But, in order not to interrupt too much your High Mightinesses' important deliberations on higher and weightier matters, we will not enlarge farther in this affair, but leave the result commended to God and your far-seeing judgment; only observing to your High Mightinesses before concluding, that the sentence pronounced against the appellant Melyn, was, as appears by its tenor, not directed so much against the remonstrance on the subject of the war and public affairs, as against particular insulting libels on, and opposition to his lawful Superior. Duty should oblige us to annex hereunto the situation and condition of public affairs here, and the necessity of promoting the bour:dary line, population, the establishment of firm

324 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

privileges and the sending hither of a reinforcement of soldiers for the maintenance of possession and authority against the perversity of the Natives. This, with all respect, we

refer to the verbal information and reports of the bearer hereof, our Secretary. For which purpose we have also furnished him, by way of reminder, with copy of our previously drafted opinions, and with an abstract hereof. Wherewith ending, we commend your High Mightinesses and the rest of your subjects to the merciful protection of the Most High. We pray the Triune God for your long and prosperous government, and are and remain, meanwhile, Your High Mightinesses' Manhattans the Humble and Obedient Servant, 10"" of August, 1649. Signed, P. Stuyvesant.

Received 26"' Novemb', 1649.

Resolution of the States General on the preceding Letter.