Document: Letter from director Stuyvesant to the villages of Breuckelen, Midwout and Amesfoort

Copy of an open letter which the secretary carried to Breuckelen, Amesfoort and Midwout to read to the inhabitants there.

Very good friends: We considered it necessary to inform you that we received news last night that Bacxter along with some other pirates was on the loose again, and that he was planning one exploit or another. For this reason we went out last night with some soldiers and found the farmers around here to be in good order and on their guard. We recommend the same to you.

Secondly, we have been informed that the mayors and schepens of this city have in our name invited delegates from your villages and told you that it was done with our consent and approval. We hereby declare that it was not so and therefore request and order you not to allow such delegates to assemble again or come here, especially during this crisis, because it can only be to your disadvantage and detriment. We have deemed it advisable to inform you of this by our secretary, remaining in the meanwhile, your loving and devoted friends the director-general and council of New Netherland; and was signed: P. Stuyvesant. Done in Amsterdam, 16 December 1653, New Netherland; below was written: Agrees with the original, and was signed: Cornelis van Ruyven, secretary.