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.

14% ditto. 50 men were out again in the woods behind the new burnt village and a scouting party, but hardly any thing occurred, nor was any thing seen.

15th ditto. The Heer de Decker arrived here with Jan Davets _ and 5 Mohawks ; had them conducted from the river side by 50 men and 10 horsemen. Nothing else transpired. 5

168 ditto. The Heer de Decker assembled the Council of War and it was resolved that Jan Davets. accompany the 5 Mohawks to the fort of the Esopus Indians to see on what terms the Christian prisoners will be restored, but after divers discourses Jan Davets declined going with them, although the Heer

1 She had been taken prisoner as before stated by the Indians on the ee of the Village of Wildwyck but had effected her escape--Ep.

Vow. iv. 4

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50 - JOURNAL OF THE

de Decker had, the day before, drawn up and prepared an Instruction for him, but before the time appointed he refused to