Translation
Power of attorney from David Provoost to Claes van Elslant to look after his plantation and affairs during his absence
[ Before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven ], secretary in [ New Netherland appointed ] for the G[ eneral Chartered West ] India Company, appeared [ David ] Provoost, who [ declared that he constituted ][ Claes ] van Elslandt [ his attorney with power ] in [ his, the principal’s ], name to enclose and to fence [ the grounds ] of his house and plantation [ situated on ] Long Island and to do the best he can [ therein ]. Also to [ watch ] and have supervision of the hogs which run on Huych Aertsen’s [ land ] and to keep a good eye on the goats at the [ ferryman’s ] and if he think proper to sell some of the hogs to his, the principal’s, advantage. Likewise, if any goods come here from Holland for account of the principal, he may sell the same and dispose thereof, all to the best advantage of the said principal. Thus done in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 7th of April anno 1642.
References
Translation: Scott, K., & Stryker-Rodda, K. (Ed.). New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch, Vol. 2, Register of the Provincial Secretary, 1642-1647 (A. Van Laer, Trans.). Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.: 1974.A complete copy of this publication is available on the New Netherland Institute website.
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