Document: Minute of a resolution respecting the town officers adopted in the presence of the director and council at the house of Lady Moody at Gravesend

Whereas the inhabitants of the village of Gravesande have repeatedly complained that there was no proper order there, nor any inspection of the fences and palisades, because the former magistrates, namely, George Bacxter and Sergeant Hubardt had been removed from office by the director-general and council (for important reasons known to them); therefore, the honorable Director-General Petrus Stuyvesandt and the high councillors, the honorable Messrs. Nicasius de Sille and La Montangne, appeared in person today, the 23rd of November, and in the presence of the entire community gave them the choice that they either nominate new magistrates or be satisfied with the incumbents, namely, William Willckens, commissary; Jan Mourits, schout; and John Tilton, secretary of this place, until the next election of magistrates, or add a fourth to the aforesaid three persons.

Whereupon the unanimous answer was given to the director-general and high council that they were satisfied with the aforesaid persons until the time comes for the election of new magistrates. This was granted them with the admonition to fear God, honor their magistrates and obey both. Thus done in Gravesande at the house of Milady Moedy, 23 November 1654.