Noble, Honorable, most Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lord:
On the 9th of this month during the night, I together with Mr. Alrichs dispatched an Indian to you. For fear that the same might not arrive safely, we are sending another. I would have preferred to send a soldier along for greater security but thought it imprudent since Indians had been spreading rumors 8 or 10 days ago that the Christians on Staten Island and at Gamoenepae were once again being ravaged by the Indians.
My Lord, on the 6th of this month, in the evening, Colonel Utie arrived in New Amstel with his lieutenant and entourage, being altogether seven in number. On the 8th he requested an audience, which was immediately granted him. Mr. Alrichs urgently requested my attendance at this meeting to hear the colonel's demands and proposals; saying also that I on behalf of the honorable Company had more to defend than he, because the City had a guarantee from the Company against any loss, since unencumbered land was sold and conveyed to them.
The colonel first handed a letter to Mr. Alrichs. Upon our request for a copy of his instructions, he proceeded verbally to relate and expand his orders (which he had from the governor of Maryland), telling us that the land we had settled and possessed here in the South River was in Lord Baltemoor's jurisdiction, and for this reason he told us to depart at once or to declare ourselves subjects of the same Lord Baltemoor. If we refused to do this willingly, then he held himself blameless of the innocent blood which might be shed as a result. We answered that it seemed very strange to us since we had possession of this place for so many years and [ ] by a charter that the States-General granted to the honorable directors of the West India Company. He said that he knew nothing of this; stating that it belongs to Lord Baltemoor and was granted to him by King James, confirmed by King Charles and more than two years ago renewed by the parliament to the 40th degree. He again repeated that if we were unwilling [ to comply ], he would be blameless for the innocent blood, because Lord Baltemoor had the power to make war and peace without consulting anyone. He said further that the time was opportune since our people had mostly run away and those who remained would not assist us; therefore, they must now seize the opportunity while we are at our weakest. He also said that it was the best time of the year for them since most of their tobacco has been harvested; and he demanded a reply (as if to say whatever we replied would be all the same to him). We answered that, the authority to decide this did not rest with us; it had to be done by our superiors in England and Holland. He said that they had nothing to do with it. We said further that all our actions had to be referred to the director-general of New Netherland, under whose government we stood. He was willing to allow this and asked what would be required to carry it out. We stated three weeks, whereupon the colonel said that he had no orders to grant delays because they must take advantage of the situation. But he finally granted the time.
On the 9th of this month we summoned him again to the fort in order to deliver a written response. The colonel repeated his remarks and also told me in particular that since he had learned that I was the commander at Christina, I must depart as well, because I was also within the aforesaid 40 degrees. I replied that if he had anything to say to me, he should come to the place where I had my residence. He retorted that he considered it sufficient to have said it here.
The documents which were exchanged have been sent to you by Mr. Alrichs. We expect your instructions, orders and assistance with all due speed, and we ardently desire your presence here. Concluding, I pray that God may preserve you in constant health and [ ] administration, remaining
[ Marginal Notation: ]
My Lord General, last week Abraham Eskels, soldier, deserted us; we now have 13 men together with the sergeant. I wish to recommend to you the need for [ ] and...
Willem B[ eeckman ]
