But when there are 200 families or thereabouts, a preacher and consistory shall be installed without any expense to the Company {geiieraUceil).

Ratification hy the States General of the Conditions for the Colony on the Delaware River. [ From the Register of West India Affairs, 1652 -- 1663, in the Eojal ArchiTcs at the Hague.]

Wednesday the 16"" August, 1656. Folio 221. Heard the report of Mess" Van der Capelle to Ryssel and other their High New Netheriand. ]\iightinesses' Deputies for the affairs of the West India Company, having, pursuant

to the resolution of the IS"" instant, investigated and examined the letter of the Committee of Directors of the respective Chambers of the West India Company representing the Assembly of the Nineteen convened at Amsterdam, dated the lO"" instant, together with some appendices in answer to their High Mightinesses' despatch of the l" ditto, and consequently, information and advice on the Petition and Papers presented by the presiding Chamber of Amsterdam to their High Mightinesses to obtain their appi'obation and ratification of the Conditions entered into by that Chamber with the Burgomasters of said City of Amsterdam for the planting of Colonies in New Netheriand. Which being considered, their High Mightinesses have thanked the Gentlemen of the Committee for the trouble they have taken, and it is further Resolved and concluded, hereby to approve and ratify the aforesaid agreement or conditions entered into by the abovementioned Chamber with the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, all nevertheless saving and without prejudice to the right, jurisdiction and possession of the Colonies heretofore given out in the aforesaid countries and of the property purchased in said district with this understanding ;