Document: Instructions for town major Van de Water

Instruction for Jacobus Van de Waeter, Major and Auditor of the city of New Orange.

1st The Major shall take good care that the gate be opened in the morning at sunrise, and locked in the evening at sunset, to which end before the time fixed he shall go to the main guard and there apply to the commanding officer and obtain from him as escort, at least one sergeant and 6 soldiers provided with their arms, wherewith he shall proceed to the Fort to procure the keys, and having opened or locked the gate, bring the keys back to the Fort, and at the same time come and receive the word from the Governor, or in his absence from the commanding officer; he shall then return to the City Hall and communicate the received orders to the Sergeant of the guard to be notified to whom they may concern.2. The Major shall attend all courts-martial, and in his turn vote after the youngest Lieutenant.3. The Major may go the rounds every night, but he shall give the word to the Corporal, and visit the guards and finding any man absent, report him next day to the Governor.4. As Auditor he shall act as Secretary in courts-martial, and take care that a proper record be kept of what occurs, and said book of minutes shall remain in the hands of the Auditor, and not furnish copy to any person without special authority.Done Fort Willem Hendrick, 12th January, 1674.