go almost naked except a lap which hangs before their nakedness, and on the shoulders a deer skin or a mantle, a fathom square of woven Turkies feathers or peltries sewed together, they make use now greatly of Duffels, Cloths Blue or Red, in consequence of the frequent visits of the Christians. In winter they make shoes of Deer Skins, manufactured after their fashion. Except their chiefs, they have generally but one wife whom they frequently change according to caprice; she must do all the work, as well corn planting as wood cutting and whatever else is to be done. They are divided into various nations. They differ even in Language, which would be altogether too long to be narrated in this short space. They dwell together mostly from friendship, in tribes over which commands a chief who is General and is generally called Sackema possessing not much authority and little advantage, Unless in their dances and other ceremonies. They have hardly any knowledge of God, no Divine Worship, no Law, no Justice, the Strongest does what he pleases and the Youths are master. Their weapons are the Bow and Arrow, in the use of which they are Wonderful adepts. They live by Hunting and Fishing in addition to maize which the Women Plant. By Whom and How New Netherland was peopled. The subjects of the Lords States General had frequented this Country a long time ago solely for the purpose of the fur trade. Since the year 1623 the Incorporated West India Company caused four Forts to be erected in that Country-Two on the River Mauritius and one on each of the other [rivers]; the biggest stands on the Point formed by the Mauritius river and the other mentioned heretofore; their Honors named it New Amsterdam; and six and thirty miles upwards another called Orange that on the South river is Nassaw and that on Fresh River, the Good Hope, the Company hath since continually maintained garrisons there; In the beginning their Honors had sent a certain number of Settlers thither, and at great expense had three Sawmills erected, which never realised any Profit of consequence, on account of their great charge, and a great deal of money was expended for the advancement of the country, but it never began to be settled until every one had liberty to trade with the Indians, inasmuch as up to this time no one calculated to remain there longer than the expiration of his bounden time, and therefore did not apply themselves to Agriculture. Yea, even the Colonie of Renselaerwyck was of little consequence but as soon as it [the trade] was opened, many Servants, who had prospered under the Company, applied for their discharge, built houses and formed plantations, spread themselves broad and wide, Each seeking the best land, and to be nearest the Indians in order thus to trade with them advantageously, others bought Barks with which to trade goods at the North and at the South, and as the Lords Directors gave free passage from Holland thither, that also caused many to come: On the other hand, the English came both from Virginia and N. England. Firstly, divers Servants, whose time with their masters had expired, on account of the good opportunity to plant Tobacco here-afterwards Families and finally entire Colonies, forced to quit that place both to enjoy freedom of conscience and to escape from the Insupportable Government of N England and because many more commodities were easier to be obtained here than there, so that in place of Seven Bouweries and Two @ three plantations which were here, men saw thirty Bouweries, as well cultivated and stocked as in Europe. Hundred Plantations which in Two or three [years] would become regular Bouweries. For after the Tobacco was out the ground, Corn Was planted there with Ploughing. In the winter men were busy preparing new lands. Five English Colonies which by Contract had [settled] under us on equal terms as the others. Each of these was in appearance not less than a hundred families strong, exclusive of the Colonie of Rensselaers Wyck which is prospering, with that of Myndert Meynderisz and Cornelis Molyn, who began first, Also, the Village (Vleck) N. Amsterdam around the fort, a A Hundred families, so that there was appearance of producing supplies in a year for Fourteen thousand Souls, without straitning the Country, and were there no want of laborers or Farm servants twice as much could be raised, considering that fifty lasts of Rye and fifty lasts of Peas still remained over around the fort after a large quantity had been burnt and destroyed by the Indians, Who in a short time quickly brought this Country to nought and had well nigh destroyed this good hope, In manner following The Cause of the New Netherland War and the Sequel thereof. We have already stated that the cause of the population of N. Netherland was the Liberty to trade with the Indians. We shall now prove that it also is the cause of its ruin, producing two contrary effects, and that not without reason as shall appear from the