Description of the New Netherlands/Part 5
A DIALOGUE
BETWEEN
A PATRIOT AND A NEW-NETHERLANDER,
UPON THE
ADVANTAGES WHICH THE COUNTRY PRESENTS TO SETTLERS, &c.
__________My worthy friend: I have heretofore embraced several opportunities and read with attention the particular description, of the natural formation of the New-Netherlands, and of the appearance and customs of the country, and have arrived at the conclusion that a burgher, farmer, or mechanic, and all other persons, can gain a comfortable subsistence in that country. I have, however, long desired to know your opinion in relation to other subjects connected with the settlement of that country, and therefore request your answers to the following propositions: -
First. - Whether it would be of any service to this city, if the said country arrived at a flourishing condition, and wherein those advantages would consist and be continued.
Secondly. - If there should be a great increase of population and riches in the country, whether the land presents situations for defence against an enemy, or robbers, by the construction of fortifications?
Thirdly. - Whether the country presents proper situations for commerce and at what places, and in what articles we could trade to advantage; and, in short, please to state the subjects in connection and solve the same according to your own reflections?
New-Netherlander. Although I am not as well informed on the subjects of inquiry as I would wish to be, still I will endeavour to answer your propositions. And first: - whether it would be of service to this city, if New-Netherlands were flourishing? I answer, yes - for the following reasons - or come closer to your question, the advantages which this city may derive from that country are as follow: -
First. - If difficulties should arise with Spain, (which God forbid!) there then is no place in the world better situated, from which to strike at the heart and vitals of that nation, than from the New-Netherlands, where we have all things together, such as provisions, ship-timber, plank, knees, masts, &c, that are necessary to equip our ships, in abundance. Whenever we desire to improve those advantages, we can do so without molestation.
Secondly. - If it should happen that iron, timber, ashes, grain, and other articles which we now receive from the east, should fall short, the deficiencies can be supplied from the New-Netherlands in abundance, if we encourage and advance the settlement of the country, without which it is worth nothing.
Thirdly. - By so doing we shall always have a free and unobstructed commerce to and fro, and enjoy a free and profitable trade with the Lords' colony, from and to their own country, which in time will increase so much as now is deemed incredible. We see how much the trade has advanced in two or three years since we have encouraged the settlement of the country, and by going on from year to year, the gain will advance proportionally. But more of this upon the third question.
Fourthly. - By pursuing this course and encouraging the population of the country, we could derive formidable assistance from the same in men and means in times of need, which causes all republics to be respected by those who envy their prosperity.
Fifthly. - And as we well know that this country is visited by many people who seek employment, and who always found business; but since the peace, there is not much employment, and there are many persons injuriously idle hence it certainly appears, that it would be of service to the country to settle another Netherland with the excess of our population, which can be easily done, as a sheet-anchor and support to the state. By this I consider your first question answered.
Patriot. In common I observe some reasons advanced by you; but I have frequently heard persons of understanding say that Spain need not thank herself for her outlandish colonies, because they attract so many persons from home as frequently to create internal troubles and injury, and leave dwellings vacant and neglected. Now we know well, that the most important subjects require most attention the shirt before the coat, Please to solve me this difficulty.
New-Netherlander. As for Spain, it is certain that without her outlandish colonies, she would not be as powerful as she is. This is a round O. Still, that her colonies withdraw her population, by which it may follow that many of the poor places in Spain are left uncultivated, all this may be true. But between the advantages of Spain and the United Netherlands this difference is so great that all the reasons which are contra there are pro here. It would be tedious to enter into detailed reasoning on the subject. To be brief, we consider the countries which lay contiguous to Spain, as Italy, France., and Portugal, as good as Spain itself, where there is abundant employment for vigilant native citizens, who are more frequently consumed and destroyed by wars than with us; but here, around the Netherlands, in Eastland, Germany, Westphalia, Bergland, Walland, &c, from, which the people came in numbers to seek employment, and gain a living, as they should do, otherwise this emigration would cease, and the reputation of our country be injured we could spare from the Netherlands thousands from year to year, and send them abroad without injury; and if ever there should happen to be any defect in our population, this would be supplied from the neighbouring countries. At a word, we could use those people and make them Netherlanders. Our neighbours must put up with it, and the people who now go to the New-Netherlands are not lost or destroyed, but are as if they were placed at interest, for we know how fast the population increases.
