Brodhead, John Romeyn. History of the State of New York, Vol. I (1609-1691). New York: Harper & Brothers, 1853.

with littleThey believe, also, in an Immortality of the soul; have^ ceremony. likewise, some knowledge of the Sun, Moon and Stars, many of which they even know how to name they are passable judges of the weather. There is scarcely ; Neither law nor auv law or iusticc among them, except sometimes in war matters, and then very '^ losliee among the "^ Indians. little. The next of …

They know, also, how to preserve fish and meat for the winter in order then to cook them with Indian meal. They make their bread, but of very indifferent quality, of maize, which they also cook whole, or broken in wooden mortars. The women likewise perform this labor and make a pap or porridge, called by some, Sapsis, by others, Duundare,^ which is their daily food ; theymix …

After their (12) High Mightinesses, the Lords States General, were pleased, in the year XVP and twenty-two, to include this Province within the Charter of the West India Company, the latter considered it necessary to take complete possession of this naturally beautiful and noble Province ; this, indeed, did follow in course of time, but according as circumstances permitted, as …

In these four forts there has always been some garrison from the beginning to the present time, though just now they are all T.^'^v '"'"ooV* and '" ^ '^^^y P°°'' condition, both as regards themselves and the garrison. useless. These forts, as well north and south, were located not only to close and command the said rivers, but as far as property by occupation extended, to …

o to the Eastward; for notwithstanding sufficient The Enffii^h pav no rre>ril lo fori ""?"• Good fesDected ^ bv the English e residing ••.rr-iiTT possession was already taken by the erection and garrisoning ot tort Good Hope, and no neglect to warn them occasionally has occurred, in order to make known our right, and to protest against them for usurpation, force and violence …

Again, the English of New Haven have a Trading theXtih'rTvIr?'"^ post situatc to the East or South east of Magdalen island, at no greater distance than six leagues from the North river; for that island lies on the East side of the North river, 23J leagues above Fort Amsterdam ;2 and the Trading post is established with no other design than to attract or wholly to destroy the …

' Soo ons anders de waerlieyt bereclit is. These words are omitted in the printed Vertoogh. 'Magdalen island is opposite the town of Bed Hook, Dutchess county. The trading post was on the the present town of Springfield, Mass. site of = The trade on the Rhine and other European rivers, was subject to toll, which system the agents of the Patroon of Renselaerwyck attempted to …

The English themselves are well aware of this, but so long as they can manage it, and things get along to their liking, they will not admit the fact; for those of the Fresh river desired to enter Those of the Fresh river have offered a , 1 I I 1 mto an arrangement, and to pay a yearly acknowledgment, or to purchase the ycarij acknowiedgfee. This, indeed, is proof positive …

In short, 'tis thus far with the English, that they are very willing to recognize the Netherlanders, and make use of them as a cloak in time of need, but again when this is past, they regard them not and make fools of them. This proceeds entirely from having neglected to people the country, or to speak plainer and more correctly, from a desire, through motives of selfishness …

But, now, since we have entered on the subject of Long Island, we shall (14) or Long island in ^"^""''"' treat of it somewhat more at length, because the English greatly hanker after it. The Ocean on the south, and the East river on the north side form this Island, which, as we have already remarked, is a crown of New Netherland, on account of its convenient position, its …

Dependent from it was an old seal that could not be deciphered. His commission included the entire island, with five leagues around, both mainland and islands. He had also a power of attorney from Maria, Dowager of Stearling, and this was all nevertheless, the man was very consequential, and said, on his first arrival, that he came here to see Governor Stuyvesant's commission …

The English, with Sometime after the completion on the Fresh River of Fort Good Hope, which [he"Fr'e3h"'River! was bcgun lu the year 1623, an English schooner arrived there, but Jacob van contmry to protest. ^-,^^^.1^^.^ ^^^ Company's Commissary, protested against it by order of the Director Wouter van Twiller yet notwithstanding this protest, they came there about ; a year or …

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 287 horses.' The same thing occurred repeatedly afterwards, and they also took up the hogs and cows belonging to the Fort, and even frequently sold some of them, ^^« English seii our for damages as they say. Protests have been made against all these acts and each of them in particular, but they were mocked at; sundry very severe letters were written to …

Anno 1614, our traders O" v<^°p^e ant took possession of not only trafficked at the Fresh river, but had also ascended it before any English LoughuSerawi °'"" people had ever dreamed of coming there; the latter arrived there for the first time in the year 1636, after our Fort Good Hope had been a long time in existence, and almost all the land on both sides of the river had …

affirmative opinion can be entertained ; this much has come to pass -- they have been informed of it in various letters, which never produced any result ; but they have in addition, contra jus gentium 'perfiis et ncfas, invaded the whole, because, as they say, the land lay unoccupied and waste, which was none of their business, and, besides, was not true ; for on the river a …

Their High Mightinesses' arms were set up at Kievits Everything possible hooU, which is at the mouth of the river, so that everything possible was done introducing people, except that the country was not wholly occupied, and the English would have it so ; forsooth, as if these people, who now by means of their greater numbers do as they please, were at liberty to dictate the …

cows and horses, are computed at thirty thousand ; their goats and hogs cannot be stated ; it is impossible to ascertain precisely both the one and the other, for there are divers places which cannot well be put down as villages, and yet are New Haven a mem- beginnings of them. Among the whole of these, the Rodenbergh or New Haven land, which consists jg the rprincipal; it has …

Director Kieft hath caused divers protests, both in Latin and other languages, to be served on these people, commanding them by virtue of his commissions, in the name of the Lords States General, his Serene Highness of Orange, and the Honorable Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, to desist from their proceedings and usurpations, and in case of refusal, warning …

farthest that they have ever been willing to come is, to declare that the matter could never be arranged in this country, and that they were content and very desirous that their High Mightinesses should arrange it with their Sovereigns, and as this is very necessary, inasmuch as the English already occupy and have The Eogiish have ^"^ seized nearly the half of New Netherland …

