now here at the Hague, also a chief cause of the ruin (as is to be seen by the copy of a petition hereunto annexed), be removed out of the country, and until population be encouraged, of which there is little appearance, unless your High Mightinesses will please to assume the supervision and protection of the country absolutely to yourselves, and to favor it with a good civil government, composed of those interested in the country; unalterable Privileges and

Exemptions together with a settlement of the boundaries, which is very necessary for the country and its peace. Such is, also, very just; for it was taken possession of from Cape Hinlopen to Staten Hook or Cape Cod, by your High Mightinesses' subjects and this State, in the year 1609, before any English or Swedes had tho.ught of coming thither. Wherefore we, the petitioners, in our quality aforesaid, have recourse to your High Mightinesses, humbly praying and urgently beseeching, as the Spring is at hand, and the season for preparation daily approaches, and the Delegates are here at heavy expense, that the affairs of New Netherland and its Redress be favorably considered, and that it be provisionally encouraged by the enactment, at an early day, of a good ordinance. To the end that the worthy patriots and the well meaning people in that country may no longer be frustrated in their hope, but entirely relieved and released from oppression and slavery and that this State may not be wholly dispossessed of that fine country, which alone ;