Patriot. Do you then conclude that the Netherlands are "better than the eastern countries of Germany, &c. are?
New-Netherlander. We evidently have not intended to advance this, but when that question occurs, it will solve itself. But that, in the provinces of this city, there are at present (by the goodness of God) more prosperous merchants, manufacturers, mechanics and traders, than in the countries mentioned, is certain; the Hanse towns not excepted - where the bait is, there the eagles gather. The habits of the Netherlanders are as favourable to strangers as to native citizens. Thus they are induced to come to us, particularly craftsmen of every profession, who can always find advantageous employment, and in time, by conforming to our customs, become as citizens. Hence I conclude that out of this country we can send as many colonial settlers as Spain can, and one-half more, without missing any man out from the Netherlands. We could increase our strength by so doing; for they who are colonists in the New-Netherlands become Netherlanders as well as they do who become burghers here, and remain devoted to us.
Patriot. This I would now begin to understand with you; that the population of this city might not be unserviceable there, but this objection arises. When men of property and fashion go to that country, which is the case already, where, it is said, something may be gained, and where careful and industrious people flourish and prosper, for such become persons of importance, or at least their descendants do - what certainty can such persons have for themselves, and their property? I mean certainty, without circumstances?
New-Netherlander. I take this well, sir; but this is evidently the sound question which you propounded to me, wherein I have already given you a clear and decisive answer.
Patriot. Not so certain and satisfactory as you suppose. For I consider that to be a country which we have found, which is easy of access by sea and by land, open and unsupplied, or unfurnished with any considerable fortifications. The English and the Indians are strong and numerous around it. The Portuguese and other pirates can easily invade the place on the seaboard, in a short time; for it is easy of access, and near the ocean, and what is more, you well know that our nation is particularly attached to commerce. This I understand to be their principal object. They are industrious as merchants; but to the security of the country they pay but little attention; they trust to the militia, who are few in numbers. In fact I see great danger there, for if we took property to that country, or gained property therein, we are still insecure in our possessions.[1]
New-Netherlander. Will you be pleased to answer yourself, or refer to previous remarks; then I may be silent; for if I showed you the country, nothing would be gained. And although there may appear to be some reason in your remarks, they lay undistinguished and unconnected, appearing like something, but in truth unfounded.
Patriot. I will frankly admit your explanation under a promise not to prejudge the subject on party grounds, according to your request, for that would be useless argument.
New-Netherlander. You do well, sir; for that is the only way to elicit truth; and if my memory extends far enough, your objections will be answered. What kind of a country the New-Netherlands is, and how its possession was acquired, is fully detailed in the history of its discovery, whereon it is unnecessary to dilate in a particular manner. The West India Company, in connection with others from time to time, have expended many tons of gold in the establishment, and for the security of their colony. It has not been brought to its present situation without much cost and trouble.
You say in the second place, that the country is unprovided with proper fortifications for its defence, and that its seaboard is unprotected, the land sides also. You advance too much. Observe, sir, that the South and the North rivers, are lead-men's waters,[2] and for those who are unacquainted, the risk is great and the entries almost impossible. The bars and sand flats frequently shift their positions, and when an enemy has entered, his work is not done, he must come to places where he will find business, and pass forts of considerable strength on advantageous positions, equal to the forts of this country; and by the increase of men and means, as necessity requires, all is safe. The land fortifies itself, and presents positions which can be easily rendered impassable. Sandy Hook, the Highlands, Hell-Gate, and the head lands of the bays, can be rendered impregnable against human skill, whenever it is necessary. Where we have little, we hazard little. He who will take a stiver from another, will not readily hazard two.
Patriot. This is well; but if I could be there, I would not seek your bays and havens, for I have read that the whole coast presents a sand beach. It is not subject to heavy winds from the sea, and has good anchor ground. There I would cast ground hooks, and attack you in your rear, where you are unprepared. How would that suit you?
