Local History: Chapters IV & V - Part I: Early Voyagers and Traders & The First Swedish Settlement: Bean's 1884 History of Montgomery Co, PA

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                           BEAN'S  HISTORY  OF

                     MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

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49 (cont.)

CHAPTER IV.

                     EARLY VOYAGERS AND TRADERS - 
         FIRST SETTLEMENTS ON THE DELAWARE AND SCHUYLKILL RIVERS.

    THE events connected with and resulting from the discovery of the
South and North Rivers [Delaware and Hudson] by Henry Hudson, from 1609
to 1638, are so interwoven with the settlements of the Swedes on the
shores of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, as to render some account,
it of the advent of the Dutch or Netherlanders, a necessary prelude to
the annals of the later settlers.

50

The writer has consulted numerous authorities upon the remarkable events
of the period referred to, and has used them freely when deemed essential
to a concise narrative of facts. [See NOTE 4-1.]

[NOTE 4-1.]

    Bancroft History. United States; Proud, History, Pennsylvania;
Colonial  Archives; Sherman Day, History. Pennsylvania Davis, History.
Bucks County;  Broadhead History New York; Mrs. Martha J. Lamb, History.
New York; Scharf  and Westcott. History of Philadelphia.

[FINIS NOTE 4-1.]

    There is no subject associated with the history of our ancestry more
replete with continuing interest than that which relates to the
experience and achievements of the early voyagers, traders, and settlers
who landed upon the shores of the Delaware River.  The splendid bay which
joins river to ocean invited them to safe anchorage after their long and
adventurous passage over a trackless and comparatively unknown "waste of
waters" between two continents.  The Delaware River and its confluents
were unexplored to them, beyond what they could learn from the Savages
who met them many miles south of tide-water levels.  The period of these
early settlements, about 1620, was marked by great maritime, activity,
induced by the discovery of the North American continent by Christopher
Columbus, and the many and remarkable voyagers who subsequently crossed
the Atlantic Ocean on exploring expeditions, first and ostensibly to
extend the dominion of their "Gracious Sovereigns," and second to
gratify their professional ambition in opening up new avenues of trade
and the accumulation of wealth. [See NOTE 4-2.]  The return of these
early voyagers and their flattering reports of climate, bays and
harbors, rivers, soil, surface products, and, minerals, with imaginary
possibilities and the wild and savage character of the native people,
all tended to increase public interest in the New World and attract
adventurous spirits on its shores. [See NOTE 4-3.]  This condition of
things was suggestive to capitalized ambition, and led to the formation
of corporations or companies for the encouragement of transatlantic
commerce and the establishment of permanent colonies at or near
convenient points of Shipment on navigable rivers.

[NOTE 4-2.]

    There is no ground for reasonable doubt that John and Sebastian
Cabot, natives of Venice, probably sailors almost from birth.  But doing
business in Bristol, England, at the time of their commission under King
Henry VII, were the first navigators, at least of historic times, to
discover the actual coast-line of the North American continent, along
which they sailed from Newfoundland to the parallel of Gibraltar, that
is to say, to about the latitude of Cape Hatteras.  John Cabot, the
senior of these sailors and traders, excited by the news of the great
discovery made by Christopher Columbus, and with the certainty thus
warranted of reaching land by sailing westward, obtained a commission
under the great seal of England from King Henry VII, dated March 5,
1496, authorizing the, navigator and his three sons, or either of them,
their heirs or their deputies, to sail into the Eastern, Western, or
Northern seas with a fleet of five ships at their own expense, in search
of unknown lands, Islands, or provinces, to plant the banner of England
on these when found, and possess and occupy them as vassals of the
English crown.  The provision that the explorers should voyage at their
own expense was characteristic of the thrifty monarch, but the
commission of a king at that day was the only safeguard the navigator
had to protect him from suspicions of piracy, and the exclusive right of
frequenting and trading to the new countries when found was a privilege
for which nations were soon to contend.

[FINIS NOTE 4-2.]

[NOTE 4-3.]

    "Every great European event affected the fortunes of America.  Did a
State prosper, it sought an increase of wealth by plantations in the
West; was a sect persecuted, it escaped to the New World.  The
Reformation, followed by collisions between English Dissenters and the
Anglican hierarchy colonized New England; the Reformation, emancipating
the Low Countries, led to settlements on the Hudson.  The Netherlands
divide with England the glory of having planted the first colonies in
the United States; they also divided the glory of having set the example
of public freedom.  If England gave our fathers the idea of a popular
representation, the United Provinces were their model of a Federal
Union."

[FINIS NOTE 4-3.]

    In 1609, Henry Hudson, an English navigator of great experience and
remarkable energy, then in the service of the Dutch East India Company,
explored the coast from the Chesapeake Bay to Maine.  The Delaware River
was first explored by this bold mariner.  His first officer, Robert
Jewett (or Juet), kept a journal of the ship's experience, from which it
appears that on Aug. 28, 1609 (new style), they entered the mouth of the
river.  It was on the strength of this discovery, and that of the Hudson
River by the same officer, that the Dutch based their claim to the lands
between the North and South Rivers, as the Hudson and Delaware Rivers
were then called, as well as that which was contiguous to their shores.



                  PICTURE OF HENRY HUDSON APPEARS HERE.



    The accounts of this voyage and the discoveries made are said to be
accurate, circumstantial, and satisfactory to all historians.  [See NOTE
4-4.]  The Dutch did not

[NOTE 4-4.]

    We know surprisingly little of Henry Hudson.  Be is said to have
been the personal friend of Capt. John Smith, the founder of Virginia,
and it is probable that he was of the family of that Henry Hudson who,
in 1554, was one of the original incorporators of the English Muscovy
Company.  This man's son, Christopher, supposed to have been the father
of the great navigator, was as early as 1560 and up to 1601, the factor
and agent on the spot of the London company trading to Russia, and it
seems likely that the younger Hudson, from his familiarity with Arctic
navigation, and his daring pertinacity in attempting to invade the
ice-bound northern wastes may have served his apprenticeship as a
navigator in trading on the behalf of the Muscovy Company, from Bristol
to Russia, as was than often done through the North Channel, and round
the Hebrides, Orkneys, Shetlands, and North Cape to the White Sea and
Archangel.

    At any rate, when Hudson makes his first picturesque appearance
before us in the summer of 1607, in the Church of St. Ethelburge,
Bishopsgate Street, London, where he and his crew are present to partake
of the Holy Sacrament together, it is preparatory to a voyage in the
service of the newly organized "London Company," in Jewett's own words,
"for to discover a passage by the North Pole to Japan and China."  The
navigator was at that time a middle-aged man, experienced and trusted. 
He had already explored the northeast and the north, and the region
between the Chesapeake and Maine.  There was no room for hope but to the
north of Newfoundland.

    Proceeding by the way of Iceland, where the famous "Hecia" was
casting out fire, passing Greenland and Frobisher's Straits, he landed
on the 2d of August, 1610, into the straits which bear his name, and
into which no one had gone before.  As he came out from the passage upon
the wild gulf, he believed that he beheld "a sea, to the westward," that
the short way, to the Pacific was found.  How great was his
disappointment when be found himself in a labyrinth without end.  Still
confident of ultimate success, the determined mariner resolved on
wintering in the bay, that he might perfect his discovery in the
spring.  His crew murmured at the sufferings of a winter, for which no
preparations had been made.  At length the late and anxiously-expected
spring burst forth, but it opened in vain for Hudson.

    Provisions were exhausted; he divided the last bread among his men
and prepared for them a bill of return, and he "wept as he gave to
them."  Believing himself almost on the point of succeeding, where
Spaniards and English and Danes and Dutch had failed, he left his
anchoring-place to steer for Europe.

    For two days the ship was encompassed by fields of ice, and the
discontent of the crew broke forth into mutiny.  Hudson was seized, and,
with his only son and several others, four of whom were sick, were thrown
into the shallop.   Seeing his commander thus exposed, Philip Staffe, the
carpenter, demanded and gained leave to share his fate.  And just as the
ship made its way out of the ice, on a midsummer day, in a latitude
where the sun in that season hardly goes down and evening twilight
mingles with the dawn, the shallop was cut loose.  What became of
Hudson?  Did he die miserably of starvation?  Did he reach land to
perish from the fury Of the natives?   Was he crushed between ribs of
ice?  The returning ship encountered storms, by which she was probably
overwhelmed.  The gloomy waste of waters which bears his name is his
tomb, and his monument. 

[FINIS NOTE 4-4.]

51

avail themselves at once of the great advantages of trade and commerce
opened tip by the wonderful discoveries of Hudson, who had penetrated
the North or Hudson River as far as Albany, visiting the river tribes of
Indians and ascertaining the vast resources of valuable furs and skins
purchasable from the savages at merely nominal prices. [See NOTE 4-5.] 
Hudson's report of the South or Delaware River was that from
observations made.  He found the land "to trend away towards the
northwest, with a great bay and rivers, but the bay was shoal."  It is
evident that Hudson did not find the Delaware River as inviting in a
navigable point of view as the North or Hudson River, and therefore it
was that the Dutch first settled upon the latter river.  In 1611 two
enterprising men, Hendricks Christiaensen, of Cleves, Holland, a West
India trader, and Adrian Block, of Amsterdam, in company with Schipper
Rysar, chartered and equipped a ship and made a successful voyage to and
up the Hudson River, exchanging commodities with the Indian tribes, and
returning with a profitable cargo of furs and skins.  They were also
successful in securing two young Indians, said to be the sons of chiefs,
whom they christened Valentine and Orson.  These savages, not less than
the possibilities of large trade in the rude products of their tribes,
excited popular interest in the new country.  These enterprising
traders, joined by a number of merchants, memorialized the Provincial
States of Holland and West Friesland by the importance of discoveries
made and it was judged of sufficient, consequence to be formally
communicated to the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Hoorn, and
Enckhuysen. [Broadhead, i. p. 46. N. Y. Hist.  Coll, 2nd series, ii.
355.]  On the 27th of March, 1614, the States-General ordained "that
private adventurers might enjoy an exclusive privilege for four
Successive voyages to any passage, haven, or country they should
thereafter find."  With such encouragement, a company of merchants in
the same year sent five small vessels, of which the "Fortune," of
Amsterdam, had Christiaensen for its commander; the "Tiger," of the same
port, Adrian Block; the "Fortune," of Hoorn, Cornelis Jacobsen Mey, to
extend the discoveries of Hudson, as well as the trade with the
natives.  Upon the return of this merchant fleet the officers made
report to the States-General, in conformity with the terms of the
"ordinance" under which they sailed.  This report embraced a detailed
account of their exploring effort on the coast, and entrance to harbors
and rivers.  Appended to the same were maps representing the
topographical face of the country for some miles inland.  Armed with
this report and "figurative map" these navigators, supported and
accompanied by the wealthy merchants in whose service they were really
employed, proceeded to the Hague to obtain further communions from the
"twelve mighty Lords of the States-General," presided over by John von
Old Barneveldt, the advocate of Holland.  They presented an admirable
case, basing their claim for a further and enlarged extension of
privileges upon the perils and hardships endured, misfortunes suffered,
and advantages likely to accrue to the merchants of the Netherlands. 
Barneveldt and his associates were favorably impressed with the
flattering report, and promptly granted to the united company of
merchants and their adventurous Dutch captains a three years' monopoly
of trade with the territory between Virginia and New France, from forty
to forty-five degrees of latitude.  This grant was in the nature of a
charter, executed on the 11th day of October, 1614, and named the
extensive region of country embraced in it as the New Netherlands.

[NOTE 4-5.]

    Hudson related that he was taken to a house well constructed of
oak-bark, circular in form, and arched in the roof, the granary of the
beans and maize of the last year's harvest, while outside, enough of
them lay drying to load three ships.  Two mats were spread out as seats
for the strangers; food was immediately served in neat red bowls; men
who were sent at once with bows and arrows for game soon returned with
pigeons; a fat dog, too, was killed, and haste made to prepare a
feast.  When Hudson refused to wait, they supposed him to be afraid of
their weapons, and taking their arrows they broke them in pieces and
threw them into the fire.  Of all lands on which I ever set my foot, say
Hudson, this is the best for tillage. 

