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

may desire to obtain it -, but, as regards his pleading before the courts, we cannot see that it can be admitted yet, with any advantage to the Director and Council in New Netherlands, besides that we are ignorant of there being any of that stamp in your city (who nevertheless before they can be admitted, must apply to your honor, or directly to our department) who can act and plead against Van der Donck, in behalf of the other side. We trust, that in this, you will consult the interests of your government and the welfare of the inhabitants.