JOURNAL OF THE SECOND ESOPUS WAR;
BY CAPT. MARTIN KREGIER.
With an account of the Massacre at Wildwyck, (now Kingston,) the names of those killed, wounded, and taken prisoners, by the Indians on that occasion.
1663.
Translated from the original Dutch MS
------------------------------
MASSACRE AT THE ESOPUS
The Court at Wildwyck to the Council of New Netherland:
Right Honorable, most respected, wise, prudent and very discreet Lords.
We, your Honors' faithful subjects have to report, pursuant to the order of the
Right Honorable Heer Director General, in the form of a Journal, that in obedience
to his Honor's order, received on the 30th of May last, we caused the Indian
Sachems to be notified on the 5th of. June, to be prepared to expect the arrival of
the Right Honorable Heer Director General, to receive the promised presents, and
to renew the peace. This notification was communicated to them through Capt.
Thomas Chambers, to which they answered: "If peace were to be renewed with
them, the Honorable Heer Director General should, with some unarmed persons,
sit with them in the open field, without the gate, as it was their own custom to meet
unarmed when renewing peace or in other negotiations."
But they, unmindful of the preceding statement, surprised and attacked us between
the hours of 11 and 12 o'clock in the forenoon on Thursday the 7th instant Entering
in bands through all the gates, they divided and scattered themselves among all the
houses and dwellings in a friendly manner, having with them a little maize and
some few beans to sell to our Inhabitants, by which means they kept them within
their houses, and thus went from place to place as spies to discover our strength in
men. And after they had been about a short quarter of an hour within this place,
some people on horse back rushed through the Mill gate from the New Village,
crying out: "The Indians have destroyed the New Village !''
And with these words, the Indians here in this Village immediately fired a shot and
made a general attack on our village from the rear, murdering our people in their
houses with their axes and tomahawks, and firing on them with guns and pistols;
they seized whatever women and children they could catch and carried them
prisoners outside the gates, plundered the houses and set the village on fire to
windward, it blowing at the time from the south. The remaining Indians
commanded all the streets, firing from the corner houses which they occupied and
through the curtains outside along the highways, so that some of our Inhabitants,
on their way to their houses to get their arms, were wounded and slain. When the
flames were at their height the wind changed to the west, were it not for which the
fire would have been much more destructive.
So rapidly and silently did Murder do his work that those in different parts of the
village were not aware of it until those who had been wounded happened to meet
each other, in which way most of the others also had warning. The greater portion
of our men were abroad at their field labors, and but few in the village. Near the
mill gate were Albert Gysbertsen with two servants, and Tjerck Claesen de Wit; at
the Sheriff's, himself with two carpenters, two clerks and one thresher; at Cornelius
Barentsen Sleght's, himself and his son; at the Domine's, himself and two
carpenters and one laboring man; at the guard house, a few soldiers; at the gate
towards the river, Henderick Jochemsen and Jacob, the Brewer; but Hendrick
Jochemsen was very severely wounded in his house by two shots at an early hour.
By these aforesaid men, most of whom had neither guns nor side arms, were the
Indians, through God's mercy, chased and put to flight on the alarm being given by
the Sheriff. Capt. Thomas Chambers was wounded on coming in from without,
issued immediate orders (with the Sheriff and Commissaries) to secure the gates;
to clear the gun and to drive out the Savages, who were still about half an hour in
the village aiming at their per sons, which was accordingly done. The burning of
the houses, the murder and carrying off of women and children is here omitted, as
these have been already communicated to your Honors on the 10th June. After
these few men had been collected against the Barbarians, by degrees the others
arrived who, it has been stated, were abroad at their field labors, and we found
ourselves when mustered in the evening, including those from the new village who
took refuge amongst us, in number 69 efficient men, both qualified and
unqualified. The burnt palisades were immediately replaced by new tones, and the
people distributed, during the night, along the bastions and curtains to keep watch.
On the 10th inst., 10 horseman were commanded to ride down to the Redoubt
(Rondout?) and to examine its condition. They returned with word that the soldiers
at the Redoubt had not seen any Indians. They brought also with them the
Sergeant, who had gone the preceeding - morning to the Redoubt, and as he heard
of his return of the mischief committed by the Indians in the village, he went back
to the Redoubt and stayed there. In addition to the Sergeant they brought the man
who had fled from the new village.
On the 16th, towards evening, Sergeant Christiaen Niessen went with a troop of
soldiers, sent us by your Honors, being 42 men, and three wagons, to the Redoubt,
with letters for the Manhatans, addressed to your Honors, and to bring up
ammunition from the Redoubt. On their return, the Indians made an attempt, at the
first hill, to take the ammunition from these troops. The Sergeant, having divided
his men into separate bodies, evinced great courage against the Indians,
skirmishing with them from the first, to past the second hill, and defending the
wagons so well that they arrived in safety in the village. He had, however, one
killed and six wounded. The dead man was brought in next morning, having been
stripped naked, and having had his right hand cut off by the Indians. Some of the
Indians were also killed, but the number of these is not known. This skirmishing
having been heard in the village, a reinforcement of horse and foot was
immediately ordered out, but before they arrived the Indians had been put to flight
by the above named Sergeant.
This, Right Honorable Lords, is what we have deemed necessary to communicate
to you in the form of a journal as to how and in what manner the Indians have
acted towards us and we towards them in the preceding circumstances. And we
humbly and respectfully request your Honors to be pleased to send us hither for the
wounded by the earliest opportunity, some prunes and linen with some wine to
strengthen them, and whatever else not obtainable here your Honors may think
proper; also, carabines, cutlasses, and gun flints, and we request that the carabines
may be Snaphaunce, as the peopIe here are but little conversant with the use of the
arquebuse (vyer roer); also some spurs for the horsemen. In addition to this, also,
some reinforcements in men inasmuch as harvest will commence in about 14 days
from date.
Herewith ending, we commend your Honors to God's fatherly care and protection.
Done, Wildwyck this 20th June 1663.
ROELOF SWARTWOUT,
the mark of ALBERT GYSBERTSEN
TIERECK CLASSEN DE WITT,
THOMAS CHAMBERS,
GYSBERT VAN IMBROCH,
CHRISTIAEN NYSSEN,
HENDRICK JOCHEMSEN
LIST OF THE KILLED AT WILDWYCK
MEN.
Barent Gerretsen murdered in front of his home.
Jan Alberts murdered in his house.
Lechten Dirreck murdered on the farm.
Willem Jansen Seba murdered opposite his door.
Willem Jansen Hap murdered in Pieter van Hael's house
Jan the Smith murdered in his house.
Hendrick Jansen Looman murdered on the farm.
Thomas Chambers' negro murdered on the farm.
Hey Olferts murdered in the gunner’s house.
SOLDIERS.
Hendrick Martensen murdered on the farm.
Dominicus murdered in Jan Alberts' house.
Christiaen Andriesen murdered on the Street.
WOMEN.
Lichten Dirreck's wife burnt, with her lost fruit, behind Barent Gerritsen's house.
Mattys Capito's wife killed and burnt in the home.
Jan Albertsen's wife, big with child, killed in front of her house.
Pieter van Hael's wife shot and burnt in her home.
CHILDREN.
Jan AIberts little girl murdered with her mother.
Willem Hap's child burnt alive in the house .
TAKEN PRISONERS.
WOMEN.
Master Gysbert's wife.
Hester Douwe.
Sara the daughter of Hester Douwe.
Grietje, Domine Laer's wife.
Femmetje, sister of Hilletje, being recently married to Joost Ariaens.
CHILDREN.
Tjerck Claessen en de Witt's oldest daughter.
Dominie Laer's child.
Ariaen Gerritsen's daughter.
Two little boys of Mattys Roeloffsen.
KILLED IN THE VILLAGE:
MEN.
Marten Harmensen found dead and stripped naked behind the wagon
Jacques Tyssen beside Barent's house.
Derrick Ariaensen shot on his horse.
TAKEN PRISONERS:
Men.
Jan Gerritsen on Volckert's bouwery.
Women. Children
Of Louwis du bois,...........................1….............3
Of Mattheu blanchan, ........................................2
Of Antoni Crupel, ............................1…...............1
Of Lambert Huybertsen, ...........…..1…...............3
Of Marten Harmensen,................…..1..….............4
Of Jan Joosten,..............................….1..................2
Of Barent Harmensen,.................…..1...................1
Of Grietje Westercamp,................….1...................3
Of Jan Barents,...................................1...................1
Of Michiel Ferre,.....................................................2
Of Hendrick Jochems,....................…......................1
Of Henderick Martensen..................…....................1
Of Albert Heymans...................................................2
Women 8 Children 26
HOUSES BURNT IN WILDWYCK.
Of Michiel Ferre, 1
Of Hans Carolusen, 1
Of Willem Hap, 1
Of Pieter van Hael, 1
Of Mattys Roeloffsen, 1
Of Jacob boerhans, 2
Of Albert Gerretsen, 1
Of Barent Gerretsen, 2
Of Lichten Dirrick, 1
Of Mattys, 1
Houses 12
The new village is entirely destroyed except a new uncovered barn, one rick and a
little stack of reed.
WOUNDED IN WILDWYCK.
Thomas Chambers, shot in the woods
Henderick Jochemsen, shot in his house.
Michiel Ferre, shot in front of his house (died of his wounds on the 16th June.)
Albert Gerretsen, shot in front of his house. -
Andries Barents, shot in front of his house.
Jan du parck, shot in the house of Aert Pietersen Tack
Henderick the Heer Director General's Servant In the street in front of Aert
Jacobson.
Paulus the Noorman in the street.
JOURNAL OF THE ESOPUS WAR 1663.
On the 4th July we entered the Esopus Kill in front of the redoubt with the two
Yachts, and sent the Sergeant Pieter Ebel with 40 men up to the village Wildwyck
to fetch wagons; he returned to the river side about 2 o'clock in the afternoon
accompanied by Serjeant Christiaen Nyssen, 60 men and 9 wagons; they loaded
these and departed with them to the Village where I arrived towards evening. Saw
nothing in the world except three Indians on a high hill near the redoubt.
5th ditto. Returned to the water side with 60 men, 10 horsemen, and 9 wagons to
bring up supplies, but saw scarcely anything on the way.
6th ditto. Made another journey to the shore with 10 wagons and brought up the
remainder of the supplies, but did not perceive anything. In the evening went for
grass with 12 wagons 30 Soldiers and 10 horsemen; then saw 10 or 12 Indians
calling to each other but nothing further transpired.
7th ditto. Went again twice for grass with 50 men and 12 horsemen but saw
nothing. Two Indians arrived at the fort about 2 o'clock in the afternoon with a
deer and some fish. Said they came from the river side and that they had been at
the Redoubt where they had traded some fish for tobacco; that they had left their
canoe at the redoubt, & that they are Wappinger Indians. Meanwhile detained them
and conveyed them to the guard house.
8th ditto. Sunday. About noon came 5 Indians near our fort — they called out to
us to know if we had any Indians in the fort? To which we answered, “Yes”. They
asked why we detained them as they were Wappinger Indians, to which we
answered, they ought to keep at a distance as we could not distinguish one tribe of
Indians from another, and if we found that they had not done any injury to the
Dutch, we should release them. We told them also, that they must keep away from
here, and go home, for if we should meet them in the woods we would kill them as
well as the other Indians - if they were desirous to come here to speak to us, they
must stick up a white flag. Whereupon they answered, 'Tis well, adieu; and
thereupon went their way.
Immediately after their departure, sent out 40 soldiers and 10 horsemen to look
after the cattle, whether they had not been near them, but on reaching these they
did not remark any mischief—they, therefore, returned with the cattle to the fort.
After the afternoon sermon we examined the oldest Indian as to whether he was
not acquainted with some Esopus Indians and whether he would not lead us to
them - gave him fair words and promised him a present; for the Dutch at the
Esopus had told us that some Indians dwelt about two miles from there, wherefore
we were resolved to go in search of them the same evening with 50 men. But this
Indian said to us—Go not there, for the Indians have gone thence and dwell now
back of Magdalen Island (Magdalen island is situate between the Upper and Lower
Red Hook landings. These Indians must there for have been in the town of Red
Hook, Dutchess Co.) on the main land in the rear of a Cripple bush on the east side
of Fort Orange river, and number 8 men 9 women and 11 children; and he even
offered to guide us thither if we had a boat to put us across the river. Whereupon it
was resolved by the Council of War to dispatch two parties that same evening to
procure some craft to put us over the river. I, therefore, sent Sergeant Christiaen
Nyssen and Jan Peersen, each with 16 men, to look up a boat. The same old Indian
betrayed his companion who had come with him on the preceding day into the fort,
stating that he had assisted the Esopus Indians against the Dutch, and for so doing
had received in hand 6 fathom of Sewan, [wampum]; that 9 Wappingers and 30
Manissings were with the Esopus Indians and aided them - also that he said they
were together about 200 Indians strong.
9th ditto. Monday. I marched very early, [with 40 soldiers] and 10 horsemen to
the water side to ride up _____ and planks to construct a Cabin to store the
provisions and ammunition. About ____ o'clock the two detachments I had sent
out in the evening, to look for craft, came to me at the redoubt, but they saw
neither Indians nor boat. They were marched all together to fort Wildwyck and
arrived there at about 12 o'clock. Then sent 30 men with 10 horsemen out scouting,
who returned about 4 o'clock; had seen nothing. About 6 o'clock Peiter Wolfertsen
(Van Couwenhoven) and Lieutenant Stilwil arrived here with their troops; I then
immediately called a Council of War and it was resolved unanimous to set out in
the evening with 20 Soldiers and 12 Indians under the command of Christiaen
Niesen and Peiter Wolfertsen in order to visit the East shore near Magdalen Island,
to see if they could not surprise the Esopus Indians who were lying there. They
took the old Indian along as a guide, who well knew where they lay.
