Document: Declaration of Anthony Leon and Teague Herry regarding an attack made on the frigate La Garce

Before me, Jacob Hendricksz Kip, clerk appointed by the honorable director general and council of New Netherland, appeared Antony Leon, a native of Majorca, aged 26 years, a Spaniard, and Tyck Herry, a native of Castlehaven in Ireland, aged about 26 years, passengers who came over from Captain Flip d'Rest's bark into the bark of Willem Albertsz Blaeuvelt, and who attest, testify and declare in place and with offer of an oath, at the request of the owners of the frigate La Garce, of which the aforesaid Willem Blaeuvelt was captain, that it is true and truthful that they, the deponents, being on board said Captain Blaeuvelt's vessel, saw and well remember that on the 18th of July 1649, in the evening, there came into the Bay of Campeachy a ship which they thought was the bark or prize of Blaeuvelt, whereupon Blaeuvelt immediately made sail and drew off to leeward, in order that they should know the better what she was. Blaeuvelt had the Prince's flag hoisted aloft and aft, not awaiting her, but doing his best to get away from her. About eleven o'clock at night they came near her, when Blaeuvelt's quartermaster, named Gerrit Hendricksz, called out: "Flip, Flip, comrade Flip," but received no answer. Upon his crying out "Strike for the Prince of Orange," she answered "Strike for the King of Spain!" and immediately fired four shots. The fifth gun hung fire and the sixth shot struck Blaeuvelt's ship, without Blaeuvelt having made anything ready. Blaeuvelt thereupon resolved to sail close to the wind in order to reach his people. All of which we, the above named deponents, declare to be true and truthful, offering to confirm the same on oath if required. Dated this 27th of September 1649, on the island of Manhatans, in New Netherland. Signed with this sort of Mark X, near which was written: This is the mark of Tyck Herry, made by himself This sort of mark X, near which was written: This is the mark of Antony Leon, Spaniard, made by himself; together with Albert Cornelisz and the mark of Nicolaes Stilwil, both as witnesses of the true character of the above signatures Underneath was written: Acknowledged before me, Jacob Kip, appointed clerk.

Jacob Kip
Franssoys Noiret