JOURNAL OF NEW NETITERLAND

7

and by the continual damage which their cattle committed caused no little dissatisfaction to theIndians, and contributed greatly to the War. The Commonalty began then to be alarmed, and notwithout 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 returnee?a scoffing answerlaughing at us. Finally, the Commonalty seriously distrusting the Director, suspecting him ofconniving with the Indians, and that an attempt was making to sell Christian blood ;* * * § yea, that thewill of the entire Commonalty was surrendered to him, and in as much as he would not avengeblood they should do it, be the consequences what they may. The Director advised Pacham theSachem, who interested himself in this matter, warning him that we should wait no longer inasmuchas 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 ofmany Women and Children, the remainder fled through a deep snow to the Christians ’ houseson and around the Island Manhatens. They were most humanely received being half dead of coldand hunger ; they supported them for fourteen days, even some of the Director’s corn was sent tothem. A short time after, another panic seized the Indians which caused them to fly to diversplaces in the vicinity of the Dutch . This opportunity to avenge innocent blood, induced some ofthe twelve men to represent to the Director that it was now time, whereupon they received foranswer that they should put their request in writing which was done by three in the name of themall,f by a petition to be allowed to attack those of Hackingsack in two divisions—on the Manhatensand on Pavonia. This was granted after a protracted discussion too Ion" to be reported here, sothat the Design was executed that same night, the Burghers slew those who lay a small mile fromthe fort, 1 and the soldiers those at Pavonia, at which two places about Eighty Indians were killedand thirty taken prisoners. Next morning before the return of the troops a man and a womantrere 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 andslay the Indians thereabout; which was refused, as these especially had done us no harm, andshewed us every friendship—(Yea, had even voluntarily Killed some of the Raritans, our enemies,hereinbefore mentioned) Yet, notwithstanding^ some Christians attempted secretly with two waggonsto steal maize from these Indians which they perceiving endeavored to prevent, thereupon threeIndians 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. TheIndians shewing themselves afar off, called out—Be ye our, friends 1 ye are mere corn stealers—making 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 theIndians, and who being reinforced by an English troop had afterwards undertaken two bootlessExpeditions in the open field—imagining that the Director had accused him, he being one of theS1 gners of the petition he determined to revenge himself.|| With this resolution he proceededto 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.

t Note G. Their Petition dated 24th Feb. 164S.

I At Corlaer’s Hook.

t Note H. Their petition and the answer thereto, dated 27 Feb. 1043.

§ Note I. Contains the information thereupon.

II Note K. His trial therefor.