[Edward Manning Ruttenber (1872)] self to assist them.1 " 9. The aforesaid chiefs (the Mohawks, Minsis and others already named) as mediators and advocates of the Esopus nation, remain securities, and engage themselves that it shall be kept inviolate; and if any infraction be committed by the Esopus Indians, they engage themselves to assist the Dutch to subdue them. " Thus done and concluded, near the concentration of Eso pus, under the blue sky of heaven, in the presence of the Hon. Martin Kregier, burgomaster of the city of Amsterdam in New Netherland; OlofF Stevensen van Cortland, old burgomaster; Arent van Curler, commissary of the colonie of Rensselaers-wyck, and all the inhabitants of Esopus, both Christians and Indians, on the I5th of July, 1660." The day was far spent before the negotiations opened, and the shades of twilight had deepened into the night ere the cere monies were concluded. The proposals submitted by Stuyve-sant were accepted, the sachem, Sewackenamo, declaring, in 1 Ante, p. 68. 144 THE INDIAN TRIBES the customary language of his people, that their friendship with the Dutch should last as long as the sun and moon gave light; as long as the stars should shine in the firmament, and the rivers flow with water. But before this conclusion, he had asked the director for the return of his kindred.