Document: Oath of office taken by councillor Steenwyck

The following is the Oath, taken by the Hon. Steenwyck, as Councillor at the hands of the Commanders:

I, Cornelius Steenwyck, appointed Councillor in New Netherland, by the Honorable Council of War, in behalf of their High and Mighty Lords the States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Lord Prince of Orange, &c., over a squadron of ships of war, now at anchor in the North river of New Netherland, on the approbation of their Lords Principals, Do promise and swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I will in that quality be faithful to their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, and to the Noble and Mighty Patrons of this Country —that I will maintain the Reformed Religion, administer justice to the best of my abilities, and further endeavor to promote the best interests of said Patrons, and to conduct myself in that quality, as a good Councillor ought to do: So truly help me God Almighty!