Translation
Dutch colonial council minutes, 8-15 September 1639
On the 8th of September
Whereas Governor Onderhil, residing in the North, has requested permission to settle here with some families under our protection, on condition that they shall enjoy the same privileges as other inhabitants here; therefore, the petition of the said Onderhil is granted, provided that he and his associates take the oath of allegiance to their High Mightinesses the Lords States General and his Highness of Orange.
Adriaen Pietersen, plaintiff, vs. Claes Comellssen Swits, defendant. Default.
Jan Jansen Damen, plaintiff, vs. little Manuel. Case put over to the next court day.
Cornelis vander Hoykens, fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Andries Noorman, defendant. The seized wine is confiscated as it was not entered for the benefit of the Company and [ the defendant Is ] condemned in addition to pay a fine of fl. 8 for the benefit of the fiscal.
Willem Bredenbent, plaintiff, vs. Pieter Smit, defendant, for slander. Case put over.
Hendrick Cornelissen, plaintiff, vs. Pieter Pia, defendant.
On the 15th of September
Whereas the Company is put to great expense both in building fortifications and in supporting soldiers and sailors, we have therefore resolved to demand from the Indians who dwell around here and whom heretofore we have protected against their enemies, some contributions in the form of skins, maize and seawan, and if there be any nation which is not in a friendly way disposed to make such contribution It shall be urged to do so in the most suitable manner.
Adriaen Pietersen, plaintiff, vs. Claes Cornelissen Swits, defendant. Plaintiff demands delivery of the land which the defendant sold to him, the plaintiff. Defendant answering, demands proof of the contract which he made with the plaintiff. Parties to reappear in three weeks unless they can meanwhile come to an agreement.
Tomas, the smith, plaintiff, vs. Aert Tonissen, defendant. Plaintiff demands reparation of the damage done by the defendant's cattle. The court appoints two arbitrators, to wit, Jan Damen and Hendric Harmansen, to estimate the damage.