Chapter VII

RENEWED EFFORTS IN BEHALF OF THE COLONY AND
THE TENTH AND ELEVENTH EXPEDITIONS.

I.

Letters of Printz to Brahe and Oxenstierna, dated April 26, 1653, were received in the late summer of that year. The authorities were finally impressed with the fact that the settlement could no longer be neglected. The council of state discussed the colonial enterprise at several meetings, and the Queen once more instructed the commercial college to take over the management of the company. Fortunately Eric Oxenstierna, who in August, 1652, had been appointed general director of the college, returned to Sweden in the summer of 1653. He was greatly interested in the colonial work, and at once made efforts to send out a new expedition. Further consultations were held in the council, and it was at last decided that the various requests of Printz should be granted. As the admiralty was still in arrears to the company for several thousand R. D., it was proposed that the government should prepare the ships for the next journey. The Queen agreed to the plan, and instructed the admiralty on August 13 to fit out the _Wismar_ for a voyage to New Sweden. The Queen had decided, says the instruction, to send three hundred colonists and a large cargo to the South River in order that the colony should not go to ruin. On the same day the war department was ordered to supply ammunition for the colony according to an enclosed list.

For some reason “the crown’s ship the _Örn_ lying at anchor in the harbor at Stockholm,” was selected for the voyage in place of the _Wismar_; and Captain Jan Jansson Bockhorn, the mate on the unfortunate _Katt_ expedition, was appointed to sail the vessel. In addition to the _Örn_ the company arranged to prepare the _Gyllene Haj_.

As prospective emigrants had not applied in sufficient numbers, due to the ill-fated journey of 1649, which had been reported far and wide, Captain Sven Skute was appointed to hire soldiers and laborers, and to prevail upon others to go as settlers. On August 25 an instruction in six paragraphs was issued for him. He should hire fifty soldiers, including those already engaged, especially such as had a trade, and he was to collect 250 colonists “of whom the greatest part must be good men, fewer women and fewest children.” He was to offer the soldiers at the most four R. D. a month, less if possible, and he should especially endeavor to find farm hands and colonists, who were willing to go without pay; but such as needed financial aid, he was to promise a certain sum, always as small as possible and in no case more than 30 D., copper money annually, until they could be settled on lands in New Sweden. He was to gather as many as possible at Västerås, sending them at once to the capital, that they might embark on the _Örn_. From Västerås he was to proceed to Värmland and Dalsland, since it had been reported that “a good many of those, who dwell in the large forests” of these provinces were willing to go to New Sweden.

The people from Västerås gradually made their appearance in Stockholm, where a number of other men who had been hired by Hans Kramer (among them a millwright engaged at a wage of 40 D. a month). Twelve boys from the building college of the city of Stockholm were also sent to New Sweden at this time. The _Örn_ left Stockholm on October 8. Touching at Helsingör, Copenhagen and other ports, she arrived at Gothenburg on November 8. The soldiers and colonists were now rushed to the city to be in readiness for embarking, and the cargo was loaded onto the vessel. Admiral Anckerhjelm, who had been appointed by the commercial college to superintend the preparations for the expedition, showed great diligence. He bought most of the goods with his own money, and supplied large sums to the sailors. Upon the arrival of the ship he had new barrels made for packing purposes and cabins built for the people. Disputes arose between the officers, threatening to retard the work, but his interference restored order.

In the meantime the _Gyllene Haj_ was detained at Stockholm. She was not in a seafaring condition, making expensive repairs necessary. By the middle of November she was ready to receive her cargo, however; but there was still a delay of several weeks. It seems that Hans Amundsson was greatly to blame. He had been appointed captain of the ship in August, but was old and unfit for service.

At this time Gustaf Printz arrived in the capital. He had left America on the ship _Marie_ with a cargo of tobacco, and touched at Portsmouth in September. The vessel was seized by order of the commissioners of customs in London, but Printz managed to reach Stockholm, where he appeared before the commercial college, and reported the condition of the colony. This gave further impetus to the preparations, and a letter was written to Governor Printz, requesting him to remain in the country, as assistance would be sent immediately and he would be rewarded for his service.

