THE CAPTURE OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
The Approach of the Fleet.--The Governor Unjustly
Censured.--The Flag of Truce.--The Haughty Response.--The
Remonstrance.--The Defenceless City.--The Surrender.--The
Expedition to the Delaware.--Sack and Plunder.--Change of
Name.--Testimony to the Dutch Government.--Death of the
Governor.--His farm, or Bouwerie.--War Between Holland and
England.--New York Menaced by the Dutch.
The only response which Colonel Nicholls deigned to make to the
remonstrance of Governor Stuyvesant, was to put his fleet in motion. A
party of soldiers, infantry and cavalry, was landed on Long Island,
and they advanced rapidly through the forest, to the little cluster of
huts which were scattered along the silent and solitary shores of
Brooklyn. These troops were generally volunteers from Connecticut and
from the English settlements on Long Island.
The fleet then ascended through the Narrows, and two of the frigates
disembarked a number of regular troops just below Brooklyn, to support
the volunteers. Two of the frigates, one mounting thirty-six guns, and
the other thirty, coming up under full sail, passed directly within
range of the guns of the fort, and cast anchor between the fort and
Nutten or Governor's Island.
Stuyvesant stood at one of the angles of the fortress as the frigates
passed by. It was a critical moment. The fate of the city and the
lives of its inhabitants trembled in the balance. The guns were loaded
and shotted, and the gunners stood by with their burning matches. A
word from the impetuous Stuyvesant would have opened upon the city all
the horrors of a bombardment. There were but about twenty guns in the
fort. There were sixty-six in the two frigates, whose portholes were
opened upon the city; and there were two other frigates just at hand,
prepared to bring twenty-eight guns more into the fray.
As Governor Stuyvesant stood at that point, burning with indignation,
with the word to fire almost upon his lips, the two clergymen of the
place, Messrs. Megapolensis and son, came up and entreated him not to
be the first to shed blood in a hopeless conflict. Their persuasions
induced the governor to leave the rampart, and intrusting the defence
of the fort to fifty men, to take the remainder of the garrison, one
hundred in number, to repel if possible, the English, should they
attempt a landing. The governor still cherished a faint hope that some
accommodation could yet be agreed upon.
The Directors in Holland subsequently, with great severity and, as we
think, with great injustice, censured Governor Stuyvesant for his
conduct on this occasion. The whole population of the little city was
but fifteen hundred. Of them not more than two hundred and fifty were
able to bear arms, in addition to the one hundred and fifty regular
troops in garrison. And yet the Directors in Holland wrote, in the
following cruel terms, to the heroic governor:
"It is an act which can never be justified, that a Director
General should stand between the gabions, while the hostile
frigates pass the fort, and the mouths of twenty pieces of
cannon, and yet give no orders to prevent it. It is
unpardonable that he should lend his ear to preachers, and
other chicken-hearted persons, demeaning himself as if he
were willing to fire, and yet to allow himself to be led in
from the bulwark between the preachers. When the frigates
had sailed past, he became so troubled that he must then
first go out to prevent their landing. The excuse, that it
was resolved not to begin hostilities, is very poor, for the
English had committed every hostile act."
The governor immediately sent to Colonel Nicholls a flag of truce
conveyed by four of the most distinguished officers of State. Through
them he said:
"I feel obliged to defend the city, in obedience to orders.
It is inevitable that much blood will be shed on the
occurrence of the assault. Cannot some accommodation yet be
agreed upon? Friends will be welcome if they come in a
friendly manner."
The laconic, decisive and insulting response of Colonel Nicholls was:
"I have nothing to do but to execute my mission. To
accomplish that I hope to have further conversation with you
on the morrow, at the Manhattans. You say that friends will
be welcome, if they come in a friendly manner. I shall come
with ships and soldiers. And he will be bold indeed who will
dare to come on board my ships, to demand an answer or to
solicit terms. What then is to be done? Hoist the white flag
of surrender, and then something may be considered."
When this imperious message became known it created the greatest
consternation throughout the city. Men, women and children flocked to
the governor, and, with tears in their eyes, implored him to submit. A
brief bombardment would cause the death of hundreds, and would lay the
city in ashes. "I had rather," the governor replied, "be carried a
corpse to my grave, than to surrender the city."
The civic authority, the clergy and the commanders of the Burgher
corps, promptly assembled in the City Hall and drew up the following
earnest remonstrance, which was immediately presented to the governor
and his council. We give it slightly abbreviated.
