save the few English soldiers, whose bayonets held the
conquered province in subjection. A meeting of all the Dutch
inhabitants was called to ascertain the tone of public sentiment, and
to endeavor to inspire the community with some enthusiasm for the
defence.

But no enthusiasm was elicited. The Dutch were not at all unwilling
that their countrymen should come back and reclaim their own. Even to
defend themselves from the humiliation of conquest, by their English
assailants, they had not been willing to submit to a bombardment. Much
less were they now willing to subject themselves to the horrors of
war, when the flag of Holland was approaching for their deliverance.
They did not venture however, openly to oppose the ruler whom the
fortunes of war had set over them, or to express sympathy for the
success of the approaching fleet, which might be pronounced treason,
and might expose them to severe punishment.

They contented themselves with manifesting entire indifference, or in
offering sundry excuses. They very sensibly assumed the ground that
they were a feeble defenceless colony, far away in the wilderness,
entirely unable to cope with the forces which the great maritime
powers of England or Holland might send against them. When an English
fleet opened the portholes of its broadsides upon their little
village, they could do nothing but surrender. Should a fleet from
Holland now anchor in their waters they must let events take their
natural course.

Colonel Nicholls, as governor, had gifts of honor and opulence in his
hands. As was to have been expected, there were a few Dutch citizens
who were eager to gratify the governor by co-operating with him in all
his plans. This number, however, was small. The great mass of the
citizens assumed an air of indifference, while, in heart, they longed
for the appearance of the Dutch fleet in such strength as to render
resistance impossible.

But either the storms of the ocean, or some other engagements,
arrested the progress of the squadron, until after the rupture between
England and Holland was temporarily healed. Colonel Nicholls remained
in command at New York about four years. His administration was as
popular as could reasonably have been expected under the
circumstances. He gradually relaxed the severity of his rule, and
wisely endeavored to promote the prosperity of the colony. The
conquest had retarded the tide of emigration from Holland, and had
given a new impulse