Lord Stevenson, We humbly beseech you to understand, that wee the inhabitants of this place, have not plotted nor conspired against your Honour. The original of the writing here enclosed, were not in any measure, sought for by us, but were by the said court sent unto us when we expected them not. How to resist ihera we know not, they being as you see, in his majesties name of England. This was a reason why we choose not magistrates at present as formerly, and that wee hope that your honour will be herewith satisfied. Your honour's loving friend, Richard Mills, in the name and by the appointment of the inhabitants of Westchester."

Governor Stuyvesant having ascertained, that the inhabitants of Westchester were about to send two delegates to Hartford, despatched the Sheriff Waldron with this letter.

Loving Friends, - ' '

We were much wondered, that you according to order and your duty, have not presented unto us your nomination of your new magistrates for this present year, being now four months past that this thing should be done, the reason wherefore being unknown to us, we have purposely sent and ordered the bearer, Resolve Waldron our substitute sheriff, (schout) for to inquire after the grounds and reasons thereof, which you are to give unto him in

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 1G5

writing, and send either your present magistrates to give us more fully information. So after our love, I shall rest,

Your loving friend and Governor, Done in Fort Amsterdam, inscribed,