[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] The Commonalty have, moreover, chosen the undernamed twelve persons, and empowered them to resolve on everything with the Director and Council; they also took the oath,^ namely — (Signed,) Jacques Bentyn, [Maryn Adriaensen], Jan Damen, Hendrick [Jansen], tailor, David Pietersen [deVries], Jacob StofTelsen, Abraham Molenaer, Frederick Lubbertsen, [Jochim Pietersen], Jacob van...., Gerrit Dircksen, George Rapalie, Abraham Planck. Ady 29"" August, 1641, in fort Amsterdam. Resolution adopted by the Twelve Men empowered by the whole of the People. Whereas we, burghers and inhabitants of New Netherland, previously invited and requested by Willem Kieft, Director General and the Council of New Netherland, and with the consent of all the rest of the inhabitants, our fellow-brethren, have been unanimously elected to answer the proposition of the Hon'"'* Director and Council, and to give our advice according to our best knowledge and understanding; Therefore, three articles were then proposed to us, whereupon we gave answer and expressed ourselves according to the best of our opinions and belief, to which we unanimously refer. And whereas, the most favorable time and opportunity for our nation now offer, which, according to previous resolution ought to be considered; we, therefore, request the Hon'''* Director, Willem Kieft, to proceed, whereunto we offer our persons to follow him faithfully, ' The Norwalk Islands.