Editing Dutch Conquest of New Sweden (section)

== Stuyvesant's Expedition ==

Peter Stuyvesant, the formidable Director-General of New Netherland, assembled a substantial expeditionary force to punish the Swedish aggression and eliminate the Swedish colony entirely. The fleet that departed New Amsterdam (modern New York) in late August 1655 consisted of seven ships carrying approximately 300-400 soldiers and sailors—a force that vastly outnumbered the entire population of New Sweden. Stuyvesant himself commanded the expedition, demonstrating the importance the Dutch placed on resolving the Swedish challenge once and for all. The fleet sailed down the Atlantic coast and entered Delaware Bay in early September, proceeding up the river toward the Swedish settlements.<ref name="ward"/>

The Swedish colonists watched the approach of the Dutch fleet with growing alarm. Governor Rising had perhaps thirty soldiers at his disposal, scattered among several posts along the river. The civilian population—farmers, traders, and their families—had no means of resistance against a professional military force. Rising attempted to negotiate with Stuyvesant, but the Dutch commander, backed by overwhelming force, had no reason to offer generous terms. The Swedish garrison at Fort Trinity (the former Dutch Fort Casimir that Rising had seized the previous year) surrendered first, returning the post to Dutch control. The Dutch then proceeded up the river to Fort Christina, the principal Swedish settlement.<ref name="gehring"/>