Document: Letter from Cornelis Steenwyck and the principal merchants to the director and council

[several lines lost] further [ ] of commerce [ ] palen maght caus [ ] so far levied only on [ ] and spirits, or the demanding of the [ ] to demand one and the other of the sellers [ ] the buyers the contract obliges the bringers [ and ] sellers.

Therefore, the undersigned, your honors’ humble subjects, having been called together, reply to this that for the best benefit of their principals they would not wish to see anything but the [ promotion ] of the trade to the advantage of this province; the less commotion and change (:which generally is caused by setting up and establishing taxes and recognition fees:) the better, the disposition of which the petitioners, with all respect, leave to your honors, trusting nothing but that your honors will decide in these matters what they think appropriate for the best of the country, and [ that they will more ] and more stimulate their petitioners and neighbors in trading and business, which they, petitioners, shall recognize and confirm at all times that they are your honors’ humble subjects,

Was signed, Cornelis Steenwijck

Joannes Pietersen Verbruggen Govert Loockermans

Pieter Cornelisen vander Veen Pieter Jacobsen Quil

And many more in addition to these above-mentioned persons. After collating this was found to agree with the principal.

Joannes Nevius, secretary.