* * * * *
"Right Honorable! We, your sorrowful subjects, beg to
represent, in these sad circumstances, that having maturely
weighed what was necessary to be done, we cannot foresee,
for this fort and city of Manhattans, in further resistance,
aught else than misery, sorrow, and conflagration; the
dishonor of women, the murder of children, and in a word the
absolute ruin of fifteen hundred innocent souls, only two
hundred and fifty of whom are capable of bearing arms.
"You are aware that four of the English king's frigates are
now in the roadstead, with six hundred soldiers on board.
They have also commissions to all the governors of New
England, a populous and thickly inhabited country, to
impress troops, in addition to the forces already on board,
for the purpose of reducing New Netherland to his Majesty's
obedience.
"These threats we would not have regarded, could we expect
the smallest aid. But, God help us, where shall we turn for
assistance, to the north or to the south, to the east or to
the west? 'Tis all in vain. On all sides we are encompassed
and hemmed in by our enemies. If, on the other hand, we
examine our internal strength, alas! it is so feeble and
impotent that unless we ascribe the circumstance to the
mercy of God, we cannot sufficiently express our
astonishment that the foe should have granted us so long a
reprieve. He could have delivered us a prey to the soldiery
after one summons.
"We shall now examine your Honors' fortress. You know that
it is incapable of making head three days, against so
powerful an enemy. Even could it hold out one, two, three,
four, five or six months, which to our sorrow it cannot do,
it is still undeniable that it cannot save the smallest
portion of our entire city, our property and what is dearer
to us, our wives and children, from total ruin. And after
considerable bloodshed the fort itself could not be
preserved.
"Wherefore, to prevent the aforesaid misfortunes, we humbly,
and in bitterness of heart, implore your Honors not to
reject the conditions of so generous a foe, but to be
pleased to meet him in the speediest, best and most
reputable manner. Otherwise, which God forbid, we are
obliged to protest before God and the world; and to call
down upon your Honors the vengeance of Heaven for all the
innocent blood which shall be shed in consequence of your
Honors' obstinacy; inasmuch as the commissioners have this
day informed us that the English general has stated that he
shall not wait any longer than this day.
"We trust your Honors will not question that to God, who
seeks not the death of the sinner, belongs obedience rather
than to man. We feel certain that your Honors will exhibit
yourselves, in this pressing exigency and sorrowful season,
as men and christians, and conclude with God's help, an
honorable and reasonable capitulation. May the Lord our God
be pleased to grant this to us, Amen."
* * * * *
The above memorial was signed by ninety-four of the most prominent
citizens of New Amsterdam. One of these signers was the governor's
son. All our readers will perceive that the situation of the governor
had become one of extreme difficulty. A fleet and army of great
strength for the time and the occasion were before him. This force
held in reserve the whole military power of New England. The civic
officers and citizens of New Amsterdam, headed by the governor's own
son, were loud in their remonstrance against any defence, and were
almost in a state of mutiny.
The condition of the city was such that the idea of standing a siege
was not for a moment to be thought of. Along the banks of the North
and East rivers, the village, for the little cluster of three hundred
houses was but a village, was entirely exposed. Upon the land side,
running from river to river, there was a slight fence composed of old
and decayed palisades, which scores of years before had been a
protection against the savages. In front of this fence there were the
remains of a storm-washed breastwork, about three feet high and two
feet wide.
The crumbling fort was pronounced by all to be untenable. It was
originally constructed as a retreat from the savages, who could only
assail it with arrows and hatchets and a few musket balls. It was
surrounded by an earthen rampart, about ten feet high and three or
four feet thick. In all, there were twenty-four cannons within the
enclosure, which was unprotected by any ditch or palisades. In the
rear, where the throngs of Broadway now press along, there was a
series of forest-crowned eminences whose solitary summits were
threaded by an Indian trail. These hills commanded the fort. From
their crests the soles of the feet, it was said, of those walking in
the squares within, could be seen. There were not five hundred pounds
of powder in store fit for use. The gunners declared that a few hours
of fighting would exhaust it all. The stock of provisions was equally
low, and there was not a well of water within the fort.
It is probable that the majority of common soldiers, in almost any
regular army, is composed of dissolute worthless men. There are but
few persons but the lost and the reckless who will enlist to spend
their days in shouldering a musket. A young man of good character can
do better than convert himself into a part of such a military machine.
The garrison at New Amsterdam was composed of the off-scouring of
Europe. They were ready to fight under any banner which would pay
them. They were eager for the conflict with the English. At the first
volley they would throw aside their guns and join the English in the
plunder. One of them was heard saying to an applauding group:
"Now we hope for a chance to pepper these devilish Dutch
traders. They have salted us too long. We know where their
booty is stored. And we know also where the young girls live
who wear gold chains."
