May 1654: An Ordinance Impowring the Commissioners appointed to consider of the matters contained in the Twenty Eighth Article of the Treaty, with the States General to adminster an Oath.

May, 1654.

[26 May, 1654.]

Arbitrators under Treaty of Peace with States General may examine witnesses on oath.; And imprison such as are refractory.

Whereas His Highness the Lord Protector, and the Lords the States General of the United Provinces, by the eighth and twentieth Article of the Treatie of Peace happily concluded betwixt them, have mutually accorded and agreed, That Edward Winslow, James Russell, John Becx, and William Van der Cruyssen shall bee Arbitrators to examine and determine certain matters in the said Article conteined; Now for the better enabling the said Arbitrators to discharge that Trust to the full satisfaction of themselves and all parties therein concerned: Bee it, and it is Ordained by His Highness the Lord Protector, with the advice and consent of his Council, That the said Arbitrators bee and are hereby Authorized and Impowred to send for administer an Oath unto, and examine upon Oath any person or persons whatsoever, touching, or any wayes concerning all or any of the matters so referred to the examination and determination of the said Arbitrators: And if any person or persons shall not attend the said Arbitrators being so sent for, or shall refuse to bee sworn, or to bee so examined, That then it shall and may bee lawful to and for the said Arbitrators, to commit such person or persons unto safe custodie, there to remain without Bail or Mainprize, until such refractorie person or persons shall submit and conform themselves.