[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] As a full and accurate catalogue of the documents transcribed is appended to this report, it is unnecessary to give any particular analysis of their character here. I will only remark that they commence with the year 1614, and extend down, in a tolerably complete series, to 1678, consisting chiefly of memorials and papers presented to the States-General respecting New Netherland, and the proceedings of that body in relation to the various mat-ters from time to time brought before them affecting the Colony and its inhabitants. The act of the Legislature directed me to procure, if possible, the originals, and if not, copies of all documents illustrating our history. I applied for the originals, but the regulations of office did not allow a compliance with my request; copies were therefore made of the papers selected. Not the slightest difficulty, however, occurred in obtaining these, and not a single objection was made to my having any document transcribed I wished. The most unbounded liberality was evinced on every occasion by the government of that country to which we GENERAL INTRODUCTION. XXVU trace, with such affectionate veneration, the foundation of our State, and the most friendly