Chapter XII: Front Matter (12)

About the year 1617. a new Supply coming over into these Parts, and not finding in the _Mattachusets_ Government any commodious place to settle in, they after much search took up a place somewhat more Southerly, near the _Shalles_ of _Capecod_, where they found a commodious Harbor for Shipping, and a fit place to erect a Town in, which they built in a short time, with very fair Houses and compleat Streets; and shortly after several others: Amongst which they erected a new Government, which from their first Fronteer Town, being the seventeenth, was call’d _Newhaven_.

[Sidenote: _Dedham._]

The eighteenth is in the Government of the _Mattachusets_, and call’d _Dedham_, being an Inland Town, situate about ten Miles from _Boston_ in the County of _Suffolk_, well water’d with many pleasant Streams, and abounding with Gardens and Fruit-Trees: It consisted at first of about a hundred Families, being generally given to Husbandry.

[Sidenote: _Weymouth._]

The nineteenth being also in this Government is call’d _Weymouth_, batter’d on the East with the Sea Waves; on the South-West Rocks and Swamps make it delightful to the Deer, as the ploughable Meadow-Lands to the Inhabitants.

About the Year 1638. _Printing_ was brought over into _New England_.

[Sidenote: _Rowly._]

About six Miles from _Ipswich_, North-Eastward, was erected another Town call’d _Rowly_, being the twentieth.

[Sidenote: _Hampton._]

About the Year 1639. began the one and twentieth Town _Hampton_, in the County of _Norfolk_, to be built: It is situate near the Sea-Coast, not far from the River of _Merrimeck_: The great store of salt Marsh did entice the People to set down their Habitations there.

[Sidenote: _Salisbury._]

Not far from this Town of _Hampton_, was erected the two and twentieth, call’d _Salisbury_, seated upon the broad swift Torrent of _Merrimeck_-River: It lieth on the Northern side, over against the Town of _Newbury_, the River between them being about half a Mile broad, but hath an Island in the midst thereof, which makes it the more easily passable. The situation of this Town is very pleasant, the Skirts thereof abounding in fair and goodly Meadows, with good store of stately Timber in many places upon the Uplands.

[Sidenote: _Long-Island, Southampton._]

About the Year 1640. by a fresh Supply of People that setled in _Long-Island_, was there erected the twenty third Town, call’d _Southampton_; by the Indians, _Agawom_.

[Sidenote: _Sudbury._]

The same Year also the Town of _Sudbury_, being the twenty fourth, began to be built in the Inland Countrey: It is furnish’d with great store of fresh Marsh, but lying very low, it is much endammag’d with Land-floods.

[Sidenote: _Braintree._]

About this time there was built at Mount _Wollestone_, by some old Planters and certain Farmers of the great Town of _Boston_, a Town nam’d _Braintree_, being the twenty fifth, within the _Mattachusets_ Government: It is well peopled, and hath great store of Land in Tillage.

[Sidenote: _Gloucester._]

In the Year 1641. Mr. _Richard Blindman_ coming from _Green Harbour_, a Place in _Plymouth_ Patent, with some few People of his acquaintance, setled in _Cape Anne_, where they built the twenty sixth Town, and nam’d it _Gloucester_.

[Sidenote: _Dover._]

There is also situate upon _Puscataque_ River, to the North-East of _Boston_, a Town call’d _Dover_, being the twenty seventh, the People by voluntary resignation being under the _Mattachusets_ Government.

[Sidenote: _Wooburn._]

In the Year 1642. was erected the eight and twentieth Town, call’d _Wooburn_.

[Sidenote: _Reading._]

In the Year 1644. _Reading_ the nine and twentieth Town was built, being in the Government of the _Mattachusets_; it is well water’d and situated about a great Pond, having two Mills, a Saw-Mill, and a Corn-Mill, which stand upon two several Streams.

[Sidenote: _Wenham._]

A little after was built the thirtieth Town in this Colony, call’d _Wenham_, situate between _Salem_ and _Ipswich_; it is very well water’d, as most Inland Towns are, and the People live altogether on Husbandry.

[Sidenote: _Spring-field._]

About the Year 1645. one Mr. _Pinchin_, having out of desire to improve his Estate by Trading with the _Indians_, setled himself in a place very remote from any of the Towns of the _Mattachusets_ Colony, yet under their Government, and great store of People still resorting to him, they at last erected a Town upon the River _Canectico_, calling it _Spring-field_, being the one and thirtieth Town; it is very fitly seated for a Beaver Trade with the _Indians_, in regard it is situate upon this large Navigable River, and upon some Rivulets of the same.

[Sidenote: _Haverhill._]

In the Year 1648. was founded the Town of _Haverhill_, being the two and thirtieth, about a Mile or two from the place where the River of _Merrimeck_ receives into it self the River _Shawshin_, which is one of her three chief Heads.

[Sidenote: _Malden._]

Not long after, the Town of _Malden_, being the three and thirtieth Town, was built by certain People that came out of _Charles-Town_; these two Towns being sever’d the one from the other by the large River of _Mistick_.

The rest we shall onely name, as 34. _Berwick_, alias _Chawun_. 35 _Oxford_, alias _Sagoquas_. _Falmouth_, alias _Totam_. 36. _Bristol._ 37. _Hull_, alias _Passataquack_. 38. _Dartmouth_, alias _Bohanna_. 39. _Norwich_, alias _Segocket_. 40. _Taunton_, alias _Cohannet_. 41. _Greens-Harbour._ 42. _Yarmouth._ 43. _Northam_, alias _Pascataqua_. 44. _Exeter._ 45. _Weymouth._

The chief Rivers of _New England_ are, _Pascataway_, _Sagadahoc_, _Pemmaquid_, _Agamentico_, _Merrimeck_, _Tachobacco_, _Mistick_, _Narraganset_, _Mishuwin_, _Connectacut_, _Newichwavoch_, _Kynebequy_.

[Sidenote: The present state of the Natives.]

The _Indian_ Natives are now become so weak in number, and in some measure reduc’d to a dread of the growth of the _English_, that of late years they have not practis’d any thing against them, or at least, not justifi’d them by numbers in open Hostility, willing rather to purchase their Peace and buy off Injuries committed by them at the Price of their Lands and Possessions.

