Whether it would not, therefore, be expedient to place the district of New Netherland at the disposal of the States-General?

A. They have no intention so to do ; unless they derived profit by it. But they hope, now that they have taken some order about Brazil, that it will prove a source of profit in time.

They propose to surrender the trade with the Indians, or something else. Nothing now comes from New Netherland but beaver skins, minck's, and other furs ; considerable grain could be raised there in course of time." '

The effect was, that the States-General appreciating the necessity of action, considered a "plan of throwing open" New Netherland, adopted it on the 2d of September 1638, and at once put it into operation.

This plan opened the trade of New Netherland to all the world on certain simple conditions, and permitted any one to take up land according to his means for immediate cultivation. It is in these words ;--

" Whereas the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, are authorized by resolution of the XIX., to promote and improve the trade and population of New Netherland ;

> I. Col. Uist. N. Y., 94. » I. Col. Uist., 107.

they, therefore, with the approbation of their High Mightinesses, hereby make known to all and every the inhabitants of this Slate, or its allies and friends, who may be disposed to take up and cultivate lands there, and to make use for that purpose of the harbors of these countries, that they may henceforth convey thither in the company's ships, such cattle merchandise and property as they shall deem advisable ; and receive the returns, they, or their agents may obtain therefor in those parts ; on condition that all the goods shall first be brought to the Company's store, so as to be put on shipboard all at once, in the best manner, on payment of the following duties and freights ; and the Directors will take care that they shall be sent thither by the safest conveyance ; --