Area History: Chapters 4 - 5, Vol II - Watson's Annals of Philadelphia And Pennsylvania, 1857

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                                 ANNALS

                                   of

                     PHILADELPHIA  AND  PENNSYLVANIA,


                               VOL.  II
     
            ______________________________________________


Chapter 4.                   THE  PIRATES

                                      "A bucaniering race -----
                    The dregs and feculence of every land."

  The story of the pirates had been, in early times, one of deep interest
and stirring wonder to our forefathers; so much so, that the echo of their
recitals, far as we have been long since removed from their fears, have not
yet ceased to vibrate upon our ears.  Who among us of goodly years but has
heard something of the names and piracies of Kid and Blackbeard !  They have
indeed much of the mist of antiquity about them; for none remember the
original tales truly, and all have ceased to read, for none knows where to
find the book of "the History of the Pirates", as published by William
Bradford, in New York, in 1724.  That book I have never been able to
procure, although I have some conception of it and its terrifying pictures,
as once seen and read by my mother when a child.  It had every character of
the marvellous surely, when it contained notices of the lives of two female
pirates -- even of Mary Reed and Anne Bonny !  Dr. Franklin tells us that he
made and published a sailors' song on the capture of Blackbeard -- done when
he was yet a boy.  Can any one bring it again to light ?  Many would like to
see it.

                              CAPTAIN  KID.

  Captain Kid (Robert) used to be the earliest name of terror along our
coast, although I believe he never committed any excesses near our borders,
or on our vessels; but partisans in his name were often named and dreaded.
What countryman he was does not appear, but his residence appears to have
been in New York before his piracies were known, where he had a wife and
child.  He most probably had been a successful privateersman, possessing
then the friendship of Governor Fletcher, Mr. Nicolls, and Col. Robert
Livingston; the latter of whom recommended him to the crown "as a bold and
honest man to suppress the prevailing piracies in the American seas".  It
appears on record at New York, as early as March 1691, that Captain Kid then
reclaimed a pressed seaman; and on the 17th of August of the same year, he
is recorded as bringing in his prize and paying the king his tenth, and the
governor his fifteenth, of course showing he was once every way a legalized
man among them.  His being called "bold" probably arose from numerous acts
of successful daring, which made his name renowned while on the side of the
law, and equally a subject of terror when openly acknowledged a pirate.  It
appears from a pamphlet of facts in the case, set forth by the friends of
the Earl of Bellermont, about the year 1702, that Col. Robert Livingston and
Captain Kid being both in London in 1694, the former recommended him to the
crown officers, and also became his security, by whom he received command of
the Adventure galley, and sailed from Plymouth in February 1695.  He came
out direct to New York, thence went to Madeira, Madagascar, and the Red sea.
In the latter he began his piracies, capturing several vessels, and finally
the Quedah Merchant, of 400 tons; with her he came back to the West Indies,
where leaving her in charge of one Bolton, he came in a sloop* to Long
Island sound, and made many deposits on shore.  [ *The word sloop often
meant a war vessel without reference to the manner of her rigging.]  While
in the sound he sent one Emmet to the Earl of Bellermont, then transferred
from the government at New York to that at Boston, to negotiate terms of
reconciliation.  The Governor assured him of fair treatment, in such terms
of equivocacy as ensnared him so far that he landed the first of June 1699
-- was then arrested and sent home to England for trial.  Finally, he was
executed at Execution Dock, the 23d of March 1701, and so gave rise to the
once notable "song of Captain Kid".  Col. Livingston again attempted to
befriend him after his arrest at Boston, by offering some suggestions for
his relief.  He was one-fifth owner of his original enterprise, in concert
with some noblemen in England.  The whole was an unofficial adventure of
crown officers, possessing, however, the sanction, though not the commission
of the king.  The expedition itself being thus of an anomalous character,
excited considerable political inquiry in England, and finally became, after
Kid's death, the subject of parliamentary investigation.  The particulars
more at large have been preserved by me in my MS. book of Historical
Collections, given to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.  Smith's
History of New York has some few facts concerning him -- see 4to. edition,
p.91.  A writer at Albany, in modern times, says they had the tradition that
Kid once visited Coeymans and Albany; and at a place two miles from the
latter, it was said he deposited money and treasure in the earth.  Two
families, now of wealth and respectability of New York, have been named to
me as original settlers at Oyster Bay on Long Island, who became suddenly
rich by their connexion with Kid's piracies.  The story was, that they
deserted from his sloop above mentioned, in the sound, after seeing the
treasure deposited, and when the chief was arrested, and the expedition
destroyed, they profited by the exclusive gain.
  Many incidental facts of that day show that the pirates often had their
friends and accomplices on shore, acting not unlike the armed vessels off
our coasts in the time of the French revolution, all of whom seemed to have
accurate knowledge of fit prizes to sail, or expected to arrive.  The very
circumstance of Kid's having a family in New York inferred his family
alliances, and perhaps, if we now knew all things, we might see, even now,
some of his wealthy descendants.
  Tradition, about and along Long Island sound says, that the Sachem's head
and the Thimble islands were the rendezvous of Capt. Kid -- one of these
rocky islands in the sound is called "Kid's island".  He deposited on
Gardiner's island the same treasure which was given up to Gov. Bellermont,
and of which there is a schedule in the hands of the Gardiner family at this
day.  It is said that a pot of $1800 was ploughed up two or three years ago
in a corn field at Martha's Vineyard, which is supposed to have been Kid's
money.  Kid has been sometimes called William Kid, and has been so named in
that schedule.  At Kid's island is a cave, where it is said the pirates used
to hide and sleep -- inside of it is cut the letters R. K., supposed to
stand for Robert Kid -- a hole in the rocky floor, chiselled out, is called
their punch bowl for carousal.  Another little island is called "Money
island" and has been much dug for its treasure.
  Gov. Fletcher has had the reputation of countenancing the pirates, and
Nicholls, one of his council, has been handed down by tradition as their agent.
  An old account, London edition, of the Sea Rovers, from which I have seen
some reprint, says of New York, about the year 1695, that "the easy access
to the harbour, and the number of hiding places about its waters, together
with the laxity of the newly organized government, made it a great
rendezvous for pirates, where they might dispose of their booty and concert
new schemes of depredation.  There they sold at small prices their rich
luxuries and spoils of the Spanish provinces.  To some at least they were
welcome visiters, and for that reason, crews of these freebooters might be
seen swaggering about town in open day.  In time it became matter of
scandal, and a public pest, and the government at home was urgently applied
to [of course by the best part of the community] to suppress this evil".
  It was of course a matter understood, that to make spoliations on Spanish
provinces was so much reprisal for wrongs which Hollanders had suffered,
under the cruel Duke of Alva, in their fatherland.
  In 1699, Isaac Norris, Sen. writes, saying "We have four men in prison,
taken up as pirates, supposed to be Kid's men.  Shelly, of New York has
brought to these parts some scores of them, and there is a sharp look out to
take them.  We have various reports of their riches, and money hid between
this and the capes.  There were landed about twenty men, as we understand,
at each cape, and several are gone to York.  A sloop has been seen cruising
off the capes for a considerable time, but has not meddled with any vessel
as yet, though she has spoken with several".
  The above quoted letter, in the Logan MS. collection, goes to countenance
the prevalent idea of hidden money.  The time concurs with the period
Captain Kid was known to have returned to the West Indies.  It may have been
the very sloop in which Kid himself was seeking means of conveying home his
treasure, and with which he finally went into Long Island sound to endeavour
to make his peace.  Four of the men, landed at Lewistown, were apprehended
and taken to Philadelphia; I saw the bill of their expense,* but heard no
more of them, save that I saw that Colonel Quarry, at Philadelphia, was
reproached by William Penn for permitting the bailing of the pirates; some
were also bailed at Burlington -- Vide Penn's letter of 1701.  [* Wessell
Alricks, of Newr county, (New Castle) was paid £9, for bringing pirates in
1700, to Philadelphia, from the Whore-kills -- Logan MSS.]  One man of
Jersey was arrested by James Logan, on his own declaration that he had so
hid money on Cape May, but the case was discharged by Logan himself, as
something like a hoax.  William Clark, the collector of customs "down the
Delaware" at Lewistown I presume, had his house robbed by pirates, as he
alleged.
  A letter from Jonathon Dickinson, then at Port Royal, dated the 5th of
4mo. 1699, to his wife then in Philadelphia, says "Many pirates are and have
been upon the coast.  About two days since came news of Captain Kid's being
upon our coast, being come from the East Indies with a great booty, but
wants provisions.  He is in a ship which he took from the natives of those
parts, having thirty odd guns, with twenty-five white men and thirty
negroes.  There is gone hence, two days since, Ephraim Pilkerton, in a sloop
well manned, to go and take him".  Probably the reason of so few men on
board the "Quedah" was, that Kid himself was absent in the sloop before
mentioned.
  An original letter, which I have seen, from John Askew in London, dated
22d of 3 mo. 1701, to Jonathan Dickinson, contains a "postscriptum"
intimating the finale of this bold sea rover -- saying, "Captain Kid and
some other pirates are to execute tomorrow at execution Dock, in Wapping;
Kid, to be gibbetted at Tillberry Fort, Gravesend."
  As a sequel to the whole, came out the ballad song of Captain Kid -- a
great rarity in the present day, although the pensive tones are still known
to some, and have been lately revived in much bad taste among the eccentric
camp-meeting hymns -- singing "Farewell, ye blooming youth" &c.  For the use
of the curious, both the facts and the style of this pirate song are here
preserved, from the recollections of an ancient person, to wit :

       1. My name was Captain Kid,
          When I sail'd, when I sail'd,
          My name is Captain Kid,
          And so wickedly I did,
          God's laws I did forbid
          When I sail'd, when I sail'd

       2. My name, &c.
          I roam'd from sound to sound,
          And many a ship I found,
          And them I sunk or burn'd
          When I sail'd, when I sail'd.

       3.  My name, &c.
            I murdered William Moore,
           And laid him in his gore,
           Not many leagues from shore,
           When I sail'd, when I sail'd.

       4. My name, &c.
           Farewell to young and old,
           All jolly seamen bold;
           You're welcome to my gold,
           For I must die, I must die.

       5. My name is, &c.
          Farewell to Lunnon town,
          The pretty girls all round ;
          No pardon can be found,
          And I must die, I must die.

       6. My name, &c.
          Farewell, for I must die
          Then to eternity,
          In hideous misery,
          I must lie, I must lie.