And although care and expence hath been many years apply’d to the Conversion of _Indians_ to the Faith, however inclinable they seem’d at first to the imbracing thereof, not then so well discerning the insincerity of its Professors; yet there are so few of late who do imbrace it or persevere in it (wanting a good Foundation for instruction in Moral Honesty, and perhaps the example of it in those that undertake to instruct them in Religion;) that _Christianity_ to them seems a _Chimera_, Religion a design to draw them from the libidinous Pleasures of a lazy Life; however, some there are who make Profession of _Christianity_, and some who are educated in the Schools of _New Cambridge_, to entitle them to Preach the Gospel in their own Language.

One great hindrance to the Propagation of the Faith amongst those _Heathens_, is the diversity of their Languages; for it is commonly known, that the Natives themselves do not understand one another, if their Habitations are but at forty Miles distance.

[Sidenote: Church-Government among the _English_.]

Their Church-Government and Discipline is Congregational and Independent, yet in some places more rigid than others, for in many Towns there yet remains some leaven of _Presbytery_, from which Sects our _Independency_ had its Original; insomuch, that one of the most remarkable Opposers of _Episcopal Government_, Doctor _Bastwick_ (who, spoil’d so much Paper in railing at the Church Government of _England_, and crying up _Liberty of Conscience_) finding the Apostacy of his own Brethren of _Boston_ from their first Principles, and his, generally prevail over them, even to the denying that liberty to others, which they seem’d only to aim at, did write a large and vehement _Dehortatory Epistle_ to them from their _New Lights_ or _Paths_, saying, _That according to their present Tenents, they could not pretend to be, or other than a Christian Synagogue_.

[Sidenote: Their Civil Government and Laws.]

Their Laws and Methods of Government are wholly of their own framing, each Colony for themselves, makes an Annual choice of Governor, Deputy Governor, and a certain number of Assistants, by the plurality of Suffrages collected from their several Towns, the Electors are only Free-men and Church-Members; for he that is not a Member of their Church, can neither chuse, nor be chosen a Magistrate, nor have his Children Baptiz’d; besides the loss of many other Priviledges, and liable moreover to frequent, if not constant Mulcts for absenting themselves from _Divine Worship_ (so call’d) in their Meeting-houses.

Since the transmitting of the Patent in _New England_, the Election is not by Voices, nor erection of Hands as formerly, but by Papers, thus:

The general Court-electory sitting, where are present in the Church, or Meeting-house at _Boston_, the old Governor, Deputy, and all the Magistrates, and two Deputies or Burgesses for every Town, or at least one; all the Freemen are bid to come in at one Door, and bring their Votes in Paper for the new Governor, and deliver them down upon the Table, before the Court, and so pass forth at another Door; those that are absent, send their Votes by Proxies. All being deliver’d in, the Votes are counted, and according to the major part, the old Governor pronounceth, _That such an one is chosen Governor for the year ensuing_. Then the Freemen, in like manner, bring their Votes for the Deputy Governor, who being also chosen, the Governor propoundeth the Assistants one after another. New Assistants are, of late, put in nomination, by an Order of general Court, beforehand to be consider’d of: If a Freeman give in a Blank, that rejects the Man nam’d; if the Freeman makes any mark with a Pen upon the Paper which he brings, that elects the Man nam’d: Then the Blanks and mark’d Papers are number’d, and according to the major part of either, the Man in Nomination stands elected or rejected; and so for all the Assistants. And after every new Election, which is, by their Patent, to be upon the last Wednesday in _Easter_ Term, the new Governor and Officers are all new Sworn. The Governor and Assistants chuse the Secretary. And all the Court consisting of Governor, Deputy, Assistants, and Deputies of Towns, give their Votes as well as the rest; and the Ministers and Elders, and all Church-Officers, have their Votes also in all these Elections of chief Magistrates: Constables, and all other inferior Officers, are sworn in the general, quarter, or other Courts, or before any Assistant.

Every Free-man when he is admitted, takes a strict Oath, to be true to the Society or Jurisdiction.

There are two general Courts, one every half year, wherein they make Laws or Ordinances: The Ministers advise in making of Laws, especially Ecclesiastical, and are present in Courts, and advise in some special Causes Criminal, and in framing of Fundamental Laws.

There are besides four Quarter-Courts for the whole Jurisdiction, besides other petty Courts, one every quarter at _Boston_, _Salem_, and _Ipswich_, with their several Jurisdictions; besides every Town, almost, hath a petty Court for small Debts and Trespasses, under twenty Shillings.

[Sidenote: Actions and Causes.]

In the general Court, or great quarter Courts, before the Civil Magistrates, are try’d all Actions and Causes Civil and Criminal, and also Ecclesiastical, especially touching Non-members: And they themselves say, that in the general and quarter Courts, they have the Power of Parliament, Kings-Bench, Common-Pleas, Chancery, High-Commission, and Star-Chamber, and all other Courts of _England_, and in divers Cases have exercis’d that Power upon the Kings Subjects there, as is not difficult to prove. They have put to death, banish’d, fin’d Men, cut off Mens Ears, whip’d, imprison’d Men, and all these for Ecclesiastical and Civil Offences, and without sufficient Record. In the lesser quarter Courts are try’d, in some, Actions under ten Pounds, in _Boston_, under twenty, and all Criminal Causes not touching Life or Member. From the petty quarter Courts, or other Courts, the parties may appeal to the great quarter Courts, from thence to the general Court, from which there is no Repeal.

[Sidenote: Grand-Juries.]

Twice a year, in the said quarter Courts held before the general Courts, are two Grand-Juries sworn for the Jurisdiction, one for one Court, and the other for the other; and they are charg’d to enquire and Present Offences reduc’d by the Governor who gives the Charge.

[Sidenote: Trials.]

Matters of Debt, Trespass, and upon the Case, and Equity, yea and of Heresie also, are try’d by a Jury.

The Parties are warn’d to challenge any Jury-man before he be sworn; but because there is but one Jury in a Court for trial of Causes; and all Parties not present at their Swearing, the liberty of challenge is much hinder’d, and some inconveniences do happen thereby. Jurors are return’d by the Marshal, he was at first call’d _The Beadle of the Society_.