Under these circumstances the governor was compelled to yield. He
appointed six commissioners to confer with the same number of the
English. The parties met at Governor Stuyvesant's residence on his
farm or bouwerie, at eight o'clock in the morning of August 27th. The
terms were speedily settled, for the English would enforce any demands
which they were disposed to make. There were twenty-three articles of
agreement, entering into many details. The substance was that New
Netherland passed over entirely to the English. The Dutch retained
their property. If any chose to leave the country they could do so.
The ships of the Dutch merchants could, for the six months next
ensuing, trade freely with the Netherlands, as heretofore. The people
were to be allowed liberty of conscience in divine worship and church
discipline. No Dutchman should be impressed to serve in war against
any nation whatever. All the inferior civil officers were allowed to
continue in office until the next election, when they would be
required to take the oath of allegiance to the king of England.
The next day was Sunday. These articles were therefore not ratified
until eight o'clock Monday morning. It was agreed that within two
hours after the ratification, "the fort and town called New Amsterdam,
upon the island of Manhatoes," should be delivered up. The military
officers of the fort, and the soldiers were to be permitted to march
from their intrenchments with their arms, drums beating and colors
flying.
Colonel Nicholls took possession of the government. He changed the
name of the city from New Amsterdam to New York, in honor of the Duke
of York, the brother of the King of England. The fort was called fort
James. Colonel Nicholls became the deputy governor for James, the Duke
of York, in administering the affairs of the extended realms which the
British government had thus perfidiously seized. We regret to say, but
history will bear us out in the assertion, that there is no government
in Christendom whose annals are sullied with so many acts of
unmitigated villany as the government of Great Britain.
Colonel Nicholls immediately sent an armed force up the river, to take
possession of fort Orange; and another to the Delaware, to unfurl the
English flag over New Amstel. The name of fort Orange was changed to
fort Albany, the second title of the Duke of York. Three frigates were
sent to the Delaware. The severest punishment was denounced against
the Dutch and Swedes there, should they make any resistance. The same
terms were offered them which were granted to the people at New
Amsterdam.
The command of this expedition was entrusted to Sir Robert Carr.
Notwithstanding the sacred stipulations into which Carr had entered,
he trampled them all beneath his feet. Governor Stuyvesant writes,
"At New Amstel, on the South river, notwithstanding they
offered no resistance, but demanded good treatment, which
however they did not obtain, they were invaded, stript bare,
plundered, and many of them sold as slaves in Virginia."
This testimony is corroborated by a London document, which says,
"From the city and the inhabitants thereabout were taken one
hundred sheep, thirty or forty horses, fifty or sixty cows
and oxen, between sixty and seventy negroes, the brew-house
still-house and all the material thereunto belonging. The
produce of the land, such as corn, hay, etc., was also
seized for the king's use, together with the cargo that was
unsold, and the bills of what had been disposed of, to the
value of four thousand pounds sterling.
"The Dutch soldiers were taken prisoners, and given up to
the merchant-man that was there, in payment for his
services; and they were transported into Virginia to be
sold. All sorts of tools for handicraft tradesmen, and all
plough gear, and other things to cultivate the ground, which
were in store in great quantity, were likewise seized,
together with a sawmill ready to set up, and nine sea buoys
with their iron chains.
"Even the inoffensive Menonists, though thoroughly
non-combatant from principle, did not escape the sack and
plunder to which the whole river was subjected by Carr and
his co-marauders. A boat was dispatched to their settlement,
which was stripped of everything, even to a very nail."
At New Amsterdam, Colonel Nicholls paid more respect to the terms of
the treaty. Citizens, residing there, were not robbed of their private
property. But the gentlemen of the West India Company, in Holland,
found all their property mercilessly confiscated. Colonel Nicholls
seized on everything upon which he could lay his hand. He seemed
anxious to eradicate every vestige of the former power. This property
was sold at auction that it might thus be distributed among a large
number of individual owners. The Colonel shrewdly imagined that he
might thus interest all these persons in the maintenance of the new
power.
History has but one voice, and that of the severest condemnation, in
reference to these transactions on the part of the English government.
Mr. O'Callaghan writes:
"Thus was fitly consummated an act of spoliation which, in a
period of profound peace, wrested this province from the
rightful owners, by violating all public justice and
infringing all public law. The only additional outrage that
remained was to impose on the country the name of one
unknown in history, save as a bigot and a tyrant, the enemy
of religious and political freedom wherever he ruled. New
Netherland was accordingly called New York."
Hon. Benjamin F. Butler, in his outline of the State of New York
writes, "In the history of the royal ingrates by whom it was planned
and for whose benefit it was perpetrated, there are few acts more
base, none more characteristic."
