USA > New York > Schenectady County > Schenectady > A history of the Schenectady patent in the Dutch and English times : being contributions toward a history of the lower Mohawk Valley > Part 26
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Her maiden name was Engeltie Blom. Vrooman's house stood on the lot on the west corner of Front and Church streets.
His son Barent and a negro were carried away to Canada.
"Reynier Schaats and his sonne kild." 2
He was son of Dome Gideon Schaets of Albany ;- surgeon and physician of the village as well as justice of the peace. His lot was on the north side of Union street, now owned by the county of Schenectady.
" Daniel Andries & George 2 souldiers of Capt. Bull." 2
" A french girl Prisoner among the Mohogs kild." 1
" A maquase Indian kild." 1
" Johannes ye sonne of Symon Skermerhorn, 1
3 Negroes of Symon Skermerhorn." 3
He probably lived on the west corner of Church and Union streets-the Tomlinson lot.
"Lyst of ye Persones which ye French & there Indians have taken Prisoners att Skinnechtady and caried to Canida ye 9'h day of February 1 1688, Johannes Teller & his negroe." 2
The Teller lot was on the east corner of Union and Washington streets, extending 200 feet along each street.
Teller was redeemed from the Indians.
" John Wemp sonne of Myndt Wemp and 2 negroes." 3
The Wemp's lived on the west side of Washington, a little north of State street.
"Symon, Abraham, Phillip, Dyrck and Claas Groot all 5 sonnes of Symon Groot." 5
His house lot was next west of Reynier Schaet's on the north side of Union street, now owned by the county of Schenectady and A. W. Hunter, Esq. All these sons were redeemed with perhaps the exception of Claas.
265
Burning of Schenectady.
" Jan Baptist sonne of Jan Van Eps." 1
The Van Eps lot was on the north corner of Church and State streets, Jan remained among the Canadian Indians about three years, and in one of their expeditions against the Mohawks escaped and returned home.
" Albert & Johannes Vedder sonnes of harme Vedder." 2
Harmen Vedder the father, had a hofstede on the bouwland, now owned and occupied by Mr. John D. Campbell of Rotterdam, and it is not cer- tainly known that he had a village lot.
Both were redeemed.
" Isaak Cornelise Switts & his Eldest sonne." 2
He lived on the west side of Washington street directly opposite State. Both were redeemed.
" A negroe of Barent Janse [ Van Ditmars]" 1
Van Ditmars married Mrs. Bratt in 1664 and lived upon the lot on the east corner of State and Washington streets.
" Arnout ye Sonne of Arnout Corn: Viele ye Interp'." 1
Arnout was brother-in-law of Douwe Aukes and was residing at his house on the south corner of State street and Mill Lane near the church.
" Stephen ye sonne of Gysbert Gerritse [Van Brakel]"
Van Brakel resided on the East corner of Ferry and State streets.
" Lawrence Sonne of Claes Lawrence Purmurent [Vander Volgen]." 1
The Vander Volgen home lot included the lots on which are built the Van Horne Hall and the Myers' Block.
Lawrence remained with the Canada Indians about eleven years, becoming perfectly familiar with their language and customs. After his return he was employed as Provincial interpreter.
" Arnout Sonne of Paulyn Janse." Residence unknown. I
" Barent ye Sonne of Adam Vrooman and ye neger." 2
" Claes sonne of Frans Harmense [Van de Bogart]." 1
His father's village lot was on the north side of Front street, now the res- idence of Mr. Henry Rosa.
"Stephen adopted Sonne of Geertje Bonts." Residence unknown. 1 "John Webb a souldier belonging to Capt Bull," 1
34
266
History of the Schenectady Patent.
" David Burt belonging to ye same Compe," 1
" Joseph Marks of ye same Comp","
1
In all*
27
" List of the Goods sent from New York and received from Mons' Jan Hendricksen Brujn and Johannes Proofoost to be distributed among the Refugees of Schoonechtede, to wit :
2348} Dutch ells of Osenb: Linen.
3 ps Serge,
. 13 prs. Stockings,
72 ells pennestont,
And delivered to the Deacons of Schoonechtede and the Deacons of Albany, to wit : Barent Wemp, Jan Byvanck, Johannes De Wandelaer, Jacob Loockermans.
first distributed to
Sarge.
