Noble, Honorable, highly Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lords:
My Lords, the enclosed was returned on the 30th of September because we could not hire an Indian.
On the 24th of September I was at Oplant to inquire into any effects left behind by Jacop Jongh. In his trunk I found some of our merchandise. On the same day his landlord presented me with a certain open letter which the aforesaid Jongh addressed to me, and in which he specified what goods and grains he had left for us in his trunk and room. However, I found only about ? of the value stated in the aforesaid specification; also, a note on four hogs, of which there were only two and the others supposedly dead.
I think that we shall be able to obtain our security from his landlord who took it upon himself on the evening when the aforesaid Jongh departed (without our knowledge nor in the presence of any magistrates although one resides near Oplant) to open Jacob Jongh's room with an axe. After finding the key inside, he looked through the trunk and everything else; probably hiding some of the goods.
It is said that Jacop Jongh has gone to New England. I have learned from Governor Philip Calvert, who responded by letter to my inquiry, that nothing has been heard of him in Maryland.
The English commissioners were here at Altena on the 22nd and 23rd. After having drunk some wine, I detected some jealousy on their part because your Honors do not respect their governor or province as much as those of other neighbors.
When the aforesaid magistrates arrived, Mr. d'Hinojosse invited the Indian chiefs at Passajongh and elsewhere to come down; however, only one appeared and he lives on the east side of this river. He and d'Hinojosse conducted the magistrates on 27 September to Apoquenemigh, where there is another stream which empties into the English river. Here they met Governor Calvert who made peace with the aforesaid chief and made merry with d'Hinojosse.
The English offered to transport yearly 2 or 3000 hogsheads of tobacco to our stream or Apoquenemingh, if they were supplied with Negroes and other merchandise.
There is great mortality among the Minquaes from chickenpox; also, they are hard-pressed by the Sinnecus which results in a very bad trade. It has been reported to me that the Sinnecus have killed 12 River Indians here on the river above the Swedish settlement. The Swedes fear that they will suffer injury to their livestock from the Sinnecus.
On the 15th of this month, the minister, Dominie Laers, requested immediate consent to remarry. He was supposed to publish banns on the 16th with a girl of 17 or 18 which I have delayed until your approval.
My Lords, on the 22nd of this month I received your letter. On the same day Mr. Hendrick Huygen appeared before us and requested that we reserve some stockings, shoes and shirts or linen. He says that he has none of these items, but does have cloth, duffels and blankets. Therefore, I asked the factor for a dozen pairs of shoes which he promised me, but he would rather have beavers than to advance them on the Company's account. Mr. Couturier promised to provide us with a dozen pairs of shoes.
Bad weather has prevented me from sailing to New Amstel since Saturday. I learned last evening from Mr. Jacquet that Mr. Alrichs will depart for Manhattan this forenoon. Mr. d'Hinojosse has supposedly sold the yacht to Mr. Hendrick Huygen. I had discussed this matter with Mr. Huygens and requested to be informed of the results of it; mainly, to inform you if the opportunity presented itself. However, I have heard nothing from him. Yesterday his Honor sailed the yacht to Tinneko.
Since Cornelis van Gezel's departure from here, nothing has been done in his case. I have spoken to the magistrates twice about the house key and the inventory of the goods. Both times I was told that they would inform d'Hinojosse of it. I have not yet spoken to his Honor; when he sees me coming in the distance, he ducks out of the way. Mr. Willems and several others plan to move their families to Maryland before winter.
In closing, I commend you to God's protection, remaining, after wishes for a long life and prosperous administration,