Netherof the North river unto Virginia, was his, by grant from King James of England, but he said he did not wish to create any difficulty with the Dutch, though he was very much piqued at John Prins, the Swedish Governor at the South on account of some affronts he had received from him, which are too river, long to relate; he added, that he, at a proper opportunity, should …

into consideration as being favorably situated, not only as regards the convenience of the country, but also as relates to the trade with the Indians on the South river,' to secure which the English ° and Swedes are making O great O efforts,' as we The English and _ Swedes make great shall presently show. Were the boundaries here settled, they would properly, and without any …

length and breadth in Johannes De Laet's Nieuwe Werelt. In the year 1623, at the same time that forts were erected on the North and Fresh rivers. Fort Nassou was erected upon this river, which, in common conversation, is called the South river; but it was the first of the four, and for the same purpose and object as the others, as (19) hereinbefore related. The fort stands on …

Fourteen streams flow into this river, the smallest of them navigable for two or three leagues, and every where, on both sides, are pretty good flats in great abundance.Two leagues from Cape Cornelius, on the West side of the entrance, lies a certain kill which might well be called an ordinary river, or stream, for it is wide, navigable far up, and has a fine roadstead for …

ar'riyaiof th" Eng! arms Were also set up at this place in copper; but as they were thrown down by liBh or Swede.. ^^^^ insolcnt Indians, the Commissary there resented it very strongly and demanded the head of the offender. The Indians, knowing nothing better, brought a head, saying it was that of the transgressor, and herewith it was thought the affair was arranged but …

Elsenburch.i erected at this place, and took great liberties with every one, even with the Company's yachts, or such as would go up the South river for before ; this fort must they all strike, none excepted, and two men are here sent on board in order to ascertain whence the yatchs or ships come. It is nothing less than searching ; it What right these people have The swede …

There are, moreover, several beautiful and pleasant islands and other places, heretofore also in the occupation of the Netherlanders and still bearing the names they gave, and various other circumstances, which afford sufEcient and conclusive evidence that the river belongs to the Netherlanders and not to the Swedes. Their beginnings can of themselves convict them ; for one …

They offered divers reasons and ' The name of this fort is still preserved in that of Elsinborough, a township in Salem county, New Jersey. ' The creek has in consequence obtained the name of Christina creek. It is in the State of Delaware. 'Or the key of Kalmar. Calmar is an ancient town in Sweden, latitude 56° 40', longitude 16° 26'; its fortress was formerly considered the …

For *""' insolence, have thrown them down, and so 'tis allowed to remain; and 'tis considered, especially by the Governor, a brilliant achievement. 'Tis true that several protests were made both against this and other matters that occurred, but they produced as little effect as the flight of a crow (21) overhead, and it is to be feared that if this Governor had an adequate …

It is The English again Currently hanker atler the •' reported ' here every day, J and ' we are informed, that the English o will sonth river. soon repair thither with several families. 'Tis to be borne in mind, that if these people come to settle there, they will so rapidly spread themselves over every Dutch nor Swedes will have much to say there; at place, that shortly …

build a village and trading house there and, in truth, if they begin, there is no ; one here on the part of the Company who can prevent them, or apparently offer them much opposition. And not longer ago than last year, divers freemen, among whom were even some of ourselves, and all of whom without exception had or The Netheriandera good employers could have n r J in …

and that it was as we represented, whereof in fact he was fully aware. Reason was on our side, but the instructions he had from his superiors were such that he could not justify it before them. Now we are blind in these matters, but one of (22) two things must be true either it must be the fault of the Director The Director wames ; the Company tor tho or of the Company, or of …

It is not to be |;^''iong*''iiT8uE expected that 'twill fare any better, but much worse whilst it is under their J^^""'"* company, control, such is their greediness and misgovernment ; but the right time to treat of this matter is not yet arrived. OF THE CONVENIENCE AND EXCELLENCE OF THE WATERS. Having treated of the situation of the land and its boundaries, and having spoken …

It is immediately south of another, which is also the principal and best as regards trade and population, and is called Rio Montanjes, on account of some mountains, or Mauritius' river, commonly the North river, because its course is mainly, and for a great distance, towards the north. The third is the East river, so named because it stretches East from the Manathans. This is …

In addition to all these, there are fountains and springs, innumerable, every where throughout the country, even at places where they would not be expected, as on cliffs and rocks, from which they burst forth A great many foun- like watcr spouts ; and some are of such a nature that they are worthy attention, New ^Netherland, not onlv bccausc thev are all, except r those in the …

'""*^ '" uad"!" excels, this province not only lies very convenient and suitable for it, but were there only population, would be found to have exported more commodities by New Netherland aud of itself to Other countries than it need to import from elsewhere. These bi'e''h''e'reYner''io"''ihe being Considered, 'twill be very little labor for the intelligent to estimate and to …

We are also beholden, in the highest degree, to the Indians, who not only surrendered this rich and fertile country, and for a trifle made it over to us, but did, over and above, also enrich us with their valuable and mutual trade, so that there is none in New Netherland, or trading to that country, but is under obligation therby. Great is our shame now, and fortunate should …

the population of this Country ought to be disregarded, and it ought to be borne eoLideredT™"" in mind that beginnings are difficult, and that sowing would be irksome were men not comforted by reaping. We trust and are confident that your High Mightinesses' very great experience will accomplish this better than we are able to suggest ; but it may probably appear strange to …

reach, not to allow the truth to yield to falsehoods, previously trumped up and invented ; and not to admit any evidence against it, except of such impartial persons as have not either directly or indirectly been injuriously affected by, nor had a hand in, the ruin of New Netherland, nor are otherwise under obligation to it.And with this observation, we proceed to the reasons …

