More on the History of Community Rowing in Pelham

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Understanding the history of repeated efforts to construct a world-class rowing course in Pelham Bay and the area between Hunter's Island and the mainland known as the Orchard Beach Lagoon is critically important to understanding the evolution of the area that became today's Orchard Beach and the Orchard Beach parking area.  Today's Historic Pelham Blog article attempts to shed further light on that history.

The lovely Orchard Beach Lagoon formed from the remnants of Le Roy Bay off the shores of Pelham were improved and used as the site of the 1964 Olympics Rowing Trials. See Tue., Apr. 19, 2016:  The 1964 Olympic Rowing Trials Off the Shores of Pelham in The Orchard Beach Lagoon. The Orchard Beach Lagoon, however, was used as a competitive rowing course for many years before the 1964 Olympics Rowing Trials. 

Indeed, during the 1930s, noted North Pelham resident Theodore J. Van Twisk of River Avenue began pressing to convert a portion of the Orchard Beach Lagoon into a one-mile rowing course.  See Fri., Sep. 01, 2017:  Long History of Community Rowing in Pelham.  Van Twisk was widely known as an avid oarsman who eventually served as executive of the New York Rowing Association, a member of the Rowing Association, and a member of the Rowing Committee of the United States Olympic Games Committee. He also served for a number of years as Captain of the New York Athletic Club. 

Theodore J. Van Twisk's efforts did not bear fruit for a number of years. After the construction of Orchard Beach and the Orchard Beach parking lot, the bay that once separated Hunter's Island from the mainland looked more like a quiet, beautiful, still-water lake than a bay. Only the northeastern end of what once was known as Le Roy Bay remained an outlet to the Long Island Sound. The resultant "lagoon" (not a true lagoon) was viewed as a perfect site for a competitive rowing course. 

There was a problem, however. Even as late as 1940 there were remnants of a wooden bridge that once connected Hunter's Island to the mainland in the lagoon. The remnants cut across the Orchard Beach Lagoon. Until these bridge remnants could be removed, any such rowing course would have to be developed on one side of the bridge or the other and, depending on the side chosen, could only be as long as one mile rather than the preferred 2000 meter or 1-1/4 mile length necessary for Olympic tryouts, National rowing races, and Intercollegiate races. Additionally, there was a need to dredge the lagoon which had begun to grow shallow due to the buildup of silt. 

These issues did not stop Theodore J. Van Twisk and his colleagues. In an effort to show the viability of the Orchard Beach Lagoon as a rowing race course, they arranged for the New York Rowing Association, composed of sixteen colleges, athletic clubs, and rowing clubs, to hold a high-visibility regatta in the lagoon on August 18, 1940. The course ran from the remnants of the old Hunter's Island wooden bridge toward the southwest end of the Orchard Beach Lagoon at the shore adjacent to City Island Road -- a distance of one mile. See id.  

The move showed the viability of the Orchard Beach Lagoon as a world-class rowing race course, leading to its successful development and deployment as the site of the 1964 Rowing Trials off the shores of Pelham.  See Tue., Apr. 19, 2016:  The 1964 Olympic Rowing Trials Off the Shores of Pelham in The Orchard Beach Lagoon.

As one might suspect, Theodore J. Van Twisk's efforts to develop the Orchard Beach Lagoon as a premier rowing race course were not the first such efforts.  Even in 1915, more than a century ago, such a planned race course was described by a New York City newspaper as " long anticipated and long projected water course for aquatic sports on Pelham Bay."  

In about 1913, oarsmen throughout the New York City region began efforts to organize a rowing club the membership of which was to be limited to "university graduates" with the purpose of boating "an all-college crew each year that will rank with the Leander Club of England," the best in the world at the time.  Efforts to organize the club, however, foundered due to "lack of a suitable course."

Beginning at the outset of 1915, however, the New York Rowing Association began working with New York City officials to develop a world-class racing course.  The plan that emerged by July of that year was a grandiose and expensive scheme centered on the Orchard Beach Lagoon off the shores of Pelham Manor and Pelham Bay Park.

The plan was to create a perfectly calm and well-regulated racing course by building massive causeways at both ends to completely enclose the lagoon.  Each of the causeways was to have swinging locks that could be opened or closed.  Engineers planned to open the locks twice a month at high tide to flood the lagoon and ensure that the water would be kept at the highest possible level at all times.  One news report put it this way:

"In order to insure perfect water at all times the engineers contemplate the novel plan of completely locking the water in by means of causeways, extending from Rodman's Neck to Hunter's Island and from Hunter's Island to the mainland, just south of Travers Island.  Each of these causeways will contain swinging locks, and it is part of the plan of the engineers to flood the course at high water twice a month and to keep it at all times at high water level."

There was a problem, however.  In order to construct the rowing race course within such an enclosed lagoon, the decrepit wooden bridge between Hunter's Island and the mainland had to be removed.  By that time (mid-1915), the wooden bridge had been condemned by park authorities.  The same news report said:

"The construction of this land-locked course will make necessary the removal of the wooden bridge between Hunter's Island and the mainland.  This bridge has been condemned by the park authorities in The Bronx, and $60,000 has been appropriated for construction of a new one.  By using this money -- and the scheme has the approval of the city officials -- to build the causeway at the northern end of Hunter's Island the cost of the entire project will be greatly reduced.  In all about 1,800 feet of causeway will be necessary -- 600 at the north end of the island and 1,200 at the south end."

Local oarsmen were overjoyed.  Talks of creating the new club of university oarsmen began anew.  A sense of optimism pervaded local rowing clubs.  Several announced they would build boathouses on Pelham Bay as soon as construction began on the causeways with swinging locks.

Construction never began.  Indeed, it was another two decades before Theodore J. Van Twisk's efforts to develop the Orchard Beach Lagoon began to bear fruit.  With the construction of today's Orchard Beach and the Orchard Beach parking area that connected Hunter's Island with the mainland and closed off one end of the "lagoon," Van Twisk's efforts took on added urgency.

1966 Map Showing the "ROWING BASIN" Between Orchard

Beach and the Mainland Extending from an Area Near Orchard

Beach Road in Pelham Bay Park to Shore Park in the Village

of Pelham Manor. Map from the Author's Collection.

