Document: Mortgage from Pieter Jansen to Jan Schepmoes of his house on Manhattan island

I, the undersigned, Pieter Jansen of Gorcom, acknowledge that I am well and truly indebted to Jan Schepmoes in the sum of three hundred and fifty Carolus guilders. As security for the aforesaid sum the appearer transfers to Schepmoes the ownership of his house, with power to sell the same and whatever it brings in excess of the three hundred and fifty guilders shall be to the advantage of Pieter Jansen. Moreover, if the house shall happen to burn or be destroyed before being sold, or if shall not be sold but remain standing, then the above mentioned Piter Jansz shall have the right to take back the house when he returns from the voyage, on condition of paying Schepmoes the 350 guilders aforesaid, and if the house burns down, then Piter Jansz shall nevertheless be bound to pay Schepmoes or his order, wherever he may be. This takes effect on this date and Schepmoes may immediately sell the house, or rent it. And it is also expressly covenanted that the rent which it shall yield each year shall belong to Schepmoes, who is to receive it as interest of the above mentioned sum. Done the 10th of October A°. 1644.

Piter Jansz
Adriaen van Tienhouen
Cornelis van Tienh.