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

\

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

go. Meanwhile it is resolved that the Mohawks should go' thither, and they requested of us that they might take with them some of our prisoners to present them to the Esopus Indians as a" suitable introduction to obtain some of their pfisoners in return,

or to induce them to surrender them. The Council, concluded that a Captive Girl should be given to the Mohawks and about 63 guilders in Sewan in order to ascertain what they could accomplish thereby ; for it was reported at Fort Orange, as the Heer de Decker informed us, that the Esopus Indians. had said--If they could obtain payment for the land, named the Great Plot (het groote Stuck,) then they should give up all the prisoners. Now, it is impossible to determine whether this be so or not. Meanwhile, the Mohawks who were going thither were directed to inquire about it, and they promised us to bring us an answer the next day about noon. Had 3 parties out in the interim ; one to the shore to bring cattle, another for wood and a third, scouting. They returned all at the same time; experienced no difficulty. _ 17th ditto.