[Edward Manning Ruttenber (1872)] Smith's assertion that it was prior to European occupation, is generally denied j while Brodhead's assumption 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 with arms. 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,-9 68 THE INDIAN TRIBES therefore repeat not this," x and no Mohawk chief ever made utterance with more authority. A terrific contest was then raging between the Senecas and the Minsis^ and the former came to Fort Orange and demanded, by virtue of the treaty of Esopus (1660), a higher price for their furs. " We require, said they, sixty handsful of powder for one beaver. We have a vast deal of trouble collecting beavers through the enemy's country. We ask to be furnished with powder and ball. If our ene mies conquer us, where will ye then obtain beavers ? " Direc tor Stuyvesant, so the record says, replied by giving them a keg of powder, but entreated them to make peace with the Minsis