Benjamin Chew, Papers, Swedish colonists, 1683

Benjamin Chew, Papers, Swedish colonists, 1683 These are to certifie whom it may concern That we ye ancient Swedes and Children of the ancient Swedes planted upon ye River Delaware in America, do declare, That ye first of our Nation ye came & planted in this River & ye Creeks those unto Belonging, did finde ye Dutch possest of the said River; and yt ye Lord Baltimore in the sd daies made no Pretensions thereunto, and yt since he had his Patent granted to him by Charles ye first King of great Britian, he hath never made any Claim to any part of ye Land upon this River, yt we know of; we are sure he hath made none to any yt was or is in our ye [Sweeds?] Possession, from Christina Creek to Falls of ye said River Delaware. And we do further certifie, that the Swedes did anciently purchase of ye Natives ye Lands lying between the said Christina Creek to ye falls of ye River Delaware which with and in obedience to his majesties letters Patents & & his declaration together with his Royal highnesses release we have freely submitted ourselves freely & fully resigned and submitted ourselves to William Penn Esq. as our rightful Proprietary & Governour under ye Kings Majesty do joyfully so recognize & acknowledge him promising Faith & Allegiance to ye King of great Britain & his Successors as our Soveraign, & Fidelity & Obedience to which we resolve by ye help [? ] to ye utmost of our power our said Proprietary & Governour, his Heirs & Assigns under ye power King. Signed by us underwritten who have been here about fifty years on ye behalf of our [?] & ye rest of ye ancient Planters yet liveing of ye Swedish Nation on this Westside of ye River Delaware at [Wicoco?], ye 11th day of ye Month calld January, 1683. Writer (not indicated) Date written 1683 Paper x in x x in Pen Penmanship Style Collection Historical Society of Pennsylvania Chew family papers Collection 2050 Chew, Benjamin (1722-1810) G. PA/MD Boundary Dispute Certificate-Swedish colonists' contest to Lord Baltimore's claim to land along the Delaware (1683) File name Benjamin Chew_Papers_Swedish colonists 1683-00x-00x-00x