The Director hath seized three ships, because he will have from each one hundred pounds of powder, harbor duty; though neither Mr. Dincklagen nor the Fiscal knows anything of it, nor was it determined on in Council, yet he will have it by force ; but Vastrick and Bloemert are gone free, or are paid for it. It appears that the Company backs him up strongly. I had, indeed, brought a flag with me for the Burghers, but Stuyvesant will not allow it to be carried. He does as he pleases.

Extract of the letter of Jacob van Couwenhoven and Dierck van Schelluyne, Notary, dated the I3th September, 1650.

The Director and his partizans work secrectly among the people and make them believe that we have done nothing but brought expense on the Commonalty; that their High Mightinesses will never introduce reforms into the country; that the Directors write, they will maintain him ; that the gentlemen from Amsterdam will steadily oppose the Redress and ;

thus he attracts to him most of the people who derive some profit thereby. For the rest, we and others who mean well, are aware and will yet find (God help us) that we have done harm ; shall be eventually ruined and run aground, if the Redress do not arrive speedily.

Extract from an authentic copy of a letter from Vice Director Dincklage to the Hon*"'^ Directors of the Amsterdam Chamber, dated the S"" Septemb'' 1650.

I have already addressed two letters to your Honors, but have not received any answer to