England. Some months afterwards answers were received from each of these parties, but they were evasive, and gave little satisfaction, and the New Haven colonists were obliged to await a more favorable opportunity for the pursuance of their claims in this particular case. But in 1646 they made a new acquisition, purchasing lands not far from the Hudson River, and erecting a fort; by this movement a long altercation was brought on, between Director Keift, and Eaton, the Governor of New Haven. The former declared "that we are forced again to protest and by these presents we do protest, against you as breakers of the peace, and disturbers of the public quiet," and he also threatened, that unless the New Haven people should restore the places they had taken, and repair the losses the Dutch had experienced, the latter people would manfully recover them by such means as were within their power, and would hold the English responsible for all the evils that should ensue. In his answer, Governor Eaton denied that he had entered upon lands to which the Dutch had any known title, he alluded to the injuries and outrages done to the people of New Haven, both at the Manhattans and on the Delaware, and concluded with an offer to refer all difficulties between his people, and the Dutch, to the decision of any competent authority, either in America or in Europe. Not long afterwards the correspondence between these parties was laid before the Commissioners of the New England Colonies, at a meeting held at New Haven, and the matter at issue, together with other differences between the English, and the Dutch, became subjects of earnest attention. The Commissioners afterwards addressed a letter to Director Keift, mentioning the difficulties that had occurred on the Connecticut River, and also the recent proceedings of their confederates of New Haven, and expressed an opinion that the answer of Governor Eaton, was fair and just. The final reply of Director Keift was expressed in terms of far more vehemance, than strength, yet it seemed to proceed from a real conviction that there was justice in his claim.45

But the administration of Director Keift was drawing to its

close. Strong complaints had been made against him, and transmitted to the Directors of the West India Company; he was charged not only with mismanagement, but also with the greatest abuse of his powers. It is certain that the course he pursued brought serious misfortunes upon the province. In the war with the Indians the population was reduced, and debt was incurred, and in consequence the colonists were subjected to numerous and heavy exactions. His own people became enfeebled, whilst the neighboring colonies were waxing in strength. The Governor was active, but his activity frequently ran into rashness, and his zeal was of a kind that often wore the appearance of passionate impulse. Keift was removed from office in 1646, and in the following year departed from the province to return to Holland; but the ship with all on board were lost on the voyage.

CHAPTER VI.

NEW NETHERLAND, NEW SWEDEN, AND NEW ENGLAND.

PETER STUYVESANT was next appointed as Director in Chief in New Netherland. His commission was dated on the 26th of July, 1646, and included the province of New Netherland, and the Islands of Curacoa, Bonaire and Aruba, on the Spanish Main. He arrived in the country in May, 1647. He had long been employed as a military officer in the service of Holland, and was reputed to be courageous, prudent and firm.

At an early period the new Director applied himself to a removal of the difficulties and dangers with which the province was surrounded, from the hostile dispositions of the Indians, and the doubtful attitude of the English, and the Swedes. He concluded a treaty of peace with the natives which continued unbroken during the whole of his administration. But the differences with the English were not of a nature to be readily terminated; at this time, the principal matters in dispute related to the claims of New Haven and Connecticut, to the ownership, and exclusive possession of lands.

The New Haven people were not disposed to relinquish the claims they had advanced to lands upon the Delaware, and in 1649, Governor Eaton, on behalf of the colony, made a new application to the New England Commissioners. He proposed that effectual measures should be immediately adopted for securing the rights of New Haven, by taking possession of the territory in question, and planting colonies thereon. The Commissioners did not agree at the time, to engage in any attempt for the purpose proposed, but they recognized the rights of the people of New

'Frost's History, vol. 2., p. 47.

Haven to lands on the Delaware, and left the owners at liberty to cultivate their interests therein, in such manner as they should deem proper.

