On the proposition of the Hon. Capt. Caar to the Lords High Councillors, that a suitable place be selected here in New Castle in order to have some fortifications for defence in times of emergency; and that a suitable place also be selected above Christina Kill in order to make it defencible as a place of refuge in times of emergency, on which proposition it was answered and resolved:
1. That the market where the bell hangs is deemed the most suitable location in New Castle to make a fortification of block houses, which are to be situated in such a way that will be judged most proper, provided that the Honorable Capt. Caarshall cede forever the required land without retaining any claim on it. Concerning the expenses and labor of the aforementioned fortification and block houses, the citizens of New Castle shall, for the present, each according to his means and position, defray the expense of paying the workers, provided that the inhabitants in this jurisdiction shall suitably obligate themselves in such labor and work each according to his capacity.
2. Concerning the fortification above, this is left to the discretion of the officials above, to arrange their defences in the most suitable place or places.
3. All of this, however, with the provision, that, if war does not break out with the natives, God forbid, the aforementioned block houses shall be used as public buildings, such as Town hall, jails and other public needs, on the condition that the expense shall then be charged to the general and public account throughout the entire river.
4. This resolution is not to be put into effect without having orders from the Honorable General, but necessary preparations are to be made secretly without arousing suspicions among the natives. Thus done and confirmed this 5th of October 1670.
[ Endorsed: ] Proposicions made about the fortificacions at Delaware, under the hand of C. Carre and the rest of the high Court there. 1670. The order of the High Court.[1]
John Carr
Will. Tom
H. Block
Israel Helm
Piter Rambo
Piter Kock
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 York (Colony). Council. British Delaware River Settlement Administrative Records, 1664-1682. Series A1879. Volume 20.
