The following document of 1655, contained in Fernow's collection relating to the plantations on the Delaware when under the Dutch jurisdiction, may serve to illustrate the prescribed formality in applying for publication of banns: "Appears Toms Broen, as father and guardian of his daughter, Jannetje Tomas and consents to the marriage between her and Willem Mauritz here present and requests that their legal bans might be published; the names being, of the bridegroom Willem Mauritz, bachelor, from Walle Schier, about 33 years old, of the bride Jannetje Tomas, spinster, born in New-Netherland, about 16 years old. Witness Stuyte Andries."[812] [Footnote 812: Addressed to the vice-director and his council: FERNOW, _Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. of N. Y._, XII, 137 (Dec. 29, 1655). For a similar application see _ibid._, XII, 153, 154. For further record of entry of banns before the "mayor of New York" (1670-71) see _Records of New Amsterdam_, VI, 262, 334.] From the same collection, two years later, we learn that "Laurens Pieters bachelor from Lier and Catlyne Jans of Gottenburch in Sweden were confirmed in marriage after proclamation of banns on the previous Sundays."[813] [Footnote 813: Dec. 24, 1657: FERNOW, _loc. cit._, 156.] The civil courts in New Netherland possessed full jurisdiction in all suits or matrimonial causes, including cases of separation and divorce.[814] For an understanding of the relation of the lower and higher courts, the procedure in such cases, and the details of the law, the often-mentioned case of Johannis van Beeck and Maria Verleth is instructive. The facts in this case appear to have been the proximate cause of the ordinance of 1654/5 and the letter of Stuyvesant already submitted. It is all the more interesting because it involves the double question of irregular banns and unlawful celebration, as shown by the final decree. On January 26, 1654, takes place the first step in the proceedings. Cornelis van Tienhoven, the schout, lodges formal complaint before the burgomasters and schepens of New Amsterdam against the court of Gravesend for illegally "granting and confirming the Banns of Matrimony betwixt Johan van Beeck and Maria Verleth, who both have their domicil in and about this city of New Amsterdam;" suggesting that such conduct tends to the infringement of the good policy of the fatherland, as also the privileges and jurisdiction of the city, and to prepare a way for sons and daughters to go secretly and get married. In reply, says the record, the "Burgomasters, and Schepens ... do hereby refer the foregoing complaint and proposition made by Cornelis van Tienhoven, in quality as Schout, to their High Mightinesses the Director-General and Councillors of New Fetherland."[815] But this did not end the matter.[816] On February 10, pending the decision of the higher court, van Beeck petitioned the burgomasters and schepens "that his bans with Maria Varleth