                                BLACKBEARD

  It would appear as if none of the pirates so much agitated the minds of
our proper ancestors as Blackbeard -- his very name raising ideas of
something terrific and cruel.  Hid proper name was Teach, who acquired the
`cognomen' as possessing in his person an alarming black beard, probably
cherished for purposes of effect to terrify his enemy, and as in full
keeping with his black or bloody flag.  His depredations in our proper seas
were considerably more modern than the piracies of Kid; and after
Blackbeard's career was ended in 1718, there were many, as we shall
presently show, to succeed him.  But we have, however, mention of a pirate,
even earlier than Kid's known piracies, even as early as his privateering;
for very early in the rise of our infant city, one Brown, of the assembly, a
son-in-law of the deputy governor, Colonel Markham, was refused his seat in
the house on his alleged connexion with the pirates.  [Wilcox Phillips, who
kept the inn for many years at the east end of the long stone bridge leading
to the Kensington market place (who would now be about a hundred years of
age) told an aged friend of mine that his grandfather, who lived on or about
that spot, used to tell him that a pirate had actually wintered his vessel
in the Cohocksinc creek, a little above that bridge.]  They doubtless found
such a defenceless place a ready market to vend some of their spoil, and the
naval regulations could have had little or no means to prevent clandestine
commerce.  The bay and river doubtless furnished them many a secure place in
which they could refit or provide their necessary supplies.  Perhaps as
jolly sailors, full of money and revelry, they sometimes found places even
of welcome, from those who might choose to connive at their real character.
We find, as early as 1692, that one Babit and others stole a sloop from
Philadelphia for purposes of piracy, and also committed some thefts in the
river.  It was, however, but a small affair, and yet, small as it was, it
much excited the town.
  In the year 1701, such were the apprehensions from pirates from their
depredations on the seacoast, that watches were appointed to give alarm in
Sussex.
  Mrs. Bulah Coates, (once Jacquet -- this was the name of the Dutch
governor in Delaware in 1658) the grandmother of Samuel Coates, Esq., late
an aged citizen, told him that she had seen and sold goods to the celebrated
Blackbeard, she then keeping a store in High street, No. 77, where
Beninghove owned and dwelt -- a little west of Second street.  He bought
freely and paid well.  She then knew it was he, and so did some others.  But
they were afraid to arrest him, lest his crew when they should hear of it,
should avenge his cause by some midnight assault.  He was too politic to
bring his vessel or crew within immediate reach; and at the same time was
careful to give no direct offence to any of the settlements where they
wished to be regarded as visiters and purchasers, &c.
  Blackbeard was also seen at sea by the mother of the late Dr. Hugh
Williamson, of New York; she was then in her youth, coming to this country
and their vessel was captured by him.  The very aged John Hutton, who died
in Philadelphia in 1792, well remembered to have seen Blackbeard at
Barbadoes, after he had come in under the Act of Oblivion.  This was but
shortly before he made his last cruise, and was killed, in 1718.  The late
aged Benjamin Kite has told me, that he had seen in his youth an old black
man, nearly a hundred years of age, who had been one of Blackbeard's pirates
by impressment.  He lived many years with George Grey's family, the brewer
in Chestnut street, near to Third street.  The same Mr. Kite's grandfather
told him he well knew one Crane, a Swede, at the Upper ferry, on Schuylkill,
who used to go regularly in his boat to supply Blackbeard's vessel at State
island.  He also said it was known that the freebooter used to visit an inn
in High street, near to Second street, with his sword by his side.  There is
a traditionary story, that Blackbeard and his crew used to visit and revel
at Marcus Hook at the house of a Swedish woman, whom he was accustomed to
call Marcus, as an abbreviation of Margaret.
  How long Blackbeard exercised his piracies before the years 1717 and `18,
which terminated his profligate career, I am not enabled to say, but in this
time the MS. papers in the Logan collection make frequent mention of him and
others, as in that hateful pursuit, to wit :
  In 1717, Jonathan Dickinson at Philadelphia writes, saying "The pirates
have not yet quitted our coast, and have taken one of our vessels at the
cape, in which you happily did not ship my wine".
  In August 1718, he writes -- "We have account from Virginia, that two
small sloops fitted out there, and manned by the men-of-war's men against
Captain Teach, alias Blackbeard, conquered his vessel after a bloody battle
and carried Teach's head into Virginia.  We have heard too that Major Bonet
and his crew, with another crew, were hanged in South Carolina; and one
Taylor and his crew at Providence.  But this latter wants confirmation.  How
these sort of men have fared in other parts we wait to hear.  For these two
summers they have greatly annoyed our trade.  They pillaged one of my
vessels, and destroyed the letters."
  In another letter he writes and says "Colonel Spotswood, governor of
Virginia, formed a design with the captain of a small man-of-war to send out
two of their country sloops with about fifty men, to attack Captain Teach,
alias Blackbeard, a pirate then at North Carolina, whom they took and
brought his head into Virginia, after a bloody battle, and most of them
killed and wounded" **-- he also adds a sentence of peculiar character,
saying "I have to remark that papers and letters taken in Blackbeard's
possession will strongly affect some persons in the government of North
Carolina !" [** James Logan says Governor Spotswood had before sent on to
Philadelphia to get proclamations printed, offering a generous reward for
pirates.]
  In 1717, James Logan writes saying, "We have been extremely pestered with
pirates, who now swarm in America, and increase their numbers by almost
every vessel they take -- [compelling them to enter by coercion or
otherwise.] If speedy care be not taken they will become formidable, being
now at least fifteen hundred strong.  They have very particularly talked of
visiting this place; many of them being well acquainted with it, and some
born in it, for they are generally all English and therefore know our
government can make no defence".
  In the same year he writes to the governor of New York, saying, "We have
been very much disturbed the last week [in October] by the pirates.  They
have taken and plundered six or seven vessels to or from this place; some
they took to their own use, and some they dismissed after plundering them.
Some of our people having been several days on board of them, had much free
discourse with them.  They say they are about eight hundred strong at
Providence, and I know not how many at Cape Fear, where they are making a
settlement.  Captain Jennings, they say, is their governor in chief, and
heads them in their settlement.  The sloop that came on our coast had about
one hundred and thirty men, all stout fellows, all English, and doubly
armed.  They said they waited for their consort, of twenty-six guns, when
they designed to visit Philadelphia !  Some of our masters says they know
almost every man on board -- most of them having been lately in the river;
their commander is Teach, who was here a mate from Jamaica about two years
ago."  In another letter he says, "They are now busy about us to lay in
their stores of provisions for the winter".
  In October 1718, James Logan again writes to Colonel Hunter, the governor
of New York, by express, saying, "We are now sending down a small vessel to
seize those rogues, if not strengthened from sea.  We are in manifest danger
here, unless the king's ships [which seem careless of the matter] take some
notice of us; they probably think a proprietary government no part of their
charge.  [At that time, as J. Logan writes to John Askew in London, there
was a king's ship at New York, and three or four in Virginia.]  It is
possible, indeed, that the merchants of New York, some of them I mean, might
not be displeased to hear we are all reduced to ashes.  [Even so early it
seems there were jealousies of trade !]  Unless these pirates be deterred
from coming up our rivers by the fear of men-of-war outside to block them
in, there is nothing but what we may fear from them; for that unhappy
pardon, [the same Teach before embraced] has given them a settled
correspondence every where, and an opportunity [mark this !] of lodging
their friends where they please, to come to their assistance; and no where
in America [mark this !] I believe, so much as in this town.  Remember too,"
says he, "that one of the capes of Delaware, and half of our bay and river,
are under thy government".
  Such was the picture of piracy, which once distressed and alarmed our
forefathers, and shows to itself much of the cause of the numerous vague
tales we still occasionally hear of Blackbeard and the pirates.  Here we
have direct fact of his then being on the coast, well armed, with a crew of
one hundred and thirty men, and waiting the arrival of another vessel, when
he meditated a visit of rapine and plunder on Philadelphia itself !  Think
too of his crew being men generally known to captains in Philadelphia --
some of them born among us -- others had been lately in the river, and the
whole busily concerting schemes to lay in their winter supply of provisions;
and all this through the assistance on shore of former pirates among them,
who had been pardoned by the Act of Oblivion, and on the whole, produced
such favour to their object, even in Philadelphia itself, surpassing any
other town !  Think too of the alleged force of the whole concentred outlaws
-- such as eight hundred in Providence, and so many at Cape Fear, in North
Carolina, as to have their own governor !
  As some incidental proof of "the assistance on shore" from pirates,
holding their place among us under the former Act of Oblivion and Pardon, we
may add, to wit :  Isaac Norton, writing to his friend in October, 1718,
says, "My son Harrison, moving from Maryland, had all his household goods
and a value of English goods and stores, on board of G Grant's shallop,
taken between Apoquiminy and New Castle, and carried off, with two valuable
negro men, by eight or ten pirates in an open boat -- rogues that lately
came in on the king's proclamation !  Grant (the owner of the shallop !) is
suspected to be in the confederacy, and is in prison -- having secreted
goods belonging to R. Harrison, found with him, to the value of forty or
fifty pounds."  [This is the same family into which the Hon. Charles Thomson
married; they settled at Harriton, in Merion, where C.T. lived and died.]
  The same year (1718) I found that the grand jury in Philadelphia presented
a case of piracy, to wit :  John Williams, Joseph Cooper,* Michael Grace,
William Asheton, George Gardner, Francis Royer and Henry Burton, with force
of arms, viz., with swords, guns, cutlasses &c., forcibly took the sloop
Antelope of twenty-two tons, riding in the Delaware, and bore her off, &c.
It was, however, marked "Ignoramus", as not found, probably from the
difficulty of procuring witnesses.  [*It may be seen in the sequel that Joe
Cooper became commander of a pirate vessel, and he and his crew came to
their untimely end in the bay of Honduras, in 1725.]
  When we thus consider "their friends" thus "lodged among us every where",
it presents additional reasons for the ideas of buried treasure of the
pirates, once so very prevalent among the people, of which I have presented
several facts of digging for it, under the head of Superstitions; they
believing that Blackbeard and his accomplices buried money and plate in
numerous obscure places near the rivers; and sometimes, if the value was
great, they killed a prisoner near it, so that his ghost might keep his
vigils there and terrify those who might approach.  Those immediately
connected with pirates might keep their own secrets, but as they might have
children and connexions about, it might be expected to become the talk of
their posterity in future years, that their fathers had certain concealed
means of extravagant living; they may have heard them talk mysteriously
among their accomplices of going to retired places for concealed things, &c.
In short, if given men had participation in the piracies, it was but natural
that their proper posterity should get some hints, under reserved and
mysterious circumstances of hidden treasure, if it existed.  Certainly it
was once much the expectation and the talk of the times -- for instance, the
very old two-story house at the north-east corner of Second street and
Gray's alley, (i.e. Morris' alley) originally built for Stephen Anthony, in
digging its cellar they found there a pot of money, supposed to have been
buried by the pirates.  This story I heard from several very aged persons.
I have stated elsewhere the fact of finding another pot of money in Spruce
street near Front street.
  It may seem strange to us that so much aggregate depravity among English
seamen could have been found, as to accumulate such numbers of pirates as
alleged at Providence and Cape Fear, but they had just come out of a war in
which privateering had been much fostered and depended upon by many.  It
presents an awful proof of the corruption of morals usually produced by the
legalized robbery, called privateering, so generally conducted in an
irresponsible manner.  Indeed the ideas of privateersmen and pirates were so
identified in the minds of people generally, that a privateer was often
called the pirate.
  I happen to know the fact that Blackbeard, whose family name was given as
Teach, was in reality named Drummond, a native of Bristol.  I have learned
this fact from one of his family and name, of respectable standing in
Virginia, near Hampton.  Captain Drummond was a half-crazed man, under high
excitements, by his losses and imprisonment from the French.  He had been a
privateersman out of Liverpool, and had made several French captures, all of
which he lost by their restoration at the peace.  He then went again to sea
and took all French vessels which he could, AS A PIRATE, and eventually,
being an outlaw, he captured all kinds of whatever he came across.  His
surgeon, for a part of his time, was a Doctor Cabot, who became the ancestor
of a family of respectability in Virginia.  The name of Teach, it may be
observed, seems to be a feigned name, because no such name can be found in
the Philadelphia or New York Directories, just as I happen to know, that the
names of Crowell, in this country, is an altered name, in 1675, from
Cromwell, the Protector.
  When the vessel which captured Blackbeard returned to Virginia, they set
up his head on a pike planted at "Blackbeard point", then an island.
Afterwards, when his head was taken down, his skull was made into the bottom
part of a very large punch bowl, called the infant, which was long used as a
drinking vessel at the Raleigh tavern at Williamsburg.  It was enlarged with
silver, or silver plated; and I have seen those whose forefathers have
spoken of their drinking punch from it, with a silver ladle appurtenant to
that bowl.
  There is at present a large marble tombstone, in a grave place half a mile
out of Hampton, on the Pembroke farm of John Jones, Esq., which had been
placed there by governor Nicholson in 1700, which records the death of Peter
Heysham, Esq., collector of the customs, who had been killed as a volunteer
on board the king's ship, the Shoreham, in a brave encounter with a pirate
on the coast; most probably, from the date with Kidd.  The action lasted
seven hours, and the governor was also present.  Near the same grave are
three others, of like marble, with family arms, of the years 1697, 1700, and
1719.  These graves had been for many years overgrown with underbrush and
accumulated earth, and were lately unexpectedly brought to light, by a
clearing off of the place.
  In noticing the history of the pirates, there ought to be considered the
cause and time of their origin, and why it appears, in the old books and
accounts of them, that the Turks, Moors, and Sallee pirates were so often
named as being dreaded on the Atlantic, and even in the West Indies !  All
these inquiries may be satisfied by noticing what has been said by Capt.
Smith, in his History of Virginia, London edition, 1626.
  He gives an account of the making of the Moors of Barbary to become
pirates.  He says the long peace under King James put sea-warriors out of
employ, and caused them to turn pirates -- some for money, some for bravery,
and some for vanity of a fearful name.  They chose Barbary, because of its
numerous convenient roads.  Thus Ward, a poor English sailor, and Danaker, a
Dutchman, first began their career there, even when the Moors scarcely knew
how to sail a ship.  Then followed Easton, who got rich -- these taught the
Moors to serve them.  Then followed Jennings, Harris, Thompson and others,
whose names he gives.  Several were executed in time of King James, at
Wapping -- such as Hewes, Smith, Ellis, Collins, &c., all captains -- had
good ships, and well manned, but quarrelled some among themselves -- finally
became debauched, and so eventually the Turks and Moors took the ascendency
of them, and made them serve themselves as subordinates -- themselves having
learned their practices, with better command of their passions and interests.
  When I published the Annals, I said I could not hear of any one who then
had Bradford's edition of the old pirates, in which was contained the
history of Mary Read and Anne Bonney, female pirates -- the former of
England, the latter of Charleston, S.C., though born in Cork.  I have since
met with "The Pirates' Own Book", Boston edition of 1837, which is
manifestly formed from that old book, and gives the lives of those two
females.  From this book I find sundry additional facts concerning Capt.
Robert Kidd and Blackbeard, from which I select the following additional
facts, not before stated in my account of them.  This is, therefore,
supplemental -- to wit :
  Edward Teach (Blackbeard) was born in Bristol, England.  He was first a
privateersman in the West Indies, against the French.  He began his piracies
in a ship of 40 guns, called "Queen Anne's Revenge".  Blackbeard often
changed his vessels.  At one time he came off Charleston, S.C., with his
fellow pirate, Richards, and one or two other vessels.  There they remained
some days without the bar, capturing vessels and causing much terror to the
inhabitants, and stopping all trade FROM the port.  While there, Teach sent
in Capt. Richards, with one of his prisoners, to demand of the governor
medicines, on pain of his destroying his prisoners.  It was granted, and
Richards and his men actually walked the town audaciously and unmolested.
After this he ran ashore upon North Carolina, and made his terms of
surrender to the governor.  "The gold of Blackbeard (it is said) rendered
him comely in the governor's eye, and through his aid he obtained a legal
right to the great ship, the Revenge," -- "the governor condemning her at
Bath Town Court, as a lawful prize to the captor !"  While in North
Carolina, Blackbeard married a young woman of good family, the governor
being present at the ceremonies !  She was said to have been his fourteenth
wife -- twelve of whom were still living.  He went off again to his
piracies, and brought his captures into North Carolina, and had them again
condemned -- the governor and he sharing spoils !  Blackbeard "passed
several months in the river, giving and receiving visits from the planters"
&c. -- they probably not knowing his real character.  In time they began to
know it -- and they and sundry captains of vessels made their representation
to the governor of Virginia, as too much distrusting their own governor.
The governor of Virginia hired two small vessels, and gave the command to
Lieut. Maynard, who on the 17th Nov. 1717, sailed from James river in quest,
and found Blackbeard on the 21st, with but few of his men on board.  A
fierce fight ensued -- Maynard and Blackbeard hand to hand -- the latter
received twenty cuts and as many shots before he fell dead.  He struck off
his head, and hung it on the end of his bowsprit, on his return to Virginia.
They found on board the prize, letters and papers which criminated the
governor of North Carolina and his secretary.  The prisoners taken were
tried and executed in Virginia, and old court records ought, even now, to
show the facts.  It is said of Blackbeard that he was peculiarly reckless
and gay in his wickedness.  For instance, he has cocked his pistols at his
own banquet, and fired at one of his guests, saying, "he must now and then
kill a man to make them know and fear him."  He has gone into his hold with
some of his men to be smoked with brimstone, "to make a hell of their own
beforehand, for trial !"  He had kept a kind of journal, which was found,
containing remarks like these, viz. : -- "Rum all out -- our company
somewhat sober -- a d__d confusion among us -- rogues are plotting -- talk
of separation -- I must look sharp for a prize."  To cherish his long black
beard, he used to twist it up in portions with ribbon.  In time of action he
wore three braces of pistols in a sling, over his shoulders.
     “ It might be curious now to learn what family in North Carolina (like
Kidd, in New York) may have had the distinguishing infamy of being
descendants of the above young wife !  One might ask too, why should we not
expect some one of his wives to be about the Delaware and to have progeny ? “
   In the year 1837, Anthony Backhouse, of Virginia, farmer, at the mouth of
Tanners creek, adjoining Pomfret, ploughed up a box of gold and silver coin,
amounting to 14,000 dollars.  The Norfolk Herald says, "The opinion of
course has precedence, that his money was one of the numerous deposits made
on our coast by Blackbeard ".
  Robert Venables, the old black man who died in 1834 aged 98, told me that
he knew personally an old black man and Carr, a drayman in Gray's alley,
both of whom had been with Blackbeard.
  He had heard that Blackbeard had dealings with "Charles ------", the owner
of a shallop packet to Burlington -- who used, when about to start, to go
around the little town, crying, "ho ! Burlington, ho !"  He supplied the
pirate with flour, &c.  Heard often of pirates' money.  He knew that
Murdock, Riley, Farrel and others, went to Point-no-point to dig -- success
not known -- some said they were frightened off.  Used to hear that Stephen
Anthony, at corner of Gray's alley and Second street, found a pot of money
in digging for his cellar.  His black, Friday, first came to it in digging,
and showed its outward shape. The master, to conceal and keep it, quickly
sent off Friday for drink, and when he returned, the pot was gone !  Such
was the story.
   Robert's mother, at Bridgetown, Barbadoes, knew there a Mary Read, who
turned pirate.
  The 11th August 1718, Gov. Keith being present in council, (vide minutes)
presented the case of a pirate vessel arrived -- being surrendered by the
men.  The arms and ammunition are ordered into charge -- among them are "10
great guns" and "9 peteraroes", 1 doctor's chest, 1 black flag, 1 red flag,
2 ensigns, 1 jack, &c.  The governor remarks, that "one Teach, a noted
pirate, (Blackbeard) had done the greatest mischief of any of the place, and
was then said to be lurking for some time in and about this town"; and for
that cause he had granted a warrant for his apprehension, as well as for
several others hereabouts, who having received certificates of pardon upon
their surrender under the royal proclamation to this and other governments,
and were now said to be in active correspondence with other pirates at
large, &c.
  The 17th October 1718, the governor presents a bill of £90, expenses
incurred in the expedition of two sloops to the capes, in pursuit of the
pirates, commanded by Captain Raymond and Naylor.
  A republication of 1829, by H. Benton, of Hartford, called the "History of
the Pirates" has an account of Mr. Woodes Rogers, a governor and
vice-admiral of the Bahamas, going out to Nassau in July 1718, and there
granting pardon on submission of one thousand pirates on shore, they having
for their Captains, Hornygold, Davis, Carter, Burgess, Current, Clark and
others.  To some of these the governor gave civil commissions.  When the
Spanish war occurred, many of them were glad again to go out privateering.
There are not any cases of marked cruelty represented in the book.
Plundering was the chief of their action, and killing when in fight.
  On the 4th July 1726, Governor William Dummer and his council, condemned,
at Boston, Captain William Fly and three of his men, as pirates, who were
hung in chains in the harbour.  Captain Bellamy and seven others, about the
same time, get ashore at Eastham, and are captured, condemned and executed.
  In the proceedings of the court at Philadelphia, in June 1697, present
Governor Markham, Edward Shippen, Charles Sanders, John Farmer and Charles
Sober, justices; David Lloyd, attorney general; Thomas Robinson, attorney
for the Earl of Romney -- the case of James Brown, member of assembly and
son-in-law to Governor Markham, is brought up for trial; Jan Mathias, a
Swede, and Peter Clawson, a Dutchman, are the witnesses against him.  They
give long and vague stories of their numerous voyages, all the world over,
with apparent wishes to cover over any direct or voluntary piracies of their
own, and neither of them present any positive culpability on Mr. Brown, who
was probably favoured at last with a "nulle prosequi" as no decision is
recorded.  Their story, if much condensed, would go to say, that in Africa,
they were forced into Captain Avery's pirate vessel -- fought a great Turk
in the Red sea, took his money and let him go -- did not meet with much to
engage or capture, and being at length in the East Indies in 1693-4, James
Brown, the person indited, came on board and asked if he might be indulged
in a passage home to Rhode Island, and the crew being first consulted, he
took his passage on board; after that they fell in with no more vessels or
plunder !  They came across the ocean to Cat island, thence to Providence,
where the witnesses and some others were discharged.  Some of them went to
New London and some to New York, finally to West Jersey, and then to
Philadelphia, where hearing that a man had come to seize Avery and all his
men, and that there was also a proclamation of pardon, they forthwith
surrendered to the authorities !  It came out on the whole that James Brown
was also in the Red sea, and came on board from the "New Bark" from Rhode
Island.
  In March, 1704, Samuel Lowman, Esq., collector of the port of Lewes, (vide
Minutes of Council) his bill of expenses as evidence in Philadelphia, in the
year 1700, against certain persons of the port of Lewes, who had illegally
traded with Captain Kidd's ship, the Pirate, for which they were then
apprehended.  These pirates, about eighty in number, had before plundered
Lewestown, and threatened to do the same at New Castle, but were hindered by
the arrival of a large vessel with German passengers.  The prisoners named
are Robert Brandingham and William Stanton.
  It would seem as if the pirates, by hook or crook, found means to escape
the toils of law, so much so as to give offence to some; for I find among
the scandals of the time, some one had set forth in a printed pamphlet, of
1703, that "these Quakers have a neat way of getting money by encouraging
the pirates, when they bring in good store of gold, so that when Avery's men
were here, the Quaking justices were for letting them live quietly, or else
they are bailed too easily."
  In the Book of Pirates, we find a few additional facts concerning Captain
Robert Kidd and his compatriots.  The king's commission to Kidd, while he
affected to be a legal privateersman, incidentally named the pirates whom he
was intended to capture, say Captain Thomas Too, John Ireland, Captain
Thomas Wake, Captain Maze, or Mace, and other subjects, natives or
inhabitants of New York and elsewhere in America, they being pirates upon
the American seas &c.  [None of their histories are in the book.]  Some of
them were natives of New Jersey, nearest to New York.  With Kidd were
executed as his accomplices, Nicholas Churchill, James How, Gabriel Loff,
Hugh Parrott, Abel Owens and Darby Mullins.  It was proved that Kidd had
killed his gunner, "William Moor" in a quarrel.  Nicholas Churchill and
James How proved, by Colonel Bass, the governor of West Jersey, that they
had surrendered to him under the amnesty, or pardon.  It seems that there
was a board of commissioners under the king, to grant pardons to such
repenting pirates as should come in and accept.  It will not fail to be
observed, in the foregoing and similar cases of names, that none of them are
of the true HOLLAND race.  Still it is known, that the New Yorkers, even as
Dutchmen, were keen enemies of the Spaniards, who had so long devastated
their fatherland.  They might have been willing to wink at their aggressions
on their possessions in the West Indies and South America.  Even the English
colonists had no aversion to their being roughly scourged, even in time of
peace.

