Document: Petition of Mattheus de Vos to be appointed a notary

To the most honored lords, the lord director general and the lords high councilors in New Netherland.

Mattheus de Vos, burgher in New Netherland, shows with all due humility how he, petitioner, is sought by various inhabitants of this city to serve them in judicial matters, which he stands willing to do, and whereas, for the service of the inhabitants of this province, it would be highly necessary for him to be permitted to bear the office of notary; therefore, he, petitioner, turns to your honors with the humble request that your honors be pleased to allow and grant him, after completion of examinations, the office of notary. In order that he, petitioner, may both serve the good inhabitants with honor as well as honorably earn a living therein, he, petitioner, promises your honors to comport himself with all due fidelity, praying that your honors will be pleased to consent to his, petitioner’s, request, which doing, he remains (below was written:) your honors most humble servant (was signed:) Mattheus de Vos.

Having read the foregoing petition at the session, after all due deliberation, it was decided: Fiat ut petitur, provided that the appropriate oath is taken. Ady ut supra.