Documents Relative to the Colonial History of New York, Vol. I — Passage 234 (part 8)
[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] And within the city of New Amsterdam a municipal government, consisting of one Sheriff, two Burgomasters and five Schepens. IS. Meanwhile shall the Nine Selectmen continue three years longer, and have jurisdiction over small causes arising between Man and Man, to adjudicate definitively on suits not exceeding the sum of fifty guilders and on higher amounts under privilege of appeal. 19. All inhabitants now there, or arriving hereafter in the country, shall take an oath of fidelity, according to the form to be sent to the Supreme Council. 20. Private vessels proceeding to the north parts of America and the islands thereabout, shall be obliged to convey over all passengers who will present themselves to be taken to New Netherland, to the number at least of persons for every ship whose burthen is and more in proportion. 21. Finally, the sum of fifteen thousand guilders at least shall hereafter be annually appropriated from funds pointed out by the Delegates from New Netherland, for the conveyance of families, or those who will apply themselves to agriculture, and are not able to pay their passage and expenses. And for this purpose, two ships shall, agreeably to concluded arrangements, be chartered and provisioned, with this understanding, that double the expense of passage and provisions shall be exacted from all immigrants who will, after the expiration of four yearsi have the means of payment, or otherwise desire to quit the country.