning match and open pans, for the purpose of publishing the aforesaid pretensions. 11. Eleventhly. Arresting within the Petition- ers' jurisdiction, with eight armed men, Brant van Siichtenhorst, the aforesaid Director of the Colonie, and so bringing him to the Manhatans, and there detaining him. 12. Twelfthly. Giving notice that he shall demand tenths of the planks and other of the Colonie's revenue. 13. Thirteenthly. Attempting to take possession of the cannon belonging to the Petitioners on Beren Island, refusing to restore the same. 14. Fourteenthly. Allowing and permitting emi- grants from the aforesaid Colonie, to sell articles 'of contraband to the Indians. As the Director of the Colonie refused, on being asked, to voluntarily permit this publi- cation to be made, it became necessary to lak«j assured order therein. 15. And fifteenthly. By means of the aforesaid pretended right, which he exercises there, de- priving the Petitioners of the power of enforcing due payment from their debtors, or their bail. This mode of proceeding became finally absolutely necessary, in order to obviate ^nd prevent this individual's intoleraSlein.>olence8, perverseness and vexations. Inasmuch as the years of exemption are long since expired, the Company must finally look to the collection of their rights. The Directors wish first of all to know, what right the Petitioners have to lay claim to Beren Island. All inhabitants, and especially those of the fort, are by recent placards forbidden to sell articles of contraband, but as it was thought that the strict observance of that law would be construed unfavorably by the Indians, it was at the request, and for Jhe interest of the Colonie, allowed that now and then something might be sparingly permitted with the know- ledge of the Director. This is expressly denied ; on the contrary, (]t 3d order is provided in such case in the itk/Dtructio'i for the court of justice. Now follow the Points against the Patroon and co-directors, whereupon satisfaction shall be demanded from them : Those of the Colonie Renselaerswyck, have for exceeded the limits granted them by the Freedoms, and were consequently again required duly to fix the boundaries iforeaaid, and to ( HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII individuals engaged in the trade ''"'''°''" °^''"""* """^ P'«^«"* °'''" And wilh thi. ,!.„ claiming crtDin onfonnj.,1 .i.ple-rigl,,. of Fon O a I'eTnVa" LT "'''°"' ''""'''""^"*' ^"^ -<''"* '° ''^ -* " »'-'e«l for those ?h7ofohiLV''*' ?'r'''" '! ''"^ '^''' ^'^'' '' '^''' °f '^^ ^fore,.id Fort. ? /r L eXt ^t"; J"'^«'"«"'r'"^^ '" «""'^^"' -'^"^^ -«• »»'-«'•«-. appealable, ineyretuse extracts of their proceedings and judgments. cop ;itrzir;rLriX:';-r -^ ■-- '— ^ the inhabltanU; ' " "°°" °' """' ""■■"■•iKlanla toward. mZT° """""• '"•"'"• "■""•■ '"•"»»■ "" "■«"-8» .«-« .1.. Company.. i I r iffl m 526 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. liesolution of the States General referring the preceding Letter, <&c. [From Iha Rrgl>l«r ofWeat India Alhlra, 1659 — 1668, \a Ibe Rojil Archlrt* it the Htfut.] Friday, 17* January, 1C63. Foiio4T. Heceived a letter trom the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, written there on the Id"* inst. And, purnuant to their High Mightinesses' letters of the 26'* December last, also information on the points contained in the petition of the ooionteu of N»w Patroon and co-directors of the Coloniellenselaerswyck. Whereupon deliberation Meiheriw' being had, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid letters, together with the annexed information shall be placed in the hands of the Messrs. Huygens and other their Higii Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, for inspection, examination and report. Meaolution of the States General, on the Report of tlie foregoing Committee. [From th* Begiiter ofWMl Indit AShln, 1669 — 1«<3, In tb* Bojal AnhlTM >l Ibg Uapie.] Thursday, 6'» February, 1653. Folio 49. Heard the report of the Messrs. Huygens and other their High Mightinesses* Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, pursuant to the resolution of the 17'* cnioninu or Mew J'">uary last, having inspected and examined the letter of the Directors of the Neui.ri.nd. West India Company Chamber of Ansterdam, written there on the lO* of the same month and also, in obedience to their High Mightinesses' resolution of the 28"" December last, information on the points contained in the petition of the Patroon and co- directors of the Colonic called Renselaers Wyck. Whereupon deliberation being had, it ii resolved and concluded that copy of the aforesaid letter shall be placed in the hands of the said Pat oon and co-directors, to reply thereunto. liesolution of the Slates General on Fis'^al van DycVs charges against Stvijvesant. [ From Ibe BeiliUi or TTeel India Affklra, ICBt — IMA, In Ike Soyil Archlfee «l the Hiftie. ] Monday, 10"" February, 1G63. Folio na Having heard the report of their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, who pursuant to the resolution of the G'^ December, 1663, further M«w Netheriend. inspected and examined the letter of fiscal Dyck, written at the Mannthans on the IS'* .September last, containing variotis complaints, and amongst others, against Director Dinctnr. Bluyvesant, It is, upuii duiiheraliuii resolved and concluded that copies of the f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII Resolution of ike States Genial on a PeUHon of tke Proprietors of Pensselaers^yck. Thursday, SO*" February, 1663. o..o„.r'',."N.w T''^ P«''t'°» °f J°han van Renselaer, Patroot,. Mr. Johan de Laet and f h. ^-^ N....„. and heirs of the late Samuel Blcnmaert. c^direcZs of the Cnl n°T Reuse aerswyck n New Netherland, against the Directors of the West India Po"" " "^ *h. Chamber at Amsterdam, being read in the Assemble if iJJ avu Company at coucludea, that the aforesaid petftlon shall be nTrn- . f ^^^^^''^eration resolved and other their High Mightinesses.^or r^ I" h'e\£ro;;hXtltd°:cr ''''"' "T"' inspect, examine and report on them, to the end thlf »h I Company, .n order to .uch disposition he made thereon aT;)!:! be founi prober. "" ""' '"^' "' ^°""''«^'^''' liesolution of the States General. tFron.,U.R..g,.u„o,.h.R«olu.loo.or.h.8u,..Q.„r.,,,„ U.. Ro,iU Archir- ., u,. H^uM Tuesday, 4 March, 1653. Foil. iM. The petition of Nicolaes Anthony, Notarv hpr« in »»,o vt ow».r. of ih, .hip fli,„.n„„ „r tu^ c . ^ ''wiury nere in the Hague, as agent and ih. A'i.i.io SM,- ailorney of the owners of the shin nnm»H «i,o v »r . , . * «m««A« *v«M, . „,„„;„„ .... " *"'P named the Nievui Nelherlandtnhe Forhnif, in the matter of the aforesaid petition. concluded, that nothing can be don. liesolution of tin States General. Thursday, 10"' April, 16W fMntt. Mr. Kvnlrlck TIB «• OipaM*. 528 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. the issue and prosecution of aforesaid appeal, together with injunction direc|ed against Director Stuyvesant, Wilet his attorney and all others who will make themselves party herein, all in due form ; Whereupon deliberation being had, it is hereby resolved and concluded, to grant the aforesaid request and accordingly the required writ shall be dispatched. The Deputies from the province of Zealand have hereupon given notice that they have no order to consent to the grant of writ of appeal from judgments pronounced in the West Indies or within the West India Company's district. 11 I Writ of Appeal in favor of Mr. van der CapeUe. [ From tb« AtU-Botk of tha SUIm OcDtral, in th* Ko;>l ArehlTM tt Ui« Bifu*. ] Writ of Appeal sued out by Mr. Henrick van der Capelle tho Ryssel against Director Stuyvesant cum suit, with clause of injunction. T011081. The States General of the United Netherlands. To the High Constable or Marshal impowered to serve ; also to the Notary or such other person whether public or private, as shall be hereunto required, (jreeting: Be it Known : That we have received the petition of Jonckheer Henrick van der Cnpellen tho Ryssel, Lord of Esselt and Hasselt and ordinary deputy in our Assembly from the principality Gebre and County of Zutphen, setting forth in substance, that he had, in the year XVl« fifty, with God's help, and pursuant to the charter and amplification thereof granted to the stockholders of the West India Company, undertaken to settle a Colonic on Staten Island, in New Netherland ; that he had thereunto, engaged seven farmers with a superintendent and carpenter, now deceased, with women, children and servants in number exceeding twenty; but by him augmented to seventy persons ; and that he was advised by Fatroons and Merchants to purchase a ship for that purpose with an offer to take one-half interest thereof, which a worthy merchant at Amsterdam, named Gerrit van den Voorde and partners did ; having thus purchased one-half the ship called the Nievio Nethtflandachc Forlmjn, according to the deed of sale executed before the Burgomasters and Regents of the city of Amsterdam, dated the eighteenth May XVI' and fifty; which being equipped, the said farmers were sent over with their farming implements and some goods, to be sold and used there for their support ; this vessel having arrived in New Netherland after a difficult voynge was confiscated, together with its cargo, by Petrus Stuyvesant the Director of that quarter, on a pretended judgment of the two and twentieth of April XVI' one and fifty, under pretext of some fraud said to have been committed, though denied by Cornells Melyn, who went over in said ship and was found to have complained to us of the exorbitant government of said Director, and on that account, esteemed his greatest enemy. And though the fiscal hacf, at the suggestion of the Director, instituted his action at first against the aforesaid Melyn, he was cast at that time, but yet, in order to attain his object, he subsequently sued the skipper and by collusion and want of defence, obtained the required and previously fabricated confiscation on the same forced and contradictory evidence which he had produced against Melyn, although by the said pretended judgment, tho skipper was declared HOLLAND DOCL^ENTS: VIL Z::^:z:z:r^X :::::;::::^f;r-- t-' '^ — «-'-- ^^ and his houses and lots at t e LI f^s To J's I J " rT. °'" "' '^^'^"'^ ^"^■^-'>' himself master of, and.appropr aTed n^t on v the t ^""^^^^ """'* proceeds of the aforesaid TousL d ,o._le hptZ^^^ "' '''°'^' '"' «'^° '^« pretended sentence, sold to one Thon as WleramlH^. "^ ''"""""' '° "" ''^''''''^ England and on her arrival here, war e zed bv tl^Tnn .r /"k "' '' '''^'"°"''' '" ^^^ Beizure isobstructed by the afores^idTudrent ^P „ 7Tu ' l^" I" "' P™"''"^'"" °'' '"«* not in the capacity of a merchant but -p": « "^' "'"' ^'' '^^^^ "''" ^" CappeMen, Hiither. as stated, with oX hi fl'rl "V^'^T"' '" ^''''" '''*"'^' ""^^ ««"' ^^e said ship n,ore ; moreo ^ s no ' Uv noTac" 7 r'' "'J """"^ '*^^ "^^'^ ^"f'P-^' ^^^ -'"ing Violence were com:iteC'n7irie Sr^ aforesaid; the said pretended judgmen" bei g also uif '" V """' 1^" '''" ^"' »°'"^' the Council mentioned therein wL^nf n .; V ""J"'' '" "'"""• ^°'^ '" "-^K^^d of with exclusion of the V eTrLcTo TIT^ " ' Tl'""''' "" ''^ ''^"^^ «" Englishman, were present instead of e Z „ ,h o h'"' "' °! '''; ''''^^' '"^"' '"^"^ ""'^ °^ -»'«'" Instruction prescribed ohm The D rt , ''r''? ' '" ''"""''^^ '° ^^« Commission and which he hath take, his oath in addi' J "'' " 'J' »'''"'"'«"-<'''i'^» "f Justice, and upon on untrue, false, yea s^o^ d to ^^^^^^^ sufficiently prove. And, inasmuci as h. If' . o "PP""""'' ^"'' «' *"'« °^" t*'"«' injuredand endamaged cor trZo the «; ''".7" '^«'- C«PP«>'en. has been most seriously granted by us to the'sto k 2^ f e wITt, T ""' ''"^'°"" "^ "^^^ ^«'''''^'-^' or which and of the infrinUt^ t " ^'"P""^' ^''"•°°"'' '''"'^ C«'«"*«^'' '«"<'. cognizance and ad;^ic:t^:trngexru:;";i;;::^':;^ T ^"r ^-^ '^^ '"^°°""' granted writ of appeal in similar ca!«« hTH r "^^ ''"'''' '"''"" '^''gni^ance of. and ^i rCia th^ .ndebr : "^;' °' '''''^"' "'' '""^""'"^ -^^ prohiblLry'dause' To a.so.orr'rre:;::t:r'aCrd"ruVvrnt' wLt^^is ^^T'°d" ^[ -r'^^'^ -"p-" make themselves a party herein • all in Z f xu. ! T"'' ''"'' "" °'''"" ^"^^ ^""''J require and command you h re'un 1 her bv o""' '' '""* '""'''"^'' "«' ^^•'^«^-''' •aid Mr. Henrick van dLrn !m h » ^ ^"-"'""'s-onmg you. that at the request of the name lum no h 1 „^ 'd -'0° sfuv "" 'l^"'' "" '^ ^""^'^ ""^ '""' ^^ '^' '■> «- .„- an^ I, "'™'^;° J"''8'"«n» and 'ts contents, or to renounce the same if they think well • to „ r ; :rf: h t''„r'' ^i -' "° ''-'' -' '^-«^-« '» --^ -^ --^^^^ Capelleu tho Rv«l H n '^ ''"' J° °""^'' ""*='' '''""'""^ " '^-^ »''«r«««i«J Mr. van der in or " Jat 'art L • T" 7" '* '^°"''' ^•"" ""'• °" '"^^ '^y *"«"-^«d will make VOL. I. ^j^ ,' fl IM. i^ fc/e ■ :p>-.- 530 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. against, nor to the prejudice of it, nor of the appellants, whom we, for reasons, have relieved of the indebita interjection, issue and prosecution of said appeal ; but were anything on the contrary done, attempted or innovated, that he immediately and without delay repair, and put it ia ita original and most proper place, without failing in any part thereof And whereasfsome of the aforesaid persons may sojourn at present without these United Provinces and the jurisdiction thereof, you shall make service hereof at their last place of abode, and on their factors, attorneys or the agents of their property, if any they havejsubject to our authority ; if not, at the uttermost parts of this country where such writs are admitted, and the nearest to their places of residence, notifying them thereof by letter and authentic copy hereof, to the end thiU they may not plead ignorance hereof, which service being performed by you, we shall esteem as valid as if it were personal, leaving copy hereof and of your service for the behoof of the respondents, reporting to us at the day aforesaid, what you have done in the premises. Given at the Hague, under our seal, paraph, and signature of our Secretary, on the tenth April, XV1« three tind fifty. <■■»■■» Chamber at Amsterdam to the States Oenerci. t From tta* Orlglnil in tta« 'BiafA AnhlTM tl the Hague ; Fll*, Wttt IndU. ] High and Mighty Lords. Adriaen van der Donck, having heretofore resided in New Netherland, a place situated within the Company's Charter, hath submitted to us a certain little Book, entitled: Betchryvinge van Nieu-Nederlttnt, hegrijpende de Nature, Aert, gekgentheyt en vruchtbaerheyt van het lelve Lant ; mittgaderi de proffijlelfjcke enJe gewemte foevalUn, dh aldaer tot 't-mentchen onderhout, $00 uyt haer telven all van buyten ingcbracht, gevonden tverden. And the same being examined by us, we have judged it by no means out of the way, in regard to the conveniency of the place. And as he intends to apply to your High Mightinesses for a copyright therefor, and hath requested us to furnish him a letter to your High Mightinesses in regard to the communication made to us; we are unwilling to refuse, but have willingly granted it to him, in order that it may avail him according as your High Mightinesses, in your profound wisdom may think proper. Herewith, High and Mighty Lords, we shall pray God Almighty for the lasting welfare of your High Mightinesses' prosperous government and remain Your High Mightinesses' humble servants, The Directors of the West India Company at the Chamber at Amsterdam. Amsterdam, this 2 May, ) (Signed) Eduard Man. Received 14 May, J p ^^ Joannes Rtckabrt. f w%] HOLLAND DCKJUMENTS: VIL Resolution of the States General on the preceding Letter. 531 FoitoMi. Read at the C rroni th« Kegtator of W«t Indl. AIMrM«« - 1648, In the ttorid AwhlTM at th, Hi«ue. ] Wednesday, the l*** May, 1653. eeting, a petitioa of Adriaen van der Donck, seconded by letterg °- r <'•""••"<'•• 'ouuci x^uucK, seconaea Dy letten AdH.„ ,.„ d« of recommendation from the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company. grw^.ia'Xt- 'J^'eJ th« 2- instant, praying copyright for a certain Book, entitled Bttchryvinge ,. f .^ ^^N^-Nedtrhndt: which being considered, it is re8oIv3d and conJuded that the aforesaid petition. letter of recommendation and Book shall be placed altogether in the hands Mess" Huygens and others, their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, to inspect, examine and report thereupon. U Besdution of the States General caUing for a copy of Van der DoncKs " Beschryvinger I From tta* S.fl'Ur of Wwt InrtU AIT»U., 1688 - \m, In the Boy.! AnhlrM it U>. H.gnfc ] Friday, the IS'* May, 1663. .1, ^T"* . ?" *Ill ''"P™'^"'^''"" ™»«'" to the Assembly, it is resolved and concluded. ^1^^\^Z'Z Srl^'f. "''' ^««' '"•!'« Company, shall be written to. to transmit tJ D«.,,. their High Mightinesses for examination the Book entitled Buctiryvingt van i^N.,SaSy"' ^^ Nederlandt, whereof Adriaen van der Donck hath, on the H'" instant prayed copyright. *^ "' States General to the Amsterdam Chamber of tlie West India Ompany. t From tk* B«cWw of VUgtatu iH«wnorth« SOIm Omen), In lh« Ro,H ArakirM at Uu H(cu«. ] The States, ktc. »•>•«• Honorable, etc. We have duly received your letter dated the ^ instant ^in*^^:G!'^ '■««Pecting the little Book efltilled Be.chryvinge van Nieuw Nederlavdt, whereof Adriaen van der Donck prayed copyright, which being considered, we have resolved to request and require you, hereby, to transmit to us without loss of time the Book aforesaid, for examination here. Wherewith ending, etc. Done. 16'* May. 1653. roiio 1(0. i .i 532 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCaiPTS. Chamber at Amsterdam to the States Genei'ol. [ ITrom til* Original, In Uie Bo]ral ArcliIrM al Ui« Hague : Flla, Wttt IndU. ] High and Mighty Lords ! We have received your High Mightinesses' agreeable letter of the 16"* instant, and have noted your High Mightinesses' request, that we transmit vrithout loss of time to your High Mightinesses the little Book in our hands, entitled Beschryvinge van Nieuw Nederlandt, written by Adriaen van der Donck;' pursuant whereunto the same accompanies this letter, that your High Mightinesses make such disposition thereon as you in your profound judgment shall deem proper. Herewith, High and Mighty Lords, we shall pray God Almighty for your High Mightinesses' persona and prosperous government, and remain, your High Mightinesses' humble servants. The Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. Amsterdam the 19"" May, \ ^„rn Received 21 May, (Signed) Abr. Wilmerdonx. • Adbiain vak dkk Domcx, waa, a* he himself »Ule^ a free citizen of Breda, and a lineal deacendant of Adriaen ran Bergtn, part owner of the famou4 turf-boat in ■wliioh a party of Dutch troops wore olandeatinely introduced, in the year 1699, into the castle of that city, whereby that stronghold of Spanish tryanny was reduced. After graduating at the University of Leyden, and pursuing a oourse of legal study, Van der Donck received tha Degree of Jurit utrimqm Doctor, that is of the civil and canon law. Uo was subsequently admitted to the practice of an Advocate in the Supreme Court of Holland, and enjoys the distinction of having been the first lowyer in this country. Ue came here in the fall of 1641, as Sheriff of the Colonie of Rensselacrswyck, and during his term of office, evinced always ft disposition to protect the colonists. A few ytara afterwards ho made an unsuccessful attempt to purchase a tract of land at Catskill, and in 1647, his term of office having expired, ho removed to the Manhattans, where, in consideration of the assistance he had afforded in .legotiating a treaty with the Mobawki, and in return for advances he had made to enable the government to purchase presenU for those Indiana, ho obtained a grant of a largo tract of land in Westchester, now known as Yonkors. This was erected into a Colonic or Manor in 1662, of which Van der Donck became the Patroon. Tlia misgovernmcnt of the country had, in the mean time, excited considerable complaint among the people, and a delegation was sent to lay the matUr before the Stutaa General In the discussions which arose in consequence. Van der Donck took a prominent part The Petition of the People of New Netherland (mpra, p. 271), of which Van d.r Donck is generally admitted to have been the author, wos printed at the Hague, in the year 1650, under the Title of Vertoogh van Kitu-NedirJand mgh»n$ de Ohelegrnthtydl, Vnuhlhaerhydl en Soberen ttael dtaelf: sm. 4to. pp. 49, by which means the advantages of this country, and the justice of iU complalnU wera brought prominently before the Notion. As a consequence, emigration was encouraged, the colonists were admitted to participate in the foreign trade, and a municipal government was concc.l.d for the first lime to New Amsterdam, now New- York. In the labors attendant on procuring these reforms. Van d. r Donck could not full to secure the ill will of the Company, which had taken possession of New Netherlan.l merely for eominercial purposes, and had made coloiiiration only a secondary object. Accordingly, in 1652, when his buiiness was concluded and he was on tha eve of returning to this country, with his family, the Directors at Amsterdam instructed their ship captains not to receive him on board any of their veasela. In vain ho procured the interference of inllucntial friends and rcpres-nted the cruelty of separating him from his wife and children, who had already embarked; in vain he pleaded the ruin that would overtake him were he not permitted to proceed. He was told he could not go; his family was obliged to sail without him, and he returned to the Hague He now employed hit leisure in writing another work on his adopted country, furwhich he nbuined, as staled in the text, a fiUen years' copyright and returned in the fall of 1663 to America, with leave to practice his profession "as far as giving advice," aa the Directors "could not see what advantage his plea lings before the court would have, especially aa there were, no doubt, si.rae lawyers already in Now Netherland who could be engaged on the other side." lie evidently conUmplated an ad lition to the last mentioned work, embracing a history of the Province, for he had applied for permission to examine the Colonial reconla. Unfortunately, the application waa fruitless, and hia second book was published in 166S, without the proposed adilitiou. It is entitlol : niSCIlRMVLNOK | ran | NIEUVV-NEDKHLANT, | ( (Gbtlltll lift tijtnlaoorll(jl) (n Xtait i« ) | Begrijpende do Nature, Aert, gelegenthcyt en vriicht | baerheyt van hot solve I.anl ; miUuadcrs de proffijiclijcke en- | de gewenste toevallen, die aldaer tot onderhout dor Moiisohen, ( soo | uyt hser s dvi'U nls van huyteii ing.'bracht ) gcvonden worden. | K\» MEDh | fit manlen «n onjl)im»int «tjtn«tl)i{ip»rt | ban In ® illl»n oft« NatutlUeit banitn lanDt. | Enbl | Een bysonder vcrhaol vandeo wonderlijokan Aert | ende het Weewnder BEVEK3, 1 DAEH NOCU BY OEVOEOUT IS | B«n lll«out» «bit InjtUsentliiit i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIL 583 He^olviian of tU States General granting Qypyriglt to Adriaen van der Donch Folio M. Jnok iwpeollng New NMherlaud. t K«m th. Regw,, ., W«» IndU Aft,™, m, _ ,M8. ,„ „, Ho,.I Archi™ ., U.. H.,«,. ] Saturday, the S*"- May, 1653. Upon consideration, it is resolved and concluded hereby to allow and ^rant to rv I '' Resolution of the States General referring a Petition of JoUnms de Laet I F«>« «.. K«g.«., of W.^ lad.. AW™, 1652 - 1 W8, io th. Ro,., Archi™ .. u,, n^^^ Thursday, the 19'" June, 1653. M'oM. Read at the Assembly, the petition of Johan de Laet resneofina „n^ • . aou,d.r.c one Muijsaert, in relation to Petitioner's fou th vtte i^ he"^ ^^n.?"? government and direction of the Colonic in New Netherland. nledtnsL wycTwhS bemg considered. It .8 resolved and concluded that the petition aforesaid ZrKi a the hands of M.S" Huijgens and the other their High Mightinr^^DeTul: t h?Ss ^f the West India Company, to inspect, examine and report thereupon. Resdntion of the States General referring the above case to tU Cowrt of Holland. [ From th. R«gi.te, of W«t Indl. ABW™, 1653 -,««8, ,„ u., „„,^ ^„^„„ ^ ,^, ^^^ ^ Wednesday, the 25"" June, 1653. for \T\ ■ "r' w'\'7f "^'''•""^«'"'''"'^'''°'''^'*''«'^«'«''M'8htines,es'DeputieH for the affairs of the West India Company, who pursuant to the resolution of the IS'" instant! kmNieuw N«• •■"> her father remo "^ Copie. oi Van der Donok'e work. u« in the SUU Library, Albany. - Ed. ">moTe«. CO o LU 2C >- ^ «NH» oc HZ CO o cc CO •«c ..._ .T- •■ u. >■ u_ QC -^ ■<: C'Z i^ ^ _~ o —J 5^ 584 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Johtn deliHt. inspected and examined the petition of Johan de Laet, residing here at the Hague, respecting the matter which he hath against Thausin Muysaert in regard to the Colonie Renselaerswycii in New Netherland; which being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that the petition aforesaid shall be transmitted to the Provincial Court of Holland, to consider and examine it with the documents to be delivered in by parties on both sides, and to prepare a judgment thereupon, which is to be sent to their High Mightinesses and then to be pronounced without any alteration. States General to the Court of Holland. [ From the Bagliter of CUgtgane BrUetH of ths States OenenI, la the Kojal ArehlTee at the H«(ae. ] The States, etc. FoBo «8. Honorable. You will please to see from the accompanying petition presented to johiBsee de LM^ US in the name and on the behalf of Johannes de Laet,' residing here at the Hague, contra what he hath represented to us respecting the matter which he hath unsettled Tosuen Mujriart. ^^.j, ^„j agaiust Tousain Muysart, in regard to the Colonie Renselaerswyck in New Netherland, which petition we have resolved hereby to refer to your Honors, with friendly request that you would take the trouble to consider and examine it together with the documents to be delivered by parties on both sides, and to prepare a judgment thereupon to be sent afterwards to us, which shall then be pronounced without any alteration, Wherewith ending, etc. Done, 26"' June, 1663. i Eesolution of the States General on Appeals frcm, New Netherland. [ From the Beglater of Weal India AOUn, ms — 16M, in the Eojal Arehlrea at the Haghe. ] Wednesday, the 6" August, 1653. Folio T4. The Deputies from the Province of Holland have brought in t App^i from jnd». tts provincial opinion in manner and form as is hereafter inserted, w." tS'tlUwRXeXd! to the effect that no Writs of Appeal from Judgments pronounc. nbly New Netherland ought to be granted by their High Mightinesses even with the clause of inhibition; ' JoHAHiiB Di Labt was t)orn at Antwerp about the close of the XVIth Century. He waa a prominent Director of the West India Company, and distinguished himself in the world of letters by bis knowledge of thi languages, history and geography. He is elsewhere represented as having died towards the end of 1649 or in the bouinning of 16(10. See tupra, p. 407 ; also the BiograpKit Utuvtr—lU, where a list of his works is given. Of these following only have relation to this Country : I. The New World, or a description of the West Indica, which waa published in Dutch in 1626 and 16.S0; in Ijitin in 103S and in French in 1640, all in folio. IL Account of the Transactions of the West India Company ( in Dutch. ) Ltydtn, 1644, folio. III. Notit ad Disaertatione Uugonis Grotii de Origine gentium Americanarum. rarit, I64S. 8vo. IV. Reaponsio ad dissartationam aecundam Hugonis Giotli. AmUeriiam, 1644. 8vo. V. An Edition of I'iso'a liistoira Malurel d< Brasil, with learned Notes. Ltydtn, 1646. folio. lUi widow married Johannes de Uuller and afterwarda Jeremiaa Ebbing, with whom abe Tiaited thia oonntry. — Ed, HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII Resolution of the States of Holland and WestvrieBland. dated the 4"- August. 1663. ?^ A- p opi'niol' rLlTil't" 1 "^T" ''' ''P"''' ''''""'""°" " ^^"'^ •» Court a certain S';a.'.» '^- 7;7°" '""'^"';'^ ''y ^^e Attorneys General Paats and Stryen on the petition lately presented to their Honorable Great MiRhtinesses bv Tan Kl„.., ti f of th, abovementioned deputed Councillors, in fulfillment of their Hon--- otat MLhtir.^ order bearing date the SO'" June last. Mightinesses W;iich being considered, it is resolved and concluded that Wrif nf Ann»oi r t ^ HigF, M,ght,„.„e., and that, th.reror., car. shall b. taken at th. Oen.ral Ajma,Jr„Z /Silafe* General to Mr. van der CapeUe. [F«,mth.E.,....,of VUg^a^ -S-^-*" of .ho 8Ut« O.ner,!. In U,. Boy., A«hU« „ th. H^a.. ] Thr States, etc. it. nroWinl """""''^ «'°- 5°" ^i'l be able to observe from the accon.panying copy of ltr~/;^;;;j;;?j\7 hereby resoled to send you, what the DeputLoHhe from Jadimrnu i^roVIUCe Ol Holland have, th S dav hrnii■!» Mr. van lra, 16S9 — 1(68. In Iho Bo;*l ArchlTei at the ntgae. ] Thursday, the 21" August, 1G53. FoiioTB. Read a Memoir of Yonckheer Henrik van der Capelle tho Ryssel, ordinary Mr.vtndcro«p«us Deputy to their High Mightinesses' Assembly, to the effect, that he hath seen itaoByMoL ^^^^ ^^^ submitted by the Deputies of Holland to this Assembly on the 6'* Writ rMp«eung % August last, in oppositiou to the Writ of Appeal which he had obtained on the i!d'f"5twMSthl°I io«k of *April, of the current year, from their High Mightinesses against Director Stuyvesant, holding on oath their High Mightinesses' Commission and Instruction ; that he respectfully thanked their High Mightinesses for having been willing, by their Resolution and letter of the 6'* of August, aforesaid, to give him communication thereof, in order that he might say what he thought of it, before any disposition be made thereon by their High Mightinesses ; but inasmuch as relation is had, in the resolution of the Lords of Holland, dated the 4* of August, aforesaid, to the opinion of the Advocates Palts and Stryen, whereupon the resolution is founded, and he requires to have a knowlege of the petition and reasons whereon the advocates have based their opinion, he Mr. Van der Capelle, doth, therefore, respectfully pray their High Mightinesses to be pleased to intercede with the Lords of Holland that the aforesaid opinion, with the Petition of Jan Claesz. van Heuckelom HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII 587 meanwhile (delil^anCe'Znle7ool t on V "". •» "•"^/"""y '" »"« premises; and^hat court of Holland, before'^Z were tour th "^ *'"' ""«" Mightines.es nor by the New Netherland ship. LuefbrDLZ « ""^'"""f '""^ adjudication of th. arrested party. son,e alteratio'I' ^n t^ b ^ ifhrarn^ttat't:: 1'' "'" '' '' "'''^' '' unexecuted, until their High Mightinesses be furVhlr r ^ r J"* '*'"°'" "^ationary and considered, their High MigLinest have eol^^t^^^ T^ -"-, W''-.'' being it is hereby accordingly resolved and rnn.l.T? V * aforesaid petition, nad Holland not to have anv rr.nll .*'°'"''"'^«'J »« "-equest the abovementioned Lords of Rysselcopyof the afo esairooinLTnT ? °""* "*' **■•• "^""^"^ -" <^" ^apelle tho .ame as to'him shall seem let '"''°' respectively, that he may make use of the illll i?e^^«.*.n of iJ. State. General relating to tU Boundary of Re. Mtkerian,, Thursday, the 6'" November, 1653. N,wN..h.„„d. exhibited three don. Jln.