FIRST APPLICATION FOR A MUNICIPAL FORM OF GOVERNMENT.

[ Holland Hoc. Vol. IV. ]

To the Noble , High and Mighty Lordsthe Lords States General of the United Netherlands ,our Most Illustrious Sovereigns.

Gracious Lords, —This Province of New Netherland having been reduced, in the course of timeto a very sad and utterly ruinous condition, in consequence, as we presume, of firstly, An unsuitablegovernment; secondly, Scantiness of privileges and exemptions ; thirdly, Heavy burthens of imposts,factions and such like; fourthly, Long continued war ; fifthly, The wreck of the Princess ; sixthly,The multitude of Traders and fewness of Boors and farm servants; seventhly, Great scarcity ingeneral; eightly and lastly, The insufferable arrogance of the Natives and Indians arising from thepaucity of our numbers etc. and having long waited in vain, though we have petitioned and soughtfor aid redress and assistance from the Lords Directors, in the highest degree necessary for them andtor us • We, therefore, unable to delay any longer, being reduced to the lowest ebb, have determinedto fly for refuge to their High Mightinesses, our gracious Sovereigns and the Fathers of this Province,most humbly praying and beseeching them to look with merciful eyes on this their Province andthat their High Mightinesses would be pleased to order and correct matters so that dangers may beremoved, troubles terminated, and population and prosperity promoted, as their High Mightinessesto their renowned wisdom shall be determined, We, with humble reverence only deeming it goodan d necessary to petition their High Mightinesses for the following Points as of advantage for thisProvince:—

Firstly; We supplicate and beseech their High Mightinesses to people New Netherland so that itmay support sustain and defend itself against Indians and others who might trouble and invade it;for if this should fail, that country will not only fall into the uttermost ruin, but also become easilya Ppropriated by our Neighbors; and those who already dwell there will be forced to use all possiblemeans to return and save themselves from misery, or to submit to foreign Nations. All which, ac-cording to our humble understanding, is to be remedied

1 st . When their High Mightinesses shall be pleased to take this Province under their own gracioussafeguard, and to allow their Fatherly affection for this Land to be promulgated and mademanifest, throughout the United Netherlands , by their own accorded privileges. Manywould, then, be attracted towards this country, whilst, on the contrary every one is dis-couraged by the Company’s harsh proceedings and want of means.

2 nd . Were their HighJMightinesses pleased to equip some ships for a few years, for the free con-veyance and transportation of people principally Boors and farm servants with their poveityhither, together with some necessary maintenance until the poor people had obtained some-thing in esse, their High Mightinesses would not only relieve many incumbered men, but alsoexpect from God , through their intercession, luck, blessing and prosperity.

3 rd . If their High Mightinesses would please to order all vessels proceeding and trading towardthese northern parts of America, to call first at the Manhattans in New Netherland , and bringwith them as many persons as they can seasonably procure and conveniently carry, at suita-

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