That the aforesaid Directors answered thereunto, that they had handed in their reasons in writing, to which they still adhered; and that the aforesaid Company could not exist, except by war. That the condition of the Company was such, that it improved from day to day, whereof they shortly expect intelligence; some of which they had communicated. The aforesaid Committee communicating their opinions further to the Assembly, were of opinion that the aforesaid Company could not be well maintained without a war.

62 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

Remonstrance of the West India Company against a Peace with Spain. [From Iha MS. in the Eoyal ArehiTes at the Hague; Lokelkas of the States General: Division, West Indischs CompagnU, No. 4.]

To the Great and Mighty Lords, the States of Holland and Westfriesland. Great and Mighty Lords. Your Great Mightinesses were pleased to summon this day the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company; namely, those of the Chamber at Amsterdam; and to explain to them what was done, or would still likely be done, in this negotiation with the enemy concerning the Company, and to ask their opinion thereupon. We had truly wished that all the opinions of the respective Chambers in these United Netherlands, could be heard on this subject at the same time, and so considered by the High and Mighty Lords States General and his Highness the Prince of Orange, that both might thereby advance the interest of Fatherland and the prosperity of the Company; and that the Company might be maintained, as we heretofore have humbly set forth in divers Deductions and Remonstrances; and particularly in the year 1629, when like deliberations were held. But as Your Great Mightinesses have been pleased to call on us specially on the subject, we shall not remain in default, but well and thoroughly inform your Great Mightiness of every thing that must be considered in this connection, for the interest of this State, according to our limited abilities and good disposition.