Document: Petition of the inhabitants of Metspadts Kil requesting that the surveyor be authorized to lay out the village of Arnhem

To the honorable lord director general and councilors of New Netherland.

The inhabitants of Mespadts Kil, who intend to begin the village of Aernhem, humbly show that they are of the understanding that either today or tomorrow Claes van Elslant shall be sent by the lord De Sille to survey his land including the small island (granted by your honors); therefore, we, petitioners, are requesting of your honors that the aforesaid Elslant also be instructed to survey the small island upon which the village of Aernhem is to be located, determining how long and how wide it is to be front and back; and that your honors also instruct the width of the central street, together with the size of each lot, because some among us here do not understand the regulation of lots and would locate their houses according to fancy, which would give it a slovenly appearance. Awaiting your honors’ favorable decision thereon, etc.