PETRUS STUYVESANT, on behalf of their noble High Mightinesses, the lords States General of the United Netherlands and the noble lords directors of the chartered West India Company, in the same, director general of New Netherland, Curasao, Bonayro, Aruba, and the dependencies thereof, together with the honorable lords high councilors, to all who shall see, read or hear this read, greetings. Whereas we required, for the direction and advancement of the affairs of the honorable company and our own on the South River of New Netherland, a capable and qualified person to command there in our absence and manage everything; therefore, upon the good recommendation and information given to us in regard to the person of Jean Paul Jacquet and trusting therefore in his piety, experience and fitness, we have engaged, commissioned and appointed the same, as we hereby engage, commission and appoint the aforesaid Jean Paul Jacquet to be our vice director and chief commander over the aforesaid South River of New Netherland, as well as over the fortresses, plantations, and other places situated on the aforesaid river, to keep good order for the security of Fort Casamier and other places already established or to be established and to give orders and have them observed in all matters concerning trade, administration, justice, and military ; as well as over the soldiers, ships’ crews, free persons, high and low officers of whatever rank or capacity they might be, who are already there or who we might deem advisable to send there in the future, in order to assist in his capacity as vice director in the management and command over these places, and keep everything in good order for the service and welfare of the general chartered West India Company, to administer justice, both civil and military, and further to do all concerning his office and duties according to the instructions given to him and to be given to him in the future, which a good and loyal vice director is obligated to do by oath, which he is to take at our hands. This having been done, we therefore order and command hereby that each and everyone, whether servants of the honorable company or freemen living on the aforesaid river or who may afterwards come there, of what nation or position they may be, nobody excepted and especially also the present provisional commander there that in our absence they receive, acknowledge and respect, obey, the aforesaid Johan Paul Jacquet as our vice director and chief commander and give all help, favor and assistance, as much as each may, whereas we thus have considered it advisable for the service of the aforesaid company and the advancement of this province. Thus done and given at the session held at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland. Ady ut supra, and confirmed and affixed here with our seal in red wax.