                           OTHER  PIRATES

  The death of Blackbeard and his immediate companions appears to have no
visible restraint on the spirit of desperate adventure in others.  It
doubtless broke the connexion with us on shore; but as general sea-rovers,
there still continued later accounts of several roaming and ravaging on the
high seas, to wit :
  In the Gazettes of 1720, there is frequent mention of our vessels
encountering "pirates" in the West Indies.  They are pillaged, but not
murdered; nor otherwise so barbarously maltreated as now.
  In 1721, it is observed that "the pirates" act generally under the colours
of Spain and France.  "We have advice that Captain Edwards, the famous
pirate, is still in the West Indies, where they have done incredible damage"
and at the same time the Gazette says, "A large sloop has been seen from
hence (off Cape May) cruising on and off for ten days together, supposed to
be a pirate" and three weeks later she is mentioned as running ten leagues
up the bay, and thence capturing a large prize.
  In 1722, mention is made of a pirate brigantine which appears off and at
Long Island -- commanded by one Lowe, a Bostonian.  They had captured a
vessel with five women in her, and sent them into port in safety in another
vessel.  His name often afterwards occurs as very successful; at one time he
took Hondurus, &c.  One Evans, another pirate, is also named.  While Lowe
was off Long Island, several vessels were promptly fitted out against him,
but none brought back any renown.
  In 1723, the above "Captain Lowe, the pirate, and his consort, Harris,
came near the Hook; there they got into action with his majesty's ship, the
Greyhound.  The two pirates bore the black flag, and were commanded by the
celebrated Lowe."  The  Greyhound captured Harris' vessel, having
thirty-seven whites and six blacks prisoners; but Lowe's vessel escaped,
having on board, it is said, £150,000 in gold and silver.  The names of the
prisoners are published, and all appear to be American or English.  They
were tried and all executed, not long after, at Long Island.  What a hanging
day for forty-four persons at once !
  Before this action they had probably been near Amboy &c., as it was just
before announced that "the two pirate vessels looked into Perth Amboy, and
into New York".
  On the return of Captain Solgard to New York of the Greyhound, he is
presented the freedom of the city and a gold snuffbox.  Lowe is afterwards
heard of as making prizes of twenty French vessels at Cape Breton.  He is
stated as peculiarly cruel since his fight above, to Englishmen, cutting and
slitting their ears and noses.  There is also named one Lowder -- another
pirate on the banks.
  In 1724, Lowe, the pirate, lately came across a Portuguese, and plundered
her.  His vessel is a ship of thirty guns, called the Merry Christmas; he
has another ship in company as his consort.  Captain Ellison, of New York,
was taken in sight of Barbadoes, by Sprigg the pirate, by whom he was well
treated, though plundered some.  Soon after, the Gazette announces that it
is said that Sprigg the pirate, is to come on our coast to the eastward, to
careen.  He is in the Old Squirrel man-of-war, which being sold for a
merchantman, was taken by Lowe, and run away with by Sprigg and others of
Lowe's crew.  He says when he gets more men he will come and take Captain
Solgard, with whom he before fought off the Hook, and who was at this time
again out in the Greyhound, cruising along the coast for pirates.
  The same year (1724) it is announced that they heard from Honduras by
Captain Smith, that "Sprigg, the pirate" is there in the Bachelor's Delight,
of twenty-four guns, in company with Skipton in the Royal Fortune, of
twenty-two guns -- the same which had been commanded by Lowe, but his crew
mutinying set him ashore.  Skipton is a north countryman and merciful.  They
promise to visit our coasts in the spring.
  In 1725, it is said that Sprigg the pirate, was put ashore by his men in
the West Indies, whereby he was taken prisoner to Jamaica.  From Barbadoes
it is heard that Line, who was commander of his consort, was taken into
Curracoa.  There they were paraded to the prison, with their black silk flag
!  Line had lost his nose and an eye, and the wounds of his men stank as
they walked.  Line confessed he had killed thirty-seven masters of vessels !
-- Possibly it was boasting over-much.  Skipton the pirate, with eighty men,
is stated to have been taken by his majesty's ship, the Diamond, in the bay
of Honduras, together with Joseph Cooper,* another pirate vessel.  When one
of these vessels saw she must surrender, the captain with many of his men
went into the cabin and blew themselves up.  [*Joe Cooper was before
mentioned as a pirate, known and presented by the grand jury at
Philadelphia, in 1718.]
  This year of 1725 appears to have been fatal to the pirates.  Their career
seemed almost every where run out, and terrible and inglorious their end --
"The way of the transgressor is hard !"  After this the former frequent
mention of pirates, in almost every weekly paper, subsides.  The peaceful
and honest mariners no longer fear to traverse the ocean.  There were still
delays of justice to some, when, as late as October 1731, Captain Macferson
and four others were tried for piracy and hanged.