Mr. Brodhead, in his admirable History of the State of New York, says,
"The flag of England was, at length, triumphantly displayed
where for half a century that of Holland had triumphantly
waved; and from Virginia to Canada, the king of Great
Britain was acknowledged as sovereign. Whatever may have
been its ultimate consequences, this treacherous and violent
seizure of the territory and possessions of an unsuspecting
ally, was no less a breach of private justice than of public
faith. It may indeed be affirmed that, among all the acts of
selfish perfidy which royal ingratitude conceived and
executed, there have been few more characteristic and none
more base."
Thus the Dutch dominion in North America passed forever away. I cannot
refrain from quoting the just tribute to the Dutch government
contained in Mr. Brodhead's History. "Holland," he writes,
"has long been the theme for the ridicule of British
writers; and even in this country the character and manners
of the Dutch have been made the subjects of an unworthy
depreciation. Yet, without undervaluing others, it may
confidently be claimed that, to no nation in the world is
the Republic of the West more indebted than to the United
Provinces, for the idea of the confederation of sovereign
States; for noble principles of constitutional freedom; for
magnanimous sentiments of religious toleration; for
characteristic sympathy with subjects of oppression; for
liberal doctrines in trade and commerce; for illustrious
patterns of public integrity and private virtue, and for
generous and timely aid in the establishment of
independence. Nowhere among the people of the United States
can men be found excelling in honesty, industry, courtesy or
accomplishment, the posterity of the early Dutch settlers of
New Netherland."
Soon after the surrender, Governor Stuyvesant was recalled to Europe
to vindicate his conduct. The severest charges were brought against
him. He addressed to the States-General an "Account of the
Circumstances preceding the surrender of New Netherland." It was a
triumphant vindication of his conduct. But the unfortunate are rarely
treated with justice. The pride of Holland was deeply touched by the
loss of its North American possessions. Governor Stuyvesant soon
returned to New York, and lived in much seclusion in his spacious
house on his farm, until he died, in the year 1672. The governor's
remains were entombed at his chapel in the Bouwery, now St. Mark's
Church.
There were two roads which led from the fort at the Battery, to the
northern part of the island. One of these followed along the present
line of Broadway to what is now the Park, which was at that time a
large unenclosed open field far out of town called the Common. The
road then wound along by the southeastern side of the common and by
the line of Chatham street and the Bouwery out to Harlaem. This became
eventually the "Old Post Road" to Boston. Governor Stuyvesant's
Bouwery consisted of many acres of land. The farm embraced the land in
the region of Third avenue and Thirteenth street. In the spring of
1647, a pear tree was planted upon this spot, which was long known as
"Stuyvesant's pear tree." For more than two centuries it continued to
bear fruit. In its latter years, this venerable relic of the past was
cherished with the utmost care. It presented many touching indications
of its extreme old age. In its two hundred and twentieth year it
bloomed for the last time. "Since the fall of the tree," writes Mr.
Stone, "a promising shoot from the ancient stock has taken its place,
and shows a hardy vigor which may yet enable it to rival its
progenitor in age."
In the year 1665, the year which followed the capture of the city, war
broke out between England and Holland. It was then generally expected
that the States of Holland would make an attempt to recover the lost
territory of New Netherland. It was rumored that De Ruyter, one of the
Dutch Admirals, had actually set sail, with a large squadron, for New
York. The rumor caused great commotion in the city. The national
spirit of the Dutch residents was roused to intensity. De Ruyter had
indeed sailed with the object of recapturing the province.
Colonel Nicholls was a man of great energy. He immediately commenced
with all vigor, the work of repairing the crumbling fortifications,
and of erecting new ones. But he found none to co-operate heartily
with him, save the few English soldiers, whose bayonets held the
conquered province in subjection. A meeting of all the Dutch
inhabitants was called to ascertain the tone of public sentiment, and
to endeavor to inspire the community with some enthusiasm for the
defence.
But no enthusiasm was elicited. The Dutch were not at all unwilling
that their countrymen should come back and reclaim their own. Even to
defend themselves from the humiliation of conquest, by their English
assailants, they had not been willing to submit to a bombardment. Much
less were they now willing to subject themselves to the horrors of
war, when the flag of Holland was approaching for their deliverance.
They did not venture however, openly to oppose the ruler whom the
fortunes of war had set over them, or to express sympathy for the
success of the approaching fleet, which might be pronounced treason,
and might expose them to severe punishment.
