ITHIN a twelvemonth
Peter Minuit was com-
missioned Director-General of
the province, and was granted |h, By
power to preside over a council 2
of five to be appointed to assist
him in the government thereof.
Minuit arrived off New Am-
sterdam in May, 1626, in the ship
Sea Mew, and immediately upon
setting foot on shore inaugu-
rated what appeared at the time
to be a vigorous administration. |L& [ly
Up to now the Dutch had held Gag
possession of Manhattan by right ||| @aemeaei
of occupation only, but Minuit, jf
with due loyalty and energy,
sought to establish the right be-
yond assail, and accordingly con-
summated a treaty with the