New-Netherlander. This is easily said, but impossible to perform. It is true you might with great hazard effect a landing, but your work would not be over, for the whole coast of the New-Netherlands presents double forelands, between which lay broad shallow waters, or there are islands two or three deep; and if you overlook and despise the inside waters, tell me where you will find boats to cross your men over the bays? This is work for madmen. It cannot be done; and if any person would attempt such work of folly, we would know it before a landing was effected from the Indians who watch the seashore, and are rewarded for giving intelligence whenever ships appear on the coast.
Patriot. But what do you say of Long Island?
New-Netherlander. There also nothing can be done; for Long Island has double fore-lands nearly its whole length; and admit that you were upon it, how would you get off? and what would it benefit you? Nothing but damage and great danger. If there was to be anything done, it must be at New-Amsterdam. If you now answer, I would be there; I place before your nose, first that you can hardly get there, on account of your ignorance of the navigable waters. We would always know it a day or two before hand. The Hook and the head lands will be fortified, and what is more, without passing under the cannon of Fort Amsterdam, you cannot get there, whereon there are so many cannon mounted, that I am of opinion the half will not be required to repel any invading foe for fifty years to come.
Patriot. Very good. All this appears favourable against an outward invasion from the sea; but you have the Indians within, and the English are numerous on either side. You know very well how dangerous it is to have such powerful and ticklish neighbours. What do you say to this?
New-Netherlander. As for the native Indians they need not be feared. They may terrify a stranger or a new comer. Read the History of the New-Netherlands, under the title of their Wars, you will find no organized regiments, companies, or regular military force, they are impatient under restraint, and cannot effect much. The last war we had with them, when we were not half as strong as we now are, they remember so well that they will not readily begin again. When we speak of the beginning of the troubles with them, there was little fault on their side; still it is done and past. But respecting the English, that subject deserves deep reflection, and presents difficulties and dangers, and I assure you that we of the New-Netherlands are not so proud as to be easily enticed, nor do we desire to get into difficulties or war with those of Virginia or of New-England.
Patriot. Get into quarrels, man! we would anxiously desire to avoid the same. But you can no longer have rest or peace, unless your neighbours agree with you in the same opinion.
New-Netherlander. This does not appear clear, nor do I know how the matter stands between you and them; but I have read, and understand that it is not always wise not to justify yourself in necessary cases, and at once to call the party to account. This should be done, unless intercession follows, when we may for various reasons effect our purpose, before a third party plays. I would refer you to many historical examples, to prove this position, but because they all agree in the same conclusion, and as those are tender and delicate matters, (for good reasons) we pass them over and return to the New-Netherlands. To satisfy you on this subject. The Virginians can do nothing unless they come by sea. Their account is answered already. A land march presents insurmountable difficulties. The people of New-England are much stronger than we are; but that it will suit them better than it will us to enter into unnecessary disputes, is a matter I do not profess to know, seeing they possess a country wherein commerce must prosper, which they cannot pursue to advantage southward of Cape Cod without passing our channel within Long Island. Again, they lie open along the coast above one hundred miles, without forts, soldiers, or armaments for their security. Their planters and inhabitants are trained for defence against the Indians, for which they are sufficient; and if we suffer any affront from them, they must know that we, with few men, and less than we can spare in New-Netherlands for the purpose, in small parties, can ransack their whole country, seeing they lie widely dispersed in small defenceless villages contiguous to the woods, which may be surprised and destroyed by night, and the parties again retire in safety through the woods; so that I do not fear them much. Nor would they trouble us without an express command of Parliament, which will not be readily given, as in so doing open war with England would follow, which they desire as little here as we do there. You may not incline to believe that the people of New-England are not madmen. Can you discern that it is not their interest to give offence, or to war against us? Not that I ascribe all this to their good will; but their interest and advantage bind them to peace. Danger and difficulties lie in a contrary course.
As for the Portuguese and pirates spoken of, there is little to be feared from them. The difficulties already stated are a protection against such invaders. But admit that a pirate entered with a sloop in disguise what would it amount to? The place would be his grave before he could do any injury. Without an army no danger need be apprehended.