While preparations were in progress for provisioning the ships and gathering colonists, steps were taken for the re-organization of the company and the further development of New Sweden. Printz was to remain in the colony, but his request for an assistant, who could aid in the “law business,” was to be granted, and Johan Rising, the secretary of the commercial college, was appointed to this position. Rising, who was greatly interested in economic and judicial questions, had studied abroad, and paid close attention to the colonial policy and commercial activity of Holland. He had visited England, and become acquainted with English economic theories and colonial views, and he had been engaged by the Swedish government to write a treatise on commerce, trade and agriculture, being considered an authority on these subjects. He was of a practical bent of mind, and a patriot whose thoughts were ever occupied with problems, that concerned the welfare of Swedish shipping, Swedish trade and Swedish colonies; and he was therefore particularly well equipped and apparently most suitable for the position of councillor and assistant to Governor Printz. Rising severed his connection with the commercial college about the end of October, and on December 9 the government issued a commission, formally appointing him to his position, as well as defining his duties and powers. On December 12 a number of other documents concerning Rising’s appointment were issued by the government, and an order was sent to the college of the exchequer, assigning 1,500 D. for his travelling expenses. In addition to this he was knighted, and a large donation of land in New Sweden was given to him. About the middle of December a lengthy instruction was prepared by the commercial college, and a memorial relative to his long voyage was signed by the officers of the college. He was to proceed to Gothenburg without delay. On his arrival there he was to inform the magistrates of the new regulations, which had been issued concerning New Sweden, and he was to prevail upon private people to send merchandise on the ship for trade in the colony. He was to have free passage to Christina for himself and ten to twelve peasants without expense, except that he must pay for their provisions. He was to supervise the ships during the voyage, and he should see to it that divine services were held, that the captains followed their instructions, and that the cargoes were well preserved. He should take the shortest route to New Sweden, and not go by way of the Canaries unless absolutely necessary.

Title-page of Lindeström’s _Geographia Americae_.
Original preserved in the Riksarkiv, Stockholm.]

Several other officers were likewise engaged to go to New Sweden at this time. Among these were Peter Mårtensson Lindeström and Elias Gyllengren (who returned to the colony in the capacity of lieutenant). Lindeström was appointed engineer. On October 31 the commercial college issued a recommendation for him, which states that “since the bearer, noble and well born Per Mårtensson Lindeström, has humbly applied for a recommendation, having, with the consent of his parents, determined to go to New Sweden for further experience,” the college presented him to the favor of the governor. Lindeström attended the University of Upsala in his youth, and was later employed as secretary in the college of mines for two years. Returning to the university to complete his studies, he specialized in mathematics and the art of fortifications, until he “was ordered to go to New Sweden.”

Sven Skute, who also returned to the colony on the _Örn_ was appointed “captain of the lands-people.” His instruction states that he was to superintend the embarking of the people and the loading of the goods, that he was to look after the cargoes and provisions and have charge of the soldiers, and that he was to keep a diary of the journey.

Some of the officers went to Gothenburg with the _Örn_, but Rising made the journey by land. He left Upsala on December 19, and arrived at Gothenburg December 27.

The authorities seem to have feared that grave danger was threatening the colony, and provisions were made for every extremity. “In case,” says the memorial given to Rising, “contrary to expectations, Printz should have left the country, [or it should be found] that our forts on the river are captured by someone, then he [Rising] shall demand their return in the name of Her Royal Majesty, and seek in every possible manner to get them into his possession again, otherwise settle and fortify some other place in the river. If this could not be done, he should consult with the captains about what was best,” and then either settle the colonists in some other place in America or return again [to Sweden].

Before sailing Rising was informed of Printz’s arrival in Europe, and, fearing that the settlement was captured, he looked about for other places suitable for the founding of a colony. “With Ankerhjelm,” he says, “I have discussed the possibilities of getting a foothold in Florida. He stated that he well knows there are large tracts there which are not occupied; but, because the Spaniards are appropriating everything to themselves [in that territory] and on account of the ferocity of the savages, he [thought] no one could plant [successful] colonies there [unless frequent reinforcements were sent]. [He] therefore considered it wisest ... to settle somewhere on the South River,” in case it should be necessary to select new territory.

