Spieringh being now aware of the object of this reference, which can no otherwise be interpreted than as tending to the disrespect and disparagement of her Royal Majesty, cannot therefore accept such resolution nor send it itto her Royal Majesty (unless on refusal of any other) as it will surprise her to learn that a remonstrance from one Sovereign to another should be referred to private individuals, or to a private Company or Board, or whatever else it may be called, totally unknown, in these premises, to her Royal Majesty. Their High Mightinesses have placed Mr. Spieringh's aforesaid

144 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Memorial in tiie hands of such as they pleased, but he expects an answer and resolution from none but their High Mightinesses and that speedily, according to the urgency of the case, in ;

order to discharge the aforesaid ship, after satisfying the customs, according to the usage of trade in regard to other foreign independent sovereigns ; or that their High Mightinesses will be pleased to communicate to him the reasons why he has been detained referred from one ;

to the other to the serious damage of the perishable wares which are lying on ship board, and of others now bearing a high price. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that the cargo of the said ship the Fame shall be regulated as regards the duties, in the same way as those of tlie PVench, English, Danish and other foreign nations that bring and discharge such or similar cargoes here ; to wit, the ordinary import duties, and in addition eight per cent, both made over among other things to the West India Company of these ports, in place of subsidies; all in conformity to the S"" Article of their High Mightinesses' regulation of the 16"" October, 1637, and their confirmatory resolution of the 24"" July 1641 following thereupon.