This was provisionally only, and until further order. 'Tis to be observed in this place, that the Director dreading one of two evils, permitted some arms to be bartered in the Fort in order to preserve the Colonie from danger. Neither will any one prove that the Director hath sold, or allowed the sale of, any articles of contraband on his own private account. The seizure of some guns by leave of the Director, happened because they were not accompanied by any permit, as ordered by the Company. Under such guise many guns could be introduced. The Director ordered sixteen guilders to be paid for each gun that was seized, although it could not have cost more than 8 @^ 9 in this country. 'Tis true that Vastrick brought over, by Director Stuyvesant's order, a case containing 30 guns, which the Director, with the knowledge of the Deputy and Fiscal, permitted to be landed in open day. These guns were transferred to Commissary Keyser with instructions to sell them to the Dutch who were unprovided with arms, so that they might, in the hour of need,

428 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

have wherewith to defend themselves. If there v^ere any more guns in the ship, 'twas without the Director's knowledge. The Fiscal whose business it was, should have seen to it, and inspect the vessel and these accusers are bound to prove connivance and neglect of ;

proper inspection. Jacob Reynsen and Jacob Schermerhoorn are petty traders, natives of Waterland one of ;