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Dutch colonial council minutes, 5-13 December 1641

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On the 5th of December anno 1641

Before us, the director and council, appeared Dirck Corsen Stam, who declared that he did not state in Holland that Mr. La Montangne daily went around with his pockets full of ducatoons and Jacobuses.

Johannes La Montangne, plaintiff, vs. Jan Meris,[1] defendant. Plaintiff says that the defendant built the tobacco house which he had engaged him to build so poorly that it blew over, as it stood with its posts loose on the ground. He therefore demands payment for the tobacco which was spoiled in the said house and furthermore, that the defendant raise the house again at his expense.

It is ordered that two carpenters, one Dutch and one English carpenter, shall inspect the house and render a decision according to their conscience whether in their opinion the house was well or poorly built. Mr. La Montangne chooses Gillis Pietersz and Jan Meris engages Jan Haes, both carpenters, to inspect the work.

On the 13th of December 1641

Willem Dircksen, master of the ship De Witte Valck, plaintiff, vs. Jacob Dircksz, chief boatswain, and Jan Heyn, defendants. Plaintiff complains that the defendants have been very disobedient on board; also, that they have gone on shore without consent and remained there many days, whereby the plaintiff and the owners of the ship suffer great loss, Inasmuch as the work does not proceed when the chief boatswain, who ought to be the foreman In all ship's duties, Is absent.

The complaint of the plaintiff having been considered by us and it being found that the matters set forth therein are prejudicial to the skipper, the defendants at the request of the plaintiff are dismissed from the ship and ordered to fetch their belongings from board; furthermore, they are condemned to pay a fine of fl. 20, fl. 10 for the fiscal and fl. 10 for the benefit of the poor, and to pay jail charges and board to the under-sheriff.

Notes

John Morris.

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.