Document: Instructions for the schout and commandant of the South river

Instruction for Peter Aldrickx, Schout and Commander at the South river.

1. The pure, true Christian Religion, according to the Synod of Dort, shall be taught and maintained in every proper manner, without suffering anything to be attempted contrary thereunto by any other sectaries.

2. He is earnestly recommended to keep his men in good order and strictly within the Fort all night.

3. He shall keep up good correspondence with the Commissaries of the South river.

4. He shall keep the Natives and Indians as much as possible devoted to him and render by all means in his power the Dutch government agreeable to them.

5. In issuing the rations he shall regulate himself by the following:

For each man, a week, 6 lbs. of beef or 3 1/2 lbs. of pork; 6 lbs. of bread;1/2 lb. of butter, or 2 stivers Hollands instead.

1/2 barrel of small beer for seven men.

1 skepel of peas a man, a month, in addition.

6. In regard to the office of Schout, he shall conduct himself therein according to the instruction which shall be sent him to that effect.

7. Furthermore, he shall have to regulate himself agreeably to any additional orders and instructions which will be transmitted to him from time to time.

8. He shall not fail on all occasions to report what passes there, and when necessary to send a boat express for that purpose. Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, 27th September, 1673.