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"GREAT AQUATIC COURSE PLANNED FOR NEW YORK
-----
Land-Locked Waterway To Be Located in Pelham Bay Park.
-----
EXPENSE TO CITY WILL BE SMALL
-----
University Rowing Club Project Has Been Revived -- Would Rival Leander.

New York's long anticipated and long projected water course for aquatic sports on Pelham Bay seems at last to be close to realization.  It is confidently believed by those who are furthing the plans that actual construction work will be started in a few months and that the project will be carried through to a speedy completion.

The New York Rowing Association, in conjunction with the city officials, has been pushing the scheme for the last six months, with the result that plans have been drawn and specifications outlined.  All that remains is to obtain the consent of the Board of Estimate and the appropriation of less than $100,000, which, it is believed, will be sufficient to carry the project far enough along to make it nearly ideal for canoeing, rowing and long distance swimming sports.

Coincident with authoritative statements that the Pelham Bay course will be ready in a short time, there has also come to light the projected formation of a rowing club, whose membership is to be restricted to university graduates, and whose purpose will be to boat an all-college crew each year that will rank with the Leander Club of England.  

All that has retarded the organization of this club in the last two years has been the lack of a suitable course. With the completion of the Pelham Bay course in sight the originators of the plan for a university club are going ahead with their plans and expect to have their organization complete early in the fall.

The projected water course is in the extreme northeast corner of Pelham Bay Park and taken in the stretch of water beginning at Travers Island and running south between Hunter's Island and the mainland to Rodman's Neck.  There is ample room for a mile and 1/2 straight away.

Perfect Water Assured.

In order to insure perfect water at all times the engineers contemplate the novel plan of completely locking the water in by means of causeways, extending from Rodman's Neck to Hunter's Island and from Hunter's Island to the mainland, just south of Travers Island.

Each of these causeways will contain swinging locks, and it is part of the plan of the engineers to flood the course at high water twice a month and to keep it at all times at high water level.

The construction of this land-locked course will make necessary the removal of the wooden bridge between Hunter's Island and the mainland.  This bridge has been condemned by the park authorities in The Bronx, and $60,000 has been appropriated for construction of a new one.  By using this money -- and the scheme has the approval of the city officials -- to build the causeway at the northern end of Hunter's Island the cost of the entire project will be greatly reduced.  In all about 1,800 feet of causeway will be necessary -- 600 at the north end of the island and 1,200 at the south end.

Even in its present condition at high water the course offers few obstructions and practically no shallow water, so that a minimum amount of dredging will have to be done.  The course is 500 feet wide at its narrowest point, and the shore on both sides is high and rocky, affording a natural grandstand from end to end.  

It is not the intention of the city authorities to restrict the course exclusively to rowing, although the rowing clubs of the city have been the most active in having the plan advanced.  Sites for rowing and canoe clubs will be granted by the city at the southern end of the course, where a small creek will be dredged out to afford a waterway to and from the course.  

One of the features of the course is that a boulevard is to encircle it completely.  In the event of regattas being held on the course, the boulevard will afford a means of following the races from start to finish.

Rowing Clubs Interested.

When completed the course will be the only one within the metropolitan district where rowing may be enjoyed in safety and without interference from currents and river traffic, as is the case on the Harlem and the Hudson.  It will be possible, too, the rowing men assert, to hold regattas of national importance on the course.  New York has not had the national regatta since 1900, because of lack of facilities.

What the project would mean for rowing in New York can only be conjectured.  Already the Atalanta, Friendship, and Lone Star clubs have agreed to build at Pelham Bay as soon as the course is ready.  Although the course will not be as accessible as the Harlem, it is not more than fifty minutes from the Battery by way of the subway to West Farms, and thence on the Harlem River Railroad to City Island station.  The proposed site of the boathouse is not more than three minutes' walk from that station.

The proposed club of university rowing men will be organized, it is said, as soon as work is begun on the Pelham Bay course.  The plan for such a club was proposed by a group of Columbia, Harvard and Yale rowing men last summer, and the project was dropped temporarily after several discussions because no course was available for practice.  The broaching of the Pelham Bay plan has revived the scheme, however.

Letters have been addressed already to Anson Phelps Stokes, secretary of Yale University; Dr. J. Duncan Spaeth, of Princeton; Thomas Reath, of the University of Pennsylvania, former steward of the Intercollegiate Rowing Association; Public Service Commissioner Frank Irvine, former dean of the Cornell University Law School and an intercollegiate steward; William A. Shanklin, president of Wesleyan University, and officers or old rowing men of all other colleges, inviting them to submit ideas and the names of former oarsmen from their universities who are in New York.  It is estimated that more than three hundred former college oarsmen live in the metropolitan district.

It is planned to interest these men first of all and to have them form the nucleus of the club, afterward recruiting the membership from university men in general.  There will be a combination of rowing for pleasure and in competition.  Primarily all men using the boats will be considered pleasure oarsmen, but the best of these will be grouped in shells, from which will eventually be chosen crews which will be sent into competition.

These crews will be coached by one of the college coaches during the summer months, and it is the plan to be represented in the Henley regatta in England at least every other year, if not every year, and also to invite the best of the English crews to visit this country."

Source:  GREAT AQUATIC COURSE PLANNED FOR NEW YORK -- Land-Locked Waterway To Be Located in Pelham Bay Park -- EXPENSE TO CITY WILL BE SMALL -- University Rowing Club Project Has Been Revived -- Would Rival Leander, N.Y. Tribune, Jul. 18, 1915, p. 6, col. 1.

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Who Was Sidney Phillips and Why Did He Receive a Medal in Pelham Bay Park on August 1, 1918?

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It is fun (and fascinating) to watch eBay for items related to Pelham history.  Each such item typically has a fascinating story behind it although sometimes it is difficult to uncover that story.  For example, see the fascinating story behind Bill Kilgour golf clubs that recently popped up on eBay, among many examples.  Fri., Feb 16, 2018:  What Do Bill Kilgour Golf Clubs Have to Do With Pelham History?