Chapter 5.                    THE SWEDES 

  The arrival time of the Swedes on the Delaware has hitherto been a
difficult subject to settle with certainty.  I shall herein endeavour to
settle the date at the year 1627, for the reasons which will be found below.
  I had, in my former edition of Annals, set it down for the year 1631,
taking my date from Campanius.  But he was not as good an authority as the
Rev. Mr. Rudman's MS account, since made public by the Rev. Mr. Clay, in his
late publication, "the History of the Swedes on the Delaware".  Thomas
Campanius Holm, who wrote the history which he published in 1702, derived it
all from his grandfather's MS. notes and papers, and may have easily
mistaken 1631 for 1637, or the difference may have been a printer's error,
easily made.  From the same cause, Proud, who used the time 1627, may have
written 1637, and been misprinted by ten years; just as his printer printed
the 24th October instead of the 27th October, as the landing day of Penn at
New Castle.
  The Rev. John Campanius, who came out with Governor Printz in 1642, must
have known, and have written the true time, if he had had occasion to have
intended to mark the time.  The history by his grandson, Thomas Campanius
Holm, however, only speaks incidentally; for when speaking of the
subscription and sanction of the public men to the colonization, as done in
1627, he says, "soon after the Swedes and Fins went to the South river" --
the Delaware.  At another place he says, "the Christina fort was first built
when the Swedes arrived in 1631."  From such authority, many of the
subsequent writers may have been misled.  First, Campanius Holm, may have
copied wrongly, and from him Smith and Proud take the time of 1627; and
others, like Holmes, in his American Annals, --- the time of the fort, in 1631.
  But we know from official record, still on file at New York, (quoted by
Moulton) that Governor Keith remonstrated in 1638, soon after his arrival,
against the building of the fort at Christina.  It is dated the 6th of May,
1638, referring no doubt to a matter begun before the writing of the letter;
1638.  The same period advocated by Moulton in his history, and also adopted
by the Encyclopedia Americana.  Acrelius, having published his book
fifty-seven years later than Campanius, had his sufficient reasons then, for
differing seven or eight years from Campanius, whose book he had read and
considered.
  It has  been admitted, on all hands, that the Swedes came out here in the
reign and under the patronage of Queen Christina.  Thomas Campanius Holm
infers, however, that it was in the time of Gustavus Adolphus because the
king's proclamation, of 1626, allowed the emigrants to depart in March and
May 1627, as he says -- We know from history, that she only began to reign
in 1632-3, as a minor.  Of course her government could not have given
sanction to any public acts assigned to 1631.  She was born in 1626, and
died in 1654.
  The Swedish papers, copied from the archives at Stockholm for the
Philosophical Society at Philadelphia, as procured and sent out by our
minister, Mr. Russel, have their earliest dates in the year 1640, but they
seem to refer to an earlier date of colonization.  Among them is a paper of
grant of the ground, now Philadelphia, to Lieutenant Swan Schute, from Queen
Christina, dated 20th August 1653, just one year preceding her death.
  Finally, we come to the notice of the MS. accounts, (Swedish church
papers) left by the Rev. Mr. Rudman, as lately published in part, in the
book of the Rev. Mr. Clay, and this authority, on many accounts, we consider
as very conclusive of the year 1637-8.  Mr. Rudman came out in 1697, and
remained here till 1708.  He purposely made inquiries, and has left us
sundry results.  He says, in brief, "in 1693, there had been a list taken of
all the heads of families, of whom there were still alive when taken,
thirty-nine heads who had originally come from Sweden, and among them were
Peter Rambo and Andrew Bonds, who had been in the country fifty-four years;"
thus making the year of their arrival to have been in 1637- 8.  He says too,
"upon the authority of old Israel Holm and many others", that the Dutch were
here before the Swedes, and settled on the Jersey side, and that in the time
of Queen Christina, the Swedes came out in the ships Key of Calmer, and the
Griffin, and settled on the western side of the Delaware; there "buying their
lands from the Indians, from the capes to the falls" up the Delaware.  Mr.
Rudman further says, that the document and the survey, by M. Kling, were
both filed in the archives, and had been seen by him before he left Sweden
in 1697.
  [Thomas Budd, one of the first settlers of New Jersey, in his pamphlet,
speaking of the older Indians, says "their language was, that they were
injured by strong drink.  It was first sold to us by the Dutch; the next
people that came among us were the Swedes, and they also were blind and did
not see it was hurtful to us."]
  The author was the grandson of the Rev. John Campanius Holm, who went out
as chaplain with Governor Printz, in the year 1642, and continued with the
churches in Pennsylvania six years.  The father of the author was also in
the country at the same time, and from these two and sundry MSS., the author
has deduced the chief part of all that he has communicated.  It is not a
book of so much local interest and information as we could wish; and,
perhaps, the cause is in part explained, by his treating of what he never
saw.  Part of what he gives is derived by him from the MS. relation of
Lindstršm, an engineer officer with the colony.
  Acrelius -- (the Rev. Israel) who was in this country, a Swedish minister,
from 1749 to `56, has written more interestingly, and seen correctly,
concerning the earliest settlements of the Swedes.  The "description" is in
extracts, as follows, viz.:
  The banks of the river, are inhabited by a great number of Indians of
different (?) nations.  Their principal towns are six.  Poatquissing,
Pemickpacka (Pennipac),  Wequiquenske, Wickquakonich (Wiccaco), Passyunk,
and Nattabakonck (Schuylkill).  In each town there is a sachem or chief.
  The Schuylkill is (we think, the same) called "Menejeck, (Manayunk) a
large creek."
  Calabash is a plant growing in vines all along the creek.
  A monthly notice of the weather (much like the present times) is given for
ten years, from 1644 to `45.
  He asserts that the Swedes made the first settlement in the reign of
Gustavus Adolphus, at the instance and publication of William Ussaling, a
Dutchman.  He infers that it must have been in 1627, (the time given by
Proud) because all the preparation for it was made in 1626, by the king's
proclamation and grant of license to such a settlement in that year.  The
people of Sweden were to embark in the month of March; and those from
Livonia and Finland, in May of the year 1627.  [This is the year of the
birth of Queen Christina, who began, at six years of age, in 1633, to reign.]
  They seemed to wonder much at our large "sea spiders" found driven ashore
in our bay by the south winds.  Their description of them shows they must
have been our king crabs, popularly called horse-shoe crabs.
  The class of Swedish emigrants were of three kinds, to wit :  the
company's servants, who were employed in various capacities, and those who
went there to better their fortunes; both of these were, by way of
distinction, called freemen.  The third class "consisted of vagabonds and
malefactors" who were to remain in slavery, and to be employed in digging
the earth, throwing up trenches, and erecting walls and other
fortifications.  With such, the freemen had no intercourse; and they (the
former) had besides, their particular spot for their assigned residence.
Such was the earliest arrangement and purpose; but it so happened, that in
the beginning of Governor Printz's administration, when a great number of
those criminals were sent over from Sweden, the European inhabitants
combined to refuse their admission among them; wherefore they were returned,
and many of them perished on the return voyage.  After this severe lesson,
it was ordered that no more criminals should be sent; wherefore, we trust
that the Swedish families actually retained among us, as primitive settlers,
were "all good men and true" leaving no blur upon the reputation of their
descendants -- several of whom may be still traced among us, as may appear
by the following names, copied from a list actually taken in the year 1693,
for the information of William Penn.  The fact of their being in pluralities
is, indeed, self-evident proof that none of them could have been individual
criminals, to wit :

HEADS OF FAMILIES                     PERSONS

Peter Rambo, Senr........................2
Peter Rambo, Jr..........................6
Johan Rambo..............................6
Gunner Rambo ............................6
Anders Rambo.............................9
Capt. Lasse Cock, (since Cox)...... ....11
    Old Moses Cox, who owned the little triangular square at Little Dock and
    Spruce was a lineal descendant of the Cocks -- altered since to COX.
Eric Cock................................9
Mans Cock................................9
Johan Cock...............................8
Gabriel Cock.............................7
Otto Ernest Cock.........................5
Anders Bengtsson (since Bankson).........9
Bengt Bengysson..........................2
Anders Bonde (since Bond)...............11
      [And the Rev. Mr. Clay says, they are now called BOON.
Johan Bonde..............................1
Sven Bonde...............................5
Johan Svensson (since Swanson)...........9
Gunner Svensson..........................5
Miche Nilsson (since Nelson)............11
Anders Nilsson...........................3
Jonas     Do ............................4
Brita Gustafson (since Justice)..........6
Gostaf Gostafson.........................8
Hans      Do.............................7
Mans Gostafson...........................2
Jons    Do...............................3
Nils  Jonsson (since Johnson)............6
Mans     Do..............................6
Anders   Do..............................4
Jon      Do..............................2
Thomas   Do..............................1
Hans Joransson..........................11
Christiern Joransson.....................1
Joran          Do........................1
Staphan        Do........................5
Peter Stake..............................3
Marten Martensson, Senr..................3
Marten     Do.     Junr.................10
Mats       Do........................... 4
Peter Soccom (since Yocum)...............9
Matts Hollsten (since Holstein)..........7
Johan StillŽ.............................8
Anders Wihler (since Wheeler)............4
Eric Molica (hence "Mulica Hill NJ)......8
Jonas Kyn (since Keen)...................8
Matts Kyn................................3
Hans Kyn's widow ........................5
Nils Gastenberg..........................3
Eric Gastenberg..........................7
Lars Johansson (since Johnson)...........6
Didrich  Do..............................5
Simon    Do.............................10
Peter Stillman...........................4
Jonas    Do..............................4
Johan    Do..............................5
Casper Fisk.............................10
Peter Dahlbo  (since Dalb)...............9
Otto     Do..............................7
Johan Mattson...........................11
Nils     Do............................. 3
And. Perrson Longaker (now Longacre) ....7
Anders Frende............................4
Nils     Do., widow......................7
Rainer Peterson..........................2
Hans     Do..............................7
  Do.    Do..............................5
Paul     Do............................. 3
Peter    Do............................. 3
Carl     Do..............................5
Lars     Do..............................1
Brita    Do..............................8
Anders Kindricksson......................4
Johan      Do............................5
Do.        Do............................6
David      Do............................7
Jacob      Do............................5
Lucas Stedham............................7
Lyloff   Do..............................9
Adam     Do..............................8
Asmund   Do..............................5
Benj'n.  Do..............................7
Joran Anderson...........................5
Johan    Do..............................9
  Do.    Do..............................7
Hendrich Do..............................5
Broor Seneca............................ 7
Anders    Do.............................5
Jesper Wallraven.........................7
Jonas      Do............................1
Peter Palsson............................5
Olle Paulsson (since Poulson)............9
Bengt   Do...............................5
Gostaf  Do...............................6
Anders Hommau (Homans)...................9
Olle Diricksson..........................7
Anders Do................................1
Johan   Hoppman..........................7
Frederick  Do............................7
Anders     Do............................7
Nicholas   Do............................5
Olle Pehrsson  (since Pearson) ..........6
Lars    Do...............................1
Jacob Van der Weer (Vandeveer now) ......7
Cornelius    Do..........................1
Jacob        Do..........................3
Willem Van der Weer......................1
Peter Mansson............................3
Johan     Do.............................5
Hendrich Tossa...........................5
Johan      Do............................4
Matts      Do............................1
Lars       Do............................1
Christian Classon........................7
Jacob        Do..........................6
Lars Lucasson (since Lucas)..............1
Hans     Do..............................1
Peter    Do..............................1
Hendrich Larsson.........................6
Lars Hulling.............................1
Lars Larrson.............................7
Matts Ericsson (now Erickson) ...........3
Eric      Do.............................1
Goran     Do.............................1
Eric Goranson............................2
Matts Rapott.............................3
Nils     Do..............................3
Chierstin Stalcop........................3
Johan        Do..........................6
Peter        Do..........................6
Hendrich Slobey..........................2
Olle        Do...........................3
Olle Resse  (Reese)......................3

  There were also a few of the following surnames : -- Mink, Jacob,
Danielson, Schrage, Thorsson, Olsson, Talley, Iwarsson, Skrika, Grantum,
Kempe, Clemson, Kuckow, Meyer, Dennis, Savoy, Fransson, Stark, Long,
Knutsson, Frende, Ekhorn, Korrigh, Tay, Bure, Lock, Hallton; the whole list
constituting one hundred and eighty-eight families, and nine hundred and
seven individuals.
  I observe that the Rev. Mr. Clay's Annals of the Swedes, furnishes this
same list, as being the same taken from the document left by the Rev. Mr.
Rudman, minister from 1697 to 1708 (when he died).  The list, as so left,
states one hundred and thirty-nine families, and nine hundred and
thirty-nine individuals; and says, that thirty-nine of the list were native
Swedes, of whom Peter Rambo and Andrew Bonde, had been in the country
fifty-four years, (making their arrival in or near 1639).
  It may be remarked, that their names are often compounded, after the
manner of the Welsh, by adding the word "son".  Thus Paulsson (Poulson) is
the son of Paul; Lucasson, is the son of Lucas (Luke), and "Goran Ericsson"
is the son of Eric, and "Eric Goransson"  is the son of Goran; "Svenson" is
the son of Sven, I.E. Swanson, &c.

