In answer to your High Mightinesses' despatch and resolution, both of the 9"" of this month of December, and the inclosures respecting the negotiations between your High Mightinesses' Ambassadors in England and those of that Republic in relation to the Boundary in New Netherland, we who at present preside, can only repeat with due submission, what we have heretofore frequently stated, that we are wholly and entirely excluded from the superintendence of that so notable and important a province, included within our Charter; because we are so poor that we cannot contribute our quota of the incurred expenses. And, therefore, the supervision thereof hath always been unjustly assumed and retained by the Amsterdam Chamber, in spite of us and the other Chambers. So that we must acknowledge, according to existing circumstances, that we are unable to advise your High Mightinesses and off"er you such opinion as we should wish ; inasmuch as all the old papers and documents in support both of Vol. I. 72

570 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. our first occupation of those countries and the successive purchases of grounds, and further particular contracts there entered into and performed, remain in the office of those of Amsterdam, to wliom we must refer. But surely as Presiding Chamber, at least as yet, we can respectfully submit so much as our opinion to your High Mightinesses, that we have come to the conclusion that in justice every reasonable means and argument ought to be used, but in case nothing is obtained, we think it wisest, then, to try what is next considered reasonable. And so consequently not for what we desire and will, but for what can be effected. Wherefore, with submission, we consider their Excellencies' last plan the best; namely, to refer these conflicting matters to the respective representative chiefs and commissioners at the place in dispute, to the end that they may meet together and arrange everything there, subject to the approval of their Lords principals on both sides.The country and consequently the Company would derive the greatest advantage from such a course.