Under pretext that they have not been paid for their Lands That such are the complaints :

and threats of the Indians is notorious, and divers persons have felt the effects thereof, in the loss of their lives; and as the present Director, as well as his predecessors, hath purchased divers lands from the Natives, as these daily pretend, but have never paid for them as yet, the consequence is, that discontent is excited among the Indians and a thirst for vengeance, which they wreak when opportunity offers. 6.

But their acts are commonly disregarded as the acts of Indians living at a great distance. Such was the excuse whenever complaints were made to the Director, instead of finding out proper means to secure the Inhabitants, and to save them from continual apprehension, some good dispositions being already evinced, but without any result.

7.

To stand on our own defence. Which defence cannot avail anything for the good of the country, unless we be permitted to assemble at proper times and concert together proper measures therefor. 8.

Officers and Magistrates, etc. The meaning and intention of this article is, that the nomination ought to belong to the people, the selection to the Director or to the Director and

HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIL 555

Council, for such municipal offices and places as this city and the villages respectively require for their government; that a Common Council ( Vroclschup) ought to be organized in this Cily to consist of a number of such persons as should be found in this place fit to fill such an office and to represent the body of the Commonalty; that in the villages which have hitherto had no Court of justice, one ought to be established, so that the people there maybe governed with greater order than heretofore, and each, on occurring occasions, be judged by his competent Judges; but all this is left to the discretion of the Lords Majors.