The _Örn_ was ready to depart in the beginning of January. The soldiers and colonists were reviewed near Gothenburg. Their passes were examined, and “persons of evil repute were mustered out and regulated.” Colonists were now plentiful, and about a hundred families had to be left behind for want of room in the vessel. On January 5 the wind was favorable, and everything was in readiness; but the _Gyllene Haj_ had not made her appearance. Large supplies were expected with the vessel, and it was found necessary to await her arrival, since the provisions of the _Örn_ had been nearly consumed.

After long delays the _Haj_ finally left Stockholm on November 23 with forty-one persons on board and a supply of provisions. Contrary winds seem to have interfered, for on December 17 the ship was at Dalarön, only a short distance from the capital. On the thirtieth she was in the Sound, where six sailors with a servant and a prisoner deserted. Four new sailors were hired, and the vessel again set sail about January 2; but she failed to reach Gothenburg in a reasonable time, the wind being contrary. On January 17, she arrived at last, leaky and in bad condition. Through the negligence of the sailors she had run on banks in the Sound and broken her main mast and anchor.

Provisions and supplies were immediately transferred to the _Örn_, which was ordered to proceed with the first favorable wind, leaving the _Haj_ to follow as soon as possible. But the wind was contrary for many days, causing further delay and expense. On January 26 there was a ray of hope, the wind was turning and Rising ordered that the anchor should be weighed the following morning. At daybreak on the twenty-seventh the soldiers and colonists swore their oath of loyalty to the Swedish crown and the New Sweden Company “under a banner made for this purpose.” But disappointment was again in store for the emigrants. The wind turned, delaying the vessel another week. On February 2, however, the wind filled the sails, but it took almost a day to clear the harbor on account of the ice. After two days sailing the vessel reached Skagen. Here a strong northerly wind drove her back again towards Jutland, where she became leaky, having a large hole in the bow, which greatly alarmed the passengers. “The leak was mended as well as possible” (causing much trouble on the way, however), and on the sixth they again had a favorable wind. Their intention was to sail north of Scotland, perhaps to avoid English and Dutch warships; but when they arrived “at the end of Scotland” they faced a terrible storm, which drove them back along the coast. On the morning of February 16 they had gone as far as the Straits of Dover; but the captain was confused, since he had been unable to make observations for a number of days. He soon discovered that they were near Calais, and cast anchor there. Peter Lindeström tells a “traveller’s tale from the visit”: pies made from the flesh of human beings were offered to the Swedes for sale. A barber, finding it profitable business, murdered his customers by placing them above a trap door, which gave way, when a spring was pressed, and landed his poor victims in the cellar. Here they were killed and sold to the pie baker. Let those that travel beware!

From Calais the _Örn_ took a westerly course through the English Channel. In the Straits of Dover the Swedes were intercepted by an English warship. Having established their identity, however, they were well received, and an English pass was given to them. They were also offered water and other refreshments, but Captain Bockhorn, being ill disposed towards the English, declined, although his water supply was exhausted. The Swedes were therefore compelled to seek water elsewhere before leaving Europe. In the meantime the wind turned, driving the _Örn_ back past Dover to Deal, where fresh water was finally obtained but “at a cost of money.” On February 22 their sails were swelled, but at Folkestone they encountered head winds. On the twenty-fifth, however, a favorable breeze arose, which soon changed to a storm, and on the twenty-seventh they ran into Weymouth harbor to replenish their supplies. A contrary gale blew for several days, giving the Swedes an opportunity to see the town and recuperate after the rough voyage. They were well treated by the local governor, who entertained the Swedish officers in his castle until midnight. “One evening the city musicians also ... honored us,” says Lindeström, “with a serenade of most delightful and pleasing music, so that we had to open our purses.”

