 The Council was alarmed about the consequences of Kieft's proposed crusade, as they had lived in peace with the Indians for nearly two decades, and they rejected his proposal to massacre the Weckquaesgeek village if the villagers refused to produce the Swits murderer.The Indians were far more numerous than the colonists and could easily take reprisals against their lives and property.They also supplied the furs and pelts that were the economic lifeblood of the colony.