By whom was the petition drawn, or did they request the writer to doit; or was he authorized by any person to that effect ?

5.

Do they, the witnesses, likewise know that the aforesaid petition was copied by another, or did the writer draw it up of himself?

6.

Did they, the witnesses, get an answer from Mr. Kieft on the same day, or was it when Councillor Johan de la Montaigne came from his bouwery to Mr. Kieft?

7.

Did not Councillor de la Montaigne remark, on their petition, that they ought to reflect well before beginning the war, whether we could undertake by ourselves to protect those who were dwelling afar off; also, if we had men and ammunition enough to defend ourselves, and to continue until help be received from Holland ?

Also, is itnot Mr. Kieft true, that -- " The word has gone replied to this must forth; it

remain so" -- and had they not then already obtained writing Mr. answer in the Kieft's to petition?

Petition of the Twelve Men and the Answer thereto.

TotheHouM'^Willem Kieft, Director General and the Council residing in New N. Netherland on the behalf of the General Incorporated West India Company.

i. 1.

We, the undersigned. Selectmen on behalf Orders shall be issued for an Annual muster, of the Commonalty of New Netherland, for which a plan was agreed on long ago but ;

respectfully represent that it is highly necessary J pound of powder to each man can be ill that your Honors do order a general Muster to afforded, as provision must be made for the take place once every year, under arms, on day of need, for which we must, above all condition that at the muster half a pound of things, prepare. Each Fatroon's establishment powder shall be given each man on the part must provide for its own defence. of the Company.