Translation
Contract of Thomas Hall and Thomas Goodman to construct a rain fence for Jan Damen
This day, date underwritten, before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary in New Netherland, appeared Tomas Hal and Tomas Goetman, who acknowledged that they had contracted to set up for Jan Damen two hundred and fifty rods of posts and rails, the posts to be placed from eleven to twelve feet apart, five rails one above the other, so close and tight that hogs, goats and other cattle can not pass through, all good and strong work, which must be completed before May. Jan Damen shall cart the poets and rails from the strand of Juffrau's valley, or thereabouts, to the place where they are to be put and in addition to the hauling Jan Damen shall pay for every rod aforesaid thirty-five stivers in current payment at the rate charged at present in New Netherland. In witness whereof this is signed by parties. Done the 26th of March A°. 1644, in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland.