then the grateful savages deputed one of their number to advance
within speaking distance of the manor house. This man, whom we call a
savage, cried out:

"We are very sorry that we have destroyed the outhouses, the
cattle and the crops. We now know that chief DeVrees is a
good chief and our friend. If we had not destroyed his
property we would not do so. We will not harm the brewery,
though we all greatly need the copper kettle to make barbs
for our arrows."

These noble red men, for we must think they exhibited a noble spirit,
then departed. DeVrees was, at the time, in the manor house. He
hastened down the river to fort Amsterdam and indignantly addressing
the governor, said: "Has it not happened just as I foretold, that you
are only helping to shed Christian blood? Who will now compensate us
for our losses?"

The wretched Kieft had not one word to reply. He however, made a weak
and unavailing attempt to appease the wrath of the Long Island
Indians. But the roaring tornado of savage vengeance could not thus be
divested of its terrors. The messengers he sent, approaching a band of
Indians, cried out to them, "We come to you as friends." They shouted
back contemptuously, "Are you our friends? You are only corn thieves."
Refusing all intercourse they disappeared in the forest.

During all these scenes the infamous and cowardly Kieft ensconced
himself securely within the walls of the fort. The bewailings of
ruined farmers, and of widows and orphan children rose all around him.
To divert public clamor, he fitted out several expeditions against the
Indians. But these expeditions all returned having accomplished
nothing.

"The proud heart of the Director," writes Brodhead,

"began to fail him at last. In one week desolation and
sorrow had taken the place of gladness and prosperity. The
colony entrusted to his charge was nearly ruined. It was
time to humble himself before the Most High, and invoke from
heaven the mercy which the Christian had refused the savage.

"A day of general fasting and prayer was proclaimed. 'We
continue to suffer much trouble and loss from the heathen,
and many of our inhabitants see their lives and property in
jeopardy, which is doubtless owing to our sins,' was Kieft's
contrite confession, as he exhorted every one penitently to
supplicate the mercy of God, 'so that his holy name may not,
through our