a war for a great cause." From all that has been here stated on the subject of war, it can readily be concluded how prudently we must proceed in the matter; and how hazardous it is to engage in it, especially with so rude and barbarous a people as these Indians are. This being now laid aside, let us conclude. As regards the letter to the XIX. by the Blue Cock, we cannot produce it, inasmuch as we sent it by Govert Loockemans to Holland, enclosed to a person whose name we, for cause,

would not willingly disclose we cannot for certainty say whether Andries Hudden, who drew ;

up that letter and who also subscribed it with his own hand, still retains the draft or minute of it.

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : III. 209

It appears, then, from what we have answered in this our declaration, that we did not act as Mr. Kieft is pleased to lay to our charge; hut submit all this to the discretion of your Honors' wise and mature judgment. It is remarked, that Mr. Kieft demands in his declaration, which was read to us in your Honor's court on the 1S"» instant, that we be sent to Holland as pests and seditious persons. We, therefore, respectfully request of your Honors that it be granted to us, not to go as pestilent and seditious persons, as his Honor represents, but as good patriots and proprietors of New Netherland this, it is manifest we are, from what we have ;