10th ditto I have gone again to the river side with 40 Soldiers and .10 horsemen
to fetch plank. In returning, the horse men on the right flank rode too far from the
foot soldiers and alongside the mountain on which 12 to 15 Savages lay in ambush,
who simultaneously fired a at the horsemen, one of whom they shot through the
boot, and grazed a horse. On hearing this, we immediately reinforced the cavalry
with 25 men, pursued the Indlans through the mountain a good half hour, but they
would not once make a stand; we therefore returned to the wagons, where I had
left 15 men, and marched together to the Village of Wildwyck.
In the afternoon, the scouting party went out again; I sent therewith Lieutenant
Stilwil with 15 men of his Company and Sergeant Pieter Ebel with 28 men & 20
Indians with 10 horsemen. They discovered nothing except a path which the
Indians found, by which savages had recently passed to their fort. They followed
this a long way, but saw nothing. Mean while, they returned all together.
11th ditto. Again sent out a party to the Mountain near the water side, but they
saw nothing. They returned in the evening.
12th ditto. Pieter Wolfertsen & Sergeant Niessen returned with their troops,
bringing with them one squaw and three children whom they had captured. They
killed five armed Indians and a woman. The Esopus Captain (Weldoverste) was
among the slain; they cut off his hand which they brought hither. Had not the
Indian led them astray and missed the houses, they would have surprised all the
Indians who were there to the number of 28, with women and children.
For through the mistake of the Indian, our people first came about midday where
they found the Indians posted and in arms. They immediately fell on the latter and
routed and pursued them. In the chase one of our soldiers was slain. Meanwhile the
huts were plundered wherein they found 19 Blankets, 9 Kettles, a lot of Sewan and
4 Muskets belonging to the Indians who were killed. They returned on board with
the plunder and four prisoners, and arrived safe except one of our Soldiers who
was bit in the leg by a rattlesnake. About 5 o'clock in the afternoon, I went with 60
men to the riverside, to bring up the booty and prisoners; returned to the fort in the
evening; encountered no harm.
13th ditto. Examined the squaw prisoner and inquired if she were not acquainted
with some Esopus Indians who abode about here? She answered that some
Cattskill Indians lay on the other side near the Sagers Kill, but they would not fight
against the Dutch; says also that an Indian on the preceding evening before our
people attacked them, had brought news from the fort of the Esopus Indians that
many Dutch, English and Indians had gone from the Manhatans to the Esopus and
that they should be on their guard, for the Hackinsack Indians had brought the
news to the fort of the Esopus Indians. Then Long Jacob, the Chief who lived there
with the Indians, demanded, What should they do? Should they fly toward their
fort or not? They then concluded to remain there, for the Chief said, Were the
Dutch to come to the Fort and we also were in it, we should be all slaughtered; tis
best for us to remain here on the opposite shore; the Dutch would not learn much
of us; States also further, that the Indian had said that 40 Manissing Indians had
arrived at their fort, and that 40 more were to come on the next day; further says,
that each night they conveyed the prisoners always to a particular place without the
fort and remained themselves therein; says also that they were resolved to make a
stand in their fort, and that they had, moreover, in their fort 9 horses with which
they draw palisades, and had sold a horse to the Mannissing Indians; that the
Indians had also three houses in which they reside, these were 4 hours farther off;
says also, that one Sachem in the fort would advise them to negotiate peace, but
the other Sachems would not listen to it; says also, that the fort is defended by
three rows of palisades, and the houses in the fort encircled by thick cleft palisades
with port holes in them, and covered with bark of trees; says that the fort is
quadrangular but that the angles are constructed between the first and second rows
of palisades and that the third row of palisades stands full eight feet off from the
others towards the interior, between the two first rows of palisades and the houses,
and that the fort stands on the brow of a hill and all around is table land.
Sent also for Mr. Gysbert's wife (She had been taken prisoner as before stated by
the Indians on the burning of the Village of Wildwyck but had effected her escape)
and asked her if it were so? She answered, it was true, and said they had built a
point near unto the water to secure it. Then again examined the Wappinger
prisoner and asked, why he had aided the Esopus Indians? Said it was not true and
that his mate, the old Indian, had belied him. Asked him if he would guide us to
the fort of the Esopus Indians? Answered, Yes; and says the Esopus Indians are
about 80 warriors strong, but does not know how many have come there belonging
to other tribes. Says also that the fort is defended with triple rows of palisades, as
the squaw had stated. Whereupon the council of war decided, firstly to await news
either from above or below as to what the Mohawks had resolved respecting the
prisoners - whether they could have them restored before our troops should
proceed against the fort to achieve the self same thing. On the same day two
detachments went out; one to scout, the other on an expedition, but they returned
in the evening, having seen scarcely any thing.
14th ditto. 50 men were out again in the woods behind the new burnt village and
a scouting party, but hardly any thing occurred' nor was any thins seen
15th ditto. The Heer de Decker arrived here with Jan Davets and 5 Mohawks;
had them conducted from the riverside by 50 men and 10 horsemen. Nothing else
transpired.
16th ditto. The Heer de Decker assembled the Council of War and it was
resolved that Jan Davets accompany the 5 Mohawks to the fort of the Esopus
Indians to see on what terms the Christian prisoners will be restored, but after
divers discourses Jan Davets declined going with them, although the Heer de
Decker had, the day before, drawn up and prepared an Instruction for him, but
before the time appointed he refused to go. Meanwhile it is resolved that the
Mohawks should go thither, and they requested of us that they might take with
them some of our prisoners to present them to the Esopus Indians as a suitable
introduction to obtain some of their prisoners in return, or to induce them to
surrender them. The Council concluded that a captive girl should be given to the
Mohawks and about 63 guilders in Sewan in order to ascertain what they could
accomplish thereby, for it was reported at Fort Orange, as the Heer de Decker
informed us, that the Esopus Indians had said—If they could obtain payment for
the land, named the Great Plot (het groote Stuck,) then they should give up all the
prisoners. Now, it is impossible to determine whether this be so or not. Meanwhile,
the Mohawks who were going thither were directed to inquire about it, and they
promised us to bring us an answer the next day about noon. Had 3 parties out in
the interim; one to the shore to bring cattle, another for wood and a third, scouting.
They returned all at the same time; experienced no difficulty.
17th ditto. Three parties were out in ambush, but saw nothing.
18th ditto. Six sloops arrived here from the Manhatans in which Juriaen Blanck
brought up provisions for our troops; had them conveyed up under a guard; a party
was also in the field to protect those reaping the barley and a party lay in ambush.
They returned towards evening; saw nothing.
19th ditto. Sent out 40 Soldiers and 10 Indians scouting, they did not meet anyone.
In the evening about 7 o'clock, the three Mohawks returned from the Esopus
Indians. They had brought three Indians and two Dutch women and 2 Children
whom they left about two hours from Wildwyck; said, they had been freely given,
and had they not been so tired, they should have brought them with them to the
fort; said the Esopus Indlans had abandoned the fort, and had retired to the
Mountains where they were mostly dispersed here & there hunting.
20th ditto. Sent Jan Davets with 2 Mohawks to the 3 Esopus Indians who were
in the woods with the above named prisoners, to see if he could get, and bring with
him the four prisoners from here, and have a talk with the Indians relative to the
other prisoners; whether they will not restore these to us; returned about noon with
a woman whom one of the Mohawks had fetched; but he, himself, had not been
with the Indians as one of the Mohawks had been taken sick and he was obliged to
remain with him. In the afternoon one of the Mohawks returned thither, he took
with him half a loaf for the prisoners who remained with the above mentioned
Esopus Indians. Being come there, he asked the Esopus Indians whether they
would not entrust the 3 prisoners to him to convey them to the Dutch; whereupon
they allowed him to take the 3 prisoners, with whom he arrived at the fort about 11
o'cIock at night, but under promise as they informed us, that they should have in
return their three prisoners whom we held. The prisoners told us that the Esopus
Indians had fled to a high mountain through fear of the Dutch, and that they lay
here and there in small bands, and that the prisoners were also distributed and
dispersed among them here and there, and were not together and that they would
not trust them in their fort, and that the Indians daily threatened them — Should
the Dutch come thither, we will give you a knock and kill you all at once. Were
thus a long time in terror. Meanwhile we had some scouting parties out, who
returned having seen nothing — had also a party to cut barley; came back safe.
21st ditto. Three Sloops have come from the Manhatans, with which a supply of
provisions for this garrison has arrived in Rut Jacobsen's Yacht. Sent three
convoys to the water side and parties to cut corn; but they saw nothing. Sent for the
5 Mohawks and Jan Davets acting as Interpreter, informed them what insults the
Dutch of Esopus had from year to year experienced and suffered from the Indians,
and that they now even this last time, had murdered and carried off our people,
when we had given them no provocation. Whereupon they answered, Come, give
us a piece of duffels; we shall afterwards go with it and see whether we shall not
be able to recover all the prisoners. It was accordingly resolved by the Heer de
Decker and Council of War, that a piece of duffels should be brought up from the
river side and given them; which being done, they took the piece of duffels, cut it
into three parts, and thus departed with it about 11 o'clock in the forenoon; with
them went Jan Davets with the Squaw and 2 children who had been captured by us
and were released in exchange for the 2 Dutch women and 2 children whom the
Indians had brought back;
22nd ditto. A scouting party went out, but saw nothing.
23rd ditto. A party went to the riverside to bring up supplies, and three, to cut and
draw grain. They experienced no interruption.
24th ditto. Sent for all the wagons to make a journey to the riverside to bring up
the provisions which had been sent hither by the Executive government; but only 4
wagons came. As I required ten, I excused these; Some refused to work for the
Company some gave for answer, if another will cart I also shall cart; some said,
my horses are poor, I cannot cart; others said, my horses have sore backs, and
other such frivolous answers that I was thus unable, this time, to bring up the
Company's stores. Whereupon it were resolved by the Council of War, that the
farmers should not be furnished with any men for their protection in the fields,
unless they would assist in bringing up the Company's Supplies from the water
side. Nay, further— one Tjerck Claesen de Wit, himself a magistrate, would turn
Lieut. Stilwil's Soldiers out of a small house they occupied—he said, he had hired
it, though he had, notwithstanding, neither possession of nor procuration for it, I
gave him for answer, that I should remove them on condition that he, as a
magistrate, would have them billetted in other houses as the men could not lie
under the blue sky, and as they had been sent here by the Chief government for the
defense of the Settlers. But he made no answer to this; and so there are other
ringleaders and refractory people in this place. Meanwhile the convoy which was
ready to conduct the provisions, was dismissed each to its own post until further
orders. At noon I went with a troop of Dutch and Indians to the New Village where
the Heer de Decker himself was; met with no interruption. A party was also out
with the reapers. In the evening Jan Davets and the 5 Mohawks returned from the
Esopus Indians—they brought with them a female prisoner; they would not at
present release any more prisoners, evinced great fierceness and repeatedly
threatened to kill them, both the Mohawks and Jan Davets told—them they should
not release any more prisoners unless they should secure peace thereby, and that
Corlaer and Rentelaer should come to their fort, and bring goods with them to
conclude peace and to redeem the prisoners; said that they must be within ten days
in their fort to conclude peace; said, that they demanded a truce during that time.
Jan Davets also informed us, that he had seen but 4 prisoners in the fort, and that
the others were scattered far and wide; says, there are about 30 warriors in the fort,
and that the others dwelt without here and there; they also said they were
determined to make a stand in the fort, whereupon we have resolved to go in
search of them on the first opportunity.
25th ditto. The Heer de Decker left today for the Manhatans in the company's
yacht, taking with him two of the wounded, and Jan du Parck, Surgeon, and two
soldiers to take care of the sick; two sick Indians left also; sent along with them a
convoy and 9 wagons to bring up the remainder of the goods. They returned and
saw nothing. Also sent out two detachments with the reapers; they did not remark
anything. Convened the Council of War and it was unanimously resolved to send
out an expedition against the Esopus Indians, which should start the next day, if
the weather were favorable.
26th ditto. This following troops set out against the Esopus Indians, having as a
Guide a woman who had been prisoner among them, to wit - of Captain Lieutenant
Cregier's Company, 91 men; of Lieutenant Stilwil's, 30 men; Lieutenant
Couwenhoven with 41 Indians (These Indians were of Long Island); volunteers
from the Manhatans, 6; volunteers from the Esopus 35 men, of whom 11 were
horsemen, and 7 of the Honorable Company's negroes, with two pieces of cannon
and two wagons, the whole party provided each with one pound of powder and a
pound of ball. 2 pounds of hard bread and 1/2 a soft loaf, with 2 pounds of pork
and 1/2 a Dutch cheese; left in garrison at Wildwyck 36 soldiers and 25 freemen.
Marched out about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and came in the evening about two
great miles from Wildwyck, where we remained until the moon rose. We then
started anew, but could not march more than a long half hour on account of the
cannon and wagons, which we could not get through the woods at night. We then
bivouacked until daybreak.
27th ditto. We got on the right road when day dawned and continued our march.
On the way, we passed over much stoney land and hills, and had to tarry at the
swampy, long, broken and even frequent kills where we halted and must cut trees
to make bridges to pass over, and divers mountains were so steep that we were
obliged to haul the wagons and cannon up and down with ropes. Thus our progress
was slow. When about two miles from the Indian fort, sent forward Capt.
