Documents Relative to the Colonial History of New York, Vol. I — Passage 157
[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] a source of considerable profit to the country also. ^ That no others should be at liberty to fish there, or participate therein directly or indirectly, except those interested thereunto specially privileged. ' The rather because we have had some proofs of it, and it is the same sea and facility which render our neighbors prosperous. * That the settlement of the boundary be effected. The English in that quarter readily admit that the country is justly ours; but their pretence [is] the richness of the land and that it lies waste; also, the Company will do nothing but protest, which they disregard, when admonished. Therefore, this matter is very urgent, if we are not to be scoffed at by that nation and lose the country. To attack them by force is too dangerous and inexpedient for New Netherland. But their own offer is not unworthy consideration; for they frankly say — We have taken the land which was entirely, or for the most part, waste, and now occupy it; ye say 'tis your's. Let us remain friends like our sovereigns, and refer this question to both your, and our superiors; what they do or order in the premises, we must admit, and neither of us will gain any thing by talk. ' On this point the English say — we should live with the Dutch as brothers, were we not, first, too grossly afi'ronted by the Directors, and secondly, had we not to snarl, like two dogs, for this dainty morsel, or such like. '" Both English and Dutch in that country are under your protection.