Document: Letter from Andries Hudde to director Stuyvesant

Noble Esteemed Lord:

My Lord, I received news from a certain Harmen Reyndersz, resident of the colony of New Amstel, who was told by the English through Jacob my Friend to inform us that the Sinnekes, 1600 men strong, with women and children, were marching against the Minquas (with women and children) and were only two days away from the Minquas fort. Most of the Minquas are at home except for 80 men who are still away; also, there are 100 River Indians in the fort. The English would have attacked the Minquas but it was rejected. Because the English lean towards the Sinnekens, they intend to send some of their people to them to make peace; and since these River Indians will be offended by this, there will be unrest this summer on the river. My Lord, since I have forwarded this to Mr. Beeckman in order to inform him of this and other matters concerning him, I also have to inform you of the same because we are exposed here, and if anything happens we could offer no defense. We trust nothing will happen but we cannot be assured of remaining unmolested.