DEDICATION.
To the Illustrious, Most Wise, and Prudent Lords, the Honourable Ruling Burgomasters of the far-famed commercial City of Amsterdam,
John Hutdekooper, Knight,   Lord  of Maerseveen  and
Neerdyck, &c,
Cornelius de Graef, Free Lord of South-Poelsbrook, John vande Pol Hermansz, Hendrick Dircksz Spiegel:—
My Lords,
The glory and renown of this good city of Amsterdam are not only spread throughout the world by reason of the extensive commerce of which it is the seat, but also, in an especial manner, from the fact that a great number of far distant lands have been sought, discovered, and visited by sea from its port. Amongst those by whom such discoveries have been made in this last century, not the least in consideration are the two Companies of the East and West Indies, uader whose direction voyages have been performed; and although the West India Company seems to be now in a declining condition, yet that part of North America called New-Netherlands, (of which this book treats,) possesses so great an intrinsic value, that it deserves to be held in high estimation, as well as on account of the extensive trade with it, which is constantly on the increase. For which cause, and especially in view of the good and noble disposition manifested by your Honours, more and more every day, for the support and restoration of the, alas I almost •ruined West India Company, I have ventured to dedicate to you, "with becoming reverence, this little and. inconsiderable treatise, containing a description of that part of the world; trusting that it will not be taken ill of me for so doing, inasmuch as it is a sincere expression of respect from one who is, and ever will be,
My Lords, Your Lordships' very humble, faithful,
And obedient citizen and servant,
E.   NlEUWENHOF.