He would, afterwards, again go up, which our people prevented. And Peter Mey sailed down aboard of him, demanding to see his commission which he refused to exhibit, saying he will build a fort there, and his Queen had as much right there as the Company. I have sent Jan Jansen, the Commissary of tlie fort tliither, and instructed him, in case Minuyt should attempt anything to our prejudice to protest against him in due form. I hourly expect news from there, etc.

Of a letter dated 31 July, 1638. Minuyt erected a fort on the South River five leagues from ours; attracted all the peltries to himself by means of liberal gifts departed thence with his two attendant ships, leaving 24 men ;

^^^^^;;^^^c;-. in the fort provided with all sorts of goods and provisions ; had posts set up with

C. R. S. Jan Jansen, the Commissary at Fort Nassau had protested these letters. by my orders, to which he gave an answer, copy whereof is annexed hereunto. We subsequently sent from this place thither a draught of a protest which was read to him, whereunto he would not answer. This proceeding is highly prejudicial to the Company, etc.

Of copy of a certain letter, without date. In regard to the South River, affairs remain in the same position as last year. Trade there is of small amount, because the Swede, by underselling, had depressed, and continues still to keep down the market; to behold this contentedly, to be thus hectored, deprived of the trade and robbed of our land, is a vast annoyance, &".