egates dated 21 Jan'y,
1642." See _N.Y. Col. Doc._, I. 414-415.

(6) Of the Haverstraw Indians.

Meanwhile God wreaked vengeance on those of Witquescheck without our
knowledge through the Mahicanders dwelling below Fort Orange, who slew
seventeen of them, and made prisoners of many women and children. The
remainder fled through a deep snow to the Christians' houses on and
around the island Manhatens. They were most humanely received being half
dead of cold and hunger; they supported them for fourteen days, even
corn was sent to them by the Director. A short time after, another panic
seized the Indians which caused them to fly to divers places in the
vicinity of the Dutch. This opportunity to avenge the innocent blood
induced some of the Twelve Men to represent to the Director that it was
now time, whereupon they received for answer that they should put their
request in writing which was done by three in the name of them all,(1)
by a petition to be allowed to attack those of Hackingsack in two
divisions--on the Manhatens and on Pavonia. This was granted after a
protracted discussion too long to be reported here, so that the design
was executed that same night; the burghers slew those who lay a small
league from the fort, and the soldiers those at Pavonia, at which two
places about eighty Indians were killed and thirty taken prisoners. Next
morning before the return of the troops a man and a woman were shot at
Pavonia who had come through curiosity either to look at or plunder the
dead; the soldiers had rescued a young child which the woman had in her
arms.

(1) "Note G. Their Petition dated 24th Feb. 1643." _N.Y.
Col. Doc._, I. 193. Its true date was February 22.

The Christians residing on Long Island also requested by petition(1) to
be allowed to attack and slay the Indians thereabout; which was
refused, as these especially had done us no harm, and shewed us every
friendship--(yea, had even voluntarily killed some of the Raritans, our
enemies, hereinbefore mentioned). Yet notwithstanding(2) some Christians
attempted secretly with two waggons to steal maize from these Indians,
out of their cabins, which they perceiving endeavored to prevent,
thereupon three Indians were shot dead, two houses standing opposite the
fort were in return forthwith set on fire. The Director knowing nought
of this sent at once some persons to enquire the reason of it. The
Indians showing themselves afar off, called o