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Propositions made to the Governor-General of New Netherland by the Mohawk chiefs of the two nearest castles situate beyond Fort Nassou, the first called Kaghenewagé and the 2nd Kanagaro; interpreted by Jan Janse Bleycker and Hendrick Lantsingh.

Answer of the Honorable the Governor.

First. Say that they have come here as to their brethren, for the Dutch both at Nassou and here have been always one flesh with them, and state that they are going to Four Nations to renew Peace with them, and there-upon present a belt of Wampum.

To the 1st point. As they say that they come here as to their brethren who arc one flesh with them, they are received as such and are accordingly wished a welcome.

2.	2.
Say, they concluded a new bond of peace last harvest with the Dutch at Nassou, which they now come to confirm; and thereupon present a belt of Wampum.	The Governor is well pleased at the renewal of the peace last harvest at Nassou, and will take care that said treaty shall be strictly kept by the Dutch.

3.	3.
Say, that if the French, as is reported, should come to injure the Dutch, they intend then to side with the Dutch and to live and die with them; thereupon present a belt of Wampum.	Are thanked for the offer of assistance against the French and other Indians, and are promised in like manner, in a just cause, protection against the exactions of their enemies.

4.	4.
Say, they are glad that the Governor hath built so strong a fortress here, hoping that this country will be defended by him against all enemies, and that no other nation will ever master it; thereupon present a belt of Wampum.	Are answered, that the Governor hath expressly caused the fort and fortifications to be built in order to be able to repel all enemies; however, thanks them for their affection and good wishes.

5.	5.
Say, that they are deputed to some other nations to renew peace with them, and that they intend on their return to pass through here; request, therefore, that they may be allowed to do so; and thereupon present a belt of Wampum.	As they are sent and are going to other nations, the Governor wished them a safe journey and good luck in their renewal of the peace with those nations, and were allowed freely to return hither,

6.	6.
Say, that at Nassou they had requested to be sent down in a sloop, but there was not any up there, and therefore request (as they are aged people) that on their return they may be conveyed in a sloop; thereupon present a belt of Wampum.	The Governor is of opinion that there were no sloops at Willemstadt, when they were about coming down, to convey them hither; but whenever they will have concluded their business with the other nations and be back here, a friendly present shall be given them, and they shall be conveyed to Willemstadt free of expense. Thus done in Fort Willem Hendrick, in New Netherland, this 22nd May, 1674.

References

Translation: O'Callaghan, E.B., trans./ed., Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of New-York, vol. 2 (Albany: Weed, Parsons: 1858), pp. 569-730 (vol. 23, pp. 1-270 only).A complete copy of this publication is available on the New Netherland Institute website.