'acta Company, and in this Country. We shall first briefly proceed to point out some of tbe Director. Q^ders and mistakes of Fatherland, and afterwards pass to the others, and see how they have here grown up and waxed strong. Sd ^th^lT"^ ""lana I" ^'^^ infancy of this country, the Directors adopted wrong plans and in our '"°"^- opinion looked more to their own profit than to …

Had the Hon'''^ West India Company attended in the beginning to population, instead of incurring great expense for things unnecessary, which might be attended to at more favorable times and then could also be better done, the New Netherland account would not be so large as it is now ; first, by the construction of the ship Nieuw Neerlant, at an excessive expense ; of three …

Had the first Exemptions been honestly carried out, according to their tenor and not with particular views, the friends of New Netherland would certainly have made greater exertions to bring out settlers, and to take up land. The other clauses which were introduced, have always discouraged individuals and kept them down, so that those of them who had any skill, on becoming …

Nothing else could well be done, for the garrisons are not sent out complete agreeably to The rauu of New the Exemption, so that the fault of New Netherland's low condition lies as much ^onSrJ.'mlits iiso '"'"' ""''^°"P'"'yat the door of Fatherland, as of this place; yea, the seed of the war was, according to Director Kieft, first sown in Fatherland, for he said that he had …

The duty is high; of inspection and seizures there is no lack, and thus lawful trade is turned aside, except some little which is carried on on]y pro formd, in order to push smuggling under this cloak. Meanwhile the Christians are treated almost like Indians in chrisUans are ttoated almost like lathe purchase of necessaries which they cannot do without; this causes great …

But the people have, moreover, been driven away by harsh and unwarrantable proceedings; their Honors, however, authorized this, for they instructed Director Kieft to pick out faults The Directors order that a partial shoBid where none existed, and to consider a partial, ^ as a complete, r ' error and so forth. ' It ""^ c.nsidcred a» a eoraplele error, and has also been seen …

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. consequently not eye witnesses, and as it was long ago and has partially escaped recollection, and did not seem to us so bad as afterwards when land was granted free, and the freemen began to increase, we shall therefore pass over the beginning, and let Mr. Lubbert van Dioglagen, Vice-Governor of New Netherland, describe the administration of …

" The Board of Managers," say The Director, play they, the abaolute maaler. j " are, indeed, masters in Fatherland, • • but we are masters in this land. As they decide, so 'twill go; there is no appeal." And it has not been difficult for them hitherto to put this in practice ; for the people were few, and the majority of these (28) very simple and uninformed; they, moreover …

These Directors, then, having the power in their own hands, could do, and did whatever they chose, according to their good will and pleasure, and whatever was, must be right, because it was agreeable to them. 'Tis well known that those who arrogate to themselves, and exercise power, for the purpose of issuing suchcommands as they please, frequently command and requiremore than …

Casting our eye, then, over Director Kieft's administration, we come first to "ci^asS'' pr'lfp"'*" the Church, and we shall speak, after that, of the public property, both But as this man is now dead, and some of his proceedings ecclesiastical and civil. and acts are freely discussed by Jochem Pieterss Cuyter and Cornells Moiyn, we shall dispose of this point as curtly as we …

The Director wished, and insisted that jE^*,„h';^"h'i'^,J^,t it should be located in truly, the location is small, the fort lies on a point, which would be of more importance in case of population ; the Church, which ought to be owned by the people who defrayed the expense of its construction, intercepts and turns aside the Southeast wind from the gristmill which stands in …

It happened, about this time, that Everardus Bogardus, the clergyman, gave in marriage a daughter, by his first wife. The Director thought this a good time for his purpose, and set to work after the fourth or fifth drink ; and he himself setting a liberal example, let the wedding guests sign whatever they were disposed to give towards the Church. o Each, then, with a light o …

There is no church jj- ^ow ouF time to spcak of the church property, and to do the truth no jg violence, we are not aware that there ever has been any, or that the church hath any revenue, except what is given to it. Neither the Company nor the Director ever took the least pains or trouble to obtain or provide any. The plate im» been passeil around lur The plate has been a …

They have long promised to pay interest, but notwithstanding all that is done in the matter, neither principal nor interest can be obtained from them. There is, occasionally, a flying report of an hospital and of asylums for orphans and for old men, &c., but as yet not a sign of an attempt, order or regulation has been made about them. From all these, then, it is sufficiently …

There was not indeed at first, in Director Kieft's administration, so favorable an opportunity as since, because the duties on the peltries were collected in Fatherland, and the freemen had not yet granted any excise, but after the public The duties on It"" calamity -- we mean, the rash war -- was brought on us, the duties on the peltries Neiheriand. began to collectcd in this …

among the soldiers as a prize, and so it has continued ; but it has produced great strife and discontent; for from that time forward the Director endeavored to The Director begins divide the country and to establish a faction those who were on his side could ; try, and^s very j'eat- not do amiss, howevcr badly they behaved; those who were opposed to him areiisited. were always …

advocate, were themselves under the necessity of remonstrating, but instead of J^'^^.f'^^P,''^ p"^""™ the relief they expected, they received a somewhat sharp reprimand from the Director, and subsequently obtained a written answer which, as was his custom, he had couched in so lengthy and so diffuse a style, that poor humble people, such as are here, must inevitably commit …

was promised and enacted, in all placards, that all the money was to be employed lZ%t """monry for commendable and necessary public works, let us now examine for a moment for'" the" %TO°.'ie'a what laudable public works there are in this country, and what fruits all the donations and contributions have hitherto borne. But in order not to commit any error in this matter, we …