The Parties in all Causes, speak themselves for the most part, and some of the Magistrates where they think cause requireth, do the part of Advocates without Fee or Reward.

Though among the several Colonies which were founded here by the confluence of dissenting Zealots, this Government is exercis’d, differing from that of the Church and State of _England_: yet in those Provinces which are granted by particular Persons, the Government is much more conformable to that of _England_; but as the _Mattachusets_ or _Bostoners_ were from the beginning the most Potent and Predominant of all the rest of the Colonies, (insomuch, that _Boston_ may well be accounted the Metropolis of all _New England_,) so of late years they have still usurp’d more and more Power and Authority over the rest; and especially have not stuck to give Laws to the foresaid Provinces allotted to particular Persons, and have gone about wholly to subjugate those places to themselves, intrenching upon the rights of the true Proprietors; and that, even contrary to the Kings express Commands by his Officers, there, and as it were in open defiance of his Majesty and Government, as is evident from this following Narration, of their behavior upon a business of this nature.

[Sidenote: Proceedings of the _Mattachusets_ against his Majesties
Commissioners.]

In the Year of our Lord 1665. his Majesties Commissioners for the Affairs of _New England_, being in the Province of _Mayne_, the People being much unsetled in Point or Government, by reason the _Mattachusets_ Colony, or _Boston_ Government, did usurp compulsively a Power over them contrary to their wills; and the right of Sir _Ferdinando Gorges_ Heir, who had his Commission then in the place, did unanimously Petition to his Majesties Commissioners to settle the Government; upon which the said Commissioners examin’d the Bounds and Right of Mr. _Gorges_ Patent, with all the Allegations and Pretensions on both sides, and so according to their Instruction from his Majesty, did settle a temporary Government under his Majesty’s immediate Authority, until such time as his Majesty should give his final determination thereof; and for that end did Institute Justices of the Peace to Govern the Province according to the true Laws of _England_. Also his Majesty was pleas’d by his _Mandamus_ in _April 1666_, to the Governors of _Boston_, to signifie that it was his will and pleasure, That the Province of _Main_ should stand good as his Commissioners had setled it, until he had more leisure to determine it; yet notwithstanding, after three years quiet possession, and exercising of Government by the Kings Justices, according to their Commission granted by his Majesty’s Commissioners, the _Bostoners_, without any Conference with the said Justices, did in a hostile manner oppose the King’s Power, _July 1668._ which was as followeth:

The General Court of _Boston_ sent their Warrants to keep Court at _York_ under their Authority, and for that purpose Commissionated Magistrates by their own Authority, namely Major General _John Leveret_, Mr. _Edward Ting_, Captain _Richard Walden_, and Captain _Robert Pike_: Whereupon the King’s Justices did oppose their Warrants, and sent Post to _New York_, with an Address to General _Nicholas_, for Advice what to do therein; who forthwith dispatch’d away to the Governors of _Boston_, informing them of the danger of their Proceeding, it being an open breach of Duty, to subvert the Government establish’d by his Majesty’s Power; also sent the King’s _Mandamus_, _April 1666._ that will’d to the contrary. Notwithstanding the _Boston_ Magistrates in _July 1668._ in order to their _Boston_ Commission, came to _York_ Town in the said Province, with several Armed Men, Horse and Foot, to keep Court under their Authority; Opposition was made by the King’s Justices, and his Majesty’s Power was urg’d, but little regard thereunto shewn; his Majesties _Mandamus_ was likewise much insisted upon, and produced by the Justices, who ask’d the _Bostoners_ what they thought of it? and how they durst act so contrary to the King’s Will and Pleasure? Major General _Leveret_ told them, That he believ’d it might be the King’s Hand, but he had a Commission from the general Court at _Boston_, which he would follow and observe by the help of God. The same day in the Afternoon the said Major General _Leveret_, with the rest of the _Boston_ Magistrates, seiz’d and imprison’d the Province Marshal in doing his Office, and then forthwith went in warlike posture to the Court-house, where the King’s Justices sat in Judicature, and putting them from their Seats, sat down themselves in their Places, and Executed their _Boston_ Commission. The King’s Justices drew a _Protest_ against their Proceedings, and so left the Decision to God’s Providence, and his Majesty’s good Pleasure. Then they turn’d out all Officers, both Military and Civil, and Swore others in their Places under their Authority; they forc’d the whole Record of the Province out of the Recorders House contrary to his Will, by vertue of a Special Warrant from that Court. They imprison’d the Mayor of the said Province about three weeks, forcing him to give in five hundred Pound Bonds, not to act according to his Commission; which with some Reservations he was forc’d to deny for the security of his Estate.

These riotous Proceedings thus acted with such a precipitate fury, so incens’d his Majesty, that speedy care had been taken to reduce them to reason, had they not upon mature consideration bethought themselves afterwards to yield Obedience to his Majesties Orders.

Having treated at large of all that concerns _New England_ in general, both in reference to the Natives and the _English_ Planters, we shall conclude with a brief view of the Provinces of _Laconia_ and _Main_, as they are truly Describ’d (among other ingenuous Collections and Observations of the Affairs of _America_, and especially these Parts) by _Ferdinando Gorges_ Esq; Heir to the above-mention’d Sir _Ferdinando_, and thereby sole Lord of the said Provinces, onely contracting what hath been by him deliver’d more at large.

[Sidenote: A brief Description of _Laconia_, a Province in _New
England_.]

Among divers Plantations of the _English_ happily Founded in _New England_, is a Province to the Landward, nam’d _Laconia_, so call’d by reason of the great Lakes therein, but by the ancient Inhabitants thereof it is call’d _The Countrey of the Troquois_: It lies between the Latitude of forty four and forty five Degrees, having the Rivers of _Sagadehock_ and _Merrimeck_ on the Sea-Coast of _New England_, Southerly from it; into each of which Rivers there is a short Passage, frequented by the Salvages inhabiting near the Lakes. Also it hath the great Lakes which tend towards _California_ in the South Sea on the West thereof: On the North thereof is the great River of _Canada_, into which the said River disgorgeth it self by a fair large River, well replenish’d with many fruitful Islands: The Air thereof is pure and wholesom, the Countrey pleasant, having some high Hills, full of goodly Forrests, and fair Valleys and Plains, fruitful in Corn, Vines, Chesnuts, Wallnuts, and infinite sorts of other Fruits, large Rivers well stor’d with Fish, and inviron’d with goodly Meadows full of Timber-trees.

