[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] 59 of New Netherland, Texel, Vlieland, and such like, and sent ships of 30 and 40 lasts to look for furs in those parts; but that he was not aware that they had begun or designed to establish a plantation there; and, moreover, tiiat a good number of families, inhabiting the United Provinces, were then soliciting him to procure them a place in the said country where they might settle among his Majesty's subjects, that if these who are now returned thence, and the others who have remained behind, wish to make a similar request and to submit themselves to his Majesty's government, as his subjects, it can be ascertained if he will be pleased to admit them in that quality, and thus permit them to leave with their ships and merchandise, or else to sell these here at the highest rate possible; on condition that the said Lords States promise to prevent them going any more to, or frequenting in any manner those parts. Should they not consent to that, his Majesty's interest will not permit him to suffer them to usurp and encroach on, in this manner, one of his Colonies of such importance, which he has great cause to cherish and maintain entire.