Southern New England, 1638-45, image 10 of 19
Gardiner’s Island, Long Island, New York
“Not only was the “crowding” pushed along the shores of the mainland, but it crossed the Sound. In 1639, Lion Gardiner purchased of the Indians the island Manchonack – since know as Gardiner’s Island – near Montauk Point. Shelter Island, still further up the bay, was taken possession of by James Farrett, who was sent out by William, Early of Stirling, as his agent, he claiming the whole of Long Island under the deed from the Plymouth Company, made before its dissolution by order of the king. Farrett visited Manhatten, and was held for a short time under arrest by the Dutch governor, Kieft, for asserting Lord Stirling’s title.”
“The enterprising New Englanders, however, were not to be deterred by such measures. In 1640 a company from Lynn, Massachusetts, appeared, under the leadership of Captain Daniel How, at Cow Neck, within the present town of North Hempstead, Long Island, and attempted a settlement. They tore down the arms of the Prince of Orange, which they found upon a tree, and carve in place of the shield an absurd face, as their country men had done some years before at Kievit’s Hook, at the mouth of the Connecticut. The insult and intrusion were resented by Kieft with spirit, and How and his companions were compelled to retreat. But it was only toward the other end of the island, where they settled South Hampton and East Hampton, at the eastern extremity.”