Whereupon Commandant Gerrit Bicker hoisted the Prince's flag on said fort and commanded this deponent accompanied by four freemen, namely, Egbert Gerritse, Cornells Teunisse, Cornells Mauritz and Peter Harmans to proceed to the ship aforesaid, in order to ascertain whence she came. And on Sunday forenoon, about S o'clock, he, the deponent, with the four freemen, returned ashore, reporting that she was a Swedish ship, having on board a new Governor of the Swedes, and many other people; also, that the Swedes intended to surprize and capture said Fort Casimier for the Crown of Sweden. Thereupon, all the freemen and the Hon'''' Company's servants addressed themselves to Commandant Bicker, and requested him to give orders ibr defending the place. To which Bicker answered: What should I do? there is no powder. He neither gave nor issued any order, and about eleven o'clock in the forenoon, the Swedes landed armed, to the number of about 30 men, whereupon Bicker went to meet them, saluting and welcoming them and led them into the fort, of

which they immediately took possession, stripping the soldiers of all their arms including their side arms. He, the deponent, seeing that Commandant Bicker stood still, not once demanding or asking Commission or order for such proceeding, turned to the for their

Captain of the Swedes, named Swens Schoote, and inquired of him, where his Commission or order was? To which he, deponent, received for answer: I have nothing to do with you ; let your commander speak. Further, he, the deponent, asked Gerrit Bicker there present, whether he may not go aboard to see whether he might not get a sight of the Governor John Rysingh's Commission or order; which Bicker allowed him to do. Thereupon went he, the deponent, accompanied by Peter Ebel, Burgher Serjeant, on board and requested of the new Swedish Governor copy of any Commission or order he might have to take forcible possession of Fort Casimier, situate in the South river of New Netherland, and the lands