[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] Again, he will not pay the just debts °J^„f'°" ^"^ J"" which Director Kieft hath left behind on the Company's account, whether consisting of earned monthly wages, delivered grain, or any other lawfully proved liabilities; and when we object to this, that it is identically the same, people growl and will have it so. We have by petition and remonstrance so far succeeded, that the collection of the debts is postponed for a time. In addition, the Company's land is so burdened, taxed and kept down, that the inhabitants are unable to compete with their neighbors of Virginia or New England, or to undertake anything. It appears, and all the inhabitants of New Netherland, as far as our knowledge extends, believe, that the Directors in The Pirectors in ° Holland carr nolh-HoUand pay no heed or attention to New Netherland, except when something is '"g /"' «■ Neih r-r J 'I O lanri except to ro-to be received from it, which is a reason that less is received by them. The c«Te some duties. extreme distress of war which has prevailed here, clearly demonstrates that they Vol. I. 40 314 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. never inquired whether New Netherland sank or swam; for when application was made to them in such emergency for aid and assistance, which they were bound by honor and by promise according to the Exemptions to furnish, unasked, they never attempted to do anything in tiie case at their own expense. We let the expense go.