official act was to secure
possession of Manhattan Island, by fair and lawful purchase of the
Indians. It was estimated to contain twenty-two thousand acres, and was
bought for the sum of sixty guilders, or twenty-four dollars! Lands were
cheap then, where our proud and princely metropolis now stands, with her
millions, her churches, palatial stores, residences, and shipping.

As yet there was no clergyman in the colony, but two visitors of the
sick, Sebastian Jansen Keol and Jan Huyck, were appointed for this
important duty, and also to read the Scriptures, on Sundays, to the
people. Thus was laid, more than two hundred years ago, the corner-stone
of the Empire State, on the firm foundation of justice, morality, and
religion. This historical fact places the character of the Dutch and
French settlers in a most honorable light. They enjoy the illustrious
distinction of fair, honest dealing with the aborigines, the natural
owners of the lands.

The purchase of Manhattan, in 1626, was only imitated when William Penn,
fifty-six years afterward, purchased the site of Philadelphia from the
Indians, under the famous Elm Tree. The Dutch and Huguenot settlers of
New-Netherland were grave, firm, persevering men, who brought with them
the simplicity, industry, integrity, economy, and bravery of their
Belgic sires, and to these eminent virtues were added the light of the
civil law and the purity of the Protestant faith. To such we can point
with gratitude and respect, for the beginnings of our western
metropolis, and the works of our American forefathers.

The Rev. Joannes Megapolensis, as early as the year 1642, took charge of
the Dutch Reformed Church in Albany, under the patronage of the Patroon
of Renssaelaerwick, and five years afterward became 'Domine' at
Manhattan. In 1652, he selected for a colleague, Samuel Drissius, on
account of his knowledge of French and English, and from his letters we
learn that he went, once a month, to preach to the French Protestants on
Staten Island. These were Vaudois or Waldenses, who had fled to Holland
from severe persecutions in Piedmont, and by the liberality of the city
of Amsterdam, were forwarded to settle in New-Netherland. We wish that
more materials could be gathered to describe the history of this
minister and his early Huguenot flock upon Staten Island. His ministry
continued from 1652 to 1671, and I have recorded all that I can find
respecting him and his people. About the year 1