Document: Proclamation confiscating all property in New Netherland belonging to the kings of France and England or their subjects

At a Meeting of the Commanders and Honorable Council of War, holden on the 20th September, 1673.

The Honorable Council of War over a squadron of ships now at anchor in the North river of New Netherland, on behalf of the High and Mighty the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange.

To all those who shall see these or hear them read, Greeting:Whereas we, by a previous Proclamation dated the 18th of August last, for sufficient reasons us thereunto moving, have taken and seized all the houses, lands, goods and effects with the outstanding debts in this country remaining and belonging to the Kings of England, France and their subjects; and whereas not the smallest Capitulation was entered into at the last surrender of this Fort and Province to the obedience of their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, and consequently in virtue of the war all the goods and effects belonging to said Kings of France and England and their subjects are liable to confiscation and forfeiture. We, therefore, by virtue of our Commissions do find ourselves obliged to confiscate all the houses, lands, goods and effects in this country being and belonging to the aforesaid Kings of England and France and their subjects, without any exception, together with the houses, lands, goods and effects belonging to the Duke of York, his late Governor, and Auditor-General, and all other his Military officers in this country, as we do hereby confiscate them for the behoof of their said High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, excepting alone the goods and effects belonging to the actual inhabitants of the neighboring Colonies of New England, Virginia, Maryland who for sufficient reasons are as yet excepted from this Confiscation. Once more ordering and commanding all and every of our good inhabitants that, agreeably to the tenor of said Proclamation, they discover and make known what is required thereby, on pain as expressed in said Proclamation. Let each one again be warned and take heed of damage.Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 20th September, Anno 1673.