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New Netherland Council Dutch Colonial Ordinances


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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:
This series consists of ordinances, laws, and regulations enacted by the Council of the Colony of New York to govern and maintain order in the communities of New Netherland. The records, written in the Dutch language, address personal behavior; community standards in such areas as fire prevention, construction, and real estate; and commercial matters like customs, sales, licensing, fees and taxes on goods and services, tobacco, liquor, livestock, currency, ships and shipping, farming, and trapping.
Creator:
Title:
New Netherland Council Dutch colonial ordinances
Quantity:

0.5 cubic feet

Inclusive Dates:
1647-1658
Series Number:
A1875

Arrangement

Chronological by date.

Administrative History

The government of New Netherland, as defined by the Dutch West India Company (WIC), consisted of the director of the colony assisted by a council, comprised of his commissary, secretary, schout (an appointed law enforcement officer with the combined duties of a sheriff and prosecuting attorney), and any skippers in port at the time. This body carried out all executive, legislative, and judicial functions of government, with the exception of matrimonial rites, settlement of estates including those of persons dying intestate, and administration of contracts.

Beginning in 1653, when New Amsterdam received its charter as a municipality, the council served as a court of appeal for New Amsterdam and other jurisdictions and concentrated on executive matters such as making appointments, issuing proclamations, passing ordinances, replying to petitions, and corresponding with governments of neighboring colonies.

Laws and ordinances enacted by the council in Manhattan were adhered to by all communities in New Netherland unless specific to one locality. By 1658 communities were required to post WIC ordinances in their jurisdictions and submit their own ordinances for approval by the council on Manhattan. The council on Manhattan had to submit its own ordinances to the WIC directors in Amsterdam for approval.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of the ordinances, or laws and regulations written to govern and maintain order in the communities of New Netherland. The ordinances address many aspects of daily life and commerce including personal behavior, customs, marriage, sales, licensing, fees and taxes on goods and services, tobacco, liquor, military service, livestock, construction, fire prevention, currency, ships and shipping, farming, trapping, citizenship, and real estate. This series originally constituted part one of volume 16 of the New York Historical Manuscripts in the New York State Library. The original volume is in the Dutch language.

Alternate Formats Available

Photostat use copies of selected documents are available at the New York State Archives.

Items Online

High resolution images of all original documents in this series are available in State Archives Digital Collections.

New York State Archives Digital Collections

New Netherland Council Dutch colonial ordinances, 1647-1658 in Digital Collections

Related Material

A1809, Dutch Colonial Council Minutes, also contains ordinances. Additional ordinances appear at the end of other volumes of the Dutch historical manuscripts. For specific references, consult E. B. O'Callaghan comp.,Calendar of Historical Manuscripts in the Office of the Secretary of State, Albany, N.Y. (Albany: 1865

repr. Ridgewood, N.J.: 1968).

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

Item list: E.B. O'Callaghan's Calendar of Historical Manuscripts in the Office of the Secretary of State (1866).

Folder list available at the repository.

Online Index

Link to Name Index Personal Name Index The index to series A1875 includes the name of the individual mentioned in the ordinance, the document date, its location within the series, and a link to a digitized copy of the ordinance.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.

Access Terms

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Subject(s):
Genre(s):
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Detailed Description

Dates Contents Box Item

Accretion: A1875-78
Volume 16, Part 1: Photostats

2
1657 Ordinance renewing sundry ordinances which have fallen into disuse

Ordinance. Renewing sundry ordinances which, by connivance or non-execution, have fallen into dissuetude.

 17 16 Pt. 1 1
May 31 1647 Ordinance against drinking during divine service or after nine o'clock in the evening

Ordinance. Against tapping or tippling during divine service on the Lord's day, or after nine o'clock in the evening on any day.

17 16 Pt. 1 5
July 1 1647 Ordinance against furnishing strong drink to Indians and for the proper preservation of fences

Ordinance. Against furnishing strong drink to Indians and for the proper preservation of fences.

 17 16 Pt. 1 6
July 4 1647 Ordinance regulating the port of New Amsterdam, the loading and unloading of ships, and establishing passes

Ordinance. Regulating the port of New Amsterdam, the loading and unloading of ships and establishing passes.

