Had the Hon'''^ West India Company attended in the beginning to population, instead of incurring great expense for things unnecessary, which might be attended to at more favorable times and then could also be better done, the New Netherland account would not be so large as it is now ; first, by the construction of the ship Nieuw Neerlant, at an excessive expense ; of three costly mills, by making brick, burning tar, manufacturing ashes, salt, and similar undertakings, which through bad management and calculation, came wholly too little or nothing, notwithstanding the excessive expenditure. Had this been (26) applied to colonizing the country, and transporting cattle, the place might now be of considerable importance. New Netherland is much belter and 'phis countrv .* and its position ^ are much better and more convenient SauNewEDsianSl than that occupied by the English, and had not self interest and private speculation been attended to, assuredly, the North or New England would not have outstripped us so much. Had the first Exemptions been honestly carried out, according to their tenor and not with particular views, the friends of New Netherland would certainly have made greater exertions to bring out settlers, and to take up land. The other clauses which were introduced, have always discouraged individuals and kept them down, so that those of them who had any skill, on becoming aware of the facts, dare venture nothing. It is very true that the Company hath brought over some persons, but it did not persevere, so that little advantage followed it had, also, no proper commencement, for 'twas done as if without any plan.