A ronduit, or small fort, was also ;

projected at the mouth of the Walkill, and the work of its con Several chiefs came in, shortly after struction commenced.

Stuyvesant's departure, and made a present to Stol as further The offering was indemnity for the injuries he had sustained.

accompanied by a renewal of their request for the removal of the soldiers, and an exchange of presents. The former was to the latter the settlers had " and in declined,

response

to grease the Indian's breasts.

nothing So the meeting was a dry one."

Notwithstanding the threatening aspect of Indian affairs, the settlement continued prosperous, and its occupants, increased in numbers and enjoying the protection of an armed force,

became more and more disregardful of the rights of the red men.

OF HUDSON'S RI7ER.

During the summer of 1659, mutual distrust and suspicion pre vailed. The settlers were disturbed by reports that the Indians intended a general massacre when the

work of harvest should

begin ; while the Indians regarded the presence of the soldiers as a menace, doubted the director's desire for peace, and feared that it was his intention to attack and destroy them, as he had

not yet sent the presents he had promised them.

A conference

was held with the

chiefs Aug. 17, but they denied that they " had any hostile intentions. patiently submit," said they,

We

" to the blows which have been inflicted on us

still

yet the Dutch small sticks, down seventeen Laying