This Liberty caused still greater mischief: for the inhabitants of Renselaerswyck, 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 many as Ten to Twelve guilders, came down in greater numbers than usual where guns were plenty, purchasing them at a fair price, realizing in this way considerable profit they afterwards obtained some from their ;

Patroon for self defence, in time of need, as we suppose. This extraordinary gain was not long kept 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 fire locks ;

powder and lead in proportion. Four hundred armed men knew how to make use of their advantage, especially against their enemies, dwelling along the River of Canada, against whom they have now achieved many profitable forays where before they had but little advantage ; this caused 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 endeavored no less to procure Guns, and through the familiarity which existed between them and our people, began to solicit the latter for Guns and powder, but as such was forbidden on pain of Death, and could not remain secret in consequence of the general conversation, they could not be obtained. This, added to the previous contempt, greatly augmented the hatred which stimulated them to conspire against us, beginning first with insults which they everywhere indiscreetly uttered, railing at us as Materiotty^ (that is to say) cowards -- that we might, indeed be something on water, but of no account on land, and that we had neither a great Sachem nor Chiefs. [ Here two •pages are ivanting.'\