  Descendants, and even acquaintances, of the foregoing names, will feel,
necessarily, some interest in this exhibition of names thus made honourable,
as the proper `primores' and `magnates' of our country !  They are entitled
to the distinction, thus given, and let it be perpetuated.  ESTU PERPETUA !
  The desire of the Swedish families to come out here must have been very
great, as Mr. Lindstrom observes that, when he sailed, "more than one
hundred families of good and honest men, with their wives and children,
presented more than the ship could carry" and, on another occasion, several
vessels were prevented from going by the Spaniards.
  Great pains were taken that they should be well sustained in their new
home by a Gospel ministry.  To this end, a regular supply was sent out, and
some  by the Bishop of Upsal of "men of sound learning and approved piety".
  There was a great treaty held at Printz's hall, on Tinicum island, on the
17th June 1654, at which were present ten sachems and a renewal was then
made of former leagues and covenants.
  We are not aware of any place, now known, on which any of the aforesaid
Swedish families dwelt, save that of the Stille family in the time of its
head, Olaf Stille, which is marked in Lindstrom's map, as "Stille's land",
in the neck.  Its Indian name was Techoherassi, being "a place on the
Schuylkill shore, and surrounded with water like an island".  It was "a
small plantation, built by freemen, and was much frequented by the Indians,
who gave Mr. Stille the name of "the man with the black beard" because of
his strong black beard".
  The manner of living among the Swedes, as told by themselves in a letter
of the year 1693, to John Thelin of Gottenberg is as follows : -- "We are
almost all of us husbandmen, and our meat and drink is after the old Swedish
custom.  The country is very rich and fruitful, and we send out yearly to
our neighbours on this continent, and the neighbouring islands, bread,
grain, flour and oil.  We have here, thank God, all kinds of venison, birds
and fishes.  Our wives and daughters spin wool and flax, and many of them
weave.  We live in great peace and friendship with the Indians; and we only
wish we had good and faithful shepherds and guardians of our souls; we may
add, that since we are no longer under the government of Sweden, we have
been well and kindly treated by the Dutch and English".  The foregoing
letter was presented to King Charles XI., who thereupon ordered three
ministers to be sent with Bibles, prayer books, and catechisms.  One cannot
but feel curious now to know, whether any family now extant of Swedish
origin, remaining among us, has preserved any one of those royal presents.
They had before lost, by death, the services of the Rev. Jacob Frabritius, a
Dutchman, and had only the services of C. Springer, "a pious reader".
  One of the aforesaid newly sent ministers, the Rev. Eric Biork, writes to
his superiors at home, that the people received him with great joy and
gratulations; but the religious services of the people were very irregular
and lax and needed reform, especially among the rising generation.  He said,
there were no poor in the country, but all provided for themselves with out
any cases of want.  [What can we say now !]  The Indians he found to be
great friends; more so to us than they are to the English.  They call us, in
their language, their "own people".  They are very fond of learning the
catechism, which has been printed in their language, [where shall we find a
copy now !]  and which is to be read to their children, and taught to them
by Mr. Springer.  Our people live scattered among the English and Quakers;
and yet our language is preserved as pure as any where in Sweden, and there
being about one thousand two hundred persons that speak it.  Many Swedes are
employed in the administration of the government under Governor Markham;
some are judges, captains, ensigns, constables," &c.
  Lewis Hennepin, quoted by Holm, states the belief, that our Indians are
descended from the Jews, on account of many resemblances he finds between
those natives.  Hennepin, and the Rev. John Campanius, both believed that
they could trace an affinity between the Hebrew and Indian lanaguages.  The
Indians then were tall, strong, nimble, and limbs well proportioned.  Their
faces broad -- small black eyes -- flat noses -- (a mistake, surely, unless
at the nostrils) large lips -- short broad teeth, and very white.  Their
bodies nearly naked, and of a brown or yellowish colour, anointed with
bears' grease, and black paint found on the sea-shore, which enables them
better to endure the heat of the sun.  They make their huts of mats and of
branches of trees.  The mats being made of the leaves of the Indian corn
matted together.  They sleep on their mats and skins.  They cook the most of
their diet in clay kettles; and their dishes are plates of bark and cedar
wood.  Their drinking vessel is the shell of the calabash.  Their spoons and
knives were muscle shells.  Their pipes were made of long reeds, and the
bowl was of horn.
  One might smile, to know the fact of their surprise at our fireflies,
"giving out light enough to show the way !"  One night, they frightened all
the soldiers on guard, at Fort Christina, so that they thought they "were
enemies advancing with lighted matches".
  One cannot but feel a melancholy pleasure, in sympathy with one of the
Swedish ministers, who, in writing home of his regrets at the loss of the
Swedish rule here, says with exultation, "we have, however, retained some
lasting memorials of our glorious Queen -- such as the Christina church,
Christina hundred, Christina creek, Christina ferry and bridge" &c.  But,
alas, even these have since been perverted to Christiana.

            FACTS AND OCCURRENCES OF THE SWEDES SETTLED IN UPLAND.