They contented themselves with manifesting entire indifference, or in
offering sundry excuses. They very sensibly assumed the ground that
they were a feeble defenceless colony, far away in the wilderness,
entirely unable to cope with the forces which the great maritime
powers of England or Holland might send against them. When an English
fleet opened the portholes of its broadsides upon their little
village, they could do nothing but surrender. Should a fleet from
Holland now anchor in their waters they must let events take their
natural course.
Colonel Nicholls, as governor, had gifts of honor and opulence in his
hands. As was to have been expected, there were a few Dutch citizens
who were eager to gratify the governor by co-operating with him in all
his plans. This number, however, was small. The great mass of the
citizens assumed an air of indifference, while, in heart, they longed
for the appearance of the Dutch fleet in such strength as to render
resistance impossible.
But either the storms of the ocean, or some other engagements,
arrested the progress of the squadron, until after the rupture between
England and Holland was temporarily healed. Colonel Nicholls remained
in command at New York about four years. His administration was as
popular as could reasonably have been expected under the
circumstances. He gradually relaxed the severity of his rule, and
wisely endeavored to promote the prosperity of the colony. The
conquest had retarded the tide of emigration from Holland, and had
given a new impulse to that from England. The Dutch gradually became
reconciled to his rule. They enjoyed all the rights and immunities
which were conferred upon any of the subjects of England in her
American colonies. Out of respect to the governor they organized two
militia companies, the officers of which were from the most
distinguished of the Dutch citizens, and they received their
commissions from him.
In August of 1668, Colonel Nicholls, at his own request, was recalled,
and he returned to England. The Dutch did not love him, for they never
could forget the circumstances under which he had conquered their
province. But he had won their respect. As he embarked for the shores
of England the great body of the citizens complimented him by a
respectful leave-taking.
Colonel Nicholls was succeeded in the government of the province, by
Colonel Francis Lovelace. He was an English officer of respectable
abilities, and of worthy character. Under his sway, New York for five
years, until 1673, enjoyed prosperity and peace. New agitations then
took place.
The peace, of which we have spoken, between England and Holland, was
of but transient duration. In 1672 war was again declared by England.
The conflict which ensued was mainly upon the ocean. New York had so
grown since its conquest by the English, and could so easily be
reinforced by almost any number of men from populous New England, that
the Dutch did not think that there was any chance of their then being
able to regain the colony. They, however, fitted out a fleet of five
ships, to cruise along the coast of North America, destroy the
English, and inflict such injury upon any and all of the English
colonies as might be in their power.
Governor Lovelace had no idea that any Dutch ships would venture
through the Narrows. He made no special effort to strengthen the
defences of New York. Early in February he went to Westchester county,
to visit at the residence of his friend Mr. Pell. This was quite a
journey in those days. The command of the fort was entrusted, during
his absence to Captain John Manning.
A vessel entered the port, bringing the intelligence that a Dutch
fleet had been seen off the coast of Virginia, sailing in the
direction of New York. This created great commotion. A dispatch was
sent, in the utmost haste, to the governor, summoning his return. He
promptly mustered, for the defence, all the forces he could raise in
the city and neighboring counties, and soon five hundred armed men
were parading the streets of New York.
It proved a false dream. No enemy appeared. The troops were disbanded.
They returned to their homes. The community was lulled into a very
false sense of security. In July, the governor again was absent, on a
visit to Connecticut. On the 29th of July the Dutch fleet appeared at
Sandy Hook, and, learning from some of the inhabitants of Long Island,
whose sympathies were still cordially with the fatherland, that the
city was entirely defenceless and could easily be taken, ventured to
try the experiment. They had not approached the bay with any such
design. They had supposed their force entirely inadequate for so
important a capture. The fleet quietly sailed up the bay and, as the
English fleet had done but a few years before, anchored opposite the
Battery, and turned their broadsides towards the city.
Colonel Manning sent a hurried despatch to the governor, who could by
no possibility return for several days, and fluttered about in the
attempt to beat up recruits. But no recruits were forthcoming. The
sight of the flag of Holland, again triumphantly floating in the
harbor, was joyful to many eyes.
The great majority of the people, in the city and in the country, were
of Dutch descent. Consequently the recruiting parties which were
raised, were in no mood to peril their lives in defence of the flag of
England. Indeed it is said that one party of the recruits marched to
the Battery and deliberately spiked several of the guns, opposite the
City-hall.
It was a most singular revolution of the wheel of fortune. Captain
Manning had but fifty soldiers within the fort. None of these were
willing to fight. One-half of them were such raw recruits that captain
Manning said that they had never put their heads over the ramparts. A
few broadsides from the Dutch fleet would dismount every gun in the
fort, and put to flight all the defenders who should survive the
volley. This was alike obvious to the assailants and the assailed.