[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] some other friends before whom this may come, that we speak so highly as we do, and as we know to be true, of this place, and yet complain of its indigence and poverty and beseech help, assistance, redress, diminution of burdens, population and other similar benefits for it, and show that it is in a poor and ruinous condition; yea, so low, that unless it receive especial aid and assistance it will utterly fall away and be ruled by foreigners. It becomes therefore incumbent to point out the true reason and cause why New Netherland is in its present low condition, which we shall do as correctly, minutely and truthfully as will be in any wise possible, according to the facts as we have seen, found and heard them; but as this relation not only will call forth and experience much The relation of the reach, not to allow the truth to yield to falsehoods, previously trumped up and invented; and not to admit any evidence against it, except of such impartial persons as have not either directly or indirectly been injuriously affected by, nor had a hand in, the ruin of New Netherland, nor are otherwise under obligation to it. And with this observation, we proceed to the reasons and sole cause of the evil, which we truly, though briefly and indistinctly set forth in the beginning of our petition to your High Mightinesses. (25) OF THE REASONS AND CAUSE OF THE GREAT DECAY OP NEW NETHERLAND.