  "The records of Upland", a folio cap book of one hundred and eighty-eight
pages MS., having been lent to me by the Logan family, I have made the
following extracts and notitia from the same, with a view to show the state
and action of society, in that primitive day : say from the year 1676, when
the administration of Governor Andross began on the Delaware, down to the
year 1681, when it began to be the province of Pennsylvania, under William
Penn.  I preserve the names of the primitive inhabitants, as magistrates,
jurors, landholders and parties in court, as they appear from time to time,
for the sake of showing, by their names, the origin of many family names,
still among us, or partially altered.  The object herein is to preserve, so
far as practicable now, an insight into the ways and doings of the little
community of primitive settlers, who began this now affluent and prosperous
country, at a period anterior to the arrival of Penn and his colonists.  The
book from which I extract will, I trust, be deposited in the Loganian
library, as a venerable relic of antiquity.
  The book opens with a court, held "at Uppland, in Delaware river", by the
authority of the sovereign lord, Charles II., on the 14th November 1676.
  Then follows the authority of "Edmond Andross, Esq., Seigneur of
Sausmarcy, lieutenant and governor general, under his highness, James, duke
of York and Albany".
      "Peter Cock, Peter Rambo, Israel Helm, Lace Andries, Oele Swen and
Otto Ernest, [all Swedish names] are made "justices" and are inducted under
oath by the commissioners, Captain John Colier [from which we have the name,
probably, of Colier's hook] and Captain Edmond Cantwell, [from which we have
the name of Cantwell's bridge]".
       Their power under Governor Andross reads thus, viz., "to be justices
of the peace for the space of one year, and any three or more of them to be
a court of judicature, and to act according to law and the trust reposed in
them."
  At the same time Ephraim Herman is constituted "clarke of the court of New
Castle, and also of the court at Uppland in the river".
  Then follows, in three and a half pages, a record of the instructions of
Governor Andross, comprised in twelve articles.  Some of them to this
effect, viz.  The book of laws as practised in New York to be also practised
in this river and its precincts.  To have three courts -- "one at New Castle
-- one above at Uppland, another below at the Whorekill".  Each to have the
power of a court of sessions, and to decide all matters under £20 without
appeal.  In cases above £20, and for crime extending to life and limb or
banishment, to admit of appeal to the court of assizes.  Cases under £5
value, may be determined by the court without a jury, unless desired by the
parties, [only two or three cases of juries occur] as also matters of
equity.  The court of New Castle to be held monthly -- that of Uppland and
Whorekill to be quarterly, "or oftener if occasion".  All records to be kept
in English.  To be a high sheriff for the town of New Castle, river, and
bay, and he to make under sheriffs.  All rates and levies to be made by the
court with the approbation of the governor, to be first obtained.  It is
recommended, that all matters under £5 be settled by arbitration, by the
consent of the parties, and thus avoid the necessity or use of overseers and
constables' courts.
  The same authority orders and appoints, that in cases of grants of land,
that any person desiring land shall make application to the court, which
shall give order therein and certify to the governor, "for any land not
taken up and improved -- in fitt proportions not exceeding fifty acres per
head, unless upon extra occasions, where more may be allowed".  Thereupon to
grant a certificate of survey, which survey, when made, must be sent to New
York for the governor's approbation, and to express therein the proportions
of upland and meadow, so that all may have an equal chance for
proportionable shares.  Such was the original scheme of allotments of lands,
which appear to have been dispensed gratis to all applicants intending to
take up and improve the same.  When William Penn arrived, he had a price per
hundred acres with their quit rents, and which was of course something in
the way of cost, to any then unprovided, for Swedes, or others of the former
inhabitants.  For the sake of a condensed view of the lands applied for at
court terms, I shall hereinafter give a list, showing the times, names and
qualities so granted, and their location, when expressed.  The reader will
soon have occasion to observe that the same names are not carefully spelled
with the same letters.  Names too are written familiarly, as Lasse for
Lawrence, and Claes for Nicholas, &c.  Surnames too, ending with sen and
son, is the son of -- thus Hendriksen is the son of Hendrik.  The name of
Cock, is since Cox, and Swen, is since Swanson.  He cannot fail also to
remark how generally the grounds of action are deemed good, by the verdicts
going generally for the plaintiffs.
  The court ordered "that Mr. William Tom, the former clarke, should deliver
unto the present clarke, Ephraim Herman, the records and other public bookes
and wrytings, belonging to this court".  At the same time the court ordered
that execution should be granted against all debtors to said William Tom,
for his just fees due in former actions, &c.  [This Mr. Tom gave name to
Tom's river.]
  Justice Israel Helm, asked recompense "for having served the river
[inhabitants] often, and at sundry times, as an interpreter with the Indians
for Captain Cantwell".  The same was referred to the governor.
  The court resolve to write a letter to the governor upon the following
topics, viz :  to ask his honour to confirm the order about the wolves'
heads.  To order a means of repaying court costs and their distance of
travel as justices.  They state the former charge of court as it occurred at
the house or place of Neeles Laerson, "for the charges of keeping a court,
and for justices' diet there, 452 gilders, of which Captain Cantwell has
paid 200 gilders, leaving 252 gilders still due".
  The court adjourned until the second Tuesday in March next, and no sooner,
by reason of the winter season, and so to be kept quarterly.
  At a court held at Uppland in Delaware river, the 13 March, A.D. 1676-7.
Present, Peter Cock, Peter Rambo, Israel Helm, LacŽ Andries and Otto Ernest,
justices.  Captain Edmond Cantwell, high sheriff.
  Justice Israel Helm, plaintiff -- Oele Oelsen, defendant. -- The defendant
in an abusive and malicious manner beat and struck the justice, and with
scandalous words did evil entreat him.  No defendant present, the action was
laid over to next term, and then if neglected, to go by default.
  Morten Morrenson vs. Mouns Staeke, for killing his ox, and for personal
assault and battery.  Continued by the court, and in mean time it is
recommended to the parties to compose the difference themselves.
  Anthony Nealson vs. Lace Dalboo, the plaintiff not appearing, a nonsuit
ordered and costs.
  The position of Johannes de Haes, concerning his lands patented under
Governor Lovelace, laying in the boght (bite or bend) between Ole Fransen
and Naaman's creek, a survey is ordered.
  The charge of keeping the court at Neales Laersen's house, and for the
diet of the justices and commander, amount to 100 gilders, and ordered paid.
Adjourned to second Tuesday in June.
   Connected with the preceding court was a meeting held by the commander,
Captain John Colier, upon the occasion of the news of the Sinneco [Seneca]
Indians coming down to fetch the Susquehanna, that were among these river
Indians.  Upon the suggestion and advice of Rinowehan, the Sachomore, it was
deemed best for the quiet of the river, that Captain Colier and Justice
Helm, should go up to Sachamexin, where at present many Sinneco and other
Indians are, and that they endeavour to persuade the whole assemblage to
send severally a deputy to his honour, the governor, at New York, and that
Justice Helm go with them as interpreter.  The Indians continued in council
four days, and incurred an expense of 250 gilders, which was paid.  Thus the
place of "the Treaty-tree" was then used as a treaty place.
  At a court held the 13th June 1677.  Present six justices.  Edmond
Cantwell vs. John Ashmen, demands eight hundred pounds of tobacco, for his
surveying fees for two tracts of land and their patents, &c. -- so ordered.
  Albert Hendricks vs. Andries Bertelf, demands pay for killing his boar,
which had become fierce and cruel -- both parties to bear equal loss.
  Andries Homman vs. Lace Dalboo, demands redress for being beaten by
Dalboo, on his own land -- referred to another court term.
  The high sheriff indites Richard Dcket, the servant of Lace Cock, for his
commerce with a certain mulatto woman.  The fact being confessed, it was
ordered he should maintain the child when he should be free.
  Lace Cock vs. John Ashman, claims sixteen ells of serge for a black horse
and a mare -- confirmed and so ordered by the court.
  John Stille vs. John Ashmen, claims a bill debt of twelve hundred and
fifty pounds of tobacco of Choptank -- judgement for plaintiff ordered.
[This Stille is the ancestor of the present Stille family.]
  Justice Israel Helm vs. Oele Oelsen, alias Cock, for an assault and
battery, and begs as a member of the court, his respect may be of both sides
-- fined the assaulter 210 gilders, sixty thereof for the church -- the rest
to the sheriff -- and then to ask forgiveness of the injured party in court.
The same being done, 150 gilders of the same were remitted.
  The widow of Thomas Jeacock vs. John Ashman, claims one thousand pounds of
tobacco for a horse -- so ordered.
  Henry Ward vs. Thomas Denny, claims four hundred pounds of tobacco,
payable in New Castle -- judgement ordered.
  James Sanderlin vs. Oele Swensen, in an action of debt for sixteen foxes.
The debates of both being heard; but before judgement pronounced, they had
agreed mutually to compose the same, and the defendant to pay the costs.
  Francis Walker vs. John Ashman, gone away, action by attachmenet on his
cows and horses -- judgement ordered, and Lace Cock and Mathias Holstein are
ordered appraisers under oath.
  Albert Hendrick, the constable, having served out his year, and asking his
dismission, is succeeded by William Orian.
  Jurian Hartsvelder, appeared and desired his dismission as under sheriff,
he intending to live higher up the river, and his place is supplied by
Michill Yzard.  [This Hartsfelder is the same who came to own the chief part
of the Northern Liberties, and some tracts in Germantown.]
  The court was ordered to adjourn to the second Tuesday of September, and
before parting, ordered a settlement of the difference about the fly [a then
name for marsh meadow] of the people of Carkoens-hoek, and LacŽ Dalbo, by
declaring that Hans Petersen and the rest of Carkoens-hoek, do mow the hay
of the said fly, for the present and until the case be heard in court
thereafter.  Ordered that no person be admitted to plead for any other
person as an attorney, without he first have his admittance of the court, or
have a warrant of attorney for so doing from his client.  [On a former
occasion James Sanderling acted for another as his attorney, so also Edmond
Cantwell.]
  At a court held the 11th September 1677.  Six justices present -- and
Captain Cantwell high sheriff.
  Claes Cram vs. Lace Cock, demands 20 gilders for bringing a horse, and the
court ordered the pay to come from Michill Jud, the carpenter.
  Morten Mortense, Jun. vs. Moens Staecket, declares that he chased his wife
with an axe, and he, Morten Mortense, coming to her rescue, he was
threatened with a gun -- condemned to a fine of 50 gilders, and to be bound
to good behaviour.  At same time an action of slander was preferred by the
father of the above plaintiff, and Moens was condemned to declare in court,
"that he knew nothing but all honesty in the case".
  Clerk of the court, Ephraim Herman, was ordered 200 gilders for his
services for the year, to be paid out of the tax to be levied.
  At a court held the 13th November 1677.  Present six justices --
  John Test vs. Neeles Laerson, for sundry goods and merchandise to amount
of 186 gilders.
  William Tom vs. Jonas Neelson, for fees earned as clerk of this court
£6.15s., in several actions -- judgement ordered.
  Thomas Harwood vs. Hans Jurian, for balance of an account of 139 gilders
-- judgement ordered.
  William Tom vs. Jan Cornelissen, for clerk fees, in the action of Peter Jego.
  Neeles Laersen vs. John Test, complains that Test has been troublesome to
his son about a knife, and desires to know the reason thereof; upon hearing
parties, court determines no cause of action, and that the parties be
reconciled, which was done in court.  The plaintiff to pay clerk's and
sheriff's fees.
  Andries Boen vs. Moens Staecket, complains that, when at Badstoe, he was
abused and beaten by him.  The defendant desired a favourable censure of the
court, as that he was in drink -- fined 100 gilders.
  Captain Hans Inrgrx, is ordered to warn the men belonging to his company,
and with them to fit up and finish the house of defence at Upland, fit for
the court to sit in, by the time of the next court.  [This shows that the
captain had citizens enrolled for general defence, and that they had a
block-house which might answer for a court room.  Before this they used the
private house of Neeles Laerson.
  A petition signed by twenty-four individuals, of Swedish families, born in
this country, ask one hundred acres each, to form a settlement just below
the falls -- referred to the governor.
  The court take into consideration the levy or poll-tax, for defraying
public expenses, and after calling over the list of tydable (tithe?)
inhabitants, ordered that there be assessed and paid by each and every of
them, 26 gilders.  To be paid, in wheat, at 5; or if in rye and barley, at 4
gilders the scipple; or if in Indian corn, at 3 gilders; if in tobacco, at 8
stivers per pound; or if in pork, at 8; or in bacon, at 16 stivers per
pound; or else in wampum; or skins at current prices.
  The high sheriff is charged with this collection, and in case of default,
to distrain the same.  Then follows a list of 136 tydables, (taxables?)
including their sons and servants -- being the whole number then within the
jurisdiction of the court in Upland.  What a little community of forefathers
then, to begin the mighty commonwealth we now possess !  Notice too, that
wampum then was an actual money matter in traffic !  The whole list consists
of Swedish names, save about one dozen or more Anglified form -- such as
Robert Wade, Richard Noble, Henry Hastings, William Woodman, Thomas Denny,
Thomas Harwood, Peter Freeman.  The names are classified thus, viz.: at
Taokanink  66; at Carkoens-hoek  24; at Upland  17; at Marr (Marrities?)
Kill  19;  and at Eastern shore  10 -- total 136.
  A letter from Gov. Andross of date 14th August 1677, is received, read,
and recorded, authorizing and directing the purchase, of the Indians, of a
small tract of land, not yet purchased "it is said", of about two miles
length along the river, between the late purchase up to the Falls -- to the
end that the same may be settled.  He also requires that returns be made of
all lands, heretofore possessed, unto the clerk of the court.
  At a court held the 12th of March, 1677-8, six judges present :
  Luke Watson, by Edward Cantwell, his attorney vs. John Gray, none of the
parties appearing, a nonsuit was ordered.
  John Adams, in behalf of his master, Will Dervall, the attorney of John
Foster, in action against John Gray who owes 7706 pounds of tobacco to John
Foster, of the island of Barbadoes, to be delivered at the Whorekill --
judgement ordered against defendant.
  Daniel Linsey vs. John Johnson -- the court find both parties faulty, and
order defendant to pay the debt; and as for wintering the cow and the sows,
the plaintiff engaged to allow the same -- each to pay half the costs.
  Johannes De Haes vs. Wm. Orian, claims a balance for goods -- claim affirmed.
  Robert Hutchinson appeared, and declared that he assigned to Israel Helm,
his man-servant William Broomfield, for the term of four years, he paying
him 1200 gilders; at the same time, the said servant promised faithfully to
serve his new master.
  Ordered that 100 acres of land be added to the tract held for the mill at
Carkoen 'creeke'.  [This same place is often called Carkoen hoek -- and
'hoek' means what we now call 'hook', and is often herein found connected
with a 'creek'; but it is believed properly to express a 'bend', a 'cove',
like a 'hook'.]
  Anthony Nealson Long presented William Gos, a servant, whom he had bought
of Moens Peterson, for three years, and asked his confirmation.
  Hans Juriansen Kien (Kean) of Taokanink, (Tacony) appeared and
acknowledged his deed to his brother, Jonas J. Kien (Kean) for 200 acres,
being his one-sixth portion of the original 1200 acres granted to six
inhabitants for the towne of Upland, [i.e. Chester] near the creek; and this
lot, lying between the houses and lots of James Sanderling and Jurian Kien.
Then also appeared Jonas J. Kein, and made over by deed the same tract to
John Test, late of London, a merchant.  [This Test became the first sheriff
of Philadelphia.]  At same time he also conveyed to the same John Test, a
certain new block house, near the water side of the said creek.  [It is
possible that block house may not necessarily mean a defensive place, as
now, but may have been intended merely to express a house made of blocks or
logs of wood.]  Then also appeared John Test, and conveyed the same premises
unto Marmaduke Randall, of London, merchant.
  Neeles Mattson reconveys to James Sanderling, a patent for land granted by
Gov. R. Nicolls in 1668, on the north side of the Kill, next and adjoining
to Israel Helm and Jorst Daniels.
  On application of John Moll, president at New Castle, calling for Wm.
Orian Smith, an absconded debtor, he is ordered to be apprehended and sent back.
  Neeles Laerson's bill for use of his house and diet for courts is allowed
at 75 gilders.
  Court adjourned till second Tuesday of June, and a special meeting for a
levy the 1st of April.
  At a court of Upland, held at the house of Justice Peter Cock, in the
Schuylkill, the 3d April 1678, present four justices -- when they fix and
determine the assessment and taxes &c., with the sheriff, and ordered it
recorded.
  Adam Mott vs. Jan Claassen -- a demand of 1300 pounds of tobacco -- affirmed.
  John Schackerly vs. Jan Claassen -- a debt of  f325 15 -- action laid over.
  John Adams vs. Christopher Barnes -- asks judgement against his plantation
and crop of corn, for a debt of 1494 gilders, on mortgage -- granted, and
the value to be ascertained by appraisers named, and the defendant agrees in
court to make delivery.
  Ephraim Herman vs. Laurentius Carolus -- demands fees as clerk of the
court, 142 gilders -- pay promised in October, and the plaintiff is content.
  Capt. Edmund Cantwell vs. Neeles Laerson -- for defamation, £100.  Before
trial, N. Laerson asked forgiveness in court, with which the captain was
satisfied.  At same time the court orders that N. Laerson shall repay 130
gilders, collected for head money [poll tax] in New Castle district by
'alleged' mistake.
  Jan Cornelissen, of Amesland, complains to the court that his son Erick is
bereft of his natural senses, and is turned quite mad, and he not being able
to maintain him, it was ordered that three or four persons be hired to build
a little block house, and there to confine him -- expenses to be provided
for in the next levy or tax.
  Carell Junsen, of Marreties-hoeck, in Delaware river (is not this the
origin of Marcus-hook ?) appears in court to acknowledge conveyance of land
at Marrities-hoek, adjoining to land of Jan Hendrickson, sold unto Morgan
Druit, of London, mariner.
  Jan Hendrickson appeared and acknowledged a deed or transport unto Roger
Peddrik, of his land at the west side of Delaware river, as called and known
by the name of Marreties-hoeck -- the whole tract of Marreties-hoek land
being granted and confirmed by patent from Gov. Andross on the 28th March
1676, unto the six possessors thereof, viz.:  Charles Jansen, Oele Raessen,
Hans Oelsen, Oele Neelsen, Hans Hoffman, and Jan Hendricks -- the whole
containing 1000 acres.
  Several actions are withdrawn, and mutually settled amicably.
  A tax or levy of five gilders per head ordered, and to include every
person upon Tinneconck island.
  Adjourned to the 2d Tuesday of September.
  At a court held Nov.12  1678, present five justices --
  William Orian vs. John D. Haes -- demands 167 gilders in account, and
craves a jury; they being empanelled, brought in a verdict for 159 gilders,
and the court suspends determination till next court.
  Oele Dirksen vs. Evert Aldrets -- for a debt of 71 gilders -- affirmed.
  Rodger Peddrick vs. Hans Oelsen -- an action for assault and battery;
striking him in the open street with an axe handle.  There being no
witnesses, and the defendant utterly denying the fact, the plaintiff also
refusing to swear it, the court could not come to any judgement but order
future peace, under severe penalty.
  Walter Wharton vs. Andries -- action for 50 gilders, in wheat -- judgement
ordered.
  James Sanderlin vs. John Edmunds of Maryland -- on a claim of 1200 pounds
tobacco to be delivered in Great Chaptank river; not being paid, he now
moves an attachment of his great boat or shallop, now at Upland -- granted,
and the vendue master to make public sale, and return the same for the use
of the plaintiff.  She was sold to John Test for 625 gilders.
  Benjamin Goodman, a servant to Oele Swenson, prays his freedom, alleging
that his master says he has longer to serve.  The indenture is ordered, and
it being said to be lost, the court adjudges that he ought to be free.
  It being taken into consideration that it was very necessary that a mill
should be built in the Schuylkill [at the present falls of Schuylkill] "and
there being no fitter place than the fall called Captain Hans Moens' falls"
-- the court decides that either the captain ought to build a mill there,
(as he says he will) or else suffer another to build there, for the common
good of the parts.
  And upon the request of Jan Shoetan, "the court grants him a small tract
of marrish, (marsh) lying at the aforesaid great mill fall, at the end
thereof; that is to say, so much as is fit to mow four stacks of hay -- and
the said mill fall being a 'run' that comes in the Schuylkill".  [The same
running from Redinger's and by Hagner's mills.  The writer has in his
possession the deed to Capt. Moens.]
  Laurens Cock appeared and acknowledged his deed of conveyance to Elizabeth
Kinsey, of 300 acres of land, lying in Sachamexin, "on the west side of
Delaware river, at the towne or neighbourhood called and known by the name
of Sachamexin --the whole dividend or quantity of land being of late
surveyed for the inhabitants of Sachemexin in general, and containing 1800
acres, by which resurvey the share or interest of the said Laurens Cock, of
that place, amounts to 300 acres -- together with the marshes or meadows,
the houses, barns, stables, stall, fences &c.  [The above mentioned
conveyance shows the extent of the land wherein the celebrated Treaty-tree
of Penn so long stood.  It also seems to show a name derived from 'Sacham'
i.e., a place familiar as a convening place for Indian chiefs; and these
pages show that the Senecas had before assembled there as a preferred or
chosen place.
  The court ordered that every landholder should improve and make passable
the road from neighbour to neighbour, with bridges where needful, so that
neighbours on occasion may come together -- those neglecting, to forfeit 25
gilders.
  Peter Putco conveys by deed his land to Harman Jansen.
  The limits and division between this and New Castle county are settled by
this court, and John Moll president of New Castle court, viz.: "This county
of Upland to begin from the north side of Oele Fransen's creek, alias Steen
kill, lying in the boght (bite?) above the Vedrietige-hoeck, and from the
said creek over to the Single tree point, on the east side of this river".
[Who now can mark those limits by any of the names of places set down !]
    The court orders that the five guilders' tax be paid within fourteen
days, as a means to pay court charges &c.; and that each person bring the
same to Tinnecong island, and pay it there to Otto Ernest Cock; and to give
due notice, this shall be fixed up at the churches of Wicaco and Tinnecong.
  Complaint being made by the churchwardens, that Neeles Laerson [at whose
house the courts were held] had taken in some of the church glebe, with the
lots which he had bought of the domine, Lasse Carolus, here in Upland towne
-- it is ordered he shall have his own due and restore the rest to the
church.  {Note : glebe = land belonging or yielding revenue to a parish
church or ecclesiastical benefice.}
  James Sanderling, in behalf of the rest of the inhabitants of Upland,
(Chester now) complains that Neeles Laeerson stops with his fence the old
and usual way to the fly [to the meadow] -- it is ordered that he open the
way as formerly.
  The court adjourns till 2d tuesday of March.
  Then follow several returns of warrants of survey put on record, as done
and reported by Walter Wharton, the surveyor, and which are ordered to be
sent to the office (of lands) in New York.  [This name begins probably the
family of that surname among us, and from his descendants came the old
log-house, floated up the Delaware from Chester, and planted near the
Swedes' church, and still standing in lowly style as a relic, little known
of olden time.  He died about the same time, and Richard Noble was made
surveyor in his place.]
  Some of the tracts may be thus noticed, to wit :
  A tract of 100 acres, laid out for Michell Izard, called "Small gain",  on
the north-east side of Stille's creek.
  A tract of 100 acres, laid out for Anthony Nielson, alias "Long", called
Long between Crum kill and Stille's kill.
  A tract of 417 acres, laid out for James Sanderland and Laurens Cock,
called "Poetquessink", lying along that creek &c.
  A tract of 300 acres, laid out for Peter Rambo, Jr., a place on the
north-east side of Pennapackes creek, called "Ram's dorp".
  A tract of 100 acres, laid out for Jacob Hendrickson, called "Jacob's
lot", on the east side of Crum's creek.
  A tract of 200 acres, laid out for Henry Hastings, called "Hastings'
hope", above Poetquessink creek, next to land of James Sanderland.
  A tract of 400 acres, laid out for John Test, called the "Hopewell of
Kent", on the south-west side of Upland creek, next to land of Albert
Hendricks, called "Lemoky".
  At a court held at Upland the 12th and 13th of March 1678-9, present four
justices and the sheriff --
  Wm. Orian vs. Johannes De Haes -- complains that the account books had
been miscopied to his injury, and proves by Doctor Thomas Spry, who had once
posted them a year before, that alterations had been made; the consequence
is, that the debtors gainsay the accounts as they now stand -- they
therefore order nonsuit, on the ground that De Haes does not truly owe the
sum claimed, for lack of a due credit.
  Peter Jegou vs. Laurentius Carolus (the domine, a minister) -- demands by
order of Capt. James Bolin, six scipples of wheat, which he sometimes
promised and then would refuse -- the court ordered payment.
  Evert Aldrets vs. Oele Dircksen.......Action withdrawn
  Wm. Clarke vs. Joseph Handley......Action withdrawn
  Robt. Wade vs. John Test...............Action withdrawn
  Lasse Cock vs. Michell Fredericks...Action withdrawn
  Johannes De Haes, by petition, (a common mode) shows that he has been
arrested by Wm. Orian, and forced to come three times to court -- on a
vexatious pretence, which has already cost him 150 gilders -- the court
granted his indemnification to that amount.
  James Sanderling in behalf of Marmaduke Randell, by petition, shows that
the estate of Walter Wharton, deceased, is indebted for house rent in
Upland, 80 gilders, which are ordered paid; also, that he owes to himself
128 gilders -- which he also deemed fully proved, and ordered paid.
  Edmund Draufton vs. Dunck Williams -- on a demand of 200 gilders for
teaching Dunck's children to read the Bible -- employed one year, and was to
have that sum by agreement, even if they learned sooner -- judgement ordered.
  Wm. Clarke, of Neshaminies vs. Jan Hendrickson -- the plaintiff having
entered no declaration; upon request of defendant, the plaintiff is nonsuited.
  Pelle Dalbo vs. Laurentius Carolus, (the domine) for 55 gilders, for
sheriff and Marshal's fees -- judgement ordered.
  Rodger Peddrick & Wm. Hews, joint partners with the rest of the
inhabitants of Marrities-hoek, (Marcus-hook) by their petition, desire that
the land there, 1000 acres, be laid out and equally shared between all the
partners, by dividing equally to each the proportions of good and bad land.
The court orders that the petitioners, or those who are dissatisfied with
the division, as of old hath been, may at their proper cost have the same
surveyed and shared.
  Moens Staeckt, by petition, complains that Andries Boen left open the
fence of his land at Calkoen's creek to his injury -- ordered that he make
his fence good within four days.
  Dunck Williams by petition, prays a grant of four acres of marsh land,
back of his land at Nieshameenie's creek, in the woods above the king's path
-- granted.
  John Shackerly vs. Jan Claason, for a debt, 325 gilders -- judgement ordered.
  Peter Rambo, Senr., claims a tract of land, at Wiccaco, under a grant of
this court, but which three of the Swenson's -- to wit.: Oele, Swen, and
Andries -- declare will invade the precincts of their patent.  It is ordered
that the Swenson's retain their land, and if there be any surplus, it may go
to P. Rambo.
  Rodger Peddick & Hans Oelsen, appear, and transport (assign) their several
lands, at Marrities-hoek, to Jan Hendricksen and Wm. Clayton.
  Jans Justassen appeared, and verbally acknowledged his deed of transport
to Albert Hendricks, lying between Harwicke creek and Middle creek.
  In consequence of sundry persons, who were assessed 5 gilders per head,
for defraying public expenses, it is ordered, that if they do not pay the
same within eight days, they shall severally pay 25 gilders.
  Neeles Laerson (at whose house the courts were held) was ordered to make,
or leave a lane or street, from Upland creek to "the house of defence, or
country house" (block-house) between this and the next court day, and in
default to be fined.
  The court was adjourned to second Tuesday in June, and afterwards
adjourned again to Sept. 6, and again to Nov., 1679.
  Peter Bacom vs. Capt. Xtopher Billop (Christopher B.) complains that Capt.
Billop, (who voyages in a boat from St. Jonses to Burlington, 50 miles) had
taken and used his horse for four months, he claims 3 gilders per diem; also
for his services six weeks, 420 gilders.  The defendant not appearing,
though called in three several courts, is adjudged to pay 1080 gilders.  [In
this and other actions James Sanderlin acts as attorney; so, also, at times,
does Edmund Cantwell; but whether they serve as "attorneys in law" or as "in
fact", does not appear; but it would seem as if they act as attorneys in
fact, by reason of the absence of the principal.]
  James Crawford, of St. George's creek, vs. John Test.
  Michel Izard (often spelt Yzard) appeared in behalf of the plaintiff; but
the plaintiff not having entered any declaration, and not appearing the next
day by himself or attorney, it was, upon the request of the defendant,
nonsuited.
  Peter Jegou vs. Thomas Wright and Godfrey Hancock, in an action of
trespass on the case.  The plaintiff declares that, in 1668, he obtained a
permit and grant of land, called Leasy point, lying over against Matinagcom
island and Burlington, where he settled a house of entertainment for
travellers, and there continued till 1670, when he was plundered and utterly
ruined by the Indians, "as is well known to all the world" and having thus
to seek his livelihood elsewhere.  It hath since come to pass, that by the
arrival of "these new-comers, called Quakers, out of England" these
defendants, Thomas Wright and Godfrey Hancock, have forcibly entered upon
his said lands, and there planted corn, mowed hay, cut timber for houses,
&c.  The defendants having declared themselves very willing to abide the
verdict of the court; the court, after a full hearing and examination of the
papers, do decree, that inasmuch as said Jegou had Gov. Carteret's grant, and
had had possession, "before ever the land was sold by Sir John Berckley unto
Edward Billing, and for that said Jegou had also bought the land, and paid
the Indians for the same, he was of right entitled to the land.  [This same
question had before presented before the authorities in Burlington, "who
making nothing of it; the case by their consent and these defendants, was
removed to this court at Upland".  Thus showing how very accommodating and
simple were then the principles of "equal justice".]
  James Sanderlin vs. John Peers, attaches tobacco for an unsettled debt of
163 gilders.
  Ephraim Herman, declares his purpose to desist (decline) his grant or land
before given, so that it may lay open to others, whereupon it is requested
and granted to Laers Laerson and Oele Coecckoe, (Cocke ?)
  John Test vs. Elizabeth Kinsey, demands restitution of five beavers left
in her trust.  [In this case John Ashton presents himself as her attorney in
her absence; but upon her coming, he desires to be dismissed and that she
may manage the suit herself.  He says, that she is his mistress -- of
course, making him to be her attorney or representative in fact, only.]
  John Test acknowledges conveyance of his land in Upland, to Richard
Friends of Weymouth, in England; whereupon James Sanderlin as attorney (in
fact) conveys the same tract to Stephen Chambers, of the same Weymouth.
  James Sanderlin and Laurens Cock convey their tract of 417, at
Peotquessinck, to Walter, James and Francis Forest.
  Jonas Neilson makes proof in court, that he had expended 106 gilders in
the burial of Peter Veltscheerden and Christian Samuels, who were murdered
by the Indians at Tinnagcong island, in 1672.  Ordered paid.
  John Test declares his conveyance of his tract at Lamoco, at the head of
Upland creek, to Richard Boverington and John Grub, also his tract, called
Hopewell of Kent, to the same persons.
  It being represented to the court, by the churchwardens of Tinnacong and
Wicaco churches, that the fences about the churchyards and the church
buildings are much out of repair, and that some of the members are negligent
to repair the same.  The court orders that they be empowered to summon the
members to meet and to do the said repairs, and that whosoever neglects
shall forfeit 50 gilders severally, to be levied out of their goods.  Court
adjourned to second Tuesday of March next.

