were preparing to attack the fort that the Indians " who lay there about on the river side made a great uproar every night, the woods rang again." firing guns and kinte-kaying, so that Davids himself had been on shore and slept one night with the ;

who had four captives with them, one of whom, a female, informed him that the Indians were in force watching the reapers on the Great plot, and waiting opportunity to attack Indians,

them.

Couwenhoven continued his negotiations, and on the aoth of August, brought up a woman and a boy whom he had redeemed. His sloop was furnished with supplies and returned to the Danskammer, and instructions issued to him to continue

his efforts

for the release of the captives ; that

he should

u

failing in this,

either on land, or by in possible, fair to with trust themselves on his vessel. words," ducing them, seize as many Indians as

If he could do no better, if the Indians came thither with their

was instructed to " endeavor to detain them on shore by means of intoxicating liquors," or by such other mode as he should deem expedient, until word could be con

captives, he

" tc

veyed to the fort, and arrangements made to surprise and seize them." The mission was not successful. The Indians took all

the powder and brandy which were offered them, and called

for more ; but, beyond two children, no prisoners were released

by them. sachem to