to the river,
and six leagues wide, so that from one shore you cannot see the other.
On account of certain bars it is somewhat dangerous for inexperienced
navigators, but not so for those who are acquainted with the channels.
This bay and river are compared by its admirers with the river Amazon,
that is, by such of them as have seen both; it is by everyone considered
one of the most beautiful, and the best and pleasantest rivers in the
world of itself and as regards its surroundings. Fourteen streams empty
into this river, the least of them navigable for two or three leagues;
and on both sides there are tolerably level lands of great extent. Two
leagues from Cape Cornelius, where you enter on the west side, lies a
certain creek, which might be taken for an ordinary river or stream,
being navigable far up, and affording a beautiful roadstead for ships of
all burdens. There is no other like it in the whole bay for safety and
convenience. The main channel for navigation runs close by it; this
place we call the Hoere-kil. From whence this name is derived we do
not know;(2) it is certain that this place was taken and colonized
by Netherlanders, years before any English or Swedes came there. The
States' arms were also set up at this place in copper, but as they
were thrown down by some mischievous savages, the commissary there
very firmly insisted upon, and demanded, the head of the offender. The
Indians not knowing otherwise brought a head, saying it was his; and the
affair was supposed to be all settled, but some time afterwards, when
our people were working unsuspectingly in their fields, the Indians came
in the guise of friendship, and distributing themselves among the Dutch
in proportionate numbers, surprised and murdered them. By this means the
colony was again reduced to nothing; but it was nevertheless sealed with
blood and dearly enough bought.

(1) Fort Nassau stood at the mouth of Timber Creek, opposite
the present site of Philadelphia.

(2) Harlot's creek, from the behavior of the Indian women.
The story below is that of the short-lived colony of
Swanendael, 1631-1632.

There is another kill on the east side called the Varckens Kil,(1) three
leagues up from the mouth of the river. Here some English had settled,
but Director Kieft protested against their proceedings, and drove them
away, assisted somewhat by the Swedes, who agreed with him to keep
out the English. The Swedish governor, c