The mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost be and remain with you, my worthy colleagues for ever; and may this Triune God give us all together after this strife, the crown of immortal glory; and should we no more behold each other here, may we see each other hereafter in our Bridegroom's ciiamber, securely sheltered behind the blue curtains of the Heavens-- in the third Heaven

ULSTER AND DUTCHESS COUNTIES. 965

of Abraliam's bosom, wliere shall be joy without sorrow, and a never-ending gladness, always and for ever; and receive altogether tlie liearty greeting of me who am one of the least of the servants of Christ Jesus in the work of the Lord.

Hermanus Blom. The 18ti» September 1G63 in New Amsterdam in New Netherland, E2;ra manu.

PETITION OF SEVERAL INHABITANTS OF ESOPUS FOR A MlNISTEli. 1676.

To tlie Rt Honorab® Sr Edmond Andros K' of Sauemares ; Leiuetenant and Gouvruar Genarall : vndar liis Royall Highnes Deuke of Yorke and Albany ; and Dependances.

Tlie humble petition of Seuerall of the Inhabittanse of Esopus humbly slieweth vnto yo^ Honof

Whereas this place, is destitute of a minister for the Instruction of the people ; It is our Ernest desiar and humb® request, \v^^ all Submission, that yo-" Hono"" will bee pleased to bee aiding and assisting in the procuring one for vs that can preaclie both Inglish and Duche, w'h will be most fitting for this place, it being in its minoritty, and hauing great cliarges is not very able to maintaine two ministares ; netlior to bee at the cliarge of sending for one out of England or Holand ; and wee are Informed Mr Peettar Tasetmakr is at libarty, who is a person well knowne to jo^ Hono'' and officiated in t!iis for sura time ; And if to bee procured, is very well approued of and mucli desired by moste, hee being a man of sobar life and conversacon liauing Deportted liimselfe to sattisfection of ye Inhabitance.