On the 12th of the succeeding August, von Dincklagen the Vice-Director under Stuyvesant, but not favored by him, sent a letter to the States- General, in which he says, " whereas the Condition of that most fertile New Netherland is seriously impaired by the war,^ and the Commonalty hath resolved on a delegation of three of the Nine Selectmen in order that your High Mightinesses may obtain full and thorough information on every point, [and] I have not been able to dissuade them therefrom. I cannot but say they intend what is right. These persons are thoroughly conversant with the situation of the country. I hope your High Mightinesses will be pleased thereby and extend to them a favorable audience, and give them despatch as soon as your High Mightinesses' more weighty affairs will permit, as the people are very anxious." *

These papers were received on the 13th of October, 1649, by the States-General from the delegates, and referred to a special committee to examine and report upon them. On the 31st of January, 1650, the committee reported adversely to the Petitioners, answering their documents article by article, and using strong language.' The delegates replied by a further short petition on the 7th of February following, which was also referred to a special committee.* Other communications were subsequently received and referred. Finally their committee reported to the States-General a long, detailed, and very full "Provisional Order respecting the Government, Preservation and Peo-

1 1. Col. Hist., 259, 270.

= Kieft's late war with the Indians is here referred to. 61. Col. Hist., 319.