Currently, there is a beautiful, engraved, gold-filled medal offered for sale on eBay.  Engraved on the back is the following:

"-----

PELHAM NAVAL

-----

TRAINING CAMP

-----

HOME TALENT NIGHT

-----

1ST PRIZE

-----

AWARDED TO

-----

SIDNEY PHILLIPS

-----

AUG. 1ST 1918

-----"

Images of the obverse and reverse of the medal appear immediately below.  Obviously the engraving suggests a story that is simply too interesting to allow to pass. . . . . . Hence, today's Historic Pelham Blog article.

Obverse of Sidney Phillips Medal.  Dimensions:  1-1/2" Long

x 1-3/8" Wide.  Weight:  13.6 Grams.  NOTE:  Click on Image

to Enlarge.

Reverse of Sidney Phillips Medal.  Dimensions:  1-1/2" Long

x 1-3/8" Wide.  Weight:  13.6 Grams.  NOTE:  Click on Image

to Enlarge.

Few in Pelham may realize that there once was a massive U.S. Navy training base only steps away from the Pelham Manor border in Pelham Bay Park.  The facility opened during World War I on Rodman's Neck (also known as Pelham Neck) adjacent to City Island Road looking out over Long Island Sound and City Island.  Known as the Pelham Bay Naval Training Station, it opened on a 280-acre site that formerly was a National Guard base.  

The Naval Training Station featured a ninety-acre hospital, housing units and barracks, mess facilities, a station library, a steam laundry, a training ship (the USS Idalis), a host of training facilities, and -- important for purposes of this article -- major entertainment facilities provided by the Knights of Columbus, the Y.M.C.A. and other organizations (see below).

 The camp remained in operation until early 1919 (months after the War ended).  The curriculum involved up to four major aspects:  (1) a Probation Camp where new arrivals were held for 21 days in isolation -- particularly important during the influenza pandemic of 1918 when the camp suffered 2,399 cases of flue with 145 deaths; (2) a one-month "seamanship course"; (3) if qualified, three weeks of one of the following:  Petty Officer's School, Radio School, Quartermaster School, Gunnery School, or Boatswain Mate School; and (4) if qualified, two months of either Officers' Material School or Naval Auxiliary School.  See "Pelham Bay Naval Training Station" in Wikipedia:  The Free Encyclopedia (visited Apr. 21, 2018).  

High Resolution Image of Sanborn Map Company Map

of Facilities Located at the Pelham Bay Naval Training

Station.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

After the Naval Training Station closed, there was a movement to use the facility as a housing center for drug addicts.  Residents of City Island, among others, successfully fought the initiative which never came to fruition.  By 1922, the U.S. Navy dismantled virtually the entire camp, though some remnants still may be seen in the area today.

What about the Sidney Phillips medal shown above?  Sidney Phillips, it turns out, was a vaudeville performer who joined the Navy to fight in World War I.  One of the frequent entertainments held in the Pelham Bay Naval Training Station was a "Home Talent Show" in which Navy sailors performed for their compatriots with, apparently, an award at least for the first place winner.  On August 1, 1918, Sidney Phillips won such an award.

This story, however, does not end there.  The next day, the U.S. Navy announced that for the first time in its history it planned to create a six-man entertainment unit of performers who would travel to U.S. Naval camps and also travel aboard ships crossing the Atlantic to entertain U.S. Navy sailors.  Five of the six planned entertainers were named, including Sidney Phillips.  A search followed to name a pianist / accompanist as the sixth member of the group.

*          *          *          *          *

"NAVY OFFICIALLY SELECTS NOVEL SAILOR SHOW TO TRAVEL
-----
Six Enlisted Men at Pelham Bay Camp Will Form Bill of Entertainers to Amuse Sailors on Board and Ashore.  First Show of Its Kind Reported  Recommended by An Admiral.
-----

Officially selected and approved six enlisted sailors at the Pelham Bay Naval Training Station in New York City have been formed into an entertaining unit by the order of an admiral, according to report.  The men selected are former professionals -- Johnnie Ford, George Lane, 'Buck' Mack, Bob Fisher, Sidney Phillips, with one more to be named.

The sextet compose the first program of its kind ever formed in the service over here.  They will travel together and arrange their own program.  They expected to be aboard ships going across the ocean as often as they are detailed to visit the several naval camps.  

The entertainers may file a requisition for a piano player to be included in the group.  It is said they would like to have Frank Westphal, who is also an enlisted sailor, assigned to them.

Each of the sailors included in the group could give an individual continuous entertainment of 20 minutes or longer.  They expect to organize among themselves, devise turns of 'singles,' 'two-acts,' and 'trios,' concluding their performance with an ensemble number, although the precise routine has not been decided upon.

Following the recommendation and approval of the formation of the official playing sailor program the men were given five days' leave of absence, with orders to report Aug. 2 for assignment.

Each of the sailor entertainers has gone through the training period and expects to continue the studies in navigation in the expectancy that they may attain a junior officer's rank.

The Irving Berlin show from Camp Upton, containing men in the Service now stationed there and which is to appear at the Century may be the means of the War Department deciding that some of its players are to go to France as soldier-entertainers, it was said this week, after the Berlin show ends its engagement."

Source:  NAVY OFFICIALLY SELECTS NOVEL SAILOR SHOW TO TRAVEL -- Six Enlisted Men at Pelham Bay Camp Will Form Bill of Entertainers to Amuse Sailors on Board and Ashore.  First Show of Its Kind Reported  Recommended by An Admiral, Variety, Aug. 2, 1918, Vol. LI, No. 10, p. 1, col. 1.  

Real Photo Postcard With Image of Sailors at the Pelham Bay

Naval Training Station, Dated May 7, 1918.  NOTE:  Click on

Image to Enlarge.

"A Review at the United States Naval Training Station, Pelham Bay

Park" in 1918.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"A review at Pelham Bay Park Naval Training Station."

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"U.S. NAVAL TRAINING STATION.  PELHAM BAY PARK, N. Y.

Petty Officers' School on a Hike."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"U.S. NAVAL TRAINING STATION.  PELHAM BAY PARK, N. Y.

