Noble, Honorable, highly Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lords:
My Lords, I arrived here on the 18th of this month. I found great fear among the people of New Amstel and the Indians here, who had not shown themselves to the Dutch in 14 days, because the River Indians murdered 4 persons about 4 or 5 hours out of New Amstel on the 4th of this month, 3 Englishmen and a Dutchman - the brother of Doctor Hack"[1] who had been here 2 or 3 days on a pleasure trip.[2] Then 2 or 3 days after the murders occurred, some Indians (unknown to us, however, that they were the murderers) came to New Amstel with some clothing belonging to the Christians in order to sell them. Two of them came to the house of Foppe Jansz where Willem Hollingworth, an Englishman, and Gerrit Rutten, inhabitant of New Amstel, were. Together with Foppe they detained the two Indians and reported them to Mr. d'Hinojosse. He immediately placed them in custody, whereupon the Indians threatened the people of New Amstel. After interrogation the aforesaid Indians were released the following day. I attempted to report the above to you upon my arrival but could not find an Indian to hire.
Yesterday Mr. d'Honojosse received an express concerning the above from the governor of Maryland who was quite displeased about the release of the Indians. Concerning this matter, I refer myself to the enclosed papers which I received under a cover from d'Hinojosse. Mr. d'Hinojosse sent a reply immediately because the Minqua Indian, who delivered the letter, refused to wait. I was at New Amstel today but did not speak with d'Hinojosse. I learned from Captain Krieger that Mr. d'Hinojosse made the excuse that the wrong Indians had been captured.
Upon my arrival here, I had a discussion with Mr. d'Hinojosse about the murders and the coming of the English for revenge; he saw little danger. I believe (subject to correction) if the English make war with the Indians that they will lay claim to all the areas from which they expel them as being conquered from their enemies by the sword. The English will probably not enter our district to pursue their enemies without giving us prior notification.
Upon refusal they will hold us suspect and probably break off relations. I draw these conclusions since Captain Krieger says that Augustyn Heermans has written privately to d'Hinojosse that the English believe that the people of New Amstel or the Hoerekil are inciting the River Indians thereto. A malicious supposition!
My Lords, I must close because the bearer wishes to leave and I cannot detain him. I shall give more details next week with the yacht. Meanwhile, I await your speedy orders on how to act in this matter. I pray to God that you be granted a long life and a prosperous administration. I remain, after cordial greetings.
Your ever faithful servant.Willem Beeckman
In haste, Altena
27 May 1661.
[ P.S.: ] My Lords, I have promised the bearer that he will receive from you one piece of cloth and one pair of stockings, provided he brings this letter over in four or five days at the most.
[ Addressed: ] Noble, Honorable, highly Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lords, Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General of New Netherland, Cura?ao etc. and the Council residing in Port Amsterdam on Manhattan.
By an Indian.
