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Resolution drawn up this 5th of December 1643 at Fort Amsterdam on Curaçao.

While preparing the ration report we took notice of the preceding grave conditions to which the Company’s servants have been subjected these last two years, and also calculated how long the food supply could last which came here aboard the ships Swoll, Catt and St. Jacob, which we found to be 10 to 12 months at best; within which time we hope for new relief. Therefore, we have resolved to distribute to each person weekly for the time being: 1½ lbs. meat, ½lb. bacon, 2 kannen pottage, 1 lb. stockfish, 3 lbs. hard or 5 lbs. soft bread, 1 mutsjen oil, 1 ditto vinegar, 2 mutsjes wine.

Second, concerning the 16 to 18 captured Spaniards, we find it to be most beneficial to the Company to keep them here a little while longer until the ships and yachts are ready to leave and they can be put ashore where they will cause this government and the Company the least disservice.

Third, whereas some persons, who have come here with De 7 Starre out of Nieu Nederlandt as well as with De Blowen Haen out of Marenhaon and Christoffel^[1] request admittance into the Company’s service, some as soldiers, others as sailors, and whereas at this time we both need them and shall need even more if the oldest personnel, who now have 5 years’ service, are discharged with the first ships leaving here; therefore, we find it beneficial to the Company for the preceding and other reasons and necessary for this government to enlist the petitioners in the service and obligate them for two years. Thus done and confirmed at the place, year and day as stated above. In witness whereof we sign this with our own hands.

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References

Translation: Gehring, C., trans./ed., Curaçao Papers, 1640-1665 (New Netherland Research Center and the New Netherland Institute: 2011).A complete copy of this publication is available on the New Netherland Institute website.