Director Kieft, being at a loss for money, had a box suspended in his house ; of that box the deacons had one key, and all the small fines and penalties which were levied on court days, were deposited in it. He opened it with the knowledge of the deacons, and took on interest the money, which amounted to a handsome sum. 'Tis admitted that the Excise on beer was imposed by Willem Kieft, and that on wine by Petrus Stuyvesant; and that such excise was collected up to the date of my departure. But 'tis to be observed here, that the Remonstrants have no cause to complain on that score, for

the trader, burgher, farmer and all others except the vintners, lay in as much wine and beer as they please, free of excise. They are merely obliged to enter it, so that the quantity may be ascertained. The vintners pay three guilders per tun on beer, and one stiver per can on wine; they receive this back from those who daily resort to their houses, and from the

traveler from New England, Virginia and elsewhere. No other internal taxes have been imposed, up to the present time, on the Commonalty, except the excise already mentioned, unless the voluntary offering which was applied two years ago to the erection of the church, be accounted a tax, of which Jacob Couwenhoven, also one of the Church Wardens, will iiave to render an account. In New England there is no impost or duty on imports or exports, but every one is assessed by the local government according to his means, and must pay to the extent of his property and as the magistrates tax him, for Building and repairing of Churches ; Support of Ministers Erection of Schools and Salary of Teachers ; All city and town improvements; Construction and repair of all highways and roads, many miles of which are made in that country, so that horses and wagons can be used and journeys made from one place to the other Construction and repair of all bridges across rivers on the highways; Erection of public houses for travelers ; Salaries of Governors, Magistrates, Marshals and constables; and Pay of Majors, Captains and other officers of the Militia.