With this understanding, however, that in criminal cases the Commander shall take the place of the Fiscal, with the addition, also, of two capable members of the Commonalty. Further, as the respective Colonies are allowed by the 28"" article of the Freedoms to delegate one or two persons to report their state and condition to the Director and Council, at least once a year, so are we of opinion that the said delegates should, moreover, assemble every six months, at the summons of the Director and Council, for mutual good
understanding and the general advancement of the public welfare, to aid in advising them, besides, upon all affairs relating to the prosperity of their Colonies, the conciliation of the Indians and neighbors, the maintenance of the Freedoms and Privileges, the removal of all abuses and the support of the laws and statutes. Also, to observe that the Amsterdam measure, ell and weight shall be used throughout the entire country. Population and ag- Seventhly: Particular provision must be made for the vigorous encouragement ricuiiure. ^^ ^|^g population and cultivation of the soil. It will be promoting this object to afford as many facilities as possible to emigrating Colonists and freemen, who are inclined to go thither and to cause them to settle down first on the Island of Manhattes. Allowing ;
them as much land as they will be able to cultivate, whether in raising tobacco, whereunto that Island, on account of its great fertility, is considered well adapted ; or grain and other crops from which they will expect to derive the greatest profit. And for the advancement of the cultivation of the land there, it would not be unwise to allow, at the request of the Patroons, Colonists and other farmers, the introduction, from Brazil there, of as many Negroes as they would be disposed to pay for at a fair price which ;