[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] Wherefore we, the petitioners, in our quality aforesaid, have recourse to your High Mightinesses, humbly praying and urgently beseeching, as the Spring is at hand, and the season for preparation daily approaches, and the Delegates are here at heavy expense, that the affairs of New Netherland and its Redress be favorably considered, and that it be provisionally encouraged by the enactment, at an early day, of a good ordinance. To the end that the worthy patriots and the well meaning people in that country may no longer be frustrated in their hope, but entirely relieved and released from oppression and slavery; and that this State may not be wholly dispossessed of that fine country, which alone is of greater extent than the Seventeen Dutch Provinces, and which, in the hour of need, will be found a strong arm, by the assistance it will render in people and provisions; for after population shall have increased, your High Mightinesses will carry on a very large trade from the one to the other of your own countries — hinc inde et inde hinc — without any save your High Mightinesses' having control or authority overy it. Which doing, etc. (In the margin.) The States General of the United Netherlands have, after previous deliberation, placed this Remonstrance in the hands of the Lords Aertsbergen and the others their High Mightinesses' Deputies for the West India Company's affairs, to investigate and examine it; to extract the important points therefrom, and report on the whole.