Ordinance of the Director and Council of New Netherland, Prohibiting the Sale of Firearms, etc. to Indians, N.Y. LAWS (Weed, Parsons, & Co. 1868) (Law Passed 1639).

“ORDINANCE

Of the Director and Council of New Netherland, prohibiting the sale of Firearms, etc., to Indians, and requiring Vessels sailing to or from Fort Orange, the South River, or Fort Hope, to take out clearances. Passed 31 March, 1639.

[N. Y. Col. MSS. IV. 36.]

    Whereas the Director General and Council of New Netherland have observed that many persons, both Servants of the Company and Inhabitants, have, contrary to the orders and commands of their High Mightinesses the Lords States General and the Incorporated West India Company, presumed to sell to the Indians in these parts, Guns, Powder and Lead, which hath already caused much mischief, and if no means be adopted by Us here to prevent the same, would hereafter entail nothing else than greater evil; Therefore every Inhabitant of New Netherland, be his state, quality or condition what it may, is most expressly forbidden to sell any Guns, Powder or Lead to the Indians, on pain of being punished by Death, and if any one shall inform against any person who shall violate this Law, he shall receive a reward of Fifty guilders.”