We have been expecting, usually every year, that a new war will be again begun by the Natives of this country, from the murders they have committed under -pretext that they 5« have not been paid for their lands. This is the cause of many mischiefs and discouragements to the country, besides great loss and interruption to the inhabitants in their labor. We have been unable, thus far, to arrive at a precise knowledge thereof, or to C ascertain to what nation these murderers belong disregarded, as those of Indians living at a great distance which fills ; but their acts are commonly us with daily anxieties, so that

552 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. ly, we are compelled to stand on our own defence, and cannot discover any prepared way to protect our lives and property except by our ov^'n means. g. Thirdly. Officers and Magistrates, though by their personal qualifications deserving such honors, are appointed, contrary to the laws of Netherland, to divers offices without the

consent or nomination of the people whom the matter most affects or concerns. 9, Fourthly. Many Orders or Proclamations have been made heretofore by the authority alone of the Director and Council, without the approbation of the Country. We are wholly ignorant which are or are not in force, and consequently know not when we transgress these, but commit many offences in our ignorance, to the injury and ruin of ourselves and families. \Q^ Fifthly. On the promises of Deeds and a General Patent of Freedoms and Privileges, various plantations have been made at great expense and trouble to the inhabitants, through building of houses, erecting fences, &c., tilling and cultivating the soil ; for example that of Middelborgh ' and Midtwout,^ with their dependencies, besides several other places and individual bouweries, which have applied for general and particular deeds, but to their serious expense, having made various journeys from time to time and been put off, which excites suspicion of innovations, or that other conditions will be introduced, different from former stipulations. 11, Sixthly.