[Edward Manning Ruttenber (1872)] During the summer of 1659, mutual distrust and suspicion pre vailed. The settlers were disturbed by reports that the Indians intended a general massacre when the work of harvest should begin; while the Indians regarded the presence of the soldiers as a menace, doubted the director's desire for peace, and feared that it was his intention to attack and destroy them, as he had not yet sent the presents he had promised them. A conference was held with the chiefs Aug. 17, but they denied that they had any hostile intentions. " We patiently submit," said they, " to the blows which have been inflicted on us; yet the Dutch still plunder our corn." Laying down seventeen small sticks, the sachem added : " so many times have the Swannekins struck and assaulted us in divers places. We are willing to live in peace, but we expect your chief sachem will make us some pre-.sents. Otherwise he cannot be sincere." The conference was broken up without removing the feeling which existed between the parties; and fresh rumors disturbed the settlers that the Indians were preparing bows and arrows and concentrating their strength for an attack. Familiar as the Dutch were with the customs of the Indians and the periods of their annual return from their hunting expeditions, and their almost constant pre paration of the implements of the chase, they nevertheless now saw in them nothing but impending destruction. Nor were the general relations existing between the Indians and the Dutch more favorable.