 17 16 Pt. 1 7
July 25 1647 Ordinance regulating buildings in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Regulating buildings in New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 9
January 12 1648 Ordinance prohibiting brewers to be tapsters or to sell beer by retail

Ordinance. Prohibiting brewers to be tapsters, or to sell beer by retail.

 17 16 Pt. 1 10a
January 28 1648 Ordinance prohibiting wooden chimneys and appointing firewardens in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Prohibiting wooden chimneys, and appointing firewardens in New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 10b
March 10 1648 Ordinance for regulating taverns and granting licenses

Ordinance. For regulating taverns and granting licenses.

 17 16 Pt. 1 11
March 16 1648 Ordinance against goats and hogs running at large in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Against goats and hogs running at large in New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 14a
April 29 1648 Ordinance for the stricter observance of the Sabbath

Ordinance. For the stricter observance of the Sabbath.

 17 16 Pt. 1 14b
May 14 1648 Ordinance renewing the ordinance against furnishing strong drink to Indians

Ordinance. Renewing the ordinance against furnishing strong drink to Indians.

 17 16 Pt. 1 16a
September 28 1648 Ordinance for the better prevention of fires in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. For the better prevention of fires in New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 16b
September 28 1648 Ordinance for the recovery of wages by Indians

Ordinance. For the recovery of wages by Indians.

 17 16 Pt. 1 17a
October 6 1648 Ordinance against harboring or employing other people's indented servants

Ordinance. Against harboring or employing other people's indented men or maid servants.

 17 16 Pt. 1 17b
December 15 1648 Ordinance for the speedier erection of buildings on vacant lots in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. For the speedier erection of buildings on vacant lots in New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 18a
November 8 1649 Ordinance requiring permits for the removal of wine or beer

Ordinance. Requiring permits for the removal of wine or beer.

 17 16 Pt. 1 18b
November 8 1649 Ordinance regulating the baking and sale of bread

Ordinance. Regulating the baking and sale of bread.

 17 16 Pt. 1 20
May 30 1650 Ordinance regulating the currency

Ordinance. Regulating the currency.

 17 16 Pt. 1 21
September 14 1650 Ordinance for the better regulation of the currency

Ordinance. For the better regulation of the currency.

 17 16 Pt. 1 22
June 5 1651 Ordinance regulating the assize of bread and the price of wine, brandy, etc. in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Regulating the assize of bread and the price of wine, brandy, &c., in New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 23
June 27 1652 Ordinance regulating the driving of carts, wagons and sleighs in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Regulating the driving of carts, wagons and sleighs in New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 26a
June 27 1652 Ordinance against boarding ships arriving at New Amsterdam before the same are entered

Ordinance. Against boarding ships arriving at New Amsterdam before the same are entered.

 17 16 Pt. 1 26b
July 1 1652 Ordinance regulating the purchase of lands from the Indians and vacating and annulling several grants

Ordinance. Regulating the purchase of lands from the Indians, and vacating and annulling sundry grants to Wouter van Twiller, Wolphert Gerritse, Andries Hudde, Jacob Wolphertse, Brant van Slechtenhorst, Lubbert van Dineklagen, Govert Loockermans and Thomes Chambers.

17 16 Pt. 1 27
October 9 1652 Ordinance against firing at partridges or other game within the limits of New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Against firing at partridges or other game within the limits of New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 31
March 20 1653 Ordinance for the more general planting of wheat, corn, and other grains

Ordinance. For the more general planting of wheat, corn, and other grains.

 17 16 Pt. 1 32
March 28 1653 Ordinance for the publication of a certain ordinance of last October against the wasteful and unprofitable consumption of grain in Renselaerwyck

Ordinance. For the publication of a certain ordinance of last October, against the wasteful and unprofitable consumption of grain in Renselaerwyck and for procuring a return of the grain there, and appointing commissioners to enforce the execution thereof.

17 16 Pt. 1 33
March 26 1653 Ordinance increasing the excise on wines and strong liquors

Ordinance. Increasing the excise on wines and strong liquors.

 17 16 Pt. 1 36
August 18 1653 Ordinance amending the preceding ordinance on the excise of wines and strong liquors

Ordinance. Amending the preceding.

