WHEREAS it has at various times and occasions been thought proper and necessary in the opinion, indeed, at the request of the majority of the burghers of this city Amsterdam in New Netherland for the greater satisfaction of the major part of the burghers, the safety of themselves, their houses, and property, and for the better protection and security of the goods and merchandise which are imported here by private skippers, factors and other passengers, to provide this city with some exterior works,[1] which works, in this last unexpected conflict with the Indians, natives of this Country, it has been judged necessary to repair and to strengthen with a curtain of planks 5 to 6 feet high in order to be more secure against an assault and surprise of the aforesaid Indians; as appears by the resolution adopted for that purpose on the 30 September at the city hall of this city.[2]
For which purpose, both heretofore and now again, some moneys have been advanced and furnished by various honest merchants, which, according to the usage of all well-regulated cities and places, ought to be made good and supplied by the burghers, inhabitants of, and by the traders to such places. Therefore the director general and council of New Netherland having examined and seriously considered the written remonstrance of the burgomasters of this city exhibited at various times, have, as supplement of incurred and still necessary expenses on these public works, permitted them in the presence of all the schepens, except Joannes Verbrugge, as they do hereby consent, that the aforesaid burgomasters shall, in the presence of the honorable director general Petrus Stuyvesant, first and foremost request both from the trading skippers, merchants, factors and passengers and from the burghers in general, a voluntary subscription and contribution, each according to his condition, ability, and circumstances, and in case of opposition or refusal either from any disaffected or ill-disposed persons, which the director general and council do not anticipate, the abovementioned burgomasters with the president of the schepens are authorized, in the presence of the aforesaid director general, to assess such, and according to their circumstances and condition to constrain them to a reasonable contribution, and promptly to enforce it by execution. Further hereby authorizing the aforesaid burgomasters and president of the schepens, present and future, in the presence and with the approval of the said [ director general to find out and propose, at a more opportune time, according to ] the order and custom of our [ fatherland, some reasonable and necessary ] taxes on lots, houses [ and real estate, ] for further supplement and still needful repair of the works of this city, the city hall and other requisite expenses.
Thus done an the session of the director general and council of New Netherland, in the presence and company of the burgomasters and schepens (except Jan [ Pietersen Verbrugge) ]. Ady ut supra, in the council chamber in Fort [ Amsterdam in New Netherland ], (was signed:) P. Stuyvesant, La Montagne, Cornelis van Tienhoven.
