Translation
Petition of rev. Laurentius Carolus for remission of a fine
Noble, Honorable Lord General: My Lord, please accept my humble services and whatever I might be able to perform in the future.
It is probably not unknown to you that I have experienced one misfortune after another since my wife ran away. This has happened because everything I have done about it has been taken in the worst light; and I have been sentenced to heavy fines, which I am unable to come up with in my impoverished state, because in addition to the near f200 which I have paid I have now been fined f280. This has happened because I was looking for my wife and thought that she was hiding in this place. Therefore, I broke in finding nothing but a pair of stockings which the seducer of my wife had left behind which I inventoried. For this I have been accused of pilphering riches and was fined f280, as previously stated, whereas the runaway should bear the guilt. Since I am being punished for nothing more than attempting to find my wife, it is therefore my humble request that you, as chief magistrate, view me in a favorable and merciful light and forgive me my ignorance, and in consideration of my destitute situation please deliver me from this punishment. As to having married myself: I gave legal notification and it was approved. I have followed the same customs which are practiced by others and who have not been faulted. I declare in good conscience that it was not done with any bad intention. If I had known how my marriage would have been viewed, I would have subordinated myself gladly to the customs of the Reformed Church, which are not known to me. Therefore, I pray again that the Lord General look upon me favorably and mercifully in consideration of my poor vocation and destitute means, because I wish to enjoy my bread and necessities without troubling anyone; to which compassion may the Lord move your heart and spirit. I commend you to God's protection. At Oplant, 30 April 1662.
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.
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