HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 163

On the 15th of December, his Excellency, Gov. Colve, accompanied by some of his officers and prominent citizens, repaired to the village of Midwout, where, by his order, all the magistrates and fieldofficers of the Dutch towns on Long Island had assembled. He then and there informed them that he had learned that the New England troops were even then on their way to assail the province; and, although he did not fully credit the report, yet he deemed it necessary to remind them of their allegiance and duty, as well as to recommend them, with all possible speed, to thrash out and transport all their grain to New York. He also commanded them not to be remiss in proceeding immediately, with the people of their villages, to the city whenever he should summon them; advising meanwhile they should maintain a strict guard, and that, from time to time, they should send out one or two mounted patrols towards the neighboring English villages, to keep a lookout. All of which was unanimously promised by the authorities, who also thanked the Governor

importance, before being published, shall be submitted to the Chief Magistrate for his approval.

Art. 10. The aforesaid Sheriff and Schepens shall see that all placards and ordinances which are ordained and published by the Chief Magistrate are well observed and executed, and shall not allow that they shall be disobeyed by any one; that transgressors shall be prosecuted, and that all and every law, as may from time to time be issued by the Governor-General, shall be promptly enforced.

Art. 11. The Sheriff and Schepens shall acknowledge for their sovereign their High and Mighty Lords the States-General of the United Netherlands, and His Serene Highness the Lord Prince of Orange, and shall defend and maintain their high jurisdiction, rights, and domains in this country.

Art. 12. The election of all inferior officers and assistants, for the service of the afore. said Schout and Schepens (the office of secretary only excepted), shall be made and confirmed by the Schepens themselves.

Art. 13. The Sheriff, either personally or through his assistants, shall execute all the judgments of the Schepens, discharging no individual except with full consent of the Court. He shall furthermore take due care to keep his jurisdiction free from every sort of villany in trading, brothels, and similar impurities.

Art. 14. The Sheriff shall receive half of all the civil fines during his term of service, besides one-third of what falls to the share of the respective villages in criminal cases, but he shall not accept, either directly or indirectly, any presents, which are by law forbidden.

Art. 15. Previous to the annual election, the Sheriff and Schepens shall make, in nomination for Schepens, of a double number of the best qualified, honest, intelligent, and wealthiest inhabitants (but only those belonging to, or well affected toward, the Reformed Christian Religion), and shall present it the Governor, who shall then make a selection, and, if he deem it best, confirm some of the old Schepens.

Done at Fort William Hendricks, October 1, 1673.