consequence, not provided with what those coasts required for support and trade for this State. Those from Zealand, etc

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: IL 143

Mr. Spieringh to the States General. [ From the Original in the Eoyal Archives at tlie Hague: File, DuittcMand. ]

High and Mighty Lords. Whereas her Royal Majesty's sliip, the Fame, coming from Nova Succia, her Royal Majesty's possession, freighted with some peltries and tobacco, has arrived in tiiis country, and I, desiring

to have said freight discharged here, gave notice, in the ordinary course of trade, of said cargo at the customs through my agent at Amsterdam, who apphed for a permit to unload ; but this was refused him, and he was referred from there to tlie West India Company ; this astonished

me not a little, as I do not know wherefore he is referred from one to the other when the customs and duties thereof are offered to be paid. Therefore I would hereby request your High Mightinesses to be pleased to give such orders and instruction to whomsoever has charge and authority over the customs and duties that they will no longer refuse to allow this her Royal Majesty's ship to be unloaded and discharged in due course of trade, but that such be done without hindrance, lest the perishable goods remain on board to their damage ; expecting which speedily from your High Mightinesses, I wish you from Almighty God a prosperous government, remaining High and Mighty Lords, Your High Mightinesses' Friend and dutiful Hfigue, 8"" October, 1644. (Signed) Peter Spieringh Silvercroen, hereditary Proprietor of North Holm. [op Norshollem (r/gesetten.']