“On the third of March they sailed out of Weymouth, while there was quite a good wind out towards the Atlantic Ocean.” On the ninth of March they were off the coast of Portugal, where they came within hail of three Swedish ships, from Gothenburg on their way to Setubal to fetch salt. Later they encountered terrific storms. Many of the passengers and sailors became ill, and several died. On the nineteenth they fortunately reached the Canary Islands. Captain Bockhorn with some of the best sailors went ashore to exhibit the pass, but he was detained over night, causing much anxiety among the Swedes. At noon the following day he returned, however, accompanied by Governor Don Philipo Disalago, who came with three yachts “and a large suite” and showed the Swedes every kindness. The governor invited Rising with his staff to dinner. When the hour for dinner approached a negro slave was ordered to attend each Swedish officer with a sun shade on the way to the palace. The banquet was sumptuous. “I am not able to do justice in describing the magnificent treatment we received ... from the governor,” says Lindeström. “Although there was no meat, bread or suchlike on the table, yet the dinner was so magnificent that we had never seen the like before.... It consisted entirely of confections and different kinds of wine.” Toasts were exchanged and the festivities lasted towards midnight.

The passengers and sailors were likewise permitted to land the following day, but when they left the ship to go on shore

“the town people collected, made a great noise, and picked
up stones, which they threw at them, so that some of the
Swedes received serious injuries. Rising then sent Lieutenant
Gyllengren and Peter Lindeström to the governor to make
complaints, whereupon he commissioned one of his principal
servants to send an officer with several drummers beating the
drum all round the city and at the entrance of all streets to
proclaim peace, and that, if any person dared to attack the
Swedes in any manner whatsoever, he should forfeit his life.”

This had the desired effect, and from now on the Swedes were unmolested. Refreshments of various kinds which were supplied to them revived their spirits. The majority recuperated, “but many died in the harbor.”

On March 25 they gave a farewell salute to the Canaries, being favored with “a north-east wind.” Fresh supplies, increased by quantities of fish and sea crabs caught on the journey, added somewhat to the comfort of the passengers, but as the heat increased on their south-western course violent disease broke out among the passengers, some being so affected with dysentery and intermittent fever “that they jumped into the sea.... Those who did so in the day time were pulled out again, but those who jumped through the port holes at night were not rescued.” But “_Nulla calamitas sola_,” exclaims Lindeström, who goes on to relate that three Turkish ships pursued them for some distance with the purpose of attacking them. Every man able to hold a gun was ordered on deck, and brandy was distributed to strengthen them. As the Turks discovered the great force on the vessel, they withdrew, leaving the _Örn_ to go on its journey. After the Turks had disappeared thanksgiving services were conducted on board.

When they approached the Caribbees, three weeks later, it became necessary to land, “for their misery was increasing daily”; and on Sunday, April 16, they put into the harbor of St. Christopher. After the Sabbath services Captain Skute with some soldiers went ashore to present their passport to Governor Everett, who received them well, and sent them several boats full of refreshments. On April 17, the officers were invited to dinner by the widow of the former governor, now the wife of George Marsh. On the following day Rising hired two horses from Marsh, and rode, with Lindeström, to the residence of the French Governor General, a distance of twenty-five miles, to inquire about the shipwrecked Swedes at St. Cruz. The governor received them very courteously, saying that the Swedes had left long before, but if any still remained they would be free to depart. When Rising returned, his people were very ill, longing for fresh food. To mitigate their suffering he bought a large ox (“for three pieces of Holland cloth”), which was butchered and roasted and distributed among them.

On April 19, they continued the voyage, and twelve days later were close to the American coast. In the morning of May 2 they entered the Bay of Virginia. Here a severe thunderstorm overtook them. The sails were quickly removed; yet the ship turned on her side with the masts in the water, making it necessary to cut the main mast, before the ship righted herself. “Several men on the upper deck were thrown into the sea and lost.” As a result of the misfortunes the Swedes were delayed several days in the bay. On the fifth they again turned north with a favorable wind, but the weather was cloudy, making it impossible for the mariners to take their bearings. On the ninth day of sailing, the captain, thinking that they had passed the Bay of New Sweden, gave orders to go south again. On the twelfth they arrived at Cape Henry, supposing they were in the mouth of the South River. In the bay they experienced another gust of wind. The ship was pressed down till her nettings were almost under water. Her masts stood, but the fore and mizzen sails snapped from the rigging like paper and were carried far out to sea.