The Director of New Netherland did not fail to perceive that the aspect of affairs was threatening, and he endeavored to provide for the danger. Application was made to the West India Company, for the necessary authority and aid, but the corporation refused to give sanction to any measures of violence or force. “War,” they said, "cannot in any event be to our advantage; the New England people are too powerful for us."3

Negotiation was therefore resorted to, and Stuyvesant himself, repaired to Hartford in order to effect an adjustment of the points in dispute. A conference with the Commissioners led to a resolve that Delegates should be appointed who were to represent the interests of their respective parties, and to devise some plan of agreement. After long discussions, articles of agreement were concluded upon by the delegates, on the 19th of September, 1650.

Extract from the proceedings of an extraordinary meeting of the Commissioners for the United Colonies, held at Boston, July 23d., 1649.

From New Haven general court, it was propounded to the Commissioners what course might be taken for the speedy planting of Delaware Bay. The title some merchants at New Haven have by purchase from the Indians, to considerable tracts of lands on both sides of the river, was opened; and the Commissioners did read and consider what had passed at a former meeting of theirs, in Anno Domini 1643. A writing delivered into New Haven Court, by Mr. Leech, concerning the healthfulness of the place, the goodness of the land, conveniency of the lesser rivers, with the advantage of a well ordered trade there, was also perused. The Commissioners with the premisses considering the present state of the colonies, the English in most plantations already wanting hands to carry on their necessary occasions, thought fit not to send forth men to possess and plant Delaware, nor by any public act or consent, to encourage, or allow the planting thereof; and if any shall voluntarily go from any of the colonies to Delaware, and shall without leave and consent of New Haven, sit down upon any part or parts thereof, or in any other respect shall be injurious to them in their title and interests there, the colonies will neither protect nor own them therein. The New Haven merchants being notwithstanding left to their just liberty, to dispose, improve, or plant the land they have purchased in those parts or any part thereof as they shall see cause. Hazard's Register, vol. 1., p. 17. 3 Bancroft's History, vol. 2., p. 295.

This agreement was in the nature of a provisional treaty, to be confirmed by the respective governments in Europe. It gave to the English the whole of the territory on the Connecticut River, except such portions as were actually possessed by the Dutch. Long Island was also divided between the two nations.*

In regard to the interests of the New Haven claimants, the agreement was quite indecisive; it left the matters in issue nearly in their original condition. It was stated that for the time, the parties were left at liberty to improve their interests for planting and trading as they should see cause."

Frost's History, vol. 2., p. 47, Bancroft's History, vol 2., p. 295.

* Articles of agreement made and concluded at Hartford upon Connecticut, September 19th, 1650, betwixt the delegates of the honored Commissioners of the United English Colonies, and the delegates of Peter Stuyvesant, Governor General of New Netherland.

1. Upon serious consideration of the difference and grievances propounded by the two English colonies of Connecticut and New Haven, and the answer made by the honored Dutch Governor, Peter Stuyvesant, Esq. According to the trust and power committed unto us as Arbitrators or Delegates betwixt the said parties, we find that most of the offences or grievances were things done in the time and by the order and command of Monsieur William Keift, the former Governor, and that the present honored Governor, is not duly prepared to make answer to them; we therefore think meet to respite the full consideration and judgment concerning them, till the present Governor may acquaint the High and Mighty States and West India Company, with the particulars, that so due reparation may accordingly be made.

2. The Commissioners of New Haven complained of several high and hostile injuries which they and others of that jurisdiction have received from and by order of the aforesaid Monsieur Keift, in Delaware Bay and River, and in their return thence as by their former propositions and complaints may more fully appear; and beside the English right claimed by a patent, presented and showed several purchases they have made on both sides the River and Bay of Delaware of several large tracts of land unto and somewhat above the Dutch house or fort there, with a consideration given to the said Sachems and their companies, for the same acknowledged and cleared by the hands of the Indians, whom they affirmed were the true proprietors, testified by many witnesses; they also affirmed that according to their apprehensions, they have sustained £1000 damages, partly by the Swedish Governor but chiefly by order from Monsieur Keift, and therefore required due satisfaction and a peaceable possession of the aforesaid lands to enjoy and improve according to their just right. The Dutch Governor