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Noble, Honorable, Estemed, Wise and very Prudent Lord:

My Lord, your letter of the 31st of last month has been duly received. I see from it that the goods for payment of some purchased cattle have been valued by arbitrators^[1] which amounts to much less than is the usual case here, and that they are being sold at the lowest price; according to which prices I previously had to regulate myself since there is so little trade here that one does not know how to calculate goods against beavers or how they are taken in settlement. But, whereas a common course and style of trade is now carried on there, we have to acquiesce and trust that what is done is done equitably. I certainly wish that my superiors had sent a greater assortment of goods and of better quality as demanded by the present market. I received not one ell of duffels, i.e., wide venison and corn can hardly be obtained from the Indians without duffels, and since now that more than 100 people have been sent over without any provisions which are very scarce here and which causes inconveniences. It is extremely difficult to provide for many mouths when one has few supplies; one hardly dares to think [      ] am afraid to talk about it or to urge you [      ] to send some necessities, [      ] grains which are much needed here, as well as some peas and bacon. If it is in anyway possible to be mindful of us in this situation and to supply us with as much of these provisions as can be spared, it would be a...

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Concerning the day of prayer: it was made known to Domine Weelius who will deliver a sermon next week in accordance with the order to observe the same here.

Concerning the purchase of land: we shall require some few pieces of duffels for it since it cannot be acquired from anyone here; without having the same, one can hardly dare to talk about it since one would display thereby an insufficiency; besides, it would garner neither respect nor esteem if one should go out to negotiate for something important during the winter without duffels so that we would thereby be embarrassed.

Concerning the prevention of smuggling that is carried on with arriving ships: it has been observed that by putting three or four soldiers on board we can hardly be burdened with the maintenance of so many men if it remains here a month or more; and then it depends mostly on their supervision. However, if you would be pleased to consider whether it could be of more service to have two soldiers from Altena and one from here stand guard together, it would afford the opportunity here to increase our ability to make inquiries and to improve our supervision, which you will have to direct in the most expedient manner.

Concerning sending the galliot to Curacao: since you know of no employment for it, although we are in need of salt and horses here, I shall then without further advice or opportunity still have to...

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The former magistrate, Abraham van Rynevelt passed away on the 28th of last month. He bequeathed his goods, which he left behind here, by will to Commissary G. van Sweeringen. If you are still due any disbursements please send the accounts over so they can be settled.

Anthoni Rademan has also been laid to rest so that the general debilitating sickness has taken away some prominent persons as well as others - still mostly young people or children; besides, many are still languishing in bed and only slowly able to regain their former strength and health.

We require the presence of Jan van de Bosch, soldier, who formerly cleaned the weapons here. Because of his considerable absence they have become very rusty; and to keep them from further damage, he can no longer be spared. Therefore, may it please you to order that he come here as soon as possible. Relying on this I remain, after cordial greetings and dutiful respects to you and your loved ones, whom I also herewith commend to God's protection,

[ P.S.: ] If any salt has arrived there, please provide us with about 25 skipples.

Dated above.

Notes

References

Translation: Gehring, C. trans./ed., New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch, Vols. 18-19, Delaware Papers: Dutch Period, 1648-1664 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.: 1981).A complete copy of this publication is available on the New Netherland Institute website.