Document: Oath to be administered to the magistrates and militia officers at Esopus

The Schout and Secretary of Swaenenburgh, Hurly and Marble, are authorized to install the Magistrates and Militia officers there into their respective offices, and to administer the Oath to them, of which the following is the form:We, N. N. officers of the militia of the Town of N. N., qualified by the Honorable Governor-General of New Netherland, promise and swear, in the presence of Almighty God, that we will be true and faithful to their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, etc., and their Governor-General already appointed or hereafter to be appointed here, that we, according to our ability, will study the interest of the Burghers entrusted to us, will from time to time keep them in good order and military discipline, to aid in protecting against all invasions of their enemies, and further comport ourselves as faithful militia officers are bound to do; regulating ourselves according to the orders and instructions which will be transmitted to us from our superiors.So truly help us God Almighty.

Whereas, it is found by daily experience that the Burghers of this city of New Orange, sell strong drink and give credit to the soldiers, which has given rise to much mischief; therefore all inhabitants and Burghers are hereby ordered and commanded not to sell strong drink to any soldiers or matrosses garrisoned in the Fort here, nor to give them credit on the pledge of their clothing, arms, or any material belonging to the Fort here, on pain, if contravening this, of forfeiting all pay for the delivered goods; and whoever hath already received payment in clothing, arms, or material of the Fort, shall be obliged to restore the same with double the value thereof. Let each and every be warned hereby and take heed of loss.Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 31st October, 1673.By order of the Governor-General of New Netherland.

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.