" name, and on the behalf of, Kiliaen Van Renselaer, Patroon of his Colonie called Rensselaerswyck, situate on the north river of New Netherland ; praying approval of a certain order entered by the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company on 14"" November 1639 on the margin of the Petitioner's request, to be allowed accordingto article 7, to dispose of his, the Petitioner's, manor pr feudal estate referred to in the sixth article of the Freedoms granted to the Colonists in New Netherland. Whereupon after deliberation and consideration of the fifth article of the abovementioned Freedoms, their High Mightinesses instead of the aforesaid approbation by him prayed for, have granted and allowed the Petitioner Vcniam te&tandi, in order to enable him to dispose by last Will, according to his pleasure, of the aforesaid manor or feudal estate, whereof acte shall issue to the Petitioner in due form.

Power to Kiliaen Van Rensselaer to devise his estate in New NeiJierland. [ From the AcU boek of the States General In the Eoyal Archives at the Hague. ]

Grant empowering Kiliaen Rensselaer to bequeath and dispose, by last will and testament, of his property situate in New Netherland. The States General of the United Netherlands. To all who shall see these or Folio 140.

hear them read, Health. Be it Known, that on the humble petition of Kiliaen van Rensselaer, Patroon of his Colonie named Rensselaers-wyck, situate on the North river of New Netherland, within the limits of the General Incorporated West India Company of this country, and having referred to the o'"" Article of the Freedoms, granted by the Assembly of the XIX., of said Company, to all those who shall plant any Colonies in New Netherland aforesaid. We have given, granted, allowed and conceded, and do of Our Sovereign power, by this Our letter, give, grant, allow and concede unto him, the petitioner, authority to dispose of, bequeath, and give directions concerning the aforesaid his fief, named Rensselaers-wyck, either by form of testament and last will and codicil, before a notary and witnesses, superintendents and vassals of the manor where the said property is situate, or otherwise at his pleasure, for the behoof of his children, if any he hath, friends and relatives or others, strangers, as he shall please and think proper ; the aforesaid, his manorial estate to his children or other persons to give, transport, or leave in whole or in part; thereupon to assign rents hereditary, or for life, or even to give'any one the usufruct thereof, at his discretion and good pleasure.