Be it known: Whereas, We have deemed it advisable for the promotion of the afTairs of the General Incorporated West India Company, not only to maintain the trade and population of the Coasts of New Netherland and the places situate thereabouts, together with the Islands of Cura^oa, Buenaire, Aruba and their dependencies, hitherto encouraged thither from this country, but also to endeavor to make new treaties and alliances with foreign princes, and to inflict as much injury as possible on the enemy, in his forts and strongholds, as well by sea as

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : VI. 493

by land; for wliich purposes it becomes necessary to appoint a person Director: -- We therefore, confiding in the probity and experience of J'etrus Stuyvesant, formerly intrusted with our affairs at, and tiie government of, the aforesaid Island of Cura^oa and places thereunto depending, being well pleased with his services there, have commissioned and appointed, and by these presents, do appoint and commission the said Petrus Stuyvesant, Director over the aforesaid countries of New Netherland and the places thereunto adjoining, to administer, with the Council as well now, as hereafter to be, appointed witii him, the said office of Director, both by water and land, and, in said quality, to attend carefully to the advancement, promotion and preservation of friendship, alliances, trade and commerce; to and war, and to maintain in good order everything direct all matters appertaining to traffic there for the service of the United Netherlands and the General West India Company to ;