Lieutenant Couwenhoven, Lieutenant Stilwil and Ensign Christiaen Niessen, with
116 men to surprise it. I followed, meanwhile, with the remainder of the force, the
guns and wagons, but on coming within a short mile of the fort found the way so
impassable that I was under the necessity of leaving the cannon, as I could not get
it farther. I left 40 men there and gave them orders to fortify themselves and set
palisades around, which they did, and I followed the preceding troop with the
remainder towards the Indian fort. On arriving there, found our people in
possession of it, as it had been abandoned by the Indians two days before. Our
Indians had caught a Squaw in the cornfield, whither she was coming to cut maize.
Now the evening falling, for it was about 6 o'clock when we came to the fort, we
passed the night there, having found 3 horses at their fort.
28th ditto. The Council of War assembled at the breaking of the day and
unanimously resolved to go in search of the Indians to the mountain where the
above mentioned female had been a prisoner, and to take the captured Squaw
along. Whereupon Lieutenant Couwenhoven and Lieutenant Stilwil and Ensign
Niessen were detached with 140 men, and remained in the fort with about 29 men.
The above named troops then set forth towards the mountain and arrived where the
Indians had been; they had left that place also. The captured Squaw being asked if
she did not know where the Indians had fled to, said they were on a great, high
mountain, which she pointed out to them, distant about 2 miles, whither they had
fled with the seven prisoners they had with them; whereupon the officers resolved
to go to the other mountain in search of them, which they afterwards did with their
troops, after experiencing vast difficulty, but found no Indians there. The Squaw
being again questioned whether she did not know where they were? said they had
moved to another mountain, which she pointed out, about 1 mile from there, but
there was no path thither. Being on the brow of the hill our people saw 9 Indians
coming towards them, whereupon they fell flat, intending thus to surprise the
Indians on their approach, but they did not succeed, our people being noticed at a
distance of about 2 musket shots. Eight of them ran off in an oblique direction, and
the ninth attempted to run back to the place whence they had come. As our force
was discovered on all sides, and even our Indians said that no savages could be
caught At this time as they were everywhere fully informed of us, it was resolved
to return to the fort, where they arrived about one o'clock. After they had taken
some rest, I convened the Council of War to determine what was now best to be
done. They unanimously resolved to cut down their corn and burn it, together with
last year's maize, which they still had in pits in great abundance in their corn-fields
and around their fort. Whereupon I went out of their fort with 50 men to a distance
of a full half mile; there cut down several plantations of maize, threw into the fire
divers pits full of maize and beans, returned to the fort at sun-down and saw that
divers Indians and horsemen found some pits with plunder in the vicinity of the
fort, which they brought in. Meanwhile I had the whole party called together, and
told them that all the plunder that was or should be found was to be in common,
and was so understood by the Council of War before we started from our fort.
Whereupon one of the horsemen stepped out of the troop and said to me, What
we've found we'll keep and divide among us horsemen. To which I said, that they
should not do that, for they were under command. Whereupon the horseman,
named Jan Hendricksen, answered - They are under the command of no man but
Long Peter, whom they, forsooth ! called their Cornet, and uttered divers
unmannerly words in presence of all the officers. Upon which I gave him 2 or 3
slaps of a sword, and he seemed as if he would put himself in a posture against me.
But I being close up to his body he could not act as he wished, and I said to him
that I should bring him to an account. This said Jan Hendricksen, with one AIbert
Heymans Roose, acted insolently on the 7th July. Whilst we were examining the
two Wappinger Indians, in the presence of the Schout and Commissaries, in
Thomas Chambers' room a messenger came in and said that two or three boors
were without the door with loaded guns to shoot the Indians when they came forth.
Whereupon I stood up and went to the door-found this Albert Heymans Roose and
Jan Hendricksen at the door with their guns. Asked them what they were doing
there with their guns ? They gave me for answer, We will shoot the Indians. I said
to them, you must not do that. To which they replied, We will do it though you
stand by. I told them in return, to go home and keep quiet or I should send such
disturbers to the Manhatans. They then retorted, I might do what I pleased, they
would shoot the Savages to the ground, even though they should hang for it; and so
I left them. This Albert coming into the Council told the Conmmissaries that one
of them should step out. What his intention with him was I can't say. This by way
of memorandum. Meanwhile arrested Jan Hendricksen.
29th ditto. Four parties went out again to cut down the corn and to burn the old
maize. About -o'clock in the afternoon, Some Indians made their appearance on a
high hiII near the fort and called out to us, that they would come and fight us on
the morrow whereupon we brought the captive squaw out of the fort to speak to
them, and they called out to her that they should now come and fight the Dutch, for
the Dutch had now come and taken their fort, cut their corn and burnt all their old
maize and that they should die of hunger. I said to them, the Dutch had gone in
search of you to the mountain but ye aIways ran away and dare not make a stand.
But the Indians would not give any answer and so went away.
30th ditto. We, in two large parties, each of 80 men, cut down all the corn and
burnt the old maize which rermained in the pits. Returned to the fort, all together,
in the evening, and made preparations to set out in the morning. Meanwhile the
Indians who the day before had called out that their would come & fight us, did not
make their appearance. We cut down nearly one hundred morgens (about 215
Acres - Ed.) of Maize and burnt above a hundred pits full of corn and beans.
31st ditto. In the morning at tile dawn of day set fire to the fort and all the houses,
and while they were in full blaze marched out in good order, Capt Lieutenant
Couwenhoven forming the vanguard, Lieutenant Stilwil's Company the center, and
I with my company the rear guard. So arrived in safety at our fort about 9 o'clock
in the evening with our cannon and wagon:. Remarked scarcely anything on the
way. The road or course from Wildwyck to the fort of the Esopus Indians lies
mostly south west, about 10 [Dutch] miles from our fort.
1st August. In the morning heard two shots from the Redoubt on the river side.
Sent off Ensign Christiaen Niessen with 50 men. He found there the Honorable
Company's yacht in which the Heer Secretary van Ruyven had come. Had him
escorted to the Village of Wildwyck, and did nothing more as it was a day of
Fasting and Prayer.
2nd ditto. Nothing occurred as it rained during the whole day and night.
3rd ditto. The Heer Secretary departed on his return to the Manhatans, accompanied
by Lieutenant Couwenhoven and the Indians being 41 in the whole, who would not
remain any longer; also 5 of the Honorable Company's Negroes. Through great
intercession and promise of better behavior in future, the Council of war pardoned
Jan Hendricksen the faults committed by him and he is released from confinement.
Meanwhile I had two parties in the field with the reapers and one in Ambush. They
saw nothing and returned in the evening. I this day sold, by public beat of drum,
the three horses which we had brought with us from the Indians' fort.
4th ditto. A Mohegan Indian came from fort Orange; he had a pass from
Monsieur Montagnie; brought two letters, one to Mr. Gysbert and one to Hendrick
Jochems; there was hardly any news in them except that they were longing to
receive some intelligence relative to the condition of the Esopus. Convened the
Council of war and invited thereto the Commissaries of the village Wildwyck, and
made this Ordinance and read it to the people, both freemen and military, and had
a copy affixed to each Beat or Post. It is, word for word, as follows:
"ORDINANCE made and enacted by the Captain Lieutenant and the valiant
Council of war at present commanding the troops and Military in the Esopus
or Wildwyck.
Whereas we learn by daily experience that many, as welI military as freemen,
are removing from the Village Wildwyck, without the consent of the Capt
Lieutenant and Commissaries of this Village, Therefore it is necessary that
timely provision be made therefor, so that none may at any time fall into the
hands of the barbarous Indians, our enemies; and that families every day
unnecessarily waste and fire off powder and ball. Therefore the Captain
Lieutenant and valiant Council of war, wishing to provide for and prevent all
inconveniences and mischief which may arise therefrom, have ordered and
directed, as they do hereby order and direct.
1.
Firstly, That no one, whether military or freeman shall, without the consent
of the Captain Lieutenant, Council of war and Commissaries of this place,
depart from this Village of Wildwyck, either in large or small bodies, whether
to cut grain or for any other business whatsoever it may be, lest any of them
may chance to fall into the hands of the barbarous Indians, our enemies; and
if any one remove beyond this village of Wildwyck without consent or proper
convoy, whatever the business or occasion may be, he shall pay a fine of five
and twenty guilders for the first offense; for the second fifty guilders and for
the third offence an arbitrary punishment; And should any one, in violating
and disobeying this order, happen to be captured by the Indians, our
enemies, no expense or trouble shall be incurred for him, inasmuch as he, by
his perverse and stiffnecked course, contrary to this Ordinance, will have
brought down this misfortune on himself.
2.
If any one unnecessarily & perversely waste or fire off his powder and ball,
be it on the departure or arrival of convoys or otherwise, he shall, for the
first offense, pay a fine of three guilders for each shot; for the second offense
six guilders and for the third offense suffer arbitrary punishment, unless
when desirous to discharge his gun, being out of order or wet, he shall ask
permission therefor from his superior or inferior officer. And for the better
observance and obedience of this ordinance, the Captain Lieutenant and
Council of War hereby particularly and imperatively command all Superior
officers, Sergeants, and Corporals to pay strict attention that this Ordinance
be observed and respected. Thus done in the village of Wildwyck by the
Captain Lieutenant, Council of War and the proper Commissaries of said
village, on the 4th of August 1663."
Same date a letter is also sent by the. Mohegan Indians to Christoffel Davids at fort
Orange requesting him to be pleased to come down to the Esopus on important
business which we should then explain and communicate to him.
5th ditto. Thomas the Irishman arrived here at the Redoubt from the Manhatans.
Meanwhile nothing was done as it was Sunday, and no detachments were sent out.
6th ditto. Sent a party of 32 men to lie in ambush, and two detachments with the
reapers. They returned in the evening; perceived nothing.
7th ditto. Three detachments were sent out with the reapers; returned in the
evening without having seen anything.
8th ditto. Sent out Ensign Niessen with a detachment to lie in ambush behind the
New Village which was burnt, and observe the Indians. Also two parties with the
reapers. They came back in the evening without having noticed anything.
9th ditto. Three detachments were again sent out; two in the field with the reapers
and one in ambush. They returned towards evening having perceived nothing.
10th ditto Sent out two detachments; one in the field with the reapers, the other in
ambush behind the recently burnt village, under the command of Ensign Niessen.
They came in towards evening without having observed anything. Some yachts
also touched at the Redoubt bringing letters from the Manhatans which they left at
the Redoubt and then sailed upwards for fort Orange.
11th ditto. Received this morning the letters which the Yachts left at the Redoubt;
had two parties in the field with the reapers; they returned in the evening without
having seen anything.
12th ditto. Sunday. Nothing occurred except sending two convoys to the Redoubt
to relieve the men who lay there and to bring up some stores with Mr. Gysbert's
wife coming from fort Orange who brings news that the Northern Indians had
killed some Mohawks and a Mohegan, whereupon the Mohegans have obtained,
the consent of the Mohawks to build a fort. Nothing else occurred here.
13th ditto. Sent out two detachments with the reapers and one to Iie in ambush.
They returned in the evening; saw nothing. On the same day is made & enacted by
the Captain Lieutenant and the valiant Council of War the following Ordinance for
the maintenance as far as possible of better order, and the observance and
enforcement of discipline among the Military, and read the same before the
Military and freemen and affixed it at each post. It is word for word as follows :
"ORDINANCE made and enacted by the Captain Lieutenant, and the valiant
Council of War commanding the Military in the Esopus and village of
Wildwyck
Whereas some in this Village of Wildwyck who follow the trade of selling
strong drink to the military suffer some of them to get drunk not only on week
days but especially on the Lord's Rest and Sabbath day, unfitting them for
their proper duties, & more especially creating confusion and disorderly
conduct; the Honorable Company's Servants not hesitating to sell, pawn and
pledge their own necessaries for strong drink to the traders in intoxicating
liquors; the traders also receiving the same; yes, even not hesitating to give
them more credit and trust whether they have any thing to the good or not.
Therefore the Capt. Lieutenant and valiant Council of War desirous to
prevent as much as possible all disorders and mischiefs, have therefore
ordained and directed as they hereby direct and ordain:
1.
That none of the military, be his rank whatever it may be, presume to sell or
to pawn for any strong drink any of the stores advanced to him by the
Honorable Company on his monthly wages, for his needs and support, under
a fine of one month's wages.
2.
No one, whether military or freeman, following the business of selling strong
drink, shall presume to take in pledge or endeavor to embezzle any property
belonging to the military in exchange for strong drink, under the forfeiture of
the tapped drink and to return to the owner free of cost and charges the
received property and pay in addition a fine of twelve guilders as often as he
is discovered so doing.
3.
All those who follow the trade of selling strong drink are further warned not
to sell nor furnish any strong drink on the Lord's Rest and Sabbath day much
less entertain any clubs, whether before or after the sermon on pain of
forfeiting the strong drink tapped on that occasion, and in addition a fine of
five and twenty guilders as often as they shall be caught in the act.
4.
Those who sell strong drink are also further warned they take heed not to sell
any to the military either on credit or on account, be it in what manner it may
be, on pain of not being paid therefor, unless on order of his superior officer.
Thus Done by the Capt. Lieutenant and Valiant Council of War in the Village
Wildwyck, this 13th August 1663."
