Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/107

 Calvert was established firmly in the position, of governor.

The population of Maryland at this date, is estimated at about ten thousand; and despite the various trials and troubles which marked its earlier history, the colony gradually increased in wealth and strength.

 

1638—1685.

, who is described by Winthrop as "a sober and discreet man," was the very opposite of Van Twiller in most respects; yet his appointment does not seem to have been a judicious step. Active, zealous, rapacious, quick-tempered, he entered upon the duties of his post with energy and spirit, and endeavored in many ways to remedy the difficulties into which New Netherland had fallen under the administration of Van Twiller. His protest against Swedish colonization on the Delaware was unsuccessful; nor was he able better to make headway in opposition to the encroachments of the New England people on the Connecticut. Valuable privileges were offered to settlers, the patroonships were limited, the monopoly of the Indian trade was relinquished, the Dutch Reformed Church was declared to be the established religion, which was publicly to be taught, etc. By these and similar efforts, the Director hoped to promote the prosperity of the colony. In addition to the settlements at Wallabout and Flatlands on Lone: Island, another at Breukelen was commenced. New boweries were established in every direction, annual fairs were set up at New Amsterdam, a new stone church was erected, and various like measures adopted to advance the welfare of the community.

The English settlement at Red Hill, or New Haven, was considered by the Dutch an alarming encroachment on their territorial lights. The traders at the House of Good Hope on the Connecticut were subjected to various annoyances, and it seemed evident that there was a settled purpose to drive 