" 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.
" As is to be seen by divers deeds of Conveyance and cession, executed in favor of the Patroons of the Colonies by the Sachems and Chief Lords of the Indians, and those who had anything to say therein."' '
In 1638, A " Report on the Condition of New Netherland was made to the States-General by a special Committee of eight members, of which Rutger Hu\ - gens was Chairman, in the form of eight brief questions and answers thereto, (The questions were propounded by the States-General, and the answers were made by the special committee of that body, after it had held a joint meeting with the Company's Assembly of the XIX. at the Hague.) of which the last three very clearly show the state of affairs at that time ; --