sent the prisoners and plunder to Fort Amsterdam, and directed a vigorous prosecution of the war by a formal declaration (March

" and all their adherents." 25th) against the Esopus Indians Smith now followed up the advantage he had gained by posting

" over the creek (April 4th) forty-three men in ambuscade, among the rocks," but the Indians discovered the snare, and a general fight ensued in

which three Indians were

killed,

two

This disaster pro severely wounded, and one taken prisoner. duced a material change in the deportment of the Indians, who

now most earnestly entreated for peace, and again obtained the intercession of neighboring chiefs in their behalf. the 24th

On

of May, three Mabican chiefs visited Fort Amsterdam, and de clared that the Esopus Indians were willing to leave that country

and transfer their land to the Dutch, in indemnity for the mur der of the settlers, on condition that their friends in captivity should be surrendered and peace concluded.

Security was de

manded that the kalebackers also united in the request. Laying down four belts of wampum, " these," said Aepjin, the Mahlcan u are a chief that the kalebackers desire sachem, guaranty and that we are authorized to treat in their behalf."

peace,

Stuyvesant accepted the belts, but told the chiefs that peace would be con-

THE INDIAN^TRIBEB

eluded only when the Esopus chiefs would present themselves The director was then at Fort Amsterdam for that purpose. requested to liberate the captive Indians ; but he declined, and " What are in reply to the question your intentions as regards :