Document: Sentence of Isaac Melyn to hard labor at the fort for uttering seditious language

Whereas Isaacq Melyn, at present a prisoner, hath presumed, on the 8th of this current month, being come from New England, within this city New Orange, to make use, to divers of the good inhabitants, of very seditious and mutinous language, which can be considered only as tending to mutiny and disunion, and can in no wise be tolerated in a well regulated community but is deserving to be punished as an example to others; therefore the Governor-General and Council of New Netherland, having heard the demand of the Fiscal and the confession of the prisoner, and administering justice in the name and on the behalf of their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, &c., have condemned and sentenced, as they do hereby sentence and adjudge said Isaacq Melyn, that he shall come personally every day, when the Burgher companies are employed at the city fortifications, and work with them until said fortifications be completed, and the respective Burgher officers are required and commanded to pay strict attention not to neglect but duly to execute this; with costs of Court and expenses of suit.Done Fort Willem Hendrick, 12th May, 1674.By order of the Governor-General and Council of New Netherland.