[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] We respectfully answer thereunto — inasmuch as the acquired country of New Netherland has been heretofore administered by the Chamber of Amsterdam, we have very little knowledge of it and of the situation of the people there; therefore, cannot form any correct opinion of the legality or illegality of the commission or person of the aforesaid Adriaen van der Donck, which we judge can be most properly done by your High Mightinesses' Commissioners appointed for the affairs of New Netherland, who from time to time have taken thorough ' Supra, p. 478. — Ed. HOLLAND DOCUMENTS: VL 481 information on the matter aforesaid. However, we cannot perceive wherefore the aforesaid Van der Donci< should he forbid to leave for New Netherland with his wife, mother and entire family, nor why his application to your High Miglitiuesses was improper, inasmuch as your High Migiitinesses, in ratifying the Charter, have retained and reserved the chief authority to yourselves. Wherewith ending, we remain. Your High Mightinesses' Humble servants. The Directors of the West India Company, Maase Chamber at Dort. (Signed) Gerhardt Noey. A. Halewyn. Received 24 June, 1G52. Anthonie Repelaer Huygens Folio 26. West Ind Resolution of the States General on the preceding Letter. [From theEegUter of West India AflUirs, 1632 — 1663, in (he Royal Archives at the Hague.] Monday, 24"' June, 1G52. Received a letter from the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber on iJordrecht.