[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] Though many have had their land the full number of years, yet they have not had the use of it, having been driven off by the war, so that a term of eight or ten years could be beneficially remitted to the great relief of the inhabitants. ' Sheep cannot well be shorn before the wool grows, and if the people are ever anticipated and retrenched in their means of prosperity, there can neither now nor hereafter be any hope of deriving any thing considerable from them; because men must have before they can give. * Were the country peopled, and the inhabitants of New Netherland somewhat prosperous, there would be means here to strengthen the finances by common consent, without embarrassing the people. Meanwhile it is to be borne in mind, something always can be effected even in its present condition. * This would be a great advantage for the beginner; it could be effected without prejudice to this State, and be thus accomplished. If your High Mightinesses were to cause to be published here, that tobacco entered and shipped in New Netherland, should not be subject to, but be exempt from all charges, and that all tobacco arriving from any other port of North America, be it from New England or Virginia, must pay as much as that received from New Netherland hath paid heretofore, that is, 3 stiv. per pound. 268 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.