petition was defiignated a libel, unworthy of any answer, the writer of which would be punished as an example to others. In fine, we could not, in any way, Whatever was pro- manage to make it right. Vander Donck was forbad the Council and our Sessions mrelie.™ Cihe also, and we were notified officially of the circumstance ; yet, he could not get

and in order to cut off the proper means of proof, a a release from his oath,

Writings forbidden, prohibitory notice was issued to the effect that no testimony nor other document should be valid, except those written by the Secretary. This was of no service to any person, and it was a general complaint that no business could be got

forward. Director Kieft did the self-same thing when he was apprehensive that complaints would be got up against him. And this is their usual course, to do everything they can think of to uphold their acts. Those who were officially obliged to take a part in public affairs and did so, were fortunate if they acted in accordance with the General's will and pleasure; if they did not, they were Those who speak prosecuted and sued, incarcerated, guarded by soldiers, so that no person might treated very badly, gpeak to them, angrily abused as all sorts of dangerous monsters, threatened to be taught this and that and everything was done, and recourse had to every expedient that could be invented or ripped up against them. We cannot dwell ' Some legal proceediDgs were instituted against Van der Donck. Ed.