Document: Petition of Johannes Provoost for an increase of salary

[several lines lost] [ Johannes Provoost, your honors’ ] obedient servant, [ shows with all due respect ] [ ] how he, petitioner, (without boasting) in all faithfulness has served the honorable [ Company ] now for more than 7 years in the office of the commissary here as well as elsewhere, and at present as provisional clerk at Fort Orange. And whereas he, petitioner, is registered only as assistant for 12 guilders per month, and, coming of age, performing his job takes more out of him; therefore, he requests that your honors please give him, like other clerks, an increase of wages beginning last year 1657, so that he, like others, can honorably support himself by performing his job. Expecting hereupon your honors’ favorable decision and remaining (lower stood) Your honors’ obedient servant (was signed)

J. Provoost

Having received and read the above request, and considered the petitioner’s service and good behavior, it is resolved after deliberation: Beginning on the first of January last, the petitioner will be given eighteen guilders per month, boarding money in proportion, provided that he comports himself vigilantly and diligently in the service of the Company. Done at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 10th of April 1658.