en the burgomasters were not slow in evacuating the
premises, fearing lest the sturdy Peter might issue from his den, and
greet them with some unwelcome testimonial of his displeasure.

Within three hours after the surrender, a legion of British beef-fed
warriors poured into New Amsterdam, taking possession of the fort and
batteries. And now might be heard from all quarters the sound of hammers
made by the old Dutch burghers, in nailing up their doors and windows, to
protect their vrouws from these fierce barbarians, whom they contemplated
in silent sullenness from the garret windows as they paraded through the
streets.

Thus did Colonel Richard Nichols, the commander of the British forces,
enter into quiet possession of the conquered realm, as _locum tenens_ for
the Duke of York. The victory was attended with no other outrage than that
of changing the name of the province and its metropolis, which thenceforth
were denominated New York, and so have continued to be called unto the
present day. The inhabitants, according to treaty, were allowed to
maintain quiet possession of their property, but so inveterately did they
retain their abhorrence of the British nation that in a private meeting of
the leading citizens it was unanimously determined never to ask any of
their conquerors to dinner.

NOTE.

Modern historians assert that when the New Netherlands were thus
overrun by the British, as Spain in ancient days by the Saracens,
a resolute band refused to bend the neck to the invader. Led by
one Garret Van Horne, a valorous and gigantic Dutchman, they
crossed the bay and buried themselves among the marshes and
cabbage gardens of Communipaw, as did Pelayo and his followers
among the mountains of Asturias. Here their descendants have
remained ever since, keeping themselves apart, like seed corn, to
repeople the city with the genuine breed, whenever it shall be
effectually recovered from its intruders. It is said the genuine
descendants of the Nederlanders who inhabit New York still look
with longing eyes to the green marshes of ancient Pavonia, as did
the conquered Spaniards of yore to the stern mountains of
Asturias, considering these the regions whence deliverance is to
come.

CHAPTER XII.

Thus then have I concluded this great historical enterprise; but before I
lay aside my weary pen, there yet remains to be performed one pious duty.
If, amo