Document: Council minute on plans of the English and renewed preparations for defense

Whereas yesterday we once again heard some uncertain reports and news told by an Englishman to several of our subjects, among others, Govert Loockermans, Pieter Wolfersz, Jacob van Couwenhoven and Jacobus Corteljouw, tutor to Mr. Werckhoven's son, who reported the same to us; namely, that the English in the north are recruiting soldiers and offering 25 to 30 guilders per month, and that three large ships were to come into the bay or headlands in order to blockade us; also, that soldiers in barks were to be landed near Hellegat, preceded by a ketch which would demand the surrender of the fort and offer us many wonderful conditions; and that the countrypeople on Long Island were to retain possession of their property unmolested. Consequently, the Englishman advised Pieter Wolfersz to take whatever possessions he wished to keep over to Long Island where he considered it the safest. The aforesaid informants declare that the Englishman told them this with a sad face and with tears in his eyes; however, he requested that his name not be mentioned, promising to inform the honorable director-general and council by day or night if he received further news. Although some might disregard this news, we, the director-general and council, nevertheless believe that we ought neither be caught napping nor neglect anything. Therefore, we consider it our duty to make immediately all preparations for the defense and protection of this city and especially of the fort, which it is in our power to do in the following manner: First, it is considered absolutely necessary that, in addition to repairing and strengthening the fort, the old canal be dug up and fortified with gabions.[1] When this is done, the City Tavern[2] is to be fortified with a small rampart and breastworks, upon which 2 or 3 light artillery pieces are to be placed. Regarding the outer works, made last year, which not only we but also everyone else thought were impossible to man and defend with so few soldiers, unless all the countrypeople came in, which we are certain they will not do, we have decided that the ordnance brought there last year be hauled away so that they not be turned and used against us; moreover, as the works, especially the points, are in total disrepair and no repairs are being made because the mayors and schepens claim that it is impossible for the small number of townspeople to do anything without the assistance of the countrypeople; and even if repaired they would be impossible to defend unless, as stated above, the countrypeople come in. Therefore, it is necessary to make a smaller trench and to hear the opinion of the mayors and schepens hereon, asking them to give a prompt and definite answer whether they will lend a hand with the townspeople and help defend this place for the honor of our nation, as long as God shall be pleased to give us His blessing. Thus done at the session of the honorable director-general and high council held in New Amsterdam in New Netherland, 13 June 1654; and was signed: P. Stuyvesant, Nicasius de Sille, C. van Werckhoven, La Montangne, Cor. van Thienhoven.