(on the east side of the Delaware River) under Van Twiller.[1] He was ordered by the Dutch governor to buy a large tract of land on the Schuylkill River on which a fort called Beversrede was later built; so named because of the multitude of beavers which abounded there. “Those From the South (called Munquasson) and the wild blacks, are brought down in large quantities; so that the river, for its fitness, handsome situation, as well in regard of trade as of culture will always be held by the company and ministers in high esteem.”[2] The conveyance of the land was made by means of the following document:
“We the subscribers, Amattehooren, Alebackinne, Sinquees, etc. .chiefs over portions of the land lying about and on the Schuylkill, called Armenveruies, declare, that after proper and deliberate consideration, we have sold to Arent Corssen, the Schuylkill and adjoining lands, for certain cargoes, for which we are not paid in full, but for which were fully satisfied at present.”
This document is signed by Amattehooren, Sinquees, Alebackinne, Michecksonwabbe, Quironqueckock, Kancke and Walpackvouch with their curious appropriate marks.[3]
The above instrument was witnessed by, “Augustin Heermans, Govert Loockermans, Juriaen Plancke, Cornelis Jansen Coele and Sander Leendertsen.”
The years from 1634 to 1644 are blank in relation to Herrman’s life so far as documentary evidence is concerned. It is probable, however, that he remained in the service of the Dutch West India Company, making frequent trips to Amsterdam and the West Indies.[4] Commenting upon this period of Herrman’s life, Čapek says:
- ↑ O’Callighan, E. B. Documents relating to the Colonial History of New York, Vol. I. p. 142.
- ↑ Hazard, Samuel, Annals of Pennsylvania, 1850, p. 35.
- ↑ Ibid.
- ↑ Is it probable that Herrman came as a boy of twelve years of age with
