y know whether we are more astonished at the
audacious enterprise of the Swedes in taking our fort on the
South river, or at the cowardly surrender of it by our
commander, which is nearly insufferable. He has acted very
unfaithfully, yea treacherously. We entreat you to exert
every nerve to avenge that injury, not only by restoring
affairs to their former situation, but by driving the Swedes
from every side of the river. We have put in commission two
armed ships, the King Solomon and the Great Christopher. The
drum is beaten daily in the streets of Amsterdam for
volunteers. And orders are given for the instant arrest of
Bikker."

Stuyvesant adopted vigorous measures to cooperate with the little
fleet upon its arrival, in its warfare against New Sweden. The 25th of
August, 1655, was set apart as a day of fasting and prayer,

"to implore the only bountiful God, that it may please him
to bless the projected enterprise, undertaken only for the
greater security, extension and consolidation of this
province, and to render it prosperous and successful to the
glory of his name."

Enlistments were pushed with great energy. Three North river vessels
were chartered, pilots were engaged and provisions and ammunition laid
in store. A French privateer, L'Esperance, which chanced to enter the
harbor of New Amsterdam at this time, was also engaged for the
service.

It seems hardly consistent with the religious character of Stuyvesant
and with his prayers for the divine blessing, that the Lord's day
should have been chosen for the sailing of the expedition. But on the
first Sunday in September, after the morning sermon, the sails of the
little squadron of seven vessels were unfurled and the fleet put to
sea, containing a military force of about seven hundred men. Governor
Stuyvesant in person, commanded the expedition. He was accompanied by
the Vice-Governor, De Lille, and by Domine Megapolensis, as chaplain.

On Friday morning they entered the Delaware river, and with favoring
wind and tide, sailed up beyond fort Casimir, and landed their forces
about a mile above. A flag of truce was promptly sent to the fort,
demanding "the direct restitution of our own property." Some parleying
occupied the time during the day, while Stuyvesant was landing his
batteries. The next morning the Swedish commander, convinced of the
folly of any further attempt at resis