The English of Gravesend among others, having, with the Director's consent, given the Indians of Cannarse some stamped guns, in payment for their land, the latter came with them on the 6"" ditto to Couwenhoven's house. Couwenhoven complained of it to the Fiscal, and to Mr. Montagne who, too, hath seen the guns but without any result. 'Twas allowed to pass so. ;

Extract from the letter of the Select men to Van der Donck, dated 22""*

December, 1G50.

We observe, with surprise, that the directors of the affairs of this country have made a representation to the Burgomasters of Amsterdam accusing us most unjustly of endeavoring to divert the trade of this country, and that they believing the statement, are pleased so powerfully to protect and encourage their Honors in their error, when our aim and endeavor never had any other object than the Company's and country's welfare. Cornells Melyn arrived here on the Jy"" instant, having been nineteen weeks at sea, and in great peril. Their High Mightinesses having granted him an order and protection so as not to be molested by any person, places us under dutiful thankfulness to their High Mightinesses; but the Directors, or some others having on the contrary instructed their Officer here, not to respect any safeguard granted, or to be granted, by their High Mightinesses to any inhabitant of New Netherland, as appears by declaration, an opinion can be formed as to the cause of the troubles and ruin of this country and its inhabitants, and of the insulting resistance to their High Mightinesses' orders.