Document: Letter from Jacob Alrichs to director Stuyvesant

To Lord Stuivesant,

Noble, Honorable, Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lord:

My Lord, according to the letter of the 18th of last month by the galliot, you seem to understand by the commissioners' report and also by the documents and memoranda brought there to you that we have supposedly offended the West India Company. This is contrary to our good intentions which we have always had in order to provide it with every service, and upon every occasion to defend its honor and reputation. If necessary we could also demonstrate that we have endeavored the same in proceedings with your commissioner's here. If you were acquainted in fact with what has occurred here, since you have heard only one side, we trust that you would deem it unnecessary that [ anything ] ought to be [ brought forward ] as answer for the maintenance of the West India Company's reputation because [ we have never harbored ] the least thought to its detriment, according to our oath and bound...

[ Remaining three lines lost. ]

...magistrates and mayors of the city of Amsterdam [ ] your commissioners have proceeded here.

You are respectfully,thanked for the wheat and peas sent us; we most anxiously await the bacon and the balance of the peas, if possible by the first or quickest opportunity available.

Concerning the galliot: it is contracted to you and the honorable Company. Although we do think that we ought to realize a higher freight charge from it than was agreed upon in the most recent leasing arrangement, nevertheless, out of respect for the Company, we do not want to increase it, provided that the charge will begin three days after the galliot has been unloaded there. Furthermore, the rest of the goods, which are ready for shipment to this place, can be brought down by a private vessel. In the event a vessel is needed here. I shall give you due notice and make a request for it.

The reason I have not written sooner is because of my great indisposition, but I am (thank God) now improving a little. [ ] herewith [ ] commending [ ] to God's [ ]

[ Addressed: ] Noble, Honorable, Esteemed, most Wise and very Prudent Lord. My Lord Petrus Stuivesant Director- General of New Netherland etc. Residing in Fort New Amsterdam.

By [ left blank ]

J. Alrichs