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
Right Honorable, most respected, wise, prudent and very discreet
Lords.
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.
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 New 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 m orning 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 occured 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.
13th 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 yach