There was no time for deliberation. Prompt and energetic action was
necessary.

The governor sent soldiers to the outer settlements; forbade any
vessel to leave the harbor, forced into the ranks every man capable of
bearing arms, and imposed a heavy tax to meet the expense of
strengthening the fortifications. Several persons, who were about to
sail for Europe, protested against being thus detained. Governor
Stuyvesant fined them each ten dollars for disrespect to the
established authorities, and contemptuously advised them to "possess
their souls in patience."

The savages found their captives an incumbrance. Winter was
approaching and provisions were scarce. They sent one of their
prisoners, an influential man, captain Pos, who had been
superintendent of the colony on Staten island, to propose the ransom
of those captured for a stipulated amount of powder and balls. As
captain Pos did not return as soon as was expected, another messenger
was sent, and soon one of the chiefs returned to Governor Stuyvesant,
fourteen Dutch men, women and children, as a present in token of his
good will, and asking that a _present_ of powder and ball might be
forwarded to him.

The governor sent in return some ammunition and two Indian captives
and promised to furnish more ammunition when other Christians should
be brought in.

Three envoys from New Amsterdam visited the savages bearing these
presents. They were received with the courtesies which civilized
nations accord to a flag of truce. In this way twenty-eight more
captives were ransomed. The promise was given that others should be
soon brought in. Governor Stuyvesant inquired at what price they would
release all the remaining prisoners en masse, or what they would ask
for each individual. They deliberated upon the matter and then replied
that they would deliver up twenty-eight prisoners for seventy-eight
pounds of powder, and forty staves of lead.

The governor immediately sent the amount, and hoping to excite their
generosity, added as a present in token of friendly feeling,
thirty-five pounds of powder and ten staves of lead. But the savages
did not appreciate this kindness. They returned the twenty-eight
prisoners and no more.

The governor of the Swedish colony on the Delaware arrived at New
Amsterdam with a numerous suite, awaiting their transportation to
Europe according to the terms of the capitulation. He was in very ill
humor, and Governor Stuyvesant found it impo