« '""^'^^"; ' «'« »» '^e Hague, and who therewith B.... Ne: ;i:2i\t :r th"e"w: t* s;:r:::: '^7'-" °; '^!; ""-^-^ *- Nation in those parts, the subject is postponed uTtil to morZ' ''°"''"' "' "^ ^"«"^' Vol. I, 08 li ^^■|.i l^Um |||H ^^^^^^B ^>^^^^H H ^^m r ^m ^^B- ^ ■|H ^^^Ir" J ^^^K , 1 '1 « ^^K|- J ■ WEST INDIA COMPANY. DIVISION or THB BOUNDARY IN AMERICA, »«TVr«tII TH« WEST INDU COMPANY AND THE ENGLISH. Read 6th Novbmbm, 1653. [ from th, MB. I. th, Koytl AnUn* at lb. Hhb. ) loMka, of ih. BtaU. 0«n«r«l i DiTWon, WM i»" ">« the n„l,. of n;„ Nelhe tad ' ,I Z °"? '""'' '"'"« '■'»"'' """"gl- «!■« Ea.t river, river, for „a„y year, iac" ej 1 r^.lS 'Jroa J^^ ,^t ""'""^l •- •"« ■>'•.»...' .0 that fro™ Am,te,da», along the Ea. riverTn.M. '^ u ' ""■" ''" '° °"' '>«lel'l«>". whereia m„., be include^ U^I.tad I^^Z Lr; .r""" ""' "'°" ""■" '° "'S™'' Cromnregouw, Fleh.r'. I.land „„H 1^1 L ^' "'"'"""' <"'"'S'»e •""ate in th. and .ho.eVt„.,„ New H™ and 11"' '"" '" "" ^'" '""■ '"«" "" "■' ^-I-PF'.. pe":::.:'^ DnrnrrbTDt:t':r"'Kt:;rr " y'" "™ " ^-" '=^»"'' -^^ '^«r .ituate on .aid river, both oi th. n S.L ?' , I"™"""" '» l» "ken of the land, of their High Migh in e. the L rdTs 1. ol" T^"""-'' "^ "" ■«'!'« »P <■' .he a,„. do»„ by one LieLnant Hon., and th 'tL ! " "'"" ""' "' '"'"'" '''"'" '■"' takenup\y.heEngli i"w ih d|.t,^. th° '7'! f "«" ""'' P™'* »""""f' that Ihey have eneroaeh ol e la d. a. 'f r'a. Tt T^l """«" ""'' "'"""•■■ ■» in .uch „l,e that there i, no Z^ZS LT ^'""f '<'"''<■ <">>"««' e«lkd Greenwich, Aa,.t.rd.™, whereby of 90 eZ:,':thfR.'?;r n'?? ''""'"'" "■" P'»" """ "- no more than 8. Twonld therefore h. fL j t T^ " '"™"' P""'")' °"™Py .hould p„..e.. the land. Id tmd, 1 * ,h r v""'""', ""' ""= *«" '""'• ''""■P'ny bank of the Fre.h river which „a.|lT 7 ''"°'° '°'""'' °' "' '""' '""" ">« F.a.. . .or. and garri.o. fro™ tr."ytr"c037o tirdir" '°""""' "■ """ "" '"" ""P^'^ "X .he^"i'li:ge7:„rL'l:re:.tnXi:''d:7r'"' •!;•'<"■»•»'■""«■'>« -a New „,ven,„ith Hope and the Frel rt.r a. a" a C r'ee"*' T H """7 ""'' """«•" '''" ""'""" »' "=r. n,ag,..rate.,o„,y.we:in;. eg „: ".TS; Z^^^^^^ " ""' """ '"*' »"■■ .cknow,edg„,nt a. ™ay L agrid o^ letX" ,.T re ;'o;X7' " ""■"""'■ '"'^ ohfdt:^'r,rs;t'eroraT:dV:::c"''^ "'t- r -- ■« -« ..-der .h. boU, nation, not be unwi.e ,74^ i^.'^fr^TeVr! g^i:'!:^ "' '"" ^'^ " Ky «.ii.ti. river, and tl ^t^^^Z: ^^"^.Z;:^^;^'-'' 0....il Son^ampton and ^^^>o!Z:: ^tt^:::^: XZ^^'ZlZ^' ""*' °' ™.». .0 . .arch or ^.. J::! rZ ^^ "t '^:;;-;::;' ^ -:;- VOL.1. Q,, , I 546 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. apprehended the English would establish, the rather as they have built a stone Redoubt at the mouth of the river ; but here it is to be understood, that none other than those who would come there commissioned by the Director in New Nelherland or by Mess" the Managers from Fatherland, should be exempt from the burdens aforesaid. This is what I have been able to propose for the service of the Hon"", the Company, touching the Boundary. I pray God, that the wished for limits of New Netherland may be once settled, so that trade may improve, and the farmer cultivate his fields with pleasure. Thus done at the Hague, the last of February, 1651. » (Endorsed) i>^- 2- Well founded title c.j ' the West India Company to the territory now culled . Netherland, situate in the Nortbero part of America, in latitude 38 to 41^ degrees. Memoir respecting the well established boundaries and jurisdiction claimed by the Incorporated West India Company, in virtue of its Charter, over the territories situate in the Northern part of America, in latitude from 38 to 41J degrees. Which lands they have many years since possessed, according to the Description hereunto annexed, No. 2, before any other nations had come thereabout, or discovered them ; but on the favorable accounts received here from those parts, the English seat some ships and people thither, whom they settled to the Southward of us. That country they named Virginia. In like manner they, also, have planted Colonies to the North of us, which country they called New England, whither they conveyed so many people that they in a short time greatly outnumbered our nation. Becoming presumptions in consequence, they began to encroach on our limits, and invaded many lands contrary to our formal interdicts and protests, BO that at the North this Nation did not hesitate to make themselves masters of the greater part of the Fresh river, notwithstanding we had there erected a trading house and fort called the Hope, which we, likewise, occupied and garrisoned. Regardless hereof, the English, on their side, have proceeded to extend their Colonies over many of our lands purchased from the Indians, and wou J have done their best to usurp the largest and finest portion of our territory, , . , . Had not the Managers concluded to order their Director to prevent either by force or by friendly agreement as far as possible, any farllier encroachment. The consequence thereof is, that he presented himself in the year 1G50, at an Assembly of the Colonies, holden at Herfort, on the Fresh river, where in divers conferences and negotiations it was BO far mutually arranged and agreed upon, that from that hour forward neither should encroach on the other, and this Treaty should be consder.'d a Provisional Boundary, subject to the approbation of their respective principals, as is to lie seen by the despatch of I'etrus Stuyvesant, Director of New Netherland, dated SG'" November, IGOO. Although we herein find ourselves considerably aggrieved, for the reasons above set forth, whereunto wo might with great • The ftl...vo p»iH'r »oom9 U> Imrfl Urn ,1i-,iwri up liy l>irect...- Stuyvraiii.t, in loi'.l, iin.l .o»t tlien hj liiiu to UolUua, a9 U inferrmi from tlif condution of hi> lolt«r to llie 8l»to» Gcucr»l, 8upm, p. Di-L — Kt>. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII -. surprise our lands there by I / ■ inH reTn!^ " iHhey meant to and transport of provisions to our Zii but alold "^ . k '" "' ''''^'' •=°--P-''ence inhabitant (mostly English by birtl tof di n ""''""T'' ^^ '"'' P'""^'''=^« ^° ^^''"'^^ ^he assenting to the Provisional Boundary conldefrou Director with t7em TlTT' of the Colonies at Herfort, in the year Ifi^o «« i» T k u V , ^^^^*'"» ft h" I" th "' '^Tf °P''°^'?" '° "^« ""'^'^-^ "g-^'J "PO" as aforesa d Sh aTnitset* lul n r ■''?'' ''''" '^ "' "'^^'y '« ^■•^'^« -'^^^ '»•• -'-"« and particularly wUh ours, as they also try to do. up to this time, with all the ships that arrive there ^om Ze nrrts We consider it (under correction) unnecessary to represent at any length what riches can yearly be mtroduced here from those countries, and what prosperity Ihis trade hath conLreS on te .nhabUants of these parts, which might still further increaJe hereaf . the n pot of th.s matter be.ng submUted to the Lords of the Supreme government in divers lenrhv =::::::!;:. ''-' ^' '-' '-''- -'- ^^-^^^ ^"- - p-'-^ this^^:«': ri'; We shall presume to add only th^, one word-that, in the opinion of those who claim to possess full knowledge of the subject, this trade is so important that the riches ardprtrrity TL J '"""''^ ^""''' -^1""' ^''« '^«««"^«'' y«a^'y received from the East n^»'l. «"d to address rSI;?!";^' °"7'7f *° y°"; R'ght Worshipful, and in all humility to beseech you to be «.«,« .. „., pleased to prevail on the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, to la the order of their ,.J rl i Z « o tl'rn, u" m" ,r ^"T " -^''- "' ''^'- "' ''' """"^ ^'— " " i 550 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. "ra'hr.'Burpm.i^ whom We also have applied by letter, that they, as Fathers and Patroons of this i"Vnr°irift^4l^""'' country, have the goodness, in their wonted wisdom, to concert good and suitable F. banhinck cocq. means, tending to the protection and security of this state, to wit: Right Worshipful, the danger to which we are exposed is great and alarming; bitter foes without, and suspected neighbors round about, within discontented citizens and a government by no means as ample as the present conjuncture of aflfairs particularly demands. The character of the discontent of the citizens and inhabitants, you, Right Worshipful, can learn, if you will take the trouble to read the accompanying Remonstrance, the original whereof has been presented to the Director-General, Petrus Stuyvesant, who hath rejected it, as if it proceeded from an illegal Assembly. For the elucidation and support thereof, we have made some notes, which we annexed thereunto. Right Worshipful ! You will be able to observe from that Remonstrance and the subjoined observations, the faults wherewith this New Netherland government is polluted: (we respectfully honor the rulers personally:) and in your tixperienced wisdom, understand what remedies, especially in this dangerous time, ought to be applied to the removal thereof. This we hope, this we pray, this we expect from your Right Worshipful wisdom, and the favorable disposition which we trust you feel towards this country and this nev city, which hath the honor to bear the name of that praiseworthy and renowntd one, wl'ose fathers you. Right Worshipful, are. Meanwhile, we shall not omit *o contribute, as far as lies in our power, whatever shall be necessary for the service and advantage of this country. We pray God to take you, Right Worshipful, your city and citizens, into His holy protection, and remain. Right Worshipful, Most Wise, Prudent, Your most humble, obedient, and well-affected servants, (Signed) Martin Kkinoier. Done New Amsterdam, P. L. van die Grift. in New Netherland, this Geo, Baxtek. 30 December, A" 1G53. Fiiederyck Lubbertste. fetiiion of '^e Commonaliy of New Netherland, &c., to Director Stuyvesant. To the Right Honorable, the Director-Generai and Council of New Netherland, on the behalf of the Noble High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Provinces. l. The Humble Remonstrance and Petition of tk: Colonies and Villages in this New Netherland Province. Hu.i j\y sheweth. nnii,i„t ixwimeni., F'^t. We ncknow'gdge a paternal government which God and Nature have XV., iM. established in the world for the maintenance and preservation of peace, and the good of mankind, not only agreeably to Nature's laws, but in accordance with the rules and precepts of God, to which we consider ourselves bound by His word, whereunto we submit. God, the Lord, having intrusted the States General as His Ministers, with the High and Mighty power, which we gratefully acknowledge, to promote the welfare of their subjects, both lERTSTE. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIL of those within the United Provinops nnri in ♦!,„<•• these having hy their poJ::r.Z%rJ^:^ZZ^^^^^ ''^^^""'•' ^^'-«'"^' -^ magistrates, such as the Directors of th«T,!^.,„. ""^ P"'''"'"' ''°'"« «"»^^'t«rn acknowledge as Lords PatrZsfh space 3" T"' '""'* ''"'"P^"^' "''^^ -« We therefore humbly conceiv ou p ivt; t JrsV^"^"''"""^ wi^- those of Netherland. being ^ MeXrTn ^ t ' ''"'»°°>^i"« i" every respect Bubjugated people, but se tied fer^ tlTLX T "f ^'"'^ ""'^ "°* ^ '=°"^"-«d or Lords Patroons. with the cons n oJthe Na ivt 7"" , ""'""' '''''''' '"'° "'^"^ ^^e whon, wc purchased the soil wi h our ow! In '^'' ?"' ^'"^''''°'' '^ '^''^ '^"'^«' f^«™ have we with immense hir and „ Jle a^Jt our'tr^ '^^^^^'^'^'^ ^ "- P--ss. wilderness of woods and erected into „ f T "°'^.'^^ ?«"'<="'"■• c°st, transformed from a a.rict observance ofthePrdri'tdPrtl^rl::"^^^^^^^^^^^ ^-^-' '--^-^' '^ hoX;:Vre^X"rgre;:mer:;'rN t'l r r -'''''-'-' ^^--^- -^ •^-p'^ divers quarters of the globef 1 aTg " 1 '- "' "' """' ''''■°"'' '"™ voluntarily repaired unJer it's ro fion orshelTer ITnZ ""• """'^^ "?' '=°""'^^'"-' ^ 2. body, under our LcreiS Z II T TZ T '.°'=°'P°'-»^«'"' «« i' were in one -c>a>o.ledgeasourLiega,^X,^Zl2l^^^^^^^^^ ^'^% W. .S.a.« General, .kon. u. Netherland, and all other new orders nnd r ^'"':"' ''"^' °^ '^"^ ^""^'^ ^^"-'"'^e^ of authority aforesaid, w I be Tnacted hero ir^Z ""''' '^ "^'"« "^ '"« P°-- -^ and privileges of th; Netherlands -"'--ably to the customs. Freedoms, grants frankly declare, with all humility our In r^' "f^^'^^^^^'^^y- We shall, therefore, crushed our spirits and dishear^ u7ia' our hb" " /'T """^' '■°'- ^°"'« ''^ ^^v^ wilderness, are unable to promote the g 'o o e' I'lti"' T' " ''1 "«' ^«'"« ^ «> as heretofore, the .easons whereof are as follow ^ '"'"' ''"' '^"'^ '"''""^^'^'^ cont^; to tStt^:;r t:::g:;;^r:sSst;^ ^^^'t ^— ^ ^--^ - '^^» one or more men should arrogate to herei^-th "^'^'"^ ^«" '^^^^^^'^^ government, that life and property of any individua a„d Tht T '^T ''"" ''""''^ '° ^'''P"^^' "' ^^"I' "f the or they, might enact, wi u the consen \n'o:ied" " ""f ^ •'"''"" °' ^ '^^ °^ "^'^^ »"" agents or representatives. Hence thTenactmenr ^' 7 f '"" "^ '''' ^^°'« «°'^^' ^ '^^ affecting the Commonalty, or the I habi a their ivt " """'' °' "^" ^'''"^ °^ "™'-« to the granted Freedoms of the Du ch S ;nm t ' d^o^'"'"''" ""'"' ^ principally so to those whom God Ins olacedl V ''''^ ^'''''°''" '"''*"• """^ might require new laws and oniers iot r.nt a free state on newly settled lands, v.hich those of Netherland. We Tumb y slmi tW V " ^"^' '"' '"'^""'"'"S "« "^^ "« P"-'^'''. that of our representat^4 iHe esstiTv' !,' "?' °"'' P'"'"'^^^^ '''^^ °"^ '^""-"^ "r Secondly. VVe have been exn Z su. ?;'" '" ' ' T"''"'"^ °' ^^^^ '^^^ '^^ «-'-«• by the Natives of this country 'on rLemdeV/o '7' "' " "'^" "" "'" ""^ "«'^'" ^«S"" discouragements to the cou Ury. be8id™t In J H . '•""'' °^ ™'"^ ""^*^'"'^''« ^'^^ labor. VVe have been una Z th If T '"terruntmn to the inhabitants in their ave Deen unable, thus far. to arrive at a precise knowledge thereof nr f. n i^flH; i i^aH^^B i '9^8' 1 (: 'Hi \ 'fl^if 552 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. •y, we are compelled to stand on our oum defence, and cannot discover any prepared way to protect our lives and property except by our own means. 8, Thirdly. Officers and Mugistrates, though by their personal qualifications deserving such honors, are appointed, contrary to the laws of Netherland, to divers offices without the consent or nomination of the people whom the matter most affects or concerns. O, Fourthly. Many Orders or Proclamations have been made heretofore by the authority alone of the Director and Council, without the approbation of the Country. We are wholly ignorant which are or are not in force, and consequently know not when we transgress these, but commit many offences in our ignorance, to the injury and ruin of ourselves and families. 10« Fifthly. On the promues of Deeds and a General Patent of Freedoms and Privileges, various plantations have been made at great expense and trouble to the inhabitants, through building of houses, erecting fences, &c., tilling and cultivating the soil ; for example that of Middelborgh ' and Midtwout,' with their dependencies, besides several other places and individual bouweries, which have applied for general and particular deeds, but to their serious expense, having made various journeys from time to time and been put off, which excites suspicion of innovations, or that other conditions will be introduced, different from former stipulations. J J, Sixthly. A quantity of land is given or granted to some person or persons, for their private profit, on which a whole village or hamlet of about 20 or 30 families might have been established. This must cause an immense loss to the Patroons and their future income or revenue, and at present greatly impair the strength of the Province, being under such circumstances ourselves incapable of defence, unless villages or settlements be planted or formed. Having reduced, for easy reference, our complaints or grievances under six heads or articles, we shall renew our allegiance, in the hope that satisfaction will be granted to the country according to established justice and all secret pretentions and received injuries terminated and arranged. Wherefore, having unfolded the hardships under which we labor, we shall apply ourselves to your Wisdom for the remedy. That effected, we shall remain thankful, all further application being unnecessary, whereunto, otherwise, we shall be compelled. Humbly praying your Honors' answer on each particular point or article, so that we may be accordingly satisfied, or proceed farther, as God shall us direct. Done this 11"' December, 1663, in Amst. Below was — Your Honors' humble servants, (Signed) Arent van Hattem. P. L. van deu Giuft. PlETER WoLFERSEN. J. J. Hubbard. Tobias Eke.' Tomas H. Hassard. John Seaman. Elbert Elbertsen. Paulus van der Beecke. Martin Krigier. WiL Wekman.* Geo: Baxter. John Hickes. Robert Coo. William Wasborn. Thomas Spicer. Frederick Lubbbrtsen. Tomas Swartwout. and John Strvker. ' Newtown, L I. * Flatbush, L. I. ' Tobias Fiecx. 'Vfitunu TizKCKUkti. ^tw -York Coloniat Maniueripl>,Y., it. The word) within bracket!, in the ■bove petition, are added from the Accord in the Niw-York Colonial Manutcripti, V., 22. — Ei^ HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VII, 558 nollandDwuinonta, XV., 178. Shout Notes in form of Kxplnnation of some Points conf.inod in fh. west India Company, presented to the Hon"" Director f:pn»r„i „„ i n , of New Netherlan.. in the name and on the behr^t J B :n IT:^ bchepensot t e City of New Amsterdam and the respectivebep L c^' theV.iagesofGravesend, Flushing, Middelhorgh, Heemstede, Ame fort Breuckelen and Midwout on the ia«- Dec' A" 1653. Amerslort, 1. from the Englisl^ilageTutr^^^^^^ "P and written in English, by the Deputies and Incorpon.ted Wesf ^l C p C; rr^L" /'^ ''''' """ '^''^^'^ '-^^« ^t'-^tes General New Amsterdam, who, with Dept^Tromth^Du^^^ ''"' ''''"''"'^ "'' '^'« ^''^ "^ cogniza .e of the Director Gene nvird o fi T' ""'' ""' ''' '^"°"''^'^«« '^'^ Majors on the state of the coun try a "l s th M "" ' " ""'"« "' " '''''' '' '''« ^ords Uen^nstrance together, an;r,d^i'^::^^rr';:;;^rr'^^^^^^ inhabitants, nor to the abridirment nf fi,» .. j "• prejutiicial to the country and its or of the West India C „ 2y o m it IT T ""^k"' 1 ''' '''' "'«' ^°"'« «'^'- proper to present the sa'me^r I ^ m En'ii^sr^^ ^ General and Council, as ti.ey'have dot „ 2 U^^otT 33 17^, T'' '" I'' ""'''''''' of receiving an answer on the points confii. .d h •' ** ''°P^ """^ expectation the Director General and Counc 1 c "a ' ^ , Tr',; "' '" "'"• ^" ""^ '^^"^^^^^ '^•''3^ translated; next declared the afor '"d a3 L^ '^^r"«^^""7 «'- "^-"re an.l badly the same on account of this title : A^ess o hJ^^^S^^ 'TT' T"'' ' '* "'^" '"^''''' commanded the Burgomasters and X- af^r elid J" ^h":" ' 'f''T''''' """^ assemble no more in manner as •,fore«nid h ! f "''""^ ""r '•''«P«ct.ve Deputies to displeasure and arbitrary correction ' '° '"'^"" '''^''^""^' «" ?''"" °' '^e highest as^:f L^;f!::r/t:Stt .1^^''A°? ^'^^^^ "^"-"'' -^- - -^-^vledge Company, ^hom we i: o'Ts a Ldy 'Z '^ ^T!' "' '"^ T'''''''' ''-' '^'^^ them and their servants all due subntitLt hotr ^rd res^ec:"' '"'' "' "'""'« ^" ^^°- anr;:pr ::;::;::!^r:-t^^^ :r dX:^:^ ^nst^ed ...abiy, authority, to whatsoever om, e o seT Xe T v ZTTu " "'' '^"^""' ^°"" ""'^ illegality and to remove and f„ •,„,; V V /, ^^ '''"''^^'"y appointed, but to prevent the' ouiury. or areTe to le p,,* '3 1 T T ""' '"'"'"""-^ ^^'"■^•" "^"•'^ '^''^'y '— ' in this peti ion. it m g e So b|^^^^^^^ """«'' ^°'"^ "''^-'^^ ^'^^ »^« aPParent may be graciou;iy «uppL "^ '"'•''''''• '"' ^"""''^ ^"^"""S '^^ ^"""^ wanting, it Vol. 1 ,^ 554 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS 4. First. Our apprehension of the establishment of an arbitrary government among us. Whether this apprehension be founded can appear from this: — The entire government of this Country is directed and controlled exclusively according to the pleasure and caprice of Dr. Stuyvesant or one or two of his favorite Sycophants 5 in divers cases decisions were given without the knowledge, yea, frequently without summoning his adjoined Councillors, who have no further power to decide except as th»- Director permits them, his will being a Law absolute, whereby everything is controlled ; even if the Burgomasters and Schepens were sometimes summoned to the Council when occasions presented, to dispatch business with the Director General and Council, it is, in fact, rather to approve of his plans than to assist in consultation upon them ; for notwithstanding the Burgomasters and Schepens may dissent and differ from his opinion, the Director decides without them, declaring it must be so ; moreover, if any resolution be adopted with the consent of the Burgomasters and Schepens, 'tis changed and altered, without their knowledge, p.t the pleasure of the Director; and lastly, to show how great an appearance there is of the establishment of an arbitrary government among us, 'tis considered sufficient that a Director, a fellow-subject of a Free State, though filling a high and honorable office, with arrogant words disclaims his fellow subjects who are assembled with his previous knowledge for the good of the country, and are thereunto convoked beforehand by the lawful Rulers of the first and most important City in this country, and present en humble Remonstrance, declares their Assembly illegal, protests against it, forbids the Members and Deputies thereof to meet again, orders and commands them to disperse forthwith on pain of his highest displeasure and arbitrary punishment, as if they were, by their acts, guilty of resisting authority and had conspired to revolutionize the State and reduce it under another Ruler and government. 6. Under pretext that they have not been paid for their Lands : That such are the complaints and threats of the Indians is notorious, and divt-rs persons have felt the effects thereof, in the loss of their lives; and as the present Director, as well as his predecessors, hath purchased divers lands from the Natives, as these daily pretend, but have never paid for them as yet, the consequence is, that discontent is excited among the Indians and a thirst for vengeance, which they wreak when opportunity offers. 6. But their acts are commonly disregarded as the acts of Indians living at a great distance. Such was the excuse whenever complaints were made to the Director, instead of finding out proper means to secure the inhnbitanls, and to save them from continual apprehension, some good dispositions being already evinced, but without any result. 7. To stand on our own defence. Which defence cannot avail anything for the good of the country, unless we be permitted to aMemble at proper times and concert together proper measures therefor. 8. Officers and Magistrates, etc. The meaning and intention of this article ii, that the nominulion ought to belong to the people, the seleilion to the Director or to the Director and HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIL SS5 Counc 1 for such mu.ncpal offices and places as this city and the villages respectively require or the r government; that a Common Council ( Froe,.cA„p) ought to be orgarH.ed inlh s C v o cona,st of a number of such persons as should be found in this place fit fo fill su h offi I roCrur?or". " '''»^y°/'»>«Commonalty; that in the villages which have hitherto had no Court of justice, one ought to be established, so that the people there may be governed with greater order an heretofore, and each, on occurring occasions, be judged by his compel nt Judges ; but all this is left to the discretion of the Lords Majors. competent 9. Many orders or proclamations, etc. It is a certain and notorious fact, that many ordinances wh.ch concern the country at large are enacted without its knowledge; 'tis Strang^ tat Law are made .n a Free Land, binding on all and each of the inhabitant's also withou oZ such people to cons.der them, who belong to the country and are persons of considerabi! substance and must also help to protect and delend the province; thaf no person sadSed at the readmg of the enacted orders, nor allowed copies thereof, though demanded whe ebv ^ve are utterly .gnorant of our duty. This might easily be remedied'were sut Ruts nj atdZlem."' '"^""'"""•^ '"^^^ ^'''^ ^^ '"'«'^' ^« «""-'« ''"'7 to examine 10. On the promises of Deeds, etc. These promised Deeds are refused to divers and many persons notwuhstaning repeated and earnest applications have been n.ade foren. and t ey a est 11 refused to the great discontent of those who would rather resolve to aha" don Z undertaken bouweries. than expend much labor and money on land^ th. n! , propriety whereof cannot be established. ^ * ' P°««e"'°" ""d 11. A quantity of land is given or granted to some person or persons. This article has eference pr.ncpally to the fact that the Director conveyed last year. 1052. to Mr C rnel van Werckhoven, a certain considerable tract of valuable and clear land, situate withb le Ccr;ill?LTr3''^''fVr '-' ''-" P-ious.y granted in'the "ylr it?, U.rector W .Hem Kielt, deceased, to d.vers persons, and divided by lot in 31 parts whereof the I'oor o< th.8 place had 2 part, and every other person 1 part. And this is what we have thought proper to append to the present Remonstrance Ilooin.. that, hereby cleared of obscurity, its meaning and intention will be easily und s o'd Dove this 30- December. IGOJ. New Am.terd". in New Netherland. ""''"'"°'- (Signed) Martin Kbioibk. , P. L. VAN DiK Grift. (>Ko. Baxter. FkKUEUVK LuiiBGRTSE. n M m NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 1 Burgomasters of Amsterdam to Director Stuyvcsant. t From the Boob enUUed, Gmum lltuttm, Deel 8, In the Stad Buyt, Anuterdam. ] To Petrus Stuy vesant, Director General of New Netherland and Cura§ao, at the Manhattans, in Fort New Amsterdam. 9 July, 1654. Honorable, wise, prudent, right, discreet Sir ! nmiand Documcnuh Being Informed by the governors of the alms-house of the vast number of poor people wherewith they are burdened and charged, we have concluded to relieve them and so do the Company a service, by sending some of them to New Netherland. We have, therefore, sent over in the ship belonging to the bearer hereof, 7 @, 28 boys and girls, requesting you, in a friendly manner, to extend to them your kind advice and assistance, and to advance them if possible ; so that they, according to their fitness, may earn their board. If you consider that the population of that country could be advanced by sending over such persons, we shall, on being informed, lose no time to have some more forwarded. Meanwhile, we shall be much obliged by the aid and assistance you will extend in this Instance. Resolntbn of the States General calling for information respecting the Boundary of Xew Nttherland. i From the Ittglater of Wort Imlin Affalra, lOtlJ - 1(1&!, In the Itoyal Arohivea at the Hague. ] Thursday, 17 September, 1G54. MioiH. On consideration, it is resolved and concluded hereby to request and require the Assembly of the Nineteen of the West India Company actually together here at the Hague, to communicate to their High Mightinesses as soon np it can possibly be done, a pertinent Uou''ndafj.°"""""' ''•'P*"'' "" "'** '*o'""''""y in '"^^w Netherland between the Knglish and this State, with the addition of all the necessary Maps and other Documents relating and applicable thereto. Jtesolution of the Statss General to forward information on the Boundary to their Andiassadors in England. [ rrutn ihe RcgKlerof Wmi ItiJIa Affalra, I».M1-1«M, lo .he U..yal ArrliUeaalihe lla(ue. ] Tuesday the a'.t'" September, 1G.'J4. Folio 190. Rend nt the Assembly, a certain .Memoir of the committee of the Directors of the West India Company representing the Assembly of the Nineteen, who have exhibited, besides, agreeably to their Hl«li Mightinesses' Itesolution of the I?'" in«tant, Pertinent u.mi.u.rr'"""""' '"'"^'""^'O" «" ""• Hi'l'j'-Lt <>' til" division oi the iJouiidary in New Netherland, between the Knglish and this Slate, along with u figurative Map illustrating the HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VII »-« . . , , 857 for the purpose of promoting the aforel'd tim f o fh n'^H ^'"'"*"n°" " ''"^'^"'^• pursuant to their High Mighfinessea' pre^ediog^ToMl!'^ ""' " "'^'°™''^ ^*'«^«^°' -S-tofev General to the Amhassadors in Evgland. t Fro™ ,,,e Ke«,.^r or r«,^,,,. „,.,.„« or ... 8u.e. Gene™,, ,„ .,,0 R,.,., .„,,,„.,,. „,^,, , To Messrs. their High Mightinesses" Extraordinary Ambassadors in England. The States, etc. theTou:dariesr::::";,::%„:;:riTHi:r;^^'rTr'"^^^ figurative Map relating thereunt w l reou s th t^Jr ''''''"'T'' ^^^^''^^ ""'^ '^ Boundary aforesaid agreeablv th.rp.n T \ ^ \ P'°'"°'' ^^^ settlement of the relying, e'tc. Done SO^'septe^etTc^^^^^ '" ''^ """''"^ Kesolutions. whereon ^;«Wa. 558 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. answer, yet to this hour have not been so fortunate as to meet with any dispatch, the Lords of th™ ■"IP". -■" Oro.t oppoM,1, believing it f.t.l to thHiberti« of th. c.Mmtrr An ^7?, 'P'":"""'"* " SUdholJer w:.i..h Do Witt o«le,. Thi. exolu.i„n .„. th. n.i.f„rtu„.. th.t overtoTlIoS.n 1 n ^T l^ '"' ""^" "«"'"-"• "'^"- f-™ «"' no w». .rre.t.d, .oor-d „f being in !„.