Adnfien and on the behalf of Adriaen van der Donck, styling Tan der tj himself Delegate o of the ./

^'""'''- Commonalty in New Netherland. Which, being considered, it is resolved and concluded, that the aforesaid letter and documents be placed in the hands of Mess" Huygens and the other, their High Mightinesses' Deputies, for the afi'airs of the West India Company, to examine, look over, and to report thereon. Such is the aforesaid conclusion formed by Mr. van der Hoolk, in his capacity of president last week.

Chamber at Dart to the States General.

[ From the Original in the Royal Archives at the Ilagne ; Loketkas of the Blales Goncral ; Division, West Indiacht OompagnU, No. 86. ]

High and Mighty Lords. Your High Mightinesses' letter dated 24"" May, duly reached us with the petition of Adriaen van der Donck inclosed, whereon your High Mightinesses require our advice upon that petition. -- We respectfully answer thereunto inasmuch as the acquired country of New Netherland has been heretofore administered by the Chamber of Amsterdam, we have very little knowledge of it and of the situation of the people there therefore, cannot form any correct opinion of ;

the legality or illegality of the commission or person of the aforesaid Adriaen van der Donck, which we judge can be most properly done by your High Mightinesses' Commissioners appointed for the affairs of New Netherland, who from time to time have taken thorough

' Supra, p. 478. -- Ed.

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VL 481 information on the matter aforesaid. However, we cannot perceive wherefore the aforesaid Van der Donci< should he forbid to leave for New Netherland with his wife, mother and entire family, nor why his application to your High Miglitiuesses was improper, inasmuch as your High Migiitinesses, in ratifying the Charter, have retained and reserved the chief authority to yourselves.