One of the great Lakes is call’d _The Lake of Troquois_, which together with a River of the same Name, running into the River of _Canada_, is sixty or seventy Leagues in length.

In the Lake are four fair Islands, which are low and full of goodly Woods and Meadows, having store of Game for Hunting, as Stags, Fallow-Deer, Elks, Roe-Bucks, Beavers, and other sorts of Beasts which come from the Main Land to the said Islands.

The Rivers which fall into the Lakes have in them good store of Beavers; of which Beasts, as also of the Elks, the Salvages make their chiefest Traffick.

The said Islands have been inhabited heretofore by the Salvages, but are now abandon’d by reason of their late Wars one with another: They contain twelve or fifteen Leagues in length, and are seated commodiously for Habitation in the midst of the Lake, which abounds with divers kinds of wholesom Fish.

From this Lake run two Rivers Southward, which fall into the Eastern and Southern Sea-Coast of _New England_.

Into this Lake there went many years since certain _French_ of _Quebeck_, who sided with the _Algovinquins_, with the help of their _Canoos_, which they carried the space of five Miles over the _Impossible Falls_, to Fight a Battel in revenge of some former Injuries done by the _Troquois_ to the _Algovinquins_, who had the Victory; for which cause the _French_ have been so hated ever since by the Nation of the _Troquois_, that none of them durst ever appear in any part of that Lake. But their Trade, said to be sixteen thousand Beavers yearly, is partly sold to the _Dutch_, who Trade with the Westend of the said Lake over Land by Horses, from their Plantation upon _Hudson_’s _River_: and another part is conceiv’d to be purchas’d by the _Hiroons_, who being Newters, are Friends both to the one and the other; and these _Hiroons_ bring down the greatest part of all by the River of _Canada_.

The Way over Land to this great Lake, from the Plantation of _Pascataway_, hath been attempted by Captain _Walter Neale_, once Governor, at the Charges of Sir _Ferdinando Gorges_, Captain _Mason_, and some Merchants of _London_, and the Discovery wanted but one days Journey of finishing, because their Victuals was spent, which, for want of Horses, they were enforc’d to carry with their Arms, and their Clothes, upon their Backs: They intended to have made a settlement for Trade by Pinnaces upon the said Lake, which they reckon to be about ninety or a hundred Miles from the Plantation over Land.

The People of the Countrey are given to Hunting of wild Beasts, which is their chiefest Food.

Their Arms are Bowes and Arrows. Their Armor is made partly of Wood, and partly of a kind of twisted Stuff like Cotton-Wool.

Their Meat is Flour of _Indian_ Corn, of that Countreys growth, sodden to Pap, which they preserve for times of Necessity when they cannot Hunt.

This Province of _Laconia_, however known by a distinct Name, is included within the Province of _Main_, which offers it self next to our consideration.

[Sidenote: Of the Province of _Main_.]

All that part of the Continent of _New England_, which was allotted by Patent to Sir _Ferdinando Gorges_ and to his Heirs, he thought fit to call by the Name of _The Province of Main_. It takes it beginning at the entrance of _Pascatoway_ Harbor, and so passeth up the same into the River of _Newichwavoch_; and through the same unto the farthest Head thereof; and from thence North-Westwards for the space of a hundred and twenty Miles; and from the Mouth of _Pascatoway_ Harbor aforesaid, North-Eastward along the Sea-Coast, to _Sagadehock_; and up the River thereof to _Kinibequy_ River, even as far as the Head thereof; and into the Land North-Westwards, for the space of a hundred and twenty Miles.

To these Territories are also adjoyn’d the North half of the Isles of _Sholes_, together with the Isles of _Capawick_ and _Nautican_, as also all the little Islands lying within five Leagues of the _Main_, all along the Sea-Coast, between the aforesaid Rivers of _Pascatoway_ and _Sagadehock_.

He no sooner had this Province setled upon him, but he gave publick notice, That if anyone would undertake by himself and his Associates, to Transport a competent number of Inhabitants, to Plant in any part of his Limits, he would assign unto him or them such a proportion of Land, as should in reason satisfie them, reserving onely to himself some small High-Rent, as 2 _s._ or 2 _s._ 6 _d._ for a hundred Acres _per Annum_: and if they went about to build any Town or City, he would Endow them with such Liberties and Immunities, as should make them capable to Govern themselves within their own Limits, according to the Liberties granted to any Town or Corporation within this Realm of _England_. And as for others of the meaner sort who went as Tenants, that they should have such quantities of Land assign’d them as they were able to manage, at the Rate of 4 _d._ or 6 _d._ an Acre, according to the nature or situation of the Place they settle in.

And for the Division of the Province, and the Form of Government which he intended to Establish, he first divided the Province into several Parts; and those again he subdivided into distinct Regiments, as East, West, North, and South; those again into several Hundreds, Parishes and Tythings, and these to have their several Officers to Govern, according to such Laws as should be agreed upon by publick Assent of the Free-holders, with the approbation of himself or Deputy, and the principal Officers of the publick State.

The setled Government for the general State, to whom all Appeals were to be made, and from whom all Instructions for the welfare of the Publick were to issue, were to consist of himself or his Deputy, who was to be chosen every three year by himself, with the advice of his Council: Next a Chancellor for the determination of all Causes; A Treasurer, to whom the care of the publick Revenue was to be committed; A Marshal, whose Office was to oversee the Regiments, and to provide Men for publick Service; An Admiral, to take care of all Maritime Affairs, to whom a Judge of the Admiralty was to be joyn’d to determine all Maritime Causes; A Master of the Ordnance, to look to the publick Arms and Ammunition; A Secretary, to receive Intelligence, and to acquaint himself or Deputy therewith. To these belong all their several Officers and Ministers for the Execution of all Matters proper to their several Places.

