Document: Examination of John Cray (Gray) for abusing the magistrates of Middelburgh

The fiscal brought to the session the prisoner Jan Gry, who is accused of various crimes, most all of which he denies; however, he does confess to have prevented Marshal Bely from seizing certain livestock because it belonged to his children. He says further that if he called the magistrates of Middelburgh thieves and threatened that it would cost lives if anyone fined him over taxes assessed by the council, it must have happened out of rage because he does not remember saying it. He also denies having threatened to shoot Mr. Coo or having given lodgings to some of the pirates; he says he only gave shelter to his son and Thomas Willekeson. Done at the session held in New Amsterdam, 15 August 1654; present the honorable director-general and all the councilors.