Although no messenger is better than the person himself, it is necessary, for reasons aforesaid, and in consequence of the troubles and dissentions which have arisen and been fomented here from time to time, since the arrival of the aforesaid person, to send an attorney, and thereunto to request and empower our Secretary, Cornelis Van Tienhoven, with procuration and authority to substitute such advocate, or attorney and lawyer, as he shall deem expedient for the better dispatch of business. We shall only request and pray your High Mightinesses, with all respect, to grant credit and a hearing to the aforesaid, our agent, or whomsoever he shall substitute and among ;

other weighty and important business to be pleased to esteem, as recommended our granted commission and authority, and to protect these so far as righteousness permits. For, through the disparaging and false reports of the relieved appellant, and the insulting service of the Mandamus, the authority and respect of your High Mightinesses' Commission and our quality, have been so degraded, impaired and trodden under foot, that to our shame, the administration of justice and the performance of our duty, have thereby suffered shipwreck. This cannot be repaired save by your High Mightinesses' just support. We call God to witness our sincerity, that we have never, knowingly or willfully, intended injury or wrong to any man; but a peaceable and God-acceptable government to be vindicated before your High Mightinesses. In the meanwhile we apprehend, that this indecent service of summons will have the effect of withdrawing your High Mightinesses' attention from more important affairs, and of calling forth many complaints, solicitations and appeals, now and henceforth from this and other distant places even to the degree that it will not be possible to pronounce a definitive ;