14th ditto. Sent out fifty reapers to the burnt village called the Great Plot, and
sent with them about thirty wagons and Ensign Neissen with a convoy of Eighty
men; gave him orders to remain there all night with the reapers and binders, and
the major part of the wagons and forty men per convoy. The remaining forty men
returned to Wildwyck, and said Ensign with about one hundred and twenty men, as
well reapers and binders as convoys, passed the night at the Great Plot because it
was so distant, and they could not make up more than one sheaf for they could not
begin the work as fresh as they wished. Brought the grain to Wildwyck as soon as
it was cut down. Kept six parties by the way in ambush to protect the said wagons.
However nothing occurred on this day.
15th ditto. Brought more grain from the burnt Village wherefore I kept two
parties in ambush and one with the reapers and two on the road for the protection
of the wagons which went through and fro. Returned in the evening altogether;
observed nothing.
16th ditto. Two parties are again sent out to the field with the reapers; came back
in the evening without having seen anything.
17th Two parties were again sent into the field with the reapers. Returned in the
evening without seeing anything. The Heer Decker arrived here at the Redoubt
from Sort Orange; had him escorted to the Village Wildwyck, but he did not tarry
here long as his Honor was in a hurry to depart again. Had the said Heer de Decker
escorted back to the river side and then he returned to the Manhatans. Nothing
occurred this day. Gave three Englishmen leave to go to and return from the
Manhatans. They belong to Lieutenant Stilwil's Company.
18th ditto. Had three detachments again in the field with the reapers; they
returned in the evening; saw nothing. The Council of War resolved and concluded
to send a party three miles from Wildwyck to some plantations of Esopus Indians
planted with maize; whereupon Ensign Niessen was sent thither with fifty-five
men. They went forth from Wildwyck about ten o'clock at night and had a
Dutchman named Jacob Jansen Stoutenborgh for a guide.
19th ditto. Was this morning with fifty men and sixteen wagons to the burnt
Village to fetch grain; came back to Wildwyck about eight o'clock. Did not see
anything. About noon Ensign Niessen returned with his troop from the Indian
maize land. Neither saw nor noticed any Indians. About three o'clock In the
afternoon Christoffel Davids came from the Manhatans in a canoe. Brought with
him a letter from the Heer General, dated 14th August, brought also a letter from
Pieter Couwenhoven who lay with the Sloop in the Danskamer (six miles north of
Newburgh - Ed.). The letter was dated 17th August, and addressed to me. Its
contents were, That I should be on my guard for he was advised that the Esopus
Indians together with the Manissings and Wappingers were prepared to attack and
surprise our fort in about two days with four hundred men, and that they also daily
threatened him in an insufferable manner; he daily expected the arrival of the
Sachem who had already been four days gone about the captured Christians to
learn what he should then do and what shouId be the issue of it. But he had not
received any intelligence in all that time. He also writes—That the Indians who lay
thereabout on the river side made a great uproar every night, Bring guns and
kintekaying (The Delaware word, Gent'keh'n, to dance, seems to be engrafted here
into the Dutch language. The term is also to be found in Van der Donck's
Beschryvinge van Nieuw Nederlandt, where speaking of the amusements of the
Indians, he says - " The old and middle aged conclude with smoking and the young
with a Kintecaw." N. Y. Hist. Coll.. 2d Ser. i. 204. Again in the Breeden Raedt we
read, "The first of these Savages having received a frightful wound, desired them
to permit him to dance what is called the Kinte Kaeye, a religious custom observed
among them before death...He then ordered him to be taken out of the fort and the
Soldiers bringing him to the Beavers path (he dancing the Kinte Kaeye all the
time.” - Ed.) so that the woods rang again; and he hoped to be with me in two days.
His letter contains divers other circumstances. Christoffel Davids informs us, that
he slept one night with the Indians in their wigwams — that some Esopus Indians
and Sachems were there who had four Christian captives with them, one of whom,
a female captive, had secretly told him, Davids, that forty Esopus Indians had
already been near our fort to observe the reapers and the other people. Whereupon
the Council of war resolved to send for the Sheriff, who being come, an order was
handed him directing him to warn all the Inhabitants not to go from the fort into
the fields without s suitable escort, as directed in the preceding Ordinance of the
4th August. Said Christoffel Davids also informed us that the Indians had on shore
several bowls and gourds with brandy, which they obtained daily from the Sloops,
as the indians had informed him they could get as much as they required and
whatever powder and lead they wanted Now, we cannot determine what this may
amount to, but this I understand - that the woman who is on board the sloop with
Lieutenant Couwenhoven brought four ankers of brandy with her from the
Manhatans, but none of it came ashore here.
20th ditto. Lieutenant Couwenhoven arrived with the yacht at the Redoubt;
brings a Christian woman and boy with him; says he gave about eighty guilders for
the youth, and promised to give our captive squaw for the woman. Left ninety
guilders in pledge for her; the Council of War disapproved of his having promised
the Squaw in exchange as such was not contained in the Director General and
Council's Instruction to him. Says, the Indians promised him to bring in, within
two days, all the prisoners they had, and that he should return with her to them
within that time. Says also, that two Mohawks coming from fort Orange in a canoe
passed his yacht in the Wappingers Kill. They had full four hundred pounds of lead
and over three hundred pounds of powder in the canoe. He would have them on
board but they wouId not; so they passed by. The Dutch woman, who had been
taken prisoner, was brought to bed of a young daughter on entering the Esopus
Kill. Nothing occurred during the day as it rained almost incessantly, and the
farmers could not go out in the herds to reap or to bring in the grain.
21st ditto. The Council of War resolved to send Lieutenant Couwenhoven down
again with the Sloop. I victualled the yacht and gave him five soldiers additional
for his defence; also resolved to give him the two Indians and the Squaw which we
had prisoners, but he is not to leave them out of his hands before we have our
prisoners back. Furnished him also with au Instruction as to how he should act
therein. It reads, word for word as follows:
"INSTRUCTION for Lieutenant Pieter Couwenhoven.
"Wheras Lieutenant Couwenhoven, sent by the Honorable Director General &
Council to release the Christians captured by the Esopus Indians, lay several days
near the Wappinger Indians who acted as mediators in the affair, and as yet could
not effect much except releasing one child and a woman for which woman he
promised to exchange the Squaw who had been captured by us, on condition that
they should then bring all the Chiristian Captives to the river side and release
them; and also promised the Wappinger Indians to take down with him the two
Indians whom we captured. The Council of War, therefore, resolved and
concluded to surrender the two Indians & the Squaw, but on certain conditions and
also by express order of the Heer Director General and Council, according to
instruction accompanying the same, that no prisoners should go, or be released,
unless we first had all our Christians, prisoners, out of their hands.
1.
"Therefore, the said Council of War recommend and order Lieutenant
Couwenhoven not to surrender nor give up any Indian or Squaw unless our
Christian Captives be first released and exchanged and placed in our hands, but he
is at liberty to promise the Indians, if they discharge all our prisoners and restore
them to us, that they shall then again have and regain their prisoners, either in
exchange or in some other manner as shall then be agreed to and arranged.
" Should Lieutenant Couwenhoven see no probability, of obtaining back,
receiving or releasing our captives, and the Indians be obstinately opposed to the
discharge or release thereof he may watch his time and opportunity to seize as
many Esopus Indians as possible, either on land or by inducing them with fair
words to go on board, according as opportunities shall then offer ; or if many
Esopus Indians should come thither with the Christian Captives and refuse to
surrender or give these up, he shall then endeavor to detain them on shore, whether
by means of intoxicating liquors or by any other means he shall at the time judge
most expedient, end then advise us immediately thereof by a yacht that may come
there, in order that we may regulate ourselves accordingly as much as lies in our
power so as to surprise and seize them. Done, Wildwyck, the 21st August 1663."
Escorted said Couwenhoven to the Redoubt on the river's side and he sailed
again to the Wappingers in the yacht. A party was also in the field with the boors;
they returned home without seeing anything.
22nd ditto. Sent out one escort with the reapers and two parties to lie in ambush,
but it commenced raining about noon and they came in. The rain came down in
such torrents that the boors were obliged to take up the Bridge lest it be carried
away as it was three weeks ago. It is to be feared that considerable grain will be
destroyed in the field for want of reapers, in consequence of the great rain that has
fallen, for a great deal of grain lies under water and the farmers on an average have
not harvested above one fourth part of it. Nothing else occurred to day, except that
the great rain carried away several of the palisades of the fort.
23d ditto. Sent an Order to the Sheriff and Commissaries and directed them to
have the palisades of tile fort replaced. It reads word for word as follows:—
" Acte.
" The Sheriff and Commissaries of this Village of WildWyck are hereby
ordered and directed to have replaced and repaired the palisades of this
Fort, which were washed away by tile water, and the same is urgently
required. Done, Wildwyck the 23d August, 1663."
The Answer of the Court of the Village of Wildwyck.
The Court of this Village Wildwyck having seen and read this, find that it cannot
be done at present, inasmuch as the grain in the field is almost ruined, and
it is necessary to draw it home as soon as possible with the aid of all hands.
Wildwyck, 23d August, 1663, (was subscribed) ROELOF SWARTWOUT.
Lower stood — By order of the Worshipful Court of the Village of Wildwyck,
(signed) MATTYS CAPITO, Secretary.
Two detachments were out in the field with the reapers; did not remark any
thing.
24th ditto. Sent out two detachments with the reapers and one in ambush. They
returned in the evening, having seen nothing. Received a letter at night from
Lieutenant Couwenhoven, which he had sent up from the Wappingers creek by an
Indian, a Dutchman and two captive christian children belonging to the wife of the
gunner who was on board the sloop with said Couwenhoven; and as the Indian told
me he had given the captive squaw, whom we had entrusted to said Couwenhoven,
in exchange for these two children, without any hope of a general redemption; and
that he had so thoughtlessly and contrary to orders surrendered this Squaw for the
two children on an uncertainty, not knowing whether he should receive another
prisoner or not; now let him defend himself to the Director General and Council.
said Couwenhoven's letter was to this effect: That he hopes to get all the prisoners,
but that he should be in want of supplies; for the powder he has is good for
nothing, and the cry among the Indians is all for powder and brandy; request me to
send him some, as it was for the public good; that the Sachem had gone with five
men into the interior, and had promised him to return with all the christian
captives; had given him the Squaw in order to succeed the better for us, and he had
a fair prospect for a good delivery. In case it happened otherwise then he should
acquaint me of it, and so forth, as appears by his letter. It is dated the 25th August,
but I received it on the 24th August; this happened through a mistake of his in
writing. Domine Blom departed hence today, with his wife, for the Manhatans; had
him escorted to the river side by Ensign Niessen and forty men. Experienced no
harm on the way.
25th ditto. Sent down the Indian and the Dutchman again to the sloop lying by
the Wappingers, with some bread. Also sent a letter to Lieutenant Couwenhoven,
which reads as follows: " Good friend, Lieutenant Couwenhoven. Your letter came
to hand, and I have noted its contents. In answer to your request for Sewan and
Brandy, I have none, as you well know, and the Council of War does not consider
it prudent to furnish our enemies with powder at this conjuncture. You promise to
do your best for our Christians in captivity' and to get these out of their hands.
Should you not succeed you will act according as you have been already instructed
and told. I send you some bread and request you not to go to the Manhatans, but
first come here to take off the sick and wounded. You can see whether you will not
be able to obtain some sewan and brandy from the passing sloops, for if I had any
and should send them to you, they would run great risk of being plundered on the
way by the Indians. DONE, Wildwyck the 25th August, 1663. Had three parties
out; two with the reapers and one in ambush. They returned in the evening having
seen nothing.
26th ditto. Two escorts were down to the river-side to bring up supplies and
some soldiers' wives coming from the Manhatans; a party lay in ambush behind
the newly burnt village; returned in the evening without having remarked any
thing.
27th ditto. There were two detachments with the reapers in the field and one in
ambush, returned in the evening without meeting any thing.
28th ditto. Had two parties again in the field and one in ambush; returned in the
evening having seen nothing.
29th ditto. Two detachments were out again in the field with the reapers, and one
in ambush. Saw nothing. A soldier of Lieut. Stilwil's company was wounded by his
Sergeant in some dispute respecting orders. Said soldier was arrested and
afterwards examined by the court martial, and it was found that the Sergeant was
as blameworthy as the soldier. The soldier, who is named Thomas Coeck, is
condemned by the court martial to stand sentry with six muskets for the space of
three days, and during one hour each day.
30th ditto. Lieutenant Couwenhoven returned from the Wappingers at the
Redoubt with the yacht, and arrived in Wildwyck with his people and the two
Wappinger Indlans, but released and liberated the Squaw there; could not obtain
any more Christian captives from the Esopus Indians. The Wappinger Sachem had
been with the Esopus Indians at their fort, (which they were erecting anew,) in
order to ascertain if he could not obtain the release of the Christian captives. But
when he had been two to three days with them In their new fort, to negotiate with
them respecting the prisoners, two Mohawks and one Minqua came there with
Sewan and a long message, which rendered the Esopus Indians so ill disposed
towards the Wappinger Sachem that they caused him to depart. He then returned
without receiving any other Christian Captives. He came on board of Lieutenant
Couwenhoven and told the same to him, and said Lieutenant reported it to me.
