Richard Mills who had it in his possession, or by an order of the people of that village, or in his own authority unknown to them. At last, they acknowledged and declared, that they through ignorance to maintain the peace and tranquility in said village, had committed a Aiult, and solicited with submission and prayed, to be excused for the present time. The director general and council having heard the submission and confession of guilt of the aforesaid persons, together

Alb. Rec. vol. xxi. 80. t See preceding c'ocuments.

166 HISTORY OF THE

with the promises made by them, to dispose if possible, the inhabitants to make a new nomination of magistrates, and due obedience, resolved to let them return for the present time, and the following letter to the inhabitants was delivered to them.

Done at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland,

12th May, 1663.=^

The letter delivered to the magistrates by Governor Stiiyvesant.

" Whereas, wee by the bearers, your present magistrates were informed, which in part your letters (subscribed by one Richard Mills) doe confirm, that the nomination for new magistrates at due time by them, were propounded at a town meeting, but hitherto differed through some unacceptable orders of Hartford's assembly, this, therefore, are to require and to order you and every one that are inhabitants of your towne, that I shall not attend any of there orders, nor that you shall not send any deputies thither, but that you shall, according to oath and duty upon sight of this presents, make nomination of magistrates for this present year, and present them upon Monday sennit before us, and if any should be unwilfully so to doe, we have ordered the bearers, that the names of such disobedient and troublesome persons shall be sent unto us, that we may act, and proceed against them according to law and judgment : so, after my love, I shall rest, your loving friend