Whereas it hath pleased His Majesty and his Royall Highnesse to send me with authority to receive this place and Government from the Dutcli and to continue in the command thereof under his royall Higlmesse who hath not only taken cai-e for our future safety and defence but alsoe given me his commands for securing t!ie Rights and Propertys of the inhabitants and that I should endeavour by all fitting means the good and welfare of this Province and dependancys under his government, That I may not be wanting in any thing that may conduce thereunto and for the saving of the trouble and charge of any coming heither for the satisfying themselves in such doubts as might arise concerning tlieu' Riglits and Propertys upon this change of government and wliolly to settle the minds of all in Gen" I have thougiit fitt to establish and declare, That all former grants priviledges or concessions heretofore granted and all estates legally possessed by any under his Royall Highnesse before the late Dutch government, As also all legall, judiciall proceedings during tliat government to ray arrivall in these parts are hereby confirmed ; And the possessors by virtue thereof to remain in quiet possession of their riglits. It is hereby further declared that the known book of Laws formerly establisht and in force under his royall liighnesse government is now again confirmed by His Royall Highnesse the which are to be observed and practised togetlier with tlie manner and time of holding Courts tlierein menconed as heretofore. And all magistrates and civil officers belonging thereunto to be chosen and establisht accordingly. Given under my hand in New York this ninth day of November in the twenty sixth year of his Majesties reign annoqe Domini 1674.