The letters, which were “brought to Manhattan by Allerton’s ketch,” arrived there in the night of March 18–19 (28–29), it seems, and a meeting of the council was immediately called. The council concluded to deny the Swedes the privilege of landing, but they should be free to return unmolested, and they were allowed to provide themselves with necessary provisions for their homeward journey. A pass was issued for the ship, granting her an unhampered passage to New Amsterdam, where necessary supplies could be obtained. It was decided to send several soldiers to the South River to prevent an uprising of the Swedes, and such who had not hitherto taken an oath of allegiance, should now be compelled to do so. Those “who refused or contravened against it” should be sent away “by every opportunity.” Jacob Svensson and Sven Skute were especially designated as “undesirable citizens”, and regarded with suspicion since it was said that they held “secret conferences” with the Indians, “who often came to the homes of the Swedes and were, as usual, well received.” When these instructions arrived in Fort Casimir, Huygen determined to present his case at New Amsterdam in person. He went overland, arriving at the Dutch fort about April 1 (11), and delivered a written remonstrance to the Dutch council. The council replied that his requests could not be granted, repeating their former promises of an unmolested return voyage, and stated that, if the Swedes persisted in their designs and would not leave the river, force would be used to expel them. To show that they were in earnest the warship _Waag_ was ordered to proceed to the Delaware with the first favorable wind. Finding that he could accomplish nothing, Huygen accepted the proposals, making it unnecessary for _De Waag_ to sail. The outcome was reported to Papegoja, and the _Mercurius_ was soon expected to arrive at New Amsterdam. But over two weeks passed and no ship was heard of. Rumors were circulated that difficulties had arisen on the South River, and on April 18 (28) it was decided at a hurried meeting of the council to send Ensign Smith overland with twelve to sixteen soldiers to ascertain the state of affairs there. When Smith arrived there, however, the immigrants had disembarked and the ship had been unloaded.