The chief Town of this Province is call’d _Gorgiana_, which is Govern’d by a Mayor, the rest are onely inconsiderable Villages or scatter’d Houses; but through Encouragement given to Adventurers and Planters, it may prove in time a very flourishing Place, and be replenish’d with many fair Towns and Cities, it being a Province both fruitful and pleasant.

SECT. II.
New Netherland, now call’d New York.

That Tract of Land formerly call’d _The New Netherland_, doth contain all that Land which lieth in the North parts of _America_, betwixt _New England_ and _Mary-Land_; the length of which Northward into the Countrey, as it hath not been fully discover’d, so it is not certainly known: The breadth of it is about two hundred Miles. The principal Rivers within this Tract, are _Hudson_’s-River, _Raritan_-River, _Delaware-Bay_-River. The chief Islands are the _Manhatans_-Island, _Long_-Island, and _Staten_-Island.

The first which discover’d this Countrey was _Henry Hudson_, who being hir’d by the _East-India_ Company to seek a Passage in the _Northern America_ to _China_, set Sail _Anno 1609._ in the _Half-Moon_ Frigat; coming before _Terre-neuff_, he stood about towards the South-West, where Sailing up a great River, he found two Men Clad in _Ruffelo_’s Skins; and from thence arriv’d safe at _Amsterdam_.

_New Netherland_ thus discover’d, invited many Merchants to settle a firm Plantation there; to which purpose they obtain’d Letters Patents in 1614. granted them by the _States_ in the _Hague_, That they might onely Traffick to _New Netherland_; whereupon they earnestly prosecuting the Design, sent out _Adrian Block_ and _Godyn_, who discover’d several Coasts, Isles, Havens, and Rivers.

The Countrey, as they said, being then void, was therefore free for any body that would take possession of it: Notwithstanding which pretence, they were scarce warm in their Quarters, when Sir _Samuel Argal_, Governor of _Virginia_, having first spoil’d the _French_ in _Accadie_, as we said, disputed the Possession with these also. And although they pleaded _Hudson_’s Right (who by Commission from King _James_, and upon an _English_ Account, had lately discover’d those Parts) and pretended they had not onely bought all his Cards and Maps of the Countrey, but all his Interest and Right also, and had fully contented him for all his Pains and Charges in the Discovery; yet the said _Hudson_ being an _English_-man, and acting all that he did by Commission from the King of _England_, upon Debate it was concluded, That the Land could not be alienated after Discovery without the King of _England_’s consent, especially it being but a part of the Province of _Virginia_, already possess’d by the Subjects of _England_: So that they were forc’d to wave that Title, and the _Dutch_ Governor submitted his Plantation to His Majesty of _England_, and to the Governor of _Virginia_, for and under him: Upon which Terms for a good while they held it. Afterwards, upon confidence, it seems, of a new Governor sent from _Amsterdam_, they not onely fail’d to pay the promis’d Contribution and Tribute, but fell to fortifie themselves, and to entitle the Merchants of _Amsterdam_ to an absolute Propriety and Dominion of the Country, independent of any other; building Towns, as _New Amsterdam_; raising Forts, as _Orange Fort_, near the Branch of the _Nordt River_, which they call _Hell-Gate_. Complaint whereof being made to King _Charles_, and by his Ambassador represented to the _States_, they disown the business, and declare by Publick Instrument, that it was onely a private Undertaking, _viz._ of the _West-India_ Company of _Amsterdam_. Whereupon a Commission was granted to Sir _George Calvert_, made Lord _Baltimore_ in _Ireland_, to Possess and Plant the Southern parts thereof, lying towards _Virginia_, by the name of _Mary-land_; and to Sir _Edmund Loyden_, to Plant the Northern parts towards _New England_, by the name of _Nova Albion_: Which makes the _Dutch_ the second time seem willing to compound; and for the Sum of two thousand and five hundred Pounds, they offer to be gone, and leave all they had there. But taking advantage of the troubles in _England_, which then began to appear, and soon after follow’d, they not only go back from their first Propositions, and make higher Demands, but also most mischievously (as some report) furnish the Natives with Arms, and teach them the use of them, as it may be thought, expecting to use their help upon occasion, against the _English_.

After His Majesties Restauration, His Majesty being truly inform’d of his just Pretences to all that Usurp’d Territory call’d _New Netherland_, (the same having been formerly part of _New England_) and of how great prejudice to the Act of Navigation, and how dangerous Intruders the _Dutchmen_ are generally upon other Princes Dominions, what mischief might ensue to all our _English_ Plantations in time of War, if the _Dutch_ were permitted to strengthen themselves in the very heart of His Majesties Dominions, being Masters of one of the most commodious Ports and Rivers in _America_: His Majesty resolv’d to seize upon the same, as his undoubted Right, and in _May 1664._ having design’d four Commissioners to the perfecting of Affairs in _New England_, Collonel _Richard Nichols_, Sir _Robert Carr_, _George Cartwright_, and _Samuel Mawrick_ Esquires, with three Ships of War to convey them to _Boston_: The matter was so order’d, that the same Ships serv’d for the reducing of the Town and Fort of _New Amsterdam_, upon conditions, advantageous to His Majesty, and easie to the _Dutch_.

Now begins _New Netherland_ to lose the Name, for His Majesty having conferr’d by Patent upon his Royal Highness the Duke of _York_ and _Albany_, all the Acquisitions made upon Foraigners, together with _Long-Island_, the West end whereof was wholly setled and Peopled by _Dutch-men_; his Royal Highness impower’d, by Commission as his Deputy-Governor, Colonel _Nichols_, Groom of his Bed-chamber, to take the Charge and Direction of Reducing and Governing all those Territories; it was by him thought fit, to change some principal denominations of Places, _viz._ _New Netherland_ into _York-shire_; _New Amsterdam_ into _New York_; _Fort-Amscel_ into _Fort-James_; _Fort-Orange_ into _Fort-Albany_; and withal, to change _Burgomasters_, _Schepen_, and _Schout_, into Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriff, with Justices of the Peace; so that all the Civil Policy is conformable to the Methods and Practise of _England_, whereas _New England_ retains only the name of _Constable_ in their whole Rolls of Civil Officers.

