Document: Contract between Thomas Hall and Gerrit Jansen from Oldenborch for the sale of the Mallesmits Berch in exchange for the latter's farm on Manhattan Island

Before me, Jacob Hendricksz Kip, [ clerk ] appointed by the honorable director general and council of New Netherland, in the absence of the secretary, appeared the worthy Tomas Hal and Gerrit Janssen from Oldenborch, who declared that in all love, and friendship they had mutually agreed about and concluded a certain contract concerning lands, to wit: Gerrit Jansen shall deliver to Tomas Hal all right, title and interest which he or his have to and in the land, dwelling house, posts and rails, situated on the island of Manhatans, near the farm of Cornelis Claesz Swits and Stille, and he shall be at liberty to make use of the aforesaid land this coming spring, and that of such size as he has hitherto planted the same, and no longer nor larger. For which Tomas Hal shall in like manner deliver to him, Gerrit Jansz aforesaid, all right, title and interest which he has to and in the land called the Mallesmits Berch, situated on the island of Manhatans, formerly occupied by Tomas Sandersz and afterwards sold by divers persons and now belonging to him, Tomas Hal, together with the house, buildings and all that belongs there to the said Hal, except the grain sown at present and the fruit, and in addition one mare and one hundred guilders in loose seawan. The delivery of the land and everything must be made between this date and next Christmas, when each party shall deliver an absolute and proper conveyance in due form of what is his, without any one retaining any claim thereto; they, the parties on both sides declaring that they will observe this their contract in all its parts, all under submission [ of their persons and properties ] as by law provided. Without fraud or deceit this is signed by the parties, this 27th of October anno 1649, in New Amsterdam.

Thomas Hall
Gerrit Jansen
Jacob Kip