Twelve Men

The Twelve Men was a council of citizens chosen by the residents of New Netherland to advise Director Willem Kieft on relations with the Native Americans in the wake of the murder of Claes Swits.

Kieft sought to offset some of the cost by demanding contribution from the Indians, whom he saw as deriving protection from rival tribes.

They declined, pointing out that the Dutch had not been invited in the first place, and with the Indian settlements so scattered, by the time word reached the fort any help dispatched would be too late.

[1] In the spring of 1640, some Raritan Indians attacked a Company trading boat near Staten Island and stole a canoe.

[5] Kieft was determined to conduct punitive measures against the Indians, but reluctant to assume sole responsibility for the decision.

They did not counsel war, as desired by Willem Kieft, but recommended patience and negotiations to resolve differences with the tribes.

After months of haggling, in January 1642, Kieft told them that he would accept their request if they, in turn, would support his proposed war.

He ordered Van Tienhoven to lead the soldiers stationed at Fort Amsterdam on a raid on those sheltering at Pavonia.