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Propositions made about the fortifications at Delaware

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On the proposition of the Hon. Capt. Caar to the Lords High Councillors, that a suitable place be selected here in New Castle in order to have some fortifications for defence in times of emergency; and that a suitable place also be selected above Christina Kill in order to make it defencible as a place of refuge in times of emergency, on which proposition it was answered and resolved:

1. That the market where the bell hangs is deemed the most suitable location in New Castle to make a fortification of block houses, which are to be situated in such a way that will be judged most proper, provided that the Honorable Capt. Caarshall cede forever the required land without retaining any claim on it. Concerning the expenses and labor of the aforementioned fortification and block houses, the citizens of New Castle shall, for the present, each according to his means and position, defray the expense of paying the workers, provided that the inhabitants in this jurisdiction shall suitably obligate themselves in such labor and work each according to his capacity.

2. Concerning the fortification above, this is left to the discretion of the officials above, to arrange their defences in the most suitable place or places.

3. All of this, however, with the provision, that, if war does not break out with the natives, God forbid, the aforementioned block houses shall be used as public buildings, such as Town hall, jails and other public needs, on the condition that the expense shall then be charged to the general and public account throughout the entire river.

4. This resolution is not to be put into effect without having orders from the Honorable General, but necessary preparations are to be made secretly without arousing suspicions among the natives. Thus done and confirmed this 5th of October 1670.

John Carr
Will. Tom
H. Block
Israel Helm
Piter Rambo
Piter Kock

Endorsed: ] Proposicions made about the fortificacions at Delaware, under the hand of C. Carre and the rest of the high Court there. 1670. The order of the High Court.[1]

Notes

Other translations in NYCD 12:474 and ECM:497.

References

Translation: Gehring, C. trans./ed., New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch, Vols. 20-21, Delaware Papers: English Period, 1664-1682 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.: 1981).A complete copy of this publication is available on the New Netherland Institute website.