Thienhoven is intending to proceed on an early day to New Netherland, we have resolved to request and require you hereby again to detain said Thienhoven and not to allow him to depart, and for that purpose you will write to the skipper of the Ship the Waler/ionl not to receive the abovenamed Thienhoven before and until he hath received and exhibited our consent to his departure. Done 21^' April 1651.

436 NEW- YORK COLONIAL JLVNUSCRIPTS.

Fdiiion of certain Dutch Merchants to the States General.

[ From the Original id the Koyal Arcliires al the Hagoo ; File, West Indie. ]

To the Noble, High and Mighty, the Lords States General of the United Netherlands.

The resident merchants of these United Netherlands respectfully and with reverence represent that they have traded for upwards of twenty years past, to all the Caribbean islands and to Virginia, by which commerce the aforesaid places have, from very feeble beginnings and appearances -- yea, utter inability of themselves, -- so improved from time to time, and been brought to such condition as to be at present a source of astonishment to the whole world. This trade has been prosecuted with considerable profit for the inhabitants of this Province, though not without great risk, because they must always invest and intrust a heavy capital to people of the aforesaid places, whom they have frequently assisted in their misfortune and great necessity, and brought, with food and raiment, out of extreme ruin. This trade was formerly prosecuted by all nations freely and unincumbered, and notwithstanding the inhabitants of the aforesaid places and islands, have, by means of our supplies and liberal credits, had the opportunity to improve and advance their Colonies to their incalculable advantage, and to such a flourishing state, yet an attempt is now being made, regardless of what we have contributed to their prosperity, to exclude us from the trade to said places, and those of the Parliament of England have issued a certain notice to that effect, prohibiting the trade to Islands where they or their nation have any Colonies, and particularly to the Virginias, on pain of the forfeiture of ship and goods, and of being treated as enemies. 'Tis indeed true that they have fixed some time in their proclamation, but it is so short that 'tis impossible to obey it, and utterly impracticable to get in from thence our ships, unsold goods and outstanding debts within the said time, we being allowed for that purpose, only from the S"" October,