 In the case of a difference in how parties stated the facts, witnesses were called and affidavits presented or depositions taken.In 1664 the colony became part of British North America as the Province of New York, and New Amsterdam was named New York.The Court of Common Pleas was established in New York City in 1686 under the Dongan Charter, the early municipal Charter of the City of New York, granted by Governor Thomas Dongan on July 22, 1686.