Extract from a Latin letter, addressed by Van Dincklage to Van der Donck, 19"" September, J651.

To describe the state of this government to one well acquainted and conversant with it, is a work of supererogation 'tis to wash a blackamoor. ; Our great Muscovy Duke goes on as usual, with something of the wolf; the older he gets the more inclined is he to bite. He proceeds no longer by words or writings, but by arrests and stripes. We daily expect Redress and a remedy.

A letter from Govert Loockermans, dated SS""" September, 1651, states, in substance, that he was prosecuted capitally by the Director and banished for three years; that the suit in this case continued only 5 days; that execution will be issued, unless Loockermans will sign a certificate that he knows and can say nothing of the Director and his government, but what is honest and honorable.

Extract from a letter of Augustin Hermans, dated 20"" September, 1G51.

I wish I felt authorized to advise you of better news. The Redress remaining still behind, contrary to our expectation, we are not only threatened, plagued, obstructed and affronted, but shall be also totally ruined. Govert Loockermans is totally ruined, because he will not sign that he knows and can say nothing of Director Stuyvesant, but what is honest and honorable. I fear we, too, shall experience a like fate; whether we have safeguards from their High Mightinesses or not, 'tis all alike; the Directors have written not to pay any attention to their High Mightinesses' safeguards or letters, but to theirs; and every one can see how prejudicial that is to us. We are turned out and dare scarcely speak a word, etc. In fine, matters are so situated, that God's help only will avail; there is no trust to be placed in man.