Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 8-23 August 1641

On Thursday, being the 8th of August anno 1641

Adam Roelantsen, plaintiff, vs. Jan Jansen Damen, defendant, for damage done by his cattle in plaintiff's garden. It is ordered that the damage shall be appraised by two impartial men and that each person, the defendant as well as others, shall pay in proportion to the number of his cattle.

The guardians of the surviving children of the late Cornelis van Vorst, plaintiffs, vs. Maryn Adriaensen, Hendric, the tailor, Jacob Stoffelsen and Frederic Lubbersen, defendants, on account of debt according to the note in the handwriting of Hendric van Vorst. Maryn Adriaensen and Frederick Lubbersen are provisionally released from the claims against them as they paid Jacob Stoffelsz, as said Jacob Stoffelsz admits in court.

On Thursday, being the 22nd of August

Maryn Adrlaensen, plaintiff, vs. Jan Andriesz from Tonderen, defendant. Plaintiff demands restitution of what was stolen from him on his yacht. Defendant says that he has no knowledge of the stolen bacon, but acknowledges that he paddled with a canoe around the yacht of the plaintiff. Harman van Nus acknowledges that he has eaten of the stolen bacon, but says that he does not know who stole it and that Jan Andriesz hung the same over the fire to cook.

On the 23rd of August

Jan Andriessen from Tonderen acknowledges in court that he took half a pound of bacon out of a tub at the house of Maryn, with the knowledge of Pieter from Hamburg and Harman Nus.Defendant is provisionally released from his irons and ordered to appear on the next court day.

The honorable director general of New Netherland hereby notifies all heads of families or households dwelling here about to be pleased to repair to the Fort on next Thursday, being the 29th of August, in order to resolve there upon some urgent business.