[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] High and Mighty Lords We have taken the liberty to write this Remonstrance, and to submit the case as we have done, through love of the truth, and because we have felt bound to do so by our oath and conscience. It is true that all of us, either together or individually, have not seen, heard or had a knowledge of the entire contents in every particular; nevertheless it contains nothing but what some among us well know to be true and credible. We all know the greatest part of it to be truth; some are acquainted with the remainder of it, and have also heard it from trustworthy persons, and sincerely believe it to be wholly true. We hope your High Mightinesses will pardon our presumption, and be indulgent to our plainness of style, composition and method. In conclusion, we commit your High Mightinesses' persons, deliberations and measures with your people both at home and abroad, together with all friends of New Netherland, to the merciful guidance and protection of the Most High, whom we supplicate to grant prosperity to your High Mightinesses in time and eternity. Amen. Done this XXVIII July, in New Netherland, 1649. (Signed) Adriaen van der Donck, Augustyn Harman, Arnoldus van Hardenbergh, Jacob van Couwenhoven, Oloff" Stevens, (beside whose name is written) " under protest. Obliged to sign as to the Heer Kieft's administration." Michiel Janss. Thomas Hall, Elbert Elberts, Govert Lokermans, Hendrick Hendrixs Kip and Jan Everts Bout.