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

plunder our corn."

the sachem added

:

" so

;

many times have the Swannekins struck

and assaulted us in divers

places.

We are willing to live in

peace, but we expect your chief sachem will make us some pre.sents.

Otherwise he cannot be sincere."

The conference was

broken up without removing the feeling which existed between the parties ; and fresh rumors disturbed the settlers that the Indians were preparing bows and arrows and concentrating their strength for an attack.

Familiar as the

Dutch were with

the customs of the Indians and the periods of their annual return

from their hunting expeditions, and their almost constant pre paration of the implements of the chase, they nevertheless now

saw in them nothing but impending destruction.

Nor were the general relations existing between the Indians and the Dutch more favorable. Two soldiers, who had de serted from Fort Orange, were murdered by the Mahicam, and some of the Rarltans had destroyed a family of four persons, at Mespath kil, in order to obtain possession of a small roll of wampum which, in an unguarded moment, had been exhibited to them, and excited their The Mohawks, suffering cupidity.