They, especially Jacob Stoffelsen and Isack Allerton, cheated the good people whose names they dishonestly made use of, and whom they imploringly besought to sign, thus deceiving the Lords Patroons, inducing them to believe that the original letter was signed by the Eight men. This appears, indeed, clear, be it remarked, that when the letter was exhibited to them they acknowledged here before your Honors in Council that they signed. Item. They threatened the good people and sought with bitter poison to calumniate their magistrates, wherefore his Honor demands justice, so that his innocence may be known both here and in Holland, etc" We have already answered in the S"* article and again repeat, that as respects Mr. Kieft we heartily wish his Honor may establish his innocence before their High Mightinesses touching this war with the Americans. We are content to be, then, esteemed such as his Honor described us in his letter, and shall willingly suffer and take it with an honest face; for the wisest man teaches that the feeble must not speak evil, as anger is not excited against the silent man. It is said that Diogenes was once asked how he could contrive to live so many years at court? To which the philosopher answered : I had to bear and endure much injury at court from the

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208 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. King, and I always in return said, Thanl^ you. We willingly confess that we have not experienced what the philosopher here represents, for not an unkind word was exchanged between us and Mr. Kieft in our intercourse with that gentleman. His Honor must prove that the Eight chosen men, who were elected by the Commonalty and approved and authorized by his Honor and his Council, acted unlawfully in communicating to their High Mightinesses and Lords Majors, the general ruin and necessity of the country, in order thereby to obtain earlier aid and assistance, as is, God be praised now evident.