Document: Instructions for Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck, capt. Charles Epestyn, and lieut. Charles Quirynsen

Instruction for Councillor Cornelis Steenwyck, Captain Carel Epesteyn and Lieutant Carel Quirynsen, Commissioners to the Towns situate on the East end of Long Island.

First. They shall use all speed in the snow the Zeehont to reach the Towns mentioned in their Commission, and in case they meet any boats or other craft belonging to the neighboring English Colonies, they shall let them pass unmolested.2. On their arrival in each of the Towns respectively cause the inhabitants to be assembled together and bring them by the properest means to swear allegiance, but in case great objections were made to the oath and that in place of an oath of allegiance and obedience to the government, it were offered by handwriting and signature, in such case they (but as if of their own accord) may allow them to do so, but the Magistrates and Secretaries must take the oath, as the Sheriff, Isaac Arnold has already done.3. In case any Towns may request that the number of their Magistrates be increased, the nomination of a double number shall immediately be allowed them, from which you shall make the selection and swear them with the other Magistrates.4. In case there may be any difference of opinion among them respecting the interpretation of the instruction sent to the Schout and Magistrates, you can give further explanation thereof, and thus show that it in no wise conflicts with the order formerly granted on their petition, to which end a copy of each accompanies this.5. If they ask to trade with the neighbors of the North, make known to them that, when they solicit it, the inhabitants of the government obtain permission to bring their own supplies hither from the neighboring Colonies, which shall be granted them also, provided they like others apply for a pass for that purpose.6. Should the inhabitants demand that the nomination of their own Magistrates be left to themselves, you are authorized to concede it, and furthermore, to assure them that the government will never refuse them whatever they ask in fairness, which on the contrary will be granted and conceded to them as to other good inhabitants.7. But if contrary to expectation the inhabitants obstinately refuse obedience and allegiance, they are to be publicly told that they will be the cause of their own ruin; you will then endeavor to obtain in writing the names of the chief mutineers, and return hither in all haste without any delay.

If an opportunity offer, inquire at Easthampton for the cannon of the wrecked ship, which remain thereabouts, their calibre, the best mode of conveying them hither, and the expense of fishing them up and bringing them here. Dated as above.