Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 21 April - 3 May 1649

Thus on the 4th of May the ship The Young Prince of Denmark by public auction to the highest bidder will be sold, for the greatest necessity, decency and profit of the Company and also to maintain the reputation of this country among its neighbors. It is considered advisable by the Director General, Mr. Dincklagen, and the fiscal Van Dyck, that if this ship is sold in the neighborhood of five thousand guilders, not counting a few hundred either way, to take half ownership in this ship with someone else, and with this ship to seek our indebtedness in freight or some other manner. This 3 May 1649 in New Amsterdam.

In assembly it was unanimously agreed to sell to the highest bidder the sugar of the ship The Prince of Denmark for loose seawan and the elephant tusks for strung seawan, beavers, or money. Also to sell the ship in true value such as beavers, strung seawan, or silver money. This 3 May. Present were all the Councillors.

The Distinguished Director General and Councillors of New Netherland. All those who see, read, or hear this, Salute. Letit be known how that the noble gentlemen directors of the Chartered West India Company in order to benefit and favor their conquest of New Netherland above all others, have, upon our serious remonstrance concerning the heavy tobacco taxes, by their latest letter dated 29 January, notified us and made known that henceforth the tobacco cultivated and produced within New Netherland will not pay heavier or more taxes within the district under their jurisdiction, than the very worst tobacco of the Caribbean Islands; namely, forty five stivers per 100. Hereby the highly regarded directors our patrons not only signify and show their favorable disposition toward this their conquest, since this tobacco is so much worthier and expensive than others, but also their good intention and hope that by these means others will be attracted and the population, cultivation, and growth will be stimulated, which we have thought essential to show in good time and to make known. So that any already residing under our government, or who might yet wish to come in during this favorable time, may have knowledge of this, we have decreed that this adopted resolution of our patrons will be published and displayed not only here on Manhattan, but also in all other colonies and villages of this Jurisdiction so that everyone will best know how to regulate his cultivation and agriculture.

This was done in our meeting this 21 April 1649, NewAmsterdam