Ordinance of the Director and Council of New Netherland Against Drawing a Knife and Inflicting a Wound Therewith, 1642 N.Y. LAWS (Weed, Parsons and Co. 1868).

“ORDINANCE
Of the Director and Council of New Netherland against drawing a Knife and inflicting a Wound therewith. Passed 11 July, 1642.
[N. Y. Col. MSS. IV. 129.]

    Whereas we hear daily, God help us, of many accidents, caused for the most part by quarrels, drawing of knives and fighting, and the multitude of Taverns and low Groggeries, badly conducted, together with the favorable opportunities which all turbulent persons, Murderers and other Lawless people have for running away and consequently escaping condign punishment, wherein we would willingly make provision so as to prevent, as much as possible, all harm;
    Therefore, We hereby Ordain, decree and enact, agreeably to the Ordinance made last year in Holland by the High and Mighty Lords States General, that no one shall presume to draw a knife much less to wound any person, under the penalty of fl.50, to be paid immediately, or, in default, to work three months with the Negroes in chains; this, without any respect of persons. Let every one take heed against damage and be warned.
    Thus done in Council and published. Dated as above.”