At the session, the burgomasters of this city having submitted the foregoing petition, the director general and councilors find that the substance consists of three particular propositions:
The first, regarding the renewal of the placard concerning the intoxication of Indians, and those who sell the brandy to them, the director general and councilors decide that the same shall be renewed, and the burgomasters are hereby authorized to summon some of the most prominent burghers either before themselves as burgomasters or before the bench of justice, and to remonstrate with them on the difficulties caused by the sale of brandy, and how necessary it is to prevent it. So that it may be better adhered to, to admonish and bind such burghers on their oath to help expose this damaging practise, and if they should learn of anything, to reveal it without regard to person.
The second point, regarding the lodging of Indians within the walls of this city, which, inasmuch as it principally concerns the citizenry [ resident population ], and more evil can result therefrom, the burgomasters and schepens are authorized to draft some placards and ordinances thereon, and to publish the same, after having conferred with the director general and councilors pursuant to their instructions.
Concerning this subject, the honorable burgomasters are highly recommended to set off and enclose this city with palisades in the manner begun by us and them. This having been done, the good burghers shall be out of danger, and better able to keep the Indian barbarians outside, and bring them to obedience.
On the third point, regarding the keeping of watch during divine service, the director general and councilors authorize the burgomasters, with consultation of the militia captains, to mount a corporal’s guard to keep watch and patrol on half the day of Sunday during divine service. Meanwhile, the director general and councilors shall have their soldiers protect the resident population who come to church. Done in our session held at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 3d of March 1656. Was signed: P. Stuyvesant, Nicasius de Sille, La Montagne, Cornelis van Tienhoven.