If we are correctly informed, and have fully investigated and examined all these, we cannot ascertain or find that any thing -- we say any thing -- big or little, worth mentioning, was done, built or constructed, during Director Kieft's administration, in which the people were ^,e"i',«ipie''i'n"Kieiv8 concerned or had any interest, except the Church, of which we have already …

There are yet sundry other Negroes in this country, some of whom have been manumitted on account of their long service ; but their children continue slaves, contrary to all public law, that any one born of a free Christian mother should, notwithstanding, be a slave, and obliged so to remain. It is impossible for us to relate every thing that has occurred. Whoever did not …

Stuvvcsant has been, almost the whole of the time from his "^ first coming profitably busy in , c }h?^ C'mpanj'a afto our leaving, busy building, laying masonry, constructing, breaking up, renttmg and so forth ; but generally, on the Company's account and little to their expended than they are worth however advantage, for on some things more is ; he at first put the church in …

As a consequence, great discontent arose in a short time every where, not only among the burghers, who had very little to say, but also even among the Company's oflScers, so that divers protests passed between them on account of the expense and waste consequent on unnecessary councillors, officers, servants and so forth, entirely unknown to the Majores, and by reason of the …

People have been here now so long, and would beat every bush ; yet not a thing No reeuiation has had been done concerning weights and measures or the like, previous to the dueed '"'respecTn'J 23^ July, of the year 1649, at which time the people were notified that an order " sures; q^ the subject would be issued the ensuing August, which the Fiscal would then (33) enforce …

And when any thing was said to the Director on these and similar subjects, more than pleased him, a great deal of ill and spiteful Stuyvesant berates language was received ; even those who were officially brought to speak, with Ihe principal mcu among the people him of such things, if he were not in good humor, were berated as rascals, bear skinners, &c. The Fort under which …

He will, doubtless, contrive by various circumstances to throw the blame on the Commonalty, who are innocent, although the Director desired to have the money from them, and pretended to have an order to that effect from their High Mightinesses; for had he applied to that object one-fourth of the money which was collected in his time from the The monej coiiecCommonalty, it …

Sufficient has been said relative to what Director Kieft hath done in civil and ecclesiastical matters; vphether buildings, resources or revenues. It remains for us to visit the Council chamber and bring out some specimens, according to our promise. Herein we shall also study conciseness. The Council consisted, then, of Director Kieft and Monsieur La Montangie the Director had …

In other respects, they were of no consideration, and little regarded when they proposed anything in opposition to the views of the Director, who imagined himself, or would fain persuade others, The Direotora give that he was Sovereign and that it was absolutely in his power to do, or to "" that the safety of the People was the "'' so'verei'gna. permit, everything; and he …

was not believed, for there are some who heard La Montangie say, that had not The Secretary the Secretary brought a false report, the affair would have never happened. brings false reports. ^^^^.^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ othcrs who know it, and almost every one believes it, to be so, and indeed it seems very likely. No confidence was placed in Fiscal Van der Hooykens in consequence of …

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 305 had the order of the Majores, and by his own imprudent expeditions, which manifested themselves ciiiefly in the mysterious toast ; but there are friends whom tiiis closely concerns and who have already undertaken it. We shall leave of"'« sovereignty. the matter to them, and give a few specimens of his aspirations after sovereignty, omitting several …

people, and the destruction of many cattle, of almost all their houses, and whatever they had ; they returned a while after that, and having consumed more than they knew how to obtain, they came to the Manathans, whither all the refugees at that time fled, and Master Douthy was minister there. After the fiame Francis Douthy was minister at the of war had died away, and peace …

The Director answered, there was no appeal from his decision which must be final, and in consequence of his remark, sentenced the Minister to be imprisoned for the space of 24 hours, and then pay 25 guilders. We have always considered this act tyrannical, and regarded it as an instance of sovereignty. Arnoldus van Hardenbergh's case resembles this very much in its result, for …

306 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. *'''^ game was repeated it was a high crime ; the Fiscal made great pretence and ; ^e»'i8™anT''a /''a fine of 25 guiidtre. a judgment was pronounced, the contents whereof were as follows: "Having -- Copy of ihe ten- «' seen the written demand of Fiscal Van der Hoeikens of and against Arnoldus tence. ° " van Hardenburch, and that in relation …

" authority of the magistracy of this country, condemn the aforesaid Arnoldus " van Hardenberch in the fine of 25 guilders, payable immediately, or to be " imprisoned until the fine be paid, as an example to others." If the lion be now known by his paw, it can be seen that these people make nothing of the name of your High Mightinesses, His Highness of Orange, the honor of the …

The patents were next called in, on pretence that something had been forgotten in them ; but it was not so, only 'twas imagined that something had been surrendered in the grant, and therefore a clause was added to the patents, which were signed anew ; this conflicts directly with the patent, so that without distorting its tenor in the least, there is now a There Is a contra …

We sincerely wish we were already through this administration, for it hath been fSonbear8*'h'Md heavy upon us, and we are conscious of our feeble power; we will, nevertheless, make a beginning, and as we have already treated of the public property, ecclesiastical and civil, we shall examine into the administration of justice and the rendering of judgment between man and man …

In addition to the fact that he hath himself appointed and obliged so many Councillors, some of whom also are well disposed, so that he can constrain the others by plurality of votes, he likewise frequently submits his opinion in writing, and that so fully and so amply that it takes up some side, and then ||i';,^J't^^^°J,y'"^'J,'X! his word is: "Gentlemen, this is my opinion …

But, we all say and affirm, that such has, from the commencement, been and still continues daily to be, the common practice, and that this is the conduct and bearing in the Council of the Director who is president and head thereof. Let us now, also, cursorily speak of each of the other Councillors. Lubbert van Dinklagen, the Vice- ly'S-esS^.*''''*'' Governor, hath for a long …

dissembling; but it is sufficiently notorious, and has been heard from himself, was not pleased with, and disapproved of that administration. Brian that he Muyson [Nuton], lieutenant of the soldiers, comes next. This man dreads the Director, and honors him as his benefactor; besides being very ignorant and n«mSCnd''o'u? inexperienced in the law, he is totally unacquainted with …

