Noble, Honorable, highly Esteemed, Wise, Prudent and Discreet Lords:
When I arrived at New Amstel at the end of May, I found everyone there is in a great uproar. All hands were busy repairing the fort because the Sinnecus (about 800 men strong) had blockaded the Minquas in their fort. When the Sinnecus arrived, three or four men were sent into the Minquas' fort with presents and offers to make peace, while their force remained concealed at some distance. However, a Minqua returning from the hunt sighted the Sinnecus and thus they were discovered. In the following days, those [ Minquas ] outside the fort attacked them in bands of 20 or 30 men. In the end, the Minquas sallied out and drove the Sinnecus away. They pursued them for two days, taking ten prisoners and killing a number of them according to the report of two Minquas who arrived on the 2nd of this month.
On the first of this month it was proclaimed at New Amstel, with the ringing of the bell, that a letter had come from the fatherland addressed to the director and council which announced that the schout, van Sweeringen, had been pardoned for the shooting of an insolent soldier; also, that the director and council were advised to stock their warehouse because their superiors intended to send over a shipload of colonists, together with a group of farm laborers. Supposedly, by the closing of the letter on 3 December, 130 families had already promised to come over at their own expense. Furthermore, it was stated in this letter that the Lords-Mayors were negotiating with the Company to acquire the whole river for the colony, and that the outcome could be expected in the next letter.
The schout was continued in his previous capacity, therefore (subject to correction) I would think it advisable that you recall Elias Routs from here (in order to prevent further jealousies and arguments).
If our superiors should abandon the river, I humbly request that you employ me elsewhere and continue me in the service.
The discharged soldier, Hendrick Dyck, is accompanying this to your place.
The fear of Sinnecus marauders has caused me to delay sending another four or five persons for the present until I have more certain information and another opportunity.
In the meantime, I commend you to God's protection, remaining, after wishes for a long life and a prosperous administration,