It is plac’d upon the neck of the Island _Manhatans_, looking towards the Sea; encompass’d with _Hudson_’s River, which is six Miles broad; the Town is compact and oval, with very fair Streets and several good Houses; the rest are built much after the manner of _Holland_, to the number of about four hundred Houses, which in those parts are held considerable: Upon one side of the Town is _James-Fort_, capable to lodge three hundred Souldiers and Officers; it hath four Bastions, forty Pieces of Cannon mounted; the Walls of Stone, lin’d with a thick Rampart of Earth; well accommodated with a Spring of fresh Water, always furnish’d with Arms and Ammunition, against Accidents: Distant from the Sea seven Leagues, it affords a safe Entrance, even to unskilful Pilots; under the Town side, Ships of any Burthen may Ride secure against any Storms, the Current of the River being broken by the interposition of a small Island, which lies a Mile distant from the Town.

About ten Miles from _New York_ is a Place call’d _Hell-Gate_, which being a narrow Passage, there runneth a violent Stream both upon Flood and Ebb; and in the middle lie some Rocky Islands, which the Current sets so violently upon, that it threatens present Shipwrack; and upon the Flood is a large Whirlwind, which continually sends forth a hideous roaring, enough to affright any Stranger from passing farther, and to wait for some _Charon_ to conduct him through; yet to those that are well acquainted, little or no danger: It is a place of great Defence against any Enemy coming in that way, which a small Fortification would absolutely prevent, and necessitate them to come in at the West end of _Long-Island_ by _Sandy Hook_, where _Nutten Island_ forces them within the Command of the Fort at _New York_, which is one of the best Pieces of Defence in the North parts of _America_. It is built most of Brick and Stone, and cover’d with red and black Tyle, and the Land being high, it gives at a distance a pleasing prospect to the Spectators. The Inhabitants consist most of _English_ and _Dutch_, and have a considerable Trade with _Indians_ for Beaver, Otter, and _Rackoon_-Skins, with other Furrs; as also for Bear, Deer and _Elke_-Skins; and are supply’d with Venison and Fowl in the Winter, and Fish in the Summer by the _Indians_, which they buy at an easie Rate; and having the Countrey round about them, they are continually furnish’d with all such Provisions as is needful for the Life of Man, not onely by the _English_ and _Dutch_ within their own, but likewise by the adjacent Colonies.

[Sidenote: _Manhattans_ River.]

The _Manhattans_, or _Great River_, being the chiefest, having with two wide Mouths wash’d the mighty Island _Watouwaks_, falls into the Ocean. The Southern Mouth is call’d _Port May_, or _Godyns Bay_. In the middle thereof lies an Island call’d _The States Island_; and a little higher the _Manhattans_, so call’d from the Natives, which on the East side of the River dwell on the Main Continent. They are a cruel People, and Enemies to the _Hollanders_, as also of the _Sanhikans_, which reside on the Western Shore. Farther up are the _Makwaes_ and _Mahikans_, which continually War one against another. In like manner all the Inhabitants on the West side of the River _Manhattan_ are commonly at Enmity with those that possess the Eastern Shore; who also us’d to be at variance with the _Hollanders_, when as the other People Westward kept good Correspondency with them.

On a small Island near the Shore of the _Makwaes_, lay formerly a Fort, provided with two Drakes and eleven Stone Guns, yet was at last deserted.

[Sidenote: Wholesom Waters.]

This Countrey hath many removable Water-falls, descending from steep Rocks, large Creeks and Harbors, fresh Lakes and Rivulets, pleasant Fountains and Springs, some of which boyl in the Winter, and are cold and delightful to drink in Summer. The Inhabitants never receive any damage by Deluges; neither from the Sea, because the Water rises not above a Foot; nor by the swelling Rivers, which sometimes, for a few days covering the Plains, at their deserting them, leave them fat and fruitful. The Sea-Coast is Hilly, and of a sandy and clayie Soil, which produces abundance of Herbs and Trees.

[Sidenote: Trees.]

The Oak grows there generally sixty or seventy Foot high, and for the most part free from Knots, which makes it the better fit for Shipping.

The Nut-trees afford good Fuel, and a strange Prospect when the Wood is set on fire, either to hunt out a Deer, or to clear the Ground fit to be Till’d.

Some Plants brought hither, grow better than in _Holland_ it self, as Apples, Pears, Cherries, Peaches, Apricocks, Strawberries, and the like.

[Sidenote: Vines.]

Their Vines grow wild in most places, and bear abundance of blue, white, and Muskadine Grapes: Sometime since the Inhabitants made a considerable advantage by the Wine of them, which is not inferior to either _Rhenish_ or _French_.

[Sidenote: Water Lemmons.]

All manner of Plants known in _Europe_ grow in their Gardens: The Water-Lemmons, no less pleasing to the Palate than healthful when grown ripe; they are about the bigness of an indifferent Cabbage: the _English_ press a Juice out of them, which if it did not turn sowre in a short time, might well be compar’d with _Spanish_ Wine.

The _Calabashes_ which grow there, made hollow, serve for Water-cups.

Pumpions are also there in great abundance.

[Sidenote: Wheat.]

Their Wheat though Set six Foot deep, grows very speedily: Kidney-Beans being planted amongst it, they will wind about the Stalks thereof.

[Sidenote: Pease.]

Gray Pease grow here so fast, that they gather them twice a year.

In one Field Physical Herbs and _Indigo_ grow wild in great abundance; and Barley springs above a Mans heighth.

Moreover, there are divers sorts of sweet-smelling Flowers.

[Sidenote: Soyl of the Mountains.]

The Hills are most of a fat and clayie Soil, fit to make Pots, Tobacco-pipes, or any other sort of Earthen Ware.

[Sidenote: Gold and Silver-Mines.]

In some places also is store of Mountain Crystal, and that sort of Mineral which we call _Muscovia Glass_: Others afford Marble, Serpentine Stone, and other sorts of hard Stone. And though the Natives did not think it worth their while, or were not in a capacity to dig for Minerals themselves, yet it remains without contradiction, that the Mountains inclose both Gold and Silver.

