Duke's laws, [1665].

The Duke's laws promulgated by Governor Richard Nicolls at a convention of representatives of the English and Dutch towns held at Hempstead, March 1, 1665. Full title: "Lawes established by the authority of his Majesties letters pattents granted to his Roy[a]ll Highnesse James Duke of Yorke and Albanie etc. digested into one volume for the publicq[ue] use of all the territories in America under the government of his Royal Highnesse." These laws were compiled from those from the other British colonies in North America and cover both civil and criminal matters and establish civil offices and courts in the colony of New York. The laws are arranged alphabetically by topic beginning with "Absence" and ending with "Wrecks of the sea;" these are followed by special entries for "Formes of summonds, attachments, replevins &c.," "Oath [of] fidellittie to his Royall Highness," and "Severall oathes of one of the Councell, a justice of the peace, sherrife, &c." Does not include the list of horses' marks found in the East Hampton copy. This copy was made after the Court of Assizes held at New York, September 28-October 4, 1665, and incorporates the alterations approved by the Court. Title leaf and final four leaves damaged affecting text; several other leaves with minor loss to corners or fore-edge with loss to some marginal notes or catchwords; title leaf mounted; all other leaves silked.