Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 22 July 1647

Whereas Domine Everardus Bogardus, until this time minister here, has requested by petition his dismissal and leave to go to the fatherland and the honorable director general has considered it highly necessary that the community of Jesus Christ should be provided with a pastor and teacher, to which their honors have invited Domine Johannes Backerius, who has accepted;

therefore he, Domine Johannes Backerius, is allowed 100 guilders per month salary, commencing from the expiration of the term of his engagement, and 200 guilders annually for board, with firewood free. We have promised him to write to the honorable directors for another clergyman in his place, or, if their honors do not send one, to allow him an increase of board money. Thus done in council; present: the honorable General P. Stuyvesant, the late director, W: Kieft, Mr. Dincklagen, Captain Lieutenant Nuton, La Montange, Paulus Leendersz, commissary of naval stores, and Jan Claesz Bol, Captain of the ship De Princesse. The 22d of July anno 1647.

Jochim Pietersz and Cornelis Melyn being asked in council if they have any additional or further proofs touching the letter sent by them to the honorable directors, they gave for answer, No.

What the honorable Director General P. Stuyvesandt has proposed to the council we consider being highly necessary, to wit, that Mr. Dincklagen preside over the ordinary court and there represent the person of the honorable general; also, that in addition to the present councilors some of the Company's principal officers be called as such and that by this council in the name of the honorable general shall be definitely decided all questions; that they shall in matters of importance ask his honor's advice and that he shall also preside over them whenever he pleases. Thus resolved in council.