First, we supplicate and beseecli your High Miglitinesses to furnish New Netherland with sufficient population' as to enable it to support, sustain, and defend itself against Indians and others who may disturb and invade it ;^ for in case this should faii,^ not only will the direst ruin follow^ but it will also easily become a prey to our neighbors,^ and those who already dwell there* will be forced to use all possible means to return and save themselves and theirs from misery,' or submit to a foreign Nation.' All which, in our humble opinion, is

to be remedied.'

Of Population.

I. Whenever your High Mightinesses will be pleased to take this Province under your gracious safeguard,'" and allow your Fatherly protection for this Country" and its granted privileges to be made public and manifest throughout the United Netherlands,'^ then would many be attracted towards this Country,'^ from which, on the contrary, every one is

discouraged by the Company's harsh proceedings" and want of means.'*

' Without referring it to the Company or the Directors, for truly nothing will come of it, as the result has hitherto taught us, though they promise wonders. Besides that, the name alone terrifies the inhabitants ; as they are scorned and despised by our neighbors on account of their evil tricks, even so is the country prejudiced against them. ^ ' Were there a thousand or fifteen hundred inhabitants in New Netherland, or even more, the Indians or the Swedes would never think or dream of daring to ofi'er us any insult. ' If your High Mightinesses do not, this time, determine on permanent redress, privilege and population. * It will lose even thename of New Netherland, and no Dutchman will have any thing to say there. * The English, fully aware that our country is better than theirs, endeavor to push us out of it and to seize it forthemselves, which they will easily eftect, if no redress be now had.