Bclherland. , best . , . And this, in my opinion, is the , , ^ and only way to help the Company to what is its right, and lo retain the , ,...., country. For, if it be retained by the Company on a different plan, the latter will, from year

376 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. to year, get into more intricate labyrinths, and finally the English and Swedes will make away with the Province.

Whether the removal of the duty be advantageous to New Netherland.

The abolition, modification or alteration of the duty is, in our opinion, in the greatest degree advantageous to New Netherland. But, as every one familiar with that country ought to be aware of this, 'twill be unnecessary to enter upon a long explanation of it. We shall merely point out some effects which would accrue to New Netherland, leaving the rest to better judgments. By the abolition of the duty, New Netherland would obtain and acquire: 1, population 2, ;

great trade; 3, reasonable profit on all goods and wares 4, internal peace; 5, security from ;

all foreign and domestic attacks 6, settlement of boundaries and peace with its neighbors, in ;

addition to all the advantages which flow from these principal points.

Mejiorandum. We are now and always ready, when 'tis your High Mightinesses' pleasure, to exhibit and produce the papers and letters, mentioned on the fifth instant, in your High Mightinesses' Assembly, 7 March, 1G50. Received 12 March, 1650.

Petition of the Delegates from New Netherland. [ From the Original in the Eoyal Archives at the Hague ; Lokelkas of the States General ; Eubric West Indlsche Compagnie, No. 30 ; Uth divleion of the Bundle. ]