Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 13-27 October 1639

On the 13th of October

The director and council of New Netherland order you, Claes van Elslandt, commissary of provisions, Wybrant Pietersen, late commissary of store goods, and Jacob van Curler, commissary of merchandise, to close your books and accounts, to strike a balance and to have the same ready within the space of one month from the date hereof, on pain of forfeiture of one hundred guilders and recovery from you of all loss and damage which the Company may suffer thereby. Thus done and ordered in council in Port Amsterdam, the day above written.

Andries Hudden, plaintiff, vs. Davit Provoost, defendant. Plaintiff demands that the defendant fulfil the contract made for the sale of a yawl. It is ordered that the owner, who is at present in possession of the yawl, convey the defendant this coming winter back and forth across the East river with the said yawl.

On the 20th of October

Andries Hudden, plaintiff, vs. Anthony Jansen from Salee, defendant. The plaintiff having failed to appear, default is taken against him.

Tomas Sandersen, smith, plaintiff, vs. Willem Hendricksz from Wesep,[1] defendant. Having heard the complaint and the defendant's acknowledgment, the defendant is condemned to fulfil the contract between him and the plaintiff, or to pay the loss which the plaintiff shall suffer through the defendant's neglect.

The 27th of October

Isaac Abrahamsen, plaintiff, vs. Volckert Eversen, defendant. Plaintiff demands payment of the maize promised him for the cloth delivered to the defendant. Defendant is condemned to pay 16 schepels of maize to the plaintiff.

Hendrick Pietersen from Wesel, plaintiff, vs. Jan Harmansen from De Lemmet, defendant, for slander. Parties ordered to appear on the next court day to furnish clear proof on both sides.