That the predecessors of your Excellency's humble Petition" in the year of our Lord 1C55 & 10 56 when this towne was Setled did with assistance of tlie then nether dutch Congregation build and Erect at their own proper Cost and Charge the Church belonging to the said Congregation (Standing & being in the said City) for their Christian devotion and Publick worship of Almighty god, in the Exercise of the Reformed protestant Religion, which Church is Since been Confirmed to the Mayor Alderman & Commonalty of y^ Said City by Charter, under tlie Scale of the Province.

Tliat the said Church being built of timber & boards is by time So much decayd that they find themselves under a necessity of building a new one in its place and your Petitioners believing your Excellencys Continance and approbation will be very advantageous to them, in this their undertaking.

Your Ex^^ys Petitioners do tlierefore most Humbly pray that your Excellency will please to approve and Encourage this pious work by signifying Such your approbation and your Petitioners as in duty bound shall Ever pray ^<'

Petrus van Driessen V. D. Prseco Idoapprobe of what Johannes Rooseboom

is desired In tlie petition Myndert Schuyler

and recommend the Same Hend" van Rensselaer to all who are concern'd Johannis Beekman

Ro: Hunter Rutger Bleecker 18 June 1714. Stevanie groesbeck

AND PLACES ADJACENT 007

FIRST ENGLISH CIIUUCH IN ALBANY.

To his Excellency Robert Hunter Esq'^ Captain General! k Governoiir in Cliief of the Provinces of New York, New Jersey &c.