Whereas in process of time this Province of New Netherland has attained a very poor and most low condition, the cause whereof we presume to be First, Unsuitable government; 2° Scanty privileges and exemptions 3° Onerous imposts of duties, exactions and such like 4° ; ;

Long Continued War 5° The loss of the Princess 6" A superabundance of Petty Traders ; ;

and pedlars (Schotten en Chmczen) and a want of Farmers and Farm servants: 7° Great dearth in general 8° and lastly, the insufferable arrogance of the Natives or Indians, arising from ;

our smaller numbers, etc. And having waited long in vain, for aid, redress and assistance from the Directors even in our greatest need, though we petitioned and begged for it We, therefore, unable to delay any ;

longer, being reduced to the lowest ebb, have determined to fly for refuge to your High Mightinesses, our gracious Sovereigns and the Fathers of this Province, most humbly craving and beseeching you to look with eyes of compassion on this your Province, and that your High Mightinesses would be pleased to order and redress matters so that dangers may be removed, troubles put at end to, and population and prosperity promoted, as your High Mightinesses in your illustrious wisdom shall consider best, only we have with humble reverence deemed it

260 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. proper and necessary, respectfully to petition your High Mightinesses for these following points as advantageous for this Province: First. We supplicate and beseech your High Mightinesses to supply New Netherland with sufficient population to enable it to support, sustain and defend itself against Indians and others who may disturb and invade it; for if this should fail, not only will the direst ruin follow, but it will easily become a prey to our Neighbors and those who already dwell in it will be ;