Dear Anita, New Castle was a very active port in the late 1700's and early 1800's. My ancestors (MAGENS) also arrived in New Castle about that time. I have a very nice copy of a painting that shows early New Castle from the river. I can send you a copy when I get back to our winter home in about a month. If you look at a map you will see that New Castle is located on the Delaware River just before the river starts to narrow. Possible reason for not sailing farther up the river to Philadelphia. Margery Magens Huemmler