[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] 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 necessary to appoint a person Director; We, therefore, confiding in the probity and experience of Petrus Stuyvesant, formerly entrusted with Our affairs in, and the government of, the aforesaid Island of Curasao and the places thereon depending, We, being well pleased with his services there, have commissioned and appointed, and by these presents do commission and appoint the said Petrus Stuyvesant, Director in the aforesaid countries of New Netherland, and the places thereunto adjoining, together with the aforementioned Islands of Curasao, Beunaire, Aruba, and their dependencies; to administer, with the Council as well now as hereafter appointed with him, the said office of Director, both on water and on land, and in said quality, to attend carefully to the advancement, promotion and preservation of friendship, alliances, trade and commerce; to direct all matters appertaining to traffic and war, and to maintain, in all things there, good order for the service of the United Netherlands and the General West India Company; to establish regularity for the safeguard 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 given, and to be hereafter given him, as a good and faithful Director is bound and obliged, by his oath in Our hands to do; Which done, We, therefore, 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 may concern, to acknowledge, respect and obey the said Petrus Stuyvesant as Our Director in the countries and places of New Netherland, and in the Islands of Cura§ao, Beunaire, Aruba, and their dependencies, and to afford all help, countenance and assistance in the performance of these things, as We have found the same to be for the advantage of the Company.