„„ wm. th " 1" 1 . ' ■ T '''*' """"""' I>"re and able M.gi.tr.to. leaving th. pri«,n tool., ,hi. ..ntenco, and m,„,„ered by the , o p.lcc of T T '" T^'J"'' '''' '""■" ''•"•"•'"- "" n.cHit KroMly in,>.lted. if„rfri. - Ki>. popiilnco of ll,„ H.gue, ,fu.r which the bodio. of both were ' Supra, p. 846. , „ Supra, \\ 611. K- s ^r 560 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS of the 27*'' July last; with a figurative Map of the situation of these Countries. And, howbeit we have clearly understood from the aforesaid Map and Memoir, the intentions of Mess" the Directors, regarding the pretended Limits; yet as regards the Title and right thereunto, we do not (with respect) find ourselves so well provided with the irrefragable reasons and arguments which are requisite in dealing with such a Nation as this, and in such a matter, consisting entirely of facts ; the first occupation and possession as well as the purchase of the grounds and lands being merely in general presupposed, but nothing in the world has reached us in support either of the one or the other. Yet, according to the letter even of Director Stuyvesandt, the English there made this objection to him : That their High Mightinesses' subjects in those parts, had not any patent from them, nor any proof of purchase. Wherefore we have taken the trouble not only further to inform ourselves by those who may have fuller knowledge of this matter but to look up attentively the descriptions by the English themselves, in order to learn therefrom what we consider applicable to our purpose. Yet we cannot in all this, satisfy ourselves as to the unsoundness of the position of those on this side who allege not only the right of purchase but also of notorious prior possession in divers parts, as we are informed by them. Having also been unable to learn aught of any Provisional agreement concluded at Harlfort in the year IG50, mentioned in Stuyvesandl's first letter, above referred to, or to find any other proof thereof among the papers than the mere mention of it, when an authentic extract, or something similar, in a matter of such importance ought to be exhibited ; and, moreover, having observed in the answer which the Lords of the Council gave heretofore to the 12"" of the 3G articles,' that they seem entirely to ignore their High Mightinesses having any Colonies in those parts ; nay, they waive defining the Boundary entirely as of no consideration; and having seen from the letters aforesaid of the abovementioned Stuyvesandt, ilrst, that he is ol opinion that the English cannot be removed from what they occupy, and that they are in possession as the strongest, they having crawled within eight leagues of the Manhattans and the North Uiver; and secondly, that he is everywhere of opinion that we ought to hold what we have, though at tlie loss of what is already taken away, in order to exclude the English at least from the district lying between the aforesaid North and South Rivers, presupposing that by far the best lands are to be found there ; and that he appears convinced that nothing final will ever be concluded here in Europe between the two States respecting the Boundary, without the consent of those English who are an the ground ; we also being of this last opinion — that the most we have to expect here will be a reference to the Governors and Council there for information, whilst according to the nature and interest of this government, we cannot see that they will engage in it otherwise as principals, and that by such reference with writing hither and thither so much lime is lost ; we have, under correction, considered it our duty resjiectfully to submit to their High Mightinesses, whether they would not be of opinion that we should so direct this matter, that authority be sent from both governments to the (iovernors aforesaid to come mutually to an agreement iu that country in the best and most friendly manner, subject to the approval and ratification of both governments. Hereupon we shall expect their High Mightinesses' orders by the first opportunity, liaving meanwhile prepared the inclosed Memorandum in order, at the first Conference, to expose our intention and in respect to the alternative, to forward the work ' .S'ii;ii-.i, |i 18(1, i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII. •nCl r*' "^ ""'" "* ""^""»'"' 8»«- i"..n.i.n and ,„b.e,„,„, ,e.olu„c... W. Sir, WoHtminBt^r li IV I. Your affectionate servants, Westminster if November. /«;. „ .. ' „ ^ deceived 6 December, 1664. i signed; H. V. Beverninok.' WlL'" NiEUPOORT. Appendix, reccucd 5 December, 1654, Memorandum. invi.l.b>li. p„„ Leer. i„L S .J™., p ^yV/irT '"i ' tl """ "*'"" '"" sub utriusqueditione, sine distinctione locorum positas, eorumque populum et incolas. Et secundo uti utraque pars omnibus laesionibus direptionibus, deprjedationibus tne two republics, and the countries, provinces and cities under their respective jurisdiction, together with the people and inhabitants of the same, without distinction of place. And by the second, that each party should locis et pr^fecturis. quibuscunn..; ,ZH , 1'.:^ ''"' °' ^^ ^''"^ ^»'«"' throughout locis et praefecturis, quibuscunque deinceps abstineat. Et non vanis rumoribus dominis ordinibus ge[ne]ralibu8 innotueritquod in continenti sep- tentrionaiis Americas pinga, non adeo firma ami- citia 8inceriorqueconf(uderatio, inter utriusque reipubiicas popuios ibidem commorantesobser- vetur: quin et a lassionibus injuriigque non omnino abstineatur. Cum tamen Hartfordiensi conventu anno 1660 inter utriusque nationis directores et assessores, provisionaii decreto in hnnc regulam conventum esset: uti possidetis ita possideatis all their respective lands, provinces, dominions, places and governments, whatsoever. And by good authority it has become known to our States General that on the continent of North America a firm friendship and s-ncera confederation are not so observed between the subjects of the two republics there resid-.nt, but that they do not altogether abstain from injuries and wrongs. And whereas in a convention at Hartford in the year 1650 between the Directors and Councillors of each nation, it was. by a pro- visional decision, agreed to fohow this rule: th. French .„J «p.,,„d.. .„d fin J /w th U,e K eTr If M """' "«" "i "' "" "" ""'*'' "'"" "*" "'•""^ "' «"'"-'. -'" ".v„..,.c. d...of . w„„„t f„„r oni;: l;.™:::: :s'i;:! ';;t:; t::.;: .r^'' """" " •«'""""•• ^"•- Vol 1. y. 562 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSC31IPTS. donee utriusque reipublicae proceres aliter that each party should keep what it possessed convenerint aut pra3cidaneam banc conven- tionem ratihabuerint. A sua parte ita etiam proponunt et condu- cere posse existimant unitarum provinciaruin extra ordinem legati. Uti recti, certi, immotique limites ibi quain- prlmum constituantur, quos excedere, aut transgredi in posterum.neutri nationuin liceat. Parati quovis tempore subditorum suorum et incolarum ibi proprietates jurisdictiones et immotas limites in mappis figuratis ad oculum demonstrare, aliisque documentis astruere. Vel etiam, si ita potius visum sit, totum hoc negocium ad arbitrium eorum Gubernatorum et assessorum referre, qui in iisdem septentri- onalis America; plagis, nomine et auctoritate until the authorities of the two States should determine otherwise, or should ratify this convention. On their part, accordingly, the Ambassadors Extraordinary of the United Provinces propose and recommend. That as soon as possible, there be established there, right, certain and immovable boundaries which neither nation shall be allowed to exceed or pass over. Being prepared at any time to show by maps, and to sustain by other documents, the pro- prietorsi^ips, jurisdictions, and unchanged boundaries of their subjects and ot the inhabi- tants there resident. Or even, should it be preferred, to submit this whole affair to the arbitration of those Govern- ors and Councillors who preside in those same provinces of North America, in the name and utriusque regimine pracsident: ut amicissima authority of the two States: that by the most qua fieri polerit via, meliorique modo inter se friendly way possible they may the better conveniant, conventionisque suic tabulas I'gree among themselves, and send the records transmittant aSerefi: sua celsitudine domin- of their convention to be confirmed by the isqua Ordinibus Generalibus rallhabitione mutual ratification both of his Serene Highness reciproca, si ita conducere existinient, con- and of the States General, if they shall see fit. firmandas. Resolution of the States Oenei'al on the preceding Papers. [ rrora Dm RegiaUr of Wmt India Affkire, 1«S9 — 1««8, In tht Rojral ArchlTN at ih« Ilagn«. ] Wednesday, 9"" December, 1654. Folio MO. The Assembly again had under consideration the despatch of their High Mightinesses' Ambassadors in England, written in Westminster, the 27"" of the last month, addressed with an appendix to Secretary Ruysch, containing full information of what they had Boundary of New do"^ in the matter of the Boundary in New Netherland, between the subjects of B.ih.riand. jj^jg gfjj^g jj^j those of England. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that copy of said letter and appendix be sent to the presiding Chamber of the West India Company, at Zealand, and to that of Amsterdam, requesting and requiring them to communicate their opinions and advice thereupon at the earliest period, together with pertinent information on all the points more fully set forth in that letter. HOLLAND DOCTTMENTS: VII 56» States General to the West India Company. Thb States, etc. S'" December, 1664. ^solution atoresaid. Relying whereupon, etc. Done CJmmler at Amsterdam to the States General [K,oa.th.Orig.n.ll»,h,Ro,.l Archlr,. ,„b. u.g„, , FH. ir,„^,„,,. , High and Mighty Lords. i.n.ded to „,. I .„.„'„ S' r: if.r .,"u, ■ : "" t r""'" '""■ "" """ Hartford, in Ida year 1650 and f„ ™.. .hr. . ""'""""I Agreement concluded at wi.1- .he .ecoad pZ/a.ll/.lrn "w . E"':,?""' "T't" °"'' '"'" '° '"""-' 10 the approval of the priacioal. oa ho.r.i J ' ""*'"' '" "'" Nethsrland .nbject H,rstr:::f .^;Xl:: -J - nt'^^^'' '° ^= ^'-- '» -■ ^""' High and Mighty Lords, rri. T^- ^°"'' "'^"^ '^'•e'ltinesses* humble Servants, Amsterdam SC^ DecembL S" "' ''^ ^^^^ I-dia Company Chamber at Amsterdam. Keceived 8 January, 1656. {^^gn^A) Isaack van Beeck. Paulus Timmermak. 564 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Memoir of the English encroacJimenta on New Ndherland. [FroiD the MS. In Itaa Bojal ArchlrH al Uw Bigot; Fllr Wngtlj:iul. ] Memoir, diawn up from clivers letters, papers nnd documents comprising the situation of New Netherlan ', who its first discoverers and possessors were, together with the unreasonable and violent usurpations committed by the Englisli there on the lands lying within the limits of the Incorporated West India Company. Appendix, received 2 January, 1656. New Netiiekland is situate on the North coast of Amerira, in latitude 38 to 41 J degrees or thereabouts along the coast, being bounded on the Northeast by the countries now called New England, and on the Southwest by Virginia. This district or country, which is right good and salubrious, was first discovered and found, in the year 1C09, by the Netherlanders, as its name imports at their own cost by means of on. Hendrick Hudson, Skipper and Merchant, in the ship the /k/i-eM/tne sailing in the service of the Incorporated East India Company; for the Natives or Indians on his first arriving there, regarded the ship with mighty wonder and looked upon it as a Sea monster, declaring that such a ship or people had never before been there. That this country was first of all discovered and founl out by Netherlanders, appears also f'om the fact that all the islands, bays, harbors, rivers and places, even a great way on either side of Cape Cod, cal!e, I.ri„..„ „,.V ,i„rcol.^de7 '^ ' ''°''"' " """"« ''°"-'" »' unlawfullv, Lean.. Ih. P™1 . """"■"•• ^ I"" ''"""« remained in po.M.eion, though the Engli'i;. ''°"""'"" ■"""" ""« "»■ ""l-o^'d .0 .how .„y |,„.,i|i,y ^„ po..e..i„„ had been J.n o't , hty! r eat?.; , 'r "'' "'"T ""^ ""'"'" '"''• '«"""'''• of Haeriem „„ eh. ,.,a„d Que. „ . .n^ „ Z't tr d W?::! p' ""! *""''"" ""r'"'™ pre.end .0 have conouerad hv f»,™ „(■ ° ''°"' °' '»"■ hay, and Peqna.oo. river which Ihey .nhjng...d .hat NaZ ' "°" '""" "" °"'""' '"""•""I' «■ »"y "-e wholly NIt,LT«lu.:^r;it'd^.etl'''°'■"* "'t"™" '^°"«" ■""•• "'"•'" "•= "«- oa,l,n. (l„n.™„c; a. al .h. land, .h^ »lr "• T" ""'■ ™»""? '» "" '«" •' and a J... a „n,.l.nde' of pr'.irLrd^dtcZVT.ritX^V'r^^^^^ """","' or ever made any c aim to U taken "1'"'' ""Tu^'T ''^ ^°^"^^ ^^^"^ '»"y P'«*-«i-' of Amersfoort. Heem t^de Flu in. T ^'°^ .''^ ''"' ''"'•='' ^^ P'«"^'"^ '''^ villages bouweries and' ptrot U a^^^^^^^^^^ -"J « ^-^'^ "-^er^f Mightinessaes and of the Company "^ '"'^ '"""'' "'" '''^'^ "'s'^ Southampton and Southotd - " ' '"' °' '""« ^^''^"'^ '"'' ""'« -"««- "amed usirpefjhaTi;r,ldVa';:aft:^^ ^" ^"'^"'^ -^ •■" ^-^ ^«-«^> "- they for tEe Cod fishery. "''' "'""'^ ''^'""^^ '° ^^""^ '«'«»''• «"<» ''«" very convenient prIL^ded3d7yrd";lllV;-n'u*''' "" .'^'^^' """^ P^^^^'^' ^"' that the English ly further enrachme„t o thl Di T 7'«^'«''"» "«»^P»"-« 'here, wrote, in order to roacnment. to their Director Stuy vesant whom they authorized to agree on a ' 8U. Now N«r«g«nML ' Sprin({fi.ld, founded by Mr. Pyncbcon. — Er Ui 566 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Provisional Boundary witli the English. He, accordingly, repaired to a certain meeting of Commissioners summoned by the English at Hartford, where they mutually agreed and concluded on a Provisional Foundary subject to the ratification of the principals on both sidesi ns can be more fully seen by the letter dated 20 November, 1050, of the aforesaid Director with whom the agreement thereof remains. Yet the aforesaid English cannot respect this Provisional Boundary which was concluded at such a sacrifice and to such prejudice of the Company's established right, obtained by prior possession and purchase of the lands, as already stated ; for sometime afterwards, and now lately, they have not hesitated to commit fresh usurpation on the lands situate within the aforesaid Provisional Boundary, purchased from the natives or owners and paid for by the said Director some years before, as can be seen by his letter dated the 27"" July, 1064. All which insufferable usurpations by neighbors and allies, are in every part a violation of the law of nations, and consequently ought not and cannot be longer endured, unless by wantonly abandoning and giving up this Noble Province of New Netherland, which is of such great importance to this State. As such abandonment would be highly disreputable to this country and detrimental to its inhabitants, we will trust that their High Mightinesses will maintain the Company in their good right, and moreover take care that a mutual Boundary between the nations in those parts shall at once be concluded and determined. The sooner this is effected the better, ere the rupture become irremediable. In this manner, tlien, have the English by unrighteous usurpations, made themselves masters of all the beforementioned places, aud especially of the beautiful Fresh river. They well knew that the Company had not only ratified the possession of the aforesaid river by the construction of its fort and some bouweries besides, but that it hud, particularly in the year 1032, purchased from the natives and proprietors many lands thereabout, which were accordingly conveyed to it, long before the coming thither of any English, who first arrived there in the year 1030. Neither is it unknown to them that the Company did, about the same time, cause to be purchased by one Hans van der Sluys, a certain place called Kivitshoeck, as their High Mightinesses' arms were affixed to a tree, at that place, in token of possession; the English not only pulled them down, but even carved a buffoon's face in their stead, in gross contemiit and disrespect of their High Mightinesses ; and although satisfaction was repeatedly demanded for this, nought has resulted or could be obtained. Subsequently, and about the time the troublea between the King and his Parliament broke out in England in acts of hostility, the English who have so unlawfully usurped the aforesaid Fresh river, made an offer to the Company's servants in those parts to pay a yearly acknowledgment or buy them out, for which purpose they also sent hither one Mr. Hugh Peters, a minister at Salem, whom they empowered and authorized to agree with the Company about this matter; which, indeed, is a sure sign and proof that they are conscious of occupying not their own, but tlw Company's lawful lands. In like manner did the English usurpers of Rhode Island, when at loggerheads with those of the Bay, also apply to the Company's servants there to permit them to hide, and even to settle among the Dutch, of all which the pieces and documents remain with the Directors of New Netherland. But since the change occurred in the government of England, they have, in order to gloze over their actions, had recourse to divers subterfuges, circumstances, forged pretenses and false arguments, to obscure and overthrow the Company's lawful claims and just right, so that HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII. 507 VroyZnrl'T"'' '"' ""f """"" '"'•'"'"^^ "'"^ ^'-^ "" ""« "-''. and (before the Proposals of Mr. Peters' to the Amsterdam West India Company. 1641 penon., if „ny ,„cl, c.n„ be r„.„,l * '"" "'™'"' ''= ■"««»"8«'«"« '^'^'"'d "•'"i-t" repuution and wa. much respeete/ A a Tetd , "^^ '" ''-""'•'"-'-•" .'•«->■« enjoyed a high Amba«ad.,r to the Parliame .t of K„,„„„ for '"•-:« r . ?"" '""'■ '" "" ""' ''^ ""^ •""»"'" "» ^^eir mercial privileges. On his arrival, heV d e ivirj r T iLh^r VZ T,7' "'" *" "'""" """" '"-"'"« «""■ ••^e»l whieh overwhelmned his judgment" He vi Lril, ,1 i7,l ' """''"," '".'""" '" '"" ''"'-™e"tari«n. with a violently against Charle, r. that th'o English IJb d r t^/^ IZTl^ """' "' ^f' -""'^^ "« V>e..U.l so SUtes General. lU delivered a series of discourse, to the K : 7 """*"^ °' coraplnini.g of him to the of exciting the Catholic, of Ireland aga n t C orwo I an, ' «""';''"«'.-«»"°" "' ^^""'-''•-. - -'»''' >■« accused the king that crowds of women, it is said, gave ttrZLrlj T"; '""'"' ™"''''y'' -"l »-'-'^-"'«'l tbese sermo,,.! connived at the whole of these pr^c^el^ I^™ :rs:Cue:{lv L 1 f l' T'""'^"" """ '""'^ '^"« ^'"=" thorough a partisan, that he gave God thVnk, forThl Dro!. , ^ ^^ "'"""" '" ^™"'"''"' "^ *'""» '" "«» «» were put to death in col,, blood. ,„ th a" h „ ^-^ oLurT' '"''^V'^''^""' "'"^ ""' ''" """"""^ P^P'- r»«ion, and ho is represented a, having uttered he 1 w , '"'.T ■"""""' "■" ^'"•■•''«'- »' "■« W'terist sermon which he preached before his ma esty , v^. rh / 'lio' "'"."rrrr T'V"' ""'"^'"""'* "'°"''"'' '- »"' with fetter, of iron." were the words which he is said to hlv ^ f . ^"" '""*'' "'"' "''"""• »"'' J""' ""l''" .nd the red.coa.s to saviour, and sainU ^ V "l t rw" "" ," !"', """" ''" """"""•*'' ^"»^'- '» «"-"">"'. in this particular the accusation is ove;chart rL^ ::;":;:: 'n'™"'' "'''f' ""' " " ^ ^^ '^V"^ «.; preacher." that it was at the request of Ilu'h Vete s that Dr J In , "''I'r T"f '" "'* '""'"' "' "-'^ f-"'''-' Charles preparat.,r, to hi, dea.i: A^er the'.JtiaUo t L U;v re:,' ^ i'C ^r "' "', '""'' '"'""''' '" '''-' - . «ene of fl„gr8nt injustice. He was allowed no coun.el I„ J . , T "°"""' "" " ""«'"'*'"■ "•'» '""' *<» .ubstantiate the charge, on which he wasl-ondcm, ed 7 '■ '"". '" '''"• "'""^'' ""' ''''^•' """""- <"J ""t gallows, the mo,t indomitable coL; • ^ou m -lo v" rT" 1 •"' T l" "".' '""''"''' ''''• ''''''''"'^- -^ «' "'<> With these word^ "the first freen.a . of Ma, cZt wZ 1 t , TT " " -'''••- to his unfeeling cxecutiouer; ,„, eternity. Hi, course and hi, churac er LveTee iff re H '"'. ''^•', "■• "^'"""i"" "• '""""rchy.- was launched iuto .sper,e. according a, bias ha, .. v , dZnt W '"'''^T f '""''' ""'' "'''"'''' ^""" ^"'^ ""^ '"- UniUd S,a,r>. I.. ;,8.3 , U. 32 • ^,L,.a 11 9 « l' « ' T-"' """"' *" " J"" '"'"<""'''"'>. '""r consult 2(<..,«r„//'s •The population of the Engl.h C.lon.ea, ,„ ,06o, wa. est,.at.d to bo eighty thousand, //o.,.. AnnaU. 568 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. and furnish ub with an excerpt of such government as they, on our uniting with them there would desire. G" That the Compfiny may be pleased in all things to consider the inhabitants of New England, who number about 40,000, as a people covetous on (heir side of peace and of the propagation of the Gospel above all worldly things, and no ways desirous of causing the Company either trouble or loss. Authority to the Reverend Mr. Peters to treat with the West India Company. Whereas Mr. Hugh Peters, Minister of Salem, the bearer hereof, is sent at the public request to England, to negotiate with the present Parliament respecting such matters as concern us which we confide to his care and fidelity, This is to authorize him, if occasion permit him to go to the Netherlands, to treat with the West India Company there, concerning a peaceable neighborhood between us and those of New Netherland, and whatever he shall further think proper touching the West Indies, to the end that we may have union and intercourse with one another, God willing, in a matter of such greiit importance the details to be negotiatecTare referred to such propositions as shall be presented on meeting together. (Signed) John Winthrop,* The.lO"' October, 1641 Governor of Massachusett. In the bay of Massachusetts John Haynes,' in New England. Governor of Connecticutt. liesdution of tlie Staks General on tJie Treaty at Hartford. [Vtnm lbs Hii(M*r of WmI lailla AITaln, 1W3 — l«ea, In lb* Boftl ArchlTH^I lb< Bfgo*'] Saturday, 2 January, 1655. roiioiw. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, dated the SO"* ultimo, together with some inclosures, in answer to their High ' JniiN WiNTitltor, fint Governor of MaiMrhuietU, wu born at Qmton, in Aiiffolk county, Jinuary 12, 1887, nnd WMbrcd to the law. Ilavlig convcrtnl a fin« ettate uf A or 700/. |i«r annum into moiie/, he eiubarkwl for Aniirioa, in th« 43n; uf Maaaachuictta, anvruiil, till liia death in 1604. Alttn. — Kw, I r HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII. 569 BJZT .^;8^*'"«»-«' ^««P^"=h of the 9- of the same month, ar-. consequently x7u"l u • '"'°'"'"*"°" "-espectin^ the situation and constitiuion of affairs in New Nelherland. Which bemg considered, ir, is resolved and concluded that copies of the aforesaid despatch an.« .nclosures shall be transmitted to Mr. Nieupoort. their High Mightinesses' Extraordinary Ambassador in England, with a request that he will so manage the matter that the New ISetherland Boundary in question may be adopted agreeably and in conformity to the . rov.8,onal agreement concluded at Hartford in the year 1660. and in case this abovementioned plan could not be accomplished, that it may then be agreed that the aforesaid Boundary be arranged in New Netherland, subject to the approval of the principals on both sides. Mess" the Deputies from Friesland renew their former frequently made remark respecting the employment of the Ambassadors. Slates General to Amba^ddor Mettpoort. FroB. the B^ULr ol UUg^an, M«« „f ,h, suto. Oen,r.l, In Ih. EoyU A,ohl»« .t Ih. Hag,,. ] To Mr. Nieupo. their High Mightinesses Extraordinary Ambassador in England. Thb States, etc. f .r «; T "•'"°'"'''''' «'°- Herewith we transmit you copy of the letter of the Directors of the West IndiH Company. Chamber at Amsterdam, as well as of the inclosures sent us Sr^r-L" ^" ^^*'''^"^' 'OK^'^'er «'"h the accompanying extract of our resolutions, all relating to the Boundary in New Netherland, requesting you to regulate yourself aceordmg to the tenor thereof. Relying on which, etc. Done 2 January, 1655. ^ n < ■ » Chamfjet' at MidMburg to the States General. i From th« O/lglatl tn the B<>r>l Arohim tl lh« lltru ; Fll,, r«« Indlt. | High and Mighty Lords. In answer to your High Mightinesses' despatch and resolution, both of the 9* of this month of December, and the inclosures respecting the negotiations between your High Mightinesses' Ambassadors in England and those of that llepublic in relation to the Boundary in New Nelherland, we who at present preside, can only repeat with due submission, what we have heretofore frequently stated, that we are wholly and entirely excluded from the superintendence of that so notable and important a province, included within our Charter; because we are so poor that we cannot contribute our quota of the ineurre-l expenses. And, therefore the supervision thereof hath always been unjustly assumed and retained by the Amsterdam Chamber, m spile of us and the other Chambers. So that we must acknowledge, according to existing circumstances, that we are unable to advise your High Mightinesses and offer you such opinion as we should wish; inasmuch as all the old papers and documents in support both of Vol. I. 78 '" jl 570 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. our first occupation of those countries and the successive purchases of grounds, and further particular contracts there entered into and performed, remain in the office of those of Amsterdam, to whom we must refer. But surely as Presiding Chamber, at least as yet, we can respectfully submit so much as our opinion to your High Mightinesses, that we have come to the conclusion thai in justice every reasonable means and argument ought to be used, but in case nothing is obtained, we think it wisest, then, to try what is next considered reasonable. And so consequently not for what we desire and will, but for what can be effected. Wherefore, with submission, we consider their Excellencies' last plan the best; namely, to refer these conflicting matters to the respective representative chiefs and commissioners at the place in dispute, to the end that they may meet together and arrange everything there, subject to the approval of their Lords principals on both sides. The country and consequently the Company would derive the greatest advantage from such a course. We shall not hesitate to submit these and other additional reasons concerning our confraters of the Chamber at Amsterdam and to be careful thus respectfully to serve your High Mightinesses with uniform opinions; and shall further continually pray God to bless your High Mightinesses' government and undertakings. i High and Migty Lords, Your High Mightinesses' humble Servants, The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber in Zealand, Middelburgh, 28 December, A° 1G54. (Signed) P. Mortamer. Received 4 January, 1C65. D- Bant. liewlution of (he States General on the preceding iMter. [ From lh« BeKlaKi of VTol Inill* Affitlra, IlISi — 1061, In Iha Ro;al ArclilTH >l the Haiut. ] Monday, 4"" January, 1655. Folio iw. Ileceivcd a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber of Zealand, written at Middelburgh the 28"" December last, in answer to their High Mightinesses' deppatch of the 9" of this month, and accordingly with opinion respecting the Houndary in New 5eih.ri.nd. i\ew Nethurhuid between the subjccts of England and this Htate. Which being considered, reference is had to what has been already resolved in the premises and, with that, the matter was laid on the table. Bcudution of the StiUes (hneral in the suit of Mr. van tier CaptUe. [ Frum tkt lUglilti' of Wr«l In.llB Alhln, imi- 1««0, In Iht Knjrtl Anhltn it Uw lligue. ] Thursday, 14 January, 1055. Folio 146. Uead at the Meeting, the petition of Martin Heekman, Notary, attorney for Mr. Hendrik van Uer Capelle tiio Uy«»el, co-deputy from the province of Guilderlond to their High i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII -, . ■ 071 K"r;e'rw;:u:rr^^^^^ -^y^^^t-^ -^^^^ -vice .ade b,hi. the -.«»ic.p.„.. Mr. vaa ^er Caoel e and r T '■"""!.'' ^ '''^"" "'^'^ Mightinesses to the said D.«.u..„,„„„. sociirLoect^nrJl . ^T '"" ^' ^°"'^'' '"^^^''""^ ^' Amsterdam cum in New Nether"' Z r ther S^iTh '""°"""' .'^ '^'"^ ''"y^^^^"^' ^'-'- matter of the ship nam d the J^LT , ^T T"""' "'' "PP^"""' '^""^ «"'"• '» '^e agricultural impiementrail tt eS tlj trtf'r', r"' ^'"'^^ "'''^ P««P'« ^^^ but on the contrary defaut be InlV Win hK-^ . '^ ""' '"' "P ""^ appearance, that the petition afore id be "feted ttlesr "" o"'' '' '' ""'^^'' ^"'^ ^°"'='"'^«''- Mightinesses' Deputies for the af^^i^ t e W s ndrclTa"^"t "' °^'" ^'^'^ "'^'^ report thereupon. ^ Company, to mspect, examine and Hesohuion of t/^ State. General in the srnt of Mr. van der CapelU. tF«». .h. B.gU..ror W«. !„<,.. A^Ur., ,«,-,M3. ,„ U., Eo,., Arch.™ ...he H.g„e.] Saturday, a-" April, 1655. jzz^. pu"r,' :^ ''ifrr"^'.? '^f ° "^"""^ °' "^^^^ ^"" ^^^ C"p«i'« tho Ryssd. 1653, obtained fClirHtS ""' ''"" '"'""'^'' "•^'' "" '^'^ ^0'^ Apri I'etrus Htuyvesa„t,;irt:r!;;f:e::,^ 'ZTe:htl\r:';l'tt;t^^ ''''^' "«^'"^' 8.u„e„„,. on the aforesaid S.nv. * ^'^einerianU, and that the said wiit was served whereofatlaww steTonll : *"^^ ^'^''"' '' '^^ '^^^ ''- prosecution /iV*o?«//o« 0/ /;^, Si4itea General in favor of Mr. Gahry. Saturday, the 24"' April, 1055. On the petition of Carel Gahry, merchant and resident at Amsterdam, it is on ronsKa-rnlion resolved and concluded to hereby allow and grant the Petitioner letters to I ,rector.(;en..ral Stuvesandt in New Netherland. for tho promo on oT business he hath outstanding there. , promouon oi me Vollo 1«9. 0»r«l (Ubry. 572 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. States General to Director Stuyvesant. [ From Uie BegUler of VUgegant BHmi. of lb« 8l«te« Ocn«»l, In (be Roy«l Arehi™ »t lh» Hague. ] The States, etc. Mo 90. Honorable, etc. Carel Gabry, merchnnt and resident at Amsterdam, hath Carol Q»bry. represented to us that he proposes to visit New Netherhind, in order to obtain payment from Bevera! of his debtors there; we have, therefore, resolved hereby to recommend and order you to afford him a helping hand, to the end that he may meet with good, quick, prompr redress, and full justice in the matters he haa outstanding there. Whereon relying, &c. Done 24"' April, 1C55. Tarif of 1655. [ rwm the Boodle enUUod VtrKMdt StuJtJtm raktadtdt OokmU wn Simw NtitrUindl, Id lh« Xad /Tuy., Anutenlam, No. 81. ] Holland Dooomonu, The Import duties according to following list corrected on the first of May, 1666, ^^'•"' are as follow, to wit : Pdtry. Beavers, Otters, Bears skins, etc. One stiver on the value of six guilders and one-third advance; together per pound Flemisii A 1- 6i Elk hides. Four stivers each and one-third advance; in all per piece, 2.103 TuImicco. Six stivers on the value of six guilders and one-third advance; together Q per pound Flemish, ' Ox hidfs and Diy hides. Three stivers each and one-third advance ; together, each, 4. Wheat. Two guilders the last and one-third advance; together per last 2.13. Ci Bark\i. One guilder and five stivers per last and one-third advance ; together per last •.•••- l^^. «* Pta* and Umns. One guilder and five stivers the last, and one-third advance ; together per last ^■^^- ^* Liiiisfid. Two guilders and eight stivers tlie last and one-third advance; together per last ^- *• ^ Riive md and Htinp seed. One guilder per last, and one-third advance; together ferlast '• ^i^"* Flax. Four stivers per hundred pounds and one-third advance; together per 100 lbs., ''■ ^^ limp. Nine stivers per 300 lbs. weight and one-third advance; together per 19 300 lbs., ^* *. PuMsh. Six itiveri per hundred pounds and one-third advance; together per ♦ 100 lb *• ® • Timlxr from Sweden and Surway. Eight stivers pef last and one-third advance ; together per last 10.10| r » HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VII. ^plrhunf;er''' ^""'^'" '"'■ ^""'''"^ ""'^ °""''^''^ "'^^"""'' '°6^*''" P*>e«a.«,. Two stivers per one Vu'ndrVd ^Vd VweVty-tw;'p;eVe;\;nd";Ve-thi;d ^ advance ; together per 122 pieces, Oak plunk of 30 (^ .0 feet. Two 8tivers'p;;"26" feeV ;;.d ■on'e-t'hi;d" ad^^n^;"; together each twenty feet "UYain.e , Firewood. Three stivers for six guild;;8%;i'u;";Vd''o"nV/thiVd";d;;„VeVtogeVh"e; per pound Flemish, lugcmcr P;^j; single bound. One guildeVfiJ^^Uv^Vs' p;;^Vs;Vf'i2';ma'll 't^tis'Vnd 'o'nel third advance ; togetlier per last, Pi>.A; double bound. Two guilders ten sti;;;; VeVla'st' 'Jnd "Jn'^-'thiVd "adVa;;;"; ' together per last, ' Tar One guilder per last and one-third" adVanceV iogeVhVr'peV laVt," "'. i O,/ from round and flat seed. One guilder and five stivers per tierce faemj a'nd" on^el third advance ; together per tierce, ''"pt Too ibt!" .'"!'!" '""'"' p-n'jV a;d";;v-t'hi;d';d;;;.;;\"og"eVh;; '■ Barrel beef. Four stivers fo^ VhV VaVu;";rsVx"g"u;idVr;';t;d" one^t'hi'rd" ad'van'c;"- together per pound Flemish, 'ruuuvance, 578 4 • 2 ■m 2 m 4 .13. H 6. m 6. los 13. 64 12. 5. 