Every one can easily imagine the amount of knowledge these men, who have spent all their lives at sea and have been brought up to ship business, possess of matters of law and of husbandmen's disputes; besides which, the Director keeps them so dependent that they dare not speak, as will appear from this circumstance at Curasao, before the Director ever saw New -1 Netherland. As …

How this is done, is too deep The Director bear- for US ; for though the Dircctor is aware of these things, he nevertheless observes Paulus ^ Lraacrjae gjiencc whcu Paulus Lcuaertse begins to get excited, which he would not suffer from any other person and this gives rise to divers unfavorable surmises. To ; complete the bench of justice, there still remain the Secretary and …

him to do so for he is a man wholly intolerable alike in words and deeds. ; What shall we say of one whose head is a trouble to him and whose screw is TheFisoaMs none joogg, especially when it is surrounded by a little sap in the wood, which is no rare occurrence, as he is master at home. Cornells Van Thienhoven, the Secretary, comes next. A great deal might be said of this …

He is a great adept at dissimulation, and even when laughing, intends to bite, and professes the warmest friendship where he hates the deepest. To every one who has business with him -- and there is scarcely one but has -- he gives a favorable reply, promises assistance and assists scarcely any body, or leads them continually off on some course or the other, except the …

Director Stuyvesant was, at first and also afterwards, well informed of this who, nevertheless, retained him in office, ; and gave him so much latitude that everything follows his behest more than if he were President; yea, who even says, that he is well content to employ him ; but that stone is still rolling. We are convinced, and do believe, that he misleads the General in …

And in order to gloze over that matter altogether, Nine men were chosen as of the entire Commonalty, and it was in the fnTrepreseni'"'ihe representatives *"""* omaionai.v. commissions and instruction declared, that what these men did, should be the act of the whole people ; as it, indeed, was when it accorded with the Director's opinion and views, for they represent the entire …

The proceedings against hi|^ircensurabi'e.° the Eight men, particularly against Jochura Pieters Cuytter and Cornelis Molyn occurred also in the beginning, and the Director manifested so much partiality therein, that he afforded many an opportunity of judging of his character and its nature, but little to his advantage ; for every one clearly saw and remarked that Director …

ibe''fermer's. ''"''^ hereafter endeavor to knock me over also, but I shall now manage it so that they will have their bellies full in all time to come." And how it was managed the result of the suit can testify, for they must pay fines and were cruelly banished, and in order that nothing should be wanting, when Cornelis Molyn pleaded for '''-^il ' grace until intelligence of …

what is remarkable, it is so confirmed by similar cases as not to admit of a doubt for it once came to pass in the Minister's house, after their departure, when the Consistory had met there and was risen, that one Arnoldus van Herdenberch related the proceedings relative to Seger Theunisse, and how he had appealed as curator, from the judgment, whereupon the Director, who had …

Jochem Pietersse Cuyter and Cornelis Molyn went to Fatherland to prosecute their appeal, and letters were received here from them, and it was rumored that they were maintained or would be successful, the Director, speaking of Jochim Pieterss Cuyter and Cornelis Molyn, openly declared at various times and on stuyvesant con- many occaslous, both in presence of Inhabitants and …

Finally, it came to pass that he may depart on ^J,lT"hJ^' the condition of promising under his hand that, wherever he should go, he would not u,af'ho ahww'not mention, nor complain of the manner he was treated here in New Netherland by \rLiKi7 Director Kieft or Stuyvesant. This the man himself declares. Mr. Dinklagen and Commander Looper, who were then members of the Council …

And with this view, one Gerrit Vastrick, a trader, was authorized to bring with him a case of guns, as is ascertained, in order, as it atuyvespnt imports "<=''»= °'g""'- was reported, to supply the Indians with a sparing hand. (42) The transaction with this case was so public, that not a man at the Manhatans but knew of it, and people had plenty to do, to quiet the public …

And greater credit was attached to this, as they proceeded to the right place and the returns they realized, though dumb, speak. This created inexpressible dissatisfaction among the common people, and even among the other officers, and had not the people been both persuaded and restrained, something serious might have been the consequence. It is also added: -- " The Director …

This have we witnessed the case, then away with such people to the gallows. jI^r'^'TeyKs in the case of Jacob Ryntgens and Jacob van Schermerhoren, who were capitally '*''''*"" me'rhooni'.'' prosecuted for this offence, and a great deal of difficulty was experienced before they could be got off, and even then they were banished as felons and their property was confiscated. By …

For the man, being an honest Burgher here, of good repute, though •^ moderate means, was thrust into prison, and charges raked up against him from every hole and corner, on the information of one of the Company's servants, who, according to the statement of the General and Council, had richly merited the gallows three times, and for whom even a new one had been erected, which …

These things cause great dissatisfaction, and excite thoughts of abandoning the country. Proceedings against Pieter Van der Linden fared no better, but he was not imprisoned, "^ though ° Pieter van der Lin- '^^°- many were, the most of whom are frightened, and would speak if they dare. Now as the Company itself carries on the forbidden trade, the people think that it is no sin …

Were the noise thereof confined exclusively to the country, it were well; but he has spread it himself, throughout the neighboring English, both north and south, even to the West Indies and Caribbee Islands; everywhere there is such evil report, that not a ship dare venture here from those parts. Worthy and reliable people who come thence here by way of Boston, and others …

All permanent inhabitants, whether merchant, burgher, farmer, planter, working man or servant, sufTer great damage in consequence; for were there plenty of shipping here, piemj- of shipping °"' "^"" everything would be cheaper, and necessaries more easily obtained than now; whether goods or articles which the people themselves get through God's blessing, out of the earth, or …

