In this manner, then, have the English by unrighteous usurpations, made themselves masters of all the beforementioned places, aud especially of the beautiful Fresh river. They well knew that the Company had not only ratified the possession of the aforesaid river by the construction of its fort and some bouweries besides, but that it had, particularly in the year 1G32, purchased from the natives and proprietors many lands thereabout, which were accordingly conveyed to it, long before the coming thither of any English, who first arrived there in the year 1 636. Neither is it unknown to them tliat the Company did, about the same time, cause to be purchased by one Hans van der Sluys, a certain place called Kivitshoeck, as their High Mightinesses' arms were affixed to a tree, at that place, in token of possession; the English not only pulled them down, but even carved a buffoon's face in their stead, in gross contempt and disrespect of their High Mightinesses ;and although satisfaction was repeatedly demanded for this, nought has resulted or could be obtained. Subsequently, and about the time the troubles between the King and his Parliament broke out in England in acts of hostility, the English who have so unlawfully usurped the aforesaid Fresh river, made an offer to the Company's servants in those parts to pay a yearly acknowledgment or buy them out, for which purpose they also sent hither one Mr. Hugh Peters, a minister at Salem, whom they empowered and authorized to agree with the Company about this matter; which, indeed, is a sure sign and proof that they are conscious of occupying not their own, but the Company's lawful lands. In like manner did the English usurpers of Rhode Island, when at loggerheads with those of the Bay, also apply to the Company's servants there to permit them to hide, and even to settle among the Dutch, of all which the pieces and documents remain with the Directors of New Netherland.