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

To aid him, Couwenhoven employed a Wappinger

" but when he had been two or three days with them in their new fort, two Mohawks and one Minst came there with sewan and a long message, which rendered them so ill disposed towards him that they caused him to depart." visit

them,

On the Kregier now determined to resume the offensive. " resolved 3Oth a council of war was called, at which it was

THE INDIAN TRIBES

and concluded to attack, with one hundred and twenty men, the Indians who reside in their new fort, about four hours far

The expedition started on the after noon of September 3d, a young J^applnger prisoner acting as guide, under a promise of freedom, and Davids as interpreter. Considerable difficulty was experienced in the march, the streams ther than their first fort."

being swollen and heavy rains prevailing.

noon, the

first

On the 5th, about

maize field was reached, and two squaws and a

Dutch woman discovered gathering corn. Passing these with out alarming them, the fort was discovered about two o'clock, " situate on a The force was divided for the pur lofty plain." pose of surprise, but discovery was sent forth a terrible scream, which