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Noble, Honorable, Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lord:

My last letter to you was sent with Michiel Carreman. It was dated, however, somewhat earlier than it actually left from here because the letter was destined to go overland with a letter, I mean, to go overland with an Indian which was not successful. Therefore, the same letter was sent with the aforesaid yacht. Since then we have still been hearing here that it is certain that Mr. Fendel, who is now governor of Maryland on behalf of Lord Balthus Moor (who resides in old England), has firm instructions to make a detailed examination and investigation concerning the limits and jurisdiction of this district in this region; and if it has been occupied by anyone, to demand their departure, exerting himself in this matter according to his strength and the circumstances of the situation. This has now become public knowledge here, producing such consternation and unrest among most of the settlers that all work has stopped and everyone is trying to flee, move away and look for the best way to escape; all the more since no vessel on this river will now accept supervision or permit inspection, except by Mr. Beeckman so that stowaways intent on leaving can hardly be prevented. It is also happening that some now request passports to be permitted to sail with the vessels, pretending to want to buy provisions at Manhattan; when there, they do not return but go to the father- land with the ships there. This was done recently by Wouter Clasen Schaep, carpenter, at least 50 years of age. It is said that he left from there [      ] to the great detriment and concern of the City [      ] also ( ] Henrick Assnerus [      ] Bloetgoet,^[1] carpenter, [      ]ham van Nas [      ]

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...respectfully request that these persons be watched and returned on the galliot in order to prevent further damage and detriment, which has afflicted us here hard enough because of the bad years, death and the persistent and lingering sickness. In addition to this, we are increasingly weakened now and then by this and that detriment; also, since now we have to maintain two garrisons instead of one; and the five or six persons hired by Mr. Beekman continue in his service - not meaning to be contemptful - because he desires to keep them. If you could spare eight or ten good soldiers in order to strengthen our garrisons a bit, I would be grateful, for which I await a note in reply. Herewith I pray that God may preserve you, the Noble, Honorable, Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lord, in continued health and prosperity.

[ Addressed: ] Noble, Honorable, Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lord Petrus Stuyvesant, Director-General over New Netherland, Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba etc. Residing in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland.

By the galliot, may God protect.

Notes

References

Translation: Gehring, C. trans./ed., New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch, Vols. 18-19, Delaware Papers: Dutch Period, 1648-1664 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.: 1981).A complete copy of this publication is available on the New Netherland Institute website.