Document: Letter from Father Simon le Moyne, S. J. to Director General Stuyvesant

The 7th of April 1658.

Very Illustrious Sir.

I send you with my love a letter received in Quebec, which though written in French is sincere and friendly. He, who signed his name to it, a very noble and also learned man, Lord Daillebout, did not wish, I think, to write in Latin, because perhaps more among you know French, than Latin, anyway because it treats of a matter concerning the French and those, who love the French only.

Furthermore he wrote it, who today acts as the deputy of our absent Viceroy and who once was himself Viceroy.

May it therefore bring happy, beneficial and fortunate results. Dear friends of the Manhatans, draw your furrows through the sea to our Quebec and some time hereafter our Canadians will unexpectedly with God's guidance safely reach your shores. Although it is not in my power to make, as I hoped, the voyage with you, for I have my forest boatmen with me; yet at some future day I promise to be your guest and servant.

Even though my pen may have taken some liberties, overlook them, if you please, Illustrious Sir, and take this letter as an assured testimony of my regard for the Dutch and my love for you, with which I am

Simon Le Moyne