Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 8-16 April 1648

In council Tomas Steyls, being heard on the complaint made in writing by the honorable general, acknowledges that he threw the sheriff[1] on the ground and did wrong and had never before so acted, promising henceforth to behave as an honest inhabitant should; praying, therefore, the honorable council to be pleased to take the same into consideration.

The honorable council (without the honorable general), having heard the confession and request of Tomas Steyls and his promise of good behavior, have graciously pardoned the offense committed by him, provided that the 50 guilders promised and forfeited at Flushing be paid at the office of the Company, to be applied at the discretion of the honorable director general and council, and provided that he beg pardon of God, the council, the honorable director and the sheriff of Flushing. Thus done, the 8th of April anno 1648, In Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland.

In council at Fort Amsterdam [ appeared ] Tomas Saal, inhabitant at Flushing in New Netherland, being accused of having prevented the schout at Flushing from performing his duty in arresting Tomas Steyls, which Tomas Saal acknowledges that he kept the door shut so that no one could assist the schout; prays mercy and promises never to do so again, being very sorry for what he has done. The honorable director and council, administering justice, have condemned the aforesaid Tomas Saal to pay a fine of 25 guilders, to be applied at the discretion of the council. Thus done the 8th of April anno 1648.

Tomas Nuton, widower of Dorite Nuton, deceased, residing at Onckeway, being reconciled with Master Ritchert Smith, and both parties being fully satisfied with regard to the marriage of the latter’s daughter Joons Smith, now the wife of said Tomas Nuton, after the proper proclamations, without any objection being made, Tomas Nuton and Joon Smith are confirmed in their marriage state by the honorable director and council in the presence of the above named Mr. Smith and Jan Dollingh. This 16th of April anno 1648, in Fort Amsterdam, in full council.