Now, I cannot imagine what there is in it. Convened the Council of War and they
resolved and concluded to attack with one hundred and twenty men the Esopus
Indians who reside in their new fort about four hours farther than their first fort
which we had burnt. We take with us as a guide one of our captured Wappinger
Indians. Meanwhile issued rations to the people, and orders to start on the
expedition this evening or tomorrow morning; but as it began to rain in the
afternoon we did not set out today. sent an Order to the Sheriff, Commissaries, and
Superior officers of the Village of Wildwyck, which reads as follows :
"WHEREAS another expedition is on foot against our enemies, the Esopus
Indians, the Sheriff, Commissaries and Superior officers of the Burghery
are requested to furnish twenty horsemen from the hired men (Knechts) of
this village of Wildwyck to accompany the military in the attack on the
Indians. Done, Wildwyck the 30th August, 1663."
Answer of the Court to this Order.
"The Court and Superior officers of this Village of Wildwyck having read
the communication sent them by the Captain Lieutenant and Council of War
have at their request convoked the farmers and read to them the aforesaid
demand, whereunto they gave for answer that they were well disposed to do
their best for the public interest, but find at present that the horses fatigued
from the harvest, are unfit to be rode by men. The Court having heard this
answer, hereby request the Captain Lieutenant and Council of War, if it can
be possibly done without prejudice to the public Service, that the expedition
be postponed for six or seven days until the harvest be completed as the
grain yet in the field is already injured. Done, Wildwyck, this 30th August
1663, (was subscribed) ROELOF SWARTWOUT. (Lower Stood) By Order
of the Sheriff, Commissaries and Superior officers of the Burghery in
Wildwyck (signed) MATTES CAPITO, Secretary."
Nothing else occurred today.
31st ditto. It rained somewhat all this day, therefore the expedition must rest for
the present; sent an escort to the river side and victualled the people at the Redoubt
and Sloop. Asked the Sheriff and Commissaries, verbally, whether they could not
get some horses to accompany us in the attack so that we may be able to place the
wounded on them if we happen to have any. After great trouble they obtained six
horses from a few, but spiteful and insulting words from many. One said, Let those
furnish horses who commenced the war. Another said, I'll give 'em the Devil—if
they want anything they will have to take it by force. The third said, I must first
have my horse valued and have security for it; and so forth with much other foul
and unbecoming language, not to be repeated.
1st September. Thomas the Irishman and Claesje Hoorn arrived with their yachts
at the Kill from the Manhatans; sent an escort to the river side; intended to set forth
today but the arrival of the yachts and the escort to the river side prevented this,
and the weather was so lowering and threatened rain so much that we concluded to
start next night towards the break of day; but as it rained the whole night we could
not set out. Nothing else occurred today. A party was out in the field with the
farmers, but nothing happened.
2d ditto. Sunday. The weather continued lowering, and heavy rain fell. In the
afternoon very heavy rain fell again so that we could not stir out. Nothing occurred
during the entire day.
3d ditto. About one o'clock in the afternoon we started from fort Wildwyck,
having of my company two and twenty men; of Lieutenant Stilwil's company, four
and twenty men, and seven freemen, with two of the Honorable Company's
Negroes. We took as guide the young Wappinger Indian, and Christoffel Davids as
Indian interpreter, and promised the Indian his freedom with a cloth coat, on
condition that he brought us truly to the Esopus Indians. We got eight horses with
very great difficulty from the farmers, as they were so very unwilling and could
not be brought to give us any horses, except Thomas Chambers, who, without any
solicitation, presented me with two for the expedition. Several of the others, who
would not give any, used much offensive language to the Sheriff and to the
company's officers, saying—" They will have horses; they may see if they can get
them." Marched that afternoon about three miles from our fort to the creek which
runs past the Redoubt; lay there that night, during which we had great rain.
4th ditto. Found such high water and swift current in the Kill that it was
impossible to ford it; sent six men immediately on horseback to our fort Wildwyck
to fetch rope and axes to make a raft or some other convenience to cross the creek;
they returned to us about ten o'clock; brought three axes and rope. Passed the rope
over the stream in order to hold fast to it so that the people may not be swept far
down the creek. Crossed over with all the men about two o'clock in the afternoon
and marched about four miles further on, where we bivouacked during the night.
Considerable rain fell this afternoon.
5th ditto. Set out again at day break, and about noon came to their first maize
field where we discovered two Squaws and a Dutch woman; who had come that
morning from their new fort to get corn. But as the creek lay between us and the
cornfield, though we would fain have the women it was impossible to ford the
stream without being seen and then discovered. We therefore adopted the
resolution to avoid the cornfield and the road, and turned in through the woods so
as not to be seen. Arrived about two o'clock in the afternoon within sight of their
fort, which we discovered situate on a lofty plain. Divided our force in two —
lieutenant Couwenhoven and I led the right wing, and Lieutenant Stilwil and
Ensign Niessen the left wing. Proceeded in this disposition along the hill so as not
to be seen and in order to come right under the fort; but as it was somewhat level
on the left side of the fort and the soldiers were seen by a Squaw, who was piling
wood there and who sent forth a terrible scream which was heard by the Indians
who were standing and working near the fort, we instantly fell upon them. The
Indians rushed forthwith through the fort towards their houses, which stood about a
stone's throw from the fort, in order to secure their arms, and thus hastily picked up
a few guns and bows and arrows, but we were so hot at their heels that they were
forced to leave many of them behind. We kept up a sharp fire on them and pursued
them so closely that they leaped into the creek which ran in front of the lower part
of their maize land. On reaching the opposite side of the kill, they courageously
returned our fire, which we sent back, so that we were obliged to send a party
across to dislodge them. In this attack, the Indians lost their Chief, named
Papequanaehen, fourteen other warriors, four women and three children, whom we
saw lying both on this and on the other side of the creek but probably many more
were wounded, when rushing from the fort to the houses, when we did give them a
brave charge. On our side three were killed and six wounded and we have
recovered three and twenty Christian prisoners out of their hands. We have also
taken thirteen of them prisoners, both men and women, besides an old man who
accompanied us about half an hour but would not go farther. We took him aside
and gave him his last meal. A Captive Indian child died on the way, so that there
remained eleven of them still our prisoners. The enemy being conquered, we
reviewed our men; found we had one wounded more than we had horses.
Convened the Council of War; submitted to them what was now best for us to do
relative to cutting down the maize. The Counci1 of war decided that we could
indeed cut it down, but were any more of our men wounded, how could they be
removed having already one more than we had horses, and this one must be borne,
with great trouble, on a litter by two. Resolved to let the maize stand for the
present; plundered the houses wherein was considerable booty, such as bear skins,
deer skins, notassen, blankets, elk hides, besides several- other smaller articles
many of which we were obliged to leave behind that we could not bring along with
us, for we could well fill a sloop. We destroyed as much as we could; broke the
kettles into pieces; got also twenty four or five guns, more than the half of which,
we smashed and threw the barrels here and there in the stream, hacking and
breaking in pieces as many as we could. Found, also, several horns and bags of
powder, in all about twenty pounds; got also thirty one belts and some strings of
wampum; took the best of the booty along and resolved to set off. Placed the
wounded on the horses and had one carried in a blanket on poles by two soldiers in
turns. Set out thus in good order on our return and marched that day full two miles
from the fort. The fort was a perfect square with one row of palisades set all round
being about fifteen feet above, and three feet under ground. They had already
completed two angles of stout palisades, all of them almost as thick as a man's
body, having two rows of portholes, one above the other; and they were busy at the
third angle. These angles were constructed so solid and strong as not to be excelled
by Christians. The fort was not so large as the one we had already burnt. The
Christian prisoners informed us that they were removed every night into the
woods, each night to a different place, through fear of the Dutch, and brought back
in the morning; but on the day before we attacked them, a Mohawk visited them,
who slept with them during the night. When they would convey the Christian
Captives again into the woods, the Mohawk said to the Esopus Indians - What! do
you carry the Christian prisoners every night into the woods? To which they
answered - yes. Whereupon the Mohawk said, Let them remain at liberty here for
you live so far in the woods that the Dutch will not come hither, for they cannot
come so far without being discovered before they reach you. Wherefore they kept
the prisoners by them that night. The Mohawk departed in the morning for the
Manessings and left a new blanket and two pieces of cloth which fell to us also as
booty; and we came just that day and fell on them so that a portion of them is
entirely annihilated. Wherefore praise and thanks be given to God Almighty. The
course lies about South South West to the Indians new fort which is distant about
12 miles (this line leads to about Bloominburg, in the town of
Mamakating,Sullivan County, in the vicinity of which it is presumed the above
battle was fought - Ed.) The way is somewhat stoney and hilly, but the road for the
greater part is good. After leaving their fort we marched that day two miles where
we passed the night. Perceived the Indians on the road.
6th ditto. Early in the morning we started anew; were obliged to cross a rapid,
stoney creek, and came this day just beyond the Esopus Kill, which runs by the
Redoubt, where we remained this night, and there died the Indian child, which we
threw into the creek. Saw scarcely any Indians that day on the road.
7th ditto. Started again and arrived about noon at Wildwyck; did not remark any
thing by the way.
8th. An escort attended the reapers in the field; returned in the evening without
having seen any thing. Christoffels Davids departed.
9th ditto. Sunday. Lieutenant Stilwil and Lieutenant Couwenhoven left for the
Manhatans with the sloop; sent with them seven wounded and some sick, together
with seventeen of Lieutenant Stilwil's men and twelve of my company; had them
escorted to the river side. Nothing else occurred today.
10th ditto. Two detachments were out with the reapers and those driving the teams.
Nothing occurred. They returned about three o'clock in the afternoon, as it
commenced raining hard and they saw nothing.
11th ditto. Nothing new; it rained the entire day.
12th ditto. Two yachts arrives at the Redoubt from Fort Orange; had Reyntje
Pietersen and Hans Carolussen escorted up; detached a party in Ambush and one in
the field with those pulling Hemp, but nothing happened.
18th ditto. Nothing occurred as it rained the whole day.
14th ditto. Sent an escort to the Redoubt by the river side. Nothing else transpired,
as it rained again nearly the entire day.
15th ditto. Maet Seeu arrived at the Redoubt with his boat and eight soldiers and
some letters from the Heeren Councillors, dated 13th September. Had him
conducted up to the village of Wildwyck. An ordinance is enacted by the Council
of War; it reads as follows
"ORDINANCE made and enacted by the Captain Lieutenants and valiant
Council of War Commanding the military troops at Wildwyck in the Esopus.
Whereas it is found by daily experience that several of the military do,
without permission of the Serjeant or Corporal, leave their posts or stations
either to work with the farmers or on some other presence, Wherefore the
Captain Lieutenant and valiant Council of War being desirous to provide
therefor, have ordered and directed, as they do hereby order and direct—
1. That no one shall presume to quit his post or station without permission of
the Sergeant or Corporal in command, under the penalty of twenty stivers
for the first offence, 40 stivers for the second, and arbitrary punishment for
the third.
2. No person shall presume to take or steal another's gun, powder or lead in
any manner whatsoever, on pain of corporal punishment, according to the
gravity of the case.
3. Neither shall any person, be he who he may, commence or begin any
quarrel on guard, much less come drunk or to drink there, under a penalty
of twenty stivers for each offence.
4. Every one shall hold himself in readiness with his gun, duly provided with
powder and ball, to appear immediately, or on the first command of the
superior or inferior officer, wherever he may be required, then to await
further orders, and whoever acts contrary or disobeys herein shall be
arbitrarily punished according to his deserts, pursuant to the sentence of
the Court Martial.
5. No one shall go from one guard or post to another without taking with
him his proper hand and side arms, so that he may be immediately prepared
to defend himself in case of alarm, under a penalty of twenty stivers for each
offence, and as often as he shall be found disobeying herein.
THUS DONE by the Capt Lieutenant and valiant Council of War, in
Wildwyck, this 15 September, 1663."
Nothing else occurred, inasmuch as it was again rainy weather.
16th ditto. Sunday. Nothing occurred and no detachment was sent out.
17th ditto, Maet Seeu left again with his boat; took with him two sick, Peter
Andriessen and Jan Coppenou and two horses for Monsieur Verlet and sundry
empty barrels for the Honorable Company; had him escorted to the Redoubt by 32
men. Thomas the Irishman arrived today at the Redoubt and a small straw cabin in
which a soldier resided was burnt, but nothing can be ascertained as to how the fire
originated. Meanwhile the Soldier lost all his property. Nothing else occurred this
day.
18th ditto. Presented the following request to the Magistrates of this village of
Wildwyck. "Whereas the Heer Director General and the Heeren Councillors have
written to us here that it is their intention to send hither, by the first opportunity,
additional Soldiers and a party of Marseping Savages, to seek out and subdue as
much as possible the Esopus Indians, our enemy, the Captain Lieutenant and
Council of War, therefore, request the Sheriff and Commissaries of this village of
Wildwyck to be pleased to allot two or three houses in this village to lodge,
provisionally, the aforesaid force whenever it shall arrive. This doing, our
friendship shall follow. DONE, Wildwyck, 18th September 1663." Answer of the
Court as follows:—" The W. Court having looked around at the request of the
Capt. Lieutenant and Council of War for proper lodgings for the coming forces,
have induced Pieter Jacobsen to give his mill for 40 to 50 Soldiers, and the W.
Court will do its best to find out quarters for the Savages. DONE, Wildwyck, this
18th September 1663. (was subscribed) ROELOF SWARTWOUT. (Lower stood)
19th ditto. Thomas the Irishman sailed for the Manhatans; had him escorted. Two
detachments were out in the field with the reapers, but saw nothing.
20th ditto. Two detachments were out at the Great Plot by Tjerck's to cut oats and
to plough; they returned in the evening having seen nothing.
21st ditto. Two detachments went out again; one with the ploughers, the other with
those drawing home the oats, bitt they did not see any thing.
