Document: Letter from Andries Hudde

Noble, highly Esteemed Lord:

My Lord, at the time when Mr. van Ruven, commissioned by your council, and Mr. Cruygier, captain of the troops, were sent to assist N. Amstel, I humbly requested that the gentlemen intercede and assist in the payment of the house which was sold to Director Jacob Aldericx (magistrates and schepens present) to be used as a church for the good of the community, as it is still being used. The gentlemen's friendly support of my request resulted in Mr. Jacob Alderickx' promise to settle the matter in as much as Mr. Alderickx' superiors had approved his request to make the purchase. Nevertheless, after long waiting and numerous requests and protests concerning this matter, both to him and his successor, Mr. d' Hinyossa, nothing has been obtained. However, the mayor, Pauwls van Graft, received almost one-half of the payment with great trouble from Mr. d'Hinyossa and that only under a certificate of security. Although I have requested the balance from time to time, I have not yet been able to collect it; instead I am constantly put off with abusive evasions so that I have no hope of being able to come to a settlement with him; all the more since all his subordinates complain of his unjust and illegal proceedings with which he burdens them daily, and since he behaves this way towards his own subjects, all my hopes for settlement are precluded.

It has also happened (as has been reported to me as the truth) that Mr. d'Hinyossa has sold to the English of Maryland, for tobacco, various goods belonging to the City, among other things: a pair of millstones for the use of the colonists, a brewing kettle, smith's bellows, linen and sundry other goods. This tobacco is to remain there until his departure for Holland during the winter. Since the effects of the City have been pilfered and diverted to his own benefit, stripping the colony bare of goods, and since he freely says that he has no intention of compensating anyone; therefore, I humbly request your consideration on whether I should be allowed to impound the aforesaid tobacco in Maryland in order to obtain my money, and whether it could be done under your authority, because I otherwise know of no means to satisfy the creditors to whom I am still indebted. For this I hope to receive your favor.