" the debts were incurred in and by the war, and the people are ISuse "contracted In notwithstanding ' ' the war; and will unable to pay either principal or interest. Again, he will not pay the just debts °J^„f'°" ^"^ J"" which Director Kieft hath left behind on the Company's account, whether consisting of earned monthly wages, delivered grain, or any other lawfully proved …

314 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. never inquired whether New Netherland sank or swam ; for when application was made to them in such emergency for aid and assistance, which they were bound by honor and by promise according to the Exemptions to furnish, unasked, tiie case at their own expense. they never attempted to do anything in We let They never caused any good order or …

Yet they Trade is heariiy taieil and Ihis must know Well how to increasc the public burdens, » for in the instances in the be^paid byihepeo- Excmptlons, in which they promise not to exceed 5 per cent, they now exact 16. 'Tis an old saying, he scrapes a good deal who scrapes half, but it does not reach that far. The excuses and evasions they have recourse to, as regards …

their "High MiphT "^"st petition their masters, the Company, or your High Mightinesses, which we nesses or the Com- ^j^^ ^^^^ Considered, in truth and in deed to be necessary. It is now more than a year since the select men concluded and considered it proper to send a deputation to your High Mightinesses. The Director approved it, and not only assented to The resolution as to …

After the election, then, and before the new incumbents were sworn, it was verbally, or orally resolved and concluded, that -- HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IV. 315 the deputation should be proceeded with, whatever the consequences. Some time elapsed before the Nine men were sworn in anew, on account of some enlargement of the commission, which was at last issued, recorded and signed …

requested permission to speak to the Commonalty on the subject; but their proposition was not well received and a very long postil was annexed to their written petition r to the effect that they must act conjointly J . with, and follow the Tba B.ioct m™ niusl not coufcr order of, the Director with many other things which scarcely accorded with our "i"" ">« peopi«- design, and …

Besides, we had never promised nor agreed to do so, and were bound by oath to seek the prosperity of the country, as we have always been disposed to do, according to the best of our knowledge. (46) It is stated in the postil above mentioned, if we read it aright, that we p»stiiof the Direoshall inquire how far the people would cooperate with us in this business, and how the …

And although these persons had always been his good and cherished friends, and he had even a short time before, esteemed them the honestest, most capable, most intelligent and most virtuous of the country,! ygj ^s soon as they did not follow his wishes, they were this and that, some of them rascals, liars, rebels, usurers; in a word, hanging was almost too good for them …

816 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. were discovered, and when it was perceived that this labor would be vain, an attempt was made to create a diversion by instituting personal actions against some who were considered the bell-wethers. ^ Accusations were made against them and they were prosecuted by the Fiscal and the other subordinate officers, who made them out to be about …

One day when Van der Donck was abroad, the General arrested. seized this rough draft with his own hand, placed Van der Donck the day following under arrest, convened the Supreme Council, accused him of having committed Crimen lesae Majestatis, and took the matter so seriously that scarcely anything was to be done -- either the delegation must be a joint one, and then (17) it …

petition was defiignated a libel, unworthy of any answer, the writer of which would be punished as an example to others. In fine, we could not, in any way, Whatever was pro- manage to make it right. Vander Donck was forbad the Council and our Sessions mrelie.™ Cihe also, and we were notified officially of the circumstance ; yet, he could not get and in order to cut off the …

Those who were officially obliged to take a part in public affairs and did so, were fortunate if they acted in accordance with the General's will and pleasure; if they did not, they were Those who speak prosecuted and sued, incarcerated, guarded by soldiers, so that no person might treated very badly, gpeak to them, angrily abused as all sorts of dangerous monsters, threatened …

Your High Mightinesses, and such other friends as happen to see it, can easily infer, from the preceding Relation, what trouble and labor we have had on our shoulders, with which we would have most willingly dispensed, had it not been for the love of the country and of the truth, which, as far as we know, hath long lain in the grave. The trouble and difficulty …

In our opinion this country will never flourish under the Hon"* Company's government on the contrary 'twill waste and decay in itself, unless the ; Company be, in consequence, reformed. It would, therefore, be better and more advantageous for the country and themselves were they rid of it and the remnant of their property transported hence. To speak specifically: care ought to …

There ought to be, likewise, Asylums for aged men, for orphans, and similar institutions. The clergyman who now returns home, could give fuller information on the subject. The country must also be provided with moral, honorable and intelligent rules who are not very indigent nor yet very covetous. A covetous ruler makes poor subjects, and the mode in which the country is now …

population, good (49) Privileges and Exemptions, which could encourage the inhabitants; attract navigation and profitable trade, and with the pleasantness, convenience, salubrity and productiveness of the country, allure everyone hither. If a Boundary were added in the protection, to what has been already done, then with God's help everything would, in human probability, go …

In conclusion, we commit your High Mightinesses' persons, deliberations and measures with your people both at home and abroad, together with all New Netherland, to the merciful guidance and protection friends of of the Most High, whom we supplicate to grant prosperity to your High Mightinesses in time and eternity. Amen. Done this XXVIII July, in New Netherland, 1649. (Signed) …

These persons are thoroughly conversant with the situation of the country. I hope your High Mightinesses will be pleased thereby and extend to them a favorable audience, and give them despatch as soon as your High Mightinesses' more weighty affairs will permit, as the people will be very anxious. God preserve your High Mightinesses in continued health and prosperous …

Lubbcrtus Van Dincklage, Vice-Director in New Netherland, written at the Manhatans the IS"- August, ultimo. Likewise, read a petition of the aforesaid three deputed persons, wherein they pray their High Mightinesses to be pleased to appoint some gentlemen from their midst in order that they may furnish some further information respecting the condition and state of the …

