ch difficulty, as they would swarm there in
great numbers. There are rumors daily, and it is reported to us that the
English will soon repair there with many families. It is certain that
if they do come and nestle down there, they will soon possess it so
completely, that neither Hollanders nor Swedes, in a short time, will
have much to say; at least, we run a chance of losing the whole, or the
greatest part of the river, if very shortly remarkable precaution be not
used. And this would be the result of populating the country; but the
Directors of the Company to this day have had no regard to this worth
the while, though the subject has been sufficiently brought before them
in several documents. They have rather opposed and hindered this; for
it has been with this matter as with the rest, that avarice has blinded
wisdom. The report now is that the English intend to build a village and
trading house there; and indeed if they begin, there is nobody in this
country who, on the Company's behalf, can or apparently will, make much
effort to prevent them. Not longer ago than last year, several free
persons,(1) some of whom were of our own number and who had or could
have good masters in Fatherland, wished to establish a trading house and
some farms and plantations, upon condition that certain privileges
and exemptions should be extended to them; but this was refused by
the General, saying, that he could not do it, not having any order or
authority from the noble Lords Directors; but if they were willing to
begin there without privileges, it could in some way be done. And when
we represented to His Honor that such were offered by our neighbors
all around us, if we would only declare ourselves willing to be called
members of their government, and that this place ran a thousand dangers
from the Swedes and English, His Honor answered that it was well known
to be as we said, (as he himself did, in fact, well know,) and that
reason was also in our favor, but that the orders which he had from the
Directors were such that he could not answer for it to them. Now we
are ignorant in these matters, but one thing or the other must be true,
either it is the fault of the Director or of the Managers,(2) or of both
of them. However it may be, one shifts the blame upon the other, and
between them both every thing goes to ruin. Foreigners enjoy the country
and fare very well; they laugh at us too if we say anything; they enjoy
privileges and exempt