Barent Wemp
6ª ells
Harmen Vedder,
6
Symen Schermerhoorn.
Symen Groot,
Arent Vedder,
Anne widow of Frans [Van de Bogart],
Willem Appel,
Goosen Van Oort,
Samuel Bradt,
Andries Bradt,
Johannes Dyckman,
Geertruy Groot,
6
3 ps. sarge distributed of
79 & &
List of the Pennestont to
Pennestont
Aces Cornelise [Van Slyck],
7 ells
Dirck Bradt,
.
Isack De Teurex [Truax],
Nieces Volckers,
Johannes Dyckman,
Y
Jan [Van] Eps,
Loowies Coopeele [Cobes],
3} 7 5
Gerret Jansen,
William Van Erde,
33
* Doc. Hist. 1, 191.
66666666666 6 6 6
7 8 3₺ 3
Pieter Van Olinda,
-
Burning of Schenectady.
Arent Vedder, Elias Swart, Jan Buys, Geertruy Groot,
3} 7 4
3
72 ells
· List of Stockings.
Manus Vedder, one pair of Stockings,
1
Symen Groot, one pair,
1
Jan Buys,
1
Willem Appel,
1
Symen Schermerhooren,
1
Gyspert Gerrets [Van Brakel],
1
Harmen Vedder,
1
Hendrick Gardeniers,
1
Samuel Bradt,
1
Dirck Hesselingh,
1
Adam Froman,
1
Teunis Carstensen,
1
Gerrit Gysbersen [Van Brakel],
1
The number of Stockings,
13 prs.
List of the Osenburg Linen.
Harmen Vedder,
80 ells
Jan [Van] Eps,
70
Catlyn Barensen [Van Ditmars],
70
Dirck Bradt,
65
Barent Wemp,
70
Dirck Hesselinge',
58
Willem Appel,
80
Goosen Van Oort,
50
Geertruy [Groot (?)],
31
Susanne Tellers,
50
Aces Cornelise [Van Slyck],
50
Dieur Wemp,
55
Anne Harmensen [Van de Bogart],
65
Tryntje Bosboom,
20
Symon Volcker [Veeder],
30
Samel Bradt,
50
Gyspert Gerrets [Van Brakel],
80
Nieces Volckertsen [Veeder (?)],
20
Jacob Van Laer,
20
Willem Van Eerde,
75
Cornelis Vielè,
40
Manus Haegedoorn,
40
267
268
History of the Schenectady Patent.
Jannetie Schermerhooren,
40
Cornelis Schermerhooren,
20
Citte Bradt,
60
Hendrick Gardeniers,
40
Cornelis Claesen,
20
Tryntie Schaets,
80
David Christoffelsen's children,
50
Johannes Pootman's children,
70
Adam Frooman,
70
Symen Schermerhooren,
50
Purmerent [Van de Volgen],
40
Symen Groot,
80
Fytie Pietersen Bosboom,
20
Distributed in Schoonechtede,
1809 ells.
List of the Linen distributed in the Bush. [ Woestine.]
Elias Swart,
36 ells
Lauries Coopesen [Ludovicus Cobes],
20
Isack Teurx [Truax],
40
Jan Buys,
23
Teunis Carstensen,
35
Binnonie Arentsen [Van Hoeck],
25
Davit Marienissen [marinus],
30+
Elias [Van] Gyseling,
30
Arent Vedder,
30
Pitter Van Olinda,
35
Jan Frooman,
30
Manis [Harmanus] Vedder,
24
Tuenis Vielè,
20
Tryntje Verwy,
15
Claes [De] Graef,
35
Jan Hilt,
25
Cornelis Groat,
20
Jan Luycessen [Wyngaardt],
18
Johannes Dyckman,
30
Lysbet Cornelissen,
15
540
From the other side,
1809
By me JOHANNES DE WANDELAER, Deacon of Albany .*
2349
* Doc. Hist. N. Y., II, III.
269
Burning of Schenectady.
As the people of Albany were connected with those of Schenectady by ties of blood and marriage, the latter received much aid from the former.
Thus in the Deacon's book of the church of Albany, immediately after the destruction of Schenectady, are found the following entries for goods given away.
1690
Feb. 12. Aen Purmerent [Claas Laurense Van der Volgen], 8 el linne en 7 el plets (?) 29 guld.
