Translation
Resolution that certain measures of defense be adopted
[ General meeting of the director-general and council of New Netherland and the mayors and schepens ] except for Mr. Martyn Crigier. 13 March 1653.
After having read the letters from the directors and [ considering ] the latest news from New England regarding their
preparations, about which we do not know yet whether they are being made for defense
or aggression, it has been unanimously resolved :
First, that the militia of this
city shall keep full corporal's guard during the night at such places as the
director-general, council, and above-mentioned magistrates shall designate and they
are to begin at once by placing a guard first of all at the city's tavern, now the
city hall.
Secondly, that it is considered very necessary to build up and
properly strengthen, first and above all. Fort New Amsterdam.
Thirdly, because
Fort New Amsterdam cannot protect all inhabitants nor defend all the houses and
buildings of this city, it is considered necessary to enclose the greater part of the
city with upright palisades and a small breastwork, behind which, in case of an
emergency, the inhabitants can retreat and defend as well as possible their persons
and property against attack. At the present time it is considered impossible to
enclose, pursuant to the directors' good intentions, the villages with palisades and
breast-high battlements - the inhabitants of which live far from one another - nor is
it quite feasible to protect and defend them in such a manner against hostile
attacks. Therefore, it is resolved that in such emergencies we concentrate the forces
of New Netherland, holding and protecting only one place.