22d ditto. Another detachment was out in the field with the ploughmen; saw
nothing. Sent a party about midnight along the Kill where some maize lay; distant
South from Wildwyck about 2 hours march; but on arriving there found only a
small patch of maize, as it had all been plucked by some straggling Indians or
bears. Our people took away the remainder, but twas of little value. The Indian
prisoners whom we hold had first informed us, to day, that a small spot of corn had
been planted there principally to supply food to stragglers who went to and fro to
injure the Christians. Should they come again they'll not find any food.
23d ditto. Sunday. Nothing particular. Towards evening sent a convoy to the river
side to bring up bread for the garrison. About eleven o'clock that night sent out a
party to the Sager’s little kill in an easterly (“Oostlyck” This must evidently be an
error, as they could not go 3 Dutch or 9 English miles from Kingston in an easterly
direction. It is presumed that "northeasterly " was intended, in which direction
Saugerties lies. - Ed.) direction from our village of Wildwyck about three miles
from our fort, having been informed that there was some maize there, to see if they
could not remove it thence, either by land or water.
24th ditto. Monday. The party that was sent out in the night returned home about
two o'clock in the afternoon; they were at Sager's Killetie, on the Indians maize
plantation, but saw no Indians nor any thing to indicate that they had been there for
a long time, for the maize had not been hoed, (aangehoocht) and could not come to
its full growth, but had been much injured by the wild beasts; neither will any of it
reach perfection, except one plantation which was good, having been hoed by the
Indians. Twas, however, much injured by the wild beasts; each of our people
brought a load of it home on his back, and left some more standing, which we will
when convenient bring hither. They also say that it is beautiful maize land, suitable
for a number of bouweries and for the immediate reception of the plough. Had an
escort in the field to bring in the oats and buckwheat, and sent one to the Redoubt,
as Domine Blom had arrived in the Spaniard's yacht, and some supplies had also
been sent from the Manhatans by the Heeren Councillors for the troops in the
Esopus. Otherwise, nothing particular occurred to-day.
25th ditto. Had an escort in the field with the ploughmen, and sent one to the river
side to fetch up supplies or provisions. A soldier named Jurien Jansen fell out of a
canoe at the Redoubt and was drowned; he was reaching for a squirrel and the
canoe thus upset and he was drowned. Nothing else occurred to-day except
sending some horses and wagons to fort Orange which were required by the
owners.
26th ditto. Lieutenant Couwenhoven arrived at the Redoubt and Wildwyck with
some Marseping Savages. Sent a detachment to the water side to fetch up some
supplies. Inasmuch as Lieutenant Couwenhoven has arrived at Wildwyck, and the
gunner's wife has again brought a quantity of strong drink along, which she retails
as well to Indians as to Christians, without making any exception as to habitual
drunkards, and furnished them with so much that they cannot distinguish even the
door of the house, and then, coming out, fight with and strike the Indians.
Therefore, desirous to prevent all mischiefs which might arise from strong drink,
the rather as an expedition is again about to set out, according to letters from the
Supreme Council, and in order to have sober and proper men to march at the first
command of the officers,. the Capt Lieutenant and valiant Council of War have,
for the present, sent an order to the Sheriff of this Village, which reads as follows -
" The Capt Lieutenant and valiant Council of War having orders from the Supreme
government to get up another expedition, and the entire military, and the Natives
our friends, the Marseping Indians. being here also holding themselves in readiness
to set out at the first command of the officers. The Capt Lieutenant and valiant
Council of War do therefore hereby authorize and order Sheriff Swartwout of this
village to notify and forbid the tappers or retailers of strong drink who follow the
profession of selling liquor in this village, that they do not under present
circumstances sell strong drink to any one, be he Christian or Indian, under the
forfeiture of the intoxicating liquor that may be found in his house. Done,
Wildwyck, 26th September, 1663." Meanwhile, nothing else occurred to-day.
27th ditto. An escort was in the field with the ploughmen and one to the river side
to fetch up provisions. Nothing else happened.
28th ditto. The Council of War engaged Derrick Smith to remain at the Redoubt
with his yacht until we return with the troops from the expedition, in order to carry
back the forces and Marseping Indians, and agreed with said Smith that he shall
have in Sewan eight guilders light money per day. A detachment was out in the
field with the ploughmen; 10 to l2 of our Indians were out in the bush shooting.
They returned in the evening; say that they have discovered signs of where the
Indians are gone to. Nothing else occurred to day.
29th ditto. Convened the Council of war and resolved and concluded to set out on
another expedition against the Esopus Indians next Monday being the 1st of
October, and each man shall be furnished with three pounds of biscuit, one pound
of powder and one pound of ball for the expedition. An order is also given to the
Sheriff and Commissaries as follows—" Whereas by orders from the Director
General and Council of New Netherland an expedition is about to set out against
the Esopus Indians, our enemies and sixteen horses are required to accompany and
to be used by said expedition, the Capt. Lieutenant and Valiant Council of War
therefore request the Sheriff and Commissaries of this Village of Wildwyck to
supply said horses from the inhabitants by the first of October proximo, being next
Monday. Done, Wildwyck the 29th September 1663." A detachment was the field
with the ploughmen, and one to the river side; Saw nothing.
30th September, Sunday afternoon, caused powder and ball to be distributed to the
soldiers and Indians; one pound powder, one pound lead each, with three pounds
biscuit for this expedition. Nothing else happened to day.
1st October being Monday, we marched from Wildwyck with these following
troops; of the Military 102 men; of the Marseping Indians 46 men; of the freemen
6; with 14 horses obtained from the farmers of Wildwyck for the use of the
expedition so as to be able to accommodate the wounded, should we have any.
Marched with these troops about 9 hours and arrived in the evening about 7 miles
from Wildwyck where we passed the night. Experienced scarcely any trouble
through the day; had considerable rain in the night.
2nd ditto. Started again with our troops and about two o'clock in the afternoon
came to the fort of the Esopus Indians where we had attacked them on the 5th
September and there found five large pits into which they had cast their dead. The
wolves had rooted up and devoured some of them. Lower down on the Kill were
four other pits full of dead Indians and we found, further on three Indians with a
Squaw and a Child that lay unburied and almost wholly devoured by the ravens
and the wolves. Sent out, immediately a party of Dutch men and Indians four miles
beyond the fort in a South westerly direction where our guide presumed some
Esopus Indians would be, but on comlng there discovered nothing but some
wigwams which had been a long time abandoned by the Indians. Meanwhile I had
been over the Kill with a party of men and pulled off the corn and threw it into the
Kill. The troops returned in the evening without having seen any Indians. About
two miles from the fort perceived the trail of two Indians who had gone across the
mountain; supposed to be strange Indians; The trail was a day old.
3rd ditto. Early in the morning dispatched a party of soldiers and Indians into the
woods to see if they could not find any Indians; sent a detachment again over the
Kill to pull up the maize and throw it into the Kill. In the afternoon sent two other
detachments into the corn fields to throw the maize into the creek, as the corn
which stood about the fort was all thrown into the Kill by the evening. After
sundown our party returned without having captured or discovered any thing.
4th ditto. We pulled up the Indian fort and threw the palisades, one on the other, in
sundry heaps and set them on fire, together with the wigwams which stood around
the fort, and thus the fort and houses were destroyed and burnt. About 10 o'clock
we marched thence down along the creek where lay divers maize plantations,
which we also destroyed and cast the corn into the creek. Several large Wigwams
stood also there which we burnt. Now, having destroyed every thing, we marched
that day, on our return, about four miles further, where we remained with the
troops that night by a small creek, the rain falling the entire time. Two Hackinsack
Indians who had come up with the Marsepings stayed behind at the fort. They told
the Chief that they should return home from thence, as they could reach
Hackinsack as soon as Esopus, but the Chief did not mention it to us until we had
marched back some two miles. These two Indians had, each, a gun from the
Esopus, which they took away with them.
5th ditto. Still raining incessantly; but we again resumed our homeward march to
Wildwyck. This night one of the farmers' horses strayed away; searched for it this
morning everywhere, but could not find it. Meanwhile continued our march, and
arrived in the evening at Wildwyck. Saw nothing on the road. The course from
Wildwyck to the Indians burnt fort lies mostly South Southwest across several
large creeks, some of which are breast-high, some not so deep. The way is very
bad and hilly; in some places is very fine land.
6th ditto. Had two escorts to the river side i nothing else occurred today
7th ditto. Sunday. At break of day sent out forty soldiers with twenty Indians to the
Sagers Killetje, lying easterly (Oostwaerts) from. Wildwyck, where there were two
fields planted with maize, for the purpose of destroying this and throwing it into
the creek; they returned in the evening each with a load of maize having thrown
the remainder into the creek. About noon, to day, a girl was brought up from the
Redoubt who, the day before had arrived on the opposite bank there and was
immediately conveyed across the stream. When the girl came to Wildwyck she
was forthwith asked, where she came from ? Said, she had escaped from an Indian
who had taken her prisoner, and who resided in the mountain on the other side of
the creek about three miles from Wildwyck where he had a hut and a small patch
of corn which he had pulled and had been here about three weeks to remove the
corn. The Council of War forthwith resolved to send thither forty men to try and
catch him, whereupon Ensign Niessen with 36 soldiers and Lieutenant
Couwenhoven with 5 Indians were ordered out. They marched from Wildwyck
about noon and crossed over at the Redoubt. They reached the hut about sunset
which, having completely surrounded, they surprised, but found it empty. The
Indian had abandoned it before their arrival: They found a lot of corn near the hut,
and another lot at the kill, part of which they burned and brought a part here.
Remained in the hut during the night and watched there.
8th ditto. About ten o'clock the troops returned to Wildwyck. Convened the
Council of War and resolved and concluded to send off Lieutenant Couwenhoven
and the Marseping Indians and about forty of our soldiers to the Manhatans on the
morrow being the ninth of October. The Council of War also resolved to send
down all the Indian prisoners likewise to the Manhatans being eleven Esopus
Indians, big and little and one Wappinger,
making twelve in all, as there is no probability of their being redeemed here, none
of the Esopus Indians coming here to speak to or enquire after them. Nothing else
occurred today.
9th ditto. Lieutenant Couwenhoven departed in Dirick Smith's yacht, took with
him all the Marseping Indians and 40 of the military. Sent no escort to the river
side with them. Nothing else happened The horse which we left on the expedition
returned back to Wildwyck today.
10th ditto. A detachment was out in the field with the ploughmen - they returned
about noon as it began to rain hard. Louis, the Waloon, went today to fetch his
oxen which had gone back of Juriaen Westphaelen's land. As he was about todrive
home the oxen, three Indians, who lay in the bush and intended to seize him,
leaped forth. When one of these shot at him with an arrow but only slightly
wounded him, Louis, having a piece of a palisade in his band, struck the Indian on
the breast with it so that he staggered back, and Louis escaped through the kill, and
came thence and brought the news into the fort, whereupon two detachments were
instantly despatched to attack them, but they had taken to flight and retreated into
the woods. And although a party searched for them an hour they could not discover
them; they thereupon returned to Wildwyck . No other harm was done by the three
Indians. This evening the Company's yacht arrived at the Redoubt. Nothing else
occurred to day.
11th ditto. Two detachments were in the field with the ploughmen and one in
ambush; returned in the evening without seeing any thing.
12th ditto. Two parties were again in the field with the ploughmen. About noon,
to day, Reyntje Pieters came from fort Orange with his yacht in which also arrived
Thomas Chambers and Evert Pels. Brought news that Peter the Fleming, residing
on the East shore opposite Bethlehem had been warned by a Mohawk to depart if
he wish not to be killed, for he said that all the Indians on the East side of fort
Orange river had assembled and were to come in five days to attack fort Orange.
This Indian had given him this warning, he being his great Nytap (n Algonkin
word meaning, "Friend" Ed.) and the Mahicanders and the Cattskill Indians had alI
abandoned their maize plantations; yea, had offered to sell divers maize plantations
to the Dutch for a piece of cloth. Peter the Fleming brought this news to Fort
Orange on Monday, being the 7th of October, the day before he left fort Orange
with the yacht. Now, the result hereof time will determine. I also received a letter
from Cattskill, from Elbert Herbertsen which I enclose to your Honors. It is dated
26th September. In like manner Capt Thomas Chambers informs me that many of
the Dutch of Fort Orange are removing in canoes the corn from the Indians
plantations which had been abandoned by the Indians. This Mohawk had also said
that five Indian Nations had assembled together; namely the Mahicanders, the
Catskills, the Wappingers , those of Esopus besides another tribe of Indians that
dwell half way between Fort Orange and Hartford. Now, time will tell what there
is herein. He said their place of meeting was on the east side of the fort Orange
river, about three miles inland from Claverack, and that they were about five
hundred strong. Sent two escorts to the river side to fetch up the Honroable
Company's goods. They returned to Wildwyck together with the detachments that
had been out in the field with the ploughmen. Saw nothing.
13 ditto. The Company's yacht returned to the Manhatans; the same day two
yachts also arrived from the Manhatans and sailed for fort Orange, after having
touched at the Redoubt. A detachment was out in the field with the plough men
and one in ambush, and I sent an escort to the river side. The beer sent up by the
Heer General was likewise distributed, to day, to the soldiers. Nothing else
occurred.
14th ditto; Sunday—nothing to note except that I sent a convoy in the evening to
the river side to drive up some cattle which had arrived from Fort Orange.
15 ditto. Communicated another Order to the W. Court relative to the non repairs
of the fortress of Wildwyck. It is verbally as follows .
