Noble, Honorable, Esteemed, Wise, Prudent, and very Discreet Lord:
My Lord, recently on the first of the month the ship de Waegh, departed from here, and I understand that a good wind took it out of the bay and to sea on Thursday the 4th. Therefore, I hope that it arrived there at the Santpunt on the 5th or at the latest on Saturday the 6th, and further that the loading with tobacco has been carried out quickly by you without any delay. I await word about this with great anticipation.
On Saturday the 6th, I sent another express from here (namely, an Indian) overland with various letters. I hope they arrived there in time before the departure of de Waegh and have left with the aforesaid ship for the fatherlancT I am now somewhat apprehensive about it since the Indian, who promised most sincerely to return here in eight or nine days, has not been heard of again; about three times eight days has passed, which causes concern.
In accordance with your advice I have also decided that the galliot should make a trip to Fort Orange for bricks and planks [ ] yacht [ ] there [ ] upon its return [ ] intend to come here. We anticipate this visit by you with pleasure. In the meantime I issued orders here that four or five pieces of duffels with some gray [ ] and linen should be shipped in de Waegh which, in spite of writing letters about it, was not done; nevertheless, it shall come with the first yacht or other opportunity. Also because I was then and am still very indisposed and have endured a serious affliction, as has my wife who is still quite weak; likewise, as have three or four of my household, because a fever or other sickness is rampant here. In the meantime I request that you may be pleased to arrange these things so that everything may proceed sell. This I shall consider a special act of friendship. I
I shall also await information on the lowest prices for cakes, rye-flour, peas, meat, bacon, butter as well as what the price of cattle is there. Captain Kryger has been to Virginia and reported upon his return that some Englishmen would come here in fourteen days or three weeks to conclude a deal for some cattle. Meanwhile, Meynert Doedens, Jan Abrahams and a third man arrived here unexpectedly with about 40 head of cattle. Although they asked a very high price for them and notwithstanding they threatened to take [ ] to Virginia, [ ] probably by instigators (about which I could [ ] feel otherwise) and inasmuch as they were here, I have for reasons [ ] agreed with them at 125 to 130 guilders a head, to be paid in merchandise. This has been done and I have taken an option on about 30 head, for which we now have to try to obtain sufficient hay. Although it is late in the season [ ] and moreover, we are busy trying to do everything [ ] as much as possible.
I further understand that a horse mill is ready there which was destined to be brought here if the owner of it had not died; and since we have insufficient bread here and are also unable to grind corn and other grains, in addition to lacking many other necessities which are greatly needed here, I would hope that you would please take the trouble to inquire about the lowest price, and if it is reasonable, to inform me of it. I intend to send the galliot back as soon as it returns here, with whatever is needed to pay for this and anything else. After cordial greetings to you and your loved ones, I hereby commend you and your family to God's protection and remain.
[ P.S.: ] Since writing the above, I have tried by several means to go to the Hoere Kil in order to gain the release of those Englishmen who are stranded there with two boats. I first dispatched Captain Flaman but because of the loss of an anchor, he returned without having accomplished anything. I then sent Michiel[1] who, after having been gone 14 days, ransomed the remaining Englishment from the Indians and brought them here [ ] numbering 14 altogether. I have likewise, as you [ ], as quickly as possible [ ] notification of this matter or [ ] to Samuel Matthies,[2] governor of Virginia, [ ] to be pleased to reply as quickly as possible with instructions about what he wants done in this matter, with my added offer that in similar situations or otherwise, I am willing to serve his wish and desire in all [ ] and feasible matters here to the utmost of my power. I expect a reply to this any day. The surgeon, Ludekens, is also here with his wife; they have friends at Manhattan, to pay for expenses and clothing, since they are destitute and deprived of everything; if it is so that something can be expected from them, I would appreciate it if you would please [ ] by letter about it. [ ]
[ Addressed: ] Noble, Honorable, Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lord. My Lord Petrus Stuyvesant, Director- General of New Netherland, Curacao etc. Residing at Manhattan By an Indian. In Fort Amsterdam.
J. Alrichs
