We read of the subjugation of the Mohegans and their aUies by the Mohawks and the estabHshment of their overlordship or suzerainty, and we can understand how the latter compelled the adversaries of the Dutch to surrender prisoners that they had taken. Near the beginning of the eighteenth century, at the same time that a purchase (elsewhere referred to) was made of Judge Livingston for the Palatines, the Fullerton tract was also secured on the west shore, and what was known as West Camj) was established. It is not possible to overestimate the value of the faithful and conscientious, though often obstinate and discontented, Germans upon the life of the community that was then in its earh' formative stage. The combination ofthis stock with that of the Dutch and the Huguenot exiles that came to Kingston and afterwards settled the banks of the Wallkill resulted in a "blend" of unusual excellence. The amalgamation seems to have been very complete in course of time, as we note that the Huguenots adopted both the language and form of worship of the Dutch, while one of the most

474 The Hudson River

successful and widel}^ known ministers of the Dutch Church in that region was of Palatine parentage, and came m time to be known as "the Dutch Domine." Immediately upon settling, the Palatines established schools and churches. The first school was commenced within three months after the arrival of the emigrants at West Camp. This alone should for ever set at rest the common notion that they were illiterate peasants. Poor they were certainly, the victims of persecution that seemed to follow them even from their own land in the lower Palatinate, on the Rhine, across the seas, at first to England and afterwards to America. The statesmen of Qtieen Anne's time anticipated that the labour of the Palatines would at least repay the outlay necessary for their transport and maintenance.