by land; for wliich purposes it becomes necessary to appoint a person Director: -- We therefore, confiding in the probity and experience of J'etrus Stuyvesant, formerly intrusted with our affairs at, and tiie government of, the aforesaid Island of Cura^oa and places thereunto depending, being well pleased with his services there, have commissioned and appointed, and by these presents, do appoint and commission the said Petrus Stuyvesant, Director over the aforesaid countries of New Netherland and the places thereunto adjoining, to administer, with the Council as well now, as hereafter to be, appointed witii him, the said office of Director, both by water and land, and, in said quality, to attend carefully to the advancement, promotion and preservation of friendship, alliances, trade and commerce; to and war, and to maintain in good order everything direct all matters appertaining to traffic there for the service of the United Netherlands and the General West India Company to ;

establish regularity for the security of the places and forts therein; to administer law and justice, as well civil as criminal ; and, moreover, to perform all that concerns his office and duties in accordance with the charter, and the general and particular Instructions herewith issued, and to be hereafter given to him, as a good and faithful Director is

bound and obliged to do by his oath taken at the hands of the president of our Assembly :

which done. We order and command all other officers, common soldiers, together with the inhabitants and natives residing in the aforesaid places as subjects, and all whom it might concern, to acknowledge, respect and obey the said Petrus Stuyvesant as our Director in the countries and places of New Netherland, and to afford all help, countenance and assistance in the performance of these presents, as We have found the same to be for the advantage of the Company.