Translation
Letter from the directors at Amsterdam to Director Stuyvesant
[ ]
Whereas the Coninck Salomon, skippered by Cornelis Coenraetsen van Campen, is charged with [ ] sum of money which is to be paid upon his return home, we have deemed it advisable that the same earned [ ] shall be received by the same skipper [ ] proper accounting kept, and paid to us upon his return home [ ] please offer him a helping hand thereon. [ In the margin: ] So that we do not suffer any difficulties therefrom, damaging to our credit rating.
By the same ship is departing [ ] as passenger, Lodevicus van Reuven, brother of C[ ornelis ] van Reuven, who has been granted free passage under the condition that he serve six months [ ] as secretary, or as your honors please, without paying him any salary for it.
Herewith
Esteemed, valiant, pious, beloved, faithful
May your honors be
commended to God's
protection and remain,
Your honors' good friends
Your honors' directors of the
West India Company
at Amsterdam
Eduard Man
Abr. Wilmerdonx
[ POSTSCRIPT: ] This enclosure is a secret letter which your honor is to show the other councilors and put in a place where it can be found, should God come to fetch your honor, in which case it is to be opened in order to see whom we intend to succeed your honor.
By order of the same,
in the absence of the advocate
[ ENDORSED: ] To the Director Stuyvesant in New Netherland.
[ ADDRESSED: ] Honorable, valiant, pious, beloved
faithful
Petrus Stuyvesant Director general
over New Netherland and
Curacao
residing at Manhattans
By the Coninck Salomon, may God preserve.