Document: Answer of the Dutch authorities to the petition of delegates from the five English towns on Long Island

The Delegates from Easthampton, Southampton, Southold, Setalcket and Huntington requested an audience, and entering, delivered in their credentials with a writing in form of a Petition; they further declared to submit themselves to the obedience of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, etc. Whereupon the preceding Petition having been read and taken into consideration, it is ordered as follows:

On the first point: They are allowed Freedom of Conscience in the Worship of God and Church discipline.2nd They shall hold and possess all their goods and lawfully procured lands, on condition that said lands be duly recorded.3rd point regarding the Oath of Allegiance with liberty not to take up arms against their own nation, is allowed and accorded to the petitioners.4th article is in like manner granted to the petitioners: to nominate a double number for their Magistrates, from which the election shall then be made here by the Governor.5th. It is allowed the petitioners that the Magistrates in each town shall pronounce final judgment to the value of five pounds sterling, and the Schout with the General Court of said five towns, to the sum of twenty pounds, but over these an appeal to the Governor is reserved.6th. In case any of the Dutch towns shall send Deputies, the same shall, in like manner, be allowed the petitioners.On the 7th and 8th articles it is ordered: That the petitioners shall be considered and treated as all other the subjects of the Dutch nation, and be allowed to enjoy the same privileges with them. 9th article cannot, in this conjuncture of time, be allowed.10th article: 'Tis allowed that all the foregoing particular contracts and bargains shall stand in full force.