To which we answered, they ought to keep at a distance as we could not distinguish one tribe of Indians from another, and if we found that they had not done any injury to the Dutch, we should release them. We told them also, that they must keep away from here, and go home, for if we should meet them in the woods we would kill them as well as the other Indians--if they were desirous to come here to speak to us, they must stick up a white flag.

46 JOURNAL OF THE

Whereupon they answered, 'Tis well, adieu; and thereupon went their way. Immediately after their departure, sent out 40 soldiers and 10 horsemen to look after the cattle, whether they had not been near them, but on reaching these they did not remark any mischief--they, therefore, returned. with the cattle to the fort. After the afternoon sermon we examined the oldest Indian as to whether he was not acquainted with some Esopus Indians and whether he would not lead us to them--gave him fair words and promised him a present ; for the Dutch at the Esopus had told us that some Indians dwelt about two miles from there, wherefore we were resolved to go in search of them the same evening with 50 men. But this Indian said to us--Go not there, for the Indians have gone thence and dwell now back of Magdalen Island! on the main land in the rear of a Cripple bush on the east side of Fort Orange river, andnumber 8 men 9 women and 11 children ; and he even offered to guide us thither if we had a boat to put us across the river. Whereupon it was resolved by the Council of War to despatch two parties that same evening to procure some craft to put us over the river.