We have been unwilling to be wanting therein, and answer: -- Whereas the management of said NfW Netherland, with the places dependent thereon, has hitherto devolved on the Amsterdam Chamber, which consequently possesses the most reliable information thereof, we shall rely on, and defer to whatever representation said Amsterdam Chamber makes on the subject, without, however, in any way prejudicing our right, in order both to participate in the profits on liquidation, and even hereafter to fit out for, and trade to New Netherland. And without dwelling any longer hereupon, we commend your High Mightinesses to God's protection. Your High Mightinesses' Humble servants. The Directors of the West India Company, Chamber Stadt en Lande. (Signed) J. de Sighers, V. Dated Groningen, " H^Z'"' 1G52. Received 13'" April, 1652.

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VI. 469

Resolution of the States General on the preceding Letter.

[ From the Eeglfller of West India Affairs, 1552 -- 1663, in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]

Saturday, 13 April, 1652. Folio 17. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber of i)irector. at oro- ^tadt en Landen, written at Groningen, G"" March last, being in answer to their mngen. jjj^j^ Mightinesses' despatch of the IG"- February last, requiring them to send Opinion on the der of government or. their Opinion on the of a Provisional Order of ^ draft government in New inNewNetheriand. Nethcrland, wherein they submit and refer to whatever the Amsterdam Chamber, which hitherto had the management of New Netherland, should advise thereon, without prejudice, however, to their right both to participate in the profits, and hereafter to fit out for and trade to New Netherland. Which being considered, the aforesaid letter is accepted as notification and, saving said right, the opinions both of the Amsterdam Chamber and of the other Chambers of the West India Company, will be expected.