 17 16 Pt. 1 37
November 19 1653 Ordinance fixing the rate at which goods are to be sold in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Fixing the rate at which goods are to be sold in New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 38
January 19 1654 Ordinance annulling banns of marriage published in places where the parties have not been residents during the previous year

Ordinance. Annulling banns of marriage published in places where the parties have not been residents during the previous year.

 17 16 Pt. 1 40
January 28 1654 Ordinance imposing duties on Indian goods, wine, brandy, etc.

Ordinance. Imposing duties on Indian goods, wine, brandy, &c.

 17 16 Pt. 1 41
April 8 1654 Ordinance against harboring pirates or vagabonds; for arresting the same, and providing for the public safety

Ordinance. Against harboring pirates or vagabonds; for arresting the same, and providing for the public safety.

 17 16 Pt. 1 43
July 1 1654 Ordinance regulating the Ferry at the Manhattans

Ordinance. Regulating the Ferry at the Manhattans.

 17 16 Pt. 1 47
August 20 1654 Ordinance regulating the duties of the provost marshal of Fort Amsterdam

Ordinance regulating the duties of the provost marshal of Fort Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 50
August 24 1654 Ordinance imposing a tax on land and cattle

Ordinance. Imposing a tax on land and cattle.

 17 16 Pt. 1 53
August 28 1654 Ordinance against furnishing liquors to Indians

Ordinance. Against furnishing liquors to Indians.

 17 16 Pt. 1 55
March 10 1655 Ordinance renewing the regulations for the inspection of tobacco enacted 10 February, 1653

Ordinance. Renewing the regulations for the inspection of tobacco, enacted 10 February, 1653.

 17 16 Pt. 1 57
August 28 1655 Ordinance exempting Jews between 16 and 60 years old from military service and obliging them to pay a monthly fine

Ordinance. Exempting Jews, between 16 and 60 years, from military service, and obliging them to pay a monthly fine therefor.

 17 16 Pt. 1 59
October 9 1655 Ordinance for the preservation of fences

Ordinance. For the preservation of fences.

 17 16 Pt. 1 60
November 29 1655 Ordinance fixing the price of good New Netherland beer

Ordinance. Fixing the price of good New Netherland beer.

 17 16 Pt. 1 61
December 31 1655 Ordinance against firing guns, planting May poles, beating drums,or selling liquors on New Year's day or May day

Ordinance. Against firing guns, planting May poles, beating drums,or selling liquors on New Year's day, or on May day.

 17 16 Pt. 1 62
January 18 1656 Ordinance prohibiting the slaughtering of cattle without a permit

Ordinance. Prohibiting the slaughtering of cattle without a permit.

 17 16 Pt. 1 63
January 27 1656 Ordinance for the more effectual collection of duties on exported peltries

Ordinance. For the more effectual collection of duties on exported peltries.

 17 16 Pt. 1 65
February 1 1656 Ordinance against conventicles and meetings other than the authorized reformed religion

Ordinance. Against conventicles, and meetings other than the authorized reformed religion.

 17 16 Pt. 1 66
April 27 1656 Ordinance for the better collection of the fees of the weigh house at New Amsterdam

Ordinance. For the better collection of the fees of the weigh house at New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 68
April 27 1656 Ordinance regulating the fees of the weigh house and the duties of the weigh master

Ordinance. Regulating the fees of the weigh house and the duties of the weigh master.

 17 16 Pt. 1 70
June 7 1656 Ordinance establishing the duties to be paid to the farmer of the excise on exported liquors

Ordinance. Establishing the duties to be paid to the farmer of the excise on exported liquors.

 17 16 Pt. 1 75
June 27 1656 Ordinance for the payment of tenths

Ordinance. For the payment of tenths.

 17 16 Pt. 1 76
June 27 1656 Ordinance requiring all vessels and persons to take out a permit and to pay duties on exported furs and liquors before sailing from New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Requiring all vessels and persons to take out a permit and to pay the duties on exported furs and liquors, before sailing from the port of New Amsterdam.

