" the debts were incurred in and by the war, and the people are ISuse "contracted In notwithstanding ' ' the war; and will unable to pay either principal or interest. Again, he will not pay the just debts °J^„f'°" ^"^ J""

which Director Kieft hath left behind on the Company's account, whether consisting of earned monthly wages, delivered grain, or any other lawfully proved liabilities; and when we object to this, that it is identically the same, people growl and will have it so. We have by petition and remonstrance so far succeeded, that the collection of the debts is postponed for a time. In addition, the Company's land is so burdened, taxed and kept down, that the inhabitants are unable to compete with their neighbors of Virginia or New England, or to undertake anything. It appears, and all the inhabitants of New Netherland, as far as our knowledge ° extends, believe, that the Directors in Holland The Pirectors in

HoUand pay to be r J no heed or attention to New Netherland, except when something received from it, which is 'I O is a reason that less is received by them. carr nolh- '"g /"' « Neih except lanri

The c«Te some duties. to rroextreme distress of war which has prevailed here, clearly demonstrates that they

Vol. I. 40

314 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. never inquired whether New Netherland sank or swam ; for when application

was made to them in such emergency for aid and assistance, which they were bound by honor and by promise according to the Exemptions to furnish, unasked, tiie case at their own expense. they never attempted to do anything in We let They never caused any good order or regulation to be adopted the expense go. in the matter, although such had been beneficently ordered and recommended by your High Mightinesses.