Request with all humble submission -- whereas, a short time ago the scum' of this place, which is justly called our fatherland, hath revolted against the righteous side, our common friends; and whereas, we see their preparation for hostilities tending to the ruin and destruction of the inhabitants there who are under the necessity of earning, by steady labor, in fields and woods, food and support for their wives and children, each for himself, and conjointly for us all, regarding the inconveniences which must spring therefrom, do request as above, and humbly pray, in all respectful obedience -- that we, in general, may be granted and allowed such public enemy to ruin and conquer, and, further, from time to time, unto the

' The word io the text is " bescherminge," prolcclion ; but being unable to make sense of the passage with that word, 'tis presumed to be an error of the copyist for '* beachuimm^e." -- Ei>.

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V 417 establishment of our common peace and welfare, so that at once the previous and much wished for peace of this place, may be and remain permanent. Tliis doing in the name of us all (Signed) Gerrit Wolffersex. Jacob Wolfersen. DiRCK WOLFFERSEN. HaNS HaNSEN. and Lambert Huybertsen Mol.

We cannot at present resolve to attack the Indians at Mareckkawich, as they have not given us hitherto any provocation, and as it would draw down an unrigliteous war on our heads, especially as we are assured that they would be on their guard and hard to beat, and apparently excite more enemies, and be productive of much injury to us, whilst we trust that it will, through God's mercy, now result in a good issue. But in case they evince a hostile disposition, every man must do his best to defend himself.