546 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. apprehended the English would establish, the rather as they have built a stone Redoubt at the mouth of the river; but here it is to be understood, that none other than those vpho would come there commissioned by the Director in New Netherland or by Mess" the Managers from Fatherland, should be exempt from the burdens aforesaid. This is what I have been able to propose for the service of the Hon'''"=, the Company, touching the Boundary. I pray God, that the wished for limits of New Netherland may be once settled, so that trade may improve, and the farmer cultivate his fields with pleasure.

Thus done at the Hague, the last of February, 16-51.'

(Endorsed) No. 2. Well founded title claimed by the West India Company to the territory now called New Netherland, situate in the Northern part of America, in latitude 38 to 41 J degrees.

Memoir respecting the well established boundaries and jurisdiction claimed by the Incorporated West India Company, in virtue of its Charter, over the territories situate in the Northern part of America, in latitude from 38 to 41J degrees.

Which lands they have many years since possessed, according to the Description hereunto annexed. No. 2, before any other nations had come thereabout, or discovered them ; but on tile favorable accounts received here from those parts, the English sent some ships and people thither, whom they settled to the Southward of us. That country they named Virginia. In like manner they, also, have planted Colonies to the North of us, which country they called New England, whither they conveyed so many people that they in a short time greatly outnumbered our nation. Becoming presumptions in consequence, they began to encroach on our limits, and invaded many lands contrary to our formal interdicts and protests, so that at the North this Nation did not hesitate to make themselves masters of the greater part of the Fresh river, notwithstanding we had there erected a trading house and fort called the Hope, which we, likewise, occupied and garrisoned.