the spot, on a high mountain, where the
squaw supposed that the Indians had established their camp. But not an
Indian was there. They had probably left their spies on the path, who
had informed them that the foe was at hand.

The woman now said that they must have gone on to another stronghold
they had, at the distance of about six miles. The march was continued
through great difficulties. But it was fruitless. Not an Indian was to
be found. They had another stronghold about twelve miles farther on.
It was possible that they might be found there. But all were fatigued
and discouraged, and were disposed to give up the hopeless chase. At
one time they caught sight of nine savages in the distance, but they
fled like deer.

Captain Crygier, deeming all further attempt to overtake the savages
hopeless, decided to return to the Indian fort. Having reached it, all
hands engaged in the work of destruction. The savages had collected
there a large supply of provisions for the approaching winter. The
colonists took all they could carry away with them and destroyed the
rest. They then utterly demolished the buildings and palisades,
committing all to the flames. The works must have cost the Indians an
immensity of labor. There were two hundred acres of corn, waving
richly in the summer breeze, giving promise of an abundant harvest.
All was trampled down. It was a fearful calamity to the wretched
Indians. Probably not a few perished of famine the next winter. There
was by no means a sufficient supply of game in the forest to meet
their wants. Their main reliance was upon their cornfields.

While they were engaged in this work of destruction four savages
appeared upon a hill near some of the colonists, and cried out to them
"To-morrow we will come and fight you, for we must all now die of
hunger."

The next morning the colonists commenced their return. They showed
their respect for the prowess of the savages, by forming their little
army in strong military array, with the advance, the centre and the
rear guard. At nine o'clock in the evening of August 1st, 1663, they
reached their anxious friends at Esopus, without the loss of a man.

Ere long news reached Esopus, that the savages were building another
fort, which they called a castle, about thirty-six miles southwest of
Esopus, probably near the present town of Mamakating, Sullivan county.
An expedition of one hundred and twenty five men, under Captain
Crygier, was immediately