Document: Minute of the appearance of certain Indian sachems of New Jersey before the council

At a Council holden in Fort Willem Hendrick this 22nd January, 1674.

Metapis, Sachem of Crossweeckes, with Memarckitan and Equanecon, who represent themselves to be brothers of the Indian who a few days ago was shot dead by the sentinel on coming under the Fort after the guard had been posted, because the said Indian, being drunk, did not answer when challenged by the sentinel; to which Sachem and the brothers and other attendant Indians, the Governor explained that the orders to the military were such that no person could come about the Fort without answering the sentinel's challenge; which having been neglected by the slain Indian, he was in consequence shot, not through hatred or spite to the Indians, but only because orders must be obeyed in the Fort. Whereupon the Governor hath presented them 4 cloth coats and 2 laps, to wit: To the Sachem 1 coat; to each of the 2 brothers 1 coat and 1 lap, and also to the messenger who brought the Indian here, one coat. Which being delivered to them, they thanked the Governor and departed well pleased.

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 Netherland. Council. Dutch colonial administrative records, 1673-1674. Series A1881. Volume 23.1.