and the houses in the fort encircled by thick cleft palisades with port.holes in them, and covered with bark of trees; says that the fort is quadrangular but that the Angles are constructed between the first and second rows of, palisades and that the third row of palisades stands full eight feet off from the others towards the interior, between the two first rows of palisades and the houses, and that the fort stands on the brow of ahill and all around is table land.

Sent also for M'. Gysbert's wife' and asked her if it were so ? She answered, it was true, and said they had built a point near unto the water to secure it. Then again examined the Wappinger prisoner and asked, why he had aided the Esopus Indians ? Said it was not true and that his mate, the old Indian, had belied him. Asked him if he would guide us to the fort of the Esopus Indians? Answered, Yes; and says the Esopus Indians are about 80 warriors strong, but does not know how many have come there belonging to other tribes. Says also that the fort is defended with triple rows of palisades, as the Squaw had stated. Whereupon the council of war decided, firstly to await news either from above or below as to what the Mohawks had resolved respecting the prisoners--whether they could have them restored before our troops should proceed against the fort to achieve the self same thing. On the same day two detachments went out : one to scout, the other on an expedition, but they returned in the evening, having seen séarcely any thing.