Thus laying before them our entire circumstances, and sometimes becoming weary of their work, they took leg-bail and stole much more than the amount of their wages, This freedom caused still greater mischief, for the inhabitants of Rensselaerwyck who were as many traders as persons, Perceiving that the Mohawks were craving for guns, which some of them had already received from the English, paying for each as many as Twenty Beavers and for a pound of powder as much as Ten to Twelve guilders, they came down in greater numbers than was their wont where people were well supplied with Guns, purchasing these at a fair price, thus realizing

1 'Eendracht maakt macht" -Union constitutes Strength. Tr.

8 JOURNAL. OF NEW. NETHERLAND.

considerable profit.; afterwards they obtained some from their Heer Patroon for their self defence in time of need, as we suppose. This extraordinary gain was not kept long a secret, the. traders coming from Holland soon got scent of it, and from time to time brought over great quantities, so. that the Mohawks. in a short time were seen with firelocks powder and lead in proportion. Four Hundred armed men knew how to use their advantage, especially against their enemies dwelling along. the river. of Canada, against whom. they have now achieved many profitable forays where before they derived little advantage ; this- causes them also to be respected by the surrounding Indians even.as far as the Sea Coast, who must generally pay them tribute, whereas, on the contrary, they were formerly obliged to contribute. to these, on this account the Indians endeayored no less*to procure Guns, and through the familiarity which existed between. them and our people, they began to Solicit them for Guns and powder, but as such was forbidden on pain of Death and it could. not remain secret in consequence of the general conversation, they could not obtain them.