following. This Liberty then which in every respect was most gratefully received, of which use should have been made as of a precious gift, was very soon perverted to a great abuse. For Every one thought that now the time had come to make his fortune, withdrew himself from his Comrade, as if deeming him suspected and the Enemy of his Desire, Sought communication with the Indians from whom it appeared his profit was to be derived. That created first a division of power of dangerous consequence, in opposition to their Mightinesses' Motto1-produced altogether too much familiarity with the Indians which in a short time brought forth contempt, usually the Father of Hate-not being satisfied with merely taking them into their houses in the customary manner, but attracting them by Extraordinary attention, such as admitting them to the table, laying napkins before them, presenting Wine to them and more of that kind of thing, which they did not receive like Esop's man, but as their due and desert, insomuch that they were not content but began to hate when such civilities were not shewn them. To this familiarity and freedom succeeded another Evil. As the Cattle usually roamed through the Woods without a Herdsman, they frequently came into the Corn of the Indians which was unfenced on all sides, committing great damage there; this led to frequent complaints on their part and finally to revenge on the Cattle without sparing even the horses, which were valuable in this Country. Moreover many of our's took the Indians into service, making use in their houses of those in their employ. Thus laying before them our entire circumstances, and sometimes becoming weary of their work, they took leg-bail and stole much more than the amount of their wages, This freedom caused still greater mischief, for the inhabitants of Rensselaerwyck who were as many traders as persons, Perceiving that the Mohawks were craving for guns, which some of them had already received from the English, paying for each as many as Twenty Beavers and for a pound of powder as much as Ten to Twelve guilders, they came down in greater numbers than was their wont where people were well supplied with Guns, purchasing these at a fair price, thus realizing considerable profit; afterwards they obtained some from their Heer Patroon for their self defence in time of need, as we suppose. This extraordinary gain was not kept long a secret, the traders coming from Holland soon got scent of it, and from time to time brought over great quantities, so that the Mohawks in a short time were seen with firelocks powder and lead in proportion. Four Hundred armed men knew how to use their advantage, especially against their enemies, dwelling along the river of Canada, against whom they have now achieved many profitable forays where before they derived little advantage; this causes them also to be respected by the surrounding Indians even as far as the Sea Coast, who must generally pay them tribute, whereas, on the contrary, they were formerly obliged to contribute to these, on this account the Indians 1 "Eendracht maakt macht"-Union constitutes Strength. endeavored no less to procure Guns, and through the familiarity which existed between them and our people, they began to Solicit them for Guns and powder, but as such was forbidden on pain of Death and it could not remain secret in consequence of the general conversation, they could not obtain them. This added to the previous contempt greatly augmented the hatred which stimulated them to conspire against us, beginning first by insults which they every where indiscreetly uttered railing at us as Materiotty (that is to say) Men of Blood-that we might indeed, be something on water, but of no account on land, and that we had neither a great Sachem nor Chiefs. [Here two pages are wanting.] he of Witqueschreek living N. E. of the Island Manhatans,' perpetrated another murderous deed in the house of an old man2 a wheelwright, with whom he was acquainted (having been in his son's service) being well received and supplied with food, pretending a desire to buy something and whilst the old man was taking from the Chest the Cloth the Indian wanted the latter took up an ax and cut his head off, further plundering the house and ran away. This outrage obliged the Director to demand Satisfaction from the Sachem who refused it, saying, that he was sorry that twenty Christians had not been murdered* and that this Indian had only avenged the death of his Uncle who had been slain over one and twenty years by the Dutch. Whereupon all the Commonalty were called together by the Director to consider this affair, who all appeared and presently twelve men delegated from among themt answered the propositions, and resolved at once on war should the murderer be refused; that the attack should be made on them in the harvest when they were hunting; meanwhile an effort should be again made by kindness to obtain justice, which was accordingly several times sought