Document: Letter from gov. Colve to the towns on Long Island east of Oysterbay

Whereas the Late Chosen Magestrates off Shrousburij are found to be Persons whoes religion Will Not Suffer them to take anij oath, or administer the Same to others wherefore they Can Nott be fit Persons for that office I have therefore thought fitt, to order that bij ye said Inhabitants off ye said towne a New Nomination shall be made off four Persons off the true Protestant Christian religion, out off which I shal Elect two, and Continue one off ye former for Magestrates off ye said towne; dated att Fort Willerm Hendrick this 29th September 1673.

Loving friends

The beares hereof are Sent by me in Commission to administer the oath off allegiance unto the Inhabitants off all the Easterne Townes on Long Island, with whom I have alsoo sent the Provisionall Instructions for your selfe & the rest off the Magistrates and you are Withall recommanded to Cause a Coppy off the said Instructions to be Sent unto each off Your Townes; to the End they may governe & regulate them selves accordingly I have alsoo sent You by the bearers the Proclamation & arrest off all the Estate belonging to the Kings off England & france, & their Subjects and Now remaining in this Province, which is Sent to be Published in all Ye townes, Not else at Present butt that I am