Aen ditto 2} el duffels en 7 el linne, 30 guld.
13. Aen Jan Spoor 8 ell linne.
" 14. Aen Kornelis groot een hempt, 8 gul.
17. Aen purmerent [Claas Laurense Van der Volgen], 2 el duffels, 16 gul.
The following ballad, though without much literary merit, has some value for the facts set forth therein.
It was evidently written by a person belonging to the English garrison stationed at Albany.
" A BALLAD,
In which is set forth the horrid cruellties practised by the French and In- dians on the Night of the 8th of Last February. The which I did compose Last Night in the space of one Hour, and am now writing, the Morning of Fryday, June 12, 1690. W. W.
God prosper long our King and Queen Our lives & Safeties all
A sad misfortune once there did Schenectady befall.
From forth the woods of Canada The Frenchmen tooke their Way
The People of Schenectady To captivate and slay.
They march'd for two & twenty dais, All thro' the deepest snow ; And on a dismal Winter Night They strucke the Cruel Blow.
The lightsome sun that rules the Day, Had gone down in the West ;
And eke the drowsy Villagers Had sought and found their reste.
They thought They were in Safetie all, And dreampt not of the Foe ; But att Midnight They all awoke, In Wonderment & Woe.
For They were in their pleasant Beddies, And soundelie sleeping, when Each Door was sudden open broke By six or seven Meu.
The Men and Women, Younge & Olde, And eke the Girls & Boys, All started up in great Affright, Att the alarming Noise.
They then were murther'd in their Beddes, Without shame or remorse ; [stew'd And soon the Floores and Streets were With many a bleeding corse.
270
History of the Schenectady Patent.
The Village soon began to Blaze Which shew'd the horrid sight :- But, O, I scarce can Beare to Tell The Mis'ries of that Night.
They threw the Infants in the Fire, The Men they did not spare ; But killed All which they could find Tho' Aged or tho' Fair.
O Christe! In the still Midnight air, It sounded dismally, [screams, The Women's Prayers, and the loud Of their great Agony.
Methinks as if I hear them row All ringing in my ear ; The Shrieks & Groanes & Woefull Sighs, They utter'd in their Fear.
But some ran off to Albany, And told the dolefull Tale :
Yett tho' We gave our cheerful Aid, It did not much avail.
And We were horribly afraid, And shook with Terror, when They told us that the Frenchmen were More than a Thousand Men.
The News came on the Sabbath morn Just att the Break of Day. And with a companie of Horse I galloped away.
But soone We found the French were gone With all their great Bootye; And then their Trail We did pursue, As was our true Dutye.
The Mohaques joynd our brave Partye, And followed in the chase Till we came upp with the Frenchmen, Att a most likelye Place.
Our soldiers fell upon their Reare, And killed twenty-five, Our Young Men were so much enrag'd They took scarce One alive.
D'Aillebout Them did commande, Which were but Theevish Rogues, Else why did they consent and Goe With Bloodye Indian Dogges ?
And Here I End the long Ballad, The Which you just have redde ; Iwish that it may stay on earth Long after I am Dead. WALTER WILIE. Albany, 12th of June, 1690."
271
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713.
INDIAN WARS ON THE BORDER, 1662-1713.
The destruction of Schenectady and the uncertainty of future safety of the border settlers in the vicinity of that village, awakened in their minds serious doubts as to the expediency of rebuilding their dwellings and put- ting seed into the ground. To reassure the courage of the people, the con- vention at Albany passed the following resolution on the 22 Feb., 1690.
Resolved that for ye p'servation of there majes Intrest in these parts & ye Secureing of there Subjects in this time of war wth ye french, yt all means be used to Perswade all ye maquase to come & live & Plant at Schinnectady lately Destroyed by ye french and there Indians wh will be a means yt ye winter Corn sowed there may be reaped & ye Indians in Readinesse to joyn with our forces upon any occasion if ye enemy should come .- Doc. Hist., II, p. 90.
The Five Nations too in a council held at Albany, May 3, spoke encourag- ing words,-
" Brother Corlaer be no wise discouraged but make your fort strong (as we have our castles) at Schenectady and maintain a garrison there, that your Corne may be preserved & reap your harvest, also send for your wifes,* and children from New York and encourage them that we shall be safe, and fear not, The words of Diadorus are ended."t
In April an attack was made on the feeble settlement at Canastagione where eight or ten people were killed by the French Indians, " which has made the whole country in an Alarm and the People leave there planta- tions."
