Gyllene Haj (Golden Shark) 1654-1654

• Left Gothenburg April 15, 1654
• Missed the entrance to the South River and
• Arrived at New Amsterdam September 12, 1654

Some of the families who could not find room on the Orn, went on this ship, and a few soldiers and servants also came on this expediton, but the exact number is not known. On the way, many people became sick. They arrived at Porto Rico on June 30th, where new supplies were brought on board. The people went on shore the following day. On August 15 the Haj left Porto Rico for New Sweden. By mistake, they passed Delaware Bay and arrived at New Amsterdam. The ship was put under arrest by Director Stuyvesant. Most of the people on the ship, remained in New Amsterdam, persuaded thereto by Stuyvesant. It is probable, however, that many of them went to New Sweden after 1655.

Crew

• Hans Amundsson Besk - with wife, 4 children and 2 servants

Appointed Captain at first but proved himself incompetent as not many persons liked him. He was replaced by Hendrick von Elswick. As he had private claims in Porto Rico to look after, he applied for persmission to go on the voyage, assisting Elswick in whatever way he could. He died on the voyage while in Porto Rico, July 2nd and was buried on the island.

Hendrick von Elswick Commander

After attempting with all his might to effect a settlement then losing the colonists to Dir. Stuyvesant in New Amsterdam, he returned to Sweden.

• Anders Matheus from Amsterdam,shipmate

While the ship made a stop at Porto Rico for fresh supplies, Anders tried to run away. Elswick was compelled to put him into irons in prison until the ship sailed. Elswick writes it was through the carelessness of his mate that the ship was led into an unknown passage behind Staten Island, and caused the ship to be put under arrest.

• Bengt Olsson, second mate
• Berent Josten, sailmaker from Bergen

The expedition from Gothenburg was delayed for want of a couple of sailors and a ship carpenter. Some of the sailors had proven themselves incapable of doing their work, these were discharged and others hired in their places. The following were hired in Stockholm in 1653, before the Haj came to Gothenburg and whose presence is not determined in New Sweden, therefore, in all probability they did not make the journey, (with one exception).

• Gustaf Johansson
• Mickel Matson Melos
• Nils Norman Ostensson
• Nils Olofsson, skinner
• Johan Peterson
• Lars Erickson Stake
• Matheus Stijrman, ship carpenter

Passengers and Soldiers

• Bengt Ericksson, upper boatswain, remained in New Amsterdam
• Sven Hakansson Brodd

Hired at Stockholm in 1653 to serve in New Sweden for a wage of 4 R.D. a month. He probably stayed in New Amsterdam. [Possibly the samer person as Sven Hackeson Brad on the Kat 1649.]

• Jan Jansen, caprenter from Alckmar, Netherlands, Remained in New Amsterdam.
• Jacob Johansson, boatswain, remained in New Amsterdam
• Eric Joransson, boatswain, remained in New Amsterdam
• Carl Julius, secretary, Went to New Sweden from New Amsterdam November 30, 1654
• Catharina Johansdotte (Van Der Veer)
• Johan Ericksson, boatswain
• David N....., soldier
• Sigfrid Olofsson, boatswain
• Johan Olofsson, sailor
• Anders Svensson, boatswain
• Olof Torkelsson, boatswain
• Sven Hook, Lieutenant

Cargo

Return voyage

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