We cannot deny but complaints have been heretofore made and even sent into the Assembly of the Nineteen by the Patroon, but never by the co-directors; the latter cannot be ignorant why an answer was not given to those complaints. We could, if necessary, readily adduce the reason thereof for our justification did we not prefer to leave unattacked the memory of their predecessors herein, and we know not whether we had ever been cited before your High Mightinesses' Deputies on the subject of the Vol. L 66

522 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. aforesaid complaints. If such has been the case, we doubt not but we have satisfied your High

Migiitinesses, and shall willingly refer ourselves in tiie premises to your knowledge thereof. We readily confess we cannot perceive how the alleged acts of the Director General can be called attacks, unless the Patroon and co-directors had judged that the best course to adopt was to take up the case de ylano and without any examination, because such would indeed be the most profitable forthem who otherwise have no right; but as it is unauthorized by your High Mightinesses, we hope 'twill not be of any weight. And as we, iu accordance with preceding submissions and resolutions, acknowledge your High Mightinesses herein as judges, so we, likewise, promise that we shall not attempt anything prejudicial to your commands whose authority we have always acknowledged and observed with more respect than even those of this Colonie, which shall be made apparent in the deduction of the case at the proper time. We only pray your High Mightinesses to be pleased to provide that no conclusion be taken herein to the prejudice of the Company without full knowledge of the case ; and with this view, that a plan be adopted on which your High Mightinesses will decide this suit shall be ordered, prosecuted and determined.