Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 4-25 January 1646

On the 4th of January

We have seen the writing, dated the third of January last, sent us by Everardus Bogardus through the messenger, and found it futile and absurd and not an answer to the extract, dated 2d of January 1646, sent to said Bogardus. It is therefore ordered that said Borgardus shall give a pertinent answer to the contents of said extract, either affirmatively or negatively within the time therein mentioned, on pain of being prosecuted as a rebel and for contempt of court. Thus done in council at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, on the date above written.

Jochim Kirstede, plaintiff, vs. Bern Jansen, defendant, for payment of fl. 20 which defendant is alledged to have promised to pay for Jan Haes. Defendant answers that he promised to pay when the work would be completed by Jan Haes. Ordered that defendant shall pay when the work is done.

Ordered by the director and council that Jan Jansen Ilpendam shall appear next court day personally and either admit or refute the testimony.

On January 7

Jan Jansen Ilpendam having been asked in court to bear witness to the truth, as he is legally bound to do according to his oath to the Company, he refuses to do so.

On January 18[1]

Having seen a certain writing which Domine Bogardus has sent us by the messenger, full of vain subterfuge, calumny, insult and profanation of God's holy word, to the disparagement of justice and his lawful superiors, which he uses according to his custom to vent his passion and to cover up the truth and does not serve as an answer to our charges and the order sent him on the 24 and 4th of January last; therefore, we order him for the second time to answer the same formally within 14 days, either negatively or affirmatively, on pain as above.

January 25

Oloff Stevensen, plaintiff, vs. Everardus Bogardus, minister, defendant, for slander. Defendant answers in writing.

Abraham Pitersen, miller, plaintiff, vs. Gysbert Opdyck, commissary of provisions, defendant. Plaintiff complains of slander. Defendant produces affidavits whereby he proves plaintiff's dishonesty. Plaintiff demands copy of the affidavits. Ordered that defendant furnish Abraham Pitersen with copies of the affidavits to answer them.