[FINIS NOTE 4-5.]

    While these early monopolists were paying court to the Netherland
government, and adroitly laying plans for large acquisitions of lands
which they claimed to have discovered between Virginia and the New
England coast, Capt. Cornelis Hendricksen manned and equipped the
"Unrest," or "Restless," a yacht of sixteen tons, built by Capt. Block,
to take the place of the "Tiger," burnt at Manhattan Island, and
proceeded to explore the Delaware Bay and River.  He is reported to have
landed at several places, made soundings, and prepared extensive charts
of the shore line, and noting the entrance of many of the confluent
streams emptying into this navigable highway.  As evidence of the
thoroughness of the manner in which Herdricksen did his work on the
Delaware, it is related that, while leaving the "Restless" at anchor at
the mouth of Christiana Creek, he extended his 

52

observations inland for some distance, where he came in contact with a
small party of Minqua Indians, and rescued three white men,
Netherlanders, who had some months prior strayed away from the fort or
trading-station at Castle Island, on the Hudson River.  These men had
lost their way in the forest and had reached the Mohawk Valley. 
Crossing from thence to the Delaware, they fell in with savages who
proved friendly, and, by a providence of life deemed most fortunate by
them, met their friends on the shore of Christiana Creek.  Having
prepared himself to make an advantageous report, lie returned to
Holland, and on the 16th of August, 1616, appeared before the
States-General, declaring "he had discovered a bay and three rivers,
situated between thirty-eight and forty degrees, and did there trade
with the Indians, said trade consisting of sables, furs, robes, and
other skins.  He hath found the said country full of trees, to wit: oak,
hickory, and pines, which trees were in some places covered with vines. 
He bath seen in said country bucks and doe, turkeys and partridges.  He
hath found the climate of said country very temperate, judging it to be
as temperate as Holland."  On this report Hendricksen claimed further
and extensive privileges and immunities.  In this he, was disappointed.
The authorities refused him upon the ground that a change in their
policy was expedient, looking to the permanent colonization of the
country he claimed to have explored.  This policy comprehended the
organization of a "West Indies Company."  The growth, utility, and
experience of this company for many subsequent years, resulting from the
political agitation of the Netherlands, affords an interesting theme for
comment, and is nowhere more graphically described than in the
recently-published "History of New York", by Mrs. Martha J. Lamb.

    The spirit of religious persecution which prevailed in the
seventeenth century was also a factor in the work of colonization.  The
Puritan exiles, led by John Robinson, William Brewster, and others, who
had been living in the Netherlands in the enjoyment of their religious
tenets, were looked upon as a migratory people, and by a certain class
of political economists thought available as colonists for the purpose
of founding a flourishing settlement at some point on the Atlantic
coast.  To these people the New World was painted in glowing colors by
the Dutch navigators and capitalists, while they in turn were willing to
make unusual sacrifices for the enjoyment of religious liberty.  Here
were conditions of society and policy which seemed to synchronize and
promise the most desirable results to all parties concerned.  These
exiles had made overtures to the Virginia Colony and the Plymouth
Company, but-in both instances, failed to effect arrangements 'deemed
necessary for their permanent welfare as a colony, and therefore applied
to the Netherlands through the Amsterdam merchants to settle at some
point in the New World under the protection of the States-General.  John
Robinson prepared the memorial.  He proposed to take four hundred
families with him, provided they were assured of protection.  "They
desired to go to the new 'Netherlands, to plant there the true Christian
religion, to convert the savages of those countries to the true knowledge
and understanding of the Christian faith, and through the grace of the
Lord, and to the glory of the Netherlands' government, to colonize and
establish a new empire under the order and command of the Prince of
Orange and the High Mighty Lords States-General."  The company of
merchants heartily co-operated with Robinson in his comprehensive
purpose, pledging large sums of money to secure transportation for the
four hundred families, and all the necessary supplies of stock,
implements, seeds, provisions, etc. and when plans were well matured
they sent their most influential men to submit the memorial to the
Hague, with their endorsement of the project.  The Prince of Orange
referred the project to the States-General, who, after great
consideration, refused to sanction the enterprise or grant them the
protection deemed necessary by Robinson and his coadjutors for the
success and permanency of the new colony in the wilds of America.  It
was this refusal of the Dutch to transplant the "Pilgrims" on the Hudson
and Delaware Rivers that aroused the reserved energies of their restless
souls, and led to their subsequent departure in the "Speedwell" and
"Mayflower" for Plymouth Rock. 

    About this time religious controversy was renewed with great
vigor.  The Calvinists find Puritans were arrayed against the Armenians,
who were in control of the States and patronage of the country.  The work
of the Reformation was producing its just fruits, and the freedom of
religious thought prevailed.  In 1619, after a bitter contest, the
Calvinists triumphed, and soon after signalized their success by
chartering the West India Company, granting to it extraordinary powers
for the encouragement of maritime commerce and the extension of colonial
dominion.  This charter is dated June 3, 1621, and gave to the West India
Company for the period of twenty-four years the exclusive monopoly of
trade and navigation to the coasts of Africa, between the Cape of Good
Hope and the Tropic of Cancer, and to the coasts of America and the West
Indies, between the Straits of Magellan and Newfoundland.  The company
was invested with enormous powers.  In the language of Brodhead, it
might make in the name of the States-General, 

53

"contracts and alliances with the princes and natives of the countries
comprehended within the limits of its charter, build forts, appoint and
discharge governors, soldiers, and public officers, administer justice,
and promote trade.  It was bound to advance the peopling of these
fruitful and unsettled parts, and do all that the service of those
countries and the profit and increase of trade shall require."  The
States General had a sort of general supervision, with the privilege of
confirming the appointment of superior officers, but no other powers
over it.  The government of the company was vested in five boards of
managers, -one at Amsterdam, managing four-ninths of the whole; one at
Middleburg, in Zealand, managing two-ninths; one at Dordrecht, on the
Maese, managing one-ninths; one in North Holland, one ninth; and one in
Friesland and Groningen, one ninths.  The general executive power for
all purposes, the power to declare war only being reserved for the
approval of the States, was confided to a board of nineteen delegates,
of whom eight were to come from the Amsterdam chamber, and the rest from
the other chambers in proportion to their shares, except that the
States-General bad one delegate.  The States were pledged to defend the
company against all comers, to advance to it a million guilders in
money, and give it for its assistance sixteen ships of war of three
hundred tons each, and four yachts of eighty tons, fully equipped.  This
fleet was to be maintained, manned, and supported by the company, which
besides was to provide an equal number of vessels on its own part, the
whole to be under the command of an admiral selected by the
States-General.  Any inhabitant of the Netherlands or of other countries
might become a stockholder during 1621, but after that year the
subscription books were to be closed, and no new members admitted. 
Colonization was one object of this great monopoly, but what its chiefs
looked to principally for profit was a vast system of legalized piracy
against the commerce of Spain and Portugal in Africa and America.  The
company was not finally organized under the charter until June, 1623,
when the subscription books were closed.

    In the interval between the lapse of the old United Company and the
completion of the charter of the new monopoly, several ships were sent
on trading ventures of a more or less private character to the North and
South Rivers in the New Netherlands, among them vessels which had visited
those regions before.  King James I. having granted the charter of the
Plymouth Company, complaints began to be heard about Dutch intrusions. 
Sir Samuel Argall, who is represented in the spurious Plantagenet
pamphlet as having forced a Dutch governor in Manhattan to yield
allegiance to the British king in 1613, is found in 1621 as complaining,
in a memorial signed by him, Sir Ferdinando Georges, the Earl of Arundel,
and Capt. John Mason, against the "Dutch intruders," who are represented
as having only settled on the Hudson in 1620.  This was claimed by the
Plymouth Company as proof of the British king's title to the whole
country, jure primae occupationis. This led to a protest, in December,
1621, by the British government, through Sir Dudley Carleton, ambassador
at the Hague.  The States professed ignorance, and promised to make
inquiry, and with that answer, after some fretfulness, the British
minister was forced to content himself.  In fact, the States-General,
engrossed in preparations for the war with Spain, simply delayed matters
until the West India Company was organized, when all such questions were
referred to it for settlement. It thus became an issue between British
Plymouth Company and Dutch West India Company, and the latter was the
stronger of the two, both in men and argument.

    The ships of that company, even before the final ratification of the
amended charter, were trading in all the Atlantic waters between
Buzzard's Bay (within twenty miles of Plymouth) and the Delaware River,
and a plan of colonization was already matured.  A number of Walloons
(Belgian Protestants of supposed Waelsche or Celtic origin), refugees in
Holland from Spanish persecution, had applied to the British minister
Carleton for leave to emigrate to Virginia.  The terms offered them do
not seem to have been satisfactory.  The Holland Provincials heard of
the negotiations, and suggested to the Amsterdam chamber of the West
India Company that these would be good immigrants with whom to begin the
permanent settlement of the New Netherlands.  The suggestion was seized
upon, and provision made to carry the Walloons over in the company's
ship then about to sail, the "New Netherlands," Capt. Cornelis Jacobsen
Mey, he who had first sailed into South River, and who was going out now
as first resident director or governor of the colonies.  Some thirty
families, chiefly Walloons, were accordingly taken on board, and in the
beginning of March, 1623, the "New Netherlands" sailed from the Texel,
Capt. Mey in command, the next highest officer being Adriaen Joris, of
Thienpoint.  The course of the ship (and of nearly all vessels making
the American voyage at that day) was southward from the British Channel
to the Canaries, thence across the Atlantic with the trade-winds to
Guiana and the Caribbees, then northwest between the Bermudas and
Bahamas until the coast of Virginia came in sight.  Mey's vessel reached
the North River safely and in time to drive off a French vessel which
sought to set up the arms of France on Manhattan island.  The Frenchman
was foiled in the same way on the Zuydt River.  Mey distributed his
colonists as far as he could.  The greater part of the Walloons were
sent up to Albany, several families went to the Dutch factory on the
Connecticut; four couples, who had married during the voyage out,
several sailors, and some other men were sent to the South River, now
also called Prince Hendrick's River.  Mey, appears

54

either to have accompanied them here or visited them soon after their
arrival.  He selected a site for their settlement, planting the Walloons
on Verhulsten Island, near the present city of Trenton, N.J., and
hastened the construction of a log fort or stockade for his sailors and
soldiers at the mouth of the Timmer Kill, on the New Jersey bank of the
Delaware, not far from where Gloucester now stands.  This fort was
called "Nassau."  Its exact site is not determined, nor can we decide
the original Indian name of the spot, having such a variety to choose
from. [See NOTE 4-6.]  

[NOTE 4-6.]

    Hermaomessing, Tachaacho, Armewamix, Arwames, Tekoke, Armenvereus,
etc.  The year in which the fort was built is also disputed, but the
circumstances mentioned in the text make it probable that its
construction was undertaken very shortly after Capt. Mey's arrival.

[FINIS NOTE 4-6.]

    This South River colony was soon given up.  The men and women of the
Walloons grew homesick and returned to New York, certainly within it year
or so, the garrison also abandoning the fort to the Indians, who
occasionally lodged there during several years, probably while waiting
for trading vessels.  Such a vessel was sent round to the South River. 
At least once a year from Manhattan Island.  Thus, it is supposed in
1625, the first settlement on the Delaware came to naught. 
[See NOTE 4-7.]

[NOTE 4-7.]

    It is not possible to state satisfactorily in what year the
settlement was given up nor why.  The deposition of Peter Lawrenson
before Governor Dongan, of New York, in March 1685, says that he came
into this colony in 1628, and in 1630 (actually 1631), by order of the
West India Company, he with some others, was sent in a sloop to the
Delaware where the company had a trading-house, with ten or twelve
servants belonging to it, which the deponent himself did see settled
there.  And the deponent further saith that upon an island near the
falls of that river and near the west side thereof, the said company
some three or four years before had a trading-house, where there were
three or four families of Walloons.  The place of their settlement he
saw; and that they had been seated there lie was informed by some of the
said Wallons themselves when they were returned from thence.  It is in
this indefinite way that the beginnings of all history are written.

