The unfortunate captain was subsequently tried by court-martial for cowardice and treachery. He was condemned. His sword was broken over his head and he was declared incompetent forever to hold any station of trust or authority under the government. Governor Lovelace was condemned for neglect of duty. He received a severe reprimand, and all his property was confiscated to the Duke of York.
The victorious Dutch commanders appointed Captain Colve as governor of recaptured New Netherland. With great energy he commenced his rule. The name of New York was changed to New Orange, and fort James became fort Hendrick. Work was immediately commenced upon the fortifications, and large sums of money were expended upon them, so that within two months they were deemed so strong that it was thought that no English fleet would dare to venture within range of their guns. The whole city assumed the aspect of a military post. Nearly every citizen was trained to arms. The Common, now the Park, was the parade ground where the troops were daily drilled. It was very firmly resolved that the city should not again surrender without the firing of a gun.
The municipal institutions were all re-organized to conform to those of the fatherland. This second administration of the Dutch was of but short duration. On the 9th of January, 1674, but about three months after the re-capture of the city, a treaty of peace was signed between England and Holland. The sixth article of this treaty read as follows,
"Whatsoever countries, islands, ports, towns, castles or
forts have been taken on both sides, since the time that the
late unhappy war broke out, either in Europe or elsewhere,
shall be restored to the former lord or proprietor in the
same condition they shall be in when peace itself shall be
proclaimed."
Several months however transpired before the actual re-surrender of the city to the English. On the 10th of November 1674, a little more than one year after the capture of the city by the Dutch, this change took place. Mr. David V. Valentine writes:
"This event was not distasteful to the great body of the
citizens, whose national sentiment had, in a measure, given
way before the obvious advantages to their individual
interests of having a settled authority established over
them, with the additional privilege of English institutions
which were then considered of a liberal tendency."
In conclusion, we have but a few words to say respecting the manners and customs in the thriving little village of New York, in these primitive days. People were then, to say the least, as happy as they are now. Food was abundant, and New York was far-famed for its cordial hospitality. Days of recreation were more abundant than now. The principal social festivals were "quilting," "apple paring" and "husking." Birthdays, christenings, and marriage anniversaries were also celebrated with much festivity. Upon most of these occasions there was abundant feasting. Dancing was the favorite amusement, with which the evening was almost invariably terminated. In this busy community the repose of the night was necessary to prepare for the labors of the ensuing day. The ringing of the nine o'clock bell was the signal for all to retire.
A mild form of negro slavery existed in those days. The slaves danced to the music of their rude instruments in the markets. The young men and maidens often met on the Bowling green and danced around the May pole. Turkey shooting was a favorite amusement, which usually took place on the Common. New Year's Day was devoted to the interchange of visits. Every door was thrown open, and all guests were welcome, friends as well as strangers, as at a Presidential levee. This custom of olden time has passed down to us from our worthy Dutch predecessors. Dinner parties were unknown. But tea-parties, with the ladies, were very common.
"To take tea out," writes Mr. William L. Stone, in his interesting History of New York,
"was a Dutch institution, and one of great importance. The
matrons, arrayed in their best petticoats and linsey
jackets, home-spun by their own wheels, would proceed on the
intended afternoon visit. They wore capacious pockets, with
scissors, pin-cushion and keys hanging from their girdle,
outside of their dress; and reaching the neighbor's house
the visitors industriously used knitting needles and tongues
at the same time. The village gossip was talked over;
neighbors' affairs settled, and the stockings finished by
tea-time, when the important meal appeared on the table,
precisely at six o'clock.
"This was always the occasion for the display of the family
plate, with the Lilliputian cups, of rare old family china,
out of which the guests sipped the fragrant herb. A large
lump of loaf sugar invariably accompanied each cup, on a
little plate, and the delightful beverage was sweetened by
an occasional nibble, amid the more solid articles of
waffles and Dutch doughnuts. The pleasant visit finished,
the visitors donning cloaks and hoods, as bonnets were
unknown, proceeded homeward in time for milking and other
necessary household duties.
"The kitchen fire-places were of immense size large enough
to roast a whole sheep. The hooks and trammels sustained
large iron pots and kettles. In the spacious chimney-corners
the children and negroes gathered, telling stories and
cracking nuts by the blazing pine-knots, while the
industrious vrows turned the merry spinning-wheel, and
their lords, the worthy burghers, mayhap just returned from
an Indian scrimmage, quietly smoked their long pipes, as
they sat watching the wreaths curling above their heads. At
length the clock with its brazen tongue having proclaimed
the hour of nine, family prayers were said, and all retired,
to rise with the dawn."