Document: Resolution of the governor and council on the petition of the magistrates

At a Council this 20th October, 1673.

The Governor having submitted to the meeting the foregoing Report of Commissioners Captain William Knyff and Lieutenant Anthony Malypart, also the preceding answers, whereby the inhabitants of the East end of Long Island refuse to take the oath of allegiance; further, proposing whether it would not be necessary to send a considerable force thither to punish them as rebels, in case they persist in refusing to swear obedience; requesting advice hereupon. Whereupon, after divers debates pro and con by said Burgomasters and Schepens, the majority were of opinion that in this conjuncture of war it was not advisable to attack them by force of arms, as we should thereby be affording them and the neighboring Colonics occasion again to take up arms against us; but they judged it better to send a second delegation.Being sent for by the Governor, the Schepens of the respective Towns on Long Island named Midwout, Bosveyck and Uytrecht, Amersfoort, Breuckelen, Gravesend, in Schout Jacob Strycker's district, appeared in Council, who being asked whether they will perform their duty according to the oath they had taken, with promise that they shall be protected against all invasions, and further recommended henceforth to keep a watchful eye and good order, and to report to him on every occurring occasion; Item, in case any enemies may happen to approach, whether some of their patriots would not be willing to come hither to resist the common enemy; to which they answered: They had no doubt but it will be done by the entire of the people.

They are further ordered to nominate and present to the Governor a double number for Militia Officers of their said Towns respectively.