The
Charter of Freedoms and Exemptions, sometimes referred to as the
Charter of Privileges and Exemptions, is a document written by the
Dutch West India Company in an effort to settle its
colony of
New Netherland in
North America through the establishment of feudal
patroonships purchased and supplied by members of the West India Company. Its 31 articles establish ground rules and expectations of the patroons and inhabitants of the new colonies. It was ratified by the
Dutch States-General on June 7, 1629.