Reconquest of New Netherland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reconquest of New Netherland
Part of Franco-Dutch War and Third Anglo-Dutch War
"New Amsterdam, recently called New York (Nieuw Jorck), and now retaken by the Netherlanders 24 Aug 1673"
Date 30 July 1673 (O.S.) 9 August 1673 (N.S.) Location Present day New York City Result Dutch victory Dutch recapture of New Netherland
Belligerents
Dutch Republic	England
Commanders and leaders
Cornelis Evertsen the Youngest Anthony Colve Jacob Binckes	John Manning
Strength
9 ships 600 men	100 soldiers, and fortifications of Fort James
Casualties and losses
None	100 prisoners, deaths unknown.

On August 9, 1673, during the Third Anglo-Dutch War, a Dutch fleet took back New York. This fleet was led by Cornelis Evertsen the Youngest and Jacob Binckes. New York had been under English control since 1667. After the Dutch victory, the town was renamed "New Orange." The area of New Netherland became a Dutch colony again, with Anthony Colve as its new governor. However, the Dutch Republic later gave the colony back to England. This happened as part of the Treaty of Westminster (1674), in exchange for the colony of Suriname.

How New York Became English

Before the Third Anglo-Dutch War, there was another conflict called the Second Anglo-Dutch War. In 1664, an English fleet took over the Dutch colony of New Netherland. This happened without a fight. The English claimed the colony for the Duke of York. They renamed the colony New York. The main town, New Amsterdam, also got the new name of New York. This change was confirmed in the Peace of Breda treaty in 1667.

When the Third Anglo-Dutch War started in 1672, the Dutch Republic began attacking English and French ships. This was happening outside of Europe. Meanwhile, in Europe, the main Dutch fleet worked to keep the English and French navies away. The Dutch launched several naval trips. One secret plan was made by leaders in Zeeland. This plan was led by Cornelis Evertsen.

His trip was not very successful at first. But then, Evertsen's ships met another Dutch group led by Jacob Binckes near Guadeloupe. The two commanders decided to join forces. They learned that tobacco ships from Colony of Virginia and Province of Maryland would soon sail to England. So, they planned to capture these ships, just like Abraham Crijnssen did in 1667. This led to a battle in July 1673.

After this battle, the Dutch commanders heard that New York was not well protected. They also learned that the governor, Francis Lovelace, was away. So, they decided to try and take back New Netherland. They sailed to Staten Island and arrived there on July 28, 1673.

Taking Back the Colony

When the Dutch fleet of 21 ships arrived near Staten Island, Dutch colonists came to Evertsen's ship. They told him the latest news about New York. They confirmed that Governor Lovelace was gone. They also said that Fort James was not ready for a fight. Captain John Manning commanded the fort. He had about 100 soldiers. It would take them about four days to gather 300 to 400 more men. The Dutch now felt sure they could take the fort.

The Dutch leaders held a meeting to plan their attack. The Dutch colonists were worried that other Dutch people in New York would not help them. So, the leaders decided to write a message to the people of New York. This message promised that no one would be harmed if they agreed to return to Dutch rule. This message was sent out on August 8, 1673.

Meanwhile, the English had spotted the Dutch ships. They set up strong guards at the fort. They also lit warning fires. On the morning of August 9, everyone in New York was ready for a fight. Soldiers hoped that Governor Lovelace would send help. The Dutch fleet waited for the tide to come in. They chose 600 marines and sailors to attack Manhattan Island.

First, the Dutch commanders sent a message to Fort James, demanding that they surrender. Captain Manning sent three people to the Dutch ship to talk. One of them was Thomas Lovelace, the governor's brother. When the English asked to see Evertsen's official papers, he famously replied that his "commission stuck in the muzzle of his guns." He meant they would soon see his power if they did not surrender.

The wind picked up and blew toward the land. The Dutch ships then sailed closer to the fort. They stopped under the fort's walls, but far enough away that the fort's guns could not reach them. There was another exchange of messages. It became clear that Captain Manning was trying to delay. So, the Dutch decided to stop talking. They began firing their ship's cannons at the fort. The fort fired back.

The Dutch landing force then went ashore. They were led by marine captain Anthony Colve. They landed a bit north of the town, where Broadway Street began. The Dutch troops marched down this street toward the fort. Dutch colonists cheered them on, and some even joined them. When they reached the fort, Captain Manning raised a white flag. He asked for good surrender terms. He was allowed to surrender with military honors. The English troops marched out of the fort with flags flying and drums beating. They then put down their weapons in front of the fort. The Dutch troops entered the fort. They locked up the English soldiers in the Dutch Reformed Church inside the fort. The English officers were allowed to stay in their own rooms. The next day, all prisoners were moved to the Dutch ships. Governor Lovelace also came to the Dutch ships after asking for safe passage to talk with the commanders.

What Happened Next

The Dutch commanders quickly began to secure their new control. They sent people to other settlements to demand that they accept the new Dutch rule. They also set up new local governments. They appointed Captain Anthony Colve as the new governor-general of the colony. Colve was to rule the colony and make its defenses stronger. They expected an attack from the English colonies in New England.

There were indeed talks and small fights with Connecticut and Massachusetts. Troops from Maryland also attacked a small Dutch settlement in the winter of 1673-1674. However, back in Europe, a peace treaty was being made. Spain helped to arrange this peace. The Peace of Westminster was signed in February 1674. One part of the treaty said that the Dutch Republic would give up New Netherland. In return, they would keep Suriname.

News of this treaty reached New Orange in May 1674. Governor Colve began to prepare for the change of power. This change finally happened on November 10, 1674.