The most humble petition of Dorus polhemus John Hansen Clu-istiuii Snedecore & Ju" Snedecore Elders of the Dutch Congregation in Queens County. Shevveth

Whereas M' Freeman by orders from our late Governor the Lord Cornbury was to be Minister of tliis Congregation -- and none els : which also was confirmed by the Lord Lovelace according to wliich we your Hon" petitioners were chosen & Constituted Elders of ye Churcli & now continue to be so.

Nev«a-theless M"" Antonides being very well apprized hereot but minding to make a Division & Disturbance m the Cliurch

PAPERS RELATING TO KINGS COUNTY. 157

here (as we are told he has done in Kings County) has lately (as we are informed) Taken upon himself* in concert witli some few others to make choise of other Elders of the said Congregation & does design to pubhsh them as such at the Church or meeting hous at Jamaica to morrow & also then to preach to the said Congregation, for tlie doing of which (as we humbly conceive) he has no manner of power or authority from your hon^'. Wee therefore liumbly pray for y« preventing of the ill consequences which such practices by him will inevitably produce tliat yo'' Hon!" will be pleased as has been usual to order tiiat no Dutch Minister shall preach or Exercise liis Ministerial flfunction in this County besides M"' ffreeman till further orders from yo^ Hon"" & yo'' Hon" petitioners shall ever pray &c.

Theodorus Polhemus Jno HB Hansen Jan Snedeker 19 7ber 1709