86 DUTCH AND ENGLISH ON THE HUDSON
Domines Megapolensis and Drisius in a letter to
the classis of Amsterdam, not only without pro-
test but with every sign of approbation. Yet in
the end public opinion made Itself felt and Mrs.
Bayard, Stuyvesant's sister (or sister-in-law, as
some authorities say) procured the release of his
victim.
In another case, a resident of Flushing ventured
to hold Quaker meetings at his home.    He was
sentenced to pay a fine or submit to be flogged and
banished; but the town officers refused to carry
out the decree.   A letter, signed by a number of
prominent townsfolk of Flushing, declared that the
law of love, peace, and liberty was the true glory
of Holland, that they desired not to offend one of
Christ's little ones under whatever name he ap-
peared, whether Presbyterian, Independent, Bap-
tist, or Quaker.   " Should any of these people come
in love among us therefore," said they, "we cannot
in conscience lay violent hands upon them."   This
letter immediately brought down upon the writers
the despotic rage of Stuyvesant.    The sheriff of
Flushing was cashiered and fined; the town clerk
was imprisoned; and penalties of varying degree
were imposed on all the signers.
When   accounts   of   Stuyvesant's  proceedings