For the man, being an honest Burgher here, of good repute, though •^ moderate means, was thrust into prison, and charges raked up against him from every hole and corner, on the information of one of the Company's servants, who, according to the statement of the General and Council, had richly merited the gallows three times, and for whom even a new one had been erected, which, however, he had out of mercy, escaped; finally, not a shadow of a charge being established, the accused was liberated, after 13 days imprisonment, on giving sufficient bail. If the Fiscal should find anything, he is to institute

his action, but up to this time nothing has been done. A considerable time having elapsed, we, as organ of the Commonalty, respectfully demanded, at his request, as his bail was importunate, that the man should have his trial and be (43) punished according to his deserts, if he were guilty if not, that he ;

be discharged. But it availed nothing, for we received injurious language, and the Fiscal was allowed to vomit forth whatever came into his mouth, and the man became the subject every where of dislike, and was abused as a hideous monster. Did he petition for anything, even if it were just, he received coarse, angry abuse; his petition was not received, and justice was denied him. These things cause great dissatisfaction, and excite thoughts of abandoning the country. Proceedings against Pieter Van der Linden fared no better, but he was not imprisoned, "^ though ° Pieter van der Lin- '^^°- many were, the most of whom are frightened, and would speak if they dare. Now as the Company itself carries on the forbidden trade, the people think that it is no sin for them too to prosecute it, if they can do so with impunity.