Of this attack Leisler wrote to Governor Treat of Connecticut, April 19, as follows :
" It hapened yt last Sabeday, at Nistigione, 12 Myle from Albany, ye people there gathered all in one house & keept watch, the said ffrench and in
* Mr. Van Cortland writing to Gov. Andros May 19, says, " most of the Albany women are att New Yorke."
t Col. Doc. III, 714.
1 # Col. Doc. III, 716.
272
History of the Schenectady Patent.
Indians, finding in the night the houses empty, & perseving their retreat, went in a swamp, the people going in ye mourning, each to their houses, were surprized, 9 Christians, 2 negers were kild & captivated, which must needs encourage the enemie to further attempt if not prevented by a vigorous attake in Canada .* " * * *
To the same effect, he wrote to the magistrates of Albany, April 30, in his Dutch English.
* * " mest riarst desired som guns with iff your seemeth most be taken from sloop or petrares for Schonectede with Wee Desiers ma not be deserted doo It shuld kost 50 soldiers to maentain." * *
May 12, 1690, the magistrates of Albany to stay the general alarm and provide for the protection of the border, "Ordered that the Posts of Schen- echtade, Connestigioonè, and halfe-moone be forthwith supplyed with the proper number of mnen to defend the same,-and that none doe presume to post any other forces saving at the 3 places aforesaid at their uttmost perill."§
" Whereas it is judged necessary for to defend Schanechtede and to that purpose it is likewise found requisite that a Fort shall be built to defend ye Inhabitants and oppugn the Enemy if he should attack the same,"-Capt. , Sander Glen and others are ordered to build a "substantiall Fort on that lot of grounde called by y" name of Cleyn Isaacs."|
Robert Livingston-a strong and active Anti-Leislerian, in a letter of June 7 to Lt. Gov. Nicholson, makes serious charges against Leisler's agents at Albany of their " drinking and Quaffing while the French Indians comes and cutts off the People at Canastagione and above Synechtady and never one of them cacht. We have all Leisler's seditious letters secured which was the occasion of the destruction of Synechtady, miraculously found in the streets all embrued with blood the morning after the massacre was committed." **
So impoverished had Albany and Schenectady become, that aid was called for from Connecticut for "fournishing the souldiers with provisions, Shen- nectady being destroyed and most of the out plantations deserted, that your honra would be pleased to send a supply of an hundred barrels of porks or beefe equivalent for maintaining their Majes Forces."tt
On the 9th June, 1690, four persons of those who had been captured by the French and escaped from Canada, arrived in Albany, to wit, Klyn
* Doc. Hist., II, 131. t [Ryer Schermerhorn-M'M].
# Doc. Hist., II, 131.
§ Col. MSS., XXXVI.
| Isaac Swits lot at foot of State street.
** Col. Doc., III, 727. tt Col. Doc., III, 693.
273
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713.
Isack [Swits] of Schenectady, and his eldest son Symon,-Ryck Claessen [Van Vranken] of Niskayuna and one of Capt. Bull's soldiers taken at the destruction of Schenectady .* Four more captives taken at the same place were brought in March, 169], by a "party of Christians and maquase."t
In the beginning of June, 1691, Gov. Sloughter, who succeeded Andros, visited Albany and Schenectady to inspect the defences and hold a council with the Five Nations.
In his speech June 1, to the Sachems assembled, he said:
* "I must acquaint the Brethren that it was very unpleasant news to me, which was told me at Schenectady two dayes ago, by the poor distressed Inhabitants of that Village, how that some of the Brethren have burnt and destroyed several of their deserted houses and Barns, and have killed their horses, Cattle, Hoggs and Poultry in the woods, left by the Enemy, which is an uncharitable act, and ought to be enquired into and for the future prevented and remedied."}
" The maquasse propose for themselves and say: (4 June, 1691). " We were glad to see your Excellcy safe arrived here to the Gent" of Albany and as soon as you have visited the Magistrates here, you took hoarse and rode to Schenectady where you see the ruines to that Towne occasioned by the French, and there the poor people made there complaints to your Excelley of the killing of their Cattle and Hoggs ;- we must confess the thing was done, but could not be avoided for we were ready to pursue the Enemy when they had done the mischeife at Schennectady & comeing home were almost starved and therefor for mere necessity we were com- pelled to do what we did; you expect satisfaction for the same, but pray consider how business is now circumstanced that it cannot conveniently be done, for if you should draw us from prosecuting the warr to go to hunt to make satisfaction for that injury, it would be of badd consequence.
