^.ompany. situate between i\ew France and Virginia, in thel atitude of from forty to fortyfive degrees, that the aforesaid Island might be peopled under their High Mightinesses' protection and government, whereunto they request two ships of war. But it is resolved, before disposing thereof, to procure the opinion of the deputies from tiie Board of Admiralty who are invited here for the 15"" inst.

Petition of the Directors of the New Netherland Compamj. [From the Original in the Eoyal Archives at the Hague; File entitled Admirritileit.'i

To the Prince of Orange, &c.

utie!"nueBoa?dor The Dircctors of the Company trading to New Netherland, situate in latitude 4vited'herrf°r fhc ffom 40 to 45 dcgrecs, between New France and Virginia, reverently represent i2Fe™i62o. (Sign- that they, the petitioners, have, as discoverers and first finders of said countries, i62i». traded thither nov? several years, in virtue of a certain general Charter from the High and Mighty Lords States General, dated the lO"" March 1G14; that they, also, have delivered to their High Migiitinesses their written report, with a map of the situation and usefulness of said countries. And wiiereas the petitioners' Cliarter has expired, so that every one is now at liberty to trade there, they have again sent thither two ships, in order to preserve the reputation of said trade; some vessels liave been likewise sent by other traders exclusive of the Company. Now it happens, that there is residing at Leyden a certain English Preacher, versed in the Dutch language, who is well inclined to proceed thither to live,