Document: Complaint by the inhabitants of Fordham against John Archer

At a Council held in the village of New Haerlem, this 4th of October, 1673.

Present— The Governor-General and Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck.

The inhabitants of Fordham appear, complaining in substance of the ill-government of their landlord, John Archer, requesting that they may be granted the nomination of their own Magistrates, as is allowed to all the other inhabitants of this government. Whereupon, the aforesaid John Archer being summoned to appear, the complaint is communicated to him, who voluntarily declares, that he desists from the government, authority and patroonship of said town, reserving alone the property and ownership of the lands and houses there; according, therefore, to the said inhabitants the nomination of their own Magistrates, which is confirmed to them by the Governor and Council. Whereupon, the following minute is granted them:

Rights: This translation is provided for education and research purposes, courtesy of the  New York State Library Manuscripts and Special Collections, Mutual Cultural Heritage Project. Rights may be reserved. Responsibility for securing permissions to distribute, publish, reproduce or other use rest with the user. For additional information see our Copyright and Use Statement Source: New York State Archives. New Netherland. Council. Dutch colonial administrative records, 1673-1674. Series A1881. Volume 23.1.