Report of the Archaeological Investigations of the New Castle Court ...

“That his honour would please to give his Instructions about the finishing the Blockhouse in
Delaware, which standeth still in that posture his Honour left it; It is high time that some speedy
Order bee taken therein, in regard not only of the Troubles now likely to ensue from the Warrs in
Europe, but that what is already expended thereupon will bee as good as thrown away by reason
as it is now, it only stands and rotts; It is humbly conceived that the most effectuall means to bee
used for the Accomplishment will bee by a General Tax to bee imposed both upon Towne and
River” (Gehring 1977:39).
1672 August Governor’s response to Cantwell’s Proposals (20:29/30)
“In Answer to the first Proposall about the New Blockhouse at New Castle in Delaware; Since
my former Orders Concerning the finishing thereof have been noe better observed, I doe once
more enjoyne them the compleating of it, before the first day of November next, and that under
the penalty of one thousand guilders Seawant in case of Default; As to the way of raising a Tax or
Contribucion for the Effecting thereof, It shall be left to the Discretion of the Officers there either
to raise it by the way proposed, or any other they shall judge most convenient” (Gehring
1977:40).
“That the great guns bee with all convenient speed sent up to the Block-houses in Delaware River
according to my former Order, And that the greatest bee disposed of according to the distance of
the Places” (Gehring 1977:41).
1675 August 18 Magistrates to Governor Andros Concerning Affairs at Newcastle
[signed by H:Block, John Moll, and Derck Albertsen](20:78)
“…as for that part of your honors letter concerning Capt. Carrs valley itt was never improved [ ]
least itt is our humble desire the fort lying [ ] may be removed [ ] making of a Court house and
that somme other conveni[ ] may be made by itt for a prison both being necessary for this Towne
and river and where itt stands rather detrimentall the otherwise to the place that itt may be done
att the publicque charge of the whole river and bay itt being a general concerne that there may bee
somme taxe layed for the expences of the High Court and low Courts it formerly being one
[schepel] of Wheate for the High Court and one [schepel] of Rye for the Low Courts all which is
left to your honors discretion That there may be more Magistrates named in this Towne for the
compeleating of the bench….”
“Endorsed: No 3, 18 th : of August from the magistrates of Delaworr Concerning Capt. Carr
meadow the removing the blockhouse to be a Court House and prison and Concerning Loureson,
or tarqitons goods” (Gehring 1977:97-98).
1675 September 15 The Council at New York
“Ordered That ye Block House at New Castle bee removed & built at ye back side of ye Towne,
about ye middle of it, at or near ye olde Block House, wherein there may be a Court house and a
Prison also” (Gehring 1977:38-41).
1676 September 27 Several matters presented to the Governor by Captain Cantwell
with the Answers (20:96).
Number 14. About Souldyers, shott or bullet for the Fort, and a Flagge.” “To Give particular
Account of Guns, stores, etc.” (Gehring 1977:118).