Leaving Main Camp for a Hike."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"TRAINING THE NAVAL RESERVES AT PELHAM BAY NAVAL TRAINING

STATION, N. Y."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Various Images of the Pelham Bay Naval Training Station in Pelham

Bay Park in 1918.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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More on John Ffinch, A Witness to the Signing of Thomas Pell's June 27, 1654 "Indian Deed"

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On June 27, 1654, Thomas Pell signed a so-called "Indian Deed" with local Native Americans acquiring the lands that became Pelham and surrounding areas. A copy of that deed, said to be in Thomas Pell's handwriting, exists. It is among the Pell family papers maintained by the Fort Ticonderoga Museum. That document offers some of the best evidence we have of those who knew Thomas Pell. 

I long have been researching the lives of those Englishmen who signed the Pell deed and agreement on June 27, 1654 as witnesses. An image of that agreement and a transcription of its text is available on the archive of the Historic Pelham Web site by clicking here. 

Among those whose signatures or marks appear on the document as witnesses are "Richard Crabb", "Henry Accorly", "John Ffinch", "William Newman" and others. Inquiry into the backgrounds of these men has shed additional light on Thomas Pell and his purchase. 

Periodically I have published on the Historic Pelham Blog a little of the massive amount of information I have assembled about these various Englishmen of the 17th century. For examples, see, e.g.:

Thu., Aug. 09, 2007:  Information About John Ffinch: A Witness to the Signing of Thomas Pell's "Indian Deed" with Local Native Americans on June 27, 1654.

Friday, November 03, 2006: More About Richard Crabb, the "Magistrate" Who Witnessed the Signing of Thomas Pell's "Indian Deed" with Local Native Americans on June 27, 1654

Friday, September 22, 2006: Henry Accorly: A Witness to the Signing of Thomas Pell's "Indian Deed" with Local Native Americans on June 27, 1654

Friday, September 15, 2006: William Newman: A Witness to the Signing of Thomas Pell's "Indian Deed" with Local Native Americans on June 27, 1654

Thursday, May 18, 2006: Richard Crabb, the "Magistrate" Who Witnessed the Signing of Thomas Pell's "Indian Deed" with Local Native Americans on June 27, 1654

In 2009, I also published an article in The Bronx Historical Society Journal about the Englishmen who signed Pell's so-called "Indian Deed."  See Bell, Blake A., The New Englanders Who Signed Thomas Pell's 1654 Agreement Acquiring Much of Today's Bronx and Lower Westchester Counties From Native Americans, The Bronx County Historical Society Journal, Vol. XLVI, Nos. 1 & 2, pp. 25-49 (Spring / Fall, 2009).

Image of the Handwritten Copy of Pell's So-Called "Indian Deed"

Signed on June 27, 1654.  This Deed is the Original Deed in the

Chain of Title for Every Home in Today's Town of Pelham. For a

Transcription of the Text Prepared by This Author, click here

and Scroll Down.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Today's Historic Pelham Blog article adds to this research by providing a previously unnoticed reference to John Ffinch (i.e., Finch), one of the men who signed the Pell deed.

John Finch was among the seven hundred or so English Puritans led by John Winthrop who migrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the eleven ships that formed the “Winthrop Fleet of 1630”. 

During the 1630s and early 1640s, Finch could be found in the Boston, Cambridge and nearby Watertown areas of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay.  In the early 1640s he moved to Stamford. He seems to have followed Daniel Finch, who may have been his brother.  In any event, John was in Stamford by October, 1642 when he received a land grant.

In Stamford, Finch met three of the four men with whom he eventually signed Thomas Pell’s deed: Henry Ackerly (referenced on Pell’s deed as “Henry Accorly”), Richard Crabb, and William Newman.  In those years, New Haven’s rule over settlements including Stamford and Greenwich was a constant source of irritation for local settlers. In 1644, a considerable part of the group that had relocated from Wethersfield to Stamford fled to Long Island preferring to live under the Dutch than to “remain under the oppressive jurisdiction with which they had now become thoroughly acquainted, and as thoroughly dissatisfied.” John Finch, Richard Crabb, Henry Ackerly and William Newman were among those who remained. 

Things did not improve for those who remained, however. Finally, in 1653, Stamford residents delivered a formal complaint to New Haven authorities regarding taxes, voting rights and “various other obnoxious measures”.  New Haven authorities attended a town meeting and found Stamford residents “full of discontent with the present government they are under”.  

New Haven authorities concluded that at least one of the Finch men – perhaps John Finch – had whipped up ill sentiment in Stamford toward the Colony of New Haven.  At about this time, John Finch sold his house and lot in Stamford, although he seems to have remained in the area for a time. 

Interestingly, another of those who later signed Pell’s deed as a witness – William Newman – was also accused at this time by the New Haven authorities of being “one of the disturbers of ye peace of Stamford, in pleading for such libertie in votes as would overthrow the foundations of goverment [sic] here laid”.  

Finch may have had a strong motive to assist Pell in Pell's purchase of lands from Native Americans.  Finch may have sought to arrange a settlement for his son, also named John, on a portion of those lands. 

Within months of his acquisition, Pell made some land available to English settlers who planted a settlement far west of the boundary established by the 1650 Treaty of Hartford. They settled at the mouth of today’s Westchester Creek in the Bronx. The Dutch called the settlement “Oostdorp”. The English initially called the settlement “Westchester.”  

The enormity of Pell’s move was not lost on the Dutch. They soon invaded the settlement and removed some settlers to a prison ship. They released the settlers shortly, but forced them to pledge allegiance to the Dutch to remain in the settlement. 

During some of these events, a “John Finch” was an inhabitant of “Oostdorp”. For example, an “Oath Written and Signed by the Inhabitants of Oostdorp” on January 1, 1657 affirming the settlers’ allegiance to the Dutch after the Dutch invaded the settlement is signed by, among others, “John Finch”. Admittedly, the records do not explicitly indicate whether this was “John Finch” senior or junior. Yet, careful consideration suggests that it was the son who settled in Oostdorp.  The father seems to have remained in the Stamford area. 

According to some authorities, John Finch, Sr. died in Stamford on September 5, 1657.  The inventory of his estate was recorded in Book 1, page 66 of the Stamford records bearing the date of 9th of 12th mo., 1658 so he certainly died before that date.

Recent research has revealed an additional 17th century document referencing what appears to be John Ffinch, Jr. (the son of the John Finch who signed the Pell deed) living in the tiny settlement of Oostdorp, so renamed by the Dutch after they invaded the settlement previously known as Westchester.

