Transcription
Reasons why the major part of the town of Southold refuse to come under the Dutch
Southold September 29th 1673.
The reasons following shew wij wee the Majoor part
of ye Towne of Southold abovesaid doe forbeare to act further then wee have acted
upon the Summons sendt us by Mr Isaacq Arnold;
Inprimus That wee did Conceive it was Intended oulij that the Schoût &
Magistrates of Each Respective towne should take an oath and no other
person:
2dly That the first Law debarrs us the freedom of Concience granted in ye
first article.
3dly That ye Second & 11th Lawes (being Compared) being our
Lawes wholy into ye ye propriotij of ye Lords of ye United provinces & the Prince
of Orange Contrary to the grant of 2d Article.
4dly That if Criminall Causes be
Referred to the gouvernor and Counsil where shall the Capitall be tryed.
5ly That
an Order is granted & Issued for Seazure of all debts belonging to ye Subjects of
ye King of England etc: weh is Contrary to ye 10th Article first granted.
6ly
That ye grant our 4th article affords us is Cut of by ye 15th Law.
7ly That wee
have been left wthout government about a month which hath been prejudiciall to some
& Caused feare in others wee lying open to the Incursion of those who threaten us
dayly with ye spoiling of our goods, iff we take any oath of fidellity to you and now
you comming amongst us without power to settle either Civill or Milletary governement
wee notwith standing are willing to Subraitt Our Selves to your government (during
the prevelince of your Power over us ) provided you performe those Articles you first
promised us; and also Establish a firme & Peacable government among us protecting
us from ye Invasion of those weh Daylij threaten us.