He forbade Vander Donck the council and also our
meetings, and gave us formal notice to that effect, and yet would not
release him from his oath. Then to avoid the proper mode of proof, he
issued a proclamation declaring that no testimony or other act should
be valid unless it were written by the secretary, who is of service to
nobody, but on the contrary causes every one to complain that nothing
can be done. Director Kieft had done the same thing when he was
apprehensive that an attestation would be executed against him. And so
it is their practice generally to do everything they can think of in
order to uphold their conduct. Those whose offices required them to
concern themselves with the affairs of the country, and did so, did
well, if they went according to the General's will and pleasure; if
they did not, they were prosecuted and thrown into prison, guarded by
soldiers so that they could not speak with any body, angrily abused as
vile monsters, threatened to be taught this and that, and everything
done against them that he could contrive or invent. We cannot enter into
details, but refer to the record kept of these things, and the documents
which the Director himself is to furnish. From the foregoing relation
Their High Mightinesses, and others interested who may see it, can well
imagine what labor and burdens we have had upon our shoulders from which
we would very willingly have escaped, but for love of the country and of
truth, which, as far as we know, has long lain buried. The trouble and
difficulty which do or will affect us, although wanting no addition, do
not grieve us so much as the sorrowful condition of New Netherland, now
lying at its last gasp; but we hope and trust that our afflictions and
the sufferings of the inhabitants and people of the country will
awaken in Their High Mightinesses a compassion which will be a cause of
rejoicing to New Netherland.

In what Manner New Netherland should be Redressed.

Although we are well assured and know, in regard to the mode of redress
of the country, we are only children, and Their High Mightinesses
are entirely competent, we nevertheless pray that they overlook our
presumption and pardon us if we make some suggestions according to our
slight understanding thereof, in addition to what we have considered
necessary in our petition to Their High Mightinesses.

In our opinion this country will never flourish under the government of
the Honorable Company, b