And as he intends to apply to your High Mightinesses for a copyright therefor, and hath requested us to furnish him a letter to your High Mightinesses in regard to the communication made to us; we are unwilling to refuse, but have willingly granted it to him, in order thatit may avail him according as your High Mightinesses, in your profound wisdom may

think proper. Herewith, High and Mighty Lords, we shall pray God Almighty for the lasting welfare of your High Mightinesses' prosperous government and remain Your High Mightinesses' humble servants, The Directors of the West India Company at the Chamber at Amsterdam. Amsterdam, this 2 May, ] (Signed) Eduard Man. ^ Received 14 May, J ' ' Joannes Ryckaert.

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIL 531

Resolution of the States General on the preceding Letter.

[From the Eegialer of West India Affairs, 1652 -- 1663, in tlie Koyal Archives at the Hague.]

Wednesday, the li"- May, 1653. Folio 65. Read at the meeting, a petition of Adriaen van der Donck, seconded by letters Adriaen van der of recommendation from the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company, Book respecting dated the 2'^ instant, praying copyright for a certain Book, entitled Beschryvinge van Nieu-Nederlandt. ; which being considered, it is resolved and concluded that the aforesaid petition, letter of recommendation and Book shall be placed altogether in the hands of Mess" Huygens and others, their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, to inspect, examine and report thereupon.