Capt Jochem Staas -- I have rec<^ yo^ Letters and are very well Satisfy ed w^^ your Conduct and Method of affaires Especially Keeping a good Correspondency with Cap* Bull, not doubting but he will be of great use unto you Since y« Last Post sent you I have received his Ma^'es orders for taking care of y" governm* in Nicholson's absence taking for my Assistance so many p'sons as shall thinke fit I have for y* purpose herew^'i sent you a Commission for Commanding the ffort &,c^ and for the Magistracy doe order y^ a ffree Election be made of a Mayor, and Aldermen, having Sent Commissions for y^ Sheriffe & Clerk, and y^ Accise, but not y® Quit Rents because its not due till 25"' March next I am willing to have the undermentioned p'sons chosen if y® people will Elect them viz^^ Johannes Wendell, Joh: Bleecker, Pieter Bogardus, Jacob Staas, Harmon Gaansvoort, Gabriel Thomassen, Jeronimus Wendell, Robert Sanders, Luycas Gerritse, and for y^ other parts Major Abramsen Jochem Lamberts, ffor Schanectede, Viz^ David ChristotTels, Reyer Jacobsen, Myndert Wemp, Reynier Schaets Douwe Auckus hoping yt w'h the Monethly Courts will be of Ease to them & that King William and Queen Mary may be proclaimed according to fforme and an order Sent to you for yt pm'pose, Likewise the IS^h day of January for a thanksgiving, & y you do administer y^ Oathes to y*' Sheriffe & y^ Justices of Schancchtede, Likewise you may see what y^ King hath written to New England to approve of their actings, and a blank band for y.*' Scherifie to scale hoping by yo next to hear y^ y® Convention are of another opinion, of which pray give a speedy and Exact Account Enclosed you have a Letter to y® Civill & Military officers, & y® Inhabitants of your