[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] For the security of the beautiful North river, on which New Amsterdam stands, it would not be unwise to take possession first of the land situate on the west bank of the East river, between Greenwich and New Amsterdam, establishing villages, bouweries and plantations there; this done, there need be no dread of the further progress of the English on that side, and the North river, whence most of the peltries are brought down, would also be protected. The North river is about eight leagues west of the East river at Greenwich. 4th. Long Island which extends in length from the heights opposite Staten Island, is washed on the south side by the Great Ocean; on the north, by the East river, which divides it from New Amsterdam and the aforementioned lands. It is full thirty leagues long from the west to the northeastern point, and at the west end 2, and further eastward 4, 8, 12 and 15 leagues broad. It is the levelest and finest soil in New Netherland; very well adapted for agriculture and the rearing of all sorts of cattle; furnished with beautiful valleys, navigable harbors, rivers and bays, the chief of which are Hempstead bay, Martin Gerritsen's bay. Oyster bay, the Cromme gouw,' being a considerable inland sea,^ (Iwhose shores are inhabited by Indians,) and in which are various other fair and fertile islands. The greatest part of the Wampum, for which the furs are traded, is manufactured there by the Natives.