The two-page document is a petition copied into Dutch Council Minutes reflecting that the original was signed by seven residents of the settlement of Westchester and submitted to Dutch authorities on March 13, 1656.  The transcription of the document by Dr. Charles T. Gehring shows that one of the petitioners was "John Finth," almost certainly John Finch, Jr. who lived in the settlement at the time.  The document is a petition presenting the names of six of the settlement's earliest and most important settlers from which the Dutch were to select those whom they would allow to serve as local government officials.  An image of the petition copied into the Dutch Council minutes appears immediately below, followed by Dr. Gehring's transcription of the same.

March 13, 1656 "Letter from Robert Bassitt and others to director

and council", Page 01 of 02.  Source:  "Letter from Robert Bassitt

and others to director and council", New York State Archives, (visited

Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.  Transcription

Appears Below.

March 13, 1656 "Letter from Robert Bassitt and others to director

and council", Page 01 of 02.  Source:  "Letter from Robert Bassitt

and others to director and council", New York State Archives, (visited

Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.  Transcription

Appears Below.

"[6:341b] 

[NOMINATION OF OFFICIALS AT WESTCHESTER] 

Westchester, March 13th, 1656 

Honoured Sir 

The inhabitans of Westchester haveing taken into consideration the nesessite of haveing offisors established amonghst our selves in this Towne for the executing of such Lords in the Towne may conduce to the good of our towne shippe therefore this may signifie to your honour that the Towne have presented unto your honour these sixe, Leftenant Thomas Wheeler: Thomas Neuman: John Lord: Josiah Gilbert: William Ward: Nicklis Bay ley: that soe you may be pleased to confirme and establish offisires amonghst us for this yeare next insending the date hereof further the towne have chosen and deputed as debutyes in theyre Behalfe the afore said full confirmation from your honnour how fare our bounds shall extend and Reach. 

The underwritten in the behalfe of our selves and the rest of the town 

Robert Bassit 
Robert Rosse 
John Fenner 
William Bensill 
John Finth 
Joseph Lanckton 
John Richardsone"

Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, p. 281 (Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 1995).

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More on the Settlement of Westchester Planted by Thomas Pell in 1654

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Yesterday's Historic Pelham article described important new scholarship regarding the history of the tiny English settlement of Westchester (also known as West Chester) planted by Thomas Pell in late 1654 in an area near today's Westchester Square in the Bronx.  See Tue., Apr. 24, 2018:  Important New Scholarship on the Men to Whom Thomas Pell Sold Part of the Manor of Pelham in 1654.

The story of the founding of Westchester is interwoven with the early history of what became the Manor of Pelham.  Thomas Pell and, perhaps, some of his English colleagues planted the settlement most likely to defy New Netherland authorities and to expand the confines of the United Colonies of New England into an area claimed by the Dutch.  

Those who settled the area, however, soon found themselves holding the tail of a tiger.  Dutch authorities warned them to leave.  They refused.  Soon, however, the Dutch sent a force of men who took most of the male settlers at Westchester prisoners and placed them on a prison ship in the waters off New Amsterdam.  Remaining settlers including women petitioned for release of the prisoners.  Most, except a handful, were released.

A group of sixteen settlers petitioned Dutch authorities to allow them to remain in Westchester under Dutch rule.  The petition was granted.

This, by no stretch, is a complete picture of the early history of Westchester as it relates to the Manor of Pelham.  Yet, it provides context to assess some of the original documentation available online from the New York State Archives regarding Thomas Pell and the settlers of Westchester, the settlement after which today's County of Westchester is named.

Today's Historic Pelham article combines images of original material in Dutch and in English relevant to Thomas Pell and the settlers of Westchester held in the New York State Archives with translations of the Dutch and transcriptions of the English text prepared by Dr. Charles T. Gehring.  The material is not complete.  There is much more material relevant to Thomas Pell and the Westchester settlers in the digitized collections of the New York State Archives and in the translations prepared by Dr. Gehring.  The partial set of material below provides an interesting overview of a time very early in the history of the lands that became the Manor of Pelham and is important reading material for students of Pelham history.

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April 19, 1655 "Protest against Thomas Pell settling on lands

belonging to the Dutch, with notice to quit" in Dutch.  Page 01

of 02.  Source:  "Protest against Thomas Pell settling on lands

belonging to the Dutch, with notice to quit", New York State Archives

(visited Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Translation Appears Below.

April 19, 1655 "Protest against Thomas Pell settling on lands

belonging to the Dutch, with notice to quit" in Dutch.  Page 02

of 02.  Source:  "Protest against Thomas Pell settling on lands

belonging to the Dutch, with notice to quit", New York State Archives

(visited Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Translation Appears Below.

"[6:31c] 

[PROTEST AGAINST THOMAS PELE FOR SETTLING ON LAND IN VREEDLANT WITHOUT AUTHORITY] 

19 April 

Comelis van Tienhoven, in his capacity as fiscal over the province of New Netherland and guardian of the authority and jurisdiction, conveyed and granted by commission of their High Mightinesses, the states general of the United Netherlands and the honorable lords directors of the Chartered West India Company, lords and patroons of New Netherland, to the highly esteemed lord Petrus Stuyvesant, director general, and the high councilors of New Netherland; 

To you, Tomas Pele, or whomever else this may concern: having been ordered by the aforesaid lord director general and high councilors to proceed to and upon the lands of Vreedlant [taken possession of] during the time of the late lord director general [Kieft, and bought from and paid for to the actual owners and proprietors, natives of this country] as can be seen in the register [of deeds by their signatures], whereby [I inform and warn you and] all whom it may concern, herewith, that you and your associates have not only settled upon lands bought many years ago by the Dutch nation and possessed under patent by the late lord general Kieft, but that you also occupy it by usurpation contrary to the agreement of Hartford and the peace concluded between the two nations in Europe, against the will and consent of the director general and high councilors of New Netherland. 

