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Declaration of G[ e ]orge Wilbe

Where born?	Answer. North Hantomschier.[1]
How old?	Answer. Twenty-five years.
Who was the chief person that brought them, and what did they purpose to do?	Answer. Lieutenant Houw brought them thither, and he did not know the land belonged to the States; they came there by authority of Mr. Foret, a Scotchman.
Would they have been under English or Scotch rule, if they had remained there?	Answer. They should have lived free under their own laws, and would have owed obedience to whoever was lord of the land.
Where did he live in New England?	Answer. In Matetusje's bay, eight miles from Boston.
Did he not see the States’ arms?	Answer. Did not see them when he came with the sloop.
Wherefore did they pull down the arms, and who did it?	Answer. Does not know for certain whether Mr. Foret or Lieutenant Houw did it.
Does he not know who carved the fool's face in the stead of the arms?	Answer. He does not know

All of which he declares to be true and truthful, without knowing any more, and has before the honorable director, confirmed the same on oath.

Interrogatories for Jan Farington

Where was he born?	Answer. In Bockingamschier.
How old is he?	Answer. Twenty-four years.
Who brought them there, and who was their leader that conveyed them thither, and what did they intend to do there, and how many persons more are to come there?	Answer. Lieutenant Houw, with Mr. Forest’s permission, brought them to where they intended to plant; it was intended that 20 families should come, and if the land was good, they expected a great man people.

Notes

References

Translation: Scott, K., & Stryker-Rodda, K. (Ed.). New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch, Vol. 4, Council Minutes, 1638-1649 (A. Van Laer, Trans.). Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.: 1974.A complete copy of this publication is available on the New Netherland Institute website.