The Incorporated West India Company of this country took possession, in the year 1626, among other places, of the South river situate in New Netherland, and there erected or

588 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. caused to be built, two posts or fortresses the one and the largest called Nassau, 16 leagues ;

up the river on the east bank, being their southern frontier; and the other named Bevers reede, down the river on the west bank, about the lands of the Schuylkil a place wonderfully ;

convenient and so called on account of the Beaver trade which was prosecuted there to a considerable amount with the natives and Indians. The Company also bought, or caused to be bought from the natives and owners, about the same time, many lands, in order thus to be able, as first discoverers and possessors, to settle this river more peaceably, quietly and with greater right. This South River was deemed the finest of all North America, being wide, deep and navigable also greatly abounding in fish, especially in plenty of sturgeon, from the roe of ;

which caviar in vast quantity can be manufactured. The soil hereabouts, and on both sides of said river, is very fertile and the most part of it exceedingly well adapted for tillage and grain ; it also produces various descriptions of fruits.

Thousands of Beavers can be bought here and around the Schuylkil, or Bevers reede, the Company's constructed Redoubt, which are brought down in great abundance by the Southern Indians (called Minquas) and by the Black Indians, so that this river has been always held in great esteem and repute by the Company and its Agents, on account of its fitness and great convenience both for Trade and Agriculture. This River had been for many years in the peaceable and quiet possession of the Company