Translation
Proclamation confiscating all property in New Netherland belonging to the kings of France and England or their subjects
At a Meeting of the Commanders and Honorable Council of War, holden on the 20th September, 1673.
Present— | Commander Jacob Benckes, |
Commander Cornelis Evertse, Junior, | |
Captain Anthony Colve. |
The Honorable Council of War over a squadron of ships now at anchor in the North river of New Netherland, on behalf of the High and Mighty the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange.
To all those who shall see these or hear them read, Greeting:
Whereas we, by a
previous Proclamation dated the 18th of August last, for sufficient reasons us
thereunto moving, have taken and seized all the houses, lands, goods and effects with
the outstanding debts in this country remaining and belonging to the Kings of
England, France and their subjects; and whereas not the smallest Capitulation was
entered into at the last surrender of this Fort and Province to the obedience of
their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, and consequently in virtue of the
war all the goods and effects belonging to said Kings of France and England and their
subjects are liable to confiscation and forfeiture. We, therefore, by virtue of our
Commissions do find ourselves obliged to confiscate all the houses, lands, goods and
effects in this country being and belonging to the aforesaid Kings of England and
France and their subjects, without any exception, together with the houses, lands,
goods and effects belonging to the Duke of York, his late Governor, and
Auditor-General, and all other his Military officers in this country, as we do hereby
confiscate them for the behoof of their said High Mightinesses and his Serene
Highness, excepting alone the goods and effects belonging to the actual inhabitants
of the neighboring Colonies of New England, Virginia, Maryland who for sufficient
reasons are as yet excepted from this Confiscation. Once more ordering and commanding
all and every of our good inhabitants that, agreeably to the tenor of said
Proclamation, they discover and make known what is required thereby, on pain as
expressed in said Proclamation. Let each one again be warned and take heed of
damage.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 20th September, Anno 1673.
(Signed), | Cornelis Evertse, Junior |
Jacob Benckes, | |
Anthony Colve. |