Document: Commission of Nicholas Bayard to be receiver-general

Commission of Nicolas Bayard to be Reciver-General.

The Honorable Council of War over a squadron of ships at anchor in the North river of New Netherland, on the behalf of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c.

To all those who shall see these or hear them read. Greeting:Whereas it is necessary that a fit person be appointed Book-keeper and Receiver-General of the Public Revenue and payments of this newly conquered Province of New Netherland, and that for such purpose a proper and formal book be kept, to which end is proposed to us the person of Nicolas Bayard, Secretary and Vendue Master of the city of New Orange, and late Clerk in the time of the West India Company's government here: We, therefore, on the good report and information to us given of the fitness and capacity of the aforesaid Nicolas Bayard, have commissioned, qualified and appointed, as we do hereby commission, qualify and appoint him to be Public Book-keeper and Receiver-General to collect and receive all public revenue and income, to give acquittances for its receipt if needs be, also to keep account and entry in form with all officers and servants, colonists and merchants, whenever demanded, of all public payments, and further to do and perform whatever an honest and faithful Book-keeper and Receiver is bound by his duty and office to do. Ordering and commanding all our respective officers, servants and soldiers, together with all others whom these may in any wise concern, to acknowledge the above named Nicolas Bayard as our Book-keeper and Receiver-General as

aforesaid, as we find the same to be for the best advantage of this Province. All, however, subject to the approval or disapproval of our Lords Principals.

Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, the 20th September, 1673.