5* Chamber at Amsterdam to the States Genera?. I From Ih. Rognier of Ingacomen J},-Urm, Id ih. Eoj.l A«hlve. .1 tb. H.go.. ] High and Mighty Lords. r..m. We have been for some months in daily expectation that Mr. Nieupoort m IT ^"''T'"'"'" y"'' "'S'' Mightinesses near the Lord Protector 0^3 ad' th tofVhistr ^"r"f«;" "- -""- or the Boundary in New Netherland betwe ' And n! ?h ' ""1 ""'"" "''"^""'' '"' "" ''"^« "«' - yet learned anything teTeo, And as the aforesaid matter demands dispatch and cannot he postponed without reat prejud.ce and injury to the Company, we have therefore resolved humbly toT'uet vou H.gh Mightinesses hereby, to be pleased, pursuant to the order hereinbefore „ade "Id fo reasons above set forth again seriously to recommend the forwarding of rmler Lfls . to the abovement.oned Ambassador, so that the aforesaid Boundary may be determin wuhout any onger delay ; or in case what is above stated cannot be 'effected, hen tlaTo ma ter may be so ordered, that the Governors or Servants on both sides in those pa s„v be commissioned and authorized thereunto. Wherewith ending, we pray OorAlmStv tZ He would be pleased to bless your High Mightinesses' persons and governmeiU ; iTZln High and Mijjhty Lords, ^''^'"^ '•'«>! Mightin-»s8ps' humble servants Amsterdam. 20-^ May )" """'"" "'""'"'" '""" Company Chamber at Amsterdam. Received 24- May. '^''' ^ ^'«""*^^ ^^•^ ' ''— ■^ ' Jacob ibr jkns. M'' I " .< f i 574 new-york: colonial manuscripts. Resolution of tlie States Oem-al on tlie preceding Letter. [ From the E«gl»ler of WmI India Alfclre, 1052 — 1 668, In the Eoy«l Arel \yn «l the Hagno ] Monday, 24'" May, 1655. Folio 165. Received a letter from the Directors of tlie West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, dated the 20"- instant, stating in substance that they have been for some months of Now '» '^-'^''y expectation that Mr. Nieupoort, their High Mightinesses' Extraordinary NaheriaJj" "" Anibassador to the Protector in England might have effected something there in the matter of the Boundary in New Netlierland between those of this State and England, but that they had not yet heard anything concerning it. Which being considered, and it being observed that the aforesaid matter demands dispatch and cannot b-: delayed without great prejudice and injury to the aforesaid West India Company, it is resolved and concluded, that the said Ambassador Nieupoort shall be again written to, that he still duly perform all good and effectual duties and offices, pursuant to their High Mightinesses' previous orders, to the end that the aforesaid Boundary may be determined there without further delay, or in case the abovementioned should not be effected, that then the matter may be so directed that the Governors or Servants in New Netherland aforesaid may be commissioned and authorized thereunto on both sides. States Oer^ral to AmLassador Nieupoort. t From the Beglsler of V'Igegane nriettn of Ihc Slaloa General, In ihe Kojral irchlrea at tbe Hacae. ] Tub States, etc. Polio no. Honorable, etc. We herewith send you both the accompanying extracts of our MX^rTSd!" ^"' Resolutions, as well respecting the Boundary between those of England and those of this State, in New Netherland, as regarding the superscription or placing the name of the Lord Protector upon the letters which His Highness should write to us ; together with some accompanying authentic copies of a few letters written to us at the time by the King of England ; requesting you to regulate yourself precisely in strict accordance with the tenor of both the aforesaid our resolutions. Whereupon relying, etc. Done 24'" May, 1655. Cliamlter at Amsterdam to the States Oeneral. [ From the Original, In the Bogral ArchlTta at tbe Uague ; File, HM /mffa. ] High and Mighty Lords! ^ Whereas, we have learned since writing on >■ Inst to your Higli Mighlinpsses, on the 20' instant, for the dispatch of the Boundary in iScw Netherland, that some Commissioners are HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: MI. -. ::n::::piro:^r:!f rt^L!::: ' dt„t • n t '-'' :'-'-'-' ''--' '- ^^« --'^---on we. therefore, could Tt Zu 't thi« n ^"""''' ^''"''" '^'^ ^'"^'^ ''"'^ '^'^ highness. Mightinesses to be pleased to wrL a H 'T" v-^ """' '"'"''^ ^•^''"^^''"S J'"'^' High which remain open, and to have th« I ZZ . , '^ftherland along with the other points authorized there fu ly to d spose of and f --f «'=*-'f ---'oners, who are coming here, ardently desire. Herewith, '^ " '""'"'""'' '^' ^^'^ ^"""''^^y ^ere. which we High and Mighty Lords, we shall pray Almight" God fnr th. a ■ H.gh Mightinesses' prosperous Governmen';. and remai^ ' " '"'"""« "^"^" °^ ^'^' Your High Mightinesses' humble servants Amsterdam. 29 May. 7' ''""'°" °' ''' "^"^ '"'^'^ ^""^P""^' ^^amber at Amsterdam, deceived 31 May. M655. (Signed) Eduakd Man. Jacob Pergens. < " >■■» /.•^..^..^ebn 0/ ^/,. S'tofe. General on the preeediug Letter. t From U.. 1^^, of We., I„m, AB„r^ ,„, _,o«3, la .b. Boy., A,chW« M ,h, n.gu.. ] Monday, the 31 May. 1656. tlLir 1.81 or the 20.' „r ,1 "'»""(!"' •"bsCance .hnl they hnd learned .inc. writh.g J.., .-II B':„dL/LN;°s. ;.'"';,""" "'?;""••"■ ^" "■' "'"■»"•'■ °f "» B-.d.„. »»"? I" "ew Aetherland, tlmt .om. Corumi.jioner. from EoEland ar» resolved and concluded, that Mr. Nieupoort be written I for the end afordafd ' ' " States General to Amhasm^r Nieupoort. Thk tSxATES, ETC. w«.Z:;;i,.. Rir'''^': .'"^^ ri' ^"' '"^^''^ *"« accompanying extract of „ur N„.„..;u. ^' " nb r at Amsterdam, dated the SO^^ instant, with requ.a that you regulaf^ yourself accordingly. Wherewith ending, etc. Uoue 31 May, 1666. ^ 41 r' « is ft" 576 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Resolution of the States General on a Letter from tJie Spanish Ainhasmdor. [ From the Regliler of Wet India AflWri, 165«-ie«8, l« th. Eo,.l ArchlTW >t the H.gu.. ) Saturday, 10"" July, 1655. folio m. Read at the Assembly, a certain Memorial from the Spanish Ambassador, Bp.ni.h A,„bM«- requesting that the Magistrate of the city of Amsterdam be written to, to apprehend 8:L.,.n R.ef. and seize the goods of Sebastian Raef. a Captain or privateer committing piracies in the West Indies on the subjects of the Most Illustrious King, aid who is at present soiourning at Amsterdam, aforesaid; also, that the Government of New Nether land be instructed to arrest in their harbors Joan van Kampen, his lieutenant, together with his ship and ettects, that law and justice be administered to the one and the other, for the behoof of the interested, with infliction of exemplary punishment for the piracies they have committed. Which being considered, it is hereby resolved and concluded to request the Lords of Holland to recommend to the said Magistrate to a^ minister good, brief and prompt justice m the premises aforesaid ; also, to afford the interested full justice. Resolution of the States Oenet-al on a Letter from the Chamber at Amsterdam. [ From the B«gi.ler of Wa.1 lodl. AlWn, t85J - 1068, in th. Eoyal ArohlTM at th. Hague. ] Wednesday, the 28"" July, 1655. Folio ,76. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, dated the 26'" instant, together with some inr losures, relating to the KXid!" •"" Boundary in New Netherland, between the English and this State. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid letter and inclosures be placed in the hands of Messrs. van der Capelle to Ryssel, and the other their High Mightinesses Deputies, for the affairs of the abovenamed West India Company to inspect, examine.and report thereon. Don Esteva.> de Gamarra y Contreras to the States General. t From th. Original, in th. Rojal ArchlTM at th. Uagu. ; File, Spanje. ] [TBANBLATED FROM THE FRENCH.] The undersigned Ambassador of Spain, represents to Messrs. the States General, that notwithstanding their Lordships were pleased, on the request he had made in his Me"^""" "^ the 10'- of July last, to order the M..,istrate of the city of Amsterdam, to apprehend he person and effects o^ Captain Sebastian de Raeff. who, on his own confession, (exlub. ed at the same time to their Lordships in an authenticated form.) acknowledged having i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VII . ^ 577 ... .1.0 .Nation, of ir™r . ."tm tr .:^^ 'Jurca";*"/"""'""^' "°»'^^"« Lucar de Barrameda and nilnf nf <.„i^ u Gailardo ferara, a native of St. lost. exclusivaTft rlr les of lld'\7';"'"^ '" «^"^ prize, having thirty-«ix others. ^ p^op tJ of A„^o^ o^^ T "'^""' ''^ ''"" P^^P^^'^' ^^ Lordships'just resolution wis of „ol T"' "^^^ ^"' ""'^'"" '^'« '='^^«- ^et their by the Magistrate oAmstlrr'an fro^ '" V""! "'' '"'"'''' '^^^'"^ »'-" -'-««d months on'his own sworerrUy Ztr vT:, T "' m '^ ''' '^^" '^""'^"^'^ ^"^ * ^ ' of his Majesty's Consul, resiS'at AmJ . "I ""'' ""'^'"^standing the objections and crime he confess d he hdcomlitf'"' 7'-''"' '"^ P-i«hment for the robberies .oubtiess ^r the P^^^^hrr^lllil^r^L -iTuir hL^^Ie^ '^ ^^^^ annexed, fro. SieurO:andLuetorZ:i';L^ '"^" "" ^"' ^P^ ^^^-^ - when the Pirate will return thither R h V^' P'"'"""'' '" ''""'' J''^'''^'' ^°"« ''''"• friends of this promise ewilLt've^ L J " "'''''' '''P"^""^' '^ ^'^ ^'^^ ^ aaid Gailardo has been in vli wai inTfevera ZltZ '"h"'"? '° ''^ '^°^'"^^«' ^^^^« Lordships are most earnestly entrelVrXl :i \o?e'::Lr -'^^'^ letters in favor of said Juan Gailardo. addressed t„ fhl r to dispatch requ.sitory New Netherland. to arrest said Capta Seb't n de Raeff T'L""" 'T''''' °' ''' '^'^ Ins Lieutenant Jan van Campen, o' their ar"7at the nor f" . " »-'-~). with they ordinarily retire with thei nlunde /„ « if '!^\P°''°^ «""^ ^°""'^y. where 'tis stated and indemnification of s id G i'r .;d , r Tr '^'"^ '"'^ ^ff^^ts for the satisfaction prizes, and afterwards tt send t'h e itl rriso^^ttr'^T^ '^''T' ^" ''''' exe«,plary punishment as disturbers of the nub tn u V ^'•"^'"'^e^ ^^r trial and not be fouVd there, to can to be "« /„ « '^^^^^^ "^ " ' '^'' " "'" ''' "^'"'^ ''"" justice dictate, leaving to the purcha er etT cou e aX: t^ e p'" t^^^'I'r °' ^ " ''^" ^"'' and all the others he will recognize there be onXlT ^ "''^ Ins nme Negroes, the property of Antonio de Ui'v " d volved o fs mT '""' "'^"'^'"'^ '""^ ""^'y-«'^ intestate, having been killed with sev a others n tl Ct';" ^"""r^" °' """^ ''^'"^ furnish said GaMardo with the 1^10 pI^ h" ! °" '""* ®P""'''' «^'P' ""'' '° and to the disturbance of the public tranquillity. ^^ '"'""'^ '^ '^°'""'<^^''«' Done at the Hague, the 11* December. 165«. (Signed) Gamarra. Vol. !. 73 il^^'1 1 1 678 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. fipHiiish Badnr, liesohUion of the States General on, the Spanish Amhasmdor'a Letter. t Krom the Beglaler of West India Affairs, 1652 — 1663, In lh« Bajal Areblvea tl th« Uagae. ] Saturday, the ll"" December, 1656. Folio m. Kt*;i.l at the meeting a certain Memoir from the Ambassador of Spain, Araba^ Complaining of and against one Captain Sebastian Ilaeft'and his Lieutenant Jan van Campen, for committing piracies in the West Indies on the inhabitants and Captain Baoir. subjects of the King of Spain, and especially for having robbed and plundered Jan Gallardo Ferrara, at sea, of some Negroes and other goods on his voyage to Spain from the Indies. Which being consid^^-i' -t ' • resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid memorial be placed in the hands of vlessrs. fiuygens and others, their High Mightinesses' Deputies for conferring with the abovementioned Ambassador, to inspect, examine and report thereupon. Ambassador Nieiipom't to Oie States General. [ From the Original in the Royal ArchlTea at the Hague ; File, Bngetand. ] High ana Mighty Lords. My Lords. I saw a letter a few days since which was written in Plymouth the 22"" instant, stating that three Dutch ships, coming on private account from New Netherland, were obliged by stress of weather to run into that port, and that in them arrived Mr. John Risen with several Swedish soldiers, who report that three forts and whatever they possessed thereabouts had been seized by the Dutch in those parts ; that the Savages or Indians had, at the same time, made a descent on the Duttli Colonies, but were repulsed, tind thnt they killed only about 30 Dutchmen and burnt some few mean farm-houses. The aforesaid Itisen had given out that it is his intention to apply to the Swedish Ambassador here, ^nt has not yet made his appearance. Those three ships which are homeward bound, will be able to give the most correct information of what has occurred. Letters have also been received from the city announcing the arrival of a frigate called the Namptivich, which, with a manof-war named the Assurunce, had, after conveying some merchantmen as far as the Latitude of the river of Lisbon, captured three French ships-of-war coming from the bay of Cnscais. The \amptwich frigate being the best sailer, engaged the flagship of 30 guns, commanded by Collieit, who, previous to this, had been in the service of the King of Spain, at Dunkirk; and the Assurance, not being as good a sailer as the other two French ships, and knowing that the other frigate would have a difficult task, came to its assistance, whereupon Coliaert being unwilling to surrender, the English sunk the ship, but he and 6 or 7 men were saved and brought to I'lymouth. The ship the Assumure having lost her bowsprit and foremast, went into Lisbon lor repairs. The above engagement took place before the publication of the Treaty, and consequently before the cessation of hostilities. A man-of- war of 10 guns, commanded by one Captain Turner, under a commission from the Duke of York, was brought into the same harbor by one of the frigates belonging to this Slate. With i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS; VIII. .0 b. or gr.„ co„.equence. 1 „.„„„, ,.a„ , ,, anything it ^e a JihIS.m'T"! .». «r:r::";,t :tfi" fr.-:: .r^r. :::r r,s;r :7 ^'t, • abov™.n,.a Simpson afte,»a„l, ciin Wa in o ^ 'l, . f" '^ '''°"«''' "^ ' "" .H.whoi.or,,i.:™onaeoo.ai.,c:'i™„r.o ii7r;,::ir,la:s;::H f"'-'' he was ihereupou arrested, but the other is not to be fn-L i 7lr J ? ^ "^ '^°'"'""' ...a a ,„„. .,„.a p.o„.„ .n Wi„a J-^l^/rtr.i"^:: T^-J^t High and Mighty Lords, Westminster, v«., u- i »r- . . ,., ,, „.. Your High Mightinesses' the last day of the year 1655. .„„„f i, x^ o n • 1 ...1, T most humbe Servant, Received G"" January, 1G5G. /c- .v ,^. " ■^' (signed) Will-" NjEUPooRT. F.ilio 188. Mteupuort. litmhdion of the States General on the pve^eding Letter. I From the RegUUir of W«. Indl. Aifcl,., ms-im, 1,. ,l,o Boyl Archl,« ,t Uie ll.g„„. ] Thursday, C"" January, 1656. Received a despatch from Mr. Nieupoort, their High MightinesP.s' Extraordinary Ambassador in England, written at Westminster the ;)1 December last toffether ^.t h two letters from him of the same date to Secretary Ruysch. along tth ::iMi:u: K.wT„r. ;^''^'«'"8 «'n°"g other things that some Swedish Soldiers had arrived in England from New Netherland, who were expelled thence by those of this nation. Which being cons, ered it is resolved and concluded that the Presiding Chamber of tl West I da 580 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. States Oeneral to tlie Chamber at Amstei-dam. [ From the Kegliter of UUgtgan* BrUvm of tht aialet OenenI, Id the Bo;al Arthlrat at Ui« Htgae.] To the Presiding Chamber of the West India Company residing at Amsterdam. The States, etc. P„i,„ ^ Honorable, etc. We transmit you herewith the accompanying extract of *""''!"';„.. *"''f'™ Ambassador Nieupoort's despatch, dated 31" December last, concerning the New N«iiirimi.i. gwedlsh soldiers who have come over from New Netherland, requesting and requiring you, without delay to convey to us your information thereupon. Wherewith ending, etc. Done, G"" January, 1G56. Don Estevan Je Gamarra y Contreras to the States Oeneral. [ From th« OrlglntI In Iba Rojtl ArehlTM at th« Ilagii* ; File, Spartjt, ] [TKAMSLATED FROM THE FRENCH,] The undersigned, Ambassador of Spain, not having yet received any answer from Messrs. the States General to a Memoir he presented on the U"" December last, requesting your Lordships to be pleased to dispatch requisitory letters in favor of Juan Gallardo, a Spanish I'ilot, addressed to the Governor or Magistrate of New Netherland to arrest Captain Sebastiaeri de Raeff and his Lieutenant, Jan van Campen, when they will arrive at the ports of said country, where they usually repair with their prizes, and to seize their ships and effects for the indemnification of the said Juan Gallardo and the other his Miijcsty's subjects interested in their robberies, with orders to send them prisoners to these Provinces for trial and exemplary punishment; and in case the said two pirates be not found, that he cause free restitution to be made to said Gallardo, of his nine Negroes and of all the others he will recognize belonging to the same prize, principally the thirty-six of (Antonio de Rivera, devolved to his Majesty by the decease of said Uivera intestate, leaving to the purchasers their recourse against the pirates ; he finds himself under the necessity of renewing his urgent entreaties to your Lordships to be pleased to accede to that request, which is founded on all justice and equity, the more especially as the Magistrate of Amsterdam, having set the said Captain de Raeff at liberty on simple security under oath, contrary to all form of justice, has deprived said Gallardo and the other interested parties of the means of prosecuting their right against him and of thereby obtaining satisfaction, in consequence of iiis fleeing these Provinces, and as this poor man having exhausted his means in expenses, has not wherewithal to subsist much longer. Done at the Hague, the G"" January, 1656. (Signed) Gamakra. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII. 581 Besolutiom of the State, Omeral on the SIpanM Amiassador^, Letter. tFron, Ih. B»gi.l«, of W«. India Aaiilr., ma-lOM, In the Eo,.J A«h.T.. «„1.. n.g«e.] Thursday, the 6"- January, 1666. F.,10 m Read at the Assembly, a certain additional Memoir of the Snanish Amhno»,^ SoT"" ^— touching the case of Johan Gaiiiardo. a Spanish pi otarain^t p" m ^"'^'^ ' .o..„ o.,„.. Uaeph and his Lieutenant Jan van Camp'Twho 1 ' o sa7d G^liitd" h"" ah,p and some Negroes and repaired to Ne. Netherlan'd/from whith 7c a g fh a^la^y ;::^;:n::^^:Ke^r^^^^ Folio 11. OiilUrdo Kaotr. oontr*, [ F«>m ,b, E.g«„ or UMoIutlon. of ih. BtaU* Doner.!, I. ,he B«,.l Archlre. .. the ILguo. ] Monday, the lo"- January, 1656. The additional Memorial of the Ambassador of Spain, presented to their Hiirh M ght,„esses on the 6-^ instant, respecting the case of Johan Gaiiiardo. ala^i^h pilot, against Captain Sebastiaen Uaeff and his Lieutenant Tin vn„ r who took from the abovenamed Gaiiiardo his shin and ^nm^ L ^ Campen, Netherland. whereof the abovementioned R eff XhaZ a^C d '""''''^' '° '''^" again brought before the Assembly; and th s m fe 1^^^^^ ^""' '« concluded hereby to request and commission M . ^Is ng to ^ "'^b A TY ""' the said Captain was duly and legally discharged^u'^;ttl:m^c tr^^ti:^! Memo.r and o that presented to their High Mightinesses on the same su^ct on he n December, shal be transmuted to Director-General Stuyvesant with orders.'in case efind on due inquiry, the matter to be as narrated in the aforesaid Memorial to send Vl IT J Jan van Campen hither, ,eJe ligato, and, moreover, to allow those rnterestedilbf'T"".' slaves, to obtain good, brief, prompt and full justice. "" '''^"'"''^ AMARRA. States General to Director Stuyvesant. [ From the EegUU, of Vit^^a^ BH«^ of U,o 8..U» Qencl. in the Eo,.l Archirc. .. .io H.g... ] To Director-General Stuyvesant, in New Netherland. The States, etc. F.,.o5 Honorable, etc. We herewith send you the accompanying copies of the Memorials presente to us by the Spanish Ambassador on the H-^ Decemb'erU::nl on the s'^iULpr"""" ' °' ''"« 7"th. respecting the case of Johan Gaiiiardo. a Spanish pilot, against Captain Sebastiaen Raeff' and his Lieutenant Jan van Campen. and we ransmit you, besides, the annexed extract of our resolutions adopted on the aforesaTd Mem^iairwUh 582 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. order and command, that you regulate yourself i;reci3ely according to the tenor thereof, without in any wise failing therein. Relying whereupon, etc. Done 10 January, 1C5G. Ambasmdor Nieupowt to the States General. (From Iho Original in the Boyal Arclilvm nl Ibo llnEUo; File, Bngrlanit. | High and Mighty Lords. My Lords A certain merchant here in London, attending to the husiness of the West India Company, communicated to me, a few days ago, a letter from Mr. Stuyvesandt, Director-General of New Netherland, handed to him hy Mr. Johan Rising, late Governor for the Crown of Sweden, on the South River of New Netherland aforesaid, wherein the ubovenomed Stuyvesandt writes that lie had, on the express order and -instructions of the Director? of the Incorporated West India Company, lately reduced the said South River, under that Company's obedience; with a formal Capitulation, wherehy it was stipulated, that the skipper with whotn the abovenamed Johan Rising and the factor Heurick Klswyck, should sail, was instructed to land them in France or in England, and that Director-General Stuyvesandt was to loan or furnish the former exchange for the sum of three hundred pounds Flemish, for the prosecution of his voyage, &c., which the abovenamed Rising coming here to London from Plymouth, at once demanded from the said merchant. No news has been received here from sea since my last, from any quarter, nor from Scotland o"- Ireland, and nothing worth mentioning has occurred since Christmas day. Vice-Admiral df Ruyter' is highly praised for having befriended the ships of this nation, and so valiantly attacked the enemies of all Christendom. Tiie Lord Protector with the Council held a special day of Fasting and Thanksgiving on the day before yesterday, and I am a8s.-re(i that about forty first class ships will he ready for sea within a month, among whicii will be the large frigate the Naseby and the ship Itrsotulion, each carrying over eighty guns and five hundred men. 1 am informed that (ieneral Illake will go in the first, and Vice-Admirr.l.Lawson in the second ; Major Bourne is to be employed as Rear-Admiral of the aforesaid tieet. I am, moreover, ' MicUAM. Ai'RiABNsA ''"I'"-' '1" Itujtor, l.ii'iitiniinl-A'liiiiral (iciiirnl of llic I uittil rrcvlmin, wn- liorn ill Flimliinn, in 1(507. Jli' cnteriMl tlio imvy at llii> riirly B^e of II, siiil fmm Ufiriu a common sailor ro«' to llii' I16111I of lii» profimion. Wliilsit only I'nptttin 111' ilifiMiili"! Dulilin H((miwt Iho Iritli ; nimlo wvcrnl voy»(r<"!i to tlo- Wt-nl InJieiuinl Braxil, hihI bting Ui'iirAilii.ir«I, w«i m>nl in lrt41, to niO I'ortiiiiBl riKiiinst S|iiiiii, wln'ro ho no.iuittpil himsi'lf with much dill incli.in. Ilo nut ilrfculpil the lUrlmry pii«liK at Salon, nu.l in liifiS, ooniinaii.loi) iimlor Van Tronip, tho Itiiloh Itopt, with wliioli li« throe linio« eiiKaijod tho Kn^linh. In I1I.J.'), Ipo prooooKJ to Iho Mo.litorranoaii, wluro ho oaptiiroil «u.l hui:^ Ihu famoun rcniyailo, Amanil ilo |)i»«. In IrtftU, lio acrvoil njjaiimt Swo.lon in tho wnr liBlwion that prwor an I Iioninark, an.l •o hi^hly ilici llio Ullor Slaio appnoial* Do |{uytor'i»i«rvioo«, tlnilit oonforrod a piii.iiim on him, ami oiinohlnl hinuoll'tii'l all lin family. In lUrtl, ho oHpluro.l aTania vc»«ol, aii'l lihornlo.l eighty Chniliim Slavi « whom ho foiin.l ou hoaril ; no hijth ilid ho ttanJ in lilrtft, 'hat ho wan rlectoj ljoiil«n»iil-Ailniir«l, and in Itlfii'., ullor h.ivinrf Riiiiio.l a ;iroiil violory ovor tho Knulisli, wa^ pruiooteJ lo l.o l.ioulonanlAJiuiral- Oono'-al. llio hifthMt rank ho oouM ronoh, Iho (Mivornor of llollaml having hoon o« i.lRiio Admrial of tho Dutch Na»y, Ilo L'untinuixl to JintinKiiiiib liimwlf liy many hrilliant aolioni until lil7rt, whon liti waa loorlally woiin.loj in an eunagomont with til* Krcuoh off Sioily. Uii roiiiaiut ware coovcytd lo Aiuitardam, where the State* ckUMtl » iU[>erb luonumeut to be erected to hit memory. Moriri. — Ki>. i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII ego shillings sterling a day. The L-'eufprnnt nf th» f u j ""uwni a i r\ ant and four =:'-".;::.: '=- x- SS HnHf Sf~ whereby .any h ..ve been brought into great dm.:U^es'l^l:^''Z. l^^t^T' respecting the proposals of the Jews. ° ' '''"'" '^°"« .wlpr:'nV:^:f:,' "'" """ '"'" '"«""»"■•■ »" ^-i-p^-- -■' ^'-^'-'y «...i .h.,, High and Mighty Lords, Westminster, 7 ) , ^""' ^^'S*" Mightinesses' Most humble servant. Ueceivedia' j Jan-'^ry, I65G. (Signed) WiL- NiEUPooRT. CT^m^ a/ ^?«*/e;vfo»» to the States General. I From Iht OriRln.1 In the Roy.) Ar.l,l,M., ,t ih« H.^,,, ; fi,,, „■„, ,„,,,, , High and ^Fighty Lords. We yesterday ......ived yonr High Mightinesses' letter of n- i„«,„nt with the accompanvln. extract of Ambassador .N.eupoorfs despatch dated the 31 December last. In answer t'^eJS we state, that in the month of May. 10.34. one John Ryssen who represented lim a e.ng commissioned by the Crown of Sweden, arrived, with a certain sliip'and some pi in th New ^etherland province of the Incorporated West India Company of this cm intrv ' an there, contrary to t e law of nations, made himself master of the aforesaid Comp y-J fortress name.1 Casimier, ■ situate on the South Klver. and thus dispossessed us of a place w fcl we had occupied (or many years in peace and ..uie.ne.s. H..ing advised thereof by |1 Director-Generul. we chartered the ship the m,c, last year from the Worshipful Hurgonias.e ofthis city and jient on some soldiers in her to recover the aforesaid fort from the said im Uysen. and to bring i, under the Company's obedience. This being accomplished, he resolved to n-pair hither with some people, and embarked on board one of the tHree hi... which having sailed from New Netherland first ran into I'lymouth in Kugland by cont ry' winds, an now have arrived in the Texel. I'he paper, and .locumen.s were handed TZ the I.r.t lime, to-day. so that we have not yet ha.I any opoor.unity to examine em Notwi.hstandmg. we could not omit advising your High Mightinesses o( what precedes in order" that pursuant to your request, the earliest informat.on may be furninhed , yet we offer to b. prepared to subuilt to your High Mightinesses a full report of what has occurred, should yo consider it necessary. Wherewith. ' N"W, N.w ('•ntli-, iJci. ■bi. 584 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. High and Mighty Lords, we shall pray God Almighty for the continual welfare of your High Mightinesses' prosperous government, and remain Your High Mightinesses' humble Servants, The Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. Amsterdam, this 13 ] ^ (Signed) J. Bontemantel. Received 16 ) •''»""''""y' ^^^'^- Abb. Wilmerdonx. Resolution of the States General on the preceding Ldter. [From tba BsgiKMr of Weet India Affairs, IBS'! — 1643, In the Rojral ArcblTM at tbe Hague.] Saturday, the 15"" January, 1G5G. Folio iw. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, dated the IS"" instant, in answer to their High Mightinesses' flwpdPB In New . J, ihcriand. despatch of the G"" instant, an 1 consequently information relative to the expulsion of some Swedish soldiers from New Netherland. Which being considered, the Provinces have requested copy of said letter, and the same is hereby granted them. <■■»«■» lie-solution of the States General calling for a Report on tJie Impulsion of the Swedes from the South Rii'er. [ Fn>ai Iba Reglttor nf Waal India Amra, 1U1 — IM3, In the Rnyal Arehlrta al Iha Hague. ] Tuesday, the IS"" January, IG/JG. Upon consideration, it is resolved that the Directors of the West India Company, (Miamber at Amsterdam, shall be written to immediately to draw up Hfiiirriana. .,„j transmit to their High Mightinesses, the report or relation respecting some Swedish soldiers arrived from New Netherland, more fully mentioned in Ihuir last letter of the • . . . instant. Folio 1M. |>wMi>» In New Slatet General to the C'hai/iUr at Avvittrdam. I Fmoi Ike Ueglaler of fitft'ini Britrtn of Uit Suiea Oeneral, in Iha H'lyal ArcklTee al Ike llaaue. ] To the Arasterdam Chamber of the West India Company. The States, etc. F.noii. Honorable, etc. We have re»olv»,d hereby to request and riquire you to prepare immediately and to transmit to us tin- Report or Relation n-specting Itie expulsion of Kipuuim n' ...me g„„„. Swcdlsli goliliers from New .Netherland, more (ully mentioned in your last Il*r4l«tl »«'Mlera jTMm New Neihef- i^ner seul lo ud. Relying whereupon, etc. Done IS January, 1050. 1 [SECKSTCASE.] WEST INDIA COMPANY, REPORT or THB AMSTERDAM CHAMBER OF THE WEST INDIA COMPANY, WITH THB PAPERS AND CORROBORATIVE DOCUMENTS TIIERELTO BELONGLNG, ■CIFECTINO THE SAYEDES WHO HAVE AUniVED FROM SEW NETIIERLAND, Rkcwvbd Tin 28tii Jahwaut, 1658. (CtMUi.,L r HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VUL Extract from tke I^e^Ur of tke Secret Jiesolutions of tU IliyU an, Mi.Uy Lor^ States General of the UniUd Netlwrland^. H y ^as Fridfiy, 28 January, lC5e. [ Omitted ; being dujilicBta «f Rewlntion, pott, p 609. ] *■■<■■> Clamher at Amsterdan. to the Slatet General , -~.^.. .».™ ,. ... ^. .„„.. ., „ „.„., .,_ „ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^_^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ _^ High and Mighty Lords. Jn our provisional answer of the 13"' ..f »hia ,.„„„„» xl . despatch of (he G-M-nstant concern n/.Lsl? TT **" ^'''' "'^'^ Mightinesses offered to furnish a fur, r Zo o? ;, . " I'm " T'''"^ '"'" ^'"" N.therl..d, we with the proper veri,Lt;tfo„rand ave ZtStt '^^ Mightinesses with an humhle request thron rTJ I .'""T ''''*^"''''^' '° ^''"^ "'S^ and the reasons thereunto npJeZ^i.l^^ul^^^^''^ "' I"" '^''•^""-'«"-'' ^^ the case it had so far regarded the hoTr If W ^ ""' '° '"''' '' '" "'^ ''^« ^""•P''"^. 'hat aHVonts. injuries and dt g " , XS 'T •-''^""'^"' ^^ ^"^ ^^ --' and that we have provided a far iT ,r I by the Swedes m the aforesaid district, usurpation, of that'n otL nf, d d „ - "" '""' """ ''' ""'^--'^ "^ ""^ hostile pleasure, sin.iiar invasion of th'oomnnv'snor'"" "."?''"' •'^""'"'"•^'' ^"'' "' "-> taug.. We .rther pray y^^'n:^:!;^:^^!-;::^:^::^^^^ the Company the needful assistance, so that this nohie I'rovi..ce wliU hat-r. f '''"" r.«..t well i. :.^ . and agriculture, and would, under other cu^tace;tv^^^^^^^ ^7^: - - P-- - -^a .our High Mi^l^ s^^^Ztd ^IZI^^Zr ""'^"^^ High .uid Mighty Lords, Your High Mightinesses' Humhle Servants Amsterdam, this 24 ) "'"" "''" '''"' ""'"^ ^'?";''"">'' ^"«""- "' Amsterdam. Received oy M^nuary, 1066. (Signed) J. Contemantkl Dauid van Baehle. Secret. ~ pi i fl ■"f 588 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. caused to be built, two posts or fort eases ; the one and the largest called Nassau, 16 leagues up the river on the east bank, being their southern frontier; and the other named Bevers reede, down the river on the west bank, about the lands of the Schuylkil ; a place wonderfully- convenient and so. called on account of the Beaver trade which was prosecuted there to a couiiiderable amount with the natives and Indians. The Company also bought, or caused to be bought from the natives and owners, about the snme time, many lands, in order thus to be able, as first discoverers and possessors, to settle tills river more peaceably, quietly and with greater right. This South River was deemed the finest, of all North America, being wide, deep and navigable ; also greatly abounding in fish, especially in plenty of sturgeon, from the roe of which caviar in vast quantity can be manufactured. The soil hereabouts, and on both sides of said river, is very fertile and the most part of it exceedingly well adapted for tillage and grain ; it also produces various descriptions of fruits. Thousands ot Beavers can be bought here and around the .Schuylkil, or Bevers reede, the Company's constructed Redoubt, which are brought down in great abundance by the Southern Indians (called Minquas) and by the Black Indians, so that thia river has been always held in great esteem and repute by the Company and its Agents, on account of its fitness and great convenience both for Trade and Agriculture. This River had been for many years in the peaceable and quiet possession of the Company until. P.