In Fort Will'm Hendrike, this 24 Aug't, Ano. 1673.

SR—To answer yo'r letter of the 7th Aug't, which was delivered unto us, we say, that we are sent fourth by the high and mighty Lords, the States Gen'll of the United Netherlands, and his serene highnes the Lord Prince of Orrange, to doe all manner of dammage unto the enemyes of the said high and mighty Lords, both by water and by land, from which cause we being come heere into Hudsons River, have brought the land and Forts within the same und'r o'r obedience, and in regard the villages lying to the eastward of Oyster Bay did belong to this Govem'nt, soe it is that to prevent all inconveniencyes, we have cited the same to give the oath of fidelity, in which if they remaine defective, we are resolved to force them with the armes, likewise allso we shall not be afraid to goe against those that shall seeke to maintaine the said villages in their injustis: conserning the vessell that is taken by us close by yo'r havens, their is no other consideration but that it was taken from o'r enemyes; wherefore it appears very strange before us, that we should be objected against conserninge it; wee doe well believe that those that are set for keepers of his Majesty of Englands subjects will quitt themselves as they ought to doe for ye preservation of the Colonyes in New England, however we shall not for that depart from o'r firme resolutions. We conceive we have heerwith answered yo'r letter— Thus don in the place as above.

By ord'r of the Comand'r and Counsell of Warr.

N. BAYARD, Secretary.