  At the court held the 10th March 1679 - 80. -- Present six justices.
  Thomas Kerby vs. Gilbert Wheeler, claims for work done at four gilders per
diem, from October to January.  The defendant says he worked not so long.
The debates of both being heard, the court adjudges payment for seventy
days, at 50 stivers per day.
  At the same time, Robert Drawton claims for sixty-three days, and the
court adjudges fifty-four days at 50 stivers.
  Andries Boen vs. Edward Williams, had contracted for thirteen hundred
pounds tobacco, payable in Maryland, which the defendant shunned to deliver,
and having found a horse of his now in Upland, has attached the same, and
now asks a decree of the court for its sale &c., which was ordered, and
appraisers appointed to value the same.
  Harmon Ennis vs. Andries Homman, demands the hire of a pair of oxen for
one year, 45 gilders.  The court adjudged 23 gilders for a shorter time.
  Several actions are withdrawn, or, by the advice of the court, mutually
settled.
  The court declares, that whereas it incurs useful expense for diet &c.,
and at the same time the law allows 2s.6d. for every judgement by it given,
it therefore resolves, that the under sheriff shall collect the same from
forty persons named, at 2s. 6d., severally, to the amount of £5.  [We thus
see at what low prices they gave their services and attention.]  The court
adjourned to meet the second Tuesday in June next.

  At a court held the 8th June 1680 -- Present four justices.
  Gunla Andries, widow of Peter vs. Jonas Nielson, petitions to be put in
possession of land, at Kingsesse -- the court orders the same.
  Upon the petition of Thomas Fairman, (the after owner of the Treaty-tree
premises) to have a grant of 200 acres -- the court orders the same where he
may choose.
  It being represented to the court, by the constable, that Claes Cram,
lives in adultery with the wife of Bank Salung -- it is ordered they shall
desist, and in case of non-compliance, they shall be apprehended for the
next court to act upon.
  Richard Noble, the surveyor, [he became a sheriff under Penn] made report
of seven surveys of land, made by him for individuals named, that they may
be sent to the office in New York government.
  The court order, that as their former sittings at Upland creek, (Chester)
is at the lower end of the county, they will thereafter for "the most ease
of the people" meet and sit at the towne of Kingsesse in the Schuylkill.
  Gunla Andries petitions, that her title to land, before disputed and now
settled, may be translated from the Dutch and be put on the record of the
court in English -- granted.  A part of her said land is designated by 25
"Schrett of fence".
  Peter Andries alleges, that the houses of Swan Gunnarson are standing upon
his land.  The court orders their removal.  The witnesses are Oluff Stilla,
(Stille) and Otto Ernest Cock. -- Court adjourned.

  At a court held at Kingwesse, Oct. 13, 1680 -- Present five justices.
  Claes Cram vs. Hans Peters, in an action of slander, saying he was a thief
&c.  Witnesses being examined, and the defendant not being able to make any
proof -- the court adjudge that he shall declare himself a liar, and the
plaintiff an honest man, and pay 20 gilders.
  Moen Peterson vs. Hans Jurian, in an action for slander.  Witness proved
the wrangling of the parties, and that the defendant said, You have broken
my calf's leg and Thou art a gallow's thief; other witnesses being needed -
the case was adjourned.
  Hans Jurian vs. Moens Staecket, for assault and battery, done at his own
door, making him bloody and calling for a gun to shoot him. The court bind
him over to keep the peace for one year, on a penalty of £40.
  John Stille vs. Dirk Jansen, alleges that the defendant has marked and
taken his pigs found in his cripple or swamp.  The defendant allows the
fact, but denies that they could have been any other than his own.  The
court allows a mistake, and orders a return of them with costs of suit.
  Andries Inckhooren (Inkhorn) vs. Andries Homman, complains that the
defendant pulled him by the beard and twisted his neck, and demands the
reason and a reparation.  A.H., being a constable answered that he went to
his house in pursuit of a whore and a rogue, and was obstructed by him, when
he therefore pushed him aside.  The court ordered a nonsuit.
  Otto Ernest Cock (Justice) vs. M.P. Staecket, in an action of slander --
had called him a hog-thief -- the defendant says if that he did, it was in
his drink, and humbly asks his pardon -- and thereupon the justice said he
was satisfied, and the suit was dismissed with paying costs.
  Hans Moensen and Peter Jocum vs. Peter Rambo, Senr., complains that Rambo
holds his Marsh land, and asks restitution.  Witnesses declare that they
knew Captain Hans Moens to have mowed the hay on some part of that 'fly'.
The court orders the first patent under Governor Lovelace to possess the
title, and that the defendant shall possess.  [This was at Schuylkill falls,
and I have the deed.]
  The court appoint John Cock and Lasse Dalbo to be overseers of roads and
fences, for one year.  Adjourned to second Tuesday of March.

