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Before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary of New Netherland, appeared Mr. Jan Dollingh, aged thirty-two years, who at the request of the Hon. Director General Petrus Stuyvesant attests, testifies and declares, in place and with promise of an oath if necessary, that it is true and truthful that he, the deponent, about eleven o’clock yesterday night, between the 21st and 22nd of July, was taking a stroll with master Willem,^[1] Jacob, the steward, and Hendrick Eldersz, commissary, through the village of New Amsterdam, where they met Hendrick van Dyc, fiscal, who asked them whence they came. They answered, they were taking a walk. Fiscal van Dyck thereupon said: “I know that you come from the tavern. Come with me, we shall go in there again.” And finally he, the fiscal, knocked at the door of Gerrit, the miller, who would not open. A man named Mattys Cappata opened the door. On entering the aforesaid fiscal called for wine and a gill of brandy was tapped. Having taken a drink he went away, saying: “Be merry together; I shall presently join you again.” Mr. Willem and Dollingh above mentioned remaining there, the aforesaid fiscal returned toward dawn, very drunk, and remained until daylight. All of which the deponent declares to be true, being ready to confirm the same on oath. Done in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 22nd of July anno 1647.

Jn° Dolling

Hendrick Eldersz attests that he met the fiscal and on his invitation went to Gerrit, the miller, tavern- keeper, to have a drink of beer. The fiscal pointed out where it was, he, the deponent, remaining outside, taking no notice whether the fiscal went in or not, but hearing in passing that the fiscal said he would soon join them again. This day, the 22nd of July 1647.

H. Ellersen

Willem Heays also testifies that the foregoing is true and that Fiscal van Dyck said: “You people will pay for what the fiscal drinks this night.” Date as above.^[2]

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.