It states, "That said river" ("the North River in New Netherland," so styled in the memorial which is believed to be the first time "it is so named in any official document) " and adjacent countries had been discovered in the year 1609, at the cost of the East India Company, before any Christians had ever been up said river, as Hudson testified, who was then in the service of said Company, for the purpose of discovering the north-west pas-age to China.
" And that your High Mightinesses' grant hath conferred from that time down, on divers merchants, the exclusive trade in peltries there.
" Likewise, that one or more little forts were built, also under your High Mightinesses' chief jurisdiction, even before the year 1614, and supplied with people for the security of the said trade ;
" Further, that after these countries had passed into the hands of the incorporated West India Company, not only were the above-named forts renewed and enlarged, but said Company purchased from the Indians who were the indubitable owners thereof, the Island of the Manhattes, situate at the entrance of the said river, and there laid the foundation of a city.
" As also, not only on that river, but likewise on the South River, and others lying to the east of the
THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE MANORS.
aforesaid North River, divers natives and inhabitants of these countries, by the assistance of said Coinpanj', phmted sundry Colonies, for which purpose, were also purchased from the cliiefs of the Indians, the lands and soil, with their respective attributes and jurisdictions.