Peter of New Amsterdam Part 16

It seemed, as we learned very shortly, that in his rage Master Stuyvesant had torn the letter into little pieces claiming that it did not concern the common people, and then it was that his own friends left him in anger.

Within half an hour the people insisted that the letter be demanded of the Director, and five men were sent to Master Stuyvesant, claiming that which Governor Winthrop had brought.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

It was Martin Kip who headed the messengers from the free men of New Amsterdam, and he told me Master Stuyvesant was in a fine rage. He stumped to and fro threatening, but finally showed in his hand the tiny bits of paper, throwing them on the floor.

Then some one of the house, I do not know who, picked up the pieces, putting them together so that the words might be read, and Martin Kip, speaking from the steps of the city hall, told us what had been written.

I do not remember it all, but there was in the letter a promise that the Dutch should not be driven out after the city was captured. They would be allowed to remain, each man on his own land, free to come or go as it pleased him best, and other Dutchmen were at liberty to live in New Amsterdam with the same rights as belonged to any English man.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

It was all up with Master Stuyvesant after that. He did not cease to storm and rage at those who refused to stand by the guns in the fort, and threatened that he would hold the city till the last building in it was destroyed; but what could he do alone?

THE END OF DUTCH RULE

When the three-days' truce was at an end, Colonel Nicolls landed three more companies of the King's soldiers, and himself marched at their head to join those who were encamped at the ferry-way. All the s.h.i.+ps came into position for opening fire upon the city, and it was time for Master Stuyvesant to surrender, or have it done for him by those of us who were not minded to make fools of ourselves.

I have heard it said that he was near to being broken-hearted because of having come to such a plight; but it was no worse for him than it had been for the Swedish governor whom he bullied, and, by thus making promises to the people, the English commander was showing himself more of a man than had Director Stuyvesant, when he drove away every last Swede out of their homes.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

Whoever gave the command to hoist the white flag over the fort in token of surrender, I know not; but it was done before the English had time to open fire, and New Amsterdam was no longer under Dutch rule.

It was Monday, September 8th, in the year of our Lord, 1664, when Master Stuyvesant, at the head of the hundred and fifty soldiers, marched from the fort to take s.h.i.+p for Holland, and an hour later Colonel Nicolls came in with seven companies of soldiers, who, instead of remaining to eat us out of house and home, went at once on board the s.h.i.+ps until they could go into camp on the Long Island sh.o.r.e.

THE CITY OF NEW YORK

That same day Colonel Nicolls was chosen governor by the Dutch themselves, and his first order was that the city be called New York in honor of the Duke of York, who had really had charge of the matter.

Next day came a message from the new governor, in which it was promised that people from all lands might come into the City of New York, with the same rights as any other; that there would be no change in the affairs until an election by the people could be held, and that each man might wors.h.i.+p G.o.d in whatsoever way seemed to him best.

We who had lived so long in the New World had seen the last of New Amsterdam with its Dutch rulers, who knew no law but their own whims, and now were we like men who have finally thrown off a heavy burden, able to breathe freely once more.

I would that I had enough of knowledge to set down in words all that I have just told you; but I am ignorant of nearly everything, save furs and bargaining with the Indians, therefore it is, that unless you shall repeat what I have said, the people of this country may never hear the story of Peter of New Amsterdam.

ELEMENTARY HISTORIES

BARNES'S NEW HISTORIES OF THE UNITED STATES

Elementary, $0.60; School $1.00

-- In their new form these books are thoroughly up-to-date, both as to contents and as to dress. The Elementary History has been entirely rewritten in a series of biographies by that charming writer for children, Dr. James Baldwin. The School History has been completely revised, and gives greater prominence to the life of the people, and to the wonderful development of our industries.

EGGLESTON'S NEW CENTURY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES $1.00

-- The author's purpose was to tell the story of our country so briefly that it might be mastered within the usual time allotted to the study, and yet to preserve its interest unimpaired by condensation. He has been especially successful in presenting those facts of the home life of the people, and their progress in civilization, which are essential to history.

McMASTER'S HISTORIES OF THE UNITED STATES

Primary, $0.60; Brief $1.00

-- These books are remarkable for their freshness and vigor, and their historical and impartial treatment. The Primary History contains work for one school year, and is simply and interestingly written. The Brief History directs the attention of the pupil particularly to the colonial period, yet it does not neglect the later events.

WHITE'S OUTLINE STUDIES IN UNITED STATES HISTORY $0.30

-- A helpful note book containing blanks to be filled in by the pupil, questions to be answered, outline maps for the location of places, marking of boundaries, and tracing of routes, outlines for essays, etc., with full directions for the pupil and suggestions to the teacher.

AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY

HISTORICAL READERS

By H. A. GUERBER

Story of the Thirteen Colonies $0.65

Story of the Great Republic .65

Story of the English .65

Story of Old France .65

Story of Modern France .65

Story of the Chosen People .60

Story of the Greeks .60

Story of the Romans .60