The said fortified place allotted for the residence of the Colonists, whether called a city or town, shall be regulated in matters of Police and the administration of justice in the same manner as here in Amsterdam, whereof the practice and custom, particularly in regard to descents, shall be adhered to. 12.

They shall first have one Schout or officer as the head of Justice, instructed as is the custom here. 13.

The Schout shall be appointed in the name of their High Mightinesses and the West India Company, by the Deputies of Amsterdam, who, for this purpose shall give authority to the Director by a power of attorney.

NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

They shall, moreover, have three Burgomasters, who shall be appointed by Lhe common Burghers, from the honestest, fittest and richest.

15.

And five or seven Schepens, to vrhich end the body of the Burghers shall nominate a double number, in order that the Director, by power of attorney, as mentioned in Article 13, may make an election from them. IG.

On the increase of the city ortown to two hundred families or upwards, these shall choose a Common Council of XXI. persons, who shall meet with tlie Burgomasters, and resolve together on all matters relating to the City government but this Common Council, ;

once instituted, shall thereafter have power, in case of the death of one or more of its members, to fill vacancies by a new election, unanimously, or by plurality of votes; in like manner the said Common Council shall annually choose the Burgomasters in manner as aforesaid, and also have the nomination of a double number out of which the Schepens shall be chosen in manner as already mentioned.