portion of our entire city, our property and what is dearer
to us, our wives and children, from total ruin. And after
considerable bloodshed the fort itself could not be
preserved.

"Wherefore, to prevent the aforesaid misfortunes, we humbly,
and in bitterness of heart, implore your Honors not to
reject the conditions of so generous a foe, but to be
pleased to meet him in the speediest, best and most
reputable manner. Otherwise, which God forbid, we are
obliged to protest before God and the world; and to call
down upon your Honors the vengeance of Heaven for all the
innocent blood which shall be shed in consequence of your
Honors' obstinacy; inasmuch as the commissioners have this
day informed us that the English general has stated that he
shall not wait any longer than this day.

"We trust your Honors will not question that to God, who
seeks not the death of the sinner, belongs obedience rather
than to man. We feel certain that your Honors will exhibit
yourselves, in this pressing exigency and sorrowful season,
as men and christians, and conclude with God's help, an
honorable and reasonable capitulation. May the Lord our God
be pleased to grant this to us, Amen."

* * * * *

The above memorial was signed by ninety-four of the most prominent
citizens of New Amsterdam. One of these signers was the governor's
son. All our readers will perceive that the situation of the governor
had become one of extreme difficulty. A fleet and army of great
strength for the time and the occasion were before him. This force
held in reserve the whole military power of New England. The civic
officers and citizens of New Amsterdam, headed by the governor's own
son, were loud in their remonstrance against any defence, and were
almost in a state of mutiny.

The condition of the city was such that the idea of standing a siege
was not for a moment to be thought of. Along the banks of the North
and East rivers, the village, for the little cluster of three hundred
houses was but a village, was entirely exposed. Upon the land side,
running from river to river, there was a slight fence composed of old
and decayed palisades, which scores of years before had been a
protection against the savages. In front of this fence there were the
remains of a storm-washed breastwork, about three feet high and two
feet wid