The answer thereto is as follows--Petitioners' request is granted. Whenever they require it at the public expense or for their own defence, it shall be furnished them from the Hon>!¢ Company's _ Magazine by the officer who will be here. Done, Wiltwyck this

- 28th December, 1663.

29th ditto. The Military Council resolved to issue an Ordinance against the gunners who usually run about firing on New Year's day or night, which was also published Sel affixed. It reads as follows :--

" Wuereas we find by Experience that some persons presume from year to year to discharge guns on the day of the new incoming year thus wasting powder unprofitably both in the PoE

Vou. tv. 7

98 JOURNAL OF THE SECOND ESOPUS WAR.

and throughout the day and sometimes to the great danger of each other and to their own destruction, both in wounding or destroying their own persons which frequently occurs therefrom; and whereas there are here many ricks and barns full of grain and straw, and as great disorder and rashness prevail in many places especially on this day, both in the morning and throughout the day, by firing of guns which is practised and prevails more particularly in this place on the above mentioned New Year's day; Therefore the Captain Lieutenant and valiant Council of War order and forbid all. persons whom it may concern that no one shall presume on New Year's day, being the first of January to discharge any gun or other fire arms in front of any houses or any other places where it is not absolutely necessary, unless for some approaching enemies, and that under the penalty of six guilders for each shot fired by the person. Both the Sheriff and military officers are ordered to pay strict attention hereunto so that this our order may be duly obeyed.