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Hendrick van Dyck, fiscal, ex officio, plaintiff, vs. Hans Hansen, defendant, on account of two metal gun chambers which the defendant assisted one Hans Bastiaen, a sailmaker, to remove, etc.

The Plaintiff, presenting his complaint in writing, demands execution. The defendant acknowledges that he assisted in carrying the chambers, but did not know where, or how, the sailmaker procured them, and proves by witnesses that the sailmaker had long ago offered the same for sale.

The honorable director general and council having seen the written complaint of the fiscal against Hans Hansen, an inhabitant here, and the case being considered, it is found to be of serious consequence, but inasmuch as said Hans Hansz has maintained a good name and reputation during his 14 years' residence In New Netherland, the aforesaid offense as well as his opposition to the honorable director are forgiven him, on condition that said Hans Hansz beg pardon in court of God and the magistrates, which Hans Hansen has done. Wherefore the offenses above mentioned are forgiven him and the fiscal's further demand is denied. This 26th of May anno 1648.

Barent Ennesen van Noorden, Company smith and corporal, at present a prisoner, being heard and examined In court regarding some gun barrels and gun locks which were sold by him to some persons, said prisoner confesses, without torture, that he sold some locks, barrels and guns belonging to the Company to Jacob Reynsen and Joost de Backer,^[1] who had asked him to do so, as may be seen and is stated more at length in his deposition. Whereupon it was resolved to hear Jacob Reynsen and Joost de Backer, who, appearing in court, denied and contradicted everything. It was therefore decided to imprison said Jacob Reynsen and Joost de Becker and to search their houses, which was done forthwith, an inventory being taken at the house of Jacob Reynsz of his goods and peltries, which were immediately removed to the Company's warehouse. This 28th of May anno 1648, in New Amsterdam.

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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.