nsis to the Classis of Amsterdam (March 18, 1655).

Reverendissimi Domini, Fratres in Christo, Synergi observandi:(1)

I FEEL it my duty, to answer the letter of your Reverences, dated the
11th of November, [1654].(2)

We have cause to be grateful to the Messrs. Directors(3) and to your
Reverences for the case and trouble taken to procure for the Dutch on
Long Island a good clergyman, even though it has not yet resulted
in anything. Meanwhile, God has led Domine Joannes Pelhemius(4) from
Brazil, by way of the Caribbean Islands, to this place. He has for
the present gone to Long Island, to a village called Midwout, which is
somewhat the Meditullium(5) of the other villages, to wit, Breuckelen,
Amersfoort and Gravesande. There he has preached for the accommodation
of the inhabitants on Sundays during the winter, and has administered
the sacraments, to the satisfaction of all, as Director Stuyvesant has
undoubtedly informed the Messrs. Directors.

(1) Most Reverend Masters, Brethren in Christ, Venerable
Fellow-Workers.

(2) _Ecclesiastical Records, State of New York_, I. 331.

(3) Of the West India Company.

(4) Reverend Johannes Theodorus Polhemus or Polhemius, born
about 1598, was in early life a minister in the Palatinate.
Driven thence by persecutions in 1635, he was sent to Brazil
in 1636 by the Dutch West India Company, and remained there,
minister at Itamarca, till the waning of the company's
fortunes in that country and the loss of Pernambuco
compelled his retirement. In 1654 he went thence to New
Netherland, and became provisionally minister of Midwout,
the first Dutch church on Long Island. From 1656 to 1660 he
was minister of Midwout, Breukelen and Amersfoort, from 1660
to 1664 of Midwout and Amersfoort, from 1664 of all three
churches again. He died in 1676.

(5) Middle point. Midwout is now Flatbush; Amersfoort is
Flatlands.

As to William Vestiens, who has been schoolmaster and sexton here,
I could neither do much, nor say much, in his favor, to the Council,
because for some years past they were not satisfied or pleased with
his services.(1) Thereupon when he asked for an increase of salary last
year, he received the answer, that if the service did not suit him, he
might ask for his discharge. Only lately I have been before the Council
on his account, and spoken about it, in consequence of your letter, but