And to this end, having inquired into the system of government hitherto maintained in New Netherland, the heavy burtlieiis which the Company hath in con.sequence borne, and the small profii. derived therefrom, the destruction of the population, the neglect in applying remedies to errors and excesses; and, considering that your High Mightinesses cannot, and ought not any longer approve of the perverse administration of the privileges and benefits granted by charter to the stockliolders of the West India Company; of the commissioners of New Netherland, under the authority of the Chamber at Amsterdam, neglecting or opposing the good plans and offers submitted for the security of the boundaries and the increase of the population of the country: And whereas your High Mightinesses, as sovereigns over your subjects, are well qualified, nay, bound to see that the property of the latter, (still in a condition to be saved and improved if no time be lost and good care be taken) shall not be allowed to go to ruin or fall into the hands of others ; Therefore, we, your High Mightinesses' Committee, are of opinion that the preservation of those countries and benefits, which were originally granted by your High Mightinesses not to the Directors of the Chamber at Amsterdam, but to all the stockholders of the West India Company scattered throughout the Provinces, demands other orders than those issued

388 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. lieretofore for the government thereof, the increase and establishment of the population, raising and bearing of necessary taxes, the prevention of dangers and general ruin similar to what has been bitterly experienced for a few yearsand further, for the effectual removal of all sorts ;