Finally, a discussion ensued respecting the formation of a neighborly union in form of a league or guarantee against the offensive insolence and arrogance of the Barbarians and Natives, whereunto they appeared to us disposed. But as the English nation is so much stronger than ours in these parts, I proposed the Commissioners in such extremity, that whether defensive or offensive, ought to bring a double number at least to our single quota. To which they replied, that they then ought to have a double vote in declaring the lawfulness of the defence, or offence this their High Mightinesses and the Company might consider ;

disreputable. Its conclusion was therefore postponed until the opinion of the principals on

both sides be received. This, it strikes me would be a needful and desirable matter for this State and the only means to reduce the insolence of the Mohawks, and to prevent the Indians attempting anything against either the one or the other Nation, and at once prevent all further

' It is styled, post, p. 556, " Memoir of the Committee of Directors of tlie West India Company, representing the Assembly of the Nineteen."

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIL 549

invasion and usurpation on the lands situated within this jurisdiction, which I have considered necessary to communicate to your Honors, awaiting your advice thereon.

(Endorsed) "Provisional Boundary between the English and our Nation " agreed upon at the Meeting of the Colonies at Herfort " A° 1650, respecting the lands situate in the North part of " America ; whereof our portion under the Director and " Charter of the West India Company, is now named New " Netherland, and that portion belonging to the English, " namely, the Country at the South, is by them called "Virginia; the other Countries taken up by them are " named New England." Read 6 Novb. 1653.