"Brother Corlaer, we have often told you that you should fortifye your- selfe well, but you always tell us, the French were a Christian Enemy and they would warn you but you see how they have warned you by Schennec- tady, therefore pray you make the Citty as strong as the Forte and when our Indians doe goe out a fighting, then pray send seaven or eight Men in our Castle to make a noise (which is the manner of their Watching, a nights) that so our women and Children may be secure and not taken Captive whilst we are abroad."
* Doct. Hist., II, 153 ; Col. Doc., III, 781-2.
t Col. MSS., XXVII. # Col. Doc., III. 773.
35
274
History of the Schenectady Patent.
" We deliver you a prisoner vist Joseph Marks* which we brought from Canada who was taken at Schenectady by the French and their Indians and shall endeavor to bring more by all occasions."t-(June 1, 1691.)
During the summer of 1691, Major Pieter Schuyler raised an expedition for Canada, in which he employed the Mohawks. Robert Livingston writing to Gov. Sloughter says, "I designe to send provisions to Schenec- tady for them to prvent their sotting & drinking here, that they may march from thence directly."}
About this time the Indians took prisoner one Cornelis Clatie at Canas- taguijone. " In the end of June 2 men went over the river att Canastogione to make hay upon Claas [Janse Van Boekhoven's] de Brabander's land,- the most dangerous place in all the Province; some French Indians sur- prises them, kills the one and takes off his skull & what is become of the other we know not. The other people that were mowing of hay upon Claes de Brabander's Island that now belongs to John Child [Clute], heard 3 gunns goe off went to the river side, see noe body but the Cannoe; we sent a party of horse thither who found one of the men lying in the water at the shoare side."§ Such was the alarm that the people durst not stay upon their farms, and there was danger the crops would not be harvested.
On the 11th July, Gov. Sloughter wrote to the Governors of the other Provinces, that he had just returned from Albany, where he " found our Plantations and Schenectady almost ruined .- I have garrisoned Schenectady and Halfe Moon with some of the 100 fusileers raised by our Assembly.""
Again Aug. 6, he says, "I found Albany full of disorder, the people ready to disert it; about 150 farms deserted & destroyed by the French."
October 5, 1691, " At a council held at Fort William Henry [N. Y].
" This Board having the Garrison of Schenectady under consideration, it is thought convenient to remove the 4 guns from there to Albany and that Peterardoes be placed in their steade." **
Late in the year 1691, another of the prisoners taken at Schenectady the year before was brought back by an Oneida Indian, who was rewarded in " Duffels and Rom " to the amount of £2, 2s.
In January, 1692, Cornelis Van Slyck, Harmen Van Slyck and Hendrick Janse went out from Schenectady with the Maquase upon the Brandwach towards Canada, Capt. Sander Glen furnishing "Sno Shoes " for them.tt
* A soldier of Lt. Enos Talmage's detachment posted in the fort at Schenectady.
+ Col. Doc., III, 778, 779. # Col. Doc., III, 781, 782, 805.
§ Col. Doc., III, 783-4. Į Col. Doc., III, 784, 792, 795.
** Council Minn., VI, 57; Col. MSS., XXXVIII.
tt Col. MSS., XXXVIII.
275
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713.
In February came an alarm from, Albany to Governor Fletcher that "350 French and 200 Indians had come within 36 miles of Schenectady."