The petition of Johan van Wely and Wouter van Twiller, both guardians of TwuiI^.^Biommlen Johau Reuselaer, against Samuel Blommaert and Johannes de Laet, cum socns. and De LaeL being read in the Assembly, it is, after previous consideration, resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid petition be placed in the hands of the opposite party in order to answer thereunto as to the …

Resolution of the States General on a Petitiori of the Guardians of Johannes van Renselaer. [From the Register of West India Affairs, 1638 -- 1651, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ] Saturday, 13 November, 1649. Folio 606. p^ certain further petition of thg Guardians of Johan van Renselaer, minor son va°n"Kenseia"°''*° of KiHacn Van Renselaer, regarding a certain Colonic on …

I duly received your High Mightinesses' letter dated 2S"' April, by Cornells Melyn, who has been, on his humble petition, graciously relieved by your High Mightinesses of the sentence pronounced against him by us and our council on the Fiscal's complaint, prosecution and proof. But the appellant to your High Mightinesses, meeting no party nor defence, the papers and documents …

For, besides running through New England among the English people (who are not very friendly to us and our Nation here on account of old boundary requisitions and claims) proclaiming and parading your High Mightinesses' aforesaid writ of mandamus and public letters, and His Serene Highness' passports, even before they were communicated to us, to the scandal of both and to our …

The tendency of these and similar reports, with the exhibition of the writs of mandamus dragged through the mud amongst a people who, on the score of possession, are indifferently disposed towards us, we respectfully recommend to your High Mightinesses' prudence and wise consideration, assured that the falsehood of the exonerated individual, in all this matter, will be fully …

reports, authenticated in our presence and that of the Council, that the Hon''''^ Company was bankrupt -- that your High Mightinesses had spoken very contemptuously of the Board of Directors, as being unworthy or unfit to govern your High Mightinesses' possessions that -- the supreme and secret Council of Brazil were imprisoned and had sent little bags with thousands of …

In all humble reverence, it had been more advantageous and honorable for me never to have been favored with your High Mightinesses' Commission, or never to have sworn before your High Mightinesses to administer both criminal and civil law and justice, than pending your High Mightinesses' Commission and our recorded oath, to be, on a simple petition, so disparaged by neighbors …

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : IV. 323 as far as our knowledge permits, have given our opinion thereupon conformably to Divine and human laws; if we have erred in the application or explication of them, we submit ourselves to your High Mightinesses' wiser judgment, and to Justinian's memorable saying Omnia sapo'e et in nulla 'penilus itcccare lAus dtitalis quam humanitatis est. Passing …

Although no messenger is better than the person himself, it is necessary, for reasons aforesaid, and in consequence of the troubles and dissentions which have arisen and been fomented here from time to time, since the arrival of the aforesaid person, to send an attorney, and thereunto to request and empower our Secretary, Cornelis Van Tienhoven, with procuration and authority …

We call God to witness our sincerity, that we have never, knowingly or willfully, intended injury or wrong to any man; but a peaceable and God-acceptable government to be vindicated before your High Mightinesses. In the meanwhile we apprehend, that this indecent service of summons will have the effect of withdrawing your High Mightinesses' attention from more important …

But, in order not to interrupt too much your High Mightinesses' important deliberations on higher and weightier matters, we will not enlarge farther in this affair, but leave the result commended to God and your far-seeing judgment; only observing to your High Mightinesses before concluding, that the sentence pronounced against the appellant Melyn, was, as appears by its …

For which purpose we have also furnished him, by way of reminder, with copy of our previously drafted opinions, and with an abstract hereof. Wherewith ending, we commend your High Mightinesses and the rest of your subjects to the merciful protection of the Most High. We pray the Triune God for your long and prosperous government, and are and remain, meanwhile, Your High …

[From the Register of West India Affairs, 1633 -- 1651, in the Royal Archires at the Hague.] Thursday, 2d December, 1649. Folio 511. On petition presented to their High Mightinesses in the name and on the Cornells ran Tien- behalf of Comells vau Tieuboven, Secretary of New Netherland, as attorney of NewNeireMand.the Dlrector and Council over that country, it is, after previous …

Rensclaer, niinor son of Kiliaen van Renselaer, again praying their High Mightinesses to be pleased to dispose of their, the petitioners', previous petition respecting the solicited investiture of the Colonic Renselaer's Wyck, in New Netherland, and the violence which Director Stuyvesant is committing against them. Whereupon deliberation being had, it is resolved and …

petition the aforesaid Melyn, after a very impertinent and particularly false narrative, simply requests of your High Mightinesses in substance, inasmuch as your High Mightinesses have been pleased to admit him in appeal from the judgment aforesaid and as the said Cornelis van Tienhoven had come over to this country and was residing at the Hague for the purpose of defending …

further respectively replied and rejoined to, according as the merits of the case shall be found to demand; or in default thereof, that parties shall on the day aforesaid, be mutually at liberty to demand such advantage as, according to custom and rule, the party in attendance usually obtains against the party in default. And that the proceedings herein may be in the ordinary …

Director, pursuant to the tenor hath come hither by order of the abovenamed of the writ of mandamus in case of appeal, granted to Cornelis Melyn by their High Mightinesses on the 2Sth April 1G48, praying to be informed how and in what manner the proceedings therein will be commenced and completed. Whereupon deliberation being had, it is resolved and concluded that the …

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IV. 327 him, the petitioner, to be subjected to torture, to which intent he had his, the petitioner's house, twice searched by the entire Council, himself also overhauling all the barrels, bales, cases, corners, stores, etc., the petitioner remaining meanwhile, for the space of thirteen long days, in the aforesaid close con6nement at the gate, and in the …

The petitioner consequently, presented a petition in his own name, which he would not once notice, wherefore the petitioner presented another request, copy whereof is hereunto annexed. To this it was answered on the margin that it must be communicated to the Fiscal, which having been done, the Fiscal replied that he must have 5 to 6 months time for the purpose, as he knew …

