Dutch forces reconnoiter the Esopus Kill throughout…
July 1663 CE
Dutch forces reconnoiter the Esopus Kill throughout July.
Unable to distinguish one tribe from another, they capture some traders from the Wappinger tribe, one of whom agrees to help the Dutch, giving them information about various native forces and alliances and serving as a guide in the field.
In spite of his help, the Dutch are unable to make solid contact with the Esopus, who use guerilla tactics and can disappear easily into the woods.
After several unproductive skirmishes, the Dutch manage to gain the help of the Mohawks, who serve as guides, interpreters, and soldiers.
The Dutch have received sufficient reinforcements by the end of July to march for the Esopus stronghold in the mountains to the north.
However, their ponderous equipment makes progress slow, and the terrain is difficult.
They realize they are still at a disadvantage, so rather than attacking the Esopus force, they resort to the tactics of the first Esopus War and burn the surrounding fields in the hope of starving them out.