[FINIS NOTE 4-7.]

    Fort Nassau, to conclude its history, seems to have been alternately
occupied and abandoned by the Dutch until 1650 or 1651, when it was
destroyed by the Dutch themselves, as being too high up the river and
too much out of the way.  The post was then transferred to the new Fort
Casimir.  In 1633, De Vries found none but Indians there, but it seems
to have been restored some time during the same year by Governor Van
Twiller, who was accused of incurring extravagant expense in connec-
tion with its construction.  Arent Consen was then commissary; he had a
clerk, and the Governor ordered him to select the site for another
structure of the same sort on the river.  In 1635 an English party
attempted but failed to capture this fort.  They were thought to be Lord
Baltimore's people, but were more likely New Englanders or Virginians. 
The Swedes repeatedly denied that there was any fort of the Dutch on the
Delaware in 1638; out the Dutch  account is of expenditure for the
maintenance of Fort Nassau charged against that year in the West India
Company's books disprove this.  There was certainly enough of a garrison
in the fort to report at once and protest against the Swedish settlement
at Christiana in April, 1638.  In 1642 the garrison comprised twenty
men, and the fort was continually occupied from this time forth until
the Dutch destroyed it.

    In 1624, Peter Minuet (the name is also spelled Minuit, Minnewit, or
Minnewe) came out and succeeded Mey as director of the New Netherlands
colonies.  He held this position until 1632, when he was recalled, and
Van Twiller became Governor in his stead.  Minuet, as will be seen
further on, was a sagacious and enterprising man, but he had to pursue a
conservative policy as director of the New Netherlands, for the welfare
of the colony was neglected sadly by the West India Company.  But few
immigrants and colonists came out, the garrisons were not strengthened,
nor was much effort made to extend either the boundaries or the trade of
the colony.  Some negro slaves indeed were landed on Manhattan Island at
least as early as 1628, but their labor was not esteemed.  The chief
business done was in trading with the Indians for peltries and furs.  In
fact the West India Company was so puffed with the arrogance that
proceeds from great successes and sudden wealth, that the directors
despised the small and plodding colonial ways and the slow and meagre
profits derived from such sources.  It had won brilliant victories at
sea.  It had taken in two years one hundred and four Spanish prizes.  It
had paid dividends of fifty per cent.  It had captured the Panama plate
fleet.  It frequently sent to sea single squadrons of seventy armed
vessels.  It had captured Bahia in 1624, and Pernambuco in 1630, and it
aspired to the conquest of Brazil.  These brilliant performances cast
the puny interests of the New Netherlands traders into the shade, and
the company did not care to be bothered with the discharge of duties
which were nevertheless particularly assigned to it in the charter.  So
obvious was this departure from the original purposes of the company
that so early even as 1624 we find that William Usselinex, the founder
of the company, had abandoned it in disgust, and was seeking to persuade
King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden to establish a Swedish West India
Company, such as would be operated more in accordance with his original
plan.

    There were still some very shrewd heads among the members of the
Amsterdam chamber, men who while quite willing to take all the gold and
silver and precious stones they could get, yet were fully acquainted
with the more abiding virtues of land.  Of these were John De Laet, the
historian, Killiaan Van Rensselaer, the diamond-cutter, Michael Pauw,
Peter Evertsen Hulft, Jonas Witsen, Hendrick Hamel, Samuel Godyn, and
Samuel Blommaert, all rich, all we informed, all interested in the
support and development of the colonies on the North and South Rivers,
especially if these could be effected in a way further to enrich
themselves.  The secretary of Minuet and the colony, Isaac De Rasieres,
a keen observer and skillful diplomatist, was devoted to the interests
of 

55

Godyn, Van Rensselaer, and Blommaert, and he probably kept them apprised
of all that; was going on in the New Netherlands.  While Minuet, with
reduced forces, was compelled through fear of Indiana to concentrate big
people at Manhattan, abandoning all exposed places, the Amsterdam
directors, after consulting with De Rasieres, whom Minuet had sent home,
procured a meeting of the Executive "College" of nineteen, and secured
from it a Charter of Freedoms and Exemptions, which the States-General
confirmed on June 7, 1629.  This was a complete feudal constitution,
adopted years before Lord Baltimore's charter.  It created a landed
aristocracy, and handed the State over pretty much to their control. 
The plan for the colonization of the territory was its subdivision into
separate and independent settlements or estates, each to be under the
control of a patroon, or feudal lord, who was to settle it at his own
expense in exchange for many peculiar privileges.  The charter provided
that any member of the West India Company (to none others were these
privileges open) who should within four years plant a colony of fifty
adults in any part of New Netherland except the island of Manhattan,
which the company, having bought it from the Indians, reserved to
itself) should be acknowledged as a "patroon" or feudal chief of the
territory he might thus colonize.  The land selected for each colony
might extend sixteen miles in length if confined to one side of a
navigable river, or eight miles on each side if both banks were
occupied; but they might run as far into the country as the situation of
the occupiers should permit.  More immigrants entitled the patroon to
proportionately more land.  The colonists under the patroons were
exempted from all taxes for ten years; they acquired their estates in
fee-simple, with power of disposing by will; they were magistrates
within their own bounds, and each patroon had the exclusive privilege of
fishing, fowling, and grinding corn within his own domain; they could
also trade anywhere along the American coast, and to Holland by paying
five per cent. duty to the company at its reservation of Manhattan.  The
company reserved the fur trade to itself, and none of the colonists were
to engage in any manufactures.

    A review of events and circumstances incident to the settlement of
Eastern Pennsylvania without reference of the speculative greed of men
whose opportunities misled them would be incomplete.  Ordinary foresight
and sagacity induced the belief in the minds of these first voyagers that
settlements would speedily follow the line of commerce, and lands
eligibly located would soon have market value.  Ambitious capitalists,
such as Samuel Godyn and Samuel Blommaert, prompted by so keen and
observing a resident as Isaac De Rasieres, whose official position gave
him peculiar advantage in advising his friends, were not slow in
concerting measures to advance their interest in large land
enterprises.  As early as 1629 they retained two purchasing agents to
buy lands from the Indians on the south side of the Delaware Bay.  Their
purchase embraced a tract thirty-two miles in length, extending a
distance of two miles into the country from the shore line, the patent
thereof being duty registered and confirmed June 1, 1630.  Similar
purchases were made on and near the Hudson River by William Van
Rensselaer, Michael Pauw, and John De Laet.  These extensive operations
were viewed with disfavor, and led to general and unfriendly criticism,
and naturally excited quarrels among the speculators and their
retainers.  To avoid scandal and exposure there seems to have been what
was deemed an equitable division of advantages.  In a word, there had
been over-reaching and sharp practice.  Explanations and restitution
were discreetly made.  Fortunately for Godyn and Blommaert, who were
obliged to improve their land on the Delaware Bay, under the terms of
confirmation of their purchase, they fell in with David Pietersen De
Vries, who had just returned from the East Indies.  He was a man of
uncouth exterior, but of good heart, and from experience had become
observant, not alone in nautical matters, but in all worldly affairs,
and was on terms of great personal intimacy with Godyn.  His services
were deemed so important to the success of the enterprise that he was
admitted to equal advantages, -i.e., his experience was deemed
equivalent to the capital of those associated in the enterprise.

    De Vries became a patroon Oct. 16, 1630, and at once set to work to
promote the designs of his associates.  The ship "Walvis," or "Whale,"
of eighteen guns, and a yacht were immediately equipped.  They carried
out emigrants, cattle, food, and whaling implements, De Vries having
heard that whales abounded in the Bay of South River (Godyn's Bay, or
Newport May Bay, as it now also began to be called), and expecting to
establish profitable fisheries there.  The expedition sailed from the
Texel in December under the command of Pieter Heyes, of Edam.  De Vries
did not go out at this time, and the voyage was not profitable.  De
Vries accuses Heyes of incapacity and cowardice, saying he would not
sail through the West Indies in an eighteen-gun ship.  Still, Heyes did
a large business for his employers.  He reached South River in that
spring of 1631, and established his colony on the Horekill, "a fine
navigable stream, filled with islands, abounding in good oysters," and
surrounded by fertile soil. The place was near the present site of
Lewes, Del.  Here a palisaded brick house was erected, and the colony of
more than thirty souls was called Swaannendael, the Valley of Swans.  The
Dutch title was inscribed upon a pillar, on a plate of tin, surmounted by
the arms of Holland.  The fort, named "Oplandt," was given in the command
of Gilliss Hossett, Van Rensselaer's agent in buying lands around
Albany.  Heyes, after he had settled matters at Swaanuendael, crossed to
the Jersey shore and bought from ten chiefs there, on behalf 

56

of Godyn, Blommaert, and their associates, a tract of land extending
from Cape May twelve miles northward along the bay and twelve miles
inland.  This purchase was registered at Manhattan June 3, 1631.  The
whale fishery having come to naught, in September Heyes sailed for home
to report to his employers.



        PICTURE OF DAVID PIETERSEN De VRIES APPEARS HERE



    De Vries now determined to go out to the South River himself, and
preparations were made for him to take charge of another ship and
yacht.  Just as he was about to sail from the Texel, May 24, 1632,
Governor Minuet arrived from New Amsterdam with intelligence of the
massacre of the colony at Swaannendael.  This was cold news for De Vries
and his associates.  The patroon sailed, however, and after a long and
checkered voyage arrived off Swaannendael early in December.  The site
of the little settlement told a fearful tale; the house itself nearly
ruined, the stockade burnt, and the adjacent land strewed with the
skulls and bones of the colonists, the remains of cattle, etc.  The
valley was silent and desolate, De Vries returned on board his yacht and
fired a gun to attract attention of the savages.  After some mutual
mistrust, communication was opened with them, and De Vries was told a
cock-and-bull story of a chief having ignorantly removed the coat of
arms from the pillar and been murdered by the colonists for doing it,
whereupon his tribe, in revenge, massacred the colonists.  De Vries knew
too much about the Dutch cruelty and harshness to the Indians to believe
any such story.   He had before him all the evidences of the white man's
cruelty and the savage's wild revenge.  The fatal deed was irreparable,
and De Vries, keeping his own counsel, did what he could to restore
confidence and peace by making presents to the Indians of "duffles,
bullets, hatchets, and Nuremberg toys," so as to get them to hunt beaver
for him, instead of lying in ambush to murder more colonists.  The result
was a treaty of peace, the first ever made in Delaware waters.

    On Jan. 1, 1633, the navigation being open, De Vries proceeded up
the bay and river in his yacht.  At Fort Nassau he heard of the murder
of the crew of an English sloop, and met some Indians wearing the
Englishmen's jackets.  These Indians also made a show of offering peace,
but DeVries dealt with them very cautiously, as they greatly out numbered
his men.

    On January l0th, De Vries cast anchor at the bar of Jacques Eylandt,
precisely opposite the present city of Philadelphia, somewhere over
against Willow Street, near the site of what is now known as Windmill
Island. [See NOTE 4-8.]  Thence he went down river again, anchoring half
a mile above Minquas Kill, on the lookout for whales.  He was finally
twice frozen tip, and in some danger from Indians, numerous war parties
of whom he saw, there being some intestine feud among the adjacent
tribes.  Released from the ice, he reached Swaannendael on February
20th, and on March 6th sailed for Virginia, returning to South River
only to break up the colony at Swaannendael and go home.  Once more the
Delaware River and Bay were abandoned to the Indians, and once more the
attempt at settlement by white men had failed.  There were no further
efforts made to settle on South River until the Swedes came in 1638,
until, as has been stated, there must have been a more or less
intermittent occupancy at Fort Nassau, and possibly there may Lave been
a permanent garrison front the beginning of Van Twiller's
director-generalship. [See NOTE 4-9.]

[NOTE 4-8.]

