Document: Pledge submitted by the director to the burgomasters and schepens engaging them to contribute towards the public defense

We, the mayors and schepens, are fully aware of and under­ stand the necessity of thinking of and providing for some general measures by which the expenses, already incurred or hereafter to be incurred for the defense and maintenance of this and other cities, places and forts of this province, might be paid. Therefore, we declare that, whenever the director-general and council deem it necessary, we shall contribute our share, as other good and faithful subjects, to the best of our means and circumstances, together with the other inhabitants of this province. Done in New Amsterdam in New Netherland, 13 June 1654.

The foregoing pledge was made at the session of the director-general and high council by the mayors and the majority of the schepens; however, they declined to sign it because they were not all present.