That the members of the said Congregacon being in daily expectation of a minister from holland to preach the Gospel amongst them ucording to the Cannons Rules and Discipline of the Reformed Protestant Cliurches of tlie united Netherlands and therefore have agreed amongst themselves to erect and build a Convenient Church for tlie Publick worship of God nigh tlie said fish creek in the County aforesaid but finding that the said building will be very Chargeable and therefore as in the like c^ses has been Practised and is usuall in this Province they would desire tlie aid help and assistance of all Charitable and well disposed Christians within this Province for the Compleating of the said Building.

They therefore most humbly Pray for your Excellencys Lycence to be granted to the said Elders and Deacons of the said Protestant Congregacon to collect gather and Receive tlie benevolence and free gifts of all such Inhabitants of this Province as shall be willing to contribute somewhat towards the erecting and building such Clmrch as aforesaid for the Publick service of almighty God and that only for such a time as yo"" Excellency will be pleased to grant the said Lycence.

And yo»" Petition^^ ag in duty bound shall ever Pray &c. in the behalf of the Elders and Deacons and other the members of said Congregacon

28'h June 1731. Piter du bois.

ULSTER AND DUTCHESS COUNTIES. 975

PETITION AGAINST A PRETENDED LUTHERAN MINISTER.

To his Excellency George Clinton Esqr Captain General and Governour in Chief of the Colony of New York and the Territories thereon Depending in America and Vice Admiral of the same &c.