" WHEREAS an Acte dated 23d August has been communicated
to the Schout & Commissaries of this Village Wildwyck respecting the repair of
this fortress of Wildwyck and nothing resulted therefrom to this date, the Capt.
Lieutenant and Council of War do, therefore, again recommend and order the W.
Court of this Village of Wildwyck to cause the said fortress to be properly secured
by the Commonalty of this Village against all unexpected attacks as necessity
requires it, and the fort lies open at divers points as the W Court can itself see in
what state it at present is: Wherefore the W. Court of this Village of Wildwyck is
again condescendingly requested to be pleased to give orders to repair the above
mentioned fort in a proper manner, and in default thereof the Capt. Lieutenant and
Council of War, do hereby protest, should any attack be made by our enemies on
this fortress, that they hold themselves guiltless thereof, this fortress being at
present incapable of defence - and there appears no disposition as yet to repair it
although the said Capt. Lieutenant and Council of War will perform their duty
with the force entrusted to them by the Supreme Government and shall constantly
hold themselves in readiness, both in garrison and in the field, to maintain this
place for the public interest, trusting that the W. Court will please to give order
herein to their Commonalty for the proper reparation thereof, which awaiting &c.
Done, Wildwyck 15th 8ber 1663."
Two convoys were out in the field with the ploughmen and one in ambush; saw
nothing during the day. Hans the Norman arrived at the Redoubt with his yacht
from fort Orange; reports that full seven thousand Indians had assembled at
Claverack, on the east side, about three miles inland, but he knows not with what
intent. Now what this can mean, whether lt be true or not, we cannot determine,
but in my opinion it looks somewhat like fiction. meanwhile, nothing else
occurred.
16th ditto. Two detachments were again in the field with the ploughmen, and an
escort was also down to the river side. They returned and nothing else happened
17th ditto. Two detachments were again abroad with the ploughmen, and
likewise one in ambush and had another as an escort to the river side. Nothing
occurred today. An Ordinance was, this day, drawn up by the Council of War for
the Soldiers at the Redoubt and posted there It reads as follows:
"ORDINANCE made by the Capt. Lieutenant and. Valiant Council of War
commanding the military troops at Wildwyck, and dependancies, for the
military stationed at present at the Redoubt.
"WHEREAS by daily experience we learn that some remove from the
Redoubt to the village of Wildwyck without the consent or order of the Capt.
Lieutenant or other officers, the Capt. Lieutenant and Valiant Council of
War, therefore, wishing to prevent all irregularities and infractions of
military discipline herein order and direct the officer and the military under
his command stationed at the Redoubt, not to remove himself, from the
Redoubt, much less to send any of his command hither to the Village of
Wildwyck without proper consent of the Capt Lieutenant or other
Commander who represents him for the time, nor without being
accompanied by a proper escort on pain of being arbitrarily punished by
Court Martial. Thus done by the Cspt. Lieutenant and Valiant Council of
war in the fortress Wildwyck the 17th 8ber, 1663."
18th ditto. Received an answer from the Court of this village to the Order sent to
them the 15th October, respecting the non repair of the fortress Wildwyck. It reads
as follows:
" The W. Court having read the order dated the 15th 8ber, sent hither by the
Capt Lieutenant to the W. Court, which is therein requested to repair and
renew the palisades of this Village of Wildwyck, so that the same may be in a
state of defence, the W. Court finds that necessity requires that this village
be properly secured and protected by setting up of good palisades; the W.
Court, therefore, orders and directs that each farmer shall duely set up and
repair the old, with new, palisades in front of his lot; and the others, being
inhabitants or Burghers occupying 34 lots in this village, shall be obliged
properly to repair and set up new palisades in place of the old, from the
Water gate along the curtains unto the lot of Arent Pietersen Tack, the new
palisades being at least two feet in circumference, but the thicker the better,
and 13 feet in length, according to the circumstances of the case to be
determined by the W. Court.
This renewal and setting up shall commence next Monday, being the 22d
October. Wherefore every inhabitant is hereby notified to appear at 7
o'clock on the day aforesaid, at the gate near Hendrick Jochemsen's, there,
as his name is called, to proceed to work aforesaid, and to continue at it
until the same shall be completed' on pain, in case of neglect or
unwillingness, of paying for the first offence three guilders; for the second
offence double as much, and so on adding three guilders Thus Done at the
Court of the Sheriff and Commissaries of this village Wildwyck, this 16th
October, 1663,
(Under written) By order of the Sheriff and Commissaries aforesaid.
(Signed) ) MATTHEUS CAPITO, Secretary.
Two detachments were out in the field today with the ploughmen, and one at the
Redoubt by the river side. Nothing else was done to day.
19th ditto. Two detachments were out again with the plough men, and one to the
river side; a party was, also, in ambush to make some discovery; but did not see
any thing.
20th ditto. Three detachments were out in the field again with the ploughmen,
and one in ambush, but did not remark any thing. An escort was also down to the
river side at the Redoubt.
21st ditto. Sunday; nothing occurred.
22d ditto. Three detachments were again out with the ploughmen, and one in
ambush as scouting. An escort was likewise sent down to the river side; they did
not see any thing.
23d ditto. Three detachments were again out with the ploughmen, but saw
nothing.
24th ditto. Two parties were again out in the field with the ploughmen, and I was
until evening; with a party in ambush, but did not perceive any thing.
25th ditto. Two escorts were again in the field with the ploughmen, and one to
the river side. Nothing happened.
26th ditto. An escort was in the woods with those cutting palisades, and another
party was in ambush, but saw nothing.
27th ditto. An escort was in the field with the ploughmen, and one in ambush,
and another to the river side. Nothing else was done.
28th ditto. Sunday. Nothing occurred.
29th ditto. Two parties were out; one with the wood cutters, the other in
ambush—but saw nothing.
30th ditto. A detachment was in the woods with those cutting palisades, and a
party to the river side, and also a troop in the woods scouting; did not see any
thing.
31st ditto. Gerrit Abel was tried before the Valiant Court Martial for his offence
committed on the 29th October and is sentenced by the Court as follows .—
"WHEREAS Gerret Abel being in command at the Redoubt, hath in
contravention to the ordinance dated 17th 8ber enacted by the Valiant
Council of War and posted at the Redoubt, proceeded to the village of
Wildwyck on last Monday the 29th October, without leave, escort or any
necessary business, but merely to get drunk, as actually happened, which
being notified to the Capt Lieutenant, he caused him to be placed under
arrest, and to be tried this day, 31st October, before the Valiant Court
Martial and prosecuted for this his committed offence, for which the Capt
Lieutenant demands the Valiant Council of War duly to punish the accused
Gerret Abel.
The accused gave as an excuse for his coming here to Wildwyck that he
wanted to get a skepel of wheat ground, and as it could not be immediately
ground a for him, he was to a friend's with whom he drank half a pint. And
the accused having heard the charge aforesaid, acknowledges to have
transgressed the ordinan,ce above mentioned, and supplicates herein, not
justice but mercy.
"The Valiant Council of War having maturely considered this matter; that a
soldier and more especially one who is in command over others hath
deserved punishment for his committed offence according to the complaint
and confession; seeing that the prisoner's excuse hath no foundation,
sentence the accused Gerret Abel, to be dismissed from his post of Cadet
(Adelborst) and to be reduced to the ranks (Schildergastendienst te doen) at
8fl per month, and to remain at the Redoubt until further orders, he Gerret
Abel being unfit to perform the duty of Cadet. Done at Wildwyck the 31st
0ctober 1663.
(Subscribed) MARTEN CREGIER, CHRISTIAEN NIESSEN, THOMAS
CHAMBERS, EVERT WILLEM MUNNICK, JAN PEERSEN, JONAS
RANTSON."
Same day, a detachment was out in the woods with the wood cutters and one in
ambush scouting, but they did not see any thing.
November the 1st A party was in ambush and a detachment with the wood
cutters; saw nothing.
2nd ditto. A detachment was out with the wood cutters and another in ambush to scout.
3d ditto. A detachment was down at the river side to carry rations to the people at the Redoubt, and another party was at the Great Plot, but did not notice anything.
4th ditto. Sunday. Nothing done
5th ditto. An escort was down to the river side to bring up some supplies and people that had arrived from the Manhatans in Lucassen's yacht, they being freemen belonging to Wildwyck. A party was also out in the bush with the wood cutters. Nothing else happened.
6th ditto. Ordered two soldiers to accompany Arent Moseman to Beeren island near fort Orange (this island is opposite Coeymans. -Ed.) An escort was also to the river side and being near the Redoubt lay there in ambush until the evening, but saw nothing. Another party 25 in number was at the Great Plot; they returned in the evening, without having remarked any thing.
7th ditto; Wednesday. This being a day of Prayer (Bededag) nothing was done. In the evening Pieter Wolfertsen arrived at the Redoubt with Rut Jacobsen's yacht; brought with him two Christian children which he had in exchange from the Esopus Indians for a Squaw with a big girl; brought back the other Indian prisoners; brought also the Wappinger Sachem whom Couwenhoven had detained in the yacht; says a Christian woman is kept a prisoner by the Wappingers, and that he had detained the Chief in her stead until they should surrender the Christian woman. Nothing else occurred. Sent an escort to tile river side to bring up the two captive children. Couwenhoven said that he has concluded a ten days’ truce with the Esopus Sachem.
8th ditto. Have been, myself, with an escort to the river side to bring up to Wildwyck the Esopus Indian prisoners & the children with the Wappinger Indian captive, being in all 9 in number. On arriving at the shore, found the Wappinger Chief and also one of his Indians on board Rut Jacobsen's Yacht. Asked Lieutenant Couwenhoven, what were these two Indians for? Said it was the Sachem of the Wappingers with one of his Indians whom he had brought along but not as a prisoner— had come willingly on board as a friend. Asked him, if he would wish to return home and endeavor to let us have the female christian captive? To which he answered, yes; says, he will bring her himself in six or seven days. Whereupon the Council of War decided that he and the Indian with him, should be released, and as they were at present our friends and had renewed peace we promised him ifhe brought back the Christian woman we should then let his brother go together with another prisoner. Whereunto he said, 'Tis well; gave him a bark canoe & let him go. Nothing else happened today as it rained unceasingly.
9th ditto. It still rained considerably. Sent an escort to the river side; Rut Jacobsen sailed with his Yacht for fort Orange. Nothing else happened.
10th ditto. A detachment was out with the wood cutters; nothing else occurred.
11th ditto. Sunday nothing was done except sending a party to the river side with bread for the people in the Redoubt.
12th ditto. A detachment was out in the bush with the woodcutters. Nothing else transpired.
13th ditto. The Company's Yacht arrived; brings some provisions for the garrison; also arrived at the Redoubt a Wappinger Sachem with eight Indians, bringing a female Christian Captive whom he had purchased from the Esopus Indians and which he had promised us on the 8th inst. on board Rut Jacobson's Yacht. The Council of War resolved that he and his attending Indians should be brought up to Wildwyck; they were accordingly conducted up by Lieutenant Couwenhoven and Captain Thomas Chambers and brought to Wildwyck. Sent for him to the Council of War and asked, what he had to communicate, He answered, I am come to perform my promıse which I gave on board the Yacht at the Redoubt, to bring in the Christian Woman whom I bought from the Esopus Squaw, and I bring and present her to you now, because we are both friends. Whereupon we thanked him and said, that we should speak together on the morrow. Lodged them in Capt. Chambers house and had food furnished them. Meanwhile a detachment went down to the river side. Otherwise nothing occurred today.
14th ditto. The Council of War met again and resolved to release the Wappinger
Indian, and to give him back to the Chief with one of the Esopus captive Squaws,
pursuant to our pre vious promise, made on the eight of November to the
Wappinger Chief, on board the Yacht at the Redoubt. Invited the Chief and his
Indians into the Council chamber and presented him the Esopus Squaw and a little
sucking infant, which they took; presented him also with two pieces of cloth in
token of friendship. The Chief then requested that we should live with him in
friendship, which should be preserved by him. He gave us, in token thereof, a bow
and arrow and said, I will not make war against the Dutch, but live in peace with
them. We promised him Likewise; gave each other the hand, and the said chief
promised us to do his best to obtain back for us all the prisoners from the Esopus
Indians that a mutual exchange should be made; for tomorrow being Thursday, the
Esopus Sachem would then come with the prisoners according to the promise he
gave Lieutenant Couwenhoven and the provisional truce agreed upon for ten days
with him, for he had promised to fetch the Christian prisoners to the Redoubt in the
space of ten days, to be then exchanged one for the other. Now, what the result will
be when the ten days are expired, time will tell. So they again departed well
satısfied. Gave them an escort to conduct them to the river side, and the Council
resolved that the sloop shall remain until the expiration of the time agreed upon
between Lieutenant Couwenhoven and the Esopus Sachem on the 5th November,
on board the Sloop in the Wappinger Creek, to wit: that the Esopus Chief should
bring up all the Christian prisoners to the Redoubt to exchange them then, one for
another, whereupon a ten days' truce was mutually agreed to. A soldier named
Jurien Helm died to day. An escort was also down to the river side. Nothing else
occurred to day.
15th ditto. A vessel arrived from fort Orange with cattle; sent a convoy to the river side. Nothing else happened.
16th ditto. Another detachment was down to the river. yacht bound for the Manhatans arrived from fort Orange to day Nothing else occurred.
17th ditto. Arranged every thing in order and departed with some of the Military for the Manhatans leaving in Wildwyck about sixty soldiers under the command of Ensign Christiaen Niessen.
