Translation
Instructions for Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck, capt. Charles Epestyn, and lieut. Charles Quirynsen
Instruction for Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck, Captain Carel Epesteyn and Lieutant Carel Quirynsen, Commissioners to the Towns situate on the East end of Long Island.
First. They shall use all speed in the snow the Zeehont to
reach the Towns mentioned in their Commission, and in case they meet any boats or
other craft belonging to the neighboring English Colonies, they shall let them pass
unmolested.
2. On their arrival in each of the Towns respectively cause the
inhabitants to be assembled together and bring them by the properest means to swear
allegiance, but in case great objections were made to the oath and that in place of
an oath of allegiance and obedience to the government, it were offered by handwriting
and signature, in such case they (but as if of their own accord) may allow them to do
so, but the Magistrates and Secretaries must take the oath, as the Sheriff, Isaac
Arnold has already done.
3. In case any Towns may request that the number of
their Magistrates be increased, the nomination of a double number shall immediately
be allowed them, from which you shall make the selection and swear them with the
other Magistrates.
4. In case there may be any difference of opinion among them
respecting the interpretation of the instruction sent to the Schout and Magistrates,
you can give further explanation thereof, and thus show that it in no wise conflicts
with the order formerly granted on their petition, to which end a copy of each
accompanies this.
5. If they ask to trade with the neighbors of the North, make
known to them that, when they solicit it, the inhabitants of the government obtain
permission to bring their own supplies hither from the neighboring Colonies, which
shall be granted them also, provided they like others apply for a pass for that
purpose.
6. Should the inhabitants demand that the nomination of their own
Magistrates be left to themselves, you are authorized to concede it, and furthermore,
to assure them that the government will never refuse them whatever they ask in
fairness, which on the contrary will be granted and conceded to them as to other good
inhabitants.
7. But if contrary to expectation the inhabitants obstinately refuse
obedience and allegiance, they are to be publicly told that they will be the cause of
their own ruin; you will then endeavor to obtain in writing the names of the chief
mutineers, and return hither in all haste without any delay.
If an opportunity offer, inquire at Easthampton for the cannon of the wrecked ship, which remain thereabouts, their calibre, the best mode of conveying them hither, and the expense of fishing them up and bringing them here. Dated as above.
(: Signed:) | A. Colve. |