The North Carolina Standard

"THE NEW NETHERLANDS"
A friend has handed us a Pamphlet (see first page) containing "a brief description of New York, formerly called New Netherlands, with the places thereunto adjoyning" &c. to which we invite the attention of the reader. This rare and interesting work was written by Daniel Denton and first published in London, in 1670, and again printed during the present year, from a copy made by the direction of Mr. John Pennington, from the original in the British Museum, for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It appears from a Note attached to this work, that Daniel Denton's "brief description" is the first English account of the country now divided into New York and New Jersey; and that the author was in his day, quite a prominent man among the magnates of Long Island. It is believed, however, that he ultimately returned to England, notwithstanding the ardent attachment evinced by him for a "Countrey" so "blessed" as New York was as one of the "terrestrial Canaans."
The territory of New York was originally colonized from Holland; and its incorporation with the British dominions was the work of conquest. Its first name was Nova Belgia, or New Netherlands, and the first Dutch fort was established near Albany, in 1614, and the government committed to Henry Christaens. Down to the year 1664 the Dutch held possession, when, under the administration of the immortal Peter Stuyvesant a "reducement of those parts under his Majesties obedience" took place, by "the care and diligence of the Honorable Coll. Nicholls;" the name of New Amsterdam was changed to that of New York; and the sceptre passed from Dutch to English hands. That noble old man, Governor Stuyvesant, was really the only Dutchman in all the colony at that time who deserved to be esteemed and honored for his sturdiness and valor; and it was not his fault that his country fell an easy prey to English avarice and ambition.
From 1664 to 1674, the middle of the eighteenth century, New York had fourteen Governors, among whom was Rip Van Dam (no swearing, gentlemen!) and George Clinton, who succeeded George Clarke in 1743. It is stated, on good authority, that the population of the entire Colony in 1750, did not exceed one hundred thousand--less than one-half the number now contained in the City of New York.
Daniel Denton's "brief description" is interesting in many respects, particularly as showing the condition of the country nearly two centuries ago-its extraordinary plentifulness and fertility—its game, fish, and wild bees—its superabundance of grass, "interlaced with Pea-vines and other weeds, that Cattle much delight in"—and the strong inducements held out on all hands for occupation and settlement. We commend it to the attention of those who would know the condition of New York (and indeed of the Colonies generally) one hundred and seventy-five years ago.