When Captain _William Clieff_, _Anno 1645._ us’d the _Indian_ Interpreter _Agheroense_ (to decide the Differences which arose between the _West-India Company_ and the wild People call’d _Makwaes_,) he observ’d him to paint his Face with a yellow glittering colour, which he judg’d to be of some rich Mineral: whereupon buying some of the said _Agheroense_, he put it into a Crusible, and gain’d two small pieces of Gold out of the same, valu’d at six Shillings; but keeping it private, and purchasing a great quantity of the said Mineral from _Agheroense_ (who had show’d him the Mountain which produced the same) extracted good store of Gold out of it; which possessing _Clieff_ with a belief of having found out a business of great consequence, he sent _Arent Corsen_ of _New-haven_ with the fore-mention’d Mineral to _Holland_; but the Ship being never heard of afterwards, and the Princess Pink, in which Captain _Clieff_ was himself, with store of the new-found Mineral, being cast away, the Business came to nothing.

[Sidenote: Paint after a strange manner.]

The Inhabitants, though divided into several Nations, yet agree in many things, as in painting their Bodies, Shields, Clubs, and other Utensils in their Houses. The Colours wherewith they paint themselves they press out of Plants, or make them of certain Stones grownd into very fine Powder. The chiefest Plant is not unlike the Myrtle, onely it hath more Boughs, and bears red Berries; the Juice of which being dry’d in the Sun, is afterwards preserv’d in little Bags. The Natives temper their Colours with Water, and paint their Bodies with the same: It is as good a Purple as can be found. They also draw Ships, Trees, and Beasts after a very rough manner: In stead of Feathers they wear pleited Hair, which being colour’d red, hath an excellent gloss, which never fades though it Rain on the same.

[Sidenote: Horses.]

The Horses bred in this Countrey, being either brought thither from _England_ or _Utrecht_, far exceed those of _English_ breed; but are both of them subject to a strange Disease, of which many die in few hours. The same Distemper also seizes on Cattel if they go into Forrest Pasture: But the onely thing to cure the same, is Hay from salt Marshy Grounds.

[Sidenote: Hogs.]

The Oaken Woods have store of Hogs, which if taken and fatned with _Turkish_ Wheat, are most delicious Meat.

[Sidenote: Sheep.]

The Sheep, though they breed well there, yet are very scarce, because the Planters not being able to spare Men to watch them, they are often devour’d by Wolves.

There are also abundance of Deer, all sorts of Fowls, Turkies, Geese, Ducks, Pigeons, and the like.

[Sidenote: Lyons.]

The Lyons, whose Skins the _Indians_ bring to Market, are taken on a high Mountain fifteen days Journey South-West from thence.

[Sidenote: Black Bears.]

There are likewise many black Bears, fearful of humane kind, but if Hunted, they run direct on those that pursue them: they sleep all the Winter, lying six Weeks on one side, and six on the other, and sucking their Feet all the time: They generally lurk among Brambles, or in the Concavities of some hollow Mountain.

[Sidenote: Strange Beasts.]

On the Borders of _Canada_ there is seen sometimes a kind of Beast which hath some resemblance with a Horse, having cloven Feet, shaggy Mayn, one Horn just on their Forehead, a Tail like that of a wild Hog, black Eyes, and a Deers Neck: it feeds in the nearest Wildernesses: the Males never come amongst the Females except at the time when they Couple, after which they grow so ravenous, that they not onely devour other Beasts, but also one another.

Towards the South of _New York_ are many Buffles, Beasts which (according to _Erasmus Stella_) are betwixt a Horse and a Stag: though they are of a strong Constitution, yet they die of the smallest Wound, and are subject to the Falling-sickness: they have broad branchy Horns like a Stag, short Tail, rough Neck, Hair colour’d according to the several Seasons of the Year, broad and long Ears, hanging Lips, little Teeth, and Skin so thick, as not easie to be pierced: The Females differ from the Males, for they have no Horns; both may easily be made tame: when Hunted, they vomit out a sort of scalding Liquor on the Dogs: they have great force in their Claws, for they can kill a Wolf with the same at one blow: their Flesh, either fresh or salted, is a good Diet: their Claws also cure the Falling-sickness.

[Sidenote: Harts.]

But no Beasts are more plentiful here than Harts and Stags, which feed up and down in great Herds: when they are Hunted by Wolves or Men, they immediately take the next River, where they are caught several together, by being cross’d in their Swimming, and affrighted by the Eccho which comes from the Mountains, made by the Hunters hollowing on the other Shore, which makes them fearful of Landing: whilst the Huntsmen joyning several pieces of Wood together get upon them, and Rowing towards these Deer, intercept them, being tir’d and out of breath.

[Sidenote: Musk-Cats.]

Moreover, this Countrey breeds many Musk Cats, especially in Marshy Grounds. These Beasts are beautiful to the Eye, having black speckled Skins, their Mouths, full of sharp Teeth, and their Tails being long trail after them.

Many of the Learned maintain a Dispute concerning Civet, Whether it be the Seed of the Civet-Cat? the Affirmative, which _Cardanus_ maintain’d, is contradicted by _Julius Scaliger_. _Matthiolus_, an Author of no little credit, supposes that Civet is the Sweat of the Cat, because it is most chiefly taken when these Beasts are exceedingly vex’d and wearied: But since the Sweat runs from all parts of the Body, which nevertheless do not all produce Civet, it is impossible that Sweat should be Civet. Others account Civet to be the Dung of the Cats; which last seems to come nearest to truth: for certainly it is nothing else but an Excrement in the fleshy parts about their Pizzle, or near the Fundament. The Cats being in pain to be discharg’d of this Civet, free themselves from it by rubbing a Tree; and also fawn on those which take it from them with a Spoon.

[Sidenote: _Plin._ lib. 32. cap. 3.]

