Stuyvesant, Peter

(1612-1862), the last Dutch Governor or director general of New Netherlands, arrived in 1647. Various controversies arose with the New England settlements, and with the patroons. He was intolerant in religious affairs, and raised a vigorous opposition on account of his congent for popular rights. Trade, however, flourished during his administration. In 1655 he attacked the Swedish colony of Delaware, and annexed it to the Dutch po e ions. When the English fleet came to New Amsterdam in 1664, Stuyvesant could make no effective resistance, and signed a treaty of surrender September 9. He continued to reside in New York, on his extensive farm of Great Bouwerie, and died there.