Document: Appointment of magistrates for Willemstadt and Renselaerswyck

Mr. Andrew Draeyer:I have duly received the nomination of the inhabitants of Willemstadt, and have therefrom selected for Magistrates, as will be seen by the minute inclosed; and you are hereby authorized to install those Magistrates into their respective offices, and to administer the oath to them. This further covers the inclosed instruction whereby you are henceforth to regulate yourself in the issuing of provisions to the military. Whereupon relying, I remain, after greeting,

Whereas I have considered it necessary for the greater advantage and welfare of the Town of Willemstadt and Colonic Renselaerswyck to change the form of government there, and to reëstablish it according to the laudable custom of our Fatherland, therefore have I thought proper to commission and qualify, as I do hereby commission and qualify, Andrew Drayer, Commander of Fort Nassau, to be Schout over the said town of Willemstadt and Colonie Renselaerswyck; and further have I from the nomination exhibited by the inhabitants of Willemstadt aforesaid, selected and qualified for Schepens for the ensuing year as follows:

And further, on the election made by Sieur Jeremias van Renselaer, have approved and qualified as Schepens for the Colonie Renselaers wyck:

And finally, for Secretary of said Court, Johannes Provoost, and the inhabitants are well and strictly ordered and commanded the said persons in their respective offices to honor, respect and obey as loyal subjects are bound to do; for such I find to be for the good of said town and Colonie. As above.