17 16 Pt. 1 77
August 11 1656 Ordinance for the more effectual prevention of smuggling at the port of New Amsterdam

Ordinance. For the more effectual prevention of smuggling at the port of New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 78
September 6 1656 Ordinance regulating certain fees payable at the public store in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Regulating certain fees, payable at the public store in New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 82
September 13 1656 Ordinance establishing a weekly market at New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Establishing a weekly market at New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 84
September 20 1656 Ordinance for the officers and soldiers of the director-general's company

Ordinance. For the officers and soldiers of the director-general's company.

 17 16 Pt. 1 85
September 27 1656 Ordinance regulating the rate at which beavers are to be received in payment of duties

Ordinance. Regulating the rate at which beavers are to be received in payment of duties.

 17 16 Pt. 1 89
October 26 1656 Ordinance amending the laws for the better observance of the Sabbath; against the sale of liquors to the Indians, and regulating the assize of bread and the trade of baking

Ordinance. Amending the laws for the better observance of the Sabbath; against the sale of liquors to the Indians, and regulating the assize of bread and the trade of baking.

17 16 Pt. 1 91
January 3 1657 Ordinance regulating the currency

Ordinance. Regulating the currency.

 17 16 Pt. 1 98
January 16 1657 Ordinance for the fencing of private lands and authorizing the cutting of firewood and timber on unfenced lands

Ordinance. For the fencing of private lands, and authorizing the cutting of firewood and timber on unfenced lands.

 17 16 Pt. 1 101
January 1657 Ordinance obliging tavern keepers to take out a license and pay excise

Ordinance. Obliging tavern keepers to take out a license and pay excise. [Dated January 32nd.]

 17 16 Pt. 1 103
February 2 1657 Ordinance declaring who may be admitted to great and small citizenship in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. Declaring who may be admitted to great and small citizenship in New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 105
March 30 1657 Ordinance for the better inspection of tobacco

Ordinance. For the better inspection of tobacco.

 17 16 Pt. 1 108
June 12 1657 Ordinance concerning observance of the Sabbath; selling liquors to Indians; smuggling; the port of New Amsterdam, against fast driving, and the delivery of letters

Ordinance. Renewing the laws for the better observance of the Sabbath; against selling liquors to Indians; against smuggling; prescribing the anchorage ground in the port of New Amsterdam, against fast driving through the streets of that city, and providing for the delivery of letters.

17 16 Pt. 1 112
August 12 1657 Ordinance for the surer prevention of smuggling

Ordinance. For the surer prevention of smuggling.

 17 16 Pt. 1 117
August 24 1657 Ordinance against exporting goods without a permit

Ordinance. Against exporting goods without a permit.

 17 16 Pt. 1 118
November 29 1657 Ordinance further regulating the currency

Ordinance. Further regulating the currency.

 17 16 Pt. 1 119
December 15 1657 Ordinance annulling all fraudulent sales of mortgaged lands on South river

Ordinance. Annulling all fraudulent sales of mortgaged lands on South river.

 17 16 Pt. 1 122
December 15 1657 Ordinance concerning thatched roofs, wooden chimneys, hay stacks, fire buckets, hooks and ladders in New Amsterdam

Ordinance. For the more effectual prevention of thatched roofs, wooden chimneys and hay stacks in New Amsterdam, and for providing that city with fire buckets, hooks and ladders.

17 16 Pt. 1 123
December 15 1657 Ordinance for the more effectual prevention of quarrels and broils in the public streets of New Amsterdam

Ordinance. For the more effectual prevention of quarrels and broils in the public streets of New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 125
January 15 1658 Ordinance for appraising and assessing vacant lots in the city of New Amsterdam

Ordinance. For appraising and assessing vacant lots in the city of New Amsterdam.

 17 16 Pt. 1 126
January 15 1658 Ordinance to oblige parties to marry after the proclamation of banns

Ordinance. To oblige parties to marry after the proclamation of banns.

 17 16 Pt. 1 129
January 25 1658 Ordinance regulating the office and fees of notaries, secretaries and town clerks

Ordinance. Regulating the office and fees of notaries, secretaries and town clerks.

 17 16 Pt. 1 130
March 4 1658 Ordinance for establishing a new village at the end of Manhattan Island (Harlem)

Ordinance. For establishing a new village at the end of Manhattan Island (Harlem).

 17 16 Pt. 1 135b
March 4 1658 Title page

Title page of Volume 16, part 1.

 17 16 Pt. 1 i