*. length, a certain person named Pieler Minuyt, forgetful of the benefits conferred on him b' \' '■ Company, whose Director he had been in New Nelherland, cast his eye upon it. But not knowing under what pretence to go there, he proceeded to Sweden and having, as 'twas asserted, obtained a Commission from that Crown, trnnsporled himself thence forthwith to the South River with one or two ships and some Swedes, the most of whoi.i were banditti, where in the year IG3S. and consequently full twelve years after the Company had con.e there, he had a fort erected called Christina, about five (a, six leagues below the Company's fort Nassau, notwimstanding as first discoverers and possessors of the afoiesaid river, the latter had caused its Servants to protest repeatedly against them ; as appears by divers letters *" their Director Willem Kieft, extracts whereof are hereunto annexed under N" 1. The land named the Schuylkil, where, as already nieulioned, fort Bevers reede stands, was purchased from the right owners and principal Indians in the year 1033,. by Arent Corssen, the Company's Servant, and conveyed to the Company, which conveyance the aforesaid Indian Chiefs did also, in the year 1C4S, renew and confirm, as can be seen by the Deed and conveyance annexed, iV 2. The Swedes, notwithstanding, have erected a fort on these grounds and streams so indisputably belonging to the Company, namely, on the point of the Sliuylkil aforesaid, by them called Klevit's hook, and moreover built there also a trading house right in front of the gate of the Company's fortress Bevers reede. not a rod from the gale, whereby our people were wholly shut out from the sight cf the road, so as the better to deprive the Company of the Beaver irade, whereunto they direcle.' all their efforts, and so ruined the trade, that it has become unprofitalile to the Company, to its serious damage and loss. And Blthough the Company had, on account of these intolerable and insuflerable proceedings, Buftirient cause to drive the Swedes thence, which could then have been easily eftected, yet neglecting so to do for peace sake and in order to obviate any trouble between both nations, it only protested, an bilore. r 7iiHi HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII -„„ F.I,l,orgh. o„ thee.*™ Lnk of T'h' T"! '"' '"■'"'' """"' « ""'" ""' "•"' •hem „„ Iheir voyage b„t even ,l7„r ""'''. ""^•">'"P"J'»e«'"-i>.ion, and oh.lracl.d paper, and Hoc.e.n. received .o.n Nj/.^LntZi T ^ ^^ fT ^e Z Kemonstrance presented there by the «aid aubjects to Petrus Stuyvesa„rthe C ,«pa v « Director; copy whereof i8 annexed, N- 3. yvesan., tlie Company s It i. sufficiently apparent from all these unheard of and insufferable proceeding, th-U their .ntentmn was thus to dispossess and unseat the Company from th« entL ri e ' W trl Director .tuyvesant was under ,he necessity of proceeding thither in person i hel r r^ ' for the preservation an.l protection of the Company's right and jurisdiction and 7.^?/* maintenance of its inhabitants; where being arr v.d he bv lettJ^nH .nown and caused to be communicated to Uan V:^i:Vi:::^ alZ^Zl::^ Company had. by virtue of first discovery and taken possession, generairto thl 2 ^ nver. con nned and rendered indisputable by the purchase o dfJersl; h^lutL'tt Schuy.k,- district, which purchase and conveyance was effected mnnv ve, ! If' .i ^ his nd were, consequently, conveyed to them by the natives and proprietors. ^ i he re«ult was only a simple writing, wherein the aforesaid Governor uesignated the Swedish limits w.,le an.l broad enough; but without nnv justification or nrorer rr^J recourse to the subterfuge that the d.eds of the pnrchal ^nd Zvey c: fT L ^ !:de;dt:T: "" "■ ^""^•'"' '- ^^e-Ha„ceryat Stockholm, w^re. he sa:,.":::;; 'Twas shortly after made manifest, that these subterfuges were destitute of tm.'. fnr -a Swede, had so long occupied the aluresaid. his lands, partly against his will and b; Lee! 590 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. without having ever given him the least satisfaction ; as said chief liad himself, in presence of divers respectahle persons declared both verbally and in writing to Director Stuyvesant; to whom he then presented, and in due form conveyed for the Company, as a perpetual and hereditary possession, his lands aforesaid, with their kills and superficies, so unjustly and forcibly occupied by the Swedes, situate both on the east nnd west shores, and on the eiist shore beginning from the Naricon creek, extending in a westerly direction down the river unto Maetsingsing, and on the west shore beginning from a certain creek called Neckatoesing, extending from the river westward unto Settoen soene, otherwise called the Minquaas kill, where the Swedish fort Christina stands. All which can be more fully and clearly seen in the aforesaid written declaration, and in the deed and conveyance of said lands; authentic copy whereof is annexed hereunto, N" 4 Notwithstanding all this, and for still further peace and security, the said Director Stuyvesant sent for all the other Indian chiefs yet dwelling about the aforesaid river, and who were owners of the lands situate thereabouts, nnd in presence of divers persons, according to their annexed written declaration No. 6, proposed to them some questions; among the rest, he divers times distinctly and in express terms, had the question put to them, Whether they had ever sold or given any lands there to the Swedes, as these alleged? All of whom thereupon unanimously and positively answered. No ; only the ground on which the Swedish fort Christina stood, nnd a certain garden to plant tobacco. Declaring further, that they gave the Company all the land, from the aforesaid fort Christina down to Boomljes hook, being some leagues, to do therewith as it pleased. Politely thanking them therefor, the said Director preferred making them satisfaction and a present in return, which they also have specially and as satisfaction accepted, as may be seen by the deeds thereof, executed in due form under the signature of their own hands; copy of which is hereunto annnexed, N" C, This beinu thus done for the prevention of further trouble and for the removal of all possible pretexts ihe^Swedes might set up. Director Stuyvesant found it necessary for the greater security of tiie Company's jurisdiction and the protection of its people, to build nnother fort on the said river, nnd to raze Fort Nassau, which lay too hij,.i up and at too inconvenient a distance. And selecting for that purpose a tolerably suitable spot on the Company's own land, conveyed by deed as aforesaid, about a league from the Swe.'.ish fort Christina, and having completed the fort which he called Casiiidr, anil provided it with a garri?on and munitions of war, according to circumstances, tlie aforesaid Director before his departure, had divers verbal conferences with Johan Printz, the Swedish Govern )r, and they mutually promised not to commit any hostile or vexatious acts against one another, but to maintain together all nei!{li!)orly friendship and correspondence, as good friends and allies are bound to do. Afterwards, this Swedish (ioveruor l.eing gone, and the alfairs of the Swedes llfere going to decay, in consequence of not having received any assistance, 'hose who were still remaining in thore parts caused application to be made to Director Stuyvesant that the Company would protect and take them under its care and guardianship, otfering for that purpose to behave as inhabitants and 8ubje3tB of this State; as is to be seen by the annexed extract of said Director's despatch, dated O'" (Jctober, 1053, N" 7. And although many would liave seized that opportunity thus to be rid of them and to be master of those who, by force and contrary to repented protests, had settled there, nnd at whose hands they had, in addition, sulfered so many allronts, injuries an and so forth. ^ ^ '^ '^ °"' '^"''' '''''^'"«' ^''^e^tening to run off' with our sloop Appendix 2. Iteceived 28 January, U56. Sccrcl. di:Storc:;n:;^Sz::;:;;^;:tr:;„i'i""^' ^'"^-- ^-^^-^^ -«-^« truly to have sold'to Arent Corse .J tZZZd Tv " '''. '^'"^'""' ''^^'"^•' ^«" ^^^ were not fully paid u. but as we a e no" fS i eVtl?' "'. "'t '°^ ""'^ «°°'^''' -"''='' Sachems, do hereby fully and irrevocably o 1: „d ^ 7 "e' T' ''' '^'"""'^"'^^ sale, and are ready on all occasions to niainta n an A f V '' '^""^'•'"'"g '^e aforesaid to be set up to it by whomsoever, t T u done a„t? .T"' "" ""'^""^ ^"^ '='«- us native., in the presence of the unde«°: ^el'" 'CTn'f / P '"'' ^'^"^'^ '^ South r.ve^o^New Netherland. Signed, marked in man"^,: t "er^ ^Z^''^ '" ''^ 1 the mark of Mattehooren. -'' the mark of Sinquees ; the mark of Alebackinne ; Oi^ the mark of Mechecksouivebe ; ^ the mark of Quironkehouck ; j/(_ the mark of Kauke and l/^ the mark of Wacpacvack. ^^::o^r:i::z:z::,;:::^:^-;^^^ signed Augustyn all cognizant of the first contract. Lower od' ""Z''"^'''^' ^a^der Leendertsen, Council, and was signed L. van DinckTaJe F . M . '^ n "'^ "'^ '^' Committee of the Honorable Council. Ld signed J Hudde U„d T' ''""'''''' "''^^ ^^ °^^«^ "^ '^e .igned: Cornelis van TienLen. wf """ ^^^^^^ "'^^ '''^ «"«'»«'. «"d ' ."tLr 2 ;^;;j\:rt:; ;^ rtr ;-- -- ^-^ ««- - WestrndiaCompany.beg.nni„gSepte.X:t;S:~:-^--- Vol. I. 75 I- IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) l.i 1^ ■so M 17.5 las ^ 12.2 u mi ^ 1^ 12.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ^ 6" — —^ ^^ VI A f> ^ V > /A "T Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 W8ST MAIN STRUT WHSTIR.N.Y. I4S8(I (716) •7a-4303 '^ fi^ ." .^ Hj^ \ 4 594 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. » !, Ajipendix 3. Received 2S January, 1666. Secret. Extract of a certain letter written from the South River of New Netherland, hy Adriaen van Tienhoven to Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General of New Netherland, dated Fort Bevers reede, 9* November, 1648. 'Twere desirable that your Honor had once resolved to come here in person, to look once into the condition of this river, for the Indians' do here whatever they please. The house they erected at Fort Beversreede, is the greatest insult in the world that can be offered to the Director of the General Incorporated West India Company, it has been placed about 12 (S. 13 feet from our palisades, and thereby shut us out from the sight of the water or kill. Secondly, they have occupied all the land round about us, whereupon they have this year planted maize; so that we, at present, have not, adjoining the fort, as much land as will this year make a little garden ; 'tis a shame for them to act thus. I trust, Sir, you will provide agai"st it. Symon Root hath begun to build his house, but 'tis again thrown down under foot by violence and force, etc. To the Valiant Mr. Peter Stuyvesant, Director-General of New Netherland, Curajao and dependenci' s thereof, etc. The undernamed good vassals and subjects, residing under the sovereignty of their High Mightinesses the Lords States General of the United Netherlands, the patroonship of the General incorporatecJ West India Company, and the government of the honorable and valiant Director-General Peter Stuyvesandt, on the Island Ahrumime in the Sc'iuylkU, in the South River of New NetheHand ; humbly represent — Whereas, in the month of March last we, by humble petition have set forth to your Honor the losses we have suffered by the proceedings of the Swedes, on which petitions your Honor did not scruple, at great trouble to repair hither for the relief of us your ever faithful subjects, which affection and aa it were fatherly care, we thankfully acknowledge. But though we with full confidence assure ourselves of being able to dwell here on this South river aforesaid with greater security in future, to maintain our families by our industry and diligence, yet we are, nevertheless, up to this day, by open force and general violence obstructed in your honored commission, chiefly, (coming to particular facts): — I, the undersigned Symon Root, most humbly request due indemnity for incurred losses and damages; first, for the opposition the Swedes offered to my building at Wigquakoing' in the year 1647 ; inasmuch as the throwing down the Hon""* Company's arms, and the destruction of the building erected by Commissary Andries Hudde, rendered it sufficiently apparent, that further occupation there would be prevented by '.hem. In like manner also, in the ytar 1049, Lieutenant Swem Schoete and his assistants, by force of arms, regardless of friendly remonstrances and legal protests, utterly ruined, broke in pieces and entirely annihilated the house brought to the Mastemaeckers hook, of which the foundation timbers were laid ar^d the ties set up. ' 8it. Quetrtf SwtiU: ■Now, Wioaooa, in riiilBdrlphia. iltmoiu of th» Pmntyhania Hiitorieal Sucitljf, III., pt i., 4«, : ". It ia —IM WiaAfiMMndfr on LinttrAm't tfooa Rutciv Oarta, in T. C«mpftniut Holm'* N^ SiMrif4 lUi Amtrita, »». IT. — 1». HOLLAND DOCUMENTS- VIII co..is IrZuy a^dlt ^n'T;'^^: 'T ^'''' ^° -"'- wording to .awfu, Alao. in June of fhe year 1*649 i^^^^^^^^^ Ma8ten,aeckef« hook, violence the sloop calledVele^.^!:;^^^^^^^^^^^ "^-^ -*-^ by On the last of December, ln\^ vear if ^7 h '"%*^""'''" ^'^"^i^' ""'^ Prevented my voyage, with force and violence, sei e me Jan Gerl'J "t^^i ^"^^ ^"''''' ^"^ "^ '"^^ •"«""-. yacht, and handled the good nan' unehrttanl '."''' "' '"i *^""^' ^''^ ^'^'^- ^»''«'^ '"e of me Jan Geraet. turned theru;ide dow ' l^orrr'^ "'^ T" '"" ^"'^ '^""-«« of about 60 lbs. of powder and six uuns but on mv ^- "°°' °^ '^"'■' "^^''^ ^°"«'«»«'l returned me some powder, abou Tibs and thr ^ '''"'"'"u^ '° "" "'''" ""'^ "''-' "^'ig^''. Pursuing the violence a ore :idf C „lJr; Hudd"':,-^^ T'"'" '" '^P' '"^ '"•"-'• petition of the inhabitants of Fort JBevr ed7n f A ' '" ^' ^"'' ''''' "" "'« ^^"""ble Philip Jansen, allow and point Tut t a c tain T '^; ."'"> ''°""^''^"' «y"'°« «°°' «"<» of ground to plant some ga'r'en stuff n wh h b i " /u"' """'" "'^' " ^"^" P'«" destroyed by an express sent dwn b; Mr Joh If T^^^^^ """'^ ""'^ "' «"- the seed publicly burnt. ^ "''" ^ ""'"' ""'^ '''^ -^"=« ^"^ 'he preservation of a;;;i.' «: tr^w-ig :;;h:t:ove::m:rcor '^^ r '"'^- ^^-' ^^« ■-'^^•^ «^ abovementioned Island Harommuny J ^ of thr'sw d "'^ '"''""'•"" '" ""'"^ °".''- timbers and set up the ties wE arrL. . ,! P'^"*"''°"- «"<» 'aid the grotnd fire-wood. ^ ' '"^ "' destroyed; yea, all the entire work was cut up into with Abraham Staets and GerrrHe^dH ks n' thJl^d" """!! u''"' ""' Aharommuny. on the •.>2-«' May. to which I San, ^^,^''-" ' 'J« '""'^ «"« measured by the said Commissary was forcibly pr;rel':ahou tt "ir^T^^^^^^^ ^^ "- building Huygen and J„„ Pa^egay, fully aLed ^ "^"""^ ' ''''P"''*'^' """'^"'^^ w:ir;::r::t":;:;7;i:^:::-:7 ^---resorted to by the swedes, do reparation for the same, and ead Jor is rffTr '° ^°"'" """"^ ""'^ •^•""^"'^ '^"« also complain to your lllrTr ilm '^r""^" '""^ '""' ^" '"^^ '"-°"' -« Mourise„,'have been re" d^ ;;::'" .r^redh 7"'' ''"" """^ ""'^ ^°"''"" flubjects, they need not to pay us I„ ik! ' „ ,'" j"'?' °" "^' ^^""""^ ^'"''' ^eing have stated to us, that the';L": bltrhidT:^: r^er'^n^'r '^ '""T^ any way with us. which, r.lso, was manKnst nn 11 ^°^«rnor. John Prmls, to trade in declare all what is above written o be °"/'ver« voyages. We, the undersigned do .ame by solemn oa.h bef re 11 ^r^ a .d i i:; TT' "' "' "^"""^^ "'" '^'^'^"^ '"" thi. in presence of the undernan e w tn i ' Don i 17 °' ''' '"'' "° ''"^« "«-'' Was signed 8 K the mirk „7^ *''"'";;«• r>«"e '" fort Bevers rede, the 16'* July. 1661. Jeuriae^>,anck, Ph i Tnl: jTo^r rr' "^T'^ ''"'"''" '"""• ^''«^" ^--"•-. -bscribi.. witne..e..'ack:o:i;/gran;,l^^^ I'^^.r """'= ^«' *"" ^ach (or Imnself individually, f„r so Ilh 1 ?*"'"* subscriber, have signed. Signed. Marten Cryger. A. Hldd'eTr: Jalt ArCsLr '''''''" ""'''' " "^"^ taH,f*r;»5 r 596 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Appendix 4. Received 2S January, 1G56. Secret. We the undersigned hereby declare and testify, with offer to conlirm the same by oath on the requisition of the valiant and honorable Mr. Peter Stuyvesant Director General of Cura§ao and New Netherland for and on bel.alf of the High and Mighty Lords States General and the General Incorporated West India [Company,] that on the date hereof, in presence of the said Director, did come and appear in proper person a certain Sachem or Chief well known to us, called Wappanghzewan, who hath declared to us, who are well versed in the Indian language, and at the same time besought us to interpret and make known the same to tiiesaid General, that ha Wappanghzewan about 6 days ago, was sent for by Mr. John Prints, the Swedish Governor, who requested him to sell his lands, situate both on the east and west shores of this South River, described and named as foiloweth : On the east bank Matit Conghsingh beginning ai the Nuriticon Kill' and extending westerly down the river unto Maetzingsingh, and on the west shore beginning at a certain little Kill, named Neckatoensingh, extending westerly from the liver unto Sittoensaene, otherwise called the Minquaas Kill, where Fort Christina stands; all which lands with their kills and superficies both on the west and on the east shores, have always been the property of, and still belong to him Wappingzewan, as he declares and offers to prove by the Natives; also, notwithstanding partly occupied on the west side by the Swedes and without his, the owner's knowledge or consent, partly settled, although never purchased, nor attempted to be bought, except now 5 or 6 days ago, since we landed and began to build here. Which aforesaid lands he, the Sachem now was not inclined to sell nor to convey to the Swedish Governor because said Governor, without acknowledging liim as proprietor, had taken the land and had, against his, the Sachem's will, and without asking permission, settled it in part without offering him any satisfaction ; but being more favorable to the much respected General, the great Sachem of the Manhattans, he is willing to present him the land and the property thereof, as his friends Mattahoorn, Aquahoorn, Pemenatta and Sinquees had done with their lands, called Tamicongh ; which, also, the aforesaid Sachem Wappangzewan effectually and indeed hatii performed, in the presence of all of us, giving and conveying, by solemn shaking of the hand [hnnttastinge) and a\gi\alure,lo the respected Mr. Petrus Stuyvesant, his lands aforesaid, with all right and title thereof; accordingly substituting in our presence the aforesaid gentleman in his real and actual possession by a free donation and gift, in further assurance promising before us all, the aforesaid donation and free gilt at all tin es for him and for his successors, to uphold as valid and to maintain against all gainsay and contradiction, and, according to the deed, that he will not transport nor sell to any other Nation the lands aforesaid ; in further assurance, in order to prevent all misunderstanding thereof, he offers to go himself in person and to point out to those whom the General may be pleased to order; where the aforesaid lands lie ; where they begin and how far they extend ; all which we, the subscribers, do certify to have been, in the presence of us all, before the respected General, spoken, executed, given and conveyed by the aforesaid Sachem Wappinghzewan, without any persuasion, guile or craft; and as a further security by the Sachem himself confirmed by the subjoined mark nflixed by his own hand, at Tamecongh this 30 July, 1G61. Lower stood : This ^ is the mark of the Sachem Wappanghzewan made by himself. ■ Raoooon Creek. — Ro HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIIL ««- by hi,n.elf. °' "'"""" ■"""•"" "" ^""k »' a«- I-.d.w,cx, ,„.„. (Signed) Cohnelis van Rutven, Secretary. Appends: 5. Received 28 Janmry, 1656. 5ecre/. de pJuIIXtllnrr^^^ r'"«>-« «™«'neer. V. D. M. Cornells George Baxter. Ens Z hanck Jl ^o^ , « , ' "'"■'^""'' ^"'"' ^^"'°"' Captain-lieutenant, requisition of he Zl^ Ta Lt I^^^ hereby certify and declare on ti,e Cu^ao. New Nether"a!:d That Sa ur^aTTe ! ^^X .frr'"'' ^r^T^^"^^^' °^ year 1651. in our presence and view, before M.esaiioelr 1 ^"""^ '"^^"' °'^ """ ^^"'"'"'"^ came and appeared with oth^r „ .',^"''* ,"«/'^"l General, ,„ their proper persons, freely Sachems or cT.Xby:lMa»eh:rn^^^^^^^^ ^^"'«^'""^' '»'-«• ^ "-eJ propositions .ubn itted t^th m bv thJ ^'"'"""r""'' !'"''"«^- ^''° '» °"^ P^eaonce. on the presence of the un ernald Titne's s SZ I """*' 'n '"'"''"'" ^^""^^^ «"y-' *" Indians on this river; Zely And "j Hd "" " l'""' " '''' '^"«"«8« °^ '^« and P:eter flarmensen "r^^r fl h , -^ ' '°'"r''"'^' ^°''°*^ '^^ «^^«' ^^^ ^ndriesz. Nassau.have:sw\:'..: J ;„::,:::'« Tr'r °" ^'^ ""^' ^^^"^'"« «' ^--^ solemn Shaking o,.he hands ofte"Lr;3 oT^'st^i^rnT^ ^^"' ^"-"^ ^' '^ this riv.^ at present partfy incorp:;l":::a^Tt 7b l^l Xt ^mrntrC: t^ "'' .n the na.ne of all, answers, that they were great Chfefs and Prlp ietZonh iTb^ rbT ownership and by descent and appointment of Minquaas and Iliver Indians ; wherefore hev Secondly it being proposed and asked by ..he General, through the Interpreter what and how much land the Swedes had bought from the Sachems or Chfefs on this river' Mattahoorn. the Sachem, answered by asking another question. Why was not the Sa.hem of the Swedes present that they might ask himself, and hear him? The'cenera V r pt wa that bemg invued. he was apparently unwilling to come. ^^ ' The Chief Mattehoorn answered, secondiy-that all Nations coming to the river were welcome to hem and that they sold their land indiscriminately to the first who asked it. rh.rdly. the Chief Mattehoorn de.Iared that the Dutch nation have been tb. earliest corner, and discoverers of the river, who also, first of all, settled thereon among ih.m and ./-at they have alwys maintained good friendship and commerce with the Dutch ; adding the-t^unlo an account of presents which w«r» »v,.i.n.w....i I... .i_ ... ,, . . .• A.„i-. .. a ■ •-•..."...p uiiu <.uiiiiiiercH Willi iiie uutcn ', a^tiing account of presents which were exchanged between them and the Dutch A«lion. As a further evidence and dm.Inrn. inn 1... „i.„ „.i.... ,, . ^ .... . • 'J'm on his eye . - B'^" uii»Tctu iiiciii UIIU iiie j^uicn i\ evidence and declaration, he also added, that one Cornells with one eye. o was the first who coming here, made bis dwelling on the river, 598 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. N. B. The aforesaid did not fully answer the proposition of the General, who then, through his Interpreter, repeated and renewed the question in the following manner; that it was neither his nor his nation's custom to buy or occupy any lands which weie rightfully bought and occupied by any other nation ; he, therefore, requested, before proceeding to purchase any more lands, first to know what lands the Swede had bought, and of whom, and what lands were now free, and who were the right owners. The question thus put, the Sachem Mattehoorn made the following declaration : That when Munuit came to the country with a ship, he lay before the Minquaas Kil, where he tho Sachem then had a house and lived ; that Minuyt then presented him with and gave him a kettle and other trifles, requesting of him a? much land as Minuyt could set a house on, and a plantation included between 6 trees, which he, the Sachem, sold him. and Minuyt promised him half the tobacco, that world grow on the plantation, although it was never given to him. He declared further, that neither the Swedes nor any other nation had bought lands of them as right owners, except the patch on which Fort Christina stood, and that all the other houses of the Swedes, built at Tinnecongh, Hingeesingh' in the Schuylkil and at other places were set up there against the will and consent of the Indians, and that neither they, nor any other natives had received anything therefor. But that the present Swedish Governor had 3 @ 4 years ago, bought from the Mantas Indian named Siscohoka, still living and from Mechekyralames, now dead, some land on the west shore and set his fence thereupon, to wit, from VVychquahoyngh,* named by our peoplo Creveceur, unio about Mechechasou,* of which lands they were not Chiefs nor Proprietors, but one Kyckesycken, in our tongue Live Turkey.* It is confirmed by the atoresuid Sachem's declaration, that the land which the Swede at present occupies, was bought neither by him nor by any other nrtion, except where Fort Christina stands and the Schuylkil, heretofore conveyed to Arent Corssen. The General further asked through the interpreter whether they, the Sachems were, then, right owners of that land at present occupied by the Swede on the west shore, and further westward to the Bay or mouth of the river, and whether they will sell the aforesaid land that still reniuins unsold. The answc of the aforesaid Sachems was : If we sell the Great Sachem of the Manhattans the land from the Schuykil down to the Bay, where then v'll the houses of the Swedes remain ? Will the lachem of the Swedes, then, not do us harm, on that account, or put us in prison or beat us ; thus maki.ig, through fear, some scruple to sell the intermediate lands occupied by the Swede. Whereupon the General made answer, that they need expect little or no difficulty therefrom, inasmuch as the Schuylkil lands were '"en and conveyed 17 @ 18 years ago to Arent Corssen, which deed he, the Sachem i . renew and confirm in the years 1048, and again confirmed, so that there was no question on this head. Therefore the aforesaid Sachems were again informed by the General, that he was not disposed to make any trouble nor to buy any lands that were purchased by the Swede or any other nation, but what were free and unsold. He, therefore, had the question once more put to them, whether the Inndsirom iWe west point of the .Minquaas Kill down to the Bay or the mouth of the river were free and unsold, and would they sell them to the General ? To which the Sacheni answered : Why, Sach..,,^ jg .^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ question so often? We told you the lands are not sold to any person. ' KingMMing. . , 1 , ,'?J!, t«pra, p. 89*. ' Compare not* I, mpra, p. 892. ' Tb« Indian name .eemi o i^^^ ^ _^^ ^^ ^^^ D.Uw«r. wordm .V*«w". • Turkey, and CKitit, AIIt^ M.moiri of •Ml. — Eu. i'tn««yl««n "•« --P""'-. Peter E el found the f.rt beset with Swedish sentinels, as well near the guns as on the walls and conlH not enter the fort without their consent. All which he. the deponent, declares to be and A ,^? ^"^^ "* '"'"' °" °''^' ^'''"^^'" "^*=^"«^y »"<^ o" being required. Ady. H.^June NLZ-de's-r "^''^'^""' ''-^ ""'''''-'■ <^'«-^> ^^^'-' - TienhoverUr; In Court. Adriaen van Tienhoven late Clerk of the South river of New Netherland beine legally summoned by the Fiscal, and the above written his declaration dated U'^ j„„, .? 1064 being distinctly read to him. word for word, and being asked, on the requisition of the I iscal. If the aforesaid his deposition is. in all its parts true and truthful. nnJ whether he ia prepared to confirm it. with a good conscience, by solemn oath. Thereupon Adriaen van Tienhoven. .n presence of the Fiscal Cornells van Tienhoven answered: So truly help me God Almighty. Done Amsterdam in New Netherland. ady 16- March A- 1065. Lower stood. lo my presence. ^^uwcr (Signed) CoRNELis van Ruyven. Secretary. BeforemcCornelisvan Ruyven. Secretary of New Netherland residing in Fort Amsterdam in New Ne herland. appeared the worthy Peter Ebel of Meckelenburch freeman, nged about 40 years, who. on the requisition of Cornells van Tienhoven. Fiscal of New Netherland, in presence and before the Hon"" Mr. Nicasius de Sille. first Councillor, testifies and declares in pLe ana on promise of a solemn oath, if necessary, that it is true and certain that by him. the deponent and other inhabitants both of Fort Casimier and freemen thereabout was seen on Saturday evening, being the 30- of May. a ship without knowing whether she was Dutch, English, or of some other Nation. Whereupon the Commandant Gerrit Bicker had the flag of said fort hoisted, and commandeed Adriaen van Tienhoven, accompanied by four freemen to proceed to the ship, to ascertain whence she came. The abovenamed commanded person returned from on board on Sunday forenoon, about eight o'clock, and reported that it was a Swedish ship on board which was a new Governor of .he Swedes and many other people ; also, that the Swedes intended to surprize and capture the aforesaid Fort Casimier for the Crown of Sweden. Thereupon all the freemen and the Hon- Company's servants, or at least a nriajority of them. (he. the deponent, especially, being Sergeant of the burghers) addres^'ed themselves to the Commandant and requested that he would give orders for defence To which Bicker answered: What should I do? He did not give nor issue any order*: the deponent requested the Commandant to allow the gates to be locked, which he did not About eleven o clock in the forenoon, the Swedes, with about 30 men armed, landed from on 1 1 604 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCIIIPTS. board the ship which fired shotted guns over th« fort. Although advised of the designs of the Swedes, and seeing the armed soldiers land with a Captain and Lieutenant, the Commandant, without giving any orderu to the soldiers, nor directing them to see to their arms, nor providing them with powder, which he said he had not, went out of the fort to welcome, receive and conduct the Swedes into the fort, of which they immediately took possession and disarmed the soldiers to such a degree that they could not retain their side arms. This being accomplished, the beforenamed Commandant Bicker commanded Adriaen van Thienhoven, and requested this deponent, to go to the Swedish ship and the newly arrived Swedish Governor to inquire and ask the reasons, and by what authority his men forcibly took possession of, and invaded Fort Casimier, situiute on the South river of New Netherland, for and in the name of the Crown of Sweden. The Swedish Governor, whose name is John Rysingh, answered that he did so hy authority of her Mnjpscy in Sweden, who, he also stated, had sent Ambassadors to their High Mightinesses to aseertuin if their High Mightinesses had authorized and ordered to locate Fort Casimier at this place, and to encroach on the limits of territory belonging to the Crown. To which, as the Governor alleged, their High Mightinesses answered. No. Also, that her Majesty had addressed the West India Company, whose Directors had given for answer, that they had not authorized the encroachment on the Swedish limits, much less the building of Fort Casimier in the South river, and that they had further told the Swedish Ambassadors: If our people are in your way there, drive them off. Moreover, the Governor, thereupon, slapped Adriaen van Tienhoven on the breast with his his hand and said : Go your way and tell your Governor that. Adriaen van Tienhoven and he, the deponent, coming ashore, found the fort occupied, Swedish sentinels by the guns on the walls, without whose permission they could not enter the fort. This, the deponent declares to be true and certain, offering to verify the same by an oath if necessary and when required. Ady. ll»*May A» 1654; New Amsterdam. Lower stood : This is the mark P. E of Peter Ebel made by himself in presence of the subscribing persons. Lower : Nicasius de Sille. Before, etc., appeared Corcelis Jansen Coelen, skipper of the yacht '< VtUgende hart, who deposelh and declareth the same as Peter Ebel, except that he does not know that Bicker waB requested to give orders, and that he did not hear the conversation Adriaen van Tienhoven had with the Swedish Governor. A'Iso, he heard the Swedish officers say ; if the soldiers will not willinttly surrender their arms, fire on them. All which he declares to be true, and promises to verily the same on oath, if necessary. Ady 12'* June, 1654. New Amsterdam. Signed, Cornells Janse Coelen. Lower: Nicasius de Sille. Before me, Cornelis van Ruyvcn, etc., appeared Elias Emmens of Swol, aged 37 years, who, on the requisition of the Fiscal, Cornelis van Tienhoven, and in presence of the Hon"'* Nicasius de Sille, first Councillor, deposed and declared, that he and another did, on the 30'* of May last, see a ship, not knowing what ship she was, and that, by orders of the Commandant Bicker, one Adriaen van Tienhoven and some free men, were sent thither to inquire what vessel it was; who, returning, related that she was a Swedish ship, and that she had come to seize fort Casimier, situate on ihe South river of New Netherland, which the Commandant learning, he left the people with whom he then was standing, consisting of some freemen and servants of the Company, and turning about, went away without giving or causing to be given, any orders for the occasion. After the Commandant had surrendered the fortress, he, the deponent, as a servant of the West India Company, requested his arms of the Commandant, r HOLLAND DOOITMENTS : VIII. 605 Jl ch h^ repeatedly refuseJ. nnd »aid. that they had fallen to the Crown of Sweden. He declare, that he doe. not know anything more, as ho was at the time without the lort about h.s buamess. All which he declare, to verify on oath when necessary and if r qu ed Done New Amsterdam llJune. A- 1654. Declare, further, that not a handful of' e grain I ; NicasiuTJetnr"' " ^"^ '' ''' '°'^'^- «'«-''' ^'^ ^--' Zwollang. Tow"! I, Before me, Cornells van Ruyven. admitted Secretary in the service of the West India Company m New Netherland. appeared Corporal Jan Adamse. aged 28 years, a nati e of Worms, who. on the requisition of Cornelia van Tienhoven. Fiscal of NeTN^theHand in Ke.n.