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, &".
Of a letter dated 2 October, 1639. Fort Nassau in the South River is a heavy charge to the Company; both on account of the strong garrison and the sloop. We see no means of lessening it on account of the Swedes who have settled five leagues from there, within our jurisdiction, though they well know that the mouth of the river is sealed with our blood, and that possession has been taken of it, above and below. Since their arrival there, we have fallen short full 30,000 in the trade, and still
daily suffer through their means. Should they move which they must soon do, if not off,
reinforced, we will never consent to, if we are strong enough to prevent, the settlement of any fine within our limits, which ought to have been the case in this instance.
HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VIIL
Of a letter dated the last of May, 1640. The Swedes in the South River were resolved to move off and to come herp. On the day hefore their departure, a ship arrived with a reinforcement; they have greatly injured, and still do harm to the Company; the trade is wholly i^iined, etc.