Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. I
We, with humble reverence only deeming it good and necessary to petition their High Mightinesses for the following Points as of advantage for this in their renowned wisdom shall be determined,
Province
:
Firstly;
We supplicate and beseech their High Mightinesses to people New Netlierland so that it
may support sustain and defend itself against Indians and others who might trouble and invade it for if tliis should fail, that country will not only fall into the uttermost ruin, but also become easily
appropriated by our Neighbors ; and those who already dwell there will be forced to use all possible
means to return and save themselves from misery, or to submit to foreign Nations. All which, according to our humble understanding, is to be remedied 1 st When their High Mightinesses shall be pleased to take this Province under their own gracious safeguard, and to allow their Fatherly affection for this Land to be promulgated and made .
manifest, throughout the United Netherlands,
by their own accorded privileges.
would, then, be attracted towards this country, whilst, on the contrary every one
Many is
discouraged by the Company's harsh proceedings and want of means. 2nd.
Were their High; Mightinesses pleased to equip some ships for a few years, for the free conveyance and transportation of people principally Boors and farm servants with their poverty hither, together with some necessary maintenance until the poor people had obtained something in esse, their High Mightinesses woidd not only relieve many incumbered men, but also