Spring was rapidly approaching. The newly arrived freemen were anxious to begin the erection of buildings and the clearing of forests, and the governor desired to select the location for a new fort. For these reasons as well as to be able to make a report from personal observation, Governor Printz, in company with Ridder, some soldiers and perhaps an Indian guide, “passed over the territory of New Sweden first from Cape Henlopen unto Bomkin’s Hook and thence all the way up to Sankikan.” This inspection gave the governor a good idea of the land. He took notice of the parts most adapted for farms, and as soon as possible the new colonists were assigned places for clearing ground and building homes. To safeguard the colony against attacks, however, were the first duties of the governor. His instruction directed him to build “a new stronghold either at Cape Henlopen or on Jaques’ Island or at any other suitable place, so that the South River could be closed and guarded by it. He was ordered to keep the title of the territory at Varkens Kill intact and to assert the authority of the Swedish Government over the English residing there. To erect a fortress near the British settlement would be one of the most effective means of asserting this authority, and the stronghold could serve the main and additional purpose of closing the river against intruders. Accordingly about March 1, a convenient spot was selected on the eastern shore of the Delaware, a little south of Mill Creek on an island of Upland (the present “Elsinburg Fort Point”), and preparations for laying the foundation timbers were at once begun. The work was rushed to such an extent that on May 6, foreign vessels were compelled to strike their flag before the fort. When the cannon had been placed in position a Swedish salute was given, and the stronghold was called _Fort Elfsborg_. It was an earthwork constructed “on the English plan with three angles close to the river,” and “the carpenter made a beautiful gate to it.” “Eight twelve-pound iron and brass guns and one mortar,” the largest ordnances in the colony, were planted upon its walls. It was the best garrisoned fort of New Sweden and Sven Skute, next in rank to Printz, was placed in command. In the spring of 1643 the English settlement at Varkens Kill was on the point of breaking up, being harassed by sickness. It is therefore probable that these colonists were not unwilling “to swear allegiance to the crown of Sweden” when Gov. Printz arrived. At any rate some remained “as Swedish citizens” and continued to cultivate their maize and tobacco.