[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] Your High Mightinesses' Humble Servants, The Directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam. Amsterdam, this 24 ) ^ (Signed) J. Bontemantel r> ■ A OQ r January, 1656. r. n Received 28 •' Dauid van Baerle. Secret. Deduction or Clear and precise Account of the Condition of the South river, situate in New Netherland, and of the unseemly proceedings of the Swedes there: presented to the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands. Received SS"" January, 1656. The Incorporated West India Company of this country took possession, in the year 1626, among other places, of the South river situate in New Netherland, and there erected or 588 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. caused to be built, two posts or fortresses; the one and the largest called Nassau, 16 leagues up the river on the east bank, being their southern frontier; and the other named Bevers reede, down the river on the west bank, about the lands of the Schuylkil; a place wonderfully convenient and so called on account of the Beaver trade which was prosecuted there to a considerable amount with the natives and Indians. The Company also bought, or caused to be bought from the natives and owners, about the same time, many lands, in order thus to be able, as first discoverers and possessors, to