Petrus Stuivesant appeared before the Assembly as Director of New Netherland Stuivesant. and Directorof Cura9ao, and some other islands mentioned in his commission, and New Netherland. took, according to a Certain formulary, the proper oath, and amongst other things, swore specially that he would conform to his Instruction given him by the Assembly of the West India Company, which Instruction is, pursuant to their High Mightinesses' order dated the 26"" instant, exhibited at their High Mightinesses' Assembly, and a copy thereof enregistered in the Act Book.

Vol. I.

178 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

Commission of Peter Stuyvesant as Director General of New Netherland. [ From the Commiasieioeh of the States General in the Koyal Archires at the Hague. ]

Commission for Petrus Stuyvesant as Director on the Coast of New Netherland as well as the Island of Curasao and the places thereupon depending.

Folio 201.The States General of the United Netherlands to all those to whom these Presents shall come, or who shall hear them read, Health. Be it Known Whereas We :

have deemed it advisable for the advancement of the aifairs of the General Incorporated West India Company not only to maintaia the trade and population on the Coast of New Netherland and the places situate thereabout; also, the Islands Curasao, Buenaire, Aruba and their dependencies, which have hitherto been encouraged thither from this country, but also to make new treaties and alliances with foreign princes and to inflict as much injury as possible on the enemy in his forts and strongholds as well by sea as by land for which purposes it becomes;