the forts had not taken place, but that the
whole business had been transacted in a manner similar to
that of which the Swedes set us an example when they made
themselves masters of fort Casimir."

CHAPTER IX.

AN ENERGETIC ADMINISTRATION.

New Amsterdam in 1656.--Religious Intolerance.--Persecution
of the Waldenses.--The New Colony on South river.--Wreck of
the Prince Maurice.--The Friendly Indians.--Energetic Action
of the Governor.--Persecution of the Quakers.--Remonstrance
from Flushing.--The Desolation of Staten Island.--Purchase
of Bergen.--Affairs at Esopus.--The Indian
Council.--Generosity of the Indians.--New
Amstel.--Encroachments of the English.

War would doubtless have arisen, between Sweden and Holland, in view
of transactions on South river, had not all the energies of Sweden
been then called into requisition in a war with Poland. The Swedish
government contented itself with presenting a vigorous memorial to the
States-General, which for eight years was renewed without
accomplishing any redress.

The vice-governor resided at fort Orange, in a two story house, the
upper floor of which was used as a court-room. This station was the
principal mart for the fur trade, which had now become so considerable
that upwards of thirty-five thousand beaver skins were exported during
the year 1656.

A survey of the city of New Amsterdam was made this year, which showed
that there were one hundred and twenty houses, and a population of one
thousand souls. A man like Stuyvesant, the warm advocate of arbitrary
power, would almost of necessity, be religiously intolerant. Zealously
devoted to the Reformed church, and resolved to have unity in
religion, notwithstanding the noble toleration which existed in
Holland, he issued a proclamation forbidding any one from holding a
religious meeting not in harmony with the Reformed church.

Any preacher, who should violate this ordinance was to be subjected to
a penalty of one hundred pounds. Any one who should attend such a
meeting was to be punished by a penalty of twenty-five pounds.

This law was rigorously enforced. Recusants were fined and imprisoned.
Complaints were sent to Holland, and the governor was severely rebuked
for his bigotry.

"We would fain," the Directors wrote to Stuyvesant,

"not have seen your worship's hand set to the placard
against the Lutherans, nor have heard t