Document: Resolution that certain measures of defense be adopted

[ General meeting of the director-general and council of New Netherland and the mayors and schepens ] except for Mr. Martyn Crigier. 13 March 1653.

After having read the letters from the directors and [ considering ] the latest news from New England regarding their preparations, about which we do not know yet whether they are being made for defense or aggression, it has been unanimously resolved :First, that the militia of this city shall keep full corporal's guard during the night at such places as the director-general, council, and above-mentioned magistrates shall designate and they are to begin at once by placing a guard first of all at the city's tavern, now the city hall.Secondly, that it is considered very necessary to build up and properly strengthen, first and above all. Fort New Amsterdam.Thirdly, because Fort New Amsterdam cannot protect all inhabitants nor defend all the houses and buildings of this city, it is considered necessary to enclose the greater part of the city with upright palisades and a small breastwork, behind which, in case of an emergency, the inhabitants can retreat and defend as well as possible their persons and property against attack. At the present time it is considered impossible to enclose, pursuant to the directors' good intentions, the villages with palisades and breast-high battlements - the inhabitants of which live far from one another - nor is it quite feasible to protect and defend them in such a manner against hostile attacks. Therefore, it is resolved that in such emergencies we concentrate the forces of New Netherland, holding and protecting only one place.

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 council minutes, 1638-1665. Series A1809. Volume 5.