This repulsive feature in the British colonial administration continued until the close of the war of the Revolution.
Captain John Underbill, an Englishman, who had obtained considerable renown in the Pequod war becoming dissatisfied with some ecclesiastical censure which he had incurred, petitioned Governor Stuyvesant for permission to reside, with a few other families in New Netherland, under the protection of the Dutch, offering to take the oath of allegiance which was required of all foreigners.

His request was promptly granted.

It was the liberal policy of the Dutch government not to exclude foreigners from any privileges which the Hollanders themselves enjoyed.

Underhill was now residing at Hempstead, Long Island.

His restless spirit, ever eager for change, seized upon the present moment as a fitting opportunity to wrest from the Dutch their portion of Long Island, and pass it over to his countrymen.