Besides all other wild Creatures, the Countrey according to _Adrian Vander Donk_, produces yearly eighty thousand Beavers. _Pliny_ relates, that these Beasts bite off their Pizzles and throw them to the Hunter, which are an exceeding good Medicine to help Abortion, stop the Monethly Flowers, Giddiness in the Head, Gout, Lameness, Belly and Tooth-ach, Rhumes, Poyson, and the Evil. But _Pliny_ makes a great mistake herein, for the Beavers have a small Pissel fasten’d to their Back-bone, in such a manner, that they cannot loose them but with hazard of their lives: They live in the Water, and on the Shore, in great companies together, in Nests built of Wood, which deserve no small admiration, being made after this manner: The Beavers first gather all the loose Wood, which they find along the Banks of the Rivers, of which, if there be not enough, they bite the Bark off from the Trees in the neighboring Woods, then with their Tusks, of which two grow above, and two below in their Mouths, they gnaw the main body of the Tree so long, till it drops asunder: Their Nests very artificial, are six Stories high, cover’d on the top with Clay to keep out Rain; in the middle is a passage which goes to the River, into which they run so soon as they perceive a Man; to which purpose one of them stands Sentinel, and in the Winter keeps open the Water from freezing, by continual moving of his Tail, which is flat without Hair, and the most delicious Meat that can be had. The Beavers go big sixteen Weeks, and once a year bring forth four young, which suck and cry like young Children, for the Dam of them rises on her hinder Feet, and gives her Teats, which grow between the fore-legs to two of her young, each of them one; the foremost legs of a Beaver resemble those of a Dog, the hindermost those of a Goose; on each side of the vent are two swellings within two thin Skins; out of their vent runs generally an Oily moysture, with which they anoint all the parts of their body which they can reach, to keep them from being wet; within they are like a cut-up Hog; they live on the Leaves and Barks of Trees; they love their young ones exceedingly; the long Hairs, which shining, stick out on the back, fall off in Summer, and grow again against Harvest; they have short Necks, strong Sinews and Legs, and move very swiftly in the Water, and on the Land; if incompass’d by Men or Dogs, they bite most severely; the right _Castoreum_, so highly esteem’d by Physicians, is a long _Vesica_, not unlike a Pear, within the body of the female Beaver, the _Indians_ mince the Cods of the Male Beavers amongst their Tobacco, because they produce no _Castoreum_.

[Sidenote: Fowls in _New York_.]

This Country abounds also with Fowls; for besides Hawks, Kites, and other Birds of Prey, there are abundance of Cranes, of several sorts, some grey, some brown, others quite white; all of them have firm Bodies, and Bones without Marrow, Claws of a finger long, strong and crooked Bills, their Brains dry, their Eyes little and hollow, hard Features, the left Foot lesser than the right, both deform’d, their Blood thick, and the Excrements of a horrid smell; they breed most in old Woods, whose ground is without Brambles, and also near the Water, for they feed on Fish, and devour all sorts of Fowls, nay, snatch up Hares, Rabbets, Tortels, and several other sorts of Animals, which they carry away with them in the Air; nay, when hungry, they seize on one another; some of them fly abroad for their prey about noon, others at Sun-rising; they fall like Lightning on what e’re they pursue; they drink little, except the Blood of those Creatures which they devour; they are very libidinous, coupling above thirty times a day, not only with their like, but also with the Hens of Hawks, and other Birds; they lay their biggest Eggs in thirty days, and the lesser in twenty days; they generally bring forth three young; those of them that cannot endure to look full against the Sun, are thrown out of their Nests; the young ones when they begin to be fledg’d, are by the old carry’d into the Air, and let flie, but supported by them; their sight is wonderful quick; for though they flie as high as ever they are able to be discern’d, yet they can see the least Fish that is in the Water, and a Hare lying in the Bushes: their Breath stinks horribly, wherefore their Carcases suddenly rot; though they are libidinous, yet they live long; most of them die of hunger, because their Bills when they grow old, grow so crooked, that they cannot open the same, wherefore they flie up into the Air against the Sun, and falling into the coldest Rivers, loose their Feathers and die.

[Sidenote: Pigeons.]

Besides the foremention’d Birds of prey, there are abundance of Storks, Ravens, Crows, Owls, Swallows, Gold-finches, Ice-birds, Kites, Quails, Pheasants, and Winter _Kings_, and which are most remarkable for their rich Feathers, the _Spechtes_, they pick great holes in Trees, and make a noise as if a Man were cutting down a Tree. The Pigeons flie in such flocks, that the _Indians_ remove with them to the place where they make their Nests, where the young ones being taken by hundreds, serve them for a Moneths Provision.

[Sidenote: Pretty Birds.]

Moreover, _New York_ breeds a strange Bird about a Thumb long, full of glistering Feathers; it lives by sucking of Flowers like a Bee, and is so tender, that it immediately dies if water be spirted upon it; the Carcase being dry’d, is kept for a Rarity.

[Sidenote: Turkies.]

But this Countrey abounds chiefly in Turkies, whose plenty deserves no less admiration than their bulk, and the delicious taste of their Flesh, for they go feeding forty or fifty in a flock, and weigh sometime forty or fifty pound apiece; the Natives either shoot them, or take them with a Bait stuck on an Angle: In _March_ and Harvest the Waters swarm with Geese, Teal, Snites, Ducks, and Pelicans, besides many strange sorts of Fowls not known in _Europe_.

[Sidenote: Fish.]

The Rivers and Lakes produce Sturgeon, Salmon, Carps, Pearch, Barbils, all sorts of Eels, and many other Fish which are taken near Water-falls: The Sea affords Crabs with and without Shells, Sea-cocks, and Horses, Cod, Whiting, Ling, Herrings, Mackrel, Flounders, Tar-buts, Tortels, and Oysters, of which some are a Foot long, and have Pearl, but are a little brownish.

[Sidenote: _Rattle-Snake._]

Amongst the Poysonous Creatures which infest _New York_, the chiefest and most dangerous is the _Rattle-Snake_, whose description we have already had at large in _New England_.

[Sidenote: Constitution of the Inhabitants.]

[Sidenote: Their Diet.]

The Inhabitants have their Hair black as Jet, harsh like Horse-hair; they are broad Shoulder’d, small Wasted, brown Ey’d, their Teeth exceeding white; with Water they chiefly quench their Thirst: Their general Food is Flesh, Fish, and _Indian_ Wheat, which stamp’d, is boyl’d to a Pap, by them call’d _Sappaen_: They observe no set time to Eat, but when they have an Appetite their Meals begin. Beavers Tails are amongst them accounted a great Dainty: When they go to Hunt, they live several days on parch’d Corn, which they carry in little Bags ty’d about their middle; a little of that said Corn thrown into Water swells exceedingly.

[Sidenote: _Hudson_’s adventures remarkable.]