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Noble, Honorable, highly Esteemed, Wise and Prudent Lords:

My Lords, since my last letter on the ship, de Purmerlander Kerck, little has happened worth writing about. On 29 March Mr. d' Hinojosse issued a proclamation forbidding any trading between Boompiens Hoeck and Cape Hinlopen on the penalty of forfeiting any merchandise found. In this district, trade has been granted exclusively by charter to Peter Alrichs, about which some Swedes and inhabitants complain. They say, what more right do the people of New Amstel have to trade in our district and on the east side of this river than we in their district.

I went at once to New Amstel on 30 March to see the proclamation but could not find it. Although one had been afixed to the church door, Mr. Kip supposedly removed it during the night, for which he was assailed by the schout who was standing in the church with his servant. Therefore, I cannot say definitely whether the prohibition extends only to the inhabitants of New Amstel or to everyone in general. At the same time, Mr. d'Hinojosse also issued a prohibition on the proposal made by some Indians at Tinnaconck: those who are caught shall suffer a fine of f300, and the Indians are authorized to plunder those who bring strong drink. Consequently, I referred myself at Tinnaconck to your order and proclamation which relates to this matter.

In my last letter I informed you that Abraham van Nas was residing here and that there were probably some more who wanted to come here from the colony. I request your instruction and orders on this matter, i.e., whether they should be accepted or refused.

I also await your order concerning what surgeon to use for the garrison - the City's or Dr. Tynen^[1] who presently resides here.

The Swedish minister, Domine Laers was fined on 14 April by the magistrates for the remaining f200 advanced to Jacop Jongh on the Company's account for the purchase of grain. He is also to pay f40, in beavers, which is the balance owed Mr. Deckere and me by de Jongh; likewise, a fine of f40 for usurpation of rights or authority. He was told in the same meeting that he had to address himself to you in order to request divorce papers, and that in the meantime his recent marriage would be considered unlawful.

My Lords, last year (with your approval) I granted some inhabitants land at the falls on Schiltpad Kil, located about h hour from our fort, in order to construct a grist mill there. It is now completed except that they have to obtain a patent. It was granted to them on the condition that the Company would have free milling for the garrison here which needs to be inserted in the patent. We have considerable problems here regarding the grinding of grain. Frequently we have to leave the old Swedish mill (about 6 miles from here) without accomplishing anything and take the grain to the horse-hill in New Amstel at great expense to the Company.

My Lords, I request that for solvency's sake f200 in sewant be sent because the men have some small debts in the taverns here and in New Amstel which should be settled. Whereby in closing I commend you to God's protection and remain, after wishes for a long life and prosperous administration.

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.