Jacob Mellbome, for psent at Albany."

[Translation.]

Eingstoune.

Gent. -- Your various letters have safely come to hand, referring for the most part to the sending up as much maize as possible for the use of his Majisties Garrison ; secondly to the sending back those who may have come from Albany or the County Jurisdiction, without the Knowledge of their Superiors; Lastl), that Kingstoune be fortified as well as possible against the attacks of the enemy.

It serves for answer that pursuant to our duty we have made every effort to get as much maize as possible, and send your Honours per Teunis Peterse 936 skepels maize, and have further ordered that none be exported from our county, so that, should there be more, it may be available for his Majesty's service. Regarding those who may have come away from Albany County without permission, I could find none here except one Jan Jacobse, who pretends he could not earn his victuals at Albany -- therefore hath requested permission to remain hereto support himself & family, on condition that should the least news arrive here of the approach of any enemy, he shall be bound instantly to repair thither, to assist against the foe.

Lastly in regard to fortifying Kingstoune, we request further explanation from you ; for in all the letters, whether from th«

232 ADJIINISTRATION OF

Hon'^i® Lieut. Gouern'" or from your honour above, we have had no command to fortify Kingstoune ; and moreover the W. Committee have verbally ordered that no person should fortify any part of the Esopus Hill, until Kingstoune shall be fortified and protected, as the chief place of this county; especially as we, without the assistance of the out villages, should be very inadequate against the attack of the enemy.