The Commonalty, maintaining that they were some thousands strong, considered the accomplishment of such a proposal impossible; they were of opinion that it would be better to secure public tranquillity by a general peace. They have little hope of this, so long as the present rulers remain there; because the Indians are in no way to be pacified (as they themselves declare to our's) until the Director is removed thence, calling daily for Wouter, Wouter -- meaning Wouter van Twiller. Secondly, in order to prevent war in future, the Colonists ought to settle nearer each other, on suitable places, with a view of being thus formed into villages and towns, to be the better able to protect each other in time of need. Being separated from the Natives, will prevent the cattle damaging the corn belonging to the Indians, which, added to excessive familiarity In associating with them, was the cause of many difficulties. The employment of Indians as domestic servants will, thus, also be put an end to.

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152 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. Thirdly, for better security against enemies, and to ensure respect from neighbors, it would be advisable immediately to construct Fort Amsterdam of stone; for it is now in such ruin that men pass into it, over the walls, without making use of the gate this, according to the ;

calculation of the Director, would cost only 20 to 25 thousand guilders. Fovrihly, the settlement of the boundaries between the English and our people by the Crown of England and this State, ought to be urged in every way, in order to prevent all difficulties with that nation, inasmuch as they have begun, since the year 1633, to usurp the Fresh River, notwithstanding the Company had previously taken entire possession of it; and, on the S"" June, Anno 1633 (before any Englishmen had ever been on, or near that river) purchased land from the Indians twenty miles up the same, and built fort Good Hope thereupon and kept possession thereof with our people.