These commercial restrictions were the never CHAP. V. failing source of discontent and controversy 1661. between the mother country and her colonies. They had been accustomed in their infancy to a free commerce, and its advantages were surrendered with the more reluctance, because England was not then a mart in which every commodity could be vended, and every want supplied. In the southern colonies where similar restraints had been enforced by Cromwell, they were exccuted very imperfectly; and, in New England, where the governors were elected by the people, they appear to have been, for a considerable time, entirely disregarded. in Virginia. The good humour which prevailed in Vir- Discontents ginia on the restoration of Charles to the throne, was not of long duration. The restraints on their commerce, and the continually decreasing price of tobacco soon excited considerable discontents. They endeavoured, by prohibiting, for a limited time, the culture of that plant, to restore its value; but Maryland refusing to concur in the measure, the attempt was unsuccessful. Other legislative remedies were applied with as little advantage. Acts were passed suspending for a short time all proceedings in the courts of law, except for goods imported; giving to country creditors priority in payment of debts; and to contracts made within the colony, precedence in all courts of justice. Such expedients as these, though often resorted to, have never removed the discontents which produced them. CHAP. V. The English government seems, at all times, 1661. to have considered the right of the Dutch to their settlements in America, as by no means unequivocal, and never to have relinquished formally its claim to that territory. 1664. Grant to the duke of York. Charles now determined to assert it, and in March, he granted to his brother the duke of York "all that part of the mainland of New England, beginning at a certain place, called and known by the name of St. Croix, next adjoining to New England, in America, and from thence extending along the seacoast unto a certain place called Pemaquie or Pemaquid, and so up the river thereof to the furthest head of the same, as it tendeth northward; and extending from thence to the river Kembequin, and so upwards by the shortest course to the river Canada northward: and also all that island or islands commonly called by the general name or names of Meitowax, or Long Island, situate and being toward the west of cape Cod, and the narrow Highgansetts, abutting upon the mainland between the two rivers there called and known by the several names of Connecticut and Hudson's river, and all the land from the west side of Connecticut river to the east side of Delaware bay, and also all those several islands called or known by the names of Martha's vineyard or Nantucks, otherwise Nantucket." To reduce this country, part of which was then in the peaceable possession of the Dutch, 1664. sioners by the crown. colonel Nichols was dispatched with four frigates, CHAP. V. carrying on board three hundred soldiers. In the same ships came four commissioners, of whom Commiscolonel Nichols was one, empowered" to hear appointed and determine complaints and appeals in causes, as well military as civil and criminal, within New England, and to proceed in all things for settling the peace and security of the country." Intelligence of this deputation preceded its arrival, and such preparation was made for its reception, as evidences the disposition then prevailing in Massachussetts. A committee was appointed to repair on board the ships as soon as they should appear, and to inform those in command of the desire of the authority of the place, that the inferior officers and soldiers should be ordered, when they came on shore to refresh themselves, at no time to exceed a convenient number, to come unarmed, to observe an orderly conduct, and to give no offence to the people and laws of the country. In addition to this manifestation of a temper unfriendly to the objects of the commissioners, a day of fasting and prayer was appointed to implore the mercy of God under their many distractions and troubles. Colonel Nichols, with the other commissioners, arrived in July, and their commission was immediately laid before the council. They also presented a letter from the king, requiring prompt assistance for the expedition against New Netherlands. CHAP. V. 1664. On receiving these dispatches, the general court was convened; and, having first resolved "that they would bear faith and true allegiance to his majesty, and adhere to their patent, so dearly obtained, and so long enjoyed, by undoubted right in the sight of God and man;" they determined to raise two hundred men for the expedition. In the mean time colonel Conquest of Nichols proceeded to Manhadoes. The march settlements. of this auxiliary force was rendered unnecessary by the capitulation of the Dutch governor at New Amsterdam, which was soon followed by the surrender of the whole province. the Dutch The year after captain Argal had received the submission of the Dutch at Manhattans, the garrison, having a re-enforcement from Holland and returned to their ancient allegiance, erected a fort for their better defence on the south western part of the island; and, in 1621, the states general made a grant of the country to the West India company, who, two years afterwards, erected a fort called Good Hope, on Connecticut (which they denominated fresh) river, and another called Nassau on the east side of Delaware bay. The fort on Connecticut river, however, did not protect the boundary they claimed on that frontier. The people of New England continued to extend their settlements southwardly, and the Dutch remonstrated in vain against their encroachments. They were under the necessity of receding as their more powerful 1664. neighbours advanced, until the eastern part of CHAP. V. Long Island, and the country within a few miles of the Hudson were relinquished. Towards the south, the Dutch had, in 1651, built fort Casimir (now Newcastle) on the Delaware. This fort was taken from them by the Swedes, who claimed the western shore of that river; but in 1655, it was retaken by the Dutch, who, at the same time, conquered Christina, and received the submission of the few Swedes who were scattered on the margin of the river. They also made a settlement the following year, at cape Henlopen, which attracted the attention of lord Baltimore, who sent a commission to Newcastle ordering the Dutch governor to remove beyond the 40th degree of north latitude, to which his lordship's claim extended. This command, however, was not obeyed; and possession of the country was retained until it was conquered by a detachment from the troops under the command of Nichols. The Dutch governor was not unapprized of the force coming against him, and destined to attack him. On its appearance before New Amsterdam, some communications took place between the commanders, and a surrender of the place was demanded. Notwithstanding its weakness, the governor was disposed to resist; but Nichols published a proclamation, inviting the inhabitants (who had no inclination for the contest) to submit, promising them the king's protection, and |