for but in vain. The time being come many obstacles arose and operations were postponed until the year 1642, when it was resolved to avenge the perpetrated outrage. Thereupon spies looked up the Indians who lay in their Village suspecting nothing, and eighty men were detailed under the command of Ensign Hendrick Van Dyck and sent thither. The guide being come with the troops in the neighborhood of the Indian Wigwams lost his way in consequence of the darkness of the night. The Ensign became impatient, and turned back without having accomplished any thing. The journey, however, was not without effect, for the Indians who remarked by the trail made by our people in marching that they had narrowly escaped discovery, sought for peace which was granted them on condition that they should either deliver up the murderer or inflict justice themselves; this they promised but without any result. 3 Some weeks after this Miantenimo, principal Sachem of Sloops bay came here with one hundred men, passing through all the Indian Villagest soliciting them to a general War against both the English and the Dutch, whereupon some of the neighbouring Indians attempted to set our powder on fire and to poison the Director or to inchant him by their devilry, as their ill will was afterwards made manifest as well in fact as by report. Those of Hackingsack, otherwise called Achter Col, had, with their neighbours killed an Englishman, a servant of one David Pietersen, and a few days after shot dead in an equally treacherous manner a Dutchman, who sat roofing a house in the Colonie of Meyndert Meyndertz|| having settled there against the advice of the Director and will of the Indians, 1 In Westchester county-Tr. 2 Named Claes Cornelis Swits. *Note A. Capt. Patricx letter 21. August 1641. † Note B. Their answer and resolution dated the 29th August, 1641. and by the continual damage which their cattle committed caused no little dissatisfaction to the Indians, and contributed greatly to the War. The Commonalty began then to be alarmed, and not without reason, having the Indians daily in their houses. The murderers were frequently demanded, either living or dead, even with a promise of reward; they always returned a scoffing answer laughing at us. Finally, the Commonalty seriously distrusting the Director, suspecting him of conniving with the Indians, and that an attempt was making to sell Christian blood;* yea, that the will of the entire Commonalty was surrendered to him, and in as much as he would not avenge blood they should do it, be the consequences what they may. The Director advised Pacham the Sachem, who interested himself in this matter, warning him that we should wait no longer inasmuch as no satisfaction had been given. Meanwhile God wreaked vengeance on those of Witquescheck without our knowledge through the Mahicanders dwelling below Fort Orange, who slew seventeen of them, and made prisoners of many Women and Children, the remainder fled through a deep snow to the Christians' houses on and around the Island Manhatens. They were most humanely received being half dead of cold and hunger; they supported them for fourteen days, even some of the Director's corn was sent to them. A short time after, another panic seized the Indians which caused them to fly to divers places in the vicinity of the Dutch. This opportunity to avenge innocent blood, induced some of the twelve men to represent to the Director that it was now time, whereupon they received for answer that they should put their request in writing which was done by three in the name of them all,† by a petition to be allowed to attack those of Hackingsack in two divisions-on the Manhatens and on Pavonia. This was granted after a protracted discussion too long to be reported here, so that the Design was executed that same night, the Burghers slew those who lay a small mile from the fort,1 and the soldiers those at Pavonia, at which two places about Eighty Indians were killed and thirty taken prisoners. Next morning before the return of the troops a man and a woman were shot at Pavonia who had come through curiosity either to look at, or plunder, the dead ; the soldiers had rescued a young child which the woman had in her arms. The Christians residing on Long Island also requested by petition to be allowed to attack and slay the Indians thereabout; which was refused, as these especially had done us no harm, and shewed us every friendship-(Yea, had even voluntarily Killed some of the Raritans, our enemies, hereinbefore mentioned) Yet, notwithstanding§ some Christians attempted secretly with two waggons to steal maize from these Indians which they perceiving endeavored to prevent, thereupon three Indians were shot dead, two houses standing opposite the fort were in return forthwith set on fire. The Director knowing nought of this sent at once some persons to enquire the reason of it. The Indians shewing themselves afar off, called out-Be ye our friends? ye are mere corn stealersmaking them also parties. This induced one of the proprietors of the burnt houses to upbraid therewith one Maryn Adriaenzen, who at his request had led the freemen in the attack on the Indians, and who being reinforced by an English troop had afterwards undertaken two bootless Expeditions in the open field-imagining that the Director had accused him, he being one of the signers of the petition he determined to revenge himself. With this resolution he proceeded to the Director's house armed with a Pistol, loaded and cocked, and a hanger by his side; coming *Note F. Resolve of the 12 delegates dated 21 Jan'y, 1642. Note G. Their Petition dated 24th Feb. 1643. 