Therefore, the fiscal, on behalf of the aforesaid high and mighty states general and the honorable lords directors of the Chartered West India Company, does hereby notify you and all whom it may concern, by the bearer of this, Claes van Elslant, court messenger, summoned and commissioned for the execution hereof, on the aforesaid land purchased and long possessed, and done contrary to the agreement made at Hartford, not to continue with construction or with clearing of land, foddering of livestock or mowing of hay, or whatever else might in any way pertain to cultivation or agriculture, that in fifteen days after being served this summons you shall depart from the aforesaid lands located in the jurisdiction of New Netherland, with the people accompanying you, servants or slaves, furniture, livestock, tools and everything that you and your nation has brought there of your own, under penalty, if you or any of yours shall be found to have done contrary to this after the aforesaid period of time, that I, ex officio, shall be required to proceed against you and whomever it may concern as is appropriate; in the meantime, I protest against all damage, injury, mischief and trouble, which might arise as a result of your subsequent actions, declaring before God and the world to be innocent thereof. 

Done at Amsterdam in New Netherland. Ady ut supra."

Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, pp. 34-35 (Syracuse, NY:  Syracuse University Press, 1995).

April 19, 1655 "Order to the court messenger to serve the protest

against Thomas Pell", in Dutch.  "Order to the court messenger to serve the

protest against Thomas Pell", New York State Archives (visited Apr.

22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.  Translation

Appears Below.

"[6:33a] 

[ORDER TO SERVE THE ABOVE PROTEST AND SUMMONS] 

[Whereas the present situation does not permit that the fiscal of New Netherland should serve the foregoing] notice and protest [in person, therefore] the court messenger, Claes [van Elsland, is authorized] to do it. Done at Amsterdam [in N. N. dated as above].

Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, p. 35 (Syracuse, NY:  Syracuse University Press, 1995).

September 27, 1655 "Letter from Thomas Wheeler to the English

settlers at Gravesend".  Source:  "Letter from Thomas Wheeler to

the English settlers at Gravesend", New York State Archives (visited

Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"[6:90a] 

[COPY OF A LETTER FROM THOMAS WIELER TO THE ENGLISH AT GRAVESANDE] 

Westchester, 27 th September 1655 

Respected friends after my Respects presented unto you I am sensible of your feares & it is not without grounds I feare to use the Best, meanes as is in my power shall not be wantinge in mee to you for your preservation to speake with the Indians wee know not how the bearer hereof can further informe you But if you send a messenger about saterday with your mijnde I Thincke our saggamaker* will be hear but if you doe not, my true indeaver shall be used for your safetye and my weake advise to you at present iff you intend your preservation & alsoe the Duth that are amongst iff they meane to save theyre lives there must be meanes used for them to retoume to theyr owne contriemen for safeguard for this I fully understand that the Indians will pick them out of every English towne upon the Band & in New England it is a trouble to our saggamacker that there is soe many duth with you. for feare the should wrong you in killing of them. Soe desiring the Lord to protect you I Rest.

Was subscribed Tho: Wieler 

The Indians intend noe wrong to the English if they assist no the Duth with men and provision."

Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, pp. 86-87 (Syracuse, NY:  Syracuse University Press, 1995).

[6:90b] 

[NOTE CONCERNING THE PRECEDING LETTER]

On 12 October 1655 the foregoing was collated in our presence, the underwritten, and found to agree with the original (being in the hands of the deputies from the magistrates of Gravesande: Will. Willekens, and Willem Bouwns) dated and signed as above. Ady ut supra. 

[   ] we the undersigned attest: 
Wille Bonne This is the [His Mark] mark of 
Will. Willekens made himself 
P. Stuyvesant 
LaMontagne 
Cor: van Tienhove"

Source:  Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, pp. 86-87 (Syracuse, NY:  Syracuse University Press, 1995).

March 7, 1656 "Instructions to captain de Coninck for the expedition to Westchester

[Copy of Volume 6:318b]", Page 1 of 2 (In Dutch).  Source:  "Instructions

to captain de Coninck for the expedition to Westchester [Copy of Volume

6:318b]", New York State Archives (visited Apr. 22, 2018).  Note:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.  (Charles T. Gehring Translation Below.)

March 7, 1656 "Instructions to captain de Coninck for the expedition to 

Westchester [Copy of Volume 6:318b]", Page 2 of 2 (In Dutch).  Source:  "Instructions

to captain de Coninck for the expedition to Westchester [Copy of Volume

6:318b]", New York State Archives (visited Apr. 22, 2018).  Note:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.  (Charles T. Gehring Translation Below.)

"[6:318b] 

[INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPEDITION TO WESTCHESTER] 

Instructions for the valiant Captain Frederick de Coninck, Captain Lieutenant Brian Nuton, and the lord fiscal Comelis van Tienhoven, commissioned to go to Westchester, pursuant to the resolution of the honorable lord director general and councilors dated 6 March 1656, and there to execute their orders. 

1 

They are to proceed tonight with the designated detachment of soldiers to Vreedlant in order to occupy the houses of the English who have settled there on the honorable Company’s land, and to order them to depart with all their moveable goods and livestock.

2 

If they are not disposed to break up and depart at once, the English are to be made to depart, if it is possible, willingly or unwillingly; and if they show any opposition by shooting or other resistance, to oppose force with force, and according to the instructions of the honorable lords superiors, to move against the usurpers as against an enemy.

3 

The houses are to be demolished, except for 3 or 4 for sheltering goods and soldiers; the most prominent fugitives and criminals, who have fled there, are to be brought here as soon as possible. 

4 

They shall be allowed to leave, according to their discretion, some of the less prominent men to watch over the goods, and to command them to remove all their property and livestock from there within 3 days, on pain of being prosecuted accordingly. 

5 

They are to prevent any thievery, plundering, and similar activity, as much as possible; and strictly forbid the soldiers from doing so. 

6 

If they encounter Indians, which is not hoped for, they are to defend themselves, defensively or offensively, as the situation requires. Done at our session held at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland. Ady ut supra. Was signed: P. Stuyvesant, Nicasius de Sille, La Montagne."

Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, pp. 258-59 (Syracuse, NY:  Syracuse University Press, 1995).  

March 13, 1656 "Propositions of the people of Westchester [Copy

 of Volume 6:342]", Page 1 of 2.  Source:  "Propositions of the

people of Westchester [Copy  of Volume 6:342]", New York State

Archives (visited Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Handwritten Text Transcribed Below.