Our national character is well known. They delight in commerce. It is apparent in their habits. But mark, sir, the difference between national governments. Where is the government on earth which is inclined to do more by art and money, to fortify and secure their country than the Netherlanders are! There are no people under the sun as liberal for such purposes as our nation. Still it must be well financiered. Every one enjoys the freedom to talk about it, when it frequently would be better to let it alone. But to speak freely of the New-Netherlands before persons in power there, it would be proper to have authority from their superiors here for that purpose; and then we must commonly observe how their humour leads, and take the proper time to have our requisition answered. The same is also frequently practised here, though this is, salva et integrare, thus spoken. But in instances of immediate need, we must on the occasion make and found the law. And herewith, sir, I trust that your firm conclusions are somewhat weakened.
Patriot. Since now, though not willingly, I admit that the dangers are not so great as was supposed by me, we will therefore drop that subject, and speak of the commerce; and tell me, at once, how that is to be supported in time by the population?
New-Netherlander. It is a pleasure to me to have satisfied you thus far. Upon the fourth proposition you will receive contentment.
Patriot. Places which will suit us must possess convenient situations for trade; otherwise they will not please us, although the territory be ever so great. In Germany, under the Electors of Brandenburg, in the Palatine, and other places near at hand, there is land and territory enough; but that amounts to nothing, as they possess few places for trade, and therefore the countries cannot prosper.
New-Netherlander. We must look to commerce, and there we can have it; and that which at present is carried on in the New-Netherlands, consists mostly in grain, as wheat, rye, peas, barley, &c, and in pork, beef, fish, beer and wine, and what is necessary for families, for the back and the belly. All other things are plenty, which, with the commerce of navigable streams, of which we will treat, quantities are sent to the islands in the West Indies, with which we have long since assisted the islands; and as the population increases, the productions will increase. The settlers who now come to the country raise their own provisions in the second year, and in the third year they have a surplus, which they exchange for wares and tobacco. They who can import articles, find many kinds of peltries, such as beaver skins, otters, bears, elk and deer skins, &c, as may be seen in the History of the country. The planting of vineyards is progressing, and in time will be of importance. So also are the outland fisheries. If a hundred ship loads are required, the fish are there during the whole winter. Train oil can be made at the South bays, where whales are plenty.
Item. Timber, hemp, tar, ashes, and iron, &c, as treated of in the History, can be had there. But on leaving this subject, I will advance those reasons as I progress.
First. - It is now about fifteen years since the New-Netherlands has in earnest begun to be settled by freemen. In that time we have endured a destructive war, otherwise it would have been double to what it now is. For that which before had been done by the company, except the fortifications and a few houses, of little importance, the residue was destroyed in the war. Until now few people of property have emigrated to the country. All who went over would gain much and bring nothing, except the merchants, who brought something, but carried much more away, which is common. Thus in new countries at the first, there are few churchmasters but persons who anoint their own breast, and are careless about the means and the latter end, and regardless of the common good, worthy citizens not included. Still there are without deception many good men, who love orderly behaviour, and have erected good dwellings.
Item. Many fine farms, plantations, pasturages, grain fields, gardens and orchards, with many fine cattle; and if the land was not good, how could such things be there? From that which is not good, nothing extraordinary can be derived.
Secondly. - If we say yes to those things that cost the parties, the Company and others money enough, then we answer, that here never has been sent as much to New-Netherlands as has been taken from it with interest. This you may deem strange, because there are so many accounts in arrears. But I do not say that the returns have been recived by their proper owners; for then I would speak contrary to my better knowledge. Consider what quantities of peltries were purloined from the company, before the trade was thrown open, that may be best known by comparing the quantities then accounted for with the present shipments, although now the whole is not reported. After the trade has been free, little has been lost. All those who have knowledge on the subject know that the faith-penny which has been gained on the company's goods never came into their coffers, while all losses fell upon them. They also paid unnecessary and extravagant monthly wages to those who defrauded them, and made good cheer every where, whereby they did themselves little good; for it will go as it came. Yet I will add that much has been gained in New-Netherlands which is not seen, because much has been fooled away, or has been brought over here, where persons fare well with it; still it has at first come from that country, or been gained upon its productions.
