BOOK VII.
 

CONTAINING   THE THIRD PART OF  THE REIGN    OF

PETER THE' HEADSTRONG----HIS TROUBLES WITH

THE BRITISH   NATION, AND   THE    DECLINE   AND
FALL OF THE DUTCH DYNASTY.
 

CHAPTER I.

How Peter Stuyvesant relieved the sovereign peo¬
ple from the burthen of taking care of the na¬
tion—with sundry particulars of his conduct
in time of peace.

The history of the reign of Peter Stuyvesant
furnishes a melancholy picture of the incessant
cares and vexations inseparable from govern¬
ment; and may serve as a solemn warning, to
all who are ambitious of attaining the seat of
power. Though crowned with victory, enriched
by conquest, and returning in triumph to his
metropolis, his exultation was checked by be¬
holding the sad abuses that had taken place
during the short interval of his absence.