'""*^ '" uad"!" excels, this province not only lies very convenient and suitable for it, but were there only population, would be found to have exported more commodities by New Netherland aud of itself to Other countries than it need to import from elsewhere. These bi'e''h''e'reYner''io"''ihe being Considered, 'twill be very little labor for the intelligent to estimate and to eran nation, ^^^p^^^ exactly what importance this naturally noble province is to the Netherland nation, what service it might hereafter be to it, and what a refuge it would be

for all the needy in Netherland, as well of high and middle as of low degree, for it is much easier for people of industry to obtain a living here than in Netherland. We caunot Sufficiently thank the Fountain of all Goodness for having conducted ThanketoGod for having favored the Netherland nation wiiQ tais country. ^g [^^q gp good, o "^

111-11 SO fertile and SO wholesome a land, which we, however, did not deserve, on account of our manifold sins exceedingly increased by us every day in this country. We are also beholden, in the highest degree, to the Indians, who not only surrendered this rich and fertile country, and for a trifle made it over to us, but did, over and above, also enrich us with their valuable and mutual trade, so that there is none in New Netherland, or trading to that country, but is under obligation therby. Great is our shame now, and fortunate should we be did we duly acknowledge this benefit, and in return for what the Indians had shared with us of their substance, endeavor, as much as in us lay, to divide with them