Whereas the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, are authorized by resolution of the XIX., to promote and improve the trade and population of New Netherland; they, therefore, with the approbation of their High Mightinesses, hereby make known to all and every the inhabitants of this state, or its allies and friends, who may be disposed to take up and cultivate any lands there, and to make use, for that purpose, of the harbors of these countries, that they may, henceforth, convey thither in the Company's ships, such cattle, merchandise and property as they siiall deem advisable; and receive the returns they or their agents may obtain therefor in those parts; on condition that all the goods shall first be brought to the Company's store, so as to be put on ship board all at once, in the

best manner, on payment of the following duties and freights; and the Directors will take care that they shall be sent thither by the safest conveyance: -- On all merchandises going thither, there shall be paid to the Company here, a duty of ten per cent in money, proportionably to their value; and on those coming thence hither, fifteen per cent there, in kind or money, at the choice of the Company or its agent; eighty-five remaining for the owner. And if any one happen to commit an error, in the valuation of his goods, the Company shall be at liberty to take such goods, paying one-sixth more than they are entered at; but all concealed and smuggled goods, either in this country or that, which may be discovered to have been brought on board the Company's ships, by secret plans or other cunning contrivances, shall be immediately forfeited and confiscated to the profit of the said Company, without any right of action accruing thereby.