On this account the Indians, in the vicinity of Fort Amsterdam, and as the record elsewhere shows, especially the Minsis of New Jersey and the Delaware, " endeavored no less to procure guns, and through the familiarity which existed between them and the people " at New Amsterdam, " began to solicit the

and powder, but as such was forbidden on pain of death, and could not remain long concealed in consequence

latter for guns

This them to con spire against us, beginning first with insults which they every where indiscreetly uttered, railing at us as materiotty, that is to

of the general conversation, they could not be obtained. greatly augmented

the hatred which stimulated

say cowards."

In regard to the time at which the subjugation of the Lenapes took place or was acknowledged, there statement.

wide divergence in prior to European while Brodhead's assumption

Smith's assertion that

it

is

was

occupation, is generally denied j that it was in 1617,' is without foundation in contemporaneous or subsequent facts. Nor could subjugation have been as early

as 1643 or 1645, when Kieft made his treaty with the Mohawks and Mahicans, for the Swedes were then supplying the Minsis

In 1660, the latter, through their chief, could declaim to their dependents at Esopus, in the presence of the Mohawk embassador, " this is not your land ; it is our land,-

with arms.

THE INDIAN TRIBES

therefore repeat not this," x and no

utterance with

more authority.

Mohawk chief ever made