Scarcely any means can be seen to remedy this evil : -- 1 . because some villages are only in their first Establlslimeut, and wliilst people come naked & poor from Holland tliey have not means to provide a minister & sclioolraaster. 2. because there are few qualified persons in tliis country wlio can or will teach.

Of the conversion of the Heathens or Indians here, we can say but little, nor do we see any means thereunto until by the numbers and power of our nation they are subdued and brought under some policy and our people shew them a better example than they have hitherto done.

We have had one Indian here with us full two years, so that he could read and write good Dutch ; we instructed him in the grounds of Religion ; he also answered publicly in the cliurch, & repeated the prayers. We likewise presented him with a Bible in order to work through Mm some good among the Indians. But it all 1- suited in nothing. He has taken to drinking of Brandy; ;k' pawned the bible and became a real beast who is doing more 'larm than good among the Indians.

In conclusion we commend your Rev : to the merciful protection of the Almiglity, whom we pray to be pleased to bless your Rev : in th.e Holy ministry.

At Amsterdam in N. Netherland.

Vestii et olMcio et aifectu the 5 August 1657.

JOH. MEliAPOLENSIS

Samuel Drisius.

,», The above letter was atldres^ed to the Ciassis of Amsterdam, and is translated from the Original, politely communicated as well as tliat of the following, by the Rev. Dr. DeWitt of New-York.