accused of seeking war with
the Indians that he "might make a wrong reckoning with the Company."

In this emergency, that others might share the responsibility with
him, he reluctantly sought the counsel of the community. Twelve
"select men" were chosen to consider the propositions to be submitted
to them by the Director. To them the question was propounded:

"Is it not just, that the murder lately committed by a
savage, upon Claes Smits, be avenged and punished? In case
the Indians will not surrender the murderer, is it not just
to destroy the whole village to which he belongs? In what
manner, when, and by whom ought this to be executed?"

The result of their deliberations was, in brief, as follows:

"Our harvest is still ungathered; our cattle are scattered
in the woods. Many of the inhabitants, unsuspicious of
danger, are at a distance. It is not best to precipitate
hostilities. In the meantime let two hundred coats of mail
be procured in preparation for the expedition. Let our
friendly intercourse with the savages be uninterrupted, to
throw them off their guard. When the hunting season
commences, let two armed bands be sent out to attack the
Indians from opposite directions. Let as many negroes as can
be spared, be sent on this expedition, each armed with
tomahawk and half-pike. Still let messengers be sent once,
twice and even a third time to solicit the surrender of the
murderer."

The Governor had the reputation of being an arrant coward. It had
often been said, "It is very well for him to send us into the field,
while he secures his own life in a good fort, out of which he has not
slept a single night in all the years he has been here." They
therefore shrewdly added, "The Governor himself ought to lead the van
in this attack. We will follow his steps and obey his commands."

The hunting season soon came. Still it was decided to delay
hostilities. The savages were on their guard. A very general feeling
of unfriendliness pervaded the tribes. The Dutch settlers were widely
scattered. A combination of the Indians against the colonists might
prove an awful calamity. Thus, for a time, the war which was evidently
approaching was averted.

CHAPTER V.

WAR AND ITS DEVASTATIONS.

Approaching Hostilities.--Noble Remonstrance.--Massacre of
the Natives.--The War Storm.--Noble conduct of DeVrees.-