Document: Appointment|Fire wardens by Burgomasters and Schepenen

WHEREAS the Burgomasters of this City of Amsterdam in New Netherland find, that great many people within the City pay little attention to their fireplaces and chimney sweeping, which has already caused fires several times and will create further difficulties from conflagrations, especially as most of the houses are built of wood, some are roofed with reeds, have wooden and plastered chimneys, which is very dangerous, and which we must prevent as much as possible,—Therefore with the approval of the Honble Director General and Council we have appointed as firemasters Hendrick Hendricksen Kip, Gouert Loockermans, and Christian Barens, who are hereby authorized, pursuant to the orders of the Director General and Council heretofore published, to inspect, whenever they please, all houses and chimneys in the jurisdiction of this City and there to do for the prevention of fires what is necessary and to collect such fines, as are prescribed by the said published orders and the custom of our Fatherland.

Thus done at the City Hall etc., February 26, 1656.

The Director General and Council of N.N., with the. advice of the Burgomasters and the chief officers of the burghers, herewith inform and warn everybody, that nobody shall henceforth lodge any savages overnight between here and the Fresh Water under a fine of 25 fl., payable by everyone who hereafter harbors an Indian overnight without a pass signed by the Director General or the Secretary.

Thus done etc., May 29, 1656.