But the accumulating evidences of desolation

brought ruler and people to repentance.

For that mercy which

he had refused to extend to the helpless Indians, Kieft besought the people to ask of the Most High, and to that end appointed a day of fasting and prayer, in his proclamation

confessing that

them was doubtless owing While people had committed.

the calamities which had overtaken to the

sins

which he and

his

the latter humbled themselves before God, they had little

charity

in their hearts for the direct author of their calamities, and asked

one another, u Did ever the Huke of Alba do more " Netherlands ?

evil in the

Matters assumed a more favorable aspect in the spring.

The

Long Island Indians, although previously rejecting the overtures

made by the director for peace, and denouncing him as a " corn thief," became more tractable when the planting season came " their on, and sent from the wigwams of Penhawitz, great three to Fort chief," Amsterdam, desiring that nego delegates tiations might be opened.

De Fries, 269

Society

;

Collection,

De Vries and Alferton were at once

New York Historical ad

series,

i,

269 ;

he was arrested."

Brodhead, i, 255.

" What devilish lies

ing of me ? but by the promptness of the bystanders the shot was prevented, and

art thou report-

184.

Colonial

History,

i,

.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

appointed to accompany them, and setting out on the 4th of March, came to Rechquaakie or Rockaway, where they found