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I, the undersigned, Abbe Claesen from Dockum, late skipper in the service of the Swedes on the South River of New Netherland, acknowledge that I am well and truly indebted to Lourens Cornelisz vander Wel in the sum of two hundred guilders, arising from board and goods received to my satisfaction, which debt I would gladly pay him with thanks. But whereas I have at present no money or effects in my possession, but enough money to satisfy this debt is due to me from the late Swedish chief officers on the South River of New Netherland, as appears by the settlement of accounts obtained from them; and whereas they have departed and I cannot apply to them for payment, but they have left some effects in the hands of the honorable director general and supreme council of New Netherland, this is primarily intended as a power of attorney and procuration for the said Lourens Cornelissz van der Wel to demand and collect the above mentioned debt and all that is due me by the aforesaid Swedes according to the documents thereof, either from the Swedes or those who may have their effects in their custody. The principal promises to hold and to cause to be held valid whatever shall be done and performed in the matter by the attorney, binding himself thereto as by law provided, on condition that the aforesaid Lourens Cornelissz under like obligation remain bound to render to me or mine, when required, a proper account, proof and balance of his transactions and proceedings. Actum in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 2d of December 1655, in the presence of Jan Rijndersen Spits and Pieter Harmensen, as witnesses hereto invited.

References

Translation: Scott, K., & Stryker-Rodda, K. (Ed.). New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch, Vol. 3, Register of the Provincial Secretary, 1648-1660 (A. Van Laer, Trans.). Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.: 1974.A complete copy of this publication is available on the New Netherland Institute website.