Noble, Honorable, highly Esteemed, Wise, Prudent and Discreet Lords:
To our great sorrow, we heard last week the news of the massacre committed by the Indians in the Esopus.
Two different people have told me that according to the River Indians we might be attacked by some renegades here at Altena because we are compatriots of the lord director-general.
My Lord, there are only 10 to 12 lbs. of musket balls in the magazine and no flints at all. I request that you please send us some shot and flints as soon as possible; they are needed all the more because most of the men have snaphances.
Our supply of bread grain is also exhausted. I request that some Osnaburg or Flemish linen be sent as soon as possible for the purchase of [ grain ]; also, I have only a two months' supply or two rations of bacon and meat.
My Lords, I believe that I will be able to enlist four or five men here as soldiers. I have employed one at f16, light money, per month. I will await your further orders.
Mr. Andries Hudde has informed me that he has asked you for a discharge. He intends to live in Maryland and start a brewery with the assistance of Henry Coursy, for which purpose I gave him permission to travel there and back.
Recently, two men were murdered by Indians in their house up above here in Maryland. We think that it was done by Sinnecus.
My Lords, if any changes take place because of the transfer of the river, I respectfully request that you continue me in the service elsewhere.
Whereby I commend you to God's protection, with wishes for long life and prosperous administration, remaining,