Thirdly. - The country is well calculated and possesses the necessaries for a profitable trade. First, it is a fine fruitful country. Secondly, it has fine navigable rivers extending far inland, by which the productions of the country can be brought to places of traffic. The Indians, without our labour or trouble, bring to us their fur trade, worth tons of gold, which may be increased, and is like goods found. To which may be added the grain and provision trade, which we proudly enjoy.
Fourthly. - The country is so convenient to the sea, that its value is enhanced by its situation. On the northeast, within four or five days sail, lay the valuable fishing banks.
Item. Canada and New-England will bring a profitable inland trade. On the southwest we have Virginia, which affords us a profitable tobacco trade with the Floridas, the Bahamas, and the other continent and West India islands, upon which reliance may be made.
Patriot. But by the treaty of peace those ports and harbours are shut against us on every side. You cannot expect business in such places.
New-Netherlander. I acknowledge this, and believe, also, as all our merchants have seen, what profit our country would have derived, if those ports had not been shut, and how advantageously the West India Company would have been placed, if the shutting up of those places had not been consented to. Our trade should have extended to those places.
Patriot. Oh, sir, you err; that subject was not neglected. We did enough for it, but it would not take. The subject was attended to.
New-Netherlander. Attended to? I have nothing against it; but the King of Spain was so situated that he could not have avoided the privilege, if we had abstained from his views, and insisted on the right; at least, he might have been subjected to allow the taliter qualiter, with Spanish commissions to trade. In time we would have got on well enough in the business. At present it affords no prospect of succesful enterprise. Still the country remains. In New-Netherlands we have good courage, that when we have a more powerful population, we will be able to drive on a profitable trade by commissions or otherwise to those places. We have the means, and they cannot easily hinder us. The island of Guraloa [Curacoa] belongs to New-Netherlands and lies within eight miles of Carthagena, on the main land, and in sight of the same. In addition to this, we have the advantageous trade of the Carribee Islands, which will increase as as our power increases. Hence we have nothing to fear, although timid persons may have heavy minds about us, and say, after we have produced many articles, where will you shift and vend the same? Lastly, what will hinder the New-Netherlanders? Can they not visit France, Spain, Portugal, and the whole Mediterranean, as well from thence as from this country, when they have men and means? which two things their unfailing population will produce, if no more emigrate to the country. In such a case their own increase would in time be sufficient. The land, in process of time, will cover those advantages.
Patriot. I will readily tell you what will obstruct and place hinderances in the way the distance from those places; for if you have not the articles necessary for negotiation, then you cannot send them and exchange for consumption, as we can from this country.
New-Netherlander. It is true, sir, we provide now too far ahead, but the distance cannot support your positions; for we can from thence sail with one wind and come through a free and open sea, without the danger of shoals or enemies, and navigate the whole outer coast of Europe from Ireland to the Straits, without uncommon hinderances, in four weeks or less. Hence then is little difference what you gain in the one, you lose in the other.
In conclusion, a country like the New-Netherlands, possesing such advantages for commerce, and that of and within itself, and abounding with articles for commerce beyond its own wants, which it can spare when attention is paid to the subject and the same be properly directed, will it not prosper? Judge for yourself.
Patriot. It does not appear strange to me, and we would not do wrong, in taking proper measures to advance the prosperity of that land, but more of this on another occasion. At present I deem my inquiries answered. In time I may think further upon the matter, and renew my inquiries.
New-Netherlander. That must then be done in the New-Netherlands, for my departure is at hand, and I have now no leisure to enjoy your company.
Patriot. Return, then, to that country, with good will, and may you find the same as you expect.
New-Netherlander. With the help of God, my hope and design is such, and thus I take my leave and departure.
Patriot. Well, sir, I wish that the Lord our God may grant you a prosperous voyage, and bless you with his special favour, and those who dwell in the New-Netherlands, in time and forever, to the furthering and magnifying of his Holy Name and Glory. Amen.