Document: Instructions for the officers of militia at the Esopus

Instruction for the Officers of Militia of the several towns in the Esopus.

The Commissaries in the Esopus will take care that according to the strength of the militia there good watch be kept, to which end some of the Burghers shall repair every evening, about sunset, to the usual guard-house, and not leave it before sunrise.The word shall be given by the Schout, or, in his absence, by the presiding Commissary of the town.The Commissaries shall take good care the militia officers be duly respected and obeyed by their men, and the Commissaries, as well as the militia officers, shall inspect the men's arms and be careful that the men be supplied with good arms and ammunition; and said Commissaries and officers conjointly are authorized to make and, until further order and approval from me, provisionally to enforce, such rules as shall be found necessary for the good of their respective towns. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, 3rd January, 1673.