Document: Declaration of Harmen Meyndertsen van den Bogaert and others respecting an attack by the Raritan Indians

We, the undersigned, attest, testify and declare, in place and with promise of a solemn oath if necessary, that in the year 16[ ],[1] being in the Company’s service, we were at the request of the Indians called the Raritangs sent to trade with them by the Hon. Director Willem Kieft. On our coming with the yacht De Vreede to the usual trading place, the said Raritangs, instead of showing the customary friendship and disposition to trade with our people, began to scoff and having brought squirrels on board which they offered to sell to Cors Pitersz they at the same time slapped his face with them. They came on board in large numbers, all armed with tomahawks, sword blades and other weapons, wherefore we, the deponents, on account of the narrowness of the stream, were compelled to float down a little ways, where we anchored. The Raritangs, seeing this, followed in canoes; they came over, all lusty fellows, lifted the kedge and ranged a canoe at each side of the yacht and wanted to tow us back to the above mentioned place, making much trouble, so that we were on our guard and kept close watch of our arms. The Raritangs tried to compel us to put them ashore, which we refused to do, saying: “You have canoes, go ashore in them.” Finally, seeing us on our guard, they dared not make any further attempt. They carried off our canoe against our will, which we could not get back because they were so numerous. Then, at the opportune moment, God the Lord sent a violent storm of wind, thunder, lightning and hail stones, whereby we got away and they on both sides could not prevent us from doing so with their arrows, although the kil is very narrow. All of which the deponents, at the request of the Hon. Willem Kieft, attest to be true and truthful, offering to confirm the same on oath if necessary. This day, the 17th of June anno 1647, in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland.

Harman: A: Bogharde
Harmen Douuesen
Cors Pitersz
Cornelis van Tienhoven