1 At Corlaer's Hook. Note H. Their petition and the answer thereto, dated 27 Feb. 1643. § Note I. Contains the information thereupon. Note K. His trial therefor. unawares into the Director's room, he presents his Pistol at him, saying, What devilish lies art thou reporting of me? but by the promptness of one of the bystanders, the shot was prevented, and he arrested. A short time after, Marine's man and another entered the fort, each carrying a loaded gun and pistol-the first fired at the Director who having had notice withdrew towards his house, the balls passing into the walls alongside the door behind him; the sentinel firing immediately on him who had discharged his gun, brought him down. Shortly afterwards some of the Commonalty collected before the Director, riotously demanding the prisoner; they were answered that their request should be presented in order and in writing, which about 25 men did, they therein asked the Director to pardon the Criminal. The matters were referred to them to decide conscientiously thereupon. In such wise that they immediately went forth, without hearing parties or seeing any complaints or documents: They condemn him in a fine of Five Hundred guilders, and to remain three months away from the Manhatens, but on account of the importance of the affair and some Considerations, it was resolved to send the Criminal, with his trial to Holland which In this Confusion mingled with great terror passed the winter away; the Season came for driving out the Cattle; this obliged many to desire Peace. On the other hand the Indians seeing also that it was time to plant maize, were not less solicitous for peace so that after some negotiation, Peace was concluded in May Ao. 1643 only in consequence of the importunity of some and the opinion entertained by others that it would be durable. The Indians kept still after this Peace, associating daily with our People, Yea, even the greatest Chiefs came to visit the Director. Meanwhile Pachem a crafty man, ran through all the villages urging the Indians to a general massacre, thereupon it happened that certain Indians called Wappingers, dwelling sixteen miles up the River, with whom we never had any the least trouble, seized on a boat coming from Fort Orange wherein were only two men, and full four hundred Beavers. This great Booty stimulated* others to follow their example, so that they seized two boats more, intending to overhaul the fourth also, from which they were driven off with the loss of six Indians. Nine Christians including two women were murdered in these Captured barks, one woman and two children remaining prisoners. The other Indians, so soon as their maize was ripe-followed this example, and through semblance of selling Beavers killed an old man and woman, leaving another man with five wounds who however fled to the fort in a boat with a little child on his arm, who in the first outbreak had lost Father & Mother, And now grandfather and grandmother, being thus twice through God's merciful blessing rescued from the hands of the Indians, first when two years old; Nothing was now heard but murders most of which were committed under pretence of coming to put the Christians on their guard. Finally they took the field and attacked the bouweries at Pavonia. There were here at the time, two ships of war and a privateer who saved considerable Cattle and Grain. Probably it was not possible to prevent the destruction of four bouweries on Pavonia, which were burnt, not by open force, but by stealthily creeping through the brush with fire in hand thus igniting the roofs which are all either of reed or straw; one covered with plank was repeatedly saved. The Commonalty were called together, they were sore distressed. They chose eight, in the stead of the previous Twelve,† persons to aid in consulting for the best; but the occupation every one had to take care of his own, prevented anything beneficial being adopted at that time-nevertheless it was resolved that as many Englishmen as were in the Country should be enlisted who were indeed now proposing to depart; the third part of these were to be paid by the Commonalty; this promise was made by the Commonalty but was not followed by the pay. *Note M. Their acknowledgment made before the English 16 January, 1648; English style. |