After an unsuccessful attempt to establish connections with two English vessels, which fled from them in the belief that they were pirates, information as to their whereabouts was gained from an Englishman, who came on board the _Örn_. The passengers were now very sick, some dying daily, but the fresh water, which was brought on board, revived them a little. On May 16 they continued their journey, and reached New Sweden Bay two days later. “Here the wind again betrayed them,” but on May 20 the sails were swelled, and in the evening they arrived before Fort Elfsborg, where they cast anchor.

When the commander of Fort Casimir observed the _Örn_ riding at anchor before Elfsborg, he raised the Prince’s flag and sent Andrian van Tienhoven with four freemen on board the ship “to ascertain whence she came.” They remained on board over night, “being well treated,” and from these Rising learnt the condition of the Swedish colony and the weakness of the Dutch fort. He told the Dutch that he would demand the surrender of Fort Casimir, which had been placed on land belonging to the crown of Sweden, while they in turn assured him “that they cared not who possessed the fort as long as they were allowed to dwell there safely and freely.”

As the wind was favorable the following morning (Trinity Sunday) Rising gave orders to proceed. In a council which was held on board it was decided that they “should try at this opportunity [to gain possession of Fort Casimir], yet without force and hostility but with proper remonstrances ... of their rights.” At about eleven o’clock the ship anchored before the Dutch fort, whereupon Rising sent Captain Sven Skute and Lieutenant Elias Gyllengren ashore “with three files of Musketeers” to demand the surrender of the stronghold. Commander Bicker, who saw the uselessness of resistance, met the Swedes on the shore, “welcomed [them] as friends, and brought Sven Skute into the fort” for a conference. Skute presented the Swedish rights to the land and fort, “promising Bicker, his soldiers and colonists all liberty and good offers,” if he would capitulate without resistance. Bicker, however, desiring a little time for consultation, “sent Van Tienhoven on board the _Örn_ with three others to request three days delay.” In the meantime Gyllengren marched his soldiers into the fort, as the gates were open and poorly guarded. “When the Hollanders wanted to use their guns,” they were told to put them down again, “and thus the Swedes took possession of Fort Casimir without hostility.” A Swedish flag, taken from the _Örn_, was then raised above the fort instead of the Dutch, which, it is said, “Bicker caused his own boy to haul down.” Thereupon another salute was fired from the _Örn_, answered by the guns of the fort. The name was changed to Fort Trinity “because it was taken on Trinity Sunday,” and Lieutenant Gyllengren with some soldiers was ordered to remain there. Twenty-one houses surrounded the fortress, some of which were occupied by freemen. The fort at the time of its surrender was garrisoned by nine soldiers, and armed with thirteen cannon; but there was no powder and the muskets were with the gunsmith.

After the capture the conditions were read to the Dutch, upon which they would be taken under the protection of the Swedish crown. “They were well satisfied with their remonstrance,” promising to appear at the earliest opportunity before the Swedish council to swear their oath of allegiance.

On May 22 the _Örn_ arrived at Christina. About a month and a half later the ship was ready to return to Sweden, and on July 15, the sails were loosened from the yards, and opened to invite the breeze. The return voyage was a long and dangerous one. The ship went to St. Martin for repairs, thence to Firth, and arrived at Gothenburg about July 24.

II.

In the beginning of 1654 as soon as the _Örn_ had gone to sea preparations for the _Gyllene Haj_ were begun again. But matters progressed slowly, and as late as February 10 Ankerhjelm reported that the ship was leaking. The admiral seemed to have had doubts as to the success of the journey. “I know not how the voyage with the _Gyllene Haj_ will turn out,” he wrote; “the captain pays little attention to the ship, and each officer, is, I understand his own master, so that one will not give in to the other. A short time ago a soldier gave the mate two black eyes, on account of which I have placed the former under arrest on the crown’s ship _Hercules_.”