It can be easily surmised, that the petitioner was obliged to depart for Patria, as he could not peaceably carry on his trade there, nor travel hither and thither through the country to purchase his wheat and grain, which his business required for bread for the use of the burghers, for, on twice applying to the Director for a pass, he was each time threatened by him with a …

business necessary thereunto. Wherefore the petitioner will respectfully await your High Mightinesses' favorable answer. Which doing, etc.. Signed Joost Teuniss. Baker. Read IS"- December, 1649. NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Appendix to the preadiiig Petition. To the Hon"'' Petrus Stuyvesant, Director of New Netherland, Curagao and dependencies thereof, and to the gentlemen …

Awaiting hereunto a favorable answer, Remains your Honors' humble and obedient. In the margin was: -- Copy of the answer given to Joost Teuniss, baker, on 26 July, 1649. These are to be communicated to the Fiscal, in order to prosecute the case. Ady 26"> July, 1649. New Amsterdam in N. Netherland. Lower stood: By order of the Hon*"' General and Council of New Netherland …

Sibout Claessen, house carpenter, burgher, and inhabitant of New Netherland, most respectfully represents, that he, having married Susanna Janss, at the time widow of Aert Teunissen, her previous husband, who had entered into a contract with Director Kieft to lease a certain bouwerie named Hoboquin, situate in Pavonia on the west side of the North river, for the term of ten …

The fort is dismantled and allowed to go to ruin ; and a military force hath never been maintained there competent for the defence and protection of the inhabitants, but sufficient for their ruin and destruction -- p. 303. 64. Kieft falsely laid at the door of the people the blame of the war which had been enkindled by him and his adherents, especially by Secretary Cornells …

The Directors, in Holland, have not endeavored, nor used any means, nor given any orders, to discover the cause of, or to forbid the war, which creates strong suspicion that they themselves authorized it -- p. 314. 68. The St. Beninio, a ship belonging to Benjor, an Italian at Amsterdam, was forcibly cut out of New Haven, where it lay under the protection of the English, and …

commence their introduction with calumnies against the Board, their Patroons, complaining of excesses and highly injurious neglect, which, if any existed, ought to have been represented in season to the said Patroons, by them in virtue of their commission dated 27 July, 1649, communicated for the first time, on the 9'" of December last, full eight or nine weeks subsequent to …

If the petitioners know of any Directors here, who have preferred their own private interests to the general advantage of the Company, contrary to their oath and honor, they ought to state it, or be bound yet to do so. Failing therein it is answered, that the petitioners do in no wise refer to the Company's government, inasmuch as they speak of matters which transpired before …

The Directors do not select any agents but such as they consider qualified, and are approved by their High Mightinesses and by them provided with regular Commission and Instruction. And as regards the case of Jochim Pitersen and Cornelis Melyn, vfho have been punished for reasons more fully set forth in their sentence, the Board finds it particularly strange that these people …

to Commission and Instruction, in the name of their High Mightinesses, his Highness and of the Company. 8. We cannot understand what the petitioners would express by the S"" Article. 9. We never heard before that the Director spoke harshly to those who treated him respectfully but are now informed that a certain person, who was unwilling to allow his goods to be inspected …

But these men separated themselves from the well-disposed and secretly induced a few low inhabitants to sign their names, who, also, have contributed each a few pennies to the delegation, as more fully can appear by the particular signatures, or procuration affixed to the Remonstrance ; hence, 'tis probable that these persons abuse the name of the Commonalty, as the …

The Director hath not the administration of the money that was taken up on the plate but Jacob Couwenhoven, who is one of the petitioners, hath kept account of it in his quality of churchwarden. IG. 'Tis acknowledged that the Company is indebted to the Deaconry, nine or ten hnndred guilders, according to the tenor of the obligation thereof drawn up in New Netherland A" 1649 …

The Charter accorded by their High Mightinesses to the Company shows that the judgments of the Director and Council are final. 21. Respecting this article, we refer to the sentence. 22. This article we refer, as above, to the sentence. 23. We are informed and therefore say, that the petitioners will not prove that the late Director, Willem Kieft, hath called in more than one …

The Director had signed the patent on the report of Hudde, the Surveyor, without specifying therein the number of morgens. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: V. 341 And after information had been received from said Jan Eversen (one of the petitioners) and others, the Director allowed Tonis Nyssen agreeably to the Freedoms, as much of said valley as he should iiave need of in proportion to his …

The petitioners must show that Commissary Adriaen de Keyser, is unqualified for his office. 28 and 29. We are not aware "that the Director esteems Jelmer Tomassen and Paulus Leendersen to be thieves. Jelmer Tomassen is in this country ; if needs be, he will willingly answer the petitioners. 30. On proof of this article by the petitioners, the Fiscal will be recalled. 31. As …

why he was not allowed to depart, and it must be proved that the Director required from him any obligation under his hand. 342 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 35. We are informed that the petitioners will in no wise be able to prove that Director Sruyvesant hath confiscated any person's arms; but 'tis very true, that in 1648, a few snaphaimce were found on board the Valckenier …

Joost Tonissen having been accused, with others, by the Company's Corporal, of having bought guns, locks and barrels from him ; and as the accusation was true, which said Corporal repeated against Jacob Reynsen, the Council, with the Fiscal, went to his (Tonisen's) house, and, making a search, .found one Company's musket, which the Fiscal took away with him. And as the …

The latter, however, carry on a friendly trade with our Nation. 40. The ships confiscated in New Netherland are the St. Fitter, during the administration of William Kieft; the :st. Beninjo, and the ship the Prins van Denmarcken, by Director Stuyvesant and Council, because the first had not observed his contract, and had articles of contraband ; the other had come without …