Document: Order authorizing Nicholas Bayard, vendue master, to sue for his fees

Secretary Nicolas Bayard requesting permission to proceed with immediate execution against his unwilling debtors who owe auction moneys, and he being allowed to do so, the following authority is granted him:Whereas Nicolas Bayard, the Auctioneer, hath complained that divers persons are in arrears to him large sums for auction moneys, requesting that he may be allowed and permitted, as all Vendue Masters of this Province have been hitherto, and are still allowed and permitted, to proceed to immediate execution against all unwilling persons indebted for auction moneys, which request of his being taken into consideration, and found consistent with equity, the same is accordingly granted and permitted him, on condition that, before taking out execution, he shall be bound to prove the justice of the debt before some Burgomaster or Magistrate; and the respective officers and justices of this Province, to whom these presents will be exhibited, are required and ordered to allow said Vendue Master to enjoy that privilege, and to let him obtain all possible expedition of justice in the prosecution thereof. Done Fort Willem Hendrick, this 22nd February, 1674.