The Governor proposed to " detach three hundred men out of the City regiment and adjacent counties to be transported to Esopus by water," from whence they were to be sent on to Albany and Schenectady by horses .*
In May there was a new alarm and Major Ingoldsby visited Albany where the officers "represented that they need a force of 400 men on this frontier,-200 at Albany, 50 each at Schenectady, Canastagione, & half moon, & 50 to go out with 100 Indians as constant scouts in the woods."t
Returning from Albany, the commander-in-chief, Maj. Ingoldsby, reported to the Council in New York, June 16, that he found the place in great disorder from the false alarm occasioned by some skulking Indians from Canada ;- that the fortifications were very much out of repair ;- that he had confirmed the chain of friendship with the Five Nations and River Indians, and that he "had detached 30 men from the garrison at Albany to Schen- ectady ;- 30 to Half-Moon and that 50 more were wanting at least for Can- nestgioenna but could not afford to detach any more from Albany."}
In October, Governor Fletcher visited Schenectady and put it in some posture of defense for the coming winter.§
In September, three French prisoners being examined at New York said that last summer (1692) the French of Canada " had a design to fall upon Albany & Schenectady & the Mohac country, but first to take Shenec- tady where they resolved to build a fort * * but their design failed."ll
The Provincial Council, July 1, for the purpose of obtaining information in relation to the late massacre at Deerfield, examined Jan Baptist Van Eps (of Schenectady), " aged about 19 years, who had been a prisoner or captive amongst the ffrench Indians in Canada, the space of three years, and made his Escape from them in february last, when the ffrench and Indians attackt the Maquaes Castles, and came to Schenectade being the Uppermost ffrontier of this Province where His Excellency Benj. Fletcher, &c., then was with the fforces from New York to repulse the Enemy." **
In August, 1692, a new expedition was fitted out at Schenectady, consist- ing of 350 Indians of the Five Nations under Canachkorie to attack Canada. The expense of the outfit was £54, 38. 5d. Among other things furnished was 4 ells of " red & blew " ribbons " to Tye in his Eares."
* Council Min., VI, 165. + Col. MSS., XXXVIII.
# Coun. Min., VI, 104.
| Col. Doc., III, 855.
§ Coun. Min., VI, 134; Leg. Min., VI, 50. ** Col. MSS., XXXIX.
276
History of the Schenectady Patent.
P. Davitse was allowed nine shillings for making two gun-stocks; Jellis . Funda nineteen shillings and six pence for making four gun stocks,-& Barent Mynderse and Christian Smith £7, 68. 8d., for repairing arms for the Indians.
While at Schenectady the "Mayor & the Rest" stayed with Johannes Glen ;- Hille Van Olinda their interpreter, made two great belts of wampum for which she received £2, 8s.
There was furnished for the expedition 600 lbs. of " Beefe & Pork besides the 4 quarters of a small beast," amounting to £1, 16s.,-25 skipples of Pease @ ? and 24 Loaves of Bread @ 7d.
A large quantity of wampum belts was sent along to draw over the Pray- ing Indians of Canada.
The zewant for two great belts cost £3, 12s.
The low condition of Schenectady is plainly shown by the following petition, -so impoverished had the poor people become that a paltry tax of only £29-78 ($73 %) was considered too great a burthen for the whole township to bear.
" To his Excell : &c. &c.
The Humble Peticon of the Inhabitants of Skenectady in the county of Albany,-
Humbly Sheweth
That youre Excelle Petiçon™ have received many great damidges and Losses by the ffrench & there adherents, By Murdering of there majties good Subjects and Burning there habitations and Cattle &c., and daly great Charges and truble with the Indian Souldg's and there Wifes & Children as lately aboutt 300 of these were here 21 days before they Marched toward Canida, Destroying our grain &c. in our plantations, that our Winter Main- tenance for our poore ffamilies is much Shortened to our Ruin haveing many poore Widows and Children from the out places here to Secure there Lyves : - as alsoe the magtrates &c. of Albany have Lotted to us to pay towards the Tax of 3151bs for our part £29-7p. which Seemes to our poore Condiçon very hard, not Knowing how to Raise it, being Constrained to plant together that we can not [lose] that Little What wee have Left, &c.
Whereupon your Peticon's humbly Implore Your Excellency for a Re- dress, & that wee may be freed of all Taxes till the Warr is ended and your Excellency's further assistance with Souldg's &c. for a defence against the Enemies &c. [no Signatures.]
Petition granted 'nemine contradicente ' 11 Oct. 1692."*
* Coll. MSS., XXXVIII.
277
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713.
In February 1693, the French attacked and took the first and second Mohawk castles. Major Ingoldsby writing on the 11th to Governor Fletcher from Albany, informed him that the French and Indians to the number of 550 had marched to the attack, " which we had by a youth [Jan Baptist Van Eps] taken at Schenectady three years agoe and made his escape from them just as they were to fall upon the castles an hour before day."*
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