but we make bould to Inlbrme you The Towne is altogether destitute of powder and shott whereby the conceiue themselves very vncapable [to proceed] without Eminent danger but we ' shall do our [best] sir this destracted time so far as our power and [capability] will Reach : We haue sent two messengers on purpose to bring vs farther Intelligence There are thretening sp[eeches] newly proseeded from the Dutch Amongst us wherby we conceiue ourselfes in great danger : When the Towne is [left exposed] by the Absence of all the men We rest your Worships

Seruants Sam Ruscoe

Joseph Chirston. Jamaica this dO^^ July 1673.

IV.

PAPERS

RELATING TO

®l)e 0taU of Edigion

PRO VIN C E.

1G57-1712.

STATE OF THE CPIUECHES IN NEW NETHEKLAND ; ANNO 1657.

Reverend, Pious, Learned Sirs, Fathers & Brothers in Ch'ro Jesu.

Your Reverences' letters, the one of the 13th June 1656 and the other of the 15th Feby of this year, readied us in safety, and we have seen thereby with special gratification, the fatherly affection and care whicli your Rev : evince for the prosperity of this early growing Congregation. We have equally perceived therefrom the trouble taken by your Rev. & by the Hon""'* Lords Majores to prevent the injuries which threaten this community by the encroachments of the heretical spirits ; and likewise your Rev. desire to be made acquainted with the Condition of the Churches in tliis country.

In tlie harvest of the year 1656 we answered and wrote to you more fully on this subject, but having received no acknowledgment of that letter we doubt if it reached your hands, wherefore tills will serve the same purpose.