Document: Letter from William Beeckman to director Stuyvesant

Noble, highly Esteemed, Wise, Prudent and very Discreet Lords:

Your letter dated 5 June did not reach me until the 26th because the Indian who was hired [ to carry it ] died on Staten Island, as I reported to you by Dirck Smidt. The letters were brought by an Indian whom I had to pay. From the same Indian I learned more details, may God be merciful, concerning the murders in the Esopus through a letter by the wife of Mr. Cousturien. We have heard nothing more about the Sinnecus, except for what the Minquas tell us. They say that they intent to pay them another visit in the fall.

The director and council at New Amstel have received new instructions to prepare the warehouse for the arrival of new colonists, and to assure them that the entire river will be transferred to the City. If we should have to leave this place as a result of this, I humbly request that I be employed in the Company's service elsewhere.

In conclusion, I commend you to God's protection, with wishes for a long life and a prosperous administration, remaining,