Noble, Honorable, most Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lord:
My Lord, little has happened since the departure of Jan de Kaper. On the 19th of this month I received a note from the schout, van Dyck, in response to the order left with him (and mentioned in my last letter to you). He writes that the community had selected some representatives to come to me with the request that I petition you on their behalf that they be allowed to remain where they are. This request was made by Pieter Kock, Pieter Andriessen and Hans Moenissen, the aforesaid representatives. I once again acquainted them with your order. They said that there was not enough obtainable pasture land at Passayongh for their livestock; consequently, they could not move. They said further that if they were forced to move, they would go away to where they might remain settled in peace; and they earnestly requested that I write to you about their proposal, for which they would pay me.
My Lord, they only seek delay and unanimously attempt to evade any orders; truly, with little respect to you as I wrote Gregorius van Dyck on the 21st of this month. He replied to this the other day, requesting that I write to you in this matter. This would cause delay since he first would speak with the most principal men and then inform me of their opinion. These are also evasions.
On the 20th of this month I received by a Minquaes Indian a letter from Mr. Heermans dated 16/26 April. He writes that Mr. d'Hinoyosse's unusual treatment of Mr. Coursy has not been taken very well. He also writes that they would perhaps send three or four fugitives back here in exchange for their servants. He said further that they were busy over boundary separations in order to avoid further disputes with those of Delaware Bay. I trust that he is now in Manhattan and has informed you of everything.
On the 21st of this month a sachem arrived here from Hackingsack. He reports that you are in agreement with the Esopus and all other Indians, except for the Raritans. Consequently, he is bringing presents to the Minquasen, so he says.
The most principal chief of the Minquas was here on the 23rd of this month. He showed me his wretched coat which he informed me was from you. I then presented him with a coat and a piece of duffels on your behalf which he gratefully accepted. I am told that Jacop Swens sent for him and presented him with ten fathoms of cloth, four blankets, a gun and some other things.
Mr. Kip and others have told me at various times that for a considerable period of time Mr. d'Hinojosse has paid no attention at all here to the sale of strong drink to the Indians; therefore, they run around with it in broad daylight, committing many insolent acts and firing their guns near the houses in the evening and at night.
I am sending with this the accounts of my administration from the first of November 1658 to the end of October 1659. Several items remain open because I did not have the prices. If you desire the further account until May or as of today I shall be able to forward it at the first opportunity.
My Lord, I refer further to my last letter and commend you and your family to God's protection, praying for your continual health and a prosperous administration, remaining,
Willem Beecqman
Petrus Stuyvesant
