In our provisional answer of the IS"" of this current month to your High Mightinesses despatch of the 6'"' instant concerning the Swedes who have arrived from New Netherland, we offered to furnish a further Report of what occurred there, which we have since had prepared with the proper verifications; and have resolved to transmit herewith to your High Mightinesses with an humble request, that on considering them, the circumstances of the case and the reasons thereunto appertaining, you will please not to take it ill of the Company, that it had so far regarded the honor of this Slate as to evince at last some resentment at the several

affronts, injuries and damages perpetrated against us by the Swedes in the aforesaid district, and that we have provided, as far as it lay in our power, that the unheard of and hostile usurpations of that nation be afforded no new occasion to attempt, unhindered and at their pleasure, similar invasions of the Company's possessions, as daily experience hath sufficiently taught. We farther pray your High Mightinesses to allow yourselves to be persuaded to grant the Company the needful assistance, so that this noble Province which hath begun to prosper right well in trade and agriculture, and would, under other circumstances, be very useful, and serve even as a granary to this State, may not come to decay, and thus be only a burthen which otherwise would be a means of such notable profit. Wherewith praying God Almighty to be pleased to bless your High Mightinesses' persons and government, we remain High and Mighty Lords, Your High Mightinesses' Humble Servants, The Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. Amsterdam, this 24 ) ^ (Signed) J. Bontemantel r> A Received OQ r January, 1656. 28 •' Dauid van n r.