Done 25"" December, 1652.

Chamber at Amsterdam to the States General. [ Register of Ingekomen Brieven^ in the Royal Archives at the Hague. ]

High and Mighty Lords. Folio a. We yesterday duly received your High Mightinesses' letter of the 28"' instant, Patroon and co-di- together with the petition of the Patroon and co-proprietors of the Colonie rectors of the Ciiio- ,^, Die Eenseiaerswjii. Rensclaers-wyck thereunto annexed, |.| ,_ la answer to which we shall provisionally in ••n

520 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

observe, that we immediately gave orders to examine the aforesaid petition, point by point, and to draw up accordingly a rescript thereupon as far as will be necessary for the defense

of the Company's right; then as the points set forth against us are very numerous, and necessitate the examination and review of divers papers and documents, we have hereby humbly to submit to you. High and Mighty, that 'tis impossible not only to accomplish this in two days, but to have it done even in two weeks. We, therefore, respectfully request that ample time be afforded us, to make answer unto all according to demand and circumstances, the rather as the aforesaid Patroon and co-directors suffer no prejudice herein, the ship having sailed eight days ago for New Netherland, and as no opportunity will offer until the spring, in the month of April or May, when the vessels are accustomed to take their departure for that quarter. Relying thereupon, we shall. High and Mighty Lords, etc. Your High Mightinesses' Servants, The Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. Amsterdam, this 31 December, 1652. (Signed) Eduard Man. Received, 2 January, 1653. Isaack van Beeck.