Background
Cornelis was born on March 16, 1626 in Holland, probably in Haarlem.
(This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. T...)
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ++++ The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to ensure edition identification: ++++ Ad Primum Caput Legis Aquiliae Cornelius van Steenwyk Langerak, 1719
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Cornelis was born on March 16, 1626 in Holland, probably in Haarlem.
He appeared in New Amsterdam as early as 1651, coming as mate of a trading vessel. He engaged in trade and rose to prominence, ultimately sending his vessels to Virginia and the West Indies. In 1655, when fear of English encroachment was aroused in New Netherland, he contributed 100 guilders for the defense of the city; in 1656 he was the victim of a piece of gossip which resulted in a suit for slander which in turn brought about an extension of the power of the lower courts.
In 1664, however, he was engaged as a commissioner for the colony in the diplomatic transactions which foreshadowed the English conquest. His mental poise is conspicuous in his proceedings with the swashbuckling Capt. John Scott, who as a commissioner for Hartford, Connecticut, urged the English claim.
Steenwyck took part in the negotiations which followed the appearance of the English fleet in the harbor of New Amsterdam, and his name is one of those attached to the articles by which New Netherland was surrendered. His oath of allegiance to the new government rested on the assurance that the rights of Dutch subjects would be preserved as guaranteed by the articles.
Trusted and honored by the English governors, he remained throughout a stanch defender of those rights. Richard Nicolls, the first English governor, made Steenwyck mayor of New York, an office in which he was retained for more than two years (1668 - 70). Governor Francis Lovelace admitted him to his council; and, when the Governor was called away on public affairs, he chose Steenwyck and Thomas Delavall "to take ye managery of such Affaires as shall happen here within ye City of New Yorke or places adjacent. " The restoration of Dutch authority in the colony by no means excluded Steenwyck from places of trust.
By Governor Anthony Colve he was appointed councilor with executive functions; he commanded militia and was otherwise employed in preparations for the city's defense, being also custodian of the accounts and journals of the insolvent Dutch West India Company in New Netherland.
He was one of three commissioners who visited the eastern towns of Long Island to present to the English inhabitants the oath of allegiance to the States General. The English settlers, viewing themselves as subjects of Charles II, rejected the demand, and had the bearers of the summons exercised their powers in the spirit of Captain Scott, tragic incidents must have been added to the annals of Long Island.
No hint of political pliancy appears in Steenwyck's second acceptance of English rule; for, if he welcomed Sir Edmund Andros, the new governor, he met imprisonment at Andros' hands by insisting on recognition of the treaty claims of Dutch subjects. A reconciliation followed, however, and Steenwyck thenceforth was granted a serene official life.
He died in 1684.
Cornelis Steenwyck was one of those who signed a petition, dated May 3, 1660, in which a number of merchants of New Amsterdam sought permission to trade for slaves along the west coast of Africa. Besides, he was chosen in 1663 to represent the interests of the colony in the mother country, an honor which he felt obliged to decline. As the mayor he presided over the newly established court of general sessions. Steenwyck's commercial activities brought him wealth.
(This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. T...)
He was an elder in the Reformed Dutch Church, and one of his last acts was to bequeath the Manor of Fordham to that communion.
He was reputed the best dressed, most polite, and most popular man in New Amsterdam.
On June 5, 1658, he married Margaretha de Riemer, by whom he had seven children, none of whom, apparently, lived to maturity.
