'Tis to be considered that, in New Netherland, only a beer and wine-excise is levied, which is paid by the Tapsters alone ; the rest of the inhabitants are untaxed and do not pay any excise- Si.

The late Director Kieft, having great need of money, collected, in New [Netherland], in supplies for the people, the duties which the traders were bound to pay to the Directors at Amsterdam, as the accounts of the privileged merchants can show; some petty traders (schotten) paid in beavers- or in wampum.

344 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 52.

The burgher, or other inhabitants of New Netherland, do not pay any beer or wine-excise ;

the inn, or tavern-keeper, alone is obliged to pay the excise, which impost is less than of right belongs to the Company, and there is no cause for the inhabitants to complain on that account.

53.

We are of opinion that the petitioners are utterly ignorant of the Company's property, and very improperly make any estimate thereof, that being, in no wise, the petitioners' business.

54 and 55. We consider that we are fully authorized to employ the Company's revenue as may be necessary, without being obliged to render any account to the petitioners or such persons; and demand proof that the Company's property is employed in getting certificates.

56.

Heretofore there has been no currency but Wampum among the common people, in New Netherland ; the Wampum which formerly passed at the rate of four for a stiver, was reduced to six. We are not aware of any other but the Dutch ell, measure and weight, being in use; and an order was issued, last summer, that all the inhabitants should bring their weights into the Company's warehouse, to be stamped anew there.