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Dutch colonial council minutes, 12-30 September 1641

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On Thursday, being the 12th of September anno 1641

Whereas some of our men have lately been murdered by the savages on Staten Island, therefore, to prevent further accidents and to protect those who are still dwelling there, we have thought it very useful and advisable to construct on the said island a small redoubt at as little expense as possible.

On Thursday, being the 24th of September

Cornelio van[ der ] Hoykens, fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Jan Symonsen, former skipper of the yacht Reael, and his gunner, defendants, for having while drunk fired a cannon loaded with ball after the watch was set. The fiscal is provisionally ordered to put the defendants in irons.

Cornelio van[ der ] Hoykens, fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Piere Pia and Davit Clement, defendants, for having fought with each other. Parties are ordered to produce their respective witnesses.

Bontjen, plaintiff, vs. Symon Dircksen Pos, defendant, for debt. The defendant says that he does not owe the plaintiff anything, but has paid. The plaintiff leaving the decision to the choice of [ the defendant to take ] an oath, the defendant swears before the honorable director and council that he does not owe the plaintiff anything, whereupon the plaintiff's claim is denied.

On Friday, being the 25th of September

Cornelio van[ der ] Hoykens, fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Jan Symonsz and his gunner, defendants. Defendants are ordered to settle with the fiscal.

The same, plaintiff, vs. Piere Pia and Davit Clement, defendants. The defendants are ordered to satisfy the fiscal.

[1] All persons are hereby notified that the director and council of New Netherland have ordained that henceforth there shall be held annually at Fort Amsterdam a cattle fair on the 15th of October and a hog fair on the 1st of November. Whoever has anything to sell or to buy can regulate himself accordingly.

On the 30th of September this notice was posted at said fort.

Notes

Revised from Laws and Ordinances of New Netherland, p. 29.

References

Translation: Scott, K., & Stryker-Rodda, K. (Ed.). New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch, Vol. 4, Council Minutes, 1638-1649 (A. Van Laer, Trans.). Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.: 1974.A complete copy of this publication is available on the New Netherland Institute website.