Document: Proclamation altering the form of government of the city of New Orange

Proclamation altering the Form of Government in the City of New Orange.

The Commanders and Honorable Council of War in the service of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange, &c., Greeting:

Whereas We have deemed it necessary, for the advantage and prosperity of our city, New Orange, recently restored to the obedience of the said High and Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness, the Lord Prince of Orange, to reduce the form of government of this city to its previous character of Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens, which exists in all the cities of our Fatherland, to the end that justice may be maintained and administered to all good inhabitants without respect or regard of persons; Therefore We, by virtue of our commission, in the name and on behalf of the High and Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness, the Lord Prince of Orange, have elected from the nomination exhibited by those in office, as Regents of this city for the term of one current year,

Which abovenamed Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens are hereby authorized and empowered to govern the inhabitants of this city, both burghers and strangers, conformably to the laws and statutes of our Fatherland, and make therein such orders as they shall find advantageous and proper to this city and its inhabitants. And the inhabitants of this city are well and strictly ordered and enjoined to respect and honor the abovenamed Regents in their respective qualities, as all loyal and faithful subjects are bound to do.

Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 17th August, 1673.