ifEW-NETHERLANDS.                              231
go to that country, which is the case already, where, it is said, something may be gained, and where careful and industrious people flourish and prosper, for such become persons of importance, or at least their descendants do—*-what certainty can such persons have for themselves, and their property? I mean certainty, without circumstances ?
New-Netherlander. I take this Well, sir; but this is evidently the sound question which you propounded to me, wherein I have already given you a clear and decisive answer.
Patriot. Not so certain and satisfactory as you suppose. For I consider that to be a country which we have found, which is easy of access by sea and by land, open and unsupplied, or unfurnished with any considerable fortifications. The English and the Indians are strong and numerous around it. The Portuguese and other pirates can easily invade the place on the seaboard, in a short time; for it is easy of access, and near the ocean, and what is more, you well know that our nation is particularly attached to commerce. This I understand to be their principal object. They are industrious as merchants ; but to the security of the country they pay but little attention; they trust to the militia, who are few in numbers. In fact I see great danger there, for if we took property to that country, or gained property therein, we are still insecure in our possessions. *
New-Netherlander. Will you be pleased to answer yourself, or refer to previous remarks; then I may be silent; for if I showed you the country, nothing would be gained. And although there may appear to "be some reason in your remarks, they lay-undistinguished and unconnected, appearing like something, but in truth unfounded.
Patriot. I will frankly admit your explanation under a^ promise not to prejudge the subject on party grounds, according to your request, for that would be useless argument.
New-Netherlander. You do well, sir; for that is the only way to elicit truth; and if my memory extends far enough, your objections will be answered. What kind of a country the-New-Netherlands is, and how its possession was acquired^ is fully detailed in the history of its discovery, whereon it is unnecessary to dilate in a particular manner. The West India Company, m connection with others from time to time, have expended many tons of gold in the establishment, and for the security of their colony. It has not been brought to its present situation without much cost and trouble.
You say in the second place, that the country is unprovided with proper fortifications for its defence, and that its seaboard is unprotected, the land sides also.   You advance too much.    Ob-
• The invasion of Col. Nicholls, in 1664, prove* the correctness of the PatHoft ^remarks.—Trans.