Petrus Stuyvesant, on behalf of the honorable high might: the lords States General and the honorable lords directors of the general Chartered West India Company of the United Netherlands director general of New Netherland, Curaçao, Bonayro, Aruba and the territories depending thereon, together with the honorable councilors,[i]
To all, who hear, see or read this, greetings. Make known that upon the report and information given to us of the arrival at the South [ River of New Netherland of the Swedish ] ship called the Mercurius [ and of the increase of differences and animosities because of the said ship and its running up and past Fort Casimir contrary to our express directions and orders, ] which difficulties, differences, [ and dissensions between the savages, the Dutch and the Swedish nation, being there under oath of allegiance to us and in our jurisdiction, would soon make further inroads to the disadvantage of the said lords ] directors and the [ good ] inhabitants there, we have, for information, inquiry, redress and removal thereof, authorized and deputed, as we hereby authorize and depute our dear and special Nicasius de Sille, first councilor in New Netherland, and Cornelis van Tienhoven, councilor and fiscal of the aforesaid province and schout of the city of Amsterdam for the promotion and greater security thereof in such a manner that, if their commission and warrant should be necessary or demanded, they may be fortified with full power, authority and special orders for the aforesaid purpose. Therefore, by virtue of our commission from the aforesaid honorable lords directors we give hereby to our said deputies full power, authority and special orders after their arrival on the South River of New Netherland to inquire, inform and investigate the motives and causes for not obeying our orders given in regard to the Swedish ship Mercurius, as to leaving this river and not to go above Fort Casamier; also the differences, jealousies and dissensions rising therefrom, after investigation, to settle and remove [ the same, whether they have arisen in the Dutch, Swedish or the Indian nation, or yet may arise; to apprehend, relegate and send off the authors, instigators and ringleaders thereof, either with or against their will; to order once more the ship in question to leave under the free pass given and in case of further opposition or contumacy to attack and drive it off or carry it hither and further to do, order and accomplish everything which they believe necessary for the greater safety of the said river, the fort ] and good inhabitants thereof; while we promise hereby sincerely and in good faith to consider acceptable, settled and always binding, as if we had done it ourselves, all that shall have been done, accomplished and promised by our said deputies in this quality and matter. Given at our council, held at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, under our seal and usual signature, on the 3rd of May anno 1656.
