After quoting the order, it continues in these words: "Which said order did extend itself to Albany, Esopus, and all other places of the Governm', as well as this City and more particularly to all those who had beene under the Dutch, and are now reduced to his Majesties obedience.' These presents doe declare and make Knowne that the Inhabitants in and about Delaware being under this Governm' are likewise concerned as well as the rest ; So that all persons there who hould their lands by Patent or ground briefs of y" Dutch Tenure are to have their Patents renewed. And those who have none are with all conveniente speed to bee supplyede therewith, otherwise they are liable to incurre the penaltye in the Law set forth." ^

The terms on which the new Patents of Confirmation were granted were very liberal. So much so as to explode the idea indulged in by many writers that the sole object was to extort fees. The evidence is conclusive. The mayor and aldermen of New York presented a petition of inquiry to the Court of Assizes on this subject. In this Court it will be remembered the Governor presided. In the proceedings of the Court in the Assize Book, under date of March 25, 1667, two years prior to the proclamation just cited, is Governor Nicolls' reply to this petition in the form of six specific entries. They are as follows, (the contractions in the original being plainly written out).

"1. The reason for renewing all former groundbriefs was, and is, to abolish the express conditions contained in every one of them, to hold their lands and houses from and under the States of Holland and the West India (Company in Amsterdam as their Lords and Masters.