Document: Letter from J. Willems to vice-director Beeckman

Honorable Lord, Greetings:

My Lord, I don't know whether you are aware of Mr. D'Inniosse's sudden departure with van Sweeringen, but last Monday the governor of Maryland sent a man to him with a letter telling him to go immediately to Augustine's house[1] where the aforesaid governor was waiting to speak to him. He had the sloop made ready at once and they left that night. He neither informed me nor anyone else what it was all about, except for informing me through the court-messenger that he was leaving and that the place was in my care.

It surprised me so much that he would leave without informing his councillors who were appointed to assist him that I thought it advisable to inform you, because who knows what they will say or whether it all developed out of many strange conversations between them in the marsh which were seen by many people; while speaking to one another they cast their eyes to the heavens and put their hands on their chests, together with many other strange grimaces. Therefore, I shall keep a close watch on whether a basilisk is hatched out of their discussions in the marsh and intends to come here.[2] I am only expressing my most pessimistic thoughts, hoping that nothing bad comes of it. I would appreciate it if you were to keep an eye open and if you hear or notice anything to inform the deputy-patroon at Manhattan.[3] Hoping to be able to speak to you soon, I remain,