Document: Answer of the director and council to the burgomasters and schepens

We had not intended to reply in writing to a matter so often discussed and sufficiently proved to be not only just but also necessary, and we would not have involved ourselves in the matter any further if it had not been for the purpose to give, at the request of the mayors and schepens, a more detailed report to the lords-directors, and whomever it concerns, of our attempts to solicit sources of revenue and money, and of the dilatory excuses and evasions of the mayors and schepens proposed to obstruct so reasonable and urgent a measure.

We assent to and pass over the statement of the mayors concerning what took place between them and us in the presence of both clergymen.

We had hoped that the mayors and schepens would have valued their promise more concerning the raising and procuring of a subsidy; however, as they have failed to keep it, we deemed it our duty, acting under the urgency of the matter, to remind the mayors and schepens in writing of their duties and promises, of which they acknowledge the major part, omitting, however, any reference to the payment of everything which was expended for the