« o and before Mr. Nicasiusde Sille. first Councillor, testifies JI^^lLTntetZ and wuh the prom.se of a solemn oath, that by him. the deponent and others, o ,Urbi nt' of ort Cas.m,er and freemen thereabout, was descried on Saturday, 30- May, a hip wuhout knowmg whether she was Dutch. English or other nation. Wh e po„ the* Commandant,- Gerr.t Bicker had the Prince's flag hoisted, and commanded Adr a'en van T.enhoven, ,n company w.th some freemen to board said ship. Who returned and reported that she was a Swed.sh ship, and that she came to seize the fort for the Crown of Sweden, whereupon some of the garrison repaired for orders to the Commandant for the defence of Ih fort. To whom he gave for answer: What shall I do? ther, is no powder: although h re was plenty of ammunition, for he on a certain previous occasion, hid heard Bicker's wi say: Wherefore w.ll peop e g,ve that fine powder to the soldiers; 'tis better to barter it lb Beaver; and each got only 3 tin spoonfuls of powder. The Swedes, landing, meanwhile fh'e f::tTff "' V T '° '': '''°"' •""^ "^"^'""^'^ ^'^^ S-^^- -»'- he' ond tL tJ the ort. ofTermg them the precedence, which the Swedish Captain declined, and he Bick r went before, conductmg h.m into his quarters. And all the posts and .guards were then occup.ed by the Swedes and all the soldiers disarmed to their side arms inclusive. Moreover Bicker caused h.s own boy to haul down the flag, and Bicker, himself took from Mm, the deponent, all hisremammg ammunition, and threw .t in the garret, saying : That is now :; H^^H^'r"; ?'" "^^P-^-^. Bicker requested him. thj de'ponent. not to saT anytlnng bad behmd h,s back. All which he declares to be true. Signed Joha„es Adam, Z'LZtJ:'''^'' '" '"'• '' ''' ™"^«'" '^-^^^ '' ^"-' ^«^^- An,sterdari;' Jan Adamse late Corporal in the South river of New Netherland. being legally summoned to Court, and the annexod hs declaration dated 11 June. 1654. being distinctly read to him word for word, and bemg asked on the requisition of the Fiscal whether the aforesaid hU depos.t.on .s true and certain in all it, parts, and if he be ready to confirm the same on oath t'v'hdo m'TTA,- ^^"'T'' ''" A'^--' - P--"- of the Fiscal answer .-So truly help me God A m.ghty. Done. Amsterdam in New Netherland. this 16'* March A- 1055. Lower stood : In my presence, and (Signed) Cornehs van Ruvven, Secretary. Appeared, etc. Hendrick Siliacqui, of Groeningen. aged 44 year.; testifies to all thar Jan th!"ri r R • "T '""' '' ^'^ ""' ""''' ^"'^'''' '^'f^ ""y' '""* '' ^"o better to trade Iwav' bv r[ u" h "; r ': """ *' *° ''' ''''''"'' ^'^'"' '^«' *"« «™« ''-e not taken «f „1 J r ;• . "'"'" '"'*'"• ''"' ""' '"'°^''' "'"^ '•'^"^^ '"""'''«"« of war. consisting Of powder, lead. ,ron, etc.. were sent and received from time to time, inasmuch a, he. himself! t ^.'-: A Si^ t 'f NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. as soldier of the fort, did help to bring it up ; which the deponent declares to be true, unc^er offt^rofoath. This llJune, 1654; New Amsterdaai. Signed: HendrickSiliccques. Lower: Wicasiua de Sille. Hen.'riclc Siljaques, p. soidier. beinR legally summoned to Co'.rt, to whom the anuexed, his declaration, dated ll- June, 1654, is distinctly read, word for word, and being on the requisition of the Fiscal asked, if his deposition be, in all its parts, true and certain, and if he be ready with a good conscience to confirm H by oath? Thereupon he. in the presen. e of the Fiscal Cornelis van Tienhoven answers: So truly help me God Almighty. Tiiis le'" March, A» 1655. Amsterdam, in New Netherland. Lower stood: In my presence, and (Signed) Cornelis van Ruyven, Secretary. - B«fore me, Cornelis van Ruyven, etc., appeared Godefried Clceck, of Aldernag, aged 30 years; Symon van Straten, of Nimwegen, agsd 31 years; Mathya Bv.usyne, of Calls, aged 28 years'; Jan Hendrickbe, of Struckhausen, aged 25 years; Hans Aelbertss, of Brunswick, aged 24 years, declaring, word for word, all that Jan Adamse hath declared, except that none o'lhcm hith heard Bicker's wife say: 'Tis better that such fine powder weie sold for Beaver, than to be given to the soldiers, hem, that their arms were nol taken by Dicker, but by the Lieutenant of the Swedes. All which they, the deponents, will verify by oath when necessary and oa being required. This U"" June, 1654. New Amsterdam. Signed. Godefnedt Clue, Symon van der Straten, Matthys Bensien, Jan Hendrickse, Hans Albertss. Lower stood: Nicasius de Sille. Matthew Boucheine. a soldier, being legally summoned t& Court, to whom the preceding, his declarilion, dated ll'" June, A" 1664. is distinctiv read, word for word, and being, on the requisition of the Fisca. asked, if the aforesaid, his deposition, be true and certain in all ila p„rts. and if he be ready with a good conscience to confirm it by oath ? Thereupon he. in the presence of th.^ Fiscal Tienhoven answers: So tru'y help me God Almighty. This lO'" Miirch, A- 165''>. Amsterd.im in New Netherland. Lower stood: In my presence, and was (Signed) Corhe lis van Ruyven, Secretary. 4pi>endix 9. Ihctived f!S January, ]G56. Secret. Extract from the coj' '' ^''' ^°"^ ■"»«» «"<» Secondly. As a body guard to the Commandant, twelve men fully accoutred and with the Ro/al Lnsign, shall march out of the fort, the remainder only with their side arms on cond.t.on that the guns and muskets belonging to the Crown, shall be and remain at'the d.sposal of the Commandant, to remove, or have them removed from the fort, whenever the Commandant shall have an opportunity. tak?''"^''"' ^?k' ['"vate movables shall be delivered undamaged to the Commandant, to If all tZml ■ " ^° ''" '"™ "™°^^' ^"^"^^^^ '^ P'--' '^S^^''- -^^ '•- P-PeW «^.^rf M°""Ir"T.^'''- ^°'"'""";'""' '"""'"' °"''>'^ ^"y '-^ '^^l'^" '"'» the hands of the General the Fort Cas.m.er. with all the gun, and ammunition, material and other effecti belong-ngto the General Incorporated West India Company. Done, concluded a^d si .ed by the contractmg part.es on the 11- September. 1066. On board the ship the JVaeg riding at anchor near Fort Casimier. ° '"» Appendix 1 1. lUcdced 2S January, 1G5G. Secret. Capitulation between the IIon«' Valiant Johan Uvsingh, Governor of New Sweden on the one part, and the Hon"" V.lmnt Petrus Stuyvesaht. Director-General over New Netherland, on the other part. First. All guns, ammunition, material, provisio.is and other effects belonging to the Most Illustrious Crown of Sweden and the South Company, at present in and about Fort Christina shall be and remam to the above Crown and South Company, and it depend, on the pleasure of the Governor to take them with him or to deliver them to the said General Petrui btuy vesant, on condition they being demanded, shall be restored without any delay. 8. Governor Johan Rising together with all superior and inferior officers, servant, and •oldier. shall march out with drum beating, life playing, colors (lying, match lighting, bullet- in the mouth, with hand and side arms, first to Timber I,l«nd.' whither the people, after they w,i, have left the fort, shall be safely conveyed, and lodge in the houses there until the departure in the ship n'.rg of the Governor who with his suite and property shall at furthest within the space of fourteen days, be safely and certainly conveyed and b'rought to Iff amr,g*, 61, aoJ la itmai't o/ Pnniyhania UiMoritol Soatly, HI., ,,|, i , 84. _ Kb, eo8 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Sandyhook, situate five leagues outside the Manhatans. Meanwhile Governor Rising and Factor Elswyck shall be allowed to reir.ain with four or ave servants, so long in the fort, for the purpose of arranging their affairs. All writings, letters, documents and actes belonging to the Crown of Sweden, the Southern Company or to private persons, found in Fort Christina, remain untouched, undisturbed and unexamined in the Governor's hands, to carry them awiy whithersoever he pleases. #• None of the officers, soldiers, servants or freemen of the Crown of Sweden or of the Southern Company, shall be detained against their will, but be allowed to depart with the Governor, free and unhindered, if they please. 5. All ministers, officers, soldiers and freemen of the Crown of Sweden and Southern Company, ■hall retain tlieir proper movables, unhindered and uninjured. 6. Should any servants or freemen be willing bfit not ready now, to depart with the Governor and his suite, they shall be allowed one year and six weeks to dispose of their real and personal property, on condition that they take the proper oath of fidelity for the time that they remain on the river. Should there be any Swedes or Fins disinclined to depart, Governor Risingh shall be at liberty to admonish them to leave, and if inclined to accompany him on such admonition, they shall not be detained or prevented by the General, and those who will, then, remain here, and earn their living in the country, shall enjoy the freedom of the Augsburgh Confession, and one person to instruct them therein. Mr. Johan Risingh, Factor Elswyck with other high and low officers, soldiers and freemen who will now depart with their proper movables, sholl be provided for that purpose by the General with a proper ship, which shall receive them at Sandyhook from the coming vessel and convoy them to the Texel, and thence directly with a hoy, sloop or other suitable crall, to Gotlenburgh, without any charge j but such sloop, or ship shall not be detained at Oottenburgh, for which Mr. Risingh is responsible. Should Governor Risingh, Factor Elswyck, or any servants of the Crown of Sweden or the Southern Company, have engaged themselves on behalf of said Crown or Company for any debts, they shall not be arrested therefor within the said General's government. 10. Governor Risingh shall be at liberty to inform himself of the conduct of the 1at« Commandant Schute, his officers and other soldiers in the surrender of the fort on th« Sand point. Provided the Governor engage himself to cause the people under his command to quit Fort Christina, and deliver it up to the General on this day, the U of this month of September. r HOtLA^N-D DOCUMENTS; VIII. ^^g (Sijsned) Johan Risinoh. P. Stuyvesant. (Signed) Johan Risinoh. P. Stuvvbsant. Folio Itl. Secret Rm>lution of tU Statee Oemral cm the preceding Papers. [F«a. Ui. H.gl^ of 8««, B-oluU«u of U.. 8UU. 0.a«l. In u., Eo,.l Arrtl,« .. ft. Hh«. ] Friday, 28* January, 1656. wjy ,«.,. 00- . ^^''^^^ « letter from the Director, of the West India Company, Chamber th« nfnr '^ ... ^'"\'''""'^- ^^ich being Considered, it is resolved and concluded to refer tafesaidieter deduction, paper, and corroborative documents, to Messrs. Hygensa^ o her their H.gh M.g itinesse,' Deputies, for the West India Company's affa rs to in.pe , exam.aa and report thereon. Secrecy thereupon was most particularly fe o mm end d. ' Jlesdution of the Common Chuncil of the City of Aimtm-fi6. Folio MO. Read at the Meeting a certain Remonstrance of the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. Which being considered, it is Baiittoatioa of iba resolved and concluded to issue a suitable Aclt of Ratification of certain Articles NalbiuJd.' " of agreement made and concluded at Herford, in Cannitticot, on the 19'* September, 1050, between the arbitrators of the CommisHloners of the United English Colonies and Petrus Stuyvesant, Direclor-(Jenernl of the Netherlands Colonies, rtHpecling a Provisional Boundary there. The abovenamed Directors have to take care that a similar Acte of Ratification of the aforesaid Articles be also issued by the Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland. r HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VHI. «: 611 Ratification of the Treaty of Hartford by the States General. I Fro. th. AcU-BoA „f u,, suta. a«c«l. la th. ^^ A,rf.lr» .t tb, Hv. ] Act of approbation of the therein inserted Extract of an Agreement made and unto us h, order of the Directors ^f the^ .L^^^red Z'^cXZ U^C^t atTrtr^i ConuZ^r^ ^t' "^^ .^r ""^"^ ''''''''' ««' '^^^''^^'^ and co^Med at HartfoM m ConUticot. the n:neteenth of September, XVI' and fifty, relating as well to the trw:L"=„r^"^" New Netherland and New England I, to oth^er^' lILrs. t Conitticot. the 19^^ September, 1660, between the Arbitrators of the Hon^- ProTil'oTNel Nelh' .^"h"'"' "" '']""" *'' """''^"^ ^"8"^^ C°'-'"' -«1 the Dutch 1 rovince of New Netherland, we agree and conclude as follows • In \r^l °>' Long Inland, a line drawn from the westernmost part of Oyster bay, and thence In a d.rect and straight course to the sea shore, shall be the Boundary between the Dutch anJ Knghs^, on Long Island , the Eastern part for the English, and the wL^ern I t or ^he D„ ."h' 2. The boundary on the Mainland shall begin on the west side of Greenwich bay bdn. about four m.les from Stanford, and thence run inland in a northerly course Twenty mles provded .t shall not come within ten miles of the North river; after th'at a, it sha7be'a^^ed upon by te two Governors-i. e.. of the Dutch and New Haven ; and 'tis agreed ZThe Dutch sal not at any time hereafter build any houses within six miles of 'the sad H ;i:itroTth:^DZ^'^'^ '- '^™"" -'' '-''- -'- -^ --^«-^- -^'-He' 3. The Dutch shall hold and occupy the land at Hartford which they now actually nosses- known by .vers marks and tokens, and all the remaining lands on b'oth side, o Ye S r.ver to belong and remain to the English there. And it is in like manner agreed that the nforesn.d Boundary both on the island and mnmland shall be observed and kept invToilL hl^h y the United English Colonies and the Dutch Nation, without any furthe e teCs^^ oro^^^^^^ on euher s,de u.U.1 there be a final conclusion determined upon in Europe, by the mu^u ! consent or both the States of England and Holland. ^ Respecting Fugitives. .nV.'l T!Vv I,'''' '"T """'^"^ '*^"" '"' '^"''"'^ '"'''^•'•'" the United English Colonie. and tlu- n.,t,.h Nation ,„ thi. country of New Netherland, agreeably to the eighth Ar^cle of the confederaM.,„ between the United English Colonies, in that case provided M m 612 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Concerning the proposition of a closer union and friendship between the English and the Dutch Nation in these parts, especially against a common enemy: We judge it to be worthy of good consideration by the United Colonies, and in like mRnner, desire it may be communicated and recommended lo them, that a resolution therein may be taken at the next annual meeting of the Commissioners. And in testimony of our unanimous consent to the foregoing several conclusions, have we sigpe 1 these with our own hands, this nineteenth September, Anno XVI* and fifty. Lower stood: Stmon Bboadstrketk. Tomas Willbt. Thomas Prbncb. Gkorqk Baxter. Therefore have we, after mature deliberation approved and ratified, as we do hereby approve and ratify the Articles mentioned in the foregoing extract ; requiring and ordering, that the contents thereof shall take effect according to its form, and be observed and maintained by all and every residing within our jurisdiction whom it may in any wise concern, without doing or suffering anything to be done to the contrary, on pain of incurring our highest displeasure. For such we have found to be for the greatest advantage of the country- Given at the Hague under our seal, paraph and the signature of our Clerk on the two and twentieth of February, XVI' and fifty-six. < n » «. » f Committee nf the West India Company to the Committee of the City of Amsterdam. [ From Uw Basdl* endoiMd Vftohtidt Stutlttn rakmd« dt (MimU nan jn«uu Xtdtrlandl, Mot. 9, 8, Id th« Slad /fttf/t, Anittordim. ] To the Honorable the Committee of the City of Amsterdam for the affairs of the West India Company. Honorable gentlemen. HoiiuHiDoniiiHmi*, "^^^ auswcrs of the Committee of the Directors of the West India Company in XV., isi. yesterday's Conference to the questions proposed by you, are in substance briefly as follows : First. Concerning the acquisition in New Netherland. That as the superintendence of that district is left by the respective Chambers exclusively to the management of vhe Directors here, the occasion fitly presents itself to attach and affix that land to this City. That the Directors aforesbld will willingly undertake to communicate to the Regents here the orden which might be successively made for the prosperity of the aforesaid Country, and to do nothing without their knowledge. That the climate there is very mild and healthy, entirely agreeable to the constitutions of the inhabitants of this country, also by nature adapted to the production of all sorts of Eastern fruits and crops, besides the conveniency of Trade which daily increases, in divers respects, both with the Natives of those parts and the neighboring English. That in order to maintain the aforesaid acquisition and to reap the fruits thereof in their time, what is particularly, yea solely required is, that it be properly peopled. r HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VUL 618 That such population cannot be sufficiently promoted by the Company on account of its unfavorable c-cumstances and it is consequently desirable that the government othsCiy could be.nduced to expend annually for some time a certain amount of money in the conveying over and transportation of people. i^oiiveying That such people should be provided, exclusive of passage, with one year's support, (the voyage included) aaer which they would be in a conditio., to maintain themselves That the Company will assign to such people sufficient and suitable land; and'in case the Regentsof the City conclude that those people should settle on the South river, where the soi^ .s richest but the population smallest. Fort Caaimier can be placed provisionally in the hand of the City for belter defence and security. .ho^'^llrTT '" T •"'^""^^'" '^' transportation and support of the aforesaid people, should, after the lapse of a certain time, be made good by them in installments, or else by the payment annually of a reasonable tax. ' For the payment whereof, the land assigned to each shall be mortgaged to the City, and no one shal be allowed to leave the country except on payment of what he had received That the a oresaid expenses of transportation may be provisionally somewhat diminished .n case it could be resolved to chrrter the ships hence thither, and on arriving there to set them up for freight and loading, with which they might return here. Secondly. Concerning the improvement of fa Company in general Divers points on that subject were, in the year 1664. submitted to the Supreme Government of this country, copy whereof is hereunto annexed, to the end that your Honors may seeTiow far existing circumstances will permit the undertaking of the one or the other That in addition to the abovementioned points, the reduction of the Island of St. James is highly important; this can be accomplished with a very small force; such is al o p o" in orderto bring the entire Coast of Guinea, again, under this City ^^^ ' It would be equally advantageous that the Company be relieved of the Train h»n i u- u have served with the Military in Brasil. and consequently that orders be iWd that t^ and the other be paid by the country. °' '"* °"« Finally and lastly that the respite provisionally allowed by .he State until the eighth day of their-Great Mightinesses' present term, may be continued for some time, as otherwile t e Directors would be put to such inconvenience in their administration, that they, inThe lot run, cannot resist. •'^' '""8 Point, drawn up by the Assembly of the XIX.. to be submitted to the Supreme Government of this country. [1664.] o"Freme 5o,u..n,ca™„u. 1. As the King of Pcrtucai hath, by the unjust seizure of the countries of K..» • « ,T °^ ^ '"'"""'^ diminished your High Mightinesses' glory and respect but even inflicted on your inhabitants great and incalculable damage, your High M ghtTnesse- are again requested to consider of the means whereby said King could be brought to rea"" and especially to examine what satisfaction he ought to give the Company ' 2. In like manner, as the State is in arrears to the aforesaid Company, a considerable sum of money in the matter aforesaid in unpaid subsidies, and that the said C;mp„ny h oV he other hand, incurred great debts in consequence, your High Mightinesses are. thirefore ii 614 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. requested to issue orders that the account may once for all be liquidated, satisfied and paid on moderate terms. 3. Thirdly, your High Mightinesses are requested to alter the ordinary letters of reprisal according to the circumstances of the times, and to the actual condition of affairs, in the form thereof drawn up. 4. Finally; your High Mightinesses are requested to grant or allow to the Company, provisionally or until its circumstances shall be improved, the import duty on all sugars and other products which shall be brought hither by another route from Brasil, in regard that they are products of the Company's district, and the Board of Admiralty ought not to derive any profit from the misfortune that hath overtaken the Company there. I' Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam. I From th* Raotuttm tan dt Vrotdmiappm, A,, p. T(, la the atad Huy, Amilcrdun. ] S"" March, 1666. ^ The Burgomasters have also further represented, that the Committee appointed *v.. a. and requested on the 12"" of February 'ast, to consider what should be done for the promotion of the affairs in New Netherland, had first consulted thereupon with some Directors of the West India Company only, and secondly with them in presence of their Honors, who request, as some of the committee must leave the city and as their Honors had full knowledge of the matter, to report thereon in their name, and the Burgomasters have therefore reported : That, in brief, it had been proposed and as it were concluded in the Conference, that in case people enough were sent from this country thither, all the products that come at present from the Baltic, masts inclusive, could be found and raised in New Netherland. That all the lands the Company possess there had been purchased from the Indians or Inhabitants, under proper and voluntary conveyance executed before the Supreme Magistrates there, according to the Deeds thereof remaining with them, so that they owned ihose lands juito titulo, both as regards the aforesaid Indians and all other circumjacent Europeans. That, also, the administration of New Netherland, as far as the possessions of the West India Company and the alienation thereof are concerned, was, with the knowledge and approbation of their High Mightinesses, fully and specially assigned, to wit, by the Assembly of the 19, to the Chamber at Amsterdam, which might properly resolve to sell a parcel of land to the City. The Council having heard the aforesaid report and judging it highly expedient to promote the trade in New Netherland, in the present conjuncture, in order not to be always dependent exclusively on the Baltic, authorizes the Burgomasters and Treasurers to negotiate with the T« boT inme iind Said Dircctors of this Chamber for the purchase of a certain tract of Laud in New i» Hew Nei*«KIi°' Netherland whereof the Company is lawfully possessed titulo emptionis, and the agreement respecting the same being made, to bring it into this Assembly; further, to dispose thereof, and to appoint Commissioners from themselves, to manage and to improve that country with requisite Colonies and whatever is demanded for the encouragement of commerce. r HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIIL 615 Resolution of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company. I From Um Bonill* udoned VtrteMiU SuttM^ -ni-^^^ j. n.i j Thursday, 16"" March, 1656 St-Sr—'- .^r" *'*;"' Wilmerdoncx and Van Beeck having made a report at length of the the .1.. Februa^ ::t::^hTe:i7ttth?r ^^^^ and Treasurers la„ deT^P^ItrirtX a^Slt^r^Ptre'r^ '^^"^''? circumstances of New NetheHanH tha .!ti r u r^"'"'"'"^^ "' ^"e Council, respecting the •Ke good. ..p. Jhiitt,:!?,: i°v.';':„^ ;: r ':^T" tr" "t' °" Agrees with the Register aforesaid. In absence of the Advocate. (Signed) E. van Seventbk. Ambassador HaroU Appelboom to the States General. I Fron. tb. Orl,I..I 1, u.. Eoj.l Archlr- „ u,, H.^.; FU., DuiUMani ] c™p,„y „coupyi.g .heSoolh river or Florid. „„., o„expe«"dT ' d °i.H r r ...z.d o. i,. foru,, drove out the i„habl,.«„, and iU, y,i.ZT^!ZZt H Tr """' of ts distnVtn >Tit the Hague. ] Wednesday, 22^ March, 1666. folio** Rend in the Assembly a certain Memorial of Mr. Appelboom, Resident from the ipfiboom. King of Sweden, complaining that the Commanders in New Netheriand of the West India Company of this country had last summer attacked the Swedish Company inhabiting the South river of Florida, most unexpectedly and with force of arms, reduced their forts, expelled the inhabitants and wholly dispossessed the above named Swedish Company from its district ; requesting, therefore, that prompt order may be issued for the redress of the aforesaid proceeding, and that the said Swedish Com any may be indemnified. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded to examine further the information on the same subject, heretofore sent in by the Directors of the West India Company of this country to their High Mightinesses, in order when such is examined, further resolution may be adopted in the matter aforesaid, as shall be deemed proper. Eesolution of the States of Holland, ttc, on Mr. AppcV)Oom's Memorial. Resolution of the States of Holland and Westfriesland, dated 83 and 24* March, 1656. Rend in the Assembly, a certain Memorial presented to their High Mightinesses, by Mr. Appelboom, Resident of the King of Sweden, to the efiect that he, the Resident aforesaid, • lound himself ooliged by express command, to represent to their High Mightinesses, that the the Commanders in New Netheriand of the West India Company of this country ^^^TiIr'ToTT!!'^ bad, last summer, attacked unexpectedly and with force of arms the Swedish !nN«SMh.ri.nd. Qo^p^ny dwelling in the South river of Florida, seized its forts, expelled the inhabitants and thus wholly dispossessed the said Swedish Company of its districts ; requesting their High Mightinesses, for reasons set forth in the aforesaid Memorial, to be pleased to issue, for the redress of such indecent proceedings of the aforesaid West India Company of this country, such prompt order as equity, justice and mutual friendship between both Nations and the importance of the matter itself, demand. r K»wassrfaai-Bia»j.i;,*w>i»«iM ■'mm ma HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIIL 617 Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid Memorial, together with certain ample information heretofore furnished by the said West India Company of this country on the foregoing subject, and the documents thereunto belonging, be further examined and investigated by a Committee of their Great Mightinesses and a draft of an answer to the aforesaid Memorial be by them prepared, and a report thereof, and of their opinions regarding the said subject, be made as soon as possible to the Asssembly here; to which end the geutibmen from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Hooru are requested and appointed, as they are hereby requested and commissioned. Sulacription of the City of Amsterdam to the fund for the Waldenaea. [ From Uw Oroat MmoHatl, Put IT., p. M ; la Ui» Slad Buy; Anutardun. ] H^mdD<««n% The Burgomasters and Regents of the City of Amsterdam authorize Messrs. the Commissioners of «he Exchange Banli, to pay to Mr. Johan Berkel, Receiver- Mowj^fc, *.w.i. General of Holland, the sum of Fiay Thousand Guilders, towards the fund collected for the distressed Waldenses. Done March 29, 1666. By order of their Worships. (Signed) J. Cortbb. Councii of Amsterdam to Director StuyveaanL [ From th* Ommom X-Umt, IT., In Ui* Stad tt»y; AmtUrdan. ] To the Governor and other officers of Justice in New Netherland, on the part of this State. 