[several lines lost] what [ ] transport [ ] demand [ ] order [te [ ] eren] claim [ ] the one percent in question that, according to [ ] without exception should be paid on all goods that are being transported and carried from here to elsewhere outside of this jurisdiction. In place of said one percent the director general and councilors had imposed the aforesaid tax only on the wines, brandies, and [ distilled ] spirits, because they foresaw several problems in demanding the one percent, such as the great smuggling that could and would be committed therein, or, in the case of proper and strict inspection, the great and extraordinary trouble for the fiscal or executor, the great loss of time for the departing skipper, and therefore, great turmoil, yes, decline of trade. And although for the time being the director general and councilors fear that these and other inconveniences could result and be expected from it, in compliance with the aforesaid lords directors’ repeated written orders, as was said before, they want to put into practice the collection of the one percent in question, at least put it to the test. Initially we only want to meet with the order and request that no goods be transported out of this province before these [ are declared ] one by one with the fiscal [several lines lost] new of [ then ] [ ] eerden etc., and [ ] words more [ ] and inferring that [ the collection ] of [ the one ] percent of all goods to be exported would not cause contentment with the English tobacco traders, but sooner displeasure and inconvenience, if not decline of commerce, and [ it ] would bring no profit to the Dutch merchant inasmuch as he, according to the order, would have to pay for it.
Therefore, on the second of this month the director general and councilors, for their better accountability decided and resolved, before proceeding further in this case, to first hear the further advice of some merchants, and to [ note ] what in their view would cause less turmoil and decline of the trade, and more profit for them and their principals; namely, either to stick with the tax heretofore imposed on the wines, brandies, and [ distilled ] spirits only, or to demand the one percent, and to collect either the one or the other from the buyers or sellers. To this end some of the most distinguished merchants of this city were summoned to the meeting on the 4th of this month, and having appeared, the honorable lord director general revealed the said proposition and requested their answer thereto. But whereas the aforesaid merchants said that not all of them were present, and that this was a matter concerning them in general, [several lines lost] side [ ] would [ ] to point
[ ] disposition [ ] remain recommended
[ ], requesting that [ they would ] decide in such a way as they would judge appropriate for the [ benefit ] of the country. Having further and seriously deliberated the case, and considered what might be relevant in the matter, the director general and councilors unanimously and provisionally resolved and decided to create the least turmoil by postponing the collection of the one percent until the lords patroons will be accurately informed about this matter once more, and upon receipt of their written reply and further order thereupon, they will immediately regulate themselves accordingly. Meanwhile, on Friday, being the 29th of this month, we shall publicly farm out for one year the aforesaid tax that was imposed only on the wines, brandies, and distilled spirits that are sent out of this province from here to the north and to Virginia, because for now we [ judge ] such to be of the greatest benefit for the Company. [several lines lost]
P Stuyvesant Nicasius de Sille Pieter Tonneman J de Deckere 1658
