tyrant, the enemy
of religious and political freedom wherever he ruled. New
Netherland was accordingly called New York."

Hon. Benjamin F. Butler, in his outline of the State of New York
writes, "In the history of the royal ingrates by whom it was planned
and for whose benefit it was perpetrated, there are few acts more
base, none more characteristic."

Mr. Brodhead, in his admirable History of the State of New York, says,

"The flag of England was, at length, triumphantly displayed
where for half a century that of Holland had triumphantly
waved; and from Virginia to Canada, the king of Great
Britain was acknowledged as sovereign. Whatever may have
been its ultimate consequences, this treacherous and violent
seizure of the territory and possessions of an unsuspecting
ally, was no less a breach of private justice than of public
faith. It may indeed be affirmed that, among all the acts of
selfish perfidy which royal ingratitude conceived and
executed, there have been few more characteristic and none
more base."

Thus the Dutch dominion in North America passed forever away. I cannot
refrain from quoting the just tribute to the Dutch government
contained in Mr. Brodhead's History. "Holland," he writes,

"has long been the theme for the ridicule of British
writers; and even in this country the character and manners
of the Dutch have been made the subjects of an unworthy
depreciation. Yet, without undervaluing others, it may
confidently be claimed that, to no nation in the world is
the Republic of the West more indebted than to the United
Provinces, for the idea of the confederation of sovereign
States; for noble principles of constitutional freedom; for
magnanimous sentiments of religious toleration; for
characteristic sympathy with subjects of oppression; for
liberal doctrines in trade and commerce; for illustrious
patterns of public integrity and private virtue, and for
generous and timely aid in the establishment of
independence. Nowhere among the people of the United States
can men be found excelling in honesty, industry, courtesy or
accomplishment, the posterity of the early Dutch settlers of
New Netherland."

Soon after the surrender, Governor Stuyvesant was recalled to Europe
to vindicate his conduct. The severest charges were brought against
him. He addressed