    The bar of Jacques Eylandt embrace the spot where the city of Camden
is now built.

[FINIS NOTE 4-8.]

[NOTE 4-9.]

    The 21st of June 1634, is, the alleged date of the probably spurious
Sir Edward Plowden or Ployden's charter for impossible territory
somewhere between the Potomac and Newark Bay.

    Rev. Edward D Neill, president of Malcaster College, Minn., who had
given considerable attention to Maryland history, though from a rather
Sectarian standpoint contributed two papers on Plowden to the fifth
volume of the Pennsylvania Magazine, conducted by the Historical Society
of that State.  He assumes Plowden's existence and that he was the lineal
descendent of Edmund Plowden, the commentator on English law, who earned
Coke's encomiums and who died in 1584.  Plowden, according to Neill, did
obtain a grant in 1632, through King Charles I's request to the viceroy
of Ireland for a certain Isle "Plowden" and forty leagues of the
mainland, called New Albion.  The island lay between 39 and 40[deg]
latitude.  Capt. Young, commissioned by the king in September 1633, sent
out an exploring expedition in 1634, which ascended the Delaware as far
as the Falls. 

    If this expedition ever sailed, it must have been the one mentioned
by DeVries as having been massacred by the Indians.  There is no proof
that Plowden sent out this party or hail aught to do with it.  Evelyn,
who commanded it, was in the service of Clayborne's London partners.
Plowden, says Mr. Neill, was living at his seat at Wanstead in Hampshire
in 1635, unhappy, beating his wife, quarreling with his neighbors, and
changing his religion.  His wife and his clergyman's wife both had him
arrested for assault and battery and his wife procured a divorce from
him.

    In 1641, Evelyn wrote a pamphlet descriptive of New Albion,
dedicated to Plowden's wife.  The next year Plowden was on the
Chesapeake.  This was ten years after he is said to have procured this
rich grant.  No one can explain why he did not lool, after such an
estate sooner.  Plowden lived most of his time in Virginia, but was in
Maryland, on Delaware Bay, at New York, and in New England.  He was
abroad just seven years, say his chroniclers, and then went home In 
return no more to New Albion.  It is conjecture that his seven years'
residence was on account of being, transported, and that his New Albion
claim was tramped up after the time of his sentence was served out.
Plowden is reputed to have died in 1665.  Mr. Neill further says that in
1640, Plowden was a prisoner in the Fleet Prison, London, for refusing to
pay his wife's alimony.  Mr.Neill must see that the dates of Plowden's
adventures are as irreconcilable as his adventures.

[FINIS NOTE 4-9.]

[NOTE 4-10.]

    If the story of New Albion is other than an historical myth, the 
English were among the earliest adventurers and settlers on the
Delaware.  Between 1326 and 1634, for several dates are mentioned,
Charles I. granted an extensive territory to Sir Edmund Plowden, which
embraced Long Island, all of New Jersey, Delaware, and parts of
Maryland, Virginia, and  Pennsylvania, who formed a company of noble-

57

men and gentlemen under the title of "The Albion Knights".  Delaware was
the chosen ground to settle, and the company pledged itself to introduce
three thousand trained men into the colony.  Colonials were actually
introduced, and made their homes on the Delaware; but neither the number
nor exact location can be told.  Plowden was lord proprietor and
captain-general, while one Beauchamp Plantagenet was made agent of this
company of knightly settlers.  The earl and Plantagenet were here seven
years, and became well acquainted with the country and Indian tribes.  A
government was framed, and the machinery of civil administration put in
operation, but its duration is unknown.  A history of the colony was
published in 1648, which contained the letter of one "Master Robert
Evelyn," addressed to Lady Plowden after his return to England.  He was
four years on the Delaware, and in his letter he states that "Captain
Claybourn, fourteen years there trading," sustains what he says of the
country.  Evelyn evidently sailed up the river to the falls, for he
mentions the streams which empty into it, names the tribes which live
along it, with their strength, with some description of the country and
the productions.  Six leagues below the falls he speaks of "two fair,
woody islands, very pleasant and fit for parks, one of one thousand
acres, the other of fourteen hundred or thereabouts."  These were
probably Burlington and Newbold's Islands.  Near the falls, he says, "is
an isle fit for a city; all the materials there to build, and above the
river fair and navigable, as the Indians informed me, for I went but ten
miles higher."  The isle "fit for a city" refers, doubtless, to Morris
Island, or the one abreast of Morrisville.  It is barely possible that
he fell into the popular error of some explorers of the period, that the
Delaware branched at the falls, and that the two branches formed a large
island above.  He says that a ship of one hundred and forty tons can
ascend to the falls, and that "ten leagues higher are lead mines in
stony hills."  At the falls he located the Indian town of Kildorpy, with
clear fields; to plant and sow, and near it are sweet, large meadows of
cover or honeysuckle."  The letter speaks of the abundant store of fish
in the river, of water-fowl that swim upon its surface, and the game,
fruit, and nuts to be found in the woods that line its bank, and the
magnificent forest-trees. Evelyn must have traveled well into the
interior, and through portions of Bucks County.  He speaks of the new
town of the Susquehannocks as a "rare, healthy, and rich place, and with
a crystal, broad river." This must refer to the Susquehanna River and the
tribe which takes its name.

    What became of Plowden's colony would be an interesting inquiry if
we had the leisure to pursue it or the data necessary to solve it.  The
late William Rawle, of Philadelphia, who gave the subject a careful and
intelligent investigation, believed that some of those who welcomed Penn
to the shores of the Delaware were the survivors of the Albion Knights. 
History offers no ‘dipus to the mystery, -Davis, History of Bucks County.

[FINIS NOTE 4-10.]


CHAPTER V.  PART - I

                  THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENTS.

    The ineffectual efforts, of the, Dutch to secure a permanent
lodgment on the Delaware south, of the Schuylkill River left their large
landed interest, in unprofitable arid precarious condition.  It is not
seriously pretended by commentators that the Dutch pioneers had any
higher motives than those prompted by commercial advantages and the hope
of obtaining wealth .  It seems reasonably, clear that a trading-post was
still maintain by them on the Delaware, known as Fort Nassau, but not
permanently occupied.  It was doubtless an outpost, and for some years
after the colony at Swaannendael was broken up was visited by them at
seasonable periods of trade and exchange with the Indians.  That were
vigilant their watch upon the Delaware is proven by the fact that they
sent an armed force to dislodge a small party of English who, under
George Holmes, had taken possession of Fort Nassau.  These adventurers,
thirteen in number, were taken prisoners by the Dutch and sent to
Virginia, from whence they came, as their captors believed, although it
is said by some writers that they came to the fort from the New England
colonies.  Samuel Godyn died in the year 1634.  His heirs and legal
representatives in adjusting his estate provoked contentions with those
who had been engaged in land speculations, which led to discoveries
bordering upon scandal.  The West India Company came to the rescue of
the litigants, and purchased from Godyn's heirs and associates all the
territory owned by them on both sides of the Delaware River for the sum
of fifteen thousand six hundred guilders.

    The wide-spread publicity which resulted from the operations of the
enterprising Hollanders in establishing trade with the Indians and
possessing themselves of large larded estates in the New World naturally
stimulated the ambitious princes of Europe to efforts of the extension of
their power and dominion



             PICTURE OF SWEDISH BLOCK HOUSE APPEARS HERE



on the North American continent.  Efforts, to establish colonies were
always made by royal authority under liberal grants and chartered
privileges.  Large sums of money were expended in equipping these
expedition and in the controlling them and the commerce resulting from
them.  These investments were made upon the expectation of a fair
return, and when financial reverses and disappointment occurred changes
in the management ensued.  Salaried officers were turned out at the home
office or recalled from abroad, who became important factors in this
formation of new project and all the more useful by reason of their
experience.  Such a person William Usselinx, a Hollander, born as early
as 1624, presented himself to King Adolph of Sweden and laid before him
a proposition for a trading company to be established in Sweden, and to
extend its operations to Asia, Africa, and Mangellan's land (Terra
Magellancia) and assurance that it would be a great source of revenue to
the kingdom.

58

Full power was given him to carry out this important project and
thereupon- a contact of trade was drawn up, to which the company was to
agree, and subscribe.  Usselinex published explanation, this contract,
wherein he also particularly directed attention to the country on the
Delaware, its fertility, convenience, and all its imaginable resources. 

    To strengthen the matter a charter was sectioned to the company, and
especially to Usselinex, who was to receive a royalty of one thousandth
upon all article bought or sold by the company.  The powerful king,
whose zeal for the honor of God was not less ardent than for the welfare
of his subjects, availed himself of the opportunity to extend the
doctrines of Christ among the heathen, as well as to establish his own
power in other parts of the world. [See NOTE 5-1.]

[NOTE 5-1.]

    The plans of Gustavus were both deep and patriotic.  "The year
1624," says the historian Geijer, "was one of the few years that the
king was able to devote to the internal development of the realm."  He
looked at the subject of colonization in America, says Rev. Dr. W. M.
Reynolds in the introduction to his translation of Acrelius, "with the
eye of a statesman who understood the wants not only of his own country
but of the world, and was able with prophetic glance to penetrate into
the distant ages of the future."  He proposed there to found a free
State, where the laborer should reap the fruit of his, toil, where the
rights of conscience should be inviolate, and which should be open to
the whole Protestant world, then engaged in a struggle for existence
with all the papal powers of Europe.

    All should be secure in their persons, their property, and their
rights of conscience.  It should be an asylum for the persecuted of all
nations, a place or security for the honor of the wives and daughters of
those who were flying from bloody battle-fields and from homes made
desolate by the fire and sword of the persecutor.  No slaves should
burden the soil; "for", said Gustavus, and we realize the profound truth
of his political economy after an experience of two centuries, at the end
of which slavery expired amid the death-throes of our civil war, -"slaves
cost a great deal, labor with reluctance, and soon perish from hard
usage.  But the Swedish nation is industrious and intelligent and hereby
we shall gain more by a free people with wives and children."

-Scharf's History of Philadelphia.

[FINIS NOTE 5-1.]

    To this end he sent forth letters patent, dated at Stockholm, on the
second of July, 1626, wherein all in high and low, were invited to
contribute something to the company, according to their means.  The work
was completed in the Diet of the following year, 1627, when the estate,
of the realm gave their assent and confirmed the measure.

    Those who took part in this company were his Majesty's mother, the
Queen Dowager, Christina, the princess, John Casmir, the Royal Council
the most distinguished of the nobility, the highest officers, of the
army, the bishops and other clergymen together with the burgomasters and
aldermen of the city as well as large number of the people generally.

    The time fixed for paying in the subscriptions was the first of May
of the following year (1628).  For the management and working of the
plan there were appointed an admiral, vice-admiral, chaplain, under
chaplain assistants, and commissaries and also a body of soldiers, duly
officered.   But when these arrangements were in full progress and duly
provided for the German war and the king's death occurred, which caused
this important work to be laid aside.

    The Trading Company was dissolved, its subscriptions nullified, and
the whole project seemed about to die with the king.  But just as it
appeared to be at its end it received new life.  Another Hollander, by
the name of Peter Menewe, sometimes called Menuet, [See NOTE 5-2.] made
his appearance in Sweden.  He had been in the service of Holland in
America where he became involved in difficulties with the officers of
the West India Company, in consequence, of which he was recalled and
dismissed from their service.

[NOTE 5-2.]

    An autograph letter found in the royal archives in Stockholm gives
the name as commonly written in English, Minuit.

[FINIS NOTE 5-2.]
  
    But he was not discouraged by this, and went over to Sweden, where,
he renewed the representations which Usselinex had formerly made in
regard to the excellence of the country, and the advantages that Sweden
might derive from it.

    Queen Christina, [NOTE 5-3.] who succeeded her royal father in the
government, was glad to have the project thus renewed.  The royal
chancellor, Count Axel Oxenstierna, understood well how to put it in
operation.  He took the West India Company into his own hands as its
president, and encouraged other noblemen to take shares in it. 

[NOTE 5-3.]

