ExcELLt Sm AND Gent"

The Petition!' Petrus van Driesen minister of the word of God at Albany with all Respect takes the Liberty to shew unto yo"- Excy and yo' Hono's the Councellors the station wherein Divine Providence had made use of him for upon entring into his ministry in his Congregacon since tl^.e year 1712 he has been desired by the Mohawks to continue in the same services tov/ards them As his Reverend Predecessors Godefridus Dellius and

916 PAPERS RELATING TO ALBANY

Joliannis Lydius had done whereupon with the advice of the Consistory the same has been agreed to and performed to them untill now Excepting the time that M^' Andrews ministredto them

The Petition'" finding himself in Conscience thronged and moved to continue with tliem in the doctrine of tlie true knowledge of God if yet at some time the Lord miglit give them Repentance as by meanes of the same ministracon thro' the blessing of the most high has been done to Our fore Fathers --

Wherefore the Petition^ in all Dutyfull manner Turns himself to yo^ Excy and yo^ Honor's with Request to hold his person as Recomended and to assist him in his services which are both heavy and chargeable according to the nature of the Indians as allso the Interpreter he makes use of at liis own Cost,

He praying the supream being that he make yo"^ Hon^ie persons and manner of Governing more and more prosperous for the best of the Country and Religion