Document: A Short Account of the Mohawk Indians, their Country, Language, Stature, Dress, Religion and Government, thus described and recently, August 26, 1644, sent out of New Netherland, by Johannes Megapolensis the younger, Preacher there. Image 022

[NAHC NOTE: [The text of this page has not been translated into English thus far. The first and last sentence cannot be read, because this page is curled at the edges. A synopsis is added at this time, a detailed translation will follow – Vanessa Bezemer Sellers, PhD.]

Synopsis:

Megapolensis expresses his thoughts about New Netherland, writing that this is a much better place than the Netherlands to make a decent living, for all people— whether having a high, middle or low social status—providing they are willing to roll up their sleeves. “We cannot thank sufficiently the fountain of all goodness, that He has brought us to such a fertile and healthy land.” This land is a refuge for all the needy in the Netherlands and here the population can grow, improve the land and expand trade. Megapolensis also mentions how all those in New Netherland are beholden to the Indians who, not only made space for them in this good and fertile land but also allowed the transfer of land into Dutch ownership, for very little money; moreover, the Indians assisted the Dutch, making an effort to enrich their mutual trade.  It is a great shame, adds Megapolensis, that the Dutch have not acknowledged the Indians and their generous acts. The malicious treatment of the Indians by the Dutch has and will set the Indians against them, he is afraid. He asks God for forgiveness for their evil treatment of the Indians: “Host of hosts forgive us that we until now have not behaved better; please provide us with the means and guide our hearts..”