The Resolutions have, of course, only one date ; but most of the papers and memorials presented to the States being the subjects of Resolutions of that body, there is a memorandum of the day of reception marked on each, which corresponds with the date of the Resolution ; and in this manner each paper has been arranged -- not according to the actual date -- but according to the order of time in which it was acted on by the States, and being always found near the Resolution to which it gave rise.

As there are various references in these papers, it is thought that the subjoined statement of the different repositories from which they were taken may not be altogether useless. 1. Registers or Notulen of the States-General. These books may be considered the most important in the Archives. They contain the official records of the proceedings of the States-General respecting every matter that came before them. They were kept by the greffiers or clerks of the States, and commence with the year 1576. 2. West India Registers. By a resolution of the States-General of 16 April, 1638, all their proceedings in respect to the affairs of the West India Company are to be kept in separate Registers. These commence with 1688, and extend to 1670, when they were discontinued. 3. Secrete Resolutien. These Registers contain the proceedings of the States General in regard to subjects which it was deemed proper to record in separate volumes, such as treaties, declarations of war, &c., &c. The volume 1609-1615 is missing. 4. Imtructie Boeken. These contain the Instructions issued from time to time to officers and agents of Government. 5. Commissie Boeken. These contain the Commissions issued to officers. 6. Acte Boeken. • Containing the originals of all Laws, Placaats, &c., of the States-General.