A representative for van Rensselaer purchases a…

A representative for van Rensselaer purchases a large tract of land from its native owners adjacent to Fort Orange, on the west side of the Hudson River, on April 8, 1630.

It extends from Beeren Island north to Smack's Island and extends "two day's journey into the interior." 

In the meantime, van Rensselaer has made vigorous preparations to send out tenants.

Early in the spring, several emigrants, with their farm implements and cattle, are sent out from the Netherlands under Wolfert Gerritson, who had been designated the overseer of farms.

These pioneers of the manor had embarked at the island of Texel in the ship Eendragt, or Unity, under Captain John Brouwer.

In a few weeks, they arrive at Fort Orange and begin the development and settlement of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck. 

A few weeks after the arrival of the first colonists, the patroon's special agent, Gillis Hassett, secures a grant of land from the natives, lying mostly to the north of Fort Orange and extending up the river to an native structure called Monemins Castle.

This is situated on Haver Island at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers.

This and the earlier purchase complete the bounds of the manor on the west side of the Hudson River.

Each tenant is required to swear an oath of loyalty to the patroon, without question.