Document: Commission of Martin Crieger to be captain of a military force sent to the Delaware

PETRUS STUYVESANT, Director-General of New Netherland, Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba and their dependencies, and the council, on behalf of the High and Mighty Lords, the States-General of the United Netherlands, together with the honorable Lords- Directors of the General Chartered West India Company, greet all who see or hear this read:

Let it be known that we have, for the security and protection of the Company and the affairs of the City of Amsterdam's colony on the South River of New Netherland, directly resolved to expedite and dispatch a certain number of soldiers over whom it was necessary to have a capable and valiant person as commander in our absence. Therefore, trusting in our own knowledge of the capabilities, experience and trustworthiness of the brave MARTEN CRIEGER, mayor of the City of Amsterdam in New Nether land, we have the aforesaid commissioned, engaged and appointed, as we engage and appoint herewith, captain over the aforesaid troops and all others who are stationed on the South River or might still be engaged there. It is, therefore, ordered and directed that all major and minor officers, and soldiers acknowledge, respect and obey the aforesaid Marten Crieger as their captain; by so doing our good intention shall be carried out. Thus done and issued by our customary hand and [ ] in Amsterdam in New Netherland, 22 September 1659.

P: Stuyvesant