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 thi