(The following part of the Journal is by Ensign Niessen. - Ed.)
18th Sunday. After Capt Lieutenant Martin Cregiers departure yesterday, Jan
Hendricksen Van Baal came the fourth person up to Wildwyck. He arrived from
the Manhatans in Mr. Abraham's (Abraham Staats. -Ed.)yacht and reported that
two Dutchmen were killed by the Savages between Gemonapa (now
Communepaw N. J. -Ed.)and the Maize land. Had them escorted, on their return, to
the river side. Nothing else occurred.
19th ditto. Sent another party to the Redoubt and had provisions brought up.
Discharged one man at the Redoubt end sent two others thither; also, distributed
powder to the men, half a pound to each. Nothing else done.
20th ditto. Sent a detachment to the woods to draw out timber. This was all that occurred.
21st ditto. Nothing happened.
22d ditto. Sent a detachment to the river side. Otherwise nothing occurred.
23d ditto. The only thing done to day was to send another party to the river side with grain.
24th ditto. The yachts of Reyndert Pietersen and the Spaniard arrived at the Redoubt; sent an escort thither. No other occurrence took place.
25th ditto. Sunday Nothing happened.
26th ditto. Sent down an escort to the river side to fetch up the Honorable Company's supplies. No other circumstance occurred.
27th ditto. Sent another convoy to the river side to take down grain. Otherwise nothing happened.
28th ditto. About one o'clock in the afternoon a Wappinger Indian came to
Wildwyck with a flag of truce; reports that a Wappinger Sachem lay at the river
side near the Redoubt with venison and wished to have a wagon to convey the
venison up for sale, which was refused. The said Indian told me that the Sachem
had not much to say; added further, that the Hackingsack Indians had represented
that four of the Esopus Indians, prisoners in our hands, had died. Whereupon the
Indian prisoners were brought out to the gate to him, to prove to him that they were
stilI living and well. Sent him down immediately to his Sachem at the river side, to
say to him that we should come to him tomorrow.
29th ditto. At day break had notice given that those who were desirous of
purchasing venison from the Indians should go along with the escort to tile river
side. Accompanied the detachment to the shore and conversed with the Sachem in
the presence of Capt Thomas Chambers and Sergeant Jan Peersen. He said, he had
been to receive the Christian prisoners and should have had them with us before,
had he not unfortunately burnt himself in his sleep when lying before the fire;
shewed us his buttock with the mark of the burn which was very large; Also said,
that six Christian Captives were together at the river side, and gave ten fathom of
Sewan to another Indian to look up the seventh Christian who is Albert Heyman's
oldest daughter, promising us positively that he should restore all the Christian
prisoners to us in the course of three days, provided it did not blow too hard from
the North; otherwise, he could not come before the fourth day. We, then, parted
after he had, meanwhile, sold his venison. He left immediately in his canoe.
30th Sent an escort to the river side with grain. Nothing else occurred.
1st December. The only circumstance that happened to day was the sending
away the three Indians with a letter to the Honorable Heer Director General and
Council of New. Netherland, to whom the following was written in haste.
"Noble, Respected, Right honorable, Wise, Prudent and most discreet Lords
-
To be brief, we could not omit advising Your Honours that three Indians
arrived here yesterday, being come, as they said, from the Manhatans, with
an open letter, being a pass not to commit any hostility against their people
to this date. But we cannot determine what sinister design these Indians may
hare recourse to under cover of this pass. We maintain that such and other
Indians resort here with such passes, to spy out this our place. Meanwhile,
we being on our guard, placed sentinels every where before them, to prevent
them passing through the village to examine and pry into it, as they are
strongly inclined to do. In the meantime we inform your Honours that on the
day before yesterday the Wappinger Sachem came with venison to the
Redoubt, and we have had a talk with him, and he promised us, among other
things, to bring us hither all the Christian prisoners, within three or four
days, according to the entries in our daily journal which Your Honors stall
receive from us by the first Yacht. DONE, Wildwyck this first December
1663.
(Was subscribed) CHRISTIAEN NIESSEN, THOMAS CHAMBERS."
2d ditto. Sunday. Nothing happened, except that on account of the hard frost, I
requested the skippers of the vessels to go down to the Redoubt to examine their
Yachts which they consented to do. In the afternoon, after the Sermon, sent a party
to the shore to take down grain and to put it on board.
3d ditto. The military Council having met, the following resolution was adopted
.—
" Ensign Christiaen Niessen proposes to send down, pursuant to despatches
from the Honorable Director General and Council, the saddles, pistols,
holsters & carbines, the best whereof was left by Capt. Lieutenant Martin
Cregier and remains with the clerk, Mattheus Capito, as appears also by
letters from the Capt. Lieutenant aforesaid together with the three metal
guns and their accoutrements as they were used in the field, and also one
sail.
"The Military Council decided that it was impossible, in view of the
approaching winter, to send the articles down at present as here at
Wildwyck we have no smith sufficiently expert to repair the arms, and as the
Wappingers come almost daily under presence of exchanging Christians, to
spy out this place which already hath suffered massacre enough, and
consequently, if the articles in readiness were sent away (which would be
publicly seen by other tribes of Indians) two massacres (which God forbid!)
may occur through want of all adequate means, save God's Providence.
" "2ndly. The Ensign aforesaid moves, inasmuch as the setting out of the
palisades is found as yet to be for the greater part inadequate and not in
accordance with the Capt. Lieutenant's request, and as in many places
palisades have been removed from the curtains and not replaced by others,
much less attention paid to setting out the same, to the imminent ruin and
destruction of this Village of Wildwyck, which God forfend; and demands
further that the inhabitants of Wildwyck my be notified by the W. Court to
put the fort in a suitable state of defence within the space of three days, and
in default or neglect thereof, that he do it with the best means he may at
present find at hand, and demand repayment. therefor when done from the
W. Court at Wildwyck.
" The Military Council unanimously resolved that for the due execution of
said proposal, it be forthwith communicated to the W. Court in Wildwyck,
and that they answer the same without delay.
(Signed) THOMAS CHAMBERS, HENDRICK JOCHEMS, JAN PEERSEN,
EVERT PELS, JONAS RANTSOU, WALRAN DU MOND, ANTONIE
DELAVA."
Also, sent a convoy down in the morning with grain to the river side, which on
returning brought up the Wappinger Sachem and his wife, and Splitnose, the
Indian last taken by us. Which Sachem brought with him two captive Christian
children, stating to us that he could not, pursuant to his previous promise of the
29th November, bring along with him the remainder, being still five Christian
captives, because three were at their hunting grounds, and he could not find them,
but that another Indian was out looking for them; the two others are in his vicinity,
the Squaw who keeps them prisoner will not let them go, because she is very sick
and hath ho children, and expects soon to die; and when he can get Albert
Heymans' oldest daughter, who is also at the hunting ground, and whom he hath
already purchased and paid for; then he shall bring the remainder of the Christian
captives along. For the two Christian children which he hath brought with him, an
Indian child is given him, being a little girl, and three pieces of cloth, with which
he was content. In the afternoon, Jeronimus Ebbing, Nicolaes Meyer and Frederick
the Honorable Company's late carpenter, went down unescorted to the Redoubt,
with six wagon loads of grain, not being willing to wait for the writings and letters
which should be sent by them to the Heeren Director Generaland Council of N.
Netherland; and the Skipper Lucas Andriessen, also, said that he would not wait
for the Director General's nor any man's letters but be off, as the wind was fair.
(Capt. Cregier now resumes and concludes the Journal.—Ed.)
19th ditto. About three o'clock in the afternoon we started from the Manhatans
for the Esopus in the Honorable Company's Yacht, with a W. S. west wind; arrived
that night at Ta[ppan]hook (what is now Teller's point. -Ed.)- where we cast
anchor as it was calm and the ebb was running against us.
20th ditto. Weighed anchor about eight o'clock and drifted upward with the
flood, but about 10 o'clock the wind came up from the North—so that we could
make sail and weathered the Highland to day, where we came to anchor anew, as
the flood was again gone; saw an Indian paddle across the river in a canoe, but he
was a full half mile from us. Nothing else occurred to day.
21 st ditto. The flood set in about two hours before day; ran through the
Highlands; having got through which, we caught a southern breeze but at day
break it became calm again; so ran by the Kamer and arrived this night about 10
o'clock at the mouth of the Esopus Kill. Despatched a man up with a note to
Ensign Nyssen to send down some wagons in the morninng with an escort to
convey up the Honorable Company’s supplies which were sent for the garrison.
22d. About 9 o'clock the escort arrived at the beach with the wagons; entered the
kill with the yacht in order to discharge the goods; remained this night in the kill in
front of the Redoubt; it froze during the night so hard that the yacht was hemmed
in by the ice; arrived at Wildwyck about noon; sent a convoy to haul stone.
23d ditto. Sunday. No business.
24th ditto. Monday. Assembled the Sheriff and Commissaries of the Village
Wildwyck and handed them the letter sent to them by the Honorable Director
General and Council and discharged Sheriff Swartwout from his office and put
[Mattheus Capito] provisionally in his place and presented him to the Court of
Wildwyck according to order, whom the. said Commissaries congratulated and
were well pleased with; they promised honestly to obey what the Heer Director
General and Council have been pleased to order. A party was sent to the Great Plot
to cut oats which happened to be late in ripening, as an opportunity now presented
to cut it and draw it home. The farmers thrashed some of it also, and the vijm [a
hundred and four sheafs] produced fire skepels of clean oats.
25th ditto. Tuesday. Nothing happened except that Reyntje Pieters came from the river side. he informs us the kill at the Redoubt was still fast.
26th ditto. No occurrence.
27th ditto. A party was out on the Great Plot hauling stone; nothing else occurred.
28th ditto. The Captain and Lieutenant of the Burghery of Wildwyck requested
to have a drum according to the promise given them by the Heer General. By
permission of the Military Council a Drum and appurtenances were given to the
officers of the burghery of Wildwyck. A party was down to the river side to see if
circumstances would admit of the sloop leaving the kill. The party returned and
stated that there was no way as yet to go out of the kill.
28th. The officers of the Burghery presented a petition; it reads as follows: “We
the undersigned, Tomas Chambrets Captain and Hendrick Jochems, Lieutenant of
the Burghery in Wildwyck, hereby request the Honorable Valiant Heer Marten
Kregier, Capt. Lieutenant to be pleased to furnish a keg of gunpowder with lead in
proportion on the village account, to be distributed and used in time of need for the
safety of this place, and we await your Honorable favorable answer. Done
Wiltwyck this 28th Xber 1663. (Signed) TOMAS CHAMBRES, HENDRICK
JOCHEMS.”
The answer thereto is as follows—”Petitioners' request is granted. Whenever
they require it at the public expense or for their own defence, it shall be furnished
them from the Honorable Company's Magazine by the officer who will be here.
Done, Wiltwyck this 28th December, 1663.”
29th ditto. The Military Council resolved to issue an Ordinance against the
gunners who usually run about firing on New Year's day or night, which was also
published and affixed It reads as follows :
" WHEREAS we find by Experience that some persons presume
from year to year to discharge guns on the day of the new incoming year
thus wasting powder unprofitably both in the morning and throughout the
day and sometimes to the great danger of each other and to their own
destruction, both in wounding or destroying their own persons which
frequently occurs therefrom; and whereas there are here many ricks and
barns full of grain and straw, and as great disorder and rashness prevail in
many places especially on this day, both in the morning and throughout the
day, by firing of guns which is practised and prevails more particularly in
this place on the above mentioned New Year's day; Therefore the Captain
Lieutenant and valiant Council of War order and forbid all persons whom it
may concern that no one shall presume on New Years day, being the first of
January to discharge any gun or other fire arms in front of any houses or
any other places where it is not absolutely necessary unless for some
approaching enemies, and that under the penalty of six guilders for each
shot fired by the person. Both the Sheriff and military officers are ordered to
pay strict attention hereunto so that this our order may be duly obeyed. Thus
done and enacted by the Captain Lieutenant and Valiant Council of War in
Fort Wildwyck this 29th Xber 1663." .
Have been down with a party to the river side to bring away the guns and other
munitions of war. Nothing else occurred.
30th. Sunday. Nothing done as it rained almost the entire day and the kill became again open.
31st. Left the Esopus again in the Honorable Companys Yacht for the Manhatans, the wind southerly. Weathered the Long Reach where we came to anchor in the night about twelve o'clock.
1664. 1st January. The wind continuing southerly, tacked today as far as the
entrance of the Highlands where we anchored about 9 o'clock in the evening; the
flood being spent weighed anchor and passed through the Highlands where we
again cast anchor.
2d. Weighed anchor again, and drifted with the ebb as far down as Tappaen.
3d. Having weighed anchor again, drifted down anew with the ebb to the end of
Manhatans island, where we made sail about 8 o'clock in the morning, the wind
being westerly, and arrived about twelve o'clock at the Manhatans.
MARTIN KREGIER
This document was generously provided by Ed St.Germain. Additional
documents on the American Revolution can be found at:
www.AMERICANREVOLUTION.ORG.
Rights: This translation is provided for education and research purposes, courtesy of the New York State Library Manuscripts and Special Collections, Mutual Cultural Heritage Project. Rights may be reserved. Responsibility for securing permissions to distribute, publish, reproduce or other use rest with the user. For additional information see our Copyright and Use Statement Source:New York State Archives. New York (Colony). Council. Dutch colonial administrative correspondence, 1646-1664. Series A1810-78. Volume 15.
