Document: Declaration of Lourens Pietersen and Johannes Forbes about the purchase by Dirck Holgersen of a plantation on the west side of Mespath kill, L.I.

Before me, Jacob Hendricksen Kip, [ clerk ] appointed in the absence of the secretary by the honorable director general and council of New Netherland, appeared Lourens Pietersen from Thonsberch in Norway, aged about 30 years,[1] an inhabitant here, who in the presence of the undersigned witnesses declares that it is true and truthful that now about eight or nine years ago, the precise day or time being unknown to him, Dirck Holgersen purchased from Cornelis Willemsen, planter of the said Dirck Holgersen, a certain piece of land, being a plantation situated on the west side of Mespachtes, opposite Ritchert Bridnel's, which was cultivated by the said Cor. Willemsen, for the sum of one hundred and twenty guilders, of which sum he, Corn. Wlllemsen, when the purchase was made, owed one-half to Dirck Holgersen and in addition then received a barrel of good beer on account; he continued to reside with said Dirck Holgersen and without doubt was paid the balance of the money before he went from here to the north, which was fully three or four years after the purchase was made. All of which he, Lourens Pietersen, declares to be true and that this [ declaration ] is made by him solely to bear witness to the truth. In testimony whereof this is signed by the deponent and the witnesses, this 22d of March A° 1651, in New Amsterdam.

Jan Forbus from Sweden, aged 50 years, being heard, declares before the undersigned witnesses that he confirms the foregoing declaration of Lourens Pietersen, except that he does not know for how much the land was sold and how the payment was made; offering to confirm the same on oath if necessary Done, Manhatans in New Netherland, date as above.

Johannes Forbes
Jacob Jansen Huys
Gerret Jansen
Jacob Kip