Document: Letter from William Beeckman to director Stuyvesant

Noble, Honorable, highly Esteemed, Wise, Prudent and Discreet Lords:

My Lords, last night Claes de Ruyter arrived at Altena. This morning I went with him to New Amstel and your letter dated the 16th of this month was sent to me by d'Hinojosse to read. To date (thanks to God) there have been no occurances of Indian attacks here on the river, nor do we believe that they are planning any trouble. Also, no one has yet learned what Indians murdered Joris Florisen; however, it is feared that it may have been some renegades of these Indians doing mischief under the guise of Sinnecus, especially since the people of New Amstel showed themselves to be so weakhearted because of the actions of their director (so they say).

Shortly after he had the community brought into the fort, Mr. d'Hinojosse declared that in six of eight weeks he was going to leave for the fatherland by way of Virginia in order to inform his superiors in detail of the status of the colony and the necessity to acquire the river for their Honors. In addition he said that if he did not return, then everyone would have to look for refuge.

My Lords, since I am told that Jan de Kaper is still at Manhattan, I wish to remind you of our needs which I mentioned in my last letter.[1] Although I have contracted for two or three slaughtered cows (which can still be acquired here with certainty) it is easier to lay hands on bacon and venison.

I also request that the positions of the deceased[2] and Elias Routs be filled; and if you deem it necessary, send a few more since I have only five or six healthy men, the others are suffering from the second and third day fever. I am being brief because our soldiers are ready to accompany the bearer of this to Miggeckesione as soon as possible, wherewith I commend you to God's protection with wishes for a prosperous administration and long life, remaining.