Captain Amundsson, who had been appointed head of the expedition, was finally removed from his post, as he had proved himself utterly incompetent. It seems, however, that too many duties had been assigned to him, and two men Sven Höök and Hendrick von Elswick were assigned to his post. Höök was to command the vessel on the voyage, and to supervise the shipbuilding in New Sweden. Hendrick von Elswick, who had been recommended by Rising to the position of “head merchant” in the colony, was to have superior command on the voyage, and was to argue the claims of the _Katt_ expedition before the governor of Porto Rico.

As Captain Hans Amundsson had private claims in Porto Rico to look after, he was permitted to go on the _Haj_ with his family and two servants, promising to assist Elswick as much as he could.

In the beginning of March, definite information reached the commercial college that Printz was in Holland on his way home. A commission, appointing Johan Rising director of New Sweden and Sven Skute, commander of the military forces, was drafted in the beginning of March, and entrusted to Elswick, who was to deliver it on his arrival in New Sweden.

Obstacles of many kinds delayed the expedition. Elswick found that the ship was poorly armed and without ammunition. Time was consumed before these things could be supplied. Finally a ship carpenter and a couple of sailors were lacking. Both Elswick and Admiral Ankerhjelm did their utmost to supply these wants, but days and weeks passed, and the ship had to ride at anchor, waiting for insignificant necessities. Finally, on March 31, Elswick’s luggage was brought on board, the people took their oath of allegiance, and a good wind was the only thing lacking. “But some of the people were bad”, the mate was incompetent and a “rascal”, and many things foreboded an unhappy journey.

A few of the emigrants, who could not find room on the _Örn_, went with this ship, and a number of soldiers and servants were also on the boat. Unfavorable weather delayed the _Haj_ for another two weeks, but on April 15 she at last got under way “with a good wind.” Three days later contrary winds compelled the Swedes to run into a Norwegian harbor, but on the following day they were able to resume their journey, and arrived at Villa Franca of the Azores on the thirteenth of May. Here they remained for a week, replenishing their stores of water and provisions. The seal of their letter from the King of Spain, was broken by the governor of the island, who suspected their mission to Porto Rico, and other troubles met them.

During the night of May 20 the anchor was heaved, the _Haj_ was covered with canvass and the ship was soon making for America. But calms and irregular winds were encountered, and many of the passengers became sick on the wearisome journey. After three weeks the water-supply became very low, but the Swedes were fortunately drawing near the Caribbees and on the seventeenth of June they landed on the island of St. Christopher--twenty-eight days after their departure from Villa Franca. On June 26, when new supplies had been brought on board, they continued their journey, arriving at Porto Rico four days later. Governor Jacobus de Aquilera “waited on the shore with his _Carethe_ and many prominent persons, immediately sending a large boat which took ... [Elswick] ashore.” The passengers and crew went ashore the following day (July 1). Hans Amundsson died on the island July 2, and was buried outside the city. The mate attempted “to run away,” but was kept in irons in the prison by Elswick until the ship sailed.

On August 15 the _Haj_ left Porto Rico for New Sweden. The people were well, supplies were plentiful, and all were in a happy mood; but the expedition was destined to fail in its purpose. By a mistake the ship passed Delaware Bay, and “through carelessness or rather wickedness of the mate” she was led into “an unknown passage behind Staten Island towards the Raritans Kill,” where she was siezed by order of Director Stuyvesant. The officers of the ship were arrested and kept in custody for some time. Elswick protested orally and in writing against the action of the Dutch; but to no avail. The _Haj_ and its cargo remained in possession of the Dutch West India Company. The name of the ship was changed to _Diemen_, and she was used “for the West Indian trade.” The majority of the passengers and crew of the ship, including the carpenter, remained in New Amsterdam, persuaded thereto by Stuyvesant. When Elswick had done all in his power to effect a settlement he left for New Sweden.