In these four forts there has always been some garrison from the beginning to the present time, though just now they are all T.^'^v '"'"ooV* and '" ^ '^^^y P°°'' condition, both as regards themselves and the garrison. useless. These forts, as well north and south, were located not only to close and command the said rivers, but as far as property by occupation extended, to possess as well all the lands comprehended between them as round about them, and on the opposite side of the river; to declare them the Hon. Company's own, and to guard them against all nations whether foreign or indigenous, that would attempt to seize the same against its will and consent. Nevertheless, this has been, but principally on the North east side of New Netherland, in no wise regarded or

o to the Eastward; for notwithstanding sufficient The Enffii^h pav no rre>ril lo fori ""?"• Good fesDected ^ bv the English e residing ••.rr-iiTT possession was already taken by the erection and garrisoning ot tort Good Hope, and no neglect to warn them occasionally has occurred, in order to make known our right, and to protest against them for usurpation, force and violence, yet have they, disregarding all this, seized and occupied, and still retain, the largest and best part of New Netherland, to wit East of the North river, beginning at :

Cape Cod, named in 1600 by our own people New Holland, (whereof also, Their Tiish MiEhii- possession was taken, if we are correctly informed,^ by the erection of their High