Though I complained, I could, with difficulty obtain respite enough to send two Deputies on board to demand of the Governor his commission and a little time for consultation ; but before the messengers had got on board, two shotted guns were fired over the fort, as a signal ; whereupon the people immediately were deprived of their side arms, and aim was taken to fire at them, because they did not surrender their pieces, which were immediately torn from their shoulders; and the guns at the bastions were forthwith manned; the messengers returning, brought word that he would not give an hour's delay, and that he had his commission on board the ship and that we should soon see its bullets; and the soldiers were forthwith driven out the fort and their property detained as well as mine, and I could scarcely induce him, by prayer, not to be turned out naked with wife and children and all the property in this ;

fort was confiscated by them; yea, the very grain, and they have hardly left me enough to live with, etc. The Governor asserts that Her Majesty of Sweden, hath permission from their High Mightinesses to take prompt possession of this river.

Extract of the letter written by the Hon"' Peter Stuyvesant, Director-General in New Netherland, to the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. Dated 27"' July, 1654.

A ship arrived last May, in the South River of New Netherland, said to belong to the Crown of Sweden, with some considerable reinforcements; about, as is stated, three hundred souls, with a new Governor; who lying in front of our Fort Casimier fired two (^ three guns as a salute. Whereupon 20 @. 30 armed soldiers landed from the ship and were duly welcomed Vol.