HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 37

that it was not wise to add to the number of their declared foes. If, however, the Indians showed any signs of hostility, each colonist might adopt such measures of defence as he saw fit. The proviso was an unfortunate one; for, to those who seek a quarrel opportunity is never long wanting; and, ere long, some movements of the Marechkawiecks were conveniently construed into signs of hostility. Straightway, a secret expedition plundered two wagonloads of corn from the Indians, three of whom were killed in the attempt to rescue their property. Up to this time, the Long Island Indians had been the constant friends of the Dutch, but this crowning act of injustice filled them with bitterest contempt and hatred. They immediately made common cause with the River Indians, who, by this time, had discovered that the midnight massacres at Pavonia and “Corlae’s” were the work of the Dutch; and war was declared against the faithless whites. From the shores of the Raritan to the valley of the Hackensack, the tomahawk was dug up and the war-paint was put on. Eleven tribes rose, as one man, and throughout the length and breadth of New Netherland, Death, Fire, and Captivity threatened unspeakable horrors to farmer and soldier, to women and children, to old and young, to rich and poor alike. From every outlying settlement the terrified colonists fled to Fort Amsterdam, and crazed by their despair and reproaches, the director hurriedly adopted such measures as he could for the common safety. He found himself obliged to take all the males into the company's service, as paid soldiers, for two months. He, also, sent a friendly message to the Long Island Indians, to which the indignant savages would not listen. Standing afar off, they derided his messenger, calling out, “Are ye our friends? Ye are merely corn-thieves.” Amid the general distress, cooped up in the fort together with trembling fugitives, the victims of his own rashness, and compelled daily to hear the reproaches which his conscience told him were merited, the valiant director scarce know which way to turn; and so, he proclaimed a day of general fasting and prayer. But, while the people humbled themselves before the Almighty, they held the director strictly responsible; and, alarmed for his own safety, he endeavored to foist the odium of the situation upon the freemen, whose advice he