Wm FRANKLIN Governor of New Jersey FRE. SMYTH Chief Justice of New Jersey THOMAS WALKER Commissioner for Virginia JAMES TILGHMAN of Pensylvania The above Deed was executed in my presence at Fort Stanwix the day and year above Written W. JOHNSON. FIRST APPLICATION FOR A MUNICIPAL FORM OF GOVERNMENT. [Holland Doc. Vol. IV.] To the Noble, Iligh and Mighty Lords GRACIOUS LORDS,-This Province of New Netherland having been reduced, in the course of time to a very sad and utterly ruinous condition, in consequence, as we presume, of firstly, An unsuitable government; secondly, Scantiness of privileges and exemptions; thirdly, Heavy burthens of imposts, exactions and such like; fourthly, Long continued war; fifthly, The wreck of the Princess; sixthly, The multitude of Traders and fewness of Boors and farm servants; seventhly, Great scarcity in general; eightly and lastly, Tae insufferable arrogance of the Natives and Indians arising from the paucity of our numbers etc. and having long waited in vain, though we have petitioned and sought for aid redress and assistance from the Lords Directors, in the highest degree necessary for them and for us; We, therefore, unable to delay any longer, being reduced to the lowest ebb, have determined to fly for refuge to their High Mightinesses, our gracious Sovereigns and the Fathers of this Province, most humbly praying and beseeching them to look with merciful eyes on this their Province and that their High Mightinesses would be pleased to order and correct matters so that dangers may be removed, troubles terminated, and population and prosperity promoted, as their High Mightinesses in their renowned wisdom shall be determined, We, with humble reverence only deeming it good and necessary to petition their High Mightinesses for the following Points as of advantage for this Province : Firstly; We supplicate and beseech their High Mightinesses |