My Dear and Trusted Sir:
From your last letter dated 19 May[1] I learned with amazement, and no less concern, of the impertinence of the Swede[2] in purchasing the land located around the Company's Fort Nassauw. We expect nothing good from this for the honorable Company, considering his previous impertinent encroachments on land purchased and owned by the Company on the Schuylkil. I fear that he will not be satisfied with this, but what can we do to stop him?
From the accompanying extract[3] you shall be able to realize, considering our slight force and restrictions according to orders, that we can do nothing but praise and be pleased that you have purchased from the Indians the land above the fort. I expect with the next letter [ to learn of ] the quantity and quality of the payment, which, if you had specified it in your last letter, we could have provided the means for payment. Now it must be delayed until further information is received.
I see no reason to deny the request of Tomes Broen and other freemen to try to purchase some land above the fort and to settle on it under the authority of their High Mightinesses and honorable directors; and after the sale and proper conveyances from the native owners to the buyers, we shall approve the proper patents and confirmation.
We have also anticipated the Swede's intention to cut off the North River from behind, above the fort, and to destroy the trade at Fort Orangien. We have complained about it to our superiors and have requested means of prevention, to which they replied as the enclosed extract shows. It is my opinion, however, that it will serve little purpose because I fear that Brant van Slechtenhorst[4] will have little regard for it and since he is not favorably disposed to the Company, he would probably like to see nothing better. Nevertheless, at the first opportunity I shall inform him of the Company's suggestion concerning this matter, that you should not be expected to protest the strange and sinister designs of the Swedes, and that he is to prevent them according to his ability, except in my areas, because among other things this is the reason why he was sent there, and is obligated by oath to maintain equitably the Company's rights and authority; and it is our express desire that as before so in the future you will please continue therein. Meanwhile, I believe from my own experience that there is something to it because we ourselves have been hated, indeed reproved and vilified for our loyal service, even by those who should support us; however, this shall not cause us to act other than to serve as obligated by our oath and honor.
A certificate of consent and security shall be issued to the freemen who have bought the land from the Indians or who might buy it afterwards; provided that they submit, as other subjects, to the oath and allegiance of our sovereigns and patrons.
Likewise, we can only consider as good and expedient your last proposal to purchase the land from the Narraticonse Kil to the bay, while the Indians are offering it for sale, in order thereby to exclude others. But you will please take care that the proper procedures be observed in the transfer; and that the same be done, drawn up and signed by as many sachems and witnesses as you are able to secure, and by Christians who are not in the service of the Company.
Since I presently have nothing more to prolong this, and since Vasterick's ship is ready to depart, I shall close by commending you and all other friends to the protection of God, and in the meantime I am and remain.
