64 DUTCH AND ENGLISH ON THE HUDSON

while it was being built; that he himself had
escaped and had vowed revenge; and that the un-
lucky Claes was the first white man upon whom he
had a chance to wreak vengeance. The chief then
replied to the Director that he was sorry that
twenty Christians had not been killed and that the
Indian had done only a pious duty in avenging his
uncle.

In this emergency Kieft called a meeting at
which the prominent burghers chose a committee
of twelve to advise the Director. This took place
in 1641. The Council was headed by Captain
David de Vries, whose portrait with its pointed
chin, high forehead, and keen eyes, justifies his
reputation as the ablest man in New Netherland.
He insisted that it was inadvisable to attack
the Indians — not to say hazardous. Besides, the
Company had warned them to keep peace. It is
interesting to speculate on what would have been
the effect on the colony if the Company's choice
had fallen upon De Vries instead of on Kieft as
Director.

Although restrained for the time, Kieft never
relinquished his purpose. On February 24, 1643,
he again announced his intention of making a raid
upon the Indians, and in spite of further remon-