Document: Reasons why the major part of the town of Southold refuse to come under the Dutch

Southold September 29th 1673.The reasons following shew wij wee the Majoor part of ye Towne of Southold abovesaid doe forbeare to act further then wee have acted upon the Summons sendt us by Mr Isaacq Arnold;

Inprimus That wee did Conceive it was Intended oulij that the Schoût & Magistrates of Each Respective towne should take an oath and no other person:2dly That the first Law debarrs us the freedom of Concience granted in ye first article.3dly That ye Second & 11th Lawes (being Compared) being our Lawes wholy into ye ye propriotij of ye Lords of ye United provinces & the Prince of Orange Contrary to the grant of 2d Article.4dly That if Criminall Causes be Referred to the gouvernor and Counsil where shall the Capitall be tryed.5ly That an Order is granted & Issued for Seazure of all debts belonging to ye Subjects of ye King of England etc: weh is Contrary to ye 10th Article first granted.6ly That ye grant our 4th article affords us is Cut of by ye 15th Law.7ly That wee have been left wthout government about a month which hath been prejudiciall to some & Caused feare in others wee lying open to the Incursion of those who threaten us dayly with ye spoiling of our goods, iff we take any oath of fidellity to you and now you comming amongst us without power to settle either Civill or Milletary governement wee notwith standing are willing to Subraitt Our Selves to your government (during the prevelince of your Power over us ) provided you performe those Articles you first promised us; and also Establish a firme & Peacable government among us protecting us from ye Invasion of those weh Daylij threaten us.