History of the State of New York, Vol. I (1609-1691)
Many other persons would fain undertake bouweries but the matter sticks and the country remains uncultivated, partly, in Indians and their threats; partly also, addition to other reasons, through dread of the through fear that the patents are invalid, inasmuch as the Director executes and issues them in the name of the Director General and Council, without my knowledge and advice or that of the Deputy ; as appears by the protest which we have signed dated the ig"" December, 1650. The Director shall vindicate all this. 10.
And in order to promote the cultivation of the land there, 'twould be well to permit at the request of the Patroons, Colonists and other farmers, the introduction of as many Negroes as they are willing to purchase at a fair price ; and the Director and Council shall notify the Assembly hereof every year, when further order shall be taken respecting the transport of Negroes thither.
No request for Negroes has been presented from Patroons or Colonists here to my knowledge. But in the year 1651, the Director inducing and advising the Commonalty through special regard, to make renewed efforts to get people, &c., from Fatherland hither, the Lords Majors advised his Honor and his Select men for good reasons, to the effect that it
was not acceptable. 11.
And although 'tis proposed for the further encouragement of population, to reserve the trade with the Indians exclusively to the Patroons, Colonists and freemen residing there, without permitting any private traders to carry on any commerce with said Indians, 'tis nevertheless resolved as far as regards these, to adhere to the existing practice, but the Director and Council shall take information thereupon to serve as advice to the Assembly.