March 13, 1656 "Propositions of the people of Westchester [Copy

 of Volume 6:342]", Page 2 of 2.  Source:  "Propositions of the

people of Westchester [Copy  of Volume 6:342]", New York State

Archives (visited Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Handwritten Text Transcribed Below.

"[6:342] 

[PROPOSITIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF WESTCHESTER] 

Honoured Sir 

The propositions that wee in the Behalfe of the inhabitans of Freedland and our selves desiere to have rattified and confirmed unto us by your honour are as follow 

1. That wee may not have any plantation nor villig nor farme nor farmes nor any Iland or passill of land graunted nor given unto any person or persons what ever with in toe hollands milles of the senter of the plantation where wee doe nou sitt downe called freedlant not of any side of it. 

2. That wee may have Libbertie to disspose to Inhabitans that either nowe are or shall be here after Receved by the Consent and approbation of your honnour with our selves: that is to say such as have land graunted by your honnour wee may have Libertie to lay it out in such places as may be leeft preiuditiall to the Towne and convenient for them to whome it is given and graunted by your honnour.

3. That as your honour hath power to Receive in as inhabitants into the place where wee live or Detaine and Reep backe any from liveing and possessing landes in the place soe alsoe wee desire that wee may have Libertie to Receive in such any be benefitiall to the towne or such as are not scandolus but sevell [civil] Livers Where by we may popelate our towne alsoe that wee may have Libertie to obiect against and keeppe backe any from liveing and possessing land in our towne or within the limits there of provided wee have iust cause to obiect against any person that hath a desier to be Received in to the Towne. 

4. That all men that have land graunted and given unto them shall be ingaged to plante and bule [build] and dwell in the towne with in Sixe mounths after he hath his land graunted to him or else to lowse his graunte: and alsoe that all men that doe take up land within the limits of our towne shall be liable to pay such common charge as shall justly arise in the towne according to the proportion of land graunted to him and according to his vissibule estate extent. 

5. That we may have liberty within our selves to choose offisors to [e]xecutt justice according to law amongst our selves that may be for the mayntayning of peace and equity in the place where we live and allsoe to these select men for the Caring and towne affares in the townes behalfe and alsoo to Chuse millitari officers amonghst our selves for the disciplining of our selves in a millitary way; that soe wee may be able to oppose any that shall un Justlie assalt us.

6. That wee may have a Copie of your lawes Drawne out in English that we soe may know how to Regulate and Conforme our selves accordingly and alsoe we may know when we doe trance gresse and alsoe know how to punnish any accordingly that doe trancegresse. 

7. That we may have Liborty to make orders for towne affares amonghst our selves as may not be Repugnant to the fundamentals of your lawes. 

8. That wee may have protecktion from your honnor to deffend us from ether Indians or any that shall un Justly assault us: that we may have amonition from you that is powder lend [lead] and gunnes that soe we may be able to defend our selves that is provided we satisfie for it & that those armes that are wanting may be maide goode to according to your promise. 

9. That whatsoever writings are trance acted betweene you and us may be written in English that soe we may be fully and parfectly understand them."

Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, pp. 282-83 (Syracuse, NY:  Syracuse University Press, 1995).

March 15, 1656 "Application to the fiscal that notice to quit be

served on the remaining intruders at Westchester [Copy of

Volume 6:329b]", in Dutch.  Page 01 of 03.  Source:  "Application 

to the fiscal that notice to quit be served on the remaining

intruders at Westchester [Copy of Volume 6:329b]", New York

State Archives (visited Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image

to Enlarge.  Translation Appears Below.

March 15, 1656 "Application to the fiscal that notice to quit be

served on the remaining intruders at Westchester [Copy of

Volume 6:329b]", in Dutch.  Page 02 of 03.  Source:  "Application 

to the fiscal that notice to quit be served on the remaining

intruders at Westchester [Copy of Volume 6:329b]", New York

State Archives (visited Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image

to Enlarge.  Translation Appears Below.

March 15, 1656 "Application to the fiscal that notice to quit be

served on the remaining intruders at Westchester [Copy of

Volume 6:329b]", in Dutch.  Page 03 of 03.  Source:  "Application 

to the fiscal that notice to quit be served on the remaining

intruders at Westchester [Copy of Volume 6:329b]", New York

State Archives (visited Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image

to Enlarge.  Translation Appears Below.

"[6:329] 

[CHARGE OF THE FISCAL AGAINST THE ENGLISH SETTLERS AT WESTCHESTER, WITH THE ORDER THEREON] 

To the honorable lord director general and councilors of New Netherland. 

Esteemed lords, 

Not only do your honors [know] but everyone else living in these parts that many years ago the land called Vreedlant was settled by various people with patents from your honors’ predecessor,* and possessed in peace by this government until the general war of 1643. It now happens that a certain Mr. Pel, resident of Onckewaay in New England, has undertaken, against all Christian laws and customs, to repurchase recently these same lands from the same natives, which had been bought and paid for from the natives by your honors, according to the register of conveyances, and to take possession of them in his name and to live there without your honors’ knowledge or consent, and contrary to the settlement of the boundaries agreed upon with the United Colonies of New England at Hardfort in 1650. Against which usurpations the fiscal, in his capacity, and in the name and on behalf of his lords superiors, has protested.* After these protests were made, Lieutenant Wheller (who is in command there as chief officer) has remained there with the remainder of his associates, continuing to build and plant, and receiving [and sheltering several fugitives, vagabonds, and thieves, who on account of their bad behavior had to flee. Thereupon] your honors, according to the instructions and orders of the lords directors and in order to uphold the agreement of Hardfort, have resolved to eject the aforesaid Wheller and his associates with a detachment of armed men. Which persons, according to their declaration dated 14 March, drew up in armed formation opposite the lord general, who was present there with the rest of the troops, and demonstrated their unwillingness to be ejected, saying that it was their land. Whereupon the aforesaid English were disarmed, and 23 of them were brought the same day aboard the ship de Waegh as prisoners. A few were left behind with their women and children to look after their possessions. Therefore, the fiscal requests that your honors will be pleased to send the court messenger with one or two of the oldest men to Vreedlant in order to summon the remaining English, who are still there, to depart with all that they had brought there, on pain of appropriate legal action if they do otherwise; also, that the aforesaid Lieutenant Wheller and his associates pay the expenses incurred by your honors in going up there with boats and armed men because of their actions and disobedience; and especially, to sign a document and promise therein by oath never again to come and live, build, plant, sow, or mow without your honors’ special order and consent upon our lords superiors’ lands located at Vreedlant, recently named by them Westchester, or upon any other other lands located within the limits agreed upon at Hardfort, on pain of suffering corporal punishment according to the circumstances of the case, if they do otherwise.

