Document: Minute of the return and attendance of the Mohawk chiefs at the council; order to forward them home

In a Council at Fort Willem Hendrick, 5th June, 1674.

The Mohawk sachems who left here on the 22nd May last, being returned, appear this day in council, thank the Governor for the late received treatment, and request now that they may be conveyed back to Fort Nassou in a sloop, which was promised them, and request, furthermore, whereas their nation and all other Indians have been forbidden since sometime back to lodge in Willemstadt, that from now henceforth that they may be allowed to do so, being brethren of the Dutch; also that some orders may be issued respecting trade, so that they may purchase as heretofore a coat of duffels for one beaver, and all other goods in proportion; finally promising at all times to remain faithful to the Dutch as their brethren; and in order that they may be stronger, to resist all their enemies, they say, that they had removed all their three Castles now into one Castle; and thereupon present two belts of Wampum.The Governor answers: They shall be forwarded by the first sloop going to Willemstadt, and a letter also shall be furnished them recommending the Commissaries to exhibit all possible favor to the Mohawks, as brethren of the Dutch; concerning the dearness of merchandize, that is caused by the very long war in Europe, but so soon as peace will return, and the Dutch will receive goods in abundance from Fatherland, then will thsy furnish goods to the Mohawks, as their brethren, as cheap as it is in any way possible; and thereupon they were presented with three coats of duffels, two cartouches of powder, about 20 lbs. lead, 1 pair of hose, 1 hat, and departed content.