Translation
Oath to be administered to the magistrates and militia officers at Esopus
The Schout and Secretary of Swaenenburgh, Hurly and Marble, are authorized to install
the Magistrates and Militia officers there into their respective offices, and to
administer the Oath to them, of which the following is the form:
We, N. N.
officers of the militia of the Town of N. N., qualified by the Honorable
Governor-General of New Netherland, promise and swear, in the presence of Almighty
God, that we will be true and faithful to their High Mightinesses the Lords
States-General of the United Netherlands, his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange,
etc., and their Governor-General already appointed or hereafter to be appointed here,
that we, according to our ability, will study the interest of the Burghers entrusted
to us, will from time to time keep them in good order and military discipline, to aid
in protecting against all invasions of their enemies, and further comport ourselves
as faithful militia officers are bound to do; regulating ourselves according to the
orders and instructions which will be transmitted to us from our superiors.
So
truly help us God Almighty.
Whereas, it is found by daily experience that the Burghers of this city of New
Orange, sell strong drink and give credit to the soldiers, which has given rise to
much mischief; therefore all inhabitants and Burghers are hereby ordered and
commanded not to sell strong drink to any soldiers or matrosses garrisoned in the
Fort here, nor to give them credit on the pledge of their clothing, arms, or any
material belonging to the Fort here, on pain, if contravening this, of forfeiting all
pay for the delivered goods; and whoever hath already received payment in clothing,
arms, or material of the Fort, shall be obliged to restore the same with double the
value thereof. Let each and every be warned hereby and take heed of loss.
Dated
Fort Willem Hendrick, this 31st October, 1673.
By order of the Governor-General
of New Netherland.
(Signed), | N. Bayard, Secretary. |