Having read and further deliberated the foregoing charge or complaint of the fiscal, as plaintiff and preserver of the peace, against the imprisoned Englishmen, recently taken from Vreedlant, named Westchester by them, together with the humble remonstrance of the women, hereto attached, f all of which, considering the dangers of the time and the inconvenience of the winter, we, the director general and councilors of New Netherland, for these and other important reasons, have resolved that after the imprisoned Englishmen promise under oath, signed by their own hands, to depart from the lands of Vreedlant and out of this jurisdiction within or in about the time of six weeks with their possessions and livestock, and never to return to these places without our special consent, which having been sworn and signed with their usual signatures, the fiscal is hereby authorized and ordered to release these Englishmen from their imprisonment, against whom he, as preserver of the peace, has no other complaint than those previously stated, after incurred expenses have been satisfied, at the discretion of impartial men, and this shall be his sufficient warrant. Concerning the fugitives or other criminals, as well as those who refused to comply and adhere to the aforesaid promises, to arrest the same, pursuant to yesterday’s resolution, and to proceed against them according to law. Thus done in our session held at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland. Ady ut supra. Was signed: P. Stuyvesant, Nicasius de Sille, La Montagne."

Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, pp. 269-71 (Syracuse, NY:  Syracuse University Press, 1995).

March 16, 1656 "Petition of Thomas Wheeler and other settlers of

Westchester submitting themselves to the government of New

Netherland and asking certain privileges", in Dutch.  Source:

"Petition of Thomas Wheeler and other settlers of Westchester

submitting themselves to the government of New Netherland

and asking certain privileges", New York State Archives (visited

Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.  Translation

Appears Below.

"[6:335] 

[PETITION OF THOMAS WHEELER FOR PERMISSION TO SETTLE AT WESTCHESTER UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW NETHERLAND] 

Honored Sir with the Rest of your honoured Court the Governour and Court to the New Netherlands: 

May you be pleased to take in to your Consideration the humble Request of your pore and humbell petisinors that wheras it doth appeare that you make claim to the plase where we ware to bee the writ of the hye and myghtie states of the Netherlands wee whose names are underwritten are willing to submit our selves unto the gouerment of the said Netherlands soe long as we Continow within theyr jurisdiction provided that wee may injoy our Liberties in chusing our ofisors for the administration of such Lawes as may be maid for the good of our tounship which wee now inhabit as alsoe we may have our armes Restored according to your promise which were taken from us: whereby we may be abell to attend our selves from such as may unjustlie a salt us and to make such Lawes and orders as my be for the particular good and welfare of the said place not being Repugnant to the Generali Lawes and to distribut our landes unto the inhabitans none admitted according to first proposition as Lyckewyse to Reseue [receive] such inhabatans as may be comfortabell to us in particklar and the good of the generall as for [far] as we are able to judge. March 16: 56

Thomas [His Mark] Neuman 
Thomas Wheeler 
Robbert Basset 
Isayh Gillbert 
John Roes 
Robert Roes 
John Broundish 
Edwart Waters
Samuell Baret 
William Ward
Eermod Caniff
Nicklis Hill
William [His Mark] Benfull
John [His Mark] Yennet
Robert [His Mark] Meaker
Obodiah Gilbert"

Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, pp. 274-75 (Syracuse, NY:  Syracuse University Press, 1995).

March 16, 1656 "Grant to Thomas Wheeler and other settlers to reside

at Vreedland", in Dutch.  Source:  "Grant to Thomas Wheeler and other

settlers to reside at Vreedland", New York State Archives (visited Apr. 22,

2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.  Translation Appears Below. 

"[6:336] 

[ORDER ON THE FOREGOING PETITION] 

[The director] general [and council of New Netherland having] seen and further considered the foregoing petition, grant to the petitioners that, upon taking an oath of allegiance as good [subjects] of this province, they may remain and live at the place called Vreedlant on such conditions and [patents] as other free people in the villages of Middelborch, [Breukelen], Midwout, and Amesfoort enjoy; likewise, they shall have the right of nominating a double number of officers and magistrates for the better governing of the aforesaid village of Vreedlant, whose selection and confirmation is reserved to the director general and councilors (in conformity with the general orders). Thus done in our session held at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland. Ady ut supra, the 15th of March 1656. (Was signed:) P. Stuyvesant, Nicasius de Sille, La Montagne, Comelis van Tienhoven."

Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, p. 275 (Syracuse, NY:  Syracuse University Press, 1995).

March 25, 1656 "Order for the discharge of capt. Richard Panton

and 4 other Englishmen of Vreedland (Westchester)", in Dutch.

Source:  "Order for the discharge of capt. Richard Panton and 4 other

Englishmen of Vreedland (Westchester)", New York State Archives

(visited Apr. 22, 2018).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.  Translation

Appears Below.

"[6:338a] 

[ORDER ON THE DISCHARGE OF SEVERAL MEN FROM WESTCHESTER] 

The director general and [council of New Netherland have read the answers given] in the interrogatories of the lord fiscal Comelis van Tienhoven by [Capt. Richard] Panton, Willem Elit, Black March[and, Jan Gray, and] Rogier Wheales, all Englishmen, detained for having taken up arms at Vreedlant against the lord director general and accompanying troops on the [left blank], and having received and heard the report of the commissioners who were authorized to attend the interrogation, the director general and councilors have resolved, considering that the same laid down their weapons on the promise of good treatment, not regarding their previous misdemeanors in consideration of the same, to discharge the aforesaid prisoners from their detention and to order the same to depart from the jurisdiction of New Netherland, or unless some of the inhabitants of the villages will post bond for them and assure their good behavior. Thus done in our session held at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland. Ady ut supra."

Source:  Gehring, Charles T., Trans. & Ed., Council Minutes 1655-1656, p. 277 (Syracuse, NY:  Syracuse University Press, 1995).

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