Document: Orders on various petitions from Aghter Col (New Jersey)

In a Council, holden at Fort Willem Hendrick, this 24th May, 1674,

Read and considered the petition of Samuel Moor, setting forth that he is aggrieved by a certain judgment pronounced against him by the Schout and Magistrates of the Town of Woodbridge, requesting that the case may be taken up in appeal without bringing it before the deputy Councillors, inasmuch as the Schout who presides over them and the Secretary are interested in the case.Ordered:The Petitioner in the case in question is referred to the Court of the deputed Councillors at Aghter Col, whose judgment must be pronounced on it before it can be taken up in appeal by the Governor and Council, and the Schout there is ordered and commanded to be careful that said Court be conducted pursuant to the Governor's order, and that impartial judges be appointed over it who are no wise interested in the case or with the parties on either side.Read and considered the petition of Berry, complaining that he is aggrieved by a certain judgment pronounced by the Court of the Town of Bergen between William Sandfordt, Pltff., and the Petitioner, Deft., on the last, requesting, therefore, that it may be taken up here in appeal.Ordered:Fiat mandament in appeal for Thursday, four weeks.The Schout, Magistrates and Commonalty of the Town of Bergen, complaining, by petition, that over two years ago a question arose between the Petitioners and their dependent hamlets of Gemoenepa, Mingaghqué and Pemrepogh respecting the making and maintaining of a certain common fence to separate the heifers and steers from the milch cows and draft oxen; which question was referred, by the late government, to four arbitrators chosen by both sides, who decided, on the 10th April, 1672, according to the certificate produced in Court, which decision Petitioners allege their constant willingness to obey, but it was at once rejected by their opponents; therefore, request they may be ordered to comply with said arbitration, or show cause for their refusal.Ordered:The inhabitants of the hamlets Gemoenepa, Pemrepogh and Mingaghqué are hereby ordered and commanded promptly to regulate themselves according to the decision of the arbitrators dated the l0th April, 1672, or deliver in to the Court of the Governor-General and Council, within the space of 14 days from the date thereof, any objection they will be able to produce against that decision.The Schout and Magistrates of the Town of Bergen, complaining, by petition, that some of the inhabitants of their dependent hamlets, in disparagement of the previous order of the Governor-General and Council dated the 24th December last, obstinately refuse to pay their quota to the support of the Precentor and Schoolmaster.Ordered:The Governor-General and Council persist in their previous mandate of the 24th December last and order the Schout to proceed to immediate execution against all unwilling debtors.