Governor Stuyvesant, upon being informed of these transactions, immediately sent three of his principal men to Long Island, to seek some arrangement with Scott for the termination of such disorders. They met him at Jamaica. After much discussion they entered into a partial agreement, which was to be submitted to the approval of Governor Stuyvesant. As the Dutch deputies took their leave, Scott said to them,
"This whole island belongs to the king of England. He has
made a grant of it to his brother, the duke of York. He
knows that it will yield him an annual revenue of one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He is soon coming with
an ample force, to take possession of his property. If it is
not surrendered peaceably he is determined to take, not only
the whole island, but also the whole province of New
Netherland."
With these alarming tidings, the Dutch envoys returned to New Amsterdam. Disorders were now rapidly multiplying. Scott rallied around him all the most turbulent of the English population, and the Dutch towns were menaced with violence. The Dutch families in the English villages, were many of them compelled to abandon their houses, and repair to the Dutch villages for protection. Frequent collisions occurred. There was no longer any happiness or peace to be found in these dwellings agitated by the approaching tempests of revolution.
The inhabitants of New Amsterdam became greatly alarmed from fear that their rich and beautiful city would be attacked or plundered by the English. The burgomasters and principal men drew up a petition to the authorities urging additional fortifications for the city and the enlistment of an increased armed force.
In this petition they said,
"this capital is adorned with so many noble buildings, at
the expense of so many good and faithful inhabitants,
principally Netherlanders, that it nearly excels any other
place in North America. Were it duly fortified it would
instil fear into any envious neighbors. It would protect
both the East and the North rivers, the surrounding villages
and farms, as well as full ten thousand inhabitants who
would soon flock to this province, where thousands of acres
of land remain wild and uncultivated. It would become the
granary of fatherland. Yes, if permitted to abide in peace
this land will become an emporium to fatherland by its
growing plantations."
In accordance with this memorial, heavy taxes were imposed and large contributions subscribed to enlarge and strengthen the fortifications. A militia of two hundred men was organized, and one hundred and sixty were enlisted as regular soldiers.
CHAPTER XIII.—HOSTILE MEASURES COMMENCED.
John Scott and his Movements.—Losses of the Dutch.—The
First General Assembly.—Action of the Home
Government.—Peace with the Indians.—Arrest of John
Scott.—Governor Winthrop's visit to Long Island.—Sailing
of the Fleet.—Preparations for War.—The False
Dispatches.—Arrival of the Fleet.—The Summons to
Surrender.