[Edward Manning Ruttenber (1872)] The settlers at Esopus abandoned their farms, lest they should be cut off. Even New Amsterdam was not secure; bands of Indians wandered over the island, destroying all who came in their way. Ten Frenchmen were enrolled to guard the house and family of the absent director, while the Dutch themselves kept within the fort. In the midst of the terror which prevailed, Stuyvesant and his soldiers returned, and the confidence of the colonists was soon restored. Soldiers were sent to the out settlements, an embargo was laid on vessels about to sail, and passengers able to bear arms were ordered not to depart " until it should please God to change the aspect of affairs." A plank curtain was thrown up, to prevent the Indians scaling the city walls, and no persons, on any account, were to go into the country without permission, nor unless in numbers sufficient to ensure their safety. The fury of the Indians, however, had spent its force and they retreated, after dividing their prisoners, a portion of whom were taken to the highlands, and the remainder retained with the Hackinsacks. The latter, finding them an incumbrance, sent Captain Pos, who had been taken at Staten island, with propo sals for their ransom. Not returning as soon as was expected, the Indians sent another messenger with word that all the pri soners should be brought to Paulus hook in two days.