27 April, 1666. iiniiuidDoran>iitt, Honorable, Wise, prudent, right discreet Gentlemen. ■•'**• Jan Gaillardo ferrara, a native of Saint Lucas of Barameda, a subject of his Royal Majesty of Spain, hath represented to us that he, some years ago, sued for the restitution of several slaves and other property, taken frcm him by a certain privateer and brought into New Netherland without his being able, up to this time, to procure satisfaction therefor, requesting our letters recom.nendatory thereunto ; wherefore we have consented to recommend the matter hereby to your Honors, to the end that you may render prompt and expeditious justice to the abovenamed Gaillardo. Which will insure our friendship, and we shall be always ready to reciprocate. Herewith, etc. Vol. \. 78 u» NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Order in favor of the Waldenset. XV., 118. [nrom lb* Onot MmorltuI, Vtti ir., IM ; la Ui* Slad 1/itg; AmtlerdMi. ] Burgomasters and Regentu of Amsterdam, hereby authorize the Commissioners M(Hi.r> eoii««t«d of the Exchange Bank in the said city, to give and pny to Mr. John van Berckel, "*** Receiver-General of Holland and West Friesland, the sum of seventeen thousand, five hundred and sixty-six guilders, eleven stivers and eight pence, say fl.l7,666:ll:8, which sum, on producing receipt therefor, shall be allowed said Commissioners in rendering their account of the moneys collected within this city for and on the behalf of the Waldenses. Done the 30'^ June, 1656. r u Jiesdution of the Council of Amsterdam on a Plan to colonize New N'ethalaad. [ From Um AMohiMm van cU VntdtoSappm, A., p. 118, la tha Stad Huy; Aatstardam. ] 4 July, 1656. n.ji.n1> >B tha Aad iTiiy*, Anuterdam. ] HnnandDoeaimnta, XV., «. 18* July, 1666. The Committee appointed on the 4* July of this year, from the body of this £^? bltt«l!^ Council, to examine the Conditions to be agreed upon between this City and the i',!di.'a4«*^ ^^'^ '"'^'* Company respecting Trade and Colonies in New Netherland, and to ^oi^i 'rrVw look into a certain draft connected therewith, caused the said draft prepared by •iboran . ^j^^^ ^^^ enreglstcred in the Muniment Regitfer, ?? . r» Council. Which being considered, the> ti^entlemen of the Comma > trouble, and the draft thus prepared is approved. j.8, et leq. to be read in Hi%' thanked f?r their HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII. 619 Draft of CondUicms offered hy the aty of Amsterdam to Emigranta to Niw mtherland. SviT^.. """"'^ ^"l"''" ?' ^"f'^^'ONs to be Remarks of the Directors of the West India Company on the opposite Draft offered to those who may be sent as Colonists to New Netheriand. of Conditions. 1- 1. That the Colonists should go thither in Fiat. Provided it be in ships that sail with suitable ships with their families, requisite the Company', permit, household furniture and additional necessaries. 9. The City of Amsterdam may make the best bargain it can with the skippers for the trans- portation of both people and goods. 9. Fiat Said City is to advance the passage money on condition that it be hereafter repaid to the City in manner hereinafter mentioned. 4. To the end that the said Colonists may gain their livelihood there safely, honestly and propperously, the City aforesaid doth before- hand guarantee as follows : 6. First. Said City shall provide ani assign a fruitful soil in a healthy and temperate climate, watered by and situated on a fresh water river, which can be navigated by large ships. Fiat. 6. Here the City shall lay out a proper piece of land on a river side for a safe habitation nnd residence of the Colonists, and fortify it with a ditch without and a wall within ; and divide the inclosed land into streets, a market and lots suitable for the use as well of traders and mechanics as of farmers, and all this at the expense of the City. Fiat. 6. Fiat. Provided it be not any place or lands still belonging to the Indians or natives, which if selected, the fact shall be made known to the Director and Council there, in order that the lands may be received from their hands, after the Indians are satisfied. 6. Fiat. 6?0 NEW-YORK COLONIAL 'lANUSCRIPTS. ' ; 7. Said City shall cause to be erected about the Market or in a more convenient place, a public building suitable for Divine service ; item, also a house for a School which can likewise be occupied by the person who will hereafter be Sexton, Psalm^etter and Schoolmaster ; the City shall, besides have a house built for the Minister. 8. The City aforesaid sliall provisionally pro- vide and pay the salary of a Minister and Schoolmaster, unless their High Mightinesses or the Company think otherwise. 9. The City of Amsterdam shall cause to be erected at the pince aforesaid, a large magazine or warehouse, wherein it shall keep all sorts of articles both for clothing and the subsistence of the people and supply them with seed grain. I shall likewise keep a Factor there, who shall furnish everything necessary for clothing, housekeeping and farming, and sell these, at the same prices they are sold here, the Com- pany's custom excepted. Conceruing the Company's custom, the City shall agree therefor as favorably as possible, and especially that the duty to be paid in New Nethetland shall be employed in building and maintaining public works. 11. The said fortified place allotted for the residence of the Colonists, whether called a city or town, shall be regulated in matters of police or justice in the same manner as here in Holland. 7. Fiat. 8. Fiat. 9. The City of Amsterdam might provide the Colonists here, before their departure, with clothing and jther subsistence for a year ; and further hav<» built at the place aforesaid a magazine or warehouse wherein it will keep every sort of article necessary for agriculture, together with all sorts of seed grain, to be sold by its factor there at the price aforesaid. 10. Fiat. Except the custom or duty payable to the Company there from peltries, and pro- vided it be done by the person or government appointed there by the Company. 11. Fiat. With this addition : And in regard to descents, specially to observe the law of Aatdom^ and in justice, the practice and custom of the City of Amsterdam. ■ Iiilj»riUnfe, In »•« of IntMUcy, hu b««ii from olJ liiuoi iii Hollind of two kln<1i; either aoeordinit to the Uw of Aatd"m or Schepmdom. Th* rnle of tli< fir»t in, "tin nt«t of blooJ ioharita tlit goodt or propertjj " of th* Moonii, "tb« pr<)|i»rty niu• ■< "" or nz CD o cc cr> ■<: -£: ^j^ •» i-JL_ >- u_ rr: «c ••a: q: 2^ en I5 _ o -J -y mmmmmm 20. The City of Amsterdam aforesaid shall Fiat, divide all the lands rownd about said town or city into suitable fields for plough land, pasture and meadow land, laid out on proper roads for going to, and coming from, them. 21. Every person who will follow farming shall Fiat, have in free, fast and durable property, as many morgeru as well of plough land a. of pasture and meadow, as he and his family will be able to improve and will require for grazing, be it twenty, thirty or more morgeru, provided all such lands, which will be given and conveyed in fee to each of the Colonists, shall by them in two years from the conveyance, be brought under cultivation, on penalty of the same being taken from them and given to others. 2i). Each of the Colonists shall settle and use his land freely, without paying poundage, horn money, or salt tax ; and be exempt from tenths for 20 years, to be counted from the year in which the land is first sown. 90. 81 23. The City of Amsterdam shall make arrange- ments that ships shall be continually and consecutively sent from Holland to load and bring over the grain, seed, timber and all sorts of produce most profitable to the Colonists, who shall, also, be at liberty to charter private vessels, provided such be consigned to the City of Amsterdam. 24. For which purpose the City of Amsterdam Fiat, shall have proper storehouses here, for the ■torage of the grain and other property of the Colonists, which shnll be sold for the benefit of the same ; and shiill return the proceeds thereof in such articles as the owners shall ts. The Colonists shall, like others in that country, settle and use their land freely and be exempt from 10'* for the term of fifteen years, to be counted with the year that the lands shall have been first sowed, after the ex- piration of which time, the Company shall receive half the 10'**. t3. Fiat. Provided such ships shall go agreeably to the annexed regulation, enacted by the Company in the premises. 14. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII. 623 direct, deducting therefrom only two per cent for commission and one-tenth of the net pro- bvlV" 'wT^r °' ^'^ ^'^''-sements made by the «a.d C.ty for the freight and passage of he persons and goods of the Colonists ;a„d hat unt.1 the aforesaid disbursement are refunded and no longer. S5. The Colonists in New Netherland shall be at Th r , • ^^' I'berty to take out of the City's warehoul ,u 1°°"*" '" ^'"^ Netherland requiring whatever they may require at the Jed pZ !"'?'/" ^"^ '"""^« "^ '^^ '-^ - thf provided the account thereof be transmUteJ '' "'''"'" '°'''"'' ">""' ''<'- w.th the Colonists' goods, in order to be deducted therefrom. 26. vessels an7f;rothL'plVpL'es!'r!t*iibttrt; orJ^^' ^7"'^'f '"* ^' ^"""^ "S'^^^'^ '« 'h« cut down in the nearest „„d most c nve Ut e In". T^n'"" ""'" °^ '» ''^ '"«'^« forests, as much timber as they shall require D 'rector-General and Councl. without paying anything for it. ^ ' 87. The Burgomasters as founders, patroons and possessorsof the Juriadiction. shall appoint the Secretary, Messenger and other inferier officers. 98. Hunting in the woods and fishing in the waters and rivers. &c.. not heretofore owned by other persons, shall be free to each of the Colonists, under certain regulations to be made respectng them, under the authority of the Company, or their High Mightinesses. 29, The City of Amsterdam shall provide for the transportation of „|| tools and farming implement, free and without p„yi„g any duty 80. And in regard to articles which go as mer- AnA ■ . ^^' chandise, an agreement and firm re.ulaUon .. , u**"^ '° "tide, which ^o a. mer- re.p.cting them .h.ll be made rUh 1 " 'I' '''^ ''"'' ^"^ '"'='' ^"^^ "'• -P-^ Company. "" "" ^««' "» 'he annexed list. ^ Fiat. 87. 28. Fiat. Under certain regulation, made or to be made by the Director-General and Council. Fiat. Free of duty. 29. "4t ! 6S4 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Conditions to be agreed upon with the West India Company. I. The West India Company shall approve, and, as far as lies in its power, give effect to tho accompanying agreement, basis and regu- lation on which the City of Amsterdam is to plant Colonies in New Netherland. 9. 1. Fiat. Afirm regulation shoJld be made respecting All fruits and P'"'^"'^'' "j",^^/''"" ""^ .e^i:yo?theirownproductssentoverbythecuUiv.edb^^ Colonists. Their High Mightinesses or the Company should cede and gnmt to the City of Amster- dam as founders and pliinters of the place, high, middle and low jurisdiction, in order the better to maintain the requisite authority among their people. 4. The City shall possess the jurisdiction afore- said in form of a Fief, successively appoi^nt- ing to that end, a person on whom the Fief shall be conferred on pnyment of certain Seignorial dues. (Heer gcwuden.) 0. The Sovereignty and supreme authority, or whatever else depends thereon, remaining, nevertheless, in their High Mightinesses or the Company so far as it is authorized by the Charter. And as the government of Amsterdam hath no intention to extend any authority or power abroad, but merely designs to promote commerce, which is the life of this Cily, so vrill it be content to make over and convey everything to the Company aforesaid, in case their High Mightinesses or the Company afore- said be inclined to reimburse, within the first ten years, to the City of Amsterdam, the and on coming here pay only the convoy to the Company. 3. Fiat. Fiat «. Fiat. i moneys disbursed, with simple interest at 5 per cent yearly, on condition that the said Company, in such case, remain bound to mal^e good to the Colonists the Agreement heretofore drawn u^and hereunto annexed. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VUI, 625 Amplificatmn. Any of the Colonists who by himself or his family or any person in his service, shall discover any minerals, crystals, precious stones, marble, &c., of whatever nature soever the same may be, may possess and keep them as his own, without paying any imposition or duly for them, for the term of ten years; but after the expiration thereof, he shall be bound to pay the Company one-tenth of their proceeds. t mr. fi...ow. . T.H. of DutK which i. „„|.u,d. .. it i. . I>up,ie.U of «,. T.ble p.„UJ, ^ p. e,4. ] Form of Permit to sail to New Nethcrhnd. H,..nj,.c„.™., The Directors Of the West India Company at the Chamber here in Amsterdam Skipper of the r"""'^' """ ZT' T'' '''''' """^ '^' "«- '""' ' NewNetherlandwithiMhe'limitsofthTcom'nr."'!"''' "" ''"' ""-ier his command to entered into with the afores d ki^Lr' ^ ^ ' /''"' °" '°"'"''°" "'"^ '*-'^"'« "'«*!« ""d to bring all his .o::^!::^^: ^Tz^t!:^: 7"i 'r '-r '^ '--' the ship aforesaid) into the said rom„.„„' u 7 ' ^ "'"''^ ''" '"''^» ^hem into Company's mark.Ld t L d Zeo„ toT C '" " '" "" "'«P-'«'^- '"-'^ed with Indian goods such as du.fel an Zkets ^,d rn'7' '"T''' 'T" P^^^^ -'"« merchandise, all according to the true vaul.'hr,'^ ""' "" "" °"'" 8"°«'« ""d that he.afterfulfmingher'o ads nrfo!/'""^'"^^ ''^ ^'^ "'^''"«- and convoys; be obliged to come with his s p to t^™^^^^^^ u) '^'T '^ '^"" '"'"'^ "' ""^ P'^^' «'-" of Manhattans, in order, af.e leVvery of Tr lut "! T. '" ^'"^'"''""' ''" ^''^ ^^'-^^ Director there, that the aforesaid ho IvT Tl , ''^''"''' "^ '''' "commission to the on board may he brougl t t , in o tl Cor ' " ."" ""«""'' ""' '""^"""'"- fir NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. bound to come back with hi8 said ship and the full return of the aforesaid exported goods and merchandise, or .hould any part of said return be left behind, he shall be bound to have it brought to this country to the place he snjled from, in order that U be all d.scharged and brought i.- the aforesaid Company's warehouses here, and to pay thereon to the Company aforesaid eight per cent in kind or ad ralonm, at the choice of the Co-P-y. and that .nh,e manner exclusive of the permits and convoy hereinbefore mentioned, and the state duty of "o's vers imposed oneach beaver. And as regards the Tobacco which the aforesa.d fek.pper Tay have traded, or received as freight, in ^ew Nether|and. English Virgin.as. l^^ewEnga^^^ or elsewhere, it is expressly stipulated and by him agreed to pay thereof here to the Company 30 stivers per hundred pound of Virginia, and 20 stivers for the New Netherland. tobacco The Skipper, moreover, must take on board as many Soldiers. Free persons, men, women and children as he can conveniently accommodate in his aforesaid ship and as the Company shall order, whom he shall provide with meat and drink and serve up the same accordmg to the Company s Tantt of Rations, on condition of paying for each head, to wit : For the soldiers, th.rty-s.x guilder :„d for the free persons forty guilders, those under ten years, half that rate, -d children the breast, nothing, without his being at liberty to convey ^^^P^""" ^'^';!' '^^ '^^ thither, or from there here, without obtaining therefor a special permit signed by the Director . or the Governor in New Netherland under a penalty of fifty guilders for each person he shall have conveyed from here thither, and six hundred guilders for whomsoever he may br.ng thence here'without special consent. And he. the Skipper, shall be furt er. bound to take a supercargo on board his ship, on the Company's wages, whose board and lodging m the cab m sh 11 be !t the Skipper's expense; all under forfeiture of the ^'^'P' ^-'^'«' ^f l^^; ["^^^^^ and traded goods or the value thereof, in case the Skipper or any ol his people hal be found to have contravened these presents. He. the Skipper, consenting under his own b«"d-s.gnature hereunto affixed, to subject himself to all courts and judges. All agreed and undertaken rightfufly and in good faith, in Amsterdam, the ResoluUm of the States General, on an Agreeimnt between the We^t Lulin Company and tlve City of Amsterdam. I rrom Ihe B«(toW of W«i Io.ll. AHWr., IMS - 1««8, In A. Eoj.1 ArchW- .» Ih. H4t»* 1 Tuesday. 1 August. 1056. ,o..„ ,10. Read at the meeting the petition of the Directors of the West India Company Chamber at Amsterdam, requesting the approval of a certain agreement concluded btwen „r™«. them and the Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam abovenamed. lor he P,«...ng n.- ooio. ^j. p^i^^i^^ i,^ j^^^ Netherland. Which being considered, it is reso ved and concluded that the aforesaid petition and the documents thereunto belonging, shall be ransn tted to the Assembly of the Half-Nineteen. met at Amsterdam for '"^o-^"" ""; advice. The aforesaid Petition shall, however, without prejudice to it. be p aced «" the hand of Mess" Van der Capelle to Ilyssel and the other, their^ligh Mightinesses' deputies for the atlairs of the said West India Company, to inspect, examine and report Ihereupon. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VKL States Oeneral to tU West India Company. i From th, KegtaUr of TO^von* ifw«« of th. Bltlo. Q.ner.1, In th. Eoy.l Arohlr- .1 Ih. Uiir>«. ] To the Assembly of the Half-Ninetaen, at Amsterdam. 027 Folio m. The States, etc. Honorable, etc. We transmit, herewith, the accompanying petition of the pVolte D'>-ectors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, togther with ■""-' ••-• the Papers thereunto belonging, requesting and requiring you to communicate to U8 your information and advice as soon as possible. Whereunto relying etc Done first August, 1656. Chamler at Amsterdam to tlie States Oeneral. I From the Orlgintl In the Bojrti ArohirM ■( the Uigne i FUe, W-t IniU. ] High and Mighty Lords. We have been unexpectedly informed by our brother, Mr. Abraham Wilmerdonx, that your High Mightinesses have been pleased to send to the Assembly of the Deputies from the respective Chambers in the City of Amsterdam the petition and appendices presented to your High Mightinesses by this Chamber for the approval and ratification of some Colonies to be planted in New Netlierlund by the Worshipful Burgomasters of Amsterdam, which are immediately and extren,ely necessary for the augmentation of the population and the maintenance and security of those countries, in order that said Aseembly may communicate to your High Mightinesses, without delay, its information and advice ; notwithstanding that place hath been many years under the particular disposition of the Amsterdam Chamber, and by numerous resolutions of the Assembly of the XIX.. is left to that Chamber; so that your High Mightinesses made not the least objection in the year 1051, to gr.nt similar approbation and ratification to Mr. Cornells van Werckhoven, late Councillor in the Common Council and ancient bchepen of Utrecht, deceased, who at that time obtained his Colonie only from this Chamber; besides 'tis still the practice that the respective Chambers, each in their particular, but for the common interest, may grant Colonies in places generally at the disposal of the respective Chambers, as fully appears by the granting of the Colonie at Tobago last year, by the Zealand Chamber to Mess" Lampsoens, which obtained your High Mightinesses' approbation without the least objection. Wherefore we shall most humbly request your High Mightinesses to accommodate this Chamber with the approval of the aforesaid Colonies also, for the postponement thereof can only enure to the greatest inconvenience of the Company and of the inhabitants of New Netherland, who with heart and soul are longing for such and similar augmentation and increase of people for their relief. Wherewith NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. High and Mighty Lords, we shall pray God Almighty for the continual welfare of your High Mightinesses' prosperous government and remain Your High Mightinesses' humble servants, The Directors of the West India Company Chamber at Amsterdam. Amsterdam, the 7 August, 1 ^ ^^ ( Signed ) Isaack van Beeck. Received 10'- August, } ^^^*^- P^"^"« Timmerman. The address was as follows : High and Mighty Lords the States General of the United Netherlands at the Hague. ! Resolution of the States General on tJie preceding Letter. [From Ihe Rfgtaler of We.1 Indlm ABWns 1«B3-16«8, In lb. Bojral Archlw >l Ihe HMpM!.] Thursday, the lO"* August, 1G56. roiom Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company. Chamber at n ,.. ,o^ Amsterdam, requesting approval of the contract concluded by them with the P„^u,..oo 0,00.0- ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ;^^^^ f^^ ^,^^ p^„p,i„g „f ,„„e Colonies in New Netherland ; NewN..he„.ad. which being Considered, it is resolved and concluded, that the Assembly of the Nineteen at present met at Amsterdam, be again written to, that they without delay, yea, within 8 days after the receipt of the letter, shall communicate to their High Mightinesses their information md advice on the Petition of said Directors respecting the subject aforesaid, transmitted some days since to them. The aforesaid letter shall, without prejudice, be placed in the hands of Mess" Van der Capelle to Ryssel. and the other their High Mightinesses Deputies for the affairs of the said West India Company, for inspection, examination ana report. States General to the Assembly of the XIX. [ rrom the E«gt«« of mtQt«ant iW«M" of Ihe SUlM aen.r.1. lo lh« Bo,.l ArchlTM m» Ih. U.^». ] To the Assembly of the XIX., convened at Amsterdam. The States, etc. KoHoui. Honorable, etc. We have resolved again to request and require your Honors, hereby, to transmit to us on the earliest day ; yea, within eight days after the receipt hereof, vour information and advice on tl : petition presented to us, some days ago, in the name ana on the behalf of the Director, of the West India Company. Chamber at Amsterdam, on the p:„„,.u.„or.n., subject of a certain contract concluded with the Burgomasters of that city, lor K'rllnd'" ^°'' the population of some Colonies in New Netherland, which we at the time resolved to transmit to you with the letter inclosed. Wherewith ending etc. Done 10 August. IGSG. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIIL 629 Assembly of the XIX. of the West Indh Company to the States General [ From t)i« Original Id the Eoyal Arohlroa X the n.|pio ; Hie, Wtt Indit. ] High and Mighty Lords. Your Lordship's despatch of the 1st instant with the annexed petition and papers, presented to your High Mightinesses by the presiding Chamber of Amsterdam, to obtain your High Mightinesses' app.oval and ratification of the Conditions agreed upon by said Chamber with the Right Worshipful Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam, for founding of Colonies in New Netherland, was handed to us in due course, and read to our Assembly, and we have therein seen your High Mightinesses' request and requisition, to communicate to your High Mightinesses thereupon our information and advice, which we cannot neglect to send forthwith, together with our rescript, that we, after perusal and examination of said Conditions, cannot judge or find the establishment of such Colonies on this footing and conditions to be otherwicd than in the highest degree profitable and advantageous for the Company ; wherefore, we, also, mos^ humbly request your High Mightinesses to be pleased to approve and ratify said Conditions (which are again transmitted herewith), agreeably to the previous petition of the Amsterdam Chamber, so that a commencement of that laudable work may be made before the winter, by the City of Amsterdam, for which the inhabitants of New Netherland, who will be encouraged thereby, are longing with heart and soul, particularly at this present season of difficulty. Expecting which, we shall pray Almighty God, High and Mighty Lords, for the continued welfare of your High Mightinesses' prosperous Government, and remain Your High Mightinesses' humble Servants, The Committee of the respective Chambers of the Wc^st India Company, Representing the Assembly of the XIX. in Amsterdam. (Signed) D. Bante. Eduard Man. ISAACK VAN BkeCK. , , , N. Ten Hove. Amsterdam, the 10"" August, ) t... ,. r ° ' (. 16,56. *'-*^ ^^^ Loosen. Received 12 August, Gerhart Swartte. Agreement betiveen the West India Company and the City of Amsterdam respecting/ a Colonie on the Delaware River. Conditions to be agreed upon with the West India Company. Received 12 August, 1656. 1. The West India Company shall approve, and as far as lies in its power, give effect to the accompanying Agreement, basis and regulation on which the City of Amsterdam is to plant Colonies in New Netherland. NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 9. Their High Mightinesses nnd the Company are to cede and grant to the City' of Amsterdam, as founder and planters of the place, high, middle nnd low jurisdiction, in order the better to maintain the requisite authority there. 3. The City shall possess the jurisdiction aforesaid, in form of a fief, successively appointing to that end a person on whom it shall be conferred, on payment of certain seignorial dues. (Hecrgctoaden.) 4. The sovereignty and supreme authority, with whatever depenSs thereupon, remaining, nevertheless, in their High Mightinesses and in the Company, so far as the same is authorized by the Charter. 6. And whilst the government of Amsterdam hath no intention to extend any authority or power abroad, but merely designs to promote commerce, which is the soul of this city, so it will be content to make over and convey everything to the Company aforesaid, in case their High Mightinesses and the Company aforesaid be inclined to reimburse, within the first ten years, to the City of Amsterdam, the moneys disbursed with simple interest at 6 per cent yearly, on condition that the said Company, in such case, remain bound to make good to the ColonisU the Agreement heretofore drawn up and hereunto annexed. Conditions offered hy the City of Amsterdam to SetOers on tlie Delaware Biver. Draft of Conditions to be ofiered to those who may be sent as Colonists to New Netherland. Received 12 August, 1666. 1. The Colonists should go thither in suitable ships with their families, requisite household furniture and additional necessaries ; for which purpose license shall be applied for and obtained from the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company. The City of Amsterdam may make the best agreement it can with the skippers for the transportation of both people and goods. 3. Said City is to advance the passage money, on condition that it be hereafter repaid to the City in manner hereinafter mentioned. 4. To the end that the said Colonists may gain their livelihood there safely, honestly and prosperously, the City aforesaid doth beforehand guarantee as follows: HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII. 6|]» 0. F.rat Sa.d C.ty shall provide and assign a fruitful soil in a healthj and temperate climate w ered by and situated upon a fresh water riv, which can be naviga^.e^ by large shpst; JalZT °",°«7r";-"K''' '"^ ""^"""'^ "^^'^ -^"^ the West India Com any ;« a place at its disposal and to which no other persons have any claim. 6. Hero the City shall lay out a propel piece of land on a river side for a safe habitation and sidence of the Colonists, and fortify it with a ditch wUhout and a wall within ; an div d the nclosed land u.to streets, a market, and lots suitable for the use as well of traders and liiechan.cs as of farmers ; and all this at the expense of the City. 7. read 'tlf H I°^'^'"''"''"" "I""" ''"'' '^''^'' " ^''''P" P^"°" ^°' Schoolmaster, who shall also road the Holy Scriptures and set the Psalms. 8. of^i^ slltlf'^'" ''"" '""'""""' "' """' further opportunity provide the salary And to the end that the Colonists going thither, may be provided with all proper necessaries, a far as possible, the C.ty of Amsterdam shall furnish them for one year with clothing and all sorts of seed grain; and. moreover, shall build, in the place aforesaid, a large magazine or warehouse, wherein it shall keep all sorts of articles, both for clothing and the subsistence of the people and supply them with all sorts of seed grain ; it shall, likewise, keep a factor there, who shall furnish everything necessary for clothing, housekeeping and farming, and sell these at the same prices they are sold here, the Company's custom excepted. 10. Concerning the Company's custom, the City shall agree therefor as favorably as possible and especially that the duty to be paid in New Netherland, shall be employed in buildL and maintaining public works by those thereunto to be authorized by the West India Company and the City. •^ •' 11. The said fortified place allotted for the residence of the Colonists, whether called a city or town, shall be regulated in matters of Police and the administration of justice in the same manner as here in Amsterdam, whereof the practice and custom, particularly in regard to descents, shall be adhered to. 12. They shall Grst have one Schout or officer as the head of Justice, instructed as is the custom here. 13. The Schout shall be appointed in the name of their High Mightinesses and the West India v^ompany. by the Deputies of Amsterdam, who, for this purpose shall give authority to the * Director by a power of attorney. 31 ■ 1 ' 'i 'I ! «!• NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 14. They shall, moreover, have three Burgomasters, who shall be appointed by the common Burghers, from the honestest, fittest and richest. 16. And five or seven Schepens, to which end the body of the Burghers shall nominate a double number, in order that the Director, by power of attorney, as mentioned in Article 13, may make an election from them. 16. On the increase of the city or town to two hundred families or upwards, these shall choose a Common Council of XXI. persons, who shall meet with the Burgomasters, and resolve together on all matters relating to the City government; but this Common Council, once instituted, shall thereafter have power, in case of the death of one or more of its members, to fill vacancies by a new election, unanimously, or by plurality of votes ; in like manner the said Common Council shall annually choose the Burgomasters in manner as aforesaid, and also have the nomination of a double number out of which the Schepens shall be chosen in manner as already mentioned. 17. The Schepens shall give judgments for all sums under one hundred guilders : but in cases exceeding one hundred guilders, the party aggrieved shall be allowed an appeal to the Director-General and Council of New Netherland. i 18. Said Schepens shall also pronounce sentence in all criminal cases, but an appeal therefrom shall be provisionally allowed. 19. The City of Amsterdam shall agree with a smith, a wheelwright and a carpenter to go and live there for the convenience and service of the Colonists. 