My Lord, while I was at New Amstel today to inventory and value the goods in question, I was notified that the chief sachem from the Minquas country was at Altena to speak with me. After returning home, I found that he was accompanied by the sachem of Hacgkinsack and three or four Indians, among whom, it is said, was the brother of the sachem recently killed at the Esopus. The aforesaid great chief told me that he wanted to travel to Manhattan the following night to dispose you towards with the Indians, for which purpose he requested a canoe to go to Meggeckossouw, which was granted him. He also told me that two of our soldiers had come to his house and requested that they be permitted to settle and plant in his country. The aforesaid soldiers, who ran away on the 10th of this month, are named Jonas Willem [ ] and Jan du Parck, both young men.
On the 11th instant Mr. Coursey departed again with his servants whom he had brought back from the Hoerekil in Karman's yacht with d'Hinojosse's permission. The servants were very happy to see their master again. I sent a letter with the aforesaid Coursey, greeting the governor of Maryland, Colonel Utie and the magistrates on the Sassafras River; and requesting that if the runaway soldiers should come there, to arrest or detain them, and to notify us by express at the Company's expense; and then to permit a sergeant assisted by soldiers to come to escort them back. Mr. Coursey said that without a doubt they would comply with this. He thanks you for the order by which he has recovered his servants.
Today I have also sent an Indian to the Minquas country to inquire about the aforesaid runaways. At the same time I requested that the aforesaid chief send an Indian to bring back the aforesaid runaways and place them in our custody. He excused himself from this, saying that he could not spare an Indian at the moment, but as soon as he returns he shall have them brought back, provided I promise not to punish them.
Several ambassadors have passed through here on their way to the aforesaid chief. I have informed you of this in my previous letter.[1]
On the first of this month, seven canoes full of Indians with wives and children came down and proceeded to the Minquas country. It is said that they lived near the Menissingse and had fled in fear of a certain manitto.
Your most welcome letter of the 7th of this month on the 14th with Mr. Hudden, whom I shall employ in the position ordered by you. Concerning the horses: they are sleek and fat, and stay near the fort. Recently I was informed by Indians that there are two horses living about three or four hours in the woods. Supposedly they have been there two years and according to the Swedes belong among our horses. I shall send an Indian there with three or four soldiers and two tame horses with a Swede to bring them in, if possible.
Since Captain Kregier's departure, I have inquired here as well as above about Jacop Swen's intentions in giving the presents. I can discover nothing else than it was done to promote trade; towards which end it is his intention to build a blockhouse here at Altena.
Last Saturday I distributed the last of our meat. I have left about one ration of bacon and 200 lbs. of stockfish. I request that you be pleased to send us some bacon and meat at the first opportunity.
My Lord, I shall adhere to the tenor or your letter in all instances and shall reply to it in detail in six or seven days by Jan de Caper. I shall return tomorrow to New Amstel to complete the work concerning Mr. van Gazel. Whereby I commend you to God's protection with wishes for a long life and a prosperous administration, remaining, after cordial greetings.
Willem Beeckman
Petrus Stuyvesant
