Research

Series:

Scanned Document:

Proposition submitted by the honorable Director General to the Council

Whereas it is seen by experience that nothing is done by the fiscal to obtain a decision as to what is to be done with the guns, about [      ] in number, obtained from both of the ships and still remaining in the council chamber: in case no further claim is brought against these ships on that account we are of opinion that the guns at least are liable to confiscation.	Resolved in council to pay for the guns belonging to the sailors what they cost in Holland, and to restore their guns to those domiciliated here as settled burghers, on condition that whenever a burgher intends to depart he must produce his gun before the council.
2. Regarding the 13 guns and 13 bullet molds, and some other articles marked A C, which were seized without appearing on the invoice of the lading.
3. The purchased cloth which still lies in the council chamber and is found to be longer than indicated on the invoice.	Resolved, according to agreement, to pay 100 per cent as per the Company's invoice.
4. In regard to the homicide while I was at Fort Orange, and the wounding of the gunner by Simon Courtbrant, a soldier, who ran away before my departure and since skulks at Mespachtes, without any inquiry being made of any action started by the fiscal, to the injury and disrepute of justice.	Resolved that the fugitives shall be summoned by beat of the drum.
5. The petition of the free traders in favor of the convicted Jacob Heynsen and Schermerhoorn, that their sentence of banishment may be remitted.Finally, the case of Egbert van Borsum, who, being still the Company's sworn servant and master of the yacht Prins Willem, in violation of his honor and trust has purchased guns and powder from the smugglers at New Haven, and has carried them, or caused them to be conveyed, past this place to Fort Orange.

In council, being seen the petition of respectable burghers residing in this city of New Amsterdam; also the petition and conduct of Jacob Reynsen and Jacob Jansen Schermerhoorn, in regard to certain [ sentence of ] banishment recently imposed upon them for trading in contraband wares, the honorable director general and council of New Netherland have, therefore, graciously remitted said banishment to said Jacob Beynsen and Schermerhoorn and declare them henceforth capable of going, coming and returning here as other respectable persons are permitted to do. Thus done in Fort Amsterdam, the first of August anno 1648. Present: the honorable general, Mr. Dincklage, La Montangne, B. Nuton, P: Leendersz and Adriaen Keyser.

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.