  At a court at Kingsesse, March 8, 1680-1 -- Present three justices.
  Several tracts of land granted, and some conveyed by deed.

  At a court at Kinsesse, June 14, 1681 -- Present three justices.
  Justice Henry Jones, and Justice George Browne, both fined £10, for
non-attendance as justices, according to law; George Brown afterward
declared he was hindered by the freshet in the creek.
  Several actions mutually settled or withdrawn.
  Claes Jansen brings in the ear-marks for his cattle, and desires they may
be recorded -- granted.
  The petition of Magister Jacobus Fabritius (the dominie) prays that the
signers towards his maintenance shall be compelled -- granted.
  Wm. Warner and Wm. Orian, purchasers of land of the Indians, lying in
Schuylkill (Blockley now) being 225 gilders, pray that the other settlers
there shall repay them their several proportions - say eight persons, 1500
acres -- granted.
  An individual at the Falls, is fined £4 for selling liquor to the Indians.
Adjourned to second Tuesday of September, 1681, and in mean time, the
government is changed and transferred to Wm. Penn, by an order, recorded,
from Anthony Brockholls, acting governor of New York, under date of 21 June
1681, and commanding the people to obey "William Markham, deputy governor"
under the new government of Pennsylvania.

  A list of sundry of the lands applied for and granted gratis, by the court
of Upland, acting under the government of Sir Edmund Andross from 1676 to
1681, to wit :
  At court of 11th September, 1677.
  Ephraim Herman (clerk of the court) and Pelle Rambo, 300 acres each, up
the river, between Pennepekan and Poequessin creeks.
  Christian Claesse, 100 acres next to Michael Shoemaker's land.
  Jan Schoeven, 100 acres up the west side of the Schuylkill.
  Richard Ducket, 100 acres up the east side of the Schuylkill.
  John Mattson, Swen Lom, Luce Dalboo, 100 acres each, at Weissakitkonk, now
Wissahiccon.
  Pelle Dalboo, 200 acres, just above Tacaminik.
  Jan Claasson, Paerde Cooper, 300 acres in Nishamminies creek, next to land
of James Sanderling, two miles up.
  Thomas Jacobse, 100 acres up Nishamminies creek, next to Claassen's.
  William Jeacox, 100 acres Nishamminies creek, next to Claasson's.
  Lace Cock and James Sanderling, 100 acres each, up above Poequessink.
  Captain Hans Moens, 300 acres up Pennepak creek.
  Anthony Nealson and Michell Yzard, each 100 acres up above, in Cromkill.
  Benjamin Goodman, 100 acres up Schuylkill, next to Richard Ducket's.
  Laers Laersen and Hans Peterson, 100 acres each, up above the Mill in
Amesland creek, and the place called Moherhuling.

  At a court of 13th November 1677.
  Peter Rambo, 250 acres, between the land of Wicaco and land of Jurian
Hartsvelder.
  Lace Coleman, Pelle Laersen and Peter Erickson, 100 acres each, near the
Falls of the Schuylkill.
  Andries J. Inckhoeren, 200 acres in the Schuylkill, just before Beaver island.
  Lace and Oele Dalbo, 200 acres in the Schuylkill, just before Beaver island.

  At a court of 3d April, 1678.
  Thomas Nassitur, 200 acres.  William Warner, 200 acres.

  At a court of November 12th, 1678.
  Oele Coecker, 300 acres.  Henry Tedway, 300 acres.
  Matthias Claassen Holstein, 100 acres.  Edmund Draufton, 100 acres.
  William Orian, 100 acres.  Ephraim Herman, 100 acres.
  Matthew Allin, 100 acres.

  At a court of 12th March, 1678-9
  John Snowden, 100 acres.  Hendricks Jacobs, 100 acres.
  Jacobus Fabritius, 300 acres.  Jurian Haartsvelder, 100 acres.

  At a court of 20th March, 1679.
  William Woodmancy, 100 acres. Peter Nealson, 100 acres.  William Clayton,
200 acres.

  At a court of 8th June, 1680.
  William Clarke, 200 acres.  Peter Cock, 200 acres.  Thomas Fairman, 200
acres.  Neeles Jonassen, 200 acres.  Joseph Hardly, 100 acres.  Richard
Tucker, 100 acres.
  [The foregoing present about half of the whole list, and are here given as
specimens.]

  The Swedish documents sent by our minister, Mr. Russell, from Stockholm to
the Philosophical Society, present two old deeds from Queen Christina, for
lands at Chester and Philadelphia, of which I have a copy, to wit :
  Donation to Captain John Amundson Besh, made by decree of Queen Christina,
dated Stockholm, August 20th 1653 -- "that in consideration of the zeal and
fidelity of the brave and courageous Captain John A. Besh, and because he
has engaged to serve us with equal zeal so long as he shall live, we
therefore accord and grant to himself, his wife, and to his heirs, and their
heirs, a tract of land in New Sweden extending to Upland Kyll, to keep and
possess the same for ever as his inviolable property.  [This tract of land
is said to be considered as beginning at and appertaining to, what is now
called Marcus Hook, and extended up to Chester, built upon Upland creek.]
  At the same time and date, a similar grant of the queen, is made to
Lieutenant Swen Shute, as follows, to wit :  August 20th, 1653 :
  For and in consideration of the good and important services rendered to
us, by the brave and courageous Lieutenant Swen Shute, and because he has
engaged to serve us faithfully so long as he shall live, we therefore give
and grant to himself, his wife, and his heirs, a tract of country in New
Sweden, viz.:  Mockorhultey-kyll, as far as the river, together with the
small island belonging thereto, viz.: the island of Karinge, and Kinsessing,
comprehending also Passuming, to keep and possess the same for ever, as his
inviolable property.  [This tract of land is given to the person and name of
him who was the proper original owner of the locality called Philadelphia,
and covered the ground known by the name of Wiccaco.  His name in time came
to be called Swan, and afterwards Swanson, i.e. son of Swan.]
  The earliest dates of these Swedish papers are 1640, and seem to refer to
an earlier colonization.
  The early Dutch and Swedes' papers published in Hazard's Register, from
the MS. in the Historical Society, are not interesting to me for extracts.
Besides these, were several extracts from the Minutes of Council, extracted
by Mr. Sargent.
  I here add some facts concerning Tinicum, once a place of head quarters to
the Swedish authorities, to wit :
  Tinicum consists of big and little Tinicum islands.  The larger is nine
miles round, three long, and one and a half wide, and has twenty-six houses.
It was on this island stood the fortress of New Gottenburg, and near it
Printz's hall (the mansion of Governor Printz) and sundry houses and grounds
of the Swedes.  The house occupied by the governor is said by tradition to
be the same now standing on the upland.  It bears many interior marks of
great antiquity, much of it was burnt by fire in 1822.  The island now is
worth 150 to 200 dollars an acre, and the whole island is worth $400,000,
but in 1696, it was all sold for £500.  It originally contained but five
hundred acres, but now, by embanking and reclaiming from the water, it
contains twenty-seven hundred acres, and is rendered much more healthy, and
free from fevers and ague.  The smaller island, "little Tinicum" fronts the
other out in the Delaware, was dry and embanked before the revolution, but
in 1777 our people opened the banks to river invasion, to prevent its use by
the British against Mud fort, and it still is flooded in high tides.
  The following few facts concerning the Swedes, the earliest cultivators of
our soil, may be worthy of some brief notices, to wit :  Penn's letter says
the Swedes and Fins came soon after the Dutch; while the latter pursued
traffic the others turned to husbandry, settling chiefly about the freshes
of the river Delaware.  Such as Penn saw them, they were a plain, strong,
and industrious people, but had made no great improvements.  Their houses
were full of fine children.
  Numbers of Swedes lived about Kensington and on Gunners creek, before the
arrival of Penn.  They had grants of land from Alexander Henoyon, the
governor of New York, as early as 1664, that is the date of the deed to old
Peter Cock for Shackamaxon.  On that creek, three-fourths of a mile from its
mouth, now so diminished, they once built large sloops, and afterwards a
brig at its mouth.
  The Swedes dwelt in numbers on Tinicum, calling the place New Gottenburg.
At their church there, the first corpse buried was Catharine, daughter of
Andrew Hanson, October 24, 1646.
  All the Swedes settled along the Delaware, used to go in their canoes from
long-distances to the church upon Tinicum island.  They did the same in
visiting the primitive log church at Wiccaco, almost all their conveyances
were preferred by water.  There was a store upon Darby to which they always
went by water, even when the land route was often nearest.
  The oldest Swedish inhabitants were said to be very successful in raising
chick turkeys; as soon as hatched they plunged them into cold water, and
forced them to swallow a whole pepper corn -- they then returned them to the
mother, and they became as hardy as a hen's chick.  When they found them
drooping, their practice was to examine the rump feathers, and such two or
three as were found filled with blood were to be drawn, and the chick would
revive and thrive.
  Kalm, the Swedish traveller, who was here among his countrymen in 1748,
has left us such notices as follows concerning them, to wit :
  The ancient Swedes used the sassafras for tea, and for a dye.  From the
persimon tree they made beer and brandy.  They called the mullein plant the
Indian tobacco; they tied it round their arms and feet, as a cure when they
had the ague.  They made their candles generally from the bayberry bushes;
the root they used to cure toothache; from the bush they also made an
agreeable smelling soap.  The magnolia tree they made use of for various
medicinal purposes.
  The houses of the first Swedish settlers were very indifferent; they
consisted of but one room; the door was so low as to require you to stoop.
Instead of window panes of glass they had little holes, before which a
sliding board was put, or, on other occasions they had isinglass; the cracks
between logs were filled with clay; the chimney, in a corner, were generally
of gray sandstone, or for want of it, sometimes of mere clay; the ovens were
in the same room.  They had at first separate stables for the cattle; but
after the English came and set the example, they left their cattle to suffer
in the open winter air.  The Swedes wore vests and breeches of skins; hats
were not used, but little caps with flaps before them.  They made their own
leather and shoes, with soles (like moccasons) of the same materials as the
tops.  The women, too wore jackets and petticoats of skins; their beds,
excepting the sheets, were of skins of bears, wolves, &c.  Hemp they had
none, but they used flax for ropes and fishing tackle.  This rude state of
living was, however, in the country places principally, and before the
English came, who, rough as they must have also lived for a time, taught a
comparative state of luxury.
  The Swedes seem, however, to have retained an hereditary attachment to
skin garments, for within the memory of the aged Mrs. S., she had seen old
Mauntz Stille, down the Passyunk road, in his calfskin vest and jacket, and
buckskin breeches.
  Many Swedes settled along the western side of the Schuylkill.  Matthias
Holstein, a primitive settler in Upper Merion, took up one thousand acres
there.  Mauntz Rambo, an aged Swede, alive about sixty years ago, born near
the Swedes' ford, was a celebrated hunter in his day; he killed numerous
deer in the neighbourhood in his time -- once he shot a panther which he
found attempting to attack his dog.  He remembered many Indians still among
them, in his younger days.
  My friend, Major M. Holstein, fond of his Swedish descent, tells me, that
when he went to the Swedes' church, in Merion, as a boy, all the men and
women came there on horseback, and all the women wore "safe-guard
petticoats" which they took off and hung along the fence.
  His grandmother, born at Molothan, four miles from Pottsgrove, remembered
the Indians once about them, and that she herself, when young, had been
carried some distance on a squaw's back.  They then did all their travelling
by canoes on the Schuylkill.  When married, she and her wedding friends came
down to the Swede's ford in their canoes.  In the same manner they always
made their visits to Philadelphia.
  In 1631, the Swedes built a fort at "Fort point" the present estate of
Benjamin Holmes, in Elsinborough.  It was fronting upon the Delaware, and
not up Salem creek.  It was at this place they found the parent stock of the
Elsinborough native grape.  They built another at Finnsport New Jersey,
opposite to Fort Delaware.  They also built a fort at Elsinborough, which
was afterwards destroyed by the Renappi Indians.
  The Swedes settled several places on the Morris river, at Buckshutem,
Dorchester and Leesburg; at the first place they had a church, but now all
have disappeared, so that no Swedish names remain.  Their graves, however,
are still seen at Leesburg, on the brink of the river.
  At Salem, one can still see remains of the earliest brick houses; they may
be known, by being regularly intermixed with the glazed brick, always
one-story high, with high double roofs.  They are now generally raised into
two-stories, without the glazed brick in the upper stories, and at the
gable-ends may be still seen the lines which marked the former double roofs;
and now the roofs have a single pitch.  In the large grave ground opposite
to the Friends' meeting, well filled with graves without any stones, is a
very large oak tree of admirable spread and beauty in its wide branches.
>From being once deemed unhealthy as a residence, it has become, by the
regular draining of the meadows, a healthy town, and has much of taste and
beauty and neatness in the style of its houses and improvements.
Philadelphians should visit it oftener, as the place where the first English
emigrants began their first settlement on Delaware.  It is entitled to their
regard for the sake of its early associations.

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