The whole of the freemen respectfully represent, that though heretofore much innocent blood was spilled by the Savages without having had any reason or cause therefor, yet your Honors made peace on condition that the chiefs should deliver the murderer into our hands, (either dead or alive,) wherein they have failed, up to the present time; the reputation which our nation hath in other countries, has thus been diminished, even, notwithstanding innocent blood calleth aloud to God for vengeance ; we therefore request your Honors to be pleased to authorize us to attack the Indians as enemies, whilst God hathfuUy delivered them into our hands, for which purpose we offer our persons. This can be effected, at the one place by the freemen, and at the other by the soldiers. Lower was written Your Hono" subjects, and :

was subscribed, Maetn Adriaensen, Jan Jansen Dames, and Abraham Planck. Lower stood: By their authority, (Signed) Cornelis van Tenhoven, Secretary. Vol. T. 2^

194 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

Commission to Manjn Adriaenseyi to attack the Indians at Corlaer's Hook.

F. Whereas the good inhabitants here are obliged to reside on their properties up to the present time in great alarm, and cultivate with caution the soil through dread of the Indians who now and again have in a cowardly manner murdered some of our nation (without having any reason therefor), and we cannot obtain any satisfaction for the blood by peaceable means; therefore arms must be had recourse to, in order to vindicate the justice of our cause, so that we may live in peace here, with full confidence that God will give a blessing to our Commonalty themselves solicit its execution wherefore we resolution, the rather, as the good ;