The Dutch sometimes, 'tis true, aver that they purchased from the Pequot Indians, a piece of land lying on the aforesaid river, to which, in virtue of that purchase, they pretend a right. But if any such purchase has been effected, which has never been proved, it is very well known that the Pequots had no just, but an usurped, title. And herein is apparent the weakness of their claim the English, by divers letters addressed to Governor Willem Kicfi, residing on :
Hudsons river, offered to refer the settlement of the aforesaid difference to disinterested arbitrators, but he would not accept it. It is requested that they be ordered to demean themselves, in the place they occupy, in a pcaceal)|p, neighborly manner, and be content with their own limits, or required to leave the
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HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: II. 129
river; which would tend most to their masters' advantage; it being very probable that the returns have never repaid, or will never reimburse, their outlays. Moreover, they live there without rule, in a godless manner, beseeming in no wise the Gospel of Christ. Their abode there will never be productive of any other effect than expense to their masters, and trouble to the English.^
Resolution of the States General, referring the preceding Documents.
[ From the Register of the West India affairs, 1633--1651, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]
Saturday, 9 August, 1642.
Folio 76. Received a letter from Mr. Joachimi, their High Mightinesses' Ambassador in Heer Joachimi. England, Written at London the last of July; with an appendix containing complaints of several of the English against the Dutch people in New Netherland. Which Engush against the ^^Ging Considered, it is resolved and concluded that copy of the aforesaid S'S^wNetheSli! complaints of the English be sent to the presiding Chamber of the West India Company at Amsterdam, for information.