20. The City of Amsterdam aforesaid, shall divide all the lands round about said tojvn or city, into suitable fields for plough land, pasture and meadow land, laid out on proper roads for going to, and coming from, them. 21. Every person who will follow farming shall have in free, fast and durable property, as many morgens, as well of plough land as of pasture and meadow, as he and his family will be able to improve, and will require for grazing, be it 20 @, 30 or more morgens; provided all such lands which will be given and conveyed in fee to each of the Colonists, shall by them in two years from the conveyance, be brought under cultivation, on penalty of the same being taken from them and given to others. 22. Each of the Colonists shall settle and use his land freely, without paying poundage, horn money or salt money, for ten years, reckoning from the year in which the land is first sown or f HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII. ^33 pnM; which ten yenr« boing expir..!. they shnll not he tn.xed higher than tho«e who ore ^.xed loweH. ,„ „ny other district uu.ier the government of the Directors of tl eWeHt I„ I " Company ,„ New Neth.-rhuul. They .hall, „Iho. be exen.pt iron, tenth, for the term of wen y « U.I .0 year« the (enths shall then be paid to the City of An.Hterdam ; with the underatandinK wayMhat hal, of these tenths shall be expended for the support of the public " s ^f the person, employed ,n the public n.rvice there. In like manner. Iso. whenever any work "„:;;" '"•"■" ^"•"" """"''• ^"° '"""-^«''"" '- -"1""^-' i» construe guZ that countly ""' '" '''""' ""' " '''"''"" "" "'""" "' '""""« '" "'''''' '" 83." The City of An.sterdnm shall make nrrangen.euts that ships shall be continually and c nsecufvely sent from Holland to load and bring over grain', seed, tiu.ber. a .Il'ot prod ce mos prohtable to the Colonists, who shall, in like n.anner. bo at liberty to charter private vessels, provided they be consigned to the City of Amsterdam. 24. Wherefore, the City of Amsterdam shall have proper storehouses hero for the storage of the grain and other property of the Colonists, to be sold for the benefit of the same, and shall return the proceeds thereof in such articles as the owners shall direct, deducting only two per cent for commission, and om-tenil, of the net proceeds in payment of the .lishursemcnts mn.le by the said City for the freight and passage of the persons and goods of the Colonists; and that until the aforesaid disbursements are refunded and no longer. 26. The Colonists in New Netherlnnd shall be at liberty to take out of the City's warehouse whatever they may require, at the lixe.i price, provi.led the account thereof be transmitted with the Colonists goods, in order to be deducted therefrom. 20. f he Colonists may, for buihiing houses and vessels and carrying on trade, c t arj much timber as they think fit, without paying anything therefor, not only in the nearest and most convenient forests, but also in any other places situate in the district, and under the inri.diction of the Comimny in New Netherland, and not already granted to and owned by any private person, provided they submit to the regulation in that behalf made, or hereafter to be made as ill Article 28. ' 27. The Burgomasters of Amsterdam as founders and Pntroons, and a, possessors of the jurisdiction, shall appoint the secretary, messenger, and other inferior ofllcers. 2S. Hunting in the woods and fishing in all the waters and rivers, not heretofore owned by other persons, shall be free to each of the Colonists, under certain regulations to be made respecting them, by authority of the Company or their High Mightinesses. Vol. I. 80 K NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 2d. The City of Amsterdam shall provide for the transportation of all tools and farming implements, free and without paying any duty. 30. And in regard to articles which are sent as merchandise, they shall pay to the Directors of the West India Company, as duty, according to the specification in the subjoined i! \ r i fi 'A u Table. Convoy, 8 stivers each with J advance... per cent, -TV /« I r., ■ ( Convoy, 8 s For 100 guilders Duffels 2 J pieces,. J ' (^ Uuty, {w^ i." In New Netherland 4 per cent fl.4 light money, to wit : the rix dollar @, 03 stivers, . ( Convoy as above, with advance For 100 guilders. Blankets 28 | Duly @, la per cent N. B. The duffels and blankets aforesaid, pay in addition to the convoy, a duty of 12 per cent to the said Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. All the following goods 6 per cent, but with a heavier rale of convoy • Duty there 4 per cent; here. Btuffs, linen cloths. [ fl. 4. 8.8 6. 10. S.8 1.10. 6. F gui or 100 ( _. - „ ... < Oil and Spanish wine,, jilders, I I Convoy about . . j Duty 4 and 6,. ( Convoy with the advance,. For 100 guiUers, Vinegar G hogsheads | ^^^^ ^ ^^j ^ ^^^ ^^^^ For 100 guilders, French wine 4 hhdi.. f Convoy with the advance,, ( Duty 4 and 6 percent, 7. 10. ■SHK^-t^B mrr^^ 2. 16. 6. 8. IG. b. 14 1 13. 6 7 .13. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII. ggc For 100 guilders, Brandy, 1 hogshead (Convoy, etc _.. j 13 ( Duty there 4 per cent ; here 6 . 7.13. For 100 guilders, distilled waters, 18 anchors, | ^°"^°y as above 3 g.S '( Duty 4 and 6 per cent, q[ 9. 6.8 For 100 guilders. Nails, 900 lbs i Convoy, ut supra 3 ^3 1 Duty 4 and 6, q 9.12. For 100 guilders. Rice, Spices and groceries, . | Convoy as above, about 2. sT I Duty 4 and here g, 8. 8. For 100 guilders, Hops, 300 pounds weight,. | ^o"v°y with the advance 7. ^ ( Duty there 4, here g" 13. 4. of j«r'°""'' ""'' °"'"'"'" '^°' ''""""' """ "■" """■• "' ""''" "" i>«»'ii"»ft^i^ Peltry such as beavers, others, &c., pay eight per cent. Amplification of the aforesaid draft of Conditions. "» Any of the Colonists who by himself or his family or any person in his service, shall discover any m.neral, crystals, precious stone., marbles, etc.. of whatever nature they m«y b .Zr po sess and keep them a, his own. without paying any impost or duty for them, for the tTrm ^LrorrVrredt" '"' ^"'"""" '''''-' "" '""" '' ^«'^ '» ""^ '^« ^-p-^ --::; The following was exhibited with the 2 drafts of Conditions, and refers to Article 9. The City of Amsterdam shall cause a convenient warehouse to be prepared wherein shall be deposited all the goods the said City intend, to send .0 i„ Colonie in New Ne.heria d C.t> of Amsterdam, by any one authorized by the Directors of the West India Compnnv and marked w.th the marks of the Ci.y and Company, the duty thereon being paid .0 the Comi, nj according to the list hereof to be made and agreed on. company th '^n'.-r''' M ? ".?• ''".'"•*"" ^'''^ "'" ^-»P«-'y'- knowledge, in any vessel or vessels the said Cily will be able to obtain. If .he City of Amsienlnm Hl.nll ship any goods or freight in any vessel going to New Netherland, it shall submit to the sanie regulations as other.: r ggg NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. But if the City of Amsterdam shall send away its own, or any chartered ship, Inden only with its own goods, it shall send that ship or ships directly to its own city, town or Colon.e. provided that all the goods put on hoard he opened in the City's warehouse there m the presence of some person helonging to the Company appointed for that purpose, to whom also the letters and commission from the Company shall be delivered. . ^. , ^ , . In like manner nil wares, produce or mercl,andise imported from the City s Colon.e must be brought whole into the City here and opened in the City's warehouse in the presence of a person appointed for that purpose by the Company, and the duties due to the Country and the Company must be paid thereon.' lie-solution of the States General on the preceding. [ From lh« Regl»l«' of ^col In<"« Atolr., 1054- 16*8, In Ihe Roy«l ArchlTW tt Ih. Uagna .] Saturday, the 12 August, 1650. Fuiiom Received a letter from the Committee of the respective Chambers of the West N.W Ne,h.,r..n.. India Company representing the Assembly of the Nineeen convened at Amsterdam, dated there the 10'- instant, together with some appendices in answer to their High Mightinesses' despatch of the 1" of this month, and in conformity thereto, information and advice on the Petition and Papers presented l.y the presiding Chamber of Amsterdam to their High Mightinesses in order to obtain their approbation and ratification of the Conditiona entered into by said Chamber with the Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam for planting Colonies in New Netherland. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid letter shall be placed in the hands of Mess" van der Capelle to Hyssel and others their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, to investigate, examine and report thereon. Then is the foregoing conclusion formed by Mr. van Uenswoude. Ji«to Uio liocuiuiuU taptA, I p. l*'IO. O^ja. — Ko. ^ svyrww<>wit*w^-„ HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VIII. 637 thrn''"n;T''^ find it servicenble that thin agreement .hould be ratified on the part of the r H,gh Mightinesses snvmg the right and possession of the Colonies heretofore given out, and of the property purchased in their district. Their High Mightinesses have thanked the Committee for the trouble they have taken, confirmed the report and ratified the agreement entered into respecting the population. But when there are 200 fi.m.lies or thereabouts, a preacher and consistory shall be installed witho any expense to the Company {generalUeil ). witnout *■■>■!» r^atification hy L'le States General of the Conditiom for tU Colony on tJie Delaware River. [ From lb. R.«t.„r of W«it Indl, ABklns IflSJ -,«68, In th. E«j.l Archi™ .. ih. HtgoM Wednesday the IG"" August, 1C56. H.w'reSi«d, »"';"' the report of Mess" Van der Capelle to Ryssel and other their High t„ .h , ..^^''8^ '7«''« ,^^P""^« '^°'- the affairs of the West India Cc.pany, having, pursuant to he resolution of the 12- instant, investigated and examined the letter of'the Committee o D.re tors o the respective Chambers of the West India Company representing the Assembly .n ans^ r. th" ^°";;!--'^ "'^ "-'-'»'"". 'l-ted the 10- instant, together with some apoendici .n answer to their High Mightinesses' despatch of the 1- ditto, and consequently, information thi HrM"H " ""^''^T' •'"""'^•^ '^ '^^ f^'-^''""« ^'--^" «f A-nsterZn:; h ir High Mightinesses to obtain their approbation and ratification of the Conditions entered into by that Chamber with the Burgomasters of said City of Amsterdam for the planting of Colonies ,„ New NetheHand. Which being considered, their High Mightinesses hav'e thanked he (.en lemen of the Committee for the trouble they have taken. aSd it is further Resolved and cone uded, hereby to approve and ratify the aforesaid agreement or conditions entered into by the ahovement.oned Chamber with the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, all nevertheless saving and without prejudu-.. to the right, jurisdiction and possession of the Colonies heretofore given out in the aforesaid countries and of the property purchased in said district ; with this understanding also, that whensoever there shall be in that place two hundred families or thereabouts, a preacher and consistory shall be installed there without any expense to the Company. And nl this saving also t e division of the districts which may be made among the respective Chambers. t ,s hereby recommended to the a.oresaid Chamber at Amsterdam so to moderate the public duties that the population there may be encouraged, and not obstructed. Reinomtranoe of Mr. Ilmrich van der Capelle t\o liysseh t rro« ,h. MB. I, u,. B„,., Ar.bl,„ ., ,h, X^^, , VokHk^, „ ,h. .,.,„ o„^, , ,„„^, ^^ ^^^, o..„p.,n«,, H^. ». , To their High Mightine«e« the Lord, States General of the United Netherlands. Joncker Henrick van der Cnpellen tho Hyssel. Lord of Is.el and [lassclt. Burgomaster of Ihe City o: /Jutphen, ordinary Deputy to your High Mightinesses' Assembly, luunbly showcth: 688 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCBTPTS. il I* That In May 1650 he forwarded people to Staten Island in New Netherland, in conformity with the Charter thereunto granted by the West India Company, Chamber of Amsterdam, and hath since that time unto February, 1655, sent thither so many agricultural laborers, superintendents and carpenters that in August, 1655, his Colonie had a population of over ninety souls, with eleven bouweries in progress, which he, Van der Capellen, had also stocked with the necessary oxen and cows, so that in November, 1665, he was in expectation of a large crop of seed and an increase of cattle. But in consequence of violence unexpectedly committed by some belonging to the City of New Amsterdam, together with beating and shooting some Indians, natives of that country, the latter, being unable to revenge themselves on the Burghers of New Amsterdam, set fire to all the bouweries first on the Manhattans around New Amsterdam, and afterwards on Staten Island, and killed all the people that did not make their escape. Wherefore, Van der Capellen hath lost by this burning all his houses and the barns appertaining to these bouweries on Staten Island ; and in this resistance fifteen of his people, including one superintendent and two carpenters innocently lost their lives, who had never given the least offence to the Indians, by whom over twelve thousand schepels of grain were burnt in the straw. The most of this loss falls on your remonstrant, as appears from the original letter of Mr. Stuy vesandt, Director-General of New Netherlandt, dated New Amsterdam, 30"" October, 1655, an extract whereof is annexed. And as he. Van der Capellen, intends, by the blessing of God the Lord, to prevent such murder of his agriculturists, burning of houses, seed crops and plunder of cattle, he has instructed Captain Adriaen Post, his agent, to collect together the surviving agriculturists, women and children, who are still more than seventy in number, and to erect a fort on said Island pursuant to the wrder sent over; into which he and they can retire, in case of another such hostile attack on the part of the Indians. A Bill of exchange has, also, been sent to him to keep those people in provisions, until they can have another crop. And for the prevention of such hostile attack, the remonstrant is inclined to send out a Commander with some soldiers and mntrosses to the fort on the island, as well to defend and assist his agricultural laborers and freemen as to maintain and carry on the true reformed Christian Worship of God, good order, police, justice and contracts. He, therefore, with due respect humbly prays your High Mightinesses to be pleased to grant, for a capable person of the Christian Reformed Religion, whom he proposes to accept and to present in your High Mightinesses' Assembly to be sworn, a Commission similar to that your High Mightinesses heretofore, and now lately granted to Mess" Adriaen and Cornelis Lampsins for the islands Tobago and St. Martin, on the 2"* September, 165-5, copy whereof is annexed ; the said Commander remaining bound to take oath to the West India Company, whenever the Assembly of the Nineteen shall think it proper, all in conformity with the Charter granted to the West India Company. (Signed) Hbnr: van der Capellen toe Ryssbl. In the margin was: — This Remonstrance is referred to the Directors of the West India Company in attendance here, to examine and report. Done in their High Mightinesses* Assembly, the i"- October, 1068. (Signed) By order of the same, •' (Signed) J. SCIIULBNDORCII, V*. N. Uuiscu. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII. 689 Appendix. Aih October, 1656. Extract of a letter of Mr. Stuy vesant. Director General in New Netherland, dated New Amsterdam, the SO'" October, 1655. to the Mr. van der Capellen tho Ryssei. *^ ^ Which expedition, blessed by God. was brought to a close in a a 4 weeks, when it pleased Netherland never wunessed. inasmuch as in less than 3 days over forty of our nation werl massacred by the barbarous Natives; about 100 mostly women and children taken pronTs bouwer.es and some plantations burnt and laid in ashes, and in and with them over 12 000 7o:il'lZT '"'- '" '''' '"" ^°" ''''' '''^ '- «-'-' -«•-- - ^'^ Co!;! May the good God please to apply a remedy. Who was the original cause of this great misfortune and scandal, I cannot particularly say. as it occurred in my absence. Appendix, ith October, 1660. Commission for as Commander on the Island of Tobago, situate and included in the Caribbean Islands, and consequently within the jurisdiction of the West India Company of this country. The States General of the United Netherlands. Whereas the General Incorporated West India Company of the aforesaid United Netherland, hath represented to us that they have resolved to grant charter and freedom to Adriaen and Cornell, Lampsins. residing at Flushing in Zealand, and partners, to repair to and reside for a certain time at the Island of Tobngo. situate and included among the Caribbean Islands, and consequen ly within the jurisdiction of the Company aforesaid, to provide it with a p on^ garrison of sea and land forces, and that they had, for the advancement and direction of thei affair, there, need to employ a capable and qualified person a. Commander, and to this end have recommended the person of , requested that we will furnish him with our Commission necessary thereunto "" "''*=''■''"«' J^ Know Ye. that we having the same in consideration as tending to the promotion of the general trade and prosperity of this country, and being moreover informed of the fitne ,! fidelity and experience of the aforesaid ^. '""^■''' appointed and commissioned and do hereby appoint and commission as Commander irm'a"ke arrangements for the secun.y of the lands, fortresses and places in the aforesaid Island o direct the affinrs of trade, police, and war. to command the soldiers, sailor, and other person, .0 far a. their Charter permitc, and to do everything for the service and prosperity of the abovementioned Island of Tobago, that a good and faithful Commander is bo'und'and'o ig d do , aJl in conformity with the instruction and commission already given or yet to be given by the West India Company aforesaid. j' «• lo oe given Ordering and commanding, therefore, all officers, soldiers and seamen of the aforesaid places, and whomsoever thi, in any wise may concern, the nbovenamed 640 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. to hold, honor and respect as their Commander on the Island of Tobago, and moreover to obey whatever he. in the quality aforesaid, shall command them for the service of the State of this country in general and of the West India Company in particular. Given at the Hague under our counter-seal paraph and the signature of our Greffier, the second of September, 1655. ! - ll Eesolution of the States Gene, ' - ^^. van der Capelle's Petition. i From the Begtater of W«t India Affaln, •> . .n the Eov»l ArchlTM it tb« U.«ue. ] Wednesday, the 4'" October, 1656. Foil- !»3 Read at the meeting a certain Remonstrance of J' Hendrick van der Capelle to Ryssel, Lord of Essel and Hasselt, Burgomaster of the City of Zutphen, Ordinary Deputy in their High Mightinesses' Assembly, requesting that a Commission be issued tSSlr'^'"" for a proper person of the Reformed Religion, which he would send as Commander to his people of Staten Island in New Netheriand, as was granted last year, 1655, .0 Mess" Adriaen and Cornells Lampsins for the Island of Tobngo and St. Martin. Which being considered it is resolved and concluded to refer the petition aforesaid to the Directors of tlie West India Company here, for advice. , Jiesolulion of the Assembly of the XIX. on Mr. van der Caf die's PetiCum. I From th. MS. la tb. Boj .1 A«blr« .1 the H.gti. ; I.*,lka, of th. SI.M 0*ncrri ! RaUo, Wui Xniia Ou«,paeni>, No. ii. ] Extract from the resolutions of the Committee of the respective Chambers of the Incorporated West India Company, representing the Assembly of the XIX., holden at the Hague. Thursday, the fifth of O her, 1656. Read at the meeting a certain petition presented by Mr. Hendrick van der Capelle tho Ryssel, Lord etc to their High Mightinesses, together with their High Mightinesses' poslil thereon, dated fourth of October, 1056, that the Directors in attendance, from the respective Chambers representing the Assembly of the XIX., may furnish their advice on the said opinion presented °'u Unresolved and concluded, that the petition concerns exclusively the Chamber of Amsterdam with which the said gentleman hath specially contracted; that the Directors of said Chamber in attendance are earnestly requested, as well out of respect for the case as for his Honor to bring this petition before the Chamber of Amsterdam, and to second and recommend it in the most favorable manner, which, also, they have undertaken to do on the earliest opportunity. Agrees with the Register aforesaid. ^^,^^^^^ ^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ i HOLLAND DOCUMENTS; VIII. Resolution of the States General. 641 [ Pr.m ,h. R.,UUr or We.. UdU A^a.r, m2-l«s, la U« R„,., A„h.,« ., .„ H^^e. ] Thursday, 6'* October, 1656. -.0... date. "suta„?;t 7^^^ °[.'^« ^'"-- of this day. HS.X; yesterday., obtain a Co JL^: ^:^:'^or^r ! ^I^r ^ ^^ ^i^ of A^sterdaH : wSThafStl " '^^ "r"^'^"'' ^""-^"^'^ e.lusivel'y'L'chan^b the Directors >; at^nd^I^ dl^::^^^^^^^^^^ -^ -"-^-nt.y they cose and his Honor's oerson thp nptiti!„ k T' ^^ !^ Chamber to bring, out of respect for the it most favorabr which hLvL'ven. fv" T. '''''"'" °' ^'"^'^^'^^'" ^"^^ ^° -— ^ no resolution isadopS ^ "'"''" '" ''^ '^ ^'^^ ^^^"««' opportunity. Whereupon Report mi Garruoning Fort Gasivvir, on the Delaware River Report exhibited and proposed to the Right Worshipful the Burgomasters on 8ome points. 1 November. 1656. rfeomaaiers on n.,.„.,n«_^ Whereas we had noticed in the Instruction which your Worships were herein, as follows:- ^ ° '' ''""""^^ '^''^S ^'"'^'^'^ «« "^"^^ as possible 1 Captain, monthly pay, 1 Lieutenant, " •• .._ ^' 50.0.0 1 Ensign, •• d 30.0.0 2 Sergeants, each 15 guilders 25.0.0 1 Captain of arms .".".""....' 30.0.0 2 Corporals, each fl.l2,. ' 10.0.0 6 Cadets, each 10,...'."." ' ^^'^-^ 2 Drums, each 9 '." GO. 0.0 44 Soldiers, each 8 18.0.0 352.0.0 »,,... . ■ 699.0.0 Multiplied by 12 month. Vol. L gj ■=^ g^ NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Yearly wages fl.7,188 The yearly allowance for rations amounts ^ ^__^ For 1 Captain, yearly, ^^^ For 1 Lieutenant, ^^^ For 1 Ensign, j^q For 2 Sergeants, each fl.SO ^^^^ ^gg^ For 55 Ilank and file, each 11.60, Total wages and allowance for rations yearly =LJ= J. To officer the aforesaid companies, one Martin Kryger had offered himself as Captain and Alexander Hinojossu as LieuLnant; no Ensign satisfactory to us hav ng come forward, we feeolend both those gentlemen to your Worships agreeably to your 1-t-Uon^^^^^^ pe ons wi,o we trust on this occasion, are capable of doing good service. The first having residea m ny years nN- Netherland and given proof enough of his qualifications, -^ -pecially of h knowledge of the country and of the South river, and the other on account of hi long s^rviceTn B^rLil and other capacities, having been employed there as Lieutenant and ''tt'st'your Worships may conclude on choosing and accepting both these persons, in .fores dnuamy/twill be necessary then to instruct them immediately to look up soldiers aid e 1 1 enli tment thereof consume too long a time, as the season is quickly passing and "etfore cannot permit of it, we are of opinio, that the drum ought to be beat for them, m nnler that thev may be sent away by the end oi this month. Als at we have warned and shall notify all persons who have had themselves r.^.stered astree ColonTsls, handicraftsmen. &c.. already amounting to a respectable number, that they must be prepared and ready, by the aforesaid time ; and finally. That fo divers reasons we have thought it fit and more profitable to hire or freight a ship of 160 i 170 lasts burthen here, to convey all the aforesaid people and their requisite necf ssaries. to New Netherland. Jie.'>oh>tion of th-e Gammon Council of Amsterdam on the preceding Report. \ From th. *«(«..« van ,U »'«*?«»..««» A., p. 151 ; In tti. ««J //..y.. Aa..l«rJ.m. ] Extract of the Ilesolitions of the Common Council of the City of Amsterdam. 4 November, 1656. „„„.,.„no.un,.nu, The Burgomasters have further informed the Council that their Worships had, in the promotion of the New Netherland business, considered among other i;r!;r.J' "" unngs: In what manner Fort Casimir. which is situate on the South nver and is conveved to this City by the West India Company and destined to be the first abiding place of , Colc^ ists. s' ould in future be guarded and defended against foreign ^^J^^ nesent Garrison is to be removed thence by said Company, and quartered in other of the r ?ort sing gher up on said river, and that their Worshi.M had principally taken into on ide'2n t'hese m'eans, to wit: To send over 60 to 70 Boors from the Gulick country and r HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIII ,. " 643 for war th,^ they, in o ctrl i'!. ' .^ '""'"'"' """""^ ''' "°* '"-^ '-« «'• of soldiers to garrison of this Council. '' proceeding therein, to request the advice and orders Which being considered, and the mnintaining of soldiers or of thn« i, be,ng adjudged one of the most funda.nental re' L t I , I ^ ; ^ ""'"";'"' '"'^' and towns, lu'snes lor uie security of many embryo cities Amsteruam, 20 October, A° 165C 50 pairs Prussian blue stockings, (a 15 stivers the p.;;;.:;:: t\. 50 pa,rs cloth hose for women and children, average (Ta 1.5 st"i;;rV l^Z 50 pa,rs wool dyed hose for women and children, average @ 20 'ti;;;; " ' " fo 200 shirts for men and women, (& 36 stivers " " ^^- 12 ::',r.i:'r:''.':':!:'.':: ■■"' -^^"s'«'*'-v.i.;;,.; ■,„•;,;;;„;: : : : Z. 60 boys' hats, fl.lj _'_' 100. 100 red Ilouen caps, 4 slivers ^^- 100 neckcloths r«/.M,;.r,;, (H). 5 stivers, ^°^- 20 pairs of thick leather boots, fl. G, ^''^■ Hooks and eyes, buttons, white, gr^'iy" ^^d" ^i "rVd y;i;„," ■t;g;;h;; 'wi'th ''°' pay ormak.ngmcn-sclothing; total estimated...:... ' o^o 50 blankets for covering, @, fl 4 3^^- 100 double earpetsr«;,-;,ewe«v,(i,'24Vtiver8;.\\\"\\\";.;;;;;;;;;;; ""igo Add hereunto clothing for 50 persons, which would amount to ~ , SS' 5 Total for clothing for loO persons yearly. — " ~ ' ^' 4,578.16 ' Qu«ic f CiiTftotUtn, c«(.s. _ Ed. 14 g^4 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. And for the purchase of cattle which are necessary for agriculture, at first cargoes must be sent out. which are taken by the ne.ghbor.ng Duffefsl'shirT'stockings. shoes and distilled waters, for the sum of A. 3.000. Amsterdam, 8'* November. Anno. 1656. „„„.n. Docun^n.. List of Liquors and provisions required for 100 peop'e for one year : XV.,1»' fl 1190 16 barrels of Beef, each weighing 500 lb. @ 70 fl «• H^^" o A^ nork " " 300 42 fl *^''='- 9 do. porK. 320. 4 tierces Spanish wme, per awm., 80 fl., ^^^ 4 .. Brandy. " 80 A-. :::::::::::: les'. 6 '• French wine, -ia ".. ^^^ 8 firkins Vinegar, per firl:.. 34 fl •* ^^^' 4 tierces oil. per awm.. C5 fl.. ^ ^^^ 4 " train oil, " 30 fl.. ^^^ 20500 lbs. meal, including the toll. &c ^^' 8 tons salt, per ton. 3 fl., ^^g 10 bags grotits. per sack. 4$ fl ^g^ 72 "peas, " * A- 75 25 "beans, " 3 fl.. ■■•••" ^^^ 4 firkins batter, per firkin. 65 fl 437.10 25D lbs. chose. per lb. 25 st ^^^' 520C lbs. dried codfish, per ct. 6 fl., ^^ 2 schectls mustard seed, per sch, 3J fl- • ^^' 150 lbs. candles, per lb. 6 st., ^^ 15 lams, @ fl. 2, * 2^ 12 ps. smoked beef. 2 fl.. ^g ." ' smoked tongues, 12 st., > fl. 5593.10 Casks required for the above : 120. 76 meat barrels, fl. 7J, ^ ^^^ 36 pork do. and tierces, 6 fl g^' 8 firkins, 10 fl., j^go. 140 dry casks, 2 fl., ' q g 8 kegs, 16 St., gg 24 ca8es,30ir.. _ — fl. tiS3l.l8 Add hereunto provisions for 50 persons amounting to, ^'^^-^ , , fl. 9497.18 Total for 150 persons for 1 year, HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VIII. 645 Amsterdam, 8"" November, A" 1656. List of the munitions of war required for 160 men. to be sent to the South river of New Netheriand. 76 muskets,®, fl. 4 J each, 75 CreK jks or snaphnnce, (a. 8, ^' ^^"^ -^^ 75 bandoleers, (a 22 stiv '.'.'."'.'.'". ®"'^"°° 75 cartridge boxes, @. 28 ptiv " ^^'^^ 76 swords, fl. 2J, 105.00 75 hangers, fl. 2^ 187.10 75 sword belts, 25 stiv., 1S7.10 75 sabre belts, fl. 1, '.'."."!.'.".".!!.'. ^°''""° 70 chests, @, 23 stivers .""' "^^'^^ 70 straw beds, fl. 1 ^^-^^ 70 00 2000 lbs, powder, (a fl. 46 per cwt., 1,843.00 eooibs.lead, 10 " ....■' ^^^-^^ 400 lbs. musket l,alls, 11 " ^^-^^ 44.00 2,843.00 H.,..a^i,«„„.«u. Cahulation r. estimate of the first cost of the following necessaries which are required for New Netheriand. For 2 months' wages for the crew For 6 months' supplies for the ship "."."'.!!".".'.!.*. A- 600.00 For 2 months' in hand forJO soldiers " 750.00 For 150 persons rations, !.".'.*.".*.'".'."'" 800.00 For cloathingand other necessaries.. .. !!.'.'.! 9,600.00 For cargoes in duffels, &c., ^,500.00 For materials and agricultural implements',!."!! I'lT'^^ For powder, lead, guns and other munitions of wav* !!!!!!!! oJ^l'T. fl. 24,950.00 Remlution. authorizing a Loan for tU Colony on the Delaware River. [ From th. Ite^utim tan d, VrooMuipptn, A., p. IM ; io th« Sla,! ITuv, AnMterd.n.. ] Extract from the Resolutions of the Cuirmcn Council of the City of Amsterdam 11 Ncvember, 1656. noiLM Document The Commissioners appointed for the affairs of New Netheriand are authorized WS J. ^ !!'*' ^T"'!^ *° 1'°"°"' '^^ «'"" °f Twenty-five thou and Guilders, for setting jboH«._.o b„„ow up the Colonie and the purchase of divers goods required by it, and to pledge for such loan the revenues, means and effects of the City. ri 646 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Commission of Captain Martin Kryger. [ From the Qroot JftmoHcut, IV., lt», In the Skid Huyt, Anuterd.m.] „„«.„dDoc»menu, The Burgomastefs and Regents of the City of Amstelredamme being resolved ''''•' '"• to send a Company of Soldiers to their Colonic in New Netherland. and therefore requiring to appoint an experienced and proper person to command those Soldiers as Captain, the person of Martin Kryger was proposed as such to them, Make known: That they, on the good report rendered them of the fitness, fidelity and experience of the abovenamed Martin M»r.in Kryger'. Kryger, havB accepted, appointed and commissioned him, do hereby accept, £irr'"'con'p'i'r, appoint and commission him, as Captain, to command the aforesaid Company NetueS.'"'*"'' of Soldiers, and to employ them in New Netherland aforesaid, and wherever it shall be necessary as he shall deem most serviceable, according to the letter of instructions and further orders which their Worships shall consider good and proper ; wherefore, we order and command all officers and soldiers belonging to the aforesaid Company to hold. acknowledge and respect the aforesaid Martin Kryger as their Captain, and, moreover, to obey all whatsoever he shall command them on the part of the aforesaid City for its service, for such is their Worships' pleasure. In witness whereof, the Seal of the said City is affixed hereunto, the 6'" December, 1656. (Was signed) J. Corver. Having impressed the seal in green wax. 1Inllrin