Research

Translation

Power of attorney from Captain Johan de Fries to Michiel Jansen and Symon Joosten to look after his free Negroes during his absence

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Scanned Document:

Before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary of New Netherland, appeared Captain Johan de Fries, who appoints and empowers, as he does hereby, Michiel Jansz and Symon Joosten, both inhabitants here, to have supervision over the principal’s free Negroes and Brasilian woman during his absence and to see that they are justly treated[1] until such time as the aforesaid Jan de Vries shall wish to make other disposition in the matter. Done in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 3rd of August anno 1647.

J: Freis
Cornelis van Tienhoven
The words “to have supervision over … and to see that they are justly treated” are substituted for “to take, put to work, or to board and lodge with others, as they, the attorneys, shall see fit.”

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.