    Christina succeeded her father, the great Gustaf Adolph, in 1632
when only six years of age, and the kingdom remained under regency until
she was eighteen in 1634.  Consequently she was only eleven years of age
in 1637, when the American colony was established.

[FINIS NOTE 5-3.]

    King Charles I. of England had already, in the year 1634, upon
representation made to him by John Oxentierna, at the time Swedish
ambassador in London, renounced in favor of the Swedes all claims and
pretensions of the English to that country growing out of their rights
as first discovered.  Hence, everything seemed to be settled upon a firm
foundation, and all earnestness was employed in the prosecution of the
plan for a colony.  As a good beginning the first colony was sent off
[See NOTE 5-4.] and Peter Menewe was  placed over it, as being best
acquainted in those regions.

[NOTE 5-4.]

    August 1637, although it did not reach the Delaware until 1638.  See
Odhner, "Sveriges Inre Histroia," p.302.  He reached the Delaware in the
middle of April.

[FINIS NOTE 5-4.]

    They set sail from Gottenburg, a ship of war called the "Key of
Calmar," followed by a smaller vessel bearing the name of "Bird
Griffin," both laden with people, provisions, ammunition, merchandise
suitable for traffic and gifts to the Indians.  These ships successfully
reached their place of destination.  The high expectations which the
emigrants had of that new land were well met by the first news which
they had of it.  They made their first landing on the bay or entrance to
the river Poutaxat, which they called the river of New Sweden, and the
place where they landed they called Paradise Point.  A purchase of land
was immediately made from the Indians, and it was determined that all
the land on the western side of the river, from the point called Cape
Inlopen, or Henlopen, up to the fall called Santickan [See NOTE 5-5.]
and all the country inland, as much as was 

[NOTE 5-5.]

    Trenton Falls, which Campius (p. 49 of Translation) calls "the Falls
of Assinpink."  On Visschher's map of Pennsylvania, given in Duponceau's
Translation of Campius, to face p. 78, we find Sanhican's given as the
most Northern point.

[FINIS NOTE 5-5.]

59

ceded, should belong to the Swedish crown forever.  Posts were driven in
the ground as landmarks, which were still seen in their places sixty
years afterwards.  A deed was drawn up for the land thus purchased. 
This was written in Dutch, for no Swede was yet able to interpret the
language of the heathen.  The Indians subscribed their hands and
marks.  The writing was sent home to Sweden to be preserved in the royal
archives.  Mans Kling was the surveyor.  He laid out the land, and made a
map of the whole river, with its tributaries, islands, and points, which
is still to be found in the royal archives in Sweden.  Their clergyman
was Reones Torkillus, of East Gothland.

    The first abode of the newly arrived emigrants was; at a place
called, by the Indians, Hopokahacking.  There, in the year 1638, Peter
Menuet built a fortress which he named Fort Christina, after the reigning



                 PLAN OF THE TOWN AND FORT CHRISTIANA,
              BESEIGED BY THE DUTCH IN 1655 APPEARS HERE.

                  [From Campanius' "New Sweden."]



queen of Sweden.  The place, situated upon, the west side of the river,
was probably chosen so as to be out of the way of the Hollanders, who
claimed the eastern side, -a measure of prudence until the arrival of a
greater force from Sweden.  The fort was built upon the eligible site,
not far from the mouth of the creek, so as to secure them in the
navigable waters of the Miniquas, which was afterwards called Christina
Kihl or Creek.  The country was wild and uninhabited by the Hollanders.
They had over or three forts on the river, -Fort Nassau, where
Gloucester  now stands, and another at Horekihl, down on the bay.  But
both of these were entirely destroyed by the Americans, and their
occupants driven away.
 
    The following extract from the "History of the New Netherlands";
which Adrian van der Donck published in the year 1655, with the license
and privilege as well of the States-General as of the West India
Company, will serve as proof of what we have said: "The place is called
Horekihl, [See NOTE 5-6.] but why so called we know not.  But this is
certain, that some years back, before the English and Swedes came
hither, it was taken up and settled as a colony by Hollanders, the arms
of the States being at the same time set up in brass.  These arms having
been pulled down by the villainy of the Indians, the commissary there
resident demanded that the head of the traitor should be delivered
him.  The Indians, unable to escape in any other way, brought him the
head, which was accepted as a sufficient atonement of their offense. 
But some time afterwards, when we were at work in the fields, and
unsuspicious of danger, the Indians came as friends, surrounded the
Hollanders with overwhelming numbers, fell upon them, and completely
exterminated them.  Thus was the colony destroyed, though sealed with
blood and dearly enough purchased." 

[NOTE 5-6.]

     Horekill (variously written Horeskill, Hoarkill, Whorekill) is no,
doubt a corruption of Hoornkill so called from Hoorn a city in Holland,
from which Captain Meys sailed upon his expedition to America when he
discovered or made his first visit to Delaware.  The derivation of the
name suggested by Van Sweringen, in his "Account of the Settling of the
Swedes and Dutch at the Delaware" (contained in vol. ii, pp 342-347 of
"Documents Relating to the Colonial History of New, York," ect,) is of a
piece with the rest of his narrative, and entitled to no consideration.
Horekill was about two, leagues from Cape Henlopen and is probably the
stream now called Lewes Creek, in the State of Delaware.  See also the,
note to p. 21 of Ferris' "Original Settlement on the Delaware."

[FINIS NOTE 5-6.]

    Notwithstanding all this, the Hollanders believed that they had the
best right to the Delaware River, yea, a better right than the Indians
themselves.  It was their object to secure at least all the land lying
between said river and their city of New Amsterdam, where was their
stronghold, and, which country they once called "The New Netherlands." 
But as their forces were still weak, they always kept one or another of
their people upon the side of the river to watch those who might visit
the country.
 
    As soon, therefore, as Menuet landed with his Swedish company notice
of the fact was given to the Director-General of the Hollanders in New
Amsterdam.  He waited for some time until he could ascertain Menuet's
purpose, but when it appeared that he was erecting a fortress for the
Swedes he sent him the following protest: [See NOTE 5-7.]

[NOTE 5-7.]

     New York Office in the General Index to the Dutch Records, Lib. A.
The Swedish annalers who have given any account of this Swedish
colony in America have represented the first emigration as taking place
in the time of King Gustaf Adolph, about the year 1627.  This was the
opinion of Th. Camp. Of Holm.  (See his "Nya Swerige" (New Sweden),
pages 57, 58, 72, 73, which others have followed.) (See the "Dissert. De
Plant. Ecclesiae Swec. in America," p. 5.)  But this was only a
conjecture suggested by the great preparations which were made at that
time, but which suddenly broken off. It would undoubtedly have been all
the better if the work had been taken hold of at that time with all
earnestness.  But this protest is proof to the contrary, and shows that
the firat arrival must have taken place some time in the year preceding
the building of the fortress (that is to say, in 1638).


[FINIS NOTE 5-7.]

  60

                                                "THURSDAY, May 6,1638

    "I, William Kieft, Director-General of the New Netherlands, residing
upon the island Manhattan, in the Fort Amsterdam, under the government
belonging to the, High and, Mighty State-General of the United
Netherlands and the West Indian Company, chartered by the Council
Chamber of Amsterdam, Peter Menuet, who yourself Commander in the
service of her Royal Majesty, Queen Of Sweden; that the whole South
river of the New Netherlands, both above and below, hath already for
many years, been our property occupied by our forts and sealed by our
blood which was also done when you were in service of New Netherlands,
and you are well aware of this.

    But whereas you have now come among our forts to build a fortress to
our injury and damage, which we shall never permit as we are also assured
that Her Royal Majesty of Sweden has never given you authority to build
forts upon, our rivers and coast, nor to settle people on the land nor
to traffic in peltries, nor to undertake anything to our injury: We do
therefore protest against all disorder and injury, and all the evil
consequences of bloodshed, uproar, and wrong which our Trading Company
may thus suffer; and that we shall protect our rights in such a manner
as we find most advisable.

    Then follow the usual conclusion.  In the history, of Netherlands
already cited, Aarian van der Donck likewise relates how protest was
made against the building Fort Christina, but, there he also gives
evidence of the weakness of the Hollanders in the river on the first
arrival of the Swedes and that their strength consisted of almost
entirely in great words.

    "On the river," he says, "lies, first, Maniqua¹s Kihl where the
Swedes had built Fort Christina, where the largest ships can load and
unload at the shore.  There is another place on the river called
Schuylkill, which is also navigable.  That also was formerly under the
control of the Hollanders, but is now mostly under the government of the
Swedes.

    In that river (Delaware) there are various islands and other places
formerly belonging to the Hollanders, whose name they still bear, which
sufficiently shows that the river belong to the Hollanders, and not to
the Swedes.

    Their very commencement will convict them.  Before the year 1638,
one Minnewets, who had formerly acted as Director for the Trading
Company at Manhattans, came into the river in the river in the ship 'Key
of Colmar' and the yacht called the 'Bird Griffin'.  He gave out to the
Hollander, Mr. Vander Nederhorst, the agent of the West Indian Company
in the South River, that was on a voyage to the West India Isles and
that he was staying there to take up wood and water.

    Whereupon, said Hollander allowed him to go free.  But some time
after some of our people going thither, found him still there and he had
planted a garden, and the plants were growing in it.  In astonishment we
asked the reason for such procedure, and if he intended to stay there? 
To which he answered evasively, alleging various excuses for his conduct.

    The third time they found them settled and building a fort.  Then we
saw their purpose.  As soon as he was informed of it, Director Kieft 
protested against it, but in vain." 

    Thus, Peter Menuet made a good beginning for the settlement of the
Swedish colony in America.  He guarded his little fort for over three
years,  and the Hollanders, neither attempted nor were able to overthrow
it.  After  some years of faithful service he died at Christina.  In his
place followed Peter Hollendare, a native Swede, who did not remain at
the head of its affairs more then a year and a half.  He returned home
to Sweden, and was a major at Skopsholm, in Stockholm, in the year 1655.

    The second emigration took place under Lieut.-Col. John Printz, who
went out with the appointment of Governor of New Sweden.  He had a grant
of four hundred six-dollars for his traveling expenses, and twelve
hundred dollars silver as his annual salary.  The company was invested
with the exclusive privilege of importing tobacco into Sweden, although
that article even then was regarded as unnecessary and injurious,
although indispensable since the establishment of the bad habit of its
use.  [Placat on tobacco for the year 1641.]  Upon the same occasion was
also sent out Magister John Campanius Holm, [See NOTE 5-8.] who was also
called by their excellencies the Royal Council and Admiral Claes
Fleming, to become the government chaplain, and watch over the Swedish
congregation.  The ship on which they sailed was called the "Fama." It
went from Stockholm to Gotheborg, and there took its freight.  Along
with this went two other ships of the line, the "Swan" and the
"Charitas" laden with people and the necessaries of life.  Under
Governor Printz, ships came to the colony in three distinct voyages.

[NOTE 5-8.]

    It was long a favorite usage in Sweden to designate clergymen by the
name of the place or province in which they were born, so that Holm may
be equivalent to "a native of Stockholm."

[FINIS NOTE 5-8.]

    The first ship was the "Black Cat," with ammunition and merchandise
for the Indians.  Next the ship "Swan," on a second voyage, with
emigrants, in the year 1647.  Afterward two other ships, called "The
Key" and the "Lamp."  During these times the clergymen and Mr. Lawrence
Charles Lockenius and Mr. Israel Holgh, were sent out to the colony. 
The instructions for the Governor were as follows:

    "Instructions according to which Her Royal Majesty, our Gracious
Queen, will have the Lieutenant-Colonel, now also the appointed Governor
over, New Sweden, the noble and, well-born John Printz, to regulate
himself as well during his voyage as upon his arrival in that country. 
Given as Stockholm August 15, 1642.

    "1.  Inasmuch as some of the subject of Her Royal Majesty and of the
Crown of Sweden have, for some, undertaken to sail to the West Indies and
have already succeeded conquering and purchasing a considerable tract of
land, and in promoting commerce, with the especial object of extending
the jurisdiction and greatness of Her Royal Majesty and of the Swedish
crown, and have called the country New Sweden; wherefore and inasmuch as
Her Royal Majesty approves and finds this, their undertaking and
voyaging, not only laudable in itself, but reasonable, and likely, in
the course of time, to benefit and strengthen Her Majesty and the
Swedish throne: So has Her Royal Majesty, for the promotion of work and
for the assistance of those who participate therein, furnished them for
the making of that important voyage, and also for the confirming and
strengthening of the important work thus begun in New Sweden, for said
voyage, two ships, named the 'Fama' and the 'Swan,' as well as some
other means necessary thereto, under a certain Governor, whom Her
Majesty has provided with sufficient and necessary powers, thereunto
appointed and legitimated  Lieutenant-Colonel John Printz, whom she has
accordingly, seen good to instruct upon the points following:

    "2.  The ship above named having led to Gütheborg, John Printz, the
Governor  of New Sweden, shall now, without any delay, take his
departure, to said place, so arranging his journey by land that may
reach there by the first opportunity.  Going to Gütheborg, he shall
assist in the ordering and arranging everything in the best manner
possible, and especially in accordance with the best regulations that
the members of the company can have made; and as concerns his own person
and that of his attendants, he shall so arrange his affairs that he may
immediately, in the month of September next following, set sail from
this country and proceed to sea.

    "3.  But, either before at the time the ships are about to set sail
from Güthaborg, the Governor shall consult with the skippers and
officers of the ships, considering and deciding, according to the state
of the wind and other circumstances, whether he shall direct his course
to the north of Scotland or through the channel between France and
England.

    "4.  Under way and on the journey, he must see to it that the
officers and people of the ships perform their duties at sea truly and
faithfully; and in all important and serious matters he can always avail
himself of the aid and counsel of the persons aforesaid who usually form
the council of a ship; he shall also have every important occurrence
carefully noted, causing a correct log or journal, thereof to be kept,
of which also he shall, by every opportunity, send hither a correct copy.

61

     "5.  The Governor, God willing, having arrived in New Sweden, he
must, for his better Information, bear in mind that the boundary of the
country of which our subjects have taken possession extend, in virtue of
the articles of the contract entered into with the wild inhabitants of
the country, as its rightful lords, from the sea-coast at Cape
Henlopen  upwards along the west side of Godin's Bay, and so up the
Great South River, onwards to Mingue¹s Kil, where Fort Christina is
built, and thence still farther along the South river, and up to a place
which the wild inhabitants call Sankikans, where the farthest boundaries
of New Sweden are to be found.  This tract or district of country
extends in length about thirty German miles, but in breadth, and into
the interior, it is, in and by the contract, conditioned that Her Royal
Majesty's subjects, and the participants in this Company of navigators
may hereafter occupy as touch land as they may desire.

     "6.  Recently, and in the year last past, vis., 1641, several
English families, probably amounting to sixty persons to all, have
settled, and begun to build and cultivate the land elsewhere, namely,
upon the east side of the above mentioned South river on a little stream
named Ferken's Kil; so also have the above-named subjects of Her Magesty,
and participants in the Company, purchased for themselves of the wild in
habitants of the country, the whole eastern side of the river, from the
month of the aforesaid great river at Cape May up to a stream named
Warraticen's Kil, which tract extends about twelve German miles,
including also the said Ferken's Kil, with the intention of thus drawing
to themselves the English aforesaid.

    This purchase the Governor shall always, with all his power, keep
intact, and thus bring these families under the jurisdiction and
government of Her Royal Majesty and the Swedish Crown; especially as we
are informed that they themselves are not disposed thereto; and should
they be induced, as a free people, voluntarily to submit themselves to a
government which can maintain and protect them, it is believed that they
might shortly amount to some hundred strong.
    But however that may be, the Governor is to seek to bring these
English under the government of the Swedish Crown, inasmuch as Her Royal
Majesty finds it to be thus better for herself and the Crown as partners
in this undertaking; and they might also, with good reason, be driven
out and away from said place; therefore, Her Royal Majesty aforesaid
will most graciously leave it to the discretion of Governor Printz so to
consider and act in the premises as can be done with propriety and
success.

    "7.  There is no doubt that the Holland West India Company will seek
to appropriate to themselves the place aforesaid, and the large tract of
land upon which the English have settled, and the whole of the above
named east side of the Great South River, and that so much the rather as
their fort or fortification of Nassau, which they have manned with about
twenty men, is not very far therefrom, upon the same eastern side of the
river, just as they also make pretensions to the whole western side of
the aforesaid South River, and consequently to all that of which our
subjects aforesaid have taken possession, which they have seized,
relying upon their Fort Nassau, whereby they would take possession of
the whole South River, and of the whole country situated on both sides
of the same river.  It is to for this that they have protested against
the beginning which her before-mentioned Majesty's subjects have made in
settling and building, and, so far, as they could, have always opposed
and sought to prevent our people from going up the South River and past
their fort Nasaau.  Therefore shall the Governor take measures for
meeting, the agents and participants of said Holland West India Company
in a proper manner, and with mildness, but firmly remonstrate and make
known to them the upright intentions of Her Royal Majesty and her
subjects in the premises, that nothing herein has been sought, or is now
sought, other than a free opening for commerce; that Her Royal Majesty's
subjects have, in a just and regular manner, purchased of the proper
owners and possessors of the country that district of which they have
taken possession, and which they have begun to cultivate, and that they
cannot, therefore, without injustice oppose Her Royal Majesty or her
subjects, or seek to disturb them in their possessions without doing
them great injury.

    But should the same Holland Company, contrary to all better hopes,
allow themselves to undertake any hostility, or make any attack, then,
in such case, it will only be proper to be prepared with the best means
that circumstances will allow, and to seek to repel force by force;
therefore, as this, like everything else, Is best judged of and decided
on the ground, so does Her Royal Majesty place it in the Governor's
discretion to meet such vexations in the first instance with kind
admonitions, but if these are not effective, then with severity,
according to the best of his understanding, so as to arrange everything
to the best advantage and honor alike of Her Royal Majesty and the
members of the Company.

    But if no such troubles arise, which to hoped will be the case, and
Her Royal Majesty and her subjects remain undisturbed in that which they
have rightfully brought into their possession, then shall the Governor
hold good friendship and neighborhood with the aforesaid Hollanders at
Fort Nassau, and with those who dwell upon the north river at Mankatan's
or New Amsterdam, as also with the English who dwell in the country of
Virginia, and make no inroads upon any of them, nor interfere with that
of which they are in the actual possession.  Especially, since the
adjacent English in Virginia have already commenced to offer Her Royal
Majesty¹s subjects in New Sweden all kinds of useful assistance, and to
let them procure upon reasonable payment such cattle and seed-corn as
they may desire; therefore shall the Governor continuely seek to give
free and undisturbed course to the correspondence and commerce, thus
begun with the English to the use and benefit of Her Royal Majesty's
subjects aforesaid.

    "8.  Those Hollanders who have emigrated to New Sweden, and settled
there under the protection of her Royal Majesty and the Swedish crown,
over whom Jost von dem Boyaudh has command, the Governor shall treat
according to the contents of the charter and privileges conferred by her
Royal Majesty, of the principles whereof the Governor has been advised;
but in other respects he shall show them all good will and kindness, yet
so that he hold them also to the same, that they upon their side comply
with the requisitions of their charter, which they have received.  And
inasmuch as notice has already been given them, that they, have settled
too near to Fort Christina and as houses are said to built distance of
almost three miles from that place, they should therefore leave that
place and betake themselves to a somewhat greater distance from the said
fort.

    So also does her royal Majesty leave it to is good pleasure and
prudence of the Governor, when on the ground, duly to consider the
deportment of said Hollanders and the situation of the place of which
they have taken possession, and, according to his judgment, either let
them remain there quietly or make such a disposition and settlement of
the matter as he shall find most suitable and advantageous to her Royal
Majesty and the participants in said company of navigation.

    "9.  The wild nations bordering upon all other sides the Governor
shall understand to treat with all humanity and respect, that no
violence or wrong be done to them by her royal Majesty or her subjects
aforesaid; but he shall rather, at every opportunity, exert himself that
the same wild people may generally be instructed in the truths and 

62

worship of the Christian religion, and in other ways brought to
civilization and good government, and in this manner properly guided. 
Especially shall he seek to gain their confidence and Impress upon their
minds that neither he, the Governor, nor his people and suborderinates
are come into those parts to do them any wrong or injury, but much more
for the purpose of furnishing them with such things as they may need for
the ordinary wants of life, and so also for such things as are found
among them which they themselves cannot make for their own use, or buy
or exchange.  Therefore shall the Governor also see thereto, that the
people of her royal Majesty, or of the company who are engaged in
trading in those parts, allow the wild people to obtain such things as
they need at a price somewhat more moderate than they are getting them
of the Hollanders at Fort Nassau or thes adjacent English, so that said
wild people may be withdrawn from then and be an much the more won to
our people.

    "10.  In regard to the Governor's place of residence, Her Royal
Majesty leaves it to him to provide and choose the same according as he
finds the case to be in the place, or it can be continued where it now
is, and the residence arranged and ordered In the must convenient manner
possible; in like manner shall the Governor also provide a suitable place
for a fortress either at Cape Hinlopen, or the island called 'James'
Island, or wherever else a good site for the same may be found; wherein
he, has especially to keep, in view these considerations above all
others, namely, that by such a fortification it should be possible to
close up the South River, having it commanded by the same fortress, and
that there should also be found there, without great difficulty, a
suitable harbor wherein the ships of Her Royal Majesty and her subjects
could be in security, and, it need do were, continue to lie there over
winter.

    "11.  And if the Governor does not find it necessary at once and
hastily  to fortify another new place, but can for the present properly
defend himself by Fort Christina, then shall he so much the more
zealously at once arrange and urge forward agriculture and the
improvement of the land, setting and urging the people thereto with zeal
and energy, exerting himself above all other things that so much
seed-corn may be committed to the ground that the people may derive, it
from their necessary food.

    "12.  Next to this, he shall pay the necessary attention to the
culture of tobacco and appoint thereto a certain number of laborers, so
arranging that the produce may be large, more and more being set out and
cultivated from time to time, so that he can send over a good quantity of
tobacco on all ships coming hither.

    "13.  That better arrangement may be made for the production of
cattle, both great and small the Governor shall at once exert himself,
obtain a good breed of cattle of all kinds, and especially of that which
is sent out from this country, and also seek a supply from  the
neighboring English, dividing everything with those who will and use it
and employ it in agriculture in exchange for seed, and with such
prudence as he shall find most serviceable to the members of the company.

    "14.  Among and above all other things, he shall direct his
attention to sheep, to obtain them of good kinds, and as soon as may be
seek to arrange as many sheep-folds as he conveniently can, so that
presently a considerable supply of wool of good quality may be sent over
to this country.

    "15.  The peltry trade with be natives he shall also, as far as
possible, seek to sustain in a good state, exercise a careful inspection
of all engaged in it, prevent all frauds in established commissions, and
take care that Her Royal Majesty and her subjects, and the members of
the company, may have reason to expect good return for their cargoes. 
In like manner he shall provide that no other person whatever be
permitted to traffic with the natives in peltries; but this trade shall
be carried on only by persons thereto appointed in the name of like
whole company, and its ways.

    "16.  Whatever else it may at present be necessary to do in that
country will be best committed to the hands of the Governor in the
country, according to the time and circumstance of the place, more
especially as the same land of New Sweden is situated in the same
climate with Portugal; so, apparently, it is to be expected that salt
works might be arranged on the sea-coasts.  But if the salt could not be
perfectly evaporated by the heat of the sun, yet, at the least the salt
water might be brought to such a grade that it might afterward be
perfectly condensed, by means of fire, without great labor or expense,
which the Governor must consider, and make such experiment, and if
possible put it into operation and make effective.

    "17.  And as almost everywhere In the forests wild grape-vines and
grapes are found, and the climate some to be favorable to the production
of wine, so shall the Governor also direct his thoughts to the timely
introduction of this culture, and what might herein be devised and
effected.

    "18.  He can also have careful search made everywhere as to whether
metals or minerals; are to be found in the country, and If any are
discovered, send hither correct information, and then await further
orders from this place.

    "19.  Out of the abundant forests the Governor shall examine and
consider how and in what manner profit may be derived from the country,
especially what kind of advantages may be expected from oak-trees and
walnut-trees, and whether a good quality of them might be sent over here
as ballast.  So, also, it might be examined whether oil might not be
advantageously pressed out of the walnuts.

    "20.  The Governor shall likewise take into consideration and
correctly inform himself how and where fisheries might be most
profitably established, especially as it is said that at a certain
season of the year the whale-fishery can be advantageously prosecuted in
the aforesaid Godin's Bay and adjacently; he shall, therefore, have an
eye upon this, and send over hither all needed information as to what
can be done in this and other matters connected with the country, and
what father hopes may be entertained in reverence thereto.

    "21.  The Governor shall also carefully inquire and inform himself
in, regard to the food and convenience for keeping a great number of
silk-worms, wherewith a manufacture might be established, and if he
discovers that something useful might thus be accomplished, he shall
take measures for the same.

    "22.  Whatever else could be done in connection with the successful
cultivation of the land, but cannot be introduced just for the present,
this Her Royal Majesty will graciously have entrusted to the fidelity,
foresight, and zeal of the Governor, with the earnest command and
admonition that he seek in all matters to uphold, the service and
dignity of Her Royal Majesty the Crown of Sweden, as also to promote the
advantage and interest of the members of the company in the conversation
of the same land of New Sweden, its culture in every way possible, and
the increase of its profitable commerce.

    "23.  But far above all this, as to what belongs to the political
government and administration of justice, everything of this kind must
be conducted under the name of Her Royal Majesty and the Crown of
Sweden, for no less reason than the country enjoys the protection of Her
Royal Majesty and of the crown, and that the interest of the crown is in
the highest degree involved is in the protection of that country, its
cultivation and active trade and commerce.  To give the Governor special
information herein cannot so well and effectually be done at so great a
distance; it must, therefore, be left to his own discretion and good
sense that he, upon the ground, provide, arrange, and execute whatever
conduces to bring matters into good order and a proper constitution,
according as he finds the necessity of the time and place to require. 
At first, and until matters can be brought into a better form, the
Governor may use his, own seal, but in a some what larger form, in
briefs, contracts, correspondence, and other written documents of a
public character.

    "24.  He shall decide all matters of controversy which may arise,
according to Swedish law, and right, custom, and usage; but in all other
matters Also, so far as possible, he shall adopt and employ the laudable
customs, habits, and usage of this most praiseworthy realm.

    "25.  He shall also have power, through the necessary and proper
means of compulsion, to bring to obedience and a quiet life the
turbulent and disorderly, who will not live quietly and peacefully, and
especially gross offenders, who may possibly be found; he may punish not
only with imprisonment and the like duly proportioned means of
correction, but so, according to their misdeeds or crimes, with the loss
of life itself, yet not in any other than the usual manner, and after the
proper hearing and consideration of the case, with the most respectable
people and the most prudent associate judges who can be found in the
country as his counsellors.

63

    "26.  Above all things, shall the Governor consider and see to it
that a true and due worship, becoming honor, laud, and praise be paid to
the Most High God in all things, and to that end all proper care shall be
taken that divine service be zealously performed according to the
unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Council of Upsala, and the ceremonies
of the Swedish Church; and all persons, especially the young, shall be
duly instructed in the articles of their Christian faith; and all good
church discipline shall In like manner be duly exercised and received. 
But so far as relates to the Holland colonists that live and settle
under the government of Her Royal Majesty and the Swedish crown, the
Governor shall not disturb them in the Indulgence granted them as to the
exercise of the Reformed religion according to the aforesaid royal
charter.

    "27.  In all else which cannot here be set down in writing, the
Governor shall conduct himself an is suitable and becoming to a faithful
patriot, and take Into due consideration whatever is correspondent to his
office, according to the best of his understanding and with the greatest
zeal and care, also regulating himself in accordance with that which may
be here communicated to him by word of mouth; and there is herewith given
him a special list of the people who accompany him and of the means and
equipment of his office.

    "28.  Finally, Her Royal Majesty is also well satisfied that the
said office of his government shall continue and exist for three years,
after the lapse of which he, the said John Printz, shall be free to
return hither again, after the necessary arrangements have been made In
regard to his successor, or some substitute in the said service.  Should
he, the said John Printz, have a desire to continue longer in this charge
he shall have the preference over others therefor, provided that the
advantage and service of Her Majesty and the crown, and of the company,
so demand. Given as above.

        "PAEHR BRAHE,                     HERMAN WRANGEL,
        "CLAES FLEMMING,                  AXEL OXENSTIERNA,
        "GABRIEL BENSTSSON OXENSTIERNA,   AND. GYLLENKLOU." [See NOTE 5-9.]

[NOTE 5-9.]

    These five names are historical. They formed at that time the
Swedish Council of State, who carried on the government immediately
after the death of Gustaf Adolph the Great and during the minority of
hie daughter Christiana, who was not quite six years old at the time of
her father's death (November, 1632), and consequently in her seventeenth
year at the date of this document.  She ascended the throne as actual
sovereign on her eighteenth birthday, viz., Dec. 6, 1644.  The Swedish
colony in America was undoubtedly the work of the great Chancellor Axel
Oxenstierna, though first suggested by Gustaf Adolph.   Gyllenklou was 
secretary of the Council.

[FINIS NOTE 5-9.]

    The voyage to New Sweden was at that time quite long.  The watery
way to the West was not yet well discovered, and therefore, for fear of
the sand-banks off Newfoundland, they kept their course to the east and
south as far as to what were then called the Brazates. [The Azores.] 
The ships which went under the command of Governor Printz sailed along
the coast of Portugal and down the coast of Africa until they found the
eastern passage, then directly over the America, leaving the Canaries
high up to the north.  They landed at Antigua, then continued their
voyage northward, past Virginia and Maryland, to Cape Henlopen.  Yet, in
view of the they took, the voyage was quick enough in six months time,
from Stockholm on Aug. 16, 1642, to the new fort of Christina, in New
Sweden, on Feb. 15, 1643.

    The Swedes who emigrated to America belonged partly to a trading
company provided with a charter, who for their services, according to
their condition or agreement, were to receive pay and monthly wages; a
part of them also were at their own impulse to try their fortune.  For
these it was free to settle and live in the country as long as they
pleased, or to, leave it, and they were, therefore, by way of
distinction from the others, called freemen.  At first also malefactors
and vicious people were sent over, who were used as slaves to labor upon
the fortifications.  They were kept in chains, and not allowed to have
intercourse with the other settlers; moreover, a separate place of abode
was assigned to them.  The neighboring people and country were
dissatisfied that such wretches should come into the colony.  It was
also, in fact, very objectionable in regard to the heathen, who might be
greatly offended by it.  Whence it happened that when such persons came
over in Governor Printz's time, it was not permitted that one of them
should set foot on shore, but they had all to be carried back again,
whereupon a great part of them died during the voyage, or perished in
some other way.  Afterwards it was forbidden at home in Sweden, under a
penalty, to take for the American voyage any persons of bad fame, nor
was there ever any lack of good people for the colony.

    Governor Printz was now in a position to put the government upon a
safe footing, to maintain the rights of the Swedes, and to put down the
attempts of the Hollanders.  They had lately, before his arrival,
patched their little Fort Nassau. [See NOTE 5-10.] On this account he
selected the island of Tenackong as his residence, which is sometimes
also called Tutaeaenung and Tenicko, about three Swedish miles from Fort
Christina.  The convenient situation of the place suggested its
selection, as also the location of Fort Nassau, which lay some miles
over against it, to which he could thus command the passage by water. 
The new fort, which was erected and provided with considerable armament,
was called New Götheborg.  His place of residence, which he adorned with
orchards, gardens, a pleasure-house, etc, he named "Printz Hall."  A
handsome wooden church was also built at the same place, which Magister
Campanius consecrated on the last great prayer-day which was celebrated
in New Sweden, on the 4th of September, 1646.  Upon that place, also,
all the most prominent freemen had their residences and plantations. 

[NOTE 5-10.]

    Fort Nassau was built near the mouth of Timber Creek, below
Gloucester Point in New Jersey. It is said to have been built by
Cornelius Mey in 1623; but when visited by De Vries, ten years
afterwards (Jan. 5, 1633), it was in the possession of the Indians,
among whom he was afraid to land. We have no evidence that the fort was
reoccupied by the Dutch before the establishment of the Swedish colony
in 16434. (See Voyages of De Vries in New York Hist. Col., New Series,
vol. i. p. 253.)

[FINIS NOTE 5-10.]

    The Hollanders intruded upon the Swedes in their traffic with the
Indians, and Printz therefore sought to keep them under.  In the name of
the High and Mighty States-General and of the West India Company, under
which all their transactions were carried on, they had never bought so
much as a foot's breadth of land; but from time to time sent in some
particular persons, who treated with the heathen on their own account,
and thus tried to find out what course

64

the Swedes would pursue in consequence.  In the year 1646 came one
Thomas Broen with a permit from Peter Stuyvesant, the Holland Director
at New Amsterdam, to settle himself at Mantas Huck, on the other side of
the bay, directly opposite Tenakongh.  This permit he showed to Governor
Printz, and desired his aid in the building of his abode.  The Governor
promised this upon condition that he would place himself under the
Swedish government.  But when he saw beneath this the trick of the
Hollanders, he himself bought of the Indians the land from Mantas Huck
to Narraticon's or Raccoon's Kihl, and raised upon it a post to which
the Swedish coat of arms was affixed, whereby the plan of the
Hollanders, was frustrated for the time.

    Andries Hudde, appointed commandant ad interium at Fort Nassau, on
the 12th of October, 1645, protested in writing against Printz's land
purchase of the 8th of September, 1646, and gave information of the same
to the director, Peter Stuyvesant, namely, that Governor Printz sought to
procure for himself all the land east of the river; that, if he could
make himself master of both sides, it was probable that he would export
annually thirty or forty thousand beaver-skins.  Now, as the Holland
Company's treasury was entirely empty, and the Hollanders saw that they
had no time to lose, they resorted to another plan.  Some freemen -Simon
Ruth, Cornelius Marizen, Peter Hermansson, Andries Hudde, Alexander
Boyer, and David Davids -united together and purchased of the Indians a
piece of land, extending from Ancocus Kihl to Tenakongh Island, another
place higher up on the river than where the Governor had his residence,
and also took a title therefor; but with the reservation that if the
company wished to purchase it for themselves they might do so by
refunding their purchase-money to them.  Governor Printz protested
against this as an unbecoming proceeding, which protest also Hudde sent
over to New Amsterdam.  Peter Stuyvesant, in his answer, complains of
their inability to maintain their rights, and promises money to buy all
the land from Narraticon's Kihl to the bay, which, however, was never
done.

    Governor Printz had blocked up the passage of the Hollanders to Fort
Nassau by water, but they devised another method of evading big superior
power.  They entered into a treaty with the Indians for the land which
lies between Maniqua's or Minqua's Kihl and the river, as far down as
Bombe's Huck or Bambo Hook, and concluded the purchase on the 19th of
July, 1651.  That agreement was the only one which had yet been made in
the name of the States-General and the West India Company.  But by that
they bought the land which the Minquesses had already, in Menewe's time,
sold to the Swedes, and it is therefore unreasonable to believe that the
true owners of the land subscribed that bill of sale.  Shortly after
this Fort Casimir was built at Sandhuk.  Governor Printz at once
protested against it; but either he had not the means of hindering it,
or had not time for it, and so the matter rested.  To remedy the injury
which the Hollanders inflicted by Fort Casimir, Governor Printz erected
upon the place called Wootsessung Sing another Swedish fort, which he
called Elfsborg, one Swedish mile below Sandhuk and two miles below
Christina, but on the eastern shore, from which that district of country
was in former times, and even now is called Elsingborg.  From this was
fired a Swedish salute upon the arrival of Swedish ships.  But its
principal object was to search the Holland ships which came before it,
and (which stuck very hard in their maw) to make them lower their
flag.  The fort was afterwards abandoned by the Swedes and destroyed, as
it was almost impossible to live there on account of the gnats (myggor),
whence it was for some time called Myggenborg.  Besides these there were
Fort Korsholm, at Passayunk, where the commander, Sven Schute, had his
residence.  Manäyungh, on the Skorkihl or Skulkihl, was a fine little
fort of logs, having sand and stones filled in between the wood-work,
and surrounded by palisades, four Swedish (twenty-seven English) miles
from Christina eastwardly.  Mecoporacka (Upland) was two Swedish miles
from Christina and one mile from Götheborg, upon the river shore, on the
same plan, with some houses and a fort.  Other places were equally well
known, though not fortified.  Chinsessing, a place upon the Schuylkill,
where five families of freemen dwelt together in houses two stories
high, built of white-nut-tree (hickory), which was at that time regarded
as the best for building houses, but in later times was altogether
disapproved of for such purposes.  Karakung had a water-mill, which the
Governor had built for the people, it being the first in the country. 
Chamassung was also called Finland, a district where the Fins dwelt by
the waterside, and Neaman's Kihl, one and a quarter miles from
Christina.  Manathaan, or Cooper's Island, was an island opposite Fort
Christina, so called from a cooper who dwelt there with two Hol-
landers, and made casks or wooden vessels and small boats.  Techoherassi
was Olof Stillé's place.  Gripsholm, Nya Wasa, etc., which are marked
upon the oldest maps, were places laid out and occupied, but did not get
established under the Swedish administration.

    The land on the west side of the river, which the Swedes had
purchased of the heathen, first in Menewe's time and afterwards under
Governor Printz, or had acquired a right to by agreement, stretched from
Cape Henlopen to the Falls of the Delaware, and thence westward to the
great fall in the river Susquehanna, near the mouth of the Conewaga
Creek.

65

These Indians were called by Europeans; in general Delawares, but within
a circle of eighteen miles around the Swedes there were ten or eleven
separate tribes, each baying its own sackkewan or king. Among these were
especially the Minesinkos, the Mynkusses or Mineguesses, upon the
so-called Maniquas or Minqua's Kihl (Christina), with whom the Swedes
formed a special friendship.  These extended twelve Swedish miles into
the interior of the country, on to the Conestoga and the Susquehanna,
where they had a fort, which was a square surrounded by palisades, with
some iron pieces, on a hill, and some houses within it.  But some of
them were with the Swedes every day, who also once or twice in a year
made a journey up into the country among the Minequesses with their
wares for sale.

    The Swedes maintained friendly relations with the Indian tribes, and
made extensive purchases of lands from them, extending to the Susquehanna
River.   Acrelius says, "The old Indians still tell of the treaties which
their forefathers made with the Swedes, as also how far they were
disposed to admit them into their country."  Of this it may serve as
evidence to introduce the following extract from the minutes of the
treaty made in Lancaster:

                                     "THE COURT-HOUSE IN LANCASTER,
                                                "June 26, 1744, P.M.

Present, -Hon. George Thomas, Kt., Lieutenant-Governor of Pennsylvania,
etc., the Hon. Commissioners of Virginia, the Hon. Commissioners of
Maryland, the deputies of the Six Nations of Indians, Conrad Weiser,
interpreter.  

    "Carnastego, the Indian spokesman, spoke as follows:
    "'Brother, the Governor of Maryland: When you spoke of the affair of
the land yesterday, you went back to old times, and told us you had been
in possession of the province of Maryland above one hundred years.  But
what is one hundred years in comparison to the length of time since our
claim began, since we came up out of this ground?  For we must tell you
that long before one hundred years our ancestors came forth out of this
very ground, and their children have remained here ever since.  You came
out of the ground in a country that lies beyond seas; there you may have
a just claim, but here you must allow us to be your elder brethren, and
the lands to belong to us long before you knew any thing of them. It is
true that about one hundred years ago, a German ship came hither and
brought with them various articles, such as awls, knives, hatches, guns,
and many other things, which they gave us.  And when they had taught us
to use these things, and we saw what kind of a people they we were so
well pleased with them that we tied their ships to the bushes on the
shore, and afterwards, liking them still better, and the more the longer
they stayed with us, thinking that the bushes were too weak, we changed
the place of the rope, and fastened it to the trees, and as the trees
might be overthrown by a storm, or fall down of themselves (so strong
was our friendship for them), we again changed the place of the rope and
bound it to a very strong rock.  [Here the interpreter said, They mean
the land of Onondage.]  There we fastened it very securely, and rolled
wampum around it.  For still greater security we stood upon the wampum
and sat upon it to fasten it, and to prevent all injury, and we took the
greatest care to keep it uninjured for all time.  As long as that stood
the newly-arrived Germans recognized our right to the country and from
time to time urged us to give them portions of our land, and that they
might enter into a union and treaty with us, and become one people with
us."'

    That this is more correctly said of the Swedes than of the
Hollanders call be inferred from this that the Hollanders never made
such a purchase from them as to include their whole country, which the
Swedes did.  Yet the English are rather disposed to explain this in
favor of the Hollanders.  The savages regarded both the Swedes and
Hollanders, being Europeans, as one people, and looked upon their
quarrels as disagreements between different families.

    Purchases of land from the wild tribes were made in this way: Both
parties set their names and marks under the purchase contract; 
[See NOTE 5-11.] two
witnesses also were taken by the Christians.  When these made their oath
that they were informed as to the transaction, and had seen the payment
made, then the purchase was valid.  If the kings or chiefs of the
Indians signed such an agreement in the presence of a number of their
people, then it was legitimate on their side.  In former times they were
quite truthful, although oaths were not customary among them.  But it was
not so in later times, after they had more intercourse with Christians. 
Payments were made in awls, needles, scissors, knives, axes, guns,
powder and balls, together with blankets of frieze or felt, which they
wrap around them.  One blanket sufficed for their dress.  These wares
they secured for themselves, for their skins of beavers, raccoons,
sables, gray foxes, wild-cats, lynxes, bears, and deer.

[NOTE 5-11.]

    Conrad Weiser, born in Germany, 1696, and come to this country in
his fourteenth year, and present at Lancaster, as above stated, is the
ancestor of the Rev. C. Z. Weiser, now residing at Greenville,
Montgomery Co., Pa.  He was greatly beloved by the Indians, and
possessed their confidence in all matters, connected with the transfer
of lands to the settlers.  William M. Reynolds, D. D., the translator of
Acrelius, referring to him says, "He stayed at one time in the Ephrata
cloister, among the monks called Beiselians, Dunkards, or Dumplars, a
kind of Anabaptists.  During that time he also let his beard grow,
according to the law of the order.  He was for many years an interpreter
between the Indians and the English in their councils.  The former had
the same confidence in him as one of their own race.   They have given
him the name of Tarachawagon.  When a sale of land is made the Indians
subscribe on the one side and the English commissioners upon the
other.  Then the Interpreter must write his name Tarachawagon, first
under those of the Indians, and then Conrad Weiser under the English, as
a sign that each has an equal share in him.

    So it also went with his beard.  At the meeting in Lancaster in 1744
(June), when they came together, and before they began to consult, they
first took half of his beard off (all Indian hate beards, possibly
because they do Dot or cannot grow any themselves) of him, as their own
right.   Next it was among their principal representations to the
meeting, and especially to the Governor of Pennsylvania, that he should
take off the other part of Tarachawagon's beard, since he would
otherwise scare their little children when he came among them.  To give
their speech the greater weight, they here delivered a string of wampum,
as is the custom.

    The Governor, before his departure, assured them that he would take
off the other part of Weiser's beard, and that already given an order
for this.  In confirmation of his sincerity and good faith he also gave
them a string of wampum, which was received with their usual exclamation
of joy, 'Yo-hah, yo-hah!'"

[FINIS NOTE 5-11.]


    Governor John Printz was the most  rigorous and enterprising
official that ruled on the Delaware River, and was perhaps the most
zealous (if all his country men for the success and permanency of the
New Sweden.  He resisted the encroachments of the English on the one
hand and the Hollanders on the other, while he co-operated with his own
people in extending their settlements up the Schuylkill Valley and
westward the Susquehanna. He was ap-

66

pointed Governor at the instance of Axel Oxenstierna, the most
confidential advisor of the fallen Gustaf Adolph, and who was the
central power during the regency of Christina, as well as the author of
elaborate instructions.  He held the Dutch in check, closed the mouth of
the Schuylkill against them, and secured the Indian trade of that river
for the Swedish West India Company.  The thrift and business enterprise
of the Swedish colonists in commanding the resources of the outlying
country is evidenced by the extent of their shipment to the home
government.  In one year "thirty thousand skins" were brought in by the
Indians, who procured them from the, country between the Schuylkill and
Susquehanna.  The policy of Governor Printz in closing navigable rivers
to his rivals was sagacious, and merited for him the confidence of his
followers.  Having secured the trade of the Schuylkill, he determined to
break up a Dutch trading-post on the Delaware River at a place called
Santhickan, where Trenton is now located.  At this point the Holland
commander established himself and planted the arms of the States-General
on the shore of the river, and where large collections of skins were
bartered for by the Dutch traders.  Printz ordered this national
insignia to be displaced; and dispatched a lieutenant and, squad of men
to carry out, the order.  The event took place on the 8th of September,
1646.  The officer in charge of the expedition carried out his
instructions to the letter, and when he was asked by the Hollanders it,
charge of the post, "How dare you do such a thing?" replied, "If the
very standard of the States-General stood there I would treat it in the
same manner."  Printz is said to have been the first person to build a
water-mill in New Swedeland.  The site selected was on Water-Mill
Stream, now Cobb's Creek.  This was a great convenience to the Swedes,
and Indian squaws came for many miles in every direction to have their
corn ground for domestic use.  The successful administration of Governor
Printz cut a shadow upon the Dutch commissary, Jan Jansson Ilpendam, who
had charge of affairs on the east shore of the Delaware.  Ilpendam was
recalled, and one Andries Hudde was installed in his place.  This change
increased rather than allayed the frequency of contentions between the
rival colonists.  Hudde was directed by his superior officer to replant
the arms of the States-General, which he did.  Printz, dispatched Lieut.
Huygens to pull it down.  Hudde was on the alert, and placed the
offending officer in arrest, sending a messenger to Printz that he would
punish him for his intended act of rashness.  Printz replied that be
would retaliate, and insisted upon his company right to extend their
trade and dominion; finally, he treated Hudde's messenger with
indignity, hastening his departure, from his presence with threats of
violence.  This episode ended the official correspondence between them,
and Printz assumed an unfriendly attitude.  He guarded the line of the
Schuylkill with care, "persecuted or expelled every dutchman in New
Sweden who would not take the oath of allegiance to Queen Christina,"
sold fire-arms and ammunition to the Indians, over-hauled Dutch-vessels
coming up the Delaware, and finally raided the premises of Hudde,
despoiled his gardens and fruit-trees, and otherwise desolated the place
and surroundings.  His conduct seems to have excited public inquiry, and
a committee of the High Council of the New Netherlands came from
Manhattan to investigate the "outrages."  These officials, bearing
credentials, presented themselves to Governor Printz at Fort
Gottenburg.  The approaches being duly guarded, the officer in charge
kept them in waiting until he could communicate with his chief; meantime
the rain descended in torrents, soaking these dignitaries to the skin,
greatly to their displeasure.  All preliminaries, being arranged, they
were finally admitted to an audience with the Governor.  They delivered
their protest against the conduct of his Excellency, and insisted upon
the right of their countrymen to make settlements on the Schuylkill. 
They retired without molestation, but their effort to secure favor was
not reciprocated by the implacable Swede.


End Chapter V - Part I