Document: Commission of Capt. Knyff and ensign Vos to administer the oath of allegiance to the eastern towns on Long Island

At a Council holden in Fort Willem Hendrick, the 25th October, 1673.

Councillor Steenwyck states that one Nicolas Eedes, dwelling at Southold came to him yesterday, saying he had been sent by Colonel Lewis Morris and Nathaniel Silvester, with request that his Honor would be pleased to order the sending of a second embassy to the East end of Lond Island so that the innocent may not be punished with the guilty, doubling not but said towns, on the second embassy, would submit as dutiful subjects &c. Whereupon the aforesaid Nicolas Eedes is summoned before the Council, but is found to have already left. On which report the Governor-General and Council resolved on a second embassy as far as Huntington, whereunto are appointed Captain Knyff and Ensign Vos, to whom the following commission is granted:Whereas I have Thought it Necessary uppon the Returne made unto mee by Captain Knyff & Leftennant Malipart for to Commissionate some Persons unto some of the Easterne Townes on Long Island, I have therefore Nominated Constituted & appointed, and do by these presents nominate Constitute & appoint the said Captain William Knyff & the Ensigne Nicolaes Vos fforthwith to Execute the said Commission, and to administer the Oath unto the Magestrates and Inhabitants of the said Townes, or such of them as shall be free to take the same, And to make a true Returne thereof under their hands, Dated at fforth William Hendrick this 25th day of October Anno 1673.