To Van der Donck, his book, which, as a leading star,

Directs toward the land where many people are, . .^ _,

'• ■ Where lowland Love and Laws all may freely share.

, • [^Evert Nieuwenhof.^''

24lh of July of the same year, we find him petitioning the Directors of the West India company, for permission to search the records of the colony, and also for leave to pursue the practice of his profession.

The following appears in answer to it :

As Mr. Adriaen van der Donck has petitioned our college, [stating] first, that he has received his degree at law in the university of Leyden, and been admitted to practice it before the supreme court of Holland, he may be permitted to follow his profession as advocate in New Netherlands. 2ndly, That he may examine all the records and documents in the secretary's office to accomplish his history of New Netherlands, which he did undertake to write, so is our resolution upon these points, we consent and permit him, that, in conformity with the rules and customs of this country ,he may follow his profession as advocate in New Netherlands, to give his advice to all who

« Holl. Doc. No. xii. 4, No. xiii. 42, No. xiv. 43, No. xv. p. 44, No. xvi. 45, No. xvii. 47. This book has been recently translated from the original Dutch, by the lion. Jeremiah Johason. See 1 vol. new series N. Y. His. Soc.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 411