Witsen, antient burgomaster of the city of Amsterdam, Jonas Witsz, Symon Morrisen, Lambert van Tweenhuyzen, Wessel Schenck and associates, all inhabitants of these parts, to trade exclusively to the newly discovered countries, situate in America, between New France and Virginia, and now called New Netherland, to resort thither exclusively for the term of three years, without any other persons being able, during that time, to frequent that place from this country, on pain of confiscation of ships and goods, and a fine of fifty thousand Netherland ducats. In the years 1622 and 1623, the West India Company took possession, by virtue of their charter, of the said country, and conveyed thither, in their ship, the New Netherland, divers Colonists under the direction of Cornells Jacobsz. Mey, and Adriaen Jorissz. Tienpoint, which Directors, in the year 1624, built Fort Orange on the North River, and Fort Nassau on the South River, and after that, in 1626, Fort Amsterdam on the Manhattes. In all which, garrisons were continually maintained, and trade was carried on in those several districts with

150 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. yachts, sloops and other craft. And in the year 1G29, the Freedoms and Exemptions conceded by the Hon''''' Assembly of the XlX. were published, with their High Mightinesses' approbation. Thereupon divers Patroons and Colonists resorted thither and endeavored to advance agriculture and population. For further security, Fort Good Hope was also erected in 1633, on the Fresh river. But said population did not experience any special impulse until the year when the Fur trade with the Indians, which had been previously reserved to 1639, the Company, was thrown free and open to every body; at which time not only the inhabitants there residing spread themselves far and wide, but even new Colonists came thither from Fatherland; and the neighboring English, both from Virginia and New England repaired to us.