Extraordinary Session, Tuesday primo May 1657
In the place of Rutger Jacobsen and Anderies Herbertsen, retiring ordinary magistrates, and Dirck Janssen Croon, extraordinary magistrate, Captain Abraham Staets and Jan Tomassen, according to the copy of the resolution of the honorable director general and council of New Netherland, are chosen and confirmed as ordinary magistrates from the double number of those nominated, and Adriaen Gerritsen as extraordinary magistrate, who, being summoned by the court, have before the commissary taken the following oath of fidelity:
We, the undersigned, as chosen magistrates of the court of Fort Orange and the village of Beverwijck, promise and swear in the presence of Almighty God that with our fellow magistrates we shall help to do true justice between man and man according to law, and furthermore, to the best of our knowledge and ability, promote and help execute all matters concerning the government. Also, that in every respect we shall be loyal and true to the lords states general of the United Netherlands and to the honorable directors of the Chartered West India Company, as well as to the honorable director general and council of New Netherland; promising further that we shall maintain here the Reformed Religion according to God’s Word and the regulations of the Synod of Dordrecht, and not tolerate publicly any sects. So truly help us God Almighty.
After being congratulated, the aforesaid Captain Abraham Staets, Jan Tomassen, and Adriaen Gerritsen have this day taken their seats. The retiring magistrates are released from their oath and thanked for their good services and the performance of their duties, with the promise that as to their honorarium of one hundred fifty guilders a year, their claim will be considered together with that of the present and future magistrates and that in due time, when the treasury is well supplied, they will be paid.
After deliberation, it is thought fit and decided that the annually retiring magistrates for the period of one year after their discharge shall be exempt from the ordinary duties of the burgher guard, but that nevertheless, being ordered to do so in case of need, they shall be held to attend to all extraordinary rounds and watches the same as other burghers, according to the resolution passed on the first of May Anno 1657, confirmed by the honorable director and council of New Netherlands[1]
