Noble, Honorable, highly Esteemed, Wise, Prudent and very Discreet Lords:
My Lords, I hope that you are in good health. I learned today that Mr. Francoys Cregier is dispatching an Indian to Manhattan tomorrow, so this will serve as a reply to your letter of 8 November with Peter Alrichs.
The case of Jacop Jongh was considered at a meeting on 23 December. However, no decision has yet been made, since the magistrates were supposed to make a close investigation of it. There has been no meeting since then. I fear that it will go against Dominie Laers because there is evidence that he opened the door with an axe and examined and inventoried the aforesaid Jongh's trunk and goods in the absence of the landlord.
At the above-mentioned meeting, this cunning priest petitioned for a divorce with much circumstance because of the misdeeds of his wife; and he obtained it, subject to your approval, on the 15th of December.
Yesterday I was informed that he had remarried himself last Sunday; and unlawful act in my opinion (subject to correction). I await your instructions on how I should handle this.
Concerning Mr. d'Hinojosse: I have never opposed him; on the contrary, I have conducted myself with all due civility. Three weeks ago I sent him a very civil letter concerning what was still owed me. He told the messenger even before he had received the letter that he would not answer it, and was deliberating whether he wanted to accept it or not. As of today I have not received a reply.
In November, his Honor sent an express to the fatherland by way of Maryland. When in New Amstel last week, I learned from Abraham van Nas that d'Hinojosse had supposedly written for relief; his soldiers complain greatly about the scarcity of food and clothing.
I have learned from Mr. Paulus Schreck, who has recently arrived here from Maryland, that Lord Baltemoor's son has come over, and that nothing has been heard about the claim to this region. Therefore we believe that the matter is being arranged with the honorable Company. He also said that everything is going well between Holland and England.
In closing, I commend you to God's protection, remaining, after wishes for a long life, and prosperous administration and a happy New Year,
