Document: Letter from commissary Hendrick Huygen to vice-director Beeckman

My Dear Cousin,[1] Greetings:

I hope to see you soon in good health since the bearer of this told me that you were on the road to recovery. Concerning La Grange: he requested to speak with me and Jacob Swenson, and laid before us his situation and plans of which I was already aware; therefore, I consulted with Jacob about what we should do, i.e., whether it was advisable to have him leave the place or to continue. Jacob answered that there was much to lose; and if he left, the people there must follow; and which one of us would advance the money to maintain it further; and whatever would be expected for past losses, would not be forthcoming from him afterwards; and we would probably not receive anything if we turned him out. Also, if neither of us intend to continue here any longer, he offers to go with one of us to Holland and give us satisfaction; he has never had thoughts of leaving the place and has requested to be given credit but was deceived by his friends. But I accept this for what it is worth. In sum, we agreed to let him continue and to use the land until we receive further news from Holland or Sweden, and thus it has remained. In the meanwhile, my cousin, I hope that you will come up to visit us.

According to a report by Jan Danielsen here at Oplant, the villainous Iver Fin planned and carried out a vicious attack on the peaceful Jurrien Snewit and beat him severely; he who has never even scolded a child. If he is not punished, it is possible that he will commit more vicious deeds, even murder, because I have known him for 20 years as a confirmed scoundrel; however, now he has more freedom than ever before. The bearer of this will give you more details.

In closing, I commend you and your family to God's protection,