of i\ew Amsterdam, and to all those who are capable of bearing arms, and to other families scatterd throughout the Country, with express command that they shall be obliged to keep their guns in good order and to provide themselves with requisite powder, keeping correct register of the guns distributed as aforesaid, so that they may be inspected and examined every three months, and should any guns remain over, they shall be stored in the warehouse. Done the first April 1650. Was paraphed Johan Van Reede "'. Underneath was. By order of the High Mighty Lords States General. (Signed) Corn. Musch.

(Addressed.) Venerable, Honorable, Valiant our right faithful, the Director and Council in New Netherland. Was sealed with their High Mightinesses' Seal in Red wax covered with paper.

Notwithstanding divers petitions and requests, I have not been able to see nor read, nor have communication of this despatch; but have received copy thereof from the duplicate of the Select men. To what the Director hath turned his attention and his acts, will best appear from this and from his defence. The complaints of old and new comers testify how population and whatever appertains thereunto, are promoted. How the delegates from the Commonalty and others returned hither have been treated and in every manner of way persecuted by sinister practices, on account of matters represented to your High Mightinesses, themselves can tell, for every one of them knows. The Director hath sent Arent van Cuelen with horses to the West '