which reason, however, they receive less. The great extremity
of war in which we have been, clearly demonstrates that the
Managers have not cared whether New Netherland sank or swam;
for when in that emergency aid and assistance were sought from
them--which they indeed were bound by honor and by promises
to grant, unsolicited, pursuant to the Exemptions--they have
never established any good order or regulation concerning it,
although (after all) such a thing had been decreed and commanded
by Their High Mightinesses. Neither have they ever allowed the
true causes and reasons of the war to be investigated, nor have
they attempted to punish those who had rashly begun it. Hence
no little suspicion that it was undertaken by their orders; at
least it is certain that their officers were chosen more from
favor and friendship than merit, which did not make their
matters go on better. But this is the loss and damage for the
most part of the stockholders. Many of the others doubtless
knew well their objects. In a word, they come far short in
affording that protection which they owe the country, for
there is nothing of the kind. They understand how to impose
taxes, for while they promised in the Exemptions not to go
above five per cent., they now take sixteen. It is a common
saying that a half difference is a great difference, but that
is nothing in comparison with this. The evasions and objections
which are used by them, as regards merchants' goods, smuggling
and many other things, and which the times have taught them,
in order to give color to their acts, are of no force or
consideration. They however are not now to be refuted, as it
would take too long; though we stand ready to do so if there
be any necessity for it. These and innumerable other
difficulties, which we have not time to express, exist, tending