Research

Series:

Scanned Document:

We, Willem Kieft, director general, and the council of New Netherland, to you, Andries Rouloffsen, chief boatswain:

Whereas the Company’s property is greatly neglected and no proper care is taken thereof by you; therefore, we do hereby command you to perform your bounden duty; [ to see to it ] that all equipment be properly administered, whereof you must render a good account; also, that all vessels be kept in good repair. And in default thereof we protest against all loss and damage which the Company may thereby suffer, [ intending ] to recover the same from you.

The chief boatswain answers that he has done his duty and that nothing shall be wanting on his part.

The director and council protest as before, saying that the case appears to be otherwise.

We, Willem Kieft, director general, and the council of New Netherland, to you, Tymon Jansen, ship carpenter:

Whereas complaints are daily made to us that you do not properly repair the vessels and that the skippers must sail them year in year out (among others the yachts Amsterdam and Prins Willem) without being able to keep anything dry in the cabin, in consequence of which the yachts suffer great damage, which can be prevented by a little labor; therefore, we do charge you herein to perform your bounden duty, so that the Company may not suffer any loss and you be free from blame. In default whereof, we protest against all loss and damage which the Company thereby will suffer, intending to recover the same from you.

Tymen